A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 77

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 77

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Mr. Evans was born near Arendal, Nor- way, April 7, 1857. His father. Enbrat Ev- ans, who died about 1891, was a native of the same locality and was a farmer by oc- cupation, following that pursuit throughout his business career. He married Anna Gen- son, a native of the same locality, who died about 1893. They were the parents of seven children, only two of whom are now living: John, of this review ; and Martha. who still resides in Norway, near the birth- place of our subject.

John Evans remained with his father until fourteen years of age and then became a sailor, following the sea until he attained the age of eighteen. He sailed upon many waters and during the course of his voy- ages touched several times at American ports. Finally, in the spring of 1875. he abandoned the "life on the ocean's wave" and took up his abode in Chicago, where he followed carpentering until 1890, although a portion of the time was spent in the large furniture manufactories in Chicago. In 1890 he came to Hutchinson and entered the employ of the Hutchinson Salt Company. working at the Western block for two years, during one half of which time he was day foreman. He then went to Nickerson. Kansas, and worked at the Nickerson block for about nine months, after which he re- turned to Hutchinson and was employed at the Pennsylvania and Crystal blocks until about 1894. when he began work at the Riverside, spending the first year as a la- borer. after which he was employed as a carpenter for a year and since that time he has been foreman. He is also foreman of

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

the New York block, a smaller plant, situ- ated close to the Riverside and operated ! the same company. The Riverside 1 was built about 1888, and the main imili- ing covers a space of two hundred by two hundred and fifty feet. It operates four pans, twenty-seven by ninety feet, and has a daily capacity of about four hundred and forty barrels. . \ fine grade of dairy and table salt is manufactured, including the famous R. S. V. P. (rock salt very pure ) , which has become known throughout the entire country. The New York block was built about 1889, and is a two-pan Block. covering two hundred square feet. the pans being twenty-seven by one hundred and fif- teen feet. while the capacity is two hundred and thirty barrels of No. I salt. which, like the finer product of the Riverside, is shipped to almost every part of the country. The two blocks employ, when running to their full capacity, about seventy-five men and fourteen girls, the latter being engaged in the Riverside in sacking the finer grades of salt for shipment. The two blocks consume about seventy tens of coal per day in supply- ing the necessary heat for evaporation. Since Mr. Evans was made foreman a large packing room, sixty by two hundred feet. has been added to the Riverside plant and other improvements made. He understands the business thoroughly in every detail and his active supervision has given utmost salt- isfaction to the company.

On the 8th of August, 1895, in Hutch- inson, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Manda Critsfield, who was born in Clay county. Indiana. Februay 13. 1876. a daughter of William Critsfield. who is a retired farmer. He was a gallant - Idie: of the Union army during the war of the Rebellion, having served for two years in an Indiana regiment. How - years of age and 1 th he and his wife are living with Mr. and Mrs. Evans. Unt the laster conle four children ws ward. who was born Marchia. IN :- ) died at the age of two months: Johnnie, who was born April 27. ES.S. age of fourteen months : Willie. mn S ... tember 30. 1890; and Samed.

16, 1901. The family have a pendant le He on Avenue F. West, which, together with three hats there, Mr. Evans purchased : 1894. In his political views he is a stal- wart Republican, but has never aspired to office, and in religious faith he is a Luth- eran. He has never had decision to regret his decision to make America his home, for in this land he has found friends and fortune - a comfortable competence, the reward of his business ability and unfaltering energy.

JOHN COLSON.

John Colson is a well known farmer of Jewell county, living in Center township. His parents, Henry and Anna Colson, Mivel and died in Sweden. In that country-his native land-John Colson was rearol and educated and for more than a third of a century he has been closely associated in his work and in all interests with John Pe- terson, also a native of Sweden, so that the history of one is practically the hi- the other. They have lived and lal well. gether and the love and confidence Henne them could not be greater were the: In :.. ers in blood as well as in spirit. They rank among the leading farmers an. Jewell county, having a fine in pers and pleasant home three miles portent of Nes kato.

Together they crossed the Atlantic in 1808, making their way direct from the At- lantic coast to Moline, Illinois, where fer a time they were employ They then secured emu senal at Rock Island, Ililnois, and were in the employ of the government, working on the becks an l Going when they determini

with the farming interests of central Kan- Accordingly they made their way to

but that was the year

hopper scourge, whei

every particle

ing was therefore Na -

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

following year, however, they again came to the Sunflower state and began the develop- ment of their Kansas claims, weheron they have since resided, transforming their land into richly cultivated tracts. They had noth- ing save what they had saved from their earnings in Rock Island, but with resolute hearts they undertook the task of improv- ing farms and to-day they own four hun- dred and eighty acres of valuable land.

