USA > Kansas > Wabaunsee County > Early history of Wabaunsee County, Kansas, with stories of pioneer days and glimpses of our western border.. > Part 26
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JOHN LUDWIG SCHEPP
Was born on a farm near Manhattan, October 29, 1867, but has lived in Wabaunsce county the greater part of his life-on Illinois creek, or the Muehlenbacher branch of Mill creek, where his mother owns 2.000 acres of the best land in Wabaunsee county. besides 920
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acres in Lyon county. 350 acres of this land is in a high state of culti- vation and 2,000 acres is the best of pasture, on which 1,500 head of cattle range, in addition to 300 head belonging on the farm. The bal- ance is covered with the finest growth of timber in Wabaunsee county. "Louie. " as he is always called, lives with his mother in one of the three large stone houses on the farm, deals largely in cattle, and is one of the shrewdest, business men in the county. Is always ready to accommodate a friend with a loan at reasonable rates and was never known to oppress a creditor. Besides being, prospectively, one of the wealthiest men in Wabaunsee county, Louis possesses the grit that will enable him to protect his holdings even under the most trying circumstances, as was proven on March 17, 1894, when his Uncle Peter was shot down at the old home, where for years the three bachelor brothers, Louis, Fred, and Peter Muehlenbacher, lived with their sister, on what is perhaps the largest and best farm owned by a single individual in Wabaunsee county.
THOMAS MANEY
Was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, Dec. 21, 1844. Came to America in 1861, entering the quartermaster's employ at Fort Leaven- worth. In 1864 went to St. Mary's, where he was married to Miss Josephine Iligbee, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Feb- ruary 28. 1868. In 1873, located on Wells creek. on the farm where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Maney have eight children, four sons, Alva, Maurice, Thomas, and Joseph, and four daughters, Margaret, Catherine, Mary, and Alice. Mr. Maney owns a good farm and deals extensively in live stock. Has an interesting family and is one of those men of whom it is truly said-"has a heart in him as big as an ox." In other words, is a man generous by nature and warm hearted because he was born that way.
AUGUST FALK
Was born in Groszerlang, Brandenburg, Germany, on February 21, 1849. Came to America in 1870-coming direct to Wabaunsee county. Aug. 5, 1872, was united in marriage to Miss Malinda Fix, six children, four sons and two daughters being born to this union: George, Paul, Henry, and Elmer. and Mrs. Laura Smith and Miss Rosa. (See illus- tration.) Mr. Falk is a stone mason and marble cutter, being pro- prietor of the Alma Marble Works, that from a small beginning has attained more than local celebrity-there being much demand for tombstones and memorial tablets of his handiwork in cemeteries far removed from his pleasent home in the outskirts of Alma.
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JOHN WINKLER
Was born in Gettingen, Hanover, Germany, August 26, 1828. On March 6, 1860, was united in marriage to Miss Lena Martin. to whom six children were born: Mrs. Augusta Eldridge, and Mrs. Amelia Weaver, who were born in Germany, and Robert, Arthur, Otto, and Mrs. Lena MeCrumb, who were born in America-Robert being the first white child born in Alma. Mr. Winkler came to America in 1866, coming direct to Kansas, to the home of his cousin, Mr. Joseph Treu. (deceased.) For eighteen years Mr. Winkler was adjutant of the Ilanover Curassieurs, and was an active participant in the Austro- Prussian war, Hanover espousing the cause of Austria. When the Hanover troops capitulated to the Prussian army, Mr. Winkler was among those paroled and came to America. Built the first hotel in Alma, which he sold to Mr. Ed. Krapp and went to Maple Hill, where he was elected trustee on the organization of that township. Returned to Alma and built the Winkler Hotel (see illustration) that stood where now stands the New Commercial. After a few years of successful farming, Mr. Winkler returned to the hotel business. build- ing the Denver House at McFarland, which he sold to the present proprietor, Mr. Gottlieb Noller. Though in his 74th year Mr. Winkler looks but little more than fifty and is as hearty and jovial as twenty years ago.
