Cloud County
KSGenWeb
JAMES NEILL.
Among the old settlers who have witnessed the growth and prosperity
of Cloud county is James Neill. Like all the sons of "Uncle Bennie" - as
he was known to every citizen of Miltonvale and vicinity, - he is a
straight-forward, honorable man who numbers his friends among all
classes of society. He is an honest, whole souled fellow, the warmest
and truest of friends.
Mr. Neill is a prosperous farmer living
one mile west of Miltonvale. He homesteaded land two miles west of his
present farm which he sold in 1883, and became interested in a meat
market in Miltonvale, where he continued ten years. Mr. Neill began life
without a dollar and experienced all the hardships of the majority of
the early settlers. He was present at the birth of Miltonvale and has
seen that little city flourish, and also during the panic, when on the
downward slide. In 1884 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land
and in 1893 erected a residence and moved to the farm. He now owns four
hundred and eighty-three acres of land.
Mr. Neill was born and
reared in County Down, Ireland; born in 1850. He is of Scottish origin
on the paternal side, his grandfather four generations removed, was from
Scotland. Many of the Neill descendants are living on the homesteads of
their ancestors in the old country.
Mr. Neill was married in
1879, to Eva S. Proctor, daughter of Charles Proctor (see sketch). To
Mr. and Mrs. Neill have been born seven children, all but one of whom
are living. The eldest child, Fannie, is a teacher in the grammar grade
department of the Miltonvale schools. She is a graduate of the
Miltonvale high school, class of 1896. Harry is a student of the high
school department of Miltonvale. Ada, Eula, Eunice and Mabel.
Mr.
Neill is a Republican in politics and has been trustee of his township
almost continuously since 1876. He has been one of almost every
convention audience held in Cloud county, Received the nomination for
county commissioner in 1893, and again in 1902, being elected to that
office from the third district. He has been a Mason for more than twenty
years and was one of the charter members of the Miltonvale lodge. He has
filled the chair of Master Mason.
ADRASTUS NEWELL.
Another of those old landmarks of Solomon township is Adrastus
Newell, whose present good financial standing has been attained entirely
through his own perseverance. His reputation for honesty and integrity
is an enviable one, his hospitality is well known and his friends are
legion. He lives one mile east of Glasco in one of those good
old-fashioned farm houses whose exterior and interior bespeak all the
comforts a well-to-do farmer and his family can enjoy. His home is
presided over by Mrs. Newell, who is a true helpmate to her husband and
who possesses that most desirable attribute, an excellent housewife, as
the neatness of their home testifies.
Mr. Newell is a native of
Jefferson county, New York, born near Sackett's Harbor in 1831. He is a
son of Origen Stores and Sarah (Baker) Newell. His father was born in
Vermont, October 4, 1802, and when five years of age moved with his
parents to the state of New York. Arriving at mature years he became a
farmer, emigrated to Wisconsin and settled in Jefferson county,
forty-five miles distant from the city of Milwaukee, where he died In
1868. Mr. Newell's grandfather was In the war of 1812, Mr. Newell says
he remembers him distinctly, as he occasionally applied the chastening
rod to him, an occurrence often made indelible on the memory of a boy.
His paternal great-grandparent emigrated from England to Vermont and was
a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Newell call on]y recall his mother
as she was robed for burial. She died when he was but four years of age.
He remembers his maternal grandfather who was very much of a recluse,
hence Mr. Newell knows but little of his maternal ancestors other than
they were of Holland origin. Mr. Newell was one of eleven children.
There were seven by a second marriage. Of these he only knows of a
brother, living in Wisconsin, and a sister in Idaho.
Mr. Newell
began at the foundation when he entered upon a career for himself. He
worked at anything he could find to do, on the farm, teaming, and
gathering wood ashes for a soda factory (In those days ashes were
collected for the manufacture of soda). Later he worked in the Wisconsin
pineries for $17 per month. Out of his earnings he saved enough to buy
the undivided half of a three hundred and twenty acre tract of land
seventeen miles from Green Bay, and fourteen miles from Appleton,
Wisconsin. he paid $150 in gold for a yoke of oxen. The land was heavily
timbered. He cleared one hundred acres in one year, employing five men.
Mr. Newell says he worked so hard and tried to accomplish so much that
he shingled a barn by moonlight. He would start to market with a load of
wheat at 5 A.M. Perhaps his breakfast would be a biscuit frozen so hard
he could scarcely eat it. There he lived thirteen years and 1866 came to
Kansas.
He had served his country the last year of the war in
Company A, First Wisconsin Cavalry, under General Wilson of Cuban war
fame, who had command of all the cavalry of the army of the Tennessee.
Mr. Newell was promoted to commissary sergeant. He was discharged in
Wedgefield, Georgia, returned to Wisconsin and the following year sold
his farm. Mrs. Newell's people had preceded them to Kansas and he had
heard a great deal about the state during the war. These were the
inducements which brought them here, and at the persuasion of friends he
filed on a homestead three miles north of Glasco, which he sold later
with the intention of going to California, but when the opportunity
presented itself he realized more forcibly than ever before that Kansas
was a great and prosperous state, and, concluding to remain, he bought
his present valuable farm in 1883. Mr. Newell has improved this place,
making it one of the finest in the country. His residence is a
commodious one of eight rooms, splendid barns, sheds for vehicles and
implements, shelter for his cattle and a capacious granary.
When
in Wisconsin, Mr. Newell with his sisters, attended the Oneida Mission
church, where he met Mary A. Frost, a teacher in the Mission school,
whom he married in 1856. Mrs. Newell was born in the state of Ohio. When
she was five years of age her parents moved to New York where they
remained seven years and their removed to Wisconsin. Her father was
Aaron Frost, a native of New Hampshire. He emigrated to New York, where
he married, and afterward settled in Ohio. He was burned to death in
1845 along with his residence or burned so badly that he died as a
result. A band of robbers were infesting the neighborhood. A man whom he
knew to be one of the party was tolled into the Frost residence and his
attention occupied until another party who had received a signal from
Mr. Frost summoned an officer. The man was arrested, found guilty and
sentenced to five years in prison. At the expiration of his term Mr.
Frost's residence was burned to the ground and six weeks later his saw
mill, undoubtedly the work of an incendiary. Their home was in Ashtabula
county, on the shores of Lake Erie.
Her mother was Almira
Sterling of New York. Mrs. Newell's maternal grandmother was a
Whittlesly, who was married in Connecticut, and made the trip to Vermont
four times on horseback. The first time she traveled alone, the second
with one baby, the third with two; after that they became too numerous
to travel on horseback. Mrs. Newell's great-grandfather was a member of
the famous "Boston Tea Party," a name popularly given to the famous
assemblage of citizens in Boston, December 16, 1773, who met to carry
out the non-importation resolves of the colony. Disguised as Indians,
they went on board three ships which had just arrived in the harbors,
and threw several hundred chests of tea into the sea. The Whittleslys
were of English origin, as were also the Sterlings.
To Mr. and
Mrs. Newell five children were born, four daughters and one son, viz:
Alice, wife of Gilbert Fuller (see sketch). Helen Agnes, wife of James
Pilcher (see sketch). Fannie A., wife of D.F. Sheffield (see sketch).
Hattie H., wife of Elsworth Woodward, a farmer of Osborne county,
Kansas. Seth Paul is associated with his father on the farm. He is a
graduate of the Glasco high school and took a two year's preparatory
course in the Wesleyan College at Salina. The two eldest daughters took
a two years course in the Concordia Normal School and taught until their
marriages. The daughters are intellectual women, good wives and mothers.
Mr. Newell is a Republican and takes an active interest in political
issues. The family for years have been members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. The Newell residence is a home for all the pastors.
When the church is in need of finances or work to be done, Mr. Newell is
called upon. He is generous, public spirited and a supporter of every
worthy cause. Has been post commander of the Grand Army of the Republic
of Glasco for the past five years.
Mr. Newell is one of the few
pioneers left of 1868, who gathered together for work while others stood
guard upon some high point of ground where they could scan the country
over for a glimpse of the wily red man. The first thing in the morning,
with gun in hand, was to take a survey for the Indian and at night the
same thing was repeated: During the times of Indian scares they would
often join the settlers at the stockade. The buffalo and antelope
furnished an abundance of meat. On one hunt Mr. Newell and his party
brought in several quarters of buffalo and seventeen wild turkeys.
Their first Christmas dinner in Kansas was distinguished by wild
turkey, and no finer roast could be produced from out the barnyard flock
of domestic fowls. The country resounded with the yelp of hungry coyotes
and often while milking the cows these hungry beasts would come within a
few feet of them and lick their chops like dogs.
WILLIAM BROWN NEWTON, M. D.
The opportunity which Kansas offers to
young men of resolute character is exemplified in the brief but successful
career of Doctor Newton, of Glasco, one of the rising physicians of
Cloud county. He was born in the state of Iowa, in 1877, but was reared
on a farm near Glasco and received his elementary education in the
Bethel district school and the graded schools of Glasco, and entered
upon a career of teaching, more as a stepping stone to his profession
than with an idea of pursuing that vocation.
