James H. Wheat

JAMES H. WHEAT, highly respected as one of the most prominent and able farmers in North township, Labette county, Kansas, is living in the east half of the northwest quarter of section 1. A man of honest, upright principles, he has won many friends in the community. He was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, in 1848, and is a son of V. G. and Dorothy M. (Johnson) Wheat.

Dr. V. G. Wheat was born in Kentucky in 1810, and died in that state in 1867. His birth and death took place in the same house. His wife, Dorothy M. Johnson, was also a native of Kentucky. She bore him the following children: T. B. J., a resident of Parsons, Kansas; James H., the subject of this sketch; Anna; S. A.; 0. P., deceased; and A. V. and W. W., of Liberty township.

James H. Wheat was reared and educated in his native state. He lived in Kentucky until he was twenty-four years old, during which time he attended school and assisted in farming. In 1872 Mr. Wheat left Kentucky, and located at Parsons, Kansas, making the journey with his brother, A. V. Wheat, on horseback. They were twenty-one days on the way. After reaching Parsons, Mr. Wheat engaged in farming, which he followed for nine years, and afterward kept a shoe store, until 1885. He then sold out his business, and located on a farm six miles east of Parsons. After living on this farm for six years, he bought his present farm, - the east half of the northwest quarter of section 1. There he has resided ever since, engaged in general farming. Being a thrifty and energetic worker, he has made many improvements on the farm, and has been very successful with his crops and stock.

Mr. Wheat was married, in 1884, by the Hon. Nelson Case, to Eva L. Bronson. She was born in Laporte, Indiana, and is a daughter of Denison and Dora (Martin) Bronson. Denison Bronson was born in Laporte, and his wife was born in Buffalo, New York. They were the parents of six children, namely: Eva L., the wife of Mr. Wheat; Mattie; Frank; William; Louis; and Albert. Mr. Wheat and his wife have been blessed with eight children, namely: Dora; Agnes; Denison; Louis; Naomi; Dorothy; Orville; and Andrew. They are all living.

Mr. Wheat is an active worker in the township, and has served on the school board. He is a Democrat, in politics. He belongs to the Anti-Horsethief Association. Religiously, he favors the Christian church.