A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 5

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 5

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Since engaging in his present business Mr. Ratcliff has given his attention to it al- most exclusively, but has found time as a Democrat to do active political work and has several times represented his party as a delegate to county, state, congressional and senatorial conventions and has been elected to some important township offices. He has been received as an Entered Apprentice. has passed the Fellow Craft degree and has been raised to the sublime degree of Master Ma- sen. and is a member of Robert Morris Lodge, No. 134. Ancient Free and Accepted

---

Masons, and has taken the three master's de- grees in capitulary Masonry and has been exalted to the august degree of Royal Arch' Mason ; and is a member of Cunningham Lodge, No. 134, Knights of Pythias, most of the offices of which he has filled, and a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World, in which he is the past consul.

February 20. 1895, Mr. Ratcliff married Mrs. Ida Sigler, widow of A. J. Sigler, who : was a merchant at Cunningham. Mrs. Rat- cliff, who was born in Washington county, Indiana, is an active member of the Christian church and takes a leading part in evangeli- cal and benevolent work generally. Ratcliff Brothers, by their straightforward business methods, have established a reputation for integrity, of which they should be proud, and their enterprise has given them a leading position among the leading men of the county.

HOMER F. FORT, M. D.

Greater than in all other professions is the responsibility laid upon the physician, since the issues of life and death are in his hands, and an improper diagnosis, incorrect method of treatment, a false prescription or an unskilled surgical operation may rob man of that which he prizes above all else- life itself. Thus the successful and honored physician must be thoroughly equipped by technical discipline, conscientious regard for the ethics of his noble profession, and en- dowed with that broad human sympathy which shall make his ministration the more effective. Among the able and popular rep- resentatives of the medical profession in Kingman county is Dr. Fort. who is engaged in general practice and who conducts a suc- cessful drug business in the thriving town of Cunningham.

Dr. Fort claims the old Empire state as the place of his nativity, having been born in the city of Troy, Rensselaer county, New York, on the 12th of September, 1849, the son of John and Julia ( Myers) Fort. both of whom were born in the same county as was their son, being representatives of prom-

783

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

inent old families of the state. The father of our subject was for many years engaged in mercantile pursuits and is now living re- tired in the city of Troy. He had three children, of whom the Doctor was the eldest. the others being Herman, who died in child- hood ; and Minnie, the wife of John Con- rad. of Sioux City, Iowa.

The boyhood days of Dr. Fort were passed in his native city, to whose excellent public schools he is indebted for his prelim- inary educational discipline. When he was fifteen years of age the family removed to the city of Chicago, and there he continued his studies in the public schools for the en- suing three years, at the expiration of which, at the age of eighteen, he was matriculated in the celebrated Rush Medical College, in Chicago, and after an interval of about two years spent in the study of pharmacy and in practical experience in Chicago drug estab- lishments, he finally completed his medical course, being graduated in the institution mentioned as a member of the class of 1874. Immediately after securing his degree Dr. Fort removed to Mason City, Iowa, where he entered upon the practice of his profes- sion, building up an excellent business and there continued his residence for a period of eight years, within which time he had at- tained marked prestige as a physician and surgeon. His health finally became so seri- ously impaired that he was compelled to practically withdraw from the active work of his profession, and the ensuing four years were principally given to traveling through the states and territories of the west. Through this effective medium he was suc- cessful in recuperating his energies and in resuming practice he located in Luverne, Rock county, Minnesota, where he estab- lished himself and continued in general prac- tice until 1898, which stands as the date of his arrival in Cunningham, Kansas, where he has ever since controlled a large and rep- resentative practice of general order. The Doctor also effected the purchase of the drug business of G. D. Jeffs. the stock at the time being valued at five hundred dollars. He has since increased the equipment of the establishment until the stock valuation

is placed at more than two thousand dollars, while the same is complete and comprehen- sive, including the best lines of drugs and medicines, proprietary remedies, toilet ar- ! ticles, school supplies, stationery, toys, etc. : The store is large and has the most modern accessories, the stock being tastefully dis- played and the establishment being especially creditable to the little city in which it is lo- cated. It is known as the City Drug Store and commands a representative patronage, the best of service being assured in every department.

