A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 47

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 47

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Jacob F. Blackwelder, of this review, was born and reared on a farm in the prai- rie state, and on account of failing eyesight, he was obliged to leave school at an early age. He assisted his father on the home farm until his marriage, which occurred at Litchfield, Illinois, on the Ist of January. 1865, when he was twenty-three years of age, Miss Sarah C. Rasor becoming his wife. She was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, and was of Irish and German descent. Her par- ents. William and Matilda (Hastings) Ra- sor, were natives of the Old Dominion, but subsequently removed to Ohio and after- ward to Illinois, where they located on a farm near Litchfield. There the father passed away in death in 1898, at the age of eighty-three years, having survived his wife for twenty years. Four of their children are yet living : Mary A., the widow of Harvey Gilmore and a resident of Monett. Barry county, Missouri : John, a farmer of Litch- field, Illinois ; Alice, who has never married and also resides in Litchfield ; and Sarah C., the wife of our subject. One son, Martin Luther Rasor, became a soldier in the Civil war, and his death occurred about twenty years ago near Litchfield.

Soen after his marriage Mr. Blackwel-

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der located on a rented farm in his native locality, where he remained for the follow - ing twenty seven years, on the expiration of which period, in August, 1893, he came to Kansas, securing three hundred and twen- ty acres of land in Pratt county, only eighty acres of which had been cultivated and the same amount fenced. This land was located on section 30, Grove township, and here Mr. Blackwelder erected an excellent modern eight-room residence, twenty-four by thirty- two feet, and three years ago he purchased an adjoining tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, making in all a farm of four hundred and eighty acres, which, with its splendid improvements and under his excellent care, has come to be known as one of the model ones of the county. Here he has has planted many fruit and ornamental trees. and from his wells of never-failing water his windmills keep a steady stream of water flowing to irrigate his garden and supply his artificial fish-pond, which was stocked several years ago with choice fish. Until about three years ago Mr. Blackwelder had followed exclusively the raising of the ce- reals. and he then embraked in the stock business, beginning with Durham cattle, but he has since also dealt in red polls, of which he keeps an excellent grade. He also raises horses and mules to some extent, of which he keeps about twenty head. Four years ago he returned to his old home in Illinois for a four months' visit and after his return to this state he spent one year in Pratt City, leasing his farm. and he then purchased a good residence in Isabel. together with seven lots, where he now makes his home. His farm is rented to his son. George D., and to his son-in-law. George Reliford. and al- though Mr. Blackwelder has practically re- tired from the active duties of life. he still makes almost daily trips to his farm to su- perintend its operation. In 1901, in part- nership with a Mr. Knight, he embarked in the implement business in Isabel, but since then his eldest son. Frank. has taken his place in the firm, which is known as Knight & Blackwelder. He also owns an interest in a hardware and harness shop in this city,

which is conducted by himself and the wall, Frank and John.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Blackwelder has been blessed with nine children, mamel : Samuel E., who died in infancy; Frank, a carpenter and painter by trade, but now engaged in the hardware and implement business in Isabel : Mary M .. the wife of George Reliford, and they reside in her father's farm. in Pratt county: LaIv- ton, a farmer and stock man in Elm Mills township: Bertie R., who is em- ployed as a blacksmith at Budd's Landing, California : John I., engaged in the livery and hardware business in Isabel : George D. who resides on his father's farm: Alfred, who died at the age of eighteen months ; and Oscar, who died in Illinois at the age of eighteen months. Mr. and Mrs. Blackwel- der were formerly identified with the Luth- eran church, but are now members of the Methodist denomination at Isabel. Hle for- merly gave his political support to the De- mocracy, but during recent years has voted with the Populist party, in which he is an ac- tive worker, and has many times served as a delegate to county conventions, and for many years has served as a member of the central committee. He has also been a men- ber of the school board of Isabel. He still suffers from two accidents which he re- ceived several years ago, having had the misfortune to cut his knee with an axe, which confined him to his bed for several months, and afterward he was kicked . ? the ankle by a horse. and from the effects of these he has never fully recovered. He is also afflicted with failing eyesight. He and his wife are now preparing to make a trip to California, to be absent for several months. They are numbered among the representative citizens of the locality, and are loved and honored for their many noble characteristics.

