From A
Biographical History of Central Kansas, Vol. II, p. 1630
published by The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago & New York, 1902
IRA S. BROTHERS
Ira S Brothers is proprietor of the Shade Land Stock Farm, one of the most desirable farm properties in this portion of Kansas. He is extensively engaged in the breeding of Galloway and Berkshire swine, and has done much to improve the grade of stock in this locality.
A native of Wayne county, Indiana, he was born near Dublin, September 19, 1859, and is a son of Nathan Brothers, whose birth occurred in North Carolina. The name is of English origin and the family was founded in America in the Carolinas prior to the Revolutionary war. Nathan Brothers was married in Guilford county, North Carolina, to Miss Abigail Moore, also a native of that county, and a daughter of Samuel Moore, deceased, who made his home in the same state. Unto Mr and Mrs Brothers were born three children. On migrating from North Carolina they made their way with teams across the mountains to Wayne county, Indiana. A few years later, however, they took up their abode in Henry county, that state, and for some time afterward resided in that locality, their home being in the vicinity of Lewisville, Indiana. The father has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, but now at the age of seventy nine is living in quiet retirement from labor. In antebellum days he was a stanch Abolitionist and frequently aided slaves to escape, his home being stationed on the under-ground railroad. Both he and his wife are identified with the Society of Friends or Quakers. The lady is now eighty-five years of age. Their children are: Mrs Mary A Hall, Mrs Sarah Bundy, Mrs Rebecca Thompson, and Mrs Melissa Ballard, all of Rice county, Kansas; Joel, who was a well known and honored citizen of Rice county, where he died at the age of thirty-eight years, leaving a widow and three children, of whom two still survive, - Clem and Ora; Ira S, of this review; and one child who died early in life.
Ira S Brothers was reared upon the old home farm in Henry county, Indiana, and his labors in field and meadow developed an excellent constitution. He acquired a good education in Indiana and in the public schools and has also largely supplemented his knowledge by experience and observation in the business world. At the age of twenty-four years he married Miss Ella Lamb, who was reared and educated in Lafayette, Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and was a daughter of Phineas and Minerva (Sayre) Lamb. Her father was born in North Carolina and died in Douglas county, Kansas, at the age of fifty-three years, while his wife was a native of Ohio and passed away at the age of sixty-two years. Mrs Brothers was called to her final rest in Rice county, Kansas, in June, 1899, at the age of thirty-nine years. She was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a lady of many excellent traits of character. Five children were left to mourn her loss, namely: John M, Lloyd N, Lucy A, Pearl and Irving S. On the 12th of August, 1900, Mr Brothers was again married, Mrs Eldora Newby becoming his wife. She was the widow of L B Newby, and is a lady of intelligence and good family, born, reared and educated in Westfield, Indiana. Her parents were Nathan D and Mary (Wheeler) Coffin, the former a native of Guilford county, North Carolina, and the latter of Indiana. Mrs Coffin died in 1892. By her first marriage Mrs Brothers had two children, Orlando Carlos and Floyd, the latter now deceased.
Mr Brothers resided in Indiana until 1884, which year witnessed his arrival in Rice county, Kansas. He located in Atlanta township, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land and engaged in farming and stock-raising, meeting with success in his efforts. He has continually added to his property as his financial resources increased until he now owns eight hundred and twenty acres. The home farm – Shade Land – is supplied with all modern conveniences and accessories. A nice residence stands upon a natural building site, being built in a pleasing style of architecture and is tastefully and comfortably furnished. Large barns, good sheds and feed lots have been arranged for the stock, and the water is supplied by the force of a windmill. His stock consists principally of Galloway cattle and Berkshire swine, of which he has been a successful breeder. His ranch is well equipped in every part. In addition to the management and care of the farm Mr Brothers is serving as postmaster of Saxman.