USA > Kansas > A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. I > Part 63
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122
J. R. HUFFMAN, D. V. S.
J. R. Huffman, one of the leading rep- resentatives of his profession in Kingman county, was born in Clarion county, Penn- sylvania, on the 7th of January, 1848, a son of William and Margaret (Watterson) Huffman, also natives of that locality. In the place of his nativity the father became a prominent farmer and influential citizen, owning a large and fertile farm. In 1867, however, he left his Pennsylvania home and made his way to Gasconade county. Mis- souri, where he purchased one thousand acres of land and extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1886. For the following seven years he made his home in Gove county, Kansas, and then removed to Reno county, where he became the owner of a half section of land in Miami township, and there spent the remainder of his life. passing away in death in 1899. His politi-
388
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
cal support was given to the Republican party, and religiously he was an active and worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His widow is still living, and now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. T. J. Grace, in Reno county. Unto this worthy couple were born eight children: Eliza- beth, the wife of Dr. T. J. Grace; J. R., the subject of this review ; John W., a promi- nent farmer of Olcott, Kansas; Mary C., the wife of John B. Armstrong, a farmer and stockman of Gove county, Kansas ; Frances, the widow of John Smith, who was also a farmer and stock-raiser of that coun- ty; and three who died in childhood.
J. R. Huffman, of this review, remained on the old home farm in Pennsylvania until his nineteenth year, and he then accom- panied his parents on their removal to Mis- souri, the journey being made by boat down the Ohio river, thence up the Mississippi river to St. Louis and from there to Gas- conade county. Remaining under the par- ental roof until twenty-four years of age. Mr. Huffman then engaged in business on his own account, locating on one hundred and fifty acres of land adjoining his father's place, where he made his home until 188.4. In that year he sold that farm and removed to Reno county, where he became the owner of a quarter section of land now located in Miami township, which he improved, but after a residence there of six months he again sold his land and purchased a partially improved farm in the same township, there remaining for five years, during which time he was extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising. Before attaining to mature years Mr. Huffman had engaged in the study of veterinary surgery, and ere leav- ing the home farm he had followed its prac- tice among his father's stock. As the years passed by his practice grew to such propor- tions that he found it impossible to attend to both his farm work and his practice, and in 1898 he left his country home and re- moved to Kingman. where he has since given his entire time and attention to his extensive practice. His patronage has con- stantly grown in volume and importance un- til he now occupies a front rank among the
representatives of the profession in King- man county, and his reputation has come to "him solely because of his ability and his unfaltering perseverance.
" As a companion on the journey of life Dr. Huffman chose Mary McIntosh, a na- tive of Gasconade county, Missouri, and a daughter of John and Margaret ( McAlles- ter) McIntosh. Unto that union was born one daughter, Minnie, now the wife of By- erley Laftwich, an engineer of Pueblo, Colorado. After a happy married life of only two years the wife and mother was called to her final rest, and in 1878 the Doc- tor married Ellen Scantlin, also of Gas- conade county, Missouri, and she passed away in death in August, 1888. For his third wife he chose Mary Carlile, a native of Schuyler county, Illinois. . Two children were born of this marriage, but one died in infancy. The surviving daughter, Zella Grace, makes her home with her sister in Pueblo. Since the organization of the People's party the Doctor has taken an act- ive part in its growth and development, and in all matters pertaining to the public wel- fare of his locality he takes a commendable interest. He was one of the organizers and directors of the Farmers' Bank of Turon, while later he became its president, and when its doors were closed to the public he paid up its entire indebtedness, although it nearly caused his financial ruin. In his fra- ternal relations he is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security and of the American Benevolent Association. Al- though not a member of any religious de- nomination, he is a constant attendant and a liberal supporter of the Methodist Epis- copal church. Throughout his entire career he has so deported liimself that as a citizen, as a man of business, as an honorable gen- tleman no man has a cleaner record or is more highly respected than he.
CLARK CONKLING.
