USA > Kansas > Wabaunsee County > Early history of Wabaunsee County, Kansas, with stories of pioneer days and glimpses of our western border.. > Part 23
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During this time, besides looking after the work of the farm Mr. Seaman spent his evenings in studying law, being admitted to the bar in May, 1899. In November, 1900, he was elected to the office of county attorney, the nomination coming to him without solicitation-it being a clear case of the office seeking the man.
On September 30, 1891, Mr. Seaman was happily married to Miss Ada Gillis, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Gillis, of Mission creek. Subsequent to his marriage, Mr. Seaman took a post graduate course at Campbell University that he might the more satisfactorily- to himself, at least, fight the battle of life. That he will succeed is evidenced by his energetic and progressive spirit-made manifest in the performance of his duties as county attorney and as editor of the Alma Signal
MRS. WALPURGE DAUM
Is kindly remembered by every old settler in the German settle- ments of the Mill creek valley. Her pleasant greeting insured a hearty welcome from her regular patrons who awaited her coming that their surplus stores of butter and eggs might be exchanged for the many things needed in the humble houses of the early pioneers. When it
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was suggested to Photographer Bliss that he take her picture she insisted that it should look as natural as life and she straightway adjusted her pack for the occasion.
Inside the sack was a large tin vessel with compartments for butter and eggs that she took in exchange for the goods bought of Schmitz & Meyer, at that time the only merchants in Alma.
While on the farm on Loire creek, now owned by Mr. Frank Oehmann, the woman peddler supplied the good people of Alma with the best of fresh vegetables, invariably bringing her wares to town on foot. The supplies for the farm were carried as shown in the photo and whether the load consisted of a few bundles of dry goods or a hun- dred pound sack of flour there was no hesitation about making the trip.
After the death of her husband the woman peddler moved to Alma, occupying the little frame building between the Commercial House and Mr. Simon's store. But a fatal illness came on and the familiar face was seen no more by the thrifty housewives in the Mill creek valley.
A goodly sum had been laid up for a rainy day, and a handsome donation was left with Father Hundhausen for the benefit of the Catholic church, of which organization the woman peddler was a con- sistent member. Though long years have elapsed there are hundreds of good people living in the German settlements who will readily recognize, in the engraving, one who, nearly forty years ago, was a weekly and welcome visitor.
MR. WILLIAM DREBING (Dec'd)
Was born in Minden, Germany, in May, 1827, coming to America in 1845, at the opening of the Mexican war. With the ardor of youth, he being at that time in his 19th year, William enlisted in an infantry regiment but was later transferred to the artillery and participated in every important battle of the war.
The young recruit had the good fortune to be with General Taylor from the time the American forces took up their march from Point Isabel until the close of the campaign-crowned with the victory over Santa Anna at Buena Vista. In this engagement Mr. Drebing was wounded by a lance thrust through the shoulder. As he lay on the battlefield, weak from the loss of blood and stiffened by the cold (the night of February 23, 1847) the gallant young soldier wes enabled to attest from personal observation that the foundation of Hon. Albert Pike's beautiful poem, "The Angels of Buena Vista, " was not a myth. He was one of the many wounded whose thirst was quenched by the kind-hearted Mexican women, who knew neither friend nor foe in
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their ministrations of mercy. Although severely wounded Mr. Dreb- ing recovered in time to join General Scott in his memorable campaign from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico.
After the close of the war Mr. Drebing re-enlisted for three years, doing service in New Mexico. Being thoroughly conversant with the Spanish, as well as the English and German languages, he was after his release from army duties, employed by Northrup & Chick, whole- sale merchants of Kansas City, as interpreter-necessary in their immense business with New Mexican freighters.
While a resident of Missouri, Mr. Drebing was united in marriage to Miss Mary Klein. After engaging in business for several years at Wesport, Missouri, he, in company with his father-in-law, Mr. Bert- ram Klein, Mr. Henry Schmitz and Mr. Joseph Treu, came to Kansas, settling on Mill creek in 1856.
During the Price raid in the civil war Mr. Drebing did service as a lieutenant, his company doing guard duty at the state capital until the threatened danger was past, after which all returned to their several homes to resume avocations of peace.
Mr. Drebing was a man with whom love of home and family and loyalty to friends were leading characteristics. The golden rule' was his creed and to be guided by the right in all his dealings with his fellow-man was his constant endeavor.
