A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. I, Part 78

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

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JOHN P. WALKER.

As one of the sterling pioneer citizens of Kingman county and as one who has en- countered a full quota of the vicissitudes which marked the early development of this section of the state, it is well that we note in detail the more salient features in the career of Mr. Walker. His life has been one of indefatigable industry and inflexible integrity, and though misfortune has not held aloof at all times, he has been persist- ent in his efforts, has bid defiance to dis- couragement and has finally won success worthy the name, being one of the substan- tial farmers and stock raisers of Rural township, where he owns five hundred and sixty acres of fine land in one body and one hundred and sixty acres in addition to this, his estate being located on sections 19. 20 and 29, and constituting one of the val- uable farm properties of the state.

Mr. Walker comes of stanch old Ger- man lineage and is himself a native of the old Keystone state, having been born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, on the 28th of June, 1848, the son of John C. and Cathi- erine (Snyder) Walker, the former of whom was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, of which great empire his wife likewise was a native. John C. Walker emigrated from the fatherland to America when twenty- four years of age and located in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased forty acres of land, to which he subse- quently made additions until he had a good farm property. He had learned the cooper

trade in his native land, and to the same he devoted his attention to some extent after locating in Pennsylvania. There, also, he engaged in the manufacture of brick, and successfully followed these lines of enter- prise there until 1868, when he disposed of his interests and removed to Franklin coun- ty, Tennessee, where he purchasd two hun- dred acres of land. After his sons were ar- rived at years of maturity he assigned to them the work of the farm and removed to Tullahoma, Tennessee, where he worked at his trade for some time. Finally he ex- changed his Tennessee farm for a tract of land in Traverse county, Michigan, to which place he removed and there passed the residue of his life, though he died in Missouri, in February, 1898, while there visiting his son, David. His widow still . resides in Traverse county, Michigan. Christian Walker, the grandfather of our subject, also emigrated to Pennsylvania and purchased a tract of land in Indiana county, where he and his family lived for a number of years. Some time prior to his death he divided his estate and thereafter he lived with his children, who cared for him dur- ing the residue of his life. John C. and Catherine Walker became the parents of nine children, namely: John P., the im- mediate subject of this sketch; Christian L., a successful farmer of Rural township; George M., a resident of Texas; Henry, who died in early manhood; Charles, who resides in Texas; Frederick, who resides on the homestead in Michigan; David M., editor and publisher of the Powersville Rec- ord, at Powersville, Missouri; Anna, who became the wife of L. B. Cornell, died in Michigan ; and Frank, who died in infancy.

John P. Walker, to whom this sketch is dedicated, remained at the parental home until he had attained years of maturity, and from the time he was a lad of nine years he assisted his father in the hard work of brick-making, and that incidental to the op -. eration of the farm. He was enabled to attend the district schools during the short winter terms, and thus laid the foundation for that broader education which was to come to him through individual application

MR. AND MRS. JOHN P. WALKER.

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

and association with the practical affairs of life in later years. He gave inception to his independent career in 1869, when he went to Arkansas, and began working for wages on a farm, in Prairie county. He remained in that locality about two years, and in July, 1871, returned to Tennessee, where he assisted his brothers in the erec- tion of another brick kiln. He had made arrangements to go to Illinois, but owing to the disaster of the great Chicago fire he was led to change his plans. During the winter he attended a select school, and in February, 1872, he started for the west, proceeding by rail to Nashville and thence by boat to St. Louis. About thirty miles out from that city he secured work in cut- ting cord-wood, being thus employed for several weeks. He then continued his west- ward journey, arriving in Lawrence, Kan- sas, on the 8th of April, 1872. There he remained two months, being employed in a brick yard until June, when, in company with two other Pennsylvania men whom he had met, he started for the Arkansas val- ley, which was at that time attracting much attention and numerous settlers. Upon his arrival in this section of Kansas Mr. Walker took up a homestead claim in Cas- tleton township, Reno county, the same be- ing located ten miles south of Hutchison, which was then a hamlet of a few shanties, the railroad having but recently been com- pleted to this point, which was his nearest postoffice and trading place. After secur- ing his claim Mr. Walker became identified with the construction work on the line of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad, being thus engaged until October, after which he made his home with William Wal- lace, who founded the town of Castleton. In October, 1872, having built a small box- house on his place, Mr. Walker proceeded to break some of his land, and from that time forward gave his attention to placing the same under cultivation and making such improvements as were possible. He also did teaming and other work, in the employ of other settlers, and was thus enabled to add somewhat to his resources. His first team was a yoke of oxen, which he pur-

