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- 326 - 327 - 328 - 329 - 330 - In 1950 Paul was recalled. We decided, then, to make the military a career. Paul served in Ft. Worth and Amarillo, Tex as; Springfield, Mass.; Aurora, Cola.; Iceland, England, France and French Morocco.
While Paul was in Iceland, the family lived in Winfield and Margaret (May 7, 1953) was born in Wellington.
The family moved to all stations within the U.S., but only one foreign station - England for 3 years. We traveled in our car, in Europe, for a month in 1958.
We visited the Belgium World's Fair (Brussels), camping in the "big tent" which also served breakfast. We were proud of our government's image there. The U.S. buildings rest rooms had warm water and separate facilities for men and women. Other countries didn't. Also we were thrilled to see and hear the U.S. Army Band playing on July 4, in front of the American building as the flags were flying.
Jeannette attended International Girl Scout Camp in Giessen, Germany (near Frankfurt). We spent time in Wiesbaden and Heidelberg, near the Rhine River, then returned to get Jeannette from camp.
In Austria, we visited Innsbrook and Oberammergau, where the passion play is given every ten years; we toured the grounds and saw the costumes. King Ludwig's castles were fabulous. A violin maker's shop caught Louise's eye.
In Switzerland we shopped in Luzern and Interlaken and attended a pageant of William Tell.
In 1959 we flew from England to Holland for the tulip festival. Margaret stayed with our English nanny.
Our next station - Amarillo, Texas; Jeannette a H.S. sophomore; Margaret a first grader.
Four years later Paul was sent to France; the family moved to Winfield; Jeannette went to Southwestern; graduated; taught Home Economics; married Joel Christianson in 1968. Margaret attended fifth and sixth grades in Winfield.
Paul was retired from the U.S.A.F. in Oct. 1966; came back to Boeing. Margaret finished H.S. in Wichita (Southeast); graduated from Wichita State University; taught elementary grades 4 years; married Bill Stull in 1972.
Since 1969 we've been enjoying grandchildren. We now have 7 (See Earl Youle story).
Submitted by Louise Youle Wilson
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 326.
Thomas H. and Mary Catherine, born September 23, 1838, (fifth child of Jacob Kensil and Sarah Maranda Case), were married in Shelbyville, Illinois, on her 20th birthday. They are listed in the 1879-80 Shelbyville, Illinois city directory as living on East Broadway between South 4th and 5th and were partners in Ward and Wilson Livery Stable on South 1st. Their six children were: Jacob Daniel, born August 18, 1859 married Dora Ward and later a second wife; Thomas Joseph (Joshie), born November 21, 1860, died December 11, 1879; Sarah Miranda, born October 4, 1863, married Amos Snowhill on December 4, 1886; Mary C. (Mollie) born October 1, 1865, married Louis H. Northey and then B.F. White; Charles William, born March 10, 1868, married Adaline Bonnett on May 10, 1892; George B. born March 11, 1870, married Daisy Hassel.
A granddaughter describes their life on the farm, "Grandpa Thomas had lots of horses and fed them well. He drove up the cows for Mary Catherine to milk as his hands were too large to perform this task. She milked six to ten cows and made butter into three to five pound rolls which she kept cool and solid in the milk house. She wrapped the butter in pure white dish towels to deliver to Winfield stores on Saturdays. Grandpa was a quiet man - slim with long whiskers. Grandma was short and fat and never ill except for a bout with shingles."
Mary Catherine died suddenly in Webb City, Missouri on June 10, 1910, where she had gone to visit sons Dan and George. Her body was returned to Winfield by train. Thomas then sat in a rocker on the front porch and grieved for her until his death the following March 27, 1911. Both are buried in Union Cemetery, Winfield.
Daniel Wilson, father of Thomas R. emigrated from Delaware to Ohio in 1806 and, after serving briefly in the War of 1812, he married Sarah Gordy and settled near Circleville, Ohio. Their history and ten children are listed on page 355 of "History of Franklin and Pickaway Counties, Ohio" published by William Brothers in 1880. Daniel and Sarah and some family are buried in a fenced timbered area on Daniel's farm now owned by Richard Peters, Ashville, Ohio.
Submitted by Alice L. Parcel
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 326.