Doctor Newton is
entirely a self made man; he has derived the best possible results front
the excellent talents with which nature endowed him and his success is
more noticeable and praiseworthy because of the limited opportunities
afforded him, for the training and assistance, which are ofttimes
considered indispensable when entering upon a career in the professional
world. He early learned self reliance, also to be judicious, and these
qualities have been leading factors in his character.
In April
1896, he began the study of medicine in the office of Doctor Priest, of
Concordia, and two years later entered upon a course of medicine in the
Central Medical college, of St. Joseph, Missouri, where be was also
surgeon in the St. Joseph Sisters Hospital for two years. He graduated
in the spring of 1900 and began the practice of medicine in Glasco. In
the autumn of 1900 he entered upon a post-graduate course of medicine in
the University of Nashville, Tennessee, graduating in March 1901. Doctor
Newton then located permanently in Glasco where his practice is steadily
increasing, and it may safely be said the future years hold for him
professional honors as well as a high rank among the citizens of his
town and the universal regard of his friends and acquaintances.
Doctor Newton was married May 22d, 1901, to Miss Emma Delaplain, a
cultured and estimable woman; she is a sister of Mrs. Judy and Mrs.
Kelley, of Concordia, where Mrs. Newton has practically been reared.
Doctor Newton is a Republican in politics; fraternally he is an Odd
Fellow; a member of the Maccabees of Concordia; the National Aid
Association; Ancient Order of United Workman; Ancient Order of Pyramids;
Modern Woodmen of America, and Royal Neighbors of America.
JAMES A. NICOL.
J.A. Nicol, a grain and stock buyer, now of
Simpson, Mitchell county, but until recently identified with the
interests of Cloud county since 1893, is the senior member of the firm
of Nicol & Nicol; the junior member is a son, James Herbert.
Mr.
Nicol is a native of Marion county, Missouri, but when ten years of age
he moved with his father's family to Shelby county, where he was
educated and lived until twenty-two years of age. He then started
westward and went on to the Pacific coast, mining and teaming at Austin,
Nevada, and Calusa county, California. He was interested in the livery
business at the latter place and when three years elapsed he returned to
his Missouri home and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1883.
Deciding to go west again he went to Nebraska and settled in Otoe
county; one and a half years later he removed to Nuckolls county and in
1893 came to Kansas and settled in the southern part of Cloud county,
where he farmed successfully and raised and fed stock extensively.
The firm of Nicol & Nicol began business in Simpson in the month of
July, 1900. They purchased the elevator, stock and trade of Ira A.
Foote, a merchant of Simpson, who established the enterprise about
eighteen years ago. The capacity of the elevator is about three thousand
bushels. In connection with the grain business they buy and ship hogs
and cattle. Mr. Nicol owns and operates a farm in Cloud county,
comprising three hundred and twenty acres and one of the best improved
properties in that vicinity. He has one hundred and sixty acres of wheat
this year (1901) and forty acres of alfalfa. His land is well watered by
three never failing wells and two windmills. His farm house is a
commodious stone residence of six rooms.
Mr. Nicol's father was
Henry N. Nicol, a native of Rappahannock county, Virginia, born in 1810.
He moved to Marion county, Missouri, in 1834 and died in Shelby county,
Missouri, in 1868. Mr. Nicol's paternal grandfather came with his
parents from Germany in his infancy and settled in Pennsylvania. He
later settled in Virginia. Mrs. Nicol's people were Virginians.
Mr. Nicol was married in 1871 to Louisa Cochran, a daughter of J.W.
Cochran. Her father came from Kentucky in his boyhood and settled in
Missouri in 1832. He returned to Kentucky and married Margaret A.
Martin. To Mr. and Mrs. Nicol three children have been born: John W., a
pharmacist of Walsenburg, Colorado, is a graduate of the Lawrence
University, class of 1900. James H., who is associated with his father,
took a two years' course in the Ottawa University. Lydia is a teacher in
the primary grade of the Simpson schools. She taught two terms in
District No. 39. She was a student of the Lawrence University one year.
She and both her brothers were graduates of the common schools at
Simpson and she and John W. are graduates of the Glasco high school.
Politically, Mr. Nicol is a Democrat. The family are members of the
Baptist church at Simpson. He is a member of the Knights and Ladies of
Security, Asherville Lodge No. 361. Mr. Nicol is a public spirited man,
has had a successful business career and is ranked among the best
citizens of his community. His children have had good educational
advantages, and are useful members of society. Mr. Nicol has recently
purchased the handsome Duby residence property in Glasco, where his
estimable family will be an acquisition to the social circle.
NOE & MOORE.
The cut on page 344 represents the
enterprising livery firm of Noe & Moore, formerly known as the "Barons
House" barn. (See sketch of S.H. Baron.)
Andrew Noe, the senior
member of the firm became associated with C.D. Byrum in the livery
business in 1899. In March, two years later, J.R. Ballard purchased the
interest of Mr. Byrum and the firm became Noe & Ballard. They were
successful and witnessed a steady growth until they received their share
of the patronage. In the spring of 1903 Carl Moore bought Ballard's
share of the stock and as Noe & Moore, the business will continue to
progress, for both are favorably and well known. Mr. Noe, the senior
member of the firm, has recently purchased the barn - which is a fine
stone structure - of Mrs. F.E. Barons.
Mr. Noe is a native of
Ogle county, Illinois, born in 1869, but has been reared in Cloud
county, having settled on a farm with his parents, twelve miles south of
Concordia, when he was but nine years old. His father, Samuel Noe, still
lives on the farm. His mother died in 1899. Mr. Noe was married in 1883
to Etta, a daughter of Otis Kenworthy, a farmer of Smith county. They
are the parents of two bright and beautiful children, Lila and Winona.
Mr. Noe transcends from a race of divines, both his paternal and
maternal grandfathers having been ministers.
Carl Moore, the
other member of the firm, is the sheriff of Cloud county, serving his
second term. Mr. Moore is one of the best known men in the community. He
was under sheriff during the two terms Morrisette was in office.
Although born in Whiteside county, Illinois, in 1869, Mr. Moore may be
considered a Kansas product, for he came to Cloud county with his
parents when but two years old. He is a son of C.F. and M.L. (Curran)
Moore, both natives of Ohio, but settled in Illinois soon after the
Civil war. His father bought land four miles south of Concordia, but in
the latter part of 1880 sold his property there and purchased a farm two
miles east of Concordia, where he lived until recently, when he removed
to that city.
Mr. Moore became a voter about the time the
Populist party was organized and has been an ardent supporter of its
principles. He was elected to office by a majority of one hundred and
fifty-four and led the ticket by eighty-eight votes. In the last
election, he was one of the two fusion candidates on the ticket elected.
- He had previously served two terms as constable of Concordia and was
city marshal for about six months.
The combination of Noe & Moore
assures their success, for both are popular and enterprising men. Their
stock of roadsters and vehicles is up-to-date and will undoubtedly
promote favor and continue to draw large patronage.
L. NOEL
Mr. Noel located in Glasco July 1, 1884, where he has lived
continuously ever since, and became one of the business men of the
Solomon valley. Mr. Noel is a native of Iowa, born in Henry county in
1853. His parents were early settlers, coming from Tennessee to Iowa.
Mr. Noel began his career as a painter in a wagon factory, following
that vocation for twelve years.
He came to Glasco with a small
capital and bought an interest in the elevator of W.R. West & Company.
In 1842 he bought their interest. The elevator was established in 1878,
but has been repaired and enlarged until its present capacity is storage
for twenty-five thousand bushels of grain. Mr. Noel owns a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres of land one and one-half miles northwest of
Glasco, and is president of the Glasco State Bank.
January 17,
1884, Mr. Noel was married to Martha McCormick, of Iowa. To this union
three children have been born, Eva, Edgar and Sidney, aged fifteen, nine
and six years respectively.
Mr. Noel was a Democrat until the
adoption of free silver, and as there were no gold Democrats here he
affiliated with the Republican party. He has held a membership in the
Knights of Pythias lodge of Glasco, for fifteen years, has been a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for more than twenty years, and
is a member of the Order of Woodmen.
STEPHEN A. NOWELS.
S.A. Nowels is one of the substantial farmers and stockman of the
Solomon valley and one of the most esteemed citizens of that community.
He is a native of Holmes county, Ohio, born in 1844. He is a son of
David and Mary (Waddell) Nowels. His father was of Yankee origin, born
in Connecticut in 1792, and died at the age of sixty-three years. Mr.
Nowels' paternal grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier and removed to
Ohio in the early settlement of that state and located near the present
city of Sandusky.