In the promotion and conservation of advancement in all the normal lines of hu- man progress and civilization there is no
389
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
fact T winicht Ins exercised more potent in- age. He was a Republican in his political Huence than the press, which is both the affiliations and was an elder mn the Presby - terian church. His life was upright and honorable, consistent with his professions at all times, and wherever he was known he was respected and esteemed for his many excellent qualities of heart and mind. director and the mirror of public opinion. Rice county has been signally favored in the character of its newspapers, which have been vital, enthusiastic and progressive, ever aiming to advance the interests of this favored section of the Union, to aid in lay- ing fast and sure the foundations of an en- lightened commonwealth, to further the ends of justice and to uphold the banner of Kansas. In a compilation of this nature then it is clearly incumbent that due recog- nition be accorded the newspaper press of the state and those men who are in control of its journalistic interests. Prominent among these has been Clark Conkling, who is proprietor of the Lyons Republican, hav- ing been at the head of this paper for twenty-two years.
A native of Ohio, Mr. Conkling was born in Hamilton county, near Sharons- ville, on the 9th of September, 1851, and is a son of William M. Conkling, a native also of Ohio and a representative of En- glish and German ancestry. The family was founded in America at an early period in the development of the new world by an- cestors who located first on Long Island. Later representatives of the name went to Maryland, thence to Pennsylvania and sub- sequently 10 Ohio. The paternal grand- mother of Mr. Conkling was a Miss Nash, who died in Ohio. William M. Conkling learned the blacksmith's trade in early life and followed that pursuit for a time, but afterward turned his attention to farming, whereby he provided for the support of his family. He married Miss Elizabeth Drake Glenn, who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, and they became the parents of six children, namely: Benjamin D., who is living in Lyons : Hattie P. : Ed G., who re- sides in Topeka, Kansas: Clark, of this re- view ; Mrs. R. C. Sheeley, of New York, who died at the age of forty-five years; and Alice D., who died at the old home when twenty years of age. The parents have also passed away, the father having departed this life at the ripe old age of eighty-one years, while his wife also attained the same
Clark Conkling, whose name intre- duces this record, was educated in the state of liis nativity and acquired his education in Lebanon and in the Western Reserve Col- lege, at Cleveland, Ohio. In 1873 he left the Buckeye state for the west, removing to Colorado, where he was employed in a store for a time. In 1879 he came to Lyons and established the Lyons Republican. He has made this paper a power for good in the county, and through its columns has wield- ed a wide and far-reaching influence in be- half of the Republican party. The journal is a bright, newsy sheet, devoted to local interests and to the dissemination of mat- ters of general interest. It is the champion of all measures for public good and is ever found on the side of progress, reform and improvement.
Mr. Conkling was married in Lyons, on the 2d of April, 1884, to Miss Laura Stone, a native of Illinois and a daughter of D. F. Stone. Their marriage has been blessed with six living children, four daughters and two sons, namely: Yetta A., Enid, Clark, Glenn S., Catherine and Gerald M. Mrs. Conkling is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a devoted wife, a faithful mother and a loyal friend.
Mr. Conkling is identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellow's and with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. From the time he attained his majority he has given an unswerving support to the principles of the Republican party, believ- ing that it contains the best elements of good government. In every way possible he has labored for its advancement. sets forth in strong argument the elements which pro- duce its strength and which give it superi- ority over the other great political organi- zations. While Benjamin Harrison was serving as chief executive of the nation Mr.
390
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
Conkling, by appointment of the president, was postmaster of Lyons and filled the office with credit and honor to himself and to the best interests of the patrons of the office. He is a man of progressive views, who believes in education, in temperance and in continual advancement along all lines of substantial progress. In manner he is affable and genial, and unfailing courtesy renders him popular with all with whom he has business or social relations.
W. B. MCCORMACK.
W. B. McCormack is the owner of one of the attractive and valuable homesteads in Kingman county. It is pleasantly located on section 5, Vinita township, where the comfortable and commodious residence is surrounded by a well kept lawn, large barns and outbuildings afford ample shelter for grain and stock, well tilled fields indicate coming harvests and a fine grove and or- chard are not the least attractive features on this fine country seat.