JAMES CARROLL
Was born March 14, 1844, in the town of Belleville, Ontario, Canada, removing with his parents a few years later to Sidney, Shelby county, Ohio. While a youth acquired a good academic education. When the war broke ont his patriotic zeal prompted him to enter the service of his country but he was twice rejected. But his persistence was at last rewarded and in March, 1864, we find him a member of Co. F, 47th Infantry, Ohio Volunteers. The regiment was at once ordered to the front and participated in the Atlanta campaign, after which he was taken prisoner near Goldsboro, North Carolina, March 27, 1865, and confined as a prisoner of war at Salisbury, North Carolina, until the following June. Though the war was over, he, a prisoner was none the wiser. On August 27, 1865, was married to Miss M. E. Hodge, to which union two children were born, Mr. Carey E. Carroll and Mrs. Lilia M. Huber, of DeGraff, Ohio. After the close of the civil war Mr. Carroll entered upon the study of the law in the office of Martin &' McKercher, being admitted as a member of the bar at Lima, Ohio. I 1880 located in Alma, this being his first and last change of residenc. On May 20. 1885. Mr. Carroll met his greatest, misfortune in the dea'l
A VIEW OF ALMA FROM THE SOUTH, 1901.
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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.
MAPLE HILL. On the Rock Island, 1901.
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PAXICO. On the Rock Island, 1901.
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A VIEW OF ALTA VISTA-1901.
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HALIFAX STATION. Eight miles southeast of Alma.
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MCFARLAND IN 1894.
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ALMA, in 1868.
MCFARLAND, in 1902.
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MAIN STREET, ESKRIDGE, LOOKING NORTHI.
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STROWIG & SON'S MILL, PAXICO.
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MAIN STREET, ESKRIDGE, LOOKING SOUTHI.
SCHOOL HOUSE, ALTA VISTA.
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HOTEL ALMA, MRS. THERESA HORNE, Proprietress.
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CIGAR
DINING HỆ
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MISSOURI STREET, ALMA, Looking south from Hotel Alma.
EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.
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WINKLER'S HOTEL, ALMA, 1880.
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THE COURT-HOUSE, ALMA, 1880.
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EAST SIDE.
WEST SIDE.
LOWER MISSOURI STREET, ALMA, 1880.
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MAIN STREET. HARVEYVILLE.
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RESIDENCE OF HON. J. B. BARNES, ALMA.
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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 261
of Mrs. Carroll. Since his residence in Alma Mr. Carroll has been one of our most successful attorneys. He has been admitted to practice in the department of the interior and has assisted many of his former comrades in securing pensions for services rendered their country in the hour of need.
A. A. COTTRELL
Was born in Meredith, Delaware county, New York, in 1835. Was educated at Delaware Academy, Delhi, New York. Came to Kansas in 1856, with the New Haven colony. Was one of the committee that located the company at Wabaunsee. Enlisted in Co. E, 10th Illinois Infantry at first call for troops. Afterwards re-enlisted in Co. G, 1st Illinois Cavalry. Was taken prisoner five different times by General Price. In 1862 was united in marriage at Mendon, Illinois, to Miss Martha Platt, nine children, six daughters and three sons, being born to this union. Seven of the children are graduates of the Kansas State Agricultural College, at Manhattan, and the other two will soon add their names to the list of graduates. Mr. Cottrell is an up-to-date farmer who has made a success of his calling, and one of our oldest and most exemplary citizens.
GUS THIERER
Was born in Weston, Platte county, Missouri, November 22, 1851. Came to Kansas when but five years of age with his parents, who located in Geary county. In 1869, came to Wabaunsee county and in August, 1874, was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Fix, five children, three sons, F. C., John B., and Geo. W., and two daughters, Misses Mamie and Lottie, being born to this union. Besides a farm of 400 acres on West branch, Mr. Thierer owns another fine farm of 410 acres on McDowell creek, in Geary county. This progressive farmer, with his estimable family resides in one of the many pretty homes on West branch of Mill creek, seven miles southwest of Alma.
WILLIAM HORNE, SR.
Was born in Baden, Germany, June 30, 1833, coming to America with his parents when but three years of age. Located in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, but later, moved to Wisconsin. In 1852 joined the throng of gold-seekers wending their way to California. Was married in San Francisco in 1857, and returned by way of the Isthmus to his former home in Wisconsin. Two years later the discovery of
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262 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.
new gold fields drew him to the mountains of Colorado, his young wife accompanying him on the trip to the mountains and to his present home in Kansas in the fall of 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Horne have four sons and four daughters. The family is pleasantly located on a well stocked farm of 1,100 acres on the head of Spring creek, where in the days when the mails were carried on horseback from Alma to Junction City Mr. Horne was postmaster at Elvenia. Though nearing the three score and ten mark Mr. Horne is stout and hearty and as genial as in the days of long ago.
