A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. I, Part 97

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 97

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He carries a fine line of drugs, paints, oils, stationery and books and is also agent for musical instruments.

In 1890 Mr. Porter was joined in wed- lock to Miss Lizzie Campbell, a daughter of William H. Campbell, formerly of Texas. They now have two children: Amy, who was born May 1, 1891; and Baird, born April 16, 1901. Mr. Porter is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the- blue lodge, chapter and council, and in the first named he is a past master, and is also a member of Woodland Lodge, No. 87, K. of P., in which order he is a past chancellor, and he is a member of B. P. O. E. at Hutch- inson. Energetic, wide-awake and pro- gressive his efforts have been discerningly directed along well defined lines of labor and his prominence as a merchant is due to his own careful guidance of business affairs and his honorable methods of dealing with his patrons.

OWEN P. McPHERSON.

Although one of the more recent arrivals in Barton county, Dr. McPherson has al- ready attained a position among the most successful physicians of this locality. He established his office in Hoisington in 1900 and is now in control of a large and con- stantly growing practice, which is unmis- takable evidence of his ability. Life is the most priceless possession of man, and an individual does not trust himself to the hands of one unskilled in the treatment of diseases.

The Doctor was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, and is a son of Adolphus A. Mc- Pherson. He enjoyed the excellent educa- tional advantages afforded by his native state and was afterward graduated in the Illinois State University, with the class 1 of 1895. He determined to devote his en- ergies to a professional career and accord- ingly he entered Rush Medical College, of Chicago, completing the course by grad- uation with the class of 1899. He took several special courses of study, thus being-

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well fitted for his chosen calling. As before stated he came to Hoisington in 1900 and entered upon his professional career here in partnership with Dr. G. L. Koch. Here he built up an excellent and lucrative prac- tice, which claims his close and undivided attention, the more so from the fact that his partner is now in Berlin, Germany, pursu- ing a special course of study. Dr. McPher- son's opinions are largely considered as authority in many instances, for he is known to have a wide and accurate knowledge of the principles of medicine and to apply with ability his learning to the needs of the pa- tients. The firm have fine parlors, consul- tation and operating rooms, their office equipments being superior to those of any physician or surgeon in the county. Dr. McPherson possesses a splendid library, which he studies continuously, constantly increasing his knowledge. His perusal of medical journals also adds constantly to his information. He began practice in the vil- lage of Zaria, but after a very brief interval he came to Hoisington, where his profes- sional career has been passed. He and his partner are local surgeons for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, and as this town is the division center they have had ample opportunity to display their skill. Our sub- ject is identified with the Masonic frater- nity, the Modern Woodmen of America and is examining physician for all of the insur- ance orders and companies of this locality. He is genial and kindly and his unfailing courtesy has made him very popular.

ALBERT S. ALLEN.

Albert S. Allen is the pioneer druggist of Great Bend, opening the first store in that line of merchandising in this city. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio, December 9, 1846, and is a son of Alanson Allen, who in early life engaged in the foundry and machine business, carrying on operations along that line for twenty-five years, retiring in 1864. He married Miss Rhoda Clark, who died when about thirty-three years of age, and

his death occurred in 1883, when he was seventy-four years of age. Their son Al- bert S. entered the public schools where he pursued his studies until about fifteen years of age, when his patriotic spirit was aroused over the condition of affairs in this country and although only fifteen years of age he enlisted in January, 1862, as a mem- ber of Company F, Eighty-second Ohio In- fantry. He served for a period of three years and seven months. During the latter part of his term of enlistment he was made hospital steward of his regiment. After his return from the front he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he pursued a business course of study and then accepted the position of bookkeeper for a year. On the expiration of that period he went to Mansfield, Ohio. and established a drug store, which he con- ducted from 1869 until 1872. He had heard and read very favorable reports of the cen- tral section of Kansas, which was then be- ing opened to civilization. The settlers told of its superior climate, of its rich lands and possibilities, and following the march of em- pire westward, he made his way to the Sun- flower state, journeying first to Fort Scott, and then visited several new towns. On reaching Hutchinson he found that a drug store had already been established there, but while at that place he made the acquain- tance of D. R. Smith, who was coming. to Great Bend to enter land and Mr. Allen then accompanied Mr. Smith, who was driven in a wagon to Great Bend in order to enter land. He was pleased with the country and its prospects and decided to locate in this place. Accordingly he built a little frame building, twenty to thirty-two feet, where is now lo- cated the store owned by the E. R. Moses Mercantile Company. He then went to Kansas City, where he bought a stock of goods and soon had a fine line of drugs, paints and stationery, having one of the best equipped frontier stores to be found in the country. In 1875 he erected the two-story block, where he is now located, shipping the stone from Florence by rail. The structure is twenty-five by fifty feet, and in 1882 he put on an addition to a depth of thirty feet, in the rear. In 1885, in connection with

