A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 139

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 139

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Upon his arrival in Kansas Mr. Fowler homesteaded the northwest one-fourth of section 17. township 17, range 6. in Empire, now Langley township. Ellsworth county. About one month after he began work on his claim, when he had built a small house and broken about twenty acres of land, he moved his family to his new home. That season hie sowed and planted about fifty acres and the grasshoppers took his entire crop. He was so much discouraged by this ill luck that he sold his claim, intending to go back to Illi- nois, but was induced to change his plan and bought one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land, on which he erected a small

frame house, covering a ground space of fourteen by sixteen feet and started another home. He soon began to raise stock and eventually fed from seventy-five to one hun- dred head, which he marketed at Kansas City. Gradually he made improvements on the place, fencing and wiring it and improv- ing his outbuildings until it became one of the best in his part of the county. He also remodeled his residence, which is now a good two-story house. The farm is located on the bottom lands of Mule creek and on it is a living spring which affords a plentiful sup- ply of good water the year round.

Mr. Fowler married Lucy J. Wilmot, December 30, 1869, in Marshall county, Illi- nois. Mrs. Wilmot was a daughter of Stephen B. and Betsey Clauson. and was born in Steuben county, New York. Her fa- ther was a native of Connecticut, her mother of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have children as follows: Lola E., who is the wife of William Recknor, of Creston. Iowa; Charles N .. who is agent for the Missouri Pacific Railway Company ; Alfred H., who is a telegraph operator in the employ of the Santa Fe Railroad Company at Garnet, Kan- sas: Elihu C., who manages his father's homestead : and Ida M. and Lucy J., who are students at the high school.

In politics Mr. Fowler is independent. He takes an active interest in the progress and prosperity of Ellsworth county and can be always depended upon to do the public spirited citizen's part to promote any move- ment which he believes will be for the gen- eral benefit. His name is intimately asso- ciated with the early history of Langley, now an important junction town and shipping point. When the Missouri Pacific Railway was constructed through the county it trav- ersed his land and the railway station at Langley stands on ground which was for- merly a part of his property. He was active

in organizing school district No. 22 and was the first school director elected in that dis- trict. He was prominent also in connection with the planting of Methodism at Langley, having been one of the first trustees of the Methodist church there, to which he donated

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a lot on which he assisted materially to erect a house of worship. He is a member of Ellsworth Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Ellsworth Post, No. 22, G. A. R., of which he is past commander and present commander.

In 1899 he bought his present residence at Ellsworth, into which he moved in August of that year, with a view to giving his chil- dren better educational advantages. He is entitled to honor not only as a citizen and a soldier, but as a pioneer.

HENRY O'DONNELL, M. D.

No compendium such as the province of this work confines in its essential limitations will serve to offer fit memorial to the life and accomplishments of the honored sub- ject of this sketch-a man remarkable in the breadth of his wisdom, in his indomitable perseverance, his strong individuality, and yet one whose entire life has not been one esoteric phase, being as an open scroll, in- viting the closest scrutiny. True his are "massive deeds and great" in one sense, and yet his entire accomplishment but represents the result of the fit utilization of the innate talents which are his and the directing of his efforts along those lines where mature judgment and rare discrimination lead the way. There is in Mr. O'Donnell a weight of character. a native sagacity, a farseeing judgment and a fidelity of purpose that com- mands the respect of all. A man of inde- fatigable enterprise and fertility of resource, he has carved his name deeply on the records of Ellsworth county. He is one of the most distinguished physicians and surgeons in this portion of Kansas, and is now repre- senting the eighty-fourth district of the state in the general assembly. His po mi- nence in both professional and social circles is the direct result of superior skill and mierit.

As the name indicates. Dr. O'Donnell is a native of the Emerald Isle, his birth hay- ing occurred in County Clare. : the 4th

of Gether, 1864. Ile is the eldest son in the family of eleven children Lor unto John and Elizabeth O'Donnell. In 1885 the family came to America, locating in Ells- worth county. Of the souls four became representatives of the medical fraternity, namely: Henry, of this review ; Fred W., a medical practitioner at Junction City, Kan- sas: Alfred, a surgeon in St. Mark's II pital, in Kansas City: and Arthur, who is practicing in Wilson, Kansas. One brother, Thomas G., is in the hardware and imple- ment business in Ellsworth. The parents are still living and are residing upon a ranch near this city.