S. H. FAIRFIELD
Was born September 4, 1833, in Middleton, Essex county, Massa- chusetts. Went to Minden, Illinois, in 1856, reaching Kansas in Sep- tember of the same year, selecting a claim near Wabaunsee. In 1860 was united in marriage to Miss M. H. Burt, of Tabor, Iowa. Return- ing to Kansas he was, in 1861, elected doorkeeper of the state senate, also of the high court of impeachment. In September, 1861, enlisted in Co. K, 11th Kansas Volunteers. Was detailed as clerk at regi- mental headquarters, and subsequently assigned to duty as postmaster of his division and the army of the border. In 1863, had entire charge of the military mail in Kansas City, for Missouri, Kansas, and Colo- rado .* Rejoined his company in 1864, the regiment then being cavalry, and served as corporal till 1865, when he was detailed as clerk in the quartermaster's department of the frontier. During the same year rejoined his company at Horse Shoe, Wyoming Territory, where he remained while subduing the hostile Sioux. Was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, September 15, 1865. While in the army partici- pated in the battles of Maysville, Cane Hill, Prairie Grove, Van Buren, Lexington, and the Big Blue. In 1865, was elected county clerk, county treasurer in 1867 and 1869. Also to the office of register of deeds the same year, which office he continued to hold 'till January, 1886. Was editor and proprietor of the Alma Union two years. Was a member of the court house building committee and took an active interest in building the Congregational church, being the first Sunday school superintendent. Mr. Fairfield owns a pleasant residence in Alma besides several of the best farms in the county. He is largely engaged in the real estate and loan business and has always been at the front in advancing any public enterprise.
*An item in the Kansas City Journal in December, 1863, says: Mr. Fairfield, postmaster at headquarters, keeps himself informed of the location of the various regiments and companies, and forwards all mail for officers and soldiers without delay. The arrangement of mail matters for convenience of those in the service, seems to be about perfect.
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PROSPER E. LEONARD
Was born in Luxemburg, Belgium, July 18, 1850. When but two years of age his parents came to America, locating in Brown county, Ohio, where he received a good education in the county schools. In April, 1879, was married to Miss Gertrude May Seurmour. Came to Kansas in 1884, locating in Wabaunsee township. Owns a good farm of 400 acres near Alma. Is superintendent of the county Poor Farm, a position to which he has been appointed five times in succession- the best evidence of satisfactory work, by an honest, conscientious official.
CURTIS M. LOWRY
Was born January 30, 1875, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. When but three years of age came to Kansas with his parents, who located in Dickinson county. Mr. Lowry was educated at the Dickin- son county High school. of which he is a graduate. Is also a graduate of the Kansas State Normal school, at Emporia. Has taught school five terms. Was principal of the Eskridge schools two years, graduat- ing a class of fourteen in the class of 1902. Is a young man of excep- tional character and ability and that the future has much in store for him is unquestioned.
DOW BUSENBARK
Was born at Jonesboro, Grant county, Indiana, November 7, 1853. Came with his parents to Kansas March 1, 1860, locating in Jefferson county, but came to Wabaunsee county in 1878. On August 14, 1876, was united in marriage to Miss Olive A. Coxen, four sons and four daughters being born to this union. Was educated in the common schools of Kansas, supplemented by a course of normal work at Leba- non, Ohio, and another at Valparaiso, Indiana. The better part of his life was passed in the school room, the greater part of which has been in the schools of Wabaunsee county. Was elected county super- intendent of schools for Wabaunsee county, in November, 1896, and re-elected in November, 1898. Was also appointed for the interim of four months resulting from the change in the beginning of the official term. During his term of office began the publication of the "Teacher, Patron, and Pupil," the first number being issued in Octo- ber, 1897, continuing the publication until April, 1900. Purchased and began publishing the Eskridge Star in March, 1900, in which business le has ever since been engaged. Mr. Busenbark has made for himself
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an excellent reputation as a teacher, was even more successful in the office of county superintendent, and as editor of the Star has donc much to raise the standard of journalism.
JAMES M. LEE
Was born in Mansfield, England, March 26, 1852, coming with his parents to America when but an infant. Was educated in the city schools of Boston, Massachusetts. On September 20, 1871, was united in marriage to Miss Hannah M. Shaw, four children, two sons, James H. and Elmer William, and two daughters, Mrs. C. C. McMichael and Miss Grace, being born to this union. Besides 240 acres of excellent farm land, Mr. Lee is proprietor of one of the best appointed stores in Eskridge, located in the first story of the Woodman Hall building. The official honors that have fallen on Mr. Lee's shoulders are the best indications of the degree of confidence reposed in one of Wabaun- see county's best known citizens. Twice elected township treasurer, for four years city treasurer, and twice elected mayor of Eskridge it wasn't difficult to find in Mr. Lec the material for county treasurer, to which office he was twice elected -in 1895 and again in 1897-being for four years one of our most popular officials.
