A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. I, Part 64

Author: Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: New York Chicago: The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 970

USA > Kansas > A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. I > Part 64

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C. T. Sykes, whose name introduces this review, was reared in the state of his nativity, where lie. received excellent edu- cational privileges. In 1879 he left the home and friends of his youth and came west to the Sunflower state, locating in Sumner county, where he conducted a drug store at Belleplaine for two years, after

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which he sold out. In the meantime he was engaged in stock-raising in the Terri- tory. In 1882 he came to Kingman coun- ty. purchased land and became the pioneer of this locality. He shipped the first wheat that was sold in these parts and also sold the first load of cattle that was shipped from Cheney, as well as Murdock, and has since continued in this line of business success- fully, buying all the grain and cattle in this section. He has won the confidence of the people and thereby has made his success. His ranch of one thousand acres is one of the valuable ones of the county, one hun- dred and fifty acres of which is devoted to alfalfa, and in his pastures may be seen ex- cellent grades of stock. Since 1883 he has been extensively engaged in the grain busi- ness, and in both branches of his business success has abundantly rewarded his efforts. He is a man of rare energy and judgment, which he carries into all affairs in which he is interested, and his honorable business methods and strict attention to duty have placed him among the foremost business men of Kingman county.

In his social relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, while in his political relations he gives an unfaltering support to the principles of the Republican party. He has given his aid in many generous ways to the perpetuation of those forces which conserve the best inter- ests of the community, and the course that he has followed in political, business, social and home circles commend him to the high esteem of all.

JOSIAH T. EPPLEY.

Josiah T. Eppley, who is one of the honored veterans of the Civil war and a progressive farmer of Kingman county, was born in Rockingham county. Virginia, December 24, 1843, representing one of the oldest families of that state. His father, Samuel Eppley, was also a native of Vir- ginia, and his father was a soldier in

the war of 1812. The mother of our sub- ject bore the maiden name of Mary King, and the maternal grandfather of our sub- ject aided his country in our second war with England. In 1845 Samuel Eppley removed to Ohio with his family, making the journey in a one-horse wagon with his household goods, his wife and his children, across the mountains to the Buckeye state. Subsequently the family went to Randolph county, Indiana, and afterward to Miami county, that state. The father was a black- smith by trade, and during the greater part of his life followed that pursuit in order to provide for his wife and children. In pol- itics he was a Democrat, entertaining the principles advocated by Jackson, and in re- ligious faith he was a Methodist. He died at the age of seventy-eight years and is still survived by his widow, who is living in In- diana at the advanced age of eighty-five. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Margaret Adair, of Louisville, Kentucky; Mary, deceased : Josiah ; Cyrus, of Converse, Miami county, Indiana; and Andrew, Theodore, Eliza and Sylvester, who have passed away.

Josiah T. Eppley is the only member of the family living in Kansas. His boyhood days were spent upon farms in Ohio and Indiana, and the public schools afforded him his educational privileges. He pursued his studies during the winter months and in the summer successfully aided in the labors of the field. After the inauguration of the Civil war, he offered his services to the government, enlisting on the 8th of August, 1862, in response to President Lincoln's call for sixty thousand more troops. He joined the boys in blue of Company D, Ninety-ninth Indiana Infantry, under com- mand of Colonel Farrah, and was in many battles, taking part in the campaign under General Sherman. He participated in the engagements at Holly Springs, Memphis, Charleston, the siege of Vicksburg, Chicka- maug'a, Missionary Ridge. Lookout Moun- tain, and went with General Sherman on the celebrated march from Atlanta to the sea. He also took part in the Carolina campaign, and the movement toward Rich-

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mond, and when the war was ended, the stars and stripes having been victoriously planted in the capital of the Confederacy. he took part in the grand review in Washi- ington, where cheering multitudes wel- comed the loyal soldiers who had saved the Union.

