A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 135

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

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Edgar T. Athen is recognized as one of the leading stock farmers of Jewell coun- ty, and on his fine stock farm in Center township may be seen excellent grades of horses, cattle and hogs. His horses are of the Cleveland Bays and Norman breeds. He has always remained at home, and during his residence in the Sunflower state he has ever given his aid and influence to all measures which he believes to be for the 100

public good. His business methods have ever been in strict conformity with the eth- ics of commercial life, and his energetic nature, strong determination, sagacity and capable management are winning for him a splendid success. In his social relations Mr. Athen is identified with the Woodmen, and in political matters both he and his brothers have followed in the footsteps of their father and are stanch supporters of Republican principles. The father cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln while in the Civil war, and he ever re- mained true to the grand old party.

PETER BECKER.

One of the prominent citizens of New- ton. Kansas, is Peter Becker, who was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. on May 10. 1845, and he is a son of Law- rence and Elizabeth ( Becker) Becker, of the same name, but no previous relationship. The former died in his native land at the age of forty-five. He had been a farmer in his later years. but previously served in the army for three years and never lost his pleasure in fine horses. Upon his farm he raised and practiced many of these noble animals and it was said of him that he could make them understand all he said and they wouldl do his will. He was a man of strong will power, intelligence and totally without fear. and was highly respected in his com- munity where he belonged for many years to the Lutheran church. His widow is still living in Germany at the age of eighty years. Three of the five children born to the parents of our subject still survive. viz. : Catherine. married and the mother of a family, resides in Germany; John resides in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and Peter is the subject of this review.

The early education of our subject was in the schools of his native land. and then he learned the trade of the cabinet-maker. following this for some years both in Ger- many and America. He was about twenty- one years old when he decided to make the

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trip to America, and after nineteen stormy | family of seven children, of whom there are days, during which a terrific battle of the elements caused many to pray, who, perhaps, had never prayed before, the passengers

were safely landed in New York. Here he soon found employment and worked at his trade for several years and then went to Chicago and became a clerk in a grocery store, later embarking in the grocery busi- ness for himself. Some nine months later he sold this business and went as far west as Duluth, but at that time that city was filled with a very rough element, and Mr. Becker remained but a few days, going on, by stage, to St. Paul, Minnesota. It was during this journey that he met those whon! he has always regarded as typical Ameri- cans, and from that time his admiration has grown.

While looking about in St. Paul winter came on and he spent three monthis there as a clerk and then went to Pittsburg, Penn- sylvania, and embarked in his old trade. managing in the course of six months to save the sum of two hundred and sixty- five dollars. Then in association with his brother Lorence, he started a dairy which they successfully conducted for three years and then bought a farm, in Butler county, Pennsylvania. Here Mr. Becker lived for almost seven years, when he sold out and came to Kansas in 188.4, and has since that time resided in Newton. In this township Mr. Becker owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. all of which is improved and well stocked with cattle. His leading crop is wheat. but he also raises corn, oats and sor- ghum. He has been prominently identified with Republican politics, and in the fall of 1900 was elected county commissioner, since which time he has been efficiently serving. Previous to this he had held minor offices in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Becker was married on October 12. 1870, to Miss Mary Strobel, a native of Pennsylvania, who was a daughter of John and Kunigunde ( Schuster) Strobel, both of whom died in Pennsylvania at the age of sixty-nine years. Both were worthy and consistent members of the Lutheran church. Mrs. Becker was the fifth member in a

four survivors. The children that have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Becker are as fol- lows: Lawrence P. resides in Owensboro, : Kentucky, and married Luella Hoagland, and both of them belong to the Methodist Episcopal church; Julius J., who is in busi- ness with his father; Jacob A., who is his father's clerk; Ida L., who is a clerk and bookkeeper; Milo H., who is winning his way as a newsboy on a through train; Hat- tie A. who is a student and will graduate in the class of 1903; and Carl H., who is the baby, a bright little lad of four years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Becker are members of the Presbyterian church, and frater- nally he is prominent in the A. O. U. W., of which his wife is an honorary member.