Dr. O Donnell, whose name introduce- this record, pursued his education in the schools of his native country and won the degree of bachelor of arts there. He also studie medicine in the Royal University of Ireland, and upon coming to Ellsworth, in 1885, he entered the employ of George Seitz, Leing for the years engaged in com- pounding prescription - there. At the Seas time he continued the study of medicine, and on the expiration of a half decade he went to New York, where he matriculated in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, in which institution he was graduated with the class of 1891. He then began practice in Ellsworth and continued alone until he went to New York, where he pursued a post- graduate course. Upon his return he en- tered into partnership with his brother-in- law. Dr. H. Z. Hissem, and the firm is the most prominent in Ellsworth county. They have commodious and attractive offices. splendidly equipped with all the necessary appliances for carrying on their work. i :- cluding a fine electric battery for the ap- plication of electricity and the use of the X-ray machine when necessary. Their prac- tice is very extensive and of an important character, showing that both doctors are men of superior ability and high skill. Dr. O'Donnell is a close, earnest and discrimin- ating student and he is carrying his investi- gations far and wide into the realms of med- ical science, while reading keeps him in touch with the advanced thought of the day,

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with the theories that are put forth by the members of the medical fraternity and with the inventions which result in benefit in the practice of the healing art. For nine years he served as county health officer. He was president of the United States Board of Ex- amining Surgeons and has been local sur- geon of the Union Pacific railroad and the St. Louis & San Francisco railroad.

Dr. O'Donnell is also a recognized leader in the Republican party in Ellsworth coun- ty. and in November, 1900, was elected to the state legislature. His forceful individ- uality left its impress upon the laws formu- lated during the sessions in which he was a member of the house. He introduced a bill, which was successfully passed, to make the Mother Bickerdyke Home a state institu- tion for the care of the widows and or- phans of the soldiers. He also introduced the bill to create a state board of medical examiners to regulate the practice of medi- cine and surgery and a bill to allow state officers to make more effective quarantine regulations in contagious diseases. He is a close student of the questions and issues which concern the state and the nation and exercises his official prerogatives and uses his private influence in support of all move- ments and measures which he believes will contribute to the general good along lines of advancement. reform and improvement.

In 1892 Dr. O'Donnell was united in marriage to Miss Jessie A. Kinninger, a daughter of Joseph Kinninger and they 1 er have three sons .- Henry St. Clair. John Ed- gar and Harold. The family occupy a very handsome brick residence, which was erect- e ! by the Doctor. He finds his greatest hap- piness in ministering to his family and pro- viding them with the comforts and luxuries of life. He is also the owner of valuable realty elsewhere. having a fine ranch near Ellsworth, on which his parents reside. He is also the owner of another ranch in this county, on which he has a fine herd of about one hundred and fifty head of Hereford cattle. He superintends all his farming in- threats, which affords him recreation and rest as well as profit. He is identified with

several civic societies, holding membership with Ellsworth Lodge, No. 146, F. & A. M., in which he has been worshipful master ; Ellsworth Chapter, No. 54. R. A. M., in which he has filled the office of high priest; EX-worth Council, No. o. R. & S. M. ; St. Aldemar Commandery. No. 53. K. T., of which he has been eminent commander. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, to the Select Knights, to the An- cient Order of United Workmen, and his name is on the membership roll of the Ells- worth Club. Amiability and courtesy char- acterize his social relations and are a marked feature in his business life. He is public spirited in an eminent degree : national prog- ress and local advancement are causes both dear to the heart of this adopted and thor- oughly loyal son of the Republic. His devo- tion to the country is above question, and no native son of America is more true to her institutions or more faithful to his duties as a citizen.

WALTER W. MAZE.

