A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 32

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

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Mr. and Mrs. Presnall has been born one son. Mahlon C., who died at the age of twenty months.

In the year 1883 Mr. Presnall arrived in Barber county, Kansas, and secured one hundred and sixty acres of land on the In- dian tract. Here he has developed an ex- cellent farm, improved with all modern ac- cessories and equipments. He has now two hundred and forty acres of land six miles northeast of Hazelton, and his farming op- erations have been so successfully conduct- ed that he is now numbered among the substantial citizens of this community. He has given his political support to the Re- publican party and for two terms has served as trustee of his township. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, in which he has attained the Royal Arch degrees. He was made a Mason in Lebanon Lodge, No. 227, F. & A. M., in Iowa, in 1868, and for twelve terms has served as master of Charity Lodge, No. 263, of Kansas. Thoroughly conversant with its tenets and its principles, he exemplifies in his life its beneficent spirit. The qualities of an up- right manhood are his, and all through his residence in Kansas he has commanded the respect and esteem of his fellow men.

DANIEL A. BANTA.

Kansas has always been distinguished for the high rank of her bench and bar. Perhaps none of the newer states can just- lv boast of abler jurists or attorneys. Many of them have been men of national fame, and among those whose lives have been passed on a quieter plane there is scarcely a town or city in the state but can boast of one or more lawyers capable of cross- ing swords in forensic combat with any of the distinguished legal lights of the United States. While the growth and development of the state in the last half century has been most marvelous, viewed from any stand- point, yet of no one class of her citizenship has she greater reason for just pride than her judges and attorneys. In Daniel A.

Banta we find united many of the rare qualities which go to make up the success- ful lawyer. He possesses perhaps few of those brilliant, dazzling, meteoric qualities, which have sometimes flashed along the legal horizon, riveting the gaze and blind- ing the vision for a moment, then disap- pearing, leaving little or no trace behind, but rather has those solid and more sub- stantial qualities which shine with a con- stant luster, shedding light in the dark places with steadfastness and continuity. Mr. Banta has in an eminent degre that rare ability of saying in a convincing way the right thing at the right time, and this has been a potent element in his success. His connection with the bar of central Kansas dates from 1884, at which time he began practice in Great Bend, where he has since remained.

Mr. Banta was born in Union City, Ohio, September 9, 1851, and is a son of Albert M. Banta, a farmer, who is now liv- ing in Topeka. He came to Kansas in 1882, locating in Osage county, where he contin- ued.agricultural pursuits for a time, but at present he is living retired in the capital city. His son, Daniel A. Banta, was reared upon a farm and pursued his education in the schools of Indiana. In early he took up the painter's trade, which he followed until 1872, but believing that he would prefer professional life he began the study of law under the direction of Asbury Steele of Marion, Indiana. In 1878 he was admitted to the bar and engaged in practice in the Hoosier state until his removal to Kansas. He was at the time in ill health and hoped that change of climate would prove benefi- cial. He was troubled with rheumatism and his eyesight was greatly affected. He found in the salubrious climate of this por- tion of the Sunflower state the tonic he needed, for he is now in the enjoyment of excellent health and does not need to use glasses. On coming to Great Bend he en- tered into partnership as a member of the firm of Diffenbacher & Banta, a relation that was maintained until 1896, since which time Mr. Banta has been alone. He makes a specialty of the practice of criminal law and

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is extremely strong and comprehensive in argument. He is quick to grasp the salient prints in a case and present them with tell- ing force. From 1887 until 1889 he served as city attorney, having been appointed to the office by Mayor A. J. Buckland.

Mr. Banta was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Day, a daughter of Samuel J. Day. of Great Bend, who came to Barton county in 1875 and engaged in the prac- tice . f law here until 1894. He then re- moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where he died when about sixty years of age. Three chil- dren have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Banta, namely: Dan, Arthur and George .1. Our subject is a member of the Frater-' nal Aid and of the Benevolent Order of Elks. He is a gentleman of strong force of character and marked individuality, who has gained an eminent position in his pro- fession, but is no less prominent or highly esteemed in social circles.

