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A TWENTIETH CENTURY
History and Biographical
Record
OF
CRAWFORD COUNTY, KANSAS.
BY HOME AUTHORS.
ILLUSTRATED.
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
CHICAGO NEW YORK
lOOo
N D EI X
114220?
Adams. Robert, 55.
Adamson, Ireneus J.. S98.
Adamson, Lawrence P., 152-383.
Addington, I. It.. 147.
Adsit, Hiram F. 526;
Alik-n. Jonathan P., 566.
Alexander, J. '!"., 151.
Alford, J. W., 144.
Allen. S. 11., [86.
Allison, John W., 466
. . Anderson. William 11, 490.
Arnold, E. \\\. 178.
Ash. W. B„ 159.
Atkinson, Frank F., 592.
Bacon, 11. ML, 154.
Bailey, A. C, 144.
Baker, Dr.. 142.
Ball, J. R-, 146.
Barber, W. 11., 141.
Barker, Isaac, 146.
Barnard, Thomas. 613.
Bauserman, Dr., 142.
â– Baxter. Abram, 440.
Baxter, Leonard C. 045.
Bayless, Jonathan, 361.
Beck, William C, 545.
Beeler, Jesse, 55X
Beezley, William, 442.
Bell, Charles D.. 405.
Bevins, Joseph E., 381.
Blair, \lonzo O., 156-282.
Blair, G. A., 152.
Boas, M. L., 148.
Boaz, Oliver T„ 167.
Boaz, Volney T., 152.
Bogle, H. H„ 156.
Bogle. Zenas INI., 406.
Boor, E. M., 2S8.
Boring, Rnfns, 60.
Boudinot, O. O., 181.
Bi yd, Dr. 144
Boyer, S. I!. 144.
Braden, William H., 297.
Bragg, E. S . 1 58
Branson, Russel W., 308.
Brazil. Edward J. 307.
Brook, A. C, 609.
Brown, 15. X.. 486
Brown, Chad, 61.
Brown. C. C, 556.
Brown, George W., 84-280.
Brown, I. K., 60.
Brown, Jacob, 528,
i.V-
Caffey, Hugh
Calhoun, C. F., 419.
Campbell, John J.. 169-266.
Campbell, P. P., 168-267.
Canfield, Corresta T., 157.
Carey, James, 275.
Carlton, J. A.. 352.
Carlton, R. E., 92.
Carpenter, Jesse R.. 92-369.
Cavanangh, J. J., 150.
Cave, T. R.. 159.
Chadsey, Asaph X., 447
Chandler, George. 184.
Chapman, Charles S. 46S
Clark, A. R„ 156.
I !1< in. 11 5, Ira. 371.
Cliggitt, Morris, SG-169-204.
Cockerill, Carl C, 350.
Cogswell, Thomas W., 170-.
Cole. G, ! â– . 1 !
Cole. Gideon I'. 56 |ni
Condiff. James S., 576.
Connell, J. R.. 146.
Coonrod, John II.. 417.
Coonrod, John. St., 58.
Coonrod. William !'.. 59.
Coonrod, Woolery, St., 58.
%
INDEX
Cory, A. J., 3/9-
Vlonzo L., 404.
Coryell M., 150.
Coughenour, Norman, 506.
Cowan, 11. K.. 154.
Crawford. L. P.. 142.
Crawford, W. B.. 91.
Ci iu -. John, 234.
Crowell, I homas J., 32J.
Curran, Andrew J., 171.
Curran, John, 171-223.
C urry, Fli yd W., 445.
Curry. 1. A., 605.
Cushenberry, Dr., 84.
Mali, in, Riley, 56.
Daniels, Percy, 06-479.
Davis, John, 327.
Davis, John \\\, 337.
Davis, E. P., 145.
deNeidman, Vladimir F., 1.
1 >er'ry, John R.. 614.
Dickinson, Amelia A.. 158.
Dietrich. A . 157.
Doan, A. \\\, 141.
Di an. 1 \\\, 153.
Dodds, A. J., 151.
I ).iN. hi, Edgar S. 343
1.1 R . 219.
Dorsey, J. M. 14').
Fred W., 515.
Dumbauld, F. II.. 04.
Eastwood, J. G.. 94.
Eddy, William L., 600.
Elliott, Jonas, 59.
Embree, William T., 639.
Emery, Silas W'.. 451.
Ennis, J. M.. 1 17.
fai M., 587.
Falwell, Walter, 6n
\, 155.
W. S. 150.
Fletchei
1 '>' â– 1 -45-
Fowler, James T., 452.
Franklin. 55.
Frazier, E. A., 88.
Freed, Enoch, 277.
French, C. O., 185.
Fuller, Arthur, 173.
Fuller, B. A.. 14S.
Gaitskill, Bennette S., S7-171
Gallagher, Pierce. 140.
Gardner, James B., 151-377.
Gaskell, Frederick A . 420
Gaylord, Nelson F., 209.
Georgia, A. J., 334.
Cutter. Arthur R., 325.
Gibb, Robert D.. 157.
Gilbert. George C, 149.
Gilham. Allen J., 555.
Gill, H. Z., 149.
Gilman, Mary A., 158.
Gooding, William R., 539.
Gorrell, Ralph P., 368.'
Gould, John H., 205.
Gracey, Christopher C, 251.
Grandle, Harvey M., 400.
Graves. Asbury C, 158-372.
Greenwood, Miles W., 358.
Gregg, W. E., 127.
J., 178.
Griffin. W". 2.1. , 144.
Gunn, Benjamin J., 290.
Harmon, J. E., 449.
Harvey, A., 149.
Hatch, Levi, 56.
Hathaway. Philip W'.. 646.
Hayden, Albert N., 559.
Hayes. R. D.. 150.
Hazelwood, B. J.. 1 \<\
Henney, Fred K., 308.
Herlocker, L. D., 92.
Hess, John II., 397.
Hess, Lewis, 253.
Hewett, James M., 341.
Hiett, Jesse C. j>j.
Hillis, E. E., 148.
I... 145.
Hodgi . John N., 634.
Holeman, W. M, 408.
1 lolman, J. '1 . 1 mj.
INDEX
Holzer, Henry, 312.
Hopkins, Isaac A., 221.
Hornady, Christopher, 432.
Hornady, Harry E., 233.
Howard, George E., 595.
Howe, Thomas W-, 509.
Hoyt, Ebenezer B., 227.
Hunter, Charles, 156.
Huntoon, A. T., i>44.
Iliff, D. A., 151.
Ingels, Alice, 152.
James, Samuel, 387.
Janney. Stephen, 533.
Jennis, A. C, 148.
Jewell, Franklin A., 655.
Jewell, Lewis R., 656.
Johnson, M. E., 155.
Jones, Frank A., 409.
Jones, James, 428.
Jones, Thomas F., 48S.
Jones, Thomas R., 356.
Judd, U. S., 498.
Kallenbach, L. M., 281.
Kalm, Henry, 623.
Karns, II. H, 597.
Karr, T. J., 173.
Kays, M. G., 551.
Keeler, F. L., 151-304.
Kelly, M. C, 91.
Kirkpatrick. John L.. 180.
Kirkwood, Archibald B., 392
Knott, John R., 328.
Kumm, Louis, 435.
Kumm, R. V., 435.
Kyger, M. F„ 153.
Lanyon, Alvin H.. 214.
Lanyon, Arthur K., 228.
Lanyon, Edwin V., 244.
Lanyon. S. II., 198.
Lanyon, William, Jr., 256.
Lashley, L. H., 207.
Laughlin, Frank, 243.
Lawler, J. N., 640.
Lawler, William, 95.
Leonard, J. T.. 121.
Lewis. O. F., 153.
Lindburg, John R., 126-268.
Louthan, J. T., 39S.
Lowe, D. P., 183.
Lucas, Albert G, 627
Lucas, George W. H., 642.
Lynar, A. C, 154.
Mahr, James M., 153.
Mahr, J. 11,. 85.
Martin, John W., 401.
Mason, E. M., 173.
Mason, George C, 607.
Matin, Lewis, 292.
McCall, Peter, 615.
McLaren, Robert W., 157-351.
McWilliams, T. S.. 504.
Merriweather. William, 92.
Meyer, A. F., 150.
Michael, John W., 330.
Miller, T. D., 148.
Moberg, Arthur, 156.
Mock, William, 494.
Moffatt, George S., 517.
Montee, James W., 299.
Montee, Samuel T., 299.
Moore. H. D.. 141.
Moore, Raymond W., 150-342.
Morgan, T. W.. 537.
Morris, Charles F., 279.
Morris, D. K. 347.
Morris, W. 1 1., 175.
Mort, John, 320.
Mosteller, G. S„ 142.
Mttnson, D. O., 158.
Nevius, Edward S., 454.
Newton, L. A., 151.
Norton, Charles L., 589.
Norton. G. P.. 410.
Nuttman, J. A.. 319.
O'Brien, J. J.. 512.
Ohlwein, E. C. 145-
Ott, Charles \V„ 457.
Pahnore, Robert P., 314.
Parker, C. C. 147.
Pasley, J. C. 145.
VI
INDEX
Patmor, James, 126-21 1.
Pattern, James S., 477.
Pearson, 56.
Perkins, Bishop W.. 184.
Perry. E. A., 176.
Pettibone, Sanford, 1S2.
Petitt, Dr.. 145.
Phillips. L. H., 88-178.
Pierce, Henry B., 345.
Pohek, G. Ivan, 159-326.
Porter, Ebenezer F.. 580.
Porter. F. A., 156.
Porter, J. W., 157-500.
Porter, L. G, 591.
Preston, R. W., 315.
Price, Clarence N., 535.
Price. John F.. 608.
Pritchard, W. W., 144.
Purdum, Meshack, 518.
Radley, Henry H., 224.
Ragsdale, James A., 153.
Rakestraw, Henry E., 146.
Randolph, John, 89.
Raymond, John E., 122.
Redlon, B. C, 57.
Rees, O. A., 249.
Rice, Charles R., 300.
Ringo, William L., 263.
Robinson, George A., 367.
Robinson, George W., 568.
Robson, Albert (.".., 624.
Ross, Robert M., 47.1
Russell, Charles F., 553.
Ryan, William H., 88-179-390.
Sanderson, P.. D., 95.
S. Mhl. 1 -nil. I. E., I56.
Sandidge, J. G, 154-389.
Schaeffer, Oscar W., 120-414.
Schirk, Louis F.. 521.
Schock, David F., 181.
Scholl, G. W., 142.
Schulz, Philip F.. 339.
Schwab, John, 562.
Schwab, Lewis S.. 522.
Si ott, Granville S., 254
Scott, M K. 151.
Scott, Thomas L., 437.
Shafer, Thomas, 239.
Sharp, Arthur, 93.
Sharp, Ethel H., 158.
Sheffield, Joseph D., 265.
Shideler, Harry \\\. 464.
Shipman, Isaac M., 34S.
Simons, Walter L.. 186.
Slawson, Chas., 91.
Slawson, Marion G., 578.
Sloan, E. O., 155-462.
Sloan, Julius R., 145.
Smith. A. H., 143.
Smith. Arthur M., 150-376.
Smith, C. A., 159.
Smith, E. L., 512.
Smith, F. R., 386.
Smith, James A., 177-619.
Smith, James B., 241.
Smith. John F., 360.
Smith, S. D., 459.
Snow, Sabina, 471.
Stafford, R. B., 159.
Stitler, William. 55.
Stoops, R. M., 143.
Strode, Lindley E., 152.
Strong, C H., 83-422.
Stuessi, George 11.. 179.
Summers. J. M., 146.
Swart. W. S.. 152.
Taylor, Charles E., 145.
Taylor, J. A.. 175.
Tharp, John, 513.
Thonhoff, John, 317.
Thurston, L. 11., 416.
Tibbey, 'I' G. 150.
Tinder, Charles R„ 151-470.
I raylor, J. I'... 145.
Treadwell, Jumes U . 252.
I urkington, \\ . E . \<«\
rumer, A B., [43
Urton, Thomas II. 575
Valentine, Daniel M., 187.
Van Gundy, Ed, go.
\ ! . Jar.. F. M., 302.
Viets, John, 402.
INDEX
Vincent, David A . 287.
Vincent, Mica G., 602.
Voss, Martin V., 183.
Walsh. J. E., 560.
Warner, W. II.. 81-143.
Wasser, E. A.. 82.
Watkins, W. W., 148.
Watson, Alexander M., 569.
Watson. William J., 1S0-57.
Wayde, John M., 179-2S6.
Webb, H. G . 1N4.
Webb, W. C, 183.
Weibley, 1. G. 146.
Welch, W E., 155.
Wells, T. W . 84.
West, J. S., 185.
Wheeler. Frederick B.. 173.
Whinster, William G. 159.
Whitehead, D. M., 293.
Widby, Thomas J.. 172.
Wilder. Dwight, 95.
William-, ( ',. W., 155.
Williams. Levi M., 531.
Williams, William. 155-305.
Williard, Henry C. 627
Wilson, Allen, 146.
Wilson, 15. 1\, 147.
\\ ilson, Henry, 2^7.
\\ il-i'ii, James. 439.
Wilson, Laura A. 175.
Wilson, L. S.. 154.
Winchell, Admiral N„ 507.
Wood, Xeal E., 540.
Woodbury, Clifford E., 632.
Woodbury, J. II.. 485.
Woolley, D. H., 176.
Worden, Arling M., 530.
Yingling, Dr., 142.
HISTORY OF
CRAWFORD COUNTY
CHAPTER I.
GENERAL HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.
By A. J. Georgia.
Location and Organization.
Crawford county, Kansas, is located near the southeast corner of
the state, and comprises a part of that great empire known as the Louis-
iana Purchase. At the first division of the state into counties the territory
that now comprises the counties of Cherokee, Crawford and a part of
Bourbon, was all one county, and named McGhee.
On the 1 8th of February,, i860, the name was changed to Cherokee,
and remained thus until February 13. 1867, when, by act of the legisla-
ture, the territory comprising Cherokee county was divided, giving a
strip six miles wide off the north end to Bourbon, and constituting Craw-
ford and Cherokee counties from the remainder of the territory.
Thus on the 13th day of February, 1867, Crawford county was bom.
The boundaries, as defined by the act of the legislature, being in the fol-
lowing language: "Commencing at the southeast corner of Bourbon.
thence run south on the east line of the state of Kansas, to the southeast
2 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
corner of section 13. township 31, range 25: thence west to the east line
of Neosho county, as defined by an act approved February 26, 1866;
thence north to the southwest corner of Bourbon county : thence east to
the place of beginning;" — being twenty-three miles from north to south,
and twenty-six miles from east to west, and containing 592 square miles;
the county being named in honor of Samuel J. Crawford, then governor
of Kansas.
By the act creating Crawford county the governor was empowered
to appoint special commissioners to organize the county. Accordingly
the following named persons were appointed : J. W. Wallace, Lafavette
Manlove and Henry Schoen; and F. M. Logen was appointed county
clerk, who, not being present, was superseded by Lafayette Manlove.
These persons met at the cabin of William Campbell, on Lightning creek,
near Crawfordsville, on the 16th day of March, 1S67. J. W. Wallace
was chosen chairman, and the first order of business was dividing the
county into townships, precincts and commissioners' districts.
At this meeting the county clerk was authorized to give thirty days'
notice of an election: which was held on the 15th day of April. 1867, at
which time township and county officers were elected. For the county : — â–
James Wamsley, probate judge : Lafayette Manlove. county clerk ; Samuel
T. Langdon, county treasurer; W. H. Ryan, sheriff. The following
named persons were elected justices of the peace: W. A. Martin. A. J.
Georgia. D. W. Crouse, Joseph Carson. J. D. Johnson, William Gass,
E. P. Wiley, Jespy Everetts.
Cherokee Neutral Lands.
This entire territory — comprising Cherokee. Crawford and a part
of Bourbon counties, six hundred thousand acres in all — was known
as the Cherokee Neutral Lands. The name was given to this tract from
the fact that the lands belonged to the Cherokee nation of Indians, but
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 3
was not occupied by them. At the time the treaty was made with the
Cherokees, by which they gave up their lands in the state of Georgia
(1828) and occupied lands, in lieu thereof, in the Indian Territory, the
Cherokees claimed a half million dollars as an additional compensation
for their improvements. They had good farms, with buildings and
orchards, near Savannah. Georgia, and for these valuable improvements
they demanded pay. This the United States agreed to give, either in
lands or money. Thus the territory was set off. but not occupied by the
Indians, as they preferred the cash. And thus it became known as the
Cherokee Neutral Lands.
As early as 1850 a few families settled on these lands, and from
time to time others were added to them, until in i860 many families were
scattered over the territory. Then the Cherokees thought they saw an
1 ippi irtunity to get the money which had been promised them by the United
States government. Accordingly they sent a deputation of their wisest
chiefs to interview the Great Father at Washington and demand the
money, in as much as the white men had taken their lands. But the
Great Father, James Buchanan. President of the United States, f< lund the
treasury empty, and promised to see that the lands should be vacated.
Accordingly, in the fall of i860, two companies of United States soldiers
arrived at the south 'line of the Neutral Lands and, proceeding northward,
drove the settlers before them, burning their stacks of bay and grain,
their cabins and fences. By the time the dispossessed people arrived at
a creek named Drywood. near the north line of the Neutral Lands, they
constituted a cavalcade of several hundred persons, men, women and chil-
dren, with their flocks and herds and all their effects. Here a halt was
called, and a pow-wow held, at which it was determined that as winter
was approaching and further removal would cause much suffering, and
in consideration of the fact that they were so near the north end of the
4 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
lands, perhaps the Indians and the United States would both be satisfied
to let the people remain where they were until a messenger could be dis-
patched to Washington to receive further instructions. But in those days
travel was slow. The messenger made his way to Kansas City, by private
and public conveyance, and from there proceeded to Washington as best
he could. But winter, with its cold and its inconveniences, was at hand,
and the President was worrying over matters of greater import. Bodies
of armed citizens, in the south, were seizing the arsenals and forts belong-
ing to the United States, and a general condition of strife and discord
was alive in the land; so that the messenger had to wait until nearly
spring for his instructions, and by the time he arrived with his message
war was on and the Cherokee Neutral Lands were abandoned, except
a strip along the north end. Here some families continued to live until
after the close of the war; when a treaty was entered into (July, 1866)
by which the lands were to be sold at not less than one dollar per acre,
and the money paid to the Cherokee nation of Indians.
At the Close of the Civil War.
The close of the war found a large number of men who had respond-
ed to the country's call, out of a home and out of a job. While they had
been serving the United States as soldiers others had taken their places
in business, and immediately after the close of the rebellion thousands
in the middle west began to consider the question of how and where to
make a home.
Kansas was an inviting field, and many turned their faces thither-
ward. The war closed in May, icSo;. and by the last of July nearly all
the soldiers had returned home, and in September of said year settlers
began to arrive on the Cherokee Neutral Lands. They came mostly in
farm wagons, with white ducking for a cover, and in many instances the
ns were drawn by oxen. Many of these families consisted only of
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 5
two persons — a young man and a young wife; while other families were
made up of father, mother and several children, all journeying to the
land of promise. They came with their sheep and cattle, their pigs and
chickens, and whatever household effects they were able to transport.
Pioneer Conditions and Methods of hiving.
Thus by the close of the year 1865 quite a number of families had,
selected claims, built themselves cabins, and were prepared, when spring
should come, to open farms. Many of them had but little money, and
everything they ale had to be hauled by wagon from Missouri. But the
war had so devastated her western border that Missouri had nothing to
sell until a point was reached very many miles in the interior. Then, there
were no bridges or ferries, and if the streams were up many days of wait-
ing was the lot of the family at home, before father or brother returned
with his load of provisions, which generally consisted of corn meal, pur-
chased a hundred miles away, at a cost of one dollar per bushel, and a
few pounds of bacon at thirty cents per pound. Xot much of the latter
was required, as the expense was greater than the purse would justify.
Corn bread and sorghum molasses was the principal diet ami served the
purpose of keeping the wolf from the door of the pioneer's cabin. So
it was that no one really suffered from hunger, although many times the
families were on short rations.
One particular phase of the early settlement of Crawford count}' was
the willingness of the people to lend. There were many instances when
the head of the family had been detained by high water, sickness or other
causes, while on a trip in search of food, and the family looking hourly for
his return had borrowed from neighbors until not more than a peck of
meal was left in the cabins of this immediate community. And it often
occurred that on a settler's return with a wagonload of provisions the
neighbors would flock about his wagon, and in a few hours nearly the
6 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
whole load had been loaned. Perhaps in a day or two, other loads of pro-
visions would arrive, when the owner would pay back what he had pre-
viously borrowed. And thus the winter of 1866-7 passed, and only
remains a memory to those who faced the difficulties and privations of
the pioneer. The men and women who settled Crawford county were not
made of the stuff that shrinks at hardships. They had migrated to
Kansas to help build a great state, and no amount of privation could
dampen their ardor. In their vocabulary there was no such word as fail.
Crawford county consisting largely of prairie with small bodies of
timber along the streams, the early settlers selected their claims with a
view to getting some of the timber. But the lands were unsurveyed, and
claim lines were made to extend across the streams, so that a claim was
one-half mile wide up and down the stream and extended in length half
way to the next stream, on either side. During the winter of 1866-7 tne
lands were surveyed, and the pioneers were compelled to make their claim
lines conform to the United States survey, which had the effect of stimu-
lating the industry of railmaking, as each one desired to secure as much
of the timber as possible.
All the buildings were of logs, and generally consisted of one room,
which served the purpose of kitchen, dining room, parlor and bedroom.
Some of these cabins were not more than ten by twelve feet, while others,
of more aristocratic pretensions, were sixteen by eighteen feet, and some
even boasted a loft, under the roof, where the entire family slept. Fire-
places served for stoves, and notwithstanding adverse conditions many
happy evenings were passed around a blazing fire, while wind and wolves
howled without. If the pioneer had been so successful in his affairs as to
become the owner of a pig and three or four chickens, a place was pro-
vided for them in a corner of the cabin, lest they should become a dainty
supper for wolves or other wild animals that roamed the prairie after
dark.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 7
Game.
Game was plentiful in those days, and deer, wild turkeys and prairie
chickens furnished a fair supply of meat. Of wolves there was a super-
abundance. They often could he seen in droves, of six to ten. and when
the sun had disappeared behind the western prairies and darkness began
to settle down upon the earth, they came boldly up to the cabin of the
settler and howled and howled.
But the howling of wolves, the screaming of wild cats and the
screeching of owls, while they produced an unpleasant effect on persons
of nervous temperament, yet it all served as a change to drive dull care
away. Xo piano nor organs furnished music to the family, but the wild
animals did their part. It is true that it was not always as melodious as
could be desired, but it was better than mine.
Sickness and Primitive Medical Treatment.
With the approach of the winter 1866 and 1867, very many of the
settlers found that malarial troubles had arrived. Chills and fever, or
ague as it was called, became very prevalent. In fact, but few homes in
Crawford county escaped the scourge. It was not uncommon when call-
ing upon your neighbor to find the whole family sick and confined to bed;
not one able to wait on or care for the others.
To add to the peril of sickness, doctors were very scarce, and a long
distance apart, so that father or mother, or both, became the family phy-
sician; and when any of the family visited some far-away town for provi-
sions or other supplies, pills, quinine, leptandrum, cinchonia, calomel and
capsicum were generally included. And such d< ises as they dealt out ! No
wonder that such diseases are almost wholly unknown in Crawford county
now ; those doses were enough to scarce anything away.
First Civil Officers and Early Legal Procedure.
Soon after the election of April 15. 1867, Lafayette Manlove, the
8 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
newly chosen county clerk, saddled his horse and rode from township to
township, hunting for the township and county officers who were chosen
at said election, securing their bonds and inducting them into office.
The justices of the peace and constables were the only ones who
were likely to have official duties to perform. The road overseers had no
roads to work, as none had been laid out. They had no bridges to build,
for the public crossed the streams wherever it was convenient, and trav-
eled in any or all directions as best suited its purpose.
The duties of courts and their administrative officers were not very
arduous. Most of the justices of the peace had never seen a Kansas stat-
ute, and knew very little of the duties which the law imposed. Occasion-
ally disputes acrose which sometimes ended in assault, when it became
necessary to invoke the power of the law. Or a settler found some stray
animal with his herds, and it became necessary to advertise and post the
same and enter it on the book, or docket, of a justice of the peace. But
not many such occasions arose. Perhaps it would give the reader a
clearer understanding of the then existing state of things should the writer
relate one of two instances.
A. J. Georgia, who had emigrated with his family from the state of
Iowa, was one of the justices chosen at the election April 15, 1867. One
day in the early part of June, while busily engaged in the field attending
corn, he saw a man approaching from the south. The stranger was about
fifty years of age, of medium stature, and full rotund build. As he ap-
proached and before a word had been spoken by either party, it became
apparent to the justice that his visitor was a German and, from the black-
ened appearance of his eyes, had been in a fight. The man's name was
Osterman, and in broken English he related the story of his troubles.
He said he owned a claim about four miles south, and his neighbor, a man
by the name of Jerry Elexson. wanted to drive him away so he could get
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 9
the land : that he had refused to leave, and that Elexson had blackened
his two eyes with his fist, and he wished to take the law on Elexson. The
justice had no Kansas statutes, and knew nothing of the laws as laid
down therein. He had no blank forms, except such as were contained in
his head, and not a sheet of paper about the cabin. However, a flyleaf of a
school book was torn out ; the complaint written nut by the justice and
sworn to by Osterman : another blank leaf was converted into a warrant,
which was placed in the hands of a constable, who proceeded to arrest
Elexson. A jury found him guilty, and assessed a fine of five dollars,
which was paid over by the court to S. J. Langdon, county treasurer, and
was the only money received by him, as treasurer, during his term of
office.
At the election above mentioned W. A. Martin was chosen justice
of the peace, and T. Byron constable of Crawford township. As Martin
was the nearest justice to Girard he was most frequently called upon to
settle disputes among his neighbors. He was a man of good repute, and
would rather be the means of effecting a compromise between the litigants
than to try a case and get his fees. But sometimes he could not put off
the complainant, and then proceeded cautiously, for fear of going
wrong.
On one occasion J. Ury, who resided at Fort Scott, in Bourbon couu-
tv. had several colts that strayed away and came to the vicinity of Henry
Schoerfs farm, near Girard, and fed on the range with the latter'- stock.
As they were outside his enclosure Schoen paid little attention to them.
so they grazed in the vicinity all summer and the following winter. When
spring came and the fresh new grass made its appearance, they wandered
off and were not seen again in the neighborhood. Some time afterward.
Mr. Ury learned that a herd of horses had been grazing in the vicinity
of Mr. Schoen's farm, and started out to find his colts. Going to the farm
10 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
of Mr. Schoen and, upon inquiry, being told that a herd, bearing the de-
scription given by Mr. Ury, had been in the neighborhood the summer
and winter previous, lie concluded that something was wrong. He pro-
ceeded to swear out a warrant, and the constable, Mr. Byron, took Mr.
Schoen into custody. The case was brought before Esquire Martin.
Now it happened that John T. Voss, one of the ablest attorneys of
the county, was away in Neosho county, attending court : and as he
was the legal adviser of the defendant, the case was continued until Mr.
Voss could be brought. Accordingly, a messenger was dispatched to
bring Mr. Voss forthwith, the defendant choosing to remain in custody
rather than furnish bail. The next day about noon Mr. Voss arrived, and
the case was opened without further delay. As no testimony was pro-
duced showing that Mr. Schoen had the stock in his possession, the case
was promptly dismissed, and the defendant discharged, the costs being
assessed to the plaintiff.
But the end was not yet. Mr. Schoen had Esquire Martin and Con-
stable Byron arrested for false imprisonment. This case was tried in the
district court, before Judge D. P. Lowe, and a jury of twelve men, and a
verdict rendered of not guilty.
One other case deserves mention. A suit for killing a yoke of cattle,
and appropriating the beef to their own use, was begun against several
citizens of Lincoln township. The suit was brought in the justice court
.if Esquire A. M. Brown of Mulberry Grove. On the day of trial a
change of venue was asked and granted, the justice sending the case to
Esquire Georgia of Baker township. It seemed as if nearly all the people
of Lincoln township were interested in the case, for on the day of trial
they came in droves, many with covered wagons, while more than fifty
were on horseback. Thev camped about the log cabin of the squire, and
picketed their horses on several acres of unbroken prairie. Some brought
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 11
food for themselves and horses ; others, intending to return at night, came
without food.
But the case could not proceed for the want of important witnesses
who failed to appear, and the constable, a Air. Wilson, was sent hack with
subpoenas to bring the derelicts. Near midnight he returned bringing O.
F. Smiley, one of the absent witnesses. One man, named Radikin, he
did not get. The constable had found him in bed and apparently very
sick. But the plaintiff would not proceed without this witness, and the
constable was ordered to bring him, or a certificate from a physician that
he was unable to make the trip. About one o'clock in the morning the
constable started back, arriving at Radikin's cabin just as the sun was gild-
ing the tops of the trees along Coxe's creek, back of the house. He ex-
pected to find Radikin in bed very sick, but was told by the wife that ~Slr.
Radikin had just stepped out and would be in shortly, requesting the con-
stable to take a seat and she would call her husband. But the sound of an
axe. in measured strokes, down near the creek, aroused the suspicions of
the officer, who went out to find his man. Following the sounds of chop-
ping, he found Radikin lustily swinging his axe, with no indication of
feebleness. They went to the house, had a breakfast of cornpone and
sorghum molasses, and arrived at the cabin of the justice about eleven
a. m.
But what were the conditions at the squire's house? As before de-
scribed, the building was sixteen by eighteen feet, with a loft for sleeping.
When bedtime came Airs. Georgia and her little daughter (now Airs.
Edith Wood) climbed the ladder to the loft, while blankets and other bed-
ding were spread upon the floor, and the guests sought rest for the night.
Every available foot of space was occupied. For this purpose the table
and other furniture were removed from the room. But the court, with
the dignity becoming his exalted station, leaned against some sticks of
wood in a corner, and watched the sleepers and longed for day.
12 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
About II o'clock the case was called, and it was soon ascertained that
no testimony could be presented to make a case. The attorneys for the
plaintiff, therefore, entered a nolle and in a few minutes after one o'clock
the cavalcade was wending its way northward and homeward.
Schools.
The first school in Crawford county was taught as early as 1858.
and was a private affair. Other schools were held on Drywood creek
in the north end of the county. In the spring of i860 five men came
from Osage Mission (now St. Paul) to a point near the present site of
Pittsburg, and in connection with Frank Dosser, who lived on a claim
now thickly covered with buildings and business houses in said city, pro-
ceeded to lay out a town, on what is now section 33, township 30, range
25 east. The site of this town lies one and a half miles south and three-
fourths mile east from the intersection of Fourth and Broadway in Pitts-
burg. The town was named Pleasant Ridge. A schoolhouse was the only
building erected, and in it one term of school was taught. But Pleasant
Ridge was laid in ashes by the soldiers who were sent to drive out the set-
tlers in that memorable autumn of i860.
During the winter of 1866-7 a school was organized at Cato, on the
north line of the county, and Dr. Charles H. Strong, who afterward be-
came the first county superintendent of Crawford county, was the teacher.
Upon the organization of the county, and the election of the county
superintendent, schools sprang up in every neighborhood where a suffi-
cient number of children could be brought together.
Dr. Strong, upon assuming the duties of the office to which be had
been elected, exhibited rare faculties and most adequate knowledge of the
business before him, and displayed untiring industry and undaunted per-
severance in its execution. Before him lay Crawford county, without
schools or school organizations. The settlements were mostly along the
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 13
streams, and the present needs of the people were schools that would he
easy of access to those already here. But Dr. Strong, with a prophetic
view of the future, proceeded to lay out the county into school districts,
as they should be when nearly every quarter section should become the
home of happy children. Time lias demonstrated the wisdom of his plan-
ning, and now in his cheerful old age he lives to see the fruition of his
thought and labor. He has lived to see men and women go out of the
schoolhouses of Crawford county to fill places of honor and trust among
the great and the wise of the nation.
The teachers' institute, an institution that has done more fur the
elevation of the schools of Kansas than any other one thing, had its incep-
tion in Crawford county. It is true that under the statutes of Kansas it
was required of the county superintendents to hold an institute of one or
two days' duration annually in each county, but the law. in its present
form, which requires a school to be held in each county in which teachers
may learn all that is best in teaching, w r as first put into operation here.
When in 1S74 Rev. S. T. McClure was county superintendent, serving
his last year, he was very much impressed with the necessity of providing
in some way means to assist the teachers of the county to do more and
better work in their schools. Accordingly, after thinking the matter over,
he concluded to hold a teachers' school, as he styled it. of two weeks, dur-
ing the summer of 1874. This school proved a decided success, and was
attended by a large number of teachers.
In the following summer the successor to Air. McClure held an in-
stitute of five weeks, at which he had a general attendance of the teachers
of Crawford county and several from adjoining counties. He had as
his assistants Colonel McKinney, then superintendent of the schools
of Fort Scott, Rev. Warren Mayo, of Columbus, Kansas. A. F. Allen,
superintendent of school at Girard, and others. During the sessions of
14 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
this institute General Frazier, at the time state superintendent of schools,
visited the institute and spent several days among Crawford county educa-
tors. As he was about to depart for Topeka. his home, he was asked for
an opinion as to the utility of such institutes. He replied that he was
much impressed with the idea, and believed that each county in the state,
where a sufficient number of schools existed, should have an institute.
In the discussion that followed the county superintendent proposed that
an effort be made in the legislature to secure the passage of a law requiring
such institutes to be held. The outcome was the drawing up of a pro-
posed bill which General Frazier carried with him to Topeka, and had
introduced in the legislature the ft allowing winter, and which subsequently
became a law. The above mentioned bill was prepared in General Fraz-
ier's room at the Andrus House, now the St. James Hotel, in Girard.
With a small beginning, but like the rivulet which starts on its journey to
the sea, and is joined by others until it becomes a mighty stream, sweeping
everything before it and carrying on its bosom the commerce of a na-
tion, so this effort, to elevate the educational standard of Kansas, has
grown and accumulated power until it has enabled Kansas to stand on an
elevated plane of educational prosperity and progress.
In the earlv days of Crawford county, as towns were unknown and
the nearest railroad was at Kansas City, and the nearest postoffice at Fort
Scott, any kind of a gathering was welcomed by the people. Hence, spell-
ing schools and religious meetings were hailed with delight, and attended
by young and old.
The first teachers' institute was held at Iowa City schoolhouse, pre-
sided over by Dr. Strong, county superintendent. It was held in the sum-
mer of 1868. and the people of the vicinity turned out en masse to its
sessions. Iowa City was only a postoffice. and was kept by George Hob-
son, on his farm, two miles south of the present site of Pittsburg. The
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 15
schoolhouse was built of logs, without floor. A log was sawed out of
both north and south sides to let in light. The building was sixteen by
eighteen feet, and about seven feet high at the eaves.
Dr. Strong had invited Colonel McKinney of Fort Scott to attend the
institute. At the time Rev. Dr. Beatty, of the Episcopal church, was at
Girard. looking over the field with a view to church work, and he too was
invited to go to Iowa City to the institute. A hack having been procured,
the three set out, over the prairies, to Iowa City, distant about fourteen
miles, where they arrived at two o'clock p. m.. and were welcomed by the
people assembled. As they crossed Cow creek, at the Mission ford, the
cabin of John Hobson. standing on the bank of the creek, was the first
house seen since leaving Girard; and Dr. Strong announced that "this is
Iowa City." To which Professor McKinney replied, "this," pointing to
the cabin, "must be the Lindell Hotel." After the evening session of the
institute was over they became the guests of Mr. Hobson, and went home
with him for the night. The cr.bin consisted of but one room, and as Mr.
Hobson had a wife and grown daughter, the Rev. Dr. Beatty. who was
a bashful man, was somewhat worried about his preparation for bed, but
with the assistance of the professor they got in bed and slept soundly
through the night. It was a new experience for the reverend gentleman.
and one never by him forgotten. In the morning, on going out. they
discovered that the} - had stayed at the Lindell Hotel.
The spelling school was a diversion in which young and old partici-
pated, and it was no uncommon thing to get up a party and drive eight
or ten miles to spell down some other school. The spelling book was
studied more than any other book in the house. It was a frequent occur-
rence, when calling upon a neighbor, to find the whole family, father,
mother and children, engaged in a spelling match; and often a man was
seen studying his spelling lesson while driving along the road.
16 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
I cannot dismiss the subject of schools without calling attention to
the fact that two of the most important elements in the educational sys-
tem of Kansas had their beginning in Crawford county. The first, the
institute. I have previously referred to. The second is the system of
manual training. To Professor R. S. Russ belongs the honor of having
first established manual training in the schools of Pittsburg, and, in con-
junction with Senator E. F. Porter and Dr. Charles A. Fisher, secured the
establishment of a state normal manual training school in Pittsburg.
Land Claims ami Local Legislation.
The American people are essentially a people of law. and this senti-
ment finds expression in every community. The early settlers of Craw-
ford county proved that the}- were no exception to the rule, for hardly had
they stuck their stakes at the corners of their claims when a meeting was
held to make some laws to govern the settlement of claims. The first
meeting of the kind held in Crawford county was at the cabin of Mr.
Daniels, which was one mile south of the present site of Pittsburg. There
were present at that meeting Daniel Beecher. A. M., and George Ham-
mond, Frank Dosser, S. S. Georgia, George and Isaac Hobson and many
others. The meeting was organized into a legislative body, which pro-
ceeded to pass laws, with penalties attached, for the protection of the
settlers; and to prevent claim jumping and other crimes. The usual
penalty for violation of said law was hanging to the nearest limb strong
enough to hold the violator. It is needless to say that claim jumping,
horse stealing and other like crimes were unknown.
In those days it did not take all winter to do a little wholesome
legislating. All the laws necessary to govern the people and protect the
weak as against the strong, were passed in one afternoon, and the law-
making body adjourned in time for supper.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 17
Neutral Laud Trouble.
In the winter of 1866-7 reports were rife that the Cherokee Neutral
Lands were about to be sold in a body, to James F. Joy. of Detroit. Mich-
igan. This was very unpleasant news to the settlers, who had been prom-
ised by Andrew Johnson, then president of the United States, that they
should have their lands under the homestead act. The effect of this report
was to call the people together for mutual protection. No telephone, nor
telegraph, nor even a mail route afforded means to spread the news of
the proposed gathering; but men on horseback rude up and down the
creeks and notified the settlers to assemble on Cow creek near the Mission
crossing, on a certain day at ten o'clock.
Long before the hour appointed, the people began to arrive. They
came on foot, on horseback, in covered wagons drawn by oxen, mules or
horses, and by the fixed time several hundred were on the ground. The
meeting was called to order, and S. J. Langdon was made chairman, and
Robert II. Barton was elected secretary. The chairman stated the object
of the meeting to be to consult to the best means to secure the settlers'
homes, and prevent their being sold to Mr. Joy. Many were the plans
suggested, and finally a motion prevailed that money be raised and
some one be sent to Washington to represent the interests of the settlers.
A collection was taken, and netted $68.80.
Many gave their last cent, and would have given more if it had been
possible, so anxious were they to secure a home on these lands. For
weeks and months they had toiled through almost impassable roads, in
many instances w ith ox teams, to bring wife and little ones to the land of
promise, where they could build for themselves homes, and now, when
the hope was almost realized to see the coveted prize snatched away 1. 1 sat-
isfy the greed of one man, was quite sufficient to arouse every man to do
his best.
18 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
W. R. Laughlin was selected as the man to go on the mission, and
two days later was on his way, by stage to Kansas City and from there by
rail, to the national capital.
This was the beginning of the Land League, and the land troubles,
as they were usually called. Leagues sprang up in almost even' neighbor-
hood, and the members met to discuss ways and means to secure their
homes. The delegate sent to Washington made favorable report, but as
time wore on money must be raised to defray his expenses, and the mem-
bers of the league found it a great burden. Finally when the land had
been sold by the secretary of the interior and the sale confirmed by supple-
mental treaty, the League was merged into a semi-military secret organi-
zation, with signs, grips, and countersigns, prepared to resist eviction from
their homes.
About this time a test case was made up and submitted to the supreme
court of the United States. The suit was brought in the nature of eject-
ment. S. J. Langdon being the defendant. The settlers employed as
counsel Benjamin F. Butler, of Massachusetts, and Judge William Law-
rence, of Ohio. These lawyers were to receive as compensation the sum
of three thousand dollars. The decision was in favi r of James F. Joy. and
the legislature of the state of Kansas appropriated three thousand dollars
to pay the settlers' attorneys. During the land troubles men became very
intolerant, and many acts were committed which cannot be approved.
Many people were driven from their homes because they expressed a be-
lief that Mr. Joy would hold the lands. The surveyors who were engaged
in locating the Kansas City, Fort Scott and Gulf Railroad were captured
by a company of Leaguers, their wagons and other equipments, including
surveying instruments, were burned, and the surveyors brutally treated
and sent north.
As a result of such disorder the United States sent a company of
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 19
soldiers to Crawford county, where they were quartered for several
months; first on Cow creek, north of Girard, and then moved south to
Limestone, west of what is now the town of Beulah. The Leaguers went
so far as to declare that no political part}-, except the League, should put
a ticket in the field to he voted upon at any election. In the fall of c86g
a call was made tor a Republican county convention to meet at Girard.
When the primaries met at Iowa City, ami other places, they were taken
possession of by the Leaguers, and the election of delegates prevented.
At [owa City the voters assembled to the number of nearly one hundred.
Politically they were Democrats and Republicans, hut the}- all claimed
to be Republicans, and that they had met to elect delegates to the Repub-
lican convention which should meet in Girard on Saturday. As no hall
could be had they met outdoors, on the east side of a small store. In
the crowd were six Republicans who were determined to exercise their
rights as citizens. When therefore the chairman elect announced that the
primar}' was now ready to elect delegates, one man. Job Taylor, arose and
said "the real Republican convention will now meet on the other side of
this building. 1 ' He immediately started tor the other side, followed by
the other five. The six organized and elected the six persons delegates,
prepared credentials and adjourned. The crowd on the other side elected
their entire number and ordered them to go to Girard and carry their
guns, and not allow any "Joyites" (as they called all who did not sub-
scribe to their ways ) to hold a conventii in.
On Saturday at Girard they encamped in the public square, and pre-
sented quite a warlike appearance. After dinner the convention assem-
bled in a small room near the southwest corner of the public square. An
American flag had been fastened to a strip, sawed from the edge of a
board, and the staff stuck in a knothole in the board which was used as
a counter. While getting ready for the work of the convention Col. C. G.
20 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Hawley. who had seen service in an Ohio regiment during the Civil war,
was called upon for a speech. Responding to the call, he was standing
upon the counter near the flag when one of the Leaguers seized the staff
and attempted to take down the flag. Quick as a flash the colonel stuck a
cocked revolver in the man's face, and with an oath told him to let the
flag alone. It is needless to say that the fellow gave up the job quick,
and the others, seeing that the members of the convention were in no mood
to be trilled with, gave up their intentions and departed for their homes.
So that, what at first appeared to be a cloud of war dissolved in the sun-
shine of peace.
Towns.
The first town laid out in Crawford county was southeast of the pres-
ent site of Pittsburg, about three miles. Only one house was built. This
was in the spring of i860. The one house built was a schoolhouse. The
removal of the settlers from the Cherokee Neutral Lands, which occurred
the next fall, required that all buildings should be burned, hence the only
building in the town of Pleasant Ridge was consumed by fire, the torch
having been applied by United States soldiers.
The town of Arcadia in Lincoln township was laid out on or near
Coxe's creek, in the year 1S60, on the military road which extended from
Fort Scott to Fort Gibson in the Indian Territory, and was the second
town laid out in the county. The town was then called Hathaway. As
early as 1862 Hathaway boasted of a house, which consisted of two
rooms, built of logs. Before and during the war this house was the thea-
tre of many stirring scenes. It was a typical frontier town. Here was a
stopping place for the weary traveler, and here many tarried a night to
rest. It was a motley crowd that gathered there. United States troops,
Indians, speculators, and seekers after fortune. Many were the nights
that the house was incapable of sheltering all its guests, but if the weather
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 21
was warm beds were made on the ground, with the azure blue of a Kan-
sas sky above tor a covering, and here the weary traveler sought the arms
â– if Morpheus, and dreamed of loved ones far away, or perchance, had the
day been full of mishaps or dangers, he saw in his dreams such sights as
d.id nut contribute to his rest. Since the war the town has moved further
south, and is now a thriving business place; with good business houses,
fine residences, and all the elements that go to make up a thriving busi-
ness town. Here is the junction of the old Fort Scott and Memphis Rail-
road and the Arcadia and Cherryvale branch, all now operated by the
Frisco.
After the war. in [865, many of the families that were removed by
United States soldiers in i860 returned to the claims which they had pre-
viously occupied. Among these were Francis Dosser, whose original
claim is the northwest part of Pittsburg, and all of which is laid nut, and
nearly all occupied by tine residences, Lincoln Park being a tract of thirty
acres in the northwest corner of said claim. Three daughters who were
born and grew to womanhood on this claim still live in Lincoln town-
ship: namely, Loretta Stotts. Terrace Stotts and Emma Hinkson. Willis
Banks also returned to his claim, which was situated two mile-- east of
Girard, and found his cabin still standing. He afterward sold it and
moved farther down Cow creek, and took a claim which he also sold,
and went to Bakersfield, California. A Mr. Daniels also returned to his
claim, two miles south of where Pittsburg now stands. It was at his cab-
in that the first Neutral Land legislation was enacted.
First Shipment of Cattle from Crawford County ami First Sawmill.
Among those who found their places occupied, when they returned
from fighting the battle of their country in 1865, were two brothers. Cap-
tain William C. Beck, of the Sixty-second Pennsylvania, and Captain ( !eo.
Beck, of the Thirtv-seventh Wisconsin Infantry. These brothers had a
22 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
strenuous life as soldiers, the former in the Fifth Army Corps, and the
latter in the Ninth (Burnside's) Corps. On the 4th of June, 1866, they
arrived on the Neutral Lands, full of determination and grit. They had
been to Texas, and returned with a herd of cattle which, the following
autumn, they drove to Illinois, and then shipped to Chicago. After dis-
posing of their cattle they visited their old home in Pennsylvania; after
which they returned to Crawford county, bringing with them a steam
sawmill, the first that ever came to the county. The mill was shipped to
Sedalia, Missouri, which town at that time was the terminus of railroad
facilities. From Sedalia the mill was hauled to Crawford county, by
Virgil and John Harrison, with a team of twenty-eight oxen. The roads
were almost impassable, the streams without ferries or bridges, and oft-
times a block and tackle had to he employed to pull the wagons out of the
mud. It took eight weeks to make the trip, and men and teams were in
a sorry plight when they reached Crawford county. The mill was set up
four miles southeast of Iowa City postofhce. and served an excellent pur-
pose, sawing lumber, and grinding corn for the settlers.
The town of Ckawfordsville was laid out in 1866, on the banks of
Lightning creek. Here was the first county seat, declared so by Governor
Crawford. The town had a store, postoffice, blacksmith shop, a school-
house, and four or five cabins, in which the families of the town lived.
In the summer of 1868 Girard was laid out, at or near the center of
the county. The incorporators were Dr. Couch. Dr. Charles H. Strong,
Dr. B. F. Hepler, S. D. Mcintosh, Levi Hatch. Col. J. Alexander and E.
J. Boring. Dr. Charles H. Strong christened the town, giving it the
name of his home town in the state of Pennsylvania. Here within the
limits of the public square Dr. Strong shot and killed a deer. He was
looking for the geographical center of the county when a large buck
sprang up from the tall grass and started to lea]) away, but the doctor had
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 23
his trusty rifle and with a single shot brought down his game. Girard is
laid out with a public square, surrounded with stores and other business
houses.
At an election held November 5. 1867, Girard was declared to be
the county seat, but the election was informal, as it lacked a petition from
the people calling for an election for that purpose, and the commis-
sioners ordered the records of the county returned to Crawfordsville.
This order was made to comply with an order of the district court, in
mandamus proceedings instituted by Dr. D. W. Crouse.
At a meeting of the commissioners held November 7. 1868, a petition
was presented, signed by 577 citizens, asking that an election for the loca-
tion of the county seat lie held. The petition was granted, and an election
called for December 15 following: at which the vote decided that Girard
should lie the permanent county seat. From that time the town grew
rapidly, business houses around the public square and residences farther
out sprang up, as if by magic. Early in 1868 a postornce was established
with Dr. C. H. Strong as postmaster. Alive to the necessity of furnishing
the means of an education to the children of Girard, a vote was taken
on the question of issuing a thousand dollars in bonds to build a school-
house. The election occurred August 7. 1869, and was unanimous in
favor of issuing the bonds. A house was soon built, and in the summer
of 1870 Miss -Maggie T. Hill taught the first school, for which she re-
ceived forty dollars per month. Since then Girard has become an educa-
tional center, always foremost in everything that tends to elevate her
people. It is needless to say that the educational influence has spread all
over the county.
If the educational interests of Girard have been carefully looked
after, so also have the moral and social. The Methodist church was the
first to begin the work of preaching the gospel. Rev. Robert St<
24 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
preached the first sermon, in a frame building on the north side of the
square, and in 1873 R ev - McWhirt bought the schoolhouse which had
been built in 1870, and it was dedicated as a house of worship. Soon
after the advent of Methodism the Presbyterian church got a foothold,
and erected a fine brick and stone building, at a cost of thirty-six hun-
dred dollars. Rev. McClure was its first pastor. Then came the Chris-
tian, the Episcopal, and other churches, until Girard may well be called
a city of schools and churches.
First Murder.
About the 25th of April, 1866. occurred the first murder and lynch-
ing, near Monmouth. The facts are well given by J. F. Price, editor of
the Cherokee Sentinel, ami we let him tell the story in his own language.
He says: "It must have been about the 25th of April, 1866. Myself
and wife, and her father, Lars Larson, arrived in the vicinity of Mon-
mouth on the 14th of April, 1S66, and settled down for a few days, in a
cabin belonging to A. M. Watson, now living in Pittsburg. The cabin
was on Lightning creek. The day after we settled in the cabin we started
out to hunt up a claim of our own. We found nothing to suit us until we
came to a place, now occupied by Thomas Hayes, three miles west of
where Cherokee now is.
"Here we stuck our stakes, and went down to Umcle Jake Miller's
place, and registered as a settler, which entitled men to membership in a
league, that meant riding on a rail any man who jumped the registered
rights of a settler. After a rainy spell of a week we moved out to our
claim. Not a stick had been cut toward building a cabin, but we
camped on the prairie, at the edge of the woods, and began building a
house of round poles, after the plan of a pen. This we sloped on one
side, and covered with split boards, and made a rude door. The next
day we went for the remainder of our goods, and mure boards, leaving
the wife, then a young woman, to keep house.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 25
"On our return at noon we were told that a man had been there with
an order for every member of the league to come to Monmouth at once.
as a murder had been committed. Thinking the order meant expulsion,
or court martial, not exactly understanding the nature of the institution
we had joined, we left the team with wife, after showing her how to
load and shoot a revolver and after having her practice shooting, and
left her alone to keep the house, three miles from neighbors, and started
to Monmouth. When we arrived at Monmouth, which consisted of a
log store house, we found that a man by the name of Lem Shannon had
been shot by robbers, and there was great excitement. Hundreds of set-
tlers were there, but cool heads kept them quiet.
"The circumstances of the murder were as follows: Ralph Warner,
a settler across the creek south of Monmouth, was the owner of a large
herd of cattle. Fort Scott was then the postoffice. although forty miles
away, and also the place where the stockmen met. On one of his trips to
Fort Scott, Mr. Warner met the Tippie hoys, who lived in Linn count}'.
They were considered hard characters, and were accused of robbing their
uncle of several thousand dollars, a few weeks before. They wanted to
buy Warner's cattle, and a trade was made, which amounted to several
thousand dollars. Mr. Warner's friends warned him that he was in
danger of being robbed of his money either at home or on the road from
Fort Scott.
"The plan of the Tippie boys was to buy the cattle and rob Mr.
Warner of the money the same night. Two of the Tippie boys came down
and stayed several days, and one evening just before dark paid for the
cattle and started in the night with them for Fort Scott. Mr. Warner
gather in the neighbor men as fast as he could, and prepared for the at-
tack, thinking it would he that night. Just at dark two men were seen
coming toward the cabin, but the men lying under the wagons outside,
26 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
supposing them to be neighbors, paid no attention to them. The first
thing to attract attention was the firing of guns in the house. The two
other brothers had walked in on the waiting crowd and begun their work
of death. Warner's brother-in-law Lem Shannon, had his pistol apart
cleaning it, and he at once closed with the foremost robber, and was shot
while in his arms. A man by the name of William Lamb did the best he
could and shot off the thumb of one of the robbers. The women held on
to Mr. Lamb so as to prevent him doing effective work. Mr. Warner
ran to the woods with the money and the robbers after him, but he
escaped. Then there was hurrying to and fro. and a posse was sent after
the men with the cattle to arrest them as accomplices. By this time black
clouds rolled over the heavens, the lightning flashed, the thunder roared,
and there was a deluge of rain, but on went the posse and overtook the
men and cattle near the present site of Farlington. They took the men
prisoners and drove the cattle back to Monmouth. Then there was a call
for the league. No trace of the real murderers could be found, but it was
evident that the men with the cattle would have to suffer as accomplices.
"It was decided that they should have a fair trial. There was no
law or officers, in fact the county was not organized. Jacob Miller was
elected judge, and others appointed to prosecute and defend, and so the
trial began. Men were sworn and witnesses examined with as much
form as if in a properly constituted court. Men paced the room with
Winchesters, while outside a cordon of armed men stood guard. They
expected that a band of robbers would try to liberate their fellows. We
stayed until after dark, hoping to see the end, but, remembering our young
wife out on the prairie among the Indians and wolves, we shouldered a 25-
pound sack of flour and took a dog-trot for the cabin four miles away.
"The outcome of the trial was that after hearing the evidence the
jury decided that these men were accomplices, and the crowd was then
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 27
asked to form a line and when the command should be given for those
to step forward three paces who favored hanging, nearly every man
made three steps and the procession started for the timber, where the
Monmouth cemetery is now located, and the two men were hanged till
dead, and were buried under the tree where they were executed. The cat-
tle were afterward turned over to the uncle, who claimed that the purchase
money was stolen from him by the men who were hanged."
Sunday Schools.
The first Sunday school held in the county was in the log store house
of Lafe Manlove, at Monmouth, and was organized in 1866, Rev. Isaac
Thorp being elected superintendent. Many people traveled for miles to
attend this school.
Cherokee.
The b >\\ n of Cherokee was laid out in 1870 and first named Litchfield.
Among the first who settled in Cherokee were Captain Jameson, who built
the first hotel, the Grand Central. J. W. Fletcher built a small frame
store building, and Grandpa Price built one also. Dr. Cushenberry ( in >w
of Girard) was the first druggist. George W. Brown and G. W. B. Hoff-
man also erected a store building known as the "Blue Front."
It was in the immediate neighborhood of Cherokee, that Hon.
Eugene F. Ware, late commissioner of pensions, and the Kansas poet
laureate, had his first experience as a frontiersman. He had taken a claim
here, and with a long whip and several yoke of oxen broke prairie. Here
he farmed, batched, and cracked jokes, and was as entertaining a talker
then as now. Later he taught school, studied law, and by his energy,
vim and push has gone to the head of the procession, but he belongs to
Crawford county, and especially to Cherokee, even though he resides in
the city of Washington and rides in the president's carriage.
Like all western towns, Cherokee in her early days had her roueh
28 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
side. Among the first of her business enterprises was a saloon, kept by
Thomas McGrath, his place of business being a lumber shed. Here were
enacted some of the wild west scenes common to such places.
The town of Cherokee was surveyed and laid out by Colonel Percy
Daniels, since lieutenant governor of Kansas, and who resides on his farm
near the site of Crawfordsville. Among the first settlers of Cherokee
were George W. Brown. G. W. B. Hoffman. J. Manlove, Joseph and
George Lucas, A. X. Chadscy. Captain Jameson. J. W. Fletcher, Dr.
Bailey and J. F. Price, the present editor of the Cherokee Sentinel. Some
of these reside at Cherokee yet, honored citizens, who have faithfully en-
acted their part, in building a thriving commercial and educational town.
Others have moved away, while some have joined the great majority, and
are peacefully resting from their labors. The county high school, a
prosperous educational institution, is located here.
The first school in the town was taught by Sarah Jameson, after-
ward the wife of Hon. F. A. Perry, a prominent attorney at Cherokee.
The first child born in the town was Willie Manlove, who lived but a
short time, and his funeral was the occasion of the first sermon preached
in the town, and his burial was the first in the now beautiful cemetery,
the location of which was made by Captain Jameson and J. F. Price. The
first churches organized in Cherokee were the Methodist Episcopal and the
Presbyterian, the former by Rev. B. Coombs and the latter by Rev. Haw-
kins, now connected with the Mid-Continent, a religious paper published
in St. Louis. The Christian church was organized on the 24th day of
March, 1874, with twenty-one members. Other churches came later.
The first mayor was J. M. Dennis. Three railroads furnish transporta-
tion to the people of Cherokee and vicinity. They belong to the Frisco
System and the Missouri Pacific.
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 31
Monmouth.
The town of Monmouth, so called after Monmouth, Illinois, was laid
out by Lafayette Manlove, and was the third town laid out in the county.
It is located six miles west of Cherokee. L. Manlove built the first
building, a log store room. Ralph Warner built a residence, as also did
Dr. Moore, who later represented Crawford county in the state senate.
In 1869 A. M. Chadsey built a store room, and put in a stock of general
merchandise. A postoffice was established in 1866. with L. Manlove post-
master. The building of a narrow-gauge railroad in the year 1870 from
Cherokee to Parsons in Labette count}', which passed through Monmouth,
gave an impetus to the growth of the town, and good schools, churches,
secret societies, and business enterprises sprang up and added materially
to the conveniences of the people ; which, added to the fact that the whole
south end of the county is underlaid with an abundance of excellent coal,
and that most excellent farming lands surround all the towns in that part
of the county, has made the vicinity of Cherokee. Monmouth and Mc-
Cune a very desirable location.
McCune.
Four miles west of Monmouth is the city of McCune. The town was
laid out in 1879, by Isaac McCune, and is located on the Frisco railroad.
The first building erected was a dwelling, by J. Z. Sherfick, and was
afterward used as a hotel. I. V. McCune built a store building, which was
occupied by J. D. Rogers with a stock of general merchandise. At the
time McCune was laid out a postoffice was kept by W. Welch, ami was
named "Time." This was about half a mile north of the townsite, and
was moved into town, and J. F. McCune appointed postmaster. The
name was soon changed to McCune. Miss Mary Ball taught the first
school, followed by Daniel Hollinger, who has for several years been
growing oranges in Florida. McCune has had a substantial growth,
32 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
and is now one of the best towns in the count)-. Churches, schools, news-
papers, banks, in short, all classes of business are well represented, and
the town is a bus}', thriving, prosperous place.
Walnut.
Walnut is located near the northwestern corner of the county, and
has two railroads, the M., K. & T. passing through the town from north-
east to southwest ; and the Santa Fe from southeast to northwest. The
town is surrounded with excellent farming lands, and affords good facil-
ities for trade. It was laid out in 1871. Among the earlv inhabitants
of the town were Fabius Robins, J. Miller. Ira Boyle, H. Burns, H.
Shackleton and J. A. Goff. The town was first named Glenwood, but
afterward changed to Walnut. It is represented by all classes of busi-
ness, and is prosperous; and the people are industrious and thriving.
Good schools, churches, newspapers, banks and other institutions help to
make Walnut a desirable place in which to live.
Farlington.
The town of Farlington is located seven miles north of Girard on the
line of the Frisco railroad, and was laid nut at the building of the road
in 1869. But it has not progressed as rapidly as some other towns of the
county. It is a good trading point, has good schools, churches, and a
postoffice and other business places. The Kansas City, Fort Scott and
Gulf Railroad (now Frisco) planted a grove of several hundred acres of
catalpa trees on the hill west of the town, which has grown into a mag-
nificent forest, probably the most notable of the kind in the United States.
From it are annually cut large quantities of excellent timber for railroad
ties, fence posts, etc. Here also is a large artificial lake, formed by the
grade of the railroad across a rocky ravine. The lake covers about one
hundred acres, and supplies water for railroad purposes and stock water,
and abounds with excellent fish.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUX'I Y 33
Hepler.
The town of Hepler is located in the township of Sherman, in the
northern part of the county, about nine miles northeast of Walnut, on the
M., K. & T. Railroad, and is a trading point for the people of the north-
west part of Crawford county and the southwest part of Bourbon county.
The first settler of Hepler was John Yiets. In 1S71 a town company was
formed with B. F. Hepler as president, after win 'in the town was named.
John Y'iets erected the first store building, in 1S71 ; and filled it with a
stuck uf general merchandise, and by 1874 bis business had so increased
that another large room adjoining was built, and here could be found
nearly every kind of merchandise. A postoffice was established in 187 1 .
with J. X. Strawn as postmaster. The first marriage in the town was that
of Dr. A. M. Griffin to Miss Grace Hitchcock. The first birth was that
of Frank Strawn.
Among the first blessings that come to a Kansas town is a school-
house and a free school, and Hepler was 110 exception to the rule, for in
1873 a comfortable school building was erected, and Mr. William (i.
Little was employed to teach the first school. Hepler soon grew to an
extensive shipping point for cattle and grain, as well as the minor prod-
ucts of the farm. The soil about the town for miles in every direction,
being of good quality, has made this an excellent place for handling pro-
duce. Here butter, eggs, and poultry have found a ready market, and
have been shipped to other points. Intellectually and morally Hepler is a
good town in which to live.
Opolis.
The tow n 1 if Opolis is located in the southeast corner of Crawford
county, on the line of the Frisco railroad. It was first started by J. L.
Davis, in 1868, and was called Stateline, as the eastern line of the town
was the dividing line between Missouri and Kansas. Shortly after, E. B.
34 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Hoyt and J. H. Gould located in Stateline. and opened a store and lumber
yard. The}- handled grain, hay and stock in connection with their mer-
chandise business. In course of time the name was changed to Opolis.
J. H. Ozburn was its first postmaster. Several churches are well repre-
sented and various secret societies have here a home. Nearly every class
of business is carried on, and affords facilities for trade with the farming
community in the surrounding country.
Pittsburg.
In the winter of 1875 J olm B - Sargent and E. R. Moffett, both of
Joplin, Missouri, conceived the plan of building a railroad from Joplin
to Girard, Kansas. These gentlemen were engaged in lead and zinc
mining at Joplin, and were making money rapidly, and were looking for
an outlet for the product of their mines and smelters. In the spring of
1876 the work was begun, and by the fall of that year the grading
reached the vicinity of Pittsburg, at which time the town was laid out,
as directed by Colonel E. H. Brown, who had charge of the construction
of the railroad. One hundred and sixty acres were platted, and Broad-
way and Fourth streets were graded, each one-half a mile. Forty acres
from each of four sections constituted the townsite, a section corner being
the center of the town. The land belonged to the Kansas City, Fort Scott
and Gulf Railroad, but was occupied and claimed as follows : The east
one-half of southeast quarter of section nineteen, and the west one-half
of southwest quarter of section twenty, were claimed and occupied by
George Dosser. On the latter tract he had a farm house and other im-
provements. The northwest quarter of section twenty-nine was
claimed and occupied by Jacob Pugh, while the east half of northeast quar-
ter of section thirty was unoccupied, but was claimed by Thomas Secley.
All these tracts of land are in township thirty south, range twenty-five,
east of the principal meridian. These with other lands were purchased by
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 35
Messrs. Moffett and Sargent, who also made satisfactory terms with the
claimants on the land. -J A A 09{ fj.
The first house built on the original townsite stood on the northwest
corner of section twenty-nine, where now stands the two-story brick
block owned by John R. Lindburg and occupied by W. E. Pierce as a
drug store. The building was a box house fourteen by sixteen feet, and
eight feet high, and was built by Martin Crown, and occupied by himself
and wife as a farm dwelling. It was built in the summer of 1868. Mr.
Brown lived here about one year, when he sold his claim to a Air. Esam,
who afterward sold to Jacob Pugh. The second house built was a sub-
stantial frame dwelling, built by George Dosser, and stood near the pres-
ent site of the VVaskey commission house, and was occupied by him as a
farm dwelling.
The first building erected after the town was laid out stood on the
corner of Fourth and Broadway. It was put up for George E. Richey,
and was occupied by him as a drug .-tore. Charles M. Gossin being his
clerk. The building and lot was afterward bought by John R. Lindburg,
who moved the building away and built a substantial brick, and the corner
has been occupied as a drug store ever since. The first general store was
built by W. •',. Seabury in the winter of [876-7, and occupied with a
small stock of goods in the spring of 1877, with Xeal E. Wood as clerk.
The first dry goods brought into the town for sale belonged to W. G.
Seabury. He had a store in Girard, and when the new building
ready to be occupied and after the -tore closed at night he and his clerk.
N. E. Wood, loaded a few bolts of calico and other dry goods and notions
into a spring wagon and drove to Pittsburg, and when morning came
the store was opened for business. The first sale was made to Miss Hor-
tense Ferguson. Mr. Wood, the clerk, was standing in the door, looking
east, when he saw a lady on horseback approaching with a basket on her
36 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
arm. The contents proved to be eggs, and were exchanged for a few
yards of calico. Thus began the mercantile business of Pittsburg, which
has grown to immense proportions, millions of dollars here being ex-
changed annually.
The postoffice was established in the fall of 1876 with George H.
Richey as postmaster. He was succeeded in March, 1877, by A. J. Geor-
gia, who continued to hold the office until April. 1884. when he resigned
and A. F. Xau was appointed, who held the office four years. The post-
masters since Mr. Nau's term expired have each held the office four years.
They served in the following order : O. S. Covsad. Charles Patmore, W.
H. Yarcho and W. J. Watson, the present incumbent. The name given to
the postoffice was Xew Pittsburg, there being a Pittsburg postoffice in
Mitchell county. The town being one name and the postoffice another
caused much confusion and trouble with mails. In 1880 C. Wood Davis,
president of the Pittsburg Coal Company, interested himself to secure a
change of name. He succeeded in having the name of the Pittsburg
postoffice in Mitchell county changed to Tipton, after which the postoffice
department dropped the "Xew" and the name became Pittsburg.
In the summer 1 if 1N77 a frame schoolhouse of t\\ 1 1 n k >m> was erected
at a cost of twelve hundred dollars, this being the maximum of bonds
that under the law could be legally voted. The house was built by San-
ders, of Girard, Kansas. The first school was taught by A. J. Georgia
during the winter of 1877 and summer of 1878. The terms were for
seven months.
The first marriage in the town was that of William Weaver to Mat-
tie Boyne. and was performed by John W. Jennings, justice of the ]>eace.
and their daughter Josephine was the first child horn in the town.
\niong those who came with the advent of the railroad and who
aided in making the town lively were C. S. Clanton. Thomas McXealus.
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 39
Newt Stewart and Neal Adams. Mr. Clanton started a barber shop, but
as lie was not an expert in the business, he sunn sold out and entered the
grocery business with a small capital, but by sticking to the business built
up a large trade and then sold out and retired. McNealus had a habit
of tilling up on the worst class of whisky, when he became a terror to the
town. On one occasion he attempted to drive Mr. Clanton from his
grocery, but found a pick handle was harder than his head and concluded
to leave town and make his stay permanent. He is now an honored
and peaceable citizen of Missouri; has been engaged in mining in the lead
and zinc fields about Joplin, and has made quite a fortune. But in his
prosperity he has not forgotten the early days of Pittsburg.
Since the first schoolhouse was built, seven other large brick build-
ings have been erected for school purposes, aggregating about seventy
school rooms. By act of the legislature a State Normal .Manual Training
School is located here, and occupies one of these buildings. This school
has been previi lusly referred to. Here the students, male and female, in
connection with" other studies, are taught man) - mechanical trades. Cabi-
net making, carpentry, sewing, and all kinds of needle work, including
cutting and fitting garments, cooking and housekeeping in all branches, are
taught — and the young man or woman who graduates in these depart-
ments is fitted to take up some lucrative employment, when he or she
leaves school.
The Zinc Industry.
In the spring of 1878 Robert Lanyon came from Peoria, Illinois, and
began the erection of a zinc smelter. His plan to bring the zinc ore. which
is mined in large quantities in and about Joplin. Missouri, and Galena,
Kansas, to the coal fields for reduction, proved an excellent one. With
him came S. II . Lanyon, who was a general overseer of the work. For
three years he remained one of the firm of Robert Lanyon & Company.
40 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
He then severed his connection, and began the erection of zinc works of
his own, associating with him his two sons, Arthur and Alvin, both of
whom are now connected with the National Bank of Pittsburg.
In the spring of 1880 the Granby Mining and Smelting Company
began the erection of zinc works on the west side of Broadway, north of
town, and two years later William and Josiah Lanyon came from Miner-
al Point, Wisconsin, and built extensive zinc works.
The adding of smelting works to the mining of coal gave Pittsburg
an impetus that has never ceased. Business enterprises of all kinds came
in. A large frame hotel was built by L. Stephens on the ground where
Biles' Brothers bakery now stands. Another hotel was built on the corner
of Fifth and Broadway on the spot now occupied by the First National
Bank. Both of these buildings were burned. Then came the first brick
building, erected by Kalwitz and Yogle. which they soon sold, and built
another. In the summer of 1883 four brick business houses were built.
John R. Lindburg built on the corner of Fourth and Broadway, Brown &
Brown on the next block south. I. P. Waskey built across the street the
building now occupied by T. J. Evans, books and music, and A. J. Geor-
gia built on the corner of Third and Broadway.
The town company was organized with C. M. Condon president, and
B. F. Hobart secretary, who purchased the lands owned by Moffett and
Sargent. John W. Jennings, who had been the agent of the old company,
was succeeded by Major J. J. Rochison as manager. Other tracts of land,
ci mtiguous to the original town, were platted and put on the market and
sold. New buildings went up everywhere, and the town began to assume
the appearance of a city. In the fall of 1879 Pittsburg was incorporated
as a city of the third class. M. M. Snow was elected mayor and J. R.
Lindburg. W. McBride, F. Kalwitz. P. A. Shields and D. S. Miller coun-
cilmen. These were the pioneers in establishing a city government.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 41
M. M. Snow was re-elected mayor in the spring of 1880, and in 1882
was succeeded by H. C. Willard. The councilmen who served with him
were John R. Lindburg, A. J. Georgia, C. S. Tennis, E. E. Fakin and
J. R. Braidwood.
In the spring- of [882 the directors of the Granby Mining and Smelt-
ing Company, of Granby, Missouri, held their annual meeting 111 tin
city of St. Louis, an account of which appeared in the St. Louis news-
papers At this meeting they resolved to build zinc smelters. The item
a- it appeared in the newspapers attracted the attention of the mayor and
councilmen, who sent an imitation by telegraph to the managers to
come to Pittsburg before locating. The result was the building of the
Granby Smelting Works. About this time S. II. Lanyon began the
erection of a new plant: then William and Josiah Lanyon built their
works, which were followed by two other plants, the St. Louis and the
Wear. Then Pittsburg was known as the coal and smelting city.
In the fall of 1890 Robert Nesch and, John Mo,, re came from Atchi-
son and embarked in the brick' business, manufacturing building- and
paving brick, which, proving of an excellent quality, a contract was
entered into with the city, by which they were to pave Broadway for a
distance of three-fourths of a mile. During this time Mr. Moore retired.
leaving Mr. Nesch in full control of the brick plant, which has grown
to large proportions. The excellent quality of the clays found in and
around Pittsburg attracted the attention of manufacturers. Now two
ether clay-working establishments are engaged in manufacturing. One
turns out brick to be used exclusively in building tall smoke-stacks for
manufacturing plants: the other makes drain and sewer tile, hollow-
blocks for building and other products.
In the year 1888 Lewis Hull and T. G. Dillon started a small pack-
ing plant, which has increased from year to year until now it is a large
industry.
42 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
So Pittsburg has in a few years grown from a plat of bare prairie to
a city of fifteen thousand inhabitants, with all the modern conveniences.
Five railroads carry her commerce. Four wells, reaching to a depth of
from twelve hundred to fifteen hundred feet, furnish an abundance of
pure water. The trolley cars of the Pittsburg Railroad Company, extend-
ing to Frontenac on the northeast and Chicopee on the southwest, making
a continuous line of ten miles, furnish the transportation to the people;
while the railroad shops of the Kansas City Southern Railway, with the
many other manufacturing establishments, furnish employment to her
people.
In her push for business the wants of the traveling public have not
been overlooked. The Hotel Stetwell was erected in the year 1890, and
is one of the finest hotels in the west. It is kept by O. K. Dean, who
caters bountifully to the wants of his guests. Other hotels are the Cres-
cent, on the corner of Third and Locust, Commercial, Third and Broad-
way, Phoenix, Fifth and Locust, and other smaller ones scattered over the
city.
Churches. — No sooner had the town begun to grow, than the several
churches sought to secure a location. The Methodist Episcopal was the
first to build a house of worship. The building was erected in 1880, of
brick, and stands on the corner of Fifth and Pine streets. It is now
owned and used by the United Presbyterians, Rev. J. H. Gibson, pastor.
After selling their building the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church,
in 1891, proceeded to build a larger one, on the corner of Eighth and
Locust streets, where they now worship. Next after the Methodists came
the Christian denomination. They built and still occupy a commodious
church building across Pine street from the United Presbyterian church.
The Baptists built a small brick church on Walnut near Fifth street, which
they sold to the German Methodists, and have since built a fine church
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 43
building at the corner of Seventh and Walnut. The Presbyterians
occupy their church building at the corner of Eighth and Pine, while the
Memorial Baptists worship on East Tenth street. The United Brethren
and Congregationalists are in the south part of the city, while the Swedish
Lutherans and German Lutherans worship in their respective churches
in the eastern part of the city. The Episcopal is on West Euclid avenue.
The Bell and Home Telephone Companies run their wires to all
parts of the city, while the gas and electric light companies furnish the
people with light.
In 1881 H. C. Brunei- built the first mill. It stands on East Fourth
street, and is a modern flouring mill.
Nearly all the secret societies are well represented: Two lodges of
Masons, two Odd Fellows lodges, one each of Ancient Order of United
Workmen. Knights of Pythias. Red Men, Woodmen of the World and
Modern Woodmen, Sons of Herman, Elks. Eagles, and mam - fraternal
beneficiary societies claim the attention of Pittsburg citizens. Two hos-
pitals the City and Mount Carmel. minister to the wants of the sick', in
connection with two score or more of physicians.
The Standard Mercantile is probably the largest store in Kansas,
occupying a three-room department on the first floor, with basement am!
second floor, while more than one hundred other establishments are sell-
ing drugs, hardware, dry goods, clothing, dmes, queensware, musical
instruments and every other kind of merchandise.
Water Works. — One of the difficult problems that confronted the
earlier inhabitants of Pittsburg, was a supply of good water for domes-
tic and public purposes. Wells and cisterns were first resorted to. hut the
water obtained by digging wells was generally hitter and unwhole-
some, while cisterns were often dry from lack of rainfall, so that when
a fire occurred all that could he done was to carry out the goods an 1
44: HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
let the building burn. The furnishing of water thus became a grave
problem. Where was the water to come from, necessary to put out fires,
and furnish pure water for domestic purposes? This was the question
discussed in the stores, on the street, and in the family circle, until it
developed into a call for a meeting to be held at the school house to
discuss the water question. About fifty men attended that meeting,
and there were several plans proposed. One was to purchase a large
tract of land along Cow creek, northwest of town, build a dam across
the creek, and levies on the sides, where needed to hold the water, and
with pumps, water mains and settling basins, prepare and bring the
water to the city. But as this plan would involve an outlay of about
fifty thousand dollars, it was not considered feasible, and was aban-
doned. Other plans were suggested, among which was the boring of
deep wells, with the hope that an abundance of good water might lie
obtained. This meeting was finally adjourned to meet in one week.
Accordingly, on the next Monday night, another one was held and was
largely attended. At this meeting reports were heard from the various
committees appointed at the first meeting. After hearing the reports it
was decided to adopt the deep well plan, and a committee c< insisting of
O. T. Boaz, A. J. Ceorgia. S. H. Lanyon, D. Miller and H. C. Willard
~was appointed to present the matter to the city council, and report re-
sults in two weeks, at the next meeting. The council heard the argu-
ments in- favor of the city boring a well, but refused to take any action.
The next move was to form a stock company. A charter was secured,
the shares fixed at ten dollars each and subscriptions taken. Mr. O. T.
Boaz was sent to Kansas City, to contract with Mr. Swan to bore or
drill the well, and in April Air. Swan was on the ground, with his drilling-
machine, and the work began. A lot had been purchased on Pine street,
just back of where the Stilwell Hotel now stands. Far days, weeks
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 45
and months the work went on. At first only one thousand dollars was
subscribed, but when that sum was exhausted the stockholders would
double up their subscriptions, and, more money being in sight, the w< >rk
would go ahead.
Finally, in December, the well had reached a depth of one thousand
two hundred and three feet, and an abundance of water, of excellent
quality, secured, at an expense of five thousand dollars. By a vote of
the stockholders the well was offered as a donation to the city, provided
she would proceed to put in water works. Pmt the offer was promptly
rejected, under the plea that the city would get in debt. In the following
spring A. H. McCormick, of Parsons. Kansas, who was engaged in build-
ing water works, came to Pittsburg and offered to buy the well, provided
a test should show an unfailing supply of good water. A test of ninety-
six hours' continual bard pumping showed no diminution, and tin-
bargain was closed for the sum of three thousand dollars. He secured
a franchise from the city and proceeded to build the works. Since then
the property has changed hands twice, and is now owned by L. M. Emer-
son, < if Titusville, Pennsylvania. Three additional wells have been tx red.
averaging about fifteen hundred feet each, and an inexhaustible supply of
water obtained. The water is practically pure, the analysis showing
ninety-eight and one-half per cent of pure water, the one and a half per
cent being solid matter consisting of chloride of sodium or common
salt, sulphate of lime, sulphate of magnesia and a trace of iron, all
wholesome products. The water when first pumped is heavily charged
with carbonate gas. which soon evaporates on coming to the open air.
This fact of the water being impregnated with carbonate gas is the onl}
evidence of natural gas at Pittsburg. The company has recently built a
large reservoir, into which the water is pumped and exposed to the open
air. Thus the question of an abundance of pure water for all purposes
was successfully solved by a few of the enterprising citizens.
46 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Courts. — In the winter of 1899 the legislature of Kansas created a
common pleas court, to be held at Pittsburg and Galena, in Cherokee
county, to accommodate the large number of litigants living at and near
these places. The court was established by the election of W. E. Sap, of
Galena, judge. Some cases were tried, and some parties sent to the peni-
tentiary, but the constitutionality of the law creating the court having
been attacked, the law was held to be unconstitutional, and the cases
remanded back for retrial.
At the following session of the legislature an enabling act was
passed to permit an election being held to divide the terms of the district
court, so that alternate terms might be held at Girard and Pittsburg.
The election resulted in favor of the change. Pittsburg then built a
courthouse, and gave the use of it free to Crawford county.
Frontenac.
Frontenac, located three miles north and one east of Pittsburg, is a
flourishing town of two thousand inhabitants. The Santa Fe Railroad
furnishes transportation to the people, while the Pittsburg Railroad
trolley cars carry people to and from Pittsburg. Frontenac is the out-
growth of the Devlin or Santa Fe Coal Company. Here are located the
coal shafts and offices of said company, and here most of the people
employed in and about the mines live. They have built comfortable cot-
tages for themselves and families. Excellent schools are maintained, and
churches are well patronized. Several stores, a postofnce, hotels and
boarding houses are well represented. The coal shafts are one hundred
and twenty feet deep, where they mine forty inches of excellent coal. The
Santa Fe Coal Company own several thousand acres of coal lands about
Frontenac and the vicinity of Chicopee.
Chicopee.
Chicopee lies southwest of Pittsburg, and about the same distance
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 47
as Frontenac on the northeast. Here is another mining village, of about
one thousand population. The street cars from Pittsburg reach this
town, and the Missouri Pacific and Santa Fe Railroads pass through this
place. Several stores, a postoffice, boarding houses and other conven-
iences accommodate the people. Most of the inhabitants are of foreign
birth, the Italian race predominating. The people are nearly all coal
miners, and work for the several coal companies operating about Chico-
pee. They have good schools, which are well attended, and the children
of these foreign born people are quick to get learning, and soon become
excellent business men and women.
Bcitlah.
Beulah is located on the main line of the Kansas City, Fort Scott
and Gulf Railroad, about five miles south of Girard. This road is now
operated by the Frisco. In the year 1874 some members of the .Meth-
odist Episcopal church formed a company for the purpose of establishing
a colony, to be composed exclusively of Methodists. Among those who
entered heartily into the scheme, were Rev. D. P. Mitchell, C. S. Jennis
and Thomas J. Crowder, also C. A. King, H. T. Potter, Henry Brown.
J. S. Schofield, R. G. Hermance and many others. Some of these lived
in Iowa, some in Illinois, while others lived as far east as Pennsylvania.
A committee was chosen to select a site for the company. After much
travel, and examination of various locations, the lands in the vicinity of
Beulah were chosen, and the members began moving to the new country,
and by the close of the year two hundred persons were living in the
village. Time has proved the good judgment of the committee who
selected the lands. They are rich, of black, deep soil, slightly rolling,
and make the very best of farms. As might have been expected the first
enterprise was the erecting of a schoolhouse, and then a church. Both
were large and commodious, but have been added to from time to time
48 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
as necessity required. Beulah has not grown to be a big- city, but as a
village of good moral homes she has no superior in the county. A large
number of her promoters have joined the great majority, but a few still
live to enjoy the fruits of their labors.
Mulberry Grozw
< )n the north side of the ridge, which is partly in Lincoln and partly
in Washington townships, and near the state line, in the early days of the
settling up of Crawford county stood a beautiful grove of wild mul-
berry trees. Here the Osage Indians frequently camped when on their
hunting expeditions. From the top of the ridge, back of the grove, the
red men could look far away to the northeast and south, and no enemy
or wild game could approach without being discovered. When the mili-
tary road was established between Fort Scott and Fort Gibson it passed
within a few rods of this beautiful grove, and the place became the
camping ground of the frontiersman in his lonely journey. When white
men began to settle the county the land where the grove stood was taken
by N. W. Taylor, who secured a huge tract of the richest of lands. In
[866 a stage line was established on the military road, and a postoffice
granted the people, which was named Mulberry Grove. When the Cher-
ryvale division of the Gulf Railroad was built, a town was laid out and
named Mulberry. Among the first to locate in the town were A. M.
and Jesse Brown, two brothers, who came from Ohio. Churches, schools,
a mill, several stores, hotels and all the things that serve to make a
town have been established at Mulberry. About 1871 mines were opened
near the town, and have increased in volume of business until extensive
mining is carried on, and Mulberry has become an extensive shipping
point. The Miller brothers are extensive dealers in coal, merchandise
and farm implements. Excellent farms surround the town, and grain
and stock-raising are the principal work of the farmers.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 49
Englevale.
Englevale, located near the west line of Lincoln township, on the
Fort Scott and Southern Railroad (now the Missouri Pacific), was laid
out in the fall of 1890, on land belonging to David Dick and Jerry Ingals.
Frazier & Baysingei built the first store building and put in a stuck of
general merchandise. W. L. Baysinger was appointed postmaster, which
office he has continued to hold, with the exception of four years during
President Cleveland's administration. The first school was taught by
Charles Finley, and the first child born in the town was Pearl Swain.
Two neat churches, the Methodist Episcopal and Church of God, supply
placc< for worship. Three other general stores, cue drug store, one
grain house, and one lumber yard constitute the largest part of com-
mercial activity. A coal shaft, employing about one hundred men, is
in constant operation, and produces the very best quality of bituminous
coal. The dial measure is from thirty to forty-two inches. The farm-
ing land- surrounding Englevale are very productive, and are occupied
by an intelligent, industrious people.
Early Postoffices.
Among the postoffices that were established in an early day, and
which have long since been discontinued, by reason of the advent of
railroads, we mention Iowa City, which was kept by George! Hobson,
two miles south and one-half mile east of Pittsburg.
Hope was the name of another postoffice, kept by Joseph Lane, two
miles west and one-half mile north of Pittsburg. Strongtown. kept f< >r
a while by Alfred Y\ llliams, was located five and a half miles north of
Pittsburg. Lacoy, first located six miles northeast of Pittsburg, was
kept by a Mr. James, and was afterward moved to the farm of John
Magie. five miles north of Pittsburg, his wife Elizabeth being appointed
postmistress. The removal of Lacoy discontinued Strongtown. Carbon
50 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
was located five miles northeast of Pittsburg; afterward the name was
changed to Litchfield, but the moving away of the mines and the com-
pany store has nearly depopulated the town.
Cato.
On the north line in Lincoln township is one of the oldest towns in
the county. As early as 1866 there was a store kept by Peter Smith,
who also sold some drugs. A postoffice was also established in the same
year. In 1867 a saw-mill was built, where corn was also ground. About
this time a blacksmith located in the village. Then came George and
Robert Fowler. They put up a good mill and built a store-room and
filled it with goods. The farms of Isaac K. and Chad Brown adjoin the
town. These men lived here with their father before the war. and both
went into the Union army, serving in a Kansas regiment. Many of
their neighbors were in the Confederate army, and during the war life
and property were not safe in and around Cato. But all that is changed,
and those who wore the blue and those who wore the gray live side by
side in peace, enjoying the blessings of a stable government.
Brazil ton.
Located about half way between Girard and Walnut, on the Santa
Fe Railroad, is the village of Brazilton. Considerable stock, grain, hay
and poultry are shipped from this point. The town is supplied with post-
office, stores, hotel, blacksmith simps, schools and churches. Farming
is extensively carried on around the town, the soil being of excellent
quality. The town is growing slowly.
\kma, on the Missouri Pacific Railroad in Lincoln township, is but
little more than a station and shipping point. A depot and one or two
houses are all there is of the town.
Midway is a mining town in Baker township, on the line of the
Arcadia and Cherryvale branch of the Gulf Railway (now Frisco). A
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 51
postoffice was established here in 187 1. The Pittsburg and Midway Coal
Company have a large store here to supply the wants of a large number
of miners who work in their mines. Good schools are also provided.
Large quantities of coal are shipped daily.
Other towns are Fuller, three miles south of Mulberry Grove;
Yale, two miles south of Fuller; and Nelson, southwest of Yale two
miles, all mining towns with about five hundred population in each town.
Yale and Nelson are on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, while Fuller is
located on the Kansas City Southern. Each town has a postoffice of
the name of the town, also stores, schools and other conveniences. The
people are nearly all engaged in mining. The coal is of excellent qual-
ity, and finds a ready market. Farming is also carried on, the soil being
rich and well adapted to raising wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, hay and other
farm products.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
CHAPTER I I.
CONCERNING LINCOLN TOWNSHIP.
By F. A. Jewell.
Cato postoffice, named by E. J. Boring, first postmaster, in about
1858, located on what is now the county line between Bourbon and Craw-
ford counties, in N. W. Y\ Sec. 25, T. 27, R. 24.
Captain Rogers, who was killed during the war by the bushwhackers,
bought out Mr. Boring and was the next postmaster. After Captain
Rogers' death Peter Smith became postmaster and inherited by marriage
the Rogers property.
The postoffice was not moved until 1869 or l &7°> when George W.
Fowler was appointed postmaster and moved the office to the present .
site of Cato.
The first lodge in Cato was the Masonic Lodge, organized about
1872, with William Simpson master. This lodge is now consolidated
with Godfrey and meets at Pawnee. There was an Eastern Star in
connection with the Masonic lodge, with Mary Fowler as matron. The
next lodge organized was the A. O. U. W., in 1883, with John W. Odom
as master and J. H. Brown past master, which was removed to Topeka.
This lodge still meets at Cato, and has a D. of H. lodge also.
First church organized at Cato was a Missionary Baptist church
organized in 1871, with Israel Harris as pastor. This church was
organized with eight members. Mrs. Chad Brown was the first member
baptized into the church. Two other churches have been organized and
gone off from this church, viz. : Farlington and Drywood. and the Cato
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 53
church has now a membership of 101 and has preaching twice a month.
The Christian denomination had an organization at Cato for several
years, but has no organization now. Rev. Wilson was the first pastor.
The Church of God had an organization at one time, but have no organi-
zation at Cato now. The first school house, located on Chad Brown's
farm, was a small log house without a glass window, a door in the south
and a log sawed out in the north for a window. Mr. Emery Conditt
taught the first school. Mr. C. II. Strong organized the first Sunday
school in Crawford county in the school house, with Miss Wilcox, the
teacher of the school at that time, to assist him.
The present Cato school house was built in 1869. This is a stone
structure still in a fairly good state of preservation. This served as
school house and meeting house until 1SS1. when the Baptist church
was built.
The Cato mill was built by Robbins and Steele in 186S. This was
the first mill in Kansas south of Ft. Scott. It was both a grist and saw
mill. People came from far and near to this mill and a hundred teams
have been seen here at a time waiting for their grists. The stores were
owned by George W. Fowler and Peter Smith. Mr. Fowler moved to
Arcadia and the Smith store is still run by Mr. Smith's niece. Miss Evelyn
Smith, to whom he gave the store at his death.
Andy Linthicum had the first shoe shop. Afterwards Mr. Allen
and then Isaac Barker had shoe shops. William Telcamp had the first
harness shop.
William Shamblin had the first blacksmith shop. He sold out to
B. C. Redlon.
Bone Creek rises about two miles southwest of Garfield school
house.
Drywood rises three miles northwest of Farlington. Bone Creek
54 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
empties into Drywood about two miles east of Cato. First county bridge
in township was across Bone Creek, a mile and one-half east of Hatch
school house.
Engleyale was so named because located on Dan Engle's farm in
1891. The Missouri Pacific Railroad was built in the summer of 1891,
no bonds were voted for it, and it ran in in 1892.
Lincoln township is rich in coal deposits. Many strips are worked
and there is a three or four- foot vein of coal found at a depth of 150 to
250 feet.
J. F. Joy visited Cato during the Leaguer troubles. My grand-
father, Colonel Jewell, was killed during the war, and the commission
to intercede for the Cherokee strip was appointed after the war.
Woolen Coonrod, Sr., was about the earliest settler, coming in
1856, Elisha Black. Sr., coming about the same time. E. B. Black, his
son. was the first white child born in Lincoln township. E. B. Black
still lives at Cato. H. B. Brown moved on a farm north of Cato in 1862.
Ezekiel Brown and his two sons. I. K. and Chad, moved to Cato in 1865.
I. K.. Chad and Ezekiel Brown owned patents Nos. 1. _' and 3. I. K.
and Chad Brown still reside on this land.
Other early settlers were: John Hale. Sr.. Jacob Workman, still
living, Benjamin Workman, Levi and Sam James, James Odom, Crede
Burton, Elihu Talcott, Mr. Pearson and bis sons Riley and William.
Levi Hatch. E. J. Boring. N. Sawyer. Jones Elliott, Mr. Franklin and
sons William and Jerry. Spencer Reynolds.
Among the Cato hoys who have gained some distinction may be
named J. S. West, who was Judge of the Sixth judicial district, after-
wards assistant attorney general. Arthur Fuller of Girard, one of the
best lawyers in the county. J. M. Humphrey of Ft. Scott, a leading
attorney of Bourbon county Albert Ross, one of the leading politicians
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 55
of Jewell county and a member of the board of regents of the State
Normal School ; O. C. Brown, now attending Theological Seminary at
Newton Center. Massachusetts; L. L. Smith, a successful Baptist preacher
of Oklahoma. George E. Cole was the youngest county clerk in the
state when elected in 1883. He afterwards served as state auditor six
years; is now secretary of Illinois Life Insurance Company at Topeka.
Hiram Barker, a physician in Oklahoma, and Hugh Scott, who is also
a physician in Oklahoma.
Civil War Soldiers : William Simpson. Xeal Humphreys. James
Humphreys. William Franklin, Chad Brown, I. K. Brown. J. H. Coon-
rod. Sam James, J. H. Odom, Jonas Elliott, William Pearson. James
Jones, Aaron Jones. Robert Alack, Mr. Shakely. Pascal Moss. H. B.
Brown, Captain Rogers. Thomas Emmitt.
In the Spanish War was Frank Hagerman.
Robert Adams. Settled first on what is known as the Mason place.
His two sons. J. 0. Adams and C. Adams, are still living. J. Q. Adams
was at one time county surveyor.
Mr. Howard was an early settler who died several years ago. His
widow is still living" at Arcadia and is the oldest person in Lincoln. Their
son Bluford Howard lives on this farm also.
Mr. Franklin was one of the earliest settlers. At his house the
Lincoln township election was held for several years. His sons, William
and Jerry, were early settlers also. Jerry is dead and William moved to
Bartlesville. Indian Territory, where he died.
The Wortleys were not early settlers. They camediere in 1880.
William Stitler settled in the township about 1867. He was a
prosperous farmer, but lost most of his property when be went into the
mercantile business in 1884. His oldest son, Harry, is a locomotive
engineer in Texas. His daughter Sadie is now Mrs. Pete Fowler, and
56 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
the other daughter. Mollie, is Mrs. John Hale of this township. Mr.
Stitler is now in Oklahoma proving up a claim, commencing at the bot-
tom of the ladder trying to climb up.
Levi Hatch was a soldier in the Sixth Kansas Cavalry. Settled
in what is now Lincoln township before the war. His sons, Wesley and
Lewis, are dead, and his son John lives on the old homestead. One of
his daughters is Mrs. Henry Burden and another Mrs. Lou McGonigle.
Mr. Levi Hatch was probate judge of Crawford county. Chad Brown
went to his office for his marriage license. Not finding him there, he
came on to Judge Hatch's home, where he found the judge, but he said
he could not write out a license, and told Chad to have I. K. Brown
write one and bring to him to sign. This Chad did, but when he re-
turned to Judge Hatch's house he was gone, and Chad gave up chasing
Judge Hatch and went to Ft. Scott for his license.
Old Mr. Pearson was an early settler and was one of five men in
Lincoln township who was not a leaguer. He had two sons, William
and Riley, who still live in Lincoln township, and two daughters, one
of whom is now Mrs. John Smart, the other Mrs. Riley Dalton, both
living in this township.
Rilev Dalton was an early settler. In 1866 a man jumped his
claim. There was in those days an organization to protect the settlers.
I. K. Brown was chairman of this committee. A meeting of this com-
mittee was called and a trial held, which decided that Mr. Dalton was
the actual settler and the other man was ordered to vacate the claim,
which he did. Of Mr. Dalton's children, his sons, Harvey, Sabe, Ben,
Philip and Abe, live in Lincoln township and are all prosperous men.
His two daughters are married, but do not live in the township.
Gideon P. Cole settled in the township in 1S68. His first wife
was a sister of I. K. and Chad Brown. She died in 1870, leaving six
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 57
children. Of these, Cynthia, with her husband, Leroy Hemenway,
moved to Kansas with them and is now living in Liberal, Missouri.
Mary, the second daughter, is now Mrs. E. B. Black, and lives at Cato.
George E., the oldest son, early became injured so that he has always
been crippled. He has held several places of trust, among them county
clerk of Crawford county four years and state auditor six years. He
now lives in Topeka. Sophronia, the third daughter, taught school
several years. She was married to R. T. Grant in 1883. She died in
1899, leaving two daughters who live with their father near Girard.
Nettie K.. the fourth daughter, also taught school, and when George
was elected county clerk, Nettie was his deputy, and. a better one Craw-
ford county never had. Irving H, the second son, became crippled
also when a small boy. For years he worked in the Girard postoffice,
and has been for five years Lionel clerk in the state auditor's office. In
1871 Mr. Cole married Miss Sarah Brooks of Sherman township, and
they have four children. The oldest daughter. E. Grace, teaches school
in Kansas City. The other daughter, Gertrude, is now Mrs. II. W.
Hudgen of Ft. Scott. The older son, Willis, lues in California, and
the youngest son, Ralph, lives at home with bis father, near Girard.
Mr. Cole brought with him the first piano that was in Crawford county.
He kept in i860 wdiat was known as the Buck-born tavern, where the
stage between Ft. Scott and Girard changed horses. Among the guests
at this tavern one night was C. Dana Savers, an attorney whom many
old settlers will remember and who is now a great temperance worker
in Nebraska, but in those days he was never known to be without his
bottle of fire water. While talking in an eloquent way to the other
guests, he became excited and rising to make his arguments stronger by
gesture threw the bottle of whiskey from his pocket to the stone hearth.
B. C. Redlox was at one time the blacksmith in Cato. In the fall
58 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
after buying the blacksmith shop he had enough money to pay for half
a car load of cattle. He borrowed enough more to pay for the other
half of car, and from this start he became a very successful stock-man,
buying and selling cattle. At one time he owned in Lincoln and Sher-
man townships two thousand acres of land. He had two sons, Charley
and Lloyd, and one daughter, Anne. Mr. Redlon now lives on a farm
near Girard. I. K. Brown says he still has a wrought-iron stove-lid
lifter that B. C. Redlon made himself while he was blacksmith at Cato.
Woolery Coonrod, Sr., was one of the very first settlers in what
is now Lincoln township. He settled on Drywood about a mile south
of where Cato now stands, about 1856. He had quite a family and he
and his wife, who were familiarly known as Old Daddy and Old Mammy,
lived together sixty-three years, when he died. His wife followed him
about a year later. His children were : Add, John, Franc, Jeff, William
B., George, the sons, and Martha, Mary and Emily, the daughters —
some of whom live in the township, others have moved away. Add
Coonrod died several years ago, leaving a family who now live in the
Indian Territory.
John Coonrod, Sr., lives on the treaty claim which he bought of
the government. He was a member of the Sixth Kansas Home Guards
during the Civil war. He is a member of the Christian church and is
a strong temperance Democrat. In early days of Kansas Mr. Coonrod
enjoyed a hunt with hounds, and he still keeps hounds, and it is a pleasure
to him yet to go with his horse and hounds for a chase, bringing home
anyway a jackrabbit. His three sons, Woolery, John and Dick, are in
partnership in a general store at Drywood and farming, Woolery at-
tending the store and being postmaster of Drywood, and John and Dick
running the farm and attending to the stock. Mr. Coonrod's son Hil-
man is the Cato blacksmith. Callie Coonrod, his oldest daughter, was
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 59
married in 1884 to Nathan Hutchins, who died in 1894 leaving her
five small children, which she has worked nobly to raise and educate.
Zona, the second daughter, taught school until her health failed. She
and Mrs. Hutchins live together. The youngest daughter, Minnie, mar-
ried Ora Williams, and lives in Cherryvale. Franc and Jeff Coonrod
both live in Texas.
William B. Coonrod owns the old Coonrod homestead, and mar-
ried Mrs. Elizabeth Fowler Reynolds. They have four sons and four
daughters. Franc, the oldest son, is a prosperous farmer. He was
married in 1899 to Miss Jessie Mack. They have two little daughters.
Fowler, the second son, is on his own farm, across the line in Bourbon
county. His wife was Miss Lizzie Hulbert of Arcadia. They have
one little daughter. The oldest daughter, Xora, was married to Olin
Kelley in 1900. They live <ni a farm in Crawford countv and have
two children, a daughter and a son. The other children, Susie. Tom,
George, Florence and Mattie. still live at home. George Coonrod was
married to Miss Lucas. They live in the Indian Territory. Martha
Coonrod was the wife of Elisha Black, Sr., one of the earliest settlers.
Her daughter, Mrs. Conditt. lives in Lamar and, although left a widow-
years ago, she has given her children all good educations. Her other
daughter, Mrs. Hightower, also a widow, lives in Texas. Her only
son, E. B. Black, lives in Cato. He is a farmer. He has two children,
Lee and Viva. Mary Coonrod was the wife of James Odom, an early
settler. They had only one child, John W. Odom, who lives near
McCune. Emily Coonrod was married to Henry Gaither and lives in
the Indian Territory.
Jonas Elliott was one of the early settlers and a soldier in the
Sixth Kansas Cavalry. He lives about one-half mile east of the Hatch
school house.
60 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Rufus Boring was an early settler and a soldier in the. Sixth Kan-
sas Cavalry. Mr. Boring settled on a farm east of where the Garfield
school house now stands, later he moved to a farm a mile and a quarter
east of the Hatch school house. About two years ago he sold this farm
and moved to Englevale. He has now moved to Oklahoma. He has
two sons and two daughters. The two sons, Ezekiel and George, are
both married and live in Oklahoma. The oldest daughter married Mr.
Phillips and lives in Englevale. The youngest daughter, Emma, was
married to John Deering in 1904 and lives in Bourbon county.
I. K. Brown was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, in 1840. He
moved to Rockford, Bourbon county, Kansas, in the spring of 1858.
Enlisted from there in the Second Kansas Battery in 1862. Was in
the war until 1865. Moved to Cato with his parents, Ezekiel and Cor-
nelia Brown, in the fall of 1865. He owns patent No. 1 of the Cherokee
Neutral Land. He was married in 1867 to Miss E. Eva Johnson. He
was township trustee of Lincoln township two years. He was nomi-
nated clerk of district court of Crawford county by the Republican party
in 1892. He had six children. Dollie E., the eldest daughter, taught
school successfully for several years. She was married to T. L. Mc-
Williams in 1891 and lives in Crawford township on a farm. They
have two sons. Owen C, the oldest son, taught school for several
years. Won first prize in the Crawford County Oratorical Contest in
1893. He graduated from Ft. Scott Normal School in 1898, and then
attended school at Ottawa University. He was married to Miss Lois
Gates in T898 and was ordained into the Baptist ministry at Catn that
same year. He graduated from Ottawa in 1902. when he went to
Boston to attend the Baptist Seminary at Newton Center. He has
preached at a fashionable church every Sunday since he arrived there.
He will graduate from the seminars' in 1905, after which (in June) he
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 61
goes to Kansas to accept a call in one of the leading churches of the state.
He has one son, Carl Newton. Minnie C, the second daughter, was
for several years organist for the church and Sunday school. She was
married to Dick Nance in 1896. They have four children and live at
Niotaze, Kansas. Nannie O, the third daughter, taught school two
years and was married to Alhert Farmer, who is a prosperous farmer
of this township. They have one little son, Ralph. Chad, the second
son, died when he was eight years old. Mary, the youngest daughter,
is a promising young lady. She is the present organist for the Sunday
school and church at Cato.
Chad Brown, son of Ezekiel and Cornelia Brown, was born in
Stephenson county, Illinois, in 1843. He, with his parents and brother,
moved to Rockford, Kansas, in 1858. He enlisted in the Third Kansas
Infantry in 1861. He was also in the Tenth Kansas Infantry. He
served over three years in war. He was married in 1867. He
owns patent No. 2. Cherokee Neutral Lands. He bought, dur-
ing the war, from Spencer Reynolds the two claims which he and
I. K. Brown now own, and Mr. Reynolds said he might have his daugh-
ter Hattie to boot, and later Chad held him to this agreement, as Hattie
did not object. They had six children, two of whom, Mollie and Chad,
died in infancy. Ezekiel S., the oldest son, was born in 1868. He was
married to Lorette Jolliff in 1889. He was a prosperous farmer near
Cato for several years, but moved to the Indian Territory six years
ago. They have eight children, the oldest of which, Ernest, lives with
his grandfather, Chad Brown.
William H, the second son, attended school in Ottawa University,
but was married when quite young to Miss Eva Snow, and settled
down to farming. They have four children, and live near Hiattville.
Kansas.
62 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Nellie, the oldest daughter, was married in 1894 to Jonah Bixler,
Jr. When a girl she was organist for the church and Sunday school.
They are carrying on a dairy at Bartellsville, Indian Territory. They
have four children and are prosperous.
Bertha M., the youngest daughter, taught school successfully a
number of years, was church organist some time. She was married to
Curt Deering in December, 1899. She never was a strong woman and
after a lingering illness she died in the fall of 1903, leaving one daugh-
ter, Hattie, two years old.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
CHAPTER I I I.
POLITICAL HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.
(By A. G. Lucas.)
There is, perhaps, not another word in the English language which
is more abused than the word "politics" and its cognates. It is made
to do duty in almost every conceivable line of thought; but the most
vicious use made of it is to confound it with partisanship. Some men
are so ignorant or so blinded by prejudice that they can not conceive of
any politics aside from party. Hence, if you ask such a person what his
politics is he will answer that he is a Republican, or he is a Democrat,
or Prohibitionist, giving the name of the party with which he affiliates
instead of any principles or policy of government which he accepts or
advocates. A man may be a Republican or a Democrat in a partisan
sense and at the same time advocate a high tariff or low- tariff or no
tariff. He may belong to any of the parties of the present day and advo-
cate a direct tax on all property alike, or a graduated tax, or a tax on
real estate alone. He may favor national banks, state banks, private
banks, or postal banks, and still be an orthodox Republican or Demo-
crat. And so with all other political questions that have come before
the American people for the last century. Men of all parties have been
on all sides of all questions without losing their standing in their re-
spective parties.
Have political parties, then, no well established or well defined
principles? We do not so assert. But the principles or doctrines of a
party at one time may become the doctrines of the opposing party at
64 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
another, or they may change without passing over to the other side, or
even while a protective tariff is the slogan of the Republican party
there are men in that party who look upon it with indifference, not to
use a stronger word, while at the same time there are Democrats, so
called, who regard a protective tariff as one of the essential elements
of a safe and healthy administration.
Politics in its broadest sense is the science of government, and in
a more restricted sense it means the principles and policy that should
control the administration of government, whether national, state or
municipal. With this definition of the word in mind. I propose to
write a political history of our county, with only so much reference to the
several parties that have figured in the politics of the county as is neces-
sary to a full and fair understanding of the subject in hand. Where
praise and honor are due to a party they shall be awarded, not because
the writer belonged to or affiliated with that party, but because its prin-
ciples and policy served the best interests of the people at the time and
under the conditions then prevailing. Where censure and blame rightly
belong to a party they shall not be withheld or covered up. whether
the writer acted with that party or not. Tn a word, it is my intention
to give a fair and candid history of the political status of the county
from its beginning to the present time, regardless of party success or
party failure.