Kenneth and Elizabeth (Peters) Wilson have two sons: Larry, Rosell, GA, a construction supervisor; and Rusty, Manhattan, a restaurant owner. Kenneth later married Yvonne Stevenage. Dorothy (Wilson) and Steve Ottery have two sons: Jonathon and Trent. Marcia and Mike Thomas have a son, Blaine. Marcia later married Richard Kliewer. Larry and Jan (McIntosh) Wilson have two daughters: Lauren and Hilary. Sara and Frank Shirk have two children: Angela and Andrew. Jeannette and Joel Christianson have three children: Karla, Craig, and Jason. Margaret and Bill Stull have four children: Roger, Rodney, Rebecca, and Robert. Steve and Debbie (Neitzke) Wilson have three children: Clifton, Shea, and Kimberly. Julia and Ron VanSickle have a daughter, Audra.
The Wilson families enjoy reunions and traveling and are especially proud of their heritage.
Submitted by Mary and Wayne Wilson
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 326.
The location of the cafe possibly contributed to the popularity of the place and to the diversified type of customers, the after theatre crowd and the traveler from the next door St. James Hotel, all mingled in a noisy, gay atmosphere. Often a group of hangers-on would gather around the family type table at the back area of the dining room, ignoring the bustling crowd, and stay for hours, hating to go home and sometimes end up playing cards or just enjoying each others company.
It was in 1936 that Paul was advised to retire for health reasons, and the equipment was sold at auction. He and Marie moved to their farm southeast of Winfield near Cup and Saucer Hill, where he raised wheat and beef cattle. It was there, ten years later in May, 1946 that Paul died, age 56, and was buried at Highland Cemetery. After his death, Marie worked a number of years in Topeka f or the State. In 1955, while in Cha flute visiting her daughters, she became ill and died in September of that year at age 64. Her body was interred in the family plot in Highland Cemetery.
Paul was an entrepreneur of sorts, dabbling in real estate, raising pedigreed dogs, Jersey cattle and operating a grey- (continued on page 327)
Submitted by Mildred (Wise) Williams
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 326.
Paul and Marie were the parents of two daughters, Mildred Inez, born May 11, 1912 and Wilola Margaret, born February 12, 1918.
In 1934, Mildred married the late John Williams. They were parents of one daughter, Sharon Jones of Topeka.
In 1935, Wilola, now deceased, married the late Ray L. Smith. They became parents of two daughters, Judith Kubler of Iola, Kansas and Janice Kovacic of Chanute, Kansas.
Submitted by Mildred (Wise) Williams
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 327.
America's westward trek was still flourishing when grandson Charlie Gotlieb started from Mountain Home, Arkansas to seek his fortune in the oil field west of ElDorado, Kansas. There, shortly after World War I, he met and married Gwendola Lee, a school teacher from Louisburg, Kansas.
Now the Lee clan is a prodigious and distinguished family in American history both in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Tracing back from Sandusky, Ohio to County Donegal, Ireland and from there to the Scotch/Norman ancestry, the trail is so broad and the name so common as to have become lost in antiquity.
With the early bloom of the oil field receding and a post-war inflation eroding income, Charlie Wittenborn decided to revert to his journeyman trade of blacksmithing and start anew in Arkansas City. The family arrived here in 1924 and for the most part lived in the 500 block on North 7th. Charlie's first shop was located at 614 South First but later was located in the 500 block of South Summit. Three of the five Wittenborn children still live in or adjacent to Cowley County.
Roy served in the Navy in World War II. After the war, he became a printer at The Traveler. He is now retired and lives 3 miles east of Arkansas City with his wife Aileen. Aileen (Holtje) is a long-time resident of Cowley County. Their son, Emil Wittenborn, is operating the family Holt the farm southeast of Udall.
Irma Ruth taught school one year and then married James Hinson. Jim, too, has lived in Arkansas City area since his early teenage years and is now a self-employed builder. Jim and Irma live northwest of Arkansas City.
I, Charles Gene, fought in the South Pacific on submarines in World War II. I was an electrical engineer at Boeing until my retirement a year ago. I live in Wichita, Kansas.
Both Edna (Mary Edna Zollo) and Albert Dale left the area in the early 1950s. Edna pursued a nursing career and moved to Long Island, New York.
Albert served in the Korean War and then became a printer at The Traveler. He later moved to Eugene, Oregon where he continued his printing trade.
