A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 24

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 24

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native of Fulton county, Pennsylvania, and in early life engaged in teaching school. He removed to Christian county, Illinois, and afterward became one of the frontiersmen of Pike county, Missouri. Three years were spent in that state and he then returned to Illinois, becoming a farmer and postmaster of Blue Mound. In 1876 he again came to the west, settling on a claim northwest of Dry Walnut creek, near Pawnee Rock, now owned by Mr. Brooks. Here he dug a cellar and over it he erected a board house. living in true pioneer style for four years. He then engaged in the hotel business at Larned. later at Little River and afterward at Chanute, Kansas, but at the present time he is living retired, making his home with our subject.

Dr. Daniels, of this review, pursued his literary education in the public schools and then determining to devote his life to the practice of medicine, he began to study with Dr. Grismer, of Christian county, Illinois. Later his perceptor was Dr. Dunn, of Macon county, Illinois, and subsequently he at- tended lectures in the McDow Medical Col- lege. of St. Louis, in 1873. On the com- Dletion of his course he began practice in Laplace. Illinois, whence he removed to Vandalia, Missouri, but after three years he returned to Illinois, continuing in practice in Macon and Christian counties until the fall of 1877. As his father had come to the west and reported favorably upon the cli- mate and possibilities of this section of the state he decided to come to Kansas and grow up with the country. The district was filled with individuals and people in poor health who had come here hoping that the climate would prove beneficial, so that there was an excellent opportunity for the physician. When Dr. Daniels took up his office at Pawnee Rock there was a small hotel, which had been built by Jason Lewis, and a blacksmith shop which was conducted by J. M. DePew. There was also the Litner building which was a combination structure. thirty-eight by eighteen feet. In it was located the postoffice, and Dr. Daniels con- ducted his office and a drug store was car- ried on on a small scale by the firm of

Garnerick & Bowman. The men slept in

the back part of the building on straw and blankets and cooked their meals as best they could. They lived largely on buffalo meat and "slap jacks," but they had good appe- tites and relished their food. For some years the settlers lived in small board houses, in sod houses or in dugouts, and the homes were long distances apart. The Doctor served them professionally in true pioneer style and often received but little compensation for his services. He rode a pony and carried his pill bags, they being similar to the old saddle bags, and yet has a pair in his possession. These he had to hang around his neck when fording the quicksand streams, which he found very dif- ficult to cross, for there were no bridges. At night he would often get lost in trying to ford the river and make his way up the further bank, there perhaps to find a sick woman upon a pile of hay with not a single blanket for covering and no food save rice and corn to eat. The husband would prob- ably be engaged in winding dry grass to feed the fire or stuff the boiler, in which he burned the fuel, bottom side up, in order to keep the cabin warm. The sod house had its advantage, as it was always warm, the less windows and doors the better, for the chinks in those cabin houses always ad- mitted the air. Frequently Dr. Daniels rode across the prairies in blinding storms, de- pending only upon the instinct of his well trained pony to bring him home in safety. He took in payment for his services pota- toes, poultry, cattle, hay and grain, anything that would enable him to live, for the set- tlers had no money, but they were honest and thrifty and he knew that in course of time changes and improvements would come. They were people of integrity and all made an attempt to help each other. dividing of their crops and resources. The Doctor would ride from thirty to forty miles, and it was thus that he made his start in professional life in Kansas. After a time he sent for his wife. The only place in which they had to keep house was an attic over the store, which they reached by mounting a ladder and climbed through the

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window. They used nail kegs for chairs and their other furniture was also primitive. but that changed as the country became mere ilifelly sessel .ind the labors of the people ware crowned with success. The De- tor was then enabled to collect his ives and in course of time he built a fine o ttage. He is sall interested in the drug business and was other property. To-day he visits his patients riding in a fine carriage. The wil houses have been replaced by large. commodious and attractive homes and to- day Pawnee Rock is a thriving little town in the midst of a prosperous and contented agricultural community.

