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 49
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
matism drove him to a lower altitude, and he came to Clyde, where he had previously lived.
Mr. Doster is a native of Belle Center. Logan county, lowa. Ilis father was Silas Doster. a blacksmith by occupation. He died when Mr. Doster was a small boy. The Dosters were of Scotch-Irish origin and settled in Ohio at an early date. Mr. Doster is one of five children, three of whom are living. Mrs. Tracy, of Clyde, is a sister and Maggie, a dressmaker living in Topeka, where his mother now resides. The Dosters emigrated to Jeffer- son county, Kansas, in the autumn of 1860. His mother married the second time to Ralph Bowers and they homesteaded land in Jefferson county. Mr. Bowers was a mason by trade, and came to Clyde in 1870 and lived in that city about ten years.
Mr. Doster was married in 1880 to Martha Burges, whose parents were among the early settlers of Cloud county. Mr. Doster is a Republican, a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Knights of Pythias and Fra- ternal Aid. Mr. Doster purchased the old Girard residence which is located in the vicinity of the water works. He remodeled the house and made a com- fortable home.
W. B. BEACH. M. D.
Though a young man. Doctor Beach, the subject of this biography. is a very successful practitioner. and although he has been a resident of Clyde but a brief time is well known. A few months after graduation he became associated with Doctor Marcott under the firm name of Marcott & Beach, forming a strong combination of rising young M. De. Doctor Beach entered upon the practice of his calling with the zeal of an old practitioner. Ilis professional standing is rapidly gaining in popular favor and his natural qualifications assure for him success and a promising career.
Doctor Beach is a native of Niagara county, New York, born in 1873. He came west in 1897, and visited his brother, who lives near Concordia, and later received a position in the hospital wards of the Ossawatomic Insane Asylum, and subsequently occupied the same position in the Clarinda, Iowa, Asylum. In 1899, he finished a course in the Kansas Medical College of Topeka, making a special study of brain and nerve diseases. His father was Sherman Beach. a New York farmer, who died in 1876. His mother before her marriage was Jane Mandaville, who lives with her son, George S. Beach, four miles northwest of Concordia. The Mandavilles were the first settlers in the state of New York.
Doctor Beach was married May 8, 1901, to Blanch I. Lay, of Seneca Falls, New York. Doctor and Mrs. Beach occupy a cozy cottage home which he purchased from A. Lavalle. It is a model of neatness, a pretty little home presided over by his accomplished wife. Doctor Beach is a member of the Topeka Medical College Alumni Society and of the Cloud county Medical Society. Politically he is a Democrat .- [ By the recent death of Doctor Mar-
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cott's father the associations of Doctor Beach and Doctor Marcott have been severed, the latter removing to Concordia and succeeding to his late father's practice .- Editor.
SIDNEY H. KNAPP.
S. H. Knapp. the popular postmaster of Clyde, is a Kansan born and bred. His birth occurred ten miles west of Manhattan on Wild Cat creek, in 1867. He is a son of Honorable George W. and Rhoda E. ( Hampton) Knapp. His paternal grandfather was smothered to death by the caving in of a well where he was working. Mr. Knapp's father was a Kansas pioneer. He settled in the old Pawnee reservation, near Junction City, in 1854. and homesteaded land on Wild Cat creek, now within a half mile of Keats, a station on the Rock Island Railroad.
The Knapps are of English origin and early settlers in the state of New York. George W. Knapp resided in the Adiron- flecks. the place of his nativity, until he emi- grated to Kansas in the pioneer settlement of Gerry county, where he experienced many hardships. He served his country in the Civil war and was one of Company G. Eleventl Kansas Cavalry. After the war he located in Riley. Kansas. In October. 1878. he came to Clyde, erected a barn and engaged successfully in the livery, 'bus and transfer business, where he continued until 1888. During the winter of 1887 he was elected to the legislature, discharged his duties faithfully and won the confidence and respect not only of his constituents, but those who differed from him politically. lle has always been active in politics and in every
SIDNEY H. KNAPP.
enterprise to forward the best interest of his town. In 1890, he received the ap- pointment of postmaster and served four years during President Harrison's ad- ministration. In 1894 he removed to Kansas City, Kansas, where for several years he has been engaged in the transfer and real estate business, transacting an extensive business. For the past four years he has been engaged in news- paper work and is still active in politics. The present year ( 1902) he was delegate to the state convention held at Wichita, and has been suggested as nominee for register of deeds of Wyandotte county.
