A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 127

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 127

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In August, 1891, Dr. McKee purchased the Montezuma Hotel, of Anthony, which is a fine, modern, three-story brick build- ing. conveniently located midway between the railroad and the business portion of the city. This building was erected at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars, as a first- class, modern hotel, and the Doctor has since refitted and refurnished it throughout and personally conducts it as an up-to-date history. Every detail of the house is under the personal supervision of the Doctor and his accomplished wife, and in this charming hotel the traveling public can now find what has long been needed in Anthony, -a first- class house in all respects. Dr. Mckee pas- sesses in a marked degree that refined court- esv. together with a cordial, affable person- ality, which makes the popular landord and consequently a popular hotel. Since assum- ing the additional cares of the Montezuma Hotel the Doctor has associated with him in his profession Dr. D. C. Scott, of Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania, a skilled and able den- tist. and their practice is now conducted un- der the name of McKee & Scott.

In Sabetha, Kansas, on the 19th of No- vember, 1881, the marriage of Dr. McKee and Miss Emma Hoops was celebrated. She is a native of Wisconsin, while her parents claimed Indiana as the state of their nativity. Two children have blessed this union .- Daniel F., a student, and Wilma H., a tal- enteil and accomplished young lady of st- perior musical ability and a student in one of the Wichita schools. In his social rela- tjoy- Dr. McKee is a thirty-second-degree Mase, whoging to Wichita Consistery. No. 2. Anthony Commandery, and to Har- per Chapter. No. 2. and formerly he held membership relations with the Independent Order of Oild Fellows and the Knigins of Put - fraternity. He gives his political support to the Democracy, but has never been an aspirant for political honors, - ii- time has been fully occupied with his busi- ugh not a member of

lenomination he is a c :: liberal supporter of the Con- nal church, of which his wife is m

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worthy member. As a citizen Dr. McKee commands the respect of all who know him and as a dental practitioner and hotel pro- prietor he enjoys the high honor of being conceded the acknowledged peer of any in Harper county.

G. C. BRAND.

A prominent and representative citizen of Kingman county, Kansas, one who for seventeen years has been a resident of this immediate locality, is G. C. Brand, who owns a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres on section 16, in Richland township, in close proximity to the town of Basil.

The birth of Mr. Brand was in Monon- gahela county, West Virginia, in 1848, and he is a son of William A. and Elizabeth (Davis) Brand, and a grandson of George and Martha (Hart) Brand, all of these names being familiar and respected ones in both Virginia and Pennsylvania. A family. of eleven children was born to William A. Brand and wife and nine of these still sur- vive, these being: Christie Ann, Marshall, George C., Joseph L., Martha, Mary Al- meda, Fanny, William A., Jr., and Thorn- ton. The father of this family died at the age of forty-seven, at his home in West Vir- ginia, where he had followed the trade of a blacksmith. In politics he was a Republican and through the Civil war had always up- held the Union. He was a man whose opin- ions bore weight on account of his upright character. He was a consistent member of the Methodist church. His widow still sur- vives at the age of eighty years, living in the retirement of her old home, beloved and cared for by affectionate relatives. She has been a worthy member of the Methodist church for many years.

George C. Brand grew up under his par- ents' care and was taught his father's trade and also assisted in managing the farm con- nected with the old home. He received an excellent education and when he started out in life for himself, which he did at the age of twenty-one, was equipped far better than

many youths. An adventurous spirit brought him to the state of Kansas, and for five years he made his home in Chautauqua county and engaged in the cattle business on the trail between Kansas and Texas. Those were exciting and dangerous days, as the Indians were usually on the war path, and Mr. Brand experienced many phases of the life of a cowboy. The trail was known as the Great Cattle Divide and it was the scene of many encounters between stockmen and savages. Mr. Brand then moved into Logan county, where he lived for two years and then came to Kingman county, where he has been engaged in farming and cattle raising for the past seventeen years. His farm of three hundred and twenty acres shows over its whole extent the results of the intelligent methods with which it is man- aged, by which it has been made one of the most productive and valuable in Richland township. Mr. Brand has appreciated the value of substantial and permanent improve- ments, has erected a fine residence and fur- nished it in modern style for the comfort of his family, while his additional buildings are in accord with it and the great volume of his business. Mr. Brand has set out a large sec- tion in fruit trees and has realized hand- somely from this enterprise.