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John H. Hubbard, they erected another building on the same street, its dimensions being sixty by fifty feet. He is still inter- ested in the ownership of this structure. In the rear of his first building he erected his first residence and afterward bought the corner lot, the present site of the drug store. Although other drug stores have been established in Great Bend, he still con- tinues to be the "first druggist" in the town, not only in years of active connection with the business, but by reason of his well equipped store and the large patronage which he enjoys. His son Charles has been in the store since 1891, and now is its man- ager.

Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie, daughter of Christian Mosey. She was born near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and has become the mother of seven chil- dren. Rhoda, now the wife of Glen Quinn, by whom she has one child, Allen ; Florence, deceased : Charles, who is a graduate of the high school of Great Bend and is now asso- ciated with his father ; Albert S., deceased ; Elizabeth, wife of Frank Green; Alberta; and William M. The family is one of prom- inence in the community, the members of the household occupying an enviable position in social circles in which they move. Mr. Allen is a member of the Masonic frater- nity, in which he has taken the chapter and commandery degrees. He also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic.

Through thirty years he has been a rep- resentive of the business interests of Great Bend and a history of the city would be in- complete without mention of his career. His business methods have ever been straightforward and commendable and he has depended for success upon his energy, determined purpose and perseverance.

AUGUST H. SCHAEFFER.

August H. Schaeffer is prominently iden- tified with industrial interests in Great Bend as one of the proprietors of the Great Bend Ice Plant. His energy, reliability and keen business discrimination render him an ac-

tive factor in business circles, and his labors have contributed in large measure to the bus- iness advancement of the city with which he has been associated. He is a son of Hen- ry Schaeffer, who was born in Prussia, Ger- many. seventy-one years ago, and there mar- ried Minnie Rittermyer. They came to the United States, locating in Quincy, Illinois, where the father followed the carpenter's trade, and in September, 1871, they took up their abode in Great Bend, locating here soon after the town was laid out. The father erected the first building-the old Southern Hotel-and for some years was engaged in the building business, thus contributing in substantial measure to the improvement and development of the city. About 1885 he purchased a tract of land, constituting the farm upon which he now resides. He had first built a small house and later replaced it by a larger residence, now one of the at- tractive and desirable country homes of the community. Both he and his wife are liv- ing, at the age of seventy-one years and are a highly esteemed and venerated couple. They became the parents of eight children, namely: Augustus H. ; Henry and Carrie, both deceased: Mattie; Emma: Charles ; Mary ; and a daughter who died in infancy.

Mr. Schaeffer, the subject of this sketchi. was united in marriage to Miss Mary, daughter of James Armstrong, of Great Bend, one of the early settlers of this por- tion of the state. They now have five chil- dren,-Albert, Joseph, Edward, May and Freddie. Socially Mr. Schaeffer is con- nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in both the subordinate lodge and encampment, and in the former is past grand. He has represented the lodge in the grand lodge three times, which fact indicates his prominence in the fraternity. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen, in which he has occupied various offices, and has mem- bership relations with the National Aid. He is prominent among the business men of Great Bend, where for twenty-nine years he has been closely identified with its business development and progress. Keen dis- crimination and sound judgment have brought to the concern with which he is con-

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nected a large measure of success. The safe conservative policy he inaugurated com- mends itself to the judgment of all and has secured to the firm a patronage which makes their volume of trade of great importance and magnitude.