chased in the spring of 1874, having se- cured the requisite money by working in the harvest fields in Chase county. He also bought some seed wheat and put in three acres in 1873. In May this crop was cut down by hail, but it again sprang up sufficiently so that it could be cut with a scythe, and the diminutive crop was hauled by Mr. Walker a distance of some two and one-half miles in order to have it threshed, the yield being only ten bushels. This he took back to his farm and utilized for seed. In 1874 Mr. Walker put in about eight acres of wheat, and this likewise was cut down by hail, but revived and matured before the grasshop- pers and drouth came to complete its final destruction. After the hail storm, how- ever, our subject traded his wheat field for a heifer and five dollars in cash, being well satisfied with his bargain, as was also the second party in the case, who managed to secure a fair crop. In the fall, after the grass- hoppers had devastated the country, Mr. Walker went to the Indian Territory, where he was employed until March, 1875, when he purchased a ponv and shotgun, and with this equipment returned to his farm. In the spring of 1875 he purchased ox teams and engaged in breaking prairie for others, this venture proving quite profitable, and in 1876 he became associated with Messrs. McQuaid and Staley in the purchase and operation of the second steam threshing out- fit brought into the county, the equipment being first-class in every respect. This in-, vestment, however, proved unprofitable, as the wheat crop was not sufficiently large to yield proper returns for the operation of the machine. The owners were unable to make payments on their outfit and Mr. Walker was compelled to mortgage his farm to relieve his securities, the result being that he lost his claim and was left without a dollar, the misfortune being ag- gravated by the fact that he had but recently assumed a responsibility of noteworthy or- der, since, on the 17th of September, 1878, at Castleton, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hayes, who was born in Bel- fast, Ireland, the daughter of William and Margaret (Boyland) Hayes, of Scotch-

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Irish lineage. Mr. Hayes emigrated with his family to America in 1874 and located in Castleton township, Reno county, Kan- sas, where he still resides, being an exten- sive land holder and one of the representa- tive men of his community. His first wife died in 1875, their union having been blessed with eight children, of whom six grew to maturity, while five are living at the present time. Of them we enter brief record, as follows: Marv is the wife of our subject; Joseph is deceased; Thomas is the owner of a large ranch in the vicinity of Spokane, Washington: William, Jr., is a farmer of Castleton township, Reno coun- ty; Jennie is the wife of M. E. Bane, of Hoosier township, Kingman county; Mar- garet resides in the home of her brother, William; and two children died in infancy, prior to the emigration to the United States.

After thus giving up his farm in Reno county Mr. Walker continued to reside on the place for one year, and thereafter rented other land in that county until 1884, when he came to Kingman county and entered `claim to a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, the same being a portion of his pres- ent fine estate, and thus he again became a land owner. His first residence here was a box house twelve feet square, with a cel- lar, and an addition to the same was made in the second year, while his present com- modious and attractive farm dwelling was erected in March, 1899, his former resi- dence having been burned in February of that year. He has made several additions to his original claim, being now the owner of five hundred and sixty acres, the greater portion of which is under fence, while two hundred acres are under a high state of cul- tivation, the entire place giving evidence of the prosperity which has attended the well directed efforts of the owner. In addition to his agricultural enterprise, Mr. Walker also devotes considerable attention to the raising of cattle and hogs, keeping an aver- age of about one hundred and fifty head of the former and about an equal number of the latter, while he has shown marked judg- ment in the selection and the breeding of the best types.

