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 84
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While traveling over the country, Mr. Baldwin's capital was reduced to a span of ponies, and he necessarily underwent many discouragements. but could not go elsewhere: his means were exhausted. He conceived the idea of making molasses, and he not only owed for his land, but went wallet for a sorghum mill. There was much cane raised at that time, and be pant factured hundreds of gallons of molasses that year. The investment proved good one, and in the year 1898 they made eight thousand gall ne and rat () one hundred acres of cane. He made a wholesale Isiness of it. rusog his own cane instead of grinding for the farmers, and increased the capots of his mill to four hundred gallons daily, grinding and cooking le dem The latest equipment of machinery cost him two thousand dollars The whole
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
country being in wheat, as soon as the crop was gathered the chinch bugs would come in from every side, and cover the cane, until Mr. Baldwin was compelled to discontinue this enterprise. However, he thinks he may try it again in the near future. On September 1. 1896, a most painful accident occurred in the engine room of the mill. Their little two-year-old daughter, Lois, was so badly scalded by the escaping steam of a bursted boiler that she did not survive the accident but a few moments and was unconscious from the first. The engineer. Chris Iloel, in trying to save the little one was badly burned. While wading through the hot water that had flooded the room, to turn off the steam, Mr. Ballwin had his feet severely scalded. Another and older daughter, who was with the unfortunate little victim, was also badly burned. The parents, brother and sisters were wild with anguish, but the accident was one of those unavoidable things that bring death and destruction without a moment's warning.
Mr. Baldwin is a native of Connecticut, born on a farm in Litchfield county. in 1846. Ile is a son of Junius and Mehitabel ( Beldin ) Baldwin. His paternal grandfather and two brothers came to America in colonial days ; one settled in the state of New York, one in Massachusetts, and the other in Connecticut. When Mr. Ballwin was nine years of age his mother died. His father was married three times. He subsequently removed east of Hart- ford. where he died in 1875. By the first union there were two sons; by the second two sons and a daughter; by the third one daughter.
Mr. Baldwin visited the old Connecticut home in the summer of 1902, and attended the reunion of old veterans at Washington, D. C. The nine- teenth Infantry, the regiment Mr. Ballwin enlisted in, was one and one-half years later merged into the Second Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He served two years and eleven months. About three months after entering the service he was appointed drummer boy, and he has in his possession the drum and drum sticks, with which he has beaten many a march for the martial tread of the "boys in blue." Mr. Baldwin's extreme youth saved him from severe punishment on one particular occasion. While he was returning to Lyons, their headquarters, Mr. Baldwin was attracted by a garden adjacent to a cottage The guard spied him and called-"Halt." The drummer boy re- fused, and the guard started in hot pursuit. When he overtook him a scufile ensued, in which Mr. Baldwin beat him over the head with his drum sticks. Enthused with the desire to become a soldier, Mr. Baldwin ran away from the parental roof. On the eve of his departure from the service his father found him, administered some good advice, and bade him take care of himself.
Mr. Baldwin was among the few old veterans in attendance at Washing- ton. D. C., who participated in the first review in that city in 1865 and the last in 1902. He served his country well, and though a youth, took part in nineteen battles and skirmishes. He was with Grant, after leaving Washing- ton, and was in the battle of the Wilderness at Spottsylvania. Cold Harbor, across the James river to City Point, tearing up several railroads while enroute
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
to the latter place. He was in battles under both Grant and Sheridan, was with the latter when he made his famous ride from Winchester. He belonged to the Sixth Army Corps, and was with them when they found General Jubal Early in sight of the capital and routed him out through the Shenan- doalı Valley. On the 19th day of October, near Center creek, they routed his forces, captured his wagons and heavy artillery. AAfter this event they re- turned to Washington and took transports for City Point. During the winter they were called out to extend their lines and while on this expedition engaged in a battle at Hatches' Run. A snow came upon them, making their services arduous and disagreeable. The troops had retired for the night, when Grant broke the lines in the winter of 1864-5. They heard a commotion and upon looking out, discovered troops were passing; a moment later they received orders to fall in line. The enemy could be seen in the distance: the two lines passing in opposite directions ; they lost but few men. When the battered corps arrived at Petersburg, to their surprise, they met President Lincoln. The troops overtook the enemy a week later, and a battle was fought a few days before the surrender of General Lee. Mr. Baldwin witnessed Custer's troops coming in with each of his staff carrying a rebel flag.
