A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 112

Author: Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: New York Chicago: The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1084

USA > Kansas > A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II > Part 112

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Ben Markley, whose name introduces this review, was reared in his native land, but his opportunities for receiving an edu- cation were extremely limited, as he was obliged to assist in the support of the fam- ily from early life. In 1857,, when nineteen years of age, he came to the United States, and after the removal of the family to Illi- nois he was engaged as a farm hand near Waukegan. During the Civil war he loyally espoused the cause of the north, and made two attempts to become a defender of the stars and stripes, but his physical con- dition would not admit him. He was after- ward drafted for service, but again he was rejected. Mr. Markley was married on the 29th of December, 1864, after which he be- gan farming on rented land, but in 1866 he left the Prairie state and came to Kansas, locating a homestead near Solomon river, northwest of Minneapolis, in Ottawa coun- ty, where he immediately began the im- provement of his farm. In 1868 a band of nine hostile Indians made a raid upon his home and he sought safety in flight. seek- ing cover under a creek bank, where the In- dians dared not follow. They, however, shot arrows at his work cattle and stole his two horses, but the latter he afterward re- covered. They continued their raid through

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the neighborhood, killing two men on that same day.

When Mr. Markley came to the county everything was new and wild, game of all kinds being plentiful and wild beasts roamed at will over the prairies. In 1874 our sub- ject sold his original purchase and removed to the farm which he yet owns, purchasing eighty acres of land bordering the Solo- mon river, where he and his brother Israel erected a gristmill which they conducted in connection with their farming interests. At that time there were only a few mills in this part of the country, his patrons thus coming to him for miles around and he be- came widely and favorably known through- out the locality. After a number of years this mill was destroyed by fire but it was Soren rebuilt on a much more extensive scale and there business was carried on for many years. Since disposing of his inter- est in the mill Mr. Markley has devoted his attention exclusively to his farming and stock-raising interests and in this line of business he has met with a gratifying de- gree of success. As the years have passed he has added to his landed possessions un- til he now owns a fine farm of eight hun- dred acres, his land being the finest in Ot- tawa county. He has also aided his chil- dren in gaining a start in life and his sons are now prominent farmers and stock-rais- ers of this locality.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Markley chose Miss Ellen Attridge, a lady of intelligence and culture. She was born in the Empire state on the 12th of November, 1835. a daughter of John Attridge, a native of England. After coming to this country he located in the state of New York but subsequently re- moved to Illinois, where he became a pren !- inent and well known agriculturist. He there spent the remainder of his life, but his widow still survives, and now makes her home in Chicago. They were members of the Church of England. Their children were seven in number: Ellen, the wife of our subiect : Thomas, who died during his service in the Civil war: Charles, a prom- inent merchant of Minneapolis, Kansas :

John: Elizabeth; William: James; and Samuel. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Markley has been blessed with three chil- dren, namely: Gertrude, the wife of Will- iam Stickley: and William and Isaac, who are extensively engaged in agricultural pur- suits. Mrs. Markley is a zealous and ac- tive member of the Presbyterian church, exemplifying its beneficent principles in her every-day life. In local political matters Mr. Markley is independent, voting for the men whom he thinks best qualified for of- fice, but on questions of national importance he gives his support to the Republican par- ty. He has many pleasant reminiscences of his pioneer life and has both an instruc- tive and entertaining way of relating them.

SAMUEL D. RENO.

For many years an active factor in the agricultural activities of Kingman county, Samuel D. Reno, through his diligence, perseverance and business ability, has ac- quired a handsome competence and has also contributed to the general prosperity through his connection therewith. Relia- bility in all trade transactions, loyalty to all duties of citizenship, fidelity in the dis- charge of every trust reposed in him .- these are his chief characteristics, and through the passing years they have re- tained to him the unqualified confidence and respect of his fellow townsmen.