For a time they lived in an old dug-out, but eventually erected a commodious mod- ern residence, and also built large barns, granaries and other necessary buildings for the shelter of grain, stock and farm imple- ments. They rank among the leading far- mers of Jewell county, and their industry, honorable dealing and sound judgment have placed them where they stand to-day, among the most prominent representatives of the farming interests of central Kansas. Mr. Colson has filled several local offices, and both have been stalwart Republicans since casting their first votes for General Grant at the time of his second election. The record of these gentlemen plainly illustrates what may be accomplished in "the land of the free" by men of determination, who are will- ing to work and whose business methods are straightforward.

GEORGE F. ABRAHAMS.

Dr. George F. Abrahams is the proprie- tor of the Lithium Water Sanitarium, in Washington township, Jewell county, near Montrose. In connection with this institution, and as a reliable business man. he has a reputation that is not confined by the boundaries of the county. His work for the alleviation of human suffering has made him widely known, and the institution of which he is now the head is largely pat- ronized. He is a representative of the Ger- man element in our American citizenship,- an element which has been a most important factor in advancing civilization and in carry- forward the work of progress and improve-

ment in various sections of this broad land. A native of Holstein, Germany, the Doctor was born on the 19th of May, 1853, a son of Carl and Mary ( Moke) Abrahams, who were likewise natives of the same land. There the mother died when her son George was only ten years of age, but the father afterward came to the United States and spent his last days in Missouri, where he de- parted this life at the venerable age of eighty-six years. He had one son, Henrich, who was for three years a Union soldier in the Civil war in the United States.

In accordance with the laws of his na- tive land Dr. Abrhams pursued his educa- tion, and in pursuance of the military pro- visions of the country he served for three years in the German army, participating in the war between France and Prussia, in 1870-71. He was twenty years of age when, in the fall of 1873, he determined to try his fortune in America. He sailed from Hamburg to New York, landing at Castle Garden, and being accompanied by his brother Henry, who is now living in Mis- souri. Not long after his arrival in this country Dr. Abrahams became a sailor on Lake Michigan, sailing from the port of Chi- cago, and in the winter months he worked in Chicago and Milwaukee, his time being thus passed until the 4th of October, 1875, when he came to Kansas, settling in Jew- ell county. Here he married his brother's widow and, locating upon a claim which his brother had entered, he made improve- ments thereon and ultimately secured the ti- tle from the government. He has since lived at this place and has made for his fam- ily a very comfortable home. His brother was only thirty-eight years of age when he died, leaving a widow and two children. The lady bore the maiden name of Apolene Korner, and is a native of Hesse-Darm- stadt, Germany. The children of her first marriage are Emma M. and Ida M. By her second marriage she has become the mother of four children : Anna M., who was gradu- ated in the high school of Salina, with the class of 1902; and John J., Nettie F. and Loves. All four are successful teachers.

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To his farm in Washington town-idp Dr. Abrahams has added one hundred and sixty acres of rich land. The place is pleas- antly situated about three miles cast of his old home, and is a valuable tract. His first dwelling here was a sod house, in which he lived for five years, after which he ereet- ol a stone dwelling, in which be and his family remained until 1896, when their present fine home was completed and read for occupancy. It is a large dwelling. is comfortably arranged and has ample accen- medations for the patients who here seek relief from disease by the use of lithium water and by osteopathic treatments given by the Doctor. Prior to the time he entered the German army he had worked at various noted European springs, acquiring a knowl- edge of the methods of giving baths, and thus when he discovered the lithium spring upon his farm he recognized its medicinal qualities and resolved to utilize its waters for the good of mankind. His attention was first attracted in the spring by parties of Indians who came to camp there. Test- ing the water he discovered its mineral prop- erties, and in 1885 he had it analyzed by Professor G. H. Failver, of the Kansas Ag- ricultural College. The following is the analysis : Special characteristics .- absence of carbonates, predominance of sulphates, especially . i magnesium sulphates; large lithium: presence of alum; presence of borates. The chemical analy- sis gives the following grains to a United States gallon of water: Potassium oxide, 10.0038: stadium . side. i200to: lithium oxide. . 651 : aluminum oxide. 11.3368 ; ca- cium oxide. 38.8842: trace of iron ox- ide: and magnesium oxide, 69.4936: sul- phuric acid (anhydrous. 249058: Chi- ine. 8.7130: silica. 5.0375: boric acid (anhydrous ), .2279. To those familiar with medicinal properties of water, it will thus be seen that the water of this spring is rich in those elements which are demanded by the system in mainta :- ing a healthful condition. By the judicious use of this water almost any chronic disease may be cured without the aid of medicine or surgery, and many patients from different

