Gc
978.101
A-£5d
11427P4.y
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
3 1833 01664 8043
HISTORY
ALLEN AND WOODSON
COUNTIES,
KANSAS
ILLUSTRATED
Emkei-lished with Portraits op Well Known People of These. Countii
WITH Biographies of Our Representative Citizens, Cuts of
Public Buildings and a Map of Each County.
EDITED AND COMPILED BY
L. WALLACE DUNCAN
CHAS. F. SCOTT
lOLA, KANSAS:
lOLA REGISTER, PRINTERS AND BINDERS
1 90 1
1142784
preface
There is no romance more thrilling and fascinating than the story of
the early settlement of Kansas, and her later history holds a charm and
interest that is not possessed by that of any other State in the Union. Organ-
ized as a Territory when the contest for the extension of slavery was at
white heat, it became at once the battle ground of the contending forces,
the South determined that it should be held as slave territorJ^ the North
equally determined that it should be dedicated to freedom. The struggle
drew the gaze of the Nation upon Kansas, and the interest then awakened
has continued, through peace and war, to this day. Something is always
"going on" in Kansas, and whatever it may be, the people in all the other
States want to know about it.
Allen and Woodson were among the first counties to be organized in
the new Territory, and some of the earliest white settlements in Kansas were
made within their borders. Many of their pioneers were identified in an
honorable way with the contest for freedom, and they have witnessed many
stirring events. It is for the purpose of making a permanent record of
these events, to engrave where they will not be lost or forgotten the names
of those whose courage and sacrifices laid the foundation for the prosperity
and peace we now enjoy, as well as to note the steps by which the present
high material development of the two counties has been reached, that the
present volume has been compiled and published.
The highest ambition of the publishers has been to make this History
accurate and reliable, and they have spared no pains to verify every substan-
tial fact recorded. To do this they have gone, whenever that was possible
to the original sources, to documents when such were available, to early
newspaper files, and to men and women who have been here from the or-
ganization of the counties and who can say: "All of this I saw and part of
it I was." And in conducting this research the publishers have been often
reminded that their work was not begun too soon, for of the large number of
those who
■Crosssed the prairies as of old
Our fathers crossed the sea",
and whose courage and endurance laid broad and deep the foundations of
the commonwealth, but few now remain, and when they shall have gone
"to join the great majority" it will no longer be possible to gather at first
hands the facts that constitute the most interesting", if not the most import-
ant, part of the history of the two counties. In collecting and putting in
form for permanent preser\'ation the recollections of those who were original
obser\'ers and actors through the long period that now stretches between the
organization of the counties and the present day, the publishers feel that
they have done a real ser\ace for future generations.
"Biography is history teaching by example," and no histon,- of aiiy
American community would be complete that did not contain the life record
of many of the men and women who constitute its citizenship. A large por-
tion of this volume is therefore devoted to sketches of those who have in one
way or another been identified with the political, social, religious, business
or professional life of the community. The limits of the volume have made
it impossible to include all who are worthy of a place in it; but so far as it
was possible to secure the facts no one has been omitted whose record is an
essential part of the histon^ of the two counties.
The publishers wish to make .special acknowledgment of their indebt-
edness to those who have contributed the chapters which appear over their
names, and which add greatly to the interest and value of the book. The.\-
are very grateful also for the generous encouragement which their under-
taking has received and for the advance subscriptions which have made it-
publication possible.
In a recent article Hon. E. F. Ware says: "Next to having heroes is
having historians. A hero who does not get into histors' is practically
wasted. Heroism without history is like a banquet without a guest. The
great charm of Kansas is the fact that it has had both heroes and historians.
A good printed history- is like a bank. In it the valuables and the jewels of
the State are kept. Into this bank goes the surplus greatness of the people
and of the state."
If the present work shall in any degree merit this accurate and witty
definition of a "good printed history," the publishers will feel that their
hopes have been justified.
HISTORY
OF
ALLEN COUNTY
KANSAS
Xocation an^ IRatural features
Allen couim- is located in the southeastern port of the State, in the sec-
ond tier of counties from the east line and in the third tier from the south
line, 109 miles south of Kansas City. It is twentj--cr,e miles north and
south and twenty-four miles east and west, containing 504 square miles, or
about 322,560 acres. It is divided into tweh e townships, as follows:
Geneva, Carlyle, Deer Creek, Osage, Marmaton, Elm, lola, Elsmore, Salem
Cottage Grove, Humboldt and Logan.
The Neosho, the third largest river in the State, enters it at the north-
west comer and follows a generally southea.sterly course, affording a large
and steady supply of water and furnishing abundant water power at lola
and Humboldt, where dams have been constructed, the greater part of the
year. The river has numerous tributaries, the largest being Indian creek,
Martin creek. Deer creek. Elm creek. Coal creek and Owl creek. The
Neosho and all its tributaries were heavily wooded when the country was
first settled, and large bodies of native timber still remain en all of them.
The Marmaton river rises east of the center of the county and flows south-
east through Marmaton and Elsmore townships. The Little Osage river
rises north of the center of the county and flows .'^cutheast. Each of these
rivers has small tributaries. Good well water is obtained nearly everywhere
in the count>- at a depth of from twenty to thirty feet, era at numerous
points deep wells, drilled to a depth of about two hundred feet, have supplied
never failing water.
The river and creek bottoms are wide and level, ccmprisirg about cne-
tenth the area of the county. The uplands are ger.tly icllirg jiaiiie. There
is comparatively little surface rock, although in r.eaily every township seme
6 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
good quarries have been opened, the stone being usually blue and white
limestone and red sandstone.
When the county was first settled considerable surface coal was found
in Osage and Cottage Grove townships, and it was thought that a consider-
able portion of the county might be under laid with coal at a greater depth.
Subsequent prospecting, however, has not developed any veins of sufficient
thickness to warrant working.
IWatural IResources
AGRICULTURAL: Like most of the counties of Kansas, Allen is mostly
an agricultural county. The bottom lands, comprising as already stated
one-tenth of the entire area of the county, are apparently inexhaustible in
their fertility and produce enormous crops year after year. The uplands
are not so rich, of course, but they yet possess a deep alluvial soil, rich in
decomposed limestone, and with proper cultivation producing extremely
well. Up to the time of this writing but little manufactured fertilizer has
Ijeen used, because not found necessary. Some of the more progressive
farmers, however, are now experimenting with the various fertilizers that
are on the markets, and the results have proven so satisfactory that the cus-
tom will no doubt soon become general. Wheat is grown successfully
along the river bottoms, and some of the uplands have produced good results
when fertilizer was used. But corn is the principal crop of the county, the
average annual product being in the neighborhood of two million bushels.
Kaffir corn is gaining in favor with the farmers, as it never fails to produce
a good crop. A great deal of sorghum and millet is raised as a forage crop,
while flax, oats and broom corn are grown successfully. Nearly all the
varieties of fruits common to this latitude do well here, apples especially
being abundant in quantity and excellent in quality. Of the tame grasses,
clover and timothy do the be.st and are now very generally grown.
STOCK RAISING: Nearly all the farmers are also stock raisers or
feeders and nearly all the grain and forage grown in the county is fed with-
in its borders. Attention is given mostly to hogs and cattle, although there
are some sheep in the county, and a great many car loads of horses and
mules are turned off annually. The cheapness with which grain and forage
can be grown, the abundance of good water, the mildness of the climate and
the proximity to great markets make the live stock industry one of the most
profitable in which our people engage.
TIMBER: When the country was first settled the heavy growth of
forest along the rivers and creeks constituted a very important resource and
brought many thousands of dollars to the fortunate owners. Saw mills
were the first factories of any kind to be established, and practically all the
houses built prior to the advent of the railroad in 1872 were constructed
wholly or in large part of native lumber. The forests have been very largely
cut down, but enough of the original growth yet remains to enable three or
four small saw mills .to do a flourishing business.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 7
MINERAL: Bj- far the most important mineral resource of the count}-,
so far as now known, is the Natural Gas, the discovery and development of
which is made the subject of another chapter. Next in value to the gas
are the shales, suitable for the manufacture of brick and tiling, and the
stone designated in the geology of the State as "the lola l,ime.stone". The
shales are deposited very generously over the county, but are utilized at
present only at lola and Humboldt, at each of which places, by the use of
nattiral gas as fuel, they are manufactured into a fine quality of building
and paving brick. The stone also underlies a large portion of the county,
but is used only at lola where, in combination with the shale, it is tised in
the manufacture, on a very large scale, of Portland Cement. It has also
been used quite extensively for sidewalks and curbing. Considerable oil
has been developed in the vicinity of Humboldt and at some other points in
the county, but not in sufficient quantities as yet to admit of its being placed
upon the market. The presence of so large a gas field as Allen county
, possesses lends reason to the hope that at some time a correspondingly
large pool of oil will be found.
HISTORY OF AI.LEN AND
^be ^territorial jPerio^'
Allen coiiiity m dDubt has a history, if we could only find it, dating
far beyond the brief pariod of its occupation by the present population.
Away in the dim recesses of prehistoric times there is good reason to believe
the country we now ciU Kansas, and perhaps this very valley, was inhab-
ited by a numerous psople, different from and far more advanced in civiliz-
ation than any of the aborigines found here upon the advent of the Euro-
peans. The num;roa; and massive ruins of long forgotten cities in Arizona,
in the cmons of the Colorado, and the traces of vast systems of irrigation
yet discernible in partions of our own State, prove that this portion of the
continent had a histjry in connection with the human race long before it
became the hunting grounds of the Indian or the home of the Caucassian;
but who they were, whence they came, how long they remained, whither
they went, and what were the agencies of war, pestilence or famine which
so completely blotted them out, are questions for the archaeologist and anti-
quary, and not for the practical historian of to-day.
The first written account we have of the territory included within this
State dates from about the middle of the sixteenth century, when a Spanish
expedition, under the leadership of Coronado, coming from Mexico by way
of the Gulf of California, penetrated as far as the north central part of Kan-
sas. The expedition came in search of gold and silver and fabulously rich
cities, but it found neither gold nor silver nor cities, and so the disorganized,
discouraged and demoralized remnant of it returned to Mexico as best it
could, having left no permanent mark upon the State.
Another Spaniard, DeSoto, after discovering the Mississippi, crossed
it in his search for the fountain of perpetual youth and penetrated almost to
the borders of Kansas, but failing to find the fabled fountain returned and
was buried in the stream he had discovered, and the only reminder of him
in Kansas is his name, given to a small station on the Atchison, Topeka
and Santa Fe railroad near Lawrence.
French explorers were more successful than the Spanish had been.
Coming down from the north and east, they ascended the Missouri to the
mouth of the Kansas river which they entered and followed some distance.
They have left the most glowing accounts of the beauty and fertility of the
country and especially of the incredible numbers of buffalo, deer, bear and
other wild animals with which it abounded.
In 1682 the French took possession of the mouth of the Mississippi in
the name of the King of France and named the country on its banks Louis-
* NotB-The Publishers wish to acktiawledge their indebtedness for many ol the facts recited
in this chapter to two addresses on "The History of Alien County," one delivered at lola, July 4,
1876. by Dr. John W. So 3tt. and the other delivered the someday at Humboldt, by Major Watson
"WOODSON COrxTIES, KANSAS. $
iana, in honor of Louis XIV. The name was applied to a vast but some-
what indefinite extent of territon- west of the Mississippi river including
what is now divided into eighteen States and Territories of our Union,
Kansas being one of them. It remained nominally in the 'possession of
France until November, 1762, when it was ceded to Spain, being retroceded
to France, October i, 1800, by the secret treaty of St. Idilfonso.
In 1803, through the crowning act of the administration of Thomas
Jefferson, the entire Territory of Louisiana was purchased from France and
ceded to the I'nited States. In 1804 Congress divided the new purchase
into two distinct territories divided by the 33d parallel of north latitude.
The southern portion was called tlie Territory of New Orleans, and the
northern the District of Louisiana, this District being placed under the
jurisdiction of the Governor of the Tenitory of Indiana. In 1805 a Terri-
torial government was granted to the District of Louisiana, under the name
of the Territory of Louisiana, and in 1812 the Territorial Government was
recognized and the name changed to that of Missouri Territory. In 1820
the State of Missouri was admitted into the LTnion with its present boun-
daries and there remained of the old Louisiana Purchase the Territory of
Nebraska.
It was not until 1854 that the name Kansas appeared upon the map.
In that year the Territory ol Nebraska was divided and what had been the
southern portion of it was organized into the Territory of Kansas, with A.
H. Reeder as Governor. The first legislature of the new Territory was
elected March 30, 1855, — the election being marked by such gross and
palpable fraud on the part of the "Border Ruffians" that the legislature
then chosen has come down in history as "the bogus legislature". It was
in the acts of this legislature, known as "the bogus statutes", that Allen
county first appears as a recognized municipality, having a "local habita-
tion and a name", the section being in the following words:
"The county of xlllen shall be bounded as follows: Beginning at the
southeast corner of Anderson county, thence south thirty miles, thence
west twenty-four miles, thence north thirty miles, thence east t'venty-four
miles to place of beginning "
The first white settlements in the county were made in the spring and
summer of 1855, shortly before the county was named and its limits defined
as above set forth. There is some dispute as to who made the first perma-
nent settlement, but the weight of the testimony seems to award that
honorable distinction to Mr. D. H. Parsons, who with a companion, B. W.
Cowden, arrived on the Neosho river near the mouth of Elm creek in the
month of March, 1855. They found about four hundred lodges of Osage
Indians encamped in the timber and still claiming some sort of ownership
in the country. But owing to the fact that the father of Mr. Parsons had
been a trader among the Osages, the newcomers were received in the most
friendly manner and made welcome in the lodges of the camp until their
cabins were built.
A little later the good will of the Indians again stood Parsons in good
stead. Returning to his claim after a short absence later in the summer.
lO HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
he found his cabin in possession of a'party of Missourians who, drifting
down that was and finding it unoccupied had proceeded at once to take
possession and make themselves at home. There was no law, no right but
might, and the Missourians were the stronger. Finding that argument was
of no avail, Mr. Parsons appealed to his friend. Little Bear, chief of the
Osages. The result of this appeal was that a party of warriors presented
themselves suddenly before the astonished interlopers, and with angry
gestures and loud threatening talk gave them to understand that the\- must
get out. The Missourians were now the suppliants, and begging Parsons
to restrain the fury of the savages until they could get out of their reach
they departed immediately, rapidly and permanently. The claim over
which this dispute arose was just across the river southwest of lola, known
to all the later settlers as the Nimrod Hankins place.
During the summer of 1855 a number of settlers arrived in the county,
the following being as nearly a complete roll as can now be obtaiiied:
Major James Parsons, with his sons, Jesse and James, H. H. Hayward,
Dr. Burgess, Isem Brown, A. W. J. Brown, J. S. Barbee, Thos. Day, Giles
Sater, Thos. Norris, Jessie E. Morris, Anderson Wray, George Hall, Dr.
Stockton, A. C. Smith, .Augustus Todd, Michael Kiser, Hiram Smith,
Richard J. Fuqua, W C. Keith, Henry Bennett, Elias Copelin, James
Barber, Barnett Owen, James Johnson, Charles Passmore, James Gillraith,
David Dotson, E. H. Young, a Mr. Duncan and a Mr. Martin, for whom
Martin creek was named. Of these sturd)- and honored pioneers not one
now remains in the county, and probably fewer than half a score are yet
living.
The Legislature of 1855 adopted a system of county organization the
oi£cers of which were a Probate Judge, with power and jurisdiction almost
equal to that of our present district court; two County Commissioners, con-
stituting with the Probate Judge, the tribunal for transacting county busi-
ness; and a sheriff. These four officers were to be appointed by the
Legislature and to hold their offices until the general election in 1857, and
they in turn to appoint the County Clerk and Treasurer. The officers
appointed for Allen county were Charles Passmore, Probate Judge, Barnett
Owen and B. W. Cowden, Commissioners, and Wm. J. Godfrey, Sheriff.
In the spring of 1855 a party of proslavery men from Fort Scott formed
a town company, and coming to Allen county laid out a town on the high
ground south of the mouth of Elm creek and on the east bank of the Neosho
river, about one and one-half miles southwest of where lola now stands
The town was named Cofachique, in honor of an Indian chief, and James
Barbee was elected the first president of the company. The Company was
incorporated by the bogus legislature under the name of the Cofachique
Town Association, with Daniel Woodson, Charles Passmore, James S.
Barbee, William Barber, Samuel A. Williams and Joseph C. Anderson as
the incorporators. The Association was authorized by the act creating it to
hold any quantity of land not exceeding 900 acres, "where the city of
Cofachique is now located," and was made the permanent county seat of
Allen county. The first store in the town and in the county was started by
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. II
James Galbreath. H. D. Parsons and a Mr. Lynn soon started another and
a third was opened by John & Owens. The first post-office in the county
was e-tablished at Cofachique in the spring of 1855 with Aaron Case as
post-master, but it was not until July i, 1857, that a regular mail route
was opened, the mail prior to that time having been brought in from Fort
Scott by a carrier employed by the citizens.
For nearly two years Cofachique was the only town in the countv and
was a place ot much importance. The first term of court in the county was
held there in 1865 by Judge Cato, a United States District Judge, with J.
S. Barbee, clerk and James Johnson sheriff. There is no record of pro-
ceedings at this term and it is possible that but little was done. In October
1858 Judge Williams held another term, with J. B. L,amkin clerk, and J.
E. Morris sheriff. A grand jury was in attendance composed of the follow-
ing: L. E. Rhoades. Thos. H. Bashaw, Thos. Dean, J. B. Young, Jacob
Buzzard, Moses Neal, Mike Kiser, Robert Culbertson, Simon Camerer, A.
G. Carpenter, J. C. Redfield, Wm. Pace, Chas. Burton, Dene Reese and
Rufus Wood. A number of civil cases were tried, and the grand jury
made presentment against Leonard Fuqua lor assault with intent to kill
one Josiah C. Redfield; also for assault on P. P. Phillips; and against
Leonard Fuqua, Homer C. Leonard, A. C. Smith, Avery C. Spencer, Ed.
Cushion and William Fuqua for assault and battery on George Esse.
These troubles grew out of claim disputes, a fruitful cause of strife in all
new countries.
With the record of this term of court the history of Cofachique prac-
tically closes. In 1858 a Free State legislature, looking upon Cofachique
as a pro-slavery nest, removed the county seat to Humboldt, a new town
that had been laid out the year before, some seven miles south of Cofachi-
que. In 1859 lola, another new town, was started a little distance to the
north. The result was the death of Cofachique. The site of the town had
not been wisely chosen, being difficult of access from any of the beaten
roads and having no available water supply. The natural disadvantages
together with the disrepute into which it fell on account of its pro-slavery
proclivities, are responsible for its ultimate failure. In 1859 and '60 all
the buildings that had been erected there were removed to lola, and there
is now not a stick nor a stone to remind even the most careful observer
that a town once existed there. The land on which it was built is now the
property of the Portland Cement Company.
During the summer and fall of 1856 immigration continued, though
not in very large numbers. Prominent among the settlers of that year
were Nimrod Hankins, William M. Brown, Carlyle Faulkner, Carroll
Prewett, Henry Doren, G. A. Gideon, William Mayberry, Thomas Bashaw,
M. W. Post and Joseph Ludley. The two last named came in February
1856, being engaged in the survey of the standard parallels. They finished
this survey with the fifth parallel through Allen county, and concluded to
locate in or near Allen county. Sometime during the following summer
Ludley brought a small saw mill from Westport, Mo., set it up in the
timber near Cofachique and began operations at once. The mill was run
12 HISTORY OF ALLEX AND
by horse power, and was the first mill or other machinery to be put in
operation in Allen coinitv. Alter running it tor some time Ludley sold it
to Urury S. Tye.
This year, 1856, witnessed the first marriage thai took place in the
county, that of James Johnson to Marinda Barber, August 14. The cere-
mony was performed by A. W. J. Brown, the probate judge of the county.
The first death in the county also took place this year, that of James Barbee
which occurred at Cofachique.
Although the county officers were appointed by the legislature as has
already been ncted, in 1855, it appears that they did not meet until May 7.
1856. In the meantime the probate judge by appointment, Charles Pass-
more, had died, and on the day above named Barnett Owen and B. W.
Cowden, county commissioners, met in Cofachique at the house of J. S.
Barbee, and organized by the appointment of Barbee as clerk. On June 2,
1856, the Board again met and com[)leted the organization of the county by
the appointment of A. W. J. Brown, probate judge, James Johnson sheriff,
C B. Houston surveyor, H. D. Parsons coroner, H. H. Haywan.1 treasurer
and J. S. Barbee permanent clerk. They also divided the county into
three precincts. The first embraced all north of a line drawn east and
west through the mouth of Deer creek, and was called Deer creek precinct
or township; R. Fuqua and Hiram Cable were appointed justices of the
peace and William Sater constablt. The second division included all
between Deer creek township and the 5th standard parallel, and was called
Cofachique; John Dunwoody and William Avery justices and Ozias Owen
constable. The third division comprised the remainder of the county and
was called Coal creek township; Thos. H. Bashaw and Elias Copelin jus-
tices, and James Brady constable.
On the 19th of August, 1856, the Board met and appointed judges of
election for the first Monday in October for members of the Territorial
legislature. The appointments were as follows: Deer Creek, Giles Sater,
James Parsons, Wm. C. Keith, — the election to be held at the house of Isem
Brown. Cofachique, Wm. Avery, G. A. Gideon and Wm. Mayberry, —
the election to be held at Cofachique. Coal Creek, Henry Bennett, E.
Copelin and James H. Bashaw, — the election to be held at the house of W.
G. Wimburn. The Board also levied a tax of "twenty-three and one-half
per cent on each one hundred dollars" (so stated in the records, though it
is probable that twenty-three and one-half cents on each one hundred dol-
lars is meant), of personal property and fifty cents poll tax, and soon after
ordered the erection of a court house at Cofachique to be eighteen feet wide
and twenty feet long, one room below and two above, the lower room to
have one batton door, and one twelve light window, 8x10, and each of the
upper rooms a window of similar dimensions. This order, however, seems
to have been unpopular, for at a subsequent meeting, January 7, 1857, the
Board recinded both the tax and the order for a court house.
There is no record that the election ordered for the first Monday in
October of 1856 was held in Allen county. This election was for members
of the Territorial legislature and delegates in Congress under the bogus
\VOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 3
laws. The Free State men, who were a majority amongst tlie settlers of
Allen county, did not recognize the authority (,f those laws, and it is prob-
able that most of the judges appointed refused to act and the election went
by default. The county records contain no mention of even an attempt
being made to hold any election prior to this, but as a matter of fact an
election was held October 5. 1S55, at the house of J R. Fuqua, at which
Wm. R. Griffith, John Hamilton. A. W. J. Brown and Wm. Saunders
were elected as delegates to the Topeka Constitutional convention, each
receiving twelve votes. At the same election A. H. Reeder received f.vehe
votes for delegate in Congress. There is no record that a vote was ever
taken in the county upon the adoption ot the Topeka constitution or an\'
officers under it. While Allen county took no part in the elections it was
yet included in a large and rather indefinite district which was represented
in the Territorial council of 1855 by Wm. Barbee, of Fort Scott, a brother
of J. S. Barbee who figured in this count}-, and in the lower b.ouse of the
same legislature by S. A. Williams. In the second Territorial legislature,
elected in October, 1 856, this county was represented in the same vague
way in the council by Blake Little, a notorious Border Ruffian, and in the
house by B. Brantley and W. W. Spratt.
The years 1855 and 1856 are noted in the history of Kansas for the
Border Ruffian war which raged throughout the more thickly settled por-
tions of the Territory, the first active outbreak of the irrepressible conflict
between slavery and freedom which ended some years later in the slave-
holders' rebellion and the final extinction of their peculiar institution on
the continent. Invasion of savage hordes, armed with ballots and bullets,
with which to subdue the country and make Kansas a slave State, bogus
elections, pitched battles, marauding raids and midnight assassinations,
kept the northern and border counties in continual excitement and alarm.
But only the distant reverberations of the conflict reached the peaceful val-
ley of the Neosho. Isolated by situation and separated from the eastern
and northern portions of the Territory by wide and naked prairies, our
early settlers escaped the perils and anxieties of these troubled years.
Amongst the pioneers of Allen county from the very first the Free State
sentiment predominated, but they were mostl)' western men and as such
rather moderate in their views on the slavery question. They allowed their
pro-slavery neighbors to entertain their peculiar sentiments without moles-
tation, and during the entire continuance of the troubles no instance of
violence or outrage from this cause occurred within the limits of the county,
or involving any of its citizens. And of the immense sums of money raised
in the eastern States for the relief of Kansas settlers in 1856, amounting
according to Wilder's Annals, to $241,000, it is not known that one dollar
ever found its way into Allen county.
But while the county fortunately escaped the horrors of border warfare,
its early history is not without pathetic, and almost tragic incidents. One
of the most pitiful of these resulted from the attempt to establish what was
known as the "\'egetarian Colony", in 1855 and '6. The colony was
organized in some of the Northern States in 1855, its purpose being to form
14 HISTORY OF ALLEX AXD
a ssttlenicinl somewhere in Kansas Territory, the members of '.vhich should
abstain from the use of meat, tea, coffee, tobacco, or other stimulants, and
who while owning some land individually should yet hold large tracts in
common and should co-operate in many other ways to help one onother
and to build up an ideal community. C. H. DeWolf, of Philadelphia, was
president, Dr. McLauren, treasurer, and H. S. Clubb, of New York, secre-
tary. In the fall of 1855 Dr. McLauren was sent out to select a location.
The place chosen was on the left bank of the Neosho river, about six miles
south of Humboldt, designated in the literature of the promoters of the
scheme as Neosho City. In the spring of 1856 the secretary arrived with a
number of the colonists, and others came later, through the months of
April, May and June, until somewhat more than a hundred people reached
the place. There appears to have been gross mismanagement, if not out-
right peculation, on the part of the managers of the colony. At least the
promises they had made, among other things to have a saw and grist mill
constructed, and to have a large house built in which all the colonists could
be sheltered until they should have time to erect their individual dwellings,
were not kept. The result was bitter disappointment and much suffering.
For the most part the settlers were eastern people, not versed in the e.xped-
ients by which those accustomed to frontier life learned to make themselves
comfortable with few of the accessories of civilization. The food supply-
was scant, and even the little they had could not be properly prepared for
want of stoves and utensils. There was but one plow in the entire settle-
ment. When the summer came on clouds of mosquitos swarmed from the
adjacent low lands, making the night time almost unendurable. The
shallow springs which had been noted as "inexhaustible" in the glowing
prospectus of the company, failed and only the stagnant pools in the little
creek which ran by the settlement were available for drinking water, so
that nearly all the people were stricken with chills and fever. The little
fields of melons, squashes, pumpkins and corn which had been planted
with infinite toil in the tough sod, and which had grown luxuriantly, were
raided by neighboring bands of Indians and the products carried off or
destroyed. It is little wonder, therefore, that the colony did not survive
its first year. As the winter approached, those who could get away
returned to their old homes or sought other locations where the conditions
of life were not so strenuous, many died, especially of the children and the
old people, while those who remained in the county located claims and
fought their own way through to victory or defeat, without the "assistance"
of a paternal company. So that before the following spring not a trace of
the settlement survived, and the ill-starred venture has left no mark on the
county except its name "Vegetarian" given to the small creek that flowed
by the settlement. The story of the colony has been most graphically told
by Mrs. Wm. H. Colt, who with her hu.sband and two children and her
husband's father, mother and sister, were among the colonists, in a book
which bears the quaint and curious title "Went to Kansas", and it is one
of the most touching and pathetic stories in all the annals of the State.
During the summer and fall of 1857 large additions were made to the
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 15
population of the county, so many new settlers arriving that it is impossible
to give the names of individuals. Up to this time the settlements had been
exclusively confined to the timbered valleys of the large streams. But
the\- now began to encroach upun the prairies and the population became
more generally distributed over the county, especially the western half of
it, to which indeed it was iuainl\- confined for many years. As a result of
this large immigration Allen county during this summer experienced its
first "boom". Times were flush. Money was abundant. Every new
settler came with his pockets full of gold, and most of them seemed to come
with the idea that the thing to do was to build a city. Towns were staked
out everywhere, the most impossible locations were selected, high sounding
names were adopted, lithographs were printed by the thousand and sent all
over the country. Indeed so universal was the mania that the facetious S.
N. Wood once proposed in the legislature to reserve by law a certain por-
tion of the Territory for farming purposes. The Kansas "boomer" of later
daj-s comes by his propensity honestly; it was bred in him. Allen county
did not entirely escape this town building infection, though she suffered from
it in a less degree perhaps than some other localities. Only two towns
were started here during that year, Geneva and Humboldt, and although
they have not realized the extravagant expectations of their founders, they
have yet prospered in a reasonable degree, and their history is reserved for
a subsequent chapter.
Until the general election October 5th of this year, the affairs of the
county were conducted by the original count}- board. Brown, Cowden and
Owen, although it seems that Owen now seldom met with them. At their
first meeting in 1857 January 5th, they again undertook to levy a tax. This
time it was forty-three and one-third per cent on the $100. They ap-
pointed Jacob B. Sherlock assessor, offered a bounty of twenty-five cents for
wolf scalps, and allowed Barbee fifty cents house rent. On the 19th of
January they had another meeting and appointed Nimrod Hankins assessor,
Sherlock having refused to qualify. On March 30 the assessment roll, the
first taken in the county, was returned and showed a total taxable property
in the county $34,515.50. The board allowed the assessor twenty-four
dollars for his ser\-ices. Having apparently discovered that forty-three and
one-third per cent was rather a heavy tax, the board at this meeting rescinded
their former action and levied a tax of one-sixth of one per cent, a ver>- con-
siderable reduction. Having thus satisfactorily arranged the financial af-
fairs of the county^ the board adjourned, as the record qtiaintly sa3'S, "until
there is other business before the cottrt. " It seems that other business did
not appear during the year, as there is no record of a subsequent meeting of
the board, and it was succeeded by a new board chosen at the general elec-
tion in October.
The first census of Kansas was taken in April, 1857, under an act of
the Territorial legislature preparatory to a new legislative apportionment
and for the apportionment of delegates to the Lecompton constitution. By
this census the population of Bourbon, McGee, Dorn and Allen counties
was 2622, of whom 645 were legal voters. This gave the district which
l6 - HISTORY OF AI.LEX AND
these counties comprise four delegates in the convention, and at the election
held in June, 1857, H. T. Wilson, Blake Little, Miles Greenwood and
G. P. Hamilton were elected, J. S. Barbee, of Allen being defeated. The
candidites were all pro-slavery, the Free State men refusing to recognize
the proceeding in any way. In the legislative apportionment, the counties
of Shawnee, Richardson, Davis, Wise, Breckenridge, Bourbon, Godfrey,
Wilson, Doru, McGee, Butler, Hunter, Greenwood, Madison, Wilson, Coffey,
Woodson and Allen, (how many familiar names do you note?) were allowed
two members of the council, and in the House nineteen counties including
Allen , were allowed three representatives. The election was called for Octo-
b=;r 5, 1857, and under the assurance of Gov. Robert J. Walker that it should
be fair and free, the Free State party now for the first time determined to
muster their strength at the ballot box. The result, after throwing out
s;ime illegal votes in Johnson and McGee counties, was a complete victory,
nine Free State Councilmen being elected to four pro-slavery, and twenty-four
Free State representatives to fifteen Pro-slavery. The political complexion
of Allen county at this time is shown by the vote for delegate in congress
as follows: Deer Creek, M. J. Parrott, Free State 33, E. Ransom, Pro-
slavery i; Cofachique, parrott 20, Ransom 16; Coal creek, Parrott 12,
Ransom 3: total vote 85, Free State majority 45. At this election O. E.
Learnard, then of Coffey county, now owner of the lyawrence Journal, and
C. K. HoUiday, of Shawnee, lately deceased, were elected to represent in
the council the district of which Allen county was a part, and in the House
the representatives were Christopher Columbia, John Curtiss and Samuel
J . Stewart. Mr. Stewart was the first citizen of Allen county who occupied
a legislative position in the Territory, and his continued vigor, as well as
his continued popularity, is shown by the interesting fact that at this writ-
ing (1901) he is again representing his county in a similar position, having
l>een elected to the State senate in 1900, — forty-three years after his first
experience in that capacity.
At this election, in 1857, new county officers were also chosen as
follows: J. D. Passmore, probate judge; Elias Copelin and T. J. Day,
county commissioners; Jesse E. Morris sheriff. The new board met January
5, 1858, and appointed James H. Signer clerk, Z. J. Wisner assessor, George
A. Miller coroner, and Cyrus Dennis, Cornelius O'Brien and Dan Brown
constables. The only other meeting of this board which is any where
recorded was March, 1858, at Layton Jay's blacksmith shop in Cofachique.
At this meeting they reorganized the precincts, for the first time designating
them officially astownships,of which they made four. Deer Creek, Cofachique,
Humboldt and Cottage Grove. The board then adjourned to meet at
Thurston's office in Humboldt, the legislature having removed the county
seat to that place. There is here a hiatus of nearly a year in the record,
the next entry being dated February 8, 1859, when the board again
returned to Cofachique. The probability is that that portion of the record
made at Humboldt was destroyed in some of the raids that took place during
the war.
During the year 185S the population of the county increased very rap-
WOODSOX COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 7
idly and indeed at the close of the year was very little short of what it was
at any time for nearly a quarter of a century thereafter. And the increase
was by healthy and natural immigration. The era of colonization and town
building was about over, only one or two enterprises of the kind being
inaugurated that year, and those of modest and unpretending character. A
small colony from Johnson and Park counties Indiana had selected the pre-
ceding fall the townsite of Carlyle, and left two young men P. M. Carnine
and R. V. Ditmars, to prepare some cabins during the winter. In the
spring and summer of this j'ear several families arrived. T. P. Killen, J. M.
Evans, S. C. Richards, David Bergen, J. W. Scott and H.armon Scott being
among the first. The Carlyle colony had selected two quarter sections of
land as a town site whereon they proposed to build a village, with church,
school house, etc. They very soon discovered, however, that a town was
not what they wanted, and the tovvnsite was very wisely made over into
farms. The church and school house were built, however, and the settle-
ment, with its later additions, the Coverts, Cozines, Christians, Adamses,
Smiths and many more, became one of the most thrifty and substantial in
the countj'. In the course of time a post-office was established, and that in
due course brought a store, and Carlyle is now a modest but thriving vil-
lage, the center of a splendid country community.
About the same time that the Carlyle colony arrived another town was
projected, called Florence, which was to be located north of Deer creek and
east of Carlyle. J. B. Chapman, Harvev Allen, J. B. Justus, D. C.
VanBrunt, D. Rogers, M. M. Haun, W. S. Eastwood, F. M. Power, R. B.
Jordan and others were interested in it, and it was their expectation that
the L,. I,. & G. railroad would pa,ss through it. This expectation was not
realized however, and the attempt to build another "city" was soon aban-
doned. The site which it was to occupy is now known as the Strickler
and Whitaker farms.
The second mail route was established during the summer of 1S5S.
It was to run from Eawrence to Humboldt, via Garnett, Hyatt, Carlyle and
Cofachique. The service was to begin July i and a few days before that
date J. W. Scott, J. M. Evans and Harmon Scott took a wagon load of
poles and laid out and marked a trail from Hyatt to Carlyle. This trail is
now the main wagon road leading from the county north and very near the
route followed by the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston (now the
Southern Kansas division of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe) railroad.
Zach Squires was the first mail carrier, and for some time his weekly trips
were made on the back of a small mule. Afterwards the service was made
tri- weekly, and the little mule gave way to a two horse hack, then a jerky,
or two horse stage, and finally an imposing Overland coach which, in its
turn was succeeded by the passenger train. The post-ofiice for Carlyle was
for some time kept at the house of J. W. Scott. Afterwards and for a
number of years at the home of John Covert, in the house now occupied by
Mrs. D. Adams. Since the advent of the railroad it has been kept at the
store in the village.
This was the era of elections in Kansas, when the people voted early
iS HISTORY OF ALLEX AXD
and often, and tlie year 1858 witnessed a large number of town meetings,
political conventions and elections. On March 9, occnn-ed the election for
members of the Leavenworth constitutional convention. A. G. Carpenter
was chosen as the delegate from Allen county. This was the third
convention that had been elected to frame a constitution for the State, and
like both of the others it proved an abortion. In this year also was
submitted to the people for ratification or rejection the Lecompton constitu-
tion under the English bill. The vote in Allen county stood, for 23, against
268, showing a very decided predominance of the Free State sentiment.
The regular election of members of the Territorial legislature and county
officers occurred October 4. The same 19 disfranchised counties sent three
representatives as before. This time Allen county failed to secure a
member, Wm. Spriggs, of Anderson, being the nearest.
The Free State legislature had abolished the old Missouri system of
county court or commissioners, and provided for the election of township
supervisors, three from each township, the chairmen of these together con-
stituting the county board. Those elected at this time and serving at
different times during the year were B. ly. G. Stone, J. F. Colborn, D. B.
Stewart, W. \V. Miles,- John Hamilton, Elias Copelin and J. S. Barbee.
The other county officers held over from the previous year.
As before stated, the legislatm-e of 1858 had, without consulting the
people and without the previous knowledge of any except of a few particu-
larly interested, removed the county seat to Humboldt. The first meeting
of the new county board of which there is any record was held at that place
February 8, 1859. The only business transacted was the election of B. L.
G. Stone, chairman. The board then adjourned to meet at Cofachique,
but why, or by what authority, does not appear. They met at Cofachique,
as per adjournment, February 14, organized the new township of Geneva
and appointed judges of the election to be held on the fourth Monday of
March to ratify the Leavenworth constitution. The judges appointed were
as follows: Geneva, at the house of Levi Ross, L. L. Northrup, William
Noble, J. H. Spicer; Deer Creek at the house of Thos. Day, Thos. Day,
Henrv Doren and J. \V. Scott; Cofachique, James Faulkner, Z. J. Wisner
andj! N. Bear; Humboldt, Thos. H. Ba,shaw, P. Cox and Elias Copelin;
Cottage Grove, Thos. Jackson, J. M. Beck and Dr. Phillips. This is the first
election held in the county of which any report appears on the county records
or of which there appears to have been a regular canvas. Apparently little
interest was taken in this event, as the entire vote cast was only 138, of
which 134 were for the constitution and 4 against.
During the year 1859 political matters continued to engage a large
share of the attention of the people. On the 7th of June an election was
held for members of another constitutional convention, the fourth and la.st.
At this election J. H. Signor was chosen by a majority of six, having
received 175 votes to 169 for Chas. S. Clark. The convention met in
Wyandotte July 5, and framed the constitution under which the State was
finally admitted. This constitution was submitted October 4th, and the vote
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 9
ill Allen county stood 244 for, 159 against, and on the homestead clause
which was submitted separately 201 for and 152 against.
The time for the general election this year had been changed to Nov-
ember 4, and a new apportionment had been made for the legislature.
Bourbon, Allen, McGee, Dorn, Woodson and Wilson counties formed the
1 2th council district. Watson Stewart was elected to the council and J. W.
Scott representative, with the following county officers: Simon Camerer,
probate judge; H. H. Hayward, sheriff; J. W. Perkins, register of deeds;
J. H. Signor, county clerk; Wm. Doren, treasurer; Merriit Moore, super-
intendent of schools; A. G. Carpenter, surveyor; Chas. Fussman, coroner.
About a month later, December 6, the first election for State and county
officers under the Wyandotte constitution was held, resulting as follows:
District Judge S. 6. Thacher; Senators, loth district, P. P. Elder, Wm.
Spriggs; Representatives, B. L. G. .Stone, N. B. Blandon (Stone afterwards
resigned and a special election was held to fill the vacancy in the first State
legislature;) probate judge, Geo. A. Miller; Clerk of the District court,
J. H. Signor; Superintendent of schools, Merritt Moore.
The last year of the Territorial period is the darkest year in the history
of the county and the State. The story of i860 may be written in the one
word, Drouth. Up to this time the county had steadily improved. Times
were not so good nor money so abundant as before the panic of '57, but
immigration still continued, the seasons had been favorable, the crops good
and the people had enjoyed a reasonable degree of prosperity. But all this
was sadly changed. There was a copious shower in September 1859, but
after that it may be said with almost literal truth that there was no rain for
eighteen months. There was neither rain nor snow during the winter and
the ground was exceedingly dry in the spring, but anticipating nothing
unusual the people plowed and planted and pursued their ordinary avoca-
tions. The Territorial legislature at its last session had adopted a new plan
of county organization, providing for three county commissioners instead of
the board of supervisors, and a probate judge with greatly restricted powers.
On March twenty-sixth a special election was held for the new officers. J.
G. Rickard was elected probate judge, George Zimmerman, N. T. Winans
and D. B. Stewart county commissioners. But a more absorbing interest
than offices and politics soon began to claim the attention of the people. As
spring passed on and ripened into summer there was still no rain, the dust
in which the seed had been planted remained dust. The burning sun
glared fiercely all day, and no dew decended at night. "The sky above
our heads seemed brass," says J. W. Scott in the address. from which many
of the foregoing facts have been gleaned, "and the earth was iron beneath
our feet. The air around us seemed the very breath of hell, and the whole
atmosphere ready to burst into devouring fiame. Day after day and month
after month the scantj^ vegetation looked up helplessly to the unpitying
heavens, and finally drooped and died. How many nights we sat hour
after hour watching the hurrying clouds and hoping against hope that they
would bring the needed moisture; but they were as dry as ashes and the
hearts of the boldest died within them. No people ever struggled more
20 HISTORY OK ALLEN AND
manfully against ovenvhelming disaster. When one crop failed another
was tried, each to meet with no better success than the first." It was a
heart-breaking experience, and those who passed through it cannot speak
of it even now without a shudder. It is no wonder that many of the settlers
perhaps a majority of them, went back to their former homes, and that few
of those who went ever returned. Those who remained suffered the
extremest privation, and many of them were rescued from actual starvation
only by the timely arrival of supplies sent out by the numerous "Kansas
Aid" .societies which were oi'ganized throughout the East. There have
been hard times in Kansas since then: but compared with i860 there has
never been a year that was not one of abundance and good cheer.
This year the county was divided for the first time into commissioner
districts. The board elected at the special election in March were only to
hold until the general election in November, at which time the following
persons were elected commissioners: Henrj' Doren, H. D. Parsons and D.
B. Stewart, with Yancy Martin assessor, — the other county officers holding
over. J. W. Scott was re-elected representative, Watson Stewart holding
over in the Council. An attempt was made during this year to build a jail
at Humboldt. Specifications were adopted by the county board and pro-
posals received: but the times were unpropitious and nothing farther was
done. The first regular census was taken this year and gave Allen county
a population of 3120. The number of cattle reported was 5043, swine 2060,
horses 951, mules 50 and sheep 710. This census was taken in June and
shows a much larger population than remained at the end of the year.
The following winter was very severe, and notwithstanding the "aid"
received, much suffering was experienced, especially by those who were
compelled to make long trips after relief goods. These were mostly dis-
tributed from Atchison through S. C. Pomeroy. afterwards United States
vSenator, and the journey, often made with ox teams, requiring a week or
ten days, sometimes through the fiercest storms, was only rendered endura-
ble by the absolute necessity oi the case.
It was during this darkest period of her history, when the hearts of the
bravest of her pioneers were heavy within them and the "Ad Astra" of the
motto emblazoned on her shield seemed a bitter mockery, that Kansas was
ushered into the sisterhood of States. The bill for her admission was
signed by President Buchanan on the twenty-ninth day ol January, 1861,
and the Territorial Period was brought to a close.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
Zbc Mar ll^erio^
As soon as the news of the breaking out of the Rebellion reached
Allen Count}- nearly all the able-bodied men hastened to enlist in defense of
the Union. In 1861 the lola Battalion was formed, and from the county
were three companies, commanded by Captains Coleman, Flesher, and
Killen, which served in the Ninth Kansas. In the Tenth Kansas Regi-
ment were two companies, one commanded by Capt, W. C. Jones, and the
other by Capt. N. B. Blanton.
The county being on the southern border of the State, it was consid-
ered in danger of invasion from the Missouri guerrillas and the hostile
Indians of the Territory. The scene of most of the military operations in,
the county were in and about Humboldt. In the summer of 1861 a
company was organized there with N. B. Blanton, Captain; S. J. Stewart,
First Lieutenant. J. H. Signer was afterward Second Lieutenant. Capt.
Isaac Tibbets organized a company of infantry, and Capt. I. N. Phillips a
company of Cavalry. During the same summer a regiment was organized
in Allen and Woodson counties. -Orlin Thurston was Colonel; James
Kennar, Lieutenant Colonel; and N. S. Goss, Major. This was the Sev-
enth Kansas Regiment, for the defense of Kansas, and was under the com-
mand of Gen. J. H Lane. While this regiment was with Lane in Missou»i
there were but very few men left at home to protect the settlements, and
the most of the farming and other work for the maintenance of the families
of the soldiers was done by the women and children.
Sacking of Humboldt. — While the Allen County soldiers were away
with Lane, a raid was made on the unprotected settlement of Humboldt on
September eight, 1861 by a band of Missouri guerrillas, Cherokee Indians,
and Osage half-breed Indians, under command of Captains Matthews and
Livingstone. Matthews had been a trader among the Indians, had married
an Osage squaw, and lived where Oswego now is. He had great influence
among the Osages and incited them to take sides with the Southern Con-
federacy. At Humboldt they sacked the stores and dwellings, carrying off
all the money and valuables they could find without resistance, all the men
being absent.
Burning of Humboldt. — At the time of the raid in September, Dr.
George A. Miller was absent trying to obtain authority to organize a
company of Home Guards. He succeeded in this, and on his return or-
ganized a company of infantrymen in the town, which was composed of old
men, boys, and a few of the militiamen who had returned to Humboldt as
soon as they learned of the raid, to help protect their defenseless families.
A company of cavalry was also organized in the neighborhood, composed
22 HISTORY OF ALLEX AXD
of fanners, anl cDminanded by Capt. Henry Dudley. These companies
accompanied by Col. J. G. Blunt, went in pursuit of the guerrillas, and
succeeded in overtaking them, when a skirmish took place, during which
the outlaw, Capt. Matthews was killed. The Home Guards returned, and
for several days the cavalry was sent out regularly as a scouting party, it
being feared that another attack would be*made on the town. The infantry
remained at home and were always upon guard. Soon, however, there
appearing to be no danger, the cavalry were allowed to return to their
homes. Late in the afiernoon of the Fourteenth of October, 1861, a body
of Rebel Cavalry under command of Col. Talbott, dashed into Humboldt.
The Home Guards, comprising less than 100 men, were taken completely
by surprise, and it was impossible for Capt. Miller to get them together.
The town was soon filled with armed men, who kept up a continual firing
of guns and pistols. A few of the men by running succeeded in making
their escape, but the others were soon captured and placed under guard.
It was suppo.sed they would all be shot by the outlaws and the Indians
who accompanied them. The only resistance cffered was by Capt. Miller
and Charles Baland. The Captain finally gave up his arms, pleading
that the women and children might be saved, even though he expected to
be murdered. The town was then set on fire, but before this was done,
tlie Rebel officer ordered his men to allow the women and children to
remove their valuables and household goods from their dwellings, and
even ordered them to assist. The rebel officers claimed that Humboldt
was burned in retaliation for the burning of Osceola, by Gen. Lane, and
the killing of Matthews. Nearly all the buildings were then set on fire.
The churches were saved, also the Masonic Hall. Of the other buildings
rtot set on fire was the house of Dr. Wni. Wakefield, who, when he saw
that he was in the power of the enemy, invited the officers to take supper
with him. Among them was Capt. Livingstone. A few other houses
were saved where there were women too sick to be moved. Among these
was the residence of Col. Thurston, whose wife was unwell, and Mrs.
Goodin, the wife of Hon. J. R. Goodin, who sent lier to bed and told the
Rebels she was too sick to be moved. The land office and court house
building was set on fire, but after the departure of the Rebels the fire was
extinguished, but not until many valuable papers among the records
were destroyed. Coffey's store was set on fire, but the Rebels had in their
excitement poured out a barrel of black molasses, thinking it to be tar, and
this did not burn very well, besides which Mrs. Coffey had just been wash-
ing, and the wet clothes were thrown over the burning portion, extinguish-
ing the fire. The raiders did not stay long, departing early in the evening.
The men they had captured were taken a short distance and then released.
They returned in time to help save some of the burning buildings. During
the entire time the women behaved nobly. By their coolness they suc-
ceeded in making the invaders believe an armed force was on the way from
lola, therefore they hastened their departure. The land office had just
been opened, with J. C. Burnett, Register. He managed to speak to his
sister. Miss Kate Burnett, now Mrs. S. N. Simpson, telling her to save
WOODSON' COUNTIES, KANSAS. 23
$25,000.00 in land warrants that were in the office. Obtaining permission
to go to the office for a candle, she secnred the warrants and dropped them
on the prairie in the high grass Judge J. R. Goodin and his wife had
been absent all day, gathering wild grapes, and were just approaching the
town from the west. The Judge jumped out of the vehicle and told his
wife to drive away, but instead of this she went to Mrs. Thurston's resi-
dence and aided in saving it. Numerous other heroic acts were performed
by the women. The better portion of the town was entirely destroyed.
There were only a few buildings left, and some of these were badly dam-
aged by the fire. The only man killed was a farmer, Seachrist, who
was running away trying to save his mules. He was ordered to stop, but
Hot doing so, he was shot and fatally wounded. All the horses that could
be found were taken b}- the Rebels. Besides this but little propeity was
stolen, and outside the town no damage whatever was done. The Rebel
force numbered 331 men who were all well mounted and thoroughly
armed.
After the burning of Humboldt it was considered to be in danger, and
a military post was established there. There were no e\ents of note until
the Price raid in 1S64, The militia of the county was organized into a
liattalion, known as the Allen County Battalion, and was composed of six
companies, three from lola and the northern part of the county, two from
Humboldt, and one from the extreme southern part of the county. The
officers were: C. P. Twiss, Colonel: Watson Stewart, Major. Among the
Captains were J. M. Moore and G. DeWitt of Humboldt, and D. C. New-
man, of the southern part of the county. This regiment comprised all of
the able bodied men in the county, between the ages of si.xteen and sixty
years. The militia force of the entire Neosho Valley were commanded by
Major General J. B. Scott, of LeRoy, and under him the Allen County
Battalion was ordered to Fort Scott. At the military post of Humboldt a
block house was built, and a small force of the eleventh Kansas stationed
there under command of Major Haas. Besides this force. Captains Moore,
DeWitt and Newman, under command of Major Watson Stewart, were left
to protect the town against invasion. All remained at Humboldt except
Captain Newman's company, which acted as scouts and was stationed at
Big Creek. Major Haas ordered this company to come to Humboldt,
which Captain Newman refused to do. This gave rise to considerable
difficulty between the two officers. Major Haas had charge of the govern-
ment supplies of rations, etc. , which he refused to issue to the Big Creek
company until it should remove to Humboldt. The stores were kept at
the German Church, in charge of a Sergeant. Newman's company being
out of rations Major Stewart made a requisition on the post commander for
five day's rations for the company which was refused. Major Stewart then
ordered the Captain to help himself to the rations and receipt to the Ser-
geant. This was done, upon which Major Haas ordered Major Stewart
and Captain Newman under arrest. It was impossible, however, to carry
out this order, as the militia all took sides with their own officers. After
the militia disbanded Captain Newman was arrested but was released the
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
next day. After the companies under Major Stewart had remained in
camp three weeks they were ordered to Ft. Scott, leaving Captain Newman
and his company, and a few colored men under Captain E. Gilbert at the
Humboldt post. During the entire period of the war there were a great
many loyal Indians scattered over the county, they having been driven
from the Indian Territory by the Indians who were in sympathy with the
rebels.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
tlbirt\>=fi\)e IDcars of Ipeacc
Nearh' all the early settlers of Allen county were young men and
women, full of energy and ambition and hope, and with the return of peace
they came back to the long deserted towns, to the weed grown farms, and
bravely set themselves to build up the waste places, to repair the ravages of
war and enforced neglect. With them came hundreds of other, many of
them ex-Union soldiers, attracted by the heroic record the State had made
duing the war and in the long period of border warfare that preceded it, and
by the opportunity to secure free homes under the homestead and pre-
emption laws. With ceaseless industry and indomitable pluck the old
settlers and the new comers applied themselves to the herculean task of
subduing the fertile but rebellious soil and building up schools and
churches and all the institutions of a free, self-governing community. The
statistics presented elsewhere show the rapidity with which this work was
accomplished.
As in most of the other counties of Kansas, one of the first things to
engage the attention and excite the feeling of the people was a fight over
the county seat. As has been already stated, Cofachique was designated
as the first county seat by the legislature which organized the county. The
first Free State legislature removed the county seat to Humboldt, and it
remained there until after the war. It had to fight for the honor, however,
almost from the beginning. The first battle occurred March 25, i860, when
the matter was submitted to a vote of the people, lola being the principal
competitor. Humboldt people proved to be the best voters, however,
casting (so the envious lolans declared at the time) twice as many votes as
they had legal electors. The returns showed 562 votes for Humboldt, 331
for lola, 72 for Vernon, 4 for Center, and 2 for Cofachique, so Humboldt
retained the prize. For the next four or five years, the people had other
things to think of. But as soon as the war was over the agitation was
resumed and on May 10 of that year another election was held resulting as
follows: lola 243, Geneva 35, Humboldt 2 and Vernon 2. The county
seat was accordingly removed to lola, where it has since remained. Prior
to this last election the legislature had moved the south line of the county
some four miles north of the original location, thus throwing into Neosho
county a considerable territory whose settlers would otherwise have voted
for Humboldt. This fact, together with the fact that the southern part of
the county was not so thickly settled as the northern portion and that a
considerable number of the citizen of Humboldt and vicinity had not yet
returned from the army, doubtless accounted for the large preponderance
of the votes in favor of lola. The contest engendered a great deal of bitter-
26 , HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
ness at the time and the ieeliiig continued for many years afterwards. It
gradually abated, however, and now, happily, little if any of the old
antagonism remains.
When the county seat was removed to lola loo lots were donated by
the town company to the county to aid in the erection of public buildings.
In July, iS66, bonds were voted to raise funds to procure a court
house, and a frame building, located at the southwest corner of Washing-
ton and Jackson avenues, where Shannon's hardware store now stands, was
purchased from George J. Eldridge and fitted up for the use of the county
officers. This building was used until 1877 when the present court house
was bought for $i8jo and the old one sold for $500 to the school district.
In 1868 $10,000 in bonds were voted to build a jail, and the stone
structure still in use was erected the following year at a cost of $8400.
In November, 1871, a tax was voted of $5000 to purchase and fit up a
poor farm. On February i 2, 1872, a tract of land consisting of 160 acres
in Carlyle township vvas bought from David Funkhouser for twenty-five
dollars an acre, and Dr. J. W. Driscoll was installed as the first keeper.
The most notable event of the years immediately following the war was
the coming of the railroads. The Missouri, Kansas and Texas was the first to
arrive, building down the right bank of the Neosho and reaching Humboldt
April 2, 1870. To secure this road the city of Humboldt voted $75,000 in
bonds and a few of its citizens bought for $1,3,000 160 acres of land (a fairly
good price considering the fact that there were then thousands of acres of land
in the county to be had from the Government for the taking! )in order to pro-
vide the road with depot facilities and right of way. The price was not
thought to be too great, however, for the luxury of a railroad, and the com-
pletion of the track was celebrated with elaborate rejoicings. A few
months later the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston. (now the Southern
Kansas division of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe) railroad entered
the county from the north, and its arrival also was celebrated at lola and at
Humboldt with much "pomp and circumstance", and there was no sugges-
tion that the $125,000 in bonds which the county had voted to secure it was'
too high a price to pay.
Those were "the good old days" in Allen county. New settlers were
coming in every day, money was plenty, crops for the most part were good
and prices high. Various manufacturing enterprises were undertaken, the
most notable of which perhaps was the King's Iron Bridge Company, to secure
which the city of lola voted $100^000 in bonds. Nobody seemed to think
it incongruous or impossible that an industry which must import from long
distances at high rates of freight both its fuel and its raw material and
which was to manufacture a product for which there was no market, should
be located here. And so the Company went to work in the summer of 187 1
built enormous shops (now constituting the first floor of the main building
of Works No. i of the Lanyon Zinc Company) brought in and set up
expensive machinery and actually built a bridge or two. It failed, of
course, and after a year or two moved its machinery to Topeka where
another bonus was secured. But it made things hum at lola while it lasted.
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 2'
For awhile town lots were held at enormous prices, and land adjoining the
town was sold at figures which were nut reached again for nearly thirty
years. Of course the bottom fell out when the shops were removed, and
the only pleasant thing to remember now in connection with the King's
Iron Bridge Company is that the courts declared the $100,000 bonds voted
to secure it forfeited, and that the building which it erected was of material
assistance a quarter of a century later in securing the location of an indu.stry
which is a benefit and a pride to the entire countw
The collapse of the local boom resulting from the withdrawal of the
Bridge Company was followed by the general panic of 1873, and that was
followed by the drouth and the grasshoppers, — one disaster following hard
upon the heels of another. The people would have soon recovered from the
collapse of the boom, if the panic had not struck them; the panic would
not have hurt them much, if the drouth had not come; the drouth would
soon have been forgotten if it had not been for the grasshoppers. But col-
lapse and panic and drouth and grasshoppers all together hit us hard,
bringing a long period of business prostration and actual destitution that
will never be forgotten by those who passed through it. Only one other
period in the history of the county can be compared with it, and that was
the year of the terrible drouth, 1860, and that was worse only because there
were fewer people and they felt more keenly their isolation and distress.
As has been already stated, the collapse of the boom, the panic and
the drouth, although bad enough, could have been endured. It was the
grasshoppers that brought the people to their knees, helpless and well
nigh hopeless. These pests appeared first in August, 1874. Coming in
countless miriads, their gossamer wings tairly veiling the sun in their
flight, they settled down upon the fields and within a month the scanty
crop that remained after the unusual drouth of the summer was devoured.
Not the green things only, such as the melons, pumpkins and all the veg-
etables of the garden, but the dry blades of the standing corn and all the
other field crops were destroyed. One who has not seen it cannot conceive
how completely this avalanche of locusts swept the country of everything
in the nature of vegetation. The result was that hundreds of families found
themselves facing the winter with nothing to support the lives of themselves
or of their animals. And so many of them sold their property for the little
it would bring under such circumstances and left the county, while many
others were forced to the humiliating necessity of accepting the "Aid" that
came in response to the call that went out from Kansas for help. Societies
were organized for the relief of the needy, and the county commissioners
appointed Robert Cook and I. C. Cuppy to go to Ohio and Indiana and solicit
food and clothing. Some of the later settlers in Allen county think they
have occasionally seen hard times here; but they dont know anything about
it! In lola the small frame building (then one of the largest in town,)
owned by J. W. Scott on the corner now occupied by DeClute's clothing
store, was rented by the commissioners for use as an "aid depot," and the
writer of this remember well how the dejected farmers, driving scrawny
horses, hitched often with rope harness to dilapidated wagons, used to
28 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
drive up to that store through the dreary fall and winter of 1874 to have the
little jag of "aid," as it was called, doled out to them, shamefacedl}' carrv-
ing home the few pounds of beans and corn meal and bacon that was to
keep their families from starvation. That is what the old settlers mean
when they talk about hard times! There was only one alleviation, and
that was. the prairie chickens! Whether they came because of the food
supply furnished by the grasshoppers, or whether ihe^- were sent as the
quail were sent to the famishing Israelites in the wilderness it is not the
province of sober history to speculate upon; but that they did come, and in
unprecedented numbers, is indisputable. And they were exterminated !
The people having nothing else to do, and in desperate need of the food
they supplied and of the money they commanded on the market, trapped
and shot them ceaseless!}- and without mercy. That was the beginning
of the end of the prairie chickens in Allen county.
In the spring of 1875, the people, those that were left, plowed and
planted as usual, but the grasshoppers reaped. The eggs that had been
deposited in the ground in the fall hatched out in relays through the spring
and early summer, so that whenever a fresh crop appeared, there was a
fresh army of grasshoppers ready for it. Having no wings the young 'hop-
pers swept on foot over the country, leaving behind them — dust! The wheat,
the corn, even the prairie grass, every green blade of any kind, went into
the insatiable maw of this remorseless army . All through the spring and
into the summer this continued, and the people were in despair. And then,
one day, early in June, there was a shimmer of gossamer wings in the sun-
light, as there had been the August before. The army was departing.
Whither it went is as little known as whence it came. By the middle of
the month the last of the innumerable host had disappeared. The people
plowed and planted again, and providence smiled on their courage and per-
severance. The early and the later rains came in their season, and the
crops raised were so phenomenal that in the plenty of 1S75, the want of
1874 was well-nigh forgotten.
In a self-governing community, economic conditions always influence
strongly the political action of the jieople. Sometimes with, but oftener
without reason, the party in power is held responsible for good times or for
bad. It is secure if times are good; and it is very insecure if times are
bad. And so it happened in Allen County. From its organization, the
county had been strongly Republican, and that party retained power al-
most without an effort, until the panic and the drouth and the grasshop-
pers came. And then, not perhaps because it caused these calamities to
come, but because it was in power when they came — it had much trouble.
Those who had been its strongest leaders, and many who had been its
staunchest supporters in the prosperous days, deserted it. There was a
time, in 1874, when some, even of those who remained true to it, were so dis-
mayed by the opposition against it, that they advised against putting a Re-
publican ticket in the field. This timid counsel was rejected, and the bat-
tle was fought, but after it was over, all the Republican party had left was
honor and two minor county officers, the nearest to total defeat ever snf-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 2t)
fered by tbat party in the history of the county. In that year Hon. John
R. Goodin, of Humboldt, was elected to Congress on the "Reform ticket,"
the first man not a Republican to be elected to Congress from the Second
District.
For a number of years following the visitation of the grasshoppers, no
events transpired of special importance or interest. A succession of aver-
age crops soon restored noinal conditions and the people pursued the even
tenor of their way, illustrating in the main the saying "happy is the people
which has no history." There was a steady, although not a large stream
of immigration, and the country gradually filled up with a splendid class of
intelligent, self-respecting, law-abiding and industrious citizens. The his-
tory that was made was chiefly that of the individual citizen, much ol
which will be found in the biographical part of this work.
In 1880, after a lively contest between Humboldt and lola as to which
should gain the prize, a branch of the Missouri Pacific, at first known as
the Fort Scott, Wichita & Western, was built through the county from east
to west, passing through lola, and giving birth to the towns of LaHarpe
and Moran. In 1888, the Kansas City & Pacific Railroad, (now a branch
of the M. K. & T.) was built through the eastern part of the county, cross-
ing the Missouri Pacific at Moran and giving birth to the villages of Bay-
ard, Elsmore and Savonburg.
The years from 1882 to 1888, were marked by a great many deeds of
violence, extending to even loss of life, and much litigation growing out of
a dispute over the title to a large body of land in the eastern part of the
county, mostly in the townships of Marmaton, Salem and Elsmore. These
lands, many thousand acres in all, had been granted to and were claimed
by the M. K. & T. , and the L. L- & G. Railroad companies, and nearly all
of them had been sold to individual purchasers, although comparatively
few tracts were occupied by those holding the railroad title. The claim
was made that the railroad companies had not complied with the conditions
of the grant, and had, therefore, forfeited their rights to the lands. Acting
on this opinion some three hundred men had entered upon the land, each
one claiming a quarter-section as a homestead. These men formed an or-
ganization known officially as "The Settlers Protective Association," but
designated commonly as the "Land League," and began a strenuous con-
test to make good their claim. Eminent attorneys were employed and in
many cases physical force was resorted to in the maintenance of what the
settlers believed to be their rights. Fences built by those claiming under
the railroad title, were destroyed, a number of houses were burned, two
men lost their lives, and the growth of the entire county was materially re-
tarded. Of course the matter got into the courts immediately , and for many
years the "League cases" made up a considerable portion of the docket of
the district court of Allen County. Case after case was carried to the higher
courts, and it is only within the past year that final decision has been ren-
dered in the last of them. To present all the details of the controversy would
occupy a great deal ol space, and would .serve no good purpose. Let it suf-
fice to say in a general way, that the railroad title has been confirmed by
30 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
the courts, and the recollection of the unfortunate contest and the distress-
ing events that grew out of it, is rapidly fading away.
Allen County had a very light attack of the "boom" fever that was so
virulent in many parts of the State during the 80s. A few spasmodic ef-
forts were made to inoculate it with the virus, but it did not "take."
Nevertheless, the county suffered with the rest of the State when the bub-
ble burst and the reaction came. From 1890 to 1895 things were very
quiet, indeed. The towns made no growth to speak of, and the population
of the county showed little if any increase, although those who were here
added steadily, if slowly, to their acquisitions, and were every year in seme-
what better circumstances than the year before. In 1895, however, owing
to the discovery and development of the the natural gas field, an account of
which is made the subject of a separatechapterof this book, and to the result-
ing location of large manufacturing enterprises, the county began to gain
rapidly in both population and wealth. From that time to the present the
advancement has been most gratifying, and, there is is perhaps not a county
in the State that is now enjoying a greater degree of universal prosperity.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
vTbe first ILanb titles
Settlement commenced in Allen county before an acre of land had been
surve^'ed, and while the Indian title was yet unextinguished, although
treaties for its extinguishment were pending. About two thirds of the
county on the north belonged to the New York Indians, and the remaining
one-third to the Osages. In 1855 Joseph Ludley, with a party of surveyors
began the survey of the standard parallels of the Territory, finishing it
February, 1856, with the Fifth standard parallel, crossing Allen county a
little north of Humboldt. The township and range lines were run during
this and the following summer, but the subdivison was not completed until
the summer of 1859. In the absence of definite "corners" there was naturally
much uncertainty as to the boundary and extent of territory that could be
rightfully claimed by individual settlers. The first settlers located in or
adjoining the timber, and while professing to hold but a quarter section
often claimed a mile .square. The Territorial legislature enacted that each
.settler might hold two quarter section, one of timber and one of prairie.
This was directly contrary to the laws of congress and gave rise to much
trouble. To remedy these evils so far as possible the settlers in this county,
as eleswhere, organized among themselves associations ^whose business it
was to settle disputed claims and protect each others rights. The decision
of these tribunals was always prompt, nearly always just and equitable, and
very generally acquiesced in so that actual violence was seldom resorted to
in these cases.
In the summer of i860 the public lands in the county that had been
surveyed were opened up for settlement and offered at public sale in Nov-
ember of that year, the homestead law having not yet been passed. Owing
to the great destitution that year amoung the settlers, resulting from the
failure of the crops, but few were able to purchase their claims, and to pre-
vent speculators from bidding them off at the sale large numbers of settlers
were in attendance and in most cases succeeded in preventing the sale of
lands on which settlement had been made.
They were not always able to prevent such sales, however, and the two
or three tragedies which darken the early pages of our county's history
resulted from this failure. One of these cases was that of a young man
named Winn who in i860 settled on a claim a few miles west of Humboldt,
and without filing on it went to Missouri to work. During his absence a
man named Harris went to the land office at Fort Scott and bought the
land at private entry. When Winn returned and ascertained the facts he
immediately procured a revolver and proceeded direct to Harris' house, on
Deer creek and demanded a conveyance of the land. Some altercation
32 - HISTORY OF ALLEX AXD
ensued and the two men started off together. Harris was found next day
with a bullet hole through his head. Winn was arrested, charged with
the crime. In the preliminar>' hearing before 'Squire Mattoon, of Geneva,
he admitted the killing but pleaded self-defense. He was held to bail, but
popular sympathy was with him, and the war soon after breaking out, he
enlisted in the army and no trial ever took place.
A similar tragedy came near being enacted between Anderson C. Smith
and Anderson Wray, and for a similar reason. Wray bid off Smith's claim
at the land sales at Fort Scott. Smith, who was at his place on Martin
creek, heard of it late in the evening, and immediately mounted a pony and
started for Fort Scott, swearing vengeance. He met Wray and his party
in camp on Turkej' creek about three or four o'clock in the morning, and
without a word of warning or a moment's notice began firing at Wray, one
or two shots taking effect before friends could interfere. Fortunately the
wounds were not mortal. Wray recovered and the affair was afterwards
amicably settled.
A number of settlers had located on Osage Indian lauds in the south
part of the county before the Indian title was extinguished, and the Gov-
ernment had ordered them to move off. The order was not obeyed to any
great extent, and in several instances serious trouble with the Indians was
narrowly averted. On September 29, 1865, however, a treats- with the
Osages was finally concluded by the terms of which the white settlers then
on the lands were permitted to enter 160 acres each at one dollar and twenty-
five cents an acre. These lands were surveyed in 1866- '7 and the settlers
were enable under the treaty to secure a title to their homes in January,
1868, after a residence on the part of some of eleven years.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS, 33
Some of tbe "jTirst" Cbinos.
The first school was opened in Humboldt in 1858, and was taught by
S. W. Clark.
The first wedding was that of George W. Young to Sarah Bennett,
June 28, 1856.
The first court in the county was held by Judge Cato, in November,
1855, in Cofachique. He held another term in 1856.
The first death was that of an Englishman named Broadbent, one of
the Vegetarian colony, which occurred in June, 1856.
The first postoffice was located at Cofachique in 1856, but a regular
carrying route was not put on until the year following.
Nimrod Hankins made the first assessment of the county in March,
1857, finding taxable property to the amount of $34,515.50.
The first election was held at Cofachique, in the fall of 1856, seven
votes being cast. Each voter paid a poll tax of one dollar before being per-
mitted to vote.
The first practicing physician who located permanently in the county
was Dr. Burgess, who came in the summer of 1856, and took a claim two
miles north of Humboldt.
The legislature of 1855, known as the "bogus legislature," established
slavery in Kansas by law, and it existed in Allen County in the first years
of its history in fact, slaves being owned and held here by Henry Sater,
Giles Sater, James Galbraith, a Mr. Hurlston and a Mr. Dunbar. Giles
Sater was a free state man and soon .set his slaves free. The other slave
owners, finding the atmosphere unwholesome, returned after a short time
to Missouri.
HISTOKV OF ALLKX AN'D
Ebc IRcminisccncc of an ®l^ Settler.
BY I. B. LAWYER
Ou the ist day ot April, 1857, W. F. Brooks, William Boyd and I
started from Solon Iowa to go to Kansas with our own conveyance, two
horses and a wagon. When we got to Leavenworth we met a man who
had surveyed a townsite down on the Neosho, they named Leroy, so we
struck out for the Neosho River. From Leroy we came on the west side of
the river to Neosho Falls, thence down to what was afterwards called Law-
yer's Ford, (three miles north-west of now lola). There we camped on
Saturday evening, and on Monday morning we bought a claim of Mr. Au-
gustus Todd. The land had not as yet been surveyed into sections, and
when the government survey was made, it was close to the line where Mr.
Todd had figured.
The next news that came was that the land belonged to the New York
Indians, and that we would all have to leave. This was not cheerful news
to me as I had bought out my partner's (Mr. Brooks), interest for some
eight hundred dollars, and as time passed on the land was offered for sale
at the Fort Scott land office and hardly any of us had sufficient money to
bid in our land which was sold at the mercy ot the speculators. There
were but few speculators present at the sale, and our land was not sold.
We now had an opportunity to file on our land, with the privilege of
twelve months in which to pay for our homestead, and by the time I bought
a land warrant from L. L. Northrup, (then running a store at Geneva), and
at that time land warrants being under par, I procured my land from the
government for a little less than one dollar per acre.
When J. R. Young and I went to the land office at Mapleton to prove
up, darkness came on before we got home, and coming in on the east side
of lola, we were stopped by the pickets, (lola being under guard to keep
the rebels out), and passing through the line into town, we had to get the
password to get out of town again, and when we got to my house we ran
amuck another outpost; so you see we had some thrilling times even in
free Kansas.
I well remember the first four acres of corn I raised in Kansas, and
that was in 1857. I readily disposed of it the following spring for seed
corn at $1.50 per bushel — ^joe Colburn buying the last of it at $2.00 per
bushel. The money those days in circulation was gold and silver, with a
five-cent piece for the smallest change.
It may be of interest to some people to know what kind of game we
had, and, while I think of it I must tell you a joke on myself: One Sun-
1142784
\VOOlJSOX COHNTIES, KANSAS, 35
day morning my wife and I were getting readj- to go to J. R. Young's to
eat some apples that he had brought from Missouri, and looking out the
west window of the log cabin, I saw two deer in the brush. Not having
any meat in the house, nor money to buy any, I, of course, thought of my
rifle first thing, and picking same up dropped one of the deer, and the other
deer stood there until I loaded my muzzle-loading rifle, and I dropped it
too; but lo, when I reached the side of my game I found they both had
strings around their necks. They were pets and had strayed away from
their owner, Miss Fannie, daughter of Joe Parsons, (Jesse Parsons, now a
resident of Chanute, was at the time a young man). The}' took it as a joke
and said the deer had no business wandering so far from home, and for me
to divide with my neighbors. I went home and, as luck would have it,
Nimrod Hankins and Lawrence Arnold came to call on us and helped me
dress them. They were the only deer I ever killed.
Wild turkey were abundant. I once saw twenty-six go to roost at the
mouth of Deer Creek, and got one the following morning before breakfast.
The log cabin we lived in was built by an Arkansas man and, of course,
had an Arkansas chimney to it, built with sticks above the fireplace, and
daubed with mud; and, of course, it had to be repaired every fall. While
inside that chimney repairing it one day, I saw some wild turkey's in a corn
patch across the road. I went out and picking out one with a large head I
dropped him. I told my wife to go and get it, and we found that the ball
had gone through the one I aimed for and crippled one more, so we had
two turkeys that weighed twenty pounds apiece, and only two of us to eat
them and, of course, we divided among the neighbors. I killed nine the
lirst fall I was here, and some of them were plenty fat to fry themselves.
Prairie chicken were plentiful. They would come off the prairie to the
timber to sun themselves on the dead trees, and I could shoot two or three
of them before they would fly away.
In the summer of 1857 I heard of a colony that had settled up on In-
dian Creek, and heard they had started a town and named it Eureka, (I sup-
pose tliey thought they had found it), so I concluded one Sunday- morning
I would ride up and see the town, and get acquainted with some of the peo-
ple. I found the place and found that the town consisted of a hole in the
ground, (where they had been digging for water), and the people were
camped along the creek. I rode across the creek to where there was a log
cabin that a Mr. Fuqua had vacated, and I saw the people gathering
toward the cabin, so I rode up to it and a Mr. Spicer, (now of Geneva),
and Dr. Stone were sitting on a log talking, and I asked them if there
would be preaching there? They said no, it was to be Sabbath school.
I was wearing one of those two-.story hats I had brought from the states,
and they mistook me to be a preacher and asked me whether I was one. I
told them no, but that I was a lawyer, but only by name, so there I was at
my fir.st Sabbath school in Kansas. Before I forget I must tell you that
they afterwards changed the name of their town to Geneva.
The first sermon I heard preached in Kansas was at the residence of
Martin Brown, father of Samuel and Miss Ruth Brown, now of lola. It
36 ' HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
was on the farm now owned by Mrs. Robert Purdom. I have forgotten the
man's name now that preached, but he belonged to the colony that first
started Geneva.
Some years after my wife and I went to Neosho Falls to camp meeting
with an ox team and farm wagon, took a man along to take the oxen home,
and we camped in the wagon until the meeting was over. We had plenty
with us to eat and sometimes entertained the preachers. I don't know but
what we enjoyed the meetings about as well as though we had gone in the
finest style. I attended quarterly meeting at Leroy, and was there for the
9 o'clock love feast, traveling a distance of sixteen miles to get there. I
have farmed it through drought, flood and grasshoppers and hail-.storms,
peace and war, and bountiful crops and failures; it would take many pages
to tell it all, and I have been in many different states in the Union, and
have even lived in Missouri, where the pure air of Heaven is contaminated
with the fumes of whiskey; so that when I come over into Kansas, and the
cars glide along over the beautiful prairies, it always seems to me as soon as
I cross the State line, that I can smell the difference in the air we breathe.
And, when it comes to genuine comfort, there is no place I have ever been
where I would rather spend my remaining days or j^ears than lola, Kansas.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
^be lEencb anb Bar
When Kansas was admitted into the Union as a State on January 29,
186 I, Allen county became a part of the fourth judicial district and Solon
O. Thacher of Lawrence, became the judge of such district, and held the
courts therein until October 1864, when he resigned and D. P. Lowe of
Ft. Scott was appointed to fill the vacancy, but Judge Lowe never held a
term of court in Allen County. At the November election in 1864, D. M.
Valentine of Ottawa was elected to succeed Judge Lowe and took the office
as judge of the fourth judicial district on January 8, 1S65. Judge Valentine
held all the terms of the district court in Allen County during the years
1865 and 1866 — the several terms commencing as follows: May i, 1865,
October 30, 1865, April 30, 1866 and October 29, 1866. By an act of the
legislature which took effect March 4, 1867, Allen County was taken from
the fourth judicial district and placed in a new district then created and
numbered seven, and it still remains in the seventh judicial district.
The 7th judicial district, as first formed comprised the counties of
Anderson, Allen, Neosho, Labette, Woodson and Wilson. Hon. Wm.
Spriggs, of Garnett, Anderson county, was the first Judge of the new district.
He was appointed by Governor Crawford March 4, 1867, and held the office
until January 13, 1868. At the general election in November, 1867, Hon.
John R. Goodin, of Humboldt, Allen county, was elected for a regular term
of four years, and succeeded Judge Spriggs. Judge Goodin was re-elected
in 1 87 1, but in 1874 was elected to Congress and resigned the judgeship
February i, 1875. Shortly thereafter Hon. W. H. Talcott, of lola, Allen
county, was appointed by Governor Osborn, to fill the vacancy caused by
the resignation of Judge Goodin. At the general election in November,
1875, Judge Talcott was elected for the term of four years beginning on the
second Monday of January, 1875, and Honorable Peter Bell, of Woodson
county, was elected for the "short term", that is to say, the period inter-
vening between the election of 1875 and the official canvass of the vote, and
the beginning of the regular term on the second Monday of the following
January. JudgeTalcott was re-elected in 1879. At the general election in
1883, LeanderStillwell who then resided at Osage Mission (now St. Paul) in
Neosho Co., was elected Judge, and was re-elected in 1887, 1891, 1895 and
1899. Upon the completion of his present term Judge Stillwell will have
served twenty years on the bench of this district, a longer period of con-
secutive service in that capacity than stands to the credit of any other man
in the history of Kansas.
With scarcely an exception the judges of this district have been
men of character and ability. Among them all none has stood higher than
38 HISTORY OK AtLKN AHV
Judge D. M. Valeutiue, who was promoted from the district (a the Supreme
Bench upon which he served with great distinction for a full quarter of a
centur_v. Since his retirement from the bench, he has been in the active
practice of his profession as the head of one of the strongest law firms in
Topeka. Although far advanced in years his memory is unimpaired, and
the publishers of this history are glad to be able to include in this chapter
the following contribution from his still iacile pen;
3ui>cic Wa(eittine's IRecoUections.
The first term of the District Court which I held in Allen County was
held in Humboldt, which was then the county seat, in an old church, which
had previously and during the latter part of the war been occupied by Union
soldiers as barracks. At this term J. H. Campbell was the county attor-
ney; J. C. Redfield, sheriff; George A. Miller, clerk, and John Francis,
deputy sheriff and bailiff for the court. All the officers performed their du-
ties faithfully, and I have never seen a more faithful officer than John Fran-
cis. He was afterwards clerk of the District Court of Allen County, and
has since held several important offices, among which were the offices of
countj^ treasurer and state treasurer. There were present at that court the
following attorneys: J. H. Campbell, Eli Gilbert, Chas, P. Twiss, John R.
Goodin, Orlin Thurston, Xelson F. Acers, W. S. Newberry and Joseph
Bond, all residents of Allen County, the last three being admitted to prac-
tice during the term. Judge Lowe, of Fort Scott, G. W. Smith, of Law-
rence, and John G. Lindsay of Garnett also attended that term. All the
aforementioned attorneys generally attended the courts afterwards held in
Allen County, and also the following attorneys generally attended the sub-
sequent terms: H. W. Talcott and Mr. Sechrist, residents of Allen County.
Judge R. M. Ruggles, of Emporia, and Joel K. Goodin, of Ottawa, also at-
tended at least one term of the court in Allen County. Other attorneys may
also have attended whom I do not now remember.
Col. Thurston had previously been a state senator from Allen County ,
and Col. Twiss was then a state senator from that county. John R. Goodin
was afterwards judge of the Seventh Judicial District, including Allen
County, and was afterwards a member of congress. H. W. Talcott was
also later the judge of that district and county. Judge Lowe was after-
wards judge of the Sixth Judicial District, and afterwards a member of
congress. Nelson F. Acers was afterwards a United States collector of in-
ternal revenue for Kansas. Joseph Bond was also at that time editor of the
"Weekly Herald," a paper published at Humboldt. As above stated, the
first term of court which I held in Allen County, was held at Humboldt;
but the next three terms were held at lola, the county seat having been
removed from Humboldt to lola in the meantime. A grand jury was con-
vened and had a session during the first term, which grand jury found
and returned several indictments.
During the terms of the District Court which I held in Allen County,
many humorous incidents occurred. Among them a prosecution for illegal-
'WOD'DSON COrXTIES, KANSAS. 39
iy selling intoxicating liquor, was tried before a jury. The liquor sold was
beer, and the defense was that the beer sold was not an intoxicating liquor.
Evidence was introduced tending to show both that the beer was intoxicat-
ing and that it was not intoxicating. Judge Gilfjert was a witness in the
case and testified that he had purchased several bottles of the beer, under a
prescription from a physician, and had drunk the beer and that it did not in-
toxicate him. The law3-ers had considerable sport over this testimony, and
one of them suggested that it wa^ like the Dutchman, who said he could
drink fifty or sixty glasses of beer witliout becoming intoxicated, but he did
not know what effect it would have on a man if he should make a hog of
himself. Judge Gilbert was a very good speaker before a jurj-. In one
■case he and Judge Ruggles each made an argument before the jury and
while Judge Ruggles was an ex-judge of the Fifth Judicial District and an
eminent lawyer, yet some of the Iaw\-ers who heard the argument expressed
the opinion that Judge Gilbert made fully as good an argument as Judge
Ruggles, if not a better one. The lawyers also had considerable sport over
the manner in which Judge Gilbert talked to litigants who wished to em-
ploy him to make an argument before a jun,-. The law3^ers .stated that
Judge Gilbert informed tlie litigants that he would make just a common
speech to the jury for $25.00: that he would make a good speech for $50.00,
but if they wanted him to make one of his " hell-roarin" speeches, they
must pay him $100.00. Judge Gilbert had a few favorite phrases which he
liked to repeat to juries. One was, in illustrating the purity or honesty of
a person, or tlie reverse, he would say that he or she was or was not "As
pure as the icicle from the purest snow on Diana's temple," or would some-
times vary this by saying that he or she was or was not "As pure as the
purest snow on Alpine Heights." Col. Thurston also showed ability in
trying cases. In one of his cases, which was for a breach of promise of
marriage, in which he was for the plaintiff, and showed a great deal of feel-
ing, he tried it extraordinarily well, and made an excellent speech to the
jury. The jury found a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for $3,500 which,
under the circumstances, the defendant not being a wealthy man, was con-
sidered a liberal verdict. At one time while the District Court was in ses-
sion, a preliminary examination was had out of court before a justice of the
peace, in which the defendants were charged with murder in the first de-
gree. It was claimed that two or three persons had been guilty of stealing
horses in that community, and that some of the people of the community
had hanged them until they were dead. The persons charged with doing
the hanging were then charged with murder. Judge G. W. Smith de-
fended them. Among his suggestions was that the persons killed had, af-
,ter stealing the horses, been stricken with remorse and that they had
hanged themselves, but in reply to this, it was suggested that that was im-
possible for all the persons hanged had their hands tied behind them when
they were hanged. But Judge Smith replied, as he said a Dutch justice in
Pennsylvania, where he came from once replied, when it was suggested
that a person assaulted who had lost his nose in the encounter, had bitten
it off himself; and the other side suggested that that was impossible. But
40 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
the Dutch justice replied that nothing was impossible "mit Got." During
one of the terms of court which I held in Allen County, a person who was
admitted to the bar, furnished to the bench and bar an oyster supper with
the etceteras, and the bench and bar generally attended and seemed to en-
joy it and to have a good and jovial time. Many stories were told by mem-
bers of the bar, and judge John R. Goodin, who was a good singer, sang
some good songs; but, to the credit of the Allen County Bar, I will state
that no one of them appeared to become intoxicated. At the term of court
held at Humboldt, an indictment was found against George W. Stamps for
murder in the first degree. He was tried at that term and at the next
term for this offense, and the jury at each trial disagreed. The evidence
tended to show that he was a Union soldier, and during the war he had
killed a man in that county who claimed to be and was a rebel sympathizer,
and in those days it was difficult to obtain a verdict of guilty from any jury
under such circumstances. At the third term he pleaded guilty of man-
slaughter in the first degree and was sentenced to ten years imprisonment
in the penitentiary. He was then permitted to travel over the county to
obtain signers to a petition for his pardon. He obtained a very large num-
ber of signatures to his petition and carried it himself to the governor at
Topeka and obtained a pardon. He was never taken to the penitentiary.
During the terms of the District Court which I held in Allen County many
other humorous incidents occurred, which have now passed from my mem-
ory.
During those early times we had but few law books in Allen County.
We had the Kansas Statutes, including the session laws and the compiled
laws of 1862. We also had Swan's Pleadings and Precedents, Nash's
Pleadings and Practice, Chitty's Pleadings, Blackstone's Commentaries,
Kent's Commentaries, Parsons on Contracts, Greenleaf s Evidence, Whar-
ton's Criminal Law, Wharton's Precedents of Indictments and Pleas, and
a few others. We had very few of the reports of adjudicated cases. The
first volume of the Kansas Reports was not published until about the close
of the year 1864, and the succeeding volumes came later. The lawyers,
however, in those days discussed the questions which they presented to
the courts and juries, more upon general principles and the law as stated
in the text books, and less with regard to decisions as found in the reports
of adjudicated cases than they do now.
At that time, which was just at the close of the war of the rebellion,
there was a greater percentage of criminal cases, as compared with civil
cases than there is ilow; and the percentage of prosecutions for assaults
and batteries, assaults with intent to kill or injure, and for murder and
manslaughter, was also much greater then than now. With these ex-
ceptions the business of the Courts of Allen County in those days was ■
very similar to the business of the courts in that county at present.
D. M. Valentine.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS,
IbumbolDt lawgcrs iprior to 1880.
BY HON. L. W. KEPLINGER
In all that engaged public interest, or went to make up her early his-
tory, whether it were an incipent county seat contest, an election to vote
bonds to aid railroads or build machine shops, or a scheme to evade such
bonds already voted, the lawyers of Allen County were conspicuously at
the front. To preserve their names in history, and more especially to trans-
mit to future generations of Allen County lawyers the memory of their pre-
decessors who, during and prior to the seventies, drove angling across the
unfenced quarter sections, of which it was composed, to talk politics in
school houses, or try lawsuits before justices on the open prairie, is the ob-
ject of this article.
Strongly marked characters, full of ambition, for the most part of ex-
ceptional ability, schooled and moulded by the conditions which prevailed
during the civil war, if not actual participants in that great strife, the law-
yers of Allen County, during the period referred to, were a most interesting
iDody of men. No one who knew them will doubt that men like J. R.
Goodin, Orlin Thurston, J. Q. A. Porter, H. C. Whitney, G. P. Smith, J.
C. Murra)-, J. B. F. Cates and H. M. Burleigh, fall easily in the class of
those who, as congressmen and senators, or in other fields of effort, have at-
tained distinction.
The presence of the United States land office at Humboldt made that
point the chief center of attraction for lawyers who came to Allen County.
I was better acquainted with those who came there, and it is of the Hum-
boldt lawj^ers I shall now .speak.
Orlin Orlin Thurston, who came from Ohio about the year 1857,
Thurston, was the most forceful character of the group, and the one
most capable of influencing the community in which he lived,
had his disposition been somewhat different. He was at one time during
the war colonel of a regiment of State militia, which rendered efficient ser-
vice on the border during the summer and fall of 1861. He was of medium
height, strong physique and most resolute purpose, thoroughly practical and
little swayed by sentiment. He was a most excellent judge of men and af-
fairs, and never failed to impress others with confidence in his judgment
and sagacity. As a speaker, though not an orator, he was earnest, forcible
and impressive. He gave his attention largely to business affairs, outside
of law, and seldom appeared in court. He once represented his district in
the State senate, but his peculiarities of temperament and disposition debar-
red him from the high career for which his strong qualities so eminently
fitted him.
His general deportment was that of a person of distinction. All old
timers will remember the Colonel's stately going with driver and coach to
and from his river-bank home, atmosphered as it was with unsavory legend,
aristocratic and repellent.
Few men ever so little cared for, sought after, or received the general
good will of the public, especially in his later years. At the same time.
42 . HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
among those lie considered his friends, he was the most courteous, genial
and obliging of men. I am fulh persuaded some people thought ill of him
because they disliked him vasth' more than they disliked him because of
any evil there was in him. To a very great extent, at least, the trouble
was he was too much of the Corialanus type. If ever he broke a pledge,
or spoke the word that was not true, the writer who was closely connected
with him for years, is ignorant of the fact and he now VAts his hat to the
memory of his friend and former law partner, Colonel Orlin Thurston.
John R. Here was a remarkable man, equally at ease in the presence
GooDiN. of president or bootblack; good company for both and well inter-
ested in either. He was certainly the most companionable of
men. Few men, and no Kansan, ever had more of the elements of per-
sonal popularity. Referring to his engaging manner, a client who had just
come from paying him a fee, remarked in my hearing: " It just does me
good to pay that man money." He was neither a money-maker nor a
money-saver. Utterly incapable of close application; never a student; he
possessed to a remarkable degree the faculty of assimilating the researches
of others. He never read a book so long as he could find any one to talk
to, and this was always easy for so brilliant a conversationalist to do. At
the same time and without the slightest effort, with both tongue and pen he
framed most exquisiteh^ worded sentences. The chance remark of a juror
on one occasion called forth a half-dozen impromptu verses, which speedily
found their way through the eastern press. I noticed them in the editor's
drawer of Harper's Magazine some years later.
He was a man of consummate tact, clear head, sound judgment and
commanding presence. He specially excelled as a speaker. He did not
orate, he just talked. But such talk! Imagine a Wendell Phillips, and the
writer has heard Phillips, less learned, less cultured, more florid, in short
more western, more given to anecdote, abounding in familiar illustrations
and local reference, engaged in animated conversation with his audience,
with an occasional and sometimes a prolonged rise to the impassioned, and
you have Goodin, the orator.
Although a Democrat living in a district which was unanimously Re-
publican, he was kept on the bench term after term until elected to con-
gress in 1874, in a district in which his party was largely in the minority.
Failing of re-election he resume~d the practice of law at Humboldt. In the
later seventies he was a candidate for governor on the opposition ticket but
was unsuccessful. Judge Goodin was born at Tiffin, Ohio, December
14, 1836. He received his education at Kenton, Ohio, and came to Hum-
boldt in the spring of 1859. He remained at Humboldt until 1883 when he
removed to Wyandotte, now Kansas City, Kansas, where he remained in
the practice of law until his death, which occurred in December, 1885.
Eli Though not quite so early an arrival in Allen County, Eli
Gilbert. Gilbert came west so early his eastern origin didn't count at all.
He originated in Morgan County, Ohio, in 1821, and after-
wards came to the then frontier in Iowa, where he remained until 1859
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 43
when he came to Allen County. He, also was an orator, though not of the
Wendell Phillips type, and for several years, over a wide extent of territory,
his peculiar frontier oratory was largely a substitute for law libraries.
To a new-comer and prospective client who wished his services, not to
assist in the trial, but because of his reputed influence over juries, he thus
gravely gave rates. " For a few sensible remarks I charge $10.00; for a
speech $15.00; but one of my regular ' hell-roarers' will cost you $25.00."
It may be added, however, that whichever variety was coutracted for, it
was the last mentioned which was always forthcoming.
To the eternal envy of all future Allen County lawyers, let one inci-
<lent in Judge Gilbert's career be reserved from oblivion. The necessities of a
case required that the jury should be convinced the prosecuting witness
had bitten off his own ear. The Judge's eloquence rose to the occasion.
Verdict, "not guilty." He was kindly disposed toward all men, convivial,
full of jokes, stories and reminiscences, especially of a pergonal nature.
Shakespeare's most pleasing character, who was in some respects a feeble
imitator of the Judge, will never know how lonesome he has been all these
years until Eli Gilbert comes to swap auto-biographies with him in the land
of shade.
Judge Gilbert was at one time Probate Judge of Allen County. He
also represented his district one term in the legislature, where he voted ior
the right man for United States Senator and, as a consequence, received an
appointment as Receiver of the United States L,and Office, in the western
part of the state. He is now nearing his end at Lawrence, Kansas, and all
who ever knew him will wish him well.
John John Porter, who came from Ohio in 1867, had left
Q. A. Porter. Kansas about one year before I came. He was elected to
the legislature in 1868 and, at the close of his term, for
some mysterious reason, he never returned to Allen County. To this day,
however, tradition assigns him a foremost place among the young men of
promise and ambition who came to this country at the close of the war.
He returned to Cincinnati, where he still continued to practice at one bar
too many, which resulted in the usual wreck. In 1883 Porter came to
Kansas City proposing to locate there. Instead he went to Albuquerque,
New Mexico, where he was soon after found dead in the office of one of his
old time Humboldt fi'lends, then residing in that city.
J. B. F. Here was an innovation. All others named came from north of
Cates. the Mason and Dixon lyine, but J. B. F. Gates came from the moun-
tains of East Tennessee Having neglected to change politics
when he crossed the political equinox, he let politics alone when he came
to Kansas and gave his attention exclusively to law. He settled at Hum-
boldt in 1867 and remained there in the practice of his profession until 1878,
when he removed to Kansas City, Missouri, where he speedily took rank
among the foremost lawyers of that city. He continued in the practice
there until 1884, when for some reason, for which he has never been able
to give a satisfactory excuse, either to himself or his friends, he gypsied
44
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
away to Florida where he abandoned Greenleaf and Blackstoiie and be-
came the man with the hoe. After exchanging several thousand dollars
for a good stock of orange grove experience, he gravitated back to his first
love, Kansas, and the Seventh Judicial District. Settling temporarily in
Fredonia, he divided his time between Kansas and Oklahoma, after which
he came to Chanute, where he now resides within gunshot of old Allen, in
which he will eventually be found. Being neither dead or otherwise ab-
sent, but still on the ground, delicacy forbids that freedom of treatment,
the subject of this sketch would otherwise receive from his former associate,
law partner and admiring friend. However, this much shall be said,
though possibly not equal to some others in s )me respects, yet as an all-
round lawyer, both in intellectual acumen and legal learning and skill as
a practitioner, he easily stands the peer of any who came either before or
after. The writer freely accords him the honor of being the best lawyer and
worst penman in the whole group.
H. C. H. C. Whitney came to Humboldt at the close of the war.
Whitney. Of all the lawyers who came to Allen County Whitney was
the most ambitious and the writer, who was on close terms of
intimacy with him, is still of the opinion that in many respects his ability
justified his ambition.
Prior to the war a young attorney of one of the outlying counties in
EfiStern Hlinois. he was what might be termed a local partner of Lincoln.
He evidently had the confluence of Lincoln, and almost every biography of
Lincoln contains correspondence between them.
He was paymaster in the army during the civil war. At its close
he came to Kansas for the purpose of bec<jraing Congressman. Uni-
ted States Senator and afterwards President of the United States. He was
a man of phenomenal memory. The world is indebted to Mr. Whitney for
one of Lincoln's famous speeches, the one delivered at Bloomington, Illi-
nois, in 1856, which was reproduced by Whitney from longhand notes taken
by himself.
More than any man I ever knew, he was familiar with public affairs
and public men. There was scarcely a man of prominence in the North
during the Civil War whom he had not met and with whom he was not
actually acquainted. Once alter Thurston had returned from a trip East,
he made this criticism: "When Thurston goes East he never meets anybody
but hotel clerks and porters." It was never that way with Whitney.
Whitney's appearance and manner were far from being pleasing;, especially
to strangers. In this respect there was the strongest contrast between him
and Goodin. He was at one time in the State Senate but being unsuccess-
ful in politics he removed to Chicago about '75 or '76 and entered the practice
of law in that city with W. B. Scates former Chief Justice of Illinois. He
seemed to succeed exceptionally well for some years, but in the midst of a
divorce trial in which his client was one of the leading bankers of the city,
he was all but fatally wounded in the head by a pi.stol shot fired by the
opposing wife. It was years before he recovered and he never resumed his
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 45
practice. Though by no means an orator, he was an exceptional!)- fluent
and forcible speaker and writer. Since quitting the law practice he has
written a work on marriage and divorce. Also a most interesting life of
Lincoln of several hundred pages. He is now living somewhere in Massa-
chusetts.
Thom.\s L- BjTne was another of those striking characters whom to
Byrne. have known briefly was to remember for ever. Light com-
plected, flaxen haired, pale blue eyes, lithe as a cat, of most
nimble wit, one of the kind that could keep the table in a roar, and with
temper nimbler still. He came to Humboldt in 1868. I recall one incident
which characterizes the man. Driving up to lola in a hack Goodin and
■Gilbert were regaling later arrivals such as BjTne, Barber and myself with
stories of more primitive times. Finally Byrne broke in "Pshaw, that's
nothing. Do you see that hill over there?" pointing to the Dave Parsons
Hill south of Elm Creek whose demolition for cement purposes now
furnishes employment for hundreds of men, "When I first came to Allen
County that hill was nothing but a hole in ground."
Bj'rne was always prominent and quite active in all public affairs.
His family consisted of a wife, a mo.st estimable lady of culture and refine-
ment, and several children to all of whom he was devotedly attached. In
the spring of '71 without warning he dropped from sight and for no con-
ceivable reason, and from that day to this "What became of Byrne? " has
been a mystery which remains to be solved in generations to come by some
literary genius of Allen County who chooses to interweave in thrilling
romance the stirring scenes and picturesque characters of Allen County's
early days.
H. M. Here too was romance. The son of Matthew Hale Smith,
Burleigh, a writer of national distinction, he disliked the name for some
reason and changed Smith for Burleigh. Though rather
3'oung for the position he served during the war on the staff of some corps
commander, Burnside, I think, in the army of the Potomac with the rank
of Major. His appearance was striking, of medium height, spare and
straight, dark visaged, wicked twinkling black eyes, brisk, alert, with air
and bearing suggestive of dash, rattle of sword and scabbard and jingle of
spur, always neatly attired, in cold weather with a military cloak with the
cape jauntily thrown back to exhibit a trifle of its red flannel lining, such
was the appearance of the man.
One picture of Burleigh I shall never forget. An editor by an injudic-
ious application of an epithet to a newly arrived lawyer converted the writer
hereof into a prosecuting witness, and himself into a defendant, in a crim-
inal libel suit. Upon the trial Burleigh, who in addition to being Count)-
Attorney, was an excellent reader, for one solid hour read in evidence from
Dickens to a jury of Allen county farmers, and from that day to this no
Allen county editor has ever called an Allen county lawyer "Uriah Heap".
Burleigh was an accomplished gentleman, somewhat literarj^ much
above the average as a talker and ver)" fair as a lawj-er. Soon after the
46 - HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
incidentreferredto he went to Athol, Massachusetts, where he practiced law
for some years. Then came an interregnum of mysterious disappearance
coupled with piratical and sentimental romance. Afterwards he reappeared
and practiced law in Athol until a few years since when he was found dead
in his office.
G. P. Strongly touched with genius, versatile and visionary, active
Smith and energetic, fearless and tireless, audaciously aspiring and thirsty
for prominence and notoriety, of very exceptional ability as speaker
and writer, such was Colonel G. P. Smith. Probably no man was ever
more on the alert for an opportunity to rise and address his fellow citizens,
and few could do so on short notice with more credit. Lack of continuity,
both as to occupation and locality, was his most notable characteristic.
Ohio, Virginia, Eastern Illinois, Middle Illinois, Humboldt, Fredonia and
back to Ohio. Doctor, soldier, editor, lawyer and farmer, doctor and
farmer, editor, lawyer and always a politician, such was his history. His
career was strenuous, stormy and eventful. In '56 he was a leading spirit
in organizing a Fremont Club in Wheeling and during the fall of that year
he made an aggressive campaign in West Virginia. On one occasion an
attempt was made to lynch him but he was rescued by friends though not
until he had disabled sever.il of his assailants with his knife.
In '61 Lincoln appointed him collector of customs at Puget Sound, but
the outbreak of the war offered employment more to his liking and he
declined the appointment. Aide-de-camp on the staff of General Rosecrans
with rank of Captain, Major of the 69th and Colonel of the 129th Illinois,
such was his army career and in each of these positions his energy, force of
character and courage won for him distinction.
After the war he edited the Journal at Jacksonville, Illinois, for several
years. In 1869 he settled in Humboldt, Kansas, as lawyer and farmer.
Through the seventies he alternated in rapid succession between law, med-
icine, farming, editorial work and politics and in fact at times combined all
five. Though fond of mingling with people he was at the same time an
indefatigable student of general literature, political economy and kindred
subjects as well as philosophy. No hard day's work on the farm or in the
office was ever tiresome enough to send him to bed before midnight when
he had a good book to read, and he never read an inferior book. He held
it to be the most inexcusable waste of time to read a good book when one
better could be had. One of his poems entitled "The Gods and I are at
Strife", written in moments of depression after the death of an idolized and
only daughter and his phenomenally gifted son Byron, and after the
utter failure of all his plans, may still be seen occasionally in the newspapers.
His special excellence was as a campaign orator and as such he was
always in demand. In '64 together with Ingersoll then unknown to fame,
he campaigned over Northern Indiana. In '71 he represented his district
in the State Legislature. As candidate for State Auditor he canvassed the
State some years later but was on the wrong ticket. In about '85 he
returned to his starting point in Eastern Ohio where he soon after died.
WOODSON COt^NTIES, KANSAS. 47
L,. W. BDrii in Morgan county, Illinois, in August, 1841, raised
Kkplinger on a farm, entered the army in August 1861, present with
Company A of 32nd Illinois (of which John Berry of Erie
Kansas, was afterward Captain) at the capture of Fort Donelson and
wherever else the army of the Tennessee won glorv, including the march to
the sea and the grand review at Washington; mustered out in September
1865. He was a private until three days after the battle of Hatchie River,
then first Sergeant until January 1865, then Second Lieutenant until
mustered out. From the time of receiving his commission until mustered
out he was on staff duty as acting adjutant, or as aide-de-camp on the staff
of General W. W Belknap of the Iowa Brigade. He graduated at Wes-
leyan University at Bloomington, Illinois in 1868; then with Major J. W,
Powell's "exploring expedition" in Colorado; with Powell and W. N.
Byers, then editor of the Rocky Mountain News, and some others made
the first ascent of Long's Peak in August 1868, read law at Bloomington,
Illinois, admitted to bar in December 1869, had trunk packed for Kansas in
time to have been there before the close of '69 but was detained until a few
weeks later by sickness of a relative, was therefore constructively present
and one of the sixties, opened office in Humboldt early in 70, first in
partnership with G. P. Smith; then with Orlin Thurston; then with J. B.
F. Cates; from '83 in partnership with J. R. Goodin at Wyandotte, now
Kansas City, Kansas, until Goolin's death in '85, since that time and now
in practice with Hon. C. F. Hutchings at Kansas City, Kansas. He was in
the Legislature in 1877. Such is the history of the subject of this sketch.
Keplinger was as different from each one of those heretofore mentioned
as they were from each other. He was not convivial. He liked to be with
books rather than with people. He shunned rather than sought after
prominence. He had a horror of being called on to make a speech. He
regarded sentiment as of paramount consideration and he sought to make
up in earnestness and industry what was lacking in grace or eloquence.
He brought with him to Kansas an uncertain quantity of political aspira-
tion which however was hampered with the notion (which he still enter-
tains) that the office should seek the man. After years of waiting, a little
measly office that no one else in the party wanted, sought him. He was
permitted to write his own platform. He put in this plank "When bad
men secure nominations the mistakes of conventions should be corrected at
the polls." The rest of the ticket was elected and Keplinger was defeated.
But he had his revenge a few months later when the candidate on the State
ticket at whom that plank in the platform was especially hurled, became a
sudden inhabitant of South America But all the same the State never
recovered the bonds he ran oS with.
For all that, however, and though now a resident of Wyandotte
county, he accords Allen the foremost place in his affections and to her he
will assuredlv return when he dies.
48 , HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
E. A. Mr. Barber was born August, 1848, in Morgan County, Illinois.
Barber He remained on the farm upon which he was born until 1863
when his parents removed to Jacksonville where he graduated at
Illinois College in 1868, standing second in his class; he was admitted to the
bar in 1870 and in October of that year came to Humboldt where he at once
entered upon the practice of law with exceptional prospects of success, but
in 1875 he added banking to law, by going in business with B. H. Da>-ton
under the firm name of Dayton, Barber & Company, and soon thereafter he
organized a National Bank which wholly engrossed his attention. The general
financial disaster of 1893 numbered this bank among its victims, although
he continued the struggle until some years later. In 1896 he removed to
Springfield, Missouri, where he now resides.
GicoKGK A. Mr. Amos came to Humboldt in 1868 or 1869 and went
Amos into the lumber business. The extermination of private en-
terprise by consolidated capital which has since driven out
pretty much all lumber yards conducted by private individuals, influenced
Amos to enter the law. He was admitted to the bar in 1875 and continued
in the practice there until 18S9 when business connected with the settle-
ment of his father's estate caused him to remove to Springfield, Illinois,
where he remained until 1894. He then returned to Humboldt where he
still remains engaged in the practice. His ability and energy as a lawyer
soon gave him prominence at the bar and he was elected county attorney.
That was a time when it was thought to be the proper thing for county
attorneys to see to it that laws were enforced and Amos did see to it in such
fashion that Mrs. Nation would have had no occasion to visit Allen county.
Amos was chiefly responsible for one memorable event in Allen
county's history. Humboldt's zeal in behalf of the famous "East and
West road" outran her discretion. She not only voted but she also issued
the necessary bonds but she never got the road. When payment of the
bonds was demanded, to borrow the slang expression then current, which I
trust the severe taste of the future Allen county bar will excuse, she
"kicked". A city could be sued only by getting service on certain named
officers. By a judicious selection of persons who were about to leave the
State or the world, the municipal machinery was disintegrated beyond the
power of a Federal Court mandamus to ever put it together again. In this
way the city was placed and kept under cover for nearly twenty years and
until a favorable compromise was effected. Mr. Amos was chief conspira-
tor in the scheme.
W. J. Though hardly justified by his prominence at the bar, the
Larimer romantic incident which made him an Allen County lawer throw-
ing light as it does upon the vicissitues of life on the frontier
may excuse the insertion of Larimer's biography in a history of the Allen'
County bar.
The Larimer and Kelly families were among the early settlers in Allen
County. Shortly after the close of the war they in company with several
other families started in wagons for some point on the Pacific slope. While
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 49
in Wyoming Territory the train was attacked by the Sioux Indians.
Larimer was badly wounded but escaped by hiding in the brush. Kelly
was killed. Mrs. Larimer together with her young children also Mrs.
Kelly were captured.
Mrs. Larimer after being a prisoner about two days escaped. Mrs.
Kelly remained a captive until ransomed about five months later. After
her release she regained her friend? the Larimers. Some time later Mrs.
Larimer published a book as her own production and on her own account,
giving a full story of the occurrence which was largely made up of an ac-
count of Mrs Kelly's experiences while a captive. Thereupon Mrs. Kelly
came to Allen County, attached land belonging to the Larimers and
brought suit for damages, claiming that the manuscript was the joint pro-
duction and property of both herself and Mrs. Larimer and was to have
been published on joint account. This woman's quarrel became a matter
of general public interest and was prolonged in the courts for several years
with varying results until the costs equaled the value of the land attached,
when it was adjusted.
Larimer having nothing else to do during its progress read law and
was admitted to the bar. He soon after wandered off to the Black Hills
where he afterwards served a term or two as Probate Judge in one of the
leading counties, after which he resumed practice until his death which
occurred several years since.
William Henry Mr. Slavens was born in Putnam county, Indiana,
Slavens August, 1849, came to Kansas in 1869, began the prac-
tice of law at Neosho Falls, Woodson county, in 1870,
removed to Humboldt in 1876 where he remained until elected county
attorney in 1878 when he removed to lola. After the expiration of his
term, he returned to Yates Center. He removed to Kansas City, Kansas,
where he died in 1897.
Mr. Slavens possessed in a high degree many of the qualities necessary
for a successful lawyer. He was bright, genial atid likeable, and excep-
tionally influential with the jury. He represented Woodson county in the
Legislature in 1884 and 1886.
J. O. Mr. Fife was born near Plymouth, Ind., September 10, 1854, was
Fife raised on the farm, was educated at the Indiana State University,
came to Kansas in 1878 and began the practice of law at Humboldt
in September of that year. Mr. Fife's qualifications entitle him to a place
in the foremost rank of those who have been Allen county lawyers. He
speedily became prominent. In 1880 he was appointed county attorney to
fill a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Slavens. In the fall of
that year he was elected to the same position. In 1883 he removed to
Kansas City Kansas, where he at once established an extensive practice.
Though by no means wanting as a counsellor, his special excellence is as
a trial lawyer. Mr. Fife takes an active interest in politics and appears as
a prominent and influential factor in every congressional and State conven-
tion of his party. Since his removal to Wyandotte he has been County
50
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Attonie}- for one or two terms. Of late years he has been extensively in-
terested in mining operations in Colorado, and contrary to the general rule
his adventures in that line have been quite successful.
MiLFORD H. Mr. Donoho was born in Macon County, Tennessee, in
DoNOHO 1^44, came with his parents to McDonough County, Illi-
nois, in 1846, served three years in the 47th Illinois Infantry during the
Civil War. came to Allen County in 1868, was admitted to the bar in
1876. From 1881 to 1889 he practiced law and edited the Pilot at Bron-
son, Kansas. In 1889 he began the practice of law in Kansas City, Kansas.
Sterling integrity, sound judgment, strong common sense and an innate
love of justice coupled with a familiarity with the fundamental principles
of law are his striking characteristics. He is now filling his second term
as Judge of one of the city courts in Kansas City, Kansas, and has just
been re-nominated without opposition for a third term with certainty of
election.
©tbcr alien Counts attorncxje.
The publishers of this History regret that they have not been able to
command the services of so able a chronicler as Mr. Keplinger on behalf
of the attorneys who came here since Mr. Keplinger removed from the
county or who lived at lola during his residence at Humboldt and with
whom he did not feel sufficiently acquainted to include in his article. In
the absence of such an expert little more can be done than to set down here
the names of those who made for themselves a permanent place in the
records of the Allen County bar.
J.\MES C. Mr. Murray held a prominent place among lola lawyers
Murray for several years. He went from here to Missouri and is now
at Harrisonville, Arkansas.
C. M. Mr. Simpson practiced at the bar a comparatively short time,
Simpson but he holds a large place in the earlier history of lola for the
reason that he was for several years clerk of the district court
and afterwards for a number of years post-master, resigning the latter posi-
tion, chiefly on account of his health, to go to Pasadena, California, where
he now lives and where he has taken a prominent place at the bar and in
politics, having been twice elected to the Senate of the State.
J. H. Mr. Richards came to lola soon after the war as a young
Richards lawyer and would probably be willing to admit that he had a
hard fight of it for several years. When the Fort Scott Wich-
ita and Western railroad, (now a division of the Missouri Pacific), was
built through Allen County Mr. Richards, who had been active in securing
right of way and other concessions, was appointed its local attorney. His
work was so well done that he was soon advanced to the general attorney-
ship of the road, with headquarters at Fort Scott where he has ever since
made his home. While never holding or seeking political office, Mr.
Richards has taken an active interest in politics and is now recognized as a
strong factor in the Republican councils of the State.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 5 1
W. G. Mr. McDonald was perhaps one of the most ambitious
McDonald men who ever tried to practice law in lola. He was a man
of considerable natural ability, but his professional success
was hampered by lack of early training. He soon gave up the law and
after holding a subordinate office at the San Carlos Indian Agency in Ari-
zona for a time, returned and started a newspaper at Kiowa. When Okla-
homa was opened to settlement he "made the run" and located a claim in
"D" one of the far western counties. In Oklahoma he engaged actively
in politics and soon achieved a wide reputation for his radical and fearless
utterances and for the unusual and picturesque oratory which he de-
veloped. He was shot and killed one day on the road between his claim
and the neighboring town, by a man with whom he had quarreled. The
man gave himself up, admitted the shooting and claimed self-defense. As
there was no testimony to disprove this claim he was never punished. The
very general opinion was, however, that "McDonald of D," as he was
known all over Oklahoma, was waj'laid and shot in the back.
J. K. Mr. Boyd will be remembered by the old citizens of lola as a
Boyd little gray cheerful talkative man who seemed to have out lived his
ambitious and his energy and was simply waiting around "killing
time" with infinite good humor and patience. He rarely had a case in the
district court but he was for many years police judge or justice of the peace
and was much missed when he died.
R. H. Mr. Knight came here from Iowa in the early eighties and en-
Knight gaged at once in the practice as a partner of Oscar Foust. He
was a man of great energy and force and was considered es-
pecially strong as a criminal law3rer. He removed to Los Angeles, Cali-
fornia, some years ago, where he still resides, and where he has built up a
lucrative practice.
B. O. Mr. Davidson was first admitted to the bar here, but soon
Davidson removed to Hutchinson where he rapidly advanced well to-
ward the front rank. He afterwards located in St. Louis
where he now lives and is reported to be doing well.
A. C. Mr. Bogle came to lola first as stenographer for the district
Bogle court. He soon resigned that position, however, and engaged in
the practice of law. He was a shrewd, well schooled lawyer, a
most likeable man to his intimate friends, but with oddities of manner and
dress that did not promote his success in gaining clients. Mr. Bogle was
a southerner by birth and he never felt really at home in the North. After
a few years, therefore, he went to Macon, Mississippi, where he was when
last heard from by any of his lola friends.
J. H. Mr. Fisher came to Kansas from Pennsylvania and began his first
Fisher practice at lola. He was a man of tremendous energy and great
determination, and speedily took rank among the first of the
many bright young lawyers who were then practicing law in Allen County.
52 . HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Becoming dissatisfied with the narrow field that Tola offered at that time
he went to Chanute and later to Conneaut, Ohio, where he is now engaged
in the successful practice of his profession.
C. E. Mr. Benton also tried in lola his first lawsuit, coming here
Benton from Illinois. He was thoroughly devoted to his profession and
had perhaps the most distinctly legal mind of any of his associates
at the bar. He applied himself diligently and rose rapidly in his profession.
He formed a partnership with J. H. Richards and when the latter was ap-
pointed solicitor for the Fort Scott Wichita and Western railroad Mr.
Benton was appointed as his assistant and went with him to Fort Scott
where he has since made his home
A. C. Mr. Scott grew up in lola and after graduating from the Uni-
ScOTT varsity oi Kansas and from the Columbia Law School, Washing-
ton, D. C, he returned here and engaged in the practice of law in
partnership first with J. H. Richards and C. E. Benton, and afterwards with
Mr. Benton alone. He went to Oklahoma City when that Territory was
opened for settlement in 1889 and continued there the successful practice
of law. In 1898, failing health compelled him to relinquish the law and
he accepted an appointment as Professor of English Language and Literature
in the Agricultural and Mechanical College of the Territory of Oklahoma.
After one year in that position he was appointed President of the institu-
tion which place he has since filled.
John C. Mr. Gordon grew up in Osage township, Allen County, and
Gordon worked his way up to the practice of the law. He was a man
of splendid physique and considerable natural ability and he
soon acquired a good standing as a young law3^er of promise. He lacked
continuity, however, and after a few years at the law drifted into the news-
paper business for which he was not adapted. About 1890 he left Tola and
when last heard of by Allen County friends was teaching school in Illinois.
Nelson F. Mr. Acers was one of a number of unusually clever young
AcERS lawyers who came to Tola in the later sixties. Handsome,
delightfuUv companionable, a speaker of much more than
average ability, he easily took a place well toward the front rank which he
held as long as he chose to devote himself to his profession. He suc-
cumbed to the allurements of politics, however, and after making an un-
successful race for Congress as the candidate of the Democratic party, he
was appointed internal revenue collector. For a few years after retiring
from that office he devoted himself to mining enterprises. These failing to
return the rewards promised he returned to lola and engaged in the real
estate business which now occupies his time.
Henry W. Mr. Talcott came to lola from the army, slight of figure but
Talcott with rare dignity and courtesy and with a knowledge of law
that speedily sent him to the District bench and kept him
there for twelve years. Upon his retirement from the bench he followed
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 53
his old friends, C. M. Simpson and R. H. Knight to southern California
and is now engaged in the practice of his profession at San Diego.
A close scrutin}' of the court records of the past thirty years would
doubtless bring to light some names not mentioned in this rapid review,
but it is believed that the names of all who really made a place for them-
selves have found mention here.
To comment on those who are now acti\"ely engaged in the practice of
law in Allen County would seem to be hardly the province of history, and
hence the editors content themselves with placing on record the following
list of present day attornej-s taken from the current docket of the District
court:
Amos, G. A. Gard, G. R.
Atchison & Morrill. Gard & Gard.
Bennett & Morse. Goshorn, J. B.
Beatty, 1,. C. Hankins, W. C.
Baker, J. E. Jacoby, M. P.
Choguill, W. A. McClain, Baxter D.
Campbell & Goshorn. Ritter, Chris. S.
Cullison, R. E. Stover, T. S.
Conley, A. B. Thompson, J. F.
Clifford, B. E. Thompson, Harry.
Ewing & Savage. Tudor, H. M. M.
Foust, 0.scar & Son. Thrasher, Geo. C.
54 HISTORY OF ALLEN AWE»
Zbc Swcbisb Settlement
BY CARL A. REYNOLDS.
In 1 869 some Swedes in Illinois, following the tide of immigration
westward in search of cheap honies, were attracted toward Kansas b}- the
opening to settlement of the Osage Indian resen'ation which had been
ceded to the Government and subjected by it to pre-emption at $1.25 per
acre.
The original settlers were Peter Hawkinson and Swan Olson from
Farmersville, Illinois, who reached Allen County in October, 1S69. Feb-
ruary 8, 1870, Olof Nelson and son Charles, John B. and John H. John-
son emigrated from Knoxville, Illinois, and on March 12, 1870, they were
joined by W. S. Holmes and Nels Olson and families from Farmersville.
They brought with them little of this world's goods, but possessed un-
daunted courage, industry and frugality, and set themselves bravely to the
difficult task of building their homes in a new and undeveloped country.
But sorrow was in store, not only for these, but all other people who
had settled here, for the railroads had also seen that these lands were
beautiful and productive, and laid claim. Finally, in 1876, after a lawsuit
of national renown, the United States Supreme Court vested the title in
the Government. This decision was joyfully accepted by the settlers who
at once redoubled efforts for the improvement and beautification of their
homes.
In May, 1870, the first school house was built in what is now Dis-
trict 38.
Death invaded the settlement in October, 1870. This caused the loca-
tion of the Swedish cemetery, now one of the best kept and most beautiful
cemeteries in the country.
The settlers having all been reared in the Lutheran church, soon felt
the need of religious services and so a Sunday school was organized which
for social reasons, was held in rotation in the homes of the various families.
Early in the fall of 1870 the settlement was visited by Rev. Andreen of
the Augustana Synod, and later a catechrist or colporteur came regularly
and held religious services until February, 1872, when, by the arrival of
other settlers, the number had increased sufficiently to organize a congre-
gation. This was done by Rev. S. J. Osterberg, now deceased. A few
years after the organization a great number was added by those who came
from Moline and WoodhuU, Illinois. They built their first church in
1878, now used by the Free Mission Society, of which Rev. Alfred John-
son is the local pastor.
In 1898 the Lutheran congregation had so increased as to number 250
WOODSON COtlNTIES, KANSAS.
55
communicants and, including the baptized children, more than 45a So
it was very apparent that the.v should build a new and more conimodiou.s
church to accommodate this large and fast growing congregation.
The accompanying half-tone engraving is of the Swedish Lutheran
church. This handsome edifice was erected in iSgS and dedicated Mav
14, 1899. Its dimensions are 36x54 feet with an addition of 24x26 feet,
•and a steeple 65 feet high. The total cost of the church and all appurte-
nances will aggregate I3. 300.00 to say nothing of the gratuitous labor
which would have amounted to several hundred dollars. The furnishings
are fine. The bell, one of the largest and best in Kansas, was made in
St. Louis by the Henry Stuckstade Foundry. The architect was Olof Z.
Cervin, of Rock Island, Illinois. The builders were Huff Brothers of
Savonburg.
This church is three miles west of Savonburg, in the midst of the
Swedish settlement of East Cottage Grove and Elsmore townships. Rev.
O. Moren, the estimable pastor, is a highly educated gentleman and con-
tributes largely to the social, intellectual and moral life of this community.
The Swedish people composing the congregation are of the best type of
citizenship, honest, thrifty^ and provident.
56 HISTORY OF ALLEN- AND
^be 2)iscover^ anb Development of IRatuval (Bas
Natural gas has been known to exist in Kansas almost from the earli-
est white settlement of the State, small quantities of it having been found
in wells drilled before the war in Wyandotte county in search of oil. As
soon as the war was over prospecting for oil was continued in several of the
counties of the eastern border, and in many of the wells thus drilled small
quantities of gas were found.
Probably the most notable of these early gas wells was the one de-
veloped at lola in 1873 by the lola Mining Company, of which Nelson F.
Acers was president. This company had been organized to prospect for
coal, and so certain were they of finding it that they began at once sinking a
large shaft. The work on this shaft attracted the attention of some of the
officers of the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston railroad, (now the
Southern Kansas division of the Santa Fe), and they offered to^ bring to
lola a diamond drill outfit with which the railroad company had been pros-
pecting at different points along its line, and pay $500 of the expense of a
deep well. The offer was gladly accepted, and the work was begun in the
fall of 1872. At the depth of 190 feet a small flow of gas was struck. At
the depth of 622 feet the drill suddenly dropped eighteen inches, and
almost immediately the water which filled the space about the drill was
thrown high into the air and a volume of gas followed which became
lighted and did considerable damage before it could be subdued. The
drilling was continued until a depth of 736 feet was reached. This was
the limit of the apparatus in use, and the work was reluctantly abandoned.
If this chapter were a speculation on what might have been and not a
history of what has been, it would be interesting to try to conjecture what
the past twenty-five years would have witnessed if that drill had gone a
hundred feet deeper. But the work ceased and the drill was withdrawn.
And then a singular spectacle was witnessed. Following the drill there came
a great geyser of water, thrown many feet above the ground with a great
gurgling and hissing noise. Presently the flow ceased and all was quiet
for the space of a few seconds, and then the same phenomenon was re-
peated. And so for more than fourteen years at intervals of from fifteen to
forty-five seconds it continued to be repeated, and it was a remarkable and
very beautiful sight, particularly when the gas was set on fire and the
spraying water looked like a fountain of liquid flame. The fame of it
spread abroad, and as the waters were shown to have considerable medi-
cinal virtue "The Acers Mineral Well," as it soon came to be known,
attracted many visitors and became quite a resort. In 1885, however, the
Neosho river overflowed its banks and the Acers well was filled with sur-
WOODSOX COUNTIES, KANSAS. 57
face water, the weight of which was too much for the gas to lift and so the
flow ceased.
In i886 the discover}' of the great natural gas fiehis of Ohio and Indi-
ana and the remarkable growth of the towns of that region resulting there-
from attracted general attention all over the West, and the people of lola
recalled the Acers Mineral Well, and the long \ears that the gas which
issued from it had signalled to them of the riches below. And so a local
company, known as the lola Gas and Coal Company, of which J. W.
Coutant w.TS president, and H. L. Henderson secretary, was organized
with a capital of $50,000, for the purpose of prospecting for gas. A fran-
chise for supplying the city with gas for domestic and manufacturing pur-
poses was secured, and with $2,500 raised by an assessment of two per cent
on the capital stock, the work of drilling was begun. At the end of a year
the money had been spent with nothing to show for it but one or two wells
with a small flow of gas. Hope was still strong, however, and the local
feeling that gas might be found was such that $3,000 of city bonds were easily
voted to continue the prospecting. With this sum two or three more wells
were drilled, each of which developed a small quantity of gas, but in all
the wells together there was hardly a supply for fifty cook stoves. At this
juncture Mr. Joseph PauUin, then as now a conductor on the Southern
Kansas division of the Santa Fe railroad, and who had noted the prospect-
ing with much interest, associating with himself Mr. W. S. Pryor, an ex-
perienced deep well driller, appeared before the lola Coal and Gas Com-
pan)' and proposed to buj' its plant and franchise and continue the work.
The sale was made under the condition that the new tirm should drill at
least six wells unless a sufficient quantity of gas to supply the town with fuel
and light was sooner found. The work continued, but \-ery slowly, and it
was nearly five years before the six wells called for Ijy the contract had
been sunk. And the gross product of all these wells barely sufficed to
supply one hundred cook stoves. It looked discouraging. Messrs. Pryor
and Paullin were so firm in their faith that there was a big supply of gas
somewhere in the vicinity, however, that they determined to sink one more
well and sink it deep. In all the wells up to this date the gas had been
found at a depth of from 250 to 350 feet, and in no ca.se had the drill gone
deeper than 450 feet. It was determined that the next well should go
down a thousand feet if necessary before the long search was finally
abandoned. And this determination had its rew-ard. On Christmas day,
1893, at a depth of 850 feet the drill entered the long sought for "sand"
and the first natural gas well in Kansas of any real value was opened.
And so although the existence of natural gas in the State had been known
for nearly fort}' j'ears, Christmas day, 1893, may be remembered as the
date of the discovery of the Kansas natural gas field.
The fame of the new discovery spread rapidly, and in June, 1894, the
Palmer Oil and Gas Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, sent representatives to
lola, leased several thousand acres of land and proceeded at once to sink
a number of wells. In nearly all of these wells gas was found, the rock
pressure in each varying but slightly from 320 pounds, the volume ranging
58 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
from .^,000,000 to 14,000,000 cubic feet daily, and the depth at which the
"sand" was found varying from 810 to 996 feet. The success of the Pal-
mer Company attracted other investors, and within four years from the
date of the original discovery the field had been practically outlined in the
form of a parallelogram extending from lola eastward a distance of about
eight miles, with a width of about four miles. Within these limits gas is
regarded as a certainty, and the wells now drilled are supplying fuel for six
large zinc smelters, three brick plants, one Portland Cement plant, and num-
erous smaller industries, be sides furnishing heat and light for perhaps three
thousand private dwellings. Even with this enormous drain but an insignifi-
cant proportion of the gas which the field is capable of supplying is required.
It is perhaps not the province of this chapter to speculate upon the life ot the
field; but it may not be without interest to state that a single well near lola
has supplied all the fuel that has been required for a large smelter for more
than three years, and as yet shows no signs of exhaustion. At the rate at
which it is now being used it is the opinion of experts that the field will
not be exhausted during the life of this generation, and perhaps not for
sixty or seventy years.
.\ number of wells have been drilled in the vicinity of Humboldt and
gas enough has been found to supply the town with fuel and light for
domestic purposes and for manufacturing to a limited extent. Nearly all the
Humboldt wells have shown considerable oil and there seems good ground
for the opinion that a profitable oil field may some day be developed there.
As this chapter is going through the press Mr. J C. Noble is sinking
the first prospect well in Salem township, where he has leased several
hundred acres of land, and where he hopes to develop another paving gas
field.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
Cburcbcs an& Scbools
Among the pioneers of Allen County perhaps an unusual percentage
were educated, Christian people, and among the ver}- first of the things to
which they turned their attention after providing for the immediate neces-
sities of life was the organization of churches and schools. In nearly
every neighborhood there was a minister of the gospel who had followed
his parishoners from their old home, and "colporteurs" or missionaries of
the various churches were frequent visitors. And so it happened that al-
most from the beginning religious services of some kind were held at some
point in the county, at the home of one of the settlers or in the open air.
The first church regularly organized in the county was the Congre-
gational church at Geneva, which dates its existence from the summer of
185S. It has been in continuous and prosperous existence ever since that
date.
Probably the second organization was that of the Presbyterian church,
June 25, 1859. It also has had a long, useful and prosperous life, and is
now, as it has been for more than forty years, the center of the social as
well as the spiritual life of the community.
Other churches were organized as rapidly as the increase of the popu-
lation warranted. The Methodist Episcopal church has probably the
largest membership, followed closely by the Presbyterian and Baptist,
although most of the other prominent Protestant denominations are well
represented. The Roman Catholic church has but two organizations in
the county, one at Humboldt and one at lola, although a considerable
number of the communicants of the Piqua (Woodson county) church live
in this county.
As -in all new countries, the "Camp Meeting" was one of the most
important features of church work for the first twenty years of the County's
history. These meetings 'Were usually held in the summer or early
autumn. A large and well shaded grove on the banks of some stream,
where wood and water and the other necessities for comfortable camping
could be found, was selected, and there the people would come in covered
wagons or with tents, and spend two or three and soinetimes four weeks.
Three religious services were held each day and the degree of religious
fervor excited was often very great. These annual meetings were but the
earlier and cruder forerunner of the Chautauqua Assemblys which are now
held annually in many parts of the country', combining religious worship
and spiritual culture with rest, recreation and social enjoyment. Oc-
casional meetings are still held in the various groves of the County, but
the old-fashioned camp meeting, where a whole neighborhood, abandoning
6o HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
everything else except work of the most necessary character, came together
and remained for weeks at a time, is a tiling of the past.
Wherever the Christian religion has gained a foothold there it may be
counted as certain that the cause of education is firmly entrenched. The
pioneers of Allen County lost no time in organizing school districts, build-
ing school houses and employing teachers for the instruction of their
children. In The beginning, as must necessarily be the case where the
people are few in number and poor in purse, the school house was poor,
(altliough it was usually the best house in the neighborhood), and rudely
furnished, and the school term lasted but three or four months in the 3'ear.
But as fast as the ability of the people increased they improved their school
facilities and extended the length of the term. It may not be amiss here
to record that without doubt the best of the district schools maintained in the
County from the years 1867 to 1872 was that at Carlyle, taught b}- David
Smith. Professor Smith was an ex-college professor who had been driven
out of Tennessee during the war on account of his strong Union senti-
ments, and after a few 3'ears in Illinois had come to Kansas. He taught
first at the Academy at Geneva, and was then employed by the people of
Carlyle- on a contract requiring him to teach ten months each year for a
term of ten years at a salary of fifty dollars a month. It required a heavy
tax to meet this expense, for so high a salary and so long a school term
were unheard of in the County at that time. But the result was a remark-
able school, a school the curriculum of which ranged from the primer to
the higher mathematics, Latin and Greek, and in which a morality as
stern as that ever taught by the most rigid of the Puritans was daily incul-
cated. Having no patience with stupidity, stern to the verge of cruelty
sometimes in discipline, David Smith reverenced learning almost as he
reverenced his God, and there was nothing too much for him to do when
the result was to push a bright boy forward. Declining health and unfor-
tunate dissensions in the neighborhood compelled the cancellation of the
contract before the ten years for which it provided had expired. But those
who were pupils in that school during the few years while David Smith
ruled it with the authority of an absolute monarch, count the experience
now as a rare privilege.
While the common schools of the County gradually improved, there
was no attempt at grading them or bringing them up to a uniform standard
until the administration of Mr. Ed. T. Barber as County Superintendent of
Public Instruction. Mr. Barber had received at the State Normal a
thorough training in the most modern methods of teaching and school
organization. He was a young man of fine executive ability, of untiring
energy, of- attractive personality, and with an allconquering enthusiasm,
and upon his election in 1888 he entered at once upon the work of organiz-
ing the common schools, and grading them to a uniform course of study.
He introduced also the "grade privilege" which means so much to the
teachers. During the four 3'ears that he held the office of superintendent
Mr. Barber labored incessantly and with rare intelligence, and the result
WOODSON COrNTIES, KANSAS. 6l
■was a stimulus to the common schools of the County that is felt to this da_v.
Prior to Mr. Barber's administration, as the schools had not been
graded there had been no classes graduated. The pupils simply went until
they thought they had learned all the teacher could teach them or until
they got tired, and then quit. The first graduation from the common
schools of the County therefore took place in 1889. Since that time nine
hundred and fifty boys and girls have been graduated from these schools.
The course of study now includes a thorough training in orthography,
reading, writing, grammar, history, arithmetic, geography, physiology and
composition, so that the student who has successfull}' passed through the
common school is prepared to enter the high school, which in its turn
leads up to the freshman class of the University. Allen County as yet has
no county high school, but the place is to a large degree filled by the ex-
cellent schools of lola and Humboldt, the students from which are fully
prepared for the University,
The impetus given to the schools of the County by Superintendent
Barber has been re-inforced by the excellent administration of the present
incumbent, Mr. Grant Billbe. Mr. Billbe will be chiefly remembered as
the originator of the Annual School Exhibit and Contest, which he in-
augurated in 1900 and which was repeated in igoi and will doubtless be-
come a permanent feature of the school work.
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Zbe Criminal IRecorb.
The early as well as the later settlers of Allen County were for tlie
most part orderly and law abiding citizens, and in the forty-six years of its
history its records have been darkened by comparatively few crimes of so
shocking and unusual a nature as to attract general attention and interest.
The first tragedy to arouse public sentiment after the two or three
homicides growing out of early land troubles and already recorded, was
the lynching of E. G. Dalson which occurred on the night of June 27,
1870. Dalson lived in the south part of the County and was accused of the
murder of his adopted son. He was brought to lola and placed in jail.
t,ate in the night of the above named date three men appeared at the jail
and demanded admittance telling the sheriff that they had brought a
prisoner from Neosho county for safe keeping. Sheriff John Harris (still
living in lola), opened the door when a number of men crowded in and
demanded the key to Dalson's cell. This was refused The mob quickly
overpowered the sheriff, however, and the deputy who had come to his
assistance, and placing a rope around the prisoner's neck they led him
away. The next morning his body was found hanging in a deserted house
on the old townsite of Cofachique. It was reported that before being
hanged the old man had confessed the crime with which he was charged,
but said that it was not intentional. He said that he had occasion to
punish the boy and finding him hard to conquer had thrown him down
and placed his foot on his neck, with no thought of doing him serious in-
jury. On raising his foot he found the boy lifeless and fearing the
consequences of his act he had concealed the body where it was found.
Dalson had some friends and there was a good deal of indignation over
his summary execution. Efforts to ferret out the perpetrators of the lynch-
ing resulted in the arrest of R. T. Stephens, but he was released on bail
and it appears that he never came to trial.
As is stated eLsewhere the dispute over land titles in the eastern part
of the County, out of which grew the organization known as "The
League" resulted in a number of crimes of a more or less serious nature.
And the singular part of it is that the most serious of these crimes resulted
from disputes among the Eeaguers themselves. Perhaps the most noted
of these cases was the killing of James Harclerode and Robert McFarland
by Hugh, Isaac, Joseph and William Guilliland which occurred in
1884. All the parties concerned were members of the League. Har-
clerode and McFarland were building a house on land which the
Guillilands, father and sons, claimed. The latter went to where the two
former were at work to drive them away and the quarrel which ensued
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 63
resulted as above noted. The Guillilands were brought to trial and were
all convicted. Hugh Guillilaud and two of his sons were sent to the peni-
tentiary for life, and the third son was sentenced for three j-ears. After
serving a few years of their sentence all were pardoned and when last
heard from were living in one of the central counties of the State.
Shortly after the above occurrence one Columbus Carter, living in the
same neighborhood, quarreled with an old man by the name of Grisham
and in the fight which followed gouged out one of his eyes. A few da5-s
afterwards Carter was waylaid and shot. It was very naturally suspected
that a son of Grisham had done the deed, but no arrests were ever made.
On December 8, 1884, A. W. Ashcraft, a constable, attempted to
arrest one Voght, at Humboldt, on a warrant charging him with violation
of the liquor law. Voght resisted arrest and was killed. Ashcraft was
exonerated.
On November 23, 1885, J. W. Browning shot and killed A. A. Earle
in front of what is now the Hotel Thomson in lola. Earle lived at
Bronson where Browning had been selling organs. Earle charged Brown-
ing with the ruin of his daughter and forced him to come with him to lola
to be delivered over to the officers to stand trial for the crime. From the
lola depot they drove to the hotel in an omnibus. Earle got out first, and
as he did so Browning shot him twice, killing him instantly. Browning
was tried and acquitted, claiming self-defense. He immediately left the
State and has not since been heard of by any of his old associates.
On July 9, 1896, the body of Delia' Hutchison, a young girl, was
found in a pond some miles east of Humboldt, nude and shockingly
mutilated. Jacob S. Rogers, a farmer living near, was convicted of the
murder, the testimony showing that he was the father of the girl's
unborn child, the concealment of the lesser crime being the motive for the
perpetration of the greater one. Rogers was sentenced to a term of twenty-
one years in the penitentiary.
On July 4, 1898, Byron Cushman was shot and killed by J. W. Bell
at Humboldt. Both of the men were said to have been intoxicated. Bell
was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to the penitentiary for ten
years.
64 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
leiection IRcturns an^ ©tber Statistics
As has been already indicated in previous chapters of this work, the
early settlers of Allen county were very largely Free State men and there-
fore Republicans. The immigration of the years immediately following the
war, made up as it was to a very great extent of ex-Union soldiers, strength-
ened this sentiment, and it has persisted so strongly that Allen county has
been regarded as practically a safe Republican county through all its his-
tory. The Grange movement in 1874 resulted in the defeat of a few
Republican candidates for county office, but the "Reform" wave soon sub-
sided and the Republican party quickly regained its normal majority.
Even the Farmers' Alliance storm, which swept Kansas as a State into the
People's Party column in 1892 and kept it there for eight years, did not
shake Allen county from its Republican moorings, and it was one of the
very few Kansas counties that never returned a Populist majority. An
occasional opposition candidate has of course been elected from time to time,
even from the beginning, but such an event has always resulted from a
personal and not a party vote. •
The politics of Allen county has been maintained, happilj-, on a high
plane of honesty and decency. There has rarely been a campaign of bitter
personal vituperation, and there has never been a serious charge of flagrant
corruption of the ballot. The administration of the public affairs of the
county has also been free from scandal, no officer in the history of the county
having been called to account for the dishonest use of public funds com-
mitted to his care.
The publishers of this history are indebted to Mr. H. M. Miller, ex-
clerk of the District Court, for the election returns which follow, and to Mr.
Melvin Fronk, deputy county clerk for the other statistics. It is believed
that the election returns, showing as they do the name, date of election and
politics of every county officer since the adoption of the Wyandotte constitu-
tion, will be found of special interest and value. In the following table
names of Democrats are marked by an *, names of Populists by a t- Names
not thu,s marked are of Republicans.
alien CountB Election IRetunis
WYANDOTTE CONSTITUTION
Vote for -244 | AgiUnst i.W
H05IESTEAD CLAUSE
Vote for - -201 I Against.. IM
Representative ■2iiTH District— Jno. W. Scott, November, 1859.
FIRST ELECTION IN ALLEN COUNTY UNDEK THE CONSTITUTION DECEJiBER
6. 1859
GOV
Charles Robinson.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS, '65
LIE
J. P. Root - 1T5 I *JolinP. Slough- 134
SBCBETARY OP STATE
,1. W. Robinson... 175 I *A. P. Walker 133
TREASURER
Wm. Tholen 176 | *Kobert L. Pease... 135
ATJDITOB
G. S. Hillyer - 175 | *Joel K. Goodin -133
SnPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTIONS
Wm, R. Griffith ..175 I *J. S, MagilL. 135
CHIEF JUSTICE
Thos. Ewing 172 I *Jos. WiUiams 132
ASSOCIATE JUSTICE
S.A.Kingman (tour years) 174 | *S. A. Stinson - 135
L. D, Bailey (two years) 164 I 'R. B. MitcheU .135
ATTORNEY GENERAL
B. F. Simpson 1«5 1 *Orlin Thurston 141
CONGRESSMAN
M.F.Conway 175 I *J. A. Haldeman 135
DISTRICT JUDGE, FOURTH DISTRICT
S. O. Thacher 172 I *Jas. Christian... 136
SENATOR, TENTH DISTRICT
76
. Goodin 139
REPRESENTATIVE TENTH DLSTBICT
W. W. Lawrence 172
.Jacob Morrall i71
W. F. M. Arny 173
S. .1. Crawford.. 173
B. L. G. Stone 168
N.B.Blanton ..179
*Jno. M. Beck.
*.J.L. Arnold..
*A. R. Morton.
*J. M. Wilson..
*Samuel Ander
*P. Bowen
REPRESENTATIVE ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1860
General Election. December 6, l&'iD— Votes cast, 310
County Attorney ...S. A Ellis I Supt. of Instructions Merritt Moore
Register of Deeds 1. M.Perkins Surveyor A. G. Carpenter
County Clerk .1, H. .Signer | *Coroner Ohas. Fussman
Special Election, March 26, 1860— Votes cast for ticket, 607:
Votes cast locating county seat, 971
Probate Judge J. G. Rickard I Treasurer H. W. Signor
Sheriff J. C. Redfleld I Assessor H. Doran
General Election, November 1861— Votes cast, 209
County Attorney *S. A. Riggs I Supt. of Instructions Z. J. Wisner
Probate Judge J. E. Childs County Clerk. M. A. Simpson
Sheriff J. O. Redfield | District Clerk B. F. Pancoast
Surveyor A. G. Carpenter I Treasurer N. Hankins
Assessor A.Stewart Coroner.... J.A.Hart
Register of Deeds E. A. House I
NoVE.MBER, 1862— Votes cast, 369
Probate .Judge A. L. Dornburg | Surveyor W. W.Murray
Cierk District Court ..Wm. C. O'Brien Coroner S. K. J. Collins
Treasurer John Harris Assessor _. Enoch Bray
Supt. of Instructions Z. J. Wisner |
November, 1863— Votes cast, 314
Sheriff J. C. Redfield | Assessor... P.M. Power
■#
W.Tibbits 108 I *John Mesel ;""";II""".II" 1 f
REPRESENTATIVE ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1862
REPRESENTATIVE FIFTY-FOURTH DLSTRICT
W. J. Brown- 162 | *Jas. Faulkner 86
REPRESENTATIVE FIFTY-FIFTH DLSTRICT
H.Campbell ...48 | J. A. Christy 43
HISTORY OF ALLEX AND
•Clerk
er of Deeds
sionerlbtDist ..
ssioner 2Qd Dist .
-John Francis
--John Hai-ris
-I'has. BoUiud
\Vm Jones
H. D. Parsons
. B. Hitchcoels
-W. W. Murray
Ch.is. Fussman
-D. B. Stewart,
I CK
I Su
Sheriff
Clerk District Court -- -— John Francis
County Clerlt John Francis
Treasurer John Harris
Register of Deeds Chas. Boland
Assessor F. M. Power
L,. Dornburg | Supt. of Instruction .
November, ise?— Votes cast. 3ii8
F. Coleman | Coroner
Commis-sioner Ist Dist
Commissioner and I )ist .
r 3rd Dist
. M. Mattoon
I. D. Parsons
-Peter Lonj^'
Sheriff
Clerk District Cc
Probate Judge -
1st Dist -
■ 2Qd Dist .
■ 3rd Di-st.
-Z. J. Wisner
-J L Arnold
--Peter Liong
NoTEMBEB. 1866— Votes cast 586
Wm Y. Crow I Supt. of Instruction M.A.Simpson
John Francis I Surveyor G. DeWitt
— -A. L. Dornburg i County Attorney N. F. Acers
November, 1867— Votes cast 661
Sheriff John Harris , C .roner D. Horville
Treasurer John Francis I Surveyor G. DeWitt
County Clerk W. F. Waggoner
Register of Deeds G. .M. Brown
Assessor lohn Paxson
November isfi* -Vo'i^^ •■■I'^.t 896
ProbateJudge lohnP:)- : ■ ■; J. H. Vannu.v
Supt. of Instruction .- ---M. Sinii. . , .\itorney --.N. F. Acer
Clerk DisLrict Court John l-i n
NoVEMBDii, iv,;l \-,.l,- .M.st 735
Treasurer lohn Frarieis ; Coronur I C. Gilliha
Sheriff John Harris \ Surveyo
County Clerk W.F.Waggoner
Register of Deeds G. M Brown
Clerk District Court John Pmxs^^ii
■ 1st Dist Z.J Wisner
■■2nd Dist D. Horville
:■ :■■■! Dist PeivrLong
Sheriff
Treasurer
County Clerk
Register of Deedi
Coroner
---E C. Amsden
W. C. Thrasher
H. A Needham
R. B. Stevenson
--G. DeWitt
ner 1st Dist Paul Fisher
ner 2nd Dist Dan Horville
ner drd Dist A. W. Howhind
Treasure
on I County Attorney *J. C. Murray
on I Supt. of Instruction G DeWitt
1873— Votes cast 1389
F. Root
--- i'h Horville
.---A W. Howland
C Gilhhan |
November, 1872— Votes i
—John Pax5
-C. M. Simps
November.
W. C. Thrasher I coroner
County Clerk H. A Needham Commissioner Is
Sheriff- J. L. Woodin | Commissioner ■ir
Register of Deeds G. M. Bro^wn Commissioner 3r
surviyor . L. J.Rhoades I
November. 1874— Votes east 1325
Clerk DiNii-ici Cuun 0. .M.Simpson I Probate Judge—
*Supt. of Instruction J. E. Bryan Rept. 47th Dist--
»County Attorney J.H.Richards I Rept. 4Sth Dist.-
November, 1875— Votes cast 1205
Treasurer -J. B. Young 1 Commissioner Ist Dist M. Hawley
Sheriff J. !>. Woodin Commissioner 2nrt Di.st L H.Gorrell
County Clerk T. S. Stover I Commissioner 3rd Dist J. W. Christian
Register of Deeds G. M. Brown Rept. 47th Dist J. L. Arnold
Coroner C. GiUihan Rept. 48th Dist S. H. Stevens
Surveyor ---G. DeWitt |
November, 1876— Voles cast l.n63
Clerk District Court ---C. M. Simpson I Probate Judge W. G. Allison
Supt. of Instruction Frank Root | Rep. 52nd Dist ^J. L. Arnold
County Attorney-. ^-^ —
E. H
F. Ace
Blair
.Peter Bell I Eep. 53raDist L. W. Keplinger
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
Register of Deed-
Sheriff-
-Surveyor
tJlerk District Cou
Oounty Attorney.
SuDt. of Instructio
November, isr?— Votes cast 1258
- .]. B. Youn;; I Coroner
T. S Stover I Comraissioner Is
-C. UiUihan
-Peter Long
r. D. Sims
W. Christian
Wm Davis
-W. H. Slavens
Frank Root |
XOVEM-BER, 1879— Votes cast
Surveyor-
County Clerk T. S. Stover
Treasurer -W. H. McClure
Register of Deeds. .- Jesse Fast
Sheriff J. D. Sims
November. 1880
Rep. .i2nd Dist . -- R. B. Stevenson
Rep. 63rd Dist .(. W. Cox
Proliate.ludfce W. G. Allison
Clerk District Court Wm Davis
N.lVE-MBKB. ISSl
I'reasii.er W . H. MoClure
Con
Clerk District Com
<'ounly Attorney.-
Supt. of Instructioi
Treasurer
County Clerk
Sheriff
Kegister of DeedS-
.Probate .ludge . ..
Clerk District i\mrt
Supt. of Instiuciioi
Novembee. i8S2-Votes cast 22n5
A.C.Scott I Probate Judge
G.A.Amos Commissioner 2nd Dist-
' E. Henderson I
November, 1883— Votes cust 2S02
*H. H. Hayward I
R. W. Duffy !
-. *S. Riggs I
----J. P. Duncan |
November. 1^84—
W. G. Allison I
St 3193
attorney.
G. DeWitt
A. J. FultOB
A. J. McCarley
J. O. Fife
..-Frank Root
H. Lieurance
DeWitt
J Fulton
W. Moon
-F. Kelsey
v. J. Fulton
W. A. Ross
County Attorney.
Probate Judge
Clerk District Coui
I- i;, i,( Commissioner 2ad Dist-
P. Duno.in
EMBER, 1886— Votes cast 23gt
E. Denton | Supt. of Instruction <
Commissioner 3rd Dist
Jacoby I
November, 1887— Votes cast 2698
County Clerk R. W. Duffy I Coroner
Treasurer _Wm. Cunningham | Surveyor
Register of Deeds J. P. Duncan | Commissioner 1st Dist--
Sheriff- D. D. Britton |
November 1888— Votes cast 3332
Probate Judge .J. L. Arnold | Supt. of Instruction....
County Attorney H. A. Ewing I Commissioner 2nd Dist
Clerk District Court M. P. Jacoby |
November, 1889— Votes cast 2447
Treasui-er Wm Cunningham ; Coroner
County Clerk E. M. Eckley I Surveyor
Register of Deeds J. F. Nigh I Commissioner 3rd Dist.
Sheriff.. L. Hobart |
November, 1890— Votes oast 2909
Rep. 21st Dist- L. B Pearson | Clerk District Court
Probate Judge J. L. Arnold I Supt. ol Instruction
County Attorney.— H. A. Ewing | Commissioner 1st Dist..
November, 1891— Votes cast 272.')
County Clerk.
G. DeWitt
A. J. Fulton
.H. L. Henderson
...-A. J. Fulton
A. O. Christian
— C. C. Kelsey
H McDowell
G. DeWitt
----D. R. Inge
.--.M. P. Jacobs
...-E. T. Barber
.+Wm Braucher
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Commissioner 3nd Dist,
Croweli
Sheriff L. Hobart ]
Register of Deeds 1. F. Nigh |
November, 1892— Votes cast 3065
—L.B.Pearson | Supt o( Instruction H.H.Jones
J. L Arnold I County Attorney *A. H. Campbell
F.L.Travis | Commissioner 3rd Dist E. D. Lacey
November, 1893— Votes cast 2.i93
Rep. 19th Dist
Probate Judge -.
Clerk District Court.
Treasurer
County Clerk
Sheriff
Register of Deeds.
-O. C
3. M. Nelson
3. Wakefield
Ausherman
. C. Coffleld
Coroner
Surveyor
Commissioner 1st ]
;. A Brown
. G DeWitt
- N. L. Ard
Rep. 19th Dist.__
Probate Judge
County Attorney
Treasurer
County Clerk
Sneriff
Register of Deeds
Probate Judge
County Attorney
Clerk District Oourt.
NovEMBEB, 1894— Votes cast 29.i3
G. DeWitt i Clerk District Court F. L Travis
J.B.Smith I Supt. of Instruction H.H.Jones
--R.H.Bennett | Commissioner 2nd Dist J. M. McDonald
NOVEMBER 1895— Votes cast 2682
-M.L^ Decker I Coroner J. E. Jewell
'I Surve.vor L. P. Stover
I Commissioner 3rd Dist E. D, Lacey
November, 1896— Votes cast 3535
J. B Smith I Supt. of Instruction G. Billbe
.-.tC. S. Ritter Commissioner 1st Dist tjas. Lockhart
— -H. M. MUler |
NOVEMBER. 1897— Votes cast 3123
Treasurer M. L. Decker | Surveyor..
County Clerk C. A. Fronk I
Sheriff H. Hobart
Register of Deeds H. P. Fowler I
NovE.MBEB, 1898— Votes cast 3192
Clerk District Court H.M.Miller I Probate Judge .1. B.Smith
Supt. of Instruction G. Billbe Commissioner 1st Dist -- J. D. Christian
County Attorney G. R. Gard |
November, 1899— Votes cast 3393
Treasurer Frances Wilson | Surveyor G. DeWitt
County Clerk C. A. Fronk | Coroner P. D. Teas
Register of Deeds H. P. Fowler | Commissioner 1st Dist tJas. Lockhart
Sheriff — -H. Hobart |
November. 1900— Votes cast 482-1
Couutv Attorney * .7. F. Goshorn | Supt of Instruction tHattie Olmstead
C.Brewster ' "■ • ^.-^ ™ ^, „,-,.__
Wakefield
. C. C. Ausheri
I. C. Coffleld
Commissioner 3nd Dist-
. P. Stover
. E. Jewell
McDonald
Clerk District Court .
nissioner 1st Dist-
. Tobey
JUDGES WHO HAVE SERVED ALLEN COUNTY SINCE THE ADOPTION OF THE WYANDOTTE
CONSTITUTIONS
Solon O. Thacher-December 6, 1859 to 1S64 I Wm. Spriggs March to November, 1867
D. P. Lowe I »,Iohn R. Goodin November, 1867 to 1874
One Term of Court, October ,1864 I H, W. Talcott November, 1874 to 1884
D.M.Valentine Noveraber,1864 to 1867 I L. StillweU November, 1884 to
PODDSON COUNTIES, X-ANSAS. 69
©eneva
BY C. L. KNOWLTON
Geneva is situated in the north-west part of the count}', between Mar-
gin and Indian creeks. The location is one of much natural beauty, and
from its first settlement, the communitj' has been one of the most intelligent
and thrifty in the county.
The idea of establishing a colony in Kansas territory, which resulted
in the founding of Geneva, originated in St Johns, Michigan. Dr. Stone
and Merritt Moore were among the first to agitate the question there, and
Mr. Moore went to Java, New York, his former home, .where he aroused
quite an interest in the proposition.
In the spring of 1857, a committee composed of Dr. Stone and Merritt
Moore of St Johns, Michigan, and Deacon E. Fisk of Java, New York,
were sent to Kansas to select a location for the colon}-. After traveling over
a considerable portion of the then famous Neosho Valley, they selected the
site that is still the City of Geneva. Upon their return home and making
their report, J. H. Spicer, Geo. F. Wait, E. J. Brinkerhoff, J. M. Mattoon,
Frank Freidenberg and others from St. Johns, Michigan, left for Kansas.
This advance guard of the colony, traveling of course by wagons, stopped
on the bank of Indian creek and decided to call their town Eureka. After
further consideration, however, the present name was chosen.
During the following summer and fall, S. T. Jones, Dr. B, I. G. Stone,
A. P. Sain, J. C. Redfield, J. M. Mattoon, W. E. Holbrook, Geo. Esse, H.
R. Sommers, J. R. Stillwagon, P. P. Phillips, E. Fisk, Rev G. S. North-
rup, P. A. Holman, P. R. McClure, Chas. Vanwert, Geo. Stevens, W. P.
Samms, Mr. Demings, "Eawyer" Adams and the Stigenwalts arrived.
Among those who settled near Geneva but were not connected with the col-
ony were the Fuquas on the river south-west of the village, on the land now
owned by D. R. Inge and J. F. Fry, both now of Neosho Falls, Kansas.
Anderson Wray, located on Martin creek on the farm now owned by
D. L. Hutton. He came in the spring of 1855. His daughter, Mrs. Geo.
Hall, is still living in the township.
J. K. McQuigg and his brother "Bob" located on the south bank of
the river, on land now owned by Jacob Heath and part of Mr. Jones farm.
They came from Tennessee in the summer of 1855. J. K. McQuigg is still
a resident of Allen County, living now in lola.
A. C. Smith located on Martin creek. His sympathies were against
the Abolition Colonists, and as he had the reputation of backing his opinion
with his revolver, he was, a terror to the "Yankee Colonists." After the
fO HISTORY OF ALLEK AiVO
war he moved to Montana, where he studied law, and is still practicing his
profession, making a living b\' shooting off his mouth instead of his revolvers,
Jeremiah R. Sencenich settled on the farm east of jMartin creek, now
owned by Mrs. I^ura Leake. He serA^ed a-s second lieutenant in Company
D, 9th Kansas Volunteers, during the war.
C. L. Colman located a claim joining Geneva on the north-east. He
was captain of Company D, 9th Kansas, and made quite a reputation during
the war as leader of scouting parties.
Dennis Mortimer and his brother-in-law, Anthony Fitzpatrick, settled:
on farms south of the village, still occupied by their families.
During the winter of 185-; and 1859, Austin Carpenterand his brothers,
James and J. C.,came to the neighborhood. Austin moved to Johnson
County, Kansas, after the war, and has held quite a prominent place in the
politics of that county. J. C. went back to Pennsylvania, where he joined
the army , serving during the war, holding everj' office from a private to
colonel in his regiment. He is now state senator for the district south of
this. James' family still lives on the farm settled by him.
William Denney, who has owned and improved more farms than any
other man in Kansas, came about the same time.
A. W. Howland, who has retired from active business life, having by
hard knocks dug out a fortune from the soil he came near starving on, dur-
ing the first years of his residence here, was among the early settlers. His
brother, J. H. Howland, came with him. He still owns and lives on the
farm he first settled and is now exteivsively engaged in the poultry business.
Others of the early settlers whose names are readily recalled are G. M,
Brown, who was several terms Register of Deeds for the county and whose
death at an advanced age resulted from a railroad accident within a few
yards of his home in lola; his brother "Dick" Brown; Wm. A., Henry and
Robert Hyde; Henry Grimm and his uncle, Daniel Grimm, who came from
Nassau, Germany, and Wm. Noble, whose daughters, Mrs. James Hersh-
berger and Mrs. Oscar Myers, are now living in lola. Of the original set-
tlers J. H. Spicer, J. M. Mattoon, J. P. Dickey and George Esse are still
living in the village they helped to found.
Rev. S. G. Northrup wrote to his brother, L. L,. Ncrthrup, then en-
gaged in the manufacture of woolen goods at Thorntown, Indiana, trying
to get him interested in the colony, and with such effect that in the fall or
winter of 1857 L. L- Northrup and J. T. Dickey decided to visit the pro-
posed site of the colony and judge for themselves. Upon their arrival at
Kansas City they could not procure any kind of transportation so they
decided to walk, which they did, making the trip in about four days. While
here Mr. Northrup contracted to erect and operate a steam saw mill on con-
dition that the colonLsts should give him 160 acres of timber land and
should furnish him all the sawing he could do at $15 per thousand, the
first manufacturing enterprise in the county to be given a bonus. The mill
was erected according to contract on the banks of Indian creek, on the land
now owned by C. N. Spencer. At the same time Mr. Northrup brought in
a stock of general merchandise, the largest stock then in southern Kansas.
■\^'OODSON COVNTIES, KANSAS. 71
He continued to operate both mill and store until 1862, when he sold his
mill to Goss & Clarke of Neosho Falls. He then moved to Tola and started
another store, his brother Gilbert taking charge of the store here. After-
wards L. L. Northrup formed a partnership with J. M. Evans, (father of
the Evans Brothers, of lola.) who managed the store until Mr. Evans'
death, which occurred in 1870.
It had been the intention of the founders of the colony to establish a
large non-sectarian college and academy. Elaborate plans had been drawn
and part of their Professors were among the early colonists. Not one-fourth
of the three hundred families that were expected came, however. The
•college was never built, yet notwithstanding drouth and famine in i860,
and the ravages of war from 1S61 to 1S65, the original idea was so far
adhered to that the colonists never lost an opportunity of securing subscrip-
tion to build some kind ot an educational institution. They worked until
they procured notes and cash to the amount of $2000.00 and the town com-
pany donated t6o acres of Geneva town lots. In 1866 the Academy Board
purchased a building then used for hotel purposes, and employed David
Smith to run the institution. He proved to be one of the ablest instructors
ever in Allen county, but on account of differences about the management
of the institution he resigned and moved to Carlyle, where he taught until
his death. In 1867 J. M. Evans contracted with the Academy Board to
erect the building according to their plans, taking for his compensation
what cash and notes they hid, the building bought by them for temporary
school purposes and about eighty acres of their town lots. Just prior to
making this contract the Academy Board deeded the ground upon which
the Academy is erected to the Presbyterian church, from the erection fund
of which they borrowed $500, with the understanding that the building
was to be leased to the Academy Board for ninty-nine years for educational
purposes. The building was completed during the summer of 1867, and it
■was generally understood that Mr. Evans had to go deep down into his own
pocket to finish his part of the contract. The Board employed Rev. S. M.
Trwin to take charge of the school commencing September 1867. His man-
agement was very successful for a number of years. H. L- Henderson with
Miss Jennie Pickell (now Mrs. Dr. Fulton, of lola) as assistant, then taught
for one year, and were followed by a Mr. Rhoades and Professors Thomp-
son and Robertson who each taught one year. Then as an Academy it was
heard ot no more. The building is still owned by the Presbyterian church
and used by them for church purposes. Rev. S. M. Irwin is still their pas-
tor, he having preached for them for more than thirty-four years.
The original colonists were mostly Congregationalists. The first year
after making their settlement, they erected a frame church building on the
land just west of the townsite. Rev. Gilbert Northrup was their first pas-
tor. Mr. Northrup was one of the most energetic workers of the colony
■and it was principally by his work that funds for the erection of the Acad-
emy building were procured, he having donated $500 towards that object.
He also took the lead in raising funds to build the Congregational church.
.Mr. Northrup was succeeded as pastor by Rev. Henry Jones, who preached
72 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
until 1867. In 1866 the church erected a substantial stone edifice. J. P,
Dickey was "boss" carpenter and Mr. Upton laid the stone, tended by his
son Joe Upton, the same J. B. Upton who was a prominent candidate for
the nomination of Governor of Missouri four years ago.
After Rev. Jones' pastorate. Rev. Calvin Gray preached for several
years, then Revs. Reid, Norris, Tenney, Morse, McGinnis and Francis re-
spectively, labored for the success of the church. Rev. Fred Gray is the
present pastor.
A postofSce was established in 1857 with Dr. Stone as postmaster and
J. M. Mattoon as assistant. Dr. Stone held the commission for two years
after which Mr. Mattoon was appointed, which appointment he held for
nearly forty years. During most of the time he served also as Justice of the
Peace and was for many years County Commissioner. During Harrison's
administration Postmaster General Wanamaker wrote to Mr. Mattoon stat-
ing that he was one of four of the oldest postmasters in continuous service
in the United States and requesting him to send his photograph and sa}-ing
he would be pleased to have him make any suggestion that would be for
the good of the Postal service. In reply the postmaster stated that he did
not know of anything to suggest unless there could be some way to raise the
salaries of the fourth class postmasters. After serving his countr3' for forty
years, at an average salary of about $100 a year, it was not strange that he
thought .some plan ought to be found to increase their pay.
There was at first considerable controversy over claims and some vio-
lence almost approaching rioting occurred. One of these took place when
the Fuqua crowd met the colony to settle rival claims of George Esse and
L,en Fuqua to the land now owned by Geo. Lynn. Fuqua used his rifle as
a club and Mr. Esse's head still aches when he thinks of the blow he got
that day. J. E. Redfield also came in contact with this same gun barrel
and for awhile it was thought he had received his death blow. Another
affray that came near ending fatally was when A. C. Smith got it into his
head that Anderson Wray had wronged him. Smith owned the claims
now owned by J. D. Sims, Wray owned the claims south of him and had
gone to Ft. Scott for the purpose of entering his claim. Smith heard that
he had also entered his. Just at sundown Smith saddled his mule, took
his revolver and started to Ft. Scott. Next morning just at sun up. Smith
rode into a camp near Turkey creek in Bourbon county and finding that
Wray was with them he went into the tent where Wray was and shot him
through the thigh before any of the bystanders could interfere.
Dr. Stone was the first physician to locate here. He practiced until
about the beginning of the war. After him Dr. Southard practiced for
some years and then returned to LeRoy, Kansas. In 1866 Dr. J. F.
Knowlton came and practiced until his death in 1882. Since then Doctors
Ganze, Campbell and Wilkins practiced here until they were called to take
a higher seat in their profession.
After J. M. Evans' death, T. L Elliot traded for the stock of goods
owned by L L- Northrup and the Evans estate and did a good business
until 1882 when he moved to Colony. Since Elliot's removal, C. L. Knowl-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 7.-^
Ion has been in the general merchandise business at the same old stand.
D. D. Spicer has a good stock of hardware, and has succeeded to the post-
mastership which his friends wish he may continue to hold as long as did
Mr. Mattoon.
J. D. Leavitt has a grocery and feed store and is apparently doing well.
R. B. Warner is ringing the old blacksmith shop that was built in i860
by P. R. McClure.
Geo. Esse runs the hotel which he built with the expectation of mak-
ing his fortune boarding college students.
While the extravagant expectations indulged by the founders of Ge-
neva have not been realized, yet the village has been what they intended
first of all it should be, and that is a moral, law-abiding, God-fearing town,
"a good place to live in."
Ilola
(Acksowledgement is tti-aietully uKide to Mr W, A. Co\v;in for all that p trt of the followii e
sketch reUling to the eui-ly history of lola. Kdhdhsi
In the fall of 1858 the settlers on the Neosho River finding that on
account of inability to get good well water, the town of Cofachique would
prove a failure and believing that the county seat of Allen County should
be as near as practicable in the center of the county decided to locate a new
town which should have as many advantages and as few disadvantages as
possible. Accordingly in January 1S59 a meeting of all those in favor of
the new enterprise was called, the meeting being held at the residence of
J. C. Clark near the mouth of Deer Creek. John W. Scott was elected
president of the new town company, John Hamilton vice- president, J. M.
Perkins Secretary, James McDonald treasurer, A G. Carpenter, B. I. G.
Stone and H. D. Parsons, directors.
Among those present at this meeting besides those above named were
Wm. C. Keith, W. H. Cochran, J. C. Redfield. Daniel Horville, J. C.
Clark, Simon Camerer, J. F. Colborn, L. E. Rhodes, James Faulkner, Eli
Lorance, W. M. Brown, Nimrod Hankins, W. F. Brocks, John A. Hart,
J. T. Cornell, Carlyle Faulkner, J. M. Faulkner, J. B. Lampkin, M. A.
Simpson, J. C. Parsons, Rufus Perkins, H. D. Parsons, Wm. Lewis and
Aaron Case.
Two quarter sections north of Elm creek and east of the Neosho river
owned by J. F. Colborn and W. H. Cochran were selected and A. G. Carpen-
74
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
ter, a brother of Honorable J. C. Carpenter, now of Channte, was appointed
surveyor.
"lola" the Christian name of Mrs. J. F. Colborn was chosen as the
name of the future town, The land was surveyed and the new townsite like
many Kansas enterprises was on a broad g-iuge. Four blocks were set
aside as a public park on which the future Court House was to be erected ,
avenues loo feet wide surround it. The stock in the company was
divided into fifty shares and each shareholder was to get twenty lots but he
was not to get a deed to any until he had put up $300 worth of impr jve-
ments. This was to prevent men from securing control of a great number
of lots and holding them for speculative purposes without contributing to
the support of the town. A block was set aside for school purposes, two
lots at the south-west corner of the park were reserved for a hotel, others
for churches, a college, and to secure the location of the United States land
office. One hundred lots were donated to the county to "permanently locate
the county seat at lola," other lots were offered to any one who would
build on them.
The first house to be erected in town was built by Bolivar Buckner
Bayne, a relative of Gens Bolivar and Buckner of Kentucky. This was a
log house which disappeared several years ago but the frame addition to
which yet stands on South Washington avenue and is now occupied by
Mr. Chase as a restaurant. It was bought by J. M. Cowan in July,
i860, and still remains in the family.
The first frame house was built by J. F. Colborn and became the birth-
place of the first lola baby. Miss Luella Colborn, now Mrs. W. P. North-
rup, of Wallace, Idaho.
In i860 James Faulkner and Aaron Case moved their stoies from
Cofachique to lola. Both were small general stores. B. B. Bayne opened
a dry goods and notion store and J. M. Cowan a grocery store. In the
winter of i860 and '61 Messrs Howell & Brewster opened a general store.
Soon afterwards L,. h. Northrup moved to lola from Geneva. E. A. Howes
also opened a small stock of notions and in the fall of i860 Dan Horville
opened a stock of clothing. Later Drs. Gillihan and Packard emptied
their medicine cases together and the result was the first drug store.
This passed to Gillihan & Cowan (S. J. Cowan) then to J. M. Cowan &
Son, then to S. Ridenour & Co. then to John Francis, then to John W. Scott,
then to Campbell & Burrell.
Of all the first business enterprises but one, Northrup Bros, survives,
the others having wound up business and quit.
It is a remarkable fact that for over thirty years there was not a busi-
ness failure in lola, and it well illustrates the kind of men that have made
the city what it is now.
The first bank was started by the leading men of the King Bridge
Company but retired when the Bridge Company died.
The' second bank was started in 1869 by L. L. Northrup, first by simply
receiving and taking care of the money of his friends and selling his perso-
nal checks against his deposits in New York. The business however soon
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 75
became large enough to justify a separate establishmt-nt and "The Banking
House of L. L. Northrup" was opened in the small brick building on the
west side of the public square where it remained until destroyed recently
to make room for the Masonic Temple when the name was changed to the
"Northrup National Bank" and the business moved to the new National
Bank building.
L. L. Northrup, now deceased, was a man of large means when he
located in lola and to this he added very largely during the civil war by
the great advance in price of goods so that at the time he entered the bank-
ing business he was perhaps the wealthiest man in this part of Kansas. A
hard worker, he gave personal attention to every detail of his business with
such faithfulness that he generally wrung success from e\erything he
undertook, and so it was that he had the perfect confidence of all with whom
he did business and when the financial crash of 1873 came he kep this bank
open and met all deuiiuds. It is believed that but two other banks in the
State braved this storm and b')th of them have since failed.
The first real estate office was opened by Geo. A. Bowlus in 1868. To
this he added fire insurance and finally in 1885 he established The Bank
of Allen County of which he is still president and manager.
The first blacksmith shop was started by J. F. Colborn. The first
wagon shop by Geo. J. Eldridge. The first hotel by Mrs. Ross. The first
grist mill D. R. Harvey, saw mill Wood & Means and a Mr. Jay, Furnit-
ure and undertaking Joe Culbertson, bakery W. H. Richards, tin shop
J. J. Casmire who later added a stock of Haidware.
In 1S60 Miss E. G. Hancock opened a private school in her own buikl-
ing near where the Star Livery barn now stands.
The first public school was taught by Miss Hester Walters a sister of
John Walters, in the building at the corner of West and State streets. In
this building was also held the first term of the District Court after the
removal of the county seat to lola. It was also used for some time as a
meeting place for the Presbyterian church.
Soon after the building of the L., L,. & G. railroad through lola a
company was organized to prospect for coal and a diamond drill was hired
and the "Acers Well" drilled, the L., L. & G. railroad paying half the ex-
pense.
Next the King Bridge Company located a branch of their works in the
building now used by the Lanyon Zinc Company. The town voted bonds
to the amount of $50,000 to secure the location of the works. A few bridges
were built in the time the shops were in operation, the largest being the one
across the Kansas river at Kansas City, Kansas. The company soon found
the business a failure and moved to Topeka. lola then refused to pay the
$50,000 bonds and suit was brought to collect them, the case going to the
Supreme Court of the United States, where the town was successful. The
bonds however are still outstanding and there are occasional inquiries about
them.
The next enterprise was a large grist mill which was begun in what is
now Gear's addition. The contract was let and the building finished to
76 HISTORY OF ALLEN ANM
the second story. Then the promoter started to his old home for his moiie\-
and never returned, it being supposed that he was murdered by the Bend-
ers. The stone work was afterward torn down and the window sills were
used in the Northrup and Cowan buildings on Washington avenue.
In 1887 the lola Carriage and Omnibus Company secured the old King
Bridge shops, raised it to two stories and began the manufacture of carriages
on a large scale, but the business proving a failure was wound up and in
1896 the buildings were leased to Robert and William Lan^-on for smelting
works.
The effort to build up a town cost its promoters many thousand dollars.
Allen County accepted the one hundred lots which were sold and the money
was used to pay- for a building for use as a court house.
The public square was originally intended for the court house but the
county being slow about using it for that purpose a plan was started to cut
it up into lots and sell them to pay the King Bridge Company bonds. In
1872 an act was passed by the legislature authorizing the sale. The board
of county commissioners met and relinquished all the county's rights; the
city council did the same in behalf of the city. The owners of property
facing the square agreed to quit claim any interest thej- might have, and
finally the lola Town Company authorized its president to deed the prop-
erty to John Francis, Daniel Horville and Geo. A. Bowlus, trustees, to sell
the same and pay off the bonds. By this time, however, the Bridge Com-
pany began to move and it was decided to contest the validity of the bonds
in the courts rather than pay them, and so the whole plan was abandoned
and the property returned to where it was before.
"The Schemes That Failed" would be an appropriate title for a chap-
ter which should attempt to give in detail the industrial history of lola from
1887, — or indeed from the beginning for the matter of that, — to 1896.
Ambitious and energetic, the business men of the town, from the very day
of its founding, were always casting about for the establishment of some
enterprise that might furnish employment to labor and thereby bring lola
a greater support than that afforded by the country trade. Some of ihe
more notable of these, — the prospecting for coal, the location of the Bridge
Company, the establishment of a Carriage Factory, — have already been
noted. Innumerable smaller enterprises were undertaken from time to
time, pushed with all possible zeal as long as there was any thing to push,
only to be abandoned at last. . To set out in detail all these undertakings,
if not an impossible task, would still be a tedious and profitless one Let
it sufRce to say that at the end of thirty-five years of almost incessant effort
lola remained what it had been from the beginning, a country village,
a fairly good trading point but nothing more. The census of 1895 showed
a population of 1565, and the most sanguine among all her citizens would
not have dared to predict that" he would live to see that number doubled.
But with the discovery of natural gas, — the story of which is told in
detail in another chapter, — all that was changed. Almost immediately the
attention of men with large capital was attracted by the splendid opportunity
which this discovery opened for investment in maiuifacturing enterprises.
WOODSON COUXTIES, KANSAS. 77
and troin that day to this the growth of lola has been rapid and continuous,
until it now stands well up toward the head of the list of Kansas cities in
wealth and population.
The first of the great industries to enter the field was the Robert
Lanyon's Sons' Spelter Company. Robert and William Lanyon, brothers,
constituted this firm, and in i8'-_,6 they completed the first zinc smelter ever
erected in Allen County. They were followed a year later by W. & J.
Lanyon, who also built a zinc smelter. (Both these firms afterwards sold
all their interests to the Lanyon Zinc Company which has since operated
and largely e.\tended their properties.) Following them, in rapid succes-
sion, came the loia Brick Company, the lola manufacturing Company (now
The lola Wotks of the Pittsburg Foundr\- and Machine Companx', and the
lola Planing Mill Company), the Geo. E. Nicholson smelter, the Star
Brick Company and the lola Portland Cement Company. As this chapter
is written T!ie Standard Acid Company (William Lanyon) is erecting a
large Sulphuric Acid plant, and the Lanyon Zinc Company is preparing to
build a Sulphuric Acid plant and Zinc Rolling Mills. What the establish-
ment of these industries has meant to Ida may be seen by reference to the
statistics of wealth and population appended to this chapter. It has meant
in brief that lola is no longer a country village but a flourishing city, des-
tined to be, if not alre-idy, the manufacturing metropolis of Kansas.
Responding to the needs of the increased population, in 1900 the city
voted $80,000 in bjnds for the erection of water-works and an electric light
plant. These were completed April i, 1901, and are now in successful
operation.
The educational interests of lola have been from the beginning gener-
ously advanced and good schools have always been maintained. The
present High School has for years carried a course of study that prepares
its students for the F'reshman class at the State University. It is well
supported l)y three splendid ward schools, the four buildings having been
erected at a cost of $80,000. Thirty-one teachers are employed and the
enrollment for the current year reached the total of 1705 pupils. In addi-
tion to the public schools, the lola Business College, established in 1899 by
the Fesler Brothers, is in successful operation.
ist Baptist The first church to be regularly organized in Ida was the
Church Finst Baptist church which was organized in the summer of
i860 at the residence of Joseph Culbertson by Rev. Harris
and Rev. Sands. Rev. H. K. Stimson, State Missionary supplied the pulpit
at intervals for •some time but the members finally disbanded and the rec-
ords were lost. In November 1S69 Rev. A. Hitchcock of Humboldt and Rev.
L. D. Walker of Fort Scott reorganized the church with a membership of
thirteen. Rev. A. Hitchcock was called to the pastorate and filled the place
for three months after which the church was without a pastor until July
1871 when Rev. M. D. Gage of Junction city came here and reorganized
the church under a state charter with twenty members. He remained with
the church as pastor until April 1873. During the year 1S72 the church built
JS HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
and de.licated the edifice now occupied by the church, at a cost of $7,000,
Since that time the pulpit has been occupied by the following pastors, Rev.
I. N. Clark from April 1S73 to October 1S73, Rev. T. C. Floyd, from Jan-
uary 1874 to April 1876, Rev. David Fieldin;^ of Ottawa filled the pulpit
during the summer of 1876 as often as his health would permit. Rev. J. W.
Alton, from July 1877 to May 1878, Rev. J. X. Wiman, from Jar.uary 1879
to August [S79, Rev. T. C. Coffey, from December 1S8;) to April 1883,
Rev W. S. Webb from July 1S83 to May 1886, Rev. C. X. H. Moore from
November 1886 to March 1891, Rev J. F Huckleberry from February 1892
to September 189J, Rev. M. F. King from October 1892 to April 1897, Rev.
H. g'. Fraser from August 1897 to February 1S99, Rev H. A. Doughty from
September 1899 to September igoo. Rev. G. \V. Shadwick the present pas-
tor was called in No\-ember 19 jo. The membership of the church at present
is about two hundred,
Pkesbyverian The First Presbyterian church in lola was organized
Church June 24th 1864 ina grove on Deer creek, three and one-half
miles north of lola, by Rev. E. K. I^ynn, Rev. Austin
Warner and Elder J. M. Evans, of the Carlyle church. About twenty persons
were enrolled as members, of whom Mrs. Susan Post is the only one who yet
survives and who has maintained continuous membership. The first ser-
vices of the church were held in the small house on the corner of West and
State streets and later in the court house then on the north-west corner of
the square. The first church building, a brick structure, was completed in the
spring of 1868 and was rebuilt on the same site in 1891. In 1899 the church
bought a new site on east Madison avenue where it is expected that a large and
handsome edifice will soon be erected. The first pastor was Rev. E. K.
Lynn, who served the church from its organization until 1869. Others
succeeded him as follows: Rev H. M. Stralton from October 1870 to January
1873. Rev. J. W. Pinkerton from March 1873 until his death in February,
1875. Rev. S. G. Clark from July 1875 to April 1878. Rev E. S. Miller
from February 187910 May 1886. Rev. W. H. Hyatt from May 1887 to
October 1891. Rev. Johnston McGaughney for most of the year following.
Rev. Squier from February 1893 to May 1898. Rev. J. M. Leonard from
June 1898 to the present. The church now has over two hundred members.
United Brethren The United Brethren Church was organized in the
Church spring of 1892. The present church building was
dedicated in 1898. The church has been served by
the following pastors: Revs. J. I. Robinson, L. W. Stone, L. D. Wimmer,
E. A. and C. V. King (husband and wife), N. L- Vezie and F. M. Gillett,
the present incumbent.
Methodist Episcop.\l The records of the Methodist Episcopal church
•Church are not complete and the exact date of the first
organization is not known. It is remembered, however, that Methodi.st
services were held in the home of Mr J. F. Colborn in September 1859 and
it seems probable the church was organized, at least as a mission, then or
WOODSON COrXTIKS, KANSAS. 79
■50on afterwards. Of the original membership, only Mr. I. B. Lawyer yet
survives. Services were held for a time in the building on the corner of
West and vState 'Streets, the first public building erected in lola and used as
a school house as well as a place for religious meetings. Afterwards class
meetings were held in a stone building which formerly occupied the present
site of H. Klaumann's business house. The first quarterly meeting in lola
of which any record remains was held in this building May i, i860. The
present building was erected in i8;o. As this chapter is written a new and
handsome structure is under erection-. It will cost $10,000 and will be the
first large and modern church edifice to be erected in lola. The present
uiembership of the church is 375. The pastors have been as follows:
Revs. N. P. Bukey, i860: Tho.s. Willett, i86r; W. T. Travis, 1862:
Vv'. Kimberlan, 1863: C. Meadows, 1S64; A. B. Walker, 1865-66; C. K.
Tobias, 1867: G. L. Williams, 1S68: E. A. Graham, 1869-70: W. W. Welsh,
1871; L. M. Hancock, 187.'; Thos. B. Palmer, 1S7,;: H. K. Muth, 1874-76
J. S. Kline, 1877-80; D. T. Summerville, 1880-81, S. vS. Weatherby, 1882-
S:^; R. M. Scott, 1SS4-86: N. B. John.son, 1887-88; J. B. Ford, 1S89, A. S.
Freed, 1890- 92; Isaac Hill, 1893; James Hunter, iS94"95; I- B- Pulliam,
1896-97; A. B. Bruner, 1898-99; John Maclean, igoi, the present incumbent.
Christ Ricforjieii Was organized by Rev. D. B. Shuey, superintendent
Church of Missions, on July 29th i 883. The following named
. pastors have served this congregation. Rev. vS. A.
Alt June 15 1884 to October i, 1889. Rev. J. R. Skinner October i, 1S89
to April I, 1890. Rev. W. E. Shaley August 27, 1890 to December i, 1892.
Rev. L. S. Faust July i, 1893 to September i, 1898. Rev. 13. B. Shuey
September i, 1898 and is the present pastor.
The present church and parsonage lot was purchased on May 17, 1884,.
Present church building 30x50 erected in 1888
St. Timothy's This parish has held services with greater or
Episcopal. less regularity since about 1878, at which time it
was organized under the direction of Bishop \'ail.
Rev. Holden was the first minister, and held services monthly for
several years. The membership of the church was very small.
and there were considerable periods during which no regular ser-
vices were held. With the growth of lola, however, the church
was materially strengthened, and in 1901 a small, but handsome
church was erected, in which regular services were held by Rev. George
Davidson, the pastor in charge
Catholic The first Catholic services ever held in lola where held
Church March 10, 1897, by Father Weikman, in charge of the Hum-
boldt church. He conducted services regularly each month
thereafter until October, 1900, when he went to Europe and was succeeded
by Father Donohue, who is now in charge and who holds religious services
every two weeks. The church has bouglit the old Methodist church and
parsonage and will be given possession as soon at the new M. E. church is
80 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
ready for occupancy. Some seventy-five or eighty families in lola acknow-
ledge allegiance to the Catholic church.
Second Baptist The Second Baptist Church (colored) was organized
Church November i8, 1876, with Rev. Samuel Clark as pastor.
Considering its small membership it has done much
good work, having early secured a church building which, served it until
1899 when a new and more commodious one was erected. The member-
ship at present is 38.
African Methodist This church has been organized for .several years
Church. and has done much good among the colored people.
It owns a church building of sufficient size to ac-
commodate its congregations, and holds regular services.
The first news paper established in lola was the Neosho Valley Regis-
ter, which was founded in 1866 by W. H. Johnson, now publisher of the
Salina, Kansas, Sun. After running it for about two years, Mr. John.son
sold the paper to H. W. Talcott and Nelson F. Acers. Mr. Acers soon
sold his interest to his partner and Mr. Talcott conducted the paper for
some months, selling it then to M. M. Lewis and H. E Mitchell, who
changed the name to the State Register. Lewis & Mitchell had evidently
bought the paper "on time" and were unable to meet the deferred payments,
for after about six months under their management it returned to the owner-
ship of Judge Talcott, who restored the old name, Neosho Valley Register.
In 187 1 Judge Talcott again sold the paper, this time for good, to G. M.
Overstreet and W. G Allison. They conducted it for about a year and
sold it to Lewis Walker. The next owners wers G. D. lugersoll and H. A.
Perkins who changed the name of the paper to the lola Register. They
vvere succeeded by Allison & Perkins, and they by Perkins & Rohrer. In
1882 Mr. Perkins bought the interest of his partner, Mr. S. Rohrer, and a
few weeks later sold the entire plant to A. C. and Chas. F. Scott
and Edward Rohrer, the name of the new firm being Scott Bros., & Rohrer.
In September, 1884, Chas. F. Scott bought the interest of his brother, and
about a ye.ir later he purchased that of Mr. Rohrer, since which time he has
been the sole proprietor. The Register remained a weekly until October 25,
1897, when the growth of loh warranted the establishment of a daily edi-
tion which has since been continued. The Register has been Republican
in politics since its foundation and for the greater part of that time has been
the official paper of Allen county and of lola City.
The second paper of permanent importance to be started in lola was
the Allen County Courant, which was founded in 1883 by H. A. Perkins.
After running it for about a year Mr. Perkins sold it to W. G. Allison and
G. D. IngersoU. Mr. Allison later sold his interest to Mr. John Gordon.
The paper was then sold to Hamm Brothers, who consolidated it with the
Allen County Democrat, a paper which had been started in 1886 by Mr. J.
J. Rambo. In 1889 the consolidated Courant and Democrat were sold to
Chas. F. Scott and consolidated with the Register. The Courant was
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 8]
Started as a Republican paper but became Democratic upon its purchase by
Hamm Bros. The Democrat was Democratic from the beginning.
The organization of the Farmer's Alliance resulted in the establish-
ment in 1890 of the lola Farmer's Friend. The paper was owned b}' a
stock company and A. H. Harris was the editor and publisher of the paper.
Daring the next three years there were numerous changes in the name at
the head of the paper, A. H. Harris being succeeded by Harris & Wixson,
they by Wixson Brothers, they by Bartlett\& Weber, they by Welker &
Weber. In 1893 the paper passed into the hands of C. S. Ritter who has
since remained editor and proprietor. It has always adhered to the
Populist party.
The Allen County Herald was e.stablished in 1890 by S A. D Cox.
This paper was but a side issue of the Humboldt Herald and the proprietor
gave it but little personal attention, leasing it to first one and then another.
It therefore led a precarious existence and in 1893 was consolidated with
the Farmer's Friend. During its life time the Herald was of the Demo-
cratic faith.
The Western Sentinel was established as a Democratic paper in. 1896
by J. B. Goshorn. In 1899 the paper was sold to Mr. L. I. Purcell, who
changed its name to the Allen County Detnocrat. Later Mr. M. Miller
was associated with Mr. Purcell in the publication of the paper. In 1900
Mr. Miller retired and Mr. Purcell associated with him Mr. W. W. French
and Mr. H. D. McConnaughey and began the publication of the Daily
Democrat. This venture not proving successful, was abandoned after three
months and the firm was dissolved, Mr. French retaining the Weekly
Democrat which he still publishes.
The lola Daily News was started in 1896 by Mr. Ed. S. Davis. x\fter
being published about a year it was bought by and consolidated with the
Daily Register.
The lola Daily Record was established in 189S by Mrs. Jennie Burns.
After having been published for a little more than a year the paper got into
financial straights and Mrs. Burns retired from its management, being
succeeded by A. P. Harris, as editor, W. C. Teats as business manager, and
R. W. McDowell as circulator, who are at present in charge of the paper.
Statistical Sable
Sbowlng ©rowtb in ipopulation anO XRHealtb of alien Counts anO Hola Cite
records are incomplete, the foUowintr Ugures bein); all that are
YEAR
1872
POPULATION
ALLEN
VALUATION
S 2312829
iar38-;9
i:ns97,5
COHNTV
YEAH
POPULATION
I464S
VALU.1TII>N
-J a-.'iHs.i
2964348
\m — -
1,S8,S---
1889
- - 13818
1876
2'll()621
1891
1892-.--.
1818
ISW ....
189.5
. - .- 12960
12679
--12372
12770
-13736
■imy.ii
1877
:;:!S0110
1ST9
10116
I895S11
18S0
10417
I990:i6fi
HISTORY OF ALLEN -A-ND
VEAB
1881
10436
-20115285
YEAR
1896
11^98 r.".'."
IH9H
19C0 -.
A flTY
POPULATION
14153
14441
15905
17483
19923
337fl60
1S83- — -
1884
188t --
1S86..-..
1ST9
14173
14540
15708
96U
- -. ■25n(il6U
2646085
26990211
.._- ...S
4069337
56363-23
1891
1892
1*^93
1894 .-
1895 -
1898
1897
1898
-,--1513
1S8I
1882 ....
1853 -
1854 -.-.
18?5-....
1S83-....
188?
1888- —
1889
814
1070
I48II
I5(i0
.... iijia
'';;;;;i785 ;i;-;m":
1087
:i;""""' '[ 185480
----- 19-.320
- - 22011M
244;l.')2
::::::::::;: V^
349120
226(67
249945
i.v.r
- ;---2145 - -
3531
2451185
256970
- - 249355
- -248570
;::; ^^
549930
1930
61.53
980430
flDoran.
BY MRS. H. L. BASSETT
In the summer of 1 88 1, the Missouri Pacific Railroad Conipau}- built
the long desired railroad through Allen County. The citizens of Marma-
ton township, eager lor improved facilities, at a mass-meeting in the Wal-
nut Grove school-house, had voted the necessary bonds. This company
agreed to locate a depot within a mile of the middle of the township, but it
was uncertain for a time what site they would choose. At first all trains
stopped on the corner of N. G. Brown's section. Those living two miles
west at Fair Lawn, were eager to have the station there, but largely
through the influence of the late Dr. Henry M. Strong, the company decid-
ed on the present location, midway between the two places. Where
Moran now stands corn and oats were growing luxuriantly. James Meade
and Win. Finley owned most of the land north of the track. These gen-
tlemen, aided by Dr. Strong, P. J. McGlashan, C. P. Keith and others,
advocated that site, but John A. Epling, Ezra Rhodes, James Armstrong
and George McLaughlin, hoped to see the business part of the town south
of the half section line followed by the railroad. The latter secured the
services of G. DeWitt, and had their location surveyed and recorded as
.Moran, while the railroad company had their men do the surveying north
of the track, and it was recorded Moran City. The blocks on the north
side are smaller than those on the south, so the streets fail to connect. In
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 83
two or three years the business houses were all on the north side. When
application for a postoffice was made it was named Morantown, and not
until 1900 was that changed to Moran. L. M. West was the first post-
master. Notwithstanding its variet}* of names, the new town had a healthy
growth. David Mitchell opened a lumber yard, which in i,S82 he sold to
S. C. Varner, who still carries on that business. The Farmers' Restaurant,
erected by West & Davis, was the first business building. Robert Daw\son
was the first merchant. His store was on part of what is now known as
"the burnt district." E. F. DeHart & Son had a stock of general mer-
chandise on the south side, and later enlarged their building and kept a ho-
tel, known as the "Commercial House." The first hotel and livery on the
north side belonged to Riley Daniels. They, too, were on the burnt dis-
trict. N. S. Smith built a livery barn, where that business is still contin-
ued. It has changed hands several times, but is now owned by George
Moore. L. H. Gorrell & H. B. Smith were the first blacksmiths. The
site of their shop is still occupied by Mr. Smith, who novv deals in wagons
and farm implements. L. B. Kinne, in the fall of 1S81, opened a grocer\-
and drug store. He has been and still is, one of the uidU public-spirited
and successful business men in the place. J. E. Hobby opened a grocery
about the same time, and is one of Moran's substantial business men. Old
Mr. Southard built a store where the Moran Bank now stands, and dealt in
general merchandise. In the low attic of that building his daughter, Miss
Abbie Southard, taught the first private school in Moran. W. J. Steele
was the first hardware merchant to locate here, H. B. Adams and Chas.
Meudell purchased his stock and building in 1889. In 1895 Mr. Men-
dell bought out .\Ir. Adams, and the business is still continued at the old
stand, but in far more comnKxlious qr.arters, for Mr. Mendell in r ,00 put
up a new building on the old site, which is well adapted to his needs.
The second floor is a public hall, and supplies a much-needed convenience.
Mitchell and Housted were the south side hardware merchants. Al-
ter changing hands two or three times, this stock of goods was purchased
by S. C. Varner, who had already opened up a store of that kind, and who
still continues that business. He also for years has engaged in other
branches of mercantile business, and has done considerable building in dif-
ferent parts of town. The finst meat market was located in a small build-
ing on the .south side of the square. Its owner, Mr. Devons, soon became
discouraged and quit. A little later, W. C. Carter and Wm. Finley opened a
meat market, which after changing hands once or twice, was bought, in
1885, by Joshua Rumbel. He or one of his sons continued in the lousiness
until 1900, when W. J. Rumbel sold out to E D. Rapp. The elevator was
built by Mr. Rosch, who soon sold it to A. W. Beck. It has had several
proprietors, and is now under the management of Bailey Palmer. Jas.
Fulwider was the first barber. His shop was in his residence, which still
stands. The Misses Fairman were the first milliners, but they were not
long left without rivals, as Miss Minnie Ross and Mrs. Seldomridge, each
soon claimed her share of patronage.
Union religious services were first held in the depot. After the erec-
S4
HISTORY OF ALLEN ANI
tioii of the school house it was used till the Presbyteriau church was cou;-
pleted, when it was uo longer needed for such purposes.
December lo, 1892, the Presbvterian church was organized with nine-
teen members, who were cared for by Rev. E. S. Miller, of lola. In 18S;,
they built a church which was dedicated July 20, 1884 The union S. S.
had its home there until each of the denominations represented withdrew
and established its own service. In 1895 a parsonage was built north of
the church. The ministers who have served this church are Revs. Ruther-
ford, King, Wilson, Millard, Hawkins, Evans, Cantrall and Barr. Rev.
F. W. Mitchell, a graduate of Princeton seminary is now the pastor. His
people are united in him, and the church is prospering. It has eighty-
five members.
In 1S84 the Methodist Protestant church was organized, with about
twenty members. Their first pastor was Mr. Wayland, and largely through
his persistent efforts, their church was the second one erected in Moran.
Their parsonage, the second one in town, was built just south of the
church. They have since sold it, and built one more commodious, on the
east side. There are fifty names on their church roll. They have had as
pastor Revs. Wayland, Young, Brown, McAdams, Daley, Lane, Buck-
ner. Chamlin, Slater, Hinshaw and Mellors. Rev. R. H. N. McAdams
who nov.' has charge of the church has been here two years. He is earnest
and faithful, and his work has been blessed.
The Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1882, and with
thirty-five members. In the fall of 1884 they built a church which was
dedicated free of debt, in 1889. They provided a parsonage in 1883 which
has made a good home for some excellent ministers. Those who have been
shepherds of this flock are Revs. Anderson, Stradforth, York, Swartz
Means, Bruner, Emerson, Siess, Holtz, Howard, Riess, Moore and
McNabb. The present pastor is Rev. G. B. Mehl, who has proved a zeal-
ous, untiring worker. His labors have been blessed. The church now
has one hundred and thirty-five members.
In the summer of 1883 the Christian church was organized Ijy J.
Shively at the school house, with a membership of fifteen, and reorganized
in the Presbyterian church in the winter of 1885, by Henry Martin, the
first pastor. In 1887 they built a house of worship. They now have sev-
enty-five members. They have had as niinisters Elders Dunkleberger,
Lamb, Porter, Moore, Cash and Klinker.
The Baptists met and organized in the Presbyterian church. In 1892
they organized in the Christian church, with about twenty members.
That same year they built, and built well. It is to be regretted that this
church has been exceptionall}^ unfortunate in losses, by death and removal.
It is three years since they have had a settled pastor, and for a year thej'
have not kept up regular services. They have enjoyed the ministrations of
Elders Trout, Woods, Day and Collins.
In the early days of Moran a German Reformed church was organized,
but they never built here, and finally disbanded, most of their members
identifying themselves with theii church at Allen Center. Rev. S. A. Alt
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 85
^Yas the faithful pastor of this flock till rSSy, when Rev. Mr. Skinner was
his successur. Rev. L. S. Faust, ol lola, was in charge when the church
•disbanded.
All our churches have sustained heavy losses by death and removal.
Most of them have active Sabbath .schools, and live j'oung people's organi-
zations that are doing good work.
In 1877 Dr. Henry M. Strong removed from lola to his farm, which
is now owned by A. J. Eflin, and from that time to the fall of 1882 was
truly a good Samaritan to any sick neighbor, refusing to accept an}- re-
muneration for medical services. How many he helped and how deep was
their gratitude eternity alone can reveal. In the fall of 1882, J. E. Jew^ell,
M. D., located in Moran. In the spring of 1884, Dr. G. B. lyambeth loca-
ted here. Again and again some third ph\'sician has tried to gain a foot-
hold, but after a short time has sought some other place in which to prac-
tice his profession.
In the fall of 18S2 a school house was built east of the square, and the
first teacher was Mr. Ed. Muth. .School opened with a larger number on
the roll than was shown by the census taken in August. As the town
grew the school building was found inadequate, so in 1884 the original
building was removed to make a place for a main building of two rooms,
and the original has since been known as the north wing. The school did
good work, and its increasing efficiency, as well as the growth of the town,
made it necessary in 1892 to enlarge its quarters, so the main building was
raised. This gave five rooms, but as only four were then needed, the
north wing was unused for a year. In 1893 the need of a high school was
so pressing that the proper steps were taken, and three years added to the
course of study. That the school has done good work has been repeatedly
demonstrated here, by the scholars who have left it to take their places
among the respected workers and citizens of Moran. Not a few of its
scholars have gone out to teach others what they learned here. Many a
home is blessed by the influence that can be directly traced to the Moran
school. • Those who have gone to higher institutions of learning have
proved without exception, that their Alma Mater was one of which to be
proud, and she has had good reason to be proud of them. Prof. C. W.
Kline is now its principal, and his efficient corps of assistants is made up of
Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Collins, Miss Keith and Mrs. Thomas. The school is a
credit to the place. Those who have taught in it are Messrs. Muth,
Johnson, Carter, Courtney, Coulter, Fogleman and Kline. Messrs. Ad-
ams, Russ, Smith, Mayhu, and their wives; Mesdames Anderson, Millard,
Barton, Collins and Thomas; the Misses Newman, Gay, Culbertson, Spen-
cer, Brown, Pember, Ireland, Bryden, Corn, Donica, Esse, Rennells, Fuss-
man and Keith.
An enterprising town like Moran early felt the need of a newspaper of
its own, so a company was formed, in which prominent and public-spirited
citizens took stock, and the Moran Herald came into existence. Henry
Armstrong was its editor, and its first issue was in 1883. Two or three
years later G. D. IngersoU bought the paper, and later it changed hands
86 HISTORY UF ALLEN AND
several times, being successively owned by Leo. Fesler, W. G. Allison,
Smith & Matthews, and Jay Matthews. In 1897 it "'as purchased by C. C.
Thomas, who still owns it. His faithful efforts and careful attention to
business, have secured for it a place in the front ranks of papers of its kind.
In 1887 the M. K. & T. built a road that gave direct communication
with Kansas City and Parsons. This was a distinct advantage to the town
in many ways, and greatly increased the shipping facilities for stock
raisers.
In the matter of banks, Moran has been quite unfortunate. Winans &
Post, from Erie, opened and closed their bank in 1888. They paid up all
their liabilities. S. C. Varner e.stablished the People's Bank in 18S8,
which suspended in 1896 Later all depositors were paid. The Moran
bank after five or six years existence went into the hands of a receiver in
1898. It has paid tip all claims with interest. In 1899 the Moran State
Bank was incorporated, and a long and prosperous life is anticipated for it.
The year 1897 was a disastrous year for Moran. Several fires did
much harm, but the one most sweeping did its w )rk on Sabbath evening in
August, when nearly all the buildings on the west side of Spruce street
east of Randolph, were destroyed. Mauley's hall, Ross & Augustine's of-
fice and store room, Stoddard & Young's millinery, Twineham's harness
shop, the Virginia hotel, Stephenson's racket, Willoughby's furniture store.
Young's real estate office and Strickler's restaurant, were left but smoking
ruins. The burnt district still remains a sad reminder of that terrible con-
flagration.
There is no dearth of societies here. The A. O. U. \V. and Degree of
Honor, the M. W. A., Free Masons, Odd Fellows and Rebeccas, Knights
and Ladies of Security and Fraternal Aid, are all represented. The Home
Coterie, a literary organization, has lived through eight happy and pros-
perous years.
A history of Moran which said nothing about its music would indeed
be incomplete. Few towns of its size have possessed so many musical and
music-loviu'J people. In 1882 or 1S83 the Moran orchestra was organized
by P. J. McGlashan, who was at all times its leader. The charter mem-
bers were P. J. McGlashan, first violin; Wm. Wheeler, .second violin; S. N.
Steele, cornet; H. B. Smith, bass viol; Mi.ss Abbie Southard, piano. After
the marriage and removal of Miss Southard, Miss Floy McGlashan filled
the position of pianist. In the early days of the town W. H. DeHart or-
ganized a brass band, and a little later S. N Steele organized another. In
about a year they consolidated. The orchestra and brass band gave their
first concert in the Presbyterian church before it was plastered, and from
that time it only needed to be known that the Moran Orchestra was purposing
to give a concert to insure an interest far and wide. A full house on the
appointed evening could always be assured, and in the audience could al-
ways be found people from lola, Savonburg, and other places more or less
remote. Those annual concerts were the musical events of the year, and it
is a cause of sincere regret, that removals and death so lessened their tuim-
bers that in 1900 the Moran orchestra disbanded. There have been several
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
music teachers here, but for two years Miss Flo}' McGlashan has held her
place as first. Those who receive invitations to her recitals are counted
fortunate, and on the rare occasions when her scholars give a concert, a
large attendance is certain. The present Moran brass band, made up of
young men, is a comparatively recent organization. Every member has
joined the M. W. A.
The contrast between Moran eighteen years ago and now is marked.
It looked then, like many another new town, as though a few dozen large
boxes had been scattered about carelessly, in which the people were stay-
ing a few days. Now the town shows that it is regularly laid out; two rail-
roads pass through it, giving easy and swift communication to it from all
points; its school house is comfortable and convenient; there are five
churches; two telephone companies have offices here, and one of them a
central station. George Moore owns the livery, and is proprietor
of the Pennsylvania House, a substantial brick building. The
Moran State bank owns its commodious brick home. Oral Spencer and
George Shopshire have each a restaurant. E. D. Rapp owns the meat
market on Cedar street, and Smith & Knight are proprietors of the market
on Randolph street. C. B. Keith handles coal and grain. L. B. Kinne
deals in drugs and groceries. P. J. McGlashan and J. E. Hobby each
handle groceries, boots and shoes. Frank Messenger carries a good stock
of general merchandise. S. C. Varner keeps dry goods, groceries, hard-
ware, queensware and implements, besides dealing in grain and lumber.
F. E. Twineham keeps harness. Walter Lacey is the jeweler and watch-
maker. H. B. Smith deals in wagons and implements. Charles Mendell
has a fine hardware and tinware stock. The Farmers' and Mechanics'
Lumber Compan\' are doing a good business. J. F. Willoughby deals in
iurniture. John Hurly is the blacksmith. George Shopshire and W. R.
Dougherty have each a barber shop. Eatham has an egg-packing estab-
lishment. Mrs Cobb and Mrs. Homer Varner have each a millinery, and
Mrs. Young and Mrs. Minnie Kinne are kept busy in their dress-making
establishment.
Moran has now a number of beautiful residences that improve its ap-
pearance much; but best of all, it has many homes — homes in the truest
sense of the word, from which goes forth an influence for good at all times,
and in all directions.
HISTORY OF ALLEN- AND
Savon bunj.
r C. A. KKVNOLDS.
Savonburg is located in the extreme southeast corner of Allen county,
one mile north ol the Neosho county line, and four miles west of the divis-
ion line between Bourbon and Allen counties.
The town was founded in 1879, at which time the post-office was
established with John Keen as postmaster. Mr. Keen was the first mer-
chant, and kept store until 1881, when he was succeeded by A. Linville.
In 188.^ Mr. lyinville sold out to L B. Murray, who continued the bus-
iness till 1888. In the early spring of 1888, Chas. Nelson, who was destined
to play an important part in the building of the town, rented the business room
of L. B. Murray, and in the early part of May removed from Warnersburg, a
school district three miles west, about one-half of his stock of general mer-
chandise. Mr. Nelson enjoyed a good business from the start, which was
greatly increased by the patronage of the various gangs of laborers engaged
iu the building of the Kansas City, Parsons & Pacific, now known as the
M. K. & T. railway, which was completed to this point August ist of this
year.
About this time there came a corps of engineers, surveying a route for
the Kansas, Nebraska & We.stern railroad, which was at that time the con-,
struction company of the Santa Fe railway the line of definite location be-
ing some 600 feet south of Main street. The engineers were s-cin followed
by an agent, who came to secure right of way and land for a town site, an.d
options were obtained upon 240 acres. Shortly after the Santa Fe encoun-
tered the financial shoals which terminated in a receivership for the com-
pany, and the project came to naught. In March, 1889, the options which
had been secured by the company expired. It was then determined by the
people of the vicinity that it would be advisable to organize a town com-
pany, and proceed to the building of a town. Accordingly a charter was
procured, and March 24, 1889, the Savonburg Town and Improvement
Company formally opened for business, with an authorized capital of $25,-
000, and under the direction of the following officers: Chas Nelson, presi-
dent; R. G. Cravens, vice president; L. B. Murray, secretary; J. T. Butter-
field, treasurer. Board of Directors: Chas. Nelson. R. G. Cravens, W. T.
Huff, S. Huff, Wallace Young, T. B. McGuire, D. Freed, D. W. Craddock
and J. T. Butterfield.
Twenty-five acres of ground were at once purcha.sed and platted and
money raised to erect three business rooms. Charles Nelson then sold his
stock of merchandise to D. W. Craddock and, upon request of the Town
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. Sg
Compaiu', consented to give his time and energy to push the nevvlj' platted
village, which he did zealously, and with creditable results.
As is characteristic of most new towns, Savonbnrg experienced many
set-backs and met with no little discouragement, not only to the people al-
ready here, but to prospective residents as well. The principal difficulty
experienced at the beginning was the lack of a depot and other railroad fa-
cilities, without which business was paralyzed and progression greatly
handicapped. Nothing but a small platform 8x20 feet alongside the main
track, and a spur switch 40a feet long had yet been provided, and rival
towns were therefore privileged to make the assertion that no better facili-
ties ever would be provided for "the burg" by the railway company.
Notwithstanding these difficult problems and numerous other hard-
ships, a little flame of righteou; indignation kindled within the hearts of
the few brave residents — a flame which was never extinguished by its own
reaction.
In March, 1890, complaint having been made by Charles Nelson in
behalf of the people to the State Board of Railroad Commissioners against
the M. K. & T. Railway, the representatives of the railway were cited to
appear and show cause why they should not be compelled to provide the
needed facilities. It had been shown before the hearing that for eight
months previous, the company's receipts at this place were $1,000 and over
per month. The company very wisely decided to at once erect a depot,
stock yards, switch, etc., and never has it had cause to regret the money
here invested,' as Savonburg for the past ten years has borne the well-mer-
ited reputation of being the best shipping point on the division.
When these necessities had been granted by the M. K. & T. people,
the town was, for the first time, squarely upon its feet, and upon equal
terms with competing points. Rivalry was then laid aside, and all joined
hands and worked together for the upbuilding of the town and community.
Thus step by step, Savonburg has advanced from an insignificant hamlet
to a substantial country town of about 300 inhabitants, remarkable for her
business interests, and particularly as a shipping point for live stock, grain
and broom corn. The town enjoys an immense trade from the west, from
the prosperous Swedish farmers of East Cottage Grove and Elsmore town-
ships, and receives a large volume of business from the country tributary to
the town in all directions.
Many merchants and residents have come and gone within the past
decade which has marked the town's career. Some have crossed the Dark
River into eternity. Where others have gone, we do not know; and still,
a goodly number of the pioneer merchants and citizens are with us today,
most of them, happily enough, blessed with the comforts of life.
The Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway officials manifest their interest
in Savonburg by keeping pace with the rapid progress of the town, and
making such improvements as are demanded from the business public from
time to time. The recent remodeling and doubling in size of the depot at
this point is evidence of this fact. The stock yards are also well equipped.
go HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
R. B. Oliver is the present local freight and ticket agent; C. E. Aldrich night
operator.
The Savonburg Record was established April i, 1898, by C. A. Re3'n-
olds. The paper is widely circulated, and prosperous Previous to the es-
tablishment of the Record, the Trio-News, by E. A. Jordan, the Sentinel,
by T. V. Campbell, and other newspapers suspended publication, after a
limited existence.
The school house was built in 1889, and a few years later enlarged to its
present size. The district has always employed the best teachers obtain-
able, and as a consequence, is reputed to be one of the best graded schools
in the count}-. U. R. Courtney principal, and Mrs. A. V. Lodge assistant,
are the proficient instructors now in charge. There are two churches in
Savonburg, the Methodist Episcopal, H. I. Dodson pastor, and the
Friends' house of worship, L. W. McFarland, pastor. The members of
the Christian church hold sendees at the school house. The Mt. Moriah
Methodist Protestant church is one mile south of town; James M. Frame is
the local pastor.
There are, perhaps, as man}- lodges in Savonburg as any town of com-
parative size in the state — Masonic. Eastern Star, Odd Fellows, Rebekah,
Workmen, Degree of Honor, Woodmen, Royal Neighbors, Knights and
Eadies of Security, and A. H. T. A., all of which are on a sound basis, and
have large memberships.
Savonburg is graced by the presence of many silvery-haired veterans
of the civil war, than whom there are no better citizens.
Savonburg Post No. 421 G. A. R., O. P. Matson commander, is a
worthy and substantial organization.
Since the building of the town her residents have all been, and are
today, self-sustaining. It has never been the misfortune of any at this
place to seek the county's aid for maintenance. Idleness is unknown, and
loafers are conspicuous only by their absence.
The question of incorporating the town has been but little agitated,
and steps have never been taken in that direction, probably for the reasons
that the best of order is maintained, and the streets and the walks are well
looked after by the citizens who possess that sense of public pride which
needs no prompting by a maj'or or city council.
lOLA HIGH SCHOOL
ALLKN COUNTY COURT HOUSE
HUMBOLDT HIGH SCHOOL
STONY LONESOME
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
Ibutnbolbt.
This is a thriving business town, situated in the southwest part of the
county. The location is a desirable one, on the level valley land, on both
the east and west banks of the Neosho river. The business portion of the
town is on the east bank of the river, and about one-half mile from its bank.
Coal Creek forms part of the southern limits. The two railroads are the
Southern Kansas Division of the A. T. & S. F. on the east side, and the
Missouri Kansas & Texas on the west side of the river.
The population of Humboldt is about 1400, and the town at present is
about at a standstill; though there are prospects of increased progress in
the near future. There are here some of the best business houses in the
county, and the town enjoys a large and prosperous trade. The Neosho
river furnishes an abundant water power, which has long been utilized
for manufacturing purposes. The citizens are of a substantial class and
progressive.
In the fall of 1856 B. M. Blanton, a Methodist missionary, in making a
trip through southern Kansas, became impressed with the idea that this
was an excellent point for the foundation of a town. He returned to Law-
rence and told his brother, N. B. Blanton, and J. A. Coffey of this selec-
tion, advising them to locate a townsite. In March 1857, J. A. Coffej' se-
lected the site and with the aid of a pocket compass made a temporary sur-
vey. He found an abandoned log cabin there; it had been built the spring
before by some claimant who abandoned the country. In the fall of 1856
Charles Baland. who was sick, abandoned the claim near there, and moved
into the cabin, where he spent the winter, and in the spring, intending to
leave the country, he presented the cabin and his claim to the land to Mrs.
E. H. Young, but finally decided to remain, and located another claim
where his farm now is. Coffey finding a claim on the land paid $20 for it,
to secure peaceable possession. He then returned to Lawrence, where he
and Blanton met a German colony, which was induced to help them form
the town.
The German colony was organized in Hartford, Connecticut, during
the winter of 1S56-7, and consisted of E. M. Serenbets, Jacob Schleicher,
William Lassman, John Frixel, Franz Trontz-Landerwasser, A. Senner, H.
Zwanziger and N. Kemmerer. All of these with the exception of the last
named, who did not come until a year later, arrived at Lawrence in March
1S57. There they were met by Blanton and Coffey, who induced them to
locate on their townsite. The Humboldt town company was organized, and
the town so named in honor of Baron Von Humboldt. Among the members
were J. A. Coffey, N. B. Blanton, F. M. Serenbets, J. H. and W. H.
92 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Signor, Dr. Hariman and A. D. Searle. The German portion of the col-
ony arrived May loth 1857, ^"'^ were soon followed by Coffey, Blanton and
others.
The first house built was of logs, built for J. A. Coffey, at a cost of
$25. It was located on Bridge street, on the east side of the river. The
next house was buill southwest of Coffej^'s in the summer of 1857, and was
known as "Bachelor's Hall." It was occupied during the summer bv Dr.
G. A. Miller, R. M. Works, J. W. Sperring, J. H. and H. W. Signor, B.
H. Whitlow and W. W. Pollock. During the same summer, a man by
the name of Clark, built a two-story log hotel. In June J. A. Coffey
opened a store in a cabin in the timber near the river. This store was
soon after sold to W. C. O'Brien.
During the summer of 1857, Orlin Thurston, a young attorney, was
persuaded to locate at Humboldt, and put up a steam saw-mill He soon
began sawing lumber, and then building began on the prairie portion of the
townsite, where the business center now is.
Before this most of the building was in the timber along the river. In
the spring of 1858, Charles Fussman opened a tinshop, in a log cabin in
the timber.
The first frame building erected was on the corner of Eighth and
Bridge streets, which was a residence and store of J. A. Coffey. It was af-
terward part of a cigar manufactory of W. H. Holtschneider, destroyed du-
ring the fire of 1883.
In the spring of 1858, a steam saw and grist mill was opened by W. C.
O'Brien. The mill was hauled from Jefferson City, Mo., and required the
use of nine yoke of oxen and one span of horses. It took fifty-four days to
make the trip both ways. The mill was in operation by May ist, and had
one run of burrs. It was the first grist mill in the county.
During 1858 the town grew quite rapidly. Prominent among the set-
tlers of that year was John R. Goodin, who afterwards distinguished himself
as a district judge, and as a member of Congress.
The first physician to locate in Humboldt, was George A. Miller, in
1857. His office was first in a tent, and his sign "physician and surgeon,"
was nailed to a jack oak tree.
The postoi^ce was established in 1858, and A. Irwil appointed post-
master. A postal route had been established from Lawrence the same
year. Before that time the mail was brought from Fort Scott by private
carriers. Among them were S. J. Stewart and a young man named Dot-
son. The mail was weekly until 1865, when it was changed to tri-weekly,
and not long after to daily.
The first brick was made at Humbolt in 1859, on the place later owned
by Capt. O. S. Coffin, adjoining the town on the south.
Prior to the year i860, meetings of the town company were held at
Lawrence, and some of the membeis never moved to Humboldt. On June
20th, however, the company reorganized and was incorporated under the
name of the Humboldt Town Association, which was composed of N. B.
Blanton, J. A. Coffey, J. H. Signor, George A. Miller and W. C. O'Brien.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 93
The towiisite was entered on Nov. i6, i860, by J. G. Rickard, in trust for
the Town Association.
In 1861 the United States land office was removed to Humboldt from
Fort Scott. N. B. Blanton had been elected a member of the first state
legislature, and all his work had been in the interest of Humboldt. He
voted for both Lane and Pomeroy for U. S. senators, securing from them
the promise that the land office should be removed to his town. J. C. Bur-
nett was register of the land office, and Charles Adams, son-in-law of Lane,
was receiver. Senator Lane gave them orders to select a new location.
Humboldt finally secured it, but the Town Association had to give 200 lots
in order to obtain it. The removal was effected and the office opened for
Imsiness September 23, 1861, in a building on Bridge street, the old red
frame structure which was then used as a court house as well.
From the foundation of the town to the summer of i860 its growth was
quite rapid. There was then a population of perhaps 300, and there were
about fifty buildings. The drouth of that year had such an effect upon the
country that for the remainder of the year and earh- in 1861, the town
progressed very slowly. During all its earlier history, Humboldt was
more prosperous than most of the Kansas towns, having such a large trade
with the Indian tribes on the south and west.
In 1861 , the war broke out, and most of the able bodied men having en-
listed in the army, but little building was done. Then in September of
that year, the town was robbed, and about one month later was burned by
rebel raiders. Only a few buildings were left, and until the close of the
war, but few new buildings were erected.
The first building of any consequence that was erected after the raid,
was the "red store," on the corner of Bridge and Eighth streets, now occupied
by E. W. Trego with a hardware stock. The lower storey was built by
Col. W. Doudna, and the upper one by the Masonic fraternity. This was
followed by a few more buildings.
In 1866, the town began to progress quite rapidly, and a number of
fine structures were erected. Among them were the school house. Catho-
lic church, the brick block on F)ighth street, and a number of other good
buildings. During the next three years, the growth of the town was quite
rapid.
In 1865, a treaty was eSected with the Osage Indians which permitted
actual settlers to enter 160 acres each, at $1.25 per acre. This land was
.sold in 1868, and the landoffice being at Humboldt, brought an immense
trade to the town, which made it for some time one of the most thriving
business places in the state.
On April 2nd, 1870, the M. K. & T. R. R. was completed to the
townsite. To secure this road, the citizens voted $75,000 in bonds. The
citizens also bought, for $13,000 160 acres of land on the west side of the
river, of which they gave to the railroad company ten acres for depot
grounds and right of way, and the remainder was divided into lots, of
which the railroad company received one-half.
In October 1870, the L. L. «& G. R. R. (now the Southern Kansas divi-
94 HISTORY OF ALLEX AND
siouof the A. T. & S. F.)vvas finished to Humboldt, and the event was cele-
brated the following month. The years 1870 and 1871 , were marked by the
rapid growth of the town. Large numbers of buildings were erected, some of
them being constructed of brick and stone. Property greatly increased in
value until it was almost impossible to buy lots. An iron bridge was built
across the Neosho river by the Humboldt Bridge Company, which was
composed of some of the leading men ol the town, and various other im-
provements were made
In 1872 the improvements of the town were not so rapid, and the in-
flated prices of property began to decrease. In 1873 the great financial
crash seriouslv' effected the business of Humboldt, and this was followed by
the general devastation of crops by grass hoppers the following year, which
resulted very disastrously to the town, some of the merchants failing in bus-
iness, while many of the citizens moved away. Then followed a dull pe-
riod, but before it commenced the town had arrived at nearly its present
proportions. For the last twenty years, while it is true thnt at no time has
there been any great progress, Humboldt has always held its ground as a
prosperous business town.
Since the burning of Humboldt by the rebels in 1861, noted in the his-
tory of the county, there have been very few fires. The last serious one
occurred on the night of January 1 1 , 1883. About 8 o'clock a fire was discov-
ered in the brick building owned by Dayton, Barber & Co. . on Bridge Street.
The lower floor was occupied by the grocery store of Charles Lehman, and
the upper story by law offices, and the Independent Press printing office. On
the same floor H. D. Smith and family and Mrs. Lydia Sniff resided. All
had gone to church and left the lamp burning in the printing office, and it
is supposed it exploded. The building was soon in flames, and to prevent
the fire from spreading further, the cigar factory on the east side was torn
down. On the west was Curdy's double store, over which were law, in-
surance, and real estate offices, as well as dental rooms. This building
was soon covered with men who, by hard work saved the building. The
greater part of the goods, furniture and fixtures, were caiTied from all these
rooms, except Smith's private rooms and printing office, the contents of
which were all destroyed. The damage to the goods, as well as to Cur-
dy's building, was great, but most of the property, except Smith's, was in-
sured for nearly enoirgh to cover the losses.
The ravages of the fire were soon repaired, and the town did not suffer
any permanent setback on account of it. The years that followed have
been for the most part, quiet and uneventful, marked by but slight changes
either in the business or the population of the city. The discovery of gas
has resulted in the establishment of a flourishing industry, the Humboldt
Brick Company, and the discovery of oil, although as yet not in market-
able quantities, leads to the hope that further prospecting may yet develop
a large supply which will be of great commercial advantage to the town.
For the present Humboldt remains, as it has always been, a good country
town, enjoying a much better than usual trade on account of the excellent
country around it, and affording a delightful place of residence.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
(5as (Tit?
Ill the summer of iSgS Mr. E. K. Taylor, who owned a tract of land
on the line of the Mi.ssouri Pacific Railroad, sunk a well and developed a
large flow of gas. He sold forty acres of the land to the Cherokee-Lanyoii
vSpelter Company and twenty acres to the Prime Western Spelter Company. •
These companies at once began the erection ot zinc smelters- Mr. Taylor
then had the remainder of the tract laid out into town lots, naming the
place Gas City and filing the official plat October 27, 1898.
The town has grown rapidly and several hundred people now make it
their home. It has a post-office, and is connected with Ida by telephone.
The Missouri Pacific suburban train service also puts it in close touch with
lola, and it is on the line of the electric street railway which is projected as
this chapter is written and will doubtless be in operation when this volume
appears.
Xalbarpe
BY J. O. ROBERTS
The building of the Fort Scott Wichita and Western (now the Missouri
Pacific) railway was responsible tor the birth of the town of LaHarpe, the
plat of which was filed in 1881. J. C. Reeder was the first station agejit,
and he was succeeded by C. H. Hackney.
The first businesss house in the village was built by Hackney & Sons,
who engaged in the business of buying grain.
For many years the growth of the town was very slow, and until 1898
it remained a mere hamlet, with a post-office and a few small stores.
The discovery of gas, however, gave a splendid impetus to the town,
and since then it has grown rapidly under the stimulus of the great zinc
smelters of the Lanyon Zinc Company. By the spring of 1899 the in-
crease in population was such as to warrant incorporation as a city of the
third class, and the first officers elected were the following: S. S. Fornev,
mayor: C. H. Hackney, G. G. Fox, J. E. Stansbury, F. M. Davis, L. H.
Daggett, councilnien: S. Malcom, treasurer : E. L. Runyan, clerk: J. O.
Roberts, attorney; E. C. Moore, police judge; Lee Chew, Marshal.
In 1898 a new school building was built, a commodious structure re-
placing the small district building, and excellent schools are maintained.
The first church building was erected by the Methodist Episcopal de-
nomination in 1885. In 1890 the Presbyterian church was erected, and in
1 90 1 the Protestant Methodist church building was completed. All three
societies are reasonably strong.
LaHarpe is situated near the geographical center of Allen county, is
apparently right over the strongest gas pressure in the state, is surrounded
by a rich agricultural country, and her citizens feel that there is a bright
future in store for their town. Whv not?
g6 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
leismorc
BY JESSE. P. Dl'-.CKER.
In the spring of 1887, the present busy little town of Elsniore was not
in existence. At that time its site was an open prairie, and people who
wanted more than a sack of flour or a package of coffee, must necessarily go
to Humboldt, lola, or Fort Scott for their need?, or go without. The coun-
try surrounding at that titne was sparsely settled, most of the land being
owned by non-residents, and lying open and uncultivated, except now and
then a leaguer had broken out a small patch, built a cheap box house and
settled down to fight the railroad company through the courts for the land,
believing, true or not, that the land had never been honestly earued by those
claiming ownership, and that somi day it would be opened by the govern-
ment for settlement.
At this time Old Elsmore was the center of attraction for people in
Elsmore town.ship They went there for their mail, to vote, to buy grocer-
ies from the little country store that was run by different men at different
times among whom were W. D. Cox and J. G. Kenyon, both of this place
at the present writing. Along in the fall of 1886, the talk was heard that
a railroad might be built from Kansas City to Parsons and that it would
pass through Allen county, and forthwith the repre-entative men of Els-
more' townsliip began to figure on getting it through this township. After
the usual preliminary survey, resurveys and talk of better routes, the pro-
moters of the Parsons and Pacilic Railway Company decided that if Osage,
Marmaton and Elsmore townships would each vote to take twenty thous-
and dollars of common stock in the company, at par and pay for ic in
twenty year 6 per cent bonds, they might be able to build the road this
way; any way, they would like for the people to vote on the proposition,
and they did. The result was favorable to the bonds. Among the consider-
ations, however, the Parsons and Pacific Railway Company was to build a
depot and maintain a station, telegraph office and stock yards within one-
half mile of the center of Elsmore township, and when this agreement is
considered, it is easy to account for the present location and town of Els-
more.
About Aug. 25, 1888, Messrs. W. D. Cox, H. W. Cox, N. L. Ard, O.
P. Mattson, J. E. Roberts and J. A. Nicholson, purchased of the owners of
the S. E. quaiter of section 7, 26, 21, twenty acres in the southwest corner
of said land, and proceeded to lay off and plat the town of Elsmore. The
first business to be established was that of W. D. Cox, who moved his
country store from Old Elsmore to the right of way near the southwest cor-
WOODSON COUNTIKS, KANSAS. 97
ner of town and sold goods of ever\- drscription to citiz-ns ol the comnui-
nity, as well as furnishing the contractors who were building the road manj^
of their supplies. As soon as the town site was platted, W. D. Cox moved
his store to the place where he now carries on business. E. Peters followed
with a little store on the south side and later built where the M. L Decker
residence now stands, and carried a verj' good general .stock. The business
changes of the town have been many, but in almost every instance the change
has been to the advantage of the town. L. T. Donoho was the first post-
master, J. L. Roberts the first hotel proprietor. The p-isher Lumber Co.
were first to open a lumber yard, securing free lots from the town company,
but losing them through failure to fulfil their part of the agreement. On
their withdrawal came J. H. Osborn & Co., of Humboldt, who opened and
maintained a yard that has been one of the strong firms of the town and at
the present time one of our best firms. Winfield Samuel was bur first drug-
gist. Following him were Springer; Biitler, Barton, Braden & Rees, and
then S. H. Braden, who at present owns the fine brick building occupied
with his large stock, equal to that of almost any store in the county. In
the fall of iSgoThos Bettesbuilta block of four large business rooms, which
were occupied oy Lardner, Love Bros., general merchandise, E. Butler,
drugs, and Martin & Adams, general merchandise. In 1892 J. P. Decker
& Co. purchased of Martin & Adams their stock of merchandise and con-
tinued in the Bettes block until 1895, when the Decker block on the south
side of the street was built and occupied by them.
By this time the town was making a strong growth and despite the hard
times of '95, '96 and '97, new buildings were built and new firms con-
tinued to locate until at the present time we have four general stores as fol-
lows : Smith & Sons, McCaslin & Kincaid, the Elsmore Cash store, (J. P.
Decker) and A. M. Tippie. W. D. Cox & Son now handle hardware and
implements, grain, coal, furniture and undertaking goods. Krokstrom
& Nelson have a large stock of hardware, implements, wagons, buggies,
harness, etc. H. S. Richards is our harness maker and carries a good
stock of goods. Mrs. H. S. Richards and Miss Carrie Rice each have a
choice line of millinery. J. H. Ward does the barber and laundry work
of the town; \V. S. Samuels provides the soft drinks, candies and cigars
to the trade and also feeds the hungrv short order lunches. Mrs. Sparks
conducts our hotel and enjoys a splendid trade; G. H. and H. E. Blakely
recently purchased J. G. Kenyon's livery business and combining it with
that of the Star livery barn, built a large new barn and do a thriving
business. Besides W. D. Cox & Son. \V. W. Moffitt and W. L. Higin-
botham each do a grain business and find plenty to keep them busy. C.
W. Nelson, J. T. Barron and C. W. Mosier are our blacksmiths; C. H.
Woodard and A. C. Snyder our carpenters; Milton Watson our painter;
Palmer and Rogers, our masons.
The fraternal societies of the town are the A. O. U. W., M. W. A.,
K. and L. of S., and the F. A. A., all flourishing insuiance societies with
a membership of about 250 persons. The Elsmore Creamery Company,
composed of about twenty of our farmers and two or three town men, was
9,S
HISTORY OF ALLEX
oiganized in i8y6. B. F. Ludlum was its first president and J. P. Decker
its first secretary. At the present time J. M. Hill is president and J. P.
Decker still continues as secretaiy. The company has its main plant
here and has stations at Bayard, Kansas, and Stark, Kansas, and does
a large amount of business in a year. The State Bank of Elsmore was
organized in 1899 and opened for business in August of that year. A. F.
McCariy, of Humboldt, was its first president and still retains that
position. S. H. Braden was the first cashier, but resigned his position
January i, 1900, to better look after his drug business, Frank Goyette
purchasing the larger part of his stock and becoming cashier, still retaining
the position. B. F. Ludlum is vice president and Mrs. Nannie Goyette,
assistant cashier of the institution, which is doing a conservative, .safe
business, its deposits at the present time exceeding $20,000, its loans about
$[5,000 and its surplus and undivided profits reaching about $600. The
capital stock of the bank is $6,000.
In the early days of the town the Elsmore Eagle made its appearance •
and while a creditable country paper, did not pay its way and was finally
allowed to die, the lola Register getting its subscription list. Mr. L. E.
DeHaven was editor and publisher and made the money to keep it going
during its life teaching the local school. In 1S96 A. F. McCarty came
from Mapleton and started the Elsmore Enterprise and it soon became
popular with the people of the community and was doing a fair business,
when in 1897 ^^r. McCarty secured control of the Humboldt Herald,
abandoned the Enterprise and moved to Humboldt. In February 1899
A. F. McCarty and J. P. Decker concluded to revive the Enterprise and
formed the Enterprise Publishing Company, Mr. McCarty furnishing the
plant and Mr. Decker managing and conducting the paper. In February,
1900, Mr. Decker became owner and proprietor of the plant and paper and
is conducting it at the present time, business being very good with him.
The Elsmore mill, J. T. Ralston proprietor, is another enterprise that
is doing a successful business, dealing in grain and feed as well as doing
grinding and a custom business. The trade of the town extends west half
way to Humboldt. ea.st into Bourbon county and north and south easily
me^ts Moran and Savonburg half way, doing an especially large grain,
broom corn, produce and life stock business. A list of the leading
business firms would include J. A. Nicholson who knows more about
broom corn and hauls more of it than any other Allen county firm and
Elsmore easily ships more of this commodity than all other towns in the
county and more than any two other towns in Southeastern Kansas, the
shipments from here the past season being more than 400 tons.
In 1883 Wood Hull school district was organized, the school house
being built at a location one-half mile south of the present town site and
H. W. Cox taught the youthful mind such branches as are common to
our country schools, and in 1889 the district voted for removal to Elsmore
and favorable to another room, which was built and L,. E. DeHaven and
Mi,ss Etta Alford were the first teachers. (They afterw-ard married )
Again, in 1S95, the room for our young became too crowded and a third
WOODSOX COrXTIES, KANSAS. Q9
room and teacher were added, new studies taken up and our school made
rapid growth. In 1S99 the patrons of the district realized that the schools
might be improved and Prof. Ramsey, of Redfield, was employed. He at
once took up the maiter of a course of .study that could be carried on
systematically, and prepared one which was accepted by the board of
education and which, when completed, fits the graduates of the Elsmore
schools for entering the State University.
About the first of January, 1889, the U. B. society with Bro. Ayling
as pastor met and organized and elected a board of trustees and circulated
a subscription paper for a church, but failed to get enough subscribed and
the matter was dropped. The same spring they organized a Suuda\-
school. Rev. Ayling was followed by Revs. Finch and Cleaver, when in
1891 another effort was made to build a church and failed till in the
summer of 1895 'he corner stone was laid, and under the Rev. Kirk-
patrick the following May the U. B. church of this place was dedicated.
The following year they built a parsonage under Rev. Christlieb who was
followed by Rev. Stone. The first Methodist minister who preached at
this pHce was R. S. Barber whom the Moran charge under W. Emmerson
sent here as a supply in the spring of 1890. In the fall of the same year
Bio. Barber resigned to go to school at Baker University at Baldwin,
Kansas. By special request Rev. C H. Ganntz, of the Erie circuit, came
in November of the same year and preached the remainder of the con-
ference year, holding services on Saturday evenings. On the 9th of
January, 1 90 1 , the Methodist church was organized with thirteen charter
members, namely: C. D. Willoughby and wife, W. B. Tramell and wife,
Timothy Hurlbert and wife, H. W. Cox and wife and daughter, Lizzie,
G. W. Smith and wife and Marry Bettes. The following members were
elected as trustees: C. D Willoughby, W. B. Tramell, H. W. Cox, W.
D. Cox and Timoth}' Hurlbert. It was decided at once to erect a church
and, accordingly. Rev. Graraly and H. W. Cox were directed to solicit
subscriptions which met with hearty response and in the following-
February the corner stone was laid, Rev. Brant, of Parsons, officiating.
About the same time L. W. Keplinger, of Kansas City, Kansas, donated
four acres of ground one- half mile east of town to the M. E. board of
trustees for a cemetery. Early in the same spring the cemetery was platted
and ready for use and on July 10, 1891, Thomas Davis was carried there
the first to his last resting place. September 27, 1891, the M. E. church,
size 28x48, costing $1,300, was dedicated. President Ouayle of Baker, offi-
ciating. The following Sabbath an M. E. Sunday School was organ-
ized and has been an evergreen Sunday School. The following year
under Rev. B. F. Cargy a parsonage, 24x24, was built at a cost of $200.
By some delay and the sale of the parsonage, owing to a change
in the circuit and the pastor residing at a more central point, the church
was released from all debt in the .spring of 1900 and papered and repainted.
The church has had the services of the following pastors: C. H. Gramlv,
B F. Cargy, Wm. Leaser, J. K. White, J. S. Btidd, J. H. Carter. The
present pastor is H. I. Dolson.
HIST(.)KY OF ALLEN AXD
Biot3raphies
LEONARD B. PEARSON.— It is a well attested maxim that the
greatness of a state lies not in its machinery of government, nor even
in its institutions, but in the sterling qualities of its individual citizens, in
their capacity for high and unselfish effort and their devotion to the public
good. The goal toward which he has hastened during Ins many j-ears of
toil and endeavor is that which is attained only b3^such as have bj' patriot-
ism and wise counsel given the world an impetus toward the good; such have
gained the right and title to have their names enduringly inscribed on the
bright pages of history.
Leonard B. Pearson, who is interested in agricultural pursuits in Allen
County, his home being in Salem township, was bom July 2, 1832, in
Jefferson countv, New York, and traces his ancestry back to one of the old
Quaker families of Connecticut. In 1637 John Pearson was driven from
England on account of his religious belief. He landed at Lynn, Mas-
sachusetts, and shortly afterward went to Rowley, Massachusetts, where
he established the first fulling mills in America. Several families of the
Pearsons also came from England to escape the Quaker persecution at
about the same time and settled in the Penn colony. The early Peaisons
inter-married with the families of Cowdr^^s, Fosters, Dexters, Morrows
and Kendalls. Edward, the grandfarher of our subject, was a farmer.
Two of his maternal uncles, Harmon, were soldiers in the Revolutionary
war. One was killed in the battle of Cowpens. Edward Pearson had
four sons and four daughters: Austin was born in 181 1 and died a few
years ago in New York, leaving a family; Leonard, who made his home
in Jefferson county, New York, also passed away a few years ago, survived
by his family: Ira, the father of our subject; Edward, the youngest brother,
died in Tiffin, Ohio, leaving two children. Of the sisters, Hattie was born
in 1793, Sally was born in 1794, Almira was born in 1797 and Anna was
born in 1806. All have now passed awa>-.
Ira Pearson, the father of our subject, was a native of Otsego county.
New York. His birth occurred October n, 1799. At the age of twenty-
four he was united in marriage to Eliza Ann Harmon who became the
mother of five sons and two daughters. The father was a Democrat in
early life, but on account of his opposition to slavery he became a staunch
Abolitionist. He and Cortez Overton and Chas. Dickey wrote their ballots
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. lot
and marched in line to vote for Birney for president, when to be an Aboli-
tionist was to incur ridicule. When sixty-four years of age Ira Pearson
offered his services in the defense of Washington, but on account of his
advanced years he was not received as a member of the army. Charles
Edwin Pearson, his eldest son, was born September 2, 1S26. During the
Civil war he joined the Union army and was killed in the battle of Gettys-
burg while faithfully serving his country. Adelia, the second child, was
born March 8, 182S, and died unmarried; Leonard B. ; Lydia E. was born
November 15, 1834, and resides with hei brother Leonard. Horatio C.
was born November 28, 1837, and fell in the second battle of Bull Run
August 30, 1862. Albert and Alfred, twins, were born March 22, 184!,
The former was wounded and captured at the second battle of Bull Run, but
was again with his regiment at Gettysburg. Soon afterward he returned
home broken down in health by his experiences in a Confederate prison.
Alfred died in 1874 at his home in Downer's Grove, Illinois.
Leonard Bloomfleld Pearson, whose name introduces this review, spent
his early life assisting his father in his blacksmith shop. In winter he
attended the district school. His early privileges were supplemented by
studying in the Belleville Academy in Jefferson county. New York, which
he entered when twenty years of age, working his way through four years
of school by his own efforts. In 1862 he removed to Illinois and for ten
years, at intervals, sailed on the great lakes. The family was noted for
loyalty and during the progress of the war of the Rebellion Mr. Pearson
of this review joined the boys in blue of Company C, One Hundred and
Thirty-second Illinois Infantry under Captain Baker, Colonel T. J.
Pickett. It was supposed when he enlisted that his soldier brothers were
all dead and now he placed himself at the front willing to give his life, if
need be, as a ransom to his country. He was soon promoted to the rank
of sergeant and was on duty in Kentucky and Missouri, being kept on
scouting and outpost duty until the time of his discharge in 1864. Soon
after he was discharged he Was offered one thousand dollars to re-enlist,
but he had entered the army from patriotic impulses and would not re-enlist
for money. Returning to Illinois he was for some time a resident of
Du Page county and on the iSth of November, 1870, he started from there
to Kansas. He reached Allen count}^ November 22 and located on the
O. J. Johnson farm in Humboldt township. There he remained one year
when he traded his team and wagon for an eighty-acre farm in Section
thirty Salem township. When he took up his abode there the total of his
improvements was a ten by twelve box house. He now owns three hun-
dred and twenty acres of valuable land, a greater part of which is under
a high state of cultivation, yielding to him an excellent income. Many
modern improvements and accessories have been added to the place which
indicates his careful supervision.
In 1867 Mr. Pearson was united in marriage to Jane C. Dixon, a
daughter of Robert and Mary (Wilson) Dixon. She was born in Fer-
manaugh county, Ireland, in 1839. Her father died of cholera at Downer's
Grove, Illinois, in 1863. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Pearson are:
I02 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Alice K., wife of Frank Pettit, by wliom she has two children, Charles
P. and Ralph, their home being in Salem township; Mary E., wife of
Willis Pettit, brother of Frank, and a resident of Elm township; Grace E.
and J. Stella who are still with their parents. Two children, George
I. and Rarrie M., died in infancy.
Mr. Pearson cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in
1864 and has supported each presidential nominee of the Republican part}-
since that time. He is recognized as one of its leaders in Allen county,
and has taken a deep interest in political affairs since long before he
attained his majority. In 1 890 his party honored him with a seat in the
House of Representatives. The Republicans were greatly in the minority
and could carry tinrough no measure alone. He was placed on the railroad
committee and introduced the alien land bill which passed both houses of
the assembly and became a law. In 1892 he was re-elected and became
a member of the "Douglas" house which House the "Populist House"
locked and barred from the Capitol as their solution of the dual house
question. Mr. Pearson carried the sledge with which the "Douglas
House" battered down the House door and took forcible possession of the
chamber, February 15, 1893. He was again placed on the railroad com-
mittee and was chairman of the fee and salary committee, and also the
committee of cities ot the first and second class. During this session of
the legislature he introduced an amendment to the constitution that all
taxes paid by the railroads for school and county purposes should be paid
in money instead of work, and providing where municipalities, towns or
counties had voted bonds in aid of railroads the taxes paid for school and road
purposes should be divided among the districts, cities or counties, the money
to be paid per capita in such manner as the legislature might direct. Mr.
Pearson is still an earnest, honest conscientious worker for the good of his
party and the upbuilding of the commonwealth. He has ever placed
the party's welfare before self-aggrandizement and he is widely known as
a patriotic citizen whose devotion to the general good is unquestioned.
Over his public career and his private record there falls no shadow of
wrong or suspicion of evil and he is justlj- entitled to the high regard of
his many friends.
KEYSER. — This Allen county family is of recent date as to settlement
in Kansas, having entered the state for the purpose of a residence in
March 1881. In May following Benjamin Keyser, the head of the family,
brought his household to Allen county and established his home in
lola. Benjamin Keyser had been reared a farmei in the east and to this
pursuit did he devote himself the few years he lived in Kansas. He
became the owner of a tract of land on Deer Creek, at Wise post office, and
the last acts of his life were devoted to its culture. Once strong and of
powerful physique Mr. Keyser was in the state of decline when he left
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. lOT
his native Maryland for the west. Kansas was too new for him at that
date and his hopes and expectations were not as rapidly realized as he felt
they would be and this condition induced a further and gradual decline in
health. January 9, 1889, he was stricken with apoplexy while reading his
paper and passed away without regaining consciousness.
Benjamin Keyser was born in Frederick county, Maryland, October
24, 1821. He was one of thirteen children and a son of Philip and
Elizabeth (Cannon) Kevser. The latter's children and grandchildren are
as follows: Sophia, who married Samuel Heffner and died in_ Frederick
county, Maryland, leaving Lewis, John and Sophia A. (Link); Margaret,
who died single; Elizabeth, who married Joseph Crist and died in
Frederick county, with issue as follows: Margaret, wife of Thos. Chilcote;
Philip; Joseph; Charles; Henry; Celia, wife of Hens. T. C. Green, of
Washington, D. C. ; Luther and Melsino, who married Clayton S. Smith ;
John Keyser, who died in Frederick county, and left the following
children: Ephraim; William; Mary; Charles; Eugene; John; Dallas;
Lewis and Nettie; Lewis Keyser, who died near Harpers Ferry, Va. , and
left Fannie; James; Elizabeth; Naomi; Joseph; Charles; Martha; Erma;
John; George and Alice; Samuel Keyser, who died in Frederick county
was the father of Walter; John; Margaret; Mary; Annie; George; Katie:
Richard; Virgie and Cliffie; Jacob Keyser, who died in Lincoln, Neb.,
leaving Philip, Mary, Annie, Jennie, Fannie and Lewis; Ann Catherine
who married Daniel Wachtei and died in Frederick county, with issue as
follows: Margaret, Sophia, Elijah and Mary; Joseph Keyser, who died
in southern Penns3dvania and had two sons, names not known; Benjamin
Keyser; Cornelius, who died in Baltimore, Maryland, with no children;
Sarah, who married Henry Wachter and died in Frederick with the
following children: Nathan, Howard, Sidney, Isaac, David, Emma,
Charles, Newton, Annie and Mary; Savilla Keyser, who married Jacob
Snook and died at Boonsboro, Maryland, left children as follows: A.
Clayton, Scott, Marshall, Wallace and Harlin.
Philip Keyser, the father of our subject, was born in Washington
county, Maryland, in 17^3, was married there and removed to Frederick
county where all his children were born. He was a blacksmith, but was
engaged chiefly in farming and was a prominent citizen of his community.
His success in business was of local note and his sons represented various
lines of industry in their choice ol livelihoods. He was a Democrat.
Benjamin Keyser passed his first fifty-nine years in Frederick county,
Maryland. He was married there March 24, 1846, to Fredrica Elizabeth
Zeigler, a daughter of Michael and Johanna (Schaffner) Zeigler. Michael
Zeigler was born in Germany in 1783 and his wife was born in the same coun-
try in 1795. They were married in 1818 and the next year they came to the
United States. They were accompanied by a sister of Mr. Zeigler and a
brother of Mrs Zeigler (wife and husband) who .settled near Philadelphia,
Pa. Michael Zeigler settled in Frederick county, Maryland, and passed
the remainder of his life upon a farm. He died in March 1052 and his
widow died in November 1863. Their children were: Hanna, who is a
104 HISTORY OF ALLEN AN]3
maid and resides in Frederick county; Henry, who died in Frederick City.
Maryland, with issne as follows: Edward, Mary, Charles, 'Eugene, Clara,
Kate, A'.init;, William, George, Clarence and Fannie; Fredrica, widow of
Benjainin Keyser, born November i6, 1824; Susan, who married Isaac
Wachter and died in Delaware, Ohio, left the following children: Annie,
Alice, Frank, L,ue an! Daisy; Christian Zt^igler who was killed in a
railroad accident in the mountains of Pennsylvania in 1-856, and died
without heirs; Rebecca, who married John Hobbs and died at Nauvoo,
Illinois, with a deceased daughter, Alice, as issue; Mary C, who married
E/.ra Staley and died near Frederick City, Maryland, with issue as follows:
M'innie, Annie and Charles; and Louisa M., who died in Frederick City
unmarried.
The childred of Benjamin and Fredrica Keyser are Chas. H., born
March 25, 1847, resides in Pitkin county, Colorado; Milton W., born
April 29, 1849, married Mary C. Mitchell and is one of the large farmers
of Edwards county, Kansas; Alice J., born January 2, 1852, resides in
lola; Franklin A., born June 29, 1854, resides in Mineral county, Colo-
rado, and Anna M., wife of L,. W. Duncan, born March 9, 1862.
TDEAvSON M. CUNNINGHAM is a representative of many important
-*- *- business interests of Allen county. Since 1885 he has been a resi-
dent of Humboldt, where he has been the promoter of many enterprises
which contribute not alone to his individual prosperity but also advance
the general welfare by promoting commercial activity. A native of
Indiana, he was born in Daviess county on the 22nd of March, 1856, his
parents being Reason and Susan E. (Prewitt) Cunningham, the former
born in Indiana in 1818, the latter in Kentucky in 1821. The father was
a fanner by occupation. In 1870 he removed to Kansas, arriving in
Humboldt on the 19th of April, after which he purchased a farm near
Leaiina in the southern part of the county. Both he and his wife are still
living, their home being in Humboldt. The father has attained the age
of eighty-two, while the mother is seventy-nine years of age. They were
parents of eight sons and three daughters, and two sons and one daughter
have passed away. Elbethel B. was a soldier in the Civil war. He served
for three years with Company I, Sixtieth Indiana Infantry, and then
veteranized, remaining at the front until the cessation of hostilities. He
participated in many battles but escaped the enemies' bullet, although he
came nearly losing his life from the explosion of his ammunition box.
The other children of the family are Mrs. Sarah E. Dickerson, who
resides on a farm near Leanna; Robert H., an agriculturist; I. N., of
Moline, Kansas; G. D. and W. S., who are residents of Humboldt, and
Ollie, who is with her parents.
In taking up the personal history of Reason M. Cunningham, Jr., we
present to our readers the life record of one who is- widely and favorably
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS
105
known. He was fourteen years of age at the time of hi^ parents removal
to Kansas. After completing a coinmon school ednc.ition he continued his
studies in the Fort Scott Normal and in the State Normal of Emporia.
Kansas, providing the means for his tuition and other expenses by teaching
at intervals and by farm work in the summer. For fifteen years he
followed the profession of teaching, and was regarded as an excellent
educator, having the ability to impart clearlv and impressively to others
the knowledge he had acquired. In 1885 he came to Humboldt, where he
engaged in teaching through the winter, while in the summer months he
followed the insurance business. Ultimately he dropped his educational
work and has since given his attention to the insurance and real estate
business, in which he has met with very desirable success. He has con-
ducted many important realty transactions and is the owner of considerable
valuable property, having a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near
Humboldt, together with his residence, and other business property in the
city. He also owns the grounds and ice plant building on the banks of
the Neosho river and is a stock holder and the secretary and treasurer of
the Humboldt Telephone C jrapiiiy. These various interests bring to him
an excellent income, which classes him among the well-to-do citizens of
the county.
Mr. Cunningham was married on the 27th of May, 1883, to Miss
Nancy H. Booe, of Neosho county, a daughter of William Booe, who was
a native of Indiana, whence he came with his family to Kansas in 1879.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham have been born five children, four of whom
are yet living: Gertrude L. , Vera M. , Clay D. and Helen E. The third
child, Glen, died at the age of eleven months. At the time of his
marriage, Mr. Cunningham removed to Erie and purchased lumber of
A. L. Taylor to build his house. That was before the day of railroads
in this locality, and he had to haul his lumber by teams from Osage
Mission.
In his political views Mr. Cunningham has ever been a stalwart
Republican, and takes an active interest in promoting the party's welfare.
He has served as a member of the county central committee, and for three
terms filled the office of township clerk, while at the present time he is
notary public. As a citizen he is progressive, lending his aid to any
movement calculated to prove of benefit along material, social, intellectual
and moral lines. He has made marked advancement in his business career
through the possession of those unyielding elements which ever conquer
success.
JOHN H. GARDNER, of Humboldt, whose connection with the
*J interests of that city date back to 1870 when he came to it from Wash-
ington, D. C. , was born in Ann Arundel county, Maryland, July 4, 1840.
His parents, John and Anna Hall (Watson) Gardner, were natives of the
Io6 HISTORY OF ALLEX AND
same state, his father being born in Ann Arundel countw His grand-
parents were also native Maryland people. John and Anna H. Gardner
were the parents of seven children, viz; Wni. L. , who died in Maryland
in 1897; Elizabeth C, wife of James Crogen, of Washington, D. C;
Charles T. , of Allen county, Kansas; Anna E. , wife of Thos. J. Webster,
died in L'>s Angeles, California; J. H.; Richard and Abner, of Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania. John Gardner's first wife died in 1849 and by a
second wife he reared seven children all of whom reside in Maryland.
J. H. Gardner lett the old Maryland home during the war and went
to Washington, D. C, where he was in the employ of the Adams Express
Company during a period of the Civil war. Succeeding this he engaged
in the fruit and provision business in that city and was so connected in a
business way till 1870 when he decided to come west. On the 6th of May
of the last named year he came to Humboldt, Kansas. It was his intention
to return to the Capital Cit\' but, seeing a good opening for carpenters —
and having learned that trade in his youth and early manhood — he
decided to remain and found work at once. He formed a partnership with
his brother-in-law, Webster, to engage in contracting and the firm had in
their employ the first two years a half score of men. In 1872 he engaged
in the meat business and for twentv-five years was the leading butcher
and meat man in the city. He not only killed and cut up meat on the
block but killed and cured and did a considerable business as a packer, as
well. He was amply rewarded for every effort put forth in the line of his
business but as soon as he stepped aside to aid his friends, by endorse-
ments or by a lift on some enterprise with a doubtful future, he got into
the mire. The harder he tried to extricate himself from these burdens the
deeper their own weight carried him into the bog. In time he was forced '
to jdeld up his business and much of his accumulations to satisf}' his
creditors.
Harry Gardner has not alone been prominent as a business man. He
brought strong Republican proclivities with him from Maryland and as
Allen was a strong Republican county he found use for his politics and
real sympathy for his faith. He has been a formidable candidate for a
county office on more than one occasion before Republican conventions
and was nominated for count\' treasurer in 1SS7 but was defeated b}" a
combination of circumstances for which his reputation was in no wise to
blame.
Mr. Gardner was married in Humboldt in 1878 to Alice J. Smith, a
daughter of Thos. D. and Julia A. (Maxwell) Smith who came into Allen
county with her family from Illinois in 1S69. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner's
children are: Charles R., J. Thomas, Hazel, Mildred and Morris.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. I07
GEORGE W. MOON is one of the the most substantial farmers of
Allen county and represents a line of business that contributes in a
greater degree to the substantial growth and prosperity of the country than
any other calling to which man devotes his energies. He was born in
Hamilton county, near Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 22nd of December, 1838.
His father, Milton Moon was a native of New York, and by occupation
was a farmer. His mother, Julia Mullen Moon, was a native of New
Jersey, and a representative of a Quaker family. When twelve years of
age Milton Moon accompanied his parents to Ohio, where he was reared
and continued to make his home until his death which occurred in 1886,
at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife died in 1866 at the age of sixty-
five years.
George Moon remained at home until about twenty years of age, when
he began learning the milling business, serving as an apprentice under
a Mr. Miller, of Union county, Indiana. He was employed in that
capacity until the outbreak of the Civil war. He was then young, of
courageous spirit and unfaltering loyalty, and in defense of the old flag he
enlisted as a member of Company B, Sixty ninth Ohio Infantry. He was
made first sergeant. He little imagined the hardships and privations that
were in store for him, but wherever he was found he was always loyal to
duty and to the Union cause. The regiment with which he was connected
was sent directly to the front and was engaged in several skirmishes. He
participated in only two pitched battles, — the engagements of Stone River
and Chickamauga. At the latter he was captured and he experienced all
the horrors of the southern prisons. It was on the 19th of September, 1863,
at the burning of Reed's bridge that he was captured and taken to Bell
Isle, just opposite Richmond, Virginia. After remaining at that place for
about two months he was transferred to Richmond, being incarcerated in
lyibby prison, a large tobacco house which the rebels had transformed into
a place in which they might confine those who throtigh the fortunes of war
had fallen into their hands. The prison was very crowded and dirty and
the soldiers only had about half rations, and though he considered the
hardships very great, the conditions in Richmond were far better than
those at Danville, Virginia, whither he was sent after three months spent
in Libby prison. At Danville he remained for two months and was then
transferred to Andersonville, where he remained for seven months. The
conditions at that place were too horrible for description, for many of the
prisoners were crowded into an open space with a high stockade all around
with nothing to shelter them from the hot summer sun of the south. This
prison was so crowded that they had hardly room to lie down. They had
scarcely anything to eat and the sanitary conditions were the worst
possible. The poor food and impure air brought death to many of the boys
in blue. Sickness visited them and the sufferings were horrible. Mr. Moon
entered that prison a strong man, but was almost a skeleton when he came
out. He could hardly stand alone, but the bayonets and bullets of the
guard forced him to move when the command was given. The sufferings
I08 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
and horrurs of that prison are bej'ond description and only those who
experienced incarceration there can fully understand the situation. When
the men were taken prisoners they were robbed by the guards of all the>
possessed, including tents, blankets and much of their clothing. A
promise was given that these would be returned, but they never were.
Mr. Moon was taken from Andersonville to Sa\annah where he
remained for a few days and was then sent to Charleston, South Carolina,
where, after a month spent upon the race track, he was transferred to
Florence. He experienced there a repetition of the horrors of Anderson-
ville. After remaining at that point for three months .Mr. Moon was taken
to Wilmington. North Carolina. The Union forces were so near, however,
that the prisoners were rushed on to Goldsboro where relief came to them.
After suffering everything that human nature could endure, the subject of
this review was at length paroled, sent to Wilmington and passed through
the Union lines. He was then taken to Columbus, Ohio, and given a
thirty days' furlough that he might return home, as he was greatly in need
of rest and of those necessities of life which contribute to health and
strength. On the expiration of his furlough he reported at Columbus and
was there when the news of General Lee's surrender was received in May,
1865, and returned to his home with a record paralleled by comparatively
few of the thousands of brave men who defended the nation in her hour
of peril.
Returning to his home Mr. Moon resumed work in the employ of the
man with whom he had learned his trade several years before. For three
years he remained in this man's .service as a most trusted and competent
workman, and then started for the west, arriving in Humboldt on the ist
of April, 1868. He purchased a farm two and one half miles west of the
city and has since resided here, giving his time and attention to the devel-
opment of his farm in Allen county, and has acquired a comfortable
competence for the evening of his life. He keeps the soil in good condi-
tion by the rotation of crops and he is most progressive in all of his
methods, while the neat and thrift^^ appearance of the place indicates his
careful i-upervision.
Mr. Moon was united in marriage in March, 1S67, to Miss Rachel
Danzenbaker, a native of Indiana. Unto them have been born five chil-
dren, but their eldest, Emma, died at the age of eighteen months. The
others are: William, who is now married and living on a farm; Charles
L,., who studied telegraphy, but is now farming; Frank, who is pursuing
a course of study in the Wichita College, and also devotes a part of his
time to teaching, and George, who is with his parents. Mr. Moon has
always been a stalwart Republican and has been elected as county com-
missioner, in which capacity he sen'ed for three years. He was township
treasurer for two terms, and has also been township clerk. He received
the nomination of his party for representative, but in that j-ear the Fusion
ticket won, he being defeated by a very small majority. He is a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic and in this way maintains associations
with his old arm\- comrades. His has been a well spent life of activity,
\YOODSOX COUNTIES, KANSAS.
energy and honest}' in all of its relations. As a citizen he is as true to his
country as when he followed the stars and stripes on the southern battle-
fields. His business methods have, ever commended him to the public
confidence and support, and he is now regarded as one of the valued
representatives i)f the agricultural interests of Allen county.
FRED. J. HORTON, .-Mien county's famous gas driller, has been the
direct cause of more supreme happiness on the part of Iota's "original
set" than any other person, living or dead. A few references, only, will
establish this claim beyond the pale of successful contradic:ion. He is all
but the discoverer of gas at lola. It was he who opened the first great
well at the "Northrup ford" and, for a few years, it was his drill, only,
whose regular "thump" announced to the populace of Elm Creek valley
the continued development of their gas field. At an hundred different
points, in Allen and adjoining counties, has he penetrated the "sand" and
more than sixty times has he brought to the surface that precious article,
the greatest of Allen county's resources. In the discovery of the Ohlfest
well the citizens of LaHarpe were wont to believe their locality the center
of the gas deposit in the valley and when the Remsberg "invincible,"
south of the city of Gas, burst forth both LaHarpe and lola felt a jealous
pang and vied with each other in their claims to its jurisdiction.
Fred Horton is a new-comer among the citizens of Allen county. He
came to our state in the interest of the Palmer Oil and Gas Company and,
for a time, was regarded among our temporary sojourners, only. His
continued success in the determination of the extent of Allen county's gas
territory led to his decision to take up his residence in lola, where he is
regarded among the permanent and substantial citizens.
Our subject was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, October 31,
1S64. His father. Hector Horton, was a successful farmer. He was born
in the town of Hector, New York, in 1819 and died in Tioga, county.
Pa., in July, 1807. In early life he moved down into Tioga county,
Pennsylvania, and was there married. He was one of the prominent men
of his community, lived an honorable life and left an estate at his death.
He was married to Permelia Emmick, a daughter of William Emmick,
whose early home was near the site of Morris. Pennsylvania. Seven
children were born to this union, viz: Charles A., of Butler county,
Pennsylvania; Frank, of Freeport, Ohio; Anna M., wife of A. C. English,
of lola, Kansas; George E. , of Freeport, Ohio; Fred J., our subject;- Mary
J., deceased, and Bert L- Horton, who maintains the old home in
Pennsylvania.
The Hortons offer no apology for their Americanism. They were of
the first families who left England for the Colonies and their descendants
have filled our states and territories with some of the best blood of the
no HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
ages. Tlios. Horton, grandfather of Fred J. Horton, spent his life around
Seneca Lake, in New York. He was first a boatman on that lake and
afterward a distiller, with his factory at the head of the lake. He married
Miss Anna Cully and died in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, leaving sons
and daughters, viz: Elizabeth, of Jackson county, Mich., is the wife of
John Kimball; Hiram, who died in Tioga county. Pa.; Susanna, of the
same county, is Mrs. Jerre Houghton; Thomas, of same county; Hector;
Sallie A., who married P. G. Walker and resides in Tioga county. Pa.;
Semantha, wife of E. H. Hastings, of Wellsboro, Pa., and Ezra Horton,
who died in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania.
Fred J. Horton was reared chiefly on the farm. Before he reached
his majorit)' he had some experience in the lumber woods of his native
state. The schools of the country district and those of the little clean
county seat of Wellsboro gave him his educational equipment. He went
into the Ohio oil field about 1885 and remained there eight years, as
employe two years and as prospector and driller and in the business of
development six years. At times he was associated with a brother or
brothers and his efforts were productive of varying degrees of success. His
operations were in Wood county and around Lima, Ohio, and it was in
that country that he came into contact with the Palmer Oil and Gas
Company. The latter firm arranged with him to come into Kansas and
develop their field and he reached Allen county in the fall of 1894. On
October ist of that 3'ear he began erecting the first rig at the "Northrup
ford" and at the end of a fortnight he had uncovered a flow of gas that
fairly startled our people.
Mr. Horton is not only a developer of our gas resources but an aid in
the promotion of other enterprises as well. He owns an interest in the
Brooklyn Park addition to lola and put in, and is the owner of, the gas
plant, or system, in both Highland Place and Brooklyn Park. He is one
of the directors of the Kansas Brick Company, with plant at Chanute,
Kansas. In 1898 he erected a commodious residence in lola and the
same year made substantial improvements upon his farm in Elm township,
Allen county.
March i6, 1889, Mr. Horton was married in Monroe, Michigan, to
Minnie E. , daughter of James Carroll, of Waterville, Ohio. Their chil-
dren are Ethel F. and Ruth Horton.
The Hortons are Republicans in politics. Hector Horton, father of
our subject, became a Republican early in the history of that party and his
sons found it to their financial well-being to support the principles of the
same party. The Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Masons have each
a claim upon the social tendencies of our subject.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. Ill
ELMER C. REMSBERG. — Among the enterprising merchants and
progressive and reliable citizens of lola is Elmer C. Remsberg, who
is now conducting an implement store. He was born near Middletown,
Maryland, June 7, 1S6 ?. and his father, J. P. Remsberg, a native of the
same locality, was born April 10, 1836. John Remsberg, the grandfather
of our subject, was born in Marjdand in 1796, the family homestead being
situated about five miles from the battle-field of South Mountain, where
occurred one of the sanguinarj' engagements of the Civil war. J. P.
Remsberg was reared upon that place and there followed agricultural
pursuits until 1876, when he came with his family to Kansas, locating in
Elm township Allen county, where he made his home until the spring of
1900. He then removed to lola, where he now resides. On the 14th of
February, 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa A. C. Coblentz,
who was born in Maryland June 7, i8.';8. She was a daughter of David
Coblentz, also of Marjdand, who was a first cousin of George A. Bowlus of
the Bank of Allen County, at lola. Mrs. Remsberg died in Allen county
July 19, 1890, leaving five children. Elmer C, Mary C. , John D., Aaron
T. and Simon, all of whom are living in this county.
Elmer C. Remsberg spent the first fourteen years of his life in Mary-
land and was then brought by his parents to Kansas, where he was
reared. After completing his education he began teaching in the LaHarpe
district in 1882, and followed that profession continuously until 1892, when
he secured a position with C. H. DeClute, for whom he acted as clerk,
remaining in that establishment until April, 1899. In February of the
following year he purchased of A. W. Beck the implement store and stock
and has since carried 01a business along that line, meeting with good
success. His business methods are commendable and therefore increase
his patronage, and he is now enjoying a large and constantly growing
trade.
On the i6th of May, 1894, Mr. Remsberg wedded Miss Effie Lemasters
who was born July 10, 1871. in Johnson county, Indiana, and is a daughter
of I. H. Lemasters, a native of Indiana. To them have been born two
children: Mary L- and Everett L. Mr. Remsberg is a member of the
Reformed Church. In politics he is a Republican, takes a very active
interest in the growth and success of his party, and has several times
served as a member of the central committee. For one term he was a
member of the city council, and is now clerk of the board of education,
which position he has held for three years. He has been called to office
by those who recognize his ability and in the discharge of his duties he has
shown that the trust reposed in him is well merited.
"C^LIAS BRUNER.— Actively identified with the industrial interests of
' ' lola, Mr. Bruner has been until recently engaged in the flouring
business in connection with W. E. and G. S. Davis, and in the
112 HISTORY OK ALLEN AND
manufacture aifd sale of lumber. He was born in Lancaster count}-,
Pennsylvania, June 15, 1S46, and is a son of Jacob Bruner, who
was born in the same county, about the year 1S14. The father was a
wagon maker, following that trade in Reyuoldsville, Pennsylvania. He
married Louisa White, of Lancaster county, and died in 1849, leaving
several children. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Church
and took an active part in the work. About 185 1 or 1852 his widow
married Jacob Bender. By her first marriage her children were Mary,
who resides in Annville, Pennsylvania; Elias; Elizabeth, wife of Henry
Dissler, of Ephrata, Lanca.ster county, Pennsylvania. There were also
three children by the second marriage: Jacob, who was probably killed in
the great strike in Chicago in 1886; Anna, who died in Annville, Penn-
sylvania, at the age of twenty; and John, a blacksmith of Annville,
Pennsylvania. The mother of this family died March i, 1897, at the ripe
old age of seventy-three years.
Elias Bruner began learning the machinist's trade at the age of
thirteen years, serving an apprenticeship to his tmcle, Peter Bruner, of
Brunersville, Pennsylvania. At the age of eighteen he went to Canton,
Ohio, where he remained for one year in the employ of the Malleable Iron
Works. After- visiting Louisville and Indianapolis, he returned home and
was again employed by his uncle, but after a short time there passed, he
removed to Kokomo, Indiana, and soon afterward came to Kansas, arriving
in this state in December, 1865, having traveled the entire distance in a
wagon. He settled near Erie, Neosho county, where he engaged in farm-
ing and-iTi working in a saw mill. When a year had passed he came to
Allen couwty and entered the employ of D. R. Hovey, who at that time
operated a saw -mill and planing mill near lola. After Mr. Hovey sold out
to G. S. Davis & Company, Mr. Bruner continued as engineer in the
mill. In 1871 he purchased an interest in the plant, thus entering into
partnership with W. E. and G. S. Davis, continuing at the old place until
1880, when they removed theii machinery to the more convenient site and
building which they occupied until 1900 when they sold it, with all the
water privileges attached, to the city of lola, and retired temporarily from
active business.
On the 1.3th of January. 1872, Mr. Bruner wedded Miss Drucie Davis,
daughter of E. S. and Drucie (Allcock) Davis, the former born in
Augusta, Maine, in 1806, the latter in Marietta, Ohio, in 181 1. Mrs.
Bruner is also a native of Marietta, born May 19, 1848. They now have four
children: Lettie, who was born October 8, 1874, and is the wife of L. L.
Northrup, of lola: Clara, born September 13, 1879; Freddie, who was born
November 2S, 1S82, and died at the age of one month, and George, born
September 20, 1890. The family is one well known in lola and the
members of the household enjoy the high regard of many friends. Mr.
Bruner has been a life-long Republican, and as every true American citizen
should be, is well informed upon the issues of the day and does all in his
power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party which he
advocates.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. II3
l_^ 'LIAS W. ARNOLD, one of the well known and permanent mechanics
^—' of lola, has passed a quarter of a century in Allen county, having
come into it in ICS75. He was an Ohio emigrant, from Wayne count) ,
where he was born on the gth of April, 185 1. His father, George Arnold,
was a farmer and carpenter, who was brought to Ohio when a child from
the state of Maryland. The early residents of Wayne and vStark counties,
Ohio, well remember George Arnold as a meclianic for he handled the
saw and the hammer in the two municipalili-s nearly half a century.
Daniel Arnold, our subject's grandfather, was the founder of the
family in Ohio for it was he who crossed the AUeghenies from Maryland
just after the war of 1812 and began the initial work of opening up a farm
in Wayne county. He died and is buried in the Buckeye state.
George Arnold was an only child. He was born in 1812 and died in
1S98. He married Mary Spake, whose father, John Spake, was from tbe
state of Pennsylvania, and served in the war of 1812. Mary (Spake)
Arnold died in rgoo at the age of seventy-six years. She was twice
married, her first husband being Jacob Plum. George Arnold was also
twice married, his first wife being Mary Bowman. The family of Plum
children were: John, deceased, who served in the 120th Ohio Infantry;
Elizabeth, who married William Cordray, died in Wayne county, Ohio.
The first family of Arnold children is composed of John Arnold, who
resides in Wayne county, Ohio; Levi, of Blackwell, Oklahoma; Hiram and
David, deceased. Eli and Hiram served in the 4th Ohio regiment, the
latter dying in the service. The yoxinger generation, which includes our
subject, are: Elias W. ; Jennie, wife of Calvin Taggart; Mary; Amanda,
wife of Jerre Houk, of Wayne county; Daniel and Charles, of Wayne;
Jacob, whose whereabouts are unknown; and Elberta, who married John
Trout, of Wayne count}-, Ohio.
E. W. Arnold practically grew up in a carpenter shop. He had
completed his trade by the time he had acquired a fair common school
education and at the age of about twenty years he undertook the serious
side of life. He made no pretentions to any other calling before he came
west and the first few years he was in Allen county he picked up a few
doUais here and there as the opportunity occurred, in this vva^^ Twenty
years ago mechanics were more numerous in Allen county than jobs and
Mr. Arnold found it necessary to employ other means, at times, to supply
the wants of his family. Gardening and a little truck patch business here
and there and doing odd jobs at anything and for anybody is not an exag-
gerated statement of his experiences for a few years in Kansas. When he
became able to buy a lot and improve it, and then sell, he struck his fir.st
money-making project. The town property he acquired in this way he
finally traded for a farm which he moved onto and cultivated with some
degree of profit, a few vears. In the spring of 1900 he erected a couple of
residences in Jones' addition to lola, returned to the city and resumed his
trade. Toward the development of lola he has built, on his own account,
114 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
seven houses not to say aught of the many he lias been connected with
merely as a mechanic.
Jannary 22, 1874, Mr. Arnold vva- married to Louisa A. , a daughter
of Aaron Altland. The latter married Margaret Jones and died in Stark
count\ , Ohio, in December, 1895, at the age ot sixty-seven \ears. His
wife died in 1866 at the age of thirt\-four years. The Altlands were from
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio where they settled early. John
Altland, Mrs. Arnold's grandfather, was born in 1790 and died in 1^71.
He was a farmei and was married to Susan Eckroate, who died in 1875 at
the age of eighty-one. Aaron Altland's children are: Louisa A., born July
20, 1853; and Andrew and Josiah A. Altland, of Stark county, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold's children are: Clark Warren, born August
II, 1875; Edna, born May iS, 1884; Odella, born April 25, 1888; Almeda,
born April 14, 1891. Three children, Aaron, Ethel S. and George S.
A_^rnold, are deceased.
Eli Arnold has been one of the industrious citizens of his community.
His sympathies have always been with the struggling, honest toiler for he
felt that he was one of them. His life has been in every way honorably
spent and he has done his best with the resources at his command.
JASPER S. TURNER— In the early spring of 1885 a new man succeeded
Mr. AUaway in charge of the Santa Fe station at lola. He was an eastern
man but had absorbed western waj's and western customs in his association
with the builders of the Union Pacific Railroad from Junction City to
Denver and in his subsequent association with men of the craft on other
lines and in other departments of the work. The j-ear 1 885 marks his ad-
vent to the service of the Southern Kansas Railroad Company, now the
Santa Fe Railroad Company, and he was, consequentl}', in the probationary
stage of service when he came to lola. We refer, in these preliminaries,
to the person whose name introduces this review, Jasper S Tnrner.
Mr. Turner was born in Medina County, Ohio, February 17, 1842, and
passed his boyhood there. The country was all he had an opportunity to
familiarize himself with as a boy and j'outh and his education was obtained
amid such surroundings for the time being. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted
in Company B, 42nd Ohio Volunteers for three months and upon the ex-
piration of his time reenlisted and was assigned to Company I. 103rd Ohio
volunteers. His regiment served in the arni)- of the the Tennessee and
when his second period of enlistment expired he was in Ten-
nessee, and there veteranized. He did not furlough home as was the prac-
tice under such circumstances, and as the remainder of his company did,
but continued on duty and remained in the field until the last gun had
been fired and the last vestige of the Confederacy' had been wiped out.
The first year after the war Mr. Turner spent in attendance upon the
Mennonite College at Wadsworth, Ohio. His experiences up to this time
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. II5
had been ample to enable him to cope successfully with his pe- rs in the
warfare of life and in 1S67 he started wesl "to look for something." The
development of the west was at that time in its incipient stages. The first
great artery of domestic commerce to unite the Atlantic and the Pacific was
then building and our subject drifted toward Kansas, the initial point in its
construction. He secured the clerkship with the Superintendent of con-
struction and followed the road out to Denver and observed its completion
to that point. He returned to Manhattan, Kansas, next and entered the
station service of the same road, the "Kansas Pacific," and while here was
injured and forced to retire from the service, going to Wyandotte, Kansas.
He secured a clerkship in one of the hotels of the place and there passed
a period of six months. Returning again to railroad work he entereil the
service ol the Ft. Scott and Gulf road as clerk for the assistant Superin-
tendent of construction. Leaving this p<3sition he went into the station de-
partment of the North Missouri, now the Wabash Railroad, and remained
with that system from the fall of 1869 to April, 188;, when he left their
employ at Plattsburg, Missouri. He joined the Southern Kansas company
the same year and on the 13th of March following took charge of the station
at lola.
Mr. Turner's is one of the old American families. His great-great-
grandfather and his great-grandlather were born in the Fatherland and, on
arrival in Ameiici, settled somewhere on the Atlantic coast. The great-
grandfather served in the Colonial army during the war for Independence.
He was probabh' a recruit from the colony of New Jersey, for some of his
posterity went from that State into Pennsylvania in the early part of the
rgth century. John Turner, our subject's grandfather, emigrated from
"Jersey" and settled on the Muskingum river in western Penns>lvania
when his son, Alexander, was a youth. Some years afterward he moved
over into Ohio and passed the remaining years of his life in Medina County.
.■\mong his children was .\lexander, the father of the subject of this sketch.
The latter spent many years teaming between Pittsburg and Wadsworth,
Ohio, served with the Ohio troops in the Mexican war and finally settled
down to the farm near Wadsworth, where both he and his wife died. He
married Betsey French, who died in November, 1870, just eight years be-
fore her husband. Their children were Alonzo, of Halley, Idaho; James,
deceased; Maria, deceased, who married Chas. Curtis; Chas. Wesley, de-
ceased; Quincy \., the ist, and Ouincy A., the 2nd; and Jasper S. , ist
and 2nd, the latter being, of course, the subject of this article.
Jasper S. was married while he was in Plattsburg. Missouri, October
23, 1872, to M. Fannie Butler, a Kentucky lady. For many years Mrs.
Turner has conducted the leading millinery and ladies tailoring establish-
ment in lola and the Turner block on West Madison, is in a great measure,
a monument to her skill and industry. In their relations to the social side
of lola Mr. and Mrs. Turner have been most fortunate and happy. They
are a popular host and hostess and they hold the confidence of their towns-
men in a high and permanent degree.
jl6 HISTORY OF ALLEX AND
IRA E. PATTERSON, o^ lola, in the business of plumbing, cornice
work and general builders supplies, began his life in lola in 1882, as a
clerk in the grocer}- of Richards & Eakin. The next year he joined Nimrod
Hankins in the same business, which partnership and business existed one
year. Being a mechanic, he engaged in building work and followed his
trade some ten years, and left it to engage in the lumber business with H.
E. Thomas. IJpon the dissolution of this firm their tinning and plumbing
business was retained and Mr. Patterson succeeded to it. While at first it
was a matter of small dimensions the growth of the city has justified its
owner in extending and enlarging his business till its importance is second
to none in Allen County.
Mr. Patterson w^as born in Henry County, 111., March 30, 1865. He
received a good common school education in the school at Annawan, 111.
At the age of seventetn years he became responsible for his maintenance
and support. He went into a carpenter shop with W. K. Brown, of Anna-
wan, and became an efficient mechanic in due time. He cau:e to Kansas
a youth of eighteen with no capital except his industry and his character.
How well he has exercised the former and maintained the lattei old resi-
dents of lola will amply testify.
Mr. Patterson was married in lola October, 1889, to Susie B. , a
daughter of Henry Waters. Mrs. Patterson was born in Douglas County,
Kansas, in 1868. Their children are: Arthur E., Lyford M. and Helen R.
Patterson.
Mr. Patterson is known as an active Republican and as a leading
member of the Methodist church. He has served the city as a member of
her common Council and has served his church in its various departments
of church work.
IRA D. KELLEY is the proprietor of the only hack and baggage line in
the cily of lola, and is doing' an extensive and profitable business. His
salient characteristics are energy and persistency of purpose, aad as these
form the ioundation of all success his friends feel safe in predicting that he
will become one of the prosperous residents of Allen County. He is yet
a young man for his birth occurred June 3, 1875, the place of his nativity
being Newton County, Arkansas, and he is a son of William D. Kelley, of
lola.
Ira D. Kelley has spent twenty-five 3-ears in Allen County. At a very
early age he commenced driving for his father in the transfer business and
after a few j-ears he purchased the business, which he has since carried on
with ever increasing success. He began with only one bus, and since that
time has added a new wagon or caiTiage each year and has the only hack
and baggage line of the city.
On the i6th of May, 1896, Mr. Kelley was united in marriage to Miss
Grace N. Smith, of Humboldt, Kansas, and their pleasant home in lola is
WOODSOX COUNTIES, KANSAS. II7
justly celebrated for its charming hospitalit_v. Mr. Kelley is connected with
a number of fraternal and social organization; , including the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Order of Elks. His menial man-
ner and unfailing courtesy render him popular, and in business circles he
sustains a high reputation.
I_^ 'LISHA JAY — For more than a third of a century Elisha Jay has been
■^—-'a resident of Allen County and during this period has carried on farm-
ing, which Washington said is the most honorable as well as the most use-
ful calling which man follows. He was born in Miami County. Ohio,
October 23, 1S37, his parents being Jonathan and Ann (Jcnes) Jay, al.-o
natives of the Buckeye State. In 1850 the father removed with his family
to Indiana, where he made his home upon a farm until his life's labors were
ended in death in 1867, when he was sixty-two years of age.
Elisha Jay was the third of six children in his father's family and was
seventeen years of age at the time of the removal to Indiana. The common
schools had afforded him his educational privileges and in his early life he
learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for some time, but dur-
ing the greater part of his business career he has carried on farming and
has found it a profitable source of income. He was married in 186 1 to
Miss Hannah Palmer, a native of Montgomery County, Indiana, and a
daughter of Daniel and Mahala Palmer, who were the parents of ten chil-
dren. The father died in Fountain County, Indiana, on the 14th of Janu-
ary, 1867, at the age of sixty-five years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs,
Jay has been blessed with four children, of whom three aie now living,
namely: Albert, a resident of Galena, Kansas: Jonathan, who is living in
Salem township and William B.
Five years after his marriage Mr. Ja\ came to Kansas. Much of the
land was still unclaimed and the government offered homesteads at a
nominal price to those who would cultivate and improve the wild prairie.
Our subject thus secured a farm five miles east of Humboldt, where h e still
resides and by his industry, as time has passed, he has developed one of
the best farms in Salem township, adding thereto all modern accessories
and improvements. He is well known in the county and has a host of
warm friends. His political support is given the Republican party and in
religious work he has been quite active. He was made one of the trustees
of the Maple Grove Methodist Episcopal church when that society was
organized and still holds the position. In the interim this has grown to be
a prosperous church, strong numerically and in its far-reaching influence.
Throughout his life Mr. Jay has been found true to the principles in which
he believes, and honestv and integritv are svnonymous with his name.
IlS HISTORY OF ALLFJX AND
T ]\ ZILLIAMB KKLLEV, lola's leading draj'maii and a gentleman
* * who has established an enviable reputation for hone>ty, sobriety-
and public spirit, is a native of one of the southern states, having been born
in Jackson County, Akdjania, August 23, 1847. His ancestors were radi-
cally southern, having resided in that section for generations and having
been introduced therein at so early a date that it is not positively known.
Eli. M. Kelley, our subject's father, was born in Walker County, Georgia,
in 1823, and is a son of Marvel Kelley who died in that county in 1830.
Eli M. Kelley has made the calling ot his forefathers his life work. He
resides in Butler County, Kansas, where he located in 1872 and is well
known as a farmer and substantial citizen. He resided in Arkansas during
the Civil war and, although in one of the hottest secession states he sided
with the Union and entered the 2nd Arkansas cavalry and served nearly
two years in the western army. Circumstances made him a Republican
many years ago and he has not had occasion to depart from the faith. He
married Elizabeth J. Reynolds in the State of Alabama. She died in But-
ler County, Kansas, October 16, 1893, at the age of sixty-six years. She
was a daughter of Calvin Reynolds-, a southern planter whose family home
was in Tennessee. Eli Kelley 's children are: William B. ; Marvel C. , of
Butler County, Kansas: John M., of Ida: Pleasant S., of Wes'.ern Kansas:
Palestine, deceased, married John Hall and left a husband and one babe,
George M., in Cowley County, Kansas. She died September 15, 1882. at
the age of 2 1 .
William B. Kelley came to matihood's estate chiefly in Arkansas. His
father resided for a time in Green County, Missouri, and there our subject
got his education in the district schools. When he reached his majority he
began the battle of life as a farmer. He maintained himself at this for some
years, even doing a little of it after his advent to lola. He came to this
point in 1S75 and, although he claimed to be a farmer for fifteen years, he
was not at all well known as such. In 1890 he saw an opportunity to en-
gage in the dray business, with some promise of return, and he did so.
But the dray business at that date in lola's history was very light. In fact
it can hardly be said to have reached the dignity of a business. But some-
how Kelley found enough to do to keep the wolf from the door of a fair-
sized family. He hauled everything, from junk to baggage and kept in the
field so that when his town finally started in her career toward the skies he
went with her. In a short time his single team was inadequate and he
added another, and another, and finally two more until his yard and stables
have something of the appearance of a metropolitan one. His original
homestead has kept pace in the march of progress. At the beginning it
contained one house and he has added more than one house for each team,
on the same block.
In June, 1869, Mr. Kelley was married in Newton County, Arkansas,
to Susan A., a daughter of John T. Spears, of South Carolina, a farmer
and trader. The children of this union are: John M., Levi S., Ira D., and
Agnes J., wife of James Dunfee.
WOODSON COUXTIES, KANSAS. I I9
T EOXARD C. THOMAS, one of the well-to-do fanners of Allen
J — ' countv, was born in Quincy, Illinois, March 7, 1S59, of German
pai-entage. His father, Philip Thomas, was a native of Germany, and
came to America at the age of twelve years. He represented a family
widely known for excellent business ability, its members attaining a high
degree of prosperity. Two of his brothers yet survive. Casper Thomas,
who came to America in 1849, located in California. He is now living in
lu.xury in Germanj'. Tobias, also went to California and is now living in
Portland, Oregon.
In early life Philip Thomas begin working at the cooper's trade which
he followed in this country with excellent success, thereby acquiring a
very desirable competence. He married Elizabeth Herleman, who was
born in Denmark, and came to America when nine years of age. She was
a daughter of Jacob Herleman, a farmer, who died near Quincy. Adams
county, Illinois, when in the prime of life. Her brother, Nick Herleman,
made his fortune on a farm, and is now living retired in Quincy. Her
sister, who married a Mr. Smith, and was widely kuown as "Aunt Smith,"
died wealthy. The money making propensitv of the family was manifest
in Philip Thomas, whose business grew in volume and importance, so that
he furnished emplojnnent to between one and two hundred men. By his
marriage to Miss Herleman the following children were born: Mary,
widow of Mr. Messerschraidt, who was a well-to-do saddler; Lysetta, -who
died in May, 189S, was the wife of Mr. Winter, who died in May, 1900.
He served for four years and seven months in the Civil war, participated
in the battle of Bull Run, and was seven times wounded. At the battle
of Wilson Creek, General Lyons fell and he aided in carrying him from
tlie field. In other engagements, Mr. Winter also sustained wounds. As
soon as it became known that he was a boatman, he was detached from land,
service and placed oa a transport boat, where he served until after the close
of hostilities. Albert Thomas, the eldest son of the family, was a sergeant
in the Regular army and now is in the Philippine war. Philip C, who
was born in June, 1853, has followed the coopering business all his life in
partnership with his father. He has a son, a machinist, now in Denver,
Colorado. Tobias, the youngest son of the family, is an engineer with the
Electric Weaving Company, of Quincy, Illinois.
Leonard C. Thomas acquired a common school education and received
a thorough training at the cooper's trade, which he learned under the
direction of his father, of whom he afterward became a partner. They
took the trees as they were cut down in the forest and did all the work of
manufacturing the lumber and making the barrels. Mr. Thomas, of this
review, followed the business until November, 1883, when he came to
Kansas. He has since carried on agricultural pursuits here. In Novem-
ber previous he had wedded Miss Carrie Smith, a sister of Judge J. B.
Smith, of the probate court of Allen county. Her father, John Smith, was
for four years sheriff of Sangamon county, Illinois, and was at one time
mayor of Springfield, Illinois. He was elected and served for one term in
I20 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
the State legislature, and was afterward appointed warden of the state
penitentiary. When the war broke out he was in Springfield and there he
formed a company and was appointed captain. He represented an old
Kentucky family but possessed strong abolition principles. John Smith,
however, was the only Republican in his family, and had brothers in the
southern army. He was killed in a railroad accident between Chicago
and Springfield, Illinois, while warden of the penitentiary. Two sons and
one daughter still survive him. The third being Will Smith, a real estate
dealer in Oklahoma.
As before stated Mr. Thomas came to Kansas in 1883. His wife had
inherited two hundred and fifty-six acres of land on section 32, Salem
township, and this induced him to take up the life of farming. Mr.
Thomas broke all of this tract and all of the improvements on the place
stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. Here they have reared
their three children: John, who was born June 26, 1S8'; Charles, born in
November, 1889, and Elmer B., born March 31, 1896. They are being
provided with good educational privileges and well fitted for life's practical
duties. Mr. Thomas has been a man of marked enterprise and excellent
executive ability whose sagacity and energy in business affairs have con-
tributed in a large measure to his prosperity'.
