A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 74

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 74

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Not disheartened by this misfortune, Mr. Manuel set energetically to work to re- coup his fortunes, bringing to bear that in- domitable pluck and progressive spirit which have been the basis of his woce- from the beginning. Within the same year marked by the cyclone he erected his pres- ent building, which is fifty by one hundred feet in dimensions, steel covered and with ornamental steel front, and here he began operations anew in the handling of farm ing implements and machinery. His estab- lishment now shows as large and complete a line of goods in these lines and in gen- eral hardware, builders' supplies, vehicles, paints, oils, etc., as can be found in the county at any place outside of Kingman. the capital of the county. In connection with the other features of his important business enterprise it should be noted that Mr. Manuel operates a well equipped icol mill, the same being supplied with power from a gas engine and being principally utilized in the grinding of feed handled by the establishment. tough some castell work is done. This engine also pumps the water for the town watering tank. Mr. Manuel, who is familiarly known as "Jack." is one of the popular and hustling young business men of the county, and here hi- friends are in number as his acquaintances, kis personal popularity being ci mest un-

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equivocal order. He has not only built up a large and important business, but has been a potent factor in promoting the progress and material prosperity of his home town, ever showing a lively concern in all that tends to conserve its general welfare and advancement. He is a young man of initiative power, and his policy is one which involves the consideration of ways and means and the bringing to bear of improved methods and the highest busi- ness principles. In politics he accords allegiance to the Republican party, and fra- ternally is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebekah chapter of the same, and also with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Wood- men of America.

On the 7th of May, 1896, Mr. Manuel was united in marriage to Miss Mattie E. Dodson, who was born in the picturesque little city of Watkins, Schuyler county, New York, a locality noted for its idyllic glen, one of the most beautiful spots on the continent. Her parents, Nathan Torry and Catharine ( Munger) Dodson, are now resi- dents of Wakefield, Kansas. She takes a prominent part in the social life of Cun- ningham, is a member of the Presbyterian church and the family home is a center of refined hospitality. Mr. and Mrs. Manuel have an interesting little daughter, Neva, who was born May 18, 1897.

WILLIAM F. BURNS.

William F. Burns, who is residing on section 33. Nipawalla township. Barber county, has been a resident of this locality for twenty years and has therefore wit- nessed the greater part of its development and progress. He has also contributed to its upbuilding and advancement and is to- day numbered among the most enterprising and progressive agriculturists of this por- tion of the Sunflower state. He is a native of Missouri, his birth having occurred near Bolivar. Polk county, on the 3d of June. 1858. He belongs to one of the prominent

old families of the state. His paternal grandfather, John Burns, was a native of Georgia and came of Scotch-Irish lineage. Emigrating westward, the grandfather took up his abode in Missouri and was killed in the war times, on his own doorstep. His son, Z. T. L. Burns, the father of our sub- ject. became one of the well known citizens of Polk county, Missouri, and afterward re- moved to Barber county, Kansas, where he carried on agricultural pursuits with good success. He was a lad of only ten years when he accompanied his parents to the west and during his youth he experienced many of the hardships and trials incident to life on the frontier. In those days forest fires oc- curred almost every autumn and burned all their timber, but now the district is a hear- ily timbered region, for the efforts of the set- tlers prevented the outbreak of these fires and the trees thus had an opportunity to . grow. Born in Georgia, reared in Tennes- see and connected with agricultural inter- ests in both Missouri and Kansas. Mr. Burns was a man of sterling worth, widely and favorably known. He was united in marriage to Lydia A. Armstrong, who was born in Tennessee and belonged to an old southern family. Her father, James Arm- strong, was likewise a native of that state, and he died in Missouri. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Burns was blessed with ten children : Alice : William F. : Mary ; Delia, of Texas : Waldo and Anna E., who are de- ceased: Albert, who is living on a farm in Barber county ; and Luther, Bettie and Ina. At the time of the discovery of gold in Cali- fornia the father of this family, hoping to rapidly acquire a fortune, crossed the plains to the Pacific slope as one of the argonauts of 1849. While en route cholera broke out in the company in which he was traveling and many of the number died. Returning to Missouri, however, he devoted the re- mainder of his life to farming and stock- raising and was quite successful in his efforts. His death occurred in Polk county, Missouri. on the 26th of April, 1899. when he was sixty-eight years of age. His politi- cal support was given to the Democracy and

