Cloud County
KSGenWeb
GEORGE KAAD.
Another example of what industry and thrift can accomplish is
illustrated by the progress made by George Kaad of Grant township, who came to
Kansas in 1878 with a capital of one hundred and twenty-five dollars. Mr. Kaad
is a native of Denmark, born in 1854, in Schleswig, now a part of Germany, but
remarked with pride, "I am proud to be called an American citizen." He is one in
the fullest sense of the term and is loyal to his adopted county. In 1872 he
sailed for America and located in Chicago where he carried brick and mortar
until after the "big fire." He then went to the state of New York, two years
later to Ohio, and a short time afterward spent a year in Illinois, subsequently
coming to Kansas in 1878.
One year later he was married to Anne Peterson,
also of Danish birth, who came to Kansas in 1878 with her father, Peter Johnson,
two sisters and a brother and settled in Jewell county, near the Cloud county
line. He afterward settled in Grant township, Cloud county, where he died in
1900. Her mother died in Denmark when Mrs. Kaad was but twelve years old. To Mr.
and Mrs. Kaad thirteen children have been born, ten of whom are living. George,
the eldest child is twenty-two years of age and assists his father on the farm;
Peter has just attained his majority and is also at home; Willie, the third son,
is aged twenty, and Anna, the eldest daughter is a young woman of eighteen
years; Mary and Frank died at the ages of seven and eleven years, respectively;
Hans, aged thirteen, was born on the same day of the month as Peter, the second
son, August 9th; Martina died at the age of two years and four months; Emma and
Lucy are aged nine and eight years, respectively; Martha Julia and Martin August
are twins; ten hours elapsed between their births, making their birthdays July
31st and August 1st; the baby, Oscar Frederick, is about two years of age.
When Mr. Kaad came to Kansas he bought a soldier's filing over in the hills
about two miles south of his present farm and, having proved up on it about four
and one-half years later, sold, and in partnership with a brother-in-law bought
one hundred and sixty acres of State Normal school land, paying eight hundred
dollars for the quarter which they divided, each taking his own deed. In 1900
Mr. Kaad bought his brother-in-law's eighty of another party to whom he had
sold. In 1896 he bought eighty acres from Mr. Peterson which makes a total of
two hundred and forty acres.
During the first year Mr. Kaad was in Kansas
he lived in the Elniff family of Jewell county, owning a half interest in a yoke
of cattle with Fred Elniff, using them each alternate week and in this manner
broke up his land and obtained a start in farming. Mr. Kaad often recalls
driving the ox team to Beloit and Concordia, cracking his whip to the tune of
"Haw Buck, Gee Buck," etc.
In the early part of their married life Mr.
and Mrs. Kaad lived in a dugout and experienced many adversities without a cent
in their possession. Upon one occasion Mr. Kaad was especially desirous of
posting a letter and not having the price of a stamp offered Mr. Ansdell, the
postmaster, some produce in exchange for postage, a transaction forbidden by
"Uncle Sam" but complied with in this instance.
The most serious of all
their experiences was when a long siege of typhoid fever befell Mr. Kaad,
leaving him In a helpless condition for many weeks. There was not only a
scarcity of food but their fuel was limited to green wood and cornstalks; a
physician who drove out from Concordia charged fifteen dollars a trip, a fortune
to them in each call. The following year they were more fortunate and built a
stone house of one room 10x12 feet in dimensions and dug a well, having been
carrying water a half mile; but misfortunes still pursued them. The horses Mr.
Kaad bought died, he mortgaged his farm and poor crops compelled him to continue
remitting heavy interest by re-mortgaging until in the early nineties he
released it, and, although crop failures came, he has since progressed.
In 1898 among the improvements to his farm a comfortable eight-room residence
was built at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. The house is modern with closets
in all the rooms and a good cellar. They have a well kept lawn with flowers and
shade trees. In 1899 a barn, 26 by 36, was erected with a granary and shed 16 by
36 attached on the west end.
Mr. Kaad is one of the honored pioneers of
Grant township and after years of toil and care he is enjoying the fruits of his
labors and a pleasant home built through his own efforts and those of his frugal
and industrious wife. He has transformed a wild, unbroken tract into one of the
most desirable farms in the locality of Jamestown and is counted one of the
financially well-to-do Danes of Grant township. Wheat growing is his principal
industry. Mr. Kaad is "mixed" in politics and votes for the best man. He is
public spirited and Interested in securing for his children good educational
advantages. The family are members of the Jewell county Lutheran church which he
helped to erect by his influence, labor and financial support.
JOHN KELLY.
John Kelly, of Jamestown, the cashier and one of the
principal stockholders of the Jamestown Bank, has been associated with the
people of Cloud county and vicinity since March, 1879. For several years he was
a prominent educator and accounted one of the most successful. Mr. Kelly's place
of nativity is Lackawanna county, Pennsylvania, where he was born on a farm near
Scranton, and received the rudiments of his education there. When he came to
Cloud county in 1879, he began his career as teacher in district No. 50. After
teaching one term he entered the State University, took a special course for one
year and resumed his school work; taught one year in Republic county and three
years in district No. 8. During this period he was chosen one of the board of
examiners, discharging the duties of this office for four years and instructed
in the Cloud county Institute for three sessions. From 1885 until 1890, Mr.
Kelly was principal of the Jewell city schools, of Jewell county, Kansas.
He next assumed control of the farm loan department of the firm of Caldwell
& Peterson, of Concordia, until 1893, when he was elected cashier of the
Citizens' National Bank. His services were evidently satisfactory, for he
received successive promotion. The world is crowded with men ready and willing
to embrace every opportunity for money, making, hence to obtain and hold a
position of merit is a real compliment to a man. Three years later, December
1896, Mr. Kelly was elected president of the Bank of Beloit, which consolidated
with the First National Bank of that city in March, 1898. He resigned his
position with this banking house to establish the State Bank of Jamestown.
Mr. Kelly was married in 1890, to Mary E. Pratt, who was one of his corps of
teachers in the Jewell city schools. Mr. Kelly is a son of Bernard Kelly, a
native of Ireland. He died in 1892. His mother was Ellen Scarry, also of Irish
birth, but for years a resident of Scranton, Pennsylvania, until her death,
December 3, 1902. Mr. Kelly is one of six children, who are all living in
Scranton. Mr. Kelly and a brother, who died in Texas, are the only members of
the family who came west.
Mr. Kelly takes an active part in politics,
votes the Republican ticket, but in local elections supports the best men - men
of honor and integrity. He is serving on his third year as treasurer of the
school board of Jamestown, and is a valuable and conservative officer. Mr. Kelly
began life in Cloud county with small capital and has developed into one of the
leading business men of the county. Personally he is congenial and very popular
among his friends.
EDGAR MARTIN KENYON.
To the large per
cent. of emigrants who came to Kansas without capital and have forged their way
to prosperity and prominence, belongs the subject of this sketch, Edgar Martin
Kenyon. From the original wilderness of prairie his homestead and possessions
have increased until he owns five hundred and sixty acres of finely cultivated
land, herds of cattle and hogs, a residence of modern architecture that would do
credit to a city, and barns fashioned after the commodious structures of the
east.
Mr. Kenyon continues to live on the homestead that has undergone
all these changes since he located his claim in 1870. He came to the new west
alone, and after building a very unpretentious house and purchasing a sack of
flour, for which he paid seven dollars per hundred pounds, the settler, remote
from his eastern home and family, was left on the sparsely inhabited prairie
with but four dollars in his pocket - his cash capital; but he was not
discouraged, felt no reluctance, for he was young, sanguine and ambitious, and
believing the future held golden harvests, he spent the summer preparing for the
arrival of his wife and son, Orlin (their only child at that time), with a light
and happy heart. He secured employment hauling freight at $1.25 per hundred, for
Sibley's pioneer merchant, J.D. Robertson. Mr. Kenyon had nothing to lose, but
prospered from the beginning, notwithstanding reverses brought about from
grasshoppers and hot winds. When bountiful harvests began smiling on their
little western home, a substantial and imposing residence sprung into existence
and the primitive dwelling vanished. In addition to the spade, the scythe and
the plow, with which he carried on farming, his estate is abundantly supplied
with every implement known to agriculture for planting and garnering the grain
with economy and profit.
Mr. Kenyon is a native of Canada. He is a son of
Amos and Caroline Cordelia (Blanchard) Kenyon. Amos Kenyon, of Vermont birth and
English origin, emigrated to Iowa in 1855, settled in Delaware county, where he
died May 1891. Mr. Kenyon's mother was of New York birth; she died in Iowa, July
22, 1889. Mr. Kenyon is one of little children, seven of whom are living, all in
Iowa, excepting our subject and a sister in Denver. In 1868 Mr. Kenyon was
married to Miss Cordelia Smith, who was born in the state of New York. Her
father, Samuel Hastings Smith, removed to Concordia in 1872 and died there in
1900, at the age of eighty-five years. Her mother, who survives him, is also
four score and five and lives with her daughter in Concordia. Mrs. Kenyon is a
refined gentlewoman. The atmosphere of refinement is one of the fundamental
elements often overlooked in the country home, but this is not lacking in the
Kenyon residence where everything bespeaks cultivated taste. Mrs. Kenyon taught
the second term of school in joint District No. 1, Cloud and Republic counties.
