A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 95

Author: Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: New York Chicago: The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1084

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The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wohl- ford was blessed with ten children: Fred, who is now twenty-seven years of age, mar- ried May Wiggins, by whom he has two chil- dren, and resides upon the old homestead farm: John, twenty-four years of age, is also living on the farm: George, a young man of twenty-three, is a resident of Colo- rado: Lewis twenty-one years of age makes his home in Rice county : Roy and Glouces- ter, aged eighteen and thirteen years, are with their parents; Katoura May, who is eleven years of age, is particu- larly well advanced in her musical studies : and Grace, eight years of age, completes the family. They also lost two children: Flo- ra Lodella, who died at the age of seven-

teen months, and Ada Pearl, who died at the age of five months. The former was the fifth, the latter the seventh in order of birth.

In his political affiliations Mr. Wohlford was formerly a Democrat, but is now iden- tified with the People's party, and takes a deep interest in its success. They occupy a pleasant residence in Lyons, and are sur- rounded by many warm friends, who es- teem them for their many excellencies of character. His career has been an active and useful one, and demonstrates the power of determined industry when conquering fate and winning fortune. .

MILLARD F. CASTO.

Millard F. Casto, who has become re- cognized as one of the leading stockmen and farmers of Mingona township, Barber coun- ty, was born in Calhoun county, West Vir- ginia. December 8, 1860. His father, Man- ly C. Casto, was born in Lewis county, West Virginia, and was a son of Isaac Casto, who was born in Upshur county, West Virginia, his parents having emigrated to America from Scotland, locating in the south. He spent the greater part of his life in West Virginia, living for many years in his na- tive county, where he was known as an extensive and prosperous farmer. His last years, however, were passed in Braxton county, West Virginia, where he died at an advanced age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Dorcas Cutwright, passed away some years previously. This wor- thy couple were the parents of ten children, but only two are now living: Luther, a farmer of Braxton county, West Virginia ; and Asel, who also carries on farming. liv- ing in Lewis county, West Virginia.

Manly C. Casto, the father of our sub- ject, was reared on a farm in Lewis county, West Virginia, and in later years removed to Calhoun county, where he became the owner of a farm of one hundred acres, upon which he remained until the breaking out of the Civil war, when, true to his loved southland, he enlisted in the Confederate ar-

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my. His term of service was short, how- ever. for he was captured, contracted pleuri- sy and died in prison at Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania. In Lewis county he had married Ruhama Yoke, a native of that county, and a daughter of John W. and Mary ( MeVa- ney Yoke. Her father was born and reared in Virginia and was of German lineage. while her mother, also a native of the Old Dominion, was of Irish descent. Mr. Yoke follo wed farming and was also a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, highly re- spected for his genuine worth and upright life. He died about a half-century ago. while his wife survived him until 1880. pass- ing away at a very advanced age. In their family were three children: John, a far- mer of Gilmer county, West Virginia : Solo- mon G .. a merchant of Morgantown, West Virginia: and Ruhama, the mother of our subject, who resides with him, and who is sixty-one years of age at the time of this writing. The subject of this review is the elder of two children, his sister being Mrs. Julia Hindzman, whose husband is a far- mer of Glenville, West Virginia.

Millard F. Casto was but an infant when his father died, and was reared upon the farm belonging to his grandfather Yoke, in Lewis county, his mother having returned to the paternal home after her husband's death. There Mr. Casto remained until eighteen years of age. He received but lim- ited educational advantages, but his train- ing at farm work was not meagre. At the age of eighteen he began working as a farm hand in the neighborhood, and the following year he went to Lincoln. Nebraska, where he secured employment near the city. Sub- sequently he took up his abode in Randolph county, Indiana, where he engaged in far- ming until 1884. when he came to Kansas and secured a claim in Comanche county, upon which he resided for nine years. That was a period of hard labor and close econo- my, for he had but limited means when he arrived in the Sunflower state. However. when he disposed of his property there he was the owner of a valuable and well im- proved place and a herd of two hundred head of cattle. These, however. he brought