THE BEGINNING.
"In sorrow shalt thou bring forth children." was a curse pro-
nounced upon our great-grandmother when she was about to be ex-
pelled from the garden of delights. It has been verified, not only with
individuals, but with nations as well. Kansas was born in the throes
of a revolution, which for extent and ferocity has not been equalled
since the days of Robespiere. and then only in the latter element. From
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 65
the lakes to the gulf, and from ocean to ocean, the whole nation was
stirred in its utmost depths, and notwithstanding the interest was of
national extent and importance, all eyes were turned toward Kansas,
where the war actually began long before the walls of Fort Sumter
were battered down by rebel cannon. And Crawford county was not
exempt from the general strife and turmoil, but in addition to the com-
mon cause in which all were interested, she had trials of her own to
which but few other counties were subjected. The greater part of
Crawford county was included in "The Cherokee Neutral Lands,"
which gave rise to numerous heated, and in some cases fatal, disputes,
and which formed an important factor in shaping the early politics of
the county. Even before the breaking out of the rebellion proper, while
James Buchanan was yet president of the United States, he sent troops
to drive the settlers from their homes, and these troops, true to the be-
hests of their master, marked their course by applying the torch to
the hay stacks and buildings of the settlers as they passed, leaving no
trace of civilization behind them except the charred ruins of what had
been quiet and peaceful homes.
CRAWFORD COUNTY
was organized in the winter of 1866-7 from a part of what had been
McGhee county, which embraced all that part of the state lying be-
tween Bourbon county and the southern line of the state. Temporary
officers were appointed, and the first permanent officers were elected in
November, 1867. But little attention was paid to parties, as the all-
absorbing question was, "Shall the people be allowed to purchase their
homes from the government, or must they buy them of Shylock. at
whatever price he may stipulate?" The Land League was formed for
the purpose of protecting the settlers in their rights against what they
believed to be a swindle of gigantic proportions, and although the courts
66 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
decided against them there were hundreds of men, some of whom are
still living, who believed firmly that they were right and the courts were
wrong.
Many conflicts occurred in which blood frequently marked the
outcome, and no doubt excesses were committed on both sides; but, as
both the state and national governments were backing the anti-leaguers,
they could well afford to be the law-abiding element. But the case was
finally settled in favor of Shylock, who got not one, but many pounds
of flesh, and without the penalty for shedding Christian blood.
PARTIES FORMED.
After the Neutral Land question was settled, and peace and quiet
was restored, the people began to divide into parties for political pur-
poses; but the questions that divided them then were quite different
from those that have since agitated the public mind. The first thing
to be settled was the location of a county seat. Crawfordville had
been declared by the governor to be the seat of justice, but the people
of the county were not willing to submit to the one man power in things
purely local. The Girard Town Company had been organized and a
site secured on the surveyed line of the Kansas City, Fort Scott and
Gulf Railroad, which now seemed to be a fixed fact, and this gave it
a decided advantage over its antagonist. After much disputing and
several removals of the records, an election was held on the 15th of
December. 1868, which decided by a vote of 375 to 312 in favor of
Girard, and so the struggle ended.
While the railroad was under construction, and till the cars were
running beyond Girard, there was a very bad element of society, which
seemed, indeed, to hold the preponderance, and the third building
erected in Girard was occupied as a saloon, and at one time there were
seventeen saloons in full blast, and all this in a population of less than
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 67
500. And as the saloon has always been an important and baneful fac-
tor in politics wherever it was allowed to exist, it is easy to surmise
the political status of the town and county at that time.
ANOTHER FACTOR
in shaping the politics of the county as in all communities, was the local
newspaper. The Press was moved from Fort Scott to Girard in the
fall of 1869, and was run in the interest of the railroad without regard to
party politics, as one of the proprietors and editors was a Democrat
and the other a Republican. Both strongly favored the building of the
road, and perhaps neither of them foresaw the effect which the road
would have on the politics of the county and state. But a strange
anomaly occurred in 1872, as all are aware, namely: That a Democratic
national convention nominated a life-long Republican and abolitionist
for the presidency. The senior editor of the Press, Dr. Warner, was a
Democrat of the first water, and espoused the cause of Greeley, while
Mr. Wasser was equally zealous in advocating the claims of Grant for
re-election. This necessarily gave rise to a discord in the family, and as
the railroad was no longer a bone of contention, the proprietors agreed
to disagree, the senior going out and leaving the junior in peaceable
possession of the plant and all its appurtenances, and the Prets, with
whatever ability the editor possessed, has been the Republican paper of
the county till the present day, and has been run under the same man-
agement as when Dr. Warner left it.
But while the Press has always been a Republican paper since Dr.
Warner left it. it has not always advocated the same doctrine or policy.
but. like the candidates in their announcements, it has been "subject to
the nominating conventions." In other words, it has advocated the
party platform and the party candidates whatever these might be or how-
68 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ever they might vary from other platforms of the party. Instances of
these will be given later.
There has always been in Girard an element which was opposed
to the saloon. At first this element strove through temperance organi-
zations, such as the I. O. G. Templars, and later the Murphy move-
ment, to suppress, or at least to control the saloon, but found that, like
the untamed broncho, it would not be controlled by moral suasion, but
on the contrary it controlled all other influences both in church and
state. Churches were helpless to stem the tide of drunkenness that was
sweeping over the country. Even temperance societies were entered
by the devotees of rum for the purpose of controlling their action or of
rendering them odious in public estimation. It is therefore not to be
wondered at that when the prohibitory amendment was offered by the
people of the state, the city of Girard gave so large a vote in its favor,
the vote being about two to one in favor of the amendment. And it
must be remembered that up to this time the two leading parties had
been pretty equally balanced, the victory first to one and then to the
other, so that the honor of the large vote for the amendment could not
redound to either party as such.
As to the two parties, the Democrats were in the ascendant for
several years, and when at length the Republicans gained a partial vic-
tory in the count}' there was as much rejoicing and crowing over it as
if a national victory had been won over a foreign foe. From this time
forward for several years the Republicans succeeded in electing a ma-
jority of the county officers; but about the only thing involved in the
several contests was, who shall hold the offices and secure the spoils,
and these were several times divided between the parties.
From and after 1873, when Congress reduced silver from a stand-
ard tn a subsidiary coin, the money question occupied an important
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 69
place in national, state, and county politics. The Patrons of Husbandry
had already prepared the minds of the people, in a great measure, for a
reform in this respect, and Crawford county, as usual, led in the move-
ment. And it is not singular that in this, as well as in all other re-
forms coming before the people, it was a general uprising of the com-
mon people instead of a few self-appointed leaders. And this was not
because the county was destitute of men qualified to lead, but because
the people had fully embraced the doctrine enunciated by Lincoln, that
"this is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people."
And when the people desired standard bearers they found them in their
own ranks. True, they did not always make the wisest choice; but,
being men of their own choosing, they found no difficulty in turning
them down when it was necessary to do so.
In 1876 the Greenback party was organized as a part of the Na-
tional Greenback party, and, strange to say, that party that made the
greenbacks, and that paid them out to the soldiers in the field when
it took about three dollars in that currency to buy one dollar in gold,
was now the bitterest enemy that the Greenback party had to contend
with. It may be that this party was somewhat chimerical in some of
its claims and positions, but, as it appears to the present writer, it would
have been more patriotic and rational to correct it where it was wrong
and assist it wherein it was right, than to oppose it /'// toto simply
because "it followed not us."
The Greenback party continued to be an important factor in the
politics of the county for ten years, although it never was strong enough
to elect its candidates, but it exerted an influence in molding the policy
of the dominant parties, in the county, as well as in the state and
nation.
This was the first organized opposition that the two old parties
70 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
had in the county, although there were factions in both of them, partly
on local questions, but more on "who shall be greatest." These factions
caused many bitter strifes among the members of the two old parties,
and helped to augment the membership and power of any new party
that might be formed. The money question was a real issue, not only
in the county, but throughout the entire country. Capital was very
largely confined to the eastern money centers, and it was to their inter-
est to make money scarce and costly. But if the Greenback principles
prevailed, and all money was issued and controlled by the government
instead of by corporations, it would take the power out of the hands
of these corporations to contract or to expand the volume of currency
at their own will and pleasure, and this was the very thing that Shylock
dreaded, and determined to prevent. Hence the whole money power
was exerted against this party, and although there were men in all the
parties who were opposed to the then prevailing state of things, there
were not enough of them to change the policy of the parties, and hence,
after a gallant fight of ten years, the party was obliged to succumb and give
place to the Union Labor party, which was organized in 1886.
Crawford county bore a conspicuous part in all reform movements.
While the Greenback party lasted this countv did its full share in its
support, and when the transition came it was an easy matter for the
reform forces to glide into the new organization, and this was the
more readily done on account of the large labor element in the county.
The coal mines in the southeastern part of the county, and later, the
smelters, brought a large influx of laborers, and these industries neces-
sarily gave an impetus to other branches of labor, and although capital
increased, and, as everywhere else, strove to control the political situa-
tion, there was too much intelligence among the laborers to be entirely
brought under the domination of capital, and many of the miners and
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 7L
smelterers left the old parties and joined the Union Lahor party, and
continued with it till it gave place to another, which called for a more
sweeping reform than any of its predecessors.
At the time the Union Lahor party made its debut there appeared
in the Republican part)- a man who had been tabooed and ostracised by
many in his own party, even the Girard Press taking strong ground
against him, but who, nevertheless, carried the brains of the party above
his own shoulders. B. W. Perkins, of Cherokee county, then judge of
the district court, was nominated for Congress in the Third district, of
which Crawford county formed a part. And notwithstanding the bitter
opposition and even denunciation which he had met in his own party,
the Girard Press included, when he ran for district judge, the whole
party gave him a hearty, and almost unanimous support for Congress;
and well it might, for he did more to unite and harmonize the party,
and thereby lead it to victory, than any man who had preceded him.
In 1888 a new element appeared in the politics of the county: a new
star arose above the horizon. General Percy Daniels, one of the brain-
iest men that the state contained, and one who had been honored by the
Republican party, he having been a life-long Republican, and who was
spoken of in political circles as a candidate for state senator, wrote an
open letter to the party, in which be took strong and decided grounds
in favor of a graduated tax on large holdings and estates — not on in-
comes, as some erroneously represented him — stating at the same time
that "no party could command bis vote which did not hold the same
view." Of course he was not nominated, but a much inferior man
was nominated and elected, and the general was left to the peaceable
cultivation of his farm. But his work in the cause of political reform
did not end here. He continued to write and talk on bis favorite theme
until he succeeded in having it favorably recognized by a county con-
72 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
vention, and a resolution passed the general assembly recommending
it to Congress as a wise measure of Congressional legislation. He also
formulated a bill embodying the same measure, and succeeded in keep-
ing it before Congress for several sessions, but did not succeed in get-
ting it enacted into a law, some of the friends of the measure deciding
in their own minds that it would be ruled out by the supreme court as
unconstitutional.
This measure, if enacted and carried out as General Daniels con-
templated, would not only put a stop to the rapid accumulation of
vast fortunes, but would take a part of these accumulations from the
present holders and restore it to those who produced it, namely, the
laborers, the producers of all wealth. But as this is a history, and not
an argument, we forbear further comment.
The Prohibitionists concluded that neither of the old parties was
likely to do much for the enforcement of the prohibitory law. It had
been violated so much that it was fast becoming a by-word and a jest
among liquor men, and a disgrace to the state. It had been clearly
demonstrated that it could be enforced whenever the proper authorities
saw fit to perform their sworn duty ; but this was so seldom as to form
the exception instead of the rule. This led to formation of the Pro-
hibition party, and proved how many were Prohibitionists in fact, or
at least it showed that a great many cared more for party success than
they did for the enforcement of the law. The Democrats, as a party,
never claimed to be prohibitionists, although many of them had helped
to secure the prohibitory amendment. On the other hand, the Republi-
cans claimed that they "had done all for prohibition that had ever been
done,'' which was practically nothing at all. In all. or nearly all, the
large towns in the state, and in many of the small ones, liquor was
as free as it was in Missouri. "What has this to do with the political
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 73
history of Crawford county?" Very much; for it is a well established
fact that wherever liquor is sold and used it forms an important, if not
a controlling, factor in politics. Crawford county was no exception
to the rule, and hence the real Prohibitionists deemed it necessary to
organize a party; and for several years they maintained their organi-
zation intact and exerted a healthful influence on the politics of
the county. Especially in 1888 was their influence felt when H. Clay
Xeedham, Levi Belknap and Harry Potter stood in the front rank,
and with other worthy coadjutors, made a gallant fieht for law against
anarchy, and for honesty against hypocrisy. Xeedham moved to Cal-
ifornia. Potter died, and Belknap in disgust went into business in Pitts-
burg, the very stronghold of the liquor element, since which time but
little has been known or felt of the Prohibition party in the county,
although it has not been without friends and supporters.
But the most exciting and perhaps the most important part of the
history is yet to be told. The Republican party felt itself so strongly
entrenched in power that it well nigh forgot that there was any other
power in the county or in the state. In 1888 it carried the state by
80,000 majority — a majority phenomenal in the political history of
the country. And Crawford county never lagged in peace or in war,
when any great achievement was on the boards; so. of course, it bore
its part in rolling up this immense majority. But there was an influ-
ence at work which was complacently smiled at by some, ridiculed by
others and scarcely thought worthy of naming by a few. This was
the Farmers' Alliance and Industrial Union. It was a union of several
labor organizations which had sprung up in different parts oi the
country, east and west, north and south, and which embraced men of
all political parties and of all classes of laborers. Crawford county
does nothing by halves. If right she is right all through, and if wrong
74 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
she is as thoroughly wrong. When the Farmers' Alliance struck the
county its principles appeared so just and reasonable to the farmers
and laborers of the county that it was but a short time till almost every
school district had its sub-alliance. Whatever might have been the
purpose of the leaders, it was not the intention of the rank and file to
make it a political party ; but in their secret meetings they discussed
the business situation of the country, the power of capital, the injustice
done to labor, and the remedy for these wrongs, until a very large
majority of its members became convinced that the only remedy was
through political action, and that this action must come through a new-
party, and the Alliance had become so strong in numbers, intelligence
and wealth that they resolved to cut loose from all former parties and
"to go into politics" on their own account. True, there was an element
in the Alliance that opposed this movement, and most of this element
left the Alliance, one man, then president of the County Alliance, going
so far as to declare in public print that he would as soon think of leaving
his wife as of leaving the Republican party.
At this time the Democratic party had almost ceased to maintain
an organization in the county, and in 1892 the editor of the leading
Democrat paper in the county went into a People's party convention
and asked to be received, with his paper, into the party, stating at the
same time that he could see no propriety in running a Democrat paper
without a Democrat following. And although more than half the
members of the party came from the Republican ranks, it so com-
pletely broke up the other party that in Grant township, the stronghold
of the party, there were but three votes polled for Cleveland in 1892.
Yet rill this time the Republican leaders were claiming that it was only
an annex of the Democratic party.
The People's party was organized at Farlington in the fall of
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 75
1890, and a ludicrous account of it was written for and published in
the Girard Press, the writer comparing the organization to an accouch-
nient and the party itself to -a feeble infant that would scarcely survive
its birth, little foreseeing that when but two years old it would whip
its mother, the G. O. P., all over the state, and drive her out of business
for several years.
At the election of 1890 the new party succeeded in electing all the
county officers of that year, and it was admitted, even by the opponents,
that the affairs of the county had never been more honestly or ably
administered than they were during the incumbency of W. M.
McDonald, clerk of the district court; Albert Finger, probate judge,
and T. B. Mosher, county superintendent of schools. This regime
lasted four years, these parties all being re-elected in 1892, when the
People's party swept the state, and when they elected everything in
Crawford county, so that one good-natured Republican facetiously
remarked that they had elected one road overseer by a small majority.
So far as electing officers and big majorities were concerned, Craw-
ford was the banner county in the state for several years, nor was it
behind in men of ability to represent it in the state administration and
the legislature ; of these we shall speak later.
In the Omaha convention of 1S92 this county was represented by
General Daniels, and also in the St. Lnuis conference: and if his counsel
had prevailed the People's party would lie the dominant party in the
county and in the state till this day. But he was turned down, and
with this turning down the party began to decline, and continued on
the down grade till it became a thing of the past. It died a lingering
death by its own hand, as I shall now proceed to show by an array of
facts that will not be disputed.
It has already been stated in these pages that in 1890 and for
76 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
several years thereafter the Democratic party scarcely maintained an
organization. Sometimes they would show spasmodic signs of life,
as if operated upon by a galvanic battery, and would then relapse into
a state of desuetude. During these years the greater portion of the
party voted with the People's party, some of them from principle, but
more of them "to down the Republicans," as they themselves acknowl-
edged. At the same time there were a few stalwart Democrats who
never swerved from their allegiance to party and although they some-
times affiliated with the Republicans, and very rarely with the People's
party, it was only for the purpose of helping them into office, as in the
case of B. S. Gaitskill, who once accepted the nomination for county
attorney from the latter and once from the former, and was elected
both times by the help which he received from these parties. There are
other names that will receive notice in due time, some that performed a
conspicuous part in the People's party, and others that never flinched
from their party fealty, even when their party seemed to have gone out
as completely as the old-fashioned candle in the blast of the north wind.
But the decadence of the People's party in the county and in the
state was not from opposition from without, nor yet from the ridicule
which was heaped upon it when its opponents had no other argument
to offer ; but from mistakes made by the party itself. The first of these
was in its nominee for Congress. This gave the party in the county,
as well as throughout the district, a severe backset; but it had
well-nigh recovered from this and still maintained its supremacy in
local politics, when the party in the state made a greater mistake
in the railroad assessment, which had been a cause of complaint for
several years, it being claimed that other property was taxed at a
much higher rate than the railroads. This mistake well-nigh ruined
the party in the state, and of course the county had to bear its part
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 77
of the opprobrium, although our representative on the assessment board,
Lieutenant-Governor Daniels, did his utmost to secure a just assess-
ment, and the next year the Republicans carried the state, but not the
county. If the Republicans had improved their opportunity and cor-
rected the wrong complained of they might have retained uninterrupted
control of the state, and, soon, of the county as well ; but that party
was too completely under the dominance of the railroads in general and
the Santa Fe in particular, so that it could not release itself from its
taskmasters, and as a result, at the next gubernatorial election the
People's party succeeded, with the help of Democrats, in electing the
state ticket, together with a majority of the legislature, and the county
officers in Crawford county. Now was their opportunity to do some-
thing for the people and to secure an indefinite lease of power; but
their efforts, like those of the other parties, degenerated into a scramble
for official patronage rather than an attempt to correct existing wrongs
or inaugurating new measures for the benefit of the people. True,
they enacted some wholesome laws, some of which remain on the
statute book, and the part)' in the county secured the county offices;
but these did not prove as satisfactory as the former set.
Another thing that militated against the continued success and
long life of the party was the non-enforcement of the prohibitory liquor
law. With but one exception, and he a Republican, no county attorney
had made an honest effort to enforce this law, and probate judges had
been equally derelict in duty. When the People"s party gained the
ascendency in the county it was aided in its success by Prohibitionists,
many of them going into the new party with the assurance that the
new officers would try to eniorce all laws alike. Instead of this, how-
ever, they tried to find excuses for the non-enforcement of this par-
ticular law, and it was loudly whispered in some quarters that they
78 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
even profited financially by shutting their eyes to the numerous viola-
tions of it. I do not affirm this, but I know that liquor was sold
in nearly even" town in the county, in some of which no notice was
taken of it, and in others monthly fines were collected from the violators
of the law and they were permitted to continue their business the same
as other business men who were not violators of law.
The defections brought about by these various causes so weakened
the party that continued success was extremely doubtful, to say the
least of it, and something must be done to build up the waste places
caused by these mistakes and follies, not to use any harsher words.
It will be remembered that many Democrats had assisted the party
and had secured victory for it when it could not have succeeded without
such help. It is also true that there was an element in the Democrat
party that advocated some of the reform measures that constituted
the principal features of the People's party platform. And further-
more, although they had once or twice aided the Republicans in defeat-
ing the party, they had generally professed friendship for it without
ever laying claim to the offices or the emoluments of office. One thing
more is worthy of note. The People's party, while denying affiliation
with or sympathy for the Democrat party, had actually nursed it back
to life when it was afflicted with necrosis and atrophy, apparently
beyond the reach of medical aid. All these things served to make it
easy to cajole the People's party into a coalition which they termed
"fusion," which resulted in the entire overthrow of the People's party,
and the substitution of the Democrat party in its place. But all this
did not help the Democrats, for the first year of complete "fusion"
witnessed the most complete triumph of the Republicans and consequent
defeat of the Democrats that had been witnessed since 1888. Men of
both the fusing parties tried to explain their defeat, but neither of them,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 79
so far as known to this writer, gave the right explanation except in
part — that was the nefarious election law enacted by the previous
Republican legislature. In addition to this I give the following
reasons : First, the unreasonableness of fusion itself. If there ever
was a reason for a new party separate from those already existing that
reason still obtained, as neither of the old parties had shown any dis-
position to reform in any practical degree. Therefore, men who had
sung with so much enthusiasm "Good-bye, old parties, good-bye," could
see no reason for changing their tune and chorus to "Come to my
arms, my long lost sweetheart."
Second, a large portion— some said a majority — of the People's
party had come from the Republican ranks, and when it now showed
but one choice. Republican or Democrat, these almost unanimously
chose to go back to their former associates rather than to affiliate with
their life-long political opponents.
Third, the numerous mistakes committed by the People's party
while it remained intact gave no ground for hope of improvement
when tied to and lost in a party that had been, to their minds, a
"comedy of errors" for more than half a century, and which had lost
by death or conversion most of the able men that it mustered in its
ranks in the long ago. The truth is that although the Democrats had
aided in bringing about some important reforms, as a party they had
done nothing to inspire confidence in the minds of real reformers, and
hence those who had come from the Republicans, like Hamlet, thought it
was "better to endure the ills we have than to fly to others that we
know not of ; and so they returned to the G. O. P., which may mean
almost anything we choose, even "go on to perdition."
These were undoubtedly the main reasons for the change in the
political complexion of Crawford county in 1902, and which will
80 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
probably continue it in the Republican ranks till a new reform party
rises, one which will beget confidence in the people, and one which can
adopt some plan to keep out shysters, who are always ready to fly to
any new party that promises them a prospect of promotion.
But the political history of the county would be incomplete if
we omitted a recent element — one which has put in an appearance
within the memory of the youngest voter in the county, about twelve
years ago. J. A. Wayland moved his paper, the Appeal to Reason, to
Girard. Very few of its subscribers were residents of Crawford
county, and many predicted for it a short life and an ignominious
death ; but they did not know of what stuff Wayland was composed.
He had money and brains, the two principal ingredients for making a
successful newspaper. Besides, he advocated some principles that
appealed to the common sense of the common people, and, as men
(and women) suffering from severe bodily ailment will swallow any
kind of a nostrum if it is well sugar-coated, so the people could easily
be induced to swallow the vagaries of modern socialism when blended
with important, and in some cases, self-evident truths. People began
to read the paper, mostly from curiosity at first, but soon on account
of the many truths and sound principles it contained, the circulation
increased with a corresponding increase of influence, till at the present
writing, it has the largest circulation of any paper in the state, and
its influence is felt in every part of the county. As a consequence of
this a very considerable number of citizens went into what was known
as the Socialist party and these largely from the People's party, although
there were some from all the existing parties in the county; and some
predicted that this is the new party which is to bring about the much
needed reforms. As said before, I am here to write history, not to
argue principles: but I will venture to say that socialism must lay
aside some of its vagaries before it becomes the dominant party.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 81
Some writer has said that history and biography are complements
of each other, that we cannot have a correct history of any country or
part of country without a biography of the leading spirits that have
made up that country, and that the biography of such spirits is really
the life-giving principle of the history. I do not propose to give a
biographical sketch of each of the principal actors in the political drama
of Crawford county; but this history would be quite incomplete were
I to fail to notice some of those men whose lives and actions make up
the political history of the county. I regret that I have not more
ample data from which to compose the sketches, but must be content
to use to the best of my ability the materials at hand.
As stated on a former page, the early politics of the county con-
sisted mainly in local questions, and the parties were Land Leaguers
and Anti-Leaguers; Railroad men and Anti-Railroad men. And it
should be observed here as it has not been noted before, that the Anti-
Railroaders were not opposed to railroads, per sc, but only to taking
the land which they claimed belonged to the people, and giving it t<>
corporations, ostensibly to build railroads, but really to give these
corporations an opportunity, which they never failed to improve, for
extortion from the people. It has already been noted that the Girard
Press was moved from Fort Scott to Girard for the purpose of advo-
cating the claims of the Kansas City, Fort Scott and Gulf Railroad,
and that the proprietors and editors were divided on national politics,
but agreed on local questions. This leads us to notice these two men
first, as political factors, not only in the early history of the county,
but also in after years when politics meant something more than local
squabbles and conflicts for office.
Dr. W. H. Warner was one of the early settlers of southeast
Kansas. He was here before the war, and helped in the early struggles
82 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
of the territory, was in the Union lines when Price made his vandal
raid into the state, and took an active part in the battle (massacre) of
Baxter Springs. His account of that battle in rhyme is found in the
Western Herald of 1892 (the exact date not now remembered), of
which the present writer was then editor and publisher. When the
railroad question was settled and national politics became the question
of the day he retired from the Press, leaving it in the hands of his
partner, while he attended to his medical practice, but always took a
lively interest in politics, being a stanch and life-long Democrat of the
old school when Democracy and patriotism were almost synonymous
terms. He died in Girard.
E. A. Wasser, the younger of the firm of Warner & Wasser, was
descended from an old Hessian family, and displayed throughout his
political career at least one trait of his German ancestry, namely, if
the readers will allow a slang word, that of stick-to-itiveness. No
one ever charged him with being a man of great ability, but by his
position as editor of the leading Republican paper of one of the leading
counties in the state, and by his persistency in adhering to his party,
he has gained an influence in political matters enjoyed by but few-
men. He has one idol — his party — and no Hindu ever more devoutly
worshipped at the shrine of his favorite god than does this man before
the imaginary deity of his choice. He is like the Scottish boor
who, when asked what he believed religiously, answered, "I believe
what the kirk believes." "And what does the kirk believe?" was asked.
"It believes what I believe." "And what do you and the kirk both
believe?" "We baith believe the same thing."
In other respects Wasser is above an average citizen — a kind.
obliging neighbor, an upright, honest citizen, and a good local editor,
making his paper one of the best newspapers in the state — one which
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY S3
we always liked to read when there was no politics in the way. After
Dr. Warner left him he had several partners. First, Mr. A. P. Riddle.
then D. C. Flint, and last his son, Albert Wasser; but at all times the
paper bore the marks of the senior editor in matters political. He still
lives and runs the Press always strictly loyal to party.
Some of the early workers in the Democratic party were unknown
to this writer, and, not having their histories or even their names before
me, I can say nothing for or against them individually. Suffice it to
say, they were able to maintain their cause against all opposition for
several years, winning at every election until the Republicans began
to divide the offices with them, and finally gained so much as to crowd
them from the crib entirely and keep them in the background until
the People's party, without any "malice prepense" nursed them back
so far as to give them a name to live, at least, although they have not
yet shown the vigor of youth nor the strength of manhood.
One of the early workers in the Democrat ranks, and who is still
"in business at the old stand," is Dr. C. H. Strong. Although some-
what intimately acquainted with him, I have not yet been able to dis-
cover wherein lies the secret of his strength and influence as a poli-
tician, although it cannot be denied that he possesses these qualities to
a considerable extent. He is not noisy, never boisterous, but in a
quiet, gentle way he moves along in a well-beaten track which he has
traveled often enough to be perfectly familiar with it and to have all
the brush and rock moved out of the way, except such as have been
recently thrown in, some by his own friends and some by his opponents,
the latter just for the fun of seeing how quietly and easily he will
clear them out. and go on his way rejoicing. But age is telling on
him, and it is evident to all who see him that his race, whether in politics
or otherwise, is nearly run, and that soon he will be numbered among
the men of the past.
84 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Following closely in the wake of these men is Dr. Cushenberry,
who is one of the sharpest politicians in the county, and who. if he
should turn his attention exclusively to politics, would compare favorably
in this respect with the smart ones of the state and nation. He has
always followed his profession, and, in connection with it, has kept a
drug and hook store : but when a campaign was on he has always been
found an active worker. Several times he has co-operated with the Peo-
ple's part}', but always claiming to be a Democrat, acting with the new
party for prudential reasons. He is a man to lead, generally in a very
quiet way. so much so that only those who are behind the scenes know
that he is in the campaign at all. as he always attends to his own busi-
ness, just as though there was nothing else on hand. But if any move
is made on the political checker board he sees it. and generally knows
how to move next, and especially how to take advantage of any mistake
made by the other fellow. These qualities made him a very desirable
coadjutor with the new party, when he worked with it. as most of the
men who composed that party knew much more about farming and
mining than they did about politics.
Another man of considerable ability in the Democratic party was
T. W. Wells. He came from Iowa in the early days of Kansas, and
settled on a farm in Osage township, but soon turned his attention to
the law, and moved to Girard, opened a law office and became somewhat
popular as an attorney, all the while acting with the Democratic party,
and once to the writer's knowledge running for office on the Democratic
ticket. But it was when that party was in a hopeless minority, and of
course he was not elected. He was known and respected in the councils
of the party, but never enjoyed the emoluments of office. He died but
recently, following a much respected wife to the great beyond.
George W. Brown, of Cherokee, has been for several years an im-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 85
portant factor in the Democratic ranks, and was once. I believe, elected
to the legislature; but his time and attention were too much divided be-
tween his private business and politics, to say nothing of his interest in
the Christian church and Odd Fellowship, ever to become a great politi-
cian or a successful office seeker, if he had desired office. He acted with
the fusionists in the campaign of 1902.
Dr. J. H. Mahr, of McCune, deserves well of his party, although
he started in his political career as a Republican, and by that party was
sent to the legislature from Labette county, as a member of the lower
house. In that session he saw things in the party which, as an honest
man, he could not approve, so he left the party and affiliated with the
Democrats, and for several years published the only Democratic paper
in the county, the Crcncford Comity Democrat, of which the present
writer became proprietor and editor in 1901, though changing its political
character somewhat. Dr. Mahr stood fearlessly and unflinchingly by his
standard when the party in the county bad become a forlorn hope, and
did not, like one of his brother editors, leave the party on account of its
weakness, but up to the last moment of bis editorial career spoke out
freely for the men and measures which he believed to be right. Having
been a Union soldier from .Missouri, where it was worth a man's life
:o declare I Jnion sentiments, this was only what we might expect of
him: but how many men disappoint our expectations under less trying
circumstances than those surrounding him. We honor a man's adher-
ence to his principles, however widely we differ from him. and I end
as I began this sketch. Dr. Mahr deserves well of his party.
Of the Pittsburg politicians. I know but little. Only two of them
can claim a notice here, although they are not the only ones that deserve
such notice. After using due diligence to secure sufficient data to write
intelligent sketches of some of them, 1 found it impossible to do so
86 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
without using more time and money than the case would justify, and
so concluded to let it go by default. The first man that claims our at-
tention is "the venerable editor" of the Pittsburg Kansaii, who has been
a Republican, a populist and a Democrat, all within the memory of men
who have not yet reached the meridian of life. I do not know that these
changes are the result of a vacillating mind, but rather attribute them
to the tips and downs of politics. He reminds me of a Dutchman who
worked for my brother when keel boating was at its best on the Alle-
gheny river. At that time keel boats were propelled up stream partly
by horse power and partly by man power, the men walking on what was
called the run board, and with long poles provided with sharp iron
sockets on the lower end and a broad, flat knob on the upper end, pushed
the boat along, thus aiding the horses in getting the boat over the rapids
which abounded in that beautiful stream. When the old Dutchman
came on board to hire, my brother asked him on which side (of the
boat) he worked. He answered, "On tie side next de bank." "But
when the boat crosses over then what do you do?" "Den I cross over,
too." The same seems to be true of this editor. But this I can say, but
few men in the editorial ranks of the state have shown greater or more
versatile talent than he, and whether he advocated Populist or Democrat
ideas, he did it with the same energy as though he believed every word he
said. (I did not know him when he ran a Republican paper.) If I was
allowed to express an opinion I would venture to say that he would have
had more influence in the political world, and perhaps would have made
as much money in the aggregate if he had stood firm on one line. T
can give him credit for ability and for clearness of diction, hut can not
endorse his many changes. But I leave that to himself and the public.
I now come to the giant of the Democrat party in the county — a
giant in stature as well as in intellect — Morris Cliggett, Esq. And while
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 87
I have had occasion to join issue with him on more than one occasion,
and while I think he has advocated some extravagant and ahsurd theories.
I am free to acknowledge that he possesses more logical and forensic
ability than any other man of his party that I have met in the state: and
I have wondered that he has not been pushed to the front l>y his fellow
Democrats. It may be because he is more of a Republican than a Demo-
crat on the money question. He takes ultra ground on this matter, going
so far at one time as to say that "Cod makes the only real money that
there is. and that is gold." In this I do not think that lie displayed either
erudition or wisdom, as the former wotdd teach him that for centuries
silver was the only money in use, and the latter would clearly show
that gold is not money till it receives the government fiat stamp. But
notwithstanding these aberrations. I must still award to him the first
place in the Democratic ranks in point of intellect and political acumen,
and 1 think it only requires a slight effort on bis part to place him among
the foremost leaders of bis party — not in the count} - , but in the nation.
Among other things I have to say of him is this, be has been one of
the bitterest and most unrelenting enemies that the People's party has
had in the county, and I believe he has always opposed fusion with that
party. Whether he opposed it when B. S. Gaitskill ran for county at-
torney on the Republican ticket as well as on his own. we are not
apprised, but suppose be voted for his friend. Ben. as a Democrat.
There are a few other men who have figured largely in the politics
of the county, but I scarcely know where to place them. B. S. Gaits-
kill is one of these, who, while claiming to lie a mossbacked Bourbon
Democrat, accepted a nomination from the People's party, and was
elected, mainly by that party, and at another time was nominated by
the Republicans and was elected by that fusion. So far as I know, at all
other times he was true to his party, and always a bitter opposer of the
People's party.
88 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
W. H. Ryan is another who is hard to classify. As a Democrat
he was only an ordinary citizen, scarcely known in political circles, but
when the People's party called him put as a candidate for the legislature,
he very soon developed into a campaigner of no mean ability. As a
speaker it was found that there were few of any party that ex-
celled him, and fewer still of his political opponents that cared to meet
him on the forum. His forcible arguments, coupled with his Irish wit,
were too much for them, and they stood aloof from him on the principle
that "discretion is the better part of valor." He was in the belligerent
legislature, and according- to his political enemies, made his pugilistic
talent answer him a good purpose, where a war of words would have
been of no avail. This incident created quite a sensation at the time,
but when it came to be explained according to the real facts there was
very little in it. and the party elected him to the state senate by a hand-
some majority, the Republicans declaring all the time that he was. and
still is, as much of a Democrat as ever. However this may he he was
true to the principles of the party that elected him in both branches of
the legislature, and all the mud-slinging that his enemies could do did
not cause him to swerve from the principles which he espoused. Since
he left the senate he has given his attention to the law more than to
politics, but does not ignore the latter. He is now mayor of the city
of Girarci.
L. H. Phillips is another worker in the ranks of the Democratic
party, hut he says now that there is no money in it, and that henceforth
he intends to devote himself to his profession in order to be able to
furnish his wife and babies the necessaries and comforts of life. A wise
conclusion. He is a law partner of W. H. Ryan.
The last that I shall name in this long list is E. A. Frazier. who
has been for several years chairman of the Democratic county central
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 89
committee, and in this position lias exerted a somewhat controlling influ-
ence in the party. In connection with Mr. Montee he runs a drug store
in Girard.
R EPTJ I'.I.I C A X LEADERS.
In addition to the editor of the Press, already noticed at some length,
there have heen and still are men of influence in the party. One who
has heen with the party the longest and who is still recognized as a
wheel horse is J. D. Barker, who has always "stood pat" on the Re-
publican platform, and who has probably done as much towards giving
the party prestige as any one man, although he has not been as noisy
as some other- lie was a captain in the Union army, and this alone
secures him a prominent place in the party, although they do not always
give due honor to the soldiers, especially if they do not vote with the
Republicans. Captain Barker has not squandered his means, but has
enough to support him in his old age unless he changes his business ways,
and as he is now approaching his three sci ire and ten. it is hardly ti i he ex-
pected that he will make any radical change in this respect. He is still a
stanch Republican, believing, as 1 suppose, that he is right, and that
any change that he might make would he to change from good to had.
< >f the early workers in the Republican party the writer knows but
little, but it is evident that there were some who understood their busi-
ness when we consider that the party worked up from a minority, first
tc a parity, and then to a controlling majority, and this in a period of
not to exceed nineteen years, when the party began again to decline.
Within the knowledge of the present writer one of the most talented
leaders was John Randolph, who, hut for one failing, might today he a
shining light in the political firmament, even though he had to appear in
a galaxy of brilliant orbs. Rising from an humble place as a country
school teacher he ascended by slow hut steady degrees to an eminence
90 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
in his profession which secured to him the county superintendency. and
gave him a prominent standing as an educator. He had good natural
gifts as a speaker, and he embraced every opportunity to improve them,
establishing for this purpose, and for the benefit of others, the Craw-
ford County Oratorical Association, which lives to his credit after he is
numbered with the dead. At first his aspirations seemed to lead entirely
in an educational direction, but after entering the legal profession, it
was not long till he entered also the political arena, where he soon rose
in the estimation of his fellows, till but for the one fault he would have
occupied a seat in Congress. Although of a different political faith. I
admired the man, and none perhaps, except his immediate friends, more
seriously lamented his untimely taking off. But such is the baleful
effects of man's deadliest foe and the devil's most active and successful
agent. It first blotches, then blights and withers consciences, and utterly
destroys the fairest and best of eartlVs sons and daughters, ami leaves
nothing to compensate for their loss save broken vows, broken hearts,
disappointed hopes and sad memories. Will men ever be wise enough
to let it alone, except to drive it from the earth?
Another man of ability who labored earnestly in behalf of his
put}" was Ed Van Gundy, and he was the only man of any party, within
the writer's knowledge, who honestly tried to enforce the prohibitory
liquor law. While he was count}' attorney the liquor men had very little
rest, and for this reason he was turned down at the next county con-
vention, the liquor element, which was dominant in the party, going
solidly against him. But he lived and died with the proud conscious-
ness of having done his duty as an officer of the law — a consciousness
which was worth more to an honest man than all the income of the
office. But it is very difficult in these days of official corruption to make
men see it.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 91
In a former place I referred to a man who "would as soon think
of leaving his wife as the Republican party." This was M. C. Kelly (if
we have the initials right), who was rewarded by his party for his
loyalty by sending him at one time to the state senate, and at another
by being appointed oil inspector.
It is a pleasure to me to "give honor to whom honor is due," no
matter to what party they belong. Among all the men prominent in
Crawford county politics there lived not a more honorable and upright
man than Chas. Slawson. Whether as private citizen or public officer
I have yet the first word of aspersion against his character to hear.
Honest in his dealings, upright in his official acts, mild and generous
in his opposition to what he considered political error, he made his oppo-
nents feel that it was an honor and a pleasure to have such an antagonist.
If all politicians were like him it would put an vm\ to dirty politics and
official corruption, and our government would become what its founders
intended it to lie. and what the apostle Paul said civil government should
be, "a terror to evil doers, and a praise to them that do well." In his
death the county lost one of its hest citizens, and the Republican party
one of its ahlest and most honest defenders. He left a son. M. G.
Slawson. who has already reached a point in the political world attained
by hut few men of his age; but I believe he has concluded to attend
strictl_\' to his own business and leave politics to others.
One of the earliest and ahlest of Republicans in the county is W. B.
Crawford, Esq. He is not one of the blatant kind, but a constant and
untiring worker when work is to be done. As politics run he may be con-
sidered an honest politician, never forgetting to take advantage of any
incident or remark of the opposite side that may fall in his way. He
has been a justice of the peace for a good many years, and still holds
that office.
92 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Another of the pioneers was William Merriweather, of whom we
can say but little except that he was a stanch Republican, and a bitter
partisan.
But there is one man of whom I wish to make honorable men-
tion. Jesse R. Carpenter I regard as one among a hundred for fidelity
to party and at the same time for candor and fairness to opponents. He
was twice elected to the office of district clerk, and is now serving as
register of deeds, and in all his official life no stain attaches to his
character. He owns a farm in the eastern part of the county, and when
not in office quietly cultivates his farm, working with his own hands for
the support of himself and family.
Others there are. or have been, who have taken an active part in
the politics of the county and state: but as they are gone from the
political arena either by death or withdrawal, and as my limit will be
reached without noticing them. I pass them by. But there are two excep-
tions, one on each side of P. M., to which we briefly call attention.
These are L. D. Herlocker, who has always been an active worker
on the Democrat side, and R. E. Carlton, on the Republican side.
The former has filled several offices in the county ami always with
fidelity to his constituents, unless it was when he went back on
his Alliance friends, by whose aid he was elected sheriff. When his
term of office expired and he was not re-nominated, he came out as an
independent Democrat, and drew off all the votes from the regular
nominee that he could — enough to defeat him and elect the Republican
candidate. This was not relished by those who had once elected him.
Aside from this we believe his political record is without a stain accord-
ing to modern ethics.
Mr. Carlton served two terms as clerk of the district court to the
satisfaction of the people of the county, and since then has attended to
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 93
his i ri-vate business, but has always taken a lively interest in the affairs
of the county, with special reference to the interests of his party. He
is now a resident of Pittsburg, and in connection with Mr. Greef. car-
ries on an extensive land, loan and insurance business.
OTHER PARTIES.
Going back to the days of the Grange, which was really the start-
ing point of political reform, although they disclaimed any intention of
interfering in political affairs (meaning party politics), we find one of
the foremost men in the Grange to be Arthur Sharp, who stood by it
through all its vicissitudes till it was merged, so to speak, in the Farm-
ers' Alliance. He was an unassuming man, brought up in the Quaker
faith, and in the quiet manner of that people he helped to carry on the
affairs of that body to the end of its existence in the county as a sep-
arate organization. He was a great reader and a sound thinker, and
this combination enabled him to form and to communicate clear views
on economic questions, which was the end and aim of the Patrons of
Husbandry. They had not yet learned that economics is a very im-
portant integer in politics, and that there could he no economic reform
without political action. And this was the condition of the Alliance
for some years after its formation. When the Greenback party sprang
up Mr. Sharp espoused its principles, and was an active worker in it-^
ranks during its existence as a party. So in the Union Labor party,
and finally in the People's party, always seeking to better the condition
of the laboring classes, ami leading them to a higher appreciation of
their several callings. He was, and is, also a stanch temperance man
and prohibitionist.
When the Greenback partv was organized in Crawford county the
principal actors in the movement were I. G. Eastwood, Arthur Sharp,
E. C. Lynch, E. W. Majors, Dwight Wilder, G. W. Moore, F. H. Dum-
94 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
bauld, Hugh Reid, Ephraim Holt, E. P. Pomeroy. E. R. Ridgely. S. S.
Ridgely, and a few others, whose names are not known to the writer.
Of these the more worthy of mention here, because of their continued
and faithful work in the cause of reform, are Arthur Sharp, already no-
ticed. E. C. Lynch. Dwight Wilder, J. G. Eastwood, F. H. Dumbaulcl,
and E. R. Ridgely, the last of whom has been twice sent to Congress,
and has faithfully stood by his colors except when he succumbed to the
fusion element in 1902. He has helped to bear aloft the banner of re-
form ever since it was raised in the county, and is as firm now as ever.
While I did not agree with him on the subject of fusion I am will-
ing to accord to him the meed of praise for his faithful adherence to
the principles of reform and for the manly ability with which he met
his opponents on the rostrum and in the house. But like many others
in all the parties he is tired of politics, and is giving his attention to
farming and stock raising, and has also shown wisdom in that he has
taken to himself a wife to aid him in his newly chosen calling.
J. G. Eastwood has been one of the best and ablest campaigners in
the county, and has done efficient service all along the line of political
reform, and for his service in the campaign of 1896 the party presented
him with a gold headed cane, which, he told the writer, was too fine for
every-day use, and was only to be brought out on state occasions. It
will probably be laid away as an heirloom to his children and his chil-
dren's children.
F. 11. Dumbauld was a farmer, and as such took a deep interest in
econi mic questions, and always took the side of reform, lie could not
see why men who labored late and early, and who produced all the
wealth of the nation, should live in hopeless poverty, while those who
never earned an honest dollar should revel in luxury and leave their
millions for their children to squander in riotous fixing. He could not
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 9b
see why ninety per cent of the wealth of the nation should he owned by
two per cent of the people, while the other ninety-eight per cent should
be put off with only two per cent of the wealth that they themselves had
produced. These things he talked to his neighbors instead of going-
out as a public speaker, in which capacity he doubtless would have failed.
and thus, in a quiet way. he did much, to aid the cause of reform.
Another of the private but efficient laborers in the reform parties
was Dvvight Wilder, who. like the man just noticed, never could have
succeeded as a public speaker, hut who in his own way did good service,
and who proved faithful tc i the end. He was not in the reform move-
ment for office, nor for money, but from principle, and for the good
of others as well as himself.
William Lawler. for many years a Republican of undoubted sin-
cerity, was honored by the reporter for the Press as the accoucher at the
birth of the People's party at Farlington, in 1890. However this may
be, it is certain that he was an active worker in that party from the
day of its birth until its untimely death in 1902. In public and in pri-
vate he ceased not his efforts to make it a success, and if all its adherents
had been as faithful and honest as he it might be the controlling party
today instead of a thing of the past. His quondam brethren charged
that he quit the Republican party for the sake of office, but if this was
true he did not fare much hetter in his new affiliation, as the only emolu-
ment he ever enjoyed was an appointment that brought him $6
year, poor pay for the sacrifice of principles, if he made the sacrifice.
Those who knew him never believed this charge. But among all the
worker- in the cause of reform in Crawford county there was one man
whose ability never received proper recognition nor his labor proper
appreciation. This man was B. D. Sanderson, now of Greenwood coun-
ty. He was in every reform party that existed in the county, and was
96 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
never an idler. Gifted by nature with an easy flow of words, he only
lacked an education to make him one of the first orators of the country,
and he had a most thorough knowledge of the political history of the
country and of political parties, from the founding of the government
till the present time. Notwithstanding his illiteracy there were but few
men of any party or any calling that were a match for him in argument,
and on account of his illiteracy, he always took them by surprise, as no
one who heard him in common conversation would ever suspect that he
possessed such a store of political knowledge. In the Grange, in the
Alliance, in the Greenhack party, and so on down to the People's party,
he occupied a prominent place as a public speaker and earnest worker.
And he delighted in the work. No night was too dark and no weather
too inclement to deter him from meeting an appointment, and no audi-
ence was ever disappointed by his failure to put in an appearance. He
is now living on a farm in Greenwood county, and although age begins
to tell on him, he is still ready at a moment's notice to meet any man
that has the temerity to meet him in political controversy.
One more man must claim my attention for a short time. I have
already spoken of the bomb thrown into the Republican ranks in 1888
by General Percy Daniels. From that time forward the Republicans
of the county had no particular love for him, but at times they dreaded
him. His forensic ability did not appear in oral discussion, but wdiere
he took his pen he was clear in logic and forcible in diction, and he has
so thoroughly studied the one subject — his tax theory — that no one. so
far as I know, has ever been able to meet his arguments or gainsay his
positions. In 1892 he was nominated for lieutenant governor by the
state convention of the People's party and elected at the November elec-
tion, in which capacity he served one term, beine in the meantime ap-
pointed a major general, and put in command of the National Guard of
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 97
the state. While acting as commander of the state forces he was sent
by Governor Lewelling to Pittsburg, where a strike of the miners, and
the bringing in of colored miners to take the places of the strikers, well
nigh brought on a civil war, and rioting and bloodshed had prevailed for
some days. It was expected by sonic that he would take a partisan view
of the situation and be governed in his actions accordingly, and because
he did not, but acted as reason and justice dictated, some of the miners
turned against him, and at the next state convention his name was left
off the ticket. The strike trouble was not the only thing that operated
against his re-nomination. His action in the railroad assessment board,
and some other things in which he was not in full accord with the party
served to lav him on the shelf for the time being, and gave him ample
time to cultivate his farm and to continue his work in the graduated tax
problem.
General Daniels is one of the best thinkers and ablest reasoners on
political-economic questions that the state has in any party. Indeed, he
does not tie to any party, but whenever the occasion calls for it he rises
above party and seeks "the greatest good to the greatest number." But
for this independence of thought and action he might have stood much
higher in the party councils, first of the Republican party, and afterwards
of the Peopled party. All admit his honesty and his sound judgment,
but his very candor is a drawback to his promotion among men who
regard policy above principle.
I do not claim to have given sketches of all in any of the parties
that merit a notice in these pages. Some have been omitted on account
of the meager knowledge that 1 had of them, and others because oi
some flaw in their political careers that would not show to their credit
if it should appear. I have tried to be faithful and true to life in all
that 1 have given, and think that I have given enough to give a fair, if
9S HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
not a full, showing of the political history of the county. If my stric-
tures on some of the men seem severe. I assure my readers and the men
themselves that I have followed my best judgment "with charity for all
and malice toward none." As history, including biography, is made up
of man}- parts, when any of those parts are omitted the history is neces-
sarily incomplete, and where I have given defects in the character of an
individual, it is only where it affects their public or political conduct.
And now that I am nearing the conclusion of my task, allow me to
say a few things in my own behalf, and I allow my readers and the
public to criticise me as severely as I have criticised any whose names
appear in these pages. I started out in my political career as a Liberty
party man. casting my first vote for President for James G. Birney.
When the Free Soil partv started I went with it till the Republican part)'
arose, and as it declared for "Free Speech, Free Press, Free Trade, Free
Schools. Free Soil and Free Men," I entered heartily into its work, and
si 1 by it through all its vicissitudes in peace and war till it showed
.so much duplicity in this state on the prohibition question, and had acted
in such bad faith on several other matters, that I was compelled to leave
it for conscience sake, and in 1SS4 I abandoned it and went with the
Prohibitionists till 1890, when I helped to make up the People's party.
Here I stood till the days of fusion, when I could stand it no longer, but
stood aloof from all parties till 1902, when 1 divided my vote, giving
part to the Prohibition party and part to the fusionists.
This is a very brief synopsis of my political history, as I have al-
ways been an active worker in whatever part} - I affiliated with, and with
tongue and pen and vote have always stood for the principles of the
partv. My course in Crawford county is well known, having published
the Western Herald for several years, and I am proud to say that no
one who read its columns had to ask, "Where is he at?" And after tak-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 99
ing editorial control of the Cranvford County Democrat, when asked
where I stood politically. I answered in the columns of the paper. "I am
a Democrat of the Andrew Jackson type, a Republican of the Abraham
Lincoln type, a Greenbacker of the James B. Weaver type, a Populist
of the Omaha platform type, a Socialist of a very mild type, and a
Prohibitionist of a very strenuous type." And such I am today, espe-
cially the last. I acknowledge good in all the parties of the present
day; but not enough in any of them to command my implicit support,
and hence I claim the right of a rover to go where I please and vote
for the men and measures which to me seem most conducive to the public
good.
As regards the present work I do not claim any great literary merit
for it, for although it has been under contract for several months it has
been done in a great hurry and under very unfavorable conditions.
Coming to a new place in the woods, without a house to shelter me and
my little family. I was compelled to zvork hard at hard work in order,
first, to secure a place of shelter, and next to have some place to write.
before I could complete the work. This left me but a few days in
which to perform a task that might well have occupied a month. But
having lived an active and strenuous life from childhood, and having
learned to perform work that most men would shrink from undertaking,
I have been able to bear up under this burden also, and 1 now give it
to the public, believing that it is accurate in statement and both just
and generous in spirit.
For facts and figures I acknowledge myself indebted to B. D. San-
derson. Percy Daniels. E. R. Ridgely, The History of Kansas, and very
largely the files of the Girard Press, kindly furnished me by the editor-
in-chief. These parties will please accept my thanks thus publicly
tendered, and. as I am a firm believer in the doctrine of reciprocity. I
100 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
await an opportunity to render them equal service. In the meantime I
crave the indulgence of the public for any shortcoming it may find in
the work, as it has cost me more time and labor by far than I can hope
to receive compensation for. except in the consciousness of having done
my best to present them with a faithful "Political History of Crawford
County, Kans."
Granniss, Ark., Oct. 31, 1903. A. G. Lucas.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 101
CHAPTER IV.
MINING HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.
( By Fred Henney, Mining Editor of the Pittsburg Headlight.)
The mining history of Crawford county is really the history of
Pittsburg, for with the sinking of the first coal shaft in the county, on
the townsite of Pittsburg, in the spring of 1877. began the growth of
the town, and with the growth of the mining industry in this county
has likewise grown the center of the coal industry and the metropolis
of the Missouri-Kansas coal district, Pittsburg.
But the coal industry of Crawford county dates back farther than
the sinking of the first mine. For years before the first coal shaft was
sunk coal was taken from the surface of the earth in this county.
Before the Civil war coal was taken from strip and slope workings in
the southeastern part of the county. At that time the nearest settle-
ments were Fort Sett and Carthage, Missouri. Teamsters dug the
coal from the outcroppings on the surface, and made a livelihood by
hauling it across the prairies to Carthage or Fort Scott. One of these
early coal drifts was opened up in the ravine east of the present location
nf the vitrified brick works in Pittsburg. Coal was also stripped from
the surface in a crude manner by teamsters along the old military trail
which ran along the state line south from Fort Scott through this county.
The pioneer settlers who made a sparse living in this secti'm before the
war took coal from the outcroppings and traded it at Fort Scott and
Carthage for groceries and supplies. When the Civil war broke out a
good deal of coal was hauled by teamsters to the fort at Fi irt Scott for
102 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
army use. Most of this was obtained from coal banks along Drywood
and Bone creeks in the northern edge of the county.
A. J. Georgia, who was one of the first settlers on the townsite of
Pittsburg, located here in 1867, and is still a resident of Pittsburg.
"When I first came here." said he. "I saw coal cropping out on both
sides of a draw where the Granby switch of the Frisco now turns to
•enter the vitrified brick works. I was told that the settlers had been
engaged for several years taking out coal and hauling to Carthage.
Among those who were thus engaged were Frank Dosser, one of the
first county commissioners, Marion Medlin, and a man named Daniels."
But so little attention was paid to the coal prospects in the county
and so little did capitalists realize that there was a fortune awaiting
development, that when the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad
was built through the county, in the memorable race from Fort Scott
south to the Indian lands, the railroad company really disregarded the
coal. Although the railroad company owned nearly all of the land
which later became the coal belt of the county, they did not appreciate
what riches underlaid the land. It was true that they knew coal cropped
out of the surface and had been removed from the surface for years,
but an agent who was sent here to look into the mineral prospects,
reported that the coal existed merely on the surface, and that there was
no probability of mining ever being profitable. And the railroad com-
pany actually sold much of the land for a song to settlers, land which
the successors of the railroad company were glad to buy back for S75
and $100 an acre, being then offered for sale for less than $5 an acre.
It was not long after the construction of the Gulf railroad through
the county before a number of small coal companies -were formed for
the purpose of prospecting and mining- coal from strip and slope banks
along the railroad. It was not at first supposed that it would pay to
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 103
sink a shaft. The coal could be taken from the surface too readilj to
make it profitable to go to the expense of sinking shafts. Girard bad
been laid out on the railroad survey, and it soon become the center of
mining [Operations. Several coal companies opened headquarters in
Girard, and coal was taken from the surface in strip and slope workings
both north and south of Girard. along the railroad. Coal was also
hauled to the railroad from the southeastern part of the county and
loaded for shipment. At where Litchfield now stands strip and slope
workings were opened up and quite a bit of coal removed and hauled
to Girard, Cherokee, or elsewhere on the railroad for shipment.
The branch of Cow creek which flows along the south edge of
Litchfield early became the scene of active coal operations, and on ac-
count of the coal which cropped out along- the stream was early named
Carbon creek.
Here was opened up the first mining camp of the county. No
shafts were sunk at first, but several strip pits were opened, and from
the strip pits slopes were run along the veins, and coal operations opened
on a small scale. By 1877 perhaps one hundred miners were working
along Carbon creek, getting out coal. One of the early strip pits was
opened by the firm of Piper & Sawyer, the latter. P. H. Sawyer, still
being a resident of Pittsburg. They ran a slope in from their strip pit.
Another strip pit was opened up by Tom Fields of Joplin. A Girard
man named Anderson also opened a strip pit, and an Irishman named
Dugan opened a slope about 1876. P. H. Sawyer was the first to
operate a drift.
It was Joplin men who started the coal mining industry in Craw-
ford county. The mining boom bad opened in ami around Joplin. with
the discovery of zinc and lead, and thousands of prospectors and mining
men bad flocked to the Joplin district. With the production of lead
104 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
and zinc came a demand for fuel, and when the Joplin men began to
hear that coal outcropped along the surface in this county, prospectors
began to drop in here to investigate. Among the first to appreciate
the importance of the coal which underlaid this section were Messrs.
Moffatt and Sergeant, of Joplin. and when Colonel Edwin E. Brown,
of Girard, laid before them his scheme to build a railroad southeast
from a junction with the Gulf road at Girard to the zinc mines, passing
through the coal fields, they put up the capital and built the mad and
bought hundreds of acres of land, comprising the townsite of Pittsburg,
which was built up later.
\\ ork started at once on the railroad, construction being com-
menced at Girard, under Colonel Brown's personal supervision. The
farmers and settlers of Baker township were especially anxious to see
the railroad built through, although there was much antagonism to
railroads in general, resulting from the old Joy controversy. R. E.
Carlton, now a prominent real estate dealer of Pittsburg, was one of
the settlers here then, and he used his best efforts to get the right of
way for the road. Moffatt & Sergeant leased some land along the rail-
road in Pittsburg to the Coyle brothers, Peter and Matt, of Joplin, and
in the spring of 1877 they commenced putting down a shaft on the east
>ide of Pine street, south of where the Standard Ice Company ice plant
i- located, a negro church standing almost on the spot of the old shaft.
There is some disagreement among pioneer miners as to whether
or not this was the first shaft sunk in the county. James Vincent, who
now lives at Tenth and Walnut, in Pittsburg, and who was one of the
first pit bosses of the old Coyle shaft, declares that work was started on
it in the spring of 1877, and that it was the first shaft to be sunk. Pro-
bate Judge T. R. Jones, who was also here at that time, declares that
it was not the first shaft put down, but that the gin shaft sunk by him-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 105
self at Litchfield for George W. Anderson, work on which was started
on July 24. 1877, was sunk before the Coyle shaft. Some pioneer miners
agree with Junes, others with Vincent, but all agree that the Coyle shaft
was the first steam shaft sunk and the first to ami unit to anything.
Peter Coyle was better known among the pioneer miners as "Pat" Coyle.
He and his brother dug the first shovelful of dirt from the shaft, accord-
ing to Judge Junes. At any rate, work was started on the shaft in
1877, and a man named Carson was the first pit boss.
Vincent, who had been working in the Piper & Sawyer slope at
Carbon creek, was soon appointed foreman of the mine by the Civic-,
and in August, 1877, he came to Pittsburg and took charge. He tim-
bered up the shaft, which had caved in twice before and was in bad
condition, and completed the mine.
"The shaft was a double entry shaft, with a double cage, and oper-
ated with steam hoisting apparatus," remarked Mr. Vincent. "It was
almost as well equipped as any of the shafts of to-day. The coal was
loaded in cars and shipped to Girard, from where it was billed to the
Gulf mad and shipped to Fort Scott and to Kansas City."
The Moffatt & Sergeant road was not yet built into Joplin when
the mine was put in operation. The south end of the road was then
about two and a half miles from Joplin. Coyle Brothers at once com-
menced to build up a camp around the mine. Pittsburg prior to that
had consisted of a cross roads country store at the crossing of the roads
now called Fourth and Broadway, and about half a dozen houses.
Coyle Brothers built a number of houses around the mine.
The Anderson gin shaft, which Judge Jones declares is entitled
to the distinction of being the first shaft to lie sunk, was put down about
one hundred yards north of where the bridge is now located at Litch-
field. T. R. Jones, who is at present ( 1004) probate judge of Craw-
106 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ford county, and Jacob Morgan, who is now dead, sank the shaft for
George W. Anderson, of Joplin. Judge Jones later worked in the
Coyle shaft and has ever since been actively identified with the mining
industry of this county, having until recently been mine foreman at
Midway for the Pittsburg & Midway Coal Company.
Six months after the Coyle shaft was started in Pittsburg, Moffatt
& Sergeant sank a shaft for themselves on their land, a short distance
west of the Coyle shaft. This shaft was put down east of Olive street
and south of the present site of the Pittsburg Boiler Works, smith of
the railroad. This shaft was soon abandoned, not being a success.
Fields & Chapman, another Joplin firm, were the next to enter the
field, sinking a shaft about five months after the sinking of the Anderson
shaft, about four hundred yards south of it. Six months later E. R.
Moffatt. Jr., and a man whose proper name has been forgotten, but who
was generally known as "Brigham Young." came here from Joplin
and put down a slope north of the Anderson shaft.
In the meantime the Joplin railroad company built a spur north
to the mining camp which had sprung up on Carbon creek. This spur
left the main track at what was known for years as Litchfield Junction,
and was later called the Litchfield spur. The camp was named Edwin,
in honor of Col. Edwin Brown, and in 1879 the postoffice was established
there, and Jeff Bedford, who had come in from Joplin that spring, and
engaged in mining operations, was appointed postmaster. With Bed-
ford came Jim Whitfield, of Oronogo. They sunk a shaft about 100
yards north of the bridge near the Anderson shaft. The old dump is
-till there. Edwin and Pittsburg were now the two camps, and one
was about as large as the other. In fact Edwin was the more important
mining camp, as there were mining operations being conducted all along
the creek, while Pittsburg had but the one shaft.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 107
But Pittsburg just about this time was visited by a Wisconsin man.
who changed the course of affairs, and definitely assured the permanency
of Pittsburg. This man was Robert Lanyon, or "Bobbie" Lanyon, as lie
was best known. Mr. Lanyon had come west from Mineral Point. Wis-
consin, to see what he could make in the Joplin district. There he heard
oi the coaJ prospects here, and one day he came to Pittsburg, and visited
James Vincent at the Coyle shaft.
Alter a careful inspection of the coal prospects, Lanyon returned
to Joplin, quietly acquired extensive zinc land holdings, and within a
few weeks he had commenced building a block of zinc smelters here.
The coal for this smelter was hauled in wagons from the Coyle shaft.
At that time slack coal had no value to the operator. It was as worth-
less as the ashes from a smelter, and before the erection of the smelter
the Coyle brothers had found it necessary to pay men to haul away the
slack which accumulated at the mine. This can be best appreciated when
it is stated that last winter (1903-04) slack coal was sold at the mines
here for $1.75 per ton. Tins smelter was the beginning of the great
zinc industry which firmly established Pittsburg, and which resulted in the
growth of the mining cam]) to a city with today a population of 16.000.
But to return to Edwin, the rival town. Col. Edwin Brown was
early interested in the new camp on Carbon creek, which bad been named
after him. Tie brought Jack Armel, a railroad contractor, who had
been engaged in the construction of the railroad from Girard to Joplin,
to Carbon creek with him, and Armel leased the land where Jeff Bed-
ford had put down his shaft, and then he sent to Ohio for a couple of
young men who have ever since been actively identified with business af-
fairs in this county. They were James A. Patmor and brother Charles.
The former is now president of the Pittsburg First State Bank, and the
latter is superintendent of the gas anil electric light plant.
108 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
The Patmnr brothers brought with them from Ohio a steam shovel
outfit, and commenced active operations stripping by steam north of
Edwin. Charles Patmor opened the first coal pits at Midway about this
time. In the meantime an important change had taken place at Pitts-
burg. Peter Coyle, the active manager of the Coyle coal business, took
sick and died, and his brother, Matt, sold the business to some Oswego.
Kansas, capitalists, who had formed the Oswego Coal Company. At
the head of this company was B. F. Hobart. who later became promi-
nently identified with coal interests in the county, and especially in Pitts-
burg, as the head of the Kansas & Texas Coal Company, and large real
estate interests in Pittsburg. With Mr. Hobart in the Oswego Coal
Company was C. M. Condon, a wealthy capitalist of Oswego.
The Oswego Coal Company acquired the land of the Coyle brothers,
and in the spring of 1880 sunk a second shaft, known as No. 2. This
shaft was put down on what is now known as the Hull & Dillon farm,
northeast of Pittsburg, about three-quarters of a mile this side of Litch-
field.
Before this, however, the name of the camp on Carbon creek had
been changed from Edwin to Carbon, on account of another postofHce of
the name of Edwin being in existence at that time in the state. The
Patmor brothers were getting out a large quantity of coal with their
steam shovel, and had associated with them in the enterprise Mel Snow,
who later became prominent in affairs in Pittsburg, and was one of
the town's early mayors. It was just about this time that William Ham-
ilton, now at the head of the Hamilton Coal Company, of Weir, bought
the old "Brigham Young" slope, and converted it into a shaft, sinking
a shaft and putting in a steam hoist.
The Oswego Coal Company commenced extensive operation- at
Carbon in [880, and that winter Bill Weaver took a contract to build
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 109
twenty-eight company houses in the camp for the Oswego Coal Com-
pany. These were the first "company houses" built there. A. M. Wat-
son, now of Pittsburg, aided in constructing the houses. A company
store was also built, the first in the county, and T. P. Waskey, now at
the head of the Waskey-Kassebaum Commission Company, in Pitts-
burg, was. if the writer's information is correct, the first manager of the
store. This old company store was the school which graduated many
of the prominent business men of Pittsburg. Among the men who were
connected with this old store were W. C. Seymour, of the Seymour Dry
Goods Company, Ed Xevius. superintendent of the Nevius Coal Com-
pany. John Tracey, city clerk of Pittsburg, and other prominent Pitts-
burg men were identified with the store as managers,
In [880 T. R. Jones and David Arnott sunk a gin shaft at Carbon,
which Arnotl "bossed." Arnott was one of the pioneer coal men of the
county, and until recent years was at the head of the Arnott Coal ( om
pany. He is now superintendent of the Dickey & Mullholland shaft near
Mulberry. This shaft was first known as No. 5, and when steam was
used it was later called No. 10.
When the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company acquired
the Moffat & Sergeant railroad, the railroad company also acquired the
coal property of the Oswego Coal Company, and this was the entrance
of the Frisco into the coal industry in this county, and it has ever since
been an important factor in the mining industry.
When this change occurred in 1882 the Rogers Coal Company was
formed to control the coal interests, the company being named after
General Superintendent Rogers, of the railroad. The company soon
sunk Xo. 3 mine near Playter's Lake. About the same time No. 4 mine,
a slope, was opened south of the present fine residence of J. B. Smith.
The Rogers Coal Company now practically controlled the coal industry
110 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
of the county. The Frisco was the only railroad tapping the coal dis-
trict, and every ton of coal shipped by other operators was compelled
to pay a high tribute in the way of exorbitant freight rates. Mining
operations were practically suspended by independent operators.
In 1882 Charles Wood Davis, or "Cottonwood" Davis, as he was
known, who had been superintendent for the Oswego Coal Company,
Major Rombauer, who had also been identified with that company, and
Charles Patmor purchased the Michilds one hundred and twenty acres,
m the south and east part of Pittsburg, the tract now comprising the
residence section east of Broadway and south of First street. They
formed the Pittsburg Coal Company, and sunk and equipped a first-
class shaft, which was located east of the building now called the Southern
Hotel. This company experienced the same trouble that the other inde-
pendent operators did, not being able to get cars from the Frisco, and
finally the independents and other interests of the town arose, and
headed by "Cottonwood" Davis succeeded in getting the Gulf road to
build down from Minden. through Pittsburg, this being now the Ar-
cadia-Cherryvale branch of the Frisco.
This gave the companies an outlet besides the Frisco, and with the
opening of this road came a revival of coal operations on the part of the
independent operators.
The shaft of the Pittsburg Coal Company was known as shaft "A."
It was sunk by the late John R. Braidwood, who at the time*of his recent
tragic death, was connected with his father-in-law, William Hamilton,
in the Hamilton & Braidwood Coal Company. Mr. Braidwood was
superintendent of the mine until the winter of 1883. when he left to
become underground superintendent for the Rogers Coal Company.
John Kilholland was pit boss of the shaft.
In the meantime the Rogers Coal Company had not been idle. The
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 111
company had expanded its territory, and put down three shafts at Weir,
Xos. 5, 6 and 7. The next shaft in this county was Xo. 8, which was
put down near No. 4 at the site of the Smith residence at Fairview. Be-
fore, this, however, the name of the coal town on Carbon creek had
again been changed from Carbon to Litchfield on account of the name
conflicting with Carbondale, another Kansas postoffice. The Rogers
Company opened up its ninth mine at Litchfield in 1884, near the junction
of the Memphis road with the Litchfield spur. Two other shafts. X"-.
10 and 11, were put down at Litchfield soon after.
In 1885 the Rogers Coal Company again changed its name. The
state legislature had passed a law providing that railroad companies
should not own coal lands or do a coal business, and in order to evade
this law. it is claimed, the Rogers Coal Company was dissolved, and the
Kansas & Texas Coal Company was formed. The company was very
intimately related to the Frisco railroad, however.
After the Kansas & Texas Coal Company commenced business, it
put down seven more mines in this county, all but two of them being
sunk in Pittsburg. Xo. 12 was put down at the foot of Sixth street in
the Goff addition, in 1885; Xo. 13 at what is now about Broadway and
Twenty-third street, in 1885; Xo. 15 at the present site of the Hull &
Dillon packing house, in 1886; Xo. 20 west of Cow creek on the Playter
farm, in 1888; and Xo. 28 near the north smelters, in iSSy. All of
these mines are now abandoned, and the places where the}- were located
are covered with handsome homes, or business houses. There are barely
traces of the old dumps left. Two more shafts were put down about
this time at Litchfield, Xos. 17 and 22.
The years 1885 and 1886 marked the beginning of the boom in the
coal district. In those two years no less than ten or twelve new coal
concerns commenced operations in the district. It was in May. [885,
112 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
that Colonel Edwin Brown, who had been so prominently identified with
the development of the coal district, commenced active operations. He
interested the Chick brothers. AY H. and James, of Kansas City, and
they, with the late J. T. Morrison, formed the Pittsburg & Midway Coal
Company, and commenced stripping operations north of Litchfield, at
the place where, in the earlier days of the county, had been located a
station on the old stage route, and which had been known in the early
days before the war as "Holes-in-the-Prairie," but which had later
acquired the name of Midway, being midway between Fort Scott and
Baxter Springs, on the stage mad. Shortly after they had commenced
operations, the Pittsburg Coal Company, after a spell of hard luck, be-
came bankrupt. "Cottonwood" Davis got as his share of the wreckage
a lawsuit against the Frisco, Patmor got a house, ami Major Rombauer
got the shaft. Colonel Brown and Mr. Morrison purchased the remains
of the coal property, and the company was re-organized as the Pittsburg
& Midway Coal Company, and the shaft on South Broadway was moved
to Midway and became No. i of the new company. This company soon
abandoned the shaft at Pittsburg, and commenced operations exclusively
at Midway. Bennett Brown went to Midway with the company, and
became the first superintendent of the company. This company is still
in existence, and still operates mines at Midway, which has become an
important coal camp, but both Colonel Brown and Mr. Morrison are
dead, both having passed away without fully realizing the financial
benefits of their investments and undertakings. The latter died recently in
Pittsburg, comparatively a poor man.
It was about this time, in 1886, that 1 in- Johnston came to the
county from Topeka. He secured the land northwest of Pittsburg on
the other side of Cow creek, and there he sunk a shaft, which was called
Lone Oak shaft. A small camp was built up around the mine. The
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 113
shaft was not a success, however, not because of poor coal, because the
coal was rated as fine as there was in the district, but because of faulty
construction of the mine. Pillars had been left too small in opening up
the works, and before long the mine commenced to "squeeze." the roof
settling in, and work had to he abandoned.
Johnston gave it up and went to Osage count}', where he engaged
in mining, and he is still located there, being one of the leading operators
of the Osage field. Later a man named Beadell endeavored to operate
the shaft, but he gave it up soon, and the Hamilton brothers, Matthew
and Andrew, then leased the property, and tried to operate the mine,
"fhey owned farms near Pittsburg, and the mine nearly cost them their
farms, for they became involved in litigation with the Frisco Railroad
Company, and the result was that the railroad secured judgments, which
cleaned up the brothers. The railroad company then pulled up the
switches, and the mine was abandoned, and from that date to this
there have been no mining operations at Lone Oak. The houses were
gradually moved away, until today the only trace of the old camp is a
black spot in the soil where vegetation will not grow, which mark- the
site of the old dump. The first mine explosion to occur in the county
was at the Lone Oak mine, hour miners were caught in the explosion,
and two or three of them killed.
In [885 the Gould interests entered the field, and the Nevada &
Minden railroad, now the Missouri Pacific, was constructed into Pitts
burg, and through the county. That same year mining operations were
commenced by the Western Coal & Mining Company, which was at that
time, as it is now, closely identified with the Missouri Pacific ami Gould
interests. The first mine was put down in [885 at Minden. and was
called No. 1. The mines were numbered in order as the} were
sunk. Ira Fleming, who is now president of the Fleming Coal Company,
114 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
in Cherokee county, was the first superintendent of the company. In a
few months the camp of Fleming was laid out south of Pittsburg, and
mine No. 2 was sunk. The camp was named after Superintendent
Fleming. In 1S87 two more mines were sunk. No. 3 at Fleming, and
No. 4 at Yale, another new camp which was laid out north of Litch-
field, and which, for some unknown reason, was named after the famous
eastern college. Mr. Fleming was succeeded as superintendent soon by
Josiah Lane, who came here from Rich Hill, where he had been con-
nected with the same company. Mr. Lane is still in the service of the
Western Coal & Mining Company as assistant cashier in the Pittsburg
offices, and has up to this time been connected with the company for
twenty-two years. He was succeeded in 1891 by James Gardner, who
had crime here in iSqo to be mine foreman at Fleming. Mr. Gardner
has been connected with the company in that capacity ever since, and is
now general superintendent of the company's interests in this and Chero-
kee counties. The company has put down in this county eleven shafts.
and is now laying out a twelfth shaft, northwest of Yale, which, how-
ever, will be called No. 13. as No. 12 had been sunk in Cherokee county.
at Folsom.
In 1886 a number of Topeka capitalists who were interested in the
Southern Kansas railroad, which later became the Santa Fe, formed a
companv which they called the Cherokee & Pittsburg Coal & Mining
Company, leased coal land north of Pittsburg, and at once commenced
mining operations. Mine No. 1 was sunk and a camp which was called
Frontenac was established. Today Frontenac is a busy mining town of
about three thousand population. Robert Craig, of Topeka. came down
and was made superintendent of the mine, and later became general
manager of the company.
The Southern Kansas railroad, which had been built to Girard
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 115
fn>m Chanute. was extended to the mine and the new camp from Girard,
but it was not until later that it was constructed on into Pittsburg. No.
2 mine was sunk in a tew months at Frontenac, and shortly after No. 3
was put down east of Frontenac, east of the present No. 9 shaft. Alex
Watson, of Pittsburg, set the timbers for the first shafts. The Cherokee
& Pittsburg Company soon acquired more coal land south of Pittsburg.
and another camp, named Chicopee. was established, and mine Xo. 4
was sunk there. The railroad was built on to the new camp from Pitts*
burg, and that was made the terminus of the railroad, passenger trains
from Pittsburg running to Chicopee to carry the miners out. This tram
service was maintained until the electric railway was built a few years
ago. It was at this time that the merchants of Pittsburg raised a fund
of $7,000. which -was given the company in consideration of their agree-
ment not to maintain company stores in Frontenac and Chicopee. This
agreement was kept until the successor of the company, the Mount Car-
mel Coal Company wa's formed, when stores were established, and are
now operated.
The Mount Carmel Coal Company was formed when C. J. Devlin,
formerly a bookkeeper in a coal company office at Spring Yalley. 111.,
entered the field. Mr. Devlin had rapidly acquired a fortune by clever
manipulation, and he made arrangements with the Santa Fe railroad
by which he became the head of the fuel department of that system,
and the Mount Carmel Coal Company resulted. Mr. Devlin is now a
resident of Topeka, Kansas, and is reputed to be worth several millions
of dollars. The Mount Carmel Coal Company has confined its opera-
tions in this county to the coal land'; around Frontenac and Chicopee.
maintaining its headquarters in Frontenac. The company has. how-
ever, coal interests in Osage county, and Mr. Craig, former general man-
ager of the company, is now superintendent in Osage county. Joseph
116 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Fletcher has been superintendent of the interests here for several years.
The company has opened up nine mines in this county, six at Frontenac
and three at Chicopee.
The Kansas & Texas Coal Company enjoyed the height of its
prosperity in this county during the ten years following 1882. David
Ramsey was local superintendent during this period. Bennett Brown,
now arbitration commissioner for the Operators' Association, was under-
ground superintendent, and F. E. Doubleday, later general superin-
tendent of the company, and at present superintendent of the Central
Coal & Coke Company, at Bevier, Missouri, was superintendent of the
mines at Litchfield. Labor troubles with its employees which resulted
in a prolonged strike weakened the company, and it is believed brought
about the decline. The end came about three years ago, when the
Centra] Coal & Coke Company absorbed the old Kansas & Texas Coal
Company and supplanted its general officers and superintendents with
it- own men. This consolidation made the Central the largest and
most important coal company in the district and today the Central oper-
ates in Crawford county eleven mines, located both north and south of
Pittsburg.
In the spring of [89] Archie Kirkwood, now the general super-
intendent of the Wear Coal Company, and Frank Wear, now the presi-
dent of that concern, opened the "Sunshine" mine at Minden. About
the same time John Anderson opened a gin shaft southeast of Pittsburg.
In 1892 Wear and Kirkwood purchased the Anderson shafl below Pitts-
burg, and on August 1, of that year, commenced operation, calling it
No. _'. Tlie camp which was built up was named Kirkwood in honor
f \rchie Kirkwood. The Wear Coal Company was then organized
and commenced operations, and up to the present this company has
opened and operated twelve shafts, all around Pittsburg, and work has
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 117
already commenced on three additional large shafts, northwest of
Pittsburg.
The history of the coal industry of the county for the past fifteen
years is a story of rapid development. Not only has the coal field
immediately around Pittsburg been wonderfully developed in that time,
but the coal belt has expanded, the "known" territory has been widened,
and coal shafts are now in operation on land which as recently as five
years ago was declared to lie out of the coal belt. There are today in
operation in Crawford county forty-four mining concerns, operating
sixty-two coal shafts, and which last year ( 1903) employed nearlv 7,000
men, and produced over four million tons of coal, or more than four-
fifths of the entire output of the state of Kansas.
118 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
CHAPTER V.
BANKS AND BANKERS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.
Prior to 1871, the banking of this county was transacted at Kansas
City and Fort Scott. The pioneer banker of Crawford county is Frank-
lin Playter. He was born at Whitechurch. Ontario, Canada, June 30,
1841. Mr. Playter was the son of a farmer, and worked on his father's
farm, attending school in winter, until a teacher's certificate was ob-
tained. He taught four years in a country school, attended Toronto
University, Canada. Left Canada for Kansas in December. 1868.
Studied law and was admitted to the bar at Fort Scott, in the spring of
1869, shortly afterward removing to Girard. Formed a partnership
with C. G. Hawley in the law. and George H. Richer in the real estate
business. Their office was located a few doors south of the southwest
corner of the square. In 187 1 Mr. Playter bought out the interests of
his partners, and fitted up the front room of the office as a banking
room. The following is a clipping from the Girard Press of June X.
187 1 :
"Air. Frank Playter has fitted up his office in regular bank style.
He has had it beautifully painted and grained in an elegant manner, and
it is furnished with one of Hall's Patent Burglar Proof Safes."
This was a private bank owned and controlled by Mr. Playter. It
was called "The Crawford County Savings Bank." but was more gen-
erally known as "Playter's Bank." hi the fall of 1872, Mr. Playter
built a two-story brick building on the south side of the square, and
on January <). [873, the bank was moved into that building. This was
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 119
the first brick business house built in the county, and has always been
used for banking purposes. It is now occupied by the Bank of Girard.
On March I, 1877. the Crawford County Rank was organized
under the banking laws of Kansas, with a capital stock of $50,000. The
following constituted the board of directors: Franklin Playter, Loren
Brown, Girard; J. H. Playter, Cherokee: F. M. Shaw. Paola. The
officers were, president, Franklin Playter; vice-president, F. M. Shaw:
cashier, J. H. Playter; assistant cashier. George E. Howard. August _\
1877. the Crawford Count}" Bank was re-organized under the name of
the .Merchants and Farmers Bank. Board of directors were: Franklin
Playter, B. P. McDonald. J. E. Raymond. John Tontz, B. C. Redlon.
The following officers were elected: President, Franklin Playter: vice-
president, B. P. McDonald; secretary. J. E. Raymond; cashier. J. T.
Leonard: assistant cashier, J. II. Playter. January 22. 1878. the bank
was re-organized, James Hull and John T. Voss becoming stockholders.
The following were the directors: James Hull, John T. Yoss. H. P.
Grand, John Tontz, B. C. Redlon. The officers were: President.
James Hull; vice president. B. C. Redlon; cashier. J. T. Leonard. May
23. 1878. at the annual election of directors of the Merchants and Farm-
ers Bank, the following were elected: James Hull. John Tontz, Xelson
Smith, B. C. Redlon. J. G Vincent. The officers were: President,
James Hull, vice-president and acting cashier, B. C. Redlon.
June 12. 1S79. the F>ank of Girard. successor to the Merchants and
Farmers Bank, opened for business, capital stock, $50,000. The fol-
lowing were the officers: President. E. R. Moffet ; vice president.
Franklin Playter; cashier. J. L. Moffet; assistant cashier, J. H. Playter.
December 9, 1879. J. L. Moffet resigned, and T. C. Molloy was chosen
to fill the vacancy. Franklin Playter. having sold his interest in the
bank, also resigned and retired from banking business. March 4. 18S2.
120 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
E. R. Moffet closed the bank, all creditors being paid in full within thirty
days.
July 10. 1882, the banking house of Chapman and Adams was
opened in the Bank of Girard building, being owned by E. G. Chapman
and H. Adams. October. 1882, the name was changed to Bank of
Girard. July, 1884. F. G. Chapman retired, the business continuing
with president, H. Adams; cashier, Oscar Schaefrer. October, 1884,
H. W. Haldeman purchased an interest. The officers were : Presi-
dent. H. Adams; vice-president. H. \Y. FMdeman; cashier. Oscar
Schaefrer. In 1S86. H. \Y. Haldeman purchased the interest of H.
Adams, becoming president, and for the past eighteen years there has
been n< 1 change.
Oscar Schaeffer, cashier of the Bank of Girard. the oldest in point
1 5'ervice of the bankers of Crawford county, was burn forty-five years
ago, at Lisbon, Linn county, Iowa. Educated in the common schools of
Wisconsin, Michigan and Kansas. Moved to Girard in 1872, from
Coffeyville, Kansas. A mere boy. he was first employed as office boy
and collector by Franklin Playter in his bank, in 1874. Was later with
Booth's Bank, and the Merchants and Farmers Bank. Thus, for more
than thirty years has Oscar, as he is familiarly called by his friends
and associates, been identified and connected with the banking business
of this county. To him belongs the distinction of longer service behind
the bank counter than any other person in Crawford county.
May 15, 1878. the banking house of James H. Booth was organized,
with the following officers : President, James H. Booth, East Saginaw.
Michigan : cashier. E. W. Ross, formerly cashier of Hobart and Con-
don's Bank, Oswego, Kansas. February 9, 1882, James H. Booth sold
his banking interest to E. H. Brown, H. P. Grund and J. T. Leonard.
It was called the Citizens Bank. The following officers were elected:
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 121
President. E. H. Brown; vice-president, II. P. Grand; cashier, I. T.
Leonard. November, 1882, J. D. Barker purchased the interest of F. H.
Brown, and succeeded him as president. May 8, 1884. the First Na-
tional Bank of Girard was organized from the Citizens Bank, and as-
sumed the deposits, discounts, etc. The following directors were chosen,
June 23, 1884: J. D. Barker, H. P. Grand, J. T. Leonard. J. E. Ray-
mond. D. Corning. Thomas McLaughlin, VV. C McMillan. Officers:
President, J. D. Barker; vice president, H. P. Grund; cashier, J. T.
Leonard. Capital stock paid up, $50,000. Opened for business Jul}- 9,
[884. January, 1891, H. P. Grund was elected president, D. Corning
vice president. J. T. Leonard cashier. January, [899, J. E. Raymond
was elected president. VV. C. McMillan vice-president, J. T. Leonard
cashier. There has been no change in the officers for five years. May 8.
1904, the charter was renewed for a second twenty years. Thus, for
more than twenty years, has this hank continued in active business with-
out change in the personnel of the hoard of directors, a fact for which
they may well feel proud.
J. T. Leonard, cashier of the First National Bank. Girard, was born
m Lass count} - . Illinois, in [854. Educated in the common schools of
his native state, he migrated to Kansas in 18-j. and was employed in a
general merchandise store as clerk, in Girard, Kansas, for fixe years.
He accepted the position of cashier of the Merchants and Farmers Bank
in 1877. resigning 111 1878 to engage in the general mercantile business,
under the firm name of Kincaid and Leonard. In 1881 he purchased
his partner's interest and conducted the business in his own name for
ten days, when a fire, starting in an adjoining building, destroyed his
stock, causing almost a total loss, only partially covered by insurance.
Five years of hard work found him with his fire losses all paid in full,
and once more free from debt. In 1882 he was elected cashier of the
122 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Citizens Bank. To Mr. Leonard belongs the honor of being the oldest
cashier in the county, in point of service. Notwithstanding the vexa-
tions and anxieties constantly arising in the line of his duty, he always
has a pleasant greeting for every one, making all feel it a pleasure to
transact business with such a gentleman. For nearly a quarter of a cen-
tury he has held this important and responsible position and today
(1904) his familiar form may still be seen at the cashier's desk.
John E. Raymond, president of the First National Bank of Gir'ard,
and also of the Girard Building and Loan Association, was born at
Raymond, Union county, Ohio, attended preparatory school at Antioch
College, Yellow Springs, Ohio: for two years in the college course at
Lombard University, Galesburg, Illinois, and two years' course of lec-
tures, in the law department of the University of Michigan. Migrated
to Kansas in 1868, making the journey from Olathe, Kansas, to Craw-
ford county, on horseback, a pair of saddlebags, thrown oyer the pony's
back, containing his entire wardrobe. In 1868 and 1869 he assisted his
uncle, R. B. Raymond, in collecting the first taxes ever assessed in Craw-
ford county. In the fall of 1869 he entered into partnership with J. W.
Officer, in the hardware business, and for twenty years the name of
Raymond & Officer was well and favorably known throughout the
country. They conducted the largest hardware and implement business
in the county. J. E. Raymond was mayor of Girard in the early seven-
ties. He retired from mercantile business in 1895.
CIIHROKEE.
In the winter of 1875, Franklin Playter opened the first bank in
Cherokee, under the name of F. Playter & Brother. Joseph H. Playter
having charge of the same. In 1877 the bank was discontinued, J. H.
Playter taking the position of assistant cashier of the Merchants and
Farmers Bank of Girard. October 1, r88l, George W. Pye opened a
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 125
private bank called "The Cherokee Bank," proprietors, G. W. Pye and
Company. In 1898 it was incorporated as a state bank, with A. C. Graves
president, George \Y. Pye, cashier. July, 1900. it was organized as a
national bank, with $-5. 000 capital stock, and same officers. February
I, 1904, G. W. Pye retired on account of ill health. R. A. Bolick suc-
ceeding him.
PITTSBURG.
August. 1882, Chapman and Adams of Girard, opened a bank in
Pittsburg, this being the first bank in that town. It was known as the
Bank of Pittsburg, Mr. Chapman having charge. July, 1884, the Bank
of Pittsburg was purchased and continued as a private bank with the
following officers : President, S. H. Lanyon ; vice president. H. C.
Willard; cashier. James Patmore; assistant cashier, F. \Y. Lanyon.
Paid up capital. $20,000. In 1886 the bank was merged into the Na-
tional Bank of Pittsburg, paid up capital of $50,000. President. S. H.
Lanyon; vice-president, James Patmore; cashier, F. \Y. Lanyon; assist-
ant cashier, A. K. Lanyon. A few years afterward the capital stock
was increased to $100,000. In 1892, on the death of F. W. Lanyon,
II. C. Willard was elected vice-president, and James Patmore cashier.
In the fall of 1898 Josiah Lanyon was elected president in the place
of S. H. Lanyon, deceased. November, 1903. James Patmore severed
his connection with the hank, and A. K. Lanyon succeeded him as cashier.
The bank officers at present are: President, E. V. Lanyon; vice-presi-
dent, H. C. Willard: cashier, A. K. Lanyon. Board of directors: E. V.
Lanyon. A. K. Lanyon. H. C. Willard. Josiah Lanyon. A. H. Lanyon,
William Lanyon, Jr., LI. C. B. Flack.
March [6, [886, the First National Bank of Pittsburg was organ-
ized, capital stock, $50,000. The following officers were elected : Presi-
dent. T. Judson Hale; vice-president. John R. Lindburg; cashier, C. P.
126 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Hale; assistant cashier. William Babcock, Jr. February 10, 1888, John
R. Lindburg was elected president and J. W. Brewer vice president. On
the death of J. W. Brewer, in 1903. R. E. Carlton was elected vice-
president. The present officers are: President. John R. Lindburg; vice-
president, R. E. Carlton; cashier. James L. Rogers; assistant cashier,
A. E. Maxwell. The present board of directors are: S. J. Parry, M.
Schaen, R. E. Carlton, A. E. Maxwell, James L. Rogers. John R. Lind-
burg, E. J. Lindburg.
John R. Lindburg, in point of service, is the oldest bank president
in the count}'. For sixteen consecutive years he has filled that position.
He was born in Wimmerby, Sweden, educated at Wimmerby College,
where be graduated in 1866. Came to this county in 1868, and located
in Pittsburg in 1877. Was in the drug business until the organization
of the First National Bank of Pittsburg, 1886. He has always been
an active and energetic worker for the upbuilding of his adopted town
and country.
January 7, 1904. the First State Bank of Pittsburg was organized
with a paid up capital of $25,000, and opened for business January 25,
1904. The officers are : President, James Patmore ; vice-president,
E. B. Hoyt; cashier, Jay N. Patmore. Board of directors: James Pat-
more, A. J. Curran. J. N. Patmore, E. B. Hoyt. E. H. Klock, J. H.
Beasley. A. H. Schlauger, H C. Willard. George W. Smith.
James Patmore. the oldest cashier in Pittsburg, in point of service,
was burn and educated in the suburbs of Cincinnati. Ohio. At the age
of eighteen he engaged in railroading, construction department. Com-
ing to Crawford county, Kansas, in the spring of 1877. lie engaged in
the coal and mercantile business until [884, when he was elected cashier
of the Bank of Pittsburg. For twenty years Mr. Patmore has been
identified with the banking business of Crawford county. He lias an
extended acquaintance, and is a popular and successful business man.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 127
MC CUNE.
The McCune City Bank was first opened as a private bank in 1883,
J. L. Ward, proprietor. Capital stock. $15,000. On June 5. 1902, it
was organized as a state bank, and called McCune City State Bank.
Capital stock. $10,000. Officers: Mrs. E. Ward, president; J. W.
Peak, vice-president; J. W. Martin, second vice-president, afterward
succeeded by E. C. Hood, and E. S. Dolson, cashier. The present
officers are: President, J. W. Martin: vice-president, J. W. Peak; sec-
ond vice-president, Mrs. E. Ward Brink; cashier, E. S. Dolson. 1902
showed deposits amounting to $29,000. 1004 showed deposits amounting
to $68,000.
December 13, 1899, tue McCune State Bank was chartered with
capital stock $6,000. Officers; President. W. E. Gregg; cashier, John
Gregg. Board of directors: X. M. Smith, C. M. Wilson, W. E. Gregg.
John Gregg. Sever Wilson. Opened for business February 11. 1900.
The capital stock was increased to $10,000 January 1, 1904.
W. E. Gregg, president of the McCune State Bank, was born in
Madison county, Ohio, in 1858. Moved with parents to Crawford
count}', Kansas, in 1871. Was reared on a farm and educated in the
district schools of Osage township. In 1883 engaged in the furniture
business, and has since added hardware, and is still conducting a large
and successful business.
WALNUT.
The Walnut Bank was opened by J. V. Pierce about the year 1SN7
and was discontinued in 1888 or 1889. In April, [889, the State Bank
>f Walnut was organized with a paid up capital of $12,500, with 1. A.
Wood as cashier. January, [890, J. M. Goff was elected cashier. The
capital stock was reduced to $5,000 in July. [891. July, 1N05. J. M.
Goflf acquired all the stock and continued the business until October.
128 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
1897. On September 5, 1898, the Walnut State Bank was opened for
business, with capital stock $6,000; president, W. M. Holeman; cashier,
J. H. Holeman, and is still under the same management. April 6, 1904,
the Farmers State Bank was organized, with capital stock $10,000.
Officers are: James A. Carlton, president; D. B. Gregory, vice-presi-
dent ; George Goff, cashier. The board of directors are : James A. Carl-
ton, D. B. Gregory, B. E. Carlos, W. W. Hess. George Goff.
ARCADIA.
On June 4. 1889, the Bank of Arcadia was organized, with capital
stock $5,000. President, T. H. Condon ; cashier, C. P. Anderson. A
state charter was.taken out October 30, 1891, with $8,000 capital. Janu-
ary 1, 1900. Mr. Condon severed his connection with the bank, and
C. P. Anderson was elected president, and E. L. Wiert cashier. On
January 1. 1902, Mr. Anderson sold his stock to D. B. Horton, who was
elected president.
MULBERRY.
The Citizens State Bank of Mulberry was organized October 13,
1903. under the state laws, with capital stock $10,000. Board of di-
rectors consisted of J. C. Brown, J. T. Long, John Honstead. T. J. Shaw,
J. W. Clarkson, 1!. L. Venable, H. C. Vaughn. Officers: President,
J. C. Brown: vice-president, J. T. Long; cashier, W. H. Tharp.
FROXTEXAC.
The Frontenac State Bank opened for business April 9, 1904. Cap-
ital stock, $10,000. President, Jacob Dittmau ; vice-president, George W.
Shelly: cashier, R. W. Gudgen.
HEPLER.
On June 1, 1904, the Hepler State Bank opened for business. Cap-
ital stock, $10,000. President. G. E. Whitnah; vice-president. P. Y.
Lewis; cashier, William Winn.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 129
Thus has the banking business grown in Crawford county in the
past thirty-three years. Starting in 1871 with one small bank and a
nominal capital and a few hundred dollars' deposits, it has increased
to fourteen active, prosperous banks in 1904. consisting of four national
and ten state banks, with an aggregate of over $400,000 capital and
more than $3,000,000 in deposits.
130 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
CHAPTER V I.
THE PRESS OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.
(By Frank Laughlin.)
The history of the various newspapers that have existed in Craw-
ford county since its organization is as varied as the colors of the flowers
on a Kansas prairie. A few of them, perhaps, are paying their owners
at the present time a little over a living, while one. the Pittsburg Daily
Headlight is really a paying investment. There is only one paper in the
county that can boast of retaining any one of its owners that gave it
life; that paper is the Girard Press. E. A. Wasser, the present senior
proprietor, was one of the founders of the Press, and has retained his
connection therewith continually for a period of thirty-five years ami has
heen reasonably successful in a financial way. However, while Mr.
Wasser and the Press have enjoyed a permanency seldom seen, there
have been a large list of papers that have sprung into existence and after
a fitful career expired on the altar of their founders' mistakes. There now
exists in every town in the county one or more newspapers, and all are
very good specimens of their owners' labors.
The first newspaper published in the county was in Girard. the
county seat. It was called the Crawford County Times, and was estab-
lished April 16, 1S69, by Scott & Cole. Only one number was issued,
as the object of the issue was accomplished, viz.: the bringing of the
Osage Mission people to time.
The Girard Press was moved by William Warner and E. A.
Wasser from Fort Scott to Girard in November, 1869. the first i^sue
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 131
appearing at the latter place the nth of the month. The paper took a
strong stand in favor of the validity of Mr. Jay's title to the neutral
lands, and on this account its office and material were set on fire July
14, 1871, and destroyed. The loss was $4,000. New material was
ibtained and the paper enlarged and improved, reappearing August 13th,
and has never missed an issue since. When Horace Greeley became
candidate for the presidency, Warner, the senior editor, supported his
candidacy, much to the dissatisfaction and disappointment of the junior
and present editor, E. A. Wasser. Tn consequence of this disagree-
ment of the two proprietors in regard to politics, Warner sold his
interest June 16. 1S73, to A. P. Riddle, afterwards lieutenant governor
of the state. This partnership existed for a period of about twelve
years, when Riddle sold his interest to D. C. Flint, and a few years later
the latter sold out to Wasser, who then took- his son into partnership.
and the firm name is now Wasser & Son. The Press was fortunate for
a number of years in being the official paper of the county, and it was
owing to this that it is one of the best weekly papers in the county.
The People's Vindicator was started in Girard July 28, 1870, by
P. R. Crisp and C. R. Lindsey, but discontinued in November in the
same year. Its only object was to act as the campaign organ for the
Democrats that year.
The Girard Pharos was started March i_\ 1873, by W. K. Goode.
It was not a success in Girard and was moved to Cherokee, where it
existed after a manner for a short time, when E. W. Majors, then
county treasurer, who had a mortgage upon the plant, heard that the
proprietor was preparing to spirit away, and foreclosed the mortgage
in 1874 and sold the plant to J. F. McDowell, and it was by him moved
to Columbus.
The Crawford County News was started August h, 1S75, by T. P.
132 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Fulton and C. C. Covill, and after passing through several hands was
finally discontinued November 2T. 1878.
The Girard Herald was started July 26. 1878, by J. W. Womack.
It was an eight-column folio and perfect both typographically and
mechanically. It was Democratic in politics and bid fair to have a
successful career, when Womack, who did not pretend to be a newspaper
man. got tired of it and sold to G. W. B. Hoffman and Hank Brandon.
The partnership was of short duration, and Hoffman became the sole
owner. He was not a manager, and after a precarious existence, death
relieved him of the strain and the Herald fell into the hands of A. C.
Swartz, a civil engineer, who had a mistaken idea that he was intended
for an editor. He soon discovered the mistake, but clung to the paper
for about a year, when he was glad to dispose of it to Frank Laughlin
and T. J. Anderson, two practical printers and newspaper men. They
kept it for two years and placed it on a solid financial basis, and sold it
to E. R. Ridgley, now an ex-congressman, and W. J. Bailey, who made
an extravagant advance in its price. Its career after that was down-
ward at a rapid rate, and after passing through several hands finally
succumbed to the inevitable. The plant was afterwards revived as the
Independetii News, which will be mentioned later on.
The Girard News was started December 13. 1878, by J. K. Black
and Frank Laughlin. They conducted it about three months and sold
it to E. P. Hinman and J. L. Eaton, in whose hands it expired after a
fitful existence of about nine months.
The Girard World, daily and. weekly, was started in 1895 by Abe
Steinberger. Its existence was not over a year, however, when it was
forced to suspend, and the material was sold to A. G. Lucas, who started
the Independent Nezvs. Mr. Lucas also purchased the plant of the
lefunct Herald. The News was sold by Lucas to the Deny Brothers,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 133
and later it was purchased by the firm of King & Newkirk, who started
a dad_\- in connection with the weekly called the Evening News. The
News, both weekly and daily, is among the best in the county.
The above gives a complete history of the papers in Girard, and
while the newspaper cemetery of the county has been materially fattened,
the founders of the papers have learned something.
PITTSBURG NEWSPAPERS.
Taken in a class, the newspaper business in Pittsburg has not been
strewn with flowers and ease. In only one case is the founder vet with,
any of them.
The first paper to circulate in Pittsburg was the Independent, pub-
lished by J. M. Walker. He owned no plant and his paper was printed
in Carthage, Missouri, and brought to Pittsburg for distribution. Its
time was short, however, and quit putting in an appearance after about
three months.
The People's Exponent was the first paper to really exist in Pitts-
burg with its plant. No one seemed to father it. however, and it man-
aged to live about a year, when Thomas P. Montfort purchased the
plant and started the Pittsburg Democrat, which flourished for a few
years and then merged into the Headlight.
The Pittsburg Smelter was started in j88o by D. C. and Fay G.
Flint. Its promise for a bright future was excellent. They disposed of
the Smelter to O. F. Munsell, who conducted it until his health failed,
when it went into the hands of John P. Morris, who was of broad-gauge
ideas, and while the paper was a money-maker he ran it into the shoals
of ruin and was forced to finally suspend. It was finally revived as the
Pittsburg Sunday Mail, but this lived only about two months.
The Pittsburg Headlight, daily and weekly, was founded in 1885
in September, and is now one of the leading papers of the state. Its
134 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
founder was M. F. Sears, who in less than a year's time took in C. W.
Moore, a practical printer and newspaper man. In the course of a
year Moore purchased the interest of Sears, and the father of Moore
came from Americus, Kansas, and entered into partnership with his
-"ii. under the firm name of William Moore & Son. This partnership
continued until the death of the senior member a few years ago, and
now the firm name is Moore Brothers. The Headlight occupies its
>\\n building and is equipped with all the modern presses and other
machinery with one of the hest job departments and hook binderies in
the west. It is Republican in politics, hut pays more attention to
furnishing its patrons a first-class newspaper with all the news.
The Pittsburg Kausau was started in 1889 by J. C. Buchanan. It
began ii- career as a Democratic organ, but at the beginning of the
Populist craze turned over and took up with the rabble. It waved the
banner of populism until the craze began to wane, when it flew back
hi the Democratic camp and is there now.
Tin Miner's Echo was started by Thomas 1'.. McGregor during the
strike of the coal miners in this district in 1893. Its mission was
exclusively to hold up for the cause of the strike and when that died the
paper suspended. T. P. Fulton purchased the plant and founded the
Pittsburg Messenger, a Democratic organ. It lived about a year.
In [890 Pittsburg experienced a boom, of the kind that paralyzed
many Kansas towns in those days. Willi Pittsburg's bo. mi came, among
other things, W. C. L. Beard, a young man with but little money and
no newspaper ability. He started the Pittsburg World upon the broad-
gauge plan. His career was short, however, and the plant fell into the
hands of Abe Steinberger and W. H Doud. He originated the Pitts-
burg Daily World. Doud remained only a short time with the paper
before he turned over his interest for a small consideration to Stein-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 135
berger. The paper took a stand against the strike in '93 and after being
hanged 111 effigy two or three times by the enraged miners over his
vitriolic writings ] le moved the plant to Girard. His experience there
is mentioned in another part of this history.
J. R. McKim, an inexperienced man in the business, in search of
glory and notoriety, founded the Pittsburg Tribune in [898. After an
uncertain existence of a year or more he sold his interest, which was
merely a small equity in the plant, to T. C. Flint & Sons, who conducted
it until in 1902 and sold it to a syndicate of young printers who changed
its name to the Pittsburg Journal. The Journal's career was extremely
short, extending over a period of about six weeks.
ARCADIA.
This little town, one of the best in the county for its size, has prac-
tically consigned none of its papers to the newspaper cemetery of the
comity. It has had really only one newspaper, but it has changed its
name quite often. The Arcadia Reporter was started September 21,
1882, by O. Dieffenbaeh and L. R. Jewell, and they conducted it until
18S8. when the name was changed to the Arcadia Democrat. In [894
it was purchased by Den J. (innn. and the name changed to the Arcadia.
In [896 he again changed the name to the Crawford County Times, and
January 1st he changed the name to the Arcadia Times, under which
it is now known
CHEROKEE.
The First paper published in Cherokee was the Pharos in 1874. by
.Mary A. Spring and H. C. Brandon. Hoffman & Metcalf bought it in
1S75 and changed the name to the Index. It died in a year or two. In
1876 Harry II. Webb founded the Young Cherokee, winch he removed
to Galena when the lead discovery was made there in 1877. ' L( -' w:|s in
Galena about a year when he returned to Cherokee under the name of
136 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
the Banner. In 1S78 C. M. Lucas started the Cherokee Sentinel on the
border, which is yet in existence, under the name of the Cherokee
Sentinel. In 1886 Lucas sold the paper to Willis Swank. He lasted
about a year, when the paper became the property of the present pro-
prietor, J. F. Price.
The Cherokee Cyclone was founded by George G. Hamilton in
1885. When about a year old it was destroyed by fire and was never
revived. The Cherokee Enterprise was founded by a young man named
Davis in 1899. but it lasted only about a year.
MC CTJNE.
For its size this little town of about one thousand inhabitants has
had more newspaper experience than any town in the county. Its first
paper was the McCune Standard, founded in 1880 by D. A. Burton &
Son. It lived about three years. W. F. Liggett bought the plant in
1883 and changed the name to the McCune Times. It continued until
1892, when it was absorbed by the Democrat.
The Crawford County Democrat of McCune was started July 12.
[889; by J. M. Mahr. W. D. Bevans. H. S. Cannon & Co. Mahr suc-
ceeded the others in 1893. He continued it until July 1. 1902, when the
name was changed to the Times-Democrat. A. G. Lucas purchased the
paper October 1. 1902, and published it until July 1. 1903. when Tom
Darlington took charge. March 1, 1904. W. T. Willey became its
owner and is continuing the paper.