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

he stanchly endorsed the principles advo- catul in Jackson. He heid membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian church, filled the office of deacon and was otherwise cially connected with the congregation. . Ilis Word was as good as his bond and he was ligne I and respected by all. Ilis widow still resides on the old family homestead in Polk county.

it was upon the farm there that William F. Burn- was reared, early becoming famil- iar with all the duties and labors that go to make up the life of the agriculturist. He attended the public schools and when he had arrived at years of maturity he sought as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Alice Dorsey, their wedding being cele- Gratul in Polk county, on the 27th of Feb- ruary. 1881. The lady was born in Owens- bro. Daviess county, Kentucky, a daughter ti Niche 'as Dorsey, who was born in Mont- gomery county. Maryland, and died at the age . i thirty-seven years. Her mother, who Ince the maiden name of Sarah J. Mayfield. was born in Detroit, Michigan, and is now living in Barber county, Kansas. Her fa- ther. S. Mayfield, was a native of Shelby county. Kentucky. At her husband's death she was left with the care of her two chil- dren. Albert and Alice, the former still a resident of Missouri.

It was in October, 1882. that Mr. Burns left his native state and came to Barber cotmtv. where he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of Osage Indian land and be- gan the development of the farm. Upon this he built a box house. fourteen by six- teen feet, with a "lean to." but the primitive To use has long since been replaced by a very pleasant and attractive residence, which is twenty-four by forty feet in lateral dimen- siens and a story and a half in height. It stands upon a natural building site and is tastefully furnished. A good grove and or- chard add to the attractiveness of the place and the farm is equipped with all requisite mowlern machinery and with substantial buildings. Mr. Burns has also added to his property from time to time until he to-day owns four hundred and eighty acres of valu- alle land. His success is due nett a for-

imate combination of circumstances of to any inheritance of property but has posted frem strong purpose and untiring industry.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Bury- ' been blessed with five children, faut of whom are yet living: Roy Frank'in, Min- nie Pearl, Mary Anna and Beatrice Mtv. They lost their first born. Lewis, who died at the age of three months. The parents hold membership in the Cumberland I've- byterian church, in which Mr. Barn is serving as trustee. His political support is given the Democracy. and fraternally he is connected with the Andern Woodies and with the Masonic order. His co-operation is never held from any movement tenḷ promote the material, social, meral r in- tellectual advancement. In manner he is genial and affable: his home je veel for its hospitality and the four's e ; - the warm regard of many friends through the munity.

JAMES F. CRAWFORD.

James R. Crawford, why reslee ee eee- tion 5. Medicine Lodge towaskin. Bar er county, has for a third of a comment 1cell a resident of Kansas. This has been i've period of its substantial devel mes an! rapid growth. Prior to the Civil war the country was torn by the border trouline. It when peace was restored pr cres tock tom root and improvement was carried

all lines of business, so that a great trans- formation was wrought and the Sunflower state took her place amid the great site f the Union. In the work of advancement Mr. Crawford has always borne his is now classe among the leading con- tries : Barley county.

Mr. Crawford is a native of ME his birth :

His potere! grandfather was Eliiah Craw- ford: a native of Indiana, who died in

B Crawford, the father of our subje. det opened His evento the light of day voor Greencastle, in Putnam county, Indians and

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was reared upon a farm in that state. He married Eliza Burke, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of John Burke, who was born in the Blue Grass state and died in Mer- cer county, Missouri. The parents of our subject removed to Decatur county, Iowa, in 1856, settling near Leon, but subsequently returned to Mercer county, Missouri. At a later date they became residents of Polk county, Iowa, their home being near Des Moines. The mother died in Oklahoma, at the age of seventy years, but the father is still living, his home being in Sharon, Kan- sas. In politics he is a Republican of the strongest kind, never wavering in the slight- est degree in his allegiance to the party. He is equally loyal in his religious faith and belongs to the Methodist church. This worthy couple were the parents of ten chil- dren, of whom eight are yet living. Three of the sons were valiant soldiers of the Civil war: William, who served with the Thirty- fifth Missouri Infantry and with the Fifth Kansas Regiment and who is now living near Wichita, Kansas; John W .. of Chand- ler. Oklahoma, who was a member of the Ninth Iowa Cavalry : and James F., of this review. Other children of the family were Jasper N., of Lawton, Oklahoma : Polly J. Walgamott, who is a soldier's widow and resides in Viola, Iowa; Horace G., of Guthrie, Oklahoma; and two who have passed away.

souri James F. Crawford spent the days of child, Effie; and Marion Oscar, who is ' twenty years of age and is at home.