RILEY J. MERRYFIELD.

The subject of this sketch. who is an ex- tensive farmer and cattle man of Center township, Ottawa county, Kansas, with post-

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office connections at Minneapolis, is a de- scendant of an old New York family noted for its business integrity and great moral worth. Riley J. Merryfield was born in Ogle county, Illinois, ten miles from the city of Rockford. September 20. 1855. a son of John T. Merryfield, and a grandson of Jus- tice Merryfield. John T. Merryfield was born in the state of New York, and came with his father to the wilds of northern Illi- nois, where the family located among the Indians and pioneer settlers before the Blackhawk war, which occurred in 1832. Justice Merryfield lived out the remainder of his years and died there. John T. Merry- field assisted to improve a good farm on the Illinois prairie, and was married, in Ogle county, that state, to Lucy Stewart, who was born in Ireland of Scotch-Irish par- ents, a daughter of Samuel Stewart, who became an early settler in Ogle county. He became a well-to-do farmer for the time and locality, and died in his forty-sixth year. John T. and Lucy ( Stewart ) Merryfield had several children, the following data concern- ing whom will be of interest in this connec- tion: Loraine, who married Dr. C. D. Clark. of Minneapolis, Kansas : Louisa, who married in the Illinois family of MCEvoy. and died in that state : William, who lives at Hale. Missouri : Lois, who became Mrs. Ag- new. and died at Minneapolis, Kansas: Ri- lev T .. the immediate subject of this sketch : Samuel J., who lives in Blaine township, Ottawa county, Kansas: Gordon N., who lives in the same township : and .Carrie, who married into the Agnew family, of Illinois, and lives on the old family homestead in that state.

Riley J. Merryfield was reared on the family homestead in Illinois and received a practical common-school education and am- ple instruction in farming, and was given valuable precepts in honesty and industry. After he left the district school he was for a time a student at Arnold's College, at Rock- ford. At the age of twenty he left home and took up the battle of life on his own ac- count. and when he was twenty-two years old he married Ida M. Agnew, a woman of

much refinement and culture and a member of a good family, who has been a valuable helpmeet to him. Mrs. Merryfield was a daughter of Hugh Agnew, who was an ear- lý settler and prominent citizen of Winne- bago county, Illinois, where she was reared and educated. Hugh Agnew, who came to Illinois from Canada, married Elizabeth Mains, a native of Canada, who survives him and lives at Rockford, Illinois.

Riley J. Merryfield remained in Illinois until 1883, when he located at Minneapolis, Ottawa county, Kansas, where he has been a recognized factor in the cattle business since that time. He owns one thousand three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, and is one of the most extensive stock raisers in the county. He is a prominent and influential citizen, a member of the Re- publican party and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. and Mrs. Merry- field have five children, as follows: Seely R .. Grace. Jessie, U'la and U'na, the two last mentioned being twins.

ALEXANDER McBURNEY.

The well known citizen of Harvey coun- ty, Kansas, whose name is mentioned above, is a prominent and successful stock man in section 12. Halstead township. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, January 6. 1842, a son of Cleland McBurney, a market gardener, who was born in Maryland July 4. 1797. and died at Baltimore, that state, October 6. 1865. His large and profitable market garden was situated in a suburb of the Monumental city. Sarah Proctor, who became his wife about 1837. died April 2. 1847, aged thirty-three years, leaving five' children. Her son. Samuel, born in 1838, became a railroad man and died at Pitts- burg. Pennsylvania, in November. 1900, leaving six children. Alexander was the second of her children in order of birth. William, also a railroad man, died Octo- ber 6. 1877. leaving a wife and two children. John, who has three children, is a stationary

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engineer, and lives in Washington, District of Columbia. Lewis, yard-master for the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Company at Baltimore, Maryland, and for many years di employe of that corporation, had five children.