JOHN H. VANNUYS, cashier of the Northrup National Bank at lola,
an early settler in Allen cotmty and a gentleman widely known and
universally esteemed, was born in Johnson countj', Indiana, September
20, 1S40. He is a son of Isaac Vannuys and passed his boyhood and
youth upon the farm. He acquired a good elementary education in the
country schools and in Hopewell Academy. Before he had undertaken to
battle with the problems of life the Civil war burst upon the country and he
attained his majority in the ranks of Co. F, Seventh Indiana Infantry. He
enlisted for three years in August and his regiment went at once into West
Virginia and became a part of the P'ederal forces fighting the battles for
liberty and union in that state. Two weeks aitei leaving Indianapolis
Mr. Vannuys was in the battle of Green Briar. Toward the latter part of
the year his service in the field was interrupted by sickness and he spent a
part of ths first winter in th.e hospital at Cumberland, Maryland, before
furloughing home. He returned to his command in time for the engage-
ment at Port Republic and was in the field with it till after the second
battle of Bull Run. His lying out in all kinds of weather brought on an
attack of acute rheumatism and he was so crippled by it that he lay in the
hospital nearly all the second winter. When the Confederates started
north on their second raid and all the men were being pushed to the
defense of Washington the hospitals were drawn upon for their convales-
cents and our subject was given a gun with the rest. He was sent north
with them to Columbia, near Harrisburg, on the Susquehanna river.
WOODSON' COUXTIES, KANSAS. 12 1
<;UHi"diiig the long bridjie, and he reached his regiment again after the
battle ot Gettysburg had been won. He was able for duty the remainder
of his term of enlistment and was in all the engagements of the regiment
up to and including the fight in front of Petersburg, \'irginia. He received
a bullet through the right thigh in that fierce engagement and was ren-
dered incapably of further service to the regiment. He was discharged
September 20, 1864. and, upon returning home, he took a business college
course at Indianapolis the following winter. In the fall of 1865 he was in the
national bank at Goshen, Indiana, for a few months but severe illness
forced his retirement and the following spring and summer he spent in the
Second National Bank ot Franklin, Indiana. In the spring of 1867 he
came to Kansas and spent hi-; fii^i two years here upon an Allen county
farm. He was associated with James Christian in the cattle business, more
or less, in which enterprise Mr. Christian was also a partner. In the
.spring of 1869 he came to lola and associated himself with William Davis
in the clothing business. Before this firm ceased to exist he went into the
bank of L. L,. Norchrup, where he had had occasional employment, almost
from the inception of the bank and was soon a fi.Kture there. He dates
his permanency with the bank from April 1873. He has had such an
e.Klended connection with the institution that it seems this connection
never had a beginning and never sliould have an ending. His relations
have been so close to the guiding spirits of the institution and his attentions
so unremitting to the institution itself that it can be said with propriety that
he is a part of both. He has thought moie about his duty to his fellows
and to his Maker than to himself and has not profited by his opportunities
as he might. Every charity, every benevolence crosses his path and every
progressive movement for the substantial or intellectual improvement of
his community is a beneficiary of his purse.
Mr. Vannuys' connection with the Presbyterian church of lola has
been long and con.stant. As Treasurer of the Board of Trustees his tenure
of office runneth not, neither to his predecessor or his successor. His
moral code is strict and unbending and his aesthetic nature is well
cultivated.
Isaac Vannuys, our subject's father, was born in Kentucky in 1S13.
His father and our subject's grandfather was probably born in Jersey Citv,
New Jersey, went to Kentuck}- many 3'ears ago and, about 1835, settled in
Johnson county, Indiana, where he died in 1846 at about seventy years of
age. He married a Miss Demaree and reared a large family. His son,
Isaac, who died in 1844, married Elizabeth, a daughter of John Johnson.
Elizabeth (Johnson) Vannuys was born in Henry county, Kentucky, in
1815. Her children are: Archibald C, who died in 1861; Charity E- ,
wife of H. C. Winchester, of Carlyle, Kansas: Julia E., widow of Isaac
C. LaGrange, of Franklin, Ind.; John Harvey, our subject; and Mary C,
widow of Richard T. Overstreet, of Johnson county, Ind. Our subject's
grand ancestors on both the paternal and marernal sides were native born
English, Scotch, Irish and German respectively.
The political history of Mr. Vannuys can be sumed up in a few words.
122 HISTORY OF ALLEX ASV
He joined the Republican party as soon as he became a viiter ami that
jniblic safeguard has since been his pulitical refuge.
Mr. \''annuys' first wife was Anna M. Overstreet, who died in lola
November 20, 1S71, with lut leaving i.ssue. In Ma\'. 1^74, he married
Emily A., daughter of the late L. L. Northrup Mrs. \'aniuiys died in
April, 1885, without issue.
AM. BEEMAN — Among the sons of the Empire State who have cast in
their lot with the citizens of Kan.sas and are numbered among the
representatives of Allen Count}' is A. M. Beeman, who was born in New
York, March 8, 1833. His parents were John S. and Ursula (Crooker)
Beeman, the former born in Vermont in 18 12, and the latter in Connecticut
in 1813. Our subject now has in his possession several mementoes of his
wife's grandmother, among other things a ribbon belt which was worn
more than a century ago. In 1836 Mr. Beeman's parents removed to
Michigan, but after nine years returned to the Empire State, where the
father died in 1888, — the mother having passed away in 1S39, — leaving
three children: Julia, wife of William Cobb; A. M., of this review; and
Emily, wife of Ira Allen.
A. M. Beeman was reared in New York with the exception of
the nine years spent by the family in Michigan, and in the common schools
he acquired his education. In 1867 he came to Kansas, — a young man of
34 years, — full of energj-, determination and resolution. He secured a
homestead claim of eighty acres, six miles east of Humboldt, and still re-
sides upon that property, having made it a highl)' cultivated and productive
tract. In his early life he learned the gunsmith's trade and during the
Civil war worked in the gunshops, making Enfield rifles for use by the Union
army, thus rendering effective service for his country. He was employed
in this way in Canandaigua, New York, where he manufactured many guns
used by sharpshooters.
In 1867, the year of his removal to the west, Mr. Beeman was united
in marriage to Miss Eydia A. Pomeroy, a native of New York. Her father,
Chauncey Pomeroy, was born in that State, August 26, 1813, and man'ied
Fannie Eliza Alger, a native of Ontario. Mr. Pomeroy' s death occurred
in July, 1848, but his wife, who was born in i8i7,is still living. They
were the parents of six children, as follows: Jane D., William I., Lydia A.,
Catharine A., George W. and Henry T. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Beeman was blessed with seven children: Emma Ursula, Edwin A., Chas.
Wesley, Mary Etta, John S., Martin O. and Benight M. The last named
is now deceased.
Mr. Beeman is a popular resident of his community. He has served
as justice of the peace of his township, is now its treasurer, and in 1900 re-
ceived the nomination of the People's Party for the office of township
trustee. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished in life, for
WOODSON COUXTIES, KANSAS. I 23
he Started out to earn his living wlien only twelve years of age, and since
that time has depended entirely on his own resources. Diligence has been
the ke\ note to his success, and his example is one that might be profitably
followed by all who have to depend upon their own exertions. His worth
is widely recognized Mid he enjoys the friendsliip of in:-.ny of the best peo-
ple of Allen County.
TTH.\.\IER F. RANDOI^PH has won the right to be termed a self-made
-'-man and is now classed among the enterprising citizens of Salem town-
ship, Allen County. He was born in Shelby County, Indiana, January 9,
1844, and is a son of Reuben F. Rand ilp'.i, a mtive of Oliir), who removed to
the Hoosier State when a young man and was there married to Miss Amanda
Runyon, who was born in Indiana of southern pirentagc. During the
early boyhood of their son Ithamer tliev removed to Ic:)wa, where both died
in November, i860, there being onh- about two weeks' difference in the
time of their demise. Tlieir children were: Owen F. , Reuben F. , William
F. , Ithamar F., Melinda P'. , wife of Lafayette Shadley, who was killed at
Coffey ville by the Daltons; Amanda F., wife of Alexander Breeding and
Margaret A. F., wife of Charles Hodgkiss.
Ithamar F. Randolph spent the greater part of his youth in Iowa, and
to its public school system is indebted for the educational privileges which
he enjoyed. He worked on the home farm until after the country became
involved in Civil war, when on the 15th of Julv, 1863, at the age of 19
years, he offered his services to the government, enlisting in Company C,
Ninth Iowa Cavalry, with which he remained until the 20th of March,
1866. During that time he was in Arkansas, ?\Iissouri and Texas with the
Western Division, engaged in fighting bushwhackers and Texas Rangers.
He was never wounded nor taken prisoner, although lie saw some very
hard service while associated with the boys in blue in establishing the
supremacy of the Union.
After receiving an honorable discharge Mr. Randolph returned to
Davis County, Iowa, and two years later married Miss Miriam \'. Cade, a
native of that county. The marriage was celebrated March 12, 1868, and
has been blessed with seven children: Louie F. , now the wife of W. J.
Royer; Mattie F. , wife of W. J. Kelso; Mary F., wife of Lewis Anderson,
of Kansas City, Missouri; Effie F., Myrtle F. , Bessie F. , and Jessie F., all
at home.
Mr. Randolph continued to reside in Iowa until 1S77, when he came
with his family to Kansas and for five years was a resident of Wilson
County. The spring of 1882 witnessed his arrival in Allen Count}', and
he purchased a farm in the southeastern part of Salem township, where he
.still resides, having a very comfortable home that stands as a monument to
his thrift and enterprise. His life has been one of industry and honesty,
and his career has been a useful and commendable one, showing what can
be accomplished by determined purpose and serving as an example that is
well worthv of emulation.
124 HISTORY OF AI.LEX AXD
TIj^RAXK JACKSON, of Caiiyle township, is one of Allen County's
-L pi(jneers. He was born in Iol.\ March 31, iSSi, ani, with the excep-
tion of four years spent in Cowley County, Kansas, has resided continu-
ously in Allen County. His life has been devoted to the farm and the re-
wards of his industry have been never-failing and constant. Beginning
life as a mere boy and in a molest and unpretentious way he has come to
be recognized as one of our most thrifty and successful small farmers.
The Jacksons were among the first settlers of Allen County. Joel
Jackson, father of the subject of this review, started west from some point
in the State of Wisconsin with a yoke of oxen and a linchpin wagon. His
objective point was Kansas and he arrived in lola about 1S59. On the
journey out one ox died and a cow was substituted for the remainder of the
trip. Farming was Mr. Jackson's occupation and he had that vocation in
mind when he came to this new State. He entered the army the first year
of the Rebellion, enlisting in Company E, 9th Kansas, and was killed at
the battle of Stone Lane, Missouri.
Joel Jackson was an Englishman. He was married to Mary Fleek,
who died March 25, 1S97. Upon the death of Mr. Jackson his w-idow was
left with a family of small children. They were: Niton Jackson, of Okla-
homa: William, of Kansas City, Missouri; Joseph, deceased, and Frank
The family remained in lola till 1870 when the mother took a homestead
northeast of town and moved her family and effects onto it. With the aid
of her sons she opened up a farm there and slowly acquired the means to
make them comfortable. All the sons left home, in time, but Frank. He
stuck to the farm, through hard times, poor seasons and poor markets and
encouraged and took care of his mother, never losing faith in Kansas.
Our subject was married in Cowley County, Kansas, in November,
1879. His wife was Miss Lizzie Sutliff, a daughter of Abe Sutliff. She
was born March 31, 1862, and, as a companion, has borne her portion of
the family responsibilities. She is really a "better half" and a genuine
woman and a genuine man are at the head of their family. Their children
are: Nile\-, Milev , John, Effie, Frankie and .\ltie.
As a farmer Frank Jackson has been a success. He has proceeded
upon the theory that if he provided the labor and managed his affairs with
wisdom Providence would do the rest. He never complains or fault-finds
over a crop shortage, but takes a hopeful view of all things. He has a
surplus when anybody has and often when others have not. From a team
and a few cattle he has expanded to a one hundred and twenty acre farm,
well stocked. Although he takes a fervent interest in politics he does so
for the benefit of his party and not for himself. He has always been a Re-
publican, has always practiced honesty and has the confidence and esteem
of his fellow countrvmen.
WOODSON CmiNTIES, KANSAS. I 25
TOXATHAX .M. MATTOOX.— The historic village of Geneva in Allen
*-* count\ is yet rich in the personal presence of pioneers; men whose
years had scarcely reached the quarter century mark when they established
-.hemselves in that connnunity; men whose forms are now bent with years
and awaiting tlie passing of the spirit to be laid away with the honored
dead. When the names of Spicer, Dickey, Esse, Rowland and Mattoon
have passed into the Great Beyond then will Geneva cease to turn to her
first settlers for her "first things" but place her reliance in recoi d-^ instead.
J. M. Mattoon has been one of the characters of Allen county for
nearly iorty-five years. He came to the county in 1857 when the settle-
ment at Geneva was being founded and cast his lot with the brethren of
the east. He had started west eight years before he reached Kansas hint
spent the intervening years in Michigan where he was employed as a
machinist. His place of birth was in Jefferson county. New Vork, and
the date was December 17, 1813. Gershom Mattoon was his father anci
X'^ancy Sayer was his mother, natives of Connecticut and X'^ew Jersey,
respectively. Of the nine children of these parents onh' two survive, viz:
Our subject and a sister, Harriet Williams, of Warsaw, Michigan.
Mr. Mattoon was married to Tracy Hancock and in 1849 went into
Michigan. Eight years later he found himself on the frontier of civiliza-
tion and at the gateway to the great American Desert. Choosing mer-
chandising as his vocation he eng^ged in it with little delay and many
> ears passed ere he laid aside the liquid measure, the yard stick and the
scissors. In, 1858 he was appointed assistant post-master at Geneva and
two years later he was appointed chief of the office. He held this latter
position through several administiations — from Lincoln to McKinley — until
he had held the office more than forty years and was one of the oldest
post-masters in the United States.
In i860 Mr. Mattoon suffered the loss of his wife. She was the
mother of eight children, two sons, both of whom served in the Civil War.
and both of whom have since died. The surviving daughters are: Lucy
J.; Matilda, wife of Henry Gray; Josena, wife of Lotiis Davidson; Cecil
Carry; Mav, wife of Frank Campbell, and Adda, who married William
Hyde.
J. M. Mattoon has filled a place in the affairs of men. He brought
with him to his new western home character and honor and has maintained
them both untarnished and unassailed. Honesty and integrity "blazed"
his pathway and whether transacting his private business or representing
his constituents in a public office his watchword was the same.
"DOBERT F. WHITE.— One of the early settlers in Geneva township,
^ *- Allen county, and a gentleman whose prominence as a farmer and
whose influence in public affairs is universally recognized, is Robert F
White, of lola. He settled on the H. L. vSpencer farm, on the Neosho
126 HISTORY OF ALLEN AN'D
river, in iS66 and fnjni that date till his recent removal to lola he was one
of the central figures of his township. He was born in Washington
county, Indiana, November 20, 18,^4, but his parents removed to Hend-
ricks county and there Mr. White was married and from that point he
came into Kansas. He is a son of Maximillian White who was born in
North Carolina in March 1801 and whose parents settled in Washington
county, Indiana, in 1814. Caleb White, our subject's grandfather, was
a shoemaker. He was born in North Carolina, belonged to the Quaker
sect and passed his later life as a farmer. He married Parthena White
and both are buried in Washington county, Indiana. The children of
this pioneer couple were: Josiah, Ann, Sallie, Penelope, Margaret, Jean-
ette. Caleb and Maximillian White.
Maximillian White was one of the prominent local Whigs in Indiana
and was married in Washington county- to Ruth, a daughter of Lewis and
Jane (Thompson) Woody. Jane (Woody) White died in 1841. Their
children were: Anna, deceased, wife of Simeon Clayton; Asanas, de-
ceased, who married Samuel Nixon: Eliza, deceased, was married to Edwin
Pead; Lewis W., deceased; Robert F., our subject; Walter, deceased, and
Martha White.
R,obert F. White is a typical countryman. His youth and vigorous
manhood were passed amidst rural environments and his student days,
proper, were confined to the district schools, finishing them with a term or
so in an academy. He began life on a farm, when of age, and every other
business is a stranger to him. He left Indiana in 1859 and settled on a
farm in Lyon county. He was in the state militia during the war and was
called out to chase Quantrell, Bill Anderson, and to repel Indian invasion
and to defend Kansas against the Price raid.
Mr. White was first married in 1854 to Esther Hadley. She died in
1S69 and in 1S72 he married Elizabeth Odell. Mrs. White was a daughter
of Isaac and Mary Odell, both from Tennessee. Mrs. White was born in
Coles county, Illinois, in 1834. The other Odell children are: George
W., of Reno county, Kansas; James H., of Neosho Falls, Kansas; Mollie,
wife of John W. Parker, of Coles county, Illinois, and Mattie D., wife of
D. M. Smith, of Mattoon, Illinois.
Robert F. White's children are: Jennie, deceased, wife of A. C.
Settle; J. R. White, who died at twenty-one; Frank D. White, of Geneva,
who married Hester Saferight, and Enos White, who died at twenty-one.
If R. F. White is well known for any one thing it is as a Republican.
He was one of the first voters with the party but he did his first hallowing
in a political campaign for Gen. Harrison in 1840. He has voted at every
presidential election except the one in i860, when he was not a voter. He
has not aspired to serve the people in a public capacity but did so as
Trustee of his township, by appointment.
"WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 1 27
CHARLES \V. HALL has spent his entire life in the Mississippi Valley
and the progressive spirit which dominates this section of the country,
and has led to its wonderful advancement is manifest in his business career.
He was born in Belvidere. Illinois, on the 26th of October, 1852, and is a
son ot Edward and Helen (Wickes) Hah, the former a native of New
York, and the latter of Michigan. From the Wolverine state they removed
to Illinois, where the mother died in 1861, at the age of twenty-seven
3-ears. She had two children, but Charles W. is the only one now living.
When nine years of age Charles W. Hall went to the Empire state
where he resided for a time, afterward living in Illinois and Michigan.
He pursued his education in the common schools supplemented b}' one
term's attendance at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. From early
youth he has made his own way in the world, dependent entirely upon
iiis own resources for a livelihood. At the age of eighteen he began
steamboating on the river, learned the work of a marine engineer and suc-
cessfully passed the engineer's examination, given by Mr. Cole of Port
Huron. He then spent three years as an engineer on the Saginaw river,
and on leaving the water returned to Michigan, where he purchased a
farm.
Mr. Hall then completed his arrangements for a home by his marriage
to Miss Florence Larnbie, in 1875. Their children are: Lottie, wife of
Joseph Reynolds: Nettie, Mary, George and Grace, who are still with
their parents. For eleven years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hall
resided in Michigan, but in 1884 became residents of Denver, Colorado,
where he carried on business as a contractor and builder until 1893, the
year of his arrival in Allen county, Kansas.
In Allen county Mr. Hall purchased a farm of eight}- acres in Cottage
Grove township, five miles south-east of Humboldt, and has erected upon
it a nice residence, a good barn and many other improvements found upon
a farm of the twentieth century. Depending entirely upon his own re-
sources he has worked his way upward, brooking no obstacles that could
be overcome by determined purpose and honorable labor. This has been
the strongest factor in his success. While residing in Denver he was
appointed city inspector and held that position for four years. For seven
years he was chairman of the county central committee. and
has always taken an active part in political work, doing everything in his
power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party in which
he firmly believes.
DUNCAN — Among the settlers of Allen County who located along the
Neosho River in the early seventies and who has maintained his home
here since is James P. Duncan, ex-Register of Deeds of his adopted county.
In November, 1870, he drove his teams and a small bunch of cattle onto
the premises ol Wm. L. Ziuk, three miles northwest of HuinlMjldt. where
lie made his first but temporary home. He resided in this portion of old
Humboldt township till 1 88 1, serving one-half of this tune as Trustee of
the township, when he removed to Humboidt and it was from this latter
point that he was appointed, by the Board of County Commissioners, Reg-
ister of Deeds to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Jesse Fast. In this
position he served nearly seven years, or until January, 1890.
The subject of this review left the wooded country of Indiana in 1865
and made his residence respectively in Cooper County, Missouri, Douglas
County, Kansas, and in Grundy County, Missouri, before his arrival in
Allen County, as above slated. He was born in Putnam County, Indiana,
March 22, 1840, was reared "in the clearing," and "niggering off logs"
and burning brusli formed a goodlv share of his youthful occupation. He
was three times enlisted in the Civil war, first in the ySth Indiana Volun-
teers; second, in the 115th Indiana X'olunteers, Colonel Hahn, and third,
in the iith Indiana Volunteers. Colonel Lew Wallace. He served in an
humble capacity "with the bo>s" and when his services were no longer
needed he was discharged and returned home.
October 24, 1858, occurred the marriage of the subject of this review. His
wife was nee Mary Ellen Baile\ . a notice of whose ancestry will appear farther
on in this article. Eight children resulted from this union, viz: Annie, who
died at one year old; Lew Wall^ice; Nora C. and Dora C , twins, born
November 3, 1863. The former married Orlando P. Rose at Humboldt,
Kansas, June 19, 1883, died October 29, 1884, leaving a son, Ora D. Rose,
of Kansas City, Missouri; Dora C. married the husband of her sister, Or-
lando P. Rose, and resides in Kansas City, Missouri; Horace Otho, who
died October 30, 1886, at nineteen years of age; J. Edgar, who died in
Apnl, 1873 at four years of age; Harry Evert, born December 24, 187 1, is
practicing dentistry in Humboldt, Kansas and M. Agnes, born February 28,
1874, married Ernest L. Brown and died July 22, 1898, leaving two dangh-
ters, Nita and Lois.
In an efiort to trace up the Duncan genealog3^ as in every other like
effort, it will be necessary to bring in the names of heads ot families remote
from the subject hereof, but as this volume is devoted in a measure to the
preserving of records along these lints, for the satisfaction and enlighten-
ment of their posterity, none of the family names will be omitted from this
record whose strain can be shown to have effected the subject hereof or his
posterity.
The earliest record of the Duncans of this .strain, finds them located in
the counties of Culpepper and Fauquier, Virginia. Oui subject's great
grandfather was one of two men, Charles or William Duncan, whose father,
it is believed, was the Scotch ancestor who was responsible for the estab-
lishment of one branch of this American family. Three children of this
doubtful ancestor referred to above are known to have survived, as follows:
Henry, the grandfather of James P. Duncan, Charles, who reared a family
in Missouri, and a daughter who married a Covington, after whom the city
of Covington, Kentucky, was named. Henry Duncan was born about
•WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 29
J 780, and during the last decade of the 18th century migrated to Bath
County, Kentucky, where, about 1803 he married Polly Combs. Their
•children were: Matilda, who married Coleman Covington, her cousin, and
a woolen manufacturer; James, father of our subject, born in 1^06:
Margaret; Miranda, wlio became the wife of William Barnett; Hiram, Jep-
tha, Granvil and George. Henry Duncan died in Cooper Count)', Missouri,
where some of his sons reared families.
James Duncan, father of our subject, was married in Kentucky to
Annie Proctor, a daughter of James B. and Elizabeth Proctor. The last
named married a daughter of an old well-to-do planter, Valentine and
Elizabeth (Hicks) Tudor, of Madison County, Kentucky, and went up into
Indiana about 1830, and settled in Boone County. His sons-in-law James
Duncan, David Hedge and John Blackburn all passed their lives between
North Salem and Lebanon and in that section the venerable couple lived
honorable Christian lives and died. The children of James and Annie
(Proctor) Duncan were: Mary, who married William Woodard, left t.wo
children at death, Leonidas E. A,, and Froncy: Coleman C, who resides
in Clay City, In'liana, married Lizzie Glenn and reared Dr. Walter C;
William, May and Franka; Dr. William, who died without heirs just after
the war; Annie, wife of Champ C. Yeager, of Allen County, Kansas, is the
mother of three surviving children, James L., of Oregon, Mary E. , wife
of E. W. Trego, of Allen County, Kansas, and Faucis M. , of St. Joseph,
Missouri; James P. Duncan, our subject; Miranda, wife of Andrew J.
vStephens, of Rich Hill, Missouri, with issue as follows: James, Dillon,
Annie L. and William; George W. Duncan, who married Nan Davis, has
two children, Elmer, of Colorado, and Mrs. Lulu Davis, of North Salem,
Indiana; John W., who married Betty Owen and died near Humboldt,
Kansas, February, i8g8, leaving Pheres, Mrs. Frelia Stewart, Einmert,
of the Indian Territory, Mrs. Thella Booe, of Indiana, Bertha, Buhlon and
Olin; Alinanda (Duncan) Ray, deceased, left five chiidren in Indiana;
Nancy Duncan, who married John Gosnold, of Kansas City, has four chil-
dren: Laura, Bessie, Edna, and Nina; Kittie Duncan, deceased, wife of
William Long, left four children near Holden, Missouri. James Duncan's
first wife died in 1855 and a few years later he married Mrs. Amanda Dean,
who bore him Ruth, Belle, Elmer and Delia, twins, Charles and Minerva.
James Duncan and his sons were in the main, farmers. He was one of the
old line Whigs of Putnam County, Indiana, and became a Republican
upon the organization of that party. His sous were all patriots during the
Rebellion and three of them rendered active service in the army. He
passed away in 1S85 in North Salem and is buried at Maysville, Indiana.
Lew Wallace Duncan, second child of our subject, was born near
North Salem, Indiana, June 22, 1861. His mother was a daughter of
Zachariah Bailey, who was born in Kentucky in 1812 and was married to
Eliza Frame. The father was a son of William Bailey, who was born
March 6, 1784, and who married Margaret Green, born in 1790. Their
children were; Lucretia, born in 18 10, married Hiram Mitchell, and spent
her life in Indiana; Zachariah, born January 5, 1812, and died in Topeka,
130 HISTORY OK ALI.EX AND
Kansas. July 7,' iSSg; John T., born Dec. 14, i8i3,and died at Augusta.
Kansas, and Chas. W. , born January 24, 1816. William Bailey died about
1S16, and his widow married Moses Vice, four years his wile's junior. The
ch.ildren of the latter union were: Maliala, Wiuey, Sallie Ann, Moses.
Alafair and Nancy G. Matilda J. Zachariah Bailey reared his fsruily in
Indiana and in Johnson and Butler counties, Kansas. His twelve children
were: John W. ; killed at Winchester, Virginia; Mary E. who married our
subject and died in lola, Kansas, January 25, 1893, was born April 14,
1841: Sallie Ann (Bailey) Welch, born August 2, 1843, died at Lawrence,
Kansas, September 1 1, 1870: William F. , born August 24, 1845, served
three years in the nth Indiana Volunteers during the Rebellion, resides in
Topeka; Asbury H. , born August 27, 1847, resides in Topeka; James M. ,
born March 25, 1850, lives in Topeka, was married to Emma Clark and
has a son Arthur; L,ucretia M., deceased, married Chris Pickerell and left
children: Hattie Fellows of Griswold, Iowa, and George. Lorenzo A. Bai-
ley, of Colorado Springs, married Mary McCartney. He was born June 21,
1854. Matilda J. (Bailey) Nordine, born November 3, 1856, has two sons
and resides in Topeka; Zachariah C. Bailey, deceased, born May 17, 1859,
was married to Florence Hart and left six children in Oklahoma; Eliza
Charlotte (Bailey) Simcock, born January 20, 1S62, resides in Topeka and
has four children, and Phebe Alice, who died single. L- W. Duncan of
this sketch, was reared in Allen County, educated at the Kansas State
Normal school, taught school for a time, made abstracts of title two years
in Allen County, was with a surveying party on the resurvey^ of the Utah
Central Railway in the spring of 1890, spent the fall of the same year on
the flax inspection force of the Chicago Board of Trade and in August 1891 ,
joined the Lewis Publishing Company, of Chicago, and was in their em-
ploy in various parts of the United States for nine years. In 1900 he
engaged in the business of publishing histories. June 22, 1887, he was
married to Annie M., a daughter of Benjamin and Fredrica (Zeigler)
Keyser, Maryland settlers who came into Allen County in 18S1. Mr. and
Mrs. Duncan's children are: Edna L. . born May 25, 1 88S; Alfa I. , born
May 29, 1889: Lue W., born July 14, 1890, and Clifford Morrill, born Nov.
8, 1894.
September 20, 1893, James P. Duncan married Mrs. Margaret Swear-
ingen, widow of the late well known old soldier, Joseph Swearingen, of
lola. The latter left two children. Fuller Swearingen, who served in the
20th Kansas in the Philippine Insurrection, and Miss Josie Swearingen.
JOHN W. EDWARDS, the well known farmer and speculator of La-
'-' Harpe, Allen County, came into Allen County, permanently April 23,
1879. His native place is Kendall County, Illinois, where his birth oc-
curred March 2, 1845. Thomas Edward, his father, was a Welch man.
borq near Liverpool in 1812, and received what was then termed a liberal
Q<titvu ff, ^^{^^^^^ "^//t.
o/?^<aL.^^>G, >t/'^-<S^^---<
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 131
education. He spent .several years in the mercantile business in Liver-
pool and came to tlie United States in 1842 in search of a patch of ground
that he could call his own. Passing through Chicago when it was scarcelv a
village and not being satisfied with the wet low land where that city now
stands, he wandered forty miles farther west and selected 160 acres of land
near Oswego, Kendall County, Illinois, paying $1. 25 per acre. He was
married to Susan Miller in 1842 and they lived on the Oswego farm forty-
four years, until the death of Mrs. Edwards in 1886, when he moved to
.\Uen County, Kansas. Here he resided with his son, J. W. Edwards,
until his death, which occurred August 12, 1891. Their children are:
Sarah, wife of Er Park, of Allen County, Kansas; John W., Mary J., who
married James Andrews, of Plainfield, Illinois; Evan T. , deceased; Melissa,
wife of R. L. Manley, of lola, and Melinda, wife of Riley Beach, of Big
Springs, Colorado
Our subject grew up on the Illinois homestead and was schooled in a
country school located on his father's farm. Afterward at Clark Seminary,
Aurora, Illinois, and in Bryant & Stratton's Business College, Chicago.
He started in business as a bookkeeper in a plumbing establishment in
Chicago, and later became a clerk in Smith Bros, wholesale house in that
city. He returned to his father's farm some time later and remained a
fanner in the vicinity some five years. He went into the butcher business
in Oswego, Illinois and followed it with reasonable success six years. In
the spring of 1879 he moved with his family to Allen County, Kansas and
settled on and improved his present farm east of LaHarpe. His success as
a farnrer and stock dealer in Allen County has netted him a neat profit.
His farm acreage has materially increased and his investments in other
lines have shown him to be a man of ^ood business judgment. In 1896 he
Ijecame interested in Tola real estate and has owned and platted three ad-
ditions and is interested in the fourth, east of town on the Jeffries
tract.
Mr. Edwards was married at Sandwich, Illinois, June 29, 1870, to Alice,
a daughter of John Pearce, an Ohio settler. The children of this marriage
are: Arthur W., who married Sarah Lawler; Luther P., who married Nel-
lie Walton; Clarence O., who married Jennie Walton, now decea.sed, and
Roy C, who is single and still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are raising
their grandson Vernon Edwards. Mr. Edwards has been trusteeand record-
ing steward since the organization of the M. E. church at LaHarpe.
T SAAC S. COE — The subject of this review is one of the characters in the
J- settlement and development of Allen County, where he has maintained
his residence for a third of a century, and is the Republican postmaster of
LaHarpe. He arrived in the county June 28, 1868, and has led a varied
life of farming, trading, breeding, and the like, and his home has been
r32 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
maintained either in Marmaton or Elm townships during all these years.
The record of Isaac S. Coe is not a briet one. His life spans a mightj'
^pnce of time — a record breaking era — and to undertake to present in detail
his successes and reverses and the innumerable incidents which have oc-
curred to influence his life is a task not the province of this article to accom-
plish. To note such events as serve as milestones in his career and to present
such facts of family history as are necessaty to identify the American race of
Goes is all that is contemplated and attempted herein.
Isaac S. Coe was born August i6, 1822, in the township of Hemp-
stead, Rockland County, New York. He was a son of Samuel I. and Mary
(Conklin) Coe, both natives of that County, who were the parents of twelve
children, viz.: Ann, Sarah, Elizabeth, Martha, George S., Mary, Samuel
S., John S., Charlotte, Harriet, Isaac S., and Jesse S., all of whom mar-
ried and reared families except Charlotte. In January 1827, the mother
died and fifteen years later the father was removed unto the beyond.
Our subject resided with his married sisters during his boyhood and, at
times, worked with their husband.s at their business as "roust-about' ' in a store
or what not, and was deprived in a large measure of the youthful privilege of
obtaining a good school training. At fifteen years of age, having tried
various occupations and with no special liking for any of them, his father
put him to trade with the firm of Gale, Wood & Hughes, New York
City, and he was later bound to John C. Moore, a carpenter and builder,
with whom he became a skilled workman. His promise of the pittance of
twenty-fn-e dollars per year for five years, the term for which he was bound,
not being forthcoming, and suffering the further neglect of poor clothing
and insufficient food, he terminated the agreement by summarily quitting
his master. His father then gave him the remainder of his time and he
engaged with the great cab and coach maker of Newark, New Jersey,
Gilbert and Van Derwurken. Wood & Hughes were his next employers
and with this important firm he remained many months. Work growing
scarce he went back to his old home near Haverstraw, New York, and set
up his first independent business — at wagon-making — on the Nyack turn-
pike. This shop he opened in 1840 and an era of prosperity opened up for
the young mechanic. In the spring of 18.5.1 he married Sarah E. Felter, of
Bergen County, New Jersey, a daughter of an Englishman, Alexander
Feiter. Selling his shop and business Mr. Coe engaged in improving a
new home nearby and following market gardening and poultry raising for
the New York market. In ten years he had accumulated a few hundred
dollars; and, with his family, emigrated to DuPage County, Illinois. In
the town of Fullersburg he associated himself with his brother, John S.
Coe, a fine blacksmith, and the two built up an immense business. It was
soon necessary to enlarge their shop and many men were required to do
their work instead of two. In August, 1854, his wife died and our subject
.sold his business and, after exploring Minnesota somewhat he settled at
Faribault and set up business. Again he found things to his hand and
prospered for the two years he occupied the shop. Selling out he took a
claim near town and undertook to farm. This venture was disastrous and
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. I33
lie spent much of his accumulations before he could stop the drift. In 1859
lie left Minnesota with the remnant of his family and in June, 1859, stopped
at Syracuse, Missouri. He bought the Overland Sta^e Company's shops
and immediately stepped into a large business. He prospered there and
remained at the helm of a growing business till the war cloud of the Re-
bellion lowered upon him and forced his retirement.
The period of the Civil war now being on Mr. Coe's first service
rendered was for the telegraph company, repairing their line from Syra-
cuse to Springfield, Missouri This was a trying and dangerous job and
was accomplished by him.self and an assistant. This completed he was
ordered to take down and coil the wire from Jefferson City to Boonville
which he did without injury from the enemy and on October 4th, 1861, he
enlisted in the Sigel Scouts under Captain William Smallwood and was
appointed 2nd sergeant. He was detached on the 15th and made Gen.
Sigel's chief scout. In this capacity he rendered much valuable service to
the Federal commanders, Lane and Lyons, in Missouri, and experienced
many hardships and privations incident to this peculiar branch of service.
Being under the orders of General Osterhaus and once chafing under a
stretch of idleness he asked for some duty and was ordered to rep Drt to
Captain Phil Sheridan. Sheridan appointed him to be inspector of mills
for a radius of twenty miles: to learn their condition, their capacity, needed
repairs and the amount of grain in store. Coe's last service as a scout was
about Clinton, Missouri, in the interest of the ist Iowa cavalry and as an
independent scout. August 13, 1862, he enlisted in the 33rd Missouri in-
fantr\^ commanded b)' Clinton B. Fiske. He was appointed drill-master of
the awkward squad and later made head quartermaster-sergeant for Adjutant
Halloway and was still later promoted to sergeant major of the regiment.
He was promoted in the spring of 186310 2nd Lieutenant of Company C
and after the battle of Helena was raised to ist lieutenant for gallant and
conspicuous service as gunner. He was ordered to the command of Com-
pany I of the 33rd regiment and remained in that position till near the end
of the war. In the regular .service Mr. Coe was in the following battles
and expeditions: Vazoo Pass, Helena, Ark.; White River Expedition, Mis-
sissippi Expedition, storming of Ft. De Russy, La.; destruction of Ft.
Rollins, battle of Pleasant Hill, Cane River, Old River Lake, West Ten-
nessee F)xpedition, battle of Tupelo, Nashville, and march to East Port,
Mississippi, where he was detached by General McArthur to organize the
ambulance corps of the western division. With all his equipment and
paraphernalia in readiness, in three days he was ordered to Vicksburg to
reorganize the corps there, but finding no purveyor there he was ordered to
take his command to New Orleans, where it was fully organized and taken
on to Dauphin Island in Mobile Bay. In pursuance of orders he finally
found his command in front of Ft. Spanish in time to take care of the first
wounded man from the field. At the close of the incidents around Ft.
Blakely the hospital corps was ordered to Selma, Alabama, and there our
subject established his headquarters. His final orders were to turn over
certain property to the proper officer at Selma and still other property at
134 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
\'icksljurg to the purveyor of the department and report at Benton Barracks
to be mustered out.
Returning home to Syracuse, Missouri, sick, he recuperated some
time before engaging again in civil pursuits. He repaired his'propertv,
run down by destructive usage by the military forces, and undertook to re-
build and re-establish himself in his old home. In 1868 he disposed of his
Missouri interests and became a settler on the prairies of Allen County,
Kansas.
Mr. Coe has been four times married and is now a widower. His first
marriage occurred before he was twenty years of age, as has been stated,
and the children of this union were: Sarah P,, Mary A., Arlena B. , Ann,
Jesse and Harriet E. In September, 1855, Mr. Coe married Mrs. Mary
(Knapp) Bell, from whom he separated in Minnesota. In the year 1866
he married Nannie B. Tease, of Syracuse, Missouri, who died in 1868. In
1872 he married Mary Miller. She lived something more than ten years
and again left him a widower. As a result of this sad incident Mr. Coe
sold all his effects and spent some time on the road selling electric belts,
medicines, notions and was engaged in this vocation when the election of
1896 occurred. With the assurance of there being a change in the post-
mastership at LaHarpe. Allen County, he became a petitioner for the office
and brought such influence to bear upon the department as to secure his
appointment in April, 1897. He took the office the ist of May following.
In his political affiliations Mr. Coe has ever been a Republican. Since
1S56 when that organization placed its first candidate in the field for presi-
dent he has espoused the party principles and has modestly given its candi-
date his support.
A SEPH E. WRIGHT, Assessor of the City of lola, and for many
'^~^ years buyer and shipper of stock, was born in Ashtabula county,
Ohio, December 15, 1840. His father, Ralph K. Wright, was a Conneaut
township farmer, who was reared, lived and died in Ashtabula county, was
born in Massachusetts September 5, 1803, and at the age of three years was
brought to the Western Reserve. He was a son of Ralph Wright who
opened out a farm in Conneaut township and died upon it about 1856 at
the age of seventy-eight years. He was prosperous, thoroughly repre-
sentative, a Free Soiler and then an Abolitionist. He married a Miss
King and six of their eleven children lived to rear families: Ralph K.,
AbelK., Frank K., Sophia, wife of Seymour Stephens; Mary, wife of
Conover Conover and Caroline who married Charles Simons, of Fairfield,
Ohio.
Ralph King Wright was a thorough-going farmer who was born in
Connecticut in 1808 and died in 1870. He married Ann Grisvvold and
their children were: Harriet A., whose second hu.sband was Edward
Brooks. vShe resides in Conneaut, Ohio; Aseph Eugene; Josephine, wife of
X\~OODSOX COrxTIES, KANSAS. I^J
Luther Ri pie v. of Detroit, Michigan: Arniena, of Detroit, is the wife of
John Randall: Florence, of Cotineaut, Ohio, is the wife of Lester Griswold;
Vina, of Comieaut. Ohio, married Poorest Wellinan: Electa, of Ashtabula,
Ohio, wife of Alonzo Randall.
A. E. Wright secured a country school education and remained with
the old home till twenty-three years of age. He earned his first money, as
a j'outh, driving an ox team at thirty cents a day. He began life inde-
pendently as a farmer, but was soon attracted to the Pennsylvania oil
fields and spent a few years there with profit. In 1862 he went to Huron
county, Ohio, where he devoted himself to the farm and stock till his
removal to Kansas. In 1871 he came to Allen county and made per-
manent settlement on a farm in Elm township. Some years later he located
in lola and engaged in the grocer}^ business on the "Simpson corner,"
where the New York Store now stands. He was an lola merchant nine
\ears and was succeeded, in 18S7, by Port brothers.
Mr. Wright engaged in the buying and shipping of stock some ten
years ago. He has billed out many thousand head of both cattle and hogs
and his face is a familiar one to the buyers and packers of Kansas City.
Notwithstanding Mr. Wright has been busy he has taken time to help
in the political battles of Allen county. He was elected Trustee of Elm
township and served three years and served in the same capacity in lola
township four years. He was elected Assessor of lola in 1889 for a term
of two years. His frequent re-elections are a sufficient guaranty of
the efficiency of his public service and only once has he suffered defeat at
the polls. He is one of the staunch Republicans of the count}- and,
whether in success or defeat, he is always a Republican.
December 26, 1866, Mr. Wright was married in Ripley township,
Huron county, Ohio, to Tacy P. Green, a daughter of William A. and
Adah (Kebby) Green, who came into Ohio from Rhode Island. The
Green children are: Eli/.a Green, Susan, George, Mary, Harrison, Tacy,
Whitford and Rilla. Mr. and Mrs. Wright's surviving children aie:
Adah A. and Blanche Wright. Two sons, Herbert aad Ralph, are dead.
A A T'lLLIAM MERCHANT, of Wise. Allen county, whose residence
^ " in Allen county for the past thirty years has been mutually bene-
ficial to the county and to himself and whose citizenship and patriotism is
of a high and commendable order, was born in Fayette count}', Ohio,
October g, 1825. His father was William Merchant who accompanied his
widowed mother into Highland county, that state in 1813. Berkley
county, Virginia, was their native heath and there our subject's father was
born in 1800. He was married in Fayette county in 1822 to Elizabeth
Smith, a daughter of Isaac Smith who also went to Highland county from
Berkley county, Virginia. Soon after his arrival in Ohio William Mer-
chant the first was bound to a blacksmith in Greenfield and only became a
1^6 HISTORY OF ALLEN ANTI
farmer after main- years spent at fiis trade. He became one of the sub-
stantial men of liis community, was public spirited and influential and was
ail. "old side Methodist." His father, Abraham Merchant, belonged to
one of the old families of the "Dominion" State. His origin and that of
his paternal ancestors is not a matter of tangible record.
Our subject's maternal ancestors were the Bulls of Virginia. Their
history dates back to Colonial days and theirs were some of the Patriots
who crossed blades with the British in the days of "seventy-six."
Elizabeth Merchant died in 1893 at the age of eighty -eight years.
Her children were: Isaac, William, John, of Chicago, 111.; Jonah, of
Leesburg, Ohio; Abraham, who died in California in the service of his
country; Naham, deceased, was a soldier in California; Sarah, deceased,
who married Jacob Kaylor, Rebecca, who became the wife of Hugh
Snj^der, and Nancy, who resides in Jaj' county, Indiana, is the widow of
Charles Fishback.
William Merchant, our subject, was schooled in the log cabin school
houses of Ohio and grew up on the farm. July 19, 1849, he married
Sarah, a daughter of John Breakfield, whose family was also Irom Berkley
county, Virginia. Mrs. Merchant was born in Fayette county, Ohio,
February 28, 1828. In 1850 Mr. Merchant left his father's place and took
possession of a tract of his own purchase. This he cultivated till 1870
when he was induced to dispose of it and become a resident of Kansas.
For twenty years he devoted himself to intelligent cultivation and manage-
ment of his Ohio farm and his experience and his accumulations placed
him in an advantage when located upon his Alien county farm. He pur-
chased on Deer Creek the John Martin tract of 160 acres and out of his
earnings both before and since 1870 he has added five other quarters mak-
ing a total of 960 acres. His is at once a farm and a ranch for Deer Creek
bottom excels in the production of grain while the prairies and hill land
furnish fine range accessible to the waters of the creek.
The patriotism of the Merchants is noteworthy and unbounded.
Wherever their countiy calls there they respond, even with their lives.
During the Civil war William Merchant volunteered for the defense of
Ohio and was one of the Morgan pursuers. Two of his brothers enlisted
in the volunteer service and thus the cause of the Union was upheld and
the loyalty of the Merchants demonstrated. In politics, as in war, our
subject has been on the right side. His ancestors were Whigs and he cast
his maiden vote for Gen." Taylor, and for Gen. Scott, the last two Whig
candidates for the presidency. He was a Fremont man in 1856, a Lincoln
man in 1860-4 and a supporter of Grant, Hayes, Blaine, Harrison and
McKinley. As for actively engaging in local political frays Mr. Merchant
never does. His moral attitude leads him to the support of municipal
candidates who .stand for principle instead of spoils. His whole life is one
long Christian example and moral lesson. He became a Christian in early
life and has done much religious work in the home and in the pulpit. He
is a licensed preacher of the Methodist church and his talks are filled with
earnestness and Christian zeal. Mr. and Mrs. Mecrhant's children are:
£''!^ hfSi^.m/^i,v„s3BmNir'
if-
^/^^^
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. I37
Eliza E. , who married Bela Latham; Josephine, widow of Arthur Latham;
Mary E. Merchant, and Nancy J., wife of William Moffit, of Folsom, New-
Mexico.
William Merchant is one of the strong characters of Allen county.
His distinguishing marks are his pronounced sincerity, his unstinted
lionesty and his intense Christian simplicity. He is a man among men
and a gentleman without taint or suspicion.
LEVI LEE NORTHRUP. — The history of a community is largely
made up of the biography of a few^ individuals, and the history of
lola and Allen county can never be written without including also the
record of L. L- Northrup, one of the pioneers of the county, and from the
date of his arrival until the day of his death one of the largest factors in its
business.
L. L. Northrup was a son of Lewis Northrup, a brick mason, and of Eliz-
abeth Lathrop, and was born in Geneseo county, New York, April 12, 1818.
There were three other sons. Rev. G. S., who died at Geneva, Kansas;
Ezra L. , who died at Rippon, Wisconsin, and Charles Northrup whose
whereabouts have been unknown since the period of the Civil War.
When but two years of age, by the death of his mother, the family
home was broken up and Levi L. Northrup was taken into the household
of an uncle at Elmira, New York, by whom he was brought up. His
schooling was only such as the very indifferent common schools of that
day afforded and his education was, therefore, limited.
As he approached manhood he was put to learn the woolen manu-
facturing tiade, and in 1S40 he had saved enough out of his wages to be
able to engage in the business on his own account, which he did at
Albion, New York. His business prospered and the young factor seemed
fairly started on the road to wealth when, in 1846, his factory was burned
and there was little left of the accumulation of six years of work and
care.
Nothing daunted, however, the young man set to work again and it
was not long till he was again engaged in the manufacture of woolen
goods this time at LaFayette, Indiana. But the same misfortune overtook
him here as at Albion for he had not long been in operation when fire
swept away his plant, and his resources, for the second time, were ser-
iously crippled. A third time he set up in the same business, the last time
at Thorntown, Indiana, where an uncle became his partner and where, for
some years a thriving business was done and the foundation of a modest
fortune started.
In 1858, at the earnest solicitation of the Union Settlement Company,
which had bought a large body of land in Allen county, Kansas, and had
laid out the town of Geneva, he disposed of his interest in the
138 HISTORY OF .\LLEN AND
woolen mill and removed to this state, bringing, as his entire capital, a
sni-iU stock of general merchandise and a saw-mill; the whole representing
an investment of, perhaps, three thousand dollars. He located first at
Geneva, but wh-n t!ie town of lola was laid out, a year later, he estab-
lished a branch store there. Three years later, the expectation of its
founders, that Geneva would grow into a city, not having been realized,
Mr. Northrup removed with his family to lola, and in 1869 he concentrated
all his business interests in the latter town which ever afterward remained
his home.
Up to this time he had been engaged only in general merchandising,
but he now established a bank, the first in lola, which soon became one of
the most important factors in the business life of the town. One of the
few Kansas banks that lived through the panic of '73, it became steadih
more strongly entrenched in popular favor, until its large business war-
ra ited its re-organization in 1900 as a National Bank. As the "ISTorthrup
National Bank" it has become known and is generally recognized as one of
tiie leiding financial institutions of southeastern Kansas. It may be of in-
terest to note in this connection, that the small two-story building originally
erected for the use of the bank, and which was famed at the time as the fin-
est building south of Ottawa, has now given way to the Masonic Temple,
the new bank having transferred its business to the splendid structure that
bears its name.
In 1877 Mr. Northrup practically turned the business of his store ov-er
to his oldest son, O. P. Northrup, who managed it with marked ability
and success until failing health, which resulted in his death, in 1892, com-
pelled him to give up his place to his younger brothers, in whose name the
store has ever since been conducted.
After relinquishing the management of the store, Mr. Northrup gave
his entire attention to the bank, to the lumber business which he had
established about the same time, and to large landed and other outside
interests, continuing, until overtaken by his last illness, with marvelous
industry and activity, to look after the least details of a great and always
growing business.
Mr. Northrup was married at Thorntown, Indiana, February 27,
1849, to Mary E. Pearce, a daughter of John S. and Jane (Code)Pearce who
came to the United States from England and of whose seven children four
survive: Thos. E. and John A. Pearce, farmers near Edgerton, Kansas,
and Mrs. C. E. DeVore, of Bushhell, Illinois, and Mrs. Northrup. Of
the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Northrup but three survive:
Frank Altes, Lewis Eee and Delmer Pearce Northrup, for many years
actively and successfully engaged in business in lola.
Although all his life an unremitting and indefatigable worker, Mr.
Northrup enjoyed robust health until about three years before his death
when he suffered an attack of lagrippe. He was present at his desk, not-
withstanding his enfeebled condition, until a few months before his taking-
away, March 3, 1896. Two days later, when the funeral services were
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. I -g
held, business in tola \va- suspended while the friends of a lifetime joined
in paying tribute to his memory.
The foregoing is a brief sketch of a busy, eventful and successful
life. It is the story of a boy born in poverty and obscurity, orphaned in infan-
cy, thrown upon the world with meager education and with no capital but
his own brains and skill and industry and character, fighting his way step
by step until he had amassed a large if not a great fortune. And this
fortune was not made by any sudden or un worked for stroke of "luck," or
by some fortunate speculation It was accumulated slowly and as the result
of economy, good judgment and tireless industry.
Mr. Northrup was intensely loyal to his town and was always counted
upon as one of the large contributors to any enterpri.se that was to be
undertaken for the advancement of public interests. In the early days
. when it was a question whether the Missouri Pacific railroad should come
to lola or go to a rival town, it was Mr. Northrup's open purse and active
effort that did more than anything else to secure the prize for lola. He
was especially earnest and effective in his efforts to have tola's natural gas
field developed and utilized. In short he gave freely in time, labor and
money, to any and every undertaking that promised to advance the interest
of Ida.
Ne.xt to the town in general, the Presbyterian Church, of which he
was a life -long member, was the most especial object of Mr. Northrup's
interest and care. In the beginning, when the struggling church was
occupying a little building on the corner of State and West streets, Mr.
Northrup personally did the janitor work and attended to all the little
"chores" that had to be done to keep the house in order and have it
ready for the various meetings. And for a great many years, indeed from
the time of its organization until his death, he bore one-fourth of the entire
expense of maintaining the church. He was a teacher in the Sundav
School for nearly a full quarter of a century, and as long as his health
permitted he was a regular attendant upon all of the services of the church.
The faith in the Christian religion, which prompted all these good works,
was the faith of a little child, unquestioning and undoubting, and it abided
with him to the very end, so that he leaned upon it as upon a staff when
he walked down, without fear and without repining, into the valley of the
shadow.
Like most men who devote themselves successfully to business pur-
suits, Mr. Northrup cared little for society. In his own home, however,
he was most hospitable to his guests and loving and indulgent to his wife
and children. Always and in all things a modest man, there was never
any display, any vain show of wealth; but the family home was always the
home of comfort and contentment and true happiness.
The large businesses which Mr. Northrup so firmly established, —
merchandizing, banking and lumber, — have been most successfully con-
tinued by his sons, who have shown in the management of their large
estate many of the qualities of sagacity, industry, public spirit and un-
swerving honesty that were shown by their father in its accumulation. So
I40 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
that in the considerable city which lola has now beconie, "the Northrups"
occupy the same relative position as their father occupied before them in
the then modest village, and the family name stands now, as it has stood
in lola and in Allen county for more than forty years, as the synonym for
business enterprise, success and integrity.
TI^REDERICK KETTLE— Among the practical, progressive farmers of
-•- Carlyle township, Allen County, is numbered Mr. Kettle, who was
born in England, April 22, 1859, a son of Robert and Jane (Roland)
Kettle. The mother died at the age of thirty-five years, but the father
came to America in 1873, and is now living near lola, at the age of seven-
ty-six years.
Mr. Kettle, of this review, was reared in the land of his birth and at
the early age of twelve years entered the employ of the Britania Rolling
Mills, with which he was connected until the time of his emigration to
America. These were the largest rolling mills in England, utilizing one
thousand tons of metal each week. As his educational privileges were
limited he attended night schools. In the year 1881 he crossed the Atlan-
tic and has since been a resident of Allen County, Kansas. When he ar-
rived here he knew nothing of farming, having never seen an ear of corn
growing, or had hold of a cultivator handle up to that time; but he possessed
a resolute spirit and readily adapted himself to his new surroundings.
In 1882 Mr. Kettle was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Menzer, a
native of Germany and a daughter of Conrad Menzer, a resident of lola,
who came to Kansas when Mrs. Kettle was only twelve years of age. After
his marriage Mr. Kettle began farming on his own account, renting land.
He lived upon two rented farms, making his home on each for about nine
years. He then purchased about eight)' acres of land on Deer Creek and
the rich, productive soil enables him to raise from fifty to seventy-five
bushels of corn per acre. One of the first things he learned in connection
with his life in the new world was always to have the best of everything,
and this he has followed in equipping his farm with buildings and machinery.
His has been an industrious and active life and through his well directed
efforts he has acquired a competence. He raises cattle and hogs, to
which he feeds his corn, and in the sale of his stock he has acquired a good
income.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kettle have been born seven children, namely:
Libbie and Lillie, twins; Agnes J., Hattie H., Florence M., George F. ,
and Robert R. They have been trained to habits of industry and are now
very helpful to their parents. In his political views Mr. Kettle is a Re-
publican, and while he is thoroughly conversant with the issues of the day
he has never sought nor desired office, preferring to give his entire time
and attention to his business affairs.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 14I
SHERMAN G. ROGERS — Sherman G. Rogers is actively and prom-
jnentlj' connected with educational interests in Allen County, his ability
in the line of his chosen calling having won him prestige as an instructor.
His life cannot fail to prove of interest, showing as it does the opportunities
that lie before men of determined purpose, for at the early age of eleven
years he started out to earn his own living and has since been depending
entirely upon his own resources. Such a history is an exemplification of
the lines of the poet who wrote:
"There is no chance, no destiny, no fate
Can circumvent or hinder or control
The firm resolve of a determined soul.
Gifts count for little; will alone is great;
All things give way before it, soon or late."
Professor Rogers was born in Adams County, Indiana, on the 23rd of
January, 1868, his parents being James and Margaret (Pitts) Rogers, both
of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, The mother died in 1875, leaving
four children, of whom Mr. Rogers of this review is the youngest. He was
then eleven years of age. In 1879 his father removed to Kansas, purchas-
ing a farm in Osage township, Allen County, but was not long permitted to
enjoy his new home, his death occurring about three months later. Sher-
man G. Rogers was then left an orphan, and, receiving no patrimony, he
was forced to provide for his own livelihood. Having acquired his pre-
liminary education in the common schools he desired to further perfect his
knowledge and to this end he pursued a two years' course in the Fort
Scott Normal, meeting the expenses of his normal study with money which
he had himself earned. Subsequently he learned telegraphy at Moran and
secured a position on the Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad, but after a year he
resigned in order to enter upon educational labor. He successfully passed
the teachers' examination, received his certificate and setured a school in
the district where he had acquired his education when a boy. For seven
j-ears he has been a representative of the profession, being employed in
various parts of Allen County, and is now for the fourth term acting as
teacher in the East Liberty school district. As a student he was thorough,
fully mastering the branches to which he gave his consideration, and now
he has the faculty of imparting clearly and concisely the knowledge he has
acquired. At the present time he is devoting his leisure to the study of
medicine, under the direction of Dr. O'Flyng, of Elsmore, perusing the
medical text books after his day's work in the school room is ended. His
strong force of character, laudable ambition and resolute purpose will en-
able him to achieve success in whatever line of life he decides to cast his
lot. He is also engaged in teaching several classes in vocal music, pos-
sessing considerable talent in that direction. He is now serving as choris-
ter and Sunday School superintendent in the Methodist Episcopal church
in Elsmore. It would be almost tautological in this connection to say that
he is a man of broad mind and progressive spirit, for these have been
shadowed forth between the lines of this review. Although he is a young
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
man, his career is one \vorth\' of emulation, being characterized by marked
fidelity to duty, by earnest purpose, by manly principles and sincere
actions.
LYMAX F. PALMER, lola's reliable marble and granite cutter, came
into Kansas in 1893 and located for business in Burlington. He re-
mained at that point until October, 1895, when he saw the future of the
gas belt and established himself in lola. He was formerly from Chicago,
Illinois.
T^"^ G. GILBERT— Northeast Allen County, or what is now Osage town-
^—-' ship, is fortunate in the possession of many of our splendid citizens.
In the year 1S60 when the first settlers stole across the border and laid the
foundation for homes and thereby established civilization within its borders
Edward G. Gilbert was of the few. He entered the southwest quarter of
section twenty, township twenty-three, range twenty-one, built a cabin and
returned to his home in Ohio. He reached there on election day and
helped elect Lincoln the first time. The events leading up to the Civil
war transpired rapidly and its outbreak caused him to delay his return to
Kansas. He remained in Ohio, participated in some of the events which
ended the war and then turned his face toward his new home. He took
possession of his cabin near the river, furnished it with a peg bedstead,
box cupboard and antiquated chairs and began a bachelor's existence. The
work of reducing nature with art which he began then he has continued
with such successf and such profit as to place him among the large land-
owners of the county.
All that is left of the settlers of 1S65 is Mr. Gilbert, the Tucker broth-
ers and Charlie Ross. The Brays and the Manns, pioneers, are all gone, and
the prairie which Mr. Gilbert predicted would all be settled in his time and
which many thought could not happen, is all settled, improved and turned
into one vast field and meadow.
Mr. Gilbert came to Kansas from Champaign County, Ohio, He was
born in Harrison County, West Virginia, December g, 1832, and is a farm-
er's son. Amos Gilbert, his father, was born in Buck's County, Pennsyl-
vania, of Quaker parents. In about 1850 the latter came into Ohio where
he died in 1854, at fifty years of age. His wife, who was Phebe Wilson,
died in 1852. Of their seven children six survive, viz.: Edward G., Mary,
wife of George Millice, of Mechanicsburg, Ohio; Ann E. , widoAv of N. B.
Johnson, of Champaign, County, Ohio; Benjamin B., of Champaign,
County, Ohio; George and Amos G. , also of that county; Nellie, deceased,
wife of G. M. Nelson.
Edward G. Gilbert acquired only a limited education. He began life
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. I43
without other than his ph)'sical resources and earned his first nione)- as a
wage worker on a farm. He was induced to come to Kansas by an old ac-
quaintance, Mr. Black, who settled in Anderson County in 1858, and he
made the trip by rail to St. Louis, by boat to Kansas City, and by stage
(for III) to Mound City, Kansas.
August 19, 1866 Mary E. Tucker became Mrs. Gilbert and took pos-
session of his residence (a log cabin 14x16) and all its furnishings. Mrs.
Gilbert was a daughter of Robert Tucker who came to Kansas from Missouri
but was a Virginian by birth.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert's children are: Mary, wife of Rev. Geo. W. Trout,
of Rochester, New York; Millie J., wife of Hiram Huffman, Robert E. , who
married L. Harvey: Conney, deceased and Cora Gilbert.
Mr. Gilbert went into the arm\ toward the close of the war. He enlist-
ed in Company F. , 134th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, one hundred day service,
under General Butler's command. He contracted lung fever and was
warned that he would die if he entered the army but it did not deter him.
Mr. Gilbert has been one of the most influential men in the politics of
Allen County. He cast his first vote for General Scott and his next for
Fremont and on down the Republican ticket to November 6, 1900. Thir-
teen times has he presented himself at the ballot box to make his choice
for President and only four times has he failed of his man. Mr. Gilbert
possesses, in a high degree, the confidence of his fellow countrymen which
fact, alone, is worth a life time of active industry and personal sacrifice.
TAMES WHALLON ROLL, successful farmer and highly respected citi-
^ zen of Carlyle township, Allen County, was born in Hamilton County,
Ohio, near Glendale, December 2S, 1836. His father, Samuel V. Roll,
was one of the pioneers of Hamilton County, going there in 1805 from
Mendham, Morris County, New Jersey. The latter was born at Mendham
in 1788 and died in September, 1885. In early life he was a saddle and
harness maker. His father, Abram Roll, bought a large tract of land near
Cincinnati(the 25th ward of that city)and opened a farm there. Samuel "\'.
Roll lode over across the mountains into Ohio on horseback and was offered
the square in Cincinnati where the Gait house stands, for his horse.
Samuel V. Roll was a gentleman well known as a pioneer, took a conspicu-
ous part in the affairs of his locality and the. second Abolition ballot cast in
Springfield township, Hamilton County, was cast by him. He married
Nancy A. Whallon, daughter of James Whallon, a large farmer and a
Jersejnnan. Their marriage resulted in the following issue; Samuel, de-
ceased; James W. ; Lavina, deceased: Nanc}', deceased; John, deceased and
Benjamin, of Mt. Healthy, Ohio.
James W. Roll grew up at Glendale and was educated in College Hill,
Ohio. He taught in the public schools five j-ears and then entered the
Cincinnati Business College as one of the professors. Following this con-
144 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
iiectioii he purchased a half interest in a business college in Zanesville,
Ohio, and remained with it eight years. Returning to his first love, the
farm, he remained four years on the old home and then disposed of his per-
sonal effects and came west. Kansas, and especially Allen County, was
absolutely strange to him when he entered it. He purchased a farm on the
north line of the county and began its successful cultivation and manage-
ment. Another farm, adjoining, in Anderson County, he owns, and alto-
gether his time and energies are in full demand.
Mr. Roll was first married in Ohio, January i6, 1861, to Anna McCor-
mick. She died in March two years later. In October, 1S65, he was
married to Sarah J., a sister of Hon. James Neal, of Hamilton, Ohio. She
died before their first anniversary and July 7, 1867, he was united in mar-
riage with Susan M. Weatherhead, of Ogdensburg, New York, a daughter
of Robert Weatherhead, a government officer. Robert H. Weatherhead, a
leading druggist of Cincinnati, and Judson Weatherhead, of Chicago,
are brothers of Mrs. Roll and Mrs. Fannie Church, of Chicago, is her
sister.
Mr. Roll's children are Samuel A. Roll, with the Electric Appliance
Company of Chicago; Bessie, wife of Arthur Paine, of Chicago; Lillie M.,
head book-keeper for the E. A. Armtrong Manufacturing Company, of Chica-
go, and Robert Roll, of Allen County.
The politics of the Rolls has been permanent and unchangeable.
Our subject cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont and fol-
lowed the Republican party on down to and including its late candidate,
William McKinle\ .
/'"^ EORGE HARRIS, one of the practical and prosperous farmers of
^-^ Deer Creek township, came to Allen County, Kansas, in company with
his fellow countrymen, Busley and Robertshaw, in 1880, and purchased a
tract of eighty acres on the broad and untamed prairie in section seventeen,
township twenty-four, rauge twenty. He was a young Englishman with
scant means and he came to the State to provide himself, with his labor
and his native tenacity, a home for his growing family. He had worked
as a farm hand in Livingston County, New York, and, at $25 a month, he
had laid by sufiScient means to pay for his land and to begin the initial
work of its cultivation and improvement. His first cottage, 16x12, fur-
nished him with a home for eight years and in that time .his prosperity
enabled him to erect a comfortable and more commodious residence, a mod-
est barn, and to add forty acres to his original farm.
Before coming to Kansas Mr. Harris resided in New York seven j^ears,
coming there from Lincolnshire, England, where he was born July 31, 1849.
His father, Thos. Harris, was a farmer and William and our subject were
his only heirs. William Harris resides in England still. Thos. Harris
married Susanna Hilton, who, after the death of her husband married
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 45
James Hill and reared a second family of four children. George Harris
attended school at Keeby, Lincolnshire. In his youth he learned farming
by actual experience and worked, also, in the iron mines.
November 13, 1874, Mr. Harris was married at Rochester, New York,
to Elizabeth Lj'ttle, a daughter of Joseph Lyttle, a settler from the north of
Irelavid. Mr. and Mrs .Harris' children are: Alice, wife of Geo. M. I,ove,
of Kansas City, Missouri; Mary, Clara, Hilton and Nellie.
Mr. Harris became a voter in iSSo. • He cast his first presidential ballot
for the Republican candidate of that year, but four years later he supported
Mr. Cleveland. For ten years he has been identified with the Republicans
and his support of their candidate in 1896 and in 1900 was both earnest and
enthusiastic.
WILLIAM T. STOUT, who is recognized as one of the substantial
of the moderate farmers of Deer Creek township, has been a
citizen of Allen county twenty years. He came to the county in 1880 and
first settled upon section 5. township 24, range 20. For seventeen years
prioi his home was in Linn cou'nty, Missouri, to which county he went
from Bond county, Illinois, the year following the close of the Civil war.
Mr. Stout was born in Bond county, Illinois, November 29, 1844. His
father, Harvey E. Stout, was born in the state of Illinois and was a son of
Thomas Stout, whose life was passed as a miller and later as a hotel man
in Greenville, that state. He was of German stock and went into Illinois
as a pioneer. His son Harvey was born in 1820. The latter was reared
in Illinois, learned the carpenter trade, married Minerva Young, a
daughter of William Young, and went into Wappelo county, Iowa, some
years before the Rebellion. He died in 1865 and is buried at Agency
City, Wappelo county. His wife, the mother of our subject, died in 1846.-
William Stout is her sole surviving heir. Another son, Richard E. Stout,
died in Denver, Colorado, in 1894, leaving a son, William.
Our subject spent his > outh upon the farm. The war came on before
he reached his majority and he enlisten' in 1861 in Company E, 22nd
Illinois, Capt. McAdams and Cols. Dougherty and Hart, in their order,
and finally Col. Swanrick. He was mustered in at Cairo, Illinois, and left
the command for a scout after Jeff. Thompson whose men he met at Bert-
rand, Missouri. In the spring of 1862 his regiment was sent across
Missouri to New Madrid to aid in cutting off the rebels. It went down to
Fort Pillow and was ordered back to Shiloh to re-enforce Grant. The
siege of Corinth followed and the 22nd was in it. Company E was camped
near a railroad bridge, guarding this thoroughfare during a- portion of its
stay around Corinth. Following Corinth came Stone River, Chicka-
mauga. Missionary Ridge and Chattanooga. Mr. Stout was in east Ten-
nessee when his term of enlistment expired and he re-enli.sted in the 42nd
Illinois and furloughed home for thirty days. He joined his regiment — a
146 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
part of the 4th corps — just before the Atlanta campaign and, following
close upon the heels of that, his regiment was a part of the army at Scho-
field that whipped Hood at Nashville. The 42nd was ordered from east
Tennessee and had something to do with the demoralization of the Con-
federate troops in that region. Later it was ordered into Texas and was
stationed at Port Lavaca, that state, when Mr. Stout was discharged in the
winter of 1865.
Notwithstanding the long, continuous and dangerous service Mr.
Stout was exposed to he escaped serious injury, He was only one of many
thousand who accomplished this feat but this fact does not detract from the
value of his service nor from the spirit of patriotism which prompted it.
At all times he fulfilled the requirements of a .soldier — he obeyed orders.
On September 19, 1867, Mr. Stout was married to Sarah E. Warren, a
daughter of Thomas C. Warren, from Kentucky. Their children are:
Mary, wife of Thomas Wollard; James W. Stout, who married Lily
Wagner; Ola J., widow of Carl Stickney; Ida, who married Thomas L.
Dickerson; Thomas Stout, who married Mattie Trout; Nora E,, wife of
Ralph Sprague; Lucy Elva, wife of Thomas Jackson; George A., Albert,
Leonard, Raymond and Qtiincey, all residing in Allen county.
William T. Stout came to Kansas with a large family and little means
Fifty dollars covered his cash possessions, and with body filled with
industry he rented land and went to work. He bought a forty acre tract
in Osage township the second 3^ear, or arranged to buy it, and later on
another forty (railroad land) and his start uphill dated irom that time. He
sold his Osage possessions and located in his present place in 1883. As a
citizen he is regarded with confidence by his neighbors and fellow towns-
men and in politics, in his somewhat limited sphere, he stands for the
principles of Republicanisui as expounded in the Philadelphia platform
of 1900.
JOHN D. CHRISTIAN is one of the leading farmers of Carlyle town-
ship, and one of the reliable citizens of Allen county, on whom have
been conferred positions of public trust and responsibility. He was born in
Parke county, Indiana, October 15, 1S47, his parents being Robert and
Mary M. (Gilkerson) Christian, both of whom were natives of Augtista
county, Virginia. In 1835 they removed to Indiana, locating on the old
homestead farm which is now in possession of their sons, John D. and
Gilbert M., who are the only survivors in their family of five children.
The latter resides in Rockville, Indiana, The father died in 1855, at the
age of sixty-three years, and the mother's death occurred in 1898, when
shejiad attained the advanced age of eightj'-two years.
John D. Christian spent his boyhood days on the home farm and was
educated in the common schools. He remained with his parents until he
had attained his majorit}', when with the restless .spirit of energy he
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. I47
resolved to seek a business opening in the wesi , and made his \va\' to
Kansas in 1869. He found employment on a farm in Carljde township.
Allen county, and later was employed to herd cattle, following that pursuit
until he had saved some money, when he entered into a partnership for the
purpose of buying and selling cattle on his own account. He was thus
engaged for eight years, during which time he had acquired through his
own exertions a sum sufficient to enable him to purchase a tract of prairie
land. This he at once began to improve and from time to time he has
added to his first purchase, until now within the boundaries of his farm is
comprised a tract ot two hundred and forty acres, situated in Carlyle town-
ship, eight miles north of lola. His place is well improved with modern
accessories and conveniences, although not an improvement had been made
upon the farm when it came into his po.ssession. The entire place is a
monument to his enterprise and the buildings stand in material evidence of
his energy and diligence.
Mr. Christian was married in 1874 to Miss Rachel Dennis, but after
three years of married life she was called to her final rest. In 1887 Mr.
Christian wedded Miss Rosa McGurk, a native of Pennsylvania, and a
daughter of Daniel and Sophia McGurk, who came to Kansas in 18S0.
Mr. and Mrs. Christian have six children: Maggie, Robert, John, Cary,
Edwin and Bernice.
In connection with his only brother Mr. Chri.stian now. owns the old
home farm in Parke county, Indiana, cora])rising one hundred acres of
valuable land adjoining Rockville, which is one of the wealthiest towns of
its size in the Hoosier state. For eighteen years he filled the office of
treasurer of Carlyle township, and in 1898 he was nominated and elected
by a large majority oa the Republican ticket for the office of county com-
missioner, which he has filled with satisfaction to his constituents. Over
his official record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and
his has been an honorable and upright career, in which he has gained and
retained the warm friendship of many with whom he has been brought in
contact.
T~^R. CICERO S. MARTIN, of Allen county, whose father, the late
-• — ' John Martin, of Deer Creek township, was one of the first settlers on
the creek, was born in Lawrence county, Arkansas, February 20, 1857.
The following June his father landed in Allen county and made his final
stop in the "Martin and Wise" neighborhood on the 14th of the month.
The homestead which the head of the family entered is now the property
of "Uncle Billy" Merchant, but the place upon which he spent the last
years of his active life and where he died is the property of his son, Rufus
S. Martin, at the forks of north and south Deer Creek.
John Martin was born in North Carolina June 14. 1815. His father,
John Martin, was a state senator of the old "Tar Heel State" and a wealthy
148 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
planter. The latter married ^ Miss Jones and eight of their sixteen child-
ren were sons. Amonj them were Benjamin, Henry, William, Bartlelt,
Yancy, Alexander and John. The last named married Sarah Sale who
died in Allen county in 1893. while her husband died Octobers, 1882.
This pioneer couple left North Carolina about 1S55 for the west and
stopped a year or more in Lawrence county, Arkansas. He drove into
Allen county with his thirteen in family, with an ox team and, along
with the Days and Wises, was the first permanent settler in his locality.
He engaged at once in the stock business and in the cultivation of the soil
and was one of the successful and comfortably well-off men of his time.
He took a rather conspicuous part in public affairs, was a soldier in the
Kansas militia, as were some of his sons, and was called out when the
Rebels were threatening our frontier. In politics he was a Democrat, as a
citizen he was among the best and as a man he was loyal to his family and
to his friends.
The children of this pioneer, our subject's father, were William
Yancy, of Wheatland, Oregon; Jane, wife of Nelson Hall, of Blackburn,
Indian Territory; John J., a soldier in the 9th Kansas, who died in 1S70;
Hiram S., who died in 1876; Adeline, deceased, wife of Patrick Moynihan;
Susan, wife of James Goodnight, of Dale county, Missouri; James H.,
deceased; Martha A., wife of R. E. Strickler; Rufus and Dr. Cicero S.
Dr. M airtin spent his childhood and youth in the country on Deer
creek. He attended school under Prof. David Smith at Carlyle and chose
medicine as his calling at about eighteen years of age. He was a student
in the office of Dr. J. Morgan at Neosho palls, following which he attended
the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis two years, graduating March
4, 1882. His practice began at once in his home neighborhood and has
continued there with success.
January 13, 1887, he was married to Emma L. Benjamin, a daughter
of John B. Benjamin, of Hamilton, Missouri. The only child of Dr. and
Mrs. Martin, Cicero Ray, died August 8th, 1899, at nearly nine years
of age.
HIRAM LIEURANCE. — A well known and prominent representative
of agricultural interests in Allen county, Hiram Lieurance, well
deserves mention in this volume devoted to recording the history of the
leading men of Allen county. He was born in Clinton county, Ohio, on
the 8th of March, 1829, a son of Elijah and Cynthia (Wright) Lieurance.
The father was a native of North Carolina and when about twenty years
of age removed to the Buckeye state, where he met and married Miss
Wright, an Ohio lady. In 1836 they started westward and became identi-
fied with the farming interests of Illinois, the father continuing the work
of the fields throughout his active business career. His wife died in 1844
at the age of forty-two years, and surviving her twenty-four years Mr.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. I49
Lieurance departed this life in !86S, at the age of seventy-eight. They
were the parents of twelve children, but three of whom are living, the
sisters being Cynthia, a resident of Nebraska, and Mary L. Jane Reynolds,
living in Anderson county, Kansas.
Hiram Lieurance, the only surviving son of the family, accompanied
his parents on their removal to Illinois when he was but seven years of
age. There he was reared and in the common school; he acquired his
education, pursuing his studies through the winter season, while in the
summer months he assisted in the work of the home farm, remaining with
his father until he was twenty years of age. He then went to Wisconsin
where he worked as a farm hand by the month for two years, returning to
Illinois on the expiration of that period. In a short time, however, he
again left home, his destination being the Pacific coast. It was in 1850
that he crossed the plains to California, reaching the Golden state after a
trip of four months. There he began mining, following that pursuit for
three years with good success, and with the large sura of money which he
had acquired he returned to the east, making the journey by the water
route. He sailed to San Juan, crossed the Isthmus to Graytown, and by
way of the Nicaragua river reached the Atlantic ocean where he took
passage on a vessel bound for New York. From that point he continued
on his way as a passenger on the Hudson river boats, and on the great
lakes proceeded to Chicago, reaching his home after forty days of travel.
Soon afterward Mr. Lieurance was united in marriage to Miss Mary
A. Vandiveer, a native of Illinois, in which state they resided until 1868,
when they came to Kansas, locating in Allen count)' upon the farm where
they have since resided. Mr. Lieurance first secured a tract of eighty
acies, but he has extended the boundaries of his place until it now com-
prises three hundred and twenty acres. For some time he engaged in
buying and shipping stock, but after a number of years he withdrew from
that enterprise and now devotes his attention solely to the cultivation of
his land.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Lieurance has been blessed with four
children, namely: Eliza, the wife of J. N. Fallis, who is living with her
parents; Elvin T. ; Herbert Grant and Perry. All are married and reside
near the homestead, either in Allen or Anderson counties. That Mr.
Lieurance is a popular citizen in the communitj- is indicated by the fact
that in 1883 lie was elected to the office of county commissioner in his
district, on the Democratic ticket, although the district was largely Repub-
lican and his opponent was a strong candidate. He served in that capacity'
for three years and his course was one which showed that the confidence
and trust reposed in him was well merited. Faithful to the duties of citi-
zenship, he has given his support to measures and movements calculated
to prove of public good and is justly numbered among the valued and
influential residents of the community.
150 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
TDERRY STOTlvER, a leading and influential farmer of lola township,
-*- Allen County, owns the old Bartels homestead in section eighteen,
township twenty-five, range eighteen, upon which he has resided since
1880. He came to Kansas from Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where
he was born in August, 1853, and took up his residence in Allen
County.
Mr. Stotler is a son of Emanuel Stotler, born in the same locality with
his son, and a descendant of Pennsylvania German ancestry who came to
that locality from over the mountains from the east. He was one of the
first settlers of Penn township, Allegheny County, and was a soldier in our
second war with Great Britain. He was several times married and reared a
large family. Emanuel Stotler passed the greater part ot his life in the
country about Allegheny and Pittsburg and cleared up a farm in Penn town-
ship. Wagon making was also a part of his business. He was married to
Barbara Stoner who occupies the old family home.
Emanuel Stotler's children are: Sylvester Stotler, a prominent educat-
or in his native county; Nancy Stotler; Elizabeth, deceased wife of David
Shepherd: Fannie and Lillie, twins. The former married E. Gillooly, of
Humboldt, Kansas, and the latter resides in the Pennsylvania home; F. P.
Stotler, Rudolph, deceased, and John Stotler, of California.
F. P. Stotler has passed his forty-seven years ot life upon the farm.
His first trip to Kansas was in the year 1879 and that year he passed with
the family of E. Snively, one of his near neighbors. His busy life in this
State has been passed as a farmer and raiser of stock. Of late years he has
been engaged in blooded stock breeding and his Jersey cattle and his
Durock hogs are the pride of the Onion Creek valley In this venture he
had demonstrated that the breeding of graded stock, when intelligently fol-
lowed, is a profitable business, even in Kansas.
Mr. Stotler was married March 23, 1887, to Lena Van Sickle, a daugh-
ter of B. D. Van Sickle, a former New Yorker but now of Hudson, Indian
Territory. Mrs. Van Sickle was formerly Miss Merinda Latier. Mr.
and Mrs. Stotler's children are; Frank E., Benjamin H., William Van and
Lillie Verl.
In politics the early Stotlers were Whigs but when the Republican
party was formed they entered its ranks and those after them have yielded
allegiance to the same political faith. Perry Stotler has been one of the
active Republicans of lola township. Although his township has a majori-
ty adverse to his party he has been twice elected treasurer of it and is an
efficient public official. (Since this sketch was written the subject of it has
passed away, his death occurring March 2, 1901.)
"OHN B. HAYS, of Carlyle township, came into Allen County as a
youth in the spring of 1861 from Madison County, Illinois. Be was born
St. Clair County, Illinois, April 4, 1849, and was a son of Thomas Jeff-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 151
erson Hays, a native Keiituckian, born about 1814. The latter died in 1S54.
Zachariali Hays, our subject's grandfather, was born in Scotland and upon
migrating to the United States, settled in Kentucky. He was one of the
pioneers there and also to Illinois, in which State he died. He was a sol-
dier of the war of the American Revolution, was a farmer in civil life and
reared a family of seven son.s, NoiTis, Zachariah, Elias, John, Thos. J.,
"Jack" and Andrew all of whom reared families in Kentucky and Illinois.
Thos. J. Hays married Susan Ann Co.x, our subject's mother. She
was a daughter of John B. Cox, a Scotchman, who was the father of six
children and died in Madison County, Illinois. The children were: Eman-
uel, Wesley, Susan, Ann, Phena, Nancy and Mary, all of whom had fami-
lies. Susan Ann Hays was the mother of three children, viz: William A.,
of Miami County, Kansas: John B. and James, decea.sed. Thos. Hays, a
half brother of our subject, resides in Jasper County, Missouri.
John B. Hays really began life when he enlisted in the army. In the
spring of 1862 he enlisted at lola in Company E, gth cavalry, and mustered
in at Leavenworth. He was with the supply-train escort from Ft. Scott
south into Arkansas and the regiment was placed along the Missouri and
Kansas and Territory lines to watch the frontier. They had some experi-
ence with the guerrilla, Ouantrel, in this service. They got him into a
house, burned the house down over him and yet he and a companion, got
away, wounding a Federal major as they went. The third and last > ear
of his service Mr. Hays spent in Arkansas and the Territory and was
mustered out at Duvalls Bluff the "baby of the company." When mus-
tered out he weighed, with all accoutrements, two pistols and one
hundred cartridges, just one hundred pounds. He saw much hard and
exhausting service and suffered from sickness and general physical de-
bility, yet he forced himself on and came out of it all and was discharged
with his regiment more of a wreck than a man.
Since the war our subject has devoted himself to the farm. He has
resided in Missouri, and in Miami and Allen counties, Kansas; has worked
by the month and has farmed on his own account but not until 1889 did he
settle down near Carlyle upon his own farm. He was never married and,
until his sight failed him, he took a warm personal interest in local public
affairs. He is one of the well known Republicans of Carlyle and is de-
scended from a long line of Whigs, Free Soilers and Republicans. His
first presidential vote was cast for Grant in i868 and his last one for
McKinley.
T EWIS L. NORTHRUP is a native of lola, having been born June
-*— ' 23, 1864, in the old Northrup home now owned and occupied by
Dr. A. J. Fulton. His family history has been already given in the sketch
of his father, Levi L. Northrup. After concluding the course of study in
the lola city schools he spent two years in the Poughkeepsie Business
152 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
College, where he received a thorough technical business education.
Returning home he joined with his brothers, F. A. and D. P., in the
propriet )rship of the dry-goods house which is still conducted under the
firm name of Northrup Brothers. From the first, however, he gave but
little attention to the dry-goods business his assistance being needed by his
father in his bank and in looking after his numerous other outside inter-
ests. It thus naturally came about that upon the death of his father Lewis
L,., assumed the active management of the bank and of the general affairs
of the estate, although the responsibility of these affairs is shared by his
mother and his brothers.
Mr. Northrup not only succeeded to the work his father had done in
the management of the large estate of the family, but he inherited also his
father's aptitude and liking for business, his public spirit and his pride in
lola. The Northrup business is as large and dominating a factor in the
city of lola as it was in the village of lola. The Northrup support of any
public enterprise is as much relied upon, and is as generous and ready as
it ever was. It has given to lola the finest business building yet erected
here, and it has contributed with a lavish hand to every enterprise planned
and carried out for the good of the public.
It nearly always happens that the possessor of large wealth, particu-
larly in a small town, is personally unpopular, but that rule does not hold
good with "Lute" Northrup. His public spirit, his generosity, his un-
selfish willingness to serve his friends and the public, his absolute honesty,
are so well established that it is not too much to say that he holds not only
the good will but the regard of the entire community. This is sufficiently
attested by the fact that he has repeatedly been elected — often over his
protest and never at his own suggestion — to various city ofiices, being at
the present time the representative of his ward in the city council.
Mr. Northrup was married October 25, 1894, to Miss Lettie Bruner.
Three children have been born to them, of whom Roswell Bruner Northrup
and Laverne Lee Northrup are now living.
T A riLLIAMT. DAUGHTERS— One of the most important families
" ^ in eastern Allen County and admittedly useful and favorably known
is that headed by the subject of this mention. Its founder came into the
county in 1S77 and located upon section 34, town 25, range 21, and, reared
trained and educated his large family from there. He is an Indiana emi-
grant, having come from Dearborn County, that State, where he was born
August 8, 1834. He is a son of James Daughters who settled in Dearborn
County in 1824, at a time when the woods were so thick and heavy that he
was compelled to blaze his way from his home to the settlements sixteen
miles away. James Daughters died in Dearborn County in 1843 at the age
of fifty-four years. He was born in Maryland in 1789 and was a sea cap-
tain on the Chesapeake and Atlantic in his early life. He was a son of
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 53
Hudson Daughters, born and reared on th; eastern shore of Mar\land.
The latter was a Revolutionary soldier and was of English stock. His sons
were: Gilbert Daughters, who reared a family in Ripley County, Indiana;
Samuel Daughters, who spent his life in Maryldnd; Hiram Daughters, who
reared a family in Mopport, La., Randolph Daughters, who left a family in
Ripley, County, Indiana, and James, father of our subject.
James Daughters married Sarah, daughter of an Englishman, James
Philips. Their children were: Kitturah, deceased, who married Joseph
Collins and reared a family in Louisville, Kentucky; James Daughters,
died in California in 1879; Franklin Daughters, who died in Dearborn
County, Indiana; Elizabeth, wife of N. H. Tuck, of Dearborn County,
Indiana; Andrew P. Daughters, physician at Moores Hill, Indiana; William
T. and Sarah R. , wife of John Welch, of Calilornia.
William T. Daughters came to manhood in the log cabin country of
Indiana and his schooling was limited to about two months in the year.
He became one of the sustainers of the family at an early age and there was
no opportunity for mental drill after that. He went to work on the Ohio
and Mississippi railroad in the shops at Cochran and later at Vincennes,
Indiana, and learned the machinists trade. He became an engineer and
pulled a train over all parts of the system for twenty years. He left the
road in 1877 to come to Kansas.
March i, 1858, Mr. Daughters was married to Elmira Heaton, daugh-
ter of Eben Heaton, who went from Green County, New York, into Dear
born County, Indiana in 1819. The latter was born August 20, 1797,
and was a son of a farmer and married to Sarah Streeter, of New Jersey.
She was born in May, 1801, and died, with her husband, in Dearborn
County, Indiana. Their children were: Mary, deceased, married Reason
Hines, William, deceased, married Eliza Dickinson; Thos., deceased, mar-
ried Jane Stage; Julia A., widow of Henry Gaston; Philip, deceased,
married Elizabeth Graves of Ripley County, Indiana, Eben, deceased,
whose wife was Jane Lamberson; Richard, deceased, married Mary Cole;
Freeman Heaton, of Seymour, Indiana, is married to Altha Hines; and
Mrs. William T. Daughters.
Mr. and Mrs. Daughters' children are: Rosalin, wife of L. A. Stafford,
of Bourbon County, Kansas; Eben J., an attorney of Cripple Cieek, Colo-
rado; Nelson, of Minnesota; Trena, wife of of L. A. Biebinger, of Des
Moines, Iowa; Grant, a student in the Kansas City Medical College;
Turpen A., rector at Colfax, Washington; Freeman R. , rector in Wallace,
Idaho; Elmira, wife of Grant Lowe, of Bourbon County, Kansas; Britania,
R., student in Nebraska University; Pearl, deceased; and Milo, a student
in the University of Nebraska.
One especially good feature in the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Daughters is
the spirit with which they have left nothing unturned to educate their chil-
dren. Neither of them had the advantage of modern educational times and
they have moved in the matter on the theory that an education is a resource
that one can not be deprived of and that it would be worth more to their
children than all things else. As fast as the children were competent they
'54
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
engaged in teaching, and their parents look with pardonable pride, upon the
fact that nine of them engaged in that useful and laudable calling. What is
better still, the}^ were not ordinar)' teachers but were among the most suc-
cessful and intelligent of their count}'. The sons who are ministers are
graduates of the Divinitj- School in Philadelphia and represent the Episco-
pal denomination.
Politics is something that has not disturbed Mr. Daughters greatly.
His interest in elections is all that a citizen's should be but he has never
seen any advantage to himself in spending his substance in the interest of
local politicians. He is a Republican.
JOHN N. SAPP — One of the leading farmers as well as early settlers, of
the township of Marmaton is John N. Sapp. He entered the southeast
quarter of section 5, town 25, range 21, in the "three mile strip," iti 1874,
and has created out of it one of the productive and desirable farms in the
township. Mr. Sapp came to Allen County from Knox County, Illinois.
He had gone there only three years before from Circleville, Ohio, in which
county, Pickaway, he was born August 16, 1840. His father, James Sapp,
a cooper by trade, carried on his business in Circleville and was succeeded to
it by his son, George. He went intoOhioin 1862, when twenty years of age.
He was born in Pennsylvania and was a son of John Sapp.
James Sapp married Margaret McAlister, and both died at Circleville.
Their children were: George Sapp; John Sapp; Caroline, wife of Joseph
Redmond, of Louisville, Kentucky; William Sapp, of Cleveland, Ohio;
Edson Sapp, of Circleville, and Mollie Sapp, of Louisville, Kentucky.
John N. Sapp began his life at the tinner's bench. He was sixteen
years old when he went to the trade in Circleville. He completed it and
was working at it when the war came on. In August 1862 he enlisted in
Company B, 114th Ohio Infantry, Col. John Cradlebaugh, and later on
Col. Kelley. The first active service of the regiment was at Chickasaw
Bluffs from which point it continued south with Sherman's army to Young's
Point and Vicksburg. Mr. Sapp participated in the battles of Raymond
Big Black and the final capture of Vicksburg. He went with his regiment,
then to New Orleans, at which place, and at Algiers, it was in camp some
time, eventually embarking on a gulf steamer for Texas. The winter of
1863 was passed in entrenchments at Indianola, Texas, and in the spring
the command returned to New Orleans and was shipped up Red River to
help Banks' army out of its difficulty. The latter was relieved at Alexan-
dria and while this operation was in progress the river lowered and the
fleet could not be gotten down. The obstacle was removed by the con-
struction of a dam which gathered sufficient water to float the boats over
the riffles and thereby get out of the enemy's stronghold. The trip back
to Morganza Bend on the Mississippi River was under fire of Rebel
batteries. The command rendezvoused at Morganza till the fall of 1864
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. I51;
when it was ordered to Lake Poiitch.irtraiii where it too'c boat for Ft.
Pickens, Florida, and marched on to Pensacola where the work of- con-
structing a pier was done. The 1 14th marched back to Ft. Blakely and
aided in it.i reduction. This last act cleared up the Alabama River and the
Federal wounded were taken down from Selma. The regiment then re-
turned to New Orleans and again went to Texas and was mustered out at
Galveston in August 1865. Mr. Sapp was discharged in Columbus,
Ohio.
The war over Mr. Sapp located at Oneida, Illinois, where he engaged
in the tin and stove business. He prospered there fairly well but the de-
sire to go west became too strong to resist and he came to Allen County,
Kansas, the year before stated.
In Allen County Mr. Sapp's progress has been steadily upward. His
accumulations show themselves in the increased acreage of his farm and in
the substantial improvements to be found thereon. He owns a tract of
400 acres well watered and well stocked. It lies on the east side of the
Marmaton River and a large part of it was clearly visible from his home
site when it was first located.
Mr. Sapp was married in 1867 to Rebecca, a daughter of Andrew Cul-
bertson, who came to the United States from County Tyrone, Ireland in
1848 and stopped first in Jersey City, New Jersey. Hs resided for a tim;
at Galesburg, Illinois, and came to Allen County, Kansas, in 1869. He
was the father of thirteen children, seven of whom survive: Elizabeth, Jane
and William Culberlson, Mrs. Margaret McGuire, Samuel Culbertson and
Mrs. Sapp, all residents of Allen County.
Mr. and Mrs. Sapp's children are: Laura, wife of Ray Smock; May
and Ethel.
Mr. Sapp's ancestors were Democrats. The issues of the Civil War
made his father a Republican and he, himself, became a Republican and
cast his first Presidential vote for Mr. Grant. He is a member of the
Bronson Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and a person of high standing
in the confidence of his countymen.
A LEXANDER M. WRIGHT, President of the Board of Education of
-^"^Morau and a self-made and prosperous farmer, of Marmaton township,
first located in Allen County in 1876. He came from Pike County,
Illinois, where he was born September 10, 1852. He was a son of Abiah
Wright, a Pennsylvaniaii, who went into Illinois early and settled a Pike
County farm. He became one of the well known and highly respected
citizens of his county and died in 1884 at the age of seventy-five years. He
married a Pennsylvania lad>', Catharine Fisher, who died in 1896, aged
eighty-three years. Their children were: Elizabeth, wife of David Hester
of Barton County, Mi.ssouri; Barbara, wife of Ed Bowers, of Pike County,
Illinois; John Wright, of Pittsburg, Kansas; Bela Wright, of Barry, Illinois,
156 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
John Wright, a prominent and prosperous farmer, of Carlj'le township.
Allen County, and Alexander M. , our subject
A. M. Wright was educated sparingly in the old log school house of
Illinois during and after the war and at about eighteen years of age he
abandoned the "academy" to begin life's real battles. Farming is what
he undertook then and farming is what he has continued. He was married
in Pike County, Illinois, October i, 1876, to Anna Blake. Jerre Blake,
Mrs. Wright's father was an early resident of Pike County and went there
from Maine. He married Almira West and was the husband of seven chil-
dren.
The first two years Mr. Wright passed in Allen County were spent
north of lola on the Wizner place. His circumstances were most ordinary
and it can be truthfully said that he was not far from poverty at times. To
begin farming he bought a horse and borrowed another of his brother and
his implements he borrowed from his neighbors. He paid $2.50 for a chain
harness. His first crop the grasshoppers took and his second one drowned
out. The third year was a good season and he started upgrade again. In
the fall of '77 he bought a farm of sixty acres in the vicinity of Moran and
January 14, 1878, he moved onto it. This he succeeded in paying for,
and in 1881 sold, and purchased in 1883 the northwest quarter of section
24, town 24, range 20, his present home. It was a piece of land that had
been entered under a soldier's Indian war land warrant by King. There
was nothing but the soil there when Alex Wright took possession. How
well he has accounted for his time in the past seventeen years his farm will
testify. Cattle and horses have supplemented the earnings of his plow and
sickle and he has reached that point at which it is a pleasure to live.
Mr. Wright's children are: Bela F., a student in Emporia College,
Edwin, a junior in the Moran high school; Mina, who is in the same class,
and Eva, a student in the same schools.
It is noticeable that Mr. Wright is interested in advanced education.
He feels the need of it in his own case and since circumstances have so
conspired to arrange matters favorably he is losing no opportunity to give
his children these advantages. He has been a member of the Moran
school board three years and his elevation to the chairmanship of the body
is a compliment to his warm personal interest in education.
JOHN M. EVANS was one of the early settlers of Allen county. He
was one of the leading spirits among a few pioneers who chose the
broad and undulating prairies in the valley of the Neosho for their abiding
place. In 1857 Thomas P. Killen, Dr. John W. Scott, Peter M. Carnine,
Richard V. Ditmars and others from Johnson county, Indiana, formed a
colony for the purpose of emigrating to Kansas and asked Mr. Evans to
join them. He did so and in October, of that year, they came to the terri-
tory in search of new homes. At the time of the removal Mr. Evans was
^^{p-^/^-'i-V//^ O^t'^'^-^^-^.^
WOODSON CQCNTIES, KANSAS. I57
uiving in Motitgomerj- count}', Indiana. They came without any purpose
iQther than to search out a location where honest tillers of the soil and
earnest Christian people could establish themselves, build homes and plant
the seed of a moral, intellectual and religious community. After traveling
over the cauntiy for some time the}' decided to locate on the high prairie
north of Deer creek, which is now the neighborhood of Carlvle. Each
member of the colifny selected a quarter section and held it as a claim until
the land came into market.
Mr. Evans chose the quarter sectioa which is now the Allen county
Poor Farm. With the assistance of the company he built a round log
cabin on his claim. Carnine and Ditmars remained in the territory that
winter and occupied this cabin, which was the first one built in the colony.
The other members of the party returned to Indiana. On the 19th of
April, 1858, however, with his wife and three children, Mr. Evans started
from Waveland, Indiana, for their new home on the Kansas plains.
Thomas P. Killen, with his wife and two childien, started at the same time
and traveled in company with them. The journey from Waveland to
Terre Haute was made in wagons, by rail from Terre Haute to St. Louis,
from the latter place to Kansas City by steamer, and from Kansas City to
Allen county by wagon again, over rough prairie roads and across deep
unbridged streams. They reached their new location on the loth of May,
at lo o'clock in the evening. They all camped in Carnine's cabin that
night and the next afternoon Mr. Evans removed into his own cabin and
began housekeeping in true pioneer style. After supper was over and their
beds made ready on the floor Mr. Evans read a chapter in the Bible and
the}' knelt together in prayer the first time since leaving their home in
Indiana. It was a happy, restful hour and never had they so fully realized
the true meaning of the poet's lines, "Be it ever so humble, there's no place
like home," as they did that night. Samuel C. Richards, a nephew of
Mr. Evans, and Miss Sarah P. Newell, a sister of Mrs. Evans, came with
them and made their home with them for .some time. The colony at this
time numbered thirteen, eight adults and five children. The adults were
all member^ of the Presbyterian church and all Republicans. Other mem-
bers of the colony arrived latet. These settlers proceeded to the business
for which they came west at once. The work of supplementing nature
with art was carried on as rapidly as their individual capabilities permitted
and in a few years a house of worship and a primitive school house were
a part of their achievements.
In those days Lawrence was the headquarters of the mail service for
that section. Cofachique, an Indian trading post, eight miles south of the
new colony, was the nearest post-office. "Little Billy," the mail carrier,
0.1 his Indian pony, made the trip once a week from Lawrence, by way of
Hyatt, Fort Scott and Humboldt to Cofachique, returning by the same
route. It was the only road into the Deer Creek settlement from the north
and was a long circuitous route. The new colonists decided to shorten it
and about the middle of July, Mr. Evans, Harmon Scott, T. P. Killen and
P. M. Carnine surveyed and staked off the route from their new location
t5S HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
north to H.vatt, a distance of sixteen miles, and thus shortened the way
niany miles. The next week Mr. Carnine mounted on Mr. Evans' little
ICentuck}' mare, Becky, rode to Hyatt, met the mail carrier and piloted
him over the new route to Cofachique. In passing though the new loca-
tion they stopped at Mr. Evans' cabin for water and "lyittle Billy" said to
Mrs. Evans, "I'm mighty glad you folks moved out here and made this
new road, for it will save me so much hard riding." *
Mr. Evans was reared a Whig. He was a strong opponent of slavery
and came to Kansas to help make this a free state. When the war began
he was anxious to join the regiment with his neighbors, but his wife being
a cripple at that time it was impossible foi him to leave home. It was
necessary, especially on the frontier, that some measure of protection be
accorded to the settlements from inroads of the Confederates and the in-
cursions of thieves and marauders, and this protection was extended
through the Home Guard. It was made up largely of men who were near
the age of exemption from military duty and without the physical require-
ments for the arduous campaigning of the regular service, but with the
same courageous and patriotic spirit which actuated men of all arms. Mr.
Evans belonged to the state militia and endured some hard service. Dur-
ing the Price raid he and a comrade were detailed as scouts on the western
border of Missouri and were in the saddle from three o'clock in the morning
until six in the afternoon without a mouthful of food. In politics Mr.
Evans was a pronounced Republican with no political aspirations what-
ever, but in the fall of 1863, at the urgent request of his friends he accepted
the nomination and was elected state representative. During the session
he became one of the substantial and useful members of the house. The
Carney fraud was perpetrated during that session and Mr. Evans was a
bitter opponent to the movement to elect Carney to the United State senate
a year before the proper time, which was done because Carney was sure of
his election by that 'oody.
Mr. Evans was not less prominent in spiritual than in temporal mat-
ters. He was an elder in the Carlyle and Geneva churches, was one of the
committee who organized the Presbyterian churches of lola, Neosho Falls
and Geneva, and his mind was not only a directing force in their organiza-
tion, but his substantial aid was fully as potent a factor in their mainten-
ance during their early years.
In 1865 Mr. Evans' health failed and he had to give up farm work.
He had been engaged in the dry goods business before coming to Kansas
and when L. L,. Northrup offered him a partnership in his store in Geneva
he accepted it and moved there in 1866. Geneva had been located and
settled by an eastern colony who came there with the intention of founding
an institution of learning at that place. The citizens of the surrounding
country united with them and subscribed liberally for the erection of a
building for that purpose. In 1S67 Mr. Evans, acting on the advice of the
Rev. G. S. Northrup, Rev. Austin Warner and Rev. E. K. Lynn, took the
contract and erected the Geneva Academy building with his own money,
and thus established an institution which they all thought would be per-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 59
inaneiit, but they were disappointe 1. Rev. Northrup died just as the work
was begun. In less than three years Mr. Evans died, and through mis-
management after his death the enterprise proved a failure and the building
now .stands as a monument to the earnest efforts of those noble, Christian
pioneers.
Mr. Evans was born in Owen county, Indiana, May 9, 1825. His
father, Jesse Evans, was born in East Tennessee in 17S7. He emigrated
to Pulaski county, Kentucky, and in 1S12 married Esther M. Newell. In
18 1 S he removed to Owen county, Indiana, living in Owen and Mont-
gomery counties until 1868 when he came to Kansas, dying in lola in
1S75. His wife died in Waveland, Indiana, in 1851. His father, Andrew
Evans, the grandfather of our subject, was born in North Carolina, re-
moved to Tennessee and there married Elizabeth Fain, of French descent.
The early settlers of that state were frequently attacked by the Indians and
at such times would take refuge in the block-houses. During one of these
attacks Mr. Evans' supply of lead gave out and his wife melted their
pewter plates and moulded bullets which he shot through the portholes,
thus keeping the Indians from setting fire to the block-house. In so doing
he saved their lives with their dinner plates. Mr. Evans afterward moved
to Kentucky and later to Owen counts', Indiana, where he died in 1842.
His wife died in the same state in 1846. His ancestors were Welsh people
who settled in the south at an early date. Since then, by intermarriage,
the blood of the Scotch, Irish and French have been introduced into its
own strain. Esther M., the wife of Jesse Evans, was Scotch-Irish. She
was born in Pulaski county, Kentucky, in 1783. Their children were:
Elizabeth F., wife of Rezin Richards; Samuel N.; Jane M., wife of Milam
Knox; Andrew H.; Margaret E., wife of Andrew Couchman; Harriet N. ,
wife of Samuel Steele, and John M., the subject of this review.
John M. Evans was married in Owen county, Indiana, May i, 1851,
to Jane Newell, the eldest daughter of William Tell Newell, who was born
in Pulaski county, Kentucky, in 1803, and in 1830 went to Owen county,
Indiana. He married Paulina Fain, a daughter of David Fain, of French
descent and whoj-e wife was of English lineage, David Fain was a colonel
in the second war with England. He was a man of fine taste, high aspira-
tions and a devoted Christian. He died in 0>ven county, Indiana, in
1857, and his wife died in Monroe county, Iowa, in 1874.
The children of William and Paulina Newell were Jane N. , wife of
John M. Evans; Harriette A., who died in girlhood; Mary E. , wife of
Martin Giltner; Samuel A.; Sarah P., wife of William Crawford; Martha
E., wife of Whitfield Woods; Clarinda A., wife of Marcus Hennion; Hester
L., who died in infancy; William M.; David F. ; Alice J., wife of William
Hay. Mr. Newell died in 1851 in Monroe county, Iowa, and his wife died
in Albia, Iowa, in 1891 His father, Samuel Newell, was of Scotch-Irish
descent, was born in West Virginia in 1754 and in 1780 he married Jean
Montgomery, a descendant of the poet Montgomery. She was born in
West Virginia in 1764 and was of Scotch descent. Samuel Newell was a
colonel of the Tennessee cavalry in the Revolutionary war and saw much
l6o HISTORY OF ALLEN AND'
of the arduous service incident to the war. He was in the battle of King's'
Mountain, aided in winning the victories of Cowpens and Yorktown, being
present at the surrender of Cornvvallis. At the battle of King's Mountain
he was wounded in the hip and rode all day without stopping to dress his
wound or take any food. Before starting out in the morning he had.
roasted a large sweet potato, which he carried in his knapsack for lunch,
but when he stopped to eat his potato he found it saturated with his own-
blood which had dripped into his knapsack from his wound, but he was
so hungry he ate it as it was. After the war Colonel Newell located in
Kentucky and served two terms in the state legislature. He was a talented
man, a devoted Christian and a gentleman in every sense of the word. He
was bitterly opposed to slavery and for this reason left Kentucky and
removed to Indiana in 1837, there remaining until his death in 1841. His
wife died in the Hoosier state in 1843.
John M. Evans married Jane Newell in Owen county, Indiana, May
I, 1S51. She was born in Morgan county, Indiana, October 14, 1832..
Their children were: Edwin Prescott; Mary Irene, wife of John D.
Knowlton; William Jesse; Samuel Henry; Harvey Tell; Annetta Estella,
wife of David R. Beatty; and Louemma. Edwin Prescott Evans died
August 3, 185S, soon after the arrival of the family in Kansas and his
funeral sermon was the first sermon preached in Carlyle colony and his
grave the first one made in Carlyle cemetery, the Rev. G. S. Northrup, of
Geneva, Kansas, officiating at the funeral. In July, 1870, the children of
Mr. Evans had the smallpox in the worst form, yet with careful nursing
they all recovered, but the over-exertion and mental anxiety of the father
for the children was too much for the weakened condition of Mr. Evan.s.
As soon as he felt they were safe, he sank down, weary and exhausted, and
death came to him in Geneva, Kansas, August 22, 1870, in the forty-sixth
year of his age. He passed away honored and respected by all who knew him.
ROBISON LENT, a well known farmer within the vicinity ol Bronson,,
and who resides upon the north-east quarter of section 28, township
24, range 21, Allen county, is a settler from Vernon county, Missouri.
His birth occurred in Madison county, Indiana, March 5, 1854. His
father, Chester Eent, was a farmer and was born in Pennsylvania in 1815.
He left the east in early life and made his way westward through the states
of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and into Vernon county, Missouri, where he
died in 1858. He married Susanna Frasier who died in Allen county,
Kansas, in 1883 at the age of sixty-seven years. Their children were:
Elizabeth, wife of Richard Parmenter, of Fort Scott, Kansas; Nancy
J , wife of Alexander Mayfield, of Bourbon county, Kansas; Maria, de-
ceased, wife of W. W. Findlay, of Bourbon county Kansas; Robison
Lent, and Lewis Lent, who died in Bates county, Missouri, leaving a
family.
Robison Lent grew up, from seven years of age, in Kansas. The
■WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. tZt
^family came into Bourbon county in 1861 and remained there twenty years.
He received a country school education and was thrown upon his own
resources at about sixteen years of age. He was a wage earner by the
month for some time but farmed rented land as his first independent
\-enture. Grain raising, with some stock as supplementary, is his forte
and he is regarded as one of the reliable, trustworthy and liberal citizens
of Marmaton township.
Mr. Lent was married in Bourbon county, Kansas, November i, 1S77,
to Miss Belle West, a daughter of James R. West, a well-to-do and well
known farmer of that county. The latter was a pioneer to Bourbon county
and located there from the state of Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Lent's chil-
dren are James Chester, Charles Walter, Bert Robison, Estella Jane,
Thomas Homer, Orlie Belle, John Franklin and Clyde Leroy I^ent.
The Lent political history is somewhat mixed. Our subject's father
■was a Democrat but his posterity are republican. A son, John W. Lent,
served in the 5th Kansas, Company K, and died after two years of service
during the war of the Rebellion. Robison Lent has no interest in politics
beyond that of a citizen. A membership on the East Maple Grove school
board comprises his record of ofKce-holding.
./^ORWIN B. KEITH, one of the old settlers of Marmaton township and
^-^ a citizen who has performed an honorable part in the development of
-Moran and vicinity, came into Allen county in 1869 and located in Ida.
He associated himself with Cyrus M. Simpson and engaged in mercantile
pursuits. For ten years he was a citizen of the county seat and when he
removed it was to locate in Gilfillan, Bourbon countj', where his chief
interests were for another ten years. His interests in Gilfillan were with
the famous stone quarries there and while that notable place was the scene
of his business activities his residence was, in the main, in Fort Scott.
In November 1892 Mr. Keith came to Moran. He opened a grain,
coal and feed store and has since conducted that business. The ownership
of a good farm in addition to the possession of an established business in
Moran identifies him with the affairs of Allen county, permanently. Before
coming to Kansas Mr. Keith resided in Ogle county, Illinois. He went
into that count}' with his parents in 1853 from his birthplace, Huron
count}', Ohio. He grew up in Ogle count}' and obtained his education
in the country schools and in Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris,
Illinois. His father was Carlos Keith and his grandfather was Caleb
Keith, both of whom were natives of the state of Vermont and went into
Ohio as pioneers. The Keith ancestry were among the first settlers of New
England. One of them, Rev. Jas. Keith, was the first minister of the
town of Bridge water, Massachusetts. He married Susanna D. Edson.
Carlos Keith, father of the subject of this review, died in lola in 1872
at the age of seventy-five years. His marriage with Elvira Pond was pro-
1 62 HISTORY OF ALLEN 'AND
duclive of five children of whom Corvvin B. is the fifth. The latter was
horn Jul.v 24, 1841. The other survivors are Carl P. Keith, of Moran, and
Elvira, wife of J. T. Rhoades, of Vermont.
August 2, 1862, Corwin B. Keith enlisted in Compan}' A, Second
Illinois Cavalrj' and was detailed as Gen. Ord's escort and latter as Gen.
Logan's escort. He was in the battles of Tallehachie, Willow Springs and
the regiment took part in the campaign about Vicksburg and was after-
ward sent across into Louisiana and up Red River. Mr. Keith was dis-
charged from the service in March 1863. He took up farming upon his
return to Ogle count)', Illinois, and remained in that vocation till his
departure for Kansas.
Mr. Keith was married first at Mound City, Kansas, in 1870 to Miss
Ella Morse, who died in 1874. December 19, 1899, he was again married
to Marj' Businger, of Bowlusville, Ohio. No children resulted from either
marriage.
The Keiths of the olden time were Whigs. Those of the present are
Republicans. For his political conviction Corwin B. is especially known
and while he is not in the active work of the party he is at all times
interested in its success.
JOHN C. WOODIN.— Connected with the industrial interests of Allen
county, Mr. Woodin is engaged in the manufacture of brooms in lola,
having followed this enterpri: e during the greater part of an active business
career. He was born in Painesville, Ohio, December 29, 1844, his parents
being J. H. and Rachel (Hitchcock) Woodin. The father was born in
New Haven, Connecticut, in 181 1, and in that city spent his boyhood
days, the grandfather there following the blacksmith's trade. The latter
died when his son was only thirteen years of age, at which time J. H.
Woodin was practically thrown upon his own resources. In 1828, at the
age of seventeen he removed to Ohio, in company with his brother-in-law,
George Mygatt, an architect, under whose direction he learned the trade
of a carpenter. In the spring of 1847, Mr. Woodin went to Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, where he was employed as a journeyman, and also worked in
the machine shops of that city until 1853, when he removed to Peoria
county, Illinois, making his home upon a farm there until 1866, when he
came to Allen county, Kansas. He took up his abode in the western part
of Ida township, and there died in 1892. He was married in 1834, in
Painesville, Ohio, to Rachel Hitchcock, who was born in New York, in
1811, a daughter of James Hitchcock, a Methodist minister, who removed
from the Empire State to Ohio. Mrs. Woodin died in Kansas in 1891.
By her marriage she became the mother of two sons^'^aHd three daughters:
James L., who died in lola in 1895, and was an ex-sheriff of Allen county;
Mrs. Mary E. Hurt, of Farmington, Illinois; J. C, of this review; Eliza-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 63
beth, deceased, wife of William Best, of Neosho Falls, Kansas; and
Frances J., deceased, wife of Robert Works, of Humboldt, Kansas.
J. C. Woodin was reared on the home farm. Through the winter
months he pursued his education in the district schools, and in the summer
months he followed the plow and assisted in the work of the harvest fields.
After he had attained his majority he began farming and stock raising on
his own account, but later turned his attention to the manufacture of
brooms, which business he is still following. As the output of his factory
is of a superior grade he receives a liberal patronage and is therefore enjoy-
ing a good income.
On the 23rd of December, 1874, Mr. Woodin married Miss Kate
McCuUough, who was born in Waterproof, Louisiana, March 18, 1856.
Her father, William McCullough, was a native of Ireland, and emigrated
to the United Stated in 1846. In 1848 he was married in Rondout, New
York, to Jane Duncan, also a native of the Emerald Isle. With his family
he removed from New York to Indiana, w-here he followed the brick
mason's trade. For a time he resided in Louisiana, engaging in the same
business, but on account of his union sentiments he was compelled to leave
there at the time of the Civil war, making his way to Texas, and thence to,
Mexico, where he took passage on a sailing vessel for New York. From
the last named place he went with his family to Illinois and subsequently
to Kansas City, where he resided for about twenty years, when, hoping to
benefit his health by a change of climate he came to Allen county. Here
his death occurred in 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Woodin have become the
parents of three sons and two daughters: William J., Fred, Anna, James
and Lettie, who are still undei the parental roof.
TAMES COLLINS STRONG, son of the late Dr. Henry Strong, of
" Moran, came to Allen County in 1874, and located upon section 25, al-
most adjoining the town of Moran. He was the eldest son of Dr. Strong, who
brought his family to Kansas in order that he might the better locate them
and establish them more advantageously about him. The latter made the
selectiovi of their future home and upon this he resided until the family
home was broken up by the death of his wife.
Dr. Strong was one of the characters of Allen County. He was a
gentleman of learning and of much force and foresight. He was one of the
old-time practitioners and his life, from first to last was an open book for the
inspection of all. He was northern by birth but somewhat southern by
environment and training. Many years of his life as a young physician
were passed in the heart of what afterward became the Southern Confeder-
acy and it was but natural that he should absorb many of the habits and
customs of the southern people. He left the South, though, before the
questions which almost severed the Union came to be agitated with fatal
seriousness and returned to live with the people and institutions of the
North.
Dr. Henry Strong was born in the state of New York, October 9, 1811,
164 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
and was prepared for his profession in the Louisville, Kentucky-, MedicaE
College. He was a son of Rev. Henry Pierce Strong and a grandson of
Adonijah Strong. Rev. Henry Strong was born February 2, 1785, and
married November 16, 1810, to I^aura Clark, who was born at Danbury,
Connecticut. Rev. Strong was a graduate from Yale College, and of
Andover Theological Seminary.
Dr. Henr>' Strong was one of a family of eight children. He began
life at Buffalo, New York, and about 1833 went to Cold Springs, Miss., to-
locate. He remained there about twenty years (from 1S33 to 1853) and
returned north to Rockford, Illinois. He felt that the South was a poor place
in which to rear a family and this impelled him to desert it. He spent the
years from 1S53 to 1874 in Winnebago County, Illinois,, and arrived in
Allen County, Kansas, December 4, 1S74. He brought with him three
sons and four daughters, all of whom survive.
Dr. Strong was first married June, 1835, to Phebe Pomeroy, of Lyons,.
New York. She died at Cold Springs. Miss., in June, 1S45, and May 12,
1847, he married Eloiza Collins, of Adams County, that State. March 29,
1862, Eloiza Strong died at Rockford, Illinois, and he was married the
third time at Rockford, 1867, to S ilina Davis an English lady. The doctor's
children are: Henry (the child of his first wife), Mary C, wife of Peter J.
McGlashan, of Moran; James C, born December 24, 1849; William T. ;
Sarah O. , wife of J. E. Montgomery, of lola; Joshua Newton, of Des
Moines, la.; Eloiza C, wife of G. M. Nelson, of lola; Martha E., wife of
C. M. Richards, of lola, Kansas; Mrs. Caroline C. Millard, residing in
lola.
During the Rebellion the people of Rockford, Illinois, sent Dr. Strong
to the front to care for the Illinois, and more especially the Rockford
troops sick and wounded on the field. He went to the Bull Run battle
ground and there plunged into the work of dressing wounds, working over
the operating table, until all the wounded were cared for. He was made
surgeon of the 74th Illinois, but wis superseded by a young doctor who
was seeking an opportunity to gain experience at the expense of the men.
He was appointed surgeon of the 93th Illinois, an Irish regiment, and re-
mained with it till the war closed. He was in twenty-two engagements, or
under fire twenty -two times while in the performance of his duties. He
let nothing interfere with the full and complete performance of that dut^^
which contributed to the comfort of the sick and wounded. At the battle
of Missionary Ridge he worked seventy-two hours dressing wounds, wear-
ing out ever)? other surgeon.
In politics the Doctor was originally a Democrat. During the war he
Was a firm friend of Lincoln, and after that trouble had passed away he
became a potent factor in the moulding of local Democratic sentiment. In
belief he was a Christian gentleman and was identified with the Presby-
terian church, being one of the elders of the Moran congregation. He
died at the home of his son, William T. Strong, July 5, 189S.
James C. Strong passed his youth and early manhood in Winnebago
county, Illinois. His has been a life of devotion to the farm and he owns
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 165
one of the attractive and productive places in Marmaton township. His
career in Allen count}- has been an honorable, though uneventful one and
the demands of the farm and field have occupied his time.
Mr. Strong was manied at New Milford. Illinois, November 11, 1S75,
to Elizabeth L. , a daughter of John S. Watson, an early settler there and
an Englishman. The children of this marriage are: Edith Eloiza, born
June 6, 1878; Walter James, born January 18, 1883; and Curtis Henry,
born October 30, 18 ,,0, Mrs. Strong was born February 21, 1850, and is
the second of four children: Eva, wife of George Skinner, of Winnebago
county, Illinois: Robert S. Watson, of Chicago, and George A. Watson, of
New Milford, Illinois.
Mr. Strong is a rock-ribbed Democrat, has served a term as township
clerk, treasurer of the township four terms and treasurer of the school
district eleven years.
/^^BED KERR, of Marmaton township, Allen county, who has passed
^~-^ his score of years in the county, located upon a piece of raw prairie
in the fall of 1878, his location being the south-west quarter of section 9,
township 25, range 20. It was included in the "Peck" land and conse-
quently, his title was never disputed by the League. It was well on
toward winter when Mr. Kerr drove his mule team, a cow and two calves
onto the spot which is now his home and started a camp. The ten dollars
which he brought with him was unequal to the task of providing shelter
for the family and he mortgaged his team in Humboldt to buy the lumber
for his 14x16 shanty, ten feet high. A hard winter came on and the little
mansion proved little more than a good wind-break, for it filled with snow
as regularly as it fell.
He started farming with sowing eight acres of wheat which harvested
only fifty-one bushels and it came at a time when the family was needing
something to eat. These hardships all passed over, the difficulties were
all overcome with the lapse of time and prosperity showered its blessings
upon him as had adversity in the beginning. He has more than doubled
the area of his original farm, having real estate in Elm township as well as
in Marmaton.
Mr. Kerr came to Kansas in 1877 and spent the first year in Marshall
county. He came from Union county, Pennsylvania, in Snyder count}'
of which state he was born January 11, 1835. The Kerrs were among the
well known people of that locality and one of the old German families of
the state. Our subject's father was Jacob Kerr, a farmer, a son of Chris-
tian Kerr.
Jacob Kerr married Sarah Hummell, was reasonably succes.sful in life
and died in 1S45 ^t the age of forty-four. His widow survived him more
than forty-five years, dying in 1891, aged ninety years. Their children
were: Leah, wife of Joseph Miller, of Northumberland county, Pennsyl-
l66 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
vania; Rachel, who married John Bere. of Union county, Pennsylvania:
Kanez, of Allen county, Kansas; Obed Kerr; Jacob Kerr, who died just
after coming out of the army; Sarah, who is Mrs. Joseph Miller, residing
in Pennsyvania; Elizabeth, deceased; Susan, widow of Isaac Keyser, of
Northlumberland county, Pennsylvania; Catherine, wife of Theodore
Fegley, of Harvey county, Kansas, and Christian Kerr, of Benton county,
Arkansas.
Being orphaned by the death of his father Obed Kerr was forced to
"workout" very early in life and at the age of fifteen years went to live
with an uncle. He learned the carpenter trade with him and worked at it
about five years. In addition to his country school advantages he put in a
full year in a graded school. He was granted license to teach and did
engage in that work several winters and clerked in a store at Mount Carrael
in summer. He finally became a partner in the business and remained so
for twenty years. When the crash came after the war the firm failed and
Mr. Kerr suffered severe financial reverses. The two years succeeding his
forced retirement from the counter, and prior to his advent to Kansas, he
spent on a farm and he reached Marshall county, Kansas, with funds
enough to provide for the wants of his family till a crop could be raised.
December 20, i860, Mr. Kerr was married to Mary Heiser, a daughter
of David Heiser. The children of this union are: Walter A. Kerr; Arie.
Claire and Willis Kerr. The Kerrs are Republicans in politics and our
subject has been one of the active and enthusiastic party men in Allen
countv.
SAMUEL MILES KNOX was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania,
November 11, 1S26. The son of a farmer, his boyhood was spent
after the usual fashion of American farm boys, — working hard during the
long summer and going to school in the short winter. His first money
was earned at the age of ten, when for three months he built the .school
house fires every morning for one dollar. He has earned a good many
dollars since then, but never one that gave him more satisfaction. The
progress made in his studies is shown by the fact that at the age of seven
teen he was employed by the school directors as assistant teacher, — at the
munificent salary of four dollars a month ! The spring following he
entered the Tuscarora Academy, and the next fall he secured a position as
teacher at a salary of $18.00 a month, — boarding himself. Determined to
secure an education if possible, he continued for two years to attend the
Academy in summers, paying his way there by the money saved from the
meager salary paid him as a teacher during the winter. From the
Academy he went into the office of a physician and for two years gave all
the time he could spare from the school teaching by which he earned his
living to the study of medicine. After two years of this study he gave up
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 16/
the idea of becoming a physician and for three years thereafter he was
engaged in the business of selling books, especially German and English
History of the United States, selling more of the German than of the
English edition. Through the accident of being obliged to accept grain in
payment of some debts owed to him by the farmers of the neighborhood, he
was drawn into the lumber and grain business, which he followed success-
fully for two years at Wyant a small station in Bureau county, Illinois, of
which village he was the first postmaster. Abandoning his mercantile
business he went to Princeton, Illinois, and began the study of law in the
office of Milton T. Peters, a leading attorney of that section, and after the
proper preparation was admitted to the bar. In i860 he was made the
Democratic candidate for Representative in the Legislature, but went down
with his party in the election that followed. In spite of an adverse
party majority he was elected county Judge of his county' the following
year and served in that capacity four years. Soon after his retirement from
this office he made an extended tour of Europe. Returning from this trip
his attention was attracted to the cheap lands then being placed upon the
market by the western railroads, and he bought several ot the tracts that
he still owns in Allen county, Kansas. Becoming acquainted through
the.se purchases with the managers of some of the land grant railroads he
was engaged for the next several years as their agent for the sale of their
lands, ser\dng with marked succe.ss in this capacity the L- L. & G., the
M. K. & T., the C. B. & Q., and the Union Pacific. His longest service
in this line was with the Union Pacific with which he remained as Land
and -Passenger Agent until 1897. Retiring from this employment he took
up his permanent residence in Allen county and is now engaged on a large
scale in the farming and stock business in Salem township.
This is the simple story, as briefly as it can be told, of a successful
career, won without any outside help, through the sheer force of pluck,
industry and character. To begin as a mere boy, to educate one's self, to
win an honored place in a learned profession, to make one's force felt in
great corporations, to amass a modest but sufficient fortune, and then to
have sense enough, while yet hale and heart}- to settle down to enjoy the
fruits of his labor, — that is a record any man may be pardoned for being
proud of.
Like most Americans, Judge Knox knows but little of his ancestry.
His grandfather, Hugh Knox, was born in Scotland in 1758, emigrated to
America, settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, moved to Danville,
New York, then to Ashtabula county, Ohio, where he died in 1851. His
father, John Knox, was born January 6, 1789, in Lancaster count,',
Pennsylvania, and was a farmer by occupation. He served as a cavalry-
man in the war of 1812, and died November 25, 1858, in Princeton, Illi-
nois. His mother, Eunice Pauling, was born November 12, 1794, in
Philadelphia and died July 12, 1858, in Princeton, Illinois. She was
descended from one of the Quaker families who came to America with the
Penn colony. Several of Judge Knox' maternal ancestors were soldiers
in the Revolutionary war, one of them, Samuel Pauling, being with Wash-
l6S HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
iiigton during the memorable winter of 1777-8 at Valle}' Forge, and later
at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.
On the 31st of December, 1854, Mr. Knox was united in marriage to
Miss Hannan H. Weaver, of AUentown, Pennsj-lvania. Unto them have
l)een born two sons and three daughters, four 3'et living: Anson H., who
married Annie Dewey Whipple and who is now engaged in farming near
Sheffield, Illinois; Mary K. , wife of Justus Massillon Stevens, of Prince-
ton, Illinois; Ada L , who resides with her parents; Samuel F., a practic-
ing attorney of Chicago, Illinois, who married Edith Brown, of London,
England. The children have been provided with ver}- superior
educational privileges, the two daughters completing their education in the
languages in Dresden and Paris.
In his political views Judge Knox has been a life-long Democrat, is
strongly in favor of the double standard of currency and had the honor of
being a delegate to the national silver convention in 1896, which nominated
William J. Bryan for president of the United States. He is a gentleman
of broad general information, liberal in his views, and acts upon his con-
victions. He is one of the most public spirited and enterprising citizens of
Allen county. In 1856 he became a member of the Masonic fraternity and
has taken all the degrees in blue lodge, chapter, council, commandery and
Scottish rite branches of Free Masonry and held office in all the bodies. In
his life, however, he exemplifies the spirit of mutual helpfulness and
forbearance which forms the basic element of the craft. His has been an
honorable career. He has never made engagements that he has not ful-
filled nor incurred obligations he has not met. He is at all times straight-
forward and reliable and stands as a representative of our highest type of
American manhood.
T^R. A. L. DORNBERGH.— Time has all but annihilated the pioneers
-* — ' of Kansas. The passing of years has thinned their ranks until there
is only here and there one. In Allen county they are so rare as to become
an object, almost, of curiosity. To have spent more than forty years in
Kansas seems, at first thought, an improbability. Two score of years takes
us so far out onto the frontier that it seems scarcely the abode of the white
man. Yet it was and A. L. Dornbergh was among the number. He came
here from Lockport, New York, as a young miller in 1859, remained in
Humboldt a short time and having secured a claim near Humboldt preceded
to build a house and moved thereon. His family consi.sted of self, wife
and two sons and stepson H. D. Smith. It was with every expectation of
turning the claim into a farm that he took possession of it, but in this he
was disappointed, for in i860 came the drouth, then 1861 ushered in the
war which stopped all improvements. He entered the service as First
Lieutenant of the Allen County Guards. This compan}' with these of
Woodson and Wilson counties was organized in the southern division and
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 169
was called the 7th Regiment. Dr. Dornbergh was made Captain of his
company September 3d, 1861. February 2nd, 1864, he received a commis-
sion with the rank of Major and Aid-de-camp on Major-General John B.
Scott's staff. He was- out almost from the beginning of hostilities till the
end of the contest. He served on the border between Missouri and Kansas
and saw and participated in much of the hard field work of the west. After
the war Dr. Dornbergh was elected Probate Judge of Allen county where
he served three terms con.secutively of two years each, John Francis being
his deputy. Retiring he devoted himself to the cultivation and improve-
ment of his claim. He proceeded to plant forty acres of it to fruit and had
about the first bearing orchard on the prairie. His fruit was the best qual-
ity and was appreciated by his neighbors and friends toward whom he
showed a spirit of liberality.
Dr. Dornbergh was a homeopathist, practicing in his own family before
coming to Kansas, and when he took up the practice in this State, soon
gained by his success and faithfulness such a large business that everything
else was given up to that field of usefulness. Having spent nearly thirty-
five years in medicine he retired from its general practice.
When Dr. Dornbergh settled in Allen county Indians were roaming
over the county, settlers were scattered here and there along the streams,
Humboldt was the county seat, and lola, the successor to Cofachique, was
only a place in name. In those days the Doctor's well was on a sled in the
yard and as the Indians came by they helped themselves to the contents of
the barrel so long as there was any, without the permission of its owner.
Dr. Dornbergh was born in Caledonia, Livingston county. New York,
December 7, 1826. His father, John Dornbergh, was born near Albany,
New York, in 1799. and died at R.ochester, N. Y. in 1844. His wife, Sabra
S. Oldfield, was born in 1806 and died in 1876. She was the mother of five
children.
Dr. Dornbergh was married in 1854 at Clifton, Monroe county. New
York, to Sarah A. Smith, widow of W. H. Smith. Two children have
been born to them, viz: Harmon Lewis, born in 1855, died in 1878; John
Cheever, born i860, and who is a prominent farmer of Humboldt township,
Allen county, Kansas. The latter is married to Nettie M., daughter of
E. N. Wert, of Humboldt, and has five children.
Dr. Dornbergh was reared a Democrat. His father was an uncom-
promising one and taught the faith to his children, but our subject departed
from it when he grew up and was well known for his political convictions
during the early days of Allen county. In fraternal matters he is a Mason
and an Odd Fellow.
T A 7"ILLIAM J. EVANS was reared and educated in Carlyle and Geneva,
^ " Kansas. He was eighteen years of age when he came to lola and he
worked at odds and ends, hauling coal among the rest, till he entered the
1 70 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
drug house of R. B. Stevenson as a clerk. When the Missouri Pacific
railroad was building through lola he had a place on the engineering force
for a time. After this he was in Topeka, Kansas, occupying a position as
a drug clerk for some months and upon his return to lola in 18S2 bought
the drug business of Richards, Lakin and Ireland, a prominent firm twenty
years ago. In 1883 in company with William Goodhue he purchased the
drug stock of R. B. Stevenson and has since made drugs, books, stationary
and paints his business. Upon the retirement of Mr. Goodhue the firm
became W. J. Evans and remained so till the partnership of William J. and
Tell Evans was entered into in 1892. This stand has always enjoyed a
prosperous business. It has been the popular corner since the day Steven-
son opened his paper stand, and later his little drug store, and its magni-
tude and importance has increased with the demands of a metropolitan
city. The firm of Evans Brothers is nothing if not progressive and public
spirited. They get all that their legitimate business will earn but they do
not keep all they get. Their liberality toward worthy charities and meritor-
ious enterprises is well known and the money that they thus dispose of
annually is in liberal proportion to their net incomes.
Mr. Evans has been a member of the State Pharmaceutical Association
for near a dozen years, has been active on some of the committee work
■ and in 1896 was elected president of the Association, serving the usual,
term of one year.
In politics there never was a time when the Evans' w-ere not on the
side of patriotism and the flag. Whigs predominated in the household in
the days of Webster and Clay and Scott but with Fremont they became
Republicans and have remained so through all the history of that party.
William J. Evans was married in lola January 26, 1888, to Jessie, a
daughter of William Buchanan.
Mr. Evans is a Mason, a Knight of Pythias and a Workman.
The foregoing brief record and the more extended sketch of J. M.
Evans, previously given, is ihe story of lives well and honorably spent
It covers the period of Allen county's development and testifies to the part
which one of its pioneer families took in that development. It is fortunate
that the facts of genealogy herein contained have been so well preserved
to us and that the brief reference to the first settlement of our county is
thus vividly portrayed. The student of oui times in the future, will gain
information and find much to satisfy in the perusal of the lives of our
worthy pioneers.
T A 7'IIvLIAM x\I. MATTOCK.— Standing out conspicuously as a
^ » pioneer upon our eastern border and as a trusted and tried citizen
of Allen county is William M. Mattock, of Marmaton township. The day
when he was not among us takes us back to the Civil war era upon the
close of which the soldiers of the Union scattered to homes throughout the
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. I71
length and breadth of the United States. Many of them sought the fertile
and unsettled portions of our frontier, chief of which latter was the domain
of eastern Kansas, and our subject was among the number. He drove,
with his family, across the border into Allen county in 1S66, and was the
third settler to build a cabin in what is now Marmaton township. He
entered the south-west quarter of section 24, township 25, range 20, and
the settlers who were his neighbors theji and are here still are the Culbert-
sons, the Harclerodes, John Sapp and Henry C. Rogers. The Porters
lived farther south than Rogers but have long since gone. All of eastern
Allen county was included in Humboldt township till after the war. Els-
more was the first to be cut off, in 1868, and iMarmaton the second, about
1871. Mr. Mattock was in Humboldt school district at first but the next
year little '"Stony Lonesome," midway between Humboldt and lola. was
erected and he was attached to that district. His first two votes were cast
in Humboldt, the distance to the polling place not sapping the voter of his
enthusiasm any more than now.
The original home of Mr. Mattock was McLean county, Illinois. He
was reared there but born in Richland county, Ohio, September i, 1840.
His father, Jacob Mattock, was born in Pennsylvania in 1815, left the state
with his father, Daniel Mattock, at eight years of age and settled in Rich-
land county, Ohio. The Mattocks are descended from the French and
German races who came to America in colonial times. An only brother of
Jacob Mattock was killed, with his family, in the Spirit Lake Indian
massacre, in Minnesota, many years ago. Jacob Mattock was married in
Ohio to Eliza McConkie, a daughter of William McConkie, who emigrated
Irom Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Two children were the result
of their marriage, viz: William M., our subject, and Mrs. Mary Swine-
heart, who died in McLean county, Illinois. Mrs. Jacob Mattock died in
the same county in 1866.
In the spring of i860 Jacob Mattock took his family into Cooper
county, Missouri, where he died the same season. The following year his
son enlisted in the gth Missouri Cavalry, Company I, and served the first
year as a scout with different commands. His company officer was Capt.
Eaton and his regimental commander, Col. Williams. Mr. Mattock was
promoted from sergeant of his company after the first year to Acting Ser-
geant Major of the regiment. He sensed in the south-western department
and was dealing with bushwhackers quite all the lime. The Price Raid
furnished a few engagements, like the Big Blue, which the gth Missouri
Cavalry got into, but beyond these the only excitement of the regiment
was raised when a band of guerrillas or detachments of rebels was en-
countered and brought into a fight
Mr. Mattock's service covered Missouri, Arkansas and eastern Kansas,
and his exposure during the.se years brought on him attacks of rheumatism
from which he has suffered much torture all the years since the war.
William Mattock was reared chiefly in a small town in Ohio He was
schooled at Newville and acquired sufficient learning to render him com-
petent to transact the ordinary business of life. He was married in Jul}-,
iy2 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
1865, to Maria J., a daughter of C. S. Starkey, who came to Kansas with
our subject in 1866. His two children are Dr. J. A. Starkey, of Waynes-
viDe, Illinois, and Mrs. Mattock. Mr. Mattock's children are: Emma
A., wife of J. W. McFarland, of Stillwater, Oklahoma; L. D. and J. A.
Mattock, of Marmaton township, and Katie, wife of J. W. Sigler, of Lone
Elm, Kansas.
Mr. Mattock was elected Trustee of his township first early in the '70's
and has filled the ofiice sixteen years, and only retires when his health will
not permit him to serve longer. He is one of the staunch Republicans of
Allen county and, for years, it was an unusual thing when he was not on
the Marmaton delegation to any county convention.
CHARLES NELSON, who follows farming in El-more township, Allen
County, was born in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois, on the 19th of
August, 1854. His father, Olaf Nelson, was a native of Sweden, and ere
leaving that land he was united in marriage to Miss Inga Parison, who was
also born there. They came to the United States about 1850, locating in
Illinois, and in 1876 took up their abode in Kansas, the father purchasing
a farm five miles west of Savonburg, near the south line of the county. He
is still living there at the age of seventy-seven years, but in 1897 he was
called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 13th of March,
of that year, at the age of si.xty-eight years. They were the parents of
eight children, of whom five are now living, namely: Charles, Frank J.,
Hannah M., Madison and Sarah.
Mr. Nelson, of this review, was reared in Illinois until sixteen years
of age, and enjoyed the educational advantages afforded by the common
schools of his native county. He resided with his parents until twenty
years of age, at which time he left home and was married to Miss Caroline
Home, of Knoxville, and that year they came to Kansas with her parents
and Mr. Nelson preempted one hundred and sixty icres of land five miles
west of Savonburg. Immediately he began the improvement of his farm
and in 1880 he extended the field of his labors by embarking in general
merchandising at Warrensburg, conducting the new enterprise in connec-
tion with the operation of his farm, until 1888. He then removed his stock
of goods to Savonburg. About that time the Missouri, Kansas & Texas
railroad was surveyed through the place. Mr. Nelson organized a town
company and was made its president. He has lived to see the little village
grow and prosper and it now has a population of eighf hundred. In its
improvement and upbuildinjj he has been an important factor, his active
co-operation in all measures for the general good being of immense benefit.
On the ist of March, 1896 he sold his stock of goods and returned to the
farm, to the operation of which he is now devoting all of his time and at-
tention.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson has been blessed with eleven chil-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 73
dren, eight of whom are now living, namely: Estella M., who is a graduate
of the grammar schools and is now teaching in lola; Victor C, John F.,
Gertrude V., Carl Inez, Gladys and Virl. The family is one of prominence
ill the community, the members of the household occupying leading posi-
tions in social circles. Mr. Nelson gives his political support to the
Democracy and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. Socially he
is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen in Savonburg.
His life has been a busy and u.seful one and while he has added to his own
prosperity he has at the same tim2 been numbered among the substantial
citizens and also contributed to the general good.
NEWTON THOMPSON, of Marmaton township, of Allen County,
who owns the northeast quarter of section 22, town 24, range 20, came
to Kansas from Carroll County, Missouri, but he was born in Carroll Coun-
ty, Indiana. His birth occurred near Delphi October 15, 1856, and he is •
a son of George R. Thompson, a resident of Moran, Kansas. The latter
spent many years of his life as a blacksmith in Delphi, to which point he
went from Washington County, Indiana. In 1S66 he emigrated westward
to Saline County, Missouri, and resided there and in Carroll County, that
State, till 1879, when he came to Kansas He was engaged in burning
lime in the two Missouri counties and in the latter one he purchased and
operated a farm. The first years of his residence in Allen County were
passed in the country and he improved a farm in section 23, town 24,
range 20.
Mr. Thompson is directly traceable to the Irish. He is a great grand-
son of Thos. Thompson, born and reared in Ireland. The latter came to
America prior to the Revolution and settled in Kentucky as a pioneer.
There he reared his family and, at Frankfort our subject's grandfather was
born in 1775. Thos. Thompson died in Franklin township, Indiana, in
1828, at the age of seventy -two years. His .son, Robert Thompson, our
subject's grandfather, died in Washington County, Indiana, in 1864. He
was a pioneer to Indiana and among the first settlers of Washington Coun-
ty. Thos. Thompson was a soldier of the American Revolution, as were
three of his sons. Robert Thompson was a captain in the War of 1812 and
was engaged in the battle at New Orleans. He married Elizabeth
Robinson aud George R. Thompson is the ninth of ten children in his
family.
George R. Thompson was born in Washington County, April ro, 1824,
and at the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted in the 2nd Indiana cavalry,
a rather independent organization, under the command of General Ed. Mc-
Cook. He participated in ever}* engagement of cavalry from Atlanta, in
the fall of 1863, to the close of the war. His division went in advance of
Sherman to and away from Savanah and saw the war ended at Jonesboro,
174 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
North Carolina. He was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, J uly
26, 1865.
Our subject's mother was Emily Perdue. She bore eight children and
our subject is the sole survivor.
J. Newton Thompson was schooled in the country and has practiced
nought but farming. He was married in Allen County in February, 1880,
to L,;ota Binta, a daughter of William Banta. Mrs. Thompson was one of
the early and successful teachers of the county and was a boarder in the
home of Hon. E. H. Funston, whose oldest son, the General, was one of
her pupils.
The Bantas came to Kansas from Brown County, Indiana. William
Banta was born in the state of Kentucky in 18 17 and died in AUt-n County
in 1897. He married Eleanor Coffland and was the father of Mrs. Thomp-
son, Byron Banta, of Oklahoma; Rhoda, wife of Geo. W. Smith, one of the
leading teachers of Alien County; Albin Banta, of Kansas City, Kansas;
Mrs. Alice Jones, wife of Rev. E. S. Jones, of Westphalia, Kansas; Elijah
Banta, of Allen County, and Mrs. Pearl Cox.
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson's children are: Addie Thompson, born iSSo,
is a graduate of the coraiuon schools and a teacher; Minnie Thompson, a
graduate of the common schools; Rothwell, Clair, Arthur and Glenn
Thompson.
"Newt" Thompson is one of the enthusiastic Republicans of Allen
County and holds a membership in the Presbyterian church at Moran.
GEORGE McLAUGHEIN. — Our attention is directed in the following
brief sketch to a family who have done no little toward the moral,
educational and material advancement of Allen county. Its establishment
here dates from the year 1871 and its worthy and industrious head is the
subject hereof.
When George McLaughlin located upon the north-west quarter of sec-
tion 8, township 25, range 21, there were few persons who could now be
termed neighbors. The Sapps, Culbertsons, Moores and the Armstrongs
were among the nearby settlers and the neighborhood was considered to
extend as far away as Nortons, west of Moran. The post-ofKce was old
Elsmore and there was naught to prevent one from taking the shortest cut
to any desired point. Mr. McLaughlin erected, or moved into, an old
stone house layed up with mud, built by an old bachelor settler, Lindsey.
This the family used as a lesidence till 1S79 when the present family cot-
tage was erected in the center of the section he now owns.
The first years in a new country are not infrequently years of occa-
sional trials and hardships. This is particularly true of settlers who are
without means, save as they gather them from their fields in the harvest
times. The McLaughlins were poor. They had settled in a new country
because of that fact and when it is stated that a failure in their crops
Vvm..*tf VvLr^j^.^^Ldw^ Wu:, J-cxAx^oiJ^y^
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 175
brought suffering, both mental and physical, it is no exaggeration. There
was one barrier between the family and actual distress, at times, and that
was education. Mrs. McLaughlin had superior educational facilities. At
the age of sixteen she was a classical graduate of the Macedonian Institute
at Alexandria, Kentucky, and was immediately tendered the chair of
English Literature in the Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Female Seminary, which she
declined. Her first teacher's certificate was granted by Colonel Jacob
Ammon, a close friend and old teacher of Gen. Grant. When Mrs. Mc-
Laughlin was acquiring an education it did not occur to her that said
education would some time save a little settlement on the frontier and pre-
serve it for good in the development of a great state. But it so happened.
When the hard years came and the family larder ran low the wife of our
subject taught school. Rocklow and Union and Stony Point have all been
garrisoned by her and a small band of America's youth and those times
are now regarded as among the events of her life.
As the years wore on and crop conditions became more favorable and
the growing of cattle profitable the material prosperity of the family be-
came apparent. This condition of financial ease exemplified itself in a
regular and steady increase in area of the family homestead. Eventually
its boundaries extended to and included all the eighties in section eight,
save one, and its shortage is made up in another section. To dig a section
of land out of itself is not done without great industry and perseverance and
the McLaughlins are to be congratulated, in view of their earl ^ difficulties,
in accomplishing the task in a quarter of a century.
Mr. McLaughlin came from Brown county, Ohio. He was born there
May 12, 1835, and his wife April 25, 1844. The latter was A bbie J. , a
daughter of Thomas Pickerell, who cut off with his own ax three hundred
acres of Ohio timber land. Mr. Pickerell was born in Mason county,
Kentucky, March 12, 1800, and died in Brown county, Ohio, April i6,
1871. His father, Samuel Pickerell, enlisted at twelve years of age in the
Colonial army for service in the war of the Revolution. He was a drum-
mer and served through the war. He was with General Washington at
the crossing of the Delaware and in the service his feet and hands were so
frosted that parts of them were necessarily removed. He was a farmer and
bought the old Pickerell place on Eagle Creek, Bird township, Brown
county, Ohio, upon which the fir.st church of the Campbellite faith was
erected, in 1817. The Shakers had once occupied the site but had
abandoned it and the early Campbellite leaders gathered and perfected
their organization there. Samuel Pickerell died at the age of ninety-eight
years. He was married and reared the following children: Dennis, who
reared a family in Brown county, Ohio; Richard, Samuel, Lovell, Thomas,
William, Betsy, who married Samuel Dunham, Jennie, who married James
Beatty; Mary, who became the wife of Mr, Harbaugh; Sallie, wife of Mr.
Gillespie; Mrs. Thomas Reese: and Lucy, who became Mrs. Samuel
Bartholomew. Thomas Pickerell married Alice Mann, a grand-daughter
of David De\''ore, born in Alsace, France, now Germany. She was Mr.
Pickerell's second wife. He reared two families; in the first eight children
176 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
and in the second five. Those surviving are: Thomas Pickerell, of Rice
county, Kansas; Addison Pickerell, of Carthage, Illinois- Alexander O.
Pickerell, of Arkansas; John F. Pickerell, of Ripley, Ohio; Mrs. Mc-
Laughlin; Sarah, widow of Samuel Peck, Dover, Kentucky, and Ella, wife
of John McKee, of Ripley, _ Ohio. William C. Pickerell, deceased, was
the first settler on the townsite of Topeka. He was a brother of Mrs. Mc-
Laughlin who went out the Kaw river above Kansas City in 1853 and
took the claim that much of the State Capital stands on. He enlisted in
Jameson's command and served through the war. His twelve-year-old
son, Thomas, rode ninety miles without saddle or bridle and without
eating to a military post to carry out his determination to get into the
service. He went through the war as buglar and resides in Ness county,
Kansas, at present.
Mr. McLaughlin's father was David McLaughlin, a pioneer settler in
Brown county, Ohio. He was born in Pennsylvania but was reared in
Mason county, Kentucky. He was a son of John McLaughlin and the
farm where he first settled is still in the family, owned by our subject's
youngest brother. David McLaughlin was a soldier in our second war
with England and was in the garrison at Detroit when Hull surrendered it
to the British. He died in 1880 at the age of eighty-four years. He
married Reebcca Ramey who died in 1873. Their children were: John
R. , of Brown county, Ohio; Lydia, deceased, married R. P. Fisher; George
McLaughlin; Josiah C, who died in 1863; Frances, deceased, and Law-
rence McLaughlin.
George McLaughlin served in the hundred day guards called out dur-
ing the war to protect the border from Rebel invasion. He left Ohio in 1866
and came west to Jackson county, Missouri. He resided there three years
and took another step westward into Brown county, Kansas. In 1871 he
left there and came down into Allen county. He was married May 2,
i860, to one of the successful teachers of Brown county, Ohio. Their
children were: Herschel, deceased; T. Hamer; Josiah C, of Kansas City,
Kansas, married Cora Holman; Anna, widow of J. L. Edson, resides in
Kansas City, Missouri; Alice, wife of Will Shank of Bronson, Kansas;
Chilton W. , of Kansas City, Kansas, assistant surgeon St. Margaret's
Hospital; Rose, wife of W. L. Stahl, with Kansas City Journal, and Leona
and Myrtle McLaughlin, successful teachers of Allen county, and Horace
McLaughlin, at home.
Mr. McLaughlin is a Democrat. He was reared one and there has
been no time when he felt warranted in changing his faith.
JEROME. VV. DELAPLAIN, who for almost a third of a century has
made his home in Allen County, traces his ancestry back to France and
finds that many representatives of the family are living in various sections
of this country. The orthography of the name has undergone many
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. I 77
changes, some spelling it as dwellers of the plains, De I^a Plain. Samuel
Delaplain, the grandfather of our subject, was born about the 7th of
November, 1 78 1 , and served in the War of 1812. He married Jane Mc-
Fadden, a descendant of a patriot of Irish birth who served for seven years
in the war of the American Revolution. Some time in 1808 Samuel Dela-
plain, accompanied by one of his brothers, made the journey on horseback
from Ohio to Illinois, also accompanied by their aged mother, a Scotch
woman, who died a: the age of one hundred and four years. The grand-
father was a pioneer Methodist preacher and crossed the Mississippi River
to a French village where the city of St. Louis, Missouri, now stands. He
was also a carpenter and took a contract to build the first market house
there, going to the forest and cutting and hewing the timber and making
the boards from which to construct the building. The old French market
house long stood as a landmark of that locality.
While Samuel Delaplain and his wife Jane were occupying the French
claim in 1812, Joshua P. Delaplain was born unto them, Ijeing the fifth of
their eleven children. Shortly afterward the family again crossed the
Mississippi River, settling on a farm lour miles north of Alton, Illinois,
where the son Joshua grew to manhood. We find him early taking an
active part in the work of the Methodist church, of which he remained an
active and consistent member until his death in 1875. Holding a commis-
sion from Governor Reynolds of Illinois in a company of Stats militia when
the Black Hawk war broke out, he resigned his military ofSce and enlisted
as a private in a company of Independent Mounted Rifles, serving until the
old chief and his followers were subdued.
On thegthof October, 1836, Joshua Delaplain was united in marriage
to Mary O. Copley, who was born October 7, 1818, at Oneida, New York.
Her parents were of English ancestry. Of this marriage were born the
following named: Jerome W. , Eugene W., now of Eogan township; John
B., of Kansas City; Charles E- , deceased; Emma J., who in 1871 married
George D. IngersoU, then a merchant of lola, and died in Moran, Kansas,
in 1886, leaving three children; and Ellis P., of Elm township, who come
pletes the family.
In 1868 Joshua P. Delaplain and his eldest son, Jerome W., made a
prospecting tour to Missouri and northern Kansas without finding just the
location they wanted, and after considering the future of Galveston, Texas,
as an outlet for the produce of Kansas by the Leavenworth, Lawrence &
Galveston railroad, then talked of, the father in the early summer of 1868,
came to Allen County, Kansas, spending the first night after his arrival at
the Rodgers farm, southeast of Moran. The next day he met William
Buchanan of lola, who showed him the Snodgrass farm of one hundred and
sixty acres, one mile south of Gas City. The farm was purchased and Mr.
Delaplain went east for his family who came overland in the last of Sep-
tember, 1868.
Previous to this time, Jerome W. Delaplain, on the i6th of May, i866,
had married Sue F. Gifford, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
and whose parents were of English and German descent. Jerome Dela-
178 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
plain and his wife came with the family to Allen County and purchased of
Oliver Redfern the southwest quarter of section five, township twenty-five,
range nineteen, then a part of lola township, of which James McDonald
was trustee. Houses were few and far between and were scattered along
the streams. Prairie fires were frequent and often destructive, much time
being consumed in guarding against and fighting them. The blanketed
Indian still hunted over the prairies and sometimes would get the deer the
Delaplain boys were after. Soon, however, the country became more
thickly settled with the white people, who purchased farm lands of specu-
lators, railroad companies or of other settlers. The Pickells, Ohlfests,
Monforts, Frinks, Johnsons, Crowells, Ports, Renisbergs and others
came.
During the period of these arrivals petitions, at fint unavailing, began
to find their way to the county commissioners asking for the establishment
of anew township. Fiually, as the result of the earnest effort of Mr.
Pickell, the petitions were granted. At the Jacob Sikes school house on
Elm Creek, a half mile north of the present site of the Allen Center school
house, a general gathering of the voters was held. John Wooleras, a Dem-
ocrat, was nominated for trustee and J. W. Delaplain, a Republican, for
township treasurer, but the latter did not like the idea of a fusion ticket,
and at a consultation which was held it was decided to cut loose from the
fusion movement and put a straight Republican ticket in the field. Ac-
cordingly notices were posted for a primary of Republican voters at the old
log schoolhouse on the Riley farm about three-fourths of a mile east of the
I. N. Port corner. At that primary J. W. Delaplain, refusing any place on
the ticket, his father, J. P. Delaplain, was nominated for trustee, J. L.
Arnold for treasurer and Alvin Harris for clerk. They were all elected
and Mr. Delaplain served for two terms in that office and one term as jus-
tice of the peace. In 1874 Jerome Delaplain was appointed township
treasurer to fill out the unexpired term of George Hopkins and by re-elec-
tion held the ofBce for eight years, when he refused to again become a
candidate.
The subject of this review passed through the usual experiences of
pioneer life. The house which stood on his one hundred and sixty acre
farm was a log structure, sixteen by sixteen feet, with rough board doors
and one small window, while a split board roof was held in place with the
weight of rocks and poles. Between the rough boards of the floor rattle-
snakes sometimes made their way into the cabin, and the first winter a
small, striped perfumed cat got in. The large rock fireplace in one end of
the room, together with a cook stove in the center of the room, did not
prevent the young wife's feet from getting badly frosted. Such were the
hardships of pioneer life in Kansas! Times were very hard. On one oc-
casion they were eating their last loaf of bread, not knowing how or where
to get more, yet it came without calling for "aid."
Mr. Delaplain's mother, now eight3'-three years of age, yet resides
with him. Unto him and his wife, while they were living in the old cabin,
a son was born. May 15, 1869, to whom they gave the name of Charles W.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 79
He lived to young manhood and then died. Another son, Alfred G. Dela-
plain, was born December 5, 1874. In March 1891, Jerome W. Delaplain
purchased thirty-one and a fourth acres of land near Ida, now in Brooklyn
Park, and moved from Elm to lola township that the children, Alfred and
the adopted daughter, Nellie, now Mrs. C. D. Eakin, of Gas City, might
have the advantages of the lola schools. There he resided for six years,
and about the time of the beginning of lola's prosperity he sold his prop-
erty at an advance and, crossing East street, purchased the Chatfield prop-
erty, little dreaming that it would ever be a part of the new city of
Ida.
During the last three years of the great rebellion, J. W., E. W. and
J. B. Delaplain served their country as enlisted members of Company D,
One Hundred and Twenty-Second Illinois Infantry, which formed a part
of the Sixteenth Army Corps, which marched, starved, feasted and fought
according to the fortunes of war and all the time loj'allj' promoted the cause
of the Union. While a resident of Elm townphip J. \V. Delaplain was a
worker for the Republican party, often serving on central committees or rs
a delegate to the different conventions of county or district. He was prom-
inent in the school work of his district and altogether has held rather more
than man's share of the minor offices of district or township — a fact which
indicates his high standing among his fellowmen.
TDARTHOLOMEW A. LONGSTRETH, one of the substantial and
-• — 'representative farmers and early settlers of Deer Creek township, came
into Allen County, Kansas, October 2, 1869, and became a permanent
settler. He purchased the northeast quarter of section 21, township 23,
range 19, one of the "settled" places, with log cabin (fit only for firewood)
in which he was glad to make his home. Looking about for the .settlers
who were here then, Adam Maier. David Funkhouser, Al Weatherman,
Thos. Day and William Wise are all gone. Liztown, then a trading point
near thr county line, has long since passed out of existence and the new
towns of Colony and Lone Elm have profited by its demise.
Settling the frontier was no new business to Mr. Longstreth for he had
passed some years in the wilds of Kansas before the Civil war and was
familiar with the hardships and trials incident thereto. Upon coming of
age he journeyed into Wisconsin and from that State across into Leaven-
worth County, Kansas, on an exploring "voyage." It was 1857 when he
went to Leavenworth and an opportunity to join a party of surveyors pre-
sented itself and he accepted it. Kansas was then being sectionized by the
government and the party to whom he belonged did the work of running
off the lines and setting the corners up the Smoky Hill River almost to its
head, and to the Nebraska State line. D. L- Lakin, of Alabama, had
charge of this party and our subject acted as chainman. The latter was
out among the buffaloes and coyotes from July to December, in the per-
I So HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
formerance of his duties, and communing with nature in her horael}' garb.
In 1858-9 and i860 Mr. lyongstreth was engaged as a farm hand or in get-
ting out logs and lumber around Leavenworth. Following this he re-
turned to Ohio and was married and engaged in farming. Upon his return
to Kansas with his family he came bj' train to Ottawa where he provided
himself with implements, furniture and other effects necessary to supply a
cabin and to cultivate a small farm and paid $20 to have it all freighted '
down to David Funkhouser's near Carlyle. He took possession of his farm
and began his third of a century of successful cultivation of Allen County
soil.
B. A. Longstreth was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, August 10,
1834. He is a son of Philip Longstreth, born in Pennsylvania, settled
in Ohio as a boy and died in Muskingum County in 1886 at the age of
eighty-three years. His father. Philip Longstreth, went into Ohio in
the first years of the 19th century and opened a farm in the Muskingum
valley.
Our subject's mother was Anna Giger, still living at eighty-seven
vears of age. Her children are: Bartholomew A.; Catharine, wife of Philip
Vance, of Morgan County. Ohio; Daniel Longstreth, of Muskingum,
County; Mary Ann, who resides in Zanesville, Ohio; Julia, wife of Mr.
Shreir, and Priscilla, wife of Mr. Clager, both of Muskingum County,
and James Longstreth.
Mr. Longstreth acquired little education. He was the oldest child
and he was looked to to help clear the farm. He applied himself faithfully
ill the aid of his parents till his twenty-first year when he started on the
western trip which brought him his frontier experience. In August, 1863,
he was married to Lorena Stoneburner, a daughter of Israel Stoneburner
and Miss Busch, the lattei of whom crossed the Atlantic from Germany.
Mrs. Longstreth was born in Ohio and is the mother of the following chil-
dren: Anna, wife of C. H. Wilson, County Surveyor of Noble County,
Ohio; Laura, wife of C. E. Walters, of Colony, Kansas; Frank; Fred, of
Anderson County, Kansas, who married Clara Delp, and Delia and Floy
Longstreth, in the family home.
The interested searcher for the political history of the Longstreths will
find the early ones Democrats. B. A. Longstreth espoused that faith until
his advent to Kansas. His observation of matters political, then, caused
him to change front on the two great parties and he has since voted and
worked with the Republicans. Mr. Longstreth's applied industry for
nearly a third of a century in Allen County has brought its reward. The
raising of grain and stock and the investment of his surplus in real estate
has expanded his acres and makes him the owner of one of the most de-
sirable stock farms and feeding-grounds on the creek. His record as a
citizen has kept pace with that as a farmer. He enjoys the confidence of a
wide circle of friends by whom he is regarded as an honorable, public-
spirited and successful citizen.
•WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. iSl
^A 7'ILLIAMJ. RUMBLE, one of the well known farmers and stock
^ " men of Marmaton township, came to Allen county January 13,
1882. His location was upon section ,-55. township 24, range 20, one of the
first class tracts of land in Allen county and of which he owns the north-
west quarter. As a resident of Kansas he has been engaged extensively in
the beef cattle business and is widely known as a feeder and furnisher of
butchers stuff. For sixteen years he was proprietor of a meat market in
Moran, a business which he conducted as an adjunct to his other and reg-
ular business of supplying beef cattle to butchers. Since his retirement
from the "block" the management and cultivation of this farm and of the
north half of section 10, same township, have required much ot his per-
sonal supervision. During the ,'ear of 1900 he handled about 500 head of
fat cattle and as a feeder his herd numbers into the hundreds of head.
Mr. Rumbel was born in Schuykill county, Pennsjdvania, December
10, 1864. He was educated in the country schools, and learned the
butchers trade in his youth. He is a son of Joshua Rumbel, of Moran,
who was also born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, April 28, 1832.
He is a grandson of Henry Rumbel, a farmer, born in Montgomery
county, Pennsylvania. The latter followed lumbering, farming and kind-
red businesses, and was successful. He moved into Schuylkill county at
eleven years of age with his father, Jake or John Rumbel. Henry Rumbel
died in the county of Schuylkill in 1S75 at the age of sixty-nine years.
He married Salane Andress and their children were: Henry, Rebecca,
Daniel, Joshua, John P., Jacob and -Mary, wife of G. T. Reber, of Berks
county, Pennsylvania.
Joshua Rumbel grew up on his father's Schuylkill county farm and
was educated in German in the country schools, but picked up an English
education. He began life as a farmer and lumber manufacturer and con-
ducted a large business and acquired some wealth. He disposed of his
interests in the east and came to Kansas and invested in lands and stock.
He was one of the organizers of the Moran Bank and was connected with
its affairs till its failure in 1898.
Joshua Rumbel was married first in 1853 to Louisa Singley who died
from the effects of an injury at the hands of the Kansas and Pacific Rail-
road Company. Their children are Albert H., of Schuylkill count}',
Pennsylvania; Josiah, of Parsons, Kansas; Lawrence, of Schuylkill county,
Pennsylvania; William J., our subject; Mary A., deceased; Richard, de-
ceased, and Emma N. , wife of C. R. Richard, of Greensboro, Maryland.
William J. Rumbel was married in Allen county. Kansas, November
9, 1886, to Dessie M. Keith, a daughter of C. P. Keith. Their children
are Neta, Vernie and Oliver.
From the earliest time the Rumbels have been Democrats. The rare
departure was when Joshua Rumbel supported Abraham Lincoln for
President. Our subject was schooled in the principles of Democracy and
has kept the faith. He is one of the active party leaders and conventions
of the "opposition" without his presence, are rare indeed.
iSa HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
r^ EORGE MANVILLE BROWN was born in Otsego, New York, on
^-^ the 9th day of January, 1813. He lived on a farm until he was
thirteen years old. At that time his parents moved out to the western part
of the state and he went to live with a brother, supporting himself and at-
tending school. His school work was prosecuted with such vigor and
success that at the early age of seventeen he became a teacher, an avoca-
tion which he followed for upwards of thirty years. In 1857 he left New
York and came to Kansas, locating in Geneva township, Allen county,
where for ten years he farmed the land now occupied by Mr. B. O. Miller.
In 1 87 1 he was elected Register of Deeds and removed to lola which has
ever since been his home. He held the office four }^ears, and then after a
vacation of two years, he was again elected and served four years more.
Since retiring form office the last time he has not been actively engaged in
business but has devoted his time to managing the property he had ac-
quired. Mr. Brown was married at the age af twenty-two to Miss Caroline
Griswold, deceased, of Bath, New York. Five children have sprung from
this union, of whom but two, Mrs. D. D. Spicer, of Geneva, and Miss Flora
Brown, are .still living.
During the long years he has been a resident of Ida and Allen county
Mr. Brown has had the unqualified confidence of all who knew him. And
during the later years of his life, this confidence deepened into affection.
He was an honest man, who feared God and loved his neighbor and did
his duty; and he had his reward in a serene and cheerful old age and in
the love of troops of friends. No man was ever more ready for the great
change, and few men have left behind them a more fragrant memory.
T A 7'ILLIAM BUCHANAN, among the representative citizens of lola,
'^ " is a son of Irish parents, Robert and Mary A. (Craig) Buchanan.
The latter came to the United States in i8n and chose Kentucky as their
place of residence. Bourbon county became their permanent home and in
that municipality he plied his trade of coverlet weaver. He went into
Rush county, Indiana, and took a "claim" in the Rushville swamps. He
died at Riddles Mills, Kentucky, in 1827 at about forty years of age. His
wife died in Rush county, Indiana. Seven of their children grew to be
men and women, viz: Mary, who died in Larned Kansas, was the wife of
Joseph David; John, who died in California in 1849; James, who died at
Garnett, Kansas, in 1890; William; Robert, who died, also, at Garnett,
Kansas; Samuel, who died at Welda, Kansas; Jennie, wife of William
W. Innis, of Rushville, Indiana.
William Buchanan was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, in 1820.
He spent the first seventeen years of his life in Kentucky doing farm labor
in the fields with the blacks at twelve and a half cents a day. He got as
little education, in a school house, as it was possible for a boy to get and
he was convinced early in life that his hands would be his capital. When
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 83
he went into the beech woods of Indiana and grubbed and chopped in the
clearing he got ten dollars a month for his labor. By this means he man-
aged to get together an ox team with which, in 1842, he crossed the
prairies to the new state of Iowa. He decided to settle with the Sac and
Fox Indians at Princeton, in Kishkekosh county, afterwards Albia,
Monroe county. This he did finally and remained in that state
thirty 5'ears. Mr. Buchanan quit farming ultimately and engaged in
the dry goods and grocery business in tne same town. He purchased the
only flouring mill in the city of Albia and operated it twelve years. This
period covered the Civil war era and many were the soldiers' widows and
soldiers' wives who were the recipients of his benefactions. He disposed
of his Iowa interests in 1866 and came to Allen county the next year. He
located in lola and engaged in the manufacture of furniture. His factory
■ was located on the lot just north of the Presbyterian church and he oper-
ated it two 5'ears. He erected the first fine hou.se in the city of lola and
was just prepared to enjoy life when financial reverses overtook him and he
was left nearly penniless. He started again, with his raw steers, renting a
piece of grub land on the river. He raised his first crop on supplies pur-
chased on time, — corn one dollar a bushel. After his second marriage he
located on the tract north of lola, where he lived so long, and continued to
repair his financial losses.
Mr. Buchanan was married fir.st, in 1842, to Mary A. Stephenson.
She died in 1869 and in 1872 he married Harriet M., a daughter of Stark
Edwards. The Edwards were originally from Connecticut, but more re-
cently from Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Buchanan was one of the early
teachers of lola and she died here in February 1897. Her only heir is
Don C. Buchanan, one of lola's young business men. He is married to
Mary E. Dugan.
William Buchanaa's first children are: George, a soldier, who died in
1867; Melissa, relict of W. Morgan Hartman, of lola; Jessie, wife of W. J.
Evans, of lola; Maggie, who married H. H. Funk and resides in lola; John
Buchanan, who married Cynthia Zinc and left a family, at death, in
Bourbon county, Kansas.
Mr. Buchanan's first presidential vote was cast for Willian H. Har-
rison. He remained with the Whigs until it merged into the Republican
party and he has since been a loyal and constant supporter of it.
"T^ELERSEIE W. TREGO— Men who change business in middle life are,
-*— -'as a rule, in the same predicament as the men who swapped horses while
crossing a stream. Rarely do men, after their business habits are formed
and their success in a given line demonstrated, change the course of their
training without handicapping them.selves or meeting with serious and
and positive reverses. Especielly is this true where the successful farmer
deserts his post and embarks in the mercantile business. Ellerslie W.
r84 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Trego was a successful farmer in Ailen Count}' for many years. When
anything was accomplished on the farm in his county he deserved credit
for a part of it. His industry and tenacity overcame difficulties that would
have defeated a less determined soul and as the years went by he found
himself climbing steadily up the ladder of success. But he was not doing
as well as he wished. He was ambitious to accomplish more and in a
different line. In his case "old man well enough" was not good enough
and his old quality of determination prompted him to change his business.
There seemed an opening in Humboldt for a hardware business, in addi-
tion to the two already established there. Merchandising is directly oppo-
site in business principles to that of farming and this few farmers readily
realize. Mr. Trego must have discovered this for his entrance upon it was
signaled with success from the start. He purchased the small stock of C
L,. Rice who was doing a fair business with a new stock, and engaged in
business in December, 1898. To the surprise of his farmer friends Mr.
Trego attracted business. Each quarter showed an increase over the pre-
ceding one and each year a greater volume of business than the one before.
It was soon discovered that E. W. Trego was not only a successful farmer
but that he was a successful merchant as well. He even surpa.ssed, in
substantial earnings, his achievements upon the farm maintaining the
same good credit and the same business integrity that characterized him as
a farmer.
E. W. Trego was born in Bucks County. Pennsylvania, July 4, 1861.
He is a son of the late Dr. Albert Trego who came to Allen County in 1878
and settled upon a farm in Salem township. The family started to Kansas
from Mercer County, Illinois, but set out for the west from Bucks County,
Pennsylvania. For many years the Tregos were identified with the
Keystone State, Lewis Trego, our subjecs's grandfather, being born
therein.
Dr. Albert Trego was born in 1826. He was liberally educated, prac-
ticed medicine from his farm in Allen County and died June 6, 1893. He
was a man of good address, with an intellect vvell balanced and well in-
formed and was one of the leading men of Allen County. He was an
active Republican for many yeais and his name was mentioned in
connection with the nomination for the State Legislature He married
Mary Etta Linton, who survives him. Their six children were: Ellerslie W. ,
Albert, of Leadville, Colorado; Anua, wife of Mahlon Trego, of Harvey
County, Kansas, and Mrs. Minnie Kirk, of Bucks County, Pennsylyauia,
surviving. Two are deceased.
E. W. Trego was educated in the common schools. His life, until his
entry into the mercantile business, was entirely rural, where he learned
and practiced the principles of industry. He conducted the farm operations
in Salem township twenty years and took up his residence in Humboldt to
be near his business. He was married July 19, 1885, to Miry E- Yeager,
daughter of Champ C. Yeager, of Allen County, whose ancestors were iden-
tified with Shelby County, Kentucky, but were originally from Madison
County, Virginia. Mrs. Trego was a successful teacher in Allen County
WOODSON COITNTIES, KANSAS. IS5
many years and was one of a family of three surviving children. Mr. and
Mrs. Trego's children are: Willis A., Edward C. , Homer, Linton L. and
Elma.
As a citizen of Allen County EUerslie Trego is one of the best. He
inherited a desire to be in politics and he has permitted no opportunity to
pass for its gratification. Until the reform wave swept over Kansas he was
a Republican, as .staunch as the most unyielding, but his opinions on pub-
lic questions changed in 1891 and he joined forces with the Peoples party.
He was elected trustee of his township four times and was the nominee for
County Clerk on the Populist ticket in 1S93 and made the race against
James Wakefield. He has been one of the chief advisors of his party, in
county matters, during many campaigns.
JOHN MANBECK — Pennsylvania has furnished Allen and other coun-
^ ties of Kansas with many sturdy and industrious citizens whose efforts
have added much toward the development of the State and in few instances,
in Allen Count}-, has such citizenship been more conspicuoush- apparent
than in that of John Manbeck, of Marmaton township. It is scarce twenty
years since he settled his f'=imily upon the northeast quarter of section 9,
town 25, range 20, then a piece of unbroken prairie, and now his is one of
the attractive, homelike and productive farms in the county. Mr. Man-
beck was not enjoying a great degree of financial independence when he
came to Kansas and he paid the railroad for his land in installments. At a
time when he was nearing the plane of independence and was well ahead
of his pursuers in the race of life, fire destroyed his barn and contents and
struck him a paralizing blow. His horses, mules and his swine have
thrived to aid him in retrieving these losses and he has replaced the build-
ings with larger ones than before.
Mr. Manbeck was born in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, March
13, 1855. His father, Enoch Manbeck, was a thrifty and successful farm-
er, born in the same county in 1820 and died there in 1896. The latter
was a .soldier in the Civil war, in a Pennsylvania regiment, while his son,
Lucien, saw much hard service in the campaign around Richmond, was at
the blowing-up of the Petersburg miiie and, being captured, was impris-
oned at Salisbur}', North Carolina. Enoch Manbeck was the great-grand-
son of an Irishman who settled in Pennsylvania among the Germans and
lost thereby the identity of his nationality.
Enoch Manbeck married Harriet Straus, who still survives. Their
children were: Lucien Manbeck, of Pennsylvania; Emma, wife of Franz
Seltzer, of Pennsylvania; William Manbeck, of the home county; Charles,
deceased; John Manbeck; Barbara, wife of Samuel Miller- James, deceased;
Mary, wife of George Horn and Ida, who married George Seidle, of
Schuylkill County.
John Manbeck worked with -his father till his majority. He was
1 86 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
placed on a monthly salary then for a year at ten and fifteen dollars a
month and the second year he rented land and did his own managing. He
farmed on "the halves" three years and was then induced to visit the west.
He was so impressed with the situation in Allen County, Kansas, that he
bought his land and moved his family hither soon thereafter.
Mr. Manbeck was niaried in 1876 to Mary Dreibeldeis, a daughter of
Daniel Dreibeldeis. The Dreibeldeis children are: Charles, Frank and
Irwin Dreibeldeis, of Marion County, Iowa; Tessie, wife of William Irvin,
of Moran, and Aaron Dreibeldeis, of Kansas City, Missouri.
Mr. and Mrs. Manbeck's children are: Gertie, wife of Charles Collins,
of Kimball, Kansas; and Neda, Annie, Ida, Clara, Dora, Edward, William,
Charles and John Manbeck Jr.
For many years have the Manbecks been identified with the Evangeli-
cal church. Our subject is a steward and is treasurer of the Golden Yalley
congregation. He is a Republican and a pronounced enemy of the doc-
trines of modern Democracy.
JOHN H. ARMEL — It is surprising what an active part young men play in
the business affairs of a community, and among the leading representa-
tives of commercial interests in Humboldt is John H. Armel, who
was born in Aurora, Indiana, on the third of January, 1864 His father,
Daniel Armel, was a native ol Pennsylvania, and when a young man re-
moved to the Hoosier State where he became acquainted with and married
Miss Keturah Hare. In 1864 they removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where
the father became connected with the porkpacking industry, continuing in
that business until 1872, when he came to Kansas and purchased a large
tract of land southwest of Humboldt. In 1877 he removed his family to
this State, located on his farm and engaged in the stock business, raising
and shipping cattle and other stock. That enterprise continued to claim
his time and attention until his life's labors were ended in death. He
passed away on the 9th of January, 1893, at the age of seventy-three years,
but his widow is still living in Humboldt at the age of sixty-six.
John H Armel spent the first fourteen years of his life in the State of
his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Kansas.
He assisted his father in business and after the latter's death assumed the
management of the business. In 1S95 he removed to Humboldt, where he
began dealing in real estate in connection with the stock business and to
the dual pursuit he now devotes his energy, managing both with ability.
In 1894 Mr. Armel was united in marriage to Miss Georgia Amos, a
daughter of G. A. Amos, of Humboldt. Their marriage has been blessed
with three children: Robert, Nat and Dorothy. Throughout the years of
his manhood Mr. Armel has been connected with business affairs in Allen
County and his capable management and keen discernment have placed
him in an enviable position in commercial circles.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 87
TOEL MOORE O'BRIEN— The spirit of self-help is the source of all
*J genuine worth in the iudvidual and is the means of bringing to man
success when he has no advantages of wealth or influenee to aid him. It
illustraces what is possible to accomplish when perseverance and determina-
tion form the keynote to a man's life. Depending upon his own resources,
looking for no outside aid or support, J. M. O'Brien has risen from a posi-
tion of comparative obscurity to a place of prominence in the commercial
world, and as pi'oprietor of a leading mercantile establishment in Hum-
boldt he is widely and favorably known.
He is numbered among the native sons of Allen County, his birth
having occurred on a farm two miles north of Humboldt, on the loth of
November, 1872. There he spent his boyhood days, working in the fields,
the meadows or the garden. His education was acquired in tne common
schools and in the high school at Chanute, and from the latter institution
he was graduated. He also attended Baker University, a two years
course in commercial business, after which he gained a certificate with the
signature of President Ouayle attached. Going to Chanute he obtained a
clerkship in a grocery store and there put to the practical test the knowledge
which he had gained. He afterward accepted a position as a traveling
salesman and when he had saved up five hundred dollars he began business
on his own account, purchasing a small stock of groceries. From the
beginning his trade .steadily and constantly increased. His kind and oblig-
ing manner and his honorable dealing won him a liberal support and his
increasing trade forced him to secure larger quarters and increase his facili-
ties. He began business in Humboldt in 1897 and is now housed in a large
store building, with a stock valued at-three thousand dollars. In 1899 his
sales amounted to five times his stock and in 1900 to seven times that amount.
His success is due to the fact that he has ever been most diligent and enter-
prising; that he has always secured the benefit of the discount on bills,
never allowing them to mature; and that a most straightforward business
policy has been followed by him.
He has served as superintendent of the M. E. Sabbath school five
years and is connected with the church as treasurer and trustee. He was
president of the Fraternal Aid Association two years.
/~>HARLES C, THOMPSON has passed his thirty-two years in Allen
^~^ County. He settled in Marmaton township, before it was estalished_
and he has grown old in the citizen service in a Slate that has been both a
surprise and a disappointment. He came to the county March 3, 1869, and
found three dead claims which he proceeded to contest the title for. He
re-entered them and some years after it was thought his title was surely
coming to him he was notified that the Government had cancelled his
claim, with other lands, in favor of the Gulf Railway Company. It was
ISS HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
some years before he got this matter reversed and the land again subject ta
homestead entry and it was done through an act of Congress. The Kansas
delegation in Congress at that time was of so little importance that it could
not even get the attention of that body long enough to present a grievance
of this character and matters looked desperate for a time. Finally Con-
gressman Dick Yates, of Illinois, introduced a bill explaining the situation
and asking for the reinstatement of the claims of actual settlers and it was
done without delay. This action confirmed the belief that Mr. Thomp-
son would receive patents for his land and he did without much further
delay.
Mr. Thompson left Marion County. Ohio, December 8, i86S, for Kan-
sas. He ran into Pleasant Hill, Missouri, by rail and remained there till
spring. He purchased an ox team for $150.00 and started out in Febru-
ary, through the mud, for Allen County, and reached here as above stated
after many trying and vivid circumstances. He had a supply of funds to
sustain him through the first season and, as it happened, he got a crop.
His faith in Kansas became more and more firmly established as each suc-
ceeding year yielded its abundance and there was little to mar the family
happiness and comfort till the "bug year" of 1874. With this exception
there has been a constant era of material improvement in onr subject's con-
dition since his advent to the State. He owns one of the good farms in
Marmaton township, containing 160 acres and situated in section 10, town
25, range 21, and an 80 acres in section 4.
Mr. Thompson was born in Marion County, Ohio, November 2, 1840.
His father, Edward Thompson, was born in Virginia in 1802 and, in 1812,
went into Kentucky with his parents. The family came north into Ohio
some years afterward and six miles east of Springfield, that State, Thos.
Thompson, our subject's grandfather, is buried. The latter's children
were; John, Edward, Madison, who died near Eodi, Illinois; Thomas;
Nancy, who married James Nephews; and Sarah, wife of Josiah Olcott.
Edward Thompson married Ellen Foose and both are buried in Ohio.
Seven of their nine children grew up, viz.: Jane, wife of S. H. King, re-
sides in Marion County, Ohio; Isabel, who died in 1899, was the wife of
Benjamin Sharpless; Thomas, died in 1899; Sarah E. , married Paul Sharp-
less, of Huron County, Ohio; Edward, in Arappahoe County, Colorado;
Ann, wife of John Duffy, of Kenton, Ohio, and Charles C of this
sketch.
Charles C. Thompson was reared amid rural surroundings and ac-
quired very little school training. He was married in Marion County,
Ohio, March 14, 1S65, to Matilda Messenger, a daughter of Orrin Messen-
ger. The children of this union are: Minnie, who died in 1880, Edith,
wife of Dan Hoadley, has ason, Harry Hoadley; Homer; Evaline, Edwinand
Orrin all died of diphtheria in 18S0; Charles, Wayne, Edna and Sarah.
Homer Thompson lives in Marmaton township, Allen County, and has two
children. Bertha and Percy Thompson.
In April, 1861, Mr. Thompson enlisted in Company H, 4th Ohio in-
fantry, three months service. He was discharged for disability but was
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 89
agair under arms as a member of the State militia and was called out in
the defense of Cincinnati from Confederate invasion.
In politics the old line of Thompsons were Clay Whigs. Chas. C.
Thompson was a Republican till the Peoples Party movement came along.
He had discovered a line of proceedure in the practices of the old party
which did not seem to him just and proper toward the masses of the people
and he cast his political fortunes with the new party.
T\TEIvSON J. SHIVELY, of Marmaton township, is one of Allen Coun-
-l- ^ ty's progressive and pro.sperous farmers. Resettled here in 18S2
and was an emigrant from Marshall County, Indiana. He was born in
Elkhart County, Indiana, January 16, 1853. His father, Isaac Shively, of
Osage township. Alien County, was born in Ohio in 1830 and went
into Elkhart County, Indiana, in early life. He married Catharine
Leer, who died in Allen County, Kansas, in 1886 at the age of fifty-one
years. Their children are: Nelson J.; Fernandes, deceased; Amos, of
Osage township; Edward; Charles and Alice Shively of Elreno, Ok-
lahoma.
Our subject began life at about eighteen years of age as a farmer and
has continued it since with varying degrees of success. He was induced
to come west by the heralding cry of "cheap lands" and in 1882 he brought
his small amount of resources into Allen County and made a payment on
his first eightj' acres of land, in Osage township. He exchanged this for
the southwest quarter of section 20, town 24, range 21 and took on a debt
of sixteen hundred dollars. This he has succeeded in liquidating and
has purchased an additional eighty acres and has the whole clear of in-
cumbrance.
Mr. Shively was married in Marshall County, Indiana, February 6,
1S79, to Ella Caldwell, a daughter of Archibald Caldwell, who went into
the Hoosler State from Virginia. Mrs. Shively died February 13, 1899,
leaving five children: Grace A,, Opal, Alice, Carl and Harry.
Mr. Shively is one of the leading and active Republicans of Allen
County. He frequents county conventions of his party and can be de-
pended upon not only to support the whole ticket but to work for its
success at the polls. He is identified with the Osage Valley Baptist
church.
T~\R. GEORGE B. LAMBETH, of Moran, Allen county, can justly and
-' — ' rightfully be regarded as a pioneer Kansan. All but seven years of
his life have been tpent in and all he is and all he possesses are of Kansas.
He was born in Bolivar, Tennessee, July 22, 1S55, and the next year his
I go HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
father migrated to Bentonville, Arkansas, from which point, owing to the
outbreak of the war of the Rebellion, he fled northward and settled in Bourbon
county, Kansas. Allison G. Lambeth, our subject's father, volunteered
his services to General Blunt, as a scout, and aided in piloting that officer
into northern territory. The General's army was raised and made up of
loval men of that region, largely, and Mr. Lambeth's family accompanied
it out of the Confederacy.
The late A. G. Lambeth was born in Randolph county, North Caro-
lina, in i<S28. His ancestors have resided in the United States since early
in the nineteenth century and are of English origin. Mr Lambeth was a
highly educated and cultured gentleman and was, in early life, a professor
of languages in Emery and Henry College in Virginia. The last years of
his active life were spent on the farm in Bourbon county and he died in
Moran August 4, 1899.
Dr. Lambeth's mother, nee Sarah J. Williams, still survives. She
was born at LaGrange, Tennessee, in 1830, and is of English stock. Her
children are: Mrs. Jennie MuUey, of Fort Scctt, Kansas; Dr. G. B.
Lambeth: Henry W. Lambeth, a prominent farmer and Trustee of Marma-
ton township, Allen county; Hugh N. Lambeth, near Blackwell, Okla-
homa, and J. Braxton Lambeth, of Allen county.
Dr. Lambeth was a student in the district schools of Bourbon county
in his youth. He was a farmer till he passed his majority, when he
selected medicine as a profession. He read with Dr. A. L. Fulton, now a
prominent surgeon of Kansas Cit}', Missouri, and did some practice even
before he finished his three years' reading. He entered the St. Louis
Medical College in 1876 and spent four years there. The year 1888-9 he
attended the Kansas City, Missouri, Medical College and finished its course
to graduation.
Dr. Lambeth located in Moran and opened an office in 1884. He
took rank early as a successful practitioner and, with the lapse of time, his
practice has extended to all the country, for miles around Moran, and with
it his reputation as a genial and pleasant gentleman.
Dr. Lambeth was married in Bourbon county, Kansas, July 2, 1884, to
Mary G. Tennyson, a daughter of the pioneer Rev. Rutherford Tennyson.
The latter was born Januar}' 10, 1S04, and died in 1872. He came into
Kansas from Tennessee and was married to Mary T. Robinson. Their
children are: Wesley Tennyson, a prominent and successful farmer near
Uniontown, Kansas; Levi Tennyson, of Prairie Lee, Texas; Mrs. S. B.
Holt, of Bourbon county, Kansas; Mrs. L I. Brown, of Ozark, Missouri,
and Mrs. Lambeth. Mr. Tennyson came to Kansas in 1855 and his family
was one of the most widely known and honorable in Bourbon count}'.
The Dr. and Mrs. Lambeth's children are: George S., Alfred T.,
Phyllis J., Hugh W. and Esther.
Allison G. Lambeth, politically, allied himself first with the Whigs
and then the Republicans but his la.st presidential vote was cast for the
candidate of the Chicago platform of 1S96. Dr. Lambeth first trained with
the Republicans. In 1884, when modern Democracy first triumphed, he
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. I9I
voted the Democratic ticket and has espoused that cause since. He
was appointed a pension examiner for Allen county and sensed through
Cleveland's second administration, and, for twelve years, he has been local
surgeon for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company.
"T^OIIGLAS ARNETT, of lola, father of the lola Telephone Company
-' — ' and one of Allen county's pioneers, came to lola in the fall of i860.
He was then a child of two years and was, then, the youngest member of
his father's family. James B. Arnett, his father, began his westward
migration from Pike county, Illinois, a few years before the Civil war, and
went to Fort Smith, Arkansas. In this city our subject was born Novem-
ber 21, 1858. Being a man of the North the near approach of hostilities
between the two opposing sections of our country caused him to return to
the object of his sympathies hence, his advent to Kansas. J. B. Arnett
was born in Pike county, Illinois, November 8, 1834, and was essentially a
farmer until his removal to the Rocky Mountain country where the stock
business has engaged his attention.
The paternal grandfather of "Doug" Arnett was John B. Arnett, who
died in Fort Smith, Arkansas. His native state was probably Virginia.
He emigrated westward to Pike county, Illinois, early in the history of
that state and in 1858 took up his residence at Fort Smith, Arkansas. Of
his ten children James B. Arnett was the tenth. The latter married, in
Pike county, Illinois, Mary A., a daughter of William Mitchell. Mrs.
Arnett died in lola in September 1863, leaving an only child, J. Douglass
Arnett. J. B. Arnett married for his second wife Hattie Barton. Their
children are: Carrie, wife of William Mason, of Walla Walla, Washing-
ton; Ella, who married Jesse Brown and resides in Arizona, and Adda, wife
of John Whitlow, of Arizona.
Doug. Arnett has carved out his own destiny. He has taken care of
himself since he was fifteen years of age. He was small of his age, and
fond of horses, and for a livelihood he rode races at the fairs and old settlers
will remember the two familiar faces who jockied the steeds at Allen
county's first fairs, viz: Doug. Arnett and Rice Todd. Whatever came in
Doug's way to do whereby he could turn a dollar legitimately he took ad-
vantage of. While he worked he schemed and between the two he found
it not a difficult matter, this bread-winning contest. At twenty-one years
of age he married — made the only mistake of his life — and moved onto a
farm in Einn count)', Kansas. This vocation was too slow and plodding
for his makeup and he returned to his old home and engaged in the dray
business. Arnett's dray was about the first regular one on the streets of
lola. It was only an ordinary affair, for the business didn't justify any
other, and he did the driving, loading and collecting all himself and was
not at all busy. He engaged in the livery and bus business, later, and
followed the two with some profit about fifteen months. He then took the
192 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
agency for the Standard Oil Compan>' at lola and expanded their business
in Ailen and adjoining counties for nine years. Before severing his rela-
tions with the Standard people he had conceived the idea of establishing a
telephone sy: tem in lola and had actually installed the plant in 1898. He
secured the franchise for the company in 1897 and started his exchange in
his residence, on West Madison avenue, with forth-three 'phones. The
grocery of C. M. Richards was the only patron in that line of business when
he first started but the rapidity with which all the merchants got into line
was remarkable. The business of the companay grew so rapidly that the
domestic quarters were soi:>n found to be too cramped and the exchange
was moved into the Apple building on South Washington. It has now
two bundled and fifty working 'phones and is keeping pace with the
growth and extension of the city. In 1900 Harmon Hobart purchased a
half interest in the system and the two partners- constitute a worthy and
popular company.
Mr. Arnett married his second wife, Lillie McKinley, in October 1897.
Her father, J. B. McKinley, came from Pennsylvania to Kansas before the
war and was a soldier in the Ninth Kansas.
Our subject is an Odd Fellow, a Pythian Knight and a Rebekah. His
belief in woodcraft has led him to join that order, also.
Doug Arnett has been one of lola's tenacious citizens. His efforts
have always been rewarded here and aside from this fact he has always felt
an interest in the city and her people. While he is in business for profit
his earnings are not all devoted to his own use. He regards money only
for the good that it will do, and, while he is not prodigal in his expendi-
tures, any enterprise promising good for lola receives his substantial
support.
SAMUEL, H. EVANS, a traveling salesman residing in Pleasanton, is
numbered among the native sons of Kansas. He was born April 12,
1861, the second son of the late honored pioneei , John M. Evans, of Allen
county. Reared in Geneva and lola, he secured a common school educa-
tion and then began work at herding cattle on the prairies near Geneva.
After the family removed from that place to lola he secured a clerkship,
which was his first experience as a salesman and gave him the foundation
knowledge and training which now fits him for his present business duties.
When the Missouri Pacific railroad was being builded through Allen
county he worked with its surveyor on construction work, and later he was
for a time with the firm of O. P. Northrup & Company, of lola. Subse-
quently he secured a situation as luanager of a store in Bronson, Kansas,
and afterward filled similar positions in Blue Mound, Kansas. Eventually
in 1888 he accepted his present position as traveling salesman with the
Ridenour Baker Grocery Company, of Kansas City, Missouri, and is now
upon the road, being one of the trusted and capable representatives of that
house.
In March, 1884, Mr. Evans was married, the lady of his choice being
. WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 1 93
Miss Carrie Ellis, of lola, a daughter of Seaman T. Ellis, who now resides
in Oklahoma. Unto our subject and his wife have been born the following
children: Brett M., Bruce E., Harrj- D., Margaret and Melvin, twins,
and Robley D. They also lost twin daughters, Ruth and.Rena, who died
in infancy. Mr. Evans, whom everyone knows as "Harry," has become
popular with many of the patrons of the house which he represents and also
has many friends in the city of his residence. His manner is genial,
courteous and kindly, — qualities which always win regard.
'X^TlhLlAM F. YOUNG, of Moian, Allen County, was born in Darke
^ ^ County, Ohio, on the 7th of January, 1856. His father, Elias
Young, was born in Maryland, April 9, 1811, and married Sophia Edwards,
a native of Ohio. When a young man he learned the plasterer's trade,
which he followed for several years, after which he engaged in the milling
business but followed farming many years previous to his removal to Kan-
sas, in 1870. He located on a farm in Osage township, Allen County,
three miles north of Moran, where he resided until his death, which oc-
curred in February, 1900, when he was eighty-nine years of age. His
wife still survives him at the age of seventy-seven years, and is living on
the old homestead. They had five children, namelj^: Martha, wife of
Theodore Wright; I^eanida, wife of W. C. Carter; Rebecca, wife of W. D.
Young; and Mirtin A. , who is living with his mother on the old horns-
stead, while W. F. is the youngest of the family.
Mr. Young, of this sketch, spent the first fourteen years of his life in
the State of his nativity and then accompanied his parents to Kansas. He
remained with his father until eighteen years of age and then went to Fort
Scott to complete his education in the high school. He also attended the
high school at lola and the academy at Geneva, Kansas, working on the
farm by the month in the summer and, after completing his own mental
training, teaching school in the winter. He followed that profession about
three years. On the expiration of that period he went to Las Animas, Colo-
rado, where he was engaged with a hardware, lumber and furniture firm
for two years. Returning to Kansas he began business for himself in
Moran as a dealer in groceries, feed and coal, carrying on that enterprise
for nine or ten years. Since that time he has engaged in the real estate,
insurance and loan business, and now handles much valuable property and
writes a large amount of insurance annually.
On the 17th of March, 1S86, Mr. Young was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Rucker, a native of Indiana, who came to Kansas with her
parents. They have two children, Louis, a bright little daughter born
January 9, 1887, and Russell, born February i, 1890. In his political
affiliations Mr. Young is a Republican and socially he is connected with
.Moran Lodge, No. 459, I. O. O. F. , and with the Knights and Ladies of
Security. He and his wife have worked hard to secure a good home of
194 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
their own and are HOW comfortabl}- situated, being able to enjoy many of
tl'.e luxuries of life. Withoirt the aid of capital or influential friends he
started out upon his business career and has steadily worked his way up-
ward through determined and earnest purpose until now he occupies a
creditable position among the honorable business men of his adopted county.
JOHN R. ANDERSON, one of the large cattle dealers of Allen and
Bourbon counties and a member of the firm of Love & Ensminger, is
one of the pioneers of Kansas. In April 1856 his father brought the
family to Bourbon county and took up land in Franklin township. He
was from Green county, Missouri, but was originally from Lee count\-,
Virginia. In the latter place our subject was born October 4, 1839. His
father, Charles Anderson was born in Tennessee in 1807 and died in
Bourbon county, Kansas, in 1863. The family left Virginia in 1853 and
made the trip to Missouri with a yoke of oxen, being two months on the
road.
The original Anderson, and the one who established the family in
America, was John Anderson, an Irishman and a blacksmith. His burial
place is unknown but his wife is buried at Xenia, Kansas.
Charles Anderson married Anna Hester who died in 1893 at the age of
eighty-one years. Her children are: Mary, widow of T. 1,. Charles, of
Larned, Kansas; William C, of Xenia, Kansas; Catherine, deceased, mar-
ried Mr. Adkinson; John R. ; Elizabeth, wife of A. Williams, of Xenia,
Kansas, and L,etitia, deceased, who married J. F. Davis.
Our subject was seventeen years old when he came to Kansas. He
aided his lather in opening a new farm and herded and drove cattle for
several years. He took a claim himself when he reached the required age
and was interested in its initial development and improvement when the
war broke out. He enlisted first October 10. 1861, in Company I, Third
Kansas Cavalry and was transferred to the Sixth Kansas. He was mus-
tered out of the latter regiment in September 1862, and, a year later, re-
enlisted in the Fourteenth Kansas. During his first enlistment Mr. Ander-
son fought bushwhackers in Missouri and the Indian Territory. While
with the Fourteenth he was in the battle at Prairie DuChene, Arkansas,
the chief one in which he participated. He was mustered out of service
in June 1865 and returned to his home in Kansas. His history for thirty-
five years can be told in a few words. His early training led him into the
stock business soon after the war and for many years nothing else has
claimed his attention. When the firm of which he is a member was formed
he was chosen for the active management of its affairs. So extensive has
been its operations and so closely has Mr. Anderson been confined to duty
that the strain is telling upon him and the year 1901 will close his connec-
tion with the business and he will rest.
In politics Mr. Anderson is a Democrat. He became a follower of the
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. ig:;
faith when it required courage to be a Democrat, but he outrode the storm
and has seen his partj' in full control of National affairs since the war.
His first presidential vote he cast for Douglas and he .cast his second vote
for Mr. Lincoln because he did not think it a good plan "to swap horses in
the middle of a stream." He has been County Commissioner, a position
he filled with ability and credit.
Mr. Anderson was first married in Bourbon county in 1866. His wife
was Louisa Williams. She died in 1889 with twelve children surviving:
Marsh D.; Elsie, widow of George Johnson; Allen T., of Nebraska; Robert
and Cannon D., of Bourbon county; Warren, of Nebra.ska; Ralph and
Ronald B., of Bronson, and Alma Lean and Grover C. Anderson. In 1890
Mr. Anderson was married to Lizzie Campbell, his present wife.
Mr. Anderson is a Workman, a Mason, an Eastern Star, a member of
the order of Knights and Ladies of Security and of the G. A. R. post at
Bronson.
A /f ICHAEL F. KERN, of Humboldt township, Allen county, was born
^^-^ in the province of Wurteraberg, Germany, July 2, 1833. He was a
son of John Adam Kern, who emigrated to the United States in 1859 and
settled in the state of Michigan. In Washtenaw county his
parents died, the mother in 1869 and the father ten years later. Eight
children were born to this worthy couple, four of whom survive, viz: Lena,
who married Carl Haddock and resides in Lawrence, Kansas; Catherine,
wife of Andrew Reule, of Ann Arbor, Michigan; John M. and Michael
F. Kern.
The subject Of this sketch resided five years in Michigan and then set
out for the frontier. He came down into Allen county during the war and
preempted the land upon which he has since resided. He was acquainted
with the methods of successful farming and Jjegan at once to devote him-
self thereto. The improvement of his premises also received his attention
and in his thirty-five years of citizenship he has expanded and developed
materially to the extent of a substantially improved, high-cultivated and
exceedingly productive two hundred and forty acre farm.
As a feeder and grower of cattle and other marketable stock Mr. Kern
is well known in southern Allen county. For many years his farm has
furnished a market for much surplus grain of the community and his ex-
tensive interests demand the employment of labor throughout the year.
His home presents the appearance of neatness and cleanliness. Everything
has its proper place and, when not in use, is found in its place. He
planned his improvements for convenience and the arrangement of his
barns, sheds and fences indicate the perfection he attained."
Michael F. Kern was married in October 1865 to Sarah W. Schmidt,
whose father, Henry Schmidt, was born in Hanover, Germany. Mrs.
Kern was born in Lafayette county, Missouri.
During the war Mr. Kern belonged to the state militia, doing guard
196 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
duty along the border, and upon several occasions was called into the field
to drive out the invading rebels and bushwhackers. In politics he has
been without aspirations. While he has been interested in all political
controversies it has been the interest of a citizen and not of a candidate.
He affiliates with the Republicans and is regarded in some measure as a
controlling influence in local elections.
CARLOS P. KEITH, of Moran, whose advent to Allen county num-
bers him with the pioneers of Marmaton township, made settlement
upon the broad prairie on section 30, township 24, range 21, then within
the municipal boundaries of Osage township. October 24, 1868, was the
day he drew up to his future abiding place and the dwelling he moved into
was one of his own construction and measured 16x24 feet, one story, a com-
modious and inviting structure at that time.
Mr. Keith came to Kansas from Illinois. He was born in Huron
county, Ohio, December 2, 1837, and in the spring of 1854 went into Ogle
county Illinois, from whence he came to Kansas. He is a son of Carlos
Keith who was born November 13, 1797, at Barnard, Vermont. The latter
accompanied his parents into Ohio at a very early date and was there mar-
ried April 22, 1824, to Elvira, a daughter of Munson Pond, born in Bridge-
port, Vermont, October 5, i8o6. The Keiths' are among the original
Americans. They are descended from Scotch ancestors who settled in
New England and whose posterity aided in the establishment of inde-
pendence in our countr}\ The Ponds also possess this military distinction
for Munson Pond was of that bund of patriots who marched from Lexington
to Yorktown in the days of "seventy-six." Carlos Keith was a soldier of
the war of 1812. In civil life he devoted his energies to the farm. He
followed his son to Kansas and died in lola December 21, 1872. April 4,
1870, his wife died. Of their children Carlos P. is the fourth child.
Our subject had fair opportunities as a boy. His father operated a
grist-mill on the head waters of Huron River, in addition to his farm, and
in this Carlos Keith spent some of his early life. He was educated, liber-
ally tor his day, in the countrj' schools and did not separate from the
parental home till he was married. Until his semi-retirement from the
farm his was a life of persistent and continued activity. The farm and its
auxiliary enterprises have received his greatest care and most strenuous
efiorts.
December 24, i860, Mr. Keith was married to Lucena Shoemaker, a
daughter of Benjamin Shoemaker, from Perry, New York, a blacksmith
and farmer. Th'e surviving children of this union are: Dessie, wife of
William J. Rumbel of Moran; Harold E. , one of the young farmers of
Marmaton township, and Miss Mabel C. Keith, a teacher in the Moran
schools.
The year 1868 would seem not to have been an opportune time for
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. I97
settlers without means to enter a new country. The necessities of life were
almost beyond the reach of the poor and life in those families could be
sustained by the most ceaseless and interminable labors. Corn was worth
two dollars a bushel, kerosene seventy-five cents a gallon, flour six dollars
a hundred, poor hay nine dollars a ton and such a luxury as calico was
almost too high to indulge in. Mr. Keith was one of the poor settlers.
His inventory, upon his arrival in Allen county, included a team and
wagon, a few dollars and a wife and three children. While engaged in the
initial steps in the improvement of his own farm he earned the wherewith
to buy supplies for his family by aiding other old settlers in doing theirs.
He was not particular as to the kind of work, nor as to the price, but both
were generally to his liking. As time went on his clain: took on the ap-
pearance of a home and when, in late years, he erected his substantial and
permanent buildings the whole farm of one hundred and eighty six acres
presented an appearance unexcelled on the Fort Scott road. In 1S92, after
a residence of twenty-four years, Mr. Keith left the farm to the care of his
son, Harold E. , and took up his residence in Moran. Here, on November
22, 1900, Mrs. Keith died, suddenly. She was a consistent member of the
Presbyterian church and was a loyal companion of a worthy husband for
nearly forty years.
In politics C. P. Keith is a Republican. His first presidential vote
was for Lincoln and he has continued in the faith of the fathers till the
present. He affiliates with the Masonic fraternity and is regarded wher-
ever known, as a gentleman of truth, character and patriotism.
JAMES WILSON — To say that a man is self made indicates in a few
vi'ords a career of usefulness and activity, and it suggests a j^outh in
which few privileges have been enjoyed and a manhood of active effort in
which the trials and obstacles of life have been overcome by determined
purpose. Such indeed has been the career of James Wilson, one of the
successful farmers of the county, his home being in Logan township.
He was born at Deerfield, Portage County, Ohio, February 3, 1841.
His father, James Wilson, was a native of Dover County, Pennsylvania,
and married Miss Elizabeth Donahue, a native of Ireland ,who came to
America during her early girlhood The father followed the occupation of
farming as a life work, and died September 21, i88o. at the age of sixty-
eight years. His wife passed away in 1863 at the age of forty-four. They
were the parents of eight children, six of whom are yet living, namely:
Mary Ann, the wife of Robert McClure, of Ohio; Jesse, who is living in
Allen County; James; Mrs. Margaret Turner, of New Falls, Ohio; Andrew,
who is living in Minnesota, and Leanna Wilson, of Ravenna, Ohio. Those
who have passed away are Ellen J. and William. The latter was a mem-
ber of the regular army and was killed by the Indians in Dakota, in 1866,
Mr. Wilson of this review spent the first nineteen years of his life in
1 98 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
the State of Illinois where he secured work as a farm hand, having gained
practical experience in the fields by assisting his father in the cultivation
of the old home place. He was thus employed until the Civil war broke
out when in June, 1861, he enlisted for three years' service as a member
of Company D, Twenty-fifth Illinois infantry, being honorably discharged
in September, 1S64. He participated in many of the most sanguinary en-
gagements of that struggle, including the battles of Missionary Ridge,
Stjne River, Chickamauga, Kennesaw mountain and Peach Tree creek.
He went to Knoxville with Sherman to relieve Burnsides, and again
joined the main army at Resaca preparatory to entering upon the Atlanta
campaign. When the troops reached Atlanta the term of service of his
regiment had expired and with his comrades he was sent home to be dis-
charged. He was exceptionally fortunate in his military experiences, being
never wounded or captured throughout the three years of his association
with the boys in blue upon the battlefields of the South.
After the war Mr. Wilson went to Ohio and visited his parents, and
then returned to Illinois. The year of 1S69 witnessed his arrival in this
State where he secured a homestead claim of eighty acres upon which he
has since resided, although its boundaries have been many times extended
by additional purchases until he is now the owner of seven hundred and
forty-nine acres of land. He grazes his cattle on the fine pastures of his
own domain and he has ample sheds which shelter grain and stock. He
has one of the finest farms of the county and is pleasantly 1 jcated five miles
west of Humboldt. He carries on his farming pursuits on an extensive
scale and is feeding about one hundred head of cattle and hogs each year.
He has been very successful in the raising of cattle, and his large opera-
tions along this line have enabled him to not only utilize as feed all of the
crops which he raises but also to furnish a good market to his neighbors,
buying from them much of their corn.
Mr. Wilson was married on the 4th of January, 1880, to Miss Sarah A.
Berger, a daughter of Darius and Elizabeth (White) Berger, natives of
Virginia and Indiana respectively, the former born March 21, 1812, and the
latter on the ist of January, 1816. The mother died in Iowa on the i6th
of August, 1872, and soon after the father removed to Butler County, Kan-
sas, where he died on the 12th of March, 1878. In their family were ten
children: Mrs. Mary Lytle, who is living in Toronto; Mrs. Elizabeth
Richey, of Augusta, Kansas; Rebecca, wife of Robert Musgrave, of Hum-
boldt. The deceased are: Charlotte, wife of W. J. King; Dr. J. Berger;
Martha, wife of John King, and Daniel Berger who died in the army.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born three children: Willie J., born
May 28. 1881, died in March, 1901; Florence L., born July 1, 1884 and
Mary, born October 7, 1888.
Mr. Wilson is a Republican and has served as treasurer of his town-
ship, but has never been an aspirant for the honors and emoluments of
public office. He is a member of Vicksburg Post, No. 72, G. A. R., and
thus maintains a pleasant relationship with his old comrades who wore the
blue when the perpetuity of the Union was endangered. He is surely a
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. I99
self made man and as the architect of his prosperity he has builded wisely
and well. His business ability is widely recognized and has insured him a
very creditable position in financial circles, while his honorable course has
commanded the respect, confidence and esteem of his fellow men.
OTARLING D. BRANDENBURG— For more than a quarter of a
*^— ' century has Starling D. Brandenburg tilled the soil and reaped the
meadows of Allen County. He moved into a board shanty on practically
a raw piece of land in section 16, township 25, range 21. on the iSth of
October, 1872, and began the initial -work of developing a farm. How
well he "has succeeded will be seen when it is stated that his farm is bound-
ed by half section lines and its improvements exceed those of many of the
largest farms in Allen Count}-.
Mr. Brandenburg came to Kansas from Tipton County, Indiana. He
was born in Union Count)-, Indiana, Nov. 5, 1840, and passed some of his
early years in Wax ne County. His father was John Brandenburg, born
near Baltimore, Maryland, March 22, 1809. In 1830 he came west and
engaged in merchandising in Philomath, Union County, Indiana. He
removed, some 3'ears later, to Wayne County and died near Centerville,
November 6. 1861.
The Brandenburgs of this branch were introduced into the United
States by William H. Brandenburg who was born near Berlin, Germany,
emigrated to the new world and settled near Baltimore about 1780. In
1801 he moved westward to Warren County, Ohio, and died near Lebanon
in 1805.
The mother of S. DeWain Bradenburg was Elizabeth Kidwell. Her
father, the Rev. Jonathan Kidwell, was a Welchman and the original
Universalist preacher of his district in Indiana. He issued three publica-
tions devoted to the propagation of the doctrines of the Universalist church,
one at Philomath, one at Cincinnati, Ohio, and one at Terre Hante, Indi-
ana. The children of John and Elizabeth Brandenburg were: Ann, wife of
James Chapman, of Winchester, Indiana; Sarah J., of Chanute, Kansas;
Emily, wife ol Aaron Jones, of Chanute, Kansas; Starling D.,and Rebecca,
who married James Jones, and resides in Neosho County, Kansas.
Our subject received only a country school training in the woods of
Indiana. When the family home was broken up by the death of the father
the son married and started life for himself. A pony and a sleigh, the
resources of his days of frolic and courtship, were the sum total of his
property with which to begin business. In the ten years which elapsed
from his marriage to his advent to Kansas he had accumulated eight hun-
dred dollars. With this and with his abundant energy he has maintained
a stead}' increase from year to year. His large, room,' and handsome resi-
dence, which he erected in V898, his barns and his orchard and his pens of
200 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Stock testify to the manner in which he has disposed of liis time the past
twenty-eight years.
January i, i852, Mr. Brandenburg was married in Wayne County,
Indiana, to Nancy Helms, a daughter of James Helms, who, with a son,
served through the Civil war. James Helms married a Clevenger, for his
first wife and five of their children survive. By a second marriage three
resulted. Isaiah Helms, of Bronson; I,aciua Recknor, of Allen County;
Samuel Helms, of Allen County, and Susan L,aws, of Calaway County,
Missouri, are some of these children.
Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg's children are: Melvin F., of Allen Coun-
ty; William L. ; Emma ly., wife of John Tillery, of Allen County;
Myrtle I. and Ivy May Brandenburg.
The Brandenburgs were Democrats in politics, at all times, till the
Peoples party was organized in 1892 at which time our subject espoused
their cause and has since acted with it.
TV /TRS. NANCY E FISHER is one of the wealthy residents of Allen
-'-''-'- county and is numbered among its pioneer citizens, having come to
this portion of the state at an early period in its upbuilding. She was born
in Franklin county, Illinois, on the 13th of June, 1S40, a daughter of
Aaron Neal, a native of Virginia. Her father was born April 28, 181 1,
and in an early day he removed to Illinois in company with his parents,
finding the Prairie state almost one vast undeveloped tract of land. The
city of Chicago, whose growth is regarded as one of the miracles of the age,
was then undreamed of. Fort Dearborn standing on its site as a protection
against the Indians for the few white settlers who resided in that section of
the country. Mr. Neal was reared upon the frontier amid the wild scenes
of pioneer life, and after arriving at years of maturity married Elizabeth
Clarappett, who was of Irish lineage. He was the owner of a horse and a
sled and with them he hauled his few household effects to his little cabin
on the frontier. He and his bride began their domestic life in true pioneer
style. He was a very industrious and energetic man, and before his death
had accumulated ten thousand dollars, which was considered a handsome
competence in those days, and he was regarded as one of the rich men of
his neighborhood. He died in the prime of life, passing away in 1855, at
the age of forty-four years. His wife lived to the age of sixty and was
called to her final rest in 1875.
This worthy couple were the parents of ten children, of whom two died
in early life. The others were Moses, who is well known throughout Kan-
sas and is a leading politician of the west, his home being now in Okla-
homa; Mrs. Fannie Whiteside; Thomas J., who died in 1862; John A., who
resides in Missouri; Mrs. Fisher; William, also a resident of Oklahoma;
Mrs. Sarah Todd, deceased, and Robert, ot Washington.
Nancy E. Neal, the fifth of the family, spent the days of her girlhood
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 20 1
in the State of her nativity, and pursued her education in one of the old-
time, log school houses, conning her lessons while sitting upon a rude
bench without a back or a desk. When a \ oung lady of twenty j^ears she
came to Kansas to visit her brother Moses, who was then living in Leaven-
worth, and while there she became acquainted with Paul Fisher, a young
man who had removed from Texas to Allen county, Kansas. They were
married in 1862. A married life of thirty- five years was vouchsafed to
them, Mr. Fisher taking his bride to his farm, three miles west of
Humboldt.
Mr. Fisher was a native of Ohio and removed from that state to Texas,
whence he came to Kansas. For seven years he and his wife resided upon
one farm, after which they spent three years in Humboldt. On the ex-
piration of that period Mr. Fisher purchased a farm a mile from the town,
on the river bottom, and for twelve years itvvas their place of abode, after
which they again became residents of Humboldt, occupying one of the
finest dwellings in the place. Mr. Fisher was a man of marked diligence
and executive ability and his indefatigable labor, guided by sound judg-
ment, enabled him to acquire very extensive realty holdings, so that he left
to his family a handsome estate. He died on the 30th of December, 1897,
at the age of seventy-five years, and thus the community lost one of its
reliable and valued citizens, and his neighbors a faithful friend.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fisher were born six children, but three died in
early childhood. The others are Katie, the wife of O. H. Stewart, presi-
dent of the State Bank of Parsons, Kansas; Maggie, wife of L,. P. Stover,
County Surveyoi of Allen county; and Nannie, the wife of A. F. McCarty,
of Humboldt.
Mrs. Fisher has always been a very energetic woman, and since her
husband's death has given evidence of the possession of superior business
and executive qualifications. She has very important business affairs,
superintended by Mr. A. F. McCarty, and her efforts are attended with
prosperity. After the estate was divided each of the daughters had one
thousand acres of land while there remained to Mrs. Fisher, in addition to
her large farming interests, considerable business property in Humboldt
and lola and her beautiful residence in Humboldt. She is one of the old-
est residents of .Mien county in years of continuous connection with this
portion of the state, for she has lived here through thirty-nine years. She
has therefore witnessed almost the entire development and upbuilding of
southeastern Kansas for at the time of her arrival the homes were widely
scattered and Indians were frequently seen in the neighborhood. Great
changes have since been wrought, and as the population has increased the
circle of Mrs. Fisher's acquaintances and friends has been continually en-
larged. She enjoys the warm regard of many with whom she has come in
contact, and well deserves representation in this volume among Allen
county's leading citizens.
202 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
LUCIUS B. KIXNE, Moran's efficient post master and for manj' years
a leading merchant of that citN-, is among the substantial and sterling
citizens of Allen county. It is almost a score of years since he came
amongst the people of Moran and since that September day in i8Si when
he became an inhabitant of the town his life has been one even and
straightforward career, devoted not only to his private needs but to the
public interests, as well. He established a drug and grocery store in
Moran when that village was in its infancy and became at once one of the
central figures in the development and growth of one of the business centers
of Allen county.
By training Mr. Kinne is a western man, but a native of the east. He
was born in Livingston county. New York, August 5, 1S50. He was
trained a merchant, for his father, Elias G. Kinne, passed a lifetime mer-
chandising. In 1851 the latter moved his family to Van Buren county,
Michigan, and resided in Paw Paw man3' years. In 1882 he died in Kala-
mazoo county. He was born in the same county in New York as our
subject, in 18 15, and was a public spirited man and much interested in
public affairs. He was a useful and honorable citizen and while his maiden
vote was cast with the Democrats the issues of the war changed his opinions
and he was ever afterward a Republican.
The Kinne name was imported into New York from Ireland by Lyman
Kinne, our subject's grandlather. He accompanied his children from New
York to Michigan and died at Albion in 1864 at the age of ninety years.
He was the father of two sons, Allison and Elias Kinne, and of the follow-
ing daughters: Clarissa, who married Jonathan Rogers; Hannah, who
married Elisha Goodrich; Phebe, wife of E. J. House, and Mary, who be-
came Mrs. Jedediah Holmes.
Elias G. Kinne married Amanda Alvord, a daughter of Phinneas and
Rachel (Lemon) Alvord. Their two children were sons; Lucius B. and
Frank E. Kinne, deceased. Lucius B. Kinne grew up at Paw Paw, Mich-
igan, and acquired his education in the public schools. Among his first
efforts were those of a farmer, first as hired man and second as a tenant.
He was engaged in business as a druggist in Texas, Michigan, for a time
and upon coming to Allen county he put in the first stock of drugs in
Moran.
Mr. Kinne was early recognized as a man of sound judgment and of
correct business principles. In spite of the opposition and of jealousy en-
gendered because of success, he prospered and maintained his commercial
standing unimpaired. This record, together with his known integrity had
much to do with securing his appointment as receiver of the Moran Bank
in 1898. His political activity and his intense loyalty to Republicanism
and to McKinley, especially, placed him in line for the appointment as
post master and in June 1897 he succeeded Charles Mendell as chief of the
Moran post office. For many years he was a member of the Republican
rs
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 203
County Central Committee and the direction of matters political for Marma-
lon township has been left to the care of him and his advisors.
February 15, 1876, Mr. Kinne was married in Kalamazoo, Michigan,
to Esther, a daughter of John S. Harrison, of the line of the first Benjamin
Harrison, of Virginia. Mr. and Mis. Kinne's children are: Clare B., born
October 7, 1877, is a registered pharmacist and looks after the drug depart-
ment of the store; Lulu, born April 23, 18S1; Bessie, born June 22, 18S5,
and Verle, born June 17, 1890.
In reviewing the life of a citizen for this work it is only possible to
touch upon the chief events therein and to impress posterity with the domi-
nant elements of his mental makeup. It will be seen that Mr. Kinne was
a son of respected and honorable parents and that industry was his capital
from early manhood. His accumulations have come by dint of toil and
prudent management and his reputation established by right living and
right conduct toward his fellow man.
TTIRAM M. BURTIS— In New York the Burtis family has taken root
-•- -'- and in the years which have followed since the original one landed
in this country the family name has spread over the west. Piatt V. Burtis,
one of this numerous family, was married to Miss Mary A. Freeman. Two
children were the result of this union, Hiram M. Burtis, the subject of this
sketch, born in Saratoga County, New York, August 8, 1848, and Margaret
A. Cowles, now living in Harper County, Kansas. Piatt Burtis was one of
the largest business men of his section of the State. His grandfather had
been a large slave owner, but becoming convinced that slavery was wrong
manumitted his slaves and allowed those who wished to to remain on his
land until they accumulated enough to get a start in life. Piatt Burtis
embarked in the carrying trade of the canals and soon owned a large num-
ber of vessels which did a part of the carrying trade of the Erie canal. The
panic coming on he was crippled seriously and, after paying all his obliga-
tions, suspended business and with the remnants of his once ample fortune
turned his face toward the west, settling in Illinois on a farm. The busi-
ness reverses through which he had gone undermined his health and he
was forced to turn over his property to his son. The wreck of his health
found him also completely \vrecked in fortune and the only heritage he was
able to give his son was a good constitution and a debt. Young Hiram
Burtis was not daunted by the prospects before him. He went to work
with manly vigor to pay his father's debts and redeem the name. He
went to woik in Kankakee County, at once farming and stock raising and
after some years disposed of his effects and moved to Ottawa, Illinois,
where he engaged in the hardware business. Three years afterward, in
1880, he sold out the business and moved to Hastings, Nebraska. Here
he lived but a short time and then came to Kansas, purchasing farms four
miles southeast of lola. He lived here but two years when he moved to
204
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Humboldt and again engaged in the implement and real estate business.
In. this business he was fairly prosperous and built up a good trade. In
1892 he disposed of his implement stock and entered the real estate busi-
ness and in this he is still engaged. Mr. Burtis has been a successful
business man and although starting in life with the burden of debt he has
succeeded in accumulating enough of the world's goods to place him in easj-
circumstances.
January 26, 1869, Mr. Burtis was married to Miss Helen E. Snyder, a
native of Illinois. Mrs. Snyder's father Jives with them and is hale and
hearty at the ripe age of eighty-three. To them have been born four chil-
dren: Maggie A., wife of A. F. Fish; Chauncey H., married Irene Moore;
Edith Maud, wife of S. S, Jackson, and Walter.
Mr. Burtis is a member of the Fraternal Aid Society. Politically he
is a Republican.
FREDERICK W. FREVERT— One of the successful business men of
Humboldt is Frederick W. Frevert, whose father is Frederick Fre-
vert, one of the pioneers of Woodson County, Kansas, whose history ap-
pears herein.
Our subject is the eldest child and was born in Lee County, Illinois,
March 20, 1857. A year after his birth his parents removed to Kansas,
settling in Wooason County. Mr. Frevert grew up on the farm and re-
mained with his parents until he was twenty-six years of age. At this date
he went to Humboldt and secured a position with the well known merch-
ant, Moses Neal, in his dry goods store, working two months for his board,
when he was given a small salar)-. He remained with Mr. Neal six
months when he secured a position as deputy postmaster under Mrs. Ella
Kimball, and remained in the office during her term of office. Afterward
he secured a clerkship of B. S. Smith with whom he remained for two years.
He then formed a partnership with A. Wedin in the grocery business and
the firm existed about two and a half years, being dissolved bj' the retire-
ment of Mr. Wedin. Mr. Frevert has since conducted the business alone.
Mr. Frevert was married in the fall of 1888 to Mrs. Ella Kimball,
under whom he had served for six years as deputy postmaster. Mrs.
Kimball is a daughter of E. C. Amsden, of one the early sheriffs of Allen
County. Two children have been born to them, Frederick and Robert.
Politically Mr. Frevert is a Damocrat, but further than casting his
ballot he has never taken any part in politics,
HONORABLE EDWARD D. LACEY, of Marraaton township, ex-
Representative to the State Legislature and ex-County Commission-
er has been a citizen of Allen County more than twenty-one j'ears. He
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 205
came amongst us in the fall of 1879 and purchased the northwest quarter of
section 23, town 24, range 20, a piece of wild prairie belonging to the
■"Peck land." He was from Illinois and Illinois emigi'ants possess the
energy and the industrs' to successfully combat the trials and obstacles
always encountered in the settlement of a new country. Then it is not
a matter of wonderment that his oue-time pasture should rapidly take on
the appearance of a well -managed and well-improved farm.
Mr. Lacey migrated to Kansas from Champaign Count}', Illinois, to
which State he moved some time after the war. He was born in Jackson
County, Michigan, June 23, 1843, and was reared in Licking County,
Ohio. He was a son of Sandford Lacey who went into Michigan from New
York and died in 1855. He married Louisa Parmelee and our subject is
their first child. The latter grew up in the country and was educated in
the district school. The elementary principles of an education were about
all that could be acquired from that source, in the days before the war, and
these Mr. Lace\' secured and supplemented with practical experience in the
warfare of life. His first efforts in the direction of individual independence
were put forth the first year of the Civil war. He enlisted August 12, of
that year in Company A, 17th Ohio infantry, Col. J. M. Connell. His
regiment was mustered in at Zanesville and was ordered into Kentucky.
Its second important engagement was the one at Pcrryville, Kentucky, in
October, 1S62. Mr. Lacey was in the battle of Shiloh and in the Murfrees-
boro fight, where he received a wound through the right thigh in the
second day's engagement. He lay in the field hospital three months and
was then sent to hospital No, 7, at Nashville. Upon his recovery he was
transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps by orders of the War department.
His command was the 15th regiment. Company F, and he wa'^ Clerk in
the Provost Marshal's office for nearly one year. He was then transferred
to Washington, D. C, and, soon after, was ordered to Chicago where he
acted as drill-master till his muster out of the service September 25, 1864.
The following letter explains itself:
"To All Whom It May Concern:
"I cheerfully recommend Corporal Edward D. Lacev as an honest
and upright young man, smart, intelligent, devoid of all bad habits, and
in every respect a soldier and a gentleman. He has served in my Company
for ten months, the most of which time he has acted as sergeant. He has
always performed his duty with credit to himself and the Company, He
has been highly spoken of by all the officers he has served under, is well
posted in tactics, is a good drill master and would do honor to the service
as a line officer. His descriptive li.st from his former Company, Company
A, 17th Ohio infantry, shows that he was wounded in the right leg at the
battle of Stone River, January i, 1863. Samuel McDonald,
Second Lieutenant, Commanding Co. F, 15th Reg. V. R. C.
•Dated Camp Douglas, Chicago, 111., October 26, 1864."
Having served his country in time of war more than three years, Mr.
Lacey was content to return to civil life. He re-engaged in farming in Iro-
quois county, 111., to which point his mother's family had removed during
2o6 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
his absence. He was married there January 31, 1867, to Mary E. Culbert-
son, a daughter of Joseph Culbertson, now a resident of lola. Mr. Cul-
bertson was born in Ohio, in 1821, and was married to Pernetta Matthews.
Mrs. Lacey is the fifth of eight children.
Mr. and Mrs. Lacey's children are: Joseph Lacey, postmaster of
Savonburg, Kansas, is married to Claudia Southard; Emma Lacey, who is
the wife of Harry Keith, of Marmaton township; Reuben C. Lacey, of
Marniaton township, is married to Rose Evans; Quincy E., near Moran,
is married to Daisy Eflin; MelviU, Pearl G. , and Bulah are with their
parents.
Edward D. Lacey became a Republican long before he could vote.
His first vote was cast while in the army. One of the first things he did
upon reaching Allen County was to identify himself with the Republican
organization of the county. His frank and earnest manner and his in-
telligent bearing made him a valuable acquisition to the party and he soon
took rank as one of its leaders. He was urged forward as soon as he could
be prevailed upon to accept a nomination and was elected township trustee
three terms. So conspicuously efficient were his services in this capacity
that he was earnestly supported in his candidacy for the Legislature in
1887. He was elected by a good majority and re-elected in 1889, serving
four years in ail. He served on some of the important committees of the
House and introduced House Bill No. 91, providing for the care of old
soldiers, in indigency, outside of the Alms house. He was the author of
some measures of local importance, only, and was always on the alert in
the interest of wise and wholesome laws for the State. He was on the
Joint Committee with Murray in preparing the Prohibition law, now in
operation, and was one of its earnest supporters.
The same year he retired from the office of Representative Mr. Lacey
was nominated by his district for County Commissioner and was elected.
He was again elected in 1895 ^"^ "'^s the Board's Chairman the last four
years of his service. One thing was especially characteristic of Mr. Lacey's
public service. He was always well enough informed to have a decided
opinion on matters of public policy and whenever called upon for it it was
always forthcoming. He was a guiding spirit of the County Board while
an incumbent of the office of Commissioner and if he was unpopular with a
few it is accounted for bj' the fact that they were not his invited advisors.
As a business man Mr. Lacey is successful and conservative. He has
extended his domain materially by the addition of another eighty to his
original tract and his individual prosperity is noted in other lines of indus-
try. He is a member of the Methodist congregation of Moran of which
body he is one of the Trustees, being Chairman of the Board.
JAMES McKINNEY WILLIAMSON, who was for years engaged in
the harness and saddlery business in lola, and but recently retired,
located in Allen county in 1883. His first years in the county he passed
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 207
on the farm, but, having served his apprenticeship, without being
bound, at the saddlery and harness trade and having an opportunity to ac-
quire the business exclusive, in lola, he purchased the Hart stock and
conducted an honorable and profitable business till 1900 when "William-
son & Son," the successor of J. M. Williamson, sold its business to Mr.
Hartung.
Mr. Williamson came to Kansas in 1871 and took a claim in Butler
county. From this claim he moved to the city of Eldorado and was a resi-
dent there at the time he removed to Allen county. His native place is
Mercer county, Pennsylvania, where he was born August i, 1840. His
father, John L. Williamson, was a farmer and, to some extent an iron ore
dealer. He was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, but
reared in Mercer county. He died in Butler county, Kansas, in 1882 at
the age of eighty-two years. In early life he was in line with Democracy
but in' [84S became a Whig and later a Republican. George Williamson,
a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and a son of Thomas Williamson,
passed his active life at farming in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania.
He is buried at Salem church in Mercer county. His forefathers were of
Scotch and Irish extraction.
John L. Williamson married Rebecca McKinney, a daughter of
Samuel McKinney, who was born and reared in Center county, Pennsyl-
vania. He was a farmer, a wool-carder and an ex soldier of the war of
i8i2. He was awarded a medal by the state of Pennsylvania for gallantry
in the battle of Lake Erie. Rebecca McKinney Williamson died in 1840.
Her children are: Mary J., wife of Fohnestock Lightner, of Knox county,
Iowa; Rachel E., wife of John Naix. of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and James
M. Williamson.
Until he became old enough to care for himself Mr. Williamson made
his home with his grandfather McKinney. He hired out as a day work-
man and by the month, as the opportunity offered, until beginning his
trade. He left the bench to enter the Union army in August 1861, joining
Company A, Seventy-Sixth Ke3'stone Zouaves. For some months prior to
the close of the war he was enrolling officer, being employed as such after
his discharge from .service in the field
The Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Zouaves rendezvoused at Camp Came-
ron, Harrisburg, and was ordered to the front at Fortress Monroe, Virginia,
and on to Hilton Head, South Carolina. It participated in the capture of
Fort Pulaski, was in the fight at Pocataligo, and, in the spring of 1863,
Mr. Williamson was discharged from it and soon thereafter was commis-
sioned as enrolling officer, as above mentioned.
Mr. Williamson engaged in merchandising in a country store in
Mercer county, Pennsylvania, upon resuming civil pursuits and followed it
and farming three years each. He then came to Kansas in search of cheap
lands and the claim he took in Butler county proved to be the dearest
piece of real estate he ever owned.
June I, 1864. Mr. Williamson married Lizzie L- , a daughter of James
Brandon. Mrs. William.son died in 1873. Her children are: Mary J.,
2o8 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
who married J. F. Shidely, of Fairhaveu, Washington; Austa, wife of
Charles Cadwell, of Harvey county, Kansas; and John H. Williamson, of
Ida. In 1875 Mr. Williamson married Mary M., a daughter of Hansford
Jones, whose original home was in West Virginia. The children of the
marriage are: Horace Carl Williamson, who is married to Emma Butler
and is one of the substantial young business men of lola; Arthur Leroy,
Earnest Wiley, James and Ruth Esther Williamson.
Mr. Williamson's first national ballot was cast for Lincoln for presi-
dent. In 1872 he got into the Greeley movement but supported Hays in
1876 and has since been one of the staunchest advocates of Republican
policies and Republican candidates at the polls. He was elected coroner of
Butler county, Kansas, held many minor offices there and in Allen county,
including councilman for the city of lola. He is a member of the Grand
Army and Past Commander of the Post, a director of the lola Building and
Loan Association and, above all, a citizen above reproach.
TTENRY C. ROGERS— The late Henry C. Rogers, of Bronson, wa.s
^ -^ one of the characters of eastern Allen County, not alone because he
was an honorable citizen but because he represented the age of pioneering
in the county and because his death closed the chapter devoted to the liv-
ing pioneers. He came to the county at a time when white men were a
curiosity on our eastern border and when any piece of prairie from Rock
Creek to the ea,st line of Allen County might have been preempted or home-
steaded. The settlements adjacent and tributary to where Mr. Rogers and
his uncle settled were around the Turkey Creek post office and at Ira
Hobson's mill on the Osage River, in Bourbon County. Prior to the Civil
war the land between Moran and Bronson belonged to the Indians but
they did not occupy it. They had, no doubt, abandoned it to whoever
might settle it as per an act of Congress providing for the disposition of the
public domain. To the few settlements made prior to the war, to the
events affecting this locality duTing that .struggle and to the period of settle-
ment succeeding the war, including the fencing of the last tract of prairie
"lying out," Mr. Rogers was an eye witness. He not only saw it all but
he was a distinct part of it all and could his reminiscences have been
gathered while in his physical and mental vigor they would have added
much to the completeness of the story of the settlement and development of
Allen County.
It was November 10, 1858, when Henry C. Rogers and D. V. Rogers,
his uncle, stopped on the creek southeast of Moran. They were seeking a
location and the uncle claimed the "Dick Gilliam" place and died on it in
1875. Young Henry remained with his uncle till old enough to enter
land when he took up the south half of the southwest quarter of section 10,
township 25, range 21, Marmaton township, and there resided till about
^, ^, ^ a-Q.^Aj
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 209
1880 when he sold and located on the county line south of Bronson
two miles.
The settlements on the prairies of Kansas in an early day were chiefl\
disturbed by the devouring flames of a prairie fire. This scourge visited
every settler who made his abiding place in Allen County from the earliest
time to 1880, and many of them more than once. It was no unusual thing
to see everything swept away and a family left penniless after a hard
summer's work. Thieves and marauders made occasional sallies into the
settlements and plied their trade effectively but the vigilantes took frequent
charge of them and left them alone in their solitude. The drouth of i860
was a calamity visited upon the frontiersmen and, had not the winter fol-
lowing been as mild and as gentle as that of Florida, great suffering among
man and beast would have ensued. During the war the Bushwhackers and
Butternuts did not disturb the peace and repose of eastern Allen County.
Its able-bodied men all belonged to some military regiment and were called
out only when the State was threatened with invasion. Mr. Rogers was a
member of Col. Orlin Thur.ston's regiment of State guards which rendez-
voused at Ft. Scott during the last Price raid.
H. C. Rogers was born in Vermillion County, Indiana. He started
to Kansas from Vermillion County, Illinois, but his parents settled in Ver-
million County, Indiana, and it is probable that there was where his birth
occurred February 23, 1842. His father, Daniel Rogers, who left Vermont
when young, was a pioneer to the above Indiana county. His parents no
doubt accompanied him to the west for his father, Allen Rogers, resided in
Indiana, Illinois, and lastly Iowa, where he died and is buried. His sons
were: Elisha, Minor, John, Daniel and Jobe Rogers, all of whom reared
families. Daniel Rogers married Mary Baldwin who died in Perryville,
Indiana, in 1S53. Daniel also died early in life. Their children were:
Henry C; Hannah, wife of Richard Davis, of Altamont, Kansas; Nettie,
deceased, wife of Mr. Blair, of Neosho County, Kansas.
Henry C. Rogers was not an educated man. The circumstances of his
time were such as to preclude the acquirement of more than the primary
elements of an education. He was only sixteen yearsold when he assumed
the responsibilities of a citizen in Allen County, where schools were the
scarcest of necessities. Whatever oi success has attended him has been the
result of his efforts with stock and the farm. He was married June 10,
1865, to Miss Ruth Main, a daughter of John Main, a pioneer to the
we.st from Virginia. Mrs. Rogers was born in Mongoha, Virginia,
June 23 1846. The children of their marriage are: Charles, married to
Cora Thompson, resides nearby; Henry C. Jr., married to Mary Goodm,
resides on the homestead; Dora E. , wife of Elijah Hodge, of Bronson,
Kansas; Oscar V., married to Maggie Thomas, of Bronson, Kansas; Bertha
May Rogers, a teacher; William and Roy.
Mr. Rogers' political affiliations were with the Republicans. In 1872
he espoused the Greeley movement but, using his own words, "never got
into the Democratic party." He never took a very active part in local
2IO HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
politics and the'onl.y office in which he consented to serve was that of school
director which he held for twent}- j-ears.
When the day shall come when the contemporaries of the pioneers
shall all have passed away and their lives and deeds are known only in
history, then will their posterity come to a full realization and a just appre-
ciation of them and their efforts. A word from those "who saw and did"
is more to be desired than a volume from those who were not there and
only heard.
Mr. Rogers' last illness was of long duration. He died November 30,
1900, and was laid away in the 59th year of his age.
/^^ EORGE G. MAPES. — Few men are more widely and favorably
^~-^ known to the citizens of eastern Allen county than George G. Mapes
the commercial traveler, farmer and stock man of Marmaton township.
His home, "Shady Slope," just southeast of Moran, is one of the attractive
farmsteads of the county and is the handiwork of its progressive and pros-
perous proprietor.
G. G. Mapes was born in Princeton, Illinois, April 20, 1854. He was
educated in the public schools of that city and graduated from the high
school. His father, George W. Mapes, was born in the state of New York
in 1828 and died at Des Moines, Iowa, February 2, 1S98. In an early day
the latter went into Ohio and later came westward to Laporte, Indiana, and
was there married to Martha E. Dennison, a New York lady. Not long
after their marriage the couple emigrated to Bureau county, Illinois.
George \V. Mapes was educated and equipped for the ministry. He
filled the pulpit of the Christian church in Princeton many years, following
this service up with a like one for a period of j'ears in Des Moines, Iowa.
He was a gentleman of much force of character and a preacher with great
power and conviction. He was highly educated, abreast of the progressive
age in all literary and scholastic matters and was the iustrument in the
hands of Providence which built up a large congregation, numbering
nearly fifteen hundred members, in the city of Des Moines. His widow
survived him till July 27, 1900, dying at the age of seventy years. Their
wedded life covered a period of nearly fifty years. A half century of con-
tinuous usefulness, of wedded bliss, walking hand in hand and doing all
things to the glory of God. Of their six children, five survive: Wheeler
M. Mapes, of Redfield, Iowa, the first conductor to run a vestibuled car
out of Omaha, and for twenty-three years in the service of the Rock Island
Railway Company as conductor; Rosella F. , wife of M. A. Hitchcock, of
Des Moines, Iowa; George G. Mapes; Charles Mapes, of Hutchinson,
Kansas, traveling for Selz, Schwab & Co., of Chicago, and Frank H.
Mapes, a druggist of McComb, Illinois.
Wlien George G Mapes began his career as a business man it was in
the notion business. He covered the state of Kansas for five years selling
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 211
notions to the merchants out of a wagon. His success was so marked that
at the end of this period he established a wholesale notion business in
Topeka, Kansas. In 1878 after four years of unremitting watchfulness and
attention in the upbuilding of his business,- he disposed of it and took a
position with Florence, Jansen & Company, of .Atchison. He represented
them as a traveling salesman and remained with the house till 18S1 when,
on the first of July, he accepted a place with the Grimes Dry Goods Com-
pany, in the same city, and was with them nine years as salesman on the
road. Resigning this position he entered into an arrangement with the
Hood-Brownbright Wholesale Company, of Philadelphia, to travel for
them, which position he resigned after three years of service, to take charge
of the Pennsylvania hotel at Moran, Kansas. Soon after this date he was
offered the position of cashier of Varner's Bank in Moran and accepted,
remaining with the institution five years and conducting the hotel at the
same time. In 1894 he exchanged the hotel for "Shady Slope," a quarter
section of land two and a half miles southeast of Moran, to which he moved
his family and where he spends his time when off duty as a drummer. In
1895 he engaged with the Smith, McCord Dry Goods Company, of Kansas
City, and five days in the week his time and energy is expended in their
behalf.
The well known farm, "Shady Slope," is not one of those common-
place resorts where the production of corn and hay are the chief source of
revenue and the center of interest season after season. It is a place where
there is intense activity the year round. First of all it has expanded from
one hundred and sixty acres to four hundred acres in area and has taken
on. improvements commensurate with the growth and resources of the farm.
His herd of sixty registered Herefords, his string of trotters and the mis-
cellaneous animals necessary to a well regulated stock farm furnish
splendid evidence of the profitableness of intelligent farming and at the
same time show Mr. Mapes to be a leader and not a follower in his under-
taking. His horse flesh is among the best bred anywhere. One of them,
"Betsy King" at twenty-two years, is the mother of nineteen colts, four of
which have brought the sum of $6,000 and two others give promise of de-
veloping into horses of much merit.
"Shady Slope" and its attendant and accompanying interests are the
fruits of the individual efforts of G. G. Mapes. In the beginning, and
when he loaded up his first notion wagon, his capital was too small for
any other business. It was his all and upon his merits as a salesman and
his integrity as a man did he stake his future. Shady Slope answers how
well he has done. Years of push and good management have counted for
much and when the inventory is taken it will be found that he has been
the maker and his wife the saver. Both are admirable traits and both go
hand in hand to financial independence. July 6, 1881, G. G. Mapes was
married to I^aura E. Kindig, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (McCord)
Kindig. The father was born in Virginia in 1816 and died in Washing-
ton, Illinois, in 1892. His wife, a native of Tennessee, and Mrs. Mapes'
mother, died at Washington many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Mapes' chil-
212 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
dren, surviving, are: Pluma, born April i, 1SS4; Opal, born Februarv
19, r886, died at fourteen months; Ruby, born August 14, 18S8.
Mr. Mapes has made no record in politics except for voting the Repub-
lican ticket. He w^s elected to'the Cit}' Council in Moran almost unani-
moLisl}' and, as a lodge man, affiliates with the Masons and Workmen.
T TENRY B. SMITH, of Moran, leading implement dealer and worthy
-•- -'- citizen, came to Kansas in 1878 and stopped first in Atchison. Re-
maining there a short time he went into Norton county, Kansas, took up a
claim and tried farming in the short grass countr}' eighteen months. lyeav-
ing the west he went to Parsons, Kansas, and spent one year there. Allen
county was his next objective point and to this locality he came in i83i.
He was in the county about three months before he entered the neighbor-
hood of Moran. His first entrance into the town was in cumpany with
L. H. Gorrell with whom he soon after engaged in the implement business.
The firm was Gorrell & Smith and it continued in business till 1887 when
Mr. Smith purchased the interest of his partner and has since conducted
the firm's affairs.
Our subject was born in Clayton county, Iowa, September 8, 1S55.
His father's name was John Smith and the latter went into that state from
Pennsylvania in 1850. In 1857 he returned to his oiiginal home in
Latiobe, Pennsylvania, and there reared his family. He was a carriage
maker and was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1824. He
was a son of Jacob Smith, a wagon maker.
John Smith married Adeline Cook who died in Pennsylvania in 1893.
Their five children are: Henry B. ; George C, of Jamestown, North Da-
kota; Emeline, wife of Peter Albaugh, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Blanche,
wife of Clark Thomas, of Moran, and Grant Smith, of Chicago, Illinois.
The father of the family resides in Jamestown, North Dakota.
H. B. Smith left Pennsylvania before he came of age and returned to
the state of his birth. He had learned his father's trade and this he made
his means of support for some years. He worked in Clayton and in Mc-
Gregor, Iowa, before his return to the Keystone state. He remained a year
in Latiobe, Pennsylvania, and then made his final trip west. He spent a
few months at his trade in Atchison, Kai:sas, and was induced to desert it
for a time, by visions of a free home in the we.st.
May 2, 1883, Mr. Smith was married in Moran, Kansas, to Miss
Orpha E. DeHart, a daughter of Elisha DeHart, who came to Kansas from
Morgan county, Indiana, and who is a well known, industrious and re-
spected citizen of Moran. Mr. and Mrs. Smith's children are: Eerov,
Pearl B. and Ralph.
As a citizen Mr. Smith is modest and unassuming, yet alive to his own
interests and to those of his town. He is a member of the township board
and has spent nine years on the school board.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 213
T OSEPH CLARENCE NORTON, Allen County's practical and theoretical
'^ Agriculturist, and a farmer whose fame extends beyond the confines of
his own State, came into the county in 1872. His father, Joseph G.
Norton, came out to Kansas in 1871, as a representative of a colon)' of Ohio
emigrants and purchased for them a tract of land in Anderson Count)', of
John W. Scott, agent of the L. E. and G. Railway Company. The colony
came out and settled their new purchase and called their station on the line
of the Santa Fe road "Colony." The town which this name was given to
was called by the old trailers, to and from Lawrence "Divide." Colony
was applied to this high point about 1872 when these Ohio soldiers took
possession of their lands. Mr. Norton was not pleased with this location
and the same year went into Marmaton township, Allen County, and pur-
chased a tract. In company with Mr. Norton were other Ohio settlers,
Mr. Schlimmer, Mr. Whitney and Fred Wagoner who also located in Allen
County. The first postoffice was Johnstown which in a few years gave way
to the Fairlawn postoffice, established in the house of Mr. Fehlison who
looked after. its affairs and the mail matter of the neighborhood till Moran
was founded, when it was discontinued. Mail was delivered by pon\-
carrier twice a week and the settlers felt themselves fortunate in receiving
such favors at the hands of the government.
J. Clarence Norton was born at Montville, Waldo County, Maine,
December 28, 1857. His father was born at Castine, Maine, April 21, 1824,
and his environments in 3'outh were entirely rural. His father, David
Norton, had charge of the Count)' Poor Farm ior many years and was a
local official for a long period. He was born in Maine and died in Das
Moines, Iowa, and was a son of Joseph Norton, an old whaling-shipmaster.
The latter had made several trips around the world before the Revolutionary
war and sailed into the harbor of San Francisco and shot buffalo where the
Presideo now is located and used water from the spring at the Golden
Gate. The original Nortons were aboard the Mayflower and are buried at
Plymouth, the site of their settlement.
Joseph G. Norton married Jane Cram, who died in Allen County in
1886. Their children were: Ida; deceased wife of John Carter of lola;
Ada, wife of George S. Davis, of lola; Joseph Clarence; Etta, wife of George
Mausy, of Rushville, Indiana.
Joseph G. Norton passed his early life as a boot and shoemaker. He
left Maine in 1862 and located in Covington, Kentucky, but worked in Cin-
cinnati, Ohio. Before reaching Cincinnati he lived in Ouincy and Brain-
tree, Massachusetts, and spent some time in Columbus, Ohio, upon his ar-
rival in the State.
Clarence was a lad of fourteen years when he came to Allen County.
He had had ample opportunities for education and graduated from the
Covington high school, the youngest in his class. He early developed a
talent for newspaper work and got his first experience on the lola Register.
Its editor, Mr. Perkins, retained him as a paid correspondent, the first of
the kind in the county. The subject of farming attracted him and he has
214 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
done much of it in an experimental way. His discoveries he has made
known from time to time in his letters to the Kansas Farmer and The
Rural New Yorker to which publications he contributes as a pay corre-
spondent and at good pay. He was the first to bale corn fodder and to in-
vent a machine for baling, a description of which operation was published
in Coburn's "Forage and Fodder" and he was the fiist to di.scover a meth-
od of preserving and keeping Irish potatoes two years. His articles have
attracted a wide interest among professional and experimental fanners and
he has addressed the State Board of Agriculture of Kansas, as the invited
guest of the Secretary on different occasions when officers of Agricultural
societies of other states were in his audience. Mr. Norton is also a
.student of farm stock and all his property of this description is registered.
Mr. Norton has kept weather records for thirty years and for the last
si.x years has kept the United States official records for this county, being a
regular weather bureau observer and supplied with government instru-
ments. There are instances where his records have been called to settle
damage suits with railways. He wrote a book on Weather Talks that was
published in the Register in the winter of 1895-6. Also another book pub-
lished in the Kansas Farmer on Potato Growing, and he has for two years
been at work on the Kansas Farmer's Hmdy Guide which is now running
in the Kansas Farmer and will be out in book form early in 1902. It is a
reprint of a collection of thirty years from all the leading farm papers in
the world.
Mr. Norton has been quite a sportsman and has hunted all over
the northwest. In 1S83 he brought from the Cascade Mountains a cap-
tured bear cub and that a year later he gave to the St. Louis Zoo, the largest
bear they ever had. He also gave to the Smithsonian Institute at Wash-
ington, D. C, the only specimen the world ever heard of in its life — a
Maltese skunk — a hybred cross between a white skunk and a mink and its
value is beyond estimate. This animal was captured on his farm in Allen
County, Kansas.
Mr. Norton has for several years been an introducer of worthy farm
machinery through the Kansas Farmer and he has a valuable collection.
He introduced the Early Kansas potato that was originated by William
Hankins of lola, and it is favorably known all over the United States,
being one of the best yielders at the Rural New Yorker's testing trials,
among one hundred other varieties. Also the Kansas Snowball, a new
seedling from the Common No. i potato.
Mr. Norton was married to Frances Coa, of Ashtabula, Ohio. She
died in 1892 leaving a son, Louis Norton. Mr. Norton then married (in
1893) Elba Ashcraft. Their children aje: Everett and Annie P.
In politics the Nortons have all along been Republicans. The 'St.
Louis platform did not conform to the ideas of our subject on the finance
question, in 1896, and he supported the candidate of the Democratic party.
The question of expansion being of more personal concern and of greater
national importance he supported Mr. McKinley in 1900 on that issue.
Outside of questions of citizen.ship he takes no special interest in local affairs.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 215
DOCTOR JAMES E. JEWELL, of Moraii, a member of the Board of
Pension Examiners for Allen County and for two terms Health
Officer of the county, is a gentleman most honorable, and highly esteemed.
His attitude and bearing are in themselves a moral lesson and his pro-
fessional integrity and professional competency are matters of general
recognition.
Dr. Jewell came into Allen County permanently Oct. 9, 1892, and
located in the new village of Moran. He came from McMinn County,-
Tennessee, where he had located in 1871. In 1868 he went into the South
with his father-in-law and engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business
in Talledego, County, Alabama. After he had remained there three years
he went into East Tennessee and was located near Athens eleven years.
Dr. Jewell was born in Chenango, County, New York, not far from
Norwich, December 26, 1846. His father. Dr. James Jewell, was born at
Durham, Green County, New York, December 6, 1818, and died in
Catskill, N. J., May 15, 1884. The latter was schooled and trained for an
educator and graduated in the Vermont Medical College. He was engaged
in regular practice, in New York, from graduation to his death. He pos-
sessed a fine intellect and an inordinate love for his profession and his
entire makeup rendered him one of the marked men of his co'.inty. He
was descended from Massachusetts stock and from Revolutionary ancestors.
His father was a Congregational minister.
Among the Revolutionary patriots who aided in the capture of the first
British soldiers who ever surrendered to Americans was Seth Clark, our
subject's great-grandfather. He was one of General Warren's men at
Boston and, while awaiting the turn in events which forced the English to
hand the city over to the Americans, he made, and decorated with Boston
scenes, a powder-horn which our subject possesses and which is to descend
to successive generations of the family.
Dr. James Jewell married Almyra Day, a lady of New England stock,
but born in Schoharrie County, New York. Her birth occurred in 18 rS
and her death the year of her husband's. Both lie in Moran cemetery.
Their children are: Dr. J. E. Jewell; Mary A., wife of Henry L. Bassett,
of Moran; Rev. Stanley D. Jewell, of Butler, Missouri, and the late Anson
Jewell.
Dr. Jewell's j'outh was passed chiefly in school. From fifteen to
twenty years of age he was a photographer in Catskill and Prattsville,
New York. February 11, 1868, he married May R. Coe, whose father,
Daniel Coe, founded and endowed Coe College at Ced.ir Rapids, Iowa. He
was a successful farmer in the Catskills of New York and died in Talledego,
County, Alabama. He was twice married, his second wife being Mrs.
Mercy (Wattles) Cowles, the mother of Mrs. Jewell.
It seems but natural that our subject should become a physician. His
father's prominence and success in the craft and his own associations with
the latter during his bringing up led him to a determination to pre-
pare for a life of medicine. It was rather late in life that he began the
2l6 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
actual work of preparation but it was better, thus, ou the whole, for his
faculties were then fully developed and matured. He entered the College
of Physicians and Surgeons in IBaltimore, Maryland, and took the highest
honors in a class of one hundred and forty-three at graduation. In appre-
ciation of this mark of excellence the faculty presented him with a gold
medal, properly inscribed, which is his constant companion, as it were.
The Doctor completed his course in iS8i and opened an office first at
Athens, Tennessee, where he remained until his location in Moran.
Dr. Jewell's only surviving child is a son, James Ralph Jewell, a
.student in Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A son, Walter Jewell, died
in Moran in 1892 at the age of twenty-two years.
The Presbyterians of Moran have had an active aid in Dr. Jewell. He
has been connected with that church officially many years and much of its
substantial progress has been due to his efforts. The Republican party of
Allen County has felt the beneficent effect of his influence and cooperation
and has honored him twice with election to the office of Coroner. His
own little city has called him to the Mayoralty and all his official acts
have been inspired by a desire to do absolute and accurate justice at all
times and to all men.
^' AMUEL, C. VARNER is one whose name is inseparably interwoven
*^— ' with the history of Moran. He belongs to that class whose ability and
character are making a deep impression upon the life of this rapidly de-
veloping town. In this broad state with its abundant room for individual
enterprise with its hearty appreciation of personal worth and its splendid
opportunities lor individual achievement, the man of ability finds the very
largest sphere for usefulness and the gratification of personal ambition. His
abilities will be discovered, his integrity will find appreciation, his public
.spirit will meet with recognition, and he cannot but become prominent.
Mr. Varner is an illustration of this fact. He has done much to advance
the material interests and substantial upbuilding of Moran.
A representative of sturdy Pennsylvania ancestry he was born in
Monongahela, Washington county, that state, December 10, 1845. His
parents, John M. and Lucinda (Collins) Varner, were also natives of
Pennsylvania. During his boyhood he accompanied them to Canton, Illi-
nois, and from 1856 until 1867 his home was in the "Prairie State." Dur-
ing a part of that time he pursued his education in the public schools.
When the war broke out he eniered the army and served with distinction
in the Sixty-seventh and One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiments of
Illinois Infantry, receiving well merited promotion He enlisted as a pri-
vate of Companj' B, in the One Hundred and Forty-eighth, was promoted
to first lieutenant and held other responsible positions by appointment.
When the stars and stripes had been planted in the capital of the southern
confederacy and hostilities had ceased he returned to his home.
In 1867 Mr. Varner removed to Iowa and in 1880 came to Kansas,
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 21/
locating in Colony. Being of an earnest, self-reliant nature, he was fully
prepared for business and at once took a leading position in commercial
circles. He made his lumber yard at that place one of the leading enter-
prises of the time in Anderson county. Quick to note an opportunity
offered and with a mind trained to take advantage of favorable business
possibilities, his lumber business was a success in every particular. Be-
lieving in the future of Moran he determined to locate at that place and
extend the field .of his operations. Accordingly in 1SS3 he opened his
lumber yard there and also embarked in the grain business. Two year-
later, in 1885, he extended the field of his labors by adding a hardware
store, placing his stock on sale in a small frame building on the east side
of Cedar street. That was the modest commencement of his present mam-
moth commercial enterprise. Soon those quarters became too smnll and in
1S88 on the west side of Cedar street he erected the first brick building in
the city. His hardware store soon took first rank in the countv and would
be a credit to any city in the state. Again he extended the field of his
labors by organizing the firm of J. J. Varner & Company and opening an
extensive store with a complete stock of merchandise.
In 1888 Mr. Varner established what was known as the S. C. Varner
Bank, which in 1892 was re-organized under the name of the Pejples Bitik
with Mr. Varner as president. In 1890 he completed tlie magnificent
brick block which stands as a monument to his activity, energy and suc-
cess. Giving personal supervision to his varied business enterprises he has
at all times been master of the minutest details of eich, so that he is ever
able to thoroughly meet every call of an imuiense business that would ordi-
narily require the combined skill of the individual members of a strong
company. Although the year 1893 was a period of financial depression in
many departments of trade, Mr. Varner, owing to his careful management,
found that his business not only held its own but was increasing, making
necessary additional room. He therefore erected the opera house block on
the east side of Cedar street, utilizing the first floor a; a ware-room. This
is a handsome brick structure which is certainly a credit to the city. Mr.
\^arner's public spirit, his pride in his adopted city and his faith in its
future led him to believe that his investments in improvements would be
appreciated. Having early established his commercial standing, which
was recognized by all the leading houses of the country, Mr. Varner con-
tinually added to his business, carefully managed its interests, ahd
maintained unassailed his reputation for commercial integrity, so that
when the period of financial depression came upon the country, he .still
enjoyed the public confidence that had been earned by honest effort. The
words of commendation which he now receives from the leading wholesale
houses of the country are well-deserved tributes to his ability and his high
standing.
On the 27th day of September, 1863, Mr. Varner was married to Miss
Annie McCord, a highly accomplished lady of Canton, Illinois. They
have never had any children of their own but adopted a daughter whom
they reared to adult age. Mr. Varner exercises his right of franchise in
2l8 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
support of the men and measures of the Republican part)-, but has never
.sought or desired office. He was elected ma\-or of Aloran in 1896 and his
administration was one of worth to the city. Socially he is a Knight
Templar, Mason and also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks, the Ancient Order of the United Workmen and the Grand Army of
the Republic. Men with minds that are as alert and broad as his are never
narrow; and men who, like him, view public questions, the social organi-
zation, politics and all the relations of life comprehensively and philo-
sophically are magnificent supporters of the best interests of humanity.
T ESSE H. COFFMAN — One of the successful and representative farmers
*J of Allen County is Jesse H. Coffman, of Moran. He came to the
county in 18S4 and purchased the old "Fair Lawn" farm, the northeast
quaiter of section '4, town 24, range 20. He was a pioneer to Neosho
County, irom which point he located in Allen County. In 186S he pre-
empted a claim on the Osage Ceded lands and was a party to the famous
law-suit which arose over the title to that land, much of which lay in Neosho
County.
Mr. Coffman came west from Adams County, Indiana, where he was
reared from boyhood. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December
17, 1839. His father, David Coffman, was born in the same county in 1809
and was there married to Rebecca Hughes, a daughter of Jesse Hughes, a
soldier of the War of 1812. Mr. Hughes cam; from Pennsylvania into
Ohio as a pioneer and David Coffman came through that State from Vir-
ginia on his way to Ohio. The Coffmans are one of the old American
families and some of them were patriots of our Revolution. Our subject's
great-grandfather was one of them and he was killed while in the service.
David Coffman died in 1872 at the age of sixty-three years. His wife
died the same \ ear. Their children were: Mary E. , who resides in Adams
County, Indiana, is the widow of the late Basil Hendricks, her second
husband; Sarah A., wife of Henry Steele, of Pleasant Mills, Indiana,
Harriet O., widow of Alexander Eichar, who resides with our subject;
Jesse H.; Isabel, wife of David Springer, of VanWert County, Ohio, and
George M. Coffman, of Erie, Kansas.
In 1861 President Lincoln appointed J. H. Coffman postmaster of
Pleasant Mills, Indiana, which office he resigned in 1862 to enlist in Com-
pany E, loth Ohio cavalry, Ciptain Fehlison and Colonels S;nith and
Sanders. The regiment was under Kilpatrick and took part in the cavalry
work around Atlanta and Savainiah. It returned north through the enemy's
country to Richmond, Virginia, where it was embarked on a transport for
Baltimore and from that point was shipped to Cleveland, Ohio, where it
was mustered out of service in August, 1865. Mr. Coffman took part in
all the serious engagements with which his division was concerned and
notwithstanding the frequency with which he was under fire during his
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 219
three years' service he received no wounds. He was mustered out as first
duty sergeant of Company E.
The three years intervening between his discharge from the army and
his advent to Kansas Mr. Coffman spent at farming in Adams County, In-
diana. He made the trip to Kansas in a wagon coniaining, besides his
family, his personal effects. He disposed of his Neosho County farm at a
fancy price and invested the proceeds in land near Moran. His farm
comprises 330 acres convenientlj' situated and well stocked and well tilled.
Mr. Coffman was first married in 1867 to Anna R. McL,eod who died
in 1879, with issue as follows: May, wife of Marion L,ee, of L,oi Angjeks
County, California; Edith I., wife of Chas. Weast, of Neosho County. In
1884 Mr. Coffman married I^aura E. Coe, a daughter of Orville L,. Coe, of
Geanga County, Ohio. Their child is Harold C. Coffman.
Mr. Coffman is a well known Democrat and is one of the party leaders
in Allen County. He frequents county conventions and enthuses his coun-
trymen in the faith in every political campaign.
"V ^ 7"ESLEY N. JONES, of Marmaton township and a pioneer Kansan,
" ^ has resided upon the southeast quarter of section 22, town 24,
range 20, for the past ten years, having come into Allen County from the
adjoining county of Anderson in the spring of 1890. In 1865 his father,
John M. Jones, settled in the valley of Deer Creek, near Colony, Kansas,
and became one of the substantial farmers of Anderson County. He emi-
grated from Montgomery County, Illinois, where he was reared and married.
He was born in Tennessee in 1826, was a son of Hugh Jones, and died near
Colony in 1894. Hugh Jones left Tennessee about 1836 and improved a
farm in Montgomery County, Illinois, where he settled permanently
and died.
John M. Jones married Frances Grisham, a daughter of Spartan Gris-
ham, who survives her husband at the age of sixty-nine years. Her chil-
dren are: Mary, wife of W. H. Quiet, of Anderson, County, Kansas; Wes-
ley N.; Emma, wile of Jesse Day, of Chase County, Kansas; Hugh Jones,
of Boston, Massachusetts: a lawyer and a telephone promoter.
Wesley N. Jones was born in Montgomery County, Illinois, in May,
1S54. He consequently grew up in Kansas from his eleventh year. His
education was obtained in the early schools of Anderson County and he be-
gan life as a farmer. In 1877 he was married in Allen County to Ella, a
daughter of George H. Bacon, of Elsmore township. The children of this
union are: Jesse M., Laura, Charles, George, May, Roy and Junia.
Mr. Jones made farming a success in Anderson County for several
years and when he came into Allen County he purchased one of the good
farms of his township. It is two and one-half miles northwest of Moran
and was the "Snyder League claim." His surroundings present the ap-
pearance of thrift and a degree of prosperity not uncommon with men of
220 ■ HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
indiistrj' and ambition He is growing into the stock business and is
reaching a plane of financial independence most desirable in the evening
of life.
The Jones' have a reputation for staunch Republicanism. Our subject
cast his first presidential vote for Mr. Hayes and his last one for William
McKinlej' and the Republicans of Marmaton selected him for the candidate
for Trustee in 1900.
GEORGE L. MERRILL, of the lumber firm of Adams & Merrill, of
Moran, came to Allen County in 1883. At that time he located in the
new and growing town of Moran, engaged in the business of contracting
and building and for seventeen years has been regarded as an active mov-
ing spirit in the affairs of his town.
Mr. Merrill was born in Concord, Morgan County, Illinois, May 10,
i860. His father, Spafford Merrill, was a mechanic. He crossed the-
plains in '49 and remained on the Pacific coast several years, residing
among the Indians and resting here and there alone, and without the sight
of a white man for years. He made his way up into Washington and was
one of the parties to name the city Whatcomb. He returned to Illinois
with the proceeds of his trip, before the Rebellion, and engaged in mercan-
tile pursuits in Concord. He joined the loist Illinois infantry as a private
soldier and served over two years.
Spafford Merrill was born in New^ York February 5, 1825. His father
was Aaron Merrill, born in Geneseo, New York, in 1798. The latter left
New York with his family in 1829 and settled in Mahoning County, Ohio.
He continued his westw%nrd trip in 1871 and died in Morgan County,
Illinois, in 1874. He married Electa Wright and his children were: Mar-
garet, Charles, Spafford, Benson, .George, John and Emily, wife of W. H.
McCartney, of Hopkins, Missouri. Benson resides in Jacksonville, Illinois;
the others are dead.
Spafford Merrill married Athalia Rush, of New York. She died
February 28, 1878, in Morgan County, Illinois. Their children were:
Oscar R., of Moran, Kansas; George L. and Eva, wife of Charles Orwig,
of McDonough County, Illinois, Robert Merrill, of Warren, Ohio, is a
half brother of our subject.
George L. Merrill put himself to the carpenter trade in Concord,
Illinois, at an early age. By the death of his parents he was without a
home at the age of thirteen 3'ears. He remained about Concord till 1883
when he started west and soon brought up in lola, Kansas. He was in
company with W. H. Berkihiser, known in Moran, and found work in that
town at once. He followed his trade till 1890 when he engaged in the
lumber business with Honstead & Berkihiser. The firm changed to
Merrill &. Honstead some months later and finally, in 1896, to its present
name.
On questions of public policy, in Nation andSt^ate, the early Merrills
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 22 1
were Republicans. The faith of his fathers our subject has espoused and
his politics is well known in Moran, where he has served as Clerk of
the cit_v.
November 30, 1884, Mr. Merrill was married in Moran to Ida M. Cox,
a daughter of Peter Cox, of Vigo County, Indiana. The latter died in
Moran and left two children, viz.: Amy, wife of A. Lisenbee, and Mrs.
Merrill. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill's children are: Oscar L., Alma M.
and Amy E.
Mr. Merrill is a Workman, an Odd Fellow, a Rebekah and a member
of the ladies auxiliary to the Workman — the Degree of Honor.
Ti;^ZRA N. WILLETT, of Moran, is one of the pioneers to eastern Allen
-•— -' county. He came to the county with his parents in 1868 and has
been a resident of it since. His father, John Willett, located three and a
half miles ea,st of lola, on the farm adjoining Gas on the east, and was a
resident of the county till 1880 when he took up his residence in Parsons,
Kansas. He, however, died in lola in 1882 at the age of seventy-eight
years.
John Willett was born in the state of Pennsylvania, reared there and
came west by degrees to Ohio, Illinois, Missouri and finally to Kansas.
He was married to Nancy Landis in the state of Ohio in the year 1835 and
his widow resides with the subject of this review. The latter was born in
1 818 and is the mother of: Wesley Willett, of Seattle, Washington; Sam
E. Willett, of Malone, New York; Ezra N., our subject, born January 20,
1856; Ira Willett, of Miami, Florida; Lew E., wife of C. A. Sensor, of
Denver. Colorado; Mary, wife of Jacob Fitzpatrick, of Wichita, Kansas,
and Cynthia E. , of Denver, Colorado.
Ezra N. Willett has passed all but twelve years of his life in Kansas.
He was born in the state of Illinois, Pike county, was educated in the
common schools of Kansas and is responsible for his own financial and
social standing. He remained with the family neat lola till nearing his
twenty-first birthday when he identified himself with the eastern portion of
the county by entering a piece of the indemnity strip, his claim, now his
farm, being the southwest quarter of section ig, township 24, range 21.
His early efforts at farming and farm-improvement were very crude and the
first two years he spent on the claim were years of not the greatest possible
prosperity. He hauled coal from Fort vScott to lola to earn some of the
means to sustain him and in other menial ways he maintained an honor-
able existence till his farming venture was made to pay. His first house
was a ten by twelve box and his second one twelve by sixteen which gave
way, in 1889, to his present farm cottage.
In 1878, February 28, Mr. Willett was married to Amy McNaught, a
daughter of the late James R. McNaught, of Moran. Their children are :
Zella and Ethel, aged sixteen and eleven years, respectively.
222 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
MELVIN-Iv. LACEY. — The Lacey family is one of the conspicuously
prominent ones of Allen county. It was established here more than
a score of years ago and the heads of its numerous households are men of
integrity, of great respect, ability and undoubted personal honor. One of
their number is the subject of this brief sketch, Melvin L,- Lacey. He wa.s
born in Jackson county, Michigan, March 7, 1853, and is a brother of
Edward D. Lacey, of Allen county. He is the youngest of si.x children,
the others being: Anna, deceased, wife of James Wright; Mary J., wife of
William Harper, of Champaign county, Illinois; Edward D., William H.,
of Allen county, and George W., of Moran, Kansas.
M. L. Lacey began life, really, in boyhood. He learned farming and
engaged in it for some years, as a hired man. He was married in Iroquois
county, Illinois, in 1874 to Ivy Robinett, a daughter of Eleaser Robinett,
an Ohio farmer, who went into Illinois from Pickaway county, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Lacey 's children are: Arthur, married to Mattie B.
Green, resides in Blue Mound, Kansas; Archie F. and Harry E. Lacey,
young farmers of Marmaton township.
Mr. Lacey came to Allen county in 1887 and spent twelve years in
Moran where he controlled the transfer and express business of the town.
In 1S99 he moved to his farm, the south half of the south-east quarter of
section 19, township 24, range 20, one of the desirable and fertile tracts of
Allen county.
In politics our subject is in line with the conduct of his elder brethren.
He is well known as a Republican and served in the city of Moran three
years in the council and as its city marshal. He is a member of the dis-
trict school board and"holds a membership in the Methodist church.
ALLEN B ISAAC, well known as a citizen and farmer of Marmaton
township, Allen county, came to Kansas in 1877 and located in this
county. He spent the first year in Humboldt and, having cast about over
the county foi a satisfactory location he chose Marmaton township and took
up his residence therein. He settled section fifteen, on the south line of
the township, improved a good farm and has resided in that vicinity, almost
continuously, since.
Mr. Isaac came to Kansas from Illinois. His father, Elias Isaac set-
tled in Bureau county, Illinois, in 1833, going there from Washington,
Indiana. At this latter place our subject was born May 30, 1S26. Elias
Isaac was born in North Carolina in 1804. He was a son of John Isaac,
who left the "old Tar Heel" state in 1808 and went into Daviess county,
Indiana, where he died. He had five sons, Samuel, John, Elijah, Allen
and Elias. Allen spent his life about Beardstown, Illinois. John died in
Edgar County, Illinois, and Elias died in Bureau county, Illinois, in 1890.
The last named learned tanning in his early life, followed it to some ex-
tent but drifted into farming and made that his life work. He was dis-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 2 23
■charged from the ranks as a soldier of the Black Hawk war for disability.
He married Mary Black whose parents were trom Kentucky. She died in
1S9.? at the age of eighty-seven years.
Elia.i and Mary Isaac were the parents of Allen B. ; Ardilla, married
Aaron Stephenson and died; John M. Isaac, of Maiden, Illinois; Mahala,
wife of John Winans, of Carson, Iowa; William Isaac, of Maiden, Illinois,
the oldest white child born in Bureau count> ; Mary E., widow of John
Cass, of Bureau county; James W., of Hastings, Nebraska, is deceased,
and Nancy, deceased, who married Marion Hite, of Bureau county,
Illinois.
Allen B. Isaac spent his youth on the farm and acquired his education
in the country districts. He engaged in mercantile pursuits on reaching
his majority and his interests were in a general store in Maiden, Illinois.
Twelve years in the store sufficed and he left the counter for the plow. He
was on the farm, still, when his attention was drawn to the advantages of
the west. This he heard through Ross and Knox, who were then engaged
in the emigration business, and he came out, saw, was pleased and
located.
May 3. 1853, Mr. Isaac was married to Paulina Seger, a daughter of
Andrew Seger, who came into Illinois from Ohio but who was formerly
from near Syracuse, New York. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac are:
Charles L. , of Allen county; Lincona, wife of Al Moore, of McLoud. Okla-
homa, whose first husband was A. B. Bainura. The Bainum children
are: Neal, Genie, Claude and Eva; Clayton Isaac, of Allen county; Dres-
den Isaac, of Allen county; Ada, wife of Thomas Thore, of Choctaw,
Oklahoma; George Isaac,' of Chicago, Illinois, and Clifford Humboldt
Isaac, born at Humboldt, Kansas, resides with his parents.
Mr. Isaac became a Republican with the earliest of the party voters.
His first presidential ballot was cast for Hale, the Free Soil candidate and
with the Republican party he has acted since 1856. His adherance to the
party tenets has been steadfast and his belief in them constant and un-
faltering. He took a prominent part in county politics from the first in
Kansas and his name has been associated with others, in time past, as a
suitable candidate for public trust.
TAMES L. HOSLEY— The beautiful home of James L. Hosley is located
^ in Anderson County, but much of his land lies in Allen County. His
possessions are a monument to his enterprise, unflagging industry and
capable business management. He owns twelve hundred and thirty-five
acres of fine land in the two counties, but at the time of his marriage he did
not possess a dollar. His life history so clearly illustrates the possibilities
that lie before men of determined purpose who are not afraid to work that
it should serve as a source of inspiration and aid to all who are forced to
start upon a business career empty-handed.
James L. Hosley was born in Barry County, Michigan, on the 13th of
224 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
November, 1S43. His father, Jonathan Hosley, was a native of Massa-
chusetts an i at an early period in the development of the Wolverine State
emigrated westward, taking up his residence there. He was united in
marriage to Miss Lima F. Fisher, and upon a farm in Michigan they re-
sided until 1859, when they came to Kansas and settled in Osage town-
ship, Allen County. The father died here in 1878 and the mother, surviv-
ing him for man}^ years, passed away in 1S94. Of their six children, four
are yet living and are residents of Kansas.
James L. Hosley, the third in order of birth, pursued his education in
the common schools of Michigan. When a youth of sixteen years he came
with his parents to the Sunflower State and assisted his father in the opera-
tion of the home farm until after the inauguration of the Civil war. His
patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the South to overthrow the
Union, and donning the blue he joined Company E, of the Sixth Kansas
Cavalry on the 5th of December, 1S61. He served throughout the remain-
der of the war, participating in many battles and skirmishes. Among them
were those of Clear Creek, Coon Creek, Ft. Gibson, Lindsay's Prairie,
Prairie Grove, Cane Hill, Maysville, Newtonia, Waldon and Mazard
Prairie. All those battles occurred in Arkansas and were most hotly con-
tested. Mr. Hosley was captured at the last named on the 27th of July 1864
and was exchanged on the 22nd of May, 1865, after being held as prisoner
of war for ten months. He will never forget the first day, which was one
of the saddest of his life, nor the day of his release, which brought great
happiness, for his experience as a Rebel captive was anything but pleasant.
He was senc to Tyler, Texas, and there remained until the close of hostili-
ties. During the entire period he had to sleep" upon the ground and his
rations were limited. He would much have preferred to take his chances
-A-ith his comrades upon the field, facing the enemy in battle, rather than
remain in inactivity in the far South, enduring treatment thit was, to say
the least, not enviable. For days he had nothing but a pint of meal in
which the cob of the corn was also ground. Upon being exchanged he was
sent to Duvall's Bluff, Arkansas, where he received an honorable discharge
on the 2 ist of June, 1865. Although in a number of important engage-
ments he was never wounded. With a most creditable military record he
returned to his home, conscious of having faithfully performed his duty as
a defender of the old flag.
On again reaching Kansas Mr. Hosley began farming and dealing in
stock on a small scale. He completed his preparations for a home by his
maiTiage to Miss Emeline West, a native of Ohio, who came with her
parents to this State in 1858. The wedding was celebrated in 1868, and
the lady has ever proved to her husband a faithful companion and help-
mate. At the time of their marriage Mr, and Mrs Hosley had only money
enough to buy a package of soda, which cost fifteen cents, but they began
work with a will and the fruits of their labor aie seen in the extensive
landed possessions which now constitute the Hosley estate. As his
financial resources have increased Mr. Hosley has continually added to his
property until now he has twelve hundred and thirty-five acres of rich.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 225
productive land in Allen and Anderson counties. He has this well stocked
with horses and cattle, keeping about one hundred and fifty head of cattle
and a large number of horses. He has only good grades of stock and
therefore has no trouble in securing a ready sale on the market. His resi-
dence is just across the line in Anderson County. It is a beautiful struc-
ture, and its tasteful furnishings and attractive exterior make it one of the
most pleasing homes in all the county. He certainly has every reason to
be proud of his business record. He does not owe a dollar to any man
and his possessions have been acquired entirely through his own efforts
and through the assistance of his capable wife. Honesty has characterized
all his dealings, and added to this has been indefatigable energy that has
overcoihe all difficulties and obstacles in his path, enabling him to gain a
plane of affluence.
In his political views Mr. Hosley is a .stalwart Republican. He joined
the party when he became a voter and has never wavered in his allegiance
to its principles. He maintains a pleasant relationship with his old army
comrades through his membership in Major Rankin Post, G. A. R. , at
Kincaid, and delights in recounting and recalling the scenes of life on the
tented field or upon the field of battle. He possesses the true western
spirit of enterpri.se and progress that has been such an important factor in
the substantial upbuilding and development of the middle west.
T TARVEY OLMSTEAD.— There are no rules for building character;
-L J- there is no rule for achieving success. The man who can rise to an
enviable position in a community and in the business world is he who can
see and utilize the opportunities that surround his path. The conditions
of human life are ever the same, the surroundings of individuals differ but
slightly, and when one man passes another on the highway and reaches the
goal of prosperity before others who perhaps started out before him, it is
because he has the power to use advantages which probably encompass the
whole human race. There have been no exciting chapters in the career
of Mr. Olmstead, but an untiring industry and a steadfastness of purpose
have enabled him to work his way steadily upward and gain a position of
affluence among the substantial agriculturists of Allen county.
He has the distinction of being the first white child born in Fairfield
township, Bureau count}-, Illinois, the date of his birth being the ist of
May. 1842. His father, Elijah Olmstead, was a native of Canada and
married Electa Hall, a native of Ohio. In 1842 they removed to Illinois,
locating in Fairfield township. Bureau county, among the first settlers
there. The father was not permitted long to enjoy his new home, for
death claimed him in 1846, when he was forty-eight years of age, and his
wife survived only until 1848. They had two children, Harvey and J. E.
Olmstead.
The subject of this review remained in Illinois until eleven years of
226 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
age. His parents having died, he went to live with his grandparents and
the}' removed to Hamilton county, Iowa, where he acquired his education
in the common schools. In the fall of 1856 he became a resident of In-
diana, where he was employed as a farm hand until 1861. In that year the
troubles between the north and the south culminated in civil war and his
sympathy with the Ur.ion cause prompted his enlistnient as a member of
Company A., Twenty-first Indiana Infantry, with which he served until
tlie fall of 1862, when he received an honorable discharge. The following
year he re-enlistea and became first sergeant in Company C, of the Twelfth
Indiana Cavalry. He was then at the front until after the star-spangled
banner had been planted in the capital of the southern confederacy. Re-
turning to his Indiana home he there remained until the month of Decem-
ber, when he went to Illinois and secured work as a farm hand, being
employed in that capacity for two years. He was then married and began
farming on his own account, upon rented land, remaining in Illinois until
1882, when he came to Kansas, taking up his abode in Osage township.
He first purchased eighty acres and subsequently added to it another tract
of eighty acres, so that to-day he owns a valuable quarter section.
On the 6th of October, 1867, occurred the marriage of Mr. Olmstead
and Miss Mary Oviatte, a native of Summit county, Ohio. Unto them
were born four children: Frank H., a book-keeper in Hot Springs, Arkan-
sas; Hattie A., Fred E. and Vera. The elder daughter was born in Sum-
mit county, Ohio, and accompanied her parents to Iowa, there residing
until twelve years of age when she came to Kansas. She acquired the
greater part of her education here and spent one year as a student in Stan-
berry College, Stanberry, Missouri. At the age of eighteen she began
teaching schcol and for twelve j'ears she followed that profession in Kansas
while for two years she was principal of the Withington schools at Hot
Springs, Arkansas. She is also numbered among the popular teachers of
Allen county. In June, 1900, she received the nomination on the fusion
ticket for the office of county superintendent of schools and was elected by
a majority of two hundred and eighty-two votes. The election was cer-
tainly a triumph for she overcame the usual Republican majority of six
hundred and fifty. The Olmstead family is one of prominence in Allen
county, its members enjoying the high regard of many friends. The career
of our subject has been both commendable and gratifying, for along legiti-
mate lines of business he has won success and at the same time has retained
the confidence and good will of his fellow men by reason of his honorable
methods.
JOSEPH C. BEATTY, one of the large feeders and farmers of Allen
*J county, came to Kansas in 1877 and settled in Osage township. At
that date Humboldt was the county metropolis and many of our leading
settlers were located from that point, being located by the well-remem-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 227
bered real estate man, G. W. Hutchinson. Mr. Beatt}' was one of these
settlers. He chose the valley of the Osage river, bought a farm therein
and has since called it his home. For some years beginning with 18S0
Mr. Beatty was not an active farmer. He engaged in the butcher business
in lola, being interested with "Beatty Brothers," and later their interests
were transferred to the furniture business there. In i3S6 he became a part-
ner in the Fort Scott Wholesale Grocery Company and remained with the
concern till 1S88, at which date he returned to the Osage River farm.
In the conduct of the farm Mr. Beatty has given the stock business the
chief place in his affections. This branch of industry calls for a genius not
common to the average farmer and its successful conduct, upon a large
scale, is consequent upon the especial adaptability of its promoter. The
growth made in this industry by our subject within the past dozen years
marks him as one of the successful feeders and the extent of his operations
gives him a wide acquaintance' through Allen, Anderson and Bourbon
counties.
By nativity Mr. Beatty is an Irishman. He was born near Belfast
July 8, 1S54, and was a son of David Beatty who left Ireland in 1855 and
took up his residence near Kincarden. Canada. In r86g the family took
another jump westward, this time locating in Sonoma count)', California.
David Beatty, father of our subject, was married to Mary Crawford, whose
death occurred in Allen county in 1880. Their children were: William,
who died in California; John C., of L,os Angeles, California; Elizabeth, wife
of William Caldwell, of Cloverdale, California; Mary J., widow of R. A.
Kerr, of L,os Angeles, California; Joseph C. ; James T. , of the Fort Scott
Wholesale Grocery Company, and David R. Beatty, of Beaumont, Texas.
Joseph C. Beatty was equipped for a career of business in Healds
Business College in San Franci.sco, California. He began life in the sheep
business in Sonoma county and drifted from that into the cattle business,
on a moderate scale. The conditions for handling cattle extensively were
not so favorable in California and he was induced to return east, to Kansas,
where there was a prospect of acquiring cheap land and greater range for
stock. In Allen county the area of his farm and ranch has kept pace with
the extent of his herds and his six hundred and twenty acres comprises one
of the desirable pieces of property in the county.
Mr. Beatty excels not only as a man of affairs but as a citizen. His
conduct has been, toward his neighbors, of such a character as to win and
maintain their confidence, commercially, socially and politically. He has
been identified with county politics, as a Republican, for many years and,
as an intimation of the weight of his opinion it is only necessary to say that
candidates for office are always anxious to know "how Beatty stands" with
reference to them.
July 29, 1880, Mr. Beatty was married to Mrs. Mattie Fielding, a
daughter of W. W. Neville, of Garnett, Kansas. The Nevilles were from
Hart county, Kentucky, to Illinois and from Illinois to Kansas in 1870.
Mr. Neville married Catherine Conover who bore him four children: John,
of Lawrence, Kansas; Mrs. Melissa Hunley, of Garnett, Kansas, and Mrs.
228 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Beatty. All are surviving. Mr. Neville died in 1895 at the age of
seventy-five j-ears while his widow makes her home with Mrs. Beatty.
Mr. and Mrs. Beatty's children are: Luretta May, Sophomore in
University at Ottawa, Kansas; Clarence N., a student in the Moran high
school, and Joseph Harold. The family are members of the Baptist
church.
/^CHRISTOPHER K. MILLS, of Deer Creek township, the well known
^-^ Irish- American farmer and stock man, has passed a generation, a
score of years in Allen County. He came here in 1880 with plenty of
means and bought land in section 17, township 24, range 19, one-hali of
the section, and improved and brought the large farm under cultivation.
The stock business he was made familiar with in his youth and it was but
natural, under favorable circumstances, that he should turn his attention to
it when settling upon the broad prairies of Kansas.
As the name would indicate, Mr. Mills is an Irishman. He was born
in County Roscommon, Ireland, December 25, 1829. His father, Thos.
Mills, died in the Emerald Isle, leaving a family of five sons and six
daughters, of whom Christopher K., was the oldest son. The latter's ad-
vantages as a boy were those only of the country lad with poor but respect-
able parents whose chief aim from day to day was to do a bigger day's
work tomorrow than they did today. The practice of this plan taught all the
children to work, especially the eldest son, and so when he lelt Ireland to
join the vast throng of his countrymen in the United States he did so, well
equipped with the elements that win success. He boarded a sailer at
Liverpool and after eleven weeks put into New York harbor He cast
about for a hold and took any honorable employment yielding a revenue
for his support. He went into the country about Kingston, New York,
and hired for seven dollars a month with a promise of more as he
earned it. Upon leaving New York State he went into western Pennsyl-
vania and made his home about Pittsburg for twenty years. He invested
his wages in a team as soon as he could purchase one and engaged in
teaming and freighting. To this he added farming, also, and ere many
years found himself in possession of the implements and the experience to
win a fortune.
With the proceeds of his years of toil in cash Mr. Mills brought his
large family to Kansas where he could the better utilize the labor of his
sons and where a promise of greater reward awaited his coming. The sons
remained with the homestead in Allen County till things were well started
when they scattered here and there as each reached the period of his
majority.
Seven of the eleven children of Thos. Mills came to the United States.
Those surviving in addition to our subject are: James, of Clark County,
Missouri; Patrick, of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; Michael of south-
east Missouri, and Bridget, wife of Thos. Convoy, of Denver, Colorado.
C. K. Mills was married to Mary Convoy who died in Allen County,
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 22Cj
Kansas, March 17. 1898. She was born in County Roscommon, Ireland,
and was the mother of: Thomas Mills, who died near Edmund, Oklahoma,
and left two sons; John Mills, of Oregon; James Mills, of lola; Mary, wife
of George Silvers, of Kansas City, Missouri; Lizzie, who married A. T.
Kennedy; Agnes, widow of Frank Cain; Cristopher K. Jr. , of Oregon ;
Samuel Mills; Julia, wife of Edward Marsoth, of lola; Kate, wife of Alfred
Nelson, of Allen County; William Mills: Rosa, witeof James McKaughan,
of Allen Countv, and Lsabel, wife of William LaVell.
MRS. MARY M. BROWNING, of Savonburg, was born in Franklin
County, Illinois, April 3, 1853. Her father. Colonel James J.
Dowlins, was also a native of that State, and there married Susan Ann
Hartley, who was born in Kentucky and went with her parents to Illinois
when a maiden of twelve summers. The Colonel was a prominent and in-
fluential citizen of his community, and for a number of years of5iciall\-
served as county clerk of Franklin County. When the Civil war broke
out he resolved to aid in the preservation of the Union, and in August,
1 86 1, enlisted in the Eighty-first Illinois Infantrj', of which he was com-
missioned colonel. After serving one year and nine months, during which
time he had participated in the battle of Fort Douelson, and had sustained
a severe wound in the head at the battle of Shiloh. he proceeded to Vicks-
burg, where on the 2.'nd of May, 1863, he laid down his life on the altar of
his country, a minie ball causing his death while his regiment was making
a charge on the enemy's works. Thus fell one of the most gallant, brave
and noble commanders in the Federal army. He was then but thirty-one
years of age. He had the confidence and friendship of his superiors, and
the love and respect of those who served under him. From the pen of R.
M. Wheatley, of DuQuoin, Illinois, familiarly known as "Hardshell,"
came the following poem, "written in honor of James J. Dowlins of the
Eighty-first Illinois Infantry, who fell on the 22nd of May, 1863, while
leading his band in that memorable charge on the rebel works at Vicksburg:"
"Onward to victor}'," nobly he cried,
"Onward to victory," onward till he died.
In arms the rebel phalanx stood
Behind their works of earth and wood.
"Give us vict,ry or give us death,"
Brave Dowlins cried with his last breath:
And "Onward" was the last command
That Dowlins gave his gallant band.
Through whizzing shot and bursting shell,
Onward he charged until he fell;
A fatal ball had pierced his head
And made the gallant colonel dead.
230 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
May holy reverence mark the grave
Where lies DoUins, the leader brave;
May holy angels guard his tomb
And heavenly spirits waft him home.
Five children were left to. mourn the less of the gallant colonel and
three of the number are now living, as follows: Mrs. Browning, Mrs. Delilah
A. Svvafford, and Joseph L. Dolling.
The first named spent her girlhood days in her parents' home and in
1872 she gave her hand in marriage to Joseph B. Martin, a native of
Illinois, who like her father had served as a soldier in the Civil war. He
was a member of Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-sixfh Illinois In-
fantry, and died in 1879, from wounds received in the army. They had
two children: John W., now a resident of McCune, Kansas; and Mrs. Ida
May Smith, of Chainite, Kansas. Mrs. Martin was married to Joseph
Browning, a native of Illinois, and by her second marriage had five chil-
dren, of whom four are now living, namely: Mrs. Maud P. DeHart; IdaG.,
wife of Homer McCallen; and Fred and Fay who are with their mother.
In [S80 Mrs. Browning came to Kansas, snd for some time resided on
a farm at McCune. Later she purchased a farm near Chanute, where she
remained for twelve years, and then sold that property. Coming to Savon-
burg, she bought the City Hotel, greatly improved the building by erecting
an addition, and gave her attention to the conduct of the hotel till about
the first of the year 1901.
