Thomas F. Stice

THOMAS F. STICE, who lives on the southwest quarter of section 27, Oswego township, Labette county, Kansas, is not only engaged in agricultural pursuits but in coal operating as well. There is a good vein of coal underlying his land, first discovered more than thirty years ago, and he still mines considerable coal. Mr. Stice was born in Madison county, Illinois, in 1858, and is a son of Shadrach and Lena (Hanes) Stice, and a grandson of Charles Stice.

Shadrach Stice was born in Greenwood, Kentucky, where he spent the early part of his life, and where he was married. He then moved to Madison county, Illinois, and several years later went to Scott county, Illinois, where he and his wife lived the remainder of their lives. He died at the age of fifty-six years, and she at the age of fifty-two years. His union with Lena Hanes resulted in the birth of the following children: William, who died from the effects of measles contracted while in the army, during the Civil War; John, deceased; Mary (Killebrew), deceased; Margaret (Handback); Martin, deceased; Nancy, deceased; Samuel, deceased; George W.; Thomas F.; and James.

Thomas F. Stice spent most of his boyhood days in Scott county, Illinois, and at an early age learned the trade of a machinist. He worked in a machine shop for two years, after which he returned to the farm. In March, 1880, he traveled west, and located in Oswego township, Labette county, Kansas, where he purchased 280 acres of land. Coal was discovered on this property more than thirty years ago, and at a former period considerable coal was mined and sold. After Mr. Stice came into possession, he again began the development of the coal banks, and at the present time markets a good deal of coal. His 280 acres are in one body, and underlying the property is a vein of coal running from 12 to 24 inches thick. He follows modern ideas in his farming, and has been very successful. Mr. Stice, besides farming, is also agent for the Page Woven Wire Fence Company, and has done considerable work in putting up wire fences. This has amounted to 12 miles since January 1, 1901. He has also purchased in section 35, Oswego township, a farm of 42 acres, which is devoted to wheat. He is characterized by amiable traits, stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens, and has many friends throughout the county.

Mr. Stice was united in marriage, in 1881, with Lucy Caldwell, a daughter of James and Melissa Caldwell, of Montana township, Labette county, and they became parents of the following children: Fred, who died at the age of two years; Ada; Edward; Nora and Dora, twins; Carl; Pearl; Clyde; Margaret and Marie, twins, both of whom are deceased; Blanche; and Omar. Fraternally, Mr. Stice is a member of Oswego Lodge, I. 0. 0. F.; and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a strong Republican, in politics, and an active worker in the party. He has served in an official capacity for a period of twelve years, having held the offices of township trustee, treasurer and clerk.