The lady who bears the name of Mrs. Daniels was in her maidenhead Miss Louisa Branstatter, a daughter of Achlas Bran- stratter, of Pike county, Missouri, the for- mer from Kentucky. They now have one child. Roscoe Rineldo, who was born in Pawnee Rock, May 26, 1888. Both the Deter and his wife have a large circle of friends in this portion of the state and en- is the high regard of all who know them. In 1894 our subject went to Brownson, Kansas, where he engaged in the drug busi- news and the practice of medicine, but af- ter four years he returned to Pawnee Rock. In the meantime he had served as mayor in Brownson, and in Pawnee Rock he has filled the position of county physician. He is a examining surgon for several insur- autre companies and orders. He was one · i the . organizers and a charter member of the Pawnee County and Barton County Molen! Association and is a member of the Pharmaceutical Association of the state. He is now the only pharmacist of this place and has a well equipped drug store. His practice from the beginning of his residence here has been large and in recent years has been very profitable, bringing to him a well merited success. Socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and with the Knights of Pythias fra- ternity. No history of this community would be complete without the record . i hi- life, for here he has been an important factor in public progress and advancement. having marked influence over the general good in many lines of improvement.

(. 11. LOUTZENHISER.

One of the well improved and de-mile imming properties of Galt township, Rice county, is the property of C. H. J. BUCH- hiser. He is one of the early pioncer of this locality, having located in Rice county in August, 1879, and he has ever since borne his part in the work of improvement and up- building which has been carried on here. He was born in Logan county, Illinois, near Lincoln, on the roth of Februray, 1848. His paternal grandfather, John Loutzenhiser. was of Pennsylvania-German descent and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was noted for his patriotic spirit and for his in- dustry and honesty. His death occurred in Missouri. His son. Jacob Loutzenhiser, the father of our subject, was born and reared in Pennsylvania. When ten years of age he removed to Ohio, and in Hancock county, that state, he was united in marriage to Ar- villa Mckinley, a native of the Buckeso state and a daughter of William Mckinley, of Scotch descent. After his marriage Mr. Loutzenhiser removed to Logan county, Illi- nois, locating near Middletown. In TShộ he removed to Mercer county, Missouri, and at the outbreak of the Civil war he became a stanch Union man, having been the first man in Mercer county, to raise a com- pany for service. He was a gallant soldier throughout the entire struggle, and his om- pany was known as the Merrill's Cavalry Company. He has now reached the The old age of eighty-three years, and during his long and useful career he has won the love and veneration of many friends, who esteem him for his sterling worth and uprightne -- of character. He is a strong ade wale it Republican principles and is a worthy mem- ber of the Baptist church. His wife has passed the seventy-third milestone on the journey of life, and of the Methodist church she is a worthy representative, exempliis

her christian belief in her every day life. This worthy couple have had eight chil- dren. One daughter, Maud. died in Tren- ton. Missouri and Arvilla, Grant, Sherman and Francis died when quite young. The living children are: Charles H., the subject

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of this review : David, who is a minister in the Baptist church and is now living in Mer- cer county. Missouri: and Hanna Helen, also of Missouri.

Charles H. Loutzenhiser spent the first twelve years of his life in Logan county, Illi- nis, and he then accompanied his parents on their removal to Mercer county, Mis- souri. He was reared to the quiet pursuits of the farm, and during the war he saw much active service near his home. He at- tended school in Nevada, Ohio, receiving a god education, and during nine winter terms he was a successful and popular teacher in Mercer county, Missouri. On the 12th of April, 1874, in Mercer county, he was united in marriage to Barbara Spidle, who was born in Ohio, but was reared and educated in Missouri. She is a daughter of David and Margaret ( Palmer) Spidle, both na- tives of Mercer county .. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Sarah, Barbara, Anthony, John, James, Rachel and Lousea J. The father of this family has f. Il wed farming as a life occupation, is a . Democrat in his political views, and is a member of the Dunkard church. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Loutzenhiser has been blessed with ten children, five sons and five daughters, as follows : Claude, who oper- ates the old homestead : Fithen, who is mar- riedl and resides in Victoria township, Rice county : Myrtle; Otto, who is also engaged in farming the homestead: Olive: John; Dott : Minnie : Ada : and William McKinley. Otto is now a successful teacher near Fred- trick. Kansas.

The year 1879 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Loutzenhiser in Rice county, Kansas. In 1901 he purchased the farm on which he now resides, which is located on section 16 Galt township, one and one half miles north- east of Geneseo. He also owns another tract of one hundred and sixty acres. His residence is a large and commodious struc- ture. containing fourteen rooms and a rock cellar. Mr. Loutzenhiser affiliates with the Republican party, and on that ticket he has been elected to the offices of treasurer and clerk of his township. For a number of years he has served as a deacon in the

Christian church, in which he is an active and zealous member. His long residence in Kansas classes him among the honored pio- neers of the state, and he has aided in lay- ing the foundation for the present prosperity and progress of this portion of the com- monwealth.