Upon his father's farm in Iowa and Mis- his boyhood and youth and as soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields, rapidly gaining from practical experience a comprehensive knowledge of the best methods of cultivating land and of caring for stock. He acquired his education in the public schools and when but a boy in his 'teens he offered his services as a de- fender of the Union in the dark days of the war of the Rebellion. He became a men- ber of Company C. Ninth Iowa Cavalry, un- der command of Captain John L. Young and Colonel M. Trumbull. The regiment did much active service in Missouri and Arkansas and with that command Mr. Crawford participated in the engagements

at Little Rock and Duvall's Bluff, and in the command of General Burnside proceeded against the rebel forces under Price. He took part in the movements for the suppres- 'sion of the bushwhackers and guerrillas and for the maintenance of law and order in Mis- souri and Arkansas, and at Davenport, Iowa, on the 28th of February, 1866, he was honorably discharged. He had made for himself a creditable military record and. though but a boy, had displayed courage and determination equal to that of many vet- erans of twice his years.

When his military service was over he returned to the peaceful pursuits of the farm, remaining in Iowa until 1869, when he took up his abode in Saline county, Mis- souri. He was married in that county to Nancy Bright, who was born, reared and educated there, a daughter of William and Artemesia ( Johnson) Bright. Her father, a native of Kentucky, died in Brownsville, Saline county, Missouri, at the age of eighty years, and his wife passed away there at the age of sixty-five. They had one son, Kellis. who was a soldier in the Civil war and is now living in Dakota, and the other children in the family are as follows : Elizabeth, Sarah, Sydney, Jacob, Joseph, Mrs. Craw- ford. Maggie and Riley, and two who are deceased. Ellen and Maggie. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Crawford has been blessed with two sons: Marvin Walker, who mar- ried Susan Collins, by whom he has one

In the year 1874 Mr. Crawford removed with his family to Cowley county, Kansas, and in 1883 came to Barber county, where he has since resided. In 1888 he purchased his present farm, of three hundred and twenty acres, in the Sharon valley, and now has a well improved property, which is neat and thrifty in appearance and indicates the careful supervision of the owner. He has planted fruit trees and small fruits, having altogether six hundred of the former, con- stituting one of the fine orchards in this sec- tion of the state. He raises stock, particu- larly horses, and his fields yield to him a golden tribute in return for the care and

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labor he bestows upon them. There are good buildings upon the place and the owner is regarded as one of the enterpris- ing and progressive agriculturists of the county. He belongs to Medicine Ledige Best. No. 174. G. A. R., and thus metintains pleasant relationship with his old commandes of the blue. He is as true to-day to his duties of citizenship as when, with patriotic spirit, he responded to his country's call for aid and took part in the sanguinary engage- ments on southern battlefields. His course has ever been straightforward and honey- able and his Wife record will hear the closest scrutiny.

HARVEY B. VINCENT.

When the country became involved in civil war and men from all stations of life gathered at places of enrollment to acknowl- edge their allegiance to the Union and march from their homes to the battlefields of the south. Harvey Vincent was among the number, and his duty to his country in days of peace has been as faithfully performed. so that he is now a valued and honored resi- dent of Rice o unty, where he has made his home through a period of twenty-three years. However, the width of a continent separates him from his birthplace. He first opened his eyes to the light of day in Wayne county. New York. November 10, 1822. being a son of Ezra and Lydia C. (Free- man) Vincent. His father also was a native of the Empire state. His mother was a widow at the time she married Mr. Vin- cent. She was born in Maine. and her first husband was a Mr. Hamlin, a cousin of cy- Vice-president Hamlin. On leaving the east Ezra Vincent went with his family to Sandusky county, Ohio, locating near Chule. where he followed agricultural pursuit- i. .. many years. He held membership in the Free Will Baptist church and was a man of unquestioned pre bits of character, ever h ?- est and reliable. His political support was first given th: Whig party and afterward to the Republican party. He died at the age of ninety years and his wife passed away. at