The owner, W. B. McCormack, is one of the most highly respected citizens of the community and a leading representative of the agricultural interests of this section of the state. He was born in Henry county, Indiana, in 1851, a son of William McCor- mack, who was born in the Old Dominion, as was also the grandfather, John McCor- mack. The latter was a successful farmer and reared a large family, mostly boys, who settled on land adjoining their father and became quite wealthy. William was reared te manhood on an Indiana farm, and was there married to Armitta Lindsey, also a native of Henry county, Indiana. She has been called to the home beyond, leaving four children,-James E., John, Mahala and W. B. For his second wife the father chose Mrs. Mary ( Hyatt) Craig, and they had six children. Mr. McCormack reached the ripe okl age of seventy-five years, when he, tro, was summoned to his final rest. He followed the tilling of the soil as a life occupation, was a Republican in his political
views, and his religious support was given to the Christian church, of which he was a worthy and consistent member.
W. B. McCormack, the immediate sub- ject of this review, was reared by his ma- ternal grandfather, Edward Lindsey, a suc- cessful farmer. His father was stolen in England and was brought to this country when a boy and reared here and became a citizen of Pennsylvania. In 1877, after his marriage, Mr. McCormack left his Indiana home for the Sunflower state and after his arrival in Kingman county he purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of Osage Indian land, which he has placed un- der an excellent state of cultivation, and here he has ever since made his home. His present beautiful and attractive nine-room residence was erected at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars, and his is one of the finest homesteads in this section of the county. Farming and stock-raising have been his life occupations, and in all his business 1111- dertakings prosperity has attended his ef- forts.
On attaining his twentieth year Mr. McCormack was united in marriage to Maria C. Mogle, who was born, reared and educated in Madison county, Indiana, a daughter of A. J. and Nancy (Gale) Mogle. The father, who was a native of Pennsyl- vania, is now living in the state of Wash- ington. He was a carpenter and contractor and was quite successful. His father, Jacob Mogle, a farmer by occupation, was of German descent and raised a large fam- ily. The mother's parents, William and Penina Gale, were natives of Massachu- setts. They were married there and then moved to Indiana and engaged in farming, each living to be over four score years, and were respected by all who knew them. The union of our subject and wife has been brightened and blessed by the presence of eight children, six sons and two daughters. as follows: Arley C., who also makes his home in Washington: Charles W., a resi- dent of Winfield, Kansas: Merton M., of Washington ; and Henry E., Ben E .. Ro- zilla Viola, Harry B. and Valla True, at home. The cause of education has ever
391
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
found in Mr. McCormack a warm and help- ful friend, and for nine years he has served as a member of the school board. His po- litical support is given to Republican prin- ciples. Both he and his wife are active workers and worthy members of the Bap- tist church, in which he has served as treas- urer and deacon, and for many years Mrs. McCormack has been a teacher in the Sun- day-school. They are people of genuine worth and are honored and respected in all circles.
BARTLEY C. BOROUGHS.
The noble art of husbandry has ever been the conservator of our national prog- ress and prosperity, and among those pront- inently concerned as its votaries in King- man county is the subject of this review, whose fine farm is located on section 27, Ninnescah township.
Mr. Boroughs is a native son of the Hoosier state, his birth having occurred near Winchester, in Randolph county, in 1847. His paternal grandfather, John Bor- oughs, was born in the Carolinas, but be- came one of the early pioneers of Marion county. Indiana. He afterward removed to Randolph county, that state, where he im- proved a good farm and became one of the leading and representative citizens of his locality. In Marion county, Indiana, Charles Boroughs, the father of our sub- ject, was born and reared, and was there married to Mary Evans, a daughter of John and Mary ( Bunker) Evans, both of North Carolina. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Boroughs were born nine children, four sons and five daughters, namely : Martha, deceased; Laura Nickell, of Kingman, Kansas; Bart- ley C., the subject of this review : Jerome, a resident of Oregon; Judith Webb, a widow residing in Ninnescah township; Lettie Robinson, of Iola, Kansas ; Dianna Boroughs. also of Ninnescah township ; Zenus, of White township, Kingman coun- ty ; and Frank, who died in childhood. The mother of this family passed away in death at the age of sixty-nine years. She was
reared in the Quaker faith, and her- was a beautiful and noble life. The father came io . Ninnescah township, Kingman county, Kansas, in 1878, and his death here oc- curred when he had reached the eightieth milestone on the journey of life. In early life he was a Republican and later was iden- tified with the Reform and Greenback par- ties. He was very firm in his convictions of what he believed to be right, and was a believer in the universal salvation of man.
