Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 574 - 576 

HENRY LATHAM, one of the substantial and extensive farmers of Valley Center Township, and a resident on section 3, is a native of Virginia, having first opened his eyes to the light in Harrison County, Nov. 29, 1828. His parents, Peter and Hannah (Houston) Latham, were also natives of the Old Dominion. Peter Latham, the father of the subject of our sketch, was born in 1801, and followed the occupation of a farmer in his native State and in Ohio until his death, which took place in 1863. He was a highly respected citizen, and a representative of the district in which he lived, and always manifested a sincere interest in all public as well as local affairs. His wife was born about 1808, and when about eighteen years of age was converted to Christ and joined the Baptist Church, of which denomination she remained a member until her death. She was called hence in 1864; her husband had died the previous year. They were the parents of twelve children, seven boys and five girls, viz.: Jane, deceased; Anthony ; Moses and John, deceased; Margaret; Winnie; Henry, the subject of this sketch; Sarah, David, William, James and Mary Ann.

            Henry Latham remained at home with his parents, assisting his father in the manual labor attendant upon an agricultural life, and imbibing the elements of an excellent education in the common schools of the district. At the age of twenty-two years he left the sheltering roof of his father's house, and worked upon a farm in the vicinity for one year, by the month. At the expiration of that time he engaged in farming on his own account in his native State, where he remained until 1859. During the latter year, appreciating the advice of Horace Greeley, he came westward and settled in Sangamon County, Ill., where he remained for about three years.

            During the dark days that overshadowed our beloved country, from 1860 to 1865, when civil strife demanded such wholesale sacrifices from the people of Illinois, as well as other States, the patriotism of every man was appealed to. Under stress of the demands so urgently made for men, in 1862, Mr. Latham enlisted in Company G, 116th Illinois Infantry, and with the gallant band of heroes which made up this well-known regiment, participated in most of the marches, campaigns and engagements of the Armies of the Tennessee and Cumberland. He was at the siege and surrender of Vicksburg and the engagement at Arkansas Post, which took place during the leaguer of the former city, after which he returned to the lines before that city, and participated in general battle. During the famous Atlanta campaign he was before the lines at Atlanta, having previous to this fought with his regiment at Resaca, Dalton, and been in the thick and deadly contests of Chattanooga, Jackson and College Hill. Having been attached to the conquering columns of Sherman's army, our subject was detailed as teamster, and drove his three span of mules and wagon through Georgia and Carolina with that column. On arriving at Washington he turned over the property intrusted to him, was mustered out of the United States service, and discharged in June, 1865, at Camp Macon, Ill.

            Returning from the war, Mr. Latham resumed life as a tiller of the soil, and remained a resident of Illinois until 1872, when, perceiving the advantages of a newer country where he could expand his efforts and court fortune to a better benefit, he came to Kansas, and settled in Sedgwick County on the farm where he now resides. His place is quite extensive, and the improvements are of a most excellent character. His residence, which stands upon a part of section 3, is one of the best in the township and is an ornate and beautiful cottage. Since coming to this section of the country Mr. Latham has been quite fortunate in his business affairs, owing more to his energy, industry and tact, than to the favors of the blind goddess. A large proportion of his time and efforts is expended in the breeding and raising of blooded stock, with most excellent results.

            October 26, 1861, Mr. Latham plighted his troth at the marriage altar to Miss Maria Mahannah. His chosen life companion is the daughter of Benjamin and Hannah Mahannah, both of whom have entered into their rest. In his younger days her father was a blacksmith by trade, but adopted farming as an occupation later in life. Mrs. Latham is one of a family of eleven children. The family of the subject of this sketch consists of four children living, and seven who "have gone before." Hannah Ann, Mrs. William Sellers, is a resident of Union Township, this county; Mary Ellis, Mrs George Thrush, is living on a farm in Eagle Township; Blanche Lilian and William H. are at home. Those who have entered into the life elysian are: Minnie F., who was born Nov. 10, 1855, and died December 5 following; Ellen C., who was born Sept. 5, 1859, and died Sept. 14, 1864; James H., born May 12, 1861, died Sept. 1, 1863; Benjamin F., born March 28, 1866, died July 6, 1879; and Martha J., born March 26, 1868, died July 6, 1879. The last two named were drowned in the Little Arkansas River. The two children had gone on a visit of two or three days, just previous to the Fourth of July, and were returning home in the care of a man who was boarding with their parents. Coming to the banks of the river, it was found that the stream was quite high, owing to a storm, and in endeavoring to cross they were cast into the stream, and none being able to help them, they were lost. Another child, Ida M., whose birth took place May 21, 1871, died in December following; and Freddie, who was born May 19, 1880, died November 25 of the same year.

            In politics, the subject of our sketch is a stanch adherent to the principles of the Republican party, which mostly approaches his convictions on public questions. He and his estimable wife are attendants upon the services of God at the Methodist Episcopal Church, and strive to lead blameless lives.

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