S. H. Knapp is the eldest of three children, two boys and one girl. He received his education in the public schools of Clyde and the commendable night business school conducted by Prof. Roach of Clyde. Mr. Knapp as- sisted his father in the livery business until 1885, when he entered the em- ploy of S. S. Melntosh in his book and stationery store until 1887. The
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spring of 1888, he embarked in farming and moved on his father's ranch in Mitchell county. remaining there three years. He was successful in this en- terprise but his fa- ther sold the ranch and opened an exten- sive flour and feed store in Clyde. llis father had received the appointment of postmaster in the meantime and S. Il. Knapp entered the office as assistant postmaster. In the spring of 1891. he es- tablished a book and stationery store in the front of the post- PRETTY COTTAGE HOME OF SIDNEY H. KNAPP OF CLYDE. office building, and has built up a paying enterprise : carrying a full line of books and periodicals, stationery, fancy goods and a line of fine confectionery. They are leaders in this line and their stock is in advance of that usually found in a city of Clyde's pro- portions.
Our subject was appointed postmaster in 1898, to succeed Judge Mc- Farland and was reappointed in 1902. The Clyde postoffice with Mr. Knapp and his able assistants is one of the best conducted offices in the coun- try.
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Mr. Knapp was married in 1887, to Mary E. Kinch, a daughter of Hon- orable Samnel R. Kinch who was a prominent resident of Clyde for many years. He was the first engineer of the Clyde city water works and for years proprietor of a flour and feed business. He was well known in political and municipal circles : filled the office of mayor of Clyde and was a valued mem- ber of the council. At the opening of the strip in Oklahoma, in 1901, he was the lucky winner in drawing a fine claim and with his family removed to their new possessions near Bridgeport. where they now reside. The Kinchs are from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Mrs. Knapp. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp are the parents of three engaging children, two boys and a daughter: Harold and Kenneth, two manly little fellows, aged twelve and nine years respectively. Marion Jeanette-or "Dolly" as she is called by her parents and associates-is aged seven. Miss "Dolly" enjoys the distinction of being the only child that gave and received a kiss from President Roosevelt when he visited Clyde in 1900. It was bestowed upon her in receipt for a handsome bouquet tendered the President.
To S. H. Knapp belongs the absolute credit of instigating the organiza-
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
tion of the Young Men's Republican Club of Cloud county. He first con- ceived the idea from the Kansas Day Club, and submitted the proposition to the late Mr. Ackley, of Concordia, who at once conceded the popularity it would command. After Mr. Ackley's death Mr. Knapp requested Fred Sturges, Jr., to accept the honor of becoming the club's first president. Mr. Knapp became secretary and through the combined efforts of these two young Republicans this chib was made one of the most popular organizations ever in Cloud county.
Socially Mr. Knapp is a Mason of eight years' standing, a Modern Woodman, a member of the Sons of Veterans, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Triple Tie, and the Life Annuity Association. In business circles Mr. Knapp ranks among the most successful; in political affairs he is pre- eminently a leader among the young men of Cloud county. He is a genial. courteous man, and a general favorite with his large circle of acquaintances and friends.
DAVID A. LAMOUREAUX.
The subject of this sketch, D. A. Lamoureaux, is a dealer in lumber, window sash, blinds, doors, etc. The building he occupies as an office is located on Main and Washington streets, and is one of the most historical in the city of Clyde, having been the first frame school house erected in that town.
Mr. Lamoureaux was born in the province of Quebec, Canada, grew to manhood in that Dominion, but early in his career removed to California, where he occupied a position of book-keeper for a large contracting firm for four years. In 1877 he concluded to engage in a new field of labor and was attracted to the resources of the new western field in Kansas, and ac- cepted a position as assistant cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Clay Center. Three years later he assumed the management of the Chicago Lumber company's yards during the "boom days" of Clyde and continued in their employ fourteen years. In 1894 he established his present business and has been very successful. If a patron is unfamiliar with the requirements of building material and does not know a lath from a 6x4, Mr. Lamoureaux can be trusted to fill the order with such accuracy that satisfaction is guaran- teed. Mr. Lamoureaux has done much to build up the city of Clyde, not only with boards and shingles, but with energy and enterprise. In 1883 he erected the two story brick building now occupied by Doctor Angevine's drug store and a year later a comfortable residence.
