USA > Kansas > Wabaunsee County > Early history of Wabaunsee County, Kansas, with stories of pioneer days and glimpses of our western border.. > Part 29
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WALDO G. BURROUGHS
Was born in New York, November 7, 1846. Came to Kansas in 1869. On November 15, 1876, was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Cantrill, to which union four children were born: Lilly, Leona, Edna and Allie. Owns 160 acres of good land on which he erected one of the coziest farm homes in Wabaunsee county, planned by his worthy helpmeet, whose ability as an architect is proven by practical demon- stration in a practical way. A part of Mr. Burroughs' farm was the John Meredith homestead. The original claim house was an 8x10 frame, in which a part of the first term of school in Dist. 27 was taught by Marlon Meredith. The house wasn't very big but several pupils from outside districts could have been accommodated-if there had been any outside districts. Sunday school was held here, and, occasionally, Mr. Joseph Hughes exhorted and Mr. W. S. McCormick preached. Near at hand is a hole of water where, in 1870, Mr. McCor- mick baptized a half dozen converts to the faith that brings solace to the soul, buoys up the frail body while here, and fits us for that better life beyond the grave.
MR. HENRY MICHAELIS, SR. (Dec'd)
Was born in Luxemberg, Germany, January 20, 1823. Came to America in 1847, locating at Indianapolis, Indiana. On June 19, 1851, was united in marriage to Katharine Ruf, at Indianapolis, where he resided until 1868, when he came to Topeka, Kansas. In February, 1870, came to Wabaunsee county, locating at Newbury. To Mr. and Mrs. Michaelis ten children were born, nine of whom are now living: Floribert, Robert, and Joseph (these three living at Indianapolis); Lizzie Glotzbach and George, of Los Angeles, California; John, Henry, Nicholas, and Mrs. Margaret Eagan-living in this county. Mr.
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Michaelis was a carpenter by trade. He also owned a nice farm, on which he lived at the time of his death, on January 9, 1894, Mrs. Michaelis dying but two days later, at the age of 66 years. Mr. and Mrs. Michaelis were kind and genial to all and were universally esteemed.
JOHN H. MICHAELIS
Was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, November 27, 1852, being the oldest son of Henry Michaelis, Sr. (deceased). Came to Kansas with his parents when 16 years of age. On November 28, 1878, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Schroeder, of Indianapolis, seven children being born to this union, six of whom are living: John, William, Nicholas, Frank, Ciara, and Leo. Mr. Michaelis, like his father before him, is a carpenter by trade, but has taken time to serve the people, faithfully, in one of the most responsible offices in the gift of the people-that of county treasurer-serving two terms, from 1892 to 1896. Is an up-to-date farmer and one of our most substantial citizens.
FRANK HODGSON
Was born July 13, 1862, on the farm, near Harveyville, on which he has resided all his life. On March 14, 1886, was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Woods, four children being born to this union: Alta, Archie, Louis, and Ernest. Mr. and Mrs. Hodgson were both engaged in teaching prior to their marriage and are probably the oldest married couple, both of whom were born in the county. Mr. Jehu Hodgson, father of the subject of this notice, was the first sheriff of Wabaunsee county, being three times elected. Brought the first team of horses into the Dragoon settlement. Mr. Frank Hodgson has followed in the footsteps of his father, being one of the leading horse breeders of the county. Was three years president of the Old Set- tlers' association and enjoys the confidence and esteem of every one.
W. S. WHITLOCK
Was born near Belleville, Illinois, February 4, 1874, his parents coming to Kansas the following year, locating in Kaw township. A good educational training in the district schools was supplemented by a full course of instruction at the Campbell University at Holton, taking in addition a special course in civil engineering For several
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years Mr. Whitlock has been engaged in teaching, being in the front rank of laborers in the work of the school room. In 1889, was elected to the office of county surveyor and is the present incumbent in that important office. Mr. Whitlock is the youngest county officer, is pop- ular with the people, especially with those of his own township.