Mr. Rene traces his ancestry back through many generations to two brothers who came from France to the United States prior to the Revolutionary war. Pressley Reno, the father of our subject, was a native . i the state of Indiana as was also his fa- ther. George Reno. The former married Lucinda Clark, who was born in Switzer- land county, Indiana. a daughter of John Clark. a native of the Empire state and of English descent. In 1858 Mr. Reno re- motol with his family to Franklin county, Kansas, where they were among the very early pi neers, and there the wife and moth- er passed away at the age of forty-one

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years. The father afterward removed to Eugene City, Oregon, where his life's la- bors were ended in death at the age of seventy-five years. He was a life-long farmer, was a Republican in his political views, and both he and his wife were mem- bers of the Christian church. Eight chil- dren were born unto this worthy couple, namely: Mary J. Hart, of Iola, Kansas ; W. G., who served as a member of the Nineteenth Kansas Cavalry during the Civ- il war and is now a resident of Franklin county, Kansas; John C. who also took part in that struggle but is now deceased; Eliza A. Cook, of Oklahoma; James, who died in Greenwood county, Kansas: Samuel D., the subject of this review; Elizabeth Ben- nett. of Allen county, Kansas ; and one who died at the age of thirteen years.

Samuel D. Reno, of this review, was born in Switzerland county Indiana, in 1850 and was but a lad of eight years when he was brought by his parents to the Sun- flower state. He remained at home until his twenty-first year, when, in 1875, he was united in marriage to Alice J. Randall, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Will- iam and Jane ( Hendricks) Randall, both of whom passed away in Kansas. The fa- ther was a loyal soldier during the war of the Rebellion, and at all times was a public- spirited and valued citizen. Six children have graced the union of our subject and wife, as follows: Lorilla LaPlant, of Har- per county, Kansas; Nellie, who follows the teacher's profession in Kingman county, Kansas ; Roy E .; Alvin; Charles ; and Hat- tie. On the Ist of April. 1898, the family was called upon to mourn the loss of the loved wife and mother, who passed away at the age of forty-three years. She was a member of the Christian church, and at her death the highest tributes of love and respect were paid her, for to all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance she was at once friend, teacher, counselor and com- panion.

Mr. Reno is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists and business men of Kingman county, and he now owns a fer- tile and well cultivated farm of three hun-

dred and ten acres, on which he has erected commodious and substantial buildings, and a beautiful grove and an orchard of twelve acres, further add to the beauty and attrac- tive appearance of the place. In his social relations he is a member of the Woodmen, and religiously is identified with the Chris- tian church. He has always had an abiding interest in all matters that subserve the progress and well being of his fellow men, and he has been recognized as a power for good in the community where his influence has been directed.

HENRY N. MESSENGER.

Among the early pioneers of Richland township, Kingman county, Kansas, none has conquered climate, circumstances and physical surroundings to better effect than has Henry N. Messenger, who is one of the leading citizens of this prosperous section. Like many another prominent citizen, his entrance into the Sunflower state was made in a canvas-covered wagon, and again, like many another, he was called upon to face the hardships caused by the visitation of the grasshoppers, the hot winds and drouths and the destructive hail storms which so thoroughly discouraged many settlers at the outset but which have mostly passed away under modern methods of agriculture and irrigation and a scientific understanding of the soil. But Mr. Messenger is not the type of man to be easily discouraged, and he was sufficiently far-sighted to discern that this locality might indeed be made a veritable garden spot,-and conditions to- day indicate that his judgment was correct.

Henry N. Messenger is a native of the old Peninsular state of Michigan, having been born in Cass county and being a scion of sturdy pioneer stock. His father. River- ius Messenger, was a son of Reuben Mes- senger, who was numbered among the early settlers of Michigan, whither he removed from Connecticut, having been the son of one of the valiant soldiers in the Continental line during the war of the Revolution,