Having received an honorable discharge, Mr. Eppley returned to Indiana, where he engaged in farming and also worked at the trade of blacksmithing. As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, he chose Magdalene Furry, the marriage be- ing celebrated in Miami county. Indiana, in 1867. The lady is a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Crane) Furry, who were na- tives of Pennsylvania and were of Penn- sylvania Dutch lineage. Her parents both died in Miami county, Indiana, the mother at the age of fifty-two, the father when sev- enty-eight years of age. He was a farmer by occupation. His political support was given the Democracy and he belonged to the Albright church, of which his wife was also a member. - They had eight children : Franklin, who was a soldier of the Union army in the war of the Rebellion, and is now living in Kingman county ; Mary Ann ; Benjamin; Harriet; George; Charlotte ; Magdalene; and William, who was also a defender of the Union. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Eppley has been blessed with eight children, of whom five are living, as follows: Charles, who makes his home in Kingman county ; Milo, of Reno county, Kansas: Mrs. Eva Shepherd, and Mrs. Belle Wallace, both of Kingman county ; and William T., who is a resident of Sa- lina, Kansas. The three children whom they have lost were Maude, who died in in- fancy : Harry, who died at the age of twelve months : and Frank, who died at the age of six months. Milo and Belle have both been successful teachers in Kingman county.

Mr. Eppley continued his residence in Indiana until 1878, when he came to King- man county and secured a homestead claim, upon which he built a house twelve by fourteen feet. This has long since been replaced by a commodious residence, built in modern style of architecture and stand-

ing upon a natural building site. It is weil furnished and is noted for its generous hos- pitality. A windmill, the latest improved machinery and substantial outbuildings, as well as an orchard and rich fields of grain, add to the value and attractive appearance of the farm. All that Mr. Eppley pos- sesses has been gained through his own ex- ertions, and his life shows what may be accomplished through earnest and intelli- gent effort. He is a member of the Pres- byterian church, to which his wife also be- longs, and he holds membership relations with the Grand Army of the Republic. He is as 'true to-day to his duties of citizen- ship as when he followed the old flag upon the battle fields of the south and aided in the perpetuation of the Union.

WYLIE MCCLELLAN.

Wylie Mcclellan, who is well known as an energetic and capable farmer of King- man county, came to central Kansas in 1874, and has resided in this locality since 1880. He was born in Monmouth, Warren county, Illinois, in 1846, and was a son of Robert McClellan, one of the pioneer settlers of that county, who was born and reared in Ohio, whence he emigrated to Illiniois in early manhood. The paternal grandfather was Joseph Mcclellan, whose ancestry could be traced for more than two hundred years to one of the Highland chiefs of Scotland that was at the head of a prominent and powerful Scottish clan. The father of our subject was married in Princeton, Indiana, to Cassena Paul, who was born in Ten- nessee and belonged to one of the old fam- ilies of that state. Her father, William Paul, was numbered among the heroes of the Revolution, who fought for the indepen- dence of the nation. Mr. McClellan died in Warren county, Illinois, in 1870, but his wid- ow is still living, at the venerable age of eighty years, her home being in Pretty Prai- rie. Reno county, Kansas. They had five children, namely: Wylie : Finley, a resident of Reno county : Mrs. Versie Collingwood,

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of the same county; Seward, of Portland, Oregon ; and Nancy, deceased.

Wylie Mcclellan spent his youth in his parent's home and lessons of industry and honesty were early instilled into his mind. He acquired his education in his native coun- ty and during the Civil war, although he had not yet attained his majority, he offered his services to the government and became a member of the Forty-seventh Illinois In- fantry, which was attached to the western army. He participated in the engagements at Mobile, Alabama, Montgomery, Selma and other points in that district of the coun- try and when the nation no longer needed his services he received an honorable dis- charge and returning to his home again took up the quiet pursuits of civil life.

In 1866 Mr. McClellan made his way to the Pacific coast, spending six months in ac- complishing the trip overland. He engaged in ranching in the northern part of Califor- nia until 1874, and then returned to Illi- nois, but after visiting relatives and friends he again started westward, taking up his abode in central Kansas. For six years he resided in Reno county, and in 1880 he lo- cated on land in Kingman county whereon he has since made his home, securing a tract of one hundred and sixty acres which he has developed into a valuable farm. It is supplied with all modern improvements, the comfortable residence standing in the midst of well tilled fields which yield to him good harvests. He also devotes considerable at- tention to stock raising and in this branch of his business is successful.