Alexander McBurney received a limited education in private schools and was reared to farm-gardening. . At fourteen he began to work out by the month and in September, 1861, when he was between nineteen and twenty years old, he enlisted, at Baltimore, Maryland, in Colonel Purnelle's legion, com- posed of nine companies of infantry, three companies of cavalry and two eight-gun bat- teries. Colonel Purnelle, then popular among the citizens of Baltimore as postmaster of that city, gave place to Colonel Leonard, when it went to the front. Mr. McBurney saw three years and three months of hard service, mostly along the Potomac river, for a time in the Eighth Army Corps and later in the Fifth Army Corps, and fortunately escaped not only death, but wounds and sickness. It is a somewhat remarkable fact that he was never confined to his bed a day by sickness until February, 1901, when he was obliged temporarily to yield to an acute attack of grippe.

After the war Mr. McBurney returned to Baltimore, and was employed there until 1871, in the Abbott Iron Works. May 4. 1871. he located at Lawrence, Kansas, where he remained until March 8. 1872. when he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of government land in section 12, Halstead township. Harvey county. For two years he lived alone in a twelve-by-twelve-foot box house. May 20, 1874. he married Miss El- len S. Miller, who was born in Union coun- ty. Pennsylvania, July 2, 1847, a daughter of Henry and Esther ( Lowery ) Miller. Early in childhood Mrs. McBurney was ta- ken by her parents to St. Joseph, Michigan, and later the family removed to Lawrence. Kansas, where she met Mr. McBurney. After his marriage Mr. McBurney built an addition to his humble cabin, thus provid- ing a home in which he and his wife lived

until 1883, when he erected his fine. large two-story modern residence.

To Alexander and Ellen S. (Miller ) McBurney were born seven children, includ- ing two pairs of twins. Cleland H., who has not married, assists his father in the management of the home farm. Franklin A., a flour, grain and feed dealer, of Wichi- ta. Kansas, has a wife and a daughter. AAr- thur is also a member of his parents' house- hold. Ellen Esther, now seventeen years old, divides her time between school and in- struction on the organ. Sarah M .. also in school, is making a specialty of music. Mr. and Mrs. MeBurney also had two infant sons.

Mr. MeBurney was received as an En- tered Apprentice, passed the Fellow Craft degree and was raised to the sublime de- gree of Master Mason and has passed the chairs in Odd Fellowship. In politics he is a Republican, and his fellow citizens have twice called him to the office of township trustee and he has for six years filled the office of school director. He is a steward and trustee of the Methelist Episcopal church. He owns three quar- ter-sections of land in one farm, and devotes himself to mixed husbandry, mak- ing a specialty of wheat, corn, oats and , alfalfa, and largely to stock-raising. He raises many hogs, owning sometimes as many as one hundred and forty Poland- Chinas. He has at this time a herd of twen- ty-three high-grade Poll-Durhams Lie! from Shorthorns and Red Polls. He is the only farmer in his vicinity who keeps a flock of sheep. and at this time he owns about seventy-five Shropshires and Cotswolds. He recently raised forty-three lambs from thir- ty-one ewes. His success in breeding males also has been noteworthy. On his farm are three orchards, and he has dug up two others that had become unproductive. One of the orchards mentioned comprises eight acres. and the two others aggregate twelve acres. making twenty acres devoted to the culture of fruit trees of different kinds. Water for domestic and farm use is pumped up from

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inexhaustible wells by means of modern windmills, and as an evidence of Mr. Mc- Burney's up-to-date enterprise, it may be said that hot and cold water are carried to all parts of his house by an ingenious sys- tem of pipes. He is as public-spirited as he is progressive, in a private way, and there is no man in his vicinity who is more solicit- ous than he for the welfare of his township, county and state.

DAVID P. HODGDON.

Perhaps no agency in all the world has done so much for public progress as the press, and an enterprising, well-edited jour- nal is a most important factor in promoting the welfare and prosperity of any commu- nity. It adds to the intelligence of the peo- ple through its transmission of foreign and domestic news and through its discussion of the leading issues and questions of the day, and more than that, it makes the town or city which it represents known outside of the immediate vicinity, as it is sent each day or week into other districts, carrying with it an account of the events transpir- ing in its home locality, the advancement and progress there being made, and the ad- vantages which it offers to its residents along moral, educational, social and commercial lines. Lyons is certainly indebted to its wide-awake journals in no small degree, and the subject of this review is the editor of one of the excellent newspapers of the city, The Rice County Eagle. For many years he has been connected with journalistic work, and his power as a writer and editor is widely acknowledged among contempora- neous journals.