CHARLES CAIN.

Charles Cain is descended from a worthy New England family and is now known as one of the leading and progressive farmers and stock dealers of Rice county. He was born in Wyoming county, New York. July 31, 1857. His grandfather, Yost Cain, was a native of Vermont and was a farmer by occupation. On leaving the Green Mount- ain state he went to New York, where he spent his remaining days. His religious be- lief was indicated by his membership in the Methodist Church. He had children, as follows: Justice. Charles. John, Lewis, Yost. Clark, Fannie. Dorcas and Cynthia.

Of this number John Cain, the father of our subject, was born and reared in the Em- pire state and there married Miss Mary Buck, a daughter of Edmund Buck, a farmer who removed to New York, becoming a suc- cessful farmer there. Politically he was a Republican and filled some local offices. in- cluding many township positions and also that of county supervisior. He was wide- ly and favorably known and was accounted one of the leading and influential citizens of his community. His death also occurred in the Empire state. He had five children. -Ransom. Marcus, Rollin, Mary B. and Mrs. Carrie Carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Cain remained in New York until 1880, when they came to Kansas, joining their son Charles. He has followed farming in New York, and on coming to the Sunflower state he and his son jointly carried on general farming and stock-raising. They made a good start in business and were prospering when the father was called to his final rest in 1883. He was a hard working man. full of energy and hope and possessed many ster- ling characteristics. His wife survived him

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fifteen years and died in 1808. They were the parents of four children: Charles; Ane. who became Mrs. Hatfield, of Rice county and Bol September 19. 1001; Cynthia : and Charles, of Dakota. The parents held membership in the Baptist church.

Charles Cain, whose name forms the caption of this article, was reared in New York and after attaining his majority was joined in wedlock to Miss Sarah Heath, a native of New York and a daughter of Le- renzo Heath, also of that state. whence he removed : Missouri. Mrs. Cain dial Sep- tember 15. 1878, at the age of twenty-five years. In 1880 he was again married, his second union being with Mis Maggie K. McMurtrey, who was born in Missouri. De- Comhier 15. 1859, a daughter of William and Jennie ( Collins ) McMurtrey, the former a Baptist minister, who during the days of the Civil war resided in Missouri and thence came to Rice county. He afterward re- mivel :. Barber county, Kansas, where his death occurred, but his wife spent her last days in Rice county. He was widely and Haveraly known and devoted the greater par: vi his life to the uplifting of mankind. Hle als carried on farming. Ilis children were: Thomas, a physician : Wesley, of Ok- lahoma; Maggie, now Mrs. Cain: Mollie. vin was the wife of E. Hunter but is now dead; Marvin. of Oklahoma: Bernice, the wife i C. Bissell: and Frank and Harry. who vaire living in Oklahoma. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cain has been blessed with five children : John. Barn in 1883 : Sarah. in 1884: Charles, in 1886: Wentz, in 1888; and Mark. in 1893.

It was in the year 1879 that Charles Cain came : Kansas, locating in Rice county, where he purchased some raw prairie land from the railroad. He thus became owner of two hundred and forty acres and here began life in earnest, living in a small house. He at once began to improve and cultivate his farm. and his capable management, con- servative methods and reliable business prac- tices have enabled him to advance steadily on the highway to success. Like most of the pioneers who settled here he had but limited capital at the time of arrival. yet his untiring

energy and diligence enabled him to acquire a handsome competence. To-day he is rated among the most successful agriculture ists of his community. He owns several well improved farms, having about one thou- sand acres under a high state of culti- vation. He cultivates diversified crops and in addition raises stock and feeds cattle for the market. He raises but the best grades of stock, and thus places splendid animal- npon sale. He has ever been progressive in his methods, and he bought the first steam power thresher to the county, continuing its operation for a number of years. Farm- ing is one of the most important industries of Kansas and the man of strong purpose who is not afraid to work can always win success here in this line of business. His home is about six -miles east of Lyons, where he has a good residence, and the many other improvements upon his place stand as monu- ments to his thrift and ability. There i- also an orchard and grove upon the farm. and the farm is one of the most beautiful. attractive and desirable places of the ci- munity.

In politics Mr. Cain was formerly a Re- publican but afterward united with the Re- form party and now uses his aid and influ- ence in its support. He has filled the office of township treasurer and other local | - sitions, but political honors have little attrac- tion for him, as he desires to give his atten- tion to his business affairs, in which he has met with creditable success. He and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Mitchell and are people of the highest respectability, enjoying in an unqualified measure the confidence and friendship of their fellow men. Mr. Cain's example is certainly worthy of emulation. and his life history proves conclusively that success will reward earnest effort.