parts of the country, after a - jour . Lithium Water Sanitarium, attest Sp derful curative powers of the spring Diet and other regulations mais health contribute to cure, ami is practiced by the Dcer. wil. understools the use of this mail: ment.

To the conduet of his sar itarium and to the cultivation of his farm the Debt is- votes his energies with excellent ret. his labors bringing to him a good income. He cast his first presidential vote for Non- erford B. Hayes, but is independent in pol- ities, supporting the men and measures that he believes are most conducive to good guy- ernment. Political honors and emoluments have had no attraction for him, but in the business world, quick to recognize his op- portunity, he has steadily advanced through his own efforts, and among men of affluence, as well as in the public regard, his position is now assured.

OTTO R. WELLIL

Otto Rollin V der the object of this sketch, is a son of John A. Welch, a bio- graphical notice of whom appears in this work, and is himself a well kowy n business man of Burroom. Harvey ommy. Kansas. where he is prominent noget to thede. goods and shoe Ihres

Attica. Marion county. Iowa, December 19, I845. His father was lan in Figure Minois. November 21. 1834. @ sapo R. Welch, who was a native of Bath e. Kentucky, where he was born May 24. 18 . and who died in Oregon. Max IS. IST. when he was nearly eightv-six years old. Joel Welch, father of John R. Welch and great-grandfather of Otto Rollin Welch, was born in Maryland, about upp al liver more than eighty-three years. doing in Edgar comme. IT: After two years of pioneer life in Indiana he removed. 1825. 10 Illinois. He married in Kemsky also pos, and had five -- and two daughters. His wife died.

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young, when their son. John R., was about fifteen years old, and he married again and had a son and two daughters by his second wife.

John R. Welch, grandfather of the sub- ject of this sketch, was a farmer and black- smith. He married Matilda Lowrey, at Paris, Edgar county, Illinois, in 1827. She was born in Kentucky, but had come as a pioneer to Illinois. Mr. Welch worked at the blacksmith's trade at Paris until 1835, after which he resided in Decatur, Illinois, until 1836, when he bought land in De Witt county, and there established himself as a blacksmith and farmer, remaining there un- til 1843, when he removed to Jefferson coun- ty. Iowa. Early in the following year he took up land in what is now Marion county, Iowa, where in time he acquired a full half- section. He farmed and worked at his trade there until 1868, when he emigrated to But- ler, Bates county, Missouri, where he re- tired from active life and where his wife died on her seventy-third birthday, in 1880. Of their seven children six grew to years of maturity. For detailed information con- cerning their son, John A. Welch, who married Miss. Mary E. Haines, the reader is referred to the biographical notice previ- ously mentioned. His wife bore him seven children, four of whom are living. In 1885 he established the Merchants' & Farmers' Bank at Burrton, Kansas, which, in 1890, was changed to the bank of J. A. Welch & Son, while in 1899 it was merged into the Burrton State Bank, of which his son is president and manager.

After leaving the public schools Otto Rollin Welch, who had been brought up to practical business in his father's store, took a commercial course in a business college at Wichita. Kansas. When he was about nine- teen years old he became a lumber salesman in western Kansas, and after that he was employed in a similar capacity in Oregon. After three years' training of the kind indi- cated he returned to Burrton, where for the past four years he has sold dry goods and boots and shoes successfully, conducting his business on a strictly cash basis, and carry- ing a large stock of all kinds of merchandise

in his line required in this vicinity. He set- tled in his own home, on a sixteen-acre plat, which he planted with fine shade and fruit trees and which includes a beautiful lawn and a large fish pond, the water supply of which is maintained by means of a wind- mill.

September 14. 1893, Mr. Welch married Miss Mertie H. Hollis, a native of West Virginia, and a daughter of William and Deborah ( Van Arsdale) Hollis, Virginians, who came to Harvey county, Kansas, in 1875. His son, Perry Allen Welch, was born July 16, 1894: his daughter, Mary May Welch, was born April 1, 1896.

SAMUEL WILLIAM RAMAGE.