Springing from an old and highly re- spected family, Mr. Becker has ever proved himself a worthy scion of a worthy tree, and is known throughout the county as a just, honorable and upright man. Pursuing the even tenor of his way, he has made many friends in his life's journey who can testify to the kindness of heart, the gen- erosity of purpose and the uprightness of living which have placed him in so high a position financially, and in the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens.

D. O. EDWARDS.

The prosperity of a community depends upon its commercial enterprise and the men who are at the head of such are the real pro- moters of the city's welfare and advance- ment. D. O. Edwards is an enterprising merchant of Hazelton, and also the popu- lar postmaster there. As a member of the firm of Peck & Edwards, he is engaged in dealing in hardware, drugs, lumber, coal, lime and building materals. The firm has carried on operations here for nineteen years and theirs is the oldest business en- terprise in Hazelton. It is also one of the most prosperous in this portion of the coun- ty. their sales annually amounting to twenty thousand dollars.

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More than half of the width of the con- tinent separates Mr. Edwards from his birthplace, for he first opened his eyes to the light of day in Steuben county, New York, on the 13th of November, 1858. his parents being James and Carrie H. ( Patterson) Edwards. On the paternal side he is of Welsh and English descent, but the family was early established in the Empire state. There the father of our subject was born and reared and after reaching years of ma- turity he gave his attention to farming, stock-raising and to the dairy business, find- ing in these lines of labor a profitable source of income. His wife also belonged to a well known and respected New York family. She is still living, her home being now in Hazelton, Kansas. With the Methodist Episcopal church she holds membership and her life has ever been an exemplary one. She became the mother of three children. but Blooma died at the age of fifteen years and one died in early youth, so that D. O. Edwards, of this review, is the only surviv- ing child.

Upon the old family homestead in Steu- ben county, New York Mr. Edwards, whose name introduces this record, spent the days of his boyhood and youth and laid the foun- dation for his present success in the habits of industry, economy and integrity, which he there formed under the guidance of his parents. His education was acquired in the public schools and through business expe- rience, which greatly broadened his knowl- edge, especially of a practical nature. When eighteen years of age he began working in a sawmill and followed that business for five years near Jamestown. Cattaraugus county. New York. He then went to Roch- ester. New York, where he lived until 1882-the year of his arrival in Kansas. He first located in Harper county on coming to the Sunflower state, and in 1883 took up his abode in Hazelten, where he has since engaged in business. He carries a large line of hardware and drugs, and also conducts a lumber and coal yard, in which are to be found all kinds of building materials. From the establishment of his business his patren- age has steadily increased and having

reached quite extensive proportions returns to him a good financial income. He was first associated with C. W. Peck for six months, and afterward entered into partner- ship with G. R. Follett, now of Newton, Kansas. This connection was maintained until 1893, at which time Mr. Edwards sold out and went to Alva. Oklahoma, where he was in business for three years, but in 1800 he returned and again became a part- ner in the business with which he had for- merly been associated.

In 1885, in Barber county. Mr. Edwards wedded Emma Follett, a most estimable lady and a daughter of Wesley and Marga- ret Follett. Her mother is now deceased but her father is living in Olean, New York. Four children graced the union of our sub- ject and his wife: Raymond F .. Grace, Le- land C. and Daniel O. The members of the household occupy an enviable position in the social circles in which they move and Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have many warm friends in Hazelton. He is likewise one of the leading members of the Republican par- ty, strongly advocating its principles and contributing in large measure to its suc- cess. He has labored for his friends and has also been honored with some local of- fices, having served as justice of the peace. and also as mayor of the city. By Presi- dent McKinley he was appointed postmas- ter and is now filling that position with credit to the patrons of the office. as well as to himself. He is a prominent and ac- tive member of the blue lodge and chapter of Masons, has been master of the former and is a Knight Templar of Anthony Com- mandery, K. T. Mr. Edwards is yet in the prime of life, is energetic, progressive and farsighted, and while he has already wm desirable success, there is undoubtedly a prosperous future before him.

