USA > Kansas > Cloud County > Biographical history of Cloud County, Kansas: biographies of representative citizens. Illustrated with portraits of prominent people, cuts of homes, stock, etc > Part 30
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Mr. Taggart was a member of the state militia, organized for the pro- tection of settlers, and participated in several skirmishes with the Indians. He was one of the guards on duty when the Adkins boy was killed. They had scoured the surrounding country and were just returning to camp when the firing was heard. After the Indian uprisings were quelled Mr. Taggart settled down on his farm. For two or three years the expenses were greater than the profits, as the markets were so far distant transportation to and fro consumed the income.
He still retains the old homestead, which is one of the many fine farms in Sibley township, with good buildings, orchards, etc. He owns a forty- acre tract in section 30, one-half mile northwest of Concordia, on the Repub lican river. This is wooded land and Mr. Taggart expects to clear the ground, and believing that it is well adapted to horticulture, will transform it into a fruit farm. In 1898 Mr. Taggart bought five acres of ground in the Hagaman addition, erected a comfortable cottage on the corner of Cedar street and Greeley avenne in 1901 and expects to make Concordia his per- manent home. Mr. Taggart has traveled over various parts of the United States; journeyed overland through Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and California, spending eighteen months in his sightseeing expedition, and, while he was pleased with the scenes and possibilities of those states, he was quite content to continue in Kansas, saying, "this is good enough for me."
Mr. Taggart is a native of Naples, New York, born in April, 1849. He is a son of James- and Mary J. ( Harris) Taggart, both of New England origin. His father followed various pursuits, such as hotel keeping, saw milling and farming. Prior to their residence in Cloud county, the Taggarts lived in Michigan ten years. The father came to Kansas one year later than his son and lived in the vicinity of Concordia until his death in 1896. The mother lived in the home of her son until her death in 1900.
Our subject received his early education in the common schools of Michigan, followed by a three-years' literary course in Colon Seminary. St.
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Joseph county, Michigan. 'At the age of nineteen he began farming and later engaged in the grain business.
Mr. Taggart was married January 1, 1870, to Emma Collins, a daugh- ter of William Collins, who settled in Cloud county in 1866. and a sister of William and John Collins, who were massacred, along with the Cassel party, as related in the account of Indian raids. Mrs. Taggart's father was of English birth. Her mother's paternal grandfather was born in Ireland; her maternal ancestors were English. She was a native of Maine, and while visiting England met and married William Collins in the city of London. They emigrated to America and settled in Illinois, where they resided until coming to Kansas in 1866.
To Mr. and Mrs. Taggart three children have been born, but one of whom is living. Mattie, the wife of Henry Neal, a farmer near Hunter, Oklahoma; they are the parents of three children, Mabel, Oscar and Fay. Willie, their only son, was deceased at the age of one year. Carrie, their youngest child, was deceased at the age of thirteen.
Politically Mr. Taggart is a Democrat and socially is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Dramatic Order Knights of Khorasan and the Benevo- lent Order of Elks.
E. C. WHITCHER.
E. C. Whitcher, of the firm of Whipp & Whitcher, abstracters, deal- ers in real estate, and insurance, is a native of Warren, Grafton county, New Hampshire, born in 1860. His father was Levi C. Whitcher. a New Englander, who was engaged in different occupations-lumberman, hard- ware dealer, and at the time of his death was farming. His mother was Sarah A. (Weeks) Whitcher, also of New England birth and ancestry.
Mr. Whitcher was educated in the common schools of New Hampshire and when fifteen years of age, began his career as a clerk in a mercantile establishment. In 1883 he went to California, later returned and located in Omaha. Nebraska, where he railroaded for two years, and was also located at Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he filled the position of passenger officer in the Union depot.
In 1886 he came to Washington county, Kansas, where he clerked for two years and then came to Concordia. Here he established himself in the mercantile business, largely groceries, which he conducted for about five years, then sold the same and became associated with Mr. Whipp in their present business. His venture in the mercantile line was during the panic years. when all alike suffered losses.
The present combination is a very successful one. Mr. Whitcher bought the interest of D. M. Stackhouse. This firm had formulated a set of abstract books, the only complete set in the county, and were making a specialty of that line, having since added real estate and insurance.