She taught one term over the line in Republic county, which was the first school
held in Norway township. Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon's family consists of four children,
two sons and two daughters. The two sons, Orlin and Arthur, are prosperous
farmers, and are both married. The daughters are educated young women, well
qualified for the important positions they occupy. Helen, who is teaching on her
second school year at Valley Falls, graduated from the Emporia State Normal in
1901, receiving a life diploma. June is a graduate from the Wesleyan Business
College of Salina and is employed as stenographer and bookkeeper at the
Soldiers' Orphans' Home in Atchison.
Politically Mr. Kenyon votes with
the Republican party. He has served as treasurer of his district for almost a
quarter of a century. The teachers in this school have all been fortunate enough
to find a home with the Kenyons. Socially Mr. Kenyon has been an Odd Fellow for
thirteen years and is identified with the Order of Elks in Concordia.
ELMER E. KIEFER.
Elmer E. Kiefer, the subject of this sketch, is
a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, born near Neshanock, in 1867. When
eleven years of age he came overland with his parents to Kansas and settled in
Jewell county. He was reared on a farm, in the meantime receiving a common
school education, and when he attained the age of twenty years, entered the
State University at Lawrence, Kansas, and graduated from that school in 1889. He
then engaged in teaching in the Jewell county schools and after several years of
successful work he completed a teacher's course in the Salina Normal. In 1807 he
became associated with Mr. Carroll, of the present firm of Carpenter & Carroll,
and established a general mercandise[sic] business. In the summer of 1902 he
sold his interest to Reverend Carpenter and has since been engaged in clerking.
Mr. Kiefer is a son of George W. Kiefer, an old veteran of the army of the
Potomac. He served in Company C, Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, over
three years. He received a gunshot wound in the left side, from which he is
still a sufferer. He participated in many battles and was an inmate of Libby
Prison a short time. He was discharged in 1864, just prior to the battle of
Cedar creek. George W. Kiefer was a resident of Jewell county for many years. He
is now retired and lives in Lawrence, Kansas. Our subject's mother was Salina
Lienberger; her grandfather was a German emigrant and settled in Mercer county,
Pennsylvania, in an early day, and lived to be almost a centenarian. Mr.
Kiefer's brother, W.L., is also a successful teacher and a former principal of
the Jamestown schools. The other members of the family are, Daisy, Mrs. Widrig,
of Jewell county; Norman and Cecil Darline.
Mr. Kiefer was married in
1898, to Miss Helen Krom, of Beloit, Kansas. Mrs. Kiefer was also a teacher,
having been associated with the Mitchell county schools for several years and
also taught at Harwood, North Dakota. Her father, Peter Krom, was a soldier in
the Civil war. He served with a Wisconsin regiment. Mr. Krom emigrated to Kansas
in an early day and lives on the land he homesteaded, near Beloit. Politically,
Mr. Kiefer is a Democrat. He is a member of the Jamestown board of education and
one of the councilmen. Socially he is a Mason and a member of the order of
Woodmen of America. Himself and wife were members and active workers of the
Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Kiefer is assistant superintendent of the
Sabbath school and is trustee and steward in the church. The Keifer's occupy a
pleasant cottage home and are ranked among Jamestown's most esteemed citizens.
ERNEST V. KING.
Success in photography more than in almost
any other business or profession depends upon the natural endowments and the
fitness of the individual who has chosen that field for his labors. To become
even a mediocre in the art, the operator must exercise his faculties
incessantly, for, while frequenting picture shops, the author has discerned that
even the most proficient are far from being invariably sure of results. Whatever
the skill of the photographer may be, however well adapted for his chosen
calling, he does not gain prominence without extended and intense application to
work. The subject of this sketch, E.V. King, many of whose photographs furnish
illustrations for this volume, has made rapid gains toward the goal of his
ambitions, since establishing his studio in Concordia in August, 1897. Mr. King
"loves art for art's sake," and seemingly does not recognize a limitation. He is
all indefatigable worker and can be found in his studio from early morn until
the lengthening shadows drive him from the work he seems to have an irresistible
passion for, and which makes it possible for him to acquire skill. Mr. King is
young in years, having been born in 1874, but there is no time in the life of an
artist (for a photographer must be an artist to succeed) when he is not a
student. Lincoln, Nebraska, is the place of his nativity. He was reared in his
native state and began his present vocation as an apprentice with William
Griffin, of Hebron, Nebraska. Mr. King conducted a gallery for one year prior to
his advent in Concordia. He has a commodious and up-to-date studio on the second
floor of the Dunning block, and has built up a lucrative patronage. He employs
W.E. Gates, a practical photographer. Mr. Gates is formerly of Ohio, the state
of his birth, but with his parents emigrated to Nebraska, where he and Mr. King
were friendw in their boyhood days.
Mr. King was married in the spring of
1897 and his family is represented by a wife and two sons, Lyman and Karl. The
illustration on the opposite page shows the growth of Lyman, their first born,
and also demonstrates the progress Mr. King has made in art in the intervening
space of time. Mr. King is a Republican politically, is a member of the city
council and the member-elect of the school board from the Third ward. Mr. and
Mrs. King are charter members and active workers of the Christian church, Mr.
King being one of the church officials.
HUBERT F. KING
The
subject of this sketch, H.F. King, is one of the solid, substantial farmers and
stock men of Lyon township. He started upon his career with out a shilling in
his pocket, but by shrewd management and industry, has gained a comfortable
fortune. Through these qualities a magic change has been brought about and today
his farm products and stock interests yield him a handsome income.
Mr.
King was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1852. His parents were Richard and
Maria (Wiley) King. His father was a native of Connecticut, but removed to the
state of New York and later to Ohio, He visited California in 1854 and after
remaining in that state several years returned to Ohio, where he died in 1860.
He was a wagon and carriage maker by trade. Our subject's paternal grandfather
was a patriot of the Revolutionary war, and the bayonet he carried is in the
possession of one of Mr. King's brothers, and bears the scars of many battles.
Mr. King's mother was born in Cattaraugus county, New York. She was of English
ancestry. Mr. King received a common school education and continued to live in
Trumbull county until he attained his twenty-fifth year. He was but eight years
old when his father died and his mother's limited means of support prompted her
to find a home for her son where he could earn his board and clothes. When
seventeen years of age, he started out with the determination to stem the tide
of fortune upon his own responsibility and resources. After working as a farm
hand one year, and about the same length of time in a cheese factory, he entered
the employ of an extensive tinware concern and sold their goods throughout the
country districts. With this firm he acquired his start in the world, saving a
thousand dollars in the five years he was associated with them. Imbued with the
desire to own land he came westward and after looking over the situation in
Iowa, he came with his brother, C.C. King to Kansas, in 1878, and homesteaded in
Ottawa county. He also secured a timber claim adjoining. In 1878, Mr. King
bought one-half section of land where he now lives. It was an unimproved tract,
owned by James R. King, an iron bridge manufacturer of Ohio, to whom it was
deeded by a brother, Chas. King. Mr. King sold his homestead in Ottawa county,
but retained the timber claim and bought eighties. He now owns eight hundred
acres of valuable wheat and pasture land, five hundred acres of which is under
fence. The family lived in a basement from 1883 until 1897, when it was used for
a foundation for a substantial frame house. The farm is well equipped with
stock, barns and sheds. He keeps a herd of about eighty head of Herefords and
feeds a half hundred hogs in ordinary years.
January 2, 1880, Mr. King
was married to Caddie Stoddard, a daughter of Frank and Delia (Earl) Stoddard.
Her father was born in Chenango county, New York, January 8, 1838, and was
married to Delia Earl, July 3, 1861; she was born in Delaware county, New York,
in 1840. Mrs. King was also born in Delaware county, in 1862. When about eight
years of age she came with her parents to Rock Island, Illinois. One year later
they removed to Macon county, Missouri, where they lived on a farm for eight
years. The then came to Kansas and are now residents of Norton. Her father was a
member of Company K, One hundred and Forty-fourth New York Infantry, served
throughout the Civil war and was mustered out in August, 1865.
By
occupation Mr. Stoddard has always been a farmer and carpenter. Of a large
family of children he is one of five that are living. A sister, Mrs. Mary Teed,
of Denver; a brother at Asbury Park, N.J.; Chester Stoddard is a resident of
Sidney, New York; and George, of Moline, Illinois.
