Benjamin Tallman

BENJAMIN TALLMAN, a representative farmer of Walton township, and a prominent citizen of Labette county, Kansas, is a pioneer settler of this section of the state, having purchased his claim in the fall of 1870, entering it at the official agency at Independence, Kansas. Since 1900, Mr. Tallman has made his home in Labette county, with his daughter, Mrs. C. D. Tallman, in the northwest part of Labette township, but still owns and superintends his farm in Walton township. Benjamin Tallman was born in Burlington county, New Jersey, in 1828, and is a son of Woodmansee and Elizabeth (Reed) Tallman.

Our subject's father was a farmer by occupation, and both he and his wife were natives of New Jersey. They reared a large family, 11 children in all, namely: Joseph; Francis A.; Thomas W.; Benjamin; Charles H.; Samuel; Ezra; Carlisle H.; Rachel M.; Wesley; and Levi P.

When Benjamin was but three years old, his parents moved to Logan county, Ohio, where they continued to live until 1861, and where the subject hereof was reared and schooled. During that time, he learned the double trade of carpenter and wagon-maker, which he followed successfully for a number of years. In 1861, he removed to Union county, Ohio, which was his home for the following nine years.

Mr. Tallman then came west, in 1870, and located permanently in Walton township, Labette county, Kansas. The journey covered a period of thirty days. In 1871 Mr. Tallman erected the buildings which are still standing on his farm, with the exception of the house which was burned down in 1883, and a new one has been built in its stead. All the carpenter work on these was done by him. He continued to cultivate and improve his farm during his long residence there, and carried on general farming, setting out orchards, etc.

He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Stratton, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, in 1828. She died in 1879, leaving him the following 11 children: Lenora N.; Joel; Rachel M.; Ann C.; Eliza C.; Emma J.; Samuel A.; Elizabeth H.; Margaret M.; Malatta; and John W. The two last named are deceased. Politically, Mr. Tallman is a Democrat, and still takes an active interest in all affairs of a political nature. He is a member of the Anti-Horsethief Association. The subject of this sketch has been very successful, and is regarded as one of the most practical agriculturists of his township. He has won success by his ability, and because he possesses, in a great degree, the perseverance which makes men successful. He is greatly esteemed for his high character and has hosts of friends, who look upon his prosperity as fully deserved.