TS. TATHANIEL. T. HOLMES, who is numbered among the enterpris-
-L ^ ing young businessmen of Savonburg, has lived for little moie than
three decades, yet has attained a creditable degree of prosperity in com-
mercial circles as the reward of well directed labors. Hs was born in Pax-
ton, Ford County, Illinois, on the 24th of October, 1868, and is the fourth
in order of birth in a family of — children. He is of Swedish parentage, his
father, W. S. Holmes, being born in Sweden and came to America in
1852, taking up his residence in Illinois. There he married Miss Cora
Matson. The mother died after the removal of the family to Kansas, and
the father and one son are now in the State of Washington. One son, L.
L. Holmes, is a resident of Iowa, but the other members of the family are
living in Allen County. They arrived there on the 12th of March, 1870.
when the subject of this review was only one and one-half years of age, and
located upon a farm where the town of Savonburg now stands, and amid
the scenes of frontier life Nathaniel T. Holmes was reared. He pursued
his education in the common schools of the county until he had completed
the curriculum and then spent two terms as a student in th e Fort Scott
College, On laying aside his text books he secured a clerkship in Charles
Nelson's grocery store at Savonburg, remaining in the employ of that
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 23 1
gentleman for five 3'ears. During that time he saved his earnings, and
adding this to some borrowed mone)' he purchased a stock of goods and
embarked in business on his own account. The new venture proved suc-
cessful from the beginning and in ninety days he was enabled to discharge
his indebtedness. The secret of his success lies in his strict attention to
business, his obliging manner and his honorable dealing.
Mr. Holmes votes with the Republican party and at all times stands ready
to advance its welfare along legitimate lines or contribute to the support of
his friends who are seeking office. He is a member of the Ancient Order of
United Workmen of Savonburg. He speaks and reads his father's native
tongue, is a well informed man and a reliable and progressive citizen.
I JETER M. LINQUIST, a farmer of Elsmore township, was born in
-*- Sweden on the 3rd of June, 1834, a son of James P. and Mary (Pet-
erson) Linquist both of whom spent their entire lives in Sweden. The
subject of this review remained in that country until twenty-three years of
age, when hoping to find better opportunities than were afforded in the
old countries of Europe, he crossed the Atlantic to America, arriving in
Henry county, Illinois, in 1857. There he began working by the month
for he had no capital, and it was necessary to depend upon the labors of
his hands for his support. It was after his arrival in Illinois that he was
married to Miss Edna Carlson, a Swedish lady, who came to the United
States with her parents in 1852, locating in Illinois. Mr. Linquist re-
moved to Warren county, Illinois, where he was employed for three years
and then returned to Henry county, there purchasing a farm of one hun-
dred and sixt\' acres, making it his place of residence for seven years. On
the expiration of that period he removed to Moline, Illinois, and through
the seven succeeding years was in the employ of the John Deere Plow Com-
pany. The year 1879 witnessed his arrival in Kansas. He took up
his abode in Elsmore township, Allen county, where he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land, and began the improvement of what is
now one of the finest farms around Savonburg, supplied with modern
accessories and conveniences. His fields are highly cultivated, and in ad-
dition to the raising of grain he handles all kinds of stock.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Linquist have been born eight children, as follows:
Rosa, wife of Olaf Swanson, now in Kansas City, Missouri; Emma H., wife
of John Johnson: Nellie and Caroline, at home; Esther, who is engaged in
teaching school in Savonburg; Peter S., George and David, who are still
with their parents. The three last named posse.ss considerable musical
talent, a love of the art of music being a characteristic of the family. By
his ballot Mr. Linquist supports the Republican party. He has filled the
office of township treasurer for a number of years, and in November, 1900,
was elected town.ship trustee. His marked fidelity to the duties of citizen-
ship is a guarantee of faithful service. Mr. Linquist's hope of benefitting
232 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
his financial condition in America has been more than realized. Improv-
ing his opportunities he has placed his reliance upon the substantial quali-
ties of diligence and perseverance and has therefore acquired creditable
success.
"^ A TTLLIAM F. ENOS, who is engaged in blacksmithing in Savon-
" ^ burg, is numbered among the native sons of Wisconsin who have
sought homes in the Sunflower state. He was born in Evansville, on the
14th of November, 1847. His father, John Enos, removed from Indiana
to Wisconsin and was married in that state to Miss Hulda Griffith. They
spent their remaining days in the Badger state, being people of the highest
respectability and held in warm regard by their many friends. Under
the parental roof the subject of this review was reared, and in the common
schools near his home he conned the lessons that gave him a knowledge of
the branches of English learning. At the age of sixteen he enlisted in the
naval service of the United States, taking passage on a vessel at Chicago
on the 2nd of April, 1864. He served for nine months on the United
States man-of-war Benton, in the Sixth Division of the Mississippi Squad-
ron, and was then transferred to the warship Brilliant where he remained
until honorably discharged at the close of the war. He was very young
when he entered the service and as hostilities ceased not long afterward he
did not engage in many important naval battles, but his bravery and valor
were tested and found to be equal to that of many a time-tried veteran.
At the close of the war Mr. Enos returned to Wisconsin and began
learning the blacksmith trade which he followed until twenty years of age.
He then left the Badger state for the district west of the Mississippi river,
removing to Iowa where he was employed for three years. On the expira-
tion of that period he once more became a resident of Wisconsin where he
followed blacksmithing until 1893, the year of his removal to South Da-
kota. After a year devoted to farming in that section of the country he
went to Crowley, Louisiana, where he was engaged in the cultivation of
rice until i8g6, when he came to Kansas and made his home at Stark
till 1898. He has since been a resident of Savonburg and has con-
ducted a blacksmithing and wagon-making establishment. He has a good
location and enjoys a liberal pationage. He aLso conducts a farm and both
branches of his business are proving to him a profitable source of income.
On the 26th of September, 1S68, Mr. Enos was united in marriage to
Miss Lucy W. Haywood. Unto them have been born eight children, as
follows: William H., a resident of Joplin,. Missouri; Cora M., the wife of
Charles Benson, of South Dakota; Archie, who is employed in the shop of
his father; Carrie B., the wife of John Benson, of South Dakota; Pearl, the
wife of Perry Huff, of Savonburg; Edith, the wife of John Ridgeway; Katy
P., who is in Louisiana, and Clarence and Raymond, who are still under
the parental roof. A consideration of the political questions of the day
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 233
have led Mr. Enos to give his support to the men and measures of the Re-
publican party. He is now a member of Savonburg Post, G. A. R., and
this relationship indicates the time when among the boys in blue he
loyally served his country in order to perpetuate the Union. At all times
his duties of citizenship are faithfully performed and he withholds his sup-
port from no measure which he believes will contribute to the general
good.
STEPHEN H. WEITH.— Numbered among the most energetic and
progressive farmers of Elm township is S. H. Weith, whose farm is
supplied with all modern accessories and conveniences while the well-tilled
fields give evidence of the careful supervision of their owner. As he is
well known his life record can not fail to prove of interest to many of the
leaders of this volume.
Stephen H. Weith was born in Peoria county, Illinois, January 13,
1850. His father, George Weith, emigrated from Germany at the age of
twenty-four years, and took up his residence in Peoria county, Illinois. It
was in 1838 that he settled in that western country, then being filled up
with some of the best blood of all nations whose posterity have made rich
the pages of history in the professions, statesmanship, science and the
mechanical arts. Our subject's father was offered a block of land, now
almost in the center of the city of Peoria, for two months' work but de-
clined, to give his labors to some enterprise then more promising of im-
mediate reward. He located in Hollis township that county and engaged
in farming and teaming.
George Weith married Elizabeth Walters who was born in Switzer-
land. During her childb.ood the latter came with her parents to the United
States and became settlers of Peoria county, Illinois. The union of this
couple was productive of three children, John, Stephen and Rose. John
Weith died in lola, Kansas. He came to Kansas in 1870, was a black-
smith—a fine mechanic — and was one of the worthy men of his adopted
city.
George Weith was one of a family of five sons. Two of his brothers
survive and are in the Fatherland. George died in 1853 and his widow be-
came the wife of a Mexican soldier, Kobler, residing in Peoria county,
Illinois.
Stephen Weith, the subject of this review, was thirteen years of age
when his mother died. He was thus thrown upon his own resources at a
tender age. All that he has achieved has come as a reward for his indi-
vidual labors. In January 1877 he visited Allen county, Kansas, and the
next month purchased a large tract of land in Elm township and soon
thereafter began the work of developing a farm from the treeless waste of
prairie. In the little more than a score of years which have elapsed since
his advent to the county Mr. Weith has brought into existence fields and
2;,4 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
orchards and barns and a commodious residence and his is one of the
attractive homesteads of the township.
As a companion Mr. Weith chose Ella Shanklin. The wedding oc-
curred just before their removal to Kansas and their marriage has been
blessed with the following surviving children: George, Archibald and
Josie.
In politics Mr. Weith is well known as a Populist. He espoused the
"cause of the people" in 1890 and has lent his influence in support of the
principles enunciated by his party. He is one of the leaders of Elm
township in that organization and has filled the office of Township Trus-
tee and director of the school board.
Mr. and Mrs. Weith are members of the Presbyterian church of lola
and all who know them hold them in high regard.
TIDICHARDR. CLAIBORNE, proprietor of the lola Cider, Sorghum
-L *- and Corn Mill and Vinegar Works, is a representative of one of the
old and famous families of the United States, being lineally descended from
William Claiborne, who was sent out by Charles I., King of England, as
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and who at one time ruled
both Virginia and Marjdand. This William Claiborne is st>led by Chief
Justice John Marshall, in his life of Washington, as "the evil genius of Mary-
land," he having besieged .\nnapolis and driven Lord Proprietor Calvert out
of the Province. His career in America was long and turbulent but he tri-
umphed to the last, being sustained against all his enemies by Charles I.,
Cromwell and Charles II., under all of whom he held high office in the
new world. He fell in battle with the Indians and his tomb may yet be
seen at Wancock Hill, Virginia.
The descendants of William Claiborne became numerous in Virginia
as they remained there for many generations without emigrating, filling
many of the highest offices in the Commonwealth and intermarrying with
its most distinguished families.
Richard Claiborne, our subject's paternal grandfather, was a Revo-
lutionary soldier. He entered the Virginia line as a lieutenant, was aide-
de-camp to General Greene during the whole of his southern campaign,
and If ft the serx'ice at the close of the war, a major. He took up the prac-
tice of law in Virginia, and when h-'s cousin. Wm. C.C. Claiborne, was
appointed by President Jefferson Governor of the Territory of Lousiana,
then just made a part of the United States by purchase, he accompanied
him to New Orleans as his private secretary. After the admission of the
State of Lousiana he was appointed clerk of the District Court of the United
States and continued to hold this position until the time of his death which
occurred in 1819.
Richard Claiborne married Catherine Ross, a daughter of Brigadier
General James Ross, of the Revolutionary army, and a grand-daughter of
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 235
George Ross, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Their
children were Guilford Green Claiborne, our subject's father, and Hen-
rietta Virginia Claiborne, who married Preston Billings Elder, of Pennsyl-
vania.
Richard R. Claiborne, the subject of this sketch was born at Colum-
bia, Pennsylvania, September 7, 1838, and is the son of Guilford Greene
Claiborne who was for many years a prominent official of the Pennsylvania
railroad. When but eighteen years of age Richard R. Claiborne entered
upon the active duties of life as Statistical Clerk in the Philadelphia custom
house, an appointment made by direction of President Buchanan. He con-
tinued in office during a part of the administration of President Lincoln and
resigned to take the superintendency of the Linscott Petroleum and Coal
Company at Athens, Ohio. This position he resigned to assume the manage-
ment of the James River Granite Company, at Richmond, Va. , resigning this
latter position t) engage in the coal business in Philadelphia. In 1870 he
came to Kansas for the purpose of engaging in the cattle business. He
Icicated first in Neosho county, near the town of Osage Mission (now St.
Paul) establishing an extensive ranch on Walnut creek. In 1882 he came
to Allen county, purchased the J. W. Scott homestead in Carlyle township,
ai.id made his home there until 1890 when he came to lola, purchasing the
Cider and Vinegar industry then carried on by the firm of Potter & Mc-
Clure, in the building now used by the lola Creamery. He soon removed
the machinery to block 115, where he erected new buildings, put in a
larger plant and greatly extenaed the business. Under careful and intelli-
gent management the industry grew rapidly and had already become one of
much importance when, in 1898, the buildings and plant were totally de-
stro\ed by fire. Not daunted by this disaster Mr. Claiborne secured a tract
of land just east of the city, erected there a new and larger plant, and is
rapidly regaining the ground lost by this unhappy misfortune.
Mr. Claiborne was married in February, 1872, at Bridge Water, Mas-
sachusetts, to Elnora Bartlett, a daughter of Joseph and Mary E. Bartlett.
The two children of this union are Clarence Elder Claiborne, born in 1873,
and George Ross Claiborne, born in 1876 and married in 1899 to Edith
Emerson of lola.
During the nearly twenty years Mr. Claiborne has lived in Allen
county he has so conducted him.self as to win the respect and the cordial
esteem of all who have had either business or social relations with him.
Of polished manners and excellent education, with a fine sense of personal
honor, he has maintained the reputation of the distinguished name he
bears and has made a record that well entitles him to a place among the
representative men of Allen county.
TTENRY A. BROWN, M. D.— Men of marked ability, forceful charac-
-'- -*- ter and culture leave their impress upon the world written in such
indelible characters that time is powerless to obliterate their memory or
236 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
sweep it from the minds of men. Their commendable acts live long after
they have passed from the scene of their earthly careers. Dr. Brown is one
of the strong characters who have become an integral part in the business
life of Humboldt and has gained marked prestige as a representative of the
humane calling to which he devotes his energies.
He was born May 15, 1851, near Burlington. Iowa. His father,
Sydney Brown, was a native of Ohio, and married Miss Jane Hawkins,
also of that State. A farmer by occupation he removed to Iowa in 1850
and operated a tract of land near Burlington for a few vears. He then
went to Cincinnati, Iowa, where he and his wife spent their remaining
days, the father passing away in 1894, at the age of ninety-four years,
while the mother was called to her final resting place in 1889, at the age of
fifty-nine. They were the parents of four children: Mrs. Mariam Pritchard
and Mrs. Rebecca Corder, who reside at Cincinnati, Iowa; Mrs. Isabella
Atherton, of Hannibal, Missouri, and Henry A.
The doctor pursued his education in the common schools until twelve
years of age, when he entered a drug store, where he was employed for
some time. Resuming his studies "he was graduated in the high school in
Cincinnati, and with considerable knowledge of the drug business he de-
termined to enter upon the study of medicine and make its practice his life
work. He became a student in the office and under the direction of Dr. J.
M. Sturdevant, and later entered the medical college at Keokuk. Iowa.
On completing his course in that institution he returned to his old home
in Cincinnati, where he opened an office and began practicing in 1876, re-
maining there until the spring of 1879, when he sought a new field of labor
in Earlton, Kansas. He represented the medical fraternity of that city for
ten years and in 1889 came to Humboldt where he has since resided, building
up a large and constantly increasing practice He exercises great fraternal
delicacy in his work and has strict regard for the ethics of the professional
code. His knowledge of the medical science is comprehensive and exact,
and thus he has attained a prominent position in his chosen calling. His
broad humanitarian spirit prompts his response to every call, no matter
what hardships are entailed in making the visit. He never refuses to visit
a patient even when he knows that no pecuniary reward may be expected,
but he also has a large patronage from among the more substantial class of
citizens in Humboldt and the surrounding countr}'.
Dr. Brown has been twice married and by the first union had one
daughter, Mrs. Ella Bordenkircher, of Chanute, Kansas. For his second
wife the doctor chose Mi-^s Minnie, daughter of EH and Mary Neff, who
are residents of Humboldt, Mr. Neff bein^ one of the largest stock traders
in both Allen and Wilson counties. The doctor is a member of various in-
surance orders, and fraternal and medical societies. In politics he has al-
ways been a stalwart Republican and has twice been elected and served as
coroner of Allen County. He has, however, never been a politician in the
sense of office seeking, preferring to give his attention to his business
affairs.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 237
^ i\ /"ILLIAM DAVIS — Among the conspicuous characters and success-
^ ^ ful farmers of Allen County is William Davis, of Marmaton
township. He has been in the county more than a generation, for he came
to it in April 1878, and, as is well known, settled upon a piece of the dis-
puted land. He aided for twenty years in carrying on an honest and ag-
gressive legal fight for land which he believed the settlers were entitled to
and only ceased when the court of last resort said he was in the wrong.
His home place, the southeast quarter of section 19, township 25, range
2 1, presents such an appearance of unusual development as to warrant a
passerbj' in believing it an old-settled, pioneer place. While it is a new
farm practically, yet it is an old one for there hadn't been a plow .stuck into
it nor a post driven on it before Mr. Davis took possession of it.
Mr. Davis came into Allen County from Appanoose County, Iowa, to
which point he went two years after the close of the Rebellion. He was
born in Noble County, Ohio, May 21, 1844. His father, Elijah Davis,
was also reared in Noble County, Ohio, but was born in Virginia. He
was married to Mary Buckley in Noble County and died there in 1887 at
the age of seventv-nine years. He was a successful and prosperous farmer,
was identified with the Republican party and maintained himself, as a citi-
zen, honorable before the world.
Our subject's paternal grandfather was Thomas Davis. He was a
schoolteacher and farmer and was a native of the "Old Dominion', .state.
He died about 1854, aged seventy years and was descended from Scotch
ancestry.
Mr. Buckley, grandfather of our subject, died in the military service
of the United States in the War of 1S12. He went into the service from
the state of Penns3-lvania. Mrs. Elijah Davis died in 1897, leaving the
following children: Catharine, who married William Fowler, resides in Noble
county, Ohio; Levi Davis, of Taylor County, Iowa; William, our subject;
Eli Davis, of Noble County, Ohio; Thomas Davis, of the old home county,
and Mary, wife of Lowry Smith, of the same point. Those who passed
away in early life are: Joseph, died in Appanoose County, Iowa; Abraham,
died in the army, and Eeroy, died in Ohio.
William Davis acquirednio more than a country .school education. In
August, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, 92nd Ohio Infantry, Captain E.
G. Dudley and Colonel B. F. Ferring. He was mustered into the regiment
at Marietta, Ohio, and it was ordered up the Kanawa valley. Among the
important things done, unofficially, on that trip was the raiding of apple
orchards and chicken roosts. The regiment was ordered by boat from
Charleston, to Nashville, Tenn., where it went into camp for a time. From
this point it proceeded to Carthage, Tenn., where it guarded the river a few
months. Actual hostilities with the regiment began at Chicamaugua.
Then followed Missionary Ridge where Mr. Davis lay at the foot of the
hill and watched Hooker drive the Rebels off of Lookout Mountain. His
own command helped drive them off the other side of the mountain. About
this time Mr. Davis was called in for a detail and he was informed that he was
238 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
the onl}' man who had not been off duty in his company or on detail. The
special service detail which he got took him away from his regiment perma-
nently. He did not again see it till all were mustered out, in June, 186,5.
Mr. Davis took up the serious responsibilities of life when he left the
army. He went back to the farm and was married November i , of the
same year to Eliza J. Nicholson. They remained in Ohio till 1867 when
they moved out to Iowa as previously stated.
Mr. and Mrs. Davis' children are; Abraham L-, of Stroud, Oklahoma;
Mary C, wife of A. Morris, of Pawnee, Oklahoma: Margaret, wife of Chas.
H. Ford, of Allen County; Joseph M. Davis, whose wife was Rachael Cul-
bertson; Thomas E. Davis, whose wife was Ethel Wood; Minnie, now wife
of Frank Miller.
AIvBERT h. DANIELS, a resident of Carlyle township, Allen County,
since 1881, and one of the substantial and progessive farmers of the
county, came to the State of Kansas from Ford County, Illinois. In 1864
he went into Woodford County, that State, and resided in that county,
Champaign, and Ford for seventeen years, or until his emigralion to Kan-
sas. Mr. Daniels was born at Woodbury, Vermont, January 26, 1S44. His
father, Luke Daniels, was born at Danville, Vermont, in 1802 and died in
Woodbury in 1871. His father, the grandfather of our subject, was one of
the early men and settlers of Danville, as was Luke Daniels. Their occu-
pation was farming and these early ancestors were of the strong, rugged and
honorable people of the community.
Luke Daniels married Maria Keniston, a neice of two Revolutionary
soldiers, and a daughter of a soldier in our war for independence.
Mrs. Daniels died in 1874 and was the mother of: Noah, who left Vermont
a young ma'n and was never heard from more; Alanson, of Vermont;
Lovisa, wife of William Cook, of Hopkinton, New Hampshire; Samuel,
who died in Vermont in 1898; George, of Vermont; Lovina, of Paxton,
Illinois is the wife of H. H. Atwood, and Albert L-, the subject of
this sketch.
At twelve years of age A. L- Daniels was bound to a brother for eight
years. He was liberally schooled and became competent to teach before
his apprenticeship was ended. He paid liberally for the time he taught
until his majority and made teaching a business till he was thirty-three
years of age. He cariied on farming on a modest scale the latter years of
this period and between the two vocations he laid the foundation for a good
degree of financial independence. As a teacher he was most proficient and
successful and the five year season in the Swede settlement in Ford County,
Illinois, marked an era in his career in tl'ie profession.
Mr. Daniels brought with him to Kansas a limited amount of capital.
He purchased an eighty acre tract in section 17, township 24, range 19,
and began its improvement and cultivation. His record as a farmer and
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 239
stock grower has come to be known, for his efforts at both have been
reasonably and properly rewarded. The breeding and growing of fine
hogs has claimed a share of his attention and the business has long passed
the experimental point with him. The area of his farm is three times the
original one and there are greater opportunities for him in the future.
Mr Daniels was married in Woodford County, Illinois in 1868 to
Clara Robinson, a daughter of Rev. Sumner Robinson, a resident of
Benton, Kansas. Mr. Robinson is a native of the State of Maine. Mr.
and Mrs. Daniels' children are: Lula, wife of Hervey Bowlby; Erta, wife of
Newton Reno, of Yates Center; Fred, who married Jane Busley; Cordie,
Walter and Floy.
In their political affiliations our subject's forefathers were Whigs.
His father espoused Democracy but the sons all became followers of Fre-
mont and Lincoln and later Republican lights. In religious matters Mr.
Daniels is an earnest advocate of Christianity and holds a membership in
the Baptist church of lola.
JOHN ELLISON POWELL, of the firm of Henderson & Powell, of
*^ lola, is a son of John Powell, one of the early settlers of Carlyle town-
ship, Allen county. The latter came to the county in i860 and located
upon a claim in section 34 where he opened a farm, improved it and has
since resided upon it. He came to Kansas, directly, from Macon county,
Illinois, previously from Madison county, Indiana, and starting his migra-
tion to the westward from Sciota county, Ohio. He was born in that
county January 31, 1826, and his father was John Powell, a farmer, who
died at an early age. The latter's mother was the first white child born in
Lawrence county, Ohio.
John Powell, our subject's father, married Rachel Quick, a daughter
of James Quick, who was one of the first settlers of Carljde township and
emigrated from Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. The Powell chil-
dren of this union are: Dora, wife of Orrin Lake, of Round Valley, Cali-
fornia; P. Jasper Powell, of Anderson county, Kansas; Celena Powell, who
married M. E. Hutchinson, of lola; J. Ellison Powell; Mary Powell; Ada,
wite of James Carter, of lola; Emma and Cora Powell, teachers of Allen
county.
J. E. Powell was born in Allen county, Kansas, June 4, i860. He
was schooled at Maple Grove and finished his education at the Fort Scott
Business College. When he left the parental roof at the age of twenty-five
years it was to engage in the real estate business at Buffalo, Kansas. Later
he became associated with H. L. Henderson in the same business in
lola. The press for business in that line became so great in lola that
farming seemed more profitable and Mr. Powell retired to his farm in
Geneva. Three years later when prosperity dawned upon our city and
240 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
activity centered- in real estate Mr. Powell again joined Mr. Henderson and
the firm has been one of the prominent ones of Ida.
June 8, 1891, Mr. Powell married Dora, a daughter of Samuel Full-
wider. Mrs. Powell was born in Anderson county, Kansas, June 15, 1868.
Their children are: Narcissus, Jasper M., Fay M. and Ival Powell.
/^ EORGE MEREDITH.— Among the loyal and patriotic Anglo-Ameri-
^^ can citizens of Elm township, Allen county, whose enviable reputa-
tion abounds throughout his township and county and whose substantiality
has been acquired there is George Meredith, retired farmer, of LaHarpe.
He came to Allen county in March 1870 and permitted George A. Bowlus
to sell him a piece of grass land on the east side of Elm township. He was
a young man then and possessed the courage and determination equal to
overcoming the task of changing this grassy waste into a productive farm
and an attactive home. He began the work of cultivation and improve-
ment at once and, during the twenty-eight years which he occupied it,
reached a point of financial indepmdence worthy to be sought by our
American yoiith. The loss of his wife in 1896 left him without companion-
able surroundings and two years later he took up his residence in LaHarpe
to be near friends and associates.
George Meredith was born in Herefordshire, England. April 3, 1830.
He was a son of a small farmer, James Meredith, whose ancestors had
lesided in the same shire for many generations. His mother was Maria
Porter, and George was the seventh and last son of their family. He and
his sister, Mrs. Mary Prosser, of Wilmington, Loraine county, Ohio, are
the only members of the family on the west side of the Atlantic. He grew
up on the little home farm in England and educated himself in Ohio, after
he had reached the age of maturity. He left Liverpool March 25, 1849,
aboard the "Caleb Grimshaw," a sailing vessel, and reached New York
after five weeks of tossing and wallowing in the sea. He was destined for
Oberlin, Ohio, where he had some acquaintance, and where he remained
for five years. He worked about from place to place at the wages of ten
dollars per month and, in 1854, came west to Davenport, Iowa. There he
was employed as teamster for a miller and was engaged in milling either
as employe or as an interested partner, in that city for many years. When
the Civil war was in progress and the nation seemed so much in need of
troops he determined to drop his business and enlist. He had notified his
employer of this fact and the latter, desiring to retain his valuable helper,
reported to the examining surgeon that Meredith was not an able-bodied
man and that he was not competent for military duty and that, if he re-
ported himself for enlistment, to so inform him. The scheme worked well
and our subject was thus deprived of serving his adopted country in time
of war.
When George Meredith came to Kansas he brought less than three
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 24 1
hundred dollars with him. The land he purchased, on contract, was
found to be in the "disputed belt" and he joined the League to aid in re-
claiming the government title through the courts. He entered the quarter
as a claim and supported the contest till it was seen that the railroad \vould
win when he again bought the tract — this time at a higher price — and the
controversy was then and there ended.
Mr. Meredith was married in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1S54 to Esther
Ravenhill who came to the United States in 1851 from England. She was
born in 1826 and died without issue.
The first presidential vote of our subject was cast for General Scott,
and when the Republicans put up their first candidate he supported him.
The great Lincoln he also pinned his faith to, and the administration from
1897 to 1901 has no parallel, in his judgment, in important national
achievements and in assuaging the anguish and discontent of our citizens
as a result of a preceding administration.
/^>ARL OHLFEST.— For thirty years Carl Ohlfest has been a resident
^-^ of Allen county, and during that period has been actively identified
with its agricultural and industrial interests. He belongs to that class of en
terprising American citizens that the Fatherland has furnished to the
New World. His birth occurred in Holstein, Germany, on the 27th day of
November, 1833, and his father, Carl Ohlfest, Sr. , was also a native of the
same locality. Our subject now has one brother living, John N., who is a
valued resident of Allen county.
In the land of his nativity Carl Ohlfest acquired his education and
learned the brick-mason's trade. Hoping to better his financial condition
in America, he made preparations to leave Germauy in 1S56, and joined a
compan\- of six hundred emigrants who took passage on the westward
bound vessel. Napoleon. He first located at Valparaiso, Indiana, where
he followed his chosen trade for a number of years. In 1870 he came to
Kansas, locating in Allen county, where he has since engaged in busine.ss as
a brick- mason and farmer. He settled on a tract of prairie land a half mile
south of the present town of LaHarpe, and with characteristic energy
began its development, transforming the wild tract into richly cultivated
fields constituting one of the finest farms of the county.
Mr. Ohlfest has been twice married. He first wedded Katrina Roeder,
of Valparaiso, Indiana, and Delia Mounsir became his second wife. The
latter's great-grandfather, Adam Hahn, located in Maryland at an early
period in the history of that state. Her father, Reuben Hahn, is still
living, at the age of eighty-two years. She has three brothers and one
sister living: D. H. Hahn, a physician at Wauneta, Kansas; R. H. Hahn,
a cattle inspector in Oklahoma, and C. C. Hahn, an author of consider-
able repute. His work, "In Cloisters Dim," has created much favorable
comment among critics. Josephine, the only living sister of Mrs. Ohlfest,
242 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
iri the wife of Mr. Olney, a boot and shoe merchant of Fresno, California.
In his political views Mr. Ohlfest has always been a Republican, un-
swerving in support of the principles of the party. For many years he has
been a member of the Lutheran church, while his wife belongs to the
Presbyterian church. He is also a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. He is faithful to the duties of citizenship and to every rela-
tion in life. He owes his prosperity entirely to his own efforts. His labors
have never been performed in a desultory or intermittent manner but have
been vigorously prosecuted, and his sound judgment has so enabled him to
direct his efforts that he has gained therefrom a handsome competence.
T UTE P. STOVER, County Surveyor of Allen County, and a gentle-
-" — 'man with large farming and live stock interests therein, was born Feb-
ruary ID, 1873, in Humboldt, Kansas. He is the oldest son of Tindall S.
Stover, of Ida, and was reared in his native county. In the lola schools
where he graduated, he was noted for his original and inquisitorial nature
and was noted as a specially bright and well-informed boy. His fund of
information extended to subjects where small bo}'S are not wont to tread
and his powers of expressing his ideas were remarkably well developed.
His teachers learned not to be surprised at any demonstration of learning,
any technical inquiry or any impersonation of character from his lips and
such a fund of humor ran through it all as easily to mark him an extra-
ordinary and promising pupil. After leaving the lola schools he went to
the old Stover home in Maine and spent two years in the Blue Hill Acade-
my. He finished his education with two years in the University of Kansas
where he took an irregular course, chief among his studies being civil engin-
eering and surveying.
Mr. Stover's business life began in the Indian Territory where he spent
two years surveying and doing newspaper work. He was on papers in
Blackwell, Oklahoma, and in Tallequah, Cherokee Nation, and came
back to lola to take charge of the business of the Stover Abstract Company.
During this period of employment the Republicans nominated him for
County Surveyor (in 1S95) and he was elected by a majority of over 1300
votes. In 1897 he was again a candidate and this time the Fusion candi-
date succeeded in getting his name on both the Populist and Democratic
tickets and the Republican majority for this office was something over
300 votes.
During his incumbency of the surveyor's office Mr. Stover married a
lady whose Allen Counts' interests were extensive and he succeeded to the
active management of her affairs. For three years from the first of 1897,
he was chiefly engaged in the cattle business and in farming.
The marriage ot our subject occurred February i, 1S97, the lady of his
choice being Miss Madge, a daughter of the late pioneer, Paul Fisher.
January ist, 1900, Mr. Stover joined Herman Tholen and Ben Achter,
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 243
of Humboldt, in the for;nation of the lola Wholesale Grocery Company and
was chosen its Treasurer.
The political tendencies of Lute Stover are matters of general informa-
tion. He was a Republican when a boy in knee pants and he took as
much interest in elections as the average politician of today. He knew the
leaders of the parties in the big states and was conversant with the current
political events then as now. Ujron the organization of the lola militia com-
pany he was chosen its captain and gave the boys their first serious lesson ia
militarv tactics.
P^DMUND H. TOBEY— One of the leading farmers and stock men of
-•— -* Allen County is Edmund H. Tobey, County Commissioner. He
has resided within the confines of the State more than thirty years and in
that time has established a reputation for industry, thrift and personal in-
tegrity. He was born in Duchess County, New York, August 30, 1837,
and is a son of Albert Tobey, who was born in the year iSoo in the State
of Connecticut and his mother, nee Emily Howes, was born in Sullivan
County, Xew York. Of their family of four children Edmund H. was the
youngest. The latter was married in 1859 to Miss M. L. Card, whose peo-
ple came originally from Columbia County, New York.
Mr. Tobey came to the Sunflower State without means and went to
work. His remarkable energy and tenacity coupled with the qualities al-
ready enumerated have won him a high place among the substantial men
of the county. He has accumulated land by the section and his herds of
fat and stock cattle feed over his domains year in and year out. As a ship-
pei he is known extensively and his place is a market for acres of his neigh-
bors' surplus corn.
Mr. Tobey has comported himself in a manner to win the confidence
social and political, of his fellow citizens. Although he has been a pro-
nounced Republican in politics his friends of the opposition have not failed
to endorse his candidacy or aid his aspirations for public office. In rgoo
he was nominated by the Republican County Convention for Coramis.sioner
of the Second district and he was elected by a majority com;3limsntary to
him as a citizen and satisfactory to his party.
"Maple Avenue," his home, is a product of Mr. Tobey's own ingenui-
ty and taste. It lies one and a half miles south of LaHarpe and comprises
his residence, birns and grounds adjacent. It is one of the most conspicu-
ous places oa the drive crossing Elm Creek ani is of a character highly
creditable to the substantial development of Allen Cjunty.
^y\ 7ILLIAM TURNER — It is in this article that are presented the facts
^ ' which led to the early development of the lola gas field. It is the
subject of this brief biography who was responsible for this early develop-
244 HISTORY OF ALLEN' AND
nient and who has had no little connection with it. William Turner,
superintendent of the LaHarp; works, of the Lanvon Zhic Compan\-, is the
psrson referred to in the introduction hereto. While on a visit to a sister
in Elsmore township, Allen County, in 1896 he heard of lola's gas find and
decided to investigate its strength and merits, as fuel, etc , in the hope
that he would find a desirable -point for his emploj'ers, the Lanyons, to re-
engage in the smelting business. After convincing himself that the volume
of fuel necessary to operate anj^ factory enterprise indefinitely, was under
the city he consulted L. ly- Northrup to determine whether any induce-
ments would be offered to manufacturers to locate in lola. Finding a
readiness on the part of the latter gentleman to go to great lengths and
sacrifices to inject a breath of real life into his town Mr. Turner reported the
result of his find, with recommendations, to Robert H. Lanyoii who visited
lola and verified the report. Negotiations weie soon set in motion which
resulted in the erection of the lyinyon Zinc Company's works No. i , the'
pioneer smelter in the gas belt.
William Turner's part in the development of the gas field was in the
capacity of supervising constructor of the Robert Lanyon's Sons two large
smelters at Ida and LiHarpe. Having done this and completed the work
of building for that company he was placed in charge of the LaHarpe
plant and was undisturbed in his position when the Lanyon interests went
into the great consolidated company. Mr. Turner's career as a smelter
man extends over a period of ten years. He became connected with the
Lanyon's at Nevada, Missouri, in [890, in the capacity of mill-wright and
was with them two j'ears there. In 1892 he was sent by them to Wauke-
gan, Illinois, where he remained repairing and constructing four years.
Upon leaving this point it was to take a vacation and visit his si,ster in
Kansas, resulting in the discovery of the gas field and the construction of
the first lola ^melter.
Mr. Turner wa^ born in Delaware County, Indiana, April 17, 1852.
His father was Jonas Turner who entered land in that county. The latter
settled eight miles south of Muncie and resided there until his death
in 1866. He was born in Green County, Ohio in 1812 and was a son of a
wheel-wright, George Turner, who settled near Xenia, Ohio, very early and
afterward went into Delaware County, Indiana. Walter Turner, father of
George Turner, came to America during the French and Indian war as a
soldier with the King's army. He felt his duty to his king greatei than
those to his adopted countr\' dnd he did not serve with the patriots during
the Revolution. He died near Xenia, Ohio, leaving as many as six sons:
Joseph, Jonathan, Robert, Ambrose, Isaac and George. The latter married
Fanny Oaks and died in Delaware County, Indiana. Their children were:
Joshua, Jonathan, Jonas, George, Riley, Robert and John, all of whom
reared families.
Jonas Turner married Patsy Gibson, whose father, William Gibson;
was a southern man and a preacher. Mrs. Turner died in 1889 at the age
of seventy-six years. Their children were: John, who died in 1863; Sarah,
deceased, was the wife of William Felton; Jonathan Turner, of Delaware
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 245
County, Indiana, a farmer; Phebe, decea.sed. left children by two hu.sbands
(James Lacey and Lasley L. Herold); Jane, wife of Joel Canady, of Els-
more, Kan.sas; Philip Turner, of Delaware County, Indiana, and William,
our subject.
At the age of sixteen William Turner began learning the machinist
trade in Muncie, Indiana, in the old Phelps Foundry and Machine Shop.
Before he had completed his term of service the shop closed and our sub-
ject took up the carpenter trade. He worked in and around Muncie and
practically completed the trade. He followed it many j'ears, together with
niill-wrigliting, in Indiana and Wisconsin. He was located at Richhnid
Center in the latter State and was in a saw-mill and furniture factory there
for a time. From this point he went to Irving, Illinois, and resided five
years. All the time he was on the road putting up mills of all kinds and
because of this fact he was first induced to come to Kansas. He went to
Humboldt in 1884 to put in the machinery of the Lindsay flouring mills.
He put in a paint mill at Deep Water, Missouri and from this point went
to Nevada where, after an elapse of time he became associated with the
Lanyons.
August 15, 1875, Mr. Turner was married at Irving, Illinois, to Mary
J. Carriker, a daughter of John Carriker, an early settler of Montgomery
County, Illinois, and from North Carolina. Their only son is John Turner,
who is married to Lue Ricketts and is a foreman for the Lanyon Zinc Com-
pany. Josie Turner is the only daughter of our subject.
Mr. Turner is a Mason, Odd Fellow, Elk, Woodman and a Republican.
/^LAUS BARNHOET, of LaHarpe, a successful farmer and one of the
^-^ early settlers of Elm township, is a character among the substantial
men of his community. He was born in Holstein, now a part of the Ger-
man Empire, March 21, 1836. His parents were in humble circumstances
and his father supported his family at day labor as a timberman or woods-
man. The latter was Henry Barnholt, who died in Germany in 1884. He
was born with the century and was first married to Annie Timm, who died
in 1838. Their other two children were Annie, wife of Hermann Hatz,
and Hans Barnholt, both in the Fatherland. Henry Barnholt's second
wife was Lina Ohlfest, a sister of John and Carl Ohllest, prominent and in-
fluential farmers of Allen county. The children of this marriage were
Catherine, widow of Carl Heeley, who resides in LaHarpe: Henry Barn-
holt, of Holstein, Germany, and Carl Barnholt, of LaHarpe, Kansas.
Claus Barnholt came to the United States in 1S68. He sailed from
Hamburg on the "Itonia" for New York and located first at Valparaiso,
Indiana. He had been accustomed to wage working in his native land and
this was what he took up in America. He remained about Valparaiso two
years and, in 1870, came to Kansas with the Ohlfests. The first five years
in Allen county he passed as a farm laborer, working for the old and sub-
246 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
stantial citizens of Elm township, including Tobe^, Pickell, etc. In the
spring of 1875 he bought an eighty in section 2, township 25, range 19, and
put into it the wages he had saved since his arrival in the United States.
His success in farming and, to a limited extent, stock raising, has brought
him to a position of financial ease not always achieved by the average
farmer. He has added eighty acres to his first purchase giving him a
quarter section of land.
Claus Barnholt has known nothing but work. It is one of the char-
acteristics of his race. Reaching maturity with no special opportunities
and no talent resources his capital was his industry. The world was be-
fore him and it is alwa^'S kind to the honorable son of toil. In the vigor of
manhood did he put forth his greatest efforts and what he achieved will
supply his wants in old age. He is a Republican.
HENRY BUSEEY, of Elm township, Allen county, successful farmer,
and thrifty and progressive citizen, has passed a full score of years
within the confines of his county and is a gentleman worthy to be known
and trusted. He came amongst us almost a raw English emigrant and
purchased a small farm in section 23, township 24, range 19. He reached
lola on the 4th of March, 1880, and the next day was driven into the
country by George A. Bowlus, lola's genial banker, then an ordinary land
agent. He sold Mr. Busley the tract above mentioned and the latter
brought his family to his new home at once.
Mr. Busley was born in Eincolnshire, England, May 29, 1845, and was
left an orphan by the accidental death of his father, Samuel Busley, two
years later. There were six children in the family and Henry is the only
one who ventured across the Atlantic. Jane Scotney was our subject's
mother. Her other children were: John, William, Samuel, Ann, Sarah,
and George, Joseph and Jane Reed, the last three by her second husband.
Henry Busley was strictly a farmer boy and at eleven years of age
began the task of finding his own keep. He worked seven years for one
man at four pounds the first year and at ten pounds a year the last two
years. The following four years he spent with another farmer at sixteen
pounds per year. The last tour years in England were spent as foreman
over a farm. In this position he acquired a valuable and accurate know-
ledge of caring for all kinds of stock belonging to the farm.
On reaching the United States Mr. Busley located in Livingston
county, New York, and spent seven years there. He became foreman of a
large farm belonging to Mr. William Hamilton, a leading man of that
countj'. He was induced by Arnold and Kemp, emigration agents, to
make a trip to the west with the result as above mentioned.
• Farming in the west Mr. Busley has found to be different to farming in
England or New York. He has been able in the years he has cultivated
Kansas soil to not only improve his original home but to add to it a half
<:^^^^'^>^'^^-^ ^D^^L-'i^-^e^
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 247
section of land and to properly improve and till the same. In his case
agriculture includes the growing and handling of stock. Much of his ac-
cretions have come from this source and when conducted with wisdom it
produces the easiest money a farmer makes.
For three years Mr. Busley has given much of his time to the interests
of the Lanyons and their successors. The leasing of territory for prospect-
ing for gas and the renewal of leases in the territory of LaHarpe are mat-
ter which the company has entrusted to him and the fidelity with which he
performs his duties is a matter of common recognition. He has a personal
interest in the development of the gas fields of Allen county for his land is
all within the territory and the "Busley well" is the farthest north, yet
discovered.
Mr. Busley was married in 1S6S to Sarah A. Green and their children
are: Sarah Elizabeth, wife of William Higgins; Mary Jane, wife of Fred
E. Daniels; and Annie G., John ^^'. , Emily, Thurza E. , George H., Nellie,
Harry and Albert J. Busley, all in the family home.
In matters of public policy Mr. Busley is a Republican. His first
presidential vote was cast for the lamented Garfield and his voice and vote
have gone to each Republican nominee since the campaign of 1880.
As a citizen Mr. Busley is honest, energetic and industrious. As a
business man he possesses the utmost integrity and practices only the recog-
nized principles of business. As a neighbor he is accommodating and
helpful, encouraging the timid and lending substantial aid to the weak.
r^LUS P. DELAPLAIN is one of the early settlers of Elm township,
-*— -JAUen County. He dates his advent to the county from the year 186S
when his father, Joshua, P. Delaplain, emigrated from Macoupin County,
Illinois, and became a permanent resident of this new country. Ellis
Delaplain was born in Madison County, Illinois, January 3, 1850, and fin-
ished his education in the Brighton, Illinois, high school. Tilling the
soil has engaged his attention here for nearly thirty-two years, continuous-
1)', and when, at two different times, he tried to settle to be content else-
where, he found it impossible and each time returned to the fertile plains
of Kansas.
^ Mr. Delaplain was married in lola May 14, 1S71 , to Jennie Penn,
whose father, John Penn, settled in Macoupin County, Illinois, in an early
day. He was a native of St. Clair County, that State, and was married to
Catherine Bates. The other Penn heirs are: Charles, Joseph, Benjamin
and Samuel Penn.
Mr. and Mrs. Delaplain's children are: Hairy J. : Herbert W. ; and
Earl L. Delaplain, all of whom inhabit the family' home.
Mr. Delaplain has been, for some years, one of the well known stock
handlers of his township. He is one of the extensive farmers of the county
24<S HISTORY OF ALLEN AN7J
and with the aid of liis sons is operating the large tract ot George G. Fox
near LaHarpe.
The political affiliations of the Delaplains are well known. Their Re-
publicanism is not a subject of doubt or question and their interest in
lionest and wholesome municipal government is constant and unflagging.
Our subject has served his township efficiently as trustee as well as its con-
stable and his conduct of both offices marks him as eminently fair and
scrupulous in his execution of the law.
JOHN WESLEY LAURY, Marmaton township's successful farmer and
" popular citizen, was born in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, February
2, 1853. Godfrey Laury, his father, was born in Lehigh County, in 1823,
and was a Pennsylvania Dutchman. His early life was passed as a merch-
ant at Mahanoy in Schuylkill County, but the last twenty years of his life
were spent with our subject on the farm. John Laury, our subject's grand-
father, was one of the successful farmers of Lehigh and Northampton
Counties. Pennsylvania, in the former of which he died in 1832. His son,
Godfrey, served under General Albright in the defense of Washington
when the Rebels were marching on the capital in the summer of 1S63.
Godfrey Laury married Anna Maria Dreisbach, a daughter of Daniel
Dreisbach, a Carbon County Pennsylvania farmer. Mrs. Laury died in
Allen County, Kansas, in 1866, at the age of sixty-three years; while her
husband died March 29, 1897. Their children are: John W. , our subject;
Emma, wife of Theodore Maxson, of Elm township, and Ella, who married
J. O. Eagle, of Allen County.
The Laurys came to Kansas in 1878 and settled upon section 9, town
26, range 20, which our subject has succeeded in reducing to a productive
farm and a comfortable home. A few years after his advent to the county
he discovered an opening in his community for a country butcher and he
fitted out a store-on-wheels and engaged in the business. Fourteen years
is almost a generation but it is that long since this venture was under-
taken and its success has been ample and more than its projector
anticipated.
May 18, 1882, John W. Laury was married to Alice McCray, of Wil-
son County, Kansas, a daughter of William McCray who came to Kansas
from Hancock County, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Laury's children jire:
William G., Charles McCray, Clara Olivia, John W. Jr., Emma' Alice,
George Aldridge, Raymond H., Everett M., and Ruth Jane.
With nothing has John Laury been more familiar and taken a deeper in-
terest in Allen County, than its politics. The time was not when he was not a
Republican. He inherited the spirit from his ancestors, breathed it from the
air in which he was reared and practiced it from the time he reached his
majority. He cast his first Presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hays and
he has felt it a great privilege to be permitted to aid in choosing for the
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 249
Presideiic}' such men as Garfield, Harrison, and McKinley. Mr. Laury's
convention record, as a delegate, is a long and almost unbroken one. His
influence is of far-reaching and weighty character and the candidate whose '
cause he espouses finds him enlisted for the war. He has been urged for
the County Treasurershi]i, which ofiice he is admirably adapted to preside
over, but the opportunity has \\<>t yet arrived. Were all the elements of our
composite citizenship as indu;trious, as energetic, as honest and as
patriotic as John W. Lauiy there would be no need of court or juries or
lawyers.
JOHN GWILLIM— In March, 187 1, John Gwillim took up his residence
^ in Allen County. He owns the north half of the southeast quarter of
section 6, town 25, range 20, but settled upon section 29, town 24, range
20. He came from Herefordshire, England, where he was born March 3,
1846. His father died in Herefordshire in 1897 at the age of eighty-two
years. The latter was married to Harriet Lloyd and their children were:
John, Mary, William, Robert, of England; Thomas, of Wallowa County,
Oregon; Martha and Elizabeth, both in Oregon, and Ebenezer Gwillim,
who still clings to his English home.
John Gwillim was reared on a farm and left old England at the age of
twenty-four years. He had sufficient capital to begin business on in Kan-
sas and, after spending a year in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, he came
hither and added his name to the list of prairie farmers of Elm township.
He was married before he emigrated from England to Ann Watkins,
who died in 1877, leaving a daughter, Annie, who is herfather's companion,
Mr. Gwillim's first presidential vote was cast for Garfield and his fealty
to the Republican party has remained constant. He is in no sense a work-
er, in party parlance, but his knowledge of policies and men enables him to
cast an intelligent and patriotic ballot.
"X 7^ 7 ALTER A. KERR, of Elm township, one of the energetic and
* " substantial j'oung farmers of his community and a son of our
worthy countryman, Obed Kerr, was born in Pennsylvania October 9, 1869.
He came into Allen county at the age of nine years and has been reared
and fairly educated here. His life has been that of a farmer and stockman
and he remained under the parental roof till near his twenty-ninth year.
He was married May 13, 1898, to Miss Alice Brookins, a daughter of Prof.
W. E. Brookins, one of the effective educators of Kansas, now located at
Blue Mound. The latter was born in New York, is married to Libbie
Gay, and Fred Brookins and Mrs. Kerr are his two children.
Mr. and Mrs. Kerr's only child is Bessie V. Kerr born May i, 1899.
Mr. Kerr manages the east half of section 13, township 25, range 19
250
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
one half of which he owns, and he is graduallj- and surely coming to be
one of the successful cattle growers and dealers of Elm township. He
takes a citizen's interest in the management of public affairs, and while he
has nu inclination toward politics he keeps abreast of current events and
manifests a keen concern foi the success of Republican principles at the
poles.
CHARLES W. SMITH, one of the foremost young farmers of Elm town-
ship, whose unquestioned reputation has been established in Allen
county in the past twenty years, was born in Peoria county, Illinois, Octo-
ber i8, 1^53. He was reared on the farm of his father, Samuel W. Smith,
who died in Allen county, Kansas, in 1886, at the age of sixty-three years.
The latter was born in Pennsylvania, came to Illinois early in life and was
married there to Sarah H. Bodine. Mrs. Smith was born in New Jersey in
1S31 and is a resident of LaHarpe, Allen county, Kansas. Her children
are: Josephine, wife of Charles Cole, of lola, Charles W., our subject;
Addie, wife of W. H. Baker, of Cherryvale, Kansas; Henry B. Smith, of
Moran, Kansas; George C, of LaHarpe, and Luella May, wife of Andrew
Smith, of Wichita, Kansas.
Charles W. Smith was married at twenty-one years and started in life
as a farmer. He came to Kansas about that date and, with a small amount
of capital, purchased eighty acres of land north-east of LaHarpe and began
its improvement and cultivation by degrees. He worked by the day near
Moran for Peter McGlashan who paid him twenty-five cents more for a
day's work than any one else was getting, and he earned good wages with
\'andegrift and Paske who paid hands in proportion to what they were
worth. By this method he acquired the means with which he sustained
himself and family while the initial strokes of farm improvement were being
made. When he got some land broken and a shanty erected our subject
was well on his way toward independence, and when he had accumulated
a small bunch of cattle and gotten his income to exceed his expenses by
some fold prosperity had really set in. Since he made his fir.st crop of
twenty acres of broom corn his farm could be relied upon to produce suf-
ficient for the family needs.
Mr. Smith's energy is not the kind that would permit him to go back-
ward instead of forward. Whatever he planted he reaped a crop from, if
weather conditions did not interfere, and if his crop was small one year he
retrenched just as much in proportion to bring the yearly balance on the
right side. He is the owner of a fertile one hundred and sixt}- acres.
Beyond his father, little is at hand as to the Smith ancestry. Samuel
W. Smith was an only son and his widowed mother married an Aby, and
two of their their children survive: G. H. Aby, of Harper county, Kan-
sas, and Rebecca, wife of Nelson Milles, of McDonough county, Illinois.
March 23, 1879, Charles W. Smith was married to Louisa, a daughter
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 25 I
i)f Jonas Johnson, deceased, of Knox county, Illinois. The latter reared
eight children, six of the surviving ones being in Illinois. Our subject's
children are: Henschel W. , Claire H., Helen Marie and Nola Belle.
Mr. Smith is a Republican without compromise or apology. He has
given his ser\'ices in a modest way to party affairs in Allen county and is a
delegate to nearly every County convention held. He looks back over his
modest political history and feels gratified in the belief that he has never
been on the wrong side in a national campaign.
A LFRED C. KOHLER. — Elm township, Allen county, contains few
-^"^ farmers who are more enterprising and progressive than Alfred C.
Kohler. His industry and thrift are subjects of common report and his
pride in farm-improvement, and thus in county-development, is very ap-
parent to the passerby. It is only sixteen years that he has dealt with con-
ditions in Kansas, for he came here in ES84, and in that space of time
Pennsylvania energy and perseverance have done effecti\-e work.
November i, 1845, A. C. Kohler was born in Lehigh county, Penn-
sylvania. A son of Dr. W. S. Kohler and a grandson of Peter Kohler he
was reared in L,eliigh and Northampton counties. His ancestors were of
the first settled families in that region and Peter Kohler was one of the
lirge land owners in his county. He was a Whig and later a Republican
while his ancestors were Federalists. He married Catherine Steckel and
died in 1872 at the age of ninety-three years. Of his eight children five
were sons of whom Dr. W. S. Kohler was the eldest. The latter spent
forty years in the practice of medicine and died at the place of his birth,
now Egypt, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in 1870 at the age of sixty-six
years. His first wife was Mi.ss Kern who bore him three children only one
of whom died with issue, Dr. John P. Kohler, who left two children. His
second wife, and our subject's mother, was Catherine Laury, a daughter of
a Lehigh and Northampton county farmer, John Laury. Of the issue of
this last marriage Alfred C. Kohler is the eldest. The other children are
Sarah, Martha, wife of Dr. Erdman, of .\llentown, Pennsjdvania, and Silas
Kohler who resides in Lehigh county.
A. C. Kohler secured little more than a common school education.
He was a country youth till his seventeenth year when he went to Phila-
delphia to clerk for S. H. Bibighaus, a prominent hardware merchant, and
he remained in the city two years. In 1864 he enlisted in Company H,
One Hundred and Ninety-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel W. B.
Thomas. The regiment was ordered to Fort McHenry and later to John-
son's Island where it served for a time as prison guard. From this point it
was stationed at Galipolis, Ohio; Parkersburg, West Virginia, and finally
returned to Philadelphia where it was mustered out of service.
For three years succeeding the close of his army service Mr. Kohler
was in a mill at Copley, Pennsylvania. In 1S6S he was married and en-
252 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
gaged in farming in Northampton count} . His wife was Sarah Laubach, a
daughter of John Laubach, a Pennsj-lvania German and a iarmer. Mrs.
Kohler was born in 1850. Their seven children are: John P., who
married Nannie Mitchell and has two children, Helen and Bulah; Esther
Kohler, who married Charles Rebman and is the mother of three children,
Clara, Esther and Sarah; Irene, Richard, Bulah, Charles and Sadie Kohler
are all on the homestead.
When Mr. Kohler came to Allen county he located upon the north-east
quarter of section 17, township 25, range 20, and is now the owner of three
quarters of the section, less eighty acres. His farm is well stocked and he is
otherwise admirably situated for reaping a profit from his labors year after
\ear. In matters of religion the family are members of the Reformed
church.
^ X 7" E. SLOAN, a well known and prosperous farmer of West Hum-
y ^ • boldt. was born in Butler count)', Pennsylvania, September 29,
1855. His father was James F. Sloan and his mother was Martha Oli-
phant, both natives of the Ke3'stone state. W. E. Sloan was their third
child. He was one of thirteen children and was reared in the state of his
birth. He came to Kansas in 1880 and took a claim in Harvey county.
He disposed of this in 1884, came to Allen county and purchased a farm
four miles north-east of Humboldt, which he yet owns. He resides on and
cultivates, as a tenant, the old Thurston farm just west of Humboldt and is
regarded as a liberal, progressive and thrifty citizen.
In August 1880, Mr. Sloan was married to Miss Ella Scott, a daughter
of M. E. Scott, of Marion county, Pennsylvania. Mr.s. Sloan's mother was
Miss E. J. Scott, and the state of Pennsjdvania was the home of the
Scotts. Mrs. Sloan was born February 11, 1865, and is the mother of five
children, viz: Wilbur, Austin, Edward Henry and Fiank.
In his early manhood and to gain a sum with which to engage in farm-
ing Mr. Sloan was a wage earner. He was inured to the duties of the
farm and upon this did he become a hand when he became accountable for
his future. Whatever he is and has has resulted from the effort of his own
hands. His political history is told when it is said that he votes the Re-
publicau ticket. He came from a patriotic state and was conceived by
loyal antecedents and that he is both patriotic and loyal is not a subject of
wonder.
T A 7"ILLIAM GWILLIM, of Elm township, who settled in Allen
^ " County, in the spring of 1871, was one of the first of the English
colon)' to locate in his township and he came to it from Jo Daviess County
^-/Kt^
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 35;,
Illinois. His sojourn in that State was only temporary and while there he
was a visitor of a friend of his father's, hoping to get some information with
reference to Kansas, in which State it was his intention of making a home.
Mr. Gwillim was born in Herefordshire, England, October 24, 1848.
His father was John Gwillim, a representative of one of the old families of
Monmouthshire in which sh-ire they were farmers as far back as memory
.serves. In olden times the custom was to give the oldest son the Christian
name and propel ty of the father and in this family the practice prevailed
yet in modern days. Our subject's grandfather was John Gwillim and his
yreat grandfather bore the name of John.
William Gwillim is the third child of his parents and left Liverpool,
England, on the steamer City of Paris iu the mDuth of May bound for New
York. He was twelve days at sea and was accompanied by his brother's
family. Upon coming into Allen County he purcha.sed, on contract, a
quarter section of railroad land, but when the League seemed in a fair way
to win their contest for land in the odd sections he joined his fortunes with
that organization and let his contract forfeit. When the railroad title was
declared good he again purchased the land and owns now the west
half of section 29, town 24, range 20. Cattle raising became one of Mr.
Gwillim's industries and he has become known as a "feeder" in a small
way. His premises present the appearance of thrift and financial in-
dependence and add greatly to the settled and matured condition of his
township.
Mr. Gwillim was married April 5. 1870, to Sarah Farr, a daughter of
James Farr, of Herefordshire, England. Their children are: Albert J.,
Sarah J. and William Frederick.
In National and State politics Mr. Gwillim is a Republican. He has
been a member of the school board of Pleasant Prairie many years and is
clerk of the board. In religious matters he is a Methodist.
TTACKNEY & SON — The firm whose name appears above is one of
-*- -*- prominence in LaHarpe, actively identified with its commercial in-
terests. Its members are men of marked business enterprise, excellent ex-
ecutive ability, keen sagacity and determined purpose. Every well con-
ducted business concern is of value to the community in which it is located,
for the welfare, progress and upbuilding of every town or city depends upon
its commercial activity. Those who control a paying business enterprise
are therefore representative citizens, and among the number in La-
Harpe are the two gentlemen, W. J. and Canby H. Hackney, who consti-
tute the well known firm of Hackney & Son.
The senior member, W. J. Hackney, is a native of Frederick County,
Virginia, his birth having occurred in Winchester,' in 1821. When three
years of age he became a resident of Ohio, and in 1854 he took up his abode
in Iowa, where he became interested in manufacturing, successfuUv carrv-
254
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
ing on business there until the financial panic of 1876, when he lost all that
he had made. In 18S1 he came to Allen County and here entered into-
business with his sons, E. L. and Canby H. In LaHarpe they established
the enterprise which has since been conducted by the firm whose name in-
troduces this review. The association was maintained as first organized
until 1890, when E. L. Hackney withdrew. He was united in marriage
to Miss Mary K. Blodgett, whose mother was one of the early settlers of
Allen County, and they are now prospering upon a ranch in the White
river valley of Colorado. The business was continued by W. J. and Canby
H. Hackney and has grown to be an important enterprise in LaHarpe.
In the year 1843 was celebrated the marriage of W. J. Hackney and
Miss Susan D. Canby, a native of Ellicot's Mills, Maryland. Unto them
were born four children and they had been married for half a century be-
fore a death occurred in the family. Although fifty-eight years have
passed since they started upon life's journey together, they are still enjoy-
ing good health and are quite vigorous. Of their children, one daughter,
Mrs. Russell, is now deceased. The other daughter, Mrs. Happersett,
formerly a resident of lola, is now living in Illinois. The elder son, as
stated above, is a resident of Colorado. In his political views the father
has long been a stalwart Republican, but the honors and emoluments of
office have had no attraction for him, his support to the party being freely
given because of his belief in its principles.
Canby H. Hackney, the junior member of the firm, was born in
Davenport, Iowa, in 1856, and spent his boyhood days in his parents' home.
He was a hard working lad, in early life, showing forth the elemental
strength of his character by his energy and close application. He pursued
his preliminary education in the common schools and in Howe's Academy
of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. He then entered upon his business career, re-
maining -in Iowa until 1881. With his father he then came to Allen
Couiit5' without a dollar, but with a clear conscience, knowing that they
owed no man anything. In Kansas Canby H. Hackney entered upon a
career which has made him widely known and has gained for him the un-
qualified respect and confidence of all with whom he has been associated.
The firm of Hackney & Son are now engaged in dealing in hay, grain and
farming implements at LaHarpe. They began operations on a small scale
and gradually from j'ear to year their business has increased until it has
assumed extensive proportions. In the employ of the firm is a young man,
Orin Hartley, who was left an orphan and came to them when a small boy.
He has always been honest and diligent and has aided materially in win-
ning the splendid reputation of the firm. In addition to his interest in the
store Canby H. Hackney now owns considerable property, having made ju-
dicioits investments in real estate.
In the year 1892 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Donnan,
a native of Livingston County, New York, and a sister of VV. J. Donnan,
one of the substantial settlers of Allen County. The hospitality of the best
homes of LaHarpe is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Hackney and many friends
enjoy the good cheer of their pleasant home. Since attaining his majority
WOODSON COUNTII
255
Cinby H. Hackue\- has exercised his right of franchise in support of men
and measure-! of the Republican party, but has never been an aspirant for
office. His attention has been closely given to business and his reliability,
keen discrimination, and unflagging purpose have enabled him to advance
steadily on the highroad to success. He comes of a family of the Quaker
faith and the honesty and uprightness so proverbial of that people are mani-
fest in his career.
TDOYAL S. COPELIN, a representative of the farming interests of
-^ "^ Allen County, was born in Oneida County, New York, on the
14th of February, 1856, and is of English lineage. His father, John Cope-
iin, was a native of England, and during his boyhood came to America
with his parents. He was born in 182 1, and in 1854 was united in marriage
to Sarah Ann Perry, a native of Mew York. - By trade he was a miller and
f.iUowad that pursuit for some time, but subsequently turned his attention
to fanning. In i86o he removed to Illinois, making his home in Kanka-
kee, County, until his death, which occurred July 22, 1883. His widow
still survives him and is living in Kankakee Ciunty, at the age of sixty-
three. They were the p:ire;its of three children: Eliza, wife of John
Coasch, of Wilmington, Illinois; Royal S., of this review, and Julia, wife of
Patterson Patchett, of Kankakee County, Illinois.
Mr. Copelin, whose name introduces this record, accompanied his
parents on their removal to Illinois when he was four years of age, and
acquired a common school education in that State. He was reared upon
the home farm and assisted his father in the cultivation and development
of the fields until twent3'-four years of age, when he was married and be-
gan farming on his own account. On the 14th of February, 1880, — his
twenty-fourth birthday ,^he wedded Miss Alice Amelia Armitage, who was
born in Kankakee, Illinois. Her father, James A. Armitage, was a native
of Pennsylvania, born April 22, 1826, and is .still living. He wedded Miss
Margaret E. Gruer, a native of the Empire State and they became the
parents of nine children, nam^lv; Agnes A., Albert A., Authou A., Alice
A., Winfield S. , Charles W., Mary A., Jessie J. and James H. The fami-
ly circle 5^et remains unbroken by the hand of death. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Copelin have been born two children: Stella Maud, a young lady of nine-
teen years, and Perry A., a lad ot seven summers.
Mr. and Mrs. Copelin began their domestic life upon a farm in Illinois,
and there remained until 1887, when they removed to Colorado, locating
on a ranch of five hundred and sixty acres in Kiowa County. There our
subject engaged in the cattle business, buying, raising and ishippiug cattle
on an e.xtensive scale, meeting with very creditable success in this venture.
After he had lived in Colorado three years, he sold his Illinois farm and
invested the money in his business in Colorado. He was there elected
county commissioner of Kiowa County for a term of three years. The
256 . HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
county was thirty-seven by eighty-eight miles in extent, and the office of
commissioner is one of importance, paying a salary of five hundred dollars
and mileage per year, but Mr. Copelin's family were not satisfied in Colora-
do, and, consequently, he sold his ranch and came to Allen County, Kan-
sas. Here he purchased the excellent farm which he now owns, buying
the property of C. H. Pratt. It is located a mile and a half northeast of
Humboldt and Mr. Copelin has placed it under a very high state of cultiva-
tion. To the north of his pleasant residence is a beautiful grove and drive
way leads from the main road to his home, standing on an eminence, com-
manding an excellent view of the surrounding country. He trades, buys
and ships both cattle and hogs, and thus annually augments his income. He
votes with the Republican party, but takes little part in public affairs, his
attention being directed to his business interests.
CHARLES BALAND, one of the few old settlers that remains in Allen
county, was born in Sweden December 5, 1816. He came to Kansas
in 1859 and took a claim on Coal Creek, three miles east of Humboldt, and
has gone through all the hardships that go to make up a man's life in a new
country.
Mr. Baland served in U. S. Grant's company in the Mexican war, a
distinction of which he is justly proud. He was also in the army in the
war of the Rebellion, which makes him a veteran of two wars. He has
been one of the leading men in this county, serving as Register of Deeds
for three terms. He has served almost continuously for thirty-five years as
Justice of the Peace of Humboldt township and was post-master of Hum-
boldt for manv vears.
SIMEON B. 'WI1<LHITE is one of the substantial farmers of Allen
county, his home being in Humboldt township, where he owns three
hundred and twenty acres of fine land. He is a western man by birth, and
possesses the true western spirit of enterprise and progress. A native of
Missouri, he was born in Clay county, on the 15th of January, 1832, and
was the eldest in a family- of nine children. His father, Henry Willhite,
was a native of Kentucky, and married Sarah Flora, a native of that state.
Soon afterward they removed to Missouri and became early settlers of Clay
county. The father died in 1871, at the age of sixty-two years. Seven of
hjs nine children are still living, namely: Simeon B. ; Albert and James,
of Oklahoma; Henry W., whose home is in Barton county, Missouri; Mrs.
Margaret Aiken, of Olathe, Kansas. Those deceased are James M. and
Donelson Willhite, M. D.
The subject of this review was reared in Missouri, and the public
WOODSOX COUNTIES, KANSAS. 257
schools afforded him his limited ediicati lual privileges. At the time of the
Civil war he did not enter the service as a volunteer, but participated in
the battle of Lexington. When he heard that the Confederates were ad-
vancing on that town, he went down to help defend it, was given a gun
and witli the others participated in the engagement.
January 3rd, 1851, Mr. Willhite was united in marriage, in Missouri,
to Mi.ss Martha Elliott, who was a native of that state. She long proved to
him a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey but was called to
her final rest December 13, iSgg. Sixteen children were born unto them
as follows: A., Robert, who is living in Allen county, James M.,. of Okla-
lioma; Henry, of lola, Jesse H., who resides in California; S. Walter and
John P., at home; Octavia; John, of Allen county, Kansas; Kate Marshall,
who died leaving two children, Frank and Edith who are with their father
in Worth county, Missouri, Mattie, wife of Eli Ellsworth, of Gas, Kansas;
Sida Clara Veer Laveer, at home; and Mahala. wife of Riley Moore, of
Allen county.
Mr. Willhite came to Kansas in 1880 and purchased the farm on which
he now resides. At the time of his marriage he owned but 'one horse, and
on this both he and his wife rode when thej' went to visit their neighbors.
This horse he used for plowing and cultivating his land for two years
before he was able to buy another. Eventually success attended him and
as the years passed he has added to his po.ssessions until he is now the
owner of three hundred and twent}' acres of well improved and valuable
land. He has upon his place good grades of stock and his fields are under
a high state of cultivation. His home is a nice country residence, sur-
rounded by fine shade trees, and everything about the place indicates his
careful supervision. His capital is now sufficient to enable him to put
aside the more arduous duties of life. In politics he has been a Democrat
since casting his first presidential vote for Buchanan, but he has never
sought or desired office, preferring to devote his time to his business affairs,
in which he has met with signal success.
^ 71 /"ILLIAM OVERHOLT was born in Hancock county, Ohio, June
* ^ 4, 1857. his parents being Henry and Sarah (Fritz) Overholt,
both natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. The father was a
farmer by occupation, following that pursuit throughout his active life. He
died during the early part of the Civil wai at the age of fort3'-five years.
His widow, however, is still living in Ohio, and has now attained the ripe
age of eighty one. They had two sons who loyally entered the Union .ser-
vice during the war of the Rebellion, one of whom was taken ill soon after
joining the army and died, giving his life as a ransom for his country's
preservation. David served throughout the entire struggle and is now
living in Ohio. John C. and Henry are also residents of that state.
William Overholt, the youngest of the five children, was reared under
258 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
the parental roof and as a companion and helpmate on life's journey he
chose Miss Gertie Redfern, also a native of Hancock county, Ohio, and a
daughter of Peter C. Redfern. Her mother bore the maiden name of
Frances Wineland and was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsyl-
vania. Mr. Redfern died in 1893 at the age of fifty-four years, and his
widow is still living at the age of fifty-four. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Overholt has been blessed with five children, namely: Floyd L,. , Alma
Edna, Willie E., Merle R. and Orpha H. I. Overholt. The initial letters
of the youngest daughter spell Mr. Overholt's native state — Ohio.
In the year 1889 our subject came with his family to Kansas, and after
lesiding in Humboldt for a short time purchased the Maple Grove farm in
Salem township, comprising two hundred and forty acres of rich land,
which he placed under a very high state of cultivation, there residing for
seven years. He then rented his farm and came to Humboldt, where he is
now engaged successfully in operating a corn sheller. In his political
affiliations he is a Republican, and for one term served as trustee of Salem
township. Both he and his wife are members of the Knights and Ladies
of Security and in Humboldt and the surrounding country they have a
large circle of friends limited only by the circle of their acquaintances.
Classified among the substantial citizens of the community Mr. Overholt
owes his creditable position to his well-directed efforts in business and his
indefatigable energy.
"^ A ZILLIAM A. CHOGUILL, a practitioner at the bar of Allen county,
" " recognized as one of the most prominent representatives of the
legal fraternity of Humboldt, was born in Morgan County, Ohio, March 25,
1848. His father, Samuel Choguill, a contractor and builder, was born in
the Buckeye state in 1823. He married Sybilla Todd, an Ohio lady, and
in 18S4 removed to Kansas, where his death occurred in 1890. His widow
still survives him, and is living on the home farm in Woodson County at
the age of seventy-two. They were the parents of five children, three of
whom are: Sarah E., who is living with her mother; Louis G., who resides
on the home farm in Woodson Count\- and William A.
William Alkanzor Choguill is indebted to the public school sj-stem for
his early educational privileges, which were supplemented by study in the
Hopedale Academy in Jefferson County, Ohio. Later he entered the
Lebanon Normal School in Warren County, Ohio, where he completed his
education and then served an apprenticeship in a drug store. Subsequent-
ly he matriculated in the Starling Medical College in Columbus, Ohio, in
which institution he was graduated in 1870. After this he studied law with
the firm of Stewart & Metcalf and was admitted to the bar in McConnells-
ville, Ohio, in 1879. Believing that there was abetter field of labor offered
to young men in the west where competition was not so great he started for
Kansas, arriving in Humboldt on the fifth of March, 1880. He purchased
WOODSON COUXTIES, KANSAS.
259
a farm in Woodson County, a few miles west of Humboldt, made it his
place of residence and engaged in its cultivation for three years at the end of
which time he took up his abode in Humboldt where he has since engaged
in law practice, rapidly winning his way to a foremost place in the ranks of
the legal fraternity.
In 1874 Mr. Choguill married Miss Laureta M. Millner, of Ohio, and
the hospitality of many of the best homes of the locality is cordially extend-
ed them. Mr. Choguill is independent in his political views, supporting
the men and measures th^t he thinks will best promote the country's wel-
fare. He is, however, a man of superior oratorical power, an eloquent and
convincing speaker, and on more than one occasion he has entered into the
campaign work, delivering addresses both in his adopted and in his native
state. In his fraternal sentiment he is connected with the Odd Fellows
and the Maccabees.
Mr. Choguill's career has been one of untiring industry. During the
years of his residence in Allen County he has championed every movement
designed to promote the general welfaie; has supported every enterprise for
the public good and has materially aided in the advancement of all social,
educational and moral interests. His knowledge of law, his ability in
argument and his masterful treatment of the intricate problems of juris-
prudence have resulted in gaining him a creditable standing among his
professional brothers.
C^AMUEL G. CECIL, one of the prominent builders and contractors of
'^— ' lola, and a citizen whose interest in the public affairs of his city are
positive and constant, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, March 12, 1853.
His father, B. Cecil, was a teacher and was engaged in educational work
in Belmont County many years and was, himself, born there in 1824, dying
in 1854. He was descended from French parents, his father having emi-
grated to the United States from the Kingdom of France at an early period.
Our subject's paternal grandfather was a farmer and is buried in the county
of Belmont where he seems to have settled.
B. Cecil married May Jordan, a daughter of Abel Jordan, a Quaker,
whose abiding place was once Mayfield, Pennsylvania, and whose calling
was that of a cabinet maker. Mrs. Cecil died in 1881 leaving two children:
John E. Cecil, who died in 1880, leaving one child at Berea. Ohio, and
Samuel G. Cecil, our subject.
S. G. Cecil spent his youth on a farm till his sixteenth year. At that
age he undertook the task of learning the carpenter trade, around Urichs-
ville, Ohio, and finishing or completing it, in Cleveland, Ohio. He re-
mained with his native State till 1884 when became west and located in
Larned, Kansas. In that western town he took up contracting prominent-
ly and remained in that section until 1897 when he became a resident of
lola. In his last location he has been as prominently identified with the
26o HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
building interests as any of his competitors, as many of the buildings he
constructed will serve to show what class of work, in a measure, he has
been identified with.
Mr. Cecil married first in Urichsville, Ohio, in 187S, Anna Harris,
who died in 1890. Her childrtn are; Harry H. and Ralph E. Mr. Cecil
was again married in 1895, to Sarah E. Tabor.
The Cecils are Republicans, early and late, and our subject has evinced
an active interest in local public matters wherever he has resided. In
Larned he was the city's public servant for a time and soon after locating
in lola he was called to the city council. While he is a gentleman with
positive convictions he is not an extremist to such an extent as to prejudice
and bias his usefulness as a public officer. During his membership of the
council while the "gas question" was uppermost his position was rather
that of a mediator and pacificator, or harmonizer, of the two strongly an-
tagonistic factions. In 1899 he was elected a member of the board of edu-
cation for the first ward of his city. He is a Mason and an Odd Fellow.
"\ X 7" ILLIAM J. IHRIG, one of the best known masons and plasterers
" ' of Allen County, and a citizen who has spent more than a gener-
ation as a resident of the county, came here in March 1879, from
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He is a native son of the Keystone State,
having been born in Philadelphia, Pa. .January 21, 1842. His father, Adam
Ihrig, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 181 1 and, about 1853,
came to America with his family and located in the city of Philadelphia.
He was known among the early hotel keepers of Strasburg, Alleghany
Citv, and in the counties of the Oil Region and his last years were passed
in Cleveland, Ohio. He married Margaret Ihrig and died in 1894, his
wife dying at Cleveland in 1872. Their children are: William J., the first
to grow up; Catherine, wife of John Meyer, died in Cleveland in 1898; and
Adam Ihrig, of the city of Cleveland.
W.J. Ihrig 's boyhood was passed in ' the manufacturing districts of
Pennsylvania, in the counties of Schuylkill, Alleghany and Lancaster.
He was schooled in both English and German and remained under the
parental roof till his enlistment in the army. September 12, 1861, he
became a member of Company C, 79th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col.
Hambright's regiment. He belonged to the Armj- of the Cumberland and
began his active service at Louisville, Kentucky. The 14th corps, to
which he belonged, was in the battles of Perryville, Nashville, Murfrees-
boro, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and in the Atlanta campaign. In
this campaign our subject was wounded at the battle of Kennesaw Moun-
tain, and taken prisoner. He was confined in Andersonville nearly four
months, was transferred to Florence, South Carolina, where on the eve of
an exchange of prisoners, with two others he made his escape. They fell
into a squad on detail for wood and when outside broke the guard line and
fled. They were piloted through the .strange country by negroes and
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 261
reached the Union lines some six weeks after their escape. A pass was
isaued to Mr. Ihrig to enter a parole camp at Alexandria, Virginia, where
he found his regiment, and he returned home with it in June, 1865. From
the battle of Murfieesboro Mr. Ihrig was on detail in the 4th Indiana
Battery, serving a gun, till after the battle of Lookout Mountain. He then
returned to his regiment.
On coming out of his long armj- service Mr. Ihrig's first work was in
the oil fields as a driller and he followed this work much of the time till he
left the State. He conceived a desire to see the west and left Lancaster in
1879 on a prospecting tour. He met with our townsman, Henry F. Travis,
on the train and, upon their reaching Kansas City they decided to run
down the Santa Fe Railway and see lola. Their coming settled the fate of
both, for Ihrig bought the Perkins place (the Goodner property) and
Travis located in Elm township and both brought theii families out the
next year.
Mr. Ihrig learned the masons and plasterers trade in Lancaster, Penn-
sylvania, and he has practically folio Jved nothing else in Kansas. He has
worked on nearly every good brick or stone building in lola and his pros-
perity has enabled him to build a house for himself every year for the past
ten. With the end of 1899 he sought retirement and is in ample financial
freedom to remain so.
July 26, 1865, Mr. Ihrig was married in Lancaster, Pa., to Mrs. Annie
Gminder, a daughter of Archibald Warren, one of Lancaster's merchants.
One of his sons, William Warren, served in the regular army and was
stationed in .some of the western posts. He went to South America when
his enlistment expired. A daughter, Lizzie, married Peter Frank and re-
sides in Saginaw, Michigan. George Pinkertou. of Lancaster, Pennsyl-
vania, married Amanda Warren and Susie Warren mamed James Buchan-
an, of Philadelphia. The youngest, James Warren, is still in Lancaster.
Mrs. Ihrig has a son, Harry Gminder, by her first marriage. The Ihrig
children are two sons, Albert W., who married Maggie Duncan and has
six children: Annie, Bertha, Lillian, Lloyd, Eugene and Charlie. Arthur
Eugene Ihrig was born in May, 187 1, and is W. J. 's younger son. He was
married to Nellie Bean in Ida and has no children.
Harry Gminder married Emma Riggs and resides in Concordia, Kan-
sas. Their three children are: Anna, Lillian and Edna.
As a citizen W. J. Ihrig is one of our most pronounced and positive
in his views. There are no more staunch Republicans than he and his in-
terest in and connection with McCook Post, G. A. R., is especially strong
and permanent. He is a member of many of our mutual insurance orders
and is, on the whole a social and agreeable gentleman.
A NDREW D. INMAN, of O.sage township, Allen county, has passed
-^~^ twenty years within the boundaries of the county. He came to it in
April 1 88 1 and settled upon one of the old pioneer farms of eastern Allen
262 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
countv. It is the southwest quarter of section i8, township 24, range 20,
and there Mr. Innian has maintained a continuous and honorable resi-
dence. Mr. Inman came to Kansas from Benton count}', Indiana, but he
was born and reared in Blackford county, that state. Hi^ birth occurred
January 12, 1849, and his training and education were entirely rural. He
is a son of Samuel Inman, who was reared in Ohio, but whose active life
was spent largely in Blackford county, Indiana. He was married to a lady
of Scotch descent, Abigail Dickson. A streak or strain of Irish also
coursed through her veins for her ancestors were from the north of Ireland.
Samuel Inman was married in Ohio and died in December 1876 at the age
of seventy-seven years. His wife died in 1856. Their children were:
John, who died in Blackford county, Indiana and left a family; Elizabeth,
wife of Solomon Geyer, of Piqua, Kansas; Mary, wife of John Waters, of
Moran, Kansas; Eli, of Blackford county, Indiana; Sarah, deceased, was
married to Jacob Clapper and left a family in Indiana; Isaac, of Lawrence-
burg, Tennessee; Jane, deceased, wife of Daniel Daily, and Andrew D., our
subject.
Andrew D. Inman acquired the nece-sary elements of an English edu-
cation and became responsible for his proper conduct and personal main-
tenance in his sixteenth year. For some eighteen years he was a laborer,
by the month or day, and on December 23, 1880, he was married at Mound
City, Kansas. In September, 1871, he left Indiana and spent the years
intervening, till 1880, in Allen and Linn counties, Kansas. Upon pur-
chasing, or arranging the terms for his farm, he found it necessary to mort-
gage it in order to provide himself with the implements and other adjuncts
necessary to cultivate it. His twenty years of residence irpon, and cultiva-
tion of, an Osage township farm have been both pleasant and profitable to
him. His ides, that everything was wrought by industry and nothing
without it, was the proper one and he and his loyal wife have witnessed
their labors bear substantial fruit.
Mr. Inman married Miss May Dow, a daughter of Isaac Dow, who was
born in New York state in 1832. The latter was from Vermont parents, a
thrifty and industrious people. Mr. Dow was a mechanic, came to Kansas
in 1866 and settled in Linn county. He married Phebe Daggett, a
daughter of Harvey Daggett, of Massachusetts. Mr. Dow belonged to
Company E, Fourth Iowa Cavalry during the Rebellion and served three
years in the western aepartment. He received a sun stroke on the battle
field, was discharged on account of it and it finally caused his death,
April 1899.
The Dow children are: Mary A., wife of our subject, born November
5, i860; Frances, wife of A. B. Houser, of LaHarpe, Kansas; Loren Dow,
of LaHarpe, and Miss Bulah, with her widowed motliei at LaHarpe,
Kansas.
The politics of the Innians, early, was Democratic, that of the Dows
Republican. Andrew Inman voted with the Democrats till 1884, since then
he has been a Republican.
Our subject's only child, Charles, was born January 29, 1885.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 263
nnnOMAS B. SHANNOX.— One of the enterprising merchants of lola,
-'- successfull}' conducting an extensive hardware establishment is T. B.
Shannon, who since 1897 lias been a well known iactor in commercial
circles in this city. He was born in Attica, Indiana, Januarj' 28, 1871,
and is a son of G. W. Shannon, whose birth occurred in Virginia, May 31,
1835. The grandfather, Thomas Shannon, was also a native of the Old
Dominion, born at Sharon Springs, Bland county, March 20, 1817, and iu
that state the fither of our subject resided until 1S55, making his home
upon a farm. He then removed to Fountain county, Indiana, where he
again followed farming until the spring of 187 1, when he came to Kansas,
settling in Woodson count}', on the present townsite of Vernon. In 1873
he removed to Neosho Falls, where he learned the tinner's trade under the
direction of ex-Governor Finney. In 1880 he engaged in the hardware
business in Toronto, Kansas, where he remained ten years, and in the fall
of 1890 he became a resident of Anacortes, Washington, where he is now
successfully conducting a hardware establishment. He was married in
Wythe county, Virginia, to Miss Gallic Brown, who was born in Wythe
county, Virginia, October 7, 1831, a daughter of Josiah Btown, also a
native of Virginia. She died in Neosho Falls, Kansas, August 26, 1874,
leaving two children, namely: T. B., of this review, and G. D., who is
connected in business with his father in Anacortes, Washington.
The subject of this sketch is indebted to the public school system for
his educational privileges, and iu his youth he became familiar with the
hardware trade in his father's store. At the age of nineteen he entered
upon an independent business career in Blaine, Washington, as a dealer in
hardware, since which time he has been connected with that Hue of com-
merce. In the spring of 1897 he disposed of his store in Blaine and came
to lola, where he entered into partnership with Frank M. Horville under
the firm name of Shannon & Horville. This connection was maintained
until September 1S98, when Mr. Shannon purchased his partner's interest
and has since carried on business alone. During the summer of 1900 he
remodeled and added to his store building and now occupies both floors
and an eighty foot basement with his large stock of shelf and heavy hard-
ware. He carries everything found in a first-class establishment of the
kind, and in the rear of the store he has a tin and plumbing shop, doing
all kinds of work in those trades. He deals in buggies, wagons and farm-
ing implements in addition to hardware, stoves and ranges, tinware, paints
and oils, guns and cutlery, and his patronage is constantly increasing.
On the 30th of November, 1S92, Mr. Shannon married Miss Lulu
Brewer, of Greenwood county, Kansas. She was born in Colorado, Janu-
ary 8, 1873, a daughter of E. j. Brewer, a native of Massachusetts. Their
only child died October 25, 1S94, and the mother passed away on the 12th
of December, following. On the ist of February, 1899, Mr. Shannon was
again married, his second union being with Miss Agnes Mitchell, who was
bom in Franklin county, Kansas, February 12, 1872, and is a daughter of
David H. Mitchell, a native of Missouri. Their Iiome is now blessed with
264 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
the presence of a little daughter, Winifred, born July 31, rgoo. Mr.
Shannon is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the B. P.
O. Elks, and he and his wife are well known and highly respected resi-
dents of Ida, the hospitglit}' of many of its best homes being freely ex-
tended to them.
TAMES W. DRAKE. — Among the substantial farmers of lola township
" is James W. Drake, who was born near Louisville, Kentucky, January
26, 1 83 1. His father, James Drake, was born in that state in 1781, while
the red men still roamed the forest. In the early days he was more than
once called to leave his work on the farm to defend himself or his friends
against the attacks of these wild neighbors. He related many stories of
engagements with the Indians, of the captures they made and of the res-
cues performed within the limits of the "dark and bloody ground." In
1832 he removed to southern Indiana, locating on Whitewater river, not
far from Cincinnati, where he resided until 1834, when he removed to
Kosciusko county, Indiana, still following his occupation of farming.
There he died in 1845. He served his country as a volunteer soldier in
the war of 18 12. While in Kentucky he married Elizabeth Dickerson,
who was born in Pennsylvania in 1787 and died in Indiana in 1842. Her
father was John Dickerson, a native of Scotland who emigrated to the new
world in the latter part of the eighteenth century. To Mr. and Mrs.
Drake were born twelve children, eight of whom reached maturity, while
three survive. Those who attained adult age were William, now deceased,
whose family lives in Linn county, Kansas; Martha, deceased, wife of
Isaac Masters, of Kosciusko, Indiana; Kelley, who died near Cedar Rapids,
Iowa; Nathan, who died in Kosciusko, Indiana; Mrs. Jane Carter; Ira,
who resides in Kosciusko, Indiana; James W. , of lola, Kansas; and
Homer, who resides in Champaign counnty, Illinois.
Mr. Drake, of this review, accompanied his parents to Indiana, and
remained with them until they died. In 1854 he went to Illinois, but re-
turned to the Hoosier .state, and in 1856 removed to Iowa where he resided
two years. The year 1858 witnessed his arrival in Allen county, and he
secured a claim in lola township, upon which he has since lived. He has
followed farming throughout his entire life, and is now numbered among
Allen county's best known and prosperous pioneer agriculturists. At the
time of the Civil war he put aside personal considerations, enlisting as a
private of Company E, Ninth Kansas Cavalry, under command of Captain
Henry Fletcher and Colonel Lynde. He participated in the battles of
Prairie Grove, Johnstown, Stone Lane and Westport, besides numerous
smaller engagements, and was honorably discharged in November, 1865, at
Duvall's Bluff, having served for three years and three months.
When the country no longer needed his services, Mr. Drake gladly
returned to his family. He had been married in 1861 to Miss Mary A.
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 265
McKenzie, who was born in Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Joseph
McKenzie, of Irish lineage. Mr. and Mrs. Drake have become the parents
of seven children, namely: Elizabeth, wife of Frank Bliss; Minerva, wife
of Nicholas Burton; Viola, wife of John Harris; Dora, wife of George
Strawderman; Nora, wife of Fred Baker; Cora, who re.-^ides with her
parents, and Frank, at home.
Since 1866 Mr. Drake has been a member ot the Masonic fraternity,
and in his life e.xemplifies its principles of mutual helpfulne.ss and kind-
ness. He supported the Republican party until 1867, since which time he
has been an advocate of the Democracy. His attention has been closely
given to its interests, though he has never sought public office, but he is as
true to his duties of citizenship today as when he followed the stars and
stripes on southern battle fields.
/^^ONR.\D HEIM has spent his entire life in the Mississippi valley, and
^-^ the true western spirit of progress and enterprise has colored his
career. He was born in Quincv, Illinois, on the first of August, 1850, and
is a son of Adam and Barbara (Stumpf) Heim, natives of Baden Baden,
Germany. The father was a brewer by trade, and after emigrating to
America in 1836 he carried on that business in Quincy, Illinois, where he
died in 1872, at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife survived him for
some time and died in Quincy in 1893, at the ripe old age of eighty-three
years. They were the parents of four children, the subject of this review
being the eldest. The others are Anton, a resident of Quincy, Cararma,
who is married and lives in Southern California, and Anna, who makes her
home in Portsmith, Ohio.
During his boyhood Conrad Heim learned the butcher's trade and
after reaching adult age he went to the west where he was employed for a
time. Subsequently, however, he returned to Quincy and there was united
in marriage to Miss Anna Enghouser. Four children were born unto
them, of whom three are living, namely; Mrs. Anna Nelson, a resident of
Parsons, Kansas; Maggie, wife of William Hess, a druggist of Humboldt,
and Mrs. Emma Kelley, of Humboldt.
After our subject's arrival in the Sunflower State he purchased a farm
in Salem township and there resided for several years, devoting his atten-
tion to the cultivation oi the fields and to the raising of stock. He then
came to Humboldt, where he embarked in the butchering business and also
began buying and shipping horses and cattle. He feeds considerable stock
during the winter and his business efforts have been attended with a very
gratifying degree of success, for when he came to the county he had no
capital and now he is in posssssion of a profitable business, which annually
increases his" bank account. He today owns a good farm and some business
property, together with three residences in Humboldt and three in Chanute.
His identification with the Democracv dates from the attainment of his
266 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
niijoritv, while of two civic orders he is a representnti^'e, being connected
with the Knights of the Maccabees and the Citholic Mutual Benefit Asso-
ciation. He has a wide acquaintance in Humboldt, where he is held in
uaiforui regard as a reliable business man and public-spirited citizen.
TI^RANKLIN RICHARDS, M. D.— Although one of the youngest mem-
-*- bers of the medical fraternity of Kansas, Dr. Richards' years seem
no bar to his success, and in LaHarpe, where he is located, he has gained
a liberal patronage that indicates coafidence reposed by the public in his
skill and ability.
The Doctor is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Canton, on
the 17th of March, 1874. He belongs to one of the old families of that
place, his ancestors for several generations having resided in that city. His
father removed to Nebraska in 1887, and engaged in the drug business with
his eldest son in Shadron, where he is still located. He was a man of
practical common sense and sound judgment who believed in preparing
his children for the responsible duties of life and thus Dr. Richards was
trained to habits of industry in his youth. He completed his literary edu-
cation in the high school of Milford, Nebraska, after which he began the
study of medicine with the intention of making its practice his life work.
Tins resolution probably had its beginning with him when he was very
young. When a little lad of four years he was crippled through an acci-
dent and the old family physician who attended him told him that he must
become a doctor. Franklin never forgot the advice of this worthy man
and after completing the high school course he began the study of medi-
cine in the fall of 1893 as a student in the Eclectic Medical College of
Lincoln, where he remained for two years. Subsequently he entered the
Williams Medical College of Kansas City, Missouri, but was graduated in
Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1897. He is now a member of the State Eclectic
Societ)- of Nebraska.
After his graduation Dr. Richards located in Centerville, Linn County,
Kansas, remaining two years, when he removed to LaHarpe, Allen County,
in 1899. He has since gained a large and lucrative patronage and the
profession and the public acknowledge his worthiness. He is a close and
discriminating student and by perusal of medical journals he keeps in touch
with the progress that is being continually made in the medical fraternity.
On the 23rd of December, 1893 in Lincoln, Nebraska, Dr. Richards
was united in marriage to Miss Emma Bowman, of Magnolia, Ohio. She
is a daughter of L. D. Bowman, a leading stockholder in the Magnolia Oil
& Gas Company, which controls one of the principal industries of that sec-
tion of the country. Another member of the Bowman family is a promi-
nent attorney of Canton, Ohio, and is now mayor of that city. Dr. Rich-
ards and his family have always been staunch Republicans, unswerving in
their advocacy of the party. They have alwa3-s been earnest adherents of
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 267
Christian principles and belong to that class of representative Aaiericins
who labor for the advancement of Connty, State and Nation along the lines
of greatest good.
'~|~' B. H.\RRISS, who is numbered among the veterans of the Civil
-*- • war, and is now one of the e.steemed residents of Allen County, was
born on the 1 2th of October, 1826, near Nashville, in Holmes Connty,
Ohio. He is a son of Jonathan Harriss, who was born in Brooks County,
Virginia, in 1801. His great grandfather, John Harriss Sr. , was of Eng-
lish birth, and came to America duiing the war of the Revolution. He
then joined the American army and valiantly aided in the struggle for inde-
pendence. His wife was a native of Scotland. Their son, John Harriss
Jr., was born in Maryland, and became a farmer by occupation. He aided
his country in the war of 1812, mainly acting as scout and guide. He, too,
married a Scotch lady, who became a resident of Maryland during her
girlhood. They removed to Brocks County, Virginia, where the father of
our subject was born, spending his boyhood days on a farm in the Old
Dominion. The latter acquired an education such as the common scliools
of that day aff jrdjl and at an eirly p:?rio 1 in the development of Ohio re-
moved thereto where he worked at the carpenter's and shoe:naker's trades
for about thirty years. In early life he voted with the Whig party, but
joined the Republican party upon its organization He married Sarah
Biiden, who was born in Rhode Island, in 1S05, a daughter of Thomas
Birden, who was also a native of Rhode Island and was a sea captain.
Jonathan Harriss passed away at his home in Ohio in 1877. In his family
were the following named: T. B., of this review; Bradford and JohnW.,
who died during the Civil war; Allen, of Mansfield, Ohio; Henry, who is
living in Nashville, Ohio; Mrs. Lucy A. Gill, who died leaving a family
in Nashville, Ohio, (one of her sons being a banker in Millersburg, that
State); and Mrs. Abby Remington, of Nashville, Ohio.
On a farm in Holmes County, Ohio, T. B. Harriss spent his boyhood
and youth and conned his lessons in an old log school house, where the
curriculum was limited and the method of instruction was of primitive char-
acter. He entered upon his business career at the age of twentv-two upon
a farm in his native county, and later he engaged in business as a railroad
contractor. Next he purchased a sawmill, which he operated for five
years, after which he sold that property and engaged in the stock business
until after the inauguration of the Civil war.
When the country was calling for the support of her loyal citizens to
aid in the preservation of the Union, he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-
third Ohio Infantry, and with that command served during the years 1861-2.
In the latter year he was wounded, and in consequence was discharged,
but after his recovery, in the fall of 1863, he re-enlisted, joining the boys
in blue of Company G, of the One Hundred Second Ohio Infantry, with
268 HISTUkV OF ALLEX AXD
which he was connected until nfter the stars and stripes were planted in the
capital of the Confederacy. His regiment took part in the engagement at
Mnrfreesboro and was afterwards stationed at Nashville, Tennessee.
He received an honorable discharge in L,ouisville, Kentuck}', in November,
1865.
On the first of February, 1849 Mr. Harriss had been united in marriage
to Sabrina Gray, who was born in Erie County, Pennsylvania, August 8,
1824, and is a sister of Hiram P. Gray, of lola, Kansas. Her people were
natives of Connecticut. To Mr. and Mrs. Harriss have been born ten chil-
dren, but only three are now living: Jonathan E., an engineer on the Santa
Fe railroad, now residing in Winfield, Kansas; Mrs. L,aura Kirkland, of
Wichita, Kansas, and Mrs. Lovie E. Hill, who is living in lola.
Mr. Harriss cast his first presidential vote for William Henry Har-
rison, and was a supporter of the Whig party until he joined the ranks of
the Republican party, of which he has since been an earnest advocate.
Since 1857 he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity and in his life
has exemplified its beneficent principles. He has passed the seventy-
fourth milestone on life's journey, but still maintains an active interest in
affairs of general importance, and is a valued citizen of Allen County.
JOHN M. BROWN.— The prairies of Kansas are dotted here and there
'^ with pioneers who have passed through the discouragements and ad-
versities incident to life on the frontier and a few of this class, the more
resolute and industrious, have exemplified the adage, "time is money," in
making the years roll up each a new and larger balance on the credit side
of the ledger. One of the early settlers on the prairies of eastern Allen
county whose circumstances place him with the exceptional but thrifty
class above referred to is John M. Brown. Tlie pioneer days of eastern
Allen were about ten years later than those days along the Neosho, and
while the settlements along the' river were thickening up the expanse to
the east of it was still barren and unbroken with the cabins of home -seekers.
Mr. Brown's first trip to the countj' was made in 187 1 when he came to
learn whether he could eke out an existence upon a tract of land he had
bought here in 1864, "sight unseen.'! He decided that he could make the
land provide a living for one and in 1872 he brought his effects out from
the east, permanently to remain. He turned the sod with his oxen and
got things to appearing, to him, somewhat homelike so that in twelve
months he felt warranted in having his family venture out. His land was
one of the prime quarters of the section. It is situated in the "Golden
Valley" belt of Allen county and now approaches, in fertility and improve-
ment, a well-conducted Illinois or Indiana farm. The proceeds of his
early years' efforts Mr. Brown turned into land and his farm comprises five
hundred and twenty acres of this rich and productive region. His first
>;\-OODSON COUXTIES, KAXSAS. 269
abiding place was a shanty 13x15 feet and in this he resided from 1873 till
[S82 when he built extensively and permanently.
Mr Brown was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, June 9, 1S43'.
His father was Alexander Brown, a farmer, who died at the home of our
subject in June 1900. The latter was born in County Derry, Ireland, town
of Kilwray, in 1819. He emigrated to the United States in 1827, with his
father, William Brown, and settled in Pennsylvania. In 1852 Alexander
Brown went to Grundy county, Illinois, and there his father died.
Alexander Brown married Sophronia Murphy who was born in Beaver
county, Pennsylvania, in 1819 and died in Allen county, Kansas, in 1807.
Their children were: John M.; William, of Little Rock, Arkansas; Charles,
of Polk county, Nebraska; James and Daniel, of Portland, Oregon; Her-
bert, who died in Texas in July 1899.
John M. Brown was married in Woodford county, Illinois. He mar-
ried Amy A. Phillips, a daughter of James Phillips, who went into Illinois
from Tennessee. The Phillips children were: William F.; Margaret, de-
ceased, who married James Brown; Paulina, deceased, married Mr. Dan-
iels, of Neodesha, Kansas; Elizabeth, wife of John Grim, of Ford county,
Illinois; Almyra, wife of Mr. Snyder, of Pasadena. California; Manala, who
married A. C. Brown, of Champaign county, Illinois; Eli Phillips, who
<lied in McLean county, Illinois, in 1900; Mrs. E. Brown, of Pasadena,
California, and Albert Phillips, of the same point.
The heirs of John M. Brown and wife are: Edgar A. Brown, with the
vSwift Packing Company, Kansas City, Mi.ssouri, who is married to Alice
■Woodward; Hannah; J. Oscar; Albert, and Herbert Brown. Four of the
children are common school graduates and, in addition, Albert and Oscar
are graduates of the Moran High School. These young men are especially
gifted with bright and active intellects and, with their industrious habits
and energetic composition, are admirably equipped for a successful and
useful career.
The Republican proclivities of John M. Brown are well known. He
has taken some active interest in Elm township politics for many years and
has served as its Treasurer. His educational equipment is not of the
highest order but it is ample for the efficient conduct of all business per-
taining to his community or his farm. He enjoj-s the unalloyed confidence
of those of his acquaintanceship and permits no man to outdo him in matters
pertaining to the moral or educational wellbeing of his county.
T TOWARD B. ADAMS, of Ida, whose business interests are at Moran,
-*- -*- Kansas, and who has spent nearly thirty years in Allen cotinty, was
born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, January 12, 1845. He is a son of Charles
K. Adams, M. D., who was a native of Keene, New Hampshire, born
1812, and died in Maries county, Missouri, in 1870. He received his pro-
fessional training in New York state and went from school to Ohio and
270 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
began practice. In 1847 he went to Green county, Wisconsin, and after
some years spent there, went to Stephenson county, Illinois, and from
there to Missouri where he died. He was a strong sympathiser with pub-
lic education, took an active interest in politics, as a Republican, and be-
lieved firmly in the efficacy of the church. He died a Methodist. He
married Jerusha B. Swain, a daughter of William Barrett Swain and grand-
daughter of Joseph Swain whose ancestors were among the pas-sengers
aboard the "Mayflower." John Tilley and wife and Elizabeth, daughter
of John Howland, came to America in that historic little craft. The
mother of Joseph Swain was a Chipman, a daughter of John Chipnian and
Hope, a daughter of John Howland. John Howland married Elizabeth
Howland.
The mother of our subject was born in Athens, Pennsylvania, April 8,
1S20. She died iu Dane county, Wisconsin. She was the mother of:
Charles E. Adams, who died in 1861, leaving a family; Ellen L., wife of
William B. Payne, of Jeffer.son Cit}', Missouri; Olive J., widow of Elijah
L,. Weston, of Shenandoah, Iowa, and Howard B. Adams.
Green county, Wisconsin, was the scene of our subject's boyhood. He
attended the city schools till eighteen years of age when he entered the
Federal army, enlisting in Company B, Eighth United States Infantry.
He was mustered in on Governor's Island, New York, and joined his regi-
ment just after the battle of Antietam. His regiment reiuained a part of
the Army of the Potomac and he participated in the great battles of Gettys-
burg, Cliancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Cold Harbor, Wilderness, and
Spott>ylvania Court House. The last year of his service he was on detail '
and was discharged in Baltimore in June 1865.
Upon his return to Illinois, where his people had removed, Mr. Adams
engaged in teaching school in the country and made it a part of his busi-
ness for ? time. He came to Allen county in 1872 and located upon a farm
east of Humboldt and here engaged in farming as well as teaching. In
1880 he went to the Paola Normal College, an efficient educational insti-
tution and teachers' training school under the leadership of Professor
Whirrell, to better prepare himself for the work of higher education and, in
1883, he received a certificate of graduation. He taught in Geneva and
completed his educational work with four years of service as principal of
the Moran schools.
Mr. .\dams turned his attention to merchandising in 1888, succeeding
W. J. Steele in the hardware business in Moran, with Charles Mendell as
partner. Disposing of this business he established himself in the lumber
business and the firm of Adams & Merrill is one of the prominent and pop-
ular ones of the city^ Mr. Adams has served Moran as Mayor, on its
Council, as Cit}' Treasurer and on her Board of Education.
Mr. Adams was first married in Stephenson county, Illinois, in 1867 to
Ruth A. Harris. The Harris's were from near Lake Champlain, New
York, and Ruth was born in 1840. She died in 1892. She was educated
in Plattsburg, New York, taught in Stephenson county, Illinois, and many
years in Allen county, Kansas. Her surviving child is George I. Adams,
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 27 1
Avho was horn in their Illinois home Auj^usr 17, 1870. After leaving the
■common schools George spent four years in the Kansas State Normal and
after his graduation there he took the Bachelor's degree in the State Uni-
versity and later the Master's degree, in the same institution. He entered,
next, Princeton College took the degree of Master ol Science. During his
cireer as a student he did some teaching, at Emporia and in normal insti-
tutes in Kansas. Leaving Princeton Mr. Adams spent a year in Germany,
at Munich, taking lectures and perfecting the German language. Soon
after his return to the United States he was appointed to a position upon
the geological survey of Kansas. He spent two years at this and the fol-
lowing two years as assistant geologist upon the United States Geological
survey. In May 1900 he successfully passed the examination for perma-
nent appointment with the United States Geological Survey and is stationed
at Washington, D. C.
H. B. Adams' second marriage was to EmniaE. a daughter of James R.
McNaught, of Allen county. Mr. McNaught was born in Morgan county,
Indiana, m 1828 and came to Kansas in 1870. He married Rebecca Adams
and Emma E. is their fourth child. Mr. McNaught died in March 1900.
Mr. and Mrs. Adams' children are: Charles H., born in 1894; Scott Mc-
Kinley. born in 1895; Grace E., born in 1897, and Ruth Eddy, born in
1900. Mr. Adams erected, in 1900, one of the handsome cottages of lola,
located upon the north eminence overlooking the city and here he is resting
from an active and well-spent life.
r^ EORGE FREEMAN— Among the young educators of Allen County
^~^ who have endeared themselves to the school patrons and who have
established a reputation for efficiency and honesty of purpose is the subject
of this personal reierence, George Freeman, principal of the first ward
school in lola. Mr. Freeman is distinctly of Allen County. His biith oc-
curred here, he was educated here and his. entrance upon the serious phase
of life has occurred here. He was born in Salem township April 8, 1S75,
and his first years of school age were passed in the country. At the age of
twelve years his parents moved into lola and almost since that date
George Freeman has been more or less known to the citizens of this town.
Charles Freeman, our subject's father, came to Kansas in 1868, from
New London, Canada West. He was a carpenter by trade but he deter-
mined to secure a free home upon the plains of Allen County and he home-
steaded a quarter section in Salem township. He laid aside his trade, as a
business, and devoted himself to improving his claim and bringing it grad-
ually into the appearance of a farm. He remained with it till 1887, when
he came to lola. Mr. Freeman is a son of George Freeman, who with his
wife, Sirah, nee Faulkenburg, emigrated to the new world and located in
Canada West. They died there in 1884 leaving their son, Charles, as their
sole American heir. He was reared bv Mr. McKenzie. He had learned
272 HISTORY OF ALLEN" AN^D'
his trade by the time he reached his majority and, during the war he went
into the Pennsylvania oil fields and became a small operator, with some pros-
pect of success, but unexpected reverses overtook him and left him fiiiancially
exhausted. He was married in L,ogan township, Allen County, in 1867 to
Nancy E. a daughter of William Bartley. Their children are: Minnie,
Arthur W. , M. Louise, George, Fred F. , Samuel S. and Josie
George Freeman entered the 7th grade of the lola schools, and finished
the high school course in 1893. He taught his first school in his old
.Saleni district and, with the exception of the year 18967 spent in Baker
University, he has made teaching his exclusive business. He entered the
lola schools in 1899 as principal of the first ward building where he has
finished his second year.
Mr. Freeman was married in lola in August, 1900, to Zella, a daugh-
ter of Marshal M. Hart. He is one of the leading members of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church in which he has taken an active part for many yeais.
FRANK NIGH — For almost a third of a century J. Frank Nigh has
resided in Allen County, and is today classed among the wide-awake
and progressive farmers and stock raisers of lola township. He was born
in Cowden, Shelby County, Hlinois, October 14, 1859. His father, Isaac
Nigh, was born in Garfield County, Ohio, December 2, 1S29, and his
grandfather was a native of the State of Maryland, born in 1803. In 1846
the last named enli.sted in Ohio for .service in the Mexican war and his
regiment was assigned to General Scott's army. He participated in the
cimpaigns of that victorious army from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico,
where he was stricken with typhus fever, died and was buried. In civil
life he was a frontier farmer and died leaving a family of four children.
His wife's maiden name v\'as Mary Beachtel, born in the State of Pennsyl-
vania in 181 1. She died in Shelby County, Illinois, in 1898.
Isaac Nigh was the first child of his parents and his boyhood and
early youth were passed in Franklin, County, Ohio. At the age of seven-
teen years he joined the same regiment with his father for service in the
Mexican war and followed the army of General Scott to the City of Mexico.
He, too, took down with the dread disease, t}-phus, and was sick near unto
death. Upon recovery, and being discharged from the army, he went back
to his native county and passed a year upon the farm. The next year he
spent in New York City and, upon his return west, he took up his resi-
dence in Shelby County, Illinois. He engaged in farming there and con-
tinued it until the war of the Rebellion called him to arms. He enlisted
in the 115th Illinois Infantry, Colonel Moore, and served three years.
F^'rom the year of his muster out of the service till 1869 he passed in Illinois
on a farm. The latter month and year he journeyed to Kansas and settled
in Cottage Grove township, Allen County. He secured a homestead four
and a half miles south of Humboldt which he improved and upon which he
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 273
made his home many years. The first year Isaac Nigh spent in Kansas
he was engaged much of the time in freighting goods from the nearest rail-
road points along the Kavv River, Lawrence and Kansas City, Missouri, to
Humboldt. In- this way he was able to the better provide for his family
while the initial steps toward farm-improvement and farm-cultivation were
being taken;
I-;aac Nigh was married in 1853 to Ann Phillips. Mrs. Xigh was
born January 6, 1835, '" Shelby County, Illinois. She was a daughter of
Bryant Phillips and is the mother of two sons and a daughter: vSam-
uel C. Xigh, who died at Chanute, Kansas, in 1894; Mary J,, wife of E. A.
Gleason, of Humboldt, and J. Frank Ni^h, our subject.
At ten years of age Frank Nigh came into Allen County. He began
contributing toward his own support upon entering his 'teens and learned
the lessons of independence and self-confidence long before he saw his
twenty-first birthday. He was schooled passably well in the district schools
and this, strengthened by the efficient school of experience, has equipped
him for a successful career in life. To enter the railroad service was among
the first acts of our subject upon reaching man's estate. He learned
telegraphy with the L. h- and G. Railway people and was in their employ
at stations along their line till 1S86. Leaving the road he located
upon a farm along the Neosho River and has ever since dubbed himself
a farmer.
In November 1889 Mr. Xigh was elected Register of Deeds of Allen
County and was again elected in 1891, each time b\- a majority largely in
excess of the regular Republican ticket. He performed his official duties
with fidelity and efficiency and was regarded as one of our reliable and
honorable public servants.
November 16, 18S4, Mr. Nigh was married to Miss Lou Hubbard, a
daughter of the late pioneer, Samuel F. and Parmelia Hubbard. Mr. and
Mrs. Hubbard were from North Carolina and came into Allen County in
1857. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nigh: Edna L.,
Claude H., Matilda M. and James P.
Frank Nigh has acquitted himself well wherever he has been tried.
He served his employers faithfully when in the railroad .service: nothing
was left undone by him as a public official, which jeopardized the public,
or private welfare of his constituents; as a farmer he is broad-gauged and
progressive, practicing industry and honesty before all men, and as a citi-
zen he is unassailable and his character stands unimpeached. Being a
firm believer in the efficacy of Republican principles he is a loyal and un-
swerving supporter of the party of his choice. He is a Knight of Pythias,
an Odd Fellow and a laborer in the cause of Father Upchurch.
jlOBERT NELSON. — One of the successful farmers and well knovvi
-*- ^ citizens of Deer Creek township is Robert Nelson whose residence ir
Allen county has spanned a period of almost a score of years. He locatet
274 ■ HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
upon section i6, township 24, range 20, a raw and unimproved piece of
school land in 1882, and since that date he has devoted his time and
energies, not onlj- to the proper care and support of his family but to the
development and impro^'emeut of a farm and to the task of reaching a con-
dition of financial independence, both warrantable and creditable. The
place of his first settlement he made sale of as did he of the settlement
made in section seventeen where he repeated, on a larger scale, his efiforts
upon the first farm.
Mr. Nelson was born in Adams count}-, Illinois, September iS, 1846.
His father, Zenas B. Nelson, was born near Louisville, Kentuck}', in 1819
and, in 1832, left th-^t state and became a citizen ,of Illinois. He accom-
panied his father, James Nelson, whose origin, or birth, occurred in Vir-
ginia. The latter died in Illinois in 1846 at the age of seventy years. His
military experience was gained as a soldier in the war of 18 12 and, as a
civilian, he was devoted to agriculture. He married Elizabeth Allen and
was the father of fifteen children, fourteen of whom lived to grow up and
marry.
Zenas B. Nelson's military service consi'^ted of a connection with the
Illinois militia when called out for the purpose of suppressing the disturb-
ances with the Mormons at Nauvoo. He was married in 1843 to Delilah
Hopson, a daughter of Robert Hopson who was a Scotchman, kidnapped in
boyhood by some sailors, while hauling logs in the wood near the seashore.
While the ship of his master was in harbor at New Yoik he stole away and
made his way to Ohio. He was married in that state to Narcissa Pierce,
which union was productive of fourteen children.
The children of Zenas and Deliah Nelson were: Alfred and Robert
Nelson, of Allen county; Olive, wife of Martin Cray, of Woodward county,
Oklahoma; Harriet, wife of Edward Wade, deceased, of Clark county, Mis-
souri, Ann, who married Thomas Lowr}', of Adams county, Illinois; Ida,
wife ot Chauncey Owens, of the same county; Deliah, wife of Sanford
Graham; Charles and Philip, all of Illinois. Philip Nelson is one of the
leading architects of the state. He is widely known throughout the state
and has done much work of a high character and received the plaudits and
commendations of architects and builders alike.
Robert Nelson passed his childhood and early manhood with the
family home. He left the parental roof at twenty-four years of age and
was married and engaged in farming. His wife died soon thereafter and
centennial year he was again married and, with scarce an intermission, has
continued his connection with the farm.
Mr. Nelson was first married February 3, 1870, to Sarah Seals, who
died in 1873, leaving a son. Alpha, who is married to Catherine Mills and
resides in Allen countv. January 26, 1876, Mr. Nelson was married to
Mary O. Treatch, a daughtei of George W. Treatch, a German and from
Darmstadt. The latter came to America with his family in 1840 and set-
tled in Illinois about 1841. He was a miller by trade and was the father
of ten children. Those living are: George Treatch, Catherine, wife of
George Randolph, both of Illinois, Mrs. Robert Nelson; Kate, wife of Wil-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
-/.I
liam Crabtree, of Adams count}-; Matilda, wife of Wilson Jones; Fred
Treatch, who married Maggie Seals and resides in the home county;
Henrj', who married Rosa Hill, residing in Adams county, Illinois.
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson's children are: Gertrude, who is the wife of
George Myers, of lola; Ona, wife of Lindsey T. Gillenwater, of Allen
county, and Cora, Jessie and Clark, about the domestic hearthstone.
In politics the early Nelsons were Whigs. Later on the voters of the
family were divided as to parties and our subject became a Greenbacker,
then a Union Labor man and finally a supporter of the Peoples Party.
JOHN B. FERGUS, of Deer Creek township, well known in horticulture
" and floriculture in Allen county, settled upon the west half of the north-
east quarter of section 29, township 23, range 20, his present home, in
January 1889. He was a resident of Anderson county before coming into
Allen and prior to that time occupied the old Younger homestead in Jack-
son county, Missouri. He was a resident of Missouri from 1879 to 1882
when he to )k up his residence in Anderson county, Kansas.
Mr. Fergus was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, March 24.
1858, and is a son of Thomas P. Fergus, of the same county and state.
The latter was born in 1832, was engaged in the calling of a firmer and in
1879 went into Missouri. His last years were spent in Anderson county,
Kansas, where he died in i888. He married Abigail Bradford, a daughter
of John and Annie (Hamilton) Bradford, lineal descentants of the famous
Massachusetts family of Bradfords. John Bradford of this mention was a
soldier in the war of 1812, was born in Pennsylvania and died near Dayton,
Ohio. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John Bradford are; Elizabeth
Friend, of Wyoming, Ohio, aged eighty-two years, still living; Margaret Ser-
vice, of Dayton. Ohio, eighty years; Martha Jane Hamilton, Ft. Wayne,
Indiana, seventy-eight 3'ears; Rev. D. G. Bradford, Springfield, Illinois,
seventy-six years; James H. Bradford, Bellbrook, Ohio, seventy-three
years; Ebenezer E. Bradford, Centerville, Ohio, seventy years; Annie C.
Ewing, missionary in Cairo, Egypt, sixty-eight years; Abigail Fergus,
Glenlock, Kansas, sixty-six years; Agnes Andrews, Bellbrook, Ohio,
sixty-three years.
The Fergus' are of Scotch lineage. Thomas Fergus, our subject's
paternal grandfather and a Scotchman, sought the LTnited States about
1803, stopped a season at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, but raaae his permanent
home in Washington county, that state. His sons and daughters were:
Martha, who married James Taggart; Margaret, wife of Thomas McCall;
Sarah, who married Joseph Donaghy; Nancy, who became Mrs. James
White; Hugh; John and Thomas P. '
The surviving children of Thomas P. and Abigail Fergus are: Anna,
wife of Alexander McKitrick, of Anderson county. Kansas; J. Bradford,
our subject; Samuel and Hugh, of Anderson county; Sadie, wife of Robert
Furneaux, of Allen county, and Thomas, of Reno county, Kansas.
John B. Fergus has passed his life a student of the field and farm.
276 . HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
His first independent enterpiise was one calculated to make him a sheep
grower and he came into Allen county in i88i and bought land for the
purpose of ranching it with sheep. The year happened to be a dry one
and the venture proved a failure. He sold out what remained of his stock
and for the next five years "knocked about." He was married in 1887
and the next year, but one, moved to the farm that is now his attractive
home. General farming and horticulture with a recent entry upon the fine
cattle business are matters which claim all his time. From a modest be-
ginning he has gained on the world steadily and surely and has not onlj-
demonstrated his success with the soil but has established and maintained
a public confidence that is worthy of emulation.
May 20, 1S87, Mr. Fergus was married to Emma Z. Nicholson, a
daughter of Cornelius J. Nicholson, who came to Allen county in 1866 and
settled in the valley of the Little Osage. He emigrated from Pike county,
Illinois, where he was married to Sarah Hoover. Their children were:
Scott W., deceased; David and Emma Z. ; Robert, and Hattie, wife of
Robert Richardson, of Ripley, Oklahoma.
Mr. and Mrs. Fergus' children are; T. Earl; Ruth, deceased; Hugh;
Fanny Fern, and Lou J., since deceased. The Ferguses are among the
staunch and active Republicans.
THEODORE THOMPSON ANDERSON, whose residence in Allen
County dates from the pioneer settlement of the county and whose
personalit}' is among the best known of all her citizens, was born at Ripley,
Ohio, August 15, 1844. His father, Levi V. Anderson, died in Brown
County, Ohio, in 1849. The latter was a son of John Anderson, an old
Scotch school teacher who lived to an advanced age and died in Linn
County, Missouri, in 1867. He was a most pronounced Abolitionist and
was ordered to leave Mi.ssouri by Rebel sympathizers, as a rebuke for his
attitude, but he took down his rifle and defied the "Secesh" element. He
was married to Mary Van Camp. Their children were; Levi V., our sub-
ject's father, who died of smallpox; John, who served in the Civil war with
a Missouri regiment, and one other.
Levi V. Anderson married Caroline, a daughter of George T. and
Hannah (Middleswart) Reynolds. George Reynolds is a Pennsylvanian
and is buried on the hill north of lola, near the Robinson home. The
Anderson children were: Mary J., who married jNL F. Warner and is buried
at lola; Theodore T. ; Lavina A., wife of John McDonald, of lola; George
T., of Baxter Springs, Kansas. Caroline Anderson removed from Ohio to
Livingston County, Illinois, with her family and while there she married
our well remembered pioneer, Lyman E. Rhoades. Their only child was
Rhoda, deceased, wife of the late Lafe McCarley.
Lyman Rhoades was born in Ohio and died in lola in 1892 at the age
of seventy-five years. He had two children by his first marriage and was a
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 277
lather to the children orphaned by the death of Levi Anderson. In com-
ing to Kansas he put into execution a desire to locate in the west and he
started overland on the journe}- hither in 1855. He meandered across the
State of Missouri and stopped in Barton County where he raised a crop in
the year 1856. The next spring he drove over into Kansas on a tour of
inspection and decided to locate in Allen County. He brought his family
immediately and located on the claim where the lola mineral well is, in
1857. He was a prominent factor in the preliminary steps leading up to
the organization of the town and remained one of its substantial and in-
fluential citizens for many years. Rhoades' Addition to lola was laid out
by him, the tract where the Northrup homestead is located was once his
property. His last residence was on Sycamore street just north of the city
limits. As a genuine man he was one to be remembered. His nature was
in full sympathy for the needy and distressed and the testimony of the
worthy poor of lola would be to the effect that he divided his substance
with them and kept them from want. He served lola as Justice of the
Peace and was one of the prominent local Republicans hereabout.
T. T. Anderson got a smattering of an education attending a subscrip-
tion school in lola. Joel L. Jones was one of the first teachers to visit lola,
and he kept school in a rude building prepared for that purpose and situat-
ed on the Delap farm, northeast of town. Mr. Anderson al.so attended
school in lola's first school house, on lot 7, block 7.'. In i860 he went
back to Illinois on a visit and while there the war broke out and he decided
to enter the Union army. In [862 he joined the Third Illinois Cavalry.
He joined his regiment at Helena, Arkansas, and took part in the Missis-
sippi campaign. His first fight was at Chickasaw Bluffs and the number
of engagements before the surrender of Vicksburg, in which he participated
were twenty-two. The Third cavalry- was ordered to aid in the reduction
of Arkansas Post, after which it went south to New Orleans, taking part
in the battle of Port Hudson. A considerable force of Union troops was
sent to Texas in 1863 and Mr. Anderson's was one of the regiments to go.
After a few exploits in the west the regiment, with others, went into Ten-
nessee and was engaged in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. It re-
mained in that vicinity the residue of Mr. Anderson's term of enlistment.
He was discharged at St. Louis, Missouri, after serving two years, ten
months and eleven days.
When he left the army Mr. Anderson returned to Illinois, and without
much delay came back to Allen County, Kansas. He purchased a farm on
Elm Creek which he was deprived of, some time later, through the "securi-
ty channel." Being much reduced in circumstances he brought his family
to lola and for many years has maintained his residence here.
For years Mr. Anderson held clerkships with some of lola's lead-
ing merchants and his service was always marked for its faithfulness. His
connection with the Ancient Order of United Workman in lola has
brought him conspicuously into the public view and if there is a youth in
lola who does not know him it would be a new-comer indeed.
In 1865 Mr. Anderson was married in Livingston County, Illinois, to
27» HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Nancy M. DeMoss, a daughter of John and Mary DeMoss. She died in
rSby and in 1871 Mr. Anderson was married in Ida to Cinderella M., a
daughter of William and Adah Green, of Huron County, Ohio. Two
daughters were the fruits of this union: Carrie Estella and Pearl Adell.
Carrie E. died in the eighth year of her age Miss Pearl, with the lola
Racket, is the only living heir of this union.
Our subject became a Republican when a boy and cast his first vote
for the party in 1S68. He is proud of the fact that he never voted for but
one Democrat in his life. In the fraternal world he is one of the charter
members of lola lodge No. 98, A. O. U. W., of which he has been Financier
many years.
/^> EORGE M. NELSON — Among the most energetic, reliable business
^^ men and entesprising, public spirited citizens of Allen County is
numbered George M. Nelson, who now resides in Brooklyti Park, lola.
Since his arrival in Kansas he has taken an active and commendable inter-
est in public affairs and his labors have been of valuable benefit to the
county.
A native of Ohio, Mr. Nelson was born in Highland County, on the
7th of April, 1846. His father, William A. Nelson, was born in Hillsboro, of
the same county, while John M. Nelson, the grandfather of our subject,
was a native of Stanton, Virginia, whence he emigiated to Ohio in an early
day on account of his views on the slavery question. William A. Nelson
spent his early life in Hillsboro, and acquired his education in its public
.schools. After his marriage to Katherine Kibler, a daughter of Joseph
Kibler of Hillsboro, he developed and improved a farm in Highland
County, the land having been granted to his grandfather, Captain Trimble,
in recognition of his valued service in the American army during the war
of the Revolution. The farm is still in possession of the family, by whom
it has been owned for more than a century. Upon the homestead which he
developed. William A. Nelson resided until his death, which occurred in
18S3. By his first marriage he became the father of si.x children, the eldest
of whom died in infancy. The others are; Cary L. , who died in 1899, at
Albia, Iowa; Jennie E. , who is the widow of Robert Bishop and resides in
Paris, Illinois; Joseph K., of Chelsea, Butler County, Kansas; George M.,
of this review, and Katherine A., wife of Henry Bishop, a journalist of
Kansas City, Missouri. The mother of these children died in 1S49, and
Mr. Nelson afterward married Miss Margaret Kelley, of Rockbridge Coun-
ty, Virginia, daughter of John Kelley. To them were born six children,
five of whom reached maturity, namely: William C, a practicing physician
of Sycamore Springs, Kansas; Anna V., wife of Marion Meyers of Paris,
Illinois, who removed to California where Mrs. Meyers died in 1898; Charles
Q., a medical practitioner of Albia, Iowa; Lena, the second wife of Marion
Myers, who is now in Pasadena, California, and is the State Secretary of
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 279
the Young Men's Christian Association, and Thomas H., who occupies the
old homestead at Hillsboro, Ohio.
George M Nelson, in whom the citizens in Allen County are especial!}*
interested, acquired his preliminary education in the schools of Hillsboro,
Ohio, after which he pursued a classical course in the National Normal
school in Lebanon, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1868. During the
following year he served as deputy postmaster in Lebanon, and later he
purchased and operated a farm in Brown County, that State. He also en-
gaged in teaching in the common schools there. He was for a year a member
of the laculty in the Harrisburg Academy at Harrisburg, Kentuck> , after
which he emigrated to Kansas in 1SS3, locating in Butler County, where
for one year he was engaged in the stock business in connection with his
brother, J. K. Nelson. In 1884 he purchased a farm a mile and a half north
of Moran, Allen County, and took up his abode thereon in April of that
year. For some time he successfully devoted his energies to agricultural
pursuits. His fellow townsmen recognizing his ability and trustworthiness
have frequently called him to public office, his first service having been the
discharge of the duties of trustee of Marmaton township. He remained in
that office for a year, and in 1890 he was made census enumerator. In
1S91 he was elected county treasurer, and so acceptably discharged his
duties that he was re-elected for a second term. On his retirement he entered
into partnership with J. M. Mason in the real estate business, in which
he is now engaged. The firm has conducted a number of important realty
transactions, handling considerable valuable property, and their business
methods commend them to the confidence and pratonage of all. Mr.
Nelson's fellow citizens, however, are not content that he should retire
wholly from public office for his services have ever been of value, and at
the present time he is acting as president of the board of education of lola.
He has alwa^'s supported the Republican party, and for a number of )-ears
has been a member of the Republican central committee.
Mr. Nelson was married in i!S69 to Miss Clara A. McFadden, of
Brown County, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph McFadden, who was a native
of Virginia. She was a graduate of the Lebanon Normal School of the
class of 1 868, and for some time followed teaching with excellent success.
Four children were born of their marriage, but only one is now living,
Wilfred W., who is now engaged in the furniture business iu lola with A.
VV. Beck. He enlisted as a private in Company D, Twentieth Kansas In-
fantry under Colonel, afterward General, Fred Funston, and served for
eighteen months in the Philippines. He was promoted to the position of
quartermaster sergeant, and as such was discharged. After the death of
his wife in 1881 Mr. Nelson married Mi.ss Phoebe E, Gilbert of Champaign
County, Ohio. She died in 1886, survived by one of their two daughters —
Grace G. Mr. Nelson's present wife bore the maiden name of Miss Elozia
C. Strong, of Moran, Kansas a daughter of the late Dr. Henry Strong. Of four
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson two are yet living, Alfred and
Lawrence.
Mr. Nelson's military service began through connection with the Ohio
2So HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
State Militia, and with his regiment he was mustered into the United
States service May 2, 1864, as a member of Company H, One Hundred
Sixty-eighth Ohio Infantry. After assisting in repulsing Morgan on his
last raid and engaging in the battle of Cynthiana, Kentucky, the regiment
was mostly on guard and patrol duty until mustered out at Camp Dennison,
Ohio, September 8, 1864. Socially Mr. Nelson has been connected with
the Masonic fraternity since 1880 and with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows since 1893. He has been a life- long member of the Presbyterian
church — a man of upright principles and of sterling worth, his character
being such as commands respect and admiration in every land and clime.
TAV McCARLEY— The late A. Jay McCarley, of Ida, among the best
^ known cattle men of lola and ex-County Commissioner of Allen Coun-
ty, came to the county in i860. He had resided in McLean County,
Illinois, just prior to his entrance to Kansas, having taken up his resi-
dence there in 1853. He was born in Jessamine County, Kentucky, and
was a son of Samuel and Celia (Harris) McCarley. He was one of seven
children, as follows: Mary, wife of Holman Dean, residing in Kentucky;
Sarah, who married J. C. Todd and lived in lola; Samuel McCarley, re-
siding in San Jose, California; James McCarley, of California; Eliza,
married Dorus Stevens, of Lexington, Illinois; A. Jay, and LaFayette C.
McCarley, deceased.
Jay McCarley received only a passably good education and began his
life work as a farmer. He entered into a partnership with his brother, Lafe,
at an early date and the two were engaged prominently in dealing in stock
until death separated them. They owned farms adjoining, had the fullest
confidence in each other and had no differences except in politics. A.J.
McCarley was elected Commissioner of Allen County in 1879 and was re-
elected in 1882, serving two full terms. He made a most conscientious and
efficient official. With county matters he was as devoted as to his private
matters, and when his services ended it was with a consciousness of having
merited the plaudits of his whole county.
Jay McCarley was no ordinary man. Coming here when a young man
of twenty-three he was, during all the years that passed, a prominent,
respected and influential citizen. He was a fine business man, as his suc-
cess in farming and dealing in stock testified, and he was generous and
public-spirited to a marked degree. He had no political ambition, but up-
on the demand of the people he served his county two terms in one of its
most important offices. He brought to the Board of County Commissioners
the same energy, zeal and clear-headed sagacity that marked the manage-
ment of his personal interests. He had no religious professions but was a
friend to the widow and the fatherless. His door stood open for any whose
condition made them seek shelter there, and his purse was never closed
against the appeal of the distressed. His hand was never withheld when
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 28 I
its Strength was needed to sustain the weak. He never defrauded any
man; he never went back on a friend. Many loved him and all his ac-
quaintances liked him.
Mr. McCarley was married October i8, 1863, in Neosho Falls, Kansas,
by Squire Phillips to Hannah Goff. J. R. Goff, Mrs. (McCarley) Robert-
son's father, was born in Maine, was married to Cynthia Noyes and died at
Stillwater, Minnesota, in 1884. Their children were: Sidney, Eliflet,
Rufus and Horace Goff, of Stillwater, Minnesota; Mrs. Eli Ratliffe. of lola;
Diana, deceased wife of Henry Clark, of Superior, Wisconsin; and Mrs.
Robertson. The last named was born in Piscataquis County, Maine, Janu-
ary 8, 1839. She was married to C. T. Robertson in 1893.
Jay McCarley died April 9, 1892. He left no heirs but was fond of
children and he and his worthy wife reared two children of his sister, Mrs.
Todd, viz.: Rice Todd and Mary, widow of John Beggs, of Chicago.
Willie Briggs and Emma L,ucas were also members of this hospitable house-
hold. Alfred, Luther and Ella McCarley, children of Lafe McCarley,
make their home with Mrs. Robertson since the death of their parents.
lOSIAH F. and lOLA COLBORN.— The venerable and revered pioneers
" whose names introduce this review possess a history so closely and
peculiarly identified with the county seat of Allen county that it is of in-
terest and importance to enter at some length into the circumstances of
their settlement, the jncidents following, and the substantial facts of their
family history. While many other pioneers were intimately connected
with the founding of and early history of lola, and rested their hopes
upon its future, we are warranted in asserting that there was not that pe-
culiar, sincere and burning attachment existing as really possessed Mr.
and Mrs. Colborn, from the very circumstances of the case.
J. F. and lola Colborn left Lewisville, Illinois, about the 20th of
September, 1857, for Allen county, Kansas. An ox team was hitched to
their effects and it "polled" its way across Missouri and into Kansas,
reaching lola October 24h, following. In June prior Mr. Colborn had
made a trip of exploration and discovery in Kansas and had purchased a
claim on the Neosho river, embracing the land occupied by the Often
country home, the fair grounds and a large portion of the city of lola.
His cabin rested in the wood (on the site of the Often residence) by the
river and to this our settlers proceeded upon their arrival at their destina-
tion. To prepare the cabin for the proper comfort of his family Mr. Col-
born put in a floor, "battened" the door, etc., and when all was done
about the house began the task of making the rails with which to fence
fort)' acres of his farm. This tract included about half of what is now the
public square and was enclosed eight rails high. He broke it out the next
spring, planted it to corn and soon after returned-with his family to Illinois
282 HISTORY OF ALLEN' AND
for a visit. He exjjected to find a good crop of sod corn on his return but
his experience with Kansas was too brief to take into account the prob-
ability of a drouth (which ensued) and the sod corn was without ears or
fodder.
In 1858 the question of a town for the Neosho River and Rock Creek
colony became to be agitated. The old (and iirst) county seat below the
mouth of Elm Creek was not advantageously situated for a towti and now
that Humboldt had secured legislation which deprived the former of the
county seat it was not thought wise to try to revive the old Indian town.
An inspection of the country roundabout Elm Creek and the Neosho dis-
closed the fact that the Colborn claim was the ideal one for a townsite and
in due time it was selected and purchased for the purpose.
The movement in favor of a town on Elm Creek took substantial form
in the organizatiou of a town company, composed of fifty pioneers, of which
Dr. John W. Scott was chosen president. The latter resided in Carlyle at
that time but became interested in the town propo.sition and became one of
its chief and most powerful promoters. Weekly meetings of the company
were held in a little school house out near where the "Horville" school
house now stands and, at one of these meetings and when the business of
the company had proceeded to the point of choosing a name fot the town,
an assortment of hall a dozen or more were proposed. Noah Lee proposed
Caledonia, as he was from Caledonia, Ohio; Mr. Colborn proposed Elgin
and other favorite names, none of which seemed to "catch the ear" of the'
company. Finally Lyman E. Rhoads in a short and complimentary
speech proposed the name of "lola" in honor of the wife of the former
owner of the site of the town. This suggestion prevailed as "a motion be-
fore the house", adopted January 1859.
It ma^' interest some student of history to learn the origin of the name
"lola" and while the information is accessible, sufficient for our purpose,
it is here asserted that the name is of French origin. George Collins, a
great uncle of Mrs. Colborn, married a French lady whose Christian name
was lola. Thomas Friend, Mrs. Colborn's father, married Emily Collins, a
neice of George Collins, and their first child was christened "lola."
Returning to the personal history of Mr. Colborn — he was a farmer
but one year in Allen county. After selling his claim he opened a shop
and followed blacksmithing until some time in 1862 when he began a
clerkship with Brinkerhoff Brewster. He continued with him and with
Scott Brothers, his successor, till 1865 when, in company with Nimrod
Hankins, he opened a general store in lola. His was a popular place —
the corner where Coutant's hardware now stands — and he carried on his
business with profit so long as lie remained there. Early in the eighties he
sold his business corner and conceived the idea of introducing life into the
"north side of the squre." He erected the first store-room on that side
(the Shannon block) and opened a dry goods business. This venture
was disappointing in its results. Trade could not be induced "to leave
town," as crossing the square seemed to be doing, but spent its surplus
with merchants about their, "old haunts" and left the "north side" to
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 283
dwindle and decay. Mr. ColbDrn continued bu-iness till 1896 when he
closed his doors and retired.
From his earliest advent I0 the county and for more than thirty- live
years Josiah F. Colborn was a conspicuous ligure in the affairs of [(jla.
When the county was first organized it was done under the "township
plan." Each township chairman was, by virtue of his office, a member of
the Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Colborn was chairman of Inla
township and took part in the business of the first board of County Commis-
sioners. Down through the years he filled township and town ofiices, as
called upon to do so by the voters at their annual elections, and all his
official acts were performed with that painstaking care and consideration
for the public good which characterized his personal intercourse and busi-
ness relations with human kind. Quiet, and without show or fuss, he has
passed almost across the stage of acticn in lola and has maintained, for
forty-five )'ears, an unblemished, spotless reputation. In Masonic work he
has been a part of the Allen county structure from the beginning. His first
work was done in Kansas with Pacific Lodge at Humboldt when there
were only eight Masons in the county. The lodge at lola was instituted
in 1863 and he was appointed its first master. By election he served till
1865, and was called to the chair again in 1870. In this, as in other
things, he has done his duty conscientiously and is held in the highest
esteem by the brethren of the craft. In politics, while his forefathers and
many of his brothers were Democrats, he became a charter member of the
Republican party, and is well known as such now.
Josiah F. Colborn was born near Noblesville, Hamilton count}-, In-
diana, February 7, 1829. His father, Robert Colborn, went into that sec-
tion about 1825, settled a farm and remained till the latter part of the
thirties when he reraovrd to LaFayette, Indiana, to execute a contract for
a piece of work on the Illinois and Michigan canal. This work completed
he settled in Clay county, Illinois, where he "took up" land, prospered as
a fanner and died in 1855. He was born in Perry, county, Ohio, in 1801
and, in 182 1, married Ro^^anna West who died in Clay county. Illinois, in
1872. Robert Colborn, the ist, was our subject's paternal grandfather.
He emigrated from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, to Perry county, Ohio,
soon after the close of the war of the Revolution and removed from Ohio to
Hamilton county, Indiana, in 1823 and there died. He was the father of
five sons, viz: Johathan. Robert, Jesse, Perry and Harrison.
Robert and Rosanna Colborn 's children were: Levi, who died in
Clay county, Illinoss, in 1899; Samuel, who died fn Richland count}^ Illi-
nois, in 1885, George W., of Clay county, Illinois; Mary Jane, who mar-
ried Crawford Lewis, died in Jonesboro, Arkansas, in 1898; Josiah Francis;
Elizabeth, who married Jonathan Lewis, died in Texas; Robert, of Rich-
land county, Illinois; Martha, who married Mr. Hadden, is believed to
reside in Arkansas, and John W., who was one of the early residents of
lola, served on General Logan's staff in the Rebellion, as first lieutenant,
went into the southwest from lola and was never heard of again.
J. F. Colborn was married to lola Friend on the 12th of September,
284 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
1857. The latter's father was Thomas Friend whose ancestors were Dutch
and whose wife's antecedents were Scotch. He married Emily Collins, as
elsewhere stated, and their four children to reach maturity were: lola,
born Januaiy 13, 1S32; Mary B., of lola; Marshall D. , of Chi?ago, Illinois,
and Wellington M., deceased. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Colborn
are: Mrs. Alice Scott; Luella, the first child born in lola, is the wife of
William P. Northrup, of Murray, Idaho; Effie J., wife of Edward Moffit,
of Wallace, Idaho; Madaline Jo., wife of David M. McKissick, of Wallace,
Idaho; Nellie Colborn, of lola, and George M., of Spokanne, Washington-
GEORGE J. ELDRIDGE— Those who lived in the vicinity of lola as early
as the year 1850 recall the appearance, one July day of a little English-
man driving a yoke of oxen across the prairie and into the village. Behind
this primitive team was a young wife and son and all the worldly effects of
the travelers. That they were settlers was early made known and that they
were poor was at once apparent. They had made the journey all the way
from McHeury County, Illinois, to lola and were just finishing their trip
that 27th of July. Their resources, aside from their team, wagon and
camping outfit, amounted to $40. The head of the family was a wagon-
maker and the hope of their future welfare lay in his ability to provide
life's necessities from his trade. He built a small cabin on the site of the
Hart livery barn and took possession. If his wagon shop was not the first
in town it was one of the early ones and he plied his trade as the main
means of existence from that date till i858.
The few foregoing facts are sufficient to identify the subject of this
review, George J. Eldridge. He was born in East Kent, England, Mary
19, 1833, a-nd was a son of Richard and Mary (Bone) Eldridge. The
parents had six children, two of whom survive: Mrs Peter Adams, of Cald-
well, Missouri, and the subject of this notice. Although his father was a
shoemaker George Eldridge left England without a trade. He went
aboard a sailing vessel at London, in compan3' with an uncle and family,
and after five weeks of sea life landed in Castle Garden. The little com-
pany located in Wayne County, New York, and there, at the age of
eighteen years, our subject took his first lessons in wagon-making. In
1856 he came on west to McHenry County, Illinois, residing three years,
and while there marrying Miss Martha J. Hopkins, a lady born in Alle-
ghany County, New York. She was a daughter of William and Mary
Hopkins whose children she and Mrs. Catharine Washburn, deceased, of
Elgin, Illinois, are.
Two of the three children of Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge survive: Mar)-,
wife of John Cloud, of Allen County, has a son. Glen; and Richard A.
Eldridge, still under the parental roof.
George Eldridge had been in America ten years when the Rebellion
broke out. He felt the same patriotic zeal for the preservation of the Union
WOODSON COUXTIES, KANSAS. 285
under the southern sun of Kansas as in the free and invigorating air of the
northern clime. When the second call for troops was issued he enlisted
for three years or during the war. He entered Compauy E, gth Kansas
Cavalry Colonel Lvnde and Captain Flesher, on the 19th of October, 1861.
The Company joined the regiment at Lawrence, Kansas, and in the course
of events was sent south into the Territory. It took part in the battle of
Prairie Grove and in many smaller engagements and skirmishes in Mis-
souri and Arkansas. Mr. Eldridge was discharged at Duval's Bluff, Ar-
kansas, in January, 1855, having served his three years.
In 1867 Mr. Eldridge purchased the tract of land which is his home-
stead. It is the northwest quarter of section 36, township 24, range 17,
and cost him three and a half dollars per acre. The first years of his
career as a farmer was something of a struggle for little more than existence.
Like all settlers without means it was a slow process to do more than the
natural improvement the first ten years. After this his progress was steady
and sure and as the circumstances warranted he extended the area of his
farm. As is well known he is one of the substantial men of his community,
and a gentleman whose social and political integrity are undoubted and
above reproach. He is a Republican pioneer, having joined the party in
1856 as a charter member. His first vote was for John C. Fremont and
his last one for William McKinley. He has aided in an official capacity
the conduct of public business in his township and does his part as an in-
dividual toward the promotion of Republican principles and Republican
success in political campaigns.
JOSEPH P. ROSE, of Elm township, Allen County, was almost a
" pioneer to Woodson County, Kansas. He homesteaded a tract of land
there, in section eight of Liberty township, and remained a citizen of
Woodson till 1895 when be became a citizen of Allen. His farm is the
northeast quarter of section 19, town 25, range 19, and in early days it was
the Zike property.
Mr. Rose was born at Kingston, Ontario, October 30, 1847. I" 1853
his father, Stephen R. Rose, left Canada and located at Rockford, Illinois.
The latter was a hotel man at Kingston, Canada and followed railroad and
carpenter work in Rockford, Illinois. He was married to Elizabeth Adget
who died in Rockford, while he died in Fredonia, Kansas, in 1897 ^t the
age of eighty-seven years. Their children are: Sarah J., wife of Lorenzo
Bissell, of Winnebago County, Illinois; D, W. Rose, of Detroit, Michigan;
Annie, wife of Fred L. Horton, of Chicago, Illinois; Joseph P., our subject,
and Cyrus Rose, of the Indian Territory.
The Roses were originally from York State. Our subject's father was
born in the Empire State and migrated to Canada in early life. In
1866 he came onto the prairies of Kansas and settled in the county of
Woodson.
J. P. Rose began life as a newsboy. He carried the News and Times
2S6 HISTORY OF ALLEN AXD
ill DuBuque, "Iowa, and later worked in the lead mines at that place.
With the exception of the year iSS6 he has resided in Kansas, Woodson
and Allen Counties. He spent the year 1886 in Pomona, California, where
he was toll-keeper in a mill. But he had lived too long in Kansas to be con-
tent with a new place, so he came back to Woodson County and took up farm-
ing, where he left off, and is today one of the well known citizens of Elm
township, .Allen County.
In January, i88i, Mr. Rose was married to Emma Crabb, a daughter
of Henderson Crabb, who came to Kansas in 1866 and was once the pro-
prietor of the Pennsylvania Hotel in lola. His wife was Mary Beach, who
resides in Pomona, California.
Mr. and Mrs. Rose's children are: Albert R., who died in 1897 at
the age of sixteen years: Richard; W. Darwin: George Beach; A. Orville and
Lillian V.
The Roses are Republicans and Methodists. Our subject is leader
of the class in the LaHarpe charge and is otherwise one of the active
members.
A yTILLARD FILMORE SICKLY was born in Livingston County, New
^^-^ York, January II, 1852. His father, Robert Sickly, a farmer by
occupation, was born in New Jersey, and married Elizabeth Gray, born in
the same State. A brother and sister of Mrs. Sickly are still in the Empire
State, William T. Gray and Mrs. Mary Morris.
The boyhood days of our subject were spent on the old family home-
stead, where he assisted in the labors of field and garden until he was
twenty-one years of age. He then went to California, remaining in the
Golden State for a yeai. Subsequently and for a period of five years he en-
gaged in merchandising in New York. In 1880 he came to Allen County,
Kansas, remaining in lola while a house was being erected on the farm in
Elm township which he had purchased. As soon as the new home was
completed he took up his abode therein and as the years have pas.sed his
labors have wrought great change in the appearance of the farm through
the improvements he has added. His work has annually augmented his
income and he now has a very desirable property. Mr. Sickly's brother,
Alfred, the only other surviving member of the family, is living in the
Empire State.
In 1879 Mr. Sickly was united in marriage to Miss Annie L. Bearss, a
native of Livingston Count3^ New York, where her people were also born.
Her mother belonged to the well known Jerome family of that State, Mr.
and Mrs. Sickly have four children: Dumont, Clyde, Bertha and Glenn.
Mr. Sickly exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the Republican party although his father was a Democrat. He
spent his early life on the Atlantic coast, passed one year on the Pacific
coast, and is now contentedly living in Kansas, his labors having brought to
him creditable success, so that he is now the possessor of a good home here.
WOOnSOX COUXTIES, KANSAS. 2S7
SIMON KLOTZBACH.— Perhaps the history of few men in Allen
count\- exemplifies more forcibly the power of determination, courage
and industry in achieving success than does that of Simon Klotzbach. an
honored pioneer of Allen county. He was born in Hessen Germany,
March 10, 1848, and is a representative of a family that was prominent
both in political and military affairs there. His grandfather, Martin
Klotzbach, servs^d under Napoleon in the battle of Wagram in 1809, and
two of his brothers-in-law went to Moscow under that officer. The younger
entered the army at the age ot fifteen and served under the Corsican gen-
eral for fifteen years. He was a "Tryrom," — a man that batters down
doors, — until that position was abolished by the use of cannon, alter which
he was a sharpshooter and also served on outer picket duty.
George Klotzbach, the father of our subject, was born in 1802, and in
the '60s came to America w-here he took up farming as an occupation. He
followed that pursuit for several years in Pennsylvania, removed to Illinois
in 1872, and in 1878 came to Kansas, settling on a farm on which Simon
now resides, and which he homesteaded. His widow and daughter Ma-
tilda are now living with the subject of this review, and the mother,
althoup'h ninaty years of age, is still enjoying good health. The other sur-
viving member of the family is Mrs. Kate Malone, who lives in Iowa.
Simon Kl<5tzbach of this review spent his early youth in the fatherland
and accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He
came to Kansas in an early period in the development of Allen county, and
soon after his arrival heie he attempted to purchase his supper at a house
by the roadside but on account of the scarcity of food was refused, although
he had three hundred dollars in his pocket. He suffered many hardships
and difficulties those first }'ears in Kansas. Twice the grasshoppers de-
stroyed all his crops, and he has at several different times lost all his hogs
by cholera and once by cockle burrs. His first loss amounted to about
twelve hundred dollars, and the next spring and fall he lost at each time
about sixty head. In 1897 he lost about one hundred and fifty head of
hogs; in 189S one hundred and forty; and the following winter between
forty and fifty, and at one time he lost probably one hundred head of cattle
by the Texas fever. Yet in spite of all this he has prospered and he to-day
owns five eighty acre tracts of land, of which one hundred acres are planted
to orchard products, eighty acres of this being in one plat. He follows
progressive methods in his farming, and merits a high degree of success.
On the 7th of October, 1891, Mr. Klotzbach married Miss Dora Strup-
hart, whose widowed mother is now living in Chanute, Kansas. Her
brother, Joseph, resides in Salem township, Allen county. Unto Mr and
Mrs. Klotzbach were born five children, viz: George, Willie, Mary, Mar-
garet and Frank, who died at nine months.
During the Civil war Mr. Klotzbach manifested his loyalty to his
adopted country by enlisting in the Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
and with Sherman participated in the celebrated march to the sea. While
at the front he suffered a very severe attack of tj'piioid fever and it was be-
288 , HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
lieved that he could not recover. To all duties of citizenship in times of
peace he is as true and loyal as when he defended the stars and stripes on
southern battlefields.
"T^R. SAMUEL H. KELLAM, who located in LaHarpe about three
-I — ' years ago and who already enjoys a large and lucrative patronage in
the line of his profession, was born in Shelby county, Illinois, May 6, 1865.
His father, Nathan Kellam, was a farmer and stock raiser of Elk county,
Kansas. He, too, is a native of Shelby county, Illinois, his birth having
occurred there in 1827. In the place of his nativity he continued to reside
until 1S80, when he took up his abode in Kansas and has since become a
prominent stock raiser and shipper of Elk county. Having acquired a
comfortable competence he is now retired. He is a leading representative
of the Democracy in that locality and is respected by all who know him.
He married Ellen Yantis, a daughter of Isaac Yantis, a farmer of Marion
count}', Ohio, who at an early day removed to Illinois, carrying all his
personal effects in a red handkerchief. In the Prairie state tUe latter pros-
pered, becoming well-to-do. The paternal grandfather of our subject was
born in Kentucky in 1790, and he also became a pioneer of Illinois, mak-
ing the journey to Shelby county in a two wheeled cart. There he began
the arduous task of transforming the wild land into a good farm. He mar-
ried Nancy Smith and they became the parents of five sons and two
daughters, namely: Samuel, William, Nathan, L,ogan, John, Mrs. Leran.
James and Mrs Matilda Handerly, the last named being still a resident of
Shelby county. The Kellam and Yantis families were united through the
marriage of Nathan Kellam and Ellen Yantis. Their union was blessed
with six children who are still living: Flora, wife of W. T. Calon, of Elk
county, Kansas; Sarah, wife of J. W. Donnell; William J., who died in
1892; Nora Belle, wife of J. G. Yantis, of Elk county; Metta Blanche and
Aullendore, who are also residents of Elk county.
Into the mind of Dr. Kellam of this review were early instilled lessons
of industry. When quite young he began work on his father's farm,
remaining there until he was twenty-one years of age. His father retired
and for four years he managed the ranch. In the meantime he secured a
good foundation for his professional knowledge by a thorough English
course, supplementing his preliminary studies by a course in the Howard
high school, of which he is a graduate. For some time he occupied the
position of department foreman of the Armour Packing Compau)', of Kan-
sas City, but wishing to make the practice of medicine his lite work he
began reading in the office and under the direction of Dr. Strunen, with
whom he remained for two years. Later he was graduated in the Kansas
City College of Physicians and Surgeons and received practical training
while acting as assistant in the free dispensary hospital at Bethany. Prior
to coming to LaHarpe he practiced medicine in Kansas City for three
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 289
years, but since 1S97 has been a valued member of the medical fraternity of
Allen county.
Doctor Kellam married Miss Hattie Graham, who was born in Ohio in
1867, a daughter of James Graham, now a farmer ot Elk county, Kansas.
Two children grace their union: Marvelle and Lillian. The Doctor and
his wife have many friends in Allen county where he is enjoying an ex-
cellent practice, having a patronage that many an older representative of the
medical fraternity might well envy. As a citizen he is public spirited and
progressive, and is therefore a welcome addition to LaHarpe.
/^>0LUMBU3 L. RICE.— On the roll of the business men of Humboldt
^-^ appears the name of Columbus h- Rice. He was born in Jasper
county, Missouri, on the 12th of September, 1854. His father, George D.
Rice, was a native of Pennsylvania, and when a young man removed to
Ohio, where he was united in marriage to Eleanor Taylor. On leaving the
Buckeye state he took up his residence in Missouri, and the year 1862
witnessed his arrival in Allen county, Kansas. Soon afterward he joined
the Union army as a member of the Ninth Regiment of Kansas Volunteers,
and served throughout the remainder of the war, loyally aiding in the
preservation of the Union. During much of his life he followed farming,
but in later years he located in Humboldt, where he was engaged in the
coal business until his death, in July, 1899, when he was seventy-three
year.s of age.
Columbus ly. Rice was reared upon the home farm and through the
sunny days of early spring followed the plow as it turned the furrows for
the planting. He afterward engaged in farming on his own account for a
short time, when he entered the machinery department of the business of
Johnson & Bragg at Humboldt, being thus emplo^'ed for nine and a half
years. On severing his connection with that firm, he entered the employ
of William Rath, who was in the same line of business, and with whom he
remained for seven and a half years. While there he learned the trade of
a tinner and gas fitter. Subsequently he opened a hard-vare store of his
own, conducting it for two year>, when he sold out to E. W. Trego, with
whom he has since remained in the capacity of tinner and gas fitter. He
has always been an industrious and energetic man and has never had
trouble in keeping himself employed.
Mr. Rice was married on the 23rd of March, 1879, to Miss Lydia Ann
Shellman, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth vShellman. She was born
Ileal Bloomingtou, Illinois, and in 1872 came to Kansas vi'ith her parents,
who settled in Humboldt, where her father was proprietor of the Sherman
House. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rice has been born a son, Robert Charles,
whose birth occurred in October, 1880. In his political affiliations Mr.
Rice is a Republican, but though he keeps informed on the issues of the
day he has never been a politician. He is connected with the Modern
290 HISTORY OF ALLEN AN13
Woodmen of America, and is well known in his community for those traits
of character, which in every land and every clime command respect.
THOMAS M. FITZPATRICK.— A history of Allen county would be
incomplete without the record of Thomas Marion Fitzpatrick for he is
one of her native sons, a distinction of which ver}' few men of his age can
boast. He was born in the county in i860, before the state was admitted
into the Union. His father was one of the pioneers of Kansas who came
hither locating in Osawatomie in 1856. Four years later he took up his
abode in Allen count}', locating on what was known as the Bishop farm,
and during the Civil war he served as a private in Company E, Ninth
Kansas Cavalry. He was born in Missouri in 1820, and was thoroughly
familiar with the development of the west. He married Rebecca Sparks,
whose people were natives of Indiana. Their surviving children are: J.
J. Fitzpatrick, of Allen county; Mrs. Sarah E. Schultz, of Anderson county;
Thomas M., of this review; and Mrs. Anna M. Lucky, of Allen county.
The boyhood of our subject was not one of leisure for he was early
trained to do the work of the farm and through the summer months as-
sisted with the plowing, planting and harvesting. He pursued his educa-
tion in the subscription school, his first teacher being a Mr. Todd, and the
school house being on the Fulton farm. Mr. Fitzpatrick also engaged in
teaming from Kansas City prior to the building of the Southern Kansas
railroad. He aided in farm work when Elm township was a part of lola
township, and only about ten families lived within its borders, the greater
part of the land being wild prairie which awaited the awaking touch of
civilization. The first land which he owned was a quarter of the Dr. Ful-
ton farm. He removed to his present farm in 1881, and is to-day the
owner of a valuable property, his labors having wrought a great change in
the appearance of the farm.
In 1880 Mr. Fitzpatrick wedded Miss Melissa Leake who was born on
the farm now owned by Mr. Daniel Horville, and whose mother is yet
living. She has three brothers living in Kansas: William Henry, a resi-
dent of Phillips county; J. P., of lola, and I. T. , who is also living in the
county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick are Albert, Bertha
May, Cora Fay and Jessie. All are under the parental roof.
After attaining his majority our subject gave his political support to
the Democracy, but of late years has been a Populist. He has served as a
member of the school board, and is a prominent member of the camp of the
Modern Woodmen. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick are native citizens of
Allen county, and as such are entitled to distinction. They have always
manifested a deep interest in its progress and upbuilding and have borne
their share in the work of development which has placed Allen county
upon a par with any county in the commonwealth. Their social qualities
and genuine worth have gained them manj' friends.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 201
"A TRS. MARGARET C. DEAL, one of the pioneers of Allen county,
-LvJ- was born in Indiana May 9, 1841. Her father, Enos Myers, a
native of North Carolina, came to Indiana when still a young man. Here
he married Sallie Seachrist, a native of North Carolina. Mr. Myers moved
to Illinois when Mrs. Deal was eleven years old, and resided there for two
years. He then moved to Denton county, Texas, where Mrs. Deal was
married in 1857 to Andrew M. Deal, a native of Indiana. Mr. Deal had
gone to Texas when but twenty-one years old, intending to make that state
his home. When the war came on he did not believe in the Confederacy,
and, as Union men were not wanted in that part of Texas, he came to Kan-
sas. An ardent and earnest advocate of die cause of the Union in the great
struggle, Mr. Deal in 1862, enlisted in the Ninth Kansas regiment. The
regiment was used largely against the bushwhackers, that infested the
border counties and made life for the free state men a constant terror. One
morning a party of twenty from the regiment, among the number Mr. Deal,
joined a detail of scouts for an expedition. While passing through'a stone
lane near West Port, they were suironnded by the enemy, believed to be
Quantrell's guerrilas, who opened upon them from behind cover. Al-
though surprised and unable to see their foe they fought gallantly, until
fifteen of Company E, Ninth Kansas men were killed, Mr. Deal among
the number; the five men who were left making their escape. The Con-
federates killed the Federal wounded.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Deal: Mary E. , now the
wife of Howard Moore; Paris and Thomas, both living at home. Left thus
with the care of a small family Mrs. Deal faced the future with a courage
worthy of the husband, who had given his life for his country. The chil-
dren as they grew older aided in the struggle against the hardships of the
new country and now, after many ^^ears, have succeeded in acquiring a
fair share of this world's goods. Three miles east of Humboldt they have
a pleasant home, surrounded by stately maple trees, and every acre ot the
eighty is well improved and shows the evidences of careful cultivation.
To the fatherless children Mrs. Deal has given a careful training and
the record of the deeds of her husband has been one of the cherished
memories of their life.
T~\AVID P. DURNING is one of the most successful stockdealers of
■J — ' .southeastern Kansas where he has carried on business since 1871,
and through the intervening years he has borne an una.ssailable reputation
in trade circles, never making an engagement which he has not kept, nor
contracted an obligation that he has not met. His sagacity and enter-
prise, and moreover his untiring labor have brought to him a handsome
competence, and the most envious can not grudge him his success, so
honorably has it been acquired. Neither have his labors resulted alone to
his individual benefit, for on account of the large amount of stock which
2g2
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
he handles he has instituted a market for much of the grain raised in this
locality and his trade relations with his fellovvmen have 'been mutually
profitable.
Mr. Burning was born in Kentucky March 4, 1842. His father, John
Durning was a native of Pennsylvania, and during his boyhood daj^s ac-
companied his parents on their removal to Kentucky where he was reared
to manhood and married to Miss Mary J. Maxwell. The latter died when
her son, Porter, was a small boy. Mr. Durning afterward came to Kansas and
spent his last days with the subject of this review, his death occurring
about 1885.
David Porter Durning spent his early boyhood days under his father's
roof, remaining at home until he was fourteen years of age, when the father
suffered financial reverses and he started out to make his own way in the
world. His educational privileges were very limited. He attended school
fijr about a year, but other than this his mental discipline has been obtained
in the hard school of experience. Reading, observation and practical work
gave him a good knowledge which fitted him for the responsibilities of a
business life. On leaving home he went to Illinois in 1857 and there
secured work by the month as a farm hand. He was thus employed until
he had saved money enough to venture upon a new stage of life's journej-,
taking to himself a companion and helpmate, — Miss Mary J. Traughber, —
their marri.ige being celebrated in the year 1865. The lady was born and
reared in Illinoi.s and for a few years after their marriage they resided in
that State, but believing that there were better opportunities for young men
in the districts farther west, Mr. Durning turned his face toward the setting
sun and in 187 1 arrived in Kansas, locating on the county line between
Allen and Woodson counties. He made his home tl'.ere for a number of
years and improved the property, but gave the greater part of his time and
attention to the buying and shipping of stock. After eight years he took
up his abode in the city of Humboldt and has always continued his opera-
tions as a live stoc'K dealer. He entered into partnership with James
Dayton and togethei they purchased and shipped stock for a number of
years, when the business relations between them were dissolved, since
which time Mr. Durning has been buying, feeding and shipping stock on
his own account. His business has grown to very extensive proportions and
he ships more stock from the Humboldt depots than any other man in the
county, his shipments reaching as high as thirty-five carloads a month.
His equipment and preparation foi feeding and growing stock is unequaled
in the State. He pays good prices to the farmers for their grain and his ex-
tensive stock dealing interests have made Humboldt one of the best grain
markets in Kansas. He is an excellent judge of horses, cattle and hogs
and this enables him to make judicious purchases and profitable sales.
In his political views Mr. Durning is a stalwart Republican, but he
has never sought or desired the emoluments of public office, preferring to
give his attention to his business affairs. He started out in life for himself
a poor boy without capital. His environments were not particularly favor-
able and he had no influential friends to aid him, but he placed his reliance
WOODSON COrNTIES, KANSAS. 293
in tile more substantial qualities of diligence, energy, determination and
honesty. The experience of men who are willing to work persistently
and intelligently and wait calml\ goes to prove that success may surely be
attained during the ordinary lifetime, and no man, not cut ofJ at an untimely
age need work and wait in vain. Steadily has Mr. Durning increased his
capital and his honorable business methods and unflagging industry have
enabled him for many years to maintain a position among the wealthy
business men of Allen County.
RICHARD WARD— A native of the Empire State, Richard Ward was
born in Westchester County in 1843. The Wards came originally
from Holland to America, the family being established in New York in
1680. James Ward, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of West-
chester County. Hezekiah Ward, the father of our subject, was also a
native of Westchester County and was a farmer by occupation. He wedded
Mary A. Cromwell, who was of English lineage. They became the parents
of three sons who are .still living: Clarence A. and Charles P., both younger
than Richard, being still residents of the Empire State.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life
for Richard Ward during his boyhood days. He assisted in the labors of
field and meadow through the summer months and pursued his
education through the winter season at the common schools. In
1864, on attaining his majority, he enlisted in the navy and was assigned
to duty on the war ship Hetzel. He afterward served on the Granite and
on the Mattabessett, his time being spent with the blockading forces at
Plymouth, Albemarle Sound and Cape Hatteras, under Commander
Febbager. Throughout his business caieer he has carried on agricultural
pursuits and has gained a good living through his indefatigable industry.
In October, 1870, Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Naomi
Earl, who is the only child of William Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Ward now
have seven children, all of whom still call the old place home. These are:
Hezekiah, Mary A., Fanny C. , Jennie, Clarence A., William J. and
Amelia. The year 1880 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Ward and his family
in Allen County, and he has since been numbered among the enterprising
agriculturists of Elm township, having a very comfortable home, which is
surrounded by well tilled fields, whose neat and thrifty appearance indi-
cates the careful supervision of the owner. As a citizen he takes a
commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his com-
munity and gives a loyal support to all measures which he believes will
contribute to the substantial upbuilding of the county and to 'its progress
along intellectual, social and moral lines.
294 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
/^HARLES F. HELLE— In Humboldt township is a well developed
^-^ farm which is the property of Charles F. Helle, one of the most
prosperous agriculturists of the county. He was born in Allen County,
Indiana, on the 20th of November, 1843. His father, Frederick Helle.
was a native of Prussia and in that country married Celatara Pence. With
his young wife he sailed for America in i84[, and after a short time spent
in New York continued his westward journey until he established his home
in Allen County, Indiana. He was a passenger on the first canal boat that
was ever taken through the Erie Canal. By trade he was a tanner and
worked with General Grant at the tannery in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The
friendship formed between them at that time continued throughout their
remaining days Mr. Helle was also an engineer and during the latter
part of his life was employed in that capacity in the foundry of Stacy &
Bouser, at Fort Wayne. He died in 1876 at the age of sixty-six years, and
his wife passed away in 1870 at the age of fifty-five years. They were the
parents of only two children, the daughter, Louisa Dolman, being now a resi-
dent of Allen County, Indiana.
Charles F. Helle was the elder. Although his parents were natives of
the fatherland he never learned the German language. He associated with
boys who spoke the English tongue and has always been an American in
thought, purpose and feeling. His time in youth was devoted to the
studies of the school room and to different employments that would contri-
bute to his livelihood. In Allen County, Indiana, he was united in mar-
riage to Miss Amanda Bishop, the wedding being celebrated November 3,
1862. The lady was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and was
afterward a resident of Ohio, but later moved to the Hoosier Slate. Unto
them have been born seven children, namely: Charles F., who is engaged
in the transfer business in Chicago; Lizzie, the wife of J. W. Wheatley, a
resident of lola; John, at home; Warren, who is also engaged in business
in Chicago; Frank, who has business interests in Kansas City; George and
Daisy, who are with their parents.
Thinking to find better opportunities in the west where "there was not
such great competition, Mr. Helle removed from Indiana to Allen County,
Kansas, and purchased three hundred acres of land a mile and a half north
of Humboldt. To his property he has added until now he has land aggre-
gating seven hundred and fifty acres, a rich farming tract in this section of
the State. He raises wheat, oats and corn on an extensive scale, and has
large numbers of horses, mules, cattle and hogs, and everything about the
place is neat and thrifty in appearance and modern in appointment. H is
residence occupies a commanding building site, standing on a bluff of the
Neosho river in the midst of a beautiful grove of natural forest and cedar
trees. In politics he is independent, voting for the man he regards as best
qualified for the office. His business career has surely been a most success-
ful one, due to his well directed, earnest and indefatigable efforts. He
has made a good record as a business man and citizen, being at all times
reliable and upright. His name i? high on the roll of Allen County's most
WOODSON COITNTIES, KANSAS.
prosperous agriculturists. His code of morals is such as to impel him to a
just consideration of the rights of all with whom he has been brought in
contact and a conscientious observance of all the proprieties of life.
OLIVER H. STEWART— Although Mr. Stewart does not make his
home in Allen County at the present time, he is one of the native
sons of the county and has been prominently identified with her interests
so that his history cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers.
He occupies an enviable position in financial circles, not alone on account
of his brilliant success but also on account of the honorable, straightforward
business policy he has ever followed. He is a man of energy, of keen per-
ception, forms his plans readily, and is determined in their execution, brook-
ing no obstacles that bar his path to success along the line of honorable
effort.
Mr. Stewart was born in this county on the 6th day of November,
1 86 1, a representative of one of the leading pioneer families, his parents
having settled in what is now Allen Count}' in Maj', 1856. He is the
fourth son of Watson and Elizabeth Stewart and was reared and educated
in Humboldt. In 1885, though a staunch Republican, he was appointed
under the Democratic administration, Agent to the Mexican Kickapoo
Indians under the control of the Sac and Fox Agency in the Indian Terri-
tory and detailed as an expert accountant to the Sac and Fox .\genc)-.
He remained there for a year at which time he removed to Parsons,
employed by W. L. Bartlett and Company of that city, large dealers in
general merchandise, and subsequently became a member of .that firm,
where he continued for ten years, his labors and counsel proving import-
ant factors in the successful conduct of the business. In 1897 he returned
to Humboldt to assist in the settlement of the e.state of the late Paul Fisher,
and when that task was completed returned to Parsons, Kansas, assisting
in the organization of The State Bank of Parsons, which was opened for
business on the 7th day of November, A. D., 1899, with a paid up capital
of $25,000, with Mr. Stewart as president of the- institution. In 1900 The
Savonburg State Bank with paid up capital of $6,000 was also organized
and opened for business on the 23rd day of October, Mr. Stewart being also
president of this institution. He gives both banks personal attention, and
they are classified among the safe financial institutions of the State.
He and Mrs. Stewart own and operate upward of nine hundred acres
of Allen County's most fertile soil, in high state of cultivation, finely im-
proved, and carrying a considerable number of fine cattle.
On the gth of May, 1887, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Stewart
and Miss Katie Fisher, a daughter of Paul and Nancy E. Fisher, one of
Allen County's native daughters. They have four sons: Lyman O.,
Ellsworth F. , Harold E. and Paul F., aged respectively twelve, ten, five
and one year. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have many warm friends in Allen
296 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND'
C )umy as well as in the cit.v of- their present residence. In his p ilitical
Atfiliitions he has always been a Republican. He has served as president
of the Board of Education of the city of Parsons, and member of the City
Council of the city of Humboldt. Fraternally he is connected with the
Royal Arcanum. Both Mr. Stewart and his wife are members of the First
Presbyterian church of Parsons.
BERGEN S. SMITH, one of the prosperous business men of Humboldt,
was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, July 27, 1857. His
fatlier, Zachariah Smith, a native of the same state, was a farmer, until ill
health compelled him to abandon the farm. He accordingly entered the
merchant tailoring business, which he followed until his death in 1862.
He was married to Miss Lydia A. Johnson, a native of New Jersey , and
three children were born to them, of whom the subject of this sketch was
the second. After the death of her hu-band Mrs. Smith was married to
Mr. Nical Graham, and is still living.
Early in life our subject started out to face the realities of life. He
first learned the printers trade and worked for four years in the office of the
Hunterdon County Republican. This business did not offer the oppor-
tunity that he wished and, in 1877, he came to Kansas City, Missouri, and
after trying in vain to get a position that would aid him in his ambition he
accepted a position with BuUene, Moore & Emery, (now Emery, Bird,
Thayer & Co.), one of the large department stores of that city. This place
he soon left for a better one with G. Y. Smith & Co., and two- years later
entered the wholesale house of Tootle, Hanna & Company, where he re-
mained for-five years. His careful attention to business and his natural
aptitude for the work soon gained him the esteem and confidence of his
employers and he was advanced rapidly. His work in Kansas City came
at a time when real estate was advancing enormously in that city and Mr.
Smith took advantage of the opportunity thus offered to invest his savings
in that channel. As soon as his investment showed a fair profit he sold,
and by this method succeeded in adding materially to his savings. In
1884 he formed a partnership with J. F. Cooper and together they estab-
lished a clothing store at Cherryvale, Kansas. One year later Mr. Smith
purchased the interest of his partner and moved the stock to Humboldt.
Here he has built up a business second to none in the southwest. Carry-
ing a large stock, carefully selected, a shrewd and judicious buyer, he has
been able to attract trade from territory not strictly tributary to him. The
years he spent with the large stores in Kansas City brought liim an ex-
perience that he has been able to turn to golden account in the conduct of
his own business.
Mr. Smith has always been active in all measures taken for the up-
building of Humboldt and is now a large stock holder in the Humboldt
Brick Manufacturing Company. He lias always been an active Republi-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 297
can and has taken a warm interest in the success of his part)'. Personally
he has had no desire for office and his business has always occupied his
entire time. He has served as Treasurer of the City oi Humboldt for sev-
eral years and is a member of the Knight Templars and other secret
societies.
HENRY EBERT. — One of the respected citizens and prosperous
farmers of Allen county is Henry Ebert, who was born in Germany,
on the 28th of January, 1839. His father, Frederick Ebert, was also a
native of the same country and was there married to Amelie Snyder, whose
birth occurred in that land. In 1849 they bade adieu to home and friends
and with their family came to the new world, locating in Ohio. The
father was a contractor and for a time was identified with business interests
in Cincinnati, but subsequently removed to Illinois, making his home
upon a farm there from 185: until 1871, when he died at the age of sixty-
five years. His wife, who was born in 1808, died in 1SS2, at the age of
seventy-four years. They were the parents of two children, Augusta and
Henrv. The former married Albert Martin and is living in Decatur,
Illinois.
Henry Ebert spent the first ten years of his life in the fatherland and
then came with his parents to America. He learned the brass molder's
trade and followed that occupation in Cincinnati until the removal of the
family to Illinois. At the time of the Civil wai and in response to the
country's call for aid, he enlisted on the 15th of August, 1862, as a member
of Company I, One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, with which
he served until honorably discharged at the clo.se of the war. He partici-
pated in all the battles and engagements that his regiment had part in and
was severel\- wounded at Vicksburg, May 19th, 1863, a ball shattering the
front part of his lower jaw. In February of the same year he was pro-
moted to the rank of sergeant of his company and after his wound has suf-
ficiently healed he returned to his regiment, October 21st, 1863. When
hostilities had ceased he received an honorable discharge and with a credit-
able military record returned to his Illinois home.
In 1882 Mr. Ebert came to Kansas and located on the farm which is
still his home. It is the "Cottage Corner" farm and is locted in the
southwest corner of Allen county. In his agricultural pursuits he has been
successful and now owns a valuable and attractive property, its richly cul-
tivated fields indicating his careful supervision and enterprising spirit. He
has also engaged in stock raising, which has been a profitable source of
income to him, and today he is the possessor of a comfortable competence
and is regarded as one of the leading farmers of the community.
Mr. Ebert has been twice married. While in Illinois he wedded Miss
Ellen S. Neyhard, a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, and unto them were
born five children: Alvin H., who is residing in Rosedale, Kansas; Irvin,
298 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
who is engaged in the phiinbing and gas-fitting business in Chanute, Kan-
sas; William A. , who enlisted in Company F, Twentieth Kansas Volun-
teers, and went to Manila where he was very severely wounded in an en-
gagement. He was discharged in Manila, and is still in that city; Anna
A. and Richard both died in infancy. The mother died September 24th,
1879 in Illinois. Mr. Ebert was again married, his second union being with
Ellen Shaffer, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Peter H. Shaffer,
who was born in the Kfeystcne state in 1823. He married Sarah Grove,
who died in January, 1900, at the age of seventy-six years, but Mr. Shaffer
is yet living at the age of seventy -seven. They had two children: John,
who is living on a farm in this locality, and Mrs. Ebert. By her former
marriage she had one child, Frank. The children of the second marriage
are Fred, Sadie, Bessie and Anna, all at home. The family is well
known in the community and their friends are manv.
T ESSE BARKER, foreman in the office of the Humboldt Union, was
*J born in Keosauqua, Van Buren county. Iowa, July 21, 1850. His
father, Jesse B. Barker, a native of Indiana, was married to Amelia Scott,
a native of Missouri, who had moved with her parents to Iowa in an early
day. The elder Mr. Barker is still living in Montana at the advanced age
of seventy-four years. Jesse Barker is the only living child of this union.
Mr. Barker had a common school education. At the tender age of ten
}-ears he began to learn the printer's trade. He worked two years and
eight months in a printing office in his native city and then two years in
Ottumwa, Iowa. His health tailing he went to Hancock county, Illinois,
and, learning the carpenter's trade, worked at it for several years. He
spent a few years on a farm and, in 1883, came west, locating in Anderson
county. He was soon installed as editor of the Anderson County Demo-
crat and for two and a half years resided in and near Garnett. An offer of
a good position on the Humboldt Union caused him to leave Garnett in
1886 and he came to Humboldt taking charge of the mechanical depart-
ment of the paper. His long connection with the newspaper business has
given him a thorough knowledge of the work and he has the confidence
and esteem of his employer.
Originally a Democrat Mr. Barker found himself out of accord with
his party in 1890 and he allied himself with the Republicans. He has
since been an active member of that party.
Mr. Barker has never married, but "while there is life there is hope"
is the old adage. He is a Mason and a member of the Order of Eastern
Star and has filled offices in both lodees.
TAMES M. WALLACE, one of the highly respected citizens of Hum-
" boldt, was born in Springfield, Illinois, January 17, 1829. His father,
John Wallace, was born in Georgetown, South Carolina, August 3, 1800,
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
299
and moved with his parents to Illinois when but twelve years old. He
was a wagon-maker by trade and followed that business in Illinois for
uuny years. Upon reaching manhood's estate he was married to Miss
Minerva Myers, a native of Davis County, Kentucky.
The schools of those days were of little consequence and the only edu-
cation it was possible for a child to get was from the schools which were
conducted by teachers who received their pay from the scholars who at-
1 ended. Tliese schools Mr. Wallace attended and received such meager
instruction as they afforded. When sixteen years of age he was apprenticed
to a carpenter and served with him for four years. Two years ol this time
he worked for his board and clothes and two months schooling each year.
The early love for the carpenter's trade has never left him and although
most of his life has been spent on a farm he has always worked more or less
at the trade he learned in those early days.
October 19, 1849 he was married to Miss Mary Garver, a native of
Pennsylvania, and to them has been born eight children. Seven of these
children still survive: John J., David C, Emma A. Zigler, of Emporia;
Charles S. : William C. ; James A. and Mary C, all scattered about over
Colorado, Illinois, .Miisoari and Kati4as.
Mr. Wallace was living in Illinois when the war came on and although
he had a large famil> he answered the call for troops, enlisting August 2,
1862, in Company C, ii6th Illinois volunteers. He was elected a lieu
tenant of his company and after a month's drill his regiment was sent to
the front. They landed at Memphis, Tennessee, and were soon sent south
to re-enforce troops that had previously been sent down into Mississippi.
Mr. Wallace was taken sick on the march and he was sent to the hospital.
Here he lay for a long time and when he had recovered sufficiently to
travel he was sent back to Decatur with health shattered. Here he was
given detached duty, enforcing the draft, arresting deserters and the like.
This work continued until the close of the war and in 1865 he was mustered
out. The year 1867 he came to Kansas to look up a location and finallv
located in Humboldt. He bought a farm five miles west of that city and
returned to Illinois and brought his. family out to their new home. In
this vicinity he has lived until the present time. He improved that farm,
which was a wilderness when he came here, until it is one of the best in
the county. His life has been filled with hard work and in 1896 he moved
to Humboldt, determined upon a partial rest. His activity for the good of
the city soon brought him in contact with municipal affairs and he was
elected Police Judge. He is now mayor of the city.
Politically he has always been an ardent Republican and for many
years was an active worker in the ranks of that party. He is a member of
the Masonic order.
"NyTRS. JENNIE JONES, wife of the late A. A. Jones, was born in
-'-"-'- Philadelphia, May 24, 185 1. Her father, George Marshall, was
also a native of that city, born April 27, 1826, and there he lived until after
300 HISTOKY OF ALLEN AND
he had attained to man's estate. In early life he learned the blacksmith's
trade, which he followed for a number of ^-ears. He married Miss Xaonii
Tliompson, who was born in England in 1830, and came to America with
her parents in 1844, being then a maiden of fourteen years. They took
passage on a siiling vessel and encountered some very rough weather,
sixty-six days having elapsed from the time they left the English port until
they reached the harbor of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall were
married on the 23rd of July, 1850, and in 1900 they celebrated their golden
wedding. They are both well preserved people who look as if ther might
be spared for many years to come, and in that hope their friends all join.
In 1852 Mr. Marshall removed with his family to Lebanon , Warren County,
Ohio, and in 1854 journeyed still farther westward, locating at Grandview,
Illinois, where Mr. Marshall worked at his trade of blacksmithing until
1870, when he came to Allen Count/, Kansas, and purchased a raw tract
of prairie land six miles east of Humboldt. Not a furrow had been turned
nor an improvement made upon the place, but with characteristic energy
he began its development and continued its cultivation fo: twenty-two
years. He and his wife then removed to Humboldt and have since resided
with their daughter.
Mrs. Jones is their only child. She spent her girlhood days under the
parental roof and on the 24th of August, 1890, became the wife of A. A.
Jones, who was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, and came to Humboldt in
1885. Here he built the elevator and feed mills and conducted an exten-
sive business, buying and shipping grain of all kinds, and grinding feed.
He was then one of Humboldt's enterprising business men, energetic,
reliable and trustworthy, but death came to him very unexpectedly and his
life's labors were thus ended February 27. 1893. As a citizen he was
loyal and progressive, as a friend faithful and as a husband and father devoted
and tender. He left a wife and the four children of his first marriage to
mourn his loss. These are: Harry E., Cora Chester, who i.- attending the
State University at Lawrence, Kansas, and Etta and Foiest, who are now
students in the schools of Humboldt. Mrs. Jones, her parents and the
children are all living very happily together in a pleasant residence in
Humboldt, and she takes as great interest in rearing the children as though
they were her own. In addition to her home in Humboldt she owns a
good farm, and is one of the most highly esteemed ladies of the community.
'^X WILLIAM BRAUCHER, of Humboldt, Allen County, is a gentle-
' ' man whom the citizens of his county have delighted to honor.
His character is a combination of traits that make true men and worthy
citizens and his life has been an open book to the people of Allen County
for nearly a third of a century. Mr. Braucher was born in Tuscarawas
County, Ohio, January 24, 1845, and is a son of a pioneer to the Buckeye
State. The latter was Joseph Braucher, born in Pennsylvania and a sou of
WOODSON COfNTIES, KANSAS. 301
Germaa parents whose migration to the United States occurred about the
opening of the 19th century.
Joseph Braucher married Julia Antoinette Hawley (Halley), a native
of New York and of English parents. He engaged in the dry goods busi-
ness in earl\- manhood and made merchandising hi-^ business throusjh life.
The scene of his business activit\- was in Ohio, and he retired -.vhen the
infirmities of age were found to be creeping upon him. He died at the age
of eighty years.
William Braucher attended the common schools until he was preparea
to enter college. At sixteen he became a student at Wittenburg L,utheran
College and there took up the study of the orthodox faith. The ministry
was his ultimate goal. For a further preparation and following a com-
pletion of th^ course in the Lutiieran institution he entered a military
college in Cleveland, Ohio, and while there the war between the states was
in progress. His enlistment followed in the course of time and his regi-
ment, the t29th Ohio \'olunteers, saw some of the real service in that
struggle. It aided in the capture of Cumberland Gap and then re-enforced
General Barnside at Knoxville and aided General Sherman in releasing
Burnside after a twenty-five day siege.
Upon his return from his army service Mr. Braucher went into his
father's store and remained three years Having accumulated a small
amount of cash in the spring of 1868 he came into Allen County. He
purchased a farm five miles south of Humboldt and entered upon a new
and semi-strange experience. A new farm always furnishes ample oppor- '
tunity for the display of industry and art in its improvement and in these
elements Mr. Braucher was not lacking. His soil was fertile and the in-
dustry and good taste of its owner rapidly made the farm one of the attractive
country homes in his township.
During the earlj- years of his residence in Kansas Mr. Braucher was
a,ssociated with G Y. Smith in the dry goods business in Humboldt. Mr.
Smith, now located in Fort Worth, Texas, was one of the prominent
merchants of Allen County and Mr. Braucher's connection with his store
covered a period of over five years. Later he spent two years behind the
counters of Hysinger & Rosenthal, another firm whose history covers many
of the early and prosperous years of Humboldt's existence. In February,
1898, Mr. Braucher lost his wife and he rented his farm to which he had
moved and returned to Humboldt soon thereafter. Seeing an opening he
engaged in the furniture business but soon sold this and engaged in the
hardware business.
InDeceniber, 1870, Mr. Braucher married Isabel Heath. Sheleftthree
children, viz.: Joseph W., Edward Allen and Halley Heath Braucher. The
first two are in Kansas City and the last named is with his father in Hum-
boldt. In January, 1899, Mr. Braucher married Mrs. Margaret (Bragg)
Johnson.
In the matter of the conduct of public affairs in Allen County Mr.
Braucher has always shown an active and intelligent interest. His rare
judgment and his wise discrimination in matters of public policy make him
302 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND"
an admirable public servant. He served Cottage Grove township in an
official capacit}- and was elected Counts- Conimissioner for a term of three
years. His political affilations are with the Republican party.
In his business and social relations Mr. Braucher is the prototype of
honesty and sincerity. His practice of meeting his engagements promptly
and otherwise maintaining his good name are matters of common report.
He is courteous and affable and is without the objectionable qualities of
manner too often present with the busines.s and professional men of our day.
\ 7^ T P. McGREW. — Among the native sons of the Sunflower state
V V . \\r_ p, McGrew is numbered, while in the business circles of
Humboldt he is recognized as an important factor. He was born in Doug-
las county, Kansas, February lo, 1862. His father, William McGrew,
was a native of Indiana and married L,ucinda Dickey, who was also born
in that .state They arrived in Kansas in i860, and the following year the
father enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of the Eleventh
Kansas Infantry, with which he was associated until victory crowned the
northern arms and the sound of musketry was no longer heard in the land.
He died in 1896 at the age of fifty -six years, and his widow is now a resi-
. dent of Chetopa, Kansas
W. P. McGrew was the second in order of birth in their family of nine
children, and learned the plasterer's trade under the direction of his father,
following that pursuit for about sixteen years. He then went to the In-
dian Territory, where he worked in a cotton gin in a custom mill for some
time, after which he returned to Chetopa, Kansas, and entered into part-
nership with Mr. Bartlett. They purchased a flouring mill which they
still own and operate, the plant having a capacity of thirty barrels per day.
Wishing to enlarge their business, in 1896 they purchased the mill site in
Humboldt and built a large flouring mill with a capacity of fifty barrels
per day and equipped with the latest improved machinery. In February,
1900, Mr. M'-Grew came to Humboldt to supeivise and conduct the intei-
ests of the irm at this place.
In, • -a-s celebrated his marriage to Miss Cora Orm, a native of
I^abetl^i' x>> Kansas, and a daughter of Robert Orm. They have two
childfci , • . iVite and Elinor. Already they have gained warm friends
in ji.tf'.. .-..,.. .,"ii'd enjoy the hospitality of many of the best homes here.
So( " 'iy Mr. McGrew is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America
an^ tie Ancient Order of United Workmen, while politically he is a Dem-
ocr-*- He had no special educational advantages and was without the
as .nee of influential friends in his early business career, but steadily he
h advanced step by step until he now occupies a creditable position on
t ; plane of affluence.
•WOODSON COrxTIES, KANSAS. 303
GEORGE W. HESS, well known and highly esteemed in Humboldt,
and one of the recent additions to her citizenship, was born in Canton,
Ohio, July 27, 1838. His father, Christian Hess, was born in Baden, Ger-
many, and came to America with his parents when seventeen years of
age. He was married to Barbara Shutt in Canton, Ohio, a lady born on
the line between Germany and France. Christian Hess followed shoe-
making and died in December in the year i86r, aged forty-eight years.
His wife died in 1891 at the age of seventy years. Six of their children
survive: Mary, wife of J. B. McBroom, resides in Defiance, Ohio; John
Hess, of Defiance, Ohio; Sarah, wife of Joseph Blanchard, of Defiance;
Frances, wife of W. St. Amont, of Defiance; Rosella B. Hess, of Defiance,
Ohio, and G. W., of Humboldt.
For a number of years Mr. Hess was in the grocery business in Defi-
ance, Ohio. While there he married Frances Kestler, born in Henry
county, Ohio, and a daughter of Francis and Elizabeth (Fonder) Kestler,
both German born. Mrs. Hess was born February 19, 1844, ^^i^ was one
of five children, viz; Elizabeth P. Sterns, of Belphis, Ohio; Adam Kestler
of Nevada, Missouri; Maigaret. wife of John Schwartz, of Defiance; Mary,
wife of John Bohman, of Ludlow Grove, Ohio, and Mrs. Hess.
Mr. Hess came to Kansas in the spring of 1872 and took a claim in
Butler county. At that time there were plenty of indolent and loafing In-
dians in the county and they made regular pilgrimages about the country
begging flour (not corn meal) and meat and in this way provided largely
for their physical needs. In 18S4 Mr. Hess sold his Butler county farm
and moved into Allen county. He purchased a small farm joir.ing the
townsite of Humboldt and has builded up one of the beautiful and attract-
ive country homes of the township. He devotes his time to the growing
of fruit and "small farming," generally and everything is kept in perfect
order.
Mr. and Mrs. Hess' family of nine sons is one of the remarkable cir-
cumstances of their lives. They are Frank E., of lola, Kansas; Joseph F. ,
of Humboldt, Kansas; Charles A. and William A., of Humboldt, of the
Hess Drug Company, (the latter is married to Maggie Heim); George J. ,
of Telluride, Colorado; Henry J., of lola; Frederick A., Wuker I. and
Lewis B. are at home.
Mr. Hess has demonstrated his business success ' ' lias
reared his large family, educated them liberally ant 3m-
petence sufficient to provide him against want in his decln. not
preached politics nor entered into serious advocacy of the cause v ,^[n}'
local politician but he does vote and, in national affairs, the Demotj a|^c
ticket. _^^
— ■fi1?re.
JOHN W. SAVAGE, of Humboldt, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsintl
October 25, 1842. He is a son of Charles Savage and Nancy Smith,
the former of Geneseo county. New York, and the latter of Canada. The
3<34 HISTORY OF ALLEX AXU
parents emigrated to Milwaukee where the father was connected with the
city's affairs, as an official for some years. The mother died in 1S44 and
the father two years later, They left several children four of whom sur-
vive, viz: Mary A., Ruth E. and James E. , all residents of Great Bend,
Kansas, and John \V., our subject.
Mr. Savage was sent to New York upon the death of his parents and
grew up in the company of his relatives. He was educated in the common
schools and, when the war began, enlisted in Company H, Second New
York Infantry. He spent two years in that regiment and then enli.sted in
the Twenty-first New York Cavalry and served about two years in that
command. He saw the war from first to last and was in many of its fiercest
engagements. He was in the seven days fight on the Peninsula, the bat-
tles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, the second battle of Bull Run,
went through the campaign in the Shenandoah and was wounded on the
22nd of November, 1864, in the battle of Rhoads Hill. After the war he
volunteered for service in the regular army and served thirteen months
longer. He was discharged for disability.
In 1870 Mr. Savage moved to Illinois and was a resident of Lake
county, that state, till 1877 when he came to Kansas. He settled first in
Barton county, Kansas, and remained in the wheat belt seven years. In
1884 he came to Allen county and took up his residence in Humboldt.
Mr. Savage was married March 25, 1872, to Catherine Miller. She
died February 8, 1897, leaving two children, Charles and Lizzie Savage.
February 4, 1900, Mr. Savage was married to Ida M. Wilson, a Georgia
lady.
In business circles Mr. Savage devotes his time to real estate and the
execution of legal papers. He is serving Humboldt as Police Judge to
which the people have chosen him. For fifteen years he has been Post
Adjutant of Vicksburg Post Grand Army of the Republic. He is a Demo-
crat, is a lover of his country and of the flag he helped defend. He served
one vear as Post Commander.
A DDISON SLEETH— The forefathers of the subject of this review
-^~^ were among the pioneers to America. They settled in the colony
of Virginia, and did their share in the establishment of a civilization, the
highest and most progressing and enduring of the age. The paternal
great grandfather of our subject, like most of the other colonists, had been
taught to love liberty and justice, and when British tyranny and British
encroachment became unbearable, and the colonies said tliey were,
"and of right ought to be free and independent states," he enlisted in a
Virginia regiment and served seven full years as ensign in our struggle for
independence.
About the first of the 19th century a son of this soldier of "The Ameri-
can Revolution" settled in Ohio, where John Sleeth, our subject's father,
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
305
was born. When he was six years old the family again moved west, locat-
ing in Shelby County, Indiana, where he grew to manhood and married
Rebecca Talbert, who was born in North Carolina and came with her
parents to Indiana when a child. They were tillers of the soil, and brought
up their children in the paths of sobriety and industry. Their children
were seven in number and Addison, their second son, was born April 29,
1842. The mother died in Shelby County, Indiana, in 1883 at the age of
sixty -five years, and the father died in i88g at the age of seventy-four
years. Their three sous and four daughters survive them and are still
living.
Addison Sleeth spent his youth on a farm, attending the country
schools during the fall and winter months, till he was eighteen years of
age. Desiring the advantages of a higher education, he entered Asbury
University at Greencastle, Indiana, but had been a student only a year
when the Southern Rebellion threatened to overthrow the government.
He enlisted in Company G, 52nd Indiana Volunteers, on the 2Sth of
October, 1861, for three years. He then veteranized and served till the
war closed. The regiment participated in a number of battles and
skirmishes, beginning with the capture of Fort Donelson, in February,
1862, and ending with the capture of Mobile, in April, 1865. As a member
of the regiment he traveled ten thousand miles during its forty-three
months active service in the field. September loth, 1865, his regiment
was mustered out of the service at Montgomei}*, Alabama. The war over,
Mr Sleeth returned home and engaged in farming and teaching. He was
married August 11, 1868, to Margaret Joyce and became a citizen of Allen
County, Kansas, in the year 1874. In 1877 Mrs. Sleeth died leaving two
children, Grace G. and John J. Sleeth. Both are well educated, the
former having pursued some of the higher branches of learning, and the
latter having completed a course in the Humboldt high school.
In 1878 Mr. Sleeth married his present wife, Phebe C, a daughter of
S. M. and L- A. Partlow.
As a citizen of Kansas Mr. Sleeth is thoroughl}' representative and
honorable. He goes through life without interference with the affairs of
others and for thirty years has maintained himself blameless in the estima-
tion of his fellow countrymen. In politics he is Republican and is a frequent
attendant of county conventions in a delegate capacity.
Uj^ H. LEITZBACH was boin in Litchfield County, Connecticut,
-^— -'• August 6, 1864. His father, N. Leitzbach, a native of Germany,
emigrated to America in 1857. His mother, also a native of Germany,
makes his descent distinctly German. Mrs. Leitzbach's maiden name was
Esslinger. Three children were born to them: Anna, Augustus, a prac-
ticing physician in Fairmount, Illinois, and the subject of this sketch. The
elder Leitzbach was a cabinet maker by trade and followed this business for
many years in his New England home.
E. H. Leitzbach attended the schools of his native city and when old
3o6 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
enough entered the high school where he completed his education. After
graduation at Winstead, Connecticut, he entered a furniture store where he
thoroughly learned the business. Here he worked for three years and, in
•18S5, he came to Kansas. Purchasing a half interest in the Utterson &
McLeod stock of furniture, he began a business which he has since
conducted with signal ability and success. Three years after beginning
business in Humboldt he purchased the remaining interest in the firm and
has since conducted it alone. His thorough knowledge of the business and
his untiring industry have combined to build up a business which is one of
the largest of its kind in this part of the State. He is very popular with
the people in the county and has always had the reputation of dealing with
them in the fairest manner.
Mr. Leitzbach was married to Miss Ona Cox, of Elsmore, Kansas, in
[899, and their's is one of the liandsomest homes in the county. Mrs.
Leitzbach is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Cox, of Elsmore, and is a
native of Allen County.
Politically Mr. Leitzbach is a Republican and has always been an
active worker for party success. He has served two terms on the city
council of Humboldt.
OSCAR C. BRETT— One of the most prominent business men of Allen
County is Oscar C. Brett, of Humboldt. From a modest beginning
he has built one of the largest and most prosperous mercantile businesses
in the county. Twelve years ago he purchased a small stock of goods in
Humboldt. In order to do this he was compelled to borrow $200. To the
building up of this business he gave his entire time and the most patient
industry. Gradually he saw his little busines- grow. Soon he was able to
repay the borrowed money and add materially to the small stock. As his
trade grew the stock grevv. Soon he was able to occupy a larger store
than the one in which he began business. A few years more found one
store room too small for the needs of the establishment and an adjoining
room was added. Today both rooms are filled with goods and his trade
has reached proportions seldom attained in the smaller towns. His success
has been largely due to industry, but to this he has added a ripe judgmsnt
and correct business methods.
Mr. Brett was born in Macon County, Illinois, April 29, 1863. His
father was boru in Virginia in 1822 and came to Illinois when but a child.
Settling on a farm he followed that business the rest of his life. He was
married to Miss Martha Cox and to them were born seven children, of whom
James, Oscar, Grant, Otto, Julia and Grace still survive. The subject of
this sketch was able to secure little schooling but the little he had was well
learned. Until he was twenty-one years old he worked on the farm with
his father. Coming to Humboldt he entered the large store of S. A.
Brown & Co., where he worked for a year and a half. When the company
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 307
Ijurued out and discontinued business he went to Kansas City where he
secured a place iu the Boston Dry Goods Co.'s store Tud there he remained
a year. City life was not to his taste and he moved back to Humboldt and
engaged in farming. A single year sufficed in this business and he again
moved into town and established himself in a small Racket business on the
north side of the square. From this small beginning he has grown into
his present immense establishment. While living in Kansas City Mr.
Brett was married to Miss Jennie McKiiight, a resident ot Humboldt. One
child, a girl, Hazel, eight years old, was the result of this union.
Mr. Brett has always taken an active interest in politics and has con-
tributed much toward the election of Republican candidates. Never an
office seeker he has filled many positions under the city government of
Humboldt and has been identified with every effort to aid the town and
country. He is a member of the Masons, M. W. of A. and has filled
different offices in each lodge.
TAMES PEERY. — When Samuel Peery came to Vigo county, Indiana,
" in 1776, the country was a wilderness. The French colony which had
settled there had few members but these were hardy pioneers and the soli-
tude of the forest and inhospitible character of the savages did not deter
them from founding a colony that eventually brought civilization to the
country and cultivation to the soil. In this state four generations of Peerys
were born.
George W. Peery, born in Marion county, Indiana, was married to
Miss Margaret A. M\ers, and to them ten children were born. In 1869 he
moved with his family to Allen county, Kansas, where he died in i8gi,
followed in 1897 by his wife.
In 1868 James Peery, the subject of this sketch, born in Monroe
county, Indiana, April 10, 18.43, came to Kansas, settling in Jacksonville,
Crawford county. Here he lived for five years, moved thence to Labette
county and after a few years there removed to Missouri. In 1882 he re-
turned to Kansas this time settling in Humboldt where he has since made
his home. When he came to Humboldt he entered the mercantile busi-
ness and has been engaged in some branch of that business since. He is
one of the most extensive broom corn buyers and shippers in this part of
the state and gives it his chief attention. He has been eminently success-
ful in the business and has built up a large and lucrative trade.
Mr. Peery's early life was spent on the farm on which he was born.
He lived with his father, getting such education as the limited facilities of
that day and region afforded and when the war came on he enlisted in the
Thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteers and served throughout the war. His
regiment participated in many of the hardest fought battles of the war and
he looks back over those days with great pride. He was in the battles of
Corinth, Nashville, Perryrille, Stone River and Murfeesborough. He was
308 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
wounded at lyibertj- Gap, Tennessee, in one of the numerous engagements
of his regiment. He was invalided the latter part of his service and was
mustered out near the close of the war. Returning to his home he was
married October 20, 1864, to Miss Carrie Anthony, of Paris. Illinois, and
to them have been born ten children, four of whom are still living: George
H., Maggie, Mabel and Everett.
Mr. Peery has always been a prominent Republican and has been
.several times honored by his party with important offices. During his
residence in Crawford county he was elected County Commissioner and
Trustee of his township, and he has filled the office of Justice of the Peace
in Humboldt. In 1899 he was elected Mayor of Humboldt.
JOHN M. ASHBROOK was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, on the
^ 26th of July, 1859. His father, Absalom Ashbrook. was a native of
Pennsylvania and during his boyhood removed to Ohio with his parents.
His second wife was Mrs. Frances (Wesenhouver) Brinker, a native of the
Buckeye state, and in 1876 he died, at the age of sixty-four years, leaving
his wife and son, the subject of this review. In 1865 they came to Kansas,
locating upon the farm to which Mr. Ashbrook has since devoted his
energies, making it one of the val-uable properties in Logan township.
In the spring of 1884 he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Defen-
baugh, a native of Ohio and a daughtei of Henry Defenbaugh. During
her early girlhood Mrs. Ashbrook's parents removed to Illinois. Her
mother died in 1900 at the age of sixty-six years, but her father is still
living at the age of seventy-three years.
When Mr. Ashbrook came to Kansas with his mother he purchased one
hundred and sixty-six acres of land which his industry has improved until
it has reached a state of commendable development. In all his work he
has been successful and ranks among the progressive farmers of the county.
In his political affiliations Mr. Ashbrook is a Republican and has been
honored with local positions of public trust. He has served as township
trustee and for several years has been treasurer of his township. Socially
he is a Workman, having filled a chair in the lodge. He belongs to the
class of enterprising Americans who always constitute the substantial ele-
ment in our population.
A NDREW WEDIN has resided in Allen county for thirty years and is
-^~^ one of the leading grocers of Humboldt. He was born in Sweden on
the 5th of Februar}', 1847, and is a son of Gustavus Wedin, also a native
of that country, in which land he spent his entire life. His business was
that of hotel keeping. He maiTied Miss Charena Jones, and they became
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 309
the parents of six children, five of whom are now living, three being resi-
dents of America, namely: Peter, a resident farmer of Allen county; Eva
Jarel, of Illinois, and Andrew. The father died in 1880, at the age of
seventy-three years, while the mother pa.ssed away in 18S9, at the age of
seventy-nine years.
Andrew Wedin pursued his education in Sweden, attending the com-
mon schools and spending one term in a college there. He came to Amer-
ica in 1869, landing in New York on the 19th of April, when twenty-two
years of age. Alter one year spent in Chicago, Illinois, and a short time
passed in Iowa, he arrived in Humboldt in the fall of 1870, and with char-
acteristic energy began life in the west. America offers a broad field to
ambitious and energetic young men, and Mr. Wedin soon took his place
among the leading business men of his community. He has been connected
with the grocery trade since 1S83, in which year he entered into partner-
ship with F. W. Frevert. That connection was maintained for three years,
when Mr. Wedin sold his interest to his partner and established an inde-
pendent grocery and provision store in which he has since conducted a
large and constantly growing trade, his business annually amounting to
from si.xteen to eighteen thousand dollars. He also owns a farm a few
miles west of Humboldt.
Mr. Wedin was united in marriage to Miss May Johnson, a native of
Sweden, who came to America in 1872. They had two children but both
are now deceased. Our subject exercises his right of franchise in support
of Republican principles, but otherwise takes no active interest in politics.
He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Odd Fellows Lodge, and in
the latter has filled all the offices and seived as representative to the grand
lodge. He is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of
his community and has ever cheerfully given his support to those enter-
prises that tend to public development. His name is synonj'mous with
honorable dealing, and he has probably not an enemy in Allen county, for
he is ever straightforward in commercial transactions and is most reliable
and faithful in his friendships.
T^LNATHAN N. WERT, of Humboldt, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio,
-*— -< ou the 20th of January, 1839, and was the third child born unto
Richard D. and Amanda Wert. His father was born in Germany, March
10, 1810, and with his parents came to America in 1813, landing at Jersey
City, residing there two years and subsequently removing to Cincinnati.
In early life he learned the cooper's trade, but afterward engaged in farm-
ing. In 1839 he married Miss Amanda Compton, a native of Ohio, and
removed to Indiana, securing a homestead near Crawfordsville, where he
made his home until his death, which occurred in 1893. His wife passed
away in January, 1865. They had six sons and six daughters, all of whom
reached years of maturity.
E. N. Wert spent his youth in Montgomery county, Indiana, where he
3IO HISTORY OF ALLEX AND
attended the common schools, after which he spent two years in Wabash
College of that state. When the war broke out he enlisted in 1861 for
three months' service as a member of Company B, Tenth Indiana Infantry,
and participated in the battle of Rich Mountain. When his term had ex-
pired he received an honorable discharge, but re-enlisted for one year's
service in Company B, .Sixty third Indiana Infantry. He was detailed for
duty in the secret service and received a lieutenant's pay. On the ist of
.Septembei, 1863, he resigned, but soon afterward was appointed recruiting
officer and recruited sixty-four men, with whom he joined Company B,
One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Infantry, being assigned to the posi-
tion of corporal. Successive promotions came to him as orderly sergeant,
second and first lieutenant, and he was detailed to act as General Cox's
body guard with the Third Division and Twenty-third Army Corps, thus
serving until November 30, 1865, when he was discharged under general
orders at David Island in New York harbor. He was ever a loyal soldier,
true to the stars and stripes, but when the country no longer needed his
services he gladly returned to his home and family.
Mr. Wert was married on the 22nd of January, i860, to Elizabeth
Copner, a native of Indiana. After following carpentering in the Hoosier
state until the fall of 1867, he brought his family to Kansas, arriving in
Humboldt on the 22nd of October. Here he secured a clerkship in the
United States land office, under Colonel Goss, with whom he worked for
three months. He then secured a homestead three miles north-east of
Humboldt, residing thereon until December, 1869, when he returned to
the city and entered into partnership with Messrs. Gilbert and Suits in the
law and real estate business. This connection was maintained until 1873,
when Mr. Wert sold out and becami traveling salesman for the Singer
Sewing Machine Company, which he represented on the road for ten years.
He went into the livery business in Humboldt and traded his livery stock
for a Woodson county farm which he moved to and operated some years.
On selling that property he became owner of eight hundred acres in Gove
county, Kansas, where he engaged in general farming and stock raising for
four 3-ears. On the expiration of that period he disposed of his land, pur-
chased property in Humboldt and has since made his home in this city.
On the i6th of August, 1869, he was called upon to mourn the loss of
his wife, who died leaving three children, but William and James are
now decea.sed. Nettie, the only surviving child is the wife of John Dorn-
burg, of Allen county. For his second wife he chose Frances E. Scan-
Ion, their marriage being celebrated September 19, 1878.
Mr. Wert has always been an active worker in the Republican party
since attaining his majority. He was deputy sheriff for four years, filled
the office of ju.stice of the peace, and in both positions discharged his duties
in a very commendable manner. He is a valued member of the Odd
Fellows Lodge of Humboldt, in which he has filled all the chairs. He
also l:)elongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and was a delegate to the
national encampments in San Francisco and Columbus, Ohio. In his early
life he twice sailed round Cape Horn as a cabin boy, the voyage, in those
WOODSOX COUNTIES, KANSAS. 3 I I
davs of primitive navigation, consumin.s; six months. He has visited every
state and territory of the Union, gaining that experience and knowledge
which only travel can bring. His has been an active, useful and honor-
able life and now he is enjoying a well-earned retirement from labor, occu-
pying a pleasant home in Humboldt, where he has the warm regard of a
large circle of friends.
T A WILLIAM J. CAMPBELL— In reverting to the settlers of the olden
^ ^ time who bared the breast and braved the storms of adversity in
order that th.ere might be a community of enlightened citizens instead of a
camp of government wards, our minds cling to the memory of those along
the Neosho River, where the very first settlements were made. Conspicu-.
ous among them was a young Kentuckian, full of life and hope and young in
years, who wandered into Allen County as early as 1855. That date was
almost, if not quite, the beginning of the era of white settlement in the
county. There was then no Humboldt, no lola, a trading post, perhaps,
at Cofachique and a military post at Ft. Scott. At that time the Red Man
roamed the prairie and forest at will and thought little of the encroachment
of his pale-faced brother. Our Kentucky pioneer dropped down upon a
piece of land three miles southwest of Humboldt in the midst of a band of
Indians. At first they swarmed about him thick out of curiosity and a de-
sire to learn his intentions. Being convinced that his mission was a friend-
ly one they became his fast friends and would have protected him with
their lives. In this community and upon this claim did our subject, the
late William J. Campbell remain till death.
We have refeired to Mr. Campbell as a Kentuckian for the reason that
his birth occurred in the State of Daniel Boone. He was born in Hfipkins
County, March 11, 1S33. He was a son of William Campbell, a native of
the State of Kentucky and was the youngest of six children. His educa-
tion amounted to but the rudiments of English and his life till his emigra-
tion westward was passed as a farm hand. It will be noticed that on com-
ing of age he left his native State and went into Missouri, stopping
near Mt. Vernon, Lawrence County. He remained there one year and
continued his journey to Kansas. Alex. H. Brown, of lola, is the only
other settler, now in the county, who came the same year. Mr. Campbell
was two years in advance of most of the Humboldt pioneers and his
life spanned a period of two generations of western settlement and
development.
February 29, 1856, Mr. Campbell returned to Missouri and was married
to Caroline Bashaw, a daughter of Thomas Bashaw, and a lady born in
Caldwell County, Kentucky, August 27, 1840. The husband and child
wife returned to his new possessions along the Neosho, in the wilds of
Kansas, and settled down to the task of clearing up and improving their
home. For two years during the period of the Rebellion Mr. Campbell was
312 HISTORY OF A.LLEN AND
away from his farm and residing in Nebraska. While away he was engaged
in freighting across the plains to Colorado, carrying supplies and provisions
to Denver. Returning to Allen County in 1865 he took permanent posses-
sion of his farm. Raising grain and hogs and horses was his chief busi-
ness. A good horse was an object of adoration with him and he always
owned them. Industry and steadiness were traits which characterized his
every day life and in consequence his accumulations were certain and con-
tinuous. He made his family comfortable while he lived and left them so
at his death. He was devoted to his wife and children and their joys and
sorrows were his own. He reared his children to habits of industry and to
become persons of honesty and integrity. He enjoyed the society of his
neighbors and friends and his hospitality was proverbial and unbounded.
He took little interest in affairs not connected with his personal or family
welfare and to talk and vote was as far as his interest extended in public
matters. He was a Democrat of the old school and hewed to the line in
State and National politics.
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell's surviving children are: Sarah J., widow of
Archibald D. Young, whose two children are George W. and Gracie May;
Mary E. Campbell; Lucretia (Campbell) Cox, wife of John F. Cox. a pop-
ular clothier of Cherry vale, Kansas; and James Campbell, whose wife, nee
Minnie Ladd, died February 27, igoo, leaving two children, Olive Blanche
and Ralph Augustus
William J. Campbell was a strong robust man till late in life. A can-
cerous trouble developed some years ago and grew slowly but surely,
sapping his vitality at every turn and baffling the skill of the medical
fraternity in their efforts to destroy it. The end came on March 10, 1900,
and a good and true man pa.ssed to his reward.
^ A riLLIAM H. ANDREWS— There is, in the anxious and laborious
^ ' struggle for an honorable competence and a solid career of the
business or professional man fighting the every-day battle of life, but little
to attract the idle reader in search of a sensational 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 not only won a comfortable competence, 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 Humboldt is William H.
Andrews, who was born on Long Island, in Queens County, New York, on
the 19th of September, 1829. His father, James Andrews, was also a
native of Long Island and was there married to Miss Hulda Jack.son, a
native of the same locality. The former died in September, 1856, at the
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 31.",
age of fifty-six years, but the mother long survived him, passing away in
1896 at the extreme old age of ninety-six years. They were the parents (if
seven children, all of whom are yet living, namely: Mrs. Margaret Bisley.
of New York; Isaac R. , who is living in Virginia; Mrs. Jane Alger, of New
York, wl'ose husband laid out Alger's addition to the city of Humboldt;
William H., of this review; Lucy, who is living in Pennsylvania; James, a
resident of Long Lsland; and Mrs. Sarah Merritt, who is also living on
Long Island.
William H. Andrews spent the days of his boyhood and youth under
the parental roof and mastered the branches of learning taught in the
common schools. When nineteen years of age he began to learn the
carpenter's trade, which he followed in the Empire State until 1852 when
he removed to Ohio, there following the same pursuit until after hostilities
were inaugurated between the North and the South. A loyal advocate of
the Union cause, he enlisted as a private in Company K, Nineteenth Ohio
Infantry, and was afterward promoted' sergeant of his company. He
experienced many of the hardships of war, having participated in numerous
skirmishes and several of I he most hotly contested battles, including the
engagements at Shiloh, Crab Orchard, Chicamauga and Mission Ridge.
He was never captured or wounded but had many narrow escapes for he
was always found at his post of duty, which frequently led him into the
thickest of the fight. He received an honorable discharge, at Marietta,
Georgia, October 17, 1865, for the flag of the nation had been planted in
the capital of the Confederacy and the services of the loyal Union soldiers
were no longer needed.
Mr. Andrews returned to his home in Ohio, but in April, 1S66, came
to Humboldt. Kansas, and has since been actively identified with its inter-
ests along many lines which have contributed to the public good. His
fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called
him to public office, and he has filled various positions of trust. He has
been police judge, was justice of the peace for several years and has been
trustee of his township for twelve years. He has always retired from office
as he has entered it — with the confidence and good will of the public.
Whenever nominated, election has been accorded him and although he has
always been a Democrat he has many friends in Republican ranks who
give him their support.
In 1854 Mr. Andrews was united in marriage to Miss Adeline Redfield,
of Ohio, who has been to him a faithful companion and helpmate on the
journey of life. They have two sous: James H., who is now one of the
leading musicians of Kansas City, and Orin S , who is a member of a New
York City orchestra. The sons have exceptional musical talent, which,
having been cultivated, has placed them in prominent positions in musical
circles. Socially Mr. Andrews is a man of genial nature and one who is
most appreciative of the amenities which go to make up the sum of human
happiness. He has therefore identified himself with the Masonic fraternity,
belonging to the Blue lodge, the Chapter and Commandery and he has
filled one of the chairs in the Grand Chapter of the State. He is a valued
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
member of the 'Grand Ami}- of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant
relationships with his comrades of the blue. He has been quartermaster
of Vicksburg Post, No. 72 for a number of years. He is now sevent\--one
years of age, but still manifests a commendable interest in public affairs
and is recognized as an esteemed citizen and honored pioneer of Humboldt.
MRS. CELIA H. STEELMAN is a native of the Empire State, her
birth having occurred at Gloversville, New York, on the 28th of
September, 1846. She is a daughter of Abraham Gulick, who was born in
New York, in 18 14, and was married on the 25th of November, 1841, to
Miss Maria Mitchell, whose birth occurred July 2nd, 1816. Their union
was blessed with three children, but only two survive, namely: Mrs. Steel-
man and Andrew. The latter was born July 12, 1844, and is now living
with his sister. Mr. and Mrs. Gulick became residents of Kansas in 1880.
In the State of her nativity Celia H. Gulick spent her girlhood days
in acquiring her education in the public schools. In 1869 she gave her
hand in marriage to J. F. Wing, who was also born in New York, in which
State they began their domestic life. They removed to Minnesota, where
they remained for three years, and in 1874 they came to Kansas, locating
in the northern part of Allen Count3' where Mr. Wing purchased a large
farm. They remained upon the farm for three years, and then took up
their abode in lola, which was their place of residence for about eight
years, when their home was given in exchange for Humboldt property.
In 1 888 they located in the latter city and Mr. Wing purchased business
property there. He was identified with the business interests of the place
until i8go, when his life's labors were ended in death, he being then fifty-
seven years of age. Mrs. Wing remained a widow for two years and in
1892 was married to David Steelman. Theirs was a short but happy
married life, terminated by the death of Mr. Steelman in 1896, when he
was seventy-seven years of age.
Mrs. Steelman and her brother now reside in her pleasant home in
Humboldt. She owns two nice residences in the best portion of the city
and has other property which yields to her a good income. In no field of
endeavor requiring intellectuality has woman failed to demonstrate her
equality with man, and her business and executive powers, when brought
to a practical test, are found equal to his. Mrs. Steelman shows decided
ability in the care and supervision of her property interests. For twenty-
seven years she has been a resident of Allen County and is now widely
known in this portion of the State, where her estimable characteristics
have gained for her the sincere friendship of those with whom she has been
associated.
WOODSUX COUNTIES, KANSAS. 315
TAMES T. TREDWAY— While the race is not always to the swift nor
" the battle to the strong, tireless energN', resolute purpose and sound
judgment never fail to gain success, and though Mr. Tredway spent his
youth amid rather unfavoring circumstances and has had to depend entire-
ly upon his own labors, he has risen to a position of affluence and is classed
among the sub.stautial citizens of Allen County. He was born in Hamilton
County, Ohio, April lo, 1849, and is of English lineage. His parents,
however, were natives of Maryland, and were married in Wheeling. West
Virginia. The father died when James was only two years old. The sur-
viving members of the family are: Mrs. Olivia B. Littell, whose husband
was a captain in the Civil war and later was captain of police in Cincinnati;
Thomas Albert, who is married and lives with his family in Kentucky;
John W., who is general manager in the offices of the Selmer Hess Publish-
ing House, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; James T.; and Almira E. Nes-
bitt who resides at the old home. Of the sons, Thomas served as one of the
boys in blue in the war of the Rebellion.
At the father's death the mother was left to caie for her six small chil-
dren, but she nobly took up the work and ably prepared them for the practical
and responsible duties of life. She gave them good educational privileges,
and after attending the common schools James T. Tredway continued his
studies in Clermont Academy in Ohio. When still young he went to Cin-
cinnati, where for five years he served as a street car conductor in summer
and stencil cutter in the winter season. He also spent two years in St.
Louis, Missouri, as foreman in the stencil and steel-stamp establishment of
J. G. Harris & Company.
He resigned this position and returned to Ohio to wed Miss Josephine
.Brede, of Cincinnati. She was born of German parents. Her father
served in the war of the Rebellion and was taken prisoner and spent many
months in Andersonville and other southern prisons. He returned home
after the war but in a few 3'ears died from the effects of prison life. Her
mother is still living with Mrs. Tredway on the farm at the age of seventy-
five years.
They began farming in Ohio and after several years of up hill work
concluded to go west and were attracted to Allen County bj- circulars of
George A. Bowlus, real estate agent.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tredway have been born five children, who are a
source of great comfort to the parents. Guy, the eldest, is a graduate of
the State Normal College, at Emporia; Charles is among the first teachers
of Allen County; Edna is a graduate of the lola high school; John is a
student in the Agricultural College at Manhattan, Kansas, and Alt at four-
teen is still with his father on the farm.
In his business career Mr. Tredway has experienced man}' difficulties,
but the obstacles in his path have served as an impetus to renewed effort.
When he came to Kansas he had nothing but a team of mules, and, renting
a farm of Jacob Zike, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. The
firm of Scott & Goforth, uf lola, furnished him with provisions for a
3l6 . HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
ye tr and with characteristic energy he began his work, which brouijht to
him a good return. He purchased his farm witliout paying a cent down,
but soon discharged his indebtedness and bought an adjoining eighty. The
building which is now utilized as a barn served as his house for eight
years, but as the years passed he added substantial improvements to his
property and has made it a very desirable and attractive place. All of
which has been made possible only by the aid of his dutiful wife.
In politics Mr. Tredway has always been a Republican, has taken an
active part in the work of the party and has been chairman of the county
central committee. He has, howevei , never sought office as a reward for
his service, which has been given because he believes earnestly in Republi-
can principles. He has been elected president of the County Farmers' In-
stitute for several years and has been twice elected president of the County
Sunday School conventions. He and his family are members of the Re-
formed church. His life demonstrates most clearly what may be ac-
complished by determined purpose and shows that success does not depend
upon fortunate circumstances, upon inheritance or the aid of influential
friends, but upon the man. His career is creditable and honorable and
should serve as a source of inspiration to others who are forced to begin
life empty-handed, as did Mr. Tredway.
JOHN S. LEHMAN. — It is a well proven assertion that the history of a
" county is best told in the lives of its people, for it is individual enter-
prise and effort that bring about the upbuilding and advancement of a
community. One of the energetic and reliable merchants of Humboldt is
John S. Lehman, who is now connected with the' grain trade. He was
born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on the i6th day of May, 1850. His
father. Christian Lehman, was a native of Franklin count}', Pennsylvania,
and accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio when he was only
six years of age. After reaching years of maturity he married Susannah
Shank, a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, who was a little maiden
of five summers when her parents became early settlers of the Buckeye
state. The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation and died in
Ohio, in 1895, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife passed away
some time previous, her death occurring in i865. He was a second time
married. By the first union he had eight children, and by the second ,
one.
John S. Lehman, our subject, is the eldest of the family, the others
being David, a minister residing in Columbiana county, Ohio; Jacob, a
farmer of that county; Henry, who is a horse buyer and shipper of Hum-
boldt; Christian, who is conducting a planing mill and lumber business in
Columbiana county, Ohio; Mrs. Anna Miller, of the same place; Mrs.
Susan Hurst, of Wayne county Ohio; and Mrs. Rebecca Culler, of Colum-
biana county. Frances L. Lehman, the half-sister, died in 1893.
After John S. Lehman completed his common .school course he pur-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 3 17
:siied his studies through one term in the PoUand Seminar_v Union, and
afterward organized the Columbiana Lumber & Coal Company, with which
he was connected lor eight years, serving for two years as its manager. In
1S84 he came to Kansas, locating on a farm in Allen county, north-west of
Humboldt. There he engaged in the cultivation of grain and the raising
of stock foi seven years, and in 1893 took up his residence in this city,
where he engaged in buying and shipping live stock, an industry to which
he devoted his energies for about three years. He was then appointed by
Governor Leedy, to the position of superintendent of the public grounds
and state house, thus serving until he was relieved by the Republican gov-
ernor. After his return to Humbolrlt he opened a grain and feed store,
buying and shipping all kinds of grain, vegetables, seeds and flour.
Before leaving Ohio Mr. Lehman was married in 1876 to Miss Mary
A. Kistler, of Lordstown, Ohio, and to them have been born eight children:
Gertrude, wife of Edward King, who is now foreman of a blacksmith shop
in Topeka, Kansas; Cora, who is living with her sister, Gertrude; Allen,
who died in 1897; Arden; Leslie; Ethel, who died in 1888, and Harney and
Floyd, at home.
Mr. Lehman is a stalwart advocate of the Populist party and his deep
interest in political affairs has led him to give an earnest support to its
principles and to labor untiringly for its success. Socially he is a member
of the Odd Fellows fraternity. As a citizen he has always been true and
faithful to every trust reposed in him and is a worthy representative of that
class who lead quiet, industrious, honest and useful lives and con.stitute the
best portion of a community.
ASA M. WOOD. — -Although one of the more recent arrivals in Allen
county, Asa M. Wood is already widely known and has made for
himself a place among the practical and progressive agriculturists who have
made Elm township to bloom and blossom as the rose. He was born in
Harrison county, Missouri, August 14, i860, and is a son of John Irwin
and Elizabeth (Bartlett) Wood. His paternal great grandfather was a
native of England and became the founder of the family in America at an
early period in the development of this country. George Wood, the grand-
father, was born in Kentucky during the pioneer epoch in the history of
that state, and there occurred the birth of John Irwin Wood in 1816. Hav-
ing arrived at years of maturity he wedded Elizabeth Bartlett, who was
born in Tennessee in 1818. She has a brother Nathan who is living in
Mississippi, and a half brother, Daniel T., who is also a resident of that
state. (Her father was married twice.) Mr. and Mrs. Wood became the
parents of seven children, namely: Asa M. ; D. C, a ranchman of Seward
county, Kansas; Joseph, a farmer of Missouri; Amanda and Martha, who
manage the homestead in Harrison county, Missouri; and Mrs. Arazilla
Easton, who is also a resident of Harrison county. Robert H. died in
1S74.
On his father's farm Mr. Wood, of this review, spent the days of his
3l8 - HISTORY OF ALLEN ANU
boyhood and youth, and at the age ol twenty-six went to Colorado, where
he remained for two years engaged in ranching. Returning to Missouri he
spent the two succeeding years in his native state, and then again located
in Colorado, but after four years he came to Kansas and in 1896 purchased
his present farm in Elm township, formerly owned by Mr. Swartzman.
Since that time he has been engaged in the cultivation of his fields and in
stock raising. He conducts both branches of his business profitably for he
follows progressive methods and in all his dealings he is strictly reliable.
In 1S8S, in Missouri, Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Jennie
Frisby, whose people were from Ohio. Her father, J. C. Frisby, is still
living, and spends the summer months in Kansas, while in the winter
season he makes his home in Missouri. Mrs. Wood has two brothers,
Adna H. and E. H., who are residents of Missouri. Our subject and his
wife have two sons, Glenn and Kirk, aged respectively eleven and five
years. Mrs. Wood is a lady of considerable business ability, who is now
contributing to -the family income through the raising of poultry on an ex-
tensive scale.
In his political views Mr. Wood is a stalwart Republican, unswerving
in his support of the principles of the party, and on that ticket he was
elected to the office of township trustee of Elm township, in which capacity
he is now serving. He is a western man by birth and by inclination and is
thoroughly imbued with the western spirit of progress and enterprise.
GEORGE G. FOX.— Not in desultory fashion that renders effort un-
profitable and labor without satisfactory result has Mr. Fox prose-
cuted his business career for he is a man of marked energy and strong
determination who has steadily worked his way upward to a position of
affluence. He now resides in LiHarpe, where he is successfully engaged
in real estate dealing.
A native of the Empire state, Mr. Fox was born in L,ivingston county,
New York, June 23rd, 1846, and is a son of John and Hannah (Hillman)
Fox, the former born in Connecticut in 1803, the latter in New York in
1808. They had ten children — five sons and five daughters. Two of the
sons loyally served the Union during the Civil war. George G. Fox ac-
quired his education in the common schools of his native county and in an
academy at Geneseo, New York. In his early business career he engaged
in the manufacture of cheese for eight years, and was also proprietor of a
general mercantile establishment for twelve years. Prominent in the com-
munity in which he resided, he was elected and served for one term as
township clerk in Livingston county, and was also postmaster at East
Groveland, New York.
The year 1883 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Fox in Kansas, and for
seventeen years he has made his home in Allen county. He first located
on a farm north of LaHarpe, but for some time has been engaged in real
-^i^ ^ y^^^i/-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 31Q
estate dealing in the city. He is well informed on land values and has
•conducted a number of important transactions in his line. He is a man of
sound business judgment, obliging and courteous and at all times perfectly
reliable. These qualities have insured him gratifying success.
In February, 18S5, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Fox and Miss
Mary Eagle, who was born in Livingston county. New York They have
a pleasant home in LaHarpe and occupy a leading position in social cir-
cles. In politics Mr. Fox is a stalwart Republican and has filled the office
of township trustee in Elm township, Allen county. Throughout the
greater part of his life he has been an active worker in the church, and was
one of tlie founders of the Piesbyterian church of LaHarpe. He withholds
his support from no movement or measure calculated to pnove of public
benefit, along material, social or moral lines, and is a valued resident of the
. count}^ having the respect of all who know him.
JOHN N. OHLFEST — Among the residents of Kansas who are of foreign
*J birth is numbered John N. Ohlfest, who is a native of Holstein,
Germany. The days of his boyhood and youth were pas.sed in that land,
and his education was acquired in its public schools. In accordance with
its laws he served in the German army, was in the Schleswig-Holstein
war between Denmark and Germany and was three years in Denmark as a
soldier. In iSss^he came out of the army. Hearing of the advantages
offered young men in America and thinking to better his financial condi-
tion on this side of the Atlantic he crossed the briny deep in 1S57 and took
up his residence in Valparaiso, Indiana, where resided his brother Carl,
who had come to America the \-ear previous and who sought a home in
Kansas in 1870. He is now a neighbor of our subject. The latter engaged
in the butchering business in Valparaiso, Indiana, and was married there
in r86i, to Anna Dora Urbahus, who was also born in Holstein, Germany,
and came to the United States in 1858. The year 1870 witnessed the
arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Ohlfest in Kansas, and since that time he has de-
voted his energies to the development of his farm, which, at the time of
his purchase was a piece of raw prairie land, entirely destitute of improve-
ments. Not a furrow had been turned, but he at once began the work of
plowing and planting, and in the intervening years he has developed a
valuable property, complete with all the accessories and conveniencies of a
model farm.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ohlfest has been blessed with six chil-
dren, namely: Mrs. Mary Davis, who is living in LaHarpe; Otto, a railroad
employe located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was a soldier in the Span-
ish-American war. Company I, 157th Indiana Volunteers; Minnie, who is
at home; Emma, wife of Dr. Hooper, of LaHarpe, and Albert Frederick,
who is also under the parental roof. John died in 1877 at the age of eight
years. The family have many warm friends in the community and their
320 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
circle of acquaintances is an extensive one. Mr. Ohlfest has always given
his political support to the Republican party, and keeping well informed
on the issues of the day is able to support his position by intelligent argu-
ment. In religiotis belief he is a Lutheran. He left the little German
home across the sea to become identified with American interests and in the
new world he lias found the opportunity he sought for advancing in life to
a position among the substantial citizens of the community in which his lot
has been cast.
T^DWIN IRVING CROWELL.— At a period in the pioneer develop-
-»— * ment of Allen county, Edwin Irving Crowell came to Kansas, and
for many years was identified with agricultural interests in Elm township,
becoming one of its most prosperous farmers. The years of his active
labor annually augmented his income, and now with a handsome compet-
ence acquired, entirely through his own efforts, he is living retired. He
has watched with interest the progress and upbuilding of the county and
has aided in its advancement and progress along the lines which have con-
tributed to its substantial improvement.
A native of the Buckeye state, Mr. Crowell was born in Ashtabula
county, Ohio, April gth, 1839. It is believed that the family patronymic
was originally Cromwell and that the ancestors of our subject were direct
connections of Oliver Cromwell, changing their name to its present form
when they fled to America in order to escape the persecution brought upon
them by reason of their connection with the attempt to establish a pro-
tectorate government in England, and thus end monarchial rule. Samuel
Crowell, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Massachusetts in
1742, and was married in 1770 to Jerusha Tracy, by whom he had four
sons: William, Samuel, John and Hezekiah. Of this number Samuel
Crowell became the grandfather of our subject. With a colony he emi-
grated westward, locating in Ashtabula county. Ohio, where he was known
as a thrifty and enterprising farmer. By trade he was a tanner, having
served an apprenticeship of seven years, as was required in those days, but
in later life he devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. He served as
a soldier in the department of the east in the war of 1812 and held a cap-
tain's commission. He was born August 5, 1773, and died August 22,
1864. The early Crowells were Whigs, but on the formation of the Repub-
lican party representatives of the name joined its ranks.
George Crowell, the father of our subject, was born in Connecticut in
1859, and in his youth accompanied his parents on their removal to Ashta-
bula county, Ohio. There he reared his family, and his eldest son,
Edward I. Crowell, after attending the common schools, continued the
acquirement of an education at Grand River Institute at Austinburg, Ohio
Subsequently he engaged in teaching school for two years, and then turned
his attention to farming which he followed in the state of his nativitv until
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 32 1
his removal to Kansas m October, 1S70. In tlie meantime, however, he
had spent a few months in Greeley, Colorado, after which he took up his
abode in Doniphan county, Kansas, removing thence to lola. His farm in
Kim township which he came to in 1875 was entirely a tract of raw prairie,
but with indefatigable industry he began its development and for twenty-
five years has continued its cultivation, making it one of the most highly
improved and desirable farm properties in the county. In connection with
the raising of grain he has engaged in the breeding of graded hogs, and
has found this a profitable enterprise.
In December, 1866, Mr. Crowell led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah E.
Crosby, a daughter of Elijah Crosby, who was originally from Connecticut,
but removed to Ohio with the colony of which the Crowells were members.
His wife bore the maiden name of Eliza Chester, and their surviving
children are Mrs. Crowell; Albert C, who is married and lives in Delta,
Michigan; Alice, who was formerly a school teacher of Tola and is now
teaching in the Indian Territory; Carrie, who is widow of Elton Stiles.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Crowell are Newman I., who is married and
lives in Elm township; Oriette B., wife of Rev. L,. S. Faust, of Emporia,
Kansas; George T. and Walter C, who are still at home. They also have
three adopted children, Hattie, Sarah and Nellie.
Mr. Crowell served for several years as justice of the peace in Elm
township and was frequently called upon to perform marriage ceremonies
as well as settle litigation. He was commissioner of Allen county in 1891,
and is now filling the office of justice of the peace, discharging his duties in
a manner which has won him high commendation. He is one of the leading
and influential members in the Presbyterian church, in which he has served
as elder for twenty years, and in all life's relations he has been found true
to manly principles. His word is as good as any bond solemnized bv sig-
nature or seal, and among those who know him his honesty is proverbial.
In all his business dealings he has been straightforward, and this is doubt-
less one of the salient factors in his success. His life record is well worthy
of emulation, and being closely interwoven with the history of Elm town-
ship it certainly deserves a place in this volume.
SAMUEL E. DOWNS passed the Psalmist's span of three score
years and ten. He was an honored veteran of two wars and one of
the pioneer settlers of Allen county, having long been identefied with the
work of improvement and development in Cottage Grove township. He
claimed Virginia as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in
Culpepper county, on the 14th of February, 1825, his parents being William
H. and Cynthia (Bean) Downs. The father died in the Old Dominion,
and the mother afterward removed to Illinois when her son Samuel was ten
years of age.
Amid the wild scenes of frontier life in the Prairie state, Mr. Downs
322 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
was reared and after arriving at years of maturity he was married, on the
15th of October, 1S57, to Martha A. Savage, a daughter of Moses P. Sav-
age, who was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, and who wedded Sarah
Lee, a native of Virginia. He died in 1885, at the age of seventy-eight
years, and his wife passed away when seventy-six years of age. They
were the parents of thirteen children, of whom seven are now living, as fol-
lows: F. M., who is in the Indian Territory; C. A., of Danville, Illinois,
Mrs. Etta Nye, of Chanute, Kansas; Mrs. Laura Bans, of Saybrook, Illi-
nois; Mrs. Florence Howe, of Bloomington, Illinois; and Mrs. Downs. By
the marriage of our subject and his wife eight children were born, the
living members of the family being Mrs. Laura F. Matsler, of Chanute;
Charles L. ; William E., now of Lafayette, Indiana; Harmon E. of Hum-
boldt, Kansas; Nettie J., and W. H. Savage, a resident of Allen county,
Kansas.
Mr. Downs io\\q^f^'f^^r]^\.Jlg in Illinois until after the inauguration of
the Civil war. He^.^ff'^^edftl-^e service with a knowledge of military tactics,
for he had been numbered among the loyal defenders of his country
throughout the Mexican war. When the South refused to acknowledge
the supremacy of the national government at Washington, he joined the
army for the preservation of the Union, becoming a member of Companj'
C, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry, in which he served for
three years, participating in many hard fought battles. He was for four
months under constant fire, though many bullets pierced his clothes he
escaped without wounds or injury. Truly this was a remarkable record.
He was never absent from the regiment until the war was over, and par-
ticipated in all of the engagements down the Mississippi river and through
the south to Nashville. When the stars and stripes were planted in the
Southern Confederacy he received an honorable discharge and returned to
his home.
Soon afterward Mr. Downs started with his young wife for the new
west, arriving in Kansas in the fall of 1S65. He secured a claim on Vege-
tarian creek, five miles southeast of Humboldt, and has continually made
his home here, having one hundred and twenty acres of good land under a
high state of cultivation. Prior to the war he voted with the Democracy,
first supporting James K. Polk, for the presidency , but since the Civil war
he has been unfaltering in his advocacy of Republican principles. His life
has been an active and useful one, characterized by fidelity to duty in all
relations and he justly enjoyed the esteem and respect of his fellow men.
Mr. Downs died April ist, 1901.
MRS. ELIZABETH HECK— Well known in social and business
circles in Humboldt. Mrs. Heck enjoys the warm regard of many
friends and well deserves representation in this volume. She was born in
Fredericksburg, Virginia, April 4, 1872, and is a daughter of Matthew B.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 323
MuUany, a native of Ireland. When sixteen years of age her father left
the green isle of Erin, crossed the broad ocean to the new world and be-
came a resident of Virginia. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth
Bates, who was born in Xew York City, but her parents were natives of
England. When Mrs. Heck was a little child of two summers her parents
left the Old Dominion for the Nation's capital, and the father engaged in
business in Washington. Subsequently he removed to Ouincy, Illinois,
where he conducted a grocery store. In 1876 he came with his family to
Humboldt where both he and his wife spent their remaining days. The
father died April 25, 1898, at the age of sixty-eight years, while the mother
passed away the loth of June, 1900, at the age of fifty-six. They had three
children, but two died early in life.
Elizabeth Mullany, the only surviving member of the family, spent
her girlhood days in Washington, D. C, Quincy, Illinois, and in Hum-
boldt, Kansas, and the public schools afforded her the educational priv-
ileges which she enjoyed. When she had attained womanhood she gave
her hand in marriage to Henry Heck, the wedding being celebrated in
i8go. Mr. Heck was a native of Germany and a man of considerable
means, his attention being given to ihe management of his security inter-
ests. His health failed him, however, and after two years of married life,
in 1892, he pa.ssed away. Mrs. Heck maintains her residence in Hum-
boldt where she looks after her real estate interests and other investments
which she has here and which yield to her an ample income. She pos-
sesses good business and executive ability and at the same time manifests
in her life those true womanly qualities which everywhere command
respect. Having long made her home in this portion of the State, she has
a wide acquaintance and her circle of friends is very extensive.
JAMES L. CHRISTY— One of the most highly esteemed and prominent
pioneers of- southeastern Kansas is James L,. Christy, who came to
to this portion of the country during territorial days and took part in the
exciting events which formed the history of Kansas prior to the Civil war.
With the era of progress and improvement he has also been connected,
bearing his part in reclaiming the wild land for purposes of civilization.
No history of Allen County would be complete without the record of
his life.
He was born in Rowan County, Kentucky, July 12, 1840, the eldest
son of John A. and Nancy Christy, who came to Allen County in i860.
The mother died June 25, 1870, at the age of fifty-four years, and the
father passed away July 29, 1897, at the advanced age of eighty-
five years.
James L. Christy accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois
during his eaily boyhood and also went with them to Mi.ssouri. In 1855,
thinking that he would like to see more of the wild west he came to Kan-
324 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
sas, locating first in Bourbon County, where he was employed on a farm.
There he worked for three years, during which time the border troubles
bioke out and he joined John Brown's party. He was right in the midst of
the bot-der difficulties and saw service under Generals Montgomery and
Lane, participating in the battle of Osawatomie. He was well acquainted
with John Brown, the Abolition leader, whom he says was a very good
man and used to preach to his followers every Sunday. When the trouble
was over Mr. Christy returned to his work. He was a great hunter and
would often accompany the Indians on their hunting expeditions. He
also killed, December 27, 1893, the last deer ever shot in this county.
When Captain Gordon, the United States surveyor, divided the county
into sections, Mr. ChrLsty drove the ox -team hauling the stones used in the
corners of the sections. In 1S50 he returned to Missouri on a visit, but in
i860 again came to Kansas, where he watched with interest the oncoming
tide of events that involved the country in war.
Upon reflection and in the rehearsal of incidents and events connected
with the first years of Allen County Mr. Christy adverts to the fact that the
first blacksmith shop in the county was located in section 5, town 2^, range
18, and that it was established by Reuben Benbow. The first death in the
county of which the public and society took notice was that of Tommy
Keith. He was buried on the Carpenter place which was, necessarily, the
first opened cemetery in the county. The first school house was named for
"Uncle Jimmy" Carpenter and was erected on his premises.
In the days of disorganization and before the establishment of Terri-
torial regulations for the county the few settlers were distressed by thiev-
ing Indians and white men and were driven to take matters into their own
hands. They formed an organization for muLual protection and chose the
first officers and established the first seat of government for the county.
Cofachique was selected as the county seat and the officers chosen were:
A. W. J. Brown, Probate Judge; Jesse E. Morris, Sheriff and William C.
Keith, Justice of the Peace. Frank Morris, son of Jesse, was selected to
represent the county in the Lecompton Constitutional Convention.
These scenes are long past and few are alive who remember them.
Elijah Brown, son of the pioneer Isham Brown, who resides in Neosho
County, Kansas, and Robert McQuigg, of Roseburg, Oregon, were among
the active participants in these events.
On the 24th of July, 1861, Mr. Christy enlisted in Company F, Third
Kansas Infantry, and soon afterward the Third, Fourth and Fifth regi-
ments consolidated to form the Tenth regiment, with which he served for
three years, experiencing all the hardships and rigors of war. He partici-
pated in nineteen engagements, including some of the most hotly contested
battles, among which were Wilson's Creek, Locust Grove, Dry Wood,
Newtonia, Ray's Mills, Prairie Grove, Van Buren, Chattanooga and the
storming of Fort Blakely. He was taken ill and was forced to remain at
Salem, "where he was captured by the Rebels, but after two weeks he
managed to make his escape by running through the guard lines. He
c^e-^^
] '
■WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 325
faithfully defended the stars and stripes and the cause the}' represented, but
when the war was over he gladly returned to his home.
In 1867 Mr. Christy was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Morris,
a native of Missouri, who came to Allen County in 1855 with her parents.
She is the second daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Morris, who located on
Deer Creek, in Geneva township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Christy have been
born nine daughters: Louisa E. . died at the age of four years; Emma, wife
of George A. Smith, of Chandler, Oklahoma; Cora, who died at the age of
sixteen years; Mamie, Ruby, Lora, Mattie and Lizzie, twins, and Jessie, the
\oungest, all at home. Ruby is a teacher in the county schools.
Mr. Cliristy has held a number of responsible positions in Allen Coun-
ty. He was deputy sheriff under J. C. Redfield and also under Charles P.
Twi.'-s. He has also served for seveial terms as justice of the peace and
■constable of Geneva townsliip, and discharged his duties with marked
fidelity and promptness. In his political affiliations he is a Republican.
Whether on the field of battle, in public office or in the walks of private
life, he has ever been true to his duties of citizenship and has commanded
and enjoyed the high regard of those with whom he has been associated.
TONATHAX H. SPICER has passed the eighty-fourth milestone on life's
*J journey and his has been an honorable record, the history of his life
containing no esoteric chapters. Manly and sincere at all times he has
commanded the respect and confidence of tho.se with whom he has associ-
ated, and he now receives the veneration and regard that should ever be
accorded those who have reached advanced age.
Mr. Spicer was born in New Hampshire, on the 12th of April, 1S16.
His father, Jabez Spicer, was also born in the old Granite State and
married to Miss Mary Huvey, a native of Connecticut. The father won the
degrees of D. D. and M. D. He pursued both the classical and theological
course in the Dartmouth Theological College, and though he prepared for
the medical profession he never engaged in practice, believing that his
duty called him to the ministerial field. In an early day he removed to
Michigan where he enteied upon the often arduous life of a home mission-
ary, and during the greater part of his career he was thus engaged in work
in the west, carrying the gospel tidings into settlements where church
privileges were little known. When he arrived in the Wolverine State it
was a largely undeveloped region, the Indians being far more numerous
than the white settlers. He took a very active part in planting the seeds
of truth in the new communities and his influence was manifest in the
upright lives of those among whom he lived and labored. He died in
Michigan on the 25th of December, 1847, at the age of sixty-two years, and
his wife passed away three years later when sixty years of age. They were
the parents of ten children, but only two are now living, the other being
Charles R. Spicer.
J. H. Spicer of this review was the third in order of birth. He spent
326 HISTORY OF ALLEN ANTf
much of his boyhood in the Empire State and received a common school
education. When a young man he went to Vermont where he engaged in
teaching school and also worked on a farm. Subsequently he returned to
New York and later made his way to Ohio and afterward to Michigan,
where he met a little black-haired maiden of attractive appearance and
pleasing manner. Their acquaintance ripened into love and on the 3rd
of September, 1842, Emily Finney became his wife. She, too, was a
native of the Old Granite State, a daughter of Seth and Lydia Jane Finney,
the former born in New Hampshire and the latter in Connecticut. Her
father's birth occurred May 27, 1791, his death October 24, 1S72. Mrs.
Finney was born November 26, 1792, and departed this life May 25, 1852.
They were the parents of seven children, but Mrs. Spicer is the only sur-
vivor of the family. She was born April 8, 1821, and for sixty one years
(September 3, 1900, the 6ist anniversary) she has traveled life's journey
by her husband's side, sharing with him in all his pleasures, sorrows, his
adversity and prosperity, and ever proving to him a faithful companion and
helpmate.
A few years after his marriage Mr. Spicer removed from Michigan to
Kansas, arriving in this State in 1857 with a colony that took up their
abode at Geneva. He preempted a tract of land just north of the little
village and his experience on the frontier of Michigan well fitted him to
meet the hardships and trials of pioneer life in the Sunflower State. The
Indians were still numerous in this section of the country and there was
much discussion as to whether Kansas would or would not permit slavery
within its borders. It was decided to settle the question by popular
suffrage, and the South, anxious to retain Kansas as slave territory, sent
many squatters who, says Mr. Spicer, gave the permanent settlers more
trouble than all the Indians. Not long afterward the country became in-
volved in civil war and loyal to the North, Mr. Spicer enlisted as a member
of the Ninth Kansas cavalry, being made quartermaster sergeant of his
regiment. He went to the front and served throughout the war, while his
young wife and little son remained alone in the wild country. Mrs.
Spicer relates many interesting instances of her experience in Kansas and
Michigan, living in both States when they were the haunts of the red men.
When they located at Geneva their nearest post office was Kansas City,
Missouri. For many years they resided upon a farm, but about 1886 took
up their abode in Geneva where they have a pleasant home. They are
Hearing the end of life's pilgrimage, but can look back over the past with-
out regret and forward to the future without fear.
Duane D. Spicer, the only son of J. H. and Emily Spicer, was born in
Seneca County, Ohio, December 4, i845, and with his parents came to
Kansas when twelve years of age. This was in 1857. He was reared upon
a farm and the experiences and duties of agricultural life early became
familiar to him. His education was acquired in the schools at Emporia
and later at the Academy in Geneva. On the 15th of June, 1869, he was
united in marriage to Miss Ella G. Brown, a daughter of G. M. and Caro-
line Brown. They had been reared in the same neighborhood and attended
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 327
the same school, and now tliey are traveling life's journej' together in a
happy married relation. Their home has been blessed with three children,
namely: Fred Brown, a resident of Neosho Falls; Flora E. , the wile of
Robert B. Warner, of Geneva, and Herbert R. , who is still with his parents.
Duane D. Spicer continued farming until 1885, when he sold his land
and entered into partnership with C. L. Knowlton in the conduct of a
general mercantile enterprise in Geneva, They carried on business together
for fourteen years when Mr. Spicer sold his interest to Mr. Knowlton and
established a hardware business which he is still conducting. In 1899 he
was appointed postmaster of Geneva and is now filling that position with
credit to himself and satisfaction to his con.stituents. In 18S7 he was ap-
pointed on the board of county commissioners, to fill a vacancy caused by
the resignation of Robert Inge, and in 1891 he was elected to that ofiice
where he served for two terms, retiring from the position as he had entered
it, with the confidence and good will of the public. His political support
is given to the Republican party and he keeps well informed on the issues
of the day. His prosperity is the reward of his own unaided and well-
directed efforts and today he ranks among the representative residents of his
adopted village.
TORN CORNELL.— With the history of the development and upbuild-
*^ ing of Allen county the name of John Cornell is inseparably inter-
woven, for he has long been a potent factor in the progress and advance-
ment of this portion of the state. He was born in Fountain county, Indi-
ana, October i, 1827, and is of Welsh descent, his paternal grandfather
having come to America from the little rock-ribbed country of Wales about
1750. Daniel Cornell, the father of our subject, was born in Canada, and
during his boyhood removed to New York, where, after attaining to adult
age, he was married to Marry E. Tracy, a native of Kentucky. About
i8iG he removed to Indiana, becoming one of. the first settlers of the
Hoosier state. His death occurred when he had attained the age of
seventy-four years, and his wife died at the age of seventy-seven. They
were the parents of ten children, of whom six are now living, namely:
Dessie B., George, John O., Samuel, Martha and Sarah Jane.
John Cornell was reared on the old homestead farm in Indiana, and
like most boys who spend their youth in frontier settlements, his educa-
tional privileges were quite limited. In his native state he wedded Miss
' Phoebe Booe, and in 1858 removed to Kansas, securing a claim which ad-
joins the present town site of Ida, and is now known as the Delap farm.
He made manj' improvements upon that claim and there lived for several
years, it being his home when the lola Town Company was organized. He
became a member of the company and drove the first stake used in laying
out the town. Aftei some time he .sold his first claim and purchased
a tract west of the river, about nine miles northwest of lola. This was
328 HISTORY OF ALLEN ANI>
prairie land and he soon learned to know that it was not as preferable for
fanning purposes as river bottom land lyiiiJ near him, which was covered
with a heavy growth of timber and which no one seemed to want, so he
sold his upland and purchased a farm in the river bottom amid the green
woods. With characteristic energy he began to clear this, and to-day he
has a valuable tract of land worth one hundred dollars per acre. Its im-
provement, however, represents much hard labor, but it is now a very pro-
ductive tract and yields to him an excelletU financial return for the care he
bestows upon it.
In 1899 Mr. Cornell was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife,
who died June 30, at the age of sixty-seven years. They were the parents
of ten children, eight of whom are now living, namely: Mary E. , wife of
E. Goff, of Minnesota; Daniel, a resident of Chanute, Kansas; Ashpet W.
C. , of Bourbon county, Kansas; George, of lola, Olive, wife of Wellington
Osborn, of Allen county; John C. and Albert O., who are on the home
farm; and Minnie, wife of Thomas Heffern, of Woodson county, Kansas.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Cornell was called out with the State
Militia and went to Fort Scott, for Price was then making his raid into the
state. He served on guard duty on the border for about six weeks and
then returned to his home. He has served as deputy under Sheriff Brown
and later was elected constable of lola township. He discharged his duties
without fear or favor, and it is said that he always secured the prisoner he
was in search of. He is widely known throughout Allen county as
"Uncle" John Cornell and enjoys the high regard of many. He belongs
to the class of honored pioneers who laid broad and deep the foundation
for the present prosperity of this part of the .state.
TOHN SHELBY — .Among the enterprising and progressive young
" farmers of Allen county is John Shelby, who has already attained suc-
cess that many an older man might well envy. He was born in Circle-
ville, Pickaway county, Ohio, on the nth of October, 1865, his parents
being David and Margaret (Mason) Shelby, the former a native of Ohio,
and the latter of West Virginia. The father died in Arkansas in 1894., at
the age of sixty-four years, while visiting at the home of his son John, but
the mother is still living in Ohio, at the age of sixty-eight years. They
were the parents of three children: John, of this review; W. D. and
Edwin B., who are now residents of Ohio.
In taking up the personal history of John vShelby we present to our
readers the life record of one who is widely and fav(5rably known in the
county of his adoption; His preliminary education, acquired in the com-
mon schools, was supplemented by a course in the Northern Indiana Nor-
mal School, at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he was graduated. On com-
pleting his education and putting aside his text books, he turned his
attention to farming and has made that pursuit his life work.
Mr. Shelby was married in Ohio to Miss Jane Young, a native of the
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 329
Buckeye state, :ind som afterward they moved to central Arkansas, where
Mr. Shelby engaged in farming for ten years. The year 1890 witnessed
his arrival in Allen county, Kansas, where he has now made his home for
a decade. He located five miles northwest of lola, where he purchased a
farm of one hundred and sixty acres.. From that time he has continued
the work of improvement until he is to-day the owner of a very valuable
property, on which is a good house and everything that goes to make up a
desirable farm. He keeps his land in excellent condition through the
rotation of crops and the rich fields yield to him a good return.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Shelby has been blessed with three
children; .Maxwell, Joe R. and Booth S., who are the life and light of
their parents' home. Mr. and Mrs. Shelby have become widely known in
Geneva township and the circle of their friends is almost co-extensive with
the circle of their acquaintances.
HARVEY H. CARMAN, one of the mo.st energetic young farmers of
Allen county, was born in Stark county, Ohio, on the 5th of March,
1S69, but has spent almost his entire life in Kansas, having been brought
to this state by his parents when a year old. His father, David Carman,
was born in Carroll countv, Ohio, and died in 1896, at the age of fifty-
three years. He first wedded Elizabeth H. Taylor, a native of Pennsyl-
vania, and they became the parents of five children, namely: Harvey
H. and Ida, who are at home; Anna, wife of Edward Cleaver, and David
and Charles, who are deceased. As before stated the father of this family
came to Kansas in the spring of 1870 and was a resident of Riley county
until the spring of 1876, when he came to Allen county, and purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of land on Indian creek, one mile west of
Geneva. There he improved a farm, leaving his property in good condi-
tion. His first wife died in Ogden, Kansas, in 1875, and he was afterward
married to Miss Elizabeth Thrall, a native of Ohio, whose death occurred
in 1888. For his third wife he chose Miss Nannie Rankin, of Monroe-
ville, Alabama, who died September 19, 1890.
At the time of the Civil war David Carman responded to the country's
call for aid, enlisting in the Third Ohio Battery, in which he served as
gunner. He participated in many engagements under command of Gen-
erals McPherson and Thomas, and during the lattei part of the war was
with the troops of General L,ogan. He loyally served his country for four
years and six months. He marched through the southern Confederacy
from Atlanta to the sea, taking part in all the engagements on the way.
He was also in the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Shiloh, the battle of
Appomattox, and in the engagements at Chattanooga, at Peach Tiee Creek
and at Vicksburg he was wounded. After faithfully serving his country
for three years, he veteranized and remained at the front until after the
.stars and stripes were planted in the Confederate capital. He ever loyally
330 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
lollowed the old flag and was often in the thickest of the fight, battling earn-
estly for the Union.
Harvey H Carman pursued his eaucation in the schools of Allen
county, and in the periods of vacation assisted in the work of the home
farm. In this way he was well qualified by practical experience to assume
its management upon his father's death. He has since overseen the prop-
erty and the fields are under a high state of cultivation, yielding a golden
tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon them. He also
raises and handles quite a number of horses and hogs and feeds all of his
grain to his stock. His sister Ida acts as his housekeeper and the home is
characterized by an air of neatness and thrift, while the household is noted
for its generous hospitality.
DOCTOR BENJAMIN COPE is a skilled physician and surgeon of
Humboldt, whose ability is widely recognized. His knowledge of
the science of medicine is broad and comprehensive, and his successful
adaptation of its principles to the needs of suffering humanity has gained
him enviable prestige in professional circles. He was born in Columbiana
county, Ohio, October 9, 1849, and is a son of Elijah Cope, also a native of
the Buckeye state and a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Anna
Fryfogle, a native of Maryland, and about 1865 removed with his family to
northern Indiana, where he remained for a few years, after which he re-
turned to Ohio, where he resided until his death in 1876, at sixty years of
age. His widow still survives him and has attained to the advanced age
of eighty-three years. In their family were ten children, but all are now
deceased with the exception of the Doctor and David Cope, the latter a
resident of Colorado. Two of the sons were soldiers in the Civil war, John
W., one of them, enlisting in i86r as a private of the Forty-third Ohio
Volunteers. After the battle of Corinth he was taken ill, died and was
buried there. Joshua Cope, the other, enlisted in 1863, was sent to the
department of the Cumberland, and participated in the arduous service of
the campaign oi east Tennessee. The troops had to go on long hard
marches and their food supply was short, for as communication with the
north was cut off they had to live on what they could forage on an almost
exhausted country. Joshua Cope participated in the siege of Knoxville.
which lasted twenty-five days and when General Sherman went to the re-
lief of the besieging troops who were under command of General Burnsides,
he found that they were almost starved, having nothing to eat except a loaf
of bread daily. Joshua Cope returned to his home at the close of the war
and soon afterward died from disease resulting from the exposure and hard-
ships of army life.
Dr. Cope acquired his preliminary education in the common schools
of Ohio and Indiana and afterward attended college at Mount Union, Ohio.
rC^^^,^';^
WOOUSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 33 1
In 1.S70 he came to Kansas, locating in L,inn county, where he was em-
ployed in various ways until his return to Ohio. He then read medicine
under Dr. B. A. Whiteleather, at Osnaburg, Stark county, Ohio, and
attended a course of lectures at Cleveland. In 1878 he again came to Kan-
sas and was a student in the St. Joseph, Missouri, Northwestern College,
winning his diploma in that institution. He began practice in Wilson
county and for seventeen years was a leading representative of the medical
profession there. On the expiration of that period he came to Humboldt
and has since enjoyed a large and constantly increasing patronage in this
place.
In the fall of 187S Dr. Cope returned to Ohio and married Miss UUa
Pettit at New Lisbon. She is a native of the Buckeye state, and by her.
marriage has become the mother of five children, namely: Edna, Florence,
Elsie, Frances and Byron. The Doctor owes his success in life entirely to
his own efforts. He scorned no service that would yield to him an honor-
able living and thus prepared for professional life in which he has obtained
an enviable degree of success.
OALATHIEL M. IRWIN.— If "biography is the home aspect of
• — ' history," as Willmott has expressed it, it is entirely within the prov-
ince of true history to commemorate and perpetuate the lives and character,
the achievements and honor of the illustrious sons of the nation; and if
any stimulus is, needed in this behalf, it may be found in the caustic words
of Burke, that "those only deserve to be remembered who treasure up a
history of their ancestors." Each state presents with pride her sons and
her jewels. She has nursed among her children those who have become
illustrious in religion, in law, in oratory and in statesmanship, and whose
exalted character and national reputation have shed more honor and glory
upon the history of their native state than any beside. One of the most
widely known and honored citizens of southeastern Kansas is Rev. S. M.
Irwin. Tliirty-three years have been added to the cycle of the centuries
since he established his home in Geneva to minister to the spiritual wants
of tbe congregation of the Presbyterian church.
He was born at South Salem, Ross county, Ohio, on the 23rd of No-
vember, 1836, and is a son of William S. Irwin, whose birth occurred in
1812. When he (the father) had arrived at years of maturity he married
Miss Sally McMunn, a native of Ohio. At the time of the Civil war he
served as captain of Company I, of the Sixtieth Ohio Volunteers, and in
the course of his services he was captured at Harpeis Ferry, Virginia, and
sent back to Chicago where he remained until he was paroled. He then
helped to organize the Second Ohio Heavj' Artillery. He was commis-
sioned major of the battery and acted as commanding officer most of the
time until the war was ended and he received an honorable discharge.
Resuming the pursuits of civil life he engaged in the nursery business,
332 . HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
dealing in fruit trees. On coming to Kansas he located in Neosho county
and was elected to represent his county in the general assembly, having
the distinctive honor of being the first Republican sent to the legislature
from that county. He was a member of the house during the session in
which Pomeroy and York had their trouble, and when John J. Ingalls was
elected to the United States senate. His wife died in January, 1S79, at the
age of sixty-eight years, and is now survived by three of her six children,
namely: Albert Irwin, a resident of Washington, D. C; William N., who
is first assistant in the pomological department at Washington; and S. M.,
of this review.
Rev. Irwin was reared on the home farm and the public schools
and academy of his native town afforded him his early educational priv-
ileges, which were supplemented b}' study in Hanover College and in
which he was graduated in the class of i86t. He then engaged in teach-
ing for two years, as principal of the high school of Hanover, and subse-
quently entered the theological seminary at Princeton, New Jersey, where
he remained until, having completed the three years' coarse, he was
graduated in 1866. The following year he was ordained to the ministry at
Decpwater, being located in Vernon county, Missouri, his first charge
being the Little Osage church, and there he continued for a year, coming
to Geneva in 1867. Since that time he has been pastor of the Presbyterian
church and he is rich in the love, confidence and respect of his people, and
his influence for good in the community is immeasureable. He has also
been identified with educational interests in Allen county, having for six
years been a teacher in the Academy at Geneva. His sermons are in-
structive, forceful, logical and entertaining, and fail not to impress his
hearers with his earnestness and with the truth of his utterances. He has
preached in many of the churches in the surrounding country and for
twenty-eight years he has had charge of Liberty church, now at Piqua.
Rev. Irwin was married in the summer of iS^y to Miss Louisa A.
Hackman, of Washington, Missouri, and a daughter of J. F. W. and
Juliana Hackman. They are the parents of nine children, of whom seven
are now living, as follows: John M., a railroad agent at Westphalia, Kan-
sas; William N., a resident of Geneva; Samuel J., who is a train dispatcher
at Herrington, Kansas; Paul C, Julia L., Abram M. and Mary L., all at
home. Mr. Irwin has a very pleasant residence and a fine orchard in
Geneva. When he first came to this state he purchased two lots and a
small dwelling and has kept adding to it until he has a comfortable home.
He has bought the first forty blocks (save one lot) within the corporation
limits of the town and afterward purchased tracts of forty-five acres on the
east and forty acres on the west and at another time a tract of eighty acres
in Woodson county, Kansas, so that his realty possessions are now quite
extensive. No man has ever been more respected in Geneva and the sur-
rounding country, or enjoyed more fully the confidence of the people,' or
better deserves such respect and confidence than Mr. Irwin. The residents
of southeastern Kansas recognize his merit and hold in the highest regard
his services. He believes in a church true to the Master and aims to
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 333
preach the whole truth whether men will heai or forbear. Many have
reason to bless him for his influence in leading them to take cognizance of
the soul's needs and to place their treasure in that country "where moth
and rust do not corrupt and thieves do not break through and steal."
EDWARD D. CURTIS— A native of the Empire State, Edward D.
Curtis, was born on the 2nd of September, i860, the eldest in a
family of ten children. He spent the first ten years of his life in New
York, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Kansas, the
family locating in Allen County. He remained at home until twenty -six
years o£ age and in the meantime learned the carpenter's trade, which
he followed for a number of years, eventually abandoning it for farming.
Mr. Curtis was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Estep, a daughter
of A. J. Estep. Her mother, Mrs. Charlotte Estep, died in 1S70, at the
age of thirty-four years. She has a brother and sister, George and
Charlotte, the latter the wife of J. H. Hobb, of Colorado Springs, Colorado,
where he is engaged in the Stock Brokerage business. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Curtis have been born three children. May, Ivan and Madge
After his marriage in 1SS6, Mr. Curtis moved to Wichita, Kansas,
and there engaged in the implement business for five years. On the ex-
piration of that period he sold his store and returned to Allen County,
where he engaged in farming until 1897. He then resumed work at the
carpenter's trade in lola, following that pursuit until he met witli an acci-
dent, falling from a building. Subsequently he conducted a feed store in
lola, but in 1899, disposed of that business and removed to his farm in
Geneva township, where he has since engaged in raising grain and stock.
Thirty-one years have passed since he came to the county and throughout
the period he has been held in high regard for his many excellent qualities
and sterling worth.
^ A riLLIAM J. PICKELL— We are now permitted to touch briefly
' " upon the life history of one who has retained a personal associa-
tion with the affairs of Allen County for a number of years. His life has
been one of honest and earnest endeavor and due success has not been
denied him. As proprietor of the elevator in Humboldt he is recognized
as one of the leading business men of the community. The safe, conserva-
tive policy which he has inaugurated commends him to the judgment of
all, and he has secured a patronage which makes the volume of business
transacted in his office of considerable magnitude.
Mr. Pickell was born in Canada, November 30, 1857, his parents being
Moses and Mary (Mark) Pickell, the former a native of Canada, and the
334
HISTORY OF ALLEN. AND
latter of England During her girlhood, however, the mother accompanied
her parents on their removal to the English province in the new world.
B)- the marriage of this worthj' couple they became parents of seven chil-
dren, namely: Moses, who died February 26, 1901; Mrs. Elizabeth Beck,
wife of A. W. Beck, of lola; Mary J., wife of Dr. A. J. Fulton, of lola; Mrs.
Kale Thomas, of lola; Anna, wile of L. H. Wishard, of lola; and William
J. The father was a millwright by trade and also followed blacksmithing.
In 1858 he went to California, where he remained for eight years, working
at his trade and operating a sawmill. In 1861 his family removed to
northern Indiana and after his return from California Mr. Pickell took them
to Kansas, arriving July 30, 1869, five miles east of lola, where he
purchased five hundred acres of land, owning the land joining the town of
LaHarpe. His wife died in October, 1869 at the age of fortj'-two years.
His death occurred in Allen County in 187 1, when he was forty-four years
of age.
William J. Pickell, whose name introduces this record, received but
limited educational privileges, never attending school after he was eleven
years of age. He was only fourteen years of age at the time of his father's
death, and upon him devolved largely the responsibility of managing the
family affairs. For twenty -two years he resided upon a farm, but coming
to the conclusion that he could better h'is financial condition by entering-
commercial life he went to lola, where he was employed for six years by
A. W. Beck, a dealer in farm implements and grain. On the expiration
of that period Mr. Pickell traded hi? farm near EaHarpe for the elevator at
Humboldt, and on the 14th of October 1S97, removed his family to that
place. There he began business on a small scale, buying grain and grind-
ing feed, but his trade has rapidly and steadily increased, so that he now
furnishes employment to from five to eight men. He buys everything the
farmers have for sale, including hogs, cattle, corn, wheat, oats, hay and
flax. He is the proprietor of one of the best business enterprises in his
line in the State of Kansas.
On the 22nd of March, 1S79, Mr. Pickell wedded Miss Jessie Wei-ner,
a native of Greene County, Illinois, who came to Kansas in 1878 with her
parents. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children:
James Ralph, Catharine Maud, Archie Benson, Mo.^es F. , Ray Caswell,
Mark Weisner and Loren Clifford. The eldest son has completed the high
school course and for two years has been a student in Baker University at
Baldwin.
Mr. Pickell votes with the Republican party, but aside from casting
his franchise in support of its men and measures he takes no active part in
politics, preferring that his attention shall be given in an undivided man-
ner to his business affairs. He started out in life with a very limited capi-
tal, but the years have brought him success as a reward for his efforts and
prominence in commercial circles is assured and enviable.
^ ^^-^A^
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 335
JOHN P. DICKEY has been the architect of his own fortunes and has
■" builded wiselj- and well. His life affords an illustration of the viccisi-
tudes of business under modern conditions; it emphasizes the importance of
doing the right thing at the right time and it teaches a lesson of patience
under difRculties and perseverance against obstacles, — a lesson that might be
profitablj- followed bj' many.
Mr. Dickey was born in Scott County, Indiana, on the 26th of Febru-
ary, 1S24, and is a representative of one of th& old families of the South.
His father, Rev. John Dickey, was a native of North Carolina, and re-
moved to Kentucky when ten years of age, being there reared to manhood.
He was licensed to preach in the Presbytery of that State, and in an early
day removed to Indiana, being the first Presbyterian minister ever installed
.in that commonwealth. He had charge of one church for thirty years and
was (;ne of the organizers and founders of the Presb3'terian Academy in
Hanover, Indiana. As an educator he possessed exceptional ability and
throughout his life he devoted his time and talents to imparting knowledge
to others or to preaching the gospel, carrying the glad tidings of great joy
into many a household upon the frontier.
Rev. Dickey preached the first anti-slavery sermon and the first tem-
perance sermon in the synod of Indiana. He was without college educa-
tion or theological training, like Uncle Tom, of a meek and quiet disposi-
tion, yet he was first and foremost in all the reforms of the day.
Mr. Beecher was a member of the same synod with Mr. Dickey.
Harriet Beecher Stowe says the life of Rev. Mr. Dickey gave her the in-
spiration for Uncle Tom's Cabin. He was the first in.stalled pastor in the
State, and probably the third minister in the State of Indiana. '
When Birney run on the ticket for anti-slavery Mr. Dickey was the
only one who cast a vote for him in Clark County, Indiana.
He married Miss Margaret Osbom Steele, a native of Kentucky, and
they instilled into the minds of their eleven children lessons of indu.stry,
honesty and morality. The father died in 1849 at the age of fifty-nine
years, and the mother passed away in 1847, when fifty years of age.
Four of the children are yet living, namely: James, a resident of Tola; Mrs.
Mary Haines, of Xew Albany, Indiana; William, now living in Oregon,
and John P. of this review.
The last named was reared upon his father's farm during the early
development of the State of his nativity. His educational privileges were
those afforded by the common schools. He learned the carpenter's and
wagonmaker's trades as a preparation for life's practical duties, and as a
companion and helpmate on life's jonrne)' he chose Miss Martha E.
Matthews, a native of Kentucky, the wedding being celebrated in New-
Washington, Indiana. After the death of his first wife he was again
married in 1865, his second union being with Miss Amanda D. Dickerson,
a native of New York, and a daughter of John Dickerson. Her father was
born in the Green Mountain State and when he had arrived at the j'ears of
maturity he wedded Miss Mary Bacon, a native of Connecticut. In 1864
336 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
they came to Kansas, locating in Gene\'a, where Mr. Dickerson died in
1856, at the age of seventy-five years, while his wife passed away in 1885,
when eighty-five years of age. In their family were six children, three of
whom survive, namely': Mrs. Maria I,. Williamson, who resides with Mrs,
Dickey; Lewis I. Dickerson and Mrs. Dickey.
In the year 1857 Mr. Dickey arrived in Kansas, which was then a
territory having not yet assumed the dignity of Statehood. He secured a
claim on Martin Creek and there resided until his country's call tor aid
prompted his enlistment as a member of Company D, Ninth Kansas
Cavalry. He served for three years along the border of Missouri and Ar-
kansas, escorting trains as they passed to and fro. His command was
mostly engaged in guard duty, but occasionally met a band of bushwhack-
ers, which would be followed by a skirmish. At the close of the war the
subject of this review returned to his adopted State, locating in Geneva
where he was identified with its building interests. He had the honor of
building the first school house and the first church ever erected in Allen
County, the location being in district No. i of Geneva.
In 1867 Mr. Dickey removed to his farm and has since carried on agri-
cultural pursuits with marked success. He owns one hundred
and sixty acres of rich and arable land and has developed a valuable
property. In front oi his commodious residence is a wide lawn on which
stand beautiful shade trees protecting the home from the hot rays of the
summer sun. His extensive barns and outbuildings furnish shelter for
grain and stock. When he arrived in Kansas he had only twelve dollars
in money, and that served as a nucleus for his present comfortable compe-
tence. His success was assured from the beginning because he pos.sesses
those qualities which contribute to prosperity. He has always been a
staunch advocate of Republican principles, voting with, the party since he
cast his first ballot for General John C. Fremont. In all life's relations he
has been found true to duty, whether it has been in the fields of indus-
trial or agricultural business, in military circles or in the walks of private
life. There has been manifest in his career a persistency of purpose that
when guided by sound judgment never fails of reward.
CHARLES L. KNOWLTON was born in Clark County, Indiana, on
the 23rd of June, 1849. His father, James H. Knowlton, was born
in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, in 1810, and in 1836 became a resident of
Hanover, Indiana, where he began the study of medicine. He was gradu-
ated in the Cincinnati Medical College and entered the professional ranks
where he soon won prominence, his skill and ability gaining him marked
prestige. In 1838 he was united in marriage to Mi.ss Margaret Dickey, a
native of Kentucky, who was born in 1814 and was a daughter of John and
Margaret Dickey. Mr. and Mrs. Knowlton became the parents of six
children, of whom three sons are now living: John D., Charles L- and
I
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 337
Howard N. Two sisters, Olive and Emma, married George Tathain, tlie
latter becoming his wife after the deatli of her sister, and she, too, has
passed away.
Dr. Knowlton continued to practice medicine in Indiana until the in-
auguration of the Civil war. When rebellion threatened the destruction of
the Union, from every walk of life there came men of loyal purpose and
undaunted spirit who offered their services to the government, and among
the Union troops of Indiana Dr. Knowlton was numbered, joining the Fifty-
second Indiana Infantry, of which he was appointed assistant surgeon. He
rendered great aid to the sick and wounded men of his regiment and served
in that capacity until his own health failed, when he resigned and returned
to his home. He afterward removed to Illinois where he engaged in prac-
tice several years and in 1866 he came to Kansas, locating in Geneva
where he followed his profession through his remaining days, his death
occurring in 1882. Seven years later his wife passed awa\', being then
seventy-five years of age. Like many other energetic young men starting
out in lite Dr. Knowlton had to depend entirely on his own efforts, and
engaged in teaching school in order to obtain the money necessary to pur-
sue his medical course. After locating in Allen County he became one of
the leading practitioners and also one of the prominent citizens in other
walks of life. He was a man of strong mentality, of marked force of char-
acter and keen discernment, and his fitness for leadership led to his selec-
tion for high official honors. He was once chosen to serve in the legislature
and Allen County has never been better represented than by Dr. James
H. Knowlton. He left the'impress of his individuality upon the legislature
of that period and upon many of the interests of Allen County, and by
those who knew him he is remembered as a man who was fearless in con-
duct and of untarnished reputation.
The first twelve years of Charles L. Knowlton's life were spent in
town. He -then accompanied his parents on their removal to a farm.
The>- had become residents of Illinois during his early boyhood and in the
schools of that State he acquired his education, becoming familiar with all
the branches of English learning that constituted the curriculum of public
instruction. In 1867, when about eighteen years of age, he came with his
parents to Kansas, locating in Geneva where he has since continued to
make his home. For many years he was identified with the work of the
farm. In 1872 he married Miss Emily Denney. a naitve of Ohio, who in
1S59 came to Kansas with her parents, William and Emilin Denney. On
putting aside the plow Mr. Knowlton became identified with commercial
pursuits, establishing a general store in Geneva where he carries every-
thing that is usually found in a first class establishment of the kind. This
includes a stock of drugs. About the same time he began the practice of
medicine. His father being a physician, he became familiar with the prin-
ciples of the medical profession from association with him. As the years
have passed he has continued his studies and is now well informed along
that line. He controls quite an extensive practice in connection with his
338 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
mercantile affairs and is the most active and enterprising business man in
the little town of Geneva.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Knowlton have been born four children: Olive,
who is a teacher in Allen County; Maggie and Daisy, who are successfully
teaching in the schools of Allen County, and Frank, who is still under the
parental roof. The family is one of prominence in the community, enjoy-
ing the high regard of a large circle of friends and the hospitalit}' of the
best homes in this localitv. Mr. Knowlton has always taken a deep and
abiding interest in political affairs and keeps well informed on the issues of
the day, thereby being enabled to support his position by intelligent argu-
ment. He always attends the County and State conventions and his
opinions carry weight in party councils, yet he has never been a politician
in the sense of office seeking. He could undoubtedly win political honors
did he desire, but his business makes heav}' demands upon his attention
and he prefers to give his time in an undivided manner to the control of his
mercantile and professional interests. His labors have contributed largely
to the upbuilding of Geneva, and its commercial enterprise is due in no
small measure to him. In business circles he enjoys an unassailable repu-
tation for he follows correct methods and honorable principles and at all
times he is possessed of that progressive spirit which seeks not alone his own
good, but is alive to the advancement of city, county and State, and his
place in Geneva would be difficult to fill.
TV /f RS. CLARA M. MABIE is one of the highly esteemed ladies of
-'-''J- Allen county and lesides upon one of the fine farms of southeastern
Kansas. She was born in the county which is yet her home, on the 22nd
of April, 1862, and is a daughter of George and Mary A. Esse. Her
parents are still living, their home being in Geneva. Her father was born
in France near the city of Metz, on the 12th of December, 1827. His
father, John Esse, was a Frenchman, but his mother, Mrs. Mary Esse, was
of German birth. When twelve years of age George Esse came to America
and resided in New York until he had attained to man's estate. He was
married there to Miss Mary Ann Ikins, an English lady who came to the
Unite.d States in 1845. In 1867 they emigrated to Kansas, locating on a
farm near their present home. There the father carried on agricultural
pursuits for a number of years, but he has since disposed of all of his land
with the exception of a small tract, not caring to be burdened with a
greater amount. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Esse were born two children: Eugene
C. and Clara, the former a resident of lola.
Clara M. Esse spent her girlhood days under the parental roof and
pursued her education in the public schools. When eighteen years of age
she gave her hand in marriage to Edward R. Mabie, the wedding being
celebrated on the 27th of May, 1880. Mr. Mabie was born in vSouth Wes-
ley, New York, August 25, 1838, was reared there and was graduated at
€
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 339
the high school in Albany, New York. When the country became in-
volved in Civil war he joined the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New
York Infantry, at Rome. New York, .serving for three years. He partici-
pated in the battles of Shiloh, Richmond, Antietam, Vicksburg, Atlanta
and many others which led to the successful termination of the Rebellion.
On one occasion b.e was wounded by a minie ball which grazed the back
of his neck, and he incurred diseases that finally terminated his life.
In 1 866 Mr. Mabie came to Kansas and secured a claim of eighty acres
on Martin creek, two miles east of Geneva, where he resided until the
time of his death. He added to his farm as opportunity offered until he
liecame the owner of three hundred and twenty-five acres of land which he
placed under a high state of cultivation. He erected thereon a good resi-
dence and barn and the home is surrounded by beautiful, native forest
trees which protect it from the hot rays of the summer sun. He also set
out nine miles of hedge fence, and forty gates furnish entrance to his fields
and pastures. His labors resulted in making his property one of the best
farms in Allen county. He died October 20, 1899, at the age of sixty-two
years. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, a faithful
friend and a loyal citizen and thus throughout the community his loss was
deeply felt.
Mr. and Mrs. Mabie were the parents of eight children: George E. ,
Frank C, Harris R., Alice E., Maud P., Clara B. and Ed. T., seven of
whom are under the parental roof. Mrs. Mabie, with the assistance of her
eldest son, George, is conducting the home farm, which is kept up in the
same excellent condition in which it was found when under the super-
vision of the husband and father. Mrs. Mabie possesses excellent business
;ind executive ability, in addition to those true womanly qualities which
have gained her the high regard and friendship of many with whom she
has been brought in contact.
r^HARLES A. STEWART is a representative of one of Allen county's
^-^ honored pioneer families, and is one of her native sons, his birth hav-
ing occurred on the 5th of June, 1870. He was reared on the farm which
is now his home, the residence being situated within two hundred feet of
his present dwelling. His parents were Samuel J. and Emma A. Stewart,
and he is the eldest son of their seven children. During his j'outh he at-
tended the district schools of the neighborhood, and in the summer months
assisted in the plowing, planting and cultivation of the fields, early becom-
ing familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He
remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which event in his
life occurred on the 3rd of April, 1892, Miss Freelie E. Duncan becoming
his wife. She was born in Indiana, and is the second child of John W.
and Elizabeth Duncan, with whom she came to Kansas during her early
girlhood. Her parents were also natives of the Hoosier state, and her
340 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
mother bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Owen. In 1878 the_v came tu
Allen county, settling four miles south of Humboldt, where Mrs. Duncan
still resides.' Her husband died February 8, 1898, at the age of fifty years.
During the Civil war he loyally served the Union as a member of an In-
diana regiment. By their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Duncan became the
parents of seven children, namely: O. P., who is living in lola; Mrs.
Stewart; Emmert, a resident of Oklahoma; Othella, wife of W. H. Booe, a
resident of Fountain county, Indiana; Bertha, Bulin and Olin, who are
with their mother.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart began their domestic life upon a farm of seventy-
seven acres, which he purchased, erecting thereon a cozy little residence,
to which he has since added a stone addition. He has increased the
beautyof the place by planting trees, has set out a nice vineyard, erected a
good barn and other outbuildings and now has one of the desirable farms
in the southern portion of the county. The fields are under a high state of
cultivation and their rich products find a ready sale on the market.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart has been blessed with four chil-
dren, namely: Alma, Gladys, Harlan and Glenn. Mr. Stewart is a Re-
publican, and though he never seeks office for himself he has just regard
for the duties of citizenship, keeps well informed on the issues of the day,
and attends the conventions of his party, doing all he can to support his
friends and to secure the adoption of Republican principles. He started
upon his business career as manj' others have done, without capital, and
his earnest labor, guided by sound judgment in business affairs, has
brought to him all that he now possesses, making him one of the substan-
tial residents of the community.
FRANK S. DENNEY. — The Denney family is of English lineage and
was founded in America by the great grandfather of our subject, who
was born in the city of London. While on the ocean, at the time of the
Revolutionary war, he was captured and brought to this country and being
well pleased with his new home he never returned to his native land. His
son, James Denney, was born in Pennsylvania, and having arrived at years
of maturity married Sarah Lucas, also a native of the Keystone state. Of
their children William Denney became the father of our subject. He was
born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, Augu.st 23, 1823, and was married
in Ohio in 1845. to Miss Emily Melick, a daughter of James and Anna
(Duncan) Melick, the former a native of Kentucky. At an early day
William Denney removed from the Buckeye state to Green county, Wis-
consin, and in 1859 came with his family to Kansas, where he has since
resided. Both he and his wife are yet living and have enjoyed a happy
married life of fifty-five years. Their farm is situated on Indian creek, a
mile northwest of Geneva. They are numbered among the honored pioneer
settlers of the Sunflower state, having resided here for forty-one years, and
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 34 1
they relate many interesting incidents of the early development of Allen
county when its farms were in their primitive condition, when the now
thriving towns and villages were unfounded and when the Indians were
still very numerous. Great changes have since occurred and they have
borne their part in the transformation that has been wrought.
Frank S. Denney, their sixth child, was born in Green county, Wis-
consin, on the 2Sth of March, 1857, ^"^ was therefore but two years of age
when brought by his parents to Allen county in the lall of 1859. The
days of his youth were passed upon the home farm, and in the schools of
Geneva he acquired his education. In 1S84 he wedded Miss Alice White,
of Colony, Kansas, a daughter of George and Mary White. Her father
died in 1890, but her mother is still living. Mrs. Dennev came to Kansas
in 1881.
Three years previous to his marriage our subject entered a general
mercantile store in Colony as clerk and held the position for seven years,
after which the stock of goods was sold and he returned to the farm, pur-
chasing one hundred and sixty acres of land a half mile south of Geneva.
Here he has since made his home and is engaged in raising and selling
cattle and hogs. He never sells any of his grain but feeds it to his .stock,
and is regarded as one of the prosperous stock raisers of this locality. He
has been very successful and has made all that he has by his own industry
and good judgment.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Denney have been born three children: Roy,
Delta and Alta, who are still with their parents. The youngest is a bright-
eyed little maiden'of seven years and very small for her age, but she had
the honor of winning the first prize at the Allen county oratorical contest
held in lola in January, 1900. The best talent of the county participated,
including men and women, and there were twelve contestants, but Alta
Denney was awarded the prize, an unabridged dictionary valued at ten
dollars. Her parents certainly have every reason to be proud of her.
The family is one of promince in the community and they enjoy the warm
regard of many friends.
'^AR E. BENNETT— In.scribed on the roll of pioneer .settlers of south-
•^— ' ern Kansas appears the name of Zar E. ' Bennett, who came to this
county at a very early period in its development. He was born in western
New York, June 15, 1853, and when five years of age came with his parents
to this State. He belongs to a family noted for longevity. His father,
Zar Bennett, Sr.,is j-et living at the age of ninety-three years, and is a
resident of Ida. He was born in Connecticut, and after arriving at years
of maturity wedded Sarah J. Hinman, of New York, whence they removed
to the Sunflower State in 1858. Mrs. Bennett's death was occasioned by
accident. Her clothing caught fire and burned her badly, and this, to-
gether with the nervous shock, terminated her life December 25, 1898, when
342 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
she was seventy-one years of age. They had three children: Zar E.,
Fred S. and Leslie, both of lola.
The subject of this review was reared on the home farm and early be-
gan work in the fields, assisting in the work of plowing, planting and
harvesting. When crops were garnered in the autumn he was allowed the
privilege of going to school, but the educational advantages in Kansas at
that time were rather meager, owing to the unsettled condition of Lhe coun-
try, but through study in the school-room and in his leisure hours, Mr.
Bennett prepared himself fof teaching and followed that profession for five
years, thus gaining capital sufficient to enable him to get a start in life.
As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey he chose Miss L,ibbie
M. Reno, a native of Indiana, the wedding being celebrated in 1875. The
lady is a daughter of P. G. and Lucinda (Clark) Reno, the parents being
natives of Indiana, whence they came to Kansas during the early girlhooa
of ]\Irs. Bennett. They have five children now living, namely: W. C, of
Richmond, Kansas; Mary J., wife of M. M. Hart, of lola: Mrs. Eliza Cook,
of Oklahoma; S. D., of Kingman, and Libbie M., the honored wife of our
subject.
Although Mr. Bennett started out on his business career at the very
bottom round of the ladder he has steadily worked his way upward and
now stands on the plane of affluence. He has always followed farming
with the exception oi a short period devoted to conducting a meat market
in lola. in partnership with M. M. Hart, but not being satisfied with that
enterprise he returned to his farm on Deer Creek. Subsequently he sold
his land in the river bottom and purchased one hundred and fifty-three and
a half acres on Martin Creek where he has developed one of the best farms
in Geneva township He has plenty of bottom land for cultivation, while
his residence stands on an elevation, commanding an excellent view of the
surrounding country. His home stands in the midst of richly cultivated
fields and it is evident to the passerby that the owner follows progressive
methods in his farming operations. Politically Mr. Bennett is a stalwart
Republican and has twice served as trustee of Geneva township, leaving
the office as he entered it with the confidence and good will of the public.
The history of Allen County is familiar to him from pioneer days and his
support and co-operation have been given freely to many measures which
have contributed toward the general good and to the upbuilding and pros-
perity of the county.
JAMES W. HAMM, one of the enterprising young business men of
Humboldt, was born in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, February 22,
1865. His father, William B. Hamm, was also a native of the Kej'stone
State, and was a carpenter by trade, following that pursuit for many years
in Pennsylvania. In 1878 he removed to Kansas, locating on a farm five
miles northwest of Humboldt, in Woodson County, where he carried on
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 343
agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 18S7, when he was
fifty-five j'ears of age. His widow still survives him and is now living in
Humboldt. She bore the maiden name of Catharine M. Servey, is a native
of Clarion County, Pennsylvania, and was married in 1852. By their
union were born six children, one of whom died in childhood, while five
are yet living, namely: Mrs. Mary Weckerly, of Yates Center, Kansas:
John C, one of the leading attornej-s of Evanston, Wyoming: Sadie, now
Mrs. Kesterson, of Portland, Arkansas; James W. of this review and
Albert, who is living with his mother.
James W. Hamm pursued his education in the public schools of Penn-
sylvania until fourteen years of age and only attended school for six months
after coming to Kansas. He was, however, an extensive reader of news-
papers, and thus in the evenings, after the day's work was done, became
familiar with the events that mark the world's history. He worked upon
the home farm until 1886, when, in connection with his brother, J. C.
Hamm, he purchased the Allen County Courant, a Democratic paper pub-
lished in lola. They continued to issue that journal for two years, when
they sold the plant to A. C. and W. W. Scott, who removed' it to Okla-
homa and established there the Oklahoma Journal. After disposing of his
interests in that journal Mr. Hamm spent some time in travel and was for
a short time a resident of Evanston, Wyoming, but in 1890 returned to
Humboldt, and in that year was married. After his marriage he settled
on a farm north of the city, and there still resides, giving a part of his time
to agricultural pursuits in connection with other business affairs. He was
for some years general agent for the Page Woven Wire Fence Company of
Adrian, Michigan. In 1897 he engaged in the ice business, electing a
small plant which he operated in connection with an ice house on the bank
of the river, the building having a capacity of seven hundred tons, which
he fills with ice sufficient to supply a large patronage . through the hot
summer month.-. He has recently added to his manufacturing enterprises
a sorghum mill and evaporator, which is operated by steam and has a
capacity of two hundred gallons per day, also a hydraulic cider press, the
name of the firm now being Hamm Bros.