A brother, the late
C.H. Stoddard, who started life in a very humble way, became prominent in both
social and financial circles. From a "ginseng" peddler he rose to prominence,
acquiring a fortune and an enviable reputation as a civil engineer and
financier. For forty years he lived in the city of Rock Island, Illinois. Early
in life he learned engineering, receiving academic instructions in Oxford
academy, New York, following that vocation throughout the states of New York and
Pennsylvania. He assisted in laying the first railroad over the Alleghany
mountains in 1849-50. He was principal of the public schools of Hollidaysburg,
Pennsylvania. In 1851 he located in Rock Island, where he was engaged in civil
engineering for forty years. He assisted in locating the Rock Island railroad
from Davenport across the state of Iowa; also the old Rockford, and the Rock
Island and St. Louis railroad, now the C.B. & Q. During the early part of his
career he devoted much time in locating government lands in Iowa. He represented
many financial interests; was a stockholder in the Rock Island Watch Company;
the Rock Island Glass Company, and the Rock Island Stove Company, and was a
director of the Rock Island and Milan railroad; the Rock Island National Bank
and the Moline National Bank.
Mr. King is the eldest of six children, -
three sons and three daughters, - all of whom are living. Earl, the eldest son,
is a bridge builder, and resides in Trenton, Nebraska; Charles is a farmer of
Lyon township; Anna is the wife of Freeman Nicholson, of Norton, Kansas; Hardin
is a farmer of Norton county; and Myrtle, the youngest daughter and child in the
family.
Mr. and Mrs. King's family consists of four children. Their
eldest, Richard Franklin, graduated from the Glasco high school and has taught
two terms of school. He made a record worthy of mention. While attending the
Glasco high school, he rode from home, a distance of six miles, through all
sorts of weather and was neither tardy nor absent for one year. He has just
attained his majority and occupies a prominent place in the management of the
farm and stock. Clara Stella is an accomplished young lady of considerable
musical talent. She graduated from District No. 46, in 1901, and is now a
student in the Glasco high school. The two younger children are Horace and Anis
Alberta. Politically, our subject is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. King are very
worthy people and contribute to the support of every worthy cause.
JOHN L. KIRBY, D. D. S.
Doctor Kirby began his career by teaching
school; taught in Clay county three years, he was connected two summers with the
electric light company in Clay Center, Kansas, putting up lines, wiring,
collecting, etc., during his college vacation. Doctor Kirby graduated from the
Kansas City dental college in 1901. Prior to this he took a year's course of
medicine in the St. Louis medical college, but having two brothers in dentistry
he was induced through their influence to change his profession. Doctor Kirby
was a student of the Emporia State Normal three years, where he took a course
preparatory to studying medicine, and we might add was where he met the cause
that took effect, and resulted in his coming to Clyde, where he was married June
1901, to Miss Lillian B. Smith, one of the most beautiful young women of Clyde,
a daughter of Uriah Smith. She was among the first graduates of the Clyde
schools and was a prominent teacher. She has taught in various places, Clyde,
Valley Falls and her last two terms were taught in Kansas City schools. She was
a graduate of the State Normal and stood exceptionally high in school work. She
was also a student for one or more years of the Campbell University, in Holton,
Kansas.
Doctor Kirby is a native of Woodford county, Kansas, where his
parents, John H. and Mary E. (Dillingham) Kirby were early settlers. The Kirbys
were of English origin and settled in Pennsylvania in an early day. The
Dillinghams were of Holland descent, and settled in New York. Dr. Kirby's
maternal grandfather was a revolutionary soldier. John H. Kirby came to Kansas
in 1881 and settled In Dickinson county near the Clay county line where he
bought land, raising stock and grain. He died in 1897. Mrs. Kirby lives with her
children. Doctor Kirby is the youngest of eight children. Doctor A.H. a dentist
of Rock Rapids, Iowa. W.D. a dentist of Beatrice, Nebraska. H.W. who operates a
coal yard in Denver, Colorado. Mrs. R.P. Ferguson, of Pueblo, Colorado. Mrs.
W.B. Hall, of Marlon, Kansas. C.P. Flyer, whose husband is Doctor Flyer, a
dentist of La Crosse, Kansas. Mrs. Grant McCoy who with her family live on the
old place.
Doctor Kirby is a member of the Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity,
which is an international dental fraternity. He has been a member of this order
three years. Doctor Kirby is working with the expectations of making a
speciality of straightening irregular teeth and expects to take special courses
next year with Doctor Angle, of St. Louis, who is the recognized authority of
the world in that line. Doctor Kirby is a Republican in politics and a member of
the Young Men's Republican Club. He was raised a Presbyterian but united with
the Methodist Episcopal church after his marriage with Mrs. Kirby for she had
always been a worker and a member of that church. Doctor Kirby stands in the
profession of dentistry, also in social circles and is a rising young man.
NICHOLS KLEIN.
The subject of this sketch, Nichols Klein, is
the owner and manager of the Oakes House, one of the best business properties in
the city of Glasco. Mr. Klein is an old resident of Mitchell county, Kansas,
having settled there in 1876 and was the first white proprietor of a barber shop
in the city of Beloit, remaining there until 1901, when he purchased the hotel
of Mr. and Mrs. Oakes, trading some good Beloit real estate in the transaction.
Mr. Klein was born in the southern part of Germany in the year 1849. His
boyhood days were spent on the farm in his native land, but when he reached the
age of twenty-three years he started out to see something of the world and with
his parents settled in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned the barber
trade, became an adept tonsorial artist and has followed that occupation ever
since. Mr. Klein's father emigrated west and died in Beloit. His mother was
deceased in Ohio.
Mr. Klein was married in 1878 to Mary Arnoldy, of
Mitchell county, Kansas, where her father, Nichols Arnoldy, was an early settler
and prominent citizen. He owned nine hundred and forty acres of land, part of
which extended into Osborne county. He emigrated to Kansas in 1873 from
Minnestoa, his former home, and where Mrs. Klein was born. He died in Downs in
the year 1887, where he owned a hotel at the time of his death. Mrs. Klein is
one of a family of ten children, five boys and five girls, all of whom are
living. Three of her brothers are residents of California; one of them being
county attorney of Yuba county, California, and resides in Marysville. One
brother is in Chicago, and another in Mitchell county, Kansas. Three of her
sisters live near Tipton, Mitchell county, and one in California. Mrs. Klein is
an estimable woman and an indulgent mother, devoted to the welfare of her
family.
To Mr. and Mrs. Klein eight children have been born, viz: Anna,
who was married about a year ago to John Smith, a young farmer of Mitchell
county. Ella, the second daughter, assists in the duties of the hotel. Arnold
and Leo are young men aged twenty and eighteen years, respectively. Frances,
Willie and Maxie attend the Glasco schools, and Marie, an interesting little
girl of five summers, completes the family circle. Their family of children are
Kansans, born, bred and educated in Beloit. Arnold, the eldest son, was a
student for one year of St. Benedict's College at Atchison, Kansas. The family
are members of the Catholic church.
SIDNEY H. KNAPP.
S.H.
Knapp, the popular postmaster of Clyde, is a Kansan born and bred. His birth
occurred ten miles west of Manhattan on Wild Cat creek, in 1867. He is a son of
Honorable George W. and Rhoda E. (Hampton) Knapp. His paternal grandfather was
smothered to death by the caving in of a well where he was working. Mr. Knapp's
father was a Kansas pioneer. He settled in the old Pawnee reservation, near
Junction City, in 1854, and homesteaded land on Wild Cat creek, now within a
half mile of Keats, a station on the Rock Island Railroad.
The Knapps are
of English origin and early settlers in the state of New York. George W. Knapp
resided in the Adirondacks, the place of his nativity, until he emigrated to
Kansas in the pioneer settlement of Geary county, where he experienced many
hardships. He served his country in the Civil war and was one of Company G,
Eleventh Kansas Cavalry. After the war he located in Riley, Kansas. In October,
1878, he came to Clyde, erected a barn and engaged successfully in the livery,
'bus and transfer business, where he continued until 1888. During the winter of
1887 he was elected to the legislature, discharged his duties faithfully and won
the confidence and respect not only of his constituents, but those who differed
from him politically. He has always been active in politics and in every
enterprise to forward the best interest of his town. In 1890, he received the
appointment of postmaster and served four years during President Harrison's
administration. In 1894 he removed to Kansas City, Kansas, where for several
years he has been engaged in the transfer and real estate business, transacting
an extensive business. For the past four years he has been engaged in newspaper
work and is still active in politics. The present year (1902) he was delegate to
the state convention held at Wichita, and has been suggested as nominee for
register of deeds of Wyandotte county.
S.H. Knapp is the eldest of three
children, two boys and one girl. He received his education in the public schools
of Clyde and the commendable night business school conducted by Prof. Roach of
Clyde. Mr. Knapp assisted his father in the livery business until 1885, when he
entered the employ of S.S. McIntosh in his book and stationery store until 1887.
The spring of 1888, he embarked in farming and moved on his father's ranch in
Mitchell county, remaining there three years. He was successful in this
enterprise but his father sold the ranch and opened an extensive flour and feed
store in Clyde. His father had received the appointment of postmaster in the
meantime and S.H. Knapp entered the office as assistant postmaster. In the
spring of 1891, he established a book and stationery store in the front of the
postoffice building, and has built up a paying enterprise: carrying a full line
of books and periodicals, stationery, fancy goods and a line of fine
confectionery. They are leaders in this line and their stock is in advance of
that usually found in a city of Clyde's proportions.