David Parker Hodgdon was born in Farmington, New Hampshire, on the 21st of February, 1841, and in both the paternal and maternal lines he is of English descent. The progenitor of the Hodgdon family in America came to this country in 1634, and he obtained a large grant of land in what is now New Hampshire. His descendants

took an active part in the Revolutionary war. both as officers and privates. The year 1878 witnessed the arrival of our subject in the Sunflower state, coming to this common- wealth from Massachusetts, and since 1882 he has made his home in Lyons. In 1884 he embarked in journalistic work, and prac- tical experience has made him familiar with the business in ' every department. His original methods of execution, his great fa- cility of perception, his correct and spirited grasp of affairs have all combined to give individuality to his style, bringing him in- stant recognition not only at home, but also in the field of co-existent journalism. He is also the owner of a fine farm of four hun- dred acres in Rice county, Kansas.

The marriage of Mr. Hodgdon was cele- brated in Maine, when Miss Malissa G. Russell became his wife. Two daughters have come to brighten and bless their home, Ida M. and Maude. In political matters Mr. Hodgdon is of the old Abe Lincoln persuasion, and supports the party, men and measures which more nearly conduce, in his judgment, to free independent government, and the happiness and prosperity of all the governed. Socially he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In manner he is courteous and genial, and among the people with whom he has been so long connected he is very popular.

ROBERT J. WALKER.

The conditions in the vicinity of Spivey, Kansas, are favorable to the successful prosecution of certain lines of industry, among which the creamery business is par- ticularly notable. No healthier cattle are to be found than those which are bred on these rich lands, and no greater yield of richer milk can be produced in any more fa- vored spot. Among those intelligent and progressive farmers who have recognized the possibilities of this business is Robert J. Walker, who since 1900 has conducted one

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of the largest creamery plants in this lo- cality. For a number of years he engaged in the raising of choice cattle and fine milch cows, and his present business is but the out- come of long experience as a private dairy- man.

The birth of Mr. Walker occurred in 1801, in the town of Ophir. La Salle county. Illinois, where his family was most favor- ably known. The ancestral line reaches to Scotland, in which country his father. Rob- ert Walker, was born and educated. At the age of twenty-four Robert Walker came to the United States and located in Cattarau- gus county, New York, where. in 1853. he married Atilda Mathewson, who was born

and was a daughter of llail and Prudence (Williams ) Mathewson, the latter of whom was a native of Vermont. The former was a drummer boy in the army during the war of 1812. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mathewson died in New York, where they lived honor- able lives, and are recalled with expressions of esteem. After marriage Robert Walker and wife moved to La Salle county, Illinois, about 1856, and settled at the town of Ophir. but later became residents of Livingston county, where the father of our subject died at the age of sixty-six. Noted for the thrift and economy of his native country, Mr. Walker was equally known for his upright life and for the exercise of those kindly im- pulses which have made the name of Scot honored the world over. He adopted the principles of the Republican party, and be- came a worthy member of the Methodist church. His widow resides in Spivey, where she enjoys the twilight of her life. surrounded by loving relatives, and is so well preserved both in mind and body as to be yet an important member of society and a Methodist whose example teaches more than some sermons.

Robert J. Walker grew up in La Salle and Livingston counties, Illinois, and was educated in the public schools. In 1883, in the latter county. he was united in marriage to Miss Phebe Eugenia Cook, who was the daughter of William Cook, one of the well

known residents of Livingston county. Upon another page of this volume may be found extended mention of the Cook family.

In 1801 Mr. Walker located in King- man county, Kansas, selecting a fine tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Bel- mont township. as his place of residence, and there he engaged in farming and stock rais- ing until 1900, at which time he came to the village of Spivey and purchased the creamery plant at this place. This plant is thoroughly fitted for the successful and ec. - nomical production of the highest grade of creamery products. Mr. Walker has intro- duced a modern separator of the most ap- proved pattern, and makes use of a twelve-

in Adams, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, |horse-power engine. His building is twenty- two feet by thirty-six in dimensions, and thoroughout is fitted up with all modern con- veniences and appliances. He also uses his power here to.operate a feed mill where he grinds as much as two hundred bushels a day. In busy seasons Mr. Walker utilizes many gallons of milk per day, and the cream is shipped to Wellington. A business of this magnitude requires careful supervision. and Mr. Walker seems to possess the neces- sary qualifications to make it a success. It is one of the great activities of this section.

