USA > Kansas > A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. I > Part 23
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John Frank Leslie was the oldest son of his parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Car- men) (Butts) Leslie, who had eight chil- dren, and he was reared to farm life and was given a meagre schooling. He lived on his father's farm until he was twenty years old. May 14, 1882, he married Mary A. Geist, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of William Geist, deceased, and they have five children: Pearl, who is eighteen years old, is a student at Cooper College : Frank Leslie is fifteen years old ; Ethel is nine years old; Vernie is six years old; and Eston is two years old. In Mr. Leslie's home farm there are three hundred and twenty acres and he leases five and half sections. Giving attention principally to stock farming, he feeds and ships annually one hundred and fifty head of cattle and usually from fifty to sixty head of horses and mules. He gives his attention largely to Hereford cattle, with special reference to registered stock. At this time he owns one hundred and seventeen head of grown stock and owns altogether six hundred head of cattle. His manner of stock farming has in certain respects commended itself to the emulation of neighboring farmers and his influence upon the development of the in- terest in his locality has not been inconsid- erable. Realizing the fact that it costs 110 more to feed fine stock than ordinary stock and that fine stock is much more profitable than ordinary stock, his aim has been con- stantly to improve the standard of his cat- tle, and other farmers desiring to sell as advantageously as Mr. Leslie and farmers
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of his school have been likewise progress- ive. He is public-spirited and enterprising and exerts a recognized influence in local affairs. He is an independent voter and has never yet been prevailed upon to accept any public office. He is a Knight Templar Ma- son and is favorably known to a wide circle of acquaintances. Mrs. Leslie and their children are members of the United Brethren church.
HENRY G. ANDREWS.
For twenty-eight years Henry G. An- drews has been a resident of Ellsworth coun- ty and is now a well known representative of its agricultural interests. He successfully follows farming on section 28, Sherman township, where he has a valuable and high- ly productive tract of land. He was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1836. His father, Orin Andrews, was a native of Vermont, born March 4, 1801, and as he was left an orphan when only four years of age he was reared by his maternal grandfa- ther, early becoming familiar with the du- ties and labors which fall to the lot of the ag- riculturist. Throughout his entire life he followed farming as his chief occupation. When a young man he removed to New York and was there married. In early life he supported the men and measures of the Democracy, but when the abolition move- ment resulted in the formation of a party to oppose slavery he joined its ranks and was one of its well known advocates, becoming one of the leaders of the Republican party, and voting for its candidates until the close of his life. In early days he was connected with the close-communion Baptist church and at all times he lived a consistent Chris- tian life, commanding the respect of all by his fidelity to principle. He attained the very advanced age of eighty-five years and then his eyes closed in the eternal sleep, but the memory of his upright life remains as a ben- ediction to all who knew him. He married Miss Sallie Remington and they became the
parents of two sons and six daughters, but the youngest, one of twins, died in infancy.
Henry G. Andrews is the only member of the family now living in Kansas. He pur- sued his education in the district schools and as soon as able began work upon the home farm, following the plow when scarcely large enough to manage the heavy farm im- plement. When about eighteen years of age he went to Boston and became connected with seafaring life on a merchant vessel, re- maining on the briny deep for two years. On the expiration of that period he made a trip to the west and after a few months spent in Michigan removed to Illinois, where he was engaged in farming for several years. But when the tocsin of war sounded he put aside all personal considerations in order to respond to his country's call for aid, and on the 15th of September, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company H, Fifty-seventh Illi- nois Infantry. He learned of the realities of war in the battle of Fort Donelson and also participated in the engagement of Shi- lol and in the siege of Corinth, and was present at the capture of the city. There he was stationed until the fall, guarding trains and keeping the lines of communication open until Generals Price and Van Dorn, the Con- federate commanders, attempted to .recap- ture the place, in October. From Corinth Mr. Andrews proceeded with the regiment to Chattanooga and afterward participated in the entire Atlanta campaign, being with Sherman's advance troops. He was sta- tioned at Rome, to guard the road from Kingston,and partof his regiment was in the severe battle of Allatoona Pass, where an effort was made by the Confederates to break the line and capture or destroy a large load of supplies that belonged to Sherman's army. Having the advantage of position and being aided by the veil of the mountains they with- stood the charge of a body of rebel trops numbering about seven or eight to their one, yet the carnage was so great that Mr. An- drews says that after the battle he could have walked half a mile without putting foot on the ground. With his command he after- ward proceeded from that point to Savan-
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nah, where he was mustered out on Christ- mas day of 1864, having served his country in a most loyal manner for almost three and a half years.