In 1885 Mr. Brand was married to Nora A. Compton, a young lady who was care- fully reared in Virginia, the family home, being a daughter of Henry and R. (Lowe) Compton, the former of whom died at the age of sixty-seven, and the latter at the age of forty-five, both having passed their lives in Virginia. They were most worthy and valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They reared a family of five chil- dren, the three survivors being Nora, Mollie and Henry, and those who are deceased were Tillie and Kate. Two children have come to comfort our subject and wife. Miss Bes- sie, who is now a fair young maiden of six- teen, and Claude, a bright and intelligent youth of fourteen. Mrs. Brand is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, where the family attend worship and to the sup- port of which Mr. Brand is liberal.

The Populist party is the one in which

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Mr. Brand sees the solution of many public difficulties and he gives it his hearty sup- port. His interest in educational matters has caused his serving on the school board, while fraternally he is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security. In almost every avenue of business and especially in all progressive lines in this township. Mr. Brand has shown an intelligent interest and .is one of the popular favorites of his locality. Socially he is frank and genial, and is ready to meet every hand which is extended in friendship. His kindness to those less for- tunate than himself has extended to many subjects, and he has many friends who en- tertain for him a very warm personal feeling.

G. M. HAMILTON.

The prominent and influential citizen whose name introduces this review is a suc cessful agriculturist of Ottawa county, Kan- sas, owning a well improved farm on section 8. Logan township. The facts relating to his career and ancestry are as follows. H was born in Randolph county, Missouri. No- vember 20. 1860. a son of William and Julia ( Dailey) Hamilton, both of whom are now deceased, passing away in Randolph coun- ty. They were the parents of five children. namely: Mary Olive. Janey, Gomalia Mor- ris. William and B. J. The father was a life-long farmer. and was a Democrat in his political views. The mother was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

G. M. Hamilton was left an orphan at the early age of four years, and was reared by a paternal uncle. Hezekiah Hamilton, his educational advantages being those afforded by the common schools of his locality. He was early taught the value of industry, and much of his time during his youth was de- voted to farm labor. He remained in Mis- souri until his arrival in Ottawa county. Kansas, which occurred in the fall of ISS2. his first purchase of land being an eighty- acre tract west of Delphos. In 1885. 5-0 ever, he sold that farm and purchased the property on which he now resides, it being 97

then owned by C. W. Leever, one of f . cat settlers of the township. After - ing his land the latter removed to Virgemm. but in myot returned to Kansas and is agame a resident of Ottawa county. Mr. Hamil son's landed possessions consist of one hun- dred and sixty acres of fertile and well im- jewel lind, on which may be seen all the necessary improvements and accessories to be found on a well regulated farm. incuding a commodious farm residence, which was erected at a cost of one thousand dollars, large barns, feed lots and wind-mills. In his pastures are also to be seen a fine grade of cattle. He has one of the model farms of the township, and he is making a success in His operations.

In Ottawa county, Kansas, occurred the marriage of Mr. Hamilton and Miss Ruby Coffield. The lady is a native of Indiana, buit was reared and educated in the Sun- Hver state, and is a daughter of John and Inliette . Burns Coffield. Mrs. Hamilton is male of tive children, as follows: Cora Bennett. Nettie Cosey, Ruby Hamilton. Charles and Catherine. Unto our subject and wife have been born six children : Lloyd, Carrie B .. Raymond G., Millie. Paul Le- Verne and Edith. Mr. Hamilton gives his political support to the Democracy, and takes an active interest in its welfare. He has served as township constable, has been a member of the school Brand and Mas he'll many other offices of trust and responsibil- ity. in all of which he has served to the eu- tire satisfaction of all concernell. Frater. nally he is a member of the Independent Or. the Modern Brotherhood of America. Mrs. Hamilton and her children are tessets of the Presbyterian church.