Dr. Fort has had the best of training for his chosen profession, and his practical ex- perience in its work, both in city and country fields, has been varied and valuable, extend- ing over a period of nearly three decades. Thus it is scarcely necessary to state that his precedence in the practice of both medicine and surgery is assured, for he brings to the same the most advanced technical powers, a genial and sympathetic personality and a thorough love for the work of ministering ' to those in affliction. He controls a large practice. the same ramifying through both Kingman and Pratt counties, and his popu- larity in the community is unmistakable. He is held in high esteem by his professional confreres and retains membership in lead- ing medical societies, being a close student and ever keeping abreast of the advances, made in the sciences of medicine and sur- gery. The Doctor has intimately identified himself with the interests of the county and in addition to his professional and business interests already mentioned he is concerned in the live stock industry, owning one hun- dred head of high grade cattle. He has a most attractive residence in the little city of Cunningham and the same is the center of refined hospitality.

Thoroughly alive to the duties of citizen- ship. Dr. Fort maintains a deep interest in local affairs of a public nature and has been quite active in political matters, being a stal- wart supporter of the principles and policies advanced by the Republican party. He has served two terms as treasurer of Dresden township, giving an able and economical ad- ministration of the finances of the same. He

784

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

was local physician and surgeon for the Santa Fe Railroad at Cunningham until said office was abrogated by the company. While in Minnesota and Iowa he served several terms in the office of county coroner, and his eligibility for the positions of public trust and responsibility is unmistakable, so that other official preferment would have come to him had he felt that his professional and busi- ness interests permitted him to be consid- ered in the connection. Fraternally the Doctor holds membership in Grace Lodge, No. 488, A. F. & A. M., at Luverne, Min- nesota, and is also identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Wood- men of America.

At Luverne, Minnesota, on the 16th of June, 1887, Dr. Fort was united in marriage to Miss May Wightman, who was born in Rock county, Minnesota, being the daugh- ter of John L. and Jane Wightman, now re- siding at Salt Lake City, Utah ; and of this union one daughter. Ruth, was born Decem- ber 18. 1889, at Luverne. Minnesota. The family is prominent in the social life of the community and at the attractive home a gracious hospitality is ever in distinct evi- dence.

JACOB B. UPDEGROVE.

A representative of the agricultural in- terests of Reno county. Jacob B. Updegrove is extensively engaged in farming and stock raising on section 21. Walnut township, and is a most energetic. enterprising man, whose success comes to him as the reward of his well directed efforts and is therefore justly deserved. He is a native of the Keystone state, his birth having occurred in Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of May, 1855. His father, William S. Updegrove. was a native of the same county, born Janu- ary 18, 1823, and his death occurred in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of February. 1899. He was a son of Jacob Updegrove, a native also of the Key- stone state, his birth having occurred about 1795. He was a shoemaker by

trade and also followed farming in

Berks county, his death occurring a his old home there in 1873. The mo- ther of our subject was in her maiden- hood Elizabeth Bower and was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, April 27, 1822. She is still living, making her home in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Updegrove were born nine children, six sons and three daughters, namely: Mary Ellen, who was born Sep- tember 6, 1847, and has four living chil- dren: Francis B., who was born December 12, 1848, and has one son and two daugh- ters : Harrison, who was born May 17, 1851, and has eleven children: William B., born September 6, 1852, and has twelve children ; Jacob B., the subject of this review ; Susan Elizabeth, who was born February 9, 1858, and is the mother of thirteen children; Thomas F., who was born October 1. 1859, is engaged in farming on section 21 and has six children: Sarah Ann, who is at home with her mother; and Ulysses Grant, who was born March 16, 1864, and is engaged in farming in Hayes township, Reno county, Kansas.