Our subject was
appointed postmaster in 1898, to succeed Judge McFarland and was reappointed in
1902. The Clyde postoffice with Mr. Knapp and his able assistants is one of the
best conducted offices in the country.
Mr. Knapp was married in 1887, to
Mary E. Kinch, a daughter of Honorable Samuel R. Kinch who was a prominent
resident of Clyde for many years. He was the first engineer of the Clyde city
water works and for years he was proprietor of a flour and feed business. He was
well known in political and municipal circles; filled the office of mayor of
Clyde and was a valued member of the council. At the opening of the strip in
Oklahoma, in 1901, he was the lucky winner in drawing a fine claim and with his
family removed to their new possessions near Bridgeport, where they now reside.
The Kinchs are from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Mrs.
Knapp. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp are the parents of three engaging children, two boys
and a daughter; Harold and Kenneth, two manly little fellows, aged twelve and
nine years respectively. Marion Jeanette - or "Dolly" as she is called by her
parents and associates - is aged seven. Miss "Dolly" enjoys the distinction of
being the only child that gave and received a kiss from President Roosevelt when
he visited Clyde in 1900. It was bestowed upon her in receipt for a handsome
bouquet tendered the President.
To S.H. Knapp belongs the absolute credit
of instigating the organization of the, Young Men's Republican Club of Cloud
county. He first conceived the idea from the Kansas Day Club, and submitted the
proposition to the late Mr. Ackley, of Concordia, who at once conceded the
popularity it would command. After Mr. Ackley's death Mr. Knapp requested Fred
Sturges, Jr., to accept the honor of becoming the club's first president. Mr.
Knapp became secretary and through the combined efforts of these two young
Republicans this club was made one of the most popular organizations ever in
Cloud county.
Socially Mr. Knapp is a Mason of eight years' standing, a
Modern Woodman, a member of the Sons of Veterans, the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, Triple Tie, and the Life Annuity Association. In business circles Mr.
Knapp ranks among the most successful; in political affairs he is preeminently a
leader among the young men of Cloud county. He is a genial, courteous man, and a
general favorite with his large circle of acquaintances and friends.
W. G. KOCHER.
A well-to-do farmer and stockman and owner of one of
the most desirable country homes in Arion township is W.G. Kocher, the subject
of this sketch. He is one of those thrifty and enterprising Pennsylvanians that
are seldom otherwise than prosperous. He was born in Mercer county,
Pennsylvania, in 1849. He is a son of George and Elizabeth (First) Kocher, both
of German origin and natives of Pennsylvania. George Kocher was twice married.
W.G. is the youngest son of the second marriage and one of eight children, six
of whom are living. Mrs. Kile, living in Center township is a sister.
When Mr. Kocher was nine years of age his father died, and at the age of
eighteen years he entered upon farm life. A few years later he secured
employment on public works that were in course of erection in his county and
later engaged in the lumber business with Gaston Brothers. He had accumulated a
little bank account out of his earnings and in December, 1887, came to Kansas,
and the following January bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty
acres.
He tore down the old stone residence built by the old homesteader,
Mrs. Doer, and erected a handsome residence in 1898. In 1893, he added one
hundred and sixty acres, the original Eagle homestead lying one mile south, and
in 1898 bought one hundred and sixty acres adjoining on the west, most of which
is pasture land. Mr. Kocher is an extensive wheat grower. In 1900 he had a
fifty-three acre field that yielded a total of fifteen hundred bushels. In 1898
he had a yield of thirty-eight bushels to the acre. During the corn years Mr.
Kocher has fed and shipped hogs by the car load. He keeps a herd of graded
Shorthorn cattle. His farm is under a fine state of improvement considerable
fruit and an inexhaustible well which furnishes water as pure and cold as any in
his native state.
He was married in 1871, to Katie I. Riddle, a daughter
of Doctor John W. and Rachael Harriet (Close) Riddle. Doctor Riddle is a
distinguished physician. He began the practice of medicine in Utica,
Pennsylvania. In 1862, he entered the Sixty-first Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry as surgeon of the regiment, remaining until the close of the war. Was
with the army of the Potomac. He was born in 1820 in Venango county, On a farm
where he lived until twelve years of age when his father sold out and engaged in
merchandising.
When seventeen years of age Doctor Riddle entered the
Jefferson Medical College, of Philladelphia, where he graduated in 1844. He is
retired from the practice of medicine and now lives with a son in Armstrong
county, Pennsylvania, thirty miles north of Pittsburg. Doctor Riddle is a
grandson of Edward Riddle who settled in West Virginia after serving in the
Revolutionary war, and where Doctor Riddle's father was born and partially
reared, and later moved to Pennsylvania. Doctor Riddle's maternal ancestors were
of Scotch origin and early settlers in the state of Pennsylvania. The Doctor is
the only surviving member of a family of four.
To Doctor and Mrs. Riddle
five children were born, viz: Alexander P., ex-lieutenant governor of Kansas,
and one of the best known men in the state, is a resident of Minneapolis,
Kansas, and editor of the Minneapolis Messenger. Charles M., one of the police
force of the city of Youngstown, Ohio. Catherine I., wife of W.G. Kocher, the
subject of this sketch. George K., of Armstrong county. Pennsylvania, who is a
lumberman operating a saw mill. Marguritta, wife of L.C. Hassenfritz, an
engineer in the Thirty-third street steel mills, of Carnegie, Phipps & Co.,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
To Mr. and Mrs. Kocher nine children have been
born, eight of whom are living, viz: Charles E., a resident of Minneapolis,
Kansas, and editor of the Minneapolis Journal. He left the farm in 1896 and went
to work in the Minneapolis Messenger office where he remained six years. He was
married to Grace Cline in 1899. Lorena, wife of Will Y. Thornburg, a graduate of
the State University of Nebraska. Claudia, wife of William Nelson, a farmer of
Arion township. They are the parents of two children, Opal and Gaylord. Those
unmarried and at home are, Athelstan, Hattie, Ada, Melvin and Helen.
Politically Mr. Kocher is a Populist. The Kochers are attendants of the Wesleyan
Methodist church, New Hope congregation, of which Mrs. Kocher is a member.
HONORABLE FREDRICK KOSTER.
The history of any community
gathers around and about a few, central figures, and the historian of this part
of Cloud county will find Koster an ever recurring name in his chronological
data. They were among the early settlers in the northeast part of Ottawa county,
where they now own and operate several large ranches, but have been closely
identified with the growth and prosperity of their adopted home - Miltonvale.
Fredrick Koster, the subject of this sketch, is entirely a self-made man. He
came to Kansas at the age of eighteen years. He was born in Middlefield,
Massachusetts, in 1852, and a few years later removed with his parents to
Bondsville, Massachusetts, where he grew up among the paper and cotton mills of
that manufacturing town. His health became impaired, and after taking a sea
voyage of several months, decided to take Horace Greeley's advice to young men,
and came west in 1870 with George, an older brother; the widowed mother and her
family following later. Mr. Koster comes from an old German family. His
grandfather, with three brothers, came to America in a very early day and
settled in the city of New York, where Mr. Koster's father, William Koster, was
born in 1811. He was a paper manufacturer, and drifted about considerably,
owning and operating mills at various places in the states of New York,
Massachusetts and Michigan. He died in 1857. Mr. Koster's mother was Elizabeth
Ann (Greenleaf) Koster, whose father was an extensive land owner in Vermont, and
subsequently moved to New Prospect, New Jersey, where Mrs. Koster was born in
March, 1815. She was a handsome woman, remarked for her beauty. Mrs. Koster came
with her family, as before stated, and took up a homestead in Ottawa county,
near the town of Lamar, where she died in 1876. She was the mother of seven
children five boys and two girls, all of whom but one are living.
Honorable John L. Koster, their eldest son, is a retired paper manufacturer,
prominent in business and social circles at Port Leyden, New York, where he
resides. John L. Koster served with distinction during the Civil war in Company
H, Twenty-first Massachusetts Regiment, up to June 4, 1864, when he gave his
right arm to his country's service. He had started on a promising career of
newspaper work and paper manufacturing, but his father's early death changed his
plans, and he enlisted in the "Fighting Regiment," as Fox calls it in his
history. in the encounter at Cold Harbor, June 2, 1864, nearly seventy-five of
his depleted regiment went down. Following the war, Major Koster worked seven
years in the Boston postoffice. He then went to the granite hills of New
Hampshire, where he accepted the superintendency of paper mills very
successfully until 1875, when they were destroyed by fire. While new ones were
in course of construction, Major Koster came to New York and accepted the
position of superintendent of the Herkimer Paper Company pulp works, where he
held forth until retired from active business life. He was presidential elector
of his state (New York) in 1888, when Benjamin Harrison was elected, and has
repeatedly been honored by his Grand Army associates by being sent as a delegate
to national encampments. In 1896 he was elected member of the general assembly,
and it was he who first introduced the bill for the removal of hats worn by
ladies at the theater. William Koster, the second oldest brother, died at the
age of seventeen years, in Bondsville, Massachusetts. Elizabeth A., wife of G.W.