THOMAS G. ELBURY.

Thomas G. Elbury, a prominent and suc- cessful civil engineer and surveyor of Hutchinson, Reno county, Kansas, has been a resident of that part of the state since 1886, and has resided in Reno county since 1893. He is a representative of an old Eng- lish family, his paternal grandfather, Will- iam Elbury, as well as his father, Edward, having been born in Bristol, England, where the family for many generations have been engaged in the manufacture of pottery. The records of the family trace back to the six- teenth century when they were residents of South Wales, England, South Wales then being a part of the original British Isles. Family tradition says that the great-great- great-grandparents, referred to in the six- teenth century, lived to the ripe old age of one hundred and six and one hundred and eight years, during which time neither of them slept over night outside of the town in which they were born. The father, Ed- ward Elbury, chose for his wife, Miss Jane Simmons, of Sussex, near London, and was married at Shore-Ditch church, London, in the summer of 1851. Five children were born to this union, four of whom attained to their majority, Thomas G., the subject of this sketch, being the youngest.

traveled with his father very extensively through the British Isles, including Eng- land, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and after considering the possibilities for the advance- ment of a young man in his native country decided there was a better future in a for- eign country. His first intention was to go to Australia or Africa, but finally de- cided to make the venture in America, and in 1883 crossed the ocean, arriving in Cleve- land, Ohio. Hcre he immediatety obtained a position, and having an ambition to be- come a civil engineer laid his plans accord- ingly. He entered a night school and through strong perseverance and unceasing labor, en- during many hardships and deprivations, he completed his course and was qualified to enter upon his chosen profession. In 1884 he came west and secured the position of assistant civil engineer of Barber county, under County Surveyors Charles and George Sexton. He then served in Kingman county under County Surveyors T. S. Benefiel, Jr., and Frank Koresky. When not occupied in his regular line of business he engaged in newspaper work, and soon became local editor and also had charge of the circulation department of the Daily Courier, at King- man. He was connected with this paper until it was suspended, and, having a lik- ing for newspaper work, purchased the Cun- ningham Herald and successfully conducted it in connection with his work of surveying. In 1893 he removed the plant to Pretty Prairie, Reno county, and there established the first paper in that town, "The Pretty Prairie Press." Desiring a larger field, how- ever, he removed to Turon, in the same county, in April, 1895. and has since pub- lished the "Turon Weekly Press." It is a . flourishing paper of eight pages of five col- umns each, and has a large circulation in Reno, Pratt and Kingman counties. He has been very successful in Kansas, both in newspaper work and as a civil engineer, and has established an enviable reputation as a thorough and conscientious business man.

Thomas G. Elbury was born in Bristol, England, February 24, 1862, where in his early boyhood he attended school, and at the same time was taught the art of making pottery. He had little inclination for this business and resolved to fit himself for some higher vocation, and when but fifteen years of age, while earning his own livelihood dur- ing one-half the day, he attended school the In the fall of 1895 Mr. Elbury secured the nomination for county surveyor at the other half and there laid the foundations for his future career. When a boy he had | Republican convention, and although he had

9/Gp. Colbury.

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for an opposing candidate, Fred H. Car- penter, a popular gentleman of exceptional abilities, he was successful by a vote of nearly two to one, and at the regular elec- tion secured a majority of about four hun- dred votes. His duties have been performed with such satisfaction to his constituents that he has been twice re-elected, although a hard fight was made at his third nomination. This opposition but spurred him on to great- er effort, however, and at the convention this time he exceeded his former majority of over two to one, and also the majority re- ceived at the election. Owing to the new law he will hold the office for an extra year with- out another election. He has always been actively interested in the welfare and suc- cess of the Republican party, and has aided it materially, both by his own individual ef- forts and by the support of his paper. Out- side the routine work of the office he has been called upon by the Missouri Pacific and the Santa Fe roads for work of different kinds in the line of his profession, and has also been engaged on the preliminary work for the projected road to Patterson, which will give an inlet to the "Frisco" road, and should this project be carried through, he will have charge of that work also. He has been engaged in the construction of the en- gineer booth in the basement of the new court house, and also for that of the Mon- arch Mills. He has had charge of all the en- gineer work for the Independent Salt Works, and in the construction of the booth he inaugurated some entirely new and prac- tical ideas. Mr. Elbury has been success- ful in accumulating considerable property, his first possessions being farming property in Barber county, which he acquired under the pre-emption law when he first came to Kansas. He is now interested to quite an extent in city real estate and has erected two residences in Hutchinson. He also owns real estate in Kingman and Cunningham, Kansas, and in Alva, Ponca City and Nar- din, Oklahoma Territory. In 1900 he erected his present home, which is situated at No. 926 North Main street, Hutchinson, and the beautiful residence is certainly an