Among the earnest men whose depth of character and strict adherence to principle excite the admiration of his contemporaries Professor Maze is prominent. He is now occupying the position of superintendent of the schools of Ellsworth county and has had marked influence for good upon the ed- ucational interests of this portion of the Sunflower state. He is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Williams coun- tv. on the 28th of September, 1867. His father. Jason Maze, was a native of the Buckeye state and was a son of Robert Maze, who was a native of Pennsylvania, wherce he removed to Ohio during the pio- neer epoch of its history, casting in his lot with the early settlers. During the boy- hood of his son Jason he took up his abode in Williams county, where he erected a log cabin and engaged in farming. There, amid the wild scenes of frontier life Jason Maze was reared to manhood, and after attain- ing his majority he chose as a companion

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and helpmate on life's journey Miss Sarah Maze, whose father had located in Williams county at an early day. Four children graced this union, of whom two are living, namely: Arthur W., a resident of the northeastern portion of Ellsworth county, where he is engaged in farming and stock raising, and Walter W. After the death of his first wife Jason Maze was joined in wedlock to Mary Rainey, a daughter of William and Sarah Rainey, who were also among the first citizens of Williams county, Ohio. Her father was a farmer and a min- ister of the United Brethren church, and Robert Maze also represents that denomina- tion, preaching the gospel among the people of Ohio. The children of the second mar- riage are Walter W .: Maurice, who is mar- ried and resides in the northeastern portion of Ellsworth county; Howard, of Port Ar- thur. Texas; Robert, who is now in a busi- ness college in Salina ; and Julius, at home. In 1878 the father came with his family to Kansas, arriving in this county in December of that year. He secured a homestead claim on section 14, Garfield township, becoming owner of a tract of raw land, which he has improved, since giving his attention to gen- eral farming and stock-raising with excel- lent success. He served as township treas- urer and for twenty-two years has been a member of the school board, his labors prov- ing most effective and beneficial in promot- ing educational interests in this portion of the state. He now operates three hundred and twenty acres of rich land, which he has transformed into a valuable farm and from which he derives a good income, the well tilled fields yielding to him an excellent re- turn for the care and labor he bestows upon them. Of the United Brethren church he is a devoted member. has served as steward and has been frequently a delegate to the district conference. He takes an active part in church work, and in this is ably assisted by his wife, a most estimable Christian woman.

Professor Maze began his education in the district schools of Ohio, and there pur- sued his studies until the family came to

Kansas, when he was a lad of eleven sum-

Here he entered the public schools. ambitious to fit himself for the profession of teaching. He afterward entered the Ohio School at Brookville, Saline county, and in 1886 he began teaching in Ellsworth county, following the profession for twelve consecutive years. In the fall of iNos he was elected county superintendent, and by re-election has since been continued in the office. There are seventy-four organized districts in the county, and under his lead- ership the schools are making rapid advance- ment. He is very enthusiastic in his work, and his own zeal is an inspiration to the teachers, while his advice and counsel are of great practical benefit to them.

On the 31st of August, 1897. Professor Maze was united in marriage to Miss Fran- ces Corrigan, a daughter of John and Su- san Corrigan, and a native of this county. Her father is now deceased, but her mother yet resides in Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Maze now have one daughter, Thelma. The Pro- fessor and his wife occupy an enviable po- sition in social circles, where true worth and intelligence are received as the means of entrance into good society. He belongs to Holyrood Lodge, No. 343, F. & A. M., and is a Republican in politics. He keeps well informed on the issues of the day and lends his aid and influence toward securing the adoption of the principles in which he so firmly believes. He has been a delegate to county and congressional conventions. His attention, however. is largely devoted to his professional duties, and marked changes have occurred during his adminis- tration of the affairs of the office. It was in who introduced the plan of holding district meetings which are held monthly so that the teachers may engage in special work and secure new ideas and hear improved meth- ods from others engaged in the same pro- fession. He arranged a course of study for the district schools, so that the work i- more uniform. The teachers of this county re- ceived the prize offered by the Central Se Supply Heute at Chicago. .. tendance. it being a relief map of the United

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States, twelve and a half by four feet. Pro- fessor Maze is a man of distinctive ability, and his character is one which is above a shadow of reproach. He has been faithful to the high office to which he has been called and is widely known and respected by all who have been in any way familiar with his honorable and useful career.