All five children of Charlie and Gwendola Wittenborn are now grandparents in their respective communities. The family gathers yearly at Thanksgiving to renew ties and become acquainted with newly arrived grandchildren.
Submitted by Charles G. Wittenborn
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 327.
Our life has been blessed and filled, but simple, these past 33 years. I cut wood and she cooks! We also begat! In 1960 we begat Todd, a builder; in 1964 we begot Mark, a teacher; in 1967 we begat Kirk, a minister. We are well pleased with the begat.
Todd begat Nicole in 1983, then begat Kyle in 1988. Mark will begat? in April 1990. Kirk is looking for a begatting partner.
Mingled in all the increase of humanity was: the army, childhood sickness, church and Sunday school, drought, Pee Wee, Little League, Babe Ruth baseball, church camps, work, fishing, hunting, basketball, little friends, big friends, old friends, good markets, poor markets, girl friends, hay trucks, hay monsters, cars and pickups, mini-vacations (very few), Boys State, trophies, wrestling tournaments, 4-H and county fairs, community service (boards, etc.). Three good dogs, four good horses, mortgages, too much rain, Grandma's, Grandpa's, wonderful neighbors, Oklahoma State University twice, Moberly Christian College of the Bible. Ball games, weddings, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren, farming and ranching, work at the bank, Gott, Rubbermaid, Western Feeds. All sorts of part time jobs: Mary Kay, Wild Wild West Chicago, Livestock Equipment Sales. A good family and most of all, "Love." I Cor. 13.
Submitted by Larry & Ruby Ellen Womacks
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 327.
Maggie (Long) Woner died in 1904 and Lazarus married Maggie Shoemaker in 1906. They had one daughter, Elizabeth who now lives in the Presbyterian Manor in Arkansas City, Kansas.
Lolo Mae married Wilbur Winger and they had three children, William who fives in Augusta, Kansas, Richard who fives in Winfield and Thelma Windle who fives in Arizona.
Leland married Edna Vincent of Winfield in 1924. Her father, Arthur Vincent was a grocer in Winfield for many years. Leland and Edna had two sons, Verne and Martin. Verne married Doris Taylor of Wichita and they have two children, Mrs Tom (Patrice) Dobbins of Wellington, Kansas and Casey who fives with them on their farm two miles south of Rock, Kansas.
Martin married Lorice Ann Miller of Winfield and they have two sons, Bruce of Topeka, Kansas and Kent of Edmond, Oklahoma.
Three generations of Woners received their elementary education at the Darien School which stood at the crossroads two and one-half miles south of Rock. It burned in 1951.
The pioneer family were early members of the Walnut Valley Presbyterian Church. Later generations were members of the church until its merger with First Presbyterian Church of Winfield in 197 1. Edna, Elizabeth, Verne, Doris and Casey are members of that church today.
The buildings on the homestead farm are being razed at the present time. In 1988 the barn from that farmstead was moved to the present farm of Verne and Doris. They live east of Highway 77 two miles south of Rock on what is known in the community as the Harcourt farm. The Woner homestead farm is still in the family and is farmed by Verne and Casey.
Leland and Edna enjoyed driving his Dad's 1912 Hupmobile in parades in small towns in Cowley County. Their granddaughter, Patrice, was always a willing and happy passenger. Leland died in 1977.
Verne was born in the house in which his mother now lives. In 1925 it was the Winfield City Hospital and is now an apartment building.
Submitted by Verne H Woner
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 327.
James rode bareback on a "paint" pony to elementary school, then went to Phillips Academy in Enid, Okla. and graduated Arkansas City High. While studying music at Bethany College, Lindsborg, he became a well-known baritone soloist. After continuing his musical education in N.Y. City, he joined W.W. I Army and rose to rank of Captain. Upon discharge he toured, singing with Chautauqua.
Meanwhile, Charles, at Ark. City High, was senior class president, vice-president of Boosters Club, Debate Club and played football, basketball and sang in chorus. He attended Kansas U.
In 1921, C.C. opened a grocery store in the 1000 block of South Summit, then to another location, the 800 block, South Summit, where he served the community until his death in 1933. (continued on page 328)
Submitted by Ruth Franklin Woodside and Joan Woodside Dufford
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 328.