After winning an honorable discharge Mr. Andrews returned to Illinois and through the succeeding three years was tipon the road as a traveling salesman. He then went to Iowa and was engaged in farming in the northern part of the state, where his fa- ther was living. His parents were then well advanced in years and Mr. Andrews assisted them in placing the farm in good shape. In the spring of 1873 he came to Kansas to make a start in life, and homesteaded the southeastern quarter of section 28, Sherman township, Ellsworth county. The shanty which he first erected is still standing and is now used as a granary. His present resi- dence was erected in 1884 and is an attrac- tive home. Mr. Andrews is engaged princi- pally in the raising of wheat, and the rich land enables him to annually harvest large crops, the sales of which bring to him a good income. He is enterprising and progressive and his diligence has won for him a com- fortable competence. In the winter of 1900 Henry G. Andrews erected a new barn upon his farm with stanchions for nine cows. The floor is boarded and drained and the barn affords ample shelter for the stock. He also keeps seven head of horses and has some pure-blooded Poland-China hogs.
On the 18th of June, 1875, was celebrat- ed the marriage of Mr. Andrews and Miss Susan Schock, a daughter of Henry and Magdaline Shock. Unto them were born three sons and three daughters, but the old- est son died at the age of two years. The others are: Charles H., who enlisted for service in the Spanish-American war as a member of Company I, Twenty-first Kansas Infantry : Laura : Minnie, Florence Gertrude and Frank, who are still under the parental roof. In his politics Mr. Andrews has al- ways been a Republican, and, like every true American citizen should do, takes an active interest in the work of his party. He is a recognized leader in the ranks in that local- ity and has frequently served as a delegate to county, congressional. senatorial and state
conventions, being a member of the state convention which first nominated Governor Stanley. He has served on the township board, but his party service has never been performed with the hope of receiving the rewards of office. He is a member of the school board and is now serving as its clerk for the third term. He has also served as treasurer and has long been connected with the board, which has charge of the educa- tional interests of this locality. Socially he is identified with Ellsworth Post. G. A. R. Mr. Andrews is not only an enterprising farmer and valued citizen of the community but is also an honored pioneer. When he came to the county there were only two set- tlements between his home and Ellsworth. and none to the north until Lincoln county was reached. He has therefore witnessed much of the growth and development of this portion of the state and can relate many interesting incidents of the early days. He is a hospitable, genial man and his many ex- cellent qualities render him a favorite with a large circle of friends.
BENJAMIN SHOCK.
Benjamin Shock, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 4. Ells- worth township, has been a resident of Ells- worth county for almost thirty years, the time of his arrival here being in 1872. He was born in Canton, Ohio, February 5. 1854. His father. Henry Shock, was a native of the same place, and his grandfather, Lucas Shock, was born in New Bavaria and came to America when about eighteen years of age. He located in the northern part of Maryland, near Hagerstown, where he fol- ! lowed farming. and there he resided until about 1816, when he removed to Ohio. There he cleared some land in the midst of the forest. and upon his firm reared his children. seven in number. Henry being the youngest. His childhood and youth were spent in the homestead in this state and his education was here acquired. He followed farming until 1860. when he removed to
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the town and was engaged in the manufac- turing business in Canton for four years. He also spent nearly three years in Bucyrus. During the succeeding five years he was at Ottumwa, Iowa, where he operated a coal imine. He then again turned his attention to manufacturing, which he followed until 1872, when he came to Kansas and pre- empted the land upon which our subject now resides, although Mr. Shock of this re- view proved up on it. The father carried on the place until 1878. when, owing to his suf- fering from rheumatism, he retired from active business life. He was reared in the German Reformed church, but after coming to Kansas united with the Presbyterian church. On the 4th of April. 1844. in Can- ton, Ohio, he was united in marriage to Magdalena Triem, a daughter of Peter Triem, who emigrated from Germany to Canton, Ohio, in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Shock became the parents of nine children : Susan, the wife of Henry G. Andrews; Henry, who remained in Ohio: Emma, de- ceased; Mary, the wife of Olden Flanders, of Ellsworth: Benjamin, of this review : Louisa M., of Canton, Ohio; Luke, who is living in Ellsworth; Ferdinand, who died at the age of three years ; and Laura E., who also has passed away. The father of this family died August 29, 1890, but the mother is still living, making her home with our subject.
