A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 33

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

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ROBERT GORDON.

Industry forms the key which unlocks the portals of success, and when industry is guided by sound judgment the result is as certain as if it was reached by mathematical calculation. It has been the basis of Mr. Gordon's prosperity, as it has of every other successful man who has started out upon a business career in limited financial circum- stances. He now ranks among the substtn- tial farmer of Center township. Jewell county, where he has resided for about twenty-three years.

Mr. Gordon was born in Jefferson coun- ty. Iowa, in 1852, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. His paternal grandparents, John and Jennie (Dickey) Gordon, were both born in the land of hills and heather whence they removed in 1815 to the Emerald Isle. They were farming people and both died in Ireland when about eighty-five years of age. Their son. Joseph Gordon, the father of our subject, was born in county Antrim. Ireland, in 1822, and after arriving at years of maturity married Elizabeth Gilbert, who was born in the same county, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Gilbert. Her parents emigrated from county Antrim to the new

world and spent their last days in Jefferson county, Iowa, where they died when more than sixty years of age. It was in the year 1841 that Joseph Gordon sought a home in the United States. Crossing the continent until he had made his way over the Missis- sippi, he took up his abode in Jefferson county, Iowa, where he devoted his ener- gies to agricultural pursuits. He was called to his final rest at the age of seventy- four years, and his wife passed away when sixty-five years of age.

On the home farm Robert Gordon passed the days of his boyhood and youth and through the summer months, when his age and strength would permit, he worked in the fields, from the time of early spring until crops were harvested in the autumn. His preliminary education, obtained in the district schools, was supplemented by two years' study in Fairfield College, in Fair- field. Iowa, after which he engaged in working for his father during the summer season, while in the winter he taught school for three or four years in Jefferson county. In 1878 he came to Kansas and secured a claim of government land. He first lived in a little cabin, which was a combination of a log house and a dugout, and the ceil- ing was so low that a man could not com- fortably stand in the room. There he re- mained through four summers, while in the winter months he taught school and board- ed with his neighbors whose children were his pupils.

In 1882 Mr. Gordon built his present house and on the 29th of March, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Elma Votaw, who was born near Richmond, In- diana, a daughter of Isaac and Anna ( Hiatt) Votaw, both of whom were natives of the same locality. Mrs. Gordon is of Huguenot ancestry. On the paternal side her great-great-grandfather came from France in about 1740 and settled in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. There he united with the Friends' church, and married Ann Smith, also a Friend. On the maternal side Mrs. Gordon's great-great-grandfather was Solomon Hiatt, who lived in Guilford coun- ty, North Carolina. He had many slaves,

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but his son. Eleazar, born in 1783. many vers afterward became one of the chief pro- moters of the underground railway, and as- sisted large numbers of slaves to freedom in Canada. Isaac Votaw devoted his en- ergies to farming for many years, but his last days were spent in a well earned rest. He passed away when eighty years of age. but his widow is still living. Mrs. Gordon pursued her education in the district schools. with the exception of the year spent in col- lege. By Her marriage she became the ther . f three children, two of whom died in infancy. The daughter Alice is now five Years .Lage.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gordon took up their abede upon his farm. and he has since given his time and atten- tion to its further development and im- provement. Within its boundaries are now comprised three hundred and twenty acres of rich land, which yield a golden return for the care and labor he bestows upon the fields, For his success he deserves great credit, as it has all been acquired through his own ef- forts. Mr. Gordon cast his first presiden- tial vote for Horace Greeley and since that time has voted with the Democracy. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. with which all his ancestors were identified. and he aided in building the house of wor- ship of that denomination in this locality. He formerly belonged to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He and his wife have many friends in this locality and the hos- pitality of the best homes is extended to them.

FELIX HOBSON.