On the 22nd of February. 1890, Mr. Hamm was united in marriage to
Miss Ella Works, a daughter of the pioneer R. M. Works. Three children
have been born of this union: Robert, Helen and Mildred. Mr. Hamm
votes with the Democracy, but takes no active part in politics. Socially he
is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient
Order of United Workmen. The business interests of Humboldt are well
represented by him, and whether in public or private life he is always
a courteous, genial gentleman, well deserving the high regard in which he
is held.
TOHN GRIMM, who follows farming in Geneva township, was born in
" Prussia February 5, 1839, a son of John H. Grimm, who died in the
fatherland at the age of seventy-four years, while the mother also passed
344 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
away in that country. Their two children, Henry and John, are both resi
dents of America. The latter was reared in the land of his nativity an:l
after entering upon his business career secured a situation in an iron
foundry where sheet iron was manufactured. He was thus employed until,
according to the German laws, he had to enter the regular army. He was
a member of a sharp-shooters company and remained in the service for
seven years,, but as the country was then at peace the soldiers had little
else to do but drill. One regulation of their army life was that they were
required to learn to swim, spending an hour thus each day in summer
months and continuing the practice until they were enabled to swim across
the River Rhine, which is a mile and a half in width. Another regulation
was that the soldiers could not marry until thej' had served their seven
years in the army.
After being released from military service, Mr. Grimm was united in
marriage, in 1S67, to Miss Eliza France, and in 1871 they came to the
United States, casting their lot with the citizens of Allen county, Kansas.
At the time of their arrival Mr. Grimm's cash capital consisted of only a
few dollars, but he resolutely set to work and when he had earned more
money he rented a small farm, continuing its operation for six or seven
years, when with the capital he had acquired through his own efforts he
purchased a small farm, to which he has added from time to time until his
landed possessions now aggregate one hundred and twenty acres. There
were no trees upon the place, but now a beautiful grove surrounds his
farm. He has a good residence and barn, well tilled fields and a fine
oichard containing seventeen varieties of apples.
Mr. Grimm served as justice of the peace of Geneva township for one
term and then declined re-election. For about twelve years, however, he
has served as school director, and the cause of education has found in him
a warm friend. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men
and measures of the Republican party and is veiy earnest in his advocacy
of its principles. All that he is in life and all that he has acquired, are due
to his own efforts. Though he came to America empty-handed, unfamiliar
with the language of the people and their customs, he readily adapted him-
self to his new surroundings, and to-day is numbered among the substan-
tial citizens of his community.
GEORGE McKINLEY, agent of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
Railway Company at Humboldt, is a worthy citizen of Allen county
whose business life has been passed within its borders. He was born in
Fairfield, county, Ohio, December 8, 1861. He is a son of William Mc-
Kinley who came to Allen county and settled west of Humboldt, on Owl
creek, in 1880, and improved a bottom farm. His is one of the large
bodies of cultivated land in the county and in his relation with his fellow
countymen he has maintained himself with honor, dignity and uprightness.
William McKinley was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1830, and
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
345
was the son of an Irishman b}* the same name. His mother was Betty
Herring, born also in Ireland. They came to the United States in rS20
and settled a farm in Ohio. They reared a family of five children to be-
come industrious and honorable men and women. When William was
married, January 20, 1858, he continued the occupation of his father and
maintained a substantial and progressive establishment from the first.
The proceeds of the sale of his Ohio home he invested in land and its im-
provements near Humboldt and the same thrift and expansiveness which
characterized him in the east he has maintained in the west. Mr. Mc-
Kinley married Grace Mounts and eight of their ten children are living:
Mary, wife of Monroe Ashbiook; George; Alice, wife of Charles E. Reeber,
of Independence, Missouri; William, of Carlinville. Illinois; Charles, of
Hutchinson, Kansas; Scott, John and Joseph, the last two with the Wells-
Fargo Express Company at lola.
George McKinley was almost grown when he came to Humboldt.
His enviroment in early, life was entirely rural and his education of the
common school sort. When he decided his fate and selected his life work
railroading was his choice. In 1884 he entered the office at Humboldt
under the instruction of C. E. Blackmar and learned telegraphy. His first
position was that of operator with the Santa Fe Company at Piinceton,
Kansas. He v>'as employed at points on the system for some years and was
then given charge of the Humboldt station. This position he has filled
fourteen years and with what acceptibility his tenure of office will answer.
December 29, 1885, Mr. McKinley was married to Flora Deffenbaugh,
a daughter of Henry and Susan Deffenbaugh, of Peoria, Illinois. The
children of this marriage are Susan, Benjamin and George McKinley, Jr.
It would be a strange departure to announce the politics of the Mc-
Kinleys as anything but Republican. They have ever maintained an
interest in public affairs and their voices not infrequently respond to the
roll-call in party conventions.
TAMES M. YOUNG. — For twenty-two years James M. Young has re-
" sided in Allen county and his farm in Logan township is one of the
valuable properties in that locality. He was born in Jackson county, Ind..
on the 5th of December, 1840, his parents being George W. and Susanna
(Erma) Young, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana.
When a young man the father took up his abode in the Hoosier state and,
when our subject was a lad of ten years, removed with his family to Iowa,
where he made his home until the spring of 1857, when he came to Allen
county, Kansas, here making his home until his death. Mrs. Young still
survives and is living on the old homestead. They were the parents of
nine children, and with two exceptions all are living in Kansas.
James M. Young spent the first ten years of his life in the state of his
nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa. He
346 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
came to Kansas in the fall of 1878 and purchased a farm in the south-
western corner of Allen county, in Logan township, on the southern
boundrv line and a mile from the western limit of the count}'. It was
school-land and he became owner of one hundred and sixtj' acres. With
characteristic energy he began its development-and from time to time ex-
tended its boundaries until his farm now comprises two hundred and forty
acres, constituting one of the fine farms of Logan township. A nice resi-
dence is surrounded by beautiful shade trees, sheltering the home from the
hot summer sun; large barns and sheds furnish protection for grain and
stock and all the modern improvements and accessories of a modern farm
are there found. He raises horses, cattle and hogs and feeds all of his
grain to his stock.
While in Iowa Mr. Young married Miss Mary Esther Turner, a native
of Illinois, and unto them have been born four children, two of whom are
living. W. T. Young, the elder, married Florence Schooley and resides in
this county, while Robert O. is at home and assists his father in the opera-
tion of the farm. In politics Mr. Young is a Democrat, voting for the men
and measures of the party, but never seeking or desiring office, as he pre-
fers to give his time and attention to his business affairs. These have been
carefully managed and his diligence and sound judgment have enabled
liim to accummulate sufficient capital to cany him through the evening of
life, whether his remaining days be few or many.
CHARLES HOUSER — On scores of farms in Kansas are men who
were educated in the trades. In many cases they are men who were
high up in their occupations and able to command the best wages, but the)-
preferred the free life of the farm rather than the uncertain, and oftimes
precarious life in the factories. Among the men who lelt positions of trust
and profit as a mechanic to found a home on the prairies of Kansas
is Charles Houser, of Humboldt township. Born in Germany October 16,
1839, he came to America in 1864, and at once secured employment at his
trade of cabinet maker. His ability soon secured him a good position with
a railroad company in Buffalo, New York, where he worked for many
years. In 1868 he moved to South Bend, Indiana, and worked at his
trade there. Two years later he followed the great tide of immigration to
Kansas, stopping at Humboldt. Here he resumed his trade, carefully saving
his money and investing it in an 80 acre farm. For years he alternated with
work on the farm and in the cabinet shops. He has added largelj' to his
land holdings and now he has one of the splendid farms in the county. It
consists of 320 acres of well improved land, with ample shed and stable
room and a comfortable residence. The same careful attention to his work
that made his services as a cabinet maker always in demand has been
applied to the work of improving and cultivating his farm and it has brought
him the success which such efforts always insure.
Mr. Houser has alwa3's devoted much attention to the raising of
I
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 347
horses and in spite of the low prices which they have commanded for the
past few years he succeeded in making the business profitable. To this has
been added the raising of cattle and hogs.
When Mr. Houser came to America the civil war was still raging and
he was offered $i,ooo to go as a substitute for a man who had been drafted,
but the five years he had spent in the army in his native country had left a
distaste for army life which he could not overcome and the offer was de-
clined. But he has great love for his adopted country and should they
ever need his services as a soldier they will be cheerfully given.
Mr. Hou.ser was married to Louisa Wolf in Buffalo, New York,
in November, i8f6. She is also a native of Germany. Five children
have been born to them: Charles W., David M., Fred, Henry and
Christiane.
Mr. Houser has always been an earnest advocate of Republican prin-
ciples and has always affiliated with that party except that he is not in
harmony with the prohibition law.
A /TARTIN FEELEY, one of Allen County's most prosperous farmers,
-^"-'- was born in Lockport, New York, October 24, 1S54. His father
a native of Ireland, and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Cox,
also a native of Ireland, came to America in 1845 and settled in Lockport,
where they lived until Mr. Feeley's death in 1884, at the advanced age of
sixty-nine years. Mrs. Feeley still lives in Lockport. Eight children
were born to them: Daniel, of Indianapolis, Indiana; Mary O'Shaunecy;
Jennie Johnston and Anna Riley, all living in Lockport and Martin. The
other children are deceased.
Martin Feeley lived in Lockport, New York, until he was twenty-five
years old, when he moved to Indiana. Before leaving his native State he
learned the cooper's trade at which he worked for several years, and when
he came west he continued it. He saved money enough in New York to
purchase a farm in the west. In 1884 he settled in Carlyle township, Allen
County, but in the spring of 1889 he sold his farm there and purchased a
better one near Humboldt where he has since lived. He owns 120 acres
well improved and stocked, and everything about the farm denotes the
presence of a careful and successful farmer.
Before leaving New York Mr. Feeley was married to Miss Julia
Johnston. Eleven children have been born to them, all of whom are still
living. They are: Mary, Francis and Rhoda, living in Kansas City; MoUie,
Daniel, Viola, Julia, Clara, Florence, Emma and Regina, all at home.
The family have had the rare good fortune not to have had a death, nor
any serious illness.
In politics Mr. Feeley has always been a Democrat, but has taken no
active part in political campaigns. He has allowed his judgment as to the
best man for the office to rule him.
3.(8 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
LYLE A. GARRETT — Nature has evidently intended that man shall
enjoy a period of reit in thtr evening of life. In his early manhood
he possesses great energy, vigor, strong purpose and ambition and fears not
the arduous labor necessary toward the acquirement of success. In the
prime of life his powers become ripened and mature, and his efforts may be
discerningly directed along well defined lines. If a man therefore im-
proves his opportunities through the years of early and middle manhood he
will find that in the evening of life he is the possessor of a competence
sufficient to supply I'im with all the necessities and many of the luxuries
which make existence a pleasure. Such has been the case with Mr.
Garrett, who is now living retired in his pleasant home in Humboldt. He
has steadily worked his way upward and the competence that crowns his
labors is well merited.
A natiye of Ohio, he was born in Highland County, on the iSth of
March, in 1823, and is a son of William Garrett, whose Ijirth occurred in
South Carolina, in 1798, Having arrived at the age of maturity, however,
he wedded Miss Mary Dean, a native of Pennsylvania. He had accom-
panied his parents to the Buckeye State when ten years of age, and the
Deans had also located there at an early date. The Garrett family was of
Scotch-Irish lineage and the original American ancestors came to this coun-
try from the north of Ireland. Many of the sterling characteristics of the
two races William Garrett manifested in his career. He began farming in
Ohio in 1809 and in 1847 he removed to Des Moines, Iowa, where he made
his home until 1S70, in which year he took up his abode in Kansas City,
Missouri. He died at the home of his son in Allen County. Kansas, in
1891, at the age of ninety one years, but his wife passed away in Kansas
City in 1881, at the age of eighty years They were the parents of ten
children, of whom four are now living, the daughters being: Mrs. Elizabeth
ELson, of Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs. Alma Murray, of Ohio, and Mrs.
May Evans, of Spring Hill, Kansas.
Lyle A. Garrett, who was the eldest of the family, resided in Ohio
until his twenty-fourth year and was married in that State to Miss Eleanor
B. Stewart. Two children were there born to them. The son, Cyrus W.,
grew to manhood and became a soldier during the Civil war, sei'ving with
the Eighth Iowa Cavalry. The mother died in Iowa in 1^49, the daughter
passing away only three days previous at the age of three years. Mr.
Garrett was married again in 1858, his second union being with Miss Mary
Hamilton.
In his early business career the subject of this review followed farming
in Ohio, and in 1847 removed from that State to Des Moines, Iowa, which
was his place of residence until 1852. About that time the country became
excited over the gold discoveries of California, and the fortunes that were
rapidly acquired by men in the mines on the Pacific coast, so that our
subject, in company with his brother and Dr. Mordice, fitted out an ox
team of four yoke of oxen. They also had four cows, and thus equipped,
they crossed the plains and mountains which lay between them and Cali-
WOODSOX COUN'TIES, KANSAS. 349
foniia. After traveling four months they reached their destination and Mr.
Garrett engaged in mining and prospecting four 3'ears. He returned home
bj- way of the Isthmus of Panama, riding on a train for the first time when
making his way across the isthmus. By steamer he proceeded to New
York and thence returned to his home in Iowa. He remained there until
1S67, the year of his removal to Kansas City, Missouri. In the latter
localit\' he engaged in fruit raising for twelve years. On the expiration of
that period he came to Allen County, locating southeast of Humboldt, on a
farm which he purchased and which he still owns, comprising five hun-
dred and forty five acres of fine land. He carried on general farming and
stock-raising, keeping about one hundred head of cattle and about the same
number of hogs. In 1896, however, he put aside the arduous cares of
business life; rented his farm, and is now spending the evening of his days
in a fine residence in Humboldt, surrounded by all the comforts and many
of the luxuries of life.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Garrett earnestly espoused the cause of
the Union and manifested his loyalty' in 1862 b}- enlisting as a member of
Company C, Twent3'-third Iowa Infantry. He went into the service as a
private, but at Vicksburg he was promoted for gallantry to the rank of first
lieutenant. He participated in many hard fought battles, and skirmishes
of lesser importance, the banner of his regiment being pierced by the
bullets of twelve hotly contested engagements. He was in the siege of
A'icksburg, the battle of Fort Gibson and Fort Spanish thirteen davs and
nights, yet he was never wounded nor taken a prisoner. He lay in the
trenches at Vicksburg from May 18 until July 4, 1863, getting rest and
sleep at odd moments, and never being able to take ofi his clothing in all
that time. He crossed the Gulf of Mexico on five different occasions dur-
ing his service and was ever found where duty called, loyally defending
the starry banner of the nation. In the fall of 1865, when the war was
ended and the country no longer needed his services, he was discharged
from the army in Texas. He immediately returned to his home in Iowa
and resumed again the pursuits of civil life.
When Mr. Garrett started out upon his business career he was the
possessor only of a horse. His father allowed him the use of a field, free
of rent for the first year, but from that time he made his way independent-
ly, adding to his accumulations as the years have passed b}'. He has met
many of the hardships, trials and difficulties of life, but has overcome
these by his determined purpose. In all his business relations he has com-
manded the confidence and good will of his fellowmen by his honorable and
systematic methods, his force and his entet prise.
T3 0BERT M. WORKS.— Fourty-four years upon the plains of Kansas,
-*- *- more than four decades a resident of Allen county and above two
score of years a central figure in the industrial sphere of his commonwealth
350 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
marks the record of our worthy pioneer, Robert M. Works. A lifetime of
intense and profitable activity along the banks of the placid Neosho and
the last of a race of determined and indigent pioneers express to the world
in a few words his physical achievements. If there were no substantial
rewards for industry, if there were no appreciation for things done and
tasks accomplished, how, then, could the world repay her planters of
civilization and establishers of society for the hardships and misfortunes
they have endured. Tenacity is the chief ingredient in the mechanism of
a typical pioneer and the few who have possessed this trait to a marked
degree are the few who answer to roll-call after a quarter of a century of
prosperity and adversity, of successes and reverses, each in allopathic cases,
The time seems never to have been when R. M. Works was not a
citizen of Humboldt township. He settled on the river near the old county
seat at a date farther back than most men now remember — 1857 — '1""^ be-
gan the task of opening a farm. The most that was known then about
Kansas soil was that the best land lay near the streams and in this know-
ledge Mr. Works was particularly fortunate. His homestead all lay in the
bottom and when its wild nature had been destroyed and the abundance of
its yield beheld, the prosperity of its owner was no longer a subject of
wonder. As a grain farmer and as grain producers Mr. Works and his
broad acres are unequaled in Allen county. Away back in the seventies
when the prairies were settling up and when tbe grass-hoppers and floods
made it impossible for the new men to tide over on their crop they called
on "Uncle Robert" and paid him in money and in notes, a dollar a bushel
for big white corn. There was always one place where corn or wheat
could be had, in the olden time, and what was tiue of that farmer then is
true of him still. Mr. Works absorbed acre after acre of land adjoining
him till in all fourteen hundred acres along and near the great Neosho
VuUev represent the partial fruits of his labors.
At eleven years of age Robert Works was thrown out upon the world
to battle with the elements. He was left an orphan at seven years of age
by the death of his father and it was as a farm hand and at other forms of
hard work that he started in life. He was born in Essex county. New
York, February 20, 1S31, and was a farmer's son. His father was George
Works and his mother, who died in 18S0, was Julia CoUidge. The father
was born in Massachusetts in 1803 and his mother's birth occurred in 1805.
They were the parents of four children: George, Robert M. , Clark and
Obadiah Works. George and Clark are in New York and Obadiah is in
Wisconsin, near Eau Claire.
In 1838 the Works family passed through the Erie canal bound for
Illinois. Soon after reaching their destination the father died and the
mother took her children back to New York .state. The indigency of the
family made work necessary and placed education beyond the reach of
young Robert. Having tasted of the western air he longed to try his for-
tunes there and in 1855 he 'went into Iowa. He spent two years there in
the employ of farmers and while there heard of Kansas. Following a de-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 35 1
sire to see and know the new Territory liimself he came hither and "tot)k
up" the best tract of land in Allen county.
The first events of the Civil war found Mr. Works busy with his new
farm. When the countr}' called he was not too busj- to help put down
rebellion against the flag. The second call for troops brought him to the
proper officer to subscribe his name and to offer his services, and his life,
if need be, that we might be preserved a nation and not a league of states.
He joined Company G. Ninth Kansas and was in the field three years and
four months. The regiment's marches through Arkansas and Missouri
and the battles and skirmishes incident thereto furnish many of the excit-
ing reminiscences of Mr. Work's life.
When the war ended Mr. Works returned home and was married the
same year to Mrs. Caroline Butterfield, Two children were the result of
this union: Julia E. , wife of James W. Hamra of Humboldt, and C.
Wilbur Works, the active 3-oung aid to his father's large enterprises. The
latter is married to Alice Michael and has two children. In 1872 Mr.
Works lost his wife by death and in 1874 he was married to Mrs. Frances
Parker, a daughter of John Woodiii. Of the four children of this marriage
three survive, viz: Robert L., George C. and Mary Works. In June, .
1892, Mr. Works lost his second wife.
Throughout all the years of his active, and somewhat eventful life,
Mr. Works has maintained himself pure and righteous among men. The
taint" of suspicion or reproach has not pointed in his direction and in his
quiet and unobtrusive manner he has made and retained warm friend-
ships at every turn. His whole life illustrates the adage that one should
never weary of well-doing.
TAMES S. McKAUGHAX settled in Elm township. Allen county, in
•J 1 88 1. He settled upon a piece of prairie laud and began its cultivation
and development with a team and a small bunch of cattle. His success is
observable in the ownership of a half section of land, instead of a quarter as
at first, and in the fact that his place is improved and stocked. Labor,
alone, has brought about this gratifying condition. The element of man-
agement, of course, is a valuable aid to industry in the accumulation of
wealth and both these characteristics are abundantly present in the compo-
sition of "Jim McCoin."
Mr. McKaughan was born in Lewis county, Illinois, August 14, 1863.
He is a son of the late Edward McKaughan who died at the home of our
subject August 24, 1S99. The latter was born in Pulaski county, Ken-
tucky, in 18 1 9. He was married there to Eliza Noflet who died in John-
son county, Kansas, in 1880, at the age of sixty years. Their children
are: John McKaughan, of John.son county. Kansas; Harvey McKaughan,
of the same county; Elizabeth, wife of Abe Larick, of Johnson county,
Kansas; Eliza, wife of Levi Williams, of Butler county, Kansas; Serena,
352 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
deceased, wife of Spencer Sloan; Rhoda, wife of Ed. Mon'-gomery, of
Cofieyville, Kansas; Lissie, who married J. B. Williams, of Allen county,
and James S., our subject.
James McKaughan was schooled in. the country. He was brought up
in Johnson county, Kansas, and received his first lessons in farming there.
He was married in Allen county in 1SS4 to Rosa Mills, a daughter of
C. K. Mills, one of the well known farmers of Deer Creek township. The
children of this marriage are: Jay and Edith McKaughan.
James McKaughan has filled an important niche in the citizenship of
Allen county. He has not only done his share in local development and
improvement but in other ways has he shown his interest and pride in his
count}' and patriotism on public questions. He has trained with Democ-
racy because he believed its policies to be best adapted to the needs of our
country but a conviction to the contrary would cause him to hold pergonal
intei-est above party and to cast his ballot accordingly.
JAMES W. LOCKHART, County Commissioner of Allen County, and
one of the well known farmers of Humb(jldt township, was born in
Mercer County, Illinois, May i, 1852. His father, Josiah Lockhart, one
of the characters of Allen County for nearly thirty years, was born in
Columbia, Pennsylvania, in 1815, and died in Allen County, Kansas,
March 20, 1894. He was married in the State of his birth to Elizabeth
Eemon, who died at the family homestead August 5, 1900, at eighty-six
years of age.
In 1843 Josiah Lockhart and wife moved into Mercer County, Illinois.
He resided there till his advent into Kansas in 1866. He devoted his life
to the farm and to stock and when he settled in Allen County it was three
miles southeast of Humboldt that he purchased his farm. The daytime of
his life was all activity. He was one of the old school of citizens, with
no pretense toward religion, with little regard for sacred things and with,
apparently, a strong belief in the doctrine of "eat, drink and be merry" in
its literal sense. He was a conspicuous character at all public gatherings
and when his friend was with him he was particularly jocular and pointed.
James W. Lockhart was the sixth of seven children. When of age he
went to Texas and spent six years. He passed another year in the Indian
Territory. He returned then to the family hearthstone and took charge of
the farm and supported his parents and provided for their comfort in their
decline. In 1889 he was married to Clara Wiggins, a daughter of William
and Sarah Wiggins. Mrs. Lockhart is a native of Pennsylvania and ac-
companied her parents to Kansas in 1884. Her children are two daughters.
Myrtle and Sylvania, respectively seven and four years of age.
As a farmer Mr. Lockhart is one of the progressive and successful ones
in his vicinity. His property he maintains in good repair and order and
his farm is one of the old and attractive ones along the highway. His
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
353
standing with his fellows is unusualh' high, for he maintains a business
and social honor not easily assailed. It was this popularity that gave him
the nomniation for County Commissioner in 1896. Notwithstanding the
Republican majority in his district he was elected. After a service of three
years his worth was fully recognized and he was re-elected as the candi-
date of the Fusionists. His official conduct has been fair and honorable
and has been as free from partisan bias as the exigencies of the case permit.
First of all Mr. Lockhart is an American and when it comes to matters of
public policy in Nation or State his views coincide with modern Democratic
ideas. He is a Democrat with a friendly feeling for other parties.
"T^AVID T. NASH— For almost a third of a century David Thomas
-' — ' Nash has resided in Allen County, the period of his connection with
agricultural interests of Elm township covering thirty years. He was born
in Delaware County, Ohio, July 18, 1839, and was the second son of
Samuel L. and Catherine (Early) Nash. His paternal grandfather was a
native of Ireland and located in Pennsylvania at an early day. Both he
and the maternal grandfather served their country in the war of 18 12.
Samuel Nash was born in Pennsylvania in 1801. Going to the South he
became overseer of slaves on a Kentucky plantation, and while in that
State he married Miss Early, a relative of General Early, of Civil war
fame. Subsequently he removed to Ohio, and there reared his family upon
a farm in Delaware County. He had two sons and two daughters, David
T. ; Henry, a resident of Delaware County, Ohio; and Mrs. Amanda
Gregory and Mrs. Anna Hall, who are also living in that county.
Upon the home farm David T. Nash aided in the labors of field and
meadow until he had attained his majority, when he responded to the
country's call for aid to crush out the rebellion, and enlisted as a member
of Company C, of the F'ourth Ohio Infantry. He served for three j'ears
and three months and was ever found at his post of duty, loyally defending
the stars and stripes. His regiment was organized under Colonel
Andrews who three months later was succeeded in the command by
Colonel Mason. It was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and Mr.
Nash participated in twent^'-one engagements. On one occasion he could
easily have shot General Robert E. Lee, but not daring to expose himself
he remained concealed until the General had passed by. In 1864 he was
mustered out of the service and with a creditable military record returned
to his home. He continued farming in Ohio until 1870, when he came to
Kansas. After spending a year in Ida he located upon his present farm in
Elm township, and has since devoted his time and energies to the fuither
cultivation and improvement of his land. His home is presided over by a
most estimable lady, who in her maidenhood bore the name of Louisa E.
Gunn. She was born in Edwards County, Illinois, in 1845, a daughter of
Tjder and Jemima (Root) Gunn, the former a native of Massachusetts.
354 HISTORY OF ALLEN AN])
Their three childreh are: Mrs. Nash; Henry, of Perkinsville, Indiana, and
Nelson B., of Elniwood, Indiana. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Nasli
was celebrated in 1865, and unto them have born born seven children;
Mrs. Rosa E. Walker, of Coffeyville, Kansas; Mrs. Ada Lemaster, of
Carlisle, Kansas; Samuel L., a locomotive engineer, of Springfield, Ohio;
Mrs. Ida F. Ellison, of Drexel, Missouri; Mary E. ; Lulu Pearl and Nelson
Ray, both at home. The parents are members of the Presbj'terian church,
to which Mr. Nash has belonged for eighteen years, while his wife has
been a member for nearly forty years. For five years he served as trustee
ol Elm township. His long continuance in that ofRce indicates his faithful
service and the confidence reposed by his fellow townsmen in his ability
and tustrworthiness.
BENJAMIN L. WALLIS— The arrival of few of the citizens of Allen
County antedates that of Mr. Wallace who came to it in 1856, locat-
ing north of lola. In the years of his residence here he has watched with
interest the progress of events which have placed this county on a par with
many counties of the older east and to measures which have contributed to
the material upbuilding and substantial development of the community he
has given endorsement and support.
A native of Virginia he was born in Lee County, in 1833. His
paternal grandfather emigrated from Scotland to the Old Dominion at an
early day and the maternal grandfather left his home in Holland to take up
his abode in the new world when Virginia was a part of the colonial
possessions of England in America. The parents of our subject were both
born in Lee County in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and in
1834 removed to Indiana, locating on a farm where the3' spent their re-
maining days.
Benjamin L. Wallis spent his boyhood days in hard work upon his
father's farm and as he lived in a new .settlement he had but limited oppor-
tunity to secure an education. He learned the carpenter's trade and in
1856 came to Kansas. Here he followed carpentering for six years, and in
1862 he returned to Indiana, there to enter his country's service as a mem-
ber of the Forty-sixth Indiana Infantry, which was attached to the Western
army. He served under Generals Hovey and McClarran, and participated
in many important engagements, including the battles of New Madrid, Fort
Pillow and St. Charles. In 1864 he was mustered out of the service.
During the term of his enlistment he was always found at his post of duty,
faithfully defending the old flag.
In 1865 Mr. Wallis was united in marriage to Miss Sophia
McCool, whose parents were born and reared in Ohio, and removed
to Indiana in the early '50s. Mrs. Wallis has two brothers,
Jacob and John, who are married' and reside with their families in
Fountain County, Indiana. Mr. Wallace also has two brothers, John and
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 355
Henry, who, with their families, reside in the Hoosier State. His sisters
are Mrs. Louisa Grubbs, a widow now living in Muncie, Indiana; Susan
McKinley, also of Muncie, and Mrs. Nellie Shipley, of Tippecanoe County,
Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Wallis have five children: William C. , who is
with his parents; Scott A., blacksmith in LaHarpe, and is married; Charles
B., who is a member of the Thirty-fifth regiment of United States Volun-
teers, in the Philippines; Mrs. Emma Morrison of Moran, and Mrs. Gertie
Wooten, who is living near lola.
For a number of years after his return from the war, Mr. Wallis
resided in Indiana, but like most people who have once lived in Kansas,
he desired to return to the Sunflower State, and in 1879 took up his abode
once more in Allen County. He purchased a farm south of LaHarpe and
although it was then a tract of open prairie, he made it one of the best im-
proved farms in the count}', continuing its cultivation until Fe^bruary, 1899,
when he put aside the more arduous duties of farm life and moved to La-
Harpe. He is a staunch advocate of the Populist party, and since his
boyhood days has been a consistent member of the Christian church. His
advancement in the business world has resulted from his own energy,
prompted by a laudable ambition, and his prosperity has been well and
worthilv achieved.
A RCHIBALD J. FULTON. M. D., of lola, Kansas, was born on the
-^~^ 18th day of October, 1847, on his father's farm, near Port Stanley, in
the county of Elgin, Ontario, Canada. His father, Samuel Fulton, was
born at Ballmaena and educated in Belfast, Ireland. His mother, Jean
(McDearmid) Fulton, was born and educated in Glasgow, Scotland. The
two families emigrated to western Canada in an early day, where Samuel
Fulton and Jean McDearmid were married, purchased heavily timbered
lands, chopped, logged, cleared and cultivated the same, at a time when
their machinery consisted of the cradle, hand-rake and flail and they were
obliged to travel sixty miles by ox wagon to have their wheat ground into
flour. Yet they labored successfully and lived to see their neighborhood
populate and flourish. To them were born five sons and one daughter.
Of these, three sons, John Fulton, Andrew L. Fulton and Archibald J.
Fulton, took up the profession of medicine and surgery. Dr. John Fulton
(now deceased) was professor of surgery in Trinity Medical College, of
Toronto, Canada, for many years and was rightly considered at the head
of his profession in Canada. He had taken degrees in London, Edin-
burgh. Paris, Heidleburg and Berlin. Dr. Andrew L. Fulton gratuated at
Trinity Medical College of Toronto, Canada, and Bellevue Hospital Med-
ical College of New York City. He has been professor of surgery in the
Kansas City Medical College, of Kansas City, Missouri, for a number of
years, and for two years has been dean of the faculty of that college.
Dr. A. J. Fulton grew to manhood under the healthful enviroment of
356 ■ HISTORY OF ALLEN AND .
a country life, and after receiving the education obtainable at the country
log school house in those early days he took a course in the London (C^n-
ada) CouiQiercial College and graduated in class A in 1866. He then be-
gan the study of medicine and surgery under the able guidance of his
brother, Dr. Andrew L. Fulton, spending one session in Bellevue Hospital
Medical College, of New York, and graduating from Jefferson Medical
College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in March, 1874. He immediately
began the practice of medicine at Uniontovvn, Bourbon county, Kanas, but
after a few months, in the fall of 1874, he removed to lola, Kansas. On
the 5th day of May, i38o, he was married to Miss Mary J. Pickell and to
them were born two sons, Fred Robert and Harold John Fulton
For eleven years Dr. Fulton discharged the duties of Pension E.x-
aminer. First receiving the appointment as a single examiner and after-
ward, under the administrations of Presidents Harrison and Cleveland, he
was one of the three members of the board, first acting as president and
lastly as secretary of the board. He was elected coroner of Allen county,
Kansas, in November, 1885, and succeeded himself in 1887, holding the
office for four consecutive years. He served the City of lola as councilman
for two consecutive years. In 1898 he was elected a member of the Board
of Education and was chosen president of that body for two consecutive
years. In 1897 he received the appointment of surgeon to the Missouri
Pacific Railway Company and is still in the discharge of the duties ot that
office.
In fraternal matters he has held continuous membership in the order
of A. F. & A. M. since twentvone years of age; is at this time a member of
the M. W. of A.. R. N. of A., K. & L. ot S. , A. O. U. W. and the Triple
Tie Benefit Association.
T PARSONS. — Not only has the subject of this sketch seen Allen
J — '• county grow from a comparatively wild district with only a few-
white inhabitants, to a rich agricultural country containing thousands of
good homes and many thriving towns, inhabited by an industrious, pros-
perous and progressive people, but he has participated in and assisted with
persistent work the development which was necessary to produce the
change that has placed this county among the foremost in the common-
wealth. For many years he was identified its with agricultural interests, but
is now living retired, although he still makes his home upon his farm.
Mr. Parsons was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, on the 8th of
August, 1838. His father, Jonathan Parsons, was a native of Virginia,
and during his boyhood removed to Ohio, whence he made his wa}' to
Indiana. In that state he married Miss Sarah Flanagan, a native of Ken-
tucky. Throughout his life he engaged in farming, making it a source of
livelihood for his family. He died in Kansas in 1871, at the age of sixty-
seven j'ears, while visiting his son, and his wife, long surviving him,
-WOOnSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 357
:passed away in 1892, at the age of seveiit_v-four. They were the parents o!
thirteen children, of whom seven are now living, namely: Peter, who
makes his home in Ashland, Dakota, L., of this review; Mary, the wife of
Richard Healej'; Ephraim; John; Frank, and America Hines.
Mr. Parsons, of this review, spent the first seventeen years of his life
under the parental roof in Indiana. He then went to Minnesota with his
parents where he remained for thi'ee years and then returned to Indiana.
'The year 1870 witnessed his arrival in Kansas, and with the interests of
Allen county he has since been a.ssociated. He located two miles east of
Savonburg, pre-empted eighty acres of land and afterward secured one
hundred and sixty acres. At a later date he again extended the boundaries
■of his farm so that it now comprises three hundred and five acres of arable
land. It was a tract of raw prairie when he took possession of it, but with
characteristic energy he began its development and soon transformed the
wild place into richly cultivated fields which brought to him a good income
as the years passed by. Thus he gained a comfortable competence which
now enables him to live retired, his toil in former years supplying him
with a capital sufficient to meet all his wants at the present time.
On the 22nd of December, 1864, Mr. Parsons was united in marriage
to Miss Phoebe Fausset, a native of Indiana, who proved to him a faithful
companion and helpmate on the journey of life for more than a third of a
century, but in 1900 they were separated by death, Mrs. Parsons being
called to the home beyond on the 29th of June, of that year, at the age of
fifty-nine. Eight children had been born to them, namely: JohnF. , who
is now a resident of Oklahoma Territory; C. N., who is a teacher in Bethel
College, at Newton, Kansas; W. J., who is a graduate of the State Normal
of Texas; James M., Ora and O. H.. all at home; A.C., who is engaged in
teaching in the home school in Allen county, and is also a Normal and
Business College graduate; and Flora, the wife of Elmer Price, who resides
near the family homestead.
Mr. Parsons evercises his right of franchise in support of men and
measures of the Democracy, but has never sought the honors or emolu-
ments of public office. He has been an ardent supporter of educational
institutions and has lived to see three of his sons, C. N., W. J. and A. C,
finish their college courses. He has kept supervision over the doings of
fais farm that it may be always properly conducted. He is engaged in
stock raising and his keen discrimination in business affairs and his un-
flagging industrj' made him one of the well-to-do citizens of the community.
T TENRY F. RICE, one of the early settlers of Kansas, was born in
J- J- Marion county, Kentucky, August 18 16. At an early age he went
with his parents to the southern part of Illinois and helped to cut and hew
the logs that built a cabin for a home for the family in that heavily tim-
bered country. There were no school advantages except subscription
35S - HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
schools and our subject only received about six months schooling in hih
life. Add to this the home instruction and he came to maturity with a
good practical education. When about twenty-five years of age he mar-
ried Miss Mary K. Thompson, of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and settled
near Marion, in that state. He and his wife were devoted members of the
Presbyterian church.
iMr. Rice was a stone-mason b)' trade, but lived upon the farm. He
and his wife lived happily together for twelve years, when death claimed
her, Mr. Rice conceived that it would be better to take his little ones to
his widowed mother and both give and receive help and comfort, and so
taking the two oldest children, seven and nine years old, on horseback
they started on their journey of sixty miles. He singing "Guide me. Oh
though great Jehovah. Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak.
But Thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand."
After passing through many trials and misfoi tunes his family were
beginning to scatter. The father's love was so strong as to keep him with
them thirty years. He remarried and some years afterward sold his beau-
tiful home in Illinois, gathered his family together and emigrated to Kan-
sas, In May, 1867, six covered wagons drove up and halted near Rufus
Perkins' home in lola, (now known as Mrs. Canatsey's). After stopping
there a few days to look around Mr. Rice bought the Barry farm about
five miles south of lola. Reaching Kansa.s the year after the grass-hoppers
came (in i856) times were very hard, but the brave man who had endured
so much only laughed at the discouragements which made others despond-
ent and leave the country. By lending a hand here and giving a kind,
encouraging word there and more substantial help to those who needed he
endeared himself to those who knew him. The last fifteen years of his
life were spent on his Kansas farm in the company of his single daughter.
Miss Saiah Rice. He was public spirited, generous hearted and an earnest
consistent Christian, helping in all good works. He died at his home in
June, 1880, of heart failure, leaving three children: Mi.ss Sarah Rice,
afterwards Mrs. Sarah Toop, of Ulyses, Nebraska; Mrs. M. J. Barth, of
lola, and C. M. Rice, of Benton ville, Arkansas. The remains were laid to
rest in the lola cemetery.
JOHN G. KENVON, who is the owner of one of the good farms of Allen
County, and is now engaged in the livery business in Elsmore, was
born in Rhode Island, October 7, 1840. In that State he remained until
eighteen years of age where he removed to Wisconsin, residing for four
years. Returning to the State of Rhode Lsland he remained for two years.
He was married in Filmore County, Minnesota, of which State he had al-
ready become a resident, on the 4th of May 1861, to Miss Elizabeth H.
Larkin, also a native of Rhode Island. In December, 1861, in respon.se to
the call of the President, he enlisted in the Union army for three years.
•WDODSOX COUXTIES. KANSAS. 3:59
On reaching St. Lonis, however, he was taken ill and later, wa-S di.scharged
on account of disability after one year's service.
Returning then to Minnesota Mr. Kenyon engaged in farming until
1S66 when he removed to Brookfield, Missouri where he resided until 1870.
That year witnessed his arrival in Kansas. He took up his abode on a
farm of three hundred and twenty acres, located in the southeastern part of
Elsmore township and for nineteen years continued its cultivation, making
his home thereon until 1889, when he came to Elsmore and established his
livery stable which he has since conducted with great success. He has
been a prominent factor in the public affairs of the town, serving as post-
master under President Harrison. For about fifteen years he has served as
justice of the peace and his decisions have ever been fair and impartial,
winning him golden opinions from all classes of people.
In 1S97 Mr. Kenyon was called upon to mourn the lo^s of his wife,
who died on the 23rd of July of that year, at the age of fifty-six. She had
many warm friends and her death was therefore widely mourned. Thev
never had any children, but reared an adopted daughter, Daisy, who is
now at home with her father, a young lady of seventeen 3'ears. Mr.
Kenyon exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures
of the Republican party, and has ever manifested the same loyal spirit of
citizenship that he displayed when in 1861 he offered his services to the
government in defense of the stars and stripes.
C^RIC D. ERICSON, who is numbered among the prosperous and self-
-'— -^ made men of Elsmore township, Allen County, was born of Swedish
parentage in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois, on the 2nd of November,
1855. He is a son of Ole and Elna Ericson, both of whom were natives of
Sweden, whence they came to America in 1852, locating in Knoxville. In
their family were nine children, of whom Eric D. is the fourth in order of
birth. He was reared in the place of his nativity and during his boyhood
pursued his education in the common schools. He worked at home until
nineteen years of age and then started out in life for himself, securing em-
ployment as a farm hand. He also worked in coal mines, giving his time
to those two pursuits until he had secuied a capital of about five hundred
dollars. Believing that this might be profitably invested in the west, in
the spring of 1883, in company with his brother Joseph, he came to Kansas,
locating first in Bourbon County, where he rented a farm for one year. In
18S4 he came to Allen County and in connection with his brother
purchased a league claim. He gave all of his money for the property and
soon aterward found that he had no title to the land, nor could he acquire
one. He thus lost all that he had paid. Such an experience would have
utterly discouraged many a man of le.ss resolute spirit, but with a de-
termined purpose and a strong heart he set to work to retrieve his lost
possessions. Again buying that tract of land, with characteristic energy he
3'6o HISTORV OF ALLEN AND
commenced improving it, erected a good residence, planted shade trees and
otherwise added to the value and attractive appearance of the place. He
today owns three hundred and twenty acres, and the rich, productive soil
yields to him excellent returns for the labor he bestows upon it. The
entire farm is improved and much of the grain he raises he feeds to his
stock, which upon the market finds a ready sale.
On the 1 2th of April, 1883, Mr. Ericson was united in marriage
to Miss Jennie Freeburg, who was born in Sweden, on the 31st of May,
1863, and came to America with her parents when five years of age. She
is a daughter of John and Ingar Freeburg, who crossed the Atlantic to the
new world in 1869, settling near Paxton, Illinois, whence they came to
Kan.sas in 1883. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ericson has been blessed
with five children: Hattie, George, Alvin, Harley and Earl, aged respective-
ly sixteen, fifteen, ten, eight and four years. Mr. Ericson is a member
of the A. O. U. W. at Elsmore, and of a mutual insurance com-
pany at Galesburg, Illinois. He is also a stockholder in the State Bank of
Elsmore and is at present one of the directors of that institution. In poli-
lics he is a Populist, but has never been an aspirant forofSce, preferring to
give his attention to his business affairs. He has served as a school officer
for a number of j^ears and the cause of education in his districf has found
in him a warm friend. Otherwise he has held no other political prefer-
ments, for the work of the farm claims his industry and enterprise. How-
ever, he has met with reverses, but has overcome all the difficulties and
obstacles in his path by a resolute will and unflagging perseverance, and
today he is classed among the substanial agriculturists of his adopted
country.
("ESSE P. DECKER, of Elsmore, Allen county, editor, merchant and
'^ politician, has, through these and other channels of public intercourse,
acquired a promiuce and a leadership in eastern Allen county which be-
speak for him the confidence of his fellow townsmen. This confidence and
regard he has merited and drawn to himself in the brief period of eight
years, for he has been a resident of Allen county only since 1892. Being
born so close to the county line and being a son of one of Allen county's
pioneers Mr. Decker is almost entitled to be regarded as one of our old
citizens. He was born in Xenia, Bourbon county, September 10, 1865.
He is a son of ex-County Treasurer M. E. Decker, of lola, and at the age
of six years was taken into Leavenworth county, Kansas, and there resided
during his youth and was there educated in the common schools. On
coming of age he returned to his birthplace and engaged as a clerk in the
store of his uncle, John Decker. For two years he was so employed and
then opened a store on his own account. In April 1888, he was appointed
postmaster at Xenia, but resigned after some months' service to better
look after other business. In 1892 he disposed of his stock and business
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 361
and, after some prospecting, located in Elsmore where he opened a general
store in June of that year. In February, 1897, he sold his business and
engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business. This year he was
appointed post-master at Elsmore which position he still occupies. In
1900 he re engaged in the mercantile business and his is one of the con-
spicuous and popular enterprises in Elsmore.
In February, 1899, Mr. Decker purchased the "Elsmore Enterprise,"
a weekly newspaper devoted to the interests of Elsmore and Allen county
and a publication with a strong declaration of Republican principles.
With the active management of this journal, with the supervision of the
mail matters of Elsmore and with the conduct of his general store Mr.
Decker manages to keep fairly busy.
Mr. Decker's interest in the development of Allen county is a matter
of public notoriety. When there is anything proposed for the good of the
town if he is not at the head he is always in. If some important move is
on foot touching the welfare of his community and requiring tact and
ability to e.KCcute Jesse Decker is one to help do the work. In any part of
our county when a bit of information is wanted at Elsmore or some im-
portant work to be done it is usually Jesse Decker who is asked to do it.
A Republican convention finds Mr. Decker always with his working
clothes on. He is rarely absent from any meeting of his party committee
or convention and the delegation from "North Elsmore" honors him with
its chairmanship on every occasion that he will accept it. For a number
of years he has represented his precinct on the County Committee and in
1900 was one of the assistants to the secretary of the committee.
Mr. Decker was rnarried November 14, 18S9, to Miss Nellie Steven-
son and May 18, 1890, Mrs. Decker died. June 17, 1891, Mr. Decker
married Miss Sadie Cutter, of Allen county. Their children are: Nellie,
Ruth, Martin and Jesse Decker.
Mr. Decker is a Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge at Savonburg
and to the Scottish Rite bodies at Fort Scott, a member of some of the
popular insuiance societies and holds advanced and progressive opinions
on all public questions.
/~>ARE A. REYNOLDS— Among the newspaper fraternity of Allen
^^ County is the editor of the Savonburg Record, Carl A. Reynolds.
He is one of the self-made men of our day and has risen from comparative
obscurity to-a position of importance and usefulness in a community of in-
telligent and progressive citizens.
Mr. Reynolds was born in Shelby County, Iowa, August 14, 1876, and
is a son of Frank Reynolds and Martha Whitinger. His parents were
born in Indiana and his widowed mother resides with, our subject in
Savonburg.
Carl Reynolds was left fatherless in 1880 and was forced by that event
362 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
to make some effort toward the support of the family very early in life. He
went to the printers trade at eleven years of age, and while his days were
given to his employer, his nights were spent over school books, acquiring
an education He learned his trade in Iowa, and upon its completion, went
to Chicago where he was employed in some of the large print shops of the
city. He drifted about the city in this way and finally reached the great
establishment of Rand, McNally & Company. He spent three years in the'
service of this company and laid by his net earnings. Longing for a busi-
ness of his own he returned west in the expectation of coming against a
location. He went to work on the Yates Center Advocate in 1896 and
during his stay there made a visit to Savonburg which led to his locating
there. He laid in a supply of the best material, type, press and other
paraphernalia, and April i, 1898, he founded and issued the first copy of
the Savonburg Record. The general business of his office has met his
expectation. His editorial efforts are appreciated and encouraged with a
satisfactory subscription list and the job work department is meeting the
demands of its patrons with artistic work on a paying basis.
Mr. Reynolds was married June 26, 1900, to Carol E. Kimbell, of
Yates Center, Woodson County, and a daughter of R. Kimbell.
Mr. Reynolds is one of four children, viz.: Oscar Reynolds, of Harlin,
Iowa; E. A. Reynolds, of Chicago and Mrs. F. P. Taylor, of Savonburg.
In politics our subject is radical in support of the administration of
President McKinley. His training and political associations have been
Republican and his paper is one ot the political educators of Allen County.
T EWIS HUFF, JR. , is actively connected with business affairs in Els-
J — ' more township, Allen Countv.asa farmer, contractor and builder.
He was born in Hancock County, Ohio, July 3, 1846, his parents being
Lewis and Elizabeth Huff. The father is a native of Virginia and when
seven j'ears of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio wheie
he resided for about forty years. In 1870 he came to Kansas, settling in the
southeastern portion of Allen County, near the southern boundary line, and
upon the old homestead he is still living at the advanced age of eighty-six
years, a venerable and highly respected gentleman. His wife died in 1894
at the age of seventy -four. They were the parents often children, nine of
whom are living, while eight of the number are sons. The record is as
follows: S. vS., of Fort Scott, Kansas; W. T. , who is living in Buffalo,
Kansas; T. G. , whose residence is near Savonburg; Lewis; -Sylvester, a
practicing physician of Mound Valley, Kansas; Pleasant, the wife of D.
Freed; Albert, of Allen County; Joseph, lives in Baldwin, Kansas, and
Martin, who is living in Allen County. Four of the sons were soldiers in
the LTnion army and their record is one of which the family has every
reason to be proud.
Lewis Huff Jr. , whose name introduces this review, was reared and
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 363
educated in Ohio, and after arriving at the years of maturity he wedded
Miss Mary S. Hodges, a native uf that State. In 1865, when eighteen years
of age, he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting as a member of
Company B, One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Infantry, in which he
served for nine months, when he was honorably discharged, for the war
was ended and the stars and stripes floated over the capital of the southern
Confederacy.
Mr. Huff contined to make his home in the Buckeye State until the
spring of 1870 when he came to Kansas and secured a claim in Neosho
County, a mile and a half south of Savonburg. He there resided for six
years, continuing the operation and improvement of the land, after which
he sold the property and secured another claim, including the site of Savon-
burg. To the development and cultivation of that tract he devoted his
time for about si.K or seven years when he ag-iin diipDsed of the proparty
and bought a farm two miles east, living thereon until he sold and removed
to Fort Scott. In that city he began work at the carpenter's trade, which
he followed for five years, when he returned to Allen County and purchased
ten lots in Savonburg. He erected three houses which he afterward
sold and next purchased a farm half a mile south of town and built
thereon a good residence. He has improved his little farm and at the
same time has continuously followed carpentering, doing a good business
as a contractor and builder. He has erected more houses than any other
man in Savonburg, and in other portions of the county stand buildings
which are monuments to his skill, thrift and enterprise.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Huff have been born four children: Nora Huff;
Elva, the wife of Ed Belcher, of Kansas City, Missouri; Winifred C, who
died at the age of sixteen years, and Elmer M., at home. Mr. Huff be-
longs to Savonburg Camp, No. 1271. M. W. A. In his political affiliations
he is a Republican, warmly espousing the cause of the party. A life of
industry and honesty has brought to him gratifying success. With no
special advantages in his youth, with nothing but a determined
purpose and willing hands to aid him as he started out for himself, he has
worked his way steadily upward and today is known as one of the sub-
stantial and reliable citizens in his portion of Allen County.
rOHN H. SMITH is a well known merchant of Allen County, aiding in
*-' the successful conduct of a large enterprise in Savonburg where his
labors have brought him prominence in connection with commercial pur-
suits. A native of the Hoosier State, his birth occurred in Dearborn
County, Indiana, on the 17th of April, 1869, and he is a son of O. H.
Smith who is represented elsewhere in this volume. His boyhood days
were spent upon the home farm and from the time of early spring planting
until the crops were harvested in the autumn he assisted in the work of the
fields. In the winter months he was a student in the common schools and
364 - HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
thus his time was passed until his fifteenth year, when he left Indiana with
his parents and came to Kansas. He continued under the parental roof
until he was eighteen years of age when he became a student in the
academy at Parsons, and later he completed his education in the Sedalia
Business College, in which he was graduated with the class ol 1890.
Mr. Smith taught school for two years and then entered the grocery
and queensware business in St. Paul, Neosho Couutv, in connection with a
Mr. Post. This relationship was maintained for a short time and then Mr.
Smith entered into partnership with his father, under the firm name of
Smith & Son. They have since been associated in business and continued
their enterprise in St. Paul until 1895 when they came to Savonbiirg,
enlarging their field of operations by adding a stock of general merchandise.
By the admis-ion of the second son of the famtly the firm style has been
changed to Smith & Sons. They carry a very large stock of merchandise
which is displayed in two large storerooms and they also have a branch
store at Elsmore under the control of Frank E. Smith, the youngest
partner. Their business now amounts to forty or fifty thousaud dollars
annually and is constantly growing under the capital management of the
partners, who are reliable business men.
Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Irene Blake on the 27th of
December, 1896. She is a native of Bartholomew County, Indiana, and a
daughter of Allen and Lettie Blake of that county, who came to Kansas
with their family in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one little daughter,
Eva Mav, who is two years of age. He is a prominent church and Sab-
bath school worker and is superintendent of the M. E. Sunday School of
Savonburg, which position he has held for the past five years. Mr. Smith
is a member of the Odd Fellows society in Savonburg and has filled all the
chairs in the order. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America
in which he has served as clerk for a number of years, and of the Royal
Neighbors he is a representative. He is one of the prominent supporters
of tlie Republican party in this portion of the State and a member of the
county central committee. He keeps well informed on the issues of the
day and is in hearty sympathy with the administration. He has entered
upon a prosperous era in his business career, and although a young man he
vhas already won success that would be creditable to one many years his
senior. He is favorably located, his store being situated in the midst of a
rich farming community. His genial manner, courteous and obliging dis-
position have gained him the respect of all with whom he is associated, have
made him many friends and won him a liberal patronage.
DR. WILLIAM LITTLEJOHN. whose prestige as a medical practi-
tioner is an unmistakable evidence of his ability, was born in Scot-
land, on the 20th of August, 1864. His father, James Littlejohn, was also
a native of the land of hills and heather, as was his wife, who bore the
"WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 365
maiden name of Elizabeth Walker Scott. The father was a minister of the
old-school Presbyterian church, and devoted his entire life to that holy
•calling. In 1896 he came to America to visit his children who had pre-
ceded him to the new world, and died in Missouri in the winter of £899, at
the age of sixty-nine years. His widow still survives him, and now re-
sides in Chicago with her sons. They had eight children, of whom five
are now living, namelj': William, of this review; John Martin, a promi-
nent medical practitioner of Chicago; James B., who held the position of
surgeon under the British government five years; and David, who is also
a member of the medical fraternity; and Elizabeth M., wife of Thomas
Anthony, a resident of England.
Dr. Littlejohn, whose name introduces this record, was reared and
educated in Scotland, and was afforded e.Kcellent educational privileges,
studying both theology and medicine in the Glasgow University. He was
ordained to preach the gospel in iSS6, and in iS88 came to America, set-
tling in Iowa, where he was engaged to fill the pulpit of some of the best
churches in that state. In 1895 'le came to Kansas to accept the pastorate
of the church in Denison, Jackson county, where he remained for four
years, on the expiration of which period he removed to Topeka. Having
his degree of M. D. and his diploma from the Glasgow Universitj', he then
gave up the ministry and after taking a post-graduate course of stud^-
entered upon the practice of medicine in Topeka, where he remained three
years. Since that time he has resided in Savonburg, and his patronage is
all that he can conveniently attend to. His ability, both natural and ac-
quired, well fits him for the responsible duties of one who devotes his life
to the restoration of health and to the alleviation of human sufferings.
Dr. lyittlejohn was married in Iowa to Mi.ss Maggie A. Orr, of Medi-
apolis, a daughter of William M. and Catherine Orr. The Doctor and his
wife now have two children: Catherine Elizabeth and James Martin.
They are members of the United Presbyterian church, and the Doctor
belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors, at
Savonburg. He is a man of scholarly attainments, of broad culture and of
strong mentality, and his thorough preparation for his chosen calling well
qualifies him for the successful practice of medicine.
JOHN O. NYMAN occupies a leading position in business circles in
^ Savonburg. He was born in Clay county. South Dakota, on the
14th of June, 1873, and is the second sou of August and Matilda Nyman,
who are mentioned on another page of this work in connection with the
sketch of C. W. Nyman. In 1877 he came with his parents to Allen
county, being then but four years of age, and was reared on the home faim,
early becomiug familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of
the agriculturist.
Mr. Nyman entered upon an independent business career with little
366 . HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
c.ipital, becoiiiiag a real estate, loan and msurance agent at Savonburg,
bat hi- pitrouage ha^ stea'Jily increased, and he has conducted some im-
portant real estate transactions and made some judicious and profitable
investments for himself. His business qualifications are such that he has
alread)' won a good competence, and his friends predict for him a very suc-
cessful future. He has become one of the directors and stockholders in the
Savonburg State Bank, owns the building in which the bank is located,
and has several lots in Savonburg, together with his residence.
On Christmas day of 1895 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Nyman
and Miss Ella Morgan, a native of Kansas, and a daughter of George M.
and Rebecca Morgan of Neosho county. They now have a little daughter
of one year, named lone. Mr. Nyraan is prominent in fraternal circles.
He belongs to the blue lodge of Masons at Savonburg, and has att.iined
the thirty second degree of the Scottish. Rite in the consistory at Fort
Scott, Kansas, and is a member of Abdallah Temple, L,eavenworth, Kan-
sas, Ancient Arabis Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs
to Savonburg Lodge, No. 467, I. O. O. F., and Savonburg Camp. No.
1 27 1. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican
party, believing that its platform contains the best elements of good gov-
ernment. Almost his entire life has been pa,ssed in Allen county, and
that many of his friends are numbered among those who have known him
from bovhood is an indication that his career has ever been an honorable
ANDREW J. McCLUNG. — Virginia, which was the first settled colony
in the new world, has sent forth its representatives to every state in
the Union, its sons having aided in founding the many great common-
wealths which go to make up the nation. Among those who claim the
Old Dominion as the state of their nativity i.i Andrew J. McClung, an es-
teemed resident of Allen county, his home being in Elsmore township.
He was born in the Shenandoah Valley in Augusta county, Virginia, on
the 28th of March, 1841. His father, Samuel McClung, was a native of
Rockbridge county, that state, while the mother of oui subject, who bore
the maiden name of Margaret Haffner, was born in the Shenandoah Valley.
For a number of years after their marriage they remained on the Atlantic
coast, but in 1852 sought a home in the Mississippi valley, taking up their
abode in Illinois, where they spent their remaining days, the father dying
on the 3rd of April, 1891, when seventy-six years of age. His wife .sur-
vived him until 1896 and passed away at the advanced age of eighty-two
years. They were the parents of four children of whom three are now
living: Granville, who resides in Astoria, Illinois; Mrs. M. E. Merrill
who resides near the same town; and Andrew J., who is the first in order
of birth.
Tarough the first eleven years of his life Mr. McClung of this review
■WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 367
remained in Vira;inia and then accompanied his parents on their removal to
Illinois in 1S52. There hi pursued his education in the ciimraon schools
and after putting aside his text-books he entered the school-room as a
teacher, following- that profession through the winter months, while in the
summer he engaged in farming for twenty years. He was united in mar-
riage to Miss Epurvey Ward on the, 21st of April, 1862, a lady who is a
native of North Carolina, born January 20, 1841, and when a little maiden
of six summers went to Illinois with her parents, Lindsa}' and Meca Ward.
After their marriage Mr. McClung and his bride began their domestic
life upon a rented farm which he operated through the summer months,
while in the winter he continued teaching. Until 1883 he was a resident
01 Illinois and that year witnessed his arrival in Kansas. He came with
his family to Allen county, settling in Elsmore township where he con-
tinued to operate rented land until iSgb, when he invested his earnings in
a tract of eighty acres a mile and a half east of the town of Elsmore. On
this place he erecied a pleasant and comfortable residence and a good
barn. He has developed an excellent farm, and in connection with the
raising of cereals best adapted to this climate he gives some attention to
stock-raising. His methods are progressive and practical and a glance at
the place indicates to the passerby the careful supervision of the thrifty and
energetic owner.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. McClung have been born eight children of whom
seven are now living, namely: Margaret, the wife of Thomas Hartley, a
resident of Illinois; Henry, who makes his home in Kansas City, Missouri;
Charles, who is living in Moline, Illinois; Edwin and George, who assist
their father in the operation of the home farm; and Mary, the wife of Charles
Roedel, near the old family homestead. The first member of the family
was William, who died in 1S94 when thirty-one years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. McClung are members of the Knights and Ladies of
Security. In his political afRliations he has always been a stalwart Repub-
lican. He was elected and served four terms as township trustee of Els-
more township, and was appointed by the government to take the census
of his township in 1900. He has ever discharged the duties of the offices
which he has been called to fill in a manner with credit to himself and
satisfaction to his constituents. When eighteen years of age Mr. McClung
suffered greatly from rheumatism and lost the use of his right arm. While
this would have utterly discouraged many a man of less resolute will, he
has worked steadily year after year making the most of his opportunities
and to-day he is known among those whose labors have brought to them
the comforts of life and won for them a place among the substantial citizens
of the community in which they abide. Mr. McClung uniformly bears
himself as a gentleman. Mentally he has grown strong through his wide
reading. He has quick apprehension and readily comprehends all the
business affairs with which he has to do. He is domestic in his habits and
as a husband, father and citizen his example is well worthy of emulation.
36S ■ HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
T T R. COURTN'EY is one of the successful educators in Allen countr
'^ — ' • and throughout his entire business life he has devoted his attention to
the work of the school-room. Tliis profession ranks hi^jh anrong the call-
ings to which men devote their energies. The student does not alone ac-
quire a knowledge of the text-book placed in his hands, but develops the
power of mental concentration which becomes an active factor in his later
life and at the same time forms habits which color his future career. It is
therefore of the utmost importance that the teachers should be people of
sterling worth as well as of high mental qualifications, for the impress
which they leave upon the minds and characters of their pupils is ineradi-
cable. Very successful has Mr. Courtney been in his chosen calling and
well he deserves representation in this volume.
A native of Indiana, he was born in Newton Stewart, on the 30th of
July, 1867, and resided in that state until seven years of age when he re-
moved with his parents to Illinois. There he resided for three years. He
is the eldest son of Dr. Courtney of l,eanna. In 1878 the father came to
this state settling on a farm near Leanna, and the subject of this review
completed his education in the public schools, and, at the age of nineteen,
began teaching. He has since continuously followed that profession, with
fhe exception of a period of one year wl en he was employed in the capacity
of a book-keeper in a large hardware store owned by Mr. Bragg, of Hum-
boldt. He has for some time been recognized as one of the most popular
and capable teachers in the county, having been employed in many schools
in this portion of the state. He has never failed to continue as a teacher
in a given locality if he desired to remain there, for his services were ever
commendable and received the support of the intelligent public. In 1892
he came to Savonburg where he engaged in teaching for four terms, after
which he removed to Humboldt, as before stated. After a year, however,
he went to Elsmore and was engaged in teaching in that locality for two
years, spending one year in the city schools and one year in the Old Els-
more district school. In 1899 he returned to Savonburg where he now
resides, being employed as principal of the schools in this place for the year
1899-igoo. He also possesses musical talent of a superior order and has
given considerable attention to the teaching of vocal music, having had
charge of some very large classes.
On the 20th of April, 1890, Mr. Courtney was united in marriage to
Miss Jennie Williams, who was born in England and in 1886 came to the
United States with her parents, James and Elizabeth Williams. Mr. and
Mrs. Courtney have had five children, namely: Maud, Reginald, Ruby,
Marie and Roy, but the last named died in infancy.
Mr. Courtney gives his political support to the men and measures of
the Republican party and does all in liis power to promote the growth and
insure the success of Republican principles. He has given his entire time
to his educational work, either as a teacher in the public schools, or as a
teacher of vocal music and in both departments he is proficient, having
ranked among the most successful teachers in this portion of the state.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 369
T INCOLN PINKSTOX.— Since five years of age Lincoln Pinkston has
-• — ' been a resident of this state, and has been an interested witness of its
growth, development and progress. He was born in Scott county, Vir-
ginia, on the 27th of January, 1863, a son of J. W. and Rachel (Groves)
Pinkston, natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. In i85S
they left the Old Dominion for the Sunflower state, taking up their abode
in Cherokee county. Mr. Pinkston secured a homestead of one hundred
and sixty acres. He engaged in its cultivation for fifteen years and then
sold the property, removing to Texas, but not being pleased with the Lone
Star state he remained for only a year, after which he returned to Kansas,
settling in the southeastern portion of Allen county in 18S4. There he
bought two hundred and forty acres of land and began the development
of the farm, but death ended his labors in 1894, when he was seventy-five
years of age. His first wife had died many years before and he has been
the second time married, his widow surviving him. He also left four
children.
Lincoln Pinkston was reared in the state which he now makes his
home and received limited educational privileges, yet by reading, ex-
perience and observation he has become a well informed man and is
familiar with all the questions of general interest. He remained with his
father until the latter's death and afterward continued upon the old home-
stead. He was married on the 15th of January, 1888, to Miss Ella Louisa
Mashburn, a native of North Carolina, who came to Kansas with her
parents when only two years of age. Her father, John Mashburn, was a
native of North Carolina and came to this state in 1870, but is now living
in Polk county, Missouri. Mrs. Pinkston is the eldest of ten children. By
her marriage she became the mother of five children: Belle, Grace, Elmer,
Robert and Roy, twins.
The subject of this review is now operating and managing two hun-
dred and forty acres of laud belonging to him and his heirs and has de-
veloped it into a very valuable property. He handles cattle, hogs and
horses, watches the market prices and sells to good advantage, thus an-
nually augmenting his income. He is independent in politics, studies the
questions and platforms and then gives his support to the principles which
he believes contain the best elements of good government. His worth
as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged and among the substantial
residents of Allen county he is numbered.
/^ H. SMITH, who is prominent in commercial and fiaternal circles
^^ • in the county of his adoption, his home being in Savonburg, was
born in Dearborn County, Indiana, April 6, 1843, and upon a farm in the
Hoosier State spent his boyhood days performing his share of the work
in field and meadow. He acquired a good school sducation and remained
with his parents until after he had attained his majority when he started
370 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
out Upon an independent business career, and as a companion and helpmate
on life's journej- he chose Miss Nancj- A. Herbert, of Johnson Count.v,
Indiana.
The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm which he had
previously purchased in Dearborn County and there resided until 1884, his
labors as an agriculturist being crowned with a gratifying degree of success.
Having a family of growing sons he thought that he might secure better
opportunities for them in the west where the population was not so great
and competition in consequence not so marked. Accordingly he sought a
home in Kansas, bringing his family to the Sunflower vState in
18S4. They located five miles north of Parsons, in Neosho County,
where Mr. Smith purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of rich,
arable land which he still owns, the tract constituting one of the valuable
farming properties of the county in which it is located. He has excellent
improvements upon the place and everything is in good condition. There
he resided for eight years when, having acquired considerable capital
through his labors as an agriculturist, he concluded to abandon the plow
and enter into commercial pursuits. Accordingly he located in St. Paul
where he and his eldset son established a grocery and queensware store in
1891, under the firm name of Smith & Son. They remained there for
four years when they sought a broader field of labor by removing to Savon-
burg in 1895. Here they enlarged their stock, adding general metchandise,
and they now have one of the most extensive general mercantile establish-
ments in the count}', carrying a large line of goods, such as is demanded b}'
the town and country trade. They also have a branch store at Elsmore
and their business has now reached proportions represented by sales that
amount to forty-five thousand dollars annually, the firm of Smith & Sons
ranking high in commercial circles.
O. H. Smith is the owner of a nice residence on a pleasant corner in
Savonburg and there he resides with his wife and the children who are
still under the parental roof. Six sons have been born unto them; John H. ,
who is now in partnership with his father; Frank E. , who is also a member
of the firm and has charge of the store in Elsmore; Lawrence O. , who is a
student in school; Charles Otto, at home; Oliver, who died at the age of
four years, and Claudius, who died at the age of two. Mr. Smith takes
a gi-eat pride in his family and has provided his children with excellent
educational privileges, that they may be well fitted for life's practical and
responsible duties. The eldest son is a graduate of the Sedalia Business
College and the second son of the Fort Scott Business College.
In political views Mr. Smith is a stalwart Republican and has voted
for each presidential nominee of the party since its organization, when John
C. Fremont was placed at the head of the ticket. He is one of the oldest,
if not the oldest Odd Fellow in the State, having joined the order in Indi-
ana in 1856. Throughout the passing years he has been an exemplary
member of the fi-aternity and his life shows forth its beneficent principles.
Several times he was a representative to the grand lodge in Indianapolis,
Indiana, and has filled every chair in his local lodge. He is conducting
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 37 I
his business on systematic and methodical principles and an idea of the suc-
cess which has attended the enterprise is indicated by the greatly increased
facilities. He is now numbered among the prosperous merchants of his
community and his position is the just reward of meritorious and honorable
effort which commands the respect and admiration of all.
In this connection it will be of interest to know something of the tamily
of which Mr. Smith is a representative. His father, Richard Smith, was
born at Thorpe Arch, Yorkshire, England, and when sixteen years of age
he entered the English army, serving for seven years under Sir Arthur
Wellesley, He participated in the battle of Waterloo. His command en-
tered the engagement eight hundred strong and left the battle-field with
only thirty-two survivors. Mr. Smith was one of those who fortunately
escaped with his life. His son, O. H. Smith, is now in possession of his
father's discharge papers, also a clothes brush which he carried through
that war.
.\fter retiring from the army Richard Smith determined to seek his
home in the land of the free and bidding adieu to his native country sailed
for America where he arrived in March, 1S17. He was married in this
country to Miss Mary E. Harbert, a native of Pennsylvania, and unto them
were born ten children, four of whom are now living, Jnamely: Richard H.,
a resident of Dearborn County, Indiana; Henry K. . who resides in Arkan-
sas; Mrs. Maria L. Butt, of Shawnee County, Kansas; and O. H. Smith,
the popular merchant of Savonburg.
NEWTON I,. ARD, one of the well known and highly esteemed citizens
of Allen County, resides in Elsmore township, where he has a valu-
able farm of two hundred and forty acres. He was born in Morgan Coun-
ty, Missouri, July 3, 1845, while his parents, Charles C. and Susan
(Borrow) Ard, were natives of Kentucky. On leaving that State in 1S40
they emigrated westward to Missouri, where the father carried on farming for
twenty-one years, and on the expiration of that period came to Kansas in
i86i, settling on Big creek in Elsmore township. He was not long per-
mitted, however, to enjoy his new home for his death occurred in 1864,
when he was forty-five years of age. His wife died the same year, and
also at the same age. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom
ten are now living.
Newton L,. Ard, the third in order of birth, came to Kansas with his
parents in 1861 After their death he remained with the other children,
the family continuing together until all of the sons and daughters had
attained an age where they were capable of caring for themselves. The
subject of this review secured a claim near the old homestead and has since
engaged in its cultivation.
As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Ard chose Mi.ss
Sarah Ann Burns, their marriage being consummated on the 30th of March,
372 , HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
1S71. She is a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Kansas -i\ith her
parents in i860. They have had ten children, namely: Mark, Myrtle, wife
of William Hoil; Olive; James; Elbert; Charles, w'lo died at the age of
seven years; Herschell; Hazel, Nellie and Edna.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Ard served in the First Brigade of the
Kansas miliLia. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and
in politics is a stalwart Republican. He is a recognized leader of his party
and for several years he has served as trustee of Elsmore township. In
1894, when his district was .strongly Democratic, he was elected county
commissioner bj' a large majority, having been nominated for the office by
his friends who knew that he w^as the only man in the district who could
defeat the Democratic nominee. He served for three years, filling the
office with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He is
extremely popular and well deserves the high regard in which he is uni-
formly held and at the same time justly merits the success that has come to
him as the reward of his energy in business.
HIRAM A. MYERS has been a witness of the development of Allen
County from its pioneer epoch, has seen its wild lands transformed
into beautiful homes and farms, while the work of progress has been
carried forwaid in city and village and the county has taken rank with the
best in the State. His residence here dates from 1870, and thus through
three decades he has been numbered among its worthy citizens.
Mr. Myers was born in Boone County, Indiana, March 10, 1S41, and
his parents, James and Evdline (Stoker) Myers, were both natives of
Kentucky. When a young man the father removed to Indiana, where he
was married, and in 1852 took his family to Iowa, coming thence to Kansas
in 1857. In this State he settled in Jefferson County, where he died in 1882,
at the age of seventy-nine 5'ears, while his wife passed away in 1890, at the
ripe old age of eighty three. They celebrated their sixtieth wedding anni-
versary, and at that time thirteen of their fifteen children were living. The
following named were born unto them: Elizabeth A., wife of Frank John-
son; Mary, wife of Horace Gibbs; Ellen, wife of Perry Dale; Sarah, wife of
Thomas West; Eliza, who married Squire Burnes; Harriet, who wedded
Thomas Pucket; Sophrona, wife of Alfred Quackingbush; Martha, wife of
A. L. Rivers; Louisa, wife of James Clements; Flora and Reuben, both
deceased; Jonathan, who was killed in the army; Thomas, now in Jefferson
County, Kansas; H. A., of Allen County, and James of EUwood, Kansas.
There were five brothers in the army. One of the number made his
escape from the Indians at the time of the massacre on the Piatte river. He
was also of the party of men that rescued Mrs. Larimer from the Indians,
by whom she had been held captive for one year.
Hiram A. Myers, whose name begins this review, came to Kansas in
1S57, ^'^d remained with his parents on the home farm until twenty years
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 373
oi age, when, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he volunteered as a Union
soldier on the 17th of September, 1862, enlisting in Companj' D, Eleventh
Kansas Mounted Infantry. He saw some very arduous service, participated
in the battles of Fort Wayne, Cane Hill, Van Buren, Prairie Grove and
Cross Hollows, and was at Lawrence at the time of the Quantrell raid. He
also aided in repelling the Price raid, and at the close of his term was
honorably discharged February 22nd, 1865.
Returning to his home Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Miss
L. E. Young, who was born in North Carolina and came to Kansas in i860.
In March, 1870, they removed to Allen County, locating on a farm in
Elsniore township, where they lived for several years, Mr. Myers raising,
buying and selling stock. He now resides in Savoiiburg, and for the past
twelve years has been traveling agent for a stock company of Kansas City.
In 1S98 Mr. Myers was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who
died leaving five children: Cora Alice, Oliver J., who is a guard in the
Kansas penitentiary and who served in the Spanish-American war with the
First Territorial Infantry, Company M; Delia I.; Lillian D.: Julia A.;
Clara E. and Gilbert O., the third and fifth members of the family, are now
deceased. Since attaining his majority Mr. Myers has been a stalwart Re-
publican. He belongs to Savonburg Post, G. A. R. , and is as true to his
duties of citizenship today as when he followed the stars and stripes on
southern battle-fields.
I
y^^HARLES W. DANIELS.— One of the successful farmers of Allen
^^ county is Charles W. Daniels. He claims Virginia as the state of his
nativity, his birth having occurred in Birbara county, of the Old Dominion
on the 22nd of February, 1865. His father was Elmore Daniels, also a
native of Virginia and in which state he was reared, spending the days of
his childhood and yoath in the usual manner of farmer lads of that period.
After arriving at years of maturity he married Miss Rebecca Cooper, also a
native of the same state, and after residing there a number of years suc-
ceeding their marriage they came to Kansas, emigrating westward in 1877.
In Bourbon county they took up their abode on a farm, and to the further
improvement and development of the land Mr. Daniels devoted his time
and energies until his life's labors were ended in death. He passed away
in 1888 at the age of seventy years and the community therebj^ lost one of
its valued citizens, for he was a man faithful to every trust reposed in him,
honorable in business and well worthy of the esteem in which he was uni-
formly held. His widow still survives him and is now living in Baldwin
where her son Edwin is attending Baker University. In their family were
twelve children, and with one exception all are yet living, namely:
Eugene, John, Alice, Jennie, Elizabeth, May, Charles W., Anna, Grace,
Ed and Frank. Jessie, who was the eleventh in order of birth, died at the
age of twenty-three years.
In taking up the personal history of Charles W. Daniels we present to
574 ■ fiflSTORY OF ALLEN AND"
our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known ira
Allen county. He spent the first twelve years of his life in the state of his-
nativity and then accompanied his parents on their westward journey to-
Kansas where he has since made his home. He remained under the
parental roof until he had attained his majority and during that time he
acquired his education in the common schools, mastering the branches of
English learning which usually farmed the curriculum in such an institu-
tion. During the summer months he assisted in the work of the fields
from the time of the early planting until the crops were harvested and thus
he gained practical experience in the work he has followed as a means of
livelihood since attaining his majority. After he had reached man's estate
he left the parental roof and entered upon an independent business career,
and rented a farm which he operated for three years. As a companion and
helpmate on life's journey he chose Miss I^ottie I^orrick, a native of Ohio,
his preparation for a home being consummated by their marriage in 1886.
The lady is a daughter of John and Mary Lorrick, also natives of the
B'uckeye state. John Lorrick died in Charleston, Coles county, Illinois.
The widow and family settled in Neosho county, Kansas, in 1S69, where
she now resides.
After his marriage Mr. Daniels continued to operate a rented farm for
five years and during that period, as the result of his industry , economy
and capable management, he acquired money sufficient to enable him tO'
purcha.se eighty acres of land in Bourbon county, and there he resided for
two years, after which he sold the eighty-acre tract and purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of raw land in Allen county, the place being three
miles east of the town of Elsmore. Not a furrow had been turned nor an
improvement made on the place, but through his energetic efforts he has
developed a very desirable farm property. The fields are well tilled and
give promise of good harvests. He has also made many improvements,
erecting a nice residence, a good barn and all the necessary outbuildings
for the shelter of grain and stock. As time has passed and his financial
resources have increased he has made judicious investments of his capital
in more land, extending the boundaries of his farm until it now comprises
three hundred and sixty acres. He also handles stock to a considerable
extent, feeding hogs and cattle, and thus he utilizes all the corn which he
raises.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Daniels have been born six children, namely: Elmer,
Gerard, Zola, Leonard, Jessie and Edna. Mr. Daniels is a member of the
Masonic lodge of Savonburg and also has membership relation with the
Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to the camp in Elsmore. In his
political affiliations he is a Democrat.
Not many men of Mr. Daniels' years have met with such success as he
has achieved, but his prosperity has all been won along legitimate business
lines. He has followed closely the old time-tried maxims such as, "Hon-
esty is the best policy." and "There is no excellence without labor." He
had to incur indebtedness in order to buy his first farming implements, but
his successful management has enabled him to work his way steadily up-
"WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 37
■ward and to-day he is numbered among the substantial citizens of hi
'communitv.
I
HENRY A. RICHARDSON was born in Ripley county, Indiana,
February i8, 1859, and was the eldest of the six children of M. A.
and Eliza Richardson. His father was born in Onondaga county, New
York, March 12, 1835. The grandfather, Asa Richardson, also a native of
the Empire state, married Barbara Babcock, and died in 1S70, at the age of
sixty-five years. His wife passed away at the age of thirty-five years.
M. A. Richardson, the father of our subject, became a resident of In-
diana during his boyhood, and there resided until his removal to Kansas.
In the meantime he married Miss Eliza Wylie, a native of Ohio, the wed-
ding being celebrated in 1858. Feeling that his duty was to his country
at the time of the Civil war, he enlisted on the 12th of Augu.st, 1862, as a
member of Company A, Eighty-third Regiment of Indiana Volunteers,
serving for three years, in which time he participated in the battles of
Arkansas Post, Helena Arkansas, Chickamauga, Grand Gulf, Champion
Hills. Black River Bridge, both charges of Vicksburg, the battle of Jack-
son Mississippi, and many smaller engagements, displaying his bravery
and valor on many occasions. x\fter the stars and stripes were planted in
the capital of the Confederacy he received an honorable discharge, August
27, 1865, and returned to his Indiana home. In 1872 he came to Allen
■county, Kansas, settling on a farm, and both he and his wife are now resi-
dents ol Savonburg. He is still a vigorous and energetic man and assists
his son Henry in the conduct of his business. This worthy couple are
people of the highest respectability and have reared a creditable family of
six children, namely: Henry A.; Mary, wife of William H. Allen, of
Colorado; Lida, wife of William Pullum, of Argentine, Kansas; Lucy, wife of
C. H. King, of Bloomington, 111.; V. B., of Colorado; and Josie, wife ofN. W.
Mills, of Kansas.
Henry A. Richardson spent the first fourteen years of his life in In-
diana and then came with his parents to Allen count}', living near the
south line in Cottage Grove township. His boyhood days were spent in
the work of the farm or in attendance at the distiict schools. He was mar-
ried August 5, 18S0, to Alice C. Reed, a native of Kentucky, who came to
Kansas with her parents in 1870. Mr. Richardson then purchased a farm
of one hundred and sixty acres, which he owned and operated until 1886,
when he sold out and became identified with commercial interests in
Leanna, dealing in all kinds of produce there until 1895, when he removed
to Chanute. A year later he took up his abode in Savonburg, and for
eight months conducted the City Hotel, but later bought a business prop-
erty, and has since engaged in dealing in produce with excellent success,
his business now amounting to from fifteen to twentj' thousand dollars
annually. He has always paid the highest market price for produce and
376 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
ships in car loads to the city markets. He has won the confidence of all
with whom he has thus come in contact, by reason of his honorable busi-
ness methods.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have been born six children: Ada,
now the wife of August Schwardt, a lumber merchant of Savonburgr
Blanche, Edith, Nellie, Flora and Homer, all of whom are still with their
parents. Since casting his first presidential vote Mr. Richardson has been
a stalwart Republican, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and
ability, have called him to office, so that he is now serving for the third
term a? constable of his township. He is a member of Savonburg Camp,
No. 1271, M. \V. A., and is prominent in business, social and political
circles.
X 7[ riLLIAME. ALEXANDER was born in Ringgold County, Iowa,
^ " on the 24th of April, 1859, and his childhood days were spent
upon a farm. At the age of eleven years he accompanied his parents on
their removal to Missouri where they remained two years, and in 1872 they
came to Kansas, William E. then being a youth of thirteen summers.
Throughout the period of his boyhood he attended the public schools near
his home. The family located at Austin, Kansas, and he resided with his
parents until seventeen years of age, completing his education in the
.schools of that town. He then began teaching and successfully followed
the profession for five years. After his marriage he began farming, oper-
ating a tract of land for three years. His next venture was in a com-
mercial line. Removing to Chanute, Kansas, he accepted a position as
salesman in the hardware store of A. H. Turner with whom he remained
for six years when he entered the employ of F. W. Jeffries of the same
place. There he remained for two years when he took up his abode in Big
Creek township and once more engaged in f aiming and threshing grain.
He operated a threshing machine for six years and in the meantime operat-
ed a mill at Leanna. In iSg8 he became a resident of Savonburg, where
he purchased a residence and five acres of ground in the east edge of the
town. He has gradually improved his place and has now one of the most
attractive little homes in this section of the county. In i8g8 he entered
into a partnership with M. K. Hunter, known as the Savonburg Milling
Coiupany, and erected a mill for the purpose of grinding meal and feed.
They have since conducted this enterprise and are the proprietors of a well
equipped plant supplied with good machinery and modern processes. They
make a specialty of the manufacture of graham flour and are doing a good
business, owing to the excellence of their product and their reliable and
trustworthy business methods. When Mr. Alexander once secures a
patronage he has no difficulty in retaining it, owing to his well known
hone.sty, to his obliging manner and his courteous treatment of his patrons.
In 1 88 1 was celebrated the marriage of William E- Alexander and
Miss Ida Cochran, of Missouri. They now have t .vo interesting daughters.
WOOUSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 377
Ilia B. and Hallie, aged respectively fourteen and ten years. In his politi-
cal affiliations Mr. Alexander has been a stalwart Republican since casting
his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield. He was elected and served
as trustee of Canville township, Neosho County, in April, 1884, and proved
an acceptable officer. He was chairman of the McKinley and Roosevelt
club at Savonburg during the campaign of 1900. He belongs to Savonburg
Camp, No. 1271, M. W. A., and for two years held the office of venerable
consul. While at Leanna he served two years as venerable consul of
Camp No. 3750. Mr. Alexander is a man of strong force of character, true
to his honest convictions, trustworthy in business relations and reliable in
citizenship. With him friendship is inviolable, and by all who know him
he is esteemed for his genuine worth of character.
T^RANK GOYETTE is the popular cashier of the Elsmore Bank, and
-•- the success of the institution is attributable in a large measure to his
efforts. Banking institutions are the pulse of a commercial body and indi-
cate the healthfulness of trade. In times of financial panic all the world
looks toward the banks of the country and any weakness or uncertainty
therein displayed immediately bring about disastrous results in the com-
mercial circles, while the bank that is known to be reliable and
in the hands of substantial business men will do more to establish the
public confidence than an\' other one interest or enterprise. The Elsmore
Bank has a reputation for reliability that is indeed enviable and at its head
stand men of known worth and alDility, of high business honor and un-
questionable integrity.
The cashier of the institution was born in Canada, on the 13th of
September, 1846. His parents were also natives of the English province
whence they came to the United States when their son Frank was but five
years of age, taking up their abode in Kankakee County% Illinois, where
the subject of this review was reared to manhood. The family was in
limited circumstances, thus his educational privileges were meager, but he
had a desire to broaden his knowledge, realizing the importance of an edu-
cation in the business world. By study at night he became well informed
and as the years have pa,ssed his knowledge has been continually broadened
through experience, observation and contact with the world.
When seventeen years of age Mr. Goyotte responded to his country's
call for aid, enlisting in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth
Illinois Infantry, with which he served six months when he was discharged,
the vyar having ended. Returning to his home he accompanied his parents
on their removal to Iroquois County, Illinois, where he began work by the
month, giving his father his wages. He was thus employed for five years
and then rented a tract of land in order to engage in farming on his own
account. Through the succeeding five years he carried on agricultural
pursuits in the Prairie State and in 1879 he came to Kansas, locating in
■378 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Salem township, Allen County, where he made a claim on what he sup-
posed was government land, but it afterward proved to be railroad property
and he was therefore obliged to purchase it. Carrying forward the work of
cultivation and development, he has now one of the finest farming proper-
,ties in the township, improved with orchards, groves, a good residence and
substantial barns and outbuildings. Everything about the place is neat
and thrifty in appearance, indicating his progressive spirit and careful
supervision. Having acquired considerable capital, he determined to enter
into business in Elsmore and in the spring of 1900 took up his abode there,
becoming one of the leading stockholders in the Elsmore Bank, of which he
was made cashier.
On the 29th of March, 1883, occurred the marriage of Mr. Goyette and
Miss Nannie Boman, of Illinois, whocame to Kansas with her parents in 1S78.
They have now six children, namely: Freddie, Omar, Clarence, David, Lucy
and Edward. In the community their circle of friends is extensive and their
own home is celebrated for its hospitality. Mr. Goyette is a Democrat in
his political affiliations. Socially he is identified with the Knights and
Ladies of Securitj' in Elsmore. He certainly deserves great credit for what
he has accomplished in life, for all that he has is the reward of his own
labors and has been acquired since his arrival in Allen County.
SAMUEL A. GARD— In America, labor is king and is the only
sovereignty which our liberty loving people acknowledge. The world
instinctively pays deference to the man who through his own efforts, has
arisen from a humble position to occupy a place among the prosperous
citizens of his community, and who has through an active business career
ever commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow men by honorable
methods. Such a one is Mr. S. A. Gard, who has embraced every oppor-
tunity for raising himself to the position indicated by his laudable ambition.
A naiive of Illinois, he was born on the 3rd of October, 1864.
in a little log house near Hazel Dell, in Cumberland County. In
early life he learned the le.ssons of industry and perseverance which have
proved such potent factors in his later success. He is the eldest son of
Jacob Gard, and upon his father's farm he was reared to manhood. He
spent his youth in assisting in the labors of the fields on the old home place,
and in working as a farm hand in the neighborhood. He also had a
liberal common school education, acquired in the common schools, and was
imbued with a true sense of right and wrong, having received excellent
moral training from his parents. Beyond this his knowledge of the world was
meager. He grew to manhood an upright lad, true to his convictions. At
the age of nineteen he determined to leave home and seek his fortune else-
where, and accordingly made his way to Allen County, Kansas, in 1884,
reaching his destination with $2.00 in his pocket. With a determination
to succeed, and wishing to make the practice of law his life work, in 188S
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 379
he entered the office of Miltord Donoho, attorney at Bronsoii, Kansas.
When he had mastered many of the principles of the science of juris-
prudence he was admitted to the bar May 13, 1890. Previous to this time
be had attended the Normal College at Ft. Scott and had received a
teacher's certificate, but had never engaged in teaching. After his admis-
sion to the bar he practiced law -in Bronson until 1892, when he removed to
lola where he has since made his home. Here he has practiced ever since,
and in 1898 formed a partnership with his brother, G. R. Gard, who
moved to lola from Humboldt, and who was elected County Attorney in
November, 1898.
In his chosen profession Mr. Gard has made creditable success. He
has won for himself very creditable criticism for the careful and systematic
methods which he has followed. He has remarkable powers of concentra-
tion and application, and his retentive mind has often excited the surprise
of his professional colleagues. As an orator he stands high, especially in
the discussion of legal matters before the court and jury, where his compre-
hensive knowledge of the law and human nature is manifest, and his appli-
cation of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his professional
acquirements. The utmost care and precision characterizes his preparation
of a case, and has made him one of the most successful attorneys in
Allen County.
Mr. Gard was married in 1894 to Miss Lnlu Ireland, of Allen County.
She is a lady of culture and refinement, who for several years prior to her
marriage was successfully engaged in teaching. Her father, W. H. Ire-
land, is a farmer in the eastern part of Allen County, whither he removed
from Illinois some years ago. Mrs. Gard is the eldest of a family of
seven children, one of whom, Thomas, was a member of the 20th Kansas
regiment, and served in the Philippines. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gard are well
known in lola and Allen County. Their worth and intelligence are re-
ceived as passports to the best society. He certainly deserves great credit
for his success in life, as from an early age he has been entirely dependent
upcju his own resources. Pleasant and agreeable in manner, he has a large
circle of friends and is popular throughout the county of his adoption.
/'"^ASSIUS M. EDSON, late councilman of the city of lola, representing the
^-^ third ward, is one of lola's new men. Prior to 1897 he was unknown
to our people but in the four years he has resided in Allen county he has
come to be one of the best known of our townsmen.
Mr. Edson was born in Richlafld county, Wisconsin, April i, iS6i.
His father, James Edson, was one of the pioneers of that state, having
settled there as an emigrant from the state of New York. He was born
in the famous Cherry Valley in 1819 and died in Greenfield, Missouri,
in 1875. His occupation was tl at of a carpenter and in 1871 he located in
Missouri where he died. He offered his services to the Union at Lone
380 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Rock, Wisconsin, but was rejected on account of phj'sical disability.
Five of his brotliers were in the army, two of whom were killed at the bat-
tle of Chickainauga. He was one of eight sons and seven daughters of
E. B. Edson. The last named went into Cherry Valley, New York, from
some point in old England where he was married to a Scotch lady.
James Edson married Dorcas E. Wood, a daughter of Samuel Wood,
who as well as E. B. Edson, lived to be ninety years of age. Three chil-
dren were the result ol the marriage of James and Dorcas Edson: Cora,
wife of Charles Wilman, of Joplin, Missouri; Cassius M., and Mark Edson,
an electrician of Chicago, Illinois.
"Cash" Edson's youth was passed in the country, on the farm in
summer and in school in winter. At fourteen years of age he worked for
wages, contributing to his own maintenance, and at seventeen years of age
he became a teacher. He taught a term each in Missouri and in Crawford
county, Kansas, and at the close of his last term he secured a clerkship
with S. H. Lanyon & Company at Pittsburg, Kansas. The Rogers Coal
Company were also his employers and, finally, T. P. Waskey, of Pittsburg
and Frontenac, secured his services. While with this last firm he received
the appointment of post-master of Frontenac. He remained with the office
through the Harrison administration and through Cleveland's second ad-
ministration and was not molested till McKinley had served six months.
He left the Mount Carmel Mercantile Company in September, 1897, to
locate in lola. He purchased the post-office news stand of the Miller
Brothers and was its proprietor till the ist of October, 1898.
While the history of this branch of the Edson family shows the early
voters to have been Republican "Cash's" first vote was ca.st for Cleveland
in 1884. He has persistently and repeatedly espoused the cause of Democ-
racy, and its Fusion successor, and .\ugust 5, 1900, he was nominated at
Yates Center by the Fusion forces for State Senator.
In politics and religion Mr. Edson stands for the most liberal notions
and the greatest personal freedom and liberty of action. He holds that the
proper method of controlling the liquor and other moral questions that enter
the politics of live municipalities is to license them for revenue and permit
the judgment of men to control their desires and appetites. Legislative
restraint should not be placed upon any business which does not take from
the public their unwilling dollars and which furnishes it with that which
pleases the eye and gratifies the soul.
Mr. Edson was married July 20th, 1887, at Girard, Kansas, to Kate
Cox, a daughter of David Cox, of HilLsboro, Iowa. Cora, Melvin and
Dorothy Edson are the children of Mr. and Mrs. Edson.
Mr. Edson is an Elk, a Woodman, a Knight of Pythias, a Master
Mason and an A. O. U. W.
HARMON HOBART. — In all ages and enlightened places the admin-
istrative officer of the court has been fraught with serious and weighty
responsibilities. He is the agent of the court and stands between the
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 38 1
■citizen and the seat of justice. The mandates of his authorit}' he executes
■without favor and this execution requires not onl}- .superioi intelligence
"but must be done without timiditj' or lack of courage. The sheriff's office,
like all others in a county, has its clerical duties to be performed, but
unlike other offices, it furnishes ample opportunit}' for the exercise of
native ingenuity and tact, elements not universal in the mental composition
of a man. But once in the past quarter of a century has Allen county
chosen a man for high sheriff who was not only lacking in clerical ability
but was woefully short on courage. For sixteen years the county has ■
placed men in the shrievalty possessing prime qualities for court officers.
They have been men who knew the meaning of dut3'and were only satisfied
in its performance, men who were good citizens as well as good officers and
whose history will reveal the incumbency of the sheriff's office as the lead-
ing chapter of their lives. But of all the court officers of Allen county
none has excelled in' ability or official integrity the present incumbent,
Harmon Hobart. The element of training foi any business is one to be
considered from the standpoint of efficiency and if our subject has not
erred, in any manner, during his administration it is due to his bringing-up
in the office.
Harmon Hobart was born in Cottage Grove township, Allen county,
September 4, 1869. He is the son of ex-Sheriff Lewis Hobart, and was a
country youth up to his twentieth year. His father was born near Oswego,
New York, in 1840, and his grandfather was born in Dublin, Ireland.
The latter Edward Hobart, owned and operated a steamer between the
ports of Liverpool and New York and upon settling in the United States
took up his residence near Oswego, in the Empire state. Some time prior
to the Civil war he removed to MaComb, Illinois, where he died at the age
•of eighty-nine years.
Lewis Hobart was reared on his father's farm in McDouough county,
Illinois, and when the war came on he enlisted in the Sixteenth Illinois
Infantry. After his discharge he attended Bryant & Stratton's Business
College, in Quincy, Illinois, and graduated. He came to Kansas at once
and worked as a farm hand till 1867 when he married Eliza J., a daughter
of William Bartley, of Champaign county, Illinois. Mr. Hobart took a
claim five miles south of Humboldt, improved it and resided upon it as a
farmer and stock raiser till 18S9 when he assumed the sheriff's office to
which the Republicans had elected him. He served two terms and has,
since his retirement, been occupied with his large private interests and
with handling real estate.
Harmon Hobart is one of a family of seven children. His education
was acquired in the schools of his native county. He took the position of
jailer and under-sheriff when his father became sheriff and filled the posi-
tion with exceptional ability through his terms and those of his successor.
Sheriff Ausherman. He was slow to become a candidate for the office and
did not announce his willingness to accept a nomination till other candi-
dates believed they had the prize well in hand. His nomination, the first
time, came to him without a great contest and the second time without
382 HISTORY OF AtLEN' AN'O
competition, and each time he was elected by majorities much in excess of
the head of the Republican ticket.
When Mr. Hobart was elected sheriff he was twenty-eight years old,
the youngest sheriff the county ever had. His entrance upon his first term--
was no experiment. He had demonstrated his competency when deputy
sheriff and the fact that all went smooth and without a jar was no surprise
to the public. His administration will pass down into the archives as one
of the most able and successful in- the county's history.
In iqoo Mr. Hobart became a partner witb J. D. Arnett in the Ida
Telphone Exchange. When he has retired from public sevice the exten-
sion and improvement of the telephone service will claim- his time and
attention.
February 23, 1898, Mr. Hobart was married to Estella, a daughter of
George S. Davis, of lola. Mrs. Hobart was educated in the lola public
schools and is an accomplished musician. She was born March 3, 1875.
Harmon Hobart is prominent in fraternal circles. Odd Fellowship, -
Pythianship and Masonry have claims upon hinv superior to none, save
the domestic circle.
MJ. CHOtLETTE.— The late Cornelius M. ChoHette, of lola, who-
• will be remembered with pleasure by the old settlers of this city,,
was born in the state of New York March 12, 1834. He was the last of seven
children, four sons and three daughters, and was a son of Henry ChoUette,
whose ancestors were French. The identity of five of Henry Chollette's-
heirs is as follows; Jonathan, who died in Wahoo, Nebraska, in 1896;^
William, Henrietta, Anna and Frances are residents af Galva. Illinois.
At the age of thirteen years Cornelius ChoUette went into New York
City and there learned the cabinet makers trade with his brother Jonathan.-
He remained there five years and came west to Henry county, Illinois.
He followed his trade in that sta^e till the latter part of the fifties when he
returned to his native heath in New York, remaining till i860. The year
before the outbreak of the war he went into Pennsylvania and the next
year enli-Sted in the Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, three months'
service. He re-enlisted in the Fourth or Fifth United States Artillery and
in the battle of Gettysburg fought near General Hancock's headquarters.
He reached the rank of First lyieutenant and was for a time in command
of his battery. He was in Sheridan's Shenandoah campaign and in the
famous battle of Cedar Creek. At ths expiration of his term of enlistment
in the artillery he rejoined the army, this time becoming a member of Com-
pany E, Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania. He was discharged in the autumn of
1865, having completed, in all, fifty-foui months of active service.
Mr. ChoUette returned to Henry county, Illinois, after the war, to
which point his mother had moved, and he took care of her till her death.
March 6, 187 1, he came to lola. He engaged in the lumber and furniture
I
■^'OODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 383
^business with Mr. White and continued it some years. He sold his busi-
ness to S. A. Brown, who was establishing }-ards all over eastern Kansas,
and retired permanenth from active business.
Maj' 4, 1872, Mr. Chollette was married at Geneva, by Rev. S. M.
Irwin, to Mar}- J. Hopkins, a daughter of William and Louisa Searles.
Mrs. Searles homesteaded the place in Geneva township owned by Loftus
Searles and died in lola in 1S72. The vSearles went from LaGrange county,
Indiana, to Springfield and in 1867 settled on the homestead in Geneva
township. Mrs. Searles' children are: Charles W., in lola; Loftus, Oscar,
Grin Adelbert and John.
Mr. Chollette was a staunch Republican and was an enthusiastic
Grand Army man. He attended many of their encampments and was fore-
most in many things tending to awaken an interest in the local post. He
died February 28, 18S9.
t
TTENRY L. HENDERSON.— The subject of this sketch was born in
■*- -•■ Holmes county, Ohio, November i, 1847, the son of Elisha Hender-
son, a carpenter and weaver. Thrown on his own resources at the early
age of thirteen years, he worked his way through the common schools,
the academy and the college, graduating in 1871 from the University of
Wooster, Ohio, with the first class of graduates from that school. The
year following his graduation he conducted the Vermillion Institute, and
the next 3'ear he was engaged as Assistant Professor of Latin and Science
in the Wooster LTniversity. After holding this latter position for one year
Mr. Henderson removed to Geneva, Kansas, where he conducted the
Academy for one j^ear, removing at the end of that time to lola to take
uharge of the public schools of that city. The year following he accepted a
flattering offer to take the chair of Latin and Mathematics in the Golden
■Gate Academy, Oakland, California, a position which he held until he
reached the determination to exchange the teacher's profession for the
mercantile business. Returning to lola after teaching the city schools one
year he engaged in the hardware business in which he continued until
1883. He then disposed of his interest in the hardware trade and engaged
in the grocery business which he conducted for two years, leaving it to
take up real estate, loans and insurance, to which he has ever since devoted
most of his attention, being associated at preseut with Mr. J. E. Powell,
under the firm name of Henderson & Powell.
Although never an office seeker Mr. Henderson's interest in the Re-
publican party and his availability as a candidate on account of the high
reputation he has always borne for integrity and business ability have com-
pelled him to engage more or less actively in politics. Most of his work
has been done for others, but in 1885 he reluctantlj' consented to become a
candidate for county commissioner and held that office for two terms, a
period of six years. In 1898, again at the solicitation of his friends, and
384 HISTORY OF AI.LEN ANB'
not upon his own initiative, he accepted appointment as post-master of
lola, whieh office he still holds.
Before coming to Kansas Mr. Henderson was married to Mrs. Laura
Leidligh. Four children have been born to them, of whom John H.,
Willis E. and Henrietta survive, and all of whom are graduates of the-
Kansas State University.
The foregoing is but a bare outline of a busy, active, honorable and
successful life. A life that well illustrates the possibilities of American
citizenship, proving as it does that poverty is no bar in this country to edu-
cation and culture, and that success rests upon character, capacity and-
industry and not upon inherited wealth or social position. Mr. Henderson
commands the unqualified respect of the people among whom most of hiS'
mature life has been spent because he has been faithful and efficient in
every position of public trust, because he- has conducted his own business
with a careful regard for the right of others, and because in small matters
as well as large he has observed the Golden Rule and told the truth.
/CHARLES HIRAM BOULSON.— Stamped indellibly upon the raeui-
^-^ ories of the citizenship of Allen county is the life of one who filled an
honorable place in one of the great professions, whose great sympathy for
humanity effervesced from every pore and whose power for good was lim-
ited only by the area of his experience and the boundaries of his oppor-
tunities. A pioneer in the practice of homeopathy in Allen county he saw
bis favorite school grow in the favor of the populace and his practice ex-
tend to the uttermost parts of the municipality. Both as a man and a
physician Dr. Boulson was loved for his integrity and for the great warm
heart which throbbed in unison with that of the common people. His
genial and kindly nature and his Christian character won him the uni-
versal respect and confidence of his fellow county people.
Charles H. Boulson came into Allen county in 1877. He established
himself in lola where he was ever afterward one of the leading citizens.
In the vigor of manhood he launched into practice and pursued it with
energy and enthusiasm, day and night, for a quarter of a century and only
loosened his hold upon his country work when the infirmities of age seemed
leaning upon him. In early and middle life to call meant to secure his
services. The matter of a fee was an after consideration so long that when
he died he was a great creditor. In this practice he did himself an injury.
VVith a correct accounting of all his earnings and a business-like and system-
atic collection of the same he could have passed his last years in ease and
independence. But his desire to relieve sufiering wherever and whenever
found was too strong to be overcome by mercenary motives, purely, and he
died "in the harness," so to speak.
Dr. Boulson was born in Hanover, Germany, November 16, 1832. He
was a son of a blacksmith. Hiram Boulson, who brought his family to the
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 385
United States in 1846 and passed some ten years of his life in New Jersey.
He emigrated from there just before the war and became a pioneer of
Anderson county. Kansas. During the Civil war he was employed by the
Federal Government as a horse-shoer and as such he died before the war
closed. He is buried in Anderson county. Hiram Boulson was twice
married, his first wife being the Doctor's mother. Of the five children of
this union Edward Boulson, of Omaha, Nebraska, Henry Boulson, of
Woodson county, Kansas, and Mrs. Mary Starkey, of Oklahoma, survive.
Five children by a second marriage survive, viz: Dr. Isaac Boulson, (jt
Oklahoma, Elmer W. Boulson, of Allen county, Kansas, Elijah and Harry
Boulson, farmers of Anderson county, Kansas, and Mrs. Libbie Rogers, of
that county.
Dr. Boulson was educated in childhood in the German schools of Han-
over and his youth was spent in school in New Jersey. He chose medicine
as a profession in early life and pursued his studies to that end in Pennsjd-
vania. He attended an Homeopathic College in Philadelphia and \vas
there prepared for entrance upon the serious duties of his profession. He
went to Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, to engage in practice, reaching
there in his twenty-second year. While a resident of New Castle he made
the acquaintance of Miss Sallie White whom he married August 9, 1855.
Mrs. Boulson was a daughter of James and Ellen (Graves) White, old
residents of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and the parents of ten
children.
Dr. Boulson practiced in New Castle and in Birmingham, Pennsyl-
vania, each about six years and was induced to join his brother-in-law, Dr.
White, in a sanitarium venture in LaSalle county, Illinois. Matters so
shaped themselves later on that Dr. Boulson turned his interest in the re-
sort over to his partner and made his final move westward.
lola was a struggling little prairie town when Di. and Mrs. Boulson
cast their fortunes with it. The undeveloped condition of the country,
alone, sufficed to warrant the doctor in deciding to remain here. The set-
tlements along the streams thirty years ago were tolerably numerous but
those on the prairies were scarcely visible to one another. The story of
his experiences in his early practice here would be a repetition of the ex-
perience of pioneer physicians of all ages and places. He drew rein at the
door of all and out of it all came his unblemished and untarnished
reputation.
Dr. Boulson fraternized with many of the popular societies. He was
prominent as an Odd Fellow, which society cared for him so tenderly dur-
ing his last illness, of the Ancient Order of United Workmen he was a
faithful and valuable brother, and of the Select Knights and Select Friends.
He believed in Republicanism and supported its principles through all the
history of that party. He became a member of the Methodist church in
early life and was a deep student of the spiritual as well as the material
life. Through all his illness he never once flinched from his great re-
sponsibility. He suffered intensely for weeks and his only complaint was
that he could not pass over sooner. When the end came on Sunday even-
386 - HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
ing, October 7, 1900, he passed away peacefully and quietly in the assur-
ance of that rest promised the people of God.
Dr. and Mrs. Boulson reared only one child, a son, the late James
Roulson M. D. The latter died May 27, 1885, leaving a son, Kenneth
Boulson, who resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. An adopted son, Clyde
B Hilson, is a promising young man of Tola, and a companion and counsel-
lor of his widowed mother.
Ti;3EV. LEWIS I. DRAKE.— A man of ripe scholarship and marked
^ '- executive ability whose life has been consecrated to the cause of the
Master and the uplifting of men, there is particular propriety in here di-
recting attention to the life history of the Rev. Lewis I. Drake, who for
nine years served as pastor of the Presbyterian church in Humboldt and is
now connected with the field of missionary labor in Neosho Presbytery.
He has devoted himself without ceasing to the interests of humanity and to
the furtherance of all good works. His reputation is not of restricted
order, and his power and influence in his holy office have been exerted in
a spirit of deepest human sj'mpathy and tender solicitude. There has not
been denied the full harvest nor the aftermath whose garnering shall bring
sure reward in the words of commendation, "well done, good and faithful
servant."
Lewis I. Drake was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, August 7, 1826,
a son of Jonathan Drake, who was born in New Jersey in 1782, a native of
Huntington county. When nine years of age he accompanied his father,
William Drake, of New Jersey, to the Buckeye state. The family located
near Cincinnati, and when Jonathan Drake had attained to manhood he
began business for himself by shipping flour and pork down the Ohio and
Mississippi rivers, by flatboat, to New Orleans. He afterward engaged in
farming in Ohio, following that pursuit until his death, which occuiTed
when he was forty -seven years of age. He married Miss Eliza Mead, of
Connecticut, who was born June 10, 1793, a daughter of Jeremiah Mead,
of the same state. Her mother was a descendant of the Pilgrims who made
the first settlements in New England. To Jonathan and Eliza Drake were
born five children, two of whom are living: Harriet A., wife of Dr. H. J.
Cox, of Tamaroa, Illinois, and Rev. Lewis I. Drake. Jeremiah M. Drake,
who was a Presbyterian minister, died in Lima, Indiana, in 1873. The
mother passed away the same year. The father was a Whig in his politi-
cal affiliations, and in his religious belief was a Pre.sbyterian, rearing his
children in the faith of that church.
Rev. L. L Drake spent his boyhood in Springdale, Hamilton county,
Ohio, near Glendale, was graduated in the seminary of that place and after-
ward continued his studies under the guidance of his pastor. At the age
of seventeen -he began teaching in the academy of which he was a gradu-
ate and afterward followed the same profession in other places. Later he
V^H
^P^^ § 1
HP • '#-^ ^^^
•^t^c-.^^ AjjyZi^^Z/:^
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 387
devoted some time to the stud}' of medicine. When about twenty years of
age he resumed college work in Hanover and was graduated in 1852. He
is also a graduate of the McCormick Theological Seminary of Chicago, and
therein was prepared for the high calling to which he has devoted his en-
tire life. Alter being ordained to the ministry he accepted the pastorate of
the Presbyterian church at West Liberty, Logan county, Ohio, where he
remained for thirty years, greatly beloved by his people and held in the
highest esteem by those of other denominations. He afterward spent two
years as the minister of the Presbyterian church in Holden, Missouri, and
then resigned, accepting the pastorate of the church in Humboldt, Kansas,
where he continued for nine years, doing effective service in the upbuild-
ing of the church. He was formerly connected in a prominent manner
with educational work in Ohio. He aided in establishing a college in
Yellow Springs, that state, and in connection with ex-Piesident Hayes was
a member of the board of trustees of Wooster University, of Wooster, Ohio.
In 1880 the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by Han-
over College. In 1895 he resigned his charge in Humboldt and removed
to his farm four miles south of lola, since which time he has been engaged
in missionary work in this presbytery.
Rev. L. I. Drake was married in Mt. Pleasant, Hamilton county,
Ohio, May 10, 1849, to Miss Mary Ann Gaston, who was born May 9,
1830. Her father, David B. Gaston, was born in Hamilton county, No-
vember 29, 1803. Our subject and his wile have become parents of ten
children, four of whom are yet living: John W., a dentist now practicing
in Chillicothe, Ohio; Mary, wife of J. B. Chamberlain, formerly of Hum-
boldt, but now of Chicago; Mrs. Esther E. Aspinall, of lola, and Ralph
R. , who has resided in Allen county since 1884. Ralph was born in West
Liberty, Ohio, February 24, 1864, and drove alone in a wagon from the
Buckeye state to Kansas. He has been twice married. He wedded
Blanche Cain, of Ohio, and to them were born two children, — Hazel and
Lewis. After the death of his first wife, he wedded Agnes Wagner, of
Toledo, Ohio, formerly of Pennsylvania. Their children are Margaret and
Frederick. Both Ralph Drake and his father have been lifelong Repub-
licans. Our subject has never failed in any duty of citizenship, and has
ever kept well informed on the issues of the day. He is a man of strong
convictions yet of .an abiding sympathy. As a speaker he is forceful and
eloquent and his every utterance rings with sincerity and honest convic-
tion. His mind, carefully disciplined, analytical and of broad ken, his
deep perception and quick and lively sympathy, make him a power in his
field of labor.
I
WILLIAM LEWIS BARTELS, retired, of lola, whose presence has
been conspicuously recognized in the business and social world of
Allen county for the past forty years, is one oi the remaining pioneers of
388 ■ HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Kansas whose business career almost spans the histor}' of his county and
whose life, filling with 3-ears, has been crowned with the reward of honest,
earnest and intelligent effort. He has not simplj' been in the county but
distinctly of the county and, while he has witnessed most of the events
of importance that have happened here he has caused some of
them to happen and knew that others were going to happen. He liad
arrived at the age of responsible citizenship when he first saw Allen county
and was equipped with a fair education, a good constitution, an abirndance
of energy and a good name. This combination, carefully guarded, will
win in the race of any life and, when its cares have been laid aside, it can
not be said that "it was all in vain."
"Lew" Bartels was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, May ii, 1842.
He is a son of Christian Bartels, born in Hanover, Germany, in 1808.
The latter was a miller's son and, in 1835, came to the United States. He
has a brother, Lewis, who resides at Gypsum, Kansas, and another brother,
Henry, who remained in Germany. Christian Bartels learned the tailor's
trade in his youth and his first work in this country was done in Phila-
delphia. He located at Zanesville, Ohio, about 1840 and was there mar-
ried to Sarah Pryor, whose parents were among the first settlers of that
community. In 1851 he went to Bureau county, Illinois, and located in
Sheffield. He had undertaken farming in Illinois and, feeling cramped for
room and with the expectation of getting a "claim," he came to Kansas in
i860. He pre-empted a quarter section on Onion Creek, on the south line
of lola township and died there in 1878. His widow died in lola in 1898.
Their children are: Amelia, widow of Jesse VanFossen, of Humboldt;
Mary, died single; W. L. I Margaret, wife of D. B. Stephens, of lola; Sarah,
who married Robert L. Travis, of Humboldt, Kansas; Thomas M., a
leading merchant of lola.
Among the first things that Lew Bartels encountered on coming to
Kansas was the Civil war^ It was no trial for him to meet his obligation in
this matter for he was a strong believer in the union of the states and cow-
ardice was not a part of his makeup. He enlisted August 10, 1861, in
Company G, Ninth Kansas, Colonel Lynde; and the first thing that was
done was to raid the Rebels and Bushwhackers who sacked Humboldt.
They were overtaken at Cabin Creek and a battle ensued. The fellows
who burned Humboldt also came in for a raid and the Ninth did its duty
toward them. The Ninth spent the winter of 1861 on post duty at Humboldt
and the next spring it was marched to Leavenworth, Kansas, and mounted.
It took the Santa Fe trail for Fort Union, New Mexico, guarding the over-
land stage line against the Indians and Rebels. The regiment returned to
"Leavenworth the same fall and Company G did provost guard duty around
the city till the spring of 1863. The regiment guarded the southern border
of the state and chased Ouantrel's band of guerrillas in Missouri the greater
part of the year. General Joe Shelby's men were encountered at different
times in his feints on Kansas City and north Missouri. The spring of 1864
the Ninth Kansas was ordered toward Little Rock and had many brushes
with the Confederates in Arkansas. Our subject enlisted as a private and
^
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 38$
nvas discharged at Duvalls Bluff, Arkansas, January i6, 1865, being a
-sergeant and having seen three and one-hall years of service.
Mr. Bartels tilled the soil the first four years succeeding the war. He
went into Degenhart's harness shop at Humboldt, learned the trade and the
business and spent three years there. He came to lola in 1874 and opened
a shop and did a thriving business in the old building on his present busi-
ness.corner till 1885. He was then appointed Deputy Revenue CoUectoi
for fourteen eastern Kansas counties. He officiated in this capacity four
and a half years and acquitted himself with credit to himself and with great
satisfaction to the government. Upon the election of Harrison the Deputy
foice resigned in a body and, in reply to his letter of resignation his chief
sent Mr. Bartels the following:
"In terminating our official relations I desire to say that I have always
considered the business of the Second Division in safe hands, and to thank
j-ou for your care and fidelitj' in the discharge of your duties. Your selec-
tion and appointment has never caused me a regret. I hope your pros-
perity and happiness in future may equal your individual merits."
Retiring from the revenue service Mr. Bartels established himself in
the hardware business and his house became one of the popular places of
"business in Allen county. He conducted its affairs most satisfactorily till
April 1899 when he sold his stock and retired from active business. Dur-
ing the year 1898 he erected the "Bartels Block," a two story brick 22x120
feet with basement and the following year his brick residence, on East
Madison avenue, was erected, and he thus becomes the owner of two of the
most attractive and substantial structures in the city.
March 22, 1S63, Mr. Bartels was married in Allen county to Sidney, a
daughter of John B. Tibbetts, who was driven out of Missouri in 1861 by
the Rebels and came over into Allen county. Mr. Tibbetts was a shoe-
maker and was born in Massachusetts. He married Miss Amy Wood.
Mr. and Mrs. Bartels' children are Ida H., wife of Eli Wharton, of
lola, Kansas; Josie, wife of B. C. Potter, of lola; Rosie, wife of Edward
Langford, of lola; William Z. Bartels, who married Jessie Webb; OUie,
Maud and Jessie Bartels.
The Democracy of the Bartels' is proverbial. Their adherence to the
principles of the ancient and honored faith is constant. William L. has
been twice honored with election to the office of Mayor of lola, first in 1882
when he was chiefly concerned iii getting the Missouri Pacific Railway to
build into lola, and second in 1892 when he gave the city a business
administration.
FAMES SIMPSON, who was prominent as a citizen and contractor in
" lola a decade and a half ago and who died there September 6, 1889,
was a native born Englishman. He was born near York October 18, 1827,
and was one of fifteen children. His father, Robert Simpson, was a farmer
390 HISTORY OF ALLEN ANTT
and young "Jimmy" passed his youth at such work as would aid in main-
taining the household. He was apprenticed at an early age and spent six^^
years at the carpenter and joiner trade. He was some twenty-five years-
old when he came to the United States. He landed at New York but went
direct to Canada. He was in company with his brother, Thomas, but
Charles and Mark, brothers also, reared families and died in America.
Thomas died in Canada, Charles died in Philadelphia and Mark died in
Decatur, Illinois.
James Simpson returned to the United States and found his first em-
ployment at his trade in St. Louis, Missouri. He worked in Jacksonville
and Decatur, Illinois, going to the latter point about 1867 from the former.
He came to lola in 1879 and was a thorough-going and properous citizen to
the end. He adhered to the Democratic faith and was an Episcopalian in
spiritual matters. He was well informed, ready and alert and was a genial
and companionable gentleman. He was married at Jacksonville, Illinois,
September 12, 1852, to Sarah Sprowell, whose father, Robert Sprowell, was
also an Englishman. The Sprowells were from Ivincolnshire as was Betty
Wilson whom Robert Sprowell married. William G. Sprowell and Mrs.
Simpson are their surviving heirs.
"Uncle Jimmy" Simpson and Mrs. Simpson manifested a warm per-
sonal interest in orphan children. They were childless, themselves, and
many of these unfortunates found comfortable homes with them. Those
who have enjoyed their hospitality and profited by their friendship are:
Charles Dunavan, the late iVIrs. Ada Bartlett, Mrs. Jennie Nelson, of
Springfield, Illinois, George Simpson, of Decatui , Illinois, Mrs. Eva Rob-
inson, of St. Louis, Missouri, and Sarah Metcalf.
For twenty years Mrs. Simpson was engaged in tte millinery business
in lola, retiring July 4, 1889. The old Simpson corner she has adorned
■ with a splendid two story brick business house, and the new Episcopal
church edifice owes much to hei for its early erection. She and her hus-
band seem to have lived for the good they might do and all worthy enter-
prises and proper charities participated in their benefactions.
JOSHUA BUTLER, lola's enterprising and thrifty farmer, feeder and
stock shipper, has passed more than thirty years within the limits of
Allen county. He entered it early in November of 1869 and, on Sunday
morning, the 4th of the month, he drove into town from the east, having
arrived at his destination after a drive of several hundred miles. He ended
a journey that began in Coshocton county, Ohio, in October, by steam-
boat, "Champion," from Cincinnati to St. Louis, and was finished with
an overland trip from that city.
Mr. Butler was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, September 17, 1845,
and was a son of an early settler there, Harrison Butler. The latter was
born and brought up in Culpepper county, Virginia, where he owned
"WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
391
slaves and was one of the thrift}' planters of his communit}'. His birth oc-
curred in 1785 and he died in i868. He was one of the intenselj'indtis-
trious men of his tiine and place and his industry was liberally rewarded.
The children by his first wife were: Ann, who married Michael Carrol
and died leaving a daughter in Coshocton county; Mary Butler, who died
young; Frances, who married Chrispum Foster and died in Allen county,
Kansas; Lucinda, who died single; and William Butler, well known to
■early settlers west of the Neosho river in Allen county, who died in 1879.
The mother of our subject was Margaret Nelliueer. Her children were:
Henry Butler, of Akron, Ohio; Caroline, wife of William Valentine, of
Ida: Joshua, our subject; Charlotte, wife of John Porter, resides in Colum-
bus, Ohio, and Sarah J., who married Isaac Bible and resides in Coshocton
county, Ohio.
Joshua Butler has been nothing short of a shrewd, industrious and
thrifty farmer from boyhood. He received little in the way of an education
and, at the age of thirteen years, he can be said to have "started" in life.
He relates that he hadn't clothing fit to wear to Sabbath School for two
3'ears at a time and he worked out by the day and month for five
3'ears. Although his father was thrifty he did not lavish any of his sub-
stance upon Joshua, assuming it to be the better plan to compel him to
gain experience by practice while young. Joshua Butler earned many an
honest dollar at the pitiful sum of $11.00 a month. One three months'
work he invested in seed wheat, sowed it and lost it by the weevil. An-
other sum of money, earned as wages, he bought calves with and doubled
his money. He was not more than a youth when he bought a mare which
he expected to sell to Dan Rice's show but a shipper came along and
offered him $45 more than he paid and she went south. On a Sunday
morning he bargained for a hundred head of sheep at $400 and sold them
in a short time for $507.50. This sort of speculation and his wages enabled
him to pay for three shares of the old home in five years. One of the heirs
petitioned to have the place sold and our subject bought it in on Saturday
and sold it again, at once, at a profit of $400. Feeling the need of better
educational equipment he spent two years in school. In 1868 he was
married to Clementine Foster and remained the first year in Roscoe. The
first thing he did upon coming to Allen county was to purchase forty-six
acres of land west of the river and the next fall he added eighty acres to
the west of it, creating a debt of $400.00. As he became able he added
another eighty and then one hundred and sixty-five acres, and more re-
cently one hundred and fifty-eight acres. He rested, as it were, ten years
till he paid out and sent two of His children to Lane University two years.
He moved into lola in 1893 and purchased the southeast corner of block
ten upon which he has erected two large houses. He built one of the
handsome store buildings on the south side of the square in 1894 and his
income from rentals is one much to be desired. As a feeder Mr. Butler
handles one hundred head of cattle and several car loads of fat hogs yearly.
In 1881 Mr. Butler lost his first wife. Her children were: Ebeuezer,
who married Ada Johnson and resides on the farm; Emma, wife of H. C.
392 nrsTORY of allen and
Williamson, of lola, and Nellie, who married James B. Ewart, of Vernorr
county, Missouri. In 1883 Mr. Butler married Mary Williams. Their
children are: Edna, Stuart. Flossie and Iva Butler.
No man about lola is better known than Joshua Butler. No man oi
his age and length of residence in Allen county has produced more sub-
stantial results from actual hard work than- he. In his youth he learned,
tliat it always paid to be honest, and this old adage he has followed to the
letter in latter life. As a stock man he possesses excellent judgment and.
on- all his varied interests he keeps a close tab.
/^^APTAIN G. DeWITT was born in Gallia county, Ohio, February
^~^ 28, 1834, where he lived until about fourteen years old when he
moved with his parents to Franklin county, Illinois, Here he grew to-
manhood, choosing farming and school teaching as his vocation and fitted
himself for a civil engineer. In i860 he enlisted in the Civil war as an
Illinois volunteer in the i loth Regiment where he served as captain
eighteen mouths, when he was honorably discharged on account of poor
health. In 1863 he moved with his family to Humboldt, Kansas, where
he served in the militia about two years. He bought a farm two and a half
miles west of Humboldt upon which he lived for thirty-seven years. He
was quite a public spirited man, taking a very active part in all public
issues. He wa,s ever a true Republican and by this party was elected to
the oflRce of County Surveyor which he held almost continuously for thirty-
five years. He held the office of County Superintendent one term and rep-
resented his county two terms in the State Legislature. The.se offices he
filled with much credit to his constituents. There was hardly a square
section in the county which he had not surveyed and knew fully as well as
the owner himself.
He was a man of sterling integrity, a deliberate thinker — never jump-
ing at conclusions and seldom ever losing his point in an agument. He
united with the Missionary Baptist denomination when quite a young man
and clung very tenaciously to this belief until his death which occurred
April 9th, 1901.
JOSEPH TERRELL RENO, of lola, was born in Schuyler County,
Illinois, October 5, 1845. His father was the Rev. Joseph Reno,
United Brethren, whose ministerial work in Linn and Bourbon Counties,
Kansas, many years was both important and effectual. He did much to-
ward the establishment of that faith in those counties, and at his death in
1876, left the work in a healthy, encouraging condition. He was born in
East Tennessee in 1807, and went to Illinois in the early settlement of that
WOOUSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. ^g^
State. He secured an education that made his life a success, and at the
outbreak of the Black Hawk war, 1834, he enlisted and served his State in
quelling the disturbance. Although he was a seli-made man, few with his
opportunities could have done more in the cause of religion as a pioneer
preacher than he. In politics he was a Republican, coming into that party
from the Whigs.
Jonathan Reno, our subject's paternal grandfather, was a' Virginian,
He was descended from French stock, was a farmer and was killed in
Springfield, Missouri.
Sarah Skyles married Rev. Joseph Reno. She was a daughter of Mr.
Skvles, of East Tennessee. Mrs. Reno resides in Allen county, Kansas,
and is the mother of Joseph T., Charles, of Piqua, Kansas; William O., of
lola; Adda, wife of Frank Smith, of Allen county and Jeanette, wife of I.
Helms, of Bronson, Kansas.
Joseph T. Reno was near twenty-one years old when he came to Kan-
sas. He was reaied on an Illinois farm and educated in the district schools
and before he was eighteen years of age he enlLsted in the army. His regi-
ment was partialh' raised in McDonough county', Illinois, and his command
was Co. A, 8).th Infantry. His regiment was placed first in the 4th corps
and later became a part of the 14th corps. He began service at Louisville,
Kentucky and was in the fight at Perryville, that state. In their order Mr.
Reno participated in the engagements at Chicamauga, Atlanta campaign,
(Ringgold Gap, Buzzards Roost, Kennesaw Mountain,) Jonesboro, Nash-
ville and Franklin. He served as a private and through all these, some of
the most bloody battles of the war. he passed without injury. He was dis-
charged at Camp Harker June 8, 1865, and cultivated his crops in Illinois
that year. He came to Kansas in the fall and located on a farm in Linn
county. In 1879 he came into Allen county and located a farm near Bron-
son and resided in that vicinity for ten years. In 1889 he located on a farm
near Carlyle and four years later he took up his residence in lola.
Mr. Reno was first married in Linn county, Kansas, in 1868 to Emma
Saddler, a daughter of James Saddler, one of the pioneers to Linn county.
In 18S3 Mrs. Reno died, leaving five daughters: Laura, wife of Andrew
Price of Lordsburg, New Mexico; Mary E. , wife of Dallas Gillespie, of
Missouri; Dora, widow of Simon Brillhart; Cora, who married Charles Cain,
of lola, and Lettie. Mr. Reno was married the second time in 1883. His
wife was Sadie Kenady, a daughter of Valentine Brillhart. She died
in 1898 and in April 1900 Mr. Reno married Emma L. Prather, a daughter
of Randolph B. Tucker, of Clermont county, Ohio.
Mr. Reno added his mite to the expansion era of lola. In 1899 he
platted Reno's addition to lola, much of which has already been disposed
of and improved.
"\ A WILLIAM MORGAN HARTMAN, deceased, was identitied with
' ' the mercantile and financial interests of lola during its childhood
and earlv vouth. He came to Allen countv in 1865 and was first en-
394 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
gaged ill the stock business with the pioneer, John McChire, his father-in-
law. When the prairies began to settle up and the village became a town
"Morg" dropped out of the stock business and entered the field of merchan-
dise. He clerked for L. L. Northrup, conducted a furniture business with
Norris and a hardware business with Jacob Casmire, and was one of the
popular merchants of the city. He prospered as time passed and when he
reached middle life the thought of establishing a banking business in lola
took serious hold upon him. He became associated with Geo. A. Bowlus
in the loan business and the two formed a partnership and started the Bank
ot Allen County. To the success of this institution he devoted his few re-
maining years, for he died October 6, 18S7.
W. M. Hartman was born in Indiana, June 4, 1S34. He was a son of
William Hartman who established his family at Ridgefield, 111., and died
there. His mother was Agues Gibson, who is also buried at Ridgefield,
111. Her children were: David, who was a Union soldier, died during the
war; Gibson, at Ridgefield, 111; W. M., our subject; Isaac, of Chicago; hem
H., who died in Minneapolis, Minn., and was once a resident of lola;
Sophia, wife of Joseph Wayne, of Center Point, la., Lizzie, wife of William
Morey, of Ridgefield, 111., and Gussie, who died at Ridgefield.
Morg Hartman acquired a fair education in the district schools, was all
his life a great reader, his fine memory enabling him to give quotations
from the Bible or Shakespeare to fit every occasion. He was very fond of
poetry, often reciting whole poems which he had learned when a boy. He
was a lover of nature — birds and flowers especially.
His lather moved to Ridgefield, 111., about 1834 and Morg grew up on
a farm. His first wife was Mary McClure, whom he married at Ridgefield.
She died in 1862 leaving one child Gertrude, now the wife of Benjamin
Throop, of Crystal I^ake, 111. Agnes Throop is the only grandchild. On
April 16, 1S74 he married Melissie, a daughter of William Buchanan, of
lola.
In politics he was an independent, voting for the man or the principle.
He read all sides, forming his opiniou and voting as he thought right. He
was public spirited, giving liberally to every good enterprise.
He was a member of the Masons and Odd Fellows fraternities and al-
though not a religious man in the usual sense of the word he thought deeply on
spiritual matters. He did his whole duty toward his fellows. His sym-
pathy extended to the poor and he helped men when the\' knew not the
source of their benefaction.
TT'RANK GAY — The citizens of "the west side" in lola township
-»- recognize no more industrious or worthy farmer than Frank Gay.
He has been in Allen County more than thirty years, nearly all of which
time has been spent in- the vicinity of his present home. He was born
near Montgomery Alabama, December 16, 1852, and is a son of
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 395
Jasper N. Gay. The latter left Alabama before the Civil war came on and
passed that period in the State of Arkansas. He was born in Georgia in
1815 and was a planter's son. In 1869 he came to Allen County and locat-
ed upon the Goforth place, west of lola. He died there in 187 1. His
wife w^as Sarah Gillaud who is residing with her son, Frank. Their children
are: Frank Gay; Emma, wife of John H. Beahm; John Gay, of Hillsboro,
California; George Gay, a soldier in the regular army and now in the
Philippines; Jeff Gay of Colorado, and Edward Gay, of Washington.
Frank Gay went to school where school facilities were poor. He
deplores the fact that his educational equipment is so scant and has a
warmer side foi a liberal education on this account. l,abor has been his
strong card and he has engaged in it persistently and unceasingly since his
sixteenth j'ear. For five 3'ears he was a wage earner on the farm and out
of these earnings he purchased his first piece of land near the Neosl o
Valley school house. He purchased and disposed of another farm in the
same section before he located in section 5, town 24, range i8. His pres-
ent place was, only a few years since, an expanse of wild land fit only for
the grazing of roaming herds and attractive to the eye of no man. Under
the unj'ielding pressure of his industrious hand it blooms and blossoms and
produces abundantl}-.
Mr. Gay was married May i8, 1880, to Eliza, a daughter of David
Beahm. The issue of this marriage are: Earl. Josie, Willie, Charley, Orby
and Ira.
Ml. Gay is a Prohibitionist with Democratic leanings — his ancestors
having been Democrats — and is a member of the Advent church.
JOHN C. HOLTZ, of lola, retired farmer, was, for many years, one of
^ the progressive and successful farmers of Woodson County. He locat-
ed just east of Neosho Falls in 18S4, where he purchased a farm and where
he is yet a large land owner. The business of grain and stock raising he
has carried on during his active liie most successfully and when he retired,
in 1900, it was in the possession of a surplus sufficient to maintain him and
his in the 5'ears of theii decline.
Mr. Holtz was bom in Mecklinburg-Schwerin, September 14, 1837,
and was a son of Frederick Holtz, a farmer, who left Germany early in the
fifties and settled his family in West Virginia. He remained in that State
till death in 1875 and is buried in Wood County. His wife was Christina
Kruger who died in the same county ten years before her husband. Their
children were: Lewis, of Parkersburg, West Virginia; John C; Sophia, wife
of William Karnhoff, of Covington, Kentucky, and "Stina," wife of John
Moseman, of Parkersburg, West Virginia.
John C. Holtz was a lad of sixteen when he left the Old World and
became a Virginia youth. The vessel which brought him was a sailer out
of Hamburg, bound to New York. His opportunities were meager for
396 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
educational equipment, but he managed to secure the rudiments or first
principles, and was about embarking in an undertaking when the Civil
war came on. He enlisted in Company C, West Virginia cavalry, iirst
regiment. Col. Capehard. His regiment was a part of General Sheridan's
command and the Rebels were right handy when they were wanted. In all
the important field service of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsyl-
vania Mr. Holtz took part. He vvas captured at Winchester, Virginia, but
escaped from the Rebel field prison in fourteen days and rejoined his regi-
ment. Mr. Holtz witnessed some of the closing scenes of the war and was
near the Capitol when Lee surrendered. He was discharged in June,
1865, having served in all the four years of the Civil war.
Almost upon his release from the army Mr. Holtz came to Kansas.
He gathered together a small am.junt of cash and, upon his arrival at
I^awrence he purchased a forty acre tract of timber of a Delaware Indian
and proceeded to get out ties for the Union Pacific railroad, then building.
He spent the first winter around lyavvreuce at this work, boarding with the
Indians, and when spring came he went south into Franklin County and
bought a farm eight miles east of Ottawa. He returned to I^awrence in
the spring of 1867 and was married to Margaret Lewis, a daughter of James
Lewis, from Ohio, who settled at Cherokee, Kansas.
In 1869 Mr. Holtz moved over into Coffey County, near Burlington,
and there carried on his farming and stock raising till 1884, as previously
explained. With the aid ol his sons in operating his large farm and with
his own expert management Mr. Holtz's prosperity, as an agriculturist, has
been positive and enduring. His- sons are: Lewis, of Allen County, is
married to Mary Dice; James, of Woodson County; Frank, of Woodson
County, and John, of lola.
In politics Mr. Holtz is a Republican. His fir.st Presidential vote
was for Lincoln in 1864, and he has voted for every Republican candi-
date since.
TTENRY W. WILLIAMS, of lola, one of lola's early Police Judges
^ -^ and for some years a grain and coal dealer in the cit3% came into
Kansas in 1878 and settled on the frontier in Pawnee county. He mi-
grated there from Cumberland county, Illinois, where he was born Feb-
ruary I, 1833. He passed his boyhood in Coles and his youth in Cumber-
land county and was a son of Harry Williams who went into Illinois in
1830 and settled in Coles county. The latter was born in Bradford county,
Pennsylvania, in 1809, and left the state three years later with his father,
Zaben Williams, to Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Hardin county, and was
reared there almost to manhood. In 1S28 he crossed the Ohio river and
invaded Crawford county, Indiana, where he married Lucretia Beals and,
soon after moved over into Coles county, Illinois. Lucretia was a
daughter of David Beals and Philiney Hayes, a niece of ex-President Hayes,
"WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. .;39^
iior "her father, Oliver Hayes, was the President's uncle. The Beals were
irom near Saratoga, New York, from which point they settled first in the
Miami country above Cincinnati and afterward in Crawford county,
Indiana,
Zaben Williams was born and reared at Williamstown, Massachusetts,
-and was a son of one of the founders of the town and a nephew of the other.
These brothers were men of afHuence and their generosity prompted them
■to found and endow the college at Williamstown. Zaben \\'illiams' three
^children were: Harris, Constant and Harry, w^hose forefathers were pat-
riots in the American Revolution, in the person of the founders of Wil-
liamstown College, both of whom died in the service,
Harry Williams' children were: Mary J., who married Josiah Good-
■Cvin, of Cumberland county, Illinois; Henry W. ; David B. , of Sullivan
county, Missouri; Lucy E. , deceased, wife of W. J, Vinson, of Cumberland
■county, Illinois; Jesse M., of the same county; Larinda C, wife of J. T.
Joncb, of Coles county, Illinois, and William F. Williams, of Cumberland
•county, Illinois.
Our subject spent his early life on his father's farm. He went to
school three months in the year and at the age of seventeen bargained with
his father for his time. He made and handled saw-logs and rails and from
this he dropped into farming. He was married in October, 1850, to Nancy
J. Stone who died October 10, 1S65, leaving: Frances, wife of William
J. Newman, of Mattoon, Illinois; Lewis B. Williams, of Allen county, and
Chauncey L- Williams, of Coles county, Illinois. In 1S66 he was married
to Amanda F. Kelley, who died in lola July 17, 1899. Her children are:
Orville K. , on& of Allen county's successful teachers; O.scarL.; Charles;
Mary E. , wife of W. Rutledge; Amanda L., wife of Oscar L. Cowan;
Harry, Olive and Fred Williams are with their father. January 21, igoo,
Mr. Williams married Mattie Dailey, a daughter of Amos Dailey, one of
Ida's early settlers.
In western Kansas Mr. Williams was engaged in both carpenter work
and farming. He resided in Pawnee Rock and later in Larned and from
that city he came to lola in 188S. He purchased a half block in the first
ward of lola which he has improved by covering it with residences and has
thereby contributed his part in the city's development. In the spring of
1900 he went out of active business and is concerned now onlj' with the
proper rearing and education of his younger children.
In political training the early Williams were Whigs. Upon the disso-
lution of that party they became "Know Nothing" and when the Repub-
lican part}' was christened the)' joined it and helped swell Fremont's
popular vote. Our subject's first vote was cast for that candidate for the
Presidency and he has never missed an election in all these forty-four
years. He has great faith today in the ability of that party to do things
and to conduct the affairs of our country with wisdom and prudence and to
lead our citizens along a high plane of morality, patriotism and civilization.
Mr. Williams enlisted at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, October 1861,
for three years and his regiment was McClelland's advance guard along the
39S HISTORY OF ALLEN' AKfO'
Potomac river in 1861 and 1862. He was discharged at Cumberland'.
Maryland, for disability and returned to Illinois, and in February, 1865,.
joined the One Hundred and Twenty-third Illinois and was transferred tO'
Sixty-first Illinois, from which he was discharged October ig, 1865. He
was detailed on duty to tu^rn over deserters to the army, who returned
under the President's proclamation, during the end of his second enlistment
and the close of the war found him so engaged.
Ip^'RANKLIN ROOT.— The late Franklin Root, ex-County Superintend-
-»- ent of Public Instruction of Allen county, was one of the noble
characters and honored citizens of his county. Few men possessed, in as
high degree, the confidence and esteem of his townsmen and few men more
sincerely merited that confidence so extended and so marked.
While in Allen county Mr. Root made himself as much a part of the
county as though he had been born here and his life of usefulness to it be-
gan from the week he set foot upon its soil. As educator, as Christian
gentleman and as model citizen he performed his part and well and effect-
ively it was done, leaving the impress of his beautiful life and stainless
character wherever he mingled in business or society.
Prank Root was born in Pekin, New York, May 4, 18-26. His early
life was rural in environment, for his father, Elias Root, was a farmer.
The latter was born in Mansfield, Connecticut, June 8, 1781, and was there
married to Anna Belding, who was born in Conway, Massachusetts, July
12, 1790. Of their .seven children Frank was the only one who identified
himself with the West.
In preparing himself for the duties of lite Franklin Root attended the
Lewiston, New York, Academy and the Lockport Union School. He en-
gaged in teaching and continued the work several years, finally abandon-
ing it when he was appointed to a position in the revenue service at Sus-
pension Bridge, New York. He spent eight years in the customs service
and was as efficient and popular as a customs collector as he was as a
teacher of the American youth. In 1S71 he came to Kansas and took the
school at Geneva, Allen county. His success there, and his apparent
personal fitness for the office, led the Republicans of.the county to name
him for county superintendent. He was first appointed to fill an unexpired
term and was~then elected to fill the remainder of that term and twice to
fill full terms of two years each. It is doubtful if any public officer held
the universal esteem of his constituents to a greater degree than did Mr,
Root. To the teachers he was a fatherly adviser and a tower of strength
and to the district board and patrons he was a wise counsellor and sincere
friend, and all worked in practical harmony together.
Upon retiring from office Mr. Root was associated with H. L,. Hender-
son in the hardware business, afterwards with W. A. Cowan in the grocery
business. The last years of his life he was with A. W. Beck as his
■WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 399
iDOok-keeper and so long as he possessed the strength he filled this posi-
■■tion. He was a long sufferer from asthma and this finall}^ terminated his
-life. He died at Hot Springs, Arkansas, May 29, 1886, and was buried at
lola.
April 18, 1867, Mr. Root was married to Lucinda Fletcher, a daughter
•of David and Elizabeth (Fletcher) Fletcher. They had no children, save
-those they adopted and elsewhere referred to herein.
T T TELL EVANS, a member of the drug firm of Evans Brothers, is a
.-I--*-* son of one of Allen county's pioneers. His father was Hon. John
M. Evans, who represented Allen county in the State Legislature near the
-close of the sixties and who was, at the time of his death and for some
years prior, a prominent merchant of the county, doing business at Ge-
neva. The latter was an Indiana settler and came into the county- in 1857.
He entered the quarter section in Carlyle township known now as the
"County Poor Farm" and resided upon it till the year following the close
of the war when he went to Geneva. He was associated with L. L- North-
rup in a general store and was stricken down in the prime of life thirteen
years after his advent to the county.
H. T. Evans is the fourth of a family of six surviving heirs of John
M. Evans. He was born at the old homestead in Allen county January
29, 1863, just two years after Kansas' natal day. The early part of his life
was passed in Geneva and since 1876 he has lived in Tola. He secured an
■ordinary training in the common schools and in his youth he engaged to
learn the carpenter trade. He worked many months with the late S. P.
Overmj-er and it might be said that that odd character taught him the
prime mysteries of the craft. One of the last acts of our subject, as a me-
chanic, was to erect the frame work and do the finishing on Evans
Brothers"' store.
When Mr. Evans first engaged . in business it was as a partner with
M. L. Miller, the firm being "Miller & Evans, undertakers." Two years
after the formation of the firm he purchased the interest of Mrs. Miller and
conducted the business alone. The disastrous fire of 189 1 swept away
thj-ee- fourths of his resources and wiped out a business that had been estab-
lished onl}' four years. The firm of Evans Brothers grew out of that con-
flagration. Tell and William J. found it necessary, from force of circum-
stances, and mutually helpful to unite their shattered resources in an effort
to regain a place in the business world of lola. They purchased the lot
upon which was the old Stevenson drug store and erected lola's first hand-
some business house. In 1892 the firm opened their, now famous, drug
and stationery house, one of the conspicuousl}^ attractive places in lola.
Realizing the late start in a new business, he took up the study of
pharmacy with the determination to win. And though studying only at
home, with the a.ssistance of other members of the firm, and taking the
400 HISTORY OF ALr-EW AKu
correspondence course o^ the National Institute of Pharmacy, of Chicago .
Illinois, (of which he has a diploma) was ready for the State Examina-
tion of Pharmacists, in the minimum of time of experience, as prescribed;
by the Kansas laws, and was passed by the board at the head of a clasS'
ef fifty-five.
September 29, 1896, Mr. Evans married .A.line Peterson, a lady of
social and musical prominence who located in lola in 1886. She was born
in the city of Chicago and reared in Plattsburg, Clinton county, Missouri,
and, in 1S93, took a course in the N«w England Conservatory of Music in
Boston. The children of this union are Telline and Emily J. Evans.
Mr. Evans began the exercise of his elective franchise in 18S+ by cast-
fug his presidential ballot for the "Plumed Knight," the great Secretary
Blaine. His party fealty never suffers by defeat. Twice has he seen ■ the
banner of progress and prosperity fall into the hands of his political com-
petitors and as many times h-as he helped to reclaim it and to restore it to
its own. In local matters he has done only that which would tend to the
best public service for lola. Being in strict accord with the spirit of pro-
gress in public education he was nominated for the Board of Education in.
1900 from the Fourth ward and elected. He is one of the first members of
the Ancient Order of United Workmen and has represented the lola body
in the State Grand Lodge.
JUDGE ALEXANDER WILLIAM J. BROWN, the late pioneer and
*^ Captain of Company F, Sixth Kansas, war of the Rebellion, was one of
{he locally conspicuous characters on the Kansas frontier. His prominence
lies in his being a settler at such an early date and from his various rela-
tions to the settlers along the Neosho and its tributaries in Allen count}^.
He, in company with his son, Alexander H. Brown, left Saline county,
Illinois, in the month of May, 1855, with an ox team for Kansas. They
crossed the Mississippi at St. Louis, . the Missouri at St. Claries and at
Rock Port, keeping the western trail to the Kansas line twelve miles south
of Kansas City. They were headed for the Neosho Valley but soon after
they entered the Territory the road disappeared and their last fifty-five
miles was made without pilot or guide other than the sun and stars. On
entering the county the little caravan went into camp a half mile north and
about two hundred yards east of where North Maple Grove school house
now stands. It was the month of June and the heavy rains had swollen
Deei Creek so that it could not be forded. Some settlers were discovered
to be on the south side of the creek and, while delayed, thej' were "hel-
loed" over and found to be of the same family, but of the tribe of Isham.
Isham Brown and Dallis Martin on Deer Creek, Moses Followell on Elm
Creek, the Baker brothers on the Neosho River and Mr. Ferguson on
Rock Creek, were the persons who reached this locality ahead of Judge
Brown. The latter crossed the prairie from Deer Creek to Rock Creek and
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 4OI
there located by purchasing Mr. Ferguson's interest in a claim for $ioo in
gold, a yoke of cattle and a wagon. His was the first permanent settle-
ment on Rock Creek and the second permanent settlement in the northern
part of Allen county, for none of those mentioned above, except Dallas
Martin, remained amongst us till a ver}^ recent date.
The condition of our subject was a trifle extraordinary and very un-
usual for he came to the county with sufficient means to count him as a
wealthy man. whereas, the average pioneer found himself exhausted in
purse by the time he had passed the first winter in his new home. This
fortunate condition of the Judge's was turned to the public as well as to his
personal good. It enabled him to confer acts of charity where it was most
deserving and appreciated and in many ways did his benefactions contri-
bute to the comfort and happiness of the first settlers of his locality.
There was the largest possible opportunity for engaging in the cattle
business and this our subject did in connection with the subjugation and
improvement of his farm. He was one of the successful men of his time
and was one of those men whose opinion is sought and valued' for its wis-
dom and a gentleman whose interest in any public matter assured the more
unanimous co-operation of the citizens. He was one of the early Probate
Judges of the county and he performed the first marriage ceremoiiv in
Allen county. His selection to the captaincy of a company in the volunteer
service shows him to have been in accord with the patriots of '61. His
regiment, the Eighth, was made a part of the Sixth Kansas and was ren-
dezvoused at Fort Scott. The Judge resigned in less than a year and re-
turned to civil pursuits. He died in 1866 at the age of fifty-two years.
A. W. J. Brown was born in Kentucky. He went into Saline county,
Illinois, with his mother and step-father, Mrs. and Mr. Daniel Coy. He
was limitedly educated, was fond of books, a student of history — ancient as
well as modern — -and, while interested in politics, was not a politician.
His three half-sisters were Rhoda, Elizabeth and Martha Coy. They
married David Evans, Samuel Miller and Jacob Barker, respectively, and
passed their lives in Illinois.
Our subject's first wife was Eliza Barger who died near Tola in i86i.
For his second wife he married Mrs. Margaret Robinson, a daughter of the
pioneer physician Dr. John Hart, who came to Allen county in 1S57. The
children by his first wife were: John L., deceased, ex-sheriff of Allen
county; Alex. H., born March 12, 1840; Lottie, wife of John H. Harris,
also one of our pioneer citizens; Julia, who died young; Eliza, recently de-
ceased, wife of John E. Thorpe, an lola patriot and a pioneer; William, Albert
and Mattie, wife of Lee Patton, of Indiana. A son by his second marriage
is Orlie Brown, of Oklahoma.
Alexander H. Brown has, with the exception of two winters, been a
resident of Allen county for a term of forty- five years. This is a longer
term than any other man now in the county has to his credit. He was a
farmer and stock man and trader till 1884 when he took up his residence
in lola. He has been identified with the "ins and outs" of county matters
nearly ever since the war. Whatever he could do in any way to advance
402 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
the general interest of his town or count}' he has done, or in whatever wa}'
he could assist a neighbor in distress or help a brother over a piece of
"corduroy" his hand was ready. In 1885-6 he was Deputy Sheriff of
Allen county. Like his father, his Republicanism is of the .staunchest
varietv. He was married March 20, 1864, to Annie L., a daughter of
Jonathan Masterson, who came to Kansas from Bloomingtou, Illinois.
Mrs. Brown was born July 17, 1845, and died October 18, 1900. Their
children are: Minnie, wife of P. L, Augustine; Hattie, wife of George
Fryer, and Miss Ella Brown.
TOHN A. RICHESON — One of the unique characters, whose life was
^ spent in lola and whose original traits will remain fresh in the minds
of his acquaintances and friends, is the late John A. Richeson. He passed
twenty-four, years in Allen County — the most of them around lola — and he
demonstrated that his chief quality was industry. He was born of humble
parents and his child opportunities were those of the wage earner at what-
ever came in his way. He learned no trade and seemed to have no genius
or special adaptation for mechanics. He drifted along through life from
place to place — till he reached Tola — having little more of life's riches than
would sustain life. His notions of industry were that it should always be
practiced. It was the corner stone of comfort and riches and the promoter
of good health. He loved to work at good pay, but if he could not get
such a berth he took one with poor pay rather than none. When jobs
around lola were scarce he plied the trade of fisherman. This occupation
no doubt, sustained his family and supplied his few personal wants many
times in the absence of steady employment. Another, and a favorite, occu-
pation of his was selling soda pop. His voice was heard at nearly every
fair, picnic and show at lola crying the sale of these goods. He possessed
peculiar and successful qualities in the conduct of such a business and the
profits he reaped always went to the support of his well trained and honora-
ble family.
Johnny Richeson was born at White Hall, Indiana, March 4, 1852.
He was a son of William Richeson, an early settler in Indiana and an old
soldier. His business was that of shoeinaking and he died at Renssalaer,
Indiana. William Richeson married Lizzie E. Jackson, who was Johnny's
mother. The latter came to Kansas, and to Allen Count}', many years ago
and it was her last sickness that brought her oldest child, our subject, to
the vState, August 4, 1875.
December 24, 1878, Mr. Richeson was married in lola by Judge Boyd
to Roena Wright, a daughter of Amos Wright. The Wrights came to
Allen County from McLean County, Illinois, in 1869. The Richesons
finally located on State street where Johnny purchased a small amount of
property and erected a modest dwelling. His surplus earnings were de-
voted to the improvement of and betterment of his home and when he died.
C^V»=L.^t,/^-<^>M_/ ^AxOa-'ft-M,,
WOODSON countie:;, kansas. 403
February 16, it;oo, his family was provided with the means to straighten
up all his affairs and to secure them against the storms of adversity.
Mr. and Mrs. Richeson's children are; Louie, Charles A., Harry A.,
Lydia E., Warner A., Addie D., Oril L., William E. and Thelma Richeson.
When Johnn\ Richeson died he was a member of the Select Friends
and of the Odd Fellows. It is the custom for the latter order to bury their
dead, but, at his request, the order was not permitted to contribute more
than its attendance at his obsequies. It was his disposition to be inde-
pendent and to permit no one to put him under obligation to them. He
desired to give full value for all he received and if he could not do this he
declined assistance.
A/riSS FRANCES WILSON— Fifteen years of public service is sufficient
-'-'^-*- to establish the good name of the person whose name introduces
this review. It is an ample guaranty of all the elements which constitute
integrity, truth and sobriety and these qualities are little more than an
apology for the real attributes which enter into the mental composition of
Allen County's lady Treasurer.
Frances Wilson was born in Allen County after the war of the Re-
bellion. Her father, James H. Wilson, a worthy farmer of lola township,
came into the county near the close of 1863 to take up his residence
permanently. He drove the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Humboldt stage,
but upon leaving this employ he arranged with O'Brien. Scott and Amsden
to care for their cattle around about Humboldt. He became so attached to
the country that when his period of service as a cattle man was terminated
he decided to remain here and engaged in farming. In the spring of 1866
he resided on the Neosho River (on the Willenburg farm)where his daugh-
ter and second child was born. He has vibrated between lola and Hum-
boldt townships in these thirty-five years, finally becoming a fixture of
the latter.
Mr. Wilson was born in Gurnsey County, Ohio, August 3, 1836, and
is a son of Enos Wilson, a native of Maryland. The latter, with his wife,
went into Ohio early and died when James was a small child. An uncle
took the orphaned boy with the intention of bringing him up but he, too,
died and the boy, at the age of six years, was forced to provide the greater
part of his means of support. He got little chance to prepare himself along
educational lines for the battles of life, as he became a farm hand from the
first and remained one until he left Ohio. In 1854 he went to Champaign
County, Illinois, and was engaged in farming until his entry into Kansas
during the war period. In August, 1863, he was married to Rebecca J., a
daughter of John Ellis, a native of Indiana.
Immediately after his marriage Mr. Wilson emigrated to Kansas. He
took the boat at St. Louis for Lawrence and left that place on the last stage
out before the guerrillas sacked the town. Their baggage containing all
404 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
their personal effects were destroyed and thus the}- entered Allen Count)'.
George, Frances and Samuel Wilson are the children of James H.
W'ilson. The former is an employee of the Santa Fe Railway Company, the
last named is a progressive young farmer of lola township, and Frances is
the subject of this brief sketch.
"Frankie" Wilson is known to every tax-payer in Allen County. She
began getting acquainted with them away back in the regime of "Pap" H.
H. Hay ward, for whom she engaged as a clerk in i88b. She wasmot
specially equipped for such a responsible place but the good old man gave
her a chance and that was what she desired. She had attended the schools
of her district and advanced far enough to have become a "common school
graduate" had that ceremony been established in her day. In the Treas-
urer's office her first years were those of a student. The numerous details
of the office she set out earnestly to mastei and before her preceptor retired
from office she knew them perfectly. When Mr. Cunningham took charge
of the office he retained Miss Wilson as his deputy. This movement was
in full accord with the sentiment of the public for she was even then
regarded as necessary to the perfect and systematic conduct of the office.
Having served through this term, the public was again gratified to learn
that Mr. Nelson had arranged to keep her with him through his adminis-
tration of the office. The same sincere service was rendered to hira as was
to his successor, Mr. Decker, through both of whose regime she was all but
the chief of the office. In all clerical matters pertaining to the conduct
of the affairs of the office Miss Wilson was reliable almost to infallibility.
Her natural modest and retiring disposition coupled with her capacity and
ability as an accountant made her a favorite with her predecessors and,
when the time for the nomination of a new Treasurer approached, she was
the favorite with the people.
Women seldom become politicians, save in Kansas. The calling is
honorable when engaged in in response to a universal and enthusiastic
outburst of the people. Her campaign for the nomination for Count)'
Treasurer was not a campaign. When it was known that she would serve
in that capacity she was the nominee. People like to support their friends
for office and she was everybody's friend.
When the convention was called she had been named in the primaries
and all that was left was the formal announcement of the result. The
election was almost as pronouncedly in favor of her. Her majority greatly
exceeded the normal Republican majority in the county. She was installed
October 9, 1900 and chose for her deputy one of the most popular men of
the 20th Kansas, Lewis Coffield.
It is a fact that criticism is one of. the penalties of success. In the
brief review of the life of our subject there seems to have been nothing but
success, yet there is not in all Allen county one who would be warranted
in engaging in other than favorable criticism of her years of public service.
No person in public life in Allen county has so unanimously won the good will
and confidence of the whole people as she, and no person, whether in public
or private life, so richly deserves such unreserved endorsement and approval.
I
■WOOUSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. ^Oj
T TENRY M. MII<LER, of lola, whose connection with the development
J- -L ot Allen county has extended over a period of twenty-one years and
whose citizenship is a synonym for integrity, honor and patriotism, was
•born in Hayesville, Ohio, August i6, 1838. His father, Samuel G. Miller,
-was a doctor of medicine. The latter was fitted for his profession in
Wooster, Ohio, in the ofRce of Dr. Day. He practiced in Richland county,
Ohio, till 1854, when he removed westward and settled in Washington
county, Iowa. He died in 1894, at the age of eighty-five years and is
buried in Minnesota. He is descended from the Millers of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, and was a son of George Miller. His wife, our subject's
mother, was Nancy J. McEweu, born in the State of Pennsylvania. She
died in 1874 and is buried at Washington, Iowa. The children of their
imion are: Nancy J., Henry M., Samuel R., Elizabeth J., Mary E., George
F. , Ella May and Wilbur D.
Henry M. Miller is the second child of his parents. His life up to his
sixteenth year was passed in Richland county, Ohio. At that age he ac-
companied his parents into Iowa and soon engaged in teaching school. He
taught in Washington and nearby counties for seven years, spending his
spare hours and his vacations reading medicine as his calling and fully in-
tended to enter a regular school (Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia,)
when his preliminary preparation should be completed. He returned to
Ohio about the tiaie the war cloud broke upon the country and there
responded to the President's second call for troops. He enlisted September
3, 1 86 1, as a private in Company E, Third Ohio cavalry. He was promot-
ed to Sergeant four days after his enlistment, while in camp at Monroeville,
Ohio, and to Sergeant Major August 11, 1S62, in the field while in Ken-
tucky. March 21, 1863, he was promoted to ist Lieutenant, while the
army lay around Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and April 24, of the same year,
he was raised to the Staff Department and as-^igned to duty as Assistant
Commissary of Musters on the staff of Brigadier General R. B. Mitchell,
1st Brigade, ist Cavalry Division, Army of the Cumberland. He was trans-
ferred to the staff of Gen. E. M. McCook, ist Brigade, 2nd Cavalry division
of that army, and again transferred, this time to the staff of Major General
W. L. Elliott, ist Cavalry division, Army of the Cumberland. His final
transfer was to the Executive Staff ot Major General W. T. Sherman where
he was assigned to duty as Military Conductor of United States Military
railroads. Army of the Tennessee. November 20, 1864, he resigned his
position upon surgeon's certificate of disability, and accepted, soon there-
after, the position of Paymaster, United States Military railroads in the
office of F. J. Grilly, Nashville, Tennessee, Assistant Quarter-Master Gen-
eral. August 20. 1865, he resigned this position and returned to pri-
vate life.
In all Mr. Miller's service his positions were not sinecures. Duty called
him where the fray was going on and he met the enemy with his comrades
in many noted battles of the war. In 1862 he was in the engagement at
Lexington, Kentucky; Franklin, Columbia; Woodville and LaVergne,
4o6 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND'
Tennessee, and at the evacuation of Corinth, Mississippi. In 1S63 he-
participated in the battles at Fayetteville, Shelby ville and Tullahoma,.
Tennessee, and in the brushes at Tuscumbia and Sand Mountain, Alabama,
In 1864 he did his part in entertaining the Rebels at Snake Creek Gap,.
Purapkin Vine Creek, Burnt Hickory, Crossing of the Chattahooche and
the siege of Atlanta. He took part in the following general engagements
in which be received seven wounds as reminders of the execution of the
enemy: Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chicaniauga, Resaca, Kennesaw, Peach Tree
Creek and Atlanta, as before stated.
The war ended, Mr. Miller engaged in teaching school. From 1S65
to 1870 he resided in Carroll county, Indiana, from whence he came west-
ward to Bates county, Missouri. In 1873 he returned to Indiana and in 1876
came to Kansas. For some years he was traveling salesman with his home
in lola. He was engaged in the furniture business here in the early
eighties and, succeeding in this, he was cashier of the Bank of Allen coun-
ty nearly thirteen years. About a year after his retirement from the bank
he became a candidate for the office of Clerk of the District Court and was
elected to it in November, 1S98. In the discharge of his official duties he
has demonstrated rare ability as a competent and careful and painstaking
officer.
Mr. Miller was married in Delphi, Indiana, February 5, 1870, to
Margaret L. Evans, a daughter of James Evans. Mrs. Miller was born i n
Indiana in 1845. The children of this union are: Bert E. and Rak Miller.
The older served with Company I, Twentieth Kansas Volunteers, in the
Filipino Insurrection and took part in many of the noted engagements from
Manila to the Bag Bag.
The political alliance of the Millers was with the Whig, and then, the
Republican parties. Henry M., our subject, has been a Republican voter
forty-two years and twenty-three years of that time has been a leader in
Allen county politics. His broad information and his positive conviction
render him one of the characters of the county. He is prominent in the
Blue Lodge and Chapter, A. F. and A. M., at lola, having passed all the
chairs, and belongs to the Valley Consistory at Ft. Scott, Kansas. He has
taken all degrees of Masonry, including the thirty-second and is a member
of the subordinate lodge and encampment, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. As a citizen he is always a gentleman and has maintained an
unblemished record for probity and honor. He is public-spirited to a
marked degree and is one of the substantial men of lola.
T A 7'ILLIAM H. RICHARDS, than whom, among the old residents
» » of lola, scarce a man is better known, came to the city in October
1865. His original home was in Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred
in Lebanon, that state, December 19, 1833. Samuel Richards was his
father and he, too, was born in Lebanon county. His trade was that of a
WOODSON COtTNTIES, KANSAS. .407
weaver but in later life he drifted iiite farming and he died such^ in ffrank-
lin county, Pennsylvania, about 1890. He was born in 1800, wasa Demo-
crat, a success in business and one of Jesse Richards' sons. The la.st
named died in Lebanon county about 1837 at near the age of eighty years.
The Richards are Pennsylvania German but their remote ancestors were, it
is claimed, Scotch and Irish.
The mother of our subject was Margaret Harklerode. She was born
in 1805 and died in 1848. Here children were: Joseph, who died and
left a son in Ohio; Sarah, deceased, wife of Mr. Harmon, and left a family
in Franklin county, Pennsylvania: John Richards, well known to old
lolans; William H.; Elizabeth, wife of Frank Gerhart, resides in Franklin
county, Pennsylvania, and three other children who died in infancy.
From the age of seven years our subject passed his boyhood and youth
in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. His school advantages were quite
poor and it can be said that he secured no more than a common country
school education. At the age of eighteen years he began life independ-
ently by starting an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade. John Stickle
was his master and with him he remained to fulfill the conditions of his
bond. After completing his trade he traveled over some of the eastern
mountain states, in company with his brother, John, and they traveled and
worked in the states of Maryland, — at Hagerstown and Clear Springs — -
Virginia, and, lastly, into the state of Ohio — at Coddington aud Ravenna.
In September, 1865, Mr. Richards was married at Ravenna, Ohio, and
came direct to lola. Here he continued his trade for a couple of years,
adding to his scant stock of ready cash. He engaged in the restaurant
business and his wife took up dress-making and millinery. From the
restaurant and bakery business Mr. Richards drifted into the grocerj^ busi-
ness and, after running some five j'ears he took W. A. Cowan in as a part'
ner. A few years later Mr. Cowan went out and Mr. Lakin succeeded
him, and still later John E. Ireland joined the two and the firm of Rich-
ards, Lakin & Ireland was one of the prominent business houses of lola,
doing a wholesale business. Upon the retirement of Mr. Ireland, Richards
& Lakin conducted a retail business for some time. Mr. Richards asso-
ciated with him H. L. Henderson some time later, and conducted the same
business. About 1S97 Mr. Richards disposed of his last business and en-
tered retirement with thirty-two years of active service as a merchant and
man-of- affairs to his credit.
Mr. Richaids brought with him to lola about three hundred and fifty
dollars, all of which he put into a house at once. This property was the
two lots facing north at the southwest corner of the square. He invested in
other property as his accumulations would warrant, much of which is the
most desirable in the city. His improvements include his handsome resi-
dence at the head of Madison avenue and four busine.ss hou.ses. Misfor-
tune, as well as fortune, has befallen Mr. Richards for he has made inve.st-
ments which not onl}- lost him his first ontlav but required him to invest an
additional sum to meet his legal obligations and to retrieve his credit and
40S HISTORY OF ALLEK AND
maintain his good name. In the lola carriage works alone, he lost a sum
of money equivalent to a modest fortune.
Mr. Richards married Amelia Miester, a daughter of Charles Miester,.
M. D. Dr. Miester was a surgeon fifteen years under the great Napoleoii.
and was a German by birth. Mr. and Mrs. Richards' children are: Maud,
wile of Rev. Leslie F. Potter, of St. Louis, Missouri, and Blanche, wile of
Elmer C. Mcl,ain, one of lola's young clothiers and furnishers.
Mr. Richards is a liberal Democrat. He served once upon the towiv
council but has seldom permitted- himself to enthuse over a political
T~S AVIS BROTHERS,— William E. and George S". Davis, are sons of the
-' — ' late Edward S. Davis, who founded the Davis Mills on the Neosho
river, and who will be remembered by old residents of the Neosho Valley.
Davis Brothers were the immediate successors to theii father's business and
conducted it successfully for more than thirty years.
This particular Davis fanrily is not one of the original Colonial fami-
lies although it was established in New England near the opening of the
nineteenth century. Commodore Davis, grandfather of our subjects, was
born in Wales, came to the United States, a boy, grew up in New England
and became a sea-faring man. He followed the coast and river trade of
New York and New England. He married in Maine and removed his
family to the Ohio river country at Marietta, at which place he died. Hi s
family consisted of three sons and a daughter, viz: Stephen, William and
Edward S. Davis and Patience, who married Mr. Burck and made her
home in St. Louis. Stephen reared a family at Marietta, Ohio; William
reared a family in Pike county, Illinois, and all three brothers were boat-
men in an sarly day.
Edward S. Davis was born in Maine in 1808 and died in lola in De-
cember, 1870. His early manhood was passed on the Ohio and Mississippi
rivers and flat boating and steam boating comprised his business. He
made twenty-eight trips from Marietta to New Orleans and in the years
that he followed the river he amassed considerable property. He gave up
the river at forty-two years of age and took his family into the new state of
Iowa. He had two aims in going to the prairie state on the north; one -.vas
to get himself away from the river, of which he had become tired, and the
other was to get his growing sons onto a farm. He bought a three hundred
and fifty acre farm, but hardly had he obtained possession when he decided
to engage in the milling business. He located in Ottumwa and opened
business the next year. He conceived the idea of running a steamboat on
the DesMoines river and went back to Marietta and built one. In this
venture he made a mistake. He got the boat around to St. Louis and
while tied up there a woman came aboard with smallpox. It was contrary
to his nature to turn her away from shelter under even such circumstances
:r-^^
e:^^^*'^^^-'
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 4OC)
and it was the cause of his contracting the disease liimself. When lie
finally got through with the authorities and the disease he had lost his boat
and effects. A Pike's Peak venture then presented itself to Mr. Davis.
He took his first son and crossed the plains in the spring of [860 and
stopped to prospect in Quartz Valley. There was no money to be made
there with the pick and pan and they began getting out saw logs. They
returned home in the fall of the same year and again the ferry proposition
took possession of them. A boat was built at Ottuniwa and, in the seveir
years it was run by the Davises, it yielded large profits. In 186S they sold
out their Iowa interests and came to Allen count}', Kansas.
At lola D. R. Hovey had built a grist mill on the Neosho river and
this plant the Davises purchased for the fabulous sum of $14,250. It con-
sisted of two burrs, a saw-mill and thirteen acres of land. The mill was
situated on the river bank just above Riverside Park and it was operated
there as a steam mill till 1880, when the dam at the bridge was constructed
and the mill moved there and rebuilt.
William E. Davis was born September 6th, 1839, and George S.,
March 8, 1845. The brothers formed a partnership in early life. They
were less than thirty years of age when they came to lola and their busi-
ness life has been almost wholly passed here. Their recollection of the
early days of the Davis mills reveals the fact that much of its cu-.toiu came
from points far beyond the confines of Allen and Woodson counties. It was
no uncommon thing to toll grists from Independence and to wait on trade from
Eureka. They have served the public for little less than a third of a cen-
tury and their labors have been liberally rewarded.
Edward S. Davis' wife was Driisilla Alcock. Their children are
Patience, widow of Joel D. Myers, residing in Tampa, Florida; Mirtha,
who died in 1S64, married Oliver Harlan; Francis, deceased, married Don
Mitchell, Sarah, deceased, became Mrs. Ehuer Marsh; W. E.; George S.;
Drusilla,- wife of Elias Bruner, and Marietta, the widow of Colonel W. C.
Jones
William E. Davis enlisted in Company K, Forty-seventh Iowa Infan-
try at Ottumwa, was in the service one hundred days and was stationed at
Helena, .Arkansas. He received his discharge at Davenport, Iowa, when
his enlistment expired and he returned to his business at Ottumwa.
In 1867 Mr. Davis married Sarah Stevenson, a sister of Robert B.
Stevenson, of lola. She died February 28, 1878, leaving one son, Edward
vS. Davis. A few years later Mr. Davis married Lydia, a daughter of
Zadock Vezie. The children of this union are; Bertha, born December
26, 1882; Laura, born March 6, 1888; Drusilla, born December 13, 1900.
George S. Davis was married June 3rd, 1873, to Ada J., a daughter of
Joseph Norton, from Maine, who came to Allen county in 1871. Estella,
the wife of Harmon Hobart, is the only heir of Mr. and Mrs. George Davis.
The politics of the Davises is no uncertain quantity. On the other
hand they are of the positive and outspoken sort. The brothers were
rocked in an abolition cradle and fed on Republican doctrine. T ey are
not politicians beyond their interest in securing the adoption of huch prin-
4IO HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
ciples of public policy as will insure greatest good to the greatest number.
They believe in every man having an opportunity to earn a dollar, good
the world over, and have great faith in the efficacy of the United States as
a civilizing power.
JOHN M. McDONAI.D — On the county roster of Allen county appears
the name of John M. McDonald who has just closed a service of six
years as a member of the board of county commissioners. The public
trust thus reposed in him is well merited for he is a citizen of pa-
triotic spirit and faithful to his duties at all times. He was born
in Lexington, McLean county, Illinois, February 22, 1843. His father,
James McDonald, came from Kentucky, taking up his abode in Mc-
Lean county in 1833, his home being on a farm near Lexington. His
birth had occurred in the former State in 1S16. He was married at
Spencer, Owen county, Indiana, to Miss Sally I. McNaught, daughter of
Robert McNaught, one of the pioneers of that county. Three children
were born of this union: Mrs. Harriet Todd, wife of J. W. Todd, of Tulare
county, California; Emily, deceased wife of Dennis McCarty, who also
resides in Tulare county; and JohnM., of this review. The father con-
tinued his residence in Illinois until 1857, when he came to Kansas, bring-
ing with him I'.is family. He located upon the farm now occupied by his son
and there resided until 1874. The journey to this State consumed a month
for they traveled in the primitive manner of the times, crossing the Missis-
sippi river at Louisiana, Missouri.
John M. McDonald spent the first fourteen years of his life in the
county of his birth and then accompanied his parents on their emigration
to the Sunflower State, arriving in Allen county in the month of October.
He well remembers many incidents of the trip and can also relate many
stories of pioneer life in this section of the country. He obtained his edu-
cation in the country schools, acquiring a good knowledge of those branches
of learning which fit one for life's practical duties. At the time of the
Civil war the spirit of patriotism was aroused within him and, in October,
1861, he joined the boys in blue of Company E, Ninth Kansas Cavalry,
under Colonel Lynde, Henry Flesher being in command of the compan}'.
He was mustered in at lola and with his regiment was sent to Leavenworth
in February, 1862. In Maj' of the same year the troops were ordered back
through lola to Grand River, in the Indian Territory, and participated in
the battle of Prairie Grove and several minor engagements. Subsequently
they returned to Fort Scott where the regiment was detailed to guard the
Missouri and Kansas line, being stationed there foi one year. Later it was
sent to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and to Harrison ville, Missouri, spending
the winter of 1863-4 in the latter place, and while there Mr. McDonald and
others re-enlisted. After a furlough of tliirt}- da)'s, during which time he
visited his home, he rejoined his regiment as a veteran. In the meantime
WOOUSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 4I I
the Ninth Kansas Cavalry had been sent to Fort Smith and thence pro-
ceeded to Little Rock. In July of that year they participated in several
engagements with the b.i-shivaa^'.cars uiiler Riybiini, and iron the Ariviii-
sas capital they were sent to Brownsville of that State, on White river,
where the winter of 1864-5 was passed. During that winter and the follow-
ing spring and summer they again met the bushwhackers in several en-
gagements. After four years of faithful service, in which he loyally de-
fended the starry banner of the Union, Mr. McDonald was honorably dis-
charged in August, 1S65, at Brownsville.
Returning to lola he has continuously resided in Allen county. He
was married at the county-seat in August, 1866, to Miss Levina Anderson,
who came to Allen county from Cuyahoga county, Ohio. She has two
brothers living, T. T. Anderson, of lola, and George Anderson, a lesident
of Baxter Springs, Kansas. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have been born
four children, Anna, Cora, L,ura and Frank, who are all with their parents.
As a means of livelihood Mr. McDonald has followed farm and stock-
raising, and during his connection with those pursuits he has, through
energetic effort, guided by sound iudgment, won a comfortable competence.
In politics he has ever been a stalwart Republican. He was twice elected
township trustee. In the fall of 1894 he was elected to the office of county
commissioner, was re-elected in 1897 and in 1S98 he became chairman of
the board. During his incumbency many improvements were made
in the county buildings and the work of substantial progre-JS has bee n
carried forward in a marked degree, thus winning the commendation of all
public-spirited and enterprising citizens. His career, both public and
private, has been marked by the strictest integrity and faithfulness to eveiy
trust reposed in him. The record of his life is unclouded by a shadow of
wrong or a suspicion of evil, and he is today as true to his duties of
citizenship as when he followed the starry banner upon the battle-fields of
the South'
SIMON P. RUBLE came to Allen county in 1866 from Centre county,
Pennsylvania, which is the place of his nativity, his natal day being
February 5, 1840. The family is of German lineage and was founded in
America b}' the great-grandfather of our subject, who was born in Germany,
but crossed the Atlantic to the new world and participated in the early
Indian wars which form an important chapter in the annals of America.
His son, Peter Ruble, and grandfather of our subject, was born in Mifflin
county, Pennsylvania, and served with the American army in the war of
1S12. His early political support was given the Whig party, and on its
dissolution he joined the Republican party. He read extensively and
always kept well informed on the issues and questions of the day,
political and otherwi.se. He was married in Juniata county, Pennsylvania,
and unto them were born four sons and two daughters, namely: Mrs.
4t2 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Hartswick, Mrs. Basor, John, Peter, Michael and Mathias. Tht- fatlier
passed away in 1882.
Of his family, Peter Ruble Jr., became the father of our subject. He
was born and reared in Centre county, Pennsylvania, and throuijhout his
life carried on agricultural pursuits. He entered upon his independent
business career without capital, save a strong constitution and a willingness
to work, yet .steadily he advanced on the road to affluence, becoming one
of the wealthy farmers of Centre county. He died March 3, 1877, at the
age of seventy-three years His wife bore the maiden name of Margaret
Meas, and was a daughter of Martin Meas, who was formerly connected
with the Valentine Iron Works, of Centre county. Three children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Ruble: Simon P.; James, who died leaving a family
at State College, Centre county, Pennsylvania: and Margaret, who became
the wife of William Love, and' at her death left a family in Center county.
Simon P. Ruble was educated in the common schools of his native
county, and remained upon his father's farm until twenty-three years of
age, when he purchased a mill, which he operated for eight years. After
traveling for a number of years in different states, he came to Kansas in
1884, locating in Allen county. He purchased what is known as the
Weller farm, adjoining lola, and still resides upon that property, devoting
his time to its further cultivation and improvement. He is systematic and
methodical in his business and has achieved creditable success.
On Christmas Day, of 1866, in Pennsylvania, Mr. Ruble was united
in marriage to Miss EUeu Lee, a daughter of John Lee. who was one of the
early settlers of Centre county and who married Miss Jane Livingston. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Ruble have been born eight children, five sons and three
daughters, namely: Anna, wife of Prof. J. W. Stevens, of the agricul-
tural College at Stillwater, Oklahoma; James, who is connected with the
smelters at Cherry vale, Kansas; Calvin, who is with the Lanyon Zinc
Company, of lola; Mamie Bertha, Elmer, Ella and Grace, who are still at
home. Mr. Ruble always votes the Republican ticket. He has filled the
office of justice of the peace and has several times served as a school officer.
As the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well, and his
life illustrates what may be accomplished through consecutive effort when
guided by practical business judgment.
WILLIAM J. DONNAN, of LaHarpe, one of Elm township's
thorough-going and representative farmers, came into Allen
county September 12, 1879, and located upon the north-west quarter of
section 11, township 24, range 19. This tract was formerly the property of
W. H. Arnett but when it came into the hands of Mr. Donnan it had
scarcely the semblance of improvements and might with propriety be termed
an unimproved farm. Those who remember it then and who look upon it
now will acknowledge the wonderful change which has been wrought in
little more than a generation.
Mr. Donnan came from Livingston county. New York, where he was
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 4I3
born November 7, 1854. His father, John A. Donnan. was born in the
same county in 1819 and died there in 1S96. He began life as a farmer
and ended it as such and his resources through life were ample to provide
ior the wants of himself and family. He was descended from the Scotch
■of New York and was a son of John Donnan, born at Amsterdam, that
■state. The latter died in 1870. His early life was passed in the tanning
business but he grevv out of this and into a farmer. He moved into Liv-
ingston county before Rochester was founded.
John A. Donnan married Mary Milioy, a daughter of John Milroy.
The father came to the United States from Scotland in 1819. He settled
in Livingston county and three generations of the familj- reside on the old
homestead. John A. Donnan's heirs are; William J. ; John M. , of York.
New York ; George A., of York, and Annie, wife of C. H. Hacknej-, of
LaHarpe.
Our subject spent his j'outh on his father's farm. He separated from
the old home at twenty-two and began life as a farm hand. This was his
chief employment while he remained in the east and for a time after com-
ing to Kansas. January 5, 1894, he was married to Eliza D. Brister, a
daughter of Thomas Brister, of Elm township. Their only child is Zoe
B. Donnan.
The political history of the Donnans is one unbroken record of Repub-
licanism. The pioneer Republicans of the family came into the party from
the Whigs and they are of the patriotic and public-spirited people of their
communities.
'"pHE RITTER BROTHERS.— In September 1882 two boys, Chris
-'- Ritter and John Ritter, came to Kansas from their home in Clark
county, Illinois.
The town of Bronson had only been founded a short time and it was
here these pioneer representatives of the Ritter family in Kansas, first
located. They came from a family of farmers both having been born and
raised on a farm in Illinois. Having no relatives in the West they located
inMarmaton and Elsmore townships where for some years they made their
home with the Welkers and Fords and other Clark county, Illinois, people
who had located in Kansas. At that time the Rocklow school was with-
out a teacher. A few days after his arrival in the State, Chris was em-
plo> ed as teacher for the winter term of school. Rocklow was then famous
for one thing, that was its big bad boys.
John Ritter secured a position with William Davis and Sam Stout to
help them run their threshing machine. At that time the millet was not
threshed until during the winter for granaries and barns were unknown.
Grain was kept stored in the stack until a market was found for it. In the
following January while threshing millet on the farm of D. W. Youngs, in
Spring Valley, John Ritter accidentally had his right hand torn off by
_(.I4 HISTORY OF ALLEX AND
getting it caught in the side gear of an old horse power machine. He was
then but a boy, six hundred miles from home and among strangers Bo}';f
with less pluck and determination would have given up the battle in the
West and returned to the parental roof, but not so with John Ritter.
During the next summer and even before his wounded arm had en-
tirely healed he secured work on the farm and continued in that capacity
for several years. In about i8qo he together with his brother Chris bought
a livery stable in Bronson and he entered into that business which he fol-
lowed very successfully for several years, afterwards buying a livery stable
in lola. He moved to that city and has been in the livery business ever
since. In 1891 he married Delana Evans, a daughter of Jesse Evans, for
years one of the leading men of Bronson.
Chris Ritter taught school in Rocklow and Stony Point, the adjoining
district, for four years. He farmed during the summer season and in 1888
quit teaching and devoted himself entirely to farming and stock raising.
When the Alliance and kindred Farmer's organizations were organized
in 1889 and 1890 he took an active part and was President of the first
County Alliance of Allen county. During the summer of 1890 when the
Farmer's Alliance movement began to take shape as a political organiza-
tion, he together with "Doc" Aitken issued a call for a mass convention in
lola to organize the Peoples Party in this county. When the party was
organized in the Second Congressional District he was the only delegate
from Allen county to that convention which was held in Fort Scott. In
September, 1890, Chris Ritter sold his farming outfit and stock and moved
to Bronson to take up the study of law. He was elected Ju.stice of the
Peace in the election that fall and when the town of Bronson was incor-
porated as a city of the third class the following spring he was elected
Police Judge. In September, 1S91, he was admitted to the bar in the Dis-
trict Court of Bourbon county of which Hon. S. H. Allen, afterwards Jus-
tice of the Supreme Court, was then Judge. During the winter of 1891 he
made a trip to Oklahoma to look up a better country to .settle in but came
back satisfied that lola and Allen county were good enough. In April,
1S92, he moved to lola and opened up a law office. At that time the
Farmer's Friend, the Populist newspaper, was in hard lines and the pub-
lishers, Wixon Brothe' s, had announced their intention to discontinue the
paper. Mr. Ritter at once realized that the Peoples Party in Allen county
needed the Farmer's Friend. He had some newspaper experience, having
done considerable work on the local paper at Bronson while he lived there.
Largely through his efforts others were interested in the Farmer's Friend
and its publication continued with S. D. Bartlett as editor and himself as-
sociate editor.
Mr. Bartlett severed his connection with the paper later on and Mr.
Ritter assumed charge of it. The Allen County Herald, a Democratic
paper pu'olished in lola at that time, was absorbed by him and consolidated
with the Farmer's Friend. The business of a Populist lawyer and weekly
newspaper of the same political faith seem to go well together and Mr. Ritter
C(3ntinued them for many years. In 1896 he was nominated by his party for
WOODSON COOxN'TIES, KANSAS. 415
County Attorney and endorsed by the Democrats and elected. After his
term expired he a.a;aiii took up his private practice and newspaper work
and is still at it.
Among the young ladies who attended the Rocklow school during the
time Mr. Ritter taught it was Miss Hattie Welker. In 1893 Mr. Ritter
made a trip to Minnesota where Miss Welker was vi.siting relatives and
they returned married, very much to the surprise of their friends and rela-
tives here. They have two girls, Neva and Casandra. They live in a
pleasant home at the corner of Broadway and South Elm, in lola.
T~\ELMER PIERCE NORTHRUP, chief of the mercantile interests of
-I — ' the Northrup estate and son of the late L. L. Northrup, was born in
lola July 20, 1867. His birth occurred in the house which is the residence
of Dr. Fulton on North street, and all the years of his youth and middle
life have been passed in lola. He passed through the grades of the city
schools, almost to graduation, and, at the age of eighteen, took a permanent
position in the store of O. P. Northrup & Company. This was not a new
experience for him for his father had been a merchant many years before
and either conducted a business or had an interest in one all the years he
lived in lola and thus his sons grew up in the business. When the
Northrup interests were separated into distinct departments our subject
became the head of the dr3'goods division. He was amply equipped to ac-
cept the responsibility and "Northrups" has continued to be, as in the
past, the popular trading point in the gas belt.
The firm of Northrup Brothers came into existence in iSgo as succes-
sors to O. P. Northrup & Company and is composed of F. A., L. L. and
D. P. Northrup. The special educational equipment of our subject for
an_v line or department of the Northrup interests was .secured in Eastman
Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York. He took a course there in
1885 in which he secured that thorough drill necessary to convert theory
into practice.
Mr. Northrup's interest in matters pertaining to lola is a lively and
growing one. His mind is on his store by day, with his family at night
and on lola all the time. He has aided liberally an)- movement to adver-
tise his town or to make it bigger and better. He is fond of sport and he
enthuses over baseball and the fair. He is interested in the cause of labor
and encourages its efforts and entertainment in lola. He believes in high-
er education and represents the third ward on the Board of Education. He
is in sympathy with fraternities and is in good standing with the Knights
of Pythias and the Elks. He is a man with strong likes and dislikes and
while his friends are legion you can count his enemies on the fingers of one
hand. In politics he is a Republican in State and National matters but in
local affairs his ticket often suffers some modifiation to adjust it to his
4l6 , HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
views. His universal popularitj' is attested by his election, without oppo-
sition to a place on the Board of Education in 1899.
October 9, 18S9, Mr. Northrup was married in Ida to Docia, daughter
of Riley Young. Mrs. Northrup was born in Allen county June 9, i86g.
The children of this union are: Gladys Young, born July 29, 1S90; Lewi.s
O., born January 28, 1893, and Lillian, born June 29, 1896.
CONSTANTINE G. MULL, is one of Allen county's early settlers.
He came amongst the pioneers of this county in 1866 and settled in
Carlyle township on a farm in section 25. township 23, range 18. He was
reared a farmer and when he established himself in the new west it was but
natural that he should turn his attention to the farm and field. He had
had ample training and it was not surprising that he should succeed. He
remained with the farm for nearly thirty years, leaving it only when the
death of his wife deprived him of a companion and rendered the old home
dreary and depressing.
Mr. Mull was born near Rockville, Indiana, October 3, 1842. His
father was Jacob Mull, born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and a
country school-mate of James Buchanan, the fifteenth President of the
United States. Mr. Mull was born November 5, 1805, was married in
Lancaster county about 1836 and removed to Columbiana county, Ohio. In
1840 he settled in Parke county, Indiana, where he became one of the
prominent and successful farmers of his day. He spent his last years in
Rockville, dying there in 1874. He was a son of Nicholas Mull, a German
by birth who died near the place of his settlement in Pennsylvania. He
seems to have had an only son, Jacob, who.se sons, alone, bear the family
name of this American branch,
Jacob Mull married Mary A. Durrah, whose father, William Durrah,
was a tailor in Columbiana county, Ohio. Mary A. Mull died at Rock-
ville, Indiana, in 1885, at the age of seventy-three years. Her children
are: Elizabeth, wife of Henry Burford, of Marshall, Indiana; Lucinda,
widow of J. F. Clark, of Rockville, Indiana; Susan, deceased, married
William Snell; William D. Mull, who was killed by a maniac while sheriff
of Parke county, Indiana; David H. Mull, of Mercer county, Missouri; Con
G.; Martha, widow of William Elliott, ol Rockville, Indiana; John, who
died in Montgomery county, Kansas; Henry, on the old home in Indiana,
and Martin Mull, who was killed at Ingalls, Kansas, by an accidental
shot.
Our subject possessed the advantages only of the country youth of the
early days in Indiana. When he left home it was to go into the army.
He enlisted in Company F, Eleventh Cavalry, Colonel "Bob" Stewart, of
Terre Haute. He was mustered in at Indianapolis and his regiment was
sent south to General Thomas' army. His company was so situated that
his first year or more was spent fighting Bushwhackers. The first Rebel
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 417
commander to engage their attention was General Joe Wheeler. The main
campaign in which the Eleventh was engaged was the one at Franklin and
Nashville, Tennessee, and at the latter place Mr. Mull was discharged
after two years of service. This military experience served to stimulate in
him a desire for other similar service later on and when the opportunity
came to join a Kansas regiment to fight the Indians and recapture the
white women who had been taken by them he enlisted in the famous Nine-
teenth Kansas. He was on the march through Te.Kas and the Territory
where their mission was accomplished. The women were surrendered and
the campaign ended with the close of winter. The winter of 1868 was a
long and cold one and those who saw service in the marching across the
trackless plains, through snow and ice and under the protection of Heaven
alone, are to be praised for their heroism and revered for their self-
sacrifices.
Mr. Mull brought a small l^um of money with him to Kansas. He in-
vested it in wild prairie and out of this he proceeded to develop a home.
When he had done this he found it agreeable to himself to entertain matri-
monial thoughts. He made the acquaintance of Miss Laura Adams and
married her at Carlyle in September 1871. Mrs. Mull was a native of
Parke county, Indiana, and died without heirs, 1891. In November 1896,
Mr. Mull married Mrs. Ella Curnutt.
Mr. Mull is an enthusiastic Grand Army man and his Republican pro-
clivities are among his pronounced characteristics.
A RTHUR LEROY TAYLOR, of lola, whose career of above thirty
-^~^ years in Kansas, has established for himself a reputation for business
and a character for integrity, unimpeached, throughout southeast Kansas,
is particularly well known to the lumber trade of this section. Long years
of connection with these interests have not conspired to bring about this
prominence so much as the spirit with which he conducts his business and
the enthusiasm which he maintains for the success of the "Hoo Hoo"
tribe. His long residence in Kansas almost makes him a pioneer yet he
has accomplished mote for his locality than many pioneers and his
individuality is firmly stamped upon whatever is honored with his serious
attention.
Rock Island, Illinois, is the birthplace of Arthur L. Taylor. He was
born April 5, 1S48, was reared in the country, largely, and is a son of
Clinton G. Taylor. The latter went into Rock Island county in 1842 from
Jefferson county, New York. He was born in the Empire State in 1809
and of English descent. Our subject's great-grandfather was a soldier of
the American Revolution.
Clinton G. Taylor was a self-made man, a teacher in early life and
taught one of the first schools to be held in Rock Island county. He was
one of the conspicuous men of the early days in western Illinois, was a
4lS - HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Wiiig and, later, a Republican, and was appointed b}- the Lincoln adminis-
tration Revenue Assessor in that State. He died in Galesbiirg, Illinois, in
1SS4. He was a strict Presbyterian and his son. Rev. Mark B. Taylor,
is a prominent Congregational clergyman, of Brooklyn, New York. He
married Eliza M., a daughter of Asa Barnes, of Jefferson county. New York.
Mrs. Taylor resides in Ottawa, Kansas. She was born in iSio.
Clinton G. Taylor was the father of Mrs. F. A. Cobb, of Ireton, Iowa;
Mrs. A. P. Gibson, of Neosho county, Kansas; Rev. Mark B. Taylor, Past
Chaplain of- the National Grand Army of the Republic; Arthur L. and Mrs.
Ella Tabor, of Ottawa, Kansas.
Arthur L. Taylor spent the first twenty-one years of his life on the
farm and was schooled in such institutions as were common to sons of farmers
from 1855 to 1865. With the money he made at farming a rented place
the year he became of age he attended Bryant and Stratton's College at
Davenport, Iowa. He spent the following season at farming and, deciding
to come to the western prairies, he drove a mule team through, in 1869, to
Neosho county, Kansas. The first three years in Kansas were devoted to
farming — at that time his favorite calling. He had the experience of every
country youth in Kansas in the early 70's, that of breaking prairie with
Texas steers. To this he owes the cultivation of his wonderful stock of
patience, and, if he has departed from the training which he received at
ins mother's knee, it was this that caused it. In 1872 he was appointed
Deputy County Clerk of Neosho county and served as such, and as Deputy
County Treasurer, four years. In these capacities his natural business
ability was given an opportunity to shine. His familiarity with the affairs
of the county and his pronounced views with reference to the proper con-
duct of the public business rendered him a formidable candidate for County
Commissioner without his encouragement or consent. In 1876 he was elected
to that office and served the county ten years, continuously, with great
ability and fidelity. Mr. Taylor was a Republican the first five years of his
majority but he fell out with the tariff, believing it to be "legalized
robbery" and he became a Democrat. His election as County Commission-
er occurred in a Republican district and while serving as such he was in the
lumber business at Osage Mission, now St. Paul, Kansas.
In 1888 Mr. Taylor bought the S. A. Brown lumber yard in lola and
that year began a residence there which has been mutually profitable and
pleasant to himself and his townsmen. Two years after his advent to the
city he was elected to the Council and was chosen Mayor in 1897. He is
one of the active members of the Commercial Club, and its President, and
is the shaft which drives the machinery of the Allen County Fair Associa-
tion. This latter not only requires days of unremitting toil but nights of
worry and unrest, besides a yearly financial outlay. He has witnessed its
periods of temporary adversity and has beheld its era of great success and
popularity.
Mr. Taylor was first married January i, 1S74, to Annie, a daughter of
Dr. G. W. McMillin, whose former home was in Lexington, Kentucky.
Mrs. Taylor was born in Lexington in 1851 and died in lola January 23,
WOODSON COUNTIE!!, KANSAS. 419
1893. Her children are: Ella, wife of Adlai Evving, was born August i,
1875; Clinton G., married to Pearl M. Harkness, was born September 15,
1877, and is associated with his father in business; Ray, born July 9,
1883; Irene, born Novembers, 1886, and Genevieve, born June 18, 1891.
Mr. Taylor was married June 24, 1896, to Mrs. Julia Archibald, a daugh-
ter of \V. B. Alcock, of Marietta, Ohio. Mrs. Taylor was one of the suc-
cessful and popular teachers in the lola schools foi some years.
r>HARI.ES CALVIN AUSHERMAN, of lola, junior member of the
^~-^ well known firm of Cowan & Ausherman, and Allen county's popu-
lar ex-sherifi, came into the county in 1880, a young man just turned
twenty-one. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, March 11, 1859,
and spent his first sixteen years in the famous Middletown Valley. The
Aushermans were among the early and thrifty settlers of that valley and
were, as the name indicates, of German origin. The growing of grain and
the raising of stock took up their time and attention and their prominence
as such was a matter of common report during the first half of the present
century. They were Whigs in politics and Dunkards in religion.
John Ausherman, our subject's grandfather, was born in the Valley
and died there in 1864 at the age of seventy two years. His wife was
Ldiay Arnold, and his children were twelve in number. John Ausherman's
father was a German who settled in Middletown Valley during the closing
vears of the i8th century and his children were: John, Henry, David and
Mrs. Slifer.
Samuel Ausherman, our subject's father, was born near Middletown,
February i, 1834, f^^d died in Bourbon county, Kansas, September 15,
1891. He was married in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1856 to Malinda
C, a daughter of Daniel Leazer. In 1875 Mr. Ausherman left Maryland
for the west and located near Springfield, Missouri. In 1S80 he came to
the vicinity of lola and in 1887 removed to Berlin. Bourbon county, and
there died. Like his ancestors, Mr. Ausherman devoted himself to the
farm and kindred enterprises and at times made money and at times lost.
He became a Republican early in the history of that partj' and was a man of
positive and outspoken convictions. His sons are holding up the banner
with credit to the family name and are honored citizens of their respective
communities.
The Leazers were also German. Daniel Leazer, or subject's maternal
grandfather, was a well known blacksmith of the Valley and married Mary
Gaver. Of their seven children Malinda C, was then seventh. She was
born in 1838 and resides in lola. Her children are: Ella, wife of John
Moore, of Bourbon county, Kansas; Charles C; Benjamin M.. a leading
lawyer of Evanston, Wyoming; Alta May, wife of Henry W. Lambeth, of
Allen county; Will C, a grocer in Salt Lake, Utah, and Miss Kate Ausher-
man, one of lola's talented teachers in the public schools.
Charles C. Ausherman received a common school education. He
420 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
knew no business but farming till he was twenty-five 3'ears old. He began
his career as a merchant in lola, with Hart & Welch. His next employ-
er was D. B. Stephens and. finally, he became the trusted clerk of Cowan &
Marsh. When Cowan & Norris entered into a partnership Mr. Ausher-
man's name became second in the firm. In 1887 the firm of Cowan &
Ausherman was formed and is one of the substantial concerns of the city.
Mr. Ausherman is the active head of the institution and to his popularity is"
due, in great measure, the prosperity and perpetuity of the firm.
The fact that C. C. Ausherman got into politics when he became a
voter and immediately acquired a following seems "a matter of course."
His personal magnetism and his evident sincerity of purpose are the quali-
ties necessary to leadership and it is but natural that he should become a
prominent factor in the manipulation of party affairs. He was township
clerk some years ago and when the county campaign of 1893 approached
his friends insisted upon his candidacy for the office of Sheriff. He ulti-
mately consented and won the nomination easily, and the election by a
majority of 234 votes. His administration of the office was so efficient as
to win him a second election by a majority of 913 votes, and he left the
office the most popular ex-Sheriff of Allen county. He has served on the
lola city Council, both before and since its charter as a second class city,
and represented the first ward till 1900. His attitude toward his city is
that of a public-spirited and progressive citizen. Worthy enterprises ap-
peal to his liberality and worthy charities his financial support. He
is well know as an Odd Fellow and is prominent in the "Knights and
Ladies" order.
Mr. Ausherman was married December 20, 1S93, in Coffey ville, Kan-
sas, by Rev. Freed, to Sadie J. Proctor. Her father was Richard Proctor
and her mother, Elizabeth Bratton. They were Kentucky people and
came to Allen county in 1S81. Mrs. Ausherman was born March 22; 1870.
Harold P. Ausherman, our subject's only child, was born February 8, 1S98.
JOHN SCHLIMMER, one of the substantial German-Americans of Mar-
maton township, has passed a quarter of a century in Allen county,
upon section 3, town 24, range 20. He came to Kansas in 1S75 from
Hamilton county, Ohio, and was in company with a colony of settlers who
located in both Allen and Anderson counties. He was not a farmer by
training but conditions in this new country pointed to success in farming,
if the proper energy and industry were present, and knowing that he pos-
sessed both these qualities Mr. Schliramer did not hesitate to try the ex-
periment. With what success he has met it is sufficient to note the
increased acreage of his farm and the improvements and the stock that are
found thereon.
Mr. Schlimmer was born in Kur Hessen, Germany, October 24, 1839.
He was a vouth of seventeen when he started for the United States and his
■WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 42 r
■destination was Cincinnati. He worked as a journeyman blacksmith for
Mr. Stacey, on Walnut Hill, Cincinnati, five years and then established a
blacksmith and wagon shop on the same hill. In the fifteen j-ears that he
•conducted it he accumulated the surplus ca.sh he invested in his Kansas
farm. Mr. vSchlimmer left Germany alone with only scant means to pay
his passage but a fair knowledge of the trade he expected to follow. He
sailed from Bremen aboaid the Harmonia, bound for Baltimore. He
stopped a week in Frostburg, Maryland, to visit friends and then con-
tinued his journey to Cincinnati.
Mr. Schlimmer's father, John Schlimmer, was a farmer and three of
his six children are in the United States, viz.: Adam, of St. Joe, Missouri;
John, and Henry Schlimmer, of Ansonia, Ohio. Mary, Elizabeth and
Christ Schlimmer are in Germany.
Our subject was married in Cincinnati in 1861 to Elizabeth Neibert,
who was born in the .same locality with her hu.sband. Their children are:
Mary, wife of Fred Bratts, of Moran, Kansas; Conrad and Elizabeth
Schlimmer.
Mr. Schlimmer's first vote was cast for Mr. Lincoln in 1S60 and his
ballot has been counted at each Presidential election since.
"TDOBERT ZIMMERMAN— The subject of this sketch furnishes a strik-
■*- *~ ing example of what energy', coupled with tenacity and good judg-
ment, can accomplish upon a Kansas farm. Twenty years ago Robert
Zimmerman was not a citizen of Kansas. He was a poor laborer struggling
with adversity in the mining district of Bureau county, Illinois. He came
to the latter place an ignorant, inexperienced young Swiss in the hope of
improving a condition of perpetual servitude in his native Switzerland, He
was born of poor parents May 6, 1845, and had acquired such school and
other advantages, at his twenty-first year, as were common to children in
his station. His father, Jacob Zimmerman, died when our subject was
a small boy and the needs of the family could only be provided for through
the diligence and industry of the children. Robert was one of four and
next to the youngest child. In his youth he got into the silver mines of
Switzerland and eked out an existence for some years. At the age of
twenty-three he decided to come to the United States, if he could make
arrangements for the passage money. He secured a loan from a friend
upon the promise that it should be returned out of the first money earned
in America. He reached this country in 1869 and went direct to the
Illinois coal fields and secured work in the LaSalle mines. When he had
repaid his passage money he laid by his earnings and soon brought over
the mother, one sister and two brothers. The family circle was again
united and he devoted his energies to providing the means for a permanent
home. By the year iSSi he had amassed a modest sum and with it he
came to the friend of the poor man, Kansas. He purchased an unimproved
422 fflSTORY OF ALLEN" AND
eisht}' cheap and from thenceforward was a farmer. His beginnings were-
verv humble and his first years in Kansas were in the nature of a struggle
for comfortable existence. He laid then the foundation for the comfortable
surroundings, which are his in the years of his decline, and solved well the
first problems in American agriculture. Each year found him a trifle in
advance of the year before. His accumulations were invested in more
land, from time to time, and he now pays taxes on a half section, one of
the good farms on Big Creek. With his surroundings he presents, to a
marked degree, an appearance of thrift and comfort. His cribs and mows
are filled with the products of the farm and his yards of stock indicate from
whence comes the reward for his toil. By close application he has reached a
condition of financial independence exceeded by few farmers in his town-
ship and he is regarded as one of the full-handed farmers of Elsmore.
In 187 1 Mr. Zimmerman was married to Christina Thomas. Their
family is a large one, twelve of their thirteen children being alive. They
are Christina, Mary, John, Lillie, Clara, Thomas, Ella, Victoria, Olga,.
Julia, Nellie and Eva. Nine of the number are with the family home while
three are married and building homes for themselves.
GAYLORD ROBINSON, highly regarded among the business men of
lola, and universally respected as a citizen, came to Allen county
March i, 1870. He came out of Illinois, his native state, being born in
Peoria county, November 21, 1S41. His father, George Robinson, was a
farmer who located in Peoria county in 1835 and opened up a pre-emption
claim upon which he reared his family. He was born in Otsego county.
New York, and the son of an Irishman. His birth occurred in 1794 and
his death on his Illinois farm in 1S72. He was a plain quiet citizen, with-
out fuss or show or desire for place. He was reasonably successful in his
vocation and brought up his children to be useful men and women. His
brothers were: Thomas, John, David, Matthew and Charles. Thomas.
David and Charles left no families.
George Robinson married Maria Gaylord who died in 1873, leaving
the following children: William, of Brimfield, Illinois; Thomas, deceased;
Abigail, deceased, wife of C. C. Cady; Eliza, wife of N. Dunlap, resides in
Duulap, Illinois; Harriet, now Mrs. J. M. Miller, of Galva, Illinois;
Charles, of Memphis, Tennessee; Lucy, wife ol J. A. Nelson, of Benton,
Iowa; Fannie, of Webb City, Missouri, wife of R. Loeb; David Robinson,
of lola; George, of Webb City, Missouri; M. Gaylord; Emeline, deceased,
married the late James L. Woodin, of lola.
Until his entering the volunteer army Gaylord Robinson was a farmer.
He enlisted August 11, 1862, at Peoria, Illinois, in Company G, Seventy-
seventh Illinois Infantry, Captain John D. Rouse, Colonel D. P. Greer, 13th
Army Corps. His regiment was in the Aimy of the Tennessee till the
surrender of Vicksburg when it was placed in the department of the Gulf.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 403
His division was the first to cross the Mississippi river when Grant's army
■was getting into the rear of Vicksburg. His first battle was at Arkansas
Post, then followed Port Gibson and the other bloody ones leading up to
the capture of Vicksburg. The Seventy-Seventh went to Matagorda Bay,
Texas, late in the summer of 1S63 but returned east in time to take part in
Banks Expedition. At the battle of Sabine Cross Roads in this campaign
our subject was captured and was confined in the Confederate military
stockade at Tyler, Texas, till the end of the war. He was turned over to
the Federal authorities in May and was mustered out July 6, 1865. He
returned to civil pursuits in Illinois at once He took up the trade of
wagon-maker at Galva, with his brother and left the shop there to come to
Kansas. He reached lola with a capital of about thirty-five dollars.. He
did some building that summer but in the fall went into the wagon shop of
Winans & Nay lor. He was a.ssoeiated with L. H. Gorrell for a time in
shop work and was joined by Weith & Cozine some years latter. The
Tiext five years Mr. Robinson spent on a farm near Ida which he traded, in
1SS5, for his lola residence. He owns the west half of block 59, some of
the most valuable property in the city.
Mr. Robinson was married in lola March i, 1S76, to Elnora I. Proctor.
Their children are: Agnes, wife John Thompson, and TheoP.
Mr. Robinson has taken a prominent and sinceie interest in public
affairs in lola, having served on both the City Council and the Board of
Education. He is a reliable and conservative business man and it is well
for Ida that his lot has been cast with her.
["ACOB H. LADD.— The late Jacob H. Ladd, of lola, was born in Lees-
*-' burg, Highland county, Ohio, February 23, 1843. He was a farmer's
son and resided on the family homestead until November 9, 1868, when he
started for Verdi, Kansas. He remained there only temporarily and came
to lola in December following. He was a carpenter and wagon makei and
engaged in that business in this city. He died March 6, 1884. He was
married December 7, 1871 , to Amelia DeMoss, a daughter of Dr. Morton
DeMoss, one of the early phj'sicians of lola. Mr. Ladd's children are:
Delia Ladd, of lola; John Ladd, of Sheridan, Wyoming; Mabel L,., wife of
L. C. Beatty, of lola, and Jacob Ladd, of Tola.
ALTES H. CAMPBELL.— Conspicuous among the attorneys at the bar
of the Seventh Jadicial District of Kansas is Altes H. Campbell.
Born in Allen county, two miles east of Carlyle, on the 4th of May, 1862,
he is all but a pioneer. His father, James H. Campbell, located in that
county in i860, settling on Deer Creek where, between farming and law,
424 HISTORY OF ALLEK AND
Ite reared and maintained his family. He was an emigrant from Switzer-
land county, Indiana, where he was born in 1818 and reared and educated-
He was a so-n of William Campbell, a relative of Colonel Harrod, who
founded Harrodsburg, Kentucky, and with others came from South Caro-
lina to aid in the founding of that city, about the time of Boone's period of
greatest adventures. James H. Campbell was admiUed to the bar in In-
diana. In 1 866 he wis elected coanty attorney of Allen county and when
his term^ e.-4pired he was sent to the Kansis State L,egisliture by the Repub-
licans of his county. He practiced law till 1872 when he engaged in farm-
ing and stock raising in Anderson county, Kansas, afterwards removing to
Colony, in that county, and later to lola where he died in 1889. In i860
Bethia A. Simpson became the wife of James H. Campbell, She was a
daughter of Matthew Simpson, a cousin of Bishop Simpson, of the Method-
ist denomination. Matthew Simpson was one of the early educators of
Allen county and was, for a time, Superintendent of Public Instruction.
He was a man of strong personality, was a pioneer among teachers and
impressed the boys and girls of the early seventies, in Allen county, with
the seriousness of his cause.
Of the seven children born to James H. and Mrs. Campbell only three
survive: Altes H., Mary J. and James H. Campbell. The last named is
•one of the firm of Campbell & Burrell, druggists, of lola, and the mother,
brothers and sister all live in the same yard.
A. H. Campbell passed his early life amid the environment3]of the farm.
The common schools are responsible for his education and when he left the
farm it was to take a clerkship in Colony, Kansas. Foilowing this employ-
ment he was placed in charge of a steam hay-presj ani operated it till i8 S2
when his uncle, "Cy" Simpson, appointed him to a position in the lola
post office. His preparation for the law had been going on all the time he
was baling hay around Colony and his spare hours while in the post office
were passed pouring ovei Blackstone, Walker's American Law etc. In
1884 he left the post office and went into the office of A. C. Bogle, a
leading attorney of lola at the time, and under his direction carried on a
course of systematic reading, continuing the same later with Hon. Henry
A. Ewing, a prominent member of the bar of Allen county. In August
1885 he was admitted to the bar before Judge L,eander Stillweil.
"Alt" Campbell was poor, almost to poveity, when he was struggling
for admission to the bar, and after his admi.ssion found it necessary to sup-
Dlement his legal earnings by taking employment outside of his profession.
He mastered stenography by study from the book without a teacher and
did considerable court reporting. A few months he was cashier of the
Bank of Allen County and when lola took on her first Democratic post-
master he was invited into the office to give direction to the initial move-
ments of the office force. Among the first acts in his professional career
was to form a partnership with Hon. Charles E. Benton, then of lola but
now Assistant Attorney of the Missouri Pacific Railroad with office at Fort
Scott. The firm of Benton & Campbell gave way and that of Campbell &
Hankins succeeded it. Campbell & Porter followed and was terminated
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 435
by the untimely death of John Porter. In 1900 .Mr. Campbell associated
with him John F. Goshorn, County Attorney of Allen county.
Mr. Campbell is admitted to practice before all the courts of the state,
and in the United States Circuit and District courts. From 1S93 '^° ''*^95
he served as County Attorney, beinj^ elected as a Democrat, and has filled
the office of City Attorney of loli three terras and w.is elected Mayor of the
city in April 1901. Politically he was always a Democrat until the adop-
tion of the Chicago platform in 1896 when he left that party and cast his
lot with the Republicans.
June 12, 1888, Mr. Campbell married Mrs. Mary Jeanette English, a
daughter of Cyrus ,S. Potter, one of the well known citizens of lola and
formerly of Watertown, New York. Mrs. Potter was Mi.ss Adelaide E.
Wafiel and their children are: "Nettie" Campbell, wife of our subject;
Bert Potter, of lola; Irwin Potter, of Coffeyville, Kansas, and Rev. Leslie
Potter, Rector of Grace Church in Kirkwood, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs.
Campbell's children are Leslie J., Carl B. and Helen.
In summing up the life of one whose race is only half run it is our
privilege to touch slightly upon the attributes which form the mental com-
position, and thus the character, of him whose name introduces this review.
Reared without wealth, but in honor, Alt Campbell chose the paths of
rectitude and virtue. He was ever a gentleman and when his preparation
for life had been completed and he took his station among the men of his
county it was with the determination to shun duplicity and avoid dishonor.
In his profession his clientage has been drawn to him not only because
he was learned in the law but because of his sincerity as a counsellor and
of his standing and ability before the court.
As a citizen of lola Mr. Campbell has an abiding faith in the future of
his town and whatever aid he can render is done without expectation of
reward. He is a Mason and Odd Fellow, a Workman and a member of
other fraternal associations. In the business circle of his community his
substantial worth is a matter of common recognition, and in his home his
family possesses a loyal, indulgent and devoted head.
NIMROD HANKINS, of lola, among .\llen county's venerable pio-
neers and a gentleman who has performed his part in the moral,
material and political upbuilding of his county, was born in Vermillion
C3unty, Illinois, March i, 18.51. He is a son of Fielden L. Hankins, a
Virginian, and a farmer and soldier of the war of 1812. The latter was
married to Miss Fannie Drury, a lady of Virginia birth and of the age of
her husband. This union was productive of eight children, three sons and
five daughters, viz: Deborah Hays, who died in lola in 1895 at the age
of eighty-four; Davis Hankins, who died in Andrew county, Missouri, at
the age of sixty years; Wesley Hankins, who died in McDonough county,
Illinois, in 1SS5; Emily Hays, of Leon, Kansas; .\ndrew J. Hankins, of
426 , HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Good Hope, Illinois; Rev. William Hankins, of lola, and Nimrod, our
subject.
Grandfather Druty was a Methodist minister in Virginia, Tennessee
and Kentucky. His wife lived to be near one hundred 3'ears of age.
At the age of seventeen years Nimrod Hankins began life as a farmer
and continued it in Illinois, and in Kansas till recent years. He left Illi-
nois in 1856 and came to Allen count}', Kansas. He located near lola in
the fall of the same year. When the war broke out he enlisted at lola in
Company E, Ninth Kansas Cavalry, October 17, 1S61. The regiment was
commanded by Colonel Lynde and the company by Captain Flescher. He
enlisted as a private but was soon promoted to Orderly Sergeant and later to
First Lieutenant and for six months he was on detail as recruiting officer.
His service was spent largely in running down Bushwhackers, one year of
his enlistment being passed on guard duty along the Missouri and Kansas
line. The regiment was sent south toward the end of the war into Ar-
kansas, stopping at Fort Smith and Little Rock, spending several months
in that state. The regiment was disbanded at Duvalls Bluff and there our
subject was mustered out.
November i, 1855, Mr. Hankins was married to Elizabeth A. Case
who' was born November 20, 1844. She was an Allen county teacher and
a daughter of Aaron and Amelia Case who came to Allen county in 1857
from Franklin count5^ Kansas. Mr. Case came to Kansas in 1852 and was
a trader among the Sac and Fox Indians on the Marias des Cygnes river.
He erected one of the first store buildings in Cofachique and, when that
place seemed destined to die he removed his stock to lola where he fol-
lowed merchandising till his death, December 1862. Mr. Case was born
in Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1822, and was married in 1843 to Amelia
Foster who was born in Clay county, Missouri. His widow resides in Fre-
donia, Kansas. Their children are: William E. Case, a leading merchant
in Fredonia, Kansas; Mrs. Nimrod Hankins; Mrs. Laura E. Hunt, of Fre-
donia; Mrs. Louise J. Hudson, of Fredonia; Mrs. Belle Lakin, of Fort
Scott, Kansas, and Richard Ca.se, of Fredonia.
Mrs. Nimrod Hankins taught a subscription school in Cofachique in
1S59, the first school taught there. Afterward she spent three j'ears in the
public schools of the county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hankins have been born six children, four of whom
survive: William C. Hankins, an attorney and abstracter of lola; Miss
Olive Hankins; Richard N. and George D.
Nimrod Hankins is well known as a Democrat. His ancestors es-
poused the principles of the old time faith and when he came to responsi-
bility and citizenship he followed in their footsteps. His political life has
been as quiet as his social life. He filled the unexpired term of J. L.
Arnold as Probate Judge, by appointment of Governor Lewelling, which is
the sum total of his official service. He is slow of speech, pleasant and
affable in manner, droll at times and full of dry humor. He measures to
the full height of our standard of citizenship and possesses the entire con-
fidence of his neighbors and friends.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 427
/^HARLES F.J. BARTH. — In connection with the pioneer develop-
^-^ ment of the state Charles Frederick Jacob Barth, now deceased, is
worthy of honorable mention. His name is insepaiably interwoven with
the early history of Allen county, and through the years of his residence
here he was a valued citizen who contributed in appreciable measure to the
upbuilding and progress of his community.
A native of Germany, he was born in Udenheim, in Rhine-He.ssen,
January 18, 1837. His father. Charles Frederick Barth, was principal of
the high school of that city, and was a man of strong character and marked
intellectuality. His eldest son, George Barth, is a banker in Frankfort-on-
the-Main, in Germany. Another son, Philip, is a carpenter of New York
City. Their mother was Phillipena Barth. Charles F. J. Barth, of this
review, spent his early boyhood in his native land, and there served an
apprenticeship to the cabinet-making and upholstering trades. At the age
of fourteen he became a member of the German Reformed church and for a
time served as its pianist, having been well trained in music. At the age
of fifteen he secured his father's permission to come to America and sailed
for New York city. There and in Passaic, New Jersey, he followed the
pursuits with which he had become familiar in his native land, and as he
journeyed westward he followed various occupations. In Missouri and
Wisconsin he engaged in farming. He was in the former state at the time
of the Civil war. He responded to the first call for volunteers and served
for several months in the Missouri State Militia. He afterward enlisted in
Company I, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, and was a comrade ot Dr. Gillihan, of
lola. During the early part of his .service he was at the front on the field,
but afterward was promoted to hospital steward. He had previously
studied medicine and had been clerk in a drug store and those qualifica-
tions secured him his positions in the hospital. He received an honorable
discharge at Leavenworth, Kansas, at the close of the war, and immedi-
ately afterward went to White county, Illinois, locating there in Aujrust,
1865. The following year he came to Allen county, and in 1868 took up
his residence on the farm where his family now reside.
At Duvalls Bluff, Arkansas, he had made the acquaintance of Miss
Martha J. Rice, of Carmi, Illinois, who was engaged in teaching at the
former place, and on the 13th of September, 1865, they were married. The
lady was born in Kentucky, December 15, 1843, and is a daughter of
Henry F. Rice, of Carmi, that state. Her father was born in Marion
county, Kentucky, and died near lola in 1880, at the age of sixty-two.
His wife was, in her maidenhood, Mary Kertley Thompson, of Hopkins-
ville, Kentucky. She died in Marion county, Kentucky, in 1852. Unto
our subject and his wife have been born five children: Margaret A., de-
ceased; George H., of lola; Willie C, who is agent of the Rock Island
Railroad, at Broughton, Kansas; Charles F. and Anna E. , who reside with
their mother.
After coming to Allen county, in 1S6S Mr. Barth homesteaded the east
half of ihe southeast quarter of section twelve, lola township, and through-
42S HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
out his remaining days he devoted his energies to farming, cultivating his
fields and improving his place until his life's labors weie ended in death,
January 29, 1900. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, in lola.
and possessed sterling principles of character which were manifest in his
integrity and positive convictions of right and justice in his associations
and dealings with his fellow townsmen, among whom he lived for thirty-
two j'ears. He was a man of domestic tastes, faithful to every home duty,
and he considered no personal sacrifice too great which would enhance the
happiness or promote the welfare of his wife and children. His Christian-
ity was manifest in his interest in the intellectual and spiritual development
of his children, in his faith and trust in God through life, and in his resig-
nation to the Divine will at death. His life stands in exemplification of
the power of integrity and uprightness in the affairs of life and his mem-
orv remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him.
T TARRY BRAGG— To instill into the minds and hearts of the young
-'- -*- respect for great attainments, reverence for great virtues, and to
e.Kcite generous emulation, by holding up as examples for admiration
and imitation the lives of the wise, the great and the good, is commenda-
ble and right. But the field of example should be extended, and lessons
of industry, energ)', usefulness, virtue, honor, the true aims of life and the
sources of happiness, should be gathered and enforced from all the various
provinces of human labor, however humble. Our country is eminently in
need of increasing intelligence in agriculture, commerce and mechanism.
Those great divisions of labors should be rendered not only lucrative and
respectable as they are but honorable and- attractive to the young in all
classes of society. The lives of leading mercliants, farmers, manufacturers,
mechanics, — of all who by honjst labor have achieved success in the differ-
ent occupations, should be written and commended to the young men of
the republic. The path of labor and usefulness should be indicated as the
highway to honor.
Harry Bragg, now one of the leading merchants in southern Kansas,
has attained to his present creditable position entirely through his own
efforts. He was born in Shropshire, England, February 9, 1850. His
father, William M. Bragg, was born in London, England, and was married
to Miss Margaret M. Pace, of Shropshire, in 1844, where he was Master of
a school under the patronage of and maintained by the Duchess of Suther-
land (then Mistress .of the robes to the Queen) on one of their estates in
that count}'. In this position he remained until he came to America in
1852. locating at Bellevue, Iowa. Moving to Kansas in 1869 he took up
320 acres of land and engaged in farming, which occupation he followed
until he moved to Humboldt in 1889, laying aside the arduous duties of a
farmer's life, and at which place he now resides at the age of seventy-eight,
keeping books in the office of his son. His wife died at the age of seventy-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 429
five 3-ears. The\- had nine children, of whom Harr_v was the fourth in
order of birth.
In takiniJ up the personal history of Harry Bragg we present to our
readers the record of one who is very widely and favorably known. He
remained in Iowa during his youth and at the age of twelve years he began
to learn the tinner's trade. When his parents came to Kansas he remained
in the Hawkeye State in order to finish learning his trade, and in 1870 he
came to Humboldt, his father having previously located in Xeosho county.
He secured a situation as tinner in the .shops of Redfield & Signer, with
whom he remained for twenty months, after which he spent six months in
the employ of J. R. Lowey and later was with J. P. Johnson in the hard-
ware business under the firm name of Johnson & Bragg, which connection
was maintained from 1876 until 18S6, when Mr. Bragg purchased his
piartner's interest and has since continued the business alone. He now has
the largest hardware and farm implement store in southern Kansas and is
doing a business of fifty thousand dollars a year. He has followed
most systematic and honorable business methods, and his straight-
forward dealing and moderate prices have gained to him a very liberal
patronage.
Mr. Bragg was married in 1873 to Miss Ella Rouse, a native of Warren
countv. New York. . Her father, N. B. Rouse, removed with his family
from the Empire State to Kansas and in 1S70 came to Humboldt, Kansas.
Mrs. Bragg has indeed been a faithful companion and helpmate to her hus-
band, and to her aid he largelv attributes his success. He had to borrow
two hundred and fifty dollars with which to purchase tools when he began
business in Humboldt, but both he and his wife worked hard, she doing
dressmaking in order to enable him to get a good start. Together they
saved the money, and now as a result of their industry and economy, they
are enabled to enjoy many of th.e comforts and luxuries of life. They have
one child, Lucile. an interesting intelligent and popular young lady of
Humboldt. She was graduated in the high school of this city, afterward
she studied in the State University at Lawrence, and subsequently matricu-
lated in Lombard College at Galesburg, Illinois, where she graduated. She
is now acting as her father's bookkeeper.
In his political affiliations Mr. Bragg is a Republican but has had
neither time nor inclination for public office. He has attended some of the
county conventions, however, and, as every true American citizen should
do, feels an interest in political affairs. Socially he is connected with
the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of
America. He occupies a leading position in business circles in this county
and his record is well worthy- of emulation.
A yfARION INGEIvS was born in Morgan county, Indiana, September
-'-"-'- 17, 1844. His ancestors removed from Pennsylvania to Kentucky,
and thence to Indiana, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of that
430
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
State. Samuel Meraiida, the grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in
the War of 1812. Thomas Ingels. the father of our subject, was a native oi
the Hoosier State, and in 1843 married Miss Elizabeth Meranda. By occu-
pation he was a farmer, following that pursuit throughout his active lite.
He died in 1859, at the age of forty years, while his wife survived until
1895, and passed away at the age of sixty-nine. They had six children, of
whom five are now living, namely: Marion; John, of Center, Indiana; Mrs.
S. R. Gideon, of Washington, D. C; George, of Alva, Oklahoma, and
Samuel, of Hemlock, Indiana.
Elder Ingels was reared upon his father's farm and through the winter
months attended the district schools of the neighborhood until twenty years
of age, when his uncle, James Ingels, sent him to Abingdon College, in
Illinois, where he remained until his graduation. He was educated for the
teacher's profession, but he soon began preaching in connection with his
teaching, and continued so to do foi five \ears, since which time he has
abandoned teaching for preaching the gospel of the Christian church. He
has filled pastorates at Bryant. .Abingdon, Cuba, Lewiston and Illiopolis,
Illinois; and at Leanna, Oswego, Chetopa, North Topeka and Coffeyville,
Kansas. He was united in marriage to Miss Libbie Frazier, June 6, 1869.
Miss Frazier was born in Ursa, Illinois, November 11. 1848. Her father
Lemuel G. Frazier, was a native of Kentucky, but removed to Adams
county, Illinois, when a mere child where he grew to man's estate, raised a
large family and died. He gave his daughter excellent educational priv-
ileges, and in 1873 she was graduated in Abingdon College, with the
degree of bachelor of science. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Ingels has been
blessed with two sons, Thomas L., who married Miss Jennie Little, of
Savonburg, Kansas, and is living on his father's farm; and Harry P., now
twelve years of age.
Elder Ingels continued his ministerial work in Illinois until the fall of
1882, when he came to Kansas and purchased eighty acres of land in east
Cottage Grove township, near Leanna, Allen county. He has made
splendid improvements upon his farm and has a most attractive home,
which stands in the midst of highly cultivated fields. There is also a large
orchard upon his place and all modern improvements, and in the periods
of his rest from the ministerial duties he finds pleasure in the work of
the farm.
He returned to Illinois in 1895 for a period of two years to educate
his son Thomas in Eureka College. During these two years he did
evangelistic work in Michigan and Illinois. He was State Sunday school
evangelist of Kansas for six yeais and is now engaged in evangelistic work
under the State missionary board of the Christian church. Mr. Ingels took
the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1869, and that of Bachelor of Arts in
1873, in Abingdon College and he and his wife taught therein during the
two college years beginning in the fall of 1875. He prepares the lessons
for the Christian Endeavor Quarterly, and does other religious literary
work. He has found in his wife a most able assistant. She is a most
earnest worker in the missionary field, and is president of the Woman's
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 43 I
Christian Board of Missions in Kansas, an important position which she
iias filled for a number of 3^ears. Mr. Ingels is one of the leading ministers
of the Christian church in this State, having filled positions of trust on the
State board of the Interdenominational Sunday school work, and on the State
boards of his own church. He is a man of thoughtful, earnest purpose, of
strong intellectual endowments, of broad charity and kindly nature, and by
all denominations, as well as his own people, is held in the highest regard.
T ACOB ERICSON is a stock and grain farmer, living in Elsmore town-
*J ship, Allen county. He. has always resided in the middle west and is
characterized by the true western spirit of progress and advancement. He
was born in Knoxville, Knox count)-, Illinois. His parents were Ole and
Elna Ericson, both of whom were natives of vSweden. (See sketch of Eric
Ericson.)
In tlie common schools of his native town Jacob Ericson pursued the
studies which fitted him for the practical duties of a business life. He
remained with his parents until he was twenty-eight years of age, farming
till he was twenty-two years of age and mining the next six years. Dur-
ing his boyhood he learned the painter's trade and followed that pursuit
through the summer months, while in the winter season he worked in the
mines. His home, however, was upon a farm and he thereby became
familiar with the labors of the field. He was married in 1888 and after-
ward took up his abode in Knoxville where he engaged in the painting
business through the succeeding period of seven years. During that time
he had saved earnings enough to enable him to come to Kansas, where he
had two brothers living, and purchase a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres. He has made good improvements upon the place and is still adding
to his farming facilities. His farm is located two miles west of Elsmore
and is approaching one of the finest in the entire community, for he is pro-
gressive and enterpiising and as far as passible is adding to his place all
the modern accessories. He raises stock and grain and keeps on hand good
horses to do the farm work.
Before leaving his native State Mr. Ericson was married on the i3tli of
December, 1888, to Miss Hannah Basser, a native of Sweden. She came
alone to America in 1886 at the age of eighteen years, and her parents still
reside in Sweden. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ericson have been born five chil-
dren: Harold E., born in 1889; Herman E., born in 1890; Hazel W., born
in 1893; Glenn H., born in 1896, while Myrtle, the baby, was born Febru-
ary I, 1900. Mr. Ericson is a member of the Modern Woodmen of Ameri-
ca in Elsmore. Like his brothers, who are residing in this count3% he can
claim the distinction of being what the public calls "a self-made man."
He has never had a dollar given him, and from early boyhood has earned
his own living. Labor has been the key which has unlocked to him the
portals of success and from its storehouse he has gained rich treasures. He
is numbered among the valued and respected citizens of his community and
well deserves mention in this volume.
432 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
[ E. JONES, of lola, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania
" • August 6, 1853, and is a representative of an old New Jersey family
of Welsh lineage. His paternal grandfather, Peter Jones, removed from
New Jersey to Washington county and there on the 23rd of March, 1826,
John A. Jones, the father of our subject, was born. In his early life the latter
resided upon a farm with his maternal grandfather, his mother having died
when he was only a few days old. He was reared to agricultural pursuits
and throughout his life engaged in the tilling of the soil, owning a portion
of the farm on which he was born. In the fall of 1867 he left Pennsylvania
and removed to Knox county, Ohio, where his father had resided for a
number of years. After two years, however, John A. Jones went to La
Salle county, Illinois, where he spent his remaining days. In 1847 he was
united in marriage to Miss Nancy Hampson, who was born in Washington
county, Pennsylvania, March 2, 182b, a daughter of Daniel Hampson, a
native of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Jones became the. parents of four
children, three of whom are yet living, namely: W. P., a resident of
Anthony, Kansas; D. E. , who is living in Grand Ridge, Illinois; and J. E;
the subject of this review. The father died in LaSalle county, Illinois, in
i88o, and the mother's death occurred in Grand Ridge, that State, in June,
1897.
J. E. Jones the immediate subject of t'his sketch, spent the first four-
teen years of his Hie upon the old homestead in Washington county, Penn-
sylvania, and during that period pursued his education in the public
schools. In 1867 he accompanied his parents to Ohio, and in 1869 to
Illinois. On reaching his majority he left the home farm and entered the
office of the Western Union Telegraph Company at Ottawa, Illinois, where
he remained for one year On account of ill health he was forced to leave
that position and spent the succeeding year and a half upon the farm, after
which he engaged in teaching .school in LaSalle county, Illinois for five
years. In 1884 he came to Kansas, locating at Anthony, Harpei county,
where he followed carpentering. lu 1886 he purchased a shop and was
identified with the building interests of that place until February, 1897,
when he came to lola. Here he engaged in contract work until the fall of
1899, during which time he and his partner, A. J. Servey, had the contract
on the New York Store building and the Odd Fellows block. He also
prepared the plans for the Masonic Temple at lola. He now owns
and conducts a mill at the corner of Broadway and South street which is
equipped with machinery of all kinds and where he executes all sorts of
wood work.
On the i6th of September, 1884, was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Jones and Miss Sarah Beynier of Coldwater, Comanche county, Kansas.
They were the first couple tc whom a license was issued in that county,
and for this reason they were presented with a lot in the town site of Cold-
water. Mrs. Jones was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, and is a daughter
of Noah Beymer, a native of Germany.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Jones resided in Anthony until their
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 433
removal to lola. Thev have formed many acquaintances since coming to
this cit\- and now have the warm regard of a large circle of friends.
Mr. Jones joined the Odd Fellows at Grand Ridge, Illinois, November
5, 1875, and Ottawa Encampment in March, 1882. He is a member of the
Grand lodge and Grand Encampment and is a Chapter Mason.
I
l^'DWARD CAIN. — Among the pioneers of Allen county who have
^—' performed an active and honorable part in the upbuilding of the
municipality is Edward Cain. He settled on Deer Cieek, in what is now
Carlyle township, April 10, 1858, and homesteaded the northeast quarter
of section 10, township 24, range 18, which tract he afterward covered with
a land warrant. Among the settlers along the creek then were Isaiah
Brown, Alfred Decker and Lew Edmundson, well remembered by their few
remaining contemporaries, and all of whom have passed to the great
beyond.
Ed. Cain brought an amount of funds into the county with him suf-
ficient to provide himself with two yoke of cattle and to sustain himself
through the first season. With the o.^en he broke prairie — aided by Thos.
A. McClelland — at two dollars and fifty cents per acre. In August 1861,
he left the plow and enlisted in the Union army to aid in repressing the
Southern Confederacy. He joined Company F, Eighth Kansas, under
Colonel John A. Martin and served on the frontier till March 1863, when
the regiment was ordered east and placed in General Wood's corps. Mr.
Cain participated in the battle of Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge,
where he was wounded and put off of the firing line for three months but
never left his regiment. He was on the Atlanta campaign and fought in
the engagement at Lovejoy Station on the last day of his enlistment. He
was discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, December 1864, and at once re-
turned to his Kansas claim.
Mr. Cain took up in earnest the improvement and cultivation of his
farm. Whereas he had it partially fenced when he entered the army, when
he returned to it the settlers had borrowed his fence and had carried off all
his temporary improvements. He gathered in a few cattle as he became
able and was soon in the stock business. His farm and his stock have
enabled him, from time to time, to increase his acreage until he owns a half
section of land, the result of years of industry and persevering effort. For
many years. Mr. Cain has been one of the prominent shippers of stock from
the lola yards and the money he has thus distributed among the farmers
amounts to a fabulous sum.
Edward Cain was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, October 3, 1834.
His father, Watson Cain, went into Ohio from Kentucky, where he was
born, at an early date. He was accompanied by his father, Orrin Cain,
who was a pioneer farmer in the Buckeye state. Watson Cain grew up in
Coshocton county, Ohio, married there Sarah Miller, and in 1856 went to
434
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Clinton county, Indiana. He cleared up a farm and both he and his wife
died there. Their children were: Edward; Elizabeth, wife of Mr. GoUi-
ver, of Independence, Iowa; Malon}-, wife of Lewis Cass, of Clinton
county, Indiana; Henry and George, of the same county; Charles Cain, of
Elwood, Indiana, and Maggie, deceased, wife of Andrew Mclntyre.
Ed. Cain was first married in Allen county, Kansas, August lo, i866,
to Martha Wright who died in 1875, in March, at the age of twenty-eight
years. She left three children, namely: Minnie, wife of John Gregg, of
Allen county; Charles Cain, and Sadie, wife of Bsrt Wiggins, of Allen
county. In 1877 Mr. Cain married in Troy, Ohio, Sarah Iddings whose
birth occurred in Bethel, Ohio. She is a daughter of Rev. Moses Warden.
Mr. Cain's education was acquired in the country schools, attending
three months in the year. Forgetting in nine months much of what he
learned in three, the next year he would repeat and in this way he man-
aged to get the rudiments of an education bv the time he reached man's
estate. Experience has been his best teacher but with the two his compe-
tition with the world of barter and trade has yielded amply for himself and
family.
In politics the early Cains were Democrats. The events of the Civil
war period made a. Republican of our subject and, even before that struggle
began, he voted for John C. Fremont, In politics as in everything else
Ed. Cain is always reliable and always honorable.
FRANK P. TANNER, a well-known representative of the educational
interests of southeastern Kansas, now residing in lols, was born in
McLean county, Illinois, January 8, 1872, and is a son of Samuel F. Tan-
ner, who was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, September 2,
1828. The paternal grandfather was a native of Germany, his birth oc-
curring in that country near the close of the eighteenth century. He died
when his son Samuel was only about five or six years of age, and in con-
sequence the latter was early thrown upon his own resources. His educa-
tional privileges were such as were afforded at that time in the old log
school houses in frontier settlements. During his youth and early man-
hood he learned and followed the cabinet maker's trade, and later he
worked at the carpenter's trade and at farming.
About the time he attained his majority Samuel Tanner removed from
Pennsylvania to Ohio, settling near Marietta. There he met and married
a Miss Flanders, a native of that .state, and they became the parents of the
following children: Laura V., wife of L. Chambers; Charity A., wife of
B. C. Allenworth; William R. ; lola J., wife of J. S. Sheetz, a resident of
Tazewell county, Illinois, as are the other members of the family men-
tioned above; Ida M., wife of L. Shreve, of Lucas county, Iowa; Mary,
wife of R. P. Decker, of the same county; and S. Tellford, who is living in
Lucas county. The mother of this family died in 1S67, and Samuel F.
WOODSOX COUNTIES, KANSAS.
435
Tanner afterward wedded Elizabeth B. Preshaw, the marriage being cele-
brated June II, iS68. The lady was born in Ohio, September 9, 18^2, a
daughter of Alexander Preshaw, who was born in Ireland, March 17, 1791;,
but was of English descent. He married Eliza Ann McCrackeii, who was
horn in Ireland, June 25, 1796, her people having emigrated from Scotland
to the Emerald Isle. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Preshaw occurred in
Ireland, April 26, 1816, and about 1819 they cros.seJ the Atlantic to
the new world. Unto Samuel F. and Elizabeth B. (Preshaw) Tan-
ner were born four sons, but the subject of this review is the only one
now living. In 1869 the parents removed to McLean county, Illinois, and
in 1874 went to Tazewell county, that state, whence in 1885 they came to
Allen county, Kansas. Here on the 21st of August, 1892, the mother
died, and in the following year Mr. Tanner removed to Lucas county,
Iowa, where he departed this life on the 4th of October, 1894.
Frank P. Tanner was only two years old when taken by his parents to
Tazewell county, and was a youth of thirteen when he came with them to
Allen county. He remained home until January, 1891, when he was
called to complete a term of school in District No. 65. having in the pre-
vious summer been granted a teacher's certificate. Since that time he has
been identified with the educational interests of Allen and Woodson
counties, and is recognized as a very capable instructor, having marked
ability in imparting to others a knowledge of the subjects which constitute
the curriculum of the schools with which he has been connected.
In 1892 Mr. Tanner was united in marriage to Miss Mattie L. See,
who was born in Allen county, Kansas, March [8, 1874, and is a daughter
of R. W. See, a native of Virginia, born on the 6th of March, 1842. Three
children have been born of their union, but they lost their only daughter,
Lena M. Alta R. and Ralph O. are still with their parents. In February
1898, Mr. and Mrs. Tanner removedfrom their farm five miles west of lol'a
to the county seat, where they now reside, having a pleasant home at No.
802 North Jefferson avenue. They occupy an enviable posit-ion in social
circles where intelligence and true worth are received as the passports into
good society.
"T^ANIEL HOUSTON SCOTT, of lola, whose residence here has
-' — ' been extended over a period of nearly a quarter of a century, was born
in Blunt county, Tennessee, November 21, 1842. His father, Daniel Scott,
was born in the same county and state in 1805 and died in Sullivan county,
Missouri, in 1862. Our subject's paternal grandfather was William Scott.
He was born in old Virginia in 1778 and died in Blunt county, Tennessee,
in 1855. He married Phebe Marr and was the father of six children:
Daniel, James, Sarah, wife of John McBrin; Mary, wife of William
McBrin; Jane and Charles.
Daniel Seott married Jane, a daughter of Richard McBrin. She died
436 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
in 1870 at the age of sixt3--eight years. Her children were: Charles T.,
deceased; William H., of Livingston county, Missouri; Nancy J., who re-
sides in Sullivan county, Missouri; John Tipton Scott, deceased; James
M. , deceased, and Richard and Elizabeth C, deceased; the latter was
married to Andrew Johnson and left a family in Sullivan county, Missouri;
Isaac A., of Falton, Kansas; Phebe A., deceased, who married John
Ruble; Daniel H ; Sarah L., wife of Byram Chapman, of Bourbon county,
Kansas.
At the age of twelve years Houston Scott went with his parents to
Sullivan county, Missouri, and was there limitedly schooled in the rural
schools. He was a resident of that county till the 3'ear after the Civil war.
He was married in 1865 to Hannah M., a daughter of John G. Anderson,
who moved from Kentucky to Ripley county, Ohio, resided there some
years and continued his journey westward to Livingston county, Illinois,
and still another move to Linn county, Missouri. In 1868 he took up his
final location in Kansas, settling at lola in 1S67. He moved to Neosho
county, Kansas, where he died in 1868.
Mr. Scott settled temporarily in Bourbon county upon his advent to
Kansas. He entered Allen county in 1874 and three years later he came
into lola. He was essentially a farmer up to the date of his location in
this city, since which time he has been engaged as a mechanic. He has
done much of the mason work in old lola and only within the recent past
has his physical condition forced his reiirement from active work.
Mr. Scott is one of the well known Grand Army men of Allen county.
November 2nd, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-third Missouri
Infantry, which regiment was a part of Shei man's army. At the battle of
Shiloh Mr. Scott was taken prisoner. He was in the Rebel prisons at
Montgomery, Alabama, and at Macon, Georgia, i^even and a half months
and was exchanged. He reached his regiment again December 25th and
served with it till December 30th, 1864, when he was mustered out at
Savannah, Georgia. He was in the battles of Lovejoy Station, Peachtree
Creek, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Snakehead Gap.
Mr. and Mrs. Scott's family consists of the following children: James
Winfield, of Coffeyville, Kansas; May L. , of Blackfoot, Idaho; Anna M.,
of Whittiei, California; Lottie Alice, of Blackfoot, Idaho; William H. , one
of the leading barbers of lola; Bertha and Ruby Scott. The first three
daughters are well known and efficient teachers in their respective homes
and May L. Scott was named by the Republicans of her county for the
office of County Superintendent in 1898, and again in 1890 and was elected
to the office.
The political history of the Scotts reveals the fact that they have been
Whigs and then Republican, as those parties existed. Houston Scott be-
came a Republican when his attention was first turned toward politics.
His fealty to the principles of that party has been constant and such
steadfastness is a matte;- of personal pride to himself and of satisfaction to
his party.
-WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 437
T^ C. MOONEY was born in Fayetteville, West Virginia, July 5, 1S37.
-'- • and is the eldest of eight children born unto J. S. and Margaret
^(Bailey) Mooney. His father died in 1S54, at the age of forty-five years,
•and the mother passed away in 1885 at the age of sixty-six years. Their
surviving children are: Mrs. L. V. Garrison, of L,adonia, Missouri; Mrs.
Susan Nail, of Kansas City, Missouri; and the subject of this review. In
his early youth F. C. Mooney learned the tanner's trade and followed this
pursuit until nineteen years oi age, when he went to Bowling Green, Mis-
souri, where he learned the plasterer's and mason's trades. He was en-
gaged in busine.ss along those lines until i860 when he went to Mexico,
Missouri, but soon returned to Bowling Green where he resided until after
•the inauguration of the Civil war. He then enlisted in Companx- D, Tenth
Missouri Infantry, and was made drum-major of the regiment. In 1863 he
received an honorable discharge on account of disability. He paiticipated
in the first battle of Corinth, in the engagements at luka, Shiloh, in the
second battle of Corinth and in the siege of Vicksburg, and was discharged
at St. Louis, Missouri, November 18, 1863.
Mr. Mooney returned to Bowling Green where he continued to reside
until 1880, — the year of his arrival in Kansas. He settled in Elsmore,
Allen county, upon a farm of eighty acres which he purchased and im-
proved, continuing its cultivation until 1892 when he sold that property
and took up his abode in Elsmcire. There he purchased a home and has
since worked at his trades of plasterer and stone mason. He is an excel-
lent workman and is therefore always able to command a good position.
In 1864 occurred the marriage of Mr. Mooney and Miss Catherine
Beisley, a native of Pike county, Missouri, and unto them have been born
ten children. In order of birth they are as follows: William; Edgar;
Charles: Catherine, the wife of William Sullivan; Lee; Anna, the wife of
Walter Samuels; Mary A., died 1877; Lilly V., died 1882; Robert and
Herbert, who are still with their paients. The family is well known in
Elsmore and its representatives enjoy the high regard of many friends. In
his political views Mr. Mooney is a Populist and is now serving as a notary
public. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades
through his membership in Elsmore Post, No. 13, G. A. R., and in its
gatherings there are recalled many incidents that occurred upon the tented
field or on the firing line. As a citizen Mr. Mooney is public spirited and
progressive, manifesting the same loyalty to his duties as when he followed
the nation's banner to the south.
TT' C. PRICE — No man in Allen county is more entitled to credit for
-*-—'• success in life than Mr. Price who today owns and operates one of
the fine farms in Elsmore township. He was born in Lawrence county,
Arkansas, on the 17th of May, 1855, a son of L. C. and Elizabeth (Huston)
Price. The father was a native of North Carolina, and when a young man
43» HISTORY OF ALLEX AND
emigrated to Arkansas. Three children were born to him and his wife,
and in 1861 he started with his family for Illinois, leaving? the south oit
accotint of the danger that threatened the Union men who lived in that
portion of the country. They took passage on a boat going up the Missis-
sippi, and while on the voyage the wife and mother, together with two of
the children, was taken ill. All three died and the boat anchored by
the shore in order that the bodies might be interred on the bank of
the river.
After reaching Illinois Mr. Price placed his surviving child, the subject
of this review, with a family and enlisted in the Union army, with which
he served throughout the remainder of the war. He leturned to Illinois
and was again married and moved to Arkansas. In 1S73 he came to Kan-
sas, locating in Bourbon county on the 22nd of December, of that year.
Subsequently, however, he removed to Linn county. From there he re-
turned to Illinois, leaving the son in Linn county, Kansas.
During his minority E. C. Price continued work by the month as a
farm hand, his father collecting his wages until he was twenty-one years of
age, when for the first time he was allowed to enjoy the benefit of liis own
labors. He determined to own a team of horses, and at the end of owe
year, as the result of day labor, he had capital sufficient to make the purchase.
During the second 3'ear he rented land and engaged in farming on his own
account. At the age of twenty-four he was married and rented for two
years, then purchased eighty acres of land, making arrangements to pay for
the same in six years, but when only two years had passed his farm was
freed from all indebtedness. About three years afterward he sold the place
and came to Allen county, purchasing a claim on the league land, for which
he gave eleven hundred dolla^s, — all of the money that he had received
from his eighty acre farm. Not long afterward the courts made a decision
whereby he lost all of his property. He then rented until three years ago,
then removed to the southeastern portion of the county and purchased "one
hundred and sixty acres of land on which few improvements had been
made. He saved enough to make a payment on the land and arranged
to make payments at stated intervals and now has the farm almost free
from indebtedness. In the meantime he has made many improvements,
erecting a good residence and a large barn. A nice grove surrounds his
home, which occupies one of the finest locations in the county, standing on
the northeastern corner of his farm about three miles from Savonburg. The
place is one which any person might be proud to possess, for the fields are
well tilled, the fences and buildings are kept in good repair and everything
about the farm is neat and thrifty in appearance, showing that the owner is
a man of progressive spirit.
In 1880 Mr. Price was united in marriage to Miss Jeanette Smith, a
native of Johnson county, born on the 2nd of August, 1862, her parents
being Thomas and Lucy (McKnight) Smith. Her father was a native of
Ireland and when five years of age was brought to America. His wife was
born in Osage county, Mi.ssouri, and died at the age of twenty-three years,
while he was murdered in Colorado by traveling companions, who took
WOOBSOX COUNTIES, KANSAS. 439
:that method of obaining his money. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Price liave been
born four children, namely: Thomas Elmer, who is now mairied and resides
near his father; Zachariah W. , Ardella and Dora Etta. With the excep-.
tion of the elder son all are at home
In his youth Mr. Prit-e had very few advantages. At an extremely
early age he started out to earn his own living. His educational privileges
were very meager, yet by reading, experience and observation he has ac-
quired a good practical knowledge and keeps well informed on the ques-
tions of the day. He was not even allowed to profit by the wages of his
labors until he had attained his majority. Notwithstanding all the difficul-
ties and hardship.^ in his path he has worked his way steadily upward, his
trials seeming to serve as an impetus to renewed effort. His advancement
■has been sure and steadfast, for he possesses that determined nature that
will brook no obstacles that c in be overthrown by honest labor. Today,
numbered among the well-to-do citizens of his adopted county he is certain-
ly deserving of honorable mention among the respected and representative
residents of this portion of the State.
A /TRS. AGNES L. FUNK— For twenty-two years Mrs. Funk has been
-LVJ- ^ resident of Allen county, and is recognized as one of the leading
ladies of Elm township. While the names of women figure less conspicu-
ously on the pages of history on account of the more quiet part they take
in the affairs of the world they are no less worthy of mention and exert no
less an influence than do the husbands, fathers and brothers. Since her
husband's death Mrs. Funk has manifested excellent business ability in the
care of her farm, at the same time displaj'ing those womanly qualities
which ever command respect and admiration. She was born in Westmore-
land county, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1852, and in her maidenhood was
Agnes L. Lightcap. The family is of Holland lineage. Her great-grand-
father was bom in the land of dykes and crossed the Atlantic to the new
world, locating in Pennsylvania in the early part of the eighteenth centur}-.
Solomon Lightcap, her grandfather, was born in Cumberland county,
Pennsylvania, and Foster Lightcap, her father, was born in Westmoreland
county, in 1832. He married Margaret Baldridge, and they became the
parents of six children who are still living, namely: Mrs, Funk, Mrs. Mary
Lasley, of Cass county, Missouri; INIrs. Lydia Kintigh, also of Cass county;
Alex, who IS living in the same county; Samuel, who is a professor of
schools in St. Clair county, Missouri; and Charles, who makes his home in
Cass county. The parents are likewise residents of the same county and
are people of the highest respectability.
Under the parental roof Agnes L. Lightcap spent the days of her
maidenhood, and in 1873 she gave her hand in marriage to A. Z. Funk,
who was also a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, born in
1851. After their marriage they took up their abode on what is now the
440 HISTORY OF ALLEN AN1>
Eagle farm and three years afterward moved to Elm township where Mrs,
Funk is still living. Six children were born unto them: Lillian Steinmetz.
Foster, John, Charles, Mrs. Clara A\-ers, of Elm township, and Margaret,
The family lived pleasantly' upon their farm in Elm township and a fair
degree of prosperity attended their efforts, bnt in 1891 the husband and
father was called awaj', the community thereby losing one of its valued
citizens. Since that time Mrs. Funk has managed the farm with the aid of
her sons, who have entire charge of the cultivation of the fields and the
harvesting and marketing of crops. Under the able management of the
mother business affairs have been so conducted that the farm has annually
increased in value and is now one of the most desirable and attractive
places in the neighborhood. Considerable stock is raised, and everything
about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance. The sons give their
political support to the Republican party, which Mrs. Funk also endorses.
For eighteen years she has been a member of the Evangelical Association
and her many estimable qualities commend her to the good will and high
regard of all. The family is one well known in the community and the mem-
bers of the household have a large circle of friends.
"^ A 7 D. Cox — From the 'earliest establishment of the town of Els-
" " • more, Mr. Co.x has been a representative of its business inter-
ests and through the conduct of its enterprises has contributed in a large
measure to its substantial upbuilding, improvement and development. A
native of Kentucky, he was born in Madison county, on the 31st of May,
1849, his parents being Robert and Jane (Adams) Cox, who were relatives
of that State in which they spent their entire lives. The subject of this
review was reared on the farm until he was twelve years of age, and in the
winter time he attended the common schools of the neighborhood. He
then became a student in the Richmond Academy, and after completing
the course in that institution he was engaged in teaching in Kentucky,
following that pursuit until 1870, when he left his native State and
became a resident of Bloomington, Illinois. Throughout the succeeding
eight years he was a representative of the educational interests of McLean,
Brown and Champaign counties and gained a very enviable reputation as
the result of his ability to impart clearly and concisely to others the
knowledge he had acquired.
On the igth of March, 1878, Mr. Cox was married to Mi.ss Gerty
Smith, of Brimfield, Illinois, a native of that State. They were young and
energetic and wished to gain a good home. Believing there was a better
opportunity in the less thickly settled portions of the west, they started for
Kansas on the 9th of April, 1878, arriving safely in Humboldt. Allen
county. Mr. Cox soon purchased a farm of one hundred and seventy acres
about five miles south of Humboldt, in Cottage Grove township, and there
carried on agricultural pursuits, spending his time in the cultivation and
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
441
operation of the fields throughout the summer months, while in the winter
season he engaged in teaching. He resided upon his iarm until 1886 when
he sold that property- and removed to Elsmore township, establishing a
store on the old Humboldt and Fort Scott road. He also began buying
grain and remained at that point for one 5'ear. The Mi.ssouri, Kansas &
Texas railroad was then built from Kansas City to Parsons and a town was
laid out about two miles south of where Mr. Cox was living. This led to
his removal to Elsmore. He moved his houses to that place and was the
first man to embark in business there, opening a general merchandise store
\vhich he continued to conduct for five years when he sold his stock of
goods and began dealing in hardware and machinery of all kinds. He
also bought and sold grain, making extensive shipments of the farm
products of the locality. Subsequently he' admitted his son to a partner-
ship in the business and they added a stock of furniture and undertaking
goods. Their store is complete for they carry all grades of goods such as
are in demand by the town and country trade. The experience and
mature judgment of the father, supplemented by the youthful energy of the
son makes the firm a strong one. They deal quite extensively in flax, corn
and all kinds of seed.s and grains, and their business amounts annually to
upwards of thirty thousand dollars.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cox have been born three children, a son and two
daughters: Ona, the eldest, is the wife of E. H. Leitzbach, of Humboldt;
R. E. , who is a graduate of a business college in Kansas City, and a graau-
ate of an undertaking school of that place, is now associated with his father
in business, acting as bookkeeper and contributing in a large measure to
the success of the firm. Eouise, the younger daughter, is yet a student in
school. Mr. Cox holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of Ameri-
ca and the Ancient Order of the United Workmen, both of Elsmore. His
political support is given to the Democracy. Through the period of his
business career Mr. Cox has ever directed his efforts along legitimate lines
and has had a strict regard for the commercial code. He is a man of un-
flagging industry, strong resolution and keen discrimination, — essential
qualities to prosperity. In all his dealings he is straightforward and hon-
orable and thus he has commanded the confidence of his fellow men,
winning not only success, but also that good name which is above riches.
T A /"ILLIAM KENNEDY, who is residing in Elsmore township, Allen
^ ^ county, was born in McDonough county, Illinois, October 31,
I S42, and is a representative of an old southern family. His father, John
Kennedy, was a native of North Carolina, and in 1832 took up his abode
in the Prairie State. He married Susan Conner and they had six children,
of whom three are now living, namely: S. M., a resident of Illinois;
William, our subject, and Mrs. Mary A. Toland, who resides in Wilson
county, Kansas. The father, who was born in 1805, died in 1S71; and the
mother, whose birth occurred in 1808, passed away in 1855.
William Kennedy, the youngest surviving child, was reared to farm
442 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
life in his native State, there remaining until 1S70, when he came to Kan-
sas and purchased a farm in Neosho county, upon which he made his home
for eight years. He then sold the property and came to Allen county,
securing a claim on the disputed land where he has since lived, hoping
from year to year that the United States courts would decide the question
of the property rights. He has here a valuable tract of one hundred and
sixty acres and certainly deserves the title to the same. He also owns an-
other tract of eighty acres in Allen county. In connection with the cultiva-
tion of the fields he is successfully engaged in raising stock, feeding from
one to two carloads of both cattle and hogs annually.
Mr. Kennedy was formerly a Democrat but now gives his political
support to the Populist party. Socially he is connected with the Ancient
order of United Workmen, belonging to the lodge in Elsmore. He was
married in November, 1S62, to Miss Louisa H. Wheeler, a native of
Brown county, Illinois, and the eldest daughter of Charles T. and Elizabeth
Wheeler. Her father died in 1894 at the age of seventy years, while his
wife passed away in 1857, at the age of foity-two. They had twelve chil-
dren, of whom five are now living, namely: Eliza, John, Charles and Louisa.
Lee, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy died June 18, 1895, at the
age of twenty-seven years. Our subject and his wife have the warm regard
of many friends in Allen county and enjoy the hospitality of many of the
best homes of the community.
TT^PHRAIM Gay is a prosperous farmer residing on the Allen county line,
-^— ' four miles east of the town of Elsmore. He was born in Guernsey
county, Ohio, on the 20th of April, 1838, and his father, Ephraim Gay, was
also a native of that State. The mother, who bore the maiden name of
Elizabeth Waterhouse, was the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier.
Ephraim Gay Sr. died in 1838, at the age of forty-seven years, and his
wife, surviving him until 1878, passed away at the ripe old age of eighty-
three.
The subject of this review was the youngest of their eight children.
He left home at the age of sixteen years in order to make his own way in
the world, going to Iowa, where he secured emploj'ment on a farm bj- the
month. He remained in the employ of one man for two j'ears, receiving
thirteen dollars per month, and then engaged in the operation of rented
land for a year. In the spring of i860 he arranged to drive an ox team to
Salt Lake City, and after arriving at his destination he and another young
man purchased an ox team of his employer, secured a stock of provisions
and started for California, arriving in September of the same year, after
about five months spent upon the road. Mr. Gay followed farming on the
Pacific coa.st for two 3'ears, and then engaged in teaming for one 3'ear, after
which he went to Nevada, where he located a gold mine. He was offered
seven thousand dollars for the property, but thinking to become a million-
UVJM ^^^
WOUDSUN COUNTIES, KANSAS. 443
aire he refused to sell, but about that time the miners began to leave that
portion of the country and he never realized anything from his property.
In the fall of 18(35 ^^r. Gay paid a visit to his mother in Ohio, remain-
ing there for three months, after which he returned to Iowa and spent the
summer. In the autumn of 1866 he came to Kansas, locating in Bourbon
county, where he secured a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, — the first
land which he ever owned. He made excellent improvements on the same,
secured the title to the property, and resided thereon for fifteen years, after
which he sold out and came to Allen county in 1884, purchasing a farm in
Elsmole township. To this he has added until he now owns four hundred
and sixty acres of rich and productive land in Allen and Bourbon counties.
He handles and feeds cattle and hogs, feeding all that he raises to his own
stock. He is known as a wide-awake and enterprising farmer who
gained very desirable success through his energy and perseverance.
In 1S68, two years after arriving in Kansas, Mr, Gay wedded Mary
Mason, with whom he lived happily for eight years, when on the 27th of
November, 1876, she was called to her final rest, leaving her husband and
three children, of whom two are living: Albert and Lilas, the latter the wife
of Wesley Humphreys. For his second wife Mr. Gay chose Miss Martha •
Mason, a cousin of his first wife. They wf re married July 27, 1879, and
now have eight children: Myrtle, wife of Morris Davis; Gertrude; Louisa;
Delia; Charles; Willard; Wesley and Jennie. The family is one of prom-
inence in the community, and the members of the household occupy a
leading position in social circles, while in bu.^iness circles Mr. Gay enjoys
an unassailable reputation. In politics he is a Democrat.
\ A 7ILLIAM T. McELROY— Indellibly inscribed upon the roll oi
» " honor of the pioneers of journalism in Kansas, of the men who
have given their best days to the citizen service of their State and of those
who have been a prominent factor in both the internal and external affairs
of Humboldt since the Rebellion is W. T. McElroy. An era of thirty-five
years has passed into history since the March day that he landed stage-tired
and weary, in the then metropolis of southeast Kansas and marked himself
as a permanent settler. He was young in years and poor of purse but with
a wealth of experience born of five years service in print shop and army.
His ambition was, no doubt, to get an even start with the boys of the news-
paper fraternity, in the new field and to found a periodical which should
become a factor in promoting the welfare of the commonwealth. His early
connection with the publication of the Humboldt Union as printer and pub-
lisher, and, after nine months, as one of the proprietors, marked the begin-
ning of the realization of this dream.
The Humboldt Union is one of the oldest papers in Kansas. It was
established in iS66 by Colonel Orlin Thurston, who was superseded the
following year by H. A. Needham and W. T. McElroy, as copartners. In
444 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
iS6S Mr. McElroy became the sole owner of the paper and has remained in
connection with it since. The polic}- of the paper from the ist of January,
1867, was Republican and its status toward the public has been that of a
highly moral, clean and well written weekly.
Although Mr. McElroy came to Allen county from Ohio he was born
in Washington, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1845. His father, William
McElroy, was a shoemaker and was born in western Pennsylvania where
his North-of-Ireland ancestors settled when Pittsburg was a village and
when the Ohio basin was the frontier. Sarah A. White became the wife of
the senior McElroy. Her people were English, coming to the United
States from the city of Liverpool during the latter part of the eighteenth
century.
The school privileges of W. T. McElroy were most limited and his
knowledge of the common branches, when he had reached his fifteenth
year, was very poor. In 1856 he went into Mahoning county, Ohio, where
the first four years were spent upon the farm with relatives. At the age of
fifteen he was attracted toward a print shop, being induced to that deter-
mination by an uncle, William Ritezel, who was the publisher of the
'Trumbull County Democrat at Warren, Ohio. Our subject first entered
the office of the Democrat at Warren and remained with it till the con-
solidation of the Chronicle and Democrat when he was transferred, so to
speak, as a part of the fixtures of the office.
While ser\nng his trade he made three unsuccessful attempts to get
into the army and, in 1864, did finally succeed in being accepted and was
enrolled in Company D, 196th Volunteer Infantry. He was under General
Hancock in the Shenandoah Valley and saw service in .the field till some
time in July following the close of the war. Upon being discharged in
September, 1865, he returned to his old position in Warren, wh2re he re-
mained till the early sf ring of 1866 when, against the protest of his people,
he cast his lot with Kansas.
July 2, 1868, our subject was married in Humboldt to Melissa M. Mc-
Veigh, a daughter of Daniel McVeigh who came to Humboldt in 1866 from
Iowa. Two daughters were the issue of this union, viz.: Anna M., wife of
John B. House, of Wichita, Kansas, and .•\dele C, who is with her parents
in Humboldt.
Mr. McElroy had not reached his majority when he came to Allen
county and has, consequently, done all his voting in his favorite town. He
imbibed Republican principles and sentiment in his youth back in the
Western Reserve, and he has been steadfast in the faith. His voice and
pen have added strength to the cause in Allen county and his honest and
earnest counsels have effected much individual reform amongst the indiffer-
ent and backsliders in the party. He has cast a vote at every general
election since 1867 and has been Mayor of his town. He served as post-
master under the administration of President Hayes and was appointed to
the same position by President McKinley in 1898. He has been a Master
Mason since 1870 and is by inclination and training a Methodist.
■WOOTDSOTV COUNTIES, KANSAS. 445
HOMER p. FOWLER— In presenting herein the brief record of him
whose name introduces this review it is not unfair to state that he is
•one of the younger and newer settlers of Allen count}-. He cannot boast of
a pioneer history or relate what he did during the war, for he was only
born just a year prior to the passage of the first acts of secession. When it
is stated that he came to Allen county in 1879 it will be seen that he was-
only a boy when he took the initial steps which connected him, as a citizen-,
with the history of the county. In the twenty-one years which have
elapsed since that eventful day in his life Homer P. Fowler has comported
himself as an honorable, ambitious and industrious citizen. He has aimed
to live right, he has striven to achieve success; and few can gainsay the
•accomplishment or achievement of his ambition.
Mr. Fowler was born in Harrison county, Ohio, February 2, i860.
He is a son of a soldier of the war of the Rebellion, Fiank Fowler, who
married Elizabeth Birney, a lady with Irish antecedents, of the vicinity of
Dublin. There were four children born of this union of which number
Homer P. was the oldest. The latter was educated liberally and prepared
himself for a career as a teacher when he left his native State, enroute to
Manitou, Colorado. He stopped over in Allen county, Kansas, and during
his stay was so impressed with the outlook that he decided to remain. The
first two years he lived a bachelor's life but in 1881 he returned to Ohio
and married Rebecca J. Copeland who died in 1889, leaving two children,
viz. : Nora E. and Frank W. Fowler. She lived an exemplary Christian
life and was laid to rest in Moran cemetery. In 1890 Mr. Fowler married
Mrs. Katie Berkihiser, of Moran, who has borne him two sons, Walter
Marion and William I,indella.
Farming embraces the life work of our subject. He has encountered
some of the struggles and difficulties which discourage some men in their
effort to establish a home in a new country but he has not faltered nor
fallen by the wayside. His success has come by industry, frugality and
honesty, qualities which stand sponser for a good character, always.
In politics Mr. Fowler has played some part in the affairs of his adopt-
ed county. In the first place he is recognized as a genuine Republican.
He has been honored with various offices in his township, served nine
years as clerk of his school district and in 1897 was nominated for Register
of Deeds of his county. He was elected by a large majority, carrying his
own Populist township by a majority of thirteen votes. He was re-elected
for a second term in 1899 and has made a careful, painstaking and efficient
officer. In fraternal matters he holds membership in the Ancient Order of
United Workmen, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights
of the Maccabees. His name has been on the rolls of the Methodist church
since his thirteenth year and he is now Recording Steward of the Methodist
congregation in lola.
446 HISTORY OF ALLEN AlsTrJ
J A. RUNDQUIST, who is a representative of the coinniercial iuteresth
• in Elsraore, was born in Sweden oil the first day of November, 1858,
and there resided until eleven years of age, during which time he began
his education in the public schools. When a youth of eleven summers,
however, he crossed the Atlantic to America with his parents in 1869, the
family locating at Fort Scott, Kansas. The subject of this review attended
the public schools in that locality an-d learned to read and speak the Eng-
lish language. In 1871 the family removed to Neosho county, locating on
a farm, and to its development and improvement he devoted his time and
attention throughout the summer months, while in the winter season he
completed his education in the public schools.
In 1869 Mr. Rundquist came to Elsmore and entered the employ of
W. D. Cox, as a salesman in his general merchandise store, remaining in
his service for three years, when he accepted a clerkship with J. P. Decker
with whom he also remained for three years. He afterward engaged in
clerking for Lardner & Love Brothers for two years, and when they sold
their .store to the firm of Smith & Sons Mr. Rundquist remained with their
successors by whom he is still employed. He is known as one of the most
reliable and capable salesmen in the town, his honesty being above ques-
tion, while his fidelity to his employers' interests has won him their un-
qualified confidence, and his genial manner and obliging disposition have
made him popular with the public.
Mr. Rundquist was united in marriage to Mis« Emma Linquist, a
daughter of J. A. Linquist and a native of Sweden. Their marriage has
been blessed with six children, but only three are now living, namely.-
Albena, Abnei and Agnes. The family occupy a pleasant home in Els-
more, which is the property of Mr. Rundquist, and he also owns other real
estate in the town, having thus made judicious investments of his capital.
Ah. CAMPBELL is well known in commercial circles in Savonburg as
• the popular proprietor of a leading drug store there. He was born
in Bates county, Missouri, on the iiih of October, 1873, a son of Dr. J. T.
Campbell, whose birth occurred in Bates county, Missouri, in 1843. Re-
moving to Linn county, Kansas, he there engaged in the practice of medi-
cine until his death, which occurred in 1888, when he was forty-five years-
of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Williams, a native of
Bates county, Missouri, is still living, her home being in Pleasanton, Kan-
sas. They were the parents of nine children, of whom two have passed
away. The others are T. V., now of Galena; P. W.. of Centerville, Kan-
sas; Belle, wife of William Sharp, of Osawatomie, Kansas; A. L.; S. W. , of
Savonburg; and W. B. and Ethel, who are with their mother in Pleasanton,
During his early boyhood A. L. Campbell accompanied his parents on
their removal to Linn county, Kansas, where he was reared and acquired
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. .^^.^
Vhis literary education. Through his own earnest efforts and diligent labor
he acquired a knowledge of pharniac}' and received a certificate to engage
■.in its practice in 1896. He then opened a drug store in Savonburg, where
by his close attention to business, his indefatigable industry and his court-
eous treatment of his patrons he has built up a large and constantly
growing business. He is a .stalwart supporter of the Republican party,
and is deeply interested in its success, but has never sought the honors or
•emoluments of office for himself. He belongs to Savonburg Camp, No.
1 271, M. W. A., Parsons Lodge No. 527, B. P. O. Elks, and in social cir-
cles he is popular and highly esteemed.
'"T'HOMAS W. ROBERTS, one of the energetic young farmers of tls-
J- more township, Allen county, was born in Washington county, In-
diana, on the 3rd of August, 1857. His father, John L,. Roberts, was also
.a native of the Hoosier state, and there wedded Miss L,aura Edwards, one
■of Indiana's daughters. In early life John L,. Roberts engaged in teaching
school, but at the breaking out of the Civil war he put aside all personal
■considerations, donned the blue and joined the One Hundred and Seven-
teenth Indiana Infantry, with which he saw some hard service during the
winter of 1862-3. His regiment was in eastern Tennessee and marched all
over that section of the country from Camp Nelson, Kentucky, to Cumber-
land Gap, and to Greenville, Tennessee. They were only about half clothed
and their food supply was cut down three-quarters. They were hemmed in
in that district, being unable to communicate with the main branch of the
army and thus were forced to undergo much suffering. In the spring of
.1863 they marched back to Camp Nelson and by train Mr. Roberts pro-
ceeded to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was honorably discharged by
reason of the expiration of his term of service. In 1865 he removed to
Illinois where he engaged in farming until 1876 and then went with his
ifamily to California, but after a year he returned to the Prairie state, re-
maining there until the spring of 1885 when he came to Kansas and pur-
chased two hundred and forty acres of land two miles northeast of Els-
more. There he resided until his death which occurred in February 1896,
when he was sixty-three years of age. His wife still survives him and is
now living on the old homestead with her son, Thomas W.
The subject of this review is the only surviving member of their family
of six children. He has assumed the management and care ot the farm,
making a good home for his mother and relieving her of all responsibility.
He was reared in Indiana and in his boyhood days pursued his education
in the common schools, wdiile later he continued his studies in Ashbury
University at Green Castle, that state. He afterward engaged in teaching,
spending one year as a teacher in Illinois. After the death of his father he
abandoned teaching in order to take charge of the farm which he has since
succes.sfully conducted. He raises cattle, hogs and horses and the well-
448 HISTORY OF ALLEK AND
tilled fields yield to him good harvests. There is a comfortable residence-
and modern improvements upon the place and everything about the farm;
is neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating his careful supervision.
On the 26th of October, 1890, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to
Miss Sarah A. Canaday, a native of Indiana. They have never had any
children of their own, but have adopted a little daughter, In his political
views Mr. Roberts is a Republican and he keeps well informed on the
issues of the day. In farming, as in teaching, he has met with success and
is now numbered among the energetic and reliable agriculturists oi his
community.
NELSON F. ACERS, whose gradual retirement from active affairs in
Tola removes one of the original and conspicuous characters of Allen
county and the state of Kansas from the ranks of busy men, is a Kansan of
thirty-five years residence, and a citizen whose history embraces not only
chapters devoted to his public acts in Allen county but un-recorded pages
of hi.story of his connection with public matters both state and national in
their character. He is a man whom a great political party has been
pleased to honor with leadership and with one of the important public
trusts of the state. His connection with .state politics dates back almost a
score of years and in the battles won by his party during this period are to
be seen unmistakable traces of his political counsel and generalship.
Mr, Acers came to Kansas from Geneva, Illinois, in 1865. He was
born in the latter state March 4, [839, and is a son of the venerable Roswell
W. Acers, of lola, whose ninety-third birthday will occur in August 1901.
The Acers are among the early Colonial families, their most remote Ameri-
can ancestor having settled in one of the New England colonies, an emi-
grant from Erin's Isle. The "Akers, Acres and the Acers" all emigrated
from the same source and their kinship is undoubted. Which is the cor-
rect and incorrupted spelling of the Celtic name is now indeterminable.
John Acers, our subject's grandfather, was born in New Hampshire in 1771
whence he removed to New York, in Chautauqua, of which state Roswell
W. Acers was born. John Acers married Malinda Spears and lived till
1864, dying in Kane county, Illinois, in his ninety-third year. Roswell
W. Acers was his second child and was reared in his native county. He
was a father's sou, was schooled limitedly and became a farmer on begin-
ning life independently. He was married to Juliette Spencer and left the
Empire state about 1831. They settled in Kane county, Illinois, and were
there residents upon the farm and in Geneva till 1867, when they followed
their son, our subject, to Kansas.
Nelson F. Acers is the sole heir to his parents. His youth was passed
upon his father's Kane county farm and the pioneer schools did the work of
education for him in his boyhood. He studied law with Major J. H. May-
borne in Geneva, 111., and graduated at the Albany (N. Y.) Law Depart-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 449
iiient University. He was admitted to practice by the supreme court of the
state of New York and -.vheii he was ready for business entered tlie office
where he had first studied and took charge of liis old preceptor's business,
the latter entering the military service oi the United States. This respon-
sible professional and business arrangement was, most probably, what pre-
vented his entering the army himself before the Civil war ended. He
tried his first lawsuit in Geneva and practiced his profession there till late
in 1865 when he set out for the west.
Just at the close of the war Mr. Acers set out for Kansas. He reached
Weston, Missouri, (then the western terminus of railroads) by rail. From
this latter point he walked in the direction of the capital of Kansas. When
he arrived at his destination the state legislature was in session and, as
clerical competents were needed to properly prepare the records of the pro-
ceedings of the Senate, he was appointed first assistant secretary' of that
body. "Jim" Legate was in the state Senate then; Colonel Anthony was
in the House and so were Jacob Stotler and "Jim" Snoddy. The legisla-
ture was taken up chiefly, that session, with railroad land grants as a pre-
liminary to the construction of the pioneer railroads of the state. Early in
the spring of 1868 our subject came on down to lola, a little hamlet of, per-
haps, one hundred and fifty people. One of the first acts he did was to
purchase four lots on the "Sleeper" corner where he erected a residence
and made arrangements for the reception of his family. He formed a part-
nership with W. S. Newberry for the practice of law and took a leading
place at the bar of eastern Kansas almost from the start. He was elected
County Attorney in 1S67 and, byre-election, served two terms. In 1874 he
was named as the candidate of the "opposition" to the Republican ticket
for Probate Judge and, contrary to his expectation and desires, he was
elected. His first official act as Judge of Probate was to grant a marriage
license to E. A. Barber of Humboldt.
The discovery of mineral water at lola by the Acers was responsible,
largely, for Mr. Acers' separation from the law. He conceived the idea of
establishing a sanitarium here and did so with considerable degree of suc-
cess. For some years the lola Mineral Well was widely advertised and
many patients went away from here with the song of its praise upon their
lips. But for lack of local interest the sanitarium proposition failed of its
true purpose and object. Succeeding this venture Mr. Acers was more
and more of an interested participant in politics Formerly he was a Re-
publican but in 1869 something happened in Allen county which caused
him to change front and he ever afterward trained with the Democrats.
In 1882 he was nominated by the minority party for Congress, in the
second congressional district, but was defeated. In 1885 he was appointed
by President Cleveland Internal Revenue Collector for the district embrac-
ing Kansas and the Indian Territory. In this capacity he served four
years and when Mr. Harrison was elected his resignation was one of the
first to reach the department, and he was the last to be relieved of duty.
Hiving an interest in soma silver mining property in the west upon
his release from official life Mr. Acars want thither to develop the same.
450 " HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
At the old price of silver bullion the property promised large returns and
the placing of the wealth of its owners in the six figure column, but with
the rapid decline of that commodity the value of the property decreased to
a non-paying basis and its operation was abandoned to others. In 1896
Mr. Acers returned to lola and took an active interest in the campaign of
that year, in the hope that the "16 to i" plan would triumph. Since then
he has devoted his energies to the real estate and loan business, and to the
improvement of the family properties. The erection of the Odd Fellows
Block in 1898 was due largely to his foresight and progressive spirit and in
other matters where his town might be benefitted has he shown his un-
selfish and disinterested hand.
September 23, 1863, Mr. Acers was married to Ellen A. Conant, a
daughter of William Conant, of Geneva, Illinois. The Conants were Ver-
mont people where, at Brandon, Mrs. Acers was born in 1840. Two chil-
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Acers, viz: Miss Grace and Fred A., the
latter being deceased.
A A WILLIAM J. PRICE.— The reward for honorable toil follows surely
' " and swiftly the efforts of our citizens and the fruits of legitimate
endeavor come to us as a note of encouragement, as a token of appreciation
for expended energy, and the ratio of such reward is in proportion to the
magnitude of our endeavors. Illustrations occur daily in all lines of in-
dustrial activity where men rise from comparative obscurity to affluence
and semi-opulence in a decade or a score of years but seldom, does it seem,
that we would find, in the field of agriculture, a success so pronounced as
is brought to our notice in the sketch of William J. Price, our subject.
The life of the farmer, as that of the merchant, is full of successes and
failures and when we behold one who is conspicuously an example of thrift
and well-doing we at once conclude that his business practices have been
along correct principles and that prodigality and extravagance have had no
part in his makeup. We present herein the history, in brief, of a self-made
man, one born and reared to the farm work and to the experiences found
in an humble and respectable country home. Born in the northernmost of
the southern states, West Virginia, he was but a boy just entering his
'teens when the war between the states broke out. His native county was
Marion and his birthday, September 26, 1849. He is a son of Eli Price
and Amanda Troy, the former yet a resident of the state of his birth. West
Virginia. He was born in 1S22, passed his life as a modest farmer, and
was widoweied in 1883, his wife dying at the age of fifty-six years.
Six of the .seven children of Eli and Amanda Price survive. The first
death among the children occurred December 2, 1900, when the youngest
was thirty-five years old. William J. Price is the first born. There seems
to have been nothing unusual in his career as a boy, except that he appears
to have been a trifle more in earnest than the average country lad in ac-
WOUUSDN COUNTIES, KANSAS. 45 1
quiring an education. His school days closed with a season in the State
Normal School of West Virginia and for twelve years thereafter he was en-
gaged in teaching school. Seven years was he surveyor of his county but
notwithstanding these seeming advantages he was slow to prosper. Op-
portunities in the old state appeared rare and no solution of the question of
his ultimate welfare seemed better than a removal to Kansas. Hither he
came in 1882 and made settlement in Bourbon county. He was a tenant
for seven years and in that time laid the foundation for the prosperity he
now enjoys. He purchased a quarter section of land on the east line of
Allen county and took possession of it in 1889. He paid for this with the
proceeds of his labor and added more land. His farm of four hundred and
eighty acres, with a modern dwelling and large barn and yards of stock,
and a credit commensurate with his needs tell the story of his achievements
on a Kansas farm inside of twenty years.
In the case of nearly every successful Kansas farmer so with Mr. Price.
He became interested in the cattle and horse business upon his advent to
Kansas and in this he has acquired much of his financial independence.
Some of his stock of various kinds is registered and other is eligible to reg-
istration. His horse stock is his pride and his stalls contain animals which
are a credit to the county and to his taste as a growei of the "princeof
animals."
October 19, 1871, Mr. Price was married to Elizabeth Jackson who
was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Price are
the parents of thirteen children, viz; William H., Alpheus E. , Clarence
W., Ross L., Amanda Belle, wife of Arthur Stonehocker; Isaac L., Bessie
A., Virginia E., Bertha Lee, George E., Maud Agnes, Ruth Cleveland
and Florence Olive Price. A family group shows both children and
parents, fifteen in number, a fact and circumstance both remarkable and
unusual.
Mrs. Price is a daughter of Alfred Jackson and Parthena Showalter.
Both were natives of Pennsylvania. The latter died in 1856 and the former
is a resident of Boulder, Colorado. He was born in 1823 and is the father
of three children.
Mr. Price takes a citizen's interest in public affairs in Allen county
and has repiesented his party as a candidate for public office. He has no
special desire for holding office but it was only to obey the commands of his
party that he consented to run. He is convinced of two things: That he
is on the right side politically and on the wrong side numerically. Al-
though his ancestry answered to the Democratic roll call and wete citizens
of a semi-southern state their sentiments during the Rebellion were in-
tensely union. Two uncles died in the service and other relatives tendered
patriotic and agpreciative service in the cause of a union of the states.
Mr. Price affiliates with the Masonic fraternity. He was introduced to
the mysteries at twenty-two years of age and holds his membership in
Uniontown Eodge No. 115.
452 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
DANIEL FREED — When one is forced to begin a business life empt.v-
handed it is necessary to practice economy in order to gain a start,
and to endure many hardships and trials. This demands courage, and
only people of resolute spirit are enabled to overcome the difficulties and
obstacles in the path to progress and prosperity. Mr. Freed, however, is
numbered among the representatives of that class. He was born in Han-
cock county, Ohio, on the 13th of January, 1850, a sou of John and Sarah
(Dubbs) Freed, also natives of the Buckeye State. The father was an ag-
riculturalist and died upon the old home farm in Ohio, in iSgi, at the age of
seventy-five years, while his wife passed away in June, 1900, at the age of
.seventy-seven years. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom
five are now living.
Daniel Freed was the seventh in order of birth and was reared in Ohio,
spending the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof. He
pursued a common school education, assisted in the labors of field and
meadow, and in his minority also learned the painter's trade. As a com-
panion and helpmate on life's journey he cho,se Miss Pleasant A. Huff, also
a native of Ohio, their marriage being celebrated June 23, 1870.
In the following year Mr. Freed came to Kansas and preempted a
claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land on the county line, it being
located in the southwestern corner of the section on which the town of
Savonburg now stands. He arrived in Kansas without capital. He had
no money with which to carry on the work of improving his place or of
supporting his family, but he possessed indefatigable energy and determina-
tion. These are solid foundation stones of success, and upon them he has
builded his fortune. As he found opportunity he followed the painter's
trade. Many of the pioneer settlers of that day, being limited in financial
resources, did not have their homes painted, but as the population in-
creased new residences and buildings were erected and his patronage in the
line of his trade grew and today it claims all of his attention. He still
owns his farm, but the work of cultivating and improving it is carried on
by those whom he employs. Many years have passed since he has known
through personal experience what poverty meant, for his labors brought
him a comfortable competence that enabled him to provide his family vyith
all the necessaries and many of the luxuries of life. He now has a fine
residence, a large barn and all the necessary outbuildings upon his place,
everything is kept in good condition.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Freed has beea blessed with four children:
E. Wilbur, who is now in Oklahoma Territory; Alice D., the wife of C. W.
Nyman, who resides near her father; Hattie Blanche and Henry Clinton,
who are still under the parental roof. Mr. Freed has ever given his
political support to the Republican party, never faltering in his allegiance
to its principles. Socially he is connected with the Knights and Eadies of
Securities and A. O. U. W. at Savonburg.
—V'OODSON CCfUNTIES, KASTSAS. ^iJS
X T. DONOHO— For thirty years L. T. Donoho, one of the enterprising
-J — *' farmers of Elsmore township, has been a resident of Allen cotinty.
.Tie was born in McDouough county, Illinois, on the 29th of January, -iSscx,
-and is the youngest of seyen children born unto J. M. and Emma Donoho.
The father was a natiye of Tennessee and died in 1888, at the ripe old age
•:of seventy-six 5'ears, while his wife passed away in 18S6, at the age of sixty-
eight years.
The subject of this review was reared upon a farm and acquired a com-
mon school education in Illinois. He came to Kansas with his parents in
1870 and has resided in Elsmore township for more than thirty years. In
the year of his arrival here he married Miss Letitia Harris, and after a
•quarter of a century of married life death came to her on the 25th of Sep-
tember, 1S95. She left a husband and nine children to mourn her loss,
namely: Lillian, now the wife of William Jordan; EfBe, the wife of Mont
Kirby, of Oklahoma Territory; Ella, the wife of John Kirby, of Elsmore
■township; Ernest, Lawrence, Jennie, Cecil, Alice and Fred, all of whom
are at home.
Mr. Donoho was reared to agricultural pursuits and in the early part
of his business career followed farming, but finally sold his property and
took up his abode in Elsmore, where he was engaged in merchandising for
-some time. In 1S94 ^^^ was appointed postmaster of the town and served
under the presidential administration of Grover Cleveland. On the expira-
tion of his four years' terra he was succeeded by a Republican, but retired
irom office with a creditable record as an obliging, accommodating and
.faithful ofScial. He then returned to his farm and assumed the cultivation
•of its fields and the raising of stock, to which work he has since given his
attention, preferring it to any other occupation. In his political views Mr.
Donoho is a Democrat and socially he is connected with the Fraternal Aid
Society, of Elsmore. Throughout the long j-ears of his residence in the
count}' he has become widel}' known and his career will bear the closest
investigation.
rOSEPH ERICSON — The name of Ericson is well known in connection
"J with agricultural interests in Allen county and has ever been synony-
mous with signal honesty in business affairs. Joseph Ericson, who now
follows farming in Elsmore township, claims Illinois as the State of his
nativity, his birth having occured in Knoxville, Knox county, on the 6th
ii)f isTovember, 1827. His father, Ole Ericson, was born in Sweden in the
year 1812, and having arrived at years of maturity, he was married in that
country. His wife, Elna, was born in 1825, and in the year 1850 they
-came to the new world, attracted by the opportunities here afforded. Since
that time they have been residents of Knox county, Illinois, their home
•being in Knoxville. The father has reached the advanced age of eighty-
eight years and the mother is now seventy-five years of age. Their
454 HISTORY OF ALtEN" AS'iy
family numbered nine children and three of the sons are now prosperouT-
farmers of Allen county.
Joseph Ericson, the fifth in order of birth, was reared in Knox county
and pursued his education in the common schools and worked for his
parents until twenty-one years of age and then secured employment as a
farm hand, to which work h€ gave his attention through the summer
months, while in the winter seasons he was employed in the coal mines.
Through his industry, economy and determination he accumulated about
six hundred dollars, and with this capital he came to Kansas, accompanied
by his brother Eric. They made the journey in the spring of 1883 and our
subject located first at Warrensburg, where he was employed in a store
owned by Charles Nelson. About a year afterward he and his brother
together purchased what is known as a "league claim" in Allen county,
investing, all of their capital in that property. Soon, however they found
that they could not secure a title without again buying the land. Thus
they lost all of the money which they had first put into the place, but they
made arrangements to again pay the purchase price, and for seven years
Joseph Ericson resided upon that farm, after which he sold his interest to
his brother and purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 12, town-
26, range 20, on wliich he has since made his home, and- today he owns in
Elsmore township a valuable property of two h-undred acres, conveniently-
located one mile west of the town of Elsmore, which furnishes him a good
market for all that he has to sell.
Although Mr. Ericson started out upon bis business career without a
dollar and has had no assistance from wealthy or influential friends, he has-
steadily advanced upon a successful career, his resolute spirit and unflag-
ging energy standing him instead of capital. His property interests are
now very desirable. A pleasant residence occupies a good building site
and is surrounded with shade trees of his own planting. A school house
is located at one corner of his farm and thus his children enjoy educational
advantages near at hand. He raises hogs, cattle and horses, and to his
stock feeds the most of his grain. His farming methods are progressive
and he is quick to adopt all improved methods which will promote the
productiveness of his farm or add to its value or convenience.
On the nth of February, 1892, in Allen county. Mr. Ericson ted to the
marriage altar Miss Amanda Olson, a daughter of Nels and Anna Olson,
both of whom were natives of Sweden. Mrs. Ericson was born in Ford
county, Illinois, and by her marriage has become the mother of five chil-
dren, but Elna and Arthur are now deceased. Tliose still living are Elmer,
Josie and Juneta. A nephew, Eddie W. Miller, is also a member of the
family. Mr. Ericson usually gives his political support to the Populist
party, but votes for the men rather than the organization. For eighteeu
years he has been a resident of Allen county, known and respected as a
man of sterling worth and ability, and as one of those who contribute to the
general stability of the community he is numbered.
"WOODSON cou^f^rIES, Kansas. .^^SJ
JOHN SWANSON", who follows farming in Elsmore township, was born
in Sweden, December 5, 1850. His father, Swan Olson, is still a
resident of Sweden, and there he reared his famil,v, the subject of this
review remaining in that country until he was tw^ent3'-one years of age,
when he crossed the Atlantic and took up his abode in Moline, Illinois,
where he entered the employ of the John Deere Plow Comf any and re-
mained for three years. At tire expiration of that time he went to
Iowa and for two years was employed as a farm hand, after which he re-
turned to Moline and again entered the works of the Deere Company. He
was employed for four years in the factory, during which time he won the
confidence of Mr. Deere who manifested his appreciation of the faithful
.service our subject had rendered him by giving him employment at his home
and there he remained for two years.
In 1876 Mr. Swanson was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Benson,
a native of Sweden who came to America on the same ship on which her
husband had made the voyage. He then rented a farm in Henry county,
Illinois, and continued its operation for eight years, returning again to
Moline, where he resided two years. Belie\'ing that he could more readih-
secure a home for his family in the west he then came to Kansas, arriving
in Allen county on the 8th of November, 1887. He purchased eighty acres
of land two miles and a half west of Savonburg, where he still resides and
has made himself one of the prettiest homes in the county, having erected
a fine residence in the midst of a beautiful grove. The house is finished in
an attractive manner on the inside and neatly furnished and an air of
liospitality pervades it. Mrs. Swanson presides over the household affairs
and is an excellent housekeeper. Mr. Swanson attends to the work of the
fields and everj-thing'aboutthe place is characterized by thrift and enterprise.