Shroyer, a ranchman and well-known citizen of Ottawa county, near Lamar. George,
a mining expert, located near Kingman, Arizona. Isabella, the widow of A.L.
Parker, is a resident of Minneapolis Kansas, and proprietress of the Parker
House, one of the most desirable hotels in this part of the state. Too much
credit cannot be given Mrs. Parker as a business woman in every way qualified
for the place she occupies. Franklin Koster, the youngest son, is a successful
ranchman and cattleman in the northeast corner of Ottawa county, where he owns a
section of well improved land, and feeds and raises cattle extensively. He is a
prosperous man and president of the Drovers Bank of Miltonvale.
The
Kosters came west with neither experience nor capital, determined to make their
way - to blaze the road to success, as it were. Mr. Koster relates how for a
period of six years or more he struggled with destiny. As a "starter" his mother
gave him four Texas steers. He did breaking and earned a horse; then traded his
steers for another horse, thus giving him his first team, something to be elated
over in those days. Ten years later he added a quarter section to his homestead,
and five years subsequently a section, and has continued in this ratio until he
now owns the princely possession of three thousand acres, located in Cloud and
Ottawa counties. He also leases eight thousand acres for pasture and farming
purposes. Much of his land is adapted to the stock industry, and he has at this
writing about two thousand head of Texas Pan Handle, four and five year old
steers. In 1891 he shipped on the Kansas City market eleven hundred four year
old steers that averaged fourteen hundred pounds, and made him a net profit of
fifteen thousand dollars. As rapidly as he has accumulated money over and above
a safe reserve, it has been invested in land and stock raising, and its effect
has done much for the upbuilding of this locality. His land is divided into
three tracts, and each provided with modern buildings and improvements. Mr.
Koster also has mercantile interests. He became associated with the Schuttler
Mercantile Company in 1898, the firm then doing business in Miltonvale, but
removed the store to Tulsa, Indian Territory, where they are making a success in
merchandising.
Mr. and Mrs. Koster were married December 25, 1874. Mrs.
Koster was Clara C. McCoy, a native of Iowa. Her parents came to Kansas in 1872
and settled on a homestead in Ottawa county, near Lamar. To this union have been
born seven children, six of whom are living, viz: Cora M., the eldest daughter,
was married April 20, 1902, to Brooks Johnson, a young business man of Tulsa,
Indian Territory, and formerly of Mexico, Missouri. Mrs. Johnson is a thorough
business woman and has charge of the Mercantile affairs in Tulsa. She graduated
from the Salina Commercial College October 24, 1896. Jessie R., wife of W.H.
Shroyer, a stock feeder and shipper, with residence in Miltonvale. They are the
happy parents of one child, a little daughter, Eva May. Ella graduated from the
Salina Commercial College in 1900. She is secretary of the Miltonvale Telephone
Company. Ola, a student on last year of high school course in Miltonvale. John
F., a young man of sixteen years, is a student of the Miltonvale high school,
and is a valuable assistant to his father in the telephone operations. George
M., a little son of four years.
Mr. Koster's daughters are talented in
music, active in church work and a valuable acquisition to Miltonvale society.
While not a man to squander his money in ostentatious living, Mr. Koster gives
his children every advantage that money can secure, and lives in one of the
handsomest residences in the county, known as the "Banker Davis property," which
he purchased in 1892, and has since made Miltonvale his home. The house is
modern and contains eight rooms. This home is admired for its wide green lawn
and beautiful shade trees of soft maple and box-elder. Mr. Koster is a
Republican in politics; has held the office of mayor In Miltonvale and served as
councilmail and on the school board. He is not only widely known as an able
business man and a public-spirited citizen, but foremost in any enterprise
pertaining to the best interests of his town or county. He is a man of
resourceful energy and nowhere have we found a better demonstration of what a
man with pluck and energy can do in Kansas. Mr. Koster is a prominent Mason and
has been through all the chairs of the Ancient Order United Workmen.
CHARLES KRISTOFFERSON.
The subject of this sketch, Charles
Kristofferson, more commonly known as "Ericson," which is his Swedish cognomen,
according to the custom of that country, deserves a conspicuous place among the
old settlers, who have risen from poverty to opulence. From a poor, penniless
youth, a foreigner comparatively friendless and alone in the world, he has
become the owner of one of the finest estates in Cloud county, and a good sized
bank account.
Mr. Kristofferson is a native of Sweden, born in 1847. His
father had secured employment for him on the railroad section in advance of his
emigrating to this country and his employer forwarded money for his passage
over, the amount to be reserved from his wages. Upon coming to America, in 1869,
he first settled in Iowa and the following year came to Cloud county and
homesteaded his present farm in Meredith township. In Sweden he occupied a
position with a Swedish nobleman but was required to dress in livery. His wages
were low and he saved nothing of his earnings. His father is Eric Kristofferson,
a farmer, and preceded his son one year to America and two years later came, to
Cloud county and took up a homestead adjoining his son's. The old dugout he
occupied is still standing and in a good state of preservation. He is now
retired and is living in Concordia, at the age of seventy-eight years. His
grandfather and great-grandfather were farmers in Sweden. His mother was Johanna
Jenson and died when the subject of this sketch was thirteen years of age,
leaving three children, one of whom beside himself is living, a brother, Eric
Ericson, a stone Mason of Concordia. He also homesteaded a place in Meredith
township, the farm now owned by Peter Johnson. Their father has buried four
wives. By the third wife there is one daughter, Minnie Kristofferson, aged
fourteen years. Mr. Kristofferson worked as a day laborer on the Union Pacific
Railroad then in course of construction through Nebraska, and witnessed the
first train that passed over that road to San Francisco. In 1872 he worked on
the Kansas Pacific and saw the first train that ran from Kansas City to
Cheyenne. He had only money enough to pay for his homestead right; no team, no
stock nor implements with which to work his claim; but his hopes were buoyed up
by the thought that some day he would be able to see the uncultivated fields
yielding crops of golden grain. This vision of the future filled him with hope
and with a light heart he worked by the day until he had earned a yoke of oxen.
Before he had secured a team he had occasion to go to Solomon City for a supply
of provisions and to procure a breaking plow to use when able to hire his
neighbor's oxen. In the meantime he had improvised a cart from the hindmost
wheels of a wagon. With this vehicle he started from home, after eating an
eleven o'clock meal, walking and pulling the cart all the way to Solomon City,
arriving there by nightfall. He secured his plow, a sack of flour and a few
other of the necessaries of life and the next afternoon started homeward over
the roadless prairies, hauling the cart. He had hoped to find some settler who
would be traveling in his direction that he might attach the vehicle, but none
coming that way he left on Monday afternoon, going as far as Minneapolis, where
he stayed over night. He had provided himself with a lunch for his noonday meal
the next day and started on his journey before dawn. The day was hot and dusty
and he was footsore, thirsty and weary. Fancy his chagrin and disappointment
when preparing to rest and enjoy his lunch to discover that it had been stolen
by some culprit the night before in Minneapolis: but he was more fortunate than
the day previous and got a ride part of the way.
Mr. Kristofferson was
married in 1875, and lived in a dugout for six years, where their first three
children were born. He now owns five hundred and forty acres of wheat, corn and
pasture land, and raises and feeds from eighty to one hundred head of cattle. He
is grading his herd of shorthorns into Hereford breeds. He also raises a great
many hogs. In 1880 he built a handsome two-story residence of seven rooms. He
has good barns, his buildings are all freshly painted and has ample sheds and
shelter for all his stock, The west branch of Pipe creek runs through his farm
and furnishes wood and water. This farm is one of the most finely cultivated
estates on Pipe creek.
Mrs. Kristofferson was Agre Lena Peterson. She
came to Chicago from Sweden when twenty-nine years of age and one year later to
Kansas, where they were married. They are the parents of five children, four of
whom are living. Hannah Mary, wife of Alto Bergstein, a farmer of Ottawa county,
near Delphos. Adolph, the eldest son, is a student of the Commercial College in
Concordia. He graduated in the common branches in 1898. Hulda Josephine, wife of
Frank Hounte, a farmer living near Delphos. Edward, the youngest son is aged
nineteen.
Mr. Kristofferson is a citizen who votes for whoever he thinks
is the best man, but rather leans to the republican side. The family are members
of the Lutheran church, but in the absence of a congregation in their
neighborhood, they are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church at Bethel
and New Hope. Their family of children have had good educational advantages and
the daughters are both accomplished in music. The Kristofferson residence is
surrounded by a beautiful lawn, and having water for irrigating purposes, is set
with flowers and shrubs of many varieties.
THEODORE LAING.