T. H. BALDAUF.

The business interest- in the mercantile line of the town of Spivey, Kingman coun- tv. Kansas, are in excellent hands. Among the leading mercantile houses of this place

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that of Baldauf & Freels takes a prominent position, its honest business methods and the high personal standing of the members of this firm having insured its success while : it has done much to promote the material prosperity of this locality.

The senior member of this business firm is J. H. Baldauf, who was born twenty- eight years ago at Alma, Colorado, where the family was then located, his father at that time being engaged in extensive min- ing and smelting operations. The parents were both natives of Germany. When a young man the father came to the United States and became a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, serving until its close. Then with his wife he went to the mining regions of the west and spent a num- ber of years, accumulating quite a compe- tency. For a considerable period the family lived in Colorado, but in 1881, removal was made to New Mexico, followed in 1883 by a return to Colorado. In 1884 the fa- ther of our subject came to Kingman coun- ty. Kansas, and bought a farm located four miles north of Spivey, and here he died at the age of fifty-four years. His widow still survives and resides on this farm.

John H. Baldauf, of this biography, was eleven years old when his parents set- tled in Kansas, and he was but thirteen when he assumed the care of his widowed mother's business. His education had been pursued in the schools of his vicinity and he was of an ambitious turn of mind, thus be- coming even at that early age a reliable and trustworthy manager of his mother's estate.

Mr. Baldauf first embarked in the mer- cantile business in Corwin, Harper county, Kansas, in partnership with W. H. Stanley, and when he sold out his interest there he came to Spivey. His business here was es- tablished in 1897 and was conducted alone until 1901, when Mr. Freels became his partner. From the very beginning Mr. Bal- dauf has enjoyed a satisfactory trade, which has constantly increased until now there are few houses in his line in a more prosper- ous condition in this vicinity. The business is that of a general store intended to meet

the demands of all classes of patrons, and a complete line of well assorted merchandise is carried, including dry goods, boots and shoes and groceries of a kind to be found in first-class establishments, and a large busi- ness is also done in the handling of grain and coal. Both partners of this firm are well equipped for this business, being young men of energy and excellent business ability and possessing also the obliging manners which go far to attract trade. The found- ation stone of the business is integrity, and the large patronage of this house shows that its methods have gained the confi- dence of the public.

Mr. Baldauf was married to Miss M. C. Pell, a young lady who was born in Iowa, and who was educated in her native state, and also in Kanas. The three children born to this union are as follows: Thomas, Eva and Frank, all bright and intelligent, promising to become useful members of society. Mr. Baldauf is a man of strong political convictions, an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and is a faithful worker in the interests of his friends and for the good of the party. His fraternal con- nection is with the order of Odd Fellows, in which organization he has held the of- fice of noble grand, and both he and his estimable wife belong to the order of Re- bekahs, in which they take an active part. In the social circles of the town Mr. Bal- dauf and family are prominent and are highly respected and regarded as represent- ative people.

CHARLES D. NEWKIRK.

It is now our privilege to enter a brief resume of the career of one of the repre- sentative farmers and stock-growers of Moore township, Barber county, Kansas, where his well improved and attractive es- tate gives distinctive evidence of the pro- gressive business methods and careful man- agement brought to bear by the owner of the property, which is located near the thriv- ing little city of Kiowa, which is his post- office address.