to Barber county and established his home in Mingona township, where for a short time he rented land. He then bought the farm of three hundred and sixteen acres, upon which he now resides. This was partially improved, a portion of the land having been placed under cultivation, while some of it had been fenced. There was also a small gyp- sum house upon the place. Our subject has chiefly engaged in stock-raising, and is now one of the best-known stock dealers of this portion of the state. In 1898 he purchased an additional tract of thirty-eight hundred and forty acres to be used for pasturage purposes, for his herd had greatly increased. The ranch lies in Elm Mills and Mingona townships and is well watered. It is all un- der fence and is a valuable tract. Mr. Cas- to has increased his herd to about eight hundred head, mostly of a high grade of Shorthorns and Herefords. To supply feed for this large number of cattle he cultivates over three hundred acres of land. Upon his home place he has made many excellent improvements, so that the farm is a very de- sirable property. In 1895 he erected a com- fortable residence, built a good barn. twenty- eight by forty feet. and in 1899 he erected a shed fifty feet long.

Mr. Casto was married in Mingona township. September 20. 1895. to Florence Teagle, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana. a daughter of Eli and Martha ( Williams) Teagle, who likewise were born in that state. Her father, who was for- merly a merchant of Portland, Indiana. came to Barber county, Kansas. in 1885. settling in Valley township, near Isabel. where he pre-empted land. but later he hl this and came to Mingona township, where he is new engaged in the stock business. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. and 1: th he and his wife are members of the S ciety of Friends. Unto them have been la rn ten children, of whom seven are yet living. namely: Allen, a resident of Tacoma. Washington, and a bookkeeper for a lum- ber company; Clayton, who is emplevel in a store in Los Angeles, California : Charles, a merchant of Johannesburg. Cali- fornia : Minnie, who is the wife of Mr. Kins-

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Jev. of Portland, Indiana : Florence. now Mrs. Casto: Edward, a stockman in Min- gona township: and Lelah, the wife of C. L. Yoke, a stockman of Lake city, Kansas. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Casto has been blessed with the following children: Mil- lard Vere, Ruhama Martha and Helen.

In politics Mr. Casto is a Democrat and has frequently been sent as a delegate to party conventions. His popularity is in- dicated by the fact that his fellow towns- men have several times chosen him for of- fice, but he has no political aspirations, pre- ferring to give his attention to his business affairs. Socially he is connected with the camp of Modern Woodmen at Medicine Lodge, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of that place. He is wide- of the Wabash Railroad Company, and re- ly and favorably known throughout Bar- ber county as one of its best and most sub- stantial citizens.

HENRY L. SHUMWAY.

The futility of undisciplined effort is constantly manifest in the business world and is seen in the record and failure of ninety-five per cent. of the men who enter business life. The cause of this is un- doubtedly found in the fact that industry is not wanting, but that it is not well direct- ed. Keen business discernment is a very important factor in winning prosperity, and as this is numbered among the characteris- tics of Mr. Shumway he has gained for himself a place among the prosperous far- mers of the community in which he now makes his home and which has been his place of abode since 1885.

Ohio has furnished many of the leading citizens of Rice county, including Mr. Shum- way, who was born in Scioto county, Ohio, where he was reared upon a farm, while during the period of his boyhood and youth he attended the public schools and gained a good education. When the trouble be- tween the north and the south precipitated the country into civil war he joined the Union army and loyally aided in protecting the

principles represented by the administration at Washington. He married Barbara Shus- tor, who also was born and reared in Ohio, and in 1885 the family came to the Sun- flower state, settling in Rice county. Here Mr. Shumway is not only recognized as an enterprising agriculturist but is also ac- counted one of the leading and influential supporters of the Republican party. He and his family are all members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church, taking an active part in its work, and have done much for the up- building of the cause of Christianity in this portion of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Shum- way have had nine children, six sons and three daughters, the record being as fol- lows: John W., who is assistant cashier

sides in Council Bluffs, Iowa; Luella Mar- garet, Henry L., Charles Cyrus, Ed Alvah, Bertha Lorena, Hettie May, Thomas Clay and James Milton.