CHARLES T. BAILEY.

Among the progressive citizens of Kan- sas are men of Kentucky nativity who take high rank for all those qualities which make for success in life and for patriotic citizen-

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ship. One such is Charles T. Bailey. of Cen- ter township, Ottawa county, whose post- office address is Minneapolis and who has been a resident of the county since 1874. Mr. Bailey was born at Newport, Campbell county, Kentucky, May 31, 1852, a son of E. M. and Sidney ( Smith ) Bailey. His fa- ther, who was born near Cincinnati, Ohio. in 1820, was a son of William Bailey and was of English and French ancestry. His mother, who was born in New Jersey, in 1818, was a daughter of Sidney Smith, a native of New Jersey. E. M. Bailey was a harness-maker and was so good a mechanic in the line of his trade that during the pe- riedl of the Civil war he was employed at Cincinnati by the United States government in the manufacture of harness for army use. He lived at Newport. Kentucky, across the river from Cincinnati, until 1874, when he removed to Ottawa county, Kansas, where he became a successful farmer and where he died in 1886, at the age of sixty-six years, leaving a widow and one son, Charles T. Bailey, who is the immediate subject of this sketch. His widow survived until Jan- uary 8. 1900, when she died, being then more than eighty years of age. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. and Mr. Bailey was a well informed man, of broad views, who was successful as a business man and influential as a citizen. He was of imposing appearance, being strongly built and six feet in height and he was an interesting and convincing talker. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias.

Charles T. Bailey was reared at New- port, Kentucky, and was educated in the schools of that town. He accompanied his father to Kansas in 1874 and has pros- pered so well as a farmer and stockman that he is the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land and is a prominent farmer and stockman. Politically he is a Populist and he has filled the offices of township assessor and trustee. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and from time to time has been identified with other local and general oganizations. He is a popu- lar citizen of much public spirit who has the interest of his township and county at heart,

and at the age of forty-nine he is in the prime of a vigorous manhood with the promise of many years.

Mr. Bailey was married in Center town- ship. Ottawa county, Kansas, to Miss Fan- nie Smith, a daughter of Doctor J. C. Smith and his wife, Elizabeth ( Giannie) Smith, who was born, reared and educated in Ohio, and who died May 2, 1885, about ten years after their marriage. They had five chil- dren: Edward C., born in 1876; Addie Inez. born in 1878: Chester Arthur, born in 1879: Charles C., born in 1882; and James E., born in 1885.

NOAH E. MYERLY.

If Jewell county were asked to name the most loyal citizen, the most faithful of- ficer and the most trustworthy business man living within her borders the response would come from many of her citizens that it is Noah E. Myerly, who is now occupying the position of county sheriff. He is indeed a man whose record both in public and pri- vate life is above reproach, for he has ever been actuated by high moral principles that have made his conduct straightforward and his word as good as his bond.

Mr. Myerly was born on a farm in Ogle county, Illinois, January 21, 1859. His fa- ther. John B. Myerly, was a native of Mary- land and in early manhood removed to the prairie state, becoming one of the promi- nent pioneers of Ogle county, assisting in the work of development and improvement there for a number of years. In 1862 he re- moved to Póweshiek county, Iowa. He had married Emily Little, a native of Maryland, and both spent their last days in Poweshiek county. the father of our subject passing away in 1870. By occupation a farmer, he devoted his entire life to that pursuit, thus providing for his family. The mother died in 1886.

Noah E. Myerly was a little lad of six summers at the time of the removal to Io- wa. and there. upon his father's farm, he was reared to manhood, early gaining actual

n.E. Mayerly.

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experience in the work of fields and mead- ons Through the winter months he at- tended the public schools. In 1879 he came to Jewell county, Kansas, and was one of the first permanent settlers here. He was at that time a young man of twenty years. Ile acquired one hundred and sixty acres of the school land, which he has transformed into a very valuable farm, neat and thrifty in appearance, the well cultivated fields sur- rounding substantial buildings. He has cul- tivated the cereals best adapted to this cli- mate and has also successfully engaged in stock-raising, so that he became a prosper- ous agriculturist.