MR. ANDREW PRINGLE, SR. (Dec'd)
Was born in Melrose, Scotland, October 28, 1827. Came to America in 1857, settling in Canada, but removing to Kansas in 1870-to the farm near Harveyville, where he died, March 15, 1889, leaving to mourn his loss, a wife and five sons: Andrew, William, John W., James T., and Robert-all estimable citizens. Mr. Pringle was a man of strict integrity, highly esteemed by all as a conscientious, Christian gentleman.
MR. C. B. LINES (Dec'd)
Was born in New Haven, Connecticut, March 12, 1807 .. Was married July 18, 1829, to Miss Maria Woodard. Came to Wabaunsee county at the head of the Connecticut colony, in March, 1856, locating at Wabaunsee. Mr. Lines was a man of strong convictions and the strictest integrity-a leader among men. Besides his wife he left, to mourn his loss, three daughters-Mesdames Geo. S. Burt, J. P. Evans, and I. H. Isbell.
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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.
WILLIAM M. RINEHART
Was born in Knox county, Ohio, September 6, 1839. Came to Kansas in 1870, locating on the farm on which he now resides, one mile east of Eskridge. For a number of years kept a country store at "The Corners"-long before the advent of the railroad. On November 28, 1860, was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Riley, two sons and two daughters being born to this union. During the Civil war Mr. Rinehart enlisted as a member of Co. F, 121st Ohio Infantry, and for two years was a marine on the steamer Baltic. During the Spanish war one of his sons was a member of the "Rough Riders." Three of the four children are now residents of Montana. In 1898 Mr. Rinehart was elected to the legislature, the nomination coming to him unsolic- ited. Is an experienced horticulturist, a good citizen and as a member of the legislature made a clean record-always bearing in mind the interests of his constituents.
MR. CHRISTIAN KUENZLI (Dec'd)
Was born August 20, 1831, in Canton Berne, Switzerland. Came to America in 1850, locating at Highland, Illinois. Was married in 1853 to Miss Magdalena Moser, of Highland. In 1856, moved to Buch- anan county, Missouri, and in 1859 came to Wabaunsee county, loca- ting on the farm where he died on July 10, 1899. No man was held in higher esteem by his neighbors and the death of no one could be more universally regretted. At the Kuenzli home hospitality was for years dispensed with a generous hand and those in need of substantial assistance were never turned away if it was possible for Christian Kuenzli to lend a helping hand.
LaFAYETTE RICHARDS
Was born in Wyoming county, New York, June 12, 1834. Came to Kansas in 1880, locating in Rock Creek township, this county. On February 28, 1855, was married to Miss Cynthia Spinck, two sons and four daughters being born to this union. Mr. Richards is a graduate of the Varysburg. New York, High school and has taught school four terms, one of which was in his home district on Rock creek. Has served the people of his township four terms as trustee and has been justice of the peace for twelve years. In 1888 was elected probate judge of Wabannsee county, his education and sound judgment emi- nently fitting him for the duties of this important office.
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GUSTAV H. MEIER
Was born on the home farm near Halifax, January 2, 1865. Received a good, practical education in the district school, supple- mented by a course at the Kansas State Agricultural College, at Man- hattan. In 1887 began the study of photography with L. Palenske. Has mastered every branch of the business and is today one of the best artists in the state-a fact proven by his handiwork-seldom equaled and never excelled.
DAVID M. GARDNER
Was born in New York City, July 4, 1850, coming to Illinois in 1863 and six years later to Wabaunsee county. On November 23, 1873, was united in marriage to Miss Martha S. Crandall, of Mission creek, a son and a daughter being born to this union. In 1877, was elected sheriff of Wabaunsee county and re-elected in 1879, and elected to the office of county clerk in 1881, filling with credit two of the most important offices in the gift of the people. Has resided in Alma since his first election to a county office and is the present incumbent in the office of city marshal. His only daughter, Mrs. Flora Taylor, was, for several years, a popular teacher in the Alma city schools.
ROSS C. McCORMICK
Was born in Knoxville, Iowa, April 1, 1872. Came to Kansas with his parents in 1879, the family locating at Phillipsburg. Is a graduate of the Phillipsburg High School, also, of the Nickerson Normal Col- lege, at Nickerson, Kansas. Has taught school three years, one of which was principal of the Alma City schools, making for himself a most excellent record as a teacher and disciplinarian. Being a young man of acknowledged ability and excellent judgment his success in the battle of life is assurred.