JOHN MOCK
Was born in Prussia, Germany, November 14, 1836. In 1845, when but nine years of age, came with his parents to America, locating at Davenport, Iowa. In 1850, the family moved to Illinois, where Mr. Mock remained until 1859, when he came to Kansas, where he now resides-two miles north of Paxico. In 1858, Mr. Mock was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Meinhardt, fifteen children being born to this union, nine living, all in the vicinity of Newbury: Mrs. Elibabeth Schmitz, Valentine, Mrs. Emma Rickstatter, James, Paul- ine, William, Mrs. Caroline Zeller, John, and Josephine. Mr. Mock is one of the prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Newbury township. He was for many years a justice of the peace and one of the influential citizens who could always be relied upon in securing the rights of the people in the game of politics. Mr. Mock's father, Nicholas Mock, a fine old gentleman of the old school, died in 1900, at the advanced age of 93 years. The son (in the illustration), Mr. Valentine Mock, is also a prosperous farmer and one of the rising men of influence in New- bury township. Edward sits on his papa's lap, and if longevity is the rule in the family in the future as in the past, he, as a representative of the fourth generation, may have the pleasure of showing this picture of four generations to his great, great, grandchildren.
GEORGE S. BURT
Was born in Walworth county, Wisconsin, in 1838. Received an excellent educational training at the high school in New Brittain, Connecticut. Came to Kansas in November, 1859, and on March 16, 1863, was united in marriage to Miss Lulu B. Lines, to which union nine children were born, six of whom are living: F. I., George S., Henry F., Sherman B., Chas. L., and Louis B. When Mr. Burt came to Kansas, he walked from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Wabaunsee. IIad just ten cents in money on his arrival. Now owns one of the best farms in the county, 160 acres of the best bottom land in the Kaw Valley. Served eleven years as township trustee and took the census of the county in 1870. Is a leading citizen and enjoys the confidence of the people.
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ALBERT MUCKENTHALER
Was born in Scott county, Minnesota, June 9, 1862. Came to Kan- sas in 1869, and on October 22, 1891, was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Ebert, to which union six children were born, four of whom survive: Abbie, Walter, Viola, and Lawrence. Owns an excellent farm of 140 acres-all bottom, but devotes the greater part of his time to buying and shipping hogs and cattle. Always pays the high- est price the condition of the markets will allow and in all his dealings follows the precepts of the golden rule.
EDWIN FORREST MOORE
Was born at Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, May 6, 1856. Came to Kan- sas in December, 1886, and two years later was united in marriage to Miss Anna B. Crawford, to which union two children were born: Arthur N. and Florence A. Moore. Dr. Moore is a graduate of the Kansas City Medical College and a post graduate of one of the leading medical colleges in the City of Chicago. Is pleasantly located at Esk- ridge, where he enjoys a lucrative practice.
F. M. MEREDITH
Was born in Coles county, Missouri, January 10, 1847. Came to Kansas in 1869 and in 1870 was united in marriage to Miss Sue D. Carter, three children being born to this union. Besides a nice home Mr. Meredith is proprietor of the Hotel Meredith, at Eskridge. Is a popular landlord and in conjunction with his estimable wife, has demonstrated to the traveling public that the leading hotel at Esk- ridge is an institution of which that thriving little city may well be proud.
GEORGE G. CORNELL
Was born November 20, 1828, in Bristol, Ontario county, New York, coming to Kansas in 1879, locating at Alma. Received excellent educational advantages at Canandagua Academy, supplemented by the full course at Genessee College, of which he is a graduate. Received his degree as Bachelor of Laws at the State and National Law School, at Poughkeepsie, New York, graduating with the highest honors. On January 3, 1873, was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary Emma Avery. Besides nearly seven hundred acres of land in Wabaun- see county, Mr. and Mrs. Cornell own several fine residence properties
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in Topeka, where the family now resides. On September 27, 1881, Mr. Cornell met with one of the severest losses of a life time by the burn- ing of the Krueger building-the first big fire in Alma. Besides a library of more than a thousand volumes, many of them very valuable, many family portraits and souvenirs, much valuable manuscript was consumed. Among the latter was the manuscript of a legal work on Vested Rights and Eminent Domain that Mr. Cornell, after years of hard labor, had just completed and had ready for publication. In 1894, Mr. Cornell was elected to the state legislature, his legal know- ledge and matured judgment eminently fitting him for the responsible position, Mr. Cornell is well versed in the law, meeting with unusual success in his practice. He is conservative and conscientious and in an enviable degree has a warm place in the hearts of the people.
C. J. GLOTZBACH
Was born October 1, 1851, in Harrison county, Indiana. Came to Kansas, April 18, 1870. On May 28, 1878, was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Fischer, to which union were born nine children. Besides owning 320 acres of excellent farm land Mr. Glotzbach is carrying one of the largest and best assorted stocks of goods in Wa- bannsee county, succeeding by purchase to the business for years successfully carried on by Bolton Bros. Mr. Glotzbach enjoys a fine trade and is making a success of the mercantile business as he has heretofore on the farm.