AVhen he left Sweden he had to borrow money of his brother and in Illinois
Tie laid up $1300 which he brought to Kansas, and by his untiring diligence
and capable management he has continually added to his competence which
"has now assumed very creditable proportions.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Swanson have been born seven children, three
■sons and four daughters: Alfred, Ansfred and Victor, who are at home and
assist their father in the work of the farm; Almeda, who is in Kansas City;
and Jennie, Minnie and Ester, who are still with their parents. In his
political views Mr. Swanson is a Republican. His duties of citizenship
are faithfully discharged and he is true to all responsibilities devolving
•upon him. Surely he had earned the proud American title of "self-made
man" for ha\'ing come to the new world empty handed he has worked his
way upward, and as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wi.se-
3y and well.
TSAAC N. O'BRIEN— Tireless energy, well directed by sound business
J- judgment, has brought to Mr. O'Brien very gratifying success in the
affairs of life. He resides in Humboldt township, where he owns and
456 " History' op allen an'D'
occupies a fine farm. He was born in Pike county, Ohio, March 29, 1835'^
and was about twenty-three years of age when he came to this State. His^
father, Cornelius O'Brien, was born in the Buckeye State in 1808, ancJ
having arrived at years of maturity he married Leah Newman, of Adams-
county, Ohio. In the year 1857 he came with his son William to Allen-
county, Kansas, and preempted the quarter section of land upon which his-
son Isaac now resides. The country was wild and the Indians far out-
numbered the white population. It required considerable courage tor an-
eastern man to settle among the red-skinned people, and also face the trials-
and hardships incident to life on the frontier, but for many years the father
carried on farming and was regarded as one of the reliable citizens of the
community. He died in 1872, at the age of si.xtyfour years. His wife
was born in 1807, and passed away in 1S66, at the age of fifty-nine. They
had but two children; William C, of Mound Valley, Kansas, and Isaac N.
Isaac N. O'Brien speut the days of his childhood and youth in Ohio, and.
at the time of his father's removal to Kansas was serving as Clerk of Common.
Pleas court. He served from 1S56 to 1858 and accordingly did not come to
the Sunflower State until April 9,, 185S, at which time he took up his
residence in Humboldt and engaged in freighting from I..e'avenworth and
Kansas City. When the war broke out he joined the army and was de-
tailed as a teamster. He was discharged in September, 1862', and went
back to Ohio, and when the war was nearly over reenlisted as a substitute,,
receiving sixteen hundred dollars for his services. As his command waS'
proceeding down the Ohio river, they received word that Lee had sur-
rendered and were ordered back to be discharged^ so that Mr. 0"Brien was
only out four weeks the second time.
Throughout the greater part of his business career he has carried ore
farming. He spent five years, however, in Chanute, where he operated
the electric light plant and mills, and was also engaged for a time in the
grocefy business. In due time he returned to his farm where he is now
extensively and successfully engaged in the raising of wheat, corn and
hogs. His place comprises a tract of rich, never-failing bottom land on the
Neosho river.
Mr. O'Brien has been twice married. First May 29, 1859, he wedded,
in Ohio, Miss Mary K. Were, and tathem were born a son and daughter;
Cornelius, born April 14, 18&4, is now engaged in the transfer business in
Cincinnati, Ohio: Mary E., born May 13 and died July 16, 1S67. The
mother died June 5, 1867, and Mr. O'Brien was again married February
II, 1872, his second union being with Miss Maggie P. Moore, of Pike
county, Ohio. By this union si.x children were born: J. M.,a prominent
merchant in Humboldt; Grace aud Hattie, both of whom have been college
students and are now teachers in Allen county; Bertha, George aud Perlie,
In his political afBliations Mr. O'Brien has always been a Republican.
The honors and emoluments of public office have had no attraction for him,
his attention being given to the farm, which has been the means of secur-
ing for him a comfortable competence. He has long been a witness of the
WOODSON COUNTIE;!, KANSAS. 457
growth and development of southeastern Kansas, and Allen county num-
bers him among her valued early settlers.
A AT'ILLIAM W. MOFFITT, who has from early boyhood been de-
^ " pendent upon his own resources and has worked his way steadily
upward, is now one of the most progressive and successful business men in
Savonburg. A native ol Franklin county, Indiana, he was born December
30, 1S47, a son of Wesley and Elizabeth (Garrison) Moffitt. The father
was a native of Pennsylvania, and when a young man removed to Indiana,
where he met and married Miss Garrison, who had gone to the Hoosier
state with her parents in her girlhood. Mr. Moffitt was a carpenter by
trade, and followed that pursuit for a few years in Illinois, after which he
came to Kansas in 1S67, locating in Bourbon county, near Uniontown.
He died in iSS8, at the age of seventy years, while visiting in Nebraska.
Five years earlier his wife passed away at the age of fifty-three. They had
five children: William W., Mrs. Mary E. Lakin, Emma Pemrock,
Charles and Mrs. Ella A. Cation.
Mr. Moifitt, of this review, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in
Illinois, and mastered the common English branches of learning as taught
in the public schools. He came with the family to Kansas in 1867, when
twenty years of age and remained with his parents till the age of twenty-
five, when he was married to Miss Anna Morrison, the wedding being cele-
brated on the nth of February, 1872. The lady is a native of Guernsey
county, Ohio, The}' began their domestic life upon a rented farm near
Uniontown, where Mr. Moffitt carried on agricultural pursuits foi a year,
and then removed to Neosho county. Here he secured a claim in Grant
township, and is to-day the owner of eighty acres of highly improved land.
He continued farming until 1891, when he removed his family to Savon-
burg, where he has since engaged in the grain and seed business, buying
and shipping those commodities. His trade has constantly grown, and his
business now amounts to sixty thousand dollars annually, for he handles
the greater part of the grain raised in the southeastern portion of Allen
county, having a warehouse in both Elsmore and Savonburg. He has ex-
cellent facilities for carrying on the business and is prepared to pay the
highest market price for grain, seeds and broom corn.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Moffitt has been blessed with two chil-
dren, Edna and Elsa. They occupy a very pleasant residence in Savon-
burg, which is owned by Mr. Mofiitt, whose property interests also include
his farm and the buildings in which he is conducting his business. In
politics he has always been a Republican, warmly espousing the principles
of the party, and he is now capably serving as Justice of the Peace in his
township. Of the Odd Fellows Society, the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America he is a representative,
belonging to the local organizations in Savonburg. His life illustrates the
power of honesty and diligence in the business world and is an example
that is well worthy of emulation.
458 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
GUS ENGELHARDT, one of the well known and popnlar farmers of
Elsmore township, Allen county, was born in LaGrange, Cook
county, Illinois, and is of German lineage. His father, Charles Engel-
hardt, was a native of Germany, and when a young man crossed the briny
deep to the new world in 1856, settling upon a farm near Chicago. He was
married to Miss Marie Harnish, who was also a native of Germany. An
agriculturi.st by occupation, he engaged in the tilling of the soil in Cook
county, Illinois, from 1856 until 1878, and during that time made consider-
able money. He then determined to remove to the west, where he could
buy land at a lower price, and in 1878 came to Kansas, where he purchased
a farm of one thousand and eighty acres on Big Creek, in Elsmore town-
ship,— one of the richest tracts in Allen county. He there resided until
his death, which was caused by the accidental discharge of a gun. He
was a man whom to know was to respect and honor for he lived an indus-
trious life, true to all noble and manly principles. His wife still survives
him at the age of sixty-five years, and is now living wiih her sons in Chi-
cago. Mr. and Mrs. Engelhardt had nine children, namely: Alfred,
Robert, Gus, Frank, Fred, Ed. and Mrs. Flora Consell. The last named
is a resident of Wyoming, Illinois.
Gus Engelhardt was reared in Illinois until sixteen years of age, when
he came to Kansas with his parents, remaining with them on the home-
stead farm until he attained his majority when he crossed the plains to
California and for one year worked at the carpenter's trade on the Pacific
coast. Since that time he has engaged in the operation of the farm in
Allen county, which belonged to his father. He took charge of the place
upon his father's death and has since successfully operated it, raising and
feeding cattle and hogs in addition to the cultivation of the fields. He has
excellent grades of stock upont he place and is a progressive agriculturalist,
all appointments being modern, while the farm machinery is of the latest
improved kind. He possesses good business qualifications and his capable
management of the property has made it yield a good return.
Mr. Engelhardt was married April 7, 1897, to Miss Mary Teel, a
daughter of John and Elizabeth Teel. She was born in Linn county,
Iowa, and with her parents came to Kansas in 1877. By *her marriage she
has become the mother of an interesting little daughter, Mona Marie, born
August 25, 1899. In his fraternal relations Mr. Engelhardt is connected
with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. He votes with the Republican party, and assists his friends in
obtaining office but has never desired official preferment for himself.
TOHK S. WILSON, of LaHarpe, is one of the more recent settlers of
*-" Allen county and he belongs to the thrifty and industrious class of
Anglo-Americans who are so numerous in Elm township. He came into
Allen count3^ in 1889 from Tazewell count}', Illinois, where he had resided
fifteen years and whither he went from Livingston county. New York. In
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 459
the latter state he was a neighbor of our fellow townsman, Henry Busley,
and in locating in Allen county it was not strange that he should join farms
with his old friend in their new home.
Mr. Wilson was born in Lincolnshire, England, November 15, 1843,
and is a son of John Wilson, a laborer, who had two sons and three
diughters, viz: Mary, deceased, wife of William Wakefield; Robert Wil-
son, who is in Australia; Elizabeth, who is married to William Graham
and resides in England; John S. Wilson, and Jane, wife of John Higgins,
<5f England.
Our subject's mother was a school teacher and her maiden nauie was
lyizzie Simpson. She reared her family to habits of industry and to prin-
ciples of honesty and gave them such intellectual training as to equip them
for successful competition with the world.
At nine years of age John S. Wilson began working by the year and
at the age of thirteen he was able to earn three pounds. His labors were
all given to farm work and the highest wages he earned (which was the
highest paid) was twenty-one pounds a year. When he left England it
was with sufficient funds to pay the passage of himself, wife and a child.
He became a farm hand in his new but temporary home in Livingston
county. New York, and when he had layed up two hundred dollars he
bought a team and began farming rented land. He had accumulated a
small surplus when he came to Illinois and a little more by the time he
settled in Kansas, so that when he contracted for his home place of eighty
acres he was only in debt a thousand dollars. In the eleven years he has
passed in Allen county he has paid off his indebtedness and is clear of in-
cumbrance with another eighty acres added to complete his quarter section.
In 1S72 Mr. Wilson was married in Lincolnshire, England, to Susan
Johnson who died at LaHarpe in 1891 leaving three children, as follows:
Lizzie, wife of Simon Remsburg, a prominent young farmer of lola town-
ship; Robert W. Wilson, with his father, and Lydia Wilson, who died May
4, 1900, from accidental burning.
Mr. Wilson allied himself with the Democratic party when he became
a voter in the United States and, in his quiet way, has given aid and com-
fort to the enemies of the opposition for many years.
His pride in his home Mr. Wilson has made manifest in his constant
and permanent improvement of his premises. His farm is one of the con-
spicuously attractive ones on his highway and when anj' of the conven-
iences of a farm are needed he provides them.
/'^ EORGE H. BACON was .born in Litchfield county, Connecticut, on
^^ Christmas day of 1827, his parents being Henry H. and Lois (Mill)
Bacon, also natives of that state. The son spent the first fifteen years of
his life in the place of his nativity. His father died in Connecticut in
1840, at the age of forty-six years, and in 1842 he accompanied his mother
460 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
ou her removal to Indiana. Throughout lier remaining daj-s he cared for
her, aud she departed this life at his home in Kansas in 1874 when eighty-
nine 3'ears of age.
While in Indiana George H. Bacon learned the trade of cloth dressing,
which he followed for seven 3'ears. In 1853 he and his mother removed to
Illinois, where he engaged in farming. His first work was at' the car-
penter's trade, which he followed for eighteen months, and from his earn-
ings he saved three hundred dollars. He then visited New Orleans, but
returning to Illinois worked on a farm for nine months, after which he pur-
chased eighty' acres of land, devoting his energie.s to its cultivation. In
that enterprise he met with gratifying success.
In 1853 Mr. Bacon was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. F. Ridge,
a native ot Indiana, and in Illinois they resided until 1873 when they came
to Kansas, Mr. Bacon purchasing two hundred acres of land in Elsmore
township, where he has since resided. He has made splendid improve-
ments upon his farm and has a very desirable property. In 1895 ^^s.
Bacon died at the age of sixty-four years. They were the parents of ten
children, six of whom are now living, namely: Charles W., who resides
on a farm in Elsmore township; John E. , of L,aHarpe; Ella L., wife of
Wesley Jones; Mary F., wife of C. S. Cox; Laura Kate, wife of E. W.
Myler, of Burlingame, Kansas; Lizzie H., wife of B. F. Low, and Frank
M., an adopted son.
Mr. Bacon has always been a strong temperance man and now has in
his possession a pledge which he signed September 16, 1841, when fourteen
■years of age, and giving the names of the president and secretary of the
organization Prior to the war he was a supporter of the Abolition party
and on its organization he joined the Republican party, with which he has
since affiliated. His life has been one of marked industry. A glance at
his farm will indicate his careful supervision and progressive methods.
He has now passed the seventy-third milestone on life's journey, and in the
evening of life he receives the veneration and respect which should ever be
accorded those whose record is an upright one.
/"^ W. NYMAN owns and operates a valuable farm of two hundred
^-^« acres in Elsmore township. He was born in Clay county. South
Dakota, on the 3rd of September, i86g, and is of Swedish lineage, being
the eldest son of August J. and Matilda Nyman, both of whom were natives
of Sweden. The father was born April 9, 1839, acquired his education in
the public schools, and on the 30th of December. 1867, married Miss
Matilda Swanson. For a number of j^ears he had served as a grade con-
tractor on the raihoad. In 1868 he came with his young wife to America,
locating first in Boone county, Iowa, where he worked on a gravel train.
A year later they went to South Dakota, where Mr. Nyman secured a
homestead and began farming, experiencing many of the hardships and
■\vOOXiSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. -i^f
icrlals that fall to the lot of the pioneer. The summers were short, the winters
Bon;; and severe, and many blizzards rendered the lot of the settlers any-
thing but enviable. After nine years Mr. Nyman sold his farm and on
account of ill health returned with his family to Sweden, but after fifteen
months he again came to America, reaching Kansas in 1S78. He bought a
farm of eighty acres where Savonburg is located, and later added to the
property until he owns two hundred and sixty acres of the rich and pro-
ductive soil of Allen county. Here he has built a fine country residence
and large barns and is now in possession of a model country-seat, every-
thing about the place being in first class condition. He is numbered among
the progressive and substantial farmers of Allen county, and deserving of
:great credit for his success, for when he first arrived in America he had
only twenty dollars. His excellent ability as a manager, combined with his
unfiagging industry, has enabled him to work his way steadily upward and
today he is in possession of a handsome competence.
In politics August J. Nyman is a stalwart Republican, inflexible in
support of the principles of his party. For a third of a century his wife has
traveled life's journey by his side and their home was blessed with three
children. The two surviving are C. W. and J. O., the latter a prominent
real estate dealer in Savonburg.
In taking up the personal history of C. W. Nyman we present to our
readers the life of one who is widely and favorably known in Allen count}".
He spent the first eight years of his life in his native State, and then ac-
companied his parents on their return to Sweden. His experience in the
■old country was an interesting period in his boyhood career. With the
"family he came to Allen county when nine years of age, and has made his
home here continuously since, supplementing his early education, acquired
in South Dakota, by study in the schools of Savonburg and also in learning
the Swedish language. He assisted his father in the cultivation of the
home farm and remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of
age, when he was married, on the 3rd of March 1892, to Miss AUie Freed,
a native of this county, and a daughter of Daniel and Pleasant Freed. They
now have a little son, Vernon, who is three years old.
After his marriage Mr. N}-man purchased eight}' acres of land on the
county line, a mile south and west of Savonburg, and with characteristic
energy began transforming the raw ^airie into richly cultivated fields. He
erected a nice residence and added to its homelike appearance by planting
trees about the place. His house is situated on the county line, and he
■owns also one hundred and twenty acres of land in Neosho county. The
soil is rich and productive and a crop can be depended upon almost any
season. He has a herd of good cattle, keeping on hand about forty head,
and he also has good horses and mules, with which to operate his land and
tend to the other work of the farm. In 1896 he became interested in the
real estate business in Savonburg in connection with his brother, but
after a year he sold out to his brother and returned to the farm, since which
time he has devoted his energies exclusively to the cultivation of the fields
and the raising of stock.
462 . HISTORY OF ALEEN AN'D^
In his social relations Mr. Nyman is an Odd Pellow and Rebekafi ancS
also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workman, to the Knights-
and Ladies of Security and to the A~nti-Horse Thief Association. In politics-
he has been an earnest and energetic Republican since casting his first vote.
In his farming methods he iS practical and enterprising, and these quali-
ties have made him one of the prosperous agriculturalists of the community, -
while bis genial manner has rendered him popular with- many friends.
J' AMES H. RUNYAN— For a quarter of a century James H.- Rrtnyan has
resided upon the farm in Elm township which is now his home, and
is a loyal citizen of Kansas. He has traveled in -various states but has-
never found a location as pleasing as Allen county and therefore with its-
interests he ha.s- been long anti actively identified. He was born in Warren,
county, Ohio, in iSJy. His paternal great-grandfather. Henry Runyan,.
Sr,, was- a native of Holland, whence he crossed the Atlantic to America.
When- the yoke of British oppression became intolerable and the people
sought independence he joined the colonial army, thus becoming one of the
Revolutionary heroes-. His son, Henry Runyan, Jr., grandfather of our
subject, was born in what is now West Virginia, in 1775, and in that State
occurred the birth of his son, Peter h- Runyan, the date of his birth being
iSoi. During the pioneer epoch in the development of Ohio, he removed
from West Virginia to the Buckeye State and in 1824 married Hannah
Crosson, whose people moved irom Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1803. Of the-
children of Peter L, Runyan five are still living: Henry, of Butlerville,.
Ohio; James H.; Archie, af Blanchester, Ohio; Mrs. Rebecca Long
and Mrs. Mary Flommerfelt, both of whom are residents of Butlerville.
James H. Runyan, the second of the family, early became inured to the
hard labor incident to life upon a pioneer farm. In 1852 he went to Cali-
fornia, attracted by the discovery of gold there and spent seven years on the
Pacific slope engaged in mining and in running a pack train and trading
post at the mines. In 1859 he returned to Ohio and after devoting six
years to merchandising once more took up his abode upon the farm where
he remained until his removal to Allen tounty, Kansas, in 1874. He spent
about a year in lola and then purcha.sed the land on which he now resides-
He found here a log cabin, while a small portion of the ground had been
placed under cultivation. Each year he has added to the improvements
upon the place until he has made it one of the best farms in Elm townships
the well tilled fields yielding to him a golden tribute in return for the care
and cultivation he has bestowed upon them.
In i860 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Runj'jn and Miss Sarah S.
Bird, whose people removed from New Jersey to Ohio. She is the only
surviving one of a family of fourteen children. Mr. and Mrs. Runyan have
five children, all living, namely: LeRoy, who is clerking for the Lanyon
Zinc Company at Lanyonville, is married; George W., married, and is a
"WOODSON COtTXTIES, ICAXSAS. ^'iSj
railroad employe living in N;odesha, Kansas; Clement E., of Calffomia:;
-Ed L., who is married and is in the real estate business in LaHarpe, and
-Mrs. Nellie Morrison who resides on a farm in Elm township. In politics
• the Runyans are Democrats, and in religious belief they are Methodists.
Mr. and Mrs. Runyan of this review have been members or the church of
that denomination for thirty years, and in their life exemplify their
faith. Mr. Runyan has had no occasion to regret his determination to
seek a home in Kansas, for here he has prospered, gaining a com-
fortable competence, and at the same time winning the respect of his
■fellow men.
XAT-ILLIAM J. FURNEAUX — In his life record William j. Fur-
' " neaux has manifested many of the sterling traits of his English
and Scotch ancestors. He was born in Owen Sound, in Canada, September
4, 1867. His father, John Furneaux, was a native of England, born in
Devonshire, and at the age of thirteen years he crossed the Atlantic to the
British province in the new world, being reared and married in Canada.
Miss Jennie L-awrie, who became his wife, was born in Scotland and was
■brought to Canada when five years of age. With his family John Fur-
neaux removed to Brown county, Kansas, in 1869, locating upon a farm
•there. He had previously engaged in the manufacture of lye, but after
■coming to the Sunflower state devoted his energies to agiicultural pursuits.
At present he is living with his family in Barton county, Missouri. Mr.
and Mrs. Furneaux became the parents of six children, five of whom are
living, namely: Robert, William J., Helen, Henry and Grace, now the
wife of Dan VanScoyoc.
The subject of this review was the second of the family. He remained
with his parents until he was twenty-six j'ears of age and was then married
to Miss Aldora Gloyd, who was born in Bucyrus, Crawford county, Ohio,
on the 14th of November, 1873. Her parents were Henry and Lavina
(Grundrun) Gloyd, who came to this state in 1SS8, but are now living in
Davis county, Missouri, where Mr. Gloyd has been employed by the
Wabash Railroad Company for a number of years.
After his marriage Mr. Furneaux rented a farm and began life on his
•own account. He had a team, but few possessions beyond this and it was
hard work that gave him his start. However, he pos.sessed an unfailing
amount of energy and determination and as the result of his well directed
efforts he was soon enabled to purchase a farm.
Mr. Furneaux resided in Anderson county until 1894 when he sold his
property there and came to Allen county where he purchased eighty acres
of land a mile and a half east of Elsmore. Here he is making a nice home
and with the aid of his wife he is advancing steadily on the road to pros-
perity. The marriage of this worthy couple has been blessed with four
children, nanieh-: Roy, George, McNel and Eva. Mr. Furneaux has
464 HISTORY OF ALLEK ATsT^D"
always been a stalwart Republican and is giving an unswerving support tc>
the principles of the party, but he has never sought or desired office, his-
attention being fully occupied by his business affairs.
/^ EORGE H. YOl/NG.— The record of George K. Young is that of a
^^ conscientious man who by his upright life has won the confidence of
all with whom he has conie in contact. He has passed the eighty-third
milestone on life's journey and although the snows of many winters have
whitened his hair he has the vigor of a much younger man and in spirits
and interests seems yet in his prime. Old age is not necessarily a syn-
onym of weakness and inactivity. It need not suggest, as a matter of
course, want of occupation or helplessness. There is an- old age that is a
benediction to all that come in contact with it, that gives out of its rich
stores of experience and is thus a benefit to others. Such is the life of Mr.
Young, an encouragement to his associates and an example well worthy ofc
emulation to those who are but starting out on life's journey.
He was born in Stokes county, North Carolina, October 24, 1817, a
son of Robert and Mary (Astrop) Young, the former a native ot the Old
North state, while the lattfr was born in Culpeper county, Virginia. He
died in December, 1857, at the age of seventy-two years, and his wife sur-
vived him until 1S64, passing away at the age of seventy-five. Nine chil-
dren were bom to them but only three are now living: Anna, who resides
in North Carolina, at the age of ninety years; George H., and E. H., who
is still living in the county where he was born seventy-six years ago.
George H. Young received only such educational privileges as were
afforded by the common schools of his native state. He was reared to man-
hood under the parental roof, and on the nth of March, 1841, was united
in marriage to Miss Polly A. Ross. He owned a small farm in North Car-
olina and continued its operation until i860, when he started for Kansas^
hopmg to there secure a good location, but when he reached Kansas City
he heard such discouraging reports concerning the droughts in the Sun-
flower state that he purchased a farm in Cass county, Missouri, and there
took up his abode. Afterward, however, he removed to Johnson county,
Kansas, but returned to his farm in Missouri, where he remained six
months, then came back to Kansas. In 1870 he came to Allen county and
secured a claim comprising a quarter section of land in the southeast por-
tion of the county. It was a tract of wild prairie on which not a furrow
had been turned or an improvement made, but he at once began its de-
velopment and has made his home thereon for thirty j^ears. He has suf-
fered many trials since coming to the west. He lived in Missouri during a
portion of the war period and was exposed to the attacks of the bush-
whackers who twice robbed him of nearly everything he had and kept him
in a state of constant fear and anxiety. During the war he joined the
militia and aided in guarding the families on the border. He has per-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 465
formed the arduous task of improving a new farm in Kansas, but now has a
valuable property which supplies him with all the necessities and comforts
of life.
In 1894 Mr. Young was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who
died on the 3rd of September of that year, at the age of seventy-two. To
them were born eleven children, nine of whom reached years of maturity,
while eight are yet living, namely: Smith A., wife of James Davis, now
of Wilson county, Kansas; Jasper L,. I., Martin G. and John R., all of
Bourbon, Kansas; G. W., at home; J. B., in Nebraska; Charles Grant and
Anna M., also at home.
Mr. Young cast his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison
and was a stalwart Whig until the organization of the Republican party
when he joined its ranks and has since followed its banners, giving his
support to President McKinley in 1896 and again in igoo. Everything
pertaining to the welfare of the community receives his endorsement and
co-operation. To the Methodist Episcopal congregation he gave a plat of
ground, the society was organized and a good church was built in 1883,
now having a membership of between seventy-five and one hundred. Mr.
Young is a well preserved man, vigorous and energetic, with memory un-
impaired and mind undimmed with the weight of years. His many friends
join in the wish that he may be spared for some years to come, to be num-
bered still among the respected and worthy citizens of Allen county.
"T^R. CHARLES S. RANNELLS has been engaged in the practice of
-• — ' medicine in Allen county for twenty-two years. He possesses a
broad humanitarian spirit, a sympathetic nature and a strong mind, that in
its power of analysis enables him to correctly and carefully diagnose dis-
ease. These qualities have insured his success and won him prestige as a
representative of the medical fraternity.
The Doctor was born in St. r,ouis county, Missouri, January 15, 1851,
and is the eldest son of Dr. David Watson and Mary Eliza (Clarkson)
Rannells, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The father located in
St. Louis county, Missouri, at an early day, his home being within seven
miles of the city of St. Louis, and for forty-five years engaged in practice
there, being the loved family physician of many a household. He died in
1876. His wife passed away many years before, leaving for children:
Charles S. ; Sallie, wife of Rev. Penu Mead, of New York, now deceased;
Catherine, who is living in New York with her sister, and David, a resi-
dent of San Diego county, California.
Having acquired his preliminary education in the public schools,
Charles S. Rannells afterward began the study of medicine under his
father's watchful care and guidance, and subsequently became a student in
the medical university of Baltimore, Maryland, in which institution he was
graduated in the winter of 1876. He began practice in Baltimore, but
466 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
after a )-ear returned to Missouri to visit his fathei and practiced for one
year in his old home neighborhood near St. Louis. In 1878 he came to
Allen county, where he has since made his home, and for a number of
years has been located in Savonburg. His practice extends into Neosho
and Bourbon counties, and has now assumed large proportions.
The Doctor married Mrs. Mattie Ayers, widow of Benj. \V. Ayers, and
a daughter of Dr. G. G. Samuels, a native of Kentucky and one of the
early settlers of St. Louis, where he met and married Adoline Butler, a
representative of one of the old families of that city. Dr. Samuels died in
1895, while visiting in Arkansas, and his wife passed away many j^ears be-
fore. By her first marriage Mrs. Rannells had two children: Mabel, a
popular j'oung lady of Allen county; and Bennie, who is married and re-
sides in Kansas City. Unto the Doctor and his wife have been born a
daughter, Sallie M., now sixteen years of age, and a son, Charles, who
died at the age of twenty months. His success in the line of his chosen
profession has brought to Dr. Rannells a comfortable competence and en-
ables him to supply his family with many of the luxuries of life. His man-
ner is cordial and courteous, his actions sincere, and all who know him
recognize his sterling worth.
TTENRY E. BLAKELY, who is numbered among Ohio's native sons,
-^ -*- was born in Miami county, October 11, 1867, and is a son of George
H. and Sophia Ann (Dillon) Blakely, both of whom were natives
of Ohio, the latter being of Irish descent, for her grandparents were natives of
the Green Isle of Erin. When the subject of this review was three years old
his parents removed to Dunn county, Wisconsin, and there he resided for
twelve j'ears, attending the common schools and thus acquiring the founda-
tion of his education. Subsequently the faniilj' became residents of Good-
hue county, Minnesota, where he completed his schooling. He early be-
came familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agricul-
turalist, and in addition to working on the farm through the summer months
he taught school for nine years in the winter season, thus supplementing
the money earned at agriculture by a fair income from his professional labors.
While residing in Goodhue county Mr. Blakely was united in marriage
on June 28, 1S93, to Miss EfEe M. Folsom, who was born and reared in
that county and successfully followed school teaching until her marriage.
Her parents were Abel B. and Nancy (Wright) Folsom. Her father died
in 1897, but her mother is still living and makes her home in Lewiston,
Idaho, where she owns a good fruit farm. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Blakely has been blessed with two interesting little daughters: Frances F. ,
who is now three years of age, and Bessie May, a baby of about eighteen
months.
In the year 1896 Mr. Blakely came to the Sunflower State and has
since been a resident of Elsmore. For three j-ears he had charge of the
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 467
creamery business and then he embarked in the livery business which he
conducted alone until the spring of 1900, when he sold a half interest in
that enterprise to his father. Together they purchased Mr. Kenyon's
livery stable which was added to their own enterprise and thus they are in
control of an extensive livery establishment and a goud business. Our
subject started out in life empty-handed, his only capital being his earnest
determination to succeed and by diligence and a resolute will he has steadi-
ly advanced on the high road to success. He is a member of the Ancient
Order of United Workmen of Elsmore, and in his political affiliations he is
a Republican. He has filled the position of constable in his town for two
years, making a creditable record as a public official.
GEORGE D. HILDEBRANT— Among the farmers of Allen county
who have responded to the spirit of development and shared in the
improvement and settlement of lola township is George D. Hildebrant.
He came west before Horace Greeley promulgated his famous advice t(j
young men and the year 1S57 found him in Linn county, Kansas. He
roamed about over the western piairies and mingled with the Red Man
and the pioneers and familiarized himself with the customs and practices of
the frontier.
Mr. Hildebrant was born in Morris county, New Jersey, November 13,
1835. He was a son oi Jacob Hildebrant, born in Hunterdon county, that
State, in 1S02 and who died at Paw Paw Grove, Illinois, in 1887. He
was one of a large family of children of Jacob Hildebrant, an old German
settler of East Jersey. The latter married Anna Slack.
The mother of our subject was Clarissa Emmons. She died in 1S49
and is buried at Mendham, New Jersey. In 1850 our subject's father left
New Jeisey and brought his family westward into DeKalb county, Illinois.
His sons and daughters were: Jerome, who died and left a tamily in
New Jersey; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Valentine Wirick; Henry,
of Paw Paw Grove, Illinois; Emeline, who married William Griffith, of
Ottawa, Illinois, and Jacob, of Aurora, Illinois.
George D. Hildebrant was reared and received a fair education about
the town of Paw Paw Grove, Illinois. There was a Seminary at that point
then and he attended it as a climax to his career as a school boy. He
learned the trade of a carpenter by working with others, and until he be-
came deeply absorbed in farming, he made this his vocation. His final
entry into Kansas was made in 187 i when he stopped in Linn county. In
1874 he came over into Allen and invested his scant means in a quarter
section of railroad land, in section 35, town 24, range 17. His improve-
ment of it was at first exceedingly slow for he had no means save what his
trade and a rented farm would furnish him. In 1876 he was enabled to
move to his farm and to begin the cultivation of a small patch which he
had fenced. With the lapse of years he has discharged all his early and
468 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
burdensome obligations, has added to his acreage largely and has reared
a large family and surrounded himself with the comforts of a well-
ordered home.
In i860 Mr. Hildebrant was married in Illinois to Mariettta Firkins, a
daughter of Asahel arid Harriet Firkins. The children of this union are:
James A. Hildebrant, who married Eliz Kidney; EUa^ deceased,
married H. E. Billbee and left a family of six children; William Hilde-
brant, with the Santa Fe Railway Company at Independence, is married
to Sadie Kidney; Jacob A. Hildebrant, with the Santa Fe Company at El
Paso, Texas, is married to Minnie Reed; Charles Hildebrant, a Santa Fe
man at Independence, Kansas; Clyde Hildebrant, with the Lanyon Zinc
Company at lola, is married to Myrtle Pinnegei, Barney E., Garfield, Jesse
and Clarissa Hildebrant, residing on the homestead.
In political action Mr. Hildebrant and his sons are Republicans. In
the way of establishing his claim to such political brotherhood he cites the
casting of his first ballot for the party's first presidential candidate, John C.
Fremont. He had just returned to Illinois from his first Kansas trip in
i860 when the quadrangular campaign of that year was being fought and
he voted for Lincoln. In all he has cast a dozen ballots for Republican
candidates for President and has lost only three of the twelve. In religious
matters Mr. Hildebrant is allied with the Methodists. He holds his
membership with the congregation in Piqua and renders it his conscientious
support.
A LFRED CUNNINGHAM, who for thirty years has been a resident
-^~^ of Allen county, was born in Moultrie county, Illinois, in 1836.
His father, Hiram Cunningham, was born in Virginia, and was reared
upon the farm. In early manhood he removed to Kentucky, but after two
years became a resident of Moultrie county, Illinois, where he soon after-
ward married Miss Amanda Wood. Her people were from Kentucky and
were representatives of one of the old families of South Carolina. Hiram
Cunningham served in the Black Hawk war under Captain Alfred Hawes.
He made farming his life work and died-in Illinois, at the age of fifty-five
years. His wife, long surviving him, departed this life at her home in
Moultrie county in 1896. They were parents of the following named: Owen,
who died on the home farm in Illinois, leaving a wife and one child;
Crawford, who died in Iowa; Samuel and Newton, who reside in Illinois;
Jasper, who was a twin brother of Newton and died in infancy; Columbus,
whose place of residence is unknown, and Alfred, our subject.
When Mr. Cunningham was only two years old his parents removed
with their family to Macon county, Illinois, but when he was fifteen years
of age returned to Moultrie county, Illinois. His educational privileges
were such as the subscription schools afforded (for there were no public
schools in that part of Illinois) at the time. He was reared to farm labor.
"WOOUSON COITNTrES, tCASTSAS. 4'5$
'early becoming familiar with the work of plowing, planting and na.rvesting.
.As a companion and helpmeet on life's jonrney he chose ^liss Armilda
Swimni, who was driven from Kentucky by Morgan's men during the
■Civil war. They were married in Saybrook, McLean county, Illinois in
April, 1866. Her father, Robert Swimm, was born in Fleming count}-,
Kentuck}-, in 181 2, and was a son of Hiram Swimm, a Marjdand farmer
who was killed while serving his country in the war of 1812. His children
were Michael, John, Taylor, Ace, Robert and Barbara, who became the
wife of Dan Hamm. All are now deceased. Robert Swimm married
Sarah Riggs, and Mrs. Cunningham was the eldest daughter of their six
■children. Ambrose, the eldest son, died of consumption; Matthew is still
living in Fleming count5\ Kentucky; Eliza A., is the wife of Robert
Vanosdell, of Ottawa, Kansas; Margaret is the wife of Judas Bandro, of
Purcell, Indian Territory, and Samuel M., who died at the age of twenty-
five. The father of this family departed this life in Fleming county, Ken-
tucky, in 1848, but the mother is still living, making her home with her
■daughter Margaret in the Indian Territory. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham
had three children, but L,ela, who was born March 8, 1882, is the
•only one now living. The sons, Corlus B. and Ora D., died when four
years of age.
Mr. Cunningham came with his family to Kansas in 1870, arriving in
Humboldt on the gth of October. He was then thirty-six years of age,
■strong and vigorous, with a realization that life was not all sunshine, and
willing to bear his share of hardships if he could ultimately secure a good
home for himslf and family. Grasshoppers, fire and pestilence have injured
his income and taught him patience and endurance. In the spring after
his arrival he rented a small farm of Mr. Smith of Salem township, and
there lived for two years, after which he took up his abode on the farm
which he yet owns. He purchased the propert}' in 187 1, and with charac-
teristic energy began its development the following year, breaking about
five acres of land where his house stands and laying the foundation for the
building. He also planted a small orchard. In 1S71 he purchased about
sixty head of cattle, but soon afterward had his hay supply destroyed by
a fire which started near Big Creek, and burned its way up into Anderson
count3^ At the end of the third day the wind changed and the fire was
thus driven back in a northeasternly course along the track vi'est of that
over which it had first swept. It traveled at a fearful rate and nothing
could withstand its fury. Mr. Cunningham only escaped by running with
the fire and jumping into the creek. He hurried on to his home, where
his wife lay ill. In the woodyard was a small bare spot around the wood
pile and there he carried Mrs. Cunningham on a feather bed, laying her on
the wood and thus escaping the fury of the fire.
Malaria was prevalent in those early days and Mrs. Cunningham was
forced in the fall of 1862 to return to Illinois to recover her health. Her
husband remained in Kansas, built a new home for them and received her
again the following spring. Though he was met with difficulties, Mr.
Cunningham has persevered and prosperity has now rewarded his labors.
470 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND'
Aside from fanning he has been very successful in the raising of hogs and!
has thus added materially to his income. He is now one of the prosperous
residents of his community.
Since 1874 Mr. Cmmingliam and his wife have been, members of the
Methodist Episcopal church and are active in its work. Their well spent
lives have gained them high regard and they now enjoy the esteem and
frieadsbip of a wide acquaintance.
ALFRED W. JORDAN"— In the history of a man who has devoted his
entire life to business, there is little to awaken the interest of the
reader in .'•earch of a sensational chapter, but Carlyle has said that "biogra-
phy is the m^st profitable of all reading," for therein are set forth the
methods which have been followed to win succsss or which have lead tO'
failure. The careful student may therefore learn valuable lessons from such
a career as Mr. Jordan's for he is one who has worked his way upward,
conquering all obstacles and advancing steadily on the highway of prosperi-
ty by means of determined purpose and ceaseless energy.
Born in Jasper county, Missouri, June 4, 1850, Mr. Jordan is the
second child of Gustavus and Elizabeth (Clay) Jordan. His father was a
native of Virginia and at the age of fifteen left that .state, removing with his
parents to Kentucky where he spent the succeeding twenty years of his life.
During that period he was married to Miss Clay, a native of the Blue
Grass State. When twenty years had passed he returned to Virginia, later
took up his abode in Tennessee, thence went to .Arkansas and later tO'
Jasper county, Missouri. The year 1863 witnessed his arrival in Kansas.
He fiist settled on the banks of the Osage river in Anderson county, and in
1866 came to Allen county, locating on Big creek, where he spent his re-
maining days, his death occurring in 1875, when he was seventy-six years
of age. His wife passed away in 1877, at the age of forty-five years. Of
their eight children five are still living: Mary, wife of D. R. Chappel, of
Neosho county; A. W., of this review; Amanda, wife of Thomas Edwards,
of Neosho county; Julia, wife of William Evans of the same county; and
George, also of Neosho county.
Mr. Jordan of this sketch came with his parents to the Sunflower State
in 1863, and to Allen county in 1866 and in the common schools acquired
his education. He assisted his father until attaining his majority and then
began farming on his own account. That he has labored untiringly and
guided his labors by sound judgment is indicated by the fact that he is now
the owner of three hundred and eight acres of valuable land, constituting
one of the finest stock farms in Kansas. It is well improved with a fine
residence, a commodious and substantial barn and all necessary outbuild-
ings and a beautiful grove surrounds his home. His feed lots adjoin a large
body of fine timber and there is plenty of running water upon the place.
Each winter he feeds cattle and hogs in large numbers and these he ships
"WOODSON COXTNTIES, KANSAS. 47 T.
sto market in Kansas City. He raises grain in considerable qaa-n'tities and
vthis he feeds to his stock and also buj's large quantities from his nidghbo'rs,
thus furnishing a market for the corn raised in this locality-.
On the 29th of April, 1880, Mr. Jordan was united in marriage to Miss
Clara Kerr, a native of Indiana, who came with her parents to Kansas in
1879. They now have six children, namely: Rettie, Una, Anna, Dailey,
Pearl and John. In the community they have many warm friends, being
highly esteemed for their sterling worth. In his political views Mr.
Jordan is a staunch Republican and always supports that party by his ballot
although he has never sought office, preferring to give his attention to his
business affairs in which he has met with signal success. His life has ever
been upright and his name is synonymous with honorable dealing, his word
being as good as his bond. Diligence and enterprise have rendered his life
■of much avail in the business world and his handsome property stands as a
monument to his earnest effort.
JOHN T. WOOD, the proprietor of the lola Horse and Mule Market, was
born in Edgar county, Illinois, on the 13th of May, 1S65. His father
became a resident of that county in 1845, and taught the first school within
its borders. For some years he was identified with educational interests
there and also was prominent in public affairs. He held some county
■offices, and was widely and favorably known throughout Edgar county.
In his business affairs he prospered and having gained a comfortable com-
petence was well able to start his son in business, but possessing a com-
mendable spirit of self-reliance, John T. Wood resolved to make his own
way and show to the world that a young man could gain success without
assistance. In the family were three sons, of whom our subject is the
middle. The first owns and operates a stock ranch in Reno county, Kan-
sas, and the younger brother, Walter Wood, has a farm in Allen county.
The brothers are all men of sound business sagacity and great traders.
In the common schools John T. Wood acquired his education and was
early trained to habits of industry upon his father's farm. It was therefore
with a practical experience of agricultural labors that he came to Kansas,
but with no capital. He arrived in the state in 1887 and entered upon his
business career here by working for fifty cents a day. He afterward at-
tended the Normal Institute and obtained a teacher's certificate. For nine
j'ears he performed the labors of the school room and was regarded as a
very capable educator, but the natural tendency of the family began to
strongly assert itself and abandoning the teacher's profession he took up
his abode upon a farm, raising, buying and shipping stock. He is an ex-
cellent judge of stock and his efforts in this direction have been attained
with prosperit}-. From time to time he has made judicious investments in
real estate until his landed po.ssessions now aggregate five hundred and
thirty acres in Elm township, constituting a well improved farm.
472 nrsTORY of allek and-
In December, 1891, Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Blanche
Allen, a native of Michigan, who in 1S80, accompanied her parents on
their removal from Chicago to the Sunflower state. Mr. and Mrs. Wood
now have two children: Roscoe and Edna, aged respectively .seven and
six years-. As every true American citizen should do Mr. Wood keeps
well informed on the political issues of the day, and believing that the
platform of the Republican party contains the best elements of good govern-
ment, he gives to it a l«yal support. He has held the ofRce ol trustee in.
Elm. township,, but seeks not public office, preferrmg to devote his ener-
gies to his business affairs. He has always depended upon his own
resources and his life record illustrates most forcibly what can be accom-
plished through determined purpose and indefatigable energy, when guided
by practical business sense.
PETER C. JACOBSON is one of the worthy residents of Allen county
that Denmark has furnished to the Sunflower state. Of Danish birth.
his natal day was August 26, 18-36. His parents, Peter J. and Cory Jacob-
son, were also natives of Denmark,, the Eormei born in 1801, and the latter
in 1798. They spent their entire lives in the land of their birth and are
now deceased.
Until twenty-five years of age Peter C. Jacobson remained in Den-
mark, and then, in 1861, came to America, locating first in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, where he worked at the shoemaker's trade. He afterward
followed that pursuit in Madison, Wisconsin, until the i6th of April, 1862,
when he joined the Union army as a private of Company A, Twenty -third
Wisconsin Infantry. With that command he served for three years and
two months and participated in many of the most hotly conte.sted engage-
ments of the war, including the battles of Haines Bluff, Arkansas Post,.
Grand Gulf, Black River Bridge, Champion Hills, Jackson and the siege
of Vicksburg, which resulted in the capture of that city after forty-three
days of siege. He was also in the battles of Port Gibson, Sabine Cross
Roads, Appaloosa, Fort Blakely, Spanish Fort, Mobile and many other
engagements of lesser importance. After three years of service he was
mustered out at Mobile, having been one of the loyal defenders of his
adopted land. He was only slightly wounded, his injuries never keeping
him away from the field of duty.
On receiving an honorable discharge Mr. Jacob.5on returned to Madi-
son, Wisconsin, but soon afterward located in Green Bay, that state, where
he resided for seven years. During that period he was married to Mary
Jenson, a native of Denmaik, and they have five children: Charles C, at
home; Sarah A., wife of Charles E. Foster; Benjamin F. , a resident of Can-
ton, Illinois; Marion W. and Ida M., both at home.
After his marriage Mr. Jacobson removed to Helena, Arkansas, where
he remained for three years, working at his trade. In 1873 he came to
WOODSON countie:;, kansas. 473
Kansas, locating first at Osage Mission, where he followed fanning nntil
1874. That year witnessed his arrival in Allen county, and after three
years spent on a farm west of Savonburg he removed to the farm which is
now his home and on which he has erected a good residence. He has also
made other substantial improvements. Daring President Cleveland's ad-
ministration he received an appointment to the position of railway postal
clerk and served in 1897 and 1S9S on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
Railroad and on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway. Since that time
he has continuously and successfully engaged in farming. In America he
has found the opportunity he sought of advancing to a position of affluence,
and as the result of his own efforts he now has a comfortable property. He
belongs to the Grand Army Post at Elsmore and in his political affiliations
is a Populist.
T~\R. JOHX COURTNTEY has been engaged in the practice of medicine
-" — ' in Allen county for twenty-two years. The world has little use for
the misanthrope. The universal truth of brotherhood is widely recognized,
also that he serves God best who serves his fellowmen. There is no pro-
fession or line of business that calls for greater self-sacrifice or more devoted
attention than the medical profession, and the successful physician is he
who through love of his fellowmen gives his time and attention to the re-
lief of human suffering. Dr. Courtne}- is one of the ablest representatives
of this noble calling in his adopted county.
A native of Kentucky he was born in Pendleton county, January 30,
1836, and is of Irish lineage. Thomas Courtney, his grandfather, was a
native of Ireland, and when a young man crossed the Atlantic, becoming a
resident of Pennsylvania. B3' trade he was both a glove-maker and
tailor. Michael Courtney, the father of the Doctor, was born Penn-
sylvania, in 1794, and married L,eaiina McMurray, who was of Scotch
parentage. They became the parents of seven sons and three daughters,
and four of the sons served their country in the Union army, one
laying down his life on the altar of freedom, while the others returned
to their homes. One of these, Thomas, is now living in Indiana, while
Marcellas is a resident of Arkansas. About 1850 the family removed to
Indiana where the father of our subject died in 1875, at the ripe age of
eighty-one years.
Dr. Courtney was a youth of twelve years when he accompanied his
parents to the Hoosier state, acquiring .his education in the common
schools there and in the high schools at lyeavenworth and Huntingburg,
Indiana. From the former he was graduated, and after completing his
studies he engaged in teaching until the Civil war, when he enlisted as
a private in Company E, First Indiana Cavalry. After remaining twenty
months with that command he received a commission as second lieutenant
in Company E, Forty-fourth United States Colored Infantry, with which
_, 74 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
he served for seven months, when, the war having ended, he received an
honorable discharge. He was in several skirmishes and battles, and at the
engagement at Peach Orchard had his horse shot from under him.
After the war Dr. Courtney took up the study of medicine under the
direction of Dr. Vanduron, of English, Crawford county, Indiana, and in
1865 he located for practice in Newton-Steward, that state, where he re-
mained for ten years. On the expiration of that period he went to Ma-
coupin county, Illinois, where he practiced three years, and in 1878 he
came to Kansas, locating in Cottage Grove township, on the present site of
the town of Leanna, which was named in honor of his mother. He pur-
chased forty acres of land, erected a good residence and has everything
about his place in excellent condition, his home being surrounded by beau-
tiful shade trees that stand guard over a well-kept lawn. From the time
he located here up to the present, he has enjoyed a large and important
practice. Thirty-six years experience have given him a high degree of
skill and he holds enviable prestige in the ranks of the medical fraternity
in Allen county.
The Doctor was married September 24, 1865, to Miss Martha Jane
Foster of Tennessee. She was born in Jackson, that state, a daughter of
William P. and Charlotte Foster, who removed to Indiana at the time of
the Civil war, for they entertained strong sympathy for the Union cause
and it was therefore unsafe for them to remain in the south. Mr. Foster
died in 1881, at the age of eighty-one years, and his wife passed away in
1894, at the age of eighty-seven. Of their twelve children only four are
now living, namely: Mrs. Courtney; Elizabeth, wife of J. A. Kellans;
Mary, wife of Hiram Langford, and Welcome Foster, all of Newton-Stew-
ard, Indiana. Unto the Doctor and Mrs. Courtney have been born four
children, three of whom survive, as follows: U. R., a teacher of Savon-
burg, Kansas; O. D., who is cashier of the State Bank of Savonburg, and
A. Dieskan, a student in the normal school at Emporia. The family is one
of prominence in the community, the sterling worth of its representatives
gaining them the warm regard of many friends. In politics the Doctor is
an unwavering Republican, believing fully in expansion and the protection
of the American flag for which he fought on southern battle-fields, and
which he is proud to know now floats over some of the islands of the sea
as a symbol of protection and humanity.
'"P'HOMAS HOGAN was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, December
-^ 27, 1852^ and now resides in Cottage Grove township, Allen county,
being numbered among the successful farmers and early settlers of Kansas.
His father, John Hogan, was a native of the Green Isle of Erin, and with
his parents came to America, the family locating in Illinois near Ottawa.
After his first marriage he removed to Wisconsin, where his wife died, and
in the Badgei state he wedded Margaret Marshall, a native of Canada, our
I
WOUUSUN COUNTIES, KANSAS. 475
subject being a son of the second marriage. The father was a farmer by
occupation and after bis removal from Wisconsin followed that pursuit in
Douglas county, Kansas, from 1857 until the time of his removal to Leaven-
worth county, this state, where he spent his last days, dying in 1878, at
the age of seventy-six years. His wife passed away in 1S64, at the age
of forty-eight years. They had five children: Thomas P.; Catherine,
wife of James Doyle; James T. , and Carrie, wife of Thomas Hiland.
When only four years of age Thomas Hogan of this review was
broutjht to Kansas by his parents and was reared to manhood in Douglas
and Leavenworth counties, acquiring his education in the common schools.
In 1874 he started out to make his own way in the world, journeying west-
ward to California, where he worked for a time upon a farm, but wishing
to see more of the country he visited Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Wyom-
ing, whence he went to Colorado, where he worked in a mine for some
time. Believing that he could meet with" better success in the Sunflower
state he therefore returned to Kansas, where he has since made his home.
In 1879 he married Miss Margaret Hilaud, and to them have been born
seven children, as follows: Thomas F. , Anna C. , Lizzie May, Catherine,
James T. , Charles L- and Nellie Laura.
In 1894 Mr. Hogan came to Allen county and purchased a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres in East Cottage Grove township, seven miles
southeast of Humboldt, where he now has a highly improved tract of land.
The home is surrounded by fine forest trees and his fields are under a high
state of cultivation, yielding to him good crops which materially enhance
his income. He does not belong to that class of farmers who are continu-
ally talking about hard times, but has faith in the power of honest labor in
bringing success to the individual. Industry has been the strong element
in his own prosperity and while he has worked hard to attain success he is
now in possession of a good home, a fine farm and a desirable income. He
has never taken any very active part in politics, usually supporting the
Democracy, but believing that the country is now in a prosperous condition
he does not desire any change in the political administration.
JOSEPH THUNEY is of French birth, but has been a resident of Amer-
^ ica from the age of seven years, and is in full sympathy with the insti-
tutions of this country. He was born in Loraine, France, on the i8th of
March, 1838, his parents being John B. and Anna (Ferry) Thuney, of
French nativity. They crossed the Atlantic to the new world in 1845,
taking up their residence in Brown county, Ohio, upon the farm which the
father made his home throughout his remaining days. He died in 1886,
at the age of seventy- eight, and his wife passed away in 1S94, vvhen she
had reached the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten. They had
six children, of whom five are now living, namely: August and Julian,
who are residents of Brown county, Ohio; Joseph; Adeline, wife of Victor
476 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Petard; and Charles and Josephene, who make their home in Brown
county, Ohio.
Joseph Thuney was the third in order of birth. He was reared on the
home farm, receiving the advantages of a common school education. At
the age of seventeen he became an apprentice at the carpenter's trade.
After completing his term of service he was employed as a journeyman for
a number of years, and being a good workman was always able to secure a
situation. When he had accumulated about sixteen hundred dollars he
decided to marry, and on the i6th of April, 1869, was joined in wedlock to
Miss Mary A. Miller, one of the accomplished young ladies of Brown
county, Ohio. Her parents were Jacob and Matilda (Schler) Miller. Her
father was a native of Germany, and during his Isoyhood came to the
United States where he met and married Miss Schler, who was born in
Pennsylvania. They had seven children, of whom six are living, all be-
ing residents of Brown county, Ohio, with the exception of Mrs. Thuney.
These are Josephine, wife of Benjamin Farris; Frank; Henry; Susan, and
Matilda, wife of John Evans.
After his marriage Mr. Thuney continued to work at the carpenter's
trade until 1880, when he resolved to turn his attention to agricultural pur-
suits and believing that he could find better opportunities in the west where
land wascheap'he came with his family to Kansas in 1880 and purchased
a tract of one hundred and forty- three acres in Cottage Grove township, five
miles southeast of Humboldt He has since resided thereon and has made
it one of the finest farms in his section of the county, everything being kept
in good condition. His knowledge of carpentering has enabled him not
only to erect a pleasant residence and one of the best barns in the county,
but also to keep everything in good repair, and now in their attractive
home, he and his wife are enjoying the fruits of their toil, for she has been
to him an able assistant.
Mr. and Mrs. Thuney are the parents of three sons and four daughters,
namely: Frank E., who is now in the United States civil service, being
stationed in the custom house at Burlington, Vermont, and having worked
his way steadily upward so that at the present time only one outranks him;
Matilda, wife of George Reynolds, of Salem township; John and Louisa, at
home; Edward and Belle, twins; and Stella, who completes the family
circle. Mr. Thuney is a Democrat in his political faith, and for a number
of years has served as township treasurer, his long continued serving in-
dicating the capable manner in vi-hich he is now discharging his duties.
He is a man of genial manner and kindly disposition and is a popular
citizen of the community in which he makes his home.
JOHN RAISH has been a resident of Allen county for twenty-one years
*^ and may therefore be said to have attained his majority as a citizen of
this locality. He is widely known as one of the prosperous and reliable
•WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 477
citizens of Salem township. He was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania,
March 5, 1840, and is a son of Michael and Tracy (Sronianger) Raisli,
both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to America in
1839, and from Pennsylvania removed to Quincy, Illinois, where for a
number of years he occupied a position as salesman in a large store. He
■died in 1859, at the age of forty-seven, and his wife, long surviving him,
passed away at the age of seventy-five. They were the parents of nine
children, five ol whom reside in Ouincy, Illinois.
John Raish spent the greatei part of his youth in Quincy and was
educated in the schools of that city. On putting aside his text books he
learned the tinner's trade, which he followed until his removal to Kansas,
arriving in Allen county on the 22nd of November, 1879. Here he pur-
chased two hundred and forty acres of raw prairie land, with money saved
from his earnings in the tin shop. His place is pleasantly and conven-
iently located in Salem township, five miles east of Humboldt and is one
•of the most desirable farms in that part of the county. All modern acces-
sories and conveniences have been supplied, including a good residence, a
large barn, fine shade trees and an excellent orchard.
The lady who has for a number of years been to him a faithful com-
panion and helpmate on life's journey was, prior to their marriage Miss
Johanna Wacklin. She was born in Germany and when fourteen years of
age came to the new world with her parents, Daniel and Minnie (Kornut)
Wacklin. The marriage of our subject and his wife was blessed with five
children, but only one has been spared to them, Daniel A., who is married
and resides on a farm near the old homestead.
In his political views Mr. Raish is a Democrat, who keeps informed on
the issues of the day and takes an active part in politics. He is now serv-
ing as a member of the county central committee and does all in his power
to promote the growth and insure the success of his part}'. His business
career has been one marked by unfaltering purpose, guided by sound judg-
ment, and his record stands in exemplification of what may be accom-
plished in a country where opportunity is open to all.
T D. MENDENHAFT is the owner of one of the best farms in Cottage
^ — '• Grove township. He has here one hundred and sixty acres of
splendid land pleasantly located six miles southeast of Humboldt. His
residence is surrounded by large forest trees which throw their grateful
shade on the house and lawn. The soil is rich and productive, and he
never fails to raise a crop, annuallj' securing good harvests of wheat, corn,
oats and flax.
Mr. Mendenhaft was born in Columbia, county, Pennsylvania, on the
17th of October, 1827. His father, Eli Mendenhaft, was also a native of
that county, there spent his entire life, and when death claimed him his
remains were interred in one of its cemeteries. He passed away in 188S at
478 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
the advanced age of eighty-fonr years. His wife, who bore the maiden',
name of Elizabeth Davis, was also a native of the Keystone State, and died;
in 1S74, at the age of seventy-nine years, seven months and thirteen days..
They had four children: Carlton, now of Brooklyn, New York; Arminta M.
and Elizabeth, both of Pennsylvania and L. D., of this review.
Mr. Mendenhaft, whose name forms the caption of this article, was the
eldest. In his youth he became familiar with the milling trade, mastering
the biisiness in all its departments, and he also learned the tanner's trade,,
which he followed for some years. He was married to Miss Sarah J. l<emon ,
ofRhorsburg, Pennsylvania, January i, 1857 and for some years they re-
sided in New York city during the period of the Civil war, he having charge
of a large rice mill there, cleaning rice for the United States army. He
then returned to Pennsylvania, and was made manager of the extensive
mills of A. Pardee & Company, continuing their operation for nine years.
On the expiration of that period he removed to South Bend; Indiana, where
he engaged in milling for two years, and traveling for years, his attention,
being given to the dressing of millstones. In 1S80 he removed with his
family to Humboldt, Kansas, and tiring of the milling business, which he
had so long followed, he purchased a farm in Cottage Grove township. He
had had no experience as an agriculturist, but he soon mastered farm work
and is today one of the most successful and enterprising representatives of
farming interests in Allen county.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhaft have been born two children: Ario,
C. M., is now living at Chanute, Kansas; Estella, became the wife of
Edward Rush (who was killed in a balloon ascension at Grenola, Kansas,
October 8, 1S98), and has since married Burt Lackey, of Grand Rapids,
Michigan. Mr. Mendenhaft is in politics a Republican, and has labored
earnestly to elect his friends, but has never sought official preferment for
himself. He is now seventy-three years of age, but possesses the vigor and
energy of a much younger raan and is still concerned with the active affairs
of business life.
ANDREW P. WISBORG— Perhaps more failures in business life
occur from a lack of persistency of purpose than from any other
cause. It is this which renders effort futile and labor unavailing, but Mr.
Wisborg is one who has followed a given task, having always devoted his
energies to farming, and thereby he has won success.
One of Allen county's native sons, he was born March 26, 1S61, on the
farm which is now his home, and is the only child of N. P. Wisborg. His
father was widely and favorably known in Allen and Neosho counties.
Born in Denmark, he came to America in 1858 and settled in Allen county,
twenty miles southeast of lola on Big creek, where he purchased two hun-
dred and seventy-two acres of land. There he successfully followed farm-
ing for many years. His military experience covered three years' service
•WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. .47^
in the army of his native land and three years in the Union arniy as a mem-
ber o( Company G, Nineteenth Kansas Cavalry. He participated in all of
the engagements in which his regiment took part and was ever found at his
post of duty, loyally defending the starry banner of the Nation. Atone
time he served as trustee of Cottage Grove and was also postmaster of
Odense. He married Anna Hill, a native of Denmark, and died in 1897,
at the age of sixty-seven years. His widow is a resident of Sav^onburg.
He was a man of sterling worth, most highly respected, and the community
mourned the loss of one of its valued citizens when he was called from this
life. In all life's relations he was upright and honorable and his example
is in many respects well worthy of emulation.
Andrew P. Wisborg remained at home until his father's death with the
■exception of a very brief period. He attended the common schools
and early became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot
■of the agriculturalist. He was married on the 7th of October,
1S86, to Miss Anna Erickson, who was born in Illinois and came
to Kansas with her parents. She died in October, 1889, leaving two chil-
dren, Mary and Anna. On the 2nd of October, 1895, Mr. Wisborg was
again married. Miss Mattie Roberts becoming his wife. She was born in
Neosho county and the marriage was therefore of a native son and daugh-
ter of Kansas. Her father, William Roberts, was born in Illinois and came
to this State in 1S70, locating in Neosho county. His wife bore the maiden
name of Nancy Hinshaw and was a native of Virginia. They were the
parents of nine childien, eight of whom are living, namely: Mattie, Etta,
Judson, Walter, Ella, Andy, Mamie and Morton.
Mr. Wisborg is now extensively and successfully engaged in farming.
He has two hundred and seventy-two acres of land, well adapted to stock-
raising purposes, for there is much water and timber upon the place. A
large barn and other outbuildings also furnish shelter to the stock and that
branch of his business is quite profitable. His home is a pleasant residence
on the bank of Big creek.
Mr. Wisborg w^as elected constable of his township and served for
•one term.
TUSTIN O. HOTTENSTEIN— While gratitude is a characteristic of the
^ human race — and it ever will be — the American people will never fail
to hold in grateful remembrance those brave and loyal soldiers who fought
for the preservation of the Union and aided in preserving intact the greatest
republic on the face of the globe. Among the boys in blue Mr. Hottenstein
was numbered, and in days of peace as well as in days of war he has ever
been found as a faithful citizen.
He was born in Cook county, Illinois, March 11, 1837, and is a son of
Philips, and Elizabeth (Burns) Hottenstsin, the former a native of Penn-
sylvania, and the latter of Canada. The mother was driven from her home
4S"0 - SISTORY OF ALLEK AND'
by the British when she was only four years of age, during the battle of
lyake Brie. The parents of our subject were married in Michigan and unto
them were boni six children, but the only survivor of the family is Justin
O. (Colonel J. A. Hottenstein, now deceased, was a brother of our subject.)
The father, who was a soldier in the Black Hawk war, died in 1842, and
the mother, whose birth occurred in 1809, passed away February 7, 1881,.
at the age of seventy-two years.
When only eighteen months old Mr. Hottenstein, the subject of this
sketch, was taken by his parents to Indiana, but after five years spent in
that State the family returned to Illinois, where he remained until the in-
auguration of the Civil war. In the meantime Mr. Hottenstein had ac-
quired a common school education and had become familiar with the work
of the farm. He watched with interest the progress of events in the South
and resolved that if an attempt at secession was made, he would strike a
blow in defense of the Union. Accordingly on the 21st of April, 1861, he
enlisted in Company G, Twentieth Illinois infantry, was made sergeant and
was afterward, April, 1863, promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. He
served until 1864, and was then honorably discharged, on account of disa-
bility, from wounds received in battle. Among the most important engage-
ments in which he participated were those at Fredericktown and Charleston,
Missouri, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth and Britan's Lane,
(at which latter place five hundred Union soldiers fought eight thousand
Confederates) and Fort Gibson. He was under fire for twenty-one days,
including the battle of Bayou Prairie and the battle of Raymond. May 12,
1863, at the last named he sustained a gun shot wound, the bullet piercing
his lung and coming out under his left shoulder. He lay for days (was
picked up after two days and bunched with the wounded) without medical
aid among the dead and wounded, but was ultimately given medical atten-
tion. He was taken prisoner May 24th and escaped July 9th and went to
Vicksburg. He furloughed home for recuperation but as soon as he was
able rejoined his regiment and participated in the fight at Kennesaw Moun-
tain, June 23, 1864. His wound incapacitated him for further duty, and on
the 25th of June, 1S64, he was honorably discharged from the service.
During much of the time that he held the rank of sergeant he was in com-
mand of his company and his own personal bravery inspired his comrades
to many deeds of valor.
Mr. Hottenstein was married while home on his furlough, on the 6th
of April, 1864, to Miss Lois M. Smith. She is a native of Ohio, and a
daughter of Ira VV. and Lois (Beckwith) Smith, both of whom were born
in 1 8 10. The father was a native of Vermont. Mi. and Mrs. Smith had
five children, Mrs. Hottenstein being the fourth in order of birth. By the
latter's marriage she has become the mother of six children, namely: Mrs.
Addie B. Maxwell, of Kansas; Mrs. Nellie Payn, of Illinois; Mrs. Ida E.
Crawford, of Ohio; Russell W. , Fred J, and Archie P., at home.
In 1867 Mr. Hottenstein came to Kansas where he secured a home-
stead of eighty acres five miles east of Humboldt. He has since resided
upon his farm but has extended its boundaries until it now comprises four
WOODSOX COrXTIES, KANSAS. 48 1
hundred acres, constituting one of the valuable and attractive country seats
in Salem township. Everything is arranged for comfort and convenience.
There is a good residence, a large barn and other substantial oatbuilding>.
He raises much stock and is numbered among the prosperous farmers of
the State. He has depended upon his own exertions for a livelihood since
he was fourteen years of age, and therefore deserves great credit for his suc-
cess. In his social relations he is a Mason, while politically he is a Demo-
crat. His attention, however, has been chiefly given to his farm, which is
a monument to his enterprise, diligence and capable management.
^ A 7 ILLI AM D. JEWELL.— For thirty years Mr. Jewell has been a
^ " resident of Allen county and in the active pursuits of business has
gained a competence that now classes him among the substantial citizens in
this portion of the state. He was born in Allegany county. New York,
July 7, 1831, and is a son of Sias and Charlotte (Davis) Jewell, the former
born at Scipio, N"ew York, was a weaver by trade, following that vocation
during the peiiod of his residence in the Empire state. He wedded Miss
Davis, a native of Massachusetts, and in 1833 they removed to Michigan,
where Mrs. Jewell's death occurred a short time after their arrival. Mr.
Jewell purchased land in Michigan and engaged in farming for a number
of j-ears, and afterward resumed work at his trade. He was again married
and was the father of five children; two by the first union and three by the
second. Mary Jane, an own sister of our subject, is now the wife of Syl-
vester Wood, a resident of St. Joseph county, Michigan. The father of
our subject died in that state in 1865, at the age of eighty-three years.
William D. Jewell was only two years old when his parents removed
to Michigan, where he was reared upon the home farm amid the wnld
scenes of frontier life. He attended the common schools, which, however,
were of a rather primitive character, owing to the unsettled condition of the
county, in which the Indians outnumbered the white population five to
one. Through association with the red men our subject learned to speak
their language as well as he could the Engli-^h tongue. At the age of
thirteen he began an apprenticeship as an engineer, and for several years
was employed as an engineer in a large distillery. He afterward secured a
similar situation in a sawmill, where four hundred men were employed,
and served as engineer in connection with that enterprise until his removal
to Kansas in 1870. Here he located in the southwest corner cf Salem
township, where he has since made his home, his farm being pleasantly
located five miles southeast of Humboldt. He secured a homestead of
eighty acres, and added to his property from time to time until he now
owns one hundred and eighty-one acres of rich and arable land. The farm
is divided into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences, and everything
about it is characterized by neatness and order. He has an attractive resi-
dence and beautiful shade trees surround his home. There is a good barn
482 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
and Other substantial outbuildings and he has a small vineyard and a good
Diehard of six acres planted with fine varieties of apple trees.
When he arrived in Kansas Mr. Jewell's cash capital consisted of four
hundred and eighty dollars which he had saved from his earnings in Mich-
igan. He had to pay a very high price for his team and when he had be-
come settled for the winter his funds were exhausted, but he was not
discouraged with this condition and resolutely set to work to earn a liveli-
hood for his family. As the years have passed his financial resources have
increased, and to-day he occupies an enviable position among those who
have reached a place of independence.
In 1869 Mr. Jewell was united in marriage, in Michigan, to Seraph
A. Whitford. Her father, George Riley, was a native of New York and
died in Kansas at the home of his daughter in February, 1900, at the age of
eighty-two years. Mrs. Jewell's mother is living with her at the age of
eighty-three years. She bore the maiden name of Hannah A. Dailey, and
was a native of New York. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jewell have been born six
children, all of whom are living, namely: John Leslie; Estelle, wife of
William Grenane, of Neosho county, Kansas; Wesley, at home; Nellie J.,
wife of Sedley Yount, of Allen county; Nettie and Iva, at home.
Mr. Jewell is a public spirited and progressive citizen. He takes a
deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the county. At the
time of the Civil war he manifested his loyalty to the government by enlist-
ing in Company K, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, with which command he
served two 3'ears and eleven months. He participated in the battle of
Saline Cross Roads and in many smaller engagements and skirmishes, and
when the war was ended received an honorable discharge, returning to his
home with a creditable military record. That his fellow townsmen recog-
nize in Mr. Jewell worth and ability, and that he is one of the popular citi-
zens of Allen county is sliown by the fact that at the convention held in
lola in June, 1900, he was unanimously nominated for Probate Judge by
the People's convention without his knowledge or consent, but was defeated
at the election.
T~^ WEBSTER BOSTWICK, of Ida, has been one ol the conspicuous
-^ — '• characters in the settlement and development of Allen county. To
him is due in a great measure the credit for the actual work done in the
location of a large per cent of the country population of the county and to
his ingenuity as an immigration promoter is due the credit for the settle-
ment of much of our eastern domain in Allen county. His name went
from tongue to tongue through the east and his fame followed closely in its
wake. No man who makes real estate his business in Allen county is as
widely known as Web Bostwick and, in the olden time, no combination of
dealers in the countj' possessed a wider or more universal confidence of the
homeseeker from the east than Bowlus & Bostwick.
WOOUSUM COUNTIES, KANSAS. 483
Web Bostwick came to Allen county November ii, iS66, and the fol-
lowing )-ear located upon his brother's, H. C. Bo.stwick's, farm on Deer
creek. Some three years later William Davis came along from Colorado
and offered him his price for the place and he moved down to the Anderson
and Finley ranch (that now is). Wliat is now the Allendale Stock Farm
was then an unbroken prairie and Web went onto it, broke a portion of it
out, as any farmer would have done, began its iruprovement and in seven
years sold it. This concluded his career as a farmer. He moved into tola
at once and entered the real estate business with Bowlus & Richards. The
railroad lands of the county were just coming onto the market then and
this agency handled almost the entire holdings adjacent to lola. For eight
years this firm remained intact and undisturbed in its enjoyment of a mam-
moth and lucrative business. Investors poured into the county from all
directions and speculators and settlers vied with each other in the acquire-
ment of tracts suitable for farms, for ranches and for investment. Retiring
from this noted firm Mr. Bostwick joined D. B. D. Smeltzer in a loan and
real esfate business for some years and later was a partner with Judge H.
W. Talcott in the same business. In 1895 he joined the well known
townsman, Xels Acers, with whom he is yet a leader in the m.Uter of
handling city and country property.
The selling of real estate in Allen county was, in itself, an easy and
pleasant business but to do so in defiance of an element of our citizens
whose edict had gone out against it and whose threats were upon the lips of
all was an undertaking involving much hazard, with possible loss of life.
From 1875 to 1SS5 the settlers on the disputed lauds in the east part of our
county determined not to have any more of the land sold by the agents of
the railroad companies, desiring tc have it entered as public domain and
by persons whose interests would, from the start, be identical with their
own. They even provided a penalty, or rather, suggested as a penalty for
any agent violating this ukase, a bit of inch rope. It is stated that the rope
was bought with which to square accounts with our subject but he never
abandoned a trip nor lost a meal on account of it.
D. W. Bostwick was born in Portage county, Ohio, October 21, 1840.
His father, Darriel Bostwick, was a millwright, foundryman and manu-
facturer of woolen goods. The latter was born in New York, went into
Ohio early and settled in Portage county. From this latter place he
located in Park county, Indiana, and was in birsiness there during, and for
some time, after the war. He married Sophia Fondersmith, originally
DeFondersmith, a Peirnsylvania German lady. Late in life this venerable
couple came to Allen county and passed their remaining years here. Mr.
Bostwick died in 1876 at the age of seventy -six years, and his wife died in
i88r aged seventy-nine years. Their children were: Clarerrtine, deceased,
who nrarried Lewis Hine; Dr. Henry C. Bo.stwick, of Tacoma, Washing-
ton, surgejn of Ninth Kansas and now a Representative to the Wash-
ington Legislature; Leveues E. was killed in the Civil war as Captain of
Company A, One Hundred and Fourteenth Indiana Volunteers, while in
his seventeenth engagement; D. Webster; Maria, deceased, wife of An-
484 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
drew Jackson Clark, of Tacoma, Washington; and Amfield S., deceased,
who married Samuel Doren.
D. W. Bostwick grew up at Rockville, Indiana. He enlisted in Com-
pany G, One Hundred and Thirty-third Infantry and served in the western
department. He took part in the Chickamauga and Nashville campaigns
and, at the close of his service, was in the Independent sharpshooters.
Mr. Bostwick was married in Allen county in lola, 1869, to Clemen-
tine C, a daugl'.ter of Dr. M. DeMoss, who was born and educated in
Oxford, Ohio, and was one of the characters of lola for manj- years. His
wife was Miss Margaret C. Kenned}- who was born and principally raised
in the city of Washington. Their children were ten in number.
Mr. and Mrs. Bostvvick's children are: Hattie B., a stenographer and
t^-pe-writer in Tacoma, Washington; Misses Grace F. and Ella M.. teachers
in the lola city schools; Leveues H., a printer of lola, and Pearl M., wife of
R. E. Donaldson, of Seattle, Washington.
The early Bostwicks were Whigs and their posterity dropped naturally
into the Republican party, following the issues of the war.
T EWIS HENRY WISHARD, principal of the 4th ward school of lola,
-' — ' and one of the prominent and capable educators of Kansas, is essen-
tially a Kansan. He has passed all but ten years of his life in the State and
all that he is and has is credited to his adopted State.
Mr. Wishard was born in Vermillion county, Indiana, February 3,
1866, and is a son of a farmer and stock man of Butler county, Kansas, J.
H. Wishatd, who was born in the same county in 1830. The latter is a
son of James L- Wishard, a veteran of the War of 1812. who went into
Indiana about 1S29 and settled in Vermillion county. He enlisted
in the army from Kentucky, in Colonel Johnson's regiment, and partici-
pated in the battle of the Thames. He was a son of an Irishman who
settled in Kentuck}' about the beginning of the 19th century and whose
brother settled near Philadelphia. Some of the posterity of these
early Wishards spell the name with a "t", but vvherever they are
and however the spelling of the name they descended from the same Celtic
ancestors.
James L. Wishard married a Lytle and reared seven children, two of
whom left families: William, of Renssalaer, Indiana, and Archibald Wishard,
whose family resides in Los Angeles, California.
J. H. Wishard married Elizabeth Fassett, a daughter of David
Fassett, of West Virginia, near Winchester. The children of this union
are: James E. Wishard, of Burlington, Arkansas; Frank M. Wishard, of
Spencer, Iowa; Attie Wright, of Augusta, Kansas and Lewis H. Wishard,
our subject.
L- H. Wishard attended the countrj' schools of Butler county, Kansas,
in his early youth and graduated in the Augusta citj' schools in 1SS4. He
■•WOODSON COUNtrES, KANSAS. -^Sj
MUght school a _vear and clerked in an Augusta store a yeai and talight
still another }'ear. In 18S7 he entered the Kansas State Normal
School and finished the Elementary course in that institution in 1889. He
became principal of the high school at Solomon City, Kansas, and occupied
the position two \ ears when he was elected to the principalship of the city
schools. He remained with the schools six years in that capacity
and withdrew from school work, then, to perform his duties as
vSecretary of the lola Manufacturing company. In 1898 he entered
the lola schools as principal of the ist ward building and has con-
cluded three years of successful school work in the city. He has instructed
in County Institutes in Dickinson county and in Allen county; in the latter
six years consecutively.
December 24, 1891, Mr. Wishard was married in lola to Anna M., a
daughter of the late Moses Pickell. Mrs. Wishard was born in Valparaiso,
Indiana. February 8, 1868, was educated in Ida, and was one of the capable
teachers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Wishard's daughter. Mary E., was
born March 19, 1899.
Mr. Wishard is a member of the State Teachers' Association and is an
able and useful member of the Allen County Teachers' Association.
"I \ANIEL HORVlLIvE — The pioneers of a country are the ones who
-• — ' lay broad and liberal foundations of society and engage the atten-
tions of the world by their qualities of daring, determination and tenacity.
They furnish the plans for the development of a new country and provide
the brain and sinew for their execution. As good men as ever preached a
sermon or settled a homestead were among the pioneers to Allen county.
They came from all quarters of the east, even across the Atlantic, and took
■up their residence here with a sincere desire to do an honorable part in the
-development of the county. One of these men, and a character well known
and highly regarded, was Daniel Horville, whose brief history is presented
herewith.
"D3n" Horville's oiigin is French. He was born in the province of
Ivoraine — when that country was French territory — in February, 1824. He
is a son of Michael Horville, a successful farmer and stock raiser near Pu-
vergne, and who died there some years since. He was twice married, his
first wife, Catharine Ansel, bein^ our subject's mother. Another son,
Michael Horville, left a famih', at death, near the French-German town
above mentioned.
Daniel Horville left France about the time he came of age, sailing from
H ivre for New York. He had little capital and found little labor of a re-
munerative character while in the city. When financial matters forced an-
other move he made his way down to Cincinnati, Ohio. While there he
had a miscellaneous lot of jobs out of which he accumulated some monej'.
His next move was westward into Owen county, Indiana, where, in
486 - HISTORY OF ALLEW AKV
Spencer, he opened a small store. He remained there something near twc
years, when, in company with James Wood, father of "Bob" Wood, of-
lola, he made another move toward the setting, sun, this time locating in
I,exin.aton,. McLean county, Illinois. Mr. Wood offered him a good busi-
ness arrangement to engage in mercantile pursuit and he accepted, opening
a store at this point. They shipped their good? to Peoria up the Illinois
river from St. Louis and freighted them across the country in the old west-
ern style. Mr. Horville prospered in his Lexington venture and remained
in business there till 1856. Selling out that year he made his fifth and last
trip westward. He had made a preliminary trip to Kansas and decided tO'
locate in Allen county and in 1856 he came to stay. He stopped one mile
east of Ida, on Kim creek, temporarily, and the next year homestesded the
S-leeper place,- southeast of the Elm creek wagon bridge. Some three years
later he purchased the Lewis claim on the Neosho river, to which he re-
moved and i-n which community he has resided since. In an early day, as
now, Mr. Horville was not regarded a poor man. The capital he brought
with him to Kansas was sufficient for his needs and, with it, he was enabled,
to handle matters requiring cash which men without his advantage could
not touch. He saw a golden opportunity to engage in the cattle business
and seized upon it. The range was wide and free, and stock could be raised
with little cost but labor. His hopes have been so fully realized in this
line of industry all these forty years that he has remained in the business..
Scarcely a citizen in Allen county can recall when Dan Horville was not a
"cattle man." With his successes in this line came successes in other lines
and his general prosperity took form in expanded domain and in its sub-
stantial improvement and development. His broad acres number above a
thousand and the yearly business he transacts, in the buying and selling of
stock and grain, runs up into the thousands
January i, 1S62, Mr. Horville was married to Margaret Ann Bird, a
daughter of Amor Bird, a former Ohio settler. The childien of this union
are: Flora Horville, Louis E. Horville, Mrs. Bird Foust, whose children
arc Dorothy and Kenneth; Frank and Ralph D. Horville; Katie, wife of
Walter C. Teats, of lola, and Misses May and Grace Horville.
In public matters Mr. Horville was once an active participant. In the
early days of x\llen county he was a Republican but his views changed
in the early seventies and he has since affiliated with Democracy and its-
allies. He was elected Commissioner of the county in 1873 and was a care-
ful and conservative guardian of the county's funds. For fifteen years he
served on the school board in his district ^and in this capacity was looked
to largely for the success of each term of school.
The hi.story of Daniel Horville reveals a man who has not lived in
vain. In no material thing has he been a failure and in all things has he
played a manly part. His remarkable successes have not bred in him or his
family any element of aristocracy, on the contrary his home is-accessible to
the most lowly and his society an encouragement to honest labor. The
active supervision of his interests are in the hands of his first son, Louis E.,
whose demonstration of his capacity occurred on the first opportunity. The
"WOODSON CO\TXTIES, KANSAS. 4S7
"latter was equipped with a commercial education, is a friend to progressive
ideas and is in every way wjrthy th; conliienca replied in hiui.
/^^ EORGE A. AMOS. — In the "learned professions" merit alone cafi
^-^ win advancement. When success must depend upon the various
mental attributes oi 'he individual, neither wealth nor influential friends
■ can aid one in the progress toward fame. The man who has attained'
prominence at the bar is therefore entitled to great credit, for as he
lengthens the distance between himself and mediocrity it is the indication
of great zeal, maiked ability, close application and thorough knowledge.
It has been through the exercise of these qualities that George A. Amos
has attained a position at the bar that might well be envied by man}' a
practitiotier.
Mr. Amos is now residing in Humboldt. He was born in Springfield,
-lUimis, on the 4th of September, 1S41. His father, Josiah F. Amos, was
a native of Maryland and in 1836 emigrated to Illinois. He was an archi-
tect and carpenter, and in the capital of the Prairie State he engaged in the
lumber business. He married Miss Julia Haj', a native of Kentuck)', and
■unto them were born three children: George A., of this review; John M.,
who is now in business in Springfield; and Sarah E. Shepherd, a resident
of Los Angeles, California. In the public schools of Springfield, Illinois,
Oeorge A. Amos acquired his education. Entering upon his business
career, he was connected with the lumber trade, and in August, 1869, he
removed to Humboldt, Kansas, where he was again engaged in the lumber
business until 1S73. He then sold out and began the study of law, and
was admitted to the bar by the district court of Allen county, November
21, 1874. On the 15th of January, 1880, he was admitted to practice in
the federal court and was admitted to the supreme court July 6, 1887. He
has been very successful, having the confidence of his clients and of the
public, and has demonstrated his ability by the many verdicts he has won
favorable to the people whom he represents. In 1882 he was elected county
attorney of Allen county and throughout his term he served in a most
■creditable and satisfactory manner. In 1884 he was re-elected. His
lather died in 1889 and Mr. Amos returned to Springfield, Illinois, to settle
up the estate, remaining in his native city five years. During that time he
was elected city attorney of West Springfield, but when his business inter-
ests were satisfactorily ended there he returned to Humboldt, and since
1S94 has been continuously practicing his profession in Allen county. He
is a strong advocate before a jury and concise in his appeals before the
court. He began as all others do in the practice of law — at the bottom
round of the ladder — and his present prominence has come to him as are
ward of honest endeavor, fidelity and recognized ability.
His efforts have not been limited alone to one line, for he is a director
and one of the stockholders in the Humboldt Brick plant. Socially he is
4^8 H'lS-fORY OI' ALLEK AND
connected with the Masonic fraternity and has taken the Knight Templar
degree of the York rite. His life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the-
order and he has the high regard of his brethren of the craft.
On the 30th of October, 1866, Mr. Amos was united in marriage to
Miss Josephine Andrews, of Wapakoneta, Ohio, a daughter of Colonel G.
W.Andrews of that state. They had two children, Georgia C, who is now
the wife of John H. Armel, of Humboldt, and Anna R. , a very bright
young, lady, who died November 23, 1890. Mrs. Amos passed away on
the r6th of August, 1885. Mr. Amos remained single for ten years and.
was again married, his second union being with Miss Laura Warner, who
became his wife August 13, 189.5.. She was also a native of Ohio. They
enjoy the hospitality of many of the best homes in Humboldt and their
circle of friends is extensive. Mr. Amos has those qualities which give
him strength in business circles, and his advancement in professional life
is due to his business ability, his determination and his laudable ambition.
He is an indefatigable worker, which means that he is a student, accurate
in his analysis and of broad learning.
t BANDER STILLVVELL is not a citizeu of Allen county, h^aving re-
-•— ' sided in Erie, Neosho county, for many years, but as the Judge for
eighteen years past of the District of which this county is a part he has be-
come so familiar a figure here and has done so much toward shaping the
history of the county, that this volume would not be complete without at
least a brief sketch of his honorable and distinguished career.
Judge Stillwell was born in Otter Creek precinct, Jersey county, Illi-
nois, oil September i6th, 1843. His father, Jeremiah O. Stillwell, and his-
mother (whose maiden name was Ann Eliza White,) were natives of the
state of North Carolina, but emigrated to Illinois in 1834. Judge Stillwell
received a limited and meager common school education. His early life
was spent on a fa.rm in the backwoods of western Illinois until a few
months after the beginning of the War of the Rebellion. On January 7,
1862, he enlisted as a private in Company D, Sixty-first Illinois Infantry,
re-enlisted in said company and regiment as a veteran volunteer in Feb-
ruary, 1S64, and was mustered out with his regiment as lirst lieutenant
of his company some months after the close of the war, having served con-
tinuously nearly four years. During his term of service he participated in
the battle of Shiloh, the siege of Vicksburg and numerous other battles and
skirmishes. Aftei his discharge from the army, he studied law at the
.Albany, New York, Law School, and was admitted to the bar in Decem-
ber, 1S67. He emigrated to Kansas in May, 1868, locating at Erie, in
Neosho county, where he engaged in the practice of law. He has resided
in Neosho county continuously ever since he came to Kansas.
He was married in May, 1872, to Miss Anna L. Stauber. Five chil-
dren liave been born to them, four of whom are yet living. He was elected
WOODSON COUNTIEI), KANSAS. 489
til Ihe lower house of the Kansas legislature in 1S76, was elected judge of
the Seventh Judicial District in 1S83. and re-elected to said office in the
3'ears 1887, 1891, 1S95 and 1S99. He eujoy-5 the distinction of having been
a district judge in Kansas for the longest peiiod of time tliat the office has
been held by any judge m any of the different districts in the State, since
Kansas was admitted into the Union, — a distinction which is, in itself, a
most eloquent eulogy, showing as it does that his conduct on the bench has
been such as to win and hold the respect and confidence of the people.
In politics he is a Republican, and has been from his boyhood.
rOHN W. BALE was born April 20, 1843, in Hart countv, Kentucky,
^ and is of German lineage. His great grandfather, William Bale, was a
native of Germany, and on emigrating to America owned and operated a
gristmill on Brash creek, in Green county. New Jersey at a very early day.
He was a millwright by trade. His son, Peter B ile, the grandfather of our
subject, was born in X=w Jersey and becam2 a prosperous farmer of Ken-
tucky, owning between five an Jl six hundred acres of land on lyson Ciinp
creek in that State. Jacob Bale, the father of our subject, was born in Hart
county, Kentucky, in 1S18, and still reii.iij there. He receivei e.xijelleiit
school privileges and at one time was probably the best educ.ited man of his
county. He worked in a powder mill and also foUjwe 1 farming anl stock
raising, but for some time past has lived retired, still rc-siding on the old
homestead. He was married in 1842 to Miss Elizabeth Pointer, who
was born in 1S24, a daughter of Edward Pointer who removed
from one of the southern states to Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Bale be-
came the parents of the following children: John H., W. T. , Robert, Mrs.
Nancy Richardson and Mrs. Mattie Murray, all of whom are living in Ken-
tucky with the exception of the subject hereof.
Mr. Bale, of this review, resided on his father's farm in Hart county,
Kentucky, until eighteen years of age, when he responded to his country's
call for aid, joiningthe Uiiion armv on the fifteenth of October, 1861, as a
member of Company F, Fifteenth Kentucky Infantiy, under Captain Carroll
and Colonel Pope. The regiment proceeded to New Haven and to Bacon
creek, and after participating in the battles at Bowling Gieen, Nashville
and Huntsville, returned to Louisville, Kentucky. Subsequently Mr.
Bale with his command participated in the engagements at Perryville, Stone
River, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, and the campaign as far as Atlanta, and
Jonesboro, Georgia. He was mustered out January 17, 1S65, at Louisville,
having loyally served his country for more than three years.
For several months he engaged in farming and cattle raising in Ken-
tucky, but in January, 1866, came to Kansas, residing in Leavenworth until
the following fall, when he came to Allen county, settling in lola town-
ship. Here he has since devoted his energies to the cultivation of his fields
and to the raising of stock, and is today numbered among the most ener-
490 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
getic and prosperous citizens of his township, owning five hundred and
twenty-eight acres of valuable land.
Mr. Bale was married in Hart county, Kentucky, November 28, 1S66,
to Miss Anna DeFever, who was born in that county, December 19, 1851,
a daughter of William DeFever, a native of the same county, and of French
descent. Mr. and Mrs. Bale became the parents of three sons: Irvin, who
was drowned in the Neosho river at the age of seven years; Wallace and
Frank, who are residents of this county. Mr. Bale exercises his right of
franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, but has
never been a professional. Socially he is a Royal Arch Mason. Through
the legitimate channels of trade he has risen to an enviable position financial-
ly, and at the same time has commanded and enjoyed the respect of his
fellow men by reason of his well spent life.
\ A /"ILLIAM T. HALL — In enumerating the .successful farmers of
^ ^ Allen county the name of William T. Hall should not be omitted.
He is not one of our pioneers but his residence among us entitles him to be
classed with the permanent people and responsible for a fair share in the
development of his county.
Mr. Hall was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, April 12, 183S. His
ancestors were among the first to settle that region and were there when
the French controlled old Ft. DuOuesne, now Pittsburg. His grandfather,
an old German, went into Allegheny county, Pennsylvania in 1768, and
there passed his remaining years. One of liis sons was Robert Hall, our
subject's father. The latter was born in 1808 and died in 1887. He
married Grace Bell whose family settled in Allegheny county, as early as
the Halls, their land being on Chartiers Creek. Upon the old farm stands
the stone mansion which was erected as a means of defense against
the Indian attacks of that day. The town of Carnegie covers some of the
Bell land, and one of the Bells still owns the stone house and lot.
The Bells were originally Irish and Mr. Hall's great-grandfather Bell
was a Revolutionary soldier in our war for independence. Joseph Hall, the
old German above referred to, came into western Pennsylvania from New
Jersey. He seived his country in one of the early wars of our country and
William Hall possesses a powder horn which the old patriot carried through-
out his service and which has become one of the heir-looms of the family.
The Halls and Bells were farmers, in the main, but James Bell, maternal
grandfather of our subject, operated a distillery as well.
The children of Robert and Grace (Bell) Hall are: William T. ; James
F., of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. The former was put to learn the
buggy and wagon-makers trade upon approaching man'sestate and in 1859
he made his way westward to Owen county, Indiana. He took up the
carpenter trade there and followed it in the two counties of Owen and
Sullivan so long as he remained in the State. He helped build the theatre
WOUUSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 49 1
ill Brazil and was two years in the construction of the residence of Judge
Hanna at Curryville, Indiana.
As a pupil in the country school Mr. Hall made satisfactory advance-
ment and was considered one of the first in his class. His only experience
as a teacher was when he filled his teacher's place for three months the last
term he attended. In 1854 Mr. Hall was married in Owen countv, Indi-
ana, to Mary Wallace, a daughter of John and Margaret (Willie) Wallace.
The Wallaces came from the Parish of Zaneygred, Scotland, and of their
five children Mrs. Hall is the only daughter surviving. The sons are:
David, James, Samuel and John Wallace.
Our subject's children are: Margaret, wife of David E. Earl, of
Bronson, Kansas; Annie, wife of Ernest Pancoast, of Stroud. Oklahoma; R.
W. Hall, whose wife was Miss Gertie Flake, and Misses Mattie, Frances
E., Eva and Ross Hall.
In 1879 Mr. Hall came to Kansas. The appearance of Allen county
satisfied him and he purchased a partly improved farm of Elias Norman.
This tract is the northwest quarter of section 16, township 25, range 20, and
lies on either side of a fork of the Marmaton river. The improvements con-
sisted of an old building, scarcely deserving the name of house, and a piece
of tillable land. For some years he gave his own time largely to the car-
penter's bench and left the actual work of sowing and reaping to the family.
His last work as a mechanic was done on the Snyder barn some ten years
ago and since then his farm has occupied him fully and well.
The politics of the Halls and the Bells were somewhat divided. Some
were Democrats and some were Whigs. In these matters our subject has
little interest. On national questions he is with the Democrats but on local
candidates he is both and neither according to the character of the nom-
inees. In secular matters he was schooled in the faith of Calvin and be-
came a Baptist only when circumstances placed him without the influence
of the United Presbyterian church.
JOHN WAI.TER SCOTT was born near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
" August 29, 1825. His father was Alexander McRay Scott, who was
born at Alexandria, Virginia, August 19, iBoo. His- mother was
Mary Dean, who was born in New Jersey or Pennsylvania in 1799. His
paternal grandfather was John Scott, who'migrated from Belfast, Ireland,
soon after the Revolution, landing first at St. Thomas, West Indies, but
soon after going to Norfolk, Virginia, and thence to Alexandria. His
paternal grandmother was Margaret Kenna, the daughter of an English
sea captain. Nothing farther is known of the paternal line, except that
"in the beginning" one "John," a ship joiner, migrated from Scotland to
the ship yards at Belfast, Ireland, and was there called "John, the Scot," to
differentiate him from other Johns, which name, of course, soon became
492 ■ HISTORY OF ALLEN AXD
John Scott, which it still remains. The John Scott who migrated to Ameri-
ca was a shoemaker by trade. He was killed by lightning when about sixty
\ears of age. His wife died in Indiana about 1853, of old age. Alexander
Scott, the father of our subject, was a machinist and mechanic, although he
always lived on a farm. He died at the age of sixty-four in Bloomington,
Illinois, of cerebro spinal meningitis. His wife has previously passed away
in Kentucky at the age of forty-four, of malarial fever.
John W. Scott's maternal grandfather was Samuel Dean, a Revolution-
ary soldier in the New Jersey line. He afterwards served under "Mad
Anthony" Wayne in the Indian wars and was severely wounded in the hip,
making him lame the remainder of his life. He was probably of Danish
descent and was a farmer. He died at the age of eighty-six from
the effect of his wounds. Nothing more is known of the family on
this side.
John W. Scott was the oldest child of Alexander and Mary Dean
Scott. He had three brothers, Samuel, William and Harmon, and
five sisters, Martha, Mary, Jennie, Margaret and Hannah. Of this family
only Margaret and Jennie now survive.
When John W. Scott wasthree 3'ears of age his father bought a farm ad-
joining the Braddock Field property, near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and
there nio.st of his childhood was spent. He worked on the farm in summer
and in the winter attended such schools as the uncertain condition of the
country afforded, in this way acquiring the rudiments of a fair English edu-
cation. In 1840 he went with his father to Gallatin county, Kentucky,
where he worked on a farm and in a saw mill for three or four years. The
work proved too heavy for him and his health giving way he secured a
position as private tutor in the family of Dr. William B. Chamberlain, in
Warsaw, Kentuck}-. He taught the children of his employer the rudi-
ments of English and received from him in return a smattering of Greek,
Latin and mathematics. He afterward taught school in various portions of
the county during the winters and read medicine with Dr. Chamberlain.
In 1846-7 he took a course of medical lectures at the Starling Medical
College, Columbus, Ohio, and in the spring of 1847 began the practice of
his profession at Hopewell, Indiana. After practicing there for two years
he took another course of lectures at the above college from which he grad-
uated in the spring of 1849, returning at once to his practice in Indiana.
December 13, 1849, he was married to Maria Protsman, the neice of his
former preceptor, Dr. Chamberlain, and continued in the practice of medi-
cine at Hopewell and Franklin, Indiana, until 1857 when he came to Kan-
sas. He bought an original interest in the townsite of Olathe, which had
just been located, and in connection with one Charles Osgood, built the first
house erected on the townsite. In the fall he returned to Indiana and the
following spring brought his family to Olathe. Owing to the unsettled
condition of the country and the scenes of violence that were continually
occurring in the town Olathe was not then a desirable place of residence,
and so in June of 1858 Dr. Scott removed with his family to Allen county
and took up a claim near Carlyle where he lived for the next sixteen years.
•^•OO'DSON COXlN-riES, KANSAS. 493
ill! the fall of 1859 he was elected to the Territorial legislature whicli met at
Lecompton and afterwards adjourned to Lawrence, — the first Free State
legislature. He was re-elected in i860 and was chosen Speaker of the
House, In 1861 he was elected a member of the first State legislature, and
in the absence of the Speaker presided during most of the session. During
this session P'ort Sunipter was fired upon, and at its close most of its mem-
■bers entered the Union army. Dr. Scott enlisted in the Fourth Kansas
Volunteer Infantry and was elected surgeon. He served with the Fourth
during the fall and winter of 1861-2, being in charge of the general hospital
at Fort Scott. When the Third and Fourth regiments were consolidated
and became the loth Kansas he became the surgeon of that regiment and
served utatil May, 1863, when he resigned on account of the long and
serious illness of his wife. In the fall of the same year, his wife's health
having been restored, he re-entered and served to the end of the war, re-
turjiing then to his Carlyle farm.
In 1866 he was elected to the State Senate, was elected president
pro tem of that body and presided during the session on account of
Lieutenant Governor Greene serving as Governor, vice Governor S.J. Craw-
■ford resigned. Although always interested in politics and often actively en-
gaged in the contests as a member of conventions and as a speaker in the
•campaigns, and frequenth' mentioned as an available candidate for Congress
and other high positions, he was not again a candidate for any office during
the remainder of his residence in Kansas.
Almost from his first location in the state Dr. Scott had interested him-
self actively in the various projects looking to the building of railroads into
this section of the State. Among the numerous meetings and conventions
held in the interest of these projects the most important was a convention
held at Topeka in the year 1859. The purpose of this convention was to
agree upon a system of railroads upon which the State would go to Con-
gress, asking for land grants to aid in the building of the roads, and the
chief contest was between the propo.sed line from Leavenworth south (now
the Southern Kansas) and the proposed line then designated as the Border
Tier road (now the Kansas City, Fort Scott and Memphis.) The commit-
tee appointed to draft outlines of the system of roads decided in favor of the
Border Tier, leaving out the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston, as it
was then and for many years afterward called. As a dissenting member of
this committee Dr. Scott made a minority report in favor of the L- L. and
G. , and succeeded in carrying it through the convention, thus securing the
grant of land which made possible the building of that road. When the
company was organized he became one of the directors, and when the road
was finally built, in 1869, he was appointed Land Commissioner. He re-
mained in that capacity eight years, during which time he was the chief
agent in securing the railroad title to the land to which it was entitled and
in disposing of the lands to settlers. During most of this time also he was
a member of the State Board of Agriculture, taking an active and efficient
part in organizing and conducting the State Fairs which were a feature of
those early years. From 1873 to 1879 he served as Regent of the State
494' HISTORY OF ALLEN AND'
University, helping ta lay the foundations of that great institution.
Alter closing his connection with the railroad he returned to lola, the-
family having removed from the Carlyle farm to that place in 1874, and i\v
1S76 engaged in the drug business, purchasing the stock of John Francis.
In 1SS3, without solicitation on his part, he was appointed agent for the-
Ponca, Pawnee and Otoe Indians taking charge of the Agency January i.
1884. He served iu this position until October, 1885, when he resigned
and returned to lola to resume the conduct of his drug business. He con-
ducted this business until rSgi, when he sold it to J. H. Campbell in order
to accept an appointment as Inspector for the Bureau of Animal Industry.
He was assigned to duty at Kansas City and served until 1893, when he-
resigned. Desiring to retire from active business he went with his wife and
daughter Belle, then constituting his family, to Clifton, Oklahoma, to visit
his oldest son, who had taken a claim there. The climate and country
pleased him so well that when the Oklahoma school lands were thrown open
he leased a quarter section and with the energy which always characterized
him proceeded to improve it, as if he were in his youth instead of in his
seventieth year. He lived there quietly and happily until the fall of 1898
when his neighbors, almost without lespect to party, although he was still
an ardent Republican, as he had been since the organization of that party,
insisted that he serve as their candidate for the Territorial legislature. He
reluctantly consented, and was elected, although the district contained a
largely adverse party majority. He was not in his usual health when the
.session opened early in January, 1899, and in going to the Capitol he
suffered some exposure which brought on an attack of pneumonia which
resulted in his death, which occurred January 19, 1899. In honor of his
memory the legislature adjourned and a committee of its members was ap-
pointed to accompany the remains to lola where they were interred. A
further and most touching proof of the respect and affection in which he
was held by his colleagues was given by the fact that during the entire re-
mainder of the session his chair on the floor of the house remained draped,
and every morning there was on his desk a bouquet of fresh flowers. And
so he died as he had lived, honored and beloved by all who knew him, a
man who loved his family with a rare devotion, who was an important and
influential factor in the development of two new States, who served his
State and his country, in office and out of it, in peace and in war, with
great ability and with incorruptible integrity, and who in all the relations
of life was worthy of love and honor.
Maria Protsman, wife of John W. Scott, was born on a farm nine miles
north of Vevay, Indiana, July 19, 1829. Her father, William Protsman,
was born in Danville, Kentucky, February 5, 1801, and came to Indiana
in 18 14 where he worked with his father at farming and wagon making.
He opened a large farm near Vevay and reared children as follows: Flora,
Maria, Emarine, Isaac, Ellen, Adelia, Charles, Fannie, William, Alexander
of whom Flora, Maria, Emarine, Charles, William and Ale-xande^r still
survive. William Protsman died in 1866. His father was John Protsman,
who emigrated from Germany with his father's family about the year 1769.
TvOQ-DSON COUNTIES, 'KANSAS. 495
iln the family there were four brothers and two sisters. As a mere boy
John Protsnian served as a teamster during the Revolutionary war. In
1792 he was married in Philadelpliia to Nancy B. Reckwor and soon aiter-
^vards moved to Ohio, going from there to Kentucky and finally to Vevay,
Indiana, where he died at the age of seventy-eight. He was a carpenter
and farmer. His children were David, Samuel, John, William, Nancy B..,
and Elizabeth. Nanc}- Recknor, wife of John Protsman, was also of
'German descent, her father and mother emigrating from Germany a little
before the Revolutionary war. Her father was a soldier and was killed at
the battle of Bunker Hill. Her mother died the year following at Phila-
delphia, and the two children, Nancy B, and John, were taken and reared
by their grandmother. When they were grown John went to the South and
that was the last known of him.
Polly Campbell Protsman, the mother of Maria Protsman Scott, was
born in Kentucky April 9, 1809, and died at Vevay, Indiana, in 1890.
Her father was William Campbell, who was born in South Carolina in
August, 1776. Her mother, Polly Brown, was born in Kentucky, June 17,
17S3, and was married to William Campbell June 17, 1800. William
Campbell died February 4, 1832, leaving a family of nine children, as
follows: Jeannette, Jemima, Elizabeth, Susan, Polly, Samuel, James,
and William. Polly, his wife, died in i868, at the age of eighty-
five years.
The children of John W. and Maria P. Scott were: William Ale.^ander,
born September 29, 1S50; Walter Winfield, born September 4, 1853; Clara
Belle, born September 14, 1855, Angelo Cyrus, born September 25, 1857;
Charles Frederick, born September 7, i860; Emma Louisa, born April 23,
1865, died September 4, 1879; Susie Flora, born April 6, 1867, died
September i, 1873; Effie June (Mrs. E. C. Franklin) born August 4, 1871.
~\ /TRS. MARY FORD, of Marmaton township, one of the pioneers of
-L"-*- that portion of Allen' county, is the widow of John O. Ford who
settled on the wild waste of land in the, then, new township, in the year of
1876. Her husband died in November 1877 and she was left with a familj'
of young children to battle with the difficulties incident to the settlement of
a new country.
This prominent and worthy family emigrated from Peoria, Illinois,
where John O. Ford had grown up from his fifth year. The latter was
l)orn in Devonshire, England, in 1841, and his wife in the same shire
October 14, 1848. Each came to the United States with their parents, the
former in 1855 and the latter in 1850. Both families located in Peoria
county, where their children were reared on the farm. Mr. Ford's father,
William Ford, had four sons, one of whom, Henry Ford, still resides in
Peoria county. Mrs. Ford's parents were Thomas and Sarah (Fewins)
Torrington. Mr. Torrington died in 1864 and his widow is the wife of
496 HISTORY OF ALLEN" AKT/
Richard Bailey, of Allen county, Kansas. Mrs. Ford and Mrs. Thomas-
Woods, of Marniaton township, are the sole survivors of the Torrington
family of six children.
John O. Ford brought his eff-ects to Allen county in a chartered car.
He was a geutlenian with much hope and ample industry and it must have
been a source of gratification to himself to locate in a new country where
all were poor alike and where each possessed the same advantage with his
neighbor. Of his five children the eldest, at his father's death, was twelve
years-. These children are all married and reside within reach of their
mother. They are, William T. , who married Florence Lamb and has five
children: Blanche, Harry, Edna, L-eta and Raymond Ford,' Charles Ford,
who is married to Maggie Davis, has two children, Eugene and Leslie
Ford; Anna, wife of Neal Ford, of Allen county, has two children. Marie
and Nina Ford; Laura, wife of James Robb, has five children, Mildred,
Alice, Agne^, Philos and Arthur Robb; and Mabel, who is the wife of
Albert Smith.
Mrs. Ford gave her children a common school education in the home
district and reared them all to become useful and honorable men and
women. The earlier years of their lives were something of a struggle
against adversities but as the children approached man and womanhood
their labors were lendered with telling effect and their homestead, instead
of dwindling below its original size doubled it and Mrs.~ Ford owns one
hundred and sixty acres in each of sections fourteen and twentyTtwo.
In public affairs and in party affiliations the Fords are Republicans.
The young men are among the substantial young men of their township-
and it is much to the credit of the family that their neighbors and friends
hold them in the highest esteem.
CORNELIUS W. McNiEL, manager of the extensive interests of the
Northrup Lumber Company, of lola, has resided in Allen county for
twenty-one years. He came to it in 1879 and purchased a farm near that
of Daniel Horville, northwest of lola, which he cultivated until 18S3 when
be sold it and moved into town. He took the foremanship of the, then,
small lumber yard of L- L. Northrup and has remained with the business
through all the years which have intervened and has watched its growth
from the chief lumber yard of a small town to the leading one of the
metropolis of the gas belt. ,
Mr. McNiel was born in Butler county, Ohio, November loth, 1834.
Lazarus McNiel, his father, was one of the pioneers to that county where
he opened out a farm in the heavy timber and cultivated it with success
during his active life. He went into Ohio from near Harrisburg, Pennsyl-
vania. He was born in this latter state, was a soldier in the war of 1812
and died just three days before his wife. He was one of the Jeffersonian
and Jacksonian Democrats and when our subject changed the course of
WOODSON countie:;, kansas. 497
family politics by casting his ballot for Fremont in 1856 it was almost at
the expense of his father's friendship.
Jane Hall, our subject's mother, was a daughter ol Cornelius Hall,
who represented his district, as a Whig, in the Ohio Legislature in an early
day. He was likewise from Pennsylvania and was a farmer. Of six chil-
dren born to Lazarus McNiel only two survive: Martha, wife of Thomas
Mitchell, of Albany, Oregon, and Cornelius W. McNiel. Nancy, the
oldest, mariied Dr. Alanson Smith and is deceased; Sarah J. died single;
Maria H. married B. F. Fessenden and was killed, together with her hus-
band, by a railroad train near Cincinnati; Rebecca C. , died in Ander.son,
Indiana, in iQoo, was the wife of L. H. Vinedge.
Mr. McNiel spent his youth and early married life in the country. He
attended the country school, Hanover College and Miami University, at
Oxford, Ohio. He took up the study of medicine soon after coming of
age, with Dr. Newton, of Cincinnati, but was thought to be consumptive
and was advised by the doctor to abandon his professional notions and go
home to die. From thence forward his life was an out-of-door one and it
was not till the close of the Civil war that he ventured away from his
native state. In 1865 he moved to Pettis county, Missouri, and spent two
years in farming. He started the town of Lamont, by building the first
house in it, and was engaged in the lumber and grain business there till
1S79, when he came to Kan.sas.
December 3, 1854, Mr. McNiel was married to Maria H. Gaston, a
daughter ot David Gaston, one of the early sellers of Hamilton county,
Ohio. Mrs. McNiel died in 1883, being the mother of Harry L., of the
firm of Brigham & McNiel, of Tola; Edward H., who died in 1894; Jennie
McNiel; Walter S. and Bert L. McNiel, leading jewelers, of lola.
C. W. McNiel has been one of the active citizens of lola. He has not
only gone about the transaction of his personal business with prudence and
wisdom but in the conduct of public business he has exercised the same dis-
cretion and business judgment. For five years he was a member of Tola's
common council and was two years its Mayor and his accession to those
positions are ample testimony to the efficiency with which he cared for a
public trust. In politics he permits no man to outdo him as a Republican.
As heretofore mentioned, he started with the paity and his claim to a
place of honor in the great and patriotic organization can not be disputed
or disproved.
/'^HAUNCEY H. DeCLUTE.— To know how to make money, to know
^-^ how to spend money, and to know how to make and keep friends, —
those are rare gifts, and the man who possesses all of them cannot make a
failure of this life. It is because he posse.sses these gifts that the name of
C. H. DcClute always appears in any list of the successful business men of
lola.
Chauncey Hovver DeClute was born in Monroe county. New York, in
49B ' HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
the year 1839. When twelve years of age the family removed to Cold-
water, Michigan, where tlie boy attended the city schools until he reached
the age of nineteen when he left the school room to take a place as clerk in
a clothing store.
In July, 1S64, he enlisted as a private in Company C, Twenty-eighth
Michigan Volunteer Infantry. After serving in the ranks ior six months
he was promoted to First Lieutenant and transferred to another Company
of the regiment, of which he was put in command, — its captain being ab-
sent on detached service, — and which he continued to command during the
remaining eighteen months of his service.
After being mustered out in June, 1866, after two years of hard and
gallant service under the flag of his cotintry, Lieutenant DeClute returned
to Coldwater and resumed his place behind the counter, where he remained
until 1879, when he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, W. W.
Anderson, and together they came to lola, Kansas, and engaged in the
clothing business.
Up to that time most of the stores in the then small village of lola, had
carried stocks of "general merchandise," a little of everything, and the
old settlers will remember well what a shaking of heads there was when it
was announced that the new firm was going to run an exclusive clothing
store, and how general were the prophesies of failure. But the new firm
didn't fail. It started out at first in a small way, with a limited stock in a
snmll building about the middle of the block facing the square between
Madison avenue and West street. But by and by the stock grew larger
and it was only a few years until it was announced that the new firm had
bought the most prominent corner in town and would put up a brick and
stone building. So it came to pass that the prophesies of failure ceased
and the clothing house of Anderson & DcClute became known all over the
county as one of the substantial commercial enterprises of lola. And while
the senior member of the firm, — whose death in 1S92 was deeply deplored,
— was personally popular and well liked, it was generally recognized that
the long experience and the shrewd business sense of the junior partner
were the largest factors in achieving what has certainly been most gratify-
ing success.
After the death of Mr. Anderson and of his wife, which occurred in
1899, Mr. DeClute bought the interest of their heirs and has since been
sole proprietor of the business. It has continued to grow, and has in-
creased to such an extent that it has been found necessary to build a two-
story addition to accommodate the large stock made necessary by the en-
larged demands of the trade.
It often happens that business success is achieved at the sacrifice of
personal popularity', but in the present instance this bad rule has fortu-
nately not held good. There are plenty of good reasons for this, but the
principal one, doubtless, is the fact that Mr. DeClute is one of the most
public spirited of all our citizens. The money he has made here he has
spent here, — in putting up a fine business block, in building for his family
a handsome and commodious home, and in extending his business. He is
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 499
always prompt and liberal in subscribing to any fund that may be needeil
for some public purpose, or in taking stock in any enterprise that is started
to benefit the town, or in giving time and toil to help make a success of any
public entertainment. He is intensely loyal to the town and amply de-
serves the success he has won and the esteem in which he is held.
Mr. DeClute was married at Coldwater, Michigan in 1S61, to Miss
Jeannette Davis, and the son, George, that was born to them, after serving
with gallantry as a volunteer in the First Illinois through the Cuban cam-
paign in the war with Spain, is now assisting his father in the conduct of
his business. Mrs. Jeannette Davis DeClute died in 1877, and in 1879 Mr.
DeClute was married to Miss Mary Anderson, who, with their daughter,
Louise, constitute the family which adorns one of the happiest as well as
one of the prettiest homes in Tola.
TAMES TAYLOR, of lola, one of the well known and progressive re-
*J tired farmers of this city, has been a resident of the county since 1879.
He came into the county in March of that year from Johnson county, Kan-
sas, and located upon section two, township twenty-four, range twenty,
Osage township. This tract was a piece of raw laud and Mr. Taylor set
about bringing the soil under subjection and making such improvements as
were necessary to insure the family comfort. His industry brought him a
good degree of prosperity and he increased the area of his original quarter
bv one-half. In December of 1895 he came to lola, for the purpose of re-
tiring from further active business.
Mr. Taylor was born in Montgomery county, Missouri, June 12, 1830.
His father, Joseph Taylor, was one of the pioneers of that count}', having
located there in 1826. He opened out a farai near Danville and remained
in the vicinity till 1842 when he went into Livingston county where he
lived until 1865 when he went to Boone county and remained there until
he died in 1885. He was born in the state of Maryland in 1804, went into
Kentucky at an early day and removed from Simpson county, that state,
to Missouri. His wife, nee Jane Doss, was born in 1806 and died in 1875.
Their children were: Mary, wife of James Hicks, resides in Cliillicothe,
Missouri; Artemicia, married Hampton Livingston, Davis county, Missouri;
.Susan, wife of William Parks, Boone county; Lucretia, who married George
Hubbard, Montgomery county; Martha, deceased, married Thomas Patton,
Montgomery county; Catherine, Boone county, Missouri, wife of John
Patton, deceased; Wesley, of Kincaid, Anderson county, Kansas, Samuel
Taylor, deceased, Thomas Taylor, of Oklahoma; Julean Sharp, of Pattens-
burg, Davis county, Missouri.
Our subject's early life was that of a farm boy. He attended school
only a few months and at the age of twenty years left the farm and learned
the carpenter trade. He took on mason work and brick laying about the
same time and became quite proficient in all three trades. F01 thirty years
500 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
he followed his trades, making them his chief livelihood, and e\-eii some
residents of Allen county can testify to his skill in these lines.
"Uncle Jimmy" Taylor, as he is familiarly addressed, is the architect
of his own fortune. He was thrown upon the world, as man_\- faimer's sons
are, without a dime and he accumulated very little until he deserted his
trades. In the fsU of 1864 he went to Colorado and located at Black
Hawk, in the vicinity of which he prospected for ore and located a few
claims but could not develop them. While in the west his wife died, at
Canon City, Colorado, and when he returned to this state in 1875 he pos-
sessed less resources than when he went away. He located in Johnson
county, this state, on a farm near Olathe.
Mr. Taylor has been three times married. His fir.st wife was Polly
Ann Brumnitt who died at Utica, Missouri. One of her three children
survive: Mrs. Sarah J. Artega, of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mr. Taylor's
second wife was Jeraldine M. Deunison. Her heirs are: Samuel G.
Taylor, of Canon City, Colorado, and John W. Taylor, who died in Ida
March 31, 1901. Mr. Taylor's present wife was Maggie Shuey, whom he
married in Johnson county, Kansas. To them was born one son who has
been an invalid all his life.
More than thirty years ago our subject joined Canon City. Colorado,
Lodge No. 7, of Odd Fellows and he has maintained his membership in
the order since. He is a known Democrat, one of positive opinions and
only exercises liberalitv and impartiality as to candidates in local affairs.
Mr. Taylor was prominently identified with the movement to secure
cheap gas for fuel in lola and upon the consolidation of the two gas com-
panies he became connected with the active operation of the consolidated
plant. He has done a fair share of the building up of the city, having
erected several houses, one of which, his residence, is one of the attractive
homes in lola.
DAVID SMITH, whose remarkable influence as one of the early teach-
ers of the county has been elsewhere noted, was born October 13,
1822, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish parentage.
The following year his parents removed to Stark county, Ohio, and settled
upon a tract of land where the city of Massilon now stands. David, the
oldest of five brothers, lived and worked upon the farm and in his father's
tannery until about his eighteenth year. Up to this time his educational
advantages were very meager. The country was new, a tribe of Indians
occupied a part of the county for several years, schools were short, poor and
primitive, teachers poorly qualified and books scarce. His nineteenth year
he spent in the Twinsburg Academy, taught by Rev. Samuel Bissell, at
that time one of the largest and most popular schools in northern Ohio.
The next two j'ears he taught school and then entered Western Reserve —
now Adelbert College — then located at Hudson, now at Cleveland, Ohio.
TaTOODSON CODNTIES, KANSAS. JO?
Here and at Jefferson College at Can nonsburg, Pennsylvania, he spent his
3:ime while not teaching till his graduation at Jelferson about the year 1847.
He also received a diploma from Adelbert. Immediately after graduation
he was called to the principalship of the Old Pisgat Academy, near Lexing-
ton. Kentucky. Two years after he entered the Western Theological
Seminary at Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Completing his theological course
he married Miss S. E. Clarke, a teacher at 'Northfield, Ohio, and immedi-
ately answered a call to take charge of the academy at Winchester, Ten-
nessee. A year later he was called to the chair of mathematics in Burett
College, Spencer, Temiessee. A few months after upon the death of the
president he was chosen president of the college — about 1857. He held
this position till the Civil war closed the college.
Leaving Spencer, Tennessee, in 1863, in troublesome times — times that
tried northern men's souls — he settled in Olney, Illinois. Here he taught
for a year, when he was called to take charge of the schools at Shawnee-
town, Illinois. In the year 1866 he resigned his position at Shawneetown
and accepted the call to Geneva, Kansas, and the following year settled at
Carlyle where he continued to teach until his death, April 10, 1878.
Professor Smith was of the old Puritan type, a stern disciplinarian, a
rigid observer of the strictest religious rules,— a combination of teacher and
preacher whose influence was wide and lasting. His memory will be
revered as long as any still live who were the beneficaries of his training.
/^ EORGE W. FISHER— In selecting candidates for public oifice politi-
^-^ cal parties rarely fail to follow other courses than the one dictated by
their trusted leaders and in no instance is this fact more strikingly true than
in the minoritj' party whose candidates must go before the voters, in a local
contest, upon their individual merits, as citizens and men, rather than upon
their unpopular political platform. The political situation in Allen county
leaves the People's party and the Democratic party, combined, in the
minority and in the selection of their candidates for the various offices to be
filled by the election of 1900, no more honorable or conscientious nominee
appeared on the Fusion ticket than that for Representative to the Legisla-
ture. George W. Fisher. All the years since his majority have been
passed in Allen county, near lola, and in enumerating our worthy
citizens it is with pride that a reference is made to the subject of
this .sketch.
George Fisher was born in Park county, Indiana, May 13, 1862. He
is a son«of the late John Fisher, a farmer and a native of Brown county,
Ohio, who died in lola township in 1886 at sixty-two years of age. The
latter went into Park county, Indiana, in 1828 and was married there to
Elizabeth, a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Cox) Gooding. He was an
Ohio emigrant and was a son of John Fisher, a soldier of the War of 1812
and a Whig in politics who went into Ohio from Washington county, Penn-
502 . HISTORY O-F ALLEN APn>
sylvania, and took up land there in an early day. He took his family of
six sons to Park county, Indiana, in 182S and died there leaving six sons
and two daughters, who reared families. The children of his son, John
Fisher, were: J. Wesley Fisher, of Allen county; Nathan Fisher, of Marshall,
Illinois; Malinda, deceased; George W. ; Thorns F., of Hansford, California,
and Allen G. Fisher of Allen county.
George W. Fisher was a youth of nineteen years when he came to
Allen county. He was liberally educated in the common schools and had
had instruction, soecially, in book-keeping and writing. He reached his
twenty-first year as a farmer and his continuation of it evidences the fact
that his success is of the certain and enduring kind. Since the death
of his mother February 14, 1899, he has resided alone upon the old family
home in section 13, town 24, range 17, where he owns a farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres.
The platforms of modern Democracy and of the People's party find
responsive chords in the organism of the Fishers and their faith is pinned
to the ultimate triumph of all the elements opposed to the doctrines of the
Philadelphia convention of 1900. George Fisher is not a Populist for office,
for Populists seldom get offices in Allen county. He is not an office-seeker
and in the campaign of 1900 it is doubtful if he even hinted in the presence
of a voter that he desired his support at the polls. His election would have
meant that Allen county would have had a Representative who would not
fail to piotect her by at least his vote against any effort to deprive her of her
dearest resource by a foreign corporation.
MARTIN L. DECKKR, ex-Treasurer of Allen county, was born in
Wallertheim, Darmstadt, Empire of Germany, December 8, 1837.
He was born in the same house with his father, John A. Decker and with
his grandfather. Both grandfather and father were wine growers, cultivat-
ing large farms planted to vineyards. John Decker was married to Philipina
Weinheimer and Martin Luther was the third of eleven children. He
emigrated to the United States in 1853 and, on his sixteenth birthday,
arrived in LsSalle county, Illinois. He crossed the Atlantic in the sailer
Powhattan, bound from Rotterdam to New York, fifty-two days at sea.
Young Decker stopped on a farm near Mendota, Illinois, and worked for
wages three years. In 1856, in company with an uncle he immigrated to
Iowa and then to Minnesota where, at Austin he ran a saw-mill till 1858.
While in the mill he invented a machine for sawing eve-troughs, probably
the first one in existence, but which was never patented nor followed up
with a profit.
His entry to Kansas in 1858 was celebrated by the preempting of a
piece of land near Goodrich, Linn county. In 1859, having sold his claim
he crossed tbe line into Allen county and worked on a farm on the Osage,
for Johnston Mann. In the spring of 1S61 he enlisted in Company C,
TTOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 503
Third Kansas cavalry, Colonel Montgouiery. In 1862 the regiment was
.disorganized and Company C was transferred to the gth Kansas cavalry.
In its periods of marching and counter marching this regiment visited Ft.
Riley, Kansas; Ft. Gibson, Indian Territory: Kansas City, Trading Post,
Kansas; Lawrence, Kansas; Little Rock, Ft. Smith, Duvall's BluS and
campaigned on the White and Mississippi Rivers. He was discharged from
the service November 23, 1864, at Leavenworth, Kansas, having done his
whole duty toward the flag of his adopted country.
December 8, 1864, Mr. Decker was married at Leavenworth city to
Grace A. Thomas, who was born in England Novembei 22, 1846. She
was a daughter of Thomas H. Thomas and Mary Evans, the former a
Welchman and the latter an English lady. The Thomas' came to Kansas
in 1S56, from New York State, and settled in Douglas county, near
Lawrence.
After his marriage Mr. Decker farmed in Allen and Bourbon counties
till the fall of 1867 when he removed to Leavenworth county, residing near
Potter where he was a farmer and fruit grower till 1889. The latter year
he returned to Allen count}' and purchased the Mann farm, in Osage town-
ship two and a half miles east of Bayard. He resided upon this tract three
years, then located in the town of Elsmore and engaged with a son in
merchandising. After a three years residence in Elsmore he removed to
lola to assume the duties of county Treasurer.
Mr. Decker has always affiliated with the Republican p.irty. This
political relation is a matter in which he feels much warranted pride. The
succession of events in the past forty years has shown tliat party to have
been right on all great questions and to be right is to be patriotic. After a
contest of a few weeks Mr. Decker was nominated for County Treasurer in
1895 and was elected the same year. He took possession of the office in
October of the next year and held it four years. His administration cov-
ered one smooth, unruffled and uneventful period of two terms and was
one of the many clean and efficient ones of the past dozen years. He was
seldom away from his office, was gentlemanly and obliging to all and
guarded with jealous care the receptacle of the people's funds.
Mr. and Mrs. Decker's children are: Jesse P. Decker, of Elsmore;
Emma, wife of John Amann, of Jefferson county, Kansas: Grant P. and
Martin L. Decker Jr. ; Thos. H. Decker and Isaac Decker, of Allen county;
Henry F. Decker, late with the United vStates Volunteers in the Philip-
pines. He enlisted in Battery F, Third Artillery, and served in the Cuban
and Porto Rican cainpaigns, Spanish- American war, and later in Com-
pany F, 34th United States Volunteer infantry. Mary A., wife of R.
Edward Glassel, residing in Joplin, Missouri; Elsie G. , Ellen, Walter A.
and Johji A. Decker. It will be observed that Mr. Decker has eight sons
who, with himself, cast seven votes for William McKinley in igoo, being
no doubt a record unequaled by any other family in Allen count}-.
504 HISTORY OF ALLEK AND
T A 7ILLIAMT. BARNETT.— When ambition is satisfied and everr
^ ^ ultimate aim realized then activity will cease and effort will end..
It is ambition which prompts man to continue in business, enables him to
overcome obstacles an.d to persevere even when a seemingly adverse fate
thwarts him. His resolute purpose and determination forms the ladder on
which he mounts to success. Mr. Barnett is one who owes his prosperity
entirely to his own efforts, and his life record should serve as a source of
inspiration and encouragement to others who are also forced to start out
on an independent business career empty handed. He now resides on sec-
tion 12, lola township, where he has made his home since 1869.
He was born in Fulton county, Indiana, near Rochester, November
20, 1844, a son of Thomas W. Barnett, one of the earliest settlers in that
county. His paternal grandfather, John Barnett, was born in Goochland
county, Virginia, and at the beginning of the slavery trouble left the Old
Dominion for Ohio. He and his family were of the Quaker faith and trace
their ancestry back to Scotland through emigrants who came to America
prior to the Revolutionary war. Politically they were all Whigs and Re-
publican. Great strength and size were two marked family characteristics,
nearly all of the men being more than six feet in height. Thomas W,
Barnett was born in Dayton, Ohio, June 13. 1813, and in 1835 he removed
to Fulton county, Indiana, where he developed a farm from the wild land,
his home being a log cabin. He wedded Mar}' Troutman, a daughter of
Michael Troutman, who was of Irish extraction and their eldest son, John
A. Barnett, was the first white child born in Fulton county. Their other
children were Michael I.; Sarah E., wife of John J. Carter, of Fulton
county; William T. , of this review; Emma, wife of Dr. Albert Coble, of
Carroll county, Indiana. The father had accumulated a considerable for-
tune when the war broke out, but while the war lasted he devoted so much
of his time and means to the cause of the Union that most of his capital
was dissipated, and at the time of his deatli in 1S82 he was in but moderate
circumstances. His wife died in Frankfort, Indiana, in 1891.
William T. Barnett, the subject of this sketch, remained at home until
twenty-five years of age, with the exception of the period spent at the
front in the Civil war. He pursued his education in an old-time log school
house, where he conned his le.ssons during the winter months in his early
years. In April, 1863, at the age of eighteen, he enlisted in Company A,
Twenty-sixth Indiana Infantry, under Colonel Clark, who is now a resi-
dent of Frankfort, Indiana. The company joined the regiment at Raleigh,
Missouri, and embarking on transpi)rts at St. Genevieve, Missouri, they
went down the river to take part in the Vicksburg campaign. Landing at
Haynes Bluff, they participated in the Yazoo river engagement, crossed the
river at Youngs Point, and proceeded to a point below Vicksburg, thus
closing up the line. There they participated in the siege and assault on
the city, and took part in several hotly contested engagements, one of
which was a charge to get possession of the outer works. The Twenty-
sixth Indiana was under the command of Major General Heiren, then only
WOODSOX COUNTIES, KANSAS. ' 505
twenty-six years of age. From Vicksburg they were sent up the Yazoo
river, and after capturing Yazoo City, took part in the fight at Big Black
river. After capturing and burning Edwards depot they returned to Vicks-
burg, and then went on to Xew Orleans, where they were recruited, pro-
ceeding thence to capture Morgan's Bend. While stationed on the Atcha-
falaya they were captured by the Confederates and taken to Tyler, Texas.
In November, 1863, they signed the parole and were sent to Shreveport for
exchange. They were captured in the summer while on a scouting expe-
dition and had very little clothing with them. They were also barefooted,
when on the 19th of November, the weather turned very cold and the river
froze over, so that the Confederates rode back and forth on the ice. The
Union soldiers experienced great suffering there. Returning to Tyler after
three months they remained at the latter place until July, when they were
taken to the mouth of the Red river and exchanged. Going by way of
Xew Orleans they rejoined the regiment at Fort Butler, Louisiana, and
later participated in thi capture of Mobile and Fart Blakeh'. Pa^sin ^ up
the Mobile river they captured Montgomery and Selma, and thence wer.t
to Meridan, Mississippi, where they captured General Taylor and thirty
thousand men. On that march Mr. Barnett and many of his comrades
were bare-footed and on very short rations part of the time. After that
they were on detached service and our subject also acted as military court
officer until mustered out at Vicksburg, January 17, 1866. During his
service he received a severe wound in the right cheek from a musket
ball.
When Mr. Barnett came to Allen county, he brought with him two
hundred dollars in cash, which represented the sum total of his savings up
to that time. On looking around for some time he decided to locate m
lola township and finally purchased eighty acres of land on which he now
resides for eight hundred dollars, paying down two hundred dollars and
giving a mortgage for the remainder. The improvements upon the place
consisted of a house fifteen feet square and thirteen acres of broken ground,
Mr. Barnett then entered the employ of John McClure, a well-known
pioneer engaged with L. L. Northrup in the cattle business. He received
twenty dollars per month and. later he entered the service of Brooks &
Arnold, who gave him twenty-eight dollars per month. He was thus em-
ployed until he had paid off the mortgage, when he returned for a visit
with relatives and friends in Indiana. On again reaching Allen county, he
began the work of improving his farm in 1873 and kept bachelor's hall
there. He had a yoke of oxen, a plow and a harrow. As the years
passed he secured improved facilities and has continued the develop-
ment and improvement of his place until he now has one of the most at-
tracti-fe farms of the neighborhood, having in the meantime extended its
boundaries by the additional purchase of one hundred and sixty acres.
Mr. Barnett married Miss Mary E. Cox, daughter of Samuel W. Cox,
a farmer and merchant of Harristown, Illinois, who removed from Ken-
tucky to Illinois. Mis. Barnett has three brothers and two sisters: Henry
and Ephraim, of Sumner county,. Kansas; William, of Illinois; Mrs. Nancy
5j6 . HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Morrison, of Iowa; and Mrs. Minerva Bear, of Bearsdale, Illinois. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Barnett were born ten children. These are Mary E.,
wife of Robert Sullivan, of Allen county, Kansas; Centennial R., wife of
Samuel E. Wilson, of Allen county; Thomas W., of lola, died August ,^i,
1900; Florence, Elmer A., Harry C, Noble R., Chester R., Russell J. and
Bruce, who are still with their parents.
Mr. Barnett cast his first vote for General Grant and has since been an
active factor in local politics. He was elected trustee of lola township,
and by election and appointment has served for six terms in that office. In
religious faith he is connected with tiie Society of Friends, but there is no
church of his denomination in the neighborhood. His has been a useful
and active life and there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil over
the public or private career of William Thomas Barnett.
TAMES B. PEES, of Liberty neighborhood, Allen county, is one of the
" homesteaders of lola township. He came to the county in March,
1 87 1, and entered an eighty acre tract in section 18, township 24, range
18, the same year. He established himself among the settlers west of the
Neosho river, married one of their pioneer women and has maintained him-
self a useful honorable and appreciated citizen.
In tracing up the genealogy of Mr. Pees we find him to be a son of
Nicholas Pees, a farmer who was born in Washington county, Pennsyl-
vania, in 179S. In 1854 he emigrated to Ohio and .settled in Cham-
paign county, where he died in 1869. He was a son of John Pees, likewise
a native of the Keystone state, whose parents crossed the mountains into
western Pennsylvania in the first settlement of that region. Whether this
ancestor or his immediate relatives Had any connection with the military of
the United States during its early wars is not certain, now It is probable
that they were Democratic patriots for Nicholas Pees affiliated with that
political party until the issues of the war made him a Republican.
Nicholas Pees married Susan Ingle who died in Allen county May 15,
1885, and is buried at Piqua. Their children are: Ruth A., wife of James
McGlumphy, of Pittsburg Pennsylvania; Joanna, who married John Mc-
Crary and died near Keokuk, Iowa, in 1848; Mary, whose first husband
was Edmon Loyd, resides in Champaign county, Ohio, and is the wife of
John Shields; Sarah, who died single; Tephanes, deceased, was married to
Joseph McAphee, and James B. Pees, our subject. He was married to E.
A. Dennison October 3, 187S.
Mr. Pees was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, August 14,
1842. He was reared in Champaign county, Ohio, from the age of twelve
years and acquired a fair knowledge of books from the country schools of
his day. With the exception of the years he spent in the army he re-
mained with his father till the latter's death. Soon after that event he
decided to come to Kansas and grow up with the county of Allen. He re-
WOODSON COUNTIHS, KANSAS.
507
sided a short time on his small tract on Elm creek adjoining lola but for
more than a quarter of a century has maintained his residence near the
eighty- he honiesteaded in the 3-ear 1871.
October 3rd, 1878, Mr. Pees married Eliza Dennison whose second
husband was Lewis Dennison and whcse father was Carver Guini. The
Gunns were Massachusetts people and Carver married Luc}- Arvilla Owen,
a Connecticut lady. Their surviving heirs are Osman Gunn, of Polk
county, Missouri; Eliza, wife of our subject; Clay Gunn, of Polk county,
Missouri; Addie, wife of Taylor Hadlock, of Ciawford county, Kansas;
Bettie, who married John Reed and resides in Bolivar, Missouri, and Rufus
B. Gunn, of the same point.
Mrs. Pees' first husband was Jasper Hillbrant one of the first i-ettlers of
Allen county. He preempted the northwest quarter of section 24. town-
ship 24, range 17, and died here in 1S62, leaving a son, William G. Hill-
brant, of Ida township. Mr. Hillbrant came into Kansas from Missouri
and was in company with Henry Hillbrant who served in the Second Kan-
sas, died in the service and is buried in Leavenworth. The environment of
this young couple was certainly frontier from 1856 to i860. There were
not more than four or five families in the woods and on the prairies in the
Liberty neighborhood in those days: The Berrys, Parkers, Gardners,
Blacks and McQuiggs, but all wetit well with them till the year 1S60 when
the great drouth overtook their crops. Their first year's provisions they
brought with them and they sold flour to people about the country includ-
ing L. L. Northrup who was running a store at Geneva. Mrs. Pees re-
turned to Missouri after her husband's death and was not again a resident
of Kansas till 1867 when she returned with her second husband.
Mrs. Pees has a son by her second marriage, Thomas Dennison, of
lola, who is married to Hattie Bassett, and a daughter, Lillian M., wife of
R. S. Russ, Superintendent of Schools at Pittsburg, Kansas. Mr. and
Mrs^ Pees are the parents of two children. Guv E. Pees and Lacy A., wife
of Charles E. Moriell.
Mr. Pees enlisted in September iS6r in the Second Ohio Infantry,
Company D, Captain James Warnock, with L. A. Harris, colonel of the
regiment. The regiment began its service in eastern Kentucky and did
much skirmishing along down the river to Louisville and Bowling Green.
It was with Mitchell's division on the tour through Tennessee and Alabama
to Huntsville, at which point the return journey was begun in the nature
of a retreat toward Louisville. On the way north the battle of Perryville
was fought. The Murfreesboro or Stone River engagement followed in
December of the same year. In the Chicamauga fight Mr. Pees was cut off
from his command and taken prisoner. He was taken to Bell Island and
remained J:wo weeks before his transfer to Libby prison, at Richmond. In
two months he was again moved, this time to Danville, Virginia, and was
there imprisoned till March 1864. At each of these removals it was re-
ported that an exchange of prisoners was being conducted and in this way
the boys in blue were deceived into journeying from one prison to another
without an effort at escape. Mr. Pees was taken to Andersonville prison
5o8 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
from Danville and in March 1865 was taken to a parole camp ten miles
e?st of Vicksburg. Mississippi, and actually exchanged. He was put
aboard the illfated "Sultana," with twent3--t\vo hundred men aboard, and
started north. Seven miles above Memphis a boiler explosion destroyed
and sank the boat and fourteen hundred ot the men were lost. Mr. Pees
was thrown into the water and chanced to gather up a plank upon which
with a few others, he floated down to Memphis He was badly burned
and was placed in the Gaoso hospital where he remained two weeks, when
he was again shipped aboard a Mississippi steamer and landed at Cairo,
Illinois. He proceeded immediately to Columbus, Ohio, reaching home
June 5, 1865.
Farming was what had been taught Mr. Pees before he put on a sol-
dier's uniform and it was but natural that the farm should receive him
again when his military duties were over. He consented to remain in the
east only so long as his father survived and when he died our subject's
advent to Kansas soon followed. His history in Allen county is summed
up in the words "work" and "hope." He has worked incessantly and
hoped for reward in proportion to his industry. After thirty years of ex-
perience on the plains of Kansas he finds himself surrounded with ample
substance to provide old age with the comforts of life. He resides in the
midst of a community whose confidence he possesses in the highest degree
and the welfare of whose citizens is a matter of his personal interest and
concern.
ppDWIX P. MINOR.— The late Edwin P. Minor, of lola, came to Kan-
-»— -* sas with the colony of Massachusetts emigrants who settled at L,aw-
rence in 1856 to aid in making this a free state. The Emigration Aid As-
sociation of Massachusetts gathered together a party of two hundred and
forty- eight people and sent them to Lawrence in 1856 and they were picked
up all the way from New England to Chicago. The Minors joined the
train in Huron countv. Ohio, and the trip was made by rail to Mt. Pleas-
ant, Ohio, and by wagon to Lawrence. Missouri was not a safe state in
which to find Free State people on their intended mission to Kansas and,
to avoid trouble the company came through Iowa, Nebraska and into Kan-
sas from the north. Mr. Minor was a carpenter and he worked at his trade
the first winter in Lawrence and the next season he weut onto a farm and
made that occupation his business henceforward. In 1859 he went into
Greenwood count}", Kansas, and took a claim and left it only when he felt
it his duty to go into the aimy. While in the service his wife returned to
Ohio and was joined there by her husband after the war ended. They re-
mained some years in the east, returning in 1873, to Kansas, and taking up
their residence in Allen county. Mr. Minor resided one-half mile east of
Tola for more than twenty years and was engaged in farming and dairying.
He sold his farm in 1S94 and became a citizen of lola, dying here in 1899.
AVOODSON COCNTIES, KANSAS. 509
Edwin p. Minor was born in Huron count}-, Ohio, July 16, 1831. He
■\va.s a son of Cj-rus Minor, who went into Ohio early and back to Connecti-
cut and again to Ohio from Hartford, Connecticut, in 1847. Cyras Minor
was a miller and was married to Sarah Hall. They lived in Connecticut
•until Mr. Minor was sixteen years old and then moved back to Ohio.
Their children were: Erastus, of Portland, Oregon; Charles, of Huron
county, Ohio; Wallace, of California; Mitchell, of Los Angeles. California;
William, of Huron county, Ohio; Lncy, wife of Charles Clark, of Michi-
gan; Olive, wife of James Wilson, Tiffin, Ohio, and our subject.
Edwin P. Minor settled in Ohio in 1S47. He learned the carpenter
trade at the age of eighteen to twenty-one and became one of the early
bridge carpenters on railroad construction in Ohio. He made his tfade his
support while he remained in the east and followed it periodically in the
west. He enlisted in the Fifth Kansas Cavalry the second year of the
war and took part in the battles of Pine Bluff, Helena and Dry Wood,
among others. He was in the western department and was out three years
and three months.
Mr. Minor was married in Huron county, Ohio, May 17, 1851, to
Laura, a daughter of Dan Clark. The Ciarks were from Litchfield county,
Connecticut, and Daniel's wife was Almena Guthrie. In early life he was
a teacher but became a wholesale dry goods peddler later, and finally a
farmer. Mrs. Minor survives of their household, as does also Oliver Clark,
of Lucas county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Minor's children are: Ellis, born
in 1852, married Eliza Anderson and resides in New Mexico; Hermosa;
Frank G., born in 1855, of Denver, Colorado, and Lewis Minor, born 1859.
resides in lola.
T TENRY ANDERSON EWING was born in Bloomington, Illinois,
■^ -*■ August g, 1841. His father was John W. Ewing, who was born in
Statesville, North Carolina, February 9, 1808. and was of Scotch-Irish
descent. His mother was Maria Stevenson who was born November 4,
1 802, at Statesville, North Carolina. Her father was James Stevenson who
was born at the same place in 1762, the son of Gabriel Stevenson who came
to North Carolina from Pennsylvania in 1760. Both the Ewing and
Stevenson families came originally from the Scotch settlement in London-
derry. Ireland.
The children of John W. and Maria Ewing were: Adlai (died in
infancy) Nancy J., James S., John W., William G., Henry A., Adlai T.
Of the^ all are living except the first who, as noted, died in infancy.
James S. Ewing served as United States minister to Belgium during the
last Cleveland administration. William G. Ewing was for four years—
18S5-9 — United States District Attorney for the northern district of Illinois,
and was later Judge of the Superior court of Chicago.
Henry A. Ewing spent his boyhood and youth in Bloomington in at-
5IO . HISTORY OF ALLEN Arm
tendance upon the city schools, acquiring a good working education. He
responded to the call for volunteers when the war came on, enlisting as a
private May 25, 186 1, in Company E, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry. He
was offered a commission as captain, but modestly declined. His regiment
very soon got into active service and as a part of the Army of the Tennessee
took part in the campaigns from Donelson to Atlanta, participating in the
battle of Shiloh and in the battles and sieges leading up to the capture of
Vicksburg. The regiment made a better than average fighting record,
traveling during the four years of its existence upward of 10,000 miles and
lighting over country from Macon, Missouri, to the sea, and from Leaven-
worth to Washington, and H. A. Ewing bore his share of the gallant and
arduouji service. On April 6, 1862, after the battle of Shiloh, he was made
a sergeant, and on July 12, 1863, was promoted to second lieutenant,
with which rank he was mustered out June iS, 1864, at the expiration of
his term of enlistment.
Returning to Bloomington, he was elected sheriff and filled that office
two years. He then began the study of law and was admitted to the bar in
1867, practicing in Bloomington until December, 1883, with no interrup-
tion except that occasioned by a term in the Illinois legislature to which
he was elected in 1879. In 1SS3 he came to Tola, Kansas, and since that
time has been engaged in the practice of his profession and in conducting
his large farm near the city. In i888 he was elected county attorney and
in 1890 was re-elected — the only county attorney who has been awarded a
second term in recent years. He is a Presbyterian and a Republican.
Mr, Ewing was married March 28, 1866, to Elizabeth Julia Merriman,
who was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts.
Mrs. Ewing's father was Henry Merriman, who was born at
Hinsdale, Massachusetts, and was the son of Daniel Merriman, who
was born at Dalton, Massachusetts, and the grandson of Jesse Merriman,
also born in Massachusetts. Mrs. Ewing's mother was Sarah T. Bodurtha,
who was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, the daughter of Harvey
Bodurtha and Dolly Taylor.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ewing were: Henry Wallis,
(married August 5, 1893, to Alice Sweet, of Fon du Lac, Wisconsin, and
whose children are Henry Wallis, Abbie Jane, Lucius Winchester and
Lawrence Bodurtha); May Brevard, (wife of Charles F. Scott) Adlai
Merriman, (married June 16, 1896, to Ella Taylor, to whom has been born
one child, Annie McMillin), Elliott Winchester (deceased) ;Richard Avery,
Ruth Stevenson and Sarah Katherine.
Henry A. Ewing is now a.ssociated in the practice of law with C. A.
Savage, and the firm of Ewing & Savage is acknowledged to be one of the
foremost at the Allen county bar.
o
RLANDO HUNTER— The Hunters are among the familiar faces on
the streets of lola. The brothers, Orlando and Joseph, have been
Allen county a great many years, the former having arrived here
WOODSON COITNTIES, KANSAS. 5tt
December 24, 1S69. He was directly from Centralia, Illinois, to lola but
was burn at Marietta, Ohio, October 31, 1845. Joseph Hunter, our subject's
father, was boni in Mercer county, Penusylvania, May 17, 1S15. He was
reared on a farm and was a son of William Hunter who died in the JCey-
stone State about 1839. It is thought the family ancestors were Irish peo-
ple who went into the Atlantic coast states at a very early date. Joseph
Hunter, the second, settled at Marietta, Ohio, and was one of the finest
•cabinet makers of his day. A work-box which he presented to his
affianced wife, and which is yet in her possession, inlaid with different
woods and studded with pearls, surpasses anything coming fiom the work-
shops of our later day mechanics. On the 28th ot May, 1850, he was
drowned in the Muskingum river, a few months prior to the birth of his
j-ounger son. He married Harriet Alcock, a daughter of William Alcock,
a worthy representative of one of the esteemed iamilies of Marietta.
William Alcock was born in Cheshire, England, January 31, 1786. He
uiarried Sallie Posey, who was born March 3, 1788. Their children were:
W. B., who died at Chanute, Kansas, the father of Mrs. A. L. Taylor, of
lola; Nelson S., who died at Geneva, Kansas in 1892; Drusy, who married
Ed S. Davis, and died in lola; Aurilla, who became the wife of Thomas
Sinnamon and died in DesMoines, Iowa, Harriet, mother of our subject,
born November 20, 1824; Mary, wife of B. W. Jeffries, who died at Ottura-
wa, Iowa; George W., who died in Brooklyn, New York, and Charles T.
Alcock, of Marietta, Ohio.
Harriet(Alcock)Hunter married Hugh Means February 28, 1864. The
latter was born in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, and spent four years in
the looth Pennsylvania infantry, Ninth army corps. He was Brigade Post
Master in Rosecrans Corps and was born in 1820 and died in February, 1894.
Orlando and Joseph Hunter grew up in Ohio and in Illinois. The
latter was born November 9, 1850, and both attended only the district
schools in their boyhood. In February, 1864, Orlando Hunter enlisted in
Company D, 77th Ohio infantry, Captain Sim McNaughton, Colonel
William B. Mason. He joined his regiment at Marietta and proceeded to
Little Rock, Arkansas. The regiment joined Steele's command which was
ordered to reinforce General Banks. It went out to Camden and met the
enemy in such iorce that it was forced back to Little Rock. The battles of
Okalona, Jenkins Ferry and the capture of Camden were the chief engag-
ments in which our subject participated and he was discharged at Little
Rock, October 10, 1864, the same year of his enlistment.
Mr. Hunter spent the first few years after the war roaming over the
west, through Illinois, Indiana and Iowa, reaching his final stopping place
just before the close of the year 1869. December i, 1871, he was married
in Chautauqua county, Kansas, to Fannie E. Beaver, whose parents were
from Gold Hill, North Carolina. Mrs. Hunter died in 1883. Herchildren
were; Nettie, wife of Wm. O. Lees, of lola; Mrs. Lees was born December
I. 1874; Dan Hunter, of lola, born December 18, 1876, and Bertha May
Hunter, born May 9, 1883. Mrs. Hunter was born July 16, 1852, and died
in Chautauqua county, Kansas.
512 HISTORY OF ALI.EK- AND
MISS CLIFFORD A. MITCHELL, superintendent of the lola public-
schools, one of the popular educators of Kansas and a lady whose
intellectual and professional attainments have won her an enviable place in
the confidence and respect of the people of lo-la, has just completed her
tenth year in Kansas. She was born in Clark county, Ohio, and was
reared there to her seventeenth year. She was educated lin the schools of
New Carlyle and in the Normal school for training teachers at Dayton,
Ohio. Her introduction to the polite profession occurred in Ohio, but after
her first year there, she followed her parents to Kansas and has since been
prominently identified with educational work in this State, Her first years
in her adopted State were spent in Fredonia as principal of the high school.
At the beginning of the autumn term of 1893 she entered the high school at
lola as its principal and maintained herself admirably in that position
till her final promotion in 1S99 when she became City Superintendent
of Schools.
Miss Mitchell is a daughter of Asa N. Mitchell of lola, a native son of
"the best State in the Union outside of Kansas," and was born September
9, 1840. The latter is a son of James Mitchell who was born at Jamestown,
Virginia, in 1803, and who died in Clark county, Ohio, in 1859. During
the early life of the last named he was engaged in the nursery business but
his last years were passed in New Carlyle as a hotel-keeper. The paternal
great-grandfather of our subject was a Scotch-Irishman. He settled at
Jamestown, Virginia, and was the father of five sons and a daughter.
The whole family emigrated to Ohio as pioneers and reared families there.
Asa N. Mitchell's mother was Elizabeth, a daughter of Philip Swigart.
Her children were: Mary F. , deceased, married Denny Minrow; Asa N.,
and Lida, wife of Edward H. Funston, of Allen county. Asa N. Mitchell
became a teacher, when grown, and was engaged in the work in Taylors-
ville, Kentucky, when the war came on. He enlisted the first year of the
war in the 1 6th Ohio Battery, with two other Allen county men, E. H.
Funston and James W. McClure, and was mustered aboard a steam-
boat between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the
troops disembarked. The battery crossed the country to St. Louis and over
into the interior of the State and, from Pilot Knob, crossed the State into
Arkansas, bound for Flelena. The i6th battery was with Hovey's Division
during the Vicksburg campaign and was with Sherman at Jackson, Missis-
sippi. Following the close of this campaign the battery went down the
river to New Orleans and, soon thereafter, crossed the Gulf of Matagorda,
Texas, to join the forces intended for the interception of the Confederates
when Banks should defeat and drive them out of Arkansas. Banks' failure
to do his part made it necessary for the immediate return of the Federal
forces to New Orleans and when they did Asa N. Mitchell was mustered
out, his enlistment having expired.
Upon taking up civil life Mr. Mitchell became a bank clerk in Upper
Sandusky, Ohio. From the bank he engaged in the fruit and nursery
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 513
business and lias remained so, in the main, before and since bis advent to
Kansas.
In April, iS68, Mr. MitL-hell married Fannie E- , a daughter of the Rev.
E- Rogers Johnson, a graduate of Bowdoin, College, a classmate of Henry
W. Longfellow, and who carried off the lionors of his class. He entered the
ministry at New Carlyle, Ohio — his first charge — and died in fhe service of
the same church. His wife was Julia Colton and three of their four children
reside in Clark county, Ohio.
The first child of A. N. and Mrs. Mitchell is Clifford A. Mitchell Their
other children are Lieutenant Burton J. Mitchell, on the staff of Brigadier
General Funston, in the Philippines, and Miss Florence Mitchell, one of
Allen county's _\oung teachers, and a graduate of the lola high school.
Miss Mitchell is remarkably gifted and endowed as a teacher. Hers
is a strong combination of intellect and a genius for directing affairs.
While she is always the controlling influence in her educational work she
is happily the confidante of her pupils. Her sincerity of purpose and her
grace of manner attract both patron and pupil and all work together in
harmonv for the strength and efficiency of one of the best schools in Kansas.
Miss Mitchell maintains her station as Superintendent well in her
attendance upon county and State associations and in meeting ably
the requirements of those bodies when responding to her number npoii
the program.
rOHN E. IRELAND, Ida's efficient ex-postmaster and one of the old
" residents of Allen county, was born in Devonshire, England, December
iS, 1S28. Robert Ireland, his father, was a carpenter and master mechanic
who passed his years of activity in the city of Liverpool. He married Maria
Eggbeer, who was also a Devon, and both of whom died in England's
great port of entry. Of their ten children John Eggbeer Ireland was their
eighth. His early life was spent as an errand boy and pupil. At the age
of fourteen he went to the tailor's trade in Liverpool. Having served his
time and completed his trade he came, in 1849, to the United States. He
was ten weeks in coming over on the sailer and entered through the
famous Castle Garden. He got a job on the dock in New York City, load-
ing vessels with cotton and remained with it till the first of January follow-
ing. He went up into Schuyler county, New York, and worked at his
trade at Havana. Some time later he located in Geneseo and was in that
city when the war broke out. He enlisted in the 50th New York Engineers,
as first Sergeant, and was promoted to Sergeant Major of his regiment. He
was with the Army of the Potomac and saw how it was done and helped do
it all the way from first Bull Run, Petersburg, Yorktown, Seven Pines,
Fredericksburg, Seven Days, and Gettysburg and Chancellorsville, Wilder-
ness and the rest, till his muster out in 1864. In all this conspicuous and
hard service he escaped personal injury, in the field, and retired from the
514 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
army with a consciousness of having done his full dut}' to his adopted country.
After he was discharged i\Ir. Ireland worked at his trade in New York
City till the 2 ist of February, 1865, when he came westward to Galva,
Illinois. He remained in that city at his trade till 1870 when he was in-
duced to come to lolato work for Davis & Vannuys, then in the clothing
business. He arrived here in June and began a long and pleasant residence
in the little western metropolis. The year 1874-5 he spent with W. W.
Scott in Winfield, Kansas, as a tailor in his clothing establishment, and
upon his return to lola he established his first independent tailor shop. In
1878 he went into the grocery business with Sam J. Cowan. He was a
member of the well known firm of Richards, Lakin & Ireland, wholesale
grocers, who were burned out in 1882, later on. After severing this latter
connection he went into the livery business with S. T. Ellis. In 1885 he
retired from this business to enter the post office as Post Master of Ida — the
first and only Democrat to fill the office. His four years of public service
was most satisfactory to the patrons of the office. At the expiration of his
term a Republican succeeded him and he again went into the grocery
business, this time wiih Eugene Esse. The firm burned out some months
afterward and business was not resumed. When it was seen that another
Democratic Post Master was to serve the lola office, with one accord the pat-
rons of the office looked to John Ireland as the rightful appointee. They were
not disappointed, for in 1894 he succeeded his successor, William H. Mc-
Clure, to the office. His second administration was even more popular
than his first. His former experience had rendered him perfectlj-
familiar with the office and his second ofiice force was more desirable than
the first. Since the fall of 1897 he has been in actual retirement from
business.
Mr. Ireland was married in Schuyler county, New York, to Hattie
Littlefield. Their two children died in infancy but, after coming to lola
the}' adopted Sadie Prentis, who became the wife of George Kirby and
has a son, Ja\' Kirby.
John E. Ireland is a very quiet man, without assumption or show, but
with all the elements of a real manly man. His relation to his fellow
townsmen is most cordial and affable His homestead, which he purchased
at what seemed a fabulous price, when he came to lola. he has beautified
and adorned with shrubbery, and residence and lawn until it is one of the
handsome homes in the city.
\y\ WILLIAM JOHNSON HUCK, lola's well known painter and
' ^ paper-hanger and a Kansas pioneer, was born in Ohio October
21, 1845. He is a son of the late Abraham Huck, of West Minster, British
Columbia, and was brought west and into Anderson county, Kansas, in
i860. He located upon a claim thirteen miles south of Garnett and did
farming and blacksmithing, as a civilian, till 1S65 when he located eight
WOOUSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
515
miles south of Butler, Missouri. In 1871 he began a series of moves which
finally brought him to the point where he died in 1S92. He was born in
Pennsylvania in 1817 and was a son of Jacob Huck, a German-American.
The latter died in Williamson county, Illinois. He was the father of five
children. Abraham Huck served in Company L, Fourteenth Kansas
Volunteer Cavalry, as a private, and was discharged for disability in 1865.
He married Nancy Gentry, whose father was from near Vincennes, Indi-
ana. . Mrs. Huck died in West Minster, British America, in 1893. Their
children are William J. Huck, of lola, Kansas; Jacob, who died at si.xteen
years; Mary E. , wife of John Turner, who resides in Vancouver, British
America, Martha A., wife of George Grimmer, of West Minster, British
Columbia; Caroline, deceased, and Cynthia, who married in British Colum-
bia and resides at Chillwhack, on the Frazier river in British Columbia.
"Billy" Huck was educated sparingly in the pioneer schools of Kan-
sas. He enlisted in Company L, Fourteenth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry
November 10, 1863, and was under Captain Harris and Colonel Briggs.
He was mustered in at Cane Hill, Arkansas, and his service consisted, in
the main, in fighting Bushwhackers in the Territory and Arkansas. The
nearest approach to an engagement with which his regiment had to do was
at Cabin Creek, Indian Territory. His company was one detached at Fort
Scott to take a train of supplies down to Fort Smith, Arkansas. The little
command was surrounded at Cabin Creek and the train captured with
many of Company L. Mr. Huck made his escape to other Federal forces
and was stationed at Fort Gibson at the close of the war. He was dis-
charged at Lawrence, Kansas, August 22, 1865. He spent five years suc-
ceeding the war in Bates county, Missouri, tarming and when Wakefield &
Company, through their agent, Henry Waters, made him an offer to engage
with them he accepted and traveled over Kansas and Missouri selling
medicines till 1874. With his accumulations he came to Allen county and
went onto a farm, remaining only two years, then coming into lola. In
lola he has become widely known as an artist in his business of painting
and paper-hanging. He is best known for his absolute leliability and
among the old settlers to say that "Billy Huck" did a certain piece of work
was a sufficient guarantee of the efiiciency and honesty of the job.
Mr. Huck was married near Lecompton, Kansas, February 12, 1874,
to Agatha, a daughter of George Rose, who came from West Virginia to
Kansas in 1863. Mrs. Huck was born May 20, 1S56. Her sister, Agnes,
is the wife of J. A. Stuck, of Dexter, Kansas, and her brother is James
Rose, of Franklin county, Kansas.
Mr. and Mrs. Huck's children are: Hattie, born July 25, 1S75; Mary,
born January 9, 1883; O-scar, born January 17, 18S5, and Earl and Ernest
Huck, twins, born February 9, 1890.
Mr. Huck is one of the well known Republicans of lola.
5l6 - HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
GR.GARD. — In a profession where advancement depends upon indi-
• vidual merit G. R. Gard has attained a prominent position, being
one of the leading representatives of the bar of Allen countv. He has won
distinction through his devotion to his clients' interests and through his
masterly handling of the intricate problems of jurisprudence that have been
connected with the trial of cases in which he has been retained as advocate
either for the defense or prosecution. Thus he has long since left the
ranks of the many to stand among the successful few.
Ml. Gard was born December lo, i86S, in Cumberland county, Illi-
nois, and was reared upon a farm'belonging to his father, Jacob Gard, who
is represented elsewhere in this volume. Through the winter months he
pursued his education in the common schools and during the summer
season assisted in the labors of field and garden. The sports of youth also
claimed some of his attention and in this manner the days of his minority
were passed. He manifested special aptitude in his studies and showed
particular fondness for intellectual advancement. It was this that led him
to earn the money with which to pursue a college course. He spent the
winter of 18S8-9 in the Valparaiso Normal College of Valparaiso, Indiana,
and then returned to his father's farm where he remained until the autumn
of i8go, when at the request of his brother Samuel, who was then a rising
young lawyer in Bronson, Kansas, he came to this state and began the
study of law.
On the 5th of January, iS'j3, Mr. Gard was admitted to the bar at Fort
Scott, and in order to seek a wider field for his labors removed from Bron-
son to Humboldt, Allen county, in April of the same year. No dreary
novitiate awaited him in his practice, for he soon gained a good clientage
and became a popular attorney. He received the Republican nomination
for county attorney in 1898 and to that office was elected by an overwhelm-
ing majority. He entered upon its duties in January 1S9S and in May of
the same year removed his family to lola, the county seat, where he en-
tered into partnership with his brother, S. A. Gard, under the firm name of
Gard & Gard. His official course was most commendable. He espoused
the cause of the people with the firm conviction that crime should and
must be suppressed and the laws of the state respected and obeyed. His
labors resulted in the uprooting of a number of crimes in Allen county, and
the perpetrators brought before a court of justice. He foimed no entang-
ling alliances in societies or organizations that could effect his faithful dis-
charge of duty and allowed nothing to interfere with the administration of
even-handed justfce. He also avoided unnecessaiy expense as the legal
advisor of the county and that his course was highly satisfactory to the
public is shown by the fact that he was tendered the nomination of the Re-
publican party for re-election in the fall of 1899. Owing to the great in-
crease in the civil practice in the firm ol which he is a member, Mr. Gard
declined the nomination for a second term and retired to private life.
While residing in Humboldt he met and married Miss Katie Gallagher
whose father, John Gallagher, was one of the honored early pioneers of
WOODSON COL'NTlTiS, KANSAS. 5T7
K.ansas. She was born in Woodson county, this state, and prior to her
marriage was engaged in the millinery business in Humboldt, Mr. and
Mrs. Gard were married August 29, 1896, and they now have an interest-
ing family of three children, a son and two daughters. Their friends in
the community are many and they enjoy the hospitality of the best homes
of lola. A man of earnest purpose and strong determination with a com-
prehensive knowledge of law and a high appreciation for his profession,
which is the conservator of justice and the protector of life, prosperity and
liberty, Mr. Gard has already gained a distinctively representative clientage
and undoubtedly has a successful future before him.
JOHN HALL KUDER, Superintendent of the Ida Brick Company's
*J works, is one of the recent additions to the citizenship of Allen county.
He came here in 1897 ^^^ took charge of the manufacture of brick for his
company and is responsible for the success, in a great measure, which this
company and its projectors have enjoyed.
Mr. Kuder was born in Iowa, August 31, 1857, and is a son of a promi-
nent retired farmer and stock man, George W. Kuder, who resides near
Muscatine, Iowa, and who was born in Germany in 1803. He went into
Iowa in 1S41 from the State of Ohio and was one of the most successful
men of his county. He first married a Miss Kurtz, whose three children
were: Nicholas and Mrs Mahala Brown, of Muscatine, Iowa, and Madama,
wife of Isaac McGill. of Davenport, Iowa. George Kuder's second wife
was Sarah Oliva Crawford, daughter of James Crawford, people with Scotch-
Iiish antecedents. This wife was the mother of our subject. Her people
were from Harrison county, Ohio. She died in 1857, leaving an only son,
John H. Kuder. George Kuder married for his third wife, Sarah Ever-
sole. Their children are: Frank, wife of John Thompson, of Wappelo,
Iowa: Nellie, of Minneapolis, Minnesota: Guy S. Kuder, of Louisa county,
Iowa, and Clyde and Earl Kuder, of Columbus Junction, Iowa.
Our subject was reared around Winfield and Muscatine, Iowa, by an
uncle. William Crawford. He was left with a considerable legacy from his
mother's estate and he learned to travel and sightsee in his youth. He
undertook to learn the drug business but was counseled that it was hazardous
to his health and he dropped it. He tried farming but he found this irk-
some and somewhat difficult and he abandoned it. He got into the service
of one of the Iowa telephone construction companies prior to his farm
venture and received an injury — ran a hedge thorn into his knee — which
permanently disabled the same. On leaving the farm and without previous
experience he engaged in the business of contracting and building and,
strange to say, he made some money at it. Leaving this work, he engaged
to travel for the Thompson-Houston Electric Light Company for the sale of
their goods, putting in light plants over the country. Eight years with
this company sufficed and he severed his connection to engage in the
5l8 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
electric light business in Cotfeyvrlle, Kansas. From this he got into the
gas business but failed to reach the strong flow of gas and disposed of his
holdings for what little they would bring and made his first start in the
brick business. He took the position of engineer in the Coffey ville Vitrified
Brick Plant, was promoted to foreman of the machinery and generally
assisted in the manufacture of brick. His reputation at Coffeyville found
its way to lola, at a time when the latter place was searching for the right
man, and he was offered a proposition, advantageous to himself, accepted
it and still holds the position. He wetit to Coffeyville in 1887 and came to-
lola in 1897.
In his comparatively short life Mr. Kuder has probably met with more-
physical misfortunes than any other man of his age. His first serious in-
jury -was the falling frojn a telephone pole and running of a thorn into his
knee. White swelling followed and made a lasting injury. He next fell
from the top of a high barn onto the floor and lay unconscious twenty-four
hours. A horse kicked him and broke his skull, and while in the brick plant
at Coffeyville he got his foot into a drypan and mashed the instep. Lastly, at
lola, he was caught in the connecting shaft to the cut off table and he came out
of it all with the left arch of his forehead crushed, the back of his head caved
in, his left arm and shoulder broken, five ribs snapped off, and right arm
and leg bruised. The remarkable nerve which he displayed when these
wounds were being dressed, marked him as one of the most courageous and
determined men to be found anywhere.
Mr. Kuder was married at Winfield, Kansas, in 18S7, to Adelia, a
daughter of D. P. Williams, whose early home was in Mississippi. Mr. and
Mrs. Kuder's children are: Daisy M. and George Leo.
Mr. Kuder's Republicanism is well known. His father is a rabid
Democrat and, during the war even held opinions antagonistic to the
union of the States. Our subject has no time for an active interest in
politics but he does his duty as a citizen and as often as the opportunity
occurs. He has and holds the highest regard of his townsmen.
ROBERT L. THOMPSON— In his early life Robert L. Thompson was
encompassed by those environments which have ever fostered the
spirit of personal independence and self-reliance, and which have produced
the self-made men who form the bulwark of our nation's prosperity and her
wonderful industrial development. At an early age he started out in life
for himself empty handed and today he is accounted one of the leading and
prosperous farmers of Allen county.
Mr. Thompson was born January 4, 1S60, in Waterman, Park county,
Indiana, a son of Robert N. and Elizabeth D. (Truman) Thompson. The
father was born in Indiana in 1830, and in Park county, in 1855, married
Miss Truman, who was born in Oldham county, Kentucky, in 1820. He
died in 1868, and she afterward became the wife of James D. Roberts, with
■WOODSON COTJNTrES, KANSAS. ^t,^
whom she removed to Iowa in 1S70, and to Kansas in 1872. They located
in what was at that time Howard county, now Chautauqua and Elk
'Counties. The mother died near lola in 1889, being cared for by her sons.
By her first marriage she has two sons: Charles M., who is with the
Lanyon Zinc Company at Tola, and Robert L.
In 1874, at the age of fourteen years, Mr. Thompson, of this revnew,
left home and went to Humboldt, Kansas. His only capital with which to
begin business life was a strong determination to succeed, and a pair of
willing hands. For a year he worked on a farm of J. S. Fast, who was
afterward register of deeds in Allen county, and who took great interest in
"helping the boy. Mr. Thompson received as renumeration for his services
fot the year, his board and clothing, four months schooling and twenty-five
dollars in money. During the greater part of the time through the succeed-
ing eight years he was in the employ of ex-Sheriff Hodson. Through
perseverance, indefatigable energy and capable business management, he
has become one of the prosperous farmers of Allen county, and in addition
to the cultivation of his fields he is successfully engaged in dealing in short
horn cattle and Polan China hogs.
On the 5th of June, 1S81, Mr. Thompson wedded Mi.ss Permelia C.
Hubbard, who was born July 31, 1864, and is a daughter of Samuel F.
Hubbard, a native of North Carolina, and one of the honored pioneers of
Allen county, of 1857. She has one brother and two sisters living; A. D.
Hubbard, of Memphis, Tennessee; Louisa, wife of J. F. Nigh, of Allen
■county, and Mrs. Charles M. Thompson, of lola. Unto our subject and his
wife have been born eight children: Blanche, Clyde, Grace, Truman, Frank,
Ruth and Robert L., all at home, and Eugene, who died at the age of seventeen
months. In politics Mr. Thompson is a Republican, and has always been
an active worker in the party. Socially he is connected with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. His life plainly indicates that pros-
perity depends not upon genius, upon influence or upon environment, but
iipon the man.
■p^REDERICK FUNSTON, whose brilliant achievements as a volunteer
-L officer in the United States Army in the Philippines have attracted
the admiring attention of all the world, is an Allen county boy, and his old
friends and neighbors are justly proud of him. He was born in Ohio in
1865, the oldest child of Hon. Edward H. and Ann Eliza Funston, but he
came to Kansas with his parents when only two years old and hence has
never known any other home. He grew up on the Carlyle farm, attending
the district school at North Maple Grove during the winter months and doing
his share of the farm work during the summer. He was quick in his
books and ambitious to obtain an education; so at an early age he had mas-
tered the course of study in the country school and entered the High
School at lola from which he graduated in 18S6. Perhaps the first inde-
520
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
pendent work in which he engaged was to teach the school at the little
stone school house, half wa\- between Humboldt and Ida, known all over
the county as "Stoney Lonesome," from its material and its location, and
a picture of which as it now appears is presented on another page in this
history. As soon as he could accumulate some money with which to de-
fray expenses he started to the State University which he attended at dif-
ferent times for the next three or four years, but from which he never
griduated. After leaving the University finally Funston engaged in news-
paper work as a reporter, work which pleased him well and for which he
had a peculiar aptitude. After continuing in the newspaper business, at
Kansas City and at Fort Smith, Arkansas, for some time, he secured a
better paid position as collector on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe
which he held until the summer of 1890, when he gave it up to accept an
appointment as assistant with a party of botanists sent out from Washing-
ton to secure specimens of the native grasses of Montana. He did this
work so well, that when another party was detailed to go to the Death
Valley region the following summer on a similar expedition, he was made
a member of it. The hardships of this expedition were so great that of the
party of uncommonly hardy men who entered upon it more than one-half
were permanently disabled in either mind or body, but Funston fortunately
escaped sound and well. The next summer was spent among the Indians
on the Alaskan coast, still in the employ of the Agricultural department,
collecting specimens of the flora of the region. This work he did so well
that when the Department wished to know what was growing in the in-
terior ol Alaska Funston was selected for the arduous and dangerous task.
It was not a pleasant commission. It meant eighteen months of exile,
many thousand miles of travel, largely through an unexplored country,
and a winter the other side of the Arctic circle. But Funston entered upon
it with his usual cheerfulness and energy. He climbed the famous Chil-
coot pass, built a sled and pulled and sailed it across the frozen lakes, built
a boat and floated it through the White Horse rapids, — a journey so full of
toil and terrors that thousands oi strong men have failed to survive it — and
joked about it in the letters he wrote home. He spent the long, long win-
ter in an Indian village, where he was the only white man, taking for
diversion the longest snow shoe journey ever made by a white man, barely
escaping death from cold, exhaustion and starvation. When the slow spring
finally came he set about gathering the plants for which he was sent, eventu-
all}' floating down the Yukon to its mouth where he was picked up by the
United States revenue cutter Bear, and returned home by way of San
Francisco, the expedition having been entirely successful.
Resigning his position in the Agricultural department, Mr. Funston
spent the winter of 1894-5 on the lecture platform, telling the story of his
Alaskan experiences. The summer and fall of 1895 he spent trying to
organize a company to engage in the coffee business in Central America on
a large scale. The enterprise required a laige sum of money and times
were too hard to make success possible. Funston therefore gave up the
project and went to New York where he was engaged for several months in
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 52 1
writing newspaper and magazine articles and doing some work in the office
of the Santa Fe railroad company. While thus employed he became ac-
quainted with the Cuban Junta, then engaged in promoting in all possible
ways the revolt of the people of that island against Spain. The cause en-
listed his sympathies and he was easily persuaded to accept a commission
as captain of artillery in the insurgent army. Proceeding at once to Cuba
he engaged in the contest with so much zeal and ability that within eigh-
teen months he held a commission as Lieutenant Colonel and was in com-
mand of all the artillery of General Gomez' army. The distinction had
not been won without paying the price. Twice the young artillery officer
had been wounded, once by a fragment of a shell which shattered his left
fore-arm, and once by a Mauser bullet, which penetrated both lungs, pass-
ing within three-quarters of an inch of his heart. He had suffered an attack
of typhoid fever also, but it was a fall with his horse that finally sent him
back to New York, with a running abscess in his hip and with constitution
apparently permanently wrecked. He went at once into a hospital where
he submitted to an operation, and where he gradually gained strength
enough to return to his home in Kansas. Although still far from well, he
went upon the lecture platform, pleading the cause of the Cubans.
When the war with Spain broke out and Kansas was called upon to
furnish her quota of the troops required, Frederick Funston was appointed
without solicitation by Governor John W. Leed\-, Colonel of the Twentieth
Kansas, the first Kansas regiment to be raised for service in the Spanish
war. Soon after his appointment Colonel Funston was summoned to
Tampa, Florida, by General Miles, and for several weeks was engaged in
writing some chapters in the book on the roads and topography of Cuba
which the War department published for the use of the army in case it was
found necessary to invade Cuba. He then joined his regiment which had
been ordered to San Francisco. After several months in camp, spent in
ceaseless drilling, the Twentieth was ordered to Manila, where it arrived
about the first of December, 1899, a'ld vvas made a part of the Eighth'
Army Corps.
From this time forth the history of Frederick Funston belongs to the
history of the United States, rather than merely to a history of Allen
county, or of Kansas, for from the hour when the Filipinos foolishly re-
belled against the authority of the United States, the Colonel of the Twen-
tieth became a National figure. Suffice it here to say that he led his
splendid regiment with such energy, skill and soldierly daring that within
six months from the time the first shot was fired he was made a Brigadier
General of Volunteers. When the Twentieth came home to be mustered
out, in November, 1899, Funston came with it, expecting also to retire
from the service, as his term of enlistment had expired. The War depart-
ment, however, requested him to return to the Philippines and resutne
command of his old brigade, and this, much against his inclinations and at
great financial sacrifice, he did, regarding the request as a command of
duty. Returning to Manila he was placed in control of one of the northern
provinces of Luzon, with headquarters at San Isidro, where he exerted his
522 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
efforts to pacifying the country with such energy and efficiency that in a
short time the province was noted as one of the quietest and best governed
on the island. In the spring of 1901 General Funston regarded the insur-
rection as practically at an end and was looking forward to an early return
to his home and to civil life, when news was brought to him of the- where-
abouts of Aguinaldo, the chief of the insurrection. lie instantly formed a
]5lan to capture him, and this plan, with the approval of his superior offi-
cers, he successfully carried out. The exploit was so daring and so suc-
cessful, that the whole world rang with it, and the name of Frederick
Funston became as familiar in every court and camp of Europe as it is in
Allen county. In prompt and grateful recognition of the splendid service
he had done his country President McKinley appointed him a Brigadier
General in the regular army, — a fitting reward for patriotic, gallant and
wonderfully able public service.
Frederick Funston was married only a few days before his regiment
sailed for the Philippines, to Miss Eda Blankhart, of San Francisco, a lady
of rare culture and beauty, who is now with her husband in the Philippines.
HARRY E. THOMAS, the east lola lumber dealer, and for many years,
last passt, identified prominently with the building interests of lola,
came into Allen county in 1883 from Clinton county, Indiana. He was
born in the latter locality September 25, 1861, secured his common school
education there and left there, permanently, only when he came to Kansas.
He is a son of John M. Thomas, a carpenter in Jefferson, Clinton county, a
native of that county and born in Frankfort, Indiana, in 1835. He died in
lola in 1898. He was a son of Asahel Thomas, a Welchman, by trade a
cabinet maker and a pioneer to Clinton county, Indiana.
John M. Thomas married Barbara Utz, a daughter of George Utz.
Mrs. Thomas died in Eldorado, Kansas, in 1896. Mr. Utz went into Indi-
ana from Maryland and passed his early life at the carpenter's bench. His
last years were spent on the farm.
To John M. Thomas and wife were born seven children, viz.: Edgar N.
Thomas, Harry E. Thomas, Elma M. Thomas, Estella J. Thomas, John E.
Thomas and Charles and Eva Thomas.
Harrv E. Thomas was reared in Jefferson, Indiana, and was a pupil
in the schools of that place till he was fifteen years old. He worked on the
farm in summer and in the saw-mill in winter, in early youth, and had just
entered his 'teens when he took up his first lessons at the carpenter's bench.
It seems but natural that he should be an apt pupil with tools, since his
ancestors were mechanics and his own inclinations sanctioned the step, and
it is not surprising that he should become an efficient workman with little
instruction. He worked with his father till a strong desire to see the west
seized him and he quit and came to Kansas. He struck the State with less
monev than would board him a day at a first iclass hotel. He added his
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 523
name to the small force of mechanics in Ida and followed his trade, with
scarce an interruption, for ten },'ears. In 1896 he formed a partnership with
I. E. Patterson and established a third lumber yard in lola, carr3-ing, also,
builders supplies, but in 1898 the firm dissolved and Mr. Thomas retired.
In 1S99 he opened his yard in East lola, commonly called Bricktown, and
has a well-arranged, well-equipped and prosperous yard, having since
taken as a partner his brother-in-law, G. W. L,awyer.
November 11, 1884. Mr. Thomas married Sadie E. I<a\vyer, a daughter
of Ira B. Lawyer, one of Allen county's leading pioneers. Four children
have been bom of this union: Fanuie, deceased; Ira, Frank and Lloyd
Thomas, deceased.
Harry Thomas is not only prominently known in business but he is equal-
ly well-known politically in lola. His splendid sense of the proprieties of
business and his intense loyalty to honor were qualities which caused his
selection for Councilman at two different times. Politics was not permitted to
govern his official conduct and only needful municipal legislation did he
countenance and support. He is a Republican, but not because his father
and his grandfathers were. He occupies an unshakable moral attitude
toward questions of public polity and in social intercourse and is universally
regarded as a patriotic and worthy citizen.
T~\AVID ROBINSON, lola's old time painter, was horn in Peoria
-* — ' county, Illinois, February 3, 1838. He is the ninth of twelve chil-
dren and son of George and Maria (Gaylord) Robinson. He was reared
upon a farm and was educated in the manner common to the country youth
of that day. About the time he was just of age he joined a party and
crossed the plains to Colorado and was associated with the western wilds
till i860 when he returned east and stopped in Breckenridge, Missouri.
When the war came on he joined Company G, 33rd Missouri regiment of
Federals and saw four years of service in the western department of the Union
army. His division was the istand hiscorpsthe i6th and he participated in
much hard service and in many warm and severe engagements, chief among
them being Helena, Arkansas, Red River expedition, Chico Lake, Tupefo,
Nashville and under thirteen days fire at Fts. Spanish and Blakely at Mobile.
He was first sergeant of his company at the end of the war.
David Robinson spent the few years succeeding the war and until he
came to lola in Galva, Illinois. He learned the painter's trade in his
native State and has made it his life work. He followed his brother, Gay-
Icjrd, to Allen county and reached here in 1870. For thirty years he has
wielded the brush in lola and he is the oldest of the craft in point of resi-
dence. He was married here in 1883 to Myra, a daughter of A. L. Dibble,
deceased, who came to lola in 18S0. The latter was born in 1827 in the
State of New York and was married to M. J. Lord. Of this union three
children were born, viz.: N. E. Dibble, of Philadelphia; Delia, who married
Willard Lord, and Mrs. Robinson.
Mr and Mrs. Robinson's only child is Miss Florence. Mr. Robinson
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
is a Republican and he and liis wife are active members of the First Baptist
church of lola.
CHARLES A. JAPHET— One of Allen county's early settlers— not
classed with the pioneer — is Charles A. Japhet, lola's efficient and
widely known veterinarian. In 1872 he sought Allen county as his future
abiding place and was induced to believe that much of the wild land then
abounding in the eastern part of the county was subject to settlement, as
public lands, and he bought the right of a settler to the claim, in Salem
township now the property of Harry Boeken. He contested the tight of the
purchaser to ownership and possession and, seeing that there was no
chance for the settler as against the railroad, he sold his improvements and
closed his fight after three y^ars of interesting, exciting and stubborn
resistance. He purchased a farm in the southern part of Ida township
and, after cultivating it a few years, came to lola and opened a breeding
barn. This was succeeded, in part, by the livery business and when he
closed out this business it was to go on the road introducing an invention of
his own patent. He is the inventor of one of the best selling washing
machines yet put on the market and it was the sale of this that occupied his
time for about five years. To say that he made a success of his venture is
putting it mildly, as he became the owner of lots, lands, stock and chattels
in raanv of the counties of Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas. All of
North Missouri will remember Charley Japhet who made headquarters
within their border for months at a time, spent his money freel}' and did an
immense and legitimate patent-right business to the surprise and delight
of his stranger neighbors. When he had gathered together the results of
his tour on the road Mr. Japhet returned to lola and, while he has done
somethiug at farming, he has been more devoted than ever to the profession
he acquired in his youth from one of the great surgeons of the country, L,.
M. Briggs, State Veterinary, of New York.
Charley Japhet was born in Sheiiango county, New York, Septem-
ber 24, 1848. His father, Albert Japhet, was born in the same county in
1S17 and died there in 1861. The latter was a thrifty farmer and a son of
one of the pioneers to Shenango county from the State of Connecticut. The
family came originally from Eiigland, the remote settler and Colonial pioneer
being our subject's great-grandfather.
Albert Japhet married Polly Ingraham, whose people were also from
the "Wooden Nutmeg State." Their family consisted of George Japhet, of
Courtland, New York; Eliza A., wife of F. C. Stork, of Shenango county,
New York, and Charles A,, our subject.
Charley Japhet was left an orphan by the death of his father in 1861.
By this circumstance he was dependent upon his resources, in a great
measure, for his education and youthful training. He remained with the
farm two years and then sought employment in a hoe factory at Oxford,
"WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 5^5
New York. At the age of seventeen j-ear.s he went on the road with the
noted New York Veterinarian, Dr. Briggs, and, in the next two .years, he
secured that actual experience and practice that large!}- settled his career in
life. In order to better equip himself lor the profession he attended lectures
at the \^eterinary Hospital at Poughkeepsie, New York, but he did not en-
gage in veterinarj- work at once. He was married rather early and h€
located in a small place and went to butchering. He had a contract for
furnishing meat to some railroad builders and was in a fair way, as he felt,
to reap a reasonably good reward for his labors, when his pay master drew
his funds and departed, leaving our subject practically and suddenly "fiat."
Soon after this he gathered together his scant effects and came to Kansas.
His object in coming west was to seek some point where homes could be
gotten with more ease than in the old states. His condition upon his arriv-
al at Ft. Scott was one requiring positive and early industrial activity and
he secured a place in Latimer's nursery, Linn county, by the day. He was
given the position of salesman the next year, on commission, and he began
to gather moss rapidly. He remained in that county two years and while
there served as Constable, which yielded a few dollars to his strong box.
He came to Allen county with the funds necessary to locate himself as
herein mentioned and for the past fifteen years the battle has been a com-
paratively eas}- one. He has been in Kansas thirty years and when he came
to it his resources amounted to $32.00 and a few household goods. He owns
now a farm of four hundred acres in Osage township, Allen county, one
hundred and seventy acres in White county, Arkansas, and town property
in Augusta, Burlington and lola, all of which gives him a degree of financial
independence ^vhich ought to come with thirty years of honorable toil.
Mr. Japhet was first married in Shenango county, New York, in 1866,
to Edna E. Bartholomew, a daughter of John Bartholomew. She died in
lola, August 7, 1884, leaving three children: Eugene, of Tacoma, Washing-
ton: Emogene, wife of Charles Youngs of Oxford, New York, and Berton
Japhet. In 1855 Mr. Japhet married Lizzie Heath, a daughter of Amos
Heath. The children of this union are: Cora, Frank, Agnes and Mabel.
In New York, Kansas, and elsewhere the Japhets are Republicans.
Our subject is an Odd Fellow.
^ A 7ILLIAM D. CHASTAIN, M. D., of lola, whose professional and
" " social life has withstood the public scrutiny in Allen county for
more than two generations and whose characteristics and personal attaiii-
ments mark him as one of the conspicuous citizens of lola, came to us from
the state of Kentucky November 15, 1870. He was born in Logan county,
that state, December 27, 1846, and is a grandson of one of the pioneers of
the "Blue Grass" state. William Chastain, who introduced the family
name into Kentucky, was a descendant of Huguenot French settlers of
North Carolina. He went into Kentucky before it became a state and was,
526 HrSfORY OF ALLEN AN1>
consequently, one of the first tillers of its soil. He died rather early iir.
life, leaving six sons: Edward, Edmund, Willis, Boone, Jackson and
Ishani. Some of these left Kentucky many years ago and located in Ben-
ton county, Missouri. He had two daughters: Mrs. Moss, of Spring-
field, Missouri, and Mrs. Mosley, who lived and died in Kentucky.
Isham- Cliastain was the father of William D. Chastain. He was born,
in 1816= and died in 185.1. He was amply educated and was a prosperous
and successful farmer. He was a Whig in politics and was married to
Angelina, a daughter of Daniel Bailey. The Bailey family was a promi-
nent c^ne in Logan county, Daniel being a prosperous and representative
citizen.
Dr. Chastain's mother died in 1847 at the age of twenty-eight years.
Her four children were: Mary, who married William Townsend and died
young; James Chastain. so far as known a resident of Colorado; Fannie
Chastain, a resident of Logan county, Kentucky, and our subject, the
Doctor. A half-sister to these. Mis. Cornelia Evans, is a resident of Logan
county, Kentucky.
Dr. Chastain liv^ed with the family of an uncle. Dr. J, R. Bailey, from
infancy. Dr. Bailey was an extensive farmer, also, and our subject passed
his time upon the farm until seventeen years of age. He attended the
county seminary and afterward Bethel college at Russelville. He chose
medicine for his life work and read more or less with his uncle. He spent
two years in the medical department of the University of Louisville, Ken-
tucky, from which he graduated in 1870, just prior to his departure for
Kansas. ' He had never been in the west and his knowledge of Kansas and
of Allen county, in particular, was obtained from friends. He opened an
office in lola upon his arrival here but the following year decided to try the
experiment of locating in Osage township. This move did not realize as
it was hoped for, in the matter of patronage, and he returned to lola in six
months.
Dr. Chastain's professional attainments have long been recognized and
he has held a high place in the esteem of the public since he came among
us. His relation to his town, and the public generally, has been that of a
liberal, judicious and progressive citizen and to the church that of a con-
scientious, courageous Christian gentleman.
April 3 1873, Dr. Chastain was married in lola to Alice F., a daughter
of Rev. Samuel Price, now of Wellington, Kansas. Mrs. Rev. Price was
Charlotte Alder and she and her husband were from Belmont county, Ohio.
The Dr. and Mrs. Chastain's children are: J. Earl, D. D. S., a grad-
uate of the lola High School and of the Western Dental College, Kansas
City, was born February 14, 1874. He served as hospital steward in the
Twentieth Kansas in the Philippine insurrection; Bertha, Maud and Fannie
Chastain, both graduates of the lola High School.
The politics of Dr. Chastain is unmistakable. He is known far and
wide in Allen county, for his outspoken Republican sentiments, and, in
years past, he has been regarded among the active local political workers.
His name has been mentioned in connection with a nomination for county
Tv^OODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. ^525
•office but he would not sacrifice his profession to the requirements of a
.public office.
TOEL P. HAYES.— One of the early settlers west of the Neosho river in
"^ lola township and one in whom his community has the utmost con-
fidence is Joel P. Hayes. Mr. Hayes came into Allen county in 1870 and
•owns the south-west quarter of section 35, township 24, range I'y. McLean
county, Illinois, was the home of Mr. Hayes prior to his advent to Kansas.
He was a farmer near Lexington, that county, from 1865 to 1870 and dis-
posed of his interests there and came west only to find a place where a man
of small means could more easily and more quickly acquire a home. He
had migrated to Illinois for the same reason but found land there, just after
the war, beyond the reach of the poor man and this fact determined him,
eventually, to make another move. ■
Mr. Hayes was born and reared in Clinton county. New York. liis
birth occurred March 6, 1840, and his education was of the country and
common school sort. He was born on a farm and his father was Asa
Hayes whose origin is not certain but it is believed to have been Massa-
chusetts. He was a veteran of the war of 1812 and fought in the battle of
Lake Champlain near the site of which our subject was born. He married
Laura Larkins who died in 1841 while her husband died in 1867 at the age
of seventy-five years. Their' children are: Hiram Hayes, of Whitewater,
Wisconsin; Loyal Hayes, of Vermont; Christiana, deceased, wife of Luther
Robinson, of Clinton county. New Y'ork; Harriet E., deceased, married
Levi Stafford, of the same point; Loren and Enoch, deceased; Mary, wife of
Stephen Alford, of Illinois; Charles, of Indiana; John Hayes, on the old
homestead in New York, and Joel P., our subject.
At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Hayes began real life when he en-
listed in Company H, One Hundred and Eighteenth New Y^'ork Infantry.
His colonels were, first Richard Keys and then George Nichols. The
regiment was ordered to Fortress Monroe and was engaged at the battle of
Bermuda Hundred. Mr. Hayes was in the heavy fighting at Cold Harbor
and around Petersburg and with the Army of the Potomac to the end at
Appomattox. Everyday of the time from June 3rd 1864 to January ist, 1865,
he was in some engagement or skirmish and was in front of the mine at
Petersburg when it was exploded, with .so little advantage to the Union
forces. From January ist to April gth, 1865, Mr. Hayes was on detail at
General Gibbons' headquarters. He was discharged at Richmond, Vir-
ginia, and was mustered out ai Plattsburg, New Y'ork, in July after the
surrender.
With a small sum of money Mr. Hayes went to McLean county, Illi-
nois, and found a degree of prosperity there on the farm till 1870. He was
married in McLean county in February, 1867, to Hannah J., a daughter of
Henderson Crabb and Mary (Beech) Crabb. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes' chil-
dren are: Luel, Herbert O. and Arza Clayton.
Mr. and Mrs. Hayes are members of the Methodist congregation in
528 HISTORY OF ALLEK ANI>
Piqua, Kansas. He was converted in early life and has found consolation:
in executing the will of the Master as laid down in the Scripture lessons.
He is a firm believer in Providential control and supervision of the lives-
and destinies of men. On three occasiotis would his life have been sacrificed
during the war, times when there seemed no possibility of preventing it,
and but for the interposing hand of the Almighty he would have died
around Petersburg. The elder Hayes' were followers of the faith of Wes-
ley and their relations to their church were as those of our subject, both
official and private. In public affairs the Hayes' are no less out-spoken tharr
m matters of religion. They believe in a government, local or general,,
being honestly administered by its patriotic citizens. For the purpose of a
political home our subject has allied himself with the Republican party and
in its tenets and declarations he sees the future of our domestic institutions.
t X riLLIAM DAVIS, of lola, seven years a Sunday School Mi.ssion-
" " ary in Oklahoma, and a resident of Allen county for nearly a third
of a century is a contribution from the citizenship of Indiana. He cast his
lot with Kansas, and Allen county, in 1869, a time when good honest citi-
zenship was in need of encouragement and reinforcement here, and when
permanent settlements were only beginning to take substantial hold.
Of the eastern states whose sons were looking in the direction of the
prairie states for settlement, just after the war. Indiana furnished her share
and, from 1865 to 1875, they poured into Kansas in a steady stream.
Johnson county, that State, gave Allen county many men whose character
and personal worth won them a conspicuous prominence in the confidence
of our citizens. William Davis is one of these. He was born in Franklin
township, Johnson county, Indiana. January 12, 1838. The blood of the
Scotch and Irish courses through his veins and his remote ancestors
were among the .settlers of the Colonies and in the ranks of the Revolution-
ary armies.
This family of Davis emanates from New Jersey. William Davis, our
subject's grandfather, was born in Mercer county, that State, and came by
wagon, westward to the Monongahela rivei, in Pennsylvania where he built
a flat boat and floated down the river to Ohio Falls and from that point went
into Mercer county, Kentucky. Farming was his vocation. He served in
the War of 1812 from that State and, late in life, went into Clark county.
Illinois, and died there in 1S74, aged ninety years. He was a son of a
Revolutionary soldier, married a Miss Covert and was the father of
four sons and eight daughters. The sons were: John W., William Samuel
and Daniel Davis.
John Davis, father of our subject, was born in Mercer county, Ken-
tucky, February 17, 1813. He left his native State in 1822 and settled on
the Ohio river in Switzerland county, Indiana. Two years later he went
into Johnson county, and there lived a successful firmer and an honored
WOODSON COCNTIES, KANSAS. 529
citizen. Like his forefathers lie was a Democrat, but tlie firing on Ft.
Sunipter caused him to unite his political fortunes with the Republicans.
He was a man of much piety, of strong Christian character and was a life-
long Presbyterian. His first wife was Mar»' F., a daugliter of William
McGee from Mercer county, Kentucky. The McGees were a Scotch and
Irish mixture while the Davis' proper are believed to be of Welch origin.
John Davis' second wife was Martha, a daughter of John Vanarsdale. She
resides on the family homestead in Johnson county, Indiana. Mr. Davis'
first wife died February 14, 1853. Their children were: William, Martha
J., deceased, married EHsha Vanarsdale; Mary E. , deceased, married John
\V. Davis and lelt two children; Daniel C. Davis, deceased; Rachel A.,
deceased; ,\braham V. and John H. Davis, both deceased, are children by
his second wife. Mr. Davis died July 24, 1880. He was an intelligent,
strong-willed positive citizen. His character showed in all his acts and his
life was one good example to be followed with profit.
William Davis, our subject, was educated in the better schools of his
time and he reached his majority as a farmer. His first experiences away
from the parental home were as farm hand and as clerk in a Franklin
store. He entered the army at the first call for troops, joining Company H,
7th I. V. I. The regiment went into West Virginia and was engaged in
the first battles of the war, Carricks Ford, Bealington and Laurel Hill. It
was enroute home to be mustered out when, at Bellaire, Ohio, the joy over
their successes was- turned into gloom by the news from Bull Run. Mr.
Davis was discharged i;i August and re-enlisted in Company F, 7th
Infantry as private and went back into West Virginia. In December was in
Cumberland, Maryland, aided in the relief of General Reynolds in West
Virginia and in March, 1S62, was in Winchester, Virginia. Skirmished
througli to Rockingham county, Virginia, as a part of Shields' Division and
to Fredericksburg under General McDowell. The regiment hurried back to
the \^alley to catch Stonewall Jackson, but failed. Then went to Alexan-
dria where it waited till the Pope campaign. It was in the battle at
Slaughter Mountain and the preliminary skirmishes to second Bull Run.
The 7th Indiana Infantry was in the fights at Chantilly, South Mountain
and Antietam. At Port Republic a piece of Federal artillery was deserted
dangerously near the Confederate advance and Mr. Davis was one of eight
to volunteer to recover it. Jt was brought off under the fire of eighteen
guns. At 2nd Bull Run, Virginia, the coloi bearer was killed and our
subject caught the flag and carried it till a new detail was made. At Union
he caught the flag U'.ider similar circumstances and was its bearer for the
regiment till his promotion to orderly after the battle of Fredericksburg. He
wasin the Chancellorsville and Gettysburg campaigns and back to Mine
Run on the Rapidan, the following winter. He was promoted to 2nd Lieu-
tenant in February, 1863. In the battle of the Wilderness he was wounded
in both thighs and lay for hours between the lines while the fight raged.
He lay in the Wilderness hospital, and in the Lynchburg hospital for the
convalescent, a prisoner. He slipped away from the Rebel lines on the
19th of June, 1864, and, in company with John A. Griffin made his way to
530 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
the Union lines at L^'nchburg. He was recaptured just before he reached
the Union army but was only robbed and released. He was sent home,
reaching there July 4th and found the family in mourning for him, as he
was reported among the dead after the Wilderness fight and his capture had
prevented the real facts from being known. He was discharged at the close
vi his enlistment September 20, 1864.
Mr, Davis engaged in merchandising at Franklin, Ind., and only closed
out the business to come to Kansas. His first permanent location was in
lola where he established a business (a partnership) and conducted it till
1S75. The following three years he spent in colportage work for the Presby-
terian church traveling about through Kansas and the Indian Territory.
In the fall of 1878 he was elected Clerk of the District Court in Allen county,
serving four years. He spent three years on his Carlyle farm and in Janu-
ary, 1890, began his work in Oklahoma as Sabbath School Missionary for
the Presbyterian church. In the eleven years he has organized 147 schools,
made 22953 visits and traveled 51 166 miles.
In politics Mr. Davis is an uncompromising Republican. He became
a protectionist when a boy from reading American history and cast his first
Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln.
Mr. Davis was married at Brownsville, Nebraska, May 16, 1872,10
Candace, a daughter of Alexander Grimes. Her mother, Mrs. C. G.
Boyce, resides with her. The Grimeses were from near Richmond,
Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Davis' surviving child is Miss Grace E. Davis,
born October 10, 1882.
T A 7'IILIAM BIRD, one of the pioneers of Allen county and a worthy
" * representative of the brotherhood of farmers, is a son of Emmer
Bird whose entrance to Allen county, as a settler, occurred in 1857. The
latter brought his family hither from Lee county, Iowa, going to the latter
place, as a pioneer, from Illinois. He was born in the State of Virginia in
the year 1802, was married to Prudy Hamilton, who was born in Pennsyl-
vania in 1S04 and died in 1865 He was the father of Margaret A. , wife
of Daniel Horville; Jasper N. Bird, of Elk Falls, Kansas; Enierilla J., wife
of John McGee, of Seattle. Washington; William, our subject; Samuel L. ,
of Arizona, and George Bird, of lola.
Emmer Bird settled on the east bank of the Neosho river, at the site of
the water mill, purchasing the claim from Judge A. W. J. Brown.
He lived there a brief and uneventful period and died in 1863. His
wife died the year 1865.
William Bird was born near Keokuk, Iowa, September 15, 1850. He
grew up in Allen county from a boj' of seven years and passed many years
as a farm hand. Twenty years of this time he was in the employ of Daniel
Horville and with his wages thus earned he purchased a tract of wild land
on Deer Creek which he afterward improved and developed into a desirable
farm.
In 1868 the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians gave the settlers in
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
531
western Kansas much tiouble and captured and carried away two white
women. The State raised a regiment, the 19th Kansas, which was sent in
pursuit of the warriors. William Bird joined this regiment and experienced
all the hardships of a winter campaign, in a hostile and trackless countrv
and, occasionally, with no other than mule meat for his ration. The march
was down into New Mexico, where the band was overtaken and the
captives recovered. This ended the trouble, for the time being, and the
regiment returned to Ft. Hayes and was mustered out there in the spring
of 1869.
In 1882 Mr. Bird went into the wilds of Wyoming where he joined
a ranchman, and svhere he was employed as handy man on various ranches
during the three years he remained in the Territory. On his return to
Allen county he took possession of his Deer Creek farm and proceeded with
its cultivation and improvement.
February 5, 1888, Mr. Bird was married to Emma Fackler, a daughter
of George Fackler, a substantial and worthy German farmer of Carlyle
township. The children of this marriage are Dannie E., Edna May, Grace
and Pearl.
In politics our subject is well known as a Republican. He cast his
first Presidential vote for General Grant in 1872 and has maintained a
steady and enthusiastic attitude toward his party in recent years.
A DAM BARXHART, who is engaged in general farming and stock
■^-^ raising in lola township, has resided at his present home for twenty
years, having taken up his abode on his farm February 6, 1880. He was
born in Brady's Bend township, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, April
30, 1839, aud is a son of John Barnhart, who was born in Butler county,
PennsN'ivania, in 1800, and died October 31, 1887. The paternal grand-
father, Jacob Barnhart, was a native of Easton, Pennsylvania, and his
grandfather was a native of Germany, whence he crossed the Atlantic to
the new world, becoming the founder of the family in America. Jacob
Barnhart followed farming in the eastern part of the Keystone state, and
was a member of the American army during the war of 1S12. His son,
John Barnhart, carried on farming and carpentering. He was a man of
strong CO ivictions, active aud influential in his community, and for a num-
ber of years served as a member of the state militia. In politics he was
always a stalwart Republican, and was a faithful member of the German
Reformed church, taking an active part in its work and upbuilding. He
married Susan Helper, who was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, in
181 r and died in 1877. Her father, Jacob Helper, was also of German
lineage. Her brothers were Adam, Emanuel, Abraham, Jacob and David,
all of whom were married and left families. Her sisters were Mrs. William
Armstrong, Mrs. John Switzer and Mrs. George Roy. The children of
Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart were Jacob C, a resident of Clarion county, Penn-
5:^2
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
,s\ Ivania; Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Dowans, of Richmond, Kansas; Han-
iiih. wiie of Joseph Foringer, of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, Louis,
who died in Clarion county, Pennsvlvania, in 1899; Isaac, who was a
member of Company B, One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Infantry
during the Civil war, and is now a resident of Armstrong county: Joseph,
also of that county; Rachel, wife of Harvey Peck, of Chaniplain, Vermont;
and Sasanna, twin sister of Rachel and wife of Thoims Sii0)k, of Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania; Catherine, wife of Thomas Roads, of Ohio, and Sarah,
wife of William Eynon, of Kaylor, Pennsylvania.
Adam Barnhart began earning his own livelihood by working in the
coal and iron mines of Pennsylvania. He entered upon this industry in
1S58 without capital, but was successful and soon took contract work at
tunneling and mining, continuing in that line of business until 187S. In
1876 he came to Kansas, visiting Allen and Woodson counties for the pur-
pose of selecting a favorable location. Ho.vever, he returned to Pennsvl-
vania, where he continued through the three succeeding years, spending
tlie last year there in leasing coal and oil rights. In 1879 he located in
loia township, Allen county, where he has since engaged in farming and
in raising cattle and hogs. He has been very snccesslnl, and as his finan-
cial resources have increased, he has added to his property until he now
owns five hundred and sixty-five acres of valuable land in Allen and Wood-
son counties.
On the 4th of August, 1S59, Mr. Barnhart was united in marriage to
Catherine J. Shook, a daughter of Peter Shook, whose family were early
settlers of Allegheny county, and were of German descent. In his family
were Thomas, Jacob, John, Barbara and Ellen, all of Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Barnhart. To our subject and his wife have been
born eight children: Arabella, who became the wife of William B. Mc-
Kinney, and died June 28, igoo; Lomond C. and Walter L., who reside in
Polk county, Oregon; Sinas C, of Woodson county, Kansas; Ida M.,
Emma E. , John A. and L. Edward, who reside at home. Mr. Barnhart is
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined the
organization in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1864. He cast his
first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in i860, and has never failed to
support each presidential candidate of the Republican party since that time.
He has never sought office as a reward for his labors, content to devote his
time to his business. Since 1881 he has been a member of the Presbyterian
church at Liberty. As a citizen he is public spirited and progressive, with-
holding his co-operation from no movement for the public good. He emi-
nently deserves classification among the self-made men who have distin-
guished themselves for their ability to master the opposing forces of life and
wrest from fate a large measure of success and an honorable name.
SAMUEL J. STEWART. — Among the pioneers who.se life has been in-
separatbly connected with the history of Allen county is Samuel J.
Stewart, State Senator of the Fourteenth District, embracing the counties
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 533
of Allen and Woodson. He was born in Miami county, Ohio, over sixty-
■eight years ago and came into the territory of Kansas in April 1856. Some
time during his youth he had emigrated to L,aFayette county, Indiana, and
it was from this point that he made his start for the Kansas border.
He was in company with his brother Watson, whose history during the
tweut3^-five or more years that he resided within the boundaries of Allen
county, formed a part of the public records, both civil and military of the
county. The former settled upon a claim about five miles south of Hum-
boldt where he has developed one of the valuable and beautiful farms
along the Neosho river.
Our subject got into politics early in the county, for the reason that he
was a man of conviction and never failed to express himself clearly and to
the point whenever invited to do so. Being a 3'oung man of energy and
absolute reliability he was chosen to represent Allen county in the Terri-
torial Legislature of 1858. The year previous he attended the Grasshopper
Falls convention where the Free State men for the first time decided to par-
ticipate in Kansas elections. Up to this time they had steadily refused to
take any part in political affaiis under the "bogus laws," or rather the laws
passed by a "bogns legislature." This decision on the part of the Free
State men resulted in the rescuing of the state from its enemies and placing
the control of its affairs in the hands of its bona fide inhabitants. Mr.
Stewart was a member of the Houses of 1883 and 1885 and of the special
sessions of the legislature during each of those terms. His face has been
one of the familiar ones of the "old crowd" at nearly every county and
state convention and few delegates in either have been accorded a more
respectful hearing or have had a more enthusiastic personal following than
has he.
When the war came on he entered the service as a private, enlisting in
1 86 1. He was promoted to a lieutenancy in August of the same year and
to a captaincy in February 1863. He was mustered out of the service in
August 1864. At the close of the war he was married and has reared a
family of three sons and four daughters to become honorable men and
women.
One or two incidents will serve to show that Captain Stewart's life has
not always been a plain domestic one. They will show that there was a
time in Kansas when a man's protection depended upon his personal
courage ana that Mr. Stewart was not lacking in this element. Soon after
their arrival in Allen county the two brothers sent a man with a team to
Kansas City to haul to their claim the household goods which thej- had
shipped to that point by rail and river, the nearest available point to their
location. The goods were loaded up and the driver had reached Westport
when he was met by a coiupany of "IBorder Ruffians" headed by the noted
Allen McGhee. The ruffians took the team and ordered the driver to
leave the town which he did, walking all the way back to Allen county.
When our subject heard what had become of his team and goods he went
to Kansas City and, alone and single handed, secured one of the horses, the
wagon and nearly all the goods. He was not satisfied with this partial re-
534 HISTORY OF ALLEN ANIJ
covery, however, and, at the close of the war, he visited McGhee and de-
manded satisfaction for the balance of his loss. Money being scarce, Mc-
Ghee presented him with his gold watch, then worth about two hundred
dollars.
In the snmnier of 1&56 Captain Stewart went to Kansas City with an
ox team to move .some settlers into Allen county. The Border Ruffians
were preparing then to make a raid in Kansas and, when near Westport,
they took Stewart prisoner. They robbed him of what goods and chattels
they desired and started him on east through Missouri, declining to permit
him to return home. He worked his way around through the state of
Missouri, in the direction of home, till he came to Bates county where he
was set upon by a party of six men who suspected him of being a loyal
Kansan. They were intending to hang him, as they said, but the Captain
out talked them, got them to quarreling among themselves and, during the
mele, got away.
As the campaign of 1900 approached Captain Stewart decided to
become a candidate for the state senate. He was nominated easily at
the primaries and carried both counties by good majorities. He took rank
in the senate as one of the active men of that body and his record there
coupled with his long and valuable personal service as a citizen of the state
actuated the Governor in appointing him a member of the Board of Regents
of the State Agricultural College, upon which duty he has but recently
entered.
ALFRED W. BECK. — -Among all the men of affairs who have resided
in Allen county the one most widely known is A. W. Beck. The
nature and character of his business has brought him into personal rela-
tions with more people contiguous to lola than that of any other, and
scarcely a citizen, beyond the confines of Humboldt township, from 1870
to 1895, s"d within the boundaries of Allen county, but that has had some
tiansaction with the subject of this review.
It is interesting to listen to the relating of the experiences of the
founders of a community, wherein you get a glimpse of the important
events which have ruled their conduct, a bird's-eye view of their lives, as
they were being lived, revealing adversity, trials, failures and then success,
prosperity and independence. The adage, that "one-half the people do
not know how the other half live," will remain true till the end of time an d
many worthy persons who have been distressed by reverses have suffered
in silence and have spoken freely of their past only when fortune has
guaranteed their financial independence. The history of our subject is not
one of absolute penury and want, during all his early years in lola, but his
share of those commodities were visited upon him in a modified form and
with such force as to remind him that hardships are occasionally a reality.
The Becks are of German origin. Leonard Beck, our subject's father.
■WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 535
settled in Crawfoni count}-, Ohio, about 1820. He was born in Pennsyl-
vania in 1813. learned shoemaking there, but became a fairly successful
■farmer during his residence in Ohio. He died in 1852 in the vigor of m.^n-
hood. His father, a Pennsylvania German, was one of the pioneers to
central western Ohio and died in Crawford county just before the civil war.
The members of his family were Dan, Isaac, Adam, John and Leonard
Beck. They reared families on the clay hills of Crawford county and were
among the representative citizens. They were, in the main. Republicans
and were divided in their church fealties among the Methodist, United
Brethren and Lutheran churches.
Leonard Beck married Margaret Beltz, a daughter of Christopher
Beltz who migrated 'to Ohio from Pennsylvania. Margaret Beck died in
lola in 1879. Alfred W. Beck is her only child. He was born November
!0, 1845, and was orphaned b.\ the death of his father when not yet eight
years of age. He aided in sustaining his mother from a youthful age and
his early school training was that of the country district. At sixteen years
of age he entered a store at Little Sandusky and got his first mercantile
experience at a salary of ten dollars a month. He drew this liberal sum
(for that day) two years and with a part of the funds he attended the Ohio
Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, one term, and took a course in
book-keeping in a business college at Columbus. He then went into a
mill in his home county as general helper and, some time later, into a
foundry and machine shop in Upper Sandusky as fireman. His last ser-
'vice, prior to his departure for the west, was with his first employer and at
a salary ol thirty-five dollars a month. In 1868 he made a trip into the
west and in 1870 he came out to Ottawa and in June of the same year he
cast his lot with lola. In casting about for an opening he purchased the
grocery stock of Wm. H. Richards and erected the frame building which
once stood on the square. He took in a partner and the firm did a general
mercantile business till reverses overtook it. It seems that sobriety was
not one ol the chief characteristics of Mr. Beck's partner and the failure of
the firm was due to his peculations and unwise manipulations. The debts
of the firm were considerable but their creditors permitted our subject to
still manage its affairs and thereby all of the obligations were met. When
Mr. Beck was finally fieed from the entanglements of the store his condi-
tion was such that the starting of a business requiring capital was out of
the question and he and his wife decided to open a boarding house. A
degree of prosperity accompanied this venture and with a few surplus dol-
lars thus gathered in Mr. Beck bought a cai of coal and became again a
business man. He conducted this business in a small way and sold fruit
trees and by this means managed to sustain himself. With sixty dollars
saved from his wife's business he bought an old hou.se and moved it onto
a tract of land which he had made a payment on some time before. An-
other sum of money saved from the table was paid to James Drake for
cattle and with these, and four dozen chickens, the family moved to their
railroad claim. The team Mr. Beck went to the farm with cost $37.50 and
it was chained to a $5.00 wagon. He wanted to hire Sam Baker to run
536 . HISTORY OF ALLEN ANH
the farm, but Sam declined to work for a man who drove with rope linesi/
so he hired a boy instead. The family was supported by the butter and
egg crop, largely, the first few years on the farm, while the head of the
household was footing it to and from lola, daily, trading and scheming
and handling anything there was a profit in.
Morg. Hartman and Jake Casmire sold Mr. Beck a small stock of im-
plements, on time, as he was too poor to think of paying for anything like
that, and was told by Mr. Hartman that he could get all the goods he
wanted. This stock of implements he took charge of, did all the work
himself, waited on the trade, kept the books and cleaned the store — and his
advice to men entering business is to follow a similar plan and thus more
certainly make a success of their business.
For three years did A. W. Beck make his daily pilgrimages to lola on
foot and the happiest da}' of all that era was when he became the owner of
a little crop-eared ponj'. As he rode this to business he felt the pride of an
aristocrat and the "twenty dollar pony" was chief in the affections of our
now prospering farmer, He bought every heifer calf that his finances
would reach and within three years after his becoming a farmer he sold
seven hundred dollars worth of stock and in five years eight hundred dol-
lars more.
The nature of his business was such that Mr. Beck could engage in
the grain and seed business and this he did, reaping a good returu for his
labor. The coal business was taken up and this alone would have sus-
tained a modest family. The growth of his various interests demanded a
larger room and in 1S82 he erected the Beck business house, the largest in
lola at that time. In 1897 he joined in the erection of another business
block, adjoining his own, and in this substantial way contributed no little
toward the development of his town.
In 1900 Mr. Beck went out of the implement business and tocik up the
furniture business, instead. The grain and seed business he also dropped
and the coal business was sniffed out by the discovery of natural gas.
While our subject has been chiefly occupied with winning fortune for
himself for a quarter of a century it is but fair to say that the welfare of his
community has not been the least of his thoughts With the development
of the gas field came opportunities for municipal growth and expansion and
he aided in setting in motion plans for the location of industries to employ
labor and to utilize our wonderful resources. He was on the committee to
visit the W. and J. Lanyons at Pittsburg for the purpose of laying lola's
inducements before them in the hope of their locating here. He experi-
mented with our shale product, by building a miniature brick kiln in
the end of the city hall and discovered that it would make fine brick. He
succeeded in organizing a company of lola citizens to push the matter and
the lola Brick Companj', and its immense output, is the result. The ex-
pansion of lola has felt the touch of his hand. The popular additions of
Brooklyn Park and Highland Place and Bunnell's Addition have been im-
proved and placed upon the market largely through his suggestion and advice.
Mr. Beck was married in Allen county Jtily 2, 1S75, to Elizabeth
WOODSON COUNTIKS. KANSAS. 537
Pickell, a daughter of Moses Pickell. Their surviving children are:
Grace, Maud. Bessie and Harold Beck. The daughters are talented musi-
cians and Grace possesses exceptional gifts and rare accomplishments as a
pianist. Her final training was in the Boston Musical Institute and lola
enjoys a musical treat when she gives a public performance.
A. W. Beck is no ordinary man. He is possessed of rare clerical and
executive business qualities, and his trained judgment and fine sense of
business properties render him a tower of strength in the business world of
lola.
JOHN FRANCIS— In Norfolk, England, where had been born and
'-' buried generations of his family, John Fiancis, the subject of this
.sketch, saw the light of day on April 24, 1837. By the death of his father
he was left at two years of age to the care of his mother, whose maiden
name was Sarah Kitteringham. She was a woman of much energy and
unusual strength of character and under her hand he was educated and
brought to his majority. It was then that the Kansas struggle was pending
and the Free State and Pro-Slavery fight was being hearkened to half way
round the world. The young man listened with the rest and his sympa-
thies being strongly awakened he determined to come to America and have
a hand in the strife. He left England for Kansas in 1858, coming to Osa-
watomie where were gathered many of the friends and followers of John
Brown. He remained there until March, 1859, when he removed to Allen
county, pre-empted a claim, near his present home, and engaged in farm-
ing. The looked for crash came and in July, i86r, he enlisted in the Third
Kansas Regiment, Colonel James Montgomery commanding. In the spring
of 1862 the company to whi:h he belonged was transferred to the 5th
Kansas Cavalry in which regiment he served in Missouri and Arkansas,
making the march from Rolla to Helena. At Helena he was invalided and
sent to the General hospital at Keokuk, Iowa, from which he was dis-
charged in November, 1863, greatly broken in health.
He returned to .\llen county and was elected County Clerk and re-
elected in 1865, serving four years. He also held under appointment of
Judge D. M. Valentine, then Judge of the District, the office of Clerk of
the District Court, leceiving this appointment in 1865 at the time the
county-seat was moved from Humboldt to lola. At the expiration of his
appointive term he was elected to the office which he resigned in 1868.
Meanwhile he had found time to study law and was admitted to practice in
1867. In November of the same year, 1867, he was elected County Treas-
urer and re-elected in '69.
At the end of his term of service as County Treasurer he engaged in
merchandising in lola m which business he continued until July, 1877.
In 1873 he was appointed by Governor Thomas A. Osborn as one of
the trustees of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Olathe. And on May ist,
53^ HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
1874, he was appointed State Treasurer of Kansas to fill the unexpired
term of Josiah E. Hayes. Again in December, 1S75, he was appointed to
the same ofhce to bring order out of chaos in the accounts of Samuel Lappin,
who was in trouble.
In 1876 he went before the people as a candidate for State Treasurer
and was elected, was re-elected in 1878 and again re-elected in 1880.
After leaving the office of State Treasurer he engaged in bond business-
and banking in New York City. In 1892, his health again failing him,
he moved to his farm at the northern edge of Allen county, where he
now lives.
In 1898 he was elected Representative of his county and was made
Chairman of the Committee on State Affairs. He was returned to the House
in 1900 and appointed Chairman of the Committee on Wavs and Means.
ITpon the adjournment of the Legislature he was appointed a member of
the Tax Commission^ authorized by the House and Senate of 1901, and was
selected as its President.
John Francis is a Republican, a Mason and a Knight Templar. He
became a member of the lola Lodge, number 38 A. F. & A. M. in 1865
and filled successively its several offices including that of Master. He is a
Churchman, having been confirmed in Norwich, England, at the age of
fourteen, by Bishop Selwyn of New Zealand.
On February 23rd, 1862, while on furlough from his regiment, he was
married to Lodeska Coffield, whose parents came to Allen county from In-
diana in i860. Mrs. Francis is a lineal descendant of Adrial Simons, a
Revolutionary patriot, son of Dutch parents who emigrated from Holland
in 1700, also of Benjamin Clark, likewise a soldier of the Revolution.
They have three daughters and one son, Anna, Clara, Maude Elizabeth
and John.
Few men in Kansas have a more distinguished and honorable record of
public service than Hon. John Francis, and none is more highly esteemed or
more univei'sally respected. For thirty years he has been a conspicuous
figure in the public life of Allen county and of the State of Kansas, and he
is still vigorously engaged in the performance of the most responsible and
important public duties.
T3 ANDOLPH W. SEE was born March 6, 1842, in Hardy county, Vir-
-°- "- ginia, now a part of West Virginia, and is a son of John See, who
wr.: born in the Old Dominion about 1788, and died in 1854. The father
re.i'ived a good education and for many years taught school during the
wi'ter months. Occasionally his son Randolph would accompany him to the
district in which he was teaching and there would pursue his education.
During the summer months the father engaged in farming and followed the
cooper's trade, which he had learned during his boyhood. He owned
about three hundred acres of farm land in Lost River Valley, Virginia. In
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
539
liis political affiliations he was a Whig. Twice married, by his first union
he had the following children: Craigen; Michael H.; Amanda, who became
tlie wife of Abner McWillianis and died in Illinois about 1-875, while her
husband survived until 1885; and Mrs. Dolly Neff, who removed to Cham-
paign county, Illinois. For his second wife John See chose Catherine
Stalnaker, who was born in Virginia about 1800, her father being a native
of Randolph county , that State. Her death occurred in 1884. Her chil-
dren were Andrew S., of Hartsville, Missouri; Keziah, who became the
wife of William St-urm, and died in Douglas county, Illinois, about
1863; Thomas, who died in the same county about 1864; and R. W., of
this review.
The father of this family died in 1854 when Randolph W. See was
twelve years of age. In 1855 the family removed to Illinois, and the eldest
son was soon married there. Our subject then began earning his own
livelihood, working for James H. Shawhan, a prominent farmer of Douglas
county, Illinois, and afterward for William Murphy. He was employed
as a farm hand by the month until he entered the Union army on the 21st
of July, 1862, joining Company H, Twenty-fifth Illinois infantry, under
Colonel Kohler, while Lieutenant Buckner acted as captain. The regiment
rendezvoused at St. Louis and thence went to Jefferson City, Sedalia and
•Springfield, going into winter quarters at Rolla, Mo. In the spring of 1S63
tliey advanced on Price at Springfield, then went to Arkansas below Benton-
ville, pirticipating in the three days' fight at Pea Ridge on the 6th, 7th and
8th of March. He was wounded in the side and had his right leg shattered
by a musket ball, after which he was taken to Cassville, where he remained
in the hospital until July. He was then removed to Springfield, and later
to RoUa, and in the fall was sent to St. Louis, where on account of the
wounds su.stained at Pea Ridge, he was honorably discharged September 19,
1863, having served for fourteen months.
Mr. See then returned to Illinois, and for some time continued in the
employ of Mr. Murphy. He afterward rented land and began farming on
his own account; his mother acting as his housekeeper until his marriage,
which occurred August ro, 1865, Miss Martha Osborn, daughter of Levi
Osborn, becoming his wife. Her mother bore the maiden name of Mary
Parker, and was born in Fayette county, Ohio, October 29, 1815, her
death occurring October 16, 1856. Mr. Osborn survived her and passed
away in March, 1875, at the age of sixty-three, having been born in Ohio,
January 11, 1812. Mrs. See was born in Douglas county, Illinois, July 5,
1848, and by her marriage has become the mother of four children, ail of
whom are living: Mary H., wife of D. P.'Neher, who resides near McCune,
Crawford county Kansas; A. L. , who is engaged in sheep raising at
North Yakima, Washington, Frank E., an engineer in the employ of
the Portland Cement Company at lola.and HattieL., wife of F. P. Tanner,
of lola.
Mr. and Mrs. See left Illinois in the fall of 1867, a"d came direct to
.\llen county, where he secured a homestead claim of eighty acres on
section 26, lola township. For thirty-one years he devoted his energies to
540
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
the cultivation and further improverat-nt of his propertj', and transformed
tlie wild tract of land into a very valuable farm, which yielded to him an
excellent return for the caie and labor which he bestowed upon it. Thus
he acquired a han Isome competency, which now enables him to live
retired, and in 1898 he removed to lola, taking up his abode at No. 712
North Jefferson avenue, where he is now enjoying a well-earned rest,
surrounded by many of tlie comforts which go to make life worth the living.
EDWARD H. FUNSTON, one of the most distinguished citizens of
Allen county, was born in Clark county, Ohio, September 16, 1836.
His father was Frederick Funston and his mother was Julia Stafford, both
of Scotch Irish ancestry. He was reared on a farm, hut was able to secure
a good English education in the common schools and in the New Carlisle
Academy. He began life as a school teacher, but this work w-as soon in-
terrupted by Abraham Lincoln's call to arms, to which Edward Funston
promptly responded, enlisting in the Sixteenth Ohio Battery, in which he
was commissioned a lieutenant. He served gallantly until the close
of the war, when he was mustered out and returned to his Ohio
home. Two years later he removed to Kansas, locating on the farm near
Carlyle, Allen county, which has ever since been his home. His interest
in public affairs, his zeal for the Republican party and his ability as a
public speaker soon led him into politics, and in 1873 he was elected a
member of the Kansas House of Repiesentaiives. His service was so satis-
factory to his constituents tliat he was easily re-elected in 1874 and again
in 1875, the last time being chosen Speaker of the House. In 1880 he was
promoted to the State Senate and at the close of his term in that body was
elected to Congress. He was continued in Congress by the votes of the
people of the Second district in 1S84, '86, '88, i8go, '92 and '94, the seat
being lost by a contest before a Democratic House in the last named j-ear.
Since retiring from Congress Mr. Funston has devoted himself energetically-
and successfully to the work of his farm, which is one of the most attractive
as well as one of the most profitable in the county.
The foregoing is a very brief sketch of a long and honorable career,
well illustrating the possibilities of American citizenship. Coming to a
new state with substantially no capital except his physical, mental and
moral strength, obliged always to provide first and by means of one of the
most arduous and exacting of vocations for the support of his faiuily, Mr.
F.inston has still been able to maintain a position of commanding influence
a'ul power, a factor in the public life of the State and the Nation for nearly
a quarter of a centurj-, and it is a record that his family and his friends may
well remember with pride. Of heroic mould physically, a thorough stud-
ent of economic questions, a strong debater, with a steadfast faith in the in-
stitutions of his country and in the principles of the party to which he gave
his adherence, Mr. Funston won and for many years held a most enviable
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
54'
position in the political life of the State of his adoption. As a member of
the National Congress hi.s most effectual work was done on the committee
of Agriculture, of which he was for several years chairman, for which posi-
tion his long and successful experience as a practical farmer especially
fitted him. It was during his chairmanship of this committee that the De-
partment of Agriculture was advanced to the rank of the other great depart-
ments of the Government with its head a member ol the Cabinet, and in
this organization Mr. Funston was the chief factor.
Although no longer actively engaged in politics Mr. Funston is no less
interested in the ascendancy of the principles in which he believes and his
party gladly avails itself, in each campaign, of his effective services.
Mr. Funston was married in 1861 to Ann Eliza Mitchell and to them
have been born: Frederick, James Burton, Pogue Warwick, Ella, Aldo
and Edward Hogue, jr.
T AMES FINLEY was born in Vermillion county, Illinois, January 6,
■*J 1842. His father, John Finley, was a native of Dearborn county, In-
diana, born May 2, 1814. In 1833 he accompanied his parents to Ver-
million county, Illinois, locating upon the farm which he owned at the time
of his death. He married Miss Frances Ray, also a native of Indiana, and
her death occurred September 13, 1869, but Mr. Finley survived until July
31, 1900. He belonged to a family of seventeen children, ten daughters
and seven sons. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Vermillion county,
was a man of great strength and fortitude, and in all life's relations was
honorable and upright, thus winning the high regard of those with whom
he was associated. He passed away at the advanced age of eighty-six
years and five of his seven sons survive him, namely: Mrs. Emily Cole, a
resident of Kansas City, Missouri, James, of lola, Kansas; Mrs. Agnes
Pryor, who is living in Danville, Arthur, also of Danville, and Mrs. Fan-
nie Cole, of the same city.
James Finley was reared upon the home farm in Vermillion county,
and assisted his father in the operation of the fields until after the Civil war
broke out, when stirred by a spirit of patriotism he responded to the
country's call for troops, enlisting in Company A, of the One Hundred and
Twenty-fifth Illinois Infautry, September 7, 1862. for a three-years term.
His regiment was immediately sent to the front and he participated in many
of the most hotly contested engagements, including the battles of Perry-
ville, Chicamauga, Kenesaw Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Jonesboro,
Atlanta, Savannah and Bentonville, together with many others of
lesser importance. He also went with Sherman on the celelDrated march
to the sea, also on the march from Savannah to Richmond and understands
fully what constitutes the hardships of war, yet he was always found at his
.post whether on picket duty or on the firing line, and with an honorable
military record he returned to his home.
On the 25th of August, 1867, Mr. Finley was united in marriage to
542 HISTORY OF ALLEN AKD
Miss Maggie Dimoiid, a native of Canada, who removed with her parents-
to Michigan when a child and in 1S65 came to Vermillion connty. Illinois,
where she formed the acquaintance of Mr. Ftnley, who latei sought her
hand in marriage. Unto them have been born two daughters: Oral, and
Sabra, wife of Harry Canatsey of lola.
In 18S1 Mr. Finley and his family came to Kansas and have since
been residents of Allen county. He purchased two hundred acres of land
ill Salem township five miles east of Humboldt, and has since devoted his
energies to its further development and improvement. For the past three
years, however, he has practically lived retired, having erected a fine resi-
dence in lola, which is now the place of his abode. He holds membership^
hi Vicksburg Post, No. 72-, G. A. R., and thus he maintains pleasant rela-
tions with his old army comrades. He started out in life without capital
and had no influential friends to aid him, neither was his environment par-
ticularly helpful. He has placed his dependence upon the more substan-
tial qualties of energy and honorable dealing and has thus worked his way
upward to the plane of affluence.
'XATlLtilAM H. ROOT. — Conspicuous among the mechanics who-
" " have aided in the material advancement of Ida and who have
contributed liberally, in a substantial way. to its development is William
H. Root. He knew lola when it was in its swaddling clothes and as boy
and man has followed its careers of adversity and prosperity through vil-
lage and town and city. He is not a stranger to Kansas for he is one of
her own. He was born in Anderson county the second of March, 1866,
and has resided in Allen county since 1873.
Mr. Root was orphaned in childhood by the death of both father and
mother and at the age of seven years he had fallen into the hands of Frank
Root, of Geneva, together with a younger sister, Eifie. Will and Effie
Stigenwalt were adopted by Mr. Root and assumed the latter's name. The
Stigenwalt family were of German origin. John Stigenwalt, our subject's
grandfather, immigrated to the United States from some point in the German
Empire and settled in Pennsylvania. From that state his son James, the
father of our subject, together with his brother came westward by degrees
to Ohio, Indiana, Missouri and to Kansas, reaching the last named state
before the outbreak of the Civil war. John Stigenwalt's sons were James,
John, Andiew, Thomas and George, of whom Thomas and Andrew reside
near Los Angeles, California.
James Stigenwalt was a farmer and died at the age of twenty-eight
years in 1870. He married Ruth, a daughter of John Hull, a Welchman,
who came to Kansas from Illinois and lies buried at Earlton, Kansas. Mrs.
Stigenwalt died almost simultaneously with her husband and left two sons
and two daughters, viz: Ida M., wife of William Swiger, of Neosho
county, Kansas; William H. Root, our subject; Otis H., who was reared by
■WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 543
Bert Hodgson and holds that name, and EfBe Root, who died in California
December 15, 1891.
In the fall of 1876 Frank Root moved with his family to lola to assume
the office of Count}- Superintendent of Schools. From that date our sub-
ject's residence in the county seat begins. He was educated in the public
schools of the town but quit school at sixteen years of age to take his
initial step in bu.siness. His uncle Root was one of the partners in the
hardware firm of Henderson & Root and Will lather grew up in their tin
shop. At seventeen years of age he began regularly to learn the tinner's
trade with Jacob Casniire and served his full time of three years. He was
in the employ of Ewarts, and Lawyer, in lola, as tinner and spent two
years in Eldorado, Kansas, at the same work. Upon his return to lola he
did the tin work in the hardware store of J. W Coutant lor one year. In
1S90 he set up alone and for the past ten years has been etigaged in build-
ing up of one of the leading businesses in the city. One of the results of
his ten years of unremitting labor is the Root business house on south
Washington avenue, a tvvo-.story brick extending to the alley and having a
width of twenty-five feet. The lower floor of this building Mr. Root uses
himself as work shop and store for his line of builders' supplies and gas
fittings and the like.
November 21, 1889, Mr. Root was married to Adda, a daughter of
Warren Arnold, one of the pioneers of Allen county. The children of this
marriage, surviving, are Florence A., Franklin P., Bernice and Katie
Root.
Aside from personal considerations Mr. Root has manife.sted a lively
and public-spirited interest in the welfare of Tola. This is demonstrated in
his connection with enterprises originated for the public good, by the sub-
stantial manner in which he has improved his properties and by his liberal
aid and encouragement of whatever tends to the moral and educational ad-
A-ancement of his home and county. A matter with which he is especiallj"
concerned and interested is the welfare of the Methodist congregation of
lola. For years has he affiliated with it as a member and his official con-
nection with the body extends over a long period.
Mr. Root began his political career with a vote for Benjamin Harrison
for president. His early training was from the head of that honest citizen
and Christian gentleman, Frank Root, whose Republicanism
through drouth and pestilence and war and never failed.
X ^ riLLIAM M. BROWN, deceased, was one of the pioneers to Allen
" " county, having settled within her borders October 18, 1856. He
was an emigrant from Henry county, Illinois, and was, unlike most of
Kansas pioneers, possessed of ample means to provide for his familj' wants
in case of an extended failure of crops. He was a thrifty farmer in Illinois
and came to the western plains to provide his family with an abundance of
544 -HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
farm land in the hope of securing for them a more subitantial hold upon the'
world of things in their battle of life. He settled west of the Neosho river,.
near lola, where he became at once a prominent and conspicuous citizen.
His prominence as a stock man and his extensive farming venture, for that
day, made it necessary for him to employ much labor, and he did so fre-
quently, when he really needed no one, simply to aid some worthy and
struggling settler. His cribs, his cellar and his smoke-house were open to
the needs of his neighbors in the days of the drouth of i860 and so much of
the milk of human kindness did he possess that he was looked upon, almost,
as Divinely sent to stay the hunger and to provide, in a measure, the com-
forts of the destitute pioneers.
Mr. Brown made an experimental trip to Allen county in April of 1856,
in company with Nimrod Hankins, and on this trip he purchased land to
which h3 brought his family in the fall. He made the latter trip, like the
former, by wagon which method of travel seemed to contribute much to his
personal likes and comfort. Frontier life suited his tastes. His father
went into Illinois as a pioneer and he, himself crossed the plains to Cali-
fornia, with the forty- miners, in search of the metal which produced the
excitement at Sutter's Mill.
William M. Brown was born in Floyd county, Indiana, May 14, 1823,,
and died near lola December 27, 1865. He had just returned from a trip
with his militia regiment, upon its march from the Price Raid journey,
upon which trip he contracted a severe cold and death ensued from lung
fever. He was a son of Samuel Brown who emigrated from Floyd
county, Indiana, to Putnam county, Illinois, and died there at the age of
ninety-two years. He was born near Lexington, Kentucky, June i, 1799,
and, it is believed, was a son of an Irishman. He was married May 10,
1851, to Lovina Ahers, who was born April 15, 1804. They were the
parents of fifteen children at thirteen births and William Morton, our sub-
ject, was their second child. The latter was first married January 19, 1844,
to Sarah J. Myers. The issue of this union was Marion Brown, a soldier
in the 9th Kansas, who died from the effects of wounds received in the
battle of Stone Lane, Missouri. William M. Brown's second marriage oc-
curred March 18, 1842. His wife was Nancy E. , a daughter of John and
Deborah (Hankins) Hayes. The children of this union are: Orrin Brown,
of Montana; Ruth L. and Samuel Brown, of lola; John Brown, of Utica,
Illinois; Deborah, deceased, wife of Samuel J. Jordan, left three children in
lola, and Albert L. Brown, of Long Creek, Oregon. Mrs. Nancy (Hayes)
Brown married Daniel Horney and one child resulted from the union, a
daughter, Miss Mary Horney.
Two of the fifteen children of Samuel and Lovina Broivn died at birth.
From first to last their names are: Martha, William M., Sarah, Mary and
John, Alfred, Anna, Nancy, Lovina, Prudence, Louisa and Achsa and
Albert. Their births covered a period of twenty years, from 1822 to 1842.
Samuel, son of our subject, was fifteen months old when his parents
came to Allen county. He was born in Henry county, Illinois, July 11,
1865, and passed fourteen years of his life, in childhood, west of the Neosho
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 545
river, in lula township. He returned to LaSalle county, Illinois, in 1.S71,
and worked there as a farm hand till 1S82 when he returned to lola. He
engaged in painting and decorating, and in clerking, till 1892, when he
drifted into the gas business. He became associated with W. S. Pryor, the
father of the gas field, as his foreman of mains and service extension that year
and when the lola Gas Company succeeded Mr. Pryor as owner of the
business Mr. Brown was a part of the assets, so to speak, and has continued
as foreman of the plant.
November 30, 1893. ^^r- Brown was married in lola to vSusie A. , a
daughter of John Reimert, one of the old and prijminent mechanics of the
citv. Mrs. Brown was born in Pennsylvania, January 20, 1871. Her
cliildren are: Russell Reimert Brown, Orrin Crosier Brown and Cecil
Martin Brown.
The early politics of the Browns was Democratic. When William M.
Brown came to Kansas there was something in the condition of things
whi:h caused him to change his politics and he became a Republican. His
sons espoused the same faith.
T EWIS D. BUCK — On the anniversary of American Independence
-^— ' there settled in Allen county a citizen whose interest in horticulture
and agriculture have ranked him as one of the intelligent and successful
men in his class. This well known settler is Lewis D. Buck, who estab-
lished himself upon a prairie farm in Marmaton township three miles north-
east of Moran. He was without friends here, and consequently, without
credit, and his "nickle," and the plug team he drove into the county consti-
tuted his visible resources. The story of his first efforts at cropping is an
interesting one and the methods employed to secure necessary implements
and accommodations, by men in his reduced circumstances, would form
a subject for an interesting essay upon pioneer life on the prairies of Allen.
When Mr. Buck came to Kansas he settled for a time in Douglas
county. He remained tn the vicinity of Lawrence till the year 1S76 when
he loaded his few effects into his ■ wagon and directed his steps toward
Allen county. Ohio is Mr. Buck's native State. He was born in Putnam
county, October 13, 1841, and is a son of a farmer, Benjamin D. Buck.
The latter was born in 1802 in Oneida county, New York. He wis married
to Almeda Conant. He came into Ohio at the close of the war of 1812,
and died in 1864. His wife died in 1892. Of their children, Seth, Ben-
jamin, Lavina and Orson are deceased. Henry is at Columbus Grove,
Ohio, and Lewis D., our subject.
Until the outbreak of the Rebellion Lewis D. Buck had had no ex-
perience beyond the limits of the farm. His patriotism was aroused by the
insult to our flag and he enlisted for its defense in Company A, 20th Ohio
Infantry. He went into the service April 18, 1861, and served ninety
days. His second enlistment was in Company K, 14th Infantry and he
546 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
served as hospital nurse at Lebanon, Kentucky, and at New Albany, In-
diana. He was discharged at the latter place in 1863 and passed the suc-
ceeding two years in the Rocky Mountains. In 1865 he recrossed the
plains to Kansas City, Missouri and secured employment with Myers, Lee
and Low in that city as real estate solicitor. March 11, 1866, he was rnar-
ried to Elizabeth Gibson, a widow whose father, Albert Vaughn, emigrated
to Jackson county, Missouri, as one of her pioneers and was irom Ken-
tucky. Mrs. Buck was born near Kansas City November 15, 1S41.
Her children were two, one by each marriage
In his career as a farmer in Allen county Mr. Buck has demonstrated
one important fact, that small fruit will grow and mature here abundantly.
His orchards are a prominent feature of his farms and his peaches, apples
and other fruit products have been going to the Kansas City markets for
m:niy years. His success in this work is a matter widely known and in
the horticultural meetings of the county his number on the program
is one of the instructive features of the session. He is local reporter
to the Secretary of the State Horticultural Society, of Kansas, and his
enthusiasm has done much to stimulate interest in hoiticulture in Allen
county.
Mr. Buck is a staunch Republican. He voted first for Mr. Lincoln
and for thirty-six years he has been an unwavering supporter of the doc-
trines of protection and sound money.
T TARMON SCOTT— The late Harmon Scott, of lola. was one of the
-L -'- pioneers of Kansas and one of the early business men of lola. He
belongs to a faniily whose prominence has been recognized in Allen county
for more than a third of a century and which has done its part in establish-
ing an industrious, intellectual and patriotic citizenship in the State
of Kansas.-
Harmon Scott was born at Braddocks Field, Pennsylvania, December
19, 1828. He was a farmer's son and in 1833, his father moved into Ohio
and, later, into Kentucky and in that State was our subject chiefly reared
and educated. After attaining his majority , Mr. Scott went to Blooming-
ton, Illinois, where he resided till 1857, coming thence to Kansas. He
stopped first in the Territory in Johnson county where he took up a home-
stead. He engaged in business in the town of Olathe, while awaiting the
tuni of events in the process of acquiring a title to his piece of government
land, and this result being unfavorable to him he came to Allen county, in
iSjS, and became one of her permanent citizens. He engaged in the dry
go.:ds and grocery business with his brother, the late Dr. John W. Scott,
on the corner where DeClute's clothing store now stands. In 1872 he be-
came a railway mail clerk between Topeka and Kansas Cit}'. Leaving
that service he spent two years on the farm on Rock Creek, returning to
Ida in 1S76.
In matters pertaining to the administration of affairs and to the welfare
WOODSON COUXTIKS, KANSAS. _ 5^7
of lola Mr. Scott was one of the foremost. He was twice elected Trustee of
lola township and made an efficient and honest public servant. The fact
that he had managed his private business successfully was an iiide.x to the
manner in which the public business would be cared for in his hands. He
was one of the staunchest of Republicans, having joined that party from
"the Old Line Whigs."
Mr. Scott enlisted in Company H, gth Kansas, as a private and was
promoted to first lieutenant of a company in an Indian regiment, designated
as the 3rd Indian regiment. He was in active service until 1865, and
in which he laid the foundation of the disease which ultimately caused
his death.
Tip MANUEL SNIVELY, of lola township, settled in Allen county in
-• — ' January, 1879, and for the past twenty-one years has devoted him-
self to the intelligent and successful cultivation of her soil He settled
upon section twelve, his farm being the claim entered by the Woodins, one
of the early and well known families of the county.
Mr. Snively was from Alleghany county, Pennsylvania, _ where he was
born October 17, 1830. He was born on a farm and his father, Christian
Snively, a son of Henry Snively, improved a tract of land there and be-
came one of the substantial and reliable farmers of his county. Henry
Snively went into Alleghany county from Franklin county, Pennsylvania,
where his German ancestors settled many generations ago. They were not
only farmers but were known in business and among early ones were
soldiers of the Revolutionary war. Christian Snively was a public official
many years of his life and he helped fight many of the battles of the Re-
publicans in his county.
The mother of our subject was Mary, a daughter of Emanuel Stotler,
who settled in western Pennsylvania from Franklin county, that State.
They were originally German and were, in the main, devoted to the farm
and field. Christian Snively died in 1877 at the age of seventy-nine while
his wife died at the age of eighty six-years. Their children were: Joseph
Snively, killed at the battle of Antietam; David Snively, of Santa Clara
county, California; Elizabeth, widow of Matthew Mitchell, of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania; Henry Snively, of Alleghany county, Pennsylvania; Martha,
deceased wife of Ale.xander Frew; John Snively, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania;
Mary, who died unmarried in 1869; Nancy, wife of Joseph Hallett, of Cali-
fornia; Christopher, and Dr. Whitmore Snively, one of the faculty of the
Pittsburg Medical College.
Our subject acquired a fair education in the schools common to the
country in his day. He remained with his birthplace till he had passed
his fortieth milestone when he was married and separated from it to estab-
lish a household of his own. He came west searching for cheaper lands
with better opportunities for small capital. Allen county had many Penn-
548 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
sylvania families within her borders and it ma}' be that this fact led to his
determination, partially, to locate here. He entered into the business of
farming with the same energy and zeal here that was characteristic of the
forefathers in the east and his success is due to this fact alone. He has
surrounded himself with such herds of stock as are necessary to the profita-
ble operation of a Kansas farm and is regarded one of the substantial men
of his community.
Mr. Snively was married in January, 1S73, to Mary F. Stoner.
whose father, Joseph Stoner, was a resident of Perry township, Alleghany
county, Pennsylvania.
During the Civil war Mr. Snively was a member of the Home
Guards, of Pennsylvania and had five brothers in the volunteer service. In
politics this family is well known in the east as Republican, and in this faith
our subject was strong till the year 1890 when the era of political reform
in Kansas created havoc with old party lines and he joined hands with the
Peoples party.
Emanuel Snively is well known as a gentleman with pronounced
opinions. He arrives at conclusions after ample deliberation and takes a
position aftei he is convinced he can hold it. He is a representative
citizen in many ways and the "west side" is socially and materially strong-
er for his presence there.
COLMORE L. WHITAKER, the well known bioker and insurance
man, of lola, was born near Zanesville, Ohio, April 2, 1855. He is
a son of the late Lemuel Whitaker, of lola, who settled in Muskingum
county, Ohio, in 1848. The latter removed to Allen county, Kansas, in 1869,
and settled on a farm in Carlyle township. He resided there till 1882 when he
took up his residence in lola. He died in April, 1895, at the age of seventy-
one years. He was born on a farm in Coshocton county, Ohio, a son of
Reuben Whitaker, also a native son of the Buckeye State. Reuben Whita-
ker was born in 1800 and died in Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1866. He
was a son of Lemuel Whitaker and was the father of ten sons: David, who
starved to death in- California on his journey with the "forty-niners:"
Lemuel, our subject's father; Lewis, who reared a family and died in 1S91:
George, who left a son at his death; Milton, who died in Libby prison;
Annis, who resides in Fall Brook, California; John, a farmer in Mason
cja ity, Illinois, until i860, when he died leaving a family ; Captain Samuel
Whitaker, who is buried at lola and who was an Illinois cavalry officer:
a;: 1 Reuben, who resides at Durango, Colorado.
Lemuel Whitaker married Matilda A., a daughter of Grafton Duval,
who helped cut the trees where the Zanesville court house stands, in 1809.
He was born in the state of Maryland, was a tiller of the soil and reared
two sons, Dr. James and Washington Duval, both soldiers of the Civil war.
They reared families in Muskingum county, Ohio.
Mrs. Lemuel Whitaker was born in vSeptember, 1825, and resides in
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 549
lola. Her children are: Grafton D., Colony, Kansas; Reuben B., a lawyer
of Tacoma, Washington; Colmore L.; Eugene M., Clerk of Baco county,
Colorado; Myrtie, deceased, married D. D. McDaniel, and Fannie, who
died young.
"Col" Whitaker was fifteen years old when he came to Kansas. He
obtained his education chiefly in the country schools of Ohio and he re-
mained with the old home until his marriage. He taught school some
while yet single but took up farming upon becoming the head of a house-
hold. He came to lola in 1880, and went into the mill of Waters &
Thayer, as a helper. He engaged next in the restaurant business and, two
years later, formed a partnership with Henry Waters and engaged in the
loan and brokerage business. They also did a real estate business which
has continued in the office of our subject since the dissolution of the old
firm. January i, 1897, Waters & Whitaker ceased as a firm, since which
date Mr. Whitaker has continued the business alone.
The Whitakers have all had positive convictions on politics. From
first to last they have been either \^'higs or Republicans. Their constancy
is a matter of family pride; no wobbler has emanated from the household or
borne the family name. Col is no exception to the ancient rule. He is
among the first to get on the right side of a question and the last to sur-
render. He has enjoyed reasonable prosperity in lola and his home is one
of the neat and new residences of the city.
March 30, 1880, Mr. Whitaker married Ella M., a daughter of Henry
Waters, one of the well known and successful men of Allen county. Mr.
and Mrs. Whitaker's children are; Frank E., Herbert E., "the baby" of
the 20th Kansas, and the yougest volunteer soldier in Companv I; Charles
Frederick; Edith, deceased; Ethel and Ella May Whitaker.
"T^R. WILLIAM H. McDOWELL, M. D., one of the well known
-' — ' physicians of lola, was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, April 12,
1841. His father, John McDowell, was a farmer and the Doctor's youth
and early manhood were passed in the pursuits of agriculture. John Mc-
Dowell went from North Carolina to Indiana with his father, James Mc-
Drjwell, in i8i8. There they opened up a farm in the woods of Lawrence
county. James McDowell died in Lawrence county in 1821 at the age of
forty-five 3'ears, leaving the care of the familj^ to the two boys, John aged
eleven years and William aged thirteen years.
The McDowells are descended from the Highland Scotch McDowells.
Just what date this branch of the family emigrated to America is not
definitely established but it is known that they were here in the early
Colonial days and that they were in the South at that time.
James McDowell married Susan Gainey, an English lady. Their chil-
dren were: William; John; Rachel, wife of James Murray; Lydia, who
became Mrs. William Crook; Sarah, wife of John Irwin, and Ann, who
550
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
mirried John Phipps. John McDowell died in 187S ?it the age of sixty-
eiglit years. He married Ann Owens, was a man of some means, a Whig:
and Republican in politics and an active member of the Christian church.
His children were: Sarah, who married John Pitt and died in 1S90; Eliza-
beth, who became the wife of John Byers and died in 1891; Mary, who
married Lilburn Owen and died in 1867; Dr. W. H. ; James, of Lawrence
county, Indiana; Milton P., same place; Jennie, wife of Milton Beatty, of
Christian county, Illinois; Nancy A., wife of Horace V. Phipps, Adair
county, Missouri, and Lucinda G., who married James H. Lowder, of
Bloomington, Indiana.
Until 1861 Dr. McDowell was engaged in farming as a business. He
enlisted August 24 of that year in Company H, 31st Indiana Volunteer In-
fantry. The regiment was ordered first to Calhoun, Ky., then to South
Carolton, and back to Calhoun. They went on to Forts Henry and Donel-
son, found Fort Henry captured and then engaged in battle at Fort Dou-
elson February 13th and i6tli, 1862, \vhen the enemy was taken, then,
continued their march toward Shiloh. They lav in camp there till the
6th of April when the battle opened. On the afternoon of the same day
our subject was wounded in the left arm and shoulder. He was sent to the
hospital at Evansville, Indiana, from which place he was furloughed home
the middle of the same month. In August, following, he returned to
Evansville where he was in the marine hospital until the 7th of Feb-
ruary, 1863, when he was discharged and sent home. In April following
he entered the Indiana State University, remained one term and July 9,
the same year, was mariied. For the next ten years he taught school
winters and farmed summers, and the testimony of his old neighbors was
that he was one of the most earnest and competent country school educators
of his county. In 1873 he began his preparation for medicine. He took a
course of reading with Dr. F. W. Beard, Harrodgburg, and attended the
medical department of the State University in 1S74-5. He went back to
his preceptor and opened an office in the same town. He practiced two
years there and located then in Jonesboro, Indiana, where he practiced
nine years. In 1885 he decided to settle in Kansas, and January i, 1886,
he departed for lola. From 1886 to 1891 his practice was uninterrupted.
The latter year he thought he saw an opportunity to improve his condition
and he applied for and was appointed physician to the Mojav^e Indians on
the Colorado River Reservation in Nevada. This position was a disap-
pointment to him and in July 1S92 he resigned and returned to lola.
As a Republican Dr. McDowell is well known in Allen county He
dates his fealty to the party from its organization, although he was not a
voter. H; cast his first pre-iidential vote for Mr. Lincoln and finds as
much reason for supporting the candidates of that party now as he did in
1864. In 1890 the Doctor was elected County Coroner and became chair-
man of the Pension Board the same year. Since his return from the we.st
his practice has made such demands on him that little else has received his
attention.
Dr. McDowell married Martha A., a daughter of Linden and Mary
'WOODSON COUXTIES, KANSAS. 55I
^Sliort) I.owder. The children of this union are; Thomas H., who mar-
Tied Ella Tozer and has a daughter, Fa^-; Ralph W., who married Maggie
Brogden and has two children, Ruth H. and Grace; Ralph McDowell en-
listed in Couipanj' Z, Twenty-second Kansas in the Spanish-American war
in April 189S, where he served until his regiment was mustered out in No-
vember of the same year. He is now one of the partners ol the Record
Publishing Company, of lola, Cragie J. McDowell, with the Northrup
National Bank of lola; Miss McDowell graduated from the lola High
School, finished .stenography in Topeka and held a position with the State
Evangelical Association of the Christian church of that city. She is now
president of the Christian Endeavor department of the church for Kansas;
John and Lucinda G. McDowell are the two younger children and reside
with their parents. Thomas H. McDowell is a blacksmith b5- trade and is
•employed by the Lanyon Zinc Company.
/~^ EORGE H. LIST.— When the country was in the thioes of Civil war
^—^ and from the work-shops, the fields, the stores and the offices men
rallied to the support of the flag, George H. List was among the number
who put aside personal considerations to aid in the perpetuation of the
Union, ani to-day he is as true and loyal a citizen as when he followed the
stars and stripes on southern battle fields. He was born in Switzerland
county, Indiana, October 12, 1834. His father, Jacob Li-st, was a native
of Germany, and when four years of age became a resident of the United
States, living first in N'ew Jersey, afterward in Pennsylvania, and later in
Ohio. He married Elmira M. Stephens, a native of New Hampshire, and
in 1850 removed to Illinois, where he died in 1857, at the age of eighty-
four years. His wife survived him until 1897, passing away at the age of
ninety-nine years. The3- were the parents of five children, but only two
are now living: Jacob and George H.
In 1847 the subject of this review became a resident of Illinois, and
upon the home tarm spent his youth. He possesses marked mechancial
genius, and though he was reared on the farm he followed both carpenter-
ing and blacksmithing and also worked as a machinist, being able to per-
form any kind of mechanical labor. On the i8th of April, 1861, he re-
sponded to the president's call for aid to crush out the rebellion in the
south, and served until August, 1865. His regiment was sent at once to
the front and remained there until the close of the war. He participated
in many important engagements, including the battles of Charleston, Mis-
souri, and Cape Girardeau, that state. In July, 1862, his regiment was
ambushed and several of their number were killed. He also took part in
the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh and the siege of Corinth,
and went with hi? command to Jackson, Tennessee, the members of his
regiment patrolling that portion of the country. In September, 1863, they
fought in the battle of Britten Lane, where they were surrounded by an
552
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
overwlielraing force, but fought their way out with heav_v loss. The
Twentieth Illinois went with Grant to Jackson, Mississippi, and served in
General Logan's command at the battle of Thompson's Hill and Raj'mond.
At Jackson they were with McPherson when he whipped Johnson's army
in the battle of Champion Hills. They were also in the siege of Vicksburg
and in the Meridian campaign in ea.stern Mississippi. With beef cattle the
regiment was sent to Sherman, and for thirty days was continually fight-
ing, but ultimately reached Sherman at Clifton, Tennessee. Mr. List was
present when General McPherson was killed in the battle of Lessels Hill
and saw him fall from his horse when he received the fatal shot. On the
22nd of July, 1864, he was captured and sent to Andersonville prison, but
after eight months and fourteen days there he succeeded in making his es-
cape and working his way back to the Union lines. He was then granted
a furlough and returned home on a visit. At Chicago on the 17th of
August, 1865, he was honorably discharged and with a military record of
.which he has every reason to be proud, he returned to his friends and
family in Illinois.
On the 17th of February, 1S67, Mr. List wedded Miss Mary C. Tuder,
a native of Kentucky. To them have been born five children and the
family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. These are Cora,
wife of C. J. Barlow; Elizabeth J., wife of John Cation; Rachel F. , wife of
Albert Lassmann; Anna, wife of John H. Parker, and John E., who as-
sists his father in the operation of the home farm.
In 1876 Mr. List came with his family to Kansas, taking up his abode
near Leanna, Cottage Grove township, Allen county, where he worked at
the blacksmith's trade and farming for three years. He then purchased a
little farm of sixty-three acres, two miles north of Leanna, and has since
made it his home. Its well developed fields bring to him a good return.
Since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856 he has
been a stalwart Republican in his political affiliations and is in hearty
accord with President McKinley's administration.
GEORGE W ELLIS — Among the substantial and honorable citizens
of Allen county and at the same time one of its early settlers is
Geoige W. Ellis, of lola township. He is a son of Asa Ellis whose birth
occurred in New York State in 1806. The latter's father died in 1807 and
soon thereafter the family came westward to Ohio and settled in Athens
county. In early Hie Asa Ellis worked on a ferryboat on the Scioto River
and later on owned and operated one liimself. He finally abandoned boat-
ing and took up farming and continued it in the Buckeye State till 1 860,
when he came by boat with his family to Kansas City, Missouri. During
the first years of the war he lost his crop by fire at the hands of the bush-
whackers and he located again in the city. In 1866 he located near Olathe,
Kansas, and in 1869 came to Allen county. He homesteaded the south
■WOODSON COCTNTIES. KANSAS. 553
^iialf of the northwest quarter of section 14, town 25, range 17, and died
thereon in March, 1892.
The mother of our subject was Sarah Franz who was born in Pennsyl-
vania in 1812. She was the daughter of Christian Franz, a son of a
German emigrant, and one of the earl^^ settlers to his part of the State.
She was the mother of: Henry Ellis, deceased, Catharine, wife of William
Dye, of Humboldt, Kansas; Eliza, deceased, man'ied James McCausland,
of Humboldt; William Ellis, who resides in Woodson county, Kansas;
Frank C. Ellis, of Allen county; George W. Ellis; Sarah, wife of W. H.
Willingham; Luia, who married Levi Steelev, of Humboldt, and Svlvester
Ellis, of Oklahoma.
George W. Ellis was born July 18, 1852, in Athens county, Ohio. He
was eight years old when he left his native State and was a youth of .seven-
teen when he came into Allen county, Kansas. He began life as a farm
hand, working by the month for R. M. Works, Charles Lehmann and for
Hand, the Englishman, west of Humboldt. In this way he earned the
funds to provide himself with a team and he rented land and engaged in
farming. He farmed with Robert M. Works for nine years and in 1883 had
accumulated sufficient to warrant him in buying a railroad eighiy in lola
township. In 1884 he moved to his new farm and by dint of economy and
hard work has made it one of the desirable homes on the west side. He
■bought another eighty acre tract out of the proceeds of the first farm and
both are free and unincumbered.
June 18. 1875, Mr. Ellis was married to Jane, a daughter of Peter
Fresman, born in 1816, and Nancy Freeman, born in Kentucky, in 1821,
who came to Indiana from Whitley county, Kentucky, in 1S74, and came
to Kansas in 1876. The Freeman children are: Mark, who resides in
Kentucky, is married to Anna Bales; James, who enlisted in the Union
army in 1862 and died in the service; Henry, who died in 1861; Solomon
who died in Kentucky in 1848; John, who married Nancy McCabe and
resides in Kentucky; Josh, who married Jane Steeley and resides in Ken-
tucky; Golana, who died in 1896; Jane, the wife of our subject; Benjamin,
who married Susan McCabe and resides in Nebraska, and Lucy, wife of
Mark Hite, resides in Indiana. The Freemans are Republicans. The
result of this union is seven children: Bert Ellis, married to Isa Dix,
resides in Allen county; Fred Ellis, married Inez Rush, resides in Tola;
George, May, Ethel, Nellie, Frank and Wallace Ellis are all on the
homestead.
In earl}' life and until 1890 the Ellis boys were Republicans. That
year the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, took them out of their party,
with thousands of other Republicans, and made so formidable the Peoples'
party. To this organization do they still hold National and State allegiance
but in county matters their support is given to the worthy and honorable
lather than to the party nominee.
5^4 HTSTORY OF ALLEN ANT/
T EROY O. LADD, of Logan township, one of the successful and pros'
-'— ' perous farmers of Allen county, is almost a pioneer to Kansas. Ten:
years before he canre to the State the first settlers weie pulling into it fronr
t-he east and nestling themselves down along the timbered streams. Mr.
L-add was early enough ta get desirable land cheap, for he came herein
1868 when settlements in his neighborhood were widely scattered. His'
means- permitted him to bu-y only a small tract of thirty-two acres seven
miles southwest of Humboldt. In that community he has remained. The-
little farm has grown and expanded with the elapse of years and in response-
to his needs until it contains eight hundred acres, one of the splendid stock
and grain farms in the township. Its improvements are in keeping and;
proportion to its area, commodious residence, roomy barns and extensive
sheds. The abundance of open land and free pasture led Mr. L,add to en-
gage in the cattle business at an early period and his success in this ven-
ture has warranted him in its continuance. He has been a large feeder
for years and much of his accumulation of years has come from this source.
He is a large consumer of grain other than his own raising and his enter-
prise has thus furnished a market for the surplus grain of his neighbors.
Aside from the buildings which adorn the farm, and which Mr. Ladd
erected, a small forest sets off his premises and surrounds his edifice.
These trees the family planted away back in the early days of Allen county .-
Leroy Ladd originated in New England. He was born in Vermont
March 24, 1844. He is a son of John and Caroline (Olds) Ladd, country-
people and children of the Green Mountain State. In 1849 they crossed
over into New York State, settling in Oswego county, where the father
died in r86o at the age of fifty-eight years. His widow died in Vermont in
1885 at the age of seventy-twu years. Of their nine children five are yet
living, viz.: Urbane, of Bay City, Michigan; Era and Corrin, of Oswego,.
New York; Cordelia, wife of Richard Rawson, of New Hampshire, and-
Leroy O. Ladd. John Ladd owned a large giist mill which he operated
in connection with his New York farm. His five sons all served in t-he-
Union army during the Rebellion and all returned but Lucius H., who-
died in Richmond, Virginia.
Leroy Ladd's youthful opportunities were only those of the country
lad. At the age of eighteen he enlisted in the iioth New York Infantry
and his regiment was assigned to the department of the Gulf. For two
years he was on guard duty on the Island of Tortugas in the Gulf of
Mexico where the Confederate prisoners were confined. He was dis-
charged at the end of his enlistment, September, 1865, and returned to his
State. His brothers all enlisted for three years and all served their full
time, or until death. This fact, alone, indicated the feeling and opinions
entertained by the young men with reference to the preservation of
the Union.
Mr. Ladd engaged in farming upon his return home and continued
it, with some degree of success, three years. The western fever took a
firm hold iipon him soon after the war and he definitely decided to
"WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 555
niiifrate in i86S. His resources were limited but that did not deter him for
■'the frontier was the best place for a man in his circumstances. He came
;and saw and conquered.
In 1866 Mr. Ladd was married to Miss Kate Dimick. She died in
1870, leaving a son, Lucius Herman Ivadd, of Woodson county, Kansas;
Mr. L,add was married in December, 1S73, to Mrs. Philinia (Gibbs) Jack-
son. Nine children have been born to them, viz.: Minnie (Ladd) Camp-
bell, who died Februarj' 27, 1900, leaving two children, Effie and Cora
Ladd; Orlie L. Ladd, who died May 14, T885; Eddie, Gertie, Ennis,
Urbane and Leola. Mrs. Ladd has a son by her first husband, John E.
Jackson, of Cottage Grove township. Mrs. Ladd was a daughter of John
Gibbs, a native of Illinois, whose wife was Ellen J. DeWitt.
Mr. Ladd is a Republican. He learned his first lessons in politics in
the army helping to suppress treason and he has maintained his political
-relations with the party that favored a union of states.
CHARLES OTTEN.— The late Charles Otten, of lola, was among the
honorable and substantial citizens of Allen county. He came to Ida
lin 1876, when this city was little more than a village, and engaged in the
bakery and confectionary business. His little store was located on the site
•of his new building and was one of the small and unpretentious structures
of the town. His pi'evious e.Kperience enabled him to bring the best of
business principles to the conduct of his affairs and he was soon seen to be
■the one merchant first to be ready to expand. He remained in business in
lola twenty-one years and, upon retirement, was succeeded by his son.
Charle}' Otten was born in Rhumeln, Rhine Province, Germany, in
1839. He was a son of Arnholdt Otten, a teacher, whose family had been
•connected with the same school which he taught for one hundred and five
-years. Arnholdt Otten's children were: Arnold Otten, the last teacher of
the family and of that place; Julius Otten, educated by the King, was in
the army all his life and died a general; Hugo Often, who is superintendent
■of the coal mines supplying coal to the Krupp Gun Works at Essen; Albert
Otten, assistant superintendent of above coal mines.
Charley Otten was frail and sickly when a youth. His father put him
into a hospital to cook on account of the light work. His education was
somewhat neglected but while in the hospital he formed a UDtion to become
a baker'. In February 1859 he was married to Louisa Windhoevinl, a
daughter of a court officer of the Kingdom, Arnold Windhoevinl. In 1S66
Mr. and Mrs. Otten came to the United States. They sailed on the "Ad-
miral" from Bremen to Baltimore and engaged in business in that city five
years. He located in Lockhaven, Pennsylvania, next, and at both points
the young people made money. However, misfortune overtook him and
be failed in the panic of 1873. In his last home Mr. Otten was held in
high regard. His social intercourse with his fellow townsmen was
556 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
mutually pleasant and he possessed their confidence in a high degree. Tl
was awkward, at times, for him to perform his part in a social or fraternal,
function, because of his broken speech, but he found much in them tO'
enjoy and appreciate and this fact, alone, pleased his friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Otten's children are: Joseph Otten, born in i860, Al-
vina Otten; John Often, widely known throughout Allen county; Lena;
Ludie Otten and George Otten.
Charley Otten was an Odd Fellow and a Workman. He died April-
5, 1900, amidst comfortable surroundings and after three years of retirement
at his country home.
WILLIAM H. LING, of Tola township, who resided in Kansas since
1881 and in Allen county since 1883, was born on Canadian soil
but of British parents. January 12, 1841, he was born near Charlottetown,
Prince Edward Islands, and died near lola, Kansas, February 19, 1901.
'His lather, George R. Ling, was a grain merchant who carried on his busi-
ness in St. Thomas, Ontario, to which point he migrated with his family
in 1848. He was born in England in 1812 and came to Prince Edward
Island at eleven years of age. He died near St. Thomas, Canada, in 1857.
Our subject's mother was Mary Taylor, now a resident of Ingham
county, Michigan. She was born in 1819 and is the mother of William H.
Ling, deceased; Mary A. Young, wife of William Young; Mary A. and her
next sister, Martha, are both deceased; Maria, who married William
Jacobs, resides in Lincoln, Nebraska; George R. Ling, of Ingham county,
Michigan; Eliza, deceased, married a Mr. Young; Robert A. Ling, of Los
Angeles, California; Frank Ling, a methodist minister, in Ingham county,.
Michigan; Adaline and Josephine, twins, reside in lugliani ctaiuty,
Michigan.
W. H. Ling reached manhood as a farm hand. He continued in this
vocation till his entry into the lumber woods soon after reaching his ma-
jority. At twenty-three years of age he came to the United States and was
married the next year at Howell, Michigan, to Mary J. Buckwell. The
couple started life in charge of a large farm in Livingston county, Michi-
gan. Two years of his married life were passed as farm superintendent
and concluding his service he went into north Michigan, bought a farm'
and began its operation and improvement. He seized an opportunity to-
engage in merchandising at Weberville, Michigan, and, in 1S73, lost his
all by fire. While casting about for some profitable employment, and at
the same time something to his liking, he did a little farming. He soon
succeeded in making a contract for furnishing large quantities of charcoal
wood and at this he recovered his losses rapidly. He came to Kansas and
invested in sheep and cattle in Montgomery county, and between Texas
fever and scab he lost much of his stock. In prospecting about for a new
location he was pleased with Allen countv and located in Ida. He turned
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 557
his attention to the hotel business and ran the old New York house about
nine months. He next purchased the Joslyn delivery business and con-
ducted it and carried the express for a year. The following five years he
was engaged in the ice and coal business. He then established the "Star
Lunch Room," the predecessor of the "Our Way," and for many years
found it a profitable enterprise. Upon disposing of it to the Wilhites he
exchanged his home in lola for one of the best eighties of land in Allen
county and took possession of it soon after.
Mr. Ling's first wife died in Michigan, Ingham county, in 1872, leav-
ing him two sons, Albert A. Ling, of lola, and Edward E. Ling. In 1882
Mr. Ling was married in Montgomery county, Kansas, to Nora McGuire,
who was reared by A. K. Miller, of Coffeyville, Kansas. She was born in
Marshall county, Indiana, in 1862 and is the mother of ten children, viz:
Lena, deceased; Lulu, Howard, Walter, Edna, Irvin, Aldo, William,
Helen and Jennie.
Mr. Ling cast his first presidential ballot for U. S. Grant in 1868. He
found it to his interest to remain a Republican and it was his disposition
to assert himself upon public questions whenever he was challenged. He
served in the Second ward of lola three terms in the City Council and
made an active member. He took sides with the proposition for city
ownership of the gas plant and supported it with all the energy he pos-
sessed. He was also a member of the school board in his district and was
in thorough accord with advanced notions of education.
T TENRY GIVLER had passed the eighty-third milestone on life's
^ -^ journey, before he passed away, and his last days were made happy
by the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to those of
advanced years whose career has been colored by good deeds and by honor-
able purpose. He was numbered among the pioneer settlers of this sec-
tion of the Sunflower State, and had not only been a witness of the growth
and progress of the county, but had aided in its advancement and sub-
stantial improvement.
Mr. Givler was born in Pennsylvania, on the first of vSeptember, 1817,
and was of German lineage. His grandfather was the founder of the family
in America and located in Pennsylvania at an early day. The father of
our subject was born in that State in 1775 and was a miller by trade. His
son Henry spent his boyhood days on the home farm, where he early
learned to plow and hoe, working in the fields from the time of early spring
planting until crops were harvested in the autumn. In early life he
learned the raachinists's, carpenter's and blacksmith's trades and followed
the latter until his removal to Illinois, in 1855. In that State he again
carried on both blacksmithing and farming, but thinking to benefit his
financial condition in a district still further west he came to Kansas in 1867,
taking up his residence in Elm township, Allen county. This region was
558 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
then wild and unimproved; there were few houses and an old log school
house was almost the only evidence of civilization in his immediate neigh-
borhood. With characteristic energj- he began the work of developing a
farm, and as the years passed his richly cultivated fields brought him in a
good financial return.
Mr. Givler was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Goodhart, who
belonged to an old Pennsylvania family, and two of her brothers and three of
her sisters are still living in Cumberland county. Six children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Givler, namely: Mrs. Lina Reilly, who resides with her
family on the old home place; Mrs. .Mary Faddis, of lola; Mrs. Anna
Morrison, of lola; Isaac, a resident of Carthage, Missouii; Y\' . F.. of Clay-
ton, Illinois; and Samuel, of Meade Center, Kansas.
Like the other members of the family Mr. Givler gave his political sup-
port to the Democratic party in early life, but at the time of the civil war
espoused the cause of the Republican party, which loyall}- stood by the
Union. Of recent ye.ars he had given his allegiance to the People's part\\
His first presidential vote was cast for Martin Van Buren in 1840. Since
the age of eighteen years Mr. Givler had been a consistent member of the
Lutheran church, and in his life exemplified his belief. The cause of
education ever found in him a warm friend and he aided in building
schools in Pennsylvania, Illinois ana Kansas. He never withheld his
support from any measure or movement which he believed would contribute
to the public good, and his was a well spent life, in many respects well
worthy of emulation. He looked back over the past without regret, and
forward to the future without fear. Mr. Givler died between 12 and i
o'clock January i, 1901.
TOHN A. SCANTLLV— For thirty years John A. Scantlin has been a
" resident of Allen county, and is now one of the prosperous farmers of
Cottage Grove township. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, on the
14th of August, 1844, his parents being Thomas and Delilah (Elliott)
Scantlin, the former a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, whence
he removed to Ohio when a young man. In the Buckeye State he was
married and for a number of years followed the miller's trade, but in later
life turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and died upon his farm in
iS;,9, at the age of fifty-nine years. His wife survived him until 1S70,
passing away at the age of fifty-seven.
John A. Scantlin is now the only surviving member of their family of
three children. No event of special importance occurred to vary the
routine of life for him in his youth. He assisted his father and pursued his
education in the public schools. When he had airived at man's estate he
was married, in February, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Reed, a native of Ohio, and
in the fall of 1S70 he came to Kansas, where he purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land in East Cottage Grove township. With character-
WDODSUN COUNTIES, KANSAS. 559
istic energy he began the development of his farm and as his financial
resources have increased, he has extended its boundaries until it now com-
prises three hundred and ninety-two acres of land. The place is highly
cultivated and is improved with modern accessories and conveniences
Not long after arriving in Allen county, Mr. Scantlin had the misfor-
tune to lose his wife, who died in 1876. They were parents of three chil-
dren, but only one is now living, Thomas, who is a resident of Neosho
county. For his second wife Mr. Scantlin chose Mrs. Saliua McCord,
widow of Andrew McCord, and a daughter of Nelson Gibson. They were
married on the 4th of March, 1882, Mrs. Scantlin was a native of Indiana,
and became a resident of Kansas about 1872. By her first marriage she
had two children, one of whom is living, Lillie, now the wife of Edgar
Kelley, who is living near Joplin, Missouri. There are also two children
by the second marriage: Clinton J. and Emma I^. , who are with their parents.
Mr. Scantlin votes with the Democratic party and keeps well informed
on the issues of the day. He has never sought office for himself, j'et is
always ready to assist a friend. He withholds his support from no measure
which he believes will prove of public good and is therefore a valued mem-
ber of the community.
\ A TTLLIAM W. HUFFMIRE was born in Fountain county, Indiana,
* " August 5, 1S59, and is of German lineage. His grandfather was
a native of Germany, became a sailor and spent many years upon the
ocean. His death occurred in Indiana. Samuel Huffmire, father of our
subject, was a native of New Jersey and during his boj^hood emigrated to
In.iiana with his parents. Upon a farm, amid the wild scenes of the fron-
tier, he was reared, and after he had arrived at years of maturity he married
Melissa Myers. When the country became involved in Civil war he
joined the Union army and died while in the service. His widow afterward
became the wife of John Lawson, and they had two children, Manson and
Nettie, the latter the wife of William Redenbaugh. Mrs. Lawson died in
1897. at the age of fifty-eight years.
Early in life William W. Huffmire was left without a father's care,
and since he was thirteen years of age he has made his own way in the
world. He went to live with John Bonebrake, a German farmer, who
treated him most kindly, and Mr. Huffmire remembers him with gratitude.
He was allowed the privilege of attending the common schools, and he
also pursued a commercial course, becoming an excellent penman. In
1879, when twenty years of age he arrived in Kansas, locating first in
Wilson county, where he was married to Miss Ella Sowers of the county in
which Mr. Huffmire was born. Her father is now living in Allen county.
The young couple began their domestic life upon a rented farm in Woodson
county, and after a year came to Allen county, where he purchased eighty
acres of land, on which he has since erected a good residence and barn,
5&0
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
adding all the other improvements of a model farm. The home has been
blessed bv the presence of five children, who are living, namelv: Charles
S., Edna'M., Alonzo E., Minnie G. and Telcy C. Allen C. died April 8,
189S, at the age of four years.
Mr. Huffmire has for one year served as township clerk, discharging
his duties with promptness and fidelit}', and in the fall of 1900 was nom-
inated on the Republican ticket for trustee. He belongs to the Modern
Woodmen of America, serving as clerk in Lcanna Camp. He certainly
deserves much credit for what he has accomplished for he started out in
life without capital save a pair of willing hands and a determination to
succeed. His success is attributable to his own efforts, and his accomplish-
ment is a matter worthy of congratulation.
EDWARD HITE; is one of the more recent arrivals in Allen county,
having taken up his abode upon a farm in Osage township in 1898.
He was born on the 20th of April, 1S68, in LaSalle county, Illinois. His
parents were James M. and Martha M. (Jones) Hite, the former a native of
Licking county, Ohio, and the latter of Vermont. The father was a farmer
by occupation and when a young man removed to the Prairie state, where
he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, the 28th of August,
1893, when he was sixty years of age. His widow still survives him, and
is yet living on the old homestead. They were the parents of ten children,
and nine are living.
Edward Hite, tlae third member of the family, remained with his
parents until twenty-eight years of age, and during that time received
practical training on the farm, while the public schools afforded him
mental discipline. He was almost twenty-nine j-ears of age, when in 1897,
he left Ilinois for Kansas and located on a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres situated a mile and a half northwest of Bayard. His father had pur-
chased the land a number of years before, but the "leaguers" had taken
possession of it and for a number of years the family were deprived of its
use, but ultimately obtained possession, and since 1898 Mr. Hite of this
review has resided upon the place. He erected a large barn and other
substantial buildings, fenced the land, set off feed lots, and made other im-
provements in addition to the cultivation of the fields. He also has the
place well stocked with good horses, cattle and hogs.
Soon after coming to Kansas in 1898 Mr. Hite was united in marriage
to Miss Jennie Gertrude Ellenwood, wdio was born in Washington county.
O'.'.io, and in 1878 came to Kansas with her parents, who are now living
in Huntsville, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Hite now have two interesting
lit'le children. Anniversary, born February 22, 1899, and Edwin Everetta,
born December 16, 1900. In politics Mr. Hite is a Democrat, but has
never sought office as a reward for party allegiance. In the three }-ears of
their residence here he and his wife have gained many warm friends and
now have a wide acquaintance.
TVOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 56 1
TOSEPH M. BOOE has passed the Psahnist's span of three score years
^ and ten, and at the age of sevent)--t\vo is still actively concerned in the
business affairs ot life. He was born in Fountain county, Indiana, on the
4th of October, 1S2S, and is a son of Jacob Booe. a native of North Caro-
lina, who when thirteen years of age accompanied his parents on their re-
moval to Kentuckv, where he remained until he had attained his majority.
He then went to Indiana and was there united in marriage to Miss Nancy
Henderson, also a native of North Caiolina. His remaining days were
spent m the Hoosier state, were he died at the ripe old age of seventy-
seven years, his wife passing away in 1832. They were the parents of six
children, but only two are now living, namely: Joseph M. and L. D.
Mr. Booe of this sketch was the eldest and was reared to farm life, as-
sisting in the work of field and meadow, while in the district schools near
his home he mastered the common branches of English learning. Farming
has been his life work, and has been profitably followed by him. In early
manhood he was married on the 19th of June, 1853, to Miss Amandy Ayls,
but after a short wedded life of three 3, ears she passed away, leaving two
children, the elder being Charles E. Booe, an eminent lawyer of Frankfort,
Kentucky, who has served on the bench as judge of the Frankfort circuit
court for eight years. Mrs Emily (Booe) Winslow, the younger, is now
living in Fountain county, Indiana. Mr. Booe was again married
March 12, 1857, his second union being with Rachel Wilson, with
whom he lived seven 3'ears. Four children were left to mourn her loss,
only one survives, McDonald Booe, who is living in Indianapolis. For
his third wife Mr. Booe chose Margaret Boman. His present wife bore the
maiden name of Lucy Hucheu. She was a native of Kentucky, and was
married in 1866. Five children blessed this union. Those surviving are
Francis Marion, M. M. , Warren, Elzady and L P. The daughter is now
the wife of Elzady Carey Cloud.
Mr. Booe has been a resident of Kansas since rSSi, in which year he
took up his abode in Cottage Grove township, on the south line of Allen
county. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in the two
counties of Allen and Neosho. His has been an active and useful life and
he is now in the possession of a comfortable competence and expects soon to
put aside business cares that he may enjoy the rest which he has truly
earned and richlv deserves.
'I 'HOMAS CATION, Jr., is one of the wide-awake and progressive
-•- farmers of East Cottage Grove township, and as he is widely known in
Allen county a record of his life cannot fail to prove of interest to many of
our readers. He was born in Peoria county, Illinois, April r8, 1863, and
is of Scotch descent. His father, Thomas Cation, Sr. , was born in the city
of Glasgow, Scotland, May 24, 1824, his parents being William and Mar-
garet (Paul) Cation, who were also natives of the land of hills and heather.
562 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
In 1843 they crossed the Atlantic to America, taking up their abode in
Illinois, where the grandfather of our subject died when seventy years of
age. His wife departed this life in Kansas, at the ripe old age of eighty.
Thomas Cation, Sr., was a weaver by trade, learning that business in
Glasgow, where he pursued his chosen occupation until he became a resi-
dent of America. He spent the first eighteen years of his life in the land of
his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their emigration to the
new world. From Illinois he removed to Kan.^as in 1S71, taking up his
abode in Allen county, where he now resides upcMi his fine farm of two
hundred and eight acres. He was married in Illinois to Miss Jeanuette
McClanet, who died on the nth of March, 1897, at the age of fifty-nine
years. They had eight children: Willie, Jeannette, John, Maggie, David,
Mary and Annie, being the wife of William Cation. Since coming to
America the father has four times visited his native country. He is now
s]iending the evening of his life in a very comfortable home which he has
gained through his own industry.
Thomas Cation, Jr., whose name introduces this record, was onl\'
seven years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to
Kansas. He therefore spent the greater part of his youth in Allen county,
and in the district schools he conned the lessons which made him familiar
with the common English branches of learning. From early boyhood he
assisted in the operation of the home farm and worked with his father until
he was twenty-one years of age, .giving him the benefit of his services, after
which his father paid him for his labor until he was twenty-five years of
age.
On the ist of February, 1S88, Mr. Cation led to the marriage altar
Miss Agnes Campbell, a resident of Cottage Grove townsliip, a native of
Scotland, whence she came to the United States with her parents, William
and Helen (Gray) Campbell. They crossed the ocean in 1868 and for six
years were residents of Chicago, her fatiier there following the carpenter's
trade. In 1874 he came with his family to Humboldt, Kansas, where he
was engaged in the furniture business with Mr. Utterson. After a year,
however, he returned to Chicago, although in a short time he again came
to Allen county, and purchased a farm in East Cottage Grove township,
erecting thereon a nice residence. Leaving his farm to the care of his
famil}- he engaged with a company to build elevators and followed that
business in many sections of the country. Subsequently, however, he re-
turned to the farm and has since devoted his energies to its operation.
Ur.to Mr. and Mrs. Campbell were born eight children, of whom six are
living, namely: Jessie: Martha Agnes; Nellie, wife of George Jordan of
Neosho. county; John, a resident of Kansas City; David; Nina, and Wilfird.
After his marriage Mr. Cation, of this review, rented a farm for he did
not have the means to purchase land. However, he possessed energy and
determination and with the assistance of his young wife he secured some
capital, so that a year after his marriage he was enabled to buy eighty acres
of land. This he has improved until he now has a very attractive farm, on
which he has erected a comfortable residence and commodious barn. A
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 563
fine maple grove surrounds his house and outbuildings, so thai his barn-
yard resembles a park more than a place in which stock is raised. He is
an energetic and progressive agriculturist and further success undoubtedly
awaits him.
Mr. and Mrs. Cation now have three bright boys, Archie, Robert and
Homer. He is a member of the camp of the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica at Leanna, and in politics is an earnest Republican, doing all in his
power to promote and insure the success of his party.
rOHN H. BEAHM, who is identified with the farming and stock raising
" interests of Allen county, was born in Page county, Virginia, October
14, 1854, his parents being David and Perraetta (Griffee) Beahm. The
father was born in Page county, and was a son of John Beahra, of
Holland. The mother, also a native of Virginia, was a daughter of John
Griffee, who was born in the Old Dominion, but his father came from
England, while his mother was of German lineage. In the year 1S67
David Beahm left his home in Virginia, where he had previously engaged
in farming, and started westward. After spending a year and a half in
Indiana he came to Kansas in 1870, locating in lola township, Allen
county, where he purchased the farm of Thomas Ogg. comprising eighty
acres of land on section two. There he made his home until his death.
In his family were seven children, namely: Mary, wife of Shan Naylor, of
Osawatomie, Kansas; Eliza A., wife of J. F. Gay, of Allen cotmtv; Julia,
wife of Wesley Fisher; Josie, deceased wife of Marion Preston; Andrew J.
L-, John H. and David M., all of Allen county.
John H. Beahm accompanied his parents on their removal to Indiana
and thence to Kansas, becoming a resident of this State when in his fif-
teenth year. During his early business career he at different times followed
broom making, faiming and stock raising, and now devotes his energies to
the last two. His land is under a high state of cultivation, yielding to him
a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon it, and
the stock which he raises is of good grade.
On the 2ist of August, 1878, was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Beahm and Miss Emma Gay, a daughter of J. N. Gay, who was born in
Georgia. Five children bless their union: Dora M., OUie, Clarence, Edna
and Ada. Mr. and Mrs. Beahm have many warm friends in the communi-
ty and enjoy the high regard of all with whom they have been brought in
contact. In politics he is a Populist but in no sense a politician.
T A 7ILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, ex-treasurer of Allen county, whose
^ ^ business engagements in these parts have spanned the period of
a third of a century, was born on a farm in Alleghany county, Pennsylvania,
564 HISTOKV OF ALLEX AND
February 26, 1S37. ^'•'^ father moved to Beaver county the next vear, and
fr(Mn the common schools of the county William entered Beaver Academy,
spending two years there and the succeeding year doing his first work as a
teacher in the public schools. He graduated from the Iron City Com-
mercial College, of Pittsburg, and filled the position of proof-reader and
liiailing clerk on the Presb\-terian Banner and Advocate for two years. In
tlii-; latter capacity he earned the funds which defrayed his expenses at the
Western Universit\' of Pennsylvania two years, at the conclusion of which
period he engaged in teaching school in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, following
it till the outbreak of the Rebellion.
In 1862 Mr. Cunningham enlisted in Batter\ G, Pennsylvania Artillery ,
served through the war and was discharged at Harrisburg in June, 1865.
On returning to civil pursuits he took up work where he left off — in the
Pittsburg public schools. In a few months he was elected principal of
what is now the 23rd ward school of that city and was in that position,
when failing health forced his retirement from the school room. Travel
seemed one thing which promised the restoration of his health and he
secured the general agency for the publishing house of Sheldon & Company,
ol New York, with headquarters at St. Louis, Missouri. He passed the
two years following in the business, traveling over Missouri and Kansas,
introducing their school books into the public schools, and while at
Sedalia, Missouri, met a very engaging schoolma'm who afterward became
his wife.
February 15; 1 87 1 , our subject came to Allen county and stopped in
Humboldt. The general bustle of business and the apparent thrift of the
little city attracted him and' he was at once possessed of serious intention of
locating there. He made the acquaintance of Colonel S. H. Stevens then
in the lumber business and at nOpn of the same day was installed as the
latter's chief clerk and salesman. He remained in this business two years
and, upon retiring went to the new county seat of Woodson county, Kalida,
and engaged in mercantile pursuits. Grasshoppers destroyed not only the
crops of the seasoh following but destro3'ed Mr. Cunningham's prospects,
as well, and he traded his goods for cattle and that winter spent his time
profitably by teaching a country school in Woodson count}'. The follow-
ing spring he became a full-fledged farmer and remained such until the
new Citizens Lumber Company, of Humboldt, chose him to manage their
yard there. When this company was absorbed by S. A. Brown in after
years the subject hereof engaged in the grocery business in Humboldt,
cor.tinuing it eight years, or until his election as County Treasurer.
• Mr. Cunningham has ever and always been noted for his intense
Republicanism. His interest in things political began almost with his
residence in Kansas and for many years he has been recognized as one of
tli; active, honorable and judicious counselors of his party in local affairs.
He was nominated for Treasurer of the county in 1887 and in November of
that year he was elected by a large majority-. He was elected two ^-ears
later by a larger majority than before. His popularity as a public official
grew with his service and his efficiency as such is unsurpassed. On leav-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 565
ung the county seat in 1896 he returned to Humboldt and was identified
■with the Bank of Humboldt in a clerical capacity. December 3rd of that
5-ear he opened a lumber j-ard in Humboldt as the successor of J. P. John-
son and Leidigh & Huston. The firm of Mi. Cunningham and son is one of
the prominent enterprises of the city.
In April, 1S71, Mr. Cunningham was maiTied to Miss Etta A. Phelps
of Windsor, Mi.ssouri. Their onl>' child is Arthur W. Cunningham, who
was married Maj' i, 1901, to Mary I. Blackman.
,/^^HARLES L. DOWNS, who is engaged in farming in Cottage Grove
^^ township, was born in Champaign county, Illinois, on the 22ud of
November, 1863, and is the second child of Samuel E. and Martha Downs,
who in the fall of 1865 left their home in Illinois, and came to Kansas.
Their son Charles has therefore been a resident of this State throughout
almost his entire life. He was reared upon his father's farm in Cottage
Grove township, and acquired his education in the stone school house in
West Cottage Grove. To his father he gave the benefit of his'services until
he had attained his majority and then started out in life for himself, having
no capital save a pair of willing hands.
As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Downs chose Miss
Rosa Lynch, an accomplished young lady of Allen county, their marriage
being celebrated on the 5th of October, 1885. She was born in Illinois and
came to Kansas when a maiden of seven years, in company with her
parents, William and Sarah Jane (Zink) Lynch, the former a native of
Kentucky and the latter of Illinois. The mother died in 1874 when Mrs.