Bartley C. Boroughs, whose name intru- duces this review, was reared on the old home farm in Jasper county, and in addi- tion to attending the public schools of his locality he was also a student in the Val- paraiso normal school, at Valparaiso, In- diana, where he enjoyed superior advan- tages. He also took a course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Indianapolis. When the trouble arose between the north and south and precipitated the country into civil war Mr. Boroughs was only a boy in his 'teens, but he valiantly offered his sery- ices to the Union cause, enlisting for service in 1864. He became a member of Com- pany E, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth In- diana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for six months, and during that time took part in the battle of Nashville, Ten- nessee. He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, Indiana, and returned to his home with a most creditable military rec- ord. On again taking up the quiet duties of life he was for a time engaged in the teacher's profession. In 1878 he came to the Sunflower state, securing a claim on section 27, Ninnescah township, Kingman county, on which he erected a house twelve by fourteen feet and immediately began the arduous task of improving new land. His homestead now consists of five hundred and sixty acres, where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and in both branches of his business his efforts have been attended with a high degree of sitc- cess. He has erected a modern and com- mnodions residence upon his place, which is surrounded by a beautiful grove and or- chard, and his is now one of the best farm- ing properties in this part of the county.
392
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
The marriage of Mr. Boroughs was cel- ebrated in Jasper county, Indiana, in 1870, Miss Josephine Cox becoming his wife. She is a daughter of J. S. and Eliza A. ( Rubble ) Cox, who came from the Hoosier state to Kingman county, Kansas. They were the parents of four living children,- Mrs. Josephine Cox; Edith Lecklider, of this county ; Inez Margaret, of Oregon ; and Charles Sumner, of Hutchinson. Mrs. Bor- oughs was educated in the schools of Jasper county, and prior to her marriage was a suc- cessful and popular teacher. Three chi !- dren have graced the marriage of our sub- ject and wife, namely : Zelma, the wife of J. A. Bell, of Anthony, Kansas; Calvin, a young man of twenty-one years : and Rob- ert, who is now seventeen years of age. Mrs. Boroughs is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal church. On the Union La- bor ticket Mr. Boroughs was a candidate for the office of clerk of the courts in 1888. In 1891 he was elected sheriff of Kingman county on the People's party ticket, which position he held for two terms, serving to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. In his social relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
FRANK A. FRY.
Frank A. Fry is the proprietor of the Stone Corral ranch and occupies an enviable position among the leading and successful farmers and stock-raisers of Rice county. He has gained prominence as a leading cat- tle man, and his extensive interests have been acquired through his own efforts and bring to him a justly merited return for his labor. He came to the county in 1885 and has since been an important factor in the agricultural interests of his township.
Mr. Fry was born in Clark county. In- diana, November 26, 1862, and is a son of Abraham Fry, who was a prominent and well-to-do citizen of Clark county, where his birth occurred. The grandfather. John Fry, was a native Pennsylvanian and be- longed to one of the old families of that
state, being of German lineage. The rep- resentatives of the name have ever been noted for industry, honesty and morality. John Fry became one of the pioneer settlers ot Clark county, Indiana, where he spent his remaining days. His son, Abraham Fry, was reared and educated . in that lo- cality, and after arriving at years of matur. ity wedded Miss Margaret Mann, a most estimable lady, who was a good wife and devoted mother. She was born in New Al- bany, Indiana, a daughter of Peter Mann, proprietor of one of the largest flour mills in that part of the state. The marriage of Abraham and Margaret Fry was blessed with eight children, namely: Mrs. Emma Johnson, Frank A. (of this review), Mrs. Cora B. Graham, Mrs. Ethel M. Jacobs, Abraham Reddings, Walter Thomas, Harry James and Grace. Throughout his business career the father of this family has devoted liis energies to the tilling of the soil and to the raising of stock, and has found botlı branches of industry profitable sources of revenue. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, takes an active interest in its work and contributes liberally to its support. In the Masonic order he has at- tained the Knights Templar degree, and his life has ever beeif such as to command the esteem of his brethren of the craft and all with whom he has been associated in other relations.