Charles, after working with his dad, joined Ks. Gas & Electric in Wichita where he pioneered commercial refrigeration. In 1925 he married Ruth Franklin Reynolds of Ark. City and in 1930 they returned to Ark. City where he joined Security National Bank, then Home National Bank. Charles served "with merit" as Ark. City treasurer, with the help of his wife, Ruth, for 26 years. They both were members of Central Christian Church and sang in the choir 40 years. He was president & member of Kiwanis, an avid bowler and golfer. He retired as full-time assist. cashier of Home National 197 1. He continued part-time on loan committee until his death in 1988. Ruth continues as active member of their church.
James returned to N.Y. City, started to concertize, teach voice, met and married in 1921, Freda Beauchamp Somerset, well-known soprano soloist. James and Freda sang in opera, classical and sacred concerts and on the radio. They taught voice in their Steinway Hall Studio and were artists-in residence at Penn State Univ. 1926-1944. James was a prolific composer and arranger of vocal music, (one of his most popular books is "Seven Centuries of The Art Song"). They also sang solos, duets and were choir directors of Woodcliff Community Church, N.J. James died 1945, Freda died 1975. They had one daughter, loan Somerset, now married to John Mapes Outford. They have a daughter, Leanne Somerset and a son, James Woodside. Joan and John reside in Glastonbury, Ct.
Submitted by Ruth Franklin Woodside and loan Woodside Dullord
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 328.
At the urging of my mother's brother, Peter Caglio, who lived in Winfield, my father brought us to the United States in 1903. The voyage was rough as we came by steerage. He suffered from seasickness during the entire voyage.
I clearly remember the great crowd of immigrants at Ellis Island, but I don't remember seeing the Statue of Liberty.
My uncle, Carlo Caglio, was turned back because the child he had with him was blind. He later came to America with another son and passed the rigorous physical testing at Ellis Island.
From Ellis Island, we were sent by train to Chicago and then on to Winfield.
The Gus Taton family gave us a welcome dinner; we were amazed at the strange American food; ice cream was new to us. My father said, "What a rich country this is, they serve butter in bowls!"
Our home was situated on what is now the portion of Island Park across the lagoon, and we were flooded out the following year.
I went to school at North Ward (now Irving). Students were rated from 100% down to 75%, and below 75% rated red ink or failing. I never got a red mark which I thought was given for good work, so I felt discriminated against. The school year was half over before I was convinced otherwise.
After the flood, we moved to a new home on Reed Street. My second school was Bryant. The teacher had a nationality problem, so I had a miserable school year as I struggled with the new language. The students followed the teacher's example, and I was known at "Nat Bat". The discrimination grew less as time passed.
I graduated from Winfield High School. I had chosen the Normal Course all four years, this entitled me to teach a country school. I taught four years and during the Christmas break in 1920, 1 married Jim Woods, my fiancee, who was a telegrapher in Oklahoma City. Since the school board would not release me from my contract, I finished the school year.
In the spring of 1921, my husband and I moved to Arkansas City where he had a job as reporter for the Arkansas City Traveler, We later moved to Wichita.
After the death of my parents, I moved backe to Winfield in 1950 to make a home for my brother, Joe Battaglia.
My brother first worked in maintenance at St. John's College, then at Binney and Smith from the time it opened until he retired shortly before his death in 1967.
During my time in Winfield, I designed and created garments for many lovely ladies, was a voice teacher, and organist at Holy Name Catholic Church for twenty-nine years.
Submitted by Natalina (Battaglia) Woods
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 328.
Benjamin Wood, born in 1781 and died 1863, married Lydia Baker in 1815. We know of one child, Reuben B. Wood.
Reuben B. Wood was born in Fort Ann, Washington County, New York in 1816. The family moved west and he married Susan Ann Ferguson in 1838, in Morefield, Ohio. She died in 1867 at the family homestead in Adams County, Ohio. He remarried in 1869 to Mary Larue Wortman, widow of James Wortman. He was the father of twelve children, ten by the first wife and two by the second. Two of his children (Cliff M. and Ben F.) had moved to Cowley County prior to his coming to Winfield. In moving to Winfield, he brought the Wortman children, Melvin Leroy, Clara Ann and Alice Jane, as well as two children by his marriage to Mary Larue Wortman, Carey R. and Wayland W. Wood.