At 11:30 on Tuesday night, June 27, 1899, the spirit was called home. William Drebing had lived 73 years, 1 month and 9 days. Revs. Silbermann and Bernard conducted the funeral services at the family residence and one of the largest funeral processions ever seen in Wabaunsee county followed the remains to their last resting place in the Alma cemetery.
One of the kindest hearted men we ever knew had gone to rest.
NOTE. Mr. Drebing was the last survivor of the Mexican war, resident of Wabaunsee county. Two others, Mr. M. W. Rock and Mr. Samuel Cummings-now in Oklahoma-were both participants in the war with Mexico.
MRS. MARY LOUISA KLOCKMAN
Was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on October 17, 1804, residing in the mother country till 1856, when, with her husband Mrs. Klock- man came to America, landing at New Orleans in the fall of 1856. Coming over in the same ship were the Dieballs, Gongoll, Maike and Henry Palenske. In March, 1857, Mr. and Mrs. Klockman hired a Mexican to haul them to the Mill creek settlement. The Mexican dumped their goods out in the snow near Mr. Schewe's, and charged $40 for the trip.
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Across the ridge from their home lived Mr. Ed. Krapp, who kept a country store, and being away much of the time, as was Mr. Klock- man, the two pioneer women passed many lonely days together. But they were not always lonely. The Indians called often and sometimes at unseasonable hours. One night a big Indian broke into the cellar and after helping himself to such things as suited him came upstairs and lay before the fire till morning. Mrs. Klockman came over and as big as the Indian was she bumped his nose against the lounge till the brave concluded the climate was too warm and left.
On another occasion an Indian called at the Krapp home while Mrs. Klockman was there and wanted to buy ten cents worth of chil- dren. Stepping on one of the little ones toes the little one cried, whereupon Mrs. Krapp knocked the Indian over with a broom stick and pushed him out of the back door. Mr. Gerlach's coming caused the Indian to leave. The Indian slept that night in Peter Thoes' pig pen, but next morning returned and tried to get in at a window. Mrs. Klockman pointed an old rusty gun at the Indian that hadn't been loaded for years but it had the desired effect-the Indian yelled: "Don't shoot" and ran away.
In 1864, while the Indians were having their war dances at the big spring Mr. and Mrs. Klockman slept in the timber and thought their time had come till Capt. Ed. Krapp went to their camp and induced them to return to their reservation. Mrs. Klockman says there were so many Indians that they were all day in passing.
After selling their farm to Mr. Heder, Mr. and Mrs. Klockman intended to pass their declining years on the farm but one night a man called and attempted to rob the worthy couple of the proceeds of the sale of the farm. But Mrs. Klockman by her presence of mind thwarted the would-be robber. He had tied his horse in the timber and slept in the hen house till two o'clock in the morning when he went to the house and broke open the door and demanded money- pointing a revolver at Mr. Klockman.
"Take the money" said Mrs. Klockman, "but don't shoot." During the parley Mr. Klockman had climbed to the attic. Mrs. Klockman soon followed, and, closing the trap door, called so loudly for help that all the dogs in the neighborhood set up a din that scared the would-be robber away.
The next day a man called to borrow money and was dumbfounded by Mrs. Klockman saying: "Why, you were here last night after money; why do you come again today?"
The incident resulted in these worthy people moving to Alma, since which time death has deprived Mrs. Klockman of her help-meet. Though refusing to give money to the robber the board of trustees of the Evangelical church can vouch for the good woman's generosity ---
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she having donated $600 toward the purchase of the bell and the build- ing of the spire.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Klockman is making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Zeckser. Though in her 97th year she is hale and hearty and her mental faculties are not in the least impaired. Her store of pioneer incidents is inexhaustible and she heartily enjoys their recital.
P. P. SIMMONS.
We present our readers with a half-tone portrait of P. P. Simmons, a specialist in auctioneering, residing at Eskridge, Kansas, but at present temporarily doing insurance work in Atchison county. Mr. Simmons' appearance would indicate that he was of a happy disposi- tion and lived in a healthful climate.
Mr. Simmons was born in Buchanan county, Missouri, on Septem- ber 20, 1861, and moved with his parents to Platt county, Missouri, when three years of age. He lived there until the spring of 1880, then moved to Atchison county, Kansas. In the spring of 1883 he moved to Wabaunsee county, where he now resides. He commenced crying sales in the year 1886 in his neighborhood and vicinity. Five years ago he put his advertisement in the Wabaunsee county papers and he has inade auctioneering a regular business ever since. He is also a mem- ber of the Kansas Auctioneers' association. He makes a specialty of high grades and thoroughbred cattle and hog sales.
