USA > Kansas > A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II > Part 52
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tractive home, with barns and accommoda- tions of the most complete kind. Few men in this locality have met with more suc- cess, which is thoroughly deserved and but the natural result of provident industry. In politics he is an active Republican. For four years he has been the efficient township trus- tee and is identified with many of the pub- lic-spirited enterprises of this section. In the fostering of the stock interests of King- man county he has been a very important factor. Both he and his wife are consist- ent members of the Methodist church, known for' their charities and neighborly acts, and both delight to offer a generous hospitality to their many friends.
PHILLIP NICKEL.
One of the finest farms of Rice county, known as the Pleasant Home Farm, is the property of Phillip Nickel, one of the promi- nent early settlers of this locality. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, Novem- ber 14, 1852. His father, Lewis Nickel, is a native of the fatherland, and a fact which | one hundred and sixty acres in township 17, due recognition is not usually accorded in range 6, section 32. Wheat is his prin- cipal crop, and his annual sales of this prod- uct bring to him a handsome financial re- turn. Pleasant Home Farm is one of the fine country seats of Rice county. His resi- dence was erected at a cost of two thousand dollars and its interior and exterior appear- ance indicates the refined taste of the owner. He has a large barn, which was erected at a cost of seven hundred dollars. cribs. feed lots and all other improvements of a model farm. connection with the commercial history of the wonderful metropolis of the west is that to no foreign element is its presence due in so large a measure as to those who have had their nativity in or trace their lineage to the great empire of Germany. Mr. Nickel was only four years of age when he came with his parents to Ohio, where he grew to man- hood and learned the shoemaker's trade. He was there married to Sarah Elizabeth Wuist. a native also of Germany. At the age of six- teen years she came to Ohio. In 1859 the family removed to Jefferson county, Iowa, locating near Fairfield. where the father owns and operates a good farm. He has now reached the advanced age of seventy-four years, and is one of the well-to-do and in- fluential men of his locality. His wife died at the comparatively early age of thirty-six years, leaving the following children: Phil- lip: Charles, now deceased: Lizzie Persen- ett, of Eureka township: Kerr, a resident of Van Buren county, Iowa; and Mrs. Ella
Reneker, also of that county. The father was again married, and by his second union had one son, Ira Nickel, a resident of Iowa. The parents are members of the Lutheran church, and the father affiliates with the Democratic party.
Phillip Nickel, the immediate subject of this review, was reared to farm life in Iowa, and was early taught the important lesson of industry, perseverance and honesty, quali- ties which have proved dominant elements in his later career. In 1874 he came to the Sun- flower state, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Rice county. His first residence was a sod house, sixteen by four- teen feet, and in that rude clomicile he kept bachelor's hall for a time. The sod house is still standing on the farm. He later pur- chased a tree claim of eighty acres. As the years have passed he has prospered in his un- dertakings, and he is now the owner of five ! hundred and sixty acres of the best land to be found in central Kansas. His land is divid- ed into four farms, the home place being lo- cated on section 28, and he has eighty acres un section 9, eighty acres on section 18 and
In 1876 Mr. Nickel was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary J. Myers, who was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, where she was also reared and educated. She is a daugh- ter of Elijah Myers, a native of Indiana. He was twice married, first in Indiana, and his second union was with Sarah Bethers, the mother of Mrs. Nickel. Mrs. Myers was born in Oregon, but afterward came to Rice county, Kansas, where her death occurred in 1876. Her husband survived until July, 1893, dying at the age of seventy-three years.
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They were the parents of three children, namely : Samuel Bethers, a prominent early settler of Victoria township; Mary J., wife of our subject: and Francis Bethel. They als Lest one child, who died in infancy. The father followed farming as a life occupation and was an advocate of Democratic prin- ciples. The mother was a member of the Baptist church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Nickel have been born eight children, namely : Ed- ward. who is twenty-three years of age, and is at home; Mrs. Sarah E. Wynn, who is nineteen years of age; Nora, a young lady vi sixteen years ; Stella, Walter, Allie and Elmer, aged respectively eleven, eight, six and three years. The fifth child. Gracie Ann, died at the age of six years. Mr. Nickel has now reached the age of forty-nine years, but could easily pass for a man many years his junior. In his social relations he is a mem- ber of the Modern Woodmen of America. A man of marked business and executive ability he forms his plans readily, is deter- mined in their execution and carries forward to successful completion whatever he under- takes. His methods command uniform con- fidence and respect, and the most envious could not grudge him his prosperity, so worthily has it been won.