In Galesburg township, Kingman county, in 1888, Mr. McClellan was united in mar- riage to Mrs. Isabella (Cox) Wakeman, a widow. Her father, William Cox, died in Missouri, but her mother is now living in Kingman county. By her first marriage, Mrs. McClellan had two children; Ina John- son and Ora Warren. Both our subject and his wife have a large circle of friends in Kingman county and by reason of their many excellences of character enjoy the high regard of all. He belongs to the Cumber- land Presbyterian church, his wife to the Methodist Episcopal, and both are consistent

Christian people. His political support is given to the Republican party and as a pub- lic spirited and progressive man, he is in hearty sympathy with every movement for the welfare of his county. All that he pos- sesses in life has been acquired through his own exertions and his history proves what may be accomplished through determined purpose and honorable effort.

FRED WOLF.

Fred Wolf is a member of the firm of Wolf & Heim, wholesale dealers in all kinds of high grade liquors and beer. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1872, a son of of John Wolf and a grandson of Frederick and Dorretta (Lenk) Wolf. His father was born in Bremen, Germany, in 1847, and there his parents lived and died. He learn- ed the butcher's trade in early life and with his father bought and sold cattle. In the year 1864 he crossed the Atlantic to America locating in Toledo, Ohio, where he engaged in the conduct of a meat market for some time. In 1876 he arrived in Kansas, settling in Sterling, where he carried on the same line of business. He came to America a poor boy and had to learn the English lan- guage ; however, he possessed a strong con- stitution, determining will and good judg- ment and became one of the wealthy men of Barton county. While he was in Sterling in the early days buffalo were still numerous on the plains. He purchased all the solid meat of the buffaloes at three cents per pound, salted and smoked it, and then sold it to be shipped to the east, where it brought twenty-five cents per pound. He also dealt largely in hides and skins which he sold at high prices, there being a good market for the skins of skunks and wolves. In 1876, when the town of Ellinwood had been well established, he came to the city and purchas- ed a brewery which had been founded on a small scale at an early day by John Hess, who carried on business for the local trade. Mr. Wolf. however. soon enlarged the enterprise and built up an enormous trade, manufact-

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uring about two thousand barrels per year, the barley for the purpose being raised in this vicinity. His trade extended from Newton to the Kansas and Colorado line. and he successfully conducted the brewery until 1884, when a law was passed abolish- ing the manufacture of the liquors in this state. He then went into the wholesale wine and liquor business, also carrying beer of high grade. In this hie prospered, carrying on the store until the Ist of November, 1900, when he was succeeded by his son Fred and his son-in-law, George M. Heim.

Mr. Wolf extended his labors into other lines. He set out a large amount of fruit of all kinds, planted an extensive amount of small fruit and excellent vineyards. He has also built a large reservoir or lake in order to have ice of good quality. He has a deer park upon his place, comprising thirty acres and his home is a most beautiful one with its drives, walks, shady nooks and flow- ers. In addition to this he erected the Wolf block and hotel, built in the years 1891 to 1895, and he owns much other property in the village. He has likewise made judicious investments in other real estate and to-day his property interests include several large farms in this and adjoining counties. Some of these he rents, while other portions he manages himself. He keeps about six hun- dred head of fine graded cattle and about thirty horses.

While setting out trees Mr. Wolf found many remains of posts in the ground and on inquiry found that here was once located the old Clark trading post in the early days where business was carried on with the In- dians, and back of the houses and barns on the banks of the creek he found where the first settlers had been killed as indicated by many scalps and skulls lying about, which were said to be those of white men. In public affairs Mr. Wolf has always taken a deep interest, doing much to promote the welfare and advancement of the city and contributing in large measure to its upbuild- ing and progress. He has served as a mem- ber of the council, as township treasurer and as a member of the school board. He likewise belongs to the Masonic fraternity,

in which he has attained the Knight Temp- lar degree in the York rite and has also taken the Scottish rite degrees, while of the An- cient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine he is a member. He has held membership relations with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a life member of the Order of Red Men. He married Miss Katherine Haas, and they now have two children : Fred and Katie, the latter the wife of George M. Heim, by whom she has two children : George F., and Norman W. .