Downs was very young. The following year the father located in Allen
■county, Kansas, and afterward married Mrs. Elizabeth Noyes. His death
occurred in Kansas, in 1S97, when he was sixty-three years of age.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Downs have been born three children: Ethel, Hazel
and Velma.
After his marriage Mr. Downs rented a farm in Allen county, and after-
ward moved to Neosho county where he continued to operate leased land
for a number of years. With the capital he had acquired through his
ceaseless efforts and the assistance of his estimable wife he purchased a
farm of eighty acres in Cottage Grove township about seven miles south-
east of Humboldt, removing to that place in the spring of 1899. He has
a valuable little farm, on which is a good orchard, while native forest trees
surround his home and add to the attractive appearance of the place. He
has built a good barn and everything upon the farm indicates the careful
supervision of a thrifty and progressive owner. He has acquired through
his own efforts all that he now possesses and in the years to come
he will probably be numbered among the most substantial citizens of
Allen county.
566 HISTORY OF ALLE?r AND
CHARLES SCHAFFNER.— Progress is the result of the efforts of in-
dividual men. Its aiders and abettors are the guiding spirits in every
cauimunity and its destiiw is the glorious triumph of mankind over the-
perplexities and problems of the human race. In these triumphs all races-
and nations will participate and whether in their native heath or in theii
adopted countrj' each particulai and individual actor will receive some
credit for his sacrifice. Chief among our progressive and prosperous peo-
ple of foreign birth are the Germans. Almost wherever you find an Ameri-
can there you will find a German, also. In the early settlement of Kansas
was this fact specially true. Humboldt, one of the oldest places in the-
state, had its German settler as soon as it had its American settler. Not-
withstanding their new surroundings they entered as heartily and as intel-
ligently into the making of an honorable community, on the American
plan, a& did those who never knew another country. In the past forty
years many of the Kaiser's subjects have resided in Allen county. Some
iiave gained more prominence than others but all, .save a few, have done
socially and financially well. Among these, and of the more recent set-
tlers, is the subject of this brief mention, Charks Schafiner. He nteds no-
personal introduction to the leading citizenship of Allen county for he has
gone in and out among them for more than a score of years and they know
him to respect and admire him. In his immediate vicinity he is especially
esteemed. His character has been a subject of much public scrutiny for
more than a generation, in Humboldt, and its elements are discovered to be
of the higher sort. To no man can it be said that he has proven false and
his reputation for regarding and maintaining his sacred word is of the highest
order. To him his credit and his good name are his fortune and his ma-
terial accumulations are not the result ol any shady transactions.
Charley Schaffner was born in Buchheim, by Freiburg, in the Grand
Duchy of Baden, Empire of Germany. His birth occurred December 26,
1S44, and he is a son of Daniel Schaffner. a linen weaver. The latter was
born in the same house as his son, Charles, in the year 1809 and was mar-
ried to Ragina Fischei in 1835. He spent bis entire life in Buchheim,
dying in 1894. His wife died at the age of seventy-four. Of their five
children our subject is the third. The other sons are Joseph, Henry and
John. Henry and John and a sister remain in Germany while Joseph
came to the United States in 1870 and resides now in Freemansburg^
Pennsylvania.
Charley Schaffner secured what, in this country, would constitute a
good common school education, with private lessons in French. Upon
coming of age he determined to seek his fortune in America. He had
some knowledge of the opportunities for young men in this new and enter-
prising country and it was in this far away country that he saw his future
spread out before him. He sailed for New York in 1866 and was landed in
the great American metropolis with only a single dollar; and this a ship-
robber had failed to get. To become a barber seemed the best opening for
him so he learned the trade and worked In the city till 1874. This latter
TSOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 567
year he went westward to Copley, PeniiS3'lvaiiia, where he pursued his
'trade till his removal to Humboldt five years later.
In Humboldt IMr. Schaffner has been a busy man. His was the lead-
ing shop in the city for twelve years and when he retired from the business
it was with a consciousness that he had acquired a competency which, if
econoraicallj' administered, and occasionally supplemented, would endure
and sustain till his race was run. To further engage his time and talents he
took up the insurance, loan and real estate business. In this work he has
succeeded scarcely less conspicuously than at his trade. His office is the
mecca toward which those having conveyancing or insuring to do direct
their steps
Our subject was first married February 22, 1869,10 Wolpurka Sch-
lenk. Two of their three children survive, namely, Emma K., wife of
John W. Tholen, of Humboldt, was born May 15, 1870, and Charles H.,
born at Copley, Pennsylvania, October 7, 1871, is a resident of Central
City, Colorado. September 27, 1887, Mrs Schaffner died. Two years
later Mr. Schaffner was married in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to Mary
Vogt, a lady of the town ot Buchheim, Baden.
When it is said that Charley Schaffner never profited by any legacy
of his ancestors it will be seen that he has been the architect of his own
■fortunes. His material achievements have been ample for his personal
needs and when all his business and social relations have been considered
and his life work has been summed up it can not be truthfully said that an
element of failure entered into it. He is prominent in local Odd Fellow-
ship and in Woodcraft and his connection with the politics of Allen counts-
has not been the least important of his acts. He became a Democrat from
his observation of the conduct of the affairs of government and affiliated
with that party till the reform movement which swept Kansas in 1890
when he joined hands with it. He was the nominee for County Treasurer
in 1899 and has served upon different political committees of his parly
man}- years.
TDETER HOKANSON was born in Sweden on the 17th of December,
-'- 1832, and spent the first twenty years of his life in the land of his
bii-th. Believing that he might better his financial condition in the new
world he accordingly sailed for America in 1852, locating first at Gales-
burg, Illinois. In the vicinity of that city he worked as a farm hand until
after the breaking out of the Civil war, when the spirit of patriotism being
aroused in him, he enlisted in Company E, of the Eighth Regiment of
Illinois Infantry. He served for one year, and during that time partici-
pated in the battles of Fort Spanish, Fort Blakely and several others of im-
portance. Being overcome by the heat at Mobile, Alabama, and thus
rendered unfit for further service he received an honorably discharge in
1865.
Mr. Hokanson at once returned to his home in Illinois, and again
56S HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
worked as a farm hand for three years. In 1S70 he came to Kansas and'
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on the south line of Alleiv
county in Cottage Grove township, where he has since carried forward the
work of development and improvement until he now has a very valuable
property. On it is located a good residence and one of the best barns in-
the county. He also keeps on hand such amount of stock as he can raise
to advantage on his farm and everything about the place is in good,
condition.
Mr. Hokanson was married in Illinois in 1865 to Miss Johanna Olson,
who died April 24, i88z, leaving three children; Albert, Charles and
Hanna, the last named being now the wife of Benjamin Johnson. Mr.
Hokanson has been a Republican since casting his first presidential vote for
Abraham Lincoln. He came to this country in limited circumstances, but
his hope of improving his condition has been more than realized. He
found the opportunity he sought and his energy and careful management
have brought to him a comfortable competence.
'Y^HOMAS I. KITZMILLER, of Bronson, son of the pioneer, Morgan-
-'- B. Kitzmiller, who settled upon section 20, township 25, range 21,
now Marmaton township, was born August 22, 1856, in what is now Grant
county, West Virginia. His father was born in "the old state," was a son
of John Kitzmiller and a descendant of Pennsylvania German stock. Mary
J. Bartlett, whom Morgan B. Kitzmiller married, was born in Cumberland,
Maryland, in 1823.
The Kitzmiller family left Grant county. West Virginia, in 1864 andl
located in McLean count}'. Illinois. They came on west to Kansas irr
1S67 and entered their land in Allen county. Here the father died in
1878. The large family ot children was reared to habits of industry and
have done their part, in an humble vvay, in the development of our county.
In the order of their ages the children are: Frances, wife of William Al-
lenbaugh, on the Sac and Fox agency, Oklahoma; Charles H. Kitzmiller,
of Junction City, Kansas; James Kitzmiller, of Chicago. Illinois; Thomas;
Ella, wife of William Hildreth, of Pittsburg, Kansas; William Kitzmiller,
of English, Indiana; Carrie, of Ciaro, Illinois, widow of A. D. Eaton; Ross
and Nettie, twins, the former of Bourbon county, Kansas, and the latter,
widow of A. D. Showalter.
Thomas Kitzmiller was a farmer from youth till 1880. September 16,
of this year he enlisted in the regular army in Company K, Nineteenth In-
fantry, stationed in the Indian Territory. He did most of his soldiering
in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico and was stationed at different times in
Forts Sam Houston, Brown, Duncan, Clark and Gibson, and during the
Geronimo trouble he aided in the rounding-up of that Indian chief. He
re-enlisted at the expiration of his first five years' term and. May 16, 1890,
he was sent to Fort Porter, Buffalo, New York, where he was discharged
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 569
July :^, of that year. For the next nine years Mr. Kitzniiller remained
with the old home in Allen county. ^
In iSgg Mr. Kitzmiller made a trip to Alaska. He sailed on the
steamer 'Alki" for Skagway and tramped it to Chilcoot Pass. There his
heart failed him. All was bleak and cold and desolation. Suffering was
all about and nothing visible to urge him on. He returned to the states
during the late spring and stopped at Puget Sound. While looking about
the Sound he went salmon fishing and encountered a hurricane. The boat
was wrecked and he reached another; it went down and he boarded a third
and was finally rescued. In this experience he sacrificed all his personal
possessions, including $293 in cash. In October of the same year he
reached Kansas again, a somewhat wiser, but a poorer man.
The Kitzraillers of this branch have only one word to express their
political leanings — Republican. The father was a charter member of the
party and his sons have maintained the family tradition.
TACOB GOODNER whose residence in Allen county has been pro-
" ductive of much material prosperity to himself and whose location
upon the old Perkins tract in lola is a matter of general information to the
old settlers of the city dates his residence in the county from the year 1880.
He succeeded W. J. Ihrig in the ownership of his farm on Elm creek and
has continued the occupation of his fathers to this day. Mr. Goodner emi-
grated from Saint Cloud, Minnesota, to Kansas but settled in the noith in
1861 as an emigrant from Vermillion county, Illinois. He was born in
Switzerland county, Indiana, August 30, 1832. His father. Michael Good-
ner, was a farmer and one of the pioneers to that wonderful foreign com-
munity in southern Indiana. The latter was born in Kentucky in 1S08
and died in Stearns county, Minnesota, September 29, 1S89. He settled in
Minnesota in 1S62 and was a quiet and unobtrusive farmer whose ambition
was to do right and rear his family to respectability. His \yife, nee Cath-
erine Connor, died in Vermillion county, Illinois. Their children were:
Daniel, Deceased; Jackson, of Stearns county, Minnesota, and David Good-
ner, of the same point; Margaret, wife of Eli Hoskins, of Stearns county;
Henry Goodner, of Edgar county, Illinois; Nancy, wife of Henry Casert, of
Oregon, and Jacob Goodner.
Jacob Goodner went into Vermillion county, Illinois, in infancy with
his parents. He learned to do the work of the farm effectually and suc-
cessfully. Although his family is one of the ancient ones in the United
States it came out of Germany and settled along the Atlantic coast and
came to Kentucky through North Carolina. This fact of sturdy origin
gives our subject a title to special trfits of industry and it is these qualities
which have in a measure marked him through life.
Mr. Goodner was married in Vermillion county, Illinois, to Maria
Clark. She died in lola in 1885, without issue. In 18S7 Mr. Goodner
570 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
unrried Catherine, a daughter of Sainnel Bloom. The children of this
marriage are: Clarence, Fern, Fayette, Elmer and Lillie Goodner.
Mr. Goodner became a Republican in 1856 and a Populist in 1S92.
He sold the site of the Michigan Portland Ceuient Company to that com-
pmy in 1899 and has been benefitted in other ways by the discovery of gas
at lola.
"\ A TTLLIAM A. COWAN, one of the best known of Ida business
^ ^ men, was born at White Post, Indiana, December g, 1842. Ma}'
10, i860, in company with his father and other members of the family, he
started for Kansas, arriving in lola June 22. After a month of prospecting
he decided to remain permanently in lola and this has ever since been his
home.
F'or the first few years of his residence in lola Mr. Cowan worked at
odd jobs and as mail carrier, in the meantime serving an apprenticeship at
cabinet making with Joseph Culbertson. In 1869 he entered the store of
Ridenour & Baker, then the principal mercantile establishment of the town,
and served with them for four years. Having accumulated a small capital,
in 1873 he entered into partnership with W. H Richards in the grocery
business. The firm prospered and when, six years later, Mr. Cowan with-
drew from it he had sufficient capital to warrant him in erecting a com-
modious store building on the west side of the square, in which he placed a
stock of groceries, soon afterwards adding also a stock of drugs. A few
years later he sold his interest in this store to his brother, S. J. Cowan, in
order to assume an official position in the lola Carriage Works Company, in
which he was a large stock holder. When this company quit business Mr.
Cowan took charge of the drug department of Cowan & Ausherman's store
and also assumed the agency of the Pacific Express Company, both which
positions he continues to fill.
During the lyos Mr. Cowan studied law for the mental training, but
never practiced the profession. He filled the office of township clerk and
school district clerk for many years, served one term on the city council,
three consecutive years as mayor of the city and later five years as city
clerk. Physically Mr. Cowan is of slender figure, weighing but one hun-
dred and twenty-five pounds, and of rather frail appearnance, and yet he
has reached his fifty-ninth year without having spent a day in bed, or even
so much as lost a single meal from sickness during his whole life. After
m.iking this statement it does not need to be added that Mr. Cowan's per-
s.iiial habits are irreproachable. From his boyhood he has so conducted
himself as to win the respect and the entire confidence of all with whom he
has had business or social relations. As his official record shows, he has
enjoyed the esteem as well as the confidence of his neighbors, having won
b )th by a consistently upright life. Ever since he became a citizen of lola
he has labored unselfishly for the upbuilding of the town, and has con-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS 57 I
tributed liberally in money and in time toward this object. Still in the
piime of life, he enjoys the high regard of his fellow townsmen and is a
large factor in the business life of the ci y.
Inquiry into the family history Oj W. A. Cowan reveals the fact that
about the year 1790 two Cowan brothers came from Scotland, one locating
in North Carolina and the other in Virginia. The Virginia brother had
one son, Robert Cowan, a Colonel in the Virginia military organization.
A son of this Colonel Cowan served in the War of [812, appearing on the
lolls as Elision W. A. Cowan. Ensign Cowan married Miss Bathsheba
McBride. Their only son. John M. Cowan, was the father of W. A.
Cowan, the subject of this sketch. John M. Cowan was born April 12,
1810, at Roraney, Virginia. He learned the tiade of a tanner and worked
at it until he removed to Monticello, Indiana, in 1835. In 1836 he mar-
ried Eliza A. Rifenberrick, a daughter of Dr. Samuel Rifenberrick, oi Mon-
ticello, and soon afterwards removed to Pulaski county. Indiana, where he
was appointed post-master of a country office called White Post. He held
several local offices and was a member of the legislature in the 50s, serving
in that body while Schuyler Colfax served in the con.stitntional convention,
then in session, the friendship then formed between the two proving to be
of life \<n\g duration. After coming to Kansas, as above related, Mr.
Cowan was forseveral years engaged in the grocery and drug business, his
last regular employment being that of mail carrier. His wife died in 1886,
and he survived her but a few months, passing away July 3, 1887. Eleven
children were born to them of whom the following survive: Mary B., wife
of Benjamin F. Pancoast; Maria L., widow of B. Brewster; W. A.; Samuel
J.; Ella F., and Emma C, wife of E. T. Barber.
W. A. Cowan was married April i6, 1868, to Lizzie A. Fulwider, and
to them have been born two sons, Chester E- , of Denver, Colorado, and
Oscar L., of lola.
'X AT ABU M. ADAMS is now accounted one of the substantial farmers
" of Cottage Grove tovimship, and the secret of his success lies in
the fact that his career has been one of marked industry. He was born in
Madison county, Kentucky, on the 30th of June, 1847, and was reared on a
farm. His parents, John S. an& Lamina (Walker) Adams, were also
natives of Kentucky, and there spent their entire lives, the father followiag
the occupation of farming in pursuit of fortune. He passed away at the
age of sixty-five while his wife was called to her final rest at the age of
sixty. They had seven children, of whom three are living, Mrs.
Eliza Ramsay and Mrs. Lucy Armstrong being residents of Madison county,
Kentucky.
Wade M. Adams, their only surviving brother, was a school boy in
that countv about the middle of the nineteenth century, pursuing his
education in the common schools near his home. He lived with his parents
572 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
until twenty-three years of age, and then started out in life for himself,
securing as a companion and helpmate on life's journe}' one of the young
ladies of Madison county, Miss Theodosia Cornelison, a daughter of James
and Susan Jane (Boogs) Cornelison, who were natives of the Blue Grass
State, as was their daughter. The marriage occurred October 3, 1872, and
thinking" to improve their financial condition in a western district they
removed to Lafayette county, Missouri, in 1879, where Mr. Adams operated
rented lands tor six years. In the spring of 18S6 he came with his family
t.) Allen county, Kansas, and took up his abode in Cottage Grove township,
five miles south of Humboldt, where he again leased a tract of land and
continued renting lor eleven years. During that period he added to his
capital from time to time until he had accumulated a sum sufficient to
purchase one hundred and sixty acres of fine land, constituting one of the
best farms in Cottage Grove township. He took up his abode thereon and
has since made it his home. The succeeding years have been a prosperous
period to him, and he is now in possession of a handsome competence
sufficient for a rainy day and for the needs of old age.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Adams have been born ten children and with the
exception of May, who died in 1894, at the age of twenty-one years, all are
yet living, namely: J. K., at home; Anna, wife of Fred Houser, of Kansas
City, Missouri; Thomas, Ed, James, Wade, William, Claude and Dora,
who are still with their parents. The family are widel\ and favorablv
known in Cottage Grove township and Allen countv and have many warm
friends througliout this poition of the State. Mr. Adams' prosperity is the
merited reward of his labor and his life illustrates most forcibly the power
of industry and honesty in a business career.
VA. SNEERINGER, of Humboldt, early settler and respected citizen,
was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, September 2nd, 1837.
Joseph Sneeringer, his father, was born in the same county. His mother,
Margaret O'Bold, was born in that State. Joseph Sneeringer was well
known in the milling business of the Keystone State for he owned and
operated several grist mills, and that most successfully. He was also a
farmer. His family was a large one, there being fourteen children in all,
his son, V. A., being the thirteenth child and one of four surviving.
The Sneeringers are of Swiss stock. Joseph Sneeringer Sr. , our
su'iject's grandfather, emigrated to America in 1777 and the stone house he
erected in Adams county, Pennsylvania, that year still stands, in perfect
order, and is occupied by some of his descendants. The old Swiss patri-
arch died in 1S54 at ninety years of age. His son, our subject's father, was
born in 1787 and died in 1871. The latter's father-in-law was Mr. O'Bold,
an Irishman. Mr. O'Bold left Ireland about 1795 and took up his resi-
dence in Adams county, Pennsylvania, where he died full of years.
V. A. Sneeringer remained on the family homestead till he was thirty
years of age when he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He was located in
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 573
the track of the Rebel army when it invaded Pennsylvania and was called
out in tiie defense of Gettysburg. He belonged to the State militia
and to )k an active part in the battle that occurred about that city.
His property, in goods and wares, 'was largely stolen and carried away
by the enemy and its value has never yet been recovered by the government.
After the war Mr. Sneeringer secured a stock of dry goods and came
to Kansas, but before his goods arrived he sold them to the well-remem-
bered T. K. P'oster and hired to the latter as a clerk at a large salary.
Succeeding his employment with Foster he went into the store of Hysinger
& Rosenthal in the same capacity and remained several years. His pleas-
ant address and obliging disposition made it an easy matter for Mr. Sneer-
inger to procure a position with the leading houses of the city.
For some years after his retirernent from the counter Mr. Sneeringer
was engaged in dealing in and handling real estate and, more recently, in
looking after his own interests in this line.
Mr. Sneeringer was married in Kansas in 1871 to Miss Harriet Robin-
son. An only child, a daughter, Minnie, resulted from this marriage.
The latter passed through the Humboldt schools and graduated in the
Concordia College. She is an orator of much ability and possessing rare
gifts as an elocutionist. She made a few speeches in Kansas for Grover
Cleveland in 1892 and did so well that she was sent to Ohio by the national
committee where she toured the State and did telling work for Democracy.
In the campaign of i8g6 she repeated her tour of Kansas and Ohio in the
interest of Mr. Bryan and in 1900 many letters came to her entreating
her to return to Ohio and even to enter Pennsylvania in a speech-making
tour for Bryan and Stevenson.
"^ AT" ILLIAM R. SMITH — Among the substantial and public-spirited
' ^ farmers of Marmaton township is William R. Smith, of Bronson.
He settled near the east line of Allen count>-, on the southeast quarter of
section 33, township 24, range 21, purchasing the right of John Meeks to
the land. He moved his bachelor quarters into the little box cabin, 14x16,
and lived alone the first year. All these primitive improvements have
given way to substantial and modern ones and our subject is today the owner
of one of the attractive farms on the Bronson and Moran road.
Mr. Smith came to Kansas from Cass county, Missouri, but is a native
of Caledonia, Ohio. He was born December 13, 1855, and is a son of
Noah Smith residing near the place of our subject's birth. Noah Smith
went from Maryland out to Ohio in an early day. Farming has been his
theme and practice and he has remained a citizen where he first rolled a
log or plowed a furrow. He was born in Maryland in 1829, and was
married to Jemimah Richey who died in 1894. Their children were:
William R.; Emma, wife of E. Gaddis, of Caledonia. Ohio; Miss Mary Smith
of the old home and Corwin Smith, of Ft. Scott, Kansas.
William R. Smith left home soon after he came of age. As a youth
574 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
and young man he followed farming, making brick and painting. He ac-
cumulated a small amount of money at various honorable pursuits and
came west, by the advice of Horace Greeley, as it were. Without the
funds to provide lura a team he sold off the right-of-way to the Missouri
Pacific railway across his land and with the proceeds purchased a team
with which to break and begin the cultivation of his farm. In April, iSSo,
he was married to Eva Garber, whose father, Abram Garber, came to Allen
county, in 1878 from Illinois. Her mother died in 1882.
Mr. Smith is a Republican. His ancestors espoused the same faith.
He takes no special interest in active politics and when he has cast his
ballot he has performed his whole duty to the State.
TAMES TOWNSEND— Among the well known citizens of Allen county
" there stands out conspicuously that early settler, that thrifty farmer, that
splendid citizen and gentleman, James Townsend. For more than
thirty years he has gone about his duties of field and pa.sture amongst the
people of his county winning a prominent position among her substantial
men and commanding an enviable station in the respect and confidence of
his fellow citizens.
James Townsend was born in Johnson county, Indiana, February 7,
1835. He is a son of a successful farmer and early settler of that county,
Major Townsend, who emigrated from Kentucky to Indiana in 1820 and,
in 1828 settled in Johnson county. Major Townsend was born in Mary-
land in 1796 and died in Indiana in 1846. Joshua and Sarah (Merrel)
Townsend were his parents. Their other children were; William, Nancy,
wife of James Reed; Joseph, married Miss Barnett; Charlotte, bet-ame the
wife of William Hamilton; John, married Mary Wilson; Ann, wife of David
Wear; Mildred; Joshua; Sarah, who became Mrs. Harrison Besb; Mary Ann,
Mrs. William Bess and Leah, who married Thomas Pucket.
Joshua Townsend migrated to Kentucky near the beginning of the
19th century and, later, brought his family into Indiana and died in Clark
county, that State, about 1821. H2 was a slave owner in Kentucky
and was one of the strong exponents and earnest advocates of the Demo-
cratic faith.
Major Townsend, as a citizen, was much the man his father was. He
permitted no man to challenge his Democracy but in the exciting days of
Nullification and of the fiery congressional debates he saw troubles ahead
for his party. He prophesied that the Calhoun wing of Democracy would
cause a split in the party and that families would be divided, brothers
against each other and father against son. How true the prediction was
history will reveal. Major Townsend married Phebe Biggs, a grand-
daughter of an Irishman and patriot soldier of the American Revolution.
The Biggs family is one of the original families of the United States.
Its history starts with that of our country and begins with Robert Biggs, the
ytt^^ / (? a CD
^vOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
575
Patriot. He was born in Erin's Isle and married Jane Miller, a Scotch
lady. Their children were: John, who married Marj' Jane Collins; Robert,
Andrew, married Miss Criss and Nancy, Nicholas Criss: Joseph; Hannah,
wife of Robert Carnes; Sa;iuiel; Mary, Thompson; Abner, married Miss
Miller, and Elizabeth and Jane married Henry and William Criss,
respectively.
John Biggs was our subject's grandfather. He was in the United
States .service at Jeffersonville, Indiana, in 1812, at the time of the historic
Indian massacre of the Pigeon Roost. In this massacre many of our
•subject's ancestors were victims, both on the Biggs and Collins side, and a
brief notice with reference to it will not be uninteresting. The place then
known as the Pigeon Roost was in Clark county, Indiana, and the settlers
were widely sepaiated and within easy reach of the Red Man. In 1812
the lattei fell upon this settlement and murdered William E. Collins' Tvife
and many of his children. Mr. Collins was an Indian fighter and in this
attack he killed three before his gun was disabled and then made his
escape to the stockade. John Collins, Sichie Richie, Lydia Collins and
Jane Biggs, by hiding, escaped death in the massacre; Jane Biggs traveled
barefoot through the wood, all night, with her four children: Miller, Phebe,
William and Robert and reached the fort the next morning, seven miles
away. Her husband was in the regular army and she was compelled to
find shelter and protection for their family.
The counties of Clark, Harrison, Jefferson and Knox, in southern
Indiana, lived in a state of alarm during the years preceding the close of
the war of 18 12 and Zebulon Collins, a pioneer of Scott county, describing
those days of peril said: "The manner in which I used to work in those
days was as follows: On all occasions I carried my rifle, tomahawk and
butcher-knife, with a loaded pistol in my belt. When I went to plow I laid
my gun on the plowed ground and stuck a stick by it for a mark so that I
could get it quickly in case it was wanted. I had two good dogs. I took
one into the house, leaving the oiher out. The one outside was expected
to give the alarm which would cause the one inside to bark and awaken
me. I kept my horses in a stable close to the house, having a porthole so
that I could shoot to the stable door. During two years I never went from
home with any certainty of returning, but in the midst of all these dangers
God, who never sleeps nor slumbers, has kept me."
The Pigeon Roost massacre was the most noted one in Indiana, and
was one that, for many years, was recalled with fear and horror. It oc-
curred in the present limits of Clark county in a place called "the Pigeon
Roost Settlement," the gathering place for myriads of passenger pigeons.
This settlement, which was founded by a few families in 1809, was confined
to about a square mile of land, and it was separated from all other settlements
by a distance of five or six miles.
In the afternoon of the 3id of September 1812, Jeremiah Payne and
a Mr. Coffman, hunting for bee trees two miles north of the Pigeon settle-
ment, were surprised and killed by a party of Indians. This party,
which consisted of ten or twelve warriors, nearlv all of whom were
576 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
SliHwuees, attacked the settlement about sunset of the same day and, in an
hour, killed one man, five women and sixteen children, some of their bodies
being consumed in the fires which laid low their cabins.
The persons massacred in this settlement were Henry Collins anil
wife, the wife of Jeremiah Payne and eight of her children, Mrs. Richard
Collins and seven of her children, Mrs. John Morris and child and the
mother of John Morris. Mrs. Jane Biggs escaped with her children as
before stated and reached the home of her brother, Zebulon Collins,
in safety.
William Collins at seventy years of age, defended his house for three-
quarters of an hour against the Indians. In this defense he was assisted
by Captain John Morris. As soon as darkness came on the two escaped
u-ith the two children in the house, John and Lydia Collins, eluded their
pursuers and reached the home of Zebulon Collins. The Indians engaged
in the massacre escaped the militia of the county and the victims of the
massacre were buried in one grave.
The Collins' were of German origin, William E. Collins, our subject's
great grandfather, was a son of foreign parents. They seem to have settled
in Pennsylvania and there he married Phebe Hoagland. Their children
were: Richard, married, .second, Nancv Collins; Cams, married Katy
Cooptr; Zebulon, married Mary Gearnsy; Henry, married Miss Houghnian;
John, married Jane Brodie; Elizabeth, wife of Abe Richie: Sichie, married
John Richie; Lydia, wife of Harper Cochran, and Mary Jane, wife of the
soldier, John Biggs.
The family of John and Jane Biggs are: Miller, who married Sallie
McConnell; Phebe, wife of Major Townsend; William, who married Nancy
McConnell; Robert, whose wife was Frances Dewey; Harrison, married
Mary Patterson; Henry, our subject's father-in-law, married Sarah Bess;
John, wile of John Hay, and Elizabeth, whose husband was Thomas
McDonald.
Major Townsend's children are: Sarah J., in Johnson county, Indiana;
Harvey; Lavina, deceased, married Lawrence Low; James, the subject of
this notice; Harvey, who died in Indiana, leaving a family in Johnson
county; Merrill and Alonzo Townsend, both deceased.
James Townsend was sparingly educated in the log cabin of his time.
This necessitated a long and lonely tramp through the dense wood and
getting an education was a trying ordeal then. He married at nineteen
years of age and moved into a new neighborhood, clearing up a new farm to
begin the battle of life. He possessed a horse and a suit of clothes and,
with this as his capital in sight, he became the head of a household. He
worked the first year of his married life at $14.00 a month. Next he
became a renter and, as he accumulated he stored away for the farm he
finally bought. In 1854-5 his taxes were $10.00 and in 1866 his taxes were
$166.60. With his growing family he began to feel crowded in Indiana
and he determined to seek a broader field of operations in Kansas. He
came to this State first in 1865 and made a prospecting tour of the southeast
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 577
part of the State, finally deciding to locate in Allen connty. He purchased
what is still his home place and, in iS68, brought his family hither.
In the years that Mr. Townsend has been a Kansan he has met fortune
and misfortune, and fortune again. Security signing cost him all but his
spirit and energy. He was given an opportunity to recover his losses and
he made the most of it. He has paid interest enough in Kansas to buy a
ranch and he is 3'et far ahead of his creditors. He owns nearly a section of
the best land Allen county possesses and, in 1899, left the homestead to
rest in retirement in lola.
Mr. Townsend was first mariied to Sarah Branigan, in Indiana. Their
children were; John M., who died in 1887 and left a son, Edward; Thomas
J., Lawrence; Ira; Lavina, wife of Martin Cahalen, of Johnson county,
Ind.; Abe L. ; Mary, wife of Frank Cox, of Indiana, and George W. Town-
send. For his second wife Mr. Townsend married Sarah A., a daughter of
the late Henry Biggs. Their children are: Emma, wife of Fred Cramer,
and Ella, deceased, married William Heese. She left one child, Henry
Roscoe Heese, living in Allen county.
James Townsend has no man to blame for his politics but himself.
His ancestors were Democrats and his first wife's people were rank Copper-
heads. He lived in a community that was almost solidly Democratic
about the time he reached his majority yet, he rebelled against the practice
and started in right the first vote he cast. He is entitled to be called a
Republican because he was at the bedside when the party was born. He
yields to no man the honor of being more American than he. He upheld
the cause of the Union as against Sece.ssion and has been right on every
important proposition of governmental policy since the war.
CHARLES F. SCOTT, son of John W. and Maria Protsman Scott,
whose lives are sketched on another page of this book, was born on
his father's farm in Carlyle township September 7, i860. The first four-
teen years of his life were spent in the usual way, working upon the farm
in the summer and attending the district school in the winter. In 1874 the
family removed to lola, where the subject of this sketch continued his
studies, clerking in stores or doing any other work he could find to do in
the summers. In the fall of 1877 ^^^ entered the University of Kansas from
which he was graduated in 1881.
Upon leaving the University his father gave him ten dollars. That
was the cash capital with which he began life for himself, and he has never
had a dollar since that he did not earn.
Borrowing enough additional from a friend to pay his fare, he went to
Silverton, Colorado, where he spent the summer of 1881 working in a hard-
ware store and doing some newspaper work.
In the fall of 1881, in company with two friends, he drove down into
New Mexico, stopping at Socorro, where he secured employment as a
578 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
copyist in the office of the county clerk, at the same time serving as cook
for a gang of workmen for his board.
Early in 1882 he we.nt to Arizona where he got a job as book keeper
and clerk for a railroad contractor. He continued to do this work until his
employer sold out, in the fall of 1882, when he returned to lola, having
learned that an interest in the lola Register was for sale.
When he reached home he had $250 to show for his eighteen months
work. He paid $200 of this down for a fourth interest in the lola Regis-
ter, then a small weekly paper, liis partners in the enterprise being his
brother, A. C. Scott, and E. E. Rohrer. At the end of two years he
bought his brother's interest, and a year later the interest of Mr. Rohrer,
since which time he has been the sole proprietor of the paper, to which he
has given practically his entire time and attention.
In 1891 Mr. Scott was appointed a regent of the University of Kansas,
and was re-appointed to the same position by Gov. Morrill and Gov. Stan-
ley, the appointment in each iustance being made without his solicitation.
He resigned this office upon his election to Congress in 1900.
In 1892 he was nominated without opposition and by acclamation as
the Republican candidate for State Senator, and was one of the fifteen Re-
publican Senators who escaped the Populist landslide of that year. He
served in the Senate in the sessions of 1893-5, being an active participant
in the bitter debates precipitated by the "Lewelling War," and serving as
a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.
In 1900 lie was nominated as the Republican candidate for Congress-
man-at-large from the State of Kansas, and was elected by a plurality
of 18890 votes over J. Botkin, the Fusion candidate.
Mr. Scott spent the summer of 1891 in Europe. He wrote weekly
letters to his paper and these were afterwards published in book form nnder
the title "Eetters."
In 1893 Mr. Scott was president of the Kansas State Editorial Associa-
tion and had charge of the special train by which the members went to the
World's Fair at Chicago. He was president of the Republican State
League in 1895, and of the Kansas Day Club in 1900, and has been offici-
ally connected with various other editorial and political associations. He
has taken part as a speaker in all the campaigns of liis party since 1884,
and has made numerous addresses of an educational and patriotic nature in
various parts of the State.
Mr. Scott was married June 15, 1893, to May Brevard Ewing, daughter
of H. A. Ewing a sketch of whose family history has been given elsewhere
in this book. The children of this union ars Ewing Carruth, born August
28, 1894; Ruth Merriman, born December 30, 1897, ^"^ Angelo C, born
November 17, 1899.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. SySi
JACOB C. STRICKLER, ol Alien county, came into Carlyle township in
the year 1872 and located upon section ig, township 23, range 19.
He succeeded Randolph Wilmuth upon the farm he owns, then a new and
practically virgin piece of prairie. Here he has since lived and labored
and enjoyed a reasonable degree of prosperity. His acres have broadened
from their original area until he pays taxes upon nearly one-half of the
section.
Prior to his removal to Kansas Mr. Strickler resided six years in
Monroe county, Iowa. He was born in Park county, Indiana, August 17,
1845. His ancestors were Virginians, his lather having been born in the
Old Dominion, and planted a branch of the family in Park county, Indiana, at
an early date. Mr. Strickler is a son of Henry and a grandson of Jacob
Strickler, both of whom died in Park county, Indiana. Jacob Strickler Sr.
was born in 1778 and died in 1874 while Henry, his son, was born in 1810
and died in 1855. The grandfather was a blacksmith and gunsmith and
was married to a Miss Hhrhart. Henry Strickler, their first child, married
Catharine Ehrhart. Their children were: Virginia, deceased, who married
Monroe Long; Jacob C; Mary C. , of Muberly, Missouri, wife of Samuel
Dickerson; Martha J., of Idaho county, Idaho, is the wife of Dick Henley;
Ellen, of Park county, Indiana, is married to Polk Whitsell, and Joseph, of
Park county, Indiana.
Jacob vSlrickler remained with the old home till reaching his majority.
In November, 1865, he was married to Samantha D. Reitzel, a daughter of
Henry Reitzel, who went into Park county, Indiana, from Kentucky and
married Catherine Duncan. Mr. and Mrs. Strickle: 's children are: Nelson
T., who married Nora Herrick and resides in Anderson county, Kansas;
Frances B. ; Elmer, Claud and Millie.
In affairs politic.il the e.irly Stricklers were allied with the Democratic
party. Our subject became a Republican upon choosing his political home
and remained with that organization till 1897 when he joined forces with
t!ie People's party.
WOODSON COUNTY COURT HOUSE.
WOODSON COUNTIHS, KANSAS.
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND WOODSON COUNTIES
PART II
WOODSON COUNTY
In "Andreas History of Kansas," (popularly known as the "Herd
Book,") Woodson County is said to have been named for Governor Silas
Woodson, of Missouri, while Webb Wilder, in his "Annals of Kansas,"
new edition, says the county was named in honor of Daniel Woodson, who
v.as the first Secretary of the territory of Kansas and who also acted at
various intervals as Governor of the territory by virtue of his office as
Secretary. As a further evidence of the correctness of Mr- Wilder, and
as proof positive that the county was named in honor of Daniel Woodson
a letter from ex-S'euator John Martin replying to a query of the Hon.
Leander Still well on this same point sa.ys: "You are entirely right about
the name of Woodson. The county was named in honor of Daniel
Woodson, who was Secretary of the territory in 1855-6 and a part of
1857, I think, and who frequently acted as Governor during those years.
He was from Lynchburg, Virginia, and a most excellent man. Governor
Silas Woodson was not even thought of in connection with the naming
(;f'the county."
As ex-Senator Martin held the position of assistant clerk of the House
(■[■ Representatives of the territorial legislature which created and named
Woodson County he is more familiar with the acts of that body than any
one not a member of it and is, therefore, competent to give accurate and
reliable information as to the act creating Woodson County.
M'hen the honor of a name was conferred upon the unsettled and
almost unknown tract in the thiid tier of counties from the east line of the
5SO HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
siate the space designated by the first legislature which created it con-
Uiined little, if any. of the territory which now bears the name of Woodson
('o)in1y. To understand this matter the proceedings of the "Bogus Legis-
lature"' (in consequence of gross irregularities connected with their
election) of 1855 must be gone into. One act of that body, among others,
laid out a whole block of rectangular counties. This act was passed
before surveys were made, and boundary lines of counties were given in
miles from the points named. The initial point for counties south of
the Kansas river was the mouth of that river. The southeast corner of
Johnson County was twenty-six miles south of that point, the southeast
corner of Lykens (Miami) County was twenty- four miles farther south:
the southern boundary of Linn was twenty-four miles farther south,
Bourbon County extended thirty miles farther south and McGee County
ran to the Territory line. Four tiers of Counties were blocked out in
e.xact conformity to these, and in the third tier lay ^Yoodson County, the
second from the south line and occupying almost the identical land now
known as Wilson County.
In 1857 the counties of the third tier were crowded northward, and
Wilson, taking in what was Woodson, pushed the latter to nearly its
present boiindaries-
In 1861, through a blunder on the part of the Eepresentative from
this county, a new survey and location of boundaries took from the south
line a sti-ip three miles in width and gave it to Wilson County, which
has ever since held it.
By the act of 1857 the boundaries of Woodson County were defined
!i.s follows: Beginning at the southwest corner of Anderson County;
Hence south along the west boundary of Allen County to the northwest
corner of Dorn County; thence west with the section lines to the four
corners of sections 14 and 15, 22 and 23 of township 28 south, range
13 east: thence north with the section lines dividing the second and third
t'er of sections, to the southwest corner of Coffey County; thence east
along the :s(iuth boundary of said Coffey County to the place of beginning.
By the general statutes of 1868 Woodson County is bounded as
follows: Commencing at the .southwest corner of Anderson County;
thence south with section lines abd the west line of Allen County to the
south line of township 26. south ; thence west with said township line
and the north line of W^ilson County, to the east line of Greenwood
County: thence north with said east line of Greenwood County to the
four corners of sections 14 and 15, 22 and 23 of township 23 south of
range 13 east: thence east on section lines and the south line of Coffej'
County to the place of beginning.
Ninety per cent of Woodson County is upland, the remainder river
and creek bottom. About six per cent of the original surface of the
county was covered with forest and the remainder was prairie. The
Neosho Eiver. which enters near the northeast corner of the couutv and
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 58 1
nius southeasterly to the county line, is the principal stream. The
Verdigris Kiver cuts across the southwest corner of the county, and
Owl Creek, rising in three "head streams" (North and South Owl Creek
and Cherry Creek) near the center of the county flows southeast tn the
county line. Buflt'alo, East and West, rises towaid the south line of
the county and runs across the line into Wibon County. Big and
Little Sandy are creeks of importance in Belmont township, the one
rising in the west and the other in the east part of the township and
furnishing an abunda nceof spring water. The belts of timber which once
lined the banks of the streams, and extended out into the bottoms from
a few rods to a mile in width, have been largely cleaied away, but
the "jack oak hills" have been fenced, and the once scrub brush has
grown into young forests in places, and its importance as a source of wood
supply has come to be considered of some consequence.
Woodson County is well watered. Springs abound in the hill
country, large pools in the creeks of the lowlands supply stock water and
well water is found in sufficient quantities from twenty to forty feet below
the surface.
Coal is found in veins of considerable thickness in the western half
of the county and it was once depended upon for a considerable item of
fuel. As a resource it was mined and marketed to some extent but as
heavy "stripping" was necessary to reach the coal the labor expended
came to be regarded of more value than the mined coal.
The ridge passing through the center of the county and upon which
the county seat is located abounds in a fine grade of sandstone. It is
stratified and varies in thickness from a few inches to a few feet- Several
quarries have been opened and considerable quantities of the stone taken
out but used largely by the settlers and by contractors and builders in
the construction of the county seat. In color the stone is a deep cream or
a light brown and when first taken from the ground contains a large
percent of water and is, therefore, easy to work.
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
lEarlvT Settlers
All of AVoodson Couuty and a small strip off the south side of Coffey
County was included in the New York Indian Reserve. This strip began
III the state line and ran westward beyond the surveys, while on the south
it joined the Osage Reserve. The AVoodson County part of the strip was
never occupied by any of the New York tribes, their only settlement being
a temporary one near Ft. Scott. Finding that the Indians would not
settle on the Reserve, the Government, in 1860, had all of these lands
offered for sale and opened to pre-emption at the land office at Ft. Scott.
'i'here were many squatter settlers scattered about over the county, people
who had come into the county as early as 1855 and '56 and on down to
1860, and these settlers hastened to the land oft'iee, upon hearing of the
Government's move in placing the land upon the market, and made
entries of their choice of lands.
Just who the first settlers of the county actually were it is difficult
a1 this date to determine. Many of the "first settlerg" passed on, later,
and those who remained are not certain as to whom the honor of the
"first settler" in the county reall.v belongs. On March 2, 1857 Jack
("avan, John Woolman, John Chapman and others reached Neosho Palls.
Soon after this the Stockbrands, August Tjauber and August Toedmau
settled in Center township and there were some early settlements made
in Belmont township. Reuben Daniels settled in the latter place in
1856 and some of his children and many of his grandchildren reside
there still. The Gregorys went into Belmont as early as 1858 and James
and Cortes Gregory, two sons of the pioneer, have resided almost continu-
ously in the county for forty-three yeai-s. David Cooper settled on the
A'erdigris in 1856 and the same year -lohn Coleman squatted upon a piece of
land in Owl Creek township.
Many notable propositions have come before the voters of the county
for their decision. They approved the Banking Law in 1861 by a vote
01 62 to 7. and the same election gave Lawrence 71 votes for state capital
and Topeka 5. In 1867 the question of elective franchise was submitted
— striking the word "white" from the constitution— and of women suf-
frage, striking the word "male" from the constitution, all of which propo-
sitions were defeated in the county by hea^y majorities. February 27.
1875 the question of voting $5,000 in bonds in aid of the destitute of the
state was voted on and lost by more than two to one. November 2, 1880,
the Prohibitorv Amendment was voted upon and carried by a vote of
748 to 530.
■^VOOUSUN tOXiNTlES, KANSAS. SS,'^
August 16. 1858, th<^ Board of Supervisors uiet at Neosho Falls and
!}")roeeeded to lay off the eountj^ into townships. Neosho Falls, Liberty,
•Owl Creek. Belmont and Verdigris townships were the residt of this meet-
in <;■ of the board. May 22, 1858, the Boai'd of Supervisors consisting of
'[, W. Dow, G. J. Cavan and William Phillips, with Charles Cameron, clerk
of the board, met at Neosho Falls and passed an order establishing the
-seat of county government at that place. The same month N. G. Goss &
Company donated to the county a building to be used as a county jail so
long as tire County Seat should remain at Neosho Falls. Dow's hall was
•eventually rented for court house purposes. In 1867 began an agitation
•over the question of County Seat location which continued nine years and
v.-as not settled until a half dozen elections were held and much bitterness
of feeling engendered among the contesting sections of the county. The
result of the election of November 5, 1867, gave Neosho Falls 129 votes.
Center 2, Colma 2, and the Southwest quarter of section 11, township 25,
range 15, (the present site of the County Seat) 118. Elections followed
t^ach other in rapid succession, the next one being held September 21, of
the next year resulting in a vote of 313 for Neosho Palls and 1.99 for
Chellis. Tile third election took place Nd'^-eiiil er :i 187'!. and gavd
Defianee Til Hi, Kalida 530 and Waldrip 1. Kalida, which thus became the
County Sent, was tluT'e miles soutlieast of the center of the county, and
Defiance w,-is six iiiib's < ast of the center. Both towns were at a later date
li^ansl'i-rred biidily to Yates Center. On February 23, 1874, the question
came up for decision again and Defiance was chosen over Kalida by a
vote of 643 to 491. A ^'ear later a new factor came up in the fight and
•another, and the fifth, election was called to locate the County Seat. The
contestants were Neosho Falls. Defiance and Yates and resulted in
Neosho Falls received 301, Defiance 235 and Yates Center 335^ On the
]2th of September, 1876, a 'second election was held to decide between
Neosho Falls and Yates Center as to which should be the seat of govern-
ment. .'\t this election Yates Center recei\-ed 488 votes and Neosho Falls
426. which was a final settlement of the ve.xed and vexing question.
From the first official act of the Board of Supervisors down to the
•selection of Yates Center as the Coimt.v Seat the county had nothing but
? temporary court house, or place for the transaction of its public busi-
ness. Some hall or old store biiilding was fitted up for the reception of
the records, wherever the County Seat chanced to be and the nearest
approach to a genuine court house, until its present structure was dedi-
■oated, was in the arrangement and preparation of the old wooden shack
at the northeast corner of the square in Yates Center to become such
building and to be used for public purposes, A number of elections were
held to vote upon a proposition to bond the county for a court house but
little enthusiasm was manifest for such a proposal outside of the County
■Seat and smaller towns. As time wore on it became more and more
snpparent that the old "Bee Hive" was fast becoming inadequate for the
584 HISTORY OF AI,LEN AND
public needs. Its hygienic conditions were almost intolei-able, and its
run-down dilapidated appearance all conspired to arouse the people to
a true realization of their public needs. In 1899 a proposition to vote
$30,000 in bonds for the erection of a new court house and jail met with
a willing response, and on August 9, 1899, the corner stone of the new
structure was laid with much ceremony, and an address by the District
Jiidge, Hon. Leander Stillwell.
WOODSON COUNTIKS, KANSAS. 585
Moo^son Countv> in Mav
A company of soldiers for service in the Union Army was organized
ai Neosho Falls in November, 1861. B. F. Goss was chosen Captain and
1. W. Dow First Lieutenant. This company formed a part of the lola
Battalion of the 9th Kansas Cavalry They served along the border
between Kansas and Missouri and in Arkansas and participated in many
of the well known engagements and skirmishes fought in those Bush-
whacking strongholds the first three years of the war. The state militia
enrolled many other men of the county who were either indisposed to
service in the volunteer army or were physically incapacitated for such
service. These militiamen were subject to the call of the Governor or of
the commander-in-chief of the state, in emergencies, chief of which were
the raids of "Pap" Price.
For .service in the Spanish-American war the county furnished her
quota of young men— sons of veterans and other sons— who enlisted in
one of the companies of the famous 20th Kansas, Colonel Funston. The
regiment rendezvoused at Topeka, was ordered to San Francisco and
there equipped and made ready for the field. It was one of the last com-
nands to be ordered to the Philippines and took a conspicuous part in the
first, and all other prominent engagements of the Philippine Insurrection.
Upon its return home after an absence of a year and a half the regiment
was tendered a public welcome and reception by the state in honor of
its gallant, brave and patriotic achievements in Luzon.
.S86 KiSTORV OF ALLEN ANW
IRailroabs, Cowns, &c
As early as 1S67 the question of a railroad for Woodson Connty began'
to claim the attention of the people. Beginning then and continuing
down to the summer of 1881 there were many bond propositions sub-
mitted to a vote of the people in behalf of as many different companies for
lines of railroad aeross the county from almost every cardinal and semi-
eardinal point. All these propositions were voted down except the one to-
aid the St. Louis, Ft. Seott and M^ichita Railway which asked of Center
and Toronto townships an aggregate of .*50,(10l) in bonds. There was little
opposition to the proposition, and in the summer of 1881 the first railroad
for the county became a reality. This line became a part of the Missouri
Pacific system a few years later, which company built a line from Leroy
southwest through Yates Center where it formed a jiinction vfith the-
Wichita road for points west.
In 1887 the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway constructed a
feeder from its line at Colony southwest through Neosho Falls to Yates-
Center, a distance of twenty-six miles, and there terminated the branch.
The same system built a branch line from Madison, Kan., in 1884, down
the Verdigris River, crossing the southwest corner of Woodson County,
and called the Chicago, Kansas and Western railroad. This, ^vith the
Aiissouri Pacific line, gave Toronto two railroads and aided nuich in the
(leveloTiment of the west side of the county.
The jNIissouri. Kansas and Texas i-ailroad built a line from Junction
City. Kan., in 1S70 down the Neosho River, passing across the northeast
corner of Woodson County to Parsons. For many years this was an im-
jiortant Hue of road and heavy trains of Texas cattle were shipped over
the road to northern connecting points. With the construction of com-
peting lines, and directly to the markets of Chicago and St. Louis, through
business sought other channels and the Junction City branch dropped into
a line solely for local traffic.
The towns of the county are Yates Center, Neosho Falls, Toronto
Piqua, Vernon and Rose. The mere postofifiees are Burt, Finney Griffin,
Keck Coloma, Lomando. Cookville and Conger. The histories of Neosho
Falls and Toronto appear under separate heads in this work while that
of the other towns is recorded below.
Yates Center, the County Seat of Woodson County, is located upon
sections 10, 11. 14 and 15, township 25, range 15, and includes, with its
additions, something over a section of land. The fact that this location
WOODSON COUNTIE:;, KANSAS. 587
is in the gtographical center of the county, and that its original owner's
name was Yates led to the christening of the town as "Yates Center."
When the election had decreed that this spot was to be the seat of govern-
ment of the eonnty Mr. Yates purchased a two story building and moved it
to the townsite— the first building in the town. This building wa<- for a
long time used not only for a county building but for holding I'eligious
services and for other public gatherings. George Wille was the first
general merchant. T. W. Wilson opened the second .store and J. M.
Wolfer came with the first stock of drugs. E. V.Wharton was the first
physician and was followed by Dr. J. W. Turner. Jesse Pickett was the
first lawyer in the town, but Judge W. H. Thurber and Alexander Stewart
were on the ground almost as early. The first hotel, moved from Kalida,
was run by C- W. Wilson, who was also the first liveryman. J. B. Fry was
the first blacksmith. In 1878 the court house was moved from Defiance to
the new County Peat and was located at the northeast corner of the public
square. In 1884 the town was incorporated and became a city of the
third class. The town is supported almost entirely by an agricultural
district and has maintained a steady and continuous growth. The popu-
lation has increased from vear to vear, the census showing a population
of 500 in 1880; of 1,370 in 1890 and of 1,638 in 1900.
•Piqua is situated at the junction of the Missouri, Kansas and Texa.s
and the Missouri Pacific Railways, and is one mile from the east line of
l!ie county. It grew up hurriedly to a town of a couple of hundred snuls
and has remained at that stage— a good country trading point. The place
i.i not incorporated and its chief educational and denominational institu-
tions ai-e conducted by the Roman Catholics. Other churches maintain
oi-ganizations there and a public school is conducted in the district several
months in the year.
Vernon is a modern village situated on the Missouri Pacific Railway,
nine miles northeast of Yates Center. A population of a hundred or more
gathe'-ed toe'ether in a bunch near the head of Cherry Creek and in the
midst of a fine rolling prairie country constitutes Vernon. J. N. Shannon
is the leading general merchant, and all the enterprises usually found in
Ihe smaller towns are represented there.
Rose consists of a store, blacksmith shop, a church and a large hay
marke+. It is on the Missouri Pacific Railway eight miles southeast of
Yates Center and in the very heart of a fine agricultural and hay region.
T ess than a hundred souls number its population but its importance as a
trading and shipping point is second to none of its si/e in the state. Du-
mohd Brothers and William M. Patterson are the leading shippers of the
place, and the postma,ster and merchant is Tnttle.
The Neosho Falls Post is the oldest paper in the county, and ha8
had many editors : AV. W- Sain, if we mistake not, was its founder and
first editor, while H. D. Dickson, now of Emporia, was the first typesetter
(rf the shc(>t- J. X. Stout, now jiostmaster. luis for the pasi dozen years
5SS ftiStORV of ALL£N AND
been publisher, but he transferred the title the first of April last to H. C,
hiticher, wlio is now its editor and proprietor.
The Ya.es Center News was the next paper established. It was
inunded at the county seat by Ret Baker in May, 1877. It had several
owueis and publishers up to July, 1886 when the business management came
into tlie hands of Iv. li. Trutblood, who has had charge of the paper ever
since. The owners of the News to-day are R. H- Trueblood and F. L.
Stephenson. The former is editor and publisher, and the latter simply
owns an interest, being' engaged in the banking business which requires all
(.f his a liistidu. The News is the official county paper. Republican in
IM.Iiiics an<l fur 1lic bi st interests of its town and county all the time.
The Argus was established in the winter of 1882 by W. H. Jones who
conducted it a short time and sold it to N. B. Buck, who a short time
afterwards sold the paper to J. P. and J. H. Bell, who in a very few days
sold the plant to the Yates Center News. That ended the Argus.
Next came the Fun, at Yates Center, by J. A. Overby, that was after-
vard converted into the Indeiiendent-Fun, and a few months later was
absorbed by the Yatts Center News.
This was followed along about 1888 by the Tribune, at Yates Center,
by the iirepiessible AV. H. Jones, and later Jas. H. Hale was taken in as
n partner. This paper lasted the usual length of time and was then
gathered in liy the Yates Center News.
The Woodson Democrat .should have been mentioned before the Tri-
bune. It was established in 1884 by Dr. E. V. Wharton, and through
its columns he rode into the postoiifice after Grover Cleveland was elected
President. He then sold the paper to R. R. Wells who conducted it until it
burned up along with the block on the east side in 1893. It remained dead.
With the Alliance in 1890 came the Advocate at Yates Center, by A. E.
and N. S. Macoiibrie. They stayed with the paper until 1896 then sold
ir to Hudson & Paught, of Eureka. A little later Faught sold out to
E. G. Kinyon, who in turn sold to Fred Wilkinson, and the firm to-day is
Hudson & Wilkinson-
Along about 1894 the Woodsou Republican was established by Harve
Bristow. Tliat had a short life, and was in due time moved to Altamont
Kan., and the subscription list turned over to the Yates Center News.
A few months later this outfit was moved back to this place and
another weekly paper, the Republican, was started and had a brief ex-
perience, but it did not survive long and was gathered into the folds of the
Yates Center News.
Toronto has one paper, the Republican, conducted by Mrs. M. M.
Puck, widow of the late N. B. Buck. Another paper was established
there last j-ear but was discontiuued in a few months, after demonstrating
ing that Toronto was not large enough to support two weekly newspapers.
(The editors are indebted to Mr. R. H. Trueblood, for many years editor
oi' the Yates Center News, for the foregoing sketch).
^^'OO'DSON COUNTIES, KANSAS- 5S9
Zbc Bencb anb Bar
(by senator g. h. lamb.)
The early history of the events of the Bench and Bar of Woodson
County are very difficult to obtain, and any attempt to write an exact
account of that period is out of th« question. If the writer seeks the
records for information on this point, there are none. If he applies to
the old settlers, they do not remember things alike. So the writer of this
article will have little to tell of the judicial proctedings of Woodson County
prior to 1864.
Chapter 78 of the session lavv's of the territorial legislature of 186(1
divided the Territory of Kansas into three judicial districts, and placed
Woodson County in the second district, and assigned Hon. Kush Elmore,
one of the Associate Justices of the Territorial Supreme Court to the
judgeship of that district. By this snirio act. Woodson County was attached
to Ciif'lVy County fiir judicial piir|M)S( s, Tlic tcims of court were held iri
CofPry County on tl;.' sccimkI Monday of .Marel) and September of each
ymv. This arrangement ciin'inucd until Kansas became a state under the
Wyandotte Constitution, and Woodson County became a part of the fifth
judicial district.
May 22nd. 1861. the state legislature passed an act detaching Woodson
from Coffey County, and attaching Greenwood. Wilson and Godfrey
Counties to Woodson for judicial purposes. By this act Woodson County
was given one term of court commencing on the first Monday in September
of each year.
This law further provided that the clerk of the district court of Coffey
County shall make out and deliver to the clerk of the district court of
Woodson County, "a full and complete tran'^cript of all process and
proceedings pending, and of cases triecl and determined in the district court
of said county between parties or against defendants resident in said
county of Woodson together with all papers on file in his office belonging
to or pertaining to such cases." This order of the legislature has never
been complied with.
On February 2. 1865 the legislature detached Greenwood from
Woodson County and attached it to Lyon County for judicial purposes.
There were no other changes until 1867, when the legislature created the
seventh judicial district, and placed Woodson County in that, with terms
of court commencing on "the fifth Monday after the fourth Monday in
IMarch and September and on said days annually thereafter." In 1874
590 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Woodson County was given thi-ee terms of court, commencing on the first
Monday of March, and the second IMonday of June and October of each
year, i'he next change occurred in 1877 when the time of holding the
June term of court was changed from the second to the first Monday in
the month. The legi.'la+ure of 1901 Hxed the terms of court to begin on
the third Tuesday in March, the third Tuesday in June and the Tuesday
succeeding the second Monday in November.
The first .judge of the fifth district of which Woodson County formed
a part was Hon. O. E. Learnard, of Burlington, Kan. He was elected
December 6, 1859, at the first election held under the Wyandotte Constitu-
tion. He resigned before entering upon the duties of his office and \\as
appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the first regiment of Kansas volunteers
and served as such during the civil wai'. Hon. R- M. Ruggles, of Emporia
was appointed to fill the vacancy, and on November 5, 1861 was elected
for the unexpired ternL Hon. J. H. Watson was elected November 8
1864, but before his term of office as .judge had expired, the legislature had
taken Woodson County from the fifth district and placed it in the seventh
since which time the history of the bench of this county is identical with
that of Allen County, already recorded in this volume.
The Bar of Woodson County has undergone many changes since 1860.
The pioneer lawyers are all gone except A. Stewart who now resides at
Yates Center, and W. B. Stine, who quit the practice of law in the latter
60 's and has since engaged in farming. Samuel E. Hoffman was the first
law.yer in Woodson County. He came from Pennsylvania to Kansas in
1858, and was 24 years old Avhen he reached Woodson County.
He M-as a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1859 and helped
frame the Wyandotte Constitution, and was the first State Senator from
Woodson County He is now a i-esident of St. Louis and is engaged in
the banking business.
In the early 60 's there was no resident lawyer in the county, and N.
H. Bent, of Burlington, was appointed county attorney. Prior to 1867.
tlie principal law business of the county was transacted by Eli Gilbert and
Alex Johnson, of Garnett, N. H. Bent, Silas Pearl, Alex Stewart and A.
Jones, of Coffey County, and Ruggles and Plumb, of Emporia. Soon after
the formation of the seventh judicial district, William E. Grove located at
Neosho Falls, then the county seat, and was appointed county attorney^
He was then the only lawyer in Woodson County who devoted his entire
time to the pi'actice of law. He moved from Woodson County to Grand
Rapids, Mich., and was there elected Circuit Judge, which position he held
for many years.
During the year of 1870, W. H. Slavens. W- A. Atchison, T. J. Petit,
and C. B. Graves opened offices in Neosho Falls, and the following year
AYillard Davis, afterward attorney general of the state, and W. P. Taibott
located there. About this time Peter Bell, who lived on & farm near
Kalida commenced the practice of law. Then H. D. Dickson opened an
'\'vOODSCfN COUNTIES, KANSAS, 59T
nvfrice at Neosho Falls, and foUowfea; him during the 70^s came J- K.
>Piekett, W. H. Tlmrber, J. P- Shively, ^I. V. Yoder. G. R. Stephenson, W.
E. Hogueland, J. H. Sti«lier and J. "VY. Dickson. Of these attorae}-^
'Slavens, Atchison, Petit, Davis. Thurber and Bell are dead. Talbott lives
at Parsons, Kan. Graves moved to Burlington, Kan., and wa^ elected .judge
Hii that distrift which position he held for twelve years. He now lives at
Emporia and is aetiv^?ly engaged in the practice of few. S. D- Dickson
served one tenn as Representative of Woodson County, one term as
•county attorney and now lives at Emporia, Kan. Since moving to that
place he bas served one term as county attorney of Lyon County, and was
for several years attorney for the A." i'. & S. P. Ry " Co. J. E. Pickett
.served fi\'e years as county attorney, and in 1888 he abandoned the
practice of law to enter the ministry, and is now pastor of the Christian
'church at Boulder, Colo. J. P. Shively is farming near Paola. M. V. Yoder
went to WBshington Ten-itory (now state), and the last known of him
here he ^\'as probate judge of one of the counties in that territory. ^. W.
Dickson served as postmaster at Neosho Palls during the Harrison admin-
istration and went from there to Danville. HI., where for several years he
served as bookkeeper for a coal company at that place. In February. 1901
he retui'ned to Woodson County and is now bookkeeper for the Yates Center
Bank- G. R. Stephenson and W. E. Hogueland and J. H. Sticher are
the only attorneys of this period who still reside in Woodson County, and
are engaged in tlie practice of law.
Durino- the 80 "s D. C. Zimmerman. M. C. Smith. C. N. Warner. C. C.
'Clevenger, W. P. Gre.2:orv, G. M. Martin. E. H. White, W. A. Reid, P. S.
Ray. G. H. Lamb and F. M. Sutton became members of the AVoodson
'County Bar. Mr. Zimmerman now lives in Indiana and has recently been
a prominent candidate for member of congress from his district in that
state. M. C. Smith is now a leading lawyer of Springfield, Mo. C . N.
Warner is practicing law at Seattle. Wash. W. P. Gregory served one
term as county attorney of Woodson County and is now located at Trenton,
l\lo.. and is practicing law at that place. C. C- Clevenger served four
years as Proliate Judge of Woodson County and then entered the news-
l>aper business. He is now editor and proprietor of the Osawatomie
Graphic of Osawatomie. Kan., and is postmaster at that place. E. H.
White is engaged in tbe mercantile business at Yates Center. F. M.
Sutton lives on a farm near Toronto. W. A. Reid is in the railway service
in Texas, and tlie otlier gentlemen named are still residing at Yates Center
^nd engaged in the active practice of law.
During the past ten vears S- C. Holcomb. A. J. Jones. S. C. Holmes.
J. S. Gilson. R. Sample. Jr., E. Q. Stillwell, E. E. Kelley. J. E. Wirick and
A. Howard were enrolled as members of the legal fraternity of the county,
Tj. E. Kelley is county superintendent of public instruction of this county,
iind is fast winning fame as an author. All of the rest of these last named
592 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
gentlemen still reside in Woodson County and are engaged in the practice
of law except J- S. Gilson who is dead.
The first case that appears on the docket of the district court of
Woodson County, as shown by the records, was filed September 9, 1864.
The title of the case is : The State of Kansas, against D. H. Miller, charged
with breaking jail. This note appears on the trial docket: "Case con-
tinued on account of the absence of the defendant." The defendant is
still absent.
In these early days when the lawyers were young, inexperienced and
without books, questions were raised and discussed that would surprise and
startle the lawyers of to-day. Among many instances of this kind is the
f/illowing : A man was arrested in the city of Neosho Falls for selling in-
loxicating liquors without a license. The defendant before the Police Judge
pleaded "not guilty," and demanded a jury. No provisions could be found
by court or counsel authorizing svxch a proceeding. The constitutional pro-
vision giving to every man a trial by jury was pai-aded by counsel for the
defendant and thereupon the City Attorney confessed the right of trial by
jury, and proposed to the Police Judge to impannel one, which he proceed-
ed to do. To this the defendant objected, but the trial went on and the
defendant was convicted, whereupon he appealed to the district court.
In the district court the defendant moved to dismiss on the ground
that the defendant had been convicted in a manner not provided for by
the statutes; but the Judge held the appeal good, and stated that the
defendant was now voluntarily in a court where he could have the benefit
of a constitutional jury, and thereupon the trial proceeded. There being
no jury i-oom, the jury was left in the court room to consider their verdict,
and remained there all night. The defendant at the time of the trial was
running a saloon in a room adjoining the court room. During the night
he slipped through the thin partition to the jury bottles of beer and other
liquors-
In the morning the jury were called into the box and delivered to the
court a verdict of not guilty. The City Attorney insisted upon having the
jury polled. During this examination of the jury one of them said that
he had not agreed to the verdict, biit that he had been compelled by other
jurors to assent thereto; that he had been knocked dovm and with an
uplifted chair and violent threats forced to consent to the verdict; but he
now claims protection of the court in repudiating it: but the jury were
discharged, the defendant was riot to be found, and he is still at large.
The warmest feelings of friendship have always existed between the
members of the Woodson County Bar, and the different persons who have
presided as judge of the district. They have mutually aided each other in
arriving at the correct solution of the various questions that have arisen.
Woodson County is purely an agricultural and stock raising county,
and is not a fruitful field for litigation, yet its bar ranks among the first
in the state. Several of her lawyers having a large practice in the adjoining
WOODSON countie;;, kansas. 593
counties. They liave taken an active part in all movements for the uplifting
of the county, all of them who have families, with possibly one exception,
own their own homes, am] they may truly be said to be part and parcel of
.''lie various communities where they reside.
HISrORV OS" ALLIEN' ApIIT'
^be public Schools
(Bi MR. E. E. KELLEY, SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.) . . . •
The early history of the schools of Woodson County is very similar'
to that of scores of counties in the Eastern half of Kansas, The pioneers^
t\ere men and women who came to make homes. The great majority were'
men and women of good education and, next to the making of homes
they were interested in the education of their children.
In 1857 the common school system was in the first stage of its evolution'
even in the states east of the Mississippi. The Kansias pioneer tried to-
begin the education of his children at the point where it was broken off'
when he moved from the East.
Under the territorial law there was an attempt at the organization of
fi public sdiool system. The free state legislature of 1858 took some steps
in this direction and created the office of Territorial Superintendent of
Schools, though the first incumbent of that office. James N. Noteware, has
left on record no report of the condition of the schools during his adminis-
tration. His successor, S. W. Greer, did much towards organizing the'
schools into a system, as did his succressoT, J. C. Douglas, the last of the
h rritorial superintendents.
W. R. (xriffith was the first state superintendent and died soon after
his election. His siiccesor, S. M. Thorp, was killed in the sadcing of
Lfiwrence. Then came Isaac T. Goodnow, a man of gi-eat force of character
and fine executive ability. To his recommendation the passage of many
wise school laws of the earlier days is due. He organized the state school
system as it stood until the year 1876. The school laws were revised in
that year, and the Hon. D. W. Finney, of this county, then a state senator,
was chairman of the committee on revision.
The first school taug;ht in the county was taught at Neosho Falls-
ll was taught in the summer of 1858 by Miss Emma Coulter. Early settlers
say she was a very pretty, stylish young lady and was well liked. (A
standard, by the way, that seems to haye been maintained throughout the
district's history.) Following the close of this term, Ebenezer H. Curtis
opened a private school in the building which now stands south of Mrs.
Tydeman's and back from the street in Neosho Falls. Mr. Curtis was a
nian of good education and was a popular teacher. When the war broke
out he entered the Union army and subsequently became the colonel of a
colored regiment. When last heard from, some eight j'ears ago, he was
living near Baxter Springs, Kan.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 595
In the winter of 1860-61 George Waite taught a private school in the
Viteto building just east of Highbargin's hotel. During the next winter
Mrs. Brengle taught a school in her home, the house now known as the
John Bryant house, and had an enrollment of twenty-five pupils.
In January, 1863, the new County Superintendent, E. J. Brown began
the organization of the county into school districts. They were numbered
consecutively in each township. Number One, Owl Creek township, was
organized January 17th of that year. Number One, Neosho Falls township,
"was organized January 15th, as was Number One, Belmont township. Num-
ber One, Liberty township, was created January 24th, and Number One,
Toronto township, was organized April 25th of the same year.
Thomas Holland taught the first public school in Neosho Falls- About
this time lumber was obtained for a new school house, but I am told the
greater portion of it was "jayhawked" by a wagon maker who had a
shop near '.y. Tlic law of recompense was -^indicaled, however, in a peculiar
way. At tliat time there was a small building Iavo lots north of Dulinsky's
store tliat was used as a cooper shop. Early in the war the proprietor stole
away and later the news came back that he had joined the Rebel army and
was killed in battle. No relatives appeared to claim his property, and
the cooper shop was appropriated and made use of as a school house.
The first ■•new"" scliool house was built in Neoslio Falls in 1869- A
second room was added in 1871, and in 1872 the district purchased the
old land office building just south at a cost of $1,000. This served as the
iiigli school Imilding until January, 1900, when it was abandoned for
school iini'])iisi's. sold, and the new school building, just then completed
was oecu])ie(l. The new building has six rooms, is built of brick and is of
modern areliilecture. Among those who once taught in the Neosho Falls
schools I find the names of A. F. Palmer, later a county superintendent;
J N. Shannon, now a prosperous merchant of Vernon ; J. J. McBride, a
brilliant scholarlj' man who came to his death in a tragic manner at Toronto
in 1SS6: J- N. Stout, ex-editor of the Post: A. J. Jones, later probate judge
and county attorney ; A. H. Newton, of the Humboldt schools, and J. "W. D.
Anderson, a man of brilliant attainments and literary aspirations, who died
at Omaha, Nebraska.
Operating under a new law, in 1865, Mr. "W. B. Stines, then county
superintendent, proceeded to number the school districts of the county
in consecutive order. There was a rivalry among the various districts
in the position of "Number One." Neosho Falls especially pushed her
claims for that place. The coveted number was conferred on a Liberty
township district near Mr. Stines' home. Neosho Falls was Numbered
Eight, which number she still bears, but the district squared matters wath
Mr. Stines at the next election by casting a heavy vote against him and
KM-ui'in^ his defeat.
'J'lu' official records show that a school was taught in Toronto in the
summer of 1864 by P. W. Richardson, that forty-nine pupils were enrolled,
596 HISTORY OF ALLEX AXD
oi which only tveiity-tlnee were residents of the district. The school cost
$90 for the term of three months. E. Kellogg was the district clerk. The
next year Mr. Rieliardson again tanght the school, receiving $20 per month.
The clerk reports that the school house was built with money raised by
levying a district tax. The hoiue so bnill served its purpose until 1882.
when a house of four rooms was erected and A. J. Jones was the first
principal. In 1899 it was found necessary to build two more rooms to
meet the growing needs of the school. G. H. Lamb was principal for
a number of years, as was E E. Kelley. j\lrs. Ella Crockett served twelve
years iu the primary room.
The first school house was built in the Yates Center district in 1876. It
v\-as a one room stone building. Two rooms were subsequently added to it,
and in 1882 bonds were issued to build the stone house on the hill in the
north part of the city. It was known as the high school building, and its
graduates niniibei' about ir>U. In April, 1901, the district voted bonds in
the amount of .$12,500 for a new, modern, ten room structure on the site
of the north building.
The first building at Vernon was erected about 1873. In 1895 it gave
p'ace to a new school house, and in 1900 an additional room was built and
a graded school established with Miss Flora Sherman and Miss Maude Lamb
as teachers.
Among the old time teachers I find the names of many now dead,
and all survivors are in other vocations : Edwin B. Dennison, Mary Brengle
Helen S. Miller, who laler liecame Mrs. Fred Arnold, Sarah H, Hawkins,
\\-ho became INIrs. Judge Graves. Cornelia A. Woodruff. \Ym. B- Stines, Julia
B. Thayer, Laura A. Dumond. Phedora Jones, M. E .Patterson, David
Phillips. L. A."\A'olfe, R. F. Fades, J. M. Jewett, Mollie Brady, A. J. Moody,
K- Y. Wharton and H. S. Johnson.
In 1857 the school population of the county was 571 white children and
one colored. The average daily attendance in the county was 186, and
the average length of the school term was three and one- fourth months.
There were six male and nine female teachers employed, and the average
wages of the males was $31.14. and of the female teachers $19. Now
ti:e total rnuuber of school age in the county is 3,521. with an average daily
attendance of 2,300. The average length of school term is seven and one-
half months, and the average wages per month for male teachers is $37.50,
and for females $31.50.
It seems a little strange to hear of log school houses in Kansas. Yet,
in the report of the county superintendent for 1867, it appears that there
\' ere thirtceTi school houses in the county, and that ten of them were log
hi uses and three were frame buildings. At that time the following text
books were in use: McGuffey's reader and speller, Spencerian penman-
ship. Ray's arithmetics. Cornell's geographies, the Goodrich liistory
and Pinneo's grammars; in many respects distinctly superior to the state
texts of the present day.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 597
It might be well to speak here of at least two ventiues toward estab-
lishing private schools. Especially I wish to speak of the work of Miss
Hattie Clark, now Mrs. W. W. P. McConnell. Miss Clark came to Neosho
Palls during the war period with the purpose in view of founding a semi-
miry for young ladies. i-:he came in January, 1864. The hall over the
Jiotel was fitted with blackboards and seats, and the use of Mrs. Crane's
organ was obtained. Miss Clark taught four terms of three months each.
The tuition was .$2.50 per term. The first term she had sixteen pupils.
Then to make the school more lucrative she admitted younger children
and also some male pupils. During the last term the enrollment reached
forty.
In Perry township, almost due west of Humboldt, and on a high, bleak
limestone hill, stands an old unpainted house, gloomy in appearance and
shov.'ing the ravages of time. Here, soon after the war a man named
Ouaekenbos, a brother of the old time text book author of that name,
essayed to start a boarding school for boys. An old settler tells me that
the plan was to take for students the sons of Eastern men who desired
their sons to see a bit of Wes+ern life and at the same time be far removed
from the contaminating influences too often found in the East. The project
began bravely enough, but the students had a predilection for running
away to Humboldt for a good time, and after a year's trial the school was
aliandoned. The old building is a landmark and can be seen for many miles.
The following is a complete list of the county superintendents of the
county : Peter Stevens, 18.59-61 : .J. B. Pickering, 1861-62 ; E. J. Brown
1863-64: Dr. McCartney, 1864 ; W. B. Stines, 1865-67: S. J. Williams, 1867-
70; W M. Friendly, 1870-71. J. L. Gilbert, 1871-75; A. F. Palmer, 1875-81;
J W. Richardson, 1881 : Lizzie J. Stephenson, 1882-87 ; Kate Rhea, 1887-89 ;
J. C. Culver, 1889-91: Kate Rhea, 1891-9-3: A. M. Kannard, 1893-97; Lucy
Ellis. 1897-99 : E. E. Kellej% 1899.
The twenty-fifth annual session of the normal institute was held in
the month of July, 1901. It is. in Kansas, the educational Chautauqua of
the school teacher, and there is scarcely a county in the state but where
the attendance runs above the hundred mark. The early history of the
normal institute is interesting. In the legislature of 1864 some humorously
inclined Folon introduced and secured the passage of a bill designed to
encourage the normal institute. It provided for the holding of an insti-
tute in each senatorial district, "Providid, board shall be furni.shed free of
charge to all teachers and members of the institute during its session,
hij the place where the institute is held."
It ^^•ould be rather a wonder if any town would want the institute under
those circumstances, but a search of the records shows that Neosho Falls
opened her homes and .spread her tables for the members of the institute
on at least two occasions. One transcription is: "The institute held at
Neosho Falls on September. 19th. 20th, 21st and 22nd was a decided
'■uccess." Another entry, a little later says: "The institute at Neosho Falls
598 HISTORY OF .\LI.EN' AXD
v.as a decided sueee.ss. Teachers are beeiii!)in,a- luoic effieieut in tlie school
room and more active out of it. Forty-six new school houses have been
built during tl:e year. But one instance lias occurred in which a patron
has attempted to interfere with the lawful authority of the teacher. That
patron suffered the expense of a lawsuit, a fine of eighty dollars and the
righteous indignation of an outraged community."
In 1867 the county received $357.57 from the state school fiind. Last
year it received the sum of $-l.fl40. In lS(i7 the total amount paid for
teachers' wages was $1.315,5t). aiul last year $21,080 was so paid. There are
now eighty-eight teachers employed and sixty-nine organized districts in
the county. The alumni of the various high schools number 220. and
there have been 238 graduates fi'om the district schools.
WOODSON COC'NTlES, KANSA.'^
Ipolitics an^ i£lection IRetunie
(by FRED L. STEPHENSON )
At the time Wooc^ ai County was organized and for a number of years
afterward, locality and personal popularity seemed to have more to do
with the selection of tie county officials than party politics. The Repub-
licans were so largelj m the majority that not imtil about 1880 or 1881
did the Demo rats pla e a county ticket in the field. However the regular
nominee on the Republ can ticket was not always successful as almost every
year there were some independent candidates, and occasionally a Democrat
\v'Ould be elected by reason of his personal popularity or s:inie lo,/;d strife.
From the beginning the Republicans have maintained their organization
and have been the dominant party in the county.
Some of the active workers among the Republicans in the 60 's and
70 's were: I. W. Dow, W. B. Hogueland, W. ^A^ Sain, W. H. Jones, W.
B. Stines, W. A. Atchison, D. W. Finney, T- W. Wilson, W. H. Slavens,
David Phillips, A. B. Mann, Joseph Bishop, W. S. Loekard, 0. S. Woodard,
J. H. Bayer, William Stockebrand, J. W. Turner, Fred L- Arnold. Henry
Gregory, J. W. Jewett, J. A. Freer, G. C. Snow. In the 70 's and 80 's the
following came into honorable prominence: Seth Kelloag, J. B. Prnt?man
J. A. Gregory, F- M. Henly, Geo. D. Carpenter, I. N. Holloway, I. S. Jones,
Geo. E. Faler, J. B. Fry, H. S. Trueblood, R. A. Hurt, J. W."Depew. J. E.
Pickett, J. A- Hale, T. J. Eagle, W. P. Stephenson. S. E. Porter, G. W.
Davis, B. P. Baker, G. W. Rogers. W. E. Hogueland, G. R. Stephenson. J.
B. Stockton, Dexter E. Clapp, A. C. Gordy, L. L- Bvington, W. C. Willie,
B. F. Everett, T. L. Reid, Eli Jackson, Jno. 0. Dow. N. B. Buck, J. N. Stout.
W- L. Parsons. Jas. Dutro, I. M. Jewett, R. M. Phillips, W. P. Dickerson.
Chas. Starrett, A. Singleton, S. C. Guston, A. A. Keck, E. W. Naylor, Geo.
W. Sliepard, James Davidson, J. J. Layton, H. H. McCormick, R. P. Hamm,
J. F. Bayless, J- J. Puckett, A. H. Schnell, D. T. Shotts, A. T. Woodruff.
G. H. Lamb, J. L. Martin. J. W. Quick. Thad Parsons. S. G. Paris,
D. M- Ray.
In 1873 what was known as the Reform party was organized by
Democrats and former Republicans. Among those prominent in the
movement were G. W. Hutchinson, W. J. Houghawout, Hud Houghawout.
Mike Reedy, Dan Fullmer and Frank Butler. This party nominated a
ticket in 1873 and succeeded in electing Frank Butler Representative.
The Democratic party was the next to form a county organization and
placed a ticket in the field, selecting their candidates in mass convention.
In 1882, E. V. '^Hiarton. their nominee for Representative was elected, lie
6oO HISTORY OF AIXEN ANIJ
bcnng the only successful eaiididate on theii' ticket that yeai'. Among the'
leading Democrats of the comity were: Frank Butler, W. J. HoughaM'out,.
A- Hamilton, O. P. Houghawout, Mike Reedy, Mike Heffren, Hud Hough-
awout, Geo. Yohon. Owen Diviney, H. D. Dickson, Phillip Hefflenger, C. H,
(ioodrieh, E. V. Wharton, A. F. Palmer, Henry Ashley, C. C. Mills, R. R,
Wells, M. C. Smith, E- K. Kellenberger, T. W. Plummer, H. H. Winter,' G,
W. Highbargin. A. A. Newman, William Cooper, John Cannon, Geo. Mc-
(iill, AVm. P.eedy, M. E. Hunt, Wm. Wyse, James Drain, W. D. Wingrave,
M. L. Lynch, Fred Stewart, W. B- Woodside, H. C. Rollins.
In 1886 the Prohibition party held their first county convention that
nominated a full ticket. J. N. Shannon was the nominee for Representative,
leceiving 288 votts. In 1888 Pusey Graves was the Prohibition candidate
for Representative and received 368 votes, the largest vote ever cast in the-
eounty for that ticket, and their last complete county ticket. Some tf the
prominent workers in this party were: J. N. Shannon, A. VanSlyke, W.
S. Shippey. Pusey Craves, 0. P. Houghawout, M V. B. Pearsall, H. H.
Petty, T. B. Noland, J. W. Grimes, E. J. Troyer, John Taylor, John Young,
At this time all of the minority parties were more or less interested in the
so-called Reform movement.
In 1888 the Union Labor pai'ty, which had already been organized in
the county, nominated a complete county ticket with H- H. Petty for repre-
sentative. The Knights of Ivabor were well organized at that time giving all
Ihe assistance they could to the Union Labor party. Some of the leaders
ill this new reform partv were. E. V. Whar+on. H. H. Pettv, J. G. Kellen-
berser, Frank Hall, Wiii. W^ilk.-r. J. Z. Dvsert. E. B. Moore, W. A. Bailey,
' J. H- Sturdivan, H. T. Clicllis. S. ('. Ccary. W. H. Talbot and Chas. Pol-
lard. This party only eoutinuel their county organization for a year or
two, when nearly all of them with some dissatisfied Democrats and Repub-
licans formed the Alliance party, and in 1889 and '90 they etfected their
county organization.
j\.]tho!iL,b Mu Denioer.itic part.y lost many of its members they kept up
their county (iri_;ani/ation. The organization of the Alliance Avas soon fol-
lowed by fusion \\'hich was successfully effected with the combined opposi-
tion to the Republicans in this county.
In 1892 lhe Peoples' or Populist party as the result of fusion reached
its zenith in this county and for several years succeeded in electing one or
vwo county officers, by the assistance of some free silver and dissatisfied Re-
publicans, but the Republicans have always been considered the strongest
political organization in the county.
A few of the organizers and leadei-s of the Populist party in this
county were, E. V. Wharton. H. H. Petty, J. G. Kellenberger, E. A.
Macoubrie. Frank ]\IcGill. J. Z- Dvsert. Sam Jones, J. H. Sturdivan, A.
Hamelton. C. B. Goodale, H. T. Chellis. D. S. Park. Geo. Mentzer, Fred Wil-
kinson, Alex. Bn.^-.ley. Alee Linder. S. C. Geary, Thomas Watson, Chas.
Bauersfeld and C. C. Mills.
"^^OUDSON COUN'TlKa. KAXSAS. Do'l
At a iiifetiiiii of the supervisors of Woodsou county, Jvansas territory,
Theld at Neosho Palls, May 22, 1858, I. W. Dow was chairman and W.
Phillips and 6. J. Caviu constituted the 'board with Chas, Camron their
'clerk. Amon<r other business they made a call for an election of county of-
ficers tlie first held in the county, at which tim^ there were less than one
hundred vot^s cast. At the general November election in 1859, Marcus
•J. Parrott received a majority of the votes east for delegate to congress and
N. S. Goss for member of the council of the 12th. Council district. P. G. D
Morton was elected a Representative of the 24th district, over E. J
Brown. Th^ county officers elected were : Peter Stevens, Supt. Common
■Schools ; Jonathan Keys. Probate Judge ; Hiram McConnell, Sheriff. For
Register of Deeds, Emerie Chase and H. Groesbeck each received 84 ; for
County Cleric, J. M. Leech and M' Smith Austin receired 81 votes each; A.
Vernam elected county attorney: G. J. Gavin, treasurer; David Reynolds
<_'oroner; John Woolman, Sur\'eyor.
At an election held under the "VV.yandotte constitution. December 6.
1859, Charles Robimon received 60 vo'"es and Samuel ]\Iedary 37 votes in the
>county for Governor, 97 being the total number of votes east in the county
that year.
At a special election in March, 1860, T. D. Bodman was elected coiinty
clerk and H. Groesbeck register of deeds to fill vacancies, there being nd
-choice for those offices at the previous election.
In November, 1860, the county officers elected were: James Crane, pro-
bate judge: A. W. Piekei-ing. county clerk: Joel Moody, county attorney;
Osbone Ewing, county assessor, and William Phillips, E. Chase and Lev\'is
Thompson, commissioners.
At a special election in March, 1861, E. J. Brown ^^'as elected repre-
sentative, and John Stansbury probate judge to fill vacancies.
At the general election in November. 1861, Georg-e A. Crawford received
n majority of the votes in the county for governor. E. J. Brown was elected
representative. David Reynolds, sheriff : Peter Yohon, county clerk ; M. "W.
Alexander, treasurer; J. D. Coulter, i-egister of deeds: J. S. Askren, county
assessor: James Crane, probate judge: J. B. Pickering, superintendent
public in.struction ; W. B. Stines, surveyor; Allen McCartney, district clerk-
■Jackson Lewis, Owen Diviney and H. J. Gregory, county commissioners
For state capital the vote stood: Lawi-enee, 71; Topeka, 5, and Em-
poria. 1.
NOVEMBER, 1862.
There were 101 votes east for governor of which Thos. Carney received
"61 and W .R. Wagstaff received 50.
A. McCartney was elected representative; J. B. Pickering, probate
judge: A. L. Hathawaj'. clerk of district court ; Geo. L. Wait, county clerk ;
A. Johnson, sheriff: Michael Collins, coroner; J. M. Baldwin, treasurer;
John Woolman, surveyor ; Peter Yohn, register of deeds ; Isaac McCon-
nell. county asse.ssor. and E. J. Brown, superintendent public instruction
632 HISTORY OF AI.LEN' AND
NOVEMBER, 1S63.
A. \V. Pickering was elected rep) esentative : J. P. TucK-er, clerk district
f'oui't; (}. L. Wait, eoinity clerk; D. Tf. Millei', sheriff: 11. J. Gregory.
coroncT'; Will. Phillips, Tho.s Sirid and -J. Foster, comniissinner.s : J. Baetie
ireasurer: John Woolman. .surveyor; J. D. Conlter, register of deeds and D-
.Ask! en. county assessor.
NOVEMBER, 1864.
The total .number of votes cast for president was 102. Lincoln and
•Johnson securing 67 and McClelland and Pendleton 35 votes. Saml. J,
Crawford carried tl e coiinly for unvcnior and John Nathan Foster elected
rep'-e entative :Thi)s. Ai-i'dM, i-<iini!y :\\'n]icy : Pnscy (iraves proba'e .iudge
.\'. Keller, clerk distii.-t roiiit: .1. 1). CduJlci'. treasurer; Enoch Fencfer,
county assessor; \V. B. Stines, superintendent public instruction and J. S.
Ijfibough, commissioner
NOVEMBER, 1865.
I. W. Dow was elected representative ; Pusey Graves, clerk district
court ; Geo. L. Wait, county clerk ; David H. Faler, sheriff ; David Re.ynolds,
treasurer ; W, B. Stines. county surveyor ; Geo. L. Wait, register of deeds ; 0.
P. Hauiihowont, county assessor; J. D. Coutler, county attorney; Chas.
Ostcrini'ier. cironer and Jno.^S. Lobough, Michael Reedy and H. J. Gregory,
coniiiiissioners.
NOVEMBER, 1866.
Again (lov. Crawford carried the county for governor. 11. J. Gregory.
Repulilican. was elected representative- Jas. Crane, probate judge; Pusey
(i-raves, clerk district ourt ; S. J. Williams, superintendent public instruc-
tion: A. K. Philoii, troasurei-; D. Reynolds, commissioner; 0. P. Hougha-
v,out. democrat, eoun+j' assessor and M. V. B. Pearsall for coroner.
NOVEMBER, 1867.
The Republicans were successful and elected D. W. Finney representa-
tive. Thos. A. Blanchard, sheriff and treasurer; W. B. Stines, county at-
torney and surveyor; W. W. Sain county clerk and register of deeds: C. B
Graves, countv assessor: A. Brush, coroner and J. Tj. Lobotisrh, D. Reynolds
.',nd H. J. Gregory, rnin,inssi,.i,ers. D. W. Finney. W. W. Sain and W. B.
Stines are still cili/cns ol' ihe county and have from that time been active
i ' the political field. The vote on the constitutional amendment to strike
out the word white stood 149 against, and 88 for.
NOVEMBER, 1868.
Jas. M. Harvey carried the county for governor by 183 majority over G.
\V. Click; B. F. Johnson was elected representative; Pusey Graves, probate
judge; S. J. Williams, superintendent public instruction; AV. E. Graves,
county attorney and E. Fender, coroner.
NOVEMBER, 1869.
II. J. Gregory was elected representative over C. B. Graves; I. W. Dow,
treasurer; W. W. Sain, county clerk and register of deeds; D. Reynolds,
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 603
sheriff ; J. J\I. Leacli, coroner ; D. V. Dow, surveyor and J. "W. Jewitt. P. "\Y.
Yohon and H. C. Leonard, commissioners.
NOVEMBER, 1870.
Again Gov. Harvey carried the county for governor. G. A. Bogart
vas elected representative; W. E. (iraves, county attorney; Pusey (.xrave;-,
probate judge, and J. S. Gilbert .superintendent public instruction.
NOVEMBER, 1871.
B. F. Everett, republican, was elected representative; J. A. Bur-
dett, county clei-k : W. -J. Houghawout, democrat, county treasurer ; Sanuiel
Cook, register of deeds; D. V. Dow, surveyor; E. Fender, coroner and A.
Hamilton, democrat, sheriff.
NOVEMBER, 1872'
Gen. U. S. Grant received 782 votes for president and Horace Greeley
received 247 ; Wm. Peck republican, was elected representative ; I. S. Jones
probate judge ; T. J. Petit, county attoriiey ; Dan Tollner, clerk district
court and J. L. Gilbert, coiinty superintendent. Although the Republicans
seemed at this time to have a large majority, in November, 1873, so the story
goes, an independent ticket was selected the night before election known
as "the Midnight ticket" and was in a measiire successful. Those elected
were: Frank Butler, democrat, representative; Wm. Cozine, sheriff; W. J.
Houghawout, democrat, treasurer ; I. N. Holloway, republican, county
clerk ; I. S. Jones, republican, register of deeds ; J. W. Driscoll, coroner and
S. Miehner. AY. P. Stephenson and L. G. Porter, commissioners.
NOVEMBER, 1874-
J. C. Cusey, democrat, carried the county for governor; A. B. Mann,
(R) was elected representative; I. S. Jones (R) probate judge; G. I. Car-
penter (R) clerk district court; W. H. Stares (R) county attorney ; A. F.
Palmer (D) superintendent public instruction and D ]\I. Ra.y, county
surveyor.
SEPTEMBER 12, 1875.
Yates Center was selected as the county seat and for a number of
years afterward the prejudice aroused during the county seat contest was a
factor in the county politics.
NOVEMBER, 1875.
H. D. Dickson, democrat, was elected representative; I. N. Holloway,
(R) county clerk; R. A. Hurt, (R) treasurer; I. S- Jones, register of deeds
and A. Smith, coroner.
NOVEMBER, 1876.
For president, R. B. Hays received 673 votes in the county and Saml
J. Tilden 306 ; Geo. T. Anthony carried the county for governor ; S. R. Kel-
logg (R) was elected representative: J. E. Pickett, (R) county attorney;
(!eo- D. Carpenter, clerk district court; I. S. Jones, (R) probate judge and
A. F. Palmer, (D) superintendent of instruction.
NOVEMBER. 1877.
Complete Republican ticket elected. R. A. Hurt, treasurer; I. N. Hollo-
604 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
way, county clerk ; I. S. Jones, register of deeds ; A. Smith, sliriff ; Jos.
Webb, surveyor; E. Fender, coroner and S. Michuer, T. J. Eagle and J. H.
Bayer, commissioners.
NOVEMBER, 187S.
Jno. P. St. John carried the county for governor; Gen. D. E. Clapp,
(R) elected representative; Geo. D. Carpenter, (R) clerk district court; I.
S. Jones, (R) probate judge; H D. Dickson, (D) county attorney; A. P.
Palmer, (D) superintendent public instruction and G. C. Snow, (R) eom-
luissioner.
NOVEMBER, 1879.
Full Republican ticket elected. J. W. Depew, county treasurer; H. S.
'J'rueblood, county clerk; I. S. Jones, register of deeds; Geo. W. Davis,
sheriff; Jos Webb, surveyor; J. L. Jones, coroner and J. H. Bayer, com-
missioner.
NOVEMBER, 1880.
County gave a ma,joritj' for Jas. A. Garfield for president, John P. St.
John for governor and D. W. Finney for lieutenant-governor. D. E. Clapp
was elected representative: I. S. Jones, probate .iudge: W. E. Hogueland
(R) clerk district court; J. W. Richardson, superintendent public insti'uc-
tion and Levi Robbins, commissioner.
NOVEMBER, 1881.
H. S. Trueblood (R) elected county clerk and J. W. Depew (R)
treasurer, with no oppositon ; G. W. Davis, sheriff: W. A. Bailey, Inde-
pendent candidate elected register of deeds ; Jos. Webb, surveyor and G. C.
Snow, commissioner.
NOVEMBER, 1882-
Gov. St. John again carried the county for governor; E. V. Wharton
(D) was elected representative: I. S. Jones, (R) probate judge; W. E.
Hogueland, (R) clerk district court; J. E. Pickett, (R) county attorney;
Miss L. J. Stephenson, (R) superintendent public instruction and R. D.
Webster, fR) commissioner-
NOVEMBER, 1883.
Those elected were J. W. Turner, (Ind.) county treasurer; I. M
Jewett, (R) county clerk; W. A. Bailey, register of deeds; D. M. Ray, (R)
siu'veyor; G. H. Phillips, (R) coroner; Jas Cannady, (Ind.) sheriff and J,
('. Puckett. commissioner.
NOVEMBER, 1884.
For president, Jas. G. Blaine, received 1,143 votes, Grover Cleveland,
635 votes, Benj. F. Butler, 135 votes and Jno. P. St. John, 51 votes. For
governor Jno. A. Martin carried the county by a large majority. W. H.
Slavens (R) was elected representative; I. S. Jones, (R) probate judge;
W. E. Hogueland ,(R) clerk district court: G. R. Stephenson, (R) county
attorney; Lizzie Stephenson, (R) superintendent public instruction and C.
C. Mills and W. D. Windgrave, commissioners, making the board Demo-
cratic.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 605
NOVEMBER, 1885.
I. M. Jewett (E) eJeetecl county clerk; Fred Stewart, (D) treasurer;
Jos. Cannady,- (K) sheriff; P. H. How, (R) register of deeds; D- M. Ray,
(R) surveyor; C. R. Jones, (R) coroner and C. C. Mills, (D) county com-
missioner.
NOVEMBER, 1886.
Gov. John A. Martin again carried the county for governor; W. H.
Slavens, (R) elected representative; C. C- Clevenger, (R) probate judge;
W. E. Hogueland, (R) clerk of district court; G. R. Stephenson, (R)
county attorney; Kate Rhea, (D) superintendent public instruction and
A C. Gordy, (R) commissioner.
NOVEMBER, 1887.
M. F. Stewart, (D) elected county treasurer; R. M. Phillins, (R)
county clerk; A. A- Keck, (R) sheriff; H. B. McHugh, (R) register of
deeds; G. E. Carpenter, (R) surveyor; A. H. Mann, (R) coroner and J. W.
Quick, commissioner.
NOVEMBER, 1888.
For president, Benj. Harrison received 1,148 votes; Grover Cleveland,
.'.95 vo-es: A. J. St red or, :^63 votes and C. B. Fish, 104 vote?. L. U.
irumjihi'cy eanicd llic county for governor and J. H. Hale (R) was
elected representative; ('. C. Clevenger, (R) probate judge; J. H. Stieher,
(R) county attorney; W. P. Dickerson, (R) clei-k district court; J. C. Cul-
ver, (R) superintendent public instruction and Wm. K. Rogers, (R) commis-
sioner.
NOVEMBER, 1889.
W. C. Wille, (R) elected county treasurer: R. M. Phillips. (R) county
clerk; A. A. Keck, (R) sheriff; Geo. E. Carpenter, (R) surveyor; A. H.
Mann, (R) coroner; H. A. Nichols, (R) commissioner and H- B. Mc-
Hugh, CR) register of deeds.
NOVEMBER, 1890.
L. IT. Humphrey again carried the county for governor ; J. H. Bayer,
(R) elected representative; A. J. Jones, (R) probate judge; W. P. Gregory,
(Peoples' party) county attorney: W. P. Dickerson, (R) clerk district
court; Kate Rhea, (D) superintendent public instruction and Wm. Moore-
head, (Peoples' party) commissioner.
NOVEMBER, 1891.
Officer elected were: H. H. McCormick, county clerk; W. C. Wille,
treasurer; F. L. Stephenson, register of deeds; T. L. Reid, sheriff; 0. P.
Augustine, coroner; Arthur Moffat, surveyor and Henry Ashley, commis-
sioner of 2d district, all Republicans but Henry Ashley.
NOVEMBER, 1892.
This county gnve Benj. Harrison a majority of 40 votes over Weaver
f(U' president and A. W. Smith a majority of 49 over Lewelling for governor,
Chas. F. Scott received a majority of 42 for state senator. J. H. Bayer
was elected representative: A. J. Jones, probate judge and Wm. Reedy,
6o6 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
clerk district court: A. M. Kaniiard, (R) superintendent public instruc-
tion; d. 11. Lamb, county actoniey; H. A. Nichols, commissioner of third
district. All Republicans except Wm. Reeay.
NOVEMBER, 1893.
Those elected were R. D. Webster, treasurer ; H. H. McCormick, county
clerk; T. L. Reid, sheriff; P. L. Stephenson, register of deeds; 0. P.
Augustine, coroner; Arthur Moffat, surveyor, and Wm. Moorehead, com-
missioner of 1st district : all republicans except Wm. Moorehead.
NOVEMBER. 1894.
For governor, E. N. Morrill received a majority of 55 votes in the
county. The suffrage amendment was defeated by 175 votes. Wm.
Stockebrand was elected representative ; James Dutro, probate judge ; G. H.
Lamb, county attorney ; A- M. Kannard, superintendent public instruction
and Wm. Reedy, clerk district court; all Republicans except Wm. Reedy
and W. P. Lytle who was elected commissioner of second district.
NOVEMBER, 1895.
There was only one vote against Judge Stillwell in the county for
district judge. R. D. Webster, elected treasurer; J. L. Martin, register of
deeds : W. 0. Eades, county clerk ; M. E- Hunt, sheriff ; D. M. Ray, surveyor ;
O. P. Augustine, coroner and Henry Peter, commissioner of 3d district ; all
Republicans except M. E. Hunt .
NOVEMBER, 1896.
For president, Wm. INIcKinley received 1,288 votes and W. J. Bryan,
1,189 votes. E. N. Morrill carried the county by 13S majority. W. W.
Finney was elected representative ; James Dutro, probate judge ; A. J. Huff,
clerk district court; Lucy Ellis, superintendent public instruction. G. W.
Cox, commissioner 3d district and J. R. Vice, commissioner 1st district ; all
Republicans except Lucy Ellis and J. R. Vice. A. J. Jones elected county
attorney.
NOVEMBER, 1897-
J. C. Culver, elected treasurer ; W. 0. Eades, county clerk; M. E. Hunt,
sheriff' ; J. L. Martin, register of deeds ; L. N. Tallman, surveyor ; Otis
Oroidorff, coroner, and S. C. Gustin. commissioner 3d district.
NOVEMBER, 1898'
W. E. Stanley carried the county for governor by 123 votes. H. A.
Nichols was elected representative; S. C. Holcomb, county attorney; W. L.
Parsons, probate judge; E. E. Kelley, superintendent public instruction;
A. J. Huff', clerk district court, and G. W. Cox, commissioner of 3d district;
all Republicans except S. C. Holcomb.
NOVEMBER, 1899.
J. P. Kelley, elected county clerk ; J. C. Culver, treasurer ; Silas Nay-
lor, register of deeds; S. L| Patterson, sheriff; L. N. Tallman, surveyor;
Otis Orendorff, coroner and J. W. Quick, commissioner of 1st district ; all
Republicans except L. N. Tallman.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 607
NOVEMBER, 1900.
For president, Wni. McKinley received 300 majority in the county. W.
Vj. Stanley received a majority of 290 for governor and Chas. F. Scott's
majority in the county was 295 for eongressman-at-large- H. A. Nichols
^\as elected i('iire>eiitative; "W. L. Parsons, probate judge: A. C. Woodruff,
■clei'k (lisiiiei cdiirt : S. c. Ilolcomb, county attorney; E. E. Kelley, superin-
'eiideiit pnhlie iust i-iii'tiim and S. G. Paris, commissioner 2d district; all
Repii1ilicans except S. C. Unlcoml).
HISTORY OF ALLEN AKD
Zoxonto
BY MRS. M. M. BUCK.
Toronto is a thriving and progressive town of nearly 800 populationv
situated in the southwest corner of Woodson county, on the Verdigris river.
It was laid out in 1869 by the Toronto Town company. The town did not
t;row much until the Missouri Pacific railroad entered its domain in 1882
and a few years later the Santa Fe.
Toronto's leading enterprise is the roller mills which was erected in
1894 by its present owner, W. P. Dickerson, and is the best equipped flour
mill in this section, having a capacity of 50 barrels per day and a grinding
capacity of 400 sacks daily. The brands of flour turned out are the Gem
Patent, Pride of Toronto and Wild Rose, and all give general satisfaction.
Mr. Dickerson is also an extensive stock feeder, and uses the surplus mill
stuff to good advantage as some of the finest cattle ever shipped from
this section were fed on the output of this mill.
Another industry is the Broom factory which has been in operation
since 1885 and is owned and operated by a practical broom maker, C. B.
Stuart, and places a broom on the market which for neatness and durability
cannot be improved on by any of the larger factories.
The various biisiness and professional lines are represented as follows-
Two dry goods stores, four general merchandise stores, three hardware
stores, one meat market, two furniture stores, two grocery stores, two har-
ness shops, three millinery stores, six restaurants, two druggists, one jew-
eler, two hotels, four blacksmith shops, three painters and paper hangers,
•several carpenters, one undertaking establishment, four doctors, one news-
paper, two lawyers, one dentist, two real estate agents, one bank, two bar-
bers, three livery barns and one lumber yard. A public school building was
erected in the 80 's, two stories high and containing four rooms. In 1899
two additional rooms were built but only one of them was finished- It is
expected the upper room will be finished this year, 1901, in time for
the fall term, which will necessitate the hiring of another teacher making
six in all.
Toronto people are alive to their spiritual needs and requirements and
have three church buildings. Methodist, Presbyterian and United Brethren.
The Methodist made Toronto a station at the last annual conference held
in Eureka. March, 1901, which gives them a pastor who preaches every
Sunday, morning- and night. Rev. W. Emerson is the present pastor. They
also have a good parsonage of six rooms.
The Presbyterians have not had a pastor for two years, but expect one
this year.
'v\-OODSON COX'NTIKS, IvAKSAS. 6oQ
The United Brtthren is the newest of the three churches having beefl
Ijiiilt ill 18911. There is preaching every Sunday night and alternate Snn-
"days in th^ morning. JVlso a good Sunday school is held every Sunday
morning. A parsonage was bought in 1898 about two blocks from the
■church. The present pastor, Eev. T- A. Darling, is young, and active in
■the iVIaster's cause.
Toronto has eleven st-cret societies, fraternal and beneficiary, each hav-
ing claims to the individual seeking protection for the home, or for social
and plearan" intercourse with each other, and by that means, help relieve the
•dreary vicissitudes of life in whifh so many of us conre in contact.
Another great factor in Toronto's business circles is its bank, with a
•capital of $5,000. organired in 1892. The arrangement of tli¥ counting room
is in accordance with the ideas of metropolitan banks having fire and burglar
proof s+'eel vault and safe with time lo-k. The funds and valuable docu-
ments are further protected against loss by a policy in the Bankers' Mutual
Irsuranee company.
The ] 'regressive business men and citizens formed a company in 1899
for the purpose of drilling for gas. Three wells have been sunk at an ex-
pense of about $1,000 for each well and the results are far from satisfactory.
The first well was abandoned after going down 942 feet as the conditions
would not justify them in g-oing to any greater expense, but gas and salt
Avater is still running from tie pipes and is being drank by some of our
rheumatic citizens with beneficial results. Gas well No. 2 was sunk 792 feet
and the conditions Avere almost similar to No. 1. The last well, or No. 3
was sunk 1,000 feet with better results tlian the other two, and it was
lown. Pipes were accordingly laid, and most of the business men had it put
daimed by some experts that we had enough gas in that one well to run the
in (heir stores, but tie flow was' not what was expected as lamps had to be
^ised in addition to the gas to make good lights- At present thei'e is some
talk of raising funds to sink another well, and as the citizens have already
«unk over $3,000 in the bowels of the earth it will take a good deal of argu-
laent to get them to invest in another hole.
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
IReosbo If alls
(by miss FLORENCE L. SNOW.)
When strangers come into the town of Neosho Falls, they notice first
the broad, smooth graveled streets and the beautiful embrasure of the river,
and then they invariably put the question, ""V\Tiere are the falls?" The
changing flow of water over the mill dam is most disappointing and the
explanation that the riffle above the toM-n site is responsible for the name
is always met with dissatisfaction. But this gradual fall in the deliberate
stream, just nine feet in two miles, was the determining factor in the
genesis of the place and because the men who founded it had the sense of eu-
phony, Neosho Palls is a matter of natural right as well as verbal beauty,
It was in the spring of '57 that this riffle in the Neosho river gladdened
the eyes of these pioneers. They had come from Iowa in an open buggy, two
young comrades, full of the life that belongs to new countries and fresh
enterprises, and they were looking for a suitable place to build a saw mill,
and to push their fortunes.
One of them was a practical mill wright, Isaac "W. Dom', a native of
Maine, of strong well-bred universalist stock, lithe and active, clear-sighted
generous-hearted and ready for whatever might come. The other was N
S. Goss, Stickney Goss, as many who knew him in the early days still affec-
tionately call him. He was a little older than his friend, and had recently
sustained the loss that shadowed all his life— the death of his beautiful
young wife. The descendant of an old Puritan family, he had passed his
later boyhood in Wisconsin whither his father had emigrated from Lan-
caster, New Hampshire. He made the best of scant educational advantages,
cultivated a natural fondness for all sorts of bird life, and began the busi<
ness activities which had prepared him for the Kansas venture. Of nervous
temperament and a rather delicate but elastic physique, he had a great ca-
pacity for patient, persistent work, and with a kindly, genial spirit and
various other qualities of leadership, he was especially well fitted to become
the main stay of an infant town as well as the ''Father of the Neoshc*
Valley. ' '
After carefully inspecting the banks of the river and calculating the
water power, the friends decided that the mill should be built, and Mr,
Dow remained in camp "with the Indians," as he himself puts it, on
what afterwards became the Reuben Slavers farm, while Mr. Goss went to
St. Louis for the lumber and machinery.
There were only two settlers in the vicinity, John Woolman, three miles
west of the chosen site, and John Chapman who had a cabin near Spring
WOODSON COUMTIES. KANSAS. 6ll
Creek, though to these might be added the Indian agent who was located
three and a half miles east— the Leonard Fuqiia who still lj^es net.r Kansas
City. The east bank of the river was thickly wooded for a prairie country,
but to the west of it the level ground stretched away without even the
shadow of a rock to the low bluff's Ihat mai'k the ancient boundary of the
water. Yet it seemed a promising cmintry, and it was highly probable that
it would appeal to many of the families who were seeking new homes in the
famous territory. The mill was built, the people came, and himber was
made for their cabins.
The first of these rude dwellings belonged to Enoch Fender, and his
wife, who has recently followed her husband to the undiscovered country,
was the first white woman in the settlement- Then Stevens and Rugglea
put up a grocery store and the original Falls House. Mr. Ruggles was
the son of one of the first missionaries to the Sandwich Islands: had been
named for one of the native chiefs, and in his utter disregard of his parents'
teaching, gave additional emphasis to a most original and interesting
character.
With this beginning the two initial nestors secured the necessary land
and laid out the proportions of tl;<' tulurc to\Mi. and a iiostoffiee having
been gianted to the ain!)itious scMIciiumiI. ^\r. (.'ess was appointed post-
master. He also carried on coiisidiTiililc Imsiin'ss with tln' Indians, and a
grist mill was added to the oi'igiiial iinliisny.
When the war came on the villaiiv coiilaini-d some very strong effective
factors. Robert -\Iowry had come Froin l^awionci' lo assist in the building
of the mill, and the great water-wheel that he created was a nine day's
wonder. An ardent abolitionist, he had been in the thickest of some of the
Lawrence troubles, and an equally devoted Methodist, he began the religious
service in the new home that resulted in course of time in the organization
of the Methodist church. He was, to the last of his days, which were all
spent in Neosho Falls, a seer of visions and a dreamer of intense religious
dreams, yet he always stood for pi'actical righteousness, and strove with all
I'.is power to forward the common ambition of making a good, clean, enter-
]irising town.
Another notable addition was James Ci'ane and his family. He had
been a pioneer in Wisconsin, and was accompanied by Dr. Whitney and his
wife and their daughter, and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Hurd. The party
had taken adjacent claims near lola, but being dissatisfied, had moved intfj
the Falls where Willis Hurd, the first child born to the community made
his advent early in '60-
Mr. Crane had a tough moral fibre and indomitable energy, and his
wife was made of the same sterling stuff. They subscribed to the Con-
urcgationalist creed, and for many years abounded in good works. During
llir hard times of '60 he was sent to Wisconsin and Illinois to solicit aid for
111!' settlors who felt that they must have help or abandon the country. He
sncceoded in setting an appropriation from the Wisconsin legislature for a
6l2 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
tiuantily of wheat, and Piisey Clraves, who was one of the most interestin<;'
characters Mie town has ei-er known, assisted very largely in the work of
systematic relief.
B. F. (.'oss, who organized the company we sent to the war, had joined
his bi'other and built the first frame dwelling house in the settlement, and
Dr. Allen McCartney who had a superioi' education and a great fund of dry
humor had oixMied a drug store aiul begun a successful practice. Dr. S. J.
Williams, an e(|ually eu+ertaining humorist, had also entered upon a similar
avoearioii. and his eldest daughtei', who still resides here, was the first female
child born within our limits.
Witli such a nucleus for greater tliiii'js llie matter of education could
not l>e iiegleded. and in the summer of TiS ih,. lirst school was organized by
a Miss l']uima Coulter, of whom no record remains but that she was "pretty
and stylish and well liked," and she was followed the next winter by Mr
l'';benezer Curtis who "had good advantages and attracted many pupils
from the country." He went to the war and became a colonel, sharing in
the promotion that was quite common among the men we supplied. The
response to the call to arms had been so general that the little community
was left at one time with only four men, 0. P. Houghawout who carried the
mail. Mr, Mowry, whose religious convictions kept him at home. Dr. McCart-
ney whose practice made a stronger claim, and Major Snow, who came to
the place early in '62 to take charge of the Indians who made up the Neosho
agency. The neighborhood of the Indians made a good market for all sorts
of produce, but it also added to the apprehension of the time and the temper
ri the women who held the homes remained tirm and true. It was during this
period that the AYidow Brengle who had force and courage enough for a
mnch larger sphere, made a memorable ride to lola to carry a message in
ri'gard to a threatened raid. As soon as it appeared that no one else could
nndo-take the eri'and she saddlecTher fleet little pony and hurried away
over the wide lonely prairie, stayed all night with some friends and was back
again next da.v as if nothing unusual had occurred.
And so tlie life of the place went on. The men came back some times
on leave— some new arrivals came in, divine services were held by Mr
Mowry, Mr, Lynn, a Presbyterian minister and Mr, Northrup, an earnest
Congregationalist, and the school was kept up as teachers cou4cl be obtained
The year of '64 was marked by the opening of a private school by Miss
Harriet N- Clark, a niece of the Goss brothers who had been most carefully
educated in her Wisconsin home, and who had been very desirous of enter-
ing the missionary field. She had given up this hope on account of insuffi-
cient sti-eiigth and her mother's objections, and ifndertook the arduous war'
time .iiiiiniey to the new country feeling that in spending a little time -with
her uncles and engaging in teaching she could still enter upon a very useful'
career.
Mrs. Crane, in her husband 's absence, had moved with her four children
into the half finished Falls House, and kept a home-like hostelry. Lieu
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. ' 613
tenant Crane, from liis st.-itioii in ^lissduii. sent material to finish the large
i-oom to Central City, uml .Mis. Crniu', cm'jvi' for the good work to go on'
.sent the two younm r clnlilivn. Cmvvi' nml Ada aeross eonntry in the
big wagon to get i1. It \\;is ;i l.-iruv iiiulcrtiildng foi' jiciiple of twelve and
fonrteen, bnt they iii.ulc il'c tup in s.il'i'iy. thDUgh tliry were overtaken by
;; s'oi'm, and in a short time Ali.s.s (.'hirk began her work, using an organ
which the music-loving father sent his daughter from Fort Leavenworth
and which was the admiration and delight of the whole community.
The influence of this refined and lovely yoiinu' wnnuin was a very fortu-
nate thing for the rising generation, and theugli nnr period of her history
has been spent in another state, she has always been identified with all oui
nobler interests. Her father and mother decided to settle here soon after
she arrivtd, and she married later on Captain AY. W. P. iNIcConnel, whose
family has been ecpially prominent in onr de-^-elopment. The Clarks, like
the Cranes, wi re devoted Coimn i^ationalists, and the firm of Clark and Me-
Connel for a lone period leprest iited onr leading mercantile interests and
entered into e\-ery woitliy enterjirise.
"When the war was oxer we hail tlie eonnnon season of rehabilitation,
and as our citizens tool< uj) the work of making homes again, the town
made steady advancement. Throngli the instrumentality of Mr. Goss, who
had served'as colonel in the stat<' militia, the M, K. & T. Railroad passed
through the town, and with its round Ikjusc and land office brought a great
accession of life and energy. It was an easy matter to vote bonds, and the
township built the old bridge above the dam. It was a single, graceful
iion span 225 feet long and endured an incalculable amount of stress
and strain until the summer of '98 when it was wrecked by an undue
weight and had to be replaced. In '69 the first school house was erected,
and in '70 and '71 the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, after being
I'-eshly organized, were provided with the rectangular structures of the
period. The county seat advantages belonged to us by natural right, and
in 1870 we reached'the dignity of corporation with a population of thirteen
hundred souls, 0. P. Houghawout being the first mayor.
We also had a newspaper and the Washington press upon which it was
printed had a history that was characteristic of the times. It had been
bi-ought to Leavenworth for free state service, taken to Lawrence for a
similai' ])iu-pose and thence to Burlington for the founding of the Patriot
by Air. I'roiity. It was next purchased by Wm. Higgins, afterwards Seci'e-
taiy of State and some other citizens of Le Roy, and in- '69 it passed into
our possession through I. W. Dow and Captain W. W. P' MeConhel. Some
irregularities in this transfer resulted in a suit before the Supreme Court,
and the records show the .judgment in favor of the last purchasers. Like
any other pioneer the old press was built on heroic lines, and it was used
here continuously until Mr. Stout's ofi'ice was burned in '98 when it was
destroyed with all the other property.
The paper, as founded by I. B. Boyle, was called Tlie FroiitUr Demo-
6 14 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
crat, and was considered a very bright and breezy sheet. It -was the first'
newspaper in the county, and it has pnss'Ml tludugh many changes. With
W. H. Shivens it became a year hitei' Tin Xmslio Falls Advertiser, and
in January of '7'^ it was purcliased by W. \V. Sain who changed the uame
10 Till Wiiiiihuii ('nil III 1/ I'liyf. :iiul gave it a stronger Republican character.
Ml'. Sain linil bi'c^n in llir cnim'}- sim-e '66 and had made a distinctive record
as County Clerk and liegisiei- of Deeds, and it was during his exertions that
the paper reached its higiicst tone and largest usefulness. It reflected the
vigorous independence and derisive judgment that have always marked his
I 'lace among us and only tlie very best that he could do was worthy of his
readers. But with the removal of the county seat other business seemed
to be more profitable, and Nathan Powell and II. D. Dickson bought out
the enterprise and gave it a different sphere as The Xvoslio Falls Fast.
Mr. Powell had had a varied experience in other fields, and Mr.
Dickson wa.s a young man of rare promise. He had begun his life here
as a typo on the Advertiser and assisted Mr. Sain in the many ways
paper in '78 but resumed control in '81, and after two or three other
dl'f/rges it was sold to J. N. Stout who still serves the community in
the editorial capacity.
During the early seventies a comparatively large number of superior
that are known to the clever foreman. He studied law as he worked,
and became a leading figure in our political, as well as legal circles until
his removal to Emporia where he still resides. He retired from the
people controlled the life of the town. The land office had brought
the Hon. E. T. Goodnow and a staft' of enterprising aKsistants, and
j\lr. Goodnow 's scholary training and refinement, his high religious tone
and steadfa.st character were all intensified by similar gifts on the part
cP his wife and their accomplished niece, Miss Hattie Parkerson. Major
Snow having concluded the birsiness of his agency brought his family
ti'om Baldwin and made a permanent home in our midst. The Good-
richs and Hamms brought various good gifts and. influences, Joseph
Bishop began the career among us which has been one of our strongest
elements. The Woodwards and the Ennesses gave us various fine factors.
B. W. Finney has been a continuous and persistent force in business,
political and social circles. Colonel W. L. Parsons bought the mill of
Covert and Cozine, put in new machinery and increased its capacity,
married one of our noblest daughters and entered upon a continued
period of usefulness. C. B. Graves, now Judge Graves, of Emporia
W. A. Atchison and T. J. Petit kept our legal lights aflame, though they
k'ft H. D. Dickson alone in the field later on, and Dr. J. L. Jones had
for a long time the largest and most successful practice in the county
Our schools had necessitated a larger building; the churches were in
u flourishing condition : everybody had rosy visions, and altogether it
was an era of happy work, pleasant intercourse and buoyant vitality'
After a long conflict the county seat was finally fixed at Yates Center,
"WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 6 1'J
hvit we quickly recovered from the loss and assured ourselves that w«
•.could get along very w«ll without the county business. Fillings Brothers
■established a woolen mill in '78 on the town side of the river which for a
time was very fuceessful. and in its failure paved the way for tlie flouring
business of Finney & Son which now occupies the buildings.
In '71, 1. W. Dow instituted a prosperous banking business which
however, had a short life on account of the panic of '73. Mr. Dow
then engaged in the lumber trade in which he contini-ed until he left for
IMarceline, Mo., in '8R. But after fourteen ytars he has returned to us.
and his presence is greatly appreciated.
This period was also marked by the erection of a cheese factory by the
"Rev. John Creath who was also pastor of the Presbyterian ch-jrch, and
who became, when the business failed, the principal of the city schools.
But the largest enterprise of the time was the Neosho Valley District Fair
\vhich held its first meeting in the fall of '75. The district was composed
oF the four sympathetic counties. Allen and Anderson, Greenwood and
Woodson, the association M-as ably officered, and the stock made good
returns in the development of the territory and rich fellow-feeling, though
it absorbed some hard-earned casli. The convenient grounds were leased
at first from Colonel Gns-. and afterwards purchased. Even with the
little work that could bp dci <■ al list, they soon gained the reputation of
being the most heautiful i '■i.i nl \' uodland in the whole s'ate, and they
have always possessed a certain indefinable charm that draw.s people to
(hem upon every possible occasion.
The fair reached its zenith in 1879 when the officers possessed suffi-
cient influence to entertain for a day President and Mrs. Hayes, General
Sherman and various sta*e dignitaries. The decorations an<\ m\isic and
speeches: the wonderful dinner that was .spread for the gue.sts: the beau-
tiful buck-horn chair that was presented to the President; the surpassing
display of produce and live stock, to say nothing of the chariot race that
might have delighted an old Roman emperor, and above all the crowds
and crowds of enthusiastic people. All these elements made up a very
memorable event. "The time wlien Hayes was here'" has never again
been eqixalled.
The decadence of the fair through changing sentiment and clrcum-
slances, resulted in the purchase of the grounds by the city which takes
much pleasure, but not enough pride, in the Riverside Park it has acquired.
The Old Settlers' meetings, however, instituted six years ago by the people
\>f the same territory, bring old friends and neighbors together, keep
alive the spirit of good-fellowship, and give the blessed old trees fresh
appreciation and opportunity.
It was not only in the work of the fair, but in various other channels
that Colonel Goss "remained our most distinguished citizen. As president
tf the M. K. & T. Railroad Company and as attorney for the Santa Fe, he
had a large sphere of activity outside of the town, yet he always had time
6i6 nrsToRY of allen and-
and Ihought for evi ry wnrihy home ambition. Through all the busy years
lie had spent liis si-iuil lei' nic upon the ornithological work which he loved
more devotedly wiCi llie passage of time, and with financial success and
partial retiitment from business, the passion for bii'd study gained the
ascendency. He .spent much time in travel for the growth of his coUec-
lion, and finally in '82 he accepted the invitation to occupy quarters in
the State House where his exquisitely mounted specimens .still remain as
a most remarkable illustration of individual attainment. In '86 Colonei
(ioss published through Crane & Company a large and beautiful work
upon the Birds of Kansas, and he has an appropriate place among leading
American ornithologists. The most effective clauses in our Kansas bird
laws ai-e due to liis exertions, and the feathered tribes still retain their
sympathetic fi'iend though the mortal man has passed away. • He died
suddenly in the spring of '91 as he uuist have wished, here in the toAvn
for (vhich he was so largely responsible, and in full tide of his special
aspirations, and the expression of his spirit still abides in all our at-
mosphere.
The removal ot ilii' idund house and change in the M. K. & T. division,
followed by the loss of the land office in '76 deprived the growth of the
town of a very jiotint fnc-or, but the office building was purchased for
school purposes, and in 1878 Professor J. J. McBride organized the first
high school grades, and in his teaching transmitted the finest intellectual
inspiration our educational system has ever known. He was a graduate
of Ann Arbor, and had. Imd iiiiiiiy other fine opportunities, which united
with a sanguine tempeiaiiietit and tireless energy gave him a remarkable
power of wakening the best possibilities in every individual pupil. And so
strong was his personal charm that even when he was overcome by the
lamentable elements in his character many of his pupils clung most
loyalty to the better natiare they had revered. To them his "faults are
all shiit up like dead flowerets." and because of the endless impetus
he gave them they look back and call him blessed.
With all his imperfections he stood for the world of beneficent cul-
ture, and we owe to him. perhaps, more than to any other person, the
reputation we have gained of being the "Athens of the county." The
teachers who came after him fostered the tone that has made our schools
the very best possible to the size of the place, and the spirit of our people
lias been unusually refined for so small a town.
And this has been a continued chararteri.stic through changing per-
sonality. In the last twenty years many of our best families have moved
away to more enterprising places, though we possess a subtle attraction
that often draws them back again. And while we have had during the
greater part of this period many very slumberous seasons, we still en-
joyed enough life to pass a very comfortable and pleasant existence.
Through fatal fires and the help of our building and loan com-
panies many of our old business houses have been replaced by more com-
■WaOTDSOl? COUTSfTIES, KANSAS. '6 17
jnoclious and substantial structures. In '82 the private bank of Hougha-
wout and Goodrich was established in a convenient office built especially
for it, and the enterprise has given us continiied service, though the firm
has been changed to Goodrich and Inge, and again to Inge and Stilhvell.
The Congregational church was erected in the same year, the permanent
organization having been effected in 71 by Kev. T. W. Jones, of Arvonia.
and the permanent home thus secured has given us one attractively modern
place of worship. In '86 a large city hall was completed and furnished,
having been made possible by an initial movement on the part of the ladies
0+' the place, and a growing pi'ide in our homes has made all our environ-
ment more and more inviting.
In '85 a branch of the Santa Pe railroad was built from Colony to
rates Center and with direct connection with Kansas City and larger ship-
ping facilities, the farming districts have contributed more largely to our
luisiness. "With the return of general prosperity we have felt the common
impetus toward greater things, and in the last year we have made more
improvements than during ten years before. In '98 bonds were voted for a
Tiew school houf--e, and we have built a modern brick structure that will
supply our needs for many years to come, and be a constant pride and
pleasure. Former attempts having failed, a fresh effort is being made to
discover the gas which has so abundantly blessed our neighbors, new people
of the right stamp are coming in, and enterprise and hopefulness per-
meate the air.
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND'
Q;be fIDeMcal iprofeseion
By E, V. Whaeton, M. D.
'the iiieu who eauie to Kansas in the early fifties were home builders;
and eouimonweaith iircliitects— early eaglets Hutteriug out of the parent
nest, whose leaving of the home crag indicated strong wings, determina-
tion and what is luiowu in western parlance as grit. No weaklings, no
■doubting Thomas's,"" none of faint heart led the van of civilization then,
nor ever will. Possibly they were somewhat rough in character, or a
bit indifferent to the strict observation of social rules, as provided by the
dilletante of the East; yet, withal possessing a sense of honor which
would have ehtered the heart of the early cavalier. Warm-hearted and
charitable as an Oglethorpe or an Austen, prompt and exacting as a
John Winthrop, came they to build and fashion after their own notions
a new common-wealth in the great American desert.
They were not all fai'mei's seeking tillable land upon which to build
homes, to phuit oreliards and to lay off fields; nor tradesmen seeking soft
^naps and corner lots in newly erected cities; nor lawyers short on briefs
and long on lore ; nor preachers seeking locations for mission schools and
invalid souls to be saved ; nor incompetent and unemployed mechanics ;
nor promoters selling hot air and cerulian blue; but an army of men and
v.oiiien, and with tlum a few brave, big-hearted and zealous doctors, they
came bearing the plans for a state to be, yet, the grandest and most pro-
gressive in the sisterliood of states.
The doctor of pioneer days was an unique character. Educated he
was, and learned — as learning in the colleges of the days of short terms,
n eager curriculum and rapid process of making doctors meant learned. He
knew little of bacteria, less of plas moedinni materia and asepsis in
traumatism, but possibly as much of the "ager. " the necessity of cleanli-
ness and the effect of rrninine and corn whiskey on the human system
PS do our bright young men turned loose at the beginning of the twentieth
century, schooled in Pastenrism and modern bacteriology, and licensed to
maim and kill. His lihrary was in his head, his stock of drngs in his
capacious snddle-bags, his wardrobe on his back and his office' wherever
he was found. He cared little for churches or church ceremonials,
dfibhled somewhat in nolitics. talked .sketchily of scientific matters,
I schewed the aesthe+icism of the Bostonian school : but would waser his
spurs s+iletto. or six-rhnnter on his ability to cure the "shakes." extract
WOODSON COUMTIES, KANSAS. 619
a tootli, or relieve intestinal spasm. He had heard that a Boston eheinist a
decade ago had discovered the wonderful ether agent-chloroform, but he
knew little of general anesthesia and nothing at all of local anesthesia,
cucaine and the ether spray ; and the effects of the lighter ethers as local an-
esthetics were unknown to him. The anticeptic qualities of phenol he
had not yet been introduced to. Yet he did his work ])atiently and
well in the light which he posse.'sed and contributed much of value to the
generation which followed him. The doctor of 18.58, dressed in homespun,
broad-brimmed hat, and with tro^isers encased to his knees in jack-boots,
and spurred like a knight of old, mounted on a bucking bronco, and
with saddle-bags like paniers to a pack mule, would make a strange com-
parison with the well-dressed and well-barbered M. D. of the present era,
seated in an eas.y carriage and accompanied by his driver. The appearances,
though seemingly widely different, reveal the march of ci^alization and
the development of a race of people who move rapidly and possess, to
a wonderful degree, constructive ability.
The medics, in common with other professions have furnished men
who could be trusted to place a hand upon the helm of state. Kansas'
first governor was a pioneer doctor. Her first body of law-makers was
made up of a respectable number of doctors, and in the passing of the
succeeding history-making years, the roster of her diplomats, statesmen,
and law-givers shows the presence of a fair representation called fi-om the
field of her medical workers.
The oldest settler is somewhat in doubt as to when and where and
as to who was the first doctor to locate in Woodson eoimty. The weight
(vf testimony leans to\rard Drs. John and L. Dunn, brothers, who established
theniselves at Belmont in 18.57 or 1858. Hon. William Stockebrand. who
\\as wounded by an Indian in December, 1857. was treated by the Dunn
hro+hers a few weeks later. The Dunns did not remain long at Belmont.
One of them met summary vengeance at the hands of the "vigilantees" in
southeast Kansas while the other removed to Texas, but resides now at
some point in Oklahoma. In 1859 Dr. D. J. Williams located at Neosho
Falls, remaining until the outbreak of the Civil war. when he returned to
Illinois, enlisted in one of the regiments of that state, served as hospital
steward during the entire struggle and returned to Nosho Falls in 1866.
His daughter, now Mrs. Lucy Gorbett, was the first white child born at the
Falls of the Neosho. The doctor was rather an opinionated character and
believed in settling matters according to his own notion of things. He
was kind-hearted, attentive to the suffering and delighted in relieving "the
sting of the venomed fang" by extraction. He died of cancer late in the
seventies.
About 1862 Dr. Logwood located in Belmont as the successor of the
Dunn brothers. To him was charged the mistake of inoculating the entire
620 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
vieinity with smallpox virus instead of the milder form of vaccine. As a re-
sult a large portion of the pioneers of that portion of the county died of
smallpox.
Dr. Allen McCartney came to Neosho Falls in 1858, about the time
Dr. Williams located there. He remained there during the war, was
Lincoln's first postmaster at "the Falls," left there in 1868 and estab-
lished a trading post at the foot of the mound where "Little Bear" was
buried, at the .jiuietion of the Neosho and Fall rivers. Later, he was in-
terested in the founding of the town of Neodesha and still later represented
his county (Wilson) in the state legislature. And now, in the glorious
Funset of life, he looks back over the past with the consciousness that
there was in his career a something which bettered those who followed
him, as well as those who came into personal touch with him.
Dr. D. W. Maxson came to Woodson county in 1858 also, and located
at Coy's store, now Coyville. For a more extended mention of his career
see his biography elsewhere in this volume. He has seen much service in
professional life, is a sound counsellor, a good clinician and a worthy
member of the profession.
In 1869 and in 1870, Dr. R. B. Camfield and Dr. S. J. Carpenter,
came to the county. Dr. Camfield located upon a claim on South Owl
Creek and, for some years, looked after the health of that community.
Later he removed to Buffalo, Kansas, where he died in 1889, from wounds
received from a vicious horse. Dr. Carpenter located near Neosho Falls,
did something of a general practice, but was inclined toward special work.
He established sanitariums at Humboldt and at Eureka, where he sought
to treat chronic diseases of the respiratory organs. Not meeting with the
success he expected in such a field of labor he settled down, late in life, to
general work in one of our live Kansas towns.
Dr. D. L. Rogers came to Toronto from Canada in 1871. He was a
bright and earnest worker, became tired of Kansas life and returned to
the Queen's Dominion where he died in 1891. The same year (1871) Dr.
A. H. Mann came to Toronto. He was just from the regular army
and only remained out of the service, and in the practice at Toronto, a few
years. He retiirned to Toronto again in 1875 and remained many years.
He performed the first amputation that was done in Woodson and was
regarded as one of the able physicians and surgeons of his day and
county. He resided in Illinois when the Spanish- American war broke out
and was commissioned a surgeon in one of the regiments raised in that
state and did duty at Tampa, Florida. Doctor R. B. Marr, a bright
young man from one of the St. Louis colleges, located in Toronto in 1875
where he was an active and energetic man, wedded to his profession. He
became inoculated with a loathsome disease while attending a patient and,
as a price for his mai'tyrdom, was incapacitated, for many years, for pro-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.' 62I
fessional work. He is now in south JMissouri a physical wreck but a pro-
fessional hero
Dr. J. L. Jones came to Kalida. a town which now lives only in history,
i.'i 1S72. The doctor was a Kentuckian— in that Kentuckian means hospi-
table, .icily, and with an eye to business. He practiced there three years
and the fifteen years following in Neosho Falls. In 1890 he removed to
I^eroy and in 1892 became a resident of Yates Center. In all his perigrina-
tions he never lost sight "o' the silver." He amassed quite a competency
;md now resides on the Atlantic coast.
Dr. T. J. Means, another old-fashioned, "old school" Kentucky doctor,
opened his practice in Neosho Falls in 1872. His office was afterward the
dining room of Judge H. D. Dickson's residence. He believed in heroic
doses of calomel and jalap, bled his patients profusely, and was a typical
lepresentative of the medical rennaisrance. He coiild not endure Kan-
sas Republicanism and, in 1874, removed to Texas.
xlmong the seventies probably Dr. J. W. Driscoll was a character the
Hio.st unique. He dropped into Neosho Falls as thoiigh he had fallen from
Ihe planet Mars, and to strengthen the supposition, some of the cliarac-
tv'iistics of the fighting god are here\\dth attributed to him: He was stub-
l)orn. unyielding, imperious, yet withal tender, compassionate and char-
itable, doing his duty as he saw it. Possibly the most learned of his com-
peers, yet not ".stuck up." he looked upon matters with only the eye of a
scienti.st. "If you are worthy and can do the work"— for he was a worker
—"you are one of us; otherwise you must learn." said he to the
neophyte as to "the elect," until he knew them. For some years he had
tilled the chair of mathematics in an eastern academy, taught the young
man his first lefsons in quadratics, discussed geometry from a straight line
all the way through to conic sections— not even forgetting the pons asin-
orum, taught trigonometry and talked of the value of angles, spoke of
shies, tangents, chords, .■recants, et omnia gens, in fact was an "all-round
man" in mathematical science. When he located among us the good people
recognized his worth and made him a member of our board of examiners
tL pass upon the ciualifications of the teachers of the county, and also
made him county surveyor. Be it said to his memory, his records are
the only ones in the county which show surveys made by "latitude and
departure." His notes, like his work, to a class of .«:tudents are as exact
MS the science he loved. More of a surveyor and engineer than a doctor,
he left Kansas after a few years sojourn, returned to Indiana and, in 1882,
died in the harness as a teacher. Excentric he might have been, but
bi-ight. brainy and brilliant, he was one of the needed men of his time.
Dr. Parker was one of the birds of pa.ssage who came in about 1870.
He and his family a.spired to he social leaders in a pioneer town but his
experience proved only a labor of love and after a few months "he folded
622 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
his tent and qnietlj- stole away" to a more appreciative eomnmnitj-.
Di'. B. D. Williams was the first homeopathist to locate in the country.
His learning professionally was not of the highest order, nor did he liave
must respect for the English language, as taught from Kirkham to the
latest edition of graiinner. It was he who, on July 4, 1874, when the
fantastic paraders removed their masks, renuirked. "they ought to have
gone to some obscure place to do that." In 1875 he went west and was
lost in the flood of emigration to the Rockies during the decade which
followed.
Dr. John T. Warner was probably the most active and enjoyed tlie
most exten-^ive practice of any of his colleagues at the Falls. He was a
pleasant and agreeable gentleman, competent and well liked by the people,
but was too timid for a good physician. He died in 1875 from opium
poisoning. He suffered from some ailment and had taken a large dose of
opium. Not getting better he summoned another doctor who, without know-
ing his patient had already taken the drug, administered another large
dose, and with fatal results.
Dr. Will E. Turner, who married a daughter of Ma.jor Snow, was a
competent man in his profession, but paid more attention to holdins; down a
homestead, and other outside matters, than medicine. He moved to Mon-
tana, made money there, but was accidentally drowned in the Mi.ssouri
river about 1880.
Dr. J. W. Turner came to the county in 1872 and located northeast of
Yates Center on a homestead. The doctor was a true scion of the Blue
Grass state; was a Kentuckian in all that "a son of Kentucky" means.
He did in his day. probably, more surgical work than any of the profession
of the county. He was somewhat irascible in temper, slightly inclined
to haughtiness, yet a gentleman of the old school, one of the t.ype which is
too rapidly disappearing in this age of rush and "every fellow, for himself."
The first laparotomy ever attempted in the county was conducted by him.
He had a busy practice for some years, served as county treasurer one
term, was a director in the First National Bank of Yates Center and died
fiom hemorrhage of the stomach in 1885.
Dr. 0. J. Skinner came to this county in 1872 and located on a claim
adjoining Dr. Turner's. He was a Vermonter by birth and a Kentuckian
by adoption and instinct. Among all the workers of the profession none
were or will be more studious and obfjerving than he.- He loved books
and a late light; was possibly the best clinician of his fellows and the
safest cov;nsellor of aU the coterie of woi'kers of his time. None more
patient and none more desirous of knowing all of a case than he. After
years of hard work and kindly admonition to the younger brood of doctors
he fell asleep, with his sack for a pillow. Among the old fellows who
■WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 62}:;
(eaine "here in early days few were his peer as a careful, painstaking
watcher and observer at the bedside of tbe sick, and none his superior.
About 1873 Dr. W. F. Girdener came to Kalida and. in conjunction
with Dr. Jones, composed the medical staff of that village for a time. In
1877 he removed to Yates Center where he died a year or two following,
a victim of tuberculosis.
The writer, Dr. E. V. Wharton, came to Yates Center, August 20,
1876, and was the first medical man to fan the breezes of the county seat
vith his shingle. Jiily 1901 finds him here still. In 1877 his other col-
leagues in the practice were Doctors Skinner. Turner and Girdener, at the
county seat.
Dr. S. J. Bacon came to Yates Center in 1880 and purchased the
Wolfer drug store. He has been in the drug business continuously since.
The doctor is not a Kentuckian nor does he endorse the theories of the
total abstainers. He did much work in the professional field, was a
horse fancier for some years, a sport and an all round good fellow.
Dr. H. W. West came to the county as a protege of Dr. Turner in 1880.
He has had a lucrative i)i-af1ii-.', married a most estimable woman, reared a
-splendid family and is goinu ildwn \<\ a glorious sunset of old age. He is
one of the Board of Pensimi l''.x,iiiiiiu'rs df the McKinley administration.
In 1882 Dr. GJeorge IT. l"nilli|is ciinuTatcd from Jacksonville, Illinois,
to Yates C!enter, entered the practH-f dt irH:'ilicine, bought an interest in a
drug store and assisted in conducting the Sunday school. He is a man
of brilliant parts, a hard worker and careful observer, and left Kansas to
assume the position of physician to the Indian school at Chiloeco, I. T.
He is now a resident of Pawnee, Oklahoma, and has been appointed, re-
cently, as teacher and medical advisor at Chiloeco.
Dr. George Rutlege, a playmate and boy chum of Dr. Phillips, came
to Yates Center in 1881. remained a few brief months and removed to
Missouri. The politics of that state, his practice and the climate, were not
congenial and he returned to Kansas for a short period and finally took up
his residence in Illinois.
Dr. G. W. Lee another of the good man from the "Old Sucker State"
spawned on Kansas, came in 1889. and pi'aeticed a short time in Yates
Ccijter. He then took up his residence in Toronto where he has an
■enviable business.
Dr. T. A. -Jones became a resident of Toronto about 1888. did an active
practice, was generally loved by the public, dabbled somewhat in polities
and social studies and died in 1894 or 189.5. His work was thorough and
bore the ear-marks of a plodding, painstaking student.
Dr. Otes Orendorff came to Yates Center in 1893 fresh from medical
college, was associated some years with Dr. Kellenberger, moved then to
southern Missouri where he did some work. Tiring of Missouri practice
624 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
and Missouri hospitality he returned to his first love, metaphorically speak-
ing, and re-entered the practice alone. He bears the impress of the seal
of work which is the characteristic of a Kansan and in the years to come
will materially aid in completing the structure planned by the early ar-
gonauts. He is one of the Board of Pension Examiners of the McKinley
administration.
Dr. B. P. Browning, after trying several locations in Kansas, in 1893
cimcluded that Yates Center would suit and he located here. He rushed
iuto a lucrative practice and, notwithstanding his Virginian idiosyncrasies,
has become completely westernized and does things according to the Kan-
sas rule. Bright afifable young and energetic he lias the elements necessary
to continue pushing the profession in Kansas to the front rank with the
best of the other states.
Dr. A. J. Lieurance came to Neosho Falls in 1S86 and has done some
practice but pays more attention to the legitimate drug trade. He has
dabbled some in politics as a Democratic leader, is financially independent
and takes the world easy.
Dr. 0. S. Spaulding who came to Toronto in the late eighties or
early nineties is the only homeopathic in the county. He has the distinc-
tion of enjoying the confidence of the people, was a member of the
Board of Pension Examiners, is clo.'ely intouch with the more advanced
thinkers of sociology, is a student and all that a thinker in Kansas parlance
During the years of developing the territory known as Woodson
county a number of doctors, like the wild duck, have come and gone.
Their stay was too short and their work too ephemeral to notice as a part
of the hive of workers. Some were adventurers, some simply "doing
the country," and some of the "make-fat" variety. Probably this county
has had, as the years go by to make decades, a class of medical men as
bright, as worthy, and who, in their humble way, have contributed as
much toward commonwealth building as the avei-age county of the state.
AAliile peans of praise are sung to the memory of the child of
politics and occasionally a tablet is I'eared to commemorate the work of
some special scientific discoverer, the country and pioneer doctor patiently
plods his weary way, doing his best to relieve suffering and to bring back
the flush of health. Nowhere is there a hall of fame for the humble medical
worker.
"To cure their ills, to guard the people's health
Brings little fame and scarcely more of wealth.
"Tis rare indeed upon the roll of fame
To find inscribed the busy doctor's name;
Nor is it wrought in gold or carved in stone.
Few poets have writ the things by doctors done.
WOODSON COITNTIES, KANSAS. 625
To worshij) liernes and to sing their praise,
To tell of .love in many different ways.
Of human happiness and human grief,
All this has been of poetry the chief ;
And yet, methinks the greatest theme of all
lias been neglected, or scarce sung at all. ' '
KTISrORY OF ALLEN AND'
BioGvapbies
DANIEL W. MAXSON.
DANIEL \V. MAXSON is the leading physician in his section of
Woodson county. No other medical practitioner of the county has s()=
long resided within its borders and none more highly deserves success-
end prominence than Dr. Maxson. He was born in Alleghany county, N;\\'
York, in January, 1836. and is a son of John lilaxson, a farmer by oc-
cupation , who was born in Massachusetts and married Miss Ann Ruth
LangAvorthy. a native of Rhode Island. They died in the Empire state,
leaving two children, but the doctor is now the only surviving repi'esentative
of the family.
The subject of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth'
upon the home farm and acquired his education in the common schools.
Tie afterward took up the study of medicine, which he pursued at intervals,
ill the meantime providing for his support by teaming and by other such
Avork as he could get to do. In his early manhood he left for the west,
going first to Wisconsin, whence he afterward went to Missouri, and later
came to Kan'-as, arriving in the year ISofi. He first located at Fort Scott,
which at that time was only a military gai'rison. and subsecpiently he-
went to Mapleton. Bourbon county, where he was living when the Civil
vrar broke out. He enlisted in response to the call for men to serve for ninety
days, and later enlis+ed for three years as a memebr of the Ninth Kansas
cavalry, serving in the Western Department, Tlie first two years of that
time were passed as a steward in the general hospital at Fort Smith. Fe
■was with his regiment on White river, Arkansas, when the war ended anrt
was discharged at Fort Leavenworth in the year 1865.
The war ended, Dr. Maxson returned to Mapleton, Kansas. In the
meantime he had resumed the study of medicine and had prepared for
its practice. He had read to some extent under the direction of Dr. Norman
D. Winans at lola, Kansas, and for two years was associated with him
in practice. He then took up his abode on the Verdigris river, where he
has since remained, his home being now in Toronto. His practice comes
-^..^
)a-^^.
/l^O
e
k,'^.
S:C(^jLa^
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 627
not only from this town but also from Coyville and Butfalo and is quite
extensive. He is the oldest physician in years of continuous practice in
Woodson county, and as time has pased he has easily maintained his rank
r.mong the foremost physicians of this section of the state. He has k'^pl
abreast with the progress made by the medical fraternity, is a discriminat-
ing student, most careful in diagnosing disease and correct in prescrii'Uit;
the medicines which will best supplement nature in her efforts to restore
a healthful and normal condition. Although he attended two courses of
medical lectures, the last one in the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati,
he did not consider his studies ended and constant reading has kept him
in touch with the onward march of progress made in the medical science.
Dr. Waxson was married in Mapleton, in 1860, to Miss Louise E.
Myrick, whose father came to Kansas from Tennessee. Mrs. Maxson died
J.Iarch 27, 1901. Unto them have been born the following children: W.
E., who is superintendent of the terminals of the railroad and steamship
Imes at Galveston. Texas; Frank; Henrietta, wife of Charles Chambers, of
Purcell, Indian Territory; Ralph, of Toronto, and Lillie A., of Toronto.
From the date of the organization of the Republican party Dr. Max-
son has been in hearty sympathy with its principles and gives his support to
its men and measures. He keeps well informed on the issues of the day
and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success
of the party. He is chairman of the Pension Examining Board of Woodson
county, and is a loyal and patriotic citizen, who believes in upholding the
starry banner of the nation wherever the courage and loyalty of the Amer-
ican soldier has planted it. The doctor has a very wide acquaintance
throughout Woodson county where he has so long made his home and his
many sterling traits of character as well, as his splendid work in the line
of his profession have gained for him the confidence, good will and
liigh regards of all with whom he has been brous'ht in contact.
THOMAS L. REID.
For twenty-five years connected with the business interests of Wood-
son county and with its public affairs, Mr. Reid is regarded as one of the
valued and representative citizens of Yates Center and this entire section
of the state. He is classed among the men whose energy, determination
and business ability are leaving an impress upon the rapidly-developing
civilization of the west. To-day he is at head of the leading livery and
transfer business of Woodson county, and for many years he was widely
known as the popular host of some of the best hotels of this portion of
the state.
628 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
A native of the province of Nova Scotia. Mr. Keid was lioi'n on I he
2d of November. 1850. a son of Ezra and Tabitha (Ells) Raid, whose
family numbered five children. Theodore H., of South Farmington, Massa-
chusetts ; Albert B., of Maine ; Thomas L., and a son Wm. D., and daughter
Mary S. Eaton, living in Nova Scotia, are the survivors of the family, the
parents having passed away.
Mr. Reid of this review received very meager educational priviL-ge.s
HI his youth, but reading, experience and observation in later years have
made him a well informed man. In ]8fiS he went to Massachusetts and se-
cured employment in a shoe shop and later in a grain store. Afterward he
entered upon a clerkihip in a hotel, where he gradually worked his way
upward, enjoying the unqualified confidence and regard of his employer.
()n the 3d of November, 1873. he returned to Nova Scotia and was mar-
ried at Bridgetown. Annapolis county, on that day to Bessie Willett,
daughter of Captain John R. Willett.
At the time of the financial panic of 1873 Mr. Reid was chief clerk in
the Marlborough Hotel. With the sudden and extensive reductions in
working forces along all lines came his own forced retirement in the early
part of 1875 and he left New England in search of work in other parts of
the country. Believing that the west w^ould afford him better opporturr'-
ties he came to Kansas. IMarch. 1875. arriving in Neosho Falls with only
thirty-five cents in his pocket, but he {lossessed a determined .spirit and un-
faltering energy and these stood him instead of capital. He found ;i
friend in the proprietor of the Palls House, a New England man who
aided him until he could get work. Here for the fii'st time he engaged in
farm work, entering the service of W. P. Sharp, an agricultiirist. who
gave him fifteen dollars a month in compensation for his services. Within
six months he had arranged to take charge of the hotel at Neosho Falls and
then sent for his wife. From the fall of 1875 until 1882 he conducted
that hostelry and thu.s gained some capital. He afterward spent a few
months in the Leland Hotel, in Tola, but returned to the Falls House, which
he conducted luitil 1887 ,when he transferred all his interests to Tates
(^enter and became the proprietor of the Hotel Woodson, with which he
was connected as proprietor at different times for twelve years, retiring
from its management in September. 1899. For nearly twenty years he
has been engaged in the livery and transfer business and is the leader in
his line in Woodson county.
Mr. Reid has been called to a number of positions of public trust by
his fellow townsmen who recognize his worth and ability. He was ap-
pointed by Abe Smith to the position of deputy sheriff for Woodson
county and was marshal of Neosho Falls from 1876 until 1880. In 1891
he was nominated and elected sheriff of Woodson county, and re-elected
in 1893, thereby holding the office the limit, a fact which indicates his
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 629
popularity in the ranks of his party. In 1888 he was a strong competitor
for the otSce of United States marshal, and in 1896 he was a leading can-
didate for the nomination for representative to the general assembly. In
V.iOl he was elected mayor of Yates Center by a large majority. In politics
he has ever been a Republican, unswerving in support of the principles of
the party. He cast his first presidential vote for Governor Tilden, but
since 1876 has been a firm advocate of the Grand Old Party. His record
as an ofScer of the law cannot be successfully attacked and his reputation
a:, a citizen grows brighter with the lapse of years.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reid have- been born the following named ; Edith,
\'-ife of L. F. Samuels, of Cotfeyville. Kansas: Maude, wife of C. W.
Lockard, of Will Springs, Missouri : Walter L. ; Harry H. ; Edwin C, and
Mary E. The family occupies a leading position in social circles. 'Slv.
Reid to-day stands among the most prominent men of his adopted county.
He is piiblic-spirited in an eminent degree, local advancement and na-
tional progress both being subjects dear to his heart. He commands the
unqualified confidence and i-espect of his fellow men by reason of his
sterling worth, his fidelity to duty and his unqixestioned probity, and such a
leeord is well worthy of emulation.
AUGUST LAUBER.
AITGUST LAUBER is familiar with pioneer experiences and en-
vironments in Kansas for he came to Woodson county forty-three years ago
when the work of improvement and progress seemed scarcely begun. He
\\-as born June 30, 1827, in Westphalia. GermanJ^ a son of Otto and Amelia
(Maier) Lauber. The father was a farmer whose people had resided in
that locality for many generations and the mother's family were also
farmers. By her marriage she had the following children : Henry ; Minnie,
deceased wife of Frederick MLscher, of La Grange, Texas, and August.
When our subject was young he worked upon the home farm and
pursued his education in the common schools. Thinking to benefit his
financial condition in the New World he bade adieu to friends and native
land, and on the 12th. of September, 1853, took passage at Bremen on the
sailing vessel, Jule, which on that voyage was six weeks in reaching New
York. Having friends in Illinois, Mr. Lauber at once made his way to
StephenEon county, in that state, where he engaged in farming, in teaming
and in other labor that would yield to him an honest living. With capital
he acquired through his own efforts he purchased one hundred and twenty
acres of land. The year 1857 witnessed his removal from Preeport. Illinois,
;o Kansas. He was in hearty sympathy with the free state movement and
630 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
gave his support to the efforts being made to keep slavery out of the terri-
tory. He became identified with farming interests here, securing one
hundred and sixty acres of land on seetionl, Yates Center township. It
was then covered with wild prairie grass and native timber, but his
labors have wrought a great change in its appearance. It has continuously
been his home for forty-three years and is now a very valuable property,
improved with all modern aceef^sories and conveniences. The boundaries of
the place, however, have been greatly extended, and to-day Mr. Lauber is
the owner of eleven hundred acres of the rich farming land of Kansas. At
the time of the Civil war he served in the state militia and while in Ger-
many he had served in the war in Schleswig.
On the 23d of November, 1860, Mr. Lauber was united in marriage
to Louisa Stockebrand, who came to the United States in 1859. Phe was
born July 5, 1830 and their marriage has been blessed with six children :
William, who married Augusta Harder and is now living in Yates Center;
Aiigust; Herman; Henry; Matilda, wife of John Ropp, of Harper county,
Kansas, and John E. Mr. Lauber and his family are all members of the
German Evangelical Church and he and his sons are stalwart Republicans,
his support having been given to the party since he cast his first presi-
dential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. In a land where are no class
conditions and opportunity is open to all Mr. Lauber has steadily worked
his way upward, winning a high measure of success, having a handsome
competence for the evening of life. He is well known and is popular with
his many friends and in the history of his adopted county he well de-
serves representation.
GEORGE W. COX.
GEORGE W. COX, one of the leading and influential citizens of AVood-
son county, is now serving as chairman of the board of county commis-
sioners acquitting himself in a most creditable manner as the incumbent
of that important position. He is a firm advocate of Republican principles,
having always supported the party, and his opinions carry weight in its
councils in this section of the state. He is likewise prominent as a repre-
sentative of agricultural interests, having devoted most of his time to
Parming since coming to the county in November, 1885. He now owns a
valuable tract of land of two hundred and forty acres in Eminence town-
ship, where he is successfully engaged in the cultivation of the crops best
adapted to the soil and climate.
Mr. Cox was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, January 4, 1855,
and is a son of George W. Cox, and a grandson of Joseph H. Cox, the
"WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 6^h
Matter a millwright by trade. Hi.s wife died yoTuig leaving a
family of four sons and two daughters. One of tho sons. William Cox.
^served his country in the war of 1812. George M^. Cos, the father of our
■subjeet, was born in the Keystone state, near Chambeisburg, August 14.
1812, and in 1815 his parents removed to western Pennsylvania, where he
Avas reared. He married Elizabeth A. Cope, whose parents went from the
vicinity of Philadelphia to the western part of the ftate. Mr. Cox followed
farming in Fayette county through his active business career but he and his
wife are now living retired in Green county, Pennsylvania, the former at
the age of eighty-nine years, the latter seventy-seven years of age. Their
children are: James F.. who died at the age of three months: joi^eph H.,
tif Dickinson county, Kansas: Eli C of Miami county, this state: Elma.
wife of Finley "Woodward, of Fayette county. Pennsylvania : Sarah J., v/ho
died at the age of twelve years : Mary E.. wife of George Frost, of Green
<'ounty. Pennsylvania, and George W.
The opportunities which George W. Cox had in his you'^h were such
as most boys of the period enjoyed. He pursued his education in the com-
monschools. and after puttinar aside his text books he became familiar with
the praeticpl work of the farm in all its departmentp. foHowins that pu'--
suit throughout his residence in the state of his nati-^n'y. He first visiti d
this state in 1877. spendincr the summer at Wellsville. and being well
pleased with the country and the future prospects- of the sta^e he ultimately
decided to locate here, coming to Woodson County in November. 188.5.
He made the journey direct from Fayette county. Pennsylvania and
located upon section eighteen, township twenty-six. range sixteen, on a
partially improved farm. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of
valuable property. The latest improved machinery facilitates the work
of cultivation, and substantial buildings add to the value and attraC'ive
appearance of the place. In 1893 Mr. Cox began merchandising at Rose,
where he carried on his store for six years and then sold out to Al Troyer,
resuming his work upon the farm.
On the 3d of October, 1878, Mr. Cox M-as imited in marriage in Fayette
county, Pennsylvania, to Miss Agnes C. Leighty, a daughter of Stephen S.
Ijeighty, a farmer of Payette eoi^nty, where he was born in 1814. He mar-
ried Eliza Hutson, and his death occurred August 10. 1892, while his
wife passed away in 1863, leaving the following children: William, of
Stafford county, Kansas ; Henry, of Macomb. Illinois : Kate, wife of Milton
Blair, of Oklahoma ; Taylor, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania ; Rebecca,
wife of Joseph Piert:ol, of Ohio ; Anna, wife of Robert Rankin, of Stafford
county, Kansas; Stephen S., of Reno county, Kansas: Eliza, wife of Davis
D. Woodward, of Payette county, Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Cox. After the
death of his first wife Mr. Leighty married Mary Hair, and their children
were: Emma, wife of Cliester F. Gween, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania;
6X2
;F ALLEN AVD
worthy ot tlieir regard. His bui iiiess career is alike, free from tarnisli a$
he IS always straightforward in his dealing, livinsj in touch with the
highest ethics of eminnereial life.
FREDERICK SCHAEDE.
FREDERICK SCHAEDE. who. is engaged in farming on section
SIX, Ennneiice township, Woodson county, took up his abode here in 187:},
and has resided continuously since npan the farm which is yet his home'
W'' was born in Brandenburg, Germany, in the village of Friedeburg, Jan-
uary 28, 1842, and is a son of Henry and Wilhelmina ( Weichman) Scliaede,
who were also natives of Brandenburg, the former a farmer by occupation!
In the year 1873 the parents and their children crossed the Atlantic to the-
iVew World and making their way westward to Kansas took up their
abode upon the homestead now oM'ned and occupied by our subject. There
were five children : Frederick : Amelia, now the widmv of John Yeager,
r.f Woodron county : Ferdinand, of Owl Creek township, Woodson coimtv,
and Frank and Gottlieb, who are residents of Everett township, this
county.
In the fatherland Frederick Schaede was reared, and in accordance
v-ith its laws he acquired his education. The reports received concerning
America and its opportunities and privileges decided the family to cross
the ocean, and with the family Mr. Schatde came to southeastern Kan-
sas He iirst located on the northeast quarter of section six, township
U. S. G., also of that county, and John of Washington county, Pennsyl-
vania.
Mrs. Cox was born December 7, 1856, and by her marriage she has
become the mother of six children, of whom three are living : Stephen L.,
George W. and Kenneth K. The family have a pleasant home in Eminence
township and Mr. and Mrs. Cox are prominent citizens of their com-
munity. He is a stanch Republican in politics. The members of the Cox
lamily were originally Whigs, and when the Republican party was formed
joined its ranks. Our subject has therefore followed in the political foot-
steps of his ancestors and has been quite prominent in the work of his
party in the township. He has served as township treasurer and in 1896
he was nominated as the candidate to fill out an unexpired term as county
commissioner, to which position he was elected. In 1898 he was re-elected
tor the f\ill term of three years, so that his ineiuubency will cover five
years, and at the present time he is serving as chairman of the board.
His course reflects enxlit upon his constituents and indicates his patriotic
interest in his county, its welfare and its progress. He is a man who,
without false ostentation or display, by his sterling worth commands the
confidence, good will and respect of his fellow -men, being in every way
■WOO'DSOJJ COXfNTrES, KANSAS. 6t,'^,
i'-u'euty-six. raug'e sixteen, in AVoodson county, and has eontinuously de-
moted his energies to the cultivation of the farm. He has added many
Improvements in the shape of large, commodious and substantial build-
i;igs, including the erection of a comfortable residence and good barnS,
and all modern equipments have Ijeen secured, making the place one of
the most desirable country seats in this portion of the county. He has also
added to his landed po.ssessions. purchasing a tract on section five. Eminence
township, so that his property interests now include four hundred acres.
Tn addition to the ei;ltivation of the fields he is also engaged in raising
cattle and sheep, fine grades of both being found in his pasturi'f. He
has found both branches of his business profitable and is now accounted
one of the substantial agriculturists and stock raisers of the community.
Ere leaving the fatherland Mr. Sehaede was united in marriage to
Miss Bertha Kendt, the wedding being celebrated on tli.' ^H''. n\' April. 1871.
The lady is a daughter of Frederick and Charlotte (inilii'lf i 'Mndt. whose
ehildren were as follows: Florence, wife of William ^Nloritz: Carl: "Wil-
liam: Henrietta, wife of William Kaushke : Aiigusta. wife of -John Guse ;
Hulda, wife of Herman Guse, deceased, and Mrs. Sehaede. The marriage
o" our subject and his wife has been blessed with seven children, namely
Fi-itz. who married Anna Schultz: Anna, wife of William S+ange. of
Woodson county: Hulda: Amelia, who is engaged in teaching in AVoodso'7
county: Flora: Herbert, and Lillie. The family is one well known in the
county where the parents have resided for twenty-eight years, and the
Tiembers of the household occupy enviable positions in the social circles in
v.hich they move. Mr. Sehaede gives his political support to the Republi-
■enn part.v. having been one of its stalwart advocates since he cast his fir.st
iiresidential vflte for Rutherford B. Hayes.
GEORGE STOLL.
Thirty-one years covers the period of Mr. Stoll's residence in Kansas,
the date of his arrival in the state being 1870. While the republic of
Switzerland has furni.':hed a comparatively small nrimber of citizens to the
New World they have been men of worth, diligent, enterprising and
t'-ustworthy. Among the number is Mr. Stoll, who was born m the land of
the Alps, his birth having occurred in Canton Schaffhausen, Switzerland,
January 3, 1848. His father, Daniel Stoll, was a farmer of that country
and there married Elizabeth AVerner, In the j-^ear 1853 they came to
the United States, located in Clark eount.v, Indiana, where they spent
their remaining days. They were the parents of five children, namely:
John, now deceased; Magdalena, deceased wife of Conrad Bollinger:
Daniel, of Clai-k county, Indiana ; Barbara, wife of AVilliam Dietrich, also
f)f the same county, and George, of this review.
634 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
The last named was a little lad of five years \vlieii brought by his^
j/arenls to the United Slates and in Clark county he was reared and edu-
cated, enjoying the advantages afforded by the common schools. He left
home at the age of twenty-one years and at Louisville, Kentucky, en-
listed in the regular army as a member of the Second United States In-
fantry, with which l.e served for a few months, when he was discharged by
order of the war department.
Mr. Stoll came from Clark county, Indiana, to Kansas, locating tirst
ill Humboldt, where he resided for two years, being employed by the month
Un his arrival in Woodson county in 1872 he purchased a new and unim-
proved farm near Buffalo creek and was engaged in its cultivation for two
.years, moving thence to the northwest quarter of section twenty-six, town-
ship twenty-six. range sixteen, upon which he has resided the greater
part of the time since. His labors have wrought great changes in the ap-
pearance of the place, transforming the raw tract into fields of grain,
giving indication of coming bounteous harvests; buildings of commodious
size and sub-stantial structure adorn the farm and everything indicates the
careful supervision of a thrifty owner. Twice he has made trips to Colo-
rado, looking over the country, but each time has returned well satisfied
with his Kansas home. He had but limited financial resources at the time
of his arrival here but has found that fortune vouchsafes a sure and
good return for honorable and continuous labor, when directed by sound
business judgment.
Mr .Stoll was married in Humboldt in 1871, to Charlotte N. Thomas,
a daughter of George Thomas, originally from Indiana. Twelve children
graced their union, but they lost the first born, Georgie, who died at the
age of .seventeen years. The others are: John, of Wilson county, Kansas;
Albert. Clyde, (iuy, Daisy, Leo, Carl, Ray, Eniil, Glenn and Beryl all yet
under tlie parental roof. The family have a pleasant home upon the
farm, which comprises two hundred and forty acres of rich land and
yields to parents and children an income supplying them with all the neces-
sities and many of the luxuries of life. In his political views Mr. Stoll is
a Republican, being in hearty sympathy with the policy and platform of
the party.
CHARLES P. M'GILL.
Throughout the years of his business career Charles Frank McGill
has been a resident of Woodson county, having located within its borders
in 1876. He makes his home in Perry township, where he follows agricul-
tural pursuits, finding therein a profitable source of income. He was born
iNlarch 6, 1856, in jNIcKeesport, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Thomas Mc-
Gill, Avho became a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Marshall county,
WOODSON countie;;, kansas. 635
Illinois, where he died in October, 1899. He was born in Virginia in 1817,
l)ut in early life went to Pennsylvania and was married in Pittsburg, that
state, to Martha Craig, who departed this life in Woodson county in 1899,
at the advanced age of four score years. The original American an-
cestors of the McG'ill family were of Irish bii'th and came to this country at
an early epoch in its development. In the years which followed his arrival
at man's estate, the father of our subject was a boatman on the Ohio and
Mississippi rivers, running between Pittsburg, St. Louis, Missouri, and New
vjrleans. He was thus engaged for thirty-five years, being made a pilot
a* the age of eighteen. At one time he was on a transport on the lower
J\lississippi when General Marmaduke's soldiers fired upon the boat. He
was twice wounded and his injuries forced him to give up piloting.
Upon leaving the water Mr. McGill turned his attention to farming and
(\-as connected with agricultural interests in La SaLle and Vermillion
counties, Illinois, finding this a profitable labor. He thus carried on busi-
ness until the infirmities of age forced him to retire to private life. His
children were as follows: John, of Woodson county; Annie, wife of
Charles Griffin, of Winona, Illinois; George W.. of Woodson county, and
C. Frank, of this review.
In taking up the personal history of our subject, we note that he
spent the greater part of his youth in Illinois and is indebted to the public
school system of that state for the educational privileges which he enjoyed.
He became familiar with the labors of field and meadow upon his father's
farm and remaim-d in Vermillion county, Illinois, until 1876, when he came
to Kansas, making the journey by rail to Humboldt. He then located upon
section eleven, township twenty-six, range sixteen, and for many years he
has now been classed among the leading agriculturists of Perry township.
His diligence and perseverance are numbered among his salient character-
istics and have been the leading elements in his success. His political sup-
port is given the Democracy, in harmony with the political belief of the
.McGill family.
BAXTER P. BAKER.
BAXTER P. BAKER is a well known business man of Yates Center,
M-here he is engaged in dealing in lumber. He is also an extensive land
owner and belongs to that class of representative citizens who owe their
p)'osperity, not to a succession of advantageous' circumstances, but to
earnest, honest labor. He came to Woodson county in 1866 and has since
been activelj' identified with its interests.
Mr. Baker was born in Gentry county, Missouri, in the year 1845.
Little is known concerning the ancestral history of the family save that its
representatives were residents in eastern Kentucky and western Ten-
636 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
r.ossee and in tlie latter locality the parents of our subject were born. The
father died in early life and the children were therefore bound out, our
subject among the others. AVhen fourteen years of age his parents by
i^doption, being dead, he left his native county and went to Iowa where he
remained for a year. He managed to make his way to Illinois where his
parents lias i-esided previous to their removal to Missouri. About this time
the country became involved in Civil war and with patriotic spirit Mr.
Baker offered his services to the government, enlisting in Company B.
One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, under the command of
Colonel Kenny, the regiment serving with the western department of the
army. He ]3articipated in the Banks campaign up the Red river and sub-
sequently turned north to Missouri to aid in the defeat of Price's army.
With his regiment he then went south again and took part in the move-
ments around NashviUe which resulted in the destruction of Hood's army.
From that point he went with his command to Mobile, Alabama, and
participated in the charge on Fort Blakely which led to its ultimate cap-
ture. He remained in that state until mustered out of service in August.
1865, his company being disbanded at Springfield, Illinois. After the war
Mr. Baker spent six months near Springfield on a farm, and then deter-
mined to try his fortune in Kansas. In 1866 he started for this great
prairie section of our country, making his way to lola, Allen county, from
Ottawa and thence turning westward to Belmont township, Woodson
county. There he made arrangements with a settler for his claim, improved
the property and has since made it his home. He turned his attention to
farming and stock-raising. He prospered in the undertaking and his finan-
cial resources increasing, he added to his property until he now has nine
hundred and sixty acres of valuable lard, constituting one of the most
desirable farms in this portion of the state. He came to Woodson
county with a cash capital of one himdred and forty-three dollars and ten
cents, a second hand -wagon and a good team, and here he has resolutely
worked his way upward, the difficulties that he has encountered seenring but
lO serve as an impetus for renewed effort. Som years ago he took up his
residence in Yates Center and there he erected his home. He has since
spent his time upon the farm and in his city residence, but since embarking
in the lumber business in 1889, he has re^-ided during the greater part of the
lime in the county-seat. He is a prominent lumber merchant, carrying on
an extensive business, while at the same time his income is materially in-
creased by the profits of his land and stock-raising interests.
Mr. Baker was married in Woodson county, on the 1st of September.
1867, to Miss Sarah Brock, a daughter of Abram Brock, who became a
resident of Kansas in 1866. She died in 1874, and Mr. Baker afterward
married Amanda I. Brock. The one child of the first marriage is Mrs. S.
G. Keck, of Yates Center. By the second marriage there are three chil-
dren: Sadie I., now the wife" of D. W. Fisher; Viola, the wife of C. D.
Young, of Yates Center, and Russell, a student in the Agricidtural College
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 637
of Kansas.
Many years ago Mr. Baker was a very active worker in the ranks of the
Kepubliean party but he is now a staunch Prohibitionist. He labored
earnestly toward securing the location of the rDuiity-st-at at Yates Center,
it having been formerly at Kalida and aftriw.irds :it Defiance. He is
a prominent member of the Methodist Episcop:;! clmivli and as a citizen he
withholds his support from no measure or movement calculated to proVe of
yeneral good.
ALBERT COE.
ALBERT COE. \^ho is extensively and successfully engaged in farm-
ing in Liberty township, Woodson county, was born in Geauga county,
Ohio, May 5, 1846, a son of John T. and Nancy (AVilkins) Coe, the former
was born Feb. 20, 1811, a native of Ohio and the latter, Nancy W., of Ver-
mont, was born Aug. 18, 1813. The father spent his entire life in the
Buckeye state and followed the occupation of farming. ^Yhen the dis-
loyalty at the south was followed by an attempt' at secession, he offered his
services to the government in 1862, and with patriotic ardor joined the
Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but his death occurred at Camp
Chase, about eight mouths later, when he was iiftj'-one .vears of age. His
wife survived him until 1874, passing away at the age of sixty-one years.
They were the parents of five children, namely : Daniel T., born Feb. 10,
ISoi), who is now in Iowa: Clara E., born Oct. 4, 1840, wife of A. V.
Whitney, of Illinois ; Lucy E.. born Feb. 5, 1842, wife of J. W. Mills, of
Illinois ; Albert, and Amy, wife of W. T. Clark, born April 3, 1851. also of
the Prairie state. They also lost one son, Arthur B., who was born in
1847, July 18, and died at the age of .three years.
Albert Coe, the fourth child and second son, remained with his mother
until her death, and with her removed to Livingston county, Illinois, in
1864. He had been educated in the common schools and was reared to farm
life, thus gaining that broad, practical experience which now enables him
to successfully carry on agricultural pursuits on his own account. After
arriving at years of maturity he won as a helpmate and companion upon
the .journey of life Miss Farsina Clark, their marriage taking place on
tUuMstmas day of 1870. The lady was born in Livingston county, Illinois,
•Tctober 12. 1851, and is a daughter of E. S. Clark, who was born in Ohio,
February 27, 1819, and married Mildred A. Jones, born Nov. 6. 1822, of
Kentucky. They removed from Indiana to Bureau, Illinois in 1845, settling
ii: Livingston county about 1850. Seven children were born unto them:
AVillam T.. born March 4, 1848 ; Farsina, now ]\Irs Coe : Annice, wife of W.
B. Boatman, born March 3, 1854; Frank born January 8. 1856: Lycurgus,
v.ho was born December 22, 1857, and died Jan. 17. 1859 : John E. who was
born October 28, 1859, and died September 18. 1871, and Winfield S., who
63S HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
was Ihimi Octiilier 17, 1S62. Mv. and Mrs. CLark are yet living at their
old liDiiie in Illinois, and have attained an advanced age. Six children have
graecd I lie nuniiage of Mr. and Mrs. Coe: AV. A., born December 28, 1871 ;
A. D.. born .May 6. 1873; Nettie, who was born Deceiiiber 17, 1874, and
died March 17, 1875; H. M., born March 22, 1876; Maud M., born Decem-
ber 24, 1877. and Clara A., born November 24, 1885. All are yet living
with their parents or in the same locality in Liberty township, and all
were born in Illinois, save the youngest daughter.
Mr. Coe came with his family to Kansas in 1881, locating in Woodson
county upon the farm which he now occupies. He purchased three hundred
and twenty acres of land, placed the fields under a high state of cultivation,
erected a nice residence on an elevated portion of the groixnds and sur-
rounded his home with beautiful forest trees, which cast a grateful shade
over the house and lawn in the summer season. He also built one of the
largest barns in Liberty township. He follows general farming and stock-
raising and in company with his sons is extensively engaged in the raising
and sale of hay, having two barns in which this product of the meadows
is stored. In 1900 they put up and shipped seven hundred tons of hay.
He has his farm well fenced and divided into fields, pa^^tures and meadows
of convenient size, and one hundred and 80 acres of his land is under
cultivation, being planted to corn and small grain. He also has whn'
amoi;nt of stock his farm will support, feeding his products to his hogs and
cattle. Mr. Coe is a man of resolute will and determined purpose and
carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. Thus
in till' luisiiie s world he has advanced step by step to a foremost position
amdiii; the leading agriculturist. His farm is the visible evidence of his
laboi-. Ilie proof of his prosperity and it represents years of honorable toil.
STEPHEN E. PORTER.
"The Gods give naught to sloth," said the sage Epicharmus many
centuries ago, and the truth of this admonition has been verified through
all the ages down to the present time. Certain laws of business are as
innnutable a.s are the principles of nature. Never can success be attained
without continuous and earnest effort on the part of some one, and the
only success of which man has reason to be proud is that which he himself
gains. In this regard Mr. Porter has an enviable record. Starting out in
lite on his own account he has put his dependence upon the substantial
finalities of enterprise, unflagging perseverance and indefatigable industry,
and as a result he is now numbered among the prosperous and prominent
farmers of Woodson county, where he has made his home since 1867.
A native of the Empire state, Mr. Porter was born in Monroe county,
near Rochester, April 24, 1847. His father, Augustus Porter, was born
in New York in 1815, and his brother, Gilbert Porter, is still living in that
"WOOTDSaN COUNTIES, KANSAS. '6';^^
■ irate. The former married Cynthia Hindman, and unto them were born
three children : Harriet, wife of Theodore Brown, of Morton county, Kan-
sas: Henry, deceas-ed, and Stephen. The father Avns n stalwart Republican
1111(1 \\;is sri'\ iiiu as trustee of Eminence towiis!ii|i, Wondson county, at the
tiiiir iif liis (Iv'ath, which occurred in Decfiuiier. 1^7:5. His wife, long
surviving lum passed away in 1890, at the venerable age of eighty years,
'they had gradually moved westward, living in several states before taking
111) their abode in. Kansas, where they were soon recognized as people of
sterling worth and of the highest respectability.
In leaving the state of his nativity. Stephen E. Porter accompanied
his parents^ on their removal to La Grange county. Indiana, and was after-
ward a resident of Bureau county, Illinois, for five years, lie then went
to Iowa with the family and from Wappello county. tli;il sinie cniiie to
Kansas. He had attended school in the various communili^'s in whieh he
had resided and had been trained to the practical work of tlie farm. On
reaching Woodson county in 1867, he first located on section twenty-two.
township twenty-six. range sixteen, from whieh place he came to his ]>rescDt
home— the north half of the northeast quarter of section eielitien. This
was a tract of land claimed by the railroad compaTiy, whos.' liMe he con-
tested and won his eai?e, but he afterward lost in an appeal to the eeneral
lind office. In early life he began dealing in stock and has considerable
prominence as a stock deakr. his business in that lin« being quite ext<'n-
sive.
In Douglas county, Kansas, November 6, 1858, Mr. Porter was uniled
it marriage to Miss Alma Fearer, a daiighter of David and Sarah (Cotf-
nian) Fearer, the former born in Maryland, in 1829, while the latter was
born near Hag^erstown, in Washington county, that state, in 1831. Their
marriage occurred in Ogle county. Illinois, and their children were :
Alma, who was born January 12, 1851 ; John, who died in childhood :
]Mary. who is living in Oklahoma, and is the widow of Tillman Elam and
Martha, wife of Frank Van Trice, of Douglas county, Kansas. The
father was killed by bushwackers at Independence. IMissouri, in 1862, and
the mother afterw"ard became the wife of F. H. Baker, who did in Sumuer
county, Kansas, in 1892. Their children were: Charles, of BlackwtU,
liklahoma : Erastus, of Wellington. Kansas, and James, who died at the
jige of twenty-one.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Porter has been blessed with three
children : Bertha, wife of Arthur Evans, a resident of Victor, Colorado ;
Ollie, wife of James Clark, of Tulare. California, and Niel, who married
(>ra Smith and is living in Hose. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have spent their
entire married life in Woodson countj^ and through the passing years the
circle of their friends has been constantly enlarged. In his political views
Mr. Porter is a Eepublican manifesting a deep and active interest in the
success of the party. He has served as delegate to county and other con-
vention.s and aided in nominating the successful ticket of 1900. He has
640 HISTORY Of ALLEN AJsYf
served his towusliip as tieasiirer, and to those wlio are acquainted witL;
his iipright career it is needless to say that his duties were most faithfully
discharged.
JAMES DUTRO.
Among the setters of Woodson county whose residence spans a period
tif thirty years within her borders is the gentleman whose name introduces
this personal sketch. April 1, 1871, he entered the county and the same
spring took a claim in Liberty township. Of this he made a farm
and upon it he resided till his removal to the county seat to enter upon
the discharge of his duties as a county official.
February 3, 1842, Judge Dutro was born in Muskingum county,
Ohio. His antecedents were of the first .settlers of that county, his paternal'
grandfather having gone there at seven yeai's of age. The latter, George
Dutro, was born in the state of Pennsylvania in 1793, grew up on the
Mu.skingum river and passed his life a farmer. His family of seven sons
vvere: David, George, Samuel, John, Elmer, Martin and James; the second
in the list being the father of our subject.
George Dutro, who passed many of the active years of his upright
life in Woodson county and was therefore well known, was born in the year
1820, and died February 28, 1899. In 1845 he left his native heath and
emigi-ated to Bureau county, Illinois. He had been reared to the pur-
suits of agricultuie and to those he devoted himself in the new western
state. When the Civil war came on he enlisted in September 1862 in com-
|)iiny (', Sixlysix Illinois volunteers. His regiment formed a part of the
Six'ecnih i'iii|is. army of the Tennessee. His service covered the period
triiiii his enlistment to the end of hostilities when he was mustered out and
letnrned t(i eivil pursuits. In 1869 he left Bureau county, Illinois, came
to Warretul)urg, Missouri, and remaiiied there till early in 1871 when he
iransierred his interests to Woodson county and to a farm in Liberty
township.
The mother of Judge Dutro was Elizabeth Neff who died in Wood-
son county in 1873. Her other children are: Sarah, wife of W. F.
I\larple; Frank, of Adair county, Iowa, and an ex-soldier of the Rebellion;
Elmer, nf T^eadville. Colorado; Charles, of Canon City, Colorado; Susan,
who married Enoch Newcomb. of Garden City, Kansas ; Mary P., of Amer-
ican Falls, Idaho, and Elizabeth, widow of Thos. H. Lamborn, of Wood-
s'lU county.
Judge James Dutro was reared and educated in Bureau county Illi-
nois. His education was of the intermediate or common school sort. When
the Rebellion broke out he entered company C, Sixty-six Illinois volunteer
infanti-y. Col. Burge's "Western Sharpshooters." He served his full en-
listment of three years and was at hoine on a recruiting expedition when
~\VOODS0N COtTSTTIfiS, RX'TCSAS. b+i
:his time expired. Prom the date of his discharge till he left Illinois IMr.
-I'litro's business in the main was farniiiTj. ITo w;is .IcciiMl tnx ((illector in
Bureau county and served one year. IM isTn In- !rli. si;iii,'(l mi his west-
\'-ard trip to Kansas. He paused on his jnnrncy in ^iiissirinj nnd entered
(he county of AVoods'on the spring following as before related.
Judge Dutro has been more or less mixed up with the politics of Wood-
son county for many years. His sympathy and affection have always been
with the dominant or Republican party and his counsels have had their
:v\eight and influence in determining the policy and management of local
campaigns. In 1884 he was appointed a county commissioner to fill a
vacancy and Sheriff Keck made him his deputy in the office during his
{ifficial term. In 1895 he was elec+ed prohate judge and in 1897 was re-
•elected to the position. In 1899 he was chosen a .justice of the peace of
Center township and in 1901 was again elected to the same office. In
Jfinuary, 1899 he was appointed by Gov. Stanley a member of the Board of
^ilanaaers of the State Soldiers" Home and was reappointed to the same
Imard in 1901.
Judge Dutro was married February 14, 1864. in Bureau county.
Illinois, to Phehe S. Brown, a daughter of Xathan Brown one of the
)iioueers of that county. Pour chihlien have been boni to Mr. and Mrs.
Dutro, viz: Otis W. ; Arthur L. ; Pauline D., wife of Carlos B. Randall,
of American Palls. Idaho, and Mary Edith, who is Mrs. Jefse Camac, of
lates Center.
Judae Dutro is a Mason, a Knight of Pythias and a Red Man and a
Past Connnander of AYoodson Post 18o. G. A. R.
SAMUEL J. COPE^
The life record of Mr. Cope demonstrates that Kansas has opportuni-
ties for the man of energy and determination, for all that he possesses
has been gained through an active and honorable business career in this
slate. He is now sueeessfull.y farming in Woodson county, his home be-
ii. g in North township. He was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania,
lanuary 31, 1846, a son of Jeremiah and Anna (Graff) Cope, both
natives of the Keystone state. The father was born in Philadelphia and
became a cabinet maker by trade, following that pursuit for many years
in order to provide for his wife and children— thirteen in number. He died
in Pennsylvania in 1896, when about seventy years of age, and his wife
passed away in 1878, when she had completed half a century.
Under the direction of his father Samuel J. Cope learned the eabinet-
i:iaker's trade and later he also mastered the business of carpentering, fol-
lowing his dual occupation for about twent.v-five years. He spent several
years in the building business in Oil City, Pennsylvania. In 1871 he was
vnited in marriage to Miss Susan AYiloox. a native of that state, and after
642' HiSfORY OF' ACLEN AND
five years" residence theie thej' conehided that in order to get a home'
of their oavii they would have to go where land was cheaper. Therefore in:
1876 they cauie to Kan as settling in Woodson county, where Mr. Cope-
1 ented a farm for a j'ear after 'which he purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of raw prairie about eight miles northwest of Yates Center.
Here he now resides and to-day he has a beautiful place of two hundred
and forty acres, all w'ell improved although not a furrow had been turned
or an improvement made when he took possession. His cabin home has
heen replaced by a good residence, a barn has been built and other modern
accessories have been added. When they first came to the county Mr. Cope
could stand in the cabin door and see tbe deer ci'oss backward and for-
ward Over his land.
In 1879 Mr. Cope concluded to try the mining eounti'y and went to
Colorado, spending nine years in the wilds and amonp; the blood thirsty
Indians of the divide of the Rocky mountains, devoting part of the time
10 mining, while during the remainder of the period he worked at car-
pentering. He also spent five years in the operation of a sawmill which
he had purchased, biit not securing gold as readily as he had anticipated
when he wmt to the mountains he returned to his farm and began i+s
nnprovement, with the result that he now has one of tlwe most desirable
properties in his township. He is a lover of fine horses and only keeps
lhe best grades, which may also be said of his cattle and other stock.
'Pile liDiiie of Mr. and Mrs. Cope has been blessed with eight children,
yet liviii'j. nniiicly: Anna, the wife of Asa Miller; Alice, wife of Ernest
Harris: Ii'iiiiie, who married Charles Maelaskey; Foretta, wife of Charles
Newman; Judge and Clint and Lottie at home with their parents. In his
political affiliations Mr. Cope is a Populist and fraternally he is an Odd
Fellow. On entering upon his business eaieer he borrowed the money
with which I0 imrchase his tools. Such a comlition is in strong contrast tO'
his financial i^tanding to-day and yet his present enviable position is not
the result of inheritance or fortunate environment but has been won
tlirongh earnest, honpst persistent effort.
GE0RC4E W. LEE, M. D.
From no professional man do we expect or exact so many of the
cardinal virtues as from the physician. If the clergyman is austere v>e
imagine that his mind is absorbed with the contemplation of things be-
yond our ken; if our lawyer is brusque and crabbed, it is the 'mark nf
gtnius: but in the physician we expect not only superior mentality atd
comprehensive knowledge but sympathy as wide as the universe. Dr. Lee
ir large measure meets all of the^e requirements and is regarded by macy
as an ideal physician. He is indeed the loved family doctor in many a
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 643
liouseliold and the value of his service to the eommnnity cannot be over-
e^;timated.
The doctor was born at Markham, Illinois, December 4, 1867, a son of
I'honias and Martha (Hall) Lee, natives of Illinois and still residents of
Markham. They had nine children of whom our subject is the fifth in order
of birth. He attended the district schools in his youth and was rean d
upon the home farm, working in the fields from the time of early spring
plowing until crops were garnered in the late autumn. In the winter he
pursued his education and when he was prepared to take up the higher
branches of learning he entered the college at Jacksonville. When his
literary course was completed he began the study of medicine under ihe
direction of Dr. T. M. Cullimore, of Jacksonville, and in 1892 he was
graduated in the Marion Sims Medical College in St. Louis, Missouri.
He afterward continued his studies in the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons, at Keokuk, Town, and completed a course. in that school with the
Kraduflting cliiss (if IS^lU.
In Meredi) i:). llliiii)is. Dr. Lee began practice but after a year came
10 Kansas, hx-ating in Yates Center in 1895. Soon, however, he came
10 Toronto, wheii' he has since remained. He is local surgeon for the A.
T. & y. P. R. R. Co., having served the company in that capacity for about
'hree years. His knowledge of the science of medicine, combined with a
pleasing personality inspires a feeling of confidence and his patients un-
iformly praise his gentleness as well as his skill, which is the secret of the
large patronage which he has secured since coming to Toronto.
On the Ifith of September. 1897., was celebrated the marriage of Di'.
ht^e and Miss Minnie Kaltenbaeh, a most estimable young lady of Toronto.
They now have a wide acquaintance in the city where they reside and the
hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended them. The doctor is yet
a young man. ambitious and energetic, and a successful career the future
nndoubf^edly holds for him.
JOHN A. SEATON.
For a comparatively brief period John A. Seaton has resided in Wood-
son county, but already he has formed a wide acquaintance and won the
regard of the best people of the community. His life has been one of
n.arked activity in which he has faithfully performed public service and
successfully carried on biisiness enterpi-ises. He is now extensively en-
gaged in farming and is the owner of a large and valuable tract of land in
Everett township.
Mr. Seaton was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, October 30,
1840, and was the fifth in order of birth in a family of eight children, of
>.vhom six are yet living. The father, James M. Seaton, was also a native
(if Green county, and in early manhood married Miss Sarah Roberts, of
644 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Washington county, Pennsylvania. He made farming his life occupation,
and in 1S49 emigrated westward, first taking up his abode in Des Moines
county Iowa. His death occurred in Newton, Jasper county, Iowa, when
he was eigiity-five years of age. and his wife passed away some time prev-
ic us, at the age of seventy-three.
When a lad of nine years John A. Seaton accompanied his parents on
their removal to the Hawkeye state and upon the home farm he was
:xai-ed, receiving practical training in the work of the fields and the care
of the stock. In the common schools of the neighborhood he obtained
his education and to his father he gave the benefit of his services until he
attained his majority. About the time he reached man's estate the Civil
war was inaugurated and the country was calling for aid to preserve the
li'nion. In October, 1861, he enlisted among the boys in blue of company B,
Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry for a term of three years and was soon
at the front, fighting the battles of the country. He participated in the
engagements at Shiloh. Corinth, luka and the battles and skirmishes of the
campaign of 1862, and at the battle of Raymond, Mississippi, he lost his
kg on the 12th of May, 1863, and 12 days later he was captured and re-
niaind in captivity for 8 weeks, although paroled on day of capture.
His injury, however, was so great that he could not be moved. On the 5th
of October, 1863, on account of the loss of his limb, he was honorably dis-
charged and returned to his home.
In the following spring Mr. Peaton was married and in the fall of that
year he was nominated and elected to the office of county clerk by the Re-
publican party. By re-election he was continued in the position for four
\ears, and in the spring of 1864 he was given other official duties, being
appointed by the governor to enroll the county militia. On his retire-
ment from office he purchased an interest in the Townsend harness busi-
nescs and engaged in the hai'ness business under the firm name of Town-
send & Seaton. Six months later he sold his interest in the store and re-
moved to a farm near Newton on which he lived for three months— sold
this and moved to Kellogg, Iowa, where he was engaged in the in.siirance
and real estate and milling bv^siness for a number of years. He was ap-
pionted special agent for the American Fire Insurance Co. of Chicago, and
was its traveling representative for 13 years. On the expiration of that
period he turned his attention to farming and stock-raising and also en-
gaged in shipping stock. In 1886 he became the special agent .)f the
Northwestern Live Stock Insurance Co. of Des Moines, Iowa, for south-
western Iowa, and held that position nearly 8 years, doing a very large busi-
ness for his company. In 1807 he engaged again in business with his old
friend and former partner, Col N. TowTisend in the town of Newton in real
estate loans and insurance. In 1898 he disposed of his possession in Iowa
and came to Woodson county. Kansas, arriving in the month of May. Here
they purchased four hundred and eighty acres of land near Vernon and
have developed one among the best farms of the county, have erected a
WOODSON COUMTIES, KANSAS. 645
large residence, built in modern architectural style, and have also built a
large barn. Their residence is the most attractive home in the northern
part of the county and stands as a monument to their business life. Since
coming to Kansas Mr. Seaton has given his entire time and attention to
ifirming and stock-raising and intends to make a specialty of handling
registered shorthorn cattle and registered Poland China hogs under the
l\rm name of Jno. A. Seaton & Sons. They also put up and ship large
iiuantities of hay each year.
On the 14th of April, 1864, was celebrated the marriage of John A.
Seaton and Elma Bevan, for a number of years one of the leading teachers
jf Jasper county, Towa. She was a daughter of Stacy, and Jane Bevan,
x'-lio came to Iowa in 1855. Mrs. Seaton is a most estimable lady and pre-
.•iides with gracious and charming hospitality over their home. They be-
came the parents of te nchiklren, but lost thi-ee in infancy. The living
.ire: James E., at home; Elvin R.. an attorney at law in Hubbard, Iowa;
Charles D., who is engaged in teaching school in Woodson county; Sarah,
>vife of R. W. Nesmith, of Neosho Palls; R. K., A. 0. and Mary E., all
with their parents.
Mr. Seaton has always been a staunch Republican, in sympathy with
the party that stands for the protection of American liberties, rights
and industries and upholds the flag wherever it is planted. With the
savings of his army life he entered upon his business career and by
judicious investment and capable management he has increased his capital
a.-; the years have gone by until his possessions now rank him among the
men of affluence in his adopted county, but the fact that he has won suc-
cess is not all tha+ uaius him respect foi' his life has ever been iipright and
honoi'able, his public duties faithfully pei'formed and the obligations of
private life honorably met.
FREDERICK H. BAYER.
FREDERICK H. BAYER, a resident of Center township, Woodson
C(.unty, is a native of New York city, his birth having there occurred on
the 21st of April, 1863. His father, John H. Bayer, is one of the pros-
pcroiis men of Woodson county, having accumulated much real estate and
o'her property, which indicates that his career has been a busy and use-
ful one.
Frederick H. Bayer is the eldest of four children, and has practically
spent his entire life in Woodson county. He was educated in the country
schools, and remained at home until twenty-five years of age. He worked
in the fields under the hot summer sun and assisted in the improvement
of the farm throughout the period of his minority. On the 19th of Octo-
lier, 1887, Mr. Bayer was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Seitz, a
rlautihter of Jacob Seitz, who came to the United States from Priissia and
646 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
located in Woodson county, Kansas, before the Civil war. Wlien the
country became involved in hostilities he joined the armj' and aided in up-
holding the Union. He died in 1873, at the age of forty years, leaving the
following children : Mrs. Bayer, William, Annie and one now deceased.
Mrs. Seitz afterward married Ferdinand Schade and unto them were born
four children : Ferdinand, Henrj', August and John. The marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. Bayer has been bles?-ed with six childi-en, namely: Dora.
John, Henry, Charles, Edgar and Clarence.
Mr. Bayer purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in West
Center township, a tract of unimproved prairie. He at once began its
cultivation and has wrought a great transformation in its appearance. He
has also added to his realty holdings until his landed possessions now
aggregate six hundred and forty acres of land in addition to the first pur-
chase. The raising of hay claims much of his time, and the sales of the
product materially increase his tinancial resources. Mr. Bayer votes with
the Republican party, thus giving evidence of his political belief, and
socially he is connected with Center Lodge, K. P., being an exemplary
member of the organization.
SAMUEL H. WRIGHT.
Although Samuel H. Wright was a resident of Kansas but a brief
period, he was rich in the qualities which in every land and every clime
Cv)mmand respect and confidence and was, therefore, not long in winning
the high regard of his fellow townsmen, so tliat his death came as a loss to
the entire community. He was earnest and zealous in his support of
every measure which he believed would prove of public benefit, and his
liie, ever honorable and upright, was an incentive for good to the young,
an inspiration to his associates and people of mature years.
Mr. Wright was a native of the state of New York, born in Ontario
count}' on the 9th of Dtcember, 1817. His father, Samuel Wright, sr., was
born 1794 in Columbia county, N. Y., and was a descendant of the colonial
Wrights who came to America to establish homes prior to the war of the
Revolution, and who, throughout the early history of our country took an
active part in its develpment. In the county of his nativity the sub-
3ect of this review was reared, there remaining until 1836, when he went
to LaGrange county^ Indiana, where he made his home until 1855. This
li-tter year he removed to Jasper county, Iowa, where he maintained his
residence till 1891, this year disposing of his property interests and com-
ing to Kansas and settling in Woodson county.
Throughout his entire business career Mr. Wright was identified
with agricultural pursuits and while in Iowa he was also connected with
the Jasper County bank, at Colfax, and was interested in the creamery
there. He was considered one of the best judges of horses and cattle in
'wOODSdN COUNTIES, KANSAS. 647
flie state and did much to improve the grade of such stock in that state.
l<'or nineteen years he was a director and the president of the Jasper
County Agricultural Socitty and made it a paying institution. On coming
to ^V("Klsoll i-ounty be purchased a farm of four hundred acres on the
v.-est liiii' of ('.Miter township to the super\asion of which he devoted his re-
rcaininu yi ars.
Mr. Wright was twice mariied. He first wedded Elizabeth Tone, who
died in 1844, and in 1858 he married Sarah Newh'ouse, a daughter of
Andrew Newhouse, a native Virginian. Mrs. "Wright was born September
28, 1828. and of her parenis' o'-ildi-en two survive— Mrs. Mary Coldreu,
(>f Topeka. Kansas, and Milton Newhou.se, of Lake Charles, La. To Mr. and
Mrs. Wright were born the following ehildrtii. viz: Mary, wife of S. W.
Bayless. of Lake Charles, Louisiana : S. Edward, of Jasper county, Iowa:
T^lla. of Lake Charles. La., who married Harry Fullington, and f'edgwick
T\I.. "born December 8, 1868. The last named was married August 25, 1890.
li) Elma B. Curl and has two children— Gordon C. and Beatrice M.
It was on the 23d of July, 1899. that Samuel Wright was called to
his final rest. He was then in his eighty second year. Death thus brought
1, a close a long, useful and honorable career. His character was above re-
proach and his word was as "good as his contract." In early life he
Lecarae a member of the Presbyterian church, and the principles of
Christianity ever perrniatid hi>' I'ela'ions with his fi'llow men. He con.
tributed liberally to religious work, nor did he neglect his duties of citizeu-
.ship but loyally sujiported those public measiires which he believed would
lie t promote the welfare of the nation. He kept well informed on political
issues and was at one time a candidate on the Greenback ticket for con-
gress, but later became a Pepublican. He took a commendable pride in his
Lome, desiring that everything around him should be in good order. He
was an exemplary citizen, a reliable and progressive biisiness man, a
faithful friend and a loving and considerate husband and father. Such a.
record is better than countless wealth.
CHARLES H. BAUER SFELD.
A Lighly improved farm of two hundred and forty, acres in Belmont
tiwnship, Woodson county, is now the property of Mr. Bauersfeld
and has been acquired entirely through his own well directed efforts since
coming to America. He was born in North Housen, Prussia, Germany.
February 1, 1857, and is a son of a shepherd, Frederick Bauersfeld, uho
cr.me with his son to the United States and died in 1881, at the age of sixty-
two years. He was twice married, his first iinion being with Hennah
Rumpf, "by whom lie had four children : Wilhelmina, wife of Hermann
Ivemmerer, of Missouri ; Johanna, wife of Frederick Becker, of Germany :
ludowum, ^^•ife of Charles Lieberman, of Cass county, Missouri. For his
648 msro&Y OP ALLEN' ASiJ
second wife the father chose ilina Mollenhour, a resident of Wood'soiu
e. unty. Their chilciren are: Wilhelmina, wife of Charles Weide;
( harks H., of this review; Gunther. of Woodson county; Theresa wife of
William Weide, and August, who is living in Yates Center.
Charle: H. Bauersfeld was reared and educated in' his native land"
iiud these remained until twenty-four years of age. He also learned the-
weaver's trade there but did not follow ft after his arrival in this country.
In 1881 he arrived in Woodson county and located in North township,
where he resided for six years after which he spent nine years on an-
other farm. On the expiration of that period he went to Yates Center,
v'here he engaged in the milling business for a year and a half. In 1897
he took up his abode upon his present farm on section thirty-five, town-
ship tv.'enty-five, range fourteen, and is now devoting his enei'gies to the
njieration of his farm of two hundred and forty acres, which is now well
improved, being supplied with modern accessories, good buildings and the'
best equipments for making of farm work a success.
Mr. Bauersfeld was united in marriage to Miss h^va Switzer, who was
born in 1864. and is a daughter of Henry Switzer. of Coffey county, Kan-
sas, but formerly a resident of Pennsylvania. Fmir children grace the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Bauers'feld: Minnie. Harry. T.eonard and Ollie,
The parents en.joy the warm regard of many friends in this part of the
county and are widely known. In the early days of his residence in this
country Mr. Bauersfeld was a Kepublican but afterward became a Popu-
bst during the reform movement in Kansas. In this country where op-
portunity is not hampered by caste or class and where ability is recognized
and Inbor lirings reward, he has steadily advanced until he is now numbered
«niong the ju-osperotis aiid progressive agriculturists of his adopted county.
MALEN PARRISH.
MATjEN PARRISH. who is, engaged in farming in Center towTiship.
WoddsdH I'Duiity, has been a resident of this locality for a cpiarter of a
century iind Ins entire life has been passed in the Mississippi valley, his
birth iiaving occurred in Scott county, Illinois, on the 7th of January.
1840. His father. Henry Parrish removed to that state about 1S30 from
Tennessee, his home having previously been near Nashville, where he was
born about 1811. He carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his
business career and died in 1846. His wife bore the maiden name of
Arminta Bennett, and after the death of her first husband she became
the wife of John Redshaw. By her first union she had three children, but
Henry and Nancy, the eldest and the youngest, died in Scott county, Illi-
nois, leaving otir subject the only survivor. The mother passed away in
M^oodson county in 1896, at the age of seventy-seven years, and her second
husband died in the same county in 1899.
T\'^OaDSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 6^9
The boyhood days of oiir subject were fraught with toil performed
"imder the direction of a stepfather who was very exacting iu his re-
tiiauds, but after acquiring a fair English education in the public schools
and attaining his majority Mr. Parrish left home and began the battle of
life unaided. His possessions consisted of a cow and a .team of horses
which he had borrowed and which he continued to use until he was able to
purchase a team of his own. He has always carried on agricultural pur-
suits and is an energetic farmer. As a companion and helpmate on the
journey of life he chose Miss Harriet Marden, a daughter of Colby
Tifarden. a Canadian, who settled in Illinois at an early day and married
Tiucy Moore, a native of Vermont. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Marden
were : Ann Cumby, of Scott county, Illinois ; Sarah, the wife of George
Cunningham, of the same county: James, of Pope, Arkansas; George, of
Jacksonville, 111., and Mrs. Parish. The marriage of our subject and his
wife was celebrated on the 1st of January, 1862, and was blesFed with four
children : Mary E. Reed, of Gunnison. Colorado, and Dora, wife of
James Dawson, of Springdale, Washington ; Harriet F.. wife of Prank
Wagner, of lola. Kansas, and L. B., who is with his father.
Ill health was the immediate occasion of Mr. Parrish becoming a resi-
dent of Kansas. He visited the state on a prospecting tour, and being
pleased with "Woodson county and its prospects he located on section
twenty, township twenty-five, range sixteen. He sold his property in
Illinois, purchased this tract and has since been identified with the farm-
ing interests of Woodson county, carrying on his work in an energetic
manner that finds its reward in the gratifying success which has crowned
iiis consecutive endeavors. For twenty-five years he has been an exemplary
member of the Masonic fraternity and his son has taken the Royal Arch
•degrees. Since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in
1864 he has never failed to support the leading candidates of the Republi-
vRii party with the exception of the year 1884. He is a citizen of worth,
giving a loyal siipport to measures of public benefit and the integrity and
fidelity of his diaacter have made him a man whom to know is to respect
jind honor.
WENZEL SIEKA.
A resident of Woodson county for twenty-one years, Wenzel Sieka
Ai^as for some time connected with its agricultiiral interests, but is now
<i factor in commercial eirclies in Piqua, where he is conducting a hard-
v.-are business. He was born in Bohemia, near the city of Prague, October 6,
1850. a son of Martin and Dorothy Sieka. The father was a farmer by
occupation and in the fall of 1851 left his native land for the New World,
Arriving at New Orleans, on the 5th of January, 1852. Making his
way \\p the Mississippi river, he located in St. Clair county Illinois,
650 llISTOKV of' ALLEN A.NO
where he made his home until 186.5, when he went to Clinton couuty>
that state. After fifteen years there passed, he came to Kansas in 1880,
spending- his remaining days in the Sunflower state, his death occurring
in Pi<(ua in 18S4. when he had attained the advanced age of eighty-two
years. His wife pasred away in 1873. Their children were: Barbara,
wife of Samuel Just, of Clinton county, Illinois; Annie, wife of Henry
AJbes, of Illinois; Mrs. Jlary Goss. of Illinois, now deceased; Blazius, and
Wenzel.
The last named was only a year old when brought by his parents to
the United States and in Illinois he was reared upon the home farm, early
gaining a practical knowledge of the work of fields and meadows. His
school privileges were those afforded by the eoaintry schools of the neigh-
borhood. After putting aside his text books he gave his attention en-
tirely to farm work, following that pursuit in the Prairie state until 1880
n'hen he came to A^oodson county, Kansas, locating upon a farm in Owl
Creek township. He tilled the fields and improved the place for a num-
ber of years and then came to Piqua. whei-e he has since conducted a hard-
ware store. He has a well appointed establishment and his business
iiiethods are such as to make thoye who once patronize him his con-
stant customers. He is also still iiilrr.' led m tai'ining lands in "Woodson
and Allen counties, and his pr>ii)er'y invistiuents bring to him a good
income.
On the 20th of May, 1873, in Clinton county, Illinois, occurred the-
marriage of Mr. Sieka and Mi.'^s Mary E. Fahrmann, a native of Germany,
and unto them have been born nine children, namely: John, who mar-
ried Tracy Fresehenmeyer and is now engaged in farming in Allen
county, Kansas: Henry, of Woodscni county; Elizabeth, wife of John Col-
lins, of Woodson county; He njiiniin, Frank, August, Kate, Frances and
j'eresa, who are still iindci- the pjircntal roof. Mr. Sieka, like his father,
is a supporter of Dcmocrnf ic principles, but has never been an active
politician. His luisuirss ntinn-s have claimed his attention, and earnest
hibor has been the I:, y w liirii i-is opened to him the portals of success. He
i-i a reliable and sulistantial citizen, and the evidence of his industrious
l^fe is seen in his good business and his pleasant home.
CHARLES F. PRIBBERNOW.
CHARLES F. PRIBBERXOAV is a representative of a well known
and prominent family of Southeastern Kansas and is actively identified
with farming and stock raising interests in this portion of the state. He
was born in Prussia, February 13, 1853, a son of Christian and Sojihia
i^Busz) Pribbernow, also natives of the same country, in whose family were
seven children, namely: William; August, wife of William Stange;
Charles F. ; Helena, of Chetopa ,Kansas, the wife of John Ritter; Amelia,
WOODSON countie;;, Kansas. 651
vife of Pred Hussman, of Coffey county, Kansas; Bertha, wife of Wil-
liam Lassmaii, of Humboldt, Kansas, and Hulda, wife of Martin Hen-
richs, of Humboldt, this state.
Our s-ubjeet spent the first fourteen years of his life in the fatherland
and acquired his education in its ijublie schools. In 1867 his parents,
with their children, came to the United States, sailing from Bremen to
>Jew York, where they landed in due time. From the east they made
their way to Lawrence, Kansas, and thenee by wagon to Wood.son county.
They were following in the path of Gotlieb Hartwig, who had formerly
lived in the m ighlior hood of the Pribbernows in Pi'ussia and had preceded
tfcem on their citiiurntion to the New World. On reaching their destina-
tion the father purcha.sed the farm upon which the family yet reside and
there he successfully carried on agricultural pursuits until his life's labors
were needed in death, in 1889, when he was seventy-.six years of age. His
wife preceded him for a few years passing away in 1876. Mr. Pribber-
now of this review has always remained upon the old homestead, assisting
in the work of the farm, and is a practical, progressive agriculturist. The
family own altogether fourteen hundred acres of valuable land and in
lhe pastures have hundreds of head of cattle, horses and hogs. The
Pribbernow farm is one of the best in the county, improved with all modern
accessories, good building, well kept fences and machinery, while the
fields yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor bestowed
i;-pon them.
On the 5th of -June. 1884. Mr. Pribbernow was united in marriage to
Miss Mary, daughter of Charles Ostermeier, who was one of the pioneers
of Woodson county, where he located in 1859. His wife bore the maiden
name of Catherine Stange and they had two children. The marriage of
^]r. and Mrs. Pribliernow has been blessed with five children: William,
i^ugusta, Henry, Charles and Louisa, and the family circle yet remains
linbroken. Our subject has always been a Republican in his political af-
filiations, following in the footsteps of his honored father, who in early
life was a Democrat, but at the inception of the Republican party joined
its ranks. For fifteen years he has served as a member of the school
board, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. He has been
the nominee for township treasurer and for county commissioner and
lacked only six votes of being elected to the latter office, although he was
ojiposed by a fusion ticket. The large vote which he polled indicated his
personal popularity among his friends and neighbors and the confidence
they reposed in him. He belongs to a family prominent and honored and
bears worthily the untarnished name.
HENRY S. TRUEBLOOD.
HENRY S. TRUEBLOOD is certainly deserving of mention among
tlie representative citizens of Woodson county, for he is recognized as one
652 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
(if the Ifiuliiii; men in the Republican party. He has been identified
with the or^ianization since attaining his majority, has been true to its
principles, has labored faithfully to promote its interests, and his election
tc offices of public trust have been but a fitting recognition of his
sterling worth and high standing. A close student of the principles on
which the party is founded, thoroughly conversant with the questions and
issues of the day, he gives his support to Republicanism because he be-
lieves firmly that the adoption of its platform will be most conducive to
public good. While he has been honored with office, fidelity to the princi-
ples in which he believes has ever been with him before personal ag-
giandizement, and his loyalty and patriotic spirit are widely recognized.
The life record of Mr. Trutblood began on the 9th of December.
1S38, his birthplace being in Greene county, Indiana, but for many
years he was a resident of Daviess county, that state. His paternal grand-
father, Mark Trueblood, was one of the old time substantial citizens, a
thrifty pioneer farmer who aided in making habitable the wild districts
of the Hoosier state. He there served as justice of the peace in territorial
days and at all times he commanded the respect and confidence of his fel-
low men by his genuine worth of character.
His son, Jef:se Trueblood, the father of our subject, was born in In-
diana, in 1814, when it was still under the territorial form of government,
and there gave his attention to agricitltural pursuits throughout a long,
useful and active career. He was descended from the Quaker Whigs of
North Carolina and possessed many of the sterling characteristics of that
religious sect. He spent the greater part of his life in Lawrence and
Daviess counties and died in the latter July. 1900. His wife, who
b(.re the maiden name of Charlotte Scott was a daughter of Henry Scott.
She was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, and is still living in Daviei-s
county, where several of her childi-en also reside. Mr. and Mrs. True-
blood always lived upon a farm and were progressive agriculturists. They
leared their family to habits of industry and honesty, and their children
do honor to an untarnished family name. In order of birth they are as
follows: Phebe. deceased wife of Nathaniel Chambers: Mark, of Davie.ss
county, Indiana : Henry, of this review ; Richai'd, of Daviess county :
IxTartha. the wife of Peter Ragle, of the same county: Almira, the wife of
John E. Hayes: Jesse C. : James: Alice, Avife of Albert Stuckey; Elizabeth,
wife of Fred Shafer, and Sarah, now Mrs. Pritchard Smiley. All except-
ing the subject of this sketch are residing in the vicinity of the old home-
s'ltad in Indiana.
The educational advantages afforded Henry Trueblood were rather
limited, for his mental training was received in the usual log sehoolhouse
common to the frontier, and therein he pursued his studies during the
winter months, for his services were needed in the fields during the sum-
mer season. In December, 1861, he was married, the lady of his choice be-
ing Julia, the dauahter of Sanford Gowan, a farmer. After his marriage
WOODSON COUNTIE:'), KANSAS. 653
Mr. Trueblood followed farming until January, 1865, when he enlisted
ii the Union army as a member of company K, One Hundred and Forty-
third Indiana infantry under Colonel Grill, and saw service in Tennessee.
The regiment did guard and patrol duty, and was mustered out in Nash-
ville, October 17, 1865.
Upon returning to his home Mr. Trueblood resumed the work of the
farm and remained in his native state until 1871, when he came to Wood-
son county, arriving on the 18th of October. For some years he was
identified with agricultural pursuits in this locality, but subsequently put
aside the labors of the farm in order to give his undivided attention to
the discharge of the duties of public office entrusted to him. He served as
trustee of Liberty township for four years and was elected eoiinty clerk
in the fall of 1879 for a two ycnrs' tcnn. was re-elected in 1881 and in
1884 he retired from office as be luul iiiii'ieil it — with the confidence and
good will of the entire public. His is leeoguized as a master mind in poli-
tical circles of Woodson county. He does all in his power to promote
the growth- and insure the success of his party and his opinions carry
M-eight in party councils and his influence is strongly felt. On resuming
the duties of private life Mr. Trueblood became associated in business with
A. F. Palmer and the mercantile firm of Palmer & Tnieblood now ranks
;niiong the foremost in Yates Center.
The home life of Mr. Trueblood has been very pleasant. His marriage
tc Miss Cowan re; ulted in the birth of seven children, namely: Richard
H.. who is the editor of the Yates Center News; William H. ; Charles A.;
Flora D. and Lillian E. ; two died in infancy. The family is one of promi-
j^ence in the community, numbei-ed among the most valued citizens of
Yates Center. Mr. Trueblood has been a resident of Woodson county for
thirty years and throughout the period has been an active factor in
public affairs. His co-operation has promoted many measures of public
M-oi-th and benefit and in all life's relations he has followed a course at
iince ho7iorable. coiinnendable and worthy of emiilation.
E. W. NAYLOR.
A farm of eight hundred acres, well improved and stocked with a
high grade of horses and catle, is an unmistakable evidence of a busy and
active life. This property is in possession of E. W. Naylor, who came to
Woodson county empty handed but with a resolute spirit that has enabled
him to surmount difficulties, conquer obstacles and press steadily forward
to the goal of prosperity. He resides in North township and his extensive
agricultural and stock-raising interests have made him one of the leading
farmers of the community.
]\Ir. Naylor is numbered among the native sons of the Keystone state,
his birth having occurred in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 12th
654 HISTORV OF ALLEN AND
of April. 1851. His parents were George and Barbara (Steviek) Naylor,
also natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Indiana in 1858, lo-
cating in Allen county, M-here the father followed farming. His wife died
in that state in 1859, but the father retained his residence there until 1891,
when he came to Woodson county, Kansas, his death here occurring in
1892, when he had reached the ripe old age of seventy-six years. This
worthy couple were the parents of fourteen children, eight of whom are
yet living: Mrs. Sarah Tibben. Mrs. Anna Butler; George Z. ; E. W. ; Mrs,
Lydia Hutchings; Mrs. Minei-va Stewart; Mrs. Alice Muller and David.
E. W. Naylor of this review was the fifth in order of birth. He ac-
(iiured a good education, completing his course in a high school of his native
county, and when a young man he engaged in teaching .school in Indiana
tor one year. In 1873 he came to Kansas, settling in Woodson county ten
miles northwest of Yates Center. For four years following his arrival he
\ias connected with the educational interests of this locality as a teacher.
During that time he was married and after his marriage he rented a farm
and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. For three years he
rented land and then with the capital which he had acquired through his
own exertions he purchased eighty acres of land, which served as the
nucleus around which he has gathered his present extensive possessions.
He to-day has eight hundred acres constituting a valuable property, on
which is an attractive residence, and one of the finest barns in the county,
filled with as fine hoi'ses as can be found in the township. He handles
yearly about one hundred head of cattle and an equal number of hogs and
as he keeps only high grades of stock he is always sure of a ready and
remunerative sal'.^
On the 1st of July. 1875, Mr. Xaylor was united in marriage to Miss
M. Christina Millof. .-i unlive nf Tiidiiiiui, and a daughter of Joseph and
Elizabeth (Stines' MiHiM-, nlso dl' lie [Idosier state, whence they came to
Kansas in 1860. They scttlnl on Tni1:ey creek in Woodson county, where
they spent their remaining days, the father passing away at the age of
seventy-nine years, while the mother died at the age of fifty-three. He
\<as a native of Darke county, Ohio, and his wife was born in New Jer.sey.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Naylor have been born two children: Bessie May. a
student in the Kansas University, and Wilber W., a student in the high
school in Yates Center.
Mr. Naylor and his family are widely and favorably known in Wood-
son county. His record is indeed creditable and thus he has won the
;>dmiration and respect of his fellow townmen. Beginning life here as a
teacher of a country school receiving but a small salary, he has through
the practice of industry, economy and capable management long since left
the ranks of those who are daily struggling for a livelihood and stands
among the men of affluence in the community. In his work he has been
ably assisted by his wife, a most estimable lady whose judicious care of
the" household and the management of its alTairs have contributed in no
"WOODSON COUNTIES, KA~NSAS. 655
ssinaTl degree to his prosperity. As a citizen his worth and loyalty have
been manifest in several public offices. He has served as township
tmste^ for two terms, and at the present writing in the spring of 1901
he is township treasurer and justice of the peace. Over the record of his
public career and private life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion
of evil and to-day he ranks among the leading, progressive and respected
■ tigrieulturists of his adopted «ounty-
JOHN SHENCK.
A veteran of the Civil war. an enterpri.sing business man and a leading
■citizen of Yates Center, John Shenk certainly merits representation in this
\-olume among the men whose labors have been of benefit to the county in
the line of substantial improvement and progrers. He was born in Erie
t^ounty, Pennsylvania, September 3, 1843, and is of German lineag'e. The
.ancestors of the family came from the Fatherland to America probably in
-colonial days. Michael Shenk. the father of our subject, was born in
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and spent his entire life in that
siate and in Illinois. Locating on the shore of Lake Erie he cleared a tract
-.)f land and developed a farm and throughont his active business career he
vii.rried on agricultural pursuits. He married Miss S-u'ah ('. Carter, Avho
.•as born near London, England, and is now a residnit lA' WiH rdunty.
Elinois, whither the family removed in 1857. Her cliildicn ,iiv: John;
William and Terome. who are living' in AVill county ; Elizabeth, ihe wife
of Harvey Bi-i)\>ii. df ('Inra-io Illinois: Delia, the wife of Napoleon Leslie,
of AVill county; Ida. wiiV of (.'ah in Wliitson, bf Pontiae Illinois, and Min-
nie, wife of Jolin Jilson. also of Will county.
Mr. Shenek. whose name begins this record, was a youth of fourteen
years when he accompanied his parents on their removal from Pennsyl-
vania to Will county, Illinois, where he was reared. The education
vhicli he had acquirea in the east was supplemented by study in the schools
of the Prairie state and in his youth he assisted in the work of his father's
farm. He was only nineteen years of age when in 1862 he joined the boys
in bine of company I, On'» Hundredth Illinois infantry for service in the
Civil war nnder Colonel Bartleson. The regiment was attached to the
Second Brigade of tlie Second Division of the Fourth Army Corps and be-
gan active service at Louisville, Kentucky, where it was equipped. Mr.
Shenek participated in a number of hotly contested engagements, including
The battles of Perryville, Stone river, Chiekamanga, Missionary Ridge and
the seige and capture of Atlanta. He +hen returned northward under the
command of General Thomas and participated in the battles of Franklin
vTud Nashville and in the second eontesi at Perryville. During the last
of the war his regiment was stationed in the vicinity of Na.shville and
vheu hostilities were over and the country ro longer needed the military
656 hTsTORv" 01? ALLliN' A'm3'
aid of its soldiers the One Himdredth Illinois v?is mustered out at Chicago^-
Air. Shenek then returned to Will county to resume the pursuits of
fivil ]it> and for fovjr years was engaged in f^-ming there. He after-
ward spent a fe\v years in teaming in Braidwooa, that county, and aha
di-alt in coal. On discontinuing his labors along those lines of activity he
became eonneded with the butchering business which he has since made his
:(>urce of livelihood. He remained a resident of Illinoi!. until 1884 when
he came to Woodson county, settling in Yates Center am) for more than
sixteen years He has conducted a meat market in this place. He enjoys a
large profitable trade, easily retaining an extensive patronage by '-eason of
his moderate prices, his earnest desire to please and his fair dealing.
In 1866, in AVill coun*y, Illinois. Mr. Shenek was .I'oined in wedlock to
Miss Sarah Wn'ght, a daughter of Cherrington AY right, a native of Eng-
land, as was also his wife. They have had five children : Fred C, who is
associated in business with his father: Ada and John, both deceased; Lester
find AYalter. at home. !-'ince the organization of the party the Shencks
have been Fepublicans and our subject is a stalwart advocate of the
p;;rty. Socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity and he also be-
If.ngs to Teorge D. Carpenter Post. O. A. R. He made for himself a
creditable military record upon the tented fields of the sonth and is to-day^
as loyal to the best interests of citizenship as when he followed the Stars
and Stripes through the Confederacy.
CtEORGE MOEREK.
The unostentatious routine of private life, although of vast importance'
(o the welfare of the community, has not figured to any great extent in
the pages of history. But the names of men who have distinguished
themselves by the possession of characteristics that have enabled them to
conquer an adverse fate and advance their individual prosperity and at
the same time contribute to the public good should not be permitted to*
perirh. Their example is more valuable to the majority of readers than
that of heroes, statesmen and writers for it is the few who enter such
I'nes of life while the many are found in the great fields of agriculture and
commerce and desire to know of methods that will aid them in such
branches of business. The history of George Moerer should not fail to
serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to those who would
"know of practical methods for he has depended upon industry and perse-
verance to iiain advancement to a position among the wealthy and highly
respec'^ed citizen? of Woodson county.
A native of Prussia, he was born December 3, 1835, a son of Christo-
pliei' and Sophia (Struwe) Moerer. who were also natives of Germany,
whence they came to America in 1853, landing at Galveston, Texas, on the
26th of December. They remained for about a year in the Lone Star
"vtOdDSdN COUNTIES, KANSAS. 657
estate, and then went to Piatt county. JMissonri, but wishing to locate where
they could secure cheap land they I'einoved to Nemaha county, Nebraska.
'The mother died in Missouri, but tie father followed farming in Nebraska
until his death which ucciirn d when he was seventy-seven years of age.
''i'hey had four ehildi.n. lnii only two are now living— Frantz" and George,
the elder now a resi<K'n' ol' X.'hraska.
George Moerer fpent tl r first eiizliteen years of his life in the father-
land and then accompanied liis paiciits to the New AVorld. He soon com-
menced work by the month tm a fai-iii and was thus employed until he had
saved money lenough with which to purchase four hundi-ed and twenty
acres of raw prairie land in Nebraska. There he made a good farm and
completed his arrangements for a home by his marriage to Miss Sophia
Zabel. For twenty-tliree years he resided upon his Nebraska farm, mak-
ing many excellent improvements and transforming it into a valuable
property. In October, 1885. he came to Kansas and located at bis pre ent
home, purchasing seven liundred and twenty acres of land on Cherry
cireek, in Everett township, two miles north anil five miles east of Yates
Center. The place was well improved with large barns and other buildings
and all modern accessories and conveniences for facilitating the farm
work and rendering it profitable. His buildings stand on the east bank of
Cherry creek, close to tlie timber which borders each side of the stream and
furnishes him all tlu' \vo(i(l wbicb lir nn-ds I'or use upon the farm. The
place is well stocked \vi1li cit'le nnd lnMses and he raises none but the
best grades. His stock gives every indication of good breeding and Mr.
Moerer finds no difficulty in making sales when be wishes to dispose of
■either horses or cattle. In addition to his present farm of seven hundred
find twenty acres. Mr. jMoerei- was also the owner of one hundred and sixty
acres of land, which he divided ecpially between two of his sons.
The marriage of Mc. and Mrs. Moerer was blessed with ten eliildren
and with the exception of one who died in infancy all are yet living,
namely: Frank, who resides near his father, Ida. who is acting as her
father's housekeeper: Julius, a resident of Woodson county; Emma, wife
of D. L. Gregory, who is living in Southport, Tennessee; Martha, wife of
Henry Kopper, of Woodson county: William. Henry, Albert and Lydia,
Avho are still at home.
l\Ir. Moerer ex'evcises his right of franchise in support of the Demo-
■oracy, but has never sought office, giving his undivided attention to his
husiness, wherehy he has won success. The subject of this review has
ihrough his own exertions attained an honorable position and marked
sistency it may be said that he is the architect of his own fortunes, and
is one whose prosperity amply jiistifies the application of the somewhat
liackneyed but most expressive title, "a self- made man."
6^'H fi'tSl-bKY (.)!■■ ALLEN ApTi''
HENRY E. OLD.
HENRY E. OLD is a proi-perous business niaa of Liberty towusfiij/,.
Woodson founty, now engaged in merehandisiug at Burt, a little village-
c'bout nine miles northwest of Ya'.es Center. For a number of years he-
\>'as cDnneeted with the educational interests of the county and thus became
widely known. He was born in Miami county, Indiana, August 8, 1869, a
son of James H. and Phoebe A. (Kerschner) Old, also natives of the
Hoosier state. The father has devoted the greater part of his life to agri-
cultural pursuits. He came to Woodson county. Kansas, in 1882, and is-
now living in Eureka, this state, at the age of fifty-eight years. His
wilV passed ;n\ay in 1889, when forty-one years of age. They were the-
p:i Kills (iT nine clijldren and are yet living with the exception of the
eidesi will) \v;is killed by the accidental discharge of a gun, near Burling-
ton, Kans.
Henry Old, the eldest of the living children, came with his parents to
Kansas in 1882 and attended the common school until qualified for teach-
ing, when he became a representative of that profession which he followed
for nine years in Woodson county. He always attended the county in-
stitutes and thus kept in touch with the progress continually being made in
that line of work. He also served for two years on the examining board of
the county. It was at one time his intention to enter the medical fraternity,
and with this end in view he studied medicine for three years under the
direction of Di-. Kellenlici'^cr. nf Vales Center, but this work did not
prove as ciinueiiial as lie had antii-ijiated and accordingly he abandoned
? nd tnriieil liis atlentii)ii io merchandising.
With the iiioiiey wliieh he had saved from his wages as a teacher he
pnicliased a stoek of liooils and as a member of the firm of Randall & Olct
lie became eoniieetetl with mercantile pursuits, opening a store in Burt in
1899. Their store is the only one in that locality and they draw a trade
from miles around. They carry a well selected general stock valued at two-
thousand dollars and their annual sales amount to ten thousand dollars.
Their success has exceeded their expectations and is an indication of their
courteous treatment of their patrons, their straight-forward dealing and
their earnest desire to please.
On the 23d of May, 1900, Mr. Old led to the marriage altar Miss
Ellen B'. Randall, who was born in Cowley county, Kansas. The young-
couple have many warm friends in the comnnmity and are held in high es-
teem liy all who know them. His force of character, strong individuality and
steadfastness of purpose have already won for Mr. Old a desirable posi-
tion in commercial circles and will undoubtedly bring him still greater suc-
cess.
REUBEN JONES.
Athough one of the more recent arrivals among the farmers and
lock raisers of Woodson county, Reuben Jones has the enterprising and
WOODSON C0UiNTlS5, KANSAS. 659
progressive spirit of the west and has been accorded a place among the
Jrpresentative agriciiltui'ists. He was born near Jefferson City, Missouri.
February 2, 1848. His father, Thomas Jones, was a native of Massachu-
setts and as his father died when Thomas M'as only tAvelve years of age
the latter had to make his own way in the world and finlly drifted to Ohio,
where he formed the acquaintance of IMiss Jane E. Puller. In due course
of time they were married, and in 1851 removed to Grundy county, Illinois,
where they went to Livingston county, that state. The year 1884 witnessecl
their arrival in Kansas, their home being near lola. in Allen county, where
the mother of our sub.]ect passed away in 1888, the father surviving until
1891, when he to departed this life. They were the parents of five children,
three of whom are yet living : Reuben : A?a. wlio makes liis home in the city
111 Oklahoma, and Mrs. da Miler, of La Harpe, Kas.
Reuben Jones was reared to farm life in Illinois and there pursued a
common school education. As is usual with young men starting out in busi-
ness life he sought a companion and helpmate for tli^- .{(.iiiiu y and was
united in marriage to Miss Anna Pisher, a native of X'w -Icrscy. They
continued to reside in Illinois until 1892 when they came to the Sunflower
state, settling in Toronto townrhip, Woodson county, eight miles north of
the town of Toronto, where Mr. Jones purchased two hundred and forty
acres of land, but since that lime he has extended the boundaries of his
place until it now comprises four hundred acres, constituting some of the
best farming land of the county, bordering the Brazle creek. Here he is
engaged in the raising of crops and stock and now has about eighty head
of cattle and one hundred hogs, producing about that number annually.
He feeds all of his corn and hay and keeps his stock in excellent condition,
Vjiarkets it himself and therefore receives the highest pi'iees paid.
In his Avork Mr. Jones has had alile assistaiicp fi-nm his sons. Thornas
K.. the eldest, is now in the employ of the '."-'anta Pe Railroad company, at
Ouiney, Kans. ; George P.. operates a farm near the old homestead; and
Asa is married and assists in the operation of the home farm. Mr. Jones
is a memer of the Odd Fellows society, at Quincy, Kans. ; and also belongs
I0 Woodson lodge No. 121. P. & A. M., at Toronto. Political preferment
I'as had no attraction foi' him, yet he Avas elected and served for one term as
iustice of the peace. Business cares engross his attention, the work of the
farm being under his immediate supervision and indicating the careful
direction of an enterprising and progressive owner by its splendid returns.
Fverji-hing about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance, the improve-
ments being in keeping with modern progress and advancement, and the
position which the owner occupies in agricultural circles is commendable
and enviable.
COL. WILLIA]\I L. PARSONS.
The office of probate judge in Woodson county is filled by William
66o HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
L. Parsons, a man whom his fellow-townsmen recognize as worthy of the
public trust and confidence, for in all life's relations he is found true to
duty, and his ability also well qualifies him for the position. He came
Ti the county in December, 1871, and therefore through a period of thirty
years has been connected with its interests, much of the time being a
prominent representative of its industrial concerns.
Mr. Parsons has had a somewhat eventful carter but through the
vicissitudes of life has persevered in a persistent purpose. He was born
on Long Island, New York. April 30, 1833. a son of William Parsons, of
East Hampton, a sea captain who died on Long Island, leaving two sons
and two daughters. In the place of his nativity our subject grew to man-
hood, no event of special importance occurring to vary the usual routine
cf life for boys of that period. He was educated in the public schools and
Clinton Academy and remained on Long Island until twenty-five years
01 age, when he sought the broader business opportunities of the new
raid growing west, removing to Racine, Wisconsin, in 1858. There he
was engaged in merchandising at the time of the outbreak of the Rebellion
in the south, and, putting aside all personal considerations, with patriotic
spirit he volunteered for service at the front, enlisting in Company F,
Second Wisconsin infantry, with which he remained for three years and
eight months. He was in the First Division of the First Army Corps and
participated in the battle of Bull Run and in many other engagements, his
service ending with the Grant campaign. He was wounded at South
Mountain, again at Gettysburg and a third time in the battle of the
Wilderness, where he was left on the field for dead, but was afterward
picked up by the Rebels and sent to Macon, Georgia. Later he was trans-
fi-rred to Charleston and subsequently to Columbia, South Carolina. His
brigade was known as the Iron Brigade— a name which indicates the
character of the soldiers, who stood with almost unbending strength before
the rain of shot and shell that came against them in many a battle. Mr.
Parsons was a brave and loyal soldier, always found at his post of duty,
find from the ranks he was continually promoted, in recognition of his
meritorious service, until he won the title of colonel but fought only as
n'ajor.
After returning from the army Colonel Parsons conducted an elevator
for a railroad company at Savannah, Illinois, and was later connected with
the internal revenue service as inspector. He went to Chicago, where he was
later engaged in handling vessel supplies and dealing in groceries on South
U'ater street. There he continued operation until the big fire of October.
1S91. when he lost all that he had saved, his store being in the burned
cistrict. He then resolved to retrieve his lost possessions in the west and
accordingly, in December, of that year .he arrived in Woodson county,
where he has since made his home. Locating in Neosho Falls in the spring
of 1872 he purchased an interest in the milling business of the firm of
Covert & Cdzine and finally became sole owner of the plant. He later
WOODSON COUNWES, KANSAS. 66t
eseeted a uew plant ou the old site and successfully carried on the enter-
prise under the name of the Neosho Falls Puoring Mills until 1898, when
lifi retired from active business life.
In Kt^i^ho Palls, in 1877, Cnlono! Parsons was united in marriage to
Miss Jennie E. HoUoway, a sisto- of ili,' In'e I. N. Holloway, of Yates
Center. Two children were born 1o 1l:i'iii. William Sherrill, whose bright
young life on earth ended in April I'MM). The daughter Anna Esther, is
now the wife of Dr. 0. B. Trusler, of Yates Center.
Since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont the
colonel has been a stalwart advocate of the Kepublicin iiai'ty and. like
every true American citizen should do, keeps wi'll iiirniiih'il on the issues
of the day and is thus able to suppoi-t his position liy iiilcllii;ent argument.
In 1898 he was elected probate judge and filled the position so acceptably
for two years that he was re-elected in 1900 for a second term. Ere leav-
ing Long Island he was made a Mason and is now a member of the chapter
0'' Yates Center. Various business interests have claimed his attention
and at all times he has been found enterprising, energetic and notably
reliable ; his patriotism has been tested on the battlefields of the greatest
war which the world has known ; his friendship is ever found tried and
true; and now in public office he is giving evidence of conscientious and
fjiithful serivee and therebv winning the commendation of all concerned.
DAVID GAILEY.
DAVID GAILEY, whose identification with the interests of Wood-
son county dates from March, 1870, was born in Delaware country, Ohio, in
September 1842. His father, James Galley, was a native of Lawrence
county, Pennsylvania, and was descended from Pennsylvania-German
ancestry. In the place of his nativity he married Hannah Hunter, and
pT-ior to the Civil war removed to Delaware county, Ohio, where he re-
sided until 1867. He then continued his -westward journey to Johnson
eiunty, Missouri, which was his place of abode until 1S70, when he came
1o Woodson county. He first resided at Chellis, Kansas, then at Kalida
and afterward at Yates Center, where he died in the spring of 1890, at the
age of eighty-five years. He was a venerable, honorable and respected
citizen, who throughout his entire business career had followed the occu-
pation of farming. He voted with the Republican party but took no active
part in politics. His wife died during their residence in Delaware county,
Ohio. They had several children but our subject is the only one now liv-
ing. John Galley, the eldest son, who was a member of the Ffteenth
United States regulars, served in the Civil war, was captured at Stone
rjver and died eleven months later in Andersonville prison; William, who
was a member of the Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer infantry, died in Co-
l.imbns, Ohio: David is the next of the family; James was a resident of
662 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Andei-soii coimty, Kansas ; Saimiel luadi? his home in North Dakota : George
lived in Delaware county, Ohio: Mary is the deceased wife of Austin
Oldan ; Eliza resides in the state of Washington ; Angeline became the wife
c.f N. E. Cor, of Missouri, and Anna died in childhood.
David Gailey was reared upon the home farm and received but meager
educational privileges. He attended the district schools to some extent and
for one .year was a student in a select school in Berkshire, Delaware county,
Ohio, but the greater part of his time was given to the labors of the
fields. His work, liowever, was interrupted by his military service for
when the south attempted the destruction of the Union he enlisted under
the Stars and Stripes, becoming a member of the Fifteenth United States
regulars, at Columbus, 1861. He was in the army of Ihe Cumberland,
with the Fourteenth corps, and the first battle in which he participated was
fit Shiloh. He afterward took part in the engagements at Corinth, Perry-
ville and Stone Eiver, and about that time was taken ill and was not
again in active duty. He had enlisted for three years but on account
oi disability I'eceived an honorable discharge and returned to his home.
However, he re-enlisted for six months service in the Fifth Ohio Volunteer
Cavalry and afterward in the Eighty-eighth regiment of Ohio for one year,
serving with the latter command until the close of the war. He was a
p.'ivate and passed through all the hardships and i-igors of war, but was
ever found at his post of duty, faithfully defending the Old Flag.
When tiie war was ovei- Mr. Gailey returned to his home in Ohio and
Trsumed farming. He aecomi)anied his father on his various removals, re-
maining with him until his death. After coming to Woodson county lie
was here married, on Christmas day of 1871, to Miss Lueiuda Gephard.
a daughter of Joseph Gephard. a native of Pennsylvania and farmer
by occupation. He married Sevilla Miller, also a native of the Keystone
state, and unto them have been born the following named: Mrs. Gailey;
Mary, wife of Thomas Wilson, of Eureka. California ; Franklin, of Yates
Center: Joseph and William, also of Yates Center: Samuel, of Eureka,
California, and Emma, wife of Edward Gibbons, of Sioux City. Iowa.
In his political affiliations Mr. Gailey has been a stalwart Republican
since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, in 1864. As
a citizen he manifests a public-spirited interest in everything pertaining
to the welfare of the community in which be resides and is as true and loyal
to his country to-day as when his patriotism was manifest on soutliern bat-
tlefields.
HIRAM E. BRADFORD.
One of the well known and prosperous farmers of Perry township.
Woodson county is H. E. Bradford, who first came to Kansas in 1866 and
whose residence in this county covers a period of twenty-three years. He
"\\'OOl3SON COCNTrES, KANSAS. 663
ni'as born in Switzerland county, Indiana. November 12, 1843, and -is -a
:i\ pi'esentative of an old New England family. His grandfather, Hosea
Bradford, was a native of that portion of the country and was one of two
"brothers who sought homes in the middle west, the o*her being Joel Brad-
ford, who located in Switzerland county, Indiana. Hosea Bradford mar-
ried Hannah Dustin, a niece of the Mrs. Dustin, of New England, who
was carried off by the Indians and aft-erward killed eleven of her captoi-s
and made her escape. Mr. and Mrs. Bradfoi'd lesided for a time in
Canada and tlien removed to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where the grand-
I'f.ther of onr subject followed farming. Lester Bradford, the father of our
subject was born in Canada and was but a small boy when his parents be-
came resid-ents of Ohio. H« was reared to farm life and throughout his
^active busine.ss career carried on the work of tilling the soil. He was a1
one time a resident of Switzerland county. Indiana, but after^vard re-
tixrned to Cuyaboga county, Ohio, and his last days wei-e passed in Wood-
son countj", at tbe home of his !^on. Hiram E., Avhere he died in August.
1898, at tbe age of eighty-nine years. His wife bore the maiden name
■of Elvira Thayer and died in 1848, leaviii<i- tlie fullnwing named: Elbert
N.. now a resident of Douglas county. Oreunn: .liil!;i, deceased wife of Dr.
Norman Wright, of CHiyahoga county. Oliin; Lvidii'v. deceased wife of
Aseph Sabin, and Hiram Elliott.
The last named spent his boyhood days at Olmstead, Ohio, and there
became familiar -with farm work. In Aug-ust, 1862, he enlisted in the
X'nion army for service in tire Civil war, as a member of company B. One
Hundred and third Ohio infantry, and was mnstered in at Covington.
Kentucky, where he remained until the summer of 1863. when his regi-
TCent joined General Burnsides' army for an invasion of eastern Tennessee.
He met the Rebels n the skirmish liire near Covington before he was
regularly mustered in, but the first regular engagement in which he partic-
ipated was on the Atlanta campaign. The most serious ]o«s which the regi-
ment sustained was at Resaca. where about one tliird of the niunber was
Icilled or wonnded. Mr. Bradford was with the forward movement until
the fall of Atlan+a, when the One Hundred and Third turned back with
Cen-eral Schofield to Franklin. Tennessee, where one of the bloodiest battles
of the war was fought. Tbis was followed by the battle of Nashville and
of Clifton, and then, they proceeded in pursuit of General Hood. Later
]\Ir. Bradford with his command was ordered to Port Fisher, North Caro-
l.na. and subsequently went acrofs the state to Goldsboro where they
joined Sherman and saw the last service of the war. The regiment
was then sent to Newbernc and took boat to Baltimore where they boarded
^1 train for Cleveland, where he received an honorable discharge, after
having served for two years and ten months.
On the close of his military experience he went to Indiana but after
a brief period came to Kansas, here remaining until 1874 when he re-
turned to Ciiyahoga county, Ohio. There he passed the succeeding four
664 nTSl-'OKV' OP' .\LLliN AND"
years and in 1878 located permanently in this state. The following' year
he took up his abode in Woodson connty and now makes his home on the
northwest quarter of section twenty, township twenty-six, range seventeen^
where he is carrying on farming operations, the well tilled tields giving
promise of abundant harvests.
On the 25th of February, 1871, Mr. Bradford married Irena Bartlett,
a daughter of Jame,; and Nancy (Shannon) Bartlett. Their marriage has
been ble sed with three children: Walter L. ; Elvira M., a teacher iir
the public schools of Woodson county, and ElbertE. The sons assist their
father in the operation of the home farm. IVfr. Bradford is well known
for his Republican principles and the hearty endorsement which he gives
to the men and measures of tbe party. He has held the office of .justice of
llie peace and at the present writing is treasurer of Perry township, in'
vlicli office he has discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity.
lie belongs to the TTnited Brethren church and is one of the reliable anJ
-f-alued citizens of the community.
CHRISTIAN STANCE'.
CHRISTIAN STANCE has been a resident of NVoods^on county since
he was eleven yc;irs of age, and he has now parsed the fiftieth milestone on
life's .iourney. He came thither with his father, Christian Stange, Sr,, an
honored piom ei- \\lio located in southeastern Kansas in 1858. He made'
his May to the Susitlower state from Hanover. Germany, where occurred
the birth of h-is son Christian, on the 5th of September, 1847. The latter
spent his first decade in his native country ,and at the age of eleven came-
i.ith his parents to the New World. He was reared on the home farm
on Cherry creek, in Everett township, Woodson county, and worked in
the fields and meadovvs from early youth, gaining practical experience in
the laboTs of the farm fo that he was well equipped to carry on farming:
on his own account when he boesin business life for himself.
In Januai'v. 1876. in Ev.Tilt township. Mr. Stange was united in
i.'iarriage to Miss Louise Sicker, a ilauu'litcr of William Sieker, who resided
in Lippe-Detmold. Cermany. (_>ne of her In-others, August Sieker, is a resi-
dent of Woodson County. Mrs. Stange came to Woodson County in 1875,
■so that she has been a resident of this portion of the state for more thaa
two decades. By her marriage .she has become the mother of four children,
namely; Mary, Annie, Lizzie and ^lartha, and the family circle yet re-
mains unbroken.
At the same time of his marriage Mr. Stange took up his abode upon
a farm in Everett township, where he resided until 1884, when he pur-
chased the southwest quarter of section thirty-three, township twenty-five,
range seventeen. Here he has since carried on farming, meeting with
"vVOuDSCJN COU^fTlES, KANSAS. 665
Jsignal success ia his uudertakiiiLis for his farminti' nictlinds ar.' i>iT.L:Tes-
■sive— calculated to produce the lust rrsuits. In tlieii- irlii:itius laitli. Air.
■J3iang:e and his family are Lutl-ei'ans. and in his jHilitienl views he is a
Jiepublican, his ballot hein^' east for the uieu and measures of the Grand
Old Party.
JOHN S. WALTERS.
JOHN H. WALTERS, who has been actively identified with the devel-
opment of the west and who is familiar with all the ex]ieriences of the pio-
neer on the plains, was bom in the Province of Luebeck, Kingdom of Hano-
ver. Germany in 1849 and with his parents came to America in 1853, set-
tling in Cincinnati, O. He is a son of John H. and Elizabeth Wilmer-
ing Woltermann. They were the parents of five children, of whom our
-subject was the fourth in order of ^3ir(h. He remained with his parents
until thirteen years of age and then left home to make liis own way in
"the world. He has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources,
and certainly deserves great credit for \\';at he Ims arcmiiplisliril.
Mr. AVaiters remained in Cincinnati wl:,".' l:c wcrkcil at anything that
he could get to do until he had an opportunity of ieanng a trade. When
the chance came he began learning the businef-s of manufacturing trunks
and followed that pursuit until the latter part of tlie Civil war. In 1864.
•aMhough only fifteen years of age he became connected with the army, join-
ir.g the Fourth United States Cavalry as a clerk for the sutler of that
T.-giment with whom he remained until the close of the war. He then hired
as a messenger to the cpiartermaster at Nashville. Tenn., acting in that
capacity until affairs were all adjufted in that locality. During the Wilson
raid he took the place of soldier, carrying a musket and saw some arduous
■service. On the road between Earlton and Montgomery he was captured
■and held for days, on the expiration of which time he succeeded in making
liis efcape. working liis. way back to the regiment.
\\Tien the war was over Mr. Walters returned to Ohio and four months
later he accompanied some land dealers to Missouri where he engaged with
Owen, Fisher & Company, proprietors of the stage line, working as a
utility man. performing any service required by the company. He was
frequently sent from place to place on various kinds of business. After
•u-orking for a year for the stage company he went to Leavenworth, Kas.,
and herded the" town cattle. In the fall of 1869 he volunteered to
go West to fight the Indians under General Carr, as a teamster for the
Seventh United States Cavalry. He drove the mess wagon for Company S,
■and remained on that expedition for six months, after which he returned to
Leavenworth and again engaged in herding cattle through the summer. In
1870 he went to the southern state line and secured a claim in the new
strip of land opened at that time for settlement. After eleven months.
656 HisroK\ ut- alle.n aal«
liowevt-r, he sold tliat property and came to AVoodson County, where lie
purchased a claim upon which he resided for seventeen years with the'
exeeptiou of two years at Fort Scott, making good improvements upoit
the place. In 1890 he disposed of that property and purchased his present
farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of good land. The farm is^
situated a mile and three quarters northwest of Vernon, and he lias a
very pleasant home, surrounded with a nice grove of maples. All the
modern equipments and conveniences are found upon the place, and the-
neat and thrifty appearance indicates the careful supervision of a pro-
gi'essive owner. He keeps on hand about thirty head of cattle and raises
good crops, feeding most of hfs corn to his stock.
On the 14tli of October. 1877. Sir. Walters was united in marriage i&
.Miss Margaret Jane Withers, a native of Illinois, a daughter of William
rnd Eliza (Rich) Withers, the former a native of Illinois and the latter
cf Ohio. They came to Kansas in 1871, when Mrs. Walters was thirteen
years of age. and the father died in 1894, at the age of sixty-three years-
while the mother is still living in Yates Center, at the age of sixty-one. Of
their children six sons and six daughters yet survive. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Walters have been born ten children, nine of whom are living:
Frank, Fred, Ralph, Arthur, John, Jennie Edward, Ellen and Stanley.
In his political views Sir. Walters is a Repiiblican and has filled the office'
of justice of the peace in Everett township, but has never been an aspirant
for the honors and emoluments of public office, preferring to devote his'
tune to his agricultural interests for the benefit of his family. Starting-
out in life a penniless boy at the age of thirteen he now stands amo-ng the-
substantial agriculturists of Woodson County, the possessor of a comfort-
able competence and rich in the possession of the warm regard of many
fi lends.
. i). R. INGE.
IVori is the coiimiou lot of all and the majority of men devote their
energies to some line of activity in business, yet many are the records of
failures. Tlie secret of this is found in a few causes, a lack of energy,
of resolution, of persistent purpose and of practical common sense. These"
are the elements which contribute to prosperity and they are the salient
feafui'es in the business career of D. R. Inge, making him one of the sub-
slantial citizens of Woodson County.
A native of Indiana, Mr. Inge was born in Parke county, that state,
on the 21st day of November, 1838. His father, Chesley L. Inge, was a
native of Virginia and was married tbere to Miss Frances M. Lipscomb,
also a native of the Old Dominion. They remoTcd to Parke County,
Indiana at an early day, and in the midst of the green woods the father
entered land from" the government and transformed it into a good farm
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 667
and home for his fauiily. There he resided until 1873 when he came to
Ivansas, taking up his abode in Neosho Falls, where he died the following
j'ear, at the age of seventy-five. His wife survived him until 1878 and
died at the age of seventy-four. They were parents of twelve children,
f(mr of whom are now living: William, a resident of Parke County,
Indiana; James, of Missouri; Chesley. of Kansas City, Kas. ; and D. R..
of this review.
Mr. Inge, whose name begins this article, was the ninth in order of
birth in his father's family. He was reared upon a f»rm in his native
county and received such educational advantages as were afforded by the
common schools of those days. He remained under the parental roof
until twenty-one years of age and then started out in life on his own ac-
C( unt. He was married in ISfil to ^Ii^ s Susan Hhips who has indeed been
1 1 him a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey. She was a
native of Pennsylvania, and in 18;i8 liceame a resident of Indiana, her
parents having both died in the Ke^stiuic state. The marriage of Mr. and
Mrs. Inge has been blessed with i'mir (Inii-iitiM-s. ^fary M.. wife of Daniel
Phillips, of the city of Oklahoma : Leiinra, wile of Joseph Wilson, a lumber
merchant of Neosho Falls: Luella. wife of E. A. Stillwell, cashier of the
Neosho Falls bank, and Cora, wife of William Shockey. assistant cashier of
the Neosho Palls bank.
After his marriage Mr. Inge operated his father's fai-m for three years
and then removed to Illinois, where he lented land and engaged in farming
for two years. Believing that he woidd have better opportunities in the
newer and less thick'l\' sdtltd West, he came to Kansas in 1866, locating
m the nortlnvrst (■(niu-i' ul' Alli ii County, where he and his brother George
together pureha.-cd a txcliou uf land, going in debt for the greater part of
i;. He turned his attention to the stock business, buying, feeding and
shipping stock on a small scale until he became established, and as the
>ears passed he extended his operations, becoming one of the large cattle
dealers in the county. By hard work and close attention to business he
scon had his farm paid for and also extended the boundaries of his property
by additional purchases. There is no man in Allen County that has
lii.ndled more cattle than Mr. Inge. He continued to reside upon his farm
until 1895 when he took up his abode in Neosho Falls and turned his atten-
tion to banking, establishing the Neosho Falls bank with a capital stock of
five thouF'and dollars. He was chosen president of the bank and also one
of its directors, while F. S. Stillwell became the cashier. He yet remains
at the head of the institution which is regarded as one of the reliable and
influential concerns of the county. He also handles some cattle, buying and
sl'.ipping when he finds a favorable opportunity, but at the present time
:ie is largely retired from active business life save for the management of
his real estate investments. He owns twelve hundred acres of land in
Allen and Woodson Counties and has six business buildings in Neosho
Falls besides two residence properties. When he was married his cash
668 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
capital did not consist of one hundred dollars, but by una bating industry
and determined purpose he has steadily added to his accumulations until
111' is now one of the wealthiest citizens of Woodson County. He has
hgured quite prominently in local politics and is an influential member of
the Republican party, havint;' supported its principles throu<ihout his entire
life. He was elected to serve as county commissioner of Allen County and
tilled that position for one term with credit to himself and satisfaction
to his eouf-tituents. He was then re-elected for a second term but soon re-
signed, in order to remove to X'eosho Falls. Socially he is connected with
Is'eosho Falls lod<ie, K. of P. Thoroughness characterizes all of his efforts,
and he has ever conducted his business with a strict regard to a high
standard of commercial ethics. The success of his life is due to no inherited
fortune or to any succession of advantageous circumstances, but to his
own close application, tireless industry and sterling integrity.
GEORGE W. TROUT.
GEORGii, W. TROUT, a wide-awake, enterprising and prosperous
I'armer of Eve'"t_tt township, Woodson County, was born in Lasalle Coaniy.
Illinois, January 27, 1850. his parents being John and Abbie Susan
(Angel) Trout. The father was a native of Ohio and in the spring of
1876 he came to Kansas, purchasing land south of Neosho Palls, where he
has since carried on farming.
Our subject is the eldest of three brothei's. He came to Kansas with
his father when twenty-six years of age and soon afterward rented the old
Major Snow farm, which he operated for five years. He had previously
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land of the Missouri, Kansas &
Texas Railroad Company on the prairie, but as he did not have the money
to improve the farm he had to cultivate rented land until he had acquired
capital sufficient to enable him to begin the development of his own prop-
erty. At the end of five years he took up his abode upon his own place,
three miles south and two miles west of Neosho Falls, on the east line of
Everett township, and has since developed a fine farm, on which he has
erected a nice home, good barns and outbr;ildings and has planted a nice
orchard and a grove, which surrounds his residence and protects it from the
hot rays of the summer sun. He carries on general farming and slock
raising and all that he has is the outcome of his close application to business,
his industry, capable management and honorable dealings.
After he had been in Kansas for a year Mr. Trout returned to Illinois
and was there united in marriage to Miss Eliza Skinner, a native of Douglas
County, that state, the wedding being celebrated March 26. 1877. Her
father. James Skinner, was killed by lightning in Anderson County, Kas.,
:n 1868, but her mother is still living in La Salle County, Illinois. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Trout have been born ten children: Alice, the wife of
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 669
Walter Dersham. who resides in this locality; Harvey, Clara, Wiley, John,
Ray, Glenn, Edith and Urvin. It is rather remarkable, and a fact for
congratulation, that in .so large a family no deaths have occurred.
With the exception of the eldest daughter all the children are still with
their parents. In politics Mr. Trout is a Republican and by his ballot
supports the men and measures of the party, but has had neither time nor
inclination to hold office himself, his attention being fully occupied with his
business affairs, which have resulted prosperously so that he is now one
of the substantial farmers of his adopted county.
PETER SMITH.
The horologe of time has marked off a long period since Peter Smith
first came to Woodfon County, and thirty-six years have been added to the
cycle of the centuries since he took uji his abode upon his present farm on
section twenty-two, township twenty-five, range sixteen. He has become
a .successful farmer and .'tockman, and is to-day the owner of four hundred
acres of the rich land of Southeastern Kansas.
Mr. Smith was born in Prussia, near the little village of Drosam,
March 26. 1834, and is a son of Pe'er Smith, Sr.. a farmer, who spent his
entire life in Germany. His widow married Peter Yogem. who brought
the family to the United States in 1842, locating in Wisconsin near the
town of Hartford, where he and liis wife spent their remaining days. The
children of her first marriage were ?ihnu;net. who became the wife of
Henry Soras and died in Milwaulcee. A\'is., and Peter. By the second
)'iarriage there are aho three children, Anna, who married Tom Shoe;
Susie and Mary.
Peter Smith of this review spent the first eight years of his life in
the fatherland and then accompanied the family on the long voyage across
the Atlantic to the new world. Reared in Wisconsin he there remained
until nineteen years of age, after which he spent two years engaged in
farm work in Putnam County, 111. He then came to Kansas, attracted to
the state by the report that land could be obtained here at a nominal
price. One of the pioneers of Woodson County, he settled first in Everett
township, where he secured a homestead, and in 1865 he came to his present
farm which has been his place of abode continuously since. He has trans-
fiirmed the wld land into richly cultivated fields and the track of the
shining plow has been followed by fields of grain that, ripening under the
I'Ot summer sun, has yielded abundant harvests, bringing him a good profit
for his labors. His four hundred acres of land now constitutes a valuable
property improved with all modern accessories and conveniences, sup-
plied with good machinery and substantial buildings and giving him a
good return for his labors.
'Sir. Smith has been twice married. In Woodson Countv in 1859
670 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
he wedded Henrietta Steti'en. who died in 1879, leaving the following
children: Frank, of Woodson ('ountj' : Charles, of Osage County, Kas. ;
Henry and John, both of AVoodsou County; Matilda, wife of Edward
Kinmonth, of Kansas Cit\-. Mo.; Augusta, wife of Frank Englebright, of
Woodson County; Louise, wife of John Sehoeptlin. of Woodson County,
Kas., and Mary. For his second wife. Air. Smith chose Catherine Beer,
whom he wedded in 1880. The children of this union are Annie. Peter,
hebecca and Fannie. Prior to the time when she became the wife of our
subject Mrs. Smith had married John Richard, now deceased, and they
were the parents of six children, Fred, of Woodson County; Maggie, wife
cf George Smith, of lola ; Samuel, of AVoodson County ; Rosa, wife of
Charles Smith; Lydia, wife of Bert AA'agner, of Buffalo, Kas., and AValter,
',vho is living in AA'oodson County.
Mr. Smith's labors as an agrieultnri.st have never been interrupted
smce coming to Kansas save by his service in the Civil war. When the
destruction of the Union was threatened by the rebellion in the South he
.joined the Second Regiment of Kansas Cavalry under Colonel Cloud, and
became a member of Company C, eommandecl by Captain Barker. This
regiment served in Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky, parti-
cipating in the battles of Prairie Grove, the capture of Fort Smith, Flat
Rock, Kentucky and Flat Rock. Ark. At the last named he was taken
prisoner and sent to Tyler, Tex., where he was incarcerated for nine
months or until the close of the war, when he returned to Kansas with an
honorable record as a defender of the Union. In the discharge of his
duties of citizenship he has always been as true and faithful as when he
followed the starry banner upon the battle fields of the South. He gave
liis political support to the Republican party until 188—' when new issues
having arisen he became a supporter of the Greenback party and is now
allied with the People's party. He does aU in his power for the normal
growth and progress of tf e county along substantial and beneficial lines,
and his life is in harmony with his professions as a member of the Church
cf God. A farm hand for several years after his arrival in Kansas, he
new stands upon the plane of affluence and not only deserves recognition as
a successful man. but as one whose success has been so worthily achieved
that his business record is deserving of emulation.
CHARLES F. HARDER.
CHARLES F. HARDER, of Yates Center, was born in the village
cf Jagzow, Kreis, Anklam, Germany, November 18. 1844. His father,
Charles H. Harder, was also a native of the same country and in early
life was a shepherd but afterward became proprietor of a hotel. He
spent eight years in Kansas in the latter portion of his life and died in
1883, at the age of eighty-four. In his family were thirteen children, those
■^fOODSON COUN'riES, KANSAS. '67 1
BaGw"in the United States being William, of Milton, Oregon; Ferdinand, a
3-esident of Portland, Oreg'on ; Albert, of lola, Kas. : Henrietta, the wif-e of
August ileyer, of Lake View, la., and Charles F.
The subject of this sketch acquired a good education in the schools
OL (Jeruiany, and at tlie age of twent.y years he left home, starting out
to make his own way in tlie world. Belie\'ing that oetter opportunities
uere alforded young men in America, he sailed for the United States in
1864, and located finst in Livingston Countj', 111., where he remained untfl
•coming to Kansas in February, 18GQ. Taking up his abode in "VVoodson
f ounty be was at first employed by the month as a farm hand, but after-
ward secured a homestead of his o-wn which he owned vintil the time of
his marriage, when he disposed of that j)roperty and removed to his wife's
farm. He has since engaged in the raising of stock and grain and in his
pastures are seen good grades of cattle, horses and hogs, while his fields give
promise of bounteous harvests.
In September, 1869, Mr. Hard(-r was united in uiarriage to Mrs.
Theresa Stockebrand, a daughter of Marquis Brockniann. whose family
numbered five children, only two of whom came to the United States. Her
people resided in the city of Kiel, in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Mrs.
Harder was first married to August Stockebrand, a brother of William and
Ernest Stockebrand, and by her first union she had five children. August,
]\Iary, the wife of Louis Brodmann ; Henry; Annie, wife of John Donner-
berg. and Emil. All are residents of Woodson County. Five children
grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Harder, namely: Aug\ista, the wife of
William Lauber; Martha, wife of Henry Kruger; Fran?; and Lizzie, at
home, and PaTdirie, wife of William Toedman.
Since becoming an American citizen Mr. Harder has supported the
Republican party when questions of state and national importance have
been involved, but at local elections, where no issue is before the people,
stmetimes votes independently. He is a local preacher and a member of
the Evangelical association with which his family are also connected. For
more than thirty years he has resided in AVoodron County and is thor-
oughly identified with his region, its iuti'iests and upbuilding, ever lend-
ing his aid to all measures for the ])ul>lic eood. Fropi the little Germaij
lome he came to America, and in the laud of the free he found the op-
portunity he sought to work his way upward to a position of affluence.
HENRY H. Mccormick.
Among thofe who have been called to public service in Woodson
Coimty is Henry H. McCormiek, who for two terms filled the office of
county clerk, being one of the most capable officials that ever occupied the
position. He is now a leading representative of commercial interests in
Yates Center, where he is engaged in the hardware business. Since 1868
6/2 ll'ISTOKY 01-' ALLEjJ ANU
h.j has been a ivsi,lcii1 (.T ihis pnnioii nf flir staf, havin- eoiiie t(i Kansas.:
jiioii) Morgan ('n\\i\ty. ill., w h.Mv h" was lunii en 1ii<- I'iltli (if Auiiust, 1851..
ITis g'randfather, .lames Me! 'ui mi'.-k, \va.s Imrn in Kentuc-ky ana was a^
fk'scendant of one of the- old families uf Virginia. He had a brother
v"ho served in the Mexican war.
/ames William McC'orniiek-. the fathei' of onr subject, was born in
1817, in Kentucky, wheiv li,' spent liis boyhocid days. He afterward be-
came a resident of Maysville, t >.. and removed thence ti) Morgan Coi;nty,
ill., at an early period m i's development. He followed farming and the-
liiilling businessin that state. In lS(i8 he removed to Kansas and
settled on a homestead in Ovl Cieek township, Woodson County,,
where he I'esided until a few \i ars lieiore bis death.
Mr. MeCdi-inirk eiil.Tlniiied sympathy for the Union cause, and was^
nn outspiik-eii abolitionist imi was too (jld and infirm to join the army. Al-
though his educational advantages in youth wei-e limited, he was a man
of strong convictions and outspoken in defense of everything in which he
believed. He kept well informed on the issues of the day and was thus
enabled to support his position by intelligent argument. His death oc-
curred in lola, Kas.. in 1895, when he had attained a ripe old age. His
wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Ruth Rannels, and was a daughtei-^
of Mr. Rannels, of Paris, Kentucky. Unto Mr. and Mrs. MeCormick
were born five children: James W. G.. of Arkansas; Carrie, widow
of Nathan Kinney, of Tola : Henry H. ; Ralph L.. of MoYgan County, 111. ;
and Sarah A., wife of H. E. Van Deman, of PJarksley, Virginia.
Henry H. JlcCormick was seventeen years of age when he came witli
his parents tn Kansas. He acquired his early education in the district:
schools, aft.'i-ward studied in the Geneva academy, and completed his coursti
in the State .\grieul1ui-al College of Kansas. He subsequently engaged in
teaching school for four years, compli-iiii>j his educational labors at Geneva-
He then engaged in farming and dealinu in cattle, making a specialty of
Short Horn cattle. His attention ^^as (le\(iie(l to farm work until the fall
of 1891 when he entered upon the dnties of the position of county clerk to
which he had been elected November of that year. He filled the position
so acceptabl.v that he was re-elec*ed for a second term, and when the
time expired he retii'ed from office witli a most creditable record.
Mr. MeCormick afterward engaged in the hardware business as the
successor of AV. A. Snover. He conducted the business in Yates Center
three years and then I'cmcivcd to Channte, Kas., where he carried on
bu-inss in the same line for a year, lie then disposed of his store and re-
turned to Woodson County, erecting in Yates Center the MeCormick block,
in which he is now conducting a hardware store, enjoying a large and well
mei'ited patronage.
On the 2'2d of February, 1881, Mr. MeCormick was united in marriage
to Miss Jennie DeWitt, a daughter of Capt. G. DeWitt, of Allen County,
TvOCJDSDN COUN"rtES, KAKSAS. 673
•one of the early settlers and prominent citizens of tlat portion of the state.
"Unto Mr. and J\lrs.i\IcCormick have been born the following named children :
"Florence A.. Lewis H., John Knox, Nellie C, Myrtle M.. Vera Irene and
Henrietta. The family is one widely and favorably l<no\ra in the com-
inunity. Mr. MeCormiek has an extensive acquaintance and is recognized
-as a local leader in the ranks of the Republican party, doing all in his
power to promote its growth and insure its success. His private life- and
his public career are alike eommendable and many are the friends of Henr.v
H. MeCormiek.
E'ICHARD KIMBELL.
RICHARD KIMBELL, who is now engaged in the breeding and sa"le
cf fine horses in Tat^s Center, was iDOrn in Oxfordshire, England, April
19, 1848. and is a son of Richard and Emma Ereeman Kimbell. both of
whom spent their entii'c lives m England and are now deceased. The father
was a farmer by occupation. In their family wei-e four children, our sub-
ject being the only son. Two of the number remained in England luit one
sister. Mrs. Wilkes, is now living in "VVildomar. Cal. After the death of his
"iirst wife the father M'as again married, and by that union there were seven
■children, one of whom is in the tTnited States—Mrs. Clarke, of Los
Angeles. Cal.
Upon tlie family homestead in England. Richard Kimbell. of this
sketch spent his youth. He acquired a good English education and at the
age of twenty-tive years he bade adieu to friends and native land prepara-
tory to becoming a resident of America. Sailing from Liverpool on a west-
ward bound vessel he landed at New York city and thence made his way to
Kane County. 111., where he engaged in farming. In 1877 he came on a
prospecting tour to Kansas and being pleased with the country and its
prospects he decided to locate in this state. Acrindiiiiily he arrived in
"vVoocison County, in February, 1878. locating in Tjilierty township, where
lie rented hind for thirteen years. He then purchased property and con-
tinued farming and stock raising until 1900 when he sold his farm and
'oame to Yates Center. Here he is engaged in handling fine horses, of which
lie is an excellent n'lclge- so that he makes .iudicious purchases, and in
consequence ready sales as he places his horses upon the market. His
husiness methods will merit the closest inspection, and his well known
probity has been an important factor in his success. He has excellent
accommodations in the way of stables for his horses in Yates Center,
and the business which he has carrried on for some years is proving
profitable.
Ere leaving England, Mr. Kimbell was united in marriage to Miss
Harriet Louise Hartley, a daughter of Henry and Caroline Hartley, late
o!' Stratford on Avon YTarwickshire. Their children are: Edward R.. a
674' HVstbRy ut aClU'S aSTj
laruier of Woodson County, who married Louisa B. Smith ; Harry H., of
Yates Center: Caroline E.. wife of Carl Eeynolds, of Savonburg, Kas., and;
Fannie L. Mr. Kimhell usually votes with the Democratic partv but is not
f;reatly interested in polities. He is now a Past Master Mason," and is also-
a valued member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and the Order of
Ked Men. The hope which led him to come to the United States has been
ri'alized in his ineieased fortune and he has found here a pleasant home and
friends of worth whom he prizes, while at the same time his friendship is
areath^ prized by them.
ALBERT SCHNELL.
ALBERT SCHNELL, deceased, was one of the substantial' citizens and
enterprising farmers of Woodson County, and his death, which occurred'
in 1900, wias the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for such citi-
zens the community can ill afford to lose. His was an honorable and up-
right citizen and thus his memoir merits a leading place in this volume.
Albert Schnell was a native of Germany, born March 15, 1849, and a
son of Henry Schnell, who was twice married, his first wife being the-
mother of our object, and brother. John. The siirviving members of that
family are ;i]l lesidents of Du Bois county, Indiana.
Duriiiu his youth Albert Schnell accompanied his parents to the new
world anil was rcaied in Du Bois Coun+y, Indiana. His education was
acqiiired in his native tongue, and before attaining his majority he left
home in order to earn his own living as a farm hand. He was employed'
ill that way for a number of years, but after his marriage rented land and
began farming on his own account. It was on the 27fh day of February,
1872. that he was .joined iii wedlock to Miss Lucy Sawyers, a daughter of
■James Sawyers of Scott County, Illinois, but formerly of Tennessee,
Her mother bore the maiden name of Rachel Davis, and by her
marriage to Mr. Sawyers she had two daughters and a son, the latter being-
Joseph Sawyers, of Scott County, while the sister of Mrs. Schnell is Ange-
line Sawyers. There were, however, some half brothers and sisters, three
of whom are yet living.
Mr. and ^Its. Si'hn.'ll began their doinestic life at OxviLe Scott
County, Illinois, ivniin- ilie SaM-yers' farm for six years, after which
they came to K;ms;is. si'ttln.it:' in Center township, Woodson County, in Feb-
ruary, 1878. Here Mr. Schnell purchased eighty acres of land and began
its cultivation and improvement. His resources then were quite limite 1,
but as the years passed his labors brought to him a good financial retu-u.
and he increased the boundaries of his farm by the additional purchase
of one hundred and sixty acres of land. He engaged in the raising of grain
and stock and placed his farm under a high state of cultivation. He also
ma le many excellent improvements in the way of buildings, and ^vhile at
woousoN countie:>, Kansas. 675
a nvighbor's barn raising on the IStli of ^May. 1900, he was killeil by a
falling beam, his death coming as a great shock, and an irreparable loss to
hiir' family.
Ponr children liad been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Schuell, namely:
Rachel, the wife of Filniore Withers, of Yates Center, Kas. ; Mary, John
and James, who are still with their mother, the family yet occupying the
old homestead left them by their father. Mr. Fchnell was well known a? a
staunch Republican, attended many of the conventions of his party and did
r,V in his power to secure the adoption of its principles. In business he
was energetic, reliable and progressive, and in all dealings was the soul of
hciuor. His prosperity resulted from his persistency of purpose, his in-
defatigable industry and his honesty, and the untarnished name which he
left to his fa)iiily is more desirable than the wealth of the millionaire.
DAVID PHILLIPS.
Through more than a third of a century David Phillips has resided in
Southeastern Kansas. When a young man he came to Woodson County,
and as the county has grown, developed and improved he has given his aid
and co-operation to the movements which have advanced the general wel-
fare and promoted the public prosperity and progrei--s. He has been identi-
fied with its farming and industrial interests and in public office has mani-
fested his loyalty to the public good by the faithful manner in which he
has discharged the duties devolving upon him. Such in general has been
his life work, but it is a pleasure to enter into a more detailed account of his
career, knowing that it will be received with interest by his many friends
and acquaintances throughout tliis jiortion of the state.
Mr. Phillips was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, March 2, 1846.
His grandfather, James Phillips, was piobably born in the same state and
v;as of English lineage. By occupation he was a fanner, and he died about
1865, at a very advanced age. His son, Charles L. Phillips, the father of
our subject, was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, in 1807, and there
spent his entire life, dying in 1875. He married Anne Gillespie, who was
of Scotch lineage, and died in 1900, at the age of eighty-three years. Her
mother was a member of the Dunnings family, prominent in Revolutionary
times. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips became the parents of eleven childen,
namely: Miranda, deceased, wife of John M. Danolds; George W., who
served as a soldier in the Civil war and is now postmaster at Branchville,
New Jersey; David; Elmira and Henry, who are living in Sussex County,
New Jersey; Andrew, of Morristown, that state; Louise, wife of Julius
Clark, of Leonia, New Jersey: Jessie, who died in that state; Belle, wife of
William DeWitt, of Sussex County: Carrie, wife of E. Hopkins, of New-
ark. New Jersey, and Charles, of South Branch, New Jersey.
David Phillips was reared to farm life and pursued his education in
the schools of the neighborhood and in the Beemer high schools, after
676 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
V'hieh lif continued his stiidie;- in Claverick. New York, on the Hudson
river, and at New Milford, Pennsylvania. He was twenty-one j'ears of
age when in 1867 he left his home in the East in order to try his fortune
beyond the Mississippi, and in April of that year he arrived in Woodson
County, locating in Owl Creek township with his cousin. James "W. Phillips.
He afterward purchased land on the creek and there carried on agricultural
pursuits until his removal to Neosho Palls to assume the duties of sheriff
of "Woodson County to which office he was elected in 1869. Previous to
this time he had taught two terms of school, one in Neosho Falls, being the
last teacher to conduct the school alone. He was installed as sheriff and
capably discharged the duties of the office for one term, after which he
served as under sheriff for Wm. Cozine while the county seat was located at
Defiance. Upon leaving the .sheriff's office he became a teacher and mer-
chant in Defiance, and in 1887 he engaged in the dairy busine.'-s, which he
has since followed. In 1893 he removed from his farm on the old town
site of Defiance and took up his abode at Yates Center.
On the 3d of April, 1878. Mr. Phillips was married to Emma Austin,
who came to Wooason County in 1877 from Cortland, N. Y. She was
born there in 1846, and is a daughter of Alvah Austin, The only sur-
viving child of ]\Ir. and Mrs. Phillips is a son. Wendell, who was born
December 5, 1875. The family are Episcopalians in their religious faith,
and in his political belief Mr. Phillips is a Republican. He was formerly
a recognized leader in the ranks of his party in Owl Creek to\^^lship. served
there as trustee, and has always kept well informed on the issues of the
day, political and otherwise. He is now accounted one of the highly re-
spected residents of Yates Center, a man whom to know is to respect.
FRANK H. BERNDSEN.
FRANK H. BERNDSEN, who for twenty years has followed farm-
ing in Owl Creek township, Woodson County, was born in Holland,
September 26, 1844. and is a son of Herman H. and Elizabeth (Sherman)
Berndsen, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father died in
1854. at the age of thirty-five years, and his wife passed awaj' in 1853, when
also thirty-five years of age. They were the parents of seven children,
but only two are now living, the younger being Mrs. Mary Iming, of
Illinois."
Frank H. Berndsen was brought to America by his parents in 1847,
when only three years of age, the family locating in Illinois, where he
was reared and educated. He learned to speak, read and write both the
English and Germany languages, and in early life became familiar with
the work of the farm. In 1865, when twenty-one years of age, he. responded
tv the call of his adopted country for aid, enlisting as a member of Com-
pany F, One Hundred and Fiftieth Illinois Infantry with which he served
imtil the close of the war.
WOODSON countie:;, kansas. 677
Alter receiving an honorable discharge he returned to his home and
with the money he had saved in the army he began merchandising in
L'amiansville, 111., where he carried on business for ten years. That gave
him his start in life and since then he has steadily advanced on the high
road of prosperity. In 1881 he came to Kansas and purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of raw prairie land upon which he now resides, the place
being located a mile south and one mile west of Piqua, in Owl Creek town-
ship. The land is rich and productive and everything upon the farm is in
good condition. In addition to the rai^ang of grain he engaged in stock
raising, making a specialty of cattle, horses and hogs, and for these he
finds a ready sale on the market.
While in Illinois, Mr. Berndsen was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary
Stroad, a native of Germany, and after they had resided in Kansas for
eight years she was called to her final rest, dying on the 5th of September,
1886, at the age of thirtj^-two years, leaving to the cai-e of the husband their
six children, namely: Harman H., Benjamin H., John H,. Frank H.,
Fred J., and Anna E. On the 13th of September, 1887. .Mr. Berndsen was
again married, his second union being with Gesina Heidothiug. a native of
Germany, a widow with one daughter, Agnes Eixler. They are well
known in the communit>' where they reside and are highly esteemed by
their fi-iends. Mr. Berndren is a Democrat in his political views and is
a member of the Catholic ]\lutual Benefit association, in which he carries
one thousand dollars insurance, while two of his sous each carry a liMe
amount. He has found Kansas not only a pleasant place of residence but
a profitable field of labor, giving a free return for unflagging industry
when guided by sound business judgment.
THOMAS T. DAVIS.
In business circles in Yates Center the name of Thomas T. Davis is a
familiar one, for through fifteen years he has been proprietor of a meat
market here and is accounted one of the reliable merchants of the place.
He was born in Wales, July 20, 1862, and when three years of age was
brought to America by his father, who with his family left Wales for the
new world and took up his abode in Braidwood. Will County, 111., where
he yet makes his home. He is a coal miner by occupation. He married
Ann Owynn, and unto them were born the following named: Thomas
T. ; Mary A. ; Margaret, of Braidwood, 111., Mary A., wife of Thomas Huf-
ford, of Holdridge, Nebraska ; Elizabeth and William, of Braidwood.
Mr. Davis, of this sketch Vv'as reared in his parents' home in Braidwood
and attended the public schools there, acquiring a good common school
education that well fitted him for the practical duties of business life.
When about fourteen years of age he began earning his own living as a
farm hand, being thus employed until eighteen years of age when he
678 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
began working in a meat market in Braiclwond. His first independent
vtntnre was the opening of his market in Yates Centi-r. He came here
in Angust, 18S6 and pnreliased the meat market helongiiiu to (i. W. Stewart
and oiiee the property of the fii'm of Taylor & Stewai't. Since that time
III' has i-arricd on liiisiiic^s witli e\er increasing snccess. He at first had bnt
liiiiifcd (-aiiital, hilt l;is trade constantly grew and his earnest desire to
please, liis coi;r1iMii!s ti<'atme!d\ his reasonable prices and his honorable
dealing have secnred to him a eontinnance of the liberal i^atronage which
was soon accorded him.
Mr. Davis Avas married in Yates Center, November 29,1889 to Miss
Hester, daughter of Enoch ^IcB. Xewcom, of Garden City, Kas.. but
formerly of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Davis now have two living children,
AYilliam T. and Leoti. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican,
having been reared in that faith by his father, who warmly espoused the
party. Mr. Davis has served as a member of the city council of Yates
Center and made a connnenilable record as a city official. Socially he is
identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is now past chancellor
of Yates Center lodge. As a business man, citizen and public officer he
takes high rank. He is a man of pleasing personality, sympathetic and
helpful, and his friends are many and steadfast.
LOGAN W. WRIGHT.
LOGAN W. WRIGHT was born in Pettis County, Mo., on the 19th
of January, 1863, a son of Thomas J., born in Ky.. Jaiuiary S, 1810, and
Martha (j-jmbree) Wright, born March 4. 1839. The.y were married Maj^
18, 1856 in Cooper County Missouri. Mr. Wright died" March 13, 1873, and
his M'idow is now living in Los Angeles county, California.
Of their six children, Logan W. Wright is the second in order of
birth. On his father's farm he followed the plow, assisted in the planting
and also aided in harvesting the crops when the sunniier's sun had ripened
the grain. The educational privileges which he eu.joyed were those afforded
by the common schools. In 1882 he came to Woodson Coimty, locating on
a farm, and during the greater part of the time which has since elapsed
he has followed agricultural pursuits, although for a brief period he was
connected with mercantile interests in lola.
On the 12th of September, 1880, Mr. Wright was joined in wedlock
tc Miss Mary Purcell, who was born in Benton County, Missouri, February
4, 1865, and is the only daughter of J. M. and Lucinda Purcell. now of
Piqua, Ivas. The young couple began their domestic life upon the farm
where they resided until 1889. In that j^ear they removed to lola, where
Mr. Wright became interested in the grocery business as a member of the
firm of Munger & Wright. After about four months he purchased his part-
ner's interest and conducted the enterjirise alone for a short time, when
'vVOoDSON cdu>rriE.s. kansas. 679
^ifc sold out to the firm of Pnrcell & Son. During tlii.-: period Mrs. Wright
'carried on a millinery business in Tola, but after a year her health having
failed she was coni]>elled to sell her stock, and they returned to the farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright have one child. Lillie. nn iiitcrcsl inu vduiiu' lady
of eighteen years, who is now in fchool, and will sunn i Minnl-ir lii^y .'diirn-
tion. Their home is pleasantly situated two iiiilvs ^\■l•^• n!" l'ii|iui. where
Mr. Wi'ight is now engaged iu farming and stock raising, lie has eighty
acres of well improved land, and to its further development he is giving his
attention, th^ plaw yielding a good competence iu return for his labors.
FRANK H. \YRIGHT.
One of the enterprising, practical and intelligent young farmers of
Woodson County is the gentleman whose name begin;; this review. He
vas born in Blanehester. Clinton County. O.. on the 81st of May, 1866, a
■.son of John M. and Elizabeth (McxVdams) Wright, the former a native of
the Biickeye state, while the latter was born in Indiana. Tlie father's
'death occurred in Ohio, in 1876, when he had attained the age of si.xty-
three years, nine months and twenty-seven da;s'B, but the mother is still liv-
ing at the ag-e of seventy-seven years, her home being in Morrowtown. 0.
Their only cliild is Prank H. Wriglit. As his parents w«re in limited
financial resources, he had to begin to earn his own livelihood when ten
years of age and has since been dependent entirely upon his own efforts.
lie worked at whatever he could get to do imtil fifteen years of age when
"he entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the millwright's trade. He had
to furnish his own tools and carried the hod for a time in order to get the
money with which to make the purchase. Possessing considerable natural
mechanical ingenuity and applying himself closely to his work, he soon
mastered the business, became an expert in that line and after two years
was made foreman. Since that time he has bad no difficulty in command-
ing good positions and high wages in that line. He has constructed mills
in about twenty different states of the Union, including Indiana, Illinois,
Towa and Kansas. The last work of the kind which he did was in putting
in the machinery of the Tola Brick Plant. No. 2.
Mr. Wright also learned the miller's trade and at one time was half
owner in a large flouring mill in Indiana. In 1890 he came to Kansas and
purchased an interest in a mill owned by D. W. Finney, at Neosho Falls,
'but after a year he sold out and returned to Warsaw, Indiana, where he
■entered a drafting office. Again in 1893, however, he came to Neosho Falls
and operated Colonel Parsons' mill. He became one of the best draughts-
man in that service and commanded large wages, Imt becoming tired of
that life he concluded to try farming, and in 1895 purchased one hundred
and thirty-five acres of heavy timber land, three miles above the Falls on
the river bank. Not a ti'ee had been cut or a furrow turned at the time
6S'0 HISTORY OK' .i:i,LE>J AJSTIT
he eauic into possession of the place, but by indefatigable energy and'cFose'
attention to business, lie. has transformed the place into one of the best"
t'aiiiis in the valley. Already he has cleared one hundred and ten acres,-
whieh h(g has under cultivation. He has previously raised corn and po-
tatoes, but now &s the stumpia have been cleared from many of the fields
he will utilij^e the land for wheat raising. He has employed as many as
sevi'nty-li\'c wau in a single day in cutting timber and pi'eparing the land
fur the ytlow. iiiviiig careful direction and supervision to their labors. Many
uoiid pii itioiis have bren offered him in the line of architect work and
.setting up machinery, but all of these he has declined, having resolved in
give his undivide'd attention to the v.-ork of the farm.
Mr. Wright was married in IMarion County, Indiana in 1888, to Miss
Eliza Winslow, a native <.!' (.'i-int County, Indiana, and a most estimable-
lady. Their union has ii.cii Messed with one child, Hugh M., born De-
C(']]ib.i' 23. 1S90. In his pdliti, ;i! views Mv. Wri:;h1 is a Republican, and
while he keeps well informed on the issues of the day he has never been an-
aspirant for office. His busine s claims his undivided attention, and his
fine farm is a substantial monument of his enterprise and thrift. Few men
st.utinir ill life at the tender age of ten years and receiving no assistance
\\hat( MM- ;b ;lie decades have passed have achieved as creditable success as
Mr. AVrJolit has done.
GEORGE MENTZEK.
The veteran scildier who ri.ske€l his life in defense of the flag, alT
things ehe bpini;' e(|ual, tak'e^- liitiii rank as a citizen. This may be partly
because of the (piality of the i>atiiiitism nf the American public, but there
is another reason for the pre-eminence of the veteran. The man who has
the form of character to win distinction as a faithful defender of his
country possesses the resourccliii ihise\erance so necessary to success in
olher fields, and this is abnndantly verified in the life of George Mentzer,.
wlio hiyally iollowcd the stariy lianner during the Civil war and is now
one of the enleipnsini; and itiosiierous agriculturists of Woodson county,
where he has ma,hj his home since 1SH9.
A native of Stowe. .Massachusetts, he was born June 12. 18.38, and is
:; son of Philli]) A. and (^riuda (Miles) Mentzer. The father, a native
of Germany, died in .Massachusetts in 1844, and his widow was buried by
the side of her hiishami oii the old home place in the Bay state. Tliey had
ten children, but only three are now living: Rufus, of Et. Morgan, Colo-
rado; Mrs. Sarah A. (Ireen, of Boston. Massachusetts, and George of this
review.
The last named was reared in his native village until sixteen years
of age, when he emigrated to Illinois and became a farm hand, being
employed in that capacity for about two years. He then went to Chicago,
"WOODSON eOrNTIES. KANSAS. 68l
"where he seeiu-ed a situation as clerk in a grocery store, aha acting as as-
>>istant in a butchering establishment. Upon leaving the city he returned to
Massachusetts to visit his mother and while there he learned tlie trade of
ii comb maker, the combs being manufactured from the horns of cattle.
'He also improved his literary education by attending school. He was still
in his natiA^ state when the Civil war broke out and there he enlisted as a
member of company C. Twenty-fourth Massaehusett;- infantry, which was
sent to Annapolis and on to North Carolina and thence to South Carolina,
being discharged in front of Pe*^ersburg, Virginia. iVmong the important
engagements in which he participated were the battles of Roanoke Ik-
h'.nd, Newberne. AATiite Hall Coldsboro. Kingston. Bermuda Hundred
and Pe^^errburg. He did duty in front of the Rebel fort which was blowii
up by a Pennsylvania regiment. In all of his three years' service he was
never wounded, but was always found at his post of duty faithfully de-
fending the starry banner— the emblem of an undivided union.
"^Tien the war was ended Mr. Mentzer returned to Massachusetts and
spent thie succeeding winter in Boston, after which he turned his attention
to farming. He then again made his way to Illinois, where, prior to the
>var. he had aided in establishing the tiist hot(^l in Kewaunee. He re-
mained a resident of Henry county and \\:i: r'iiu:ii:ed in the butchering
"business \intil 1869, when he came to Wondsun ciniiity, Kansas, settling on
section six. Center township, where he has fince made his home, his labors
Tjeing given to the improvement of his farm. He now has a rich tract of
Laid, the alluvial soil yielding good harvests for the work bestowed upon
it.
In Henry county, Illinois. Mr. Mentzer was vmited in marriage to Miss
Emeline Minnick. a daughter of John Minnick, a Pennsylvania German,
who had a family of five daughters and one son. The wedding of Mr. and
Mrs. Mentzer was celehrated on the 1st of January, 1867. and they are
now the parents of eight children, as follows : Charles 0., who married
Nettie Wells: John F., who married Anna AVells : Susie May: Henry A.:
Phillip E., who is now a student of the S+ate Agricultural College of Kan-
isas: Ernest E. : Clara E. and Clarence A. Although the Mentzer family
have usually been Republicans, George Mentzer cast his first presidential
vote for the Democratic nominee in 1860. and is now a Prohibitionist. He
helieves most firmly in the abolishment of the licpior traffic through acts
nf legi.slation, and he is the type of citizens who support all measures to
fldvanee the moral welfare of the community.
GEORGE GROGMAN.
The history of mankind is replete with illustrations of the fact that
it is only under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus of opposition
that the best and strongest in men is brought out and developed. Per-
6S2~ rrrsTORY Oi? .ittEN xmy
haps the hictory of no people so forcibly impresses one with this truth as'
the annals of our own republio. If anything can inspire the youth of our
country to persistent, honest and laudable endeavor it should be the life
record of such men as he of whoiu we write. Thrown upon his own re-
sources at the early age of twelve years he has since depended entirely
npon his individual labor for whatever he has had or enjoyed in life,
and nov,' in return for his diligence and enterprise he is enjoying not only
the material reward bixt also the esteem and confidence of those among
whom he has lived and worked. As proprietor of a hardware establish-
nunt in Piqua and as postmaster of the town, he is well known to the
citizens of Woodson county.