GEORGE W. YOUNG.
Among the prominent and progressive business men of Newton, Kansas, is George W. Young, a member of the grocery firm of Kaufman & Young, and the efficient mayor of the city. The birth of Mr. Young was in Chester county, Pennsylvania, on August 24. 1852. and he was a son of John and Mar- garet ( Wagenseller ) Young, both of whom were natives of the same state. John Young was a quiet, unassuming farmer, born in 1819. and his whole life was spent in his na- tive state, where his death occurred in Feb- uary, 1897. His widow still survives, and is one of the honored residents of Chester county. The children born to these most worthy and estimable people were as fol- lows: William H., a resident of Chester
county: John: Joseph ... a merchant in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania : George W .. our subject : Ellen, Mrs. S. W. Pennypacker ; and Anna, Mrs. H. C. Dellec.
George W. Young, who is the subject . i this sketch, received a good comm nechal education, and then went to Sunbury. Penn- sylvania, where he entered into the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and there learned the trade of machinist. This he fol- lowed for six years and then was made as- sistant postmaster of Sunbury, retaining that position for two years. In 1878 he came to Kansas and located on a farm in Newton township, situated three and ne hai miles east of Newton, renting and farming this land until 1890, when he came to this city and established a grocery business in association with Mr. Kaufman.
From the beginning this business has proved a prosperous one, the line carriol in- cluding groceries, crockery. provistas. green goods, stone and tinware, being & m- plete in every line. The quick and oblig- ing service rendered patrons, and the bon- est and fair methods adopted have made this house popular and widely patronized.
The marriage of Mr. Young was on No- vember 28. 1875, to Miss Anna Bourne, who was born in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, and who was a daughter of John and Charlotte Bourne, both of whom were natives of the same state, in which the father died in Isgo, at the age of sixty-eight, and his wife in 1893, at the age of sixty-three. Three chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Young these being: Cameron W., who is in the employ of the Santa Fe Railroad; Charlotte B., who is a teacher in the public schools: and Edna W., who is a student.
Mr. Young has been prominently identi- fied with civic affairs and a leader in po- litical matters, his fellow citizen at times testifying to their confidence in him. For four years he was a trustee of Newton township, and in April, 1899, he was elected to the highest office in their gift. that of mayor. His administration was a satis- fying that he was re-elected in April. 1901. and is now efficiently serving his wond term. His official life has seen many reforms
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in the business and public matters pertain- ing to Newton, and many are the kind and appreciative words said of the presiding of- ficer by his large constituency. As mayor of Newton he upholds the dignity and im- portance of one of the most prosperous young cities of Kansas. He is an ardent Republican.
E. B. RALL.
The mercantile firm of E. B. Rall & Sons is one of the leading business houses in King- man county, Kansas, and absorbs the larger part of the patronage in Zenda and vicinity. Its founder. E. B. Rall. was born in Macomb, MeDonough county, Illinois, in 1838, and he is a son of David D. Rall, whose family were early settlers of Macomb. There they still reside and carry on some of the leading lines of business.
In 1868 David D. Rall located in Bour- hon county, Kansas, near Fort Scott, and later moved to Yates Center, where he died at the age of eighty-seven. Prior to moving to Kansas he was a farmer and in an early day in Illinois he was a teamster. After com- ing to this state he followed farming and stock-raising. He was a Whig and later a Republican. and religiously was a member of the Christian church, while his wife was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. The mother of our subject died in 1865. Both parents were well known and were accorded esteem by all who knew them. Their family consisted of three sons and three daughters, and four members of the family still survive, namely: E. B., of this sketch: Mrs. Elizabeth Kener, of Macomb, Crawford county, Kansas : David H., also of Kansas: and Charles M., of Dodge City, Kansas.