In his political views Mr. Myerly is a Populist, fearless in defense of his principles, which he stanchly upholds as occasion de- mands. Scarcely a county convention of his party has been held in which he has not served as a delegate and he has also been frequently sent to the district and congres- sional conventions. His political life has been above reproach, and is an object lesson of what sincerity and absolute fidelity can accomplish in politics. In 1899 he was nominated on the Populist ticket for the office of county sheriff and was triumphant- ly elected. Although his township-Burr Oak-usually has a Republican majority of fifty, he reversed this and gained a majority of thirty over his opponent. He had pre- viously served as trustee of Burr Oak town- ship for two terms, but had never been a pol- itician in the sense of office-seeking. His term of sheriff was to continue for two years, but under a new law passed by the state legislature, he will be the incumbent of the office until January 1, 1893. and will- then doubtless again become his party's can- didate. In the office he is serving most faithfully. neither fear nor favor can swerve him from the path of duty, and his zeal. earnestness and fidelity are conspicuous traits in his official career.

On the 2d of February. 1881. in Jewell county, Mr. Myerly was united in marriage to Miss Eva L. Fahrney, a native of Powe- shiek county, Iowa, and unto them have been born five children: John. Gail. Cloyd.

Jessie and Ray. The children are being pro- vided with excellent educational privileges, and Mr. Myerly is a warm friend to the schools. He has long served as a school di- rector, and has done all in his power to pro- mote the standard of the schools and in- crease their efficiency. The family have many friends in the community and the hospitality of the best homes of Mankato and vicinity is extended to them. A local publication has said of him: "During all of his busy life no one has ever found a flaw in his stainless integrity, in his lofty courage, in his love of family and home, in the loyalty of his friendship, in the gen- erosity shown to both friend and foe, in the intrepid defense of his principles. We hon- or him, we impose in him great trust, and yet he is deserving of it all. He is a man whom the power of office does not spoil, nor can he be led from the path of rectitude or honesty."

WILLIAM S. HAMILTON.

Ohio, the refuge and mother of pioneers, gave to Kansas an element of its citizenship which has always made for material advance- ment and intellectual enlightenment. One Ohioan who occupies a place high in the es- teem of his fellow citizens of Kingman coun- ty is William S. Hamilton, a retired farmer. whose home is at Norwich, and who is the owner of three hundred and forty acres of land in Sumner county and six hundred acres in Kingman county.

William S. Hamilton was born in Me- dina county, Ohio. March 14, 1826, a son of Mathew L. and Achsa ( Beardsley ) Ham- ilton, both natives of New York. His fa- ther settled in Ohio in 1818, locating in Me- dina county, where he acquired and improved a farm. on which the subject of this sketch was reared attending the common schools in the intervals of work. He had four chil- dren, two of whom are living .- William S. and Lewis H., the latter. formerly of Harper county, Kansas, having his home in Okla- homa. The mother of these children died

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when William S. was twelve years old and after that sad event the boy spent two years in Delaware county, New York, a member of his grandfather Beardsley's home. After his return to his old home in Ohio he worked on the farm and studied as occasion offered in the common school and at the academy. April 12. 1849. when he was little more than twenty-three years old. he married Priscilla Miner, a native of Chatauqua county, New York, and daughter of Ariel G. and Priscilla Miner. Shortly after his marriage he bought one hundred and thirty acres of heavily timbered land and in three years had cleared one hundred acres of it, a larger tract than had up to that time been cleared up in his part of the country. On that place he lived until 1850, when he went to Branch county, Michigan, and bought three hundred and twenty acres of land near Bronson, a part of which was timbered. After making some improvements there he removed in 1852 to Washington county, Iowa, and took · up nine hundred acres of government land in Seventy-six township. His new possession was raw prairie land, and as rapidly as pos- sible he plowed portions of it and put them under cultivation at the same time engaging extensively in stock-raising. When he settled there he had no neighbor within five miles and his nearest market was at Musca- tine. sixty miles away, and at Burlington. He constructed large yards and sheds on his place, and his home. half farm house, half hotel, was long a stopping place for all who travelled through that part of the country. He stayed there until 1888, improving two thousand acres of land. and during that time shipped many cattle to Colorado and tool: many horses from there to Iowa. besides purchasing land in Wild county, Colo- rado, near Colorado Springs, which he dis- posed of after several years. He was elected the first justice of the peace in his township. and as supervisor and township clerk assisted in raising two regiments for the war. In 1880 he made his first visit to Kansas and bought a half section of land in Eden town- ship. Sumner county. After that he went back and forth between Kansas and Iowa

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 24

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