Cliff M. Wood, born in 1837, served in the Civil War, and in 1868 came to Cottonwood Falls, Kansas. In April 1869 he settled where Winfield now is. He built a house, which he intended for a store. It was the first building built in Winfield and he was the first settler. He returned to Cottonwood Falls to get goods for the store, and to marry the schoolteacher Miss Malinda Jones on June 28, 1869. While in Cottonwood Falls, they heard that the Indians had burnt his house. Nothing daunted, he took his wife and household goods and returned, reaching Winfield on August 14, 1869. Mrs. Wood thus being the first white woman and bride of Winfield. Mr. Wood immediately commenced the building of another house, which was the second one built at this place. They had two children, both born in Winfield, Blanche born in 1875, and Gary Carl born in 1878.
Benjamin F. Wood, born in 1844, served in the Civil War. He came to Winfield in 1880 and bought a half-interest in a flour mill started in 1872 by C.A. Bliss. This became known as the Bliss and Wood Flour Mill, located at 8th and the Walnut River. This mill burnt down August 13, 1882 while his father was visiting, and was rebuilt and operating on February 20, 1883. This Mill won the gold Metal at the 1884 world fair at New Orleans. He brought his wife - Persilla - and six children, Owen A., Frank B., Carl B., Otis C., Loren and Miss Artie to Kansas. After taking residence they had three more children Elbert G., and female twins Leah and Lucy. They sold the Mill to J.P. Baden in 1892.
Another son, Rev. James A. Wood, moved to Winfield with his wife in 1886 to assume the position of Faculty President and head of the mathematics department of the just started Southwest Kansas College (Southwestern College). In 1890 they had a daughter. They left Winfield in 1893.
Reuben's son, Wayland W. Wood, married Augusta (Gussie) Virginia Manning. She was the daughter of Col. E. C. and Margaret Foster Manning. She died September 8, 1894. He was employed by Col. Blackwell to manage the newspaper "Blackwell Eagle" at Blackwell, Indian Territory. This newspaper was printed at Winfield by the Winfield Courier, which was owned then by the Greer brothers, Frank and Ed.
No known descendants of this Wood family are now living in Cowley County.
Submitted by Kevin B. Wortman
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 328.
Submitted by Mrs. Harlsey (Barbara Parsons
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 328
The Woolseys moved to Butler County, Kansas northeast of Douglass, where they purchased 160 acres of land September 21, 1877. Two children were born about this time, Carl, who died in infancy and Ada. The Butler County land was traded for 160 acres in Cowley County January 25, 1879. It is east of Atlanta on Timber Creek. There were five more children, Alta, Cora, Carrie, Bruce, and Bertha. EX broke out the land with oxen. Alta Josephine Woolsey was born October 1, 1879. Her son, Ernest Briscoe, was born on this same farm July 3 1, 1901. He is my father.
Carrie Woolsey died June 21, 1904, and is buried in the Atlanta Cemetery. E.W. was a druggist and an undertaker. He moved to the Los Angeles, California, area and lived there many years. He is buried there, having died in 1935. There were no grandchildren named Woolsey so the name Woolsey has not been carried on by this family.
Submitted by Mrs. Harley (Barbara) Parsons
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 329.
After being active in First United Methodist Church and parts at Winfield High School, he graduated in 1981. He attended Southwestern College and Cowley County before graduating from Emporia State University. He married Anne Lowder of Allen Kansas. They have a daughter, Katie Danielle.
While in school he worked with his stepfather, Larry Schuster at Schuster's Yard and Garden. David is employed as greenhouse manager at Pence Garden Center in Lawrence. They live in Emporia while Anne completes her Masters Degree in Business Administration.
Submitted by Kathryn Schuster
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 329.
Widow Wortman married widower Reuben B. Wood (who had ten children). They had two children - Carey R. and Wayland W.
The Wood-Wortman family moved to Winfield in 1884 to be near his sons: Cliff Wood (an early pioneer), and B.F. Wood(Bliss and Wood Flour Mill). Reuben Wood died in 1885
Melvin L. Waortman graduated from Beaumont Medical College (now St. Louis University) in 1888 and entered into practice with Dr. Park in Winfield.