In the '8o"s a small paper called the Brick was published for a short
time. Along about the same time the McCune Leader was established
by Rogers & Son. and later conducted by M. F. Sears. The Transcript
was published a few months in the 'qo"s by H. B. Lucas.
Two small papers of little consequence are being published in
Walnut. One is called the Advance, which was started by H. Quick
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 137
in the 'So's and the other is the Eagle, by L. Martin. Walnut is a small
town and while the support of the two papers is not heavy for the size
of the town the}- make a good showing.
The oldest newspaper men for continuous work in the county are
E. A. Wasser, with a record of thirty-five years; Frank Laughlin. twenty-
five years; J. T.. G. A. and C. W. Moore, of the Pittsburg Headlight,
about nineteen years; and J. C. Buchanan, of the Kuiisoii. fifteen years.
All of the above named saw service in the newspaper field and printing
before coming to Crawford county.
A small miscellaneous 1 ist of papers are here mentioned, whose
lives were short, as an ending to this newspaper history:
The Frontenac Journal was started by Carl Andrews in 1897 and
existed about three months. The Pittsburg Penny Post, a small daily,
with W. H. Henney as editor, in 1893, lived only a short time. The
Afro-American, for the benefit of the colored population of Pittsburg
and vicinity, was given life by A. J. Lee in 1903. but after a couple of
months suspended. It was resuscitated in January, 1904, by Lee. but
it was only for a month, and the material is now in the hands of a
German syndicate who will bring out the German Free Press about April
1st of this year (1904).
In the early '90's Behrens & Burkhart started the Pittsburg Volk
Freund, but its career was only for about a year.
The German population of Pittsburg and surrounding country is
large enough to support a German paper and the Free Press will start
but under bright prospects. Dr. Deitrich conducted the Frontenac Vin-
dicator from January 1, iqo2, to October of the same year, when he
suspended it for want of support.
The "Appeal to Reason." while belonging to the history of Craw-
ford county newspapers, is in no way identified with them. This paper
138 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
is the national organ of the Socialistic party and was moved to Girard
about twelve years ago from a small town in Missouri by J. A. Way-
land, the present owner and publisher. It accepts no local advertising
and the plan of subscription is on the endless chain order, and the paper
goes to all parts of the United States.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
CHAPTER V I I.
HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN CRAWFORD COUNTY.
( By J. W. Porter. |
The history of medicine in Crawford county, when gauged by the
standard of some of our eastern states, is necessarily very modern,
Crawford county having been embraced in the Cherokee strip, or neutral
lands (which are explained in Other sections of this history), settlement
was retarded so that this now populous and wealthy count}-, until within
a comparatively recent date, was a vast virgin prairie inhabited only by
a tew squatters who obtained their precarious livelihood by tilling small
garden patches and bunting. Such environments would only induce
kindred spirits, thus the earliest doctors were migratory and but little
is known of them.
The conditions above mentioned continued until the close of the
war. when ex-Union soldiers began to come in to take advantage of the
homestead laws, and with these permanent settlers came a more per-
manent class of physicians, many of these having done military service.
Some idea of the sparseness of the population even as late as 1S67 can
be obtained when I recall the fact that at the first county election, which
was licM tins year, the greatest number of votes polled was but 202.
Up to this time and for some time afterward, most of the practice was
done by doctors who were living on and "holding down" claim-. There
were few town doctors, because there were few towns. Some of these
"farmer doctors" were college graduates and men of considerable attain-
ments, though necessarily rough in exterior, and although handicapped
140 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
for want of appliances, were perhaps as fully competent to combat the
diseases incident to those conditions as onr more modern physicians are
to combat our more modern diseases. For it is a well known scientific
truth that many of the so-called refinements and advantages of modern
civilization are really violations of the natural laws, which bring about
their own diseases or punishment.
The diseases of those times were principally malaria caused by
lack of drainage of the country ; bronchitis and pneumonia, due to ex-
posure incident to their mode of life, and diarrhoea ami dysentery
induced by their coarse fare. Contagious diseases, on account of isola-
tion of the settlers, had little opportunity to spread. These diseases were
heroically met by our predecessors. One instance being handed down,
where a patient suffering from "a blocked bowel" was given one hundred
grains of calomel at a single dose. The patient recovered and experi-
enced no bad effects from this heroic dosage.
In those early days the relationship existing between "the family
doctor" and the people was much closer than it is at the present time.
The pioneer doctor was the personal friend and adviser of his patrons.
This relationship is best explained by quoting from a communication
from Dr. J. M. Mahr, now of McCune, who came to Cherokee county
in 1867. He says : "He has a warm place in his heart for the early
pioneers, where neighborly ties reached out so as to include everybody
for miles around, and when a neighbor was sick and needed nursing you
didn't hear the question asked. Where is his post G. A. R. ? or Where
is his lodge? or Where are the church members? They did not need to
ask these for the reason his neighbors were there to do their duty. Oh !
those old settlers ! God bless them ! They were 'true grit ;' and the old
pioneer doctors, they remember them well and kindly."
The profession is not alone responsible for these changed relations,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 141
but the sordid desire for gain, the devotion to style and fashion and the
organization of clubs and lodges have so modified the whole people that
the word neighbor has almost lost its original signification.
Perhaps the first permanent physician to locate in Crawford county
was Dr. J. W. Wallace, who located on a claim near the present town
of Arcadia in [865. He continued in active practice in Lincoln town-
ship until 1898, when, having lost his wife by death, he retired and is
now living with his children. At present he is in Oklahoma. At the
age of eighty-nine he is still more sturdy and strong than many much
younger men. He was a member of the first board of commissioners
:>f Crawford county, which was elected in 1867.
Dr. W. H. Barber located on a farm in Washington township, near
the present town of Mulberry, in 1866. Five years later, when Mul-
berry was established, he moved to that town, where he continued in
active practice until about 1894, when, after a short stay in Pittsburg, he
removed to Missouri, where he now resides. The doctor was a heroic
medicator and there are many stories still extant, among the old settlers,
about his voluminous doses.
Dr. H. D. Moore, an able physician, located on a farm near where
Monmouth now stands in [866. The doctor, notwithstanding a very
large practice, found some time to devote to politics. He represented
Crawford county in the state senate from 1S70 to 1872. He has since
died. An experience is given by Mr. Georgia of Pittsburg which illus-
trates the danger and hardships to which these pioneer doctors were
exposed. He and Dr. Moore were lost on the prairie and were com-
pelled to remain out all night in a terrible storm. As the month was
January, their sufferings can be imagined.
Dr. A. W. Doan. a Canadian, was a confrere of Dr. Moore, having
located on a farm near by in 1S66. He continued in active practice until
his death, which occurred in 1892.
142 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
At the old town of Jacksonville, located near the present town of
McCune, were located, during the sixties, Drs. Dement, Thurman and
Robinson, all now dead. Dr. Ed Mosteller was also located here in
1870 and for several years afterward. He is now located in Iowa. In
1865 and 1866 Dr. Hunt, an English graduate, was located near the
present town of Hepler. The doctor was connected with a large cattle
ranch.
In 1866 Dr. Yingling, a "preacher-doctor, located one-half mile
west of the present city of Pittsburg, remaining about a year, when he
removed to Arkansas. The doctor is remembered as a pompous gentle-
man, loud of big words.
Dr. G. S. Mosteller located on a farm in Walnut township in 1866,
where he practiced medicine until 1890. The doctor is a Mexican war
veteran, having enlisted with an Indiana regiment. He is now. at the
age of eighty-two years, living at Pittsburg.
During 1867 and 1868 a Dr. Baker was located at "Holes in the
Prairie," near where the village of Midway now stands. He is remem-
bered as being "rough in dress and speech."
Dr. G. W. Scholl, a regular graduate, located on a farm in Osage
township in the sixties. His old mule and his buffalo overcoat were
almost as well known as the doctor himself. He did an immense amount
of charily work. At present he has retired from practice and is living
quietly on his farm.
Dr. L. F. Crawford located at old Crawfordsville. near Girard. in
the sixties, but later moved to Girard. where he remained until his death.
Dr. Bauserman located in Grant township in 1808. and for several
years engaged actively in the practice of medicine, but is now at the age
of seventy-four years living the life »f a retired farmer.
Dr. Brooks, an Englishman, a kind of itinerant, made his home on
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 143
a farm near Arcadia. It is related of him that he cured rattlesnake
bites by the application of "fly blister."
Dr. A. Hall Smith located on a farm in Baker township, southeast
of the present city of Pittsburg, in 1868. where he continued in practice
for several years.
Dr. R. M. Stoops, in the later sixties, was located for a year or
two, on a farm, four miles northwest of Pittsburg, and a Dr. Holmes
about the same time at old Iowa City two miles south of Pittsburg.
Of these old-time doctors many are dead, some have retired, others
have gone to other fields. A contemplation of the lives of these noble
pioneers recalls these lines from Carleton's "Country Doctor" —
"But perhaps it still is better that his busy life is done:
He has seen old views and patients disappearing one by Line."
For with the building of the various railroads and the opening of
the coal mines, and the consequent increase in population, villages ami
towns sprang up all over the country, and "The Farmer Doctor" was
speedily supplanted by the village and town doctor, and the number of
these latter who have appeared in and disappeared from the various
villages and town- of Crawford county has been so great that a mere
catalogue of their names would exhaust the space allotted to this chap-
ter. Of the more prominent of this class of doctors — all of whom are
now gone — may he mentioned the following:
Dr. A. B. Turner, an able physician, of fine personal appearance, a
graduate from the Keokuk Iowa Medical College, located in Girard in
1868. Served as a member of the Crawford county pension board.
Died in 1885.
Dr. W. H. Warner, an educated and popular physician, an ex-
Union soldier, moved from Ft. Scott to Girard in 1869. Was one of
the proprietors of the Girard Press in early days, secretary of Crawford
144 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
county pension board for several years, up to time of his death, which
occurred in 1894.
Dr. A. T. Huntoon, a graduate from Rush Medical College of Chi-
cago, also an ex-Union soldier, located in Girard in 1876. Served as
coroner and member of the Crawford county pension board. He is
now located at Duluth and is reputed to be wealthy.
Dr. J. \Y. Alford an eclectic physician, was located at Girard for
several years during the later seventies.
Of the later Girard physicians may be mentioned Dr. Miller, now
of Joplin. and Dr. W. M. Griffin, a broad-minded homeopathic phy-
sician, who after fifteen or sixteen years' active practice at Girard. moved
to a farm in Bourbon county in 1902. The doctor was secretary of the
Crawford county pension board at the time of his removal.
Dr. A. C. Bailey, or "Cy," as he was familiarly called, was one of
the founders of Cherokee, and built the first business house which he
occupied as a drug store, which he conducted in connection with an
extensive practice. Though a Kentuckian, he was educated in the north
and served three years in the federal army. In 1884, on account of ill
health, he removed to Xew Mexico, where he died in 1890.
Dr. \Y. W. Pritchard, an ex-Confederate soldier, a whole-souled,
chivalrous, southern gentleman, a graduate from the Vanderbilt Uni-
versity of Nashville, Tennessee, located in Cherokee in 1882, remaining
until 1892, when he removed to Clark county. Kansas, where he is
engaged in stock-raising.
Dr. Boyd, who came to Cherokee early in her history, as a drug
clerk, took up the practice of medicine and followed it for several years,
up to the tunc of his death, which occurred in 1887.
Dr. S. B. Rover, who also came to Cherokee as a druggist, gradu-
ated from a Philadelphia medical college in 1890, engaged in practice
it Cherokee until his death, which occurred in 1899.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 145
Dr. Forney, a graduate from the Keokuk, Iowa, Medical College,
moved from Weir City to Cherokee in 1892, as successor of Dr. Pritch-
ard. He remained in Cherokee until his death, which occurred in 1901.
Dr. J. B. Traylor, a pioneer McCune doctor, was earlier located at
old Jacksonville. Although a successful practioner for many vears,
he did not receive his degree until 1888. He died in [899.
Dr. E. F. Davis, a graduate from Rush Medical College, Chicago,
located in McCune in 1879 and conducted a drug store in connection
with his practice.
Dr. E. C. Ohlwein, a graduate from a Cincinnati medical college,
located in McCune in 1882. After several years he removed to Miami,
Indian Territory, where he is now located.
Dr. Charles E. Taylor was located at Arcadia from 1880 to 1895.
The doctor is a native of Canada, a graduate from the St. Fouis Med-
ical College and is now located at Orlando, Texas.
Dr. J. C. Pasley, a native of Illinois, graduated from the Keokuk,
Iowa, Medical College, located in Arcadia in 1884 and remained until
his death, which occurred in 1902. The doctor was deservedly popular.
Dr. J. T. Holman, a native of Kentucky, graduated from the Uni-
versity of Fouisville, came to Arcadia from Garland, Kansas, in [894;
returned to Garland in 1903, where he is now located.
Dr. Julius R. Sloan, a native of Illinois, regular graduate, came to
Arcadia in 1888, moved to Stanley, Kansas, in 1891, where he is now
located.
Dr. T. F.'Hobbs, a native of Kentucky, graduate from the Yan-
derbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, came to Arcadia, in [889,
where he died in 1897.
Dr. Petitt, an able and popular physician, located at Walnut with
the establishment of the town, remained several years, when he removed
to Joplin, Missouri, where he is still in practice.
1*6 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Dr. Henry E. Rakestraw, an Ohioan. a graduate from the St. Louis
Homeopathic College, located at Walnut in 1876. remaining until 1903,
when he removed to Chanute. Kansas, where he is now making a spe-
cialty of diseases of the eye and ear. The doctor is popular.
Dr. Welch, an able physician, located in Walnut about 1870 and
practiced until his death, which occurred in [884,
From 1887 to 1889, contemporaneously two able young physicians,
Dr. Hite and Dr. Mudd, were located in Walnut.
Dr. J. R. Connell, the first doctor in Hepler, located there in 1869,
where he conducted a drug store in connection with his practice. After
several years he moved to Ohio, where he is now located.
Dr. J. R. Ball, a graduate from the Keokuk Medical College, located
in Hepler in 1870, remained a year, when he removed to Missouri, where
he has since died.
Dr. Pierce Gallagher, a young man. was located at Hepler from
1884 to [893.
Dr. Isaac Darker was located at Monmouth for many years, until
his death, which occurred in 1895.
Dr. J. C. Weibley, an able and popular physician, graduated from
the University of Virginia, was located in Opolis from 1878 until 1887,
the time of his death.
Another Opolis doctor was J. M. Dorsey, who located here in
1877 and remained until 1885, when he removed to Texas, where he
has since died.
Dr. J. M. Summers, a graduate from the Keokuk Medical College,
located in Opolis in 18S9, continued in practice at this place until his
death, which occurred in 1892.
Dr. Allen Wilson, a native of Louisiana, an educated and popular
ilivMcian, graduated from the Missouri Medical College, located in
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 147
Mulberry in 1876. built up perhaps the largest practice in the county,
removed to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1893. where he is now located.
Dr. B. F. Wilson, father of Dr. Allen Wilson, a native of Virginia,
a courtly southern gentleman, with a fine literary education, a graduate
from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, an ex-Confederate
army surgeon, located in Mulberry in [882 and, notwithstanding- his
advanced age of eighty-three years, continued in active practice until
a very short time before his death, which occurred in 1891.
Dr. J. M. Ennis. a Kentuckian and a graduate from the Kentucky
School of Medicine, was located at Mulberry from [882 until [886.
Dr. W. H. Anderson located in Beulah with the establishment of
the town. He was succeeded in 1884 by Dr. A. O. Blair, now of Pitts-
burg, who was succeeded by Dr. A. P. Giles, a graduate from Rush
Medical College, in 1890. Dr. Giles was followed by Dr. H. H. Bogle,
now of Pittsburg, in 1894.
Dr. C. C. Parker ami hi- wife. Dr. Kate Parker, located in Farling-
ton in 1876. and established a questionable institution called "'The
Health Home." which they conducted until 1S8S, when Dr, C. C.
Parker, who was charged with criminal malpractice, attempted to leave,
hut was overtaken by the sheriff and his deputy in southern Kansas, but
during the night he succeeded in removing his handcuffs and made his
escape in the darkness. He has since died in Arkansas, reported to
have been killed in a row. Dr. Kate Parker has also disappeared.
Dr. I. H. Addington, an able and honorable physician, was located
at Farlington from 1878 to 1889, when after a short location in Girard
he removed to Muncie, Indiana, where he has very recently died.
Drs. Harlan and Mills were located here for short periods during
1878 and 1879. Also Dr. Arthur Dunn during 1SS4 and [885, and his
father, who was also a physician during 1886 and 1887.
148 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Dr. B. A. Fuller removed from Cato to Farlington in 1888 and
continued in practice until his death, which occurred in 1894.
Dr. Charles Loomis. Dr. Trimm and Dr. Briggs were also a part
of the Farlington profession for short periods.
During the short time since the founding of the city of Pittsburg
there have been located here for longer or shorter periods perhaps one
hundred physicians. Of the more important ones who have passed
away we note the following :
Dr. W. W. Watkins, the first doctor, a regular graduate and an
able physician, located here in 1877. remained until 1888. when he
went west.
Dr. T. D. Miller, a graduate from the College of Physicians and
Surgeons of St. Louis, located here in 1879, remained for several vears,
when he removed to Joplin. Missouri.
Dr. A. C. Jennis, a graduate from the University of Iowa, of Iowa
City. located here in 1880, remaining until 1890, when he removed to
Minnesota.
Dr. F. F. Hillis. an eclectic, located here in 1880 and remained until
his death, which occurred in 1898. The doctor was a furious driver,
and with him a trip to the remotest part of the county, by buggy, was a
trivial matter.
Dr. M. L. Boas was located here from 1890 to 1898, when he
received an appointment to a professorship in the College of Physicians
and Surgeons, of St. Louis. He removed to that city, where he has
since died.
Dr. Vladimir F. de Neidman has had perhaps the most checkered
career of any physician who has ever lived in the county; a native of
St. Petersburg, Russia; a graduate from the University of Dorpat,
Russia, ami Howard University, Washington, 1>. C, with the degrees
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 149
of A. B., Ph. D., D. I). S. and M. D. : served as a surgeon in the United
States army from 1884 to 1888. Was located in Pittsburg- from [888
Lo 1898. Enlisted with the Twenty-second Kansas Regiment in 1898,
almost immediately promoted to brigade surgeon. Sent to Cuba and
later to the Philippines; served as brigade surgeon until 1902, when he
was honorably discharged and employed as a contract surgeon, and is
now stationed in California. In his early life he lived in Scotland and
Australia. He speaks fluently the Russian. French, German, Spanish,
Italian and English languages.
Dr. H. Z. Gill, an ex-army surgeon, an ex-college profes or,
classically educated physician, the author of a medical book, ex-secretary
of the Kansas board of health, located in Pittsburg in 1893 and limited
his practice to diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat until 1003. when
be removed to Long Beach, California.
Dr. A. Harvey, a graduate of the University of Colorado, was
located here for two or three years in the later nineties. He returned to
Colorado, his former home, on account of the health of bis family.
Dr. B. J. Hazehvood, a Canadian, a graduate of Trinity College,
Toronto. Canada, a partner and successor of Dr. Harvey, was located
here from 1900 to 1903, when he returned to Canada.
Dr. George C. Gilbert, a regular graduate, located at Litchfield as
surgeon to Kansas and Texas Coal Company in 1887, removed to Pitts-
burg in 1889, was elected mayor in 1900, and in 1003 moved to Duluth,
Minnesota.
In the mining camps adjacent to Pittsburg a large number of phy-
sicians have been located at different periods. At Frontenac there was
Dr. J. M. Giddings and Dr. Boaz ; at Chicopee, Dr. J. A. Spick and Dr.
Shauer: at Litchfield. Dr. White. Dr. Meinhardt, Dr. Black and Dr.
Strong; at Yale. Dr. Bilyea, Dr. Snyder. Dr. McKelvie and Dr. Whit-
taker (Col.).
150 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Of the physicians who at the present time are engaged in the
practice of medicine in the county, three are located at Arcadia. Of
these Dr. L. A. Runion, a regular graduate, is the oldest in point of
residence, having lived here for over fifteen years.
Dr. R. W. Moore, a native of Missouri, a young man. an ex-school
teacher, graduate of University Medical College of Kansas City. [Mis-
souri, an ex-hospital steward in the United States arm}-, located here in
1899.
Dr. W. S. Fleming, a native Kansan. a young man. a graduate of
Creighton Medical College, Omaha. Nebraska, has lately located in
Arcadia.
Dr. A. F. Meyer, a native of Hanover, Germany, a licentiate of
state hoard, has heen the sole physician in Brazilton since its establish-
ment. He located in Crawford county in 1868.
Dr. T. G. Tibbey, a young man, a graduate of Rush Medical Col-
lege, Chicago, located in Beulah in 1894.
Dr. R. D. Hayes, a native of Vinton. Ohio, born in 1875. a gradu-
ate of the University of Ohio and the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons of Baltimore in 1891, located at Cambria same year, as physician
and surgeon to the Central Coal and Coke Company.
Dr. M. Coryell, although living across the line in Bourbon county,
attends to the practice of Cato and that part of Crawford county. The
doctor is a graduate of the New York University of Medicine, class of
1880, and has for years been at his present location. He is a member
of the Bourbon county pension board.
There are two representatives of the profession at Cherokee. Dr.
A. M. Smith, the oldest in point of residence, is a native of Connecticut.
He graduated at a Massachusetts literary school and received his med-
ical degree from the Kansas City Medical College. The doctor located
in Cherokee in 1893.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 151
Dr. D. A. Iliff, a native of Iowa, came to Linn county, Kansas, in
[85.9, at the age of three years. Attended the Wesleyan University in
Illinois; taught school, being in turn principal of the Belle Plain and
Sedan (Kansas) schools; graduated from the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, Kansas City; located at "Weir City in 1901, removed to
Cherokee in 1902.
Dr. Adams and Dr. L. A. Newton have recently located at Chicopee.
Both are regular graduates and both are young men.
Dr. C. R. Tinder, of Englevale, located here in 1892. The doctor
is a Missourian by birth and education, having graduated from the
Missouri State Normal, at Kirksville, in [885, and the Marion Simms
Medical College of St. Louis in [891. Served as county health officer
in 1900.
Dr. F. L. Keeler. a native of North Carolina, an ex-school teacher
and a licentiate of Tennessee, located in Farlington in 1894.
Dr. A. j. Dodds, a native of Ohio and a graduate from the Ohio
Medical College of Cincinnati, after practicing medicine for several
years in < >hio and Indiana, came to Fleming in ic)oo. as physician and
surgeon t<> the Western Coal and Mining Company.
Dr. M. i\. Scott, a native Kansan, twenty-six years oi age, a gradu-
ate from the Pittsburg, Kansas, high school and the University Medical
College of Kansas City, located in Fronteliac in 1902. as physician and
surgeon to the Mount Canned Mining Company, which position he still
holds.
Girard has nine physicians in active practice. Dr. J. T. Alexander,
the senior in point of residence, is a native of Missouri ; graduated from
the St. Louis Medical College in 1872. was located at Cuba. Missouri,
until 1S80, when he came to Girard. Has served as county health officer.
Dr. J. B. Gardner, a native of Kentucky, a graduate of the Louis-
152 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ville, Kentucky. [Medical College, located in Girard in 1883. Served for
several years as county health officer.
Dr. G. A. Blair, a graduate of the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons of Baltimore, is one of the older Girard physicians.
Dr. G. E. Cole, a native of Ohio, an ex-school teacher, a graduate
from Wooster University of Cleveland, Ohio, 1879. was located in
Illinois for six years; came to Girard in 1885, has served as county
health officer, coroner and pension examiner of Crawford county; also
as secretary and president of the Southeastern Kansas Medical Society.
Dr. L. P. Adamson, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Kansas at
the age of six years, taught school, graduated from the University Med-
ical College, Kansas City, in 1S94, and shortly after located in Girard.
He is now serving as secretary of Crawford county pension board.
Dr. Volney T. Bqaz. a native of Kentucky, where he received his
literary education, graduated in pharmacy from the Kansas University
in 1890; received his medical degree from the Baltimore Medical College
in [ Si >5 : located in Girard in 1895: enlisted as a private in the Twen-
tieth Kansas, shorty detailed to the hospital service, later promoted to
hospital steward: served eighteen months in the Philippines: was twice
elected as coroner.
Dr. \V. S. Swart, a native of Vernon county, Missouri, is the young-
est of the Girard profession : 'was horn in 1876: educated at Ft. Scott
Normal and Barnes' Medical College, receiving his degree in 1899, and
immediately located in Girard.
Dr. Lindley E. Strode was horn in Bourbon count)-. Kansas, in
1872; graduated from Kansas Normal College, also the Hahnemann
Medical College of Chicago in 1900. Located in Girard in 1901. Is
now serving as coroner of Craw ford county.
Dr. Alice Ineels, who has been located at Girard for several years,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 153
is a graduate from the Keokuk Medical College, Keokuk. Iowa, class of
1 891.
Dr. O. F. Lewis, a native of Michigan, graduate of Ann Arbor
high school and die medical department of the University of Michigan,
located in Eepler in 1881. The doctor is an active politician of the
Republican variety; served as chairman of the Republican central com-
mitee of Crawford county; is at present a representative to state legis-
ture. a member of Crawford county pension hoard, and secretary of the
state board of medical examinations and registration: conducts a drug
store, operates a farm and yet finds sufficient time to attend to a large
medical practice.
There are four physicians in active practice in McCune. The
oldest is Dr. James M. Mahr, horn at Galena, Illinois, in 1844. Moved
to Missouri to study medicine, enlisted with a Missouri regiment in
1862, promoted to hospital steward, discharged in 1863, re-enlisted as a
private in the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, served with this regiment until
close ot war ; graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincin-
nati. Ohio, in 1807. Shortly after graduation he located at Montana,
Labette county, remaining at this place until 1884, when he moved to
McCune. The doctor has always been a Democrat and established the
Crawford County Democrat in 1889, and conducted it until 1902. Was
elected representative to state legislature in 1870: was mayor of Mc-
Cune for six terms: was a member of the Crawford county hoard of
pension examiners during Cleveland's administration.
Dr. M. F. Kyger, also an old resident of McCune. graduated from
the Missouri Medical College. St. Louis, in 1878.
Dr. James A. Ragsdale, another McCune doctor, graduated from
the Kansas City Medical College in 1897.
Dr. F. W. Doan, son of the late Dr. A. W. Doan. an early Mon-
154 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
mouth doctor, was born in Canada, but came to Crawford county in
1868, at the age of ten years. Graduated from Iowa College of Phy-
sicians and Surgeons in 1883, practiced medicine at Weir City for
twelve years, served as coroner of Cherokee county, prison physician at
Lansing. Located at McCune in 1900.
Dr. H. K. Cowan, of Midway, is a native of Pennsylvania, but
lived for several years at Ft. Scott. He graduated from the University
Medical College in 1901 ; served for one year in the Frisco Hospital at
Springfield, Missouri, when he removed to his present location.
Dr. L. S. Wilson, bf Monmouth, is a native of Indiana, but came
tn Crawford county when ten years old; graduated from Girard high
school in 1891, engaged in teaching for a time, graduated from the
University Medical College. Kansas City, in 1896, and moved at once
to bis present location.
Although Mulberry is a town of one thousand inhabitants and sur-
rounded by a large population of miners, as well as a rich and populous
farming section. Dr. J. G. Sandidge, or "Jimmie" as he is familiarly
called, is --till alone in the field. The doctor was born in Louisiana in
1870. is a nephew of Dr. Allen Wilson and grandson of the late Dr.
B. W. Wilson, both of Mulberry. He graduated from a high school,
a business college, a college of pharmacy and later in 1893 from the
Missouri Medical College at St. Louis. Located at Mulberry as suc-
cessor of Dr. Allen Wilson.
Dr. H. M. Bacon, of Nelson, is a native of Massachusetts. Gradu-
ated from Amherst College in 1876, conducted a drug store in Kansas
City from 1S78 to 1897; graduated from the College of Physicians and
Surgeons in 1897; came to Nelson in 1899 as surgeon to the Central
1 oal & ( oke Company.
Dr. A. C. Lynar, of Opolis, was born in Tennessee in 1845. In 1861,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 155
at the age of sixteen years, he enlisted in the federal army, serving
through the war. Graduated from the Missouri Medical College, St.
Louis, in [876, was located at Milford, Missouri, until [880, when he
came to Opolis.
In the city of Pittsburg there are twenty-eight physician-.
The oldest. Dr. G. W. Williams, was horn in Tennessee in 1850.
graduated from the University of Louisville in 1878. located in Mis-
souri until 1881, when he came to Pittsburg as successor of Dr. Watkins.
Was president of the Southeastern Kansas Medical Society; established
the Pittsburg City Hospital, and 1- now giving his attention to general
surgery and consultation practice.
Dr. C. A. Fisher was born at Delphi, Indiana, in 1850. Graduated
from the Medical College of Indiana at Indianapolis in [881. Located
in Pittsburg in [882. Has served as mayor of Pittsburg, coroner of
Crawford county, member of Crawford county pension board and is
now a representative to the state legislature.
Dr. M. E. Johnson was born in Indiana in [854, graduated from
the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, in 1879: located in Pittsburg in
[879.
Dr. W. E. Welch was born in Missouri in 1861, graduated from
Rush Medical College of Chicago in [886, located in Pittsburg same
year.
Dr. William Williams was born in Tennessee in 1861, removed to
Missouri in 1870. taught school, graduated from the Missouri .Medical
College, St. Louis, in 1886; located in Pittsburg same year, served as
member of Crawford count) pension board during Cleveland's adminis-
tration.
Dr. E. O. Sloan was born in Missouri in 1855. graduated from the
Missouri Medical College of St. Louis in 1 SX 1 . was located at Walnut
156 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Grove. Missouri, until 1882. when lie removed to Cherryvale. Kansas,
and remained there until 1890, when lie came to Pittsburg.
Dr. A. O. Blair was born in Illinois in 1854, graduated from the
St. Louis Medical College in 1877, engaged in practice in Illinois until
1884, when he located in Beulah. Came to Pittsburg in 1890. The
doctor has served as secretary of the Southeastern Kansas Medical So-
ciety.
Dr. I. E. Sanderson was born in Parke county. Indiana, in 18^3;
moved to Guard, Kansas, in 1877; located at Farlington, with a drug
store, in 1879; remained until 1894, when he came to Pittsburg. The
doctor is a licentiate of the state board of medical examination and reg-
istration.
Dr. Charles Hunter was born in Alabama in 1853; came to Pitts-
burg in 1883; graduated from Barnes Medical College, St. Louis, in
1896. Is making a specialty of diseases of the eye and ear. Has served
as mayor of Pittsburg.
Dr. F. A. Porter was born in New York in 1855. Graduated from
the Hahnemann Medical College (Homeopathic) of Chicago, in 1887;
located in Arkansas City, 1891 ; removed to Pittsburg in 1896.
Dr. A. R. Clark was born at Rushville, Illinois, in 1845. Served
one year in the army in 1865 with an Illinois regiment (One Hundred
and Fifty-seventh Infantry). Practiced medicine in Schuyler county,
Illinois, until 1893, when he removed to Pittsburg. He is a licentiate
of the state board of medical examination and registration.
Dr. Arthur Moberg was born in Illinois in 1870. Graduated from
the Marion Simms Medical College of St. Louis in 1897; spent one year
in the St. Louis City Hospital; located in Pittsburg in 1898.
Dr. H. H. Bogle was born in Ohio in 1867. Removed to Beulah,
Kansas, in 1884; graduated from the College of Physicians and Sur-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 157
geons of Chicago in 1893; located at Beulah the same year; removed to
Pittsburg in 1899. Has served as county health officer and is now
secretary of the Southeastern Kansas Medical Society.
Dr. Corresta T. Canfield, a native of Ohio, graduated from the
Women's Homeopathic College of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1869. Attended
lectures and was demonstrator of anatomy in Men's Homeopathic Col-
lege for a time. Located at Titusville, Pennsylvania, for several years,
until 1880, when she removed to Chicago. In 1890. on account of ill
health, she removed to Pittsburg. She has served as vice-president,
secretary and president of the Women's Medical Society of Chicago,
and is a senior member of the American Institute of Homeopath}'.
Dr. Robert W. McLaren was born in Ontario. Canada, in 1873.
Graduated from Magill College, Montreal, Canada, in 1898; served two
years in Montreal Hospital; located in Pittsburg in 1900.
Dr. Hugh B. Caffey was born in Mississippi in 1877. Graduated
from the Tulane University of Xew Orleans in 1901 : located in Pitts-
burg the same year.
Dr. A. Dietrich was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1858. Gradu-
ated from the University of Freiburg, Germany, in 1886, and later from
the University of Indiana (medical department). Located in Oregon;
came to Pittsburg in 1900.
Dr. J. W. Porter was horn in Jefferson county. Indiana, in 1856.
Graduated from high school m [872; moved to Piatt county. Illinois,
in 1877: taught school; graduated from the Kentucky School of Medi-
cine, of Louisville, in 1883: practiced medicine in Illinois until 1885,
when he removed to Jetmore, Kansas; moved to Litchfield in 1888,
and to Pittsburg in 1901.
Dr. "Robert D. Gibb was born in Illinois in 1878; moved to
Montana in childhood; graduated from the Hospital Medical. Louis-
158 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ville. in 1900. Located in Montana for one year; came to Pittsburg
in 1901.
Dr. A. C. Graves was born in Huntingdon. Tennessee, in 1856,
attended McKinzie College; graduated from Yanderbilt University in
1881 and Nashville University in 1882; located at Cherokee same year:
remained until 180,7, when he attended eye and ear clinics in London,
Paris and Vienna. Located in Pittsburg in 1898, where he has since
limited his practice to diseases of the eye. ear. nose and throat. The
doctor has served as secretary and president of the Southeastern Kan-
sas Medical Society.
Dr. Mary A. Gilman, assistant to Dr. Graves, was bom at Onarga,
Illinois, came to Pittsburg in 1874. Graduated from the Woman's
Hospital Medical College, of Chicago. 1889. Served as interne in Mary
Thompson Hospital. Chicago, for one year. Returned to Pittsburg in
1890.
Dr. E. S. Bragg was torn at Evansville, Ind., in 1870. Graduated
from Evansville high school in 1885. and the Missouri Homeopathic Col-
lege of Medicine of St. Louis. Located at Pittsburg same year.
Dr. Ethel Hill Sharp, a native of Buffalo, New York was trained
as nurse in the W. C. T. U. National Hospital. ( )hicago. < Graduated from
Herring Medical College (Homeopathic) of Chicago in i960. Was
located at Emporia, Kansas, until 1892, when she came to Pittsburg.
Dr. Amelia A. Dickinson, a native of Maine, was born in 1871,
graduated from high school and Herring Medical College (Homeo-
pathic) of Chicago, in 1900. Was located in Maine and Massachusetts
until 1903, when she located in Pittsburg.
Dr. D. O. Munson was born in New York in [861, but early re-
moved to Canada. Graduated from the Marion Sirams Medical Col-
lege, St. Louis, in 1896. Located in Cherokee in [899, Came to Pitts-
burg in 1903.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 159
Dr. T. R. Cave was born at Deputy, Indiana, in 1852. Graduated
from the Medical College of Ohio in 1874. Practiced medicine at his
old home until 1882. when he was located at McCune foi one year, then
moved to Westmoreland, Kansas, where he remained until 1903, when
he located in Pittsburg.
Dr. Ivan G. Pohek, a native of Austria, was born in 1854. Gradu-
ated from the University of Vienna in 1875. came to America and Kan-
sas in t$S;. and to Pittsburg in 1903.
Dr. William C. Whinster, a Canadian and a recent graduate of the
medical department of Central University of Louisville, has recently
located in Pittsburg.
Walnut has three physicians. Of these the oldest is Dr. W. B. A.sh,
who was born at Springfield. Ohio, in 1850. At the age of fourteen years
lie moved to Kentucky. Studied medicine and attended one course of
lectures. Located at Morganfield in T874; moved to Walnut in 1877.
Dr. R. B. Stafford was born in Indiana in 1871). Moved to Kansas.
Attended Baker University. Graduated from the University Medical
College. Kansas City, Missouri, in 1901. Located in Walnut the same
year.
Dr. J. J. Cavanaugh graduated from the Creighton University of
Omaha, in 1898. Located in Arcadia. Last year moved to Walnut.
Dr. C. A. Smith of Yale, was born at Windsor. Missouri, in [870.
Attended State Normal School at Warrensburg, Missouri. Taught
school for a time. Graduated from the Barnes Medical College of St.
Louis in 1899. an( ' shortly after located at Yale as physician and surgeon
to the Western Coal & Mining Company.
There are at the present time in the county engaged in practice
fifty-two regular, seven eclectic and six homeopathic physicians. Of
these, fifty-nine are male and six are female.
160 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
"While the progress of Crawford county in other fields during the
past forty years has been rapid, yet medicine has kept abreast of the indus-
tries and her sister professions. From the few squatter doctors, with
their crude appliances in 1864, today we have sixty-five well equipped
and up-to-date physicians and surgeons, fully prepared to meet the de-
mands of our dangerous mine and railroad injuries, and to care for the
ills of our increased population. We have two thoroughly equipped hos-
pitals, the Pittsburg City Hospital, a private institution, operated by
Drs. G. W. Williams. William Williams, and A. O. Blair, and the Mt.
Carmel Hospital, conducted by the Catholic Sisters, and open to the
entire profession.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
CHAPTER VIII.
HISTORY OF THE BENCH AND BAR OF CRAWFORD
COUNTY.
By J. A. Smith and Arthur Ftller.
It is with a feeling of hesitancy that we undertake the somewhat
responsible task of writing even a brief history of the bench and bar
of one of the foremost counties of the State of Kansas. Our ability to
do justice to some of the characters we fear may be found inadequate
and lack of time to make the research and inquiry necessary to enable
us to give a full and complete historic sketch, we realize has handicapped
us to a great extent.
The existence of the bar covers a period of about the average gen-
eration of the human race, and in said time it has furnished a state
auditor, a congressman, a judge of the district court and many prom-
inent officials.
Besides these there have always been in its ranks numbers of well-
known attorneys, who have ever been recognized in the circles of the
profession as talented lawyers.
While many of the older members have yielded to the inevitable
law. which fixes the destiny of every man, or sought new fields for the
practice of their chosen profession or of other more lucrative callings,
other young lawyers in the prime of their physical and mental vigor
have taken the places of those no longer here.
These young gentlemen, among whom are some very brilliant and
well-cultivated minds, are maintaining an enviable reputation for the
162 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
bar and making history that it is to be hoped will be hereafter written
by ' me or more of them.
The present members of the Crawford county bar are as follows:
E. W. Arnold, O. T. Boaz, O. O. Boudinot, Campbell and Campbell,
Morris Cliggitt, T. W. Cogswell, Curran and Curran. Arthur Fuller,
B. S. Gaitskill, W. J. Gregg, John L. Kirkpatrick, W. J. Watson, T. J.
l\arr. E. M. Mason, W. H. Morris, E. A. Perry, Sanford Pettibone,
W. H. Ryan. D. F. Schock, James A. Smith, George H. Stuessi, J. L.
Taylor, J. M. Wayde, Widby and Wheeler, D. H. Woolley, and.
Laura A. Wilson.
The members of the Crawford county bar met at Judge James A.
Smith's In ime in Girard, Kansas, December 12, 1895. to attend a ban-
quet given by himself, wife and daughter Helen, and at the close of the
entertainment the Crawford Count}' Bar Association was organized
and Judge James A. Smith was elected president, W. J. Gregg, secretary,
and Arthur Fuller, treasurer. After this annual meetings were held and
a general good time indulged in. At the meeting held at Pittsburg,
in December. 1896. Judge Smith responded to the toast, "The Crawford
County Bar." which gives a correct history of the bar from its incipiency
to that time, and we give it in full.
CRAWFORD COUNTY BAR.
The Crawford county bar. in its first inception, during the spring
of 1866, consisted of one member, the respondent to this toast; but
before the election in November of the same year there were added
thereto J. Thomas Bridgens and Julius Sherwood. Mr. Bridgens —
"Tom." as he was known to all of us — died within the present year.
He will be remembered as an encyclopedia of legal information, and a
most genial and aide jurist. Julius Sherwood was a candidate for
county attorney in opposition to myself, and was defeated at the first
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 163
election of county officers on the organization of the Neutral Lands into
a county in November, 1866, after which he left for Texas, and u is
reported that he is not now living'. In the spring of [867 the legisla-
ture divided the Neutral Lands, which had heen organized as Cherokee
county, into three parts, giving t> : Bourbon county five miles and divid-
ing the remainder into two counties, calling the northern half Crawford
county, in honor of the then governor, Samuel J. Crawford, and Craw-
fordsville about two and one-half miles west of the present county seal
was designated as the temporary county seat. Young Wallace, a son
of the aged Dr. Wallace, an early settler and still living at Arcadia, was
made first county attorney proper after the division alluded to, and your
respondent was elected first county attorney of Cherokee county. Then
came Frank Danford, a young lawyer of ability, who served till January,
1873. A. A. Fletcher followed, and served two years. lie was a suc-
cessful lawyer, but becoming the victim of varied misfortune died not
long since m the insane asylum. 1 laniel Scott was next in order, serving
"lie term. A man in advanced life, he was an able lawyer, one of the
old-style common law practitioners, and often talked entertaininglj of
his early practice in Ohio, with such eminent lawyers as Tom Corwin,
when they traveled in company on foot or on horseback with the judge
around the circuit, before the modern facilities for travel arrived. Con-
sidered eccentric, he was merely dignified, with the old-time formal
politeness, which caused him to be regarded as rather stiff in manner,
but he was true, honest and cautious in his profession, and wa^ generally
respected and generally liked by the bar. He died in 1 lirard some fifteen
years since. John T. Voss was elected for two term 1 -, serving until
January. 188 1. He located in Crawford county in 1867, where he
remained until a few years since, when he moved to Colorado, where he
still practices law, and is also engaged in the more lucrative business of
164 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
mining He is what is termed a sledge-hammer lawyer, ever active,
persistent, vigilant, in his client's interest, righting in his behalf to the
bitter end. He has since died. C. Dana Sayrs succeeded him for two
terms, ending in January, 1885. He located in the county in 1868,
and continued to practice here till '86, when he removed to Chadron,
Nebraska, where he prosecutes law and farming. He is one of those
whole-souled Virginians, who love to talk of Washington "Vauginia,"
and the F. F. Y.'s, and had the rare gift of winning and keeping friends.
His practice commenced in the early days of a new country, and he
labored under difficulties belonging to such conditions, as did all young
men similarly situated. John Rankin came next, and served one term.
He is also of those who have joined the "innumerable caravan." Ed.
Van Gundy followed, serving one term, and all violators of law feared
him more than any prosecutor the county ever possessed. His ever
vigilant and active enforcement of the law undoubtedly defeated him in
the next election. Studious and hard-working, he promised to become
a most able and brilliant attorney, but death interrupted — for this world.
B. S. Gaitskill succeeded him for two terms. He is with us in flesh
tonight, and. not to be fulsome in flattery, but honestly truthful, he was
an active and faithful prosecutor, and turned more money into the
school fund from fines collected than any of his predecessors, and now
stands in the front rank of lawyers of this bar. We are not reviewing
the absent or gone before it seems at this juncture, for W. H. Morris,
our present county attorney, serving his second term, still survives the
"slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" pertaining to the position,
and adds to the good fellowship of this occasion.
Then there was Ben Pursal. now of Kansas City, one of the best
lawyers that ever belonged to the bar, who always says when the court
rules against him: "Don't it beat hell?" And then Sol Smith, a cousin
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 165
of Daniel Webster, with his tongue tied in the middle, who forgets to
take off his napkin when going from his meals to court and who is now
judge of one of the superior courts in Washington, and Frank Playter,
an early settler, a rustler of whom you all know, and D. B. Van Syckle,
J. M. Yoss, A. Burns, Miller and Lewis, all gone away ; James F. St.
Clair, now dead, of whom many things might he said ; and then there
was William Wells, almost brought up in this county, a brilliant young-
man, who died last year, and James Brown, who has gone to Parkville,
Missouri, and Col. C. G. Hawley, who came in 1868, and who served
the countv four years as probate judge. And Thos. Ping, who was also
probate judge for two years, and his son P. I. B. Ping, who was state
senator from this county four years, both dead. Then there is Thos.
W. Wells, an old settler, who first settled in Osage township, and who
has been, and is now, a successful practitioner, and also his two sons.
Henry J. and Edwin E. Wells.
And Arthur Fuller, a young man. and also one of the best and
ablest members of our bar, who has attained that prominence by his
energy, studiousness, and close attention to his business and profession.
And John Randolph, his partner, a ripe scholar, who bids fair t< 1 surpass
his namesake of Roanoke (and who died at Pittsburg, Kansas. 1901).
There are D. H. Woolley and P. P. Campbell, who have been prop-
erly designated the orators of the bar. And O. T. Boaz and Morris
Cliggitt, both scholars and leading lawyers.
Then there are J. M. Wayde, John J. Campbell. M. F. Bussell.
W. J. Gregg, Lyugar & Wheeler. Arnold & Phillips. Brayman & Hill,
D. F. Schoch. W. J. Watson. ( ). W. Mitchem, A. C. Mellette. Mr.
Miliken, C. W. Butterworth, T. J. Widby, deputy county attorney, and
T. T. Perry and E. A. Perry both old settlers. And there is E. M.
Mason, one of the most scholarly and able talkers and at a recent meet-
166 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ing of the bar designated its poet. And there is O. S. Casad. late post-
master and now justice in Pittsburg. And last but not least, comes
Tom Cogswell, now assistant attorney general of the state of Kansas
for this county. And I came nearly forgetting Col. H. R. Thurston,
who was i nice what might be called the typical police judge of your
cit\ and who is now practicing law at Guthrie, Oklahoma.
We have frequently with us such eminent lawyers as Hon. Chas.
A". Blair, Hon. H. G. Webb, W. R. Cowley, J. X. Ritter, A". C. Perry,
Gil. J. R. Hallowell, A. Danford, J. D. Hill, Mart. V. Voss and others.
Our presiding judges have been Hon. D. P. Lowe. AY G Webb,
H. G. Webb, B. W. Perkins. Geo. Chandler, G O. French, S. PI. Allen,
and our retiring judge, J. S. A'est, who has served with great honor and
credit to himself and In the public. We all regret to lose him. and wish
him all the success and prosperity that a deserving man is entitled to in
all his future ventures.
And we believe Walter L. Simons, our judge-elect, will faithfully
ami impartially carry out the trust imposed in him. if his past life and
conduct and great ability are any criterion to guide us.
In responding to this most suggestive toast you will perhaps
pardon me — the more especially since you recently by your vote honored
me by bestowing upon me the title of the Father of the Crawford county
bar — you will pardon me if I become reminiscent. It seems to me much
akin to magic — like a fairy-tale — that thirty years ago your respondent,
in October, 1866, followed the Indian trail then traveled from Fort
Scott to Fort Gibson, during the organization of this county, the blue-
stem grass tops waving a foot higher than the rider's head, finding tew
settlers along the timber skirting the streams and none at all on the
open prairie. Like magic in truth, docs it seem to contrast the condi-
tions of that time to this. The same tract, now gridironed with rail-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 167
roads, honey-combed with mines, columns of smoke attesting the result-
ing industries: farmhouses, cities, hamlets overrunning into each other,
churches, electric cars and lights, water works (and bonds), all the evi-
dences of modern lite, force me to recall that on that trip I called at
what was then known and afterwards recognized by the United States
postoffice department as Iowa City, the only inhabitant, now dead, being
Geo. Hobson. His prophecy, then uttered, that he had located the future
city of the Xeutral Lands at the Cow Creek crossing (just below the
Broadway of your city) lias been fulfilled, and he lived to see it fulfilled.
Near the dividing line between the two counties formerly composing the
Neutral Lands, Pittsburg has become the commercial center of the two.
Its columns of smoke, ascending unintermittingly, may lie seen From
the farthest boundaries of both counties. Its industries and its trade,
its advantages of e\ery kind, are a source of pride to all who have a
proper pride in the peculiar advantages possessed by the section of
country in which they live. If Geo. Hobson's prediction now seems to
have been reasonable, it is no greater prophecy to assert that in the not
remote future the greater half of Crawford county will he united in
one city.
[Reply to toast by Jas. A. Smith, of Girard, at the recent attorneys'
banquet at Fittsburg.]
OLIVER T. BOAZ.
The subject of this sketch is a man of excellent natural ability and
is a college graduate and possesses literary attainments seldom found in
western lawyers. He has a sunny disposition, always seeing the humor
in things and is courteous in his association with members of the pro-
fession and others. He is thoroughly well versed in the law and his
arguments to the court and jury are not only logical and convincing but
are models of rhetoric and eloquence. He came to Crawford county
168 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
about 1880 and soon thereafter became associated with A. A. Fletcher
in the practice of law under the firm name of Fletcher and Boaz, at
Pittsburg, and has been engaged in the practice since that time, but has
devoted a considerable portion of his time to outside business affairs.
HON. R P. CAMPBELL.
P. P. Campbell came to Neosho county, Kansas, while a small boy
with his parents and lived upon a farm until he attained his majority.
He attended the district school while at home and afterwards attended
the Kansas State University at Lawrence, where he attained quite a
reputation for oratorical ability., having been chosen to represent his state
at an interstate contest for oratory and receiving the first prize. He
afterwards studied law and was admitted to the bar in Wilson county,
Kansas, in October, 1889. and immediately came to Pittsburg, where
he became associated with T. W. Cogswell, under the firm name of
Cogswell and Campbell. Afterwards the firm was dissolved and he
formed a partnership with his brother, John J. Campbell, under the firm
name of Campbell & Campbell. In 1902 he was elected congressman
from the Third congressional district of Kansas, and re-elected to said
position in 1904. Since being in Congress be has attained a national
reputation as an orator and statesman. He has been specially recog-
nized by the speaker of the House in being called to preside over that
body, a distinction seldom given to so young a member or so young a
man. He has been also recognized by the president as a man of ability
and been entrusted with affairs of importance.
One of the most important things he has done was the introduction
of a resolution calling for an investigation of the Standard Oil trust.
Mr. Campbell gave up a lucrative law practice to enter the political field,
where he is already recognized as .me of the strongest young men of
the nation.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 169
JOHN J. CAMPBELL
[s a brother of Hon. P. P. Campbell and successfully carries on the
law business of the firm. He is recognized as one of the ablest young
lawyers of southeastern Kansas, and was earnestly solicited by his
friends and admirers to become an applicant for the judgeship in the
new 38th judicial district but declined this honor for various reasons.
He served one term as county attorney of Crawford county and
refused to be a candidate for renomination, He is now city attorney of
Pittsburg and takes an active interest in social and political affairs.
MORRIS CLIGGITT.
Mr. Cliggitt graduated at the Union College of Law of Chicago,
Illinois, in June, 1883, and was admitted to the supreme court of the
state. June 7, 1883.
In January, 1890. he located in the city of Pittsburg and began
the practice in this county. A short time thereafter he associated him-
self with Ed VanGendy under the firm name of VanGendy & Cliggitt.
which partnership continued until the death of Mr. VanGendy. Mr.
Cliggitt was appointed assistant United States District attorney for
Kansas under the Cleveland administration and served from December.
1892, until July, 1893, when he resigned. Mr. Cliggitt is one of the
ablest law vers in the state of Kansas and so recognized by the profes-
sion. He is a close student, an untiring worker and strictly honest and
reliable. He makes his clients' cause his own and while he treats his
opponent with courtesy and respect he uses every honorahle mean- to
serve the interest of his client. His opinions are quoted by other mem-
bers of the bar and always have weight with the court not only because
of his ability and industry in briefing his cases hut on account of his
honesty in his positions. Mr. Cliggitt is not only a good lawyer hut he
is a public-spirited gentleman. He takes deep interest in all public
170 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
affairs, and has done as much toward the upbuilding of the city of
Pittsburg as any resident of the city; especially is this true along edu-
cational lines. Schools and the public library are matters of deep inter-
est i<- him. He also devotes considerable time to literature. His library
in his home is perhaps one of the best private libraries in the state, and
his general reading has covered a wide range.
He is a lover of good music and fine pictures and possesses musical
instruments and the walls of his home are adorned with fine pictures.
He enjoys perhaps the most lucrative law practice in the county
consisting largely of corporation practice.
T. \Y. COGSWELL
Was admitted to the bar in the state of California, in 1S61, came to
Kansas in 1869 and located in Osage Mission (now St. Paul'), Neosho
county, where he practiced law for a number of years. He served as
county attorney of that county in 1878 and 1879. Afterward he located
in Pittsburg, this county, and was the senior member of the firm of
Cogswell & Campbell. He was appointed assistant attorney general,
but served only a short time.
After the firm of Cogswell & Campbell dissolved he formed a part-
nership with W. J. Gregg under the name of Cogswell & Gregg. Some
years later he quit the practice of law and lived on a farm east of Pitts-
lie is now holding the office of justice of the peace in the city
of Pittsburg.
While in the active practice he was attorney in some very important
cases in both Neosho county and Crawford county. Among those in
Neosho county was the case of State of Kansas vs. Willie Sells, in which
defendant was charged with the murder of his father, mother and
brother. At the time the defendant was about fourteen years of age.
1 [e was convicted and is now serving a life sentence in the penitentiary.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 17 i
The case attracted the attention of the whole county for a long time on
account of the youth of the defendant and the heinous nature of the
crime.
The case of the State vs. Frankie Morris is another murder case
in which Mr. Cogswell made an able defense, and succeeded in having
the case dismissed. His client was charged with administering poison
to her mother and causing her death in order to collect the insurance on
her mother's life. Mr. Cogswell was identified with the early settlement
of Neosho county and took an active part in the litigation of that day.
He has enjoyed the reputation of being a good lawyer and a good
citizen wherever he has lived. His knowledge of law makes him an
exceptionally good justice of the peace and few cases are appealed from
his court.
CURRAN & CURRAN.
This firm of attorneys i- composed of John J. Curran and Andrew
J. Curran. brothers. They began the practice of law in Pittsburg in
the year 1895. Andrew J. Curran i-> a graduate of the celebrated Mich-
igan University at Ann Arbor and John J. attended the law school at
Lawrence, Kansas.
Through their industry and careful attention to business this firm
has established a lucrative law practice and are regarded as able young
lawyers. They have been engaged as attorneys in some important liti-
gation and represent some of the substanti.il business concerns of the
city and county.
BEXXETTE S. GAITSKILL.
The subject of this sketch is a native of the state of Kentucky.
Attended the University of West Virginia, where he took a law course.
He came to Crawford county in 1882, and was associated with C. Dana
Sayers under the firm name of Savers &- Gaitskill. He was elected to
172 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
the office of county attorney in 1888 and served two terms. In [898
he was again elected county attorney and served one term. At the
latter date he was nominated by the Republican party, although he had
been a lifelong Democrat. He also received the Democratic nomina-
tion and by the united vote of both parties was elected over the candi-
date of the Populist party. Mr. Gaitskill has made a specialty of the
criminal practice and has for the last fifteen years been retained in
nearly all of the important criminal cases in the county. He is a re-
sourceful trial lawyer and an effective speaker and is regarded as one
of the foremost criminal lawyers of the state. He has a genial disposi-
tion and is well liked by all who know him. He received the Demo-
cratic nomination for judge of the Sixth judicial district at the last
election, and made a hard fight during the campaign, hut with his party
was defeated.
He has always taken an active part in politics and is well known
over the entire state.
THOMAS J. WIDBY
Is a graduate of the Union College of Law of Chicago. Illinois, and
was admitted to practice in the supreme court of the state of Illinois in
1870. He came to Kansas in 1879 and located at Burlington, Coffey
county, where he practiced law until 1885, when he located in Girard.
While living at Girard he held the office of city clerk and city attorney
respectively, and in 1896 was elected to the office of county attorney on
the Populist ticket, which office he held for one term.
In [899 he located in the city of Pittsburg and continued the prac-
tice of law. lie was appointed city attorney by Mayor Hunter and
served for one term, when a change of administration occurred and his
successor was appointed.
Mr. Widby is a hard-working and painstaking lawyer and a sue-
CZ'mut'r InuMw:
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 173
cessful practitioner. He is associated with Frederick B. Wheeler under
the firm name of Widby & Wheeler.
FREDERICK B. WHEELER
Graduated from the law department of the State University in [895
and immediately began the practice of law at Pittsburg, where he ha?
remained ever since. In 1898 he was elected representative of the
twenty-fourth representative district of the state of Kansas by the Popu-
list party and served one term, lie is associated with T. J. Widby in
the practice of law and insurance business. He is an energetic young
lawyer and a successful business man.
T. J. KARR
Graduated from the law department of the Kansas State University
and began the practice of law at Girard about 1900.
He is a young man of considerable literary attainment and has a
good knowledge of the law. He is of studious habits and is strictly
honest and reliable.
E. M. MASON
Read law in the office of VanSyckel & Wells in 1888 and was admitted
to the bar of Crawford county in 1889. Mr. Mason has a college edu-
cation and is a natural student. He followed the vocation of teaching
until late in life he took up the law. He is a man of good natural
ability and of fine attainments, has held the office of justice of the peace
in the city of Girard and has taken an active part in politics. Now
holds the office of deputy district clerk and his knowledge of law makes
him exceptionally well qualified fur the duties of the office. He is one
of the best stump speaker- in the county and 1- thoroughly familiar with
the political history of the country.
ARTHUR FULLER.
Arthur Fuller, born in Macoupin county, state of Illinois, is now
174 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
forty-six years old. He received a common school education and at-
tended the high school at Springfield, Illinois. He came to Crawford
county, Kansas, and at the age of eighteen years commenced teaching
school and continued for four terms, after which he commenced reading
law with D. B. VanSyckel in the city of Girard, Kansas, and was ad-
mitted to the bar to practice law by Judge B. W. Perkins at the fall
term of Crawford county court in 1882, and was admitted to the
supreme court of Kansas in 1885. Immediately after his admission to
the bar he formed a partnership in the practice of law with John T.
Voss. then considered the ablest lawyer in Crawford county. After-
wards, John T. Yoss leaving for Colorado. Mr. Fuller formed a part-
nership with John Randolph, which partnership continued until the
death of John Randolph, which was in iqoi : since that time he has
continued the practice by himself.
Arthur Fuller was the attorney for the First National Bank of
Girard for fifteen years, and attorney for the Atchison. Topeka & Santa
Fe Railway Company since 1886. Mr. Fuller was employed as one of
the attorneys in the Frontenac explosion cases, said explosion occurring
in 1888 at Mine No. 2 of the C. & P. C. & M. Co., which resulted in
the death of fifty miners, and the said company was sued by the heirs
at law of said miners in sum of about $10,000.00 each, and said cases
were vigorously prosecuted in courts of this county for ten years, when
they were all settled and adjusted by compromise.
Mr. Fuller has been employed in a great deal of railroad litigation
and other important civil and criminal cases. He is considered one of
the best corporation and criminal lawyers in southeastern Kansas. He
has attained this eminence by his studious and energetic efforts to place
himself at the head of his profession, and upon the recommendation of
the bar of Crawford county, the Republican central committee of Craw-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 175
ford county, all the county officials, nearly all of the business men of
Girard and Pittsburg and many of the citizens of the county, he was ap-
pointed by the governor, the first judge of the Thirty-eighth judicial dis-
trict, just established by an act of the legislature in March, 1005.
J. A. TAYLOR.
He graduated at the Kansas State University law department and
commenced the practice of law at Pittsburg - , Kansas, and soon there-
after devoted his time more especially to real estate and loan business.
He is a young man of good habits and exhibits some skill as a lawyer
and is very active and successful in his present business.
CAPTAIN W. H. MORRIS.
Has been a resident of Kansas and a member of the bar for a great
many years but until the last few years has been engaged in other pur-
suits than that of practicing law. He was elected county attorney of
Crawford county and served two terms. In 1896 he was elected auditor
of the stale of Kansas, which office he held one term. He was again a
candidate for the office of county attorney in 1004 but was defeated by
the present incumbent. J. M. Wayde.
Captain Morris has repeatedly held the office of justice of the peace
in Pittsburg. He served as a captain in a Kansas regiment during the
war. He was a successful prosecutor and one of the most impartial
prosecuting attorneys the county ever had. He is a very pleasant gen-
tleman and possessed of scholarly -attainments, and has fine natural
ability.
MISS LAURA A. WILSON.
Miss Wilson has the distinction of being the only woman ever
admitted to the Crawford county bar. Miss Wilson, while serving as
stenographer in the office of Fuller & Randolph, in Pittsburg, read
law and after passing an excellent written examination was admitted to
176 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
practice law. She has never engaged in the practice of law, however,
but has for several years occupied a position in the postoffice at the city
of Pittsburg.
D. H. WOOLLEY.
The subject of this sketch was born in Pennington Point, Mc-
Donougb county. Illinois. October 6, 1862, and received a common
school education in said county, and came to Crawford county. Kansas,
with his parents in March. 1873. He attended high school two years
in Osage Mission, Neosho county. Kansas, one year in the Kansas Uni-
versity at Lawrence, and one year in the Normal School at Ft. Scott,
Kansas, alter which he taught school in Kansas and Illinois for four
years, lie read law in the office of Ed VanGundy, and on the 30th
day of August, 1889. was admitted to the bar to practice law in the
district court of Crawford county, Kansas. October 7. 1890. to the
supreme court of this state, and on December 14. 1893, admitted to
practice law in the federal courts. He was appointed deputy county
attorney of Crawford county, in January, 1903, and reappointed to said
position in January, 1905, which position he now holds, and has held
several other positions in the said city of Girard.
D. II. Woolley is a young man of scholarly attainments and dis-
plays a good deal of oratorical skill and has become quite proficient in
the legal profession. He makes a good deputy county attorney, and
1;\ his studiousness and attention to business bids fair to become one
of the leading lawyers of the county.
E. A. PERRY.
I las practiced law and dealt in real estate in the city of Cherokee for
the last twenty-five years. He owns property there and does quite a
business.
I te is a genial, warm-hearted man ami is called "Judge" by all
who know him. although he has never occupied a judicial position.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY ITT
JAMES A. SMITH.
Served in the war of the rebellion as a non-commissioned officer in
nn Illinois regiment. Came to Ft. Scott. Kansas, in 1865. Read law in
the office of General C. W. Blair and W. C. Webb and was admitted
to the bar of Bourbon count)- in 1866. In November, 1866, he was
elected county attorney for what was known as the Neutral Strip, which
composed a strip of territory twenty-five miles east and west and fifty
miles north and south, and which was divided in 1867 into the counties
of Cherokee. Crawford and part of Bourbon. After the division Judge
Smith was in Cherokee county and was elected the first county attorney
of Cherokee county. He removed to Crawford county in 1875 an ''
located at the city of Cherokee. He was elected probate judge of Craw-
ford count}- in November, 1876, and held the office for four consecutive
terms. He was again elected to said office in November. 1888. and
held the office for one term. He has held the office of justice of the
peace in the city of Girard for several years last past. On account of
holding the offices above mentioned. Judge Smith never engaged ex-
clusively in the practice of his profession. He enjoys the distinction
of holding one office for more consecutive terms than any other county
officer, thus showing his popularity and the esteem in which he is held
by the people of Crawford county. He was admitted to the supreme
court February 7, 1884. He has been admitted to practice in the
federal courts and also the pension and claim department at Washington.
Judge Smith has always taken a deep interest in the welfare of the old
soldiers, their widows and orphans, and has secured more pensions and
increases of pensions than any other man in the county. Being the
oldest living member of the Craw lord count}' bar, he is the best qualified
of any one in the county to give a true history of the bench and bar of
the county.
178 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
W. T. GREGG.
A former resident of Pittsburg, where lie read law in the office
of T. W. Cogswell and afterward formed a partnership with Mr. Cogs-
well and practiced for several years. A few years ago he moved to
Kansas City, Missouri, and recently located at Tulsa. Indian Territory.
Mr. Gregg grew to manhood on a farm in this county.
E. W. ARNOLD.
Read law in the office of John T. Voss and Arthur Fuller in 1882,
but before being admitted to the bar he became engaged in the real
estate and loan business and for several years devoted his entire time
and energy to that business. Later and about 1890 he again took up
the law and after further study passed his examination and was admitted
to the bar of this county.
II is experience in the real estate and loan business caused him to
make a specialty of real estate law. and he is considered an expert on
titles.
L. H. PHILLIPS.
Read law in the office of Arthur Fuller and was admitted to the
bar at the July term of district court, 1891.
Before beginning the practice, he attended the University of George-
town, D. C, from the law department of which he graduated in 1894,
with the degree of LL. M., since which time he has been engaged in the
practice of law in this county. He has been deputy county attorney
and city attorney.
He is now a member of the firm of Ryan & Phillips. He has
met with a reasonable degree of success in the practice of law in this
county and is looked upon as one of the promising young men of die-
bar of this county.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 179
J. M. WAYDE.
Graduated from the law department of the State University of
Kansas in 1889 and located at Pittsburg in the practice of law in 1900.
He has held the office of justice of the peace in said city for several
terms, and in 1902 was elected to the office of county attorney, and
re-elected in 1904. He has made a successful prosecutor and endeavors
to protect the interest of the county in every way. He is regarded
as one of our best trial lawyers and as a conscientious, hard-working
attorney.
GEORGE H. STUESSI.
Graduated in the law department of Kansas State University in
June. 1904, and admitted to practice law in this state in the supreme
court in same month, and located in Pittsburg, Kansas, in the practice
of law in September, 1904. He is a bright young man. and without doubt
will succeed in his proiession.
W. H. RYAN.
William H. Ryan was born in Omaha. Nebraska, August 15, [857,
moved to Xeosho county, Kansas, with his parents in June, 1870,
attended the public school in said county and afterwards the Latin lie
School at Osage Mission, now St. Paul, Kansas. He was appointed
postmaster by President Arthur, at Brazilton, Crawford county, in [882.
He w-as elected representative in 1X92 and state senator in 1896 to the
Kansas legislature from Crawford county, by the Democratic and Popu-
list parties and while in the legislature be served for four sessions on
the judiciary committee.
He was admitted to the bar in Crawford county by Judge Walter
L. Simons at the March term, 1898, in the district court of said county.
He was elected mayor of the city of Girard in April. 1898, and
was the Democratic nominee of the Democratic party for Congress in
180 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
the third congressional district of the state of Kansas in 1904. He is
a member of the law firm of Ryan & Phillips, located at Girard. Senator
Ryan is a forcible speaker, and has been very successful in the practice
of law, obtaining a verdict for his clients in some very important cases,
and bids fair to gain distinction in the legal profession in the county
and state.
JOHN L. KIRKPATRIC.
This voung lawyer graduated in the law department of the State
University of Kansas in June, 1904, and in the same month was admitted
in the supreme court to practice law, and located in Pittsburg, Kansas,
in the fall of IQ04 in the practice of law, and from all appearances he
will make his mark and succeed in the profession.
WILLIAM J. WATSON.
Born January 1, 1872, near Cato. Crawford county. Read law
in the office of Fuller & Randolph at Pittsburg and was admitted to
the bar of Crawford county. He afterward graduated from the law
department of the Kansas State University in 1896, and was admitted
to practice in the supreme court in May. 1896. Was elected justice
of the peace in 1897.
He practiced law at Pittsburg until the war with Spain was de-
clared in April, 1898. and volunteers called for, when he enlisted and
was chosen first lieutenant of Company D, of the Twentieth Kansas
Regiment, which regiment was commanded by Colonel, now General,
Fred Funston.
In the early part of the war in the Philippines, on .March 24. [899,
he was promoted on the field of battle, for bravery, to the office of
captain. In the battle of Guiginto, Luzon island, he received a rifle hall
through the chest and lungs which necessitated his withdrawal from
active service for some time. He returned to the United States and
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 181
was discharged from the Twentieth Kansas. lie re-enlisted October
31, 1899, in the Fortieth United States volunteers and was again sent
to the Philippines as captain of his company. He was again wounded
in the left foot, which resulted in the loss of the leg, in battle of Cagayan
de Mesimio, Mindinao, P. I.. April 7, 1900. He returned to the United
States and was discharged from the army July I, 1901. On April r,
1902. he was appointed postmaster of Pittsburg, which position he now
occupies.
The practice of his profession was interrupted by the Spanish war
and his duties as postmaster prevent him from devoting any of his.
time to the practice of law.
He is a young man of good ability, and has a thorough knowledge
of law. He contemplates resuming the practice at some future time
and making a success of his profession.
He is held in the highest esteem by all who know him and especially
by the soldiers who served in his command.
DAVID F. SCHOCK.
Is a young lawyer of ability and studious habits, lie is moral,
honest and upright, and is well liked by his associates and those who
know him hest. He applies himself to the study of his cases and comes
into court prepared to try his cases well. His practice has heen largely
confined to justice practice, in which he has met with success. He
is not so aggressive as some of the other young law vers, hut with
experience he will probably gain more confidence in himself and he able
to occupy a prominent position in the profession.
O. 0. BOUDINOT.
Mr. Boudinot read law in the office of John Randolph at Pittsburg
some years ago and was admitted to the liar of this county.
He is a man of more than average ability ami possesses a fair
182 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
knowledge of the law. He is aggressive and fearless in the trial of
cases and is fairly successful in the practice.
SANDFORD PETTIBOXF.
rhis attorney recently came to our county and commenced the
practice of law in Pittsburg, and lias gained some reputation as a good
lawyer while with us. He is an old soldier and served his country
with distinction and lost both feet in battle during the Civil war.
The District Court.
Prior to 1867, the territory of which Crawford county is composed
belonged to what was known as the "Cherokee Neutral Strip" and
attached to Bourbon county for judicial purposes and was first in
what was known as the fourth and afterward the sixth judicial district
of Kaunas, and was presided over by D. M. Valentine as judge, who
was succeeded by D. P. Lowe until T867. when Crawford county was
made a separate corporation or county and attached to the sixth judicial
district, which district was then composed of the counties of Linn. Bour-
bon and Crawford, and presided over by the following judges succes-
sively: linn. D. P. Lowe. Mart V. Voss. March 1. 1870. Crawford
count v was attached to the eleventh judicial district, said district being
composed of Crawford, Cherokee. Labette and Montgomery counties,
and presided over by the following judges successively : Hon. W. C.
Webb, II. <i. W'ehb, B. W. Perkins and George Chandler. .March 1,
1889, by an act of the legislature, it was reattached to the sixth judicial
district, composed of the counties of Linn, Bourbon and Crawford,
and presided over by the following judges: C. O. French, J. S. West,
S. H. Allen. J. S. West and Walter I.. Simons. March. 1005. by an
act of the legislature, Crawford county was made the thirty-eighth
judicial district of the state of Kansas, and Arthur Fuller of Girard,
Kansas, was appointed by Governor E. \Y. Hoch, its first judge and is
in iw serving as such.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 183
HOX. D. P. LOWE.
The second district judge was Hon. D. P. Lowe, who at the time
of his election lived at Mound City, Linn county, Kansas, and after
his election he moved to Ft. Scott. In [867 the legislature divided what
theretofore constituted the fourth judicial district into three districts.
viz., the fourth, fifth and sixth. Judge Lowe was first appointed judge
of the 6th and was afterward elected and served until 1870, when he
was elected to Congress. Judge L we was one of the ablest jurists in
the state, was very popular with the members of the bar in his district
and with the people generally, and his decisions were considered models
of judicial wisdom.
He died at Ft. Scott soon a iter his term in Congress expired, and
as a mark of esteem the members of the bar of Bourbon county caused
his portrait to be framed and hung upon the wall of the court mom in
Ft. Scott, where it can be seen at all times.
MARTI X V. VOSS.
The third district judge was Martin V. Voss, who served but a short
time and held but one term of court in Crawford county. He was
appointed to till the unexpired term of Judge Lowe, who resigned when
elected to Congress. Judge Voss died before his term expired. He
was perhaps the closest student and hardest worker of all the judges
who have ever presided as district judge of this county, lie was a
very able lawyer ami would have made an excellent judge bad be lived.
His death was mourned by the members of the bar of bis district.
W. C. WEBB.
On the 2d of March. 1S70, the legislature created the eleventh
judicial district, consisting of the counties of Crawford, Cherokee, La-
bette, Montgomery and Howard, and the Hon. William C. Webb was
its first judge. At that time he was about forty-six years old and was
184 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
then recognized as a very able lawyer. Judge Webb held one term of
court in each county of his district and then was appointed official
reporter of the supreme court.
Judge Webb died in Topeka in 1878 at the age of seventy- four
years.
H. G. WEBB.
At the general election in November, 1870, the Hon. Henry G.
Webb was elected judge of the eleventh judicial district for the full
term of four years. In 1873 he resigned his office. He was considered
one of the ablest lawyers in the state of Kansas, and was a very success-
ful practitioner. He was a fine orator and a man far above the average
in ability.
HON. BISHOP W. PERKINS.
In 1873 Bishop W. Perkins, then a young man about thirty-one
years of age, was appointed to serve nut the unexpired term of Henry
G. Webb, and in 1S74 he was elected for the full term of four years
and re-elected in 1878. In the fall of 1882 he was elected to Congress,
where he remained until March, 1891. He was afterward appointed
to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of
Hon. B. P. Plumb. Senator Perkins died June jo. 1894. While not
possessing the legal learning and ability of some of hi? predecessors,
he made an excellent judge and possessed great executive ability. He
developed into a successful politician and would have made a statesman
of unusual ability had he lived.
HOX. GEORGE CHANDLER.
In the November, 1882. election George Chandler of Independence,
Kansas, was elected judge of the eleventh judicial district to succeed
Hon. B. \Y. Perkins, and was re-elected in 1886.
During his second term of district judge he was appointed by
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 185
President Harrison first assistant secretary of interior and served until
the close of President Harrison's administration.
Judge Chandler was a hard student and a good lawyer and pos-
sessed fine natural ability. He was inclined to he irritable and at times
extremely dictatorial, and for these reasons was not popular with mem-
bers of the bar, and many of them were not sorry when he resigned
to accept a position under the federal government.
He remained at Washington. D. C. after his term expired and
practiced law in the courts there until recently he located at Oklahoma
City, where he is now engaged in the practice of law.
HOX. C. O. FRENCH.
March i, 1889. by an act of the legislature, Crawford county was
made a part of the sixth judicial district, which then was composed
of the counties of Bourbon, Linn and Crawford. Hon. C. O. French
was serving as judge hut soon thereafter resigned, leaving two years
of His term unexpired.
Judge French was a very popular judge and had the faculty of
disposing of business more rapidly than any one who ever presided as
judge of the district court of the county. His decisions were very
seldom reversed by the supreme c< iurt.
HON. J. S. WEST.
Upon the resignation of Judge French. J. S. West was appointed
to fill the position of district judge for one year, and until the next
regular election. At the election held in 1890 he was defeated by Hon.
S. H. Allen of Linn county, who held the office for one year, and at
the election held in November. 1891. Judge West was elected over his
opponent. Judge Allen, for the term of four years and served until
1896.
Judge West was a young man when first elected hut made a g 1
186 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
judge and was well liked by the members and others interested in
d airt proceedings.
He refused to be a candidate for renomination but preferred the
practice of law. Since then he has served as assistant attorney general
under Attorney General Goddard and served as chief clerk in Governor
Bailey's office. He was a candidate for the appointment of judge of
supreme court to fill the vacancy made by the resignation of Judge
Pollock, but did not receive the appointment. He is now a member
of the firm oi Rossington, Smith & West of Topeka, cue of the strongest
law firms in the state.
HOX. S. H. ALLEX.
Was elected judge of the sixth judicial district in the fall of 1890
for one year to fill out the unexpired term of Judge French. He was
defeated in the election of November, [891, by Judge West.
Judge Allen was a careful and -painstaking officer and was thor-
oughly well versed in the law and made an excellent judge. In [892
he was elected justice of the supreme court of the state of Kansas and
served one term. He has written many able opinions to be found in
the Kan-.!- reports. He is now a member of the firm of Valentine,
Goddard & Valentine of Topeka. Kansas, and enjoys a lucrative practice.
HOX. WALTER L. SIMONS.
The next in order and the last judge elected in the sixth judicial dis-
trict was Walter L. Simons of Ft. Scott. Kansas, who was first elected in
November, 1899. at which election he was the only candidate, having
received the nomination of the Republican, Democratic and Populist
parties. Before the close of Judge Simons' second term a change in the
election law made it necessary to appoint a judge of the sixth judicial
district for one year and until the general election in 7904. Judge Simons
received the appointment, and at the election in [904 was again re-elected
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 187
for the full term of tour years. If he serves out his present term he will
hav< served a period of thirteen years as judge of the sixth judicial
district.
By a recent act of the legislature Crawford county has been taken
out uf the sixth judicial district and made a district hy itself and num-
bered thirty-eight (as mentioned above).
Judge Simons was well qualified for the position when first elected,
having practiced law in Kansas for twenty-five years, during which
time he has heen employed in some very important litigation, both civil
and criminal.
He was always studious and painstaking and in his many years
of active practice became thoroughly familiar with Kansas statistics
and reports. He is a high-minded, conscientious gentleman, an able
jurist and one of the very best judges in the state of Kansas. He is
always courteous in his manner toward every one and honest in his
decisions. He is very popular among the people generally and will
probably hold his position as long as he desires.
DANIEL M. VALENTINE.
D. M. Valentine was horn in Shelby county. Ohio, on June 18.
1830. When he was six years old his father moved to Indiana, taking
Mr. Valentine with him, locating near Lafayette. In 1854 he moved to
Adair county, Iowa, where he lived until 1859. when he moved to
Kansas, arriving in Kansas on July 5 of that year. He located first
in Leavenworth, hut remained there only about one year, moving from
that city to Franklin county, Kansas. In Franklin county he lived
for a short time in the village of Peoria, and for a short time in the
now defunct town of Ohio City, hut lived in Ottawa during the greater
part of his residence of fifteen years in that county. On April 1. 1875.
he moved from Ottawa to Topeka, where he has continued to reside ever
since.
188 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
In Adair county, Iowa, he was county surveyor for about three
years. During this time he studied law and was admitted to the bar in
1859. He served as county attorney of Adair county for a time, and
also acted as ex-officio judge of the county. In 1861 he was elected a
representative of the legislature from Franklin county, Kansas, and in
1862 was returned to the legislature as a senator. He was elected as
judge of the district court of the fourth judicial district in 1864. This
district was at that time the largest one in the state, and was composed
of the iollowing counties : Allen, Anderson. Bourbon, Douglas, Frank-
lin, Johnson, Linn, Miami, Crawford. Cherokee, Labette and Neosho.
For judicial purposes the counties of Crawford and Cherokee were
attached to Bourbon county and the counties of Labette and Neosho to
Allen county.
At the general election held in 1868 he was elected to the supreme
bench of Kansas, taking his position in January, 1869. He remained
on the supreme bench for twenty-four years, retiring therefrom in
January, 1893. Since January 15, 1893, ne has been in the practice of
the law at Topeka, Kansas, being the senior member of the firm of
Valentine, Goddard & Valentine.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
CHAPTER IX.
REMINISCENCES OF TEX YEARS IN SOUTHERN KANSAS.
The close of the Civil war was followed by a large emigration from
the middle and western states to the then new state of Kansas. The great
abundance of cheap land, and the great possibilities in the southeastern
portion, including a large tract formerly owned by the Osage and Chero-
kee Indians, became widely known, and soon attracted many thousand
settlers. There were many choice and beautiful valleys, varying in width
from a few rods to a mile or more, watered by running streams and
skirted with a variety of growing timber.
Settlements were first made in these valleys because of their prox-
imity to timber, and the prevailing opinion that the soil was superior
to that of the uplands. Box houses, log cabins, and plain cottages marked
the dwelling places of these early, hardy pioneers.
After the home came the school house filled with children of school
age. Later on these rural temples of learning were constructed in every
school district in the county, and in each one was opened a school for
several months during the year. Often times, as the claims of the Gospel
were being felt, church and Sabbath school services were conducted in
these school houses by devout men and women.
But few regularly ordained ministers had come a< yet to the country.
Truly "the harvest was great but the laborers were few." The Method-
ists had a working force in numerous places, and often conducted camp
meetings in the groves along the streams. The Baptists, Christians,
and other denominations bad a limited following. The call for more
190 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ministers and more preaching was long and loud. Presbyterians were
like the lost sheep of the House of Israel. They were very few and
often very far apart. Our home was then in the central part of Kansas.
over two hundred miles from the Cherokee lands. Letters written by
ministers well acquainted with the destitute condition of this promising-
country, had a strong influence in bringing us at once in touch with
the work.
Our first experience began at a meeting of the Presbytery of Neosho,
held in April, 1S6S. at Fort Scott. Here every delegate was enthused
with the magnitude and importance of the Master's work. The educa-
tional interest as represented in the Presbyterian Academy, at Geneva,
Allen county, consumed much time and attention. Petitions for the
organization of new churches called for immediate action, and laid a
weight of great responsibility on the Presbytery. The amount of busi-
ness transacted and the spirit in which it was done showed the wisdom
and zeal of these consecrated men.
Forty miles across a rolling prairie, and twenty miles north of the
Indian Territory, was a rural settlement composed of a large number of
families with many kinds of religious faith without a Presbyterian or-
ganization. Here our first sermon was delivered in a log cabin, the
home of David Calhoun and family, in the presence of a large and inter-
ested audience. The text was taken from the sixth chapter of Hebrews,
Saint Paul's searching question, "How shall we escape if we neglect so
great a salvation?" The congregation filled the room to overflowing,
and was intensely interested in all that was said and (lone Our pulpit
was a plain stand, placed near the center of the room, from which the
speaker could best be seen and heard. This we were afterwards in-
formed was the first Presbyterian sermon ever preached in Crawford
county.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 191
A few week'- later Rev. E. K. Lynn and Elder Daniel Covert, by
appointment of Presbytery, organized the first church of the Presbyterian
denomination. The services were held in the cabin home of Thomas I.
Coffland, two miles south of Monmouth. Mr. CofHand was a man of
pronounced Christian virtues, and was extremely desirous that his own
household and those of his neighbors should enjoy church privileges.
Associated with him in the office of ruling' elder was John McLaughlin,
a man of eminent piety and a great worker in the Master's cause.
Handicapped as we were in many ways, the church grew in spiritual
interest and power. Baxter Springs, a thriving town in Cherokee county,
was at this time calling for an organization of the Presbyterian church.
Rev. I. L. Hawkins, an aged minister from southern Illinois, was con-
ducting services in a public hall. Our attention had been called pre-
viously to the place, and to the necessity of locating there as a home mis-
sionary, hut finding it already occupied, the plan was abandoned. Jack-
sonville, a small village of Crawford county, having a small organiza-
tion, was grouped with the Monmouth church, and placed under our
care. Here on alternate Sabbaths, services were held in a schoolhouse,
am! sometimes in a neighboring grove and public hall. Shaking- with
a chill on one occasion, we attempted to preach a sermon in this village
hall. The effect upon the audience remains to the present day a matter
of serious conjecture. In the fall of the year often whole families were
prostrated with chills and fever. At Monmouth, in addition to preach-
ing the Gospel, we conducted for several months a district school, and
were thus brought in contact with all of the children of school age in
the entire neighborhood. Some of these, we are pleased to mention, after-
ward- became successful business men.
Girard had now become the county seat and was enjoying the
luxury ot a special boom. In the month of October. 1869, after a mini-
192 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ber of preaching services had been conducted in the district court room,
we organized the Third Presbyterian Church in Crawford county.
Hugh Lee was chosen riding elder, and Joseph Marsh, deacon. In all,
the roll showed the names of seven members, nearly all of which were
ladies. Using various places for holding public services during the
foil,, wing fall and winter, the time came in the spring when the con-
gregation decided to build a church for its own use.
The matter of its financial ability to undertake a work of such
magnitude was a grave question. The ladies, who are always ready
and willing to lend a helping hand on such occasions, met with good
success in their efforts to start a building fund. To supplement their
labors, we decided to make an eastern trip, stopping at numerous places
along the way. Calling at the home of Mr. Sherwood in Indianapolis,
we were taken into a side room and asked how much we were expecting
to raise in the city. To this we answered we did not know what we
would raise. Again we were asked the question. "How much do you
think 1 ought to give you?" Again we replied that we did not know.
"Then," said Mr. Sherwood. "I'll tell you what 1 shall do. I will give
you a reaper and mower combined. Come down in the morning at nine
o'clock, and 1 will give you an order. They are now in Kansas City."
The order was given and the reaper and mower were sold later to a
Crawford county farmer for one hundred and seventy-five dollars.
Through Mr. Joy, of Detroit, on personal application, we obtained a
deed of a church lot valued at two hundred and fifty dollars. By a num-
ber of lumber dealers in Chicago, handsome donations were made, and
reduced prices freely given. Railroad companies, over whose lines our
shipments were to be made, generously lowered their rates, and thus
saved the church many needed dollars. A church dining hall, conducted
on the State Fair grounds at Fort Scott, after all outstanding claims
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 193
were met and canceled, netted the church the sum of three hundred
dollars. A festival held at Girard by the ladies of the congregation con-
tributed a large sum to the building fund.
Tims, after long and persistent effort, a church building costing-
over three thousand dollars was completed and dedicated. Rev. James
B. McClure. of Chicago, a brother of the writer, delivered the dedicatory
sermon, taking for his text the words of the Psalmist. "Thy righteous-
ness is like the great mountains." Having now a home we could call
our own, the congregation began to increase and the roll of membership
to steadily advance. The original number seven has grown to thirty-
six times that number, making it the seventh largest church on the roll
of the presbytery. On the Sabbath following the dedication of the
church at Girard, the new church at Monmouth was dedicated also by
Rev. McClure of Chicago. The congregation here were profoundly
grateful for the advanced step which they had steadily and successfully
made. This was a rural congregation largely composed of industrious,
thrifty farmers, who were willing to share their earnings in the support
of the gospel. We would gladly place on record the names of many of
these men and woman did time and space permit.
Cherokee, eight miles east of Monmouth, had developed into a
thriving business town. A few faithful Presbyterians had settled in the
community and were anxious to have a church organized in their midst.
After looking over the field and conducting a few preliminary services,
an organization was effected in the public school house. Henry Heimer
and Milton Baird were chosen and ordained as ruling elders, and Harlan
Emerson, deacon.
For several years we preached to this congregation in connection
with Girard and Monmouth, involving an aggregate of many hundreds
if miles of travel. For this laborious service we purchased an active.
L94 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
wiry mustang pony and paid a good Methodist brother five dollars to
tram him to the use of bridle and saddle. It was. to say the least, a
hazardous undertaking, for Jack, as he was called, was exceedingly
treacherous. When turned over for future service after several weeks
of training, we could see the demon of mischief flashing from his keen
black eyes. We knew that eternal vigilance was the price of our security.
< hi one occasion jack "got the drop." and in an instant hurled us swiftly
to the ground, made a semi-circle in the open prairie, turned the saddle
half way on bis side, and suddenly stopped, as if to see what had hap-
pened to the little preacher. We cautiously approached him, adjusted
the half-turned saddle, mounted him, and resumed our journey home-
ward. Later on Jack was placed on the market, and for a sum quite
satisfactory to our estimation of bis value, passed forever out of our
control and ownership.
Privations and hardships incident to living along the border line
were nearly of every degree and order. At first provisions of every
kind were very dear and scarce. Sugar, Hour, tea and coffee were in
many homes considered as luxuries. The dwellings of the poorer class
were exceedingly plain in all lines of furniture. Many a time have we
approached our garret bed room by means of a common ladder. The
board floor was loose and dangerous, not a window light was anywhere
to be seen — darkness and gloom reigned supreme. Stopping over night
with some faithful elder, whose family comprised a goodl) number, was
-ure to involve the use of the pallet, spread on the main floor after the'
junior members bad retired.
As a -olace to all these scenes of poverty and self-denial, we have
the sure promise. "He that goeth forth weeping, bearing precious seed,
-ball doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
fen years of home mission work in a new country is sure to abound in
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 195
a variety of interesting scenes and incidents. Many funerals, often
involving many hours of wearisome travel across the prairies, must be
attended. Calls, clerical service at the marriage altar by day and night
demand a favorable response regardless of consequences. Think of
attending a wedding at four o'clock in the morning, seven miles from
the minister's home, facing a Kansas blizzard all the way. We took
precaution on one occasion and made the trip the night before, lodging
comfortably at the bride's home. At the appointed hour, in a storm of
wind and blinding snow, the wedding party arrived and the marriage
vows were taken. Think again of a marriage scene enacted in a
sparsely settled community, where the guests, so far from home, were
entertained over night by friendly neighbors: where in the darkness of
the stormy night, and the obscurity of the prairie roads, the greatest
danger of losing the way was a constant menace. Fortunately for wife
and myself, we were assigned quarters at the bride's home. ( Hhers, not
so fortunate, started out in rain, sleet anil darkness to reach their des-
tination. All were successful but one couple, who. becoming confused
and bewildered, wandered over the prairie until nearly morning. \- the
gray light began to appear, then saw where they were, and much relieved,
though weak from exposure and loss of sleep, they soon reached the
bride's home and were tenderly and affectionately welcomed.
By a large majority of the voters of Crawford county, we were
called to fill the office of county superintendent of public instruction,
with a salary of twelve hundred dollars a year. This new responsibility
brought with it a sense of obligation that led to the holding of the
Normal School for teachers — the first of its kind in the state of Kansas.
We were ably assisted by a corps of teachers which we were enable! to
secure at Girard and other neighboring towns. The school continued
in session for four weeks ami the following summer was renewed, result-
196 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ing in a higher standard of qualification and an enlarged degree of
scholarship. District schools claimed and received our closest attention.
Township associations were also organized and conducted with much
profit to those engaged in teaching. In every possible way the cause of
education was made to assume a degree of importance corresponding
with the nature and dignity of its claims.
The limited number of ministers in those early days, and the many
places where whole communities were destitute of gospel privileges re-
quired at our hand a large amount of itinerary work. Walnut, a small
village in the northwestern part of the count)"; Mulberry Grove, in the
eastern portion; Cato neighborhood on the north, McCune on the south,
and Pittsburg on the southeast, all places of prospective importance,
demanded and received our time and service. At Pittsburg, our first
sermon was delivered in a public hall above the postoffice, where two
country roads crossed. This was the first preaching service ever held
in the village by a Presbyterian minister. At McCune. long before the
town was organized, we preached in the public school house in the after-
noon. At many times and places we presided at Sabbath school associa-
tions and assisted in making out an interesting and successful program.
The County Sunday School Association was organized in the sum-
mer of 1869, on the banks of Lightning" Creek, near the village of Craw-
fordsville. Here the writer was chosen president and retained in office
during his ten years' residence in the county. The annual conventions
of this association never failed to elicit the deepest interest on the part
of every township in the county. Public addresses of a high order by
speakers from home and abroad, reports of the different schools, dis-
cussions of practical subject^ having a bearing upon the work, inter-
spersed with music often by the children of different neighborhoods, all
served to arouse a deeper interest and lead to better results.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 197
At the close of our educational work as county superintendent,
the church at Girard, then without a pastor, extended a unanimous call
for our service during the coming year. This was now the tenth and
last year of our missionary work in southeastern Kansas. We had in
this time become thoroughly acquainted with all parts of Crawford
county, knew personally a large number of its citizens, had preached
the gospel or made Sabbath school addresses in their school houses, had
visited many of them in their homes, had presided at their educational
and religious assemblies, had pronounced the marriage benedictions at
their weddings, and had performed the sad rites of burial at their graves.
We had seen the fruits of our humble labors in the organization of three
churches and the promise of many more in the development of out-
stations under our care. Places where the gospel had won its first
converts and reared its first temples were then evidencing what they
have since become, important centers of commerce, education and re-
ligion. The first normal school held in the state, with its strong corps
f teachers and liberal roll of attendance, we have since seen multiplied
on every hand, patronized on the largest scale and upheld by legislative
enactment and public favor.
For all these achievements along material, educational and spiritual
lines to which our labors may have served in any way to contribute.
we give the praise and honor to Him whose name alone is worthy.
Profoundly grateful are we, that our lot was cast among a people whoso
chief joy was the glory of the Lord in the advancement of his kingdom.
But tor their communion and fellowship, their counsel and admonitions,
and above all the sustaining and guiding hand of Providence, such
results never could have been attained. S. T. McClure,
Topeka. Kansas.
198 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
S. H. LANYON.
In the midst of a life of strenuous activity, little abated by the pas-
ige of sixty-year cycles, S. H. Lanyon was stricken down by death at
tiie close of his day's business, September 13. 1897. and by this lament-
able event Pittsburg and the county of Crawford, as also the entire
industrial world, were deprived of a producing factor and energizing,
vitalizing character.
Living contemporaneous with the epoch of modern industrialism
and a potent power in that phase of development which has changed
the currents of civilization in recent years, Mr. Lanyon's life repre-
sents more than the humdrum of existence and its definite results have
helped swell the tide of material prosperity and social progress which
are the wonders of our nation and our time. If his contribution to the
world at large was of no mean degree, his worth and influence in the
city of Pittsburg, where he was one of the earliest settlers and a founder
of it's industrial wealth, were indeed inestimable. He came to Pittsburg
n 1S7S. when the place was unknown by name outside of the imme-
diate neighborhood. ' He was one of the first to realize the value and
make use of the possibilities of the great undeveloped coal fields of this
region. In company with Robert Lanyon he founded the great zinc
smelter with which the name and fortunes of the Lanyons have since
been identified, and which have been at the foundation of the progress
of Pittsburg. Thenceforward from that pioneer year of the city's his-
tory he was intimately connected with all the enterprises of a public
nature and many of business and industrial kind which expanded Pitts-
burg from a village to the proud city of thirteen thousand inhabitants as
hs status when he was called from earth's labors. Throughout this
history of Crawford county and in the biographies of the Lanyon family
members to be found in the following pages can be read many of the
achievements of the men of this name, as also much of personal and
family history, and at this point only the briefest resume of the life and
character of Mr. S. H. Lanyon will be given.
^— ^£-*-^.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 201
Born in Zelali, a village of Cornwall. England, on September 2,
1837. he had just rounded out the full sixty years of his life when death
came upon him. With his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Lanyon, he
came in infancy to America, settling in Iowa county, Wisconsin, near
Mineral Point. After growing up he became a blacksmith's apprentice,
and learned his trade thoroughly, conducting a shop at Mineral Point,
and later for a period of five years having one of the most complete
blacksmith and horseshoeing establishments in San Francisco, California.
In 1862 be went back to the land of his birth and in his native village
met and married Miss Emily Dabb. who survives her honored husband
and resides at Pittsburg. He returned with his bride to this country.
and for some time following was at Mineral Point. In the seventies he
became connected with the zmc industry, first at Mineral Point, later at
LaSalle, Illinois, and about the date mentioned transferred the industry
10 southwestern Missouri and to tins count}, the Lanyon smelter being
the great industry which made the city of Pittsburg m its present-day
attainments possible.
Mr. Lanyon was a man of unlimited industry and activity, and his
death brought on by heart failure, occurred while he was attending to
bis business transactions in Pittsburg. In the course of the day he bad
conversed with many of his friends and associates, had mingled with
men and affairs in his customary way, so that when the news of his
sudden death spread from person to person it seemed incredible that the
honored citizen had passed from the throngs of the living to the abodes
of silence. "In the midst of life we are in death."
Henry Lanyon was a rare character, rugged and sturdy. Meas-
ured by the closest standards, his life was remarkably successful, and
successful not alone in the fact that by frugal care and perseverance he
bad amassed a competency. His life was grand in nobler attributes.
He was more than ordinarily reticent, yet aggressive in what he believed
to be right, and when an opinion was formed as to a proper course
to pursue that course was pursued without vacillation or swerving. His
202 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
was a charitable nature, and what finer eulogium could be pronounced
upon any man than that "Many a poor person will miss him this win-
ter," a sentiment expressed and echoed by many in Pittsburg at the news
of his death. Simplicity always marked his giving - , which was tactful
and without ostentation. He was not a little in public life, where his
influence was steadying and conservative, and his performance marked
with utmost fidelity to the public weal and with untiring energy. De-
voted to ideals which had led him to personal success, he could not easily
he turned aside From applying these same principles to all matters in
which he participated, and seldom indeed was his judgment or action at
fault. However counter wise the winds of adversity might blow he kept
his rudder true and at last made the port of noble ideals.
It has been mentioned that Mr. S. H. Lanyon was a native of
Cornwall. England, and it will lie of interest to append here some items
concerning the ancestral history and the family seat in that ancient Eng-
lish shire. The Lanyons in origin were Norman-French, dating back
perhaps to the time of the English conquest. The estate of the family
in Cornwall was in the parish of (iwinear, where it is said the first pro-
genitors settled along with Isabella, wife of King Edward II; in which
parts the Lanyon posterity have ever since flourished in gentle degree.
That they originally came from the town of Lanyon, situate upon a
seahaven of France, is proved by the fact that the family coat of arms
is the coat of arms of that town of Norman-France; namely, in a field
sable a castle argent, standing on the waves of sea azure, over the same
a falcon hovering with hells. Locally the name Lanyon was pronounced
"La-nine."
In the parish of Madron, Cornwall, is Lanyon. properly Lanion,
which was in former days the property and residence of the ancient
family of that name. The site of the old mansion is occupied by a suh-
rantial farmhouse. The estaie measures four hundred and seventy-one
acres. This place has unusual historic interest, especially for the arch-
eologist, for it is one of the spots of England associated with the life
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 203
and customs of the earliest aboriginal inhabitants of the island, as some
remains of primitive architecture in the vicinity indicate.
On the coarse land of tins estate, by the side of the highway leading
from Madron churchtown to Morvah, stands the celebrated cromlech
(perhaps more properly dolmen) called Lanyon Quoit. It consists of a
large granite table [71/3 feet in length, and at its greatest breadth
S ; _i feet; its form is irregular, and its average thickness about eighteen
inches. This table or capstone is supported by three unhewn pillars also
of granite, its elevation being about five feet.
Borlaise describes this ancient monument as high enough for a
man on horseback to pass under it, but this cannot now be done.
About one-half mile west of Lanyon farmhouse, in the middle of a
hilly field on the same estate, is another cromlech, known as West Lan-
yon Quoit. It was discovered in 1700 within a mound of earth and
stone, after one hundred cartloads had been removed. The capstone,
which had slipped off, measures 18 2/3 feet in length by to' :• feet in
breadth. In digging under this cromlech there was found a broken urn
with ashes, half of a human skull, and most of the other bones of a
human body, thus indicating the sepulchral character of this ancient
monument.
On the boundary of the 'parish near the Lanyon estate is the mentol
or holed stone, locally called "crickstone." It is claimed that a person
crawling through the hole in the stone will lie cured of rheumatism
and cricks.
The Men-Scriffys spoken of by Hals is about one mile northeast of
Lanyon. It is a rough granite pillar i)'' 4 feet long, 1 2 ,^ feet wide and
1 ' j feet thick, and has this inscription "Rialobram the son of Conoval."
The popular tradition is that a great battle was fought near this pillar;
that one of the leaders was slain and buried here; that this stone marks
the place of sepulture; and that its length was the height of the war-
204 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
MORRIS CL1GGITT.
Morris Cliggitt has for some years been noted among the legal
fraternity of Crawford county as one of the capable men in the pro-
fession, and his success has been deserved. His talents in this line were
recognized while he was still a law student, and during the past twenty
years he has fought on many a legal battlefield, and with many victories
to his credit. lie lias also been prominent in the political affairs of the
county and state, and here likewise his learning and judgment have
given him power as a debater and wielder of political forces. Pittsburg
lias in him a staunch and public-spirited citizen, and has never lacked,
lus interest in matters pertaining to the general welfare and progress of
the city.
Mr. Cliggitt was horn in Oswego, Kendall county, Illinois, in
[854, being a son of Morris and Julia (Russell) Cliggitt, both of whom
were born in Ireland, and on coming to the United States located on a
farm in Kendall county, where they made their home till death.
Mr. Cliggitt was reared on the farm, and in the interims of farm
labor attended the district schools, and later the academy in Oswego.
He spent three years in Northwestern College at Naperville, Illinois, and
during a part of that time and for some years following taught school
in that section of Illinois. He took his law course in the Union College
of Law at Chicago, graduating in the class of 1883. He took the highest
honors, and carried off the prizes during both his junior and senior year.
The afterward famous William J. Bryan was a member of the same
class. From June, 1883. tn March, 1884, Mr. Cliggitt practiced with
his brother John at Mason City. Iowa, and then went to 1 lasting-.
Nebraska, where after a short period in the law he was chosen assistant
cashier of the Exchange National Bank of that place, and continued in
that position until January. 1887. He was then engaged for some time
in the conduct of a bank in Culbertson, in western Nebraska, but finally
returned to his legal practice and remained in that town until January,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 205
1890. at which time he came to Pittsburg. Kansas. During his life 111
Nebraska lie took a prominent part in politics, as a member of the Demo-
cratic party, and was conspicuous for his stand against free silver and the
fiat money advocates.
Air. Cliggitt began practice in Pittsburg in partnership with Ed
Van Gundy, a prominent and well known attorney of the city, but at
whose death in September. [894, the partnership ended ami Mr. Cliggitt
has since practiced alone. For several years he has been attorney for
the National Bank" of Pittsburg, and the smelter industries and coal
companies winch represent the largest corporate interests in southeastern
Kansas.
After coming to Pittsburg Air. Cliggitt continued to take interest
in broader politics, and gave especial consideration to the financial
problems of those years. lie wrote some papers in favor of sound
money that attracted wide-spread interest, and indicated the thorough
study he had made of the subject, expressing original views in a con-
vincing way. In December. [893, he was appointed, under the Cleve-
land administration, assistant United Stales district attorney for l\.
and to discharge the duties of that office removed to Topeka, but in the
following July resigned and returned to Pittsburg. He held the office
of city attorney of Pittsburg for four years, and was among the national
Democratic electors from Kansas in 1896. He is now president of the
Pittsburg Library Board.
Mr. Cliggitt was married in Nebraska in 1S91 to Miss Celia drier.
JOPIN H. GOULD.
John H. Gould, the well known implement and grain dealer and
prominent business man of Opolis, Kansas, has been a leader in the
agricultural, commercial and civic life of Crawford county for almost
as long a period as any other man in the county. lie made settlement
near the present site of Opolis in the year 1868, which was a pioneer time
£06 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
in the history of the region thereabouts. Stock-raising was then the
most profitable line of business, and he grazed his herds without let or
hindrance over the fertile prairies for some years, wire fences and osage
hedges furnishing no barrier in 'those days to the herdsman's free range.
He accordingly was a witness and a real part of the development and
material progress which went on so rapidly during the latter third of
the past century, and his business interests have kept pace with the coun-
try's growth. Furthermore, his activity has not stopped with individual
success, but has found a broad scope in the public affairs of his com-
munity, and he has devoted himself public-spiritedly and disinterestedly
to the advancement of the welfare of the county's institutions.
Mr. Gould was born in Adams county, Illinois, in 1839. being a son
of Benjamin and Rebecca (Jones) Gould. His father was a native of
Connecticut, whence he came west to Illinois and Adams county in the
early year of 1832. He was a prosperous farmer, ami attained to a
great aye. his death occurring in Hancock county. Illinois, when he was
ninety-one years old. His wife was born in Pittsburg. Pennsylvania,
and died in Adams county. Illinois, at the age of seventy-five.
Mr. John H. Gould was reared to manhood and had the experi-
ences of youth and his educational advantages while living on the farm
in Adams county. In August, 1862, he enlisted, at Chicago, in Com-
pany C, Seventy-second Illinois Infantry, that regiment being attached
to the Army of the Tennessee. He was at the battles of Champion Hill,
at Franklin, Tennessee, and other engagements in the latter state and
in Mississippi, and was also present at the siege of Yicksburg. During
the winter of 1864-5 ne was a prisoner in the Andersonville prison, and
after his release from this pen he received his honorable discharge and
returned home.
In 1868 Mr. Gould came out to Crawford county, and as this has
been his home ever since he is certainly one of the old-timers. He located
in the southeast corner of the county, where Opolis now stands situate,
and be still owns a farm adjoining this town. He came to this county
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 207
with his brother-in-law, F. B. Hoyt, whose history is given on other
pages of this work. The two were engaged quite extensively for some
years in the cattle business, and had large interests about Opolis. In
[882 Mr. Gould moved from his farm into Opolis. where he engaged in
the grain and implement business. The town had received a great
impetus from the construction of the railroad through it in that year,
and has since been one of the thriving towns of Crawford county. In
addition to his property in Crawford county, Mr. Gould owns a farm
across the state line in Missouri.
Mr. Gould's prominence in local affairs began during the first years
of his residence here and has continued to the present. He has been a
justice of the peace, township treasurer, notary public, was postmaster
tor four years under President Harrison, and has been president of the
school board for twenty years.
Mr. Gould was first married in Adams county. Illinois, to Miss
S. J. Hoyt. She died in 1867, leaving one child, who is now Mrs. Jennie
B. Michie. Mr. Gould's present wife, Sarah E. (Michie) Gould, is a
native of Canada. They have five children: Mrs. Emily R. Wilson;
Mrs. Ina E. Bateman, John B. Gould, Mr-. Edith L. Lyngar and Frank
Leslie Gould.
L. II. LASHLEY
L. II. Lashley is a retired farmer and one of the most extensive
landowners of Crawford county, his possessions aggregating fourteen
hundred and fifty acres, lie has been very successful in business, and
his life record proves what can be accomplished by strong and deter-
mined purpose when guided by intelligence and sound business discern-
ment.. His example may well serve a- a source of emulation and courage
to others who have to begin life as he did, without financial assi-tairt:e
or particularly fortunate environment in youth.