WILLIAM ROGGE
Was born October 9, 1861, in Grant county, Wisconsin, coming to Kansas in 1886. On May 1, 1901, was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Guest, one of Alma's most popular young ladies and for several years a saleslady with Bolton Bros., of Paxico, and Erbachers, of St. Marys. Since 1888 Mr. Rogge has operated a threshing machine and elevator and has been a dealer in feed, paying the highest cash prices for grain. Is a stirring business man who has attained success by treating the people right.
W. H. EARL (Dec'd)
Was born in Richland county, Ohio, November 2, 1829. Moved with his parents to Indiana. Came to Kansas in 1869, locating on a homestead one mile cast of Eskridge, where he died December 20, 1885. In 1877, Mr. Earl opened a small country store at the "Corners." In
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1880, when the M. A. & B. was completed to Eskridge the small stock of goods was removed to the new town, and from a small beginning a large trade was soon established. After his death, in 1885, the busi- ness was continued under the firm name of Earl Bros., until Charlie's death, November 23, 1899, since which time Mr. W. H. Earl, Jr., has conducted one of the largest dry goods and grocery stores in the county. In the Civil war Mr. Earl was a member of the 4th Iowa Battery, the photograph showing him in his uniform being the only one available. Of the family but four children survive, two of the daughters living in Washington and two sons in Eskridge, Mr. Ed. Earl and Mr. W. H. Earl, Jr., proprietor of the store.
C. C. COPP
Was born July 3, 1876, at Paxico, Kansas. Received a good, prac- tical education in the common schools. On March 15, 1898, was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Klein, an estimable young lady of Kansas City. Since July 7, 1878, has been engaged in the grocery business with
HERMAN B. OEHMS.
Another popular young man, of Eskridge, but for many years a resident of Paxico.
Mr. Oehms was born August 2, 1878, and the business is conducted under the firm name of Copp & Oehms-two young men who have won their way to popular favor by honest and fair dealing and strict business methods.
ANTON SCHEWE
Was born in Prussia, Germany, November 2, 1830. Landed in New York, January 20, 1851, locating at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Came to Kansas in the spring of 1856, settling on the farm on which he still resides. Owns 800 acres of good farming and grazing lands in Wabaun- see county and 900 acres in Louisiana, the value of which is likely to reach the million mark. For fifteen years Mr. Schewe was elected trustee of what was then Alma township-Farmer township having since been organized -an excellent proof of his standing in the com- munity where he resides. Mr. and Mrs. Schewe have four children: Mary, Willie, Anton, and Clara, and are pleasantly located in a com- fortable home five miles south of Alma.
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M. JESTER
Was born November 23, 1838, in Camden, Delaware. Came to Kansas in 1867, and to Wabaunsee county two years later. On October 6, 1872, was united in marriage to Miss Kate Woodard, a daughter, Mrs. Birdie Cartwright, being born to this union. Mrs. Kate Jester dying, was a second time married-to Mrs. Jennie Lowe, on June 18, 1890. Mr. Jester has held the offices of township trustee and treasurer, owns 238 acres of good farming land and by industry and well directed energy has attained that degree of success of which he is in every way deserving.
MR. E. H. SANFORD (Dec'd)
Was born January 24, 1822, in Allegheny county, New York. Came to Kansas in 1857, and to Eskridge in 1868. In 1863, was united in marriage to Mary J. St. John, two daughters being born to this union. Col. Sanford, as he was always called, was educated at Ann Arbor, Michigan, being a graduate of the law department of the Uni- versity of Michigan. As a man of letters Col. Sanford ranked far above many who attained wider distinction. As a financier he was a failure. But he possessed stores of wealth denied to others better equipped to win smiles from that fickle goddess-Fortune. He was a man with a resourceful brain and generous impulses. He was the father of Eskridge. And yet when he staked his all on the issue; when he invested his last dollar in the first house built in Eskridge there were doubting Thomases who tapped their foreheads with ominous meaning. But later on when a change of 19 votes would have made Eskridge the county seat, opinions derogatory to the Colonel's judgment underwent a change. To his persistence is due the fact that, today, Eskridge has a place on the map. Let credit be given to whom it is due. On April 11, 1901, at Columbus, Ohio, the spirit left the tenement of clay-the rays from a bright intellect had been extin- guished; a man with a kind heart had gone home.