Jacob B. Updegrove, whose name intro- duces this review, was reared to the quiet pursuits of the farm, and his early educa- tional privileges were received in the com- mon schools. He also spent some time in an academy, and at the age of eighteen years he began teaching, following the profession for two terms. He was given a teacher's certificate at the early age of fourteen years. After attaining to years of maturity he left the parental roof and learned the miller's trade, which he followed in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, for a time. On the 12th of April, 1878, he arrived in Kansas, where he worked by the month for several years, and in 1878 became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he began farming on his own account. Four years later, however, this tract again became the property of the United States government. He now owns four hundred acres of the finest farming land to be found in central Kansas, all in one body, and there he is engaged in general farming and in the rais- ing of a good grade of stock. He keeps on

J. B. UPDEGROVE AND FAMILY.

785

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

hand about eleven horses and from ten to sixty head of choice cattle, and his hogs are of the Poland China breed. His beautiful new residence was erected in the fall of 1900, and is one of the best built and most convenient farm houses in this portion of the state, being complete in all its equip-, ments. It is built back from the road about sixty rods, and is reached by two beautiful drives from the north and west. His fine orchard and grove is a square of five acres, surrounded by two rows of stately poplars sixty feet in height and by a row of Rus- sian mulbery trees, and is planted with apples, peaches, pears, cherries, plums and grapes. The place is one of the most attractive and desirable farming prop- erties in this rich and fertile section, and a glance at his well developed fields will in- dicate to the passer-by the supervision of a progressive owner. An abundant supply of pure water is received from four wells, and on the farm is a large fish pond, in which may be found many fine carp.

In March, 1888, Mr. Updegrove was united in marriage with Barbara Schindler, who was born in Adams county, Indiana, on the 19th of August. 1855. The union was blessed with five children, but two died in infancy, and those living are: Eugene Alvin, a bright little fellow of twelve years; Katie Elizabeth, who is ten years of age; and Edna May, who has reached the age of seven years. After his marriage Mr. Up- degrove brought his wife to his little farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which was a small house twelve by fourteen feet, and in that primitive home they began the battle of life in earnest. Their united ef- forts have succeeded in winning for them a handsome competence, and theirs is now one of the beautiful homes of the locality. Mr. Updegrove casts his ballot in favor of Republican principles, but has never de- sired public preferment, preferring to give his time and attention to his business inter- ests. He is a gentleman of much kindness of heart. of generous impulses and sterling worth, and his admirable qualities have en- deared him in strong ties of friendship to many of the best citizens of Reno county.

J. P. VANIMAN.

J. P. Vaniman, a farmer, stock raiser and dairyman of Atlanta township, Rice county, resides near Lyons and is one of the leading and enterprising citizens of his com- munity, where he has made his home since 1886. His residence in the state dates from 1881. A native of Ohio, he was born in Montgomery county, near Dayton, on the 28th of December, 1853, and is a son of Da- vid Vaniman, a native of Pennsylvania. The grandfather, Jacob Vaniman, was also born in the Keystone state and was of German lineage. David Vaniman, however, was reared in Ohio, attaining his manhood on an Ohio farm. He married Elizabeth Bow- ser, who was born in Indiana and was also of German parentage, her people having re- moved to the Hoosier state from Pennsyl- vania, and in the latter commonwealth the family was established at an early day by emigrants from the fatherland. From Ohio the parents of our subject removed to Macoupin county, Illinois, in 1863, taking up their abode upon a farm near Virden. Throughout his active business career the father devoted his energies to the tilling of the soil and to the cultivation of the crops, and at the age of seventy-two his life's la- bors were ended in death. In his political affiliations he was a Democrat, but never sought or desired the honors or emoluments of public office. He held membership in the German Baptist Brethren church, in which he served as deacon for many years. His widow still survives him and has reached the age of seventy-one years. They were the parents of six children, five sons and a daughter, of whom five are living, namely : Susan, Jacob P., David C., Daniel B., Ira T. and Levi. John, the eldest of the family, has passed away.