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while this same ancestor of our subject was also an active participant in the war of 1812. Reuben Messenger and his nonie wife, Hannah, both passed the closing years of their lives in Marion county, Ohio, where the former died at the age of seventy-five years, while his widow lived to attain the great age of ninety-seven, both having been Worthy and consistent members of the Bay- tist church. Riverius Messenger, who was the oldest of the children of this worthy couple, was a young man of ambitious na- ture and determined purpose, and after his marriage to Miss Hannah Filley, of Marion county, Ohio, he removed to the wilds of Cass county, Michigan, which state was then considered a portion of the "far west," and there he took up a tract of land, which he reclaimed and developed into an excellent farm, becoming one of the successful agri- culturists and honored citizens of his county and there retaining his residence for many years. There all his children were born. and the old homestead continued the abiding place of the family until the young- est child was about fourteen years of age. The father lived for a time in Illinois and still later became a resident of Ohio, while his declining years were passed in the home of his son Henry, the immediate subject of this review. He also was one of the hardy argonauts who made the long and perilous journey across the plains to Cali- fornia in the memorable days of 1849. shortly after the discovery of gold in this new Eldorado. The mother of our subject died at the age of thirty-seven years and her husband lived to attain the age of sixty- seven, his death occurring in Cass county. Missouri. They became the parents of eight children, namely: Walter and Abi- gail, who are now deceased; Rufus, who entered a Michigan regiment at the out- break of the war of the Rebellion and later became a member of an Illinois regiment. with which he served until the close of the war. receiving his honorable discharge in Little Rock, Arkansas, was thereafter en- gaged in the sawmilling business in Michi- gan until his death: William was the next in order of birth and all trace of him has 91

been lost by the subject of this sketch ; Logia is deceased : Henry N. is the subject of this review: Reuben is a resident of the state of Ohio; and Jabin makes his home in Wellston, Oklahoma.

Henry N. Messenger, whose name in- un cocos this article, was but ten years of age when his father left the old homestead and started across the plains to California, and the lad was thus thrown upon his own resources. His early educational advan- tages were of the most limited nature, but | travel, much reading and long and practical experience in connection with business life have amply enabled him to supplement the meagre discipline of his la hood. Until he was nineteen years of age he continued to assist, as far as lay in his power, in the sup- port of the family, and when he was twenty Years old he was united in marriage to Miss Malinda Sargent, who was born in Michi- gan, where both of her parents died, her fa- ther having been Seth Sargent. Mrs. Mes- senger died in Ohio, in the year 1807, leav- ing three children, namely : William, who is now a prominent and successful farmer of Richland township: Mrs. Hannah Haley. who died at her father's home. whither she had come from Oklahoma : and Berlin, who is a resident of Belmont township. One child, Walter, died at the age of five years. In 18co) Mr. Messenger consummated a sec- end marriage, being then united to Frances Palmer, a woman of noble and kindly na- ture, and she has been a true companion and helpmeet to her husband, brightening the home with her cheery presence and ably administering the domestic economies. She was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, and Was reared and educated in Marion county, that state, being a daughter of Reuben and Frances ( Bickford ) Palmer, the former of when was born in the state of New York and the latter in the city of Augusta, Maine. Mrs. Palmer was a daughter of John and Amy ( Stevens) Bickford, both of whom died in Ohio. the former having been a na- tive of Maine and an active participant both in the war of the Revolution and that of 1812. Reuben and Frances Palmer became the parents of seven children. concerning

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whom we enter the following epitomized record: Dexter and Amanda are deceased : John, who was a member of the Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry during the Civil war, was one of the first to volunteer from that state and he died while in the service of his coun- try; Jonathan, who was likewise a soldier in the same regiment, now resides in Putnam county, Ohio: Alfred, who also showed his patriotic spirit by enlisting as a member of the same regiment to which his brothers be- longe l. is still living ; Frances is the wife of the subject of this sketch; and Reuben is a resident of the state of Arkansas. The hon- ored father died in Marion county, Ohio, at the age of forty-five years, and his widow long survived him, passing away, in Cass county, Missouri, at the age of sixty-two, both having held the faith of the Baptist church, of which they were devout mem- bers.

In 1863 Henry N. Messenger went forth in defense of the Union, his loyalty and patriotism being roused to responsive pro- test when the integrity of the nation was thus placed in jeopardy by the armed rebel- lion of the southern states. He enlisted as a member of the One Hundred and Seventy- fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until victory crowned the Union arms. He was thus in active service about eleven months, and within this interval par- ticipated in the battle of Murfreesboro and several minor engagements, and after the close of the war he received his honorable discharge and then returned to Ohio, hav- ing been fortunate in escaping injury during his term of service as a loyal son of the re- public.