On September 4, 1888, he married Lola Silliman (daughter of Amy Silliman and sister of Hiram Silliman). Their son, Harold Silliman Wortman, was born July 8, 1897.
In 1896 M.L. Wortman started a bookstore (at location of the Cunningham Music Store) that he sold January 9, 1900, to S.J. Neer and Juia B. King, to take his ill wife to Phoenix, Arizona, where she died March 31, 1900.
Dr Wortman served twice as President of the Board of Education, Chairman of the Chautauqua assembly and a director of the Winfield College of Music.
M.L. Wortman married Mary Hamilton (daughter of I.T. Hamilton and Jennie Hewett Hamilton) May 23, 1903. They had three children: Marie (1904); Russell (1905); and Donald (1910).
In 1915 the Wortmans bought D. McAllister's grocery store. Wortman Cash Grocery operated until 1926.
Mary Wortman died February 28, 1935; and Melvin Wortman died on the following day, March 1, 1935.
Harold Wortman enlisted in the Winfield Rifles of the Kansas National Guard when it mobilized in 1916 to capture Poncho Villa in Mexico. He enlisted April 2, 1917 in the United States Army and served in France during World War I.
Harold Wortman married Grace L. McKay - daughter of Wilbur M. McKay and Linnie Greenwalt - February 12, 1922. Harold retired from the post office as a carrier. Grace retired from Sonner Burner Co. as Secretary-Treasurer.
Their son, Richard Kay Wortman, was born August 18, 1926, and graduated from Winfield high School in 1944. He attended Southwestern and Kansas State College. In 1949 he started work at Maurer-Neuer Meat Packers in Arkansas City.
On February 7, 1953, he married Mary Ann Tubbs daughter of B.A. Tubbs and Mary Jane O'Loughlin. She was born February 5, 1928, in Hays, Kansas. She graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1946 and from St. Mary-of-the Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1950.
Their son, Kevin B. Wortman, born December 28, 1956.. and graduated from Arkansas City Senior High School in 1975. He joined the United States Navy in February 1975. He became a plankowner on the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and in 1990 Chief Storekeeper Wortman is stationed on this ship, homeported at Norfolk, Virginia. He married Linda L. LaPrade June 6, 1980. They have two daughters: Kevilin Colleen, born October 15, 1981, in Dallas, Texas; and Danielle Renee', born January 9, 1984, in the family Blazer at the Summerville, South Carolina fire station.
In 1982 Maurer-Neuer (Rodeo) closed. On April 1, 1983, Richard Kay Wortman opened Wortman Liquor Store. Mary Ann is a secretary at Gilliland Printing Inc.
On August 18, 1987, Grace L. Wortman died. Submitted by Richard Kay Wortman
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 329.
They were married in the early 1840s. They came to America on their wedding trip. They were six weeks on the ocean. They settled in Springfield, Ohio where all of their eleven children were born.
Mr. Wright was the second depot agent of the Little Miami Railroad in Springfield for more than 30 years. He became a naturalized citizen of the U.S.A. on November 3, 1848. He was Captain of the Ohio National Guards during the Civil War and had three sons who served in the Union Army. Mrs. Wright was associated in the work of the Soldiers Aid Society during the Civil War.
After the war, the two older sons, Richard Joshua, who served as a Captain in the cavalry, and Samuel Watson, who served as a Sergeant in the Infantry, went west to seek their fortune. The third son, William Neale, went west working on the railroad.
Time passed and no word came from the older sons, so the father came west looking for them. He was impressed with the new land - a place where he could bring his family. In the meantime, the daughters, Catherine Maria and Sarah Emily, were married. There was still a family of six children so preparations were made to move the family west. The railroad went only as far as Emporia, Kansas so there the family lived for two years, 1870-1872.
The third son, William Neale, had gone south and west to a place between Winfield and Arkansas City. He saw a campfire and there he found the Dean brothers, Cal and Al, on Christmas Day 1869. William Neale Wright staked a claim on the south side of the Walnut River and his father William Wright took a claim on the north side of the river, was first known as Canyon Corral and later called Wright Canyon.
A log cabin was built and the Wright family moved from Emporia, Kansas. The members of the family were: Thomas Francis, Anna Octavio, George Tyndall (who was killed by a falling tree at age 26), Mary Louise (Minnie), and John Charles Wright. The sons took up farming and from time to time the different members of the family made visits back to Ohio.