Mr. Grogman M'as born in Baden, Germany, on the 14th of November,
IPoO. and is a soir of Henry Grogman, who in 1852. starred with his family
I'm- the United States . On the Atlantic- the wife and iimtlior died, leaving'
live children, three of whom are yet living— Henry, wlio is married and
lives in Piqua ; John W. and George, also of the same place. Landing at
New York the father and his chilclren continued their journey across the
country until they arrived in Clinton county, Illinois, where Mr. Grog-
man died a few years later.
In Clinton county, Illinois and in St. Louis, Slissouri, the subject of
this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth. Having no one to'
assist him his advantages were necessarily limited, but he was ambitious
t-i learn am! while clerking in stores in St. Louis through the day, he de-
vuted his evenings to study in night schools. For thirteen years he held
the position of foreman of the registry division in the St. Louis post-
ofifice and then resigned on account of ill health. He thus had in charge
one of the most important divisions of the postal service, and his long con-
tinuation in the pc ition proves conclusively his fidelity to duty and his
extreme faithfulness.
In 1888 Mr. Grogman came to Piqua, Kansas, and purchased of John
J. Harrison a hardware and implement business, which he has since con-
ducted. He also buys grains and seeds and both branches of the enter-
prise are proving profitable. His business metlinds are such as to increase
his patronage and his trade has steadily mown. Difiiculties and obstacles
in his path have seemed but to serve as an impetus for renewed effort and
his determined, lesulute will lias slotid liiiii instead of capital.
In St. Louis. Alissi.un, on 1lie ITlli. of November, 1874, Mr. Grogman
was united in m.irriage 1o .Miss Caiic Sjioei'l, and unto them have been born
eight children: Helen, the wife of Jo.^-eph Spiegelhalter, of St. Louis;
William E.. of Humboldt, Kansas; Frank; Julia, avIio is living in St.
Louis; Dora; Lnlu ; Ollie and Florence. The family have a wide acquaint-
ance in Piqua and the members of the household occupy an enviable posi-
tion in social cii-eles. In his political views Mr. Grogman has always
Ix-en a stalwart Republican, attends- county conventions and is active in
the work of the party. For the past ten years he has continuously served
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. ' 6S3
as postmaster of Piqua. his experience in St. Louis well qualifying him for
the position which he is now so acceptably filling. Tnxstworthy in public
office and reliable in business he enjoys public eonfidnee in a high degree
and the warm personal regard of many friends.
EDWARD GRUBBS.
A life of indefatigable industrj' has brought to Edward Grubbs the
competence which now classes him among i\u- sulisiaiitinl citizeus of Wood-
son county. He was born in Dearborn cnuiity, linii:;ija. on the 10th of
December, 1832, and represents one of the old families of that state. His
father, John M. Grubbs, was also born there, and the grandfather. Eg-
vard Grubbs, Sr., was a native of Virginia, whence he removed to the
Hoosier state during the period of its primitive development. There he
reared his family and after arriving at years of maturity, John M. Grubbs
married Eliza Lunger, a native of New Jersey. In 1854 he removed to
Iowa, but after a year returnd to Indiana. While upon the trip he w^s
t.iken ill and died foon after reaching his old home, passing away in 185f5,
al the age of fifty-five years. His wife died in 18.58. Eleven children,
all sons, were born unto them, tl:e subject of this review being the second
in order of birth.
Edward Grubbs was reared in Indiana and acquired a common-
school education. As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life
he chose Mirs Susan Brown, their marriage being celebrated September 10,
1851. She is a native of North Carolina. Her parents died when she
was very small, so she never learned anything of the family history. She
was taken to Ohio by a family named Tattle and afterward went to live
with a family by the name of Bonham \\ith wliom she remained until she
altained to womanhood.
After their marriage jNlr. and Mrs. Grublis secured employment on
;i farm, the former working in the fields, the latter performing the duties
of the household. After a year thus passed they went to live with his
grandfather, Edward Grubbs, with whom they remained a year, when our
subject rented a farm in Ohio, operating it for two years. In 1854 he re-
moved to Iowa, and in 1859 went to Pike's Peak, Colorado, to engage in
mining, but not finding that a profitable venture he returned to Iowa in
July of the same year, continuing to make the Hawkeye state the place
of his abode until 1860. In that year he again went to Indiana and for a
year worked as a farm hand, after which he leased and operated a farm for
five years, but believing he could improve his financial condition in the
\\est where lands were cheaper, he went to Bates county, Missouri, in 1868,
working there by the month for a year and a half.
In the fall of 1869 i\Ir. Grubbs came to Woodson county and se-
cured a homestead of eighty acres on Cherry ei-eek. For fourteen vears
684 HISTORY OF ALLEX AND
111' cultivated the fields and improved the place also engasred in stock-
raising. He then traded that farm for some timber land on the Neosho
river, one mile northwest of Neosho Falls, where he now owns a valuable
tract of one hundred and twenty-five acres. The rich, allu\'ial soil pro-
duces excellent crops in return for his cultivation, and his wheat and
cornfields form a most attractive feature in the landscape. He raises
about thirty-five bushels of wheat to the acre. Upon the place is a good
residence, substantial barn and other modern improvements, and every-
thing about the place indicates thrift and progress. At one time he was
in debt two thousand dollars, but he raised corn, cleared oft' the indebted-
ness through the sale of that product and is now in very eomfoi-table cir-
cumstances.
Unto Mr. and Mrs, Grubbs have been born s^even children, namely :
Bailey G., who is now living in Oklahoma territory: Eliza, wife of J, D.
NeM'comb, of Oklahoma : Ward Beecher. who is living in Cherokee county :
Mrs. Pearl Jones, who resides in Neosho Palls: Emma Stovall. who died in
Oklahoma, lea\ang five children: Lusetta and Laura, who died in infancy.
If the parents both purvive until September, 1901, they will celebrate
the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. They are people of genuine
worth, of high moral character and are .justly entitled to the esteem in
which they are held. Years of earnest labor, eventually crowned with
prosperity— such is the epitome of the life of Edward Gi-ubbs. and in
this respect his career is certainly worthy of emulation.
WILLIAM KEES.
WILLIAIM KEE8. a well known representative of the farming inter-
ests of Woodson county, residing in Neosho Palls town.ship, was born in
Washing county. Pennsylvania, February 4, 1833. and has the distinction
of being descended from two Kevolutionary heroes, both his paternal and
maternal grandfather having ferved in the war of independence. The
ff rmer owned the land upon which the town of IMcKeesport, Pennsyl-
vania, was built, and the place was named in his honor, David Kees, the
father of oiir subject, was also a native of the state and there resided
vntil 1858, when he removed to Iowa, where he spent the residue of his
days. He was called to his final rest in 1895, when he had attained the
very venerable age of ninety-two years. His wife had passed away in 1888,
when eighty-four years of age. They were the parents of six children,
four of whom are yet living: David Jr., surgeon of the Civil war: Wil-
ham; John, a druggist in Creston, Ia„ and Catherine, of Agency, la.
William Kees, the second in order of birth pursued his education in
the schools of his native state and resided with his parents imtil they
were called to the home beyond. He accompanied them to Iowa in 1858
and cared for them throuuhout their declining years, rendering them filial
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 6S5
tlevotioii in return for what they had done for him in youth. He was
r.-arried in 1871 to i\liss EmiJy AleKeown, a native of Bradley county,
Tennessee, born in 1847. Her father, I. L. McKeown, was a native of
North Carolina and married Matilda Reynolds, who.se birth occurred in
lennessee, to which state her husband had removed in early manhood.
They had three children : Sarah A. ; Mrs. Kees, and Livonia Watkins,
who is now living in Agency, Iowa. The father, who was born in 1818, is
still living in Agency at the age of eighty-two years, making his home
with his daughter. His wife died in 1895, at the age of seventy-one
years. They had been residents of Iowa since 1865 . Mr. McKeown served
for three years in the Union army with a Missouri regiment and was on
-ine occasion badly hurt by being thrown from his horse in battle.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kees continued to reside on the
oltl homestead farm in Iowa until after the death of his parents. When
the father passed away our subject inherited one of his farms. His own
htalth having become impaired his physician advised him to seek a change
(iT climate where he would not have to undergo the rigorous winters of
Iowa and accordingly he came to Kansas, settling upon the farm which
is now his home. He sold his property in Iowa and purchased here two
hundred and forty acres of land, pleasantly and conveniently situated
about two and a half miles north of Piqua. His health has greatly im-
proved and in his business affairs he has prospered, his time being given
to general farming and stock-raising. The fields are well tilled and bring
lO him a good financial return for his labors, and the pasture lands af-
ford excellent grazing opportunities for stock.
The marriage of Mr. and Mis. Kees has been blessed with three chil-
dren : Lois, now the wife of Albert Bailey, of Allen county ; Arthur and
Ethyl, who are at home with their parents. The son has charge of the
farm thus relieving his father of much care and responsibility. The
family have a wide acquaintance in the county and the parents and chil-
dren enjoy the high esteem of many friends. Mr. Kees is a Democrat
in his political affiliations and the support which he gives to the party
arises from a belief in its principles and not from a hope of the rewards
of office holding.
MICHAEL REEDY.
The late Michael Reedy, whom, as a citizen and gentleman, all Wood-
son county was pleased to honor, was one of the historic characters of the
c('i;nty which he helped to settle and where he spent nearly thirty-five
years of his useful and honorable life. Although of humble origin and
with discouragements and adversities surrounding him in early life he was
hnvn to surmount them and to lead in the march of progress and not only
"to be but to do" in the acts of men.
6S6 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
It has been said tliat ]Michael Reedy came to Woodson county shod
with one boot and one shoe. If this is true he was even fortunate then,
for he walked from Kansas City to Woodson county in consequence of his
great poverty. It is indicative of his character to state that what he was
seeking was the opportunity to bi;ild a home and win an honorable exist-
ence for his family by the sweat of his face. It was in June, 1857, that he
reached his destination, filed on his homestead in section seventeen and
thereby began his civil connection with the affairs of Woodson county.
He was directed by a countryman of his native land to the Owl Creek
settlements, upon reaching Wyandotte with his family, and he left the
latter at the mouth of the Kaw river while he should be absent on his
long lonely and important journey.
Michael Reedy was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1834. In
1847 his father ^lichael Reedy, brought his family to America and stopped
for a time in Steuben County. New York. He worked at common labor
about Campbelltown for many years and late in life went with his children
into Bureau county, Illinois, and there died. His five sons and two
daughters were : John, of Tiskihva, 111. ; Mary, deceased, who married
Michael O'Brien, nn old citizen of Woodson count.y ; Michael, our sub-
.iect: Thoiiins, \\-i'o died in Ottawa, 111.; Ellen, who became the wife of
John Elmenddif and resides in Humboldt, Kansas ;' James, died in Tis-
kihva, 111., and William, died in same place.
The marriage of Mr. Reedy occurred, first, at Campbelltown. New
York. His wife was INIary Wlialeii, boi-n in County Limerick, Ireland.
She shared her Inisliand's lia'dsliips and was an invaluable aid and sup-
port in his pioneer years in Wondson (•oiiii'v. She Ixn'e him ten childi'en
and died in Feln-uary. ISTli. The eliildien surviving are: Ella, widow
O'' Michael Crahan; Elizabeth: Willam : James: Mary, wife of Thomas
I;andei-s: Kate, wife of John Smith and Michael. In April 1877 Mr.
Reedy nu^rried Ella, a daughter of Thomas and Johanna (Kissane) Col-
lins. The parents were both born in Ireland and their chldren were :
Mike, Dan, Tim, Thomas, William. Mary, Kate. Margaret, Johanna and
Ella. By his second marriage Mr. Reedy was the father of three children,
surviving: Thomas. John and Myrtle.
When Michael Reedy undertook to establish himself as a settler in
Woodson county none, perhaps, did so with greater financial embarrass-
nients that he. He possessed the proverbial poor man's "ox team" and
with it and the most primitive accompaniments, he began the work of
improving and developing a Kansas farm. His success was at first some-
what varied but as nature became subdued the soil yielded abundantly to
his industrious touch and he made rapid strides toward financial inde-
pendence. Periodically he annexed, by purchase, tract after tract of
land until his domain was nearer the area of an old English estate than
a Kansas farm. He was ever and always a man of business. His industry
was as marked when in the enjoyment of affluence as when he was pushed
TVOODSON COrN^TIES, KANSAS. 687
^H'ong by the demands of necessity. His sneeess never "turned his head."
He was the same common, approachable and sympathizing farmer in the
height of his achievements as when a modest tiller of the soil in the early
days of Kansas. He took an interest in things political as well as material,
and was on« of the chiefs of Democracy in Woodson connty for many years.
Hewas named for conn'^y commissioner and was elected, as a Democrat, in
1865. He served one term and acquitted himself with honor to the county
and with credit to liimself . In 1871 he was one of three candidates for this
legislature and was defeated by a email plurality.
Mike Reedy became a permanent settler in "Woodson county in 1858
and from that da+e until his death, January 13, 1892, he was a loyal,
devoted and God-fearing American. He loved Kansas, her institutions
and her people. He reared his family well and taught them to practice
industry and to love virtue and honor. Tli.s life was not full of years but
was filled with good deeds, when it was ended, and none that knew him but
regretted his taking awav.
LOUIS C. NEIMANN
LOUIS C. NIEMANN, who is engaged in general merchandising and
Ml shipping and dealing in grain at Piqua, Kansas, was born in St. Louis,
IMissouri, >Jovember 6, 1861. His father, Frederick A. Niemann, was a
native of Prussia and on coming to America engaged in merchandising in
St. Louis in which city he passed his remaining years. His widow, nee
•Johanna Lemke, is the wife of Benjamin Koetter resides in Clinton eoimty,
Illinois. Her children are: Jiilius : Louis C. : Lizzie, wife of Joseph
Kreimer. Maggie, wife of George Kulm; Annie, wife of George Dulle, and
Teresa, widow of Christian Dummert. of Clinton county, Illinois.
Louis C. Niemann spent the first fourteen years of his life with his
mother and went then to live with an uncle, H. H. Heimann, at Aviston,
111. He remained with that relative until he had attained his majority after
"which he started oiit on an independent career. In 1884 he came to Wood-
son county, Kansas, and located in Piqiia, joined in forming the firm of
]\larkus and Niemann which was succeeded by the firm of Niemann and
Grogman. At present Mr. Niemann is conducting his business alone and
is enjoying a prosperous era. He makes extensive purchases and his ship-
ments of grain and produce are large and contribute much toward his
merited success.
May 18. 1886, Mr. Niemann was married in Humboldt, Kansas, to
IMaggie Santen, a daughter of ]\Irs. Annie Santen, and unto them have
been born five children, Annie and Frances, alone surviving. Mr. and
]\Irs. Niemann are well known in the Piqua community and their circle of
friends is enlarging as the number of their acquaintances increase.
Mr. Niemann gives bis undivided attention to his business affairs,
h'lSTbRV Of ALLEi^' AInTT
Knowing- that peraistent purpose and diligence form the ba^:is of prosperity,
and bj' adherence to correct business principles, he is providing well for his
family and is gaining a comfortable competence which classes him among
ti.e well-to-do citizens of his adopted county.
WILLIAM F. MARPLE,.
WILUAM P. jVIARPLE, who follows farming in "Woodson county,
owning and operaiing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Center
t<.\\iisliip. \v:is lidiii 111 Ohio county, West Virginia, on the 26th. of June,
ls:!>. His ImiIi't, l);i\i<l AJarple, was born i-u Frederick county Virginia,
nud \\;is (iT I'jimlish ln!i^ai;e, his ancestors, however, liaviug resided in the
Old Dumiuiou through many generations. David Marple followed farm-
ing as a life occupation. He married Elizabeth Watkins, who is still living,
at the age of eighty-eight years, her home being in Bureau county, Illinois.
In their family were eight children .five of whom are yet living, our sub-
ject being the eldest.
Upon a farm William F. Marple \\as reared, and through the sum-
mer season he worked in the fields while in the winter months he pursued
his education in the district schools. He was in California from 1853 until-
1S56, ci'ossing the plains from Omaha, Nebraska, but returning by the-
water route to New York. While on the Pacific coast he engaged in min-
ing and had many interesting experiences but obtained little gold. In
1864 he went to Montana, where he engaged in prospecting, remaining
there for eighteen months. With the exception of those two intervals
passed in the west and northwest, he resided during the years of his man-
hood in Bureau county, Illinois, until his removal to Woodson county in
1872. He brought with him a team, wagon and a few cows, together with
his household effects, and locating on a tract of land he began farming,
i'uriiiL;- ten years of his residence in the county he engaged in the hard-
\\-;irr liiisiiiiss, cliicfly in Vatts Center, and in 1890 he took up his abode on
sci-tidH eiiilit. township twenty-five, range fifteen, where he has since made
ills home. He has here one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is now
under a high state of cultivation.
In 1859, in Bureau county, Illinois, Mr. Marple was married to Miss
Sarah F. Dutro. a daughter of (Jeorge Dutro, and their children are: Eva,
wife of E. M. Kirkbridge, of Sedalia, Colorado; Annie, wife of Fred Shenk,
of Yates Center; Emma, wife of F. E. Wharton, also of Yates Center;
Frank, who is living in the tame place ; Joseph R. ; Andrew G., and Edna,
who are still with their parents. Mr. Marple has the home farm under a
high state of cultivation. He is a very thrifty agriculturist, recognizing
the fact that diligence is the foundation of all prosperity. In politics he
has been a Republican since casting his first presidential vote for John C.
Fremont and his faithful and capable manner of discharging his duties of
c'tizenship renders him one of the valued residents of the community.
"\\'uC)DSON COWTIES. KANSAS. 689
JAMES M. PURCELL.
JAMES M. PURCELL, whose beaiitiful hojiie in Piqua stands as a
■'•monument to the enterprise, industry and business ability of the owner, is
now ;ii-iivi'l>- c'ounie .■(! with commercial interests of the city as a dealer in
Im> ami uraiii. li^' is also a representative of its real estate interests, and
tliioii'^li the pi(i)iioii..ii lit his own industries he has also advanced the
general welfare, for the prosperity of every town and city depends upon
its conniieieial activity. An honored man and a leading and influential
•■citizen, he well deserves mention among the representative residents of
Woodson county.
For nineteen years he has made his home in this section of Kansas.
■ coming hither from Missouri. He was born in Marion county, Illinois.
on the 26th of October. 1842. His grandfather Pureell, was of
Irish lineage and some of his sons served in the battle of Tippecanoe and
i.- the Indian warfare for they were early settlers of the Missispippi val-
ley when the red men still held partial dominion in the middle portion
-of the country. Andrew Pureell, the fatber of our suli.ieet, was born in
Indiana, near Vincennes, and became a former hy oi'i-upntion. Tie sjient
the greater part of his life in Indiana ;ni(l Illinois Imt di.'d m-ai' ]^'l■ry,
^Oklahoma, on the 15th. of November. l::iMi, at ihc a-v t>< ri'^ht^ -nine
:ytai-s. "VyTiile in central ]\Tissouri. lie pi'r\i'(l t'oi- smin' tim.' as a mail con-
V.actor. In ante helium .lays h.- was a staiiiirh AVhiu. ami wlcn the Re-
publican party was orLianizcd In- hccamo one of its iimst loyal snppoi1(M's.
■■continuing to advoeali- its pimeinies until his demise. He wedded Mary
Ray, whose father was Irnm Isfntucky. Mrs. Pureell died in Piqua, Kan-
■sas. July 3, 1890, at lli.' a'-ir df seventy-five vears. Her children were:
Angeline. deceased wife of Marion Rives: Janies M. : Sarah, wife of ^Y. M.
Robinson, of Oklahoma ; Mary A., wife of Andrew Johnson, of Oklahoma ;
T^eorge. of Sedalia, Missouri.
James M. Pureell spent the first eight years of his life in the state
o ■ his na+ivity and then accompanied his father on his removal from Illi-
nois to Port i\Iadison, Iowa. In 1853 the family went to Benton county,
'Alissouri, and subsequently Mr. Pureell was a resident of Pettis county,
that state. His educational privileges were somewhat limited, but in the
liroader school of experience he has learned many important lessons of
'great practical value in the business woi'ld. Entering upon an inde-
pendent career he liegan farming on a small seale, but gradually extended
the field of his operations. In 1882 he eaiiie to Woodson county, locating
two miles west of Piqua. He purchased almost a section of land here,
•and throughout the entire period of his residence in Kansas has engaged
in- the stock business, the enterprise bringing to him a high degree of suc-
cess. As his financial resources have increased he has added to his origi-
nal purchase until he now owns eleven hundred and eighty-seven acres,
about half of which is devoted to the raising of hay. For six years hie
Jias been extensively engaged in shipping and dealing in hay. and was the
6gu HisroKV ut allhn axJ
oiyanixi'v uf flu- I'uix'ell Hay & Ciiain c-oiiipany, of Piqua, doing a large'
l)\isii!e>s ill liaii(lli;iy that produrt. He also OAvns iiuich property in Piqiia,-
uichidin- liiilli iiii|i;(iV('d and unimproved property and deals in real estate,
uiakii]^' .nidicmus investments and profitable sales. His business policy has'
ever been such tliat purehasfis in any line of his business become constant
l>atrons.
On the 29th. of January. 1863. Mr. Purcell was united in marriage tO"
Misr, Luoinda J. Ferguson, a daughter of Isaac S. Ferguson, who was a
Kentucky farmer and married a Penn.sylVania lady— Maria Wolf. They^
became the parents of four children, of whom two are now living: Mrs.
Purcell and John, the latter now a lesident of Benton county, Missouri.
C-nto Mr. and Mrs. Purcell have been born the following named : Mary,
now the wife of Logan Wright; Shel^^y, who marrieu and resides
in Hannibal, Missouri ; George, who w^edded Mary Long : James, of Piqua,
and J. B.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Purcell's patriotism prompted his en-
listment in the Union army, and in February, 1862. he joined company
E, of the Seventh Mis.'-ouri State Militia. He aided in reci-uiting the
company and after serving for six months was honorably discharged on
account of physical disability. After lecoveiing his health he re-enlisted
a? a member of company I. Forty-fifth. Misroui-i infantry, under Colonel
Weir, of Boonville. The regiment operated against Price in Missouri and
later went to Nashville, Tennessee, where Mr. Purcell was engaged in
guard duty. At Jefferson. Missouri, he very narrowly escaped being
v.'ouiided iir l<ill( .!. Iiaving a boot heel and a button from his coat shot
away. 1 [.• cMiiiniiril at the front until the war was over, when, the country
110 louLivi- needing; his services, he returned to his home. He now belongs
to the (h'and Army Post, at Neo'ho Falls, also to the Fraternal Aid
.Association and to the Methodist Pi'otestant church, being class leader of
the ciingieuation. As a citizen he is loyal to every measure which he be-
lieves will prove of general good and does everything in his power tff
benefit his city. In business he is most straightfovward and reliable, fol-
K.wing upright principles not becau.«e he boiipves that honesty is the
b(.st policy, but because he believes in doing right for i-ight's sake. He
is certainly n man of firm purpose and nothing can deter him f]-om follow-
ing what lie thinks is the correct course. Among his friends and family he
:s considerate, social and kindly and his home is not only one of the finest
in Piqua, but also one of the most hospitable.
WILLIAM REEDY
WILLIAM REEDY, of the firm of Lauber and Reedy, general mer-
chants in Yates Center, Kansas, is a son of the late Hon. Michael Reedy
and was born in Woodson county December 8, 1860. He represents one of
WOODSON countie:;, kansas. 6l^i
the proiniueut and pioneer families of the county for his father made the
preliminary arrangements for his permanent settlement here in June, 1857.
(See history of Michael Reedy.) The days of his youth and early man-
hood uere passed amid rural surroundings and in the free and healthful
atmosphere of the farm. His education was confined to attendance upon
the country school with one term at the Boys" h'chool in St. Paul, Kan-
sas. ' His initial efforts were put foi'th, on taking up the responsibilities
of real and serious life toward the promotion of the afifairs of his father's
large estate and a decade measured the time passed in rural pursuits after
attaining his ma.jority. July 22, 1892, he was nominated by the Demo-
crats and Peoples' party of his county for clerk of the district court and
at the November election was choten by the people by a majority of six
votes. In 1894 he was renominated and was re-elected this time increasing
his ma.jority one vote. He carried his home township by eight}' majority
each election and his candidacy was sufficiently strong throughout the
county to overcome the Republican majority which was well known to
the county in those days. The four years he served as a public officer
marked Mr. Reedy as a faithful and competent official. He gained an ex-
(ierience and an acquaintance which has served him in good stead as a
private citizen.
Mr. Reedy engaged in the cattle business with "Wm. H. Lauber on re-
turning to civil life and their brief experience in this venture netted
them a profit i-easonable and commensurate with an earnest and honorable
effort. In 1898 the same firm engaged in mercantile pursuits in the
county reat and in 1901 it dissolved partnership, Mr. Reedy retiring.
June 22, 1892. Mr. Reedy was married to Julia E. Feeney, a daughter
of Martin and B.ridget (Connell) Feeney. well known farmers of Wood-
son countv. The issue of this union is a son, John Martin Reedy, born
November^ 3. 1893.
As a business man and as a citizen Mr. Reedy is regarded highly in
Woodson county.. He has spent every year of his life within the borders
of his native county and it is with pride that the old citizens have watched
h'fi onward and upward business and social trend. Plis business methods
are honorable, his views on moral questions are liberal and in his political
affiliations and adherence he is as Democratic as modern Democracy can
make ouf.
THEODORE M. SLACK.
A self-made man who has been the architect of his own fortunes and
h-as bnilded wisely and well is Theodore Slack, who follows farming one
mile north of Piqua. in Neosho Falls township. "Woodson county. A native
of Ohio, he was born in Henry county, that state, March 1. 1847, a son
of Phi'in and Catherine (Woolet) Slack, the former a native of New York
692 . HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
and \]n' latter of ^Maryland. When a young man the father went to Ohio.
He was p. mason by trade but in the Buckeye state he turned his attention
to fanning, following his trade only after work of the farm was over for
the season. In 1866 he removed to Illinois, and in 1884 came to Kansas,
settling in Woodson county on a farm north of Piqua, where his death oc-
eniM"d in 1894, when he was seventy-five years of age. His wife still sur-
vives, nnn at the age of eighty-four years. They were the parents of two
sons, the brother of our subject being James Slack.
Theodore M. Slack, of this review, came to Illinois with his father in
1866 and remained with him until twenty-four years of age, when he
siarted out upon an independent business career. For ten .years he en-
gaged in the operation of rented land, came to Ottawa, Kansas, in 1880,
and to Woodson county in 1883. and then made his first purchase, be-
coming owner of a tract of eighty acres. As the years have passed he has
added to this and his landed possessions now aggregate three hundred and
tvrenty acres. He began with a tract of raw prairie, which he has culti-
vated and improved until it is one of the most productive farms of this
portion of the state. He has a good residence on the place and has erected
f. very large barn in which he can store a large amount of hay and which
affords ample shelter for his stock. He handles horses, nmles and cattle
and realizes a good profit from his sales of stock. His corn and wheat
crops also bring to him good returns and a bearing orchard keeps his table
well supplied with fruits in season.
In Illinois Mr. Slack was iinited in marriage to Mips Amanda Beeler, a
native of Illinois, and a daughter of Vinton R. and Mary (Ross) Beeier.
Her father was born in Maryland but when a young man went to Illinois
where he met and married Miss Ross, a native of that .state. Unto our sub-
iect and his wife have been born six children : Mary C, wife of Benjamin
Draper, a resident of Woodson ; Elmer, at home ; John, who married Mary
Heath and resides in Allen county; Charles. George and Arthur, who are
ali-o under the parental roof. In his political affiliations Mr. Slack is a Re-
publican and is a wide-awake and progessive citizen, interested in all that
effects the progress and pi-osperity of his township, county, state and
nation. He is a very energetic farmer, reliable in all business transactions.
With the exception of a small amount of money which his wife inherited
from her father he has made through his own efforts all that he now pos-
sesses. Instead of being content with conditions as they are. he is always
seeking to improve his farm and his progressive methods and untiring labor
have made his place one of the most attractive and desirable in the
country.
HARVEY W. FERREE.
The qualities of character which command respect and esteem were
ng within Harvev W. Ferree and therefore his death was the occa-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS, 693
sion of deep regret in the community in which he lived. He became a resi-
dent of Woodson county in 1879, locating first on a farm six miles east of
Yates Center but after six mouths he took up his abode in the same town-
ship, southeast of the county seat, on section three, township twenty-six,
range sixteen. He came lo Kan.'as for the i^urpose of securing cheap land
and thus more readilj^ obtaining a good home, making his way to this state
fi-om Adams county. Illinois.
JMr. Feerree was born in Richfield township, tliat county, December 7,
18oi, and was a son of the Rev. Samuel G. Perree who in early life was a
farmer but afterward became a minister. He went to Illinois at an early
day and spent his active life in Adams and Pike coimties. For three
years he was in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion as captain
and chaplain in a regiment of Missouri volunteers. He died in 1898, at
the age of sixty-nine years. He was descended from an old Pennsylvania
family of French lineage. The mother of our subject, prior to her mai'-
riage, was Almira Cleveland and was a representative of a New York
family. Her children were Harvey AV. and Wesley Lincoln, the latter a
resident of Bureau county, Illinois.
In taking up the personal history of our subject we note that he
spent his early life upon the home farm and pursued his education in the
common schools with later opportunities for preparing for business life as
a student in the Gem City Business College, of Quincy, Illinois. After
leaving that institution he entered the serivce of the Waba.sh Railroad
Company as relief man and afterward secured a position with the firm of
Jansen & Company, of Quincy, Illinois, with whom he remained for a
year. He was afterward in a partnership for a brief period, and in 1879
he came to Kansas, devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits until
1884, when he took up his abode in Humboldt and became bookkeeper
for Harry Bragg, the well known hardware merchant, with whom he re-
mained in that important capacity until his death.
On the 28th. of February, 1876. Mr. Ferree was united in marriage,
in Quincy, Illinois, to ]\Iiss Josie Hughes, a daiighter of Colonel David W.
Hughes, a native of Ohio, now residing in Vandalia, Missouri. He wedded
Mary E. Easterday and Mrs. Ferree is their only child. She was born
December 23, 1850. and by her marriage became the mother of the fol-
lowing children: Marvin E., born December 31. 1877; George W., who
was born January 31, 1880, and wedded Mary Beckett; Margaret, born
•June 15, 1882; Mary A., born October 30, 1884; Leon J., born September
29. 1887 : Rav and May. born May 1, 1890, and David H.. born August 5,
1892.
In his political affiliations Mr. Ferree was a Republican but took no
part in political work, aside from voting for the candidates of his choice,
liis time being fully occupied with his business affairs. His reliability, and
his fathfulness in every walk of public and private life won him the friend-
ship of many, the regard of all. and his death, which occurred November
28, 1895, was deeply and widely mourned.
694 HISTORY OF ALLEN AXD
JOHN LIGHT.
JOHN LIGHT, who is numbered among llie early settlers of Woodson
county and is one of the honorable patriots of the Ci\il war, was born
in Germany, June 5, 1832. His father. John Light, was also a native of
that country and there married Lizzie Meidendal, who died in Germany
in 1861 at the age of seventy-four years. The father crossed the Atlantic
in 1862, locating first in Chicago where he died at the age of eighty-two
years. He has two sons and one daughter living: Frederika, who makes
her home in Cook county. Wilhelm and John, of this review.
The last named resided in the fatherland until twenty years of age, and
acquired his education in accordance with the laws of his country. Be-
lieving that the New World would furnish better opportunities to a young
man impatient for advancement, he then crossed the briny aeep in the fall
of 1855, locating in Chicago. Soon afterward he secured a situation as a
iarm hand and was thus employed in Illinois for two years. In 1857 he
came with Godfrey Weide to Kansas and through the succeeding year re-
sided near Leroy, in Coffey county. In 1858 he came to Woodson county
with ten dollars and purchased two hundred and forty acres of land on
Turkey creek. Here he has made his home continuously for forty-two
years, and in connection with farming, is engaged extensively in the rais-
ing of sheep and cattle. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put
aside all personal considerations to aid his country in the struggle to
preserve the union, joining company G, of the Fifth Kansas volunteer cav-
alry. He remained at the front as a loyal soldier for three years and two
months, and participated in the battles of Helena. Pine Bluu. and Little
Rock, together with many other engagements of lesser importance. He
then received an honorable dircharge at Leavenworth in 1864 and returned
tc his home in Woodson county.
Mr. Light kept bachelor's hall till 1871, at which time he was married
to Miss Minnie Miller, a native of Germany, who came to America in 1867
and resided in Iowa until 1870, when she came to Woodson county. Her
death occurred in 1877. and a husband and three children were left to
mourn her loss : the latter being, Ed, Bertha and Willie Light. For seven
years subsequently to his wife's death, Mr. Light remained unmarried, but
ii. 1884 was joined in wedlock to Elizabeth Klinkinburg, a native of Ger-
many, who came to America in 1882 and has since been a resident of Kan-
sas. They now have two children, namely: Emil and i<'rederick.
In his political affiliations Mr. Light is a Republican and has tilled
the office of treasurer of his township. He is deeply interested in the suc-
cess of the party, but has never aspired to official honors and emoluments,
content to devote his time and energies to his business alfairs in which he
has met with signal success. He is familiar with the history of Kansas
from its territorial days; has, lived through the periods of hard times
—the drouth of 1860 ; the period of the Civil war, and through the grass-
hopper scourge from 1868 until 1873. but with marked perfeverence he
"\\'OOJJSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 695
fx-.As continued his labors and success has crowned his efforts. As one of the
iionorable pioneers and leading farmers of Woodson county, he certainly
-Jcferves mention in this volume.
FRED H. CONGER.
Nature lia.s_ provided bountifully in all sections of the country op-
.portunities for the acquirement of wealth by men who have the deter-
uiination and energy to labor with determined purpose. Kansas is pre-
•eminently an agricultural stat* ; its broad prairies afford excellent oppor-
tunity, the rich land f«rving as fields and meadows while the verdant pas-
tures make stock-raising a profitable industry. It is along the latter line
particularly that Mr. Conger has won his prosperity. He is one of the
leading stock- raisers in foutheastern Kansas and his herd of shorthorn cat-
tle is unsurpassed.
Mr. Conger was born in Galesburg. Knox county, Illinois, on the 1st
•01 April, 1859, a son of Laurin C. and Amanda (Hasbrook) Conger, both
natives of New York. The father was a farmer and stock raiser and
hcudled large herds of cattle. In an «arly day he removed to Galesburg,
Illinois, becoming one of its early settlers, and he witnessed its development
from a mere hamlet to a thriving and prosperous city of large dimensions.
In the spring of 1875 he went to Carroll county. Missouri, and was engaged
i>' the stock business in that state until his death, which occurred in 1893,
"when he was seventy-three years of age. His wife pafsed away in 1889, at
tiie age of sixty-five. They left two sons, one of whom is Seth B. Conger,
now of Galesburg. Illinois.
Fred H. Conger pursued his education in the common schools and
ci mple'ed it by his graduation in Avalon College, in Livingston County,
Tvlissouri. He was reared to farm life and assisted in the labors of field and
Tiieadow on his father's farm until his marriage, in 1882. In the fall
of 1883 he removed to Chillicothe. Mo., where he engaged in the dry goods
Imsiness as a member of the firm of Stevens. Conger & Butts, the connection
being maintained for ten years— an era of prosperity in his biisiness career.
"Wishing, however, to seek a new location and enjoy the sunny clime of
the Pacific slope he sold his interest in the store and removed to Los
Angeles. Cal., where he conducted a fruit farm and carried on business
as a dealer in buggies. He was there located for two and a half years, on
the expiration of which period he disposed of his propert.y and being con-
vinced of the superiority of Kansas over many other portions of the
country he came to Woodson County in 1895, settling in Yates Center,
where he has one of the most delightful residences in the city. It is well
located in the central portion of the town and is a very attractive home.
Mr. Conger has also pi;rehased a large ranch of eleven h.undred and sixty
acres, four miles, northwest of Yates Center, on Owl Creek, where he
696 HfS'i'OKV at' ALLEN a'NjT
hciudles a large number of oattle auuually, only shipping such stock as he-
has himself fed. He also has a very valuabl© herd of registered Short-
Horn cattle, equal to any to be found in the Sunflower state. He has greatly-
improved his lanch by the eiection of large and substantial buildings and
now has one of the best equipped ranches in ;he county. Afver his mar-
riage, when he embarked in the dry goods business he had only a limited
irapital, but in conmiercial lines he laid tb.e foundation for his present pros-
perity, which has o*me to him with the passing years as the reward of his
enterprise, unflagging industry and straight-forward business methods,
ile now has extensive realty possessions in Wood; on <_'ounty and is ranked-
among the men of atfluenee in this part of the state.
On the 20th of December, 1882, Mr. Conger was united in marriage
ic Miss Anna Gunby, of Chillieothe, Mo., a daughter of W. E. and Susan.-
V. Gunby, of that city. They have but two children, Marguerite and
Lauren, both of whom are students in the schools of Yates Center. The
( (iiigcr hoiisi'hdhl is noted for its pleasing social functions, and our sub-
icct and his wife nceupy a very enviable position- in social circles. lit
pclitics he is ;i Ki'publican.
GEORGE H. NOTEMAN.
Among the prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Everett township^
Woodson County is numbered, George H. Noteman, who has been the ar-
chitect of his own fortunes and has biiilded a substantial structure.
Thrown upon his own reiourees at an early age, resolution, perseverance
and above all earnest labor have enabled him to conquer fate ctnd advance
steadily to the plane of affluence. Born in Otsego County, Kew York, orr-
the 27th of June, 1830, he is a son of George and Mary (Adams) Noteman.
both of whom wn-e also natives of the Empire state. The father died at
the age of seventy-eight years, and the mother passed away when eighty-
eight years of age. They had three children, of whom two are now living:
Thiimas C, a rtsident of Illinois and George H.
Tlie latter remained in New York until twelve years of age and then-
entered the employ of a man with whom he went to Illinois and who was to
pay him ten dollars per month in compensation for his services. After ten
months, however, his employer turned him off and would not pay him a
cent, elicaliim liiiii ind <if llic cntin' amount. On foot he then started back
to New York, lie was iiiinytMl in ;i pair of trousers, a shirt, sealskin cap and
a heavy iiair of lioo's. and tlie liuio was the month of August, 1859. On
the way he was taken ill with chills, but he pressed on though foot-sore
ar.d weary. Walking the entire distance baek to his old home.
]\Ir. Noteman then continued in the east until 1860, when he went
to Wisconsin, and the following year he was united in marriage to Miss
E Ij. Burdiek. a native of New York. He lived in the Badger gtate for
"WOODSON COITNTIES. KANSAS. 697
'^:\vo years and about that time entered the sei'viee of his country. Feeling
ir his duty to support the Union cause, he enlisted in Company I, of the
Twenty-third Illinois Infantry and remained at the front for two years,
displaying his hravery on a number of the fields of carnage. On leaving
hiK Wisconsin home he went to Iowa, where he purchased forty acres of
land, which he operated for five years, when he became a resident of Illinois.
The year 1874 witnersed his arrival in Kansas. He first settled in Ottawa,
but after five years he returned to Illinois, remaining npon his father '.s
farm for fifteen years.
Again Mr. Noteman came to Kansas in 1895, and this time he located
in Woodson County, purchasing two hundred and forty acres of rich farm-
ing land which he at once began to operate. In connection with the raising
of cereals he has also followed stock raising, his place heing well adapted
for this. He began with some good grades of Herefnrds. l^hurt Horn and
Durham cattle and now has as fine a herd as can be found in Southeastern
Kansas. His stock is always in good condition, fat and ready for the
market and always commands good prices. There is a small creek rimning
through his place on the north and west of his barn and feed lots, and a
"grove alfo affords shelter for his stoclc. The farm is pleasantly located two
miles west of Neosho Falls on the east line of Everett township, and
throTiffh the laho7-s and improvements of Mr. Noteman has become a very
\-aluable property .
Unto our sub.itet and his wife have been born four children, of whom
t'lree sons are now living: Charles F., who i-esides upon a farm near his
father, owns farm of 160, acres: George C. who is connected with the
"business of manufacturing and handling steel wire in Cleveland, 0. ; and
"Norman L„ who is now loca+ed in Detroit, Michigan. In his political views
Mr. Noteman is a Republican. He keeps well informed on the issues of the
N-!ay, hut lias never been an aspirant for political office, as his attention is
fully occupied by his business aft'airs. whereby he has demonstrated the
■power of integrity and industry in acquiring prosperity.
georCtI. hill.
Wealth does not always command respect for its possessor for the
American people are very apt to take into consideration the manner in
v.hich the fortune has been won and to pass judgment upon the business
Methods' wliich have been followed in the acquirement of success. The
record of George Hill, however, is one which will bear the closest inves-
tigation, and in Southeastern Kansas no man is more worthy of con-
fidence and esteem than the gentleman whose name introduces this re-
view as liis career has ever been in harmony with the strictest ethics
■of industrial and commercial life. He came to this portion of the state
ill 1S69. fro.m Dane County. Wisconsin, where he had resided for ten
y(jars. Tie went to the Badger state with his father, Johu Hill, frorri/
Norfolk, England, where he was horij. May 19, 1843. The father died
in Dane Couuiy, in 1859. at the age of eighty-three years. His wife, who-
bore the maidtn name of Sarah Cooper, passed away many years previous,
leaving three childien, of whom two are yet living— G. and Annie, the
latter the wife of John Barber, of Denver, Col.
George Hill v,-as a little lad at the time the ocean voyage was made
tJ'at brought the family to the new world. This was in 1854. and from
flat time until the inauguration of the Civil war he remained in Dane
Ccunty. Aroused by the attempt of the South to overthrow the Union,
l;e ofl'ered hi^ services to the government and enlisted as a member of
Company G, Second AVisconsin Volunteer Infantry as a private. His
regiment formed part of the famous "Iron Brigade." composed of a
-Michigan and an Indiana Regiment, in addition to the Second and Third
Wisconsin regimen's. Rlr. Hill participated in the first battle of Bull
Run. July 21, 1861, and was there wounded, his iu.furies necessitating his
retirement from active service for a short time. He was not again with
his regiment until the spring of 1862, when McClellan began his advance
against Richmond. Mr. Hill was also wounded in the second battle of
Pull Run and later was wounded in the first day of the engagement at
Gettysburg. He was in some of the preliminary fighting leading up to
the battle of Chaneellorsville. and then after three years of faithful
service, was mustered out with his regiment in 1864.
Upon returning to the North Mr. Hill began work at the carpenter's
trgde. In 1867 he went to Topeka, Kas.. and in 1869 came South to
Woodson County. He soon afterward secured a claim in Woodson
County, upon which he resided some years, when he located upon sec-
tion twenty-nine, Belmont township, where he has since made his home.
His landed possessions now aggregate twelve hundred acres of land.
When he came to this portion of the state his cash capital was only seven
dollars and a half, but with characteristic energy he began the work of
farming and also extended the field of his labors by raising and dealing
in stock. In both branches of his business he has prospered, and his
business methods have ever been most straight-forward and honorable.
His stock dealings have been very extensive, and he is now numbered
among the leading stockmen and agriculturists in this part of the Sun-
flower state.
On the 9th of June, 1872, in Wilson County, Mr. Hill was .joined in
v.edlock to Miss Lieu Rhodes, a daughter of Samuel Rhodes, who came
to Kansas from Illinois. Their marriage has been blessed with the fol-
lowing children: Sadie, now the wife of Stanford Eagle; John, who
married Effie Rowten: Bersie, wife of Silas Lance: Ina and George, who
are yet at home. In his political ^news Mr. Hill is a Republican and has
served as trustee of Belmont township, but official honors have had little
attraction to him. his time being largely occupied with his business in-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 699
tcrests. in M'hich capable management and persistency of purpose have
played an impor'ant part, enabling him to advance steadily upward until
lie stand.s on a commanding position on the heights of affluence.
OLIVER EASLEY.
More tian a third of a century has passed since Oliver Easley came
I0 Woodson County, entering a tract of land from the government in Owl
Creek townshp. He now resides in Belmont township and as the result
of his long years of identification with the agricultiiral interests of this
part of the state he is the possessor of a valuable and highly improved
tract of land.
Mr. Easley has always resided in the Mississippi valley, and the
enterprising spirit which has promoted the rapid growth and develop-
ment of this jeetion of the country has been manifest in his business
career. He was born in Pulton County, Illinois, April 1.5, 1839, and is
:i son of Isaac Easley. a millwright by trade, who settled in Illinois
many years before the birth of our subject, having gone to that state from
Freeport, 0. His birth occurred, however, in Virginia. Becoming a
pioneer settler of Illinois, le there spent his remaining days, his death
occurring in I ulton County about 1860, when he was fifty-five years of
age. He was one of four brothers, the others being John, Thomas and
Siephen, and all resided in Fulton County, at Ipava, a place which was
formerly known as Easleytown. Isaac Easley was joined in wedlock to
Miss Mary Norris, who died at a comparatively early age. In the
family were ten children, and those who reached mature years and
reared families of their own were: Albert; Oscar, now deceased; Eliza,
who married William Knock: Edith, deceased wife of Isaac McCarty;
J.frs. Mary A. Dougherty, and Frank, of Woodson County.
The home farm was the scene of the labors and joys of Oliver
Easley in his youth. His educational privileges were somewhat limited,
but his training in the work of the fields was not meager. After reach-
ing man's estate he married Miss Emma E. Stafford, the wedding being
cefebrated on the 20th of September. 1860. The lady is a daughter of
Thomas Stafford, who removed to Illinois, from Providence, Rhode
Island, and had four children : Eliza, deceased wife of Samuel Larkin ;
George, a resident of Quincy, Illinois : William, who is living in Ver-
mont, Illinois, and Mrs. Easley.
Our subject and his wife continued to reside in the Prairie state
until 1865, when they came to Kansas, locating first in Bourbon County,
where they remained for a year and then removed to Vernon County. Mo.,
when, in 1867, they came to Woodson County, Kansas. In 1875 Mr.
Easley located on West Buffalo creek, owning land on sections twenty-
eight and thirty-three, township twenty-six, range fifteen. His farming
700 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
interests ai'e profitably conducted and his place, neat and thrifty in ap-
pearance, indicates the supervision of a careful and progressive owner.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Easley was blessed with seven children :
Chester, who married Linnie Cowan and is living in N^ilson County,
Kansas; .\iniii'. wife of Prank Powell, also of Wilson County; Osro,
of the saiiM- (•(iiiii1\-. who married Annie Surprise; Clarence; Wil-
liam, of Tcipilvn. Kas.. who married Selecta Dick; Sarah, wife of Frank
Thorn, of Liberal, Kas.. and Ethel, who completes the family. The
members of the hoiisehold have uniformly commanded the-respect of
those with whom they have come in contact and Mr. and Mrs. Easley
enjoy the warm friendship of their neighbors and of a large circle of
aenuaiiitanets. In early days the Easleys were Whigs and when that
party passed out of existence and the new Republican party was formed
they became supporters of that organization. Oliver Easley has by his
Ifallot indicated the same political preference, and while he is not an
active politician or an office seeker, he never fails to attend the elec-
tions and thus support his political principles and the men who represent
them. He has contriuuted in a qiiiet but effective way to the general
progress and upbuilding of Woodson County during the thirty-four
years of his residence here and is one of its worthy citizens.
JOHN C. CULVER.
Among the strong earnest men whose depth of character and fidelity
to duty win the respect and awaken the admiration of all with whom
they come in contact is numbered John C. Culver, the capable, efficient
and trustworthy treasurer of Woodson County. As a citizen he has borne
himself above reproach and as a friend and neighbor he enjoys the good
will and confidence of all with whom he is associated.
Mr. Culver was born September 27, 1860, his parents being Charles
and Bertha (Van Loon) Culver. The father was born in Harrisburg,
Pf nnsylvania. in the year 1815. and was reared in the Empire state,
where he was married prior to his emigration westward. On leaving
New York he took up his abode in Porter County. Indiana, and was a
resident of Valparaiso until 1871. when he came to Kansas, and the suc-
ceeding year located in Woodson County, where he spent his remaining
dnvs, his death occurring in Perry township in 1893. In his family were
ten children, all of whom are yet living, namely : Mrs. Amanda E. Wass,
of Yates Center : Elijah C, of Bocne, Ia„ who was a soldier in the Civil
war : Mrs. Nettie T. Green, of Wichita, Kas. : George B., who is living
in Chanute, this state: J. Grant, whose home is in Atchison, Kas.; Mrs.
Sarah Stradley. of Des Moines, la. ; Mrs. Jennie Holt, of Woodson County ;
Mrs. Mary Berry, of Minneapolis, Minn. ; John C. and Willard A., who
are residents of Woodson County.
WOODSON countie;;, kansas. 701
John C. Culver was only twelve years of age when he accompanied his
parents and their family to Woodson County. His early educational
privileges were supplemented by study in this locality ,and in the State
Normal school at Emporia, where he was graduated in the class of 1888.
Through the succeeding decade he was identified with the educational in-
terests of the county, and his successful work as a teacher was followed
by one term's service as county superintendent. For seven years he
was cashier and bookkeeper in the Yates Center bank and through that
business connection exteaded his acquaintance, making many friends by
his uniform courtesy to the patrons of the institution. He is now ex-
tensively interested in farming and stock raising, being the owner of a
valuable tract of land of two hundred and forty acres twelve miles south-
east of Yates Center. In 1897 he was elected treasurer of Woodson
County and filled the office so acceptably that he was re-elected for a
second term in 1889. To fill the position one must have strong business
abilitj% clerical accuracy and withal must be a man of unquestioned
integrity. In all of these particulars Mr. Culver is well qualified for
the office which he is now so acceptably filling.
In 1885 Mr. Culver was united in marriage to Miss Cora Jewett,
who gave him one son, Carl. In May, 1895, he was again married, his
stcond union being with Belle Taeket, daughter of Mrs. H. Waymire, of
Yates Center. They, too, have one son, Herbert M. Mr. C. is justly
proud of his two sons. Mr. Culver is a man of genuine worth, entirely
free from ostentation or display. Socially he is connected with the Masonic
order, the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Ked Men, and is an ex-
emplary representative of tho^e organizations which are based upon
beneficence and the brotherhood of man. His political support is given the
Republican party, ubt when a candidate for office he received a vote far in
excess of his party's strength for men of different political faith de-
pc sited their ballots for John C. Culver, having faith in his unimpeachable
bicsiness methods. His name stands as a synonym for fidelity to duty as
no trust reposed in him has ever been uetrayed.
HARRISON C. ROLLINS.
HARRISON C. ROLLINS, who is engaged in the loan business in
Yates Center, Kas., is a native of Kentucky. He spent his early boyhood
•ander the parental roof until his removal to Kansas whither he came in
1882. For three years he followed agricultural pursuits in Wyandotte
County and made some money in the venture. In 1886, however, he
removed to Yates Center and entered into relations with J. C. Gray in
the real estate and loan business, this connection being maintained until
1887 when he succeeded Mr. Gray in the business, and has since car-
ried on operations along that line alone. He has won a profitable busi-
702 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
iKss, and is ever found reliable and trustworthy in all transactions. His
political support is given the Democracy. In 1893 he was appointed by
Grover Cleveland to the position of postmaster at Yates Center in which
capacity he capably served for four years, since which time his attention
has been closely devoted to his business affairs in which he is meeting with
uood siiccers.
HENRY CLA\ HURT.
A native of Illinois, Henry C. Hurt was born in Menard Coiinty,
JF'ebruary 28, 1842, a son of John M. Hurt, a pioneer of Sangamon
County, Illinois. The latter was born in Carter Coiinty, Kentucky, and
was a son of Hurt, also the father of ex-treasurer R. A.
Hurt, of Woodson County, Kansas. He removed from Warren County,
Kentucky, to Illinois, taking up his abode near Springfield. A lawyer
by profissidii. lie was admitted to the bar after his marriage, and on the
day (if bis admission he had twelve cases for trial. No dreary novitiate
awaited him. From the beginning he was successful, and in the early
days in Illinois was the associate of such distinguished jurist? and states-
men as Governor Richard Yates. Sr., William Herrington, William Butler,
Colonel Williams and Abraham Lincoln, all then practitioners in the
courts of Illinois. Mr. Hurt became quite prominent in political affairs
in Menard County and for many years was almost continuoiisly in office.
He served through a long period as justice of the peace and was also
crunty sheriff. During the Civil war he was a strong supporter of the
T'nion cause and his tirst experience with army life came in 1862 when
with Governor Yates and others he went to Fort Donelson to assist the
wounded after the battle at that place. This experience and the scenes
upon the battlefield so aroused his patriotism that he returned to Ulino^'
ai d raised a company for service which was mustered in as Company K.
One Hundred and Sixth Ulinoi;^ Volunteer Infantry. He was elected
3>;ajor of the regiment and was afterward promoted to the rank of
colonel. The One Hundred and Sixth formed a part of General Steele's
army, wath which Colonel Hurt was in active duty until his death.
^^'hich occurred just as the army was going into winter quarTers at Pine
Bhiff. Ark. Thus he gave his life in defense of the Union, of which he
was a most zealous and loyal advocate. In his early political convic-
tions he was a Whig and afterward joined the Know Nothing party.
When the Republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of
slavery he joined its ranks
Colonel Hurt was united in marriage to Margaret Boyd, who was
hern in Baltimore County, Maryland, and died in Illinois in 1900. at
the age of seventy-nine years. She was a daughter of John Boyd, one
(,f the first settlers of Menard County. Illinois, and by her marriage she
tvOODSON COLTKTIE5, KANSAS. 'yo^
rtccame the mother of uiue children: Henry C. of this review: Mary,
wife of E. F. Glaseoek. of Menard County ; William, of Kingfislier, Ol^la-
homa; Anna, wif-e of Thomas Turner, of Emporia. Kansas; Chark^s. who
IS living in Omaha. Nebraska; David and George, who are living in
Menard County. Illinois: Laura, wife of William Turner, also of that
County, and Joseph, who makes his home in Menard County.
Mr Hurt, the well kno^\^l agriculturist of Center township, Wood-
\sc.n County, was born in Athens, Illinois, and in his boyhood and youth his
time was quite equally divided between the farm and town life, the
family living in A+hens and Petersburg at different times. He aequireo
a fair English education and in his youth worked upon the home fariii
so that practical experience well fitted him for similar duties in later
years. He was married t-eptemher 15. 1863, to Caroline Rankin, a
-daughter .of AV. L. Rankin, a native of Kentucky, who became a cattle-
man and farmer of Illinois. He wedded Mary Ellen Sudduth. who died
in 1857, leaving four children: Thomas J., of Nebraska; Benjamin, who
>died at Chattanooga, Tennessee, while serving in the Union army during
the Civil war; Lee, of Northwestern Iowa, and Mrs. Hurt, who was
"born November 14, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Hurt have but two children.
John M., who was born October 16, 1865, married Cora" Walker and no"
resides on the old homestead, and William is living in Terre Han''.
Indiana.
After his marriage Mr. Hurt remained in Illinois until 1872. when '
removed with his family to Page County, la., and in 1880 he c^"
to "Woodson County, where he engaged in the land business for four
years. He purchased a tract of land on section twenty-six, town'' .
twenty-five, range fifteen, where he now o•\^•ns three hundred and twe"' .
v.Qves of land, and to the cultivation of the fields he now devotes his ti
and attention with excellent success. He likewise handles cattle,
his biTsiness is annually bringing to him good returns— the sure re-
ward of earnest labor. The political situation of the country is a matter
tif interest to him — as it should be to every true American citizen— and
he indicates his preference by voting for the men and measures of the
T?epubr!ean pai'ty, which he has supported since casting his first presi-
dential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. He has never sought office,
however, his businers affairs claiming his consideration and time.
ALEXANDER W. MARKHAM.
The futility of effort is manifest in the business world. It is said
that ninety-five per cent of the men in business meet with failure and
the cause of this is not so much lack of industry or of close application
j.s of sound business judgment. When labor is directed by keen business
fliscernment it never fails to win prosperity, and a proof of this is found in
704 H/S'1'bRV' OF .ALtKN A.\u
the life record of Alexauder AY. JMarkham. who cauie to this county in TS72!
ui verj' limited circumstances but is to-day numbered among the men
f;f aifluenee in his eommunity.
Mr. Markham removed to Kansas from Johu.son County, Missouri,.
<'-here he was born January 8, 1842, a son of Charles Markham. His pater-
nal grandfather was a native of Scotland and his grandmother was a native
cl England, and on coming to America located in JNIadison County, Ken-
tucky. He had a family of six sons, namely : Hiram, Tira, John T., Reu-
ben, Charles and Elijah. The first two remained in Kentucky but the-
others removed to Johnson County, Missouri, at an early epoch in its-
development. Charles Markham was born in the Blue Grass state about
1822 and was a life-long farmer, following his chosen pursuit with
good success. During the Civil war he was an advocate of the Union
cause, although his brothers sympathized with the South and some of
tliem had sons in the Confederate service. His death occurred in Johnson
tcunty, Missouri, July 26, 1877. In early manhood he married Sarah
Andrews, who died in the spring of 1900. Their children are Nancy
J., who is the widow of Thomas Palmer and resides in Barry County,
I\Iisi:ouri ; Alexaiider AA^. ; Henry, of Johnson County, Missouri ; George^
of Barry County, that state ; and Robert who is also living in the
same county.
Mr. Markham of this review spent his boyhood and youth in the
county of his nativity and obtained a country school education. In Feb-
ruary, 1862, he entered the Union army, becoming a member of Battery
L, Second Missoi:ri Light Artillery, with which he served for eighteen
months, spending the entire time in his native state. On the 4th of
January, 1864, he again offered his services to his country and was as-
signed to Battery L, Second Missouri A''olunteers. with which he served
in Missouri until the war ended when the compan.y was sent to the
Powder River country, in Montana, in order to fight the Indians. There
Mr. Markham remained for seven months when the order came to be
n.ustered out, having been a member of the army for four years and six
months.
Upon his return home he engaged in farming but was afflicted
\*»ith rheumatism for a year, having incurred the diseas-e while in the
northwest protecting the border against the Red men. Hoping that his
rheumatism might be cured in a warmer climate he came to Southern
Kansas and has since resided in AA''oodfon County. He arrived on the
15th of April. 1872. and purchased of a Mr. Clark a claim comprising
the north half of the soiitheast quarter of section twenty-two, township
twenty-five, range sixteen. He moved his family into a small log cabin in
which there was no board floor, and has witnessed all the changes which
have occurred in the county during more than twenty-eight years. He
has made farming his life work and his diligence, persistence and good
r-anairement have made him the owner of a valuable property.
TvOO'DSON CdUN^-lES. KANSAS. 76 j
Mr. Markliam was married in Warreiisburg, ]\Iissouvi, !Marcli 27.
1864, to Susan Wade, a daughter of Joseph M. Wade, one of the first
settlers of Johnson County, Missouri, who came from Virginia. He wedded
.llary Tomblin, formerly of Pennsylvania, and their children were: Mrs.
Markham, who was born October 24, 1845 ; John, deceasea ; Joseph, of
■ Johnson County, Missouri; Martha, wife of Nicholas Rogers, of Kansas
City ; Sarah wife of William Eaton, of Oklahouia ; James, of Kansas
'City, Missouri. The father was engaged in the manufacture and laying
-f.f brick and did much of tlie early brick work in Warrensburg, Missouri.
He died in 1895, at the age of eighty-one years. The marriage of Mr.
^and Mrs. Markham has been blessed with nine children: Charles, who
died at the age of seventeen years ; James R., who parsed away at the
age of two years; Mary C. wife of Walter J. Cox, of lola, Kansas, by
whom she has two children: Eva and Nona: William L., of Thomas,
I'klahoma; John K., Yates Center, Woodson County; George K., who
is living in Allen Coimty : Henry E.. a telegraph operator in Wilson County,
Kansas; Anna and Martha, who are still with their parents.
On attaining his ma.]oritj^ Mr. Markham became a stalwart sup-
prrter of the Republican party and is recognized as one of the local
liaders. although he is not an aspirant for office. Both he and his wife
hold membership in the Center Ridge Baptist chiirch, in which he is hold-
ing the office of deacon. He is deeply interested in the work of the
■church and is a citizen whose devotion to the public good is above ques-
t;( n and who has cA'er been found where duty and obligation have called
!iim. v.'hether fighting for his country oi- in the walks of business and pri-
\fite life.
William L. Markham was married to Miss I\Iary Leonard by whom
■she has twin boys, Freddie and Eddie.
George K. Markham was tnarried to Miss Nellie Kilby.
HERMANTST PUHLHAGE.
A quiet but steadfast persistence marks the German race and has been
;i potent element in winning success for its representatives. This na-
tional trait is manifest in the career of Hermann Puhlhage, now a well
known and progressive farmer of Belmont township, who has made his
liome in M^'oodson County since 1867. He was born in the village of Hase-
b( ck, Lippe-Detmold, Germany, February 16. 18-39, and is a son of Her-
mann and Dorothy (Ricks) Fuhlhage. Te former was a farmer by
occupation and his forefathers had resided in that locality for many genera-
tions previously. He had seven children, namely: Wilhelmina, who be-
came the wife of Cyrus Houseman and died in Germany; Lena, who
married Conrad Tasehe and also died in the fatherland: Fritz, who de-
parted this life in Germany: Charlotte, who mari'ied Ernest Obermej^er
fo6 fTlSl^'ORV OI-"' ALLEK AjTu
and died in Germany ; August, who died in Wisconsin ; Hermann, and Wil-
liam, who is living in Woodson Count}'.
Hermann Fuldhage attended school until fourteen years of age, and';
vvhen a youth of seventeen he began working at the brickmaker's trade
tvhi( h l-o l.illiiwtd in several German states, being identified with that line-
"I' -ill '. iiii.-!' f(ir ten years. In that time he had managed to save a few
liiuuiied (liilkiis. but believing that better businefs opportunities were-
afforded in the new world he resolved to seek his fortune in America.
.Accordingly he bade adieu to home and friends, and in April, 1867,.
sailed from Bremen to New York, where he landed after a voya,o;e of thir-
teen days. His destination was Kansas for he had friends living in this
Ccunty, and in due time he arrived at his journey's end. He took up his
abode on Cherry creek in Everett township, secured a homestead of eighty
firres and for fourteen years there resided, during which period he de-
\cloptd a fine farm. In 1881 he came to Belmont township where he pur-
chased the soi;thwest quarter of section thirty-one. Continually he has
added to his landed possessions as his financial resources have increased
until to-day he owns almost one thousand aci-es, in five different farms on
which he keeps large herds of cattle and other stock.
Mr. Puhlhpge was not married when he came to Kansas, and for-
two years af*er his arrival he kept bachelor's hall. On the 28th of June,
1869, he wedded Bertha Pribbernow, a niece of the late Christian Pribber-
ncw, of Owl Creek township. Both of her parents died in Germany. Her
mother bore the maiden name of Bertha Buz, whose eight children
grew to niatni-ity but only three are now living, one brother of Mrs.
J'uhlhage's. Charles Pribbernow, being a resident of Wisconsin. Ten
eb.ildren wei e born to Mr. and Mrs. Fuhlhage : Wilhelmina, wife of
.!. W. H. Pyke. of Yates Center; August, who married Myrta Doebert and
is living in Woodson County; Charles, who died at the age of fifteen
years; Henry, Enmia, Frank, Emil and Clara, all of whom are at home
ai>d two who have departed this life.
Mr. Fuhlhage is a Republican and cast his first presidential vote for
Grant in ISGS. He served for four years as .I'ustice of the peace, and
for twenty years has been a member of the school board. The cause of
education has found in him a warm friend, the cause of justice an able
exponent, and in all life's relation he commands confidence and respect
by his fidelity to duty.
ISAAC J. CAMAC.
Isaac JESSE CAIMAC, who is engaged in the harness business in
Yates Center, is a representative of that class of men who foi-m the bulwark
of the nation— men who in the active business affairs of life are energetic
and progressive, who are loyal to the duties of citizenship and are faithful
wooDSOx countie;;, kaxsas. 707
io tlie obligations of home and social life. He has made his home in
Kansas since 1871, coming to tliis state from Illinois. He was born,
hiiwever, in Kandolph County, North Carolina, November 19, 1846, a son of
Dixon Camae, a farmer, who died in Ottawa, Kas., in March, 1889, at
the age of seventj'-five years. He too was a native of North Carolina and
was of English descent. In his political ai¥iliations he was a Democrat.
He married Nanc.y Caddis, who died in "Windsor, Illinois, in 1865, and is
survived by five of her eight children, namely : jMartha, wife of J. B.
Holmes, of Stafford, Kas. ; Rebecca, wife of Harvey Rodgers, of Ottawa,
Kas.; Isaac J., who was the fifth in order of birth in the family; Maggie,
wife of Lewis Heshman, of Ottawa, and Dovie Ann, wife of
i>ey, of Franklin County. Kas.
Mr. Camac spent the greater part of his youth in Illinois and was
reared as a farmer boy until twenty years of age. when he began learning
the trade of a harness maker and saddler, serving an apprenticeship in
AVindsor, Illinois, after which he was employed as a journeyman for two
\oars. He then spent four years as a farmer, half of that time being
passed in Putnam County, Missouri, the other half in Franklin County,
Kansas. He removed from Shelby County, Illinois, to Franklin County,
and on his retii-rment from agricultural fields he began business in Ottawa
as a dealer in lianicss nnd .saddlery. In 1884 he removed to Eminence
townshiii. \V(i(i(1miii ('(ninly, where he farmed seven j^ears and then came to
Yates Center in 181!1. Here he purchased the harness and saddlery establish-
nsent formerly owned by Fred Wachtman, and has since been sole pro-
prietor. He enjoys a large and lucrative patronage, having been well
equipped by previous experience for the business when he began opera-
tions at this place. He carries a large and well selected stock of goods
such as is found in a first class establishment of the kind and his business
is constantly growing in volume and importance.
On the 2d of April, 1868, in Windsor, Illinois, Mr. Camae was united
in marriage to Miss Victoria York, a daughter of John York, a native of
North Carolina. He was a tailor by trade and spent his last days
in Ottawa, Kas. In his family were four children, of whom three are
yet living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Camac have been born eight children :
Cera, wife of W. M. Patterson, of Rose, Kas. ; John, a farmer of Woodson
County: Nettie, wife of W. M. Hartshorn, of Ottawa. Kas.; Isaac J., Jr.;
^lay, a teacher in Woodson County; Winnie, who is a graduate of the
high school of Yates Center ; Blanche and Katie. The family is one of
prominence in the community, the members of the hoiisehold occupying an
eaviable position in social circles. Mr. Camac cast his first presidential
vote in 1876. supporting R. B. Hayes, and since that time he has been
a stalwart Republican, heartily endorsing the men and measures of the
party. He belongs to the subordinate lodge and the Rebekah depart-
ment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also holds membership
with the Knights and Ladies of Pecurity. In the Odd Fellows lodge he
708 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
lias filled all nf the eliairs and has served as representative to the grand
bidge. Such in brief is the life history of one who has been an energetic
and straight-forward business man and has M'alked worthily in all life's
relations, thereby commanding uniform respect.
PLEASANT M. RHODES.
Farming and stock raising claim the attention of Pleasant M. Rhodes,
who resides in Everett township, Woodson County and who is now classed
among the well-to-do citizens of the community, a position which he oc-
cupies as the direct result of his individual efforts in the active affairs
Ci life. He was born in MeLain County, Illinois, November 10, 1838, a
sen of James S. and Elizabeth (Adams) Rhodes, the former a native of
Ohio and the latter of Kentucky. The father removed to Illinois, living
there with the first six families who located in the county. The Indians
roamed in large numbers over the prairie, and the land was in its primi-
tive condition, little indication being given of the development and progress
which were so soon to bring wonderful transformation. In 1855 Dr.
Rhodes removed with his family to Iowa and there engaged in the practice
of medicine. He also carried on farm work and engaged in preaching
Ihe gospel as a minister of the Chi'istian church. He led a very active, use-
ful and honorable life, and died in 18!17, at the age of eighty-four years,
rfspected by all who knew hinu His widow still survives him and is living
iii Winterset, la., at the age of eighty-two years.
Mr. Rhodes of this review is one of a family of eight children, six of
whom are yet living. He spent his youth upon a farm and in town, and
pursued his education in the common schools, svipplemented bya high-school
course. Up to the time of his marriage he remained with his parents, but
in 1861 completed his arrangements for a home of his own by winning
as a companion and helpmate on the joui'ney of life Miss Mary Elizabeth
Clark, a native of (^liio. Tlie young coujile began their dome.'-tie life upon
a rented farm which Mr. Rhodes operated until August. 1862. when his
patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment in the Union array. He joined
company A, Thirty-ninth Iowa infantry and served for three years as a
private soldier, participating in several important engagements, including
the battle of Polk's Crossroads, Fugar Valley, Small Creek and the four
days' engagement at Kingston. North Carolina, together with many others
(^f les' er importance. At Shady Grove, Tennessee he was captured, but soon
afterward was paroled and sent to St. Louis , Missouri, to await exchange.
At the close of the war Mr. Rhodes returned to his home, and for several
y";ns (MintiiiiK'il the cultivation of rented land until he had acquired capi-
lal MifliciiMit io enable him to purehaseproperty. He then bought laud and
was (Migaui^d in the cattle commission business for a immber of years with
excellent success, following that pursiiit in Iowa until 1897, when he sold
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 709
his property there in order to seek a milder climate, hoping to benefit
his wife's health thereby. With his family he spent one year in eastern
Oregon, after which he came to Kansas and purchased four hundred acres
of prairie land about seven miles east and north of Yates Center, where he
h.as erec'ed an attractive residence and built a good barn. He has also
added other substantial improvements and now has his entire farm under
fence. He has led a very busy, active and useful life, idleness and indolence
having no part in his nature. His reputation as an auctioneer is equal to
that of any man in the county. He has engaged in that bu.siness for
twenty years and has cried as many sales as any one of his age. He is well
known as an auctioneer in many counties in Iowa, as well as in southeast-
ern Kansas. Since locating in this state, has resumed stock dealing and
expects to handle all of the stock which his farm can support.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes have been born five children, namely:
Carpenter E., who follows farming near his fatLc! 's liiinn' : Mrs. ]\Iary Etta
Blohm. a widow, who with her children, Edna. Willi. ,iii.| Duinild, ,il:(m1 ir-
spectively fourteen, twelve and eight years and imw m scIkhiI. is living
with her" father: Williniii Kstdl, at home: Lillian :\lay <ii'(iut, in Madi.son
County, Iowa and M\ 1II1' iMlilh. who is still with her parents. The family
is one of prominence in llu' iMimnuinity and the members of the household
have many friends, which is an indication of their sterling worth. Mr.
Khodes is a stalwart Re])nlilic,in in jHilities and has done considerable cam-
paign work in Iowa, laboring ( arnestly for the interests of the party. While
in that state he served as justice of the peace, and to those who are at all
familiar with his upright career it is needless to say that his duties were
faithfullv discharged.
DAVID ASKREN.
One of the honored pioneer settlers of Woodson County is David
j\skren, who for forty-tAvo years has resided within its borders. Pew of the
residents of this portion of the state can claim as long continuous eonnec-
twn with it. Great changes have occurred in this period as the work of
impi'ovement and progress has been carried on, transforming the raw
prairie into fertile farms, replacing cabin homes with commodious dwellings
acd adding the commercial and industrial interests and the evidences of
civilization known to the older ea.st. Mr. Askren can relate many interesting
incidents of pioneer days when they coped with the hardships and trials
r r frontier life to make homes in the west, and no history of this portion
of the state would be complete without the record of his life.
He was born in Logan County. Ohio, January 1, 1831. His father,
Isaac Askren, was a native of Pennsylvania but in boyhood removed to
Ohio where he was reared to manhood and married. Miss Elizabeth Spry,
a native of Maryland, becoming his wife. In 1853 he removed with his
7IO HISTORY OF ALLEN AXIJ
family to Iowa, where his remaining days were devoted to agricultural pur-
suits, his death occurring iu 1892. when he was seventy years of age. His
vnfe died in 1888, at the age of seventy-six. They were the parents of seven
children, but only three are now living— David, who is the eldest, and
Isaac and Mary, who are residents of Iowa. One of the sons, John, died
iu the army during the Civil war and was buried in the cemetery in lola.
Kansas.
Reared to farm work and educated in the common schools, thus
passed the boyhood days of David Askren and when he had become a man
he married Miss Charlotte Alexander, the wedding being celebrated on the
13th. of February, 1855. The lady was a native of Ohio. The young
couple began their domestic life in Ohio but in 1859 came to Kansas and
Mr. A.=-kren pre-empted the farm of one hundred and sixty acres upon which
he has resided for more than forty years. He has remained in the Sun-
jiower state through the period when the commonwealth was infested by
grasshoppers and suflfered from drouths, and though these entailed great
liardships upon the settlers never but once did he become discouraged and
wish to leave Kansas. During the great drouth of 1860 he determined to
return to Ohio, and several years later when he had saved money enough
he started with his family for their old home. They traveled by wagon
as far as Illinois. There on account of illness Mr. Askren left his family
and proceeded alone to the Buckeye state, but had been there only a short
time when he became homesick for Kansas. However, he wrote his wife
that she might come on to Ohio and they would sell their Kansas farm and
n.ake a home in their native state, but she replied that she was as near
Ohio then as she ever wanted to be: that she desired to return to Kansas
and that the children were crying to go back. IMr. Askren says that he
ut'ver in his life received a letter which was as welcome and which did him
as much good. Accordingly be rejoined his family and they returned to
Kansas, where he has since remained and is now one of the prosperous, con-
tended farmers and valued citizens of "Woodson County.
After forty-five years of happy married life he was separated from his
v ife by death. She passed away on the old homestead October 17, 1899.
Mt the age of sixty-six years, and all of their four children have departed
this life with the exception of Mrs. Charlotte Klinkinburg. who is now liv-
ing with her father, acting as his housekeeper in his declining days. They
are the only surviving members of the family and the relation between
tnem is accordingly very near and dear. Mr. Askren has been called \;pnn
to fill many positions of honor and trust in bis township and county. He
has been towmship trustee and justice of the peace and was the second
countv assessor after the organization of the county. His duties were ever
faithfully performed and over his public record there falls no shadow of
A'-rong. while bis priv.nte life is alike above reproach. In bis political views
he is now a Prohibitionist, warmly advocating temperance principles,
morality and all movements that tend to uplift manldnd.
W'OdnsoN corxTiEs, Kansas. 711
T. A. MITCHELL
On a farm in Liberty township, Woodson County, T. A. Mitchell is
'engaged in the raising of stock, and his activity in business has brought
-Mm a comfortable competence. He was born in Washington County. In-
'diana, July 26, 1854, and is a son of Elisha Mitchell, a native of Indiana.
-Mr. Mitchell has j-ecords tracing their family histor.^- to a IJobert Mitchell
born in Scotland, October 8, 1740. J^li'ha. after attaining years of
maturity, wooed and wedded Miss Lydia Colgiazier, a native of the
Hoosier state, whose people had emigrated to Indiana in 1812. settling in
the midst of the woods when the Indians in motley garb still stalked through
the forest. The father of our subject was a miller by trade but spent part
•or his time on a farm and by following such pursuits provided for his
family, which included his wife and ten children, five of whom are yet
living. His death occurred in 1864, when he was forty-six years of age.
Ilis wife ako passed awav at the age of fortv-six, her death occurring in
1867.
T. A. ]\IitcheU was the seventh of their family and was reared upon a
farm where the work of the fiehis rnily 1 cfiniir' t:;inili;i!' tn liim Mirniigh
practical experience. His preliiiiii!:i: >• 'MhicaliMii. ^icwuiri'd in ilir c.i-niKin
:sehools, was supplemented by study in the Paola Xoinuil seliool of In-
diana, and three years he engaged in teaching, two years in Indiana and
-one in the district of his present home. In the spring of 1877, he came to
Kansas, settling first in Neosho Falls, where he made his home for a year.
He afterwards purcliased two hundred and forty acres of unimproved land
ten miles north of Yates Center, where he has developed an excellent stock
farm. He engages in the rairing of grain and stock, and his good crops
avid sales of cattle aie profitable sources of revenue. He is also one of
the stockholders and directors of the creamery at Neosho Falls where he de-
livers his cream. Mr. Mitchell has given much time and attention to dairy-
ing, having purchased the first centrifugal cream separator used in Wood-
.'on County.
On the 22d. of April, 1880. Mr. Mitchell was joined in wedlock to Miss
lanma Williams, a native of Howard County, Indiana, and a daughter of
I v. Henry Williams, who was born in Ohio and married Harriet C. Ellis, a
native of Kentncl.y. v-lnaicc in licr uirlliood she removed to the Hoosier
Slate. The ("Im-iiii- siin-:' slidlx- piai-hccd I'or ninny years in Eussiaville. In-
diana and alsd enua:L!rd in ni( ridian.disinii' in the same town. He died in
1871, at the age of sixty-four years, and his wife passed away in 1884, at the
nge of sixty-eight. They were the parents of three children Mrs. Mitchell's
parents, being in a position favorable, gave her excellent opportunities to
acquire an education, of which she made sood use by qualifying herself
for any position she might desire. She engaged in teaching previous to
lier marriage, having taught the year before her marriage in Severy. Green-
wood County, Kansas. She, by her marriage, has become the mother of
two sons and three daughters. Stella, the eldest, died in infancy. The
7'r'2 Filsfokv oi" allkn a^^u
others are Florence, who is a graduate of high s(;hool of Neosho Falls aud-
is now teaching her first term of school in her home district in AVoodson
County; Thomas, E. Carl and Harriet, all of whom have completed the'
course of study in the common schools.
Voting wiili the Democracy, Mr. Mitchell, thus expresses his political'
l}elief. bnt he has never been an office seeker, belie\'ing that his business will'
l)^' attended by bttter result." if he confines his attention solely to the occu-
|)ation which he has chosen as his life wol-k arid which is returning to bin/:
» good tinancial reward. -
MICHAEL HEFFERN.
The Emerald Isle— the land of beautiful lakes and ^erdant hills, the
country of war, romance and history— was the bii-thplace of Michael Hef-
fern, who on the 22d. of September, 1835, first opened his eyes to the light
01 day in the parish of Dunhill. County Waterford, Ireland. His father.
Patrick Hetfern, married Bridget Carol, and both were natives of Ireland
where they resided until 1850 when they crossed the broad Atlantic to'
America, locating first in New York. After a short time, hoM'ever, they re-
moved to Illinois, settling in LaSalle County, where they spent their re-
maining days, the father passing away at the age of sixty-five years, while
the mother died at the age of sixty years.
Michael Hefif'ern was a lad of fourteen years when he came with his
parents to the New World. In Illinois he ■vforked on the railroad as a tea ■
ster for three years and then rented a tract of land, after which he en-
gaged in farming there for eight years. As a coinp'anion and helpmate on
the journey of life he chose Miss Ellen Vaughn, a native of Ireland, the
\'edding being celebrated in St. Louis. Alip.souri. .\ngns" [!'i, 1S55. He
continued his agricultural pursuits in Illinni-' iinlil ISCT w lien lie came
(o Kansas and purchased two hundred and forty :u-r('s nF raw laud in Owl'
Creek township. Woodson County, eight miles east of Vates Center on the
north fork of (^wl creek. There for the first time he began farming on land
\',bieh was his own property. He has since made valuable improvements
until lie now lias (me of the best farms on the creek, and to his landed pos-
s-essions he has addiMl until he now has nine hundi'od and sixty acres, all
improved, while thiei' Inimbed acres is under cultivation, the ot)-(
pai^ture and meadow land. For a short time after coming to Kansas Mr.
Heffern -worked on the railroad as a contractor but has since devoted his
entire time to his farm work and has long since been recognized as one of
the leading agriculturists of the county. He feeds all of his grain to his
slock and each winter ships about two car loads of cattle to the city
markets.
Eight children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Heft'ern, of whom
six are vet living, as follows: Mary, the wife of Tim Collins; Johanna,
-WO'OD'SON CDlTI>mES. KANSAS. 7 13
•^Tife of Thomas MeCTanon. of Humboldt; Martrar'^t. wiff of rii;irli'y Fpiievi
"Lizzie, .wife of Vincent Gallagher, now of CoIin:i.|.: : ,l(,sii'. wiir ><'•' Vm
"Lessen, of Woodson County, and Thomas, who ivsid.- u],m,:! Hi,. !;mii!.. i'min
with his father. He married Miss Minnie Cornell ami has Iwu cliildien,
Michael and Mary.
In his political affiliations Mv. Heffern is a Democrat and belongs to
t^iat substantial class of citizens who give an earnest support to measures
■for the public good but ai'e not carried away by fads or unpractical
fchemes. He is a self-made man who without any extraordinary family or
pecuniary advaiitages at the counuencement of life has battled earnestly and
■euerge'^ieally, and by indomitable courage and integrity has achieved
both character and fortune, winning a victory in the business world which
i=; as ereditabl^e as enviable.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
\Y(i(i((s(iii Couuly ligures as one of the most atti;ic1i\ >■. |ii(iL:r(-si\(' nnd
prosperous (li^•isiolls oi' the state of Kansas. .ius1l>- chiiniin'.i- ii hi'^li oi'dcr of
■citizensliip nml .-i s|iii'ii of enterprise which is cei-tiun lo cihi^.mni' ronsccutive
develoiiiiieul and marked advancement in the material u|>liiiildriig of this
.'ectiori. Tln^ county has been signally favored iu the class of men who have
controlled its affairs, and in this connection the suh.iecl ol' this I'eview de-
mands representation as one who has served the county faithfully and well
in positions of distinct trust and repsonsibility. Moreover he has been one of
the most extensive stock dealers and leading business men of southeastern
Ivansas. and is one of the honored pioneers of the commonwealth, h<iving
■c()me to the state in its territorial days.
Mr. Hamilton was born in Gallatin County. Kentucky, September 12.
18.32. His father. John 0. Hamilton, was also a native of that state and
there married Miss Hannah Gregg, whose birth occurred in the same lo-
cality. They were the parents of ten children, of whom oi;r subject Avas
the second in order of birth. He was reared on the home farm and at-
'tended the common schools until sixteen years of age when he went to Cov-
ing ton College and later became a student in Western Collegiate Institute
<d' Patriot, Indiana. He was afterward graduated in a business college in
Marietta. Ohio, and later in a law college in Louisville. ^AHien eighteen
;\-ears of age he went to Tennessee, where he engaged in teaching school for'
two years after wliich he returned to his old Kentucky home and took nji
the study of laAV. being admitted to the bar in 1854.
The following year Mr. Hamilton came to Kansas, locating first in
Leavenworth, whence he went to Council Bluffs, la., but not liking that place
he returned to Missouri, taking up his abode in Clinton County^ Soon the
liorder war came on and he was appointed captain of a company and saw
.some arduous and dangerous siu-vice. Wi*^h his company he came to Kan-
714 HfSfOKV OP ALLiiN XSii'j
sas, where he met Uov. Geary with whom he held a consultation. Captain;
liaiiiil.on. wishint;' to make his home in Kansas, surrendered his command
and took up his abode in the Sunflower state, which has since been his'-
[ilace of residence. Not long afterward the Civil war was inaugurated and
i^ur a time he was connec'ed with the home guards. He afterward entered
the employ of the government as wagon ma.ster and later received an ap-
pointment as sutler, being, thus associated with the army for a number of
months. He was next appointed to buy cattle for the Indians and can
relate ninny hair-brcad'h escapes which he had while in the United State?,
.service among the red men.
Mr. Hamilton first settled in Leroy, Coffey County, and began the-
piaetice of law before the county was organized. He attended the legisla-
tiiic "i 1' .">7. >;ncceeded in having the county establishtd and was appointed
iiy il'. -,1 ■•.•iilily to the offices of county clerk and register of deeds. He pur-
(•lias( d :i !;ir_^v body of land in the vicinity of Leroy, and at the same time
.■onducted a large general merc;uiti!e store, so that he was kept very busy in
managing his agricultural antl coiiiiiiricial affairs, in addition to his' law
practice and the discharge ot l;is official duties.
On the 22d. of Fdjiiiaiy, 1;'")S, >.lr. Hamilton was married and con-
tinued to reside in CoflV>' County until 1S75, when he sold his land there
and came to his present home in Woodson County, purchasing six hundred
and forty aeref on Cherry creek in Everett township, where he has since
developed a very fine and highly improved farm. He has purchased and
.sckl iiioH- rattle than any other stock dealer in the county, handling
rhoi:-iiii!'s ni' htad, but in late years, on account of his advanced age, he
lias hugely retired from that business, feeding only a small number of cat-
tle. He has recently purchased property in Ijeroy, including a part of his
old homestead.
The lady who for forty-three years has traveled life's Journey by his
>ide as his faithful wife and helpmate was in her maidenhood Miss Jane
Scott, and she is the oldest lady member of the Old Settlers' Association
of Coffey, Alltn and Woodson Counties. She is a daughter of General
John B. Scott, who was a native of Virginia and when a small boy aceom--
panied his parents on their removal to Bloomington, Hlinois. There he
was reared and married, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna Davis, of
New York. In an early day he went to Iowa as a trader with the Indians,
and in 1849 came witli the Sac and Fox Indians to Kansas. The red men
v\ that time owed him twenty thousand dollars and he came to collect it.
He settled at Leroy where he was appointed major general of the Kansas
Home Guards. His death occurred in 1873, M'hen he was fifty-seven years
o* age. His first wife died during the early girlhood of Mrs. Hamilton and
he afterward married again. His second wife died in 1880. General
Scott was the founder of Leroy and was Indian agent for many years, both
ill Iowa and Kansas.
Unto Ml', and ^Frs. Hamilton have been born fourteen children, of
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 715
whom twelve are now living: Mrs. T. W. Phunmer and Mrs. Fred Pearl,
both of Yates Center; John 0., of Vernon; Charles C, a twin brother of
John and a fanner l),y oecupation ; Mrs. Ed Vetito. of Yates Center ; Alex.
O., who aids in tlie worl< of the lioiiif I'anii: (ius R., who served with the
Twentieth Kansas rejiinient in thi' I'liili |i| lin.'s and is now in Vernon; Her-
bert, a barber in Yates Center; Claiciici' 1".. who was ako a member of the
Twentieth Kansas regiment and is now in Joliet. Illinois; Grace, who is in
business in Yates Center, is wife of Eber Holiday; S. Wallace, who is also
ill the county seat, and Nellie at home. Alice, the third child, died at the
age of three years, and Stanley died at one year old.
Mr. Hamilton has always taken an active interest in public affairs, per-
taining to the welfare of his eonnnunity and ha-' held several local oifices.
He was the first postmaster of Vernon, has filled the position of justice of
the peace and for two years was a sheriff of M''oodsn County. His popularity
in the community is unmistakable not only on account of his fidelity to
duty in public office, but also because of his honorable business career, his
fidelity to manly principles and his reliability in private life. During the
long years of his residence in Kansas he has left the impress of his indivi-
duality for good upon the communities with which he has been connected
and he feels just pride in the splendid advancement made by his adopted
state.
JAMES W. MACLASKEY.
The Maclaskey home is a fine residence, built in modern architectural
siyle and standing on an eminence which commands a view of the sur-
rounding country for miles in any direction. Forest trees surround the
house, which stands in the midst of a valuable farm of nine hundred and
fifty- nine acres, all the property of our subject and all acquired since he
came to Kansas. A proof of the advantav;es which the state furnishes to
her citizens cannot better be given than in the life records of such men as
Mr. Maclaskey who have won fortune by earnest and well directed effort
since locating within her borders.
As one of the leading citizens, early settlers and prominent agricul-
turists James W. Maclaskey certainly deserves reprefentation in this
volume. He was born in Pike County, Illinois. August 14, 1840, a son of
fN'or^ic and Parbai'a (Sweet) Maclaskey, both natives of New York, al-
tli(iiii;li 1hi y wiMc married in Illinois. MTien a young man the father went
■i<. 1he Praii'ie state and there followed farming for many years. In 1881 he
made a visit to Nebraska, where he was taken ill and died, at the age of
eighty-one years. His widow still survives him and is now living with her
sons in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of seventy-nine years.
When James W. Maclaskey was seven years of age his parents removed
to Adams County, Illinois, where he was reared to manhood, remaining un-
7l6 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
liir the parental I'oof niitil he had attained the age of twenty-seven. His
education was obtained in the connnon schools. In connection with his
brother he owned three hundred and twenty acres of land in Adams
County. Ere leaving Illinois he was married, on the 4th of November,
1869, to Miss Parah E. McCarl, a native of Pike Coimty, that state, and
a daughter of Samuel and Dorcas (Likes) MeCarl, the former a native of
Pennsylvania and the latter of Illinois. Mr. MeCarl died at the age of
sixty-eig'ht years, but his wife is still living in Illinois, and has attained the
age of seventy-one. They were the parents of six children, as follows:
Alexander, of Oregon ; Mrs. Bethana Myers : Mrs. Lizzie Maclaskey : Isaiah
and Calvin McCarl, all of Illinois, and Mrs. Sarah E. Maclaskey. of Wood-
si.n County, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Maclaskey began their domestic life in
their native state but in 1880 came to Kansas. In 1876. prior to his com-
ing to Kansas, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Woodson
County, nineteen miles northwest of Yater- Center, and since that time he
has added to his possessions until he now is owner of the valuable property
described above. Recently he i-emoved his residence to a place two miles
noi'th of where- he ko long resided. His farm is one of the most desirable
in this portion of the county. He is engaged in stock-raising and has some
vei-y fine grades of shorthorn and Hereford cattle, which find a ready sale
on the market; He had only a team and wagon at the time of his marriage,
and he has made practically all that he has since cominsr to Kansas. He is
now one of the wealthy farmers of the commnnit.v and his property is a
n;onument to his enterprise and thrift.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. McClaskey has been blessed with eight
children, namely: AA^lliam L., now a stenographer in St. Loi;is. Missouri;
Lizzie A., at home: Alford, who is living in Oridle.v, Kansa.s: Charles A.,
who is married and resides in A¥oodson county: James A. and Samuel E.,
who are with their parents, and George W.. who died October 16, 1884, at
the age of ten years and seven months, and Floyd E., the youngest at home.
In his political views Mr. Maclaskey is a Democrat. He has filled the office
(■F truster (if lii'^ 'nwii-i.jn and is now serving as its treasurer, proving a
couipetfiil iiiul f;iitlifui office)'. A quarter of a century has passed since he
came to Kansas, and through the entire period he has so lived a.s to win
the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in eon-
tfict. His success has been worthily won along the lines of honorable effort
so that the most envious cannot grvidge him his prosperity, and his upright
e^-ample and successful career should serve as a source of inspiration to
others.
SANFORD G. PARIS.
On the roster of county officials in Woodson County appears the name
of Sanford G. Paris among those who are serving as county commissioners.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 717
His labors in behalf of the county have been productive of good and indi-
cate his lo.yalty to the best intere. ts of citizenship. As an enterprising,
practical and progressive farmer of Center township he is also widely
known, and as a representative of the political and agricultural interests
of this portion of the state he well deserves mention in the history of
Woodson County.
•A native of Putnam County, Indiana, Mr. Paris was born on the 10th.
()'■ December, 1847, a son of Allen and Elizabeth (Youngman) Paris. The
father was born in 1818, near Covington, Kentucky, and during his boyhood
days went to the Hoosier .state ,where he grew to manhood and was mar-
ried. His wife was also born in Kentiicky and was a daughter of Jesse
Youngman. The father of our subject followed farming and shoemak-
ing throughout his entire life. In politics he was a Eepubliean, recognized
as one of the active local workers in his party. In October, 1883, he was
killed by the falling of a limb, but is still survived by his widow, who yet
resides in Putnam County. Her children are: Agnes, of Putnam County;
George, who died in 1863 ; Melissa, wife of W. F. Butler, of Putnam
County ; Charles, who was a soldier of the Civil war and died in 1890, in
Putnam County leaving a family; Sanford G. ; Alice, wife of James Kuark,
oT Putnam County, and Viola, wife ofG. H.' Hamm, of the same county.
The schodi r.iixiicuvs; of Sanford G. Pai-is were somewhat limited. He
spent the day-, ul l,is li.ivhood and youth upon the home farm and his time
,vas largely neeupu'd with the labors of the field. Since attaining liis
majority he has devoted five years to the coopering trade, and was also
employed in a rolling mill in Greeneastle, Indiana. Upon leaving that
position he resumed farming, which he has since followed. In Augu.st, 1881,
he arrived in Woodson County and first located in Toronto township,
where he engaged in the operation of rented land for four years. With
money he had then saved from his earnings he purchased two hundred acres
of land in Center township, upon which not a furrow had been turned or
an improvement been made, but since 1885 a great transformation has
been wrought in the appearance of the property, which is now one of the
fine farms of the county, supplied with sub.stantial buildings and all
modern conveniences and accessories.
Ere leaving his native county Mr. Paris was married, in 1868, to Miss
Mary Wheeling, a daughter of Augustus Wheeling, who belonged to an old
Ohio family. Mr. and Mrs. Paris now have eight children : Grace E.,
wife of M. P. Davis, of Hutchinson, Kansas ; Walter, a blacksmith of Rose,
Kansas, who married Sarah Reagan; Lillie, deceased; Herbert, Myrtle,
JMabel, Glenn and Ross, who are still with their parents.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Paris has been an earnest advocate
or Republican principles and takes an active interest in furthering the wel-
fare of the party in the community in which he resides. On that ticket he
was elected county commissioner, in November, 1900, to represent the second
di.':trict,- which he carried by a majority of two hundred and nine. He is
7l8 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
now filling' that office and discharges his duties with the same promptness
and practical spirit which characterizes his management of his farming in-
terests.
W. P. KIN YON.
W. P. KINYON is a proiiiiiicul fai'iner of Liberty township. Woodson
County. His life has been a biu y and iist-ful one and now he is living some-
v'hat retired from the more arduous duties of the farm, which have been as-
sumed by his son, Mi-. Kinyon being thus relieved of the harder work inci-
dent to agricultural life. He is a native of Bradford County, Pennsylvania,
bora June 3. 1831, and is a son of Pardon and Sallie (Eggleston) Kinyon,
both of whom were natives of the Empire state. The father was a farmer
hy occupation and when a young man removed to Pennsylvania, where he
carried on agricultural pursuits until his death which occurred in 1856,
u-hen he was fifty-five years of age. His widow surviwd him for nearly
half a century and passed away in Kansas when almost ninety years of age.
They had four children, but only two are now living— W. P. and Mrs.
Nancy Warner.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm
life for W. P. Kinyon in his youth. He attended the common schools near
his home and in the siuiimer aided in the work of plowing, planting and
harvesting. He was married in 1857 and then began farming on his own
account, being thus engaged until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when
feeling that his duty was to the Union, he enlisted in the fall of ISCA, being
assigned to the Tenth New York cavalry with which he went to the front to
protect the Stars and Stripes, the emblem of the undivided nation. He
was only permitted to remain in the south for nine months, ill health com-
pelling his discharge.
Mr. Kinyon then returned to his home and family and in the fall of
1864 removed to Minnesota, where he purchased a small farm, making his
home thereon until 1879— the year of his arrival in Kansas. Settling in
Linn County he there rented a farm which he operated for two years when
1 e came to Woodson County and purchased one hundred and twenty acres
on Duck creek, twelve miles north of Yates Center, where he has made one
of the most desirable homes in the township. His farm in every depart-
ment indicates neatness, thrift and careful supervision. Among its leading
features is a nice residence, a good barn and fine orchard on the bank of
the creek. He has a beautiful lawn of blue grass and in every particular
tlie farm is modern and indicates the supervision of a progressive owner.
On the 26th of February, 1857, in Pennsylvania, Mr. Kinyon married
Miss Lydia M. Wheeler, a native of Tioga County, that state, and a daughter
of Moses and Cynthia (Walker) "VATieeler. Her father was born Septem-
ber 10, 1810. and died on the 1st. of July, 1887, at the age of seventy-seven
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 719
.years, while his wife, whose birth occurred in 1812, was called to her final
nst in 1880. at the age of sixty-eight years. They were th« parents of
six children, of whom four are yet living: Mrs. Julia S. Potts, Mrs.
Lydia M. Kinyon, Mrs. Lottie M. Lawrence and Mrs. Laura Oberhotzer.
Those deceased are Mrs. Jane Curtis and Mr. Morris Wheeler. The mar-
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Kinyon has resulted in the birth of five children,
01 whom three sur\ave: Clarence M., who is living on a farm near his
father; Edmund G., who is an editor and until recently was part owner
•of the Woodson County Advocate and Wilbur M., who is mentioned
later on. Pranl? E. died in Minnesota and Merton A. pas.sed away in
'Oklahoma. Puch in brief is the history of W. P. Kinyon— a man whom
to know is to respect and honor for his life has ever been actuated by
honorable pi-inciples and worthy motives.
Wilbur M. Kinyon, the youngest son was born in Minnesota, No-
vember 8. 1874, and came to Kansa,« with his parents in 1879. He was
then a small boy and was therefore reared and educated in Woodson
County. He has always lived with his father and mother and renders
them filial care and devotion which adds much to the happiness of the
■e\'ening of life for them. He has taken charge of the home farm, thus
relieA'ing liis father of responsibility and labor, and in addition he owns
and operates eighty acres of land which adjoins the nld homestead. He
is engaged in stock-raising, handling all of the ^tnel-: which the farms
~>■^•ill support, and in this venture is meeting with uiatifying success.
Wilbur M. Kinyon was united in marriage to Mi: s Mary E. Etter,
M native of the Sunflower state and a daughter of J. E. and Mary B.
Etter, both residents of Woodson County. They are well known young
people of the community and have many warm friends in the county, the
iiospitalitv' of many of the best homes being extended to them. Mr. Kin-
yon is a young man of excellent business ability and executive force and
his labors are being attended with prosperity.
NAPOLEON B. BUCK.
NAPOLEON B. BUCK was horn in Fayette County, Indiana, Feb-
ruary 19, 1837, and was a son of Harmon Buck. At an early age he went
to McLain County, Illinois, where he secured employment as a farm
liand and at the age of si.xi-een years was ajiprenticed to learn the print-
ing trade in tlie oiBce of the Bloomington Pantagraph. from which time
Tintil his death he was connected with the printing business, either as
■ionrneyman or .iournalist. He held an important position on the New York
Tribune while its editor, Horace Greeley, Avas in the zenith of his fame and
power. Tn 1882 he came to the west, locating in Yates Centr, where he be-
came associated with E. R. Wells in the piiblication of the Yates Center Ar-
gus. A few months later, purchsing the interest of his partner he gained
full control of the paper. After a year nr more had passed he sold the
7'^0 HXSfbkV OK ALLEiV' AxJij
Argus and removed to Kansas Cily, where he remained for about a year-^
but in the summer of 1886 he returned to Yates Center, puehasing a half
interest in the News and later becoming the possessor of the controling
ijiterest. He ably conducted that paper until September, 1888, when he
scld Out and came to Toronto, he and his yoiuigett son taking charge of
the Repiiblican, to the publication of which he devoted his energies until
the afternoon preceding his death.
Napoleon B. Buck was married in New York city, August 25, 1863,
to Margaret Mayne. and unto them were born five children: Edward,,
who is connected with the Alamogordo (N. M.) News; Charles A.,
Laura, wife of Jacob E. Taylor, of Yates Center ; Mabel A., who died in
infancy, and Lida A., wife of R. L. Maxson, of Toronto, Kansas,
The father of this family was one of the valued residents of Wood-
.son County. As a citizen he was always actuated by the principles of
loyalify and patriotism and as a neighbor he was respected for his chari-
table and beneviilcnl spirit. As an editor and imlilisliei' be considered
his businers intiT( sts from the beginning to be identical with every enter-
prise in llie city ;in(t his rrcncliMnt pen v.-as alAvjiys ready to indite words
of counsel ;i!i(l sii^'.;esti(m^ for the niatei'ial inteiest of the community. Al-
ways t)r;i\e under disedui^aiieiiii-nts and hopeful under reverses, his ex-
ample and intluenee have induced those around him to stand without
watering in the battle of life. On all questions of public policy, either
political or moral, after due deliberation he took a firm stand and was
persistent in the advocacy of what he considered to be right and just and!
for the best inteie.it of all.
Charles A. Buck was born in St. Louis. Missouri. October 27, 1866 ;
was educated in Nashville, Tennessee, and from early youth has been con-
nected with the newh:-paper Imsine'-s, whieli !:e mastered both in principle
and detail. He has been e)n[)ioyc(l in newspaiier offices in Evansville,
Indiana, in Kansas City. Missouri: Cleveland. Ohio: New York city, Chi-
cago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Topeka. Denver, Los Angele?^, San Francisco,
San Digo and Tueson and published the Mail in Winslow, Arizona,
and the Review in San Bernardino, After the death of his father in 1894
he returned to Toronto. Kansas, and associated with his mother, con-
tinued the publication of the Republican, which, under their raauage-
U'.ent has taken high rank amonu' the newspapiM's in this portion of the
.':tate. He is also serving as poslmastei'. to which position he was ap-
pointed in April, 1897. entering u|)on llie duties of the office on the 17th.
of that month. And in April, 1898, he sold his interest to his mother
who still conducts the office.
In .\i)ril. 1S9ii. in Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Buck was married to
]\Iiss Allie Ilo(lt:enuiii, a daughter Frances E. Hodgeman, of Cleveland,
Ohio, and in Toronto they have many friends who gladly extend to them
the hosuitalitv of their homes.
■■^VOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS.
SAMUEL H. HOGUELAND.
'Carlisle has said, '" Biography is by nature the most universally profi-
^sble, universally pleasant of all things," and in the life record of such
men as Mr. Hogueland there is certainly a lesKou of value. To the sub-
.ject of this review there has come the attainment of a distinguished posi-
tion iu connection with the substantial upbuilding of Woodson County,
and his efforts have been so discerningly directed along well defined lines
that he seems to have reached at any one point of progress the full
measure of his possibilities for accomplishment at that point. A man
of distinctive and forceful indi^nduality and most mature judgment, he
has left and is leaving his impress upon the county of his home, contrib-
uting in very large measure to its improvement and progress. Within the
last five years perhaps no other one citizen has aided more largely in the
growth and development of this portion of the state. H« is now acting
.as immigration agent for the Missouri Pacific Railroad company and is
one of the leading real estale men of soiitheastern Kansas.
Mr. Hogueland was born in Belmont County, Ohio, April 10, -1850,
.and is a son of William B. Hogueland a resident of Yates Center. In
early life our subject accompanied his parents on their removal to Bi'own
County, Indiana, where he w^as reared. He acquired a collegiate educa-
tion, completing the vyork of the junior year, but laid aside his text
hcoks when about nineteen years of age, at which time he came to Kansas,
the familj' r-emoving to the Sunflower state. Here he entered upon his busi-
ness career, learning the harness-maker's trade with G. W. Fender, of
Neosho Falls, where he was engaged in this business for fifteen years.
He then embarked in the real estate business, beginning operations along
that line in Neosho Falls, but transferring his headquarters to Yates
Center in 1873. Here he has conducted many important transactions
and for the past four years he has been identified with the Missouri Pa-
ic'fic Railway and with the Chicago & Alton Railroad company as immi-
gration agent. His business in this line has assumed immense propor-
tions and Mr. Hogueland has been intraniental in a large measui-e in pro-
moting the recent rapid settlement and development of the county.
Hundreds of eastern 'people "have been induced by him to visit Kansas
:and a large percentage of them have made investments in Kansas real
e.«tate. Land in the vicinity of Yates Center has arisen in value five dol-
lars per acre because of his modern methods of handling the immigra-
tion business. All through Iowa and Illinois he has also established of-
fices and placed men of business abibty in them as representatives of his
work. Mr. Hogueland is a gentleman of keen discrimination, splendid
•executive force and capable management. He readily grasps the situa-
tion, recognizes the points of business that contribute to success and is
determined in the exeeutiqn of his well formulated plans, and moreover
while his labors have proven of individual profit the.v have also con-
tributed in large measure to the general prosperit.v of the communities
V, ith which lie is idt'iitif^etl. He is one of the leading business men iL-'
Yates Center in the development of the gas fields of this locality, and has
been one of the heaviest contributors to the fund secured in order to sink
wells and de'ermine upon the gas supply in this region.
Mr. Hogueland wan united in marriage in Neosho Falls, in April,
1.^73, to Miss Frances Biddison. a daughter of Samuel Biddison. Unto-
fiicm have been born Ihe following children: Ernest H., who is reading
Irw in Topeka with the firm of Rossiugton, Smith & Histed, is a gradilate'
of the schools o"f Yates Center and for three years was a student in Wash-
burn College .'^o that he has a broad general knowledge to serve as a
foundation upon which to rear the superstnicture of his professional
learning. Cora, the daughter, is a graduate of the schools of Yates
Center and is now filling a position as stenographer and typewriter.
She is also a bonded abstract agent oi Woodson county. The family
is one of prominence in the conmiunity, its representatives occupying
high positions in the social circles. In his political affiliations Mr.
Hogueland is a stalwart Republican and has supported each year the
candidates of the party since casting his first vote for General U. S.
Grant. Socially he is connected with the Masonic, Odd Fellows and
Knights of Pythias orders, has been a delegate to the Masonic grand
h/dge and has filled all of the offices in the local Masonic and Odd Fel-
lows societies.
Mr. Hogueland makes his home in Yates Center, but the boundaries^
of the town are too limited for the capabilities of such a man. He is
a man of the state— a typical representative of the American spirit
which within the past century has achieved a work that at once arouses'
the admiration and astonishment of the world. Woodson County is
fortunate that he has allied his interests with hers. The marvelous
development of the West is due to such men. whose indomitable energy
and progressive spirit have overcome all obstacles and reached the goal'
of success. He is not so abnormally developed as to be called a genius^
but he is one of the strongest because one of the best balanced, most
even and self-masterful of men, and he has acted his part so well in both;
public and private life that Yates Center has been enriched by his ex-
ample, his character and his labor.
HIRAM JEFFRIES.
For nineteen years Hiram Jefifries has resided upon the farm in
Center township, Woodson County, which he now occupies. This covers
the whole period of his residence in Kansas. Throughout the entire
time he has followed agricultural pursuits and his place— one of the best
improved in the township— is an evidence of an active, busy and useful
career.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. ■/2T,
Mr. Jeffries was born in Faye'te County, Pennsylvania, on the 1st
of August, 1839, and is a son of Darlington Jeffries, who was born in
Paj'ette County, Pa., in 1801, and was reared in the same county. The
grandfather, William Jeffries, was born in Chester County, Pennsyl-
A'ania, and after his marriage removed to Fayette County, where he
died May 21, 1848, aged 88 years. His first wife was Ann Woodward,
who bore him Joseph, Rebecca, William, Hannah, Taylor, Ann, Mifflin,
Elizabeth and Mary A. His second wife was Martha Mendenhall, wliose
children were Jane, Darlington, Esther and Martha M.
Darlington Jeffries remained in the state of his nativity until 1867,
when he removed to McDonough County. Illinois, where he spent his
remaining days, dying in 1886. He followed farming throughout his
entire life. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah ]\Iiller, and was a
daughter of William Miller. By her marriage she became the mother
of fifteen children : Rebecca M, wife of Eli Woodward, of McDonough
Coun'y. Illinois^ William M, of Fayette County, Pennsylvania : Lewis,
of McDonough County, Illinois; Hiram; Robert, who is living in Ne-
braska; Matilda, wife of George Moore, of Fayette County. Pennsyl-
vania; Lydia, deceased wife of Joseph Hezlett : AVaiwick ^^'., of Den-
ver, Colorado: Mrs. Rachel Wright, of Chicago. Illinois; Aaron, of Cal-
ifornia; Oliver, deceased; I ewton, of Hancock County. Illinois; Eliza-
beth, widow of William Granger, of Hancock County. Illinois; Ester
A., wfe of David Miner, of California, and Mary, deceased.
Under the parental roof, Mr. Jeffries spent the days of his minority
and to the common school system of the country he is indebted for the
educational privileges which he enjoyed. Practical experience in the
work of the farm had well qualified him for the duties of agriculture,
when he began farming on his own account, and throughout his active
business career he has sucee'sfully engaged in the tilling of the soil.
When he s+arted out upon an independent career, he had only a span
oi horses, two cows and two hogs. Located in LaSalle County, Illinois,
he there remained for one year and in 1864 he took up his abode in Mc-
Donough county, that state, where he continued to reside until 1882,
when he came to Kansas. He then took up his abode upon the farm
which is still his home, purchasing a half section of land, which he has
transformed into one of the most valuable and attractive farms in Center
township.
In Fayette County. Pennsylvania, in February, 1861, Mr. Jeffries
was married to Miss Martha Combs, a daughter of Joseph Combs, and
unto them have been born the following named; Lou Emma, who mar-
ried Clara Fullington ; William, who married Ida Kemler; Joseph, de-
ceased: Sarah, widow of Horace Normington, and John, of Jasper
County, Missouri.
In early life, the father of our subject was a AAHiig and when the
Republican party was formed became one of the stalwart supporters of
724 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
that organization. Reared in that political faith, and sanctioning the
principles of Republicanism with his mature judgment, Mr. Jeffries has
ever continued to east his ballot for its men and measures. He lias
served as treasurer of the school board, but otherwise has never hela
office. The family attend the Baptist church and Mr Jeffries with-
holds his support from no movement or measure which has for its object
tlie good of the community. He is justly regarded as a valuable citizen
and, as a most progressive, enterpri.sing and practical farmer whose well
directed efforts have lieen the means of bringing to him gratifying pros-
perity.
JOSEPH F. BAYLESS.
Tliis well l\nown citizen of Woodson County is one of the most ex-
tensive sheep raisers in Kansas and has been largely interested in im-
proving the grade of stock raised in the state. His eft'orts have there-
fore been of public benetit for the improvement of stock adds to its mar-
I'Tct value and the wealth of the agricultural class is augmented thereby.
The rich meadow lands of southeastern Kansas provide excellent oppor-
tunities to the stock-raiser, and this industry has become a most impor-
tant one in the commercial interests of Woodson County.
Mr. Bayless, who resides in Center township, arrived in the county
on the 24th of September, 1881, coming from Jasper County, Iowa. He
is, however, a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Bea-
ver County, on the 1st of June, 1836. His father, Nathan J. Bayless,
was born in Cecil County, Maryland, in 1796, but was reared in the
Keystone state and throughout his business career carried on farming.
He married Elizabeth Booth, a native of Virginia, and unto them were
born seven children : Mary, who became the wife of George Billingsley.
aiid after his death married Alexander MeCalla. but is now deceased:
Lydia, deceased wife of John Billingsle.y : Samuel, who has also passed
away; Cassander: Hannah, wife of John McCalla, a resident of Salem,
Ohio: Elizabeth, deceased, and Nathan J. The father of this family
c'epai'ted this life on the 26th of Deeemlier, 1869, and the mother passed
i'v.-ay Api'il 27. 1868, at the age of seventy-one.
In taking up the personal history of Joseph F. Bayless, we present
to our readers the record of one who is widely and favorably known in
Woodson County. Educated in the district schools, he began his busi-
ness career as a general farmer and stock raiser before attaining his
majority. On the 11th of October, 1860. when twenty-four years of age,
he secured a faithfid companion and helpmeet for life's jonrne.v by his
marriage to Miss Esther P. Duff, a daughter of William Duff, who
resided in western Pennsylvania and was of Irish descent. His wife bore
the maiden name of Esther Caughey and her parents were of Scotch
.VvOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 725
extraction. Mr. Duff served as a soldier iu the war of 1812. His child-
ren were: Sarah A., widow of David Wallace, of New Concord, Ohio;
Eleanor, deceased wife of Archibald McNair, of Mercer County, Penn-
sylvania; Samuel C, who is living in Beaver County; Mary and Eliza
J., who have passed away, and Mrs. Bayless.
For ten years after his marriage, the subject of this review, re-
mained in his native state and then removed with family to Bates Cottnty,
Missouri, settling upon a farm which he made his home for about five
years. He then went to Jasper County. Iowa, where he spent a similar
period, and on the 24th of September, 1881, he arrived iu Woodson
County. Here he located on section fourteen, township twenty-five,
range fourteen and owns three-fourths of the section. His land is di-
vided into fieldK for cultivation and into pastures to afford grazing for
the stock. He makes a specialty of the raising of sheep and his opinion
is regarded as authority on that subject iu this portion of the country.
He also has some fine grades of horses, cattle and hogs, and in his fields
he produces rich crops. He takes a commendable pride in keeping every-
thing about the place in first-class condition, and fields and buildings all
indicate his careful .supervision and jirogressive methods of farming.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Bayless has been blessed with five child-
n n : Lillie E., wife of B. F. Graham, of Whitman County, Washington ;
Stanton W., of Lake Charles, Louisiana : Laura M.. wife of William Mc-
Daniel, of Okanogan County, Washington ; Adelaide G., wife of Herbert
P. Lewi.s, of Ashcroft, British Colninbia, and Jessie G., a graduate of
the Kansas Agrienltur.il ('nHc-c <•■( the class of 1898. Mr. and J\L's.
Bayle?-s have maiiy friciids in tlirii' adopted county, and during the
twenty years of his residence here, Mr. Baylers has been accounted one
of the leading agriculturists of the comnuinity, not alone on account of
the success he has achieved in business bnt also because of his fidelity and
loyalty as a citizen and his earnest support of all that he believes will
jiromote the general good.
JOHN HAEDING.
COLONEL HARDING, for thus he is known among his friends,
is a leading farmer of Woodson County and an honored veteran of the
Civil war whose lo.yalty to the Union cause was inanifest by his bravery
on many a battlefield of the South. He was born in Luzerne County,
Pennsylvania, on the 14th of August, 1831, and is a son of Henry Hard-
ing, a native of Exeter, Luzerne County, born in 1802. The paternal
grandfather, John Harding, Sr., was the sole survivor of the Indian
massacre in the Wyoming valley. A native of Massachusetts, he became
one of the early settlers of Luzerne County and there bore his part iu
reclaiming the wild land for purposes of civilization. He made farm-
726 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
iiju- his life work, following that arduous task amid the forests of his
adopted state. He married a ]Mii-s Jenkins, and in their pioneer home
they reared their large family, of whom Henry Harding was the
yonngest.
The father of onr subject also became a farmer and was very suc-
cessful, leaving a valuable estate at his death. He supported the Whig
party and was recognized as a local political leader, his opinions carry-
ing weight in the councils of his party. He was always a great student
of the Bible and had a firm belief in the life beyond the grave and that
he should en.ioy that life. He married Sarah Montanye, who died in
1889, at the age of eighty-four years. Their children were: Henry M.,
assistant .iiidge of the circuit court and a resident of Wyoming County,
Pennsylvania; Isaac, who is living in the Yosemite valley of California;
John, of this review; Amy. wife of Clinton DeWitt, of Pittston, Pennsyl-
vania: Fannie, wife of Jerry Worral. of San Francisco, California;
Mahala B., widow of Punderson Miller, of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania :
Lucy, wife of William Weatherbee, of Exeter. Pennsylvania : j\I. Adelia.
wife of Dr. M. H. Everett, of Lincoln, Nebraska.
In his early bojdiood John Harding was a student in the country
schools and later attended the Wyoming Seminary of the Wyoming
Valley, completing his education in the New York Conference Seminary,
He left that institution to go to Lee County, Illinois, where he engaged
in teaching at intei'vals for several years. He resided in Wyoming town-
ship, Lee County, and there remained for twenty-six years, devoting his
time to educational work and merchandising. In 1859 he returned to
Pennsylvania, where he again followed teaching at intervals also spend-
ing some time as a salesman in mercantile establishments.
In 1863 Mr. Harding was employed with an engineering coi-ps at
Washington, D, C, and the following year he returned to Luzerne
County, where he was drafted for service. He paid three hundred
dollars commutation money, and immediately afterward was commis-
sioned second lieutenant in the recruiting service. He recriiited seventy-
two men. had them mustered in and was then commissioned first
lieutenant of Company G, Two Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, with which command he joined the Fifth Corps on the
15th of Sep'^ember, under General Meade. Lieutenant Harding parti-
cipated in the battle of South Side Kailroad, October 28, 1864, and
of Hatcher's Eun. in February, 1865. At the latter he was shot
through the right elbow. On the ISth of May. 1865, he received an
honorable discharge, and was mustered out under general order. No. 82,
and special order^ No, 238. He participated in the Grand Review in
Washington and then returned to his home in Luzerne County, Pennsyl-
vania, the last of May, 1865.
The following fall Mv. Harding returned to Wyoming township, Lee
Countv, Illinois. where he was engaged in general merchandising, and in
'T^rOO^)SON COI^TIES. KANSAS. 727
Hhe lumber business, following those pursuits until 1884, when he was
-induced to come AVest where land could be obtained cheaper. Makiiig
bib way to Woodson County, Kansas, he pu.rchased section fifteen, Center
township, and has since devoted his attention to tlic r.iisiii^' and shipping
of stock. He is ont of the leading repi-esentatiMs ><\' lb" luiKiness in this
part of the state and through the proseei;tiori ft' Ins hiliors is winning
:a high degree of prosperity.
On the 1st of January, 1867. Colonel Harding was united in mar-
riage to Miss Tilinnie T. Bostie, a daughter of William Bostie, who was
^originally fi'om Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Her mother bore the maiden
name of Susan L. Atkinson, and their only child is Mrs. Harding, who by
lier marriage has become the mother of seven children : Affa E., wife
■of Oscar Fullington, of Yates Center; Harry, at home; Ethel A., a stu-
■dent in the Kansas State Normal school ; Mabel P., wife of W. A. Taylor,
ol McPherson. Kan; as: jMinnie D., James T. and John M., who are with
their parents.
In his political views Colonel Harding has always been a s+alwart.
■enthusiastic Eepublican, very zealous in support of the party. He cast
his first \'ote for Winfield Pcott. his second for John C. Fremont and
•since that time has never failed to vote for each Republican eandidnte
'for the presidency. He is a leading citizen, influential in the ranks of his
party, and is ever ready to give his co-operation and aid to measures
v.'hieh ha\'e for tlieir object the general good. He is to-da.y as true to
^his duties of pitizenship as when he followed the starry banner through
the Soutb.
ERNEST LINDER.
i\Ir. Linder's residence on Owl creek antedates that of any other
resident now living along that stream. The history of Woodson County
in pioneer dayfi is therefore very familiar to him as well as that of the
later progress and development. He arrived here on the 13th of April,
1857, and through the passing years has been a representative of the
■agricultural interests of this portion of the state.
Erne-t Linder was born in Baden, Germany, October 31, 1827, and
was a son of Jacob Linder, also a native of that country. He was a
stone mason by trade and spent his early life in Carlsruhe, -n^here he
married Barbara Stobber. Coming to this country he spent the last four
years of his life in Owl Creek township, Woodson County, where he
•died in 1870. at the age of sixty-eight years, while his wife passed
•away the following year. Their children were; Ernest, of this re\new;
AugTist. who died in Freeport. Illinois, in 1896; Frank, who also died
in Freeport: Louise, who died in 1862; Christina, a twin sister of Louise,
and now a widow of Richard Perdel. of Allen County, Kansas, and Caro-
72S' HIa'fbRY Of ALLEiS^" A"NI)
I'lie, wife of Martin Kern, of Allen County.
Throughout the period of his minority Erne^jt Linder remained iff
the fatherland and theie learned the stone mason's trade. Deciding tO'
emigrate to America in 1852, he sailed from Havre, France, landing in.
Xew York after forty-eight days spent upon the bosom of the Atlantic.
He made the journey with the other members of the family, and after
■.caching the shores of the new world they continued their westward
journey across the country to Wisconsin and later went to Stephenson
County, Illinois, where our subject remained until 1857, working at his-
tiade. He then came to Kansas, his trip resulting from accounts which
he read in a paper published at Osawatomie and which advocated the
principles and plans of John Brown, the celebrated abolitionist.
In company with his brotlier August. Mr. Linder went by rail tc
St. Louis, Mo., thence by boat to Kansas City and from that place by
:tage to Lawrence, Kas., where they stopped for a short reconnaissance.
On learning something about the country and its opportunities, they
started on foot for the southeastern corner of the state, spending the
first night in Ohio City, near where the city of Ottawa is now located.
The second night was passed in the home of an old bachelor west of the
site of Carnett, and the next day they proceeded along the Indian trail
to Leroy, which was then a small village. On the fourth morning they
crossed the Neosho river, continuing on their way to Cherry creek, and
in that locality for some months they made their home with John Cole-
man. The brothers at once began seai'ching for good claims and Mr.
Linder of this review entered the northeast quarter of section thirty-
three, township twenty-five, range seventeen. He then began the erec-
tion of a rude cabin, followed by the work of clearing and improving his
land, upon which he has resided continuously since, transforming the
wild tract into a richly cultivated farm, where well tilled fields give
promise of bounteous harvests, and buildings and fences, all in good
repair, indicate the careful supervision of a painstaking owner.
Since coming to the county Mr. Linder has followed farming with
the exception of the time of his ser\ in' in the C'nion army. In 1862 he
enlisted in Company F*. Ninth Kansas (':iv:i!ry. The regiment spent its
time largely in Kansas and Missouri during the first two years and the
h-.st year in Arkansas. ])eing finally mustered out at Duvalls Bluff, that
state. "The only battle in wliieh i\Ir. Tjiuder iiartieipated was that of
Newtonia in 18fi2, for the regiment was largely engaged in checking
the operation of the bushwaekers.
On the 20th of April, 1865, in Stephenson County, Illinois. Mr.
Linder was united in nmrriage to ]\Iiss Julia Boyer, who was born in
Carbon County, Pennsylvania, Augnst 1. 1843, a daughter of John
Boyer, wh.o die<l in Owl Creek township, in 1890. at the age of seventy-
e'ght year>'. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Fenstermacher,
and they we)'e the parents of ten childrpn. as follows: John; Owen;
\\00"DSOTSJ COinviTIES, KANSAS. 729
■•Caroline, -widow of Henry Bonrdner: Lizzie, deceased wife of John Guen-
tlier; Frances, who married Loii Knights; Enniia. wife of Charles Walton
Aaron and Sylvester, in Stephenson County. Illinois, and Mrs. Linder.
With the exrception of thore otherwis-e designated all of the members of
this family have been or are resit'i'nts nf Iowa. The home of Mr. and
Mrs. Linder has been blesp-ed witli l\\r cliildren: Alice, wife of August
Stockebrand, of Woodsou County; Frank Edward, who married Katie
Strauss and also resides in Woodson County; Lanra, at home; Louisa,
wife of Nicholas Benrrett, of the same county, and Sarah, who completes
the family. Mr. Linder and his family bave long been connected with
the Evangelical cbureli and are worthy people of the community, win-
nuig friends by their true worth. Mr. Linder bas been an important
factor in the progress and development of the county, and his name is
■enrolled high on the record of its honored piom^ers.
WILLIAM hARTAAaO.
A brilliant example of a self-made American citizen, his record ex-
emplifying the progress that an ambitimis forrigner can make in this
(•n\intry iif unbounded opportunities, is shown in the case of William
i';iiUviu. :>]]:■ lit tlie leading G-ernian-Ameriean citizens of Kansas. His
siiiL'uhii- siicccs- is due to his own energy and the high ideal which his
hiudable ambition placed before him. Success in any walk of life is an
indication of earnest endeavor and persevering effort— characteristics
which our subject possesses in an eminent degree.
Mr. Hartwig is numbered among the honored pioneers of Woodson
County where he located in 1858, taking up bis abode in Owl Creek
township in 1863. He ^^tis born in the village of Pummean, Prussia.
October 9. 1840, and was eighteen years of age when he came to Kansas
with his father, Gottlieb Hartwig. His active business life has all been
passed in this county. When the country became involved in war over
the attempt at secession made by some of the Southern states, he enlisted
under the starry banner of the Union, on the 1st of January, 1862, join-
ing Company P. Ninth Kansas Infantry, at lola, under Captain B. F.
Gosp. He served all the time in Missouri, Kas., and Arkansas, taking
part in few engagements, the most important being at Prairie Grove,
Arkansas. He remained in the army, however, for three years, and was
then honorably discharged, without having been wounded or taken
pi isoner.
Upon his return to Woodson County. Mr. Hartwig resumed farm-
ing. He was married here on the 9th of December, 1869, to Bertha
Shultz, a daughter of Christian Shultz. a Gennan by birth, then residing
in Woodson County. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hartwig have been born the fol-
lowing children: ITcnrv A., of Rochester, New Yoi-k, who is with the
f2,0 His'fORV* Of' ALLEi^ ANiJ
Rochesttr, Buffalo tic Pittsburg railroad; i\latilda, wife of Luke Beckett;-
i-.r Woodt-ou County; Amelia, wife of Edward ^mith, of the same county;
Mary, Minnie, Charles. Nellie, Elsie, Freddie and Lillie, all yet at home.
The family rtsidence is a very comfortable one situated in the midst
of an extensive farm on section twenty-nine. Owl Creek township. Mr.
Hartwig now owns six hundred acres of valuable land, of which five hun-
dred and eighty acres is comprised within the home farm and is a rich
and arable tract. None of the modern accessories and improvements are-
lacking upon this desirable place, good buildings, well kept fences, mod-
ern machinery and well tilled fields all indicating to the passer-by the
thrift and enterprise of the owner, whose progressive spirit and inde-
f.itigable labors have won him a creditable position among the leading
and reprerentative farmers of the township. In politics he is a Republi-
can and has served as township trustee and township clerk, capably dis-
charging the dutieis of both positions. He represents the best class of
our Cerman- American citizens, reliable in business, steadfast of purpose,
faithful in friendship and loyal to our Republican institutions, thus in-
dicating his strong love for the land of his adoption.
PROTAS BLUME.
Under circnmstances which would have utterly discouraged and dis-
heartened a man of less resolute spirit and earnest purpose rrotas Blume
has worked his way upward to success. At times fate has seemed to be-
adverf:e and obstacles and diffieidties have barred his path, but perse-
verance and energy have conquered all, and to-day l\Ir. Blume is living in
honorable retirement in a pleasant residence in Yates Center, his toil in-
former years having brought to him a competence which now supplies
him with all the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. If more
young men followed his example, the word "failure" would appear less
frequently in connection witli bioaraiihical history.
Mr. Blume was born in ^^trasbur<r. Germany. May 6, 1832, and'
there spent the first ten years of liis life, after which he came to
America with his father, Joseph Blue, in 1842. They landed in
New Vdik City and then went to Cincinnati, 0., where the father died
c.f cliolci-ii lit the age of fifty-eight years. His wife had died in Germany
]irior 1() his emigration to the new world. Our sttbject, then a yotmg
boy. engaged as an apprentice to learn the tailor's trade and was em-
ployed in Cincinnati for five years, after which he removed to Moorfield,
Indiana, where he secured a situation as a farm hand, working by the
month.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life he chose Miss
Christiana IMcKinzie, -who was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, in
1823, and was of Scotch lineage. Their marriage was celebrated on the
WOODSON countie:;, kansas. 731
19th of Jamiaiy, 1858, and JMr. Bhniie coutimied fanning in the Hoosier
Slate imtil 1862, when feeling tliat his country needed his services he
enlisted as a member of Company B, Fortieth Indiana Infantry and par-
ticipated in the battles of Nashville and Franklin. In the latter he was
severely wounded in the back of the head and for a long time lay ill in
the hospital, after which he was discharged on accouet of his injury, after
serving for nineteen months.
Mr. Blume then returned to Indiana and as soon as he was able he
and his wife removed to Madison County, that state, where he used the
money which he had avi'il in tlie ininy in make partial payment upon
a farm. To make tlu' jHui-liase lu' incuniil an indebtedness of five hun-
dred and sixty-three dollais. lie labored hard and at length acquired the
money with which to make full payment. On the 2d of December, 1867,
therefore, he started for the recorder's office with the money, but the
ii:an to vs'hom he owed it failed to mtet him. He then started to return
and while crossing a bridge he was attacked by highwaymen, knocked
senseless and the money taken from him. the robbers making their escape.
This was such a discouragement that Mr. Bli;me resolved to lose what
he had already paid on the farm and go to Kansas where he could obtain
land from the government. Accordingly, in the spring of 1868, he ar-
rived in Humboldt, Kas., with only a dollar and sixt.y-five cents in his
pocket. The next day he began work for William Lassman at hauling
sand. After three months he filed a claim to one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Eminence township, Woodson County.
Since that time Mr. Blume has devoted his energies to agricultural
pursuits, and has made one of the finest farms in the county. He has
s:nee taken one hundred and sixty acres of land each for two of his sons,
and his home farm comprises two hundred and forty acres— a valuable
tiact on which is a fine residence and three large barns together with
i"any other improvements. The cattle barn will accommodate sixty-five
head of cattle, and he has two barns for the horses, together with cow
pens and other buildings, somewhat resembling a little village. On the
place is a fine grove of maples, containing ten hundred and twenty-eight
trees in rows four feet apart in one direction, .six feet in the other. At
the well there are also nineteen trees, which were planted by his wife,
who pulled up the switches and carried them home, planting them in
their prerent location. They are now two feet thick and one hundred
feet in height and stand as monuments to Mrs. Blume. As the years
have passed IMr. Blume has met with a high degree of success in his farm-
ing and stock raising operations, and with a handsome competence suf-
ficient to supply his wants throughout the evening of life he has retired
I0 Yales Center where he is happily and quietly living with the wife who
through more than forty years has been his faithful and devoted com-
panion on life's journey. They took up their abode in the city No-
vember 15, 1897— the only removal they have made since coming to
Woodson County.
7,i2 HISTORY OF ALLEN AiVD
The marriage of Mv. and IMrs. Bhune was blessed with five children:
•Joseph D.. who resides upon the home farm; Andrew J., who is living on
one of his father's farms near Buffalo; Jarvis Amos, who is now a prac-
ticing attorney of Chicago, where he has made his home for eight, years;
Anna, wife of D. M. Corley, and John H. The daughter was born in
1S62 and died February 18, 1895, leaving a daughter in Basin, Mon-
tana, while the youngest son, born August 28, 1865, died June 6, 1877.
^uch in brief is the hisory of Protas Blume— a man whose industrious
and upright life has ever commanded the respect and Confidence of his
fellow men. A resolute spirit has been the dominating element in his
success and has broi;ght him prosperity which is indeed enviable and
equally as well deserved.
WILLIAM E. HOGUELAND.
Few, if any residents of Yates Center are more widely, and cer-
tainly none are more honorably known than William E. Hogueland, the
])resent postmaster, whose worth as a man, as a citizen and as a public
official have gained for him the confidence and good will of all with
whom he has been brought in contact. His reputation in the line of his
profession — the law— is not of restricted order and he has won many
notable forensic combats r.^^ the bar where his opponents have been men
of acknowledged skill and ability.
It is therefore a matter of gratification to the biographer to touch
upon the more salient features in the life history of Mr. Hogueland, who
was born in Nashville, Indiana, on the 3d of October, 1859. He is a
grandson of John Hogueland. whose ancestors came from Holland to
America and settled in the old Dutch colony of New York. William
B. Hogueland, the father of our subject, was born in Philadelphia on
the site of the present campus of Girard college, in the year 1823 and
after arriving at years of maturity he married Cordelia Barnes, who was
born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1832. They are still living and their
children are : Samuel H. ; Mary, who is the widow of W. A. Atchison
iud is in the Indian school .servicee at Flandru, South Dakota; Flora,
wife of M. C. Bidwell. of Noi-borne. l\Iissouri, and William Edward, of
this review.
Wlien a lad of ten years William E. Hogueland accompanied his
parents on their removal to Kansas, the family locating in Neosho Falls,
where he continued his education, being graduated in the high school.
"\Mien only .sixteen years of age he began reading law. and at the age of
nineteen he was admitted to the bar before Judge Talcott. Throughout
the years of his practice' he has resided in Woodson County. In January,
1888, he formed a law partnership with the Hon. G. R. Stephenson at
Yates Center, Kansas, which relationship was maintained until January,
/f^^^^O ^^yl^'^-^C^^ ^
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 7;;3
1S97. The couneetion was tlieu dissolved by iimtiial consent and Mr.
Hogueland entered into partnership with Hon. G. H. Lamb. Since his
admission to the bar he has been actively engaged in practice, and has
been retained either as counsel for the plaintitt" or defi-ndjiiit in every
important case tried in the courts of the county. His pine; ice (^\fends
throughout Southeastern Kansas and is of a distinctively representa-
tive character . He has especially prepared himself as a counselor and
has the reputation of being one of the best informed and safest counselors
ij the district. ' He has much natural ability but is withal a hard student
and is never contented until he has mastered every detail of his cases.
He btlieves in the maxim "there is no excellence without labor," and
follows it clncely. He is never surprised by some unexpected discovery
l)y an opposing lawyer, for in his iiiiiid l;c weighs every iiiiinl :iiid forti-
n'(:s himself as" well for the defense as li.i- ilii> attack. lie is not an
oi'aior to the extent of swaying .juries by his eloquence, and for this
reason he has been accorded more fame as a counselor than as an advo-
cate, and yet there are few lawyers who win a larger percentage of their
cases before either .judge or .jury than does Mr. Hogueland.
On the 22d of July, 1887, Mr. Hogueland was united in marriage
Ic Miis Mattie R. Poster, of Slater, Missouri, and unto them two children
hi.ve been born, Frank F., and Alice B. Her father was a native of Eng~
land and became an early harness and trunk manufacturer of Racine,
Wisciinsin.
When only twenty-one years of age Mr. Hogueland was elected clerk
of the district court of Woodson County, in the year 1880. and served
in that capacity for eight years, which was the only political office he had
tilled up to the time of the election of President McKinley, when he asked
and received the appointment of postmaster of Yates Center, Kansas, in
\chich capacity he is now acceptably serving. He has always been an
advocate of Republican principles, devoting his time and money for the
sticcess of the party in whose principles he so firmly believes. He has
served for a number of years on the various county eonnnittees and is
new chairman of the fourteenth senatorial district committee. Mr.
Hogueland 's life has certainly been a successful one arid for this he de-
serves great credit. By de'^ermined purpose, and in the face of grave
difficulties he has worked his way steadily upward to a position of prom-
inence and honor among his fellow townsmen and en.joys the well-earned
distinction of being what the public calls "a self-made man."
ABNER YATES.
To have attained to the extreme fullness of years and to have had
lie's l<en broadened to a comprehension of all that has been accomp-
shed within the flight of many days, is o"f itself sufficient to render con-
734 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
st'iiaiit a detailed consideratiou of such a life in a work of this order, but
iu the career of Mr. Yates there are more pertinent, more distinguishing
elements. His name is inseparably associated with the history of Kansas
as the founder of Yates Center, and as long as the city endures it will
be a monument to his progressive spirit. No shadows darken any period
of his long, honorable and eventful life, and now at the age of eighty-
two years he receives the veneration and respect ever accorded to one who
has walked upright before his fellow men, commanding respect not only
by i-eason of a successful and prosperous career but also by his unfalter-
ing devotion to duty in every relation of life. Such is the history of
Abner i'ates.
A native of Gallatin County, Kentucky, he was born Augu.st 4, 1819,
and is a son of Henry Yates, a native of Caroline County, Virginia, and
a grandson of Abner Yates, Sr. The former was married in the Old
Dominion to Miss Millicent Yatts, his eoutin, and in an early day they
emigrated to Kentucky, where the father became prominent in the work
of early development. He laid out the town of Wai'saw and there carried
en merchandising until his removal to Illinois in the year 1831. For a
time he resided in Springfield, the capital city, and then founded the
tCAvn of Berlin, in Sangamon County, Illinois, where he conducted a
general mercantile establishment. Ilis enterprise resulted greatly to the
benefit of the place, and he was recognized as a leading factor in the
progress and advancemnt of the town until his death. He liad a large
family, one of whom was Governor Richard Yates, Sr., of Illinois who
was the youngest member of the thirty-recond congress of the United
S'atcs. was afterward elected to the same office and in 1860 was elected chief
executive of Illinois, and is known in history as the "war governor" of that
commonwealth. He was a most active supporter of the Union, and the
day following the attack on Fort Sumter took military possession of
Cairo, Illinois, which he garrisoned with troops. It is his son and the
nephew of our subject, Richard Yates, Jr., who is the present chief execu-
tive of Illinois.
Abner Yates was reared in his parent's home and through the period
of his youth became familiar with business methods and measures
Hi rough practical experience in his father's store. After attaining his
liia.jority he was admitted to a partnership in the business and his en-
t( rjirise. sound judgment and the progressive spirit of youth added
l;,i'u<>ly to tlu? snceiss of the enterprise. In 1831 he removed to Morgan
County. Illinois, where he continued to reside until 1883. In the mean-
time he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, and his close application to
business, keen discriminating mind and unflagging industry enable him
to acquire a handsome competence. He judiously invested some of his
capital in realty and became the owner of section eleven. Center town-
ship, Woodson County, Kansas. In 1875 he was induced to plat a town
site, having been given assurance that if he would do so the new town
■WOOnSON CODNTIliS. KA^TSAS. 735
^should become the county seat. He therefore plattttl one hundred and
^ixty acres— the southwest quarter of the section— and it was decided
that the newly established town should be made the seat of justice for the
■county. Frank Butler insisted that the place should be called Yates
Center and therefore in honor of the founder the city was named. Its
growth has been pleasing and continuous, aided largely by the efforts
cf Mr. Yates who donated nmny lots to persons desiring to improve them.
The first house in the town \ras owned by G. W. Wille who moved the
building to the town site fi-om Kalida. Mr. Yates also moved a small
Tjuilding from Kalida and located it upon the northwest corner of the
^square wliere Frank Butler's pharmacy now stands, and this served as
the first court house. In 1883 Mr. Yates permanently took up his abode
in the city which beavs his name and has contributed to all measures for
its upbuilding and co-operated in many movements for the general wel-
fare.
The home life of Mr. Yates has been very pleasant, and his family is
one which does honor to an untarnished name. On the 7th of August.
1851, in Jacksonville. Illinois, he was united in marriage to J\Iiss Mary
Geer.s, a daughter of William and Mary Geers, natives of Virginia, who
removed to Kentucky and from Lexington, that state, to Illinois. Two
•children were horn unto Mr. and Mrs. Yates : Mary M., the wife of
John B. Dobins. of Yates Center, and William H.. who- has charge of
the annual report department in the office of the secretary of state, at
Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Yates cast his first presidential vote in 1840,
when he supported William Henry Harrison for the presidency. On
the dissolution of the Whig party he became a Republican, and voted
for the first candidate of the party in 1856. He has since never wavered
in his allegiance to its principles, although he has never sought or desired
the honors or emoluments of public office. In three states the name of
Yates is recorded in history as that of the founder of a town, and the
prosperous and thriving city of Yates Center, which owes its origin and
r:uch of its later advancement to our subject, is a fitting monument to
the life and labors of one who in the busy walks of commerce has ever
home himself with signal honor and dignity, awakening uniform regard
hy his upright career.
CHARLES H. WEIDE.
One of the wealthiest residents of North township and the largest
dealer in sheep and cattle is Charles H. Weide. The native born Ameri-
can citizen who wins success in life unaided is certainly deserving of
commendation, but the man of foreign birth accomplishes a still greater
work as he has to overcome greater disadvantages, being handicapped by
.1 lack- of knowledge concerning the language and the customs of the peo-
7,^6 HISTORY OF ALLEN AKu
pie auioug wlium he casts liis lot. Mr, Weide, as his uaine indicates is of
German birth, but in America he has found the opportunities wuich he
sought for a successful business career. He was born in the fatherland,.
August 4, 1847, his parents being Godfrey and Lottie (Mockerott)
Weide, who were nalives of Germany and were there reared and married.
In 1854 they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and located in Cook
County, Illinois, wheie the father engaged in farming, but not being sat-
istiwl with that portion of the country and wishing to make his home in
a locality where he could secure more land and a larger range for stock,
he came to 'Kansas in 1858. After a year spent in Coft'ey County be-
came to Woodson County in 1859, setttling on Turkey Creek, twelve-
milt s ii(i!tli\\"-:t of Yates Center, where he engaged in raising both
sliccp olid cMttle. He was also the owner of a very large tract of
land ;it tli'' time of his death, which occurred in 1899, when he
had attained the age of seventy-nine years and six months. His wife had
passed away about 1875. They were the parents of four children:
Charles H. ; Minnie, Fritz and William.
Charles IT. Weide, tln^ cldi^st. was a hn:! (if seven summers when the
parents eaiiu' to the iww wmld. .md whrn a youth of twelve he became a
resident of Kansas, lie lia>: resided in Woodson County for more than
forty-two years and has always been connected with its farming and
stock raising interests. He remained with his father imtil his marriage,
when he began dealing in stock, and isiuce that time he has devoted much
of his time to the raising of cattle and shtep until his etforts in this line
have become more extensive than those of any other one man in the
(ownsliip. Ill' lli(ir(i\i,ulily uiiilersfands the business, having received
p''ac-tii-al tiaiiiiiii.1 iiiid.T llic direction of his father in his youth. He has'
always iiiadi' a cldse study nf llie needs of farm animals, and his opinions
on tlii:: suhject are .■ii'('<'!)ted as authority in the conuiiunity. As his
finaiieial lesdurees liave iiiereased lie has made judicious investments of
his capital in re;d esta'e. and lie now owus twoWe Inuulred acres of land.
He kie]>s on liand an average of one hundred and fifty head of cattle
and aliout five hundred jheep. These he shelters in a large barn built for
tlie purpose, with room for feed above and for the sheep below. He alsa
has water troughs through the barn and the yard, and he has the barn
so arranged that he can separate from the rest of the flock any sheep
which need special attention. In both branches of his stock raising busi-
iies'- he lias met with a high degree of success. In Janirary, 1901, his
cattle sales amounted to eighteen hundred dollars, his sheep brought him
nine hundred dollai's, and his hogs five hundred dollars. He sells to
some extent in almost every month in the year when the prices suit him.
His farm is one (-if the best located in Woodson County. In addition to
the larcre barns and cattle sheds, which are surrounded with a fine grove
of timber on Tui'kev creek he has a conunodious residence, comfortably
~vDO"osoN COpntie:;. ka'nsas. 737
:ar;d taftefully furnished and all the modern conveniences and accessories
are there found.
In 1873 was celebrated the marriage of IMr. Weide and Miss Minnie
Upperman, a native of (termany, who came to Kansas in 1873 and was
soon afterward married. Their union has "been blessed with eleven child-
ren, namely : Eddie. Charles. Albert, Martha, Hattie, Emil, Emma,
Lillie, Edi-e, Alice and I eonard. Through his long residence in Wood-
son County, Mr. Weide has become well Imown to a large majority of
its citizens and his extensive op^M-ations in land and stock have caused
Jiis reputation as a successfiil and reliable business man to extend beyond
the bordei-s of the county. His life certainly illustrates the possibilities
that Kansas offers to her citizens who are energetic and ai'e not afraid of
labor, fnr the<2<^ elem^^nts in his character have brought to him pros-
pt-rity.
MADISON FRAME.
In pioneer days in Southeastern Kansas, Rev. Madison Frame came
t(i Woodson County. Incating within its borders in 1869, and through
ti.e intervening years he ha^ not only been clos(=ly conn^c^ed with its agri-
■cultural interests but lias exerted widispicnd influence in behalf of all that
tends to uplift man and make the wcrld bi-tter.
A native of Tennessee, he was born in Sevier County, October 17,
1836, and is a son of Archibald and Mary (Howard) Frame. The
father died during the early boyhood of our subject, who 'was the
,y(.ungest of the six children, namely: Nancy, wife of William Phillips,
a resident of Arkanras, living in the vicinity of Rogers. Barbara, wife
■f r William Low. of Tennessee: Martha, who married a Confederate sol-
dier and is now deceased ; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Henry
Hawk and died leaving a family in Tennessee, and John who also passed
away, survived by his family, residing at Mos.sy Creek, Tennessee.
The advantages and pi'ivileges which Madison Frame enjoyed in his
yc.uth were limited, for at an early age he had to provide for his own
support. At tbe a^e of fourteen years he left home, and with his brother-
in-law, William Phillips, vwnt to Moniteau County. Missoiiri. where he
became a farmer and made his home until 1861. In that year he re-
n^oved to Arkansas, but the following year retiirned to Moniteau County,
where he enlis+ed in the Fifth INIissouri Cavalry, becoming a member of
Company F. His regiment belonged to the Army of the West and served
under Ceneral McNeal and Colonel Sigel. the latter a half brother of
"General Sigel. The regiment was on duty in Missouri, guarding trains
and fighting bushwackers. Mr. Frame was thus engaged for more than
three years, but was never wounded or captured, although be was al-
vays found at his post of duty, no matter how arduous the task devolv-
73» HTS'rOK\ OF .iLl.ES" AK'IJ'
ing iipou him.
After receiving' an honorable discharge Mr. Frame resumed farm-
ing in Missiouri and subsequently took up his residence in Benton
tounty, Arkansas, where he purchased a farm upon which he remained
for two years. About that time he was married, for on che 13th of
January, 1867, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary A. Radcliff, a.
daughter of J. C. Radcliff, of IMorgan County, Missouri.
In 1869, Rev. Frame brought his young wife to Woodson County.
He was in comforiable circxim.stances when he arrived in Kansas, having
suved some of his army pay with which he had made a start in business
life. He purchased a claim of one hundred and twenty acres on section
thirty-one, township twenty-six, range fifteen, and since that time he has
n-.ade his home thereon, developing the land into a valuable farm. An
additional purchase of one hundred and twenty acres has made him the
owner of two hundred and forty acres, and ou his place are seen all the
evidence of thrift and labor. Good buildings, the latest improved ma-
chinery, highly cultivated fields and good grades of stock all attest the
enterprising spirit of a practical agriculturist.
In early days in the county Rev. Frame took an active part in poli-
tical affairs, attended the county conventions and did much to promote-
the growth of the Republican party, with which he has been affiliated
since its organizatioir. A member of the Baptist church he was one of
the first representatives of that denomination in this portion of the state,
and for twenty years he .'^erved the Bethel Baptist church as its pastor,
laboring earnestly and iintiringly for the growth of the congregation
and the .spread of its influence. On various occasions he represented the
ehur-ch as delegate at its state conventions and along all lines of religious-
activity he has been found as an active and efficient co-operator. Wher-
e\er he is known his upright life and fidelity to duty have commended
him to the confidence and respect of those with whom he has been as-
sociated, and as the years have passed the circle of his acquaintance and
friendship has been continually increased.
NATHAN S. MACOUBRIE.
'The rich land of Kansas which only a few decades ago was un-
ciaimed by settlers and was the hunting ground of the Indians is now
divided into fine farms which, in fertility, productiveness and improve-
ments are not surpassed in any state in the Union. One of these is noAr
the property of Nathan S. Macoubrie, who owns and operates two hun-
dred and forty acres eight miles northwest of Tates Center.
He was born in Warren County. Ohio. November 27. 1848, and is
of Irish lineage. His father, Arthur IMacoubrie, was a native of County
Down. Ireland, and on leaving that- country crossed the broad Atlantic
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 739
to the uew world. In this country^ he wedded Mary Fife, a native of Gal-
lia County, Ohio. He was a tailor by trade and was an industrious and
energetic man. His death occurred in Warren County, . Ohio, in 1853,
when he was seventy-nine years of age, and his wife, surviving him
for twenty years, passed away in 1871, at the age of sixty-five. Their son,
>^athan pursued his education in the public schools of Ohio and at the
;ige of eighteen years accompanied his mother and two brothers to Carroll
County, Missouri. There were nine children in the family, but only three
are now living, namely: James R.. who is living in Carroll County;
Arthur E., a resident of Olathe, Kas., where he is editor and proprietor
of the Olathe Tribune, and Nathan S.
The last named resided with his mother and engaged in the opera-
tion of rented land until his marriage when he went to a home of his
own, beginning his domestic life in Missouri, where he remained until
1S83 when he came to Kansas, settling in Woodson County. Here he
devoted his attention to the cultivation of rented land until 1895 when
v.ith the capital he had acquired through his own diligence, persever-
ance and economy, he purchased the tract of land which he now owns.
He has since made excellent improvements upon his place, including the
C'-ection of a pretty and commodious residence which he has just com-
pleted. There is; also a large barn and other necessary outbuildings upon
the place and he has about fifty head of cattle, making a specialty of the
raising and feeding of stock. His fields are also well cultivated, and the
products of his farm are annually bringing to him a desirable income.
In connection with his farming interests Mr. Macoubrie has been iden-
tified with journalism in this county. He established and named the
Yates Center Advocate and was proprietor of the paper for seven years,
after which he .= old it to E. P. Hudson, who still continues its publi-
cation.
Mr. Macoubrie has been twice married. On the 28th of February.
1872, was celebrated his mari'iage to Miss Elvira Surber. a native of
Ohio, who died in 1894, leaving seven children, namely: Mrs. Emma
Dingle; Mrs. Lizzie Simpson, Carrie F., Willie A., Clarence, Pearlie
and Minnie. After the death of his first wife Mr. Macoubrie wedded
Miss Lenna Dingle, the marriage occurring September 16, 1896. She
is a native of St. Clair County, Missouri, and a daughter of John R. and
I\iary J. Dingle, both natives of Indiana. Mr. Macoubrie has never been
an aspirant for public office. He served as treasurer of his township for
one term during which he sustained a loss of one hundred and fifty
dollars through the failure of the bank in which he had made deposit of
the public money. He is a progressive and public-spirited citizen, and
his sterliim- worth, widely recognized, has won him many friends.
74° HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
CLARENCE M. KINYOX.
In the year hi which he attained 'his majority Clarence M. Kiuyon
came to "Woodson County and throughout his entire business' career has
b(en identified with its agricultural interests. He is now one of the
popular young farmers of Liberty township and his labors annually
bring to him a good income.
Mr. Kinyon is numbered among the residents of Kansas that Penn-
sylvania has fiirnished to the Sunflower state. He was born in Brad-
f(.rd County. Pennsylvania. June 24. 1858, and is the eldest son of AY.
P. and Lydia N. Kinyon. When a little lad of six summers he ac-
companied his parents on their removal to Minnesota, where he was"
reared upon a farm and in the district schools of the neighborhood ac-
quired his education. When the family came to Kansas in 1879 they
h.cated in Linn County and resided there till 1883 when they became
residents of Woodson County. He lived with his parents until his marriage,
which event was celebrated on the 24th of June. 1891, the lady of his
choice being Mi.ss Daisy A. Bales, of Liberty township. She was born
in Randolph County, Indiana, on the 3d of December, 1872, and in 1884
came to Kansas with her parents, John R. and Samantha Bales, who
now reside in the vicinity of their daughter's home. They also have a
son. Walter M. Bales, who is yet with his parents. The marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. Kinyon is graced with two children: Keith E.. born
November 29, 1894." and Vesta U.. born March 23, 1898.
The farm upon which Mr. and Mrs. Kinyon reside was purchased
by our subject and comprises one hundred and twenty-five acres situated
eight miles north and three miles west of Yates Center. It was a tract
of wild prairie when he took up his abode there and began to lay the
foundation for his present prosperity. He erected a handsome residence
and built a large barn, ako added other necessary improvements. The
land is imdulating and productive and gives a rich yield in return for
the care and cultivation bestowed upon it. He has also a fine young
orchard of five acres which is now in bearing condition : the latest im-
proved machinery facilitates his farm work and in every particular the
place is modern, indicating the progressive spirit of the owner. Noat-
ross is also one of the salient characteristics of the place and its orderli-
ness is most commendable. Mr. Kinyon raises good crops and also
handles what stock his farm will support. His life has been one of
untiring industry and with but little assistance all that he now pos-
sesses has been acquired through his own efforts. His fellow townsmen,
recognizing his worth and ability, have several times called him to public
office. He was elected and served for two terms as township trustee
of liberty town.^hip and also two terms as township clerk, and in both
positions performed his duties in a capable and trustworthy manner.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 74 1
MARTIN SMITH.
MARTIN N. S]\HTII Avas born in Delaware County, C>hio, on the
tA\ enty- fourth day of July, 1864. His fatlier, .Jacdb Smith, was also a
1 ative of the Buckeye state. After att;iiiiiiii; Ni^avs of maturity he
wedded Louisa Bader, a native of Gernumy, whu came to America when
thirteen years of age in company with friends of her father. In the
year 1873, Mr. Smith came to Kansas, locating in Wellsville, Franklin
County, where he and his wife are still living, both having attained the
age of 64 years. They are the parents of five children, namely : John ;
A. Salome. Avife of Albert Hildei^brant, who is living in Colorado; Mai--
tin N.; Alice, wife of George Schultz, who makes his home in Topeka,
ajid Hattie wife of Charles Watt.
Martin N. Smith was a lad of eleven years when with his parents he
came to Kansas. He remained with them until the time of his marriage,
and in the interim pursued his education in the public schools. In 18 — ,
he wedded Miss Ida V. Munnnert, a native of Illinois, who came to Kan-
.sns Vi'ith her parents wlien a little girl. After his marriage Mr. Smith
\v'as employed in a livery b:ini owned by his father, being thus engaged
fur two years, after wliicli lii' lurned his attention to agricultural pur-
suits. He followed farming \«r two years, and then secured a situation
on the Crotty ranch, where he remained for seven years. On the ex-
piration of that period he came to Woodson County and purchased eighty
acres of land on Turkey creek, ten miles northwest of Yates Center,
where he is now engaged in farming. He has a very desirable and val-
uable tract of land bordering the creek. Part of his farm is bottom land,
rin which is timber enough to supply all the wood needed on the premises.
He has erected a new residence and has made improvements upon the
place until he now has one of the most desirable farm properties in
thus portion of the country.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been blessed with three
children, t,arl, who was born on the 28th of June, 1888 ; Phonnie, both
July the 12th, 1891 and died at the age of five years, -January 17,
1896; Wade who was born June 2, 1894. Mr. Smith is a member of
Crotty council, 5157, M. W. A. He is a self-made man. whose strong pur-
pose and determination in life have enabled him to win prosperity, and
1he farm which he now possesses is a monument to his thrift and en-
fivprise.
THOMAS WAMSLEY.
THOMAS WAMSLEY is engaged in farming on section seven, Bel-
mont township, Woodson County, where he has made his home for
thirty-one years, and his i-esidenee in the county covers a period of thirty-
four years. Great have been the changes which have occurred in this
742 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
time, llie indications and evidences of pioneer life being replaced by all
the improvements, industries and accessories of civilization known to the
older east. ilr. Wainsley may well be prond to have been identified with
the county through all Ihis era of transformation, and Southeastern Kan-
sas on the other hand may be glad to number him among her citizens
for he has ever been true to her interests. He came from Douglas
County, Illinois, making the journey by rail to Kansas City and by
stage from there to Humboldt in the year 1867. He first located on sec-
tion thii't.v-one, township twenty-six, range fifteen, Woodson County, but
after three years came to his present home, where for thirty years he has
c.irried on agricultural pursuits.
Mr. "VVamsley was born in Decatur Count.v, Indiana, January 29,
1843, and is a son of William Wainsley, a native of Germany, who re-
sided for a time in the vicinity of Cincinnati, Ohio and then moved to
Indiana about 1823. His death occurred in Tuscola, Illinois, when he
was seventy-nine years of age. He made the journey to America with
his parents, but both the father and mother died during the voyage,
leaving four children, all of whom married and left families in Ohio save
Mrs. Colwell, whose children reside in Warwick County, Indiana. Wil-
liam Wamsley was united in marriage to Anna Conklen, who died
leaving eleven children who reached years of maturity. Those now living
are: James, of Evansville, Indiana; Thomas; Sarah, wife of Myron
Hunt, of Wellington, Kansas, and Clementine, wife of John Pain, of San
Francisco, California.
Amid rural scenes Thomas Wjiiiislcy \\;i: i-eared, spending his youth
upon the home farm. The first iiiiiniriniii s:r|) v.-hieh he took in life was
in the line of military service, for with patriiiiie spirit aroused he offered
his service:-; to the government in 1861 and hecame a member of Company
D, Twenty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was engaged in the cam-
paign against Price in Southwestern Missouri until after the battle of
Tea Ridge. Arkansas, when the regiment was sent to Tennessee to rein-
force Buel! at Shiloh. After the battle the troops followed Bragg to
Louisville, Kentuek.y, and participated in the engagements at Stone
nver and Cliiekamauga. At the latter Mr. Wamsley was captured, Sep-
ti ii'ber 20, 1863. and with four thoiisand others was taken to Richmond,
Virginia. He was sent thence to Danville and afterward to Anderson-
ville and finally to Charleston, South Carolina, where he remained during
the seige. From that point the prisoners were sent to Florence, South
Carolina, where our subject was held rrntil parolled and returned to
Annapolis. He was in prison nearly fifteen months, and experienced the
ibual hardships and sufferings borne by the boys in blue in Southern
pirison pens. He was a loyal and faithful soldier, always found at his
pest of duty, whether on the picket line or the firing line.
Upon returning to the North, Mr. AVamsley was connected with
farming interests in Douglas County, Illinois, until coming to Kansas.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 74.-,
^e was not married until after his arrival here, and in Humboldt, De-
»cember 12, 1869 he led to the marriag* altar Miss Emmii Wilson, who
-died in 1882, leaving foiir children : Anna, wife of Carl Strand, of
Woodson. County; James; Walter, of Woodson County; and Milton. In
October, 1883 Mr. Wanisley was again married, Elizabeth, daughter of
Christman Leibert becoming his wife. Her father died in Germany. By
this marriage there is one daughter, E\.i, wil'.:' (.!' Elmer bilger, of Gor-
don, Nehraska. Mr. AVamsley gives his iM.li'ical support to the Republi-
can party and believes firmly in its prineiples but has never been a
■campaign worker, nor has he sought office, but as a private citizen quietly
aiid loyally performs his duty, commanding uniform respect by reason
of his genuine wortli-
ROBERT A. HURT.
ROBERT A. HURT, who is engaged in the real estate Ini^m.'ss m
A'ates Center and has been largely instrumental in the uplmildiiiL' nt
the city by inducing many residents to locate here, has madr Ins ! ir in
Woodson County since 1871, at which time he became ideuliiiid wiih
agricultural interests in Southeastern Kansas. He is a native of Ken-
tucky, his birth having occurred in Warren Coxinty, that state, on the
18th of Septeml^er. 1821. He was a farmer's son and with his father,-
John Hurt, removed to Illinois. The latter was a native of Virginia, born
in 1773, and was a son of John Hurt. Sr., wJio died in Surrey County,
~North Carolina, on the Yodkin river. Prom that locality his son John
lemoved to Kentucky in 1818. and in 1830 went with his family to
Sangamon County, Illinois. Some years afterward, however, he returned
to the Blue Grass state, where he spent his last days. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Sarah Cochran, abo died in Kentucky .
Robert A. Hurt is the youngest of their nine children and is the
only surviving member of the family. He was a young boy when his
parents rem.oved to Sangamon County, Illinois, where he was reared
to manhood and pursued his education after the manner of the old-time
.subscription schools found on the frontier. Tie learned the trade of a
woolen manufacturer and in connection with his brother afterward es-
tii Wished a mill at Athens, Illinois, where he carried on business for ten
years with good success. He then embarked in merchandising in Ha-
vanna, on the Illinois river, and also engaged in buying grain during
liis two year's residence there. Suffering loss hy fire, he next removed
to a rented farm I)ut afterward purchased a tract of land on Crane
ereek, in Mason County. Illinois, operating and improving the same until
1860, when he sold that property and resumed merchandising in Mason
City, Illinois. Subsequently he followed the .^ame line of business in
Elkhart, Indiana, whence he removed to Kansas.
744 HIST'bRV OF' ALL^ri AKJ3-
The year 1871 witnessed the arrival of ilr. Hurt in Woodson County :-
Here he located on a farm in Toronto township and engaged in its culti-
vation until 1875, when he was elected county treafairer. In October of
the following year he entered upon the duties of the office and by re-
election served for two terms, being a most capable and trustworthy
official. Upon his retirement from office he turned his attention to the'
n ai estate busincs, in wiiich he has since engaged. He has located many
lieople in Yates ('i-nti-r :iiid Woodson County, where his principal bvisi-
ncss has been done, and has thus contributed in valued measure to the
growth and upbuilding of the city and surrdun-lint;' country.
On the 17th of February, 1842, Mr. llnrt was united in marriage to
Miss Mary A. Dimond. a daughter of Jesse ' '. niuiond, and their children
are as follows: ImiuIv J., wife of A. J. Monis, uf 'r<,ronto; Mary P., wife
of Dr. Chailes Oi'.Mi(iorff, of Allen County; May A. Sherman, of Yates.
Center; and John C, who is also living in tin' county seat.
Mr. Hurt cast his first presidential vote f(]i- Williaiii Henry Harrison,
the candidate of the Whig party, in 1^40; al'leiward voted foi' t^lay.
Taylor and Scott.; and in 185B ^upi>orted White, of Tennessee, who ran
on the TTnion ticket. In 18(i(i ];,■ cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln,
whom he had known persoiiallv. a.ml since that time he has beett an earnest
Kepublican.
JOHN ELLIOTT.
JOHN ELLIOTT, who is now serving as trustee of Eminence town-
ship, and who has been nuiiilxTed among the agriculturists of Woodson
Count.y for eleven years, is a native son of the Sunflower state, his birth
having occurred in Miami County, April 8, 1863. His father, John
Elliott, came 1(1 Kansas aliout ISii'j from Bates County, Missoiiri where he'
had entei'cd a tiacf of land fi-om the government in 1856. He was a
native of I'ounly Aiitrnn. li(^land, born in 1825 and remained oil the-
Emerald Isle until twenty-four >-ears of age, when be resolved to try his
fortune in America, bejicviui;' tiuit better opportunities for advancement
were afforded in this countiy than in the more thickly populated districts
of Ireland. As far back as the ancestral history is known the Elliotts
were farmers, and the father of our sub.iect followed the same pursuit.
He had only money eiioiiiili to bring him to the new world, and after
r(^aching l!>e 1 nited Slates lie was emjiloyed as a wage earner in a tan
yard. LatiT lie worked upon a farm and finally secured land of his own
in Missouri, beenming owner of a, claim in Bates County, that state, in
1856. There he continued to reside for six years, when in 1862 he came
to Kansas, taking ui) liis abode in i\Iianii County, where he purchased
a farm upon which he has since made his home, his labors in the passing
years bringing to him a comfortable competence.
'^OODSO^ COtTNTrES, KANS.YS. 745
111 Will County, Illinois. Jolm pjllintt. Sr., was united in in-arriage-
Ho Miss Anil MeCliutoek. also a native of Counts' Antrim, Ireland, and
nuto them were born the following children: Thomas R., who is now in
-Jackson Gounty, Kansas: John, wliose name begins this review: Mary J..
-wife of George B. Baxter, of Miami County, Kansas: Annie Elliott, who
is at home: Joseph, who is living in the same county, where his brother
'Charles, the next of Ihe family, also resides; and Prank, who is upon
the old homestead.
On the old home farm John Elliott of this review spent the days of
his boyhood and youth, and as age and strength permitted he aided in
the work of the fieids and meadows from the time of early spring plant-
ing until harvests were garnered in the autumn. In the district school
he acquired his education, and reading keeps him a well informed man.
On the 1st of March, 1888, he married Miss Orpha Haines and thus
secured a worthy companion and helpmate for the journey of life. The
Irdy is a native of Madifon County, Illinois, and a daughter of John W.
■and Mary A. (Swofford) Haines, in whose family were the following : Samuel
J., of Central City, Nebraska; Nora B., Avidow of John Pickerell : Jlrs.
T^Uiott : and Robert, of Decatur County, Kansas. The father died in
1888, but the mother is still livine. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Elliott
has been blersed with five children: Clarence; Mary M., who died at the
age of six years: Wallaee, Howard and Homer who are with their
parents.
In 1890, the second year followin"- his marriage. J\Ir. Elliott removed
to Woodson County and located on section 2. Eminence township, where
he owns two hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, to the cultiva-
tion and improvement of which he is now devoting his time and energies
~\vith good resiiits. Th-e practical experience of his boyhood well fitted
him for the labors of manhood, and he is now regarded as an enterprising
progressive agricultnrist. In his political views he is a Republican. His
father became a supporter of that party on its organization and as the sons
attained man's estate they, too, espoused Republican principles. His fel-
low townsmen, recognizing his wortli and abilits', elected Mr. Elliott to
the position of township trustee in 1899 and he filled the ofifice so ac-
<'eptably that in 1900 he was re-elected for a second term, and therefore
is the present incumbent.
JOSHUA J. PUCKETT.
The prosperity of a county depends upon the aggregate industry of
it.-5 individual citizens. Mr. Puekett is one wht) contributes his full share
to the general activity, being a worthy representative of the astricultural
interests of the community. He has been a resident of Southern Kan-
sas for thirty years, but has made his home in Woodson County only
74^ HISTORY OF ALLEN ANiJ
Since 1879. Forty-five yeafs, however, have elapsed since he arrived ib;
the Sunflower slate, years in which great changes have been wrought.
He is descended from Virginian ancestry. His grandfather, Lewis
Puckett. was a native of the Old Dominion, and William Puckett, the-
father of our subjeet first opened his eyes to the light of day in the same-
state, in 1820. After attaining his majority he removed to Kentucky,
but was married in Virginia to Miss L/ouisa Corel, a daughter of William
Corel, a cabinet maker who spent his active life in the Old Dominion and
died in Jackson County, Missouri. In the year 1854, William Puckett, ac-
eunipanied by his family came to Kansas, locating in Wyandotte County,
where he remained until 1871 wlien he went to Wilson County. There
he spent the residue of his days, passing away in 1886, when sixty-six
years of age. His wido\\ still sui'vives hiuL She is the wife of A. J. Roe-
and resides with the subject of this review. Her children, born of the
first marriage, are: Henry, who was a member of the Twelfth Kansas
Infantry and died in 1863, while loyally serving as a defender of the
Union ; Joshua J. ; John, who served in the Twenty-second Kansas-
State Militia: Emeline, deceased wife of James Forbes; Rebecca, widow
01 Joseph Williamson, of Woodson County: Charles J., who is living in
Wilion ('(iiiiity, Kansas; William C, of Woodson County; Oliver F., a
lesideiil of Wdodson County; Sherman, who makes his home in the same
county ; Lewis, of Allen County, and Louisa, who completes the family.
Joshua J. Puekett was born in Kentucky, June 20, 1845, and was
thei-efore a lad of eleven years when the family came to Kansas— then
a territory vvhieh was to play an important part in national affairs be-
fore its admission to the Union. He was reared in the usual manner of
farmer lads of the period and pvirsued his education in the common
ichools. He was seventeen years of age when he joined Company A,
'I'weifth Kansas Infantry, iinder Colonel Adams, and uent to the front
to do service for the Union cause. He was in (he army for a year and
participated in the niovonients of his regiment in Southern Missouri
and Northern Arkansas, taking part in the engagements of Prairie Grove,
Lone Jack and Indepeiulenee. Company A met the guerrillas under
Qiumtrell on many nceiisiniis, and \vas on the north side of the Kaw river
at Lawrence duriuu the raid atnl massaere. He was wounded on Wea
creek, Miami County, Kansas, heiiig sluit through the left leg, and this
necessitated his retirement from the service. The duties that devolved
upon him as a member of the Twelfth Kansas Infantry were faithfidly
and abl;y performed, and his record as a soldier is conmiendatory.
On the 7th of January. 1879, Mr. Puckett was married in Woodson
County to Miss Phebe A. Taylor, a daughter of William R. Taylor, who
came to Kansas from Tennessee. He married Sarah Hunter and they
became the parents of seven children. Six children graced the marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. Puckett: Omega, Azalia. Curtis, Ransom, Alta and Jay, and
the family circle yet remains unbroken. In ante bellum days the Pucketts
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 747
V ere adherents of the "Whig cause and on the organization of the Republican
party .ioined its ranks, but although Mr. Pnckett of this review was not
then a vo'.er, he joined the party when he attained his majority, voting
for A. Lincoln for his first vote, and has since been one of its advocates.
He has served as treasurer of Belmont township, but does not aspire to
political honor, preferring to devote his time to his on.siness pursuits
Mhieh bring him moi'e satisfactory financial returns.
JOHN WORTH EAGLE.
JOHN W. EAGLE is one of the early settlers and farmers of Emi-
nence township. Woodson Coxinty, where he located in 1869, taking up
his abode upon a farm on section 26, but for twenty-one years he has
resided upon a valuable farm on section 30. of the same township, his
country seat being one of the attractive and desirable farming properties
in this portion of the state. He came to Kansas from Ashland County,
Ohio, where he was born August 16, 1847. His paternal grandfather,
Thomas Eagle, was a native of Southern Ohio and his people were from
Virginia. They followed farming pursuits and were ordinarily success-
ful. The family is of English lineage, the grandfather being a third
cousin to old John Bull. John Eagle, the father of our subject, was aho
a native of Ashland County, Ohio, and died upon the farm where his
birth occurred, being sixty-five years of age when called to his final rest.
John Eagle spent the greater part of his life in Ohio, but for ten
years was a resident of California. He made his way to the Pacific
coast in 1850 and diiring the succeeding decade was engaged in prospect-
ing over the state. He married Jane Haughey, a daughter of Robert
Hanghey, who was of German lineage, but the family was founded in
.Vnierica at a very early period in the development of this country and
its representatives through many generations were identified with agri-
cultural pursuits. Mrs. Eagle died at the home of her son, J. W., in
1899, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Her children were as
follows : Robert P., who is now living in San Prancisco, California ;
Thomas, who makes his home in Topeka, Kansas; Martha, wife of W. M.
Zimmerman, of Ashland County, now deceased; Mary E., who became
the wife of L. Potter, and after his death married E. P. L. Dowe, now
i-f Oklahoma; and George B., who died while serving in the Union army.
The other member of the family is J. W. Eagle, whose name in-
troduces this record. After acquiring a common school education he
turned his attention to farming upon the old homestead and was thus en-
gaged until twenty-one years of age when he started out in life on his
own account. Boarding a westward-bound train he then came to Kansas,
leaving the cars at Ottawa, whence he proceeded by wagon to Woodson
County, ai'i'iving here in 1869. This was at an early period in the de-
748 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
v-elopment of the county when much of the land was in its primitive con-
dition and the work of progress seemed scarcely begun. Mr. Eagle se-
cured a tract of railroad land which he improved somewhat and then
sold, after which he piucliared the farm belonging to his brother. T^ohcrt
I-'., and has since made the Eagle Gap farm one of lhe finest in this por-
1ion of th.e county. lie owns one hundred and twenty acres of land on
section 19, Eminence township and one hundred and thirty-five acres on
section 30.
In April, 18fi8. occurred the marriage of ]\4r. Eagle and Miss Matilda
I\Taurer. a daiighter of Heorae Maurer, who died in the Federal army
during the war of the Rebellion. Her people resided at one time in Ohio,
but -came from Pennsylvania-( German stocl\. Mrs. Eagle was born in ash-
land County, Ohio, in 1852, and by her marriage became the mother of
three children: Jennie, now the wife of David Hall, of Woodson County;
Albert, of the same county and Cyrus P. In the early days the members
oi the Eagle family were Democrats, but the present generation re-
nounce the political faith of their forefathers and Mr. Eagle of this re-
view has throughout his entire life been a staunch Republican. He has.
iiever sought office but has given his attention to his farm work and now
', . . , ■ ■' ■: ble jiroperty.
WILLIS P. DICKERSON.
WILLIS PAINTER DICKERSON.. a well kmnxn business man
of Toronto, occupying the position of cashier in the Toronto bank, has
been a resident of Woodson County since 1876. His father was John M.
Diekerson, who served as quartermaster of the State Soldier.'-' Home at
Dodge City, Kansas, He was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1839,
and was reared in that county and in Franklin County of his native
state. He was a miller's son. his father being Thomas Diekerson who.
tliroughout his life, devoted his energies to the milling business. John
M. Diekerson was the second child in his family. At the time of the
Civil war the father of our sub.iect responded to the country's call for
aid, enlisting in the One Hundred and Thirty-third Ohio Volunteer in-
fantry, in which he held the rank of lieutenant. Before the expiration
of his term he was honorably discharged on account of disability, but to-
ward the close of the war he re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninty-
First Ohio Volunteer infantry and manifested his loyalty to the govern-
ment by faithful service in the south. Several lines of business have
claimed his attention. He has followed farming, milling and merchan-
dizing. In 1870 he came to Kansas and located two miles west of Carlyle
V'here he resided until 1876 when he came with his family to Woodson
County. For two years he conducted a grocery in Toronto and on the
expiration of that period he accepted the position of qiiartermaster in
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 749
the State Soldiers' Home at Dodge City, Kansas. Mr. Diekersoii was
married iu Franklin County, Ohio, in 1859. to Miss Sarah E. Painter, a
daughter of Willis Painter, and grand-daughter of Samuel Painter Sr.,
who was one of the pioneer .'ettlers of the Buckeye state, removing from
Virginia to Ohio. The children of John M. and Sarah E. Dickerson are
as follows: Willis of this review; Hiram T., who is living in Toronto;
Thomas J., also of Toronto ; Leah J., the wife of PI C. Snyder, of Cen-
lerville, Kansas, and Mamie, the wife of E. W. Harris also of Center-
ville.
In taking up the history of Willis Painter Dickerson we present to
our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in
^\'oodson County, where he has spent the greater part of his life. He
was born November 7, 1861, and in 1876, when fourteen years of age,
lie accompanied his parents on their removal to Kansas, the family lo-
cating in Toronto township, where he remained until 1880. He pursued
his education in the schools of Ohio, then in Allen and Woodson Counties
tliis state, also spending a few months in the Kansas University. It was
his intention to pursue the entire course, but circum.stances prevented his
carrying out the plan. He then turned his attention to business and his
first independent venture was teaching. He followed that profession for
.^dx yeais in Woodson County and was known as a most capable educator,
having the ability to impart readily to others his knowledge of the studies
pursued in the public schools. For two years he was proprietor of the
Toi'onto Register, which has since been merged into the Toronto Republi-
can. He established the former paper and made of it a creditable jour-
nal, winning a liberal and well deserved patronage. His fellow towns-
men recognizing his worth and ability, and his fidelity to the duties of
citizenship, elected him to the office of the clerk of the district court of
AVoodson County in the year 1888, and he s-erved for two terms. In
1892 he ambarked in the banking business and is now cashier of the To-
ronto Bank, the success of which is due in no small degree to his enter-
joising efforts, his keen discernment and his sound .judgment. He also
owns the Toronto Rolling Mills and is interested in the Toronto Gas &
Mining Company, of which he is treasurer and director.
On the 2.5th. of September, 1886, Mr. Dickerson was united in niar-
I'lage in Toronto, Kansas, to Miss Kate L. Lockard, a daughter of Martin
[!. Lockard, of Fort Scott, Kansas. They now have three children:
Freda, Nellie E. and Howai'd W. Socially Mr. Dickerson is a master
Mason and is held in high esteem by his brethren of the fraternity. In
politics he is a Republican, but the honors and emoluments of public of-
fice have had no attraction for him, his support being given to the party
because he believes in its principles and not becaxise he hopes for official
I'eward. His advancement in the business world is due to his own ef-
forts, for a determined purpose, energy and keen discernment have enabled
him to work his way steadily upward.
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
JOHN T. BAYER.
JOHN T. BAYER has spent almost his entire life in Woodson
County. He was born in New York city, on the 21st. of July, 1865, a son
of John H. and Dorothea (Telelve) Bayer. The father was born in Han-
over, Germany, in April, IS'Mx and in 1850, when fourteen years of age,
crossed the briny deep to tlie United States, locating- fii'st in New York.
He afterward spent one year in South Carolina and subsequently resided
in Connecticut, but finally returned to New York city, where he engaged
ir; the butchering business. Success attended his efforts there, for when
he returned to the metropolis his capital consisted of only four dollars
and when he came from the Empire state to Kansas he brought with him
a sum of money sufficient to enable him to purchase a good farm in Owl
Creek township , where he has since made his home, being now recog-
nized as one of the thrift.y farmers and enterprising citizens of the com-
munity. His wife is also a native of Germany, her birth place being in
the province of Hanover. Unto them have been born four children, as
follows : Frederick H. : John T. ; Rebecca E., widow of William H. Lep-
mann and a resident of Santa Anna. California, and Gusta H., wife of
W. H. Stockebrand.
Brought to Woodson County during his infancy. Mr. Bayer has
throiighout his entire life been identified with agricultural pursuits here.
He assisted in the work of the farm when not attending school, his educa-
tion being acquired in the district schools near his home and in the Fort
Scott Normal. He remained at home until twenty-eight years of age. and
then completed his arrangements for a home of his own by his marriage
to Miss Carrie J. Shotts, a daughter of D. T. Shotts. of Owl Creek town-
ship, Woodson County. The wedding was celebrated on the 14th. of
June, 1893, and their home has been blessed with the presence of three
children: Theodore L. and Frederick H., twins, and Dorothy. The
little ones add life and sunshine to the household and contribute much
to the happiness of the parents. Like his father Mr. Bayer is a stalwart
Republican, having supported the party since casting his first presiden-
tial vote for Benjamin Harrison in 1888. For a period of six years he
has served as clerk of the school board, and is a warm friend of educa-
tion, doing what he can for the advancement of the schools. He is a man
of diligence, not afraid of work, and has found that industry is the essen-
tial basis of all success.
LEVI ROBBINS.
LEVI ROBBINS is one of the most extensive landowners in Wood-
son County, his realty holdings comprising twenty-three hundred acres.
He has made very judicious investments of the capital which he has ac-
quired through his own efforts, and his broad fields are now the visible
"WODDSON 'COUNTIES. KANSAS. 751
uand siibstantial evidence of a usefu], active and honorable career,
Mr. Bobbins came to Kansas in April, 1870, from Porter County,
Indiana, where his birth occurred on the 31st. of Mar^h, 1848. His
father, S. P. Bobbins, was a farmer by occupation and removed from
Ohio to the Hoosier state and from Massachusetts to Ohio. He became
-one of the leading and influential eitiz'^is nf Porter County, Indiana,
was recognized as a leader in public iilV.iMs. nml l'i)r many yeai-s served
as county commissioner. His opinions < ai ri d w iizht in public councils
and his efforts contributed in no small measiiie lo Ihe growth and ad-
vancement of th^ community in which he resided. He was single when
he went to Indiana, and there, in 1835, he married Caroline Coe, a na-
tive of Ohio, whose father was from Connecticut. Thais she was. like her
husband, a representative of an old New England family, his ancestors
having come from old England to America prior to the war of the Rev-
olution. Mr. Bobbins died in 1889, at the age of eighty years, and his
wife died in Indiana, October 19, 1898, at the age of eighty-three. Their
•children were : Amos, who died in Indiana : Levi ; James B., who also
tlied in the Hoosier state; Lewis H., of Porter County, Indiana, and Joseph
D., of ]\Iills County. Iowb.
Levi Robbins secured a common school education in tire neighbor-
hood of bis boyhood's bome and received practical training in the work
ti the farm. About the time he attained his majority the father turned
■over to bis sons the care of the home farm and he became an active
factor in its management and operation. Believing that he would have
better opportunities in the west he came to Kansas in April, 1870, mak-
ing the journey westward by rail, and after reaching Woodson Counts^ he
purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land on section four, town-
ship twenty-six, range sixteen. "With characteristic energy he began the
'development of his farm and soon wrought a great change in its appear-
ance, its wild lands being transformed into richly cultivated fields. Soon
the golden grain filled his barns and sheds and the sales of his products
<umualh' increased his financial resources. He then made other pur-
chases, judiciously investing his capital in farm property until he is now
one of the most extensive land owners of southeastern Kansas. He re-
sided at his fii-st location until January, 1900, when he removed to his
pres^ent liome on section eighleen, erecting here a handsome residence—
'one of the most modern in the township, supplied with all the latest im-
provements and equipments that add to the comfort and enjoyment of
life. Throughout the years of his residence in the county he has en-
gaged in the raising, feeding and shipment of stock, and in his pastures
are found the best grades of cattle, hoi-ses and hogs. All this is but an
indication of the unflagging industry which has ever been numbei-ed
among his .strongest characteristics.
On the 10th. of December, 1873, in Woodson County, was celebrated
the marriage which united the destinies of Mr. Robbins and Miss Mary
752 HlSl'ORY OF ALLEJJ A^Jl5"
Scott, a daughter of Elijah Scott, of Missouri. Seven children grace'
their union: Lillian, Charles D,, Jaines <'.. Frank, Jesse, Pleasant and
Riley. The family have a \vide aciiuaintam-e in the county, and the-
iiiembers of the household occupy an enviable position in the social circles
in which they move. Mr. Bobbins was reared in the faith of the Republi-
can party. His grandfather was one of the officers of the underground
railroad in ante belluni days and with the organization of the party the-
Robbins became its supporters. The mature judgment of our subject has
sanctioned its policy and principles and thus his ballot is cast for its can-
didates. Such in lirief i;- the life history of one of the popular citizens;
and successful fai-iiRrs df Kiuiuciice township — a .'■■plendid financier of
excellent executive ability and marked euterpi'ise eoiubined with excel-
lent business judgment. He has practically turned over the manage-'
ment of the old home farm of 1,600 acres to the tliree (ildest sons who are"
rapidly acquiring a reputation as successful farmers and business men
and who < njoy a financial reputation second to none in the county.
JOHN EISENBART.
A great transformation in appearances, <?ouditions and improve-
ments has bten made in Woodson County since John Eisenbart took up
his abode within its borders to become identified with its agricultural in-
terests, which yet crlaim his attention. He was bovn in Luzerne County,.
Pennsylvania, May 2. 1850, a son of Mathias and Eve (Pahlen) Eisen-
bart, both of whom are now deceased. They were of German birth and'
the father was a coal miner. They had four children, but only two are
Hovv living: John and Margaret, the latter now the wife of Peter Kautf-
ir.an, of Humboldt.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Eisenbart of this review has been
familiar with the work of the farm. His educational privileges were
limited and his yoiith was largely a period of toil. In 1856 he left Penn-
sylvania and spent one year near Kankakee, Illinois. In 1858 he
inned a pmall company en route for Kansas and was reared upon the
Moerer place in Everrlt l^w iisbip. working in the fields and meadows
f)'om the time of early sjniiii; planting until the harvests were garnered'
in the late autunni. lie rliosc ns a companion and helpmate on life's
.i:Miriie\- .Miss Helena Kopiiers. a daughter of Henry Koppers Sr. and
Jdliiiiiii.i Franken. Her father was born in the Rhenish province of the
Kingihiiii (if Prussia in Europe, and in 1872 became a resident of Kan-
sas, wherr hi' spent his remaining days, passing away in 1897, at the
age of eigli1y-t\v(i ycai's His children are: Mrs. Eisenbart: Mrs. Her-
man Tholeii, .if llniiiboldt. Kansas: Mrs. B. H. Achter, of Humboldt;
Anton, also of Humbolt; Minnie, of Yates Center; John, of Woodson
County; Henry and Martha.
~\v GODSON countie:;. k.cssas. 75r,
The marriage of Rlr. and Mrs. Eirenbart was celebrated April IS.
"1875, and they began their domestic life upon their present farm on sec-
tion ten, Owl Cre^ek township, where he secured a homestead claim of
'ejghty acres. Later he purchased an additional tract of one hundred
and sixty acres and has developed a very fine farm, improved with all
modern accessories and conveniences. All the lauildings and accessories
upon the place stand ther^; as monuments of his labor and his enterprise.
The first home was a rude house built of native lumber, and snakes
.'■cmetimes made it their hiding place and toads their rendezvous, but such
conditions have long since been done away with and the farm is now one
of the mo.st attractive and desirable in this part of the county.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eisenbart have been born nine children ; Mary,
now the wife of Will O'Donnell. of Woodson County; Henry, John, Will,
Johanna. Elizabeth, Albert. Clara and Edward, all of whom are still
with their parents. From the time he attained his majority do^vn to the
present Mr. Eisenbart has been a supporter of the Democracy and has
served as a member of the school board, although l:e has never been a
politician in tlie sense of office seeking. He feel'', justly proud of the
changes that have been wrought in the county since his arrival, the great
.strides, of civilization and the onward march of jirogre's. placing tlie
-county on a par with any in this great commonwealth. lie might also
well feel proud of the advancement he has made, having worked his way
upward from a humble financial position to a place among the su.stantial
■and well-to-do asrieulturists of the community.
WALTER J. AGNEW.
WALTER J. AGNEW is a young man of enterprising spirit, pro-
gressive, energetic and wide-awake to possibilities in business and to the
npportunities of life in general. He is numbered among the native sons
of Kansas and is a represen+ative of one of the leading families of this
portion of the state. He was born in Anderson County, November 8,
1866. and is a son of the late honored citizen of Center township, Wood-
son County— -William Agnew— who was born in County Down, Ireland,
near the city of Belfast, February «9, 1832. At the age of twelve years
he was left an orphan. In his father's family there were six children, of
~«-hom the surviving members are : Joseph, a resident of Rice County,
Kansas : Mary, widow of Fred Brown, of Montreal. Canada, and Jennie,
who is living in Glasgow, Scotland. After the death of his parents Wil-
liam Agnew resided with a Mr. Moffett. his maternal uncle, until six-
teen years of age. when he resolved to try his fortune in America. He
came alone to this country and during his early residence in the United
■Sta+es remained in New York. He afterward became a farm hand in
Vennsvlvania and later in Ohio and thus he .acquired a start in life.
754 Fi'rSTORY Ov" ALLEN AfJjj
gainint; the nu^kus of the handsome eoiiipetence whifh he afterward ae-
quired.
Upon his leUii'D io America after a visit to the Emerald Isle in 185--,.
Mr. Agiiew at once came to Kansas, locating at Garnett, Anderson
Gounty. Not long afterward he was followed by the lady whom he
wedded — Miss Mar.v Jane Gregg— and after their marriage they settled
upon a home:: ti ad claim in that county. Mr. Agnew giving his attention
t'. the unnrovement of his properly and the cultivation of his fields until
;ii'1e;' M e iiiMutiuration of the Civil war, when he ofiPered his services to
the government, enlisting as a member of Company G, Twelfth Kansas in-
fantry. His eonnnand i erved in Arkansas and Missouri and he remained
iii the army for three and a half years loyally aiding his adopted coun-
try in her straggle to pTeserve the Union. He was mostly engaged in guard-
duty but participated in a number of skii'mishes and minor engage-
ments. When ho tilities had ceased and the country no longer needed
his aid he received an lionorablc (lis;e1iart:e and returned to his home in
Anderson County, where he cimiiiuKd his farming operations until 1871,
when he removed to Franklin ('nunt.w In 1873 he came to "Woodson
County and pin dias'Ml n <|uar1.'i' section of land on Owl creek. The land'
\<.as ill its pi'iiiiitixc (Miiiditioii as sliaped by the hand of nature, and with
his usual ('iiciii\- imd i-i'soiii'c piiipose lie began the development and im-
provement of the fields, which he transformed into rich tracts. At the
time of his death he had made the farm one of the most productive and
attractive in this part of the state.
In his political views Mf. Agnew was a stalwart Republican and his-
fellow townsmen, recognizing his ability called him to the office of town-
ship trustee, in which he served for several terms. He was prominent in
li cal political circles and v>-as usually a delegate to the county conven-
tions of his party where his opinions carried weight, as his judgment
was known to be sound and reliable. He died December ]9lh., 1891, and
his wife passed away on the 20th. of February, 1896. Their children
were: William F., of Woodson Cotmty; Walter Jr.; Flizabeth J. and.
Rosa M.
Walter J. Agnew secured his preliminary education in the district
schools and supplemented it by snidy in Sanders' Normal, at Fort Scott,
Kansas. Ttc was trained to the work of the farm in his youth, and on
attainiiiii' his iiin ioiity became associated with his father in business. He-
has III ways icsidi'd uii the old homestead farm, and continued his busi-
ness connection with his father until the latter 's death. He has since
managed the property and the well tilled fields and thrifty appearance
of the place indicates his careful supervision and commendable business
methods.
On the 29th. of December, 1897, ]\Ir. Agnew was married to Miss
Anna E. Bigelow, a daughter of Edwin W. and Margaret (McGavran)
Bigelow. who came to Kansas in February, 18S2, from Dupont, Indiana,
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 755
Her father was born in Clinton County, New York, and died in Woodson
Lounty, Kani-as. at the age of sixty years. His children are: Edwin T.,
of Smithfield, Nebraska : Ray, wife of G. W. Simpson, of Council Grove,
Kansas; William M., of Hoyt, this state: L. C, of Beckhan, Oklahoma;
Charles H., of Elwood, Nebraska: Mrs. Agnew, and Nelson L. and Mar-
garet, both of Woodson County. One child graces the union of Mr. and
Mrs. Agnew, Clarence Eugene, who was born April 8, 1899. and is the
i;ght and joy of the household. The Republican party receives the en-
dorsement of Walter Agnew through his ballot at the polls, and he keeps
well informed nn the is-iies of the day, but does not seek office, as his time
•s occiii)i((l with his f;iiiiiinu iiito'ests, whereby he is acquiring a gratify-
ing measure of success. The family is one of prominence in the com-
numity, honoi-ed and rerpected foi' the possession of qualities of sterling
v.-orth.
MELVIN E. HUNT.
No more capable officer has ever filled the position of sheriff in
Woodson County than Melvin Ellison Hunt who for two terms acted in
tJiat capacity, discharging his duties without fear or favor. He is now
extensively engaged in dealing in f;tock and is accounted one of the en-
terprising and prosperous business men of Yates Center.
A native of the neighboi'ing state of Missouri. Mr. Hunt was born
in Schuyler County, on the 2d. of April, 1852, a son of Jesse Hunt, one
of the pioneers of that locality, who was descended from a prominent
fiimily of Virginia. One of his brothers went to Idaho at a very early
■lay and there reared his family including a son who is now governor of
that state. Jesse Hunt was born in Louisville, Kentucky, about 1816,
and in 1842 removed to Schuyler County, Missouri, where he spent his re-
maining days, following the dual pursuit of farming and stock raising.
He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, for his death
occurred in 1854. In Tennessee he was united in marriage to Miss Martha
E. Hale, who died in Schuyler County. Missouri, in 1886. Her father,
William Hale, was one of the most extensive slaveholders of eastern
Tennessee. He was a native of Virginia and had several sons and
daughters, the most of whom spent their lives in Tennessee and Ken-
tuckv. Unto Jesse and Martha (Hale) Hunt were born the following
children : James, who died in Jasper County, Missouri : Elizabeth, de-
ceased wife of Wesley Redifer, her death occurring in Dallas County,
Missouri : Hulet, who died in Schuyler County. Missouri : Martha, the
wife of William McVey, of that county: Minerva, wife of J. B. Mud,
of the same county: Jesse, a minis'ter of the Methodist Episcopal church
located in , ]\Tissouri : INIelvin E., of this sketch, and George, who
is livint;' in Woodson Countv.
756 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Melvin E. Hunt was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads. His
educational privileges were limited and experience has been his most ef-
ficient teacher, her lessons proving of value to him in the practical affairs
of life. At the age of seventeen years he started out to make his own
way in the world, working on ranches and farms, first in Missouri and
later in Clay County, Texas. Returning to the former state he then en-
gaged in farming and stock-raising on his own account, and in 1884 he
cmne to Woodson County, arriving in the month of March. He first lo-
cated in Liberty township, where he engaged in the raising of stock and
grain, following those pumuits until elected to the office of county
sheriff, when he removed to Yates Center. In 1895 he defeated the Re-
publican candidate for that office by three hundred and seventy-five
votes, and in 1897 he was again elected by an increased ma.iority, a fact
which clearly indicates that his duties had been discharged most accepta-
bly, promptly and faithfully. His record on retiring from office was as
spotless as when he entered it and four years of creditable service were
added to his life's history. On the 1st. of January, 1900, he retired from
office and resumed his former business of dealing in stock, of which he is
such an excellent judge that his labors have been crowned with a very
gratifying degree of success.
Mr. Hunt was married in Schuyler County. Missouri, IMarch 8. 1872,
to Cordelia V. Huff, a daughter of George Huff, who throughout the
greater part of his active business career resided in the vicinity of Rock
Island. Illinois. After his death his widow married Charles Shaw. By
her first marriage she had two children— l\Irs. Hunt and George, the
latter a resident of Pratt County. Kansas. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Himt
have been born three children : "Willard E.. who married Blanche Hyde
and is now with the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company.-
Charles, of Yates Center, and Marvin, Avho is still with his parents.
In his social relations Mv. Hunt is a Mason, a Knight of Pythias
and an Odd Fellow and in the last named organization has taken all
the degrees. He has been a staunch Democrat in polities since casting his
first presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden and has always taken a deep
and abiding interest in the success of his party and in the promotion of
public interests intended for the general sood.
HON. JOHN H. BAYER.
In no other phase of life can a man better demonstrate his fealty to
h.is country and his loyalty to its interests than in the political arena,
for therein is invested the ^ntality of a nation's power, the mainspring
of its internal machinery and the keynote to its progress and prosperity.
Amonsr the patriotic citizens of Woodson County who have been closely
identified w'ith the Republican party through many years none is better
#X^'7'^
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 757
kcown 01' more highlj' appreciated than the Hon. John H. Bayer, who has
twice been elected to represent his district in the general assembly and
has filled other official positions. He believes that it is the duty of every
American citizen to give his time and attention to public interests and to
assist, as far as it lies in his power to do so, in promoting those measures
and movements which promote the general good, and thus he has long
been an active factor in the ranks of his party in Woodson County.
Mr. Bayer, moreover, is a very successful, enterprising and progres-
sive business man, connected with the agricultural and stock-raising in-
terests of Woodson County. His landed possessions are quite extensive
and his home farm is one of the best improved properties in this section
of the state.
It is the province of the biographist to trace his career through
successful phases down to the present day and therefore we note that his
birthplace was in the province of Hannvoi-, Coi-many, his natal day be-
ing April 14. 1836. His father. John .\. Ha,\cr. was a wagonmaker, who
was born in Saxony, the family home haxniL;- buen near Leipsic through
many generations. Becoming a resident of Hanover, he there spent this
remaining days, dying at tlie age of sixty-four years, when our subject
was a youth of only thirteen years. The mother bore the maiden name of
Sophia Wiettege and died in 1847, leaving two children, John A. and
John H. By a former marriage the father had a family of seven chil-
dren, one of whom, Annie, is the wiie of Conrad Herder, of Woodson
County.
When only eight years of age John H. Bayer, of this review, began
to earn his own livelihood. In the summer he worked hard and in the
winter seai^on he attended school. He secured in- advance the money
necessary to pay his passage to America, and in 1851 he sailed from
Bremen on the Humboldt which safely reached the harbor of New York.
Ml-. Bayer landed in the New World with less than a half dollar in
money and that was stolen from him, so that he began life in America
absolutely penniless. Money, however, cannot make success altogether.
It requires determination, energy and hard work and in those qualities
Mr. Bayer was rich. He entered the employ of his brother-in-law in the
butchering business and remained in New York until July, 1854, when he
went to Charleston, South Carolina, where he clerked in a grocery store.
In 1856. however, he returned to New York and sailed for England to
visit his brother Godfried Bayer. For six months he remained in that
country and then returned to the United States. For four years he was
in the employ of Asa T. Child, a farmer at Woodstock, Connecticut, and
upon leaving that position he embarked in the butcher business on
Ins own account in New York, in 1860, successfully conducting the enter-
prise until 1865.
In the fall of that year Mr. Bayer arrived in Woodson County and
located on section twenty-three, township twenty-five, range sixteen. He
75^ HISTORY OF ALLEN ANIJ
has become one of the leading and successful farmers and cattle raisers
of the county and is now making a specialty of short horn thoroughbred
cattle, having some very valuable stock. His home farm comprises five
hundred and two and a half acres of land, all in one body, and in addi-
tion to this he owns other fai-ming land in the county. His investments
have been judiciou; ly made and he is now in possession of very desirable
realty which is constantly increasing in value.
Before leaving the east Mr. Bayer vs'as married in April, 1862, to
Miss Dorothea Teleke, also a native of Hanover, Germany. She died in 1876
ajjd is survived by four of her seven children. In September, 1877, Mr.
Bayer was again married, his second union being with Augusta Staub, a
daughtei' of Frederick Steffen. who died in Prussia. In 1858 Mrs. Bayer
came to Kansas and since 1877 has resided in Woodson County.
Mr. Bayer became familiar with American politics while residing
in the fourth ward of New York city the methods of the Democracy
there disgusted him and he allied his interests with the Republican party,
casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and since siip-
porting its candidates. He has always taken a deep interest in political
affairs in "VVoodsou County and his loyalty to the party and his fitness
for public office has won him political honors. In 1877 and again in 1880
he was elected county commissioner, and at the latter election received
the unanimous vote of his township, a fact which indicates high standing
v\'here he is best known. During the second term he was cliairman of
the boai'd and made a record for honesty and fairness that has never been
surpasfcd by any incumbent in the office. In 1890 Mr. Bayer was chosen
by the Republicans to represent the district in the state legislature and
was elected, but was unseated by a Populist house. His fellow citizens
at the next election again placed his name on the ticket and he received
a pronouncd ma,iority. He served on eight committees, was one of the
working members of the assembly and succeeding in securing the pas-
sage of a bill for the establishment of a park in Neosho Falls. He is
identified with two organizations indicating his interest in fine F'tock—
the Improved Stock Breeders' Association of Kansas and the Central
Short Horn Breeders' Association of the United States. His religious
belief is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. He has
led a busy, useful and honorable life, and over his public career and
private record there falls no shadow of wrong.
ALFRED A. KECK.
ALFRED A. KECK is an honored veteran of the Civil war. an en-
terprising agriciilturist and merchant, and a leading and influential citi-
zen of North township. Woodson County, who in every relation in life
has been found trl^e to duty, whether that duty has been armed resist-
~\\'(jOD}i(m COUNTIES, KANSAS. 759
sauce to the foe of the Union or the more quiet labors connected witJi the
■ support of his family and the faithful discharge of his obligations to his
'country in times of peace.
Mr. Keck was born in Davis County, Indiana, March 2, 1837. His
fatlier, Philip Keck, was a native of Tennessee and married Orpha
Kntch. a native of Indiana ; parents both dead. He had gone to the
latter state with his parents when a youth of thirteen years and there he
spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1857, when he was
forty-thi-ee years of age. his wife long surviving him, parsing away in
1887, at the age of seventy-four yeai-s. Of their family of eight children.
six are yet living: Alfi-ed A., John, Cliristian. Nelson, Wilson and
Levrinda. The daughter is now the wife of Elmer Walker.
Upon a farm Alfred A. Keck was reared and in tli-e labor? of field
and meadow he assisted throughout the period of his youth. As is the
usual maanner of young men when they start out in life for themselves
lie sought a companion and helpmate for the journey, and on the 4th. of
June, 1857. was united i;i marriage to Miss Martha McCarter, a native of
ludiana. Her father. Moses McCarter, was a native of Tennessee and
,*'edded Miss Sarah Ketchum. a Kentucky lady and in an early day re-
inoved to Indiana, where both Mr. and Mrs. McCarter ppent their last
days. They had eight childieu, but only three survive, namely : Mrs.
Tseek. William and Mrs. Nancy Legger-wood.
Mr. and Mrs. Keck began their domestic life upon a rented farm
and he continued the ciiltivation of the soil until the country became in-
^'olved in war, when with patriotic spirit he offered his sei'vices to the
government, enlisting as a member of company B, Fifteenth Indiana in-
fantry, on the 14th. of June. 1861, responding to the first call for troops
to serve for three years. On account of disability he was discharged
September 25, 1861, but the following year, he again .ioined the army,
hecoming a member on the 1st. of September, 1862. At the second en-
rollment he was made a member of company I, Twenty-seventh Regi-
ment of Indiana Volunteers, and with that command served until almost
the close of the war. being honorably di?-charged on the 25th. of March,
1865. He saw some hard service and participated in a number of hotly
contested battles, including the engagements of Antietam. Chancellors-
ville, Cettysburg, Eesaca, Dallas, Peach Tree Creek and others. At the
battle of Antietam he was wounded in the legs, was shot through the left
a I'm in a skirmish in front of Atlanta and received a slight scalp wound
by the bursting of a bomb shell at Kenesaw moimtain.
When the war was ended Mr. Keck returned to his wife and two
children, whom he had left in order to do battle for the Union, and once
more resumed his labors on the home farm. He remained in Indiana
\intil October. 1882, Avhen he came to Kansas, taking up his abode at his
present place of residence in North township, Woodson County, where
lie own.s two hundred and forty acres of land twelve and a half miles
;6o KTSTORv' OF ALLEN XKH
northwest of Yates Centei'. Here he engaged in general farming anc?.
stock-raising, making a specialty of the sheep industry, and continued'
in the stock bnsiness until 1887. In that year he was elected and assumed^
the dutie.; of the office of sheriff of Woodson County, in which capacity he
served for two terms in a most acceptable and creditable manner. Ott
his retirement from office he returned to his farm, and has since super-
vised its cultivation and improvement. In 1894 he was appointed post-
master of Keck, which position he still holds in the present year, 1901.
Purchasing a small stock of goods he has since engaged in general mer-
ehandising in conection with the management of the post office, and hi?
grocery sales now amount to about three thoaisand dollars annually.
iTnto Mr. and Mrs. Keck have been born ^even children, all yet liv-
ing, namely : John P. and Wilson E., who are now residing in Indiana ;
M^illiam T., in Chicago. Illinois; S. Grant, who is in business in Yates;
Center ; Hester A., wife of A. J. Smith, of Oklahoma ; Donna C, wife-
B. J. Colman, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Herschel A., at home, his
time being devoted to the cultivation of his father's farm. The family
residence is a beautiful home situated on an eminence which commands
an excellent view of the surrounding country. A fine grove of native
forest trees surroiands the place and the Keek dwelling is regarded as
one of the most attractive features of the landscape in tliis part of the
county.
In his political views Mr. Keck has always been a Republican, un-
xvavering in support of the principles of the party, and on that ticket he
has been elected to the offices which he has so acceptably filled. In addi-
tion to the office of sheriff he has served foT two terms as to"\vnship trustee
and for two tertiTs has been .justice of the peace of North township. He
has been re-elected to every office in which he has served— a fact which is
unmistakable evidence of his capability and trustworthiness. Honorable
in business, reliable in office and faithful in friendship, his record in
private life equals in fidelity his career as a soldier when he wore the blue
TinifOrm of the nation and fought to sustain the central government.
THOMAS W. PLIB/IMER.
THoMAS W. PLUMMER, whose business activities have largely
Connected him with the substantial improvement and upbiiilding of the
west, has for sixteen years engaged in handling real estate in Yates Cen-
ter and is one of the well known and reliable business men of the city. He
k a native of Lincolnshire, England, born July 8, 1839. but since early
youth has been a resident of this republic. His father, John B. Plum-
iner, was also a native of the "Merrie Isle" and there married Mary E.
Wilkinson. He was a farmer by occupation and in 1846 he came with
his family to the United States, locating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
■^■OO'DSOX COUKTIES, KANSAS. '■^6l
^,\-here lie resided until 1859. when he w^nt to Prairie du Chien. -that
-slate, there spending his I'emaining days, his death oeeurring in 1890,
when he had reached the rine age of four score years. In his family-
were sixteen children, nine of whom are yet living : Ennua, now Mrs.
Shipman, a widow, of New Yoi-k city; Thomas W.. of this review; John
AV., who resides in Vrilminuton, Xoi'th Carolina : Mary, wife of Dr.
Sliger. of Prairie du rhien.MViseoniin ; Ellen, wfe of George M. Rising,
of Minneapolis. Mnnesota; Edward, of Augusta. Wisconsin; Harry W.,
of San Francisco. California, and Sarah W., wife of M. J. Scanlon, of
Minneapolis, INIinnesota, and John W. Plummer, of Wilmington. North
'Carolina.
Thomas AV. Pluiiiii;er was hut ^:even years of age when he bade
adieu to the laud of his birth and came with his parents to the new
world. He pursued a common school education in Wisconsin and at
the age of seventeen years left the parental home, going into the pineries
where he was engaged in cutting, sawing and hauling logs for two years.
On the expiration of that period he went to (Irand Haven, Michigan, and
worked on the construction of the ^Milwaukee & Grand Haven Railroad
for two years, acting as time-keeper and book-keeper for tthe contractor.
In the meantime his parents had removed to Prairie du Chien, Wiscon-
sin, and he there joined them, being at that place at the time of the
Inauguration of the Civil war. He had watched with interest the dis-
turbance in the South and the growth of the spirit of rebellion and
resolved that if an attempt at secession was made he would strike a
bjow for the defense of the TTnion. Accordingly, in April. 1861, he
Cidisted in Company C. Sixth Wisconfin Infantry, under Colonel Lys-
ander Cutler, and was mnstered into service at Madison, Wisconsin, on
the 16th of July, the regiment being attached to the Army of the Poto-
mac at Washington, where he remained until the spring of 1862, with
McClellan's forces. He then went South with General McDowell's army
5ind was in the engagements at Slaughter ]\Iine and Gainesville, was also
iri the second battle of Bull Run. South Mountain. Antietam, Predericks-
\iurg, Fitzhugh Crossing. Chancellorsville, Mine Run and the Wilder-
ness, after which his company went up the James river to Petersburg.
Mr. Plummer was commissioned second lieutenant at Arlington Heights
v.'as made first lieutenant and was promoted captain on the Potomac
river .iiist before the engagement at Chancellorsville. while in 1864 he was
breveted ma.ior and commanded his regiment a part of the time.
Major Plummer left the army on the 16th day of July, 1864, and
returned to Prairie dn Chien, Wisconsin, where he engaged in the
■stock business for some time. His residence in that city covered alto-
^vther an aggregate of fourteen years. On leaving there he entered the
service of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, then constructing its
line, being eniployed as bridge foreman. He followed the line out to
Ogden. Utah, lind then returned to do bridge work, in the capacity of
•62 Hi'STbRV Oh" ALLEN AXLi
r. leniau. on the St. Paul & Dulutli Railroad, being thus engaged foi,"
more than a year. He next went to the Eed River of the North and for'
a time followed the business of trading with the Indians, after which
he came to Kansas, locating in Woodson County, where he carried on;
farfniiig until 1876. That year witnesred his removal to Texas and lo-
cating near Dallas, he furnished wood and. ties, under contract to the^
t. & P; R. R. Co. and Cotton Belt Railroad Company. In 1881 he-
returned to Wondson County, where he again engaged in farming for
two veins ami tlien sold Ins l;)iid and took up his abode in Yates Center,
wlu'ic for sixlci'n yt :us lie h;u- conducted real estate transactions, hand-
ling some valuable property. He has a conip;:ehensive knowledge of
realty values and of favorable locations, and is thus competent to advise-
Ins clients to their best advantage.
Major Plnmmer was married in Woodson County in December, 1878.
to Miss Mary F. Hamilton, daughter of Alexander Hamilton, and their
children are Bernard W., Mary Lenore and Claire S. The Ma.ior was;
reared in the Democratic faith, cast his first presidential vote for Ste-
phen A. Douglas and was a Democrat until 1901. Socially he is iden-
tified with the Order of Red Men and with the Grand Army of the-
Republic, and as a citizen he is as loyal to his country and her bes'
interests as when the tocsin of war sounded and he went to the front
as one of the boys in blue, to return with the rank of major as the-
recognition of thi-ee year's faithful and loyal service.
HARVEY SURPRISE.
HARVEY SURPRISE, who is engaged in general farming in Em-
inence townshiji, came to Woodson County in the spring of 1870 and
purchased a claim on West Buffalo creek, wdiere he has since made
his home. His father, Peter Surprise, was born in Canada, in August,
179:1. and after an active business career is still living at the remarka-
ble age of one hundred and seven years. In 1819 he removed to the
slate of New York and the next year went westward to Chicago. In
lS36 he removed to Lake Count.y, Indiana, which was his place of abode
for a long period. He married Rosanna Taylor, and fourteen children
were born unto them, nine of whom reached years of maturity. Sarah,
the oldest, is the deceased wife of Steward Stillson; Elizabeth, married
a Mr. Coe and after his death, wedded a Mr. Harding; Harvey is the
third of the family; Henry, Oliver and William, whose births occurred
in the order mentioned, are all residents of Lake County, Ind., Lavina is the
wife of Leander Vaudecai, of Woodson County; Melvina, twin sister
to Lavina, is the deceased wife of William Wheeler; Armina is the
wife of James Rosenbower. of Lake County, Indiana; the other mem-
bers of the family died in childhood.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 763
Harvey Surpi-ise, was born December 25, 1835, in New York, and
the following year the family removed to l^ake Comit.y, Indiana, where
lie was reared and made his home until 1S52. when he crossed the plains
to California, where he engaged in prospecting, .'pending four years on
tlie Pacific coast. In 1854, he started to return on the steamer "Yankee
I^lake" which ran on a rock off the coast about one hundred and eighty
miles south of San Francisco. With others, Mr. Surprise was picked up
by a coast boat and taken back to San Fraiiei-co, a iter which he remain-
ed for two yeai's longer in California in (inlrr lo rceuiierate from his
losses sustained in the wreck. Finally by ship he made liis way to New
York, crossing the Isthmus of Panama. After his return home he was
employed as a farm hand by the month, but when he felt that the
duty to his country was stronger than any other life, he put aside all
business and personal considerations, enlisting August 10. 1862, as a
u'ember of Company I. Seventy-third Indiana Infantry, being mustered
in at South Bend. The regiment was first ordered to Kentucky, where
ii- received the guns and then went to Lexington. Mr. Surprise first met
the enemy in this locality but the first regular engagement in Avhich he
participated was at Perryville, Kentucky and later he took part in the
engagement at Murfreeboro, Tennessee. In tthe spring of 1863 his
legiment started on a raid under Colonel Straight, coing as far as
K'orae, Ceiirsjia, befoi'i' ciutturcd by Oenei'al Forest and his men. Mr. Sur-
prise was i);)1'o11im1 -Ai Uiimr but was in the hands of the rebels until
exchanged at ('it>' I'oiiit. Vii'uinia. He then returned to Indiana and
after a ten days' furlough aided in the capture of General Morgan in
Ohio. Subsequently he guarded prisoners in Indianapolis until the fall
election of 1863, when the regiment was sent to Nashville to do guard
duty. The following spring they were ordered to Decatur. Alabama,
where +hey were engaged in fighting bnshwackers. On the 8th of July,
1865. Mr. Surprise received an honorable discharge at Indianapolis.
Through the summer he followed farming in Indiana and in the
fall of that year came to Kansas, locating in Coffey county, where he
resided until the spring of 1870, when he removed to "Woodson County.
He owns land in sections twenty-eight, twenty-six and thirty-five, Enii-
nenc township and a tract in Belmont township, the whole aggregating
two hundred' and eighty acres. His farming interests are well con-
ducted and his labors bring to him a good financial return.
Mr. Surprise has been twice married. On the 6th of March, 1859,
he was .ioinecl in wedlock to Miss Juliet Burch, who died in 1874, leaving
the following children: Rose, now the wife of John Homan, of South
Omaha, Nebraska: Henry, of Woodson County, and Peter, of Okla-
homa. On the 3d of February. 1875. Mr. Surprise was again married,
his second union being with Mary Chapell, a daughter of Miranda
(Read) Chapell by her first marriage, who came to Kansas from Otsego
Conntv. Ni'w Yoi'k. in the spring of 1870 and here spent her remaining
764 HISTORY OF ALLEX AXU
days. The childien of ^\m. ('hapell were: George, of Xeosho County.
Kansas ; Dwight. who is also living in that county : Charles, of Q, Okla-
homa, and Nellie, wife of Joseph TJininger. The father of this family
'vas born in Chenaugo County, New York, September 26, 1813, and hi:
wife in Brookfield, that state. July 1, 1824. Both have now passed
aw ay. The children of the second marriage of Mr. Surprise are : Anna,
wife of Osro Easley, of Rest, Kansas; Nellie. M'ife of George Reagon, of
Woodfon County: Moses N., Lovisa, Lillie P. and Juliet, who are with
their parents.
Mr. Surprise was reared in the faith of the Whig party of which
his father was a supporter and on attaining his majority he became a
Republican and has never wavered in his allegiance to the party or to
any cause which he believes to be right and just, displaying the same
fidelity which he manifested when he fought in defense of the Union
on the battle fields of the South. Woodson County gained a valuable
citizen when he cast in his lot wth her residents and throughout the
communitv his worth is indicated bv the hiah regard in which he is
held.
FRANK J. DUMOND.
FRANK J. DUMOND, of Rose, is the eldest son and child of the
late John W. Dumond, an honored pioneer of Woodson County, who
loca+ed a claim in Eminence township in 1866, only five years after
the admission of the state into the Union and while this portion of Kan-
sas was still largely unimproved. Here he died about seven years later.
The subject of this review was- born October 20, 1867, and his home
has been within the confines of Woodson County continuovisly since.
He was reared on the farm owned by the family and attended the
ef;mmon schools, acquiring a good English education. After attaining
Ins majority he engaged in farming for ten years, finding that a profita-
ble labor. He was thus engaged until 1896. when he began dealing in
hay at Rose, and during the past five years he has done much of the
shipping of this commodity at this point. His business affords a good
market to the hay producei-s of this section of the county as well as
brings to bim a good financial return. He attends strictly to his bnsi-
neps and his close application and energy have gained for him a place
among the prosperous business men of the region.
On the 25th of January. 1890, Mr. Dumond was united in marriage
to Miss Cora E. Thorpe, who died in August. 1893, leaving one child,
Gertrude M. In ]\Iay, 1900. be was again married, his second union be-
ing with Miss Jane A. Gregg, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Auld)
Gregg. They have a pleasant home and many friends in Rose and thi-ough-
out Woodson Countv. In his social relations Mr. Dumond is a repre-
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 765
seutative of tlie jModeru Woodmen of America and of the Ancient Order
of United Workmen. Having spent his entire life in the county his his-
tory is a familiar one to his fellow townsmen, and that he has their
high regard is an evidence that his career has been dominated by prin-
ciples and practices which command respect.
ENOCH T. THOMPSON.
ENOCH T. THOMPSON, a well known and highly esteemed resi-
dent of Toronto, who is now engaged in the furniture business, was born
in Madison County, Ohio, on the 13th of May, I806. His father, Daniel
Thompson, was born in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, and there spent the
days of his boyhood and youth. His father was John Thompson who
v.-ith his family removed to Madison County, Ohio, in the year 1812. The
father of our sub.jeet was then single. He made a sash for the first glass
vindow used in London, Madison County, and was an active factor in
business there for many years. His death occurred in 1873 when he
was seve'y-nine years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Dorothy Thomas, was a daughter of Enoch Thomas, who removed from
Virginia to Ohio and there he spent his I'emaining days, passing away
in 1849. The mother of our subject survived her luii-band seven years
and died in 1880. Their children were : Elizabeth, the deceased wife of
Daniel Freeman, who at her death left one son. J. C. Freeman, James,
who died in 1878 ; Sarah, the deceased wife of Edward Stutson ; Char-
lotte, the widow of E. W. Ogilvie : Dorothy, the deceased wife of Uriah
Wilbur; Enoch T., of this review; and Mrs. Eliza Taggart, whose hus-
band is; deceased and who resides in Topeka, Kas.
Enoch T. Thompson was reared on his father's farm and aided in the
development of the fields and in the operation of a saw mill. He also
worked at the carpenter's trade, displaying considerable mechanical in-
genuity in the use of tools. As a companion and helpmate on life's jour-
ney he chose Miss Mary C. Settle and his choice was ratified by marriage
on' the 26th of December, 1861. The lady was a daughter of Meredith
Settle who removed from Virginia to Ohio. In the year 1876 Mr. Thomp-
son left his home in the Buckeye state and took up his abode in Allen
County, Kansas. Since the fall of 1880 he has made his home in Wood-
son County, first locating three miles north of Toronto where he was en-
gaged in farming for three years. He thep removed to the city where
he worked at the carpenter's trade until 1886, since which time he has
been engaged in the furniture business, as the successor of Martin Lock-
ard. He carries a large and well selected stock of furniture and un-
dertaker's goods to meet the varying tastes of his patrons. His business
policy is one which awakens the commendation and confidence of all,
ard ills i-easonable prices, his uniform coui'tesy and his fair dealing have
766 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
won him a very large patronage, and he is now enjoying a gratifying
success. He is also interested in the Toronto Gas & Mining Company.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson has been blessed with three
children : Viola, the eldest, is now the wife of Rev. N. L. Vezie, of lola.
James married Miss Clara Baker and Edward married Miss Elsie Sam-
ple. The mother of this family died in 1884, and in 1886, Mr. Thomp«
son again married, his i--eeond union being with Mary G. Heagy, a daugh-
ter of Charles Starratt. By the ^ econd marriage there are two children :
E. Gertrude and John.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Thompson manifested his loyalty
to the Union bj' enlisting in February, 1865, when 27 years of age. becom-
ing a member of Company C. One Hundred and Ninety-fivst Ohio Vol-
unteer Infantry. He saw service in the Shenandoah valley where he was
h:cnted with his n-giment at the time of (ieneral Lee's surrender. On
tlie 27th of August, 1865, he received an honorable discharge and re-
turned to his home. He cast his tirst presidential vote for Abraham
Lincoln and has since been a stalwart advocate of the Republican prin-
ciples, but he has never been an aspirant for political office, giving his
time and attention to his business affairs whereby he has advanced stead-
ily on the road to prosperity.
WILLIAM C. WILLE.
A representative of the real estate interests of Yates Center and
Vv''oodson County, William C. Wille has contributed in htrge measure to
the growth, improvement and upbuilding of this section of the Sun-
flower state. Possessed of tine commercial ability, aided by the exercise
of sound judgment and indomitable energy, he has not only won success
for himself but has aided materially in the growth and prosperity of
the city. He has been a resident of the county since the spring of 1874,
coming to the state fr.im Iowa. He is, however, a native of Chicago,
Illinois, where he was born February 13, 1851. His father, Henry Wille,
was born in Hanover, Germany in 1795 and came to the United States in
1848. locating near Chicago. He engaged in farming in Cook County,
Illinois until 1855 when he removed to Linn County. Iowa, coming thence
to Woodson County. Here he spent his last years, passing away in 1887.
He was first married in Ge]-many and by that union had two children.
Henry and George, residents of Linn County. Iowa and Yates Center,
respectively. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Caro-
line Fusterman. and died in V\''ichita. Kansas, in July, 1897. The child-
ren of the second marriage, seven now living are William C. : Aaron, who
is living in Northeas-ern Nebraska: Louis, of Red Oak, Iowa; and Callie,
wife of Supterintendent Tracy, of the Fort Scott & Wichita railroad.
T^^len about five vears of age Mr. Wille accompanied his parents on
WOODSON CO'raTres, KANSAS- 767
:tlicir removal to Iowa wliei^e he was educated in the public schools and
v'orked upon his father's farm. On attaining his majority he started out
in life on his own account, and in the spring of 1874 came to Woodson
• I'oun'^y, locating first in Kalida, where he engaged in the hotel business.
In 1879 he removed to Toronto, where for eleven years he was engaged in
ihe conduct of a harne.:s and saddlery store. Coming to Yates Center,
he is now one of the most prominent representatives of the real estate
business in the city. A casual observer can form no conception of the
important position held by the active, enterprising agent, devoted to the
work of buying and selling real estate, establishing values and otherwise
stimulating property holders to the great improvements it lies within
tlieir power to make. Mr. Wille is one of this class and the .judicious
j-)rinciples which he upholds in his transactions, the care with which he
investigate points contiec ed tbeiewiih, are si curing 'o him a large and
well dererved patronage.
In 1881 Mr. Wille was married to Miss ISIargaret Stewart, a daughter
of William Stewart, of Yates Center, and formerly from Southern Ohio.
They have two children. Jessie and Calvin Stewart. In his political affil-
iations Mr. Wille has always oeen a Eepublican, and in 18S9 was elected
county treasurer which position he filled so aooeptably that he was re-
elected in 1891 and therefore filled the office for four years. For two
years he was depirty county clerk and ha« also been deputy register of
deeds, while for twelve years he has been a notary pirblic. Socially he is
a representative of the Masonic fraternity and is also member of the Odd
Fellows society and tbe Knights of Pythias lodge. He is influential in
political and fraternal circles and is widely recognized as a diligent, en-
terprising ^nd progressive bu.siners man..
WILLIAM J. MITCHELL.
The laws of nature have pi-ovided that labor always brings change,
tliat effort is always followed by result, and therefore when labor is well
directed and effort carefully planned the outcome is most desirable. Toil
thus becomes a marketable commodity of value and brings, in measure, that
for which every business man is seeking— wealth. William J. Mitchell
IS of the class of representative farmers whose energies have been so prose-
cuted along well defined lines of activity that he is now in possession of a
liandsome competence, being th.e owner of one of the fine farms of Wood-
son county.
A native of Ohio, he was born in Adams County, March 30, 1841, a son
rf William and Nancy (Johns) Mitchell, also natives of the Buckeye state.
The father devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and died in Ohio in
1885, at the age of seventy-six years. His wife departed this life many
years previously, being called to her final rest in 1854. at the age of forty-
'68 H'l.HToRV (.)F' ALCEN" A.VD"
Ihiee. Thty were the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are j'et
living, William J, being the fifth in order of birth. He spent his youth on;
the old home::tead farm in Ohio and at the age of eighteen began learning
the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in his native state until twenty-six'
years of age. In 1868 he removed to Livingston County, Illinois, where he
was engaged in the work of the smithy until 1881, when he came to Kansas,
settling in Coffey County. There he purchased eighty acres of land upon
which he resided for three years, when he sold that property and came to
Woodson County. Here he has made his home continuously since. He-
bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in North township and in
connection with blacksmithing carried on farming. As his financial re-
sources increased he added to his property until his landed possessions now
aggregate four hundred and eighty acres. A good houfc and barn are
Hmong the features of the place and neatness and thrift characterize the
fcU'm in every department. In connection with blacksmithing and the pro-
duction of grain he has also ex*^ensively and successfully engaged in rais-
ing cattle for the market and now has a large herd upon his place. His farm
is pleasantly and conveniently situated thirteen miles northwest of the'
county seat and he has postotfice facilities ;it Keck.
In 1865 Mr. Mitchell was united in iiiariiage to Miss Maria Carlisle, a
native of Ohio and a daughter of Jolm and Miriam (Vineenhaler) Carlisle,
The father was a native of Virginia, the mother of Ohio and both died in
the Buckeye state. TTnto Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have been born four chil-
dren: Silvia, wife of J. T. Parkinson, who is residing in Port Orchard,.
Washington; Ora. wife of J. ¥'. Miller; Kfiie, a teacher of Woodson County,
and Maude, who is also .'iiLiavi'i! in iiMrliinu' in this county. They have also
lost two children— i-'aiimc], who died in Illinois at the age of twelve years,
and Harman, who died in the same state when nine years of age,
Mr. Mitchell exercises his right of franchue in support of the men and
measures of Democracy and by his fellow townsmen has been elected to pub-
lic ofPce. He served for one terni as township trustee, and at this writing is
capably filling the position of township treasurer. No trust reposed in hira
has ever been betrayed in the .slightest degree, and in all walks of life he
is known as a man of honor and reliability.
WILLIAM P, TAYLOK,
Real estate business is a most important factor in the material pros-
perity of a community. A casual obsei-ver can form no conception of the
important position held by the active, enterprising agent, devoted to the
wrrk of buying and selling real estate, establishing values and otherwise
stimulating property holders to the greatest improvements it lies in their
power to make. l\Ir. Taylor is one of this class. The .iudicious principles
which lie Tipholds in his" transactions, the care with which he investigates
*\ooi->s<)N Coi':NtiK:,. k'ansas-. 769
pt.ints eoiiuected therewith, nie teeuiiii^' for him a larj>e and well deserved
patronage, and the firm of W. P. Taylor & Son is now a promini?nt one in
Hiis line in Yates Center.
William P. Taylor was bora in Fayette County, Ohio, near Washing-
ton Courthouse, Marcli 9, 1839. His father, William R. Taylor, was born
near Frankfort, Kentucky, in 1798, and throughout his active business life
e.irried on farming. He passed away in 1875, at the age of seventy-six
years. In his political views he was a war Democrat and always supported
the principles of the Democracy, l)ut two of his sons, who served in the
T^nion army became Republicans. The mother of our subject bore the
Daiden name of Mary Hoppss and was of German birth, a daughter of
John Hoppas, who was also a native of the fatherland as was his wife. Mrs.
Taylor died some time prior to her husband's death, pasring away in 1851.
Her children were Nancy, deceased wife of Jacob Drook : Robert, who has
also departed this life ; Alary J., deceased wife of ^^lliam Fbright : John H.,
oi Williamsfield. Illinois: Samuel S.. of Neosho, Mi' sonri : Rosetta. wife
•of Eli Reece. of Clifton. Illinois : Isaac B.. who died in Indiana : Willam P.
and Jacob A., both of Woodson County.
In his youth and early manhood Mr. Taylor was identified with agri-
cultural purr-nits. He was only about two years of age when his parents re-
moved from Fayette County, Ohio, to Grant County, Indiana, and there
he was reared, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors of the
f elds, for the family resided upon a farm. While working for an uncle in
Jay County, Indiana, he offered his services to the country as a defender of
the Union, enlisting as a member of the Twenty-fourth Indiana battery,
"■hieh was attached to the Twenty-third corps of the army of the Ohio.
With his command he participated in the battles of Marborn, Kentucky,
T'owden. Tennessee, the seige of Knoxville and the seige of Atlanta and
the Atlanta campaign. After the fall of the city his battery went with
f^erprals Sehofield and Thomas in pursuit of Hood and thus he participated
in the en<ragements at Franklin and Nashville. He then went to Louisville.
Ken+ueky. wliere the battery was diAnded among four forts and there
>eld until Augurt 5. 18fi5. when the war having ended Mr. Taylor was
mustered out. On many a hotly contested field he has dif-played his loyalty
and his bravery, and to his home he returned with a most creditable mili-
tary record.
Once more in the north he began farming in Lake County, Indiana,
and the following year was there mai-i'ied. He continued agricultural pur-
suits there until 1869. when on the 11th. of October, he started for Wood-
son County. Kansas, driving across the country and reaching his destination
on the 14th. of November. He located first in Belmont township, where he
f(>l]owed farming and stock raising until the spring of 1875. He then went
to Defiance, and a year later removed to Yates Cenfer and erected the fifth
Tmildincr here— the Commercial Hotel, which he conducted successfully for
seven vears. For two years he engaged in nie7'chandi;ing with his son.
Ill imp ( ^ II
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770 HISYOftV' Or' ALLEN AA'0
J icoh E lie a\1iicIi 1 e semd as jubtice o± tl e peace for four years, and^
smee thai time le las been eouneeled \Mtli tie leal estate business as-
1I e '•enio mem ei of tlic fiiiii of W P Taylo> dL ben Prosperity has at-
tended his eitoits and the impoitant transactions \\hich he has conducted
' ave b o 1 ^ to ' n -oic' leturn and at tl e same time have been of value-
I ml '1 u the ci^y They also conduct a loan business.
11 lie County Indiana Mi Taylor was united in
il I > 1 1 (hnthtei of \dolph Pievert, and they
ill I who IS iss cnted \Mth his father in busi-
I ' I I ' ni 1i1p it Fditoi Buck, deceased; Gussie;
h 1 I \ ill \i] II 1 Pacific Railroad Company
I I 1 11 111(1 ( I ho completes the family,
hi '' iiiK I 1 I 1 I 11 1 1 [icob Taylor and his wife.
\w\\ cast hi fii'it pi 1 l(iiii il 1 ile for Abraham Lin-
coln and ' IS since supported the men and 1 1 sui =s of the Kepublican
!> Ill's He I clones to tie Ciand Aimy of the Ftpubhe. has taken the de-
iT'-ee of Mas^-er Mason and is connected with the Triple Tie. Through
almost a third of a century he has resided in Woodson County and has
wa*^ched with a deep and abiding interest its progress and improvement,
shpi'iiie in tie work of advancement as opportunity has offered, and finding-
in it: Inisineps opening the field of labor which he sought, thereby provicT-
iiip for h,is family a comfortable competence.
JAMES L. MARTIN.
As a wortliy representative of an honored pioneer family of southeasf-
,,,.„ !v:i!i'-:is :is a capable and faithful public official and as a leading and re-
luilih' hiisiiii's.' man of Yates Center. James L. Martin is deserving of men-
tion in this \-oluine. the purpose of which is to perpetuate the life records
of those who have contributed to the growth, improvement and stability of
this section of the Sunflower state. He is now a member of the well known
firm of Martin & Orendorff. of Yates Center, and is a recognized leader in
his line of commercial activity in the county seat.
The Martin family is of Eivjiish lineage and was founded in America
by Richard Martin, -^he t'raiidfafher of our subject, who with three of his
sf.ns crossed the Atlantic to Canada. His children were James. Isaac,
-lonathan. Freeman. AYilHaiii. Fzra and Anson, all of whom resided in
the T'nited States, were married and reared families. Of this number Wil-
liam Martin now resides in Fort Scott, Kansas. Freeman Martin, the father
of our ;-nli.ieet. was married in Oale County. Illinois, in 1847 to Matilda
Cox, a native of Conneclicut. and a daughter of William Cox, and in 1866
they came to Kansas locating in Osage township, Allen County, when not
a sinsle house stood between their home and the residence of Judge Brown
on Rock creek, east of lola. "Mr. IMartin secured a homestead claim and re-
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 7/1
sided oil the Osage until 1885, when he removed to Osborii County, Kansas,
where he remained for four years. In 1892 he removed to Bronson, Kansas,
where his death occurred in October, 1899, when he was seventy-six years of
age. His wife passed away in the same city in July, 1899, so that after
traveling life's journey together for fifty-two years they were not long
.separated in deatli. They had six ehildrerr: Albert E.. of Bronson, Kansas;
James L.. John M., also of Bronson ; Lucena M., wife of Tillman Birnbaum
of Tola: Harriet C. wife of Dr. Albert Allen, of Ottawa, Kansas, and
Fannie T.. who resided in Bronson.
Mr. Martin, whose name begins this record, was born in Ogle County,
Illinois, April 2, 1859, and was therefore only about seven years of age
when he came with his parents to southeastern Kansas. He pursued his
education in the connnon schools and when sixteen years of age entered
upon his busintss career as a clerk in a store in Osborn. Kansas. He subse-
quently entered the employ of J. Bishop, of Neosho Falls, with whom he re-
mained as a most competent and trusted salesman for fourteen years, after
which he was elected to the position of register of deeds of Woodson County
in 1895, for a term of two years. On the expiration of that period he was
again chosen to the office and in 1900 he retired from office as he had entered
it— with the confidence and good will of his constituents and the public gen-
erally. He then became a member of the firm of Martin & Orendorff, deal-
ers in dry goods and clothing at Yates Center, and is now enjoying a good
and growing trade, having the best equipped establishment of the kind in
the city.
On the 5th. of September, 1880, Mr. Martin was joined in wedlock, in
Osborn, Kansas, to Miss Jesse A. Crampton. a daughter of Charles W.
Crampton, a native of Connecticut. He became a resident of Troy, New
York, and was married there to Mary J. Harris. The children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Martin are three in number : Mary E., Charles F. and Edgar P.,
all yet with their parents. Like the other members of the family Mr.
Martin is a Republican in his political views and socially he is connected
with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.
He is a gentleman of good habits, upright principles and manly conduct,
who in the quiet but useful and essential walks of business life has gained
the respect of his fellow men and won the friendship of many by reason of
his genuine but unostentatious worth.
CYRUS B. GOODALE.
In the period of twenty-three years in which Cyrus B. Goodale has
I'esided in Woodson County he has worked his way upward from a humble
financial position to one of" affluence and is today enrolled among the well-
to-do and progressive agriculturists of the community. His home is in Lib-
erty township where he has a valuable farm property supplied with all
modern improvements and accessories.
772 HIST(JRV OF ALLEN ANFi
Mr. C-oodale is a native of Illinois, his birth having oeciirred in Kane
County, that state, September 14, 1856. His father, John W. Goodale is
h native of New York, while his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth
Biackett. is a native of Vermont. In the year 1840 John Goodale removed
to Illinois and secured a claim long befoi'e the land came into market. In-
dians were still in Mic neighliorhdod and the loe^dity in which he settled
was still a frontier I'l'iiion givinu' little promise of the wonderful develop-
ment soon to occur. He was a carpenter by trade and followed that pursuit
to some extent but alwayr lived upon his farm where he could raise cattle
and hogs and thu^ add to his income by the f;ale of his stock. He and his
wife are now living retired in Aurora, Illinois at the ages of seventy-six
and sixty-six years respectively. They had nine children, of whom all are
jiving, namely: Frank, Don. Cyrus B., Enniia, Mrs. Katie Boon, Mrs.
Lizzie Hadden ; Mrs. Ella Bobbins. Webb and Burt, all of whom are resi-
de nts either of Illinois or Dakota, with the exception of our subject.
Cyrus B. Goodale spent his youth upon the homestead farm in Illinois,
acquiring a common school education and working in the fields as his age
and strength would permit. When a young man of seventeen years he be-
gan working at the carpenter's bench under the direction of his father and
ro farming and building devoted his energies until after he attained his ma-
,i( i-i*y when desiring to remove to a district where he could more easily se-
cure a farm of his own, he came to Kansas in 1878. Locating in Woodson
County he followed carpentering and also operated a tract of rented land
until his labors had brought to him a sum sufficient to enable him to pur-
cliase a tract of eighty acres three miles west and three miles north of Yates
Center.
IMr. Goodale further completed his arrangements for a home by his
marriage to ]\Iiss Carrie Collmore. the wedding being celebrated July 16,
1881. The lady is a native of the Green Mountain state and came to Kan-
sas in 1877 with her parents, Elijah and Parah Collmore. The young
couple began their domestic life upon the farm and with characteristic en-
ergy he began the work of improvement, his labors making a great trans-
formation in the appearance of the place. He has erected a handsome
residence and had added all the accessories needed to make this one of the
iiiost attractive and desirable farm properties of the locality. He has also
extended the boundaries of the place and now has one hundred and sixty
acres. He handles such stock as his f,-iriii will support and is in his agri-
cultural labors meeting with good sncccss. TT(> also has other business in-
terests, being agent for the Page Woven Wire Fence and of the Cooperative
Insurance Company, of Topeka, Kansas, of which he is also one of the di-
re ctors.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Goodale has been blessed with five children,
as follows: Lola E., Grant L.. LillieM., Frank B. and John 0. and the family
circle yet remains unbroken. In his political affiliations Mr. Goodale is iden-
tified with the People's party and has served as trustee of his township for
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
one tenn. There is great difference in his financial condition at the present
time from what is was when he came to Kansas, for he arrived in Woodson
County with a capital of two hundred dollars, and all that he now posses-
ses has been acquired since, indicating that his life here has been char-
acterized by unflagging industiy.
FRANK W. BUTLER.
PRANK W. BUTLER, who is engaged in the drug business in Yates
Center, was born in Bloomington, Illinois, on the 31st. of July, 1868. His
father, Charles B. Butler, was for some years a very prominent and in-
fluential citizen of Kansas. His birth occurred in Martinsville, Indiana, and
he pursued his preliminary education in the common schools, after which he
became a student of the State University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where
he was graduated in law. l--'ubsequently he engaged in the practice of
law in Bloomington. Illinois, for a time. In 1869 he came to Kansas and
devoted the greater part of his attention to the live stock business, which
he followed with .'luccess. For two years he resided in Leroy, where he en-
gaged in merchandising. He served in both the house of representatives
and the senate of the Kansas legislature and left the impress of his individ-
uality upon the laws of the state. He was a recognized leader in public
thought and action and his political labors were of benefit and value to
the community which he reprerented. He married Ann C. Depew,- and
they became the parents of four children, but our subject is the only one
now living. He has a half sifter, however, Mrs. Clara Mathews, of Yates
Center. His mother died in Bloomington, Illinois in 1881, when only
thii'ty-nine years of age, and his father passed away in Colorado in 1876,
at the age of thirty-seven years.
Mr. Butler, of this review, spent the great part of his youth in his
native city and in Leidv. Kansas. He was prepared for business life by
the educational training of the public schools and a course in the Kansas
State University, where he pursued a course in civil engineei'ing. He came
to Yates Center in 1883 and has since made his home in this city. He
entered upon his business career as a salesman in the drug store owned
by Mr. Waymire, where he remained for four years during which time he
mastered the business, both in principle and detail. He then opened a
.store of his own and is now enjoying a good patronage.
Mr. Butler was married in Cameron, Missouri, March 3, 1893, to Miss
Stella Ruggles. and they have a pleasant home in Yates Center. Mr. But-
ler's father was a Democrat but he has never taken a prominent part in
jmblic affairs, other interests claiming his attention. He is identified with
the Masonic fraternity and is now serving his third term as high priest of
Rnyal Arch Chapter, No. 56. He is also a Knight of Pythias and belongs
t<i Alpha Xi Chapter of the Sigma Chi fi-aternity, a college fraternity.
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
In militaiy circles in Kansas he is quite prominent, being the captain of
Company L, 1st Keginient of the Kansas National Guard, which was organ-
i/ed and mustered in November 17. 1899.
• JOHN KINGAN.
JOHN KINGAN, who is successfully engaged in the lumber business
in Toronto, is a native of Peterboro, Canada, his birth having occurred
on the 11th of March, 1853. His father, Robert Kingan, was a hardware
merchant of that town, and married Jane Jeffrey, daughter of the Hon.
. ndrew Jeffrey, of Coburg, Out. Both parents have died in their Peter-
boro home since their ^on John came to Toronto. They had ten children,
seven of whom are living. The Kingans are of Scotch lineage, the family
having come to America from Glasgow, Scotland, where the father was
bcrn. The grandfather of our subject was a school teacher there and had
a large family of ten children. Two came to this country, Robert and
Gordon, the latter becoming a wholesale grocer of Montreal, of the firm of
Kingan & Kinloch. Of that family there is one surviving sister, Mrs.
C^ubbin. who is now living near London, England, and has passed the
ninety-sixth milestone on life's journey. Robert G. Kingan, a brother of
our subject, is a hardware merchant of Peterboro, Canada. Frank is man-
ager of an electric light and power company of Sault Ste. Marie, Michi-
gan. Fred is an electrician and the sisters are now living in Peterboro,
Canada.
John Kingan, the eldest of the family, spent the days of his youth
in the place of his nativity, acquired his education in the public schools,
and entered upon his bixsiness career as an a.ssistant to his father in the
hardware store. There he remained for four years, after which he spent
five years in Montreal in the wholesale hardware business. On leaving
that city he came to the United States, and for about a year was engaged
in the grain business west of Chicago on the Chicago & Iowa railroad. He
afterward spent two years in Chicago engaged in different occupations and
then came to Kansas, arriving in this state in 1879. He first settled at
Mound Valley in Labette County, where he was engaged in the h;mber
and grain business for eight years. He came to Toronto from Emporia,
Kansas, where he was connected with the lumber trade for two years as
representative of the fii-m of S. A. Brown & Company. On arriving in
this city he bought the lumber business of S. A. BroM'n, and now has a
well equipped yard and is carrying on a successful trade, his patronage
steadily increasing owing to his well-directed efforts, his obliging manner
and unquestioned honesty.
In Mound Valley, Kansas, in September, 1881, Mr. Kingan was joined
in wedlock to Ida C. Hobbs. a daughter of Jacob Hobbs, who was a farmer
in that locality. They now have but two children, Fred and Jennie. Etta,
TVOUUSON Cbt'NTIES. KAJ^SAS. 775
■.vneir eldest daughter age 13, died in April, 1899. Fraternally, Mr. Kingan
ris conneettd with the Workn:en and the Select Knights. He entered updn
;hi.s business career with some little financial aid and has worked his way
upward through determined purpose and resolute will and has advanced
fa r on the road to prosperity.
DEWITT C. BENxXETT.
DE'\\T;TT C. BENNP^TT. who is residing upon a farm of two "hundred
• and forty acres in E^^erett to'.\iiship. "VVoodso'n County is numbered among
the practical and progressive agriculturists of the eonnnunity. and is one
of the honored veterans of the Civil war who for four and a half years
loyally defended the starry banner— the symbol of an undivided Union.
He M-as born near the famous Otsego lake, in (Otsego County. New
York, on the 16th of July, 1840. His parents. Elisha B. and Hannah
(Pierce) Bennett, were also nBtiws of the Empire state, and tin:- father
there died in 1854, while the mother pasjed away in Illinois, in 1872.
■\vhen sixty-eight years of -age. They were tlie pait^nts nf ti n (Miildren.
four of whom are yet living, Dewitt C. Beiinrtt lieing the youngest of the
fcimily. He resided in the state of his nativity until lS."ji;. When at the
age of sixteen he left the great old farm lunise on tb.e hill side with its
garret.s holding the uniform his father had worn in the militia at the time
•of the Mexican war and accoutrements his forefathers in the war of 1812 and
also in the Revolution and started westward to make his own way in the
world, unaided by pecuniary advantages or influential friends. Going to Il-
linois he was there employed by the month as a farm hand, and at the age of
17 years he came to Kansas, locating in Linn County. This was about the
time of the troiable between lMi;sonri and Kan.sas. known as the border ruf-
han war and thus eai-ly Mr. Bennett became familiar with the hardships and
horrors of war. For some time he was with John Brown and General Mont-
gomery, aiding in defending the west side of the line. He also experienced
many "of the diffieulties and trials of pioneer life during his nearly three
years' stay in the Sunflower state.
In 18fi0 Mr. Bennett returned to Illinois, A\liite County. The slavery
question and the right of secession had precipitated the country into Civil
war he put aside all personal considerations, and enlisted in Company H.
Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, in October, ISfil. He served for more than
fouryears and participated in the battles of Fort Donels-on, Shiloh, Pitts-
hurg Landing, the seige of Vicksburg. Island No. 10, the battle of Mobile
?)nd many other engagements. When hostilities had ceased the Forty-sixth
Illinois was rent to follow the enemy on an expedition through Texas and
lip the Rio Grande river, so that he was in the service for many months
?fter actual hostilities had ended. In 1866 he received an honorable dis-
charo-e. having given four and a half years of his young manhood to his
J-]6 H"l'S'r"(iRV iif'^ AI.LEN AfiD
country. His wns an lutnorable record. He always fearlessly and faitii-
fully (linc'liiiruvd his duties, and to such of the boys in blue the country-
owes a dt'lit (if uratitude which can never be repaid.
On Ijoihg niu.slered out Mr. Bennett returned to his home and then
sj'ent a poition of the next two years in Wisconsin and Iowa, but in De^
i^cuitier, 18GS was married to Mif:s Mary J. Adams, of DeKalb, Illinois.
When he decided to return to his first love, "beautiful sunny Kansas,"'
which resolution he raiiii-u into cfreet in the spring of 1870, he located in-
I']vere't township, Wdddsou ( '(lunty. where he secured a homestead claim
of eighty aere?-, on which he resided for twenty years, making many im-
provements on the place. He then sold the property in order to find
broader scope for his labors, and he and his wife purchased his present
farm tif i\vii liundred and i'orty acres, ou which he has a good residence;
sulisiaiitial l)arn and all modern equipments and accessories found upon a
1! (xlel faiui of the new century. He also engages in raising as nmch stock
as his farm will support, and his labors are bringing to him a richly-
merited income.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have living nine children : Georgia A., wife of
Fred Richards; also Eugene, Prank D., AUie, Elva, Coral, Jesse, Hazel and
Jennie, all of whom are still under parental roof. Mr. Bennett belongs
to Post, No. 145, G. A. R., at Yates Center, and in his poli-
tical affiliations he is a Republican, unswerving in his advocacy of the
principles of the party. His army service is but an example of the loyalty
which has ever characterized his entire life in its every relation, and which
has made him one of the valued residents of his adopted county.
J. A. ROSS.
J. A. ROSS, one of the extensive land iiwners of Woods.m Ciniii^y,
iiow largely engaged -in the growini; of hay. was born in Bui'i-aii ('(ninty,
Illinois. February 18, 1855. His father. Andrew Ross, was horn in (Wu.v,,
in 182o. and in 1842 removed to Bureau County, where he yel makes his
home. There he married Miss Hainiah Randall, who died in 1856, leaving
five ciiildren : George, yet a resident of Bureau County; Sarah J., wife of
\V. S. :\layhail; Margaret, wife of Milton Maston, of Iowa; Mary, wife
of .John Walter, of Bureau County; and J. A. of this review. After the
death of his first wife the father married again, his second union being
with Salina Ireland. Their union was blessed with three children: Frank,
vii Iowa, Eliza and Julia.
Upon the home farm in the county of this nativity J. A. Ross spent
the period of youth and childhood, devoting a portion of his time to the
acquirement of an education in the common schools, to work upon the farm
and to the pleasures in which boys of the period indulged. When youth
\^•as passed he there carried on farming xintil 1881, when he sought a
"VounSDN eiHwriiiS, Kansas. 77'7
lioiiie in Kansas, coming to Woodson County. He located on the north-
"west quarter of section eight, Perry township, and there resided until
1H83, when he came to his present home. He now owns 720, acres
of valuable land, largely meadows, devoted to the raising of hay, of
w'liich iiroduc't he yearly gathers large crops and makes extensive ship-
iiicnls. In 1000 he began ext-enf;ive improvements on his farm and now has
a eoinmodiiius and attractive residence, large barn and other substantial
outbuildings for the care of hay and stock, and all of the modern accessories
and conveniences found upon a model farm of the new century.
On the llth of July, 1888, Mr. Ross was joined in wedlock to Misi^
Grace Brett, and unto them have been born three cliildren : Myrtle, who
died in infancy: Vera, Avho was born January 25, 1886: and Ethel, born
December 9, 1888. The family are well known in the community and
represent tTie best class of farming people. Mr. Rcss was reared in the
faith of tlie Republican party and by his ballot has always supported its
irien and measures.
ABRAM P. DARSt.
There is -ever an element of interest attaching to the history of a self-
r.iade man, one who starts out in life empty-handed and wrests fortune
from an adverse fate. Obstacles and difficulties aie encountered, but to the
man of resolute purpose these but call for rene\\'ed effort and serve as
stepping stones to something higher. The life record of Mr. Darst stands in
exemplification of what may be accomplished in this free land of ours,
where the man of ambition and determination is unhampered by caste or
class. He is numbered among the pioneers of Woodson County, and
for more than thirty years has contributed to the material advance-
ment and substantial uplDnilding of this section of the state. He is an
honored veteran of the Civil war, and the same loyalty which he mani-
tcs+ed on southern battlefields is now manifest in his'faithful performance
vf the duties of citizenship. Such qualities render consonant a detailed ac-
count of his life in this volume.
A native of Ohio, he was born in Meigs County, on the 6th of June,
1839, and is of German lineage, the first representatives of the family in
America having come from the Fatherland to the new world. John Darst,
the grandfather of our subject, died in 1849, at the extreme old age of
n'nety-three years. Abram Darst, Sr.._ the father, was born in Ohio in
1803, and died in Vinton County, that state, in 1852. He married Nancy
Read, whose death occurred in Lake County, Indiana, in 1875. This
worthy couple were the parents of ten children : Mary J., wife of Joseph
Marshall, of Ruskin. Nebraska : Sarah A., widow of Francis Andrews and
a resident of Iowa: Thomas L., of '\\nieatland, Wyoming: James S., of
Doniphan County. Kansas: Alaria L.. who married John "M. Fuller, and is
77S HISfOKY' OF' ALtEKr' A"r5D
now deeeatiecl ; Abraui P.. of this review; Elizabeth, dec'eafc:ed wife of Wir'
11am Buckley ; Jonatlian J., who has also passed away : Addie A., the'
widow of D. V. Dow, and a itsident of Woodson Coxinty, and Joseph J., of
the same county.
Abram P. Darst spent the first sixteen years of his life in the state of
his nativity and then became a resident of Lake County, Indiana, in
1855. There he remained until his removal to Kanras, and in the mean-
time he had become familiar with the work of the farm through practical
experience in the fields. When the country became involved in Civil war,
Le resolved to strike a blow in defense of the TTnion, enlisting on the 23d
of .Tune. 1H(U, as a membei' of Company B. Twentirth Indiana Infantry.
He w;)s mustered in at Lafayette, that state, and on the Northern Central
railroad proceeded with his command ficim Pittsburg to Baltimore, and
from there to Fort llattrvri'-. .\'oi-th Carolina. The winter was passed at
Portress Monroe, and in Wic spring he witnessed the famous naval battle
between the Merrimae and the Monitor. The regiment afterward proceeded'
T. Norfolk and joined the Army of the Potomac at White House Landing.
Mr. Darst participated in the seven day's fight and then joined Pope on
the Rappahannock, taking part under his command in the second battle of
Bull Run. Por a time he was left at Washington on account of disability,
and after rejoining his regiment took part in the battle of Predei-ickburg..
He was also in the Gettysburg campaign and was wounded, being shot
through the left thigh. He joined his regiment again at Fort Schuyler,
New York, whi^^her it had gone to quell the draft riot, and upon leaving
that state the Twentieth Indiana returned to the Rappahannock, taking^
part in the engagement at Chancellorsville soon afterward. Mr. Darst re-
cnlis^ed and received a thirty days' furlough, on the expiration of which
time he rejoined his command at Brandy Station, later taking part in the
Richmond campaign under General Grant. On the 6th of May, 1864, irt
the battle of the Wilderness he was shot in the right leg below the knee,
the ball entering between the two bones, where it lodged. It therefore
had to be cut out and gangrene set in. which necessitated Mr. Darst re-
maining in the hospital for nearly a year. It was 1873 before his wound
ceased to discharge, and it .still troubles him to this day. Discharged from
the service he returned to his home, conscious of having performed his
duty for the perpetuation of the Union and for the honor of the old flag
which now floats so proudly over every portion of the nation.
In the year following the close of the war, on the 22d of February,
1866. ]\Ir. Darst was united in marriage in Lake County, Indiana, to Mi.ss
Punice, daughter of Jackson and Amy (Cutright) Dumond. and the same
year' started with his bride for Kansas, accompanied by Henry Peters. J.
H. Hale. Jo<eph Barker and J. W. Dumond, together with their respective
families. They arrived at Humboldt on the 4th of July and secured claims
in Eminence township, Woodson County, on the east branch of West Buf-
falo creek. That summer all erected homes, each twelve by sixteen feet
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 779
aud one story iu height, built of eottonwood and sycamore lumber, manu-
factured at Humboldt and for which they paid twenty-five and thirty dol-
lars per thousand. With characteristic energy Mr. Darst began the de-
vclo|mii'iii lit his Ijind and continued its cultivation until January, 1897. He
iiddcil I'iiiliiy :icii's to his first tract and devoted his time to the raising
vA urnin and stock, both branches of his business proving profitable so that
i ii the course of years he acquired a handsome competence which now enables
him to live retired, enjoying rest from the more arduous duties of biisiness
life.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Darst was blessed with two daughters.
Myrtle, the elder, is the widow of ijawrence 0. Heffelfinger and has two
children. Lillie and Neva. Nellie, the younger daughter, is the wife of
S' T. White, of Buffalo, Kansas, and has one child. Frank White. Al-
though reared in the Democratic faith, for his father was a supporter of
that party, Mr. Darst of this review has always been a stalwart Rejaublican
and waniily espouses the principles of the party. He belongs to Woodson
Post, No. is.'i. (',. A. E.. and has frequently attended the state encamp-
nients. finding pleasure in recalling the scenes of army life upon the tented
field or the firing line amid those who have shared in fimilar experiences. •
His in+erest in everything which affects the welfare of the people and the
growth and development of the county is deep and abiding and as a citizen
1 e has the respect of all who have knowledge of his straightforward busi-
ness methods and his uprightness of character.
ERNEST STOCKEBEAND.
ERNEST STlX'KEBRAND is numbered among the extensive land
owners of Woodson County, and makes his home jn Center township, where
he has resided for forty-three consecutive years. He has met the hard-
ships and trials of pioneer life in this county and aided in laying broad and
deep the foundation for its present development and progress. He belongs
to that class of representative German- American citizens, who, loyal to
their adopted land, aid in promoting the general progress while advancing
their individual prosperity.
Mr. Stockebrand was born January 27. 1828 in Lippe. Detmold, a
vmall dukedom of Westphalia, Germany, at the ancestral home, which had
been in possession of the family for about two hundred and eighty years.
His father, Adolph Stockebrand, followed farming there and married
Justina Meyerjohn, by whom he had eight children, namely: Adolph and
August, who have passed away : Frederica, deceased wife of Adolph Beyer ;
Wilhelmina, who became the wife of William Klaas and died at Freeport,
T-iinois: Couradina married to August Toedman : Ernest, of this review;
I^ouisa, wife of August Lauber, and William.
In accordance with the laws of his native land Ernest Stockebrand
ySo HrSTOKY OF ALLEN ANl")
pursued his fdueation. At the age of twenty-eight years he took passage
oij a wesiwai'd bound ves>el that weighed anchor in the harbor of Bremen
and sailed foi- New York. He had some rehitives living in Freeport, Illi-
nois, and went to that plaee, but after a very short time he sought a home
in "Woodson Count.y, which offered its rich but wild lands to the settlers
who would register a claim therefor with the government. He became
the owner of a quarter section on section one. Center township, and with
charae'eristic energy began the development of a farnL As the years pasred
and his tinaneial resourci s increased he extended its boundaries until he
became the owner of fifteen hundred acres, being therefore numbered among
the extensive land holdei's of AA'oodsoii County. His realty is an evidence
01 an active business caieer. Continued i fl'drt. resolute will, determined
purpose and careful uuniiigement have enabled liim to work his way steadily
upward until he 1o-(lay s'ands on the plane of affluence.
In 1860 Mr. Stiick-il>iand was united in marriage to Miss Mary Stange,
who became a rcsiilt nt nf this locality in that year. Their children are
El-nest, Charles, Julius, Louisa, wife of Oustav Weide : Mary, vrife of
William Weide, Justina. Paulina, and Anna. Mr. Stockebrand has been
deeply interested in politics since becoming an American citizen and is an
earnest Republican. He voted for the free state cunstitution. and the first
jiolitical speech made in Woodson County was delivered by a IMr. Perry in
his home. He has labored to promote all meastires foi' the public good, and
i- a man of worth in his community.
WILLIAM STANGE.
Through almost three decades William Stange has resided upon the
farm which is now his home, so that he is numbered among the pioneer
farmers of Owl Creek township, Woodson County. He was born in the
province of Hanover, Cei'many, in 18?>0, and is a son of Christian Stange.
The paternal grandfather was a teacher, but his son Christian became
a carpenter and cabinet maker. Emigrating to the new world he spent his
I'omaining days in the United States, his death occurring in 1S59. his inter-
ment being in Cherry Creek cemetery in Woodson County. His wife bore
the maiden name of Henrietta Meyer, and at her death was laid by the
side of her husband. Their children were: Henry, deceased; William:
Sophie, the wife of Paul Jaeger, of Cornwall, New York: John, deceased;
Catherine, deceased wife of Fred Ostermeyer : Mary, the wife of Ernest
Stockebrand ; Caroline, deceased wife of Henry Dicks : Margaret, wife of
William Lange, of Hay Creek, Minn., and Christian, of AVoodson County.
In his youth William Stange learned the trade of carpentering and
cabinet making under his father's direction, and was employed along those
lines in Germany until 18.52. when he came to the United States. He spent
five vears in the state of New York and was largely engaged in the manu-
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 7 -"■ t
faetui-e of brick molds. In 1857 he left the Empire state with a capital of
about five hundred dollars and started out to seek a home in the west.
He spent two months in Chicago and then seeing an advertisement in the
paper which led him to come to Kansas, he made his way to Woodson
County with his brother Henry, locating first on Cherry creek, where
he secured a preemption claim. He has since remained a permanent resi-
dent of Woodson County, and in 1872 he took up his abode on section six-
teen, township twenty-five, range sixteen, where he lias since made his home.
In his labors he has won prosperity and is now the owner of four hundrd
acres of valuable land in a body, all under a high state of cultivation and
well improved buildings, fences and well tilled fields are all unmistak-
able evidence of the enterprise and thrift of the owner, whose unflagging
industry had enabled him to gain a place among the men of affluence in
tiie county.
On the 12th of June, 1868. in Woodson County, Mr. Stange was united in
marriage to Mifs Augusta Pribbernow, a daughter of Christian Pribber-
uow, who settled in Owl Creek township in 1867, coming to this country
from Prussia. His wife was in her maidenhood, Annie S. Busz. and like
her husband she has passed away. In their family were seven children, six
(if whom are yet living. Two children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs.
Rtange: William C. and Henry Carl, both of whom are residents of
Woodson County.
Mr. Stange cast his fii'st presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in
1860 and remained a supporter of the party until 1900, when he left its
ranks owing to the fact that he could not endorse the expansionist policy
of the present administration. He and his family are members of the
Evangelical church. His hope of bettering his financial condition in the
west has been more than realized for here he has not only found a good
h.me, but has gained a very desirable competence and has won many warm
friends among the class of people who have regard for uprightness and
honor.
DAVID T. SHOTTS.
Almost a quarter of a century has passed since David T. Shotts took
up his abode in Owl Creek township, Woodson County, since which time he
has carried on farming in this portion of the state and is classed among
the enterprisin.g practical and wide-awake agricultiirists. He is a native
of Chillicothe, F.oss County, Ohio, born January 2, 1843, and belongs to an
old Pennsylvania family. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Shotts, was
of German lineage and was born in the Keystone state where he married a
Miss Toops. He subsequently removed to Ohio, following farming in Ross
County until his death. In his political views he was a Democrat. He
was the father of eiiiht children, three of whom are yet living. To his
782 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
family belonged Daniel Shotts, the father of our subject, who was also a
native of Eoss County, Ohio, where he spent his entire life, passing away
in 1849. He married Phoebe Bishop, who also died in the '40s. They were
the parents of four children : Rufus, of Fayette, County, Ohio ; David P. ;
Jacob, of Champaign County. Illinois, and Peter, who is also living in that
state.
Before he was ten years of age Mr. Shotts of this review went to live
with his paternal grandfather and in his youth he procured a common school
education. He assisted in the cultivation of his grandfather's farm until
the breaking out of the Civil war, when feeling that his country needed his
services he joined Company A. Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, July 21, 1861.
The regiment was commanded by Colonel Stanley, and was attached to
the Second Brigade. Second Division of the Fourteen Army Corps. He
first met the Rebels at Bowling Green Kentucky, and the first regular
engagement in which he participated was at Stone river. He afterward
took part in the battles of Chickamauga. Nash\-ille and Chattanooga, after
which the regiment wen to Augusta, Georgia, where Mr. Shotts was dis-
charged. He entered the service as a private but when mustered out held
the rank of sergeant.
■ Mr. Shotts then returned to his native county, and the following year,
1865, removed to Champaign County, Illinois, where he remained for thir-
teen years, following the occupation of farming. On the expiration of
that period he came to Kansas and has since been a resident of Woodson,
County. He located on section twenty-seven, township twenty-five, range
sixteen. He had visited the state the previous year and in February,
1878, took up his permanent abode here, settling on the farm he has since
made his home. Here he owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres
of land, and in addition has eighty acres on section twenty-one. Owl Creek
township.
While residing in Champaign County, Illinois. ]\Ir. Shotts was united
in marriage to Mirs Rebecca Bell, the wedding being celebrated on the
17th of August, 1871. Her parents were Thomas and Berilla (McAllister)
Bell, who removed to the Prairie state from. Warren County, Indiana, in
1866. Her father was born in Pike County, Ohio, and died in Champaign
County, Illinois in 1897, at the age of seventy-eight years. His widow
still resides in that county, at the age of seventy-five years. Mrs. Shotts
is their eldest child, and the other members of the family are : Charles, of
Champaign County; Lavina. wife of Jesse Stout, of the same county; Oliver,
Samuel and Frank, all of Champaign County. Unto ]Mr. and Mrs. Shotts
have been born six children, namely: Carrie, wife of Theodore Bayer;
Samuel, Lavina. Clinton, Eugene and Ada, who are still with their parents,
the family circle yet remaining unbroken by the hand of death.
Although reared in the Democratic faith by his grandfather. Mr.
Shotts cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and has since
been an advocate of the Republican party. He has never been an active
WO.TDSON COUNTIES, KAKSAS. 783
political woiker, however, for lii.s farm labors have fully occupied his at-
tention and providing for his family through agricultural pursuits has
b^en a matter of greater interest and importance to him than the honors
(jf public offiee. He has made his farm to bloom and blossom as the rose,
adding substantial buildings, the latest improved machinery and modern
accessories, while in his fields the work of cultivation has brought forth rich
fruits.
STAXPORD EAGLE.
STANFORD EAGLK, who owns and operates a good farm of oiife
hundred and twentv acres of land in Belmont township, is a native son of
\\'oodson County and a representative of one of its pioneer families. His
fiither. Thomas J. Eagle, cast in his lot with the early settlers heri? in 1869.
He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1843 and was a son of John
Eagle and a brotlwr of Worth Eagle, of Woodson County. Thomas J.
Eagle was a young man when the Civil war was inaugurated and with pa-
triotic spirit he responded to the president's call for aid, enlisting in a
regiment of Ohio volunteers. He was afterward transferred to another
regiment and served as a pri\'ate until the cessation of hostilities and the
■dfcclaration of peace, the Stars and Stripes having been victoriously planted
ill the capital of the southern ConfediMMi/y. In the fall of 1869. Mr. Eagle
cnme to Woodson County and settled in Eminence township, where he se-
cured a tract of wild land which he improved, transforming it into a very
valuable farm, supplied with all modern accessories and conveniences such
as are found upon the model farms of the twentieth century. In 1896,
however, he put aside agricultural pursuits and removed to Topeka, Kansas,
where he is now residing, filling the position of secretai-y and treasui'er of
the Adventist church. He married Rebecca Jane Kahl. a sister of Samuel
Kahl. of Woodson Coimty. and by this union were born five children, as
follows : Stanford, of this review -, Oliver, of Wilson County, Kansas ;
Arthur, who is living in Neosho County, this state; Daisy, wife of Walter
Jefferson, and Pay. who is in Union college, at College View, Nebra.ska.
Standford Eagle was born in Wayne Count.y, Ohio. May 29, 1867,
and was only two j'^ars of age when brought by his parents to Woodson
County, where he was reared amid the scenes of rural life, bearing his
share in the work of the farm as he became old enough to handle the plow
and manage the other implements of agi'iculture. His preliminary educa-
tion, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by a course in the
Central Business College, of Pedalia. —issouri. after which he began farm-
ii.g. For some time he rented and operated his father's land and thereby
he acquired the capital with which to purchase his present farm, of which
he became the owner in 1900, buying the property of Jacob Strock. The
place comprised one hundred and twenty acres of land on the southwest
quai'ter of section twenty-seven, township twenty-six, range tifteen and is-
a iiiDmunent to the enterprise and kbors of the o^^'ner who acquired it
thiough his own effoTts.
Mr. p]agle was united in marriage, in Yates Center, December 11, 1893,
Id ^adie, a daughter of Ceo. Hill, one of the early settlers of Woodson
County, and unto tliem have been born two children, Kyle and Avice. Long
residents of tl;e county, lUr. and Mrs. Eagle have a wide acquaintance and
■A lMt'i:i' circle (if friends among the better class of people. In his political
jKclc cin'( s he is .! iJepiihlican. his views Deing in harmony with the politi-
ca! faitli nf :!;(' family. Mr. Eagle has witnessed much of the growth and
pi'ogiess of this portion of the state through thirty-two years' residence
JHre. and is .justly accounted one of the worthy early settlers ot WoodsoiB
('ounty.
JEP^EKSON HUFF.
On the roll of successful farmers and stock raisers in Woodson County
fll pears the name of Jet^:Vrson Huff, wlinre agricultural interests are ex-
tensive and profitaole. His life history began in Perry County. Indiana,
..n the 23d of July. 1838. His father. AViUiam Huff, was a native of
Kentucky, and in early life learned the cooper's trade. He married Miss
Jennie Taylor, also a native of the Blue Grass state, and about 1830 he
removed to Indiana, where he made his home until 1839 and then went
to Arkansas. His death there occurred February 7. 1841, when he was
forty-seven years of age. His wife survived him until 1867 when she, too,
departed this life, being then fifty-seven years of age. They were the par-
ents of two children, biit our subject is now the only survivor of the
ftimily.
■ Jefferson Huff was only a year old when taken b.y his parents to Ar-
kansas where he remained until after the father's death when the mother
leturned with him to Illinois, locating in Richland County where she re-
mained for eleven years. In 1852 she went with her son to Perry County,
Indiana. She gave him a good common school education, and he remained
with her until his marriage when he established a home of his own and
his mother then lived with him imtil her death. They were never sep-
arated until she was called to the home beyond.
It w-as on the 3d of Ma.y, 1860, that Mr. Huff was united in marriage
to Miss Mary E. Howard, a native of Du Bois County, Indiana. No-
vember 9th, 1881. he reached Woodson County, Kansas, settling in the
eastern part of the county, where he remained two years. He then pur-
chared two hundred and forty acres of raw land in Toronto township, lo-
cated thereon and has developed one of the best farms in the county.
There is a fine grove of native forest trees surrounding his residence and
bpfus. presenting a most beautiful appearance. His hedge fences are cut
"^■iudD.SCJN C(VrxTl)-:s, KAKSAS. 7S5
'ii.w and are always well trinuned and the farm has every indication of
thrift, neatness and comfort. It comprises five hundred and sixty acres of
i-ich land, and in addition to the sale of his grain crops Mr. Hi;ff annually
places on the market hay which Ijrings him a return of about five hundred
dollars. He also handles from fifty to one hundred head of cattle annually,
and in the various departments of his farm work is meeting with very
:gratifying prosperity.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Huff has been blessed with nine children,
namely: George Monroe. Elizabeth Adeline, Andrew Julius. Cliaihs Wm.,
Bettie Loretta, Margar-et Rosetta, iNIai'^- Lonisa. Ellen Ann. and Katie Lee.
Andrew J. was elected to the oifiee df disiri'-' clerk in 1896 and rerved
in that office for four years. Mr. llulV hiis liMi"! 1!:. position of treasurer
of Toronto township, and is recou!ii;((l ,-is ;i w i,ir-;iA', ;ii .' riroaressive and
piiblic-^piri'^ed citizen. He belongs tn Whmimip lid-i-. N'.. 121, F. & A. M.,
aiid the warm regard of his brethren nf 1 he rinfei nil \- is <■■- mded him, while
in ail life's relations he is esteemed for his genuine worth.
PRED A. DUMOND.
One of the native sons nf Woodnn County, wlio has been an eye wit-
ness of the growth and progress of this section of the state from an early
period in its development is Fied .\. Du.mond, a progressive farmer of
Eminence township. He was born on the family homestead, November 26,
1872, and is a son of John W. and Adaline (Darst) Dumond, pioneer
settlers of the eommunit_v. The father was born in Seneca County. Ohio,
in 1838, and was a son of Jackson Dumond. He came to Woodson County
at the beginning of Ihe '70s, locating in Eminence township, where he
secured a claim. "With characteristic energy he began its development and
'Continued its cultivation until his death, which occurred October 24, 1873.
John W. Dumond was married in Ijake County. Indiana, to Miss Ada-
line Darst, who was born in Eenton County. Ohio, December 7, 1846, a
daughter of Abraham Darst. By this marriage three sons were born-
Frank, Edward and Fred A. After the death of her first husband, Mrs.
Dumond, on Christmas day of 1874, gave her hand in marriage to Daniel V.
Dow, who was born in Addison County, Vermont, in 1832. and died in
AVoodson County. Kansas, in July, 1885. "When a young man he left Ver-
mont and started in a southwesterly direction. For a few years he re.sided in
^exas. whence he was forced to flee at the ou+break of the war of the Re-
bellion on account of his s\anpathy with the North. He made his way to
the Union lines and enlisted in the First Arkansas Infantry, but was soon
• transferred to the hospital corps as hospital steward, serving in that de-
partment until honorably discharged at the close of the war.
Mr. Dow then returned to Vermont but had been in the west too long
to remain satisfied with the slower and more conservative methods of the
7S'6 HISTORY Of'' ALLEN AJS.'j"5
e;;st Hiul accordingly he came to Kansas, seourinu; a claim in towusliip'
t >vt nty-five. range fifteen, in Woodson Coimty. He became one of the:-
veil known and vahied residents of the county and was a successful farmer.
Tn an parly day he lield tlie office of county surveyor and laid out the
town (if T<ii'imf(i. alsii did iim.l; ,,f the work of that character in the vicinity
of XiMislid halls. H<- s.M\.'(l :is iinstee of his township and always gave a
loyal iind unfaltering supiioit fn the principles of the Republican party, in.'
\Vhich he mos;t firmly tielii ved. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dow were born two'
fdiildien, Susie A., wife of Forest Ruehlen, by whcnu she has one child,
Rrnest: and Estella (".. who is with her mother. When Mrs. Dow came tc
Woodson County, in l(S(i(i. Indians were still in the neighborhood, but
committed no depredation and were usually friendly to the settlers. They
Camped among the fai'ins and I'oamed to and fro over the country on visits'
to neighboring tribes.
Fred A. Dumond, whose name introduces this review, has spent his
entire life in Woodson County. He was i-eared upon the home farm for
though his father died during his early infancy he remained with his'
step-father and was trained to the pi'aetical work of the fields and meadows
throuL:h the ; luniiier months while in the winter season he pursued his edu-
latioii in the dislrict ^:cli(iols. Wl;en lie l:egan business on his own account
it was alont;' the lino +o which he had been reared and he is now successfully
farming on section twelve, township twenty-six, -range fifteen, where he
owns and operates two hundred acres of valuable land, the greater part of
which is under a high state of cultivation. He is also engaged in dealing in
hay, which is a good source of reventie and largely increases his financial
I'esourees.
On the 31st of Decembei-, 1899, Mr. Dumond was united in marriager
to Miss Alice, daughter of Samuel Kahl. one of the early settlers of Emi-
nence township, and they have now a little daughter, Esther May, who
is the life and light of the household. Mr. and Mrs. Dumoud have many
friends in his native county and he is justly classed among the progressive
y<mhg farm<?rs, whose well directed labors bring to them creditable success^.
CHAtfNCY W. LANKTON".
The subject of this review is a self-made man who without any extra-
ordinary family or pecuniary advantages at the commencement of life has
battled earnestly and energetically, and by indomitable courage and in-
tegrity has achieved both character and fortune. By sheer force of ^^^ll and
untiring effort he has worked his way upward and is numbered among the
practical farmers of Everett township, Woodson County.
Mr. Lankton was born in Allegany County, New York, April 27. 1834,
his parents being Joel and Sarah (Evans) Lankton. The father was born
in the Empire state in 1799 and became a local minister in the Methodist
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 7.7
Episcopal church, preaching for luauy j^ears. He was also a carpenter by
trade and while not in the pulpit worked at the bench. In 1839 he re-
moved to Morgan County, Illinois, where he spent his remaining days, his
death (icrurriny iu 1855, when he was fifty-five years of age. His wife
passed :i\v:iy iiiiiiiy ytars before, being called to her final rest in 1841. when
thirty-si.\ years (if age.
Chauncy Lankton, their sixth child, was a little lad of five summers
when his parents went to Illinois. Schools in the west were very primitive at
that time and his educational privileges were necessarily limited. At an
early age he began work at the carpenter's trade under the direction of
his father and followed that pursuit throughout a long period. He was
married in Illinois and there remained until 1879 when with his family, he
came to Kansas, purchasing one hiindred and sixty acres of land two
miles north and one mile west of the present site of Vernon, iu the fall of
that year. The improvements on the place were meager, but with char-
acteristic energy he began the development of his farm and has since
cec^ed a good residence and a large barn, has planted a fine orchard and
has everything in good condition, the place being particularly neat in ap-
pearance. The}' did not have three hundred doHars wlicn they came here,
and through their energetic efforts they have advanccil until they are now
the possessors of a handsome competence, sufficient to i)rovide them with all
tl;e necessaries and many of the luxuries of life.
In 1857 Mr. Lankton was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda Rhea, who
was born in Illinois, while her parents were natives of Kentucky, removing
to the former state at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Lankton became the
parents of three children : Fletcher H., who is a printer by trade and is
now foreman of the Daily Drovers Telegram office, in Kansas City, Missouri ;
Adda L.. wife of C. B. Norton, a resident farmer of Everett township, and
Lydia, wife of R. E. Dickinson, now the owner and proprietor of a harness
shop in Leroy, Kansas. The family are well known, and their friends and
acquaintances in Woodfon County are many. J\Ir. Lankton is independent
in his political views, voting for the men whom he thinks best qualified for
office without regard to the party affiliation of candidates. Such ii the life
record of one of the enterprising agriculturists of Woodson County, whose
place in business circles is the reward of his own honoi'able labors.
CLAUS PETERS.
CLAUS PETERS has fully tested the opportunities which America
offers to her citizens for he came to this country empty-handed and by dili-
gence and enterprise has risen to a position among the leading, influential
and successful farmei-s of Woodson County, his home being on section
fourteen. Owl Creek township. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Ger-
manv. June 3. 1833. and is a son of Henry Peters, a farmer, whose ancestors
ySS HISTORY OF ALLEN AXU
for many generations had been farming people of Sehleswig-Holstein. He
wedded Mary Rogers and both parents spent their entire lives in the father-
hind. Their children were: Ocorge, who died in the old country; John,
who also died in Germany; Clans, and Christiana, who when last heard
from was living in the fatherland.
In early life Claus Peters learned the carpenter '.s trade and served
for a year and a quarter in the Danish army. In 1866 he determined to
come to America, hoping thereby to improve his financial condition. Ac-
cordingly, in S.eptember of that year, he took ship at Hamburg for New
York and from the coast proceeded westward to Leavenworth, Kansas. He
v,-as a poor mechanic looking for a home and he put up a little frame house,
twelve by fourteen feet, after which he worked by the day in order to get the
funds nececsary to carry on the v/ork of development upon the claim which
he had entered. The early years of laborious effort, however, were the
foreinmner of a more prosperous period. On the 7th of September, 1867,
Mr. Peters was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Kose. who was born in
Sehleswig-Holstein. She died November 18, 1899. The children of this
irarriage were: Mary, who died at the age of eighteen years; Maggie,
^^•ife of August Goedeke. of Oklahoma, and Henry, horn September 7, 1875.
In connection with general farming Mr. Peters and his son have
handled cat+le and hogs and have found this a profitable industry. They now
own four hundred and five acres of valuable land on sections, fourteen,
nineteen and twenty-three, and the farm is well improved with all modern
accessories and with substantial buildings.
Mr. Peters takes little part in campaign or political work of any (\o-
s(ription aside from casting his vote for the men and measures of the Re-
publican party. In religious belief he is a Lutheran and has served as
one of the officers of the church. He has also rendered financial aid to the
laiilding of St. Paul's Lutheran church on Owl creek, and has done much
for the upbuilding of the church and the spread of Christian truths as
taught by that denomination. His life has indeed been a busy, useful and
honorable one. and this record is such a one as to justify the confidence
and esteem in which he is held by friends and neighbors.
JOSEPH J. ALLEN.
Prom the age of sixteen years Joseph J. Allen has depended upon his
own resources for a livelihood, and that to-day he is numbered among the
v.ell-to-do agriculturists of Woodson County is due to his energy, careful
management and imtiring labor. He was born in Venango County. Penn-
svlvania. upon a farm in Irwin township, his natal day being July 31, 1847.
The family is of Scotch lineage and was founded on American soil by James
Allen, the grandfather of our subject, who came from the land of hills and
heather to the new world and spent the remainder of his life upon a farm
\VOODSOX COUNTIES, KANSAS. 789
ill Venango County, Pennsylvania. He was a soldier of the American Revo-
hition, loyally aiding the colonies in the struggle for independence until the
British army was driven from the land. He reared a family of four sons
and three daughters, as follows: Robert; Joseph A.; Mary, the wife of
Patrick Davidson; Nancy, wife of Jesse Carroll; Margaret, the wife of
James Osborn; William and James.
Of this family William Allen was the father of our subject. Also a
native of Venango County. Pennsylvania, he was born in 1813 and spent
his entire life in that locality. He married Miss Martha Simcox, also a
native of the Keystone state. Her father was a farmer b.y occupation and
was numbered among the heroes of the Revolutionary war. Mr. Allen
pafsed away in 1882, but his widow is still living' at the venerable age of
eighty-four years, her home being still in ^'(■ll;lln:ll County, Pennsylvania.
This worthy couple were the parents of fnm- clnlilii^n : Mary, the wife of
J. A. Glen, a resident of the old home county in Pennsylvania; James P.,
who is also living in the same county; Ellen A., wife of Kerr Graham, de-
ceased, and a resident of Cripple Creek, Colorado, and Joseph J.
In taking up the personal hi.story of Joseph J. Allen we present to
our readers the life record of one who owes advancement entirely to his OAvn
well directed ett'orts. He was reared in Venango County amid the oil fields
o' Pennsylvania, and in the schools near his home acijuired his education,
not yet sixteen years of age when he began to earn liis livelihood by hoeing
corn and through many years his career has been one of activity in the
busy places of life. For ten years he was employed in the oil country and
then turned his attention to merchandising which he followed for twelve
years in Mechaniscsvlle, Pennsylvania, meeting with gratifying success in
the undertaking. Favorable reports of Kansas and its opportunities caused
him to leave the east and seek a home in the Sunflower state, so that in
18— he located on section jive. Center township, Woodson County, owning
the northern half of the section. His farming interests have been well
conducted and the arable land, highly cultivated, has yielded to him an
e-\eellent return for his labor.
On the 1st of June, 1876, Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss
Lizzie A., daughter of Abrara Hunsberger. Her father was born in
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and now resides in Barke.vville. His
life has been devoted to mercantile business. He married Miss Catherine
Barkey. and unto them were born nine children, namely: Lizzie A. ; Mary,
who died in childhood; Nancy, the wife of F. B. Sterrett. of Venango
County, Pennsylvania ; Sarah J., wife of L. Loncks, of Westmoreland
County. Pennsylvania ; Henrietta, wife of E. Loucks of Allegheny County.
Penns^'lvania : William H. : Charles Forney, of Venango County ; Maggie
M., wife of Prank Stowe. of Tennessee, and Mrs. Allen. Unto our sub-
ject and his wife have been born two children, Ollie M., wife of Drum-
niond S. Bell, of Woodson County, and Florence E., who died at the age of
ten veai-s.
790 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
111 his political views j\lr. Alleu is a Republican and takes an active
intere^:t in local polities. For six years he has served as clerk of the
board of Center township, and his long continuation in the office stands in
unmistakable evidence of his fidelity to duty. He belouos to, the Methodii-t
Episcopal church and is a representative of that class of citizens who sup-
port all progressive measures for the general good and thus promote the
welfare of the entire eommunitv.
JOHN PRINGLE.
It is always of interest to review the history of a successful man. It is
the nature of man to rejoice in victory, and he who has conquered fate and
fortune may well be proud of the fact. John Pringle is now one of the
well known and well-to-do agriculturists of "Woodson County, his home
being in Eminence township, but when he came to the county he was in
limited circumstances and all that he has since achieved is attributable
to his own efforts. A native of Scotland he was born in Dairy, Ayrshire,
May 26, 1844, a son of Andrew Pringle, a farmer, -whose ancestors had
resided in the county of Ayr through many generations and had there
bteu interested in the tilling of the soil. On the maternal side Mr. Pringle
IS a repre entative of the well known Parker family of Scotland. The
parents of our subject had four children who reached mature years, namel.y :
James, John, Robert and Andrew. The last named is now deceased, and
Jfimes is a resident of Scotland, while RoIumI is living in Arizona.
John Pringle was reared in the laml of hills and heather and ac-
quired a common school education. At the age of twenty-five years he bade
adieu to home, friends and native country and crossed the Atlantic to the
United States. His brothers, Robert and Andrew, had previously come to
the new world, the former being located in Kansas, while the latter was a
resident of Texas. In 1871 John Pringle arrived in Woodson County and
secured a claim in Perry township on section eight, township twenty-six,
range i^ixteen. He was then in limited financial circumstances, but he found
that success rewarded earnest and persistent effort. He possessed good
health, a strong constitution and a laudable ambition, and with these to
aid him in the place of capital he began life in Kansas. Prom the beginning
svccess has attended his efforts. His home is now on the southwestern
(piarier of section twenty-four. Eminence township, and in addition to this
he owns land on section twenty-five, of the same township, and eleven hun-
dred and twenty acres in Belmont township.' For ten years he was identi-
fied with the stock raising interests of Gila County, Arizona, where he
still h<>,s interests.
Ir Woodson County, in November, 1882. Mr. Pringle was unittd in mar-
riage to Miss Emma Launders, a daughter of Wm. Launders, who was
lorn in Illinois. Their marriage haS been blessed with the following child-
'u'ooDSttN coUNTre;;. kaxsas. "701
Ten: Elizabeth, Jnnet, Einina. Andrew, JMargaret, Kobena. Wni. and James.
-Mr. Pringle is not actively interested in politics, preferring to give Ms
time and attention to his h^isiness affairs. Plis lesohition and his deter-
niuied purpose, coiuliiui'd wtli uiiflau'-;in<: ii;diisti-y, have formed the rounds
of iiic l;i.l(l.'!- (11! which ]..■ \::\--: cliinhvil In iinispn-ity. His many admirable
<|iia'i irs. his jienial iiiainirr and his s:ci-!iiiii' worth have also made him
;)opuhir. r.nd few citizens fif tlip coiumunitv have more friends than John
Prii-le.
AMOS WRIGHT.
The name of Amos Wright is inseparably connected with the businesii
h'story of Neosho Falls for he is a very prominent factor in the industi-ial
.jind commereial activity of the city, and his life history cannot fail to prove
')1' interest as he is numbered amo^.g the class of hi-mued self-made men
Mho owe their prosperity and advancement entirely to their own efforts
His ifi/ord should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragment to
dthcis sliiiwiim, as it does, what may be accomplished through determined
effcirl. i-i'soliil.' ',\-ill and round business judgment.
Ur. AVn-ht was liorii (.u the •_'!)th. of :\lareh. LS.'i'2, in Illinois, and is a
son of Aitifis and Sar,-ih Wii.'ht. 'Ihe tani.r died during the early boyhood
fl' our sid)jeet. wh.o was th.e ninth in a i'amily of eleven children. He re-
mained at home with his mother and assisted in providing for her support
as well as his own. They lived upon a farm, where the children were
reared, and owing to the limi'ed family finances which necessitated his re-
maining upon the farm. Amos Wright of this review had but limited school
privileges. Tn 1869 he became a resident of Kansas, locating near lola. in
Allen County. His mother died December 26. 1899. at the age of eighty-
•eight years.
On the 1st. of Jidy. 1875. Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss
Mary C. Rou.^'h, a native of Indiana, and they began their domestic life
upon a rented farm, our subject continuing to operate rented land until
1890. when with capital acquired through his industry and economy he
juirchased one hundred and twenty acres. In 1895, however, he sold that
jiroperty ;ind came to Xrosho Falls, where he built a sawmill and began the
manufacture of lumber. Suhsci(uen'ly he established a eider mill and mo-
lasses factory, both of which he still operates, doing therein a business
amounting to six thousand dollars annually . In July. 1900. he established
iiis lumber yard with a stock worth eight thousand dollars, and now has one
of the best equipped yards in Woodson County, having large sheds and a
fine office and all modern accessories for carrying on the enterprise. During
the first six months his sales amounted to eight thousand dollars and his pat-
ronage is constantly increasing. i\Ir. Wright is cei-tainly a man of very re-
sourceful business ability, for in addition to the concerns already mentioned
f9^ HIM-'OKV OF ALLEN .\S\i)
lie is condueting a large fanu, raising hogs, cattle, corn, wheat and oats om
an extensive scale.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. M^right have been born three children, all residents:
ol Neosho Falls : Robert A. ; Sarah E., wife of Frank L. Best, and William
If. The sons are also married. The members uf the family are well known
ajid highly esteemed. In his political affiliations Mr. Wright has always been-
a Republican and hai^ served -Ar. township clerk, but the honors and emolu-
i.'ients of ofifice have had little attraction i'or him. He is identified with a^
cumber of civic societies, including the Masonic, the Odd Fellows, the
Iv-iiights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks. He certainly deserves great credit for what he-
has accomplished, and his worth as a man and citizen are widely asknowl-
edg*.^
PRANK HAYS.
One of the prominent citizens of Woodson County, numbered among-
tiie later arrivals, but now actively eouneded with agricultural interests, is
Frank Hays, who owns and operates more than five hundred acres of laud.
He is a native of Macon County, Illinois, born September 19, 1856. being
the only sou of John and Hannah (Parker) Hays. His father was born in
Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Ohio, later to Indiana, and finally to-
iMaeon County, Illinois, where he took up his abode about 1840. He was
twice married and the children by the first union are : Ebenezer, of Madi-
son Coiuity, Iowa ; Thomas, also of the same county; Cynthia, -wife of Isaacr
Skilliiuiu uj' Oi-cuon. jind fnur wlio passed away. After the death of his
liist wil'.' ihc r.-ithcr nuii-iicd llniinah Parker, who is still living in Macon
( (Miuiy, llliimis. By lier first marriage to Hezekiah Hays, a brother of
licr sciMiud huband. she had three sons: Vincent T., of Macon County, Uli-
111. is; Ibvekiah, who is living in the same locality, and James F'., of Madison
( (>unt>'. Iowa.