Benjamin Shock pursued his education in the public schools of Ohio and also con- tinued his studies for two years after the family removed to Ottumwa, Iowa. He there learned the blacksmith's' trade, but worked at it for only two years before com- ing to Kansas. Here he turned his attention to farming. and thus when his father was obliged to abandon that pursuit the son took charge of the home place and has since con- ducted it. Some stray buffalo were seen in the county after his arrival and he has killed antelope and other game. He broke about half of the land on the home place and has kept everything about the farm in good shape. He raises wheat and corn, having some good bottom-land, for there are two creeks that cross his place. He makes a
specialty of raising high grade Poland-China hogs, having brought some good stock from Illinois. He was one of the first to intro- duce a high grade of hogs into this part of Kansas and has raised some animals that have weighed eight and nine hundred pounds. His business affairs are conducted with diligence, enterprise and perseverance. and his labors are attended with gratifying success. There is considerable timber upon the place and he has sold cord-wood grown since he came to the county. In his polit- ical views Mr. Shock is a Republican, vot- ing with the party, yet never seeking office. He has served as road supervisor but has declined to accept official preferment, save that of school director, having been a mem- ber of the board for fifteen or sixteen years. He has in his possession one of the old "grandfathers' clocks" that was purchased by his grandfather in Maryland.
JOHN F. WILDIN.
John F. Wildin, the son of George and Caroline Wildin, was born November 13, 1851, in York county, Pennsylvania, where he lived with his parents until he was seven years of age, when they removed back to Pike county, Illinois. He learned to till the soil at an early age. commencing to plow. when he was but ten years old. He worked on the farm in the summer and went to school in the winter until he was twenty years of age, receiving a common- school education. He remained with his parents until twenty-five years of age, farm- ing partly for himself and also helping his father.
J. F. Wildin was married to Miss Electa Hoskin March II, 1877. she being the daughter of Isaac and Mary Jane Hoskin, who also resided in Pike county, Illinois. Mrs. Electa Wildin was born January 7. 1854, in that county. After their marriage they removed to a tenant house on his fa- ther's place, farming his father's land until the fall of 1880: but in the meantime he
Electro Wildin
Wildin
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was trying to purchase land of his own for the purpose of farming and stock-raising. Thinking land too high priced in Pike county, he concluded to go west, and in August, 1879, with his father and several friends took a trip to Emporia, Kansas, looking over Lyons county. They not be- ing satisfied with the land there, his father returned home while he and his cousin went on to Wichita, and, after looking over Sedgwick county and not finding a suitable location, returned to old Pike.
Then the fall, following his father took a trip to Rush county, visiting some friends there, and was well pleased with the devel- opment of the country for farming and stock-raising. His father returned home and reported to his son that he was satisfied he had found the place which they had been looking for. Then in the spring of 1880 J. F. concluded to go to Rush coun- ty and see for himself, his father and cousin accompanying him. After looking over the country and seeing the cattle being win- tered on the buffalo grass without any other feed, they concluded that was certainly the place to buy; so J. F. purchased a half sec- tion of land on Walnut river. four miles west of Rush Center. His father also pur- chased two hundred and forty acres ad- joining his farm. On account of having a large crop of wheat sowed in Pike county he decided not to move to his new farm un- til fall, and rented it to his cousin for that summer.