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Mr. Newkirk was born in Moniteau county, Missouri, August 23, 1845, being a son of David S. Newkirk, who was born in Kentucky, which also was probably the native state of his father, Tunis Newkirk, who there married a Miss Blake of Scotch descent, who bore him nine children. Ile finally removed with his family to Moniteau county, Missouri, where he died about the year 1850, the names of his children being as follows: Charles. Peter, Drake, David. Harrison, Jemima, Betsy, Sallie and Ro- sanna. David Newkirk, the fourth in order of birth, and the father of our subject, was reared in Kentucky, and was a young man at the time when he accompanied his fa- ther on the removal to Missouri and in How- ard county, that state, he was married to Miss Mary McPherson, who likewise was born in Kentucky, as were also her parents, Joseph and Malinda McPherson, who emigrated thence to Missouri, where her father devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits. David Newkirk purchased a tract of government land in Moniteau county, Missouri, and there passed the residue of his long and use- ful life, becoming a prosperous and in- fluential farmer. He died about the year 1872. His first wife, the mother of our subject, having died, he event- ually consummated a second marriage, wed- ding a Mrs. Lonsley, a widow. In pol- ities he was a Republican, and in religion a member of the Methodist church. Of the first marriage seven children grew to years of maturity, namely: Thomas B., a farmer of Meniteau county: Charles D .. of this sketch: Sarah E., wife of Samuel Thomp- son, of Clarksburg. Missouri; Rosan. .. wife of B. T. Hayes, of Morgan county. Missouri : Dicey J., wife of Thomas Short. also of Morgan county; Joseph, who re- sides on the oll homestead, in Moniteau county; and James D., of Fortuna, Mis- souri.

Charles D. Newkirk was rearela the old homestead farm, where he was born. received such educational advantages a- were afforded in the public schools of the locality, and at the age of twenty-one be-

gan his individual business career by taking charge of a farm, in Morgan county, which had been given to him by his father on at- taining his legal majority. It was but natural that the young man should realize the pro- priety of establishing a household of his own, and that he was successful in securing an effective coadjutor is evident from the fact that on the 26th of December, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Theo- dosia Il. Howard, a native of the same coll- ty as himself and the daughter of Edward R. and Martha (Redmond) Howard, the former of whom was born in Kentucky, whence he removed to Missouri in the early days and was there married. He continued to farm in Missouri and Nebraska until 188;, when he came to Barber county, Kan- sas, where he remained until about one year previously to the opening of the Cherokee strip, when he located there and there made his home until his death in 1897, his wife surviving him three years. He was an in- fluential factor in the Democratic party, but never sought public office for himself, and was a man in whom was placed the most implicit confidence. His religious faith was that of the Christian church, of whch he was for many years a prominent member. His six children are all living, namely : Theodosia H .. wife of our subject: Wade. a farmer of Moniteau county, Missouri : William, a resident of Barber county, Kan- sas: Sarah. the wife of Enos Wermet, of Weeds county. Oklah ma: Jewel. of Moore township, Barber county : and Charles. also a resident of this county.

Mr. Newkirk continued his farming op- erations in Missouri until the spring of 1882 when he disposed of his farm, which he had increased in area and otherwise im- proved, and came to Barber county, Kansas. purchasing a tract of one hundred and sixty acres a few miles northwest of Medicine large. where he remained for a period of five years, devoting his attention principally to the raising of cattle. while within the interval he added to the area of his posses- si - until he had a total of nine hundred and twenty acres. In ISS, he dispose! . i this property and i catel in his present fine

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farm. in section 6. Moore township, where he purchased a half section. partially im- proved, and to this he has added from time to time. until he and his sons, whose inter- ests are in common, now have an exten- sive landed estate of four thousand and forty acres located in Moore and Nippawal- la townships, but in three separate bodies. In the homestead farm are comprised eleven hundred and twenty acres, of which nine hundred are under most effective cultiva- tien, while the entire place is well fenced. The second farm has an area of nine hun- (red and twenty acres, of which two hun- drei are under cultivation, while a similar amount is cultivated in the third farm, which comprises two thousand acres. In the season of 190I six hundred acres were devoted to wheat. one hundred to rye and five hundred to Kafir corn. In addition to the purely agricult- ural features of the extensive farming en- terprise, Mr. Newkirk devotes special atten- tion to the raising of high-grade cattle, of which the average band comprises about four hundred head.