Mr. Whitcher enjoys the distinction of being the only Democrat at the
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present time ( 1902) holding city office, in 1901 being appointed city clerk. He has been twice nominated for registrar of deeds but never made a canvass, from the fact that he was on the wrong side to be elected. Mr. Whitcher was married in 1888 to Lizzie Franconer, formerly of Illinois. She was practically reared in Cloud county, as she came here with her parents when an infant. Her father is Jospeh Francouer. a farmer of Lincoln township, near Concordia. They are of French extraction and natives of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Whitcher are the parents of three daughters, Lillian, Flor- ence and Edith, aged, respectively, twelve, nine and four years.
Mr. Whiteher owns a farm in Aurora township and retains his interest in his father's estate in New Hampshire: has a comfortable but modest home on Broadway and Thirteenth streets. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen and Court of Honor.
HONORABLE RICHARD PARRIOTT WEST.
Reverend R. P. West. the subject of this sketch, is one of the most prominent of the pioneer settlers and figures very conspicuously through the pages of this volume. He was not in reality one of Cloud county's set- tlers, but was jointly connected with this and Republic county, where he resided.
Vermilion county, Indiana, is the place of his nativity. He was born August 10, 1829. Hlis father. Jacob J. West, was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania. Ile was a carpenter by trade, but later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. A chapter in Mr. West's grandfather's life bordered on the romantic. AAt the age of nine years he was kidnapped in Liverpool England, taken on board a vessel, brought to Philadelphia and disposed of to a Quaker for the consideration of twelve dollars. He lived with this family . for a number of years and received uniform and kindly treatment. Ile used a gun on the British in the famous battle of Lexington, when but twelve years of age.
After several times enlisting he finally entered for five years and served during the war. At the battle of Cowpens he received a severe saber wound on the head that disabled him the remainder of his life. When on a scout- ing expedition he suddenly came upon a squad of red coats and instantly rec- ognized one as his brother. He revealed to him his relationship, but the brother refused to believe him until shown a mark well known to the brother, which no longer left a doubt in his mind as to his identity. They embraced each other. but the next moment the "Johnnie Bull" began upbraiding him for being a rebel. Jacob West died deaf and blind from the effect of the saber wound. He was a self-made man, and, although he had received but a common school education, by assiduous reading he became a compendium of history and famous for his extensive knowledge of current events. He settled in Illinois in 1837. He died in 1864. His wife died on the same day.
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They laid aside the joys and burdens of life and together entered the mys- terious beyond.
When troops were called upon to protect the stars and stripes and the honor of the nation, Reverend West was among the first to respond and joined the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, June II, 1861. Although not in any engagements he was constantly at the post of
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MR. AND MRS. RICHARD P. WEST.
duty and dangers until he fell ill and was forced to enter the hospital. Fail- ing to fully recover his health he was honorably discharged March 27, 1862.
Reverend West was married October 22, 1848, in Piatt County, Illi- nois, to Miss Margaret Murphy, who is a most estimable woman and men- ber of a highly esteemed family. Not having been blessed with children of
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their own Mr. and Mrs. West adopted little May Glovin, a bright child of eight summers, whom they reared and educated. At the age of twenty-one years she was married to William H. Vicker, a very worthy man. One child, Earl, was born to them, but scarcely three years of married life had elapsed ere the "grim reaper." death, had taken her home, preceded by her infant child two months.
Reverend West has always been active in politics, believing that all great reforms must be brought about through the intelligent use of the bal- lot. He is a staunch Republican, although he has not at all times approved of the action of his party's conventions, and believing that an honest Demo- crat is better than a dishonest Republican, he occasionally put that belief into practice.
In 1869-70 and also in 1876 he was elected to the house of representa- tives of the state of Kansas, and at each session he distinguished himself in aiding the progression of important work. Among the many good bills he was jointly responsible for was one to refund his county's ( Republic) indebtedness, whose finances were in such condition that its credit had sunk to twenty-five cents on the dollar. The passage of his bill immediately brought it up to par, where it has since remained.