Samuel William Ramage was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, February 16, 1851. of Scotch-English and German-Irish parentage. The great-grandfather Ram- age, with an only brother, came from England in his boyhood and settled in Vir- ginia. To the great-grandfather Ramage were born, near Blacksville. Virginia, three sons,-James, Abner and Samuel. This Samuel Ramage was the grandfather of the subject of this biographical sketch. He married Mary Dows, a native of Red- stone township. Fayette county, Pennsyl- vania. They lived on a farm on Crabapple Run, Franklin township, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in the same home in which Samuel W. Ramage was born.

This grandfather died on the 18th of June, 1829, his death being caused by an accidental gunshot wound, resulting in quick consumption. To this Samuel Ram- age and Mary Dows were born two sons,- Samuel and Jonathan, the latter becoming the father of Samuel W. Ramage.

Jonathan Ramage was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. July 12. 1800. and was married to Eliza Wolfe, on the 28th of October. 1830. Jonathan Ramage was of Scotch-English descent, and his wife of German-Irish descent. He was a large man, of strong physique and purely Eng-

SRamage Mus. S.W.Ramage

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

lish type. He possessed a strong constitu- tion. a stern disposition, a dauntless energ; and an unassailable integrity. He was of a gener as heart, a man of warm sympa- thies and charitable to all creatures; the por and needy often found in him such a friend in need as is truly a friend indeed.

l'inticaly he was a Democrat, always en- thusiastic in support of the principles of his party, but never an aspirant for ofice of a secker di personal notoriety. By occu- pation Jonathan Ramage was a carpenter and cabinetmaker. He was made an In- cient Free and Accepted Mason in Pennsyl- vania, and later was a member of the Ma- sonic lodges in lowa and Kansas. Eliza Wolfe. his wife, was born December 1. 1800. i German-Irish parentage. From her maidenhood she remained a devoted and active member of the Methodist Epis- copal church. Jonathan Ramage and his wife became the parents of seven sons and three daughters, all of whom were born in Pennsylvania. Jonathan Ramage and his family moved to Iowa in 1851, where he entered land and followed farming and stock-raising until the fall of 1870. From INTO until 1874 he lived on a Tarm in Daviess county, Missouri. In 1874 he moved to Kansas and homesteaded the southwest quarter of section 14. township 14. Southof range o, west, in Union town- ship. Rice county. Upon this farm he lived until his death, which occurred on Novem- be: 4. 1886, as the result of a strike of paralysis. His wife survived him, remaining in the same old home until her death, on the IIth of March, 1894, the cause of her death being pneumonia.

At this point is incorporated a brief record concerning their immediate family : Harriet. born July 12. 1831, was three times married .- first, to E. Eaton : . coml. to William Tait. and, third. to George Witmer. She died on the Ist of March. 1902. Catharine was born January 18. 1834. and married Donald McKay: died September 9. 1807. Francis Marine Man born January 13. 1835, and lives in Jack- son county, Kansas. Benjamin F. was born December 24. 1837. and died in Iowa. April 7. 1875. James P. was born July 15.

18440, and lives in Little River, Kansas Mary S., born February 7, 1842, was mar- riel to H. R. Perine and died February 25. 1897. Jonathan J., born April is. 1844, lives in Sac county. lowa. Milton was born March 13. 18446, and died April 29, 1853. Albert A. was born June 11. 1848, and is one of Rice county's best pio- ner farmers. Samuel William, th inn mediate subject of this sketch. was the youngest child. He was born February 16, 1851, on the old home in Fayette county, Pennsylvania.

Samuel William Kamage was reared a farmer's boy and was educated in the com- men sches. He moved with his parent- tu lowa in 1851. and to Missouri with them in 1870. On July 22, 1874, he was married to Azubia Adaline Trotter, who was l rn in Daviess county, Missouri, Au- gust 25, 1852. Azubia Adaline was a daughter of Mark F. and Rebecca { Camp- 1:ell) Trotter. Mark Trotter was born in North Carolina: Rebecca Campbell was born in Kentucky. Mr. Trotter was a rep- resentative farmer of Daviess county. Missouri, and during the Civil war .i.c! in the Unity cause & the Best of the at. itv. T. Mark and Rebecca Tretter were born twelve children. six sons and six daughters: Nancy 1 .. born December 18. 1849. married W. P. Creekmore: Cynthia M. died in infancy; Azubia Adaline, bora August 25, 1852, married Samuel W. Ram- age: John En. I on October 27. 1854. is decreased: Henry Duved in September 24, 1856: Rebecca C .. born September 2.4. 1858. married Albert A. Ramage: Jona- than A .. born December 12. 1800. is de- ceased: James Mi was born May 2. 1862: Mary MI .. born April 1. 1864, married Clin- ion Shaw: Phceba A., born May 1. Tel. married B. Hughs and is now deceased: Jeremiah S. was born March 8. 1868: Mark F., born July 27. 1850, is declared.

