Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 452 - 453

JOHN F. MASTERSON is a farmer and stock-raiser, on section 15, Garden Plain Township, where he owns and operates a farm, which, for situation, productiveness, and careful cultivation, compares favorably with any other in Sedgwick County. Mr. Masterson was born in Deerfield, Lake Co., Ill., Aug. 5, 1843, and is the son of Lawrence and Ann (Fagan) Masterson, natives of Westmeath, Ireland. They came to America while single, and united their fortunes in Deerfield, Ill., in 1842.

            Mr. Masterson had at one time worked in a stone quarry in Pennsylvania, where he was injured by a premature explosion while blasting, and his flesh was penetrated by pieces of rock which remained in it until the day of his death. He became an early pioneer of Lake County, and there engaged in farming with good results until his years of labor were brought to a close by his death. To him and his wife were born five children, of whom our subject is the eldest; the names and records of the others are as follows: Thomas P., Nicholas, Lawrence and James. Thomas was born April 3, 1845; he owns 160 acres of land in Garden Plain Township; he has been twice married, but has lost both wives. Nicholas is married, has one child, and lives in Lake Forest, Ill.; Lawrence lives in Lake County, Ill.; James died in November, 1887.

            Our subject grew to manhood in the home of his birth, doing his share of the work, thus acquiring strength, vigor, and a practical knowledge of how to conduct a farm; he also obtained a fair education in the common schools. When he was nearly twenty-two years of age he left home to make his living in work elsewhere. In 1875, by his well-directed energy, industry and wise economy, he had gathered together enough of this world's goods to enable him to establish a comfortable home, and on the 22d of November he was married at Lake Forest, Lake Co., Ill., to Miss Mary Poland, daughter of James and Agnes (Jordan) Poland, natives of Ireland and Scotland. She was born in Wicklanshire, Scotland, Feb. 15, 1851.

            After marriage Mr. Masterson continued to reside in Lake County, although during the year 1875 he visited Sedgwick County, Kan., and being pleased with the surrounding country, the salubrity of the climate, and with the many evidences of the fertility of the soil, he purchased a tract of land with the intention of making his home here at some future time. In 1877 he disposed of his property, settled up his affairs in Illinois, and came with his family to settle on his land in Garden Plain. Since that time his assiduous labors and the care he has bestowed on his farm have been well rewarded. It is fertile, well watered and well stocked, and his neat, substantial farm buildings make it an attractive place; he is also in receipt of a good income from it.

            The union of our subject and his wife has been blessed by the birth of six children, five of whom are still living; their record is as follows: Lawrence, born Sept. 3, 1876; Agnes, Nov. 20, 1878; Anna, Feb. 21, 1880; Elizabeth, born Feb. 10, 1884, died Aug. 11, 1884; James, born July 17, 1885; John F., March 19, 1887.       

            Mr. and Mrs. Masterson are highly respected members of society; they are communicants of the Holy Catholic Church, having been confirmed when about fourteen years of age. Mr. Masterson's solid worth and ability have received due recognition from his fellow-citizens, who elected him to the office of Township Treasurer, which position he held for two years, and also to the position of School Treasurer, which he filled for one term. In politics he votes the Democratic ticket.

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