Tliroughout his life Frank Hays has resided upon a farm. He ac-
quired a eonnuon-i^chool education and was well trained in the work of
plowing, planting and harvesting. On the 19th. of January, 1876, he was
united in marriage to Julia, daughter of Alexander Brett ,and a sister of
Oscar C. Brett, of Humboldt, Kansas. They now have four living children:
Iva. wife of Asa Nourse, of Woodson County: Ray, Ira and Irl. Roy, the
third child, died at the age of one year.
On the 17th. of March, 1880. Mr. Hays dispored of his interests in
riinois,, and severing the connections which bound him to his old home came
to Woodson County, where he first located on the old D. P. Durning farm,
on the county line. He afterward purchased a tract of one hundred and
sixty acres on section three. Perry township, becoming the owner in 1883
and taking up his abode there in 1886. He has since added to the original
~ lac't until he now owns five hundred and seventy acres, controlling tlie'en-
tire amount himself. He is a man of excellent bnsinc-s ;iliility and execu-
tive force, fully capable of managing Tiis extensivo p: op-M t>- interests. He
votes with the Democracy, but takes no active pari in pi ill tics as his time
is occupied with hi.s duties as a farmer and stm k-raisii-. He has practically
made all that he now possesses since comiiiu fi> I\;iii-:is. a fact which indi-
cates that he has led a very liusy, ac'-ive and usii'ii! career, and proving
the potency of energy and diligence in achieving .•-'uccess.
SAMUEL KAHL.
SA^MUEL KAHL is the owner of one of the finest farms of Woodson
County, and the place is a monument to his enterprise, thrift and indomi-
table perseverance. It is located on section thirty-one. Eminence town-
.ship, where stands a eommodious and modern residence, in the rear of which
are seen substantial Tiarns and oufbuildings that in turn are surrounded
with well tilled fields.
Mr. Kahl was born in Pi'anldin County, Pennsylvania, April 9, 1844,
and is a son of "William Kahl and a grandson of Jacob Kahl, who was born
iij the latter part of the seventeenth century and was a soldier in the war
of 1812. His children were Adam, John. Peter and the father of our sub-
iect, together with two daughters, Rebecca and Hannah. William Kahl
was a native of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, whence in 1852 he removed
to Ohio, where he died at the age of seventy-eight years. He became one
of the well known and proniinent citizens and successful farmers of Ash-
land County, that state. In early life he supported the MHiig party and oil
its dissolution became a Eepublican, but was never an office seeker. He
married Sarah Bittinger. a daughter of Jacob Bittiuger. a blacksmith and
farmer, wbo was also numbered among the defendei's of his country in the
war of 1812. Mrs. Kahl passed away in 1889. Her children were Samuel:
Rebecca, wife of T. J. Eagle, of Topelo. Kansas: Sarah, wife of Johii
Springer, of Ashland County, and Christiana, wife of Emanuel Treace. of
.Vshland County, Ohio, also Jacob Kahl, of Ashland County, Ohio.
The educational privileges granted to Samuel Kahl of this review were
rather meager. For some time before he attained his ma.iority he earned his
own living, Avorking by the month as farm hand in Ohio. In 1867 he mar-
ried Pebecca Baron, a daughter of Jacob Baron, of Ohio, and in April,
18fi9. they came by rail to Woodson County, unloading their goods at Neo-
sho Falls. Soon afterward Mi-. Kahl relected the farm upon which he has
made his home continuously since, on section thirty-one. township twenty-
six, range sixteen, of the Osage creek lands. Theie have been times since
v.'hen drouth, flood and pestilence scourged the land and it seemed that he
Y.'ould have to give up the attempt to make a hojue here, but he had no money
Mith which to pay the expen.ses of a return journey to his old home, and
794 H'rs'i'bRV" of allK'n'' axd'
smnmoiiing all his courage and fortitude to meet the conditions, he labored-
0)1 and in course of time the farm yielded abundantly. He now yearly harv-
es:;s large crops and also adds materially to his income by the sale of cattle^
for through a number of years he has been engaged in raising, feeding and
shipping stock and has considerable local prominence in this direction. He-
keeps on hand high grades of cattle and has done much to improve the
stock raised in the county, his labors thus proving of great practical bene-
fit for he who introduces a better grade of cattle thereby adds to their
market value and thus indirectly promotes the general prosperity. His
ranch now comprises five hundred and forty aei-es and he personally superin-
tends the operation and conduct of his farm, which in all its departments
iijdica'es the earefid supervision of a progressive owner.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Kahl has been blessed with three children :
Ida I\I.. wife of Frank Parsons ; Alice, wife of Fred Dumond. of Woodson
County, and Inez, at home. Mr. Kahl is one of the leading advocates of the
Republican party in this locality, having staunchly upheld its principles and
[policy since casting his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant in 1868. He
manifested his loyalty as a citizen of the Union at the time of the Civil war,
enlisting in 1864 as a member of the Ninety-sixth Ohio volunteers, and
when that regiment was consolidated with the One Hundred and Sixty-
third regiment of Ohio, his enlistment was construed as being with the
hitter. The command did duty at Petersburg and Richmond and aided in
the capture and destruction of the Weldon Railroad. After six months'
service he was honorably discharged. He has always been as true and-
loyal to his duties of citizenship in times of peace as when he followed
the starry banner of the nation through the south. His forcefvd indivi-
duality has left its impress for good upon Woodson County, and it is with
pleasure that we ]iresent his record to our readers.
SAMUEL L. PATTERSON.
Wondson County is very fortunate in having for her officials men of
high character and genuine worth, capable in business, prompt in action
and reliable and trustworthy in tlie perfornumce of duty. On the roster ap-
pears the name of Saiiuiel Patterson, who is now serving as county sheriff,
and who well deserves mention in this volume as (me of the leading and in-
fluential citizens of southeastern Kansas.
Mr. Patterson is a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where his birth
Occurred July 8, 1865. The family is of Irish descent and was established
on American soil by the grandfather Patterson, who in the year 1839
brought his family to the United States, locating in Pittsburg, where he
s]-^ent the residue of his days. He was a harness-maker by trade, and by
following that pursuit provided for his family. John F. Patterson, the
f.ither of our subject, was born in Ireland in 1835, and was therefore
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 795
only four years of age when an ocean vessel brought the family to the New
Woi-ld. He was reared in the Keystone state and at the time of the Civil
war he manifested his loyalty to the government by joining the Seventy-
eighth Regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers with which he served for thi-ee
years, meeting the enemy on many a southern battlefield. He married
Josephine Cox and in 1871 came with his family to Kansas, locating in An-
derson County, where he made his home until 1888, when he came to Wood-
son County, spending his last days in Toronto township, his death occurring
in 1896. His wife was called to her final rest in 1898. Their children
were: George, of Arkansas: John, who was the first marshal of Yates Cen-
ter, and died in AVooil cm ('(.inity: Maiy. wife of James Willdns, of Web-
ster County, Missouri: SniiiiH'll... oF Ibis sl:eteh ; Susan, wife of Murray
Ooff, of Denver. Colnradu; llr.hwi. df \v,„„ls(m County: Alexander, of Illi-
nois: Mathew, who is also living in this county, and Emma, wife of Charles
Xewt'on. of Mason City, Illinois.
Throughout the grea^^er jiai't of his life Samuel Patterson has resided
in Kansas and is imbued with the ti'iie western sjiirit of progress and en-
terprise. He came to Wood.' on County when twenty-two years of age and
for one year was engaged in clerking for E. B. Kail, of Toronto. He then
embarked in merchandising on his own account .and after nearly a year
traded his store for a farm in Barton County. ;\Iissouri. operating the
same for about twelve months, when he I'esumed mei-chandising at lantha,
Mirsoui-i. Four months later, however, financial reverses overtook him and
he turned his attention to blaeksmithing, which he there learned and fol-
lowed during his two years' residence in lantha. Going to Toronto he
built a shop and there worked at his trade until July, 1899, when he was
called to public office.
The political faith of the Patteisons is Republican, and like the other
1!, embers of the family oui- sulijeet allied his interests with the "Grand Old
Party." casting his first presidential vote for Benjamin Harrison in 1888.
While residing in Toronto he was elected and served as city marshal, and
that service proved an excellent training school for his present official duties.
Ill 1899 he had three eompe-itors for the nomination for sheriff, but he was
the fortunate candidate and won the election by eleven votes, thus be-
coming the successor of M. E. Hunt.
In January, 1888, in Woodson County, was celebrated the marriage
oF j\Ir. Patterson and Miss Verda Ledgerwood, a daughter of S. M. Ledger-
wood, of Lamar, Missouri, but formerly of Dubois County. Indiana. Their
children are Francis, Feme and Pearl. Socially Mr. Patterson is connected
v.'ith several fraternal organizations. He belongs to the lodge and Rebekah
department of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also identified
through membership relations with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the
Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica. Fearless in the discharge of his public duties, showing no favor in the
performance of the tasks which devolve upon hiin, he is a faithful custo-
79^ HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
dian of the public peace and of the law. and has made an enviable record iu
office.
ABRAHAM B. MILLER.
ABRAHAM B. MILLER, one of the veterans of the Civil war, and
an upright, honorable citizen of Everett township, Woodson County, was
born in Holmes County, Ohio, on the 21st. of December, 1839. a son of
Benjamin and Susana (Yoder) Miller, both natives of Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania. When a young man the father removed to Ohio, where he
engaged in farming. He wm accidentally killed in 1840, by a falling tree,
but his wife still survives him and is living in Indiana at the very ad-
vanced age of eighty-eight yeais.
Of the three surviving children born to his parents Abraham Miller is
the second in order of birth. He resided in the Buckeye state until four-
teen years of age and then accompanied his mother on her removal to
Howard County. Indiana, where he remained until the country became in-
volved in Civil war over the slavery question and the attempted secession
oJ the southern states. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he enlisted at
the president's call for three hundred thousand men. joining company E.
Eleventh Indiana cavalry, with which command he participated in some
(if the most hotly contested engagements of the war. including the battles of
Nashville and Tusciunbia. Tennessee, the latter occurring on Christmas day
of 1864. He enlisted as a private but was soon afterward promoted to the
rank of first sergeant of his company.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the service ]\Ir. Miller re-
turned to his home in Indiana, and on the 4th. of November. 1865, was
I'nited in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Raray. a native of Franklin County,
Ohio, born November 22. 1844. Her parents, Daniel and Melvina (Searfos)
Raray, removed to Indiana in 1844, and her father is still \iv\na: at the
age of eighty-five years .but his wife passed away in 1875. at the age of
forty-two. They were the parents of feven children, of whom Mrs. Miller
is the second, and five of the family are yet living.
After his marriage Mr. Miller began his domestic life upon a rented
farm which he operated until 1868. when he came to Woodson County, se-
curing a farm on Cherry creek. He called his homestead Miller's Grove and
estabiidied a postoffice there to which he save the same name. For six years
!,r served as the postmaster. For seven years he resided upon the farm, but
on account of the grasshoppers he sold the property and returned to In-
diana, where he continued through the twelve succeeding years, when on ac-
count of his health he went to Arkansas, spending six years in that state.
On the expiration of that period he returned to Woodson County in 1892.
purchasing eighty acres of rich land, comprising one of the most attractive
of the smaller farms of Everett township, its location being two miles north-
west of Vernon.
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 797
The home of jMr. and Mrs. Miller has been blessed with eight children,
iiiiniely: AVilliam 0., who is living in Parsons, Kansas; Tudie, who became
the wife of James Ledbetter, and died in 1896 ; Abraham L., who is the
raih'oad agent at Lyndon, Kansas; Fred, who is in the railroad employ at
Parsons; Daniel B., located in Hailey, Idaho; Carl, who is located in
Ilailey, Idaho ; Jesse and Chester, twins, at home, and Grace, the only
daughter, a beautiful young lady who is living with her parents. The
family have a wide acquaintance in the community and the hospitality of
the best homes is extended to them. In political affiliations Mr. Miller is a
Kepnblican.
GEORGE W. McGILL.
(lEORGE W. McGILL is numbered among the worthy citizens that the
Keystone sta*e has furnished to Kansas. He was born in Allegheny County,
Pennsylvania. July 6, 1846, and is a son of the well known Thomas McGill,
who settled in Woodson County in 1876. When our subject was about ten
years of age he accompanied his parents from his native state to LaSalle
County, Illinois, and resided there for twenty years . He pursued his educa-
tion in the disti'ict schools of the iiciuhborliood and on attaining his ma-
iority startril oul u}miii ;iii iiKlcin-n.Iciil lirsiiiess career, since which time
he has been ilopcmleiit cniin-ly upon his own I'esources. As a companion
and helpmate on life's .journey he chose ^liss Jennie Harlan, the wedding
being celebrated in LaSalle County. October 21, 1868.
The lady is a daughter of Arthur Harlan, aiid Thankful (Thrasher)
Harlan, and was born in Putnam County. Illinois, September 16, 1850,
Arthur Harlan was born near Connersville, Indiana, in 1829, and his wife
wf.s a native of the Empire state. Arthur Harlan spent his last days
in Belle Blaine. Iowa, where he died in the year 1889. He was the father
o seven children, six of whom are yet living: Belle, wife of Thomas Mc-
Gill. of Rock Island. Illinois; Jennie, wife of our subject; Monroe, of Eagle
Grove, Iowa ; Ernest, M-ho is living in Davenport, Iowa ; Sadie, wife of
Clinton McCormick, of Belle Plaine. Iowa, and Aaron, who is a resident of
Clinton. Iowa. Melissa, who was the sixth in order of birth, died at the
age of two years.
Mr. and Mrs. McGill began their domestic life upon a farm in Illinois,
and there remained for about eight years, on the expiration of which period
they came to Kansas and have since been residents of Woodson County,
being located at the present time upon a farm on the southwest quarter
of section two. township twenty-six, range sixteen. Mr. McGill gives his
attention exclusively to general farming and is a man of diligence, per-
severance and good business management and judgment. His politif-al
preference is indicated by the ballot which he always deposits on election
day in support of the men and measures of Democracy, but the honors and
ygy HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
emoluments of office have no attraction for him, his farm work claiming
all of his time. He finds thereby that he eau gain a good return for his
investnseiit and is accordingly clashed among the substantial agriculturists
ct the community.
FERDINAND H. SPENCER.
A well known and respected farmer of Liberty township, Woodson
(cunty. Ferdinand H. Spencer, was born in Monmouth County. New Jer-
.sey. May 22, 1838, and was the sixth in order of birth in a family of seven
children, born to John L. and Elizabeth (Tantum) Spencer. The father was
a native of Bucks County. Pennsyhaiiia. and after residing in New Jersey
for some time reiimveil to Illindis in l^'MK there following the occupation
oi" farming imtil hi.s death, which occurred in liS67, when he was sixty-
seven years of age. His wife survived him until 1872. and passed away at
the age of seventy-three years. Of their children five are yet living, namely :
Mrs. Hettie M. De.y, now of Morrisonville. Illinois : William T., who is living
in Jerseyville, Illinois; Martha R., of St. Louis, Missouri: Ferdinand H.,
and Samuel H., of Yates Center.
The subject of this review was onl.v a year old when taken by his
parents to Illinois, and with them he remainecl until they there were called
tn the home beyond. He was leared amid the scenes of miral life, spending
his time in mastering the branches of English learning taught in the eom-
I'ion schools or in' working in the fields. On the 16th. of February, 1871,
he was .joined in wedlock ,*o Miss Sai-ah R. Parsell, who was born in New
Jersey, on the 17th. of January, ISriO, bei- jtarents being Peter and Eliza-
Ix'th "m. (Smalley) Parsell, both natives of New Jersey. In 1864 they re-
moved to Illinois, where the father followed the occupation of farming until
his death, which occurred in 1890, when he was sixty-five years of age.
His widow still survives him at the age of seventy-four, and is now living in
Jerseyville. Illinois. Their family numbered nine cliildren. as follows:
Margaret S. : Sarah R. : Isaac S. : Jeremiah: James S. : Sophia S.. wife of
James Nugent, and Peter R., all in Illinois: John R., of St. Louis, Missouri:
O'iver P,, of Jerseyville Illinois, and Margaret S. The first named became
the wife of Thomas Herdman, but both died in Neosho Palls, his death oc-
curring December .3, 1880, and her death March 23, 1900.
The year 1879 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Spencer in the Sunflower
state. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Liberty town-
ship, Woodson County, on which he now resides, the farm being con-
veniently located four miles directly north of Yates Center, He has
wrought a great transformation in his land, making many excellent im-
provements thereon, and the boundaries of the farm he has extended until
"t now comprises three hundred and twenty acres. His attractive residence
s'auds in the midst of a nice grove of evergreen and forest trees, and in the
'rear is a good barn and other substantial outbuildings, which stand as
monuments to the thrift and enterprise of the owner.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Spenoer has been blessed with six children,
namely: Elizabeth T., a highly educated young lady, who is a graduate
<»f the State Normal School, at Emporia, Kansas, and is now teaching in
the city school of Kansas City, Kani-as; Walter H., a graduate of the Agri-
cultural College, at Manhattan, Kansas: T.il.t S.. a maduate of the State
Normal School, of Emporia, of the class of luni : 1 1. Sii.it, wlm is now teach-
ing in the country schools; J. Oliver, who is alii-ndm',: hi'.:h school in Yates
Center, and Sopliia B.. who is al^o a stndiiit in the high school. Mr.
Spencer has provided his cliildieii with exci41ent educational privileges,
thus giving tliem something \\lnc!i can never be taken from tbem and which
admirably fits them for the pi ai-iic-il dulivs of life.
In his political vie-w^Mi. Sp.niir is a Democrat and cast his first presi-
dential vote for Stephen A. Donulas m IS'iO. In his business aifairs he has
heen very successful, for though lie liad neither wealth or influential friends
to aid him at the outset of his business career he is now in control of a
valuable farm which he owns, and wliich annually brings to him a good
financial retni'n on his investment.
HON. GEORGE D. CARPENTER.
The late George D. Carpenter whose active and honorable business
career of many years was closed suddenly in death. July 20, 1885, was
born in Chenango County, New York, July 6, 18o8. He received his early
■education at Binghampton Academy, came to LaSalle County. Illinois, in
•early manhood and devoted himself to teaching school until the outbreak of
the Rbellion. He enlisted in the Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer
infantry, and was afterward commissioned captain of Company C,
Si.xty-sixth United Sta^^es Colored troops and, without shrinking
from duty, partook of the dangers, privations and hardships of the Yazoo
Expedition, participating in the engagements at Ft. Pemperton, Grand
Gulf. Champion Hill, Big Black, and the siege of Vicksburg. He was in
command of the first Black River Arkansas Expedition, and after the war
was ended he commanded the military posts at Biloxi and Pass Christian,
Missi.s-ippi, until mustered out of service in the spring of 1866.
Mr. Carpenter's identity with Woodson County dates from 1870 when
he located in Liberty township. By dint of untiring energy and good man-
agement he developed into one of the leading stocl?: farmers in the county.
Four years after his advent to the county, as a recognition of his splendid
business qualities and manly worth lie was chosen by the voters of his
county to be clerk of the court, which office he filled six years. Upon the
expiration of his term of office he returned to his country home and herds.
When tlie First National Bank of Yates Center was organized he was
e'^oted irs i)iesi(l.Mit, wliich position again call«fd him from the farm to 'a;
icsidriiri' ill tlir i-diiiity svat. In his connection with the bank Mr. Carpeu-
li^i- I xlijlii .'il i;iH l)iisiii>\ss traits and the stability and integrity of the in-
slituiioii was due in ii tiif-at measure to his perf;onal worth and credit.
Tin. his death the institiilimi suffered a serious loss.
In April, 1869, Air. Carpt-nter married Miss Laura Scovel. Their four
daughters are Doia E, Bigelow. Mabel L. Wamsley, Edna A. and Jessie C.
Carpenter.
George D. Carpenter was a man warm, tender and devoted to his
friends, broad in his views and possessed of the most livnerous impidses.
He was a representative Mason, was a Sir Knight, an odd Fellow and a
Workman. Never in the history of the county was a larger roueourse of
its citizens assembled as a convention of sorrow and never in the history of
any conniuinity did a citizen deserve more the attention paid him when dead
than he upon whase casket friends showered tears and flowers upon this:
sad occasion.
REV. 0. P. AUGUSTINE.
REV. 0. P. AUGUSTINE, who for eighteen years has served as post-
ciaster of Coloma and is a well known representative of tlic business inter-
r'sts of this locality as well as of the work of the church, was boi-n in Stark
(luinlx, Ohio, October 1. 1824. His parents, John and Margaret
I Wisliani : ,\ui:nstine, were both natives of Pennsylvania. In early life the
father lar;^i'ly devoted his time and attention to political interests and to
military service. Fie was one of tlie loyal defenders of his country in the
war of 1812, was madi' a briuadier-ucncral and served throughout the Black
Hawk war. A reco.iiiiized leadei' in public thought and opinion, his
views carried weight in political circles and in 1840 he was chosen a presi-
dential elector, casting his ballot for William Henry Harrison. His high
standing in the public regard is indicated by the fact that for twenty-one
years he I'cpresented his district in the sta*e legislature. He was also
sberitf of liis county for four years. He resided in Ohio from 1807 until
1852 when he removed to Illinois, where his remaining days were passed,
his time being devoted to agricultural pursuits. He died in 1871. at the
ripe old age of eighty-two years, and his wife departed this life in 1845,
at the age of sixty-one . This woi-thy couple were the parents of nine chil-
dren.
O. P. Augustine, however, is the only survivor of the family. He re-
eei\('d a i-dimnon-school education and Avas reared to rural life, assisting
ill llie lalidis of the farm from his early boyhood. When he had reached
ailiili a'je lie was married in Ohio, November 7, 1844, to Miss Agnes A.
Webb. In 1852 they removed to Illinois. Avhere Mr. Augustine purchased
and operated a farm, coming thence to Woodson County, in 1871. Here he
"WOUDSdN COrNTlES. KANSAS. Soi
5)m'ehased two claims of 80 acres each, fivf and a half miles uorth of Yates
Center, and is now in partnership under tli€ firm name of 0. P. & 0. A?.
Angiutine, dealer's in stock and farming and are doing a .good business, mak-
iiit;' large purchases and sales.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Augustine were born four children : Mary Agnes,
who died in infancy : John W(>sley, now in Oklahoma : Elizabeth. J., at home,
and Oliver W., who has chai'ge of the farin. The family is one of promi-
nence in the connnutiity and llic iiiciiiln'is of the houppliold merit and receive
the high regard df friends uud m iulilioi-s. Tn his pdliiiral views Mr. Augus-
tine is a s+alwart la'publiciin. He tiHed tie iiftice of coroner of "Woodron
County for six years and through long periods has served in the township
offices. Eighteen years ago he was appointed postmaster of Coloma and has
.since occupied that position, discharging his duties in all these offices with
due regard to the trust reposed in liim and with promptness and dispatch.
For thirty years he has been a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and in 1899 lie engaged in preaching in Oklahoma. His religous faith and
belief are the actuating motive of his life and guide him in all his relations
with his fellow men.
GEORGE W. NAYLOR.
Among the extensive landowners and leading agriculturists of Wood-
son Gnunty is numbered George W. Naylor, whose successful career is one
\-.orthy of the highest commendation for all that he has is the outcome of his
persirtent effort, guided by sound business judgment and characterized by
unfaltering honesty in trade transactions. Respect and admiration are un-
cc^nseiously accorded such a man and are a jurt tribute to his ability and
~\\'orth.
Mr. Naylor was born in Monroe County, Ohio. May 3, 1849. His father,
F-amuel, Naylor, was a native of Pennsylvania and there married Anna Al-
bright, who was born in the same state. About 1848 they removed to Ohio,
where the father followed his trade of wagon-making for a time but later
turned his attention to farming. In 1856 he went with his family to Illi-
Ti(-is, and in 1869 came to Kansas settling in Woodson County. He and his
wife are noM' living in Yates Center, at the ages of seventy-three and seventy-
five years respectively. They were the parents of nine children, of whom
('coree W. was the second in order of birth.
Mr. Naylor of the review spent the greater part of his childhood and
youth in Illinois, and in 1869 came to Kansas with his parents, remaining
with them until he had attained his ma.i'ority when he homesteaded eighty
acres of land in Liberty township and thus laid the foundation for his
"present prosperity. For six years he resided upon that place and then sold
the property after which he removed to Toronto township and purchased
eifhtv acres where he now resides. As his financial resources have increased
Sb2' rnsTOin op ALLiiN A;\j'i
and i'avoi-able oppiiitnuily has offered he has made judicious investnieufe
ill real estate until he now owns nine hundi'ed and sixty acres of valuable-
fainiiug land, situalcd on Brazel creek, six and a half mile.: north of Toronto,
where he is extensively tngaged in the production of grain and the raising
of ca;tl* and other stock. He has one of the best equipped farms in the
eouuty. Tie crtek which ciosses hi^- land, is skirted with timber on both
banks thus furnishing both water, shade and shelter for the stock, and in ad-
dition to the creek he has living springs on every quarter section, thus hav-
ing a never-failing wattr supply. He has pipes laid from the springs to
large tanks that aie always full of clear water, whether the winds blow or-
iiot. There are iai'ge barns and : li.-^is fm- t\:r [D'ntection of grain and stock
aiul there is one large shed wall. Imih ^1 .siimr. niii.'ty feetiong and roofed"
in with shingles so that he can safch- liouhe all his stock. He keeps on hand
about one hundred head of cattle and the ^■ame number of hogs and ships;
his own stock as fast as it is in condition for the market.
In 1872 Mr. Naylor was united in mari'inge to Miss Alice Miller, a
native of Illinois, who came to Kansas in litr early girlhood. For almost
thirty years' she has traveled life's joui^ncy hy licr husband's side and has
been indeed of valuable assistance to him as well as a devoted companion.
They have a nice home and their delight is to entertain their friends. Mr.
Naylor has been successful in his bu^iTiess career foT he smarted out in life
with only his homestead farm of eighty acres and ;i team nF Imhsos and today
he is one of the most properous and prominent agrii-nll unsis of the com-
munity. He has served for three terms as townshiii trustee of Liliei-ty town-
ship and in his political views is a staunch Republican, but has no time for
])ublic office, his extensive business interests claiming bis attention and
bringing to him f;plendid success.
LOVEL P. PEMBERTON.
LOVHIL P. PEMBERTON, who is widely and favorably known in
Woodson County, where he is engaged in gi-neral farming and stock-raising^
took up his abode in T>iberty township, that rotuity. in 1S7S and throughout
the intervening period has figured in connection with the advancement of
agricultural interests in this portion of the state.
Mr. Pemberton is a native of Hamilton County, Missouri, born August
7. 1845, and is of English descent. The family was founded in America by
the oi-eat-grandfatb.er of our subject, who was born in England and
crossed the Atlantic to the New World. Representatives of the name have
smce served in the Revolutionary war. the war of 1812 and in the Black
Hawk war. and in civil life have they also displayed their loyalty to their
country.
William Pemberton. our subject's grandfather, was a native of Vir-
ginia, whence he removed to Kentucky, but spent his last days in Paris, Ten-
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. S03
iiessee. Jolm Pembertou, father of our subject was boru in Adair County,
Kentucky. He accompanied his parent.s to Paris, Tennessee, and when
iwenty-one years of age came into the new state of Missouri and entered
land in Caldwell County. He passed the remainder of his long life there,
dying in the year 1900 at ninety years of age. He lived sixty-two years upon
the family homestead of a half section and was surely one of the "land-
marks" of the county. He married Clarissa Wilson, a daughter of William
Wilson, who was born and reared in the state of Mississippi and who died
in 1856. For his second wife the father married Delilah Bogan. The chil-
dien of his first marriage were: Carroll, of Caldwell County, Missouri;
John H., who died in Shawncetown, Kansas, just after the Rebellion, he
having been a soldier therein; Alfred W., who went to California in 1866
and has not since been heard from; Arminta, deceased wife of Ct. B. Hill;
Rebecca A., wife of William C. Clevenger, of Kansas City, Missouri;
lovel P.; Thomas, of Caldwell County, Missouri; Chas. M., of Englewood.
Kansas, and Genevra E., who married T. P. Toner, of Livingston County,
Missouri. A. C. Pemberton is a child of the second marriage of John
Pemberton.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm
life for Lovel P. Pemberton in his youth until the Civil war came on and
he joined the Eleventh Missouri fMvalry nt the aue of srvcnteen years. He
enlisted at Breckenridge, Missouri, ami was iinisti'tcd in ;it St. Joseph. The
regiment, under command of Col. Wni. D. Wood, served in the western divi-
sion Seventh Army corps. In 1864 an engagement on White river was par-
ticipated in by the regiment and known as "the 19 of February." Mr.
I*c-niberton also took part in the battle of Ashland Station and in many
smaller engagements and skirmishes in the southwest, and served from 1863
to the close of the war. In August 1865 he arrived home and resumed the
work of the farm. He remained in Missouri until 1878 when he deserted it
1(1 make his home on the prairies of Kansas.
In Caldwell County. jNIissouri. on the 24th. of September, 1874, Mr.
T'emberton was united in marriage to Jane A. Brouf e. a daughter of Michael
Brouse who was a native of Canada and who married Ann Cook. Their
union produced eleven children ten of whom survive. Unto Mr, and Mrs.
Pemberton have been born six children, namely. John H., express messen-
2-er on the Union Pacific Railroad; Arthur L., of Wyoming; Claude, of
Ta+es Center who married Bertha Tjambrun ; Herbert L. ; Audley B.. and
Tva I.
For thirteen yeai's after coming to Woodson County, Mr. Pemberton
made his home in' Liberty township and then located upon section thirty-
one, township twenty-five, range fifteen, Belmont township. Here he is
now the owner of six hundred and forty acres, and in connection ^nth the
cultivation of the fields and the raising of crops he has devoted considerable
attention to stock-raising and feeding. His estate is a valuable property,
804 HISTOKV OF ALLEN AND
supplied with convenient farm improvements and is an ideal place for the
handling of stock.
In his political views Mr. Pemberton is a Democrat. He is without am-
bition in polities and is seeking nothing beyond the opportnnty to devo*e
his time and talents to his immediate '
HENRY MASSOTH.
In a pleasant home in Picpia, Kansas, Henry Massoth is now living re-
tired from the more arduous cares of business life, having through former
years of activity and industs-y gained a substantial competence which now
provides him with all of the necessities and many of the luxuries of life.
Mr. Massoth was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 2d. of June, 1842,
and is a son of John and Christiana (Ovoeh) Massoth. who were also natives
ol' the fame country, whence they crossed the briny deep to the United States
in 1854. The father died of cholera in less than a month after landing on
the shores of America. The family took up their abode in Lake County,
Indiana, and the mother survived her husband until 1874, when she too
]iassed away at the age of sixty-eight years. They were the parents of six
children, four of whom are now living, namely: Henry; Frank, a resident
of Indiana ; Peter B., of Nebraska, and Katie.
Mr. Massoth of this review is the eldest of the surviving members of the
family. He resided upon the home farm with his mother until after the
inuagnration of the Civil war when feeling that his chief duty was to-
ward his country, he enlisted on the 1st of July, 18fi2, as a member of com-
pany A, Seventy-third Indiana Volunteer infantry, remaining at the front
until after the close of the war, when in July, 1865. he received an honorable
discharge. He was in the battle of Perryville and several lesser engagements
and was captured at Day Camp, Alaliama, but after being held for two
weeks by the Rebels he was exchanged. He was never wounded although
twice hit by spent balls that did not pierce the skin. He was a loyal soldier.
who gallantly defended the old flag until hostilities ceased.
After the war Mr. Massoth resumed his old occupation of farming. He
was married on the 19th. of Septembei', 1865. to Miss Mary Kline, also a
native of Prussia, and they began their domestic life upon-a rented farm. It
was in this way that he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits while in
Indiana. Thinking that he might acquire a farm where land was cheaper,
in 1 870 he came to Woodson County and pre-empted one hundred and sixty
acres on Plum creek, eight miles east of Yates Center. Pie now has a valua-
ble farm of five hundred and twenty acres of well improved land, together
with to\TO property in Piqua. When he arrived in Kansas he had only
three hundred dollars in money, a wagon and a team, but with this as a
start he allied himself with the agricultural interests of the county and
found that the rich soil would yield to him an excellent return for his care
WOODSON COUNTtES, KANSAS. 8c 5
and labor. As the years passed and he placed his fields under cultivation
his income was annually increased and his stock-raising interests also
brought to him handsome financial returns. He has made nearl,y all that he
possesses s:ince coming to Kansas, and now he is enjoying a well-earned rest.
Unto l\Ir. and Mrs. Massoth have been born ten children : Kate, wife
of Peter Hellinghouse, of Muskogee Indian Territory; Lena, wife of J.
Klein ; George and Henrj\ who are upon the home farm ; Mary, who is with
her sister in the territory: Anna, who is on the farm with her brothers:
Hannah, vi'ho is with her parents in Piqua : Prank, -John and Willie, also at
home.
The political principles of the Democracy are supported by Mr. Massoth
at the ballot box and he is an ardent advocate of the party. He has served as
treasurer of his township and has been one of the school directors of his
district for a number of years. He is an excellent example of the self-made
American citizen and a grand exemplification of the progress that an am-
l)itious foreigner can make in this country of unbounded opportunities.
JOHN W. QUICK.
Long years of earnest labor certainly earn a rest and retirement from
business cares and this has been vouchsafed to John W. Quick, who has
now put aside the more arduous duties of the farm and is enjoying the
fruits of his former toil. He is. however, serving his fellow townsmen in
public office, for recognizing his ability and trustworthiness, they elected
him to the position of countj' commissioner and for two terms he has been
the incumbent in the office, representing the first district upon the board.
This shows his standing among fellow men who entertain for him high re-
gard by reason of his upright life.
Mr. Quick was born in Warren County, Indiana, on the 8th. of March,
1833. His father, James Quick, is a native of Virginia, born in 1803, and
when only twelve years of age he accompanied his father on his removal to
Ohio, where he attained early manhood. He then went to Indiana and in
that state was married to Miss Elizabeth Goodwin, a native of Kentucky,
who died about 1845. The father is still living in Illinois and has reached
the advanced age "of ninety-eight years.
John W. Quick of this review was only twelve years of age at the
time of his mother's death. He then returned from Davis County, Iowa, to
Indiana in order to make his home with an uncle there, but from that time
he was self-supporting. He worked for twenty-five cents per day. which
then seemed quite a munificent sum. He acquired only a common-school
education, but through experience, observation and reading he has become
a man of good practical knowledge. As a companion and helpmate on the
iournev of life he chose Miss Rachel Jones, the wedding being celebrated
Januarv 20. 1853. She was born in Ohio. April 21. 1833, a daughter of Wil-
]:am and Rachel (Slaughter) Jones, the latter of New Jersey.
><0h HTSTORV OF ALLEX AXD
After his inan-iage Mr. Quick began to learn tlie miller's trade and
r( niained in the employ of one firm at Williamsport, Indiana, for six years.
He afterward was connected with other milling establishments for a number
of years, but finally abandoned the business in order to engage in farming
and rented a tract of land which he operated for three years. In 1869 he
came to Kansas and secured a homestead of eighty acres upon which he has
since resided. He first erected a small house upon his claim and then be-
gan contracting for grade work on the railroads. He followed that jjursuit
for four years and then took up the work of the farm. He is to-day the
owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land, all improved.
There is a nice grove surrounding his house and barn and everything about
I lie place is in good shape. He has made everything that he has upon his
farm through the cultivation of the fields and the rai.'^ing of sheep, and
having gained a handsome competence he is now living retired, his land
being rented.
In his political views Mr. Quick is a stalwart Republican and has served
for one term as township trustee of Everett township. In 1887 he was
elected county commissioner and filled that position for three years. Again
]7i 1898 he was elec*^ed to the same office, so that he is the present incumbent.
He gives cai-eful attention to his official duties and his administration is
l)ractieal and progressive, showing that he has the best interest of the
cnuntv at heart.
JOSEPH PARKS.
Joseph Parks, whose residence in Kansas dates from 1868, is now the
owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Neosho Falls town-
ship. The place is surrounded by well-kept hedge fences and a large resi-
dence stands in the midst of a maple grove so that the house is seen through
Ihe vista of the trees and makes an attractive feature in the landscape.
Mr. Parks, its owner and occupant, was born in Warren County. Ohio,
November 6, 1833, a son of James and Grisella (]\Ic]\Ieen) Parks, both of
whom were natives of the Keystone state. Tlie father was one of the pioneer
stttlers of Ohio. His home was erected in 18(M), and in 1803 he built a barn
which is still standing. He died in Ohio, in 1836, and his wife, surviving
h.im until 1848, passed away at the age of fifty-eight years. Of their family
of seven children only two are now living, the sister being Mrs. INIartha
Hayden, the wife of John Hayden, of Joliet, Illinois.
Our subject, the youngest of the family, was the only son. He ae-
(luired an academic education and in 1854 Vvcnt to Des Moines County. Iowa,
where he remained until 1860. He was married there to Miss Sarah E.
Colby. They subsequently removed to Chicago, Illinois where
Mr. Parks was engaged in the provision business till 1868, when he
came to Kansas. Arriving in this state he first located at Leavenworth, and
"WOOTJSdM ccirxTfE;;. kaxsas. 807
■n\as {here in the empUn- of tlic same firm with which lie liad been connected
dn Chicago. He aided in paokint:' the first cattle evrr llius jiiepared for th-e
market in this state. Well plia:ed with the coiintiy. tlie climate and the
people, lie decided to remain in Kansas and took up his abode in Woodson
County, purchasing a farm of imic Immlicd and sixty acres two miles south
of Neosho Palls. To this place he uMiKived with his family in 1869, and
ejected a coinmodious residence. J\li'. I'arks has given considerable atten-
tion to the raisins of stock, and has resided continuously upon his farm with
^he exception of a period of four years ,during which time he resided with
his family in Indianapolis. Indiana, in order that his children might en-
ii.y better educational pi'ivileges. Dviring that time Mr. Parks worked for
iiis old employers in tlie packing house, but after four years he returned to
his Kansas home and resumecl his farming operations, his labors being
crowned with a merited degree of success.
The nrarriage of Mr. and Mrs. Parks has been blessed with four ehil-
dten: Prank, who I'esides upon a farm near his father: Xi.lli,> ;ind l^dward,
a. home, and Belle, wife of Charles Williams, of .\i! an-M-,, Sd-ially Mr.
Parks is connected with the Masonic lodge at Neo lio Falls, and in politics
Ic is a stal\\art Republican. Por four years he served as ti-ustee of Neosho
tdwiisliiii. pioving a capaljle officer. His life indicate: the power of industry
111 the business world, for without influential friends oi- pecuniary ad-
vantagp.s to aid him he bas steadily worked his way upward and now .stands
among the nwn of affluence m his adopted county.
CHARLES J'. DIVEK.
The life of Cbarles P. Diver has not been one of unvarying monotony,
t-ircumseribed by the narrow confines of a certain locality, where habits of
thought, action and life scarcely change with the passing years. He has
traveled over much of the globe, has visited many foreign ports and is
largely aecpiainted with the beauties of his native land. He is a man of
broad mind, having that knowledge and culture which only travel can bring,
■and in southeastern Kansas he ranks among the representative citizens.
Mr. Diver was born in Philadelpliia. Pennsylvania, December 16, 1849
and is the son of the Rev. Charles P. Diver, alsn a native of Philadelphia.
The paternal grandparents of our subject both died when about eighty year's
of age, the maternal grandparents at the age of riinety-nine, so that he comes
from long-lived ancestry. After arriving at .rears of maturity the Rev.
Charles P. Diver wedded Miss Mar.y Hestem. of Chester Valley, Pennsyl-
vania. She belonged to a wealthy family, her father being interested in one
0+' the extensive banking institutions of Philadelphia, in connection with be-
irg the proprietor of a large flouring mill. Por man.v years Rev. Diver
engaged in preaching in Philadelphia, and his labors in behalf of Christian-
itv were very effective. He died October 14. 1884, at the age of seventy-four
8oS' HiSTOKY Oh ALLEN AA'lJ
years, and his wife passed away luauy years previous. They were the par-
ents of five children : Joseph, who was a soldier in the Civil war and died
after his return from the army; Walter, Euph^mia and Mary, who reside in
/'hitadelphia, and Charles F.
The last named is the fourth child of the family. He remained at home-
i.ijiil fourteen ytars of age and then enlisted in the American navy, serving
tor five years. He was fin t on the Sabiau gunboat and was then transferred
lo the Hartford under Admiral Bell. He participated in the battle of Fort
Fislier, where his lieutenant was killed, l\Ir. Diver standing by his side at
1he time he was shot. He has visited mort of the ports of the world, has
Railed in the China sea and visited Manila long before Admiral Dewey en-
tered that bay. He learned much of the various countries on the globe, of
their peoples and customs-, his experience proving a good school.
After his retirement from the navy, Mr. Diver returned to Philadelphia,
where he was engaged in merchandising for about four years, when he went
to Illinois, carrying on general merchandising in a small town called Fox
Station. There he also remained for four years. In 1878 he came to Kan-
sns nnd turned his attention to farming, renting land for foiir years, after
\'-lii<-!i he Diirchased three hundred and thirty acres upon which he now
I'csidcs. 'I'his is fine bottom land and he has developed and improved one
of the Hnest fruit farms- in Woodson Conn*y. On the place he has a com-
modious and attractive residence surrounded by a beautiful lawn of blue-
grass and shaded with stately trees. In connection with general and fruit
furming. he also engages in the raising of .^tock to some extent.
While in Illinois, Mr. Diver was united in marriage to Miss Anna Cook,
of Chicago, daughter of Dr. J. A. and Mary (Harris) Cook. The wedding-
was celebrated November 22, 1878. After icsidiim ni>on their Kansas farm
for some years Air. Diver removed with his l:iiiiily to F'ort Scott in order to'
educate his children and later returned tn I'hiladclpliia in ordi-r that they
n-iight en.joy educational facilities in that city, where about a year was
passed. On account of failing health, he was advised by his physician to
go to Colorado, where he was engaged in manufacturing durfug his four
years' .'ta.y in that state, meeting with excellent success in his undertakings.
The climate there, however, did not agree with him, and he once more took
up his abode upon his Kansas farm, where he is still li-ving in very com-
ftrtable circumstances, his pleasant and attractive home being supplied with
all modern conveniences and accessories.
tfntn Mr. and Mrs. Diver have been born eight children, namely:
Walter, who is eoiuieeted with Roland's book store, of Lawrence, Kansas;
Dwight, Effel. Charles. Lawrence. Warren, Dorothy and Anna, all yet at
hume. The family is widely and favorably known in Woodson County, and
the circle of their friends is extensive. In his political \news Mr. Diver is
n Republican, but aside from voting for the candidates of the party he takes
ilr active interest in politics as a worker in campaigns or as an aspirant for
office. In hi' business he has ever carried forward to successful completion
TvOTjt)SON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 809
-'l^•hatevel• he lias undertaken, and his life stands as an exemplification of tlie
potency of industry, persistency axid honesty in the active affairs of life.
GEORGE K. POOTE.
GEORGE K. FOOTE, one of the reliable, practical and progressive
business n^en of Yates Center, was bom in Henry County, Kentucky, on
tlie 9th of September, 1849, a son of Kirchelow and Barbara (Boyd) Foote,
tlie former a native of South Carolina, the latti?r of Virginia. The tilling of
the soil and the raising of crops occupied the father's attention throughout
His business career, and in Kentucky, in 1878 he departed this life, heing
then seventy-nine yeai-s of age. His wife survived him until 1885 and was
■called tfl the home beyond at the age of seventy years. They were the
parents of four children, namely: Mrs. Julia Stark, of Louisville, Ken-
tucky; Mrs. Harriet Foree. of Henry County, that state; George K., and
i\!rs. Alice Downing, of Frankford. Indiana.
George K. Foote, the only son, was reared on the homestead farm, and
lu the common schools of the neighborhood he mastered the branches of
learning which form the hasis of all knowledg-e. He remained with his
parents and assisted in the operation of the farm until twenty-seven years
ol' age. when he was married. On the 19tli of Octoher, 1875, he wedded
IMiss Elliott WoodFide, a native of Henry County, Kentucky, and a daugh-
ter of William B. Woodsid^ . who was born in that county, Attgust 22, 1822.
He was educated in the common schools and when a young man engaged in
teaching for a number of years. On the Stlt of February. 1849. he was
united in marriage to Marian May Thompson, a native of Henry County.
In 1858 tliey rem.oved to Misrouri, but af'er fottr years retttrned to Ken-
ti.eky. continuing there until 1871 when they came to Kansas, locating in
Eminence towarship, Woodson County. Tliere the father engaged in farm-
ing until 1899 when he and his wife removed to Yates Center, wliere his
ileath occurred. January 21. 1900. when he was seventy-seven years of age.
They were the parents of six children : Elliott, wife of Mr. Foote ; William
B. and 0.. wbo are living in Cowley County, Kansas: Richard W., of Ati-
giista, this state: Forrest, now in Colorado Springs, and Mamie, at home
With her mother, in Yates Center. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Foote has
bv'en blessed with three children: leon, Minnie and Tecora, all at home.
After his marriage Mr. Foote rented a farm in Kentucky for four
years, dtiring which time, as the result of his hard labor, he accumulated
live hundred dollars which he brought with him to Kansas in 1879, invest-
ing it in eighty acres of land in Eminence township Woodson County. The
ti-aet was raw prairie, entirely destitute of improvement, but with char-
acteristic energy he began its development and .'oon transformed it into pro-
ductive fields. He also added to the farm as he found opportunity until it
now comprises two hundred and foi-ty acres of land. He erected thereon a
'TiO HISTOKV Oh' ALLK'S' Ai\D
c^iiiimodioufi re.siu.'ni-i'. wtll ari-aiiged and built in jiiodern style. He aiscF
built a 1.1IL-' b.iin :ii)(l ll .■ ii..|.p sai'.v nutbuildings, planted a' fine orchard
iuid a 1:1.1... ,,\ :,i;..; r.,,-. ,\l.i,.|i sininmids his house and barn, bestowing
a "Tateti.l siimlc in siiiniii..i'. In ^iddilimi to the development of the fields he
i^ngaged in I'aisiag eattle- and became one of the IcMdmu rvittle men of his
lown^hip. He continued his farming and stock i;ii -.mu ii|)iMations until the-
.spring of 191)1. when lie purciiased property in Yate.s (.'enter, removed fo
the ci*y and is iin^\- ciiuniied in business; there in connection with his son
a.> a dealer in frcd an,! coal.
In his pdliiiral views Mr. Foote is a Democrat who manifests his poli-
I'c.il iirclViiMice by supjiort of its candidates at the polls. He has ncYer
,s.. uiilii oflii-e for himself as his time lias been fully occupied with business
ihtciisis Ihai have brouoht to him a handsome competence, making him one
I,: the iiidspcKiiis citi/ens of southeastern Kansas. He still owns, and now"
!■( nts the f.iiiii iip<ui which he accpdred his capital and whieh was the scene
of his honoialilp and useful labor for many years.
THOMAS HOUSTOX DAVIDSON.
THOMAS HOUSTON DAVIDSON was born near New Castle, Pa.,
February 2, 1816. died at Kalida Farm, Woodson County, Kansas, February
2, 1889.
His father, James Davidson, was in earlj^ life a surveyor, but after-
wards became a prosperous farmer and sheep raiser in Western Pennsyl-
vania, in the early part of the century. He was one of the stalwart, sub-
stantial and patriotic citizens of the Republic. He served as captain in the
\var of 1812.
In a large family of children. Thomas H. Davidson was, after the'
education of that period, prepared for mercantile life. He succissfiilly con-
ducted general merchandise ventures at Enon Valley, New Biightoii and
•Jamestown. Pa. He was located at the last named place when the the news
of the firing on Fort Sumter was flashed throughout the country. He was
Hred wi^h a patriotic zeal to emulate his father and to offer his services as
.1 volunteer on the first call of President Lincoln for troops. Two things,
however, prevented this: he was a few months past the "age limit" of
forty-five years, and in addition to this fact he could not. in the early days
of the war. have passed the rigid physical examination then required;
While he was a hale and robust man all his life, with a splendid constitu-
liou. still in his younger days, while assisting at a "barn raising" he had,
ir. his effort to prevent a serious accident which threatened to result in in-
iv.ry and even death to several persons, thrown himself into the breach, and,
by an exhibition of physical strength which seemed almost inereditable at
the time, received all the in.iury himself, escaping with a broken leg and a
s'ight rupture. The latter injury, though apparently insignificant, re-
VvOOnSON COUNTIES. KANSAS, 8ll
vuainetl with him tliidiitilioiLl tl;c 'uilaiiee of his daj-s, and. though it gave
him no ipecir,! iiicoiiveiii(_'iu'e, it was sufficient, nevertheless, to catch the
altentidii of tlie inei^lical I'xaiiiiiirr. and, when taken in connection wi;h
his age, bar him from enlisMueiit in the volinilei'r array.
Bo pei. isteut was he, however, that l.e made :i ti ip to AVashington, sought
and obtained a personal interview wi h Presi(l(-i!t ijineoln. convinced him of
his physical soundne: s and his physical endurance, and received a promise
from the Presidtnt that he would make an exception in his case and assign
him to a captaincy at an early da+e. This, however, never came about,
and the war came to conclusion without his having seen service, except as a
member of the "Home Giiard. "
In 1866, with the re^ui-n of peace, jMr. Davidson was siezed with a
desire to escape from the close confinement of the store room, and natitrally,
in common with many o+her men at that time, turned his face toward the
rising young commonwealth of Kan<-as. He disposed of his mercantile busi-
ness in Jamestown and, with his family, resolved to become a pioneer in the
• '.^veloDment of the border state.
He arrived in Kansas on the second day of August, 1866, and im-
mediately purchased a farm near Ft. Scott, in Boni'bon ('(muty. Here he
r( 'ided for four years. During this time he was ae'ively I'lisaged in farm-
ing. A few weeks after his arrival came ilie m'eat '■ 'ji'.-isshnppei' raid" so
memorable in the early history of the stat<'. This did imt dis.M.urage him,
however, and while the state was recovering iium 1hc i-lVeeis ef 'his "dis-
as*-.rous visitation.'' he and his son James resolved to "file on" some suit-
able government land within easy reach of the farm at Ft. Scott.
They carried out this resolve in the winter of 1866-1867, the son tak-
ing what is now the ea't half of th.e present town site of Oirard, the present
cr,un+y seat of Crawford County ; the father taking the claim adjoining this
or the south. A town company from Ft. Scott "jumped" the son's claim
and laid out the town of Girard. Then followed the contest so famous in
tliat section of the state, between the railroad land grants and the settlers,
which ended so disastrously to so many of the Crawford County settlers, the
Davidsons among the number.
After having spent much time and money on the improvement of these
claims and then losing them, Mr. Davidson resolved to seek a location, and
an oppni'tniiitv fnv iiivestinent farther west in tlu> state. After prospecting
for a h'ea*inn fui' some time, he moved with his family to the little town
of Chellis, in Woodson County. This was in the spring of 1870. In Sep-
tember of that year he purchased a controlling interest in the town site of
Chellis and on September 24 changed its name to Kalida— a Greek word,
meanins- beautiful— certainly a most appropriate name— for a more
beautiful si+e for village, town or city it would be impossible to find in any
state in the Union.
Here he lived for nearly a third of a century, to the date of his death
in 1889. Besides his town interests he became a stock raiser of great mag-
nitude and was known far and wide as a most successful trainer of oxen,
tlirougli skill which he had acquired when a boy on his father's farm in
Western Penns.vlvania. Many a yoke of oxen trained by him became com-
petitors of the "iron horse" in the "freighting business" on the Western
plains.
His chief ambition in the early days of his settlement of Woodson
County was directed toward the improvement of Kalida. He "laid off"
more town lots, broadened its streets, and laid the foundation for a met-
ropolis, had not fortune ruled to the contrary. In 1873 Woodson County
became involved in a "county seat war." with Kalida as the strongest con-
testant in the field. Kalida won. but within less than four months a new
election changed the location to Defiance, three miles east of Kalida.
Mr. Davidson always stoutly insisted that there were enough illegal
votes east in the election of February, 1874, to entitle Kalida to a ma.iority
of the bona fide votes of the county, if the same could be determined. ]\Iany
pi'ominent citizens shared his views. He may have had some knowledge of
"irregularities" on election day. and naturally sought some explanation for
the defeat of Kalida. but the fact remains that the figures at this day, as
shown by the official election returns, would hardly warrant, necessarily,
the conclusion which he drew. In the election of November 3, 1873, the
v(te was as follows: Kalida, 530; Defiance, 506; total, 1,036; majority
for Kalida. 24. In the election in question— that of February 23. 1874—
the vote was Kalida, 491 ; Defiance, 643 : total. 1,134 : a majority for De-
fiance of 152. In this election it appears that Kalida was 49 votes under
her previous vote and Defiance 137 votes above. The total vote east at
the second election was but 102 votes above that of the first. However,
whether irregularities existed or not, after that second election both Kalida
and Defiance were short-lived towns.
The following year Kalida dropped out of the fight, and a contest
among the villages of Defiance. Neosho Falls and Yates Center (the latter
located in the geographical center of the county) took place, in which none
of the places received a majoritv of the votes cast, the vote being as follows :
Neosho Falls, 301 : Defiance. 235 ; Yates Center. 335 ; total, 871. This neces-
sHated a final election in September 1876. in which Yates Center was the
victor, receiving 488 votes to Neosho Falls. 426, the total vote cast being 914.
Thus ended Woodson County's "county seat war." and with it ended
the dream of Kalida. "The Beautiful."
One year later both Defiance and Kalida were moved bodily to Yates
Center, but Kalida still lives in the name "Kalida Farm," now one of the
ivo t benntiful of the prairie farms of the Sunflower state, made so by the
persistent and indomitable energy of jts owner. Thomas H. Davidson. He
had nothing of the "sour" in his disposition; he yielded gracefully to the
popular will and went incessantly to work to develop a beautiful farm on
the ruins of his town.
There are a few men in a county whom practically everybody Imows.
WOODSON COL-JsTIES, KANSAS. S13
Thomas H. Davidson was one of these. He took a eomniendable interest in
hiiman affairs, and his Eepublicanism, and his support of "this or that"
which was known to be of good report, were markedly well known. Dur-
ii g the life time of Kalida he encouraged its churches, its-schools and public
enterprises by substantial service and aid. He served for years as a member
of the school board of the Kalida school district, and was an elder in the
laiited Presbyterian church from the date of its organization in Pittsburg,
Pa., in the 50 's to the time of his death. He was the promoter of the
Woodson Coiinty "Advocate." published at Kalida. He was one of the
luost honored and respected justices of the peace Woodson County ever had.
His knowledge of law was something remarkable, and especially so since he
had acquired it by self education. He could have prepared himself and
plead a case before any court in the coimtry. He was a director of the
Charter Company of the Ft. Scott & Wichita railroad of the early 70 's. He
was a splendid scholar, a deep thinker, and a diverse reader. He was what
even in this day would be styled a highly cultivated and educated gentle-
man. Mathematie?^ was his special delight, and what to many were problems
of difficulty, to him were but self evident truths. Up to the hour of his
death he took an active interest in everything which tended to the public
good. He brought to Kan.sas in cash what even today would be called a
small fortune and sacrificed it all in the interest of the public enterprises in
which he put his heart and soul. When he died he was in but comfortable
circumstances so far as this world's goods were concerned, but in good deeds,
lofty thoughts, kind acts and high ideals, he bequeathed to his family and
the community in which he lived a rich inheritance. He ever frowned on
evil and encouraged good, and in memory he lives today as a splendid
type of our Scotch-American citizenship— an ideal type of those rugged
•pioneer days when the foundation of our commonwealth was laying broad
and deep.
Mr. Davidson married Miss Anna M. Mehard. and his widow now oc-
cupies the Davidson homestead in Woodson County. The Mehards were
also among the early families of Pennsylvania. James Mehard, Mrs. David-
srn's father, was of Scotch-Irish descent. He married Christian Orr, M'ho
bore him nine children. Of this family, Mrs. Davidson is the sole survivor.
In the Mehard family were found successful farmers, able ministers, a
mechanic, and a college professor.
The union of Thomas H. and x\nna (Mehard) Davidson produced seven
children, five of whom survive and are residents of Kansas : James, the ac-
tive head of the family in Woodson County; Marguerite; Elizabeth, a
ttacher in the Topeka High School : Wm. M., Superintendent City Schools,
Topeka, Kansas, and Samuel, who represents the Columbus Buggy Com-
pany as a traveling salesman. James Davidson, the oldest son. has passed
an active life in Woodson County, and is one of the successful farmers of
the state. While he is a farmer, still his success in other directions as well
lias brought to his efforts ample reward. He is the planner and projector of
8 14 • HISTORY OF .i.LLE\ AND
the massive architectural attractions for which the Davidson homestead is
i.'oted far and wide.
WILLIAM LYTLE.
A commodious and attractive residence standing in the midst of tine
forest trees is the home of William Lytle. It is located on the bank of
Cedar creek in Toronto township, Woodson County, and in its neat and
tiiriity appearance the farm indicates the careful superintendence of a pro-
gressive owner.
A native of Randolph County, Indiana, Mr. Lytle was born November
6. 1845, a son of George and Mary (Toles) Lytle, both of whom were natives
o! Virginia. When young people his parents removed to Indiana and were
njarried in that state, with whose history they were familar at an early
period in the development and improvement of that portion of the country.
Mrs. Lytle died in Indiana, when sixty years of age, and Mr. Lytle, long
surviving her, passed away at the age of seventy-four. They were the
parents of ten children, William being the eighth in order of birth. With
his parents he remained until ciiihteen years of age, and in the meantime
he attended the common K'hools. He then went to AVarren County, Iowa,
\'here he worked in a brick yard for two years, and in 1868 he came to
Kansas, settling in the southeastern part of Woodson County, where he
homesteaded eighty acres of land, giving his attention to its improvement.
Having thus made preparations for a home of his own Mr. Lytle was
united in marriage to Miss Mary Burger on the 17th of January, 1871,
and found a faithful companion for life's .journey. She is a native of
Iowa, an accomplih;hed lady who came to Kansas with her brother. Dr. '
Burger, and for four years prior to her marriage she engaged in teaching
school in Woodson County. They have never had any children, but have
lived happily together for thirty years, their mutual love and confidence
i; creasing as the years have gone by.
After Mr. Lytle had secured his title to his homestead he sold the
property and came to Toronto township, purchasing one hundred and sixt}''
i-cies of land where he now resides, seven miles northeast of Toronto on
Cedar creek, where he has made a good home, his beautiful residence proving
one of the most charming features in the landscape. He was at one time
quite extensively engaged in the stock business, but failing health in later
years has prevented him from handling the large number of cattle which
annually claimed his attention at an earlier period. In 1896 he was elected
county commissioner and served in that capacity for three years as a capable
and trustworthy officer. He has also served as clerk of Perry township.
Smarting out in life for him.-elf when a boy of eighteen years, dependent
entirely upon his own resources, he has labored energetically and per-
sistently and has always been enabled to provide his wife with a good
vfOonsoN countie;;. Kansas. M5
loiiie and surrounds her now with all the comforts and many of the luxuries
oi' life. Ilis has been, an honorable success, and today he is one of the highly
It speeted citizens of his adopted county.
WILLIAM M. WEIDE.
Few of the native sous of Woodson County can claim forty years'
residence within its borders, but William M, Weide was boi-n here in pioneer
time.s, his natal day being March 23. 1861, and from that time to tl.e
present he has continued his home within the borders of the county— a
worthy representative of its farming and stock raising interests. He is
the youngest of the four children of Godfrey Weide, who came to America
from Germany in 1857, and took up hi.s abode in Woodson County— during
the territorial days of Kansas. Upon the home farm our subject was born
and reared and the schools of the neighborhood afforded him the educa-
tional privileges which he enjoyed in his youth. He lived with his parents
until twenty-three years of age when he wa.s married.
That important event in his life occurred in 1884, the lady of liis
choice being Miss Thersa Bauersfeld, a native of Germany \\'ho, in her
girlhood, was brought from the fatherland to the new world in 1880, the
f< niily settling in Woodson County. Mr. Weide had one hundred and sixty
acref; at the time of his marriage, and upon the farm the young couple
began their domestic life. As the years have passed he has inerea.sed his
acreage until he now owns a valuable tract of four hundred and eighty acres
divided into fields which are richly cultivated and into pastures which are
well stocked. He has about eighty head of cattle and horses sufficient to
do the farm M'ork. and before many years shall have passed he will be
accounted one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of this part of the
siate. He has already gained a position in agricultural circles which is en-
viable, and the years are continually adding to his prosperity as the direct
re suit of carefully directed labor.
There are seven children in the household of Mr. and Mi's. Weide.
namely: Elmer, Albert. Arthur, Amanda. Wallace. Martha and Freddie,
all of whom are yet under parental roof, the family circle being unbroken
l)y the hand of death. Mr. Weide has never figured in politics, preferring
to devote his attention in undivided manner to his business interests, which
liave been fo conducted as to bring to him a ready financial reward.
JOSEPH N. SHANNON.
Man's success is not reckoned entir.ely from the amount of real and
personal property which he has acquired, as he is also judged by the use
he makes of his wealth and the manner in which it has been gained. These
.^10 msroKV ov allen .\sn
tJiiee tlenieuts enter iuto the judg-ment whieh the ijublic passes upore
every citizen, and in the case of Mr. Shannon the judgment which has
been given is a very favorable one. He is hold in the highest regard by
ail who know him for his career has ever been in harmony with sterling
principles, and his public and private career are alike above reproach. He
i . now residing in the town of Vernon, which is a monument to his enter-
prise and progressive spirit, for he was its founder.
A native of Wyth County, Virginia, he was born July 7, 1849, and is
a son of Thomas and Matilda (Brown) Shannon, both natives of the Old
Dominion, the latter born in Wyth County. Thos. Shannon was a mer-
chant and farmer who carried on agricultural pursuits on an extensive scale,
but his farxu lay in that region over which the contending armies in the Civil
war passed, and the place was left in ruins. Selling the land, he was forced
to take his pay in Confederate money, which became worthless, and he thus:
Ifst the earnings of many years. In 1865 he removed his family to Attica^
Fountain County, Indiana, arriving there with only money enough to pur-
chase a cow. He had been one of the leading influential citizens of the
C'juuuunity in which he resided in the South. For many years he served
H« justice of the peace and. as chief justice of the board of justices, he had to
at tend all the courts of the county and officiate therein. After removing to
Indiana he lived in Fountain (.'onnty for eight years and, in 1873 came to-
Kansas, and pas ed his remaining years with his son Joseph on the farm,
now partially the townsite of Vernon. Here he died in 1874, at the age
C'f 58 years, his wife passing away in 1883, at the age of seventy-three.
They were the parents of five children, three of whom yet survive, namely :
Joseph, George and Mrs. Mary Bates, the last two named now living in
Anacortes, Washington.
Joseph N. Shannon was the third member of the family. He attended
the common schools and later pursued a high school course in Attica, In-
diana, after which he engaged in teaching school for two years. He then
came 1o Kansas with his parents and purchased three hundred and twenty
acres of land from the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad Company. He
still owns this valuable property. For two years after his arrival in
WondMiti County l;e engaged in teaching school, and then returned to In-
diana for his bride. There on the 10th of January, 1876, lie was united
in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Clayiuiol. of Fountain County. Through the
five succeeding years ln' was idenlitiiMl with the .'ilueational interests of this
county and then entered into pailiiei'ship with A. Van Slike. under the firm
name of Van Slike & Shannon, dealers in hardware in Ya^es Center. For
four years they successfully carried on business and then Mr. Shannon re-
turned to the farm. In 1886 he laid off the town of Vernon and embai'ked in
general merchandising, building up a large trade which necessitates his
carrying an extensive stock of goods. His patronage has steadily increased,
and his' sales bring to him a very gratifying income. He also began dealing
in hn-^- and the two lines of business bring him in thirtj'-five thousan 1 dol-
■TOOODSOM COrNTIES. RAXSAS. Sl'J
^ais auuually. lu addition he owns sixteen Imndred and twenty acres of
land near Vernon, of which lie has about two hundred and fifty acres
under cultivation, while the remainder is pasture and meadow land. He
handles large numbers of cattle, horses and mules, buying, feeding and
shipping-, and this forms an important branch of his busines-s. Mr. Shan-
non's labors have not only proven of great benefit to himself but have been
of value to the farming community around Vernon, furnishing a market for
produce and stock. He has won the distinction of being what the public
ctills "a self-made man." He came to Kansas with little capital and with
an invalid father and mother to support, but with undaunted courage he
undertook the task and has found that industry and determination can
successfully cope with an adverse fate and in the end gather the rich
treasures of success.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Shannon has been blessed with six children.
as follows : Myra E.. wife of "William H. Roberts, of Perry, Oklahoma :
Arthur C, Thomas W., who is operating his father's farm; Xel.'on C, who
is clerking in liis father's store: Mary E. and Harold E., at home. Al-
though he has led a very bu.sy life, Mr. Shannon has always found time
1: devote to the higher, holier duties of life affecting tlie welfare
(f man. Long a faithful member in the Methodist Episcopal church, he has
l^een particularly active in Sunday school work, realizing the importance of
ir;i!niii£ the ynuiig. Tic has therefore taken a deep interest in establishing
and eondnctiiig Sunday schools tlirougliout the coiinty. organizing many
srliodls at one time making Woodson County the banner county in this
re peet in Kansas. He was influential in organizing the Methodist Episcopal
church in Vernon, and the house of worship was erected largely with funds
which he provided for the purpose. In his political views he is a Re-
publican. The measure of his work in the world cannot be estimated until
liis influence had ceased to be felt in the lives of those with whom he has
come in contact, but it is well knowm that he- has been a potent factor in
business, and in the material prosperity of the county, and that his labors
have been a source of inspiration and encouragement to many in the line
of moral progress.
JACOB FRY.
A good farm of one hundred and sixty aci-es on section thirty-two
Eminence township is the property of Jacob Fry and is an indication of
the manner in which he spends his days, his time being occupied vnth the
labors of field and meadow. He came to Woodson County in 1879 from
Berks County. Pennsylvania, which was the place of his birth. There he
fiist opened his eyes to the light of day September 20, 1845. His grand-
father. Jacob Pry, spent his entire life in the Keystone state and died
vhen our subject was a small boy. The latter is a son of Henry Fry who
was reaied in Bl^s k;; County, the family home being a slioit distance north-
ed si of Reading'. The father was a laborer and spent his entire life in hi&
iialive Niale, dying in 1876, when he had reached the very advanced age
oT niuely-lhu'e years. His wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Moser,
iiiii! \v:is ;i i;auL;hti r iif f liarle ■ Moser. Both the Mosers and the Frys were
l-'v!iiiKy'vani;t-' ei iiunis, tl:o r(^spective families being founded in the Key-
s1(iiie stru' a1 an larly ilny. Airs. Pry passed away prior to her husband's
duiiise, 1 ( !■ <M:itli iK/curring in 1873. This worthy couple were the parents
of the follow iiiu i-hililren: Betsy, deceased wife of M. Otthia.s; Polly, who
is the wii!o\\- of ( 'hiisiiau Ijang and resides in Pennsylvania ; Catherine, wife
o' Ch.-nl.' Uiili'iiour of Burks county; Sarah, deceased wife
oi l''.]>l!i:iiin l.oiiu; Ihiunali. who is the widow of John Wise and resides in
Pliihulcllilna ; Cluiile:, of Missouri; Matilda, deceased wife of Louis Dona-
man; Jacob, of 1his review; Caroline, who has passed away, and Rebecca,
wife of Alfi'ed Oswald, of Yatis Center.
Jacob Fry. whose name begins this record spent his early youth in his
native county, and at the age of twelve years began work in the rolling
mill. He remained with one company for eighteen years and learned roll-
ijig and nuddliug. becoming an expert in those lines. He then left the iron
fields ainl spo'il 1\>-o years as a farm li^iid in Huntington County, Penn-
.s> Ivaiiia. altiT w hich he came to Kansas in 1879, took up his abode upon his
farm in Woodson County, and has since given it his attention.
While in Pennsylvania, in 1862. Mr. Frye was joined in wedlock to-
Miss Amanda Webb, of Merzto\^^^, and Iheir marriage was blessed with
the following children : Ella, who became the wife of David Hicks, of
CoM'ax. Washiiiuton. but is now deceased; Charles; Daniel; Matilda, wife
of John <~)wens'. and Susie wife of Otto Bre*t, of Chanute, Kansas; Mary,
wife of David Hicks, of Yates Center; Fraiik, Tjouise and Henry, who aie
s*i!l under the pai'ental roof. In liis jioliiicid views Mr. Fry is a Dciuoerat,
but has never Ik en an office seeker. His lilV has been one of mai'ked in-
diis:try and to tiiis he owes his pi'ospci-ity. Depend'ent upon his own re-
si iirces from the early :<'j.r of iwdve years he has worked his way eon-
tmuously u]nvard, overcoming all obstach's by determined purpose and reso-
Inn- will'.
ENSIGN MORSE.
Few of the farmers of T'erry town-hip, Woodson Coxmty, have so long
rosideil in this locality :is Imisil^h .More who came in 18(39 and has since
In en identified Avith iigriculturni interests in this conununity. He is there-
fore numbend among the pioneer settlers and has witnessed the changes
which have been wrought so rapidly as to make the transformation ^eem
almost ])henomenal.
]\Ir. Morse is a native of New York, his birth having occurred in Oswego
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 819
toun.'y, ill the town of Hastings, July 3, 1835. The family were originally
from Connecticut. His grandfather, Benjamin Morse, was a soldier of the
war of 1812, and spent the greater part of his active life in Windsor County,
Vermont. In 1833 the family was founded in New York. Daniel Morse,
the father of our subject, M-as born in Windsor Comity, Vermont and, be-
coming an agriculturist, followed the tilliiii; of ihi' snil lor :i livelihood until
his labors were ended in death in Allen Couiily, Kaii-ns, m 1S80. In the
lOmpire state he married Christine Mosier, who died in Oswego County, New
York, in 1850. The children of this marriage were : Hepsibeth, deceased
v,-ife of James McKee; Freeman, who died in Grand Rapids, Michigan;
Wearham, of Oswego County, New York, and Ensign.
The last named was reared in the county of his nativity until twenty-
one years of age. He then learned the carpenter's trade but followed it
for only a short time when he began work on the New York & Erie canal as a
driver on the tow-path. He was promoted to a position in which he was re-
sponsible for the operation of the craft and was given fifteen dollars per
ncnth and later twenty dollars. From his wages he managed to save
enough to engage in the same line of business on his own account, pur-
I'liasing a half interest in a small boat called the Austria. The investment
pioved ])rofitable and subsequently he became half owner of a larger boat,
Mif :\Iiinchester, which he operated until 1868, when he disposed of that
Im.sine.ss.
The following year Mr. Morse came to Kansas on a prospecting tour.
He started on the 12th of July and, being pleased with the country, in
August he purchased a claim from -John Hanks, a cousin of Abraham Lin-
coln, who, although a man of means, had "taken it up" and built a small
shanty upon it. Into this Mr. Morse moved his family. He entered and
])ioved up one hundred and sixty acres on rection thirty- four. Perry town-
s''ip. and his home is now on the southwest quarter of the same section.
For about ten years after coming to the county he had difficulty in meet-
ing his expenses, for crops were poor, advantages few and railroad facilities
did not offer ready access to market. As time passed, however, his financial
lesources increased and today he is the oM-ner of a valuable farm of three
h.indred and eighty acres, the greater part of which is under a high state
of cultivation. About 1871 Messrs. Morse, Sharp, Dana and Eedfield were
the only men who owned deeded land in school district No. 21. The " home-
steaders " voted bonds to the value of a thousand dollars to build a school
l<01lsl^ ,-ind iV[r. Morse, owning a half section of the deeded land, was assessed
oiie-lialf the taxes necessary to support the school. This tax he was not able
to stand long and he was forced to sell his half section, but as the years have
i)assed he has prospered and his labors have brought to him a rich return.
On the 1st of February, 1861. in Oswego County. New York. Mr. Morse
was united in marriage to Miss Martha, a daughter of George White, who
had formerly resided in Onondago County. He married Margaret Rice and
lliey became the parents of five daughters and a son: Mary, now the
820 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
widow of Jacob Kilts, of Oswego County, New York ; Chloe, wife of Barney
Kilts, also of Oswego County; Martha; Elizabeth, of Sioux Falls, South
Dakota, wife of Ca^sius Brown; George of Oswego County, and Lois, widow
of Richard Clapp. of h-'ioux Palls. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Morse
has been blessed with six children : Milo, who died when seven years of age ;
Bertram D., born May 11, 18G9; Alphonso. who died in 1898, at the age of
twenty-five years ; Minnie, who died at the age of five ; Manzel E., who de-
parted this life when four years of age, and Jessie, who was born September
20, 1878, and is the wife of George L. McCarter. of Wilson County, Kansas.
In politics the early Morses were Democrats but their views on the
slavery question led them to espouse the cause of the Abolition party, and
later to join the Republican party, of which Mr. Morse of this review was
an advocate until the Streeter campaign, when he joined the Union Labor
forces and since that time he has allied himself with the Populist party. He
lias served as justice of the peace and constable of Perry township and has
ever been found a loyal and public-spirited citizen, willing to co-operate in
any movement for the general good. The power of diligence and persistency
in the active affairs of life is indicated by his career for those qualities have
enabled him to rise from a humble financial position to one of affluence.
FREDERICK KLUCKHUHN.
The fatherland has been a liberal contributor to the citizenship of
America and the sons of Germany do credit to their native land and to
tl'eir adopted country. As his name indicates. Mv. Kluckhuhn was born
in Germany, having first opened his eyes to tlie light of day in Lippe-Det-
mold. September 21. 1827, his parents being Court and Louisa (Littleman)
Kluckhuhn. The father was a farmer by occupation and lived and died in
Germany, where his wife also spent her entire life. They reared three child-
ren to maturity, namely: Frederick; Ernest, who died in Woodson County
in 1891, and Wilhelmina. who married Adolph Stark of Lippe-Detmold.
In the schools of his native land Mr. Kluckhuhn of this review pur-
sued his education and when twenty-one years of age he became a member
ot the German army, serving for one year. In early life he learned the
brick maker's trade' and followed that pursuit for twenty-six years before
coming to America, being master of a brick yard for a long period. He was
also married in the fatherland, on the 1st of April, 1863, the lady of his
clioice being Sophia Bergman, a daughter of Frederick Bergman.
In 1870 they sailed for the new world, making the voyage from Bre-
men to Baltimore, whence Mr. Kluckhidm proceeded across the country to
Woodron County, where he joined the German settlement residing on Owl
creek. For twelve years he resided in Center township and then removed
to Belmont township -where he has since lived, his home being on section
fourteen, where he has five hundred and twenty-six acres of land.
WOODSON C0UNTIE;>. KANSAS. 82 1
In Kansas :Sh: and Mrs. Kluekhuhn have reared tlieir family of five
children, namely: Julia, wife of August Fell, of Toronto township, "Wood-
son County; Augusta; Mary, wife of Noah Kogers, also of the same
county ; Frederick and Martha, who are still with their parents. Our sub-
iect and his wife belong to the German Evangelical church. In America he
has found the business opportunities he sought and has never had occasion
to regret leaving the little German home across the sea to identify himself
with this republic. His labor hag been i-ewarded with competence, and his
v.xrth is recognized and acknowledged in the warm regard of the many
t'iends he has made in his adopted county.
GEORGE W. ROGERS.
^Vell known to a large circle of acquaintances in Woodson County as a
valued citizen, honored veteran of the Civil war, and as an enterprising
farmer. George W. Rogers well deserves representation in this volume and
we herewith present his record to our readers. He was born in Shelby
Count.y. Illinois, October 13, 1839, and represents an old southern family.
His grandfather, Thomas Rogers, resided in Tennessee, but at an early day
removed to Indiana, taking up his abode there about 1823. He married
Sooky Jennings, and unto them were born five sons and three daughters,
of whom Andrew J., William axid Josiah all reared families in Illinois,
while James and Thomas reared families in this state. The daughters were
Patsy, who became the wife of William Daniels and at her death left five
children, residents of Missouri and Kansas ; Fannie, who became Mrs. Fan-
ning, later Mi-s. Phillips and after the death of her second husband mar-
ried Jonas Daniels, her last days being passed in Missouri, and Millie, who
became the wife of Cyrus Daniels. She was a second time married and died
in Illinois.
Andrew J. Rogers, the father of our subject, was born near Beards-
tr.wn, Illinois, and was a farmer and blacksmith. He died in Missouri in
1896. at the age of eighty-six years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Nancy Sherrill, departed this life in Illinois. Their children were": Francis,
who entered the Rebel army and lost his life in the service; Martha J.,
widow of Henry Thomas and a resident of the Chickasaw Nation of the In-
dian Territory: James, who died in the army; George W. ; William A., of
Chico, Texas ; Mary, wife of William Daniels, also of the Chickasaw Nation ;
Louisa, widow of James Thomas, of Chico, Texas; Nancy, wife of Jacob
Painter, of Wilson County, Kansas.
George W. Rogers spent his boyhood days in Illinois and Missouri,
his father removing to Laclede County, IMissouri, in 1853. There he re-
sided for six years and with some members of the family he came to Kansas,
locating first in Belmont township. Woodson County, upon section twenty-
three. This was in the voar 1859. In August. 1861, he enlisted at Leaven-
822 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
worth. Kansas, in company E, Fifth Kansas cavalrj' under Colouel Powell
Clayton. The regiment was attached to the western department and saw
service in Missouri. Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. He
participated iu the battles of Pine Bluff and Helena and in manj^ lesser en-
gagements;, first meeting the enemy in battle at Dry Wood creek, near Fort
Fort. In 1864 he re-enlisted at St. Charles. Arkansas, and served until the
close of the war, reaching home on the 17th. of July, 1865.
After his return home Mr. Rogers securtd a homestead— a place now
owned by Reuben Moore— and since that time has re.sided within the
boundaries of Belmont towiisliip. He is the owner of the south half, of
the southeast quarter of scctioii iourteen and the north half of the north-
east quarter of section tweirly-tlin e Belmont town.ship, where he carries on
fiirming operations and finds in the cultivation of the soil a profitable labor.
On the 31st. of l\Iay, 1866, Mr. Rogers was married in Wilson County,
Kansas, to Miss Julia A. Daniels, a daughter of Reuben Daniels, who was
born in Shelliy County, Illinois, and wedded Mary A. McGuire, of Tennes-
see. They had six ciiildren : William, John, Jarett and Alcj', now deceased ;
]\Irs. James AVieks. Mrs. Rogers and Jemina. who has al-so passed away.
Mrs. Rogers was born March 4. 1844, and by her marriage has become
ihe mother of five children, namely : Noah, who wedded Mary Kluckhuhn
and is living in Woodson County : Charles, who married HattieDupuy and
is living in Woodson County: Maggie. Warren and Willard, who are still
at home.
Mr. Rogers believes sinr-eri'ly in Republican principles and has been
honored with several iiulilii- iiflicis tn which he has been elected as a Re-
publican. He has served ;i> fmvuship li-ustee and treasurer, also township
clerk and as clerk and treasurer of the school Imard. On the field of battle
hi was a fearless and loyal soldier and in all tlie rtdations of life he is as
true and faithful to his honest convictions and to thr trust reposed in him.
ADOLPH TOEDMAN.
ADOLPH TOEDMAN. one of the leading stock-raisers of Woodson
County, was born in Lippe-Detmold, Germany. March 24, 1855, and has
been a resident of southeastern Kansas since the age of eleven years. His
father, Adolph Toedman. Sr.. was also a native of Lippe-Detmold, born in
182R, and there he married Louisa Goedeke. In his native land he accumu-
lated some property and on coming to America was enabled to gain a good
flart in business life and thus provide for the support of his wife and their
six children. He arrived in Woodson County in 1866 and settled on Owl
creek, four miles east of Yates Center. He made improvements upon a tract
of land of eighty acres on section eight. Center township, which tract is still
in possession of the family. He made his home in that neighborhood
throughoiit his remaining days and in addition to the development and culti-
^X!^>^^^^^
■WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. S^l,
%fitiou of his land he-«ngaged extensively and suecessfnllj' in raising sheep,
K3attle and horses. This proved a profitable enterpris;e and his stock
bi-ought good prices on the market. As his financial resources were aug-
i.'iented he added to his land and by judicious investments eventually be-
c; me the owner of eleven hundred and sixty acres. He was a man of ex-
cellent business and executive ability, his .iinl'jiiiHnt Iving rarely at fault,
and his success stands in unmistakable evid. m.- m Ins well directed labors
and keen discrimination, as well as his cons;eciiti\(_- endeavor.
In 1882 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife and a decade
h'.ter he passed away, leaving to his family a valuable estate. Their children
are Adolph; Henry, of Woodson County, born in 1858; Louisa, the wife
of Luther C. Baker, of Allen County, Kansas : Fred. Ernest J. and William.
«:' of Woodson County.
Adolph Toedman, the eldest of the family and the immediate subject
of this review, has spent almost his entire life in Woodson County. He was
reared amid the wild scenes of the frontier and acquired his education in the
Toedman school house. For nearly five years he was employed as a farm
hand in the county and then joined his father and brothers in business— the
association with the latter being since continued. They have carried on
farming and stocJc-raising and the cattle, horses and sheep seen in their
stables and pastures indicate a thriving and prosperous business. Already
the possessors of a fine property, they are continually adding thei'eto, and
they belong to the class of enterprising, active and energetic men who pro-
mote the general welfare as well as individual property and advance the
public good. They give their political support to the Kepublican party
and the subject of this review takes quite an active interest in political
rniestions, althoiigh office holding has no attraction for him. His church
sgricultural circles where his word is regarded as strictly trustworthy, this
rilationship is with the Evangelical denomination. He is widely known in
h.isving been proved thi-ough years of an honorable business career.
HENRY H. WLNTER.
HENRY H. WINTER is an example of the self-made American citi-
zen. His history is an exemplification of the progress that an ambitious
man can make in a country of unbounded opportunities. His singular suc-
cess is due to his own energy and the high ideal which his laudable am-
bltiori placed before him. Success in any walk of life is an indication of
henest endeavor and persevering effort, characteristics that Mr. Winter pos-
sesses in an eminent degree. He is entirely free from ostentation and dis-
play, and thouah he is now numbered among the most substantial citizens of
Yv'oodson County, he is a man of the people and the humblest person of up-
right character may claim him as a friend.
Henry H. Winter was born in York, Pennsylvania, March 21, 1846.
Ris grandfather was John Winter who died in early manhood. The na-
tionality of the family is uncertain for the family records were not pre-
served and the name is found among many people, including the English,
Germans and Scotch, and even among the Latin races. Henry Winter, the
father of our subjee':, was born in York, Pennsylvania, in 1816 and fol-
l')wed fanning and blaeksmithing. He spent his entire life in the place
of his birth, his death occurring in 1891. He was one of the prominent men
and worthy citizens of his community. He married Miss Catherine Dietz,
who died in York, in 1882. Of their six children five are yet living in the
vicinity of the old homestead, namely : Isaiah : Elizabeth, the wife of
Joseph Stauft'er; Jacob; Mary A., the wife of Henry Matthews, and Leah,
the wife of Joseph Loyd.
Mr. Winter, whose name introduces this record, was the third in order
f)j birth, and upon the old home farm in the Keystone state he was reared.
He is a graduate of the York high school and for a time he was a student
in the normal school at Millersville, Pennsylvania. When twenty-two years
oL' age he began teaching and after following that profession for six years
he joined an engineering corps in the employ of the Peach Bottom Narrow
C>auge Railroad Company, but the financial panic which spread over the
country in 1873 put an end to all railroad work and Mr. Winter then fol-
lowed Horace Greeley's advice to young men and came to "the west. He first
took up his abode in Stephenson County. Illinois. He had no capital, but
possessed great energy, a strong constitution and a resolute spirit, and he
set to work to wrest fortune from the hands of an adverse fate. At first he
followed leaching there and later embarked in the lumber trade on his
own account, borrowing the capital with which to purchase a yard. That en-
terprise proved successful and he was soon enabled to pay oE all indebted-
ness. For seven years he was engaged in the lumber trade in Atlantic, Iowa,
and then disposed of his interests there and came to Woodson County, Kan-
sas, where for a time he was engaged in the cat-tie business and followed
farming to some extent. He has been a resident of this county since 1883
and in 1885 succeeded the firm of Dickerson & Opdyke, in the banking
business in Yates Center. In 1887 he assumed active control of the bank
and has since built up one of the strongest institutions in this portion of the
slate. The safe, reliable policy which he has followed has been the means
of largely increasing the business which is transacted over his counters
•and the bank is therefore able to annually declare a good dividend.
While residing in Stephenson County, Illinois, Mr. AVinter was mar-
ried on the 5th. of October. 1875, to Miss Floi'a Sabin, a daughter of Ralph
Sabin. and they now have four dauyhtrrs : Clara, who is a graduate bf the
musical department of the Kansas State University: Alice and Blanche, of
the Yates Center high school. and^Frances, who is still pursuing her studies.
Mr. Winter was reared in the faith of the Democracy with which party his
people have always been allied until within a decade. But since the princi-
ple^' advocated l)y William Jennings Bryan have been incorporated into the
■^'OO-DSON COTTNTTES. KANSAS. 82"5
l)eiuoeratic platform, Henry H. Wiuter has give' ^ - <■ ; • -t to the Repub^
lican party. The quality which wins Mr. Wiiii P and admira-
tion is uprightness of character. He is easily a; , . showing great
"Courtesy to all with whom he comes in eontaet. lie never acts except
from honest motives and in all his varied relations in business affairs and
in social life he maintains a character and standing that have impressed
all with his sincere and manly purpose to do by others as he would have
others do Tdv him.
JOHN F. ARMSTRONG.
JOHN P. ARMSTRONG, of Toronto, has been a resident of Wood.son
lounty for fifteen years, and is extensively engaged in dealing in cattle and
Ik gs. A native of Gibson County. Indiana, he was born October 11, 18-52.
and is a son of William Armstrong, a farmer by occupation, who removed
f'om Vanderburg County to Gibson County about 1850. He was born in
1822, and spent his entire life in southern Indiana, where he was extensively
engaged in farming, his well-directed efforts bringing to him a comfortable
•competence. He married Emily Smith and unto them were born five chil-
dren who are yet living. In addition to Mr. Armstrong of this review
they are William, a resident of Gibson Coimty; Warwick; James, and
Pinkney, who are also residents of that county. The -father of this family
died in 1878. but the mother is still living and yet resides in Gibson County.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm
life for Mr. Armstrong in his youth. He remaiiied with his parents until
twenty years of age and through practical experience became familiar with
the work of field and meadow. He then left Indiana in the year 1881. and
naking his way westward took up his abode on the Verdigris river in Wood-
son County, Kansas, where he carried on farming on an extensive scale. He
next came to Toronto and began buying and shipping stock, which line of
business has since occupied his attention. He raises, feeds and trades in
cattle and hogs, and is one of the leading live stock dealers of this part of
the county, his shipments being extensive.
In Gibson County. Indiana. Mr. Armstrong was united in married
t( Miss Lueinda Mauk. and unto them were boi'n four children : Frank,
who married Alice Jones and is associated in business with his father:
Nora. Delia and Dick, at home. Mr. Armstrong is independent in politics.
He has taken the Master degi'ee in Masonry and is connected with the
INlodern Woodmen of America. He possesses the enterprising, progressive
business spirit of the west and his diligent efforts have enabled him to ad-
vance steadily on the road of prosperity so that he is now numbered among
the substantial citizens of his adopted county.
S20 HIsrORV or- ALLEIf AKD'
JORDAN TV. MASON.
The subject of iliis I'evitw is a well known business man of Yates Cen-
ter and an enterprising and popular liveryman of that city. He is one of
those young men who came to Kansas from the east less than a quarter of a
century ago with his labor as his capital and who has been persistently and
continuously the companion of harcl work during his residence in Woodson
County. He became familiar with it first upon his father's farm in Illinois
and when he was left at the head of a large family, and responsible for
tiipir welfare to years of accountability, industry was the shiekl which pro-
tected them and the benefactor which provided them ^\ith the wants of life.
Though his years number a half eenlury no lers than two score of them
span the period of his life's work.
Jordan W. Mason was born Octooer 5 1850. Samuel Mason, his father,
was a farmer residing near Miflinville, Pennsylvania, to which point he
n oved from about Morfeton. New Jersey. He was born at the latter place-
in 1818, moved from there to IMiflinville, thence to Kendall County, Illinois,
where he spent the remainder of his life. There were six children in his
father's family, three sons and three daughters, one surviving. He grew
to manhood about Miflinville and was there married to Katie Eekroth
whose death occurred in Kendall County, Illinois. Their children were:
Jordan W. ; James: Libbie, wife of Nathan Colthirst, of Remington In-
diana, and Lewis E., John M., Samuel E. and Lavina M., of Kendall County,
Illinois.
Our sub.ject secured very meager scliool advantages in the district
fchools and. when he became a man, work was about all he knew. In the
fall of 1877 he came out to Kansas and secured a half section of new land
in Owl Creek township, preparatory to his removal hence in the spring.
The next year he unloaded his eflPects at Neosho Falls with Charles Diver
ai.d "Ren" Thurber. took possession of his piece of prairie and proceeded
to make a farm of it. He resided there ?ome years when he took up his resi-
dence in Yates Center and engaged in the butcher business. Changes in
business were apparently rapid from this time on for some years, from
butcher to farmer, teamster, freighter from Humboldt to Yates Center, and
finally .jobbing about from one thing to another that would yield a legitimate
dollar. AYlien work \vas scarce it he couldn't get his price for doing work he
took the other man's and thus established a reputation for industry and re-
liability. November 20. 1893, he began the livery business with a stock
of six ponies, four sets of old harness, three buggies and a spring wagon.
His bi;siness methods were legitimate and, patronage sought him and pros-
perity followed in its wake. With success in business came an enlarge-
ment of his accommodations and expansion of stock and equipments to
meet the needs of a well-ordered livery.
Mr. j\Iason was married in Woodson County. Kansas, December 24,
1882, to Emily Brodman, a lady of German birth and parentage. She was
hern in 18fi4 and was brought to the United States by a widowed mother,
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 827
Mrs. Victoria Brodman, who died in Yates Centei- in 1889. Mr. and Mrs.
Mason's only child is a daughter,. Cecil.
JOSEPH B. JACKSON.
JOSEPH B. JACKSON, a farmer and dairyman of Woodson County,
exemplifies in his life the typical western spirit of progress and enter-
prise which has led to the rapid advancement of this section of the country,
;in advancement so great that it has awakened the astonishment and ad-
miration of the world. Mr. Jackson has spent the greater part of his life in
the Mississippi valley. He was born in McHenry County, Illinois, on the
4th. of November, 1844. His father, George Jackson, was a native of Eng-
land, and when eighteen years of age he crossed the Atlantic to the New
"World, locating first in Delaware. He married Miss ]\Iaria Hill, a native of
C ounecticut, and on leaving the east made his way to Fort Dearborn, which
stood upon the site of the present city of Chicago. There was nothing but
a trading post at the time on the land now covered by the metropolis and
Mr. Jackson became the owner of a number of lots in the small town,
gaining possession of them through a trade. Upon the property now stand
valual)le buildings, ten or moi'p stories in bciglit. and the land is valued at
hundreds of thou;ands of dollas's. ]Mr. J;i('l<siiii. liowpver, made his way into
the interior of the sta+e, locating in MeHenry ('i)\inty, where he spent his
remaining days, his death occurring in 1893, at the age of ninety years.
His widow still survives and is now living in McHenry County, at the
age of eighty-five years. This worthy couple became the parents of seven
children and three of the sons volunteered for service in the war of the Re-
bellion. George los:t his life in the battle of Chickamauga. Wilber and
Joseph B. were members of the Elgin Battery of Light Artillery.
Joseph B. Jackson was reared on the old homestead farm in McHenry
County, and the public schools afforded him his educational privileges.
AVhen the question of slavery brought on sectional differences between the
north and the south and the country became involved in Civil war he
.joined the Elgin Battery and served for eighteen months, participating in
the engagements at Newburn, Five Forks and Strawberry Plains. He also
spent some time in front of Knoxville, and when the war ended received an
honorable discharge, in August, 1865, being not then twenty-one years of
age.
After his return from the army Mr. Jackson spent three winters in the
l-ineries of Wisconsin and during the summer months engaged in farming
upon rented land. In 1868 he was married, and in 1870 came with his
fnmily to Kansas, renting a tract of land on the eastern line of Woodson
County. He there resided for three years, after which he purchased eighty
acres of prairie land on which he has since made his home, having in the
meantime extended the boundaries of his farm until it now comprises two
828 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Inuidred and forty acres. The place is divided into fields of couveuient size
that are highly cultivated, the rich alluvial soil yielding excellent crops. A
substantial residence, two good barns and many of the modern improve-
ments go to make his farm one of the best in the county. Mr. Jackson is
engaged in the dairy business, keeping on hand about thirty head of cows
for this purpose. He is also a stockholder in the creamery at Neosho Falls,
where he disposes of his dairy products. He got his start in business with
fi capital of three hundred dollars which he saved during his service in the
army. He has, however, met wilh some reverses. Since coming to Kansas
a fire destroyed his home, together with all its contents, including clothing
and provisions, but with resolute spirit he set to work to retrieve his lost
possessions, and is now one of the well-to-do citizen': of the county.
Mr. Jackson has been twice married. In 1868 he wedded Alfaretta
Brown, who died in 1879, leaving him with four children, namely: Prank
B., now of Erie, Kansas ; Julia M., wife of David Henry, who is living on
ic.rm in Woodson County; Ora A., wife of Frank Wilson, of Neosho Falls,
and Harry Elmer, who is operating his father's farm and also materially
a'lsists in the care of the stock. In 1880 Mr. Jackson was again married,
hi; second union being witliMiss Susan Boley. a native of Illinois, who came
to Kansas in 1879. The children of this union are: Walter, Edward ani^
May Edna. In his political affiliations he is a Republican and socially
he is connected with the Grand Army Po.st at Neosho Falls. The brave
and loyal spirit which he manifested on southern battlefields has always
been one of his marked characteristics, and has gained for him the confidence
and srood will of those with whom he has been associated.
FREDERICK L. ARNOLD.
Among the early settlers of Woodson County is Frederick L. Arnold,
and through the long years of residence here, he has been numbered among
the honorable citizens and representative farmers. His birth occurred in
Randolph County, Indiana, on the 5th. of September, 1838. His father,
Lewis Arnold, was a native of Sauth Carolina, and the mother of our sub-
jpct, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Lucas, was a native of Clinton
County. Ohio. As a life work, the father followed farming, and his death
occurred in the Buckeye state in November, 1856, when he was sixty years
of age. His wife survived him many years and passed away in 1885 at the
aee of seventy. They were the parents of ten children, of whom seven are
now lining, as follows: William: Lewis: Elizabeth, wife of Abraham
Thomps-on : Sarah, wife of John Carver: Frederick L., and John.
Upon his father's death. Frederick L. Arnold went to Illinois, locating
in Logan County, where he resided with his brother-in-law, and there
worked by the month as a farm hand, being thus engaged until after the
outbreak of the Civil war. His patriotic spirit was thus aroused, and on the
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 829
12th. of August, 1861, he enlisted as a member of company B, Second Reg-
iment of Illinois cavalry. He was later transferred to company D of the
same regiment, and served until the third of January, 1866. He partici-
pated in the battle of Fort Donelson and Shiloh and in all the engagements
in which his regiment took part. He was ever found at his post of duty,
faithfully defending the Stars and Stripes, the emblem of the Union. At
the close of hostilities, he was sent to San Antonio, Texas, where he re-
Kuained for almost a year after the war had ended.
On receiving an honorable discharge, Mr. Arnold returned to Illinois,
and in June, 1866, came to Woodson County, Kansas, locating on Turkey
creek, five miles west of his present home. In the spring of 1870 he pur-
chased one hundred and twenty acres of laud where he is now living, ten
miles northwest of Yates Center, and has here developed a very fine farm.
Assisted by his son, he is engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising.
They feed" some cattle and raise a large number of hogs, and this branch
of their business brings to them a good income.
On the 2.5th of February, 1868, Mr. Arnold was joined in wed-
lock to Miss Helen S. Miller, a native of Darke County, Ohio, who came to
Kansas in 1859 : a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth E. Miller. Mr. and
Mrs. Arnold had four children, of whom three are yet living; Dora E., who
i:-: acting as her father's housekeeper; Warren F., at home, and Nellie M.,
wife of George W. Mainfield, who is living on a part of the father's farm.
Mrs. Arnold, who was born October 9th., 1848, died August 8th., 1898, after
a happy married life of thirty years.
Mr. Arnold has frequently been called to public offices. He has served
Ihe people of his township as "trustee for six years, and has also been treas-
uier and clerk of the township for a number of years, while almost con-
tinuously he has served on the school board. The cause of education has
found in him a warm friend, and in all his public offices he has discharged
his duty with marked promptness and fidelity. His life illustrates the
power of industry and integrity in business afi'airs. When he came to Kan^
sas, he had only' the money he had saved during the time he spent in the
army. Investing *his in land, he is to-day the owner of one of the fine
fiirms of his adopted county. Indolence is utterly foreign to his nature, and
his untiring labor and perseverance have enabled him to overcome all dif-
ficulties and work his way to success.
ALBERT D. COE.
One of the enterprising young farmers and stock-raisers of Liberty
township, Woodson County, is" Albert D. Coe, who was born in Livingston
County, Illinois, on the 6th. of May, 1873, the second son of Albert and
Parsina Coe. He remained in Illinois until eight years of age and then
accompanied his parents on their removal to Kansas in 1881. He ac-
830 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
quired a knowledge of the common English branches of learning in the
district schools and afterward entered the high school of Yates Center,
while later he spent two years in the Agricultural College, at Manhattan
Kansas, pursuing the scientific course. At the time of his marriage his
father gave him eighty acres of land upon which he has erected a nice home
and is now comfortably situated in life, devoting his energies to the improve-
ment of his land and to the raising of stock. He now has forty head of (.'at-
tie. He is also connected with his father and brothers in the rai.sing of hay,
carrying on the business quite extensively and securing a good income as
the reward of their labor when the hay is placed upon the market.
On the 31st. of March, 1898, Mr. Coe was united in marriage to Miss
Mabel T. Rose, a native of Toronto. Canada, born November 24, 1874, and a
daughter of Amzi and Lottie Rose. During her early girlhood her parents
came to Kansas, and her father is now engaged in business in Garnett,
il.i:; state. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Coe has been blessed with one
child, Ruth M., who was born May 23, 1900. In his political views Mr.
I oc if a Republican, but office seeking has no attraction for him, as he pil-
fers to increase his income throiigh the legitimate channels of business, and
his future will undoubtedly be a successful one.
J.^MES M. PARK.
JAMES M. PARK, who since 1873 has resided upon his farm in Lib-
erty township, Woodson County, six miles from Yates Center, has spent
his entire life in the Mississippi valley and the enterprising, progressive
spirit of the west which has wrought the wonderful development of this
S( ction of the country is manifest in our sub.ject. He was born in Pulton
County, Illinois, April 24, 1839. a son of Aaron and Jane Park. The father
was a native of South Carolina and when a young man wtnt to Illinois, where
h.^ was married and spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1846.
In his family were nine children, six of whom are yet living, namely : John
AV,. a resident of Yates Center; AYilliam J., of Iowa; Nancy A., wife of M.
C. McDonald : Mary Kelley and Elizabeth Allen.
In the state of his nativity James M. Park was reared and educated,
and the events of his boyhood were of no very im.portant nature up to
the time of the Civil war, but when the country became engaged in hostili-
ties over the attempt at secession of some of the southern states, his patriotic
spirit was aroused and although he was not in very robust health he en-
listed in 1862 as a member of company H, Sixty-third Illinois infantry.
He participated in the battles of Vicksburg, Jackson and Missionary
Ridge, and at the last named was .slightly wounded. At the expiration of
his term of service he was honorably discharged in 1864.
On the 11th. day of February of that year Mr. Park was united in
n.arriage to Miss Lucinda Marple, a native of Bureau County. Illinois,
WOODSON CODNTlfilS. KANSAS. 8^1
^j(.ni September 4, 184:1 Her father, David Marple, was a native of West
Virginia, while her mother, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Wat-
kins, was a native of Ohio, in which state the parents were married. In an
■early day in tlw history of Illinois they removed to that sitate. where the
father died in 18!!(). at the age of Muliiy-,n!r years. His widow still sur-
vives him and is yet living on the nh! Iinm, si, .ad at the very advanced age
of eitility-eight years. For sixty years tlie\- had traveled life's journey to-
uetlu !■ when separated by the death of Mr. Marple. They were ihe parents
of elevin children, fi\'e of whom are yet living: William; Joseph, who re-
sides in Des Moines, Iowa: Eichard; Mrs. Park, and Sarah J., wife of
'J'homas Maston, of Illinois.
In 1866, two years after their marriage. Mr. and INIrs. Park removed
to Iowa, where he purchased a farm, but in 1868 he sold that property and
)'eturned to Illinois, where he engaged in the operation of rented land until
1873, when he came with his family to Woodson Count.v and purchased
e'ghty acres in Liberty township, six mile.s north of Yates Center. Here
he has a nice home, which he erected, and many substantial improvements
on the place stand as monuments to the thrift and enterprise of the owner.
The home has been blessed with five children : Ola. now the wife of Dr.
W.Hul. of Tola: Elizabeth, wife of Fred Park, of Yates Center; Grace, wife
( !' Jndson Xewtonj Rich:ird. who is married and lives on the home farm, and
AVilliam. who is yd with liis parents. Mr. Park exercises his i^iuht of fran-
chise in su]iport oF U:.' incu and measures of the RepuViliran ])ar1\-. but does
not seek office, hi-^ faniiiiiii- interests claiming and receiviiiu' all ol' his at-
tention. In return they yield to him a good income and he is thus enabled
lo provide comfortably for his family.
CHARLES 0. MENTZER.
Almost the entire life of Charles 0. Mentzer has been passed in Wood-
son County for he came here when only two years of age with his parents,
and throughout the period of his youth and manhood he has been connected
with its agricultural and stock-raising interests. He was born in Kewanee,
Henry County, Illinois, the eldert son of George and Emma Mentzer, who
in 1871 left the prairie state for the Sunflower state, taking up their abode
in Woodson County, five miles northwest of Yates Center, where our sub-
iect has since resided with the exception of one year which he spent in Illi-
nois. In the schools of the neighborhood he was educated and his training
at farm work was received under the direction of his father and was of
tVat practical nature which well fitted him for carrying on the duties which
now engross his attention. In 1891 he went to his native county on a visit
and remained for about twelve months, after which l.e returned to AYood-
son County, where he is now engaged in the occupation of stock-raising.
After his marriase he began farming on his own account in North town-
§32 KISTORY OF ALLEN AND
ship where his father owns a large body of land, and now his place is well
stocked with cattle and horses to the raising and sale of which he is de-
voting his energies, finding this a profitable source of revenue.
On the 18th of October. 1893, Mr. Mentzer was joined in wedlock tc
^liss Nettie Wells, one of Kansas' native daughters, her parents beini>'
Tluii-ston and Saloma Wells. Five children have come to bless their union,
i.iinjely: Gladys, Paul and Paulina; twins, George and Herbert. Mrs.
IMentzer's father wm a native of New York and when a young man went
to Iowa, where he married Miss Saloma Crandall, a native of Ohio. They
afterward removed to Kansa.s in 1870, where Mr. Wells made his home'
Lintil death in June 3, 1893. Of his seven children four are yet living-
Fiank; William, a resident of Iowa; Anna, wife of Fred Mentzer, and
Xottie. wife of our subject. AH are residents of Woodson County, except
William.
Mr. Mentzer of this review is a Prohibitionist in his political prefer-
ences, but as that party seldom has a ticket in the field at local election*
h-^ supports the candidates whom he regards as best qualified for office. Long
residence in Woodson County has made him familiar with its history from
an early day and his upright career during this period has gained him a
position amony; the k-'ading and representative j-onng farmers of the com-
munity.
WILLIAM B. BOATMAN.
Five miles north of Yates Center, in Liberty township, Woodson
County, stands an attractive farm residence which is the home of William B,
Boatman. It is surrounded by a grove of native forest trees and around
•t spread the broad fields of grain and the verdant meadows which a^'C
Ins property and indicate that his life is one of active usefulness.
Mr. Boatman was born in Lehigh County, Pennisylvania, on the 18th. of
October, 1851, and is a son of AYilliam and Eleanor (Callahan) Boatn-an.
both of whom were natives of the Keystone state, where they remained until
1858, when they rcmoveil to Illinois, settling in Livingston county. The
father had been projuietor of a hotel in Pennsylvania and engaged in Tiie
same line of business in the west, conducting a first class hostelry until his
death, in 1891,when he Avas seventy-three years of age. His wife had
previously passed away, dying in 1888. at the age of sixty-eight years. Th'-y
were the parents of six children, of whom three are yet living: William B.,
Sle])hen and ]\Irs. Nancy Bostlin.
Our sub.ject, the youngest of the family, was seven years of age when
his parents removed to Livingston County, Illinois, where he gained his edu-
cation in the common schools. He followed coal mining from the time he
was old enough to work in the mines until his marriage, after which he
rented a tract of land and began farming. He devoted his attention to the
TVOODSPN COUNTIES, KANSAS. 833
tultivation of the fields iu Illinois for four years, but believing that he
Might sooner secure a farm of his own in Kansas he came to Woodscn
t'ouhty in 1882 and purehast-l one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie
five miles north of Yates Center, where he has since made his home. He
Las transf(iruied tlir place into a valuable property and is now a prosperous
farmer and stock-raiser. His fields yield to him a good return and indicate
to the passer-by the careful supervision of the operator. Be is also en-
gaged in the hay business annually putting up Im-ge quantities of that
product. He also buys and ships hay and his operations in that line are both
extensive and profitahle. Everything about his place is kept in exo-llent
condition, the buildings are never found out of repair, and the e'ltiro
place indicates the ownership of a progressive and practical farnte'-.
In March, 1878, in Livingston County, Illinois, Mr. Boatman married
Rliss Annie Clark, a native of that state and a daughter of Ephraim and
Mildred (Jones) Clark, who were also born in Illinois and are yet residents
oi Livingston Count.v. the father being now eighty-two years of age, while
his wife has reached the aue of seventy-eight. They had five children: Tal-
bert, Annie. Prank, Faron and Coe, the last named now in Lilierty township,
AVoodson County. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Boatman has been blessed
with two children, but Roy, the elder, died at the age of six years. Clark,
now a youth of sixteen, is at home with his 5iar( iits. JMr, Boatman is a
n'ember of the M. W. A. camp at Tates Center, and in his pdlitical affilia-
tions is a Democrat, but has never been an i>flicr s.'cker. piefriTJiig t(i devote
his time and attention to his business affairs, in which he has met with
■creditable and gratifying prosperity.
BENJAMIN PITMAN.
One of the substantial farmers and respected citizens of Everett town-
ship and a veteran of the Civil war is Ben.jamin Pitman, who claims Penn-
sylvania as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred there, in Ful-
t( n County. January 23, 1830. He is the fourth in a family of eight chil-
dren whose parents were Benjamin and Margaret (Ross) Pitman, both of
v.hom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a carpenter by trade
and in 1849 remo\'ed to Illinois, settling in Whiteside County, where he fol-
f. wed his chosen vocation and also engaged in farming until his death, which
occurred in 1875, when he was seventy-seven years of age. His wife died
Icng previously, passing away in 1840.
The subject of this review was only ten years of age at the time of
his mother's death, and soon afterward he began to earn his own liveli-
hood. He was employed as a farm hand until nineteen years of age when
he learned the carpenter's trade, devotinsr his energies to that work until
1865. when he enlisted in company D, Ninety-second Illinois infantry, in
which he served for four months and fifteen days. He participated in the
■334 iritfTOKV Oh ALLh.N ASIj
Liittle of Atkins, South Carolina, and was wounded in the fore finger and the-
side by a gun::hot. He was then discharged on aceouut of. disability and re-
turned home, and for two years he was under the physician's care before-
being able to resume work.
In the spring of 1876 Mr. Pitman came to Kansas, locating in Dickin-
son County, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of farm land and
five town lots in Abilene. He improved his property and made his home
in tliiit c'liMitv until 1S84, when he sold out and came to Woodson County.
![:rr Ih' j!;iic!;r,s.Ml one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land on
Cherry eieek, wli-c lip now has a fine farm, the wild tract having been
transformed iiitn liilily productive fields. The place is improved with
K large residemr siilis ,111'ial barn and all the necessary outbuildings
lor the care of grain and stock and the farm is now valuable and attractive.
There is good bottom land and timber tracts and the place is well watered.
Iiidustry ha" been the keynote of Mr. Pitman's success. His life has beert
a busy one. in which idleness has had no part and his untiring labor has
l)rought him a handsome competence.
I. T. SmiMERS.
I. T. SUJMERS, who is engaged in farming in Everett township and
v-as formerly identified with industrial interests of Woodson County for a
number of years, was born in Richie County, West Virginia. September 18,
1847, a son of Elias S. and Miranda (Wilson) Summers, also natives of
the same state. The father spent his entire life in West Virginia where he
d'ed in 1889. at the age of eighty years. His wife is still living at an
advanced age. In their family were twelve children, of whom six are yet
living.
Mr. Summers of this biographical notice was reared on the old home-
s'ead farm and his educational privileges wei-e quite limited for at the time
when he naturally would have been in rchool he was engaged in protecting
Ins southern home from the raids of bushwhackers, for the Civil war was in
pi ogress and he was employed by the s+ate to act as a state guard or scout
I0 protect the property of the li'nion citizens. After a year spent in that
way he enlisted in company E, Sixth West Virginia volunteer infantry, in
October. 1864. and served until the close of the war. His duty was mostly
in hunting and driving out the bushwaekers, but his service was none the less
arduous or dangerous and he had many narrow escapes from death, wounds
and canture.
After the v.-ar ]\Ir. Summers returned to his home and began to learn
the stone mason's trade, which he followed throughout the period of his
residence in his native state. In 187R he came to the west. knoAving that he
could secure a home sooner by coming to a new country. Accordingly he
took up his abode in Woodson County. Kansas, where he continued to
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. S35
vuvk at tlie stone uiasou's trade until 1898. He was a good workman and
always had employment, so that as the result of his industry and economy
h. was enabled to gain capital sufficient to purchase his present farm, a
fine and well developeu tract of eighty acres, located on Cherry creek,
one mile south of Vernon, in Everett township. It is all bottom land and
never fails to produce a good crop. He has a large barn, other substantial
outbuildings and a comfortable residence, in fact all the modern equip-
ments of a model farm of the twentieth century are found upon his place.
When he arrived in Woodson County he had only eight dollars, so that
all he now possesses has been acquired .'■ince coming to the Sunflower state,
a fact which indicates that his life has been a busy one, characterized by
if defatigable industry. In politics he is a staunch and uncompromising Ke-
publican. and socially he is a member of Tuscan Lodge. F. & A. M., at
Neosho Falls.
WILLIAM O'GILVIE.
WILLIAM O'GILVIE, who follows farming in Toronto township,
where he owns and 'cultivates three hundred and twenty acres of land, was
hnvn in Madison Cormty, Ohio, on the 19th. of May, 1847. His father,
FMsha O'Gilvie. was a native of Virginia and married Charlotte Thompson,
who was born in the Buckeye state. For many years he engaged in mer-
chandising in Ohio and was also a farmer and stock-raiser. In 1883 he came
t,' Kansas, settling in Toronto, where he resided until his death which oc-
curred in 1896, at the age of seventy-seven yeai's. His wife is still living
ill Toronto, at the age of .seventy-four.
On the home farm in his native state William O'Gilvie was reared and
in the common schools mastered the brandies of English learning iisiially
taught in such institutions. At the age of twenty-two he left home and
was married, the wedding being celebrated April 15, 1869. Miss Margaret
Hunter becoming his wife. Her parents were Charles and Martha (Fitzger-
ald) Hunter and both were natives of Virginia but spent their last days
iji Ohio. Fnto Mr. and Mrs. O'Gilvie have been born five children: Ed,
Walter and Ezra, all residing upon farms of their own in Oklahoma ; John
who is operating his father's farm, and Minnie, the only daughter, also with
her narents.
After his marriage Mr. O'Gilvie rented land and began farming in Ohio
cr, his own account. For fourteen years he carried on agricultural pur-
• sri'S thus, and then tiring of operating rented property he resolved to
remove to a district whei'e he could secure a farm of his own. Kansas was
his choice of a location, and in 1882 he came to Woodson County where he
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw land in Toronto to^vnship,
seven miles north of the town of Toronto, and there he and his wife began
life in the west, determined to gain advancement if it could be won through
836 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
earnest effort. He roon had his farm under a high state of cultivation and
well stocked with cattle, and to-day he owns three hundred and twenty
acres of rich land on Cedar creek. A comfortable residence, good barn
and richly cultivated fields are among the leading features of the place and
he keeps on hand about fifty head of cattle and from fifty to one hundred
head of hogs, together with such a number of horses as are needed to operate
the farm.
In 1891 Mr. O'Gilvie met with a very sad accident— his team running
away and throwing him out of the wagon thus crippling him for life. After
his recovery he engaged in the hardware business in Toronto, conducting
the store while his wife superintends the operation of the farm. For five
years he was engaged in commercial pursuits and then sold his store since
which time his entire attention has been given to his farming interests.
"In America labor is king" and it is the only sovereignty which our liberty-
loving people acknowledge but they never fail to accord due respect to the
man who has conquered fate and won advancement through his own effort.
Thus Mr. O'Gilvie receives in large measure the respect and esteem of his
fellowmen at the same time he is enjoying the rich fruits of his diligence.
WILLIAM F. AGNEW.
WILLIAM FRAZER AGNEW is one of the native sons of Kansas,
his birth having occiirred in Anderson County, on the 8th of December,
1862. His father, William Agnew, Sr., now deceased, was one of the pioneer
settlers of Woodson County, whither he came in 1873. identifying his inter-
ests with those of the agricultural community of this portion of the state.
Our subject spent the first eleven years of his life in the county of
his nativity and then accompanied his parents to Woodson County, where
he was reared, the family residing upon the middle branch of Owl creek.
The district school afforded him his educational privileges, and he acquired
a good knowledge of the common English branches of learning which pre-
pare one for the practical duties of life. He has always followed farming
and stock-raising and is now classed among the prosperous representatives
V that class of people. His farm is located on Section 31, Eminence
township, where he owns and operates two hundred and forty acres of
rich land, which yields abundant harvests. Nature is usiially bountiful in
her gifts, restoring many hundred fold the seeds planted in the ground, and
the labors of Mr. Agnew are crowned with a rich reward.
On the 20th of November, 1895, Mr. Agnew was united in marriage to
Miss Lizzie Funston. a daughter of John Funston, of Yates Center. She is
a native of Illiijfois, born in 1866, and by her marriage she has become the
mother of three interesting little children, namely: William Maynard,
Boyd Funston and Annabel. Mr. Agnew takes a deep interest in political
affairs, as every true American citizen shoidd do, and gives his support to
WOODSON COUNTIEiJ. KANSAS. S37
the Eepublican party. Having long resided in Woodson County he is
widely and favorably known, and that those who have known him from boy-
hood are numbered among his warmest friends is an indication that his life-
history has been an honorable and upright one.
LEVI SMITH.
Among those who wore the blue in defense of the Union during the
Civil war Levi Smith M'as numbered and to-day is as true and loyal to his
tluties of citizenship as when he followed the Stars and Stripes upon the
battlefields of the south. Thus he is accounted one of the valued resi-
dents of Woodson County, well worthy of representation in its history.
Mr. Smith was born in Seott County, Illinois, May 2, 1843, and is the
third son in a family of eleven children whose parents were John and Sarah
A. (Downey) Smith, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Penn-
sylvania. The father was a farmer by occupation and before his marriage
went to Illinois, casting in his lot with the early settlers who laid the founda-
tion for the development and upbuilding of that ^tate. There he remained
until his death which occurred in 1S81, when he was sixty years of age. His
wife still survives him and is living upon the old homestead in Illinois, at
the venerable age of seventy-eight years. Of their children six are yet
living.
In taking up the personal history of Levi Smith we present to our
readers the I'ccord of one who for a quarter of a century has been a well
known resident of Woodson Coimty. He was reared upon a farm, received
his education in the country schools, and worked in the fields until the 9th.
of August, 1862, when with his patriotic spiint aroused by the continued
opposition and rebellion in the south, he offered his services to the govern-
ment, joining company I. One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Illinois infantry.
After two years and ten months of arduous and fearless service as a de-
fender of the Union he received an honorable discharge June 8, 1865. He
^^•as in many hard fought battles, participated in the campaign from Resaca,
Georgia, to Atlanta, went with Sherman on the memorable march to the
sea, which proved that the Confederacy was but an empty shell, took part in
the battle of Marietta and was in many other engagements and skirmishes
o;' that campaign. He Avas never captured or wounded although several
thnes his clothes were pierced with bullets and his haversack and canteen
were shot away. At the close of the war he received an honorable dis-
charge in Washington and was mustered out in Chicago, Illinois.
He then returned to his home and spent one year as guard on the
bridge acro.ss the Illinois river. In the fall of 1876 he came to Kansas and
engaged in farming upon rented land until 1884, when with the monej'
M-hicii he had saved from his earnings he purchased eighty acres of land
v;ie mile west of Vernon, where he has since made a good home for himself
83H HISTORY OF ALLEN AXD
ai.d family. His ])os.sessions are a nioimiiient to liis enterprise and worth,
and are the visible evidence of his labor and his economy, for all that he has
is the reward cf his individual etVort.
Mr. Smith has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Mary E.
Karris, who only survived their marriage five years, and at her death left
two little children : Allie, now the wife of Will Farris, a resident of Tdalio.
and Charles E.. who is also living in the same state. On the 20tL of Novpin-
btr, 1879. Mr. Smith was joined in wedlock to Miss Lavisa Adams, a native
or Bloomington, Illinois, born August 22, 1854. Her father, Jeremiah
Adams, was a native of Indiana, and after reaching mature years wedded
Elizabeth Robinson. He died when Mrs. Smith was only about a year old
and her mother afterward became the wife of Edward Suunnerfield. who re-
moved with the family to Kansas in 1866. Woodson County was then but
sparsely settled and they were forced to live in true frontier style. They
had to pound their meal in a mortar— for the nearest mill was at lola, Allen
County— and other primitive methods of life formed part of their pioneer
e.xperience. Mrs. Summerfield passed away in 1896, at tlie age of seventy-
one years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born five children : Mrs.
Carrie D. Porter, who died August 2, 1900, leaving a little son, Roscoe C.
Porter, who is now a bright little boy of fourteen months living with his
grandparents, Dora E., Newton L., Roy A. and Elza 0.. who are ttill at
home.
Socially Mr. Smith is connected with Woodson Post, No. 185, G. A. R.,
and thus continues his comradeship with the boys in blue. During his long
residence in Woodson County he has ever commanded the respect of his fel-
low citizens by reason of his genuine worth, and by all who know him he is
appreciated for his commendable qualities.
FREDERICK FREVERT.
In the pioneer epoch of the history of Woodson County. Frederick Fre-
vert came to Kansas and took up his abode in Owl Creek township among its
first settlers. He is a native of Germany, his birth ha\'ing occurred near
r ippe-Detmold, November 14, 1828. His father, Conrad Frevert, was a
ffirnier there, his ancestors having lived in that locality from time imme-
morial. He married Sophia Bohlman. and unto them were born five child-
ren, namely: Conrad, of Columbus, Indiana: Wilhelmina, who is yet in
C'ermany: Frederick; Henrietta, deceased, and Henry, who is also in the
fatherland.
Mr. Frevert of this review spent his early boyhood in herding cows,
and in his youth he was employed by a paper manufacti^rer and a brick
maker. For a year and a half he served as a soldier in the German army
and according to the law of the countrj' would have had to remain in the
armv for five vears had he not come to America. An officer, who was his
"WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. S^t,
^frieucl, secured him a pass; to Bremen and there he took passu lih mi ;i w^^^t-
ward-bound vessel, which in 1852 dropped anchor in the hiMiJui' ..f Now
York. Lauding at the metropolis he thence made his way to Lalv.' CnuiUy,
Indiana, where he spent a year and a half as a farm hand, during .seven
months of the time receiving only seven dollars per month, although he did
u^ore work than most farm hands who are now paid three times that amount.
He worked on the railroad for three years at a dollar and a quarter per day
and about that time he met the lady whom he married. Miss Minnie War-
wick becoming his wife in 1856. She is a daughter of Andi-ew Y\^arwick, a
Prussian, who brought his family to the United States in 1'~4- ;inil located in
Lee Countj', Illinois, where he died at the advanced ay* oT niiicly-six years.
He weaded Mary Rufse, who was bom in Thuringia, imhv the Black Forest,
and died in 1854. at the a'j' ,ir li; \ fmir years. She had five children, the
three now living being: ]\iis. Fnvrn : Ernest, of Lee County, Illinois, and
'Mrs. Hannah Miller, also of that county.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Frevert loaded their house-
hold effects into a wagon and briniging with them some cows and chickens
.-.tarted for Kansas. They were several weeks upon the nnuL finally emssing
the Missouri river into Kansas, at Leavenworth^ on 'ic !ili in' .iul\. '^oS.
Their journey was continued to Neosho Falls, which contained one sime in a
log cabin, this being the trading point for most of the settlers along Owl
creek. Mr. Frevert secured a claim of one hundred and twentj- acres of land
on section two, there locating a Black Haiwk land warrant. He also look up
a homestead claim and as time passed he purchased other tracts, becoming
the owner of extensive and valuable realty, portions of which he has since
g:ven to his children.
TInto Mr. and Mrs. Frevei't have been born the following : Frederick: Wil-
liam, of Humboldt. Kansas; Louisa, who became the wife of August Koenig
and died in ISSl. leaving a dnnc'bter. INIary. who has married August Kirch-
hoff, of Woodsnii roniity: Aiinir, \vife of William Bowser, of Elk Col^nty,
Kansas: Mary, wife '<\' IvhIm-:'! Iveincn-r. of Yates Center: Verilla who mar-
ried Thomas Bell, of Woodson County : Matilda, wife of Henry Stockebrand.
of Yates Cen+er: Mai'tha, wife of Emil Stockebrand. of this County: Rosa,
wife of Pranlc S'^ockebrand i^'Frederick. who married Clara Henderson, and
Henry who wedded Flora Durby. Both Fred and Henry reside near the
old family homestead.
In early life Mr. Frevert voted for the presidential candidates of the
Hemocracy but when Abraham Lincoln was nominated he cast his ballot
with the Republican party \rith which he was allied for a number of years.
but for some time be has been a Prohibitionist. He belongs to the German
Evangelical Association and his wife is a member of the United Brethren
church. They are people of sterling worth and are numbered among the
_ honored pioneers of the county in which they have so long made their home.
" Mr. Frevert has more than realized his anticipations of gaining a good home
in the new world. He has pi-ospered in his undertakings by improving his
'S-IO HKSTOKV OF ALLEN AND
opporrunities and his valuable property is au indication of the busy and;
u^^irfiil life he las: led.
WILLIAM M. PATTERSON.
WILLIAM M. PATTERSON, who is engaged in dealing in and ship-
ping hay, his home being iu Rose, has spent almost his entire life in Wood-
son County, where his' father William W. Patterson, located at an early day.
The aneeritry of the family can be traced back to Alexander Patterson, the
great-grandfather of our subject, who was one of ten brothers that left their
lome on the Emerald Isle and came to America, thus founding many
1)! anches of Pattersons in various sections of the country. James Patterson,
the grandfather, removed from Virginia to ileigs County, Tennessee, and
there followed farming and blacksmithing. He served his country in the
war of 1812 and two of his sons were defenders of the Union during the
war of the Rebellion. The grandfather spent his last days in Fayetteville,
Arkansas, and at his death left a large family of sons and daughters.
William W. Patterson, the father of our subject, was born in Meigs
County, Tennessee, in 1824, and there was reared, but at length was forced
10 flee from his native state on account of his Union sentiments. He accord-
ingly took up his residence in Kansas, becoming a well known farmer of
Woodson County. He married Martha J. Claiborne, a daughter of Jubal
('laiborne, of Knox County, Tennessee, and once the owner of the farm upon
v'-hich the city of Knoxville was built. Mr. Patterson carried on farming in
V^'oodson County, meeting with good f:uccess, until his death, which occurred
in 1893, and his wife passed away iu 1898. Their children were as follows:
Clrarlotte who became the M-ife of Henry Pe'ers, both now deceased; Emma,
wife of J. H. Flower ; Mary, M'ife of James P. Kelle.y ; Katie, wife of B. C.
1 'armele, of Newton, Kansas, and William M.
The subject of this review was born in Paveshiek Countj-, Iowa,
March 17, 1863, and as the family came to Woodson County in 1866, be bas
practically spent his entire life here. In his youth he as.sisted in the work of
llie home farm and attended the district schools, and later he engaged in
teaching school at intervals until his marriage, being accounted a successful
and capable educator. Since 1893 he has in connection with farming and
stock raising been engaged in dealing in and shipping hay from Rose and
also from Buffalo, Roper and Yates Center. His business has constantly in-
creased in volume until it is now quite extensive, and his annual sales are
a very desirable source of income. He possesses good executive and business
ability and above all that untiring industry which form the foundation of
all prosperity. Beginning life as an assistant to his father and upon the
home farm his continued success has made him the owner of 686 acres of-
Liiid. and the operator or controller of 2.800 acres.
On the 23d of September, 1886, ]\Ir. Patterson married IMiss Cora
TVfOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. S4I
Camac, daughter of I. J. Camac, of Yates Center, and tliey have
uoe child, Earle T., who was born on the 19th of July, 1889.
In his political afiSliations Mr. Patterson is a Republican who
warmly espouses the principles of the party. He has served as township
'cierk, has been postmaster of Rose, and always attends the township con-
ventions, while to the county conventions he has also been sent as a dele-
gate. Such in brief is the history of a well known resident of "Woodson
County, a man who has the happy faculty of winning friends and of draw-
ing them closer to him as the years pass by. this making hitn a popular and
Tt.lued resident of -the communitv.
WILLIAM B. STINES.
Forty-two yeai-s have passed since ^Yilliam B. Stines came to Woodson
Cc unty and through this long period he has been prominently identified with
its educational and professional intere;ts as a teacher and member of the
"bar. His labors have ever tlius been in the service of his fellow men, and
lis record is one well worthy of commendation.
]\Ir. Stines is a native of Mercer County. Ncav Jersey, born May 14,
1835. His ancei^try was represented in the Revolutionary war by those
Avho loyally aided in the struggle for indipendence. His paternal grand-
father, Obediah Stines, M-as born in 1762 and died in 1839. His son, John
Stines, the father of oiir subject, \ras born in New Jer.-^ey, January 29, 1803,
^nd was there reared to manhood. He married Abigail Blake, and in 1839
he started westward with his family, making his way across the Allegheny
mountains by wagon to Darke Countj^ Ohio, where he settled and for a
tune engaged in farming. Later, however, he decided to seek a home else-
vhere and while on his way to Illinois in search of a new location, he was
t;d-:en ill and died near Cambi-idge City, Indiana, in 1852. His wife sur-
vived him until 1875, and passed away in Randolph Coiint.y. Indiana, at the
age of sixty-seven years. Their children were as follows : Margaret, the
widow of B. P. Smith of Randolph County. Indiana ; William B. ; Abigail,
the widow of Samuel Gregg, of Preble County. Ohio : Lucina, wife of James
Cordon, of Randolph County. Indiana : B. M., who is also living in that
County: and Jane, wife of James Rockhill, of Randolph County, Indiana.
As his parents were in rather limited financial circumstances they could
give him little in life except an education, but knowledge is the basis of all
advancement and his mental training proved a stepping stone to his rise in
life. "Wlien only nineteen years of age he began teaching and for a num-
ber of years followed that profession with excellent success, having the
ability of imparting knowledge in such a clear and concise manner that it
never failed to leave its impress upon the minds of his pupils. On leaving
Indiana he engaged in teaching school in Illinois, and from Logan County,
that state, came to Kansas, settling in Cofl'ey County, in 1S5S. The follow-
*4^ HISTORY OF ALLE^r AffD
iiig year he came to Wnoclsun C'ount.y aud took up his abode in what is now
North township, where in the fall of 1860 he pre-empted a homestead. He-
continued his educational labors in this county from 1861 until 1879, his
Past school being in diiitrict No. 2, in North township. He was county su-
i)erinlendent at the iime and numbered the districts. No. 2 was eleven by
fourteen miles in extent and contained only three farms payiii'j, Imxcs. In
lus school woi'k'^Ir. Stine : was very successful and many of the now success-
ful men of the county are indebted to him for early instruction which he
"lave them. He held the office of county superintendent two terms and dur-
ing that period laDored untiringly and effectively for the improvement of
the school system of this portion of the state.
In 1865, Mr. Stines took up the f:tudy of law. reading under the direc-
tion of Alexander Stewart, of Leroy. He was admitted to the bar before
•Judge Watson- and he and Judge C. B. Graves entered their first suit to-
■.rether at Neosho Falls, it being a civil suit invol-ving a replevin of some
cattle. He F-erved for one term as county attorney and at the bar has
bandied eonsideinblc iiiipurtau' litiijatiou in which he has demonstrated his
'■pmiliai-ity witli the ))rineip]es of iurisprudence and his thorough under-
standing of the points liearing on his eases.
On the 4th of October, 1860. Mv. Stines was united in marriage to Miss
Tjouisa Morgan, by whom he had three children yet living: Mary, the wife
of "Warren Miller: Flora B.. wife of D. J. Chambers, and R. Grant. All are
residents of Woodson County. On the 28th of May. 1871, Mr. Stines was
again married, his second union being with Mrs. Elgiva Miller, a daughter of
Russell Morgan, and a sister of his first wife. The father eame originally
from Clay County, Indiana. His wife was a Miss Bryan. There is but one
ehild of the second marriage Ethelyn. now the wife of J. G. Wai-d, of Cha-
nute, Kansas. On the 14th of May, 1882. ]\Ir. Stines was joined in wedlock
to ]\Iiss T.aura Farnam. a daughter of Asa Faruaui. who was captain of Com-
pany F. Ninety-fifth Illinois Tnfanti-y durinu' tlie Civil war and died in Chi-
cago. Alni-i'h 18, 1S02. TTc was born in Geneseo County, New York, and
marrii'(l AJM-cIn Sinitli. by \\-lioiii he had seven children. ITnto JMr, and
]\lrs. Stines ;:;i\-(> been bori] t\v(i dnuuhters, Almeda A. and Edna M.
In his political views Mr. Stines has always been a stalwart Republi-
can, giving an inflexible support to the principles and policy of the party.
In addition to the offices which he has filled in the line of his professions,
he has served for four years as coiuity surveyor. He is heartily in sympathy
■ivith tempeianee wurk. believing in tlie abolishmi'ut of the saloons, but is not
a "third party" man. He co-operates in all movements for the general good,
and has lived an upright, honorable life, above reproach. His record will
hear the closest scrutiny foi- he has ever been a man who has stood "four
sfjuare to every wind that blows."
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS.
SUMNER C. HOLCOMB.
Kansas has always been distinguished for the high rank of her bench
and bar. Perhaps none of the newer states can .instly boast of abler jurists
and attorneys. Many of them have been men of naiiiinnl f.inif, and among
those whose lives have been passed on a quieter plain- ilicn' is scarcely a
town or city in the state but can boast of one or mon,' lawyers capable of
crossing swords in forensic combat with any of the distinguished legal lights
o*" the United States. While the growth and development of the state in
the last half a century has been most marvelous, viewed from any stand-
point, yet of no class of her citizenship has she greater reason for just pride
than her judges and attorneys. In Rlr. Holeomb we find united many of
the rare qualities which go to make up the successful lawyer. He possesses
perhaps few of those dazzling, meteoric qualities which have sometimes
flashed along the legal horizon, riveting the gaze and blinding the vision for
a moment, then di.'jappearing, leaving little or no trace behind, but rather
has those solid and more substantial qualities which shine with a constant
luster, shedding light in the dark places with steadiness and continuity. His
mind is analytical, logical and inductive. With a thorough and comprehen-
sive knowledge of fundamental principles of law. he combines a familiarity
with statutory law and a sober, clear judgment, which makes him a formid-
able adversary in legal combat.
^Iv. Holeomb was born in Gallia County, Ohio, January 7, 1857, and is
a fon of John E. Holeomb. The grandfather, Samuel R. Holeomb, was
birn in New York and served his country in the Black Hawk war, thus
becoming known as General Holeomb. He became a resident of Ohio, made
f.irming his life work, and died in 1867. at the advanced age of ninety-one
years. John E. Holeomb was born in the Buckeye state in 1817, became
a merchant of Gallia, and during the time of the Civil war served as
piovost marshal. In 1865 he left Ohio for Missouri, and spent his remain-
ing days in the latter state,, dying in Butler, Missouri, in 1889. In polities
he was a staunch Republican. He wedded Mary Matthews, who was born in
Gallia County, Ohio, and died in 1894. Their children are: P. H., a
lawyer of Bates County, Missouri ; A. T., an attorney of Portsmouth, Ohio ;
Eliza, wife of Richard "Wilcox, of Bates County. Missouri; Sarah, wife of
John Bybee. of Cass County, Missouri ; Charles M., of Greenwood County,
Kansas, and Sumner.
The last named was a lad of nine years when his parents removed to
Missouri. He acquired a good English education in the schools of Butler,
that state, and there took up the study of law under the direction of his
brother, being admitted to the bar before Judge Foster P. Wright, in 1880.
He began practice there, remaining a member of the bar of Butler for three
years after which he came to Woodson County, settling in Toronto in 1885.
There he continuously engaged in practice until elected to the office of
county attorney. His reputation as a lawyer of ability has been won and
^:trenethened in his conduct of many important cases. He is regarded by
844 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
his fellow members of the bar as a conscientious and painstaking attorney
whose thoroughness is manifest in all litigation with which he is connected.
He practices in all the state courts in a general way and has a large client-
age. In 1898 he was elected county attorney on a Fusion ticket, and in
IPOO he was nominated by the Democracy, winning the election by a ma-
jirity of one hundred and seventy-nine, although McKinley carried the
county by three hundred votes. Such an election is unmistakable evidence
01 his popularity and his high standing among those who know him best.
In Woodson County, in August, 1892, Mr. Holcomb was joined in wed-
1( ok to Miss Margaret Truman, a daughter of Jehu Truman, who came
from Virginia to Kansas. They now have two children, L.ydia G. and
Sumner C. Jr. Mr. Holcomb is a member of the Order of Ked Men and
the Modern Woodmen of America. He cast his first presidential vote for
General James A. Garfield in 1880, but left the Republican party in 1892.
He has never taken a particularly active part in politics, and his election
to the office of county attorney has come to him as a merited tribute to his
ability. In demeanor he is quiet and unostentatious, in manner is pleasant
and genial— an approachable gentleman who enjoys the friendship of a se-
lect circle of acquaintances.
ADAM KELLER.
ADAM KELLER, who follows farming in Everett township, Wood-
sfu County, was born in .andotte County, Ohio, September 26. 1845.
His father, Adam Keller, Sr., was a native of Berks County, Pennsyl-
vania and married Elizabeth Stahl, who was also born in the Keystone
st&te. whence they removed to Ohio in 1834. The father had visited Wy-
andot County the year previous and purchased one hundred and ninety
acres of land in the green forest, making the journey to and from Pennsyl-
vania on foot. The following year he brought his family to his new home,
arriving at his destination with a cash capital of fifty eent.s. In 1848 his
wife died, leaving to his care their eight small children. He was aftei'-
ward married twice, and was the father of tw-enty children. Five of the
children of the first marriage are still living, and nine of the other mar-
riage. Mr. Keller died on his farm in Wyandot County, Ohio, in 1883.
when Feventy-two years of age, and his widow is still living on the old
h'-mestead there.
Adam Keller of this review was the seventh child of the first mar-
riage. He remained with his father until he had attained his majority and
then went to Iowa to visit his brother. He spent ?everal years in Iowa,
Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois, working by the month as a farm hand,
ard then returned to Ohio, where he was employed for two years by his
father. There on the 18th of September, 1872, he was married to Miss
Mary Parish, a native of Hancock County. Ohio, and a daiighter of Archi-
WOODSON COONTIE;!. KANSAS. 845
oald and EiizabL'tli (Gouloii) Tajisli, oth of whom were natives of the
tiuekeye state. The father is still living at the age of seventy-five years,
but the mother died on the 5th of June, 1883, at the age of fifty-two. They
vere the parents of twelve children, nine of whom yet survive, Mrs. Keller
being the third in order of birth.
The wedding joiirney of Mr. and Mrs. Keller consisted of their trip
to Woodson County, arriving in Neosho Palls on the 21st of September,
1872. Our subject purchased eighty acres of land in the southern part of
Everett township, and there remained for two ytars after which he went
1 I Allen County, renting and operating a farm in the river bottoms for
a year. On the expiration of that period he pvirehased eighty acres on
Cherry creek in the southern portion of Everett township, seven miles
northeast of Yates Center, where he now owns and operates a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres. His home occupies a beautiful location, sur-
rounded by a. grove of forest trees, while a fine orchard yields its fruits
ii! season, and the fields bring forth rich harvests of golden grain. There
is a large red barn and white house and other substantial outbuildings,
a I d j\Ir. Keller is successfully engaged in general farming and stock rais-
irg.
Mr. and Mrs. Keller have never had any children of their own, but
hi ve reared an adopted son, Harry Keller, who came to them when six
years of age, and is now a youth of fmirtcM'ii. Tlieir friends and ac-
quaintances in the community are many. Uiv tli.-ir izenuine worth attracts
\o them the sincere regard of those who ran- fur the qualities which in
!" cry laud and clime command rerpect. Mr. Keller votes with the Ke-
pi blican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have never had a
strong enough attraction for him to induce him to sacrifice his business in-
1i'-ests to scelc nffire. and in his farm work he h«>« found a good financial
return.
JOHN 0. HAMILTON.
JOHN 0. HAMILTON is one of the enterprising, wide-awake young
bi:siness men of Vernon, where he ij conducting a grocery store and also
dealing in hay. His entire life has keen passed in Kansas, his birth hav-
ing occurred in Leroy, Coffey County, January 28, 1864. He and his twin
brother. Charles C, are the eldest in a family of twelve children born
unto Alexander and Jane Hamilton. When our subject was two years
old the father sold his business interests in Leroy and removed to Wood-
son County, purchasing a large tract of land in Everett township, near
where the town of Vernon is now located. Thus John 0. Hamilton was
reared upon a farm and early became familiar with the methods of in-
fil ruction in the common schools, whei'e he acquired his education. He
aiso spent one tei-m in the school of Neosho Palls. At home he was trained
846 HISTOKV OV .ALLEN AND
11 the work of handling cattle and soon became an excellent judge of
slock. When he was a youth of fifteen he began driving cattle for his
ff-ther from the Indian Territory, and from other parts of Kansas, his time
being thus oeeui^ied until he was twenty years of age.
On account of failing health Mr. Hamilton then went to Colorado,
where he worked on a cattle ranch for a year, when he returned to his
home in Kansas and thence made his way to Marceline, Missouri, being
there engaged in conducting a groeery store for a year and a half. On the
expiration of that period he once more came to Woodson County and here
on the 30th of January, 1889 was united in marriage to Miss Emma Mor-
gan, daughter of Dr. J. Morgan, now of lola.
After his marriage Mr. Hamilton followed farming for four years and
then purchased property in Vernon, on which he built a good barn, resi-
dence and store. He has since conducted a grocery store, of 'vhieh his
wife is in charge, w^hile his attention is given to the hay business. He buys
and ships may quite extensively and his sales in both branches of his en-
terprise now amount to six thousand dollars annually. His trade is stead-
ily increasing, and it is, safe to predict that a still more brilliant success
awaits him. He is j^et a young man, full of energy, determination and
laudable ambition, and his labors cannot fail to bring prosperity.
Mr. Hamilton is a member of Vernon Council, No. 7690, M. W. A.,
aiid in politics he is a Democrat. He was appointed postmaster of Vernon
under President Cleveland's second administration and served in that ca-
pacity for four years with entire satisfaction to all the patrons of the of-
fice. As a public-spirited citizen and business man he is numbered among
the valued residents of the connnunity. and is held in high regard by all
with whom he is associated.
WILLIAM WILKINSON.
Although a native of one of the eastern states, Mr. Wilkinson was
reared in the west and is imbued with the true western spirit of progress
and' enterprise — a spirit which has wrought the wonderful development of
the Mississippi valley carrying forward the work of progress so rapidly
ti at it is commonly referred to as "magical." Mr. Wilkinson fii'st opened
his eyes to the liaht of day in Schuylkill Coiinty, Pennsylvania, July 9,
1834, and is of Irish lineage. His father, William Wilkinson, Sr., was born
in County Derry, Ireland, but in the early part of the nineteenth century
crme to America on a British war vessel which had just been engaged
in the war of 1812. that had ended only a short time previous. Ere leav-
ing the Emerald Isle he was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Ann McDougal
and one child was born to them ere they came to the United States.
On reaching the new world Mr. AYilkinson located in Philadelphia,
v.here he conducted a small cloth factoi'v until 1840, when accompanied
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 84.7
l>y his family he went to Illinois, locating upon a farm on which he lived
^over thirty years, then moved to Farmington, Illinois, where he spent his
remaining clays, his death occurring at the advanced age of ninety-four
years. His children were: Ahiry. ih^i-cnsi'd wife of Thoma.s Bell; Samuel,
who has also passed away; Annie, ihcased wife of Henry Rogers; Johfl
t)f Fulton County, Illinois, and William, of this review. All were mar-
ried and reared families of their own. C'l-orge who was killed near At-
lanta, during the Civil war; Elizaheth died in 1893. and Rebecca, who still
lives on the home place.
In the city of his oirth William Wilkinson .'-pent the first six yeai's of
liis life and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Fulton
County, Illinois, where he was reared upon a farm. He spent the winter
month in the district schools near his home, and in the summer followed the
plow and the harrow and aided in thre.-hing and harvesting the crops.
When he began life on his own account he took up the calling to which
he had Ireen reared, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits until his
enlistment in the army. He first visited Kansas in 1860. on a prospect-
ing tour, and being pleased with the state he returned for his family whorii
le broiight to the state in the fall of that year, making a location on a
farm south of Fort Scott. The crops suffered from a drouth the follow-
ing year, and without harvesting the little grain which he had sueceed-
■f ! in raising he returned to Illinois.
In 1862 Mr. Wilkinson enlisted in the Union army as a member of
Company C, One Hundred and Third Illinois Infantry, under Colonel
Dickerman. His regiment belonged to the Army of the Tennessee and
was first imder fire at Jackson, after which it participated in the Vicks-
liurg and Memphis campaigns. Mr. Wilkinson was also in the Atlanta
campaign until after the capture of the city, when he resigned his com-
mission as first lieutenant and returned to his home. He had enlisted
as a private, had been elected by the company to the office of sergeant, was
aiterward promoted to orderly sergeant, then to second lieutenant and
finally to first lieutenant, at Seottsboro, Alabama.
Upon his return home Mr. Wilkinson engaged in merchandising at
Farmington, Illinois, following that business until 1874. when he returned
t') the farm, which line of labor claimed his attention i;ntil his retirement
t ) priva+e life in 1897. In 1882 he again came to Kansas, locating upon a
farm in Owl Creek township, Woodson County, where he successfully cul-
tivated the fields until 1897. He then removed to Tatis Center where he
has since made his home, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his
former toil. Industry and perseverance have been the salient features of
his career and have brought to him a very desirable competence.
On the 24th of May, 1857. occurred the marriage of Mr. Wilkinson and
Miss "Sarah M. Simpson, a daughter of John and Margaret (Cordner)
SimpsoiT. both of whom were natives of Ireland, the former of County
Tvrnne and the latter of County Dei'ry. On coming to America the father
S4S Hfstoftt OP ALL&fi .«n
Iccated in Phial delpliia, Penusylvaiiia, and in 1835 removed thence. to tl-
iinois, where he dii.d in 1S54, at the age of tifty-three years. He had seven)
children who reached adult age: Annie, wife of H. R. Rose, a resi-
dent of Avon Illinois; Margaret, deceased wife of Howard Sebree; Wil-
liam,, of Port Scott, Kansas; James, who died in the army; John, of
Farmington, III., Mary, wife of Blake Barrows, and Mrs. Wilkinson.
Unto our subject and hi;; wife have been born two diildren— Fred
and Annie M. The former M-as born November 23 ,1858, was principally
reartd upon a farm and acquired a high school education. He is now
half proprietor and editor of the Yates Center Advocate. He was married;
in Avon. Illinois, to Minnie Ransom, and his children are Clarence and
Leon. In his political views William Wilkinson is a Republican and
since casting his first presidential vote for Fremont he has
never failed to vote at a presidential election but once . The Wilkinsons
are all Episcopalians and our subject is of that religious faith, although
his wife was raired in the Presbyterian church. In a pleasant home in
Yates Center this worthy couple are now residing, surrounded with the-
eomforts which go to make life worth the living and which have been pro-
cured through the earnest and indefatigable labors of Mr. Wilkinson ire
former years.
ROBERT B. LEEDY.
The coueeuKus of public opinion places Mr. Leedy among the popular'
citizens as well as enterprising and prosperous farmers of Woodson county^
He is so well known in this portion of Kansas that he needs no introduction
t'l the readers of this volume, most of whom are well acquainted with his-
useful and upright career. lie was born in Richland county, Ohio, March
22, 1847, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of that
state, his paternal grandfather having located there in 1811, only a few
years after the admission of the state into the Union. Samuel Leedy, the
father of our subject, was also a native of the Buckeye state, and there
married Margaret Whitnah, who was born in New York, of Scotch parent-
age. He lived and died in Ohio, passing away in 1853, when he had
reached the thirty-sixth milestone on life's journey. His wife still survives
him and at the age of eighty-two years is yet living in Ohio. This worthy
cimple were the parents of rix children, five of Avhom are yet living;
namely: Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson, who is living in Ohio; Mrs. Virginia
Hays, a resident of Kansas City, Kansas; Robert B;; John W., who was at
one time governor of Kansas and is now living in Seattle, Washington ; and
K. C, who is a reident of Burlington, Kansas.
Robert B. Leedy was reared in Ohio, working upon the farm in sum-
mer and doing chores for his board while he attended school in winter,
Tintil 1864. when at the early age of seventeen years he enlisted in his
TxTOOCSbN COUNTIES. KANSAS. S^()
-•ouiUiy s fei'vice iis a iin.'tnber of company D. One Hundred and Sixtj^-third
Oliio infantry, whirli bi eani« a part of General Butler's command. 'He
was at City Point wiien that place was besieiied by the rebels. He remained
i't the front until the term of his enlistment had expired when he retixrned
to his Ohio home and became a student at the Bellville high school, thus
lilting' himself for a business career, after which he secured a position in
the employ of the firm of J. J. Cover & Company of Johnsville. For two
years he engaged in clerking, and in 1868 he went to Indiana, where he
stayed one year and moved then to Illinois, following farming through the
Slimmer months, while in the winter season he engaged in teaching school,
soon demonstrating his ability to impart with clearness and readiness to
others the kaowledge he had acquired. He saved much of his earnings and
was thus enabled at a later date to purchase a farm.
In th-e j'-ear 1884 Mr. Leeay came to Kansas, arriving in Neosho Falls
on the 10th of December. He purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres two miles west and a half mile north of the town, and has since made
liis home upon this place. He has a tract of rich bottom land, raises fine
-ciops of corn, wheat and pri'-ntoi't, n;ii1 also keeps some stock. A pleasant
residenci- :iii(] l:ii(ii1 baiii s1,-!1hI vr-w i|'.' Xi oshn river and no accessorv of
the modi'l fanii ..f thr !)r(-vii1 .lay is larking.
AVhilc in Illinois, (ni ilc Till ol , plcinl'.er, IPTH, :\[i'. T.rcdy was joined
\-. wedhick to ilis-s Julie! Xrwport, a native of Mm,' .Mniiet y county, that
-(tate. and their marriage has been blessed with si.x ehildren. all of whom
are yet living, namely: Mary Virginia, at home: Margaret Juliet, who is
'!( aching in the home district : Oliver 0.. who is in school ; Robert Franklin,
Edna and Eugene Newport, who are still under the parental roof. The
members of the household occupy an enviable position in the social circles
in which thty move and their friends are many. Socially Mr. Leedy is
<'mnected with Woodson lodge No. 78. K. P., at Nieosho Palls, and with
B. I'. Coss Post. O. A. R., of the same place. He cast his first presidentia'
vote in 1868 for tJ. S. Grant, Avhen in Indiana and for some time advoca+ed
the principles of the republican party, but is now a populist. He has
hren quite prominent in public affairs, and in 1891 he was elected on +lie
populist ticket to represent Woodson county in the state legislature, wh( re
le proved a capal)le member, giviner an earnest support to all measiii^s
i^hich in his judgment seemed calculated to serve the ends of public g )0(1
and advancement.
JAMES P. KELLEY.
JAMES P. KELLEY, who is now occupying the position of county
clerk in Yates Center, was for some years identified with the building in-
terests of this city and has been a resident of Woodson County for thirty
years— year.s in which great changes have been wrought as civilization
■^5'-' fTlSTOKV Of ALtEK A.VO
has advaucfd westward, leaving in her wake all the inipi-ovements known to
the longer-settled east. Mr. Kelley has ever manifested a commendable
i.Tterest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the county and his fellow
citizens, -recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to the office
which he is now creditably filling.
Almost half the width of the continent separates his present resi-
c'ence from the place of his birth, for he is a native of Fayette County,
Pennsylvania, born May 12, 1845. The family is of Irish lineage and
was planted on American soil by Alexander Kelley, the grandfather of
our .'ubject, who came from Cork, Ireland, to the New World and took up
Ins abode in the Keystone state where he spent his remaining days, leav-
ing a laVge family. One of the number, George Kelley, was the father of
our subject. He too, was a native of Payette County, born in the year 1806,
and in 1S48 he removed with his family to Stark County, (lliid. v/liere he
carried on agricultural pursuit.'-, finding his time fully orciipiid with the
labors of the farm, whereby he provided for his wife and children. He
married Margaret Sholes and they were the parents of four children, of
whom James P. is the youngest. After the death of the mother the father
\vas again married, and by the second union had three children.
James P. Kelley was only three years of age when he accompanied his
father to Stark County. Ohio, where he was reared, acquiring his education
in the common schools and working on the farm thi'ough the period of his
youth . He afterward engaged in teaching school and also learned the
carpenter's trade, to which he has devoted many years of his active busi,-
ness career. In 1865 he removed from Stark County. Ohio, to Hancock
County, Illinois, where he remained until coming to Kansas in 1870. He
heated in wha+ was then Owl Creek township, but is now Eminence town-
ship, Woodson County, and secured a claim, which he at once began to
improve, for the land was in its primitive condition, not a furrow having
been tui-ned hitherto. He made the journey to this state with a company of
piople. 'onie of whom are yet lesiding in Woodson County, and like him
have aided in reclaiming the wild land for purposes of civilization. His
training at farm labor in his youth proved to him a valuable experience
when he began the work of cultivating his fields here. He continued the
operation of his farm \intil 1889. when he became a resident of the county
Stat, again resuming woi'k at the carpenter's trade. Evidences of his skill
and ability in that direction are seen in some of the most .substantial and
attractive buildings of the city. In 1899. however, he was elected to the
position of county clerk and the duties of the office now claim his undivided
attention.
In May, 1872, Mr. Kelley was married to Miss Mary Patterson, a
daughter of W. W. Patterson, a farmer of Woodson County who came to
the Sunflower state from Tennessee. Their marriage has been blessed with
two children. Ellora and CryRtal, the former now the wife of W. R. David-
son, of Sedswick County. Kansas. Although his father was a Democrat and
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. 85 1
he was accordingly reared in that political faith. Mr. Kelley has always
been a Republican, unwavering in support of the principles of the party
0£ progress, and on that ticket he was chosen to the position which he is
now filling. As a citizen he is honorable, prompt and faithful to every
engagement, and as a man he has the esteem and confidence of all classes,
of all creeds and political, proclivities.
S. R. SHAW.
Farming and .-tock-raisiug claim the attention of many enterprising
and successful business men of Woodson County, among which number
is accounted S. R. Shaw, of Everett township. He was born in Fiilton
County, Illinois. January 1, 1857, and i.s a son of Charles and Mary (Kelso)
Shaw, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. About the
year 1881 the father went to Illinois, settling in the midst of the green
forest, where he developed a farm upon which he made his home until 1868
—the date of his removal to Schuyler County, Missouri, where his remain-
ii-'g days were passed, his death occurring January 20, 1890, when he had
attained the age of seventy-nine years, eleven months and twentj^-four
days. He would have reached the eightieth anniversary of his birth
luid he lived seven days longer. His widow still survives him and makes
her home in Schuyler County at the age of sixty-seven years.
S.^ R. Shaw is the eldest of their six children. He received a
good common-school education, q\ialifying him for the duties of practical
business life, and was reared upon a farm, remaining with his parents
until twenty-one years of age. In the fall of 1878 he came to Kansas, mak-
ing the journey by wagon and team to Coffey County, where he rented a
t'-act of land and began farming on his own account. As a companion
and helpmate on the journey of life he chose Miss Eleanor Redfern. a native
of Ohio and a daughter of Austin N. and Mary Jane (Leach) Redfern,
both of whom were natives of Ohio. Thev came to Kansas from Schuyler
County, Missouri, in the spring of 1878, settling in Coffey County, where
Mr. Redfern died in June, 1896, at the age of seventy-nine years, his wife
being called to her final rest in March, 1897, at the age of seventy-four.
1'hey were the parents of nine children, six of whom are yet living, Mrs.
Shaw being the youngest. The marriage of our subject and his wife was
celebrated on the 14th. of November, 1878, and their union has been blessed
with five sons and a daughter: We.sley 0., Roland M., G. Hurst, Lawrence
A.. Glenn and Alice B.. the last named being a little maiden of six summers.
Mr. Shaw continued to engage in the operation of rented land until
1884, when with the money he had been able to save from his earnings he
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in the western portion .
of Everett township, Woodson County. In 1895, however, he sold that
l.roperty and again rented land for three years. In the meantime he was
852 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
extensively engaged in raising and handling cattle and hogs. In 1897 he
purchased two hundred acres of land where he now resides, his home being
pleasantly and conveniently situated less than a mile west of Vernon.
Here he has a good residence and has ereettd a large barn and is engaged
it general farming and stock-dealing, raising, buying and feeding and
shipping hogs and cattle. He feeds about one hundred head of hogs
and about the same number of cattle each year and thus furnishes a good
niarket for the farmers of the community for their grain and stock. He
has been wonderfully successful since he »°me to Kansas for all he now has
i' the acquirement of his labor in this state, and is the well merited reward
ol his diligence and perseverance.
Mr. Shaw votes with the Democracy, but has never been an active poli-
tician and especially has never sought office, but without solicitation on his
Iiart his fellow townsmen elected him to the position of trustee of Everett
t'wnship in which he is now serving his second term, his reliability and
fidelitv winning him re-election.
ANDREW J. HUFF.
The lives of some men stand out in bold relief as examples of what
may be accomplished by perseverance, industry and a steady determina-
tion to succeed and make a place for themselves among their fellow men.
Success rarely comes to him who labors not for it. This line of thought is
suggested as we review the life record of Mr. Huff, who for some years
was a well known educator of Woodson County and is now ex-clerk of the
district court.
He was born in Dubois County, Indiana. December 8, 1866. and is a
sen of Jefferson Huff, who now resides in Toronto township, where he is
successfully engaged in farming, carrying on operations on an extensive
scale. He has large tracts of land under cultivation, and is raising and
feeding stock in large numbers.
Andrew J. Huff F-pent the first fifteen years of his life in the county
of his nativity, and diiring that time acquired a common-school education
a;id was trained to farm work, early becoming familiar with all the duties
and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He arrived in south-
easlei-n Kansas in ISSl and took up his abode upon a farm in Toronto
township where he remained until called to public office. In the meantime
he had supplemented his early educational privileges by study in the Fort
Scott Normal, of Fort Scott. Kansas, and had engaged in teaching for
ten years in the district schools and in the city of Toronto. His labors in
that direction gave uniform satisfaction and largely promoted intellectual
activity. He continually strove to improve the methods of teachings and his
voi'k was effective and beneficial.
The Huffs have ever been Republicans, unfaltering in support of the
WOODSON COUNTIES. KANSAS. S53
principles and measures of the party, and in 1888, Andrew J. Huff cast his
fiist presidential vote, depositing his ballot for General Benjamin Harri-
son. In 1894 he was nominated for the position of district clerk, but met
defeat by seven votes. In 1896, however, he received the unanimous sup-
pert of the party as a candidate for that office and at the polls was given
n majoriiy of one hundred and fifty-three. He filled the position so
capably that he was re-elected in 1898 by the increased majority of three
hundred and sixty-nine, so that he was retained in the office for four years.
Sccially he is identified with the Odd Fellows societ.y, and is highly esteemed
in the fraternity as well as in other walks of life where his genial manner
and sterling qualities pass current as a readily accepted medium of ex-
change for the merited regard and confidence of his fellow men.
SILAS L. NAYLOR.
No man is better known in this part of Kansas, nor has a better record
lor honesty and faithful allegiance to the Republican party than Silas L.
Naylor, who has never wavered in his support of the political organization
which has ever championed reform and progress. On its ticket he was
elected to the office of county recorder in 1899 and his incumbency is
one which reflects ci'edit upon the party and is proving entirely satisfactory
i,j his constituents.
A native of Rock Island County, Illinois, he was born January 12, 1860,
and is of Swiss lineage. A representative of the family left, the land of the
Alps to try his fortune in the New World, selling his time for his passage
to some English Quakers. The name was then spelled Warchler, but as
hp was not able to speak his name so that the Quaker family could readily
comprehend it they called him Nailer, and thus the family has been known
1 0 the present time. Four generations of the Naylors have resided in Penn-
sylvania. Samuel Naylor. the father of our subject, was born near Harris-
burg, Pennsylvania, in 1827, and now resides in Yates Center, having almost
reached the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey. His wife bore the
maiden name of Ann Albert, and by her marriage she became the mother
0/ nine children, of whom seven are yet living, all residents of Woodson
County with the exception of Samuel H. Naylor, who is now living in Cali-
fornia.
Silas L. Naylor was the seventh in order of birth in his parents'
family, and spent the first nine years of his life upon his father's farm in
Rock 'island County, Illinois. He then came to Woodson County in the
year 1869 and for eight years was a resident of Liberty township. Since
that time he has resided at intervals in the city of Yates Center, the re-
mainder of the time upon a farm. He acquired his education in the common
schools and without having the advantage of a high school course he fitted
himself for passing an examination which won for him a first grade
854 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
teacher's certificate. For eleven years he was engaged in teaching in Wood-
son County and was classed among the successful educators iu this part of
the state. He has not only acqiiired comprehensive knowledge, but has the
ability to imi^art it clearly and readily to others, his instruction never fail-
ing to impress the minds of the sti;dents. At the present time his atten-
tion is given entirely to his official duties. He has not a blood relation who
is- not a Republican, staunch and true, and in 1899 he became the candidate
of that party for the office of recorder of Woodson County. He won the
election by two hundred and thirty-two votes, succeeding J. L. Martin in
the office. In the discharge of the tasks which devolve iipon him he is
prompt and notably reliably, and during his incumbency the public trust
has never been betrayed in the slightest degree.
On the 27th. of May. 1883, Mr. Naylor was united in marriage to
Miss Maggie M. Taylor, a daughter of George W. Taylor, a farmer by oc-
cupation. He came to Woodson County from Iowa, but had formerly re-
sided in Ohio. Four children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Naylor. as
follows: Edith L., Claude H., Muriel A. and Johnnie L., all of whom
ire still under the parental roof excepting the latter who died June 30th..
1900. The pai'ents have many friends in the commvinity. Mr. Naylor is
very widely known on account of his connection with educational inter-
efts, as well as the active part which he has taken in political affairs,
and wherever he is knoAvn he is held in high regard by reason of his sterling
qi^alities of character which have won him advancement in professional life.
He is a man of marked individualit.v and strong chai'acter and is accounted
one of the valued residents of the county seat.
CHARLES H. LANDES.
Among the young men of Yates Center whose prominence in i)ublic
affairs and ability in business life have won for them a position among
reading citizens of twice their years is Charles H. Landes, an enterprising
and successful grocer . His keen discrimination, sound judgment, relia-
bility and energy well qualify him for the management of mercantile
i iterests and his opinions carry weight in regard to many movements and
measures relative to the general welfare.
Mr. Landes was born in Woodson County, on the 7th. of November,
1Sfi4, and is a son of the late Isaac S. Landes. an honored pioneer of this .=-60-
tion of the state, long connected with agricultural pursuits. He was born
it, Kentucky in 1836. His father was a farmer and was of Virginian
]iarentage. It was in the fall of 1859 that Isaac S. Landes came to Kansas,
locating in Center township, Woodson County. He came from Auburn.
Sangamon County. Illinois, leaving his home in August of that year,
with a yoke of oxen and a wagon into which he loaded his household effects.
With his wife and child he then started westward, concluding the trip in
■wOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. Ss'-
■.iour weeks. Ou reaching Woodson County he homesttaded a claim on sec-
tion twenty-five, township twenty-four, range fifteen, and began the actua?
Avork of cultivating and improving a farm. In the fall of his arrival he
•erected a cabin containing one room and split the rails with which to
fence fifteen acres of land. His first crop was one of sod corn, which
.yielded him only one load of fodder for that was the year of the excessive
drought— 1860. In his effort to save the fodder his oxen became frightened,
ran away and scattered the load owr the priarie.
During the period of hard times which followed the drought, iMr.
Itandes provided for his family by doing butchering for the Germans on
•Owl creek and by freighting, and in those ways he earned many an honest
■dollar which aided in tiding him over the period of financial depression
in this part of the state. Game was also plentiful, and not a great distance
away bufl'alo could be secured. Mr. Landes thus killed enough game
to supply the table with meat, and as the years passed his farm became
productive and his crops materially increased his income. He became
one of the substantial farmers of his community and was widely known as
a reliable business man. During the war of the Rebtllion he belonged
to the Kansas State militia and for about a month was engaged in an
attempt to check the Rebel General Price on his raid against Port Scott.
He participated in the famous run from Moonlight's men who were thought
to be Price's men, and five miles were covered before Colonel Moonlight
■could call the fleeing troops back. Mr. Landes also took an acti^ part in
political affairs during pioneer days in Woodson County and was well
known for his support of Republican piinciples even when it was quite
i^npopular to belong to the new party.
Mrs. Isaac Landes, the mother of our subject, bore the maiden name of
Christina Shutt and was a daughter of Heni-y Shutt, who is stiO a resi-
dent of Sangamon County. Illinois, where he has made his home since
early pioneer days. Unto Mr., and Mrs. Landes were born the following
named: Sallie, who became the wife of J. M. Wolfer (and after his
death wedded Frank McGinnis) died leaving one child, Godfrey McGinnis;
Frank, the second of the family, is also deceased ; Charles H. is the next
younger ; Daniel E. has also passed away ; Hale is living in Yates Center ;
Ollie is the wife of Guy Myers, of Wichita. Kansas ; Jessie is the deceased
v.ife of F. M. Finley, and Davis completes the family.
Charles H. Landes has spent almost his entire life in his native county.
His boyhood days were passed upon the home farm and the sun sho^^■n
down upon many a field as he followed the plow and planted the grain
that brought rich harvests in the autumn. He pursued his preliminary edu-
cation Tn the district schools and later was a student in the Kansas State
Isormal School. For three years he resided in Kiowa County, during the
early period of its development, and for two years of that time he was
agent at Brenham for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company.
In October, lS9fi, he opened a groceiy store in Yates Center whei-e he has
S5& HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
since carried on business. He has a carefully selected but complete stock of
s'aple aud fancy groceries and the business policy is such as to make those
who once patroni;_e him his constant patrons. His dealings are honorable
aud his consideration and desire to please have won him continually increas-
ing success.
On the 21st. of October. 1886, Mr. Landes was united in marriage to
ili.ss Bertha Funston, a daughter of John L. Funston, of Yates Center,
originally from Ohio. Her death occurred April 21, 1895, and three chil-
dren w-ere left to mourn her loss— Herbert Ross, Charles Harrison and
Ruth Irene, who reside in Yates Center with their father. With a full
lealization of the obligations aud duties of citizenship Mr. Landes has
given close thought to the questions aft'ecting the general welfare aud
his mature deliberation sanctions the policy and principles of the Repub-
lican party. He therefore gives to it his earnest suppoi't and is a worker
in its ranks in AVoodson County. For one year he was chairman of the
county connnittee and was its youngest member. His ability as an or-
ganizer, his tact in harmonizing the working forces and his keen discern-
ment, eiuibling him to manage all afifairs etfectively, have made him a leader
iii Republican rank.-\ He co-operates in all measures for the general good
and for advancement along substantial lines of progress, and is an esteemed
representative of one of the honored pioneer families of his coimty.
FRED HARTWIG.
Almost forty-three years have come and gone since Fred Hartwig ar-
rived in Woodson County. Casting in his lot Anth the pioneer settlers, he
took up the work of making a home for himself and at the same time
bore his full share in the labor ofprogress and development in this section
of the state. He aided in reclaiming the wild land for purposes of civiliza-
t'on and in promoting the work of advancement along substantial and
beneficial lines. Throughout the decades he has been accounted one of the
viilued and reliable citizens of the community.
Mr. Hartwig was born in Prummern, Prussia, on the 8th. of August,
18.50. and is a son of Gottlieb and Minnie (Pribbernow) Hartwig. the
Ir.tter a sister of Christian Pribbernow, formerly a resident of Owl Creek
township, Woodson County. Aboiit the year 18.56 the parents with their
.children bade adieu to the fatherland and crossed the briny deep to the
New World, taking up their abode in Kane County, Illinois, where they
made their home for a year and then came to Kansas, settling in Woodron
County. The father was for many years a resident of Humboldt.* How-
ever, the family first located near Leroy, Coffey County, and in 186-3
removed to the German settlement on Owl creek. The father resides in
Humboldt, Kaui-as. and the mother passed away in 1878. Their chil-
dren were : AYilliam : Charles, who was a member of the Ninth Kansas Regi-
WOODSON COUJJTIES. KANSAS. S57
aiient in the Civil war and died at Fort Seott; Amelia, who died in 1863
Pred; Bertha, who was the wife of Martin Henrichs and died in 1890, pjid
Henry, who died in 1885.
The subject of this review is therefore the only surviving' mciiiber
of the family. He acquired his edueation in the district schools, and re-
mained under the parental roof throughout the period of his minority. In
October, 1873, in Woodson County, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Smith, a daughter of Charles Smith, who came to Kansas from Ohio, where
h': was born. Nine children have been born imto our subject and his
wife: Louise, now the wife of James Leonard, of Woodson County; Wil-
liam, who married Grace Waymer and is living in Woodson County,
Bertha, wife of Marion Beckett, of Woodson County: Angus' a. the wife
of Harry Peters, of Rose, Kans^-as: John, Pearl. Clara. Florence and Hazel,
all at home.
Mr. Hartwig gives his political support to tlie Democracy, voting for
its men and measures, but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring
to give his time and attention to his farming operation, which he carries
on with success. His practical experience well fitted him for the conduct
of business on his OAvn. account, and throughout his active career he has
lieen identified with aa'ricultural interefts. deriving his income from the
products of the fields.
ALBERT J. JONES.
In the legal profession, which embraces many of the most brilliant
minds of the nation, it is difficult to win a name and place of prominence.
Many aspire, but few attain. In commercial life one may start out on a
more elevate^ plane than others: he may enter into a business already es-
tablished and carry it still further forward, but this is not true in the
ease of the lawyer. He must commence at the initial point, must plead and
win his first ease and work his way upwai'd by ability, gaining his icj'mi;i-
tion i'nd success by merit. Persons do not place their legal business iii iin-
ski led hands: it is the man of power before juda'c or jury who comman.l.s
pu''i"c )iatronage. Of this class Mr. Jones is an illustrious type. Re began
•^s rV. < thers do in the practice of law. and his present ]iromiiii'ric.' hiis
C'une to him as the reward of earnest eiuleavor. fidelity to trust •in.'! k coir-
ni'fd ii^.-.iity.
Mr. Jones was born in Warren County. Indiana, June 10, 1857, and is
a son of William Jones, a farmer, who became a resident of Indiana in his
boyhood. William Jones was born in Ohio in 1827 and after arriving at
years of ma+urity he married Martha S. Tyler, a daughter of Parker Tyler,
who removed from Massachusetts to the Hoosier state. In 1866 William
Jrnes left Indiana and came to the west, settling near Garnett. Kansas,
whence he afterward removed to the vicinity of Geneva, Kansas. At the
•15^ fflSTOftY OP^ ALLEN AN'iT
pi'esent time he is residing in Yates Center. His ehildrm are : Anna A.^
wife of Thomas L. Alix, who resides near Osborn, Missoviri; Albert J.;
Eva L., wife of AViJliam Harned. of Crawford County, Kansas, and Wilber
S., of Wellston, Oklahoma.
Since 1869 Mr. Jones of this review has resided in southeastern Kan-
sas. He attended the common schools and then pursued a full course in the
Sta'.e Normal, at Emporia, where he was graduated. He met the expenses of
hisj normal course by teaching and for thirteen years he followed that pro-
fession, becoming widely recognized as one of the most capable instructors
in this portion of the state. He was principal of the schools of Kinsley for
(me year, of Toronto for a similar period and of Neosho Falls for three
years. Prominent and successful in educational work, he conducted several
teachers' institutes, has been a member of the county examining board for
eight years and has also been president of the County Teachers' Associa-
tion.
Mr. Jones Av.as admitted to the bar in 1890, and has steadily advanced
in his profession, having long since left the ranks of the many to stand
nmong the successful few. A Incal journal said of him: "Among the legal
fraternity in this jiidicinl distiid no one is more favorably known than A.
■J. Jones. His pi'iv.ili' nml pmlVs- ional career has been .such as to inspii'e
the fullest confidriirc in his ti us'worthiness and ability. His practice is a
general one and a specialty is made of probate law, in which, from wide
experience he is highly proficient. He has practiced in the appellate and
supreme courts in the United States courts and in the departments at
Washington. An important feature of his practice is the drawing up of
papers and correct legal counsel in which his marked ability is recognized."
A s*^aunch and reliable Republican Mr. Jones labors zealously to ad-
vance the interests of his party. He has been called to various public
offices, wherein he has demonstrated his public-spirit by the faithful per-
f'lrmanee of duty. For two terms he has held the office of probate judge
and for one +erm he was county attorney. In tlie fiist named office, every
one of his decisions which were appealed wei'e affirmed by the higher
courts, and as county attorney his work was ecpially as thorough, reflecting
credit upon himself and his constituents. At the present time he is serving
as city clerk and as city attoniey of Yates Center. He has also been
chairman of the Eepuli1i;-im cnniity central committee, and at all times
is active in the interests nf liis p.ii'ty.
On the 12th. of FcplcmlKM-. 1S82, Mr. Jones wedded Miss Minnie B.
Smith, a daughter of Dr. N. J. M. Smith and Sarah J. SmitlL who came
to the west from Virginia. Mrs. Jones is one of a family of six cliildren, and
by her marriaue she has two children: Zelle M., born June 14. 1892, and
Doris, born March in, 1R9fi. Tn his social relations Mr. Jones is a Knight of
Pythias and an Odd Fellow. He is also identified with the military in-
tprps^-s of the state, being second lieutenant of company L, First Pegiment
of the Kansas National Ouard. appointed by Governor Stanlej^ He is one
WOODSON countie:;. Kansas. S59
<:i[ the crack marksmeu of the conipauy, as his score at target practice re-
veals. In a summary of the life record of Mr. Jones these qualities stand
conspicuously forth : Fidelity to his clients ' interests in the profession of
tlic law ; promptness in the discharge of official duties ; correctness in
military tactics and absolute obedience to military regulations; loyalty
fraternal principles and devotion to family and friends.
G. A. LAUDE.
For almost twenty years G. A. Laude has resided in Perry township,
Woodson County, upon the farm which is yet his home, and has become
one of the leading stock dealers of the community, doing a large business.
He is a western man by birth and throughout his life has been in touch with
the progressive and determined spirit of this section of the country. He
was horn near Dubuque. Iowa, October 13, 1860, a son of G. F. Laude, a
native of Montbellaird, France, who when thirty-five years of age came
to the United States, first locating in Oswego County, Nfew York, where he
remained until the early '50s, when he emigrated westward, taking up his
abode in Dubuque County, Iowa. His mother was born in Germany and
at six years of aoe. with her parents, came to the United States locating in
Oswepn Ciiiuity. Now York. The father of our subject died in 1875, and his
rnother passed nwv.y in April, 189-3, at the age of seventy years. Mr.
Laude has one brother, Chas. A., of Kansas City, and two sisters, Mrs. J.
B. Vanter and Mrs. Carrie L. Turner, both of Girard, Kansas ; also a niece
Ella L. Houck, whose parents died when she was two years old and who has
since lived with his family.
Upon a farm in Moniteau Coi;nty, Missouri, Gus Laude was raised,
tliere spending fifteen years. He attended the graded schools of California,
that state, except two years, which was spent in a German school. At the
MSie of eighteen he started out upon his businesss career by dealing in horses
and mules on a small scale, but has since followed that pursuit and is now
one of the most extensive representatives of the business in Woodson
County, dealing exclusively in Mules, buying and selling first class stock
at any time. On coming to this county in 1882 he located on the farm where
be has resided continuously since with the exception of a brief period spent
in merchandising in Lockwood, Missouri. He purchased here two hundred
and forty acres of raw land on sections eighteen and nineteen. Perry town-
ship and his labors were at once directed toward its development and culti-
vation. Nature is boiintifnl in her gifts and in return for the care bestowed
upon the fields yielded to him good harvests, so that he gained therefrom a
comfortable competence, largely increased by his sales of horses and mules.
In California, Missouri, on the 16th of April, 1884, was performed a
wedding ceremony which united the destinies of Mr. Laude and IMiss Ettie
JN'eyer, a daughter of G. H. Meyer, who came from Germany to the United
86o HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Slates when a small boy. The marriage of oiir subject and his wife lias
been blessed with one daughter, Florence; and six sons; Hilmer, Martin,
Herbert, Chester, Clay and Ernest. In political affiliations the Laudes were
originally Eepublicans and our sub.jeet supported that party until 1888,
when he voted for Streator, since which time he has been active in support
of: the People's party. He takes an active interest in politics, and M'as
chairman of the sixth Missouri District Populist Central Committee and
wed his position to aid in securing the election of DeArmnnd to congress.
Since coming to Woodson County he has also done ev(M'ytliiii'u' in his power
to promote the cau?e of the party he espouses. The cnuse nf education finds
in him a warm friend and his labors in behalf of the schools have been
practical and effective. He has frequently written for the press on this and
olher subjects. He is a member and one of the trustees of the United
Brethren church at Maple Grove, and is ever found on the side of progress,
reform and improvement in all walks of life.
GEORGE R. STEPHENSON.
In no profession is there a career more open to talent than in that of
the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful prep-
aration, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life, or of
the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and
privileges. Unflagging application and intuitive wisdom and a determina-
tion to fully utilize the means at hand, are'tlie (■(UK-oiiiitants which insure
personal success and prestige in this great prdrrssion which stands as the
stern conservator of justice; and it is one which none sliDuld enter without
a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won,
for success does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the
competitive fray, but comes only as the direct result of capability. Posses-
sing all the requisite qualities of the able lawyer, George R. Stephenson is
new an honored and prominent member of the bar of Woodson County, re-
siding in Yates Center.
A native of Geauga County, Ohio. Mr. Stephenson was born in 1851,
and is a representative of one of the old colonial families. His paternal
gi'andfather, the Rev. Thomas B. Stephenson, was a de?cendant of one
oi the members of the "Boston tea party." James E. Stephenson, the father
or our subject, was born on Staten Island. New York, in 1819, and in 1825,
when a child .became a resident of Geauga County. Ohio. He now rei^ides
in Chardon, that state. He followed merchandising during much of his ac-
tive business career, but after attaining the age of fifty-five years he studied
law and was admitted to the bar, becoming a successful legal practitioner.
During the war he served as a draft commissioner. His wife, LavinSa
Stephenson, was born in Geauga County, Ohio, in 1819, and was a daughter
of Lebbeus Norton, who located in that county at a very early day. He was
WOODSON COUNTIEIJ. KANSAS. 86 I
a native of Killingsworth, Connecticut, born- in 1788. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Stephenson were born four children : James P., a minister of the gospel
who is now a member of the faculty of the Baptist College, in Des Moines,
Iowa; Herbert N., who i.? now connected with a banking house in Minnea-
pdlis, Minnesota; George R., and Charles F., who resides inChardon, Ohio.
In the schools of his native stale Mr. Stephenson of this review ac-
quired his education and later studied law in the office of his father. Ad-
mitted to the bar he practiced for one year in Chardon before coming to
Kansas, but since July 18, 1879. he has resided in Yates Center, and has
won distinction as an attorney in the county seat, nor is his repiitation
limited by the confines of Woodson County for he is one of the recognized
leaders among the legal fraternity in this section of the state and his re-
markable success in the higher courts has demonstrated his ability as a
pleader and given evidence of his profound knowledge of the law. He is
noted as a lawmaker and in the celebrated case of Briggs versus the Chicago,
Kansas & AYestern Railroad Company he establi.'hed a precedent that when
'•ailways acquire a right of way over mortgaged land by deed from the
owner of the fee and the same is sold under the mortgage,, the sale in-
cludes all improvements placed on said property by the said railroad com-
pany prior to the sale.
Wliile a strong Republican at all times and active in the interests of
his party, Mr. S'tephenson's legal ability and integrity were such as to
overcome all political prejudice and he was appointed justice of the peace
by Governor Glick which is an unmistakable evidence of the esteem in M-hich
he is held regardles'^ of his political affiliations. In 1893 he was appointed
receiver of the Woodson State Bank. The fact that his bond for fifty
thousand dollars was readily signed by fifty sureties in a time of universal
financial distress showed clearly the confidence reposed in his busine.ss in-
tegrity. In his practice he is particularly prominent and fortunate, fortu-
nate because of his pronounced ability, his thorough understanding of the
principles of jurisprudence and the correctness with which he applies the
li;W to the points in litigation.
In December. 1878, ]\Ir. Stephenson married Miss Maria L. Peter, a
-laughter of Edward Peter, of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. She died in Sep-
tember, 1887, leaving three children : Bertha S., James E. and Oliver H.
In October, 1888 Mr. Stephenson was again married, his second union be-
ing with Mrs. Laura Carpenter, widow of George D. Carpenter, who was
one of the leading citizens of Woodson County in the early epoch of her
history. The second marriage was celebrated in Emporia, Kansas, and
has been blessed with one son, George E.
In the first half of the nineteenth century the Stephensons were Whigs,
but since 1856 representatives of the name have supported Republican prin-
ciples and since easting his first vote for General Grant our subject has de-
posited a ballot for each presidential nominee of the Republican party. He
now trives the greater part of his time to his legal practice which extends
862 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
to all the courts of the state and is of a distinctively representative char-
acter and involves many important interests. He is a man of unquestioned
honesty of purpose, despising all unworthy means to secure success in any
undertaking- or for any purpose, or to promote his own advancement in any
direction, whether political or otherwise.
J. H. STICHEE.
J. H. STICHER, who is engaged in the practice of law at Yates Cen-
ter, has been a resident of AVoodson County since August, 1871. He was
born in Brunswick. Germany, on the 27th. of November, 1846. His father
was a mnnfaeturer of barometers and thermometers and his trade ex-
tended over the greater part of the German empire. He had four sons
and four daughters, of whom the subject of this review is the eldest. The
one living bi-other is Frederick, who resides at Cairo, Illinois. One sister.
Mrs. Dora Kas^ebaum. is living in Clay County, Kansas.
During his boyhood ^Ir. Sticher of this review acquired a good educa-
tion in Gennany. He was a student in the high school when he was in-
duced to come to the United States in 1863. Making preparations to leave
fi'iends and native land, he sailed across the broad Atlantic and arrived
at New York city on the 1st. of March of that year, making his way thence
t^/ Cairo, Illinois, where he learned the baker's and confectioner's trade.
He was in Memphis. Tenncsseo, in 1866 and the year 1867 was spent in St.
Louis, Missouri. In 1868 lie Ihm-mhh' a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas,
where he resided for two years following his chosen occupation. Prom that
place he came to Woodson County and took up his abode in Neosho Falls,
where for ten years he conducted a grocery and confectionery business. He
was associated with C. B. Graves and H. D. Dickson in a social way at
Neosho Falls. Through their influence he was induced to take up the study
of law. He began his reading under the direction of Mr. Dickson and
when he had mastered many of the principles of .iuripprudence he was ad-
mitted to the bar in Burlington, Kansas, in the fall of 1880, before Judge
Payton. Soon afterward he embai'ked in practice and his first case involved
the ownership of a calf and settled a disputed point concerning property.
In the fall of 1888 he was elected county attorney in which capacity he
sirved for two years. He was then nominated for re-election on the Re-
publican ticket, but owing to the political revolution movement he was de-
feated. By appointment, he has served as city attorney and city clerk of
Ya1es Center for four years and is now serving his second term as justice
of the peace. He has a large practice of a representative character and his
mental qualities, natural and acquired ability, have made him a leading
jnember of the AYoodr-on County bar.
On the 11th. of September, 1871, Mr. Sticher was united in marriage
to Miss Katie Dulinsky, whose father was a Polish Prussian and was killed
~v'OODSON COUN'TIES. KANSAS. ■gc'j
'1 1 QiiantieU's raid at Lawrence, Kansas, in 1863. Unto our subject and his
wife have been horn the following named: Charles H., who is with the
Missouri Pacific Railroad Companj^ as telegraph operator, and married Ger-
trude Weckely; Henry C, a printer, and Dora. Mr. Sticher is a Royal
Arch Mason. For thirty years he has been a member of the fraternity and
has occupied nearly all of the official podtions in the lodge and chapter.
He is well informed on the tenets of the order and his record is that he is
one of the most proficient Masons in southern Kansas.
S. GRANT KECK.
Among the younger business men of Yates Center is numbered 6.
Uraut Keck, a member of the well knovTi mercantile firm of Keck & Young.
He wa.s born in Loogootee, Martin County, Indiana, on the 30th of May.
1868, and is a son of A. A. and Jane Keek. The paternal grandfather of
■our subject was Philip Keek, a native of Germany, who founded the family
in the United States. His son, A. A. Keck, was born in Martin County.-
Ind.. in 1838, and married Miss Jane McArter. In 1880 he came with his
family to Woodson County and was afterward elected and served as sheriff
h.ere.
S. Gi^ant Keck, his fourth child, spent Iiis boyliood days on the home
fi'.rm, working in the field from the time of early spring planting until
Jitter the crops were gathered in the autumn. The public schools afforded
him his educational privileges in addition to two j'ears in the Kansas Normal
College at Ft. Scott, and when his school days were ended he followed
farming for seven years, after which he removed to Toronto, in October,
1899, and was there engaged in tlie hardware business, also dealing in hay_.
li' 1900 he came to Yates Center and has since carried on business as a
member of the firm of Keck & Young, the jiartnership having been formed
in 1898.
In October, 1892. in Yates Center, Mr. Keek was united in man-iage to
Mi.ss May Baker, a daughter of B. P. Baker, of this place. Two children
giace their union : Cecil B. and Charles. The parents enjoy the warm
regard of many friends and their own home is celebrated for its hospitality.
■Socially Mr. Keck is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, and
he exercises his I'ight of franchise in support of the men and measures of
the Republican party, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to
devote his time and attention to his husimss in which he is meeting with
icredi table .success.
JOSEPH A. HALE.
Few of the residents of AVoodson County have so long resided within
borders as Joseph Allen Hale who came hither in July 1866. His name
S^f HTSTORV OF AtLfiN ANTr
is associated with prcigress along intellectual, social, moral and material!
lines. As a worthy citizen he is widely acknowledged by all who know
him. He was born in Maine, November 15, 1836, his parents being Aaron
and Hannah (Kenney) Hale, both of whom were natives of the Pine Tree
state. His grandfather, Dr. Hale, resided in the city of New Sharron^
Franklin County, Maine, and the family were probably residents of that
state at the time of the war of the Kevolution. The Kenneys were also a
prominent family there at an early date and Charles Kenney, the grand-
father of our subject, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Subsequently he-
removed to Lake County, Indiana, where he died in 1857. His wife bore
the maiden name of Deborah Rollins. Aaron Hale, the father of our sub-
.ject. was born in 1810 and died in 1898. His youth was spent upon a farm
and when he had attained to years of maturity he married Miss Hannah
Kenney, the wedding being celebrated about 1830. In 1837 he left the
i-tate of his nativity and with his family removed to a farm in Lake County,
Indiana. The laud on which he settled was then wild and unimproved, but
liis labors in the course of years wrought a great transformation and the
piaee became a very attractive and valuable one. In his family were ten
children: Deborah, who became the wife of Richard Fuller, by whom she
h,id a large family, but is now deceased; Joseph of this review; Laura
.\nn. the wife of Philander Tlart, of Wood.son County; Holbrook. who
was killed at the battle of Shiloh while serving his country as a member of
(he Ninth Indiana infantry; James F., a contractor and builder, who
served in the Seventy-third Indiana infantry and now resides in Chicago;
Jerry M., who wa?: a soldier of the One Hundred and Fortieth Indiana
infantry and is now living in Lowell, Indiana; Charles, a practicing phy-
sician of Revenna, Nebraska ; Nettie, the wife of Charles Henderson, of
Chicago ; Sarah, the wife of Clinton Shupe, also of Chicago, and Hannah,
Vho is the wife of William Bigbee, a resident of Clearwater, Kansas.
Upon the homestead farm in Lake County, Indiana. JMr. Hale of this
review was reared and in the schools of the neighborhood he acquired his
ediica'^ion. He was married in Lake County on the 11th. of December, 1861.
lo ]\Iiss Julia McCann, a daughter of Aaron McCann, who was a farmer of
that locality whither he had removed from New York. Mrs. Hale was
born in IMichigan. September 28, 1842, and by her marriage became the
iiiother of the following named children : James H.. the eldest, who is a
ri sident of Pawnee, Oklahoma, and wedded Mary Wright. He served as a
representative to the lower house of legislature, being a member of the
session of 1887-8. Jennie L. is the wife of Ceorge Bideau, of Buiifalo,
where he occupies the position as iirineipal of the public schools; Charles
A., who is cashier of tlie Commercial State Bank at Yates Center, and mar-
ried Clara Hisey : Clarence Hale, who married Olive Cullison. and is now
with the firm of T^ewis & Son, hardware merchants of Garnett, Kansas,
with whom he has been associated in business since 1899. Joseph A. Hale
came to the west in 1866 in company with a colony of half dozen families.
"vV-OODSON COUNTrES. IkASSA'S, SSj
He "believed that he might better his condition in a state where the settlers
were not so numerous and he secured a claim seven miles south of Yates
Center. With eharaeteristie energy he began the cultivation and improve-
anent of his land and as the years passed he added to his property until his
farm comprised thr^e Imndred and sixty acres, constituting a very valuable
tract. In 1897, however, he left the farm, taking up his abode in Yates
Center where he has since resided. He is now vice president of the Com-
mercial State Bank and also a member of its board of directors. His ac-
tivity in former years in th« line of agricultural pur.^uits brought to him
a handsome eompBtence that now enables him to live practically retired in
the enjoyment of a well deserved rest. Although he was reared in the
Democratic faitli. he cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and
lias since teen a stalwart Republican. Since 1862 lie has been a member of
tlie Pieewill B.nptist church and in 1880 began preaching as a m.inister of
that denomination. His influence has ever been given in support of meas-
ures calculated to prove of general good and to uplift his fellow men. In
■all life's relations he has been true to honorable principles and to every
trust reposed in him. And all with whom he has been brought in contact
entertain for him the highest regard by I'eason of his genuine wortJi •''
■character.
CHARLES S. SAPERITE.
Few of tlie residents of Woodson County have been longer connected
with this portion of the ftate than Cliarles S. Saferite. who has made his
liome in this locality for forty-two yeai's. He was but a babe when brought
t-i Kansas by his parents, his birth having occurred in Hendricks County.
Indiana. October 22. 1858. His father. A5a Saferite. was a native of
North Carolina, and when a young man emigrated to Indiana, where he met
and married ]\Iiss Nancy Berryman. a native of Kentucky. He was familiar
with several lines of mechanical work, being a miller, millwright, carpenter
and cabinet-maker and his efficienc.v in those directions enabled him to
provide well for his family. In 1859. he came with wife and children to
Kansas, settling first in Leroy where he lived for 12 years. On the expira-
tion of that period he removed to Neosho Palls, where he died in 1884, at
the age of 54 years. His wife still survives him. and is living in Neosho
I"'alls. at the age of sixty yeai's.
Charles S. Saferite is the second child and eldest son in their family
of six children, all of whom are yet living. He was onl.y a year old when
brought to Kansas, where he has since resided, being one of the honored
pioneers of Woodson County. He acquired a common school education and
from the age of 13 yeai's was reared upon a farm. He remained with his
parents until twenty years of age and then went to Colorado, where he
spent a year in viewing the state, after which he i-eturned to Woodson
County.
Ii66- fl-JSrORY OF ALLEN ANTT
On the lOtli of February, 1880, Mr. Saferite was united m niari'iage-
to Miss Susan MeDaniel, and then rented a farm which he continued to-
cultivate for four years. With the money he had acquired through the
tales of crops in that time, he then purchased one hundred acres of timber
land on the bank of the river a mile above Neosho Palls, and by untiring
labor and capable management transformed it into a very desirable farm.
He began raising potatoes and corn and noAV has in cultivation upon that
farm seventy acres of land. In 1896 he purchased one hundred and forty
acres a half mile ea^t of his first place, and therefore today owns two hun-
dred and forty acres of rich bottom land which never fails to yield a crop.
He plants corn, wheat and potatoes and annually gathers good harvests.
He is also successfully engaged in raising hogs. When he started upon
an independent business career he had only thirty-five dollars and a mule
team ; today he owns a very fine fai'ui and is accounted one of the well-to-do
citizens of the community.
The lady Avho now bears the name of ]\Irs. Saferite is a native of Vir-
ginia and in 1869, she accompanied her mother to Illinois, whence they
came to Kansas in 1875. Her father, Alford MeDaniel, was a native of
Virginia and was killed in the Civil war at the battle of Sharpsburg, Sep-
tember 17, 1862. after serving for one year. The mother afterward removed
westward with her children and died in Woodson County in 1880. Mrs.
Saferite was a maiden of sixteen summers when she came to Kansas and
here she has since resided. By her marriage, she has become the mother of
nine children : Ira Asa, Jennie May, Lee Alford, Iva Etta, Ray George,
Ada Ellen. Roy Charles, Ida Susan and Ola IMalinda. The family circle
yet remains unbroken by the hand of death, and the children are all under
the parental roof.
Mr. Saferite is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the
Ancient Order of United Workmen, the National Aid Associa^^ion and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias', all of Neosho
Falls. In his political sentiments he is a Freesilver Republican. There
have been no exciting chapters in his career, but a steadfaptness of purpose
has enabled Inm to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in his path and
advance steadily toward the goal -of prosperity. His example in this respect
]'; certainly a commendable one, for the course he has followed has ever been
in harmony with upright business principles. As a pioneer settler he also
deserves mention in this volume for he has witnessed the growth and devel-
opment of the county from the primitive period, has seen the gi-eat trans-
formation -wrought as the district has been settled by a thriving and eon-
tented people and has felt a commendable pride in its advancement.
CLINTON A. WOODRUFF.
American history has a new chapter in its war record, for in the
crc.sing years of the nineteenth century the supremacy of American arms
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 867
was established in the West Indies and in the Philippines, and one of the
old powers of Europe and the insurgents of the Orient had to acknowledge
the supremacy of the progress, might and civilization of the great republic
of the new world. Among tho::e who fought to sustain the dignity of the
stars and stripes in the Philippines, was numbered Clinton A. Woodruff,
who is now capably serving as clerk of the district court in- Woodson
county.
He was born in this county, August 29, 1874, a son of Abraham T.
Woodruff, one of the well known and prominent farmers of the community.
He came to AVoodson County in 1869, locating in Center township, on sec-
tion thirty, township twenty-five, range sixteen, where he has since resided.
In addition to agricultural pursuits; he has also followed carpentering. He
came to the West from Paulding, Ohio, his birth having occurred in that
state in 1833. He acquired a meager education, served an apprenticeship
to the carpenter's trade and for several years was engaged on the con-
struction of the Ohio Eta*e canal as a mechanic. He was married in Ohio
to Miss Sarah A. Kretzsinger. of Pennsylvania-German stock, and in 1869,
he came across the country to Kansas with his family. There are nine
children : Charles H., a resident of Columbus, Ohio ; John F., of Kendal-
ville, Indiana : Mary J., wife of J. Ragle, of lola, Kansas ; James P., of
Woodson County ; Albert, of Geneva. Kansas ; Will A., also of lola ; Clin-
ton A. ; Hattie M., and Frank.
Reared in his native county, Clinton A. Woodruff attended the common
schools and in 1894 entered the Kansas State Normal, where he spent
nearly two years. He had intended to eii-a-i' in tiMching. but circumstances
caused him to change his plans. In l\Iay. isivs, j,,. ."listed in Leroy, Kansas,
as a member of Company E. Twentieth Kansas Volunteers, for service in
the Spanish American war. The regiment went into camp at Topeka, and
thence was ordered to San Francisco, Avhere it remained for several months,
leaving port in October for the Philippines and arriving at IManilla Bay
on the 30th of November, the voyage being made on the Indiana. Mr.
Woodrirff participated in all the engagements with his command from the
time of the outbreak of the trouble on the 4th of February until the last
engagement of the regiment at San Fernando. The troops were then
ordered back to Manilla about the 26th of June,, and on board the transport
Tartar, returned to San Francisco, by way of Hong Kong and Yokahama.
In October the Tartar reached the Golden Gate, and on the 2d of November
the Twentieth arrived in Topeka to there meet with a noted reception. ]\Ir.
Woodruff was honorably discharged at San Francisco, and arrived at home
(in the 3d of November, 1899.
He devoted his time to the work of the farm until the 25th of June,
1900, when he was nominated for the position of clerk of the district court,
and being elected by a handsome majority of three himdred and eighteen,
he entered upon his duties January 14, 1901, so that he is the present
incumbent. He is a young man of sterling worth, reliable, faithful and popu-
lar, and will no doubt prove a most efficient officer.
868 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
LOMANDO P. PIERCE.
That Mv. Pierce is numbered among the upbuilders of the county is
iiulicated by the fact that one of its thriving villages has been named in
his honor. The town of Lomando practically is a monument to his enter-
prising spirit and its commercial activity has been largely brought about
through his efforts.
Almost half the wealth of the continent now separates Mr. Pieice
from his birthplace, for he first opened his eyes to the light of dav in
Berryville, Sullivan County, New York. March 20, 1852. His father,
Kobert H. Pierce, was a native of New Jersey and when a young man went
t( Ne^v York, where he met and married Amy E. Matthews, a native of the
Empire state. In 185(5 he removed with his family to Ottawa, Illinois,
where he worked at the trades of a miller and millwright, following those
pursuits from early manhood until 1884 when he removed to Kansas, taking
up his abode upon a farm which he purchased, six miles east of Yates Center.
There he died in June, 1889, at the age of sixty-nine years, while his wife,
who still survives him, now resides with her son, our subject, in the town
of Lomando.
Lomando P. Pierce was only eight years of age when he accompanied
his parents to Joliet, Will County, Illinois, where he i-esided for about
20 years. He acquired his education in the common schools and at the
age of fifteen entered the employ of S. 0. Simons, a grocery merchant, in
whose store he remained as bookkeeper and manager for seven years. On
the expiration of that period he accepted the position of bookkeeper with
the Watkins & Ashley Wire Cdiiipany. and tkree yeai-s later he went to
St. Louis, Missouri, with tlie Stcjiliens Wire Pence Company, in the same
capacity. He had been with that firm for only nine months when it failed,
after which he joined his father in Kansas and for ten years engaged in
the operation of his father's farm. In 1895 he established a station on the
Santa Fe railroad and it bears his name. He conducts here a grocery
store, also deals in coal and briys and ships hay, carrying on an extensive
business in that product, shipping from two to three hundred carloads
of hay annually. His other business interests are also profitable and he
now enjoys a cood iTieonie from his investments and his labors.
On the 17th of Pelu-uary. 1880. ;\Ir. Pierce was united in marriage to
Miss Addah Fellows, who was born in Chicago. Illinois, and they now have
two children. Prank and Florence. The family are widely known in the
connnunity and the members of the household occupy enviable positions in
social circles. ]\Ir. Pierce is an advocate of Republican principles and
expresses his preference through his ballot. He is now serving as post-
master of Lomando, having been appointed in 1885. His business success
is very commendable for along the lines of legitimate trade he has gained
his prosperity, having strict regard for the ethics of commercial life.
Regarded as a citizen he belongs to that public spirited, useful and helpful
type of men whose ambition and desires are centered and directed in those
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
channels through which flows the greatest good to the greatest number, and
it is therefore consistent with the purpose and plan of this work that his
record be given among the representative men of his county.
ADAM F. BEENNER.
ADAM P. BRENNER, who follows farming in Neosho Falls town-
ship, Woodson County, was born in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, on
the 8th of April, 1843. His father, John P. Brenner, was a native of
Prussia, and was married in that country ere he crossed the Atlantic to
the new world in 1840. He located in the Keystone state and there reared
his family of six children, three of whom are now living.
The eldest surviving member of the family is Adam P. Brenner who
spent his youth in his native state and was educated in the common schools,
after which he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until the
inauguration of the Civil war. He was married on the 22d of iNlarch, 1863,
to Miss Ester Croyler, a native of Pennsylvania, and on the 26th of Feb-
ruary. 1864, he bade aditvi to his bride and enlisted in the service of his
country, as a member of Company I, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry.
He participated in many hard foiight battles, including the engagement
of the Shenandoah Valley, on the 15th of May, 1864, New Market! Win-
chester, September 19; Fisher Hill. September 22; Cedar Creek, October
19 ; Petersburg, April 2, 1865, and the battle of High Bridge, in Virginia,
where he was captured just three days before the surrender of General
Lee. He was never wounded by a gun shot but was badly injui'ed in an
engagement and yet suffers therefrom. On the 31st of May, 1865, the
war having ended, he was mus'ered out and returned to his home.
Resuming work at the carpenter's trade. Mr. Brenner followed that
pursuit until 1871. On the 9th of October, 1865, he arrived in Kansas
City, Kansas, and in 1870 he came to Woodson County, where he pur-
chased eight hundred acres of land on Turkey creek, remaining there for
22 years. On the expiration of that period he came to his present farm,
a half mile north of Neosho Palls, purchasing one hundred acres of rich
bottom land, on which he is now extensively engaged in raising wheat and
corn. He also handles hogs and to them feeds all of his corn crop. He
has made most of the improvements upon his place, has erected two large
and substantial barns and has added all the accessories which are today
regarded as necessary to a fii'st-class farm.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Brenner has been blessed with twelve
children, six of whom are yet living ; Fred and George, who are residents
cf lola, Kansas; Henry, at home; Clara, wife of Charles Garrett, of
■^Vuodson County; Belle and Minnie, who are still with their parents.
Sarah Jane and Lizzie have passed away. In his political affiliation, Mr.
Brenner is a stalwart Republican, and says he votes as he shot. He cer-
870 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
tainly was a loyal soldier and is uo less faithful to his duties of citizenship
in times of peace. Political preferment however, he does not covet, and his
attention has been given to his business affairs in a way that brings him
a splendid return for his labors. Although he came to Kansas with little
capital he is now one of the substantial citizens of AYoodson County, a good
property being the substantial evidence of his labor.
DAVID H, HENRY.
A veteran of. two wars, an enlerprising farmer and breeder of fine
stock and one of the reliable citizens df Woddson County, David H. Henry
certainly merits mention among tlic leailing men of this portion of the
state. He was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, November 29, 1827,
and has therefore passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten
but is still actively concerned with the affairs of business life. His father,
David Henry, Sr., was a native of New Hampshire and married Lucinda
Ellis, who was born in Vermont. When a young man he removed to the
Keystone state, where he followed farming and also worked at the mill-
wright's trade. However, during the greater part of his residence in Penn-
sylvania he gave his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits. He
passed away about 1845 and his wife died about 1841. They were the
parents of seven children, but only two are now living— David H. and a
sister.
Mr. Henry, of this review, was the youngest of the family. He Avas
educated in the Wellsboro Academy, at Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, and was
leared to the work of the farm, plowing and planting the fields in the
early springtime, and harvesting the crops in the summer and autumn.
He worked at home until after the inauguration of the Mexican war, when
his patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment and he joined the army. He
saw hard service under the command of General Winfield Scott and par-
ticipated in five battles, being wounded in the knee at the engagement of
San Juan de Ulloa. He was then sent to the hospital in New Orleans.
The term of his service covered almost two years.
After his return home Mr. Henry made the acquaintance of RjlIss Harriet
Fairchild. of Canada, who was then visiting in Pennsylvania, and on the
M of June. 1852, they were married. After his father's death, Mr. Henry
and his eldest brother piirchased the old homestead, consisting of about
one hundred and fifty acres of land, which he operated until 1854, when
h ■ sold his interest in the farm and removed to Illinois, purchasing there
a small tract of land which he continued to cultivate until the sectional
differences between the North and the South involved the country in civil
war. He was a IMexican veteran in whose heart the fires of patriotism
yet burned brightly. He could not stand to see the flag of his country
"assailed so when the first call for three year's men was made in 1861, he
TvooDSoN coxnsi'rres. kassa?^ -gj-i
xvent t'orth to do battk for the Uaiou, enlisting in Couipauj' I, Twenty-
third Illinois Infantry, with which he was sent to Lexington, Missouri.
I3is command there met a body of the enemy by whom they were defeated
••and captured and then sent to Chicago for exchange. Subsequently, Mr.
Henry was sent to the Eastern army and partioipated in a number of
■battles, including the engagements of Fisher Hill, Virginia, Cedar Creek,
Cold Harbor and one year's service in front of Petersburg. He many
tjines narrowly escaped being wounded or killed, on one occasion a minnie
hall passing between the sole of his shoe and his foot. In August, 1865, he
received an honorable discharge and returned to his home, again having
made a creditable military record as a defender of his country.
Mr. Henry remained in Illinois until 1869, M'heu he came with his
fiunily. to Kansas, settling three miles northwest of where Piqua is nov
located and four miles south of Neosho Palls. He secur^^d a homesteai
of eighty acres and purchased an additional eighty-acre tract, so that he
now has' a good farm of a quarter section. It is fine land and he is suc-
cessfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty
of Polled Angus and Cfalloway cattle, of which he has some very fine speci-
mens. He has done not a little to improve the grade of stock raised in the
•community.
In 1874, Mr. Henry was calli?d upon to mourn the loss of his wife,
who died at the age of foi'ty-seven years. Seven children were born to
them and were left to mourn the loss of a devoted mother. These are
Lewis R., at home; Gelia, wife of W. S. Cape, of Missouri; Alice, at
home; David L., who is living on a farm in this neighborhood; Lenora;
Willamet, and Lucinda, wife of R. L. Dunton, of Neosho Palls. The
family is one well known in this locality for the sterling worth of its
individual members. Mr. Henry has served as .justice of the peace in
Neosho Palls township for about sixteen years, proving a most reliable
-officer as neither fear nor favor can deter him from the even handed
^administration of justice.
A. J. BEAM.
A. J. BPlAM, who is numbered among the pi'osperous, practical and
progressive farmers of Woodf'on County, was born in Wayne County,
Kew York, July 5, 1833. His father, John S. Beam, was a native of
South Carolina, born in Chopee, Julj^ 3, 1807. Having arrived at years
•or maturity he wedded iNIargaret DeLong. and they became the parents
■of .seven children, of vrjiora four are yet living, namely: Jacob, Malissa,
Hannah and A. J. The father pars(>d away Januaiy 30, 1884, and his
wife died TMarch 1, 1880. at the age of seventy-five years.
A. J. Beam pursued a common school education in New York, and
a-emained with his parents, until he had attained his majority. He after-
S'S" HISTORY OF ALLEN ANTJ
ward learned the carpenter's trade .and for two years followed that pur-
suit in ilichigan, after which he returned to his old home on a visit.-
His next place of lesidenee was Galesburg, Illinois, where he was employed
for some time at carpentering, and later he worked at his trade in Winfield,
Henry County, Iowa, following that vocation continuoaslj' until 1884,
when he came to Kanfas, since which time he has been a representative-
of agricultural interests.
After residing in Iowa for some time Mr. Beam formed the acquain-
tance of Miss Mary E. Harkness, and on the 16tli of June, 1857, they
were married. The lady was born in Delaware county. New York, June
16, 1838, and they have traveled life's journey together for forty- four
years. Her parents were James B. and Margaret (Fleming) Harkness, the
former a native of the Empire state, while the latter was born in Cam-
bridge, New York. Mrs. Beam is of Iii.sh and Scotch lineage. Her
maternal great-great-grandfather, George T. Fleming, was killed in the now
I'cnowued ba'tle of CoUoden, Scotland, which was the last battle in which
Prince Charles Edward Stuart fought. James Fleming, her great-grand-
fi.ther was in London the day on which King George was crowned monarch
of England. George Pliming, her grandfather, was the founder of the family
in America. He came to this eountiy. in 1795, and located in Washington
County, New York, whence he removed to Albany in 1807. He married
Margaret Darrah, a native of Mulligan, Ireland. Both the paternal and
maternal grandfather of Mr. Beam also lived in America in colonial days
and fought in the Revolutionary M-ar. A gun that was carried by the for-
mer in the struggle for, independence is still in possession of the family.
On leaving their native state Jame: B. Harkness and his wife removed ta
Iowa, where they resided from 1S52 until called to their final home. The
father died JIai-ch 21, 1880, at the age of seventy-eight years, and his
wife passed away January 24. 1887, at the age of seventy-six years. They
were the parent?; of six children, four of whom survive, namely : Mary E.,
l^dwin. George and Margaret.
Mrs. Beam, who is the eldest of this family, successfully engaged in
tiaching school in Iowa, both before and after her marriage. She was well
(|ualified for this calling, having acquired an excellent education, completed
by two years' study in Howe's Academy at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. She be-
gan teaching when sixteen years of age, and was widely recognized as an
efficient instructor. She is a lady of superior culture and refinement and
well deserves the high regard in which she is uniformly held. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Beam have been born nine children: Elwood, who is living in
Porl Angeles, Washington; Edwin, who resides upon his father's farm;
Charles, who is now in the Klondike; Gertrude, wife of John Webb, of
Pratt County; Ida, wife of Elmer Jones, of lola;* Jennie, wife of Albert
Florence, of Yates Center; Stella, a milliner of Chanute; Lulu, who is en-
aaged in teaching, and Laura, a student in the high school at Neosho Falls.
In 1884 Mr. Beam removed his family to Woodson County, Kansas, and
^i'OODSON COCTNTIES. KANSAS. S73
>..•, now living on a farm of ninety acres situated a mile and a half south
of Neosho Falls. The place is very attractive in appearance and is cer-
tainly one of the most desirable farms in the loeality^ To the north of
the honse is a large maple grove of about li\r mci.s which makes an ex-
cellent wind break. The residence is also Miiinuiulr ! hy a beantifnl maple
giove. and all modern accessories and fmix-.-niniecs can be found upon
the farm. The improvements are as a monument to the enterprise and thrift
of the owner. He has erected the buildings which have been constructed in
the old style with heavy timbers morticed in. In his business affairs Mr.
Beam has been successful, winning the prosperity which corneal as the re-
ward of persistent, earnest effort when guided by sound judgment and
supplemented by honorable dealing. While residing in Iowa he served
as; sheriff of Henry county. He cast his first presidential vote for Millard
F illmore and since the organization of the Republican party has been one of
its stalwart advocates, believing that its principles contain the best elements
of good government. As a citizen he is public-spirited and reliable, and in
every relation of life he is known for his fidelity to duty and genuine
worth of character.
GEORGE W. CAMPBELL.
GEORGE W. CAMPBELL, who owns. and operates a farm in North
township. Woodson County, was born in Cook County. Illinois, December
20. 1852, and is a son of Pidney and Betsy (McClara) Campbell, both
natives of New Yoi-k. The father devoted his life to farming operations.
He went to Illinois in 1838, locating in Cook County when Chicago was
a small village. He therefore witnessed its marvelous growth and develop-
ment as it attained to the second position among the cities of the Union.
Mr. Campbell died in Cook County in 1891. at the ripe old age of eighty-five
years, and his wife passed away in 1886. at the age of sixty-four years.
Tl'hey were the parents of eight children, six of whom are living. Two of
their sons laid down their lives on the altar of their country in the Civil
war, one of them never being heard from after he entered the battle.
George W. Campbell was the seventh in order of birth in the family.
He attended the common schools of his native county and when a young
man he resolved to go wer.t where be could obtain land at cheaper rates
than he could in Illinois. Accordingly, in 1878, he made his way to Wood-
son County, Kansas, and for one year worked by the month as a farm
hand after which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw land
and began the development of the farm upon which he now makes his home,
although its boundaries have since been extended until it now comprises two
hundred and forty acres. It is a very fertile and productive tract, located
about fourteen miles northwest of Yates Center. He remained upon his
farm until the Oklahoma district was opened for settlement, when he went
874 rTfsroRv or allhn Ai^ry
to that conutvy, reiiiainiug for a year. Not beiug pleased with the terri-
t(iy, however, he returned to Woodson county where he has since made hi&
home, devoting his time to general farming and stock-raising. He has a
large herd of cattle and also many mules, and in both branches of his busi-
ness he is meeting with prosperity.
After purchasing his land and making preparations for a home of
his own, Mr. Campbell desired to have a companion with whom to share
his new possessions, and in 1880 was united in marriage to Miss Eliza
Miller. Their union has been blessed with two sons, Sidney and Ira, both.
at home and assis'ing their father in the operation of the farm. Mr. Camp-
bell is now a prosperous agricu.lturist and his success is entirely attribu-
table to his own efforts, for all that he possesres has been acquired since-
his arrival in Kansas. In his political views he is a Republican and has
filled several offices of trust in his township, called to these positions by
the vote of his fellow town.'?men, among whom he is a popular and re-
spected citizen.
LEWIS KLICK.
For almost thirty years Lewis Kliek has resided in Woodson County
and althouah he had veiy limited capital at the time of his arrival he i?
now one of the substantial farmers and stock growers of this portion of the-
state. He was born in Stark County, Ohio, January 3. 1S42. of German
parentage, being a son of Nicholas and Mary B. (HiiIkt) Kliolt, who were
natives of the fatherland, although their marriage w,is e(lfl)rated in this
r-ountry. They located in Ohio where Mr. Klick followed his trade of
!<hoe making for many years. In 1863 he removed to Noble County, Indiana,
where he died at the age of reventy-fonr years, while his wife passed
away in December, 1899, at the advanced age of eighty-four years.
Of their thirteen children Mr. Klick was the fourth in order of birth.
He spent his youth upon his father's farm and in the common schools ac-
quired his elementary education which was supplemented by one term's
study in Fredericksburg Seminary, after which he became a student in the
Greensburg Seminary. In 1862 he went to Noble County, Indiana, where he
engaged in" teaching school. In 1865 he started for California, going by way
r,f "lhe isthmus of Panama, and while in the Golden state he was employed
by the month on a farm. He remained for five years, returning to In-
diana in 1870. There he resid.'d for n luiinlier of years and in April, 1872,
he was united in marriage +o ?»Iiss l^liz.ilielli C. r^Ioore. a native of Ohio.
In May of the same year, Mr. Klicl-: started witli his bride for Kansas
and took up his abode in" the southeastern part of Woodson connty, where
he purchased a homestead of eighty acres, there carrying on farming until
1885. He then sold that property and removed to Toronto township,
settling on Cedar ertek, six miles northeast of the town of Toronto. He
Vi'OODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 875
purchased four hundred acres of land and now has one of the nicest farms
in the township. He keeps annually about teventy-five head of the best
graded cattle in the county and sells his stock to the local buyers. After
coming- to Kansas he taught for one term in the district school but has since
given his undivided attention to his farming and stock-raising interests,
save when called to public duty by the vote of the people who have one
time elected him township trustee.
In ISSl Mr. Kliek was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife,
vho died on the 10th. of Jamiary of that year, leaving three children-
Jennie M., Laura A. and Harvey L. In 1892 Mr. Kliek was again mar-
ried, his second union being with Mrs. Mary C. Palmer, who had one son,
John Palmer. J\Ir. and Mrs. Kliek have one dai;ghter, Lizzie B., a young
lady at home. Mr. Kliek vote swith the Democracy and while he keeps well
informed on the issues of the day he has never been an aspirant for office,
preferring that his time shall be given unin'^erruptedly to his busines-s ai¥airs
whereby he has gained a competency sufficient to supply his needs when
the evening of life shall come and labor proves wearisome.
RENIHOLD C. SUPPE.
RENIHOLD C. SUPPE, a self-made man, whose diligence and enter-
prifc have been the salient features in bringing to him success, now follows
farming in North township, Woodson County. He was boi'u in Cincinnati,
Ohio, August 12, 1859, and is the son of Frederick and Johanna (Frolieh)
Suppe. The father was a native of Prussia, and the mother of Saxony,
Germany, and in their native land they were married, coming thence to
the New World in 1854. Crossing the Atlantic they landed at New York
and there Mr. Suppe was greeted with the news that the ship on which he
had rent his household goods had been wrecked in a storm and had sunk in
the sea. He and his wife were therefore left without anything, losing all
of their household effects and fifty dollai-s in money. In 1858 Mr. Suppe
removed to Cincinnati, and in that year worked at the carpenters' trade,
which he followed continuously until after the inauguration of the Civil
war in 1861. His patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment and he became
a member of the Seventh Ohio infantry, with which he remained for three
years, participating in many hotly contested battles, including the engage-
ments at Antietam, the Wilderness, Missionary Eidge and the Vicksburg
campaign. When the war was ended he returned to Cincinnati and worked
HI railroad shops until 1868, when he removed to Saline County,_ Missouri,
where he is still residing at the age of seventy-five years. His wife passed
away in 1898 at the age of seventy-two years. They were the
parents of seven children, of whom four are now living, namely: Mary;
Renihold C. ; William and Bertha.
Mr. Suppe, whose name forms the caption of this review, learned the
876 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
carpenter's trade iiuder the direction of his father in his bo.yhood days, be-
coming a good worlcman. He was married on the 5th. of September. 1883,
to Miss Elizabeth Kanl. who has been to him a faithfnl companion and help-
mate on the jouruey of life. They were schoolmates in childhood and there
firmed a friendship which ripened into love as the years passed by. The
lady is a daughter of Peter Kanl, a native of Germany, who wedded Mary
Reidenback, who was also born in the fatherland. They came to America
in 1855 when young people and were married in this country. They
tlen took up their abocle in Wisconsin, and later moved to Missouri where
they farmed about 30 years and in the spring of 1884 they settled in Jack-
son County, Kansas, where he bought 420 acres of land, cultivating it with
si.ecess, where they are still living. Mr. Kaul being sixty-nine years of
age, while Lis wife is seventy-one. They had seven children : Jacob ; Carl ;
Charles; Lizzie and Mary, twins; John, Lena and Peter.
After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Suppe. they began their domestic
lite upon a farm in Missouri, which he operated for tw'o years, and in 1885,
he located in Jaefoon County, Kansas, where he rented a tract of land
ai.d, in connection with its cultivation, worked at the carpenter's trade. In
1894 he came to Woodson County and purchased a farm of one hundred
and sixty acres, partially improved, and situated twelve miles northwest
of Yates Center. He handles what cattle and hor.'-es his farm will support
and is engaged in the production of such cereals as are best adapted to
this climate. He has good crops and his labors are crowned with a gratifying
degree of success. He made his start in life by working by the month for
twelve and one-half dollars; to-day he is the owner of a valuable farm
property, and is numbered among the successfiil agriculturists of the com-
munity.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Piippe have been born six children, namely : Gertie,
Fred. Carl, Ida, Raymond and Esther, all of whom are yet under the
parental roof. The household is noted for its hospitality and good cheer,
and the members of the family have many friends in the communit3\ In
his political views Mr. Suppe is a Republican and has always taken an ac-
tive interest in politics. In the fall of 1900 he was elected township trustee
for a term of two years and has served on the school board for a number of
years, dispatching his official duties with promptness and fidelity. His life
has been a busy and upright one, and throughout his active and honorable
career, he has en.ioyed the esteem and confidence of his fellow men.
G. H. LAMB.
HON. G. H. LAMB, late state senator for the Fourteenth district, com-
prising the counties of Allen and Woodson, was born in Fountain County,
Indiana. February 22, 1858. His father was a Union soldier and fell on
the field of battle. Thrown upon his own resources at the tender age of ten
^7^-^^2^7^
WOODSON countie:;. Kansas. S;7
years, Mr. Lamb's early youth was one of penury and toil and hardship.
From the beginning, however, he was full of courage and ambition, and
however hard he may have worked through the day he nearly always found
seme time to devote to study in the evening. In this way he fitted himself
for the profession of a teacher which he followed for several years in his
native state. In 1883 he came to Kansas, locating first in Wilson County
where he taught school for a few years, afterwards removing to Toronto,
V.'oodson County, where for three years he was principal of the city schools.
In the meantime he had employed his leisure in the study of law to such
good purpose that in 1889 he was admitted to the bar and at once entered
upon the practice of the profession which he has since followed with most,
gratifying success. An ardent republican, an eloquent speaker, it was but
natural that Senator Lamb should drift into politics. He was the candidate
o" his party for county attorney in 1892 and was elected, succeeding him-
self in the same office in 1894. In 1896 he was nominated by acclamation
for the office of state senator and was one of the ten Republicans elected
!■ the Kansas senate in that year. In that body he advanced at once to a
position of leadership, and although in the minority, wielded a commanding
influence during the two sessions of the legislature through which he served.
Indeed so good was the record he made that in 1898 his county presented his
i-fime as a candidate for congress, and while he failed of the nomination,
he came out of the contest one of the recognized leaders of his party in the
district and state.
As an evidence of this recognition Senator Lamb was nominated by
acclamation as a presidential tli etor in 1900 and was a potent factor in
winning the victory wliiili ii-,i(,r''d Kansas to the republican column.
AVhen the electoral eolleuf im-l lie w;is secretary of the Kansas electors,
and thus made oi;t the returns which showed that Kansas had cast her vote
for McKinley and Roosevelt.
Senator Lamb is a niemuer of the Masonic, I. 0. 0. P., Knights of
Pylhias, S. K. and L. andA. 0. U. W. orders, and while he maintains high
standing in all of them, he has been especially honored by the last named
having been elected Grand Master Workman at the 1901 session of the Grand
lodge.
Mr. Lamb was married at Boswell, lienton County, Indiana, March 6,
1881, to Miss Bessie Shipp, a cultured, educated and accomplished woman,
whose sympathy, comfort and active effort have contributed much toward
the successful career of her husband. To them have been born four sons
and three daughters, all living. IMr. Lamb and his family arc active mem-
bers of the Christian church, and while he has never been regularly en-
gaged in the ministry, yet he often tills the pulpit of the church in a most
acceptable manner.
Since 1897 Mr. Lamb has been in partnership with j\h-. W. E. Hogue-
land in the practice of law, and the firm is recognized as one of the strongest
in the Seventh Judicial district.
SjS HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
A life of achievement such as is here brieflj^ recorded is its own best
eulogy. Here in this new western country it is the rule rather than the
e.veeption that the men now occupying positions of power and influence
have fought their own way up from obscurity and poverty. Senator Lamb's
career is therefore not exceptional. But it is on that account none the less
honorable and distinguih:hed. To begin the hard battle single-handed
while a mere child and to achieve leadership in a learned profession and in
;i great party before the meridian of life is reached, is a record that an^-
man may well hand down to his children with pride.
Fine physical strength, unquenchable courage and hope, strong in-
telligence, great decision of character, fluent and forceful oratory, unques-
tic.ned integrity, unwearying diligence and pertinacity— these are the quali-
ties that have won friends fortune and fame for G. H. Lamb, and that
veil entitle him to a place in this history.
JOHN W. LEWIS.
Among the influential and leading men of Woodson County is John W.
Lewis, the senior nuniher of the firm J. W. Lewis & Son. He is a native
of Henry Cnnii'V. Tennessee, born February 11, 1836. His father, Simpson
Lewis, was l)orn and reared in Virginia, made farming his life tvork and
died in Tennessee, in lSo9. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy
I'atterson. sTU-vived him until 1849 and passed away in St. Louis, Missouri.
She was a daughter of Joseph Patterson, who removed to Perry County,
Illinois, in an early day and subsequently resided in Collinsville, that
state. Virginia was the place of his birth and when he left the Old Dominion
he took up his residence in St. Louis, Missouri, in the year 1844.
Our subject has no sisters and but one brother. Porter M. Lewis, whose
place of location is unknown. At the age of thirteen John W. Lewis was
left an orphan and for a year thereafter he resided in St. Louis, Missouri,
after which he went to Columbia, Illinois, and there learned the carpenter's
trade with a Mr. Prather. He was employed in that capacity until 1852.
The following winter he purchased cattle intending to cross the plains
with TMoore & Sterett, but failed to make the contemplated journey and in
the summer of 1853 became a farm hand. The following year he went to
]\TeLean County. Illinois, where he worked by the month on a farm. In 1855
he made a trip to Iowa, but in 1856 again followed farming in the employ
o^ others until the 17th. of August, 1856, when he secured a breaking team
and outfit with M'hich to break sod. This was his first independent venture
and it proved a profitable one, gaining him a good start on the road to
fortune.
After his marriage Mr. Lewis rented a farm for two years and then
purchased a tract of land of the Illinois Central Eailroad Co., at once begin-
ning its development find improvement. He successfully carried on agri-
WOOTDSON COXtNTlES. KANSAS ^79
'jLiUural pursuits for a uumlxn- of years, becoming the owner of valuable
farming propert3^ In 1871, however, he rented his farm and began dealing
ir: agricultural implements in Bloomington, Illinois, where he remained
until .the fpring of 1876, when he disposed of his property interests in
McLean county and went to Union county, Iowa. There he engaged in the
furniture and undertaking business, also "dealt in coal and lumber; his
enterprise and careful management annually adding to his capital. In
the winter of 1884 he disposed of his business there and came to Yates
Center, where he purchased the hardware stock of Mr. Brewer, and has
since carried on business along that line. In the summer of 1884 he erected
liis present business block, which he has i\-ell stocked with a complete line
of shelf and heavy hardware, also large dealer in buggies and agricultural
implements. His business policy and methods are strictly honorable and
he th.erefore enjoys an enviable reputati m in trade circles. For a number
of years he has also engaged extensively in dealing in cattle and he is also
the owner of sixteen himdred acres of land, two miles west and one mile
south of the to-\vn of Yates Center. His business interests are of a varied
nature, are extensive and important and plainly indicate his superior ability
and executive force. Since coming to Kansas he has admitted his son,
George A. Lewis, to a partnership in the business and still later Charley
E. Lewis became a member of the firm, and is now managing the branch
store in Garnett, Kansas.
On the 15th of November, 1858, ]\Ir. Lewis married Catherine Merwin,
daughter of Asher Merwin, a native of New York, born in Columbia county,
and a farmer by occupation. She was born in 1840, and by her marriage to
Mr. Lewis they have become the parents of the following: George A., who
is with his father in buf-iness: Ida M.. wife of John C. Letts of St. -Joseph,
Missouri; and Charley E.
Mr. Le^^'is is one of the active political workers of Woodson county.
He cast his first pre?;idential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and has
since voted for each candidate at the head of the republican ticket, only
two of w-hom have ever met defeat in all these years. His sons are also
supporters of the same party. He does all in his power to promote the
success of his party, and has served as delegate to varioiis county and state
conventions, where his opinion carries weight in republican coiTueils. The
family attend the Methodist church and are prominent people of the com-
iiinnity. Although many years of prosperity in business lie behind Mr.
Lewis his career has not been one of uninterrupted success, and all that he
lias acquired is the direct residt of his own efforts. Labor has been the
Iseynote of his advancement and his life stands in evidence of the oppor-
tunities which America affords to her ci^'ij^ens. whose ambition and strong
purpose are not hampered by barriers of caste or clafs.
FflSTORY OF ALLEN ANT?
WILLIAM LOCKARD.
WM. LOCKARD, who is now engaged in the hardware business in;
Yates Center, has ipent almost his entire life in Woodson county, having,
eome hithtr with his father, Martin Lockard, when but four years of age.
He was born in Kettleby, Canada, on the 30th of August, 1865. His father
was also a native of Canada, born in 1834, and after arriving at years
oi maturity he married Sarah Lemon, who was born in the same country.
They came to Kansas in 1870, locating in Toronto, but are now residents
(if Fort Scott. They have, four living children, Kate, wife of W. P.
Dickerson of Toronto, this state; Carrie, wife of J. N. Stout, a resident of
Neosho Falls ; William, of this review ; and Maud, wife o" John Swearin-
gen of Manchester, Michigan.
Reared in Woodson county, William Lockard acquired his education
in Toronto, and after putting aside the work of the schoolroom he began
learning the wagonmaker's trade with his father, following that pursuit
lor seven years. In February. 1899, he came to Yates Center and suc-
ceeded H. H. MeCormiek as proprietor of the corner hardware store,
which he has since conducted, and his unabating energy, keen discrimina-
tion and reliable business methods have enabled him to maintain a place
in the foremost rank among the leading and enterprising business men of
his adopted city.
On the 29th of June, 1887, Mr. Lockard was united in marriage to
Miss Anna Morris, daughter of A. H. Morris, formerly a resident of
Illinois, whence he came to Kansas in 1872. They now have two children,
Harold and Audrey. In his social relations Mr. Lockard is an Odd Fellow,
also identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in his
political affiliations he is a stalwart republican. Numbered among the
early fettlers of Woodson county, through almost a third of a century he
lias been an eye witness of its development, for as the years have gone by
be has seen great changes wrought, the environments of pioneer life giving
way to all the comforts of civilization, as churches and school houses have
been built, business enterprises established and homes founded. He has
supported all measures for the public good, and among the friends who
have so long known him he is held in the warmest esteem.
COLONEL DANIEL M. RAY.
COL. DANIEL M. RAY, one of the honored veterans of the Civil war,
who won his title through valiant service in defense of the Union, has
l)c,-)i ,1 iv-i.l.iit rif Woodsnn county since 1870. In September of that year
he .iiiiw.l in this j.drtion of Kansas and secured a homestead in Everett
town-hip. Since that time he has taken an interest in everything per-
laininu' to the welfare and development of the county along substantial
lines of. improvement, and through his active labors he has left the impress
of his individuality upon its history.
^OAj^/^c
-vVDODSCN CO\Tlsm:ES. KA>!SAS. "SST
A native of Yaney county, North Carolina, Colonel Bay was "born on
'the 27th of March, 1833. He is a farmer's son and was reared in the
usual manner of fanner lads. His father, Thomas "NY. Ray, was also a
native of North Carolina and throuiibout hi? long life devoted his attention
to agriciUtural purs\iits. The graiidfatlier. Hiram Ray, was a native of the
Green Isle of Erin, whence he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, taking
up his abode in the old North state. The mother of our subject bore the
maiden name of Hannah Carter and was a daughter of Daniel Carter, an
Englishman. The colonel in the eldest child of Thomas and Hannah Ray,
the others being : Hiram, now deceased ; James M., of Newport, Tennessee ;
Edward Wm., of North Carolina ; Angus, of Texas ; and Mrs. Laura
Buckner of North Carolina.
The educational privileges which Colonel Ray enjoyed were th'-^-^
^afforded in the country schools of North Carolina, in the academy at Dand-
ridge. Tennessee, and at Burnsville. North Carolina. Thus well equipped
for life's practical duties, Ijy a good education, he started out to earn his
■own living when tw.enty-one years of age. having pre\ious to this time
assisted in the work of the home farm. He engaged in teaching school for
about three years and then went to Tennessee where he was living at the
time of the inauguration of tlie Civil "War. Although a southern man
ly bivth and training, he helieved that the government at Washington was
rup"-"iv and that no state had a right to withdraw from the Union. Thus
it war, that when some of the southern states at^^emptcd to secede he joined
the Union forces, becoming a member of the Third Tennessee Infantry, at
'Cauip Dick Robinson, at Crab Orchard, Kentucky. He was commissioned
vl<1jut^■nt of the regiment and served with that command for six months,
',• lUMi he was commissioned colonel of the Second Tennessee Cavalry. His
-. ,:■ ment started for the field of action from Cumberland Gap and was
.vHh the Army of the Cumberland. After the battle of Stone river Colonel
l^.'iy was placed in command of the Second and Third Division of th."
Tr-valry. and refused a brevet, preferring to be colonel with a reputaHon
■•ather than a general without one. On many a battlefield his own bravm-y
Insr.'red his men to deeds of valor and he made for himself a most cred "■
^iblr nilitary record as a defender of the stars and stripes which now floa.'
so ] roudly over the nation. He served until 1864 when, on aceonnt of fail-
luf,' health, he was obliged to resign. Although often in the thickest of the
fight, he was never wounded, but the rigors and hardships of war under-
mined his constitution. He participated in the hotly contested engage-
ments at Stone river, Chickamanga. relief of Knoxville. the Atlanta cam-
paign and the capture of the city, the battles of Franklin, Na.shville and
Jonesboro.
After resigning Colonel Ray returned to his home and family in Ten-
nessee. He had been married in Burn.sville, North Carolina, on the 26th
oi' ]\rarch. 1854. to Miss Louise Farris. a daughter of Joseph Parris, who
belonged to an old Kentucky family. They have one son, Philip S., born
S^2' HISTORY OF ALLEN AZ-^lT
l)ec(jmWi 22, 1864, who is now engaged with his father in the real esta c
business. He married Miss Laura Heizer, a daughter of J. W. Heizer of
Eldorado, Kansas.
In 1866 Colonel Ray removed with his family to Iroquois county,
Illinois, where he engaged in farming until 1870, when he came to Woodson
county, Kansas, locating here in the month of September. Upon the home-
si ead in Everett township, which he secured, he resided for twelve years,
placing the land under a high state of cultivation and thus transforming
it into one of the tine farms in the community. In 1882 he sold the-
property and took up his abode in Yates Center, where he was engaged
in merchandising for a year. He afterwaid held the office of county sur-
veyor for twelve years and has probably found and located more corner
stones than any other man in the county. In 1875 he laid out the city of
Yates Center on Section 11, Township 25 and Range 15, and for the past
eighteen years he has been an active factor in its development and
progress. As a real estate dealer he is a man of comprehensive knowledge
of land values and locations and is thus enabled to aid his clients in making
.iudicious investments. He sustains an unaf:sailable reputation as a business
man, his honesty being proverbial. Socially he is connected with the Grand
Army of the Republic and the A. 0. U. AV. His has been a creditable
record in all life's relations and no resident of Yates Center more richly
disserves the regard of his fellow townsmen than Colonel Daniel M. Ray.
ORPHEUS S. WOODWARD.
ORPHEUS S. WOODWARD, who is practically living a retired life in
Keosho Falls, has met with creditable h:uccess in business, his honorable
career having gained for him the high regard of all with whom he has
been associated. lie was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the 1st
of ftlay, 1835, and is a son of Ebenezer Woodward, whose birth occurred
in New York on the I5th of April, 1804. \vhen a young man the father
V ent to Pennsylvania and was there married to Miss Cornelia Prindle, who
was born in Erie county, May 31, 1814. Through the greater part of his
business career he carried on agricultural pursuits. The wife died
December 17, 1855, at the age of forty-one years, and in 1876 he went to
California where his death occurred July 25, 1882, when he was seventy-
eight'years of age. This worthy couple were the parents of seven children,
five of whom are n<iw living, namely: Augustus G., a resident of Tulare,
CalifDniiii ; ?*Ivs. Caroliiif Keller, a resident of Oreaou ; Mary, the wife
(if Robert Cowden, who resides on the old homestead in Pennsylvania;
Mrs. Georgia Desmond of Santa Paula. Cal., and 0. S., of this review.
In taidng up the personal history of Mr. Woodward we present to our
r. aders one of the most prominent men of Woodson county. In this com-
munity, not to know him is to argue one's self unknown. No event of
WOODSON COUNTIEIi. KANSAS. SS3
special importauce occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in
his youth. He was reared on the old homestead in Pennsylvania and pur-
sued his studies in the country schools, completing his education in the
Academy of Waterford, Pennsylvania. After leaving that institution he
engaged in teaching for four years in the public schools and was then
cho.-en principal of the Northwestern Normal School of Pennsylvania, in
which capacity he served for a year and a half. When the war broke out
ht put aside all personal considerations, for his patriotic spirit v\-as aroused
bj' the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union. He therefore enlisted
as a private in IMcLain's Erie regiment on the 16th of April, 1861, and
served for three months. On the expiration of that period he returned
home and again entered his country's service in September, 1861, at which
t-rae he was assigned to Company D, of the Eighty-third Regiment of
Pennsylvania Volunteers and was ehoren captain, serving in that capacity
until 1883. when on the 8th of July he was promoted to the rank of colonel,
a lid subsequently brevet brigadier general for gallant and meritorious ser-
vices. He participated in manj' battles and skirmishes, among which were
+he important engagements at Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gain's Mills,
Malvern Hill, Fair Oaks, Mine Run, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station,
v.-here he commanded the corps skirmishers, and the Wilderness. He was in
every battle in which his regiment was engaged except at Second Bull Run
and Fredericksburg. Colonel Woodward was wounded through the left
arm at the battle of Malvern Hill and at the battle of the Wilderness he
lost his right leg. .sustaining injuries which necessitated its amputation
above the knee. He was never captured and on many an occasion his own
personal valor inspired his men, his bravery proving an important factor
in winning the day. His was a noble record of which he has everj' reason
■0 be proud.
When the war was over Colonel Woodward returned home to his
young wife, whom he married in the interim between his first and second
enlistments. It was on the 9th of September, 1861, that Miss Marietta
Himrod of Waterford, Pennsylvania, became his wife. She is a daughter
or David and Abigail Himrod. Their marriage has been blessed with
three children : Anna, who is at home : Kate, the wife of G. F. Clark, now
of Pewaukee, Wisconsin ; and Alice, the wife of J. S. McDonald, jr., who
r: sides in Chicago. Mrs. Woodward died April 11, 1887, and is buried in
Xeo.sho Falls cemetery.
Colonel Woodward has ever been prominent in public affairs. Imme-
diately after his return from the war in 1865 he became a recognized leader
in political circles in Pennsylvania and served in the house of representa-
tives through the session of 1865-6. In the latter year he was re-elected
for a second term and did much towards shaping the legislature of his
slate in the epoch which followed the Civil war. In April, 1868. he arrived
in Kansas and Woodson county gained thereby a valued citizen. He pur-
ehared a farm and continued its cultivation until 1871, when he removed
8S4 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
to Neo. ho Palls and embarktd in the hardware business, continuing in that
enterprise for twelve years. He has oeen very successful in his business
transactions and today owns five hundred acres of valuable land in Wood-
son county, all improved and bringing to him a handsome income. He had
not been long in Kansas when his ability for leadership gained him, promi-
nence in the republican ranks of this state, and in 1888, he was elected to
the senate where he served for four years, representing Woodson and Allen
counties. He has ever been a stalwart republican and his services in office
hrve won for him the highest commendation and have demonstrated beyond
doubt his fidelity to the be;t interests of his constituents.
Mr. Woodward holds membershij") in the Masonic fraternity, belonging
tn Neosho Palls lodge, and also in the G. A. K. He has a very pleasant home
presided over by Miss Anna Woodward and celebrated for its gracious
hospitalitj' which is enjoyed by a very extensive circle of friends. The
colonel's career illustrates the possibilities that are open in this country to
earnest and persevering young men who have the courage of their convic-
tions and are determined to be the architects of their own fortunes. When
judged by what he has accomplished, his right to a first place among the
I'epresentative citizens of Neosho Falls cannot be questioned. He has ever
been true and loyal to principle and in the legislative halls of two states,
as well as upon the battle fields of the south, he has manifested his love for
the old flag and the 7?ause which it represents.
ALBERT B. MANN.
ALBERT B. MANTS^ of Toronto has for thirty years been a resident of
Woodson county. He was born in Sidney. Shelby county. Ohio. October
10. 1839. His father. Albert Mann, was a native of New Hampshire, born
on the Ift of May, 1813, and was a son of Alexander Mann, who came to
New Hampshire from Ireland w-hile a boy. He was a highlv educated
gentleman who became a leading and influential citizen of New Hampshire,
where he spent his remaining days. His wife was a daughter of Captain
Joseph Parker, who commanded the company that drew the first fire at the
bnttle of Lexington. Albert Mann, the father of our subject, was married
in Boston. Massaehuset+s. to Miss Mary Harvey. He died in Wichita,
Kansas. December 11, 1874, and his wife passed away in Chicago, on the
20th of August. 1877. He had been educated in the common schools and
in an academy, and afterward pursued a course of medicine, practicing his
profession in Lexington. Delaware county, Ohio, and later in Knoxville,
Illinois. In 1873 he came to Kansas, and in the Sunflower state spent his
remaining days. In politics he was first a whig, afterward an advocate of
the freesoil party and later, when the republican party sprang into exist-
ence, he joined its ranks. The children of Mv. and ]\Trs. Mann were as
follows: A. B.. of this review, is the eldest : Harvey of Springfield, Illinois.
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. 885
was a member of the Tweuty-sixtli Volunteer Infantry. During the Civil
war he served as hospital steward until April, 1S64, when he was made
assistant surgeon and in March, 1865, was appointed surgeon. On the
expiration of his term of enlistment he joined the United States regular
army as assistant surgeon and was stationed in the department of the
Piatte until May, 1867, when he was ordered to Vicksburg, Mississippi. He
■■erved in Ai'kansas and in Alississippi until ^^<^9 when he came to Toronto,
Kansas, and here practiced his proftssion \.]n\'- wniliut;' for an assignment.
He was next ordered to Fort Stephens'..:, i ':■.[;., ,. and afterward to Collins-
ville, South Carolina. He accompanii-d beutral Custer's command to the
Yellowstone and Black Hills country and was severely wounded in an
engagement with the Indians at the Grand river agency in Dakota. In
1876 he located in Chicago, turning his attention to the practice of medicine.
Afterward he came to Toronto where he resided i;ntil 1896. During the
Spanish-Cuban war was surgeon of an immune regiment and in charge of
t;eneral hospital at Key West, and since that time has been a resident of
Springfield, Illinoi.s. Mary. A., the third member of the family, is the wife
of Captain Samuel West, a resident of Boulder, Colorado. George is a
practicing dentist at Waco, Texas. Hiram is living in Phoenix, Arizona.
]\rrs. Laura Barker, the youngest member of the family, makes her home
in Toronto.
Albert Buchanan Mann, wha-je name introduces this review, pursued
his education in the public schools and when eighteen years of age began
teaching. He followed that business for three years and during two years
of the time was employed in the graded schools of Knoxsville, Illinois. He
had resided for ten years in Richland county, Ohio, before leaving the
Buckeye state for Illinois, at the age of nineteen. On abandoning teaching
he joined the army, becoming a member of Company E. of the One Hun-
dred and Thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in the spring of 1864.
He was at the front five months when his health failed and he was there-
fore discharged. Returning to Illinois he engaged in merchandising at
Knoxville, carrying on a di'y goods establishment throughout a period of
six years. In April, 1870, he came to Toronto, bringing with him a stock
<-' goods which he disposed of to the residents of Woodson county, and the
following year he located upon his farm.
On the 19th of December, 1867, in Knoxville, Illinois, Mr. Mann was
Tiiited in marriage to Mi.^s INIartha H. Arms, whose father, Henry Arms,
was one of the pioneer settlers of Knox county, Illinois, removing to that
place from Massachusetts. Unto our subject and his wife have been born
three children: George Albert, born September 11, 1868; Harry, born
October 5, 1870; and William H., who was born January 9, 1872, and
married Miss Lena Dearland.
No one has reason to question Mr. Mann's political position for it is
v.-ell known that he is a stalwart republican, having supported that party
since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and
886 HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
his last vote Avas cast for President WcKinlt-y in 1900. In 1874 he was
ejected to the Kansas legislature and served in that body the following
year. He has twice been trustee of Toronto township and is a member
of the Toronto school board. He has attended republican conventions and
does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his
party, realizing fully the responsibilities and obligations of citizenship.
He holds membership in thePresbyterian church in which he has served as
elder, and all worthy movements for the benefit of his fellow men and sub-
stantial development of his county receive his support.
JACOB ]\. STOUT.
JACOB N. STOUT, postmaster of Neosho Falls, editor and proprietor
oP the Neosho Falls Post, was born in Adams county, Illinois, June 11, 1853.
His father was Samuel G. Stout, a native of North Carolina, and his mother
was Lucinda Julian, also born in North Carolina. The parents moved up
iiito Indiana and later on into Illinois, where they resided till 1868, when
they came on to Kansas. They settled in Bourbon county, where they
resided three years. In 1871 they made their final change of location, going
into Woodson county, where the father died in 1882 at the age of seventy
years. His widow survives him and is a resident of Yates Center, Kansas.
Jacob N. Stout was one of a family of eight children. He was fifteen
years of age when he accompanied his parents to Kansas. He was brought
up on the farm and was a pupil of the district school. In 1880 he entered
the State University of Kansas and spent one year thei-e. The next year
l.e entered the State Normal School of Kansas and finished a course there,
with graduation, in 1882. He engaged in teaching at once, as principal of
the Howard city schools. He remained there a year and entered the schools
at Neosho Falls in a like capacity and remained two years. The fall of
1S86 he took charge of the schools at Kinsley, Kansas, and closed his career
as an educator with that year's work. He purchased the Neosho Falls Po.st
in 1885 and he went from the school room to the editorial chair. He has
remained in control of the Post since it first came into his hands and has
c'tvoted all his energies to its proper editing and publication. The Post
is a newspaper with strong i-epiiblican proclivities and an advocate of the
interests of Neosho Falls and Woodson county. Its publisher has performed
whatever duties, in his town, that devolved upon him as a citizen and official,
and was appointed by Governor Humphrey a member of the Board of
Regents of the Kansas State Normal School, where he served two year.".
April 23, 1898, Mr. Stout was appointed postmaster of his town for a, term
of four years. He is clerk of the city board of education and is one of the
' ' school men ' ' of the county.
Mr. Stout was married in 1878 to Miss Emma Higginbotham, who died
within a few months afterward. In 188(1 he was again married to IMiss
•^'OODSON COITNTIES. KANSAS. S87
Jinnetta IMiehuer, which marriage was fruitful, aud productive of two
'daughters, Gra^e and Rlarie. Mrs. Stout died in 1893 and for his third
wife Mr. Stoiit married Mrs. Carrie (Lockard) Shears of Lincoln, Neb., a
<lLughter of M. B. Lockard of Port Scott.
Being interested in fraternities, Mr. Stout has become a member of
some of the prominent ones. He is a Mason, a Red Man, a Woodman, and
one of the Knighls and Ladies of Security.
HENRY SCHLICHTING.
That Henry Schliehting is one of the most popular and representative
-citizens of Yates Center is indicated hj the fact tliat in 1900 he was re-
elected to the office of mayor of the city without opposition, and certainly
the choice was wisely made for he is a practical business man, deeply inter-
ested in the welfare of his adopted town and his devotion to the public good
is above question.
A native of Hanover, Germany, Mr. Schliehting was born on the 18th
rt September, 1856, and when only two years old was brought to America
world and took up his abode in Calhoun eonutj', Illinois. There he engaged
in farming until his death, which occurred in 1865, when he was forty years
^f age. His wife bore the maiden name of Isabel Heinsom. She is now
IMrs. Wintieu and resides in Crawford county, Kansas. The children of
her first marriage were: Henry; Gasha, wife of John Fredrick, of Craw-
ford county, Kam;as; John, and Hai'man C, also of the same county.
Henry Sclilichting spent his youth and early manhood on the home
farm and entered upon his business career as a clerk in Hamburg. Calhoun
county, Illinois, Where he remained for a j-ear. In 1880 he came to Hepler,
Crawford county. Kansas, .and engaged in clerking for John- Viets, remain-
ing in his employ for about ten j^ears, after which he embarked in business
Tl^ his father. Clause Schliehting. who with his family emigrated to the new
■on his own account, as a partner of his former emploj^er, Mr. Viets. This
?irsociation was continued until 1893. when it was dissolved, j\lr. Schliehting
■going to Weir City, Kansas, where he accepted a clerkship in a store belong-
ing to a coal mining company. In 1895 he entered the employ of Davis &
Company, hay and grain dealers at Fort Scott, and the same j^ar was sent
"by them to Yates Center to manage their business here. He also carries
cr. business for himself as a dealer in coal, flour and mill feed and enjoys a
good trade in that line, his patronage steadily increasing as time passes.
On t>.e 7th of December, 1884. in Crawford county, Kansas. Mr.
ochlichting was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Alice Johnson, a daugh-
ter of David Johnson, who came from Pennsylvania to the west. Mrs.
Schliehting was boi-n in Iowa. December 7. 1861. and by her marriage has
become the mother of four children : Melis.'^'a, Edith, David C, Florence A.
and Henrj' G. The hospitality of the best homes is extended to the family
■iSfe FfiSTORY OF ALLEN A^V
and their iiiauy friends may always be sure of a cordial and friendly g'reef-
iiig in the Schlichting residence. In his political views Mr. Sehlichting:
has been a stalwart republican since casting his first vote for James A..
Garfield, and since coming to Yates Center he has been honored vnth various-
public offices of trust. In 1897 he was elected a member of the city council,
was re-elected in 1898, and in 1899 was chosen by popular vote mayor of
the city. He filled the office so capably that in 1900 he was re-elected— »
fitting recoaiiitiiiii nf his ability and fidelity and an unmistakable evidence
o" his pt'isniial ixninlarity and worth for he had- no opponent. He has
secured many m eded improvements and reforms and has promoted the
welfare of the city along various lines. In Masonry he has attained the
Rcyal Arch degrees, and has filled most of the offices in lodge and chapter.
J. H. FRY,
iMarked progress has been made in business methods along the various
(ii:es in which men find opportunity to exercise their talents, and agriculture
has kept pace with the general advancement. Among the progres.sive, prac-
tical farmers and stock-raisers of Woodson county who have won success
is J. H. Fry, who was born in Warsaw, Illinois, on the 19th of December,
1849. His father, Solomon Fry, was a native of Pennsylvania and during^
his boyhood accompanied his parents on their removal to the Prairie state
where he learned the mason's trade which he followed for .some time. He
was married to IMiss Sarah E. House, a native of Connecticut, and resided
in Hancock cmuity. Illinois, until after the sectional differences between the
■ioi\'h an.l .-.luth involved the country in Civil war. He, then joined the
jveat rn-my ^vhich was formed for the preservation of the Union, enlisting
(IS a pr'vate with Company D, Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry, ^^•ith M'hicb
\\r I. T-ved for three years, participating in all the battles in which his regi-
men I engaged. He was very fortunate in that he was never wounded
aor captured and was never absent from duty for a single day. After his
:v!arn from the army he removed to Kansas in 1869, locating on a farm ia
Linn coimty, where he made his home until 1886 when he became a resident
of r'arthage, Mis.'^ouri, where he still Tesides. His wife died many years
ng;i.
J. H. Fry was the eldest of their four children and was reared in
ITancock county. Illinois ,speTiding his youth upon the homestead farm.
He ,H-.n!i!i(l an academic education and afterward prepared for the prac-
tic.-'! (!ii*i.'s (if hnsiin'.s life by learning the mason's trade with his father.
Wl.tii 1iie ^^a^ limke out he was left to care for the three younger children
Miai supported then} by his work. He has ever been a man of marked in-
dustry and liis-, diligence and perseverance formed an example well worthy
of emulation. On the 23d of January, 1873, he was united in marriage to
;Mirs Sarah E. Buckley, a native of New Jersey, who had removed to Illinois
"WOODSOS COtTNTIES, KANSaR. "889
%A'ith lier parents. Joel T. and Salinda (Wilson) Buckley. Her father was
-an attorney at law and at one time a nominee for governor of Illinois on
the prohibition ticket.
After his marriage, Mr. Fry rented a farm in La Salle county and
Ijegan dealing in stock. Success attended his eiforts, and in .seven years'
time he was able to buy a good farm, owning two hundred and eighty acres
oF well improved land on which he raised cattle, shipping them to the
city market. He lived upon his farm until 1897 and then rold the propei't;-'
for seventy-five dollars per acre, after which he came to Kansas and pur-
chased two hiindred and eightj^-eight acres in Allen county, three and one-
half miles southwest of Neosho Falls. Here he has engaged in general
farming and stock-raising and has at the present time aboiit two hundred
head of cattle, and feeding about one hundred head each winter. In 1900
he received nineteen hundred dollars for hogs of his own raising. In the
fall of 1899. in accordance with the advice of his physician, he removed to
Keosho Falls and to some extent has laid a.side budness cares, but drives
back and forth to the fai-ni in order to superintend its management.
Unto our -subject and his \viie have Jjeen born three children: R.
Thurston, now twenty-five years of age; OraL.. an estimable young lady
iit home, and Adisa V., the wife of Jesse Everett, now of Streator, Illinois.
]\Ir. Fry is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge at
Neosho Falls and to the Royal Arch chapter at Yates Center. He also be-
longs to Neosho Falls camp No. 8383, M. W. A., and to the order of the
Ued IMen and Elks at lola. He has been an active worker in the ranks of
the republican party since attaining his majority and is unfaltering in his
support of its principles. In the .spring of 1900 he was elected mayor of
Neosho Falls and has filled minor offices in the county in which he lived in
TViinois. He is now discharging his duties in a manner highly commenda-
tory, his administration being busines.s-like and progressive. He exercises
his official prerogatives in support of the public good and has secured a
number of needed refonns and improvements. He is a popular citizen,
es+eemed for his fidelity to duty as well as for his social qualities and for
"bis business sueee'-s. He is a man of forceful character, strong individuality
•ai'd genuine worth, and as one of the leading men of AVoodson county he
IS numbered.
WILLIAM STOCKEBRAND.
"\A"M. STOCKEBRAND is numbered among the prominent and influen-
tial ei+izens of Woodson county, and has a wide acquaintance among leading
n-.en of the state for he represented his county in the legislature and served
■on a number of important committees. Called to office by popular vote his
■lection was an indication of the trust reposed in him by his fellow towns-
'r'U and well did he discharge the duties that devolved upon him. Forty-
890 HTSl'ORY OF AtLEN- AJJT?
three ytars have passed since he came to AYoodsoa coimtj', the date of his?
arrival being 1857.
Mr. Stockebrand was boru in Lippe Detmold, Germany, August
11, 1833, and was a son of Adolph Stockebrand, a farmer of that
ecuntry. He spent the first twenty-two years of his life in the fatherlandf
and then crossed the Atlantic, coming to Kansas in company -with his
brother, with August Lauber and August Toedman. They traveled west-
ward by rail to Jefferson City, Missouri, and by boat to Kansas City, where
they hired a team to haul them to Lawrence, Kansas. At the last named
place they purchased an ox team and with that continued their journey tc
AVoodson county. There were practically no roads south of Toy creek in
Franklin county, and they made their way aci-OKS the praii-ies with little
to guide them on their journey. They were all young men looking for
Jionies and they found in Kansas the opportunity they sought. An acquaint-
ance, Ernest Linder, had preceded them and was living on Owl creek. They
made their way to his home and there started out to seek locations for
tbempelves in the timber belt. Mr. Stockebrand of this review secured the
southwest quarter of Section 1, Township 25, Range 15. and has resided
Oil this tract for forty-three years, devoting his time to farming and stock
raising. His success enabled him to increase his landed possessions until
he was the owner of twelve hundred acres, of which he has since given
four hundred acres to his children.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Stockebrand enlisted in the fall of
18fil, as a member "of Company F, Ninth Kansas Cavalry, and after one
year he was discharged on account of disability. His service was given
chiefly in fighting bushwhackers in Blissouri and the Indian Territory. He
had become a republican on the organization of the party and has always
given to it his stalwart support, taking an active interest in coiinty politics
and doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success
of the party. AVhen the populist movement began to spread AVoodfon
county became a sti-ong populistic center and the republican majority was
reduced from several hundred to almost zero, but when Mr. Stockebrand
became the republican candidate for the state legislature in his district in
1895. he received the very flattering majority of one hundred and eighty-
nine— this vote indicating in an unmistakable manner his popularity as a
citizen and the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. AAliile serving
ii! the house he was a member of the committees on the re-apportionment of
JFidicial district, on forestry, labor and woman's rights. He was interested
in a measure whereby it was proposed to force all railroad companies to
build and maintain fences along farm lots and pastures, through Avhich
hogs could not make their way, but the bill failed to pass. He also endeav-
ored to secure the passage of a bill to protect prosecuting witnesses from
intimidation or fear of harm from a guilty party, but this also failed. He
gave an earnest support to every measure which he believed would prove
of public good, and the record of his offieial service is one without blemish.
wofiDsoN cnrNTiKs. Kansas. 891
On the 31st of January. 1S63, in Coffey cnniHy. Kansas. :\rr. SfoH^e-
brand married Minnie Steffen, a daueihter of :\!i's. l.-iniisa ( I'liln'iiidw)
Steffen. TLey have •^even childien : William, of Wdodsmi (•(uniiv : .Malilila,
wife of Prifi >■•, eide of the saiiic count v: ('..or-c and Fiank. both of
Woodson county: Louisa, wifi' of William Kuldliaucn: Ernina and Rndolph.
Tb(> iinronts hold memlK-i'shio in the ('ei'man Kvanuvlical church. 'Mr.
S*^r)r-l-r!r;';nid i.s iiniiil'e"(^d amo"o- the honoird pioneers of Wood.son county.
Pirino- the fi''p' fall of his i-csidence in the eonnly, while out hunting;
ea'tle le -vn'^ sliot tlronnh the elbow and left arm by an Indian who sud-
denly appeared upon his pa1h fifteen fret from him and tired upon him.
Ti'reat elianaes 'ave occurred since that day and throutrh all Mr. Stocke-
brand ha'' aii^edi in the work of development and progress, bearing his part
in every movemen' for the public good.
CHAKLE^ D. YOITNCI.
There is every degree of satisfaction and profit in scanning the life
hi'-tory of one who has attained a high decree of success as the diametrical
result of his own efforts, who has had the me7itality to direct his endeavors
toward the desired ends and the singleness and steadfastness of purpose
which have given due value to (>neli eonsi eutive detail of effort. As a dis-
tincMve type of the self-made man we can refer with signal propriety to the
gentleman whose name form" the caption of this paragraph. He is one of
the native sons of Woodson county and is yet a young man. but has already
attained prosperity and the firm of Keck & Young, of which he is the
junior member, is operating extensively in hay at Yates Center and at
many other point.^.
Charles Dee Young was born in Liberty township, Woodson county,
on the 7th of October. 1871. and is a son of John Young, who came to the
county about 1870. A native of Germany, he was born in Hanover, in
1S3f), and when twenty-one years of age sailed for the United States. For
a time he was engaged in the sawmill business in the state of New York,
following that pursuit until the Civil war broke out when he rented his
property and .joined the army. He sacrificed his business interests to his
country, as so many others did, for while at the front he lost the sawmill.
As a member of Company H, Fifty-sixth New York Volunteer Infantry, he
joined the army and for four years and three months fought for the
supremacy of the Union. When the war was over he received an honorable
riischarge and with a most creditable military record returned to the
north.
John Young afterward spent some time in New Jersey and later re-
moved to Iowa, going thence to Kansas City, Missouri, which was his place
of residence just prior to his removal to Kansas. He drove into Woodson
county with a t(>am and secured a claim in Liberty township, immediately
S92 HISTORY OF ALLKN .\XT>
bLginning' tlu' \v(irk of improvement. In 1880 he pnreliased a lar^e traet
of land which is now the Yoiin» homestead— one of the fine t farms in this
section of the state. Mrs. Young, the mother of our suh.ject, bore the
maiden name of Lucy Miller. The parents were mari'ied in Davenport.
Iowa, and unto them have lieen lioi'n four children: Charles D.. Albert,
who 'is living in Coltn'ado: AVill. who is engaged in teaehinu in that stale,
and Elmer.
Mr. Young- of thir review spen^ the fii'st twenty-one years of his
life upon the home farm. He supplemen'ed his early educational priv-
ileges by study in the Ptate .vgricultural College and in Bethel College,
in Newton, Kansas. For three year.s 1 e engaged in teaching in the com-
nion schools of the state and then turned his at'ention to farming which
occupation he diligently pursued until January, 1899, when he left the
farm and located in Yates Center, where he joined S. G. Keek, in the hay
business, thus establishing the present well known firm of Keck & Young.
They have warehouses at Ya'es Center, Batenville and Toronto, Kansas,
and makes shipments from six or more stations. Their business is cons-
tantly growing in volume and has already reached extensive proportions.
As this is an excellent agricultural district and the verdant meadows yield
fine crops of hay, the business of the firm affords a good market to Ihe
farmers and Ihe material prosperity of the community, as well as of the
firm, is thereby increased.
On the 10th of June. 1897, Mr. Young wa:- uni'ed in marriage to Miss
Viola Baker, a daughter of Baxter P. Bak( r. oF Woodson eonnly. Having
always resided in Woodson County, Mr. and Mrs. Young have a wide
acquaintance, and possessing those stei'ling (jualities which ever awaken
regard, they have gained many warm friends. In his jiolitieal views I\Tr.
Young is a Democrat, earnest in his- advocacy of party prineijiles and of
reform movements, while socially l.e is ('onn( cted will Ihe Kniuhts of
Pythias fraternity.
THOMAS M. HERDMAN.
THOMAS M. HERDMAN was born in Jersey county, Illinois. Feb-
ruary 25, 1868. and i^- of Scotch-Irish lineage. His father. Thomas M.
Herdman, Sr., was born in county Antrim, Ireland, and about 1845, bid-
ding adieu to the Emerald Isle, sailed for the United States. Landing in
New York, he there remained until the greai- gold excitement in California
attracted to the Pacific coa.st, men from all parts of the country, when
hi> joined the Argonauts bound for that state. He was very successful
in his mining ventures there and remained in California for five years
I'fter which he returned to New York. In ISHl he removed to Illinois,
n-here he met and married INIiss Margaret Parcell, a native of New Jerrey.
I'orn near Bonndbrook. In 1870, Mr. Herdman came with his wife and
wnoDSOx countir:;. Kansas. 893
ciii'.dieii to Kansas, setlling- two. miles north of t.lic pres^ent site of Pitjua.
He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, plowed and planted
\h< i^elds and soon had a hiiihly improved farm on which he resided ur.lil
b's in ntli, which occurred in 1880, when he was forty-nine years of aye.
If is wife survived him until March. 1900, when she pa.^sed away at llie
:i'.;i' of (iffy-two years. This w(n-thy couple were the parents of sevn
ci;il.lien.
Thomas M. Herdman, whose name besiins this record, was the second
in order of birth, and was about two years old when brought by his par-
e^its I0 Mis : t;i<i'. TTc'i he was i-cnred and educ;ited, attending the dis-
trict fcbiiiils iliinii-li ihc wiiilcr 111011II1S and assislins in the work of the
home ravin 1ln!iu'-'!i M'l- siniimei' sea (ui. lie is now living on the old home-
stead and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. The heirs have one
himd'-ed and sixty acres of land, which is yet undivided.
On the 2d of Deeembei'. 1S91. Thomn ■ ITerdman was united in mar-
rjacre to ]\h"ss Dellali Addl.Mnnu. wlm was Ix.rii in Vmanu.i County. Penn-
s.ylvania. and came with hci' ikiivhIs to K'nnsiis in ISST. She is the daugh-
ter of Pobrvf ,ind U:ir]i:i.;, . Horiiiin-i^ Addlniinn. both of wbom are natives
of the Ke.ystone 5-"ate. Mr. and Mrs. Ilerdman now have two chiklreu :
F'loyd and Helen ared resneo^ivelv six and three years, and their presence
adds sunshine and happiness to the home. Mr. Herdman holds memher-
^Idp v.'ith the ModiTii Woniluien of America. He is one of the industrious
young farmers of Wood (in County, and if he continues in his present indus-
tiions and honorable coni'sc will in a few years be ranked with the wealthy
r v-,-p,-]+„,.it.'<5 of |],p conununitv.
GKORGE H. LYNN.
r.'EOJ?CFj H. LVXX. who eari'ies on farming and stock raising in
Neosho Falh- township. WikhIshu county, is numbered among the native
sons of Illinois, his l)ir1h having occurred in INIoultrie County, October 6,
"iFSS. His father. Simon Lynn, was a native of Kentucky and wedded
Marcia A. Stevens, who was also born in that state. In 1854, he went to
Illinoi.'". and ten years later came to Kansas, arriving in Woodson County
•^n the 1.5th of Sen' ember. 1 8(>t. He settled on the Len Fuqua farm, a
mile and a half east oT XiMisbo Falls .Mhcri' bis son Ceorge is now living,
and there his life's labors were ended in death in 1888, when he was
■ eventy-one years of age. His wife died August 1, 1882. at the age of
fifty-two years. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom six
are yet living, namely: Mrs. Belinda Levett of Neosho Falls; Adaline,
wife of O. B. Miller, a resident of Hutchinson. Kansas; Belle, wife of
Ceorce Odell of Oklahoma : J. A. : George H., and James W.
George H. Lvnn was a lad of only nine summers when, in 1S64, his
parents came to Kansas, and be spent the greater part of bis youth on the
nov,' livins witli h
s ma
ornal
i(':i!'0(l by b.i'i
whil
■ Eav
is al
iiKirrii'd in
isin,
liis S
'cond
iKirii ill Iliiii
lis. a
1(1 in
1S8S
an,l riio.'l.c
n,l,.|l
Ml
. a n d
^lovd. (;i,.vn
111(1 (
ladys
inrss xvorkl
(in a
al of
children tha
* sum
(Vf ill
(incv.
ir finances, inirehasod ;
calf
S94 HI.STOKV Ol' .MXKN .\NP
farm which he now owns ami occupies. His preliminary mental discipline
was received in the district schools and he was also a student in rjeneva
Academy. Tie remained with his jiarents un1il they passed away, lenderiiv.;'
them filial care and devo'ion in their declinini;- years.
Mr. T>yiiii has been twice married. He first wedded ]\nss Jennie Lee, a
diftaiil iela1iv( of Oeneral Eobert K. Lee. She died in 188(1. leavins' two
childivn. Earl and P(-rry Lee. The latter is
oTandnidllier in Topeka. Kansas, haviiio' bee-i
home wilh his fa1l:er. Mr. Lvnn was auair
union beiiie' with Mi:s Lnla ()dell. who \va ■
came to Kansas with her parents, ■Limes 11.
Mrs. Lynn now have four children: Llvyn, 1
Mr. Lynn secured his start in tl'.e Im
three dollar.s. The father g-ave to each of hh
and Mr. Lynn and his sister, combined the
for rix dollars. This was the bes;innins of his stock raisins interests. With-
in three years they had twenty-one head of cattle, and Mr. Lynn has Ions
been recognized as one of the leading stock raisers of Woodson County
Upon his father's death he purchased of the other heirs their interests in
the old homestead, which he has since oeenpied. He here owns two hun-
dred and twenty-seven acres of tine farming land, both timber and prairie,
and upon the place are some splendid never failing springs.
He has indeed, one of 'he fine stock farms of southeastern Kansas. He
raises registered Poland China hogs and sells many of these for breeding
purposes. His horses and cattle are of exc( llent grades, and his annual
sales of stock bring him a good profit. TLs barn is built on the side of a
hill, thus having excellent drainage, and in his feed lot is nice timber, mak-
ing good shelter for his stock. The farm resid.eiice was e:-ect( <1 in TSHO of
native walnut lumber which was cut in the sawmill ()\\ned by Tj. L. North-
rr.p. An air of neatness, thrift and affluence jiervades the place and Mr.
Iiynn is accounted one of the substantial agriculturists and stock raisers
of his adopte(l county. Socially Mr. Lynn is connected with the Modern
Wo(idmen of America, belonging to Neosho Palls Camp. lie exercises his
right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican
party, believing that its principles are best calculated to promote good
government and seenre the wealth of the nation.
INDEX
PART I
ALLEN COUNTY, KANSAS
PAGE 37
59
62
" 96
648
33
69
95
91
41
73
80
77
80
79
78
78
79
78
5
31
95
82
" 56
6
80
80
Bench and Bar
Churches and Schools
Criminal Record
Elsmore
Election Returns and Other Statistics
First Things
Geneva
Gas
Humboldt
Humboldt Lawyers
Tola
TOLA CHURCHES
American M. E.
Baptist, First
Baptist, Second
Catholic
Methodist
Presbj'terian
Reformed
United Brethren
Location and Natural Features
Land Titles
LaHarpe
Moran
Natural Gas
Natural Resources
lOLA NEWSPAPERS
lola Register
Allen County Courant
lola Farmers Friend
Allen Cuonty Herald
Western Sentinel
lola Daily News
Ida Daily Record
Population and Wealth
Reminiscence of an Old Settler
Savonburg
Swedish Settlement
Territorial Period
Thirty- five Years of Peace
Valentine's Recollections
War Period
BIOGRAPHII
PAGE 371
52-44^
269
57'
376
48-487
194
276
312
186
191
113
308
419
459
256
489
48
298
504
531
245
387
427
563
226
122
334
341
5-'
530
466
51
561
482
384
57
428
199
300
306
400
235
182
26S
543
229
Ard, N. L.
Aoers, N. F.
Adams, H. B.
Adams, W. M.
Alexander, W. E.
Amos, G. A.
Anderson, J. R.
Anderson, T. T.
Andrews, W. H.
Armel, Jno. H.
Arnett, J. D.
Arnold, E. W.
Ash brook, J. M.
Ansherman, C. C.
Bacon, Geo. H.
Baland, Chas.
Bale, Jno. W.
Barber, E. A.
Barker, Jesse
Barnelt, W. T.
Barnhait, Adam
Barnholt, Claus
Bartels, W. L.
Barth, C. F. J.
Beahm, J. H.
Beatty, J. C.
Beenian. A. M.
Beck, A. W.
Bennett, Zar E.
Benton, C. E.
Bird, Wm.
Blakelv, H. E.
Bogle, A. C.
Booe, J. M.
Bostwick, D. W.
Boulson, Dr. C.
Boyd, J. K.
Bragg, Harry
Brandenberg, S
Braucher, Wm.
Brett, O C.
Brown, A. W. J.
Brown, Dr. H. A.
Brown, Geo. M.
Brown, Jno. M.
Brown, W. M.
Browning Mrs. M M
H.
D.
545
182
45
203
246
390
45
433
423
446
31 '
329
43
561
259
525
258
382
146
323
234
•31
218
281
330
255
327
473
36S
570
440
320
468
563
104
333
.■?43
51
408
528
273
238
152
291
360
Bruner, FHias
Buck, L. D.
Buchanan,- Wm.
Burleigh. H. M.
Burtis, H. M.
Busley, Henry
Butler, Joshua
Byrne, Tho-. L.
Cain, Edward
Campbell, A. H.
Campbell, A. L.
Campbell, W. T.
Carman, H. H.
Cates, J. B. F.
Cation, Thos., Jr.
Cecil, S. G.
Chnstain, Dr. W. D.
Choguill, W. A.
Chollette, Mrs. M. J
Christian, J. D.
Chri.-tv. J. L.
Claiborne, R. R.
Coe. I. S.
Coffman, J. H.
Colborn, J. F., lola.
Cope, Dr. Benj.
Cipelin, R. S.
Cornell, John
Courtney, Dr. John
Courtney, U. R.
Cowan, W. A.
Cox, W. D.
Crowell, E. I.
Cunningham Alfred
Cunningham, Wm.
Cunningham, R. M.
Curtis, E. D.
Daniels, C. W.
Davidson, B. O.
Davis, Brothers
Davis, Wm.
Davis, Wm.
Daniels, A. L.
Daughters, W. T.
Deal, Margaret C.
Decker, J.' P.
BIOGRAPHIES
497
247
176
340
392
335
453
321
565
264
386
127
129
291
297
379
130
284
552
458
432
359
453
431
156
169
192
399
509
374
275
541
501
51
200
290
495
445
318
537
452
271
Decker, M. L.
DeClute, C. H.
Delaplaine, E. P.
Delaplaine, J. W.
Deniiev, F. S.
DeWitt, G.
Dickey, Jno. P.
Donoho, L. T.
Donoho, M. H.
Don nan, W. J.
DornberiTh.Dr. A. L
Downs, S. K.
Downs, C. L.
Drake, J. W.
Drake, Rev. L. I.
Duncan, J. P.
Duncan, L. W.
Darning, D. P.
Ebert, Henrv
Edson, C. M.
Edwards, J. W.
Eldridge, G. T.
Ellis, G. W.
Englehardt, Gus
Enos, W. E.
Ericson, E. D.
Ericson, Joseph
Ericson, Jacob
Evans, John M.
Evans, W. J.
Evans, S. H.
Evans, H. T.
Evving, H. A.
Feeley, Martin
Fergus, J. B.
Finley, James
Fisher. Geo. W.
Fisher, J. H.
Fisher, Mrs. N. E.
Fitzpatrick, T. M.
Ford. Mrs. Mary
Fowler, H. P.
Fox, Geo. G.
Francis, Jno.
Freed, Daniel
Freeman, Geo.
>AGE 204
439
" 355
" 519
" 540
" 463
579
" 5'6
" 378
105
" 442
" 394
•' 34S
42
142
557
569
•• 42
52
" 377
343
."49
252
253
127
" 490
342
" 425
144
" 267
" 393
" 527
150
" 322
265
" 284
" 383
•' 303
" 467
260
" 380
" 479
" 567
230
395
" 109
Frevert, F. W.
Funk, Mrs. A. L.
Fulton, Dr. A. J.
Funston, Frederick
Funston, E. H.
Fnrneaux, W. J.
Gants, Jno. H.
Gard, G. R.
Gard, S. A.
Gardner, J. H.
Gay, Ephraim
Gay, Frank
Garrett, h- A.
Gilbert, Eli
Gilbert, E. G.
Givler, Henry
Goodner, Jacob
Goodwin, Jno. R.
Gordon, Jno. C.
Goyette, Frank
Grim, Jno.
Gwillim, Jno.
Gwillim, Wm.
Hackney & Son
Hall, C. W.
Hall, W. T.
Hamra, J. W.
Hankins, Nimrod
Harris, Geo.
Harris, T. B.
Hartman, W. M.
Hayes, J. P.
Havs,Jno. B.
Heck, Mis. E.
Heim, Conrad
Helle,C. F.
Henderson, H. L.
Hess, G. W.
Hildebrant, G. D.
Hite, Edward
Hobart, Harmon
Hogan, Thos.
Hokanson, Peter
Holmes, N. T.
Holtz, J. C.
Horton, F. J.
BIOGRAPHIES
PAGE 4S5
Horville, Daniel page
222
Lacey, M. L.
" 523
Hosley,J. L.
204
Lacev, E. D.
479
Hottenstein, J. 0.
4 "3
Ladd, Jacob H.
'• 346
Houser, Chas.
554
Ladd, L. 0.
514
Huck, W. J.
1S9
Lambeth, Dr. G. B.
■' 362
Huff, lycwis, Jr.
48
Larimer. W. T.
559
Huffniire, W. W.
24 8
Laury, Jno. W.
510
Hunter, Orlniuler
316
Lehman, Jno. S.
305
Leitzbach, E. H.
260
Ihrig, W. J.
160
Lent, Robin.son
" 429
Ingels, Marion
148
Lienrance, Hiram
261
Innian, A. D.
556
Ling, W. H.
" 513
Ireland, Jno. E.
231
Linquist, P. M.
331
Irwin, S. M.
551
List, G. H.
" 222
Isaac, A. B.
364
Littlejohn, Dr. Wm
352
Lockhart, J. W.
124
Jackson, Frank
179
Longstreth, B. A.
" 472
Jacobson, P. C.
521
Japhet, C. A.
337
Mabie, Mrs. C. M.
117
Jav, Elisha "
■85
Manbeck, Jno.
215
Jewell, Dr. J. E.
210
Mapes, G. G.
•■ 481
Jewell, W. D.
147
Martin, Dr. C. S.
219
Jones, W. N.
170
Mattock, W. M.
299
Jones, Mrs. Jennie
125
Mattoon, J. M.
" 432
Jones, J. E.
2S0
McCarlev, Jav
" 470
Jordan, A. W.
366
McClung, A. J.
410
McDonald, J. M.
161
Keith, C. B.
51
McDonald, W. G.
" 196
Keith, C. P.
549
McDowell, W. H .
2S8
Kellam, Dr. S. H.
■;43
McElroy, W. T.
116
Kellev, I. D.
302
McGrew, W. P.
iiS
Kelley, W. B.
351
McKauglian, James
" 441
Kennedy, Wm
344
McKinley, Geo.
" 35S
Kenyon,J. G.
174
McLaughlin, Geo
47
Keplinger, L. W.
496
McNiel, C. W.
195
Kern, M. F.
477
Mendenhaft, L- D.
249
Kerr, W. A.
135
Meichant, Wm
" 165
Kerr, Obed
240
Meredith, Geo.
140
Kettle, Fred
220
Merrill, G. L.
102
Keyser, Benj,
405
Miller, H. M.
ro2
Kinne, L. B.
228
Mills, C. K.
" 568
Kitzmiller, T. I.
508
Miner, E. P.
" 287
Klotzbach, Simon
512
Mitchell, Miss C.
51
Knight, R. H.
457
Moffitt, W. W.
" 336
Knowlton, C. L.
107
Moon, Geo. W.
166
Knox, S. M.
437
Mooney, F. C.
251
Kohler, A. C.
416
Mull, C. G.
" 517
Kuder, J. H.
372
Myers, H.A.
BIOGRAPHIES
353
Nash, D. T. page
422
Robinson, Gay lord
273
Nelson, Robert
208
Rogers, H. C.
278
Nelson, G. M.
141
Rogers, S. G.
172
Nelson, Chas.
143
Roll, J. W.
272
Nigh, Frank
285
Rose, J. P.
151
Northrup, Lewis L.
398
Root, Franklin
137
Noithrup, Levi L.
542
Root, W. H.
415
Northrup, D. P.
411
Ruble, S. P.
213
Norton, J. C.
181
Rumbel W. J.
365
Nyman, Jno. O.
446
Rundquist, J. .\
46o
Nyraan, C. W.
462
Runyan, J. H.
455
O'Brien. Isaac N.
154
Sapp, J. N.
187
O'Brien, Joel M.
303
Savage, Jno. W.
241
Ohlfest, Carl
558
Scantlin, J. A.
319
Ohlfest. Jno. N.
420
Schlimmer, Jno.
225
Olmstead, Harvey
52
Scott. A. C.
555
Otten, Chas.
577
Scott, C. F.
257
Overholt, Wm
435
Scott, D. H.
546
Scott, Harmon
142
Palmer, L. F.
49'
Scott, Jno. W.
356
Parsons, L.
5 i8
See, R. W.
ri6
Patterson, L E.
263
Shannon, T. B.
100
Pearson, L. B.
3 28
Shelby, Jno.
307
Peerv.Jas.
314
Shellman, Mrs. C H
506
Pees, J. B.
189
Shivelv, N. J.
333
Pickell, W. J.
286
Sickly", U. P.
369
Pinkston, L.
50
Simpson, C. M.
43
Porter, J. Q. A.
3S9
Simpson, Jas.
239
Powell, J. E.
49
Slavens, W. H.
337
Price, E. C.
3'H
Sleeth, .Adiison
450
Price, W. J.
252
Sloan, W. E.
476
Raish.Jno.
296
Smith, B. S.
I 28
Randolph, L F.
250
Smith, C. W.
465
Rannells, Dr. C. S.
500
Smith, David
in
Remsberg, E. C.
46
Smith. G. P.
392
Reno, J. T.
212
Smith, H. B.
361
Reynolds, Carl A.
363
Smith, Jno. H.
289
Rice.C. L.
369
Smith, 0. H.
357
Rice, H. F.
273
Smith, W. R.
266
Richards, Dr. F.
572
.Sneeringer, V. A.
50
Richards, J. H.
. 547
Snively, E.
406
Richards, W. H.
325
Spicer, J. H
375
Richardson, H. A.
339
Stewart, C. A.
402
Richeson.Jno A.
296
Stewart, O. H.
413
Ritter Bros.
532
Stewart, S. J.
447
Roberts, T. W.
488
Stillvvell, Leander
523
Robinson, David
150
Stotler, Perry
BIOGRAPHIES
PAGE 145
242
" 578^'
" 163
" 455
52
434
, " 417
499
" 522
119
" 187
173
" 518
" 475
41
" 243
" 574
" 315
" 183
114
243
" 120
216
298
" 254
Stout, W. T.
Stover, L. P.
Strickler, J. C.
Strong, J. C.
Swanson, Jno.
Talcott, H. W.
Tanner, F. P.
Taylor, A. L.
Taylor, Jas.
Thomas, H. E.
Thomas, L. C.
Thompson, C. C.
Thompson, Newton
Thompson, R. L.
Thuney, Joseph
Thurston, Orlin
Tobey, E. H.
Townsend, Jas.
Tredway, J. T.
Trego, E. W.
Turner, J. S.
Turner, Wra
Vannuys, J. H.
Varner, S. C.
Wallace, J. M.
Wallis, B. L.
293
308
233
309
548
125
44
256
221
396
206
403
197
458
478
484
317
471
162
349
134
155
464
345
193
Ward Richard
Wedin, A.
Weith S. H.
Wert, E. N.
Whitaker, C. L.
White. R. F.
Whilnev H. C.
Wilhite, S. B.
Willett, E. N.
Williams, H. W.
Williamson. J. M.
Wilson, Fiances
Wilson Jas.
Wilson J. S.
Wisborg, A. P.
Wishard, L. H.
Wood A. M.
Wood Jno. T.
Woodin J. C.
Works, R. M.
Wright A. E.
Wright A. M.
Youug G. H.
Young J. M.
Young W. F.
Zimmerman, Robt.
PAGE 579
589
626
582
618
610
594
599
586
608
685
587
PART II
WOODSON COUNTY, KANSAS
Woodson County
Bench and Bar
Biographies
Early Settlers
Medical Profession
Neosho Falls
Public Schools
Politics and Election Returns
Railroads, Towns, etc.
Toronto
Woodson County in War
Woodson County Newspapers
HIOGRAPHIES
PAGE 753
Agnew, W. J.
' 836
Agnew, W. F.
' 788
Allen, J. J.
' 825
Armstrong, John
' 828
Arnold, F. L.
' 709
Askren, David
' 800
Augustine, 0. P.
' 635
Baker, B. P.
' 647
Bauersfeld, C. H.
• 645
Bayer, F. H.
' 756
Bayer, J. H.
' 750
Bayer, J. F.
' 724
Bayless. J. F.
' 871
Beam, A. J.
' 775
Bennett, D. C.
' 676
Berndsen, F. H.
' 730
Blume, Protas
' 832
Boatman, W. B.
' 662
Bradford, H. E.
' 869
Brenner, A. F.
• 719
Buck, N. B.
' 773
Butler, F. W.
' 873
Campbell, G. W.
• 706
Camac, Isaac J.
' 799
Carpenter, G. D.
' 637
Coe, Albert
' 829
Coe, A. D.
' 695
Conger, F. H.
' 641
Cope, S. J.
' 630
Cox, Geo. W.
' 700
Culver, J. C.
' 777
Darst, A. F.
' 677
Davis, T. T.
' 810
Davidson, T. H.
' 748
Dickerson, W. P.
' 807
Diver, C. F.
' 764
Dumond, F. J.
' 785
Dumond, Fred A
' 640
Dutro, James
' 727
Eagle, J. Worth
' 783
Eagle, Stanford
' 699
Easley, Oliver
' 752
Eisenbart, John
' 744
Elliott, John
' 692
Ferree, W. H.
GK 737
Frame, Madison
' 838
Frevert, Frederick
• 809
Foote, Geo. K.
' 817
Fry, Jacob
' 888
Fry, J. H.
' 705
Fnhlhage, Hermann
' 661
Gailey, David
' 77>
Guodale, C. B.
' 681
Grogman, Geo.
' 6S3
Grubbs, Edward
• 863
Hale, J. A.
' 713
Hamilton, Alexander
' 745
Hamilton, J. O.
' 670
Harder, C. F.
" 725
Harding, John
" 856
Hartwig, Fred
" 729
Hartwig, William
" 792
Ha^'s, Frank
" 712
Heffern, Michael
•' 870
Henry, D. H.
" 892
Herdman, T. H.
" 697
Hill, George
" 721
Hogueland, S. H.
" 732
Hogueland, W. E.
" 843
Holconib, S. C.
" 852
Huff, A.J.
" 784
Huff, Jefferson
" 755
Hunt, M. E.
" 702
Hurt, H. C.
■ • 743
Hurt, R. A.
' 666
Inge, D. R.
" 827
Jackson. Joseph B.
" 722
Jeffries, Hiram
" 658
Jones, Reuben
" 857
Jones, Albert J.
" 793
Kahl, Samuel
" 758
Keck, A. A.
' 863
Keck, S. Grant
" 684
Kees, Wm.
" 844
Keller. Adam
" 849
Kelley, J. P.
" 673
Kimbell, R.
' 718
Kinyon, W. P.
' 740
Kinyon, C. M.
' 744
Kingan, John
BIOGRAPHIKS
PAGK 874
820
876
786
S54
S59
629
642
84.S
878
727
694
880
814
S93
884
70^,
683
770
826
626
804
634
797
671
680
631
796
711
767
656
81S
653
801
853
687
696
835
658
648
716
659
Klick, Lewis
Khickhuhn, Freft'k
Lamb, Hon. G. H.
Lanktim, C W.
Landes. C. H.
Laude, G. A.
Lauher, August
Lee, Dr. G. W.
Leedv, R. B.
Lewis, J. W.
Liuder, E
Light, John
Lockard, Wm.
Lytle, Win.
Lynn, G. H.
Mann, A. B.
Macoubrie, M. S.
Maclnskev, J. VV.
Markliain, A. \V.
Marple, W. F.
Martin, J. L.
Mason, J. W.
Maxson, Dr. D. W.
Massoth, Henrv
McGiU, C. F.
McGill, G. W.
McCorniick, H
Mentzer, Geo.
Mentzer, C. O.
Miller, A. B.
Mitchell, T. A.
Mitchell. W. J.
Moerer, George
Morse, Ensign
Navlor, E. W.
Naylor, G. W.
Naylor, Silas L.
Neimann, L. C.
Noteman, G. H.
O'Gilvie, William
Old, H. E.
Parrish, Malen
Paris, S. G.
Parsons, W. L.
IL
S06
8.30
794
840
802
7^7
683
833
760
638
790
650
745
68q
805
SSn
685
690
627
708
7. SO
821
701
776
86 s
643
632
8S7
674
851
S15
655
781
649
691
669
837
798
780
664
860
862
841
779
889
886
Parks, Joseph
Park, James M.
Patterson, S. L.
Patterson, W. M.
Pemberton, L P.
Peters, Clans
Phillips, David
Pitntan, Benj.
Plummer, T \V.
Porter, S. E.
Pringle, John
Pribbernow, C. F.
Puckett, J. J.
Purcell, J. M.
Quick, John W.
Rny, D. M.
Rcedv, Michael
Reedv, William
Reid. Tho^ L.
Rhodes, P. M.
Robbins. Levi
Rogers, G. W.
Rollins, H. C.
Ross, J. A.
S:iferite, C. S.
Seaton, John A.
Schaede, Fred'k
Schlichting, Henry
vSchnell, Albert
Shaw, S. R.
Shannon, J. N.
Siienck. John
Shotts, D. T.
Sicka, Wenzel
Slack, T. M.
Smith, Peter
Smith, Levi
Spencer, F. H.
Strange, William
Strange, Christian
Stephenson, G. R.
Sticher, J. H.
Stines, W. B.
Stockebrand, E.
Stockebrand, Wm.
Stout, J. N.
BIOGR,\PHtKS
633
875
834
762
768
765
822
668
651
665
741
735
StoU, George
Suppe, R. C.
Summers, I. T.
Surprise, Harvey
Taylor, W. P.
Thompson, E. T.
Toedman, Adolph
Trout, G. W.
Trueblood, H. S.
Walters, John H.
Wamsley, Thos.
Weide, C. H.
«>5
766
846
823
866
882
646
675
678
791
Wei.ie, W. M.
VVille. W. C.
Wilkinson, Willia
Winter, H. H.
Woodruff, C. A.
Woodward, O. S.
Wright, S. H.
Wright, F. H.
Wright, L. W,
Wright, Amos
733 Yates, Abner
891 Young, C. B.
9912
I
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