E. STURDY
Was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1858. Came to Kansas in 1883. On July 24, 1880, was united in marriage to Miss E. J. Flick- inger, to which union seven children were born: Esther, Harry, Ralph, Guy, Dora, Ray, and Glenn. Mr. Sturdy is manager of the Freeman ranch, six miles southeast of Eskridge, owns 600 acres of land, and has attained a degree of success that is alike flattering to the man and to the country and conditions that have made that success possible.
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AUGUST HANSEN
Was born in Schleswig Holstein, Germany, April 10, 1860. Came to America in 1880, and two years later, to Kansas. Received the benefits of a good education at Apenlarade, Germany. Owns an excellent farm of 160 acres, near McFarland, and one of the prettiest farm houses in the county. Is proprietor of the McFarland Creamery, and besides supplying the markets with the best quality of choice dairy butter has the contract for supplying the Rock Island eating house with cream-annually supplying the Rock Island management with more than three thousand gallons of choicest cream. His creamery is equipped with all the modern improvements and is one of the best in the country.
WILLIAM MAAS
Was born May 26, 1841, at Hagenow, Mecklenburg, Germany. Came to America in August, 1869, direct to Wabaunsee county, loca- ting on the farm where he now resides-in one of the coziest farm residences in the county. (See illustration). Mr. Maas received a classical education in the city schools of Hagenow, and started out well equipped, from an educational stand-point, for the battle of life. On June 11, 1861, Mr. Maas was united in marriage to Miss Lisette Stellies, to which union nine children were born, five sons and four daughters. Mr. Maas owns 920 acres of good land, and the fact that he has served the people several years as justice of the peace and has been elected seven times as township trustee is the best indication of his high standing among those best informed as to his merits.
MR. PATRICK MAGUIRE (Dec'd)
Was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in March, 1828. Came to America in 1846, locating in Pennsylvania. Came to Kansas in 1871, but not did permanently locate here until 1873-on the farm where he died, on December 25, 1899, at the age of 71 years and 9 months. Mrs. Reahill Maguire died February 6, 1901, at the age of 75 years, 9 months and 5 days. To Mr. and Mrs. Maguire, four sons and a daughter were born, all but one son surviving: Ilugh, John, and Pat, all living on and near the old homestead. Mary, the only daughter, is happily married and lives in Kansas City. Mr. Maguire owned a fine farm of 272 acres and by industry and economy had amply provided for his children. He was generous and warm hearted and of a kindred spirit was his worthy helpmeet.
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MR. CHARLES N. EARL (Dec'd)
Was one of the men holding official place in Wabaunsee county who died in office. He had been mayor of his home town, Eskridge, two terms, and was serving his second term as county commissioner. Ile came to Wabaunsee county in 1869, with his parents, when he was but a small boy. Grew up in the old home near the "Corners." of which his father's homestead was a part. Carried on the mercantile business, the legacy of his father, for twenty-five years, and during that time never turned a deaf car to the needy nor refused to lend a helping hand to the distressed. Mr. Earl died December 28, 1899. Ilis estimable widow and an only daughter reside in Eskridge-a town in which Mr. Earl always took a leading part in the upbuilding.
L. T. RICE
Was born in West Hartford, Connecticut, September 2, 1852. Came to Kansas in 1856, with his parents, who located in Shawnee county. Mr. Rice was left motherless at the age of 7 years. Received a good common school education, supplemented by a course at a busi- ness college. His boyhood was spent on the farm and in driving three yoke of oxen, drawing material from Lawrence and Leaven- worth, to Topeka, to erect what was then known as Lincoln College but now a part of Washburn. After the close of the Civil war returned with his parents to Connecticut, but after a two years residence again came to Kansas. Worked two years for the Santa Fe and again returned to the farm. Was married in 1880, and five years later came to this county, locating near Halifax. In 1890 was elected probate judge and two years later was re-elected. In 1899, was elected county commissioner and is the present incumbent in that office. Is a progressive farmer and a popular official.
JAMES H. LAWLOR
Was born October 5, 1830, at Buffalo, New York. Became a sailor and served twenty years steady on the lakes. Was captain on several boats. Served in the U. S. Navy during the Civil war. Came to Kan- sas in 1870, locating the first hotel in Eskridge. Was the town company's agent for the sale of the whole town site. Mr. Lawlor was the first station agent at Eskridge; was one of the first councilmen, and served three terms as mayor. On April 3, 1856, was united in marriage to Miss Mary F. Mansfield, four children being born to this union: Geo. II., Franklin II., Amy M. Swartz, and Lettie J.