Felix Hobson, who is successfully en- gagel in the practice of medicine and sur- gery in Tesett, was born in Orange - ty. Indiana, on the 28th of May, 1858. The Hobson family were among the . Mand honored residents of Virginia, and its mem- hers have been prominent in the affairs of the nation from the time of the Revolu- tinagry war until the present day. They are of Quaker ancestry. The father . For sale

ject, William Hobson, was a farmer and stockman by occupation, and during the Civil war he was a brave and gallant sol- dier. In 1863 he came to the Sunflower state, becoming a leading agriculturist in Franklin county. . He was a Democrat in his political views, and religiously was a member of the Quaker faith. For his wife he chose Miss Nancy Lane, a member of a prominent Kentucky family, its members having been noted for their courage and enterprise. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hobson were born five sons, all of whom still ,sur- vive.

Felix Hobson, whose name introduces this review, received a good common-school education in the schools of Paoli. Orange county, Indiana. At the age of eighteen years he began the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Sherred, of Paoli, Indiana. and was also a medi- cal student under Dr. Forward, a well known and successful physician of Fred-

erick, Kansas. He next entered the Homeopathic Medical College of Chicago. in which institution he was graduated in 1890, and three years later he completed the course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Kansas City, after which. in 1897. he took a post-graduate course in gen- eral hospital work in the Post-Graduate Medical School of Chicago, located at 2400 Dearborn street. After thus thoroughly mastering the science of medicine in all its departments, Mr. Hobson entered upon the practice of his chosen profession in Fred- erick. Rice county, Kansas, where he re- mained for five years, on the expiration f which period he removed to Cleveland. Missouri, and at fas places he built to a large and lucrative patronage. In isto be took up his abode in Tescott, Kansas, where he has since remained in the enjoyment of a large and constantly growing patronage. For three years he was first divisi 1 sur- gen on the Pittsburg & Gulf, or the Port Arthur route.

In IS82. in Osage county. Kansas, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Ida Harr, who was born, reared ant educated in that county, a daughter of Joe and Mary

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Harr. Dr. Hobson holds membership re- lations with the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Woodmen of the World. He is a genial gentleman, al- ways courteous and considerate, of broad humanity, and possessed of that sincere love for his fellow men. without which there can never be the highest success in the med- ical profession. His friends are legion, and the history of his locality would be incom- plete without the record of his life and work.

IRA D. BROUGHER.

Ira D. Brougher is the proprietor of the Mulberry Grove Hereford Stock Farm of South Bend township, Barton county. This attractive farm was homesteaded by Mr. Brougher in 1874 and its improvements stand as a monument to the enterprise and indicate the activity of his business career. He was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1843, and is a son of Samuel Brougher. His grandfather, George Brougher, was also a native of the Keystone state. where he carried on agricultural pursuits at an early period in its development. He married Miss Elizabeth Johnston and his death oc- carred when he was seventy-four years of age, while his wife reached the very ad- vanced age of ninety-three years. Samuel Brougher, the father of our subject, was also born in Pennsylvania and became a blacksmith, following that pursuit for some time. He also owned a farm in York coun- tv. He married Miss Lydia Loucks and was called to his final rest when seventy- four years of age, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-three years. Her children were: George, Johnston, Ira D .. Samuel, Eliza, Maggie, David, Lavina and John, and all reached advanced age.

Ira . D. Brougher, whose name intro- luces this record, enjoyed the usual privi- leges and sports known to farmer lads. He worked in the fields in early youth and after- ward learned the coachsmith's trade. In the spring of 1862, when his country was

in dire need of soldiers, he aided in perpetu- ating the Union, offering his services to the government and enlisting in Company F, One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. At the battle of Antietam our subject was three times wounded,-in the right arm, the left shoul- der and the ear. After the battle his arm was amputated, and he was later discharged on account of disability for further field service. After his recovery he became a storekeeper for the government at Alex- andria. Virginia, being in charge of the general supplies until February, 1866.