Henry L. Shumway spent the first six- ! teen years of his life on the family home- stead in Ohio, and the period of his youth was one of business activity, for he was early trained to the work of cultivating the fields. He began his education in his na- tive state, pursuing his studies through the winter season, and later continued his study of the branches of English learning in the schools of Kansas. He was married De- cember 22, 1892, to Emma Dell Colwell, who was born November 14, 1869, in Grundy county, Illinois, near the city of Morris. Her father, Parvis T. Colwell, was born near Wheeling. West Virginia, and died in 1888, at the age of thirty-nine years, leaving a widow and seven children, namely : Emma D., the wife of our sub- ject and Eva Luella, Lettie May, Alfred Pool, Joseph E., Carl and Sarah L. The mother of this family is now a resident of the state of Washington and is a highly es- timable lady, holding membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. The mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Shumway has been blessed with four children: Carrie Chris- tina, Bessie Gertrude, Floyd William and Luella Maud. In 1897 Mr. Shumway pur- chased his present farm, of A. B. Martin.

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It comprises two hundred and forty acres of rich land. The soil is very productive and yields to him good harvests. All mod- ern improvements and accessories are found upon his place, and the property is pleasantly and conveniently located. Ilis energy and enterprise are such as insure success, and he has already gained a posi- tion among the farmers of affluence in his community. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and socially he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He votes with the Republican party and its principles receive his hearty endorsement. He has never been an aspirant for public office, however, as his business affairs have claimed the greater part of his attention. He co-operates in every measure for the general good, for the uplifting of society and for the advancement of honorable principles among his fellow men, and his own life of industry, integrity and morality has commanded for him the confidence and high regard of the entire community.

JOHN C. LINGO.

One of the early residents of Jewell county. Kansas, is John C. Lingo, who for many years has been actively associated with agricultural interests in this locality. During his residence in the Sunflower state no one has been more thoroughly inter- ested in everything which pertains to the progress of the community in which he dwells : his life has been strictly honorable and just. being in accord with the highest principles of human conduct, and at all times he has endeavored to do good to those with whom he has come in contact.

Henry J. Lingo, the father of John C., was born in Ohio, but in an early day he removed from that state to Iowa. where he was among the first settlers. When the trouble between the north and the south threw the country into civil war and men from all parts of the Union answered the call to arms. Mr. Lingo nobly put aside all personal considerations to become a de-

tender of the starry banner. He became a member of Company (, Twenty-second lowa Volunteer Infantry, and with his command rendered valuable aid to his coun- try in her time of trouble. Two of his brothers also were members of Company G. Mr. Lingo was identified with the Democratic party at the outbreak of the war, but in 1864 he cast his ballot in favor of Abraham Lincoln.

John C. Lingo, the immediate subject of this review, was born in Washington county, Iowa, on the 6th of April, 1859, but when he was eight years of age his par- ents left the place of his birth and removed to another point in Iowa, where they made their home for the following six years. From that time until his seventeenth year he made his home with his mother in Riv- erside, lowa, and then. in 1877, he cast m his lot with the early settlers of Jewell county, Kansas, where he has ever since made his home. On his arrival in this state he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, one mile and a half east of Mankato, remaining there until 1884, in which year he came to the place on which he now resides, his farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres of rich and vai- uable land. As a man of business he is practical and progressive, making a stic- cess of nearly everything which he under- takes, and in the locality which has so long been his home he is recognized as . ne of the foremost agriculturists of the county.

On the 9th of April, 1883. occurred i've marriage of Mr. Lingo and Miss Anna Cole. The lady was born in Indiana and is a daughter of Charles Cole. also a na- tive of the Hoosier state. In a very early day, however, the parents left their Indiana home and came to Kansas, and in 1000 Mr. Cole retired from active business life. tak- ing up his residence in the city of Topek !. Three children have blessed the marriage of our subject and wife .- Charles H. William E. and one who died at the age . i thirteen months. Mrs. Lingo is a worthy and active church member and is le ved an 1 respected for her many excellent character- istics. Mr. Lingo gives an unfaltering support to the principles of the Republican

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party, and his first presidential vote was cast for James A. Garfield. Straightfor- ward in all his business dealings and loyal to the duties of citizenship, he commands the respect and confidence of his fellow men and at all times he is a generous friend and warm advocate of those who are battling for the right. and of those principles and policies which make for the public good.