The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Walker is made attractive by the presence of four bright and intelligent children. Jes- sie Emma, who is fifteen years old : Harry Robert. ten years of age: Cora Inez. eight years old: and Irl John. a little lad of five years. One daughter, who bore the name of Atilda, died September 9. 1890, at the age of six years.

Mr. Walker is a man of prominence in this locality, and has served as a trustee of the township and for two terms has been an efficient member of the school board. In fraternal circles he has membership rela- tiens with the Masons and the Woodmen. in both organizations being justly popular. Both he and his wife are among the leading members of the Order of Rebekkah. and Mrs. Walker belongs to the Eastern Star. This family is one of the intelligent and rep- resentative ones of this locality, where edu-

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cation is valued and the gentle amenities of life encouraged. Mr. Walker is progress- ive and public-spirited, and can always be depended upon to favor all enterprises which his judgment decides to be of benefit to the community.

DANIEL WEBSTER WILCOX.

Prominent among the business men of Newton, Kansas, is Daniel W. Wilcox, who has been closely identified with the interests of the city for a quarter of a century. and has taken a very active and prominent part in its development. The banking interests are well represented by him, for he is to- day at the head of the Railroad Loan & Sav- ings Company, one of the leading moneyed institutions of the place. He is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment. and his executive ability and excellent man- agement have brought to the concern with which he is connected a high degree of suc- cess.

Mr. Wilcox was born in Hancock coun- ty. Illinois, June 30, 1843, and belongs to an old and honored family of that locality. His father. Linus L. Wilcox. was born about 1823 in Haddam, Connecticut, of which place the grandfather, Lyman Wilcox, was also a native. The latter's wife, who bore the maiden name of Emily Hubbard, was also born in Connecticut, and both were of English descent. their ancestors being among the early colonists who came from the mother country. In 1839 Lyman Wil- cox removed with his family to Illinois, be- coming a pioneer of Hancock county, where he followed farming throughout the remain- der of his life. That had previously been his occupation in Connecticut. He had three sons and four daughters, all of whom reared families with the exception of one daughter. One son and two daughters are still living the former being Wilbur F. Wilcox, of Pec- ria. Illinois, who is about the age of our subject. Among his cherished possessions our subject has his grandfather's commis-

sion as captain in the Connecticut State Militia. In 1839 Linus L. Wilcox married Miss Abigail Burr, who was born in Mid- illesex county, Connecticut, about 1825. and came of a family noted for longevity. Her parents were also pioneers of Connecticut, and she made the journey west by team, with her husband. Unto Linus L. Wilcox and wife were born seven children, but three died in early childhood. The others were Ellsworth, who died at the age of sixteen years: Daniel W., of this review ; Cynthia E., who was born in 1846, and died un-' married in Illinois, in 1895: and Edward .A., who is now engaged in farming on one hundred and twenty-five acres of the old homestead in Hancock county, Illinois. which formerly comprised two hundred and fifty-six acres. The mother of these chil- dren died in 1857, and the father subse- quently married Miss Fanny Buell, of Kill- ingworth, Connecticut, who bore him five children. Those still living are Fletcher E., now a resident of Milton, Oregon, where he is now serving as county treasurer and is also engaged in merchandising : Collin F .. a prominent physician of Princeville, Illi- nois : and Fred, who lives on the old home farm.

Daniel W. Wilcox acquired the greater part of his education in the common schools of his native state, and for nine weeks was also a student at Hedding College. Abing- don. Illinois. At the age of nineteen years he commenced teaching school in his home district, and successfully followed that pur- suit for some years, both in Illinois and Kan- sas. On attaining his majority he left the parental roof, and for a year and a half was one of the engineering corps on the con- struction of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad.

On the 3d of January, 1869, Mr. Wil- cox was united in marriage with Miss Anna MI. Saunders, also a native of Illinois, and a daughter of George H. and Nancy M. ( Breed ) Saunders, who were also from Connecticut and emigrated to the Prairie state in 1836. Her ancestors belonged to the noted Breed family of Bunker Hill,

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 47

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