In that year Mr. Brougher became a student in the Philadelphia Commercial Business College and was graduated with the class of 1867. He then accepted the position as bookkeeper, serving in that capacity until 1874, when he de- termined to go west and enjoy the splen- did climate and the advantages of this portion of the country. Accordingly he made his way to Kansas, and in 1874 secured as a homestead claim the farm where he vet resides. He built a board house, twelve by fourteen feet, also put up a sod barn and endured all the hardships and privations of pioneer life in the west. The settlers were cut off from the con- veniences and comforts of the east, but with determined purpose of making homes they met all these difficulties and in the course of time found that increase of population made it possible to secure all of the advan- tages known to the older east. All that Mr. Brougher possesses he has secured through his ernest labors in this county. He secured as a homestead claim the north- east quarter of section 30, South Bend town- ship, and afterward bought the adjoining three hundred and twenty acres on section 29. Still later he became the owner of the northwest quarter of section 20. This is a tree claim and he has thirteen acres plant- ed to timber. He also has one hundred and ninety-two acres in the military reservation of Fort Zarah and one hundred and sixty acres on section 33. Eureka township, Bar- ton county. In 1896 he stocked his farm with a herd of registered Hereford cattle,

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purchasing the cus and one bull, all high bred animals, for the stock-raising business, il has been very successful. He has soll eight bet- at an excellent price and now has twenty-one cows and bulls upon the farm. He is considered one of the best inges of high-bred cattle in the county, for he has long dealt in stock, has learned to know their good and bad point- and is particularly well informed concerning the best methods of caring is : his animals. His ranch is equipped with cattle sheds, feed stables, barns and all modern accessories for carrying forward the business and he has planted two fine orchards. He has raised as high as thirty-two bushels of wheat, fifty- six bushels of barley and seventy-five bush- els of corn to the acre .- all of which goes to prove that his farm is very productive.

In 1877 Mr. Brougher was elected to the office of county clerk on the Demo- cratic ticket, and served in that capacity for six vear -. In 1883 he was ch sen district clerk. filling the office two years, and since that time he has made his home in Great Bend. He has dealt in real estate and is an insurance and loan agent. doing consider- alle business in the line of buying and rent- ing farms for eastern parties. He has a fine office. containing a well selected li- brary. Socially he is connected with the Grand Army post, of which he is a past commander. He is also identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity and was for- merly identified with the Independent Or- der F Od Fees. He came to Kansas twenty-six years age without capital, but was determined and resolute and has found that such qualities served as an excellent i undation for success when supplemented Is capable management and diligence.

PATTERSON ALEXANDER.

Patterson Alexander, who devries his time and energies to farming on section II. Limestone township. Jewell county, his home leing near Mankato, is one of the worthy citizens that Pennsylvania has fur-

nished to the Sumil wer state, for his birth occurred in Juniata county, on the 9th . i December, 1823. His father, Patterson. Sr., was also born in Juniata county and belonged to one of the oldest families of that locality, his father, also, being a native there. Patterson Alexander, St., was uni ted in marriage to Margaret Montgomery. who was born and reaed in Lancaster county. Pennsylvania, whence she removed to Juniata county where they established their home and reared their family. The father died in 1824. and the mother passed away in 1859. Under the parental ro df Mr. Alexander, of this review, spent his childhood days, and in early life learned the tailor's trade. In 1843, when twenty years of age, he determined to seek his fortune in the United States and made his way to Carroll county, Indiana, where he remained for nearly two years. He then returned to his native county, where he was married and continued to make his home until the spring of 1867. In the meantime he responded to his country's call for aid in the Civil war. joining Company A. One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Infantry, under Captain Musser in 1804. They served mostly in North Carolina and he participated in the battles of Roanoke Island and New Berlin. When the Confederacy was conquered and the stars and stripes thatel over its capital the brave soldier boys were mustered out and Mr. Alexander received an hogy rable discharge at Harrisimorg. Pommsivania, in July, 1865, at wihch time he returned : his home and family in the Keystone state.

On the 3r.l . f June, 1845. he'd na- ried Elizabeth M. Kessler, a native of Juni- ata county, where their wedding occurred. Their three elest chiffres. Mrs. Margaret Gingrich, John W. and Mrs. Anne Reeser. are in w deceased, but eight children of the family are living and are as follows: George W .. James H., Joseph W., Patter- son, Ched Sample, Mrs. Susan Kelinen. Mr -. Dla Davis and Charles.