As an "objector" Mr. West was a terror to all who had "jobs" before the legislature, each and all of which he opposed with the vigor and ability he possessed. He is the man who unearthed an attempted eight thousand dollar bond steal of the late Colonel Samuel Wood, who was killed in Ste- phens county several yearse ago. During the discussion of the case Wood became so infuriated at the remarks of Representative West that he lost control of his vicious temper and violently hurled an ink bottle at Mr. West, who, fortunately, dodged the missile.
In the early 'eighties Reverend West's friends put him in the field as an Independent Republican candidate for the state senate, the district being composed of Republic and Cloud counties, but he was defeated by the regu- lar Republican nominee, through the dishonest tactics of his opponent's friends and workers. He has been active in politics ever since and probably always will be until he is gathered to his "Father's home."
In 1882 Reverend West moved to the then territory of Washington and engaged in farming, but his old love for Republic county, where he had spent nearly twenty years bravely overcoming the hardships of frontier life, and finally rewarded with peace, pleasure and plenty, caused him to return. He bought a home in Osborne county, and from there moved to Concordia, locating in the eastern part of the city on Fifth street, where himself and wife declare they will live the remainder of their lives in this pleasant home.
Reverend and Mrs. West were pioneers of Republic county and settled on a homestead near where Bellville now stands, in 1863, when great herds of buffalo tramped over his farm, both springtime and autumn, and when the coyote and the Indian were too frequent visitors to make life safe and
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enjoyable. Here this worthy couple kept "open house," where the weary and hungry traveler always found a welcome to rest and partake of their bounteous meals without charge.
Reverend West was licensed to preach by the quarterly conference of Tuscola-Paris district of the Illinois conference and was ordained in Man- hattan, Kansas, in 1866. Immediately after coming to Kansas he began his life work of preaching the "everlasting gospel" in his own inimitable style and he was "the right man in the right place." He was always present to bury the dead, to chase the marauding bands of Indians, or to hold pro- tracted meetings in every settlement. from Manhattan, Riley county, to Jewell county on the west, and was eminently successful in bringing souls to Christ and organizing congregations, nearly always at his own expense.
Reverend West withdrew from the conference on account of his wife's failing health, who, from the beginning of his ministerial labors had borne much of the burden of supporting the itinerant circuit rider's home. Beside dispensing free salvation, Reverend West probably contributed more of his worldly stores than many of his parishioners accumulated in the same length of time. Mrs. West was an important quantity, and while commending this fearless clergyman and politician the credit due his devoted companion must not be overlooked. She at all times shared in those days of grief and romance and while speaking of these attributes, Reverend West facetiously remarked. "To Margaret Ann be all the honor." This venerable and worthy couple have always enjoyed the confidence and esteem of their fellow citi- zens and when the parting adieus are said and life's journey ended, their many good deeds will live on in the hearts of their neighbors and friends.
-[Reverend R. P. West, the pioneer circuit rider of more than a quarter of a century ago departed this life at his home in Concordia on the 11th of December, 1902. He traveled over the prairies on horseback before the days of roads and bridges, administering spiritual advice and comfort to the settlers of Cloud, Republic, Washington and Clay counties. Since his advent in the state in 1863, he was a prominent figure in church and politi- cal affairs as references in various parts of this work signify. His aged wife survives him .- Editor.
ROBERT MISELL.
Robert Misell, one of the successful business men of Concordia, is engaged in real estate and insurance and is one of the most reliable agents in the city. He is thoroughly posted on the property of Concordia and surrounding localities, which is essential to success in his line.
His father, Thomas Misell, is of English birth, born in 1819. He enlisted in Company B, Fourth West Virginia Volunteers, and served his adopted country for a period of three years. Thomas Misell came to the Solomon valley in March, 1868, and took up land near Glasco, on the Sol- omon river. He now resides at the home of his son, the subject of this
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sketch. Robert Misell's mother was of Irish nativity. She died in 1863. Robert Misell was born in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, in 1858, and was but ten years of age when he came to Kansas. After several removals his parents settled in the Solomon valley in 1868, during the unsettled times. His brother was killed in the Indian raid of that year, an account of which is given elsewhere in this volume.