GEORGE BROWN.

so is routing his at- tenti · to agricultural pursuits in !. . township. Reno county, was born in Lee county, Iowa, in 1851. His pater son- " nili ther was a wealthy and influential

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citizen of Maryland, and at his death left to his son Richard, the grandfather of our subject, forty-seven slaves. The latter, who was born near Baltimore, Maryland, took these slaves to Pennsylvania and set them free, but after regaining their freedom many were unable to provide for themselves and depended upon Mr. Brown for their liveli- hood. He was thus obliged to leave that state, removing to Lee county, Iowa, where he spent his remaining days. He was among the very early pioneers of that locality, and at that time Indians were still numerous there. His son Charles, the father of our subject, was born in Fayette county, Penn- sylvania, and was married to Sarah Parks, a native of New Jersey, and a member of a prominent and distinguished family of that commonwealth. Her father, Fred Parks, was also one of the early pioneers of Lee coun- ty, Iowa, where he purchased a tract of land of a half-breed Indian, and in that state he, too, spent the remainder of his life. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born ten children, seven sons and three daughters, namely : George, who died in infancy, Charles, Fred, LeRoy, Richard, Nevada, Mary, Addie, Minnie, and a babe, the sixth in order of birth, deceased. The mother of these chil- dren died in Lee county, Iowa, at the age of forty-nine years, and is still survived by her husband, who is one of the well known and highly esteemed residents of that lo- cality. In 1850 he went to California with ox teams, and now spends his winters in the Golden state.

George Brown, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on an Iowa farm. and his youth and early manhood was spent in a little log cabin in Lee county. In 1874 he left the state of his nativity and came to Kansas, and on section 33, Roscoe township, Reno county, he now owns two hundred and forty acres of the finest land to be found in the Sunflower state. He has placed his fields under a high state of cultivation, has planted a beautiful grove and orchard, and has further added to the value and attract- ive appearance of his place by the erection of good and substantial farm buildings.

At the age of twenty-four years Mr.

Brown was united in marriage to Wealthy Reeves, who was born in Fremont, Ohio, but was reared and educated in Iowa, to which state her father had removed in 1848. She is a daughter of Philip and Hannah Reeves, both now deceased, the father hav- ing passed away at Mount Rosa, Iowa, in 1901, at the age of eighty-one years. They were the parents of the following children : Charles, deceased; Frank, Wallace, Ed, Sarah, Wealthy, Anna, and three sons, John, William and James, who were soldiers in the Civil war. Mr. Reeves gave his political support to the Republican party, and relig- iously was a worthy member and an active worker in the Christian church. Our sub- ject and wife became the parents of six chil- (Iren,-Gus, Ed, Anna, Charles, Bessie and Leo. The three eldest children died soon after the removal of the family to this state. Mr. Brown is identified with the Democratic party on questions of national importance, but at local elections votes independently of party. He has served as trustee and over- seer of his township and also as school treas- urer. At all times a public-spirited and pro- gressive citizen, he has ever borne his part in the work in improvement and development in his adopted city, and is now regarded as one of its truest and best citizens.

SAMUEL HIRST.

For thirty years the name of Hirst has been associated with the profession of pho- tography in Hutchinson, and the artistic studio of Samuel Hirst, of this review, is now located at No. 32 Nortle Main street. He was born in Darlington, Lafayette coun- ty, Wisconsin, October 18. 1864, his parents being George and Elizabeth ( Betborough) Hirst, both of whom were natives of Eng- land, in which land they were reared and married. Immediately after the Civil war they emigrated to the United States, arriv- ing in 1865. They first located in Chicago and thence removed to Janesville, Wisconsin, after which they took up their abode at Dar- lington. There the father engaged in the

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manufacture of furniture, although he was an architect and artist by profession. In 18;2 he came to Reno county, Kansas, and secured a homestead and timber claim, each of eighty acres, comprising the southwest quarter of section 6, Lincoln township. The same season he opened a photographic and art studio in Hutchinson. In March, 1873. his family arrived in Reno county from Wis- consin and took up their abode upon the farm, while the father divided his time be- tween the cultivation of his land and his studio. He continued the dual business until 1883. when his son Samuel succeeded him in the latter and the father retired to the farm, where his death occurred July 25, 1897. In his political views he was a Dem- ocrat after becoming a naturalized citizen of America, and in Lincoln township in the later years of his life he served as a justice of the peace. His wife still survives him and is yet living in Hutchinson. In their family were seven children: Hannah, the wife of John Eden, of Hutchinson : George, a resident farmer of Lincoln township; Sam- 11el ; Frederick, who follows agricultural pur- suits in Center township. Reno county ; Will- iam, who operates the old homestead in Lin- coln township; Mary, who died in Darling- ton, Wisconsin; and Mrs. Lily Woodard, who died in Hutchinson, in 1882.