. In November, 1880, J. F., with his fam- ily, moved to his new home in sunny Kan- sas, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising. handling as many as three or four hundred head of cattle each year. Be- ing in need of more pasture he bought one hundred and sixty acres more, making him in all four hundred and eighty acres.
In the spring of 1889, renting out his farm and putting out his cattle on the shares, which he still continues, he conclud- ed to move to Reno county, Kansas, resid- ing in Hutchinson two years, being en- gaged in real-estate business. In the fall of 1889 he purchased a half section of land in
Enterprise township and rented the same un- til the spring of 1891, when he concluded to go to farming again himself and moved to this farm.
The following August, not being satis- fied for several years with Kansas,-always having for a saying, he "wanted to go back where the red clover grew,"-he sold this farm and in January, 1892, took a trip back to Pike county to visit his parents and with a view of buying. He looked at quite a number of farms, but he remained only a few days when he made up his mind that sunny Kansas was good enough for him! After visiting his parents and friends for two weeks he returned home and bought his present farm of two hundred and sixty-two acres deeded land and one hundred acres of river-made land, made by the changing of a channel in the river, situ- ated four and one-half miles northwest of Hutchinson on sections 5 and 6. He pur- chased this farm with the intention of farm- ing, stock-raising and fruit-gowing, in which he is engaged at the present time. The farm being run down when he came here, there being only six aces of orchard and improvements being very poor. he built, in the fall of 1892. his present residence. and in the spring of 1893 planted thirty- four acres of apple orchard, making in all forty acres of apple orchard. also quite an orchard of peaches, pears, plums, apricots and cherries also a three-acre vineyard, which has proved to be a profitable invest- ment.
In the fall of 1896 Mr. Wildin built a large barn and in the spring of 1897 con- cluded to rent out part of his farm. there- fore erecting a tenant house on his farm. In the spring of 1898 he concluded to en- gage in the dairy business and erected a dairy barn in connection with his tenant house, found an experienced dairyman and furnished him with cows and equipments for running a dairv. After engaging in this business for six months and finding it not a profitable business he sold out. Afterward he rebuilt this dairy barn and put in a self-feeder especially for full-feed-
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ing cattle, in which he is now engaged, and finds it a profitable business in connection with his farming and fruit-raising. In the summer of 1901 J. F. purchased the old homestead in Pike county, having it rented out at present.
. Mr. and Mrs. Wildin's family consisted of seven children,-five daughters and two sons, namely : Mary E., Orville H., de- ceased. Carrie E., Susie V., Janie L., Electa H. and John F., Jr.
On the 13th of January, 1902, Mr. and Mrs. Wildin and family united with the Methodist Episcopal church and our sub- ject is a member of the board of trustees of Poplar church, three miles south of his farm, which he was active in erecting.
In his political views he is a Democrat, never holding any office except as a member of the school board for the last twenty years. His life has been characterized by unflagging industry and strong purpose, and, overcoming all difficulties and ob- stacles in his path, he has worked his way upward to prosperity.
LEWIS LAVERTY.
Lewis Laverty is one of the representa- tive merchants of Kingman, where he is successfully conducting a carriage and im- plement business. His business qualifica- tions have won him a place among the lead- ing representatives of the mercantile inter- ests of this city, and his honorable career has gained him uniform confidence and regard.