The subject of this sketch is Theodore Laing, an attorney of Concordia. Mr.
Laing is a living example of what application and determination will do toward
mastering the waves of adversity. He is entirely self-made.
In the early
days of Cloud county he had a hard struggle, having just entered upon the
practice of his profession. He now stands pre-eminently in the front ranks of
the able attorneys of the county. Mr. Laing studied law under various conditions
- in the corn field, at school and in different offices under various attorneys.
Mr. Laing is a native of Virginia, born in 1846. His parents were John and
Elizabeth Laing.
Mr. Laing came to Cloud county in 1872, and, settling in
Clyde, opened a law office, where he remained four years, and came to Concordia.
Politically he is a Republican and has served three terms as attorney of Cloud
county. Mr. Laing has been publicly identified with the interests of Concordia
and Cloud county ever since his advent in the state. He is interested in farming
and owns considerable real estate, among which is the building known as the
"Iron Block" on Sixth street, and lives in one of the handsome residences on
West Fifth street.
F. A. LANE.
No one is entitled to more
credit for the building up of Jamestown and that part of Cloud county than F.A.
Lane, one of its active citizens and successful financiers. He has borne a
prominent part in all enterprises promoted for the improvement of the town and
for the development of local resources.
The prosperity of Jamestown, one
of the best towns of its size in the state is due in no small measure to his
business acumen and sagacity, for he uses his influence to induce the people to
support their own market and promotes projects that are of permanent value to
the place. In a straight business way, he has assisted more of his friends and
fellow citizens than any man in the community. In the great financial crisis Mr.
Lane helped many a struggling man to withstand the storm and retain his credit,
that would have otherwise gone to the wall. During the years of crop failures he
furnished many of the farmers with seed oats, wheat, etc., and allowed them the
privilege of repaying it whenever they were able. In this and various other ways
he has proven himself a public benefactor.
Mr. Lane is of New England
birth, having been born in Cambridge, Maine, in 1845. When thirteen years of age
he removed to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and served an apprenticeship with an
elder brother, who was a resident of that city, and who, as a contractor and
builder, erected all of the Harvard University buildings. Mr. Lane worked with
him until enlisting in the army in May, 1861. He was a member of the Tenth
Maine, which was subsequently merged into the Seventeenth Maine. He served until
May 22, 1865, and after receiving his discharge in Washington, District of
Columbia, he settled in Boston, Massachusetts, and later engaged very
successfully in a general merchandise business at West Quincy, Massachusetts.
In 1873 he became interested in a wholesale commission house in Boston; but
owing to the "panicky" times, did not prosper. In 1876 he decided to try his
fortunes in the west and selected Vallisca, Iowa, as a place of residence; but
two years later pinned his faith to Kansas, and the thriving little city of
Jamestown, by investing his money in that locality, bought two hundred and
forty-four acres of land, now included in his ranch, and one year later moved
his family there. He worked with a will, is a rustler and prosperity has
rewarded his judicious efforts. He is a shrewd manager, a tireless worker, and
the outcome of his hustling qualities, coupled with his sagacious judgment is
shown in the extent of his possessions and the magnitude of his personal
interests.
His landed estate in Cloud county aggregates one thousand and
forty acres of land, situated four miles northwest of Jamestown and is one of
the finest ranches in the country. Mr. Lane has been engaged in stock raising
and shipping ever since coming into the state. Besides farming and stock
interests he conducts a real estate and loan office. He loaned money when it was
impossible to borrow it from the banks, hence did much towards the development
of the Jamestown vicinity. He has perhaps loaned more money than any one man in
the county. Mr. Lane opened the state of Kansas, for the Burlington Insurance
Company, and did an immense amount of business in that line for several years.
In his hands large financial trusts have been placed and faithfully guarded.
He was receiver for the "Barons House" when it failed several years ago, and
conducted that popular hotel with profit for seventeen months. He was receiver
for the Exchange Bank of Jamestown, that failed in August, 1895; and also closed
the business transactions of the Bank of Jamestown. He is also interested in
valuable mining stocks. He is vice-president of the Matchless Mining and Milling
Company, whose headquarters are in Denver. Their properties are on Farncombe
Hill, in the vicinity of Breckenridge, Colorado.
Mr. Lane is a son of
Ammi and Eliza (Whitehouse) Lane. His paternal grandfather was a sea faring man,
and on one of his distant voyages was lost and never heard from. Mr. Lane's
father was a farmer and died in Maine in 1863. His mother died in Massachusetts
in 1886. He is one of a family of six, three brothers and three sisters. Oscar
is a resident and business man of Boston. America, resides in New Haven, and for
years has been division superintendent of a railway there. Philena is the wife
of A.S. Palmer, of near Taunton, Massachusetts. The youngest sister is Frances,
the widow of E.E. Hall, who died in the "Barons House," Concordia, several years
ago. Mr. Lane was married to Mary Persis Knight, at Marlboro, Massachusetts. An
interesting little romance precedes their marriage. Mrs. Knight had a brother in
the Army Square Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, suffering from a
gun-shot wound received in the army. Mr. Lane was there from the same cause, and
as if touched by some magic wand the cots of the wounded comrades were placed
near each other. The sister came to nurse back to health her wounded brother,
George Knight. Her ministrations did not cease with him, however, but were
extended to others in that part of the hospital, among them the subject of this
sketch. The acquaintance begun in this romantic way, resulted in their marriage
very soon after the close of the war.
Mrs. Lane died in Quincy,
Massachusetts, in April, 1870, leaving an infant son three months old, Frank E.
Lane, whose sketch follows this of his father. While F.E. Lane was visiting his
mother's people the past summer (1902) he found in their possession the melodeon
his mother used to play, and brought the instrument home with him, as a relic of
her belongings. It was constructed nearly one-half century ago.
Mr. Lane
was married to Anna Stuart, in Waterville, Maine. She was a representative of
the noted confederate Stuart family, of Petersburg, Virginia, the place of her
nativity. Mrs. Lane was a devout southerner, always retaining her southern
sympathies. During the siege of Petersburg, she, with other women, sought refuge
in other quarters, and made the journey through the Union lines. She had many
jewels, for the Stuarts were wealthy people, and during this exodus she carried
the diamonds she had cut from their settings, under her tongue, and in this
unique manner saved them from being confiscated. Mrs. Lane was a woman of
culture and refinement. She finished her education in a northern college and
subsequently removed to New York, where she met and was married to Mr. Lane. She
always kept in touch with her southern home and the leaders of the South, having
personal correspondence with Jefferson Davis, and other celebrated confederates.
Mrs. Lane died in the Barons House, Concordia, in December 1887.
Socially, Mr. Lane is a Mason, having joined Rural Lodge, of Quincy,
Massachusetts, in 1878. He is a member of the Jamestown Knights of Pythias
lodge, and the Grand Army of the Republic. Politically, he is a stalwart
Democrat and fervently expounds the principles for which the party stands. Mr.
Lane's enterprises have been remarkably successful, and he is ranked among the
most prosperous men in the county. He is public-spirited and generous, and has
given liberally to everything that appeals to him as worthy.
HONORABLE F. E. LANE.
The subject of this sketch, F.E. Lane, the present
mayor of Jamestown, is the only son of F.A. Lane, of the preceding sketch. He
was born in West Quincy, Massachusetts, on the 16th day of October, 1869. His
educational advantages were excellent; beginning with a three years' preparatory
course at West Newton, Massachusetts, in the English and Classical College of
that city, followed by a year at the Atchison (Kansas) Institute. In 1887 he
became a student at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, pursuing courses in
Belles lettres and law, and was graduated from that seat of learning in 1890,
with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and was the same year admitted to practice
before the the Indiana bar. In 1891 he went to Concordia, Kansas and was
admitted to the Kansas bar, where he continued his practice, being associated
with Honorable J.W. Sheafor.
Mr. Lane was married in Concordia in the
fall of 1893, to Miss Stella Chapman, a daughter of E.E. Chapman, a merchant of
that city. Mrs Lane is a graduate of Baker University and is a lady of many
accomplishments and talented in music. Mr. and Mrs. Lane are the parents of two
bright little boys. Wilbur F., and Charles E., the former eight and the latter
six years of age.
In 1895, Mr. Lane accepted a position on the Missouri
grain inspection bureau, with headquarters at Kansas City, where he remained
until the fall of 1896, when various interests again called him to Kansas. He
located at Jamestown and again resumed the practice of law, giving his entire
time and attention to his chosen profession, but does not avoid the duties of a
public spirited citizen. He is well posted on current affairs and is a capable
lawyer.
In his political affiliations, Mr. Lane is a Democrat, and has
been the recipitent of many honors in local politics. Fraternally, he is a
member of Lincoln Lodge No. 27, Knights of Pythias, of Concordia, which order he
joined in 1891. He has passed the chairs of his lodge and is its present
representative to the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of Concordia Lodge No.
586, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Lane maintains a
charming residence in Jamestown, where, with his wife and two little sons, - to
whom he is deeply attached, - a happy home is represented.