Fred Wolf spent his early days in his native city and there began his education, which, however, was continued in Sterling and in Ellinwood. He then became associa- ted with his father in business and under his direction mastered all of the branches of the business and also followed his father's principles of business,-honorable and straightforward dealing. In 1900 in con- nection with his brother-in-law, Mr. Heim, he purchased the business which they have since successfully conducted. They have a very large trade, carrying on the enterprise along wholesale lines.

Mr. Wolf was united in marriage in 1901 to Mrs. Lotta Schaeffer and he and his brother-in-law are now erecting two of the finest residences in the county at a cost of nine thousand dollars. They will be mod- ern throughout and equipped with all of the improvements and conveniences. There will also be carriage and horse barns and the homes will be located at the edge of the For- est Park addition to Ellinwood, which the firm owns. They will have the finest grounds in the county .- a place where thou- sands of picnics and social functions have been held. Mr. Wolf is a member of the Masonic fraternity in its various branches of York rite Masonry and is also connected with the Mystic Shrine. Of the blue lodge he is a past master and he also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He served for ten consecutive years as city clerk and for three years as township treas- urer. He is a wide-awake, progressive young business man whose record has been one worthy of commendation, having done

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much for the upbuilding of Ellinwood, while his business affairs have brought to him a handsome fortune.

JERMAIN W. BRINCKERHOFF.

In no profession is there a career more open to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life. or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application and intuitive wis- dom and a determination to fully utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the con- servator of justice; and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the bat- tles to be won, for success does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the diametrical result of the capability and un- mistakable ability. Possessing all the requi- site qualities of the able lawyer, Mr. Brinck- erhoff has already attained a very promi- nent position in the ranks of the legal fra- ternity in Rice county and undoubtedly will attain other successes in the future.

He is a son of John Brinckerhoff, who was born in Lewis county, New York, in 1831. The Brinckerhoffs are of an old and well known family in the Empire state and were of Holland lineage. At the time of the Revolutionary war and in the war of 1812 representatives of the name fought for their country and manifested their loy- alty on many battlefields. Samuel Brincker- hoff, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Dutchess county, New York, and after arriving at years of maturity he mar- ried Miss Ann Jones, who was of Welsh lineage. They became the parents of two children, and both Mr. and Mrs. Brincker- hoff died in St. Lawrence county, New York. They were members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church, of Norfolk, and

were people of the highest respectability, en- joying the confidence and esteem of all with whom they associated. Their sons were John R. and Romeyn, the latter of whom is still living in Norfolk. The former, the father of our subject, was reared in the Empire state and acquired a good education, completing his literary course in Lowville Academy, and at the age of twenty he was engaged in driving a wagon of dry goods and notions out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, selling the com- modities which he carried throughout the eastern districts of this portion of the coun- try. Subsequently, however, he returned to Rome, New York. He was married in Lewis county, that state, to Miss Susan Wilcox, who was born, reared and edu- cated there and represented one of the first families of the county, her parents being Ozias and Susan ( Moulton) Wilcox, who removed from Connecticut to the Empire state and spent their last days in Lewis county. John R. Brinckerhoff resided in the state of his nativity for many years and successfully engaged in the practice of law there until 1882, having filled the office of district attorney for three consecutive terms in St. Lawrence county. He then came west to Lyons, Kansas. He was a promi- nent and capable lawyer and for some time served as county attorney for Rice county. In his practice he was associated with J. W. White, now in Chicago, Illinois, and ex- Judge Bailey, and his son, J. W. Brincker- hoff. He had a wide and complete under- standing of the principles of jurisprudence and won many notable forensic victories. He died in October, 1889, at the age of fifty-nine years. His life was upright and honorable and he enjoyed the confidence and regard of all with whom he was asso- ciated. In his political affiliations he was a Republican and in his social relations was a Mason. Mr. Brinckerhoff was survived several years by his widow, who passed away in 1895, at the age of sixty-five years. She was a consistent and faithful Christian woman of high moral character and won- derful patience, which traits were strong- ly exhibited during an illness which cov-

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ered several years. She held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.