ED F. AYERS.

Ed F. Ayers, one of the intelligent and enterprising farmers of Barber county, well known in Medicine Lodge township, dates his residence in Kansas from 1878 and the story of life on the plains is familiar to him from actual experience. He was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, November 30, 1851, and on the paternal side is of English ancestry. His father was Decatur Avers, who was born in the Keystone state December 24, 1821, and became a farmer and lumberman. On the IIth of February, 1844. he was united in marriage to Miss Priscilla Guston, also a native of Pennsyl- vania. born December 30, 1824. At the time of the Civil war his patriotic spirit was aroused and he offered his services to his country, becoming a member of the Two Hundred and Seventh Regiment of Penn- sylvania Volunteers, with which he went to the front. He took part in a number of im- portant engagements, including the battle of Gettysburg, but survived all the dangers, not dying until some time after the war. Unto him and his wife were born the fol- lowing named: Monroe, who is living in Towanda, Pennsylvania; Ed F., of this re- view : Emory, of Woods county, Wisconsin : Ulysses, of Pennsylvania; Buckley, who is living in the state of Washington; Mrs. Priscilla Lewis, of Ulster, Pennsylvania; and one that died in fancy.

Ed F. Avers was reared on the old home farm in Pennsylvania, spending his time largely on the river or in the woods in con- nection with the lumber business. He re- mained in his native state until 1878, when

he came west, having friends and relatives in Sumner county, by whom he was induced to locate there. He became a cowboy on a cattle range, and followed that pursuit in Oklahoma, the Indian Territory, Texas and New Mexico for a number of years. He would drive herds of cattle from Texas to the northwestern states and territories and experienced all the hardships of life on the plains, exposed to all kinds of weather and having few of the comforts and conveniences known to the east. but at length he began farming on his own account.

In 1881 Mr. Ayers was united in mar- riage to Miss Emma Wells, who was born in Portage township, Porter county, Indi- ana, a daughter of John D. and Melissa (Durham) Wells. Her father was a native of Vermont and served his country in the Mexican war, during which he was wounded by a lance thrust. He came to Kansas in 1872 and died in Sumner county, at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife also died in that county, when she had attained the age of sixty-three years, passing away in the faith of the Christian church, of which she had long been a member. They were the parents of four children : Schuyler, Wallis, Mrs. Lusina Leasley and Mrs. Emma Ayers. Four sons were born unto our subject and his wife, namely: Bradley, Arthur, Earl and Roy, and the family circle yet remains unbroken, all being under the parental roof,

For some time after his marriage Mr. Ayers resided in Sumner county, Kansas, and then came to Barber county, where he has since devotded his energies to farming and stock-raising. In the year 1900 with two teams and wagons he made his way overland across the plains, traveling through Colorado, Idaho and Oregon, and on the 6th of August arrived at Portland. having been upon the road from the Ist of April. It is an ideal way to travel when the tray- elers can take their own time, going just where fancy takes them. They hunted and fished along the way and viewed the sublime and beautiful scenery of the mountains and plains, at length returning to their home by rail. They reside on Antelope Flats, where

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Mr. Ayers has a tract of very rich land improved with all the modern equipments found upon a model farm of the twentieth century. Ile has a good residence, large barn and everything about the place in- dicates the supervision of a progressive owner. He has two hundred acres of his land under cultivation and anually reaps golden harvests. He keeps fine horses and large herds of cattle, and is justly classed among the leading and progressive agricult- wrists of central Kansas.

THEODORE C. SETTLE.

One of the prominent and representative farmers and stock-growers of Kingman county, Kansas, is Theodore C. Settle, who is well and favorably known throughout this attractive and prosperous section of the state. His farm is considered one of the best in Richland township, and his long ex- perience and marked success in the raising of live stock have made him an authority in matters pertaining to this important branch of industrial enterprise.