Mr. Baldwin's visit to the "Nutmeg" state, where he was born and where he lived until attaining his twenty-seventh year, was not the least of the many pleasures enjoyed on his eastern trip in 1002. The rugged moun- tains that were once regarded in the light of everyday things, seemed higher : the rocks more gigantic. His stepmother, who had not seen him for thirty years, did not know her son : his father had passed into the "Great Beyond." his sisters and brothers grown to manhood and womanhood, and living in homes of their own. Everything and everybody seemed changed, but he en- joyed reviewing the scenes of his boyhood days. "As fond recollection- pre sent them to view."
To Mr. and Mrs. Ballwin nine children have been born. Two of whom are deceased. Carrie, their oldest daughter, is the wife of Sherman Robinson, a farmer of Grant township. Ilis father. W. H. Robinson, is an old resident of Cloud county. Junius, the eldest son, a namesake of his paternal grand- father, a young man of twenty-three years, has begun the battle of life for himself. Minnie, their second daughter, is a student on her second year of the Concordia high school. Wesley, a young man of seventeen years. assists his father very materially on the farm in summer and attends the home school in winter. May and Bertha are little school girls: the latter is a mime sake of Miss Bertha Marlatt. John, the baby, is aged three. For several seu Mr. Baldwin was not very successful from a financial standpoint : but with perseverance, coupled with the assistance of his wife, who is a woman of culture and good judgment as well. the tide of fortune changed, and they now own two hundred and forty acres of land. In 1893 he erected adwe hug ; remodeled it in 1897. making a handsome residence, which i Started on one of the finest sites in the country. With the aid of a glass, Concorda. Scott ville. Kackley, and Jamestown are plainly discernible. The farm is adjacent
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
to the salt marsh, a wild waste of land that in springtime is a field of water, which adds to the beauty of the landscape.
Mr. Baldwin is a staunch Republican and never changes his politics. He has served on the school board of district No. 34, and proved a very efficient member. The family are members of the Jamestown Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Baldwin studied Osteopathy under Dr. Evans, a noted Osteopath of Wichita, Kansas. Ile has given the science considerable attention and has treated many cases. Ile combines magnetism with Osteo- pathy in cases of sensitive patients. He keeps in touch with modern thought and scientific advancement and possesses that energy and sturdy character so invaluable to attaining success.
THE PRAIRIE GEM SCHOOL HOUSE.
The illustration shown on the opposite page, is the handsome school building that the citizens of district No. 34 are so justly proud of. The first school in the district held forth in a little stone building with a dirt floor, situated on the Will Grayburn homestead and formerly occupied by him as a dwelling. A Miss Martha J. Wilford was the first teacher. She taught a three months term for ten dollars per month. Mr. Wilford was director and Lewis Gray, clerk. The first tax levied was in August, 1875; out of this tax were paid a teacher's salary of one per cent, and an incidental fund of one- half per cent. In 1877 the tax for teacher's wages was reduced to one-half per cent, and the incidental fund to one-fourth per cent. Lewis Gray was the treasurer. and his bond, dated March 27, 1873, was filed for five thousand dollars. Mr. Peterson, one of the members of the present board, recalls at- tending a school meeting in his house when Henry Gray and himself were the only persons in attendance to transact business.
District No. 34 covers an area of three by three and a half miles. There was considerable discussion over the location of the site for the building, as the many emigrants locating in their midst were dissatisfied with a location so remote from the center of the district, and the site across the creek was very inconvenient. There was a movement on to divide the territory, but as an agreement for division lines could not be reached they consolidated and still remain one large district. The school house was placed near the center and peace and harmony have reigned ever since. The fund was secured by voting bonds. There were several meetings held at private residences, usually at the home of Frank A. Lane. Almost everyone was enthusiastically in favor of the bonds and those who were not, remained away. Hence, when the time came there was not a dissenting vote. The late Mrs. Frank A. Lane worked hard for the new school house and her characteristic determination did much towards securing it.