ORRIN W. DAWSON.

Orrin W. Dawson has been prominently identified with the business interests of Barten & anty from early manhood and is now residing in Great Bend where he is carrying on operations as a loan, real-estate and insurance agent. He was born in Jones county. Iowa, and is a son of James G. Dawson and a grandson of William W. Dawson. The latter came to Barton coun- ty in 1873 and entered land which is now owned by Mr. McConahie. Here he erected a large sod house, sixteen by forty feet. It was one of the largest houses in this por- tion of the county at that early day and was eventually nicely plastered and white- washed. being then considered a fine house for the times. It sheltered many of the cariy settlers and their families who came to the county, the household being noted for its hospitality. The owner improved his farm and became a successful agriculturist. After acquiring a comfortable competence he retired to Great Bend, where he spent his last days. In early life he had married

Miss Polly Gault and Bath lived to be aver eighty years of age. Their children were : James G., John W., Thomas W., Maggie and Benjamin I.

James G. Dawson, the father of our subject, came to Barton county in 1875. On his arrival he erected a small board cabin. located on section 21. South Bend township. He entered a quarter of that section from the government and contin- ued to make it his home until his death. In a year after his arrival here he was joined by his family and for about a vear they resided in a small building which he had erected, after which he replaced it with a fine residence. He built also a good barn and made other improvements upon the place, which stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. His death occurred in 1888, when he was fifty-two years of age, but his wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Clark. is still living. Their children are: Elmer E., a commis- sion merchant living in Boston. Massachu- setts; Orrin W., of this review : and Myr- tle, wife of Harry E. Turck, of Ellinwood. Kansas.

In taking up the personal history of Or- rin W. Dawson we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Barton county. He pursued his primary education in the public schools and afterward became a student in the Central Normal College of Great Bend. He then engaged in teaching school in this county for a time, but subsequently he ac- cepted a position as bookkeeper and stenog- rapher with the Walnut Creek Milling C. m- pany in whose employ he remained for five years. The succeeding years have been passed as court stenographer and he also embarked in business for himself as a real- estate. loan and insurance agent. He has a fine office, well equipped for the successful conduct of his business and by his well directed efforts he is meeting with credit- alle success.

Mr. Dawson was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Munger, a daughter . f L. K. Munger. of Larned. Kansas, and they now have two children. Helen and Dorothy. Mr.

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Dawson is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, the Knights of Pythias society and is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Sons of Vet- erans. He has many friends among his brethren of these fraternities and has gained uniform respect and confidence in business circles, where he is known to be energetic, prompt and notably reliable.

JOHN T. STEVENS.

John T. Stevens is proprietor of a liv- ery and feed stable in Great Bend and is also engaged in raising and dealing in horses. In this connection he has a wide reputation and is well known as an enter- prising and successful business man, who owes his prosperity to his own efforts. He was born in Montgomery City, Missouri, February 19, 1860, and is a son of Will- iam R. Stevens, a harness-maker, who came from Calhoun county, Illinois, and is now a resident of Bowling Green. Kentucky, where he still follows harness-making. In

that county John T. Stevens was reared to farm life, and in August, 1877, he came to the west with a Mr. Haynes, who was to locate in Barton county. He worked for him at Pawnee Rock, being thus connected with farming, stock-raising and the handling of horses. In April, 1888, he began work- ing on the Santa Fe railroad as a brake- man and in 1894 was promoted to the posi- tion of conductor, running from Newton to Dodge City, and on the 3d of March, 1898, while descending the ladder on the side of a freight car, it gave way and he was thrown upon the rails. In the accident he lost his right foot. After he was again en- abled to take up the active duties of life he began dealing in horses and cattle and was made manager of the Rowe stock farm in Liberty township, near Great Bend, Kan- sas. Here they not only have a fine stock of graded and thoroughbred cattle, but own many famous animals, including the noted Hambeltonian Sable Guy. No. 11.552; Sable Stevens, No. 20723 ; and R. Kauk,