Mr. William Wright gave land for a school which was known as Wright Canyon School. Classes were held there until the 1950s when it was consolidated with South Bend and was known as Wright Bend.
The son, William Neale, married Alexina Blanchard Cowles and lived on his claim until his death in 1909.
The youngest of the family, J. Charles Wright, took over Wright Canyon in March 1892. He married Altha Etta Kirkpatrick and they lived there until 1911. The farm was sold to Will Holtby and later to Jess Dunbar and is known as the Dunbar Ranch.
Written and Submitted by Mae Louise Wright Woods, youngest daughter of J. Chas. Wright
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 329.
The first Rabourn (Raeburn) to come to America was Joseph, (not Joseph T.). His ancestors came from Scotland and Ireland. He sailed from Staffordshire, England and landed in Augusta County, Virginia in 1698. He came as a bound servant and gave his trade as a shoemaker. Margaret was a seventh generation descendant of this Raeburn. She was born in Marion County, Indiana in 1855. Her parents were David Rabourn and Nancy Ruggles Rabourn. Margaret married (continued on page 330)
Written and Submitted by Alice Jones
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 329.
Joseph and Margaret moved from Floral to New Salem and later purchased a farm near Burden where they lived the remainder of their lives. They raised seven children, Elsie, Ansley, Belle, Samuel, Joseph, Harriet and Flossie.
Some interesting but frightening incidents happened to Elsie in her early years. When she was an infant, four Indian men rode up to their farm home, dismounted and one entered the house. Joseph was not at home, only Margaret, the infant and a young neighbor boy. The Indian asked for food to take with him and then went to the bed and picked up the baby. He held it a few moments, put it gently back on the bed and picked up the food on his way out. He mounted his horse and the Indians left quietly.
Then when Elsie was four, a tornado destroyed the family home near Floral. Elsie was found one-half mile away severely injured. Her two-year old brother Ansley was found crawling in the yard where the house had stood.
Elsie married Erbie King and they had eleven children.
Samuel and Ansley never married and spent most of their lives on the family farm. Both buried at New Salem.
Belle married Harry Nickel from Pennsylvania. They had no children. Both are buried at New Salem.
Jospeh married Kathryn Burns from Missouri. They had one daughter, Joella. Joseph was killed in an accident in Kansas City when Joella was an infant. Joseph is buried at Wilmot, Kansas. Joella married William Wright, (no relation), a violin professor at the University of Oklahoma. Both were talented musicians and he played violin with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra for many years. They raised two children, Linda and Joseph. Joella remarried after William died and they now live in Oklahoma.
Harriet married Fulton Rodman and they raised two sons. Neither married. They are buried at Arkansas City.
Flossie married Samuel Cate. They raised two children, Doris and James. Neither married. Doris retired, lives in Houston, Texas. James, retired, lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Samuel and Flossie are buried at Winfield.
Clarence King, grandson of Joseph T. now owns the ranch where the Wrights lived near Burden. Joseph T. died in 192 1, Margaret in 1935. Both are buried at New Salem.
Written and Submitted by Alice Jones
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 330.
Bill was third in the family of 6 children, having 3 brothers, Ralph, Bruce (Doc) and Fred; and 2 sisters, Kittie and Bernadine. Ralph was a minister for the Church of Christ in Winfield (1921-1930). He held his first gospel meeting at the Kellogg Community Building west of Winfield, which was then the Church of Christ. Kittie married Fred Radabaugh in 1911 and they lived at Dexter until moving to Ottawa in 1920.
The John Yadons lived in the Prairie Ridge community several years before moving back to Alanthus, Missouri where he operated a blacksmith shop and they spent the remainder of their lives.
Because of age, Bill was required to go to school three more years. He attended Prairie Ridge school and it was there he met and soon married Ola Fay Ott.
Ola Fay was born 1-25-1894 at Wamega, Kansas to Albert M. and Annie Adams Ott. Ola was a twin, brother Ollie Ray Ott. They had an older sister, Bertha (Mrs. J.P. Haworth) and 2 brothers, William (Bill) and Ivan.
Albert and Annie Ott brought their family to a farm in the Prairie Ridge community southeast of Winfield in 1899. It was here they lived until retirement, moving to Winfield in 1945. Mr. Ott passed away 3-28-1946 and Mrs. Ott 4-5-1958. They are buried in Highland Cemetery.