Mr. Misell was reared on their western homestead and lived there until 1880. For three years he followed varions pursuits and in 1883, located in Concordia and engaged in the loan, real estate and insurance business. He was married in 1890, to Emma Seavey, a daughter of Dr. John Seavey, a veterinary surgeon of Concordia. To Mr. and Mrs. Misell one child was born, a little son. Robert L., aged five years. Mr. Misell has been prom- inently identified with the political affairs of Cloud county and affiliates with the Republican party.' He is ranked among the most progressive men of Concordia and is a public spirited citizen. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is exalted ruler of the Benevolent Order of Elks.
GEORGE M. CULVER.
George M. Culver, who is now serving his third term as county attor- ney of Cloud county, was born near Albany, New York, July 6, 1866. He is the third of seven sons. His parents were George W. and Margaret H. ( Holton ) Culver. His father was a native of the state of New York. He was a carpenter by trade, but emigrated to Republic county, Kansas, where he farmed until his demise in 1890.
Mr. Culver's mother was born near Cork, Ireland. She died in 1890, being an interval of only three months between his parents' death.
Mr. Culver received his early education in the country schools. His father's finances were limited and he could not give his son the educational advantages his ambitions craved, but his object was not relinquished until it became a reality, which has brought its well merited reward.
About six months after Mr. Culver had begun the high school course his parents moved temporarily to Colorado, and he entered the Greeley Uni- versity. remaining three years, taking special work. This was in 1883, but in the meantime he taught school, beginning at the age of sixteen. He tanght as a means of earning money to defray his expenses at the university. Beginning with 1888 he took a two years' literary course in the State Uni- versity at Lawrence, Kansas. From this period he filled the position of principal in several of the best schools of northwestern Kansas. He was principal of the Beloit schools for five years; he had charge of the Bellville Republic county, schools, and also of Cuba, in the same county. During this time he turned his attention to the study of law and read with various attorneys until admitted to the bar. Mr. Culver's career is a good demon- stration of what a young man who has force of character can accomplish.
Mr. Culver moved from Beloit to Concordia in June. 1896, and opened
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a law office. He endeavored to form a partnership with several well estab- lished lawyers who enjoyed a lucrative practice, but our subject was young in years and young in profession, and according to their shrewd ideas, not a desirable partner.
To many sensitive, retiring natures their, seeming lack of appreciation would have been a chilling blast, but to Mr. Culver it served as a stimulus. His clientage from the beginning was gratifying for a young man and stranger. It steadily increased and he gained the confidence and good will of the people until it found expression in his nomination for the office of county attorney of Cloud county. He was elected on the fusion ticket in 1878. was re-elected in 1900 and again in 1902.
Mr. Culver was married in 1891 to Miss Mary J. Hair .. a daughter of Dr. J. Hair, a retired physician now residing in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Hairs are Ohio people, but after various removals located in Republic county, Kansas, where Dr. Hair lived several years.
Mrs. Culver was born in Iowa. She is a graduate of the State Uni- versity and has been a successful teacher. She was principal of the Repub- lic city schools and was a resident of that town at the time of her marriage with Mr. Culver.
Mr. and Mrs. Culver are the parents of three bright, intelligent chil- (Iren, viz: Marguerite, Harold H. and George.
HONORABLE EDWARD J. MESSALL.
E. J. Messall has made a good record for himself as a public official. During the turbulent joint movements the mayor of a city does not have altogether smooth sailing. He is expected by many to do the whole thing. condemned by some if he does, and by another element if he doesn't. Mr. Messall is courteous, accommodating, intelligent, far seeing and strictly conscientious in the discharge of his official duties, and has not been a dis- appointment to the people of Concordia, who elected him.
Mr. Messall is a native of Prussia, Germany, born in 1857. He is a son of Gotlieb and Karoline (Siegelhagel ) Messall, of Prussia. His father died in 1855. on the farm in his native country, where he had spent his lifetime. His mother came to America in 1871, and settled in Marysville, Marshall county, Kansas, where she died in 1892. Mr. Messall is one of seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom are residents of this state. except one brother who lives in Wisconsin. Mr. Messall's brothers were in the Franco-Prussian war.