No. 30824. This company has produced the finest and best grades of horses seen on the market. Their premium stallion Sable Guy, is the best pedigreed and highest class horse produced up to this time. He was foaled in 1889, and in 1893, when three years old, made a record of 2:2314, and made the same record in 1900. His sire, Sable Wilkes, held the world's record for three year old up to that date. The dam of Sable Guy was Linda Wilkes. In ad- dition to the horses mentioned, Mr. Stevens owns the finest breeds in the state, and on his stock farm is an excellent race course and well equipped stables. In 1900 he pur- chased the Harvey livery barn, of Great Bend, has remodeled and enlarged it and is now keeping fifty fine bred horses there. He buys and sells horses, which he ships to the east, and also has three hundred head of cattle. At one time he owned and con- ducted a wholesale liquor house in Great Bend, carrying a stock valued at ten thou- sand dollars. He is well known to agri- culturists and horse dealers throughout the county, and in business has gained an ex- cellent reputation, owing to the high grade of stock which he raises. He is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors.

DANIEL P. SMYRES.

Daniel P. Smyres, a pioneer of Rice county, and a prominent and representative farmer identified with the settlement, de- velopment and growth of central Kansas, was born in Hocking county, Ohio, Octo- ber 31, 1845, a son of Lewis and Martha (Fink) Smyres, both of whom were natives of Ohio, in which state they were married. The paternal grandfather, Ludwig Smyres. was a native of Pennsylvania, and was of German descent. He became a prominent farmer of that state, and subsequently re- moved to Ohio. He had three children : John. Isaiah and Lewis.

The last-named was born and reared in the Buckeye state. His father died when he was quite young and the son was thus

MR. AND MRS. D. P. SMYRES.

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thrown upon his own resources for a live- lihood. After arriving at years of matt- rity he married, and as soon as able pur- chased a tract of land and improved a farm in Ohio, remaining in that state for a num- ber of years. In 185; he sold that property and removed to Wabash county. Indiana. where he purchased land and in the midst of the heavy timber cleared and improved a farm upon which he spent his remaining days, his death there occurring in 1893. He was a hard-working man in his younger days, and as the result of his industry be- came the owner of a valuable property. He was widely recognized as one of the lead- ing and influential residents of his commu- nity, and for his success in life he deserved much credit, being the architect of his own fortunes and building wisely and well. In his political views he was first a Whig and later a Republican, but he never aspired to political preferment. desiring rather to give his time and attention to his business affairs. He was widely and favorably known, com- manding the confidence and respect of all who knew him and enjoying an enviable reputation for integrity and honor. He was a consistent and worthy member of the Methodist church, and lived an earnest Christian life. His first wife died in 1852. She was a daughter of Henry Fink, of Ken- tucky, who became an early settler of Ohio. where he was extensively engaged in farm- ing. He was also a physician, a patent- rights man and was the owner of grist and sawmills. He engaged in the manufacture of the Dr. Fink medicines, and led a very busy and useful life. He was charitable and benevolent and gave freely of his means for public enterprises and to relieve the wants of the needy. For many years he was a minister of the United Brethren church and later became identified with the Seventh Day Adventists. He was well known throughout Ohio, commanding the confi- dence and respect of all who knew him. His useful, honorable career and marked in- dividuality left an influence for good wherever he went and his worth was widely acknowledged. His children were : George, 60

a Methodist minister of Pennsylvania ; Earl D. : Elias: Isaiah: Mrs. Martha Smyres : and Mrs. Mary Lucas. Unto Lewis and Martha Smyres were born three children : Daniel P. : Henry F., a resident of Kansas : and Lewis A., who is living in Illinois. The mother died in 1852 and Mr. Smyres after- ward wedded Mrs. Whitcraft, a widow, who had five children, whom Mr. Smyres reared and educated. namely : Thomas, Jacob. Crea. Margaret, the wife of William Rolf. and Elizabeth, who died at the age of four- ten years. By the father's second mar- riage there were six children who attained to youth or mature years, while others died in infancy. The former were: Mary, the wife of C. Linn: Almira E., who married William Fulton : John W. and George, twins but the latter died at the age of sixteen ; Amy R., the wife of A. Connor: and Ida, who married F. Connor. At a family re- union held at the old homestead in Indiana in 1898 there were present sixty descendants and many others were unable to attend. Mrs. Smyres is yet living there at a ripe old age. Both the parents of our subject were Methodists in religious faith.