Mr. Lamoureaux youthful days were spent on a farm and the walls of his father's country home resounded to the patter of one dozen pairs of juvenile feet-six boys and six girls; conclusive evidence that gloom and dull care were strangers in that household. Seven children survive the pa- rents who have been deceased for three decades-one brother is a resident of Clay Center, Kansas.
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
Mr. Lamoureaux was married in 1885 to Miss Cecillia Bishop, of Maryland, a gifted and cultured woman. Mrs. Lamoureaux is of English origin on the paternal side. Her grandfather was a Revolutionary soklier. Her parents were residents of Clyde for several years. Mr. Bishop was a "dyed-in-the-wool" Democrat and twenty or more years ago he with Judge Borton were, practically speaking, the only adherents of that political faith in Clyde, consequently when their party came into power they strutted to the front and crowed vociferously, "the victory is ours." Mrs. Bishop's maiden name was Ramsay: she was of Scotch-Irish origin: she died in 1896. The surviving husband and father lives in the home of a daughter in St. Louis, Missouri. Hle is seventy-eight years of age.
Mrs. Lamoureaux was an educator before her marriage and occupied prominent positions. She was principal of the schools at Ellicott. Mary- land, for three years, and of the only exclusive girl's school at Annapolis, Maryland, for eight years. She was reared on the beautiful shores of east- ern Maryland, where she could here the roar and surge of the mighty ocen whose music is never forgotten.
"Take the bright shell from its home on the lea, and wherever it goes it will sing of the sea." Mrs. Lamoureaux graduated from the Maryland State Normal School at the age of eighteen years. The strength and growth of her intellectual faculties are budding in the mind of a beautiful daughter, aptly named Josephine, who is developing literary talents tending toward historical and deeper works of prose; many of her compositions de- note a promising future. She has been a student for more than four years in the Sacred Heart Convent of St. Joseph, Missouri, where she is taking a general course.
The Lamoureaux family are members of the Catholic church. Mrs. Lamoureaux was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, but feeling a change in her heart and convictions, she read Cardinal Gibbons' "Faith of Our Fathers," and after careful thought and earnest prayers for guidance. she was converted to the Catholic religion and baptized in 1877 by Father Curtis, who renounced the Episcopal creed to become a Catholic and is now one of the bishops of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
JOHN L. KIRBY. D. D. S.
Doctor Kirby began his career by teaching school: taught in Clay county three years. He was connected two summers with the electric light company in Clay Center. Kansas, putting up lines, wiring, collecting, etc .. during his college vacation. Doctor Kirby graduated from the Kansas City dental college in 1901. Prior to this he took a year's course of medieine in the St. Louis medical college, but having two brothers in dentistry he was induced through their influence to change his profession. Doctor Kirby was a student of the Emporia State Normal three years, where he took a course preparatory to studying medicine, and we might add was where he
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met the cause that took effect, and resulted in his coming to Clyde, where he was married June 12, 1901, to Miss Lillian B. Smith, one of the most beau- tiful young women of Clyde, a daughter of Uriah Smith. She was among the first graduates of the Clyde schools and was a prominent teacher. She has taught in various places, Clyde, Valley Falls and her last two terms were taught in Kansas City schools. She was a graduate of the State Nor- mal and stood exceptionally high in school work. She was also a student for one or more years of the Campbell University, in Holton, Kansas.
Doctor Kirby is a native of Woodford county, Kansas, where his parents, John H. and Mary E. ( Dillingham ) Kirby were early settlers. The Kirbys were of English origin and settled in Pennsylvania in an early day. The Dillinghams were of Holland descent, and settled in New York. Dr. Kirby's maternal grandfather was a revolutionary soldier. John H. Kirby came to Kansas in 1881, and settled in Dickinson county near the Clay county line where he bought land, raising stock and grain. He died in 1897. Mrs. Kirby lives with her children. Doctor Kirby is the youngest of eight chil- dren. Doctor A. H. a dentist of Rock Rapids, lowa. W. D. a dentist of Beatrice. Nebraska. H. W. who operates a coal yard in Denver, Colorado. Mrs. R. B. Ferguson, of Pueblo, Colorado. Mrs. W. B. Hall, of Marion, Kansas. Mrs. C. P. Flyer, whose husband is Doctor Flyer, a dentist of La Crosse, Kansas. Mrs. Grant McCoy who with her family live on the ok place.