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Cosley. Mr. Lawlor has, from the day of its location been an enthusi- astic advocate of the prosperity and upbuilding of Eskridge. His wife, Mrs. Mary Lawlor, was the first postmistress of Eskridge, and, with her husband, has done much to build up and beautify the town. She now conducts the Palace House in Eskridge, where she enjoys a large trade.
JOHN Y. WAUGH
Was born July 31, 1858, in Ontario, Canada. Received the best of educational advantages at Listowel, Ontario. In 1888 was united in marriage to Miss Sadie D. Gallagher, to which union five children were born: Grace, William, Ivan, John Y., Jr., and Davis. Long years of service in the banking business, combined with business sagacity of no ordinary degree have brought phenomenal success to one of Eskridge's most prominent citizens. Mr. Waugh's residence is commodious and handsome-one of the prettiest in the city.
DR. AUGUST BRASCHE (Dec'd)
Was born June 13, 1820. Came to Wabaunsee county in 1857, from Wyandotte, where he first located, running the largest drugstore in the city. On June 11, 1866, was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Schultz, of West Branch. Dr. Brasche was elected coroner March 28, 1859, and was re-elected six times in succession. Was township treas- urer several terms and was eight times elected township trustee, holding that office at the time of his death, on March 19, 1883, after a few days illness with pneumonia, leaving an estimable wife, three sons and a daughter to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father, a most estimable citizen, and one who was probably more widely known than any other man in the county. Dr. Brasche was a graduate of one of the best medical colleges in Europe, located at Halverstadt, Prussia. In early life entered the Prussian army as Surgeon with the rank of Lieutenant. Was more than usually proficient in the art of surgery and on many occasions demonstrated his thorough familiarity with every detail of his profession.
LOUIS PALENSKE
Was born January 3, 1858, on the farm, near Alma. Received the benefits of a good educational training in the Alma city schools, under the supervision of Profs. Kroenke and Orlopp. On January 7, 1883, was united in marriage to Miss Emma Thoes, to which union three
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sons: Max, Fred, and Arnold, and two daughters, Miss Minnie and little Laura, were born. In 1877, Mr. Palenske took up the study of photography, under the tutorship of the ablest masters of the art in Topeka and Kansas City, mastering the business in every detail and acquiring for himself a reputation as an artist of more than local celebrity. In 1882, Mr. Palenske opened a small book and stationery store; musical instruments and sewing machines were added until his business was immense in volume, and today he carries perhaps the largest stock of a similar kind in the county. In 1888, banking on a small scale was added to his list of business ventures, under the firm name of L. Palenske & Co. Later, in 1889, this was merged into the Alma State Bank, and on January 3, 1898, into the Alma National Bank, of which excellent institution Mr. Palenske has been cashier since the organization of the bank. In 1896, Mr. Palenske was elected representative in the state legislature, and in this as well as in all other positions of honor and trust, acquitted himself with credit to himself and to his constituents. No man in Wabaunsee county is more widely known and more highly esteemed than is Mr. Palenske. His father, Mr. Fred Palenske, was one of the earliest pioneers, settling on the line of the Pottawatomie reserve when there were but few white neighbors and when log houses were the rule, and they, few and far between.
MR. HENRY GRAVES (Dec'd)
Was born in Prussia, Germany, July 9, 1844. Came to America in April, 1865, and to Kansas in 1876. On November 9, 1870, was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Grafar, eight children being born to this union: Lizzie, Katie, Harry, Emma, William, May, Dora, and Lena. On July 23, 1900, Mr. Graves died at his home, near McFarland. Ile owned 320 acres of land and by industry and economy had accumu- lated a handsome competency for a worthy family who were left to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father.
A. R. STROWIG
Was born January 9, 1863, in Jackson county, Kansas. Received the benefit of an excellent educational training in the Holton city schools. On October 24, 1887, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kaul, to which union five children were born: Warner, Harry, Edna, Olive, and Elmer. Mr. Strowig built the first house on the present site of Paxico and resides in one of the coziest homes in the city. Started in business in 1887 and by a strict attention to the wants of
EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.
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POYNTZ AVENUE, MANHATTAN, 1866. A government train on the way to Fort Leavenworth - taking forage.
RESIDENCE OF MR. S. H. FAIRFIELD, ALMA.
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