Samuel Hirst spent the first nine years of his life in the Badger state and then came with his parents to Kansas. There were only two stores in Hutchinson at that time and the studio which his father opened was the third place of business in that city. Our subject pursued his education in the public schools of Hutchinson and later continued his studies in the private school of Professor McBride. He began the study of photog-

Many years have passed since George R. Motter became identified with the interests of Ottawa county, and during all this period he has been known as one of the port re- liable and enterprising of it- agriculteur ... Time has but brightened his reputation in business circles, and among the representa- tive men of the locality has given him a prestige that is indeed enviable. His interest in all matters pertaining to the public wel- fare has made him a most valued citizen, raphy in Darlington, Wisconsin, in the stu- | and as a brave and loyal soldier his record dio of his sister Mary, and after coming to Hutchinson assisted his father in the studio here until he had reached the age of dichteen years, when he became his father's successor and has since conducted the business. The gallery was first located at the site now oc- cupied by the hardware store of Waite & Inness, on North Main street, and there con- tinuedi until 1880. During that time his

sister Mary was associated with him in the ownership and conduct of the lesigen in 1872 he removed to his present location, where he has very commodious and pleasant quarters, twenty-five by one hundred feet. This is divided into six rooms, splendidly furnished and equipped with all the latest improved devices known to the photographer art. Aside from the conduct of his cambio he has also dealt to a considerable extent in real estate, handling both city and country property, and he has purchased and im- provedl four residences in Hutchinson. Ilis present home, at No. 402 Avenue B, cast, was erected by him in 1888.

It was on the 20th of October, of the pre- coding year, that Mr. Hirst was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle, a daughter of the Rev. C. H. Rogers, of Hutchinson. They now have one daughter. Lilah Maude. Fra- ternally Mr. Hirst is connected with the Masonic lodge and Reno Chapter, R. A. M., of Hutchinson, also with the Ancient Ones of United Workmen and the Fraternal Aid. while in his political belief he is a Den erat.

GEORGE R. MOTTER.

is one of which he has every reas mi to be proud.

A native of the state of Maryland, Mr. Motter was born in Frederick county, Au- 200 -: 2. 1844, and is a member of a promi- vent old southern family of that state. His father. John S. Motter. also claime : Mar - land as the state of his nativity, and the latter's father. Henry Motter, was born of

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German parents and died in Maryland. John S. Motter chose Mary Ann Smith as a com- panion and helpmate on the journey of life, and she was also born in that common- wealth. She died in Maryland and was buried at Middletown, that state, in the cem- etery of the German Reformed church, of which she had long been a member. At hier death she left seven children, namely: John C., Ed S., Mary Ann, George Rufus, Will- iam Henry, Joseph Ezra and Cecilia Alcelia. The eldest son, John C., died in Baltimore, Maryland, and was also laid to rest in the German Reformed churchyard at Middle- town. The second son, Ed S., died at Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a prominent physician and surgeon, and during the Civil war served as a Confederate soldier under General Lee. He had charge of a southern hospital, and was captured by the Union forces near his old home at Boonsboro, Maryland. Another son, William Henry. was also a faithful soldier during that me- morable struggle. For his second wife Mr. Motter chose Martha ( Lewis) Rudesell, and two children were born unto that union,- Antoinette and Minnie J. The father of this family was called to his final rest at the ripe old age of eighty-one years. His political support was given to the Democracy, and of the Baptist church he was a worthy and zeal- ous member. His social relations connected him with the Masonic fraternity.

soldier he was honorably discharged on ac- count of disability and returned to his home in Missouri, where he again resumed the quiet duties of the farm. In 1883 he came to the Sunflower state, taking up his abode in Ottawa county, and in section 32, Sher- man township, he now owns two hundred and eighty acres of fertile and well im- proved land. He has placed his fields un- der a high state of cultivation, which annu- ally return to the owner a handsome profit for the care and labor he bestowes upon them, and in his pastures are found a high grade of stock. His is one of the valuable homesteads of the county, and among the leading and influential agriculturists of Ot- tawa county he has long occupied a con- spicuous place.