In 1871 Mr. Messall and his youngest sister accompanied their mother to Kansas. He received his education in the high school of Prussia and the district schools of Marshall county, Kansas. He was employed on a farm until seventeen years of age and then entered a flouring mill. In the latter part of his service there he operated the elevator that was in connection with the mill. bought grain, etc.
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In 1883 he established the Concordia Bottling Works, manufacturing all kinds of soft drinks, which has been an excellent source of revenue to him. Hle has a brisk trade in this line during the summer months, having a large wholesale trade. He ships goods to all parts of the state. Ile is also a wholesale dealer of cigars. In 1888-9 he was associated with Parker & Company in a cigar factory under the firm name of Messall, Parker & Co. Hle afterward assumed full control of the concern and did an exten- sive business.
Mr. Messall was married in 1879 to Lena Stettnisch. a young German woman who came with her parents to America in 1866 and settled in Marshall county, Kansas. She is a daughter of Carl Stettnisch, a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Messall four children have been born. Their only son, Louis, died at the age of fourteen years. Their three daughters, Bertha, Mollie and Bessie, are intelligent and talented young ladies. The eldest daughter, Bertha, after a course in the Concordia high school entered the Agricultural College of Manhattan, and in 1900 entered upon a business course in the Great Western Business College of Concordia.
Until recent years Mr. Messall affiliated with the Democrats, but trans- ferred his convictions to the Republican party. He has been identified with the city's affairs almost continuously since his residence in Concordia, as a member of the school board and one of the city councilmen. In April, 1901. he was elected to his present office after a hard fight, by a majority of one hundred and ninety-four, the largest ever given a candidate for that office in Concordia. Mr. Messall owns a handsome residence property with a spacious lawn of five lots, on the corner of Washington and Seventh streets. His factory is in the rear of this property. The family are regular attend- ants and members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Messall is one of the trustees of the church.
HONORABLE JOHN STEWART.
John Stewart, the wholesale produce man of northwestern Kansas, owes his substantial position in life to his untiring energy and perseverance. The progress connected with his business operations and their magnificent results evidences what a man with courage and enlightened views can accomplish. Mr. Stewart's experiences have been varied. He has not attained his pres- ent financial standing without great labor, excellent financiering and an indomitable will that would not recognize the word defeat. The word "fail" does not occur in his vocabulary of thought.
He is a son of the "Auld Sod." born in the little village of Malin, County Donegal, November 8, 1861. His parents were James and Mar- garet (Kalhoun ) Stewart, both natives of Ireland. His father early in life learned the carpenter trade, but later engaged in mercantile pursuits. Mr. Stewart's mother died in 1885. After her death his father emigrated to America, where his children had preceded him. He visited Colorado,
JOHN STEVARA BUTTER.EGGS & POUL TRY
COMMISSION HOUSE OF JOHN STEWART, ONE OF CONCORDIA'S MOST EXTENSIVE INDUSTRIES.
THE NEW YOF! PUBLIC LIBRAS.
ATSA, LENOX -
TILBEN FOUNDATIGHE
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
remaining two years, spent one year with his son in Concordia, and went to Philadelphia, where he died at the home of one of his daughters in 1901. Mr. Stewart is one of six children, five of whom are living, a brother in Idaho and three sisters in Philadelphia.
Mr. Stewart was educated in the National schools of his native country and finished in the academic institution at Londonderry, when fifteen years of age. His choice of a profession was engineering. His parents had aspirations for him to become a clergyman. but Mr. Stewart became neither. He left his native country to make a home for himself in the land o'er the far distant seas, He sailed for America May 18, 1882, one year before he had attained his majority. His attention was attracted toward the far famed silver mines of Leadville, Colorado.
Upon arriving in that city he found work in an iron mine, where he remained four years. In the spring of 1886, he came to Ellsworth, Kan- sas, in the employ of a Leadville poultry firm, returning in the autumn of the same year to Leadville, where he resumed work again in the mine. The following March he went to the Pacific coast, intending to visit Alaska. He traveled over various parts of California and visited Vancouver's Island, where his mother's only sister resides, but retraced his steps to Colorado, where he engaged in the poultry and produce business under the firm name of Stewart & Company. The enterprise was not a financial success. They suspended business in December and for the third time Mr. Stewart entered upon mining-a last resort. it would seem.
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