Mr. Lashlev is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred
20S HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
in Bedford county, that state, on the 7th of August. 1846. His parents
were William and Mary E. I Hullinger) Lashley, and the father was for
many years a merchant, carrying on business along that line until his
death, which occurred in 1881. when he had reached the advanced age
of eighty-one years. His wife passed away in 1890 at the age of eighty
years.
To the public school system of his native county L. H. Lashlev is
indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He was only
seventeen years of age when, in the spring of 1864. he responded to his
country's call for troops and enlisted as a member of Company A. Twelfth
Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving under General Phil Sheridan in the
Shenandoah valley. He participated in the battles of Winchester and
Charleston and several other engagements and was honorably discharged
at Winchester. Virginia, in the fall of 1865. In the meantime, however.
he had become familiar with all the hardships of southern prison life,
for he had been captured and was held as a prisoner of war at Libby. at
Salisbury. North Carolina, and at Pemberton, the period of his incar-
ceration covering four months.
When the country no longer needed his services Mr. Lashley re-
turned to his home in Pennsylvania and gained his early business experi-
ence as his father's assistant. Some time after the war lie began mer-
chandising on his own account at Chaneysville. where he continued for
fifteen years. He had in 1866 made a trip to Dixon. Illinois, but after
a short period there again returned to Pennsylvania, where he carried
on his mercantile pursuits until his removal to Kansas. He became a
resident of this state in 1885. and for two years was engaged in the
hardware and lumber business at Englevale. He then turned his atten-
tion to farming and became one of the most successful and prosperous
agriculturists of this portion of the state. As his financial resources
increased he added to his realty holdings, and his investments now cover
fourteen hundred and fifty acres of fine farming land in Washington and
Lincoln townships. The first land which he ever owned in the state was
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 209
located in Washington township, and was purchased by him in 1883
when on a visit to Kansas. He has been extensively engaged in the
raising and shipping of grain, hay and stock, but has now retired from
active connection with agricultural interests. In 1902 he rented his
farm and removed to Girard, where he now owns a nice home. He is
now enjoying the fruits of his former toil without further recourse to
labor, save fur the supervision which he gives to his property interests.
Mr. Lashley's first marriage was with Miss Rachel Kennard. and
one 'laughter was horn, Josephine C, who is a graduate of the Balti-
more Medical College and is now a successful physician and surgeon at
Kansas City, Missi niri.
September 4. 1878, Mr. Lashley was united in marriage to Mis*
L. E. Hullinger, a daughter of Lewis and Susan (Long) Hullinger.
both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They have three children:
Garrett S.. Edgar L. and Roscoe II. . all of whom are residents of this
county. Garrett is one of the general merchants of Pittsburg; he is
married and has two little children, Floyd and Peru. Edgar is a young.
practical farmer, and is married and has one little daughter. Lillian
Pay. Roscoe is in the high school at Girard. The parents are members
of the German Reformed church, and Mr. Lashley is a member of the
blue lodge ami chapter of Masons at Girard. fie is also connected with
General Bailey Post. G. A. R. His political allegiance has always been
given to the Republican party since attaining his majority, and he has
served as school treasurer for a number of years, while at the present
writing he is a candidate for the office of county commissioner. His life
has been a busy, active and useful one, and his capable management and
enterprise have been strong factors in winning him the splendid success
which has crowned his efforts.
NELSON F. GAYLORD.
Nelson P. Gaylord, who is in the real estate and insurance business
at Hepler and also carries on extensive farming operations on section 1
210 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
of Walnut township, has been numbered among the stanch and pro-
gressive agriculturists of Crawford county for the past thirty years,
and farming has been the occupation to which he has devoted his best
energies throughout the years of his active career, and in which he has
gained his most eminent success.
Mr. Gaylord was born in Piatt county, Illinois, May 14. 1841,
being a son of Eleazer and Clarissa (Ferguson) Gaylord, who were
both born in Xew York state, and were among the early settlers of Illi-
nois, in the year 1831, and there followed farming. His father died in
Kane county, Illinois, in 1895, at l ' le a §" e °* eighty-four years, and his
mother survived and passed her remaining days in Crawford county,
where she passed away on January 23, 1903. after attaining the long-
life of eighty-five years.
Mr. Nelson F. Gaylord was reared and educated in Kendall county,
Illinois, and spent the first twenty-one years of his life at home with
his parents. He then moved to Livingston county. Illinois, and was
engaged in farming near Dwight for a number of years. In 1874 he
moved to Crawford county, Kansas, and bought a hundred and sixty
acres which forms part of his present estate. lie now owns three hun-
dred and twenty acre- of choice Crawford county soil, and the many
excellent improvements on the place are all the result of his own energy
and intelligent work. In addition, he owns two houses and lots in
Hepler. His years of well directed labor have brought him good re-
wards and comfortable circumstances, and lie has made the best use of
the opportunities that have come in his way.
Mr. Gaylord holds independent views as to local and practical
political affairs, and votes for the man and the principles that concur
best with his judgment. He has been a member of the school board
continuously since residing in Kansas, and has done much for the ad-
vancement of the cause of education in his community. He and his
family are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Gaylord married. November 28, 1863, Miss Sarah E. Barron,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 211
a daughter of Thomas Barron. Both her parents were born in England,
and are now deceased. Four children have been born to Air. and Mrs.
Gaylord: Xettie E. is the wife of Sidney Scheffner, of Elgin. Illinois;
Frederick lives in South Mound, Kansas: Olive is the wife of Edward
Stahl. of Girard; and Frank died in California in 1895, at the age of
twenty-two.
Airs. Gaylord's mother. Hannah Shaw, was a native of Hull. Eng-
land. Her father. Captain Shaw, was drowned while mi a voyage t< > the
West Indies. At the age of eighteen she married Thomas Barron am'
with him went to live in Yorkshire. She was of a long line of Meth-
odists, her grandmother's bouse having afforded to John Wesley both a
temporary place of worship and a hospitable home, and anion" the relics
cherished by her children are the veritable linen sheets slept in by the
great founder of Methodism, also the hymn book that he used. In 1851
the father and mother came to America, with ten children, and settled in
Plainfield, Illinois. Six of the children are still living: William in
Plainfield ; John E. Barron, a resident of Amsterdam. Missouri; lames,
in Texas: Walter, the youngest, is in Rushmore, Minnesota; Esther A.
married Augustine A. Worthing and resides at Belvue, Kansas,
Sarah E. Barron married Nelson F. Gaylord 111 1863, and lived in
Dwight. Tivingston count}'. Illinois, until 1875, when they came to
Hepler, Kansas, and bought the farm where they are still living. There
were at that time only three houses to be seen from their place; nothing
but prairie and blue sky, very little timber, so they can well be counted
in among the pioneers of tire country.
JAMES PATMOR.
James Patmor, president of the First State Bank, of Pittsburg,
Crawford county. Kansas, has had a career of unusual interest in the
industrial and business world since he was a boy of thirteen years. lie
was gifted with an independent ami enterprising nature, and at that
212 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
early age he decided that he could "paddle his own canoe,'* and from
that time to the present he has dune so, with what success can be judged
from the following narrative of the principal events of his life. He has
been a resident of the thriving city of Pittsburg for over twenty-five
years. He is one of those to whom principal credit is due for the open-
ing up and development of the vast resources of the Pittsburg coal fields
with their attendant industries. For twenty years he has been prominent
in the financial affairs of the city, and is now the head and founder of
a bank which promises as fine a record of prosperity as the other enter-
prises with which he has been associated. Besides taking such a leading
part in the business matters of his city, lie has been foremost in advanc-
ing the interests of good government and building up the institutions
which make for the general welfare. He is known everywhere fur his
devotion to family and friends, for his executive ability in control of
busin( ss, and fi n his u< irthy and honorable character in all of life's activi-
ties.
Mr. Patmor was horn in Cincinnati. Ohio, of English ancestry
and a son of James and Marion (Sotcher) Patmor, who were both
natives of Ohio. Mr. Patmor received most of his education in the
schools of Cincinnati. When thirteen years old he went to work in the
construction department of the railroad which was then building up the
Ohio valley east of Cincinnati. He showed special talent in this line of
work, and in a few years was in charge of a large force of men, and
remained at this business for ten years. He was very much interested
in construction machinery, and this turned his attention to coal mining.
In 1877 he came west to investigate coal fields, and in the same year
located in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was one of the pioneers in the opening
np of the field in what is now the enormous coal industry of the Pitts-
burg district. He began with surface mining, but soon afterward, with
machinery which he had brought with him from Cincinnati, he was one
of the first to sink a shaft in this district. He was at first manager and
a member of the firm of B. C. Redlon and Company, afterward changed
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 213
to the Pittsburg Coal Company, of which he was vice-president and
manager. This firm also carried on a mercantile business, and Mr.
Patmor had charge of the second store in Pittsburg. Thev also operated
a store and mine at Litchfield (then known as Carbon,) and at other
places in this district.
In 1882 the Bank of Girard, at Girard, Crawford county, had estab-
lished a branch institution in Pittsburg', and in 18S3 Mr. Patmor was
one of the purchasers of this branch, being associated with the Lanyons
in this enterprise. The name then became the Bank of Pittsburg, and
Mr. Patmor was made cashier, which position he held until it was
organized, in 1886, as a national hank and the name changed to the
National Bank of Pittsburg, of which he was then elected vice presi-
dent. He devoted all his time to the hank's affairs, and in 1892, at
the death of the cashier. Frank W. Lanyon, he was elected to that place,
which he filled until November, 1903. when he resigned. During his
connection with and management of the National Bank of Pittsburg,
it experienced constant prosperity and became the largest hank of the
county.
Since resigning from the National Bank Mr. Patmor has organized
a new bank in Pittsburg, known as the First State Bank, which opened
its doors for business on January 25, 1904, and of which he has been
elected president. He has associated with him, as vice president, Mr.
E. B. Hoyt, an old-time merchant and capitalist of the county, and
Mr. Patmor's son. Jay N. Patmor, is cashier, with C. G. Henderlider,
assistant cashier. The directors are James Patmor. A. J. Curran, E.
B. Hoyt, A. H. Schlanger, E. H. Klock. H. C. Willard, J. N. Patmor.
J. H. Beasley and George W. Smith.
Mr. Patmor is also connected with another of the large enterprises
of Pittsburg". He is vice president of the Standard Ice and Fuel Com-
pany, which is building in Pittsburg one of the largest ice plants, in
the country, at a cost of fifty thousand dollars, and this will be a big
addition to the industrial and commercial establishments of the city.
214 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
In other ways Mr. Patmor has been an important factor in build-
ing up this splendid city. He was for several years treasurer of the
school board. In manner be is quiet and modest, but is always quick
to act in matters of local concern, and lends bis influence on tbe side of
morality and good government.
Mr. Patmor's wife is Mrs. Bertha A. (Curran) Patmor. a sister
of John P. and Andrew J. Curran. prominent lawyers of Pittsburg.
They have three children. Jay X. Patmor. Mis-. Bertha E. and Miss
Mary Gail Patmor.
ALVIN II. LANYON.
Alvin H. Lanyon is the elder son of die late S. H. Lanyon, the
pioneer and industrial founder of the city of Pittsburg, whose career
has been briefly sketched above. It has been a notable characteristic of
this family that its members, wherever they have made the center of
their activity, have held a dominant position in business, financial or
industrial affairs, and the name Lanyon has been synonymous with con-
servativeness, financial standing and broad ability. Tbe same is true of
this member of the family, who is assistant cashier of tbe National
Bank of Pittsburg and since arriving at years of maturity has been
closely identified with the material and social interests and welfare of
this city.
Mr. Lanyon was born in Mineral Point. Wisconsin, May 22, 1863.
being the elder of the two sons born to S. H. and Emily M. (Dabb)
Lanyon, his brother Arthur EC. being cashier of the above bank. The
first fourteen years of his life were spent at his native heath of Mineral
Point, and during nearly all the subsequent years he has been a resident
of Pittsburg, with which he has grown up and has watched a bare
prairie become covered with a thriving city of fourteen thousand people.
in which evolution and development he himself has taken no small
part. His educational training was received in the common schools,
and in 1882 he graduated from the business college at Paola, Kansas.
OJfc£
/^^n^Lyi^tryo
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 219
He spent the major part of his young manhood in his father's
smelter works, but in 1900 became associated with banking interests,
and lias since been identified with the Lanyon hank at Pittsburg, other-
wise known as the National Bank of Pittsburg. He has been one of
its 'directors since its organization, and since 1903 has been assistant
cashier.
Politically Mr. Lanyon has been a stanch Republican since casting
his first vote for James G. Blaine. He is a member of the Elks lodge,
and one of the most prominent Masons of southeastern Kansas, having
penetrated all the mysteries of the noble and ancient craft up to and
including the thirty-second degree, being a Knight Templar and a
Shriner.
During the past year Mr. Lanyon has erected one of the most
beautiful and artistic homes of Pittsburg, and lie and his fine family
now dispense their well known hospitality from this residence. Mr.
Lanyon was married in April, 1889, to Miss Anna Merithew, of Indian-
apolis, and their happy union has been blessed with five children, namely :
Raymond B., in high school, Searle H. also in high school, and Rowena
E.. Franklin L. and Alan C. Mrs. Lanyon was born in Rockport,
Indiana, and was educated in the Indianapolis high school. Her par-
ents are both deceased.
ED. R. DORSFY.
Ed. R. Dorsey, breeder and importer of tine horses and manager
of the well known Dorsey Livery Barn at Girard, has established and
built up a business which is a credit to the entire southeastern Kansas
and is doing as much as any one other influence for improvement and
raising of the standard of excellence in horses for all their manifold
uses to mankind. Horses are the most important adjunct of civiliza-
tion, and in all countries the horse and the people have progressed to-
gether. The absence of horses in America before thev were broughl
220 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
by the Spanish was an absolute bar to progress on the part of the abo-
riginal Indian tribes: for without successful agriculture as a basis no
people can flourish, and without the horse as a helper an advanced
state of agriculture is impossible, — all which is given in evidence of
the great value of horse-kind to man-kind, and proving, incidentally,
the importance which such an institution as the Dorsey importing and
breeding stables holds in the permanent prosperity and progress of
southeastern Kansas.
Mr. Dorsey came to Girard on March 18, 1900, and has since
managed the Dorsey stables. He also runs the livery in connection,
and has a business which, energized by himself, has a continually broad-
ening success. Among the very fine horses in his stables are the fol-
lowing: Lord Lytton, No. 987. was winner of the first prize at the
Columbian Exposition in 1893: for five years was winner of the first
prize at the Illinois state fair, and won the two hundred and fifty dollar
prize at the American Horse Show. Sportsman, No. J 147. a son of
Lord Lytton, was winner of the first prize for two years in succession
at the Illinois state fair and the St. Loui^ fair. His best known horse,
with a national fame, was Bonnie McGregor. No. 3778. which has a
record of 2:13^ in the stallion record of 1889. He is a son of Robert
McGregor, 2:17^, who was the sire of the famous Cresceus, with a
record of 2:02^2. Bonnie McGreg'or sold for twenty-five thousand
dollars, and his son, Planet, 2:0414. sold for ten thousand dollars.
There are some twenty other horses in the list, and the standard of
excellence and beauty and breeding is uniformly high. The horses are
all of the famous Cleveland Bay stock, and standard breed. The Cleve-
land Bays are the oldest as well as the most useful and beautiful of
Mr. Dorsey. who thus fills such an important place in the citizen-
ship ni'l business circles of Girard and Crawford county, was born in
Perry. Pike county, Illinois, on May 9. 1859, being a son of B. F.
ami Matilda ( Hobbs) Dorsey, both natives of minors. B. F. Dorsey is
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 221
and has been for some years one of the largest importers of horses in that
part of Illinois.
Mr. Dorsey was educated in Perry, and, being reared to his father's
business and becoming acquainted with its details at an early age,
he was. when only fifteen years old, taken in as a partner in the firm
of B. F. Dorsey and Sons. Therefore for some thirty years he has
been identified with this industry which has become so successful under
the management of the Dorseys.
On December 31, 1877, he was married to Miss Anna Chenoweth.
a daughter of Miles B. Chenoweth, of Chambersburg, Illinois. The
following children have been born to them: Dottie D., who is the wife
of B. H. Swan, editor of the Pike County Republican, at Pittsfield.
Illinois; Bennet F., who died at the age of nine months: and Nellie
Anna. Asa B. and Miles, who are all at home. The family are mem-
bers of the Christian church.
ISAAC A. HOPKINS.
Isaac A. Hopkins, the postmaster of Opolis. Kansas, is one of the
old and honored residents of 1 1 1 i — part of the country, and although
most of his interests and citizenship have been in the state of Indiana,
yet by virtue of Opolis having served as his center of, business he can
claim to be a true Kansan of long years' standing. In all particulars
he has had a successful and praiseworthy career, and his popularity
and worth among his fellow citizens is well attested by his choice to
the important office of postmaster, in which he has proved himself
useful in many ways to the public and carried on an administration to
the satisfaction of all concerned, which means, in the case of a post-
office, every one who receives mail through its agency.
Mr. Hopkins was horn in Nelson county. Kentucky, in 1834, so
that lie is now at the seventieth milestone of his life's career, witli many
eventful stretches in the course passed over. His parents. George B.
222 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
and Eda (Anderson) Hopkins, were both natives of Kentucky, and
both died in Spencer county, Indiana, whither they moved in 1837.
Mr. Hopkins was reared to manhood on an Indiana farm, and was
making good progress in agricultural pursuits when the Civil war
came on. He did not delay long after the first calls went out for
troops, and on October 9. 1861. enlisted and was enrolled in Company
F, Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry. He served for three years and ten
months in the Army of the Tennessee, and in that time took part in
many of the most important battles of the rebellion. He participated
at Pittsburg Landing, was then in the pursuit of Bragg's army, was
in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mis-
sionary Ridge, in the engagements of the Atlanta campaign, followed
by the inarch to the sea. and thence through the Carolinas and Vir-
ginia, and arrived in Washington and took part in the -rand review,
after which be was sent west to Louisville and mustered out of the
ranks, after a long and most creditable service in fighting for bis
country.
Mr. Hopkins spent about fort}- years of his life in Spencer county,
Indiana, during which time he engaged in farming. hi 1876 he came
to Crawford county. Kansas, and continued his farming operations on
a place near the state line and not far from Opolis. This town has
now been his home for several years, although he still owns and con-
ducts his Missouri farm. In iqoi he received his appointment as post-
master 1 >f Opolis from President McKinley, and he has been very ener-
getic and efficient in the management of this office, having introduced
several improvements in the service.
Mr. Hopkins and his wife are earnest in their Christian faith,
and have been prominent members of the Opolis Methodist church for
many years. Mr. Hopkins as a stanch Republican, and has voted for
all the presidential candidates of that great party. 1 1 is first wife was
Arminda E. Oskins, who died while he was in the army. Her two
children are Airs. Eda \nn Frakes and George W. Hopkins, the latter
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 223
being a merchant of Opolis. Mr. Hopkins' present wife was Miss
Julia A. Muck, whom he married in Spencer county", Indiana. They
have two children. John E. and Clara L. Hopkins.
JOHN CURRAN.
John Curran, of the firm of Curran and Curran, among the most
prominent lawyers of Pittsburg and this part of the state, is a man who
has raised himself by his energy and perseverance to a high place in
a learned profession which requires, in addition to much native talent,
first-class educational attainments, which he was able to enjoy only
after hard and persistent effort without any particular aid from outside
sources. He was prominent as an educator before he took his place
among the members of the bar. and he has also been interested to a
considerable extent in the public affairs of his city and county. The law
firm of Curran and Curran enjoys one of the largest and most repre-
sentative practices in this section of the state, and both are men of
high legal standing and ability.
John Curran was born at South Haven, Michigan, in 1864, a son
of John and Elizabeth (Judge) Curran. His father was a native of
Ireland and came to America in 1829. settling first in Canada and later
in Michigan. In 1871 he became one of the early settlers of Crawford
county. Kansas, where he followed farming till his death, in 1884.
He, with his family, experienced all the hardships incidental to life
in Kansas in those days, the grasshopper plague, crop failures and hard
times coming with almost as much regularity as the years themselves;
but for all that he was numbered among the successful men of those
farming sections. His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Curran, was a native of
Canada, and is still living on the old Curran farm in Crawford county.
Mr. Curran was reared on the Kansas homestead, and his services
were so necessary on the farm that he had a hard time in getting an
education. He attended the district schools, and later the State Normal
224 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
College at Fort Scott, where he graduated in 1889. having taken the
classical course. He took up the profession of teaching, and even be-
fore his graduation had taught several terms, from which he gained
funds for the further prosecution of his schooling. He became some-
what noted as an educator, and for four years conducted the teachers'
institutes of Crawford county. At one time he was principal of the
high school of Pittsburg, and for three years was city superintendent of
schools at Columbus, Kansas. During all this time he was making
preparations for his entrance into the legal profession, and did much
of his studying in the office of Morris Cliggett, one of the most tal-
ented lawyers of Pittsburg and the state. In 1893-94 he was in the
law department of the State University at Lawrence. In [896 he began
his practice in Pittsburg in partnership with his brother, Andrew J.
Curran, who had been admitted to the bar some years before and who
had already established a large practice. The brothers have enjoyed
a large and lucrative business, and a good share of the legal work ol
the county is transacted through their offices.
Mr. Quran's brother, Andrew J. Curran. was born in Michigan,
and his career has been somewhat similar to that of his brother, and
equally crowned with success. He graduated from the law department
of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in June, 1895. Previous
to his legal career he was a successful educator, and was superintendent
of the Cherokee. Kansas, schools for five years, and for four years
conducted the teachers' institutes of Crawford county.
HENRY H. RADLEY.
There are few men who have the opportunity to shape or guide
the improvement and upbuilding of a. city as does he who is engaged
in real estate operations. He can largely control the market in this
direction, and he has a most potent influence in advancing the develop-
ment along substantial and modern lines. Mr. Radley as a member
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 225
of the firm of Radley & Ringo, real estate agents, has contributed in
no small degree to the advancement of Girard's interests, and through-
out his business career has maintained a record for activity and hon-
esty that is most commendable.
He is a native sun of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Warren
county, that state, on the jth of November, 1859. His parents were
Benjamin F. and Elizabeth Overturf Radley. who were likewise na-
tives of Indiana. The father was a farmer by occupation, and after
engaging in the tilling of the soil in the state of his nativity for many
years he located in Illinois and later came t< > Kansas in 1 Sy< t, li
in Cherokee county. There lie resumed his labors as an agriculturist
and about twelve years afterward lie came to Crawford county in [89]
Here he also secured a tract of land and continued farming up to the
time of his death, which occurred in October. 1898, when be was sixty-
six years of age. His wife survived him for a few years and passed
away in 1902 at the age of sixty-seven years.
Henry H. Radley pursued his early education in Kankakee county.
Illinois, and remained at home during the period of hi 1 - minority, assist-
ing in the labors of field and meadow when not occupied with the duties
1 if the schoolroom. He thus gained practical experience at farm work
and continued to as^i-^t his father until twenty-two years of age. when,
in October. 1S81. he removed to Pittsburg. Kansas. At that time he
began work in connection with zinc smelting in the employ of Roberl
Lanvon & Company. He occupied that position for two yens, and
then turned his attention to the livery business, which be followed for
four years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Chii
Kansas, and became a factor in its business circles as a. merchant, cm-
ducting his store with fair success for ten years. He then sold out to
the Mount Carmel Coal Company, but remained in the store as head
clerk until he was elected to the position of probate judge in November,
1898. He took the office in January. 1899, and held the position for
four vears. having been re-elected in 1900 for a second term. His
220 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
official service was characterized by promptness and fidelity in the dis-
charge of every duty. Upon his retirement from office in 1902 he
became a partner of W. L. Ringo in the real estate and insurance busi-
ness, and both departments of their enterprise are proving profitable.
They make a specialty of coal and farm lands and have negotiated many
important real estate transfers. Mr. Radley keeps well informed con-
cerning realty values through this part of the state, and he brings to
bear upon his work the most modern and enterprising business methods
After relief from the office of probate judge he was elected as an
alderman of the city council in Girard in 1903. In September. 1904. he
organized the Girard Coal Company, which is composed of H. H. Rad-
ley, president; N. A. Nixon, treasurer; L. F. Crawford and W. L. Ringo.
It is capitalized at $50,000, under the caption of "The Girard Coal
Company." They have opened up mines five and a half miles southeast
of Girard.
On the 28th of February. 1882. occurred the marriage of Mr.
Radley and Miss Augusta A. Holmes, a daughter of Henry and Hannah
Flolmes. natives of Pennsylvania. This union has been blessed with
three children: Grace G, at the age of twenty years, is now a student
in the State University at Lawrence. Kansas; Pearl, at home, is at the
age of fifteen years attending high school; and Henry H, a little lad of
seven summers, completes the family. The parents are members of the
Methodist church, take a deep interest in its work and are also well
known in the social circles. Mr. Radley gives his political allegiance
to the Democracy and is unfaltering in his advocacy of its principles.
He is a valued member of various fraternal organizations, including the
Elks lodge, No. 12. at Pittsburg, Kansas: the Odd Fellows lodge. No.
[96, at Pittsburg; the Ancient Order of United Workmen, at Girard;
and the Triple Tie Benefit Association, at Girard. His entire career has
been characterize'! by faithfulness to duty, whether in business, political
or private life, and in the community where he makes his home he is
held in high esteem by many friends.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 227
HON. EBENEZER B. HOYT.
Hon. Ebenezer B. Hoyt, business man and capitalist of Pittsburg,
Kansas, is one of the best known men of southeastern Kansas and Craw-
ford county. He is a pioneer, in fact, and the picture which he could
easily call to mind, of the country as he saw it thirty-live years ago, and
over which his early business operations were carried on. would present
a most remarkable contrast t < > the scene of prosperity, commercial activ-
ity and industrial development which just such aggressive and enterpris-
ing men as Mr. Hoyt have brought about to the fulness of material
realization. He came to this county fresh from college, and, with the
vast ranges lying invitingly before him, was soon engaged in the cattle
business, from which he branched out into mercantile pursuits, and his
interests expanded in a degree corresponding to the other wonderful
development of the country, until for a number of years he has stood
in the forefront of the successful business men of Crawford count}'.
He has also proved himself a citizen of unusual public spirit and fitness
for the responsibilities laid upon him. and in all public matter- affecting
the welfare of city, count}' or state has ma.de his influence felt for better-
ment and i'n the side of morality and justice.
Mr. Hoyt was born in Adams county, Illinois, a son of Ebenezer 11.
and Mary J. (Reynolds) Hoyt. the former a native of Kidgefield. Con-
necticut, and the latter of Orange county, New York, where she lived
till almost grown, and then moved to New York city, where her father
was a resident for almost fifty years. Mr. Hoyt's parents were married
in Xew York city, and they then came west to Adams county. Illinois,
in [843, where they passed the remainder of their lives.
Mr. Hoyt received a good education in the public schools, and con-
tinued his studies in Knox College, at Galesburg, Illinois, until 1S0S.
In that year he came to Kansas and bought a ranch in the southeast
corner of (raw ford county, where he began the cattle business. At
that time Pittsburg, with its great industries resulting from the later
228 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
development of its coal mining, was not in existence, and cattle had a
free range over the entire country. This industry of Mr. Hoyt's flour-
ished, but with the subsequent settling up of the county he went into
the mercantile business and the lumber business at the present town of
Opolis, which he and Joseph L. Davis founded. He has continued his
business enterprises in Opolis ever since, but for the past four years has
made his home in Pittsburg, from which point he directs his business.
During all this time he has been extensively engaged in farming in the
vicinity of Opolis, and his financial, commercial and industrial inter-
ests m Crawford county are probably as varied and extensive as those
of any other man. At the present time he is vice president of the First
State Bank of Pittsburg.
Mr. Hoyt during his career in this county has been more or less
interested in politics from the standpoint of good citizenship. In 1875
he was elected to represent his county in the state legislature, and was
the youngest member of the house at the time. His most notable part as a
legislator was as chairman of the special committee which was appointed
to revise and codify the school laws of the state.
Mr. Hoyt married Miss Melissa Embree. a native of Monroe county,
Missouri. They have one daughter. Miss Eva Blanche, who is a student
in Christian College. Columbia, Missouri.
ARTHUR K. LAN YON.
Arthur K. Lanyon, cashier of the National Hank of Pittsburg, is
one of the prominent Lanyon family whose enterprises and business
activity may be said to constitute the coiner stone of Pittsburg's won-
derful industrial development and prosperity. These remarkable busi-
ness men came to Pittsburg when it hardly deserved a place on the map.
and were the pioneers in utilizing the great ore and coal deposits of
the district, their smelting plants having given a great impulse to the
growth and settlement of the town. Subsequently they have concerned
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 231
themselves also with the financial affairs of the city, and on almost
every page of Pittsburg- history their acts and influences appear. Mr.
Lanyon, while thoroughly familiar with all the details of the smelting
industry, has devoted his life almost entirely t<> hanking, and is recog-
nized as one of the foremost men in that business in southeastern Kan-
sas. He is an adept in all matters connected with financial institutions
of a general nature, and. furthermore, is so well acquainted with all
conditions of trade and industry affecting the territory from which the
National Bank draws its patronage that he has been of great assistance
in making this one of the leading institutions of the kind in the state.
Some facts in regard to the National Hank of Pittsburg will indi-
cate it- influential position a- both a safeguard and promoter of busi-
ness and industry in Crawford county. It is the oldest bank in Pitts-
burg, having been established in iSSj. but was not at first a national
bank, being then known as the Bank of Pittsburg. In [886 it was reor-
ganized as the National Rank of Pittsburg, with a capital stock of fifty
thousand dollars, which stock was increased in 1890 to one hundred
thousand. Its first president and founder was Mr. S. II. Lanyon, father
of the present cashier and one of the leading figures in Pittsburg his-
tory. The Lanyons have been in control of the institution from the
beginning, and the present head of the bank is Edwin V. Lanyon. whose
history is given on other pages of this work-. The other officers of the
National Bank of Pittsburg, besides the two named, are H. C. YVillard,
vice president, and A. H. Lanyon, assistant cashier. The directors
are: F. A'. Lanyon. A. II. Lanyon, A. EC. Lanyon, Josiah Lanyon,
William Lanyon, Jr.. H. C. Willard and II. C. I'.. Flack. X- better
commentary can be made on the bank's wonderful growth and pros-
perity under its efficient management than a comparative statement of
the deposits on the bonks on the last day of each year from [886 to
1903, the official figures being as follows for the eighteen years:
$45,878.22, 59,603.75, 75,590.15, 95,500.87, [12,388.26, [66,393.56.
[84,265.67, [30,509.82, [47,332.03, [46,803.53, [41,594.33, 170.-
232 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
093.82, 215. 524.15. 350.959.11. 418,316.51, 485.092.05, 5O0.290.54,
and 875.495.63.
Mr. Arthur K. Lanyon was born at Mineral Point. Wisconsin, Feb-
ruary 14, 1866, being a son of Simon H. and Emily M. (Dabb) Lanyon.
Simon H. Lanyon was born in the parish of St. Allen. Cornwall. Eng-
land, and at the age of two years was brought to this country by his
parents, who located at Mineral Point. Wisconsin. Other members of
the Lanyon family followed later, several branches of the name being
established on this side of the water. When the zinc ore industry began
at Mineral Point the Lanyons took an active hand in its development.
beginning in a small way as shippers of ore to the smelter at LaSalle,
Illinois. S. Ff. Lanyon devoted most of his life to the business. In
1872 he, in connection with Robert Lanyon, established a smelter at
LaSalle, Illinois, and they two should probably be called the founders
of the Lanyon smelter industry, although several others of the family
soon became associated with them, and almost all the men of the younger
generation have grown up in the business, which has brought them for-
tunes. The zinc smelting interests in the Lanyon name and control are
the most extensive in the world, and their plants are located at various
points in the middle west.
S. Ff. Lanyon was the first to come to Pittsburg and begin the
development of the zinc industry. He arrived in the summer of [877,
when there were not more than a dozen houses in the place and its
population proportionately small. Plis family and Robert Lanyon and
others of the name came in the following winter. Immediately on his
arrival he began the erection of the Pittsburg Smelter, which grew into
a great industry, and which is now being rebuilt. The Lanyons are
also building a large smelter at Caney, Kansas. They established and
owned for a number of years the zinc smelter at Iola. Kansas, but in
recent years they have disposed of most of their stock in this, although
it is still known as the Lanyon Zinc Company.
Mr. S. II. Lanyon died September 13. [897, having filled out a life
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 233
of exceeding usefulness and activity. His uncle, Robert Lanyon, is
still living. Emily M. (Dabb) Lanyon lives in Pittsburg and is a much
esteemed old lady among her many friends. She was born at Camborn,
in Cornwall. England, and remained there until she was married to S.
H. Lanyon, who, after reaching manhood, had gone back to his native
land to gain her fur his wife.
Air. Arthur K. Lanyon received his education in the Pittsburg
public schools and at the Kansas State Normal at Fort Scott, where
he graduated in 1S84. He then became connected with the Pittsburg
Smelter and learned all the details of the intricate business. He has
been with the bank continually since 1885, having entered the old insti-
tution in that year as bookkeeper. He was afterward promoted to assist-
ant cashier, which position he held for twelve years, and since then has
been cashier.
Air. Lanyon is an ardent Republican in politics. In 1893 he was
elected city treasurer, and served two terms. In April. 1903, he was
again elected to this office, and is still serving on that term. He has
also been a member of the city council. He is a prominent Mason, being
past high priest and past eminent commander of the Knights Templar,
and has attained other degrees of the order, being a Shriner. He is a
past exalted ruler of the Elks fraternity. Mr. Lanyon has one daughter,
Rosalie.
HARRY E. HORNADAY.
Harry E. Hornaclay, who at the time of his death was incumbent
of the office of county superintendent of education of Crawford county,
was one of the best known educators in this section of the state, and had
been engaged in the work for about fifteen years, most of it in connec-
tion with the schools of Crawford count)-. He was accordingly well
fitted for the multifarious and responsible duties of his last office, and it
is a matter of satisfaction to the citizens that the schools took many
231 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
steps forward during the two years of his incumbency, both in system
of work and grading and in general efficiency.
Mr. Hornaday was born on a farm in Bartholomew county, Indi-
ana, October 28, 1867. being a son of Chris Hornaday. later a prosperous
farmer of Kansas. There are four other children in the family, one
brother and three sisters. Mr. Hornaday was brought to Kansas when
he was five years old. and was reared on a farm near Cherokee. He
attended the country schools until he was twenty-one, and then began
teaching. He depended on his own efforts for his advancement, and his
progress was by the sure method of step by step. After teaching for a
few terms he attended the Kansas Normal College at Fort Scott for ten
weeks, and later graduated from the Gem City Business College at
Quincy, Illinois, where he was offered a position here as tutor, and on
account of ill health declined. He learned telegraphy and followed that
occupation for about two years. He taught school in nearly every part
of Crawford county, and was principal of the Hepler schools for two
years, and for the same period at Monmouth. He was elected to the
office of county superintendent of public instruction in the fall of 1902.
Since his death the office of county superintendent has heen most capably
filled by his wife.
Mr. Hornaday was married in May, 1890, to Miss Leila Watt, and
they have a family of three boys, one aged ten, one seven, and the young-
est two years old. The eldest, J. Rhea, is in the sixth grade: Ralph ('..
is in the fourth grade, and John L., is the youngest.
JOHN CRITES.
John Crites, proprietor of the ('rites Hotel in Arcadia, is one of the
prominent old-timers of Craw ford county, and one who has resided within
its bi mndaries since the Civil war period, and even during those troublous
times his duties as a soldier led him over this part of the state. His
career has heen one of self-achievement, beginning with the age oi eleven
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 235
years, and through many ways and experiences time has brought him
with honor to the last years of an active and useful life.
Mr. Crites was born in Niagara county. New York, November 20,
1832, a son of William and Ruth Crites. who were horn in Pennsylvania.
From New York his parents moved to Illinois, and thence to Iowa, and
both are now deceased.
Mr. Crites was educated in the Xew York state schools, but his
early training was terminated at the age of eleven, when he left home
and became a driver on the Erie canal. Two years later found him in
Wisconsin, employed during the summer in rafting logs down the Mis-
sissippi as far as St. Louis. After two years he located at East Troy.
Wisconsin, and did farm work for two years. In 1850 he drove a wagon
across the plains to California, and ten years were spent in mining, one
year of which, 1857, he passed along the Fraser river in British Colum-
bia. In October, i860, lie returned to New York by the water route,
and from Chicago went to Princeton, Illinois, thence to Wyanet, in the
same state, and during the following year was engaged 111 the saloon
business at East Troy, Wisconsin. He was ready for duty when the
Civil war came on. and in [86] enlisted in Company I), Third Wisconsin
Cavalry. Eleven men of this regiment were killed in a railroad wreck
while they were en route to Chicago. From St. Louis they were ordered
to Leavenworth, Kansas, thence out on the plains to Fort Learned; from
there to Fort Scott, and then to Lost Springs. From this last point Mr.
Crites made a trip as bearer of dispatches to Fort Scott in one day. He
was chosen lieutenant of his company after being in the service for six
months. From Fort Scott he was sent to Stalls (/reek, thence to Saline.
Missouri, and returned to Fort Scott on July 4. 1863. On the following
23d of July he established the military post at Baxter Springs, where he
was reinforced by Company A of the Second Kansas Colored troops.
He was in the battles of Cane Hill, Pea Ridge, and several others. < )n
October 5, 1863, he was summoned to Fort Scott as a witness in a court
martial. Major Pond, of Company C. Third Wisconsin, relieved him
236 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
at Fort Scott, and after five months of sickness he obtained a furlough
of twenty days, which was extended to forty days. On his return to
Fort Scott lie took charge of the provost guard, which he retained for
six months. He then rejoined his regiment and took command of his
company. Dnring Price's raid he was called to Fort Scott, and with
twenty men was sent to Balltown. Missouri, thence to Pappenville, to
Germantown, and to Warrensburg and Sedalia, and then after four days
and three nights' marching rejoined his regiment at Mound City. From
there he was sent to Paoli. Kansas, thence to Hickman's Mill: was or-
dered to Lexington. Missouri, where he fought against Price: after going
back to Independence, he fought Price all day along the Little Blue, was
in the following right at Westport, and later participated in the capture
of seven hundred of Price's men. His regiment was then sent to Fort
Scott with their prisoners. From there he took a supply train to Fort
Smith. Arkansas: thence back to Fort Scott, and three months later to
Wyandotte, Kansas, where he was given charge of three hundred troops
to go out on the plains. At the close of hostilities he was sent to Madi-
son, Wisconsin, and mustered out with an excellent record in even-
part of army service to which lie had been assigned.
In 1866 Mr. Crites came to Lincoln township, Crawford county,
and began farming. Fourteen years later he moved to Arcadia, where
lie was engaged in the hotel and livery business, but after a year sold
his hotel. He continued the conduct of his livery for twenty years.
During both of the Cleveland administrations he served as postmaster
of Arcadia. In -1N80 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace,
and has been in the office ever since, being also at the present time police
judge. Lie established the Crites Hotel in Arcadia about six years ago,
and has conducted this as the leading public house of the town, with a
fine patronage and with profitable results.
Mr. Crites lias been a loyal Democrat since casting his first vote.
1 ie is a Mason and affiliates with St. James Lodge No. 42. at East Troy.
\\ isconsin. lie was married at Fort Scott, Kansas, January 1. 1865, to
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 23T
Miss Caroline R. Harris. Her father. William Harris, came to Kansas
and located at Baxter Springs in the pioneer year of 1857. Mr. and
Mrs. Crites have the following children: Florence, the wife of T. W.
Caffney. an attorney of Seattle. Washington; William, of Arcadia;
Ruth, the wife of Chauncey Nichols, of Oklahoma; Alary, the wife of
J. D. Sheffield: and Josephine, who is attending a dramatic school in
Kansas < itv. Missouri.
HENRY WILSON.
Henry Wilson, an extensive coal operator and farmer at Frontenac.
Crawford county, has had a very prosperous and creditable career in
this county for the past ten years. Success has come to Air. Wilson as
the reward of merit. He had an up-hill fight in his early days, with the
struggle for a livelihood beginning when he was nine years old. But
his work early and late in the coal mines laid the foundation, in the days
before attaining manhood, for a life of usefulness and of substantial
success in this great industry. Pie is honored for his self-achievements,
for many years of steady and persistent climbing toward the goal of
better things, and for a character and personal integrity that have been
without blemish during all his years.
Mr. Wilson was hern in Northumberland, England, in 184(1, being
a smi of Joseph and Elizabeth (Wilson) Wilson, both natives of Eng-
land, and the former was an English farmer, but died and left his family
in dependent circumstances when the son Henry was an infant.
On that account the latter was compelled to become at a very early
age a wage earner and take his place among the toilers of earth. He
began working in the coal mines when he was nine years old and has been
in the coal business ever since. While working in the English collieries
during his boyhood he was compelled to go underground at three o'clock
in the morning, and was not hoisted to the surface again until six in the
evening. The miners of his early days and of that country had none of
23S HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
the comparative ease which surrounds the class at this time and in this
progressive country, and during the winter season the workmen never
saw daylight except on Sunday.
Mr. Wilson continued mining in his home land until he had gained
a position of some responsibility and attained great ability in his work.
and then, on May u. 1879. arrived in the United States. He first went
to Ohio, where for seven years he had charge of the coal mines of the
Cleveland, Lorain and Wheeling Railroad. He left that position and
came west in order to take charge of some mines of the Santa Fe Rail-
road in New Mexico, and he remained in that territory, with headquar-
ters at Blosshurg. from October. 1886. until July. 1893, when he was
transferred to the Santa Fe mines at Frontenac. Crawford county, Kan-
sas, which has since been his home. He remained in charge of the rail-
road's mines until November, 1807. at winch time the Santa Fe coal
department interests in Frontenac were turned over to the Mount Carmel
Coal Company. He then accepted the position of superintendent of
the mines of the Kansas and Texas Coal Company in Indian Territory,
and was located there for eighteen months. He then returned to Fron-
tenac and organized the La Belle Coal and Mining Company, with him-
self as president and a number of his old friends of the Santa Fe as
stockholders. A shaft was sunk on a farm which he purchased in Baker
township, one mile west of Frontenac. and this mine has been a success
from the start, the output now being from one hundred and seventy-five
to two hundred tons per day, and the pay roll including about fifty-five
men. Mr. Wilson has since bought out the other stockholders, and the
mine is now owned entirely by his family. He lives on the farm on
which the mine is located, and carries on farming in addition to mining.
There are eighty acres of land in the place, and it is situated in section 7,
Mr. Wilson was married in England in 1866 to Miss Sarah J.
Arkle. and they have a family of ten children, as follows: Robert Mor-
ris, weighrnaster at the mine; Ralph G, engineer at the mine; Henry,
|r.. pit boss of the mine: Matthew, a conductor on the Santa Fe Rail-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 239
road: George W., in the coal business in Indian Territory; James, in
school; Mrs. Elizabeth Turner; Airs. Annie Martin: Mrs. Sarah J. Hag-
erty : Mrs. Mary Hubert. The sons-in-law are all connected with the
coal business in this district. Mr. Wilson is a stanch Republican, but
with no ambition for connection with public affairs mure than to per-
form his duties as a good citizen.
THOMAS SHAFER.
Thomas Shafer, who is engaged in dealing in lumber and plastering
materials in Girard, belongs to that class of substantial citizens who
constitute the main strength of a community. They do not seek to
figure prominently in public affairs, but in business are energetic and
reliable and in citizenship are alert to all that stands for progress and
improvement. Air. Shafer has made for himself an enviable reputation
in trade circles in Girard. and as a member of the firm of Thomas Shafer
& Son is conducting a business which is now extensive and profitable.
A native of Knox count}-. Ohio, he was born on the 31st of October,
1832, and i^ a son of Philip and Rebecca (Piatt) Shafer. the father of
Pennsylvania and the mother of Xew Jersey. The father was a farmer
by occupation and reached the advanced age of eighty-one years, passing
away in [894. He had lung survived his wife, who died in 1S40 when
about lift\" ;;ears of age. Their son Thomas, as a student in the public
schools of Ohio, had mastered the common branches of learning, and he
lived upon the old homestead farm until twenty-two years of age, giving
his father the benefit of his services in the work of field and meadow. In
1854 he removed to Illinois, settling in Champaign, where he worked as
a farm hand for a year. On the expiration of that period he returned
to his home in Ohio, but after a short time went to Ogle county. Illinois,
where he purchased eighty acres of land, continuing it^ cultivation and
improvement until 1862.
Aroused by a spirit of patriotism, Mr. Shafer in that year offered
240 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
his services to the government, donned the blue uniform and became
a member of Company H, Ninety-second Illinois Infantry. With bis
command be went to the front and participated in the battles of Nash-
ville, Fort Blakeley and Mobile. He was mustered out on the 6th of
May. 1863, and then returned to his farm in Illinois, but in December
of the same year be once more enlisted, this time becoming a member
of a battery in the Second Illinois Light Artillery, with which he served
until the close of hostilities. He then received an honorable discharge
at Springfield, Illinois, in August. 1865. He had been a most loyal
soldier, unfaltering in his performance of any duty assigned him and
following the old flag wherever it led.
In 1866 Mr. Shafer sold his farm property in Illinois and removed
to Madison county, Iowa, where he purchased one hundred ami sixty
acres of land, making his home thereon for about three years. In 1869
he came to Crawford county and secured a claim, but afterward gave
this to his brother, while he turned his attention to the business of buy-
ing, feeding and shipping stock. He followed that pursuit for eight
years and then purchased a farm on which be engaged in the cultivation
of -rain as well as in stock-raising. He bad at one time four hundred
acres of laud, but has since sold one hundred and eighty acres of this.
In October. 1885. he removed to Girard. became identified with its com-
mercial interests as a lumber merchant, forming a partnership with J. 0.
Bell. After three years he sold his interest to Mr. Bell, and soon after-
ward became proprietor of a lumber yard at Farlington, Kansas, but
when two years had passed he disposed of that business and returned to
Girard. where he opened the lumber yard which is now conducted under
the firm style of Thomas Shafer & Son. They have the largest yard in
the city and are doing an extensive business, having secured a patronage
which is very gratifying. Their business methods will bear the closesl
investigation and scrutiny, and their success has been based upon un-
tiring diligence and honorable dealing.
.Mr. Shafer is a member of General Bailey Post No. 49, G. A. R..
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNT V 241
and lie gives his political allegiance to the Democracy and has served as
alderman of Girard from the third ward. Tie was married December 6,
[876, to Miss Mary E. Neet. a daughter of Jacob Xeet, one of the hon-
ored pioneer settlers of the county. They have two children. Harry L..
wlin is his father's partner and is married and lives across the street from
the paternal home: and Minnie, the wife of John Whalin, of St. lame-.
Missouri. In [902 Mr. Shafer erected a nice modern residence, which
he and his wife now occupy, and in social circles of the town they are
accorded a place of prominence in recognition of their sterling worth.
JAMES BRAINERD SMITH.
fames Brainerd Smith, capitalist and member of the real estate firm
of Smith and Miller, at Pittsburg, Crawford county, has been one of
the foremost business men and financiers of this city and county for the
past twenty years. For several years he was engaged in the mercantile
business, but since then has directed his attention and energies mainly to
operations in real estate and money transactions. Many enterprises in
the county have received their impetus from his firm, and with his suc-
cess he has promoted the prosperity and welfare of his community.
Mr. Smith was horn at Rosamond, Christian county. Illinois, < >cto-
ber 10. 1859, a son of Brainerd and Nancy Ophelia ( Haw ley ) Smith.
His father was born at Amherst, Massachusetts, and was educated in
Amherst College. He prepared himself for the ministry, hut on account
of poor health had to change his plans. He came to Illinois in the late
fifties, and began farming on a place near Rosamond. Christian county.
In [865 he removed with his family to Normal, Illinois, in order to give
hi- children the advantages of the school facilities there, and his three
suns tnd three daughters all received their advanced training in that
city. Mr. Smith. Sr.. died at Normal in [879, hut his wife is still living
on the old homestead at Normal. The name of one of their sons, Will-
iam Hawlev Smith, is a household word throughout the middle west.
242 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
He is one of the most popular lecture platform stars, and is not only a
repository of wit, humor and pathos, but is noted as a litterateur and
literary critic of great ability. He was associated as a co-lecturer with
Bill Nye during the last tour of that celebrity. William Hawley Smith
makes his home in Peoria, Illinois.
James Brainerd Smith graduated from the Normal public schools
and then attended the Northern Illinois Normal at that place. He was
engaged in teaching school for three years in central Illinois, after
which lie engaged in the mercantile business at Winona, Illinois. He
remained there until September, 1883, and at that date came to Pitts-
burg, Kansas, which has been the center of his business interests and
home ever since. He first went into the dry-goods business with his
brother, George K. Smith, who is now secretary of the National Lum-
bermen's Association at St. Louis. The firm of Smith and Smith con-
tinued for four years, and after its dissolution Mr. J. B. Smith became
the partner of Henry C. Willard, a pioneer merchant of the town, under
the name of the Willard Mercantile Company. Mr. Smith was con-
nected with this linn fur three years, and mi June 1. 1890. he went into
the real estate, financial ami loan business with C. A. Miller, under the
name of Smith and Miller. This soon became the leading firm of its
kind. in this section of the state, and the business has been continued
with increasing prosperity from year to year. They own large and
valuable additions of real estate and coal lands in Pittsburg and vicinity.
having three hundred acres of valuable coal land at the edge of the
town. Recently, in connection with capitalists from Kansas City, they
organized the Pittsburg Smelting and Mining Company. The company
have purchased the old Flobart zinc smelter near Pittsburg, built at an
original cosl of eighty thousand dollars, and this was one of Pittsburg's
most profitable industries until it was abandoned owing to the opening
up of gas fields further west. The company has remodeled and rebuilt
the plant, and will soon make the zinc industry once more a part of the
wealth-producing enterprises of Pittsburg. Mr. Smith holds the office
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 243
of secretary-treasurer in the Pittsburg Smelting and Mining Company.
For sixteen years Mr. Smith was secretary of the Pittsburg Building
and Loan Association, which has had a remarkably successful and bene-
ficial career in Pittsburg, lie affiliates with the Benevolent and Protec-
tive Order of Elks and with the Masons, and is accounted one of the
nmst public-spirited, solid and substantial citizens of Pittsburg, and has
the entire confidence of the investing public.
Mr. Smith was married at Gardner, Illinois, to Miss Lucy E. Armi-
tage. and they have five living children : Victor A.. Edgar Z., Ernest Q..
Willard Hawlev and Eleanor.
FRANK LAUGHLIN.
Frank Laughlin, who is the author of the history of the press of
Crawford county to he found in the general history portion of this
volume, is a newspaper man 'if long and varied experience, and has 1 een
very closely identified with the public -press of this section of the state
uf Kansas. During his earlier years he engaged in several vocations,
hut in the end found journalism the most inviting ami congenial occupa-
tion, and in the past twenty-five years has made its pursuit the most
successful and worthy aim of his endeavors.
Mr. Laughlin. whose full name is William Franklin, was born on
a farm near Sidney, Ohio, January 26, 1S54. a son of W. D. and
Permela Laughlin. His father in his early life was a steamboat captain
and served in other capacities in the river boating business, but later took
up the occupation of farmer. lie and his wife were both of Irish stock.
Mr. Frank Laughlin. after his common schooling, attended the Sid-
ney high school and the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, [llinois,
and also graduated from the business college at Bloomington. While
passing the years of hi- boyhood in Sidney he learned the printer's trade.
although he did not for several years make that the basis of his career.
He left university on account of overtaxed evesight. and then followed
244 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
the railway train service until he attained the position of conductor.
From that he drifted back into printing. He was one of the editors and
proprietors of the Girard Herald fi >r several years, and has also had
experience on the metropolitan dailies. For the past twelve years he
has been city editor of the Pittsburg Daily Headlight, and as a citizen
and in his editorial capacity has taken much interest in the public ad-
vancement and welfare of both city and county. Most of his twenty-
five years of newspaper experience has been in southeastern Kansas and
southwestern Missouri.
Mr. Laughlin was married at Girard. Kansas. July 3. 1877, to Miss
Grace E. Burnaugh, and they have two children : Mrs. C. V. Stewart,
born November i_\ 1878; and Harry Laughlin, born in August, 1888.
EDWIN V. LANYON.
Edwin V. Lanyon. president of the National Bank of Pittsburg, is
one of the foremost business men and industrial promoters of the city
and count}-. The name of Lanyon appears frequently throughout this
work, the family history and enterprises forming- an integral part of the
annals of Crawford county, as well as of several other industrial centers
of the middle west. Mr. E. V. Lanyon is of the second generation of
this remarkable family of financiers and industrial magnates, and has
done his full share in building up the great interests under the Lanyon
name and in making for himself an honored career among his fellow
citizens.
Mr. Lanyon was born at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, in 1863. that
town having been the point of settlement when the Lanyons came from
England, and there they made the beginnings of the zinc industry which
made their fortunes. Mis parents are Josiah and Jane (Trevorrow)
Lanyon, the latter a native of England and the former a native of Min-
eral Point, although of an English-born father. Josiah Lanyon came to
£r.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 249
Pittsburg in [882 in connection with the Pittsburg smelter established at
that time. He and his wife now live in Mineral Point. Wisconsin.
Mr. F. V. Lanyon was reared and received most of his education at
Mineral Point. Wisconsin. lie came to Pittsburg with his father in
[882, and learned the zinc smelting- business throughout and became con-
nected with the industry. He was later with the smelter at Iola. Kan-
sas, and afterward at Neodesha, where he remained until November,
1903, when he returned to Pittsburg as a place of resilience. He is
president of the Lanyons' bank in Pittsburg, the National Bank of Pitts-
burg, whose important place among the financial institutions of this part
• if the state is detailed in another part .if this work. He devotes all
his time t< â– the banking business, and has proved himself to lie pos-
sessed of the characteristic financial ability of the family.
Mr. Lanyon was elected mayor of Pittsburg in April. 1897, and
gave a most business-like and creditable administration for two years.
Pittsburg has been bis place of resilience ami center of activity for over
twenty years, and be has always been found a most enterprising factor
in promoting its development and welfare. He is a Republican in poli-
tics. Fraternally be is connected with die Benevolent ami Protective
I Irder of bilks and with other societies.
Mr. Lanyon was married in Pittsburg in (889 to Miss Lydia Scott,
daughter of Thomas' I.. Scott, whose history and important connection
with the city of Pittsburg is given elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs.
Lanyon have three children. Margery, Edwina and Dorothv.
O. A. REES.
i). A. Rees is lessee of one of the large coal mines of Crawford
county. Cherokee Coal and Mining Company No. 1. located at Cherokee,
and be is well known both as a business man and public-spirited citizen.
He has been connected with the coal mining industry most of Ins active
life, ami has been singularly successful in this line of work. At the
250 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
mine where he now has charge the monthly output runs from two to
three thousand tons per month, of several grades, obtained from a fine
three and a halt loot vein. Between fifty and a hundred men are em-
ployed at good wages at the mine, and the entire operations are con-
ducted in such a way as to reflect credit upon the manager. Mr. Rees
is both a theoretical and practical miner, has studied and worked at the
industry in all its details, and is recognized as one of the most progres-
sive and successful operators in Crawford county. He was located at
Fleming in this county for three years, where he was superintendent of
W. Coal Mine Company No. 3. and for some fourteen years was at the
Osage mines.
Air. Rees was born in Brooklyn, New York, forty-five years ago,
being a son of John and' Elizabeth (Mills) Rees. His father died in
Kansas at the age of sixty-four. He was a merchant for many years.
He was one of the most ardent supporters of the Republican party from
the time of its organization until his death. He was at the conven-
tion which first established the party in national politics, when General
Fremont was nominated for the presidency, in 1856. Fraternally he was
an Odd Fellow. His wife was a native of Liverpool. England, of a
good English family, and she too is now deceased.
Mr. Rees was reared in New York and Vermont, and has supple-
mented his public school training by practical and close attention to af-
fairs, and has always been successful in his various undertakings. At
the age of twenty-three he was married in Osage county, this state, to
Miss S. Jenkins, who was born in Pennsylvania, but was reared and
educated in Kansas. By this union there are eight children, as follows:
Anna, Stella, Fred. Thomas. William. Mattie, John and Irene. Mr.
Rees affiliates with the Masonic order at 1 teage City, and in politics he
is liberal in his beliefs. He assisted in making up the reports for this
district of the United States government geological survey in 1904.
He is popular with his employees, and frank and cordial with all his
associates.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY '251
CHRISTOPHER C. GRACEY.
Christopher C. Grace}', who owns and resides upon a nice little
estate of fort) acres in Osage township, is one of the old settlers of
Crawford enmity, having come here in 1869. when the prairies still
stretched almost continuous from one boundary line to the other, only
broken here and there by a cultivated field and a newly established
homestead. He has accordingly witnessed the development and trans-
formation which have since taken place in the county, and as lie has
borne his part must creditably in all the activities to -which he has Inn
called he merits mention in the history of his county as a man of worth
and public-spirited citizenship.
Air. Gracey also deserves mention as one of the soldier citizens of
the county. On the 21st of August. 1863, being at that time sixteen
years of age, he enlisted at St. Louis, from Bond county. Illinois, in
Company 1) (later transferred to Company E), Third Illinois Cavalry,
under Captain Joseph K. McLean and Colonel Karahan; from Benton
Barracks they were sent to Little Ruck, and later formed General Steele's
body-guard; were at Memphis. Nashville and at various other points in
the Mississippi valley; were ordered to Fort Snelling, Minnesota, to
quell the outbreak of the Sioux Indians, and that rough-rider service
took them all along the northern border toward Canada and in the
Dakotas. Mr. Gracey received his honorable discharge at Springfield,
Illinois, in October. 1865. after having seen hard service in the army
and gaining an excellent record as a soldier although still a boy when
he was discharge I.
Mr. Gracey was born in Madison county, Illinois, in 1847. being a
son of William and Caroline (Campbell) Gracey, his father a native of
^Tennessee and of an old family of that state and his mother a native of
North Carolina. The parents both died in Illinois, the father in Han-
cock county. He followed the occupation of farmer, in politics was a
Democrat, and he and. his wife were members of the Methodist church.
252 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
They had six children, five sons. John. William. Joseph, Christopher C.
and George, and all of them were soldiers. William D. died at Little
Rock. Arkansas, in the fall of 1863. and George, the youngest, was
drowned in the Ohio river in the spring of 1865.
Mr. Gracey was first married to Miss Kate Smith, a native of
Kentucky, a daughter of Asa and Nancy Smith, also of that state. This
first wife died in Coffey county, Kansas, leaving tun sons, Willard and
George. Mr. Gracey afterward married Alary Ftta Thompson, a daugh-
ter of George and Sarah Thompson, of Madison county. Illinois. There
are two children by this union. Frank and Verda. Mr. Gracey is a'
Republican in politics, and is affiliated with the Grand Army of the Re-
public.
JAMES U. TRFADWELL.
James U. Treadwell, the well known jeweler and also serving as
one of the city fathers of Pittsburg, has spent all the years of his ma-
jority in this city and has prospered with the advance of time. He is
an excellent business man. with a reputation for honorable, fair dealing
in all his relations with men, and his career has been according to his
just merits and true personal worth.
Mr. Treadwell was horn at Fort Browerton, Oneida county, Xew
York, in 1864, being a son of E. A. and Fidelia (Means) Treadwell.
His father was born in Onondaga count}'. Xew York, and lived in that
-tale for a number of years. In 1867 he brought his family to Hills-
dale county, Michigan, where he was engaged in farming for several
years. While in that comity his wife died, in 1S0S. In 1SN2 he and
the other members of the family came out to Crawford county, Kansas,
where he took up a farm in Baker township, two and a half mile- east
of Pittsburg. He continued his farming operations there until recently,
when he retired and moved to Pittsburg, which is now his home.
Mr. lames I". Treadwell spenl the years of his life preceding his
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 253
coming to Crawford count}- on a farm, and had a substantial public
school education. Shortly after his arrival in this county he came to
Pittsburg and went to work in the Lanyon smelter, which had just been
started up. He remained at that work for two years, and then estab-
lished his present business of jeweler and watchmaker. He has gained
the confidence and the patronage of the citizens, and his trade has been
on the steady increase during all the twenty years since it was estab-
lished. He has a nice store at 42 1 North Broadway, and his stock-
is one of the best in the city.
Mr. Treadwell is a stanch Republican in politics. He is deeply
interested in the welfare and progress of his city, and in April, 1903.
was elected to the city council as the representative of the third ward.
He has given of his time and efforts in a public-spirited and generous
manner to the administrative affairs of the city. Mr. Treadwell lias
fraternal affiliations with the Modern Woodmen of America.
.Mr. Treadwell was married at Pittsburg December 25, [894, to
Miss Rosie Brewer, and they have one daughter, Majil.
LEWIS HESS.
Lewis Hess, the well known stock farmer at Hepler, has passed all
his life since boyhood in Crawford count}-, and has gained a most
creditable degree of success both as a farmer and business man. He
has been identified with the progressive movements in the county, and
has often been found among the cohorts of progress and upbuilding and
in the promotion of some especially worthy enterprise. Public trusts
have also been confided in him, and he has never lacked the eminent
degree of public-spirited citizenship for which our German-American
residents are noted.
Mr. Hess was born in Hanover. Germany, January 1, 185 1. being
a son of Henry and Grace 1 Brunjus) Hess. Hi- parents brought their
family to America in 1855 ami settled first in Benton county. Missouri,
254 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
but in the early year of 1866 moved to Crawford county, or, as it was
then called, the Neutral Lands. His father engaged in farming here
during the remainder of his life, which came to a peaceful close in 1804.
when he was eighty-two years old. followed two years later by the
departure of his wife, then aged seventy-tw?o years.
Mr. Lewds Hess attended school in Missouri, and after coming to
Crawford county lived at home and followed farming until 1877. He
then bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Sherman town-
ship, but sold this in 1886 and moved into Hepler, where he first em-
barked in the livery business and later in the general merchandise busi-
ness. Since selling out his mercantile interests he has devoted himself
most successfully to stock farming, and be has found this a most profit-
able line of activity. He has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres,
and eighty acres of this lie< within the city limits of Hepler. and his
residence is also in the town.
Mr. Hess was for some time a member of the Masonic blue lodge
at Walnut, Lodge No. 22(). He is a staunch Republican, and in public
affairs has held the office of township assessor and school treasurer.
Mr. Hess was married. January 31. 1877. to Miss Ella Carter, a daugh-
ter of Albert and Mary Ann Carter. Her father died in 1890. at the
age of sixty-five, but her mother is now living at the Hess home, being
seventy-nine years old. Mr. and Mrs. Hess have had the following
children: Charles, who was a brakeman on the Missouri. Kansas and
Texas Railroad, and was killed at Junction City about two years ago;
Herman, who died at the age of eighteen months; James, who died at
the age of six months: Ruth, who died when three years old: and
Dwyer, who died when four months old.
GRANVILLE SIMEON SCOTT.
Granville Simeon Scott, of Osage township, has been a resident
of Crawford county since 1869, being one of the old-timers. A man
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 255
of varied experience in life, having proved his usefulness and worth
in all the departments of activity to which he has been called, and pos-
sessed of that strict integrity of character which lends force and influ-
ence to man in every age of life, he has not been otherwise than potent
for good and the welfare of his community, and as such is esteemed by
all his fellow citizens.
Mr. Scott is one of the honored veterans of the Civil war who
have since taken up their residence in Crawford county and proved such
a valuable addition to its sterling citizenship. He enlisted in Moniteau
count}-, Missouri, in November, 1861, in Company 1. Twenty-fourth
Missouri Cavalry, going into camp at Jefferson City, under officer-
Captain Rice and Colonel Hall. He saw hard ami constant service in
what was in man}- respects the most dangerous battle ground of the
war. on the western side of the Mississippi; was again and again in
conflict with the troopers of Joe Shelby, Quantrell, Coffey, Anderson.
and other of the noted rebel leaders, under whom the bloodthirstiest
guerrillas and bushwhackers often served. He was at the fight at Tur-
key creek, and in fact was all over the state of Missouri, experiencing
many narrow escapes: was at Pisgah, and also had a severe skirmish
in a tobacco field; and toward the end of the war went to New Mexico
as a guard for a government train of supplies. After a long and wear-
ing service he received his honorable discharge.
Mr. Scott was horn in Monticello, Wayne county. Kentucky, Feb-
ruary 25. 1S30. being a son of William and Parnita (Goodrich) Scott.
both natives of Kentucky. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers
served in the Revolutionary war, and the latter lived to the great age
of one hundred and five years. The father was killed in an accident
while living in Missouri, at the age of fifty-five. His children were:
Granville S., Sarah A., Collie B., Allen, William, and James, who w as
killed while a soldier in the Confederate army. The mother attained,
the age of eighty-nine years. She was a member of the Baptisl church.
Mr. Scott was reared in Cole county, Missouri, in a backwoods
256 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
country and period, receiving his educational advantages in an old-
fashioned schoolhouse with slab seats and fireplace. In 1852 he was
married to Elizabeth Jane Curnutt, who was born in Virginia, being
one of the three children left at her mother's death at thirty-five, the
others being Andrew J., who was a soldier in the Fourth Missouri Cav-
alry, and Mary. Her father, who was a member of the Baptist church
and a good and worth} - man. died at the age of fifty-six. Mr. and
Mrs. Scott came out to Crawford county, as has been mentioned, in
1869, and were among the first settlers at Girard. Later they moved
to their present home, where he owns a nice little farm of forty acres
and has all the comforts and conveniences which his lifetime of effort
so well deserves.
Their children are as follows: Andrew J., of Neosho county: John
M.: Granville Sherman: Joseph, who died at the age of thirty-one,
leaving four daughters; and James \Y.. who died at the age of twenty-
five. Mr. Scott and bis wife are members of the Christian church, and
he is affiliated with the G A. R. post.
WILLIAM LANYON, Jr.
William Lanyon, Jr.. a director of the National Bank of Pittsburg
and prominent in other directions in Pittsburg and southeastern Kansas,
is a member of the well known Lanyon family which figures so con-
spicuously 011 these pages both from a personal point of view and be-
cause of the immense impetus which their industries and financial enter-
prises have given to Crawford count}' as well as t< 1 other centers oi the
middle west. Zinc smelting was for many years the great industry of
the Pittsburg district and still retains an important place here, and the
various members of the last two adult generations of the Lanyons were
responsible for its establishment and successful prosecution in these
parts. Mr. William Lanyon, Jr., has himself maintained the high repu-
tation of bis house in his career as a financier and industrial magnate.
J
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY '261
and is recognized as one of the powers that move the business machin-
ery of Pittsburg.
Mr. Lanyon was born at .Mineral Point, Wisconsin, in 1862, being
a son of William and Maria (Thomas) Lanyon. William, Sr., was
born in England, where all the family had their origin, and when a
child was brought to American shores by his parents, who settled at
Mineral Point about the same time the other Lanyons located there.
Mineral Point is the place where the Lanyon zinc industry, which after-
ward aggregated millions of dollars in property, had its humble begin-
ning. The senior Mr. Lanyon came to Pittsburg, Kansas, in [882 11 1
the interest of the smelter plant established at that time, and has since
spent much of his time in southeastern Kansas, hut he and his wife
still retain their home at Mineral Point. He is now president of the
State Bank of Iola, Kansas, at which city he spends much of his time.
Like most of the other members of the family, he has disposed of a
large part of his smelter interests and is devoting his attention mainly
ti 1 hanking.
Mr. William Lanyon, Jr., came to Pittsburg with his father in
[882, and hecame connected with the then recently established Lanyon
smelter. A few years later the discovery of natural gas in the vicinity
of Iola caused a removal of the smelter plants to that place in order
that they might benefit by the cheap fuel, and Mr. Lanyon moved to that
city temporarily, and was later connected with the Lanyon zinc works
at Neodesha. All the time, however, he has retained his home in Pitts-
burg, his residence on North Joplin street occupying the entire hali
block between Nineteenth and Twentieth, being one of the most com-
modious and comfortable homes of the city. In September, 1903, be
disposed of most of his interests at Neodesha and purchased an interest
in the Lanyon bank at Pittsburg, the National Bank of Pittsburg, and
as one of the directors he gives largely of his time and energies to the
i Management of this important financial institution, whose history is
262 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
given on other pages of this work. He is one of the largest stockholders
in this bank.
Mr. Lanyon is a member of the Pittsburg board of education, and
is interested in all matters affecting the public welfare. He has attained
tn the thirty-second degree in Masonry, and is a member of the com-
mandery and of the Mystic Shrine. He was married in 1883 to Miss
Amelia (Spratler) Lanyon, and they have four children. Roy, Linnett.
Wilma and Helen.
JESSE C. HIETT.
A most noticeable fact in the business world is that young men
are c< unrolling the avenues and arteries of trade, are conducting impor-
tant industrial and commercial interests and are rapidly working their
way tu the front in the professions. Take any western community and
therein it will be found that the real leaders in business are men who
perhaps have not yet attained the prime of life, but who, possessing the
enterprising and progressive spirit which dominates the west, have
made for themselves a name and place as representatives of financial
interests. To this class Jesse C. lliett belongs. He is engaged in the
real estate business in Girard, Kansas, and although but a young man
has secured a good clientage in his chosen field of labor.
He was born in Crawford county. Kansas. March jo. [876, and
is a son of James M. and Sarah L. (Brown) Hiett, the former a native
of Virginia and the latter of Illinois. James M. lliett, after leaving
the Old Dominion, became a resident of Illinois, and the year 1874
witnessed his arrival in Crawford county. Kansas, where lie secured a
tract of land and began agricultural pursuits. He was thus actively
engaged until about three years ago. when he put aside the arduous
duties of the farm and retired to private life, establishing his home in
Girard, where he is now enjoying a well merited rest and the fruits of
his former toil. Tn the family were live children, namely: Arthur E.,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 263
who is now a resident of Pittsburg, Kansas; Julius S., who makes Ins
home in San Francisco, California; Jesse C. of this review; Hattie
May, the wife of Hugh Gregg, of Girard; and Marl C. who is at home
with his parents.
In taking up the history of Jesse C. Iliett, a native son of Craw
ford county, we present to our readers the life record of one who is
widely and favorably known here. He is indebted to the public school
system for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed, and when
he had completed the work of the common schools he entered the high
schools at Cherokee. Kansas. He has always made his home under the
parental root. In March, 1901, he became a member of the firm oi
David & Hiett, real estate agents of Girard, but this connection was
maintained for only four months, at the end of which time Mr. Hiett
purchased his partner's interest and has since conducted business alone
as a real estate, fire insurance and loan agent. He has thoroughly in-
formed himself concerning the realty values in this part of the country,
and he also does considerable business in the other departments of the
undertaking, to which he directs his energies. He makes a specialty
of Kansas and Missouri farm lands, is also emigrant agent for the
Frisco Railroad. Mr. Hiett belongs to Girard Lodge No. 55, I. O.
( ). I ; .. of Gi rar d, and he gives his political support to the Democracy.
He is also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Girard, as
a charter member of Eyrie No. 869. He served as township clerk for
three years, but otherwise has never sought or desired public office, pre-
ferring to give his attention to his business affairs, wherein he is meet-
ing with creditable success.
WILLIAM L. RINGO.
William L. Ringo, representing the business interests of Girard
as a real estate agent — the junior member of the firm of Lai Hey &
Ringo, — was born in Carroll county, Kentucky. April 29, 1X1,0. and
264 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
is a son of Germany M. and Sarah (King) Ringo, both of whom are
natives of the same state. The father was a fanner by occupation, and
after following that pursuit in Kentucky for a number of years he came
to Kansas, establishing his home in Crawford county in the year 1882.
Here he resumed agricultural pursuits, in which he continued until his
life's labors were ended by death, although owing to ill health in later
years he had largely left the active work of the farm to others. He
passed away August 23, 1901, at the age of seventy-one years. His
widow, who still survives, is now living at Mulberry, Crawford county.
William L. Ringo spent his boyhood days in his parents' home,
and when a youth of sixteen accompanied them on their removal to
Kansas. His education was acquired in the public schools of his native
state, and he worked upon the home farm from early boyhood, assisting
in the labors of the field as soon as old enough to handle the plow.
Owing to his father's invalid condition he took charge of the home
farm in Kansas when nineteen years of age and conducted it until his
removal to Pittsburg. In the spring of 1901 he went to that city, where
he entered the employ of the Taylor &• Wheeler Loan Company, con-
tinuing in that position for eight months. He next joined Mr. Radley
in the real estate and insurance business, and the firm of Radley &
Ringo at Girard has already secured a good clientage and made for
itself an excellent reputation for honorable and progressive business
methods.
On the 2d of June. 1802. occurred the marriage of Mr. Ringo
and Miss Emma S. White, a daughter of William S. and Elizabeth
M. ( Rouch) White, of Kentucky. This marriage has been blessed with
one son, William L., now an interesting lad of ten years. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Ringo hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church,
and he exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democracy.
He gives his aid and co-operation to many movements for the general
good, and during his residence in Girard he has wen the favorable
regard of many with whom he has come in contact through both busi-
ness and social relations.
i iver forty years. He
belongs to
of citizenship, and h
as alreadj
it and energy of his \
vorthy sire
account of himself in
tlu- varied
coin township, Crawfi
n'd county.
J. and Mary (Collins
I Sheffield.
len Collins, were nath
its of Ire-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
JOSEPH D. SHEFFIELD.
Joseph D. Sheffield, a prominent citizen of Arcadia, is a na
son of Crawford county, and hi'; family name has been a fami
one in this part of the country for
the young and progressive elemen
shown himself possessed of the spi
and grandsires. and is giving a goi
relations of his busy years.
Mr. Sheffield was horn in Li
August 17. 1877. a son of Alphes
His mother's parents. Daniel and Ell
land, and the former came to America in young- manhood, and during
the days of gold went out to Pike's Leak and mined. He returned
to Lecompton, Kansas, and in ]8f>2 enlisted in the Union army, and
gave three years and three months to the government, as a patriotic
defender of his adopted land, lie died in 1000 at the age of seventy-
seven, and his wife had passed away in 1869.
Mr. Sheffield's paternal grandparents were Joseph and Ellen Shef-
field, who were horn near Rochester. New York. In 1847 Joseph came
out to DeKalb county. Illinois, and was engaged in farming there
until July. 1860. when he sold his place and came to Lincoln township,
Crawford county, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of
government land. His son. Alphes J. Sheffield, also took one hundred
and sixty acres in Lincoln township, and improved it and engaged
in stock-raising. He loaned money to the poor settlers, and when
the Joy land troubles came up he decided that Joy was in the right,
which brought a storm of abuse upon him from the settlers, who even
refused him his claim. At the first term of court ever held in Craw-
ford county he had twenty-five cases, and won every one of them.
He was a prominent man in the various affairs of the county. In T878.
while the old Fort Scott and Memphis road was being constructed
266 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
through his farm, the horse he was riding ran in front of a construc-
tion train, and he was killed. His wife died in 1882.
Mr. Joseph D. Sheffield was deprived of his mother's care when
five years old. and he then made his home with his grandfather Col-
lins, who sent him to the parochial school at Scammon for three years
and a half, and after that he attended the high school at Arcadia and
for two years was at Osage Mission. He lived with his grandfather
Collins till the latter's death, and in iqoo he moved to Arcadia. He
has a tine farm a mile and a half north of town, and operates this 111
a business-like way that gains results. He was elected assessor of his
township for a two years' term, and still holds this office.
Mr. Sheffield is a Democrat in politics. He affiliates with Lodge
No. 15c;. of the Ancient < >rder of United Workmen, and also with the
Knights of Columbus, and his church membership is with the Catholic
church at Arcadia. Mr. Sheffield married. February 3, [897, Miss
Mary Crites, a (laughter of John Crites. whose interesting personal
history is given on other pages of tins work. Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield
have one child. Joseph Daniel. Jr., horn December 5, [899
JOHN J. CAMPBELL.
John J. Campbell, present incumbent of the office of city attornej
of Pittsburg, Kansas, and otherwise prominent in the public and pro-
nal life of the city and count)', joined the ranks of the legal fra-
ternity a decade ago and has had a most successful career. He gained
his start on the road to success by bis great energy and inherited talent
for participation in public affairs and legal matters, and he has for
several years been recognized among the leading representatives at
the bar in one of the foremost counties of the state.
Mr. Campbell has the distinction of being a native of the Sun-
flower state, so that his life from birth has been identified with its
institutions and activities. He was born in Neosho county, September
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 267
10, 1869, a son of Daniel and Mary (McRae) Campbell, both of
staunch Scotch stock and lineage. His father was born in Nova Scotia,
and followed farming. He migrated to Kansas in 1867, locating in
Neosho county, where he was one of the pioneers and took up a prairie
claim. He was a highly successful farmer there until his death, which
occurred in [871. Mrs. Mary Campbell was also a native of Nova
Scotia, and now makes her home in Erie, Kansas, being an old lady,
endeared by her many graces of character to all who know her.
Mr. Campbell spent his youth in Neosho county on the home farm.
He received his early education in the district schools of his com-
munity, and later entered Raker University, at Baldwin. Kansas, where
he was a student for two wars. At the age of nineteen he came to
Pittsburg and took up the study of law in the office of his brother,
Phillip P. Campbell, whose career receives cursory mention below. He
was admitted to the bar in December, 1893, and six months latei
appointed city attorney of Pittsburg. In 1900 he was elected county
attorney of Crawford o unty, and after serving two years was offered
the nomination again, hut declined, owing to the fact that hi- brother
was in that year a candidate for Congress. In the spring of 1903 he
was again appointed city atti rney, and is still serving in that office.
Mr. Campbell is unmarried. He is highly esteemed 111 - 1
business circles, and is especially prominent in local politics, lie has
gained quite a reputation as an orator, and is often called upon to make
speeches during the campaigns and on other occasions. He is a past
exalted ruler and very prominent in the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, and is a high-degree Mason, having all the cons
degrees including the thirty-second and being a Shriner.
HON. P. P. CAMPBELL.
Hon. P. P. Campbell, the brother of John J. Campbell, and present
congressman from the third Kansas district, is a lawyer and profes-
268 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
sional man of whom the state has greatest reason to be proud. He
was born in Nova Scotia in 1862, and grew up on his father's claim
in Neosho county, working hard at farm duties during his youth. He
received a district school education, and afterward entered Baker Uni-
versity, where he helped pay his expenses by the vigorous use of a
bucksaw. Such energy, combined with his native talent, was a cer-
tificate in advance for good results, and after hard work he graduated
six years later. He studied law while on the farm and in the office
of Coggswell and Kinney, at Osage Mission, Kansas, and was admit-
ted to the bar at Fredonia, Wilson county, Kansas, in 1889.
He began practice at Pittsburg immediately after bis admission, and
his ability and enterprising resourcefulness soon won him a place among
the leading members of the bar in Crawford county. He made his
first political speech at Chanute, Kansas, in 1884. and ever since that
time has been in great demand as a campaign orator, and has delivered
effective speeches in sixty-five different counties of Kansas. One of
his notable addresses was delivered before the Marquette Club at Chi-
cago, at the Lincoln Day banquet, February 12, 1902. and was entitled
"Responsive Powers of the Republic."
On June 12, 1902, the Republican convention of the third Kansas
district, in session at Winfield, Kansas, nominated him for Congress,
with the unanimous endorsement of his county, and in the following
November be was elected by an overwhelming majority, and is now
one of the intelligent representatives of his state in the lower house of
the national legislature.
JOHN R. LINDBURG.
John R. Lindburg, president of the First National Bank of Pitts-
burg, Kansas, has been connected with the commercial and financial
affairs of this city almost since its inception. In fact, when he came
here, twenty-seven years ago. the population numbered forty-two per-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 273
sons. Pittsburg has assumed very important proportions since that
time, and is now one of the leading industrial centers of the state. Mr.
Lindburg, by his willing co-operation in this remarkable growth and
upbuilding, has made himself an influential personality in the community,
and is recognized as a foremost citizen in financial, social and purely
civic matters.
Mr. Lindburg was born in the town of Wimmerby, Sweden, in
1X41), and was reared to manhood there, receiving his college education
in the old institution known as Wimmerby College. He was nineteen
year- old when he came to the United State- in [868, and his first loca-
tion was in Chicago, where he worked in a sawmill for six months.
From that city he went to Peoria, Illinois, but soon returned to Chicago
and obtained a position in a store, and later was in the mercantile busi-
ness for himself in that city. From Chicago he went to Red Oak. towa,
where he clerked in a store for a time. He took up what has proved
his permanent residence in Pittsburg, Kansas, in 1 S 7 - . He had a store
in those early days, and his own enterprises and success have increased
with the progress of the city, which, a few years after his settlement
there, entered upon a solid and substantial boom, and grew from a mere
hamlet to a flourishing and wealthy city in the course of a decide of
time.
The First National Bank, of which Mr. Lindburg is president, was
established 111 [886, T. J. Hale being its first president. In the following
year .Mr. Lindburg was made its vice president, and 111 [888 was elected
president. On assuming the responsibilities of this important position he
disposed of his commercial interests, and ha- since devoted all his
energies to making the bank a power and factor in the business activity
of the city and county, which laudable ambition he can be said to have
attained in a high degree. lie has been an active working president
since the day of his election, always 011 duty, and his genial temperament
and wholesouled and happy manner of treating all his associates and
customers have been important elements in the institution's success.
•274
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
The First National has had a somewhat remarkable growth and progress.
and its permanence and financial integrity and conservatism of manage-
ment arc made much of by all its patrons. The prosperous history and
present condition of the First National is shown at a glance in the fol-
lowing tables, one showing a comparison of assets from 1886 to 1905,
and the other the statement of resources and liabilities as existing in
February of 1905 :
ASSETS.
.$ 98,855.83
. 108,217.63
. 123,677.30
. 151,825.91
• 139,84337
. 138,760.66
. 167.202.1S
. 158,174-34
. 172,496.10
. 163,509.66
RESOURCES.
Loans and Discounts $558,279.59
Furniture and Fixtures 6,000.00
Banking House 21,000.00
Other Real Estate 4,231 .65
U. S. Bonds $105,000.00
Cash & due fm. Banks 218.74561
Total 323.745.6a
$913,256.85
1896 $161,499-82
1897 195.761. 14
1898 255,185 53
1899 374,805.85
1900 420.305.54
1 901 545,98921
1902 666,138.25
1003 897,456.87
1005 916,23
LIABILITIES.
Capital Stock $ 50,000.00
Surplus and Net Profits 40,385.70
Circulation 50.000.00
U. S. Govt. Deposit. $36,000.00
Other Deposits $736.87115
Total Deposits 77j.S71.15
$913,256.85
Mr. Lindburg is considered one of the most public-spirited men of
Pittsburg. Seldom has a movement for the upbuilding or betterment
of the city been without his active co-operation and assistance, often
has been undertaken with his leadership and always with bis entire sym-
pathy. He is especially commended for his efficient administration of the
affairs of the Pittsburg Building and Loan Association, of which he
has been president for twenty years, and which during that time has
never lost a dollar. He has built about ten brick business buildings in the
citv, and, with bis associates, has put up about two hundred dwellings
which have been soid to the laboring people on installments.
For a number of years Mr. Lindburg was president of the Com-
mercial Club, of which he was the founder. He was a member of the
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY ^7;>
first city council, and is now a member of the city school board, and in
these places has done much for civic improvement and educational ad-
vancement. He is prominent in Free Masonry, being- past eminent com-
mander of the Knights Templar, and has held several other positions in
the fraternity.
Mr. Lindburg was married at Cambridge, Illinois, in 1S74. to Miss
Emma Vaughn, a native of Vermont. They have three children: Lotta
is the wife of Captain William J. Watson, an attorney at law and the
present postmaster of Pittsburg; the two other children are Rolla R. and
John R., Jr.
I WIKS CAREY.
James Carey, who is filling the position of police judge at Girard
and was formerly identified with agricultural interests in Crawford
county, is a native son of New England, his birth having occurred in
Connecticut on the 5th of November, [838. He is a son of Robert and
Ellen (Gordon) Carey, the former a native of Ireland and the latter
of Scotland. In the year [836 the father came to the United States and
took up his abode at Newburgh, New York. In 1850 he went to New
Jersey, where he lived neighbor to General George B. McClellan. In
the year 1864, however, he left the Atlantic coast and made his way to
the Mississippi valley, taking up his abode in Iroquois count), Illinois.
There he engaged in stock-raising and farming, making his home in
that locality until his death, which occurred in 1867, when he was fifty-
three years of age. His wife survived him for about eight years and
died in 1875 at the age of fifty-eight years. One of their sons, Rev. Dr.
Joseph Carey, has keen pastor of the Episcopal church at Saratoga, New
York, for thirty years. Another son, Thomas Carey, was a prominent
attorney of Xew Jersey and a partner of Reuben Van Pelt, of New York,
hut is now deceased.
James ("are}', whose name forms the caption of this review, pur-
276 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
sued his education in the public schools of Connecticut and of New
York, and at the age of twenty years he entered upon his business career
as an express messenger in the employ of the Wescott & Dodd Express
Company, of New York, and Savannah, Georgia, on board the Star of
the South. He was thus engaged f< >r twi i years, when the vessel was
compelled to leave the south on account of the troublous times incident
to the Civil war. Mr. Carey afterward secured a clerical position with
George W. Veasy. who was proprietor of the Pulaski Hotel. Later
going to New York, he took charge of the Twelfth Street House for
one year and on the expiration of that period turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits at Warwick, New York, his time being thus occu-
pied for two years. He next went to Ramapo valley and assisted in
organizing a company for service in the Civil war in connection with
Colonel Frank Price, a son of ex-Governor Price, of New Jersey. Mr.
Carey, however, did not go to the front because he was taken ill. He
lay sick for fifteen months and was still in an invalid condition when
he went witli his parents to Iroquois county. Illinois, in 1864. There
he engaged in farming. He and his father purchased sixteen hundred
acres of land from \Y. W. 1. eland, and continued the operation of that
property until 1875, when he went to California for his health. After
a year he returned and was again engaged in farming until 1883, when
once more his health failed him and he removed to Florida. In that
part of the country he engaged in the raising of fruit and in the
real estate business until [888. In 1891 he sold his farm in Illinois on
account of bis health and came to Kansas. Here he purchased three
hundred and sixty acres of hind in Grant township, Crawford county,
and began farming, operating his property until December, 1902, when
be rented his land and took up his abode in Girard.
Mr. Carey is now living retired from agricultural pursuits, hut de-
rives a good income from his farming interests. In April, 1903. he was
elected police judge of Girard and is now acceptably filling that posi-
tion. Ills first presidential vote was cast for Stephen V Douglas, and
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 277
he afterward voted for Abraham Lincoln and has since been a staunch
Republican. While living in Illinois he was appointed justice of the
peace by Governor Oglesby, and upon his return from the south he
was elected to that office, which he held until his removal to Kansas.
He has been a prominent and influential factor in political circles in ev-
ery community in which lie lias resided. He attended the Republican
national convention held at Chicago when Benjamin Harrison was nom-
inated, and he has also been a delegate to the state conventions of
Kansas.
In December, [860, Judge Carey was united in marriage to Miss
Adeline Van Wert, a daughter of Stephen Wan Wert, and they now have
two children: Ella E., the wife of J. H. Slusher. of Paxton, Illinois;
and James, who died at the age of ten years. Both children were born
in Brooklyn. New York. Mrs. Carey is a member o>f the Methodist
Episcopal church, while Judge Care}' is a communicant of the Episcopal
church. Fraternally he is connected with the blue lodge of Masons and
.also with the chapter. Although handicapped by health, he has in an
active and useful business career won a very creditable measure of suc-
cess, and is now the possessor of a comfortable competence which is
represented by his property interests in Kansas.
ENOCH FREED.
Enoch Freed, who resides on section 24, Osage township, came to
Crawford county in 18S0, and has since been numbered among the pro-
gressive and prosperous farming element, being a man of unquestioned
worth and standing in his community. Born in Bucks county. Pennsyl-
vania, in March, 1841, he has siient the years of his life in usefully
directed effort, and by providing well for self and family enjoys con-
tentment and ease at the approach of his declining years.
His parents were William and Mary (Grote) Freed, both native
Pennsvlvanians and of German descent. Both died in Pennsvlvania. the
278 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
I ither at the age of eighty-six and the mother at eighty-five. His father
was a farmer and politically a Democrat, and both were members of
the Reformed church. There were thirteen children in their family,
nine of whom grew up, but Enoch is the only resident of. Kansas. I T i s
brothers and sisters are Aaron, Henry. Alary Ann, Catherine. William
and Amanda.
Air. Freed was reared on the old farm in his native state, receiving
his education in the public schools. At the age of twenty-two he came
west to Knox county, Illinois, from which county he went to the war.
He enlisted at Victoria, that county, in April. 1864. in Company B, One
Hundred and Thirty-eighth Illinois Infantry, under Captain Hunt ami
CoKmel Goodman; from camp at Ouincy, the}' were ordered to Fort
Leavenworth. Kansas, where they were stationed six months, thence
went to Springfield, Illinois, and later to Little Rock, Arkansas, and at
the close of the war were returned to Illinois and honorably discharged.
After the war Air. Freed returned to Knox county, and on Novem-
ber 10. [866, was married there to Eliza Jane Glaze, who has been his
wife and partner of joys and sorrows for nearly forty years. 'She was
born in Clinton county, Ohio. February Hi, 1S48. a daughter of James
and Phoebe (Duncan) Glaze, natives, respectively, of Brown county and
Adams county, Ohio, whence they moved to near Aluncie, Delaware
county. Indiana, and later to Knox county, Illinois. The mother died
in Monmouth, Kansas, at the age of eighty-seven, but the father, who
was a soldier, now lives as one of the honored and respected residents of
Monmouth, this county. Airs. Freed has a brother. William Perry, who
was a soldier of the Ninth Indiana Cavalry and now lives at Aluncie.
Indiana, and four sisters: Sarah A. Northam, Alary E. Johnson. Harriet
E. Windsor, and Martha F. Price. Daniel II.. a brother, died at the
age of fifty.
Since coming to Crawford county in [880 Air. Freed has been a
prosperous agriculturist, and at the present time he owns one of the
model farms of his locality. The homestead comprises eighty acre- of
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 879
choice land, with a pleasant and comfortable country residence, and
well improved with barn, orchard and other up-to-date equipments of a
twentieth century country home.
Mr. and Mrs. Freed have four children : Alary, a resident of Pitts-
burg; Martha, the wife of Louis Gray, who lives on the homestead of
Mr. Freed; Ed G., formerly a successful teacher in Pittsburg, who is in
the wall-paper business in Kansas City, and Charles, in the furniture busi-
ness at Pittsburg. Martha also followed the profession of a teacher in this
county. Mr. Freed is affiliated with Osage Post No. 15(1. < ".. A. R..
at McCune, and he and his wife and three of the children are members
of the Methodist church.
CHARLES F. MORRIS.
Charles F. Morris, mayor and postmaster of the town of Bruce
in the south part of the county, is an old-time resident of Crawford
county, having come here in 1873. ;U11 ' during the past thirty odd years
he has made a most capable and successful record as a business man
and participant in the general affairs of his community.
Born at Cincinnati, Ohio, February 22, 1844, he was brought up in
that part of Ohio, and when eighteen years old became a soldier in the
Civil war. in which he served for three years and four days as a cavalry-
man. He enlisted at Seneca. Hamilton count)-, Ohio, in August, [862,
in Company C. Fifth Ohio Cavalry, under Captain I Kven and Colonel
Taylor; was soon sent to Washington, and served first under the com-
mand of Genera] Kilpatrick and then under General Wilson; was at tin.'
battles of White House Landing and Gettysburg, and in innumerable
skirmishes and forays and scouting expeditions, and was also sent against
Morgan when that rehel leader made his raid north of the Ohio. After
a long and faithful service he received his honorable discharge.
Mr. Morris was a son of Christ and Christine (Ower) Morris.
His father was horn in Scotland, was reared there to the age of fifteen.
280 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
when he came to the United States, and for many years successfully
followed the butcher's trade. He died in Indiana, while his wife, who
was horn in Germany, died in Ohio. They were the parents of four
children.
.Mr. Munis was reared and educated in Ohio, and early learned
the butcher trade under the supervision of his father, and his subsequent
life occupation lias alternated between this trade and farming. He
came to Crawford county in 187:; and settled on a farm near Bruce,
where lie continued f< ir s< ime years and then moved into Cherokee.
Later he returned to the town of Bruce and went into the butcher busi-
ness. He erected an excellent store of brick, twenty-five by fifty feet,
and has also put up several other buildings in the town, with whose inter-
ests he has been identified for many years, and in such a public-spirited
manner that its best welfare has been conserved. He has been mayor of
the town for a number of years, and has also been its efficient postmaster
for some time. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and fraternally
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights and
Ladies of Security.
Mr. Morris's wife was Miss Anna McColm, who was for some
years engaged in the millinery business in Cherokee and was a capable
business woman and very popular socially, as well as an able director of
household affairs, so that her death in August, 1897, was a bereavement
to the entire community. She left three children: Bertha B., who is
married and living in Stone City, this state; Jessie ami Roy C both of
Kansas City.
GEORGE W. BROWN.
George W. Brown, who has long been numbered among the promi-
nent citizens of Crawford county and especially in Cherokee, being one
of the leading Democrats of this part .if the state and a man of influence
in every relation of his life, was bom at Rushville, Schuyler county.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 281
Illinois, in 1841. His parents. John and Jane (Becket) Brown, were
early settler- of Illinois.
He was reared and educated in Schuyler count}', and lived there
until he came to Crawford county in 1S71, where he has passed the
subsequent thirty-four years of his life. He was a leading business man
of the town fur twelve years. President Cleveland appointed him to the
office of postmaster in 1885. and he gave his fellow citizens an excellent
administration for lour years. He was for some time the local repre-
sentative of the McCormick harvesting machines. He spent one term in
the state legislature, being elected in 1875, and in numerous other ways
has performed a worthy part in public affairs. In 1896 he was manager
of the Cherokee waterworks plant. He has been a member of the school
board, and has always supported zealously the educational system of his
state and county. A prominent Odd Fellow, he has served as a past
grand master of the grand lodge. He is a member and an elder in the
Christian church.
Mr. Brown was married in Cherokee. October 1. 1872. to Miss
Anna Butler and they have four children. Dora E., Daisy D., Harry II.
and Cecil. Dora and Harrv are graduates of the Cherokee high school.
DR. L. M. KALLEXBACH.
Dr. L. M. Kallenbach, who takes a leading position among the dent-
ists of Crawford county, has been established in practice at Walnut for
several years, and has found high favor among the citizens because of his
reliability and skill as a dental surgeon. He belongs to the present day
and generation of the dental profession, and tins means that he is thor-
oughly equipped in theory and practice, and able to perform work with
a sureness and deftness of execution that would have battled many a
dentist of the old school. He prepared himself generously both in dental
surgery and in general medicine, and. he deserves and is steadily ac-
quiring a large and representative patronage in Walnut and the sur-
rounding country.
282 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Dr. Kallenbach was born in Macon county, Illinois, January i.
(875, a son of Morris and Louisa 1 Eckhardt) Kallenbach. His father
engaged in the tubular well and windmill business in Illinois until 1900,
in which year he came to Crawford count) and bought a farm in Walnut
township, where he and his wife reside at the present time.
Dr. Kallenbach received his early educational advantages in the
Decatur. Illinois, schools, and began his professional training in the
Man. iii Sims Medical College at St. Louis. After a year there he went
to Louisville, Kentucky, and completed one year's course in the Louis-
ville Dental College. He also spent one year in study at the Louisville
Medical College, and following that went to Kansas City, where he
practiced for two years. He graduated from the Kansas City Dental
College in [901, and with this splendid preparation came to Walnut
and entered upon his life work. His practice is being constantly extend-
ed, and he has a clientage that relies on him and seeks him whenever
work is needed.
Dr. Kallenbach is a member of the blue lodge No. 229, and chapter
No. 90, of the Masons, and also affiliated at one time with the Modern
Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Kansas State Dental
Association. He and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presby-
terian church, and they reside in their own pleasant home. Dr. Kallen-
bach was married. December 10. 1901, to Miss Barnita Quick, of Kansas
Citv, Missouri. They have one son, Travis Earl, who is one year old.
DR. ALONZO O. BLAIR.
Dr. Alonzo O. Blair, physician and surgeon at Pittsburg, Kansas,
has enjoyed a satisfactory and increasing patronage since coming to
tin's county over twenty years ago, and lias long since been recognized
as among the leading men in his profession in Crawford county. He
has been zealously devoted to the science of medicine not only as a
means of gaining a livelihood but for its own sake and for the good he
O^t^l*^ Ut %r
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 285
can accomplish in the world by its judicious practice. He has also taken
much interest in public affairs and in other matters of concern in the
community in which he has resided.
Dr. Blair was born at Cutler, Perry county, Illinois, in 1852, a son
of William R. and Martha (McQuiston) Blair. His parents were both
of Scotch ancestry, and belonged to the somewhat numerous group of
families of strong Presbyterian proclivities who settled in Pen - ) and '
Randolph counties, Illinois, in the early part of the nineteenth century,
resulting in the building up oi towns such as Cutler. Coulterville and
Sparta, communities where religious observances were very much ad-
hered to. and which are today well known for having turned out more
Presbyterian ministers and missionaries than any other section of like
population. William Blair, who is still living in Cutler, where he 1- a
prosperous farmer, was horn in Tennessee, am] came to Perry county
with in- father. James Blair, about [830, being then ten years old. The '
Blairs have always been a prominent family 111 the western part of Perry
county. Mrs. Martha Blair was born in Smith Carolina.
Dr. Blair received his education 111 the Coulterville Academy, from
which he graduated in [873. lie later attended the Si. Louis Medical
College, where he was graduated 111 1877. lie then practiced about a
year and a half at Coulterville. Illinois, and 111 1878 came to Kansas,
locating at Bavaria, Saline county, where he practiced medicine until
[882, which was the year of his coming to Crawford county. He prac-
ticed in Beulah, Crawford county, for about eight years, and in 1890
went to Xew York city and spent a year studying in the Xew York
Polyclinic, lie then returned, better equipped than ever for the continu-
ance of a most successful practice, and located at Pittsburg, where he
has had his office ever since.
Dr. Blair is at present city health officer, and for one term repre-
sented his ward, the second, in the city council, lie is a stanch Republi-
can in politics. lie is one of the three owners, with Drs. G<
Williams and William Williams, of the Pittsburg City Hospital, which
286 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
they founded in 1S94, and which is a monument to their skill and energy,
and an institution of which they are justly proud. Dr. Blair has con-
siderable staff work to perform in the hospital, and in addition has a
large private practice. He is secretary of the Crawford Medical Society
and a member of the Kansas State Medical Society.
While engaged in practice in Coulterville, Illinois, Dr. Blair was
married, in 1878, to Miss Elizabeth Hughes, of that city. They have
three children: Florence, the wife of Robert Nesch, Jr.; and Olive and
John.
JOHN M. WAYDE.
John M. Wayde, who now fills the office of county attorney of
Crawford county and is one of the leading lawyers of Pittsburg, has been
engaged in the practice of his profession in Pittsburg since i8qo. almost
since the beginning of his legal career. He came here with a good
equipment and with talents worthy of bringing him into repute, and
his subsequent career - has fully justified his expectations and his plans.
Mr. Wayde was born in Bedford county. Pennsylvania, in 1S62, a
-on of John and Mariah (Conley) Wayde. His father was born in
Lancaster county. Pennsylvania, April 2^,, 1829, and still lives there on
his farm, having engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his active
career. His mother is deceased, having died September 7, 1881.
Mr. Wayde, like many other successful men in business and the
professions, was reared on a farm, but while he thus became acquainted
with the arduous duties of that life he also had the advantages of a good
education. He was a student in the Pennsylvania State Normal, at
Lockhaven, where he was graduated in 1886. He took up the study
of law while still a resident of Pennsylvania, and continued it in the
law department of the Northern Indiana Normal College, at Valparaiso,
and later in the law department of the State University of Kansas, at
Lawrence, where he was graduated in [889. Ilis first practice was in
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 2S7
Leroy, Coffey county, Kansas, but after a year he came to Pittsburg, in
the spring of [890, and has enjoyed an increasing patronage ever since.
Attorney Wayde has been engaged, as the records will show, in some of
the must intricate and difficult cases in the history of Crawford county.
He was elected count)- attorney of Crawford county in 1902, on the Re-
publican ticket, was re-elected to the same office in 1904, and has
given a most excellent administration of the affairs of that office.
Mr. Wayde was married in Everett, Pennsylvania, on September 5,
iSi»4 to Miss Margaret Pettigrew, and they have one son. Donald
Wayde.
DAVID A. VINCENT.
David A. Vincent, one of the old and highly esteemed citizens of
Girard, Kansas, has been an inhabitant of Crawford county for over
thirty years, and is at present and has been for a number oi years
engaged in the conduct of a meat market and in stock-buying in Girard.
lie belongs to the progressive and public-spirited class of citizens who
have been mainly responsible for the great growth and development
of Crawford county since its pioneer times of hardly a third of a
century ago, and his diligence and business push have brought himself
a fair amount of worldly prosperity. He is a man of character and
high personal worth, and is so regarded among lus many business asso-
ciates.
Mr. Vincent was horn in McDonough county. Illinois. September
20. 1838, being a son of Michael and Harriet (Tinsley) Vincent, na-
tives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. His parents came to
Illinois about 1835. where his father was a farmer, and where he lived
until his death at the age of eighty-five years, in June. 1S71. His wife
survived him until 1880.
Mr. David A. Vincent was educated and reared in McDonough
county, Illinois, and remained on the home farm until August, [862.
288 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
He then enlisted in Company I, Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry, and
was in the service till the end of the war. He was in the hattle of
Franklin, Tennessee, and at the battle of Chickamauga was taken pris-
oner. He was conveyed to Richmond, and thence to the prison pen at
Andersonville, and underwent the horrible experience of southern prison
life for nineteen months and seven days, until the close of the war.
lie was released in Jacksonville. Florida, and from there went north
to Maryland, and then home to Illinois, with a most creditable war
record in the cause of his country. He was engaged in farming m
Illinois for a few" years, and on February i. 1S71, arrived in Crawford
county, Kansas. He bought a farm on Hickory creek/ twelve miles
west of Girard, and for the next eleven years was an active and suc-
cessful farmer and stock-raiser. He then moved to Girard and began
buying stock-, and in 1886 went into the meat market business. He still
continues the buying and shipping of cattle. Ili^ son John M. became
his partner in the market in February. 1903.
February [8, [868, Mr. Vincenl married Miss Jennie A. Jackson, a
daughter of Jerry J. and Catherine Jackson, of Virginia. They have
five children: Michael and Jerry were twins, and the former is now
sheriff of Crawford county, and the latter is in the wood, coal and feed
business in Kansas City; Cassie is the wife of Dana Barker, of Girard;
Allie is the wife of Charles McCune, of Chanute, Kansas: John M. is
married, ami is his father's partner. The family are Methodists in re-
ligion. Mi', and Mrs. Vincenl are members of the Sons and Daughters
of America and of the Fraternal Aid. He is a staunch Republican in
politics.
E. M. BOOR.
E. M. Boot is an .,1.1 and respected resident of Osage township,
where he is accounted as one of the most successful farmers. He came
to the county in 1882, and for more than twenty years has been active!}
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 289
engaged in carrying on his extensive agricultural enterprises. His tine
farm of three hundred and fifty-nine acres is located midway between
McCune and Monmouth, and was formerly known as the "Old Cap
place." He owns a commodious and delightfully homelike country
residence, and the barn and other outbuildings and all their surround-
ings show the capable farmer and business man which Mr. Boor is.
Mr. Boor is a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where he
was born January 15. [836, being of die of the old and substantial
families of that state, whose dominant characteristics have always been
industry and absolute integrity 111 all the relations of life. Mr. Boor
was a son of John, also a native of Pennsylvania, and a son of Michael.
whose parents came to this country from Germany, founding the famih
seat in Pennsylvania. John Boor married Sarah Miller, also horn in
Pennsylvania, and her father was a soldier in the Revolution. In [836,
when the son F. M. was hut a few months old. the family moved west
to Indiana, locating in Clay county. John Boor, who successfully fol-
lowed farming throughout his active life, died at the age of forty-
eight. In politics he was a Whig and a Democrat, ami he ami his wife
were members of the Church of Christ, in which faith they reared
their children. The mother lived to he seventy-five years of age, and
was a woman of much goodness of heart and mind and has always heen
an inspiration to her children. There were seven children, four sons
and three daughters, in the family, one of whom. Job, was a soldier
in the Civil war.
Mr. Poor was reared on a farm, where he learned among other
things principally the value of hard work, and his educational advan-
tages were received in a typical old-time schoolhouse, fitted up with slab
seats, a fire place, and other pioneer equipments which have long since
given place to furnishings of greater comfort and of more value from
an educational standpoint. At the age of twenty-five he was married
to Miss Sarah F. Rector, and they have since worked together for their
success in affairs and have enjoyed over forty years of happv married
290 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
life. She was born and reared in Indiana, being a daughter of Price
and Ann (Van Cleve) Rector, now both deceased. There were four
children in the Rector family. Mr. and Mrs. Boor have eleven chil-
dren, as follows: Aletha. the wife of T. M. Morgan, of this county;
Emma, Charles, Ida. Annie. Carrie. John, Grace, Abe, Walter. Otis.
the two latter being unmarried and living at home. Mr. Boor is a
Republican of long standing, and he and his wife are members of the
Christian church, in which he has been an elder for vears.
BENJAMIN J. GUNN.
Benjamin J. Gunn, editor and publisher of the Arcadia Times.
has played a prominent part in the journalistic work of Crawford
county, and his career throughout has heen filled with many points of
interest. He has been identified with the affairs of this county for a
number of years, and during the earlier period of his life was a suc-
cessful and prominent teacher in this section of the state. He has main-
tained the Times at a high standard of newspaper excellence, and .qives
his numerous readers throughout the county something worth reading,
and. while making his organ a weathervane of puhlic thought and
opinion and chronicler of events, has not neglected to wield his influ-
ence and power as editor for the welfare and general progress of his
city and community.