evidence of the success which Mr. Elbury has achieved.

On the 21st of August, 1889, in Nash- ville, Kingman county, Kansas, Thomas G. Elbury was joined in the holy bonds of mat- rimony to Miss Alice A. McKinnis, a daugh- ter of the Rev. John A. McKinnis, who for many years has been a prominent preacher in the Baptist church. He is a native of Tennessee, but came to Kansas early in the history of that state and is numbered among the pioneers of Kingman county. He comes from a family of patriots, his ancestors hav- ing served with Washington in the Revolu- tionary war, and he himself offered his ser- vices to his country in the war of the rebel- lion. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Elbury has been blessed with one son, Edward John. The parents are both consistent members of the Baptist church of Hutchinson, and take and active part in its work. Mr. Elbury being a deacon of the church.

Thomas G. Elbury is one of the leading factors of the city of Hutchinson, being earnest and zealous in the advancement and development of the community in which he resides. He is identified both politically and socially with many of the prominent organi- zations of the county. He was a member of Kingman Lodge, No. 199, I. O. O. F., and is now a member of Reno Lodge, No. 99, of Hutchinson, and Kingman Encampment, No. 96. He has ably filled offices in these lodges as well as in the grand lodge of the state. In Chicaskia Lodge, No. 100, K. of P., he held the office of keeper of records. and seals. He holds membership in Turon Camp, No. 878, M. W. A., and was also a member of the Knights of Labor in King- man prior to its entering politics. He also served on the board of education of King- man. In addition to holding the office of county surveyor of Reno county he is now acting as special city engineer of the city of Hutchinson. Mrs. Elbury holds mem- bership with Mizpah Lodge, Daughters of Rebekalı, and with the Woman's Relief Corps,, No. III. She is a lady of intelli- gence and ability, and is held in high es- teem by her many friends.

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Mr. Elbury is a man who well merits the success he has achieved, socially, politically and financially. His early education was acquired with difficulty, for he recieved as- sistance from no one, but with unfaltering courage and persistent effort he reached the height which he had resolved to attain, and there found his reward. He enjoys the con- fidence and friendship of the citizens of Reno county, and is widely known as a man of honor and integrity.

SIMEON J. SHAW, M. D.

In the subject of this review we have one who attained distinction in the line of his profession, who was an earnest and dis- criminating student and who held a position of due relative precedence among the med- ical practitioners of central Kansas, and ul- timately enjoyed the distinction of being the oldest practicing physician in Barton county, making his home in Great Bend, where he was not only esteemed as a prominent rep- resentative of his profession but as a suc- cessful and honored citizen.

The Doctor was born in Cardington, Ohio, June 19, 1853, and is a son of Jesse Shaw, a farmer, who was among the early settlers of that section of Ohio known to- day as Shawtown, or Shaw Creek. In that locality the Doctor attended school. and at the age of sixteen began teaching. He had fifty-six scholars, thirty-four of whom bore the name of Shaw. However, he abandoned the educational profession in order to take up the study of medicine, which he pursued under the direction of his brother. Dr. Fran- cis C. Shaw, of Ashley, Ohio, now deceased. Subsequently he was graduated in the Star- ling Medical College, of Columbus, with the class of 1879. and began practice in Ohio, but his health failed him. He had a hemor- rhage and his lungs were badly affected. Going to Philadelphia, he was there advised by the best medical skill of the city to seek a change of climate, for his physician believed that he could not live long in Ohio. He then went west, visiting Colorado, Mexico and