Mr. Nowles served with distinction in the Civil
war. He enlisted at the beginning of hostilities in Company B. Sixteenth
Ohio Infantry, under Captain Ager, who was promoted colonel of another
regiment and died before taking command. Their regiment was then placed
under General DeCoursey. They took part in many engagements, among them
the battles of Mill Springs, Cumberland Gap, Yazoo City, Arkansas Post,
and Champion Hill, where the line was broken and they lost many men. In
the siege of Vicksburg Mr. Nowels took a severe cold and this, coupled
with lying under the firing of heavy artillery for six weeks, deafened
him permanently to the extent of rendering it very difficult to converse
with him. He was one of the volunteers that ran the battery at
Vicksburg, and was one of the most daring men on the force. Not a shot
was fired as they passed Vicksburg but at Warrensburg the Confederates
fired into them to beat the mischief. From here he went into the Ninth
Ohio Cavalry, under Captain Irving and Colonel Hamilton in command. He
had served in the first company one year and nine months. He
participated in the battle at Decatur, Alabama, and with Rosseau on his
raid through Alabama and Mississippi, where they lost their horses and
traveled five hundred miles on foot. At Big Shady forty-two of their men
were killed. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and took part
in the cavalry fight at Averysboro, where they had their last hard
battle. This brigade also had a hard fight at Polecat Junction. They
were scouting the greater part of the time in the Carolinas. Colonel
Hamilton, who was promoted to brigadier-general, bestowed upon Mr.
Nowels a badge for courage and bravery. It is a silver medal surmounted
by an eagle perched on a banner. On the scroll is engraved the name of
the recipient and the company of which he was a member. This was the
only badge given in the company. Mr. Nowels was not commissioned but
acted as sergeant most of the time during his service in the army. The
hardest march his company underwent was to Cumberland Gap, a distance of
two hundred and forty miles. They were reduced in rations, secured tin
pans, pierced them with nails and with these improvised instruments
grated corn for bread. Mr. Nowels had several narrow escapes. He
received a wound on the leg between the knee and ankle at Yazoo City and
was confined to the hospital two weeks. He was slightly wounded upon two
other occasions, once in South Carolina, and again in Georgia. One ball
tore his clothing and cut the buttons off his coat in close proximity to
a vital part of his anatomy - the pit of his stomach. At one time, while
stationed as guard, Mr. Nowels met a Confederate in the woods and a duel
ensued, the rebel shooting five times. Mr. Nowels' carbine refused to
fire and with his pistols he poured out one shot; the fellow in gray
laid down, put spurs to his horse, and rode rapidly away.
Mr.
Nowels was mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, October 2, 1865. He made a
good record, never shirked duty nor joined the "condemned yank." After
the war he returned to Ohio; a few months later he emigrated to Iowa and
subsequently to Nebraska, where he worked on the first railroad bridge
that spanned the Missouri river in that state and worked on the Union
Pacific Railroad from Omaha to Ogden. He has traveled extensively over
the United States and has visited every state in the union but three.
Mr. Nowels was married in Lawrence, Kansas, in 1871, to Alice Hill,
who was formerly from Athens county, Ohio. She came with her parents to
Kansas in 1868 and settled in Lawrence. Her father was a native of
Wales. He settled in Ohio, where he lived until coming to Kansas. His
residence is now in Lincoln county. Her mother died in 1887. Mrs. Nowels
is one of eight children. One brother, George Hill, is living near
Denver, Colorado; two brothers, Charlie and Ray, in Idaho; a brother,
Ira, in Oregon, near The Dalles, and Frank, of Lincoln Center. The
sister, Mrs. Phillips, resides in Lincoln county. By a second marriage
there is one child, Pearl Hill.
To Mr. and Mrs. Nowels have been
born three children, viz: Guy S., a farmer living near Glasco; he
married Hattie Elliott and they are the parents of one child, an infant.
George W. is interested with his father and brother in farming. Mary L.
was for three seasons successfully engaged in the millinery business in
Glasco. She with her two brothers attended the opening of the Oklahoma
strip. They all registered, but none of them succeeded in drawing a
claim.
The Nowels took up their residence in Cloud county in 1890
and bought the Clinkbeard homestead, where they have prospered. They own
two hundred and forty acres of land; the sons own an eighty adjoining,
and all farm together. Their residence is a comfortable six-room house.
Mr. Nowels keeps a herd of about seventy head of native cattle and has
been very successful in hog raising, shipping about two car loads per
year. He has at all times supported the Republican party and is a strict
partisan. He is a member of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows of
Glasco and of the Grand Army of the Republic. George is also a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. Mrs.
Nowels and daughter are members of the Rebekahs. Mr. Nowels supports any
enterprise that has for its object the well being of the community. He
has met with more than an average degree of success in life and is a
worthy citizen.
WILLIAM EDWARD OAKES.
The subject
of this sketch is W.E. Oakes, who, until the fall of 1901, was for years
a resident of Cloud county. He began a business career with seventy-five
dollars in his pocket and if not mistaken the author believes Mr. Oakes
reported having even borrowed that capital; but a more willing pair of
hands and a more industrious nature to assist in the struggle for
fortune and fame could not present themselves than in the person of Mr.
Oakes. Mr. Oakes and his wife were much needed factors in the hotel at
Glasco and their removal was severely felt by the residents of that
little city. Under their control it was converted into one of the
neatest and most desirable hotels in the county. When this property came
into their hands it was badly in need of repairs and they remodeled,
refurnished and transformed it into a hotel which received a patronage
consistent with its management.
Shelby county, Missouri, is the
birthplace of Mr. Oakes. He was born in 1869. His parents are Emery and
Hester (Short) Oakes. His father was born in Vermont, but was reared in
the states of Michigan and Iowa. His parents having died when he was a
boy, he drifted about considerable. In 1879 he emigrated to Decatur
county, Kansas, where he homesteaded land. In 1882 removed to Cloud
county and bought land near Miltonvale. In 1893 became a resident of
Oklahoma, where he now lives on a farm. Mr. Oakes' mother was of
Kentucky parentage and German origin. Her father was a Methodist
Episcopal minister, and two of her brothers were clergymen. One brother,
John Short, is an ex-sheriff of Decatur county, Kansas. Hon. R.O.
Elting, the representative of Ness county, is a brother-in-law. She was
previously married to Aljournal Vaniver, a soldier of the Civil war, who
was massacred by Quantrell's band at Centralia, Missouri, while the
troops were en route home. There were two children by her first
marriage, a son and daughter. The son, Marion McClelland, was deceased
from lead poisoning in 1887, while working in the lead mines. Laura
Virginia is the wife of Madison Warring, superintendent of a street
railway at Seattle, Washington.
Mr. Oakes is the eldest child of
his mother's second marriage. The other children are: George W., a miner
of McAlester, Indian territory; Charles Oscar, a successful stockman and
speculator of McLoud, Oklahoma; Mary Ellen, wife of Richard Lyon, an
Englishman and wealthy farmer, owning land and stock in Kansas and
Oklahoma; John Wesley, an extensive farmer near McLoud, Oklahoma; Alice
Dora, a young woman at home, is a graduate from the Clay Center high
school; the youngest child is a son, Alfred Emery. Mr. Oakes's father
served "Uncle Sam" with the Third Missouri Cavalry, Company I, under
General Steele. He was the regimental blacksmith and served three years
and eight months.
Mr. Oakes received a good common education in
the schools of Missouri and Kansas. He entered upon a career for himself
at the age of ten, experiencing the seamy side of life for several
years. His father after having lived in western Kansas was in limited
circumstances, and he contributed a part of his earnings to the family.
In 1889 he worked in the round house and Burlington & Missouri yards at
Denver, and for a brief time was brakeman on the road,
In 1892 he
returned to Kansas and the following April was married to Miss Lenora
Moger, a daughter of John Moger, of Glasco (see sketch). This prosperous
and happy couple embarked on the sea of matrimony with none of this
world's goods, but their perseverance and good management have been
rewarded by a handsome competency. They are both endowed with the
qualities essential to success in life. The first year after their
marriage Mr. Oakes rented two hundred acres of land and was thwarted in
this undertaking by a failure of crops.
At the opening of the
Strip in 1893 he went to Oklahoma, took up a claim and the following
spring moved his family there, remaining until the autumn of 1896. With
eighty-five dollars he came to Glasco and in partnership with his
father-in-law established a livery stable, under the firm name of Moger
& Oakes, which was the starting point of a turn in his fortunes. January
16, 1897, the firm leased the Spaulding House. One year later Mr. Moger
withdrew and Mr. Oakes assumed full control. The hotel was scantily
furnished but under his management was put in good and comfortable
condition. During the summer of 1897 Mr. Oakes secured a position with
the Deering Implement Company, working in Oklahoma and holding down his
claim, proving up on it that autumn, and rented the land. His share of
wheat the first year was twenty-three hundred bushels, which averaged
seventy-five cents to the bushel. In 1894 this ground threshed out
forty-two bushels to the acre and the following year he had a yield of
from twenty-eight to thirty bushels per acre. He rented three years;
each of them were fruitful seasons.
In 1899 he sold the livery
business. The following year he sold his farm and purchased the hotel
property, in the meantime continuing on the road selling machinery. Mrs.