Mr. Gunn, the youngest son of Jesse C. and Hannah I. (Reaugh)
Gunn, was born on Greasy Prairie. Morgan county, Illinois, February
14. 1805. His father was born in Dickson county. Tennessee, in [825,
moved thence to Illinois in 1830. and resided on one farm there for
forty-nine years, and died in Coalvale, Kansas, in 1890. He had been
a Union soldier during one year of the war. His wife was born in
Jefferson county. Kentucky, in 18^4. and moved to Illinois in 1831,
and died at Mulberry, Kansas, in 1894.
Mr. Gunn's early life was spent on the farm, in not materially
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 291
different manner from thai of other farm boys. In 1882 lie entered
the Illinois State Normal University at Normal, and remained there
for two terms. He then went to Coalvale, Kansas, whither the family
had moved in 1883, but in the next year returned to the school at Nor-
mal and spent another term in work. He began teaching in 1885, and
followed that occupation for several years in Crawford county. In
1892 he was the unsuccessful Republican candidate for the office of
county superintendent of public instruction. He was an active Repub-
lican for ten years after coming of aye. but at the beginning of the
presidential campaign of 1896 he turned to the Democracy, and has
since been identified with that party.
Mr. Gunn married. October 4. [891, Miss Louisa Jane Gunn, at
her home in Choctaw count)-, Alabama. Her father. John Gunn, was
born in that county in 1S22. ami died in [899 on the farm on which
he had resided for seventy-three years. He was a Confederate soldier.
His wife. Agnes Shoemaker, was horn in the same county in [827,
and died there in 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Gunn have three sons: John
W., horn August 6, 1*03: J. Wayne, October 5, [895; and Harold S..
November 7, 1898.
.Mr. Gunn moved to Girard in [892, and for the following year
read law in the office of James T. Bridgens, being admitted to the bar
in 1893. He purchased the Arcadia Neti's in January, 1894. I le moved
to Mississippi in 1896 and in February founded the Quitman Herald,
and in November, [896, founded the Wayne County (Mississippi)
Nezt's. In 18177 he returned to Crawford county, and in March assumed
control of the Arcadia 'Finn's, and has managed that publication ever
since.
Mr. Gunn was made a Mason in Mulberry, Kansas, in [886, and
was master of that lodge 111 [892; affiliated with the lodge at Waynes-
boro, Mississippi, in [896, and with the Arcadia lodge in 1898, being
master of the lodge in 1902, also in [905. lie joined the Modern
W [men of America at Girard in [802, transferred to Arcadia in
292 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
1894, and was venerable consul in 1900-02 and is the present clerk.
He was a charter member of the Home Builders' Union at Arcadia.
and was master builder in 1902 and 1003. He united with the Meth-
odist church on January 4. 1903. and was shortly afterward chosen
one of its trustees. Mr. Gunn published a history of his family in 1891.
containing the names of nearly four thousand of his relatives. In 1893
he published and collated all his early poems, sketches, and various
writings. In his official career Mr. Gunn was appointed postmaster
by President Benjamin Harrison of Coalvale, Kansas, the second ap-
pointment in Crawford county by that president.
LEWIS' MARTIN.
Lewis Martin, editor and proprietor of the Walnut Eagle and its
job printing plant, has an acknowledged high rank among the news-
paper men of Crawford county, and the journal of which he has been
editor for the past eighteen years has its fitting description in the his-
tory of the press of Crawford county, to be found on the earlier pages
of this work. Mr. Martin has a somewhat conspicuous place in the
county because of his resolute and successful opposition to the liquor
traffic, and the Eagle is the only pronounced temperance organ of the
county. He has all the aggressiveness, devotion to principle, sympathy
with general progress and upbuilding in the county, and the power and
acumen of the editorial writer which make the successful and useful
editor, and his and his paper's worth in the county entitles him to the
esteem and regard in which he is held.
Mr. Martin was born in Prussia. January 3. [849, a son of Peter
ami Charlotte Martin, also natives of Prussian Germany. His parents
came to America in 1849. locating first in Greensburg, Pennsylvania,
but in 185') moved to Hancock county. Illinois, and both died in thai
state.
Mr. Martin had a public school education and afterward attended
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 293
the Central Wesleyan College at Warrentown, Missouri. For several
years he was engaged in teaching school, and in 1887 he arrived in
Kansas and purchased a half interest in the Walnut Eagle. He has
maintained this paper at a high standard, has always given his readers
the news and something worth reading, and it has a good circulation
throughout the county. About six years ago Mr. Martin, through the
columns of his paper, began a crusade against the open saloons of the
town, operating against the state law. This was an up-hill and bitter
fight, and the mayor of Walnut offered fifty dollars to have the paper
run nut of town, and a mob also made an attempt to drive out the
editor. But the final victory lodged with the Eagle, and Walnut at
present is without saloons. Mr. Martin was one of the organizers of
the first law and order league in this state, and he is now its secretary,
with R. W. Preston its president.
~S\v. Martin is a member and the secretary of the Lodge No. <«)
of the Woodmen of the World. He and his family are members of die
Methodist Episcopal church, and he takes an active part in church work
and has heen one of the church trustees for four years. He was mar-
ried, at West Point. Illinois. March 30. [881, to Miss Eliza Wilson, a
daughter of I. B. Wilson, who formerly lived in Illinois, hut now in
Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have one son. John Arthur Martin,
who is twenty-three years old. and is employed in the Eagle office.
D. M. WHITEHEAD.
D. M. Whitehead, prominent and well known in Hepler as a breed-
er of Short-horn and Polled Durham cattle, has had a most successful
career since coming to Kansas over twenty years ago. He began life
without money capital, and at the present time has much to show for his
forty odd years, both in the way of material circumstances and in the
wealth of wholesome esteem which he has gained among his friends and
associates in Crawford county. He has one of the model stock farms'
294 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
of the county, complete in all conveniences and accessories, and no finer
cattle are raised within the boundaries of the state than are to he found
on his farm.
Mr. Whitehead was born in Ripley county. Indiana. August 12,
i860, being a son of John A. and Minerva 1 Isgrigg) Whitehead. His
parents came to Kansas in 1883. and his father died here in 1893. at the
age of sixtv. but his mother is still living, making her home near Hepler.
Mr. D. M. Whitehead was reared to manhood in Indiana, and there
received a public school education, which was further supplemented in
the Normal College at Mitchell. Indiana. He entered the occupation of
school teaching when nineteen years old, and in the spring of 1884 came
out to Kansas and accepted the principalship of the schools at Hepler,
holding that position for five years, and was then at Monmouth two
years, and at McCune one year. After these eight years of faithful
work in Crawford county schools, he began farming as a permanent
occupation. He had bought a farm .if eighty acres when he first came to
the county, ami he still owns this as his home place. It is one of the best
improved places in the county, and he takes the more pride in it because
he has placed all the improvements on it himself. He resides in a nice
modern cottage, and has recently completed a fine stock barn, forty by
thirty-two feet, which he erected especially for the care of his fine stock.
In October, 1901, while drilling for water, he struck a gas vein, and
natural gas now supplies his light and fuel. During 1903 he sold six
thousand dollars' worth of fat stuck, which indicates the extent of his
operations in this special line of agricultural activity.
Mr. Whitehead is a member of the A. H. T. A. of Walnut, and he
and his wife are members of the Christian church. He is independent in
politics, but his beliefs are those of the Democracy. He lias served his
district as school director. In 0)04 he received the nomination as state
1 on tlie Democratic ticket, but in the election was defeated like
many other good men who supported their belief and principles. He
was married, September 26, [888, to Miss Julia Anna Curry, of Ohio,
<z
ICOY^yt^^c^t^
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 297
and by this marriage there was one child, Julian, born October 13, 1889.
and its mother died on the day following it- birth. On June 30, 1894,
Mr. Whitehead married his present wife, Cora M. Taylor, of Cherokee,
Kansas.
WILLIAM H. BRADEN.
William H. Braden, county commissioner of Crawford county and
the past fifteen years engaged in the livery business in Pittsburg, is
one of the county's old and prominent pioneer settlers. When lie located
in Crawford county nearly thirty-five years ago the bare prairies had
hardly a fence and offered free range for cattle from one end to the
other. Furthermore, the great mineral resources of the county had
not even been opened up, much less developed, and the thriving cities
of Pittsburg and Girard were not yet in existence. It is clear, there-
fore, that in locating a farm, improving it with hedges and fence- and
buildings and cultivating the soil, Mr. Braden bore an important part in
the early agricultural and industrial history of Crawford county, and
both for this and for the worth}- efforts he has devoted to the public
welfare and official management of township and county affairs fully
deserves the high esteem in which he is held from one corner of the
county to the other.
Mr. Braden was born in Richland county, Ohio, in 1844, a son
of Samuel and Susan (Bidinger) Braden. His father was a native
of Pennsylvania and a farmer. He moved to Richland count}', Ohio;
and later to Noble county. Indiana, where he died in 1899, when over
ninety years of age. His wife, who was of a Pennsylvania Dutch
family, died in 1852.
Mr. Braden was quite young when the family moved to Noble
county, Indiana, and there he received most of his education. In [862
he enlisted at Ligonier. that county, in an independent cavalry regiment.
the First Indiana Cavalry, the volunteers furnishing their own horses.
298 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Hi- troop was assigned to duty in Missouri, and was at Pilot Knob
and Iron Mountain. His first engagement was at Fredericktown, the
next at Cottonplant, and then was in skirmishes as they made their
way smith into Arkansas. His troop was General Steele's escort when
Little Ruck was taken. Later, at Pine Bluff, he was in the fiercest
fight of his experience, when Price and Marmaduke attacked the Union
troops at that place. He also participated in the battle at Helena.
Arkansas, and subsequently did service in Tennessee and Mississippi.
He was honorably discharged at Puv. ill's Bluff, Arkansas, in 1865. at
the close of the war.
\ ft cr the war Mr. Braden settled in McLean county, Illinois, and
went to farming. From here, in 1869, he moved to Kansas and located
in Crawford county. He bought land four miles west of the present
city of Girard, and practically had to make the farm, as only a slight
amount of work had been done on the place. He broke the ground by
himself, and also set out the hedges, besides effecting the innumerable
other improvements which made the farm a beautiful and productive
piece of property. He lived there until 1878. when he was called by the
voters to take the office of sheriff of the county, in which position he
served two years. He was again elected to the office in 1882 and re-
elected in 1884. so that he served altogether six years, or three terms.
Following his official career he took his wife to Utah for the benefit
of her health, and on his return embarked in the livery business in Pitts-
burg, which enterprise he still continues. He is a successful business
man. and in all the relations of his busy career has acquitted himself
most creditably.
Mr. Braden has for a number of years been prominent in the
councils of the Republican party. He was elected county commissioner
in [898, and was again elected in [901, being now in his fifth year of
that office. He is a good, careful, conscientious public official, and one
in whom the people have a great deal of confidence, lie affiliates with
the Masonic order, being a member of the commander) at this place,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 299
and is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Braden
is one of the directors of the First National Bank of Pittsburg. He is
president of the Old Soldiers' Reunion and president of the Lincoln
Park Association. While he was living in McLean enmity. Illinois.
Mr. Braden married Miss Wealthy Elizabeth Lott, and they have two
children, Samuel Burr and William Orr.
JAMES W. AND SAMUEL T. MOXTEE.
James Walter and Samuel Theodore Montee, the popular and well
known druggists oi Girard, Kansas, are sons of Frank and Mar}- E.
(Purdom) Montee. Their father was one of the early pioneers of Kan-
sas, having first come to this country during the dark and bloody days
of [857. He remained until 1801. and then returned to his Illinois
home, whence in 1873 ne brought his family to Crawford county, Kan-
sas, and engaged in farming, lie is one of the best known breeders oi
fine Short-horn cattle in this county, lie was elected county commis-
sioner in 1895, an '' m I( )°° was elected count}' treasurer, which office
he held until 1904. lie is now one of the highly respected residents of
Sheridan township, having a nice farm in section 22.
Mr. J. W. Montee was horn in McDonough count}-. Illinois. May
23, [872, and was reared to manhood and has spent his life in Crawford
county. In addition to his common school education he also attended the
state normal school at Fort Scott. At the age of nineteen he took up
the study of medicine with Dr. Gardner, of Girard, and two years later
became a clerk in a drug store. During his three and a half years'
clerkship he learned all the details of the business, and then bought out
the Cushenherry drug store at Girard, which he conducted under the
name of J. W. Montee and Company. In 180') he sold a half interest
to Mr. Frazier, hut in February, 1004. bought the batter's interest and
in turn sold it to his brother Samuel T. The brothers have a first-class
300 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
establishment, conduct it on modern principles, and their fair and square
dealing has gained them a large patronage.
Mr. J. W. Montee was married January 31, 1898, to Miss Lettisa
S. Kennedy, who lias been an orphan since she was six years of age.
She is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Montee affiliates with
the local lodge of the Masons and also with Lodge No. 63, K. of P.,
belonging to the uniform rank of the order. He was elected to the
legislature during the campaign of 1904. with one of the largest ma-
jorities in the history of this the twenty-third district of Kansas.
Samuel Theodore Montee. the junior member of the firm, is a native
son of Crawford county, where he was horn January 2~, 1875. After
receiving his education in the common schools of the county, at the age
of twenty-one he became a conductor on the Pittsburg street railway,
in which work he continued until November, 1903. In February, [904,
as above mentioned, he bought a half interest in his brother's drug store.
Mr. S. r. Montee was married May 24. 1809. to Miss Ida Downing, a
daughter of Abraham N. and Martha A. Downing. Three children have
been born of their marriage, but one died in infancy, and the others are
Ruth D. and Ralph Cyril. Mr. Montee affiliates with the Knights of
the Maccabees and with the Independent Order of Red Men. He and
his brother are both Republicans, and the latter takes a prominent part
in party affairs in this county.
CHARLES R. RICE.
Charles R. Rice, one of the owner- >>i the well known ami popular
establishment oi the Pittsburg Dry Goods Company, belongs to the
class of young business men in Pittsburg, and by his progressive meth-
ods and enterprise has built up one of the largest dry-goods stores in
this section of the state, lie has been reared to the career of a mer-
chant, and has known no other occupation from the time of boyhood, so
that he is thoroughly acquainted with all the details of the business, and
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 301
is known everywhere as a shrewd, upright and successful young- business
man.
Mr. Rice was born in Adair county, Missouri, in 1867. a son of
James W. and Sarah L. (Elliott) Rice. His father was a native of
Ohio and followed the occupation of farming-. He came west and set-
tled in Adair county. Missouri, where he died in 186S. when Ins son
Charles was one year old. Mrs. Sarah Rice is still living, and makes
her home at Kirksville, Missouri.
Mr. Rice was taken to Moulton, Iowa, when he was quite young.
and in that city was reared and educated. His mother had married J.
M. Wight, a prominent merchant of that place, and when Charles left
school he began work in his stepfather's store, where he mastered all
the details of the mercantile business. He remained with his stepfather
several years, and then held various positions with some prominent hrms
in Kansas, principally at Hutchinson, where he lived for five years am!
had a responsible position in a large store. In the latter part of 1000 he
came to Pittsburg, and, in partner-hip with H J. Toevs. also of Hutch-
inson, formed the Pittsburg Dry Goods Company. They opened up
their store with a stock of forty-five hundred dollars' value, and the
business has been so ably conducted ami ha- become so popular that
their stock is now worth eighteen thousand dollars, and the establish-
ment is one of the largest dry-goods -lore- in this part of the state,
occupying the large building at 301 North Broadway. It is a pur-
chasers' emporium, with metropolitan features and facilities for meet-
ing a high-grade demand, having an especially tine line of .Ires- goods.
silk-, trimmings, linens and laces. .Mr. Rice make- periodica] trips to
the eastern markets, where he is known as a shrewd and careful buyer.
and in Pittsburg and Crawford county he 1- well known for his excellent
business qualifications and for his straightforward, upright manner.
.Mr. Rice was married in Galva, Kansas, to Mis- Loti Prentice.
and they have one son. Husrh Prentice Rice.
302 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
REV. F. M. VERDAN.
Father F. M. Verdan, the beloved pastor of the St. Aloysius par-
ish, in Crawford county, with his church at the place called Greenbush,
has been ministering to the spiritual needs of his people in this county
for the past twenty years or more, and there is hardly a better known
or more respected man of the county than this servant of Cod and the
church.
The history of religion in southeastern Kansas, as, in fact, in the
entire Mississippi valley, begins with the devoted efforts of the zealous,
brave and persevering Jesuit fathers. These disciples of Loyola came
to this part of the country in [847, and covered all this territory on
horseback, going for their mail to Fort Scott, and with their head-
quarters at St. Paul, wdtere their Indian converts had given them six-
teen hundred acres of land. 1 In one occasion Father Colton, who was
a prominent pioneer priest, was riding across the plains to St. Paul,
and on the approach of darkness and a very heavy hail storm, he was
forced to dismount and cover his head with the saddle for protection.
On the following morning he made up his mind to found a church
where be bad spent the night, and he accordingly erected a cabin six-
teen by eighteen feet, and was given a tract of one hundred and sixty
acres of land. This place was then known as Hickory, and is the site
of the spot in Crawford county now called Greenbush. The pioneer
chinch was at various times in its history used as a court house, town
hall, schoolhouse. Before the erection of the present church edifice
services were held in the house of Thomas Murnell. The present church
was built in 1877-82. being five years in course of construction. At
the present time another, and more substantial, church is being erected.
It will be of stone, and will be the finest in the county.
Thus the history of this religious community forms no insignifi-
cant portion of the record of Crawford county, ami has had a really
longer continuous corporate existence than any other organization or
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 303
institution of the county. It was in the fall of 1881 that Father Verdan
was assigned to this parish by Bishop L. M. Fink. He first came to
Walnut, and then to Brazilton, where the first man he met was W. H.
Ryan, the present mayor of Girard, who engaged a man to drive the
Father to Hickory. Air. Nicholas gave him a mule on which to make
his pastoral calls, and thus he began his ministry. He had charge of
the church of Girard, and had to cover a large area on horseback. The
house where he now lives was finished on Christmas, 1882, ami he has
placed all the improvements on the ten acres about his home, such as
vineyard, shade trees, fences, etc. His ministerial labors have been re-
markably effective and influential For good, and lie has the satisfaction
of seeing a marked increase and growth in the size and social, moral
and intellectual advancement of his parish.
Father Verdan was born in Savoy, France, being one of a family
of three brothers and the onlj one to take up the work of the church
and to come to America. His younger brother became a noted surgeon
in the French army, and died in Africa when only twenty-six years
old. Father Verdan as a child was remarkably precocious. He could
read as so. m as he could talk, and at the age i<i nine years he began
his studies preparatory for entrance to the priesthood. He found no
difficult}' in keeping up with his classes notwithstanding his youth, and
he graduated from the highest institutions of 'earning in Paris. At
the age of twenty-six years he came to America and entered Notre
Dame University in Indiana, where he learned the English language.
He afterward went to New Orleans and was a teacher of languages in
V| tsadore College for eight months. He was then ordained to the
priesthood, and went to Montreal, where he remained only eight months
because ol a. loss of hearing in one ear. From there he came to ('raw-
ford count\. where he soon regained his hearing.
Father Verdan has built up his local congregation to about one
hundred families. His work has keen carried on in several communities
of the county. At Walnut lie had a good congregation for the first
304 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
eighteen years of his ministry. He established at Greenbnsh a store, r
postoffice, a creamery and a blacksmith shop. He also conducted services
at Girard. He built Hiatteville congregation. He keeps himself well
informed on all present day issues and affairs, and is a man of broad
intelligence and sympathy as well as a sincere and earnest worker for
his Master.
F. L. KEELER, M. D.
Among the representatives of professional life in Crawford county
is numbered Dr. F. L. Keeler, a physician and surgeon of Farlington,
Kansas, who has become well equipped for his chosen field of labor
and in the exercise of his professional duties has displayed marked
efficiency and skill. He was born in Wayneville, North Carolina, on the
28th of December, 1857, and is a son of Albert and Amanda (Henry)
Keeler, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of North
Carolina. The subject of this review was born during a visit which
his mother was paying at her old home in her native state. Her death
occurred in the year 1878 when she was forty-two years of age, but
Albert Keeler is still living and now makes his home in Sevier county,
Tennessee.
Dr. Keeler spent his early youth in Tennessee and pursued his
education in the public schools, completing bis education at Mountain
Star Academy. He afterward engaged in teaching school for ten years,
proving a capable educator who imparted clearly and readily to others
the knowledge that be had acquired. On the expiration of that decade
he took up the study of medicine in the office and under the direction
of Dr. J. B. De Lozier, of Fairgarden, Tennessee, and after two years
of preliminary reading he passed the state examination in 1892 and
entered upon the practice of medicine. On the 7th of March, 1894, he
arrived in Farlington. Kansas, and opened an office here, and the first
day he received a call, and since that time his practice has constantly
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 305
grown both in volume and importance. He has fully demonstrated his
ability to cope \\ ith the intricate problems which continually confront
the physician because of the complications which arise from disease, and
he is continually promoting his efficiency by reading and investigation
along medical lines, so that he keeps in touch with the host thinking-
men of the profession.
On the 12th of December, 1S7S. Dr. Feeler was united in marriage
to Miss Priscilla D. Inman. a daughter of Daniel Inman, of Fairgarden,
Tennessee. To the Doctor and his wife have been born four children,
namely: Florence, who is engaged in teaching sc1im.i1 near Walnut.
Kansas; Pearl, who 1- also a teacher; Lelia May, at home; and Cecil I...
who died at the age of two years. The mother and her daughter- are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Dr. Keeler is identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Fraternal
Aid. both of Farlington, and also with the Modern Woodmen of
America. lie is now examiner For the second named, also fur the
Ancient Order of United Workmen and for the Modern Woodmen
camp. His political support is given to the Republican party, hut while
he has firm faith in its principles and earnestly desires it- success he
has neither time nor inclination to seek office, preferring to give his
time and attention to his professional duties, which now make heavy
demands upon his energies, owing to the extent of his practice. He
own- a tine residence and office in this place, and in addition he has two
nice lots, upon which his house stands.
DR. WILLIAM WILLIAMS.
Dr. William Williams, a prominent and well known physician eh
Pittsburg, Crawford county, ha- keen located in practice here since
1886, and has gained a reputation and a patronage among the best
classes of citizens of which he may well he proud. He has relied on his
own efforts for his advancement, and has throughout his career been
306 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
noted for his energy and close application to his work, so that success
has come to him as almost a logical result. Outside of his profession,
he has likewise been a public-spirited citizen, and he has figured promi-
nently in the professional, business and public activities of his city.
Dr. Williams was born in Henry county. Tennessee, in 1861, a son
of R. M. and Lucy (Walker) Williams. His father, who was born at
Cartbage. Tennessee, followed the vocation of farming, and about 1870
came to Missouri and settled near Marshfield, Webster county, where he
lived until his death, which occurred in 1885. Mrs. Lucy Williams, his
wife, was born in Tennessee, and died in the same state, in 1804.
Dr. Williams was reared on the Missouri farm, and attended the
district schools until he was eighteen years old. He then went to Leban-
on. Missouri, and spent three years in the Laclede Seminary. He then
took- up the study of medicine with his brother, Dr. D. A. Williams, at
Marshfield. and in 1884 be matriculated at the Missouri Medical College
al St. Louis. Between sessions he studied with another brother. Dr.
< W. Williams, who bad located at Pittsburg, Kansas, in 1883.
The family has thus been well represented in the medical profession by
able and successful physicians. Dr. Williams was graduated from the
Missouri Medical College in the class of 1886, his private studies having
given him the equivalent of a three years' course. Soon after bis gradu-
ation and in the same year he came to Pittsburg and began practicing
with his brother. Dr. G. W.. and has lived here ever since. He has
been unusually successful, and his general practice extends throughout
the county. His name is a household word in many a home, where his
genial sympathy and kindly good nature are often as soothing and
healing to sufferers as the professional counsel which be knows bow to
give so skillfully.
Dr. Williams is a member of the Southeast Kansas Medical So-
ciety, the Kansas State Medical Society and the American Medical
Association. lie is president of the Pittsburg Drug Company, which
;tablished in June, [898, and is one of the successful business
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 307
enterprises of the city. Fie served one term as alderman from the
fourth ward, for four years was one the board of pension examiners,
and for three different terms was county physician. His fraternal
affiliations are with the Masonic order.
Dr. Williams was married in Missouri in 1888 to Miss Josie
Thompson, and they have two daughters, Olga and Wilma.
EDWARD J. BRAZIL.
Edward J. Brazil, county commissii ner and farmer of (.rant town-
ship, has himself made a most creditable record in connection with the
various public and private affairs which have engaged his attention,
ami is also well known as being a son of one of the county'- old and
distinguished citizens.
Mr. Brazil was lorn in Pettis count)', Missouri, March o. t868,
being a son of Thomas and Johanna Brazil. His father came to this
county at an earl}' day in its history, and has been a prosperous and
progressive farmer for many year-. In [882 the town of Brazilton
was named in his honor, and he still resides at that place. Hi- wife
died February [8, [897.
.Mr. E. J. Brazil was reared in this county and received In- educa-
tion in the public schools. He began farming when twenty years old.
and in 1894 he bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres.
all of which he has placed under the best of improvements and made
very valuable property. In November, igoo, he was elected to his
present office of county commissioner, and thereby being honored in
two ways: first, that he was the first county commissioner elected from
Grant township, and. second, that he was the youngest man ever elected.
in Crawford county, to this important administrative office.
Mr. Brazil affiliates with the Modern Woodmen of America and
the A. H. T. A., and in politics is a Republican. He and his wife are
members of the Catholic church. He was married. Januar) 8, [889,
308 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
to Miss Celestina LaForge. of Crawford county. They have nine chil-
dren, all living but one : Mary, in school ; William, in school ; Edward.
Gust. Harry. Ella, Fred, and Joseph, the youngest.
FRED K. HENNEY.
Fred K. Flenney, reporter on the staff of the Pittsburg Daily Head-
light, is a thoroughly up-to-date young newspaper man, and has been
engaged in reportorial work ever since his school days were over. In
this pursuit he follows in the footsteps of his father, the late W. H.
Henney, who for years was in the newspaper business in Girard and
Pittsburg.
Fred K. Henney was born in Cambridge, Illinois. March 15, 18S0.
His parents brought him to Girard, Crawford county, Kansas, in 1886,
and here he was reared and received his high school education. Since
leaving school he has been connected with the Girard Daily Press, the
Hutchinson Kansan. the Hutchinson A r ezcs, the Pittsburg Daily Tribune.
and for the past four years has been on the staff of the Pittsburg Head-
light. He was married June 24, 1903. in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Miss
.Mice Heberlig.
RUSSEL W. BRANSON.
Russel W. Branson, ex-postmaster at Cherokee. Kansas, which
office he filled with eminent satisfaction to all concerned for six years.
has spent most of his life in this section of the Sunflower state, and has
had a very successful business career. Political and public matters have
always appealed to his nature, and for a number of years he has been
prominent in this direction in Crawford county. His genial and whole-
souled character and positive personality and individual worth have
enabled him to wield considerable influence among his fellow citizens,
among whom he has been both popular and useful.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 311
Mr. Branson was born at Georgetown, Ohio, in 1866, his parents
being William W. and Amanda (Sargent) Branson, the latter of whom
was born in West Virginia and died in Ohio in 1874. William W.
Branson was born in Ohio, and has been a farmer all his life. He
brought his family to Kansas in [878, locating first at Cherokee, but
later moved to a farm west of town, where he lived for thirteen years;
he then took up his abode on a farm in Cherokee county, seven miles
southwest of Cherokee town, and still resides there.
Mr. Rnssel W. Branson was reared on a farm and made it his
home until he was past twenty-one years old. He was a student, after
his common school days, in the state m irmal at Fort Scott, where be
studied with the idea of becoming a teacher. Later, however, he pre-
pared for a business career by taking a course in the commercial depart-
ment of Presbyterian College at Holton, Kansas. He then entered the
railroad service, and for seven years was an operator, station agent and
express agent at different points on the Kansas City, Fort Scott and
.Memphis Railroad, a larger part of this period being spent at Marion,
Kansas. He was later made assistant agent at Cherokee, and it was
while discharging the duties of that position that he was appointed
postmaster, on February 7. 1898. Since be took charge of this office
the business has doubled, and be made its administration a matter of
pride to the city. Mr. Branson, in December, 1904, entered into part-
nership with J. R. Davis in the control of the Crawford County Times,
a twelve-page quarto-weekly with a circulation of eight hundred copies.
The plant is equipped with a Gordon hand press. Mr. Branson is also
special agent of Kansas for the Xew York Life Insurance Company.
In one month be wrote $55,000 for his company.
Mr. Branson is prominent in the rank and file of the Republican
party, and for several years has served by election as a delegate to the
state conventions. Fraternally be affiliates with the Masons, and Inde-
pendent Order of Red Men. the Modern Woodmen of America, the
Fraternal Aid and the Anti-Horse Thief Association. Mr. Ilranson
312 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
was married at Cherokee in 1893 to Miss Edith Glover, and three chil-
dren have blessed their home : Florence. Ralph and Claire.
HENRY HOLZER.
The German element in our American citizenship has been an
important factor in the development of the new world and in the promo-
tion of its material progress. The sons of the fatherland are found in
all parts of the United States and the great majority of them are not
only law-abiding but also industrious and public-spirited citizens, whose
labors are of value to the community with which they are connected.
Mr. Holzer, who is now a retired butcher, residing on section 5, Craw-
ford township. Crawford count}-, was born in Baden. Germany, on the
2d of May, 1844. and is a son of Benedict and Wilhelmina (Viesir)
Holzer. The father was a file-maker by trade and followed that pur-
suit throughout his entire business career. He died in Germany at the
age of fifty-one years, while his wife, long surviving him, passed away
in 1903 at the advanced age of ninety-two years.
Henry Holzer, whose name introduces this record, pursued his
early education in the public schools of his native country and after-
ward attended night schools of New York city. He remained a resi-
dent of Germany until twenty years of age. when he bade adieu to
home and friends and sailed for the new world in 1864. He had heard
favorable reports concerning the business opportunities afforded by
America, and he hoped that he might benefit his financial conditions in
this country. Landing at New York he secured a position in a meat
market there and also worked at file-making to some extent. After four
years he purchased a meat market in New York city and conducted it
with success until 1892. when he disposed of his business in the east
and came to Kansas. Here he purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land on section 5, Crawford township, Crawford county, where he
now lives. He has erected thereon a good residence and made many
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 313
modern substantial improvements. In the fall of 1903 his barn was
destroyed in a cyclone. He had completed a new one. forty by fifty feet,
and this burned also, and bis creamery in Girard likewise burned — a
heavy loss. The trees of bis orchard were also destroyed in the cyclone.
Mr. Holzer does not engage actively in farming himself, but rents bis
land, merely giving his supervision to bis property interests. In addi-
tion to his home place he owns the opera bouse in Girard. This property
is the visible evidence of bis life of thrift and enterprise, wherein his
unfaltering diligence and strong determination have been the factors
that have won for him creditable success.
In 1867 occurred the marriage of Mr. Holzer and Miss Regina
Wick, a native of Germany, and to them have been bom two children:
Charles, who is now conducting a meat market in New York city; and
Henry M., who is a well known business man of Kansas City, Missouri.
Mr. Holzer is a member of the Masonic lodge of Girard. and be i^
filling the office of justice of the -peace of Craw ford township. His
home is located about two miles north and a mile and a half east of
Girard, and he has two nice dwellings upon his farm. lie deserves
great credit for what he has accomplished, for he came to America
with a five-dollar gold piece, and all that be now possesses and enjoys
has been acquired through his own enterprising labors. The hope that
led him to America has been more than realized, for he found in this
country the opportunities be sought — which, by the way, are always
open to ambitious young men. — and through the utilization of sur-
rounding opportunities and by his consecutive effort and well directed
energy he has gained for himself a position among the substantial
residents of his adopted county and now is enabled to rest from the
more arduous duties of business life, the rental from his property being
sufficient to supply him with all the necessities and comforts and man) of
the luxuries of life.
314 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ROBERT P. PALMORE.
Robert P. Palmore, carrier on rural free delivery route No. 2 out
of Mulberry, has had an eventful and useful career extending- over
nearly seventy years, and during his many years' residence in Craw-
ford county he has gained the respect and esteem of hosts of his fellow-
citizens and attained a position of worth and success in his community.
He is also an honored veteran of the Civil war. His case was
one of the numerous instances of our rebellion where members of the
same family fought on opposite sides, sincerely and faithfully for the
cause which appealed to each one as right and as dutiful. Mr. Palmore
was living- in Missouri when the war broke out, and on April 2, 1862,
he enlisted in Company F of the Fifth Missouri State Militia, in the
cavalry branch, the colonel of his regiment being Albert Sigel, a brother
of the famous Franz Sigel. They were in camp at Booneville for several
months, and were engaged in numerous skirmishes with the bush-
whackers and guerrillas in Missouri. They also fought Price's and
Marmaduke's men. and Quantrell's bloody troopers, also encountering
General Joe Shelby's men once or twice. They were all through south-
ern and central Missouri, being a rough rider regiment in the true sense
of the word, and experienced some of the worst phases of the war. Mr.
Palmore was in the hospital for a time, and at the end of his period of
service lie received an honorable discharge.
Mr. Palmore was born in Monroe county, Kentucky, in 1838,
being a son of William and Betsy (Lamb) Palmore, the former a son
of Charles Palmore. The father, a native of Virginia, served in the
Confederate army, as did several of his sons. The mother died in
Kentucky when her son Robert was eight years old. he being the eldest
of the five children; the other brothers were: Captain R. II.. John D.,
and Jonathan, all of whom fought on the Confederate side. William
Palmore was a farmer, a Democrat in politics and a member of the
Christian church, and his death occurred in Texas when he was ninety
years of age.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 315
Mr. Palmore was reared in Kentucky, obtaining his education at
the schools of his native locality, and he early began making his own
way in life. He was employed in a smelter for a time. In young man-
hood, and while living in Missouri he married Miss Julia Harvey, but
he -i I' ui lost this wife by death. Fur his second wife he married Lucy
Pitman, who was born in Tennessee and died in Arkansas, leaving two
children: one by her former husband, Volona Baker, of Colorado; and
i ne son by Mr. Palmore, John W. John W. Palmore is also a carrier on
a rural delivery route out of Mulberry, and is one of the popular citizens
of this part of the county. He was born in Abilene. Kansas, and mar-
ried Lucy Cundiff, by whom he has one son, William Robert. The}'
have a nice home at Mulberry, and he is a member of the Masonic order
at this place.
Some time after the war, in 1869, Mr. Palmore moved out to
Kansas, living at Abilene for two years; in 1871 he went to Texas by
the overland route, and then lived at Maysville in Benton county,
Arkansas; he spent three years in Indian Territory, was at Joplin,
Missouri, for a time, and later came to Pittsburg, this county, and from
there to Mulberry, where he has been a resident for some years. Fie
took his position as rural mail carrier in 1901, and he has filled his posi-
tion to the satisfaction of all concerned and in a manner most creditable
to himself. He is affiliated with Mulberry Post No. 183. ( i. A. R„
Department of Kansas.
R. W. PRESTOX.
R. W. Preston, who is now engaged in the breeding of tine regis-
tered Poland China hogs at his home place in Walnut, has for many
years been identified with the agricultural interests of Crawford county.
and has met with an excellent degree of success. He is a man of good
judgment in business affairs, has been energetic and progressive since
beginning the battle of life on his own account, and his place in the
316 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
citizenry of Crawford county cannot be measured alone by the dollars
and cents which lie has accumulated, for he possesses man}' of the quali-
ties that are sought among men of public spirit and advanced thought in
the life of a community.
Mr. Preston was born in Portage count} - , Ohio, March 7, 184.5.
a son of Joseph and Philenda (Waldo) Preston, the former a native of
Virginia and the latter of Ohio. His father died on July 3. 1903, when
eighty-four years old, hut his mother is still living in Stark county.
Ohio, and has attained the advanced age of eighty-six years.
Mr. R. W. Preston attended the common schools of Ohio, and
later the academy at Shalersville. Portage county. When twenty year-
old he began doing for himself, and was engaged in the occupations of
farming, painting and teaching school in Indiana. In February, 1870,
he came out to Kansas. He rode from Kansas City to Fort Scott on
the first passenger train operated on the old Fort Scott and Gulf Railroad.
On arriving at Fort Scott he set out to walk to Neosho county, and
the women of the party rode in the stage. He located a claim near St.
Paul, then called Osage Mission, and began improving the land. But
five years later, during the year of railroad land troubles, he and his
family returned to Ohio for a time. In 1SS3 he bought one hundred and
twelve acre- a mile north of Walnut, and was successfully engaged in
farming there until September. 1901, at which time he bought his home
and seven acres of land in the town of Walnut, and has since been breed-
ing and raising line hogs, which is an industry that has paid him good
returns and which he has managed very judiciously. Two and a half
years of his Kansas residence were spent in Eureka and Webb City.
Mr. Preston affiliates with the A. II. T. A., and in politic- 1- a
siron-- Prohibitionist, being president of the law and order league and
otherwise promoting the cause of temperance. He and his wife are
members of the Baptist church, and -he is also a temperance worker.
being president of the local branch of the Woman's Christian Temper-
ance Union. She also writes for the Walnut Eagle. Mr. Preston
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 317
married, April 28, 1867, Miss Kezia Ann Price, a daughter of William
H. and Rachel (Lee) Price. Her father died in Indiana 111 May, [885,
at the age of sixty-eight years, and her mother died in Walnut, Kansas,
in 1879. at the age of fifty-four.
* JOHN THONHOFF.
John Thonhoff, a retired fanner residing 111 Hepler, has had a long
and useful career of threescore and ten years, and nearly forty of them
have been spent in Crawford county, so that he ranks among the pioneer
settlers, and in fact came here before the county assumed its present
political boundaries. Farming has been the occupation to which he has
devoted his main energies, and ins success has placed him among the
men oi mark of the count}-, and he has always enjoyed the unequivocal
esteem of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Thonhoff was born in Germany, Jannan 8, [834, being a sou
of Henry and Katie Thonhoff. the former of whom died at the
advanced age of eighty-one years, and the latter when her son John
was a baby.
Mr. Thonhoff attended school in Germany, and. being reared to
farm life, took to that occupation and followed it successfully in his
native land until 1838. On December 10th of that year he came to the
United States and located in southwestern Missouri, where he con-
tinued his farming operations steadily until the Civil war nines. In
the spring of 1862 be showed his sterling patriotism ami Ins devotion
to American principles by enlisting in Company 1\. Eighth Missouri
Cavalry, and did army service until his discharge in the last year of the
war. He was in the battle of Pea Ridge and other engagements. After
his muster out at St. Pouis he returned to his Missouri farm, but in the
fall of 1866 moved over into Crawford comity, Kansas, or rather to
the Neutral Lands which now compose this count)-. Ibis was one of
the earliest vears of the county's history, so that be has been identified
31S HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
with this region almost as long as any other living resident. He took
a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, and after improving it in good
shape bought eighty acres more. He sold this place in 1890, and then
moved into Hepler, where for two years he was in the furniture and
undertaking business, but since then has lived retired in his own home
in Hepler. and contents himself with what he has effected by bis efforts
in the past.
Mr. Thonhoff married. December 10. 1863. Miss Mary Viets, a
daughter of Henry and Maggie Yiets, natives of Germany, but both
now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Thonhoff have the following children:
Maggie, the wife of Chris Seller, a farmer near Hepler; Henry, also
living in this township: Mary, the wife of Nick Waggoner, of Missouri:
Millie, the wife of John Curry, of LaHarpe, Kansas; Bertha, the wife of
Clarence Curry, of Hepler: and Frederick, a merchant of Hepler. Mr.
and .Mrs. Thonhoff are members of the Lutheran church, and he adheres
to Republican principles and has fraternal affiliations with the Ancient
Order of United Workmen in Hepler.
Fred, the voungest child, was born in Walnut township. Crawford
county, September j^. 1878, and was educated in the common schools
and the high school at Hepler. fie spent the first years of bis life on
his father's farm. He is a young man who has taken a place among
the people of his vicinity as a leader. In his political sentiments he is
a Republican and cast his first presidential vote for McKinley. He was
elected city clerk in 1900 and re-elected to the same office again in [901.
He was elected mayor of bis town in E902, when at the age of twenty-
four, which is a very rare honor. He received his appointment as post-
master at Hepler after the election of 1004. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of the A. O. U. W.. Xo. 115. at Hepler. He wedded Miss Mont
Johnson, June 28, 1899. Mrs. Thonhoff was a native of Crawford
county and a daughter of David and Minerva Johnson. She was edu-
cated 111 the common schools and has received musical instruction also.
Mr. Thonhoff began in the mercantile business January 9, 1901, and
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 319
he carries a lull stock of staple goods, which any first-class store carries
m country towns. His annual sales amount to $17,000. He is one of
the stable young men of the county of Craw ford.
I. A. NUTTMAN.
J. A. Xuttman. one of the prominent lumber dealers of Pittsburg",
Crawford county, has been a resident of the city and connected with
his present industry since iSSj, so that he is really to be numbered
among the old citizens. He has had a very successful career in busi-
ness, and bis energy, public spirit and broad-mindedness have made him
a most valuable factor in many enterprises that concern the city. He
has not confined his attention entirely to the prosecution of his private
business, but has been interested in politics and affairs of public moment,
so that his life has had a broad usefulness to all within the sphere of
his influence.
Mr. Xuttman was born at Decatur. Indiana, in 1856, a son of
J. M. and Melitta (Mickel) Xuttman. Flis father was bom in Xew
Jersey, and came to Indiana when a young man. He was first a general
merchant and afterward engaged in the lumber business. In [879 he
moved to Kansas City. Missouri, where he was associated with the
Hoffman Brothers in the lumber business. He later took up his resi-
dence in Pittsburg, where he now lives, although retired from active
labors. His wife is also still living.
Mr. J. A. Xuttman received most of his education in Fort Wayne.
Indiana, where the family lived fur twenty years. He early became
familiar with the details of the lumber business, and at the age of twenty-
six, in [882, came to Pittsburg and entered the employ of G. B. Shaw
and Company, lumbermen. He was in charge of the company's yard
for four years, and then embarked in the same line of business for him-
self, in which he has continued with excellent success to the present
320 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
time. He is a member of the Southwestern Lumbermen's Association,
and was its president for one year.
, Mr. Xuttman is vice-president of the Pittsburg- Building and Loan
Association, and for several years has been very influential in its man-
agement. The association has done a great work in this city and
vicinity, and Mr. Xuttman has given his best efforts to promoting its
prosperity and progress. He is a prominent Republican, has been dele-
gate to several important Conventions, and is chairman of the congres-
sional committee for the third district of Kansas. He has been through
all the Masonic degrees, being a member of the Shrine, and is also
affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is now
and ha- been tor several years treasurer of the board of education of
Pittsburg. Mr. Nurtman was married in Ohio to Miss Laura Paynter,
and they have two children. Bert and Julia.
IOHX MOR'
John Mort, senior vice of Shiloh Post No. 56, < !. A. R., and one
of the honored veterans of the Civil war residing in Crawford county,
was born in Tuscarawas county. Ohio. August 15, 1833. A man now
past the seventieth milestone of life, and among the remainder of the
great host of our ex-soldiers who will soon be marching en. his career
has been filled with useful deeds both to himself and family and to his
country, and he deserves the high esteem in which he is held by his
fellow citizens of Crawford county. Mr. Mort has been a resident of
Crawford county since 1881, and has thus been identified with the county
throughout its most progressive and important period of history.
Mr. Mort enlisted at Lima, Allen county, Ohio. August 22, [862,
in Company D. One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, under
Colonel Alack and Lieutenant Colonel Walkup, and his company had
three captains, successively. Berth. Taylor and Doty. From the camp
at Lima they went to Cincinnati, and .luring Morgan's raid crossed the
â– HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 321
Ohio and went to Covington, Kentucky. After the siege of Knoxville
and the battle at Chickamauga they took part in Sherman's great cam-
paign, being in the battles of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain. New Hope
Church, Burnt Hickory, and then in the siege of Atlanta. On the 22<\
of July. 1864, at Atlanta, while Mr. Mort was rilling his canteen with
water General McPherson rode up and asked him for a drink, which
was gladly given. That was the gallant general's last drink, fur only
a little while afterward he was killed, being the second Union general
slain on that day. From Atlanta .Mr. Mort was in the forces sent hack
to engage Hood in the hattles at Franklin and Nashville. Thence he
was sent to Washington, and down into the Carolinas, joining Sher-
man's army again, and was with his command at Raleigh and other
points in North Carolina. He received several injuries during his
service, and throughout made an excellent record as a soldier. He was
honorably discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, and then returned to his old
home in Allen county.
Mr. Mort was a son of George and Polly Mort. His father was a
native of Maryland, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in
Allen county, Ohio, at the age of eighty-eight, while his wife, who was
a native of Maryland, died in Tuscarawas county, at the age of sixty.
The father was a stonemason by trade, and in the war of 1812 helped
build the fort at Baltimore. He later took up the trade of cooper.
Thee were nine children in the family, five sons and four daughters.
On his arrival in Crawford county in 1881 Mr. Mort bought a farm
of eighty acres, and he still owns this valuable place near Cherokee.
He was married in Allen county, Ohio, at the age of twenty-three to
Mi-- Christina llarpster. a daughter of Jacob Flarpster. She died in
Ohio in 1873, having been the mother of nine children, eight of whom
are living, namely: Isaac. Thomas. Daniel. Sarah J., Homer, Thomas,
William, Frank ami Clara. Mr. Mort then married his present wife.
Luanda Swank, the widow of Francis Swank. Mr. Swank was ;
soldier in Company F of the Forty-fifth Ohio Infantry, was taken
322 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
prisoner at Knoxville and spent thirteen months in the southern prisons
at Belle Isle. Salisbury and Andersonville. He left one son, George W.
Swank, of Pittsburg. Pennsylvania. Mrs. Mort was a daughter of B.
Dickerson. Mr. and Mrs. Mort have two children. John Amos and
Retta Delia Greenwell, of this county. Mr. Mort is a stanch Republican,
and, as has been stated, is very prominent in local Grand Army circles.
THOMAS J. CROWELL.
Thomas J. Crowell. a prominent druggist and business man of
Pittsburg, has lived within the confines of Crawford county since he
was thirteen years old. The year 1876. in which he came here, was
an early one in the history of this part of the state, for settlers were
few, official highways were not at all, and the entire count}- was in
the turmoil of a period of development and growth into a fixed com-
munity. At the same time the Kansas City. Fort Scott and Memphis
Railroad was seeking a right of way and grants of land from Congress
in this county, and as a consequence there was much confusion in the
buying and selling of farm lands. Mr. Crowell has thus been identified
with the county from its incipiency, and the county has been fortunate
in numbering him among her progressive business men for a number
of years. lie 1- well known in Pittsburg and the surrounding country.
and is held in high esteem both in business and in social circles.
Mr. Crowell was born in Salisbury, North Carolina, in [863, being
a son of James and Catharine (Russell) Crowell. His father was also
a native of North Carolina, but later brought his family to McLean
county. Illinois, and from there, in January. 1N70, moved to Crawford
county, Kansas, where he bought a farm and made a home for bis
family. He and bis wife still live on their farm four miles wesl of
Pittsburg, and are highly respected people and have been successful
in their farming career. His wife was also a native of North Carolina.
Thomas I. Crowell received most of his education in the Kansas
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 32a
State Normal College, at Fort Scott, where at the time several others
who have since become prominent in Pittsburg were students. He
graduated there in 1885. having devoted himself especially to the sci-
ences, such as chemistry, which would lead him into the pharmaceutical
profession which he had already planned as his career. After he had
become well started in this profession, on January 2, 1890. in partner-
ship with C. W. Dry. he established a drug store in Pittsburg, under
the name of Dry and Crowell. In July. 1891. he bought his partner's
interest, and since that time has l>een the sole owner and manager of
this important enterprise. He has a large store at 405 North Broadway.
and carries an extensive stock of drugs, paints, oil. glass, school sup-
plies, stationer}- articles, sporting goods and other merchandise which
make up the well equipped drug store, and he has enjoyed a very large
patronage.
Mr. Crowell was married at Lamar. Missouri, to Miss Leona Lake,
and thev have two children, Paul and Harold. Mr. Crowell affiliates
with the local lodge of the Independent Order of ( )dd Fellows and also
with other fraternal associations.
ARTHUR R. GETTER.
Arthur R. Getter, a leading farmer and stock-raiser of Grant town-
ship. ( n section 12, in Crawford township, is a resident of this county of
twenty years' standing, and lias not only gained a creditable share of
worldly prosperity in his diligent endeavors, but has throughout this
period enjoyed the high esteem and regard of his fellow citizens, among
whom he has sojourned from his earliest manhood.
Mr. (letter was born in Montgomery county. Ohio, October 6,
18(14, being a son of John X. and Phoebe (Schenck) Getter, natives
of Ohio. His parents came to Kansas in 1886, and after living in
Girard for seven years moved to Butler county, where they still reside
and are among the highly esteemed inhabitants.
326 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Mr. Getter was reared to manhood in Ohio, where lie enjoyed a
common school education, and at the age of twenty years, in i SS l.
he came to Crawford county. Kansas. During the first year he worked
by the month on a farm, and then bought the place of one hundred and
twenty acres where he now makes his home. He has placed all the
improvements on this farm, and has made a model farmstead out of a
prairie tract. His favorite stock is the Poland China hogs, and he
has made this branch of his operations as well as his general farming
pa) good returns.
i Icti bei i i. [895, Mr. Getter married Miss Bertha Chamberlin, a
daughter of Tertius and Susie (Johnston) Chamberlin. natives, re-
spectively, of New York and Massachusetts, and now living in Butler
county, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Getter have six children: Vera, aged
nine years; Jacob L., eight: Emma, six: Phoebe, five: Ethel, three:
and Phadra, one. Mr. Getter is a member of the Modern Woodmen
of America at Girard. He is a Democrat in politics, and is now serving
as scl 1 director.
DR. G. IVAN POHEK.
Dr. G. Ivan Pohek, physician and surgeon at Pittsburg, Kansas,
is one of the best equipped and most able men of his profession in south-
eastern Kansas. The medical schools of Europe, and those of Austria
in particular, have long taken precedence over all other institutions for
medical and scientific study and research, and Dr. Pohek had the
advantage of a number of years' preparation in the best of those insti-
tutions. He has been located in Pittsburg for about a year, and has
already gained a large clientage. He is an ardent devotee of his pro-
fession from the mere love of it aside from its providing him a liveli-
hood, and his deep knowledge and skill and experience have combined
with his genial characteristics as a gentleman to rapidly bring him to
the front in the professional work.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 327
Dr. Pohek was born in Austria in 1854. His bent toward medicine
was early taken advantage of, and after a thorough general education
he was placed in a medical school. He graduated in 1873 from the
famous medical department of the University of Vienna, and for the
foil, .wing year was an interne in the Allgemines Krankenhaus in
Vienna. He came to the United States in 1876, and for six years was
engaged in practice in San Francisco. He then returned to Europe
for further scientific preparation, and became a student in the Max-
imilian Ludwig Medical College at Munich, where he graduated in
[884. He then returned to the United States and practiced successively
at Omaha, at Fort Riley, Kansas, and at Kansas City, having built up a
large business in the latter city. He came to Pittsburg in 1903, and
at once found favor with those needing a high degree of medical and
surgical skill. He has a thoroughly equipped laboratory and pharmacy,
and dispenses his own medicines. He has all the modern appliances and
facilities so valuable to the present-day practitioner, such as the X-rays,
the violet rays and complete electrical apparatus. Dr. Pohek is a man
of broad and generous proportions in every way. being a distinguished
gentleman in social intercourse, a man of ample mean'- and unusually
successful in his profession, and is one of the most able scholars in this
part of the state, having command over a dozen languages.
In 1894 Dr. Pohek was elected president of the Kansas Physicians'
Association, and served as such for two years. Plis wife is Mrs. F.
Nevada (Schoshusen) Pohek, and they have two children. Ralph Byron
and Margarita.
TOHN DAVIS.
John Davis, of Cherokee, has been connected with the coal-mining
industry practically all his life, and is one of the most active, energetic
and enterprising young men engaged in that line of work in Crawford
county. At the present writing he is manager of shaft Xo. 5 at
328 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Cherokee. This was opened in February, 1904, and at a depth of
forty-seven feet a vein of twenty-six-inch coal, of fine quality, easily
accessible, was reached, and the output of the shaft is now about seven
hundred tons per month. Fifteen men are employed at the shaft. Mr.
Davis, having worked Ins way up through all the details of the mining
industry, is not only efficient in the work himself but is also a most
capable director, and his popularity among- his men is voiced unani-
mously by all who know him or of his work.
Born in Staffordshire. England, thirty-two years ago, at the age'
of nine years he accompanied his parents to the United States and settled
with them at Streator, LaSalle county, Illinois. He was a son of
Richard and Mary Davis, both natives of England. The former was
a brickmaker by trade, and a good one at that, and made a good living
for his family. Politically he was a Democrat. He died at the age of
forty-seven, and the mother, who was a member of the Methodist
church, died at the age of forty-three.
At the age of fourteen Mr. Davis began his acquaintance with the
coal industry, and for the past eighteen years has been steadily and
progressivelv in that line of occupation. He was married at Cherokee
at the age of twenty-one to Miss Cora Fulton, who died when twenty-
eight years old. leaving three sons, Richard, Earl and Homer. Mr.
Davis has fraternal affiliations with the Improved Order of Red Men.
and politically is a Democrat.
TOHX R. KNOTT.
John R. Knott, who is well known in Crawford county as a pros-
perous and progressive farmer and breeder of high-class Poland China
hogs, resides on section 19, Grant township, where he has had his
home for thirty-five years. He is. in fact, one of the pioneers of the
county, and has seen the prairies of tin- particular section develop from
wind-swept plains to a fruitful and beautiful agricultural community,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 329
with groves ami farm houses, waving' grain fields, and thriving villages
smiling with prosperity and filling to overflowing the cornucopia of the
industrious husbandman. His life has been consonant with his place
of habitation, and his ways have been those of peace and good will to his
neighbors, of contented performance of duty and the quiet and unalloyed
enjoyment of the fruits thereof, all of which has transpired to the better-
ment of himself and family ami the advancement of the welfare of his
fellow citizens.
Mr. Knott was horn in Monroe county. Missouri. January 16,
1843, a son "'" Clement and Margaret (Thomas) Knott, who were
both horn in Kentucky, whence they came to Missouri at an early da}'.
Clement Knott joined the California gold-seekers in 1849, and died on
the Pacific slope in [853, when forty-five years old. His wife lived to
the age of seventy-two years, and died in St. Paul, Kansas, in 1N70.
Mr. John R. Knott was reared in Missouri and had a common
school education. He was yet under age when, in [861, he enlisted
to fight the battles of his country, in Company C. Third Missouri
[nfantry, with which he sened until 1864, having been made a prisoner
of war at the battle of Pea Ridge. After leaving the army in 1S04 he
went to Montana, where he was engaged in mining for the following-
four and a half years, lie came to Crawford county. Kansas, in De-
cember. 1869, and took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, which
is a part of the farm of two hundred and forty acres which comprises
liis present nice homestead. He has made all the improvements on this
place, and his farm is one of which he may well he proud.
Mr. Knott was married January _>_\ [872, to Miss Mary Ann
Carico, a daughter of James Carico. Both her parents are now deceased.
Six children have keen horn to Mr. and Mrs. Knott. Aloysius is in
South America studying for the priesthood; Clarence is also preparing
to lie a priest, being a -indent in Kentucky: Legora is at home; Beatrice
is a sifter of charity at Nazareth, Kentucky: James Mark is a miner at
Chicopee, Kansas: and George A. is also at Chicopee. The family are
330 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
all members of the Catholic church at Greenbush. Air. Knott affiliates
with Lodge No. i. A. H. T. A. He served as justice of the peace for
several years, and his political belief is socialism.
JOHN WESLEY MICHAEL.
John Wesley Michael, a well known and prosperous farmer in
Grant township, has during a residence of twelve or thirteen years in
this county advanced to a position of esteem and influence in his com-
munity, and as a man of enterprise and public spirit in all that he under-
takes he is a factor that makes for the well-being and material progress
of Crawford county.
Mr. Michael began his career of usefulness at an early age, when as a
mere boy of fourteen years, in May, 1863, he enlisted in Company E,
One Hundred and Fifteenth Indiana Infantry, and went away to fight
in defense of the Union and all it represented. The regiment went
into camp at Camp Carrington, Illinois: was ordered to Cincinnati,
thence to Louisville, and on to Cumberland Gap, where it was under
General Hooker ; marched and saw much severe campaigning through-
out Tennessee. Kentucky and Virginia. Mr. Michael was sick with the
measles for a time in the hospital, and in February, 1864. received his
honorable discharge at Indianapolis. Indiana.
Mr. Michael was born in Edgar county, Illinois, near Paris, in
1849, tne y ear °f tne exodus to the California gold fields. His father,
a native and reared and educated in Pennsylvania, came from that
state to Indiana in young manhood, settling in Parke count} - on the
Wabash river, and later moved to Edgar county, Illinois.
Reared on the old Illinois homestead, where he was taught the
value of honest toil, and receiving bis education in the schools of his
locality, he grew to manhood there and from youth up has been engaged
in fanning pursuits. He came to Crawford count}' in 1892 and boughl
one hundred and sixty acres in Grant township, on which he has erected
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 331
a good modern house, furnished in taste and comfort, and which he has
so conducted and improved as to make his estate one of the best in his
neighborhood. He lias taken much interest in the affairs of his home
community, has supported and favored progress in education, good
roads, moral and religious environments, and has utilized all opportuni-
ties to make himself a man of worth not only to himself and family
but also to society in general.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael have four children: Mrs. Bertha Hand, of
Wilson county, Kansas; Alta ; Clarice and Henry, of Crawford county.
Mr. Michael is a strong- Republican in politics, and he and his wife are
members of the Methodist church.
THOMAS W. COGSWELL.
Thomas W. Cogswell, a lawyer known and honored in Pittsburg
and throughout Crawford county, where fur a number of years he has
enjoyed a high-class abiding practice among the leading corporate and
financial interests, is an old-time Kansan of thirty-five years' standing,
and has been a resident of Pittsburg fur the past fifteen years. He
has been connected with much of the whirl and eddying political, social
and professional activity of this state, and his career throughout has
been without blemish, his errors, if any, having been of the head, not
of the heart. He was noted as one of the most astute and successful
criminal lawyers at the bar during the middle period of his practice,
and one of the highest compliments that can lie paid to his ability is
that many citizens of Pittsburg and Crawford, when in need of legal
talent, would consult none other than their well known and respected
friend. Mr. Cogswell. He has labored devotedly and zealously through
all his sixty-five years of life without apparent diminution of energy or
will power, and his later years are crowned with a due meed of honor
for high and strenuous endeavor in the good fight of life.
Mr. Cogswell was born in Nova Scotia in 1838. being a son of
332 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Benjamin B. and Sarah (Jackson) Cogswell, both natives of Nova
Scotia, and the ancestry of the one being Scotch and English and of
the other American. His great-grandfather on his paternal side was a
soldier in the British army during the war of the Revolution, and in
the same war his maternal great-grandfather fought in the ranks of the
continentals, Mrs. Sarah Cogswell died in Nova Scotia when Thomas
was about ten years old, and the hitter's father then brought his family
to Illinois and settled on a farm in Will county, not far from Joliet.
Later in life Benjamin Cogswell moved to Pierce City. Missouri, where
he died at the age of eighty-four years.
Mr. T. W. Cogswell grew up on the farm in Will county, Illinois,
in the meantime received a good mental equipment in the district school,
in the graded and in the high schools of Joliet. and after graduation from
the latter took an extensive classical course in a college in Chicago. He
had also been carrying on his law studies, and when his education at
Chicago was finished he entered the office of E. C. Fellows, one of the
most noted criminal lawyers of the day. and after completing his studies
with him was also engaged in practice with such an eminent partner.
His admission to the bar was in Peoria in 1861. He enlisted twice in
the army, but was rejected on account of organic heart trouble, with
which he has always been afflicted. In the case of one enlistment he
helped raise and organize Company A, One Hundredth Illinois Infantry,
in Florence township of Will count). In [865 his poor health led him
to go west to California, and he was located at Auburn, in the Sacra-
mento valley, until 1869.
In the latter year lie came to eastern Kansas am! opened In- office
in Osage Mission, now St. Paul, where he practiced law for twenty
years, having gamed a large clientele and made an enduring circle of
friends. He was elected county attorney of Neosho county, and also to
several other offices of lesser importance. He is perhaps best remem-
bered within the boundaries of that county for the prominent part he
took in the memorable county-seat contest of [869-70, which furnishes
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 333
an exciting chapter of county history, not without its amusing episodes,
although at that time filled with complications that were truly serious.
Osage [Mission and Erie were the two rival towns. On one cold, dark
nighl Mr. Cogswell went alone to the court house at Erie, took the
records of the county and district court, and carried them in a gunny-
sack hack tn Osage Mission, which the county officers at that time made
the seal of government. The county seat remained for two years at
Osage Mission, during which time a loaded cannon was kept on top
of the court house, ready to be touched off should any have the temerity
to cnme in force and remove the records. Subsequently, when Mr.
Cogswell made the race for count}' attorney, this act, instead of militat-
ing against him in the case of the people of Erie, really won him votes
from that precinct, since they admired the courage of a man who would
come alone at the risk of his life, when the Erie people were armed and
ready to resist any removal of the precious documents.
In 1888 Mr. Cogswell came to Pittsburg and opened his office,
having made this his residence ever since. He has always maintained
a high reputation in criminal cases, hut 111 Pittsburg has devoted his
talents mainly as adviser for some of the leading business firms, financial
institutions and corporate interests of this city and vicinity. In igoo
his health failed, and he turned his practice over, temporarily, to his soii-
indaw, William J. Gregg, and retired to his farm four miles east of
Pittsburg, where he soon recuperated and resumed his legal duties. At
the present lime he is vice-president and attorney of the Pittsburg Water
Supply Company. One of the pleasurable incidents of his long practice
is the fact that he has had as students in his office and has been preceptor
to a number of young men who have since distinguished themselves,
notably. Congressman Phil Campbell and brother, John Campbell, and
also his above mentioned son-in-law. William J. Gregg, who is now a
successful corporation lawyer in Kansas City. Mr. Cogswell cast his
first presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas, hut his second was for
Lincoln, and he has ever since been a Republican.
334 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Mr. Cogswell \\a^ married at Elgin, Illinois, in November, 1870.
to Miss -Martha Wardlow. They have only one son living. Samuel
Cogswell. Miss Carrie Cogswell, now Mrs. W. J. Gregg, is their
daughter by adoption. Mr. and Mrs. Cogswell have always taken a
kind-hearted interest in young people, and several times they have taken
a child into their home and given it all the advantages that their own
children received.
A. T. GEORGIA.
A. J. Georgia, of Pittsburg. Kansas, was born in the township of
Newfield, Tompkins county. Xew York, August 23. 1835. His father
was a farmer. In 1846 the family moved to Tioga county, and in 1850
to Bradford county, Pennsylvania, but in 1852 returned to Tioga
county, locating at Waverly. In the fall of 1854 they moved to Kala-
mazoo. Michigan, and in i860 to Towa. After the close of the Civil
war they left Iowa and came to Kansas, locating near the present site
of the city « if I 'ittsburg.
Mr. A. J. Georgia attended the public schools of the various com-
munities in which he was reared. At the age of sixteen he applied to
the public schools of Waverly, New York, and upon examination was
assigned to classes in higher mathematics, including algebra and geo-
metry, also natural philosophy and physiology. He afterwards, for two
terms, attended the Ceresco Institute in Michigan. Upon his removal
to Michigan he began teaching, his first school being in Kalamazoo
county, and he afterward taught in Branch. Calhoun and Allegan
counties.
He was married to Miss Edith Bennett, at Colon, Michigan, April
4. i860, and in the fall moved to Iowa, where he continued to teach
until the summer of 1862. He then enlisted in Company E, Twenty-
eighth Iowa Infantry, and at the close of the war he came to Kansas
and settled on a claim near the present site of Pittsburg. Here he
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 337
followed the plow during- the summer and taught during the winter.
until the fall of 1874, when he was elected county superintendent of
schools of Crawford county. During his term of office the town of
Pittsburg was laid out, and upon the expiration of his term he moved
to Pittsburg, where he has since resided.
In the spring of 1867 he was elected justice of the peace, which
office he held for three years, and in January, 1877. he was appointed
postmaster of Pittsburg, retaining that incumbency until 1X84. Since
that time he has been engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance
business. Republican in politics, he has taken an active interest in
public affairs, and has served several terms as councilman and member
of the board of education of Pittsburg.
Edith Wood, of Pittsburg, is his only living child, and she was
about nine months old at the time of his enlistment in the army.
His wife Edith died in February. 1X1)4. and in 1896 he married Mrs.
Elizabeth Bell, his present wife.
JOHN W. DAVIS
John W. Davis, tanner and stock-raiser of Osage township, has
long been known as one of the live and enterprising citizens of Crawford
county, and his worth and integrity are apparent in all his relations with
his fellow men. He has enjoyed a very active, and indeed strenuous,
career, and in a lifetime of fifty mid years has lived and experienced as
much as most men when past threescore and ten.
For one thing, Mr. Davis got an early start in his career of activity.
When he was a boy of thirteen, in 1864, he became an enlisted soldier
in the Civil war, and has the honor of having been among the youngest
of our veterans. His enlistment took place at Unionville, Putnam
county. Missouri, in Company C, Forty-second Missouri Infantry, under
Captain Thompson and Colonel Forbes. They went into camp at
Macon, Missouri; were first under fire at Sturgeon, where they fought
338 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Colonel Bill Anderson's truops and guerrillas ; saw a good deal of rough
service in that part of Missouri, and the Forty-second Missouri by its
proved prowess gained the respect of all the enemy in that part of the
country ; then went to Benton Barracks at St. Louis, and from that time
to the end of the war did much scouting and skirmish duty in Tennessee
and Kentucky. Mr. Davis was honorably discharged at Nashville, in
June, 1865, with an excellent record as a boy soldier.
Mr. Davis was born near Xew London, Ralls county. Missouri, in
September. 1851. His father. Parker Davis, was born in Virginia, of
an old family of that state, was reared to manhood there and married
Miss Anna Seeley. who was born near Quebec, Canada, of French line-
age. Later they settled in Ralls county, Missouri, where the father died
in 1856, leaving his wife and seven children; namely. George, who
was a soldier in the Eighteenth Missouri Infantry: Martha. Sarah.
Marian. Susan, Mary. John W. The mother died in Putnam county.
Missouri, when past seventy. Politically the father was a Democrat,
and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. John W. Davis was reared on the farm to the age of thirteen,
being taught to work and gaining a fair amount of education for his
time and locality. After the war he returned and went to work on the
farm; later was in Pettis count}'. Missouri, two years: was in Illinois
eighteen months; returned and spent eleven years in Putnam county,
Missouri, after which he went to Jasper county, Iowa, and lived there
three years, during which time he was married; then went west to Fron-
tier countv in western Nebraska, took up a homestead, and during nine
years of industry and steady delving raised but two crops. This was
certainly enough to discourage am one with that part of the country,
and be accordingly sold out bis land and in a prairie schooner drove
back to God's country, first to Missouri and then to Neosho county.
Kansas, where he lived two years. He then came to Crawford county
and bought a farm of eighty acres near Monmouth. This he improved
and traded for property in Neosho county, hut now for several years
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 339
has owned and resided on a fine estate of one hundred and sixty acres
about five miles northwest of McCune. This is one of the first-class
farms of Osage township, well improved and cultivated, and its man-
agement indicates the good judgment and ability of its proprietor.
Mr. Davis was married in Jasper county, Iowa, in [885, to Emma
J. Brewin. who was reared and educated in that count} - , being a daughter
of John and Alice (Pondro) Brewin. who were both born in Leicester-
shire, England, where they were married, and then came to Iowa, where
both passed way. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have a fine family of nine chil-
dren: Homer. Oakley. Walter. Andrew, Curma, Barker. Hickory. Pansy
and Theodore Roosevelt. As the last name would indicate, Air. Davis
is a thoroughgoing Republican, and it is worthy of mention that he
formed his resolutions concerning party affiliations when he was a boy
of twelve years, and has ever since maintained a loyal adherence to the
party of his youthful choice. He is a member of Osage Bost No. 150.
( i. A. R., at McCune. His wife is a member of the Methodist church.
BHILIB F. SCHULZ.
Philip F. Schulz, in addition to conducting a large and finely im-
proved farm in Grant township, is also proprietor of several creameries
in different parts of the county, and has more extensive interests in this
line than an}' other man in the county. He is an old-timer of Crawford
county, with residence here dating back to the year 1869, when he had
not yet reached the age of manhood and had only recently arrived from
the old country. He has made a most creditable record in business
affairs and matters of citizen-hip since allying himself with his adopted
land, and Crawford county finds in him one of her most able and public-
spirited representatives.
Mr. Schulz was born in Germany, April 10. 1850, being a son of
George and Margaret Schulz. both natives of Germany. His mother
died in Germany in 1867, at the age of thirty-eight, hut his father lived
340 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
to the great age of eighty-one and passed away in Pennsylvania in
1903.
Mr. Schnlz received his early education in the schools of his native
land, and in the year following his mother's death he came to the United
States. He was in Michigan one year, and in 1869 came to Crawford
county. Kansas, where he took up a claim. He remained only one year,
however, and in 1870 went to Pennsylvania. He was engaged in navi-
gating the Ohio and Mississippi rivers for over two years, and quit as
second mate. He was then in the butcher business one year and over,
until his brother bought him out. In 1876 he returned to Crawford
county and bought his present home in section 12 of Grant township.
His farm consists of three hundred and twenty acres of choice soil, and
all the excellent improvements, including a large orchard of one thou-
sand trees, are the result of his own individual labor and supervision.
In [896 he embarked in the creamery business, at first in partnership
with D. H. Young, whom he bought out in [899. He now has a cream-
ery on his farm, and also owns and operates through his sons-in-law
one at Walnut, one at Greenbush and one at Porterville. Mr. Schnlz has
very recentlv erected an ice plant, which can manufacture three tons
per day.
Mr. Schulz is an independent Democrat, and served on the school
board of his district for thirteen years. He affiliates with Lodge No. -2.
A. II. T. A., and he and his family are members of St. Patrick's Catholic
church at Walnut. Mr. Schulz was married January 5. 1875. to Miss
Dora Bedc, of Germany, and twelve children have been born to them,
all of whom are living, as follows: Mary, the wife of S. B. New ell
operates the creamery at Walnut; Lizzie, the wife of Samuel Little,
who runs the creamery at Greenbush; Anna, the wife of Henry West-
hoff, who has the creamery at Porterville; Otto, a farmer, who was on
a ranch near Oswego, Kansas; Rose, the wife of Phillip Westhoff. who
conducts a sawmill; and Frank. Edward, Dora. Theresa, Frnest, Ray-
mond and Lawrence, who are all at home.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY . 341
JAMES M. HEWETT.
James M. Hewett, a prominent and well known farmer of Grant
township, Crawford county, took up the claim which he has developed
into his present beautiful and productive farm, over thirty years ago,
so that he is one of the pioneer agriculturists of the county. lie has
been very successful in his efforts, has taken a creditable interest in
public matters of township and county, and in all the relations of church,
state and private life has commended himself by his integrity and intelli-
gence to his fellow citizens.
Mr. Hewett was horn in the state of Pennsylvania, February i_\
1 84 1. His parents were Collins A. and Martha (Moore) Hewett, na-
tives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively. His father was a
minister of the Baptist denomination, and when lie moved to Crawford
county. Kansas, in 1871, he assisted in the building of the first Baptist
church in Girard. He preached in this town and also in Cherokee and
Lightning Creek church. His death occurred in 1876. followed in the
next year by that of his wife.
Mr. J. M. Hewett received his education in the common schools
of Illinois, in which state he grew to manhood. He lived at home until
1870, and in that year came to Kansas and took up a claim of one hun-
dred and sixty acres in Grant township of Crawford county. His dili-
gent efforts have effected a great transformation in the appearance and
general productivity of this place since that pioneer time in the history
of the county, and he has also added other land to his farm, so that his
well improved place of three hundred and twenty acres is a model of its
kind and comparable with any farmstead in the vicinity.
Mr. Hewett was married March 22. 1870. to Miss Jennie Bn wne,
a daughter of Alexander and Catherine M. Browne, both of whom are
now deceased. Mr. nd Mrs. Hewett have four children: Collin.- A.
is a carpenter of Chanute, Kansas; Katie M. is the wife of J. M. Car-
lisle, of Granite. Montana: Miss Jue makes her home with her sister in
342 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Montana ; and Sheldon B. has recently graduated from a medical college
in Kansas City. The family are members of the Baptist church, and
Mr. Hewett affiliates with Lodge No. 215. A. H. T. A. He is an inde-
pendent Republican in politics, and was for a number of years a school
director in his district.
DR. RAYMOND W. MOORE.
Dr. Raymond W. Moore, the well known physician of Arcadia,
Kansas, has attained a high rank in his profession during the few years
since his technical preparation was concluded, and he enjoys an espe-
cially wide range of influence and patronage about Arcadia. He has
established himself as the trusted family doctor in many homes, and his
professional services are being sought by a constantly growing number
of patients. He is well equipped for his life work, is progressive and
devoted to his science, and his scope of usefulness is destined to be large
wherever his lot is cast.
Dr. Moore was born in Marshall, Missouri, September 22, 1872.
a son of Levi J. and Nancy 1 Horseman) Moore, both natives of Ohio.
His parents came to Missouri in 1865, in tSSo located in Randolph
county, Illinois, and five years later returned to Missouri, making their
home in Vernon county. His father died there February 25, 1897. at
the age .of fifty-five years, and his mother is living in Nevada, Missouri,
being fifty-six years old.
Dr. Moore was a student in the common schools of Missouri and
Illinois, and also attended the state normal at Warrensburg, Missouri.
He took up the vocation of school teacher at the age of nineteen, and
followed it for four years. He then entered the University Medical
( College at Kansas City, and in the course of his studies served as interne
in the University Hospital of that city. During the Spanish war in
the summer of 1898. he was hospital steward in charge of the operating
department of the second division of the Second Army Corps, at ( amp
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 343
Alger, Virginia, and at Camp Meade, Pennsylvania. He graduated
from the University Medical College in March. 189c). and on the 3d of
April following located in Arcadia. In iqoo his office was burned out.
and he lost all his clothing, drugs and instruments. He now has a mod-
ern and well equipped office of three rooms, containing his professional
library, and he carries his own stock of drugs. He still does much read-
ing along the line of his work, and always keep- to the forefront in the
progress of his profession. He is a conscientious and enthusiastic phy-
sician, and is one of the most valuable citizens of his town and com-
munity.
Dr. Moore is examining physician for the Xew York Life, the
Home Life of Xew York, the Kansas City Lite Insurance Company, the
Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Degree of Honor, the F. A. A.,
the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Home Builders' Union. He
has fraternal affiliations with the F. A. A., the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and the Home Builders' Union, and is noble grand of Lodge
No. 401. I. O. O. F. He is president of the board of health, is secretary
of the Arcadia Telephone Company, and secretary of the Arcadia Com-
mercial Club. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
Dr. Moore married. October 22. 1901, Miss Anna May Downing,
a daughter of J. W. and Yioletta Downing, of Kansas City. Two chil-
dren have been born of this marriage. Maud and Ralph.
EDGAR S. DOLSON.
Edgar S. Dolson, cashier of the McCune City State Bank, is a
young but aggressive and able business man of this town of southwestern
Crawford county, and in the few years since entering his business career
has demonstrated especial capacity for the management and control of
financial affairs. He has identified himself both personally and publicly
with the town of McCune, taking a public-spirited part in all matters
344 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
pertaining to- its growth and prosperity, and is at the present time serving
as its mayor.
Mr. Dolson was born in Scotland county. Missouri, December 15,
J 878, a son of Harvey I. and Luceba ( Skidmore) Dolson, the former of
Illinois and the latter of Virginia, whence she came with her parents
in her young girlhood to Illinois and there married. His father has
been a minister of the Methodist church all his life, and in this capacity
came to Kansas in 1883. settling first in Bourbon count}-, but owing to
the itinerancy enjoined by the rules of the church he has moved about
from place to place, and at the present time has charge of the church
at Savonburg, Allen county, Kansas, where he and his wife reside. They
are the parents of five children: Robert, of Xew York city; F. H., of
Kansas City; Flora, wife of G. W. Norton, of Kansas City; B. W., of
Kansas City; and Edgar S.
Mr. Dolson, the youngest of the children, received a common school
education, and after finishing the high school curriculum at Greeley,
Anderson county, Kansas, took a business course in a Kansas City busi-
ness college. At the conclusion of his school days, in 1900. he came to
McCune, where he accepted the position of assistant cashier in the Mc-
Cune State Bank. In 1902 he resigned and then helped organize the
McCune City State Bank, with a capital of ten thousand dollars, and
with John W. Martin as president and himself as cashier. He has proved
a most valuable official and director of this financial institution, and lias
done much to give it the conservative steadiness and financial solidity
which are to be reckoned among its chief asset-.
Mr. Dolson's popularity in the town is shown by his election as
mayor, in which office he is now serving his second year. His honesty
and persevering industry and genial qualities of character have proved
his best capital, and with these he has worked up to a commendable place
in his community. IK- is a Master Mason of Temple Lodge No. 237,
b". & A. M., and also a member of McCune Lodge No. 195, I. O O. F.
Ik- was married May 17, 1900. to Miss Jennie M. Evans, of Kansas
City, and they have one child, Catherine.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 345
HENRY B. PIERCE.
Henrv B. Pierce, of the Pierce Realty Company, at Pittsburg,
Kansas, has been well known in Pittsburg for nearly twenty years, and
for the past ten years has had his permanent resilience here and been
extensively engaged in, the real estate business. He has been a successful
business man. hut. outside oi his occupations pursued for individual gain,
he has also heen much interested in matters pertaining to the public
welfare and the development of the material resources and the civic
progress ,,f whatever community with which he has been identified for
any considerable time. He will always lie remembered in Pittsburg
for the part he has played in advancing the standard of educational facil-
ities and making this city a center of education along- practical lines.
Mr. Pierce was horn in Oil City, Pennsylvania, in 1858, being one
of the sons born to David and Lovina ( Hockman ) Pierce, both natives
of Pennsylvania, where his mother still lives. His father was a fanner,
but was also interested in the oil industry, and died from the result of
an accident.
Mr. Henry Pierce received his education in Oil City, hut took up
the practical duties of life at the age of fourteen, beginning work in the
oil trade, in-which his father and nearly all Ins brothers were interested,
some of his brothers being still connected with that great industry.
He soon worked into a good position with the Standard Oil Company,
and at an early age was earning a large salary. But, feeling the need
of further education, he resigned his place and took a course in the State
Normal School at Edinboro, Pennsylvania. In [880 he was married,
and in the same year came west and settled in Cherokee county, of
southeastern Kansas, on the Indian Territory border, where he engaged
in the farming and cattle business on a very extensive scale. He lived
there until 1885, and then for a short time was a resident of Pittsburg,
which town was then in its infancy. He afterward moved his family
out to the western part of the state, in Kinslev. Edwards county, where
346 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
lie lived for a number of years. He left there in order that his children
might have better educational facilities than could be offered in that
section of the state, and in 1894 took up his residence in Pittsburg,
where he has made his home ever since. He established here the Pierce
Realty Company, which is successfully engaged in a general real estate
and financial business, making city and country loans, and dealing in
bonds, etc.
Since coming to the west Mr. Pierce has taken much interest in
educational affairs in the several places of his residence, not only for the
advantage of his own children but from the purely altruistic desire for
educational advancement in general, and has usually been connected in
some official capacity with the school boards. For several years he was
a member of the Pittsburg board of education, and was associated with
Senator Porter in establishing here the public manual training school,
the first of its kind in the state. He was a member of the finance com-
mittee that floated the bonds and made negotiations for erecting the
school and devised the plans for maintaining it. The inauguration of
this school in Pittsburg led to the later establishment here of the State
Normal Manual Training School, by act of the legislature, which marked
one of the greatest advances the Kansas school system had made.
Air. Pierce was married at Oil City, Pennsylvania, in 1880. to Miss
Maggie Kline, and they have had five children. The two oldest sons,
Hurlburt G. and Harvey J., were students of the State University at
Lawrence, the former finishing in the law department and the latter in
the civil engineering department. Hurlburt is now a member of the
Pierce Realty Company, while Harvey, although only twenty-one years
old, is in charge of the engineering department of the Midland Valley
Railroad in Arkansas and Indian Territory. Floyd, a younger son,
will become connected with his father's business as soon as he is through
school. The other two children are Esther and Fred. Mr. Pierce is a
Royal Arch Mason, and in politics is a Democrat.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 347
CAPTAIN 1). K. MORRIS.
Captain D. K. Morris, of Lincoln township, is one of the old set-
tlers, having come here shortly after the Civil war. in which he gave
full meed of patriotic service, is a prosperous and progressive farmer.
and in public affairs and private life has manifested the high degree of
integrity and worthy endeavor which make fur ideal citizenship ami
accomplishment.
Captain Morris was living in Warren county. Illinois, when the
Civil war came on, and at Monmouth of that county, on August 7, 1862,
he enlisted and was chosen sergeant of Company H. Eighty-third Illinois
Infantry, under Captain W. G. Bond and Colonel A. C. Harding. From
Monmouth they were ordered to Cairo, Illinois, and then to Fort Hine-
nian, Kentucky, their first important engagement being at Fort Donelson.
They were campaigning ail through Tennessee, being at Nashville.
Pulaski, Clarksv.ille, and on other battle grounds, under General Hooker
part of the time and were fighting the noted Confederate General 1 1 1.
Captain Morris was mustered out at Xashville and went home with an
honorable rec< >r<l as a s< ildier.
Born in Jackson county, Ohio. September jo. 1837, Captain Morns
was a son of James ami Nancy (Price) Morris, the former horn in
Washington county, Pennsylvania, and serving as a soldier 111 the war
of 1812. The father was a successful farmer; in politics followed the
fortunes of the Democratic party for a number of years, hut later be-
came a Republican; he and his wife were members of the Christian
church. The mother died in Warren county, Illinois. There were sev-
en children in the family, four sons and three daughters, and two other
sons were soldiers of the Civil war: namely. Joshua R.. of the Thirtieth
Illinois, and William, of the Tenth Illinois Infantry.
Captain Morris was reared on the home farms in the states of
Ohio and Illinois. In i860 he was married to Miss Sarah Hendrick,
a native of Indiana and a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Burke)
348 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Hendrick. both of whom were born in Kentucky, and the latter died in
Warren county. Illinois, and the father, a farmer, a Republican and a
member of the Christian church, died in Kansas. There were eight chil-
dren in the Hendrick family, and two of the sons, James M. and John
T., were soldiers of the Sixty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
On coming- to this county in 1S67 Mr. Morris bought a good tract
of land, and his farm of one hundred and twenty acres is now recognized
as one of the best in Lincoln township, affording a most comfortable
home place 111 winch the Captain and his family have passed so many
years. There are five children living, as follows: Robert T., of Coalville,
Kansas: Laura Hastings, of Big Cabin. Indian Territory: James, of
Mineral, Kansas; Ellen Willard, of Big Cabin, Indian Territory; and
John, on the home farm. Captain Morris is a strong Republican, and
has served as justice of the peace in his township for twenty-four years.
He is a member of Arcadia Post No. 472. G. A. R. Mrs. Morris is a
member of the Christian church.
ISAAC M. SHIPMAN.
Thirty-four years have come and gone since Isaac M. Shipman
became a resident of Crawford county, and during this period he has
witnessed much of the growth and development of southeastern Kansas.
He has seen its wild lands reclaimed for the purposes of civilization and
transformed from raw prairie into richly cultivated fields clotted here
and there with comfortable and substantial homes, good school buildings
and churches, while in the midst of the district have sprung up enter-
prising towns, enabling citizens to enjoy all the comforts and conven-
iences of the older east. Mr. Shipman, now making his home in Girard,
is engaged in the breeding of Percheron and trotting horses and of jacks,
and in former years he was closely connected with agricultural interests
in the county.
A native of Fountain county, Indiana. Isaac M. Shipman was
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 349
born on the ;th of April, 1S42, and was a son of Henry and Elizabeth
(Davis) Shipman, both of whom arc now deceased, the mother having
passed away in 1844, while the father survived until 1871. Isaac M.
Shipman, reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, obtained his edu-
cation in the common schools of Indiana and started out upon an inde-
pendent business career when eighteen years of age by working at the
cooper's trade in the winter months, while in the summer seasons he
engaged at farm labor. In [866 he removed from Indiana to Illinois,
settling in Livingston county, where he engaged in farming for a year.
On the 19th of October, 1867, he arrived in Crawford county, Kansas,
and purchased a claim on Elm creek seven miles west of Girard. There
he owned two hundred and eighty acres, which he transformed from its
primitive condition into richly cultivated fields, while upon the farm
he placed many substantial modern improvements. He was continuously
engaged in the cultivation of the soil until March, 1S95. when he re-
moved to Girard. where he purchased a nice home, and at this writing
has just completed an excellent barn thirty by thirty feet. In 1901
he sold his original farm to James Wylie, and purchased two hundred
and thirty acres of land which is pleasantly and conveniently located only
a mile and a half northeast of Girard. It is upon this place that he en-
gages in the breeding of Percheron and trotting horses and jacks, and he
owns some other valuable stock, while his annual sales reach a large
figure.
On the 20th of .August. [863, Mr. Shipman was married to Miss
Sarah C. McClure, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Songer) Ale
Clure, of Fountain county, Indiana. The children horn of this marriage
are nine in number: Alary E., the wife of William Lamb, of Oklahoma;
Lucinda A., the wife of Anderson Fox. of Crawford township. Craw-
ford county; Sarah Anna, the wife of L. I'.. McClelland, of this town-
ship; Alaggie A., the wife of William Dunlap. of (".rant town-hip: Henry,
at home: Ida, the wife of A. McClelland, who is living on her father's
350 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
farm: J. B., who was married October 3, 1903, and is living on his
father's farm; Emily V., at home; and one child that died in infancy.
The parents are members of the Church of God and are deeply-
interested in religious work. Mr. Shipman has served as school director
for three years and gives his political support to the Republican party,
but has never been active in politics as an office-seeker, preferring to
devote his time and energies to his business affairs, which, being capably
conducted, have made him one of the substantial citizens of his adopted
county.
CARL C. COCKERILL.
Carl C, Cockerill, a prominent coal operator and proprietor of the
C. C. Cockerill Coal Company, at Pittsburg, Kansas, has large interests
in Crawford county's great mining industry and is numbered among
Pittsburg's must enterprising young business men. He has been in-
terested in coal operating and its allied industries from boyhood, and
has been at the bead of bis present business for four years. He belongs
to the class of men of whom Pittsburg is most proud — enterprising,
public-spirited, alert to make use of opportunities for building up their
own business, vet willing to sacrifice time and labor for the general
development and progress of the city and county.
Mr. Cockerill was born at Glasgow, Missouri, in June, 1872, a son
of Judge 11. Clay and Kate (Almond) Cockerill. His father was born
at Richmond, .Missouri, in 1831, and is one of the old-time and promi-
nent citizens of that state. He received a good education, studied law,
and became a leading member of the Missouri bar. He was elected
judge of the district court for Platte county, and was an honor to the
bench during bis incumbency. For the past thirty-five or forty years he
lias lived at Glasgow, Missouri, and was elected and served one term as
state senator from Howard county. One of his sons, Hon. Harry W.
Cockerill, who died in [893, also served in the legislature from that
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 351
countv, and was taken away when well entered upon a distinguished
career. Judge Cockerill's wife was born in Platte county, Missouri, in
1845-
Air. C. C. Cockerill received most of his education in the Glasgow
schools. He entertained a liking for the coal business when a boy, and
in 1889. at the age of seventeen, came to Weir City, Kansas, and took
an office position with the zinc works in that place. In 1S91 he came
to Pittsburg to fill a position with the Cherokee Zinc Company, which
later became the Cherokee-Lanynn Spelter Company, operating one ol
the largest smelters in this district. He continued his connection with
this company until its Pittsburg plants were discontinued in 1900, when
he engaged in the coal mining business, under the name of the C. C.
Cockerill Coal Company. He operates two mines and employs about
three hundred men. Mine No. 12' i> is three miles and a half northeast
of Pittsburg, and mine No. 16 is a mile and a half south of Chicopee.
Mr. Cockerill was married at Pittsburg in February, 1804. to Miss
Minnie Nesch, whose father, Robert Nesch, is now a resident of Kansas
City, but who still retains his large interests in Pittsburg, being vice
president of the Pittsburg Wholesale Grocery Company, and also con-
nected with some of the leading manufacturing plants of the city. Mr.
and Mrs. Cockerill have three sons, Robert Clay, Carl and Almond. He
affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and he and
his wife are prominent members of the social circles of the city.
DR. ROBERT W. McLAREN.
Dr. Robert AY. McLaren, a prominent physician and surgeon oi
Pittsburg, Kansas, has had an established practice in this city for about
four years and is recognized as one of the foremost men in his profes-
sion in southeastern Kansas. He came to this city with the very best of
equipment for his work, and has since exhibited the qualities of the true
physician — a careful and conscientious devotion to his calling, a scien-
352 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
tific and thorough knowledge of all its departments, a deep sympathy that
makes him a friend as well as a scientific counselor, and a right appre-
ciation of the nobleness of his profession as a factor for good to man-
kind.
Dr. McLaren was born in Glengarry county. Ontario. Canada, in
1872. being a son of Donald and Mary Ann (Johnson) McLaren, the
former a native of Canada and of Scotch parentage and the latter a
native of Ireland. Both the parents are still living in Canada, and his
father is a carpenter and contractor.
Dr. McLaren received his early education in the country schools
of Glengarry comity, and was subsequently in school at Williamstown.
From there he entered Queen's University at Kingston. Canada, where
he spent three years in the department of liberal arts. He then matricu-
lated in the famous medical school of McGill University, at Montreal.
where he was graduated June 17, 1898. He then continued his profes-
sional training along practical lines by spending a year in the Royal
Victorian Hospital at Montreal, and was then house surgeon in St.
Luke's Hospital at Ottawa, in which position he gained most valuable
experience in surgery. He decided to locate for permanent practice
in the United States, and in the latter part of 1000 established himself
at Pittsburg for the general practice of medicine. He has been very suc-
cessful ami has gained a large and high-class patronage. He still retains
membership in the Canadian Medical Society.
T. A. CARLTON.
J. A. Carlton, president of the Farmers' State Bank of Walnut,
is one of the most thoroughly representative business men and financiers
in Crawford county and southeastern Kansas. hi this capacin his
worth and importance to the county and the town of his residence is
well known and appreciated. But of especial interest to the reader of
this history is the fact that his large success has been gained by hard
$^?^<^. stf. -ts>a-^£^&^;
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 355
and persistent industry and intelligent application beginning with the
period of boyhood, and that in a varied career, connected with numerous
enterprises, he has adhered steadily to the principles of rugged honesty
and absolute integrity which were inculcated in him while a youth
growing up among the hills of old Xew Hampshire. He lias been pro-
gressing to the goal of his ambition throughout a period of some Eort)
rears, ami as a successful, honorable and public-spirited citizen his place
in Crawford county is one of broad usefulness and worth.
Mr. Carlton is a native of Conway. Xew Hampshire, where lie
was born August 2. 1846. His parents were Andrew and Nancy 1 West )
Carlton, natives, respectively, of Vermont and New Hampshire, and
both now deceased. After a brief period of educational discipline in
the schools of New Hampshire, young Carlton, aged sixteen, left home
and went to the New England metropolis of Boston, where he worked
in an express office two years. The scene of his endeavors was then
transferred to the west, and two years of his early life were spent as a
school teacher at Mt. Vernon, Wisconsin, where he later became
engaged in the general merchandise business. His health failing, a fur
five years he sold out and returned to Xew Hampshire, where for twelve
years the mercantile and lumber business engrossed his activities, and
nil the time he was progressing and gaining a substantial place in the
world of business. Selling out his New Hampshire interests, he next
spent two years in Missouri, and on December i, 1889, arrived in Wad-
nut, Crawford county, and engaged in the general merchandise business,
which has been successfully continued for fifteen years. In March.
1904. was organized the Farmers' State Bank, of which he has since
been president and most active in promoting its success. Die other
officers of this institution are: George Goff, cashier: D. B. Grei
vice president: and B. E. Carlos, secretary. Mr. Carlton is also one of
the largest money lenders in this part of the country, making loan- on
real estate, personals and chattels. On his ranch of ^e\en thousand
acres near Dodge City. Kansas, he raises large numbers of cattle and
356 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
other live stock, and lie also owns two tine farms in this county, besides
his comfortable residence in Walnut and the block and store where his
bank is located.
Mr. Carlton is. fraternally, a thirty-second degree Mason. In pol-
itics he is a Republican, and has served as mayor of his town and also
as township assessor.
He was married in 1870 to Miss Mary L. Haselton, of his native
town of Conway, New Hampshire. They have two children, Winifred
is the wife of Hollis Cole, of Conway, Xew Hampshire, and the son
Guv is a merchant ami stock huver of Walnut.
JUDGE THOMAS R. JONES.
Judge Thomas R. Jones, who is filling the position of probate judge
at Girard, Kansas, well merits the respect which is accorded him. for
his has been an honorable record, in which, through the utilization of
his opportunities, through his unwearied industry and persistent pur-
pose, he has steadily worked bis way upward in the business world and
at the same time has commanded the esteem and confidence of those
with whom he has been associated.
He was born in Glamorganshire, Wales, on the 24th of March.
1858, and is ,1 son of Richard and Eleanor (Rees) Jones, who were also
natives of Wales. The father was a miner by occupation, and in No-
vember. 1857. be bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for
the United States. He took up hi? abode in Ohio and for some time
was engaged in mining in that state. Subsequently leaving Ohio, be
moved to Pennsylvania about 1873, and resided there until 1875. thence
to Will county. Illinois, I Braidw 1) for one year, and thence to Joplin,
Missouri, in 1876, and was resident there until 1877, when be came to
Crawford county, Kansas. On settling in Crawford county be turned
bis attention to farming, carrying on that pursuit until his death. He
was killed, however, in the mines at Midway by slate falling upon him
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 357
in August. 1891, being at the time fifty-eight years of age. His first
wife had passed away in Ohio in 1862 when but twenty-seven years of
age.
Judge Thomas R. Jones pursued his education in the public schools
of Pennsylvania, Ohio and northern Virginia, successively, but his privi-
leges in that direction were somewhat limited as at an early age he began
to earn his own living. He was a lad of nineteen summers when be
came to Kansas with his father and secured employment in the mines at
Midway. He worked earnestly, diligently, mastered ever)- task which
was assigned to him and by reason of his fidelity and capability he was
promoted from time to time, until in 1885 he was made lineman of
the mines, and occupied that responsible position until the 1st of Janu-
ary. 1903, when he resigned in order to enter upon official service. He
had in the previous November been elected judge of the probate court
of Crawford county, and on the 12th of January, 1903. he entered upon
the duties of the office. He is now acceptably serving in that position,
being a worthy custodian of the legal interests of the county in this
direction.
On Christmas day of [880 was celebrated the marriage of Judge
Jones and Miss Elizabeth Tangye. a daughter of James and Mary
(Bishop) Tangye, who were natives of England. Mrs. Jones was horn
in Maryland. By her marriage she has become the mother of six chil-
dren: Harry, who is occupying a position as bookkeeper with the Bo-
land. Darnell Coal Company at Hartford, Arkansas; Ethel. Thomas R..
James R., Arthur D. and Grace E., all at home. Mrs. Jones and the
children are all members of the Episcopal church and the family is wide-
ly and favorably known in Girard. The judge belongs to the Masonic
fraternity, in which he has attained high rank, being now affiliated with
the blue lodge Xo. 187. chapter No. 58 and Montjoie Commandery No.
29. at Pittsburg, and also with Abdalla Temple of the Mystic Shrine at
Leavenworth. Kansas. He likewise belongs to the Independent Order
356 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 196, at Pittsburg, and to the Ancient Order
of United Workmen, Lodge No. 346, at Litchfield. Kansas."
Coming to this state in his boyhood days, Judge Jones has gained a
wide acquaintance among the people in this part of the commonwealth,
and is justly regarded as one of the foremost citizens of his community.
his progressive spirit being manifest in active co-operation for the gen-
eral good along lines of substantial progress and improvement.
MILES W. GREENWOOD.
Miles W. Greenwood, a leading contractor of Pittsburg, was among
the first to cast in their lot with this settlement, and in a very substantial
fashion helped to build up and develop his town into a city of which he
ami the entire county is now most proud. Nearly all the years of his
adull manhood, thirty in number, have been passed in this city, and his
success has been achieved here by his industry and steady adherence to
fixed and honorable principles in life.
Mr. Greenwood was born at Alexandria, Campbell county, Ken-
tucky, in 1854. His parents. James and Sarah (Horswell) Greenwood,
were both born in Yorkshire, England, and they came to the United
States about 1834. James Greenwood was a woolen mill employe, and
also engaged in that occupation after coming to America. His brother,
Thomas Greenwood, with his family, had started for America a. year
before James, but has never since been heard of. It is known that bis
vessel suffered shipwreck on the way, but it is also known that he finally
reached this country, although the most diligent efforts to locate him or
bis family have been so far unsuccessful. James Greenwood died in
t862, and his wife in iSSt, both in Kentucky, where they had lived since
coming to America. Four of their sons served as Union soldiers in the
Civil war. namely. James, Henry. John and George. The first named
was wounded at the battle of Murfreesboro, and was also a prisoner in
the aw tul Libby prison.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 359
Mr. Miles W. Greenwood received his education at Alexandria,
Kentucky, and during his boyhood days there also began learning the
carpenter's trade. He completed his period of apprenticeship at Cin-
cinnati, and worked there for a time as a journeyman, having employ-
ment in that capacity in the Mill Creek section of that city. In 1875
he came to Illinois and worked at his trade for nine months. His
introduction to the present city of Pittsburg was in 1S76. but the place
was then known as Xew Pittsburg, and was a small station on the
Girard and Joplin Railroad, containing probably one hundred inhabi-
tants and a very few buildings. It was a promising locality because of
the great coal prospects which were just beginning to be developed
and which were certain to make a rid; community in time. Mr. Green-
wood went to work as a carpenter and contractor, and put up a number
of buildings in the town. The second winter he was here the old Stev-
ens Hotel, at which he was boarding, burned to the ground, and he suf-
fered a heavy loss in bis two hundred and fifty dollars" worth of tools.
In 1884 he was compelled to give up his carpentry work on account of
ill health, and during the following nine years he engaged in mining.
He then resumed and has since continued his business as contractor and
builder. He has constructed a great many buildings, both in the city
and tor the large mining companies nearby. Among others, he built
the Schneider and Hunter blocks, and the Ash, Clark and McCluskey
residences.
Mr. Greenwood has always been a stanch Republican in politics,
and for some time during his earlier career in this city was in public
life. He was constable for eight years, and also served a term as deputy
sheriff under W. H. Braden. His fraternal affiliations are with the
Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Improved Order of Red Men,
the Fraternal Aid. and his wife is also a member of a number of
local orders. He was married in this city in 1879 to Miss Maggie
Botts, and they have three sons, George, Harry and Dan. They have
.also lost a little son, Frank, and two daughters. Lucy and Edna.
360 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
JOHN f. smith:
John F. Smith, of Washington township, has lived in this county
from pioneer times, and is one of the successful farmers and stock-
raisers in the eastern part of the county. He is worthy of the esteem
and respect in which he is universally held by friends and neighbors,
and by his enterprise and public spirit has become an influential factor
in the affairs of his part of the county.
Born in the state of North Carolina, in 1836. of excellent family
connections, a son of Andrew and Nancy E. (Clark) Smith, of North
Carolina, the father born in 1813, at the age of two years Mr. Smith
was taken to Indiana, and thence to Greene county, Iowa, hut the
family home was later again made in Indiana. The father died in Mar-
tin county, Indiana, at the age of fifty-two. He was a farmer, and he
and his wife, who died in Greene county, Indiana, at the age of sixtv-
six. were members of the Church of God. There were eight children:
Martha. Sarah, Brasilia. Mary. Thomas. John F., Sina C. and Anderson
C. the last named a soldier in the Twenty-second Indiana, now de-
ceased.
Reared and educated in the State of Indiana. Mr. Smith was trained
to the life of farming and has followed that occupation successfully
from his earliest years. On September 21. 1864. he enlisted in Company
1, Twenty-second Indiana Infantry, under Captain A. R. Ravenscroff,
and gave an excellent -account of himself throughout the remainder of
the war. until he received his honorable discharge and could go home
with the consciousness of having performed his duty to country as well
as to home. He was sent from Indianapolis to Nashville, and was in
General Sherman's army in its famous march to the sea. being also pres-
ent at the battles before Atlanta. He was detailed to drive cattle for
the army, and brought a large drove along with the army to Savannah.
Mr. Smith was married in i860 to Miss Celestine Burge, who was
horn m Greene county. Indiana. April 8, [849, being a daughter of
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 361
Hamilton and Sarah Marinda Burge, the former a native of Wales
Her mother died in Indiana, and her father lives at the age of eighty,
having been a farmer throughout his active life. There were four chil-
dren in the Burge family, Alexander, Malinda, Mrs. Smith and Eliza-
beth. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have the billowing children: Frank, in
Colorado: Emma, in Girard, wife of Orin Dunlap : John T., of Craw-
ford county; Delia, hi Iowa: and Arthur, a school boy. Three children
are deceased, two when young, and I. aura Davis at the age of twenty-
eight. Mr. Smith is a Democrat of the Andrew Jackson type, and he
and his wife are members of the Church of God. The Smith homestead
is one of those hospitable and cheery places where friends are always
welcomed and made to feel at home, and the entire family are held in
the highest esteem throughout Washington township.
JONATHAN BAYLESS.
Jonathan Bavless has been one of the largest land owners and
most prominent citizens of Craw ford county for over thirty years, and
is now spending the last year- of a most active and useful life in quiet
retirement in the city of Girard, where he is held in high esteem be-
cause of his personal worth and venerable character.
He was bom in the city of New York, March 13, 1829. The fam-
ily in America originated with three brothers, one of whom was the
great-grandfather of Jonathan, who came to this country in the colonial
period of our history. To distinguish themselves from all others of
the name thev left oft' an s from their name, spelling it Bayles instead
of Bavless. One brother settled in Virginia, one in Maryland and one
in Connecticut. Jonathan is a descendant of the one who settled in
Connecticut. In 1882 he added the omitted s to his name, as nearly all
the other descendants have done although his brother James, of Kansas
City, still writes his name Bayles.
Jonathan Bavles. the grandfather of Jonathan Bavless. was a farm-
362 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
er in Westchester county, New York. He served in the war of the
Revolution, from first to last, and acted as captain of his company.
although he was never commissioned. He married Miss Rhoda June, a
descendant of French Huguenots who lied from France at the time of
the revocation of the Edict of Nantes and the persecution of the Protes-
tants. By this marriage there were eight children, four sons and four
daughters.
The youngest son was Samuel Bayles, who was born at Rye, West-
chester county, Xew York, November 22, 1796. He lived on the farm
until he was nine years old, and then his parents moved to New York
city, where he was educated and lived ten years; at the end of which
time the family returned to Westchester county. His father died in
December, [823, and in the following spring Samuel returned to Xew
York city and taught school there for two years. After that he was
engaged in the grocer)' business until the spring of 1832, and in that
year moved west to the territory of Michigan, where he purchased three
hundred and twenty acres of government land in Lenawee counts, on
the Raisin river, now the townships of Madison and Dover, near Adrain.
He paid one dollar and a quarter an acre for this land, and the deed to
it was signed by Andrew Jackson, then President of the United States.
Samuel Bayles married. December 28, 1825, Miss Mary Hubbard,
a daughter of Andrew Hubbard, a well-to-do farmer of New Rochelle.
Westchester county, New York. The following children were torn of
this marriage: Andrew U. who is deceased; Jonathan, of Girard,
Kansas; Jennie A., first the wife of Dr. Briggs, of Toledo, Ohio, and
later the wife of J. H. Kennedy, of Detroit. Michigan, where she now
resides; James A., of Kansas City; Samuel M., who died in St. Louis,
where his widow, son and daughter now reside: Ophelia B. is the widow
of Rev. Solomon S. Littlefield, who died in Detroit, Michigan, and she
1- now living in Evanston, Illinois, with her daughter, wdio married
Rev. Charles Stuart, a professor in Garret Biblical Institute; Edwin L..
who died in infancy; ami Benjamin LI., a resident of Denver, Colorado.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 363
Mrs. Mary (Hubbard) Bayles died December 28, 1874, in Adrian,
Michigan, in her sixty-eighth year, after a long, useful and happy
Christian life. She was converted and joined the Methodist church
when twelve years old. Her parents were life-lung" members of the
same church, and they died on the old farm in New York where they
had lived before, during and after the Revolutionary war. In repairing
their old house after the war the front door was left in place as a relic.
because it bore the marks of so many British bullets. Samuel Bayles
died July jo. 1882, in Detroit. Michigan, at the home of his daughter.
Mrs. Ophelia B. Littlefield, being then in his eighty-sixth year. Early
in life he too had joined the Methodist Episcopal church, and was a
faithful and active member throughout his life.