Bill Yadon and Ola Ott were married 12-25-1912 in a double ceremony with her sister Bertha and J.P. Haworth at the home of their parents.
With the except?????? XX/2 years spent near Ottawa (Williamsburg), Bill and Ola spent their "farming" years in the Prairie Ridge and Eaton vicinity. They bought the "Jimmy Jordan" Ranch in 1927 and lived there 35 years.
They were the parents of 2 children, Letha (Tribbey) of Winfield and Arthur of Sedan. Bill and Ola were active members in the Church of Christ where Bill served as an elder 37 years and also taught adult Bible classes. Ola taught young children a number of years and was noted for providing fresh flowers from her garden, for the pulpit, each Sunday as well as being a gracious hostess for the much company they had, especially on Sundays.
Besides his church work, Bill served on the school board of Liberty Township 23 years, on the board of directors of the Dexter Coop 10 years and was also president of the Literary Society of Rose Valley School 10 years.
They retired from the farm and moved to Arkansas City in 1968. After 68 years of marriage, Ola passed away B-24-1979 and was buried in Highland Cemetery.
Bill spent the last 5 years of his life with his son Arthur, passing away at the age of 96, 9-7-1987 and being buried by his companion Ola. in the family plot in Highland Cemetery.
Submitted by Letha Tribbey
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 330.
Wade Hampton Yarbrough was born in SC in 1809. Mary M. Davis was born in Sparta, TN in 1814. They married in Sparta and had four children born there. They went to Dade Co., MO c 1841 where Wade was a shoemaker and two more children were born. Two or three more children were born in Mt. Vernon, MO. About 1853 the family moved near Columbus, MO where Wade took up farming. After the Civil War the family went to Kansas, first to Linn and Bourbon counties around 1868, then starting in 1871 to Cowley County.
In 1856 Martha Ann (b1837) married John Cornett, but soon died, leaving son William C. Cornett who was raised by the Yarbroughs and went to Kansas with them.
In 1859 Felix Grundy (b1840) married Mary Elisabeth Sanders. He was in the Missouri State Militia in the Civil War. They had a farm near Floral for 10 years and then moved near Box where he died in 1917. He is buried in Box Cemetery. She died in 1937 and is buried in Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Harvey Township. Their children were: Mathew Lee, John Franklin, George Thomas, Nora and Charles Nathan. Mathew had a store in Winfield.
Andrew Jackson (b 1845) was in the 12th Missouri Cavalry and came to Cowley County in 1871. In 1875 he married Mary Emma Marquis, daughter of W.S. and Hannah Marquis who had an adjacent land claim. Andrew died in 1904 and Mary Emma in 1943. Both are buried in Floral Cemetery. Their children were: Hoselie (Ella?), Wade, Dora, Ira Lewis, Opha, Stella, Mamie, Russell, Floyd, and Glenn.
In 1865 Sarah Samantha (bI847) married Stephen Judd Holloway (9th U.S. Volunteer Infantry). In 1880 they were next door to W.H. and Mary M. Yarbrough in Richland Township. Their children include: John, William, Georgia, Robert, M.A. (dtr), O.F. (son), Viola, Garfield and Pearl.
Newton Leonidas (b 1850) married Mary K. Stalter in Cowley County in 1875. In 1880 they were also next door to W.H. and Mary M. Yarbrough. Their children were Ernest and Charles. They moved to California about 1890.
In 1871 Virginia Catherine (b1853) married Charles Thomas Clabaugh (15th Missouri Cavalry). In 1871 they settled in New Salem, Tisdale Township in Cowley Co. Their children include May, William and Ida.
Other children of W.H. and Mary M. Yarbrough who did not go to Cowley County were: Crockett Davis (b1831) who married Jemima Ann Hill in 1857 and settled in Sonoma County, CA, Mary Melissa (b1834) who married Johnathan Freeman in 1851 and settled in Labette Co., KS, Amanda Jane (bl843), and George William (b1855) who died in infancy.
Submitted by Raymond B.Yarbrough
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 330.
- 326 - 327 - 328 - 329 - 330 - | State Coordinators Tom & Carolyn Ward, Columbus, KS tcward@columbus-ks.com |