Oakes superintended the hotel operations, building up a substantial
trade and making it a financial success. They made many improvements in
the hotel, refurnishing, painting and papering the interior, and a large
veranda, added greatly to the comfort of their guests. In April, 1901,
they sold this valuable property to Nick Klein, of Beloit. Mr. Oakes
bought the building for a consideration of one thousand dollars,
expended about twelve hundred dollars in repairs and sold for
forty-eight hundred dollars. The family then moved to Beloit with the
intention of making that pretty little city their permanent home. But
Mr. Oakes had opportunities presented whereby he would be remunerated
for making a change, hence he sold his handsome home in Beloit and
settled near Walter, Oklahoma, where he bought a claim and after he has
secured a title will in all probability make a home in Walter or some
nearby town.
The Oakes home is blessed with two interesting
children, a son and a daughter: Lawrence LeRoy, a manly little. fellow,
aged eight years, and Statia Pauline, a bright little girl, aged six. By
the removal of Mr. and Mrs. Oakes, Glasco lost two of her most useful
and highly esteemed citizens, who, by their enterprise and natural
ability, had drawn around them a circle of warm friends. They had a hard
struggle the first few years of their married life and fully deserve all
the future promises them.
HANS OLSEN.
One of the
oldest settlers of Grant township who settled in Cloud county in the
year 1869, was the late Hans Olsen, who was deceased in 1889, leaving a
wife and five children, four daughters and one son. Amelia, the eldest
daughter, is the wife of Edmond Buer, who has just purchased a fine farm
five miles south of Jamestown; they are the parents of four children.
Mrs. Olsen's three single daughters are Gena, Matilda and Louisa. Peter
J., the third child and manages his mother's farm. consisting of one
hundred and sixty-two acres.
Hans Olsen was a native of Norway
and emigrated to Kansas when a young man. He made his choice, after
looking the ground well over, of the present homestead in the year 1869.
Mrs. Olsen was Miss Ellen Peterson, also a native of Norway. She sailed
for America to join her lover who had previously left the "land of the
midnight sun," to make a home in the new country for his prospective
bride. Mr. Olsen owned only a yoke of oxen in the way of a team, and a
neighbor wishing to do a kind act offered to go with his ponies to meet
and bring back the young stranger. In less than a week Mr. Albritson
returned with a letter from Miss Peterson saying she did not know if the
man had been sent for her or not, adding if Mr. Olsen was not there to
get her at a certain time she would return to the old country. Not
hesitating and without delay he yoked up his slow but sure oxen and made
all possible speed to do her bidding, met his promised bride at Junction
City and brought her to the Lake Sibley fort, where they were married.
Theirs was one of the first weddings celebrated in that locality.
Hard lines in many ways were endured by the young husband and wife,
but their confidence in the future for better days kept up their courage
and in spite of their humble fare, consisting of corn bread and water,
were willing to brave these hardships for the sake of a home of their
own and to this end bent all their energies and lived to see the
fulfillment of their hopes and wishes. They have met with many
discouragements in various ways; in 1878 the floods swept away their
crops. The confluence of the Buffalo and Cheyenne creeks is on their
land and the overflow did much damage.
Mrs. Olsen is sixty-one
years of age and in conversation said in substance, the best days of her
life were in those pioneer times but she would not have the courage to
live them over again. She and her family are Lutherans, belonging to St.
Luke's congregation, which is located just over the line in Jewell
county. "After darkness comes dawn," and these brave people who buffeted
the stormy waves of the wide sea in search of prosperity can now enjoy
the fruits of their labors in their comfortable little stone cottage of
four rooms, under the shadow of the trees planted by their own hands.
DR. O. A. OLSON.
O. A. Olson is one of the well known practitioners of
Concordia, where he has spent many years in his successful healing of many
obstinate and troublesome cases both chronic and otherwise. His success has been
unusual, in spite of the fact that his treatment is simple. Patients come to him
from all over the state, and he has cured many ailments that have been given up
by other practitioners.
Doctor Olson was born in Sweden in November,
1859, and came to the United States in 1880. In his younger years he learned the
stone mason's trade, and followed that as a journeyman. It was by accident that
he discovered the secret art of healing and his since given his entire attention
to his profession.
Doctor Olson states the basic principles of his
professional ideas and practice about as follows: It is now high time, says the
doctor, that the true physicians should treat man so that he may know how to
live rather than to prepare him to die, by filling his system with poisonous
drugs. Nature in her extensive laboratory has provided ample remedies for every
ailment. Those remedies are not always found in the form of drugs. The
laboratory is often the human body in which can be found that power which though
unseen and indestructible is none the less efficacious. Paracelsus speaks along
those lines when he tells physicians that they have deserted the path indicated
by nature and built up for themselves an artificial system through which they
prey upon the pockets of the sick. They poison the people and ruin their health
and denounce any one who does not follow their schools. There are three kingdoms
acting in the constitution of man: An outer, an inner and an uttermost
principle. These kingdoms are not understood by the various medical schools,
consequently humanity suffers loss of health and life. In the practice of his
art Doctor Olson discards all medicine and goes back to nature's laboratory for
his power to overcome the diseases of the human body.
Source: A Standard
History of Kansas and Kansans, written and compiled by William E. Connelley,
Secretary of the Kansas State Historical Society, Topeka. Chicago: Lewis
Publishing Company, copyright 1918; transcribed 1997.
AUGUSTUS OTT.
Augustus Ott, an old resident, leading
merchant and representative citizen of Glasco, is a native of Stephenson
county, Illinois, born in 1856. His parents are natives of Germany. His
father emigrated to America when twenty-five years old and his mother at
a youthful age. They are both living on a farm near Glasco and are aged
respectively seventy-six and sixty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Ott reared a
remarkable family of fourteen children, all of whom are living and are
useful men and women. Augustus Ott is the eldest child. Two brothers and
one sister reside in Colorado City, Colorado, and one brother in Orange,
California; the other members of the family reside in the vicinity of
Glasco. Mr. Ott's early education was limited. He took a four-months'
course in the Commercial College of Savannah, Missouri, taking a special
course in penmanship. He is an expert and thorough penman and taught the
Spencerian system for several years. There has been but little
penmanship taught in Glasco except through his efforts. He conducted a
private subscription school very mccessfully for a considerable length
of time.
Mr. Ott emigrated with his parents from Illinois to
Iowa, from there to Missouri, and in 1878 he came to Glasco and entered
the employ of Isaac Biggs, where he remained more than a year. In 1879
he succeeded Isaac Biggs as postmaster and served in this capacity for
seven years; in the meantime with his brother George he estabIished a
small business under the firm name of A. Ott & Brother, grocers, and to
meet the demand they established a jewelry shop in connection and
employed a workman in that line. After his term as postmaster had
expired they opened a general store, which they conducted until 1900,
and then sold to Mr. Staley. During the financial crisis, and owing to
his brother signing a heavy bond, they virtually failed, but were
appointed their own agents, and much to their credit, be it said, these
honorable and enterprising men cleaned out and squared up every dollar
of their indebtedness. His brother went west in search of health and our
subject opened up a general store under the name of A. Ott In the La
Rocque building, situated on the corner opposite the bank, where he is
now located and has been very successful ever since. By his honest
dealing he has built up one of the best mercantile houses in the city of
Glasco.
Mr. Ott was married in 1881 to Lucy H. Dalrymple, a
daughter of H.H. and Mary (Conner) Dalrymple, The Dalrymples are of
Scotch origin. Her father was born in Ohio and her mother in Indiana.
The Conners emigrated from that state to Blue Ridge, Harrison county,
Missouri. Mr. Dalrymple visited a sister who lived at Blue Ridge and
while on this mission met Mary Conner, whom he married in 1860. The
Conner's are of Irish origin several generations removed. One and
one-half years later Mr. and Mrs. Dalrymple removed to Stark county,
Illinois, and settled near Bradford. From this point he enlisted in the
army at the beginning of the Civil war and served three years. At the
end of that period he was discharged on account of disability, which
resulted in his emigrating to the west. In 1865, with his wife and three
children, he came to what is now Cloud county and took up a homestead on
Second creek, where he lived until his death in 1879, his wife having
preceded him two years.
They experienced the same hardships that
all the pioneers endured - Indians, drouth and grasshoppers. They were
among the settlers who left their homes during the Indian uprisings and
for over a year walked one and a half miles to the fort which the
settlers had built for protection against the savages. During these
primitive times they drove to Manhattan for flour and to Salina for
groceries. The store building was a shanty constructed from a few
upright boards. These towns consisted of a few small houses of similar
architecture interspersed with dugouts. During those times they did not
dare make known they had provisions stored in their homes on account of
the Indians, who would not leave without their share and to offset this
trouble the settlers would make their beds on layers of flour and
provisions in order to hide them from the penetrating eye of the
savages. When the Indians passed with Mrs. Morgan in captivity the
settlers at the fort watched their movements through a spy glass and saw
them stop at the Dalrymple claim presumably for something to eat. The
two Dalrymples, H.H. and his brother, were the only men in the fort one
day among nine families of women and children. Mrs. Ott's father was on
the outside when he saw the Indians coming and scaled the high wall of
the stockade. His brother Isaac was in bed, jumped out in his night
clothes, procured a gun and sallied forth just as the red skills were
coming through the gate. He fired and killed one of their number and
while the murderous band gathered around to carry him away, as is their
custom, they closed the gates. The demons lingered near all day and in
the meantime they passed the fort with their captive, Mrs. Morgan.
