John W. Park

JOHN W. PARK. This gentleman, living in the southwest quarter of section 4, is one of the prominent farmers of Oswego township, Labette county, Kansas, and is highly respected by all in the community. He was born in Monroe county, Ohio, in 1841, and is a son of Walter Park.

Walter Park was a native of Scotland, and was born in 1798. He came to America in 1833, and settled in Monroe county, Ohio, where he died in 1863. He was a tanner by trade, and followed that occupation all his life. He was the father of the following children namely: Nicholas and James L., deceased; Janet; James N.; John W.; Eliza J; William S.; and Mary A.

John W. Park received his mental training in the common schools of Monroe county, Ohio, and lived there until 1864, assisting on the farm. Two years of this time were spent in New York City, where he was engaged as a florist. In 1864 he moved to Douglas county, Kansas, where he remained until 1867, when he came to Labette county, and settled in Fairview township. In 1882 Mr. Park was obliged to go to Arkansas for his health; after remaining there one year he returned to Kansas. He then bought the southwest quarter of section 4, in Oswego township, Labette county, and since that time has engaged in farming and stock raising. He has been very successful, and is well known in the county.

Mr. Park was united in marriage with Elizabeth Barnard, in 1871. She was born in Porter county, Indiana, in 1842, and is a daughter of William Barnard. William Barnard was born in Surry county, North Carolina, in 1803, and died in 1887. He reared the following children, namely: Oliver; Nelson; Milo, deceased; Polly; Clinton; Rhoda; Uriah; Elizabeth; Job; Rachael, deceased; and Milton. Mrs. Park left Indiana in 1870, in order to join her brother, who had previously located in Labette county, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Park are the parents of the following children: William B., deceased; Clara; Walter; Edna; and Mabel. Mr. Park is a strong Prohibitionist. He is a member of the Methodist church.