WILLIAM CAMPBELL.

Among the well known and highly re- spected citizens of Rice county who have borne an important part in the develop- ment of the state is William Campbell, whose name is enrolled among the pioneers of this section of the country. Through his own exertions he has attained an hon- orable position among the representative men of the west, and with signal consist- ency it may be said that he is the architect of his own fortune. He is the father of the first male child born in Rice county, and nobly has he performed his share in the task of reclaiming wild lands for pur- poses of civilization and in making this sec- tion of the state the beautiful spot that it now is.

Mr. Campbell was born in Greenup county, Kentucky, August 16, 1847, a son of Willis and Catherine (Thompson) Campbell. both natives of Adams county, Ohio, where they were married. The Campbells are of Scotch descent. Soon after his marriage the father removed to Kentucky, where he was employed in an iron furnace and at other public works for many years. His death occurred in 1884, and he was survived by his widow for only two years, her death occurring at the same place in 1886. She was a consistent and worthy member of the Methodist church. This worthy couple were the parents of five children, namely : James, who served in the federal army during the Civil war, having been lieutenant of his company, and he now resides at Cape Girardeau, Mis- souri: Mary, who became Mrs. Griffith ; Russell, a resident of Kentucky; William,

the subject of this review; and Willis, of Ohio.

< William Campbell remained under the parental roof until sixteen years of age. At that early age his patriotic spirit was aroused and he donned the blue as a de- fender of the stars and stripes. July 16, 1863, he became a member of Company D, Fortieth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, and was consigned to the Army of the Ten- nessee, under the command of General Hudson. He took part in many skirmishes and went on many long, hard marches. During his service he received a wound in the arm, being struck by a minie ball, and he was confined in a hospital for six weeks. As soon as able he rejoined his command, and on the expiration of his first term of service he veteranized and remained in the service of his country until the close of hos- tilities. From exposure and hardships he contracted typhoid fever, and was confined in a hospital at Lexington, Kentucky, at the time of Lee's surrender, at which place he received an honorable discharge. He returned to his home with an honorable military record, but for a time was unable to perform manual labor. After regaining his health and strength he went to Meigs county, Ohio, where he remained until 1869. The year 1871 witnessed his arrival in Kansas and he secured a homesttad claim on section 2, Center township. Rice coun- ty, but the following year abandoned the claim and located another in Lincoln town- ship, where he resided until April 1, 1902, when he moved to Chase. At that time wild animals were numerous in this section of the state, roaming at will over the vast prairies, and the huntsman could keep his table abundantly supplied with wild game. Mr. Campbell endured all the hardships and difficulties incident to life upon the western frontier, but by unfaltering energy and per- sistent purpose he has prospered in his un- dertakings and has lived to witness the wonderful transformation which has taken place, the wild lands being transformed into fields of waving grain and the country is now inhabited by a prosperous and con- tented people. In 1874 the grasshoppers destroyed all vegetation upon the place and

William Campbell

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he has met with other reverses, but he usually harvests good crops and his efforts have been attended with a high degree of success. He has made farming his life oc- cupation and he is now accounted one of the leading agriculturists of his locality. Soon after locating in Rice county he erect- ed a sod house, which was his place of abode for six years, and he then erected a small frame building. He has added to his residence until he now has a large and well- built dwelling, and he also owns a good residence property in Chase, where he now lives. His farm property is located four and a half miles northeast of Chase, and there he has a fine apple orchard, beautiful groves and substantial buildings. The hardships endured during his army service and upon the frontier have brought on rheumatism and for the past several years he has been confined in the house much of his time, but he bears his afflictions with Christian fortitude and with cheerfulness.