their home near Clyde, when seventy-cell years of age, her death being deeply mourned by many friends, who had level and esteemed her for her excellent qualitie - of character. Ezra Vincent had been twice married, and of the first union there were three children .- Ezra, Hiram and Hannah ; and the mother of our subject by her fir -: marriage had seven children, namely: Bar ney, Timothy, Patty, Mathias, Ezra. Lydia and John. Ezra and Lydia C. Vincent be- came the parents of five children, namely : Gardner, Lucy, Jane, Harvey B. and Darlin. The last named was a soldier in the Civil war, belonging to a regiment of Pensil- vania cavalry.

Harvey B. Vincent was a youth of twelve years when he accompanied his par- ents on their removal to Sandusky county. Ohio, and on the home farm near Ode he spent the remainder of his youth. pass- ing through the experiences of inventier Tie. Until better educational facilities afforded in the county he pursued his olu. cation in a log school-house during the win- ter months. At the age of eighteen he he- gan teaching, and for many years was one of the popular instructors of Ohio. In the fall of 1861 he responded to the call for troops and joined Company C. Twenty-third Ohio Infantry. under company i 1

Rutherford B. Haves aftery ry of the United States. One of the pan of the regiment was William McKinley, who was later promoted to the : colonel and who finally Become the executive of the nation and fell a m. the assassin's bullet. Mr. Vier

· ated in the love of thethe Fiery and was afterward ill in a hospital in Virginia

charged, on account of physical disability, and has never fully rer contracted in the war.

He returned to his pana h Chede 0. where he remained until 18;S, the year ni his arrival in Rice county, Kansas. He at once took up His ahole in the neighl. .: where he has since resided. He

married. in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1859. : age of thirty seven years. to Mi- Jim

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Blackstone, who was born, reared and edu- making his administration one of value to | the community. He was born in St. Charles, Wisconsin, in 1865. His father. cated in the Buckeye state and was a daugh- ter of Moses Blackstone, of Ohio. She died a year later, leaving one son, O. B. Vincent, Frederick A. Steckel, was a native of now a well known citizen of Rice county. In the fall of 1878 Mr. Vincent was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Whittaker, who resided at Clyde, Ohio, and for nine years successfully en- gaged in teaching. She was a daughter of Stephen Whittaker, who was born in New York, but is now living in Clyde. He was a cooper by trade and has followed that pur- suit throughout much of his business career. He wedded Mary Adeline Arnold, also a na- tive of the Empire state. and they became the parents of six children: John, who served as a soldier with the Seventy-second Ohio Infantry for three years, and who was in Andersonville prison for nine months, now resides in Ashtabula, Ohio, while his business connects him with the railroad service : David is deceased : Mrs. Louisa Mc- Leod is a resident of Harvey, Illinois ; Mary is the wife of our subject, Vincent: Eli is living in Clyde, Ohio; and one child died in infancy. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent has been blessed with five children : Stephen H., who is now twenty-three years of age: Florence M., who is a capable teacher in this locality ; and Frank E., Vera MI. and Ralph E., aged respectively seven- teen, fifteen and thirteen years.

The family home is located upon a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres and the place is supplied with all modern equip- ments and improvements. To the develop- ment and cultivation of his place Mr. Vin- cent devotes his attention with untiring en- ergy, and his labors result in bringing to him a good income. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, and in the county of his adoption he has many warm friends.

FREDERICK STECKEL.

Frederick Steckel. the esteemed mayor of Ellinwood, Barton county, is a popular officer, whose reliability and enterprise are