A good story is told on Mr. F. A. Lane. On the day of the election, he with other interested parties were rustling votes all day, and when the polls were closed in the evening it was found in his enthusiasm to make the votes
F
"PRAIRIE GEM SCHOOL HOUSE
THE NEW YON RUBLIC LIBKA
AITOR, LENOX TROEN FOUNDATIONS
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
poll as large as possible. he had forgotten to cast his own ballot. The first cut- tract was for six hundred and forty dollars. The house was created in 1882. Howard Huston. James Kingsley, and O. W. Peterson constituted the board at this time. They were director, clerk, and treasurer, respectively. The present house is practically a new one, as it has been remodeled and enlarged. making it eight feet wider. The dimensions as it stands are 32x 10 feet. In 1902 a tower &vio feet wa- erected. and a bell placed. in the autumn of the same year. To obtain funds for improvements in this district has never been a hardship, as the people all contribute liberally and take an earnest pride in the advancement of the school interests. A library of one hundred and twenty-Eve books has been provided and by giving box suppers an organ was supplied. These entertainments are well patronized, ninety-two dollars being the proceeds of one evening. The board has at all times endeavored to carry out the wishes of the people of the district by employing the best talent. Miss Bertha Marlatt taught one term. The first teacher in the new building was John Coffin. The present teacher is James Daniels. The enrollment is thirty-eight. . At one time sixty pupils answered to the roll call.
The ground of this fine building site was broken by Mr. Huston and Mr. Peterson, and about one hundred trees were planted. The people of this locality have been agitating the subject of centralizing and building a Ingh school, on the plans of the Dickinson county high school.
This handsome school building does double duty, for here the Methodlist Episcopal minister of the Jamestown congregation holds divine service auch alternate Sunday. There is also a well attended Sunday school.
GEORGE CHAMPLIN.
The late George Champlin, the subject of this memor, congratul to Kansas in the springtime of 1870 and homesteaded the land now owned by his son, Robert Melvin Champlin. The farm is situated me hali mile vest from the present corporation limits of Jamestown.
George Champlin was a native of Rhode Island, born December 2. 18:30. and died in December. 1899. He removed to the state of New York w en a youth. grew to manhood there and married Miss Adeline E. Latten, of To- wanda. December 3. 1800. Hle was practically a farmer all his hic, Iding owned land near Cold Springs. New York. before establishing a honte 1 the west. Mrs. Champlin was born at Otsego. New York, October to, 1%;). She survives her husband and lives with her son. Robert, on the farne Om subject's father was also named George. He has two brothers living. Sollen ter and James, both of New York.
Mr. Champlin served three long years in the service of "Uncle = " and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was a member of Company B. One hundred and fifty-fourth Regiment, of New York Volan teers, and was discharged at Bladensburg. Marykind June 11. 1803 1.ke many old veterans, he was left in a disabled condition from physical and et.
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
brought on by exposure and hardships and from being crippled while making the ascent of a mountain near Dalton, Georgia. While in line of battle he was crowded off a rocky precipice and fell about a dozen feet, injuring his ankle and left arm.
Mr. Champlin was identified for many years with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was buried according to the rites of that order. Hle also belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic.
To Mr. and Mrs. Champlin eight children were born, four of whom are living, two sons and two daughters.
Marion 1. Champlin is a rural route mail carrier, with residence in Jamestown, where he and his family are highly esteemed citizens. Loretta, is unmarried and lives in the home of her brother Robert. Edith, is the wife of Frank [on, a section foreman on the railroad. Their home is in Palmer Lake, Colorado. They are the parents of two daughters, Adeline and Frances Lillian. Georgiana, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Champlin, died January 4, 1885, after only a few months of wedded life.