Mr. Messenger continued to follow agri- cultural pursuits in the old Buckeye state until the year 1869, when he removed with his family to Cass county, Missouri, and came thence to Kansas, making the journey overland with a mule team and wagon and camping out by the way. The family came to Kingman county at this time, and their first home was a dug-out of the type so familiar to the pioneers of this now pros- perous and populous section. Later Mr. Messenger constructed a sod house, the

same being sixteen by twenty-four feet in dimensions, and this continued to be the family home for a number of years. They were numbered among the early settlers, as may be understood when we revert to the fact that at the time when Mr. Messenger first established his home here there were no houses between his place and what is now the city of Harper and but two between his home and Kingman, all the land being wild and totally uncultivated. He was compelled to go to Wichita to secure feed for his horse, and he secured enough money to buy the lumber with which to provide a roof for his house by picking up buffalo bones and selling them, a unique enterprise to which many of the pioneer settlers had recourse in the early days.

In October. 1877, Mr. Messenger took up his residence on his present finely im- proved homestead, where he now enjoys the comforts and advantages of one of the best and most attractive rural estates in this favored section. His homestead comprises one hundred and sixty acres, and in addition to this he controls about one thousand acres lying contiguous thereto. Through the premises run two creeks, giving him facili- ties of exceptional and very valuable nature. He has a fine residence, in striking contrast to the primitive sod house of the early days, while the other improvements on the place are of the best. including commodious barns, windmill and abundant sheds for the accom- modation of stock and produce, while he avails himself of the most improved ac- cessories for modern and scientific farming, having wagons, carriages, agricultural ma- chinery and implements and all other acces- sories of the most approved sort. He has engaged extensively in the raising of grain and devotes special attention to the raising of a high grade of cattle and other stock. His rewards for years of toil are very evi- dent. and the ease and comfort which he and his devoted wife now enjoy have been well earned. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Messenger, and eight of the number still survive, namely: Mrs. Abigail Ford, of Belmont township: Jesse, of Rich- land township; Wyman and Elmer, who

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remain at the parental home; Luretta May, who is a student in McPherson College: and Clara Pearl, Mabel Leonie and Roscoe R .. who are at home. The two deceased children are Lydia, who died at the age of two years, and Anna, who passed away at the age of fourteen.

Mr. Messenger is a strong advocate of the principles of the Republican party and has long been influential in its local ranks. Mrs. Messenger is a worthy member of the Christian church and both are held in the highest esteem in the community where they have so long maintained their home. Their interesting reminiscences concerning the early days in this county would fill a volume. andl a recital but increases the respect which the Inter generation must feel for those who have gone ahead and blazed the way for the onward march of civilization and material prosperity.

HARRISON B. KOON.

This thrifty and progressive farmer re- siding en section 3. Evans township. King- 11201 county, was born in Marion comme. West Virginia, in 1847. a son of William E. Koon, who was born in the same com- monwealth in 1806. The latter was a . : of Anthony Koon, who proved his lovait to his country by serving as a leave an .. gallant soldier in the war of 1812, her moth- er of our subject bore the maiden name of Nelly Davis, and she, too, was a native of the state of West Virginia, where her an- cesters were prominent and well known settlers. Unto this worthy couple were born eleven children, four of whom are now liv- ing. namely : Elizabet :: Mars vas a U'nb soldier during the me alde struggle between the sett and is still a resident of Marion C . West Virginia: and Harrin M. the sith ject of this review. this family passed away at the eighty-five years, and the father

until eighty-eight years of age. flying 1894. He was a farmer by oct Was a stanch advocate of the Democracy.

mol lath he and his wife were prominent and worthy members of the Methodist Epic pal church.

Harrison B. Koon, whose name it- (luces this review, spent his youth and early method under the parental roof, and the any olucational privileges which he re- edred have been supplemented in later life in constant reading, caseraation and expe- viene, and he has thus hes ite a formed man. In 1865. when sevel Vers of age the first came to ille Sunflower state. where he was employed by 1. ernment in freighting between For Page and Henry. In that early day ioffice roamed over the prairies in large numbers, and Indians were also numerous. this For tiền at that time giving linke promise of the wonderful transformation which is hatte to take place,-when it - wild hands were to be changed into beautiful farms, towns and Villages were to spring ist existence and all the conveniences and industries of the bler cast to be introduced. After remain- ing in this suite for three years Bir. Koon reinted to Colorado, where he spent the til wing three years, and during a patin of that time was engaged in the cherceni In-iness, in which he was quite successful. While residing in that state health part in the Blackhawk war. In 1874 he re- turnel to the state of his nativity, was there married. and in 1879 removed to Mi ..... a leatien being made in Grundy o unt) . There he made his home for the i" ...... for years, when he again came to Imus. and secured his present farm of two hun- drol and forty acres. Jelle crestela si - stantial sadd campoli. recent up I- piece, and do- plassel a hiermit grane of three acres. In many other way. i