In 1867 Mr. Alexander left Pennsyl- vania and removed to Calloway county, Missouri, where he remained for six years, and in the fall of 1872 he came to Jewell

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county, Kansas, where he secured a home- stead claim on section II, Limestone town- ship, and has here since devoted his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits. He has a valu- able farm, well improved, and his carefui attention to business interests has resulted in bringing to him a comfortable compe- tence. His daughter, Mrs. Robinson, has charge of the home, which she conducts in a most capable manner. She has one daugli- ter. May Beth, and the family is one of prominence in the community, its members enjoying the high regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact.

Mr. Alexander is a strong Republican in his political views and in 1878 was elected clerk of the district court, in which position he served for two years. While in Pennsylvania he filled the office of jus- tice of the peace, and his son, James H .. who resides upon the home farm, is now serving as trustee in Limestone township. Mr. Alexander belongs to the Presbyterian church in Otego, and his Christian prin- ciples permeating his life, which at all times has been an honorable and upright one, command the respect and confidence of his fellow men. He is as true to-day to his country and its best interests as when he followed the starry banner of the nation upon the battlefields of the south.

W. J. TROUSDALE.

Among the prominent and substantial citizens of Newton. Kansas, is W. J. Trous- dale, who since 1895 has been the president of the Midland National Bank of this city.

The birth of Mr. Trousdale was in Cin- cinnati. Ohio, on September 4. 1850, and he was a son of Robert and Mary Trousdale. the former of whom died in 1880. at the age of seventy-two years, but the latter is living to a peaceful old age. in Belmont, Wiscon- sin.

consin to Kansas and invested largely in land and entered extensively into stock- raising. At this time Mr. Trousdale has eighteen hundred acres of land in Harvey county, upon which he has placed improve- ments, and here are raised large numbers of cattle, of fine strain and breed. At present he has here nine hundred cattle and two hundred and fifty hogs, although the number changes during the year. In Edwards coun- ty he owns five thousand, two hundred and fifty acres of land. cultivating five sections and using three sections as pasture land.

As we are dealing in large figures, we may remark that he has twelve hundred acres in corn, eighteen hundred in wheat, besides other land upon which he raises cane and rough feed. In 1901, Mr. Trousdale had twenty-two hundred acres of wheat that averaged twenty-two bushels per acre, mak- ing forty-two thousand bushels. In addi- tion to his farming and grazing lands, Mr. Trousdale is the owner of other valuable property in the city, consisting of ten busi- ness blocks, in which are located stores and offices, two hotels and a livery barn.

Mr. Trousdale was elected to the honor- able position of president of the Midland National Bank in 1895. This institution has a capital of fifty thousand dollars, with a surplus of ten thousand dollars, and does a general banking business, and the election of Mr. Trousdale brought to it a feeling of confidence in the public mind, which pro- duced a very gratifying effect. It is con- sidered one of the most prudent and reliable banks in the city.

The marriage of our subject occurred in 1885, to Miss Mary Robinson, who was a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of the late Rev. Joseph Robinson. the three chil- dren of this union being Lillian, Walter J. and Harold. Mr. Trousdale is an active member and liberal supporter of the Method- ist church, in which he is a trustee, while in politics he is an ardent Republican.

Few men in this locality have been more prominently identified or are more heartily

Mr. Trousdale, of this sketch, spent his youth on his father's farm in Wisconsin, early beginning to take an interest in the ' in accord with the enterprises for the de- stock business. In 1880 he came from Wis- ' velopment of every interest of value to this

W. A. Trousdale

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

locality. In his various business relations. both in private and public life, he has been the same earnest, upright and capable citi- zen, and no one possesses in greater degree the respect of the citizens of Harvey county than W. J. Trousdale.

WILLIAM KIRKENDALL.