The early rearing of E. B. Rall, of this sketch, was on the old home farm in Illi- 11 is. At that time and in that locality edu- cational opportunities were of a limited de- scription. the youth taking advantage of all he could. In 1862 he enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Company A, Eighty- fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and gave
a faithful service of one year, taking part, during this eventful time, in the battles of Perryville and Stone River, receiving inju- ries from which he has never fully recov- ered. A spent ball injured his head, and his right thumb was lost. These wounds kept him in hospitals for several months, first in Louisville, Kentucky, and later in the Ma- rine hospital in Chicago, Illinois, finally ob- taining his honorable discharge.
In 1859 E. B. Rall had located in Kan- sas and for eighteen years lived in Bourbon county, whither he returned after his release from the hospital, and successfully followed stock-raising and farming. For several years he engaged in the mercantile business in different parts of the state, notably at Hiatt- ville. Moran and Yates Center, building up a fine trade wherever he located on account of his honest methods and excellent goods. Later he went to Allen county and engaged in mercantile business in Savonburg. but in 1900 he located in Zenda and since that time he has built up a continually increasing trade in his line. being engaged in merchandising and farming and stock-raising. Mr. Rall has a commodious and well arranged store building, modern in appearance and equip- ments, two stories in height. thirty-two hy fifty-two feet. with an L of thirty-two by twenty feet, and wihin his sructure he has stored a magnificent and varied stock worth forty-five hundred dollars. It consists of a general line, including dry goods, boots and shoes and fancy groceries, and everything to be found in a first-class establishment of this kind. He also deals in grain and ccal. With an experience of more than twenty years Mr. Rall knows just how to buy in or- der to make a fair profit, and to also please and satisfy the demands of trade. He also carries on extensive stock operations, own- ing a fine farm of several hundred acres in this county.
The marriage of Mr. Rall occurred at Table Grove, Illinois, to Miss Mary I. Har- lan, who was born and reared in that state, and is a daughter of George W. and Mar- garet ( Watt) Harlan, both of whom died in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Rall have had a family of four sons and three daughters,
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
these being as follows: Addie, who married George Romspert, of Kingman county, and died en August 22, 1001, a woman who had the respect and affection of all who knew her: Lewis and Harry E., successful trav- Ging salesmen of Chicago, Illinois; Mrs. 1. E. Snyder, who resides in Erie, Kan- sas: Mand, who married Andrew I. Reed, and resides in Kingman county; Monroe, who is associated with his father in busi- ness : and Frank D., who resides on the home farm.
Fraternally Mr. Rall is an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is also an ardent Republican. He has been post- master several times, holding his first com- mission under President Johnson, and was Later so honered by President Grant, and still later by Mckinley. He is known far and wife through the state and is univer- sally esteemed. As a man of business he has gained the confidence of the public through honorable business methods, while in - cial and domestic life he is equally re- spected and honored.
SHELDON E. HILL.
Shellen E. Hill occupies the position of county clerk of Jewell county. He is a citi- zen whose deep interest in public affairs and devotion to the general good are manifest in the discharge of his official duties, and his work has been so satisfactory that it has won him the commendation of the residents in all parts of the county. He was born in Addison county, Vermont, July 11. 1850. and is a son of Alexander F. and Mary Jane (Steadman) Hill. He represents one of the vid families of the Green Mountain state for his paternal grandfather. Francis Hill. was there born, lived and died. Alexander Hill was likewise a native of Vermont, and in 1855 he emigrated westward to Minnesota where. in his business affairs, he met with success and became well-to-do. Later he re- moved to Dakota in the 'Sos and in 1887 went to Spokane Falls. Washington, where he spent his remaining days, passing away
there in 1893. By occupation he was a far- mer, following the pursuit until within a few years prior to his demise, when he re- tired from active business life. The Repub- lican party found in him a worthy chief, and as a citizen he was ever loyal to the general good, while in his manhood he was ever up- right. His wife, who was born in Vermont, died in Minnesota at the age of forty-four years.