At this point it will be proper to insert an obituary which appeared
in the press at Adrian, Michigan, on the occasion of the death of Samuel
Bayles, as indicating still further the beauty and worth of noble char-
acter that now belongs among the past. "Samuel Bayles, formerly of
eastern New York, hut for many years a resident of Michigan, died in
Detroit, July 20, iSSj. aged eighty-six years. He was converted at an
early age. and from the happy day when he gave his heart to God he
was a devoted, consistent, intelligent and zealous Christian. His spirit
was always uncomplaining, trustful and cheerful. His place was never
vacant in the house of the Lord unless he was kept away from it by
Providence. He was respected by those who knew him. and in the
city of Adrian where he has lived for many years his name is honored
and the memory of his virtues and of his beauty of character and life
will lie long cherished. He lived long and well, and died a conqueror.
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. The following poem was
found in Mr. Bayles' Bible marking the chapter which he read last.
The chapter was the account of the raising of Lazarus:
"Tell thou to my friends when, weeping.
They my words descry,
Here you find my body sleeping.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
But it is not I.
Now in life immortal hovering.
Far away I roam.
This was but my house, my covering,
'Tis no more my home.
This was but the cage that bound me ;
I, the bird, have flown.
This was but the shell around me;
I, the pearl, am gone.
Over me as over treasures
Had a spell been cast.
God hath spoken, at his pleasure
I am free at last.
Thanks and praise to him be given.
Who has set me free ;
Now for evermore in heaven
Shall my dwelling be.
There 1 stand his face beholding,
With the saints in light;
Present, future, past unfolding,
In that radiance bright.
Toiling through the plain I leave you,
I have journeyed on.
From your tents why should it grieve you,
Friends, to find me gone?
Let the house, forsaken, perish.
Let the shell decay ;
Break the cage, destroy the garment —
I am far away.
Call not this my death, I pray you, —
'Tis my life of life —
Goal of all my weary wanderings,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 365
End of all. my strife.
Think of God with love forever.
Know his name is Love:
Come to him. distrust him never,
He rewards above.
I behold each deathless spirit,
All your ways I view :
Lo ! the portion 1 inherit
Is reserved for you."
Jonathan Bayless came with his parents, Samuel and Mary, from
Xew York city to Adrian. Michigan, when he was, three and a half years
old. When he was seventeen years old he began teaching in the winter
seasons. His first school was at Medina. Michigan, then for two winters
at Sylvania. Ohio, for two winters at Monroe City, Michigan, and then
at his home school. He assisted his father on the farm during the bal-
ance of each year. He continued in this way until he was twenty-five
years old, and then, on March i, [854, married Miss Eugenia Briggs
a daughter of William R. Briggs, of Lenawee county. Michigan. He
and his wife at once took up their residence on their own eighty-seven
acres near Adrian. By this marriage there were three sons and two
daughters: Ella M., wife of W. L. Eddy, living near Girard, Kansas;
to them have keen horn five children. Frank Bayless. Eugenia May, who
died in infancy: Leonard Jonathan, Lucy Isabel, Henry Newton. Na-
thaniel, living in Girard, married Fannie Straub, and they have two
children, John Henry and Pearl Ida. Irving J., in the hay. gram ami
coal business in Kansas City, married Lillian Estella Terry, oi Fort
Scott. Kansas. Mary L. married 11. W. Barclay, the proprietor and
operator of a corset factory 111 Newark, Xew Jersey: they have two
children. Gaylord A. and Mary Louise. William B. died in infancy.
March 10. 1804. Mr. Bayless sold his farm in Michigan, and on
March 1. [865, opened a drug and grocery store in Mendota, Illinois,
where he did well for a time. But findine that more than half of his
366 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
customers were Germans who wanted a treat to beer after each purchase
(something he could not conscientiously do), he decided to sell out and
go elsewhere. On December 18, 1865, he sold all his property in Men-
dota, and in the following spring bought lots and built a store in the
new town of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and he and his brother Benjamin
engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. In August of the
same year, while on a trip to purchase goods, he was taken suddenly ill
at St. Louis with typhoid fever. Mrs. Bayless came to take care of him.
and was stricken with the same disease and died September 24. being
buried in the St. Louis Evangelical Alliance cemetery, now called the
New Pickers cemetery.
On August 5, 1867, Mr. Bayless was married at Adrian, Michigan,
to Miss Charlotte Briggs, a sister of his first wife, and she died at Pleas-
ant Hill, Missouri, of typhoid fever, August 30, 1868, and is buried
beside her sister in St. Louis. Mr. Bayless married for his third wife
Miss Mary E. Curtiss, in Racine, Wisconsin, December 28. 1870. One
daughter was born of this union, Delia R., who died in infancy, and
Mrs. Mary F. Bayless died Februry 28, 1874. she and her little daughter
being buried in the cemetery at Girard, Kansas.
In the summer of 1871 Jonathan and Benjamin Bayless sold their
business in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and dissolved partnership, Benjamin
going to Denver, Colorado. Jonathan, because of poor health, came to
Crawford county and settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres
five miles northwest of Girard. which land he had purchased two years
before of John H. Gorden. He reached Girard on January 17, 1872.
and lived on his farm until the spring of 1890. He devoted his time
and efforts to general farming and the handling and raising of stock.
He also planted, as soon as he came to the county, an apple orchard
of fortv acres. He gradually added to his landed possessions in this
county until at one time he owned seven hundred and sixty acres, but
now retains only three hundred and sixty acres.
Mr. Bayless was married to his present wife October 4, 1874. her
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 367
maiden name being Rebecca A. Hartsock, a daughter of Lewis Hart-
sock, a farmer of Crawford county. The}' moved from the farm to the
city of Girard in the spring" of 1890, where they have a pleasant and
comfortable home in which to pass their remaining years, both being
in good health for their age.
GEORGE A. ROBINSON.
George A. Robinson, stonemason contractor, has been a successful,
reliable and well known citizen of Cherokee for the last twenty odd years.
Having mastered a fine trade in his youth, he has never lacked for
occupation of all his energies, and he has keen aide to accomplish much,
both from a financial standpoint and in what concerns the general wel-
fare and progress of his community. He is also esteemed as one of the
host of Grand Army men now being so rapidly thinned by the hand of
death, and his loyalty not only to country but to all that he has held
best in life has never been questioned.
It was near the shores of Lake Champlain, at Fairfax. Vermont,
where Air. Robinson, shortly after he had attained to man's estate, ten-
dered his services to his country. He enlisted in Septemher, 1862. .in
Company K. Eleventh Vermont Artillery, twenty-four hundred strong.
From camp at Brattleboro they were ordered to Washington, and were
at Fort Lincoln a week before being sent into the real field of war. At
the battle of Cold Harbor Mr. Robinson received a bullet wound in
the right hand, and was also injured by a splinter from a gunstock. His
wound was a bad one, threatening blood poison and gangrene, and for
a long time he was in the hospitals at White House Landing. < ieinian-
town. New York, and then at Montpelier in his native state. He finally
started again for the front, but was not allowed to proceed and by order
of President Lincoln received an, honorable discharge after giving a
most creditable and self-sacrificing service to his country.
Mr. Robinson was born at Fairfax, Vermont, November 18, 1840.
368 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
being a son of George and Joanna (Aldrich) Robinson. His father,
of English ancestry, was blind for man}- years, and died at Cherokee
when seventy-six years of age. The mother, a native of Massachusetts,
and whose ancestors came over in the Mayflower, died at the age of
seventy-eight. Both were exemplary members of the Baptist church,
and people of eminent worth and respectability. There were two sons
in the family, and Wilber is a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In 1881 Mr. Robinson moved to Cherokee, this county, where he
has since been a resident. He owns a valuable tract of land south of
town which is underlaid with coal, and when developed this will be
one of the paying coal properties of the locality. Mr. Robinson as a
contractor in stonemason work has done most of the work at Cherokee
and vicinity since he located here, and has made a fine record in this
line of business activity.
Mr. Robinson was married in Vermont to Miss Armina C. Felton,
who was born, reared and educated in that state, being a daughter of
Benjamin and Lucia (Parker) Felton. Mr. Robinson is a Republican
in politic*, adhering to the Lincoln type of political leaders. He is a
frank and genial man in all his relations with friends and business asso-
ciates, and has deserved the prosperity and esteem which have come to
him.
RALPH P. GORRELL.
Ralph P. Gorrell, proprietor of the Bowman Furniture Company
of Pittsburg. Kansas, has had a most successful business career since
coming to Pittsburg twenty years ago. He is a typical business man,
devoting his best efforts to his affairs, and he has the satisfaction of
knowing that he has the best establishment of the kind in southeastern
Kansas. This success has been entirely of his own achieving, for he
began as a clerk in the concern of which he afterward, by successive pro-
motions, became sole owner.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 369
Mr. Gorrell was born in Tyler county. West Virginia, in i860, being
a son of P. W. Gorrell. His father was born in West Virgina. His
mother was Tamima Pritchard.
Mr. Gorrell came with the family to Hancock county, Ohio, when
he was a child, and was reared and received most of his education in
Findlay. He came west to Pittsburg, Kansas, in 1S84, and has been
connected with the furniture business practically ever since that time.
At the time of his coming the town was just beginning its great boom,
which has resulted in making it one of the most important cities of this
section of the state. In 1888 he became an employe of H. S. Bowman.
He learned every detail of the furniture business, including undertaking
and embalming, and was made undertaker of the firm. In 1894 H. S.
Bowman (now deceased) retired from the business, his place being taken
by his father-in-law. F. A. Gaskell, although the concern still remained
Bowman and Company. Mr. Gorrell remained as the real head of the
business until 1899, in which year he bought the store of Mr. Gaskell.
and has since conducted it with most flattering success. The location is
117-119 East Fourth street, where large and ample quarters are occu-
pied. The business is still known under its old name of the Bowman
Furniture Company, and it is the largest and best equipped furniture
and undertaking establishment in southeastern Kansas, and with the
largest volume of trade transacted.
Air. Gorrell was married in Pittsburg, in 1894, to Miss Mollie Crow-
ell, a sister of the well known Pittsburg druggist, T. J. Crowell, whose
biography appears elsewhere in this work. One daughter has been born
of this marriage, Christine.
JESSE R. CARPENTER.
Jesse R. Carpenter, register of deeds of Crawford county, is an old
and well known citizen of Crawford county, with whose various interests
he has been activelv identified for over thirty vears. He has been one
370 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
of the successful farmers and also a business man of the county, and
has also been prominent in the public affairs of his locality. He is rec-
ognized and esteemed as a substantial and progressive citizen, strictly
honest and reliable in his dealings, and dependable as one who will exert
bis powers for the general welfare and the advancement of the com-
munity's best interests.
Mr. Carpenter was born in Union county. Ohio. March 10. 1846.
and was a son of Jesse and Elsie (Ryan) Carpenter, both natives of
Virginia. His father was a farmer, and followed that pursuit in Ohio
from 1S37 until his death in 1875. when aged sixty-six years. His wife
died in 1867. at the age of fifty-six.
Jesse R. Carpenter was educated in the common schools of Union
county, and followed the employments of the ordinary farmer boy,
remaining under the parental roof until he was twenty-two years old.
He then rented a farm and continued independent agricultural operations
until 1873. He arrived in Girard, Kansas, on the 16th of May, 1873,
and bought some land east of the city, which property he still owns. He
successfully followed farming on this place until t888. and in that year
he was the triumphant candidate for the office of clerk of the district
court. He then moved into Girard and held that office for four years,
after which he was in the grocery and market business until 1895. In
that year he went back to the farm and was employed in its cultivation
until September, 1903, when be once more became a resident of the city
and rented his farm. He was elected register of deeds in [902, and
gives bis time and attention to the transaction of the duties of this office.
He is a stanch Republican in politics, and has held nearly all the town-
ship offices.
March 20. 1879. Mr. Carpenter married Miss Janet McMurray. a
daughter of James McMurray. of Girard. They have eight children:
Gertrude I. is assistant teacher in the high school of Girard: Margaret,
the wife of Edward E. McFarland, of Pittsburg. Kansas; Elsie, who is
teaching southwest of Pittsburg: and John M., Clark B., Florence,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 371
Janet L. and Jesse R., at home and in school. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter
are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a member of
the Knight Templar Masons.
IRA CLEMENS.
Ira Clemens, a prominent coal operator and very enterprising young
man in the industrial circles of Crawford and Cherokee counties, is now
permanently located at Pittsburg, from which point he carries on his
extensive mining and prospecting ventures. His active business career
of a little more than a decade has been crowded full of work in various
lines, and his industry and business acumen have resulted in a very de-
sirable degree of success and gained him in large measure the esteem
and high regard of his fellow citizens and associates.
Mr. Clemens was born among the Ray county hills of Mi — uri,
in 1873. being a son of John H. and Julia ( Pollard) Clemens, the latter
being of Tennessee ancestry and a native of Missouri. Idle paternal
side of the family is Kentuckian by virtue of the residence and birth in
that state of Mr. Clemens's father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
After the war his father moved to Ray count\. Missouri, and in [882
came to Kansas, settling in Weir, Cherokee county, where he still n
He too has been engaged in mining operations since taking up his abode
in this state, and has coal mining interests in Cherokee county in con-
nection with his son Ira. He has taken an active interest in the politics
of that county, and once held the office of deputy sheriff.
Mr. Ira Clemens was reared and received most of his education
at the city of Weir. At the conclusion of his school days he turned his
attention to railroading, and for three years was a trainman on the
Frisco System. He also spent a short time in Kentucky, and after that
began his connection with the coal industry, working with his father.
His interests have rapidly extended in this business, and a.s an operator
he has a share in two mines in the vicinity of Pittsburg and in others
372 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
in Cherokee county. One of the Pittsburg mines is a mile and a quarter
west of town, being operated by Clemens and Son. and the other is a
mile and a half north of the city, and operated by the Clemens-Sclanger
Coal Company. Mr. Clemens being the managing partner of both these
firms. In addition to the operation of the mines Mr. Clemens conducts
a very important and valuable enterprise in running three drilling out-
fits for the purpose of prospecting for coal in this district. With these
he not only does prospecting on a large scale for himself and his asso-
ciates, but also for other companies searching out locations for mines.
Mr. Clemens is a member of the Southwestern Interstate Coal Oper-
ators' Association, and is otherwise prominent in business and social
circles in Pittsburg and vicinity. He and his family have lived in Pitts-
burg since January 27, 1904, and this is now his permanent home. His
wife is Julia (Ryne) Clemens, and they have four children, Mary Mabel,
John Ira, William Leander, Marguerite.
DR. ASBURY COKE GRAVES.
Dr. Asbury Coke Graves, eye. ear. nose and throat specialist of
Pittsburg. Kansas, has a unique reputation for professional skill and
ability throughout Crawford county and the entire southeastern part
of the state. He has given the best years of his life to the medical pro-
fession, beginning his preparation when a hoy, and his subsequent career
has been highly praiseworthy both because of his individual attainment
and his great usefulness in the alleviation of human suffering and in
advancing the standard of medical practice. Above all things else. Dr.
Graves has never been content with mediocrity, however well he might
have prospered from a material standpoint. After securing a high place
in the regard of the people as a general practitioner, he turned his atten-
tion to a more special field of labor, and after study and thorough prep-
aration in the best schools at home and abroad he returned to this
county and gave himself devotedly to the practice in which it is his
^w^^&^n^o
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 375
highest ambition to excel and thereby he of service to mankind. As a
specialist he enjoys the co-operation and approval of the leading phy-
sicians in this section of the country, and has sustained a reputation for
the highest ability among the people who require his skill.
Dr. Graves was born in Huntingdon, Carroll county, Tennessee,
in 1856. a son of YVilburn H. and Fronia (Wethers) Graves. His
father, a native of Tennessee and of North Carolina parents, was clerk
of the county court of Carroll county for sixteen years, after which he
devoted himself to the practice of law. He was a successful man, of
ample means, and a prominent figure in Carroll county ami a devoted
member of the Methodist church. His death occurred in 1875, and his
wife, who was a Virginian by birth, also passed away many years ago.
Dr. Graves received a good education to serve as a preparator;
equipment for the medical profession. He was sent to the public
schools in Huntingdon until fifteen years old. and then became a student
in the Mems and Hughes school at Nashville, which he attended until
1873. in which year the cholera broke out in Nashville, and he then
entered Mackenzie College at Mackenzie. Tennessee, where he remained
three years. He then combined theoretical study with practical expe-
rience in the office of Dr. McCall, at Huntingdon, and was under that
distinguished physician's preceptorship for four years. He then entered
the medical department of the Nashville and Vanderbilt University at
Nashville, where he was graduated with the class of 1882.
His first practice in general medicine was in Chattanooga, Tennes-
see, but he remained there only a short time, and on April 8, 1882, located
at Cherokee, Crawford county. Kansas, which county has been the scene
of his endeavors ever since. He was engaged in general practice there
until 1887. and then, having had unusual success, he decided to specialize
along" the lines for which he bad the greatest liking. He went to New
York and took a special course on the eve, ear. nose and throat in the
Post-Graduate Medical School >f that city. Returning to Cherokee be
carried on a highly successful practice in those branches for some years.
376 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
He was still ambitious for further attainment and decided to pursue his
studies under the eminent specialists of Europe. In 1807 ne wait to
London and took a special course at the Royal Ophthalmic Hospital.
From there he went to Vienna and was a student under Dr. Fuchs in the
VUgemeines Krankenhaus, or General Hospital, of that city. Thus
equipped, he returned and located at Pittsburg, Kansas, where his pro-
fessional ardor and skill have since found useful fields of labor.
Dr. Graves is a member of the county and state medical societies
and the American Medical Association. He served one term as presi-
dent of the Southeast Kansas Medical Society and is now treasurer of
the Craw fun! County Medical Society. He is on the staff of the Pitts-
burg City Hospital. He enjoys politics as a recreation and diversion
from his profession, and was recently elected a delegate from Crawford
county to the third district Republican congressional convention. He is
a man of fine qualities and universally esteemed.
Dr. Graves was married at Cherokee. October 20. 1882, to Miss
Jennie Campbell, and they have two sons. Wilburn H. and Bernard Coke.
DR. ARTHUR M. SMITH.
Dr. Arthur M. Smith has been engaged in the successful practice of
medicine and surgery at Cherokee since 1897, and this period of pro-
fessional service makes him the dean of Cherokee's medical men. He
is a man of much ability both in his profession and as a business man
and social factor, and he has made a most favorable impression and
gained a very gratifying practice since taking up his residence here.
Dr. Smith was born in Windham county. Connecticut, in Decem-
ber, 1864, being a son of J. S. and Frances (Cornell ) Smith, both natives
of the state of Connecticut. His father died in that state, and his mother
is still living on the old homestead in Windham county. She has a very
old and honored ancestry in New England. Her father, William Cor-
nell, was a member of the famous family one of whose members founded
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 377
Cornell University. Her mother was a Monroe and a descendant of a
Mayflower emigrant.
Dr. Smith grew up and received his education in his native state.
He attended the Plainfield Academy, in Windham county, and the Wes-
leyan Academy at Wilbraham, Massachusetts. At the age of eighteen
he set out to make his home and fortune in the west, and, locating in
Elk county. Kansas, went into the retail drug business at Howard. He
began reading medicine in 1889, and later took the regular course in
the Kansas City Medical College, where he was graduated in 1897. He
came direct from college to Cherokee, where he opened his office in
the spring of 1897, and he has been very successful in gaining and re-
taining a large and permanent patronage from among the best citizens.
Dr. Smith is prominent in society circles, and professionally is a
member of the county, district and state medical societies. Dr. Smith
was married at Elk Falls, Kansas, to Miss Dora Longfellow.
DR. JAMES B. GARDNER.
Dr. James B. Gardner, physician and surgeon of Girard and health
officer of Crawford county, is one of the most successful professional
and business men of this city and county. He located here in 1888, and
since leaving the drug business has taken a foremost place among the
medical men of the county, being favored with a large and constantly
increasing practice among the best citizens. Although he is now in
the prime of life, his active career really extends over many years, for
he was an energetic and progressive worker in the affairs of life when
still in his teens, and his industry and hustling qualities have found full
scope in various spheres ever since.
Dr. Gardner was born in Hanover county, Virginia. June 17, 1855,
being a son of Thomas M. and Sallie B. (Ouarrier) Gardner, the former
a native of Virginia and the latter of Charleston. West Virginia. His
father made his most prominent success in the practice of law. although
378 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
he was also a newspaper publisher. He made quite a reputation by the
publication of his work on "Knownothingism," which was well received
by a large circle of readers. He also owned a farm, which was adjacent
to the Patrick Henry estate. He died in i860, at the age of thirty-two
years. His widow married Rev. Joseph Cross. D.D., LL.D., an Epis-
copalian minister. She died in 1881 at the age of forty-eight. Dr.
Gardner has a younger brother, Charles P., who has been cashier for
the United .States Express Company for the past fifteen years, and is a
resident of Washington, D. C.
Dr. Gardner received his education at the hands of private tutors
in Virginia and in the public schools at St. Louis, Missouri, but finished
his education at the age of fourteen. From that age until seventeen he
was employed in a tobacco factory in St. Louis. For the following five
years he was of the firm of Gardner and Gaines, which published city
directories. In 1877, with Ezra Cass, he conducted the Lee County
Times at Paw Paw. Illinois, and after that for fifteen months had charge
as foreman of the printing office at Russellville. Kentucky. In order to
carry out his determination to become a physician he attended the Louis-
ville Medical College, from which he graduated in 1881. He at once
began practice in Franklin, Kentucky, under the firm name of Edwards
and Gardner, and remained there with successful results until 1888, in
which year he arrived in Girard. In connection with his practice he
also conducted a drug business, with Dr. V. T. Boaz as the pharmacist.
Two or three years later this partnership dissolved, and Dr. Cardner
has since carried on a general practice in the city and county. He has
been county physician for several terms, and for the past two years, as
health officer of the county, was in official charge of the conduct of a
thousand or more cases of smallpox, which was epidemic in the county,
and his careful attention did much for the prevention of the further
spread of the disease. He is examiner for several insurance companies,
and for twelve vears has been local surgeon for the Santa Fe Railroad.
He has a full share of the practice 'if the county, and has made a most
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 379
creditable record in his profession. He is a member of the State- Med-
ical Association and the National Association of Railway Surgeons. He
is devoted to his work, and is well read and constantly delving deeper
into the great science of healing. He affiliates with Knights of Pythias
and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is pasl chancellor
of the former order.
Dr. Gardner was married at Dixon. Illinois, November 29, 1881,
to Miss Jennie A. McKenney, a native of that town and a daughter of
Henry and Eusebia A. (Nash) McKenney, both deceased. Her father
was one of the first settlers at Dixon's Ferry, as Dixon was formerly
called, and hauled from Chicago, ninety miles distant, the lumber with
which to erect one of the first houses. He died in 1856, and his wife
in 1888, and of their seven children three still survive. Dr. and Mrs.
Gardner have three children: Thomas Gaines, who is ship's-writer on
the United States Steamship Nevada : Henry Perry, a graduate of the
Girard high school in 1904, is now a nurse at the Santa Fe Hospital at
Fort Madison, Iowa, preparatory to entering medical college: and Aville
Ouarrier, a pupil in the public schools. The family are Episcopalians.
HON. A. I. CORY
Hon. A. J. Cory, proprietor of the Maple Grove farm in Lincoln
township, is one of the ablest farmers in Crawford county, and has made
a fine record in every department of his activity. He has enjoyed liberal
success in business affairs, but he has also been actively interested in
public matters, having served in the state assembly and been a leader in
county affairs in general.
Born at Syracuse. Kosciusko county. Indiana, November 10. 1846.
he had attained the age of eighteen years when he became a soldier in
the Civil war. He enlisted in January, 1805, in the One Hundred and
Fifty-second Indiana Infantry, in Captain Smith's company and under
the command of Colonel W. W. Giswold. From the camp at Indian-
380 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
apolis they were sent to Virginia in February, and during the last weeks
of the war were stationed in various parts of that central field of the war,
being at Charleston, West Virginia, for a time, and being at Harper's
Ferry when the war closed. He was honorably discharged, and returned
home when still in his teens.
Mr. Cory is a member of a prominent family of Kosciusko county,
Indiana, which settled in that county in the pioneer year of 1834. His
father. Abijah C. Cory, born in Pickaway county. Ohio, in 18 18. was a
son of Jeremiah Cory, who was a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch an-
cestry, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Jeremiah married Dorothy
Martin, whose grandfather was with Daniel Boone in Kentucky, and
her father was a native of Belfast, Ireland. Jeremiah Cory and wife
moved from Indiana to Story county, Iowa, where they both died.
Abijah C. Cory married for his first wife Sally Mann, who died in 1845,
leaving three children, Samantha, deceased at fourteen years; Almeda,
and Alonzo. After the death of his first wife he married Mrs. Matilda
(Wood) Gunter, a daughter of John G. Wood, a soldier of the war of
1812, and by this marriage there were the following children: A. J..
Jesse, F. Malinda. P. Celestine, Elizabeth. The father, who died at Syra-
cuse, Indiana, at the age of seventy-five, was a successful farmer and
stockman, politically was a Whig and Republican, active in party affairs
though never seeking office, and was a member of the Baptist church.
Mr. A. I. Cory was reared on the homestead farm in Kosciusko
county, and attended the public schools. At the age of twenty-one,
November 14, 1867, he was married to Miss Rhoda C. Watson, who
was born near Warsaw in Kosciusko county, and reared and educated
there, being a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Voss) Watson. Mrs.
Cory faithfully performed her duties as wife and mother for twenty-
seven years, until called to her final rest in 1894. She was a devoted
member of the Church of God. She left three children. Minnie A.
Lesher, of Lincoln township, this county; Sarah B. Love, of Franklin,
Oklahoma ; and Clarence, who is nineteen years old and at home. Two
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 381
children died in childhood. Curtis L. at the age of four years, and Jessie
Pearl at fifteen months. In 1896 Mr. Cory was married to Miss Anna
Todd, a lady of education and refinement and a daughter of Henry and
Margaret (Emerson) Todd, both deceased, and formerly of Bourbon
county, Kansas.
Mr. Cory moved from Syracuse. Indiana, to Crawford county in
1870, in a wagon, and has ever since been closely identified with the
county's interests. He is owner of one of the fine places in Lincoln
township, the Maple Grove farm consisting of two hundred and eighty
acres of choice land and being one of the best improved and most valu-
able places in the township. He has a comfortable and sightly residence.
his barn is thirty by ninety feet and one of the best of its kind, and all
other equipments show progressiveness and the latest advances in agri-
culture.
In politics Mr. Cory is a Socialist, and has always worked and
stood for the principles of his conviction rather than for regular party.
He voted for Peter Cooper in 1876. In 1S90 he was elected by the
citizens of Crawford county as a member of the state assembly, and while
there he acquitted himself must creditably by his efforts for main - needed
reforms and in the interest of his constituents. He affiliates with the
Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Church of God. As an old soldier
he is a member of the G. A. R.
JOSEPH E. BEVINS.
Joseph E. Bevins, a prominent coal operator and well known old
citizen of Pittsburg and Crawford county, has the distinction of being
among the first to mine coal in this county and thus open up the re-'
upon which have depended in great measure the material and industrial
wealth and activity of the county. His life since boyhood has been
spent in this county, and his diligence and intelligent endeavors, his
capacity for working straight ahead to the goal of his ambition, and his
3b2 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
long continued efforts in the right direction have placed him among the
influential and well-to-do class of citizens. He has been acquainted with
southeastern Kansas when it was an unbroken stretch of prairie still the
haunt of the deer and buffalo, and has progressed with the country's
development to a highly desirable state of material prosperity. He is
well liked throughout the county and among his many business asso-
ciates and friends, and has gained and merited their esteem by a public-
spirited and generous career.
Mr. Bevins was born near Perry City, Illinois, in 1853, a son of
Thomas and Mary (Kirkland) Bevins. His parents were both natives
of England and were married there, and shortly after came to this
country. They settled in McDonough county, Illinois, in 1845. ani '
were prosperous farmers there until 1870, when the family all migrated
to the state of Kansas, taking up their home in Crawford count)-. Mr.
Thomas Bevins purchased a farming tract four miles northeast of where
Pittsburg now stands, his farm being a part of the "Joy" land. In the
first years of their residence there the nearest house to the Bevins home-
stead was two miles. away, and it was incumbent on them to develop a
farm from the virgin prairie before attempting a settled course of agri-
culture. Thomas Bevins is now deceased, but his wife is still living
in Pittsburg.
Mr. J. E. Bevins was reared to manhood on the Illinois farm, but
after moving to Kansas with his father he became interested in coal
mining as a side line, at first spending his winters in the mines and work-
ing on the farm in the summer. There were no mines at that time,
however, in Crawford county, and when he took employment as a coal
miner in the fall of 1870 it was in the mines at Fort Scott in Bourbon
county. He was among the first to realize the profit of the coal industry
in this county, and his practical experience as a miner led him in 1874
to begin getting out coal in the Pittsburg district. He leased a piece
of land at the point where now the Litchfield bridge crosses the east
prong of Cow creek, and here he uncovered the coal deposits by "strip-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 383
ping." He carried on a custom trade with the farmers of the neighbor-
hood and from across the Missouri line, and at that time he sold coal for
a cent and a half a bushel, fie continued his dual work as farmer and
coal operator for several years, and then gave up fanning, and has since
devoted all his time and energies to the coal industry in this district.
In that time many improvements have been wrought in the manner and
effectiveness of mining, and the coal industry has long since become
an important element in the county's wealth. For twenty-two years he
took out coal from the tract of land where Midway is now located. He
also did contract work in connection with the building of the first rail-
road through Pittsburg, the Joplin ajid Girard Railroad, now a part
of the Frisco. At the present time Mr. Bevins is operating a mine a
mile and a half north and half mile west of Pittsburg. Pie also owns
two -nod farms in the western part of the county. He is well known
as a pioneer coal operator, and a citizen who through nearly thirty-five
years of residence has performed an honorable part in all spheres of
activity to which he has been called.
Mr. Bevins affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Knights of Pythias and the Modern W Imen of America, and he
and his wife are also members of the Rebekahs and the Rathbone Sis-
ters. Air. Bevins was married September 16, 1877, to Miss Mary
Spragg. and they have two children, Mrs. Etta Locke and J. A. Bevins.
DR. LAWRENCE P. ADAMSON.
Dr. Lawrence P. Adamson, who for the past ten years has been
numbered among the leading physicians and surgeons of Girard, is, in
length of residence, one of the oldest citizens of Crawford county, which
he has known and considered as his home for the past thirty-five years.
He made the acquaintance of this country as a boy of ten years, and at
a time when development and civilization had hardly begun.
He was born in Allegheny city. Pennsylvania. January 30, 1859, a
384 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
son of W. C. and Hannah (Musser) Adamson, both natives of Penn-
sylvania. Ancestry is Scotch, and his great-grandfather, William Ad-
amson, was born in Scotland in 1760, and in boyhood came to America.
He fought with the Americans at the battle on Lake Erie, so that his
descendants may claim membership in the patriotic order of the Sons
and Daughters of the War of 1812. He had seven children: John,
Arthur. William. David. Mrs. Mary McElhaney. Mrs. Pauly Aikley and
James. Of these, William, who was born in 1800. was twice married
and died in 1866, was the father of William C. Adamson, the father of
Dr. Adamson.
Mr. W. C. Adamson was a carpenter and builder throughout most
of his life. He came from Pennsylvania to Crawford county, Kansas,
in 1869, and took and proved up a claim of railroad land in Crawford
township. He was born March 27. 1824, and died in 1894, and was
noted for his phenomenal energy and vigorous health, and was never ill
a day until his last sickness. He and his wife were members of the Pres-
byterian church, in which he was an elder. He was married, first. No-
vember 16, 1848, to Miss Henrietta Godfrey, who was born September
17, 1832, and passed away leaving one child, Laura, who died at the age
of eight. He was married, second, June 15, 1853, in Center county.
Pennsylvania, to Hannah Musser. who was born July 26, 183 1, and
died March 4, 1895. Her grandfather, Phillip Musser, came from Ger-
many at the age of eight years, settling in Northampton county. Penn-
sylvania, where he grew up and married Rebecca Oswalt, by whom he
had the following children: John; Phillip, born in 1790 and died in
1871, was married four times, and Hannah Musser and her brother
David (of Center county. Pennsylvania) were the children of the third
marriage ; Daniel : Betsey, Mrs. John Durst : Liddy. Mrs. John Reem ;
Hannah, Mrs. Adam Schaeffer; and Kate. Mrs. Elias Wasser. W. C.
and Hannah Adamson were the parents of seven children : Emma, wife
of F. S. Wolf, of Kansas City; T. J., a farmer near Guard; Dr. L P.;
W. If., near LaVeta, Colorado: Maggie, Mrs. George Baker, of LaYeta.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 385
Colorado; Miss Minnie, formerly a teacher of Girard, now of Trinidad,
Colorado; and Anna, wife of Horace Maloy, both former teachers of
this county, and now in Calhoun, Colorado:
Dr. Adamson was educated in the schools of Crawford county, and,
like most of the family, engaged in teaching for a time. He taught his
first school at the age of eighteen, continuing till 1879, and then went
to Colorado and engaged in building and contracting, also in the grocery
and mercantile lines. He was a contractor and builder in San Francisco
two years, and also in railroad work. He returned to Crawford county
in 1885. anc l f° r a tmie taught in Girard and Monmouth. In the fall of
1890 he was nominated on the Republican ticket for the office of county
superintendent, but the populistic landslide overwhelmed him with many
others, and this defeat was the cause of his changing his career. He
began the study of medicine in the fall of 1891, and spent three years
in the University Medical College of Kansas City, where he was grad-
uated in 1894, and has since been building up and retaining a successful
general practice in Girard. He is a member of the Southeastern Kansas
Medical Association and is secretary of the United States board of pen-
sion examiners. He has served on the city council for several years, am!
is elected for two more. He has always remained loyal to the Republican
party. He affiliates with the Knights of Pythias, the F. A. Association,
the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Home Builders' Union,
and is medical examiner for these orders as also for the Equitable and
New York Life insurance companies. He is well known in social and
business circles, and is one of the substantial and popular men of the city
and county.
Dr. Adamson married. October 31, 1889, Miss Mamie Merithew,
a native of Indiana, and she died at the age of twenty- four. March u.
1895. On June 12, 1896, Dr. Adamson married Miss Pearl Meador, of
Weir City. Kansas, and they have four children: Loice Pearl. Onoto
Watana. Juanita and Lavaughn.
3S6 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
F. R. SMITH.
F. R. Smith, of Hepler, has been in the stock business, all bis life,
and has followed it most successfully for nearly twenty years in this
county, and has been a resident of various parts of Kansas for the past
thirty-five years. He is one of the leading and progressive business
men of Hepler, and he has also been a man of affairs, interested in the
public improvement and upbuilding of his community and fulfilling in
a public-spirited manner every trust reposed in him.
Air. Smith was born February 14. 1840. in the state of Tennessee.
His parents were Joseph and Minerva E. (Warden) Smith, natives,
respectively, of Tennessee and Virginia. The mother died in Kansas
in 1885. Mr. Smith lived with an uncle in Kentucky until he was grown,
and his educational advantages were obtained in the schools of Albany,
Kentucky. On July 14. 1861, he enlisted in Company C, First Kentucky
Cavalry, and was in the Union Army of the Cumberland. He fought
against Morgan, was in campaigns in Georgia. Tennessee, Kentucky.
Indiana and Ohio, being wounded four times, and was discharged at
Louisville, July 28, 1865, having gained a most creditable record as a
soldier of his country. He had given four years' full service to the
government, and is now one of the few surviving and honored veterans
of the great Civil war. After his discharge he traveled for some time.
and was in Michigan two years. He came to Allen county. Kansas, in
1869, and for sixteen years lived in that and in Bourbon county. He
took up his residence in Crawford county in 1885, and five years later
moved to Hepler. In addition to his dealings as a stock buyer and
shipper from this point, he also does a real estate and loan business of
considerable proportions. He is also at the present time assessor of
Walnut township.
Mr. Smith is a Republican, and has held the office of justice of the
peace. He affiliates with the Court No. 1000. M. W. A., and as an
old soldier makes one of the interesting members of the Walnut Post of
the Grand Army of the Republic.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 387
October 17, 1872, lie married Miss Martha E. Harper, of Ohio,
and four children have been born to them : Nora E. is a stenographer
for the Chicago Lumber and Coal Company at St. Louis ; Charles R. is
at Pagosa Junction, Colorado; Minnie is a teacher in the high school
of Hepler; and Georgia Euphemia is at home. The family are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church at Hepler.
SAMUEL [AMES.
Samuel James, a prosperous farmer and esteemed resident of Lin-
coln township, can claim citizenship in this section of southeastern Kan-
sas for about as long a time as any of his neighbors or acquaintances.
He well recalls how the country appeared when he arrived at Fort Scott
one day in October, 1857, and it has been his lot to witness it develop
from the primitive conditions existing at that time until southeastern
Kansas is now considered to be one of the most advanced sections of
the entire state and of the middle west. Mr. James has lived a useful,
varied and successful life, and the prosperity which has favored him is
of his own making and thoroughly deserved.
Mr. James has the honor of having served in a Kansas regiment
during the war of the rebellion. After the war broke out he enlisted at
Fort Scott in Company D of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry, his leader being
Captain Jewell, who later became colonel and was killed at the battle at
Cane Hill, Missouri. The regiment saw plenty of rough service all
along the Kansas and Missouri border, fighting principally bushwhack-
ers and guerrillas, but also met at different times Price's troops and came
into conflict with Quantrell's band. Mr. James proved his fidelity to his
country and his courage as a soldier, and received an honorable dis-
charge at the close of his service.
Air. James was born near Jacksonville, Morgan county, Illinois,
November 4, 1835, being a son of one of the early settlers of that part of
the state, Robert James, who was born in Virginia, of an old Virginia
388 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
family, and who was married in that state to Eleanor Pease, a native of
Ohio. These parents moved to Morgan county about 183 1, settling
upon a farm of prairie and timber land, and became prosperous and
substantial citizens of that locality. The father, who was a man of won-
derful physical powers, standing six feet and one inch and straight as
an Indian, attained the age of eighty years. He was a Whig in his
political sympathies. His wife, who also attained to good old age, was
a devout member of the Methodist church. The following children are
named as comprising their family : William, John A.. Elizabeth. Mar-
tha, Nathaniel, Riley, Samuel, Mary, Levi. Harriet. Susan. Robert F.
and Emily, of whom Samuel and Emily are the only ones now surviving,
Emily being a resident of St. Louis.
Reared on the home farm in Morgan county, Illinois. Mr. James
learned first of all the value of industry. His remembrance of his school
days shows how primitive the country was at the time, for the school-
house which he attended was a log cabin, fitted up with slab seats resting
on rough pins, a fireplace supplied the heat, greased paper let in the light,
and "reading, ritin', and rithmetic" were the intellectual food which
the young pupils were fed upon. He continued to live in that locality of
Illinois until 1857, when, with a team and wagon, he drove across the
country to Kansas, reaching Fort Scott at the time already mentioned.
He settled on a piece of land in that vicinity, living in a log cabin until
the fall of 1863, when he came to his present place in Lincoln town-
ship, where he has thus been a permanent resident for over forty years.
It was Indian land when he took it up, and he has developed his hundred
and sixty acres from virgin soil to its present productivity and agricul-
tural value. On his place there is the best grove of oak and walnut tim-
ber to be found in the county, and from these native trees was cut the
lumber with which his beautiful, large and comfortable residence is
finished off. His fine meadow land is the result of his early work at
clearing off the trees. He has two excellent bearing orchards, and his
entire farmstead forms one of the most desirable homes in Lincoln town-
ship.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 389
Mr. James was first married in 1858 to Miss Elizabeth Hagerman,
who was born in Illinois and died a few months after her marriage.
March 20, 1862, he wedded Miss Margaret Odom, who was born and
reared in Missouri and who died on the Crawford county farm in [897.
She was a member of the Baptist church, and a woman of unusual
strength of character and kindness of heart. She left four children:
Eleanor Cullison. Sarah E. Farmer. Genevieve Reynolds, and Robert,
who is a prosperous young farmer engaged in operating his father's
farm. On March 3. 1901, Mr. James married for his present wife Mrs.
Susan E. Kirby, wdio was born at Quincy, Adams county, Illinois, being
a daughter of Henry and Maria (Messick) Goble, the former a native
of Xew York state and the latter of Kentucky, both now deceased. Mr.
James is identified politically with the Democratic party, being a Demo-
crat of the Jackson stripe. Fraternally he is a Free Mason, and his
cordial manners and his proved personal worth and fine character make
him a very popular and influential citizen of his township and county.
DR. J. G. SANDIDGE.
Dr. J. G. Sandidge, physician and surgeon and proprietor of a drug
store at Mulberry, Crawford county, has been very successful from a pn
fessional and from a business standpoint during the ten years of his work
in this town, and now enjoys a larger practice than he can comfortably
attend to. He had a very fine training in medicine as well as in pharmacy,
and his engaging personality and eminent fitness for his life work have
given him immediate and high favor among those needing his profes-
sional services.
Dr. Sandidge was born in Xew Orleans, November 12. 1870, beinc
a son of J. G. and Susan (Wilson) Sandidge. His mother, a native of
Virginia, died in 1884. His father is a prominent cotton planter of
Louisiana, and makes his home in New Orleans. He is a mining en-
gineer by trade, and followed that occupation until he engaged in his
present industry.
390 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Dr. Sandidge went to school at Bartrop, Louisiana, was a student
in the St. Louis high school and the International Business College of
St. Louis. He studied in the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, and in
1892 graduated from the medical department of Washington University.
For six months he was assistant physician of St. John's Hospital at St.
Louis, and on March 31, 1893. he located at Mulberry. Kansas, and
began practice. In 1900 he opened his drug store in the town, and in
both lines he has a large and desirable patronage.
Dr. Sandidge is a member of the Crawford County Medical Soci-
ety, the Kansas State Medical Society and the American Medical Asso-
ciation, and has fraternal affiliations with Lodge No. 417, I. O. O. F.
He was married, February 8, 1899, to Miss Florence Miller, a daughter
of W. L. Miller, one of the leading business men of this county. Dr.
and Mrs. Sandidge have one child, Allen Wilson, who is four years
old. The doctor and his wife stand high in. the social circles of their
community, and play a worthy part in all affairs pertaining to public
progress and social and intellectual uplifting.
HON. WILLIAM H. RYAN.
William H. Ryan, mayor of the city of Girard and one of the fore-
most agriculturists and business men of Crawford county, has been a
conspicuous man of affairs in southeastern Kansas for a number of
years, prominent as a legislator and in political matters, and public-
spirited and progressive in all that pertains to the welfare of county and
state.
He was born at Omaha, Nebraska, August 15. 1857, a son of
William and Bridget (Daughney ) Ryan, the former a native of London.
England, and the latter of Canada, and both of Irish extraction. His
father was brought to Canada at the age of five years, and lived there
until 1854. when he went to Nebraska, where he remained until 1870,
in which year he took up his residence in Neosho county, Kansas. For
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 391
some time he was a contractor on the Northern Pacific Railroad, but
after moving to Kansas followed farming until his death, which oc-
curred in April, 1805, at the a S e ot ' sixty-seven years. His wife died
three years before, at the age of sixty-four. They were members of the
Catholic church. They had eleven children, and nine are living at the
present time.
Hon. W. H. Ryan received his education in the public schools of
Kansas and at the Brothers School, a Catholic college at St. Paul, for-
merly Osage Mission, Kansas. He was reared to farm life and engaged
in that occupation until 1882. when he embarked in the grain and mer-
cantile business in Brazilton, Crawford county. This business has. con-
tinued and prospered to the piesent time, and is now conducted under
the name of VV. PI. Ryan and Sons, his son Charles H. being manager.
Mr. Ryan was elected, by the fusionists of the county, to the lower
house of the state legislature in 1892, and during his two years of service
in that body was elected to the office of temporary speaker. The same-
constituents elected him to the state senate in 1896, and he was on the
judiciary committee for four years. He took an active and public-
spirited part in the legislation effected, and was the author of the bill,
which became a law. making the office of mine inspector elective and
thus placing it in the hands of the miners themselves.
Mr. Ryan was admitted to the bar in March, 1898, by Judge Sim-
ons, of the sixth judicial district, and since then he has been engaged
in the practice of law in Girard. lie was also admitted to practice be-
fore the supreme court, in February. [903, He has large business inter-
ests to look after, and is the owner of fourteen hundred acres of Craw-
ford county land, giving some of his attention to farming and stock-
raising. In April. 1903. he was chosen to the position of mayor of
Girard on the citizens' ticket. Girard being normally two hundred Repub-
lican majority.
Mr. Ryan was married at Osage Mission. Kansas, in 1878, to Miss
Ella Songer. a native of Iowa and a daughter of Harrison Souger and
392 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Jane Songer. Her father was one of the early settlers of Neosho coun-
ty, Kansas, and died in 1880, aged seventy years. Eleven children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ryan, as follows: Charles H., of Bra-
zilton, mentioned above, married Miss Laura Hess, but has no living
children; William H., Jr., a farmer near Brazilton, married Miss Kate
Purden and has one child, Edna; Clarence M., a farmer near Brazilton,
married Miss Lulu Hess, and has one child; George E.. residing at
heme, is studying law in the office of Ryan and Phillips; Frank is farm-
ing on the home place and resides with his brother William ; Belle is a
student in the Girard high school: Lillie May is in the Girard schools;
and Leonard, Ernest and Howard; and Andrew J., who died at the age
of four months. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan are members of the Catholic
church, and he affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks.
ARCHIBALD B. KIRKWOOD.
Archibald B. Kirkwood, general manager of the Wear Coal Com-
pany and president of the Standard Mercantile Company. Pittsburg,
Kansas, is one of the most practical business men and coal operators as
well as most successful in the state of Kansas. Energy, industry and
quickness of action have brought him from the humblest position in the
coal mining industry to the highest, and he is a fine type of the man
who finds his opportunities at hand, whatever his occupation, and rises
to the top. He has been identified with the coal industry since the
age of thirteen years, and the subsequent thirty years have been filled with
well directed labor and have brought him to the important position
which he now holds in the commercial and industrial activities of Pitts-
burg and this part of Kansas.
Mr. Kirkwood was born at Lonaconing, Allegany county, Mary-
land, in 1859, a son of John and Rachel (Gibb) Kirkwood. His father
was born in Glasgow, Scotland, whence he emigrated as a young man
.
s
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 395
to the United States, locating in Maryland. He was a practical coal
miner, reared to the trade in his native country, and came to this coun-
try to find a larger field of operations. About [862 he brought his fam-
ily west and located at Fairbury, Livingston county, Illinois, where he
opened and operated the second coal mine of that town, conducting it
under the name of the Central Coal Company. He was a successful coal
operator there until the late eighties, and then came to the coal fields
of Kansas. He was assistant superintendent of the Osage Coal Com-
pany at Scranton for some time, and in 1893 came to Pittsburg, where
his son Archibald had previously located. His death occurred in this
city, but his wife survives him and is still living in this place. She was
also born in Scotland.
Archibald B. Kirkwood attended school in Fairbury. Illinois, but
at the age of thirteen entered the coal mines. He began with the occu-
pation of keeping trap door, later drove mules, was then a practical coal
digger, and from that came through all the positions of pit boss, mine
foreman, superintendent, up to his present important place as general
manager of a number of large mines. There is nothing about a mine of
which he does not have a thorough practical working knowledge.
In 1880 Mr. Kirkwood left Fairbury and went to Montana, where
he was a sub-contractor in the construction of the Big Horn tunnel on
the Northern Pacific Railroad, in Custer county, where he remained
nine months. He then came to Carbondale, Osage county. Kansas,
where the coal mines were just then beginning to be of some importance,
lie became mine foreman for the Kansas Carbon Coal Company, which
was the coal department of the old Kansas Pacific Railroad. From there
he went to Scranton, in the same county, and was made foreman for
the Osage Mining Company, the coal department of the Santa Fe Rail-
road. While in that mining region he first met Mr. Frank E. Wear,
with whom he later became associated in the mining business. Mr.
Kirkwood remained at Scranton until tS88. and then went to work for
Mr. Wear at Liberal, Missouri, where they leased and operated a mine.
396 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
They were there two years, thence went to Minden, Missouri, where they
opened up the No. i mine, known as the "Sunshine." In the meantime,
in 1890, the Wear Coal Company had been organized, and in 1891 Mr.
Kirkwood came to Pittsburg as superintendent of the mine which they
had opened. In 1900 he was elected general manager of all the coal
mines of the Wear Coal Company, which include nine mines in the Pitts-
burg coal district, and a number of other mines at Collinsville, Oolagah
and Poteau, Indian Territory, and mines in Arkansas and Missouri.
They employ about eleven hundred men in the Pittsburg district alone.
Mr. Kirkwood is a stockholder in the Wear Coal Company, of which F.
E. AA'ear is president. T. G. Wear, vice president, and N. S. Wear, secre-
tary.
Mr. Kirkwood is president of the Standard Mercantile Company
of Pittsburg, which operates here in Pittsburg what is said to be the
largest department store in Kansas. Its trade in T903 amounted to over
three hundred and sixty thousand dollars. The company was organ-
ized in 1899 to succeed the mercantile establishments of the Wear Coal
Company and the Kansas and Texas Coal Company. The store occu-
pies the largest commercial building in Pittsburg, a two-story brick and
stone structure, with a frontage of one hundred feet 011 Broadway and
one hundred and twenty-five feet on Seventh street, and is modern and
well equipped in every particular. The company also has a store in
Minden. Missouri.
Mr. Kirkwood affiliates with the Masonic blue lodge, chapter, coun-
cil and commandery at Pittsburg, and with Ararat Temple of the Mystic
Shrine at Kansas City: is also a member of the lodge of the Elks
the United Commercial Travelers, tin- independent Order of Red Men
and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was married at Windsor, Illi-
nois. March 30, 1880, to Miss Ida M. Bowman, and they have three chil-
dren: Ray N.. who is wile of Dr. Robert P.. Gibbs, of Pittsburg; Miss
Edna and Roy.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 397
JOHN H. HESS.
John H. Hess, chief engineer of the Pittsburg Gas and Electric Eight
Company, is well known in various parts of Kansas for the public works
the installation of which he has superintended, and his career in Pittsburg
has been in the same connection, having made this the center of his opera-
tions for a number of years. He is thoroughly acquainted with all the
details of his business, has the necessary push and enterprise for a suc-
cessful prosecution and carrying out of the important public works en-
trusted to his care, and has made a well deserved and highly creditable
reputation for efficiency and integrity of character and action.
Mr. Hess was burn near Baltimore, Maryland, in 1852, being the
son of William H. and Anna (Sluss) Hess, who are still living in Balti-
more. His father is a prosperous real estate owner there, and for a
number of years was a successful farmer near that city.
Mr. J. H. Hess was educated at Eagleton Institute, where he was
graduated, and also attended the college at Gettysburg. Pennsylvania.
He began his business career by engaging in the sewing machine busi-
ness, being connected with the well known Singer company, and from
that went into the employ of the Champion Reaper Company. In [879
he left Maryland and came west, and for several years followed mining
quite extensively, first in the Black Hills, then at Cheyenne, and at
Leadville and other places in Colorado, which country was then in its
interesting boom days. During that period Mr. Hess was one of the
founders of the mining town of Aspen, Colorado. He had the varied
experiences of the mining man up to 1884, aiK ' > n the early part of that
year located in Dodge City, Kansas, where he was in business for several
months. From there he went to Parsons. Kansas, in the same year.
and there secured the work of putting in the water works, as also at
independence. Cherry vale and Ottawa, during a part of the time being
associated with Captain Ewing. He left Ottawa to take up his abode in
Pittsburg, where he has since resided. His first mission in Pittsburg
39S HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
was putting in the pumps and other apparatus for the city water works.
and his work from then till now has been mainly along the line of
foremanship on public works. He did considerable work for the Pitts-
burg Railway Company, both in and out of the city. In his present ca-
pacity as chief engineer for the Pittsburg Gas and Electric Light Com-
pany he has done much valuable service, his wide and successful experi-
ence making him just the man for the place and able to carry out with
absolute precision and effectiveness the wishes of the company.
Mr. Hess is a loyal Republican, and has been favored with offices
at the various places in which he has resided. In Pittsburg he is presi-
dent of the city council, having been elected a member of the body from
the first ward, in April, 1902. He is chairman of the fire committee,
also of the purchasing committee, and is a member of the streets and
alleys committee. Mr. Hess married Miss Sarah Steele, and they have
two children, Fdna B. and Bonnie.
I. T. LOUTHAN.
J. T. Louthan, a prominent farmer and stockman of Arcadia, has
passed a life of most useful and honorable activity, beginning with a
creditable record as a Union soldier while in the bloom of young man-
hood, then for a number of years following the trade of blacksmith, and
fur the past thirty years engaged, until five years ago, in the dual occu-
pation of farming and blacksmithing, and since then in conducting his
fine estate near Arcadia, where after the stress of sixty years of life he
will pass his remaining years in contentment with what the years have
brought forth. He has met in a manly and courageous manner all the
obligations laid upon him, whether as a soldier or civilian, and he merits
and receives the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens in this part of
Crawford county.
Mr. Louthan was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, May 3, 1843,
a son of Moses and Electra (Thomas) Louthan. who came to Ohio from
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 399
Pennsylvania. Both his parents lived to honorable old age, his father
dying in 1892 at the age of eighty-two, and his mother in 1901, when
eighty-seven years old.
Mr. Louthan received his education in the common schools of Ohio,
and at the age of nineteen, in the spring of 1862, he enlisted 111 Company
F. Eighty-seventh Ohio Infantry, going in for three months' service.
At the siege of Harper's Ferry he was captured, and after being paroled
he returned home. He re-enlisted in August, 1863, being enrolled in
Company B. Twelfth Ohio Cavalry. He participated in the engagements
at Saltsville. Virginia, Greensboro, South Carolina. Strawberry Plains.
Tennessee, and at Bridgeport, Alabama, and was mustered out at Nash-
ville, and was discharged at Columbus. Ohio, October 22, 1865, with
a most creditable record as a soldier in defense of the Union. He re-
turned home to engage for a time in the blacksmith business, and in
the spring of 1867 came out to Baxter Springs, Kansas, where he fol-
lowed his trade one year. He lived in Barton county, Missouri, until
August, 1875, at which time he took up his permanent residence at
Arcadia, Crawford county, and bought the farm of one hundred and
sixty acres which now comprises his pleasant and productive homestead.
He had a blacksmith shop on his farm until about five years ago, but
has nnw given up following his trade.
Mr. Louthan is a stanch Republican. He served one term on the
school board of Arcadia. He has fraternal affiliations with Lodge No.
401, I. O. O. F. He was married in 1869 to Miss Margaret Mver. of
Illinois. She died in March,' 1889. leaving the following children:
Marion Franklin, of the state of Washington: W. S.. of Washington;
Lewis, of Peru. Kansas: Ruth Plectra, of Fort Scott, Kansas: and M.
E., of Washington. Mr. Louthan married, second, in May, 1896. Miss
Charlotte Parker. She is a native of England, and was a trained nurse
in London. She is a member of the Presbyterian church, and a most
delightful and pleasant lady.
400 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
DR. HARVEY M. GRANDLE.
Dr. Harvey M. Grandle, who has a large and flourishing practice
as a dentist in Pittsburg, and is one of the popular and enterprising
spirits of that city, has practiced his profession with much success for
the past twelve years. He is almost entirely a Kansas product, for he
has lived in this section of the state since he was one year old, having
been reared among the pioneer surroundings of thirty odd years ago in
the Sunflower state.
Dr. Grandle was born at Marion, Iowa, in 1867, and his parents
are Harrison and Maria (Shields) Grandle, the former a native of Ohio
and the latter of Indiana. His father was an emigrant to Iowa in 1856,
and spent sixteen years in that state. In 1868 he drove a wagon out
to Kansas and took up his location on a farm near Monmouth, Craw-
ford county, so that he is really one of the old settlers of this county,
which less than forty years ago was an uncivilized abode. He is at
present a prosperous and well preserved farmer, owning about a section
of Crawford county's fine land, and has a nice home near Monmouth,
where he and his wife live. They have a family of six sons and two
daughters, all grown.
Harvey M. Grandle received a good education at Monmouth in
the graded school, which at that time was one of superior excellence.
He prepared himself for teaching, and was engaged in the work of peda-
gogue for five years, the last three years of that period having been spent
as an instructor in the high school at Weir, in Cherokee county. While
at Weir he decided upon dentistry as his profession, and began his
studies to that end under Dr. Cartwright as preceptor. As soon as his
preparation was complete he took up practice, and has now been in steady
practice for the past twelve years. He first practiced at Weir, then was
located at Pittsburg for some time, and again returned to Weir. On
April 1, 1903, he came to Pittsburg and formed a partnership with Dr.
Fred K. Ream, which was continued until the following August 18,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 401
when he bought Dr. Ream's interest, and is now the owner of the business
and in the enjoyment of a high-class and profitable practice.
Mr. Grandle is prominent in the fraternal orders, being a member
of the local lodge of the Elks, and at Weir is affiliated with the Masons
and Knights of Pythias, the Pyramids, the Maccabees, Sons and Daugh-
ters of Justice, and others. He is a Democrat in politics, and served
one term as mayor of Weir. When he left that town he had for some
time been serving as president of the board of education.
Dr. Grandle was married at Jacksonville. Illinois, October i, 1894,
to Miss Margaret Gallagher. They have three children, Sadie Dorothy,
deceased; Nina Catharine, aged six; and Harvey Marion, aged three.
Sadie Dorothy, born January 11, 1897, died February 8, 1905, after an
illness of two weeks, of pneumonia fever. Her eight years filled her fond
father's and mother's lives with sunshine. She was always happy and
loved all nature.
JOHN W. MARTIN.
John W. Martin, president of the McCune City State Bank, has
for a number of years been prominently connected with the business
interests of this town, and within its environs has practically worked
out his entire successful career. He is a young man who has achieved
much in the years of his life, and his success is the more deserving be-
cause it is the result of conscientious and persevering application since he
was a very young lad. having become dependent on his own exertions
when he was a boy of twelve years.
He was born in Jefferson county, Illinois, August 12, 1868, being
a son of Joseph B. and Mary M. (Dollins) Martin, both natives of
Illinois. His mother's father. Colonel James J. Dollins. served three
years in an Illinois regiment during the Civil war, being promoted to
colonel. Joseph B. Martin died in 1876, when comparatively young,
but his wife still survives, and is living in Savonburg, Kansas. Their
±02 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
two children were John W. and Ida M., the latter the wife of Charles
Smith, of Chanute.
Air. John W. Martin came to Kansas in 1880, and since that time
has been almost entirely earning his own way. He lived with his grand-
mother for eight years, going to school whenever he had opportunity.
He began his career as a clerk in a general merchandise store in McCune.
and was thus employed for eight years. When the A. Hood and Sons
organized a large implement store, also a full and complete line of mod-
ern vehicles and wagons, in McCune Mr. Martin entered their employ,
and has been with them ever since with increasingly important duties,
being now the manager of the store. In 1902 he helped organize the
McCune City State Bank, and is now its president and one of the direc-
tors. He has prospered mainly because of his arduous labor from an
early age and his strict adherence to honesty.
He is a Republican in politics, and is held in high esteem by all
his fellow townsmen. He affiliates with Temple Lodge No. 237, F. &
A. M.. at McCune. and with McCune Lodge No. 193, I. O. O. F. He was
married in October. 1895. to Miss Scinda F. Hurley, a native of Chero-
kee countv, Kansas.
JOHN VIETS.
John Viets, the present popular and efficient county clerk of Craw-
ford county, is one of the oldest established residents of the county, and
almost his entire active career has been identified with the private busi-
ness and agricultural and official affairs of the county. His prominence
is well deserved, for from the time of boyhood he has been engaged in
useful activity, beginning with several years of patriotic service to his
country. He knows what it is to subdue the virgin prairie soil to the
uses of agriculture, and was also one of the early merchants of the county.
Many places of responsibility and trust have been confided to him by
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 403
his appreciative fellow citizens, and his integrity and high personal char-
acter have always proved worth}- of the greatest confidence and honor.
Mr. Viets is a true-blue American in everything except birth. He
was born in Hanover. Germany, July 15, 1843, being a son of Henry
and [Margaret (Heimsohn) Yiets. both native Germans. His parents
came to America in 1857, and first located in Benton county, Missouri,
where his father was engaged in farming for ten years, and in 1867 came
to Crawford county. Kansas, where he continued the tilling of the soil.
He died March 5, 1003, and his wife had been taken from him in 1884.
Mr. John Viets was educated in the old country and in Benton
county, Missouri, being reared and accustomed to farm life from child-
hood. He was about seventeen years old when the call for ninety-day
troops came to Missouri, and he enlisted for that period and served it out.
He then enlisted in the Fifth Missouri Cavalry, and at the end of two
years veteranized in the Thirteenth Missouri Cavalry. He was in the bat-
tle of Cold Camp, in Price's raid, and many other engagements of the war,
and was mustered out with the rank of lieutenant on January 11, 1866.
He came to Walnut township. Crawford county, and took up a claim
of bare land, which he at once set to work to improve, and on which
he lived until 1869. He then sold his farm and started a general store
in that locality, which he sold out in the following year. He moved into
Hepler in 1870 and engaged in the general merchandise business. He
also bought grain and stock, and continued his business operations there
until 1890.
Mr. Viets has had a most honorable public record. He served
as county treasurer from 1884 to 1886. In 1890 he moved to Girard
and built the county court house. He was elected county clerk in [899,
and took office in January, 1900. serving as such until 1902. He was
again elected clerk of the county in 1902. and has held the office till 1905.
Mr. Yiets was married in July. 1867. to Miss Adelheit Gotheer, a
daughter of Henry Gotheer. of Miami County, Kansas. They have had
five children: Emma is now cashier in the office of the Illinois Life
404 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Insurance Company in Topeka, Kansas; Amelia is the wife of Charles R.
Bernard, of Florence. Colorado; Marie is the wife of Dr. A. T. Havely.
of Girard; Nora is the wife of John Vincent, proprietor of a meat market
in Girard; and Henry, the only son, is attending college. Mr. and Mrs.
Viets are members of the Lutheran church, and their children are
Episcopalians.
ALONZO L. CORY.
Alonzo L. Cory, of Lincoln township, with postoffice at Girard,
came to Crawford county in 1878, just when it was beginning its period
of most rapid development, and he has since lived here and become a
successful farmer and also taken an active part in the affairs of his
community and county. He is a man of many resources, is practical and
able, and has prospered in all his undertakings. He came to this county
from Syracuse, Kosciusko county, Indiana, where he was born February
7, 1845-
At the age of eighteen he became a soldier in the service of his
country, and before reaching maturity he had twice been a soldier in
the greatest war of his country. He first enlisted in February, 1863, in
Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, and from
the camp at Indianapolis was sent into the Virginias and Carolinas. and
his service also took him into Maryland and Pennsylvania after General
Longstreet's rebel forces. He was in the engagements at Strawberry
Plains, Walkers Ford, the Cumberland Gap. and for nine months on
the campaign in the James valley. He was honorably discharged from
the service, but in January, 1865, be again enlisted in Company A, One
Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana, along with his half-brother A. J.
Cory, and served until the close of hostilities, when he was honorably
discharged and came home a veteran.
Mr. Cory was the youngest child of Abijah C. and Sally (Mann)
Cory. His grandfather, Jeremiah Cory, was a native of Pennsylvania,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 405
â– s*
of Scotch ancestry, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He married
Dorothy Martin, and they moved to Indiana among the early settlers in
1834, and thence moved to Story county, Iowa, where they both died.
Abijah C. Cory married for his first wife Sally Mann, who died in [845,
soon after the birth of Alonzo, and leaving two other children, Saman-
tha, who died at the age of fourteen years, and Almeda. After the
death of his first wife Abijah C. Cory married Mrs. Matilda (Wood)
Gunter, a daughter of John G. Wood, a soldier of the war of 1812, and
by this marriage there were the following children : A. J., Jesse. M.
Malinda, P. Celestine, and Elizabeth. The father, who died at Syracuse,
Indiana, at the age of seventy-five, was a successful farmer and stock-
man, politically was a Whig and Republican, active in party affairs
though never seeking office, and was a member of the Baptist church.
Mr. Cory grew up on the old farm in Indiana, where he was taught
to work as well as learning the lessons of the public schools. Possessed
of much mechanical ingenuity and practical ability, he took up the occu-
pations of carpenter and mechanical engineer, and followed that line for
some years. He was a very young man when he gave hostages to for-
tune by getting married, for on the day before Christmas, 1865, he
was married, in Kosciusko county, to Miss Rebecca Kauffman. and they
have spent a most happy married life of nearly forty years. She spent
the first nine years of her life in Pennsylvania, and then came to Indiana,
where she grew up and received her education. She was a daughter of
Joseph and Mary (Fry) Kauffman, who both passed away in Kosciusko
county.
In 1878 Mr. Cory came to this county and bought a hundred and
sixty acres in Lincoln township, where he has made one of the choice
farmsteads of the county, well improved with comfortable and ample
house and barn, with a nice orchard set out since he came here, and
with fields cultivated in modern and most productive methods. Com-
fort and hospitality go hand in hand with enterprise and able manage-
406 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
meat at the Cory home, and its members are numbered among the sub-
stantial and popular people of the township.
Mr. and Mrs. Cory have four children: Professor Elmer Ells-
worth, who is principal of the schools at Pleasant Valley. Colorado;
Lynn A., who, like his father, is a fine mechanic and is a prosperous
carpenter and contractor of Lincoln township: Jesse F., who is clerking
in a mercantile store: and Essie Dale, married and living at Englevale.
Mr. Cory is a stanch Republican, and he and his wife are members of
the Church of God.
ZEXAS M. BOGLE.
Zenas M. Bogle, a retired farmer now making his home in Pitts-
burg, has enjoyed a most successful and happy career, and now when on
the thither side of seventy years of age is passing a comfortable, con-
tented and prosperous aftermath to previous scenes of industrious activ-
ity, in which he found a creditable solution for life's problems and gained
a position of honor and esteem among bis fellows. He has never sought
to achieve by eclat the work placed before him in the course of duty, but
by the simple and unaffecting performance of each day's tasks has won
the commendation of his own conscience and evolved a life and char-
acter harmonious and worthy of the world's best praise.
Mr. Bogle was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1833, being a son of
Holmes and Mary (Kruson) Bogle. His father was a native of Penn-
sylvania, whither his ancestors, like so many of the Scotch-Irish race in
the north of Ireland, had come and made settlement generations before.
He was taken by his parents to the new state of Ohio in 1807, and grew
up in Perry county and helped clear away the forests in which their
pioneer home was located. Holmes Bogle lived and died in that county.
as did also bis good wife.
Mr. Zenas M. Bogle was reared to manhood on the Perry county
farm, and when school days and boyhood pleasures were over he entered
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 407
upon real activity as a fanner, which occupation lie continued with ex-
cellent success in Perry county, Ohio, until 1882. In the spring of that
year he came to Crawford county and bought a farm at the eastern edge
of Sheridan township. He carried on active farming until a few years
ago. since which time he has been retired and making his home in Pitts-
burg. He still owns his farm, which is now being conducted by his
youngest son, Francis W.
Mr. Bogle has never taken active part in politics further than to
cast an intelligent ballot for the man who seemed to him to represent
the best principles of national and local government. His first presi-
dential vote was given to Fremont, and first and last be has voted for
the Republican candidates for the presidency. He is a life-long mem-
ber of the United Presbyterian church, he and his wife both coming
of stanch Presbyterian stock, and for many years he was a member in
the church of that denomination at Beulah. in Sheridan township.
Mr. Bogle was married in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1858 to Mi>s
Margaret J. Barr, who became the mother of six children, the son Holmes
P. being deceased. The others are Artemus M., Emma S., Elmer P..
Essie L. and Francis \Y. Mrs. Bogle was the daughter of William
and Sarah (Brown) Barr, and is a descendant of Robert Barr. a Scotch-
Irishman who came from county Donegal, Ireland, to America in (790,
settling in Pennsylvania. William Barr was born in Pennsylvania in
1800, and came with his parents to Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1802, the year
in which Ohio became a state of the Union, and the} - were among the
first settlers in that historic town. One of the sons of William Barr,
William Calvin by name, was a soldier in the Civil war for three years.
The histories of the Barr and Brown families, of which Mr-
is a member, have been published, and reveal a long line of ancestors
who were strong in their religious faith, and a number of whom
attained great distinction in religious action as well as in other depart-
ments of life.
408 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
W. M. HOLEMAN.
W. M. Holeman, president of the Walnut State Bank and other-
wise prominent in the business and public affairs of his town and county,
is a thorough product of the state of Kansas in everything except birth.
He is plentifully endowed with the push and enterprise so characteristic
of men of the Sunflower commonwealth, and his career has been suc-
cessful and is such a pleasant record of progression from one stepping
stone of progress to the one next higher that he is to be classed among
the men of mark in Crawford county, with whose history he has been
prominently identified more or less for the past twenty-five years.
Mr. Holeman was born at Vinton, Benton county. Iowa, March
29, 1857, a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Bradbury) Holeman, natives
of Ohio. His parents moved to Neosho county, Kansas, and became
farmers there at an early day in Kansas history. His father died in
October, 1902. when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-five
years, but his wife is still living at the age of seventy-eight, making
her home with her son, W. M., at Walnut.
Mr. W. M. Holeman passed most of his youthful years in Neosho
county, and had the advantage of the country schools and also those
at Osage Mission. When he was eighteen years old he began teaching
school in Neosho county. Two years later he moved to Bourbon county
with his parents, and in the spring of 1880 came to Walnut as principal
of the schools of that place, which position he occupied for three years.
He then started and conducted the Walnut Journal for five years, fol-
lowing which he was engaged in another newspaper enterprise at Bron-
son for three years. He conducted a general merchandise establishment
at Xenia, Kansas, for six years, and then sold out and returned to Walnut
to engage in the banking business. The Walnut State Bank, of which
he is president, is a sound and conservative financial institution, with
ample capital and resources, and its excellent management has been a
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 409
valuable factor in the business affairs of this part of the county and
has likewise been a source of credit to Mr. Holeman.
Air. Holeman was married in December, 1880, to Miss Lizzie Russel.
a daughter of L. D. and Sarah M. Russel, natives, respectively, of Illi-
nois and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Holeman have one child, Edna, who is
a graduate of the Walnut high school, attended college at Ottawa.
Kansas, and graduated in the Conservatory of Music. The family are
members of the Christian church.
Mr. Holeman is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the
city council, and has held the office of treasurer of the school board
since he became a resident of Walnut. He affiliates with Vulcan Lodge
No. 229, F. & A. M., at Walnut.
FRANK A. JONES.
Frank A. Jones, superintendent of the water works of Pittsburg,
is an efficient and energetic business man and manager, as he has dem-
onstrated during the years that he has been connected with the Pittsburg
Water Supply Company, his final promotion to the superintendency of
the plant having been clearly dictated by the best interests of the com-
pany, and in this position he has maintained the high reputation of the
plant as second to none anywhere for a city of the same size. He is
likewise popular and well known in the various circles of the city, and
for a young man has certainly had a most successful and honorable
career.
Mr. lones is a native son of the Sunflower state, and mot of ln-
life and work has been spent within its boundaries. He was born in
Doniphan county in 1873. being a son of George A. and Anna ( Stallons )
[ones, both of whom are now living at Argonia, Sumner county. Kan-
sas. His father was born in Columbus, Ohio, and came to Kansas dur-
ing his boyhood, settling with his parents on a farm in Doniphan county.
He lived there many years, and in 1SS3 brought his family to Sumner
410 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
county, where- he and his good wife are passing their remaining years
in the esteem and affection of many friends and associates.
Mr. F. A. Jones received most of his education in the common
school at Argonia, finishing with a three years' course at Southwest
Kansas College, Winfield, Kansas. In 1893 ne went t0 the "Strip." in
Oklahoma, and established a grocery store at the little town of Timber-
lake Springs. While there he got a postoffice established and was
appointed postmaster, but remained there for only a rear, coming to
Pittsburg. Kansas, in 1895. He took employment with the Pittsburg
Water Supply Company, which furnishes water for the city of Pitts-
burg, and has remained with the company ever since. He was made
superintendent of the water plant in 1903. These water works are
noted for their efficiency, having a complete modern equipment and
supplying a million gallons of water each day. sufficient to fill all the
requirements of the city.
Mr. Jones was married in July. 1903, to Miss Ella Gibson, a niece
of Rev. Josiah H. Gibson, who is pastor of the United Presbyterian
church of Pittsburg. Mr. Jones affiliates with the Masonic order and
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
G. P. NORTON.
G. P. Norton, president of the Cherokee Commercial Company at
Cherokee, is one of the foremost business men of Crawford county, a
man of enterprise, industry, ability, and a high degree of public spirit,
and during the past quarter of a century during which he has been a
resident of the county he has participated actively in the work of general
progress and upbuilding throughout this section of southeastern Kansas.
The business firm of which he is the head is a notably reliable and com-
mercially sound company, and their businesses extensive throughout the
town and country about Cherokee. Lewis Schwab is the general man-
ager and treasurer of the firm, and its other members are J. G. Schwab
s^sjx> (Pyy^^t^
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 413
and M. C. Bolick. It is one of the pioneer general merchandise houses
at Cherokee.
Mr. Norton, who lias been in this business in Cherokee since 1893,
and who took up his permanent abode in Crawford county in 1880,
was born in Allegany county. Xew York, on the Genesee river, October
21, 1842, being of one of the old families of that section and of Eng-
lish and Scotch descent. The original ancestors were three brothers who
came from England and settled on Martha's Vineyard among the first
to locate at that place. Air. Norton's parents were Leonard and Margaret
(Carr) Norton, both native Xew Yorkers. The mother's father was a
Revolutionary soldier, and. being captured at the Wyoming Massacre,
was held prisoner by the Indians for seven years before his final release.
Leonard Norton, who died at the advanced age of eighty-four years, was
a farmer by occupation, a Republican in politics and a member of the
Presbyterian church: his good wife passed away at the age of seventy-
two. Their four children were Charles, of Cherokee ; Emma Benard, of
Illinois; Alice Shannon, of McCune. and George P.
Mr. Norton was reared on a farm in New York, and his schooling
was what he obtained in the public schools and by self-application. The
family moved out to Missouri 111 1858, and there he learned the car-
penter's trade, which he followed \er\ successfully for many years, and
many buildings at Cherokee and in Crawford county show evidence of
his skill and fine handicraft. In 1861 he joined the Missouri State
Militia and Home Guards, and at the beginning of 1863 he became a
member of Company F, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, under Colonel
Webber and Captain H. H. Benner. During his eighteen months' ser-
vice he was at Little Rock, Arkansas, and at various Louisiana points.
Alter the war he settled in McDonough county, Illinois, and. as above
stated, came out to Crawford county in 1880.
In McDonough county he was married to Miss Nancy J. McClure,
who was horn, reared and educated in that count}', and the}' have worked
together for what they have gained of the world's material comforts and
414 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
are highly esteemed members of Crawford county society. They had
one daughter, Viola, who was the wife of Robert A. Bolick, cashier of
the Cherokee Bank. She died November 2S, 1904. Mr. Norton has long
taken an active interest in educational affairs, and is now president of
the local school board. He is a Republican in politics, and has for years
served as quartermaster of Shiloh Post No. 56, G. A. R. He is an elder
in the Presbyterian church.
There follows the obituary notice of Mr. Norton's lately deceased
daughter :
Died at her home in this city Monday, November 28, 1904. Viola,
belo-ved wife of Robert A. Bolick, and daughter of G. P. and Nannie
Norton, aged t,j years and 22 days. Services were conducted by Rev.
E. W. Beason, of Pleasanton, Kansas, at the Presbyterian church, in
this city, of which the deceased was a member, after which interment was
made in the Cherokee cemetery. A husband and five" children are left to
mourn the loss of a devoted wife and a kind and loving mother, but
their loss is her eternal gain, leaving in this world the evidence of tri-
umphant faith, passing peacefully to her eternal home, without fear, rely-
ing in Him who has gone to prepare a place for you.
Viola May Norton was burn in McDonough county. Illinois, No-
vember 6. 1867. She removed with her parents to Cherokee county.
Kansas, in the fall of 1880, and has since resided in the near locality.
She was married to Robert A. Bolick December 15, 1887. To this
union were born five children all of whom are living.
She united with the Presbyterian church when about twenty years
of age, and has been a consistent member thereof until her death.
November 28, 1904.
OSCAR W'EIMER SCHAEFF F.R.
Oscar Weimer Schaeffer, cashier of the Bank of Girard, is a citizen
of long and honorable standing in Girard and Crawford county, and
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 415
is one of the best known business men of the city. His connection for
nearly a quarter of a century with one influential financial institution
would mark him as cue in win mi his fellow associates imposed the utmost
confidence both in his integrity and his administrative ability, and in
all other relations of a busy and successful career he has borne the same
reputation. He began business life in an unimportant capacity and
when only a boy, and his own diligent and persevering efforts have been
the means by which he has reached a position of influence and esteem
in this city. His personal popularity is also very great, ami he has made
friends everywhere and with all classes of people.
Mr. Schaeffer was horn m Lisbon, Linn comity. Iowa. February
17. i860, being a son of Josiah and Nancy B. (Weimer) Schaeffer,
natives of Holland and descendants of the old Saxe-Weimers of that
country. His parents came to America and located first in Pennsylvania
and then in New York. Josiah Schaeffer came to Lisbon, Iowa", at an
early day. and conducted a newspaper there and was also pastor of
the Congregational church. He later moved to Sharon. Wisconsin.
where his wife died in 1S67. From there he went to Whitehall, Michi-
gan, where he was also in charge of a newspaper and pastor of a church.
He was later engaged in the same occupations at Coffeyville, Kansas,
and in 1870 came to Girard, where he was pastor of the First Presby-
terian church. He was later called to Ohio because of the illness of his
father, and afterward had charge of several churches in the east. He
died in i8()0. at the home of his son in Rochester. New York. He
had four other children besides Oscar, as follows: Maggie, the wife
of 1.. M. Mores, of Curtis. Xehraska; Benjamin K., of Curtis, Nebraska;
C. T., now of New York city ; and Irving, who was drowned in White
Bay, near Whitehall, Michigan.
Mr. Oscar W. Schaeffer was educated in Sharon. Wisconsin, and
began helping in his father's newspaper office when a small boy. lie
worked for his father and also went to school after moving to Coffey-
ville. but on coming to Girard in 1870 he became a clerk in the store of
416 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Mr. Seabury. Shortly after, lie made his start in the banking career
as a clerk in the bank of Mr. Frank Playter, and, although the bank has
many times changed hands since that time, he has been steadily in its
service to the present time, having risen through the grades to the
position of cashier, which he has held for the past "twenty-four years.
No small degree of the prosperity of the Bank of Girard is due to his
constant and faithful work in its behalf. He also owns two good farms
in the county, and has some city property that he rents.
Mr. Schaeffer has also been honored with other places of trust. He
was city treasurer of Girard for twenty-four years, and for twenty-
one years held the office of treasurer in the Mystic Council No. 12,
Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias, in which order he stands
high and is a member of the grand lodge. He likewise has faternal
affiliations with the Independent Order of Red Men, the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and is vice-president of the A. H. T. A. He
is treasurer of the Girard Business Men's Club, and is a member of the
American Bankers' Association and the Kansas Bankers' Association.
L. H. THURSTON, D. V. S.
Dr. L. H. Thurston, who is engaged in the practice of veterinary
surgerv at Girard. is a native son of Kansas, his birth having occurred
in Labette county on the 20th of July, 18.72. He is a son of David C.
and Christina (Bybey) Thurston, the former a native of Ohio and the
latter of Missouri. Mr. David C. Thurston is still living, occupying the
home farm in Labette county, but his wife passed away on the nth
of June, 1878.
At the usual age Dr. Thurston became a student in the public schools
and acquired his literary education in Labette county. He afterward
went to California, where he worked on a ranch of five thousand acres
devoted to the cultivation of grain. After three years and a half, how-
ever, he returned to Parsons, Kansas, and was employed on the railroad
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 417
for one year. Having in the meantime determined to devote his energies
to the practice of veterinary surgery, lie then entered the Ontario Vet-
erinary College in [902, and the following year was graduated from
that institution, completing the course on the 26th of March. 1903.
On the 29th of the same month he came to Girard and began practicing.
On the 1 2th of January, 1904, he purchased two lots and a barn,
remodeled the latter and transformed it into a first-class hospital for
veterinary practice. This is the only establishment of the kind in Craw-
ford county, and Dr. Thurston is enjoying an excellent patronage which
is continually increasing.
On the 10th of May. 1903. was celebrated the marriage of Dr.
Thurston and Miss Florence Edna Allison, a daughter of John and
Emma Allison. Her father came to this county about thirty years ago,
and is now one of the most extensive stock-raisers and landowners of
this portion of the state, having five hundred acres of valuable land.
Mrs. Thurston is a member of the Methodist church, and the Doctoi
belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Girard, while his
political allegiance is given to the Republican party.
JOHN H. COONROD.
John H. Coonrod is another of the pioneer citizens of Crawford
county residing in Lincoln township, with postoffice at Cato. He came
to the county as long ago as October, 1857. at which time there were a
hundred Indians camped along Drywood creek near where his present
estate is located. In the course of forty-seven years he has naturally
witnessed a wonderful change in the conditions and the appearance of
the county, and he has performed his share of this work of development
and progress. He has always been a friend and supporter of good insti-
tutions, whether church, state or schools, and has lent his efforts in a
substantial manner toward making his section of Crawford count}' a
good place to live in.
418 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Mr. Coonrod is also esteemed as having been a soldier in the Civil
war. August 15. 1861, he enlisted in Captain Jewell's company of the
Sixth Kansas Cavalry, a well known regiment which did good service
along the Missouri and Kansas border, fighting both the regular Con-
federate armies as well as the bushwhackers and guerrillas. Mr. Coonrod
served eight months in this regiment and then received his honorable
discharge.
Mr. Coonrod was born in Scott county, Illinois, in 1831, being a
son of Woolery and Jane (Pruett) Coonrod. His father, a native of
Virginia and a member of an old family of that commonwealth, was one
of the early settlers of Scott county, Illinois. The mother was born in
Brown county, Illinois, her family also being first settlers of that locality.
and coming originally from Kentucky, one member of the Pruett -family
having been a soldier in the war of 18 12. 'When John H. Coonrod was
a baby his parents moved to Jasper county, locating on a farm seven
miles from Carthage, Missouri, and thence in 1855 they moved to the
territory of Kansas, being pioneers in settling along the rich land on
Drywood creek, at the time the Osage Indians were still here. They
built a log cabin for their first home, and in time had made a nice farm.
They both died in this county, the father at eighty-five and the mother at
eighty-four. They were members of the Christian church, and the
former was in politics a Democrat. Fourteen children were born to
them, several of them dying in infancy or childhood, and those who
grew up being named as follows Adam, Martha, Mary. John H.,
Elisha, Emeline, Francis, Jefferson, William and George.
Mr. Coonrod grew to manhood on the farm in Jasper county, and
he experienced many pioneer conditions during his young life. The
schoolhouse where he obtained all his educational advantages was built
of logs, had slab seats and a fireplace, and was primitive in both furnish-
ings and methods and material of instruction. As has been stated, he
came to this county in 1857, and in 1865 moved to his present location,
where he has lived continuously for forty years. He has a pretty and
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 4 in
comfortable homestead, with all the improvements and conveniences
which mark the twentieth century farmstead, and he is certainly well
circumstanced for the declining years of a long and prosperous life.
His farm of one hundred and forty-four acres is located on Drywood
creek; there is both meadow and timber land, and the land is well culti-
vated and exceedingly productive.
Mr. Coonrod has been married three times. He took Miss Sadie
Odum for his first bride, their wedding being performed in Jasper county
when he was twenty-two years old. She was born and reared in Mis-
souri, being a daughter of John Odum. She was a good Christian
woman, and her character was noble in all its attributes. At her death
in 1868 she left four children: Calla Hutchins : Arizona, who has been
a popular and successful teacher in this county for a number of years;
Woolery and John. Mr. Coonrod married, second. Elizabeth Hensley,
who was born in Dade county, Missouri. She was a member of the Chris-
tian church and died at the home place in this county, leaving three
children, Hillman, Dick and Minnie Williams. Mr. Coonrod's last wife
was Mrs. Nancy Dowdall. who died May 22, [902.
Mr. Coonrod is a Democrat in politics. He has long been an active
member of the Christian church, for years being deacon and elder, and
he has been very liberal in supporting the church and its various benevo-
lences. His son, Dick Coonrod, who lives at the old home and manages
the farm, was married on June 10. 1903, to Miss Sarah J. Ater, a suc-
cessful teacher of the county, and thev have one son, Carl Chester.
C. F. CALHOUN.
C. F. Calhoun, proprietor of the Hotel McCune and in many ways
prominent in the business affairs of McCune, has spent nearly all the
years of his life in Kansas, and since identifying himself with the town
of McCune has not only added much to his own prosperity but as a
420 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
public-spirited and energetic citizen has contributed to the general
upbuilding and progress of this community.
He was horn in Mercer county, Illinois, March 8, 1857, a son of
William and Harriet S. (Gardner) Calhoun. The Calhoun family
originated in Scotland and Ireland, and his grandfather, James William
Calhoun, was born in Ireland, and some time in the latter part of the
eighteenth century came to America and settled in Ohio, where his son
William was born and was married to Harriet S. Gardner. The latter
belonged to the Bishop family, which has an interesting place in American
history, as set forth at a picnic celebrating the sixth annual reunion of
the Bishop family, held at Woods Island, New York. On that occasion
John C. Bishop gave the following facts concerning the family history:
In 1639 a small vessel left England for the new world and in due
time made harbor about twenty miles east of New Haven, Connecticut.
where they founded the colony of Guilford. John Bishop, our pro-
genitor, was one of the pioneers, and established the family that has
since spread from ocean to ocean. He had three children, the eldest
of when*- retained his father's name, married and had nine children, one
of whom was also named John. This John married and reared three
children, and one, Reuben, afterward became the father of Joel, who
lost his mother at the age of six years, and while yet in his teens entered
the Revolutionary war and suffered with others in the struggle by which
this nation was conceived and brought forth. He was taken prisoner
by the British, and confined in New York till the end of the war. At
the age of twenty-five he married and settled in Charleston, Montgomery
county, New York, where he lived for twenty-eight years, during which
time he cleared two farms, each one in the woods, and built houses and
barns thereon. In 1812 he moved his family of thirteen children to
Genesee, purchasing fifty acres of land south of North Rose, a part of
the land still being owned by one of his granddaughters. He resided
there till his seventy-seventh year, when, with his two youngest sons, he
made his fourth venture into the wilderness, settling at Havana. Ohio.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY i-21
where he died soon after. Most of the descendants of this worthy
pioneer, scattered throughout the north central states, chose the occupa-
tion of farmers, and while occupying comfortable places in life only one
or two amassed wealth, and several have held high places in public service
or been honored in the various professions. Of this family Harriet
Gardner was a descendant.
William Calhoun moved to Illinois about 1840, and married Miss
Gardner in 1851. He came out to Kansas in 1865 and settled in Craw-
ford county in September, 1866. taking up a farm adjoining the old town
of Monmouth, where he lived until his death in 1877, at the age of fifty-
six years. His wife lived on the home farm until her death, April 14,
1904. being seventy-three years old. They were the parents of five
children: Mary J. and James W., deceased: C. F. ; Lucy M. Mattox, in
McCune; and C. L., in Pittsburg.
Mr. C. F. Calhoun was reared on the farm, and came to Crawford
county with his parents in 186'"), so that he has been a resident for nearly
forty years. He received such education as the country schools of that
day afforded, and he remained at home till his marriage in 1884. He
then engaged in the drug and livery business, continuing in the former
for eight years. He passed the examinations by the board and received
certificates as a licensed pharmacist, being entitled to engage in that pro-
fession at the present time should he so desire. But his love for horses,
and good ones at that, caused him to engage in the buying and selling
of horses, at which pursuit he has made his best success and at which
he has continued to the present time. He has bought and sold some,
fine roadsters during this time and still owns several fine animals. He
moved to McCune in 1889. which has been the center of his operations
ever since. In 1901 be and Mr. Justice erected the large and finely
equipped Hotel McCune and a business block, and they are running the
hotel in connection with other enterprises. Mrs. Calhoun also conducts
a large millinery store in the town, having for several years given her
entire attention to this pursuit. Mr. Calhoun owns the hotel, his resi-
422 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
dence and other property in the town, and is in prosperous circumstances.
He has filled the offices of township clerk and police judge, and has heen
concerned in many affairs for the city's progress and upbuilding.
Mr. Calhoun was married. March n. 1884. to Miss Anna Thomp-
son, who was born in Putnamville, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1859. Her
father, John C. Thompson, was born in Armstrong county, Pennsyl-
vania, April 26, 1828, and was married to Mary Beck, of Armstrong
county, her mother, Margaret Gould, being of the same family as the
Goulds of railroad and financial fame. Mr. Thompson moved to Kansas
in 1868 and settled near the present site of Pittsburg, where he and his
wife still reside. Their seven children are all living, as follows: Jennie
S., wife of A. H. Gillam; George B. Thompson, of Missouri; Anna, of
McCune; W. B. Thompson, of Longton ; James E., of Washington
state; Maggie Plass, also of Washington; Charlotta, wife of Dr. O.
Aberty, of Dawn, Missouri. Mrs. Calhoun was educated in Kansas,
and after finishing the country schools took one year's course at the
Mission school at Osage Mission, and also one year in the Fort Scott
Normal School. Before her marriage she taught six years in this
county, being in the Monmouth city schools four terms. Mr. and Mrs.
Calhoun have had two children. Kenneth L., born June 19, 1887. is
now in the Cherokee high school; Alary Geo, born February 3, 1890.
died August 12, 1894.
DR. C. H. STRONG.
Dr. C. H. Strong is one of the oldest citizens, both in point of
years and length of residence, of Crawford county, and the county is
proud to do honor to such a pioneer and energetic and public-spirited
citizen, who at the age of seventy-four still does manual labor every
day. is a hearty and well-preserved citizen, and secure in the possession
of hosts of friends and, better still, an honored name and a past filled
with usefulness and good to himself and his fellow-men. As the history
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 423
of any community, or state, or nation, consists mainly of the deeds of its
principal men, for this reason a history of Crawford county would have
several serious gaps and omissions should it not record the part Dr.
Strong has taken in its early development and progress. In particular
does the county seat of Girard owe to him what a child does to its father,
and he is indeed held in this venerable relationship by the citizens of
that town.
The life history of Dr. Strong began on a farm one mile east of
Girard, Erie county, Pennsylvania. February 28, 1830. so that he is
approaching the seventy-fifth turn on life's race course. That his ele-
mental vigor is yet unimpaired by time, it is only necessary to recall to
the citizens how, in the fall of 1903, he won the premium offered by the
Girard Press to the exhibitor of the largest pumpkin grown on any indi-
vidual's patch, and the large plat of ground which he devotes to garden-
ing and light farming, doing most of the work himself, is evidence of his
energy and activity.
He received his education in the public schools, and at the age of
sixteen attended the academy at Springfield, Pennsylvania. Two years
later he entered the college at Girard, from which he was graduated in
two years. He taught school in Erie and Crawford counties for eight
years, then taught three years in Madison and Painesville, Ohio, from
there went to Attica, Indiana, and thence to Belvidere, Illinois. He
was in St. Joseph, Missouri, for a short time, and then returned to Illi-
nois and taught at New Berlin and Loami, in Sangamon county. He
taught the academy at Loami for two years, and in 1849 turned his atten-
tion to medicine. He studied under Professor J. W. Bishop, dean of
the faculty in the Cleveland Eclectic Medical College, and later took
the course of lectures and graduated in 1858. * He was engaged in prac-
tice in Sangamon county, Illinois, for about eight years, and some years
after coming to Kansas, in 1879, took the examination at Girard. and
practiced with success in that city.
Dr. Strong's health failed while he was in Illinois, and be came out
424 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
to Kansas in December, 1865, believing that he could hardly live three
months. In his own words, "the gentle zephyrs and dry and healthy
atmosphere of Kansas, the change of water and diet, venison and prairie
chicken, were a great help, and in a month's time I began to gain strength
and an appetite, and have not had a week's sickness since." In 1866 he
taught a subscription school at Cato, Crawford county (but then known
only as the Cherokee Neutral Lands), and in fact throughout much of
his career in this county he has devoted himself to the advancement of
education. In October, 1867, he was nominated for the offices of county
superintendent of public instruction and clerk of the district court, and
was elected in the following November. After the election he was
appointed deputy to the probate judge, Levi Hatch, the county clerk,
Henry Germain, and the register of deeds, H. T. Coffman, which officers
had been elected at the same time, and he thus held two offices by election
and three by appointment.
In the fall of 1868 Dr. Strong was re-elected to the office of county
superintendent of public instruction, and in this capacity he accom-
plished a most praiseworthy achievement for the future welfare of the
count}-, and made a record that is perhaps unsurpassed in the history
of the state's education. Before he entered his office as superintendent
there was not a schoolhouse nor an organized district in the entire
county, and the youth of the community had only the primitive sub-
scription school as a means of acquiring learning. In two years, with
the co-operation of the people, Dr. Strong organized one hundred and
three school districts in Crawford county, and thus established public
education on a firm and permanent basis. Mr. McVicar, the state super-
intendent, reported that no other county could show a larger number of
districts organized in a similar period of time.
About this time there were but three postoffices in the county,
Cato, Crawfordsville and Monmouth, the mail being carried from Fort
Scott to Monmouth in a pony cart. Crawfordsville was then the seat
of justice and administration, but there was various discontents with
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 4-25
the location, and in this connection Mr. Strong became the founder of
the town which afterward became the county seat and the principal com-
mercial center of the county. The interesting episode of the beginning
of Girard is best told in his own words:
"While at Crawfordsville I applied to the town company for a
lot, by purchase or otherwise, on which to put my drug store, which was
then at Cato, but was put off. Knowing the voice of the people of
the county as to the county seat, I mounted Bob on the 28th of February,
1868, my birthday, and shouldered my old carbine, telling John T. Foss
and J. T. Bridgens I was going on a hunt for deer and the county seat.
I got the deer and dressed him near the southwest corner where the
court house now stands. I have his horns now. While he was struggling
after being shot I hunted a sprig about four feet long, pulled up some
grass, tied it to the top, and wrote the name 'Girard,' for my home in
Pennsylvania. There was but one log house to be seen, there being no
trees or anything else but grass and the raw prairie. I took a quarter
of venison and returned to Crawfordsville. W. W. Jones was post-
master, and Henry Schoen and H. Brown were 111 the postoffice. I
said to them that I didn't wish a lot. as I had named am! started a town
of my own. I qualified with Mr. Mcintosh before H. Martin, justice
of the peace, and applied to the secretary of the state for a charter for
Girard city, and got it. I organized a town company, and we gave each
person applying for the same a bond for a deed for a fifty by two hundred
feet lot, and now you all see the result. I am proud of Girard and its
people, and I bespeak for it prosperity and growth in the future."
From this interesting narrative the present generation may also gain
many a picture of conditions of living and the physical aspect of the
country as it was in the pioneer days of the sixties. On September 10.
1868, Dr. Strong received his commission as the first postmaster of
Girard, and on September 15, when he opened the hist mail, there were
three letters and six papers for Girard. Such was the incipiency of die
426 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
town, and its later growth and rise to importance are in palpable evidence
to all the inhabitants of Crawford county.
At the present time Dr. Strong owns houses and real estate in
Girard, in addition to the ten-acre tract just west of the city, where he
lives, and also owns a farm of one hundred and eighty acres two miles
west. He enjoys a prosperous and contented old age, and is happy
in his daily work and in the esteem of friends and family. During the
Civil war he saw service as second assistant surgeon of the One Hundred
and Thirtieth Illinois Infantry.
Dr. Strong was married at Loami, Illinois, March i, 1861, to Miss
Frances Fowler. There were two children. The older, a daughter,
died in infancy. The son, George W., lives in Frontenac, Kansas,
and his nine bright children are a great source of joy to their fond
grandparents.
FREDERICK A. CASKELL.
Frederick A. Gaskell, an old and well-known resident of Crawford
county, has spent nearly thirty-five years of his career in farming and
kindred pursuits in this county, and has been so highly successful in his
enterprises that a few years ago he gave up the personal and active man-
agement of his farm and moved into Pittsburg, where he engaged in the
furniture business for about six years, until he retired to private life,
well circumstanced and content with what the past years have given
him. Besides his excellent civil record, he has the honor of being a
veteran who saw much and varied campaigning during the rebellion and
gained his first introduction to the Sunflower state during that war.
Mr. Gaskell was horn in 1843, in Worcester county, Massachusetts.
where has been the family seat for many generations. Among his
Quaker ancestors were two who came over with Penn and settled in
Pennsvlvania. but his direct forefather came to the Massachusetts colony
in the seventeenth century, and the old homestead in Worcester county
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 427
has been in the Gaskell family for several generations and is still in
their possession.
The parents of Mr. Gaskell were Elisha and Susan (Taft) Gaskell.
In 1854 his father brought his family to the west and settled in Bureau
county, Illinois. The railroad had not yet been built through there at
that time, and Elisha Gaskell secured a contract, with P. D. Armour, for
building a portion of the Chicago, Burlington and Ouincy through the
state. When he had completed this contract he returned to his farm in
Bureau county and engaged in farming until his wife's death, when he
moved to Chicago and made that his residence till his death.
Mr. F. A. Gaskell had the substantial rearing ami training of a
farmer boy, and remained on the farm until the Civil war. In August,
186 1, he enlisted in the Bureau county company known as Company D.
Thev were sent to Ouincy. Illinois, where they expected to join an Illi-
nois regiment, but there was no demand for troop? at that time. While
thev were encamped at Ouincy. John Brown, Jr., son of the famous one
of the name from Osawatomie, came along, in charge of a company that
he had raised in Ohio, on his way to Kansas. The Bureau county boys
were told that if they would come to Kansas they could enlist there, and.
being very anxious to see actual service, they went along with Brown.
They shipped their horses on the old Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad, and
thev themselves rode on top of box cars across the state. At Leaven-
worth they were mustered in as Company D of the Seventh Kansas.
The first winter was spent in scouting duties and in chasing Ouantrell
along the Missouri-Kansas border. In the spring of 1862 the regiment
went by boat down the Missouri and Mississippi and up the Ohio to
Paducah. and thence through Kentucky and Tennessee, becoming a part
of the Sixteenth Army Corps. They took part in the siege of Corinth,
and in other skirmishes and battles on their progress to the south.
While with Grant's army on the way to Vicksburg they were defeated at
Holly Springs, and they later served at the siege of Vicksburg, being
engaged in scouting duty at the time the city surrendered. The regi-
428 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ment was ordered to join Sherman for his march to the sea, but was
later ordered back to Nashville. Mr. Haskell's last service was in Mis-
souri, where his regiment was engaged in keeping Price at bay. He was
mustered out at St. Louis at the close of the war.
Mr. Gaskell returned to Bureau county and remained there until
1870, when he came out to Kansas and cast in his lot as a pioneer of
Crawford county. There was no railroad in this vicinity, nor even
anything worthy to be called a wagon road. He took up a fertile tract
of land in Washington township, about five miles north of where the
city of Pittsburg afterward grew up, and there he lived and developed
a fine agricultural estate. He was unusually successful in his operations,
and so bounteous were the fruits of the soil that in 1894 he retired from
farming and moved to Pittsburg, where lie has a beautiful home at 401
West Euclid avenue. He is esteemed as one of the substantial citizens
of the town, and is well known throughout the county for his solid
financial ability and his personal worth and integrity.
Mr. Gaskell affiliates with the Masonic fraternity and the Grand
Army of the Republic. He was married in Bureau county, before
coming to Kansas to live, to Miss Carrie Shawger. Their only child.
Alice, is the wife of Frank Magie, of Duluth. Minnesota.
JAMES JONES.
James Jones, of Lincoln township, has been acquainted with Craw-
ford county perhaps as long as any other citizen now living here. Mr.
Jones is a much-traveled, broad-minded, enterprising, and highly es-
teemed man of affairs, who in the course of a long life has seen much
of the world and its peoples, has been identified with various enterprises,
and in his later years may well be content with the success and material
comforts which his varied life of effort has brought to him. He first
saw and traveled through this county in 1S54, when the Indians still
considered it as their lawful territory, and although he has been in other
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 429
parts of the country most of his subsequent life he has constantly kept in
touch with the county's affairs, and is really one of the best informed men
in regard to its development from primitive times to the present.
Born in the same county as the late President McKinley— Trumbull
county, Ohio, in Fowler township, on July 15, 1832, lie comes of an
old and prominent family of the Western Reserve in Ohio. His grand-
father, Silas Jones, who was horn in Wales and came to this country
when a boy, grew up in Connecticut and became captain of a company
which fought the British and helped achieve the national independence.
Some time after the war he became one of the pioneer settlers in the
old Connecticut territory of the Western Reserve in Ohio, and he cut
out his home from the dense forest of Fowler township, Trumbull
county, making himself a good farm and living there until his death.
William Jones, the son of Silas and the father of Mr. Jones, was born
in Connecticut and was a boy in bis teens when he accompanied his
parents to their new abode in the woods of eastern Ohio. Here he
grew to manhood and married Sarah Morsow, who was born in Wash-
ington county. Pennsylvania, a daughter of John Morsow and bis wife,
he a native of Scotland and she born near Belfast, Ireland, whence
they became early settlers in Trumbull county, Ohio. William
Jones and wife had the following children: Ed, who died when seventy
years old; Robert, who lives in Ohio: Dwight, who died at the age of
twenty-one; Aaron, mentioned hereinafter; John D., who lives on the
old homestead in Trumbull county; and Franklin, who lives near the
old homestead. The father of this family died at the age of sixty. He
was a cattle dealer and drover, often driving stock from his Ohio home
over the mountains to market in Pittsburg and Philadelphia. He was a
successful and honored man in all his relations. Politically he was a
Whig. He was one of the most active workers and supporters of the
Congregational church of his community, and was liberal in all his
contributions to worthy causes, giving a considerable sum to Oberlin
College when it was founded.
430 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Mr. James Jones was reared on the old homestead, and in his
boyhood the pioneer conditions had not yet disappeared from Trumbull
county, for he attended a log-cabin school where all the furnishings
and educational equipments were indeed rude and primitive. He several
times assisted his father in driving the cattle to Pittsburg and Philadel-
phia, and perhaps as a result of these long and eventful journeys ac-
quired that taste for travel and adventure which have been dominant
characteristics in shaping his entire career. In 1850. when a young
fellow of eighteen years, he sailed for New York for the California
land of gold, and at the isthmus took passage on a vessel which touched
at the Sandwich islands and was one hundred and forty-two days in
reaching San Francisco. For four years Mr. Jones mined and pros-
pected in Sierra and Yuba counties, and then went back to Ohio, again
by the isthmus route. In 1854 he went west to Missouri and Kansas, and
this was the occasion which brought him through Crawford county at
such a pioneer time in its history. He also went through Fort Scott,
being on his way to the lead mines in Newton county, Missouri, and he
mined and prospected in southwestern Missouri for several years.
Mr. Jones belongs to the Kansas contingent of veterans of the
Civil war. At the beginning of the war he enlisted at Fort Scott in
Company K. Sixth Kansas Cavalry, under Captain Jewell, who was
later promoted to colonel and killed at Cane Hill. Missouri. This regi-
ment saw much rigorous service along the Kansas and Missouri borders.
in that most dangerous of warfare, with the bushwhackers and guer-
rillas, and took part in the battle at Carthage and several engagements
with Trice's troops. They were also righting the famous Quantrell
and his men. and after the Lawrence massacre took six of ' the rebels
prisoner, one of whom was released, and the other five are buried where
the city of Pittsburg now stands. Two of these men Mr. Jones had
known before the war. Mr. Jones was in the army for three years
and four months altogether, and experienced many of the roughest
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 431
phases of war and rebellion, acquitting himself most creditably in the
cause of his country.
After the war he settled near Cato in this count}-, and lived there
until 1876, in which year he went out to the Black Hills country, where
he was successfully engaged in prospecting and mining for twenty-
seven years. He then returned to this county and bought a ten-acre
tract of land in Lincoln township where he has a very comfortable
home and most pleasant surroundings in which to pass the declining
years of his life. He is a very entertaining talker and companion, with
no end of anecdotes concerning his experiences in various parts of the
world, and is a genial, frank and popular man with all. He was formerly
affiliated with the Odd Fellows, in politics is a stanch Republican, and
is a member of the G. A. I\. post.
Aaron Jones, a brother of Mr. James Jones, is also one of the
highly esteemed and prosperous citizens of Crawford county, where he
has lived since 1871. He was born at the old home in Trumbull county,
April 17, 1835. and in 1858 moved west to Ringgold county, Iowa,
which was his home until 1S71. From this latter county also he enlisted
for service in the Civil war, being enrolled in August, i86j. as a mem-
ber of Company G, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, under Colonel Thomas
Benton. He took part in the battles at Helena and Little Rock. Ar-
kansas, and at Sabine Cross Roads in the Red River expedition, and
gave a creditable account of himself throughout his military career.
He was in the hospital for six months altogether, and received his hon-
orable discharge at Davenport. Iowa. On coming to this county in
1871 he bought a farm of eighty acres, and has since been successfully
engaged in its cultivation, being one of the substantial men of the com-
munity.
He was married at Mount Ayr, Iowa, to Miss Frances Larr, who
was born in Ohio, a daughter of James and Jane (Ford) Larr. They
have four children living, William, Althie. Cora, Grace, and the daugh-
ter Laura died at the age of twenty-five. Mr. Jones is a Republican in
432 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
politics, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and his wife is
a member of the Methodist church.
CHRISTOPHER HORNADAY.