Jermain W. Brinckerhoff, whose name introduces this record, was born in Lewis county, New York, and acquired his pre- liminary education in the public schools, after which he entered the State Normal, at Potsdam, New York, and subsequently was graduated in law in Albany, in 1881. He resided in Norfolk, St. Lawrence coun- ty, until 1886, when he came to Lyons, Kan- sas, where for a time he was associated in practice with his father. He now has a large and distinctive representative clientage. Along with those qualities indispensable to the lawyer,-a keen, rapid, logical mind. plus the business sense, and a ready capacity for hard work,-our subject brought to the starting point of his legal career gifts,- eloquence of language and a strong per- sonality. An excellent presence, an earnest, dignified manner, marked strength of char- acter, a thorough grasp of the law, and the ability accurately to apply its principles are factors in Mr. Brinckerhoff's effectiveness as an advocate. In addition to his practice he is now serving as one of the directors of the First National Bank of Lyons.

In October. 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Brinckerhoff and Miss Maude, daughter of John Sollitt, of Lyons, Kansas. She is a lady of sterling worth, born, reared and educated in Illinois. They now have one son, Phillip J., who was born February 6, 1897. While residing in Nor- folk, New York, Mr. Brinckerhoff was made a Mason in What Cheer Lodge and has at- tained the Knight Templar degree, his membership being with Sterling Command- ery. He is also identified with Abdallalı Temple of the Mystic Shrine, of Leaven- worth, Kansas, and is actively connected with the work of the Republican party. He has been honored with political office, hav- ing served as city attorney, as county attor- ney and for two terms as mayor of Lyons. He takes a deep interest in every thing per- taining to the welfare of the community and withholds his support from no move- ment or measure calculated to prove of pub- lic good, national progress and local ad-

vancement being both causes dear to his heart and his devotion to the country is above question.

JAMES MURRAY.

James Murray, one of the leading an:1 successful farmers and blacksmiths of King- man, is one of the oldest residents of the county, having resided continuously in this locality since 1877. He was born in the parish of Killearn, Sterlingshire. Scotland, January 29. 1847. He is a worthy descend- ant of one of the oldest clans of that country. as the history of his branch of the family is traced directly back in Perthshire to the followers of Wallace. His father, William Murray, held a position of importance at Glasgow, having been commercial agent for a railroad there. He wedded Agnes Tay- lor, and of their eight children six are now living, James being the only representative of the family in America.

When a young man James Murray learn- ed the trade of a blacksmith, which he fol- lowed in his native country until his twenty- fourth year, and he then came to America. After his arrival in the new world he located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, following his trade in and near that city for about six years. Deciding to seek a location in the new and unsettled west, he then came to Kansas, securing a quarter section of land in Evans township, Kingman county, the date of his arrival being about the 7th of February, 1877. At that time there was not a house within seven miles of his home. Erecting a twelve by sixteen residence, he there made his home for three years, it being neither lathed nor plastered, and for a time a trunk was used for a table and nail kegs for chairs. With ox teams Mr. Murray began the ardous task of improving new land, and year by year, as prosperity attend- ed his efforts, he added to his landed posses- sions until he owned a large farm, which he soon had stocked with a fine grade of cattle. He also erected a shop on his land, which proved a great convenience to the entire

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neighborhood. After about six years resi- dence on his farm he removed to Waterloo, where he gave his entire attention to the blacksmith's trade. About fifteen years ago. however, he sold his possessions there and came to Kingman, where he has ever since made his home. When he first visited this city it contained but four buildings, and he has therefore been a witness to nearly its entire growth and development, ever contrib- uting his full share to the work necessary to produce such a transformation. Although he has bought and sold much farm property since his location in this state, he has always

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. I, Part 64

Author: Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago Publication date: 1902 Publisher: New York Chicago: The Lewis publishing company Number of Pages: 970

Author: Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: New York Chicago: The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 970