But Mr. Simmons doesn't confine himself to the business of an auctioneer. He is a first class farmer and an all-around good fellow- just such a man as the people will be looking for in the not distant future to serve them in an official capacity. They could make no better selection.
H. G. LICHT
Was born in the city of Copenhagen, Denmark, and received his education in that city. At the age of 14 he was bound over to his uncle for five years for the purpose of learning the trade of painter, continuing with him for six years. At the age of 22 he arrived in the city of New York and there joined the Long-Shore Ship Painters association and had to serve again a short apprenticeship to become a full member.
Ile managed to live through his apprenticeship with his board and $15 per week. He afterwards received $3.50 a day and nine hours work; was member of this organization five years. In order to learn
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the English language he attended night school in the city of New York.
A strike occurring in 1869, Mr. Licht's ideas and the association's did not agree and he came west to Topeka, Kansas. After stopping two years in Topeka he came to Wabaunsee county in the fall of 1871.
Mr. Licht was four times elected to the office of clerk of the dis- trict court and once as county clerk.
After retiring from public office he accepted a position as book- keeper in the Topeka sugar works and afterwards was transferred to the Attica works, which, unfortunately, made an assignment. Mr. Licht remained with the assignee about three months, when he re- turned to Alma.
For a number of years past Mr. Licht has made his home in To- peka. But the best part of his life has been spent in Wabaunsee county, among friends, who, on five different occasions, by their votes, have endorsed his official work in two of the best offices within the gift of the people.
C. E. SMITH, M. D.
Was born in Jersey county, Illinois, on October 4, 1865. Took a normal course at the Indiana State Normal at Valparaiso, Indiana, and after his graduation at that institution taught seven years in the schools of his native state. Took a course in medicine and surgery at the Louisville Medical college, of Louisville, Kentucky, graduating in the class of '93, also a post-graduate course at the Rush Medical college, of Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Smith came to Kansas in 1893, locating in Brown county, where, two years later he was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Small, of Hiawatha.
During his three years residence in Alma Dr. Smith has built up an excellent practice and the many difficult and complicated surgical operations performed under the Doctor's immediate supervision attest a thorough knowledge of his profession and insure a continuance of that success that has attended him during his residence among the people of Wabaunsee county.
JOHN T. KEAGY
Was born November 2, 1840, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania. Grew up on a farm. Enlisted as a private in Company D, 101st Regt. Penn. Volunteers. Was wounded at Fair Oaks, Virginia, May 31, 1862 and discharged on account of wound December 20, 1862. Read law at Bedford, Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the bar at Bedford in
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February, 1865. After five years practice at Bedford, Mr. Kcagy came West, locating at Alma in 1870.
In 1872 Mr. Keagy was elected county attorney, to which position he was re-elected two years later. In 1880 he was elected to the office of probate judge, serving the people four successive terms. In two of the four campaigns there was no opposing candidate.
Mr. Keagy's thorough knowledge of the law is recognized by his long continuance in the office of justice of the peace, a position to which the people, irrespective of party lines, have for years persisted in electing one of our oldest and most highly esteemed citizens.
No man in Wabannsee county takes a greater interest in archaeo- logical research than does Mr. Keagy, his collection of prehistoric curios furnishing ample proof of the statement. He is chairman of the executive committee of the Quivira Historical Society of which the Hon. J. V. Brower, of St. Paul, Minn., is president. The society is doing much towards unraveling the long hidden mysteries connected with the explorations of Coronado in 1541.
BARTHOLOMEW BUCHLI
Was born at Versan, Canton Grison, Switzerland, August 24, 1862. Came to Riley county, Kansas, with his parents in 1870, and to Wa- baunsee county in 1876. Attended the common schools, after which he graduated at the Kansas State Agricultural college, class of '84, and at the Iowa State college, class of '86. Taught in the schools of Wabaunsee county for eight years and is now a member of the Alma school board.
Mr. Buchli was elected county clerk in 1897 and re-elected in 1899. He is a competent and painstaking official, and enjoys in an enviable degree the confidence of the people.