One day Mrs. Ott and her brother were playing on the hill side near
the house when three Indians rode up and attempted to capture them. They
threw Mrs. Ott on a horse and proceeded to do likewise with the boy, but
he fought and screamed until their uncle Isaac, who lived with them,
heard his cries for help and came with his carbine and frightened them
away. For several years her father plowed with his gun strapped to his
person. In their first settlement on the frontier Mrs. Ott and her
brother would often herd the buffalo off the fields as they would
cattle. They lived in this locality several years before a death
occurred from natural causes. Her father's house was a small log
building and served as a church for several years, services being held
once a month with Alfred Stackhouse as minister. Prior to erecting their
cabin they lived in a dugout about four years; their beds were in tiers
and were sort of swinging shelf one above the other.
Mr.
Dalrymple had shipped to the end of the railroad a car load of
provisions and among other things some live hogs; they were red in color
and had long snouts - the "razor back" quality - and were sent in first
because that breed could subsist on prairie hay. Mrs. Ott remembers her
father having sold one hog for seventy-five dollars. The event was
impressed upon her mind more forcibly perhaps because upon his return
she was the recipient of a new dress and silver thimble. To Mr. and Mrs.
Dalrymple seven children were born, all of whom are living. Lucy H.,
wife of A. Ott; James, a farmer of Solomon township; Zorilda, wife of
Dennis Hanchett, a farmer of Stark county, Illinois; Dora, wife of
William Luckenbill, a farmer of Rooks county, Kansas; Arthur, a farmer,
now owns the old homestead; Henry, of Boise City, Idaho, and Herbert,
living near Glasco, are both farmers.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ott six
children have been born, five of whom are living. Elma E., the eldest
child was deceased July 11, 1883, at the age of one year and ten months.
Those living are Mattie B., Roy H., Eva P., Homer M., and Lucy M. Mr.
Ott is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen and Fraternal Aid of Glasco. The family
are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Ott is a good citizen and
one who is always ready to advance the interests of his town or county.
He began at the bottom of the ladder and has proven that when ones
opportunities are not of the best everything is possible to him who
possesses strength of character, push and integrity. No man is more
universally respected by his friends and fellow townsmen than Mr. Ott.
Their pleasant, cheerful home is evidence of Mrs. Ott's refined nature
and their family of bright children give promise of useful careers.
CARY J. PAGE.
It is said, "history repeats itself,"
and if that be true each lover of history will be interested in the
following sketch of C.J. Page, one of Cloud county's prosperous,
energetic, well-to-do farmers and horticulturists. To attain perfection
and financial success in any pursuit, years of experience and careful
study must be passed through to determine the best and quickest mode of
reaching the coveted "straight road" of independence.
Mr. Page
has not aimed at sudden leaps but once a step is taken it is forward and
never backward, feeling the way with prudence and careful deliberation;
to this he owes his well-tilled farm and fine hearing orchard. If "tall
oaks from little acorns grow," large majestic trees owe their infancy to
tiny sprouts, and what Kansas farmer's wife does not remember being
admonished, "not to step on the trees in the grove" which had the
appearance of brown lead pencils set out in rows. But one season passes,
when lo! the tender little shoots of green spring out here and there and
demonstrate to her doubting mind that those little rods are actually
trees, and how their growth was carefully watched by the whole household
and neighbors as well, for settlers were as one large family, so united
were their interests. The orchard so carefully planted not many years
age and now, in its prime, yielded bountifully in in 1902.
Mr.
Page came to Kansas in the year 1870, and settled in Elk township. His
present commodious and happy home is the original homestead where after
years of toil he can rest from the burden of the day under his "own vine
and fig tree." During the grasshopper year, Mr. Page had three hundred
trees besides a number of grafts destroyed by the "hoppers," but nothing
daunted, he re-planted and has been well rewarded by the present
results, and like all true Kansans, stoutly declares his loyalty to the
"Sunflower" and does not know where he could have made any better stand,
than in this world renowned commonwealth, truthfully called, "Sunny
Kansas."
The subject of this sketch is a native of Defiance
county, Ohio, he was born on a farm in the year 1841, and in company
with his parents, while yet in his childhood, emigrated to Iowa and
settled near Des Moines. At that early date Iowa was a wild and new
country. The Indian roaming and hunting with all the freedom of the deer
that fearlessly wandered down to the rivers and creeks for their evening
drink. Three years afterward and during the troublesome times prior to
the breaking out of the war, the family settled in eastern Kansas, and
when matters became strenuous, and uneasy feelings prevailed throughout
this section, they removed to Warren county, Illinois, and from this
point Mr. Page enlisted in the First Missouri Engineers of the West,
(which should have been called Colonel Bissell's First Missouri
Engineers of the West) Company C, and served three years; this company
was finally merged into Company B; their duties consisted of rebuilding
of railroads and bridges. Mr. Page stood in water almost constantly; as
a result contracted illness and was sent to the hospital where he
remained nine months. His regiment took part in the Missouri campaign
against Price's army in 1861, also the capture of New Madrid, Missouri
and Island No. 10. They were engaged in the Corinth campaign in 1862,
the battle of Corinth that took place October 3-4, 1862, and the never
to be forgotten siege of Vicksburg. Mr. Page, after three years service
returned to his home and re-enlisted as a substitute in the year 1864. A
subject that had been drafted offered him $1,000 to supply his place. As
it was his intention to re-enlist, he accepted the $1,000 and joined
Company B, 12th Illinois Infantry, where he was in active service ten
months; participating in the battles of Kingston and Goldsboro, North
Carolina. His regiment was under the command of General Schofield and
later joined Sherman's army where long marches through swamps, and
dangers from shot and shell assailed the brave boys in blue, and on
every side the heavy tramp, tramp of weary feet.
"Our bugles
sang truce for the night clouds had lowered,
And the sentinel stars
set their watch in the sky.
Thousands had sunk on the ground,
overpowered
- The weary to sleep and the wounded to die."
After the close of the war Mr. Page was honorably discharged and
returned to Illinois. January 1, 1866, he was married to Josephine Reed,
a daughter of David Kingsley Reed of Warren county, Illinois. Her
parents were residents later on, of Cawker City, Kansas, followed later
by a removal to Clyde, Kansas, and are now sleeping the quiet slumber of
the dead, resting peacefully in the pretty little cemetery of Mount
Hope. One year after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Page they moved to
Iowa, but feeling that was not the place to make a home, emigrated to
Kansas, which was then still new. Many changes had taken place since
their first advent in the state in 1857. Mr. Page came to the "poor
man's country," penniless and endured without murmuring the many
privations incident to a new country, and has acquired his present
competency through his untiring industry and enterprise. The first move
after getting to the frontier was to take up a claim: the next move was
to make a dugout, and dig a well. This was called home and their very
own, where no sour visaged landlord presented a bill for the collection
of rent. Their little dugout while not a thing of beauty was a warm
shelter and more comfortable than many of their neighbors were possessed
of. They lived two years in this unpretentious dwelling place and then
erected a small frame dwelling.
Mr. and Mrs. Page are the proud
parents of twelve children, all of whom are living and not one to spare,
each holding its own individual place in the hearts of the parents.
These children have all been reared on the Kansas homestead, have done
credit to the training and schooling they have received and are fine
representatives of the state to which they belong; they are possessed of
more than average intelligence. There are six sons and six daughters,
and each of these twelve children have brown eyes.
Emma B., is
the wife of Bert Eashbaugh, a farmer near Zella, Kansas. Alfred M., the
oldest son, is a farmer living east of Clyde. Phoebe, wife of Henry
Schriver, a farmer near Elmwood, Kansas. Edmond Willis, a teamster of
Boise City, Idaho. Mary, wife of Henry Baker, a farmer but at present
employed in a grocery store at Boise City, Idaho. Arthur, a horse buyer
is a resident of Clyde. Alla, wife of Walter Harrison, a carpenter and
mine owner of Boise City, Idaho. Josie, is unmarried and lives under the
parental roof. John assists his father in the duties of the farm.
Nellie, wife of C.N. Bunda, who operates an elevator at McLouth, Kansas.
Frank and Verr, aged respectively sixteen and fourteen years, are
attending school in District No. 15, where all of these dozen children
received their education.
The family are faithful attendants and
members of the United Brethren church. When the society was organized at
the Crammer school house the majority of the members consisted of the
several Page families, hence it was given the name of "Page
Congregation." After darkness comes dawn, and after many struggles and
lowering clouds in the battle of life come rifts of sunshine as a reward
for a well spent life. Mr. Page and his estimable wife are now enjoying
the comforts of a pleasant home.
WILLIAM H. PAGE.
W.H. Page is in the broadest sense of the word an old and respected
pioneer, having emigrated to Shirley (now Cloud) county, Kansas in
March, 1866. He was attracted by the flow of home seekers on the way to
the new "Eldorado," turned his back upon the old home in seeking his
fortunes in the new, where nature seems to be kinder and more
considerate to her children, in that her harvests to them yield richer
with less toil of the hands and sweat of the brow so necessary among the
rocky hills of the east.