Mr. Fry, whose name forms the caption of this review, pursued his education in the schools of Indiana and received his business training as a farmer and stockman under his father's direction. Lessons of industry, economy and honesty were early instilled into his mind and have largely shaped his career in manhood. He has fed cattle from the time he could carry a basket of corn, and therefore has long been familiar with the best methods of caring for stock. At the age of twenty-two he left his native state, making his way to Ringgold county, Iowa, where he resided for two years, when he caine to Rice county, Kansas. Since that time he has been a well-known resident of the Sunflower state, and as the years have passed he has prospered in his undertakings,
MRS. FRANK A. FRY.
Frank W Fry.
393
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
his perseverance, labor and keen business judgment enabling him to overcome all ob- stacles and work his way steadily upward. His landed possessions now aggregate nine hundred and sixty acres, and his corn crops yield from thirty to fifty bushels per acre. Most of his fields are planted to that cereal, in order to provide an excellent food supply for his stock. He is one of the most exten- sive cattle-raisers in the county, feeding on an extensive scale. He raises excellent grades, and his barns and feed lots have somewhat the appearance of a fat-stock show, owing to the excellent condition of the cattle which he prepares for the market. He keeps from one to two hundred head all of the time and the same number of hogs and has a large number of horses. Long experience has made him perfectly familiar with the best methods of caring for stock and feeding them for sale, and his well-directed business affairs have brought to him splendid success.
In Rice county, on the 17th of March, 1887, Mr. Fry was united in marriage to Miss Lapoldena Dewess, an estimable lady, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, but was reared and educated in Rice county. Her father, George W. Dewess, is a promi- nent and influential citizen of Sterling, Kansas. He was born in Kentucky and dur- ing the Civil war espoused the cause of the Union, fighting for its defense on many a southern battlefield. He was joined in wed- lock to Mary M. Knoblock, a native of Ger- many, and their children are Mrs. Fry, Frank, Lillie, Reams, Effie D., Mattie and Georgia. The father is a miller and farmer and through his energetic business life has provided comfortably for his family. He now belongs to the Grand Army of the Re- public, and through his membership main- tains pleasant relations with his old army comrades among whom he fought for the preservation of the Union. The marriage of . Mr. and Mrs. Fry has been blessed with four children, namely: Maggie Lena, Ar- thur Abraham, Grover Cleveland and Clif- ford Leroy.
In his political views Mr. Fry is inde- pendent, and he has been honored with vari-
ous local offices, having served as treasurer of his township for a number of years, while for eight years he was a member of the school board of his district. He and his wife are active and zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their home is celebrated for its gracious hospitality and is the abode of good cheer, culture and re- finement. Music, books and other evidences of refined taste are there seen and a cordial welcome is ever extended to their large circle of friends. Mr. Fry is a man of frank and jovial disposition, warm-hearted, liberal- minded and at all times true and faithful, and is numbered among the popular resi- dents of Rockville township.
C. T. SYKES.
Among the best citizens of Kingman county, esteemed alike for his sterling worth of character and his activity in the business world, is C. T. Sykes, who for many years has been recognized as one of the leading grain dealers and stockmen of the county. He is a native of the state of Massachusetts and a son of R. A. Sykes, who was born near London, England, where he was a member of an old and prom- inent family. He subsequently left the land of his birth and crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in Massachusetts. where for many years he has been the su- perintendent of the Windsor Print Works. For his wife he chose Alice Howard, a most estimable woman, loved and esteemed for her many excellent traits of heart and mind. She passed away in death ten years ago. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Sykes was blessed with six children, four sons and two daughters.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.