In politics Mr. Walker originally affili- ated with the Republican party, but now maintains an independent attitude, support- ing the People's party in many instances and giving his influence to men and meas- ures rather than submitting to strict party dictation. While a resident of Reno county he served in the offices of township clerk and treasurer, while he has also served as a member of the school board. He was elected to the office of justice of the peace in 1899, but resigned the position, feeling that he could not devote proper attention to the duties involved. Both he and his wife are prominent and valued members of the Lawndale Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as class leader, as a member of the board of diretcors and as superintendent of the Sunday-school, in which last Mrs. Walker has been a popular and devoted teacher.

To Mr. and Mrs. Walker have been born ten children, namely: Anna, who is a snc- cessful teacher in the public schools of Kingman county; Edna and George, at home; Jennie, now a student in Winfield College; and Walter, Luther, Ruth, Flor- ence, Paul and Gladys, all of whom remain beneath the parental roof.

WILLIAM H. WATERMAN, M. D.

William H. Waterman has in the prac- tice of his profession won that prominence that can be attained only when based upon comprehensive knowledge of the principles of medical science and a correct application of these to the needs of the patients. He is a young man, but his reputation classes him among medical practitioners many years his senior. He was born in Morgan county, Ohio, January 7, 1852. and his father, A. M. Waterman, was likewise a native of Ohio. His grandfather, Flavius Waterman, was born in New York, in 1800, and re- moved to the Buckeye state when it was a western frontier district, the work of prog- ress and civilization being scarcely begun within its borders. He built a log house

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

and cleared a farm in the midst of the for- est. He was married in Pennsylvania, and unto him were born seven children, of whom W. M. Waterman was the second in order of birth. The family is of Scotch lineage.

The Doctor's father was reared in Ohio and pursued his education in a log school- house. When a young man he left the home place, starting out to make his own way in the world at the age of eighteen. He was one of the first to discover oil in Ashland county, in the Buck Run district, and did some work in prospecting there. In 1861 he removed to Illinois, locating in Fayette coun- ty, near Vandalia, where he was engaged in farming. In 1871 he took up his abode in Kansas and secured a tract of government land one mile south of Wilson. This was raw prairie, on which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. He broke it with ox teams and horses and improved a large and valuable farm. After ten years, however, he removed to Colorado, hoping thereby to benefit his health, and engaged in in mining in Gunnison county, where he is still located. In politics he is a stanch Dem- ocrat, and he is a member of the Christian church. In the Buckeye state he was united in marriage to Hannah Miller, and they became the parents of seven children, name- ly: William H .; Ella, now Mrs. Dodge, of Colorado; M. R., who is engaged in mining in that state; Lena, the wife of H. S. Roe, superintendent of the Courtland Mining Company ; Mrs. Ada Townsend, whose hus- band is also interested in mining; Isadora; and Charles F., who follows mining at Salt Lake City.

The Doctor began his literary education in the district schools and pursued his pro- fessional course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Keokuk, Iowa. He then returned to Kansas and began practic- ing in Wilson. He experienced the usual trials and difficulties which come to the new practitioner, but success eventually at- tended his efforts, as it does the labors of every man who is persistent and capable. He now has a large and lucrative patronage, which extends to Russell and Barton coun-

ties. He is likewise interested in mining in Arkansas.

On the 29th of July, 1878, the Doctor was united in marriage to Sarah S. Bain, a daughter of John Bain, of Morgan county, Ohio. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican. He is one of the honored set- tlers of Ellsworth county, having been an eye-witness of almost its entire development, for the family came to the county when it was a frontier settlement. Herds of buf- falo roamed over the prairies and the family had many a chase to keep their horses and cattle from being run off by them. On a cer- tain occasion an exceptionally large buffalo which they shot fell over a cut and down on the railroad track, and they had hard work to get it off the track before the train came. Wild horses were also seen in this part of Kansas. Dr. Waterman relates how he has seen herds of buffalo extending as far as the eye could see, and among them would be horses, some having saddles on. The greater part of the land was not yet claimed and in consequence was in its primitive condition. The now thriving towns and villages which indicate the progress of the community were unfounded and the work of improvement was yet in the future when Dr. Waterman was a youth. He can relate many interest- ing incidents of pioneer days here, his mem- ory forming a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. In this community, where he was reared, he has won many friends, who esteem him highly, by reason of his upright life as well as for his professional skill.