Mr. Laverty is a native of the Hoosier state, his birth having occurred in Wabash county, Indiana, on the 27th of June, 1861. His paternal grandfather, James Laverty, was the first of the family to come to Amer- ica, and after his arrival in this country he located in Boston, Massachusetts, where he became well known as a weaver. He subse- quently moved to South Carolina, there re- maining until some time in the '30s, when he journeyed to Tennessee. From the latter state he went to Indiana in 1850. His son
and the father of our subject, George S. Laverty, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1809. When eighteen years of age he assisted in the work of preparing the ne- groes for emancipation, visiting many of the southern states while engaged in that work and encountering many exciting experiences. He was arrested at Island. No. 10, in Mis- sissippi, but made good his escape to the north. where he was engaged in farming in Indiana for a t.me. In 1871 he came to Kansas, securing a claim in Reno county on which the Reformatory is now located, and there began the arduous task of improving new land with ox teams. He passed through all the trying experiences which fall to the lot of the frontiersman, but he bravely sur- mounted the obstacles which lay in his path- way and eventually his efforts were crowned with a high and well merited degree of suc- cess. During the winter months he engaged in hunting, often making trips as far as Texas, and he always found a ready sale for his game. In 1878 he sold his land in Reno county and came to Kingman county, his sons having preceded him to this locality and taken up claims on sections 25 and 36, Hoosier township. Here Mr. Laverty again underwent the trying ordeal of improving new land, but eventually his fields were placed under a fine state of cultivation and , all the improvements of a well regulated farmn added, his becoming one of the fine country seats of the locality. There he made his home for six years, on the expira- tion of which period he removed to the city of Kingman, where the remainder of his days were passed in quiet retirement, his life's labors being ended in death in 1896, at the age of eighty-seven years.
Mr. Laverty was twice married, his first union being with Polly Collier, and they had three children, all now deceased. His second marriage occurred in Indiana, Eliza- beth Dorsey becoming his wife, and that union was blessed with five children. only two of whom, Lewis and George, attained to years of maturity, and the former is the only one now living. The mother of these children passed away in death on the 26th
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of January, 1896, and April 10 of the same year her husband joined her in the spirit world. He was an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party. The cause of education also found in him a strong sympathizer and willing worker, and while in Reno county he took an active interest in the establishment of schools. Of the Christian church he was a worthy and con- sistent member.
Lewis Laverty, whose name introduces this review, was but ten years of age when he removed with his parents to Reno county, and at that time there were but six families residing within its borders,-Captain Bell, Robert Bell, John Shahan, James Freese and his two sisters, Hannah and Mary. Our subject and a sister of Henry P. Miller, who now resides in Hutchinson, were the first to attend school in the county. After com- pleting his education in the common schools of that locality Mr. Laverty followed farm- ing in that county until his removal to King- man county, which occurred in 1877, and with his brother he engaged in farming in Harrison township. In the following year, however, he removed to Marion county, where he learned the trade of stone cutting, following that occupation there until 1886, when he again came to Kingman county. For a number of years after his return to this locality he found employment at his trade, and from 1893 until 1898 took con- tracts for moving buildings. In the latter year he became identified with the grain and implement business in the city of Kingman, and as the years have passed success has abundantly rewarded his efforts and he is now known as one of the leading implement dealers in Kingman county. He occupies two store buildings, twenty-five by one hun- dred and fifty feet, and also has a large ware- horse. He handles the Canton and Pea- body line of buggies and implements, the J. I. Case thresher, has a large and com- plete line of harness and saddlery, and car- ries two tubular pump outfits and the Wood- mansee windmills. During the year of 1900 there was but one engine and not over four separators brought into the county which were not purchased at his store. He is a
wide-awake, energetic and progressive list- ness man, and the prosperity that has come to him is the result of his own well directed efforts.
In Marion county, Kansas, on the 25th of March, 1885, was celebrated the mar- riage of Mr. Laverty and Miss Tula McAl- lister. The lady was a daughter of James McAllister, a prominent early settler of Marion county. One daughter, Olive, who died at the age of fourteen years, came to bless the union of our subject and wife. On the 2d of November, 1900, Mr. Laverty was a second time married, Maggie L. Castle- man becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Rev. A. Castleman, of Lyons, Kansas. The Republican party receives Mr. Laver- ty's active support and co-operation, and for one year he served as marshal of the city of Kingman. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of the World.
MAJOR W. L. BROWN.
There is no resident in Kingman county who has borne a more important part in re- claiming this section of the state for pur- poses of civilization than has Major Brown. He has been actively associated with the work of developing wild land, of instituting horticultural and stock-raising pursuits and has been the promoter of many movements for the common good. He was for a numi- ber of years a representative of its journal- istic interests, is prominent in social, fra- ternal and political circles and at the present time is largely aiding in the settlement of this portion of he state as a member of the Kingman County Colonization Company. His residence in the county covers a period of more than twenty years and since settle- ment in the state dates from 1876.
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