Robert Melvin Champlin, who owns the homestead, having bought the interests of the other heirs, is a prosperous farmer and stockman. Ile was born near Cold Springs, New York. November 10, 1868, but was brought to Kansas when yet in swaddling clothes, hence is practically a product of the "Sunflower" State. He began at the foundation, started on his stock raising career with two pigs presented to him by Anthony Loftus and Joe Donnelly. When grown he traded them to his father for two steers, which brought him sixty-five dollars. He worked and invested his earnings in more stock, later his father gave him one-third of the corn raised on the farm, and being possessed of natural business sagacity he prospered rapidly, until he bought the homestead. added another farm to his estate, and today finds him in a fair way to become one of the foremost farmers of Buffalo township. This farm, is highly improved and equipped with all sorts of modern machinery. The original house of cotton wood stood down by the creek, but they were driven ont by the flood in 1878. The water came down in torrents, like a wall, carrying straw-stacks, pigs, chickens and everything in its path. The volume of water was partially held back by the railroad which was in course of construction, but when it broke through the embankment the waves of the swolen Buffalo creek swept over the bottom lands, forming a vast lake. Robert Champlin is identified with the Woodmen and Royal Neighbors. Politically he has been voting with the Populists.
JAMES CARTER.
Probably no man is better known in the vicinity of Jamestown than James Carter, the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He emi- grated to Kansas with the Ansdell brothers and landed in Grant township June 7, 1870, where the homestead of uncultivated prairie has become one of the most valuable estates in the beautiful Buffalo creek valley, and where
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
Mr. Carter has become identified as one of those citizens largely interested in the development of the county. He was a single man and "bached" for several months in a small log hut, and during this period in the newly settled country in all probability he looked into the future and saw a comfortable home, but did not foresee the beautiful country place that is now his.
Mr. Carter has been an extensive contributor to the best interests of the community and the work he has accomplished toward the improvement and cultivation of his fine farm is a most important one. The land he entered from the government has been added to until he now owns five hundred acres which is one of the best improved and most desirable farms in. Cloud county. Ilis residence, consisting of nine rooms, its modern conveniences, extensive and well-kept lawn, is one of the most imposing in the locality of James- town. Mir. Carter's prosperity has certainly been well merited, for he ac complished these magnificent results from no other resources than industry and good judgment. These sterling qualities along with determination have placed him in the front ranks of the substantial farmers and he is herchy recorded as part and progress of the history of Cloud county. At the date of his settlement in Grant township there were no actual settlers, as all who secured "claims" had deserted them, and the vast territory, where now he some of the finest farms on the continent. was covered with a ser of waving prairie grass.
Mr. Carter's birthplace is the Dominion of Canada, born m isto In 1855. he settled in Wisconsin, and though but a youth responded to the call for volunteers and enlisted in Company B. Thirty sixth Wisconsin. Vitor serving one and one-half years he was discharged on account of disability. Recuperating his health, he re-enlisted three months later in Company D. Fiftieth Wisconsin, and served one year. While with the Thirty sixth he was in active service and participated in the battles of Petersburg and Cold Harbor. During the last enlistment his regiment was sent to Dakota terri- tory, where they witnessed some Indian warfare and took part in two lively skirmishes with the redskins.
Mr. Carter's parents were George and Mary ( Ried) Carter His father was a Canadian by birth but emigrated to Wisconsin among the early settlers of that state. Mr. Carter is of Irish origin. hus paternal and material ancestors having come originally from the Emerald Ile. His father reales in Richland county, Wisconsin. His mother died when our subject W. eighteen years of age. Mr. Carter was married, in 1877, to Imm. 1 daughter of the late John U. Hodgson, one of the first postmaster vicinity of Jamestown, and when the nearest postoffice on the east was full cordia. It bore the name of Alva, given by Wilham J. Ion, who wa icrlig "Oscar of Alva," one of Byron's poems.
"How sweetly shines through azure skie-, The lamp of heaven on Lora's shore; Where Alva's hoary turrets rise.
And hear the din of arms no more '
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
The name Alva appealed to Mr. lon as being appropriate for the new postoffice and at his suggestion it was adopted. When Mr. Hodgson received the appointment of postmaster his form was straight and full of vigor. his eyes bright and lighted with expression, but twenty-two years prior to his dlemise he had the misfortune to lose his sight and was totally blind. Mr. Ilodgson was a native of Yorkshire, England, born in 1818. He emigrated to America in 1841 and settled in the province of Oxford, Canada, spending part of his time in Toronto and Tobico. He removed to Ilinois in 1862, where he farmed until coming to Kansas. Mrs. Carter's mother before her marriage, was Elizabeth Taylor, of Canadian birth. She survives her hits- band. lives on the okl homestead and owns other land adjoining. She has three sons, E. L., B. F. and W. M., who are interested with her in farming.
