George S. Tarkington

GEORGE S. TARKINGTON, a prominent farmer living in the northeast quarter of section 16, Fairview township, Labette county, Kansas, is one of the progressive citizens of the county. He was born in the town of Bloomington, Monroe county, Indiana, February 22, 1848, and is a son of Ellsbury and Lucinda (Legg) Tarkington.

Ellsbury Tarkington, who was a native of Kentucky, reared the following children, namely: Joseph, who resides at Minden, Nebraska; William, deceased; James, who lives on the old homestead in Monroe county, Indiana; Sarah (Wallingford), of Greene county, Indiana; Mary, Mildred (Harden), and Jonathan, deceased; George S.; and Matthew M., a resident of Oswego, Kansas.

George S. Tarkington received his mental training in Monroe county, Indiana, and at the age of sixteen years began the battle of life alone. In the fall of 1879 he started west in a covered wagon, - driving all the way from Indiana to Labette county, Kansas, where he arrived November 1, 1869. He took up a railroad claim in Fairview township, and with the exception of one year spent in the East has resided in that township ever since. He has owned several farms, but bought his present home, - the northeast quarter of section 16, in March, 1897. He carries on general farming. He has recently bought 80 acres adjoining his farm, on which his son will live.

Mr. Tarkington married Mary C. Hall, a native of Indiana, in February, 1873. They have three children, - Edna, Roy, and Mildred. Mr. Tarkington is a member of the M. W. of A. He is a Populist, in politics, and served as trustee of the township in 1894, 1895 and 1898. He is township committeeman for his party at the present time.