Mr. Campbell was married in Meigs county, Ohio, in 1869, to Miss Sarah E. Cornwall, who was born in that county January 13. 1844. a daughter of Goldsmith and Cynthia ( Cook) Cornwall, natives of Ohio. The father was a school and music teacher for many years, and also followed farming. His wife died in 1853, and was survived by her husband until 1891, when he, too, was called to the home beyond. both dying in Ohio. He was a member of the Universalist church and she held mem- bership in the Methodist church. Their union was blessed with five children : Mar- tha. who became Mrs. Rintoul; John; George: Sarah E., the wife of our subject : and James. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been born eight children, namely : Charles L., who was the first male child born in Rice county, and who died when only one year old: Mattie, who is at home ; Nineveh, now Mrs. G. Buzzo; Cora, also at home : and Frank, now engaged in farm- ing on the old homestead: Ancil C .. Lucius H. and David R., at home. The parents and four of their children are members of the Methodist church. In 1874 Mr. Camp- bell became a member of that denomina- tion, in which he afterward became an or-

dained minister, and he has labored untir- ingly and with excellent results in the spreading of the gospel among his fellow men. In 1896 he went to Oklahoma, where he remained for three years, during which time he conducted divine services and made many conversions, bringing many sinners to realize their condition and starting them in the right path. One conversion more memorable than most others was that of an old gentleman seventy-six years of age who called himself a moralist and who after his conversion was pleased to know that he had found the true way. Since his return to Kansas Mr. Campbell has preached occa- sionally. His path has ever been upward, both in a spiritual and temporal sense. . Is this review shows he is distinctively a self- made man,-one of nature's noblemen, whom no force of circumstances could pros- trate or draw into obscurity. His friends are many and he is honored and respected by all who know him.

HENRY P. DIAMOND.

Loyal American citizens never weary of hearing praises of the brave soldier boys whose valor saved the Union at the time of its greatest peril-saved this fair country which has steadily advanced from that time to the present, until it now ranks among the great powers of the earth. We are justly proud of our beautiful native land, but it is well for us to pause some- times in the midst of our prosperity and progress and seriously consider what our present position has cost. The repub- lic came into existence through the throes of a great war lasting eight years; its ex- istence was perpetuated through the sacri- fice of thousands upon thousands of so !- diers in the Civil war : and to-day it stands triumphant, while the starry banner com- mands respect and homage in every coun- try on the face of the globe.

At the time when the south attempted to sever its allegiance to the national gov- ernment. Henry P. Diamond donned the blue as a defender of the Union, and from

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the first period of hostilities until peace was declared he was ever at the post of duty,-upon the tented field or on the fir- ing line. He was numbered among the soldiers which the Green Mountain state sent to the front. He was born in Lowell county, Vermont, December 17, 1837, his parents being John and Lucy (Streeter) Diamond. His father was a native of Dum- friesshire, Scotland, and in early life he ran away from home and crossed the At- lantic to the new world. His life was de- voted to agricultural pursuits, and eight- een years after his son Henry came to Kan- sas he arrived in the Sunflower state and spent his last days in his son's home, there passing away at the age of seventy-six. His wife, a native of the Green Mountain state, spent her entire life there, for it was not until after her death that Mr. Diamond came to Kansas. They had seven children, of whom five are yet living.

Upon the home farm Henry P. Dia- mond was reared. He is both a self-edu- cated and a self-made man. His youth was a period of toil, when the duties of the fields and of the farm claimed his entire at- tention. He loved his country, however, and when the grim monster of war threat- ened the destruction of the Union he was among the first to offer his services in its defense, enlisting in Company D, Second Vermont Volunteer Infantry, under Cap- tain Charles Dillingham, in September, 1861. He participated in all of the skir- mishes and battles in which his command took part, and when the war was over he was discharged on the field, in the Shenan- doah valley. His bravery was unquestioned and his loyalty was proven in every battle. When hostilities had ceased he made his way to the capital city and was attending Ford's theater in Washington on the night that President Lincoln occupied a box there and was assassinated by the actor, Wilkes Booth. He was acquainted with the doctor who set Booth's leg, for in jumping from the stage his foot caught in the folds of the flag draped across the front of the stage and the bones of the limb were fractured. Mr. Diamond was also in the barn where Booth was captured.

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A biographical history of central Kansas, Vol. II, Part 95

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