In 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Samuel W. Ram- age came to Kansas and lived with his par- Samuel I. put the place under cultivation and im- przed the same and cared for the way parents during the remainder .: Save inherited the freesteak and .....

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

lish type. He possessed a strong constitu- to ::. a stern disposition, a dauntless energy and an unassailable integrity. He was of a gener os heart, a man of warm sympa thies and charitable to all creatures: the per and needs often found in him such a friend in need as is truly a friend indeed.

I'Mtically he was a Democrat, always en- thustur-tic in support of the principles of his party, but never an aspirant for office of a seeker I personal notoriety. By occu- pato n De nathan Ramage was a carpenter and cabinetmaker. He was made an An- cient Free and Accepted Mason in Pennsyl- vania, and later was a member of the Ma- sonic tages in Iowa and Kansas. Eliza Wife. his wife, was born December 1. 180g. i German-Irish parentage. From her maidenhood she remained a devoted and active member of the Methodist Epis- copal church. Jonathan Ramage and his wife became the parents of seven sons and three daughters, all of whom were born in Pennsylvania. Jonathan Ramage and his family moved to Iowa in 1851, where he entered land and followed farming and stock-raising until the fall of 1870. From 1870 until 1874 he lived on a farm in Daviess county. Missouri. In 1874 he moved to Kansas and homesteaded the Southwest quarter of section If. township 1. sett of range o, west, in Unin town- ship. Rice county. Upon this farm he lived until :- leath, which occurred on Novem- ber 4. 1886, as the result of a stroke of paralysis. His wife survived him, remaining in the same old home until her death, on the IIth of March. 1894, the cause of her death being : neamonia.

At this point is incorporated a brief recul concerning their immediate family : Harriet. born July 12. 1831. was three times married .- first, to E. Exem: «com. to Wilom Tait, and. third, to Giverge Witmer. She died on the Ist of March, 1902. Catharine was born January 18. ING and married Donald Mckay: died September 9. 1805. Francis born January 13. 1836, and lives in Jack- sen o anty, Kansas. Benjamin F. was born December 24. 1837, and died in Iowa. April 7. 1875. James P. was born July 15.

isto, and live- in Little River, Kansas. Mary S., born February 7, 1842, Was Har 1104 to H. R. Perine and died February 25. 1897. Jonathan J., born Api Is. 1844, lives in Sac county, Jewa. was born March 13. 1846, and divi vi 29, 1853. Albert A. was born June 11. 1848, and is one of Rice county's best pio- ner farmers. Samuel William, the in mediate subject of this sketch. was the youngest child. He was born February It, 1851. on the old home in Fayette county . Pennsylvania.

Samuel William Ramage was reared a farmer's boy and was educated in the com- menschheits. He moved with his parent- to Iowa in 1851, and to Missouri with them in 1870. On July 22, 1874, he was ! married to Azubia Adaline Trotter, who was Born in Davies county. Miscari, Au- gust 25. 1852. Azubia Adaline was : daughter of Mark F. and Rebecca & Camp- Fell) Trotter. Mark Trotter was born in North Carolina: Rebecca Campbell was born in Kentucky. Mr. Trotter was a rep- resentative farmer of Daviess county. Missouri, and during the Civil war ....!

itv. T. Mark and Rebecca Trotter were Lern twelve children, six son- and six laughters: Nancy J., born December 18, 1840. married W. I. Creekmore: Cynthia M. died in infancy: Azubia Adaline, born August 25, 1852. married Samuel W. Ram- age: Ihn En. I m Opher 25. 1854. is Hea Dern September 24. 1850: Rebecca C., born September 24. 1858. married Albert A. Kanngo: Fe than A .. born December 12. (Soo, is de- course: James It was Born May 2. 1802: Mary M .. born April 1. 1864. married Ci ... ten Shaw : Poda A. born May 1. .. married B. Hughs and is now decese !: Jeremiah S. was born March 8, 1868: Mark F., bern July 27. 850, 5 MG

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 77

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