DAVID A. LAMOUREAUX.
The subject of this sketch, D.A. Lamoureaux, is a dealer
in lumber, window sash, blinds, doors, etc. The building he occupies as an
office is located on Main and Washington streets, and is one of the most
historical in the city of Clyde, having been the first frame school house
erected in that town.
Mr. Lamoureaux was born in the province of Quebec,
Canada, grew to manhood in that Dominion, but early in his career removed to
California, where he occupied a position of book-keeper for a large contracting
firm for four years. In 1877 he concluded to engage in a new field of labor and
was attracted to the resources of the new western field in Kansas, and accepted
a position as assistant cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Clay
Center. Three years later he assumed the management of the Chicago Lumber
company's yards during the "boom days" of Clyde and continued in their employ
fourteen years. In 1804 he established his present business and has been very
successful. If a patron is unfamiliar with the requirements of building material
and does not know a lath from a 6x4, Mr. Lamoureaux can be trusted to fill the
order with such accuracy that satisfaction is guaranteed. Mr. Lamoureaux has
done much to build up the city of Clyde, not only with boards and shingles, but
with energy and enterprise. In 1883 he erected the two story brick building now
occupied by Doctor Angevine's drug store and a year later a comfortable
residence.
Mr. Lamoureaux youthful days were spent on a farm and the
walls of his father's country home resounded to the patter of one dozen pairs of
juvenile feet - six boys and six girls; conclusive evidence that gloom and dull
care were strangers in that household. Seven children survive the parents who
have been deceased for three decades - one brother is a resident of Clay Center,
Kansas.
Mr. Lamoureaux was married in 1885 to Miss Cecillia Bishop, of
Maryland a gifted and cultured woman. Mrs. Lamoureaux is of English origin on
the paternal side. Her grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. Her parents were
residents of Clyde for several years. Mr. Bishop was a "dyed-in-the-wool"
Democrat and twenty or more years ago he with Judge Borton were, practically
speaking, the only adherents of that political faith in Clyde, consequently when
their party came into power they strutted to the front and crowed vociferously,
"the victory is ours." Mrs. Bishop's maiden name was Ramsay; she was of
Scotch-Irish origin; she died in 1896. The surviving husband and father lives in
the home of a daughter in St. Louis, Missouri. He is seventy-eight years of age.
Mrs. Lamoureaux was an educator before her marriage and occupied prominent
positions. She was principal of the schools at Ellicott, Maryland, for three
years, and of the only exclusive girl's school at Annapolis, Maryland, for eight
years. She was reared on the beautiful shores of eastern Maryland, where she
could here the roar and surge of the mighty ocean whose music is never
forgotten.
"Take the bright shell from its home on the lea, and wherever
it goes it will sing of the sea." Mrs. Lamoureaux graduated from the Maryland
State Normal School at the age of eighteen years. The strength and growth of her
intellectual faculties are budding in the mind of a beautiful daughter, aptly
named Josephine, who is developing literary talents tending toward historical
and deeper works of prose; many of her compositions denote a promising future.
She has been a student for more than four years in the Sacred Heart Convent of
St. Joseph, Missouri, where she is taking a general course.
The
Lamoureaux family are members of the Catholic church. Mrs. Lamoureaux was reared
in the faith of the Presbyterian church, but feeling a change in her heart and
convictions, she read Cardinal Gibbons' "Faith of Our Fathers," and after
careful thought and earnest prayers for guidance, she was converted to the
Catholic religion and baptized in 1877 by Father Curtis, who renounced the
Episcopal creed to become a Catholic and is now one of the bishops of the
Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Professor W.T. LARIMORE.
A farm near Jacksonville, Illinois, is
the birthplace of W.T. Larimore, and here he first saw the light of day in
August, 1863. Two years subsequently, his parents removed to Fairfield, Iowa,
where he assisted in the duties of the farm, and when time and circumstances
permitted, attended school. At the age of thirteen years he returned to his
native state and when seventeen years of age graduated from the Jacksonville
high school, and later entered upon a three-years' course in Parsons College,
Fairfield, Iowa, where he made the most of his opportunities, and at the age of
twenty entered the Illinois Normal College, at Dixon, Illinois, where he
completed the normal, business and shorthand courses. Here was where he received
his first inspiration to excel as a teacher, and when he entered this field it
was with a determination of leading in his profession and he has not failed in
this worthy ambition.
President Larimore has won laurels as an
instructor, and is now on his seventeenth year of unparalleled success. In 1885
he became associated with the Western Normal College of Shenandoah, Iowa, where,
through his great zeal and energy, one of the most successful shorthand schools
in the west was built up. On December 2, 1891, this popular institution was
totally destroyed by fire. Although everything was disorder and confusion,
Professor Larimore gathered his students together, organized classes and
continued the college work in a building secured for that purpose during the
ensuing three months. In the meantime he contracted with Professor F.F. Roose,
business manager of the Lincoln Normal University, Lincoln, Nebraska, to take
charge of the Lincoln College of Shorthand. On March 1, 1892, Professor Larimore
moved his school to Lincoln. The University building was completed on September
6, when he moved his students into the elegant new quarters, where he met with
the best of success. In May, 1893, the university was sold to Saylor & Givens.
Professor Givens having been a shorthand teacher, negotiations soon began for
the purchase of that department. The deal was consummated and the college turned
over to the above named firm on the 1st of June.
But Professor Larimore
was not one to remain idle for a great length of time; his record was too bright
a one to admit of rest, as the hundreds of pupils who have graduated under his
tutorage and are holding important positions throughout the country was a record
that did not admit of his being retired more than a brief period. He accepted a
position as principal of the shorthand department of the Sioux City Commercial
College, of Sioux City, Iowa, but resigned at the expiration of the first year.
His health having become impaired, he journeyed south to recuperate his lost
vitality and while there filled the position as principal in the shorthand
department of the Massey Business College, located in Jacksonville, Florida.
During this time the Lincoln Normal University had become financially
embarrassed and at the earnest request of the manager Professor Larimore took
charge of the shorthand department and succeeded in converting it into one of
the best departments of the university. It was unfortunate for all when the
building was totally destroyed by fire in November, 1898. Immediately after this
event Professor Larimore was secured for the shorthand and typewriting
departments of the Grand Island Business College, where he labored with zeal and
enthusiasm, attaining brilliant success, and making an extraordinary record as
an instructor. After closing a period of three and one-half years of work in
that widely-known college he accepted the presidency of the Great Western
Business and Normal College of Concordia. With the gratifying success that has
crowned his efforts are noticeable instances of the many obstacles he has found
in his way, chief of which is a building commodious enough to accommodate the
growing needs of this progressive enterprise.
In conclusion it is but a
fitting tribute to say of Professor Larimore, the patience and kind interest he
manifests in the present and future welfare of his students draws them very
closely around him in bonds of sympathy and appreciation, He is ever ready to
contribute to their advancement and business interests. Under his judicious
administration the college has been wonderfully advanced, and Concordia feels a
just pride in this growing institution so well calculated to promote the welfare
of the rising generation; it does and should receive the fostering aid of the
surrounding country. Professor Larimore has demonstrated since coming to
Concordia what an energetic, live man can accomplish. By extensive advertising
and his unlimited capacity for "rustling" he has attracted students from all
over the state and even beyond the confines of Kansas.
JOSEPH A. LAROCQUE.
The LaRocque
country home is one of the most artistic and desirable in the vicinity of
Glasco. The residence is a frame building of generous dimensions. The barn,
sheds and out buildings also bear the unmistakable stamp of prosperity. Mr.
LaRocque is known all over Cloud county and commands the esteem of all. By
putting into effect his progressive ideas, he has contributed in a large measure
to the prosperity of Cloud county in an earlier day to Concordia, and in more
recent years to Glasco and vicinity.
One often hears the "bonanza mine"
spoken of in the western parlance of the mining districts; Mr. LaRocque owns
what might be termed a bonanza farm. In 1885 he bought one hundred and sixty
acres of land and shortly afterward added one hundred and twenty acres of state
land, all of which is excellent corn ground and rarely ever fails to produce a
crop. Some years it has yielded seventy-five bushels per acre. Mr. LaRocque is a
practical farmer, advocates deep planting and not leaving the ground too loose.
His farm is intersected by First creek. He keeps a herd of about one hundred
head of native cattle and feeds and raises extensively the Poland China breed of
hogs.
LAWRENCE PATRICK LARSON.
The subject of this sketch
is L.P. Larson, commonly known to his friends as "Pat" Larson. Mr. Larson is a
contractor and builder and to his workmanship is accredited some of the best
residences and business blocks in the city of Concordia. During his sojourn of
sixteen years in that metropolis the following buildings are a few of those that
evidence his superior architecture: The Caldwell building, one of the most
imposing in the city; First National Bank, a finely constructed building; the
postoffice, which is a plain but massive structure; the brick and terra cotta
building, the lower floor of which is occupied by Layton & Neilson, druggists,
and the Colson city; First National Bank, a finely constructed building; the
postoffice, which buildings of the city.
