Miami County
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Among the pioneer settlers of Miami County no man of any calling has occupied a more conspicuous place in the trials and struggles of pioneer days than William Schwartz, and it is only right to say, because it is true, that he never lagged behind, but was always with the first to act in any movement or enterprise for the general good of the community.
He was born in Nassau, Germany, May 4, 1838. At the age of eighteen years, in 1856, after having served an apprenticeship in the millright trade, he visioned the opportunities awaiting the ambitious young men of his country in far away America, and in obedience to the call to opportunity, he like others of his day, left all his kindred behind, and faced westward across the Atlantic.
William Schwartz from The community of Aubry-Stilwell
If a detailed narrative of his experience after leaving Germany, prior to reaching Miami County were written, it would be interesting, but would take too much space to tell here. Let it suffice to say, that his experience was quite similar to thousands of young men or mere boys, whose courage prompted them to do as he did, because they were moved with a profound purpose to better themselves, and were able and willing to work. His willingness to work his mind as well as his body were pronounced characteristics of hiss, and every thing he undertook to do, his work showed that his mind had fully worked out the varied business enterprises outside of his vast individual activity as an agriculturist. In matters of religion he pursued an unyielding, constant, course, always on hand at Mass, and at the business meeting of the congregation, with his wise counsel, his money and his willing hands to help in the labor to be performed.
William Schwartz from the community of Aubry-Stilwel
Mr. Schwartz and Anna Doherty (referred to otherwise in this book as the Doherty family) were married in Kansas City by Father Donnelly in 1864. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz. Jacob A., the eldest, died in 1888. Dora M., the second, now Mrs. M. A. Kelly, lives on the original Schwartz home place near the Wea Church. Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Kelly were married November 22, 1893.
Ten children have been born to them, all of whom are living. They are as follows: Phillip W., Anna J., Margaret U., Thomas E., Johanna M., Mary Frances, Dorothy M., Agnes C., William M. and Cecilia. William A., the third, was for more than thirty years manager of the Inter-State Mercantile Company of Louisburg, Kansas, but now of Cincinnati, Ohio. Wm. A. and Clara Strausbaugh of Paola were married in 1893. They have no children of their own. Agnes McNutt, now twenty years old, has made her home with them since she was five years old. Thomas E., the youngest, engaged actively in farming for many years. Later, he engaged in the mercantile business at Cleveland, Mo., for a few months, after which he associated himself with his brother, Wm. A., at Louisburg, Kansas, but in 1910 he became the Cashier of the Citizens State Bank at Paola, Kansas, and is still in that position. However, he still continued his farming activities through tenants. His wife was Margaret M. Vohs, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Vohs of Wea. Their children are seven in number. William E., Leo T., Edward F., Eugene J., Lawrence M., Thomas A. and Mary Pauline. Margaret Ann having died January 5, 1913, at the age of five years.
The History of Our Cradle Land, by Thomas H. Kinsella
PART VII, WEA, MIAMI COUNTY
THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY ROSARY
NOTES ON THE FIRST CATHOLIC SETTLERS OF THE WEA PARISH.
Transcribed by Sean Furniss
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