Sheldon E. Hill accompanied his par- ents on their removal to Minnesota when but five years of age and was a resident of that state until the fall of 1872, when at the age of twenty-two years he came to Jewell com- ty, Kansas, where he has since made his home. His education was acquired in the schools of the former state and upon locat- ing in this state he began farming, which he followed continuously for twelve years. when in 1884 he embarked in the dry goods and grocery business, conducting a care in Jewell county for four years. On the expi- ration of that period he became connected with the hardware and implement trade at Ionia, this county, and after four year- spent in that line returned to the farm, which he continued to operate until the fall : 1807. when he was elected to the position of county clerk for a term that will continue until the Ist of January. 1903. owing to a re-election in 1899. The records show him to fon em- petent and painstaking official, accurate and reliable and he has found favor it maly with the county commissioners, but in the eyes of all who are desirous of seeing the work in the county properly performel. His books are open at any time to the inspection of the proper authorities or any one else sufficiently interested in county matter- an 1 he is ever ready to extend to the public any courtesies in his power. as an officer. In his political views he is an enthusiastic and zeal- ous Republican, in the ranks of his party. for which he has been an active. ardent and progressive worker.
Mr. Hill has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Mary E. Holly, the cere- mony being performed in Minnesota in 1871. The lady was born in Connecticut. but was reared in Minnesota and died in
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
Jewell county, Kansas, in 1880, leaving two sons, Willett S. and Walter M. Mr. Hill has since again married, his second union being with Harriet Adams, who was born in Hancock county, Illinois, of Ken- tucky parentage. She became his wife in Kansas on the 4th of August, 1881, and this marriage has been blessed with one child. Maud E. In his social relations Mr. Hill is a Woodman and in religion both he and his wife are Methodists, holding membership in the church of that denomination. He is one of the most popular residents of the county, of genial nature and affable dispo- sition, of unfailing courtesy and of marked loyalty in business and local affairs. His official services recommend him to the public confidence, while in his private life he has gained the friendship of all with whom he has been associated.
ELMER L. RAYNOLDS, M. D.
For more than six years Dr. Raynolds has been connected with the important work of alleviating human pains through the dis- pensing of drugs and now through the prac- tice of the medicine. for he is a graduate phy- sician as well as druggist, and although he has been a member of the medical frater- nity for little more than a year he already has a gratifying patronage in the line of his profession. His drug store is one of the finest in Jewell county, splendidly equipped with all modern accessories as well as a complete line of goods, and his business is constantly increasing in volume and im- portance.
A native of Iowa, the Doctor was born in Chariton, that state. August 27. 1868. and is a son of L. D. and Matilda ( Moon) Ravnolds. His father was born in Ohio, and in the early '50s emigrated westward. lo- cating in Iowa on a farm. In 1872 he came to Jewell county and located within two miles of the present site of Mankato, where he has since made his home. His life has been chiefly devoted to agricultural pursuits, yet he has also engaged in other lines of
business, including journalism. His efforts have been so discerningly directed along well defined lines of labor that he has at- tained splendid success and is now accounted one of the wealthy land owners as well as leading and influential citizens of the coun- ty. He has been quite prominent in the Greenback party and is now an ardent and valued advocate of the Populist party in Jewell county. The Doctor's ancestry. how- ever, can be traced still farther back. He is of English-Welsh lineage and his grand- father was William Raynolds, a native of Virginia, from which state representatives of the family have scattered over this coun- try. The mother of the Doctor was born in Iowa and is still living with her husband on the old family homestead near Mankato -a most estimable lady whose friends are many.