Magdeburg, Germany, born October 13. 1833, and in 1853 he came to America, lo- cating in Memphis, Tennessee. He served in the Confederate army during the Civil war and afterward removed to Wisconsin. Subsequently he was sent to the front as a substitute from Minnesota. When hostili- ties had ceased he spent ten years in St. Charles, Wisconsin, and in April, 1874, came to Kansas, establishing his home in Ellinwood, where he erected a building and and therein opened a general stock of mer- chandise. The store was a fram building and stood on the site of the present brick hotel. He was associated with V. S. Musil in an early day in the shipping of corn from Iowa to this state for the planting, and in 1875 they shipped the first car-load of grain ever sent from the county. They also open- ed an implement business, which was the pioneer enterprise in this line at this place, and successfully carried on the store for severalyears. Mr. Steckel was made land agent for the Sata Fe Railroad Company and was largely instrumental in inducing many substantial citizens to locate here. He labored so earnestly for their interests that he always retained their high esteem, and his work proved of great value to the county. He also conducted a drug store, which is now owned by Dr. Dunn, and in 1876 he built a flouring mill, which was operated by steam and was located south of the hotel. Subsequently it was destroyed by fire. He also built an elevator, and in larger degree than almost any other citizen that Ellinwood has ever known he contributed to its upbuilding and progress, being wide- ly recognized as one of the best men of the town. In 1861 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hogan, who is yet residing in the fine residence which he erected. His death occurred in 1893. Their children are: Samuel F., who was born in 1862 and married Emma Rose; Frederick, of this review; and Albert, who was born in 1868. The father was a member of the Masonic

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

internity and in his life exemplified its platted by Captain Hanreal, in wig 1: He ul beneficent principles. The cause Weber it was named. The town of Sarah and Great Bend, but after Elinw. funded the building- were all merca in this place a i to day there are fine stres. of education found in him a warm friend, as ! he did good work in it- behalf while serving on the school board. He was also mayorof the city for three terms, and along many lines of progress, improvement and lancement le assisted in the upbuilding of the town with whose interests he was so der allied.

Frederick Steckel has also been a well known factor in the public interests cf Ellinwood. As his knowledge and strength increased he became his father's assistant. being associated with him in the promotion vi many enterprises, and afterward entered un an independent business career as a real-estate dealer. In ISSA he also embarked ol in general merchandising, carrying on operations along that line uuntil 1887, when he sold out. He was afterward in the grain business and also dealt in hauses. In iSu- the three Steckel brothers purchased the Brinkman elevator, which was built in Iszs. and after enlarging it they equipped it with modern machinery. It is now the most ex- tensive devater in the town and they are carrying on a good grain business. their plant having a capacity of twelve thousand bushels storage. They also erected an elevator at Silica. Rice county, with a storage capacity of three thousand bushels.

Mr. Steckel was united in marriage to Miss Meda Chalfant, a daughter of Win- he'll Chialiant, che of the early pioneer set- ters of Barton county, and they now have one childl. Ray. Their home is a fine mod- ern residence, celebrated for its gracious hospitality, and in addition Mr. Steckel and his in iher own much other valuable pro- perty in the town. In 1901 he was elected mayor of the city with whose interests he has been identified frem boyhood. He com- pleted his olucation in its schools and has seen it grow ism a little hamlet to a very thriving ditv. It is treated on the north bank i De Arkansas river. en section 31. t. weship To, range II. The town was es- taliished in the fall of 1872. by the Ar- kansas Valley Town Site Company, of which Adam Speas was president, and was

attractive residences in this thriving place, which is second in size to Great Bend. It is one of the best wheat-shipping Site ts in the county and state in proportion to its There is no lack of business entei- prise. Such is the city of which Mr. Steckei is now mayor. His administration is busi- nes-like and in all things he is notably prompt, reliable and energetic. From the beginning of the history of the town the naire . i Steckel has been closely interwoven with the annals of Ellinwood, and the father und sms have contributed in very large measure to its growth.

JUDGE ROBERT M. VICTOR.

Judge Robert M. Vier ten tate blee of Pawnee county. Hans and one of the most prominent and influential chiffers . i 'Larned. He was born at Catalpa Gre. Green county, Kentucky, in 1833, 8 - 91 . 1 John and Martha ( McClure : Vien r. His mother was a darghe: Clure, who served in the Revolutionary war and was assigned I: Gorge Waslongs mm act as one of the baly stand in General Lafayette at the surrender of the. lis. John Victor was a neighbor . Mas- ham Lincoln during the water's imin ! days. Mrs. Victor was also a nieve of the famens Robert Mcclure. The father of our subject owned and operated a large iron foundry, and there Judge Victor spent much of his boyhood, but received good exercise in connection with agricultural pursuits. He was one of the

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 74

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