William Kirkendall, deceased, was a well known citizen of Center township. Rice county, who located in this locality March 11. 1878, and followed farming until his death, which occurred March 2, 1882. He was then forty-six years of age, for he first opened his eyes on the 4th of April, 1835. his birthplace being in Wayne county, Ohio. His father. Wilson Kirkendall, was a native of Pennsylvania and was of German descent. Removing to the west. he located in Wayne county. Ohio, where he followed agricultural pursuits for some time. The subject of this review was reared on the old family home- stead. and at the usual age entered the public schools, where he pursued his studies through the winter season, while in the sum- mer months he bore his share in the work of the fiells. On the 8th of February, 1859. he was married. in Henry county, Illinois. being then a young man of twenty-three years. to Miss Martha Carson, an estimable lady, who was a devoted wife and helpmate to him throughout the remainder of his life's journey. She was born in Allen county, Ohio. May 25. 1837. and is a daughter of Robert Carson, whose birth occurred while his parents were crossing the Atlantic from the north of Ireland. They were of Scotch- Irish lineage and were Presbyterians in re- ligions Faith. When he had reached man- hond Re Fest Carson wedde Margaret Stan- lev. a native of Westmoreland county, Penn- sylvania. but both are now deceased. the father having died in Henry county, Illinois. at the age of sixty, while the mother's death occurred in Rice county, Kansas, at the age of seventy-four years. They, too, were worthy Christian people. identified with the Presbyterian denomination, and in

that faith they reared their children, nine in number, namely: James, Samuel. Alec and Harvey, all of whom are you decarol: William, who is living in Sac. Dallas county. Iowa: Eli, who was a member of an llinois regiment during the Civil war and was killed at the battle of Bull Run: Mrs. Kirk- endall: and Mrs. Esther Hand. pi Des Moines, Iowa.

The marriage of our subject and his wife was blessed with ten children, of whom eight are yet living, namely : Albert W .. Mrs. Maggie Strine, Mrs. Ida Weaver, Harvey and Hiram, twins, at home, and Etta. John and Robert, who are still with their mother. Those who have passed away are Warren. who is the second in order of birth and died at the age of twenty-nine, leaving a widow and one child, and Ella, who died at the age of twenty years.

From early boyhood until his demise Mr. Kirkendall followed farming and became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land. constituting one of the best farms in Center township. Rice county, Kansas. He located here on the iith of March, 1878, and with characteristic energy began the development of his fields and the improve- ment of his property, continuing his work as an agriculturist until his demise. The Democratic party received his political al- legiance and the Methodist Episcopal church his hearty co-operation, for through many years he held membership in the latter, and his Christianity formed the basis of his up- right character. His death was the coca- sion of deep regret. not only to his family, but to many friends throughout the com- munity, and to his wife and children he left not only a comfortable competence, but also a good name, which the psalmist has said is rather to be chosen than great ricks.

Mrs. Kirkendall and her younger chil- dren still reside on the old homestead and the family is one of prominence in the com- munity. She has three hundred and twenty acres of rich land and the farm is a desira- ble property. The home. the barns and the wutbuildings are all kept in good repair and the sons carry on the work of cultivating the fields and raising stock. The name of

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Kirkendall commands respect throughout this portion of Rice county and the members of the household occupy an enviable posi- tion in social circles in which they move.

DAVID H. CALLIS.

A representative farmer of Rice county, David Callis owns and operates valuable tracts of land in central Kansas and his homestead, pleasantly located three miles northeast of Chase, comprises two hundred and forty acres. highly cultivated and im- proved with all modern equipments. His possessions are a monument to his thrift and enterprise and he is accounted one of the most progressive and diligent agriculturists of his community.

Mr. Callis was born in Pike county, Illi- noi -. February 1. 1852, his parents being W. H. H. and Harriet E. (Ingles) Callis. the former a native of Virginia, the latter of New York. The paternal grandfather, David Callis, was a prominent farmer and slave owner of Virginia and long prior to the Civil war he gave his slaves their free- dom and removed to Illinois, settling in Pike county at a very early day. There he improved a good farm and made it his home throughout the residue of his life. He was an earnest Christian gentleman and for many years was a worthy member of the Methodist church. In his family were three children. Ann. Lucy J. and W. H. H., all of whom went to Illinois and are now de- ceased.

W. H. H. Callis accompanied his parents on their removal to the Prairie state and there he was afterwad married to Miss Har- riet E. 'Ingles. He then began farming in Pike county, where he remained until after all of his children were born. In 1861 he offered his services to the government to aid in the preservation of the Union, enlisting as a private in Company F. Ninety-ninth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. He was subsequently promoted to sergeant and or- derly sergeant and in the latter capacity served until February. 1865, when he re-

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 33

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