CHARLES MUCKENTHALER
Was born July 30, 1876, at Newbury, Kansas. Supplemented a course in the common schools by a four years course at St. Marys Col- lege, of which excellent institution he is a graduate. June 12, 1900, was united in marriage to Miss Bernadina Kolde, an accomplished young lady of Newbury. In 1897, became a member of the Paxico Lumber Company, the company adding a stock of hardware in 1899. Mr. Muckenthaler is a young man of the strictest integrity, and. com- biued with excellent business qualifications there uced be no hesitancy in predicting for him a bright and successful future.
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J. M. JOHNSON
Was born in Mount Carmel. Fleming county, Kentucky, May 4, 1836, moving with his parents to Clinton county, Ohio, in October, 1849. Worked in a tan-yard until sixteen years of age and then started out to be a farmer. In September, 1858, was united in marriage to Miss Susan M. Fields. Came to Kansas in 1865, settling in Wabaunsee county. Was elected representative in 1871. Has held the offices of justice of the peace, township treasurer, and township clerk. Since coming to Kansas has been engaged in farming and stock raising. Made a good record in the legislature; is successful as a farmer and one of our best citizens.
DAVID F. CLAYTON
Was born in Sidney, Shelby county, Ohio, October 6, 1851. In 18.5, went to Illinois. On September 15, 1872, was united in marriage to Miss Martha Carroll. Came to Kansas in 1887, locating at Alma, where he has since resided. Mr. Clayton is serving his ninth term as township trustee and his fifth term as a member of the city council of Alma-excellent proof as to the degree of confidence reposed in him as a public official.
WILLIAM DIEBALL
Was born in Germany, May 29, 1853. Landed with the family at New Orleans, in 1856, coming to Wabaunsee county in the spring of 1857. On October 27, 1875, was imited in marriage to Miss Anna Hess, six children being born to this union, five of whom still survive-one son, Emil, and four daughters: Mrs. Dora Barger, Mrs. Louise Diehl, and the Misses Caroline and Olga. Mr. Dieball owns a well stocked farm of 960 acres and has recently erected one of the finest residences in Wabaunsee county (see illustration). Though young in years, when the family came to Kansas, Mr. Dieball has a vivid remembrance of the many incidents of pioneer days. Deer and turkeys were plentiful, he having shot many of the latter while in his teens. He remembers that deer were very tame, also, and that they often shared with the cattle their feed when the weather was severe and the grass covered with snow. With his estimable family Mr. Dieball enjoys the fruits of years of toil and excellent management of one of the best farms in Wabaunsee county.
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JOHN SUDWEEKS
Was born in Canada, November 20, 1849. Came to Kansas August 1, 1870. On November 23, 1873, was united in marriage to Miss Sallie M. Pratt, to which union four children were born: Mabel, John W., James E., and Charles P. Sudweeks. For twenty years Mr. Sudweeks was one of the progressive teachers of Wabaunsee county, was appointed county commissioner to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. C. N. Earl, and was elected representative in November, 1900, being the present incumbent in that important office-a convincing proof of his high standing among the people.
A. M. JORDAN
Was born August 29, 1858, near Topeka, Kansas. Three years before, his father, William Jordan, had come west to help make Kan- sas a free state. He died in 1895, at the home of his son, with whom he had lived for many years before the end came. The subject of this sketch received a good education, first, in the county schools of Shawnee county, supplemented by a course in the City High School in Topeka. On September 5, 1894, Mr. Jordan was united in marriage to Miss Luettie Case, to which union three children were born, two sons and a daughter. Since 1885, Mr. Jordan has been a resident of Wa- baunsee county, and during that period has acquired a more than state-wide reputation as a breeder of Poland China Swine, of best families, and Plymouth Rock Chickens of leading strains. The "Chinquapin Farm" is a fine body of land of 440 acres, well watered and adapted to the purpose for which it is used-a stock farm-on which are raised and kept for sale nothing but first class stock. By the exercise of sound judgment and an intuitive knowledge of the business Mr. Jordan has attained that degree of success at which he aimed in the beginning. Brain, brawn, and printer's ink-for he has called all these into requisition-have brought customers from points far removed from the Chinquapin farm-known far and wide as one of the best in the state.
FREDERICK J. FREY
Was born June 6, 1864, at Davenport, Iowa. Received the benefits of an excellent system of schools, supplementing a good common school education with a course at Davenport Academy. Came to Kansas in 1878, and on April 15, 1896, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kolde, to which union three children were born: Adelaide, Theresa, and Frank. Mr. Frey has served the people of Newbury township one
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