Mr. Page pre-empted the land on which
the town of Clyde now stands and as stated in the history of Clyde. The
Town Company made him an offer, and thinking three hundred dollars a
large price (greater than he would have given for the land) closed the
deal. He could not believe or foresee a town of any dimensions spring up
on the prairie one hundred and fifty miles from a trading point and
could not conjure up in his wildest imaginations that the now prosperous
town and the hills densely populated could spring up and prosper. The
land grant which Mr. Page possessed, consisted of eighty acres, for
which he paid the usual government fee, one dollar and a quarter per
acre. The Town Company purchased forty acres and other parties the
remaining forty. Mr. Page made several trades and deals until the year
of 1875, When he bought the Joel Miller homestead two and three-quarters
miles west and one and one-quarter miles north of Clyde, which he has
steadily improved and made for himself and family the comfortable and
pleasant home of today.
Mr. Page married in the year 1876, Lizzie
A. Dutton, who was reared in his native state, Ohio, where a boy and
girlhood friendship began, culminating in a closer tie. Alas, the
beloved wife was deceased June 17, 1885, leaving as a solace one child,
Aura L., a most estimable, obedient, and loving daughter, to help the
bereaved father with kindly advice and brighten with rays of sunshine
the desolated home. Miss Page received her education in her home school
district No. 15, and later four years in Clyde, making the best possible
use of her advantages. She is now her father's comfort in his declining
years. She is refined and gentle, possesses a kindly and amiable
disposition, is intelligent above the average, and a true woman. She was
but a child of eight years when her mother died and she deserves great
credit for her management of the household and its multiplicity of cares
thrust so early upon her young shoulders. Two children died in infancy.
Mr. Page is a native of Meigs county, Ohio, and was born in the year
1829. His early days were spent on a farm. In 1860, he emigrated to
Missouri, and one year later moved to Iowa, Freemont county, where he
enlisted in the 4th Regiment, Company A, Iowa Cavalry, under Captain
Benjamin Rector, commanded by Colonel A.B. Porter, of Mt. Pleasant,
Iowa. Captain Rector died from illness in 1862, and J.B. Rust, second
lieutenant of the company succeeded him. Colonel Porter resigned and was
succeeded by Edward F. Winston, who was promoted from Captain of Company
B, to Captain of Company A. Mr. Page enlisted as a private and the last
four years of the war was rewarded for valiant and fearless action by
being promoted to a second lieutenancy. His company was ordered from
Springfield, Missouri to join General Curtis and his forces at
Batesville, Arkansas, and while enroute were camped at Mammoth Spring,
Arkansas, when the following exciting, thrilling and amusing incident
transpired: One of the cavalry horses broke lose from its fastening and
glad of its freedom galloped unrestrained, bringing up to the picket
lines; the night was very dark and the guard who had not long filled
this post of duty, naturally fired upon the liberated steed. The report
of his musket was heard in camp, as soldiers seem gifted by practice
with double vision and hearing and were immediately aroused to action;
supposing it was an attack, the wildest confusion of orders and
movements prevailed; horses were saddled, fire arms seized in a fever of
wild excitement and haste, each captain forming his men in line on the
spot that was nearest, making as many ranks as companies, and in the
event of action would have in all probability been shooting over each
other's heads. The buglers were ringing out a half dozen different
orders and a hundred voices were shouting; "Put out the fires!" "Put out
the fires!" In the meantime the guards nearest the picket line soon
learned the cause of the alarm and after a half hour of bewilderment and
uproar an understanding that an engagement at that time was not imminent
was effected, and out of chaos quiet reigned again. Orders were given to
unsaddle and the men gathered their scattered and battered accoutrements
of war together. Upon this occasion a story was told of Colonel Porter
which made him the subject of much mirth and was said to be the real
cause of his retirement. The colonel, being suddenly awakened, was very
much excited by the commotion of a supposed charge by the rebel forces
called vehemently for "Tobe." (Bartleff, the chief bugler.) As "Tobe"
appeared, bugle in hand, the Colonel cried: "Blow, Tobe, blow!" without
specifying, what order he should blow. "Tobe" stood embarrassed and
bewildered, awaiting orders, when his commander shouted vorciferously,
"Blow! why don't you blow?" "But what shall I cried the anxious
trumpeter? The colonel, fairly gasping for breath, screamed: "Blow? Blow
your bugle, d- you."
At Cotton Plant, Arkansas, Mr. Page's
regiment captured a few prisoners. One of the company soldiers was a
Dutchman and when he returned to camp he seized one of the captives by
the shoulder shaking him vigorously, said, "Vat for you make war mit
Sigel ? You yust break up the best government vat never vas," and in
withering tones and cutting sarcasm added, "you g-d d-n secesh." Mr.
Page with his company saw service principally through Arkansas. At
Mechanicsburg, about forty miles above Vicksburg, where they marched
every Sunday, they upon one occasion found the enemy very stubborn and
made a severe saber fight. One of the heaviest charges made was at Bear
creek, near Vicksburg, where one hundred and twenty men were detained to
guard the road that General Johnston's army must pass and made a heavy
fight with a loss of ten men killed on the field, several taken
prisoners and only eight to return to camp. Mr. Page is justly proud of
his war record, as he fought bravely for his flag and his country. After
many years on his farm Mr. Page can look with pride at his trees, both
fruit and ornamental, all put out by his own hands. His apple trees have
yielded an abundant crop and his yard is adorned by numerous evergreens
which add to its beauty. In later years Mr. Page has leased his ground
consisting of two hundred and seventy-eight acres of excellent land. His
crops are principally wheat, corn and oats. He has retired from actual
farm labor, thus giving him ample time to attend to his orchard and
poultry. Mr. Page is a true Republican and was elected county
commissioner in the year 1870. He is a public spirited man, taking an
active interest in all topics of the day as published in the leading
news papers.
Mr. Page's paternal ancestors were of French origin.
His father's maternal ancestors, the Mosiers were from England, thus
uniting French and English ancestry. Mr. Page is now enjoying a rest
well earned after a busy life and his record is above reproach.
WARREN W. PALMER.
W.W. Palmer, an extensive farmer and
stockman residing in Glasco, is a native of Massachusetts, born in
Somerville, a suburb of Boston, in 1843. He is a son of Theodore and
Lydia (Wood) Palmer. One branch of the Palmers came over in the
Mayflower and settled in Massachusetts, and emigrated later to New
Hampshire where Theodore Palmer was born and married. They subsequently
moved to Massachusetts, where their family was reared. Mr. Palmer's
mother was a native of Massachusetts and died June 5, 1863. His father
came to Kansas in 1881 to live in the home of his son and died in Neosha
Falls in 1883.
Mr. Palmer emigrated to LaSalle county, Illinois,
in 1860 where he remained until the following June, when he enlisted in
Company A, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, and served three years. before
arriving at the age of twenty-one. After the siege of Vicksburg he was
transferred to the signal corps. He did not miss an engagement that his
company participated in and was with Grant in every battle that famous
general commanded, with the exception of Fort Pillow. When the signal
corps in Banks' regiment arrived at Cane river, Louisiana, and they were
fired upon by the enemy, the movements of the attacking column were
conducted entirely by signal. The history by J. Willard Brown says,
"Private Warren W. Palmer was complimented in the records for standing
at his post like a true man and soldier while staff officers ran their
horses to the rear for a more secure position." His picture also appears
in the work. Mr. Palmer was very young but had a brother in the service
who was a good soldier and through this influence he was allowed to pass
and enlist. At the time of his transference he was a corporal. He was
neither wounded, sick or in prison during the service. He was in the
battles of Fort Henry, Shiloh, Siege of Corinth, Britton's Lane, and
with Grant's army at Fort Gibson, Utica and Champion Hill, where their
regiment turned the tide of that battle; by a bold dash of General
Logan's at the proper time every piece of artillery fell into their
hands. The battle was a bloody one and fiercely fought. On the march
from Jackson to Vicksburg they charged on Fort Hill and were repulsed,
but stationed themselves a few rods away, threw up an embankment, dug
trenches and tunneled through to the Fort; put in powder and blew it up
making several efforts before they succeeded. One of the Rebel officers
and a colored servant were killed in this affair, the darky being hurled
into the air and landed in the Federal ranks. While the regiment was
lying at Memphis in the autumn of 1862, there were numerous desertions.
On one occasion Mr. Palmer and a comrade were strolling along Pigeon
Road where the woods were full of guerrillas. The pair drifted several
miles from camp in the vicinity of an old railroad track and discovered
half a dozen men coming in their direction who they supposed were
guerrillas. As they approached one of their number, a German, expressed
a desire to be spokesman and upon being questioned as to what their
intentions were, replied that they were fugitives of war and also
affirmed that thousands more wanted to join them. The German invited
them over to their plantation where they found card tables and other
evidences of entertainment. Before taking their departure arrangements
were made for Mr. Palmer and his partner to return and bring with them
all who desired to desert the army with the promise of sending them
anywhere on parole in the south or north on the Mississippi river. Upon
returning to camp the gallant "boys in 'blue" related their novel
experience and General Logan immediately sent two companies of soldiers
with staff officers, guides and men to arrest the fugitives who had
forsaken their post of duty. Mr. Palmer with several others repaired to
the place of meeting, reported themselves ready for the promised
assistance and were instructed to go to a certain rendezvous for
passports, etc. A few moments later and the door was burst open, the
occupants taken in charge and put under guard. The three leaders of the
gang were sent to the Alton penitentiary for the remainder of the war.