Daniel P. Smyres was born in Ohio. but when twelve years of age accompanied his father on his removal to Indiana, where he was reared to manhood, remaining under the parental roof until 1864, when he enlisted for service in the war of the rebellion, be- coming a member of Company K. One Hun- dred and First Regiment of the Indiana Volunteers. He was afterward transferred to the Fifty-eighth Regiment, which was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and joined his command at Ringgold. Georgia. He at once entered upon active service and participated in the Atlanta can- paign, in which he witnessed the taking and burning of Atlanta. He took part in some hotly contested battles and did much skir- mish duty and some hard work on the forti- fications. He was in the campaign after Hood to Gainesville, Alabama, marched with Sherman to the sea and afterward took part in the fight at Bentonville. North Care- lina, going thence to Raleigh. North Caro-

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lina, where Johnson surrendered. From there he marched to Washington and par- ticipated in the grand review, after which he was sent to Louisville, and there trans- ferred to the Fifty-eighth Regiment of Ken- tucky, but only remained with them about a month. At Louisville, Kentucky, he was mustered out, receiving an honorable dis- charge and his pay at Indianapolis. He es- caped without wounds or imprisonment and was ill in the hospital only nine days. Al- ways found at his post of duty, he faith- fully defended the starry banner of the na- tion, fighting bravely for the preservation of the Union.

Returning home Mr. Smyers resumed work upon his father's farm, where he re- mained until twenty-two years of age, when, in 1867. he was married. Miss Anna Wein- gand becoming his wife. She was born in Germany. June 6, 1848, and when six years of age was brought to this country by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Wein- gand. They crossed the Atlantic in 1854. settling in Ohio, where her father followed the shoemaker's trade. Later he went to Illinois, where his death occurred. His children were: Charles, who served in the Civil war and was killed at the battle of Stone river: William, who was also a sol- lier and is now living in Windom, Kan- sas: Mrs. Elizabeth Bechtol and Mrs. Anna Smyres.

Mr. and Mrs. Smyres began their do- mestic life upon a rented farm where they continued until 1877 when they removed to Arkansas. They there rented a farm and raised one crop, and in 1878 came to Rice county. Here cur subject purchased eighty acres of school land in Union township upon which he yet resides and like most of the pioneers who came to Kansas at an early day he had everything to make and nothing to loose. He first erected a board shanty and when winter had passed he began break- DUNCAN M. CIRCLE. ing prairie, planting sod corn and some spring wheat. Thus he made his start, and Although to-day one of the wealthy men of Barber county. Duncan M. Circle started out in life on his own account empty- while some years his crops have not been very good, he has usually garnered abundant harvests and has prospered in his under- { handed and his honesty proves conclusively

takings. He has added to his land from time to time until he now owns five hundred and sixty acres, all under fence and divided into fields for cultivation or into pastures. There are good orchards containing twelve hundred apple trees beside much smaller fruit : his fields produce good crops and in his pastures are found good stock. He has a pleasant and attractive frame residence, substantial barns and outbuildings, wind- mills and the latest improved machinery, together with many other conveniences. There are fine groves and the place is con- veniently and pleasantly located about three and a half miles southwest of Windom.

While Mr. Smyres has given the greater part of his time and attention to his general farming, other interests have also claimed his attention. He has handled stock to some extent and for some time he conducted a meat market at Windom. He has also sold fruit trees and has operated a threshing machine for three seasons. He is also agent for a firm dealing in reapers and in these various departments of business activity he has met with success.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Smyres has been blessed with five children, namely : Charles M .. who is engaged in farming; Almyra, the wife of R. G. Snyder ; Anna. who married William McConnell; George W. and May E., who are at home. Mrs. Smyres is a worthy and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, true and faithful to its teachings. Mr. Smyres be- longs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and likewise holds membership with the Grand Army Post at Little River. In the discharge of his duties of citizenship he is as true and faithful in days of peace as when he followed the old flag upon southern battlefields.