other states, including Kansas. The last named seemed to him an agreeable place for a residence and he took up his abode at Great Bend, then a promising new city, with a high elevation. It seemed to have every advantage for a health resort, and so it has proved. The Doctor decided to locate here and found that he rapidly gained in health and strength. At the time he took up his abode in Great Bend, in 1882, there were only two physicians here, Dr. Bayne and Dr. McCormick, neither of whom had practiced for many years. His professional duties were such as are usually experienced in pio- neer settlements where there were no roads. He rode across the prairie in every direction and has witnessed the transformation from the broad open plains to a finely settled coun- try with well improved farms. His success in his chosen profession was continuous, and in addition to his large private practice he served as a physician and surgeon for the Santa Fe Railroad Company for sixteen years. His office, including beautiful par- lors and well equipped consultation and op- erating rooms, was located on Main street. in the Allen block. In 1895 be purchased the O. B. Wilson drug store, which he con- ducted until 1891, when he exchanged that property for three quarter sections of land which had been settled by Lewis Simpson. On that property he made many improve- ments, erecting substantial buildings. He also purchased the John Harris farm, com- prising three hundred and twenty acres of land, and a tract of eighty acres formerly owned by Mr. Elson. Although he gave to his farming interests his personal supervis- ion, he did not allow his agricultural duties to interfere with his large practice, which extended all over Barton and adjoining counties.

The Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Orlinda Lewis, of Delaware county, Ohio, and their only child, Vida M., is now the wife of Dr. E. E. Morrison, who was her father's partner. Dr. Shaw was a member of the Masonic fraternity, taking all of the degrees of the order, and was also a member of the Mystic Shrine, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pyth-

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ias fraternity, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica and the Independent Order of Red Men, and was the examining physician for most of these. He likewise belonged to the State Medical Society. He filled the office of cor- oner almost continuously after locating in Great Bend and was prominent as a mem- ber of the Republican party, on whose ticket he was nominated for the office of state representative in 1900. He ran far ahead of the ticket, losing the election by only forty-eight votes. He was regarded as a valued resident of the community and one whose labors have been of material benefit not only along the line of his profession but in other walks of life. His manner was genial, courteous and kindly and made him very popular. He passed from the checkered scenes of earth December 10, 1901, lamented by numerous friends.

ALBERT R. LASH, M. D.

Among those who are devoting their lives to medical practice in Barton county is Dr. Albert R. Lash, who has resided here since 1885, coming to Kansas from Troy, Ohio. He was born in Stark county, that state, in the year 1845, a son of David A. Lash and a grandson of Dr. A. Lash. Per- haps an inherited predilection for the medi- cal profession led our subject to begin study along that line. At any rate he became a student in the office of Dr. Thomas Clam- mack, at Milford, Indiana, and he began practice at Georgetown, Virginia, where he continued until 1871. He then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons. at Keo- kuk, Iowa, where he was graduated but sub- sequent to that time he practiced in Henry county, Iowa, in 1872. His next place of abode was in Troy, Ohio, where he remained for three years, and from that place he came to Ellinwood. In the early days he would frequently drive across the country for twenty miles in order to visit patients. He had to ford creeks and find his own way across the prairie, for there were no roads.

He never refused to respond to a call for aid, however, and thus became the loved family physician in many a househould. He is well versed in his profession and has to-day a large and constantly growing patronage.

Dr. Lash was united in marriage in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, to Miss Alice M. Scott, a daughter of William Scott, of that city. She is a lady of culture and refine- ment and a graduate of the old Howe Acad- emy. They now have two children .- Edna, who married H. C. Fortney and has one child, Dewey; and Florence, who is at home. The family is one of prominence in the com- munity, enjoying the high regard of many friends. The Doctor was elected county cor- oner in 1892. up to which time there had never been a record kept concerning deaths in the county. He, however, arranged a set of books for records, and since that time the history of the same has been written. He has also been examiner for lodges and in- surance companies. Wherever he is known he has enjoyed the confidence and respect of his fellow men and is a worthy representa- tive of one of the most important callings to which a man's energies may be directed.

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. I, Part 97

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