Mr. Larson began to stem the
current of life with no "stock in trade," but a pair of willing hands and is
another of the many Illustrations herein contained of how persistent endeavor
will conquer all things sooner or later. Mr. Larson is a native of Germany, born
in Frankfort-on-the-Main in 1860. His parents were Christian and Annie
(Christie) Larson. His father gave up his sailor life to enter the German war in
1848, and was killed in battle after serving three years and four months. His
mother died in Denmark June 24, 1885, Where the family had settled after peace
was declared, The maternal ancestors were from Ireland and were a race of people
who lived to an extreme old age. His grandmother passed the century mark and
attained the age of one hundred and eight years; her brother reached the
advanced age of one hundred and eleven years. Mr. Larson was the only child of
his father's first marriage but by a second union one son was born.
Mr.
Larson was thrown on his own resources at the youthful age of seven years, and
through the aid of friends was able to obtain a common school education and
later by their further kindness and by the stern efforts of himself he was
enabled to secure a scholarship in the high school; by rapid advancement and
their extended assistance he paid his way through the State university of
Denmark for one year. His extremely diligent application was observed by one of
the professors who made it possible for him to take a four years course in
classics. As Mr. Larson could not see his way to remain in the university for
that length of time he took the four years course in two and one-half years, and
often worked twenty-three out of twenty-four hours.
His object was to
prepare himself for an officer under the Danish government. In the meantime he
worked at the carpenter's bench the proceeds of which assisted him in his school
work. He graduated in 1878 at the age of eighteen years. After all the hardships
entailed upon him as a young and penniless student working his way through the
university, spending many sleepless nights conning and tolling over his books,
when he came to enlist he was doomed to the disappointment of being pronounced
physically unfitted for the service.
Smarting under this defeat of the
expectation of his hopes he determined to bid his native land adieu and make for
himself a home in America, and accordingly sailed for New York, landing in that
city July 18, 1881. A few days later he went to Omaha, Nebraska, where he found
employment as bookkeeper for the first half year and then obtained work with
M.T. Murphy, architect; two months later he assumed the management of his mill
retaining that position three years.
In 1884, he came to Concordia and
during the summer finished the interior of Colonel N.B. Brown's, handsome
residence. In the autumn of that same year he secured the contract for building
the fine dwelling of Mr. Steffen Christiansen, one of the pioneers of Cloud
county, living two miles north of Jamestown, and while engaged in this work met
Sena Peterson, whom he married December 8, 1886, locating in Concordia and
entering the employment of Southworth & Smith, carpenters and builders,
continuing as their foreman until the organization of the Citizens National
Bank, when he was employed by them as superintendent of the Caldwell building;
and after the masonry was completed he finished the interior. From this period
he established himself as an architect, contractor and builder, following that
occupation until 1892.
During the latter year he emigrated to Colorado
Springs, Colorado, and accepted a position with the Gillis, Wells & Leddy
planing mills. During his nine months' residence in Colorado Springs he erected
some of the finest buildings in that city, among them the famous Antlers hotel,
the Huntley livery stables, the residences of Doctor Sollis and Doctor Drack,
the two latter costing over two hundred thousand dollars each. he also built the
Casino theater. The following spring he returned to Concordia, re-opened his
shop and resumed contracting, which he has since followed.
To Mr. and
Mrs. Larson have been born four exceptionally bright and beautiful children,
viz: Rhoda S.A., Peter Montague, Mosette Ruth and Harry Eugene Z. Mrs. Larson is
a native of Denmark, born near the town of Nestved, province of Sjalland. She
came with her parents to America and settled on a farm near Jamestown, where
they both died. Mr. Larson is a staunch Republican and has been a delegate for
several years to conventions, but has never aspired nor sought for office. The
family are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Larson is a deacon and one of the
most active members and pillars of that congregation. They occupy a pleasant
home at 518 West Sixth street.
D. F. LAUGHLIN, M. D.
Doctor Laughlin is one of the pioneer physicians of Kansas. His advent in Cloud
county in 1869 brought with it a blessing to suffering humanity. He is a
conscientious practitioner, and in the quiet hours of the night dips deeply into
the researches of science that he may devise a better or more speedy plan of
restoring to health the life of some patient he has been implored to save. In
the year 1859, Doctor Laughlin came to Leavenworth, Kansas, from Washington,
Ohio, where he had taken a collegiate course. The parents of Doctor Laughlin had
planned a ministerial career for their son, but the young student had views of
his own, coupled with a strong will to bear him out in the choice of his chosen
profession, that of a physician. To carry out his intentions he studied medicine
clandestinely under Doctor Patterson, of Washington. Doctor Laughlin is a Latin
and Greek scholar a classmate for three sessions, of J. Allen, D.D., of St.
Louis, and James Maxwell, D.D., of Boston; also William Kirkwood, D.D., formerly
president of Emporia College, was a fellow student. During his residence in
Leavenworth, Dr. Laughlin taught those classics in the basement of the Christain
Church in that city, as a branch of Professor Reeser's school. Mrs. Fred Herman
and the late Mrs. Ed Kennedy of Clyde were among his pupils there. Doctor
Laughlin did not graduate from a medical college but gained his knowledge in
connection with his collegiate course, and when convinced he was proficient,
began the practice of medicine in Uniontown, Iowa. For a year prior to locating
in Iowa, he was principal of the Parochial School in Sumner, Illinois. Upon the
discovery by his parents that their son would not comply with their wishes in
regard to the ministry, Doctor Laughlin left home, thereby avoiding dissension
and bitterness of feeling, as his father positively refused any assistance,
although a man of wealth. The parents' ambition for his son to become a member
of the clergy was too deeply rooted to be given over to the desires of his
offspring, and thus, unless implicit obedience was adhered to, he resolved to
retard the furtherance of his medical studies by withholding financial
assistance, thus curtailing his dearest hope and ambition. But "like father,
like son," he never swerved his chosen path and unaided financially, reached the
goal of his ambition. In the year 1869, Doctor Laughlin removed to Cloud county,
homesteaded a claim where he lived one year, and then went to Clyde and
established himself in his profession; built up a practice on a foundation of
stone and during this time thirty-seven physicians have come and gone like the
tide of the sea, but his anchor is dropped in deep water.
The Wilson
family, Doctor Laughlin's paternal ancestors, were of rugged mould. Judge
Wilson, late of Concordia, is a branch of the same family. There were nine
children in his paternal grandmother's family. When not only very aged, but
blind, Thomas Wilson edited a newspaper in the State of Pennsylvania; and at a
time when the sum total of his family's ages - nine in number - aggregated nine
hundred years. The Wilsons are a family of remarkable longevity. judge Wilson,
well known to Cloud county people, is also of that rugged physique. Doctor
Laughlin's father lived to see four score years and six. In religious persuasion
they were staunch old school Presbyterian. Our subject's grandfather and his
sister Ann, were attending school together, and fancying their master imposed
too strict a discipline upon his sister, declared to his mother, if it occurred
again he would "thrash" the teacher. Directly afterward he had occasion to make
his obligation good, which he did by inflicting upon the offender the promised
flogging. Fearing severe rebuke and punishment at home he boarded a vessel,
leaving his native land, the "Emerald Isle," his home and his associates, and
sailed for America. The Reverend Laughlin, for several years pastor of the
Presbyterian church of Belleville, was of this same lineage.
Doctor
Laughlin was married in 1858, to Esther Morrow, a sister of Senator Morrow, of
Kansas. She was deceased in 1878. By this union three children were born. The
eldest is Mrs. Frank Fessenden, whose home is Colorado; she is the mother of
three children. The second daughter is Mrs. Lillie Cavenaugh, of Lane county,
Kansas. The youngest daughter is a professional nurse in Honolulu, and has had
an interesting career. She received a business education and went to Portland,
Oregon, to fill the position of stenographer; but deciding upon the occupation
of nurse, entered a hospital where she underwent a thorough training and became
very proficient. There was a demand for nurses in Honolulu and Miss Laughlin was
sent a passport by Queen "Lill" during her reign to take charge of the Queen's
Hospital. Doctor Laughlin was married in 1879, to Agnes Sexsmith, a New York
woman of culture and refinement. They are the parents of one child, a daughter,
who bears her mother's name, Agnes; she graduated from the Clyde High School in
1900, and is now a student of the Emporia College.
Doctor Laughlin is a
man of considerable literary talent and an individual who has delved deeply into
the mysteries of science and possesses a mind well trained along those lines. He
is an original, independent thinker, fearless in his oppositions to many
conceded theories and is capable of demonstrating them with scientific
principles. He is a lover of science and his ability is far above the average;
many of his hours have been profitably spent in deep studies, both ancient and
modern. Doctor Laughlin in professional and natural endowments is the peer of
any man in the county. Mrs. Laughlin is a very estimable and cultured woman, a
congenial companion who contributes to a perfect home life.
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