Jacob P. Vaniman, whose name intro- duces this review, is the only member of the family residing in Kansas. He spent the first ten years of his life in Ohio and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois, where he was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period. He was instructed in the best methods of cul-

786

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

tivating the fields and caring for the stock. and lessons of uprightness and honesty were also instilled into his mind. His literary education was acquired in the common schools and was further supplemented by reading and study in leisure hours. On attaining his majority he was married, in Macoupin county, Illinois, to Miss Diana Brubaker. a lady of refinement and culture, who has proved to him a devoted wife and faithful companion on life's journey. She was born in Clark county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Jonathan Brubaker, a native of Virginia. Her mother bore the maiden name of Susan Frantz, who was born in Ohio. Her parents are both living and reside near Vir- den, Illinois. They had six children, a son and five daughters, namely: Isaac S., Sa- rah. Diana. Mary Ann, Lizzie and Emma. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Vaniman has been blessed with six children, as follows : Harvey, who was graduated in McPherson College, with the class of 1900; Emma, who will graduate in the same institution with the class of 1901; Ernest, who is pursuing the second year course in McPherson Col- lege : Della, Ira and Clarence, at home.

As stated above Mr. Vaniman came to Kansas in 1881 and took up his abode near Oletha, Johnson county, where he remained for four and a half years, when he came to Rice county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land from J. W. Workman. He afterward added to this eighty acres, so that his farm now comprises two hundred and forty acres. It is a rich and well im- proved property, and on which is a good resi- ‹lence and substantial outbuildings, feed lots, pastures, an orchard of five acres, a beautiful grove and broad fields of waving grain are the main features of the place, and in their thrifty appearance indicate the enterprising spirit and careful supervision of the owner. The farm is pleasantly and conveniently lo- cated a mile and a half from the city of Lyons, so that the comforts of the town are easily acquired, and at the same time they can enjoy the privileges of country life. Mr. Vaniman engages in raising both grain and stock and also conducts a dairy, and in the various departments of his business is meet-

ing with creditable success. His life has ever been upright and honorable. He is a man of firm convictions, fearless in defense of what he believes to be right, and through- out his business career he has sustained an enviable reputation. He and his wife, to- gether with their five eldest children, are I members of the German Baptist Brethren church, in which he holds the office of Deacon. He takes an active interest in church work, doing all in his power to pro- mote its growth and advancement. and is the champion of all measures calculated to i prove of general good along intellectual, so- cial and material lines. In manner he is modest and free from ostentation, but true worth everywhere wins him the respect and confidence of his fellow men.

W. P. MARKWELL.

W. P. Markwell, who resides on his large estate in section 25, Belmont town- ship. is one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Kingman county, Kansas. Since 1885 he has been a resident of this county and has become identified with its progress in many lines, chiefly those of agriculture and the profitable raising of stock.

The birth of Mr. Markwell was in Menard county, Illinois, in 1850, and he was a son of Alexander and Amy (Adams) Markwell, the former of whom was a son of William Markwell, who was born and who died in Kentucky, where the family is widely known and highly regarded. Alex- ander Markwell grew to young manhood on a farm in Kentucky, and married Amy Ad- ams, who was a daughter of John Adams, of that state. who had been a soldier in the Mexican war and was a man of substance and respectability. After marriage Alexan- cler Markwell and wife moved to Menard county, Illinois, where he died, in the prime of life, at the age of forty-four years. He had taken much interest in public affairs all his life, as a member of the Democratic party, and was a conscientious member of the Methodist church. His friends remem-

787

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

ber him as a man of probity and upright liv- ing

The death of Alexander Markwell fell heavily upon his wife, who was left with a family of seven children to guide and rear without a father's care. However, Mrs. Markwell was a woman of remarkable strength of character, and she took up her cares with Christian endeavor, and four of these children survive to testify to her loving kindness and care for her in advancing life. although her seventy-six years rest lightly upon her. She makes her home with her son. John, in Belmont township, and is well known for her many kind acts. Her surviving children are as follows: Mrs. Sarah Bradley; Elethe E. Power; William P .; and John, of this township. Those who died were Mrs. Jane Johnson, Mrs. Queen Wheeler and Mrs. Narsis Ludlow.