Mr. Settle was born in DeKalb county, Misouri, on the 21st day of June, 1856, of excellent lineage, the name which he bears having been long identified with the annals of American history. His father. John Cal- vin Settle, was a native of Kentucky and a member of a family which has been highly esteemed in that beautiful old common- wealth for many generations. The father of our subject was a man noted for his in- tegrity and excellent business ability, and he became one of the prosperous and influ- catiai farmers and stock-growers of DeKalb county, Missouri. He died in Kingman county. Kansas, at the age of sixty-nine years. He was a loyal and patriotic citizen and his was the distinction of having been a valiant soldier in the Mexican war, while in all the relations of life he was known as a man who stood "four square to every wind that blows."

The early rearing of Theodore C. Settle

was on his father's farm in Missouri, where he was thoroughly instructed in the industry of raising live stock and also in the details of general agriculture. His father was an extensive operator of stock lands, and thus the carly and practical experience gained by our subject became of great value to him in his later career. His educational advan- tages were somewhat limited in scope, but he was signally favored in his home sur- roundings, his parents being persons of in- telligence and sterling character and instill- ing into the home atmosphere a spirit of honest and of upright dealing, while they gave an example of exemplary living. Hard work, and that of consecutive order. prob- ably assisted in the development of the fine physical vigor which Mr. Settle counts among his most valuable assets. and which has doubtless materially contributed to his success in life,-for the only true potency in connection with the practical affairs of life is that which is the offspring of a sound mind in a sound body.

Mr. Settle's mother, whose maiden name was Martha Smith, was a woman whose fine character had much to do with shaping the character of her children during the forma- tive period, and they ever recall with grati- tule and true filial appreciation her earnest and self-abnegating care and solicitude. At the time of her death, which occurred in Kingman county, Kansas, she was sixty- eight years of age, and she is tenderly re- membered for her gracious womanhond, he- ing known as a devoted wife and mother and a kind and helpful friend. Of her chil- dren we enter a brief record, as follows: Alonzo B., who still resides in Missouri, and is a successful farmer; Emmeline is the wife of Jesse Dine. who is likewise a resident of Missouri; Themlore C. is the immediate subject of this sketch: Charles IT. resides in Kingman county, Kansas ; Everett C. is a resident of Kingman county. Kansas: and William E. is a successful farmer of Kingarm & maty. Each of the children has become a valued member of the community in which he makes his home, and all have honored the name which they bear.

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Theodore C. Settle first located in Kan- sas in 1886, taking up his abode in Eureka township. Kingman county, at a point twelve miles west of the city of Kingman, and there he was engaged in the raising of live stock for several years. He then re- moved to Stevens county and later to Grant county, his residence in the two covering a period of three years, and his idea being to determine upon the most favorable location for the establishment of the extensive stock farm which he proposed to operate. This he finally found in section 25, Kingman county, where he now owns six hundred and eighty acres of fine land, which is admirably adapted for his important line of enterprise, the tract being well watered and eligibly lo- cated as to shipping facilities. Although the farm is principally devoted to the raising of a high grade of live stock it is also very productive of wheat and corn. Mr. Settle has improved the estate in every way, hav- ing erected a most comfortable and attract- ive residence and commodious barns, to- gether with other requisite outbuildings for the accommodation of stock and produce, while the place is well fenced, has an excel- lent orchard. particular attention being given to the raising of fruit, while the attractions of the home are enhanced by a fine grove of shade trees. Mr. Settle's arrangements for the care. propagation and feeding of stock are upon a large scale and represent the latest and most approved methods in the business. He feeds an average of about three hundred head of fine-grade cattle and at the time of this writing is preparing to engage also in the raising of hogs upon an extensive scale.

In his political adherency Mr. Settle is stanchly arrayed in support of the Repub- lican party and the principles and policies for which it stands sponsor, while frater- nally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has a very pleasing manner, his welcome smile and out- stretched hand being only typical of the kind and hospitable feeling by which he is animated. He is held in high esteem in Kingman county and it is generally conced-

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 139

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