MR. HENRY SCHMITZ (Dec'd)
Was born in the village of Wahn, near Cologne, in Germany. The rebellion of 1848 found him a young man of 25 years, an active and leading participant in what he considered a just cause. But disaster followed and the persecutions in store for the adherents of the lost cause drove thousands of the participants to America. Among these came Mr. Schmitz, who landed in America in 1852. Four years later he came to Kansas, settling on the Klein farm, now owned by Mr. Charles Burgett.
In 1866, together with Mr. Joseph Treu, Dr. Brasche, Ed. Krapp, G. Zwanziger and others organized the Alma Town company. The
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firm of Schmitz & Meyer was established and for years conducted the largest business in Wabaunsee county.
Mr. Schmitz was foremost in every undertaking that gave promise of good to Alma. He was ever at the front, with his means and coun- sel, to build up the city. Though never seeking an office, he took an active part in party organization and for years the influence of no other resident of the county exceeded that wielded by Mr. Henry Schmitz-the conditions suggesting the sobriquet of "King Henry" --- at first used in an ironical sense by his opponents-who in each suc- ceeding campaign were furnished additional proof that the term was anything but a misnomer.
But in the privacy of his home-surrounded by his estimable fam- ily, the true worth, the characteristic traits, of one of our foremost citizens shone briglitest. Here, with those in whom his affections were centered, he loved to pass his later years. Here, with reading and study, Uncle Henry stored his mature mind with knowledge, that, added to a long life of usefulness among his fellow men rendered his companionship more than usually enjoyable.
An eventful career was closed at his home, near Alma, on Friday, April 7, 1893, at the ripe age of 69 years, 10 months and 26 days. No other man in Wabaunsee county had so great a number of his fellow citizens bound to him by the ties of consanguinity. No one was more highly esteemed and the death of no individual in our midst could cause so wide a feeling of regret, such depth of sorrow, or create within the breasts of his fellows a more vivid realization of the trans- itory nature of all things earthly.
MR. MICHAEL HUND (Dec'd)
Was born in Baden, Germany, September 22, 1824. Eight years later the family came to America, first settling on a farm near St. Charles, Missouri. Here, in 1848, Mr. Hund was married to Miss Ger- trude Borgmeyer, of St. Charles. Three children blessed this union- Mrs. Mary Guth, Moritz, and Michael Hund, Jr.
In 1855 the family moved to Mankato, Minnesota, but Mrs. Hund died before their destination was reached.
Mr. Hund was married a second time to Miss Otilda Peters, of St. Charles, Missouri, who still survives. To this union, six children were born, five of whom are now living, Joseph, Leo, Phillip, Mrs. Francis Meinhardt and Mrs. Theresa Glotzbach.
In 1872, Mr. Hund moved to Kansas, settling in Newbury town- ship. His eight children are all married and with the exception of Leo, all reside in Newbury township-being, as was their father before them, leading and influential citizens.
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By his upright conduct; by his forgiving spirit, and by his kind- ness of heart Mr. Hund gained for himself, in a marked degree, the esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
Mr. Hund was a pioneer in the truest sense of the term-having lived in Minnesota at the time of the Spirit Lake massacre in 1862. The family lived in close proximity to the death-dealing Sioux-his farm being but a few miles distant from New Ulm, that was almost completely destroyed by the murderous Sioux in one of their raids in the fall of 1862.
Mr. Hund died at his home in Newbury township on Monday, June 27, 1898, honored and beloved by all.
P. L. WOODY
Was born May 4, 1833, at Dahlonega, Georgia, removing to Platte county, Missouri, in 1866, and to Kansas in 1870, locating on the Sno- komo, where he still resides. Was married July 4, 1856, in Lumpkin county, Georgia, ten children being born to this union. Though by no means a politician, Mr. Woody has always had a voice in the coun- cils of his party, attested by his familiar presence at state and county conventions. He has been treasurer of Newbury township and for eighteen years has been a member of the school board. He has always been active in church work and has availed himself of every opportun- ity to advance any good cause that gave promise of the betterment of his fellows.
MRS. ELIZA WOODY (Dec'd)
Was born January 6, 1833, in Hebersham county, Georgia, and died of pneumonia, at the family home on the Snokomo, on January 8, 1901. To make home happy was her constant endeavor: to minister to the sick and to care for the afflicted was with her a Christian duty-that when the Angel of Death should beckon, the spirit might find rest in that Home made without hands, eternal in the Heavens.