HARVEY MORRIS.

This representative agriculturist, who owns and cultivates a well improved and valuable farm on section 20, Ninnescah township, Kingman county, is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred near Roch- ester, Peoria county, in 1853. His father, Norton Morris, was born in the Empire state. and his death occurred at Ozark, Mis-

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

souri, when he had attained the age of sev- enty-one years. He was reared in the state of his nativity, and was there married to Jane Eliza Bishop, also a native of New York, and she is now living near Independ- ence, Kansas. Six children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Morris, namely: Lucretia, Sylvester, Harvey, Richard, Etta and Alta.

Harvey Morris, whose name introduces this review, remained in the Prairie state until his fifteenth year, when he removed to Missouri, and in that commonwealth he made his home for the following ten years. The year 1878 witnessed his arrival in Kan- sas, and his first purchase of land here con- sisted of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. As the years have passed by and prosperity has attended his efforts he has been enabled to add to his landed posses- sions until he is now the owner of two hun- dred and eighty acres. He has placed his fields under an excellent state of cultivation, has erected all the necessary farm buildings, and in many other ways has added to the value and attractive appearance of his place until it is now one of the desirable homes in the locality.

In 1882, in Linn county, Missouri, Mr. Morris was united in marriage to Martha E. Yoakum, a daughter of J. P. Yoakum, who passed away in death in Missouri at the age of seventy years. He followed the till- ing of the soil as a life occupation and in po- litical matters was a stalwart supporter of Republican principles. During the Civil war he served as a member of the Missouri State Militia, in which he rendered efficient aid to his country in her time of need. The mother of Mrs. Morris bore the maiden name of Mary Pane and was born in Mis- souri. She is now living at Brookfield, Linn county, that state. Mr. and Mrs. Yoakum became the parents of thirteen children, nine of whom grew to years of maturity, name- ly: George, Maggie, Lott, Mary, Colum- bus, Rhoda, Martha E., Jackson and Albert. The latter died at about twenty-four years of age. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with nine children, six sons and three daughters,-Dora. Roy, Norton. Joel, Flora, Goldie, Leo, Carl and an infant

not yet named. In political matters Mr. Morris casts his ballot in favor of the men and measures of the Populist party, and for a number of years he served as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife are worthy and acceptable members of the Bap- tist church, and in the locality where they have so long resided they are loved and hon- ored for their many noble characteristics.

GEO. L. HAY.

Geo. L. Hay, whose success at the bar indicates comprehensive understanding of legal principles and careful preparation of cases, and who is now serving as city attor- ney of Kingman, was born in Laporte coun- ty, Indiana, near Union Mills, March 28, 1863, his parents being Daniel N. and Har- riet A. (Case) Hay, both of whom were na- tives of Schoharie county, New York. The father was reared to farming and followed that pursuit in the Empire state until the early '50s, when he emigrated westward to Indiana and secured a tract of timber land. There in the midst of the forest he cleared his fields and developed a good farm. The trees were cut away from acre after acre, plowing was done and thus gradually nearly the entire tract was placed under cultivation. For a half century he resided upon the place and for forty years in connection with gen- eral farming he engaged in raising sheep. In the state of his nativity he married Har- riet A. Case, a daughter of James Case, a resident farmer of Schoharie county. New York, who served there as justice of the peace for many years and was also deputy sheriff.

Geo. L. Hay, the fourth of their ten chil- dren and the only one living in Kansas, for many years assisted his father in the work of the home farm in Indiana. The latter gave his political support to the Whig party at an early day and when the Republican party sprang into existence joined its ranks. He died in Indiana October 17. 1899, but his wife is still living and yet makes her home in the Hoosier state.