Christopher Hornaday, who finds an interesting and profitable
occupation in the tilling and managing of his farm of one hundred and
sixty acres in section 4 of Osage township, two miles northeast of Mc-
Cune, is an old and honored resident of Crawford county and has been
prominently identified with its agricultural development and progress
for over thirty years. He is a public-spirited and progressive gentle-
man, able in his endeavors, and his fellow citizens have always held him
in high esteem for his sterling integrity and genial personal character.
Mr. Hornaday was born in Warren county, Ohio, October 1. 1843.
llis father, Christopher Hornaday, was born in North Carolina and
came with his parents to Ohio when he was a boy, grew up in that
state, and married Miss Lucinda Zentmyer, a native of Ohio and of
German parentage. He died when a comparatively young man. in
1843. His wife afterward married Thomas Simmons and moved to
Indiana, where she resides, a widow, at the age of eighty-three. She
had three children by her first husband : John, deceased ; Germina
Rominger and Christopher ; and two by her second marriage : Sarah
Simmons and George E. Simmons.
At the age of twelve years Mr. Hornaday went with his mother
to Indiana, and during the remainder of his boyhood days attended the
country schools and did farm work. In July, 1862, when in his nine-
teenth year, he enlisted in Company I, Sixty-seventh Indiana Infantry,
and served for three years of the hardest period of the war. He was
captured at the battle of Mumfordsville, Kentucky, and was afterwards
paroled. He was in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post,
thence to the siege of Vicksburg, and at Jackson, Mississippi, and at
Port Gibson and Fort Blakely. He was struck by a spent ball at Vicks-
(^kaiAA^A //Ta^^i^^o/
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 435
burg, but not injured sufficiently to keep him from duty, lie was dis-
charged at Galveston, Texas, in May, 1865. and went home with a
creditable record as a soldier of the Union. He was married in the fol-
lowing year, and in 1X73 he brought his family out to Crawford county,
Kansas, and after two changes located on the farm which has been the
scene of his profitable labors to the present time. His place is well
located, convenient to market, the land is productive and well culti-
vated, and the large house and barn and other buildings are surrounded
by delightful groves of fruit and shade trees, so that altogether it is one
of the prettiest farmsteads in the country roundabout. He does general
farming and stock-raising, and his efforts have aTways been very suc-
cessful.
May 25, 1866, Mr. Hornaday married Miss Ella Rominger, who
was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, a daughter of Charles and
Mary A. Rominger. Seven children have been born to them : Harry
E., who died August 5, C904, was county superintendent of public in-
struction, and his sketch appears elsewhere in these pages ; Estella Silli-
man, of Colorado; Martha F. Kegga, of Illinois: Ethel, who was killed
by the accidental discharge of a gun: Bertha, who died at the age of
two years: and Jessie and Charles, at home. Mr. Hornaday affiliates
with the McCune lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and
in politics is a Republican.
LOUIS KUMM.
Louis Kumni, the oldest jeweler of Pittsburg, Kansas, and now
a member of the well known firm of R. V. Kumm and Son, has been
established here since iS8j. which was a time of beginnings for the
now prosperous commercial and industrial city of Pittsburg. He is both
an old and a successful citizen of this part of the state, and his career
of over sixty years has been in the main devoted to the jewelry husiuess.
which he took up when a boy, and by his persistence along the same line.
436 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
his skill and excellent business judgment has reached an enviable place
in the business world and in the esteem of his fellow citizens. He has
likewise been prominently identified with the public affairs of each
community in which he has made his home, and wherever he has touched
the world, whether in the conduct of private affairs or in some public
capacity, he has commanded respect and exhibited the true strength of
his noble character.
Mr. Kumm was born at Belleville. Illinois, in 1841. being a son of
Jacob and Mary (Kinzel) Kumm. His father was a native of Germany,
and in 1840 emigrated to America, first settling in Belleville, Illinois,
but in 1845 brought his family to St. Louis, where he continued the
trade of cabinet-maker, which was his principal vocation through life.
He and his wife were both taken away on the same day. during the
cholera epidemic which visited St. Louis in 1849.
Mr. Kumm received his education and learned the jeweler's trade
in St. Louis. Before the war and while still a young man, he went to
Sedalia. Missouri, and engaged in the jewelry business. His enterprise
became very profitable, and by large investments in real estate he further
increased his fortune, but during the hard times following 1873 the
shrinkage in real estate values caused him to lose heavily. He also took
a prominent part in Democratic politics while in Sedalia, and for four
years was president of the city council, serving during a part of that time
as acting mayor.
In 1882 Mr. Kumm took a trip through southeastern Kansas, and
was so favorably impressed with the location and prospective advantages
of Pittsburg that he decided to move here, which he did at once. At that
time the town was small, but the coal mines then in operation indicated
such a vast field for industrial and commercial enterprise in the vicinity
that the future of Pittsburg was certain and a substantial city was a
matter of only a few years' growth and development. Mr. Kumm be-
gan the jewelry business as soon as he located here, being the pioneer in
that line. His store has a fine reputation in Pittsburg, and from the
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 4:;7
first has commanded the best trade of the city. The business is con-
duced under the firm name of R. V. Kumm and Son, and the establish-
ment was first located in the old postoffice building at Third and Broad-
way, but later was changed to its present location at 515 Broadway.
Since coming to Pittsburg Mr. Kumm has not been so much inter-
ested in politics as he was while in Missouri, but has been the candidate
of the Democratic party for county commissioner and for city treas-
urer, but his part}- is in a permanent minority in this county and he
was therefore defeated. He has fraternal affiliations with the Masonic
order, being a Knight Templar. Mr. Kumm was married at Sedalia
in 1865 to Miss Rosalie Virginia Brent, and they have four children
living: Charles, who is a member of the firm; Miss Rosalie Virginia,
who wedded William L. Newcomer, of Topeka, Kansas, a commercial
man; Harry, who is the teller in the First National Bank of Pittsburg,
and has had seven years' experience in the banking business; and Miss
Bessie, who graduated from school in the class of 1904.
THOMAS L. SCOTT.
Thomas L. Scott, manager of the Pittsburg Hydraulic Stone Com-
pany, and a capitalist interested in various industries, is one of the
earlist settlers of southeastern Kansas, and has been connected in a
prominent manner with the industrial and business interests of this
region. He is a man of great activity and enterprise, far-sighted in
matters of industrial development, and able to take advantage of oppor-
tunities and bring his plans to a successful culmination.
Mr. Scott was born in Marshall county, Virginia, in 1848. being
a -on of Mathias and Lulidia (Phillips) Scott, both natives of Waynes-
burg, Pennsylvania, and the latter being now deceased. His father
removed from Pennsylvania to Virginia, and in 1853 brought his
family west and settled in Clark county. Missouri. In 1878 he came
to Barton county, Kansas, and a few years later he followed his son
438 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Thomas to Pittsburg, where he is now living retired. Up to the time of
the Civil war he followed the occupation of a cabinet-maker, and from
that time until his retirement was a prosperous farmer.
Mr. Thomas L. Scott was reared and received his education mostly
in Athens. Clark county. Missouri, finishing his schooling at St. Frances-
ville. When his school days were over he came to Cherokee county,
Kansas, and started the first drug store at Columbus, which was then
a village just coming into existence, the railroad not having reached
there at the time. In 1870 Mr. Scott sold out this business, and then
took up railroad contracting. His first work in this line was at New
Orleans and vicinity, and during the several years in which he followed
contracting he was in Louisiana. Tennessee, Alabama. Iowa, northern
Missouri, Indian Territory and Arkansas. In 1879 he moved his family
to Pittsburg, which had been founded only a short time before, and
this has been his home and headquarters ever since, although his duties
as railroad contractor have caused him to remain away for long periods
of time.
Mr. Scott has been identified with several large enterprises in this
city and vicinity. He is a director of the Alexander Land and Lumber
Company, whose headquarters are at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and which
firm manufactures and deals in lumber, having a number of retail
branches throughout Indian 1 erritory. Mr. Scott has recently estab-
lished in this city the Pittsbuig Hydraulic Stone Company, which is
a new industry and of which he is manager. This concern is engaged
in the making of artificial stone for building purposes, and the product
has been found to be of the highest quality and is being extensively used
in building. The company has a similar plant at Fort Smith, Arkansas,
called the Fort Smith Hydraulic Stone Company.
Mr. Scott was some years ago elected police judge of Pittsburg and
served in that office for one term. He is a prominent Mason, having
gone through the York Rites and being a member of the commandery
and the Mystic Shrine. He was married to Miss Caroline Xeff, of
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 439
Farmington, Iowa, in [868, and they have four children: Mrs. Lydia
Lanyon, Mrs. Mary Braznell, Mrs. Fred Bresee and Forest R. Scott.
JAMES WILSON.
James Wilson, a representative of the agricultural interests of
Crawford count}" now engaged in farming about a mile west of Girard,
was born in New York on the 21st of October, 1830. His father, John
Wilson, was a native of Scotland, and after crossing the Atlantic to
America became a resident of the Empire state. Subsequently he
removed westward to Missouri, where his remaining days were passed,
bis death there occurring in 1840. His wife, Mrs. Catherine Wilson,
also a native of Scotland, long survived him, departing this life in 1879.
James Wilson was a lad of only ten years when taken by his parents
tn Missouri, and he remained under the parental roof until sixteen years
of age, when he started out to make bis own way in the world. He
began learning the engraver's trade, and later at the time of the gold
excitement in California be drove an ox team to that state in 1852.
He started with a party in the month of April and arrived at his destina-
tion in September, after which he spent five years on the Pacific coast
and then returned home by way of the water route. When he bad
again reached the Mississippi valley be turned his attention to fanning
in Illinois, and in the year 1881 be came to Crawford county. Kansas,
where he purchased his present home. Here he has since been engaged
in general agricultural pursuits and has a well developed property, from
which he annually garners good harvests as a reward for the care and
labor which he bestows upon the fields.
He is progressive in his farming methods, practical in his work,
and through his careful supervision of his business interests has gained
a good living fur himself and family.
On the 24th of December. 1862, Mr. Wilson was united in mar-
riage to Miss Sarah Utley, a daughter of Preston and Nancy Utley,
440 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
both of whom are natives of Kentucky and are now deceased. To Mr.
and Mrs. Wilson have been born seven children: Edward P.. a resi-
dent of Pittsburg, Kansas; Laura, who is assistant in the postoffice at
Pittsburg; William, a twin brother of Laura, now acting as a street
car conductor in St. Louis, Missouri ; Edith, the wife of William Davies,
a resident of Grant township, Crawford county; Kate G. and Elmer E.,
both at home; and Clara, the wife of M. G. Slawson. The family are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Girard, and in his polit-
ical affiliation Mr. Wilson is a Republican, having continuously sup-
ported the party since its organization. Few men have a more intimate
knowledge of the development and growth of the middle west than has
the subject of this review. He became a resident of Missouri in 1840,
when but ten years of age, and he has witnessed the progress and im-
provement which have been continuously made as the settlers have
claimed the land and transformed it into rich farms dotted over with
1 imfortable homes. His residence in Crawford county covers a period
of twenty-three years, and he is justly accounted one of the respected
and worthy early settlers of his community.
ABRAM BAXTER.
Abram Baxter, a retired farmer in Pittsburg, Kansas, has lived in
("raw ford county for over thirty years, and for a number of years was
actively and successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising. He
was one of the pioneers of the county, and helped develop it into the
great agricultural community which it now is. at the same time sharing
in the profits which were the rewards of that industry. He has also
been interested in other enterprises within the county, and was especially
prominent in the public affairs of his township. Some years ago he
retired from personal participation in farming and has since resided in
Pittsburg, where he has from time to time placed the proceeds of his
former industry in several commercial or financial enterprises. He
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 441
has been recognized throughout his career here as a man of stanch and
solid character, possessed of an energy that accomplishes what it under-
takes, and honorable and upright in all his dealings both in public and
private life.
Mr. Baxter was burn at Cold Spring mi the Hudson, Xew York,
March 17, 1836. a son of W. T. and Libby (Hummings) Baxter. His
father was a native of Newburgh, New York, was a machinist by trade,
and for a number of years was employed in the machine shops at West
Point. About r86o he came out to Illinois to join bis son Abram,
locating on a farm near Geneseo. Henry county. He lived to a good
age, and died July 20, 1899, m San Francisco, whither he had gone to
live with his daughter. His wife, who was a native of Connecticut, died
at Geneseo, September 20, 1891.
Mr. Abram Baxter was educated in the Cold Spring schools, and
learned the trade of machinist in the shops at West Point, Xew York.
It is a matter of general interest that one of his last pieces of work in
the shops there was performed on the frigate Merrimac, which was
built for the government at those shops, and which afterward fell into
the hands of the Confederates and was converted into the terrible iron-
clad monster that spread terror among the Union ships until they
found a champion in the little Monitor. In 1857 Mr. Baxter came
west, and after stopping a few months in Sycamore. Illinois, in search
of a suitable location, went back to New York, but later returned to
Illinois and located at Geneseo, in Henry county, where his father and
the rest of the family afterward joined him. He was engaged in farming
and stock-raising there for several years. In March. 1865, he enlisted,
at Dixon, Illinois, in Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Illinois
Infantry, and during the remaining months of the war served in Ten-
nessee, in the vicinity of Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville. and
after the war was for a time connected with the Freedmen's Bureau at
Memphis.
In 1872 Mr. Baxter came to Kansas and located in Baker township,
44-2 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Crawford county, four miles east of the present city of Pittsburg", which
was not in existence at that time. He bought a farm, and became a
successful and prominent farmer and stockman of the county. He
developed a fine farm from the bare prairie range of those days, and he
still owns his place, although in 1889 he moved into Pittsburg and has
since built a beautiful residence in this city. He took a prominent part
in the public affairs of Baker township, and served one term as town-
ship trustee. He was also an active spirit in the building of the Joplin
and Girard Railroad, and was one of the directors of the road until it
was sold to the Frisco system. Since the opening of the coal industry
in the Pittsburg district be has at various times held interests in coal
mines. He has been very successful in all his enterprises, and has a
solid standing in the financial circles of the county.
Mr. Baxter was married at Newburgh. Xew York, October 8.
1856, to Miss Hannah E. Westlake. daughter of Benjamin YVestlake.
They have five living children : Sylvester Y\\. now a resident of Kansas
City: Leonard C, manager of the Long-Bell Lumber Company's branch
establishment in Pittsburg; Norman, who lives on his father's farm:
Dr. Millard F., who is practicing medicine in Joplin. Missouri: and
Eliza L., the wife of Walter L. Baird. Mr. Baxter is a prominent
Mason, and has been affiliated with the order since 1863.
WILLIAM BEEZLEY.
William Beezley, who follows farming and stock-raising and is one
of the well known breeders of fine cattle in Crawford county, is pleas-
antly located about a mile and a half west of Girard. He is also entitled
to representation in this volume because of the fact that he is an honored
veteran of the Civil war and is one of the revered patriarchs of this
community, having passed the eighty-fifth milestone on life's journey.
He was born in Clark county. Ohio, two miles east of the city of Spring-
field, on the nth of January, 1818. and was a son of John and Eliza-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 443
beth (Ellsworth) Beezley. who became residents of Ohio at a very
early period in its development. They crossed the Ohio river where
now stands the city oi Cincinnati, but at that time its site was marked
by only one log cabin. John Beezley was a miller by occupation, and
his father, William Beezley, built the first gristmill in the state of < >hio
The family were actively connected with the early pioneer develop-
ment of that state, and John Beezley continued to make his home in
Ohio until his death, which occurred ,in 1800, when he had reached
the very advanced age of ninety-four years. I lis wife passed away in
1875 at t ' ie a t? e °f seventy-eight years.
William Beezley was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life in
the Buckeye state, and early became familiar with the hardships and
difficulties which fall to the lot of pioneer settlers. He was educated in
the subscription schools, for at that time the public-school system had
not been established in his Inane locality. He also added largely to his
knowledge through reading and by instruction received from his parents.
In his boyhood days he became familiar with the arduous work of
developing new land and of carrying on the home farm, and he lived
with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-four years, working
for his father for three years after he had attained his majority. He
left home in 1857 and made his way westward to Logan county. Illinois.
where he purchased one hundred and thirty acres of land, ami began
Farming on his own account. As his financial resources increased he
added to his property from time to time until he was the owner of four
hundred acres, and was accounted one of the most enterprising and suc-
cessful agriculturists of his community. He carried on his farm work
until July, 1861, when he offered his services to the government as a
defender of the Union cause. His age would have exempted him from
military service, but his patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment and lie
became a member of Company F, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois In-
fantry, with which command he went to the front. He participated in
the siege of Yicksburg, was in the battle of Highland, in i86_\ the
444 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
battle of Little Ruck. Arkansas, and several smaller engagements. His
meritorious conduct on the field brought him promotion from time to
time and when he was discharged at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, on the 1st of
August. 1865. he held the rank of captain.
When the war was over Air. Beezley returned to his farm in Illi-
nois and continued to engage in its cultivation until 1876. when he
traded a quarter section of his Illinois land for a half section in Potta-
wattamie county. Iowa. In 1893 he was the owner of six hundred
acres of land there, having added to his original holdings. In that
year he sold his property in Iowa and came to Crawford county. Kansas.
where he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres.
He also has a farm of two hundred and forty acres adjoining this prop-
erty, and in connection with the raising of grain he devotes considerable
attention to the breeding of fine cattle and has upon his place some of
the best stock to be found in this part of the state. He has always made
a specialty of Shorthorn and Red Polled cattle.
In 1844 Air. Beezley was united in marriage to Miss Pollie Ann
Castle, and they became the parents of seven children: John F., who
is now deceased: Casius, who was killed in the Civil war. while serving
as a defender of the Union; Joseph X.. who died in infancy: James, who
is living in Graham county. Kansas; Emeline C. the wife of R. X.
Bovle, of Graham county; Charles T.. who is manager for an insurance
company in Des Moines. Iowa; and Jennie, the wife of Cornelius F.
Stockton, a resident farmer of Crawford county. In 1881 Mr. Beezley
was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, and on the 22A of Decem-
ber. 1884, he was again married, his second union being with Anna
Fawcett, a native of England. They have four children: Benjamin R..
George F. and Elmer C. all of whom are students in the high school at
( lirard : ami Roy C.. a lad of ten years, at home.
Mr. Beezley and his family have long been connected with the
Methodist Episcopal church, and now attend the services of the church
of that denomination of Girard. He is a member of the Masonic fra-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 4-15
ternity and he belongs to the Grand Army post at Macedonia, towa.
While residing in that state he served as county commissioner of Potta-
wattamie county for one term, elected to the position on the Republican
ticket. From the organization of the party he has been a stanch advo-
cate of Republican principles, and has kept well informed on the ques-
tions and issues of the day. lie has now passed the eighty-sixth mile-
stone "ii life's journey and has. therefore, witnessed much of the growth
and development of the republic. He was born during the fifth presi-
dent's administration and has lived through a period of great material
development and of national progress. He rode in the first train that
ran over the first railroad built in Ohio, the line being called the Cin-
cinnati & Little Miami road. He has also witnessed the introduction
of the telegraph and the telephone and of much modern machinery used
in industrial and agricultural life. In bis farming operations he has
kept pace with the universal progress and has always owned well im-
proved property abreast with modern improvements.
FLOYD W. CLU in;
Floyd \V. Curry, who has a responsible position in the office of the
Wear Coal Company at Pitt -burg, is a young man of much business
ability and worthy character, and has made a very creditable record for
himself during his residence here, which has been since he was a boy.
He enjoys the esteem and confidence of his company, and his standing
in all the circles of Pittsburg is the very best.
Mr. Curry was born at Richwood, Union county, Ohio. August 6,
[874, being a son of John W. and Mary J. 1 Cook) Curry. The history
of the Curry family in America contains some notable names, especially
in the military affairs of the nation, and Union county, Ohio, has been
honored by the presence of the family from its very earliest history
down to the present time. There was born near Belfast. Ireland, in
the early part of the eighteenth century, one Robert Burns Curry, whose
446 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
great-great-grandson is our present Mr. F. W. Curry. He served
throughout the Revolutionary war. and from a second lieutenancy in the
second battalion of Miles* Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment was promoted,
on April 8. 1777. to captain of the same, and was known and honored
by that title during the rest of his useful life.
Colonel James Curry, a son of Captain Curry and the great-grand-
father of Mr. Curry, was also born near Belfast, Ireland, on January 29,
1752. He came to America ami served in Dunsmore's Indian war in
Virginia, and was later a soldier in a Virginia regiment during the Revo-
lution. September 14. 1778. he was made captain in the Fourth Vir-
ginia Infantry. When the war was over and the tide of emigration set
westward from the fringe of Atlantic colonies, he was among the first
to cross the Alleghanies and wend his perilous way to the territory of
Ohio. He settled in Union county and reared his family there, it being
necessary for him to guard his family and property from the Indians by
means of a shotgun. From that time to the present men and women of
the name of Curry have lived and wrought in Union county, and been
esteemed and worthy members of society.
In that county grandfather Stephens Curry was born, and one of
his sons was Colonel W. L. Curry, an uncle of Mr. F. W. Curry, and
now a resident of Columbus. Ohio. He enlisted during the Civil war
and was made orderly sergeant of Company C, First Ohio Cavalry. He
was a gallant and brave soldier, and for merit was promoted through the
grades of captain, and later received the brevet rank of colonel. After
his fine record throughout the war he became a man of mark in his
native state, and has attained to considerable fame as a writer. His
most pretentious literary work is a war history of Union count)", which
is not only a most interesting but also authentic work. It was first issued
as part of a general history of Union count}-, but was Liter published
separately in book form, and reached a large sale.
lohn W. Curry, the father of Mr. F. W. Curry, was born in Jerome
hip, Union county. He followed farming until about twenty years
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 447
ago, since which time he has been connected with the coal mining indus-
try. The prosecution of this latter enterprise was what led him to
locate in Pittsburg. Kansas, in November, [888, and he and his family
have lived here for fifteen years.
Mr. Floyd W. Curry was reared to manhood and received must of
his education in Pittsburg. On leaving school he took up the coal busi-
ness, and for the past eight years has been in the employ of the Wear
Coal Company, being n >\\ in the Pittsburg office of that large company.
Mr. Curry affiliates with Pittsburg Lodge No. 1S7. A. F. & A. M.
He was married in Pittsburg, December 25, 1899. to Miss Gertrude
Morris, and they now have a daughter, Clorinne.
HON. ASAPH NEWTON CHADSEY.
Hon. Asaph Newton Chadsey, who died at Cherokee, Crawford
county, December 5, 1898, was for thirty years the best known business
man of that town, and his death at the age of sixty years took away a
man of great business and executive ability, of firm integrity and most
beneficent character. He was known and honored throughout the county
as one of it-* oldest pioneer settlers, ami his life was throughout above
reproach, of civic and personal purity, and wide usefulness in whatever
realm his activity led him. He is remembered and loved for his un-
selfish devotion to family and friends, and he was always performing
some unostentatious acts of kindness and charity which helped and
made life's pathway easier for others. The story of his career is simple,
for he pursued the goal of his ambition without many wanderings from
the direct current and channel of life, but from the time he left the old
Illinois farm for army service until his last days were ended in Cherokee
Ins years were years of action and diligence with ever increasing success
up to their conclusion.
Mr. Chadsey was born in Schuyler county, Illinois. January 8, [838.
His father was a prosperous farmer of that county. He was educated
448 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
in the schools at Rushville. Illinois, and afterwards attended Berean
College at Jacksonville. Illinois, where he graduated. In 1862 he went
to Quincy, Illinois, and enlisted in Company C. One Hundred and Nine-
teenth Illinois Infantry, which was assigned to the Sixteenth Army
Corps, Army of the Mississippi, under General A. J. Smith. He partici-
pated in the fighting around Vicksburg, in the Red River expedition,
in the siege of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely. was in the pursuit of
General Price through Missouri, fought against Hood at Nashville, and
his final muster out was at Mobile in September, 1865, when he had
earned a most gallant army record.
After leaving the army he went to Chicago and took a course in
Bryant and Stratton's Business College. In 1866 he came to Cherokee,
Crawford county, or rather to the country that has since been organized
into the present boundaries and political bodies, for this part of the
country was then the Cherokee Neutral Lands. During the following
winter he went across the state line to Lamar. Missouri, where he
taught school one term, and then returned to Crawford county ami
went into the mercantile business at .Monmouth. Three years later he
came to Cherokee and established a store in partnership with Joe Lucas,
this connection continuing for about three years. He continued in the
mercantile business in Cherokee for the rest of his life, and the well-
known Chadsey store, a substantial brick building erected thirty years
ago. has since his death, heen conducted by his eldest son. F. N. Chadsey.
It has been one of the largest establishments in Cherokee for many years,
and has always maintained a high standard of commercial excellence.
Mr. Chadsey was a very stanch yet exceedingly popular Repub-
lican, and extremely public-spirited. In 18K7 he was elected a member
of the state legislature from this county, being a colleague of Colonel
Brown, of Girard, who was in the assembly at the same time. He
served in the lawmaking body with honor and distinction. He wa- a
prominent figure in public affairs in Cherokee. He was several times
elected to the office of mayor and councilman, and was also clerk of the
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 449
school board. He was a member of the official body when the county
was organized, and was always enthusiastic in promoting the growth of
his own town. He was a member of the Christian church, and frater-
nally was a Knight Templar and a Royal Arch Mason, was at one time
commander of his Grand Army post, and identified with other social
bodies.
Mr. Chadsey was domestic in his tastes, and lavished his affections
upon his family, providing liberally for their education. He was mar-
ried at Monmouth in [868 to Mi^s Saline Elizabeth Adam, who survives
him and with her younger children resides in the beautiful Chadsey
home m Cherokee, where she is regarded with esteem befitting her own
sweet character and noble life. Two of their children, Robert and
Frank, are deceased. Those living are: Mrs. Ida Dorsey, the wife of
( i. A. Dorsey, a well-known scientist and the curator of the Field Colum-
bian Museum at Chicago; Mrs. Florence Hare, the wife of H. B. Hare.
of Cleveland, Ohio; Frederick Newton Chadsey. the merchant successor
of his father; Miss Mildred, who i< a graduate of the University of
Chicago; and William Lloyd, attending college at Morgan Park Acad-
emy at Chicago.
J. E. HARMON.
J. E. Harmon is well known and highly esteemed in southern Craw-
ford county, where he can claim pioneer citizenship dating hack to the
year 1869, when there was not a railroad in the county and this section
of the state was mainly valuable as a fine cattle range. Industrially the
county had not aspired to any activity whatever when he arrived, and
he was among the first men to mine coal. His first place of residence
was in Baker township, where the town of Litchfield now stands, and
it is to his credit that he mined the first coal at that locality, which is
now one of the large producing places for coal in the county. For some
nine years he mined coal in this vicinity on a custom basis:" coal mining
450 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
not becoming a profitable or extensive industry until the late seventies.
He has been interested in the various phases of the industry ever since,
and is recognized as one of the best judges of coal, coal mines and coal
lands in Crawford county.
Mr. Harmon was born in Clark county. Missouri, in 1852. a son of
Levi and Matilda (Sears) Harmon, the former a native of Kentucky
and of Dutch descent and the latter of Scotch ancestry. The parents
brought their family to Crawford county in 1869. settling in Baker
township, where the father continued his life occupation of farming,
dying when past sixty. He was a Democrat in politics, and he and his
wife, who lived to be eighty years old, were members of the Christian
church and were noted for their kindness and hospitality to all with
whom they came in contact. Eleven children made up their family.
five sons and three daughters growing to maturity. Mr. J. E. Harmon
is the only one now living in this count)-, and his sister Ida Kendall lives
in Galena, Kansas, and another sister. Alary Henderson, is in Oklahoma
territory.
Mr. Harmon passed the first seventeen years of his life in Missouri,
during which time he was able to attend school only at intervals, and his
education and business training have been gained mostly in the school
of experience and by his own reading and observation. He lived at
Black River, Arkansas, for two years, but on account of sickness re-
turned to Kansas and lived at Litchfield for twenty-two months. He
then moved over into Cherokee county, living in Garden township near
Galena, for some sixteen years. He has bought ami sold large amounts
of coal land in this part of the state, and has always enjoyed success in
hi-- connection with the coal industry. He now owns a fine farm of
one hundred and sixty acres not far from the towns of Bruce. Mon-
mouth and Cherokee, and this land is especially valuable for its coal de-
posits. I le has opened up the surface vein and taken out some fine coal,
this particular vein being located just eighty rods from the Bruce Deep
Vein coal. Mr. Harmon has a good house, barn and other improve-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 451
ments on his place, which is located on Wolf creek, and he has met with
satisfactory prosperity in his various enterprises.
Mr. Harmon was married in [872 to Miss Lucy Clinkenbeard, of
this county. She died leaving tour children. "William A.. Matilda |..
John 11. and Mary. Mr. Harmon was married to his present wife in
1896 — Susie A. Harris — and they have one daughter. Velva L.
SILAS W. EMERY
Silas W. Emery, who is engaged in stock-raising and farming in
Crawford township. Crawford county, was horn in Clermont county.
( Ihio, February _>o. 1833, and is a son id' Henry and Susan (Ramsey)
Emery, the former a native of Xew Jersey, and the latter of Kentucky.
The father attained the advanced age of seventy-three years, passing
away in 1X72, hut the mother died in 1841 at the age of thirty-nine years.
In the common schools of Ohio Silas W. Emery mastered the ele-
mental"}- branches of English learning, and at the age of sixteen years
he started out to earn his own living by working at the shoemaker's
trade, which he followed for nine years. In [854 he journeyed west-
ward to Knox count)-, [llinois, and invested his earnings in a farm near
the city of Galesburg. He was for twenty-one years a well-known
agriculturist of 'that locality, successfully conducting his farm, which
annually brought to him a good income. In 1875, however, he sold his
property in that state and came to Kansas, where he purchased four
hundred acres of land. Tie has since divided one hundred and eighty
acres among his children, hut retains possession of the remaining two
hundred and twenty acres and has continuously resided upon the out-
place covering a period of almost thirty years. Its improvements are
his work and indicate his careful supervision and practical ideas. Ik-
has lived a life of unwearied industry, and although he started out for
himself with no capital he is to-day one of the substantial resident- of
his adopted county, having valuable farm possessions.
452 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
On the 7th of October. 1857. Mr. Emery was united in marriage
to Miss Sarah Ellen Meek, a native of Illinois. They traveled life's
journey for almost forty years, sharing with each other its joys and
sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, but at length they were separated
by death, Mrs. Emery being called to her final rest on the 19th of May.
1896, when sixty-two years of age. They had become the parents of
twelve children: Hattie E., who is the wife of James Pyle, a resident of
Sherman township, Crawford county; Carrie, the wife of A. Lincoln
McWilliams. who is represented elsewhere in this volume; Susie, who
died at the age of thirty-two years; Alary, who died at the age of live
months; Daniel, who is living in Crawford township; John R.. who
makes his home in Kansas City, Kansas; Thomas, Minnie E. and Sallie
E., all at home; Margaret, the wife of Edwin E. Colean. of Pittsburg,
Kansas; Teenie. who died at the age of fourteen years; and Jay. who
completes the family.
While residing in Illinois Mr. Emery was a member of the Masonic
fraternity. Pacific Lodge No. 400. Knoxville, Illinois. He has always
given his political allegiance to the Democracy, and was once a candidate
for county commissioner and later for county treasurer in Crawford
county, but as this is a Republican district he met defeat together with
the other candidates on the party ticket. He served, however, as school
treasurer for twenty-four years and three months, and in all matters of
citizenship he has been progressive and public-spirited, giving active and
helpful co-operation to many movements for the general good. He was
one of seven men who organized the second horticultural society of
Crawford county and was made its president. His worth as a business
man and citizen is widely acknowledged, and be has ever been honorable
in his business relations and conscientious in the discharge of all
obligations.
JAMES 'I'. FOWLER,
fames T. Fowler, who has been a successful general merchant of
Arcadia for the past seven years, is a native son of Crawford county.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 453
and belongs to one of the oldest families, whose connection with the
county elates back to the year 1856, over ten years before Crawford
county was organized. He has spent an active life in this county and
in various parts of the west, and as a merchant his personal worth and
integrity of character and honorable methods of dealing have given him
a well-deserved success.
Mr. Fowler was horn in Lincoln township, Crawford county,
October 12, 1873. His grandparents were Robert and Minerva
(Bilyeu) Fowler. His grandfather was horn in England, April 26,
1830, and came to America in boyhood, settling in Christian county,
Illinois. He was the one who first made the name of Fowler prominent
in the history of Crawford comity, and when he located on Bone creek
in 1S56 the other white settlers within the confines marked by the present
boundaries of the county were few and far between. He lived on one
farm in Lincoln township from the date of his settlement until his death,
on April 26, 1903, at the age of seventy-three year- to the day. He
was one of the most honored of Crawford county pioneers. His wife
died March 17th. 11)03, also at the age of seventy-three.
The parents of James T. Fowler were ( leorge and Ellen E. | Mason )
Fowler. His father was horn in June. 1852, in an Indian cabin in
Indian Territory, while his parents were on an emigrating journey.
He is now one of the leading farmers of Lincoln township. His wife
died when her son James was nine years old.
Mr. James T. Fowler, after losing his mother, lived with his grand-
mother until he was seventeen years old, receiving his education in the
public schools of the district. At the age of seventeen, without ever
having been on a train more than once and having seen very little outside
of his own community, he started out to see the world and seek his
fortune, with the usual aspirations and romantic dreamings of youth.
He went to Washington territory, where he worked at farming for a
year, and then made his way to Montana, where he was engaged vari-
ously at timber work, teaming, and as foreman in the timber. Five
45-t HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
years later he went to the Bitter Root valley in Montana, and bought one
hundred and sixty acres of land. After visiting home he returned to
that state and was employed in the silver mines until 1897, when he
sold his farm and other interests in Montana and returned to his home
county. On October 1, 1897, he opened the general mercantile estab-
lishment in Arcadia which he still continues with such good success. He
is also agent for an old-line life insurance company.
Mr. Fowler was married in September. 1901. to Miss Ollie M.
Lightle. a daughter of Isaac Lightle, a merchant of Arcadia. They
have two daughters, the elder. May. being aged two years. Mrs.
Fowler is a member of the Christian church, and he has fraternal affilia-
tions with Lodge No, 329. A. F. & A. M.. Lodge No. 401, I. O. O. F..
and with Lodge No. 579, B. P. O. E., at Fort Scott. He was first presi-
dent of the Commercial Club of Arcadia, which was organized April 1,
1904. He was at one time city councilman, and in politics is a Democrat.
EDWARD S. NEVIUS.
Edward S. Nevius, proprietor of the Nevius Coal Company at
Pittsburg. Kansas, and one of the most prominent coal operators in
Crawford county, is an excellent type of the man who adheres to one
line of activity from the time he enters a career and by his persistence
and energy attains a marked success to crown his efforts. Mr. Nevius
became connected with the coal industry as a boy. and steadily advanced
from one position to another, until he is now and has been for nearly
fifteen years one of the leading independent dealer-, of Pittsburg. He
has resided here for twenty years, and is one of the most esteemed citi-
zens, honored for his strict business integrity and for the public spirit
and enterprise which are manifest in all his relations with his fellow
men.
Mr. Nevius was born in Lawrence county. Ohio, in 1864, a son of
Charles L. and Nan (Stewart) Nevius. His father, a natiVe of Ken-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 457
tucky, came from that state into the iron regions of Ohio at an early
day. He # was a soldier in the Civil war, and several years ago he took
up his residence in Pittsburg, Kansas, being now in a clerical position in
the office of his son. He and his wife have a pleasant home in this city.
and are happy and genial old people, enjoying their remaining years in
comfort.
Mr. Edward S. Nevius was reared and educate/! in Ohio, and when
still a boy began work for the Southern Ohio Coal Company. He has
since mastered the coal industry in every detail, and at an early age
was given places of responsibility. Tn 1X84. when he was twenty years
old, he came to Pittsburg and took a position with the Kansas and Texas
Coal Company, with which he remained for six years, during the last
three years holding the position of assistant superintendent. On January
1, [900, he resigned in order to embark in his present business, which is
conducted as the Nevius Coal Company and of which he is the owner.
He operates three shafts: No. 1. west of town: No. 2, two miles north
of town, ami No. 3, which is a new mine, at Stippville. in Cherokee coun-
ty. Several hundred men are employed in these mines.
Although still a young man. Mr. Nevius is one of the oldest oper-
ators in this district, nearly all of the original operators here twenty
years ago having either died or moved away. He has a very successful
and profitable business, and it is conducted on lines that are the result
of years of experience and study in coal mining and dealing.
Mr. Nevius married Miss Carrie Enochs, and they have two daugh-
ters. Nadine and Julia. Mr. Nevius is prominent in fraternal circles.
being a Knight Templar Mason and a Mystic Shriner, and also a mem-
ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
DR. CHARLES WAR "PER OTT.
Dr. Charles Walter Ott. the leading dentist of Pittsburg, Kansas,
has been established in his profession in this city longer than am other
4-58 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
of his present fellow-practitioners, and has gained a wonderful reputa-
tion throughout the county for his skill and thorough and careful work.
He is modern in all his methods, and to lie up to date in the dental pro-
fession means as much as it does in the medical profession, for the two
sciences have kept pace in their wonderful development of the past half
century. Only the dentist of worth and skill can long hold the patronage
of a large class of people, and no better acknowledgment of Dr. Ott's
scientific workmanship can lie made than to state the fact that he has
been in successful practice in Pittsburg for nearly fifteen years, and that
his patrons have returned again and again to him. many having come
back to him even after they had moved away to other cities. His
patients come from the better class of citizens, and he has enjoyed the
respect and esteem of all. whether in his professional relations with
people or in a social way.
Dr. Ott was born in Johnson county. Kansas, in [866, being a
son of William and Amy (Davis) Ott. His father is one of the oldest
living pioneers of that county. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and
came to the Sunflower state in 1857, when the Indians and buffaloes
still made that country their haunts, and when the country was the
scene of some of the most desperate and bloody border warfare known
to the history of our republic. He has been a prosperous farmer through-
out his career, and. with his wife, who was born in "West Virginia, still
lives in Johnson county.
Dr. Ott received his education in the public schools of Johnson
county, after which he taught school for three years. He then followed
out his determination to take up the dental profession, and for that pur-
pose attended the Missouri Dental College in St. Louis, where he was
graduated in [890. In the same year he located and opened his office
in Pittsburg, where he has continued to practice with increasing success
to the present time. He is a member of the Kansas State Dental Asso-
ciation, and fraternally affiliates with the Masonic order and the Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 459
Dr. Ott was married at Pittsburg, in [895, to Miss Louise Lloyd,
of that city, and they have two children, Geraldine and Marcella.
Dr. Ott is the patentee of a new device known as "Ott's Clothes
Line Reel," which as a most practical as well as ingenious household
necessity. It can he manufactured at such a low price that most any
home can afford one. He expects to prosecute the manufacture and
sale of the article throughout the United States and Canada.
S. D. SMITH.
S. D. Smith, whose model stock farm is situated in sections 28 and
29 of Walnut township, Crawford county, is one of the oldest farmers,
in point of time engaged, in this county. He manifested unusual energy
in his youth, and began farming independently in this county when only
seventeen years old, and during nearly the subsequent forty years has
found his best success in tilling the fertile soil of Crawford count)' and
in the industry of stock-raising for which this region has been noted
since its earliest occupancy. It is no small honor to have been identified
with this country ever since the county of Crawford gained a separate
political existence, and his citizenship has been as sterlingly worthy as
it has been long in years.
Mr. Smith was horn in Morgan county, Illinois, February 25, [850,
being the son of Garrett and Elsie Smith, who were natives, respectively,
of Virginia and Kentucky. They moved from Illinois to Iowa, thence
in 1866 to Crawford county. Kansas, where four years were spent in
farming, and then they returned to Iowa, where the mother died in 1SS5
at the age of fifty-six, and the father died in Washington in [890, when
eighty years of age.
Mr. S. D. Smith had his early training in the states of Illinois and
Iowa, and after arriving in Crawford county in November, r866, began
farming, to which occupation be had been reared. He took up and im-
proved a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, and in 1885 bought the
460 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
one hundred and sixty acres on which he now makes his home. He has
developed a fine farm out of this land, and to him is due the credit for
nearly all the improvements that mark it out as one of the beautiful and
productive farmsteads of Crawford county. In stock-raising he makes
a specialty of fine Poland China hogs and Hereford cattle. About ten
years ago he branched out into operating a threshing outfit and a saw-
mill, and has had considerable success in these enterprises.
Mr. Smith and family belong to the Christian church, and he affili-
ates with the Modern Woodmen of America at Walnut and is also a
member of the Threshers' Protective Association of Crawford count}.
He is a Democrat in politics, and has served in the office of school
director. In September, 1872. he married Miss Lettia A. Waterman, a
daughter of John and Sarah Waterman, of Illinois, who were among
the real pioneers to this county, settling near Cirard in 1857. Her
father died in Kansas, and her mother is now living in Oklahoma. Mr.
and Mrs. Smith have three children: Jesse L., who is operating a saw-
mill in this county; Ethel and Colonel Verl, at home.
W. P. TURKINGTON.
W. E. Turkington, as a proprietor of extensive coal lands and mines
and large farming tracts, and as proprietor of an extensive general mer-
chandise establishment and owner of numerous property and financial
interests in Cherokee, is one of the best known men of Craw ford count}-.
and therefore needs no introductii n to the readers oi this history. A
man of broad business ability and executive direction, as shown in his
control of his large interests, and of great personal magnetism and force
of character. Mr. Turkington has been able to follow in the footsteps ol
his late father as a powerful factor in the affairs of this county, and has
exercised and will continue to exercise a potent influence in matters per-
taining to the general welfare and progress of town and county.
His father. John Turkington. now deceased, was one of the pioneer
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 461
cattlemen of this section of the state, having come here when Crawford
county was largely range land and as yet untouched by the enterprise
of the agriculturist and home-maker. John Turkington was hum in
county Armagh, Ireland, of a Presbyterian family, was reared and
educated there, and in young manhood came to the United States. He
lived for a number of years at Xenia, Ohio, and in 1867 came to this
section of Kansas, when there was only one railroad in the state. In
those early days he dealt extensively in Texas cattle, buying them on
the Texas ranges and driving them north to Crawford county, and
thence shipping them to the markets. He was a liberal and enterprising
man in all his undertakings and in affairs in general, and was an active
Presbyterian throughout his iife. He died, honored and respected by
all, at the age of eighty-two. His wife was Eliza McCreary, born near
Belfast, county Down, Ireland, and her noble qualities had much to do
with her husband's success. She is still living, being 011 the old farm-
stead near Monmouth in this county. There are six children in the
family, namely: W. E. ; Elizabeth Myers, of Arkansas; Eliza Degmu.
of Beulah, this county; John D.. of Monmouth, a cattleman: Oliver, on
the old home farm; and Minnie E.. at home.
W. E. Turkington was born at Xenia. Ohio, in [853. He was a
boy of fourteen when he came with the rest of the family to this count)-,
and. having ahead) received such educational advantages as the schools
of his native locality afforded, he at once became actively interested with
his father in practical affairs and as the oldest son was soon given a
large part of the business direction. He later gave himself to the study
of civil engineering, and for a number of years was a successful and
active member of the profession, being engaged in railroad work for
some time. He is one of the popular Democrats of this part of the
state, and on one occasion made the race for state legislator, and while
he was defeated by six votes lie ran great numbers ahead of Ins ticket.
It is said that if any Democrat could be elected from tins county he
would be the lucky man. Mr. Turkineton is the owner of twelve hun-
462 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
dred acres of land in this vicinity, and it is all underlaid with coal.
Five shafts are in active operation on his place, and ninety thousand
tons of high-grade coal are annually hoisted above ground and marketed.
He is proprietor of the Louck patent for manufacturing anthracite coal
from slack, which is one of the most valuable inventions of recent years.
There are two veins of coal on his land, the upper one being twenty-six
inches, and the lower forty-two inches thick. He is also conducting a
large mercantile business in Cherokee, which was established in 1889.
As has been stated. Mr. Turkington is politically a Democrat, and
has always been active in party affairs. He is also well known in
Masonic circles, being a member of the blue lodge, chapter and com-
mandery. He has been very liberal in helping all worthy causes, giving
much to religion and church work, and also gave three acres as ground
on which a high school might be established, his interest in educational
affairs causing him to be active in every enterprise looking to the better-
ment of the local schools. He has done a great deal fur Crawford
county, and is esteemed among his fellow citizens accordingly.
Mr. Turkington was married in this county in February. 1879, to
Miss Virginia Potter, who was born at Springfield. Missouri, a daughter
of Davis and Eliza (Tarrence) Potter, both parents being deceased
and her father having served as a soldier in the Civil war. They have
four children: Jennie O., Ethel, John E. and Victor B. Mrs. Turking-
ton is a member of the Presbvterian church.
DR. E. O. SLOAN.
Dr. E. O. Sloan, physician and surgeon of Pittsburg. Kansas, has
been engaged in the active practice of his profession in this city for
fourteen years, and in many ways has gained pre-eminence in his work.
Having been acquainted with the life of the physician from boyhood
in the home of his father, who was one of the old-time genial and
helmed household doctors, he has from the lime of his first aspirations
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 463
toward the pursuit been devoted to the study of every branch of the
great science. Because he realized the magnitude of the realms of the
art of healing, he offered an inspired mind to his theoretical preparation
and worked with ardor during his student days. But as the complement
of In- knowledge of the science he possesses a humane and sympathetic
nature which is penetrative and healing of itself and goes beyond the
range of the coldly scientific man to that influence of spirit over matter
which is often more powerful than ail medicaments of the world. Dr.
Sloan thus fills an important place in this city, not merely as a man of
energv in his profession and business or as a popular member of society,
but as one who by his daily woyk helps mankind and who necessarily
stands above self and pelf in his altruistic endeavors.
Dr. Sloan was born at Walnut Grove, Greene county, Missouri.
February 2^, 1855. His grandfather. Judge Jeremiah X. Sloan, came
to Missouri from Kentucky in 183 1, as one of the early settlers of the
state of Alissouri. and was the first judge of Creene county, lie was
accidentally killed by being thrown from his horse, in 1846.
Dr. A. C. Sloan, the son of this Missouri judge, was born in Ken-
tucky and came to Missouri with his parents in 1831, locating first in
Polk county among the earliest settlers, and later removing to Greene
county. He made his home at Walnut Grove until bis death in 1 S< >< >.
and he was engaged in active practice for the long period of forty years,
from the pioneer days until the progressive years of the end of the
last century. His wife was Mary Jane (Hamilton) Sloan, who was
born in Tennessee in 1826 and came with her parents to Missouri in
1832. Her father. Elijah Hamilton, was a soldier in the war of i8i_>
under ( ieneral Scott.
Dr. E. O. Sloan received bis early education in the public schools
of Walnut Grove, and began the study of medicine with his father as
preceptor. He then took the regular course at the Missouri Medical
College at, St. Louis, where be was graduated with the class of 1881.
Ih- first practice was in the town where he was born and reared, hut
464 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
in the fall of 1882 he moved to Cherry vale, Montgomery county. Kan-
sas, where he was engaged with a successful practice until i8qo. January
2d of which year he located in Pittsburg. He served for two years as
city health officer, and is now president of the Craw ford County Medical
Society, an auxiliary of the State Medical Society. Dr. Sloan is a pro-
fessional man in the best sense of the term, and his chief concern as a
member and president of the county society is to elevate the medical pro-
fession to a higher plane. So rapid has been the advance of medical
science in the last few decades that even the most studious and con-
scientious can hardly keep abreast of the current, and man}' are left
behind in the rut of mediocrity or inert self-satisfaction. The energizing
and progressive mind is needed as a kind of leaven and stimulus among
all professional men. and this want is what the Crawford County Medical
Society, under the leadership of Dr. Sloan, supplies all within the radius
of its influence.
Dr. Sloan has always voted the Republican ticket, and he affiliates
with the Masonic fraternity, having attained the Knight Templar de-
gree. March 30. 1876. he was married at Walnut Grove, Missouri, to
Miss Lucy M. Mizener, a daughter of E. A. Mizener, who was a native
of Indiana and was killed while fighting for the Union at the battle of
Chickamauga. Dr. and Mrs. Sloan have three children living: Mrs.
Maud Marsh, Miss Georgia Pauline and Miss Edna Ophelia. The other
daughter, Laura Wealthier Sloan, died March 19. 1895, at the age of
eighteen years, having been one of the most popular young ladies of
Pittsburg.
HARRY W. SHIDELER. A. R. P,. S.
Harry W. Shideler, superintendent of Girard schools and Spanish-
American war veteran, has had. as these descriptive titles would indicate,
a most interesting and varied career, and although still in the ranks of
young men is a progressive leader of many affairs and a definite influ-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 465
ence for good in that which pertains to the civic and educational ad-
vancement of his community.
He was born in Clay county, Indiana. January 14, 1873, a son of
Henry and Sophia (Harbaugh) Shideler, both natives of Ohio. His
father is a wagon-maker by trade, but for the last twenty-four years
has been engaged in farming. He came to Kansas in 1882 and located
in Cherokee county, where he still resides. His good wife died in 1885,
at the age of thirty-two.
Coming to Kansas with his parents when nine years of age, Mr.
Shideler finished off his common school education in Cherokee county,
and later attended the Kansas Normal College at Fort Scott. During
his student career in the latter institution he taught for his tuition, and
after his graduation he became instructor of history, civics and political
economy in the same school, which shows the fine record he made for
studious work and keen intelligence in subjects which have ever since
kept him in mure or less close touch with public and institutional affairs.
Before the late war he held the rank of second lieutenant of Company F,
Kansas National Guard, and was commissioned in die same rank in Com-
pany F. in Twentieth Kansas Volunteer Infantry, recruited for service
in the Spanish-American war. March 23, iKqc;, he was promoted first
lieutenant, and was in command of Company D during part of the cam-
paign against the Tagalogs, ami was promoted to the rank of captain
on July 24. 1899, upon which he was placed in command of Company
F. He served throughout the severest campaign in the Philippines, and
took part in twenty-seven engagements in the islands. He acted as
battalion quartermaster, was battalion ordnance officer for a time and
also secretary of the regimental exchange. After his muster out and
return home from the orient he took up his residence in Girard and for
two vears was principal of the high school. He then accepted a position
as associate editor of the Daily Republican at Fort Scott, and a year
later was elected superintendent of the Girard schools, an office which
he has since filled with the most satisfactory degree of administrative
466 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ability and has shown himself to be an educator of the progressive and
enterprising type, and has systematized and broadened the school work
in all its departments. Mr. Shideler also employs his time in writing
for newspapers and magazines, and he wrote a large portion of the
book entitled "Campaigning in the Philippines," notably the part entitled
''The History of the Twentieth Kansas Regiment." Among his earlier
experiences was a term spent in teaching school among the Mormons of
Idaho, in 1893-94.
August 17. 1904. he was appointed county superintendent of
schools to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of H. E. Hornaday.
He appointed Mrs. H. E. Hornaday. the widow of his late friend, his
deputy, entrusting the duties of the office to her. while he himself con-
tinued his duties as superintendent of the Girard schools.
Mr. Shideler and family are members of the Christian church. He
is a stanch Republican in politics. His fraternal affiliations are with
Lodge No. 93, A. F. & A. M.. at Girard, and also the Ancient Order of
United Workmen at the same place.
September 15. 1897, he was married to Miss Iva Jessup, a daughter
of Solomon P. and Mary (Long) Jessup, of Cherokee, Kansas. Mr.
and Mrs. Shideler have four children in their pleasant and comfortable
home at Girard, namely: Harry Kenneth. Ralph Jessup. Robert Theo-
dore, and Frederick Muriel.
JOFIX W. ALLISON.
John W. Allison is one of the most extensive buyers, feeders and
shippers of cattle in Grant township, Crawford county, doing a business
aggregating as high as twenty-eight thousand dollars annually. Every-
thing about his large premises indicate prosperous and methodical man-
agement, and his is one of the model farms of the entire county. FTe
takes the more pride in these material circumstances in that they are
almost entirely the result of his untiring effort and diligence from the
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 467
age of boyhood. He is a self-made man and the master of his own
destiny, owing little to anything but his perseverance and courage in
overcoming the obstacles of life. He really began to do battle with the
world when he was about nine years old, and consequently deserves the
competence which he lias gained.
Mr. Allison was born in Sangamon county, Illinois. February 13,
1858, being a son of James and Hanna A. (Erickson) Allison, the
former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Norway. His father died
in Illinois in 1862, at the age of forty-two, but his mother is living in
the first house west of John \Y. Allison's, being now sixty-eight year-
old.
John VV. Allison went to live among strangers when he was six
years old, and the education that he received was obtained in the com-
mon schools of his native state. He began working on a farm for his
hoard when he \vas nine years "Id. and continued in this way in Illinois
until October 17. 1871, when he arrived in Kansas. He worked by the
month until September, 1874. and then returned to Illinois and worked
there until February 12. 1878. This constant labor was putting him
.head in the world somewhat, and when he returned to Kansas in 1S7N
he took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres on what was known
as the Neutral Lands. From this beginning, in the subsequent twenty-
five rears, he has accumulated a fine property of five hundred and twenty
acres. He has a modern residence, with running hot and cold water and
hath, and all the comforts of an ideal farm home. His up-to-date stock
barn is sixty-four by one hundred and twelve feet, and he has the best
of facilities for carrying on his large business.
Mr. Allison was married January 8. 1880, to Miss Emma I'..
Marker, a daughter of James and Elizabeth ( Higgenbotham ) Marker,
natives of Illinois and of Pennsylvania, respectively, and the former
of whom died in 1X71 at the age of forty-nine, and the latter on April
15, h»oo. at the age of fifty-seven. Eight children have keen horn to
Mr. and Mrs. Allison: Joseph C. a farmer, wedded Miss Ethel Bringle;
468 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Myrtle A., who died at the age of three months; Florence E., wife of
Dr. L. H. Thurston, mentioned elsewhere in this work: Maude E.,
wedded Frank Tannehill. a resident of the city of Pittsburg and a
machinist: Jessie A.. Olie B.. Gelo P. and Robert E.. all at home. The
family are members of the McCune Methodist Episcopal church. Mr.
Allison affiliates with the blue lodge. Xo. 23J. F. & A. M. ; was with
Camp No. 2870, M. W. A. ; and is a member of the A. H. T. A., all
at McCune. He lias served as township clerk and also on the school
board, and in politics is a stanch Republican.
CHARLES S. CHAPMAN.
Charles S. Chapman, whose death occurred in January, 1902. as a
result of his being injured by a train at Fort Scott, was one of the
most prominent citizens of Pittsburg. He is best known in business
circle- as having been the proprietor of the Pittsburg Foundry and
Machine Works, which he developed from small beginnings into one
of the large industrial enterprises of the city. But in addition to this.
lie was known as one of the city's most public-spirited and progressive
men. having done much for building up the city both as an official and
in a private capacity. He is still held in affectionate remembrance for
his broad-minded and upright character, his liberal dealings with men.
and bis unflinching rectitude in all the relations of life.
Mr. Chapman was born at Wooster, Ohio, in 1857. and was a
-on of Augustus R. and Lillie (Mott) Chapman, both now deceased.
His father was a long-time resident of Wooster and a well-known iron
master of Ohio. He was extensively engaged in manufacturing, being
the senior member of the firm of Chapman. Barrett and Company,
foundrymen, of Wooster. and wa^ also head of the Lima Agricultural
Works at Lima. Ohio. At the time of bis death he was a member of the
board of education in Wooster, and bis activity was in many other ways
useful to the city in promoting its intellectual and material welfare.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 469
I [is wife, Lillie (Mott) Chapman, was a member of the well-known
family of which Lucretia Mott was such a notable member. On her
maternal si<'le she was a direct descendant of Roger Williams, and in
the Chapman home at Pittsburg' there is a table of solid mahogany,
which was among the possessions brought by the noted colonial preacher
to America, and which has been preserved as a most valuable and inter-
esting relic through all the succeeding generations of the family.
Mr. Charles S. Chapman was reared in Wooster, where he received
a good education. He learned the trade of machinist and foundryman
in the works of his father, and with the intention of making mechanical
pursuits his life work added to his equipment in that line by studying
and becoming a draughtsman. His talents were of a high order, and
in the course of his research work be devised several devices that became
valuable adjuncts in shop work. He left Wooster. when about twenty-
nine years of age, to accept the position of master mechanic of the cable
street railroad in Kansas City, which was the forerunner of the present
Metropolitan Street Railroad Company of that city. He was in charge
of the cable line when the first wheel was turned in the system, and he
continued as master mechanic of the company for nine years. He came
to Pittsburg in 1892. lbs foundry and machine shop was started
in a little shanty of a building, but from this unpretentious inception,
because of the excellence of the workmanship and the thoroughly hon-
orable business methods in vogue, it expanded into the large works
known as the Pittsburg Foundry and Machine Company, with shops
on Locust street, at the corner of First. The establishment was both
large and successful, and Mr. Chapman became one of the leading busi-
ness men of the city, resourceful and enterprising in his own work and.
lending his aid to every worthy cause for building up the city. Pitts-
burg as well as his family and friends sustained a great loss in his early
death, for his substantial citizenship and well-rounded character were
benefits conferred on the community and are worthy monuments of
his career.
470 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
He was mentioned for the office of mayor of his city, and took
such a prominent part as a member of the city council that he was some-
times called the father of the council. He had fraternal affiliations with
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. When he met with the
injury that terminated his life he was on his way home from [ola,
Kansas, where he owned another foundry.
Mrs. Chapman survives her lamented husband. Pier maiden name
was Mary J. Clark, and she was born in New York city and was a
daughter of John and Helen (Miller) Clark. She was married to Mr.
Chapman at Kansas City in 1885. There are three children : Charles S..
Thomas William and Robert Lanvon.
DR. CHARLES R. TINDER.
Dr. Charles R. Tinder, physician and surgeon and proprietor of a
drug store in Englevale. Crawford county, has been listed with the pro-
fessional men of this county and town for twelve years. He came well
equipped for the successful practice of medicine, and his subsequent
record indicates how well he has advanced into the favor of the people
of this vicinity. He is a thorough business man. and has managed his
affairs most profitably. Since coming to Englevale he has been thor-
oughly identified with the best interests of the town, and its prosperity
as a town must always reflect more or less credit on this one of its es-
teemed citizens.
Dr. Tinder was born in Audrain county, Missouri, January 27.
1865, being a son of David M. and Elizabeth (Thompson) Tinder.
Iliv parents were natives, respectively, of Virginia and Kentucky, and
they took up their residence in Missouri in 1861. His mother died on
March 4. 1884, at the age of fifty-one. and his father on November 11,
[884, aged fifty-four years.
Dr. Tinder received his early schooling in the Old Pine school in
Audrain county, and later at the State Normal at Kirksville, Missouri.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 471
He began the study of medicine in the St. Louis College of Physicians
and Surgeons, and in 1891 graduated from the Marion Sims College oi
Medicine in St. Louis. In April of the year of his graduation he came
to Hepler, Kansas, and on February 23. 1892, indentified himself with
Englevale by purchasing the drug â– -tore of < Gardner and Boaz and engag-
ing in practice here. Since then his career has been one of steady
progression, and his patronage is large and drawn from the best classes.
He held the office of health officer of Crawford county during 1900 and
1901, and is a member of the Southeastern Kansas Medical Society.
He owns his own home and store, besides two houses and lots in town
which he rents.
Dr. Tinder affiliates with the Ancient Order of United Workmen,
No. 458, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. No. 481, the Knights
and Lathes of Security, No. 99, and the Modern Woodmen of America,
No. [612. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church.
He married, August 17. 1887. Miss Clara B. McAllister, a daughter of
F. M. and Ellen McAllister, of Indiana. Dr. ami Mrs. Tinder have
four children: Fsta F., Paul Paguin. Chrystal C. and Charles I.
S A BIX A SXOW.
Sabina Snow is one of the well known and honored women of
Crawford county, where she has lived for over thirty years. She is
the widow of Joseph M. Snow, who died in this county January 14, 1879,
having been one of the early settlers and one of the most prosperous
farmers of Sheridan township, where Mrs. Snow still lives.
.Mr. Snow had an active, honorable, useful career, and in whatever
relation of life he was called to serve he gave a good account of him-
self and caused men to respect him for his true worth and ability. He
was living in Missouri when the war came on, and at Rockport in
Atchison county he enlisted in the Forty-third Missouri Infantry. He
was detailed for duty at St. Joseph, Independence and Warrensburg,
472 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Missouri, and His chief service was in the dangerous business of fighting
bushwhackers in that part of the state. He served faithfully until
receiving his honorable discharge, and then returned home and resumed
his trade.
He was born in the state of Maine in 1832, being a son of John
and Elsie Snow, who both died in that state. He was reared in the
hardy Pine Tree state, gained his education in the schools there, and
above all learned the value of faithful labor in winning success in life.
He learned the trade of blacksmith in early life, and became an expert
at the business, so that he could do almost anything possible to that trade.
When he was twenty-two years did he was married in Xew Hampshire
to Miss Sabina Merrill, who was of a fine New England family, her
father being Nathaniel Merrill and her mother*s maiden name Bixby.
both her parents dying when about sixty years old.
Some time after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Snow came west,
first locating near Guthrie Center in Guthrie county. Iowa, then lived
for two years in Nemaha county, Nebraska, after which the}' crossed
the Missouri and became residents of Atchison county, Missouri, where
they lived for eight years, during which time the Civil war was fought.
In 1871 they came to Crawford county, and from that year until his
death in 1870 Mr. Snow took a prominent part in the affairs of the
township and county and gained a large degree of prosperity as a
farmer, which occupation he followed almost exclusively in his later
years. Before his death he owned a fine estate of three hundred and
twenty acres in Sheridan township, but after his death much of this was
distributed to the sons. Mrs. Snow now resides on the old homestead
of eighty acres, which is a valuable tract of rich bottom land with some
timber, and is excellently well improved with nice residence, barn and
other farming equipments indicative of the enterprise and progressive-
ness of its owners. The home place is not far from the town of Mon-
mouth, being situated on both Limestone and Wolf creeks. Mrs. Snow
resides here in comfort and continues the gracious hospitality which was
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 473
one of the chief charms of the Snow home during- the life of Mr. Snow
Mr. and Mrs. Snow during their happy union of twenty-five years
had the following children horn into their home: Melissa Strode, Belle
Stoker, Charles. Frank, Laura Stoker. Nellie, Orin, Ada, William, and
two who died in childhood. Mr. Snow was prominent in Masonic
circles, being master of Chapter No. 59 in Missouri. Politically he was
a strong Republican.
ROBERT M. ROSS.
Robert M. Ross, a retired farmer of McCune, living in ( Isage town-
ship, is one of the old settlers of southeastern Kansas, where his years
have been spent in useful activity since 1866, having come here soon
after the war, in which he performed a full share of patriotic service and
sacrifice. He was living in Mercer county, Illinois, at the beginning
of the rebellion, and in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, One
Hundred and Second Illinois Infantry, his first captain being Thomas
Likely and second Daniel Sedgewick. and the regiment being under
Colonel McMurtry. They were in camp at Knoxville, Tlliimis. and then
sent to Peoria, Illinois, where they were engaged in guarding railroad
during the winter; after some service in Kentucky ami Tennessee they
participated in the great campaign which began with the battle of Look-
out Mountain, and at the battle of Resaca Mr. lv^ was wounded in
the left leg. This proved a dangerous wound, gangrene setting in so
that the case came nearly to the point of amputation. He was detained
for a long time in various hospitals, at Louisville, at Jefrersonville.
Indiana, and at Mi mud City, Illinois, and was finally honorably dis-
charged 'Mi account of disability.
This honored veteran was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, near
Zanesville. November 20, 1833, so that he has already passed the seven-
tieth milestone of his career, during which he has been found true and
faithful tn all the duties and responsibilities of such a long life. He was
Hi HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
a son of Samuel and Mary (McClellan) Ross, his father a native of
Washington county, Pennsylvania, and of Scotch ancestry that traced
back to the old highland chiefs. The mother, a daughter of Robert
McClellan, was a relative of General McClellan of Civil war fame. The
parents were married in Beaver county. Pennsylvania, thence moved to
Muskingum county. Ohio, and from there to Adams county. Illinois,
locating near Ouincy. The father, who died at the age of eighty, was
a farmer, and in politics originally adhered to the Democracy but after
the war became a Republican. The mother also lived to be eighty
vears old. and they were members of the United Presbyterian church.
The three children were Jane. Mattie and Robert.
Mr. Robert Ross was reared on the old Ohio homestead, attending
the schools there, and later he went to Johnson county. Kansas, and to
Mercer county. Illinois, in the "year of famine." where he lived till
after the war. He was married in 1866. in January, to Miss Jane E.
Marshall, who has been his faithful wife and helpmate for the past
thirty-eight years. She was born in Ohio, where she lived until six
years old. and then went to Hancock county and to Henderson county,
Illinois. She was a daughter of Samuel and Martha Marshall, and her
mother was a sister of Professor S. C. Marshall, now president of Tarkio
College. Tarkio. Missouri. Her parents both died at Kirkwood, Warren
county, Illinois, her father, who was a farmer, a Republican and a
member of the United Presbyterian church, at the age of seventy-five,
and her mother at the same age. There were six children in the Mar-
shall family: Jane E.. Martha. Anna. Bell. John, and one that died
young.
In [866 Mr. Ross started tor Kansas with team and wagon, camp-
ing out at night, and was four weeks on the road. He took a claim in
this county, and for his first home built a box house fourteen by twenty
feet. He continued witli unabated energy to improve his place from
vear to vear. adding better buildings, until he had one of the best farms
in Osage township, situated h\e miles northwest of McCune. and it
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 477
forms a very valuable asset for Mr. and .Mrs. Ross in their declining
years.
Mr. and Mrs. Ross have had eight children born to them, a daugh-
ter. Martha, dying at the age of eleven and another in infancy. Those
living are: Alice Thompson; Anna Gilbert; James, who operates the
home farm: Olive, at home: Emma Hamilton: Charles, who is also on
the farm. Mr. Ross has the honor of being a true and original Repub-
lican, having voted for John C. Fremont in 1856, and all hi- -mis are
following in his footsteps politically. He served a number of years on
the school board. He is a member of Osage Post. No. 156, G. A. R.,
and he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian church.
DR. JAMES S. PATTON.
Dr. James S. Patton, who lias made Crawford county the center
of his active life since he was sixteen years old. is prominent at Fron-
tenac as a druggist, banker and in connection with other business inter-
ests, and for a number of years was a leading medical practitioner,
although in recent years his business has made too great demand- on
his time for him to continue regular practice. The town of Frontenac
owe- much to him for its growth and progress, and his public-spirited
endeavor has been freely accorded to all enterprises looking to the com-
munity's upbuilding and welfare.
Dr. Patton was born near Livonia, Washington county. Indiana,
in 1863, a son of Granville and Clementine (Trabue) Patton. Both the
Patton and Trabue families were among the earliest settler- of Wash-
ington county. Dr. Patton's paternal grandfather, P.. F. Patton. with
his brother Dave, settled in that part of Indiana in the early part of the
last century, and from the wilderness cleared out a farm. About the
same time George Trabue, the maternal grandfather of Dr. Patton,
al-o arrived in Washington county, having come from Kentucky, and
made himself a home from the undeveloped government land. Both
47* HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
families are of a longlived race. George Trabue attained the great age
of ninety-eight, dying in 1903. and B. F. Patton also died within recent
years when a very old man. Granville Patton was a Washington county
farmer most of the years of his life, but a few years ago retired and
came to Crawford county, Kansas, making his home now in Pittsburg.
His wife died at the age of twenty-five years.
Dr. Patton lived on the Indiana farm during the first sixteen years
of his life, receiving his education in the country schools. In 1879
he came to Kansas and entered a drug store in Cherokee. Crawford
county, for the purpose of learning pharmacy. He later studied med-
icine at Mineral City, with his brother-in-law. Dr. R. S. Mahan, as
preceptor. He was engaged in practice in Sherwin, Kansas, for two
years, and in 1889 took up his residence in Frontenac. which has been
liis home town ever since. He had a drug store here and also carried
on his practice as a physician. His mercantile and other business inter-
ests increased to such an extent that he has about discontinued his
professional duties. Besides the large Patton drug store he has an
adjoining building devoted to hardware, groceries, furniture and gen-
eral merchandise lines: he also conducts a lumber yard at Frontenac
and another at Englevale, and a livery stable at Frontenac. Recently
he has gone into the banking business, having established the Frontenac
State Bank and built a large two-story brick building as its home.
During the vear 1904 Dr. Patton organized the Frontenac Coal
Company, operating midway between Frontenac and Gerard. Kan-
sas, located on the Santa Fe Railroad, and the company has a large
tract of coal land purchased adjacent, and will successfully push the
new mining industry to a successful end. Dr. Patton has also
become interested in the commercial enterprises of the bustling and
progressive city of Pittsburg, being half owner of "The Owl Drug
Store," associated with Henry Kettler. and this firm is also known in
the business circles of Pittsburg and community as "The Caloquine Med-
icine Company," and they have their own laboratory and compound ami
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 479
manufacture the following remedies: "The Caloquine Indian Herb
Tea." "Caloquine Chill Tablets" and "Peach Blow Cream."
Dr. Patton's place as one of the foremost citizens of his town is
shown by the fact that he was the first mayor of Frontenac, and has
always been interested in the welfare of his town. He affiliates with
the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Improved Order of Red Men. the Ancient Order of United Workmen
and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Dr. Patton was married in [885
to Miss M. B. Adams, a native of Pittsburg. Pennsylvania. They have
two children. Sherwin T. and Vivian Clementine Patton.
PERCY DANIELS.
Percy Daniels, former lieutenant governor of the state of Kansas,
a lieutenant colonel from the war of the rebellion, one of the ablest and
most statesman-like reasoners and thinkers on present-day political
problems, is one of the honored pioneers of Crawford count}-. Like Cin-
cinnatus of old. he enjoys and devotes himself heartily to the simple
routine of country life, and is drawn from the plow only when some
crisis in the political situation demands, or when he sees the need of
clear and logical exposition to guide his fellow-citizens through the
rocks of economic and national polity. He is everywhere recognized as
a man of sound judgment, unswerving integrity, kindness of heart, in-
domitable courage and persistency, and strong will power. No one
could mistake his intensity and zeal for fanaticism, for he arrives at his
conclusions by thorough reasoning and deep experience, but, once his
mind is set to the right as he sees it, he is a rock of Gibraltar, unmoved
and immovable. Not only Crawford county but the entire state is hon-
ored by the presence among its citizens of such a man a- Colonel Daniels,
without mention of whom a history of Crawford county in particular
would be very incomplete.
Colonel Daniels was the second son of judge David anil Nancy
480 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
(Ballon) Daniels, the latter a daughter of Dexter Ballon, a pioneer
woolen manufacturer of Rhode Island. Percy was born in Woonsocket,
Rhode Island, September 17, 1840. and was left an orphan at the age of
six years. He was not a rugged lad. but managed to complete a com-
mon school and academic education. 'While he was studying engineer-
ing at Providence a long spell of sickness compelled him to give up bis
studies, and he was with relatives at Worcester, Massachusetts, during
the months of his slow convalescence. About this time there was an
incident that well illustrates an element of character conspicuous through-
out the career of Air. Daniels. Among the mathematical books be used
at school was one of a thousand sums and problems, without a rule or
formula: in school he had failed to solve seven of these problems, but
while sick and unable to write he completely solved the remaining ex-
amples without writing a figure. The last and longest one took three
days, and just as he finished it a blood vessel broke above bis eye. Mr.
Daniels' literary education was completed at the Westminster Seminary
in Vermont and at the University grammar school in Providence.
He was eager to enter the ranks when the rebellion broke out, but
health would not permit. Yet he became captain of the home guard and
gave much attention to the study of tactics and military operations. He
spent the winter of 1861-62 in the pineries of Michigan, where he re-
stored much of his strength, and in the following May he enlisted in
the Seventh Rhode Island Volunteers and opened a recruiting office at
Woonsocket. A commission as second lieutenant was given him on
July 26, and as first lieutenant on September 4. He was soon in com-
mand of Company E, which he had been largely instrumental in raising,
and on March t. 1863. he was commissioned captain. On June 29, [864,
he was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the regiment, but the records
of the war department show that he was in command of the regiment
from May [8, [864. In fact, when serving as fourth captain he was
promoted over bis seniors to the command of the regiment. In absence
of the commanding colonel he bad command of the regiment Until it was
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 481
mustered out of service. He was brevetted colonel to date from July 30,
1864. Colonel Daniels was never absent from his company or regiment
during an engagement, and did not even avail himself of two leaves of
absence which he received, but which came at a time when battle was
imminent. He was never wounded, although repeatedly horses were
shot fn>m under him and bullets pierced his clothing. Among the
battle^ in which he participated with credit to himself and such gallantry
and courage as have marked all his subsequent career, were those of
Fredericksburg, battles in the western territory, before Vicksburg, Jack-
son. Mississippi; again with the Army of the Potomac in the conflicts
before Petersburg, battles of Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor,
and various operations at Petersburg, and leading up to the fall of
Richmond and the surrender at Appomattox.
After the war Colonel Daniels was in Kentucky and Tennessee
doing prospecting and railroad work, and the appreciation in which his
service in the army was held by bis superiors is shown by the following
letter from General Burnside, that he received just before going south :
"I desire before parting with you to express to you my sincere thanks
to]- the generous, loyal, efficient and gallant service you have always
rendered me during our long service together. 1 know of no one who
deserves better of his country than you. You will carry with you my
sincere prayer for your health, happiness and prosperity. T am sure that
the same energy, talent, loyalty and gentlemanly deportment that have
made you one of our best officers will make you a useful citizen and a
kind friend to the community in which you settle."
Colonel Daniels was not satisfied with conditions in the south, and
after making a tour of inspection in southeastern Kansas he decided to
make it Ins home. He took to himself a life partner, and then came
to Kansas and settled on the so-called Neutral Lands, at Crawfordsville.
He took up a claim four miles northwest of the present site of Girard,
and while breaking and putting this land into shape for a productive
farmstead, he opened and conducted a country store. He later sold his
482 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
store, and his principal occupations since that time have been farming his
beautiful "Narragansett" farm and surveying and civil engineering.
His career as a civil engineer has been a noteworthy success, and he has
accomplished several praiseworthy undertakings and held some responsi-
ble positions.
In 1S73 he accepted a position in the city engineering department of
Worcester. Massachusetts, and lived in that city until 1879. for the last
several years rising to the position of city engineer. He did much for
municipal growth and improvement while in that city, and in connection
with his services the Worcester Spy, in an editorial on January 30, 1878,
said : "The report to which these remarks refer is, of course, that of the
retiring engineer. General Percy Daniels, whose sagacity and good judg-
ment, as well as his professional accomplishments, have been of great
use to the city." Colonel Daniels became unpopular with the admin-
istration and the appointive power of the city on account of his insistent
opposition to "graft" of all kinds and to public improvement for private
benefit, and he accordingly terminated his connection in 1878.
For the following two years he was again a resident of Providence.
Rhode Island, attending to the settlement of a brother's estate and also
a part of the time engaged in civil engineering. He returned with his
family to his Kansas farm in the spring of 1881, and has been a contin-
uous resident of Crawford county since that time. He was engaged in
railroad work for two years, and held the position of county surveyor
of Crawford county for five years.
Colonel Daniels became interested in political problems and espe-
cially the causes affecting the depressing condition among Kansas
farmers in 1888, and his deep study led him to many expressi<
opinion in the press and by pamphlet. ,In the course of that year an
open letter appeared under his name, containing the "seven cardinal
points of his political faith," in which he demanded the Australian ballot
system, restriction of immigration, and a graduated tax on the estates of
millionaires, and asked the Republican party to endorse these demands.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 483
In 1889 appeared the since famous pamphlets entitled "A Crisis for the
Husbandmen," which was a course of lectures delivered at the invitation
of the Grange, which exerted wide influence on Kansas politics for a
number of years. His continued investigations led him to repudiate the
hypocrisy of the Republican party, which he had supported fur twenty-
nine years. In January. 1890. he purchased the Girard Herald for the
purpose nf promulgation of his beliefs. He kept the matter before the
people until some of his specific propositions were adopted l>y the county
conventions of the People's party, after which he sold his paper and
retired to his farm.
In the People's part} convention at Wichita. June 17. [892, he
was nominated for the office of lieutenant governor. He was not pres-
ent at the convention, hut the enthusiasm of his supporters and the
recognition of his value to the party ticket soon impressed themselves on
the members, and before the third ballot was completed .the name of
Daniels was hailed with acclamation for the place. He was elected in
the fall, and gave a most efficient administration.
Colonel Daniels has held a high place in the state military of
Kansas. Governor Osborn appointed him brigadier general of the
Third Brigade of Kansas militia, and Governor Lewelling appointed him
major general of the Kansas National Guard for [893 and 1894, but he
was not relieved until February _>_\ 1895. 1° tn ' s connection he per-
formed a most important service during the strike of the coal miners of
southeastern Kansas, which had resulted in serious disturbances and some
bloodshed. Colonel Daniels was also lieutenant governor at the time.
He held a long interview with the strike leaders and informed them
that the laws of the commonwealth must he obeyed and authority
upheld. He then recommended to the governor at Topeka that the
-tale forces he employed to preserve peace. There was a disagreement
a- to methods at the conference of officials, and about one o'clock in
the morning the governor turned to Mr. Daniels and said: "1 am
going home and go to bed, and 1 turn the whole matter over to you to
484 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
do as you think best." One of the cardinal views of Mr. Daniels, and
one that he had set forth in a campaign speech, was that "the prime
object of laws is the assurance of individual rights and the protection
of life and property, and it is essential for the good of all classes that
the laws be enforced against all classes alike. * * * And that the
official must be guided by this principle however much his duties may be
repugnant to his preferences or hostile to his sympathies."
He therefore at once ordered the adjutant general to assemble
eleven companies of National Guards at their armories with three days'
rations. Most of them were ready to mine at daylight, and in conse-
quence the strike was settled in twenty-four hours, without more trouble.
General Daniels at the end of the year made a full report to the governor
of the strike, and the documents referring thereto were published in
full in the daily papers at the time, but in the state documents published
one year later that part of the report referring to the importance of an
impartial enforcement of the law was stricken out.
Colonel Daniels has in many ways which there is not space here
to detail been an influential force in county, state and national politics.
He is the originator of the graduated property tax, and has been con-
stantly the reasoning yet determined opponent of cheap, imported labor,
trust and corporation combinations in restraint of trade, monopolistic
extortion, and all plutocratic methods and schemes by which the sta-
bility of American institutions arc threatened. Far and wide over the
country his "Crisis" tracts created a profound impression on all think-
ing men. and letters came from men prominent in public life throughout
the nation expressing their favorable comments on his views and rem-
edies.
Colonel Daniels
Post, G. A. R., .if Won
Lodge, F. & A. M.
as a charter membc
at present connecte<
is for a time a member o
i ( leorge 1 1. Ward
ester, Massachusetts, and al
so of Morning Star
Woonsocket, Rhode Island
He also affiliate.!
h the blue lodge Masons o
f Girard. but is not
h any lodge.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 485
Mr. Daniels was married at Leicester. Massachusetts, in June,
i Si <;. to Miss Eliza Ann Eddy, a daughter of Leonard and Isabel
(Newton) Eddy. Mr. and Mrs. Daniels have four children: Frederick
P. is a civil engineer of Englevale, Kansas; Walter II. is a civil engineer,
and at present at home: Elizabeth B. is the wife of William P. Olin, of
Girard; and Farle X. is now in college in Pittsburg, and has been teach-
ing for the past four years. There is one grandson, Frederick Harmon
Daniels.
Dk. I. H. WOODBURY.
Dr. J. H. Woodbury is known not only at his home town of Chero-
kee and its vicinity, but also over a large section of the middle west.
his reputation being based upon his extensive manufacture of herbal
remedies, which are used in thousands oi households and are considered
necessities of the medicine chest just as much as are camphor and
quinine. By those who use them the Woodbury remedies are considered
t possess wonderful recreative power, and the fact that they are manu-
factured from noted medicinal herbs without admixture of any mineral
substances or deleterious elements of any kind indicates that the fame
of In- medicines is based on substantial and enduring ground. Among
his most popular and effective remedies are Woodbury's Golden ( )il and
the Rheumatic King, and these and others have a wide and constant sale
in different parts of the county. Dr. Woodbury has an excellent and
well equipped laboratory in Cherokee, and his remedies are manufactured
with the greatest care and in accordance with the most scientific prin-
ciples of modern chemistry.
Dr. Woodbury is an old-timer in Crawford county, having located
here in 1871). a quarter of a century ago. He was born in Union City.
Randolph county. Indiana. April 25. 1X44. of an old family of that
state. His paternal grandfather, William Woodbury, who had been a
soldier in the war of 1812. settled in Indiana in [831, among the pioneers.
4«6 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Alonzo Woodbury, the father of Dr. Woodbury, is now living near
Arcadia. Kansas, at the very advanced age of eighty-five years, and
his wife, Elizabeth E. (Earheart) Woodbury, a native of the Mohawk
valley in New York, is also still living, a venerable old lady of eighty
years. The father has followed farming as his active occupation, has
been a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are Methodists. They
reared eight children, five daughters and three sons.
Dr. Woodbury was reared in Indiana, where he was taught above
all else the value of honest industry, but he was also well privileged
educationally. He studied in the medical colleges at Dayton and Union
Citv. Ohio, but began active practice before he received his sheepskin
of graduation. From Indiana he went to Page county, Iowa; was at
Rockport in Atchison county. Missouri, and then at Polo, Caldwell
county, in the same state, where he preached the gospel. He came out
to Kansas in 1S05. being a resident near Lawrence for awhile, and
since 1879 he has been an esteemed and useful citizen of Crawford
county. For several years he was also a faithful and zealous minister of
the Christian church, of which he is a consistent member.
lit was married in Page county, Iowa, in 1864. to Miss Nancy
Grove, a native of Ohio, and they have become the parents of the fol-
lowing children : Etta, George, Charles, Frank. Eldora, Delia, Bessie,
Fred, Ella and Ernest. Politically the Doctor is a Republican, and has
aways borne his share in affairs of the community and is a conscientious
and broad-minded man in every particular.
B. N. BROWN.
B. N. Brown, of Sheridan township, is a resident of Crawford
county of over twenty years" standing, having arrived here in 1882. He
is a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser, and having made a life work
of these industries has gained a leading place among the men of that
class 111 this section of the state.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 487
Born at Jerseyville, Terse) county, Illinois, November 30. 1840,
lie had just arrived at manh 1 when the Civil war came on, and in
August, [862, he responded to Lincoln's call and went up to Spring-
field and enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth
Illinois Infantry, under Captain Morgan and Colonel S. X. Sanders.
The regiment went into camp at Camp Butler: was sent south to Mem-
phis, and thence to Vicksburg, being cut off from the rest of the troops
for a time while o n the way thither; took part in the battles of Raymond
and Jackson. Mississippi, and in other operations around Vicksburg;
at the battle of Champion Hill- he was wounded, the captain of the com-
pany receiving a wound at the same time, but he kept right on with his
regiment; after the fall of Vicksburg, July 4, 1863, went south and wa-
in the siege of Spanish Fort and the capture of Mobile; at Montgomery,
Alabama, heard of the surrender of Lee ana the death of Lincoln, and
thence was sent to Memphis and on to ('amp Douglas in Chicago, where
he received his honorable discharge. The company in which Mr. Brown
served had the reputation of being the hest drilled infantry company
of the Illinois troops. Lieutenant Hall of the old Chicago Zouaves hav-
ing been their drillmaster, and the company was often exposed to the
hottest of the fighting.
Mr. Brown was a son of John ( iriff Brown, who was a pi< neer of
Jersey county, Illinois. His wife was Catherine Colean, of French
descent, and her family was also one of the first to settle in Jersey
countw The father died after the war at the age of sixty-six, and the
mother died at the same age. John < i. Brown was a farmer all his life,
and was a Democrat of the Jackson school, while his wife was a member
of the Methodist church. They were the parents of nine children, five
sons and four daughters, and two other of the sons were soldiers †”
F. M. being a member of an Illinois regiment and William M. being a
member of the One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois, and shortly after
his discharge was murdered.
Mr. Brown passed his early days on an Illinois farm, attending as
488 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
far as possible the public schools of his locality. In [867 he was mar-
ried to Miss Sarah Webber, who was born at Spring-field, Illinois, a
daughter of Phillip Webber, whose brother, Richard Webber, was a
Springfield editor for many years. In 1882 Mr. Brown came out to
Crawford county, and since that year has devoted his efforts successfully
to the prosecution of farm enterprises. His farm contains one hundred
and sixty acres, and his residence, the barn, orchard and all the equip-
ments indicate better than a further description how progressive and
prosperous he is in his work; He raises the general crops and also con-
siderable stock, and has made his business pay well.
Air. ami Mrs. Brown during their happy married life of over thirty-
five years have had ten children born into their home, named as follows:
Ida; Fannie, who was assistant postmaster for a time; Edith; Harry;
Ella; Bertha, who is a very proficient music teacher; Grace; Webber;
Bessie, deceased; and Roy, who died in childhood. Mr. Brown is a
stanch Republican. He and his wife and all the daughters are members
of the Methodist church, and he is a church trustee. He also served on
the school board for years, and has been a public-spirited and broad-
minded citizen, performing his share of the civic duties and taking a
deep interest in seeing that his community and county shall progress
as rapidly as possible.
THOMAS F. JONES.
Thomas F. Jones, who is engaged in the real estate, loan and
insurance business at Walnut. Crawford county, has been an enterpris
ing and active business man of various parts of the state for nearly
forty years, ever since boyhood, and there are few men who have been
more closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the south-
eastern part of the state than he. He is a self-made man, and has been
winning his own way since he was seventeen years old. He is popular
and well known over a large section of Kansas, and is particularly
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 489
prominent in Walnut, where he has lived and had the center of his
operations for almost thirty-six years.
Mr. Jones was born in Wyandotte, Crawford county, Indiana,
September 23, 1849, a s " n or Robert and Mary (Stockwell) Jones, who
were Kentuckians by birth. His father was a lawyer, and spent nearly-
all his life in Indiana, where he died in 1893, at tne a §' e ot ' seventy-three
years. His wife had passed away in 1855.
Mr. Thomas F. J< nes was educated in the schools of Indiana. He
started out for himself at the age of seventeen, and on October 6, 1866,
arrived in Fort Scott, Kansas. He remained only a short time there,
and then went to Chicago. In 1868 he returned to Kansas, and on
February 18 came to Walnut and began herding' cattle over the free
ranges, at that time there being hardly a single fence to obstruct passage
111 any direction across the county. After herding for a year he went
to Fort Scott, and for two years was a clerk in a hotel there. He then
became a clerk in Isaac Stadden's grocery, and continued in that busi-
ness until 1880, five vears of which time was spent on the road as a
traveling salesman. He established his home and family in Walnut in
1870. and when he left the mad 111 [880 he located there and engaged
in the real estate, loan and insurance business, which he has ever since
continued with excellent success.
Mr. Jones was married. April 8. [876, to Miss Mary E. Roe. a
daughter of Alonzo and Jane Roe. Her parents are both living in the
town of Walnut, and her father is an old gentleman who has passed the
eighty-fifth milestone of his career, and her mother has also attained to
great length of vears. being now at the age of eighty. Mr. and Mrs.
Jones have four children: Helen ( i. is the wife of Charles G. Wood-
worth, of Crawford county; Ruth is the wife of L. M. McCommon,
of Vera, Indian Territory; Robert R. lives in Hutchinson. Kansas: and
Forest is at home. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Mr. Jones is prominent in Masonry. He affiliates with Vulcan
Lodge Xo. 221). V. & A. M., at Walnut, also with the Chapter Hiram.
490 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
No. 30. R. A. M., with Palestine Commandery, No. 28, at Girard, and
has crossed the sands of the desert with the Abdalah Temple of the
Mystic Shrine at Leavenworth. Kansas. He is also a member of Lodge
No. 206, I. ( ). O. F. at Walnut, and Lodge No. 116. A. O. U. W.
WILLIAM H. ANDERSON.
William H. Anderson, manager for the Ryley-Wilson Grocery Com-
pany, at Pittsburg, Kansas, began his husiness career in this city in [887,
and has since risen to a place of prominence and influence among the
substantial business men of Pittsburg and Crawford count}-. He is
well versed in commercial affairs, and his genial personality and straight-
forward methods of dealing have enabled him to carry on a big trade for
his wholesale grocery firm in this section of the state.
.Mr. Anderson was born in Piatt comity, Illinois. January 1, 1864,
being a son of George Clinton and Nancy J. (Morris) Anderson. His
father was a native of Ohio, and followed farming as a life occupation.
He settled in Piatt county, Illinois, and from there moved to Jasper
county. Missouri, where he farmed until his death, in 1873. Mr. An-
derson's mother was born in Indiana, and is now seventy-three years old
and lives at his home in Pittsburg.
Mr. William H. Anderson was but a child when the family moved
to Missouri, and was only nine years old when he lost his father. He
was reared on the Jasper county farm, and received his education in the
district schools, lie engaged in farming in that county until he was
twenty-three years old, and in 1887 left the farm to go to Pittsburg,
Kansas, which is not far from his Missouri home. This city was just
then in it> era of great industrial and commercial development, and was
an inviting place for various enterprises. Mr. Anderson started in the
grocery husiness with \\". J. Ralph, with whom he remained six months
and then sold out his share to Mr. Shell. He afterward bought an in-
terest in the dray business of Silas Carr, and the firm remained for a
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 491
time as Carr and Anderson. Then Mr. Anderson's brother, E. F. An-
derson, bought Carr's interest, and the business was carried on as the
Anderson Brothers. Mr. Anderson subsequently bought his brother's
share, and later sold half of the business to David H. Sterling, their
important dray and transfer line being conducted at the present time
under the name of Anderson and Sterling. Mr. Andersen still retains
his partnership in this enterprise, although he gives his best energies and
attention to his work as manager of the Ryley-Wilson Grocery Com-
pany'-, branch in this city, having taken this position in 1897. This large
wholesale grocery has its main center in Kansas City, but with a branch
in Pittsburg and mie at Parsons, and their trade extends all over this
part nf the country. Mr. Anderson C a very popular man among his
associates, and has been the means nf drawing a great deal nf business
ti> his firm.
Mr. Anderson's executive ability has been valuable to bis city as
well as tu hi- business, lie was a member nf the city council in [896,
and in April. 1903, was again elected to that body as the representative
of the second ward. He is chairman of the light and water committee,
chairman of the buildings and grounds committee, and a member of the
ordinance and of the finance committee. He takes a public-spirited in-
terest in all matters pertaining to the welfare and progress of the city,
and is always willing to devote his attention and efforts to such affairs.
Mr. Anderson affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order nf Red Men and
the Fraternal Aid, and in politics is a Republican. He was married at
Pittsburg in [893 to Miss Minnie Reynolds, and they have three chil-
dren. Freddie F.. Ivy Pearl and Opal May.
GIDEON P. COLE.
Gideon P. Cole, a representative of the agricultural interests of
Crawford county, is now following farming and stock-raising just out-
492 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
side the city limits of Girard. He was born in New Brunswick, at the
head of the Bay of Fundy, on the 20th of March. 1827, and has. there-
fore, attained the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. He was
the ninth in order of birth in a family of eleven children, all of whom are
now deceased with the exception of himself and bis sister. Mrs. Ruth
Wheaton. His parents were Michael Grace and Cynthia ^Estabrook)
Cole, also natives of New Brunswick. The father was a farmer by oc-
cupation, and spent his entire life in the land of his birth, his death
there occurring in 1869, when be bad attained the age of seventy-six
years. His wife, surviving him for some time, passed away in 1885, at
the very advanced age of ninety-three years.
Gideon P. Cole was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads to
whom toil comes in early youth. When still but a boy be began work in
the helds. He \Vas educated in the schools of Xew Brunswick, and at the
age nf sixteen years be went to sea as a sailor, accompanying his brother
Rufus. who was a sea captain, lie followed that life for five years and
then made iiis way into the interior of the American continent, journey-
ing westward to Illinois. He afterward spent another year as a sailor
and then returned to Stephenson county, Illinois, where be followed mill-
ing and farming, conducting his dual pursuit there until 1868. In that
year be sold bis property and came to Kansas, driving across the coun-
trv to Crawford county. He located in the northeastern corner of this
county, about two and a half miles southwest of Cato, and there be lived
until 1883. In that year he took up his abode at Farlington. where he
remained for four years, and the succeeding year was passed in Girard,
whence he removed to his present farm, pleasantly located just outside
the city limits of Girard. Here he has one hundred and sixty acres of
rich and arable land, and while living near Cato be was the owner of
five hundred and thirty acres.
On the 25th of December, [849, Mr. Cole was united in marriage
to Miss Elizabeth Brown, a natnc of Michigan. They became the parents
of nine children: Cynthia, who is now the wife of Leroy 1 lemminguay.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 4!>3
of Liberal, Missouri; Mary, the wife of E. B. Black, who resides in
Cato, Kansas; George, who is manager for the Illinois Life Insurance
Company, at Topeka, Kansas, and is prominent in public affairs, having
served as county clerk of Crawford county for three terms, while for
three terms he was also slate auditor of Kansas; Theodore, who died
at the age of three years; Saphronia, who was a teacher in Crawford
county for five years and is the deceased wife of R. T. Grant; Xettie.
who was a teacher in Crawford county for ten years and is the wife of Dr.
M. Coryell, one of the pension examiners of Fort Scott and a practicing
physician and surgeon there; I. 11., who is bond clerk at Topeka, Kan-
sas, and was deputy clerk for four years; Xettie, who died at the age of
four months; and Charles, who died at the age of three years. The
mother of these children passed away on the ist of August, 1870, and
on the C2th of March. 1871, Mr. Cole was again married, his second
union being with Sarah A. Brook, a daughter of Cooper and Harriet
(Griffin) Brook, the former a native of Xew York, while the latter was
born in Vermont. Her father died in 1885. having passed the eighty-
second milestone on life's journey, and the mother passed away in 1894,
when eighty-four years .if age. To Mr. Cole and his second wife have
been born seven children: E. Grace, who is engaged in teaching in the
public schools of Kansas City, having followed the profession for seven
years, she being a graduate of the schools of Girard and of the normal
school ; Gertrude B., who was educated in music, and is the wife 1 if H. \V.
Hudgen, of Fort Scott, Kansas; Olive M.. who died at the age of five
months; Willis G, who is a graduate of the business college at ( Ittawa,
Kansas, and is now engaged in the laundry business at San Jose. Cali-
fornia; Rufus P.. who died at the age of three months; Frederick O.,
who died at the age of nineteen months; and Ralph Gideon, who is now
a student in the high school at Girard.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Cole hold membership in the Baptist church, take
an active part in its work and do all in their power to promote its influ-
ence and extend its field of usefulness. For four years Mr. Cole has
494 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
been one of the deacons of the church. Tie belongs to Girard Lodge No.
93, F. & A. M., at Girard, with which he lias been identified since [862,
and in his life lie exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. His polit-
ical allegiance is given to the Republican part} - , and he has been justice
of the peace and road supervisor, and was a member of the school hoard
for fifteen years. He takes a very active interest in all that pertains to
the public welfare here, and has co-operated in the material, intellectual,
political and moral advancement of the community. He has led a busy
and useful life- characterized at all times by honorable dealing and by
everything that is fair and just in his relations with his fellow men.
and in the evening of life he receives the unqualified confidence and re-
spect of those with whom he has been associated.
WILLIAM MOCK
William Mock, engaged in the hay. coal, transfer and delivery busi-
ness at Cherokee, is cue of the early settlers of Crawford county, having
come here in [866, shortly after the war. in which he had given a due
meed of faithful service and shown his patriotism to the fullest extent.
He is well known and esteemed in the business circles of the town, and
has accomplished a great deal in the years of his active career.
Born in Perry county. Pennsylvania, July 28, 1838, he spent the
first nineteen years of his life in that state, where he received his educa-
tional advantages and was taught to work and to prize industry and
faithful diligence. In 1857 he moved west to the state of Illinois, and at
Aledo. Mercer county, of that state, on August 6, 1862. he enlisted in
the Ninth Illinois Infantry, in Captain Alexander G. Hawe's company.
They were in cam].) at Cairo. Illinois, and then crossed to Paducah, Ken-
tucky. They took part in the siege and capture of Fort Donelson. were
at Shilob under General Richard Oglesby, and at that battle Mr. Mock
was wounded in both thighs, after which he was confined to the hospital
for three months ; was at the battle of Corinth, and some time later be-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 495
came a part of Sherman's army in the Atlanta campaign, participating at
Chickamauga, Resaca. Kenesaw Mountain, Big Shanty, Burnt Hickory,
and ether engagements. Fur a time he acted as guard at the headquar-
ters of General Dodge. On receiving his honorable discharge he re-
turned home to Illinois.
Mr. Mock was a son of Samuel and Mary Ann (Brower) Mock.
both natives of Pennsylvania, and of German stock. They moved out
to Illinois in 1S59. and in 1866 came to Crawford county, where the
father, who was a Democrat in politics, died at the age of eighty-four,
and the mother died at Fort Scott, aged sixty-four. They were ad-
herents of the Presbyterian church. Samuel Mock had eight children.
and three other of the sons were soldiers in the Civil war. namely: Abe,
of the Ninth Illinois; Jesse, also of the Ninth, who died of wounds re-
ceived at Shiloh; and John, of the Fifth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Mr. Mock, as has been mentioned, came to Crawford county in 1866,
and has since taken a prominent part in the various affairs of the county.
Plis business at Cherokee is a prosperous one, and it continues to increase
under his efficient and capable management. Mr. Mock is a Socialist
in the political trend of his thought. He affiliates with Shiloh Post of
the Grand Army.
He was married at Girard, in 1S74. to Miss Mary E. Blurton, and
they have spent a most happy married life of thirty years. She was a
daughter of William and Lucy (Pool) Blurton, both natives of Penn-
sylvania, the former of whom, a farmer and Democrat, died in Mis-
souri at the age of eighty-four, and the latter is living in Cherokee at the
age of eighty. Mr. and Mrs. Mock have the following children: Jesse,
William, Ed. Mattie, Minnie, Florence, and Samuel, who met death by
accident when seven years old.
CHARLES D. BELL.
Charles D. Bell, the prominent and well known mining and civil
engineer of Pittsburg, Kansas, has had a remarkable career in his pro-
496 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
fession during the few years that his still youthful manhood has given
him for such work. He has been connected with some of the foremost
coal mining and railroad enterprises in the country, and since locating
for independent work in Pittsburg he has found a wide field for his serv-
ices and has made a well deserved reputation. His comprehensive
knowledge and executive ability, gained through study in one of the
leading technical schools of the country and by practical experience un-
der most competent engineers and industrial magnates, enable him to
undertake and carry into successful completion the most arduous and diffi-
cult of mining operations, including not only the drawing of the plans.
but the putting them into operation.
Mr. Bell was born in Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, in 1875, so that his
birthplace and scenes of early life were among the industries in which
he was to take such a prominent part when arrived at manhood. His
parents were Samuel and Mary (Gamble) Bell. His father was a na-
tive of county Antrim. Ireland, and came to the United States in 1840,
when a very young man. settling in western Pennsylvania. He was a
farmer during the active period of his life, but later retired to the city
of Pittsburg, where he died in IQ03. IT is wife, a native of McKeesport,
Pennsylvania, is still living.
Mr. Charles Bell finished bis education in the Pennsylvania State
Normal School in Indiana. Pennsylvania, where he made a specialty in
the course of mathematics, surveying and civil engineering. After leav-
ing school he became a student, of both practice and theory, under bis
cousin. Selwyn M. Taylor, of Pittsburg, a distinguished mining engi-
neer.
Mr. Taylor took his place among the authorities on coal mining
during the earlv eighties. He bad received bis education in the Pitts-
burg high school, and studied engineering under K. L. McCully, whose
partner he became. Mr. Taylor became a millionaire, the foundation of
his fortune dating from his discovery of the Klondike coke region of
Pennsylvania, in 1895. which discovery came at a very opportune time.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 497
the Connellsville coke region (which the Klondike equals in richness)
having begun to decline at that time. From this time forward Mr. Tay-
lor's fortune developed rapidly. He formed several great coal com-
panies, notably the Eureka Company and the National Coal and Coke
Company, owning large mines and coking industries in western Penn-
sylvania. He became associated with H. C. Frick in developing the San
Bois coal fields in the northern part of the Choctaw Nation, Indian Ter-
ritory, and had coal interests in other parts of the country. In fact his
coal operations were almost world-wide, he being interested at the time
of his death in an exploring expedition to the orient, the principal object
of which was the discovery of coal fields. He was also the consulting
engineer of the Fort Smith and Western Railroad, which was built
through the coal fields of the Choctaw Nation. He suffered a tragic
death on January 26. 1904. On that date a report reached his office in
Pittsburg that an explosion had occurred in the Cheswick mines, four-
teen miles from Pittsburg, owned by the Allegheny Coal Company, of
which he was president, and that a large number of men were buried in
the mine. Mr. Taylor went to the scene immediately, organized a relief
expedition, of which he put himself at the head and went down into the
mine. While making the search for miners he was overcome by the gas
and. before he could lie taken out. died. The Pittsburg papers of that
date relate that Mr. Taylor died like a hero.
Mr. Bell worked under the skillful tutelage of Mr. Taylor for three
years, in Pennsylvania and Michigan, the last year and a half being em-
ployed in surveying and mapping mines in the Pittsburg district. He
then became connected with the James W. Ellsworth Coal Company as
engineer of construction in the erection of their No. 1 and No. _' plants
in Washington county. Pennsylvania, each plant having a capacity of
four thousands tons of coal daily. He also made a survey of twelve
thousand acres of coal land in that vicinity. He then became engineer
for the Southwestern Connellsville Coal Company, the coal department
of the Federal Steel Company, and served in that capacity for a year,
498 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
when the company was absorbed in the United States Steel Corporation,
and Ins department was reorganized as the H. C. Frick Coke Company,
for which company he was appointed division engineer. In January,
1902, Mr. Bell was commissioned by Frick and Mellon, the owners of
the Fort Smith and Western Railroad, to go as mining engineer to the
San I'm ns coal fields in Choctaw Nation. During bis two years there he
designed the plants, laid out the mines, erected tipples, set machinery,
and did other important work for the road's extensive coal interests in
that region.
In January. 1904, Mr. Bell opened his office in Pittsburg as a civil
and mining engineer, and has already made such connections as to in-
sure for him a fine future in this district. His large and important ex-
perience enables him to cope successfully with the most difficult problems
1 if mining engineering, and be has the important advantage of being able
to do all the work in connection with the locating and erection of a
mining plant, not only the surveying of the ground, but also the mechan-
ical and architectural work, including the erection of buildings, tipples,
setting machinery, etc. He has made a specialty of mining engineering,
but he has also done much railroad and municipal work, and is compe-
tent and thoroughly up to date in all departments of bis great profes-
sion. Mr. Bell has recently been appointed city engineer of the city of
Pittsburg.
U. S. TCDD.
U. S. Judcl, a retired farmer who is now spending the aftermath of
many years of successful industry in quiet retirement at McCune, is one
of the earliest settlers of Osage township, where be took up his residence
in the year 1868, a short time after he bad returned from bis military
service in the south, where he was one of the valiant soldiers for the
Union. He was living in Illinois when the war began, and he enlisted
at Springfield in September. 1861, in Company < i. Tenth Illinois Cavalry,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 499
under Captain Bates and Colonel Wickersham. They were in camp at
Camp Butler, Springfield, later went to Quincy, and then to Benton Bar-
racks, St. Louis, and from there to Aft. Vernon, Missouri. The}' were
a part of General Steele's command and took part in various operations
in the Mississippi valley up to and including the siege and capture of
Vicksburg; were then sent south, and took part in the Red River expe-
dition; and toward the close of the war marched across the Texas plains
to San Antonio, where they remained during the first months of the re-
construction period. They were then sent to Galveston and up north,
and received honorable discharge at Springfield. Illinois.
Mr. Judd is a native of Canada, having heen born near Toronto,
March 20, 1837. a son of Evi and Louise Judd, both natives of Canada.
When he was a baby he was brought by his parents to the United States,
their first location being in Ohio, and then in Sangamon county, Illinois,
near Springfield, where they were quite early residents. The father was
a farmer, and died in Sangamon county at the age of eighty. Politically
he was a Jackson Democrat. There were five children in the family, and
one other besides Mr. Judd is living, namely, Susan Ramsey, of St. Louis.
Mr. Judd was 1 eared <<n the old Illinois farm, and that he grew up
among pioneer conditions is shown by the fact that he attended one of the
old-fashioned log-cabin schools, one that had slab .seats, a fireplace, and
a broad plank against the wall for a desk for the older pupils, with such
other meager educational equipments as were then in vogue. After the
war he returned to Illinois, and was married near Springfield to Aliss
Martha Tibbs, and they have spent a happy married life of nearly forty
year-. Her lather, James Tibbs, was one of the early settlers of Sanga-
mon count)-, which will he remembered as the home of Lincoln, and Airs.
Judd in her childhood often played with the children of the great eman-
cipator. Her father and Lincoln were warm friends. Her mother was
Durinda Short, who was born at Springfield, her parents being among
the first settlers in that vicinity. James Tibbs and wife had the follow-
ing children: Margaret, Alary. Airs. Judd. Lazetta and Janette, but Airs.
500 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Judd and Mary are the only ones now living. Mrs. Judd's father died
at the age of thirty-three, leaving his widow and five children, and his
wife died at seventy-six. He was a Republican in politics, and he and
his wife were members of the Christian church.
\n i SoN .Mr. Judd and wife took a journey to Kansas in a prairie
schooner, camping out at night, and were twenty-one days on the road.