Upon investigation they found in the house accoutrements of war and the
papers of one hundred or more soldiers who had become deserters.
After the war Mr. Palmer obtained a position with Drake & Beebee's
commission house, remaining eighteen months and removed to Dongola,
Union county, Illinois, where he lived two years and was appointed
postwaster and express agent, which offices he had held one year prior
to this date for Mr. Leavenworth, who resigned and was succeeded by Mr.
Palmer. Our subject was one of eleven children, four of whom are living.
He has two brothers - Homer, a resident of Idaho, and George, who was in
the same company with Mr. Palmer, is an inmate of the Soldiers' Home at
Quincy, Illinois. He is sixty-six years of age. A sister, Caroline
Moore, is a resident of Boston, Massachusetts. A brother, William, who
enlisted in a Massachusetts regiment, was killed in the battle of
Spotsylvania. Lyman, another brother, who was also one of a
Massachusetts regiment, was wounded and died in this state from the
effects of the wound.
Mr. Palmer located in Glasco in the winter
of 1878-9 and for several years followed carpentering. He assisted in
building the first house that was erected in that city after it secured
the railroad. He leases and operates a section of fine land about one
mile from Glasco, which he has farmed since 1893. Within the eight years
that he has operated this farm the land has produced thirty thousand
bushels of wheat, and the present year (1901) he has two hundred and
sixty acres. In 1897 his wheat averaged forty bushels and in 1891
forty-one bushels per acre. In the latter year he had twenty acres of
volunteer wheat that yielded twenty-seven and one-half bushels per acre.
In 1901 a field of two hundred acres yielded forty bushels per acre;
much was wasted on account of dry weather and he garnered but
twenty-three hundred bushels. Mr. Palmer has raised cattle and hogs
successfully, shipping two car loads of the latter per year. His herd of
cattle consists of ninety head. He visited Missouri in 1900 and
purchased several head of the Aberdeen strain and is breeding his herd
into the Aberdeen-Angus. He has been very successful in alfalfa and has
sixty-five acres that yielded one hundred and twenty-five tons the
present year. Mr. Palmer has also been engaged in the real estate and
insurance business, and through his shrewdness and efforts many
transactions in good real estate have taken place. In 1880 he became
manager for the Chicago Lumber Company and was with this enterprise
eight years.
Mr. Palmer was married in 1865 to Mary E. Little, a
daughter of John F. Little, of Compton, New Hampshire. She is a lineal
descendant of George Little, nine generations removed, who settled in
Newbury, Massachusetts, in 1640. The place of his nativity was Union
street, city of London, England, in the vicinity of London Bridge. Her
father was born in 1810 on the old Little homestead at Compton. The
house in which he was born was a well-constructed building erected in
1786; the first shingles leasting half a century.
John F. Little
was a teacher in his early life and moved to Mississippi, where he met
and married Sarah Ann Dennis. She was born in 1818. They emigrated to
Dongola, Union county, Illinois, in 1866, where Mr. Little was a
prominent citizen and became postmaster, express agent and justice of
the peace, holding these positions several years. They lived to
celebrate their golden wedding and were both deceased the following
year. Mrs. Palmer is one of five children, viz: Alice Jane, deceased
wife of Henry C. Neville; she died in 1866, leaving one son, Henry C.,
living in the state of Indiana. John Augustus, deceased in 1859, at the
age of twelve years. James Albert, born July 4, 1853, is watchman in the
Marine Hospital of Cairo, Illinois. Sarah Phoebe, deceased wife of John
McNamer, died July 21, 1978. The Little ancestry served in the French
and Indian war, the Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Civil war. A
cousin of Mrs. Palmer was the youngest captain of an Iowa regiment. They
were prominent people, many of them being graduates of Harvard, Yale and
other noted colleges. They were all upright, industrious and God-fearing
men. Her grandfather, four generations back, was Colonel Moses Little,
who won distinction under Washington at the battle of Bunker Hill. He
led three companies across Charleston Neck under a severe fire from the
British batteries, reaching the scene of action before the first charge
of the enemy and was present throughout the engagement. He is spoken of
in history as "behaving with much spirit." Though not wounded he had
many narrow escapes, and forty of his regiment were killed and wounded.
He was the officer of the day when Washington took command of the army
and afterward became personally acquainted with his commanderin-chief,
who held him in high esteem. Upon one occasion several officers were
complaining bitterly of tie character of their provisions. Washington
suggested they confer with Colonel Moses Little, who had not found time
to allude to hardships of this sort. In 1777 he was compelled to return
home on account of illness and two years later declined for the same
reason the commission of brigadier general and the command of an
expedition raised by the commonwealth of Massachusetts to dislodge the
enemy from their position on the Penobscot. He afterward represented his
native town in the legislature as he had done before the war. He died in
1798.
To Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have been born eight children, seven
of whom are living, viz: Theodore Dudley, born in 1868, is a bookkeeper
in a railroad office at Altoona, Wisconsin. Roscoe, born in 1877,
occupies a position in the same office. He was a member of the Fifteenth
Minnesota, Company H, and served nine months in the Cuban war. They did
not encounter active service, but were encamped at Camp McKenzie,
Georgia, and at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. They expected and were anxious
to be sent to Cuba but the warfare ceased ere they were called on to go.
John Dennis, born in 1870, is a clerk in a department store in
Marshalltown, Iowa. Adah Marie is the wife of A.R. Hilsabeck, a farmer
near Gilman, Iowa. Alice Emma is married and resides in Glasco. Albert
and Alma were the first twins born in the city of Glasco. Albert is at
present in Colorado, where he is sojourning for the benefit of his
health. Alma, a prepossessing and promising young woman, was deceased
January 21, 1901, at the age of twenty-one years. Harry, the youngest
child, is a student of the Glasco high school.
Mr. Palmer had
been a life-long Republican, but in the two last presidential elections
voted the Democratic ticket. He is a Master Mason, member of the Ancient
Order of United Workmen and the Grand Army of the Republic and has been
post commander several terms. He has held the office of police judge and
justice of the peace for several years and bears the reputation of being
the best officer Solomon township ever had; and has tried some important
cases. Mr. Palmer has probably spent more time and money in Glasco than
any other individual citizen. He took a prominent part in the erection
of the school building and is foremost in any public enterprise of his
town. He is one of the most influential men in Glasco, one of the most
highly esteemed in the community and was a faithful and trustworthy
soldier. Mrs. Palmer is a refined and cultured woman. She is a member
and earnest worker of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs.
Palmer occupy one of the handsomest homes in their little city.
WILLIAM PARKER.
The subject of this sketch, William
Parker, is a progressive, industrious and exemplary young man, the "Good
Samaritan" of his father's family, for through his efforts the old
homestead has been redeemed - saved from the mortgage auctioneer's
hammer. He now owns the farm, having bought the interest of the other
heirs, and is in a fair way to become one of the leading farmers of the
community.
About one year prior to this writing (November, 1901)
he sold his cattle down to one cow and three heifers. He now owns a herd
of thirty-three well graded Shorthorns. Mr. Parker came to Cloud county
when twelve years of age, but for several years, dating from the time he
was fourteen years old he traveled about doing various things; milled in
Colorado, worked in the smelters of Leadville, drove cattle in Arizona
and labored in the lead mines of Joplin, Missouri. He returned home in
1901, after his mother's death and came into possession of the farm. In
the meantime he had contributed the greater part of his earnings to
prevent the mortgage from sweeping in the home.
Mr. Parker is a
son of Benjamin and Mary Ann (Sutton) Parker, who were married in Ohio
in 1853. Benjamin Parker is a native of Stark county, Illinois, born In
1835. He remained a resident of Stark county until 1857, when he moved
to Vermilion county, Illinois, and in 1865, located in Kankakee. In 1873
he emigrated to Kansas. He has been unfortunate in his business
relations, misfortune seemingly following him all through life. He has
met with many adversities - saw his fields divested of every blade
during the grasshopper raids, lost several horses during the hard years
and lived in a dugout from 1873 until 1880, and in 1885 built a
comfortable residence, which burned to the ground, compelling them to
resort to the dugout until he could build again.
Mr. Parker
served in an Illinois regiment in the United States service, being one
of the two hundred and fourteen volunteers who went from his township in
Stark county. William Parker is a grandson of James Parker, who was of
English origin, but a native of Pennsylvania. He died in 1838. His
paternal grandmother was Sena Murphy, born in Ohio, of Scotch parentage.
Her father was William Murphy, a Captain in the Revolutionary war. She
was three times married, once prior to her marriage with James Parker.