Doctor Kirby is a member of the Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity, which is an international dental fraternity. He has been a member of this order three years. Doctor Kirby is working with the expectations of making a speciality of straightening irregular teeth and expects to take special courses next year with Doctor Angle, of St. Louis, who is the recognized authority of the world in that line. Doctor Kirby is a Republican in poli- tics and a member of the Young Men's Republican Club. He was raised a Presbyterian but united with the Methodist Episcopal church after his mar. riage with Mrs. Kirby for she had always been a worker and a member of that church. Doctor Kirby stands in the profession of dentistry, also in social circles and is a rising young man.
HONORABLE WILLIAM S. CANNON.
The subject of this sketch, W S. Cannon, an old resident of Clyde. came to this city as a clerk in the employ of the pioneer merchants, Herman & Davis, in the autumn of 1869. In 1875 he established a general mer- chandising business, continuing in that pursuit for upwards of a dozen years, and built the brick building now occupied by the boot and shoe de- partment of the "Regulator." He carried a stock ranging from fifteen to twenty thousand dollars and was one of the leading merchants of Clyde.
Mr. Cannon was born on the eastern shores of Maryland in the village of Bridgetown, May 18, 1849, where he grew to manhood, receiving a com-
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mon school education. In 1867. he left Maryland and after a sojourn of a little more than a year in Illinois, came to Clyde. In the meantime Mr. Cannon has spent several years away from Clyde. He began the practice of law in the office of Judge Hamilton, of Norton, the present judge from that district, appointed by Governor Stanley. Ile was with this able jurist for a period of four years and was admitted to the bar of Kansas February 2, 1890. at Norton, where he entered upon the practice of his profession. In 1892, he visited Pueblo. Colorado, and became associated with Moses & Hubbell, attorneys, under the firm name of Moses, Hubbell & Cannon. One year later he returned to Clyde (where he always claimed a residence and came home to vote) and opened a permanent office. Mr. Cannon takes an active part in political affairs and votes with the Peoples party. He was twice elected mayor of the city of Clyde, and served as treasurer for eight years. Mr. Cannon was born in the same house where his father first saw the light of day. His parents were John M. and Susan ( Elliott ) Cannon. He is one of nine children, five of whom are living. A sister is the only one living at the Bridgeport home. Mr. Cannon married Miss Carrie Bor- ton, one of Clyde's most estimable young women, a daughter of the late Baker Borton (see sketch). The are the parents of four children, Ruby, Jolin, Bessie and Margery.
HONORABLE CHARLES W. VANDEMARK.
The VanDeMarks have contributed very materially to the growth and prosperity of Clyde and have never been found wanting when any enterprise was inaugurated for the best interest of their town, where they have done as much by way of imparting their finances for the promotion of Clyde as any citizen in their beautiful little city.
Mr. VanDeMark located in Clyde in the winter of 1879-80 and with his brother, M. V. B., who came the following summer, established the bank of Clyde. M. V. B. VanDeMark was made president and C. W. VanDeMark was installed as cashier. This institution changed hands in 1886, and was incorporated under the name of the State Bank of Clyde. The State Bank was suc- ceeded by the present Elk State Bank of Clyde Mr. VanDeMark has perhaps erected more buildings than any one citizen of Clyde. HONORABLE CHARLES W. VANDEMARK. Among them is the bank building of 1880. He erected one of the handsomest residences in the county in 1884. It is a two-story frame building with a basement ; it is modern in all its appointments, heated by a furnace and of artistic archi-
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
tecture. It is surrounded by a wide lawn and fine shade trees and is situated on the south side of Washington street. In 1887 he built the VanDeMark block, a substantial two-story brick occupied by stores on the first, and by offices on the second floor.