When twenty-three years of age Mr. Motter was united in marriage to Miss Mar- garet Loudermilk, who was born in Vir- ginia, but was reared and educated in Lewis county, Missouri. She is a daughter of Jacob and Juliette (Meadows) Loudermilk, both of whom passed away in Missouri. Two of their sons, Allen and Stewart, were Union soldiers during the Civil war, an 1 the former died of yellow fever in Texas, while the latter now makes his home in Carlton, Illinois. Another son, William, served in the Confederate army during that struggle, was captured and parole l at Vick-burg, after which he enlisted in the United States serv- ice and was employed on a gunboat until the

George R. Motter, whose name intro- duces this review, accompanied his parents | close of the war. He now resides in Texas on their removal to Missouri when fourteen county, Missouri. Seven children have blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mot- ter, five of whom still survive, namely : Nora Bartley, Eva Cooper, Bertie Rector, Eliza- beth Schlotz and Charles. John, the third child in order of birth, was called to the home beyond at the age of twenty-four, and Ida died at the early age of fourteen years. The Republican party receives Mr. Motter's hearty support and co-operation. In his so- cial relations he is a member of LaMar Post, No. 350, G. A. R., in which he has held a number of offices. His religious preference is indicated by his membership in the Meth- odist Episcopal church. In all the varied re- lations of life he has ever been found true years of age. When the trouble arose be- tween the north and the south he valiantly offered his services for the preservation of his loved southland, becoming a member of Company A, Third Missouri Cavalry, in 1861. He served under Colonel John M. Glover and Captain Howland, his military period covering two and a half years, andl during that time he proved a faithful defend- er of the cause which he espoused. His regiment was engaged in fighting buslı- whackers and guerrillas throughout Missouri and Arkansas, and for a time Mr. Motter also served under Colonel Woodgard. After two and a half years of faithful service as a

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and faithful to the trusts reposed in him, and no man in the community is held in higher regard than George R. Motter.

CAPTAIN H. H. TUCKER.

From the earliest ages deeds of bravery and of valor have been the theme of song and story, have formed the basis of all his- tory and are the central point of all fiction. As long as human nature exists people will be stirred by the story of courage as shown by the hero who upon the field of battle stands for the protection of his country, of his principles or of the helpless. In the an- nals of America there are found no tales of greater heroism and endurance than were displayed by the troops who have defended the frontier against the Indians, who in their savage treachery would have butchered the helpless women and children as readily as the men. Among this number is Captain Tucker, who participated in some of the most severe engagements ever fought with the red men. and the people of western Kan- sas should ever hold him in grateful remen- brance for his service and honor him for his deeds. And this is done. He is uniformly respected, and as a young man expressed it. "I feel like taking off my hat to that man whenever I meet him."

Captain Tucker is a native of Ohio, born on a farm near Westfield, in 1839. He is a son of Ira Allen and Susan ( Pringle) Tucker. The father was born in Windsor. Vermont, about 1799, while the mother. a native of Pennsylvania, was of English and French descent. Eleven children were ben of their union. ten of whom reached years of maturity. The Captain, who is the second in order of birth, was educated in the dis- triet schools of his native county and en- terel upon his business career as a teacher. In 1861 he enlisted in the Union army at Mount Gilead. Ohio .- the day that Fort Sumter was fired upon, becoming a mem- ber of Company G. Twentieth Ohio In- fanty. under Captain Rigby. The troops were mustered in on the oth of May, at

Columbus, Ohio, and rendezvoused Zanesville for a couple of weeks, after which they entered active service under fireal McClellan before they hardly knew how to "right about face." They served for four months, although they had only enlisted for three months, and then returned home. but on the same day Captain Tucker re enlistel for three years as a member of Company E, Thirty-first Ohio, remaining until the battle of Pittsburg Landing. He was disabled for about eighteen months and then went to Cairo, Illinois, where he recruited a company and joined the One Hundred and Forty- third Illinois Infantry as first lieutenant. remaining until almost the close of the war.

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 127

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