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that success is not a matter of genius, but is the outcome of carnest and persistent ef- fort. guided by sound judgment. He now owns thirty-two hundred acres of valuable land, the Circle ranch stock farm being pleasantly located four and one-half miles northwest si Hazelton. He keeps from five hundred to one thousand head of cattle and also buys and sells stock. On his place te-dax is a fine herd of red polled cattle, which he believes to be the best breed for this portion of the country. He owns some fine steers and his stock is of a high grade. In his farming operations he meets with excellent success and now has thirteen hun- dred acres planted to wheat. Long experi- ence has made Mr. Circle familiar with the best methods of cultivating his land and raising stock, and his keen business sagacity, his perseverance and capable management have enabled him annually to add to his in- cotile until to-day he is accounted one of the most extensive, practical and prosper- ous agriculturists of this portion of Kan- He has made his home here since 1883. at which time he secured one hun- dred and sixty acres of the Osage Indian land. As his financial resources increased, however, he added to his property until he has twenty times the original amount.

Mr. Circle is a native of Virginia, his firth having occurred in Botetourt county, in 1864. His father. Daniel Circle, was a farmer and stockman, born in the same county and was of German lineage. The family, however, was established in the Old Dominion at an early date and its members were there noted for industry and integrity. Daniel Circle was united in marriage to Julia Orphan, who was born in that state and they became the parents of three chil- dren: John R., a prominent stockman of Barber county, Kansas: Martha E., and Phoebe Viola. The mother of this family died, and the father afterward married Ellen Williamson, who was born in Scot- land and belonged to an old Highland fam- ily of Presbyterian faith, noted for courage and loyalty. Her parents were Andrew and Jane (Smith ) Williamson, who emigrated from Scotland to Virginia, where they spent

their remaining days, honored and respected by all who knew them. By the second marriage of Daniel Circle five children were born: Andrew L., Lillie J., Duncan M .. David W. and W. H. The father spent his entire life in Virginia, where he was a thrifty farmer and stock-dealer, reliable in all his business undertaking's and respected for his integrity, which was above question. In politics he was a Democrat. His death occurred when he was fifty-seven years of age. His widow still survives him and is now residing in Moore township. Barber county, at the age of seventy-four years. her physical and mental faculties being still unimpaired.

Duncan M. Circle, of this review. was reared upon the old family homestead in Virginia, assisting in the cultivation of the fields and the care of the stock, so that his early experience well fitted him for the labors of manhood. At the age of eighteen years he left home and came to Kansas. starting in life here on his own account. He was a man of strong physique, good habits, industrious and reliable and his life record demonstrates the possibilities and opportunities which Barber county offers to her citizens. His ranch to-day is a very valuable one. He has bought and sold other farms, on which he has realized a good profit, and his dealings in stock have brought to him an excellent financial re- turn.

In 1889 Mr. Circle married Miss Susan Emma Wigans, who was born in Peoria county, Illinois, near the city of Peoria. and was there reared and educated. Her father, Benjamin Wigans, was a contractor by trade, and in addition to that pursuit followed farming. He died in Woods coun- ty, Oklahoma, when eighty-four years of age, and his widow, who bore the maiden name of Susan Kent, is now a resident of Kiowa, Kansas. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Circle have been born five children, Ruby I .. Hazel D., Lizzie D., Ray S. and Luther M. In his political affiliations Mr. Circle is a Demi- ocrat and for a number of years has served on the school board. He is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen

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and enjoys the high regard of his brethren of the fraternity. A man of great natural ability, his success in business from the be- ginning of his residence in Barber county was uniform and rapid. As has been truly remarked after all that may be done for a man in the way of giving him early op- portunities for obtaining the requirements which are sought in the schools and in books, he must essentially formulate, de- termine and give shape to his own character ; and this is what Mr. Circle has done. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and gained the most satisfactory re- ward. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation.

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 32

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