of the finest an

Virginia. Miss Sarah C. Henk- red and

of Daniel and Mary ( Wilcox) H The mother Heller Mrs. A

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five years of age, leaving five children, and the father was afterward again married, and by the second union had one son, John Henkins, who died in this township, leaving a widow. Mrs. Henkins passed away in Virginia. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Koon have been born ten children, seven sons and three daughters, namely : William; Harvey, who served as a soldier in the Spanish-American war in the Philippines, enlisting, when twenty-one years of age, in Major W. L. Brown's regiment ; Elias B. ; Charles ; Mrs. Cora B. Magnuson, of Reno county, Kan- sas ; Pearl : Nellie : Jerry : Walter : and Fred. Mr. Koon is an ardent supporter of the Democracy, and in political, business and social circles he ranks among the leading men of Kingman county.

WILLIAM C. GALPIN.

William C. Galpin, of Blaine township, Ottawa county, Kansas, whose postoffice ad- dress is Minneapolis and who has been a well known resident of central Kansas for twenty-two years, has an enviable record as a soldier in the war of the Rebellion. Mr. Galpin was born in Steuben county, New York, in 1846, while the Mexican war was in progress, a son of Orrin and Mary (Vought) Galpin. Orrin Galpin came of an old Connecticut family and was of Scotch- English origin. Mary Vought came of an old Pennsylvania family, having been born and reared in Bradford county, that state. Orrin Galpin, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, died at the age of sixty-six. His chil- dren were named as follows: John, Nellie. Samantha, David, Daniel, Orrin, Anthony, Mary, Hiram. William C., Eugene, Ed- ward and Arthur. Daniel. Hiram, William C. and Arthur served their country as sol- diers in the Civil war. The mother of these children, who is remarkable for her strength of character and for her goodness of heart, reared them to be sober, honest, moral and industrious. She possesses many personal characteristics which have endeared her to all who know her, and during all the years

of her life she has commended herself to the regard of those among whom she has lived, and has been known as a charitable and generous neighbor. She is now living, at an advanced age, in Illinois.

The subject of this sketch accompanied his parents from his native county in New York to Illinois. His education was ac- quired in the public schools and he was early instructed in practical farming. In response to President Lincoln's call for troops he en- listed in Captain Burrell's company of the Fifteenth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was commanded by Col- onel George C. Ryers and with which he served eighteen months. Later he was a member of Captain Stevenson's company of the One Hundred and Forty-second Regi- ment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was commanded by Colonel R. V. Ankenny. He was present in numerous battles and minor engagements and at the close of the war took part in the grand review in Wash- ington. As a musician he performed an im- portant part in inspiring the soldiers on the field of battle and on their weary marches. Returning to Illinois after the war was over, he was for six years engaged in farm- ing.

In 1878 Mr. Galpin married Isadora Wilson, a woman of good family and of much culture and intelligence, and she has been to him a worthy wife and helpmeet. Mrs. Galpin was born in Stevenson county, Illinois, September II, 1847, a daughter of Thomas and Abbie ( Parkhurst) Wilson. Her father was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, a son of Adam Wilson, and her mother was born at Ithaca, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson had seven children, as follows : Mary, Jane, Isadora, Lucy, Vic- toria, Lydia and Adam, the last mentioned of whom died young. Mr. Wilson, who was a successful farmer and an influential member of the Republican party, died at the age of sixty-five years. Mrs. Wilson died at the age of forty-six years, having gained a warm place in the hearts of all who had known her, by reason of her womanly sym- pathy and genial disposition.

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 112

Author: Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago Publication date: 1902 Publisher: New York Chicago: The Lewis publishing company Number of Pages: 1084

Author: Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: New York Chicago: The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1084