To Mr. and Mrs. Carter five children have been born, who give promise of becoming like their parents, useful citizens. Harry Fred. the eldest son, is aged twenty-four: John George, aged nineteen ; Mary Elizabeth, the eldest daughter, is a young woman of eighteen years and a student in the last year of the high school course in Jamestown; Dot Lucile, aged fifteen, has just entered upon the first years course in the high school: James Eugene. the youngest child, was nicknamed "Tim" when an infant and is scarcely known by any other name.
When Mr. Carter came to Kansas his capital was twenty-five dollars, a yoke of oxen and a well worn wagon. He has gained his competency by raising wheat, cattle and hogs. Prior to a half dozen years ago he raised corn. In the year 1902. he had three hundred and twenty acres of wheat which yieldled only eight and ten bushels per acre. The same acreage the previous year produced seven thousand bushels. AAside from their handsome dwelling, the improvements consist of a fine barn, sheds, outbuildings and a well bearing orchard of six acres. Mrs. Carter is an amiable woman and has done her part toward gaining their pleasant home and through her refined tastes its appointments are far above the average. Mr. Carter is a Republican from start to finish and takes an intelligent interest in public affairs.
GEORGE KAAD.
Another example of what industry and thrift can accomplish is illus- trated by the progress made by George Kaad of Grant township, who came to Kansas in 1878 with a capital of one hundred and twenty-five dollars. Mr. Kaad is a native of Denmark, born in 1854. in Schleswig, now a part of Germany, but remarked with pride, "I am proud to be called an American citizen." He is one in the fullest sense of the term and is loyal to his adopted county. In 1872 he sailed for America and located in Chicago where he carried brick and mortar until after the "big fire." He then went to the state of New York. two years later to Ohio. and a short time afterward spent a year in Illinois, subsequently coming to Kansas in 1878.
HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
One year later he was married to Anne Peterson, also of Danish build. who came to Kansas in 1878 with her father. Peter Johnson, two sisters and a brother and settled in Jewell county, near the Cloud county line. He after ward settled in Grant township, Cloud county, where he died in 1900. Her mother died in Denmark when Mrs. Kaad was but twelve years old. I. Mr. and Mrs. Kaad thirteen children have been born. ten of whom are having. George. the eldest child is twenty-two years of age and assists his father of the farm; Peter has just attained his majority and is also at home. Willie. the third son, is aged twenty. and Anna. the eldest daughter is a young woman of eighteen years: Mary and Frank died at the ages of seven and eleven years, respectively: Ilans, aged thirteen, was born on the same day of the month as Peter, the second son. August oth: Martina died at the age of two years and four months: Emma and Lucy are aged nine and eight years. respectively : Martha Julia and Martin August are twins: ten hours elapsed between their births, making their birthdays July 3ist and August Ist : the baby. Oscar Frederick. is about two years of age.
When Mr. Kaad came to Kansas he bought a soldier's filing over in the hills about two miles south of his present farm and, having proved up on it about four and one-half years later. sold. and in partnership with a brother in-law bought one hundred and sixty acres of State Normal school land. paying eight hundred dollars for the quarter which they divided. each taking his own deed. In 1000 Mr. Kad bought his brother-in-law's eighty of another party to whom he had sold. In 1896 he bought eighty acres from Mr. Peterson which makes a total of two hundred and forty acres.
During the first year Mr. Kaad was in Kansas he lived in the Ehinti family of Jewell county. owning a half interest in a yoke of cattle with Frel Elniff, using them each alternate week and in this manner broke up In- land and obtained a start in farming. Mr. Kaad often recalls driving the os tem to Beloit and Concordia, cracking his whip to the tune of "Haw Buck. Gee Buck." etc.
In the early part of their married life Mr. and Mrs. Kaad hved in a dug out and experienced many adversities without a cent in their possession. Upon one occasion Mr. Kaad was especially desirous of posting a letter and not having the price of a stamp offered Mr. Andtell, the postmaster, solle produce in exchange for postage, a transaction forbidden by "Uncle Sam" but complied with in this instance.
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