In politics Mr. Newkirk was originally a Democrat, but now gives his allegiance to the People's party, to various of whose conventions he has been a delegate, taking a prominent part in the party councils and being known as a broad-gauged, public- spirited citizen. He has had his quota of vicissitudes in life, but has never abated his industry or courage, and has attained a noteworthy degree of success, beng one of the most prominent and extensive farmers of this section of the state, while he com- mands in the community unequivocal con- fidence and esteem. He and his wife are members of the Christian church, with which Mrs. Newkirk has been prominently identified from her girlhood. The family res- idence, erected in the spring of 1887. is a substantial and commodious farm dwelling and here a generous hospitality is extended to the many friends of the family. Our subject and his wife became the parents of three sons, one of whom. George, died in infancy, in 1868, the two surviving being William A. and Edwin, both of whom are

progressive and sterling young men and are actively associated with their father in business.

HENRY W. PIPKIN.

Practical industry, wisely applied, never fails of success: it carries a man onward and upward, brings out his individual char- acter and acts as a powerful stimulus to the efforts of others. The greatest results in life are usually attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary qualities of common sense and perseverance. The every-day life, with its cares, necessities and duties, afford ample opportunities for acquiring experience of the best kind. and its mnost beaten paths provide a true work- er with abundant scope for effort and self- improvement.

It is along such lines that Mr. Pipkin has won success. He was born in Gibson county, Tennessee, in September, 1852, a son of Jonas S. Pipkin, who was also a na- tive of that commonwealth, his birth hav- ing occurred in Madison county, in 1829. The latter's father. Lewis Pipkin, was born in South Carolina, and was a member of an old and prominent southern family, no- ted for their energy, patriotism and relig- ious convictions. His widow is now living in Oklahoma, at the ripe old age of ninety- seven years, her birth having occurred in 1804. Jonas S. Pipkin grew to years of ma- turity in the state of his nativity, and was there married to Susan Dockings, who was also a native of Tennessee, and for many years they traveled life's journey togeth- er. their mutual love and confidence in- creasing as the years passed by. She was a daughter of Ruben Dockings, a native of Tennessee, and his death occurred in 1888. Unto James S. and Susan Pipkin were born four children .- Henry W., the subject of this review: Jonas R., one of the leading agriculturists of Evans township: Lavina Wycoff. of Gordon Plains, Sedgwick coun- ty, Kansas: and Alice Southchurch. of Oklahoma. The family subsequently re- moved from Tennessee to Kentucky, and

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in 1876 located in Sedgwick county. Kan- sats. where the father now resides. He is a Republican in his political affiliations, and is an active worker in the ranks of his party, his outspoken loyalty for his party's cafe having been the reason of his leaving Ten- nessee.

Henry W. Pipkin, whose name inte duces this review, was reared on a farm in the state of his nativity, where he was early taught the value of industry and honesty as a preparation for the active duties of life. while his educational privileges were those afforded by the common schools of his locality. In 1863 he accompanied the family on their removal to Graves county. Kentucky, and still later, in 1876, he came with them to central Kansas. The same year of his arrival in the Sunflower state he se- cured a claim of land in section 33. Evans township, Kingman county, and as prosper- ity has rewarded his efforts he has addel to his original purchase until his landed pos- sessions now consist of eight hundred and ninety acres of as fine land as can be found in the state of Kansas. Six hundred acre- of his place are under excellent cultivation, while five acres are embraced in a leami- ful grove and twenty acres devoted to an orchard, which yields an abundance of ex- cellent fruit in season. A large and em- fortable residence and well built barns fur- ther add to the value and attractive appear- ance of the place and everything about the farm indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.

In 1880, at the age of twenty-eight years, Mr. Pipkin was united in marriage to Wil- math Gillum, who was born, reared and educated in the famous old Blue Grass state, a daughter of James and Mary Gil- Ium, both also natives of Kentucky, and there they departed this life. Mr. and Mrs. Pipkin now have one daughter, May, a bright young lady of nineteen years, and they have also lost two children,-Eva. who died at the age of two years ; and Ow- en, who was called from this earth at the age of six years. Mrs. Pipkin and her daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In political matters our

subject expenses the principles of that grand old party which his father has ever - strenuously upheld -- the Republican- and in all matters pertaining to the public wel- fare he has ever taken an active and com- mendable interest.

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 135

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