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

To the public schools of the neighbor- hood Geo. L. Hay is indebted for the early education privileges which he enjoyed. In order to gain more advanced knowledge he engaged in teaching and with the money thus earned paid his tuition while a student in the Northern Indiana Normal School and Business College, at Valparaiso, that state. He pursued his studies with the intention of preparing for the bar. For several terms he continued teaching, his last position being as principal of what was known as the Union school, being attended by pupils from both Union Mills and Wellsboro, Indiana. At the same time he read law, and after coming to Kingman in April, 1888, he was admitted to the bar. Since that time he has devoted his attention almost exclusively to his pro- fession for he recognized that the law is a jealous mistress and will receive no divided allegiance. He who would win success in law practice must indeed give his whole time thereto, studying continually in order to meet the different contingencies that arise, preparing briefs and arguments, citing au- thorities and lending the aid of oratory to the logical reasoning and sound deductions which ever carry weight with judge and jury. Mr. Hay practices both civil and criminal law and has a large private prac- tice, while at the present time he is also discharging the duties of city attorney, having been twice elected to the posi- tion and served in the same position by ap- pointment for four terms. During his in- cumbency the most important work ever transacted in the office has fallen to his lot. The bonded indebtedness fell due, the mat- ter must be settled and in the discharge of the task Mr. Hay manifested a superior busi- ness and legal ability. He also conducted the suit to set aside the franchise of the water company and in both of these cases he was successful. During the twelve years of his practice in the trial court, in which time four different judges have sat upon the bench, in but one of his cases has the trial court sustained a demurrer to his petition,- certainly a creditable record and one which plainly indicates his ability. On coming to Kingman he located his office in the First

National Bank building and none of its ten- ants have been so long here as he.

On the 8th of December, 1888, Mr. Hay was married to Miss Luetta S. White, a daughter of Simeon and Louisa White. Their only child died at the age of nine months and they are now rearing a little nephew who was left motherless. In addi- tion to his home property in Kingman Mr. Hay owns twelve hundred acres of land in the county. He was one of the organizers and is now the vice president of the tele- phone company and is a citizen whose inter- est in the welfare of Kingman and his adopted state is deep and sincere. In poli- tics he is an earnest Republican and acted as county attorney from 1894 until 1896. Socially he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and is one of the board of managers of the local camp. There are many sterling qualities in his character -the determination and strong intellectual- ity which have made him an able lawyer ; the patriotic devotion that renders him a valued citizen; the promptness and fidelity which have gained for him an enviable record as a public official and the kindness and geniality which have made him a favorite with friends and acquaintances.

C. C. STAHL.

C. C. Stahl is a prominent, enterprising and well known farmer of Rice county, re- siding in Atlanta township. He came to this locality in 1884 and purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres of land of Nelson Reed. Later he bought one hundred and sixty acres of Mrs. Murphy and to-day he has three hundred and twenty acres, constituting the Grove Valley farm, one of the finest farming properties in this portion of the state.

Mr. Stahl was born in Wayne county, Ohio, January 7, 1848. His paternal grand- parents were Frederick and Catherine ( Kel- ler) Stahl, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and were of German lineage. Their son, Anthony Stahl, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and was

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reared in Wayne county, Ohio. He married Sarah Snyder, whose birth occurred in the Keystone state and who was a daughter of Jonathan Snyder, a native of Pennsylvania and a soldier in the war of 1812. He was of German descent, and after arriving at years of maturity he married a Miss Hoffman, who was likewise born in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Stahl had five brothers who were soldiers in the Civil war, namely: John, Joseph, Jonathan, Daniel and Jacob. All wore the blue in defense of the Union, and after loy- ally aiding and defending the old flag lived to return to the north. The parents of our subject had six children, namely: Daniel, Mrs. Maud Dunmire, Cornelia C., Cather- ine Ruby, John and Sarah Ellen. The par- ents both died in Ohio, where the father had followed farming for many years, and his labors were ended in death at the age of sev- enty years. In politics he was a Douglas Democrat and both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. Her death occurred when she was seventy-two years of age.

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. I, Part 78

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