They located in Osage township, four miles north of McCune, and for
many years were successfully engaged in farming there. Mr. Judd devel-
oped two fine farms of eighty acres each, with two residences, two or-
chards, and all other accessories. After working out a prosperous career he
finally retired from active affairs and gave the management of his farms
into the hands of his sons, he and his wife moving to McCune, where
they have a beautiful home in.which to spend the remaining years of their
lives in comfort and ease, as they have truly deserved from their en-
deavors in the past. Air. ami Mrs. Judd lost a child at the age of four-
teen months, and a daughter died at the age of eighteen, she being jusl
at the entrance to womanhood and a popular and charming young lady
of man}' noble and endearing characteristics. They have five children
living: Edwin is on one of the farms; Albert, of Carthage, Missouri;
Maud Groff, of Carthage; Mary Sett, of Neosho county, Kansas: ami
Charley, "ii die of the farms. Mr. Judd. although formerly a Douglas
Democrat, i-> mm in the ranks of the Republican party. He is a member
of Osage Post No. 150. (i. A. R.. and be and bis wife are members of
the Christian church.
DR. T. W. PORTER
Dr. J. \Y. Porter, the late well known practitioner of Pittsburg,
was numbered among the medical fraternity of Crawford count) for
more than fifteen years, and established his large practice in Pittsburg
in [901, Outside of caring for a representative and extensive practice,
he had been prominent in bis profession in the association and literarj
j&mJZL
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 503
lines, and had also taken part in public affairs as far as his private inter-
ests would allow.
In the death of Dr. J. W. Porter, the medical profession as well
as the social arena of Pittsburg met with a loss that will he deeply felt.
He was of that affable, genial and cordial nature which passed as rays
of sunshine in the sick chamber as well as at home and the social circle.
He was a ripe scholar, and a man who aspired to elevate his worthy
calling and profession to a place of prominency in the county of Craw-
ford. He was so well and favorably known in the city of Pittsburg
and southeast Kansas in the medical profession, that all classes had
learned to revere him for his erudite knowledge and skill as a physician
and surgeon. The news of his sudden death occasioned by appendicitis
complicated with peritonitis, was received by the city with sorrow. He
had. apparently.- keen in normal health previous to his sudden attack at
Kansas City, whither he had gone on a business trip. He realized the
serious and grave nature of the attack and came home, where he was
confined till his death, which occurred December 14. 0)04, at Mt. Car-
mel Hospital after an operation had been performed.
Dr. Porter was a man of more than passing prominence and im-
portance in the medical profession, as he was a prominent factor in the
medical associations of Crawford county and southeastern Kansas.
He cared for his family, befitting his position, and left an affection-
ate wife and four intelligent children to mourn his death, as well as a
large circle of friends, who knew him as a man who was devoted to the
noble and self-sacrificing profession of physician. It 1- with pleasure
that these few sentiments of tribute can he truthfully written of Dr.
J. W. Porter, to lie placed on the pages of the history of Crawford
county, where he had prosecuted his labors for almost seventeen years.
Dr. Porter was horn on a farm in Jefferson county. Indiana, Feb-
ruary 9, 1850. He received his early education in the country schools
and the Madison township high school, remaining on the home farm
until 1877. He then went to Piatt county. Illinois, where he was en-
504 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
gaged in teaching school for four years, and at the same time read
medicine. He graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine at
Louisville in 1883. and for a short time practiced at Deland and Parnell,
Illinois. In 1885 he moved out to Jetmore. Kansas, and in 1888 estab-
lished his practice in Litchfield. Crawford county, and in 1901 in Pitts-
burg.
Dr. Porter was a member of the Crawford County Medical Society,
the Southeastern Kansas Medical Society, the Kansas Medical Society
and the American Medical Association. He was the organizer, in 189 1,
of the Southeastern Kansas Medical Society, and served as its president
in 1002. He organized the medical society of this county in 1904. He
was corresponding secretary of the state society in 1899, and its presi-
dent in i<;02. He was a prominent Mason, belonging to the Pittsburg
Lodge and Chapter, the Mt. Joie Commandery and the Abdallah Tem-
ple of the Mystic Shrine. He was a worker in the Republican ranks,
and was elected and served two years as coroner of Crawford count}'.
He was chairman of the Crawford county pension board, and also county
health officer. He had been a leading contributor to medical journals,
perhaps more so than any physician in the county, and the interesting
chapter on the history of medicine in Crawford county, to lie found in
this volume, is also the product of his pen.
Dr. Porter married, at Mansfield, Illinois. September 6, 1882, Miss
Tosie Sheppard. They have one son and three daughters: Herbert,
aged eighteen; Leila, fifteen; Glenn E.. thirteen: and Mary, eleven.
T. S. McWILLIAMS.
T. S. McWilliams, who since 1872 has made his home in Crawford
township and during much of this time has been actively engaged in
fanning in Crawford county, hut is now living a retired life, was born
in Highland county, Ohio, on the 1st of January, 1830. His parents,
Phillip and Eleanor (Collier) McWilliams. were both natives of Penn-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 505
sylvania, and are now deceased. The son pursued his education in the
public schools of Ohio and remained at home until twenty-one years of
age, assisting in the work of the fields from the time of early spring
planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn. On attaining his
majority he began farming on his own account, and in 1856 removed to
[owa, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for thirteen years, meet-
ing with fair success in his undertakings there. In 1872 he came to
( raw ton 1 count}-. Kansas, where he rented a farm one mile from Girard.
The following year he purchased a claim of .me hundred and sixty acres,
upon which lie is now living, and he has since added to this a tract of
forty acres, so that his farm comprises two hundred acres of land, which
is rich ami arable. ( )wing to his unfaltering industry he placed his farm
under a very high state of cultivation and added to it main- modern im-
provements and equipments. lie was progressive in all of his farm
methods, using the latest improved machinery in the cultivation of his
fields, and by his careful management he won a. handsome competence
that now enables him to live retired, his land being rented and thus re-
turning to him a good annual income.
In i860 Mr. McWilliams was united in marriage to Miss Mary Coffej .
a daughter of Thomas and Eleanor Coffey, both of whom were natives
of Virginia. Five children have graced this marriage: William, who
is now living in Pueblo, Colorado; A. Lincoln, who follows farming in
Craw ford county; Ella, who is the wife of William Gemmell, a resident
farmer of the same township; Belle, the wife of S. C. Copenhaver. of
(raw ford township: and Hattie, the wife of Walter Naff, of Beulah,
Kansas. Mr. McWilliams ami his wife are members of the Presbyterian
church, and he is deeply interested in both the moral and intellectual
development as well as material prosperity of his community. He has
served as a member of the school hoard and has given active and helpful
co-operation to many measures for the general good.
506 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
NORMAN COUGHENOUR.
Norman Coughenour, prominent liveryman and real estate owner
of Pittsburg, Kansas, has been in the livery business in this city for a
longer period than any of his competitors, and in fact, established his
first enterprise of the kind when the city was in its first stages of rapid
growth. He has been a successful man in his business, and has a good
financial standing in Pittsburg and Crawford county. He has known this
enmity from pioneer times, and has been both a witness and a co-worker
in the marvelous progress that has placed Pittsburg among the leading
industrial centers of the state and the county up with the banner agricul-
tural sections.
Mr. Coughenour was born in Gallia county, Ohio, in 1851. and is
a. son of William and Clara (Scott) Coughenour, the former of whom is
one of the oldest men in the city of Pittsburg, and has the distinction of
having experienced pioneer life in three different states of the Mississippi
valley. William Coughenour was born in 1824, in the most picturesque
part of Old Virginia, Rockbridge county. At the age of six years he
was brought across the Allegbanies by his parents, who crossed the Ohio
in (830 and settled in Gallia county, where his father cleared a farm from
the dense forest and made his home for many years. He was reared and
educated there, but in 1870 came further west, locating 011 a farm near
Harrisonville. Cass county. Missouri. About 1875 the entire family
moved over into Crawford county. Kansas, and located on a farm north-
east of Girard. William Coughenour lived there for several years, and
then moved into Pittsburg, where he is still living, at the advanced age
of eighty years.
Norman Coughenour was reared and educated in Ohio, and was
nineteen years old when he moved to Missouri. He soon afterward
moved from Cass county into Barton county. Missouri, which was then
but sparsely settled, and there be broke up several hundred acres of raw
prairie with teams of oxen. He moved to Kansas with the rest of the
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 507
family in 1875, but after a short time returned to Barton county and
farmed his place for two years. He then took up what has proved to
be his permanent place of residence in Crawford county. In 1881. when
Pittsburg' was just beginning- its rapid growth, he decided to come to
this city and engage 111 business. He established a livery stable with
Mr. Miller, whose interests he afterward bought, and has conducted the
concern ever since. The name of the firm is now Coughenour and Com-
pany, his sons being associated with him now. He also carries on a
transfer business, and the two together compose an important local in-
dustry. The present substantial building was erected in 1891, at 1 10
West Fifth street. In 1901 Mr. Coughenour completed the Coughenour
block on the northeast corner of Fifth and Broadway. This is a business
building, with stores on the first floor and offices on the second, and is
one of the best and most modern commercial blocks in Pittsburg. He
also owns other real estate interests, and through his good business judg-
ment and foresight has become very prosperous.
Mr. Coughenour is a Republican in principle, but has usually voted
independently and for the best man for the office. He served one term
as a member of the city council. By his wife. Nannie (Stephenson)
Coughenour. he has rive children. Charles E., Franklin I 7 ... Myrtle, Agnes
and Emma.
ADMIRAL X. WINCHELL.
Admiral X. Winched, of Sheridan township, 1- an old-timer of
Crawford county, with whose history he has been identified as a factor
in its making, as well as a worker for his individual prosperity, for thirty-
five years. Stock-raising and general farming have been the pursuits
in which he has achieved especial success, and he is recognized as one of
the leaders in these basic industries which mean so much for the wealth
and permanent welfare of the county. Although his lifetime has wit-
nessed most of the decades of the past century and he is now more than
508 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
threescore and ten, he yet retains active direction of affairs and the vigor
and vitality which upheld him in his strenuous earlier years still remain
with him in declining' old age.
Mr. Winchell belongs to the Crawford county veterans of the Civil
war. He was living in Schuyler county, Illinois, when the war broke out.
and in August, 1862, responded to Lincoln's call for more troops, and
from that time on until considerably after the war — some of the best
years of his life — he was in the service of his country. From the camp
at Quincy, Illinois, he was sent to Columbus, Kentucky: was at the Da-
vidson Mills and Holly Springs engagements; at Black River Bridge,
and at Jackson ; at the siege of Vicksburg and the Meridian raid : went
south and took part at Yellow Bayou, Alexandria, Pleasant Hill, in the
Red River expedition; after his return to Vicksburg he was sent to Mis-
souri to fight the Confederates under Price; was then at Nashville; took
part in the operations at Fort Blakely and Spanish Fort, after which he
was sent to Montgomery. Alabama, where he heard of the surrender of
Lee and the assassination of Lincoln ; was stationed at Mobile, and re-
mained there throughout the days of reconstruction in the Confederacy.
Being a vigorous specimen of sturdiest manhood, standing six feet and
three inches, and a commanding figure wherever seen, he was selected
as flag bearer of his company, and refused a second lieutenacy in order
to carry the starry banner at the head of his company.
Mr. Winchell was born in Jennings county. Indiana. July 1. 1827,
and when three years old he was left an orphan by the death of his
father, Walter Winchell. He was then bound out to Levi Hunter, with
whom he remained until he was of age, and during all that time he en-
joyed eleven months of schooling. But he waxed strong and large un-
der '.he invigorating work of the farm, and obtained a training in honest
industry and 111 hardened muscular vigor which have stood him in good
stead all his life. At the age of twenty-four, in January. 185 1. he mar-
ried Miss Julia A. Underw 1. who was horn in Jefferson county. In-
diana, a daughter of Zachariah and Sarah (Tones) Underwood, the
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 509
former a native of Virginia and who died in Indiana at the age of sixty-
eight, and the latter a native of Georgia and who died at the age of forty-
five.
Mr. and Mrs. Winchell soon after their marriage moved to Schuy-
ler county, Illinois, which remained their home until 1870, which was the
date of their arrival in Craw ford county. Mr. Winchell is the owner of
a fine farm of four hundred and forty acres in Sheridan township, sit-
uated in the valley about a mile ami a half from Monmouth, and this
i- recognized as one of the most productive and best managed places in
the count)'. Besides the comfortable country residence, there is a barn
fifty by fifty feet, with a rock foundation, and everything is in keeping
with modern methods of agriculture. Mr. Winchell has been very suc-
cessful as a stockman, and stili takes much interest in active affairs.
Mr. and Mrs. Winchell had the following children: Joseph Leroy,
of Cherokee; Levi Albert, of Greeley Center, Nebraska, a successful bnsi-
ness man of that place; Anna Bell, married and living at Mt. Carmel,
Kansas: William died at the age of forty-six years; Grant, the youngest,
died in March. IQ03, at the age of thirty-five. Mr. and Mrs. Winchell
have two granddaughters, Orla and Millie, who make their home with
them and are popular and successful teachers in this county. For many
years Mr. Winchell was a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and he is also a Mason. He is a member and active in the
affairs of the Grand Army.
THOMAS W. HOWE.
Thomas W. Howe, the efficient chief of the fire department of Pitts-
burg, Kansas, has held this position for the past two years, and lias in
that time made Pittsburg noted for the excellence of its fire-fighting
force and for its unexcelled equipment and system in a city of the same-
size. He went about the organization of his department in his practical
and energetic way. and in this, as in his previous efforts, met with results
510 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
that are pointed to with pride by his fellow citizens. He has had a va-
ried career, and is entirely a man of self-achievement, having relied
on his own efforts ever since he was eleven years of age. For which
reason he is highly deserving of the esteem and personal regard in which
lie is held by his friends and associates, and for the past ten years he has
been numbered among Pittsburg's public-spirited and enterprising citi-
zens.
Mr. Howe was born at Fairbury, Livingston county, Illinois, in
1868. His parents were Charles and Jennie (Gibb) Howe, the former
a native of Somerset, England, and the latter of Scotland. His father
served eleven years in the British army, and for his bravery in the Cri-
mean war received a medal from Queen Victoria, and also other medals
for military service. After his emigration to the United States he
became a coal miner and a coal operator in Illinois. He first lived at
Fairbury, Livingston county, and later moved to La Salle county and
located at Streater. He was killed in a gas explosion October 29, 1879.
His widow was afterward married to Thomas Robinson, a prominent busi-
ness man. and they both reside in Streator.
Mr. Thomas W. Howe can lie said to have almost been reared in the
mine-, for he began working in them when he was eleven years old and
continued at that occupation until he was between nineteen and twenty.
November 20, 1887, he began work for the Santa Fe Railroad with their
steel gang on their new line between Galesburg and Chillicothe. He
later became a brakeman on the same road, and worked in that capacity
until June 3, 1890, when he was made a conductor on a local run be-
tween Pekin and Streator. On December 8. 1891, he became conductor
of the local between Joliet and Chicago, which position he held for about
three years. On July 5. 1894, he resigned this place because of the great
strike of that year, and on August II, following, arrived in Pittsburg.
His first work was as a miner for the Wear Coal Company, but after
three months he took a position as conductor on the Kansas City. Pitts-
burg and Gulf Railroad, being in charge of the local run from Pittsburg
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 511
to Siloam Springs. He retained tins position only from November 19
to December 25, 1894. and then became mule boss for the Wear Coal
Company. He was thus employed until April 1 1. [895, when he was ap-
pointed deputy city marshal of Pittsburg, and was connected with the
police force until 1000, in which year the Republicans of the city elected
him to the office of city marshal, in which he remained for sixteen
months, resigning to join his brother. C. H. Howe, in conducting the
Pittsburg Steam Laundry. As a policeman be made a tine record. When
lie became a member of the force the city was infested with a criminal
class and there was much outlawry, but he was of material assistance in
making Pittsburg a most law-abiding place and in clearing out mam' of
the undesirables from the city.
In 1902 the municipal authorities asked Air. Howe to take charge
of the city fire department as chief, and he accepted the appointment at
the hands of Mayor Hunter. In 1903 he was reappointed by Mayor
Price.' As soon as he entered on bis duties he began to put the depart-
ment on a business basis. He collected copies of fire ordinances and
rules and regulations from a number of large cities, especially from San
Francisco, and after selecting the best of these and the ones suitable for
1 city like Pittsburg he made his recommendations to the mayor and
council, who soon adopted an excellent system of fire regulations and
laid the foundation for an efficient fire department. He next had the
appropriations for fire-fighting increased, procured the purchase of mod-
ern apparatus and the employment of a larger force of trained and uni-
formed firemen at better salaries. Pittsburg now takes great pride in
the fact that it has the largest, best equipped and most efficient tire de-
partment of an}- city of its size in the country, and the greater share of the
credit for this excellent municipal improvement is due to Mr. Howe.
Mr. Howe affiliates with the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Flks. with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He was married in Chicago, February
25, [893, to Miss Margaret Davis, of that city. They have five children:
Frank, Vera, lessie, and twins. Ray K. and Robert G.
512 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
REV. J. J. O'BRIEN.
Rev. J. J. O'Brien has been watching over the spiritual affairs of
the Catholic church at Walnut since the fall of iqoi. He is one of the
younger members of the priesthood, but his zeal and devotion to his no-
ble work have borne much fruit since he took his ordination degrees
and came to America some four years ago. He has found many ways
in which to exert his influence for good and to build up and strengthen
the limits of his demesne, and his parishioners at Walnut and the vicin-
ity esteem and revere him for his own sweetness and beauty of character
and the work he is accomplishing among them.
The Rev. Father O'Brien was born in county Kerry. Ireland, June
[8, [875. At the age of sixteen he began the study of the classics in
preparation for the ministry, and in 1804 entered St. Patrick's College.
Carlow, where, after six years of study, he was ordained to the priest-
hood in June, 1900. Tn the following October be came to America for
bis future field of labor, and after a short sojourn at the pro-cathedral
at Wichita, Kansas, was appointed assistant to Dr. Joseph A. Pompeney.
at Hutchinson. Tn the fall of iqoi he was assigned to Walnut.
E. L. SMITH.
E. L. Smith, a well known and prosperous farmer and stock-raiser
of Crawford township, Crawford county. Kansas, has spent all the years
of his manhood in this county, and these thirty odd years of intelligent
effort directed to a definite end have been exceedingly fruitful in both
the things that make one's material welfare and in the acquisition of that
esteem ami confidence on the part of one's fellow citizens which form such
.•m important adjunct of a well spent career.
Mr. Smith was born in Washington county, Virginia, September
15, 1850, being a son of Daniel D. and Rachel (Edmonson) Smith, na-
tives of Tennessee and Virginia, respectively, and the former of whom
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 513
died in Virginia in 1887. and the latter in Crawford county in 1890.
Mr. Smith was educated in the common schools of Virginia, and
lived in that state until he was twenty-one years old. He arrived in
Crawford county. Kansas, on November 11. 1871, ami for the first two
years worked by the month on the farm of C. A. Hewett. He then
moved to the one hundred and sixty acres which forms a part of his pres-
ent farmstead, and to this he has since added one hundred and sixty
acres more, so that he has one of the model farms of Crawford county,
well improved and cultivated, and, under his management, exceedingly
productive. He has gained his property by his own industry and good
judgment, and is thoroughly deserving of the prosperity which has come
to him.
Mr. Smith married, in May. 1875, Miss J. S. Hewett. a daughter of
the Rev. C. A. Hewett, one of the early and well known settlers of Craw-
ford county. Five children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Smith:
Martha Virginia is in Kansas City studying to he a trained nurse; Doren
is at home; Ralph attends the high school at Cherokee; and Grace and
Wiley are at home. The family are members of the hirst Baptist church
at Girard. Mr. Smith has served as school treasurer of his district for
a number of years, and has been public-spirited and helpful in all mat-
ters affecting the community. He is independent in politics.
JOHN THARP.
John Tharp, Mulberry, where he is now living retired from active
pursuits, is an old-timer of Crawford count)- and has lived here and
been a factor 111 industrial and civic affairs for some thirty-seven years.
During this time he has witnessed the development of the county from
pioneer conditions to one of the most flourishing and progressive coun-
ties of the state, and for his own part he has never been behind hand in
assisting in this work of progress and advancement.
Mr. Tharp is also honored as one of the Civil war veterans now re-
514 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
siding in this county. He enlisted in August. 1862, in Company F,
Ninety-fourth Illinois Infantry, the company being successively com-
manded by Captains Walden and Denison. The regiment was in camp
at Benton Barracks. St. Louis, was sent to Rollo, Missouri, then to
Springfield, and took part in several encounters with Price's and Marma-
duke's men ; was later sent to the siege of Yicksburg, where it was when
the city surrendered on July 4. 1863; then went on the Banks expedition
up Red river, and was in operations throughout Louisiana and into
Texas ; was later put on transports and sent across the gulf to Browns-
ville. Texas, and after being in that state three months returned to Mo-
bile, Alabama, thence to Galveston. Texas, during which time hostilities
came to an end. was sent back to Illinois, and Mr. Tharp received his
honorable discharge at Springfield in July, 1865.
Mr. Tharp was born in Delaware county, Ohio, November 12, [828,
being a son of James and Leah (Decker) Tharp. both natives of New
[ersey and of German descent. Both parents died in Clark county, Illi-
nois, the father at eighty-four and the mother at seventy-two. They
were members of the Baptist church, and he was a carpenter by trade.
and in politics a Democrat. There were the folk .wing children in their
family: James 1).. Hiram. Ida, Phoebe. Mary A.. John. Jackson and
Harriett.
Mr. Tharp was reared and educated in Delaware county, Ohio, and
was married there in February, 1850, to Miss Martha W. Trumbull, who
had been a successful teacher before her marriage. She was born near
Buffalo, in Erie county, New York, being a daughter of Samuel W. and
Harriett (Wells) Trumbull. Her grandfather was a Revolutionary sol-
dier, and her father took part in the battle at Sackett's Harbor in the
war of 1 S i _> . Her father was bom in Connecticut and her mother in
Canada. There were nine children in the Trumbull family, of whom
Mr-. Tharp is the oldest, the others being: Oliver, Robert, Celesta M..
Louis K.. Wescott S., Henry I... Leonard A., and Rachel. Four of the
suns, Wescott, Henry, Leonard and Robert, were soldiers in the Civil
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 515
war, and Leonard died during the war. The nfother of this family died
in Allen county, Kansas, at the age of seventy-two, and the father at
Girard when eighty-seven years old. The latter was a vigorous and ac-
tive man almost to his last days, successfully followed farming for many
years, and in politics was a Whig and Republican.
Mr. Tharp left Ohio in 1853. and located in Clark county, Illinois,
being there for eight years, and then lived near St. Louis, Missouri, for
two years, after which he was in McLean county. Illinois, until [868.
In the latter year he came to this county, experiencing pioneer conditions
for the first years of his residence, and he gradually became established
as one of the substantial and prosperous farmers of the county. A few
years ago he sold his fine farmstead of one hundred and sixty acres, and
moved to a comfortable cottage home in Mulberry, where he and his
wife intend to spend the declining years of their lives, surrounded by
the comforts which worthy efforts and the friendship of many in their
community have brought to them. Their three sons are now grown and
have taken their places in the world of affairs as enterprising and honor-
able men, a credit to the rearing and training which the}- have received
from their revered parents. These sons are Morris Vernon, who is a
fine mechanic residing in Walla Walla. Washington; James A., in the
creamery business in Girard; and Henry, who has been a teacher and
was postmaster at Mulberry for seven years, and is now cashier of the
Mulberry Bank. The boys, as well as their parents, are members of die
Methodist church and actively support the cause of religion. Mr. Tharp
is a stanch Republican, and is affiliated with the G. A. R. post.
FRED W. DRUNAGEL.
Fred W. Drunagel. a building contractor, and senior member of
the well known Pittsburg firm of Drunagel and Staneart, has been prom-
inently connected with Crawford county's agricultural interests for about
twenty years, and since 1896 has taken a leading part in the building
516 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
operations of Pittsburg and vicinity. He is known for his enterprising
and energetic American characteristics, although he is a sturdy German
by birth and racial connections, and his career in the United States has
been fruitful, prosperous and entitling him to the high esteem and re-
gard of his associates and fellow citizens.
Mr. Drunagel was born in Germany in 1853, and was brought to
this country in 1859. His father, Casper Drunagel, located at Dover,
near Cleveland, ( )hio, and Mr. Drunagel's youth was passed on the home-
stead farm there. He became acquainted with all the details of farm
work, and has always retained a liking for the life of an agriculturist.
He had a common school education, and afterward learned the carpen-
ter and builder's trade at Cleveland, where he also did work as a jour-
neyman. He left Cleveland in the spring of 1877 and went west to New-
Mexico, where he secured some building- contracts with the Santa Fe
Railroad. He carried on this work in that territory for eight years, be-
ing located at Albuquerque, Las Vegas and other points.
While there the desire seized him to get a little nearer to mother
earth and be 1 farmer once more, and be especially wanted to get a good
farming location in the west and have his father come out from Ohio
and occupy it. He bad been very much impressed with Crawford county
land when he passed through that country, and be accordingly cor-
responded with parties in this county and made arrangements for the
purchase of land in Baker township. His father then moved from Ohio
and took up his abode on this place. Mr. Drunagel himself arrived
shortly afterward from New Mexico, and was engaged in farming with
his father until the latter's death, in 1805. In 1896 he moved to Pitts-
burg and resumed bis building operations, in which be has been remark-
ably successful. He has since formed a partnership with John E. Stan-
eart, and they compose one of the leading building and contracting firms
in this section of the state. Mr. Drunagel has had the contracts for put-
ting up many of the large private and business structures of this city.
among them being the Mousney block, the Johnson Business College
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 517
building, the Lindski building, the residences of H. P. Foster and Dr.
Wilhams. The firm now have contracts for several school buildings of
the place.
Air. Drunagel was married in the state of Ohio in 1885. to Miss
Mary Ostermeyer, and they are the parents of four children : Louise,
Everett, Emma and Frank.
DR. GEORGE S. MOFFATT.
Dr. George S. Moffatt, who has rapidly come into prominence in
the dental profession since establishing himself for practice in Pitts-
burg about three years ago. is a young man of ability, enterprise and
especially dextrous skill in his line of work, and the results of his practice
have already given him a large and steadily increasing patronage from
among the best citizens of Pittsburg and the surrounding country.
Dr. Moffatt was horn at LeSueur. Minnesota, in 1876. being a son
nf Arthur B. and Fannie ( Snow ) Moffatt. the former a native of Illinois
and the latter of Xew York state. His father was a prominent business
man with extensive interests at LeSueur, Minnesota, for twenty years,
and has a commanding position in public and business affairs. He was
treasurer of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, whose annual
fair at St. Paul-Minneapolis is the best state fair in the United State-.
lie ami his wife are now residents of St. Joseph. Michigan, where he is
connected with the Cooper- Wells Hosiery Company.
George S. Moffatt was reared at LeSueur, where he was educated,
being graduated from the high school. He also graduated from the
commercial college at Mankato, Minnesota, and then took up hi
fessional studies in the dental department of the Northwestern Univer-
sity at Chicago, where he was graduated with the degree of 1). 1). S. in
1900. He gained six months of valuable practical experience in the
office of Dr. F. B. Merrill, of Chicago, who is a noted specialist in
crown and bridge work. Early in 1901 Dr. Moffatt came to Pittsburg,
518 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
which lie has found a most inviting field for his work. His office was
with the late Dr. J. W. Porter, who is the author of the history of the
medical profession in Crawford county which finds its proper place in
this work.
Dr. Moffatt was married in 1903 to Miss Blanch Andrews, of Luna.
Ohio, and the daughter of a prominent oil operator of that place. The
doctor and his wife are prominent in the social circle of the young people
of Pittsburg, and have made many friends during their residence here.
MESHACK PURDUM.
Meshack Purdum is one of the honored and respected early citizens
of Crawford county, having come here in 1874. thirty years ago. He
has followed farming most of his career, and has been a very successful
man in all his enterprises, being now retired from active duties and
spending his declining years in the prosperity which his strenuous devo-
tion to affairs in early life has gained.
He belongs to a noted soldier family, one which sent forth many of
its members to battle for the country, and he himself was one of the first
to enlist in the cause of the Union. His enlistment took place in Mc-
Donough count}'. Illinois. June 10. 1861, in response to Lincoln's call
for seventy-five thousand men. The Illinois quota was already full when
he enrolled, and he was at first assigned to Company C of the Ninth
Missouri, but was later transferred to Company C. Fifty-ninth Illinois
Infantry, under Captain Veach, and his active service was all with that
regiment. Ik- was in the battle of Pea Ridge. Arkansas, and in other
operations in Missouri, where he was sick in the hospital for some time.
He was at the siege of Corinth, at Perryville, Kentucky, at Nashville,
and at the battle of Stone River was wounded by a minie ball in the right
shoulder. After spending two months in the hospitals at Nashville,
Louisville and Ouincy. he joined his regiment at Murphreesboro, whence
he crossed the mountains to join Sherman's forces then preparing for
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 519
the advance upon Atlanta. He was under General Honker at Chicka-
matiga, Resaca, Lookout Mountain, Burnt Hickory. Kenesaw Moun-
tain. Buzzards Roost, and the other engagements culminating in the
siege and capture of Atlanta. He was then put in the army which went
back to engage Hood in Tennessee, being in the battles at Franklin and
Nashville, and following Hood's army to the Tennessee river. After
those operations he took boat down the Mississippi to the gulf, thence
to Green Lake and San Antonio. Texas, being a part of General Sheri-
dan'- forces sent into that state. lie was stationed for a time at New
Braunfels, and on Christina-- day of [865, eight months after the close
of hostilities, he received his honorable discharge in Texas, lie took
the stage for two hundred miles to Galveston, thence crossed the gulf
on a boat which took fire and was nearly sunk, and finally reached home
after having given a long and creditable service to his country. Tie was
a corporal during most of In- service.
Mr. Purdum was born in Ross county. Ohio, near Chillicothe.
April 25, [835, being a son of Samuel and Rebecca (Tulles) Purdum,
both natives of Maryland. Samuel Purdum's brother Meshack had
six sons who went as soldier- to the Civil war. Mrs. Rebecca Purdum
died when her son Meshack was a child, and she left five other children,
as follows: John Y\\. deceased; Abraham, who was a soldier of the
Eighty-fourth Illinois and died of wounds at Nashville: Samuel, who
was a soldier of the Fifty-ninth Illinois; James, of the Eighty-fourth
Illinois; and the one daughter. Martha, deceased. The father by a second
marriage had six children, and one of the sons, Francis M.. was also a
soldier in the Fifty-ninth Illinois, — certainly a most creditable record
m military affairs for the families of two brothers. Samuel Purdum.
the father, died in Illinois, in [878, at the age of seventy-seven. lie
was a farmer by occupation, politically a Whig and a Republican, and
he and hi- wife were faithful Methodists, lie had come to Illinois in
1838, being one of the very early settlers.
Mr. Purdum. who was reared and educated in the early davs of
520 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Illinois, was married, some time after his return from the war, in 1867,
to Miss Laurinda Cox, who has been his sharer of joys and success for
thirty-seven years. She was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, being a
daughter of Jacob and Sarah Ann (Burton) Cox, who were natives of
Ohio and settled in Illinois about 1835, thus coming even earlier than
the Purdums. They lived in a log cabin, and Airs. Purdum's father
often shut wild turkeys from his door. There were twelve children in
the Cox family, and four are living. Warren. Mrs. Purdum. Rowena
McPherson and Eunice Buck. Two of the sons were soldiers, Chris-
topher, win 1 died in 1902, being a member of the Seventy-eighth Illinois,
and John J. enlisting but succumbing to disease before reaching his
regiment. The mother of this family died at the age of sixty-five, and
the father at seventy-seven.
On coming to Crawford county in 1874 Mr. Purdum settled on an
excellent farm three miles north of Cherokee, where he was successfully
engaged in fanning for a number of years. He has since sold his
countrv estate and bought a line modern dwelling in town, with ample
grounds and everything convenient and comfortable. He also owns a
residence and lot adjoining, so that he is owner of some very valuable
property in Cherokee, and he has a delightful home in which he ami
his good wife may pass their last years. He and his wife are members
of the Methodist church at Cherokee, and he is a member of Shiloh Post
No. 56, <i. A. R. In politics he is a Republican, ami always lends his
influence t< progress and advancement in matters concerning either the
local or national policies.
The record of Mr. and Mrs. Purdum's children is as follows:
Martha A. Hanes. now living in Pittsburg, was a successful teacher
before her marriage; Miss Ivy E. is a graduate of the State Normal
and now a member of the faculty of instructors at Emporia; Jacob A.
is an employe of the Hamilton Coal Company; one child died at the age
of nineteen months: the son Frederick, who was a teacher, died at the
twenty-six, and he was Mich an aspiring and enterprising young
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 521
man and had so many friends among all his associates that "his loss was
the occasion of deep grief throughout the community and especially to
his parents, who still hallow his memory in their bereaved hearts.
LOUIS FRANKLIN SCHIRK.
Louis Franklin Schirk. a locomotive engineer and a well known
citizen of Pittsburg, being one of the city councilmen. has made a fine
record in the operating department of the Kansas City Southern Rail-
way, as well as in all other enterprises with which he has heen connected
during his very busy and successful lifetime. His career has especial
interest because he carried out a fixed determination to a successful
accomplishment, and this case anions- those of so many mortals who drift
fr< mi one shore of life's sea to another, sometimes finding good fortune
and again the ill, is a most -pleasing phase of Mr. Schirk*s life. Besides
having achieved a high degree of success as a railroader, he has heen a
very public-spirited citizen in local politics and other affair-, and has
gained a well deserved popularity during his years of residence in the
thriving city of Pittsburg.
Mr. Schirk was born in Milwaukee. Wisconsin, in [863, a son of
Ambrose and Mariette (Ackerman) Schirk. His paternal ancestn is
French, and his father was born in France, from which country he came
to America when about three years old. His younger years were passed
mainly in Milwaukee, and from that city he enlisted in the Civil war.
in the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Regiment, and served as a loyal soldier
of the Union throughout the war. About 1S82 he brought his family to
southwest Missouri and located on a farm nine miles west of Neosho,
where he died.
Mr. L. F. Schirk was reared and received his education in Mil-
waukee, and at the age of nineteen accompanied the rest of the family
to southwest Missouri. He followed farming there until 1888, anil then
started in to carry out his ambition to become a railroad engineer, for
522 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
which occupation he had cherished almost a passionate fondness since
boyhood. He began working in the mechanical department of the
Kansas City Southern Railway (then known as the Kansas City, Pitts-
burg and Gulf). His start was on the lowest round of the ladder, and
he went through the grades from wiper, fireman, etc.. until his promo-
tion as engineer came in recognition of merit. In point of length of
service on this road, he is now die oldest locomotive engineer, and this
fact is of much advantage to him in many ways. He has bad engine
runs on all the divisions between Kansas City and Mena, Arkansas,
and is now in charge of the passenger run between Pittsburg and Mena.
He has a clean anil efficient record of service with the company, and is
valued accordingly by his employers.
Air. Schirk has made his heme in Pittsburg for the past six years,
and during this period has made his influence felt in various ways in
public affairs. In April. 1903, he was elected city councilman to repre-
sent the second precinct of the fourth ward. In the council he is chair-
man of the finance committee, and a member of the committee on streets
and allevs and of the purchasing committee. In March. 1904. the
Republican party in Crawford county chose him as delegate to the
Kansas state convention at Wichita for the nomination of governor and
state officials. He is a prominent Mason, being a member of Lodge
No. 1K7, F. & A. M., and Mt. Joy Commandery Xo. 29. R. A. M., in
Pittsburg, and of Abdallah Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Leaven-
worth. He also belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
Mr. Schirk was married at Neosho, Missouri, to Miss Emma Mc-
Leod, and they have five children, as follows: Troy. Grant. Mildred,
Rudolph and Maud.
LEWIS S. SCHWAB.
Lewis S. Schwab, general manager and treasurer of two important
Cherokee business enterprises, namely, the Cherokee Commercial (. om-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 525
pany and the Weir Junction Coal Company, has, by his business ability
and industrious application to affairs, made himself an influential mem-
ber of the business circles of Craw Inn 1 county while still a young man
within his twenties. The Cherokee Commercial Company conducts a
high-class general merchandise establishment, has a recognized standing
for financial reliability and excellent business management, and enjoys
a large trade. The other members of this firm are: H. C. Schwab,
Clarence Schwab, Bessie Schwab, Fannie F. Watson. H. E. Schwab,
M. C. Bolide, George P. Norton, J. ( '•. Schwab. The Weir Junction
Coal Company, which was organized in [897, has J. G. Schwab for presi-
dent, H. E. Schwab for secretary, and Lewis S. Schwab for general
manager and treasurer, and it mines and sells a very superior quality of
coal, having two of the leading coal mines of Crawford county.
Air. Lewis S. Schwab was born in Henry county. Illinois, June 27,
1876, a son of John and blester C. Schwab. His father, who died in
1897, was a successful business man. especially as a coal dealer and oper-
ator, and he came from Henry county, Illinois, to this count}-, where
he controlled large interest- up to the time of his death. He was of pro-
nounced political views, being first a Greenbacker and then a Populist,
believing that the policies thus represented were the best for the country.
He was a Lutheran in religious faith, and his wife, who is a Congre-
gationalist. is still living at the Cherokee home. They were the parents of
seven children living, who have inherited the business instincts of their
father ami are all interested in the business affair- controlled by the fam-
ily. The children are: Mrs. Mary C. Bolick, secretary of the company;
Mrs. Fannie F. Watson; J. < ',. Schwab is president of the Weir Junction
Coal Company; Lewis S. is the next in order of age; Hettie E. is secre-
tary of the coal company; and Clarence A. and Bessie A. are both inter-
ested m the coal business.
.Mr. Lewis S. Schwab received his early training both in Henry
county. Illinois, and in Crawford county, and as soon as school days were
over be threw himself energetically into the conduct of business affairs,
526 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
in which lie has gained great prestige. He is a Chapter Mason; and one
of the young leaders in the van of progress in this section of the state.
He is a worker in the Presbyterian church.
HIRAM FROST ADSIT.
Hiram Frost Adsit, who is how filling the position of superinten-
dent of the county farm of Crawford county, was born in Rensselaer
county, New York, on the 9th of September. 1845. He is a son of
Benjamin and Deborah (Frost) Adsit, who were also natives of the
Empire state. The father was a dealer in horses. On leaving the east
he removed to Wisconsin and subsequently settled in Traverse City,
Michigan, where he died in the year 1S76 at the age of seventy-two
years. His wife passed away in Kansas in 1886 at the age of eighty-
four years. In their family were twelve children, seven sons and five
daughters, of whom Hiram Frost Adsit is the eleventh in order of birth
and the only son now living.
The subject of this review was very young when his parents
removed to Wisconsin and he pursued his education in the district
schools ni Walworth county, that state. He entered upon his business
career in the capacity of a farm hand and was thus employed until after
the inauguration of the Civil war. when, his patriotic spirit being thor-
oughly aroused, he offered his services in defense of the Union and
joined the boys in blue of Company D, Thirty-ninth Wisconsin Volun-
teer Infantry. This was in 1863, and. proceeding at once to the front,
lie participated in the siege of Vicksburg and in the Red River expedi-
tion, thus taking part in some of the important movements of the war.
He received an honorable discharge in £864 and afterward went to
work in the pineries of Wisconsin, being thus employed through the win-
ter months, while in the summer seasons he ran on the upper Mississippi
river in connection with the logging industry. After four years spent
in this wax he removed to Fulton county, Illinois, where he secured
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 527
employment as an engineer in a sawmill. The autumn of 1869 wit-
nessed his arrival in Kansas, and he has since been identified with the
interests of the Sunflower stale. He first located in Fort Scott, but in
February, 1S70, came to Girard and has since made his home in Craw-
ford county. For eighteen months he was connected with a lumber
yard, and then contracted for a tract of railroad land east of Girard, on
which lie engaged in farming for three years. On the expiration of
that peril id he engaged in buying and shipping grain, which claimed
his attention fur three years, and in 1878 he was called to public office.
being appointed deputy sheriff. He served for a term of two years,
and was then reappointed in 1884. In 1895 he was elected sheriff of
the county and entered upon the duties of the office in January. 1896.
He served for two years as a capable official and retired from the posi-
tion ts he had entered it. with the confidence and good will of the general
public. Later his attention was given to the development of his city
property, and Ik- thus superintended his invested interests until he was
appointed superintendent of the poor farm, of which he took charge
on the 1st of February. 1903. He has since occupied the position in a
capable manner, the work being carried on in a practical way. At the
present writing he is having the house all papered and painted and
cleaned throughout and is putting everything in first-cla^ss condition.
On the 13th of October, 1886. Mr. Adsit was united in marriage
to Miss Jennie Huff, a daughter of Jasper Huff, of Indiana, and to
them have been born two children, but Deets, the elder, died at the age
of two years; Hitha. the second child, is now six years of age. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Adsit hold membership in the Christian Science chinch.
.He belongs to the Fraternal Aid, to General Bailey Post No. 1 j.9, G
A. R.. and to the Improved ( Irder of Red Men. and he was great sachem
of Kansas for one year. His political allegiance is given to the Repub-
lican party, and in all matters of citizenship he is progressive and pub-
lic-spirited. He has ever discharged his duties with marked ability and
fairness, for he is a most loyal, public-spirited citizen. As a business
528 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
man he has been conspicuous among his associates, not only for his
success, but for his probity, fairness and honorable methods. In every-
thing he has been eminently practical, and this has been manifest not
only in his business undertakings but also in social and private life.
JACOB BROWN.
Jacob Brown, of McCune, is one of the old settlers of southeastern
Kansas, where he has lived since 1869, and for the past twelve years
has been numbered among the substantial, public-spirited and worthy
citizens of McCune. He is one of the honored men now living in
Crawford county who wore the blue uniform during the war of the
rebellion, and he gave faithful and brave service to his country in her
time of need.
He was a citizen of the state of Illinois when the war came on, and
in August, 1862, he enlisted at Danville in Company I. One Hundred
and Twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry, under Colonel Harmon. They were
in camp at Danville, were sent to Covington, Kentucky, later to Louis-
ville; took part in the engagements at Perryville and Nashville; thence
went with Sherman's magnificent army on its campaign through the
center of the Confederacy, participating at Chattanooga, Lookout
Mountain. Missionary Ridge, at Resaca. Xew Hope Church, Dallasj at
the siege of Atlanta, in a charge on one of the breastworks, Mr. Brown
was wounded below the knee by a ball from a Springfield rifle, and the
wound has never ceased to trouble him from that day to this. He was
in the hospital at Atlanta, then at Chattanooga, and at Nashville received
an honorable discharge, going home with a gallant record as soldier.
This esteemed veteran of the war was born in Sussex county. Dela-
ware, near Bridgeville, April J. [833, being a son of William and Eliza
I Prettyman ) Brown, both natives of the same state. His father enlisted
lor service in the Mexican war. but did not reach the field of action
until hostilities had ceased. He was a farmer by occupation, and bis
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 529
death occurred in Delaware at the age <>t : fifty-five, but the mother lived
to the great age of ninety years. There were ten children in the family :
Daniel, William, Mary, Eliza J., John. Charles, Joseph, who was a
soldier of the Ninety-third Ohio, Matilda, Sarah, and Jacob.
Mr. Brown spent the first nine years of his life in Delaware, ami
then went to ( >hio, where he grew up on a farm and received his school
training. At the age of eighteen he went to Crawfordsville, Indiana,
and thence to Vermilion county, Illinois, where he was living at the
time of the Civil war. In 1869 he came out to Kansas ami located in
Labette count}', where he farmed for some time, after which he traded
his land for town property in Parsons. He later resumed farming and
continued it until his health faded, and about twelve years ago he gave
up country life and moved to McCune, where he has since been an
honored resident. He and his wife have a very comfortable home at
this place, located on two large lots of ground, and have all the con-
veniences that the} - can desire for their remaining years.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown have lived as man and wife for nearly fifty
years, and it is the hope of all their friends that they may celebrate their
golden wedding anniversary in 1005. Mr. Brown was married in 1S55
to Miss Martha Jane Castle, who has nobly done her part during the
past half century and has gained the love and veneration of all within
the home circle and of her many friends. She was born in Vermilion
county, Illinois, a daughter of William and Nancy (Randals) Castle,
the latter a native of Tennessee and of a good southern family. There
were ten children in the Castle family, and Mrs. Brown is the only one
of her mother's children now living, but she has a half-brother and a
half-sister by her father's second union. Her mother died at the age of
fifty, and her father, who was a farmer, politically a Whig and Repub-
lican and a member of the Methodist church, lived to be tight} years old.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had ten children, of whom Sena Ellen
died in childhood and one died in infancy. Those living are William,
John, Dora, Anna, George, Charles, Lizzie, James. Mr. Brown is an
530 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
esteemed member of Osage Post No. 156. G. A. R., and has been a
faithful member of the Methodist church fur many years, as also his
good wife.
ARLING M. WORDF.X.
Aiding M. Worden, secretary, treasurer and manager of the Pitts-
burg Modern Milling Company, at Pittsburg, lias been connected with
the business activities of this city since 1901, and is recognized and
esteemed as a man of the push and the enterprise which are character-
istic of Pittsburg as a commercial and industrial center, and also as
possessed of that high degree of public spirit that benefits the com-
munity at large and brings material results not alone for its possessor
but to all with whom he has dealings. Mr. Worden had a wide and
extensive business experience before coming to Pittsburg, and also as
a citizen and social factor has had a successful and bright career, with
greater promise of usefulness for the future.
Mr. Worden was born at Cedar Rapids. Iowa, in 1861. his parents
being Joseph and Katharine (Smith) Worden. His mother was a
native of Ohio, and is now deceased. His father was born in New
York state, and afterwards came west and lived fur a number "i years
as a farmer near Cedar Rapids. Iowa, whence he later returned to New
York, and is now passing his remaining years in Oswego.
Mr. A. M Worden was reared on the farm four miles south of Cedar
Rapids, where he had bis schooling in the district schools. He was also
a student in Western College at Toledo, Iowa, and was graduated in
1883. He had already become interested in the milling business and had
made up his mind to give his attention to that work, and after leaving
school he went to St. Joseph, Missouri, and began work for the old and
well-known milling firm of that city, the R. T. Davis Mill Company.
He has the satisfaction of being classed among the men who have risen
slowly and surely from a small position to one of much responsibility.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 531
for he began his career by sweeping out the mill ami familiarizing him-
self with all kinds of general work. He afterward became an apprentice
and learned the trade from the ground up in all its details. After being
with the Davis company for three and a half years he went on the road
as a salesman for the Cain-Hanthorn and Company null at Atchison,
ami during his six years' connection with that company traveled all
through the west and south. He then took a similar position with the
R. H. Fawcett Milling Company of St. Joseph, and was with them
until he came to Pittsburg in 190 1 to take his present position. He had
bought an interest in the Pittsburg Modem Milling 'Company, and was
made its manager, secretary and treasurer. This company was organ-
ized in i8q8 to succeed the old-established firm of John R. McKim and
Company, which had built the mill several years before. The product of
this first-class mill, besides supplying the large local market, is whole-
saled throughout Arkansas, Indian Territory and Louisiana, and the
business has been built up to very extensive proportions.
Mr. Worden was married in San Francisco December _><>, [888,
t<> Miss Matilda Verhein, and the}' have one son. Fred Worden. Mr.
Worden is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
and is a prominent high-degree Mason. During In-- long residence in
St. Joseph he took an active part in Masonic work, and still retains
his connection with the branches of the order there. He is a pasl
master of Charity Lodge No. 331. A. F. & A. M.. past high priest of
Mitchell Chapter No. 89, R. A. M.. past eminent commander of Hugh
de Payens Commandery No. 51, K. T., and past recorder of Moila
Temple, Mystic Shrine. While holding the office of recorder of the
Temple he compiled and wrote, and his lodge had published in at-
tractive book form, an interesting history of the Mystic Shrine in the
United States, and also going hack to its origin in Arabia.
LEVI M. WILLIAMS
Among the leading and representative
Crawford county is numbered Levi M. \\
ntners and
stock-:
raisers of
iams. the 1
iwner
of a fine
532 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
property comprising four hundred and eight}' acres oi rich and arable
land and situated on section 16, Crawford township, about two miles
east of Girard. His land is arable and richly productive and annually
returns to him good harvests for the care and labor he bestows upon
it. Moreover he has made excellent modern improvements, and upon
his place are found all the equipments and accessories usually seen upon
a model farm of the twentieth century. In addition to the production
of grain be is engaged in the raising of stock, keeping only high-grade
animals, and both branches of his business are now proving profitable.
Mr. Williams is. moreover, entitled to representation in this vol-
ume, because he is numbered among the pioneer settlers of southeastern
Kansas, having resided in this portion of the state for more than forty-
five years, in fact, he is a native son of Crawford county, his birth
having occurred within its borders on the 27th of November, 1858.
His parents were Ansel and Mary (Frogget) Williams, both of whom
were natives of Kentucky. They came to Kansas, however, in the year
[858, when Ansel Williams cast in his lot among the pioneer settlers of
Crawford count} - and secured a tract of land whereon he engaged in
farming for a number of years. His death occurred in 1867, and his
wife passed away in 1SS4. Under the parental roof their son. Levi
M. Williams, was reared, although at an early age he was deprived by
death of his father. He attended the common schools in his early boy-
hood and at the age of eleven, following his father's death, he and his
brother Paul took charge of and operated the home farm. They were
thus associated in their business interests until [880, when the brother
died, and Mr. Williams then became sole manager. Following his
mother's death in [884, he purchased the interest of the other heirs in
the old homestead and is today the owner of a valuable and well
equipped farm property of four hundred and eight}' acres. He has
erected a tine and commodious In 'inc. in the rear of which are good
barns and other necessary outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock
and these in turn are surrounded by well cultivated fields and rich pas-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 533
lure lands. J I is entire life lias been devoted to farming, and his per-
sistent purpose in following but the one pursuit has certainly been a
strong element in his success.
it was in March. 1888, that Mr. Williams was united in marriage
to Miss Lida McWilliams, a .laughter of Phil N. and Lucinda < Odell )
McWilliams, who were residents of Ohio and are now living in Craw-
ford county. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Williams has been blessed
with five children, namely: Samuel S., Ray. Montie, Gadys and Mabel.
Mr. Williams is identified with the Modern Woodmen at Girard. and
he gives his political support to the Democracy- He is now serving as
school clerk and is interested in community affairs, desiring the welfare
and progress of his native county and aiding in many ways in its promo-
tion and development. He has witnessed the many changes which have
occurred here as the county has emerged from pioneer conditions to
take its place among the leading counties of the state, his mind forming
a connecting link between the unimproved past and the progressive pres-
ent.
STEPHEN JANNEY.
Stephen Janney, a retired resident of Cherokee, has had a long and
useful career in material affairs, and is especially honored as an ex-
officer who led his men in many a campaign and battle of the great civil
war. He is an old citizen of the state of Kansas, and has been identified
with its industrial and civic affairs in a highly successful and creditable
manner.
Born in Clinton county, Ohio, Jul) 1. 1832, he was just getting
well established in a trade and means of livelihood when the war came
on. He enlisted from his native county on August 2, 1862, in Company
C, Seventy-ninth Ohio Infantry, under Colonel Kennett and Lieutenant
Colonel Doan. From the camp at Denison, Ohio, they were ordered
south to repel < ieneral Kirby Smith's raid into Kentucky, and were op-
534 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
posed to General Bragg' s forces for some time. Their operations were
mainly in Kentucky and Tennessee in different courses of the general
campaign. In the spring of 1864 they went to Chickamauga, and after
the critical battles in that vicinity the regiment was assigned to the
Twentieth Corps under Hooker at Chattanooga and joined in Sherman's
Atlanta campaign, where he was one hundred days under fire. Mr. Jan-
ney was also in General Benjamin Harrison's brigade for a time, when
the latter had command of the First Brigade, Third Division, of the
Twentieth Corps. Among the battles of this campaign in which he par-
ticipated were Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain; Xew Hope Church. Burnt
Hickory. Peach Tree Creek. From Atlanta they went on the famous
march to the sea. thence up through the Carolinas, and toward the end
of the campaign, while leading a foraging squad, Mr. Janney was
captured by the Rebels, being first lieutenant at that time. He was
taken prisoner on March 5, [865, was held three weeks at Salisbury,
North Carolina.' then taken to Richmond and kept in Libby prison a
week, and the day before the fall of that city was sent down the James
river to the parole camp, and thence went to Annapolis. He got a
leave of absence for thirty days, and while on his way home heard of
the assassination of Lincoln. He returned to Washington in time to
participate in the grand review. His record of service was as first
sergeant for eight months, then promoted to second lieutenant in
1863, and in 1864 he was promoted to first lieutenant, and for three
months commanded his company, and his date of final discharge was
May 15, 1865.
Mr. Janney was a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Russell) Janney.
The father was of English Quaker stock., from Loudoun county, Vir-
ginia, the family having freed their slaves many years before the war
and being anti-slavery people, while the Russells, of near Leesburg.
Virginia, were slaveholders, and members of the family were in the
Confederate service. Both the parents died before the war. the mother
at fifty-seven and the father at sixty-three, the latter having followed
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 535
the occupation of farmer and adhering to the religious doctrines of the
Friends. They were the parents of eleven children, four sons and seven
daughters. One other son besides Stephen was a soldier. George, a
captain in a colored regiment, had yellow fever while in Key West,
Florida, and died in [866 as a result of the disease.
Mr. Janney was reared in Ohio and received a good education in
the schools. He followed the trade of gunsmith for a time, and later
clerked in a general store. After the war he lived in Mahaska county,
Iowa, near New Sharon, until he came to Kansas. He was married in
Ohio, March 28, [862, to Lydia White, who was horn at Canton, In-
diana, but was later taken to Highland county. Ohio, where she was
reared and educated. She was a daughter of Benjamin and Levina
(Coffin) White, both of prominent Quaker connections. The mother
died in Iroquois county. Illinois, at the age of seventy-two and the father
at the age of sixty-three. There were four children in the White fam-
ily, and one son, Henry W. White, is a resident of Smith Center, Kan-
sas. Mr. and Mrs. Janney have three children: Charles O. is a mail
clerk running out of St. Louis; Myrtle L. lives in Cherokee county:
Mrs. Rosa Morrison lives in Butler count}-. Kansas. Two children died
in childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Janney are members of the Friends'
church. They have one of the comfortable and modern homes of Chero-
Kee. a well furnished and tastily arranged residence, noted for its good
cheer and wide range of hospitality.
CLARENCE N. PRICE.
Clarence N. Price, present mayor of the city of Pittsburg, Kansas,
and one of the most prominent business men of that thriving city, is a
Kansan by birth and rearing and is well acquainted with the business
interests of the state from one end to the other. He has had his per-
manent residence in Pittsburg since 18(17. ;m 'l s,nct ' , ' u ' n ' l:is not onr J
taken a prominent part in the commercial activities of the city, but has
536 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
been a leader in public affairs, doing much for the advancement of the
city in material improvement and moral and intellectual progress.
Mr. Trice was born at Troy. Doniphan county, Kansas, in 1868, a
son of Judge Nathan and Sarah E. ( Pickard) Price. His father, who
has been distinguished in the state as a jurist, soldier and pioneer, was
born in Montgomery county. Pennsylvania, and died at Troy, Kansas,
in 1883. He came to Kansas, in 1859, during the dark and awful times
before the war. and was a lawyer of Doniphan county. He was a
stanch Republican in politics, and did much for Union sentiment and
organization during that early period in Kansas history. During the
war he organized Company F, Tenth Kansas Infantry, at Geary. Kansas,
and was elected its Captain. He served in the border warfare in Kan-
sas, Missouri and Arkansas. His wife. Mrs. Sarah Price, was born at
Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and is now living in Topeka. Kansas.
Mr. Clarence X. Price was educated in the Troy public schools, and
at Hill College, Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1883.
He then returned to the west and entered the employ of a wholesale
grocery at St. Joseph. Missouri, and has been engaged in that line of
business ever since, most of the time on the road as a salesman. Several
years ago he became connected with the Long Brothers' Grocer Com-
pany of Kansas City as one of their salesmen, and in 1897 he estab-
lished his home in Pittsburg in charge of the trade of the house in this
territory. Since then a branch of the business has been established in
Pittsburg, and ~\lv. Price has charge of this, lie is a thoroughly accom-
plished salesman, with a winning personality, and has a large and im-
pregnable trade clientage in southeast Kansas and Missouri.
In April. [903, Mr. Price was elected on the Republican ticket to
the office of mayor of Pittsburg for a term of two years. His adminis-
tration has been very efficient and popular with all classes, and is con-
ducted on a sound business ha>-is. He lakes a prominent part in local
politics, and is an entertaining public speaker. He is influential in all
the relations of his career, is enterprising and progressive, and is doing
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 537
much to push Pittsburg to the front in commercial and industrial activ-
ity.
Mr. Price was married to Miss Henrietta ( ieis, vvhi >se home previous
to her marriage was at Morefield, Nebraska. He affiliates with the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a prominent member of
the United Commercial Travelers.
T. W. MORGAN.
T. W. Morgan, of ( >sage township, is one of the most notable among
the successful farmers of Crawford county. A resident in this county
for more than twenty years, lie has Ian It up a farming enterprise which
is a credit to himself and the county, and has always been a leader where
industrial affairs are concerned. Possessed also of an eminent degree
of public spirit, he lias not been amiss in those matters which pertain to
the general welfare of every community and to its progress in educa-
tion, religion and material improvement.
Mr. Morgan is a native of Clay county. Indiana, being a son of
John and Elizabeth (Wright) Morgan, the former a native of Ken-
tucky and the latter of Indiana. The father, who died in Indiana at the
age of seventy-one. was a farmer, a Democrat of the Jackson type and
a loyal supporter of the Baptist church. The mother lives at Brazil,
Indiana, and is now seventy-six years old. There were eleven children
in the family, six <nib and five daughters.
Mr. Morgan was reared on the Indiana home farm, and there by
honest industry laid the foundation- for his permanent success. When
he was twenty-six vears old he married Miss Aletha J. Boor, a daugh-
ter of E. M. Boor (whose history will be found on other page- of tins
work), and it has been due to their combined industry and capacity for
managing and directing their affairs that success has come to them in
such abundant measure. While she has given such careful and prudent
care to the household management, he has been able to give all his ener-
53S HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
gies to outside affairs, and as a result they have enjoyed a continuous
and rapidly increasing prosperity. Mr. Morgan came to Crawford
county in 1883. He bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres,
most of which was bottom land, and it has become one of the finest farms
in Crawford county. On this land in pioneer days was located an old
stage station and tavern, and many good men and bad men have lodged
under the mof of the old log cabin, which still stands on his place as a
relic of ancient history in this county. This old log house is twenty-four
by twenty-four feet, and is a place of much speculative and historic in-
terest. Mr. Morgan, in contrast to this old house indicative of the pio-
neer past, has erected a modern dwelling at a cost of fifteen hundred dol-
lars, in which all the comforts and refinements of the present century
will be found, fie also has a capacious barn forty-eight by sixty feet in
dimensions, and innumerable other improvements. He cultivates four
hundred acre-; of his fine place, having added two hundred and forty
acres to his original purchase, and is noted for being able to make a suc-
cess of any enterprise he undertakes.
He is a Democrat in politics, and was the candidate of that party
for the office of county treasurer in 1902 and 1904, but although strong-
lv supported, was defeated by the Republican majority always cast in
this county. He was treasurer of the McCune creamery, and in order
to make this industry a modern and thoroughly equipped establishment
lie visited the world-famed creameries at Elgin. Illinois, and introduced
as far as consistent all their best methods and improvements in the local
creamery. Mr. Morgan is a member of the Home Builders' Union and
V I ). U W. and Sons and Daughters of Justice, and has also been
identified with .numerous enterprises which have made for the welfare
and progress of this section of the state. Mr. Morgan, both in season
and out, has always kept his faith in Kansas, and he is justified in saying
that Kansas has kept faith with him and rewarded him abundantly for
bis past efforts.
Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have the following children: Aura. Roy.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 539
Lee T., Carey. Kenneth. Lloyd E.. Aletha May and Helen Margaret,
and they also have five grandchildren. The children all enjoyed good
advantages both at home and educationally.
WILLIAM R. GOODIXG.
William R. Gooding, a leading farmer and stock-raiser of Craw-
ford township. Crawford county, has lived on his present farm in this
county and township for twenty-five years, so that he is one of the old
citizens. He has had a most successful career, covering a period of over
seventy-five years, and most of it has been devoted to agricultural pur-
suits. Since coming to Crawford county he has been numbered among
its leading citizens, and has been progressive and enterprising both in
his own business affairs and in his efforts toward the advancement of
public prosperity and welfare.
Mr. Gooding was horn in Marion county. Ohio, February 15, 1827,
being a son of Sylvester R. and Eliza Gooding, natives, respectively, of
Massachusetts and Connecticut. His father died in 1874. when sev-
enty-four years old, and his mother passed away in 1895, at the ad-
vanced age of ninety.
Mr. G ling was educated in the common schools of Ohio, and
was reared to the life of the farm and remained at home until he was
twenty-one years old. For the following eight years he engaged in
buying and shipping cattle for a Xew York firm, and then rented a
farm and began agricultural operations on his own hook. He continued
a successful farmer of Ohio until 1879. when he sold his property in
Marion county and came to Kansas, where he bought the two hundred
and forty acres that make up his present homestead. He put all the im-
provements on this place, including the house, barn, fences and trees,
and has really metamorphosed a prairie tract into one of the most attract-
ive and beautiful farmsteads in the county.
Mr. Gooding has taken much interest in township affairs, and served
540 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
as township treasurer and lias been on the school board for fifteen years.
He is an independent Republican in politics. His wife is a member of
the Episcopal church. Mr. Gooding was married December 29, 1859,
to Miss Ann Elizabeth Moon, a daughter of Solomon H. and Ann Ma-
ria Moon, the former a native of New York state and the latter of
Switzerland. Her father died in 1839. at the age of thirty-nine, and
her mother in 1885, at the age of seventy. Mr. and Mrs. Gooding
have had three children: Fred S., who lives on one of his father's
farms, married Jessie Pangborn. and they have four children, Anna
Bell. Orion E.. Julia E. and Jessie Grace: Mary Bell is the wife of James
H. Richmond, of Portland. Oregon : and Frank R. was killed in a
cyclone near Cherokee, Kansas, April 15, 1895.
NEAL E. WOOD.
Neal E. Wood, of the real estate firm of Georgia and Wood. Pitts-
burg. Kansas, is a real pioneer and first settler of this nrosperous city,
and has been identified with its business' development since before it
was even known on the map as Pittsburg. He has the reputation of
being the first merchant of the town, although he was not the proprietor
of the store, for he was the clerk and the real manager of the first mer-
cantile house of the town. The oldest inhabitants cannot, therefore, re-
member a time when Mr. Wood was not connected in some way with the
commercial affairs of the city. He has been a witness of the marvelous
growth which has resulted in Pittsburg becoming a first-rate city, and
that. too. in the period of a quarter of a century: for Mr. Wood is him-
self yet only in the prime of his life, although he has been here since
the inception of the city. He has at all times been public-spirited in
relation to the progress and welfare of his adopted city, and has always
occupied an honorable place among his business associates and friends.
Mr. Wood was born at South Newberry. Geauga county, Ohio, De-
cember 15, 1853, being a son of E. A. and Luciette C. ( Bradley) W 1.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 543
His father, who was torn at Austinburg, Ohio, was a farmer, although
he learned and at times followed the trade of carpenter. In 1861 he re-
moved with his family to Mason county. Illinois, and lived there on a
farm until the spring of 1868, when he and his family embarked in a
covered wagon and drove out west. He stopped at a little town called
Neutral City, in Cherokee county, Kansas, about twelve miles southeast
of the present city of Pittsburg. A short time later he moved up into
Crawford county, locating on a farm two miles northeast of Girard, the
county seat. He followed farming for several years in that locality, hut
his death occurred in California, in 1875. His wife died in Crawford
county in 1873.
Mr. Xeal E. Wood was reared to farming life, and in the pioneer
days and conditions of Kansas life the opportunities for gaining an edu-
cation were meagre, since the present unexcelled school system of Kansas
had not been inaugurated. Nevertheless, by hard and self-sacrificing-
work, lie gained a good education. He completed the regular course in
the Girard public schools, and following that was one of the first students
in the first county institute established in Crawford county. He entered
the institute to prepare himself for teaching, and in this way got the best
grade certificate that Crawford county could offer. He engaged in teach-
ing for three or four terms, hut then decided to take up the mercantile
business. He became a clerk in the grocery -tore of W. G. Seaburv at
Girard. In the spring of 1877 Mr. Seaburv decided to open up a store
in the coal region in the eastern part of Crawford county, the develop-
ment of the coal mines haying just then begun. He and Mr. Wood load-
ed a stock of goods on wagons and brought them over to where Pittsburg
now stands. At that time there were only a few small dwelling houses
scattered over the prairie, and (he postoffice went by the name of New
Pittsburg. Mr. Seaburv erected the first store building in the town, on
what is now the corner of Fourth and Broadway. Mr. Wood remembers
the first transaction made over the counters as being with a little girl,
who brought in a basket of eggs and exchanged them for some calico.
54i HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Mr. Wood remained as a clerk in that establishment for two years, and
the old-timers of the citv always refer to him as the first merchant.
Mr. Seabury is now deceased.
Mr. Wood then engaged in the grocery business with Mr. A. J.
Georgia, under the name of Georgia and Wood, and when Mr. Georgia
was appointed postmaster of Pittsburg Mr. Wood served as bis deputy.
For the following five years Mr. Wood represented the Adams Express
Company, and for two years was agent for the Pacific Express Company.
He then held the office of city assessor for three years, and for the past
fifteen years has been successfully engaged in the real estate, loan and
insurance business with Mr. Georgia as a partner, the firm being known
as Georgia and Wood.
Mr. Wood has been a prominent worker in the Republican party,
which has honored him at different times. He is affiliated with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed all the chairs of the local
lodge and having been a member of the grand lodge of the state. He
has also filled all the chairs in the local lodge of the Ancient Order of
United Workmen.
Mr. Wood was married at Pittsburg, June 16, 1878, to Miss Edith
M. Georgia, a daughter of bis business partner. A. J. Georgia. They
had two children. Miss Alpha M. and Mr. Georgia X. Wood. Mr.
Wood has since been bereft by death of bis beloved wife, after a happy
union of over a quarter of a century. Of her beautiful character and
place in the esteem and affection of those around her let the fol-
lowing memorial speak :
Headquarters Woman's Relief Corps,
Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic,
[ola, Kansas, June 25th. 1004.
IX MEMORIAM.
Edith M. Georgia Wood, Past Department President of the
Woman's Relief Corps, Department of Kansas, was born November
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 545
24th, 1861, in North Liberty, Iowa, and died in Pittsburg, Kansas, June
5th, 1904, at 4:30 p. m.
She came to Pittsburg with her parents when five years old and just
at the close of the great war, where she was known but to be loved and
honored. Her life was not long, as we count the years, but it was filled
to overflowing with good and kindly deeds.
The heartfelt sympathy of this department is extended to the sor-
rowing husband and children. Their home is left lonely and desolate,
without the loving presence of one who has been its guiding star, but
her "God was the Lord." May his tender love be "round about them."
In memory of her beautiful life and devotion to our order. Corps Presi-
dents will have charters draped for thirty days and will hold "Memorial
services" at the last regular meeting in July. Memorial services will
also be held fur her at the next department convention.
Beautiful Toiler, her work all done;
Beautiful soul into "Glory" gone:
Beautiful life with its crown now won;
God giveth rest.
By Command of
Agnes A. Heigele, Annie A. Apple.
Department Secretary. Department President.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM C. BECK.
Captain William C. Beck, a leading coal operator and a prominent
old-timer of Pittsburg and Crawford county, has had a panorama of
personal experiences and successes in southeastern Kansas and especially
in the vicinity of Pittsburg covering a period of nearly forty years, em-
bracing, in fact, the authoritative and established history of this region
from pioneer days and conditions to the present. He grazed cattle over
this section when Pittsburg and Girard were spots as wild and undevel-
ooed as could be found in any corner of the county at the present day.
546 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
It is interesting to know that at that early time lie discerned and indi-
cated the limits of the coal outcrops which to-day make up the Pittsburg
district, and prophesied the growth here of a large and important indus-
trial and commercial city. In the work connected with the early settle-
ment and upbuilding of the region now comprised within the limits of
Crawford county he took a most important part, and his connection with
all the subsequent activity and progress of this country has been by no
means of a trivial character. Mr. Beck is a man of notable business
acumen and ability and achievements, and as he has met opportunities
in this life he has taken advantage of them and not only turned them to
his own profit but added greatly to the sum total of general prosperity
and welfare, so that his career is an integral part of the record of Craw-
ford county and a most interesting phase of its worthy and progressive
citizenship.
Captain Beck was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. April
26, 1837, his parents being Adam and Margaret J. (Gould) Beck, both
of whom lived and died in Pennsylvania. On both sides of the house
have been distinguished and patriotic men and women, active and prom-
inent in the general affairs of life, and conspicuous for their connection
with the wars of American history. Captain Beck's maternal great-
grandfather, George Gould, was one of Wolfe's gallant army that
fought and won at Quebec. His maternal grandfather and his paternal
great-grandfather are of honored memory because of their participation
in the war of the Revolution. His maternal grandfather. George Gould,
was in the war of 1812. and was also a manufacturer of some of the
powder fired by the American soldiers of that conflict. Adam Beck fol-
lowed the occupation of miller in Pennsylvania, and was a highly re-
spected citizen of his community.
William C. Beck was reared on a farm in Pennsylvania until he
was thirteen years old. up to that age having laid a good educational
foundation in the common schools of the neighborhood. His father
died when he was thirteen vears old, and he was then bound out to
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 547
James E. Brown, a very wealthy hanker of Kittanning, Pennsylvania,
and for some time served as his hank clerk. He also clerked in a store
and had some further opportunities of attending school. His career, be-
ginning with the time he left home. has. in fact, been a varied experi-
ence, not without its hardships, insufficient, however, to daunt for a
moment the eager restlessness of his character or check him in his ad-
vance toward better things. Among other things, he learned the trade
of nailer in a rolling mill, and also taught school. He received an ap-
pointment as a cadet at West Point, and spent about a year in that
school, where the drilling and military instruction stood him in good
stead at the outbreak of the Civil war which shortly followed. He had
become an expert swordsman and rifle shot, and when the war came on
his services were in great demand for drilling recruits, which he did
with most painstaking care and contributed not a little to making the
Pennsylvania forces of the highest standard of efficiency during the re-
bellion.
After he had drilled several companies he organized and drilled
the Finlay Cadets, the members of which, including himself, enlisted
July 4, 1 86 1 . and were mustered into the service of the government on
July 24, 1861, as Company D of the Sixty-second Pennsylvania Volun-
teers. He was elected Captain of the company, and led it through the
following battles of the w ( ar : Yorktown, April 5, 1862: Hanover
Court House. May 2j, 1862; Mechanicsville, Virginia, June 26, 1862;
Gaines Hill; Malvern; Harrison's Bar; Gainesville; Antietam ; Black-
ford's Ford; Kearneysville : Fredericksburg, where Captain Beck was
wounded: Chancellorsville; Gettysburg, where Company D lost half its
men; Rappahannock Station; New Hope Church and Aline Run. on
November 30. 1863. In the winter following the last-named battle the
company camped near Culpeper. and on the 5th of May. 1864, Captain
Beck was captured near Robinson's Tavern and taken as a prisoner to
Macon, Georgia, where he was held until Atlanta fell; he was then kept
at Savannah until the capture of that city, and was then moved to
548 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Charleston, where he and a large number of other officers who were
prisoners were exposed to the fire of the Union army. Soon after, the
yellow fever became epidemic at Charleston, and he was removed to
Columbus, South Carolina, where, along with twelve hundred other
officers, he received his welcome exchange. He had undergone the hor-
rors of prison life for seven months, which was his most trying experi-
ence during the war. On December 19, 1864. he was mustered out at
Washington, with a most creditable record as a gallant, fearless and effi-
cient soldier.
After leaving the army Captain Beck returned to Kittanning and
entered the hank in which he had been previously employed, becoming
its bookkeeper. His brother, Captain George A. Beck, was then cashier
of the bank, he having also served through the war as Captain. When
government troops were being hurried, to the Texas border in order
to thwart the machinations of Maximilian of Mexico, Captain George
A. was offered a lieutenant colonelcy in the Mexican army, and he and
his brother started out on this errant expedition to become soldiers of
fortune. When they reached Texas, however, they decided to divert
their military ardor in another direction and go into the cattle business.
They purchased a large bunch of cattle in Llano county and started
north with them, having the Chicago market as their destination. They
drove their herds up through Indian Territory, and on June 6, 1866, ar-
rived at Baxter Springs, Cherokee county. Kansas. Here they decided
to rest themselves and their stock for awhile, and while there the broth-
ers both made claims for government land in that county, although the
official survey had not yet been made. On June 15, 1S66, they crossed over
what has since become the dividing line between Crawford and Chero-
kee counties, and located at the spot where Opolis was afterward found-
ed. This early settlement makes Captain Beck one of the earliest inhab-
itants of the county, and he is certainly among the very few survivors of
that pioneer period. During that summer of his and his brother's resi-
dence within the present bounds of Crawford county he did a lot of pros-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 549
pecting. particularly for coal, his previous experience in the Pennsyl-
vania coal fields giving him quick insight into the conditions here. He
discovered the outcroppings where Pittsburg now stands, as also those
at Midway and many other places in the district, and the Pittsburg coal
region of to-day has almost exacth the same limits that he marked out
at that time, after a rough examination. His far-sighted business and
industrial sense foretold much of that growth and prosperity which now
rank Crawford county among the richest in the state. He and his
brother kept their cattle at feed on the luxuriant grasses of this county
until the advent of the frost king, and then drove them to Chicago and
disposed of them.
Captain \Y. C. Beck returned to Pennsylvania, but by no means
abandoned Crawford county with its undeveloped wealth. In the early
spring of 1868 he and his brother returned, and brought with them, as
far as Pleasant Hill, Missouri, which was the end of the railroad at
that time, the machinery for a saw and grist mill. Leaving their outfit
at Pleasant Hill for the time, they came to Crawford county and laid
before the settlers their plan for the establishment of a lumber plant at
some point where it would be most convenient to the majority and there-
fore of the greatest degree of usefulness. The settlers all welcomed the
advent of this important addition to their industrial establishments,
especially one so necessary to civilization and one which has always fol-
lowed closely in the wake of the pathfinding and homeseeking pioneer.
But considerable discussion arose as to where this plant should be lo-
cated, and as constituting an event of such transcendent importance in
the pioneer history of Crawford county it is worth while to notice with
particularity the history of this valuable institution. It was finally de-
cided to hold a public meeting of the settlers, called by Squire Cadwalla-
der to assemble at the house of a settler on the count}- line between
Cherokee and Crawford. There were present there on the appointed
clay the representative men of the new community, and a regular organ-
ization was effected, with president, secretary, etc. Three locations were
550 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
proposed for the mill, as follows : Neutral City, in Cherokee county ; a
point in Crawford county just this side of the county line, and at Iowa
City, a settlement situated near the present site of Pittsburg. After pro-
longed deliberation, the county line spot was decided upon as the most
favorable for all parties concerned. Captain Beck and his brother ac-
cordingly brought the machinery overland from the railroad and erected
a mill at the designated spot, where they began sawing logs and grinding
feed in May, 1868. They did a big business and remained in that locali-
i\ fur one and a half years. There was no other means of getting
lumber in this section, and the mill supplied the greatly needed material
for the houses and various buildings of the settlers. Some of the first
buildings of Girard were erected with the lumber made at this plant
and hauled thither by ox teams. In 1870 the Beck brothers moved the
plant to near where Pittsburg now stands, and in 1871 Captain YY. C.
Beck withdrew from the business, and his brother finally moved the out-
fit to Lightning Creek. Thus Captain Beck was instrumental in giving
Crawford county one of its most important industries, and one which
was indispensable for the rapid progress of the community.
In 1868 Captain Beck paid seventeen hundred dollars for one hun-
dred and sixty acres of coal land, on a part of which the city of Pitts-
bur" now stands, lie did nothing at the time toward the development
of the resources "i tins tract, as, indeed, the time was not ripe for such
at that time, but returned to Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in busi-
ness for twelve years. He came back to Crawford county in December.
1883. By this time the city of Pittsburg was well under way, and was
just about to enter upon its rapid and permanent growth. He started a
small grist mill in the town, but soon sold that and engaged in the work-
ing of his own coal lands, having been one of the leading operators of
this vicinity ever since. His largest coal interests are now at Midway,
although he owns many acres of coal land both here and in Missouri, in
addition v> much valuable city real estate.
Captain Beck is a director in the First National Bank of Pittsburg.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 551
He has the reputation of being one of Pittsburg's most public-spirited
citizens, often putting himself out and freely offering his time and ener-
gies and pecuniary help towards getting new enterprises and industries
located at this city. He has been a director of the public schools near
Pittsburg, and was a member of the city council for two years.
Captain Beck is prominent in fraternal circles. He is a member of
the Grand Army of the Republic, is prophet of the Tonkawa Tribe of
the Improved Order of Red Men. and is treasurer of the older for the
state of Kansas ; he is the oldest member of the local lodge of the Ancient
Order of United Workmen, having held membership for thirty years.
It was mentioned in a preceding paragraph that Captain Beck be-
came an expert rifle shot. He has a gold medal that he won in Penn-
sylvania for best marksmanship in a contest between the rifle clubs of
the counties of Allegheny. Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Mercer and
Venango. That was the famous Bucktail region, productive of re-
nowned sharpshooters, and the victory is the more creditable on that
account. He has several other medals and trophies won in similar con-
tests in other places.
Captain Beck was married at Girard in 1871 to Miss Sarah M.
Houston, who is a member of another pioneer family that settled in this
county in the year 1868. They are the parents of three children. Wil-
liam G.. Farl Gould and Leonore E.. the wife of C. A. Beck.
M. G. KAYS.
M. G. Kays, of Monmouth, is an old resident of this part of the
county, having come here in 1873. and has since been known as one of
the leading and successful agriculturists of Crawford county, being fore-
most in the qualities of enterprise and progressiveness by which he has
wen his present position among his fellow citizens and business asso-
ciates.
Mr. Kays was born in Guernsey county. Ohio. August 1. 1844.
552 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
and when he was still in his teens lie became a Union soldier, and
throughout the remainder of the war proved his fidelity to his country.
He enlisted in his native county, October 17. 1863, in Company H,
Twelfth Ohio Cavalry, under Captain T. K. Parkinson and Colonel A.
T. Ratlin: was in camp at Cleveland, and at Denison was equipped
with a horse and other accoutrements; thence crossed into Kentucky and
went 011 to the Cumberland Mountains to fight General Morgan, who
was then on his celebrated raid; at Lexington the regiment got a supply
of fresh horses, and were in a number of operations in that state and
in Virginia, getting into the skirmish at Crab Orchard, Kentucky,
among others : towards the close of the war they were in pursuit of
Jeff Davis, and were only two hours behind him when the Confederate
president was captured; guarded the Weldon Railroad for some time;
and some time after the actual cessation of general hostilities were hon-
orably discharged, Mr. Kays coming out as corporal of Company H.
Mr. Kays was a son of Daniel and Martha (Milligan) Kays, his
father a native of Trumbull count}-, Ohio, near Warren, and the mother
also an Ohioan by birth. His grandfather, who was from Connecticut,
was also a soldier in the Civil war. and lost his life at Corinth when six-
ty-two years of age.- The mother died in Ohio at the age of forty-two,
and the father, who was a member of the Baptist church and politically
of strong abolition tendencies, died in Missouri at fifty-two. One other
son was a soldier, W. M.. in the Forty-second Ohio Infantry, serving
lor four years and four months. The other children were as follow-:
Isabeile, Sarah J., James A., Daniel, Martha, Ella, Etta, John.
Mr. Kays was reared on an Ohio farm, where he was taught indus-
try among other valuable lessons necessary to success, and shortly after
his return home from the war, in 1867, he moved west to Pettis county,
Missouri, and later to St. Clair county, of the same state, remaining in
both place- about six years. In 1873 ne canie to Crawford county, and
for the first eleven years lived on a farm five miles northeast of Mon-
mouth, and then bought the beautiful little place of forty acres near town
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 553
where he has since lived. He has a finely improved place, excellent build-
ings, and he has been particularly successful in the raising and shipping
of potatoes, which he has carried to the point of a very large enterprise.
Mr. Kays was married in Guernsey count}-, Ohio, in 1866, to Miss
Caroline Slasor, and they have passed a most happy married life of near-
ly forty years. She was horn, reared and educated in Ohio, being a
daughter of William Slasor, a native of Ohio. Her mother, whose
maiden name was Penn, now lives at Newark. Ohio. Mr. and Mrs.
Kays have the following children: William, Delia, Susan, Ethel. Har-
vey, Alta and four who died in childhood. Myrtle having been a bright
girl of thirteen and the other three flying in infancy. Mr. Kays is a
stanch Republican, and for five years served as constable and has also
been a school director. He and his wife are devoted members of the
Methodist church, and he is a church trustee. He is also affiliated with
Shiloh Post No. 56, G. A. R., at Cherokee, and is popular in all circles.
CHARLES F. RUSSELL.
Charles F. Russell, so well remembered at Mulberry and in the
eastern part of the county, where his death occurred on October 13,
1902, was one of the honored and respected citizens of this county, and
a man of sterling integrity and such honest worth as to commend him
to all with whom he came in contact. His widow now lives at McCune,
where she has hosts of friends, and she is esteemed for her own noble
character as also for the fact that she was the wife of a truly representa-
tive Crawford comity citizen.
The late Mr. Russell was one of the veterans of the Civil war. in
which he served as a brave and gallant officer and soldier. He was liv-
ing in Illinois when the rebellion broke out, and he was in the first enlist-
ment in response to the call for men to put down the rebellion. He en-
listed at Pana, Christian county, Illinois, in 1861, in Company M. Third
Illinois Cavalry, and became first lieutenant of bis company. He took
854: HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
part in numerous battles and skirmishes and hard campaigning. He
fought at Pea Ridge and Yicksburg. 'While on a transport boat he w as
severely wounded, and until his death he suffered continually from this
wound received in behalf of his country.
He was born at Amherst. Massachusetts, April 23. 1835, being a
son of Alvin and Sarah Russell, both people of character, industry and
integrity. Mr. Russell received a good education, and then entered upon
his varied career in different parts of the country. lie was a hotel clerk
for years, for some time holding that position with the old Tremont
! [otel m Chicago, at the time one of the leading hotels of that city.
March 26, [865, be was married to Miss Amanda C. Van Dewater.
the wedding taking; place at Rosamond. Illinois. Mrs. Russell was born
at Knightstown, New Jersey. December r. 1S40. Her father. Rev. A.
C. Van Dewater. was a chaplain of the Thirty-second Illinois Infantry
during the war, and his father had been a soldier in the war of the Revo-
lution. The Van Dewaters were of an old Holland family, three broth-
ers having come to this country some generations ago and settled in New
Jersey or Long [sland. Two of these brothers remained bachelors, but
the other reared a family, and from him descended the subsequent gen-
erations. Mrs. Russell's mother was Margaret T. Sommers, also of
Revolutionary stock. Mrs. Russell was one of four children, namely:
Charles, who died at the age of sixteen: Lewis, who was a soldier in the
One Hundred and Forty-fifth Illinois, am! is now a resident of Walla
Walla. Washington; Wesley, who died in 1890 at Pana. Illinois; and
Mrs. Russell
In 1873 Mr. Russell and wife went to California and lived in San
Francisco, and from that time on traveled a great deal in hopes of bet-
tering his health so impaired in the war. He went to Oshkosh, Wis-
consin, in 1X75. and spent three years there, and thence to St. Louis,
ami live years at Minneapolis, after which he returned to Illinois. In
[898 he came to this county and bought a home at Mulberry, where he
li\ed until his death,. Politically he was a strong Republican, was a
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 555
member cf the Methodist church, and took much interest in G. A. R.
matters. He measured up to a high standard of personal and business
morality, and was respected and esteemed wherever he lived, so that his
death meant a real loss to evervone who had ever known him.
ALLEN T. GILHAM
Allen J. Gilliam, a resident of Cherokee, is a conductor on the
Frisco Railroad and one of a family of railroad men who have made fine
records in the great army of railroad industrials. He has been con-
nected with railroad service for the past twenty-five years, having en-
tered in 1879, and by strict adherence to duty and fidelity to the interests
of all concerned he has heen promoted t" his present responsible place
ami is one of the best known and most popular railroad conductors in
southeastern Kansas, lie was horn in Schuyler county. Illinois. August
16, 1862, and came to Crawford count} - from that place. Besides being
so actively identified with railroading he has given his attention to an-
other enterprise which has made him especially useful in the stock-rais-
ing circles of Crawford county. As a breeder and raiser of fine hogs he
stand- second to none in the count}', and his Chester Whites and Duroc
Red thoroughbred and registered swine are notable and always favored
wherever on the market or on exhibition. As may he inferred from
these mentioned facts. Air. Gilliam is a man of great enterprise and abili-
ly, and is a factor of importance in town and county.
He was married 111 [884 to Miss Jennie Coray. who was horn in
Lafayette. Indiana, a daughter of M. R. Coray. an ex-soldier of the
Civil war. now deceased. Air. and Arrs. Gilliam have nine children:
Florence, John M., Sayle, Jessie. Jennie. Ruth. Allen. Jane and Alma.
Air. Allen J. Gilliam is a son of Thomas J. Gilham, another well
known resident of Cherokee, and a man who has passed a life of long
and useful activity. A native of Greene county. Indiana, where he was
horn December 26, 1841, he was at the age of five years taken to Schuv-
556 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ler county, Illinois, and in that county, in August, 1862, he responded
to Lincoln's call and joined Company B, One hundred and Nineteenth
Illinois Infantry, under Captain Kinney, who was later made colonel of
the regiment. The regiment went into camp at Ouincy, was sent to Ken-
tucky under the command of General A. J. Smith, was at Vicksburg,
took part in the Red River expedition, was in the three days' fighting at
Nashville, was in the operations about New Orleans and Mobile, and in
many other phases and campaigns of the war. He was honorably dis-
charged at St. Louis, and then returned home.
This old soldier was a son of Enoch and Anna (Hodges) Gilham,
both natives of North Carolina, who from Schuyler county removed to
Warren county, Illinois. The father died in Illinois at the age of ninety,
and the mother in Pratt county, Kansas, at the age of seventy-seven.
They had ten children, four sons and six daughters. Thomas J. Gilham
was married in 1861 to Miss Rebecca Huft, who was born in Virginia
of an old family of that state, being a daughter of Ben Huft. In 1884
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Gilham moved to Pratt county. Kansas, where
they lived five years, and then lived in Lynn county, Missouri, until 1903,
since which time they have been residents of Cherokee. They are the
parents of nine children, of whom Allen J. is the eldest. Tire son Thomas
B. is also a railroad man, and resides in Cherokee. John is a railroad
man in St. Louis. Oscar, of Scammon, Kansas, is also in the railroad
business. Ed is a railroad man at Fort Madison, Iowa. Anna and Re-
becca are both at home. Two other sons lost their lives in the service of
railroads, Ben being killed at the age of nineteen and Bell at the age of
twenty-five at St. Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Thomas J. Gilham and his
sons arc Republicans. He is a Grand Army man, and in religion is a
Methodist.
C. C. BROWN.
C. C. Brown, postmaster at the village of Anna, in Washington
township, ha^ been a leading and prosperous citizen of eastern Crawford
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 557
county for over twenty years. He is very popular as the incumbent of
the postoffice. being' by nature accommodating and obliging and a man
who wins friends wherever he goes. For a number of years he has
also been in the general merchandise business at Anna, in fact, has
been identified with this town almost throughout its period of existence.
He was first in partnership with Mr. Holtensworth, and later with Mr.
Sowers. He keeps a first-class general line of goods, such as groceries,
dry goods, notions, etc.. and by progressive and energetic business
methods has extended his trade over a large territory in the eastern
part of the county.
Mr. Brown is a native of Effingham county. Illinois, where he was
born June 28, 1861. He is a son oi an ex-soldier of the Civil war. H.
H. Brown, who served and made a gallant record with the Fifth Illinois
Cavalry, the crack rough rider regiment of that state. He was in the
war for three years. He now lives at Altamont, Illinois. The mother,
whose maiden name was Deffenbaugh. is also living at this writing.
There are three children in the family. C. C. Isabel and Lena. The
father is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and politically is
a Republican.
Mr. C. C. Brown was reared in Effingham county, learning the du-
ties of the home farm, and his education was received in the Illinois
schools. At the age of twenty-one, in 1882, he came to (.'raw ford.
county, and bought a farm of eighty acres in Washington township.
He made this a first-class and highly improved farm, and has been a
successful man in agriculture as well as in merchandising. For some
years he successfully operated a steam threshing outfit in the county.
Mr. Brown married Miss Maggie Morrill, who was reared and edu-
cated in Missouri, being a daughter of M. M. and Catherine ( Burrison)
Morrill, the former now living in Labette county, this state. Mr. and
Mrs. Brown have six children. William, Fred, Earl. Charlie, Xellie and
Katie. Politically Mr. Brown is a Republican, and has served as a dele-
gate to the conventions, taking an active interest in party affairs.
558 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
JESSE BEELER. '
Jesse Beeler, a prosperous farmer on section 29, Crawford township,
Crawford county, is one of the early settlers of this county, having lived
on the one farm for thirty-rive years. He has already reached and
passed the Psalmist's mark of threescore and ten. which is believed to in-
dicate the period of man's usefulness on earth, hut he is by no means
compelled or willing to lay down the burdens of life for some time yet,
and his vigorous manhood and his worth as a citizen make him still a
valued and highly honored resident of his community.
Mr. Beeler was the youngest child of a family of seven sons and
four daughters, all of whom are now deceased except his sister Martha
Seelev, who is now living in Lee county, Iowa, at the advanced age of
eighty-four years. Mr. Beeler was born in Montgomery county. In-
diana. September 12. 1833. and his parents were Isaac anil Jane
1 Hughes) Beeler, both natives of Tennessee. His father was a wagon-
maker and a farmer. He became one of the pioneer settlers of Lee
county. Iowa, where he took up his resilience in .1836, when Iowa was
still a territory. He entered eleven hundred acres of land in one body,
and was a prosperous and influential farmer during the rest of his life,
which was ended in death in 1871, when he had arrived at the great
age of eighty-nine years. His wife died in 1S60, at the age of sixty-
seven.
Mr. Jesse Beeler was educated in a subscription log school in Iowa,
and bis boyhood was passed among the primitive conditions that existed
in that state during the forties. He lived at home until he was twenty-
seven years old, and from that time until the fall of 1869 be was an
enterprising Iowa farmer. He made his advent into Crawford county,
Kansas, in 1869, and bought one hundred and sixty acres of the rail-
road company, which land be has improved and made his home place to
the present time. He has been known throughout the county since 1870
a- the operator of a threshing outfit, having used in that period all the
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 559
kinds of machines from the old-fashioned horsepower to the present
powerful steam outfits. For the past ten years he has also run a feed
grinder and sawmill.
Mr. Beeler married, in October, 1861, Miss Martha Permelia
Moore, a daughter of John and Abigail F. Moore, of Virginia. Her
father is deceased, but her mother still resides in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs.
Beeler have had six children : Amelia lane died at the age of twenty-five
years; Mary died when ten years old; Ella and Nellie were twins, and
the bitter died at the age of two years, and the former is the wife of
George H. Hanshaw, of Crawford county; Abigail Gertrude is the wife
of A. C. Copenhaver. of this county; and Jesse Alton is at home. The
family are members of the Baptist church at Girard. Mr. Beeler affili-
ates with the Anti-Horse Thief Association. In politics he is a Repub-
lican, and was a school director for two terms.
ALBERT X. HAYDEX.
Albert X. Hayden, a well known and successful traveling sales-
man in the southeastern part of Kansas ami a member of the board
of education of Pittsburg, is one of the popular business men of this
city, where he has had his home for the last ten years. He has been in
the ranks of the traveling business men of Kansas for the last twenty
years, and his devotion to every-day business, his genial and whole-
souled manner, and his ability and energy have gained him a well de-
served success among that Yankee fraternity whose methods have placed
American goods and products in every corner of the habitable world.
Mr. Hayden was bom in Grant county. Wisconsin, March 8, i860.
His father. Joseph H. Hayden, was a native of Maine, but in the early
days be came west, and for some time lived in Tike county, Missouri.
He was married in that county to Miss Elizabeth Pritchett. This
couple later took up their residence in Grant county. Wisconsin, but in
560 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
1872 returned to Pike county, Missouri, where they remained till their
death.
Mr. A. X. Harden spent the first twelve years of his life in Grant
county, Wisconsin, and then grew to manhood in Pike county. He re-
ceived a good education in the Pike county schools, and later studied
law. He has never practiced law to any extent, having used it mainly
as a help to his business as fire insurance adjuster, which position he
held for several years with the Home Insurance Company of New York.
He continued to live in Pike county until 1885, and then removed to
Kansas, where he quit the insurance business and went on the road as a
salesman. He had his headquarters at Chanute, where he lived for four
years. In 1803 ne moved to Pittsburg, where his home and headquarters
have been ever since. His first work after coming to Pittsburg was for
Harper and Company, wholesale produce, of this city; he later traveled
for the Pittsburg Wholesale Grocery Company, and now represents the
Western Wholesale Grocery Company of Kansas City.
In April. 1903. Mr. Hayden was elected a member of the board of
education of Pittsburg on the Republican ticket. This office came to
him entirely without solicitation on his part, and he made no effort to
secure his election, in fact, remaining out on the road until noon of the
day of election. He has hosts of friends in the city, and his popularity
and worth as a citizen are attested in many ways.
Mr, Hayden was married at Erie. Kansas, in 1886, to Miss Ida
Neal. Thev have four children. Stella. Clvde, Neal and Yelma.
T. E. WALSH.
J. E. Walsh, who has served for two terms as under sheriff of
Crawford county and at this writing is the people's choice for the office
of sheriff, was born in Edgar county, Illinois, on the nth of October,
[867, and is the second in a family of ten children, four s< ffis and six
daughters, who were born to Thomas and Nancy (McDonald) Walsh
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 561
The paternal grandfather was a veteran of the Mexican war. The
father was a native of Louisiana, hut in early life became a resident of
the north and at the time of the Civil war he espoused the cause of
the Union and served for three years as a member of Company D. Sixty-
second Illinois Infantry. He married Miss McDonald, a native of Illi-
nois, and they continued to reside in that state until 1872, when he came
to Kansas. Thomas 'Walsh turned his attention to merchandising at
Reading, this state, and after one year he removed to St. Martins, Brown
county. Ohio, where he carried on merchandising for three years. On
the expiration of that period he established his home in Paris. Illinois,
wdierc he continued in the same line of business until 1880. He then
came to Crawford county. Kansas, and invested in land here, spending
his last days upon his farm in Grant township, where his death occurred
in July, 1899. His widow still survives him and is yet living on the
homestead farm in Grant township.
J. E. Walsh largely acquired his early education in the public schools
of Crawford county. Kansas, and he afterward spent one year as a stu-
dent in the Kansas Normal College at Fort Scott. He then returned to
owns eighty acres of land. On the 8th of January, 1900. however, he
was appointed to the position of under sheriff, and in January,
his home and engaged in stock-raising in Grant township, where he
was reappointed to that office, the duties of which position he has dis-
charged in a very acceptable, prompt and faithful manner. A recogni-
tion of his worth was accorded him in his nomination for the position
of sheriff as a candidate of the Republican party and since then he has
been elected as sheriff of Crawford county by one of the largest majori-
ties in the history of the count)-. He has always been an advocate of the
principles of the Republican party and has done effective service in it-
behalf.
On the 1 2th of November, 1899, Mr. Walsh was united in mar-
riage to Miss Margaret Seigel, a daughter of George Seigel. and they
now have two interesting children : Helen, who is three years of age,
562 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
and Margaret, who is but a year old. Mr. Walsh and his wife are com-
municants of the Catholic church at Greenbush, Kansas, and he is iden-
tified with the Modern Woodmen of America, and both are connected
with the Knights and Ladies of Security. He has always been found
reliable in business and faithful in public office, and in his present posi-
tion will undoubtedly prove a valuable official.
JOHN SCHWAB.
The little republic of Switzerland has sent to the shores of America
some noble specimens of sturdy, honest manhood, and among that num-
ber was the subject of this review. John Schwab, who is now deceased.
He was born in the old and historic city of Bern. January 17. [834.
He was educated in the excellent common schools of his native land.
At the age of eighteen, after he had studied a little of the law. he secured
a position as clerk in an attorney's office, where he remained for three
years, in the meantime improving his spare moments in the acquisition
of more knowledge of his profession. During these years he had read
of the prospects for a young, ambitious and energetic man in the United
States of America, and accordingly. September 5, 1855, ne set sa ''-
after bidding a fond adieu to his native republic, and a little later landed
in America, a poor but honest lad. with no capital and in a strange land
and anion- a strange people.
He was not disheartened nor discouraged, but was willing to do
anything to earn an honest living. He faced to the west and cast anchor
in Ohio, where he secured a position on a farm at a small recompense.
There he remained one year, and iS;0 found him in Henry county.
Illinois, where he sought and secured a place on another farm, and
remained there until some years had passed away.
October 2, [862, be married Miss Hester C. Romig. He rented
a farm for three years, and then purchased a farm of his own. In April,
1SS4, he sold his well-stocked and well-equipped Illinois farm of two
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 565
hundred acres, and came to Cherokee, Crawford county, and here pur-
chased a farm. This locality being in the great coal mining heh of
southeastern Kansas, he also entered into the mining and shipping of coal.
In August, 1897, he organized the Weir Junction Coal Company, of
which company he continued as president until his death, which resulted
from injuries and which occurred on ( (ctober X, 1897.
The present roster of the Weir Junction Coal Company is as fol-
lows: J. G. Schwab, president: Hettie E. Schwab, secretary: Lewis S.
Schwab, manager and treasurer.
The Cherokee Commercial Company of Cherokee is composed of
the following persons: II. C. Schwab, J. G. Schwab, M. C. Bolick,
George P. Norton and Lewis S. Schwab. These commercial enterprises
m south and southwest Crawford county are factors of great force and
importance in the county. The men who represent these industries are
typical business men, of the conservative caste, and merit the full con-
fidence 1 >f the public.
Mr. Schwab, the elder, was a gentleman known for his strict
honesty and integrity of character. He had co-operated often with the
elder Lanyons who founded the bustling, progressive little city of Pitts-
burg, which now numbers seventeen thousand souls. He was a -real
lover of his home and family. He was a consistent member of the
German Lutheran church.
His wife, formerly Miss Hester C. Romig. was a native of Tus-
carawas county, Ohio, born May 25, 1840, and her parents were early
settlers of that county. It was September 5. 1855. when she came with
her parents to Henry county. Illinois, and the entire country at that time
was an open prairie. She remained a resident of Illinois until after
her marriage with Mr. Schwab, and since 1884 she has been a resident
of Kansas, and is yet living in Cherokee, where she is surrounded by
her children.
Her son J. G. Schwab — brother of Lewis — was born in Henry
county, Illinois, May 22, 1869. but since 1884 his home has been in
566 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Crawford county. He received a careful training in the public -schools
and at the Cherokee high school. He entered mining in 1889, and was
engineer at the mines from 1892 to 1896. He was superintendent of
his father's mines until his father's death, when he succeeded as presi-
dent of the coal company at Weir Junction. He affiliates with the
Masonic fraternity, also is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows at Cherokee, and is independent in politics. He married Miss
Ella E. Gadsbury, March 17. 1892.
JONATHAN P. ALDEN.
Jonathan P. Alden, a prosperous farmer near Monmouth, has lived
in Crawford county since 1K77. and during this period of more than a
quarter century he has witnessed the development of the county from
almost pioneer conditions to the flourishing present. Of sturdy New
England ancestry, a descendant of the famous Alden family whose mem-
bers have figured in history and romance from the coming of the May-
flower in 1620. Mr. Alden has inherited many of the virtues of this
stock, and has the substantial integrity and force of character which
have always dominated the true Puritan and have won them a place of
esteem in whatever community they have resided.
Air. Alden is now a man past the age of threescore and ten. and
his long career has been filled with an unusual degree of useful activity.
Born in Dearborn county. Indiana, August 15, 1832. he was educated in
the schools of his locality and reared to the honest industry of a farm.
On October 30, 1862, he enlisted in Ripley county in Company K, Sev-
enth Indiana Infantry, under Captain Jesse Armstrong and Colonel
Gavin; the regiment was sent east to Alexandria, Virginia, being in the
Army of the Potomac: took part in the battle of Fredericksburg, at Cold
Harbor, and in the 'Wilderness campaign, in the James river campaign
and the siege of Petersburg. Mr. Alden was in the hospital at the time
of the battle of Gettysburg, so that lie did not participate in that crucial
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 567
conflict. He had many narrow escapes, bis clothing being pierced by
bullet- on several occasions. He received bis honorable discbarge at
Indianapolis July 21, 1865, an( ' went home with a good record as a sol-
dier of his country.
Mr. Alden was a son of Isaac and Ruth (Morgan) Alden, the for-
mei a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of an old New York state
family, and a daughter of John Morgan. The mother, who was a wo-
man oi many virtues, lived to be ninety-one year- old. and the father
met death by accident while butchering at the age of forty-five. Isaac
Alden was a Whig in politics. There were twelve children in the fam-
ily, seven sons and five daughters.
Mr. Alden was married in Indiana. October 30. 1858, to Miss Cath-
erine L. Ehler, who was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, a daughter
of Thomas Ehler. Their happy married life extended over thirty odd
years, being terminated by the death of Mrs. Alden in January, 1891,
at the age of fifty-four. She was known as a good mother, a kind friend
and neighbor and a diligent member of the church and social circles, and
was highly esteemed for her excellent qualities of heart and mind. She
was the mother of six children: Moody, who married Cassie Emerson,
has one son, Clarence; Clarence is a railway telegraph operator; Lillie
Kelly; George, who lives on the homestead, married Emma Volt and has
a son. George Earl; the two deceased children are William, who died
when twenty-one years old. and Etta, at thirteen.
Mr. Alden lived in Edgar count}. Illinois, until be came to Craw-
ford county in 1877. He has a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres,
most of it bottom land, situated a mile and a half from town, and has
made such a happy combination of progressiveness, thrift and industry
that he has accomplished a large success, and is one of the well fixed
and substantial farmers of south Crawford county. Mr. Alden is a
Mason of over thirty years' standing, having been initiated into that
order at Milan, Indiana, in 1874. He is a member of the United Breth-
ren church, and is well known and popular throughout the community.
56S HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
GEORGE W. ROBINSON.
I ieorge W. Robinson, carrier on rural free delivery route Xo. I out
of Cherokee, where he is a resident, has lived in the state of Kansas for
the- past thirty-eight years, and has made a capable and worthy record
as a citizen and man of affairs, and is also esteemed as one of the honored
veterans of the Civil war.
He was a boy of eighteen years when he responded to the first call
that went out for three-year men to put down the rebellion, and he en-
listed at Taylorville, Christian county, Illinois, in August, 1861, in Com-
pany D, Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, under Captain H. H. Pope and
Colonel Charles E. Hovey. From Bloomington. Illinois, this regiment
was sent to the field of hostilities in Missouri, and most of his campaign-
ing was done in that state and in Arkansas. He was at Pilot Knob until
the spring of 1802. and then took part in numerous skirmishes and small
engagements in southeastern Missouri. At St. Louis. Missouri, he was
honorably discharged 011 account of disability, being afflicted with tuber-
culosis. He then returned to Illinois and as soon as bis health per-
mitted he engaged in farming.
Mr. Robinson was born in Shelby county. Illinois. February 9, 1843.
the same year in which the birth of President McKinley occurred. Fie
was a son of William Lang and Lydia Elizabeth (Strador) Robinson,
father a native of Virginia and mother of North Carolina, and they were
among the earliest settlers of Shelby county. Illinois, going there in 1826.
when the country was wild and undeveloped, when game was plentiful in
the woods and prairies, when the dwellings were log cabins heated by
fireplaces, and all other things were primitive and uncouth. The father
died on the Wabash river in 185J. at the age of fifty-six, but the mother
came out to Kansas, where she died in 1870. at the age of sixty-nine.
These parents were noted for their main- excellences of heart and mind,
and their generous hospitality was always in evidence, especially during
their early life in [llinois, when the latch string wa s always to lie found on
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 569
the outside of the door, where friend and stranger alike might enter
freely. There were thirteen children in their family, seven sons and six
daughters, and two other of the suns were soldiers in the Civil war —
John M., who died in 1870 and was a member of the One Hundred
and Twenty-fourth Illinois under General Logan, and P. P., who served
on the western frontier.
Mr. Robinson was reared on the Illinois farm, where he was taught
to work, but he received only six months' schooling in all his life, al-
though home study and diligent application to the practical affair- of
life have compensated for these early deficiencies. Shortly after the
war he came to Kansas and settled in Neosho county, near St. Paul,
where he was a resident until he came to Cherokee in 1899. He owns
two excellent houses in the best part of town, and has made an excellent
success in business and industrial affairs and is accounted one of the sub-
stantial men of the town and county, where he is very popular. He re-
ceived his appointment as rural mail carrier on October 1, 1903.
Mr. Robinson was married at Neosho, Kansas, to Fliza Wilson,
who became the mother of seven children, as follows: J. W., who is a
successful contractor on cement work in Kansas City; Oscar \\'.. who
is a carriage painter; F. K., who is a soldier in the Eighteenth United
States Infantry and has been in the Philippines for live years; Nettie
Bennett, of Neosho county; Dora Williams, who died leaving four chil-
dren; Leonard, who died at the age of twenty-one; and Pearl I!., who
died in 1897 at the age of sixteen. Mr. Robinson is independent in
politics, and 