Dr. Raynolds, of this review, was only six years old when brought by his parents to Jewell county. In the public schools he acquired his preliminary education and later he became a student in the Nebraska State University at Lincoln. Later he attended the Western Normal College, at Shenan- doah. Iowa, and the Medical University of Kansas City, where he was graduated in the spring of 1901, but his course was not continuous. At different times he has been connected with commercial interests at Man- kato. After leaving the farm he worked in different stores, thus continually broad- ening his business knowledge through actual experience. His pharmaceutical knowledge began in 1885. when he entered his fa- ther's store. in which he has continued to the present time. For six years he has been proprietor of the establishment, which is a most complete and well appointed institu- tion of its class. Neatness pervades every department and the greatest care is exercised in dispensing drugs and compounding pre- scriptions. Realizing the necessity of com- pleting his knowledge of medicine and fit- ting himself for active practice that he might the better and more scientifically cater to his increasing trade and be fully prepared to meet any future emergency which might arise. he entered the Kansas City Eclectic
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
University in 1899 and on the 22d of March, 1901. he was graduated with honors as the valedictorian of his class. Ilis valedictory was pronounced a master effort and indi- cated his scholarly attainments. Since be- ginning practice in Mankato he has already secured a good patronage and his ability will no doubt continually increase this.
In Mankato, in 1802. was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Raynolds and Miss Jessie I. Forbes, by whom he now has one son. Lewis, the life and light of the parents household. Socially the Doctor is a Ma- son and he also belongs to the Odd Felows, Knight- . i Pythias and Modern Woodmen, and also has membership relations with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has spent almost his entire life in Mankato and the adjoining district and has a wide ac- quaintance here. That many of his warmest friends are numbered among those who have known him from boyhood is an indication tha: his has been an honorable and upright carcer.
GEORGE R. KRAMER.
Judge George R. Kramer occupies a leading place in public regard by reason of his devoted interest in the welfare of the community, by his activity in commercial circles, his fidelity in office and his sterling worth in private life. He is now success- fully mongol in merchandising in Mankato and his furniture store is the largest estab- lishment of the kind in Jewell county.
He is a native of Stephenson county, Illinois. horn February 20, 1858. His fa- ther. John Kramer, was born in Berks coun- ty. Pennsylvania, and removing to Illinois, there spent his remaining days, his death oc- curring in 1866. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Piper, was also a native of the Keystone state and died in March. 18=8. soon after the birth of her son. George R., who. when only two weeks old. was taken into the home of a good neighbor. Ryan Johnson, a farmer of the county, with whom he remained until twen- ty-two years of age, when he made prepara- tions for establishing a head of his own by
his marriage to Miss Kittie Gamble, the wedding being celebrated in Shelby county. Illinois, December 14. 1880. She was born in that county and is a most estimable lady, who has been a true companion and help- mate to her husband on the journey of life. Three children have been born to them: Charles M., George R. and Alvin J.
Mr. and Mrs. Kramer began their do- mestic life upon a farm belonging to Mr. Johnson, his foster father, and there re- mained for five years. In 1883 he came west on a prospecting tour and purchased a farm in Buffalo township. Jewell county. He then returned to Illinois. and in October. 1885, brought his wife to this county, in which he has since resided. He carried on agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1896 and transformed the raw prairie land into a richly developed tract. upon which he erected substantial and commodious farm buildings. His fields yielded to him a good return for his efforts. In the fall of 1896 he was elected probate judge and served in that capacity from the following January until January 1. 1890. winning the highest commendation by reason of his capable and impartial service. It has been said that he is the best probate judge that Jewell county has ever had and even his political .11 - nents recognized his fidelity and trustworthi- ness.
On his retirement from the office Judge Kramer established a furniture store in Mankato and after a few months. in August. 1898, he erected his present fine store build- ing, which is twenty-five by one hundred feet. This being insufficient to accommodate the large line of goods which he carries he also utilizes a warehouse with basement. twenty-five by sixty feet. He carries every- thing found in a first-class store, from the plain but substantial furniture found in the o trages, to the highest class gods seen in the home of the rich. His prices are rea- Smalto and his earnest desire to please. com :- bined with his honorable methods. ha- brought to him a constantly growing patron- age. He also has a well equipped undertak- ing department and is a licensed undertaker in both Kansas and Nebraska.
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
In politics the Judge is a Fusionist. sup- porting Democratic and Populistic princi- ples. He has served as a member of the city council of Mankato since taking up his abode here and has exercised his official pre- rogatives in support of every practical and progressive measure for the benefit of the city. Fraternally he is enrolled among the members of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His life record commands re- spect ; loyal in citizenship, honorable in bus- iness and true to every relation of life, he is well worthy the high regard in which he is uniformly held.
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