Mr. VanDeMark is a native of Junius. Seneca county, New York, born July 13. 1841. At the age of seventeen he took a preparatory course in Penn Yan, New York, and entered the Williams College at Williamstown, Massachusetts, in the autumn of 1863. graduating in 1867, and began read- ing law in the office of Major C. N. Emerson, of Pittsfield, Massa- chusetts, a son-in- law of Judge Shaw. and United States collector of Massa- chusetts. Mrs. Em- erson is a sister of "Josh Billings." One year later he entered the offices of Pingree & Barker as a stu- dent. The firm was originally Rockwell & Colt. Judge Rock- well received the ap- I pointment of judge of the superior court and the firm became - Colt & Pingree, and when Judge Colt THE BEAUTIFUL HOME OF THE VANDEMARKS. was appointed judge of the supreme court the combination assumed the firm name of Pingree & Barker. Judge Barker was subsequently appointed one of the judges of the supreme court and is the present incumbent. He is a Republican in politics but his appointment was made by the Democratic official, Governor Russell. A year later Mr. VanDeMark became associated with Wilham P. Porter of North Adams, Massachusetts, under the firm name of Porter & VanDeMark. The origi- nal name was Davis & Porter; the former becoming United States Senator. Mr. VanDeMark was admitted to the bar at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, at the October 1869 term of the superior court by Henry W. Taft, who held the office of clerk of the court about forty years, having resigned about two years ago. Prior to having been admitted to the bar Mr. VanDeMark was appointed clerk of the district court by Govenor William Claflin, of Massa- chusetts. and Oliver Warner. Secretary of State. May 13. 1870, which office he held until going to Pittsfield, and entering upon the practice of law. May 17, 1873, he was appointed one of the justices of the district court of Cen- 29
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
tral Berkshire by Governor W. B. Washburn, to succeed John Tatlock, of Pittsfield, who was a professor of mathematics in the college Mr. VanDe- Mark attended.
In September. 1873, Mr. VanDeMark withdrew from the firm of Por- ter & VanDeMark and succeeded to the office and library of John M. Taylor, of Pittsfield, who is now vice-president of the Connecticut Mutual Life In- surance company. Mr. VanDeMark practiced law in Pittsfield until Janu- ary. 1877, but on account of failing health visited southern California, spending the winter at Santa Barbara and San Diego. The following sum- mer he joined his brother, M. V. B., in Chicago where he engaged in the Jumber business. Mr. VanDe Mark was admitted to the bar of the state of Illinois June 13. 1877, and practiced law in Chicago until June 1878, when he was sent to Texas on legal business and turned his attention for a year or more to the speculation in lumber and made it a paying proposition. While engaged in this enterprise he met Miss Addie Stevens, of Houston, Texas, whom he married April 21. 1880. Mr. VanDeMark says he entered the bonds of matrimony with Miss Stevens that he might assist in taming the rebels ; however she is of northern birth, born in the city of Chicago, and re- moved with her parents to Houston, when about four years of age. Her father was a car manufacturer and owned a factory in Chicago, but when the war broke out he engaged in the manufacture of lumber. ller maternal ancestors were the Abbotts who founded the city of Detroit, Michigan. Af- ter this important event in Mr. VanDe Mark's history he resolved to try his fortunes in the west ; located in Clyde and engaged in the banking business as before stated, and resumed the practice of law where he has resided con- tinuously since. Was admitted to the bar of Kansas August 12, 1881, and has had and still retains many interests in and around the vicinity of Clyde. He is largely interested in farming and horticulture. He owns six hundred and forty acres of pasture land, which is a profitable estate located about six miles north of Clyde: one hundred and twenty acres one mile east of Clyde : one hundred and sixty aeres one and one-half miles north of Clyde : one hun- dred and sixty acres one and one-half miles northwest of Clyde; three hun- dred and forty acres two and one-half miles north of Miltonville, making a total of one thousand three hundred and fifty acres. He also owns a fifteen aere tract of ground near Clyde-a fruit farm with an orchard of six hun- dred fine peach trees.
Mr. and Mrs. VanDeMark are the parents of three remarkably hand- some and promising sons. The eldest. Martin V. B., graduated from the Clyde high school in 1901, and the present year entered upon a regular classical course in the Washburn College. Topeka. John V. carried away second honors in 1902 graduating class of the Clyde high school and has just become (September, 1902) a student of Washburn. Otis, the youngest son, is a namesake of his maternal grandfather. He is a student of the Clyde high school. Their ages are nineteen, seventeen and fifteen years, respectively.
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
Mrs. VanDeMark is an accomplished woman, distinguished in musical circles for her rich and cultivated soprano voice. Her solos have been a leading attraction at the Presbyterian church in Clyde for years. Her moth- > er Mrs. Stevens, makes her home with her daughter and is a cultured and re- fined woman. Mr, VanDeMark has one of the finest selected and most ex- tended law libraries in the county. His career as a legal practioneer has been one of flattering success. He has always taken an active part in poli- tics and is a staunch Republican.
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