MR. JACOB HORNE (Dec'd)
Was born in Baden, Germany, July 8, 1837, but came to America with his parents when but an infant, being but a year old when the family first made their home in Chicago. In 1840, the family moved to Jamestown, Wisconsin, where Mr. Horne passed the greater part of his life.
In 1862, Mr. Horne was married to Miss Victoria Lang, of James-
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town. Here, the five children, three sons and two daughters, were born. In 1883, the family came to Alma, where Mr. Horne died, on Angust 7, 1899, at the age of 62 years and 29 days.
Love of home and family were characteristic traits of one who was highly esteemed for his many good qualities of head and heart. With generosity and kindness the strong bond of friendship was cemented with the many who revere the memory of one who was always ready to lend a helping hand in the hour of need -- of one to whom the hand seeking charity was never extended in vain.
MR. HERMAN SCHULTHEIS (Dec'd)
Was born at Neustadt, Hesse Cassel, Germany, on June 10, 1833, coming to America when a young man of 19 years, first locating at Cincinnati, where he learned the trade of harness maker; came to Osage county in 1857, taking a claim on the Wakarusa. In 1865, came to Wabaunsee county settling on the farm where he died on August 8, 1899, at the age of 66 years, 1 month, and 28 days.
In 1864, Mr. Schultheis was married to Miss Marguerite Ricker- , shauser. To this union three daughters were born; Mrs. Henry Wertzberger, Mrs. Herman Wertzberger, and Mrs. Nick Thoes.
Generous to a fault, the soul of probity and honor, no man stood in higher esteem with his fellows than did Herman Schultheis. His word was as good as his bond, and a promise made by him was as sure of fulfillment as the rising of the morning's sun.
WATERS CHILLSON
Was born in the city of Rochester, N. Y., March 2, 1843, removing with his parents soon after to Oswego county, where he grew to man- hood on a farm. In April, 1861, he enrolled as a member of Co. C, 24th New York infantry, serving two years, when he was discharged, but again enlisted-this time in Co. A, 24th N. Y. cavalry, where he re- mained till the close of the war. Was twice wounded-on June 18, 1864, and on April 5, 1865, being discharged from Hix hospital in Baltimore. In September, 1865, Mr. Chillson was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Gardner, of Pennsylvania, in which state he resided but a short time, when he returned to his old home in New York.
In 1866, Mr. Chillson moved to Michigan, where he opened up a farm, served the people as supervisor, sheriff (4 years), deputy sheriff, and marshal. Came to Kansas in '76, locating in Saline county, where he kept store and postoffice for 9 years, was trustee 7 years and during the time managed to cultivate 400 acres of land and raise a few cattle
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and horses. He then came to Alma, bought the Commercial Hotel, kept store in the Odd Fellows building, speculated some in lands and patent rights, developed some valuable mining property in Oklahoma, and occasionally bobs up as a delegate to siate and county conventions -just to let his friends and others know he is on earth-a fact they never fail to recognize. Has lots of friends and a few enemies. Is independent of the one and loyal to the other.
WYATT ROUSH
Was born near Hillsboro, Highland county, Ohio, on July 10, 1858, coming to Kansas with his parents in 1879. Enjoyed excellent educa- tional privileges at the Hillsboro High School, supplementing his work here by a course in the Normal school at Carlisle, Kentucky.
For five years was engaged in teaching, two years in Ohio, and three, in Kansas. Was married on September 22, 1881, to Miss Martha A. Parmiter, three sons and two daughters being born to this union. Mr. Roush served the people of his home township (Plumb) five years as treasurer, and three years. as trustee. Was elected clerk of the district court in 1898, and re-elected in 1900. He is a capable official, and is conscientious in the performance of the duties of his office.
FRANZ MEIER
Was born in Mecklenburg Schwerin, on July 7, 1821, coming to America, landing at New York on July 13, 1846. Located first in Wis- consin, where he remained six years, when he went to St. Louis. Came to Kansas in 1854, locating on Pottawatomie creek, in Anderson county, where he lived during the troublous times in 1856. Helped bury the three Doyles, Will Sherman, and Nicholson, killed by John Brown and 15 others, on the 22nd of May, the same year. Was twice robbed by Jayhawkers in '56. The settlers took part on one side or the other, and robbed their nearest neighbors. Was one of the county commissioners of Anderson county when the county was organized. Since 1859 has been a resident of Wabaunsee county.
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