Her first husband was a Mr. Miller, by whom she had two children,
Nathaniel and Lydia. Her second marriage was with James Parker, and
Benjamin Parker is the only living child of eight children by this
marriage. He lives with his son, William Parker, the subject of this
sketch. James Parker died in 1838. Mrs. Parker's third husband was
William VanTassel. No children were born to this marriage.
William Parker is one of five children, viz: Theodore, a carpenter and
joiner, with residence in Cripple Creek, Colorado. Elisha, contractor
for paper mills of Oregon City, Oregon. He was in old settler and
homesteader of Center township, this county, where he lived until 1888,
and married Sarah, a daughter of William Dugan, in old resident of Cloud
county. Nora, the only daughter, presides over her brother's household.
Though thoroughly domestic, she is an accomplished young lady, a
graduate of the Glasco schools. She raises poultry and make's upwards of
thirty pounds of buffer per week during several months of the year. She
is a member of the Bethel Methodist Episcopal church.
HONORABLE CHARLES N. AND WILLIAM M. PECK.
Concordia is
especially fortunate in the character and standing of her business and
professional men, and among those who have won marked distinction within
the space of a comparatively few years are the twin brothers, Charles N.
and William M. Peck. They are both men of prominence in the business and
social world. Their personality is very similar, with the same fine
physique and military bearing and the identity of one might easily be
taken for the other.
They were born in the town of Hampton,
Washington county, New York, between Whitehall and Fairhaven, Vermont,
May 25, 1863. Their father, Josiah Peck, like most of his ancestors, was
a farmer, and resided on the old homestead, which has been in the
possession of the Pecks for two centuries or more, until his death, May
10, 1902. The Pecks originally came from England; three brothers came to
America. Two of them settled in Connecticut and one in New York, and all
of the Pecks in this country seemingly sprung from one of these three
branches. Harriet Peck, mother of Charles and William, was a Miller, her
father being the eldest son of "Prophet" Miller, who acquired national
fame by prophesying to the world the coming of Christ in 1843. She is
the only granddaughter of the "Prophet" now living.
The twin
brothers were reared on the farm, where they worked, helping to till the
soil in summer and attending school during the winter months. In 1881
they ratified their ambition to attend military school at Granville, New
York. Charles N. assumed the position of drummer boy and William M. of
bugler, and their services were recompensed by the consideration of
one-half of the tuition. Later Charles N. resigned his position to enter
the ranks of Company A as captain. They both graduated in 1883 and
returned home with the intention of helping on the farm, as their father
was becoming advanced in years and needed their assistance; but after
three years of military training they were not content with the daily
routine of farm life, and from this time took, as it were, diverging
paths.
Honorable Charles N. Peck.Charles N. chose the law for his
profession and after writing various attorneys, obtained desk room in
the office of King & Rhodes, of Troy, New York, (of which firm LaMotte
W. Rhodes was district attorney) in October, 1883, where the foundation
was laid for the reputation he has built as an attorney, for he has
established a record in the legal annals of Cloud county, and has a
large clientage. After reading law one year he assumed the duties of
chief clerk in their office for the small salary of $3 per week. Later
it was increased to $5, out of which he saved enough to visit his
brother, who had come to Concordia in 1884.
Charles N. Peck was
admitted to the bar of the state of New York at Albany in 1886. After
coming west he worked in the Cloud County Bank for two months and then
became a member of the law firm of Sturges & Kennett. The following year
F.W. Sturges was elected judge of this district, and the firm became
Kennett & Peck, which combination still exists. They are attorneys for
the Atchison & Topeka Railroad, the Rock Island Railroad and the western
syndicate of banks owned by eastern capitalists, and have an extended
general practice of law.
In 1892 Charles N. Peck was married to
Frances A. Paradis, the only child of Frank Dana Paradis, a contractor
and builder formerly of Memphis, Tennessee, where he was well known. Mr.
Paradis was of Parisian French stock. Mrs. Peck was born in Chicago, but
removed with her parents when a child to Memphis, where she grew up and
attended school, until the death of her mother, when her father's health
failed and they returned to Chicago, where she finished her education,
graduating at St. Xavier's Convent, taking a special course in music.
She has had the advantages of a thorough musical training and has more
than ordinary talent. Mr. Paradis died in 1896. Mrs. Paradis was of
English origin. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Peck, two
sons and a daughter, viz: Charles Northrop, Frances Harriet and William
Miller.
Since the above sketch was written, Charles N. Peck has
been elected to represent his county in the legislature. He carried his
ticket by a large majority and will fill the representative chair with
credit to himself and to the many friends from both political parties
that cheered lustily over his victory - a well merited honor. He is also
member of the city council of Concordia.
William Miller Peck
chose the occupation of architect and served as an apprentice in Albany
for a short time. As there was no pay for services rendered he became
discouraged and decided to try his fortunes elsewhere. He taught school
for a brief time and assisted in keeping a set of books for six months.
He also spent much time writing to the various banks, whose names and
addresses came under his observation. One of these letters found its way
to Brandon, Vermont, and fell into the hands of T.B. Smith, the late
president of the Cloud County Bank, who, fortunately for Mr. Peck,
wanted a bookkeeper, and he was given the place at five dollars per
week, and in the summer of 1884 came to Concordia.
Soon after he
was made assistant cashier, and in 1896 was elected cashier, which place
he has since occupied. During his connection with the bank he has
assumed many responsibilities and performed to the utmost satisfaction
of the corporation the duties appertaining to the position he holds. He
is an expert accountant, well informed in banking systems and has
established a reputation for himself as a competent business man. The
entire management of the bank is left to the exercise of his judgment
rather than to officials of superior rank.
W.M. Peck was married
in December, 1887, to Mary Martin, of Chicago, Illinois, a daughter of
Lawrence T. Martin, a commission merchant of that city. She is an
accomplished woman, talented in art - a student of St. Xavier's Academy.
Their family consists of three daughters: Margaret, Ruth and Helen, all
musically inclined. Margaret plays the cornet and Ruth, the violin. Mr.
Peck is also a cornetist of considerable ability.
The Peck
brothers have attractive, modern homes on West Ninth street, surrounded
by beautiful shade trees and wide lawns. They have been Republicans from
the cradle but are not radical politicians.
ALFRED B. PENNOCK.
A.B. Pennock, proprietor of the Concordia elevator,
is one of Concordia's most esteemed citizens and business men. He was born
in Barry county, Michigan, in 1849. He is a son of Ozias and Mary Ann
(Rafler) Pennock. Ozias Pennock was a native of Vermont, but emigrated
to Michigan in the early settlement of that state. He was seemingly fond
of pioneer life for he emigrated to Allen county, Kansas, in 1859, and
removed to Doniphan county in 1863. He subsequently returned to
Michigan, where he died in 1898, followed by the wife and mother one
year later. Mr. Pennock's mother was a native of Ireland and came to
America with her parents when about five years of age.
Mr.
Pennock received a limited education in the common schools of Michigan.
He came to Kansas when the country was new and when there were no
schools, in 1837. He crossed the plains when but fifteen years of age,
driving six yoke of cattle for the freighting company of Stebbins &
Porter, who were well known in those days. He went through to Central
City, Colorado, returning in 1865 to Doniphan county, and later, with
his father's family, to Michigan, where he worked on a farm until 1870,
and again came to Kansas and filed on a homestead in Aurora township,
Cloud county, which he improved and lived on for five years. Retaining
his homestead he came to Concordia and began working at his trade, that
of stone mason and plasterer, which he had learned during his last
residence in Michigan. Four years later he entered the employ of William
Blair, the man who established the elevator Mr. Pennock now operates. He
bought grain for him four years. Mr. Blair was succeeded by Glucose &
Company. Mr. Pennock remained in their employ for one year and then
established a grain business for himself in the town of Aurora. At the
expiration of two years he, with his father-in-law, who owned a half
section of land together, returned to the farm for one year, and in 1881
moved to Concordia. In 1892 he was appointed under sheriff and jailor,
under Sheriff Archer. Two years later he bought the elevator and has
since been successfully engaged in the grain business. On Mr. Pennock's
advent in Kansas he had practically nothing, but now owns two farms in
Aurora township, one he purchased and the other is his old homestead.
They are both finely improved. He has a handsome residence property on
the corner of Broadway and Eleventh streets in the city of Concordia.
He was married in 1873 to Kesiah Prince, a daughter of E.L. Prince,
a farmer of Aurora township, and an old settler who came to Cloud county
in the early 'seventies. Mr. Prince left the homestead in 1876 and
established a grain business in Jamestown, owning an interest in an
elevator there. They now reside in Concordia. To Mr. and Mrs. Pennock
four children have been born: Ada, Florence, Alfred and Hazel, all
educated in the Concordia schools. Mr. Pennock is a Republican in
politics and was deputy sheriff, under John Wilson, the second sheriff
of Cloud county, for four years. He has also served as constable of his
township. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, Knights and
Ladies of Security and Triple Tie. By his industry and integrity Mr.
Pennock has accumulated a comfortable fortune. He possesses a kindly and
benevolent disposition. Although an unpretentious, quiet man, he has a
host of friends who appreciate his good qualities.
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