The early life of William P. Markwell was spent in the state of Illinois, and he was taught to be honest and industrious, among the first lessons he learned from his mother. At the age of twenty-four he married Sa- rah Swarr, who was born in Mason county, Illinois, and who was a daughter of John and Sarah (Powell) Swarr, both of whom died in that state. To this marriage were born seven children, viz .: Amy, who is one of Kingman county's popular and suc- cessful teachers; Effie, who also is a valued teacher of this county ; Alec., who is a thrifty young farmer of this township, still resid- ing at home : Maud, who is engaged in teach- ing in this state: Ella, who has also suc- ceeded as a teacher ; and Ethel and Robert, who are still students. One daughter, by the name of Grace, has passed away. The daughters have all succeeded as teachers. possessing bright intellects and all being beautiful and cultured women.

Until 1885 Mr. Markwell remained in his native state, but at that time he took ad- vantage of the opportunities offered in a larger field. Coming then to Kansas he bought his first one hundred and sixty acres of land. since which time he has added to it until he now possesses six hundred and eigh- ty acres. His son, Alec., owns a contiguous one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Markwell

is engaged in extensive operations, having five hundred and fifty acres in cultivation and the rest devoted to grass and pasturage. His stock is well cared for, the vards and feed pens are commodious and substantial, and his stables, his fencing and orchards testify to the excellence of his management. Every part of his domain is kept up to its full measure of capacity, and he has shown by results what can be accomplished by the proper exercise of ability. This is a very attractive home, the residence having cost at least one thousand dollars, and it is located near enough to the village of Cleveland to enable the family to enjoy the privileges of a pleasant social life.

The religious connection of the family is with the Church of Christ, in which body Mr. Markwell is an elder. As a citizen he is much respected, being considered a man of honor in business transactions and one who can be relied upon in any emergency. His political opinions make him a member of the Democratic party.

DENNISON SHELDON.

Within the pages of this work will be found specific mention of many of those worthy citizens who have contributed to the development and material upbuilding of Kingman county, and who are identified in a conspicuous way with the industrial ac- tivities of this section of the state. The sub- ject of this sketch holds prestige as one of this number, being one of the honored and successful farmers and stock growers of Rural township, where he owns a finely im- proved farmstead of three hundred and twenty acres, his postoffice address being Lawndale.

The birth of Mr. Sheldon occurred in Kenton county, Kentucky, on the 7th of November, 1852, his parents being Denni- : son and Serena ( Richardson) Sheldon, the former of whom was born in Ticonderoga county, New York, and the latter in Vir- i ginia. The father of our subject remained in the old Empire state until he had at-

788

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

tained the age of eighteen years, when he removed to Kentucky, where he turned his attention to farming and to teaching school and where his marriage was solemnized. In 1856 he removed thence with his family to Randolph county, Illinois, where he success- fully engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1879. He became one of the influential men of his community, tak- ing an active part in public affairs of a local nature and manifesting an unflagging in- terest in the cause of education. He com- manded the uniform confidence and esteem of the community and his life was one of signal usefulness and honor. His widow survived him many years, losing her life in the cyclone which caused so great loss of life and property in Mount Vernon, Illi- nois, on the 19th of February, 1891. They became the parents of seven children, name- ly : Otho R., who is engaged in the news business in the city of Chicago; Thomas C., who died in Denver, Colorado, in 1892; Dennison, the subiect of this sketch ; Benja- min, who is deceased; William, a resident of Denver ; Rosencrans, who is engaged in bus- iness in Chicago; and James, the oldest in the family, who died in 1861, at the age of fourteen years.

Dennison Sheldon was reared on the old homestead farm in Illinois, early beginning to contribute his quota toward the work of the farm and receiving his preliminary ed- ucational discipline in what was known as the Shiloh Hill schoolhouse, the same be- ing a log structure, with primitive equip- ments, and notable as the same in which Gen- eral John A. Logan laid the foundation of his education and as the one in which he gave his first political address. After attaining his majority Mr. Sheldon continued for a time on the homestead, operating the same on shares, and finally he entered into part- nership with is father and engaged in the general merchandise business at Shiloh Hill, Illinois, continuing this enterprise for a pe- riod of five years, and during the major por- tion of this time serving as postmaster.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 5

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