USA > Kansas > Woodson County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 101
USA > Kansas > Allen County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 101
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was established in the West Indies and in the Philippines, and one of the old powers of Europe and the insurgents of the Orient had to acknowledge the supremacy of the progress, might and civilization of the great republic of the new world. Among those who fought to sustain the dignity of the stars and stripes in the Philippines, was numbered Clinton A. Woodruff, who is now capably serving as clerk of the district court in. Woodson county.
He was born in this county, August 29, 1874, a son of Abraham T. Woodruff, one of the well known and prominent farmers of the community. He came to Woodson County in 1869, locating in Center township, on sec- tion thirty, township twenty-five, range sixteen, where he has since resided. In addition to agricultural pursuits he has also followed carpentering. He came to the West from Paulding, Ohio, his birth having occurred in that state in 1833. He acquired a meager education, served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade and for several years was engaged on the con- struction of the Ohio state canal as a mechanic. He was married in Ohio to Miss Sarah A. Kretzsinger. of Pennsylvania-German stock, and in 1869, lie came across the country to Kansas with his family. There are nine children : Charles H., a resident of Columbus, Ohio; John F., of Kendal- ville, Indiana : Mary J., wife of J. Ragle, of Iola, Kansas; James P., of Woodson County ; Albert, of Geneva. Kansas; Will A., also of Iola; Clin- ton A .; Hattie M .. and Frank.
Reared in his native county, Clinton A. Woodruff attended the common schools and in 1894 entered the Kansas State Normal, where he spent nearly two years. He had intended to engage in teaching, but circumstances caused him to change his plans. In May, 1898. he enlisted in Leroy, Kansas, as a member of Company E. Twentieth Kansas Volunteers, for service in the Spanish American war. The regiment went into camp at Topeka, and thence was ordered to San Francisco, where it remained for several months, leaving port in October for the Philippines and arriving at Manilla Bay on the 20th of November, the voyage being made on the Indiana. Mr. Woodruff participated in all the engagements with his command from the time of the outbreak of the trouble on the 4th of February until the last engagement of the regiment at San Fernando. The troops were then ordered back to Manilla about the 26th of June,, and on board the transport Tartar, returned to San Francisco, by way of Hong Kong and Yokahama. In October the Tartar reached the Golden Gate, and on the 2d of November the Twentieth arrived in Topeka to there meet with a noted reception. Mr. Woodruff was honorably discharged at San Francisco, and arrived at home on the 3d of November, 1899.
He devoted his time to the work of the farm until the 25th of June, 1900, when he was nominated for the position of clerk of the district court, and being elected by a handsome majority of three hundred and eighteen, he entered upon his duties January 14, 1901, so that he is the present incumbent. He is a young man of sterling worth, reliable, faithful and popu- lar, and will no doubt prove a most efficient officer.
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LOMANDO P. PIERCE.
That Mr. Pierce is numbered among the upbuilders of the county is indieated by the faet that one of its thriving villages has been named in his honor. The town of Lomando praetically is a monument to his enter- prising spirit and its commercial activity has been largely brought about through his efforts.
Almost half the wealth of the continent now separates Mr. Pierce from his birthplace, for he first opened his eyes to the light of day in Berryville, Sullivan County, New York, March 20, 1852. His father, Robert H. Pierce, was a native of New Jersey and when a young man went to New York, where he met and married Amy E. Matthews. a native of the Empire state. In 1856 he removed with his family to Ottawa, Illinois, where he worked at the trades of a miller and millwright, following those pursuits from early manhood until 1884 when he removed to Kansas, taking up his abode upon a farm which he purchased, six miles east of Yates Center. There he died in June, 1889, at the age of sixty-nine years. while his wife, who still survives him, now resides with her son, our subject, in the town of Lomando.
Lomando P. Pierce was only eight years of age when he accompanied his parents to Joliet, Will County, Illinois, where he resided for about 20 years. He acquired his education in the common schools and at the age of fifteen entered the employ of S. O. Simons. a grocery merehant, in whose store he remained as bookkeeper and manager for seven years. On the expiration of that period he accepted the position of bookkeeper with the Watkins & Ashley Wire Company. and three years later he went to St. Louis, Missouri. with the Stephens Wire Fenee Company. in the same capacity. He had been with that firm for only nine months when it failed, after which he joined his father in Kansas and for ten years engaged in the operation of his father's farm. In 1895 he established a station on the Santa Fe railroad and it bears his name. He conducts here a grocery store, also deals in eoal and buys and ships hay, carrying on an extensive business in that product, shipping from two to three hundred carloads of hay annually. His other business interests are also profitable and he now enjoys a good income from his investments and his labors.
On the 17th of February. 1880. Mr. Pierce was united in marriage to Miss Addah Fellows, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, and they now have two children, Frank and Florenee. The family are widely known in the community and the members of the household ocenpy enviable positions in social cireles. Mr. Pieree is an advocate of Republican principles and expresses his preference through his ballot. He is now serving as post- master of Lomando, having been appointed in 1885. His business sueeess is very commendable for along the lines of legitimate trade he has gained his prosperity, having striet regard for the ethies of commercial life. Regarded as a eitizen he belongs to that publie spirited, useful and helpful type of men whose ambition and desires are centered and directed in those
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channels through which flows the greatest good to the greatest number, and it is therefore consistent with the purpose and plan of this work that his record be given among the representative men of his county.
ADAM F. BRENNER.
ADAM F. BRENNER, who follows farming in Neosho Falls town- ship, Woodson County, was born in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, on the 8th of April, 1843. His father, John F. Brenner, was a native of Prussia, and was married in that country ere he crossed the Atlantic to the new world in 1840. He located in the Keystone state and there reared his family of six children, three of whom are now living.
The eldest surviving member of the family is Adam F. Brenner who spent his youth in his native state and was educated in the common schools, after which he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until the inauguration of the Civil war. He was married on the 22d of March, 1863, to Miss Ester Croyler, a native of Pennsylvania, and on the 26th of Feb- rnary. 1864, he bade adieu to his bride and enlisted in the service of his country, as a member of Company I, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry. He participated in many hard fought battles, including the engagement of the Shenandoah Valley, on the 15th of May, 1864, New Market, Win- chester, September 19; Fisher Hill. September 22; Cedar Creek, October 19; Petersburg, April 2, 1865, and the battle of High Bridge, in Virginia, where he was captured just three days before the surrender of General Lee. He was never wounded by a gun shot but was badly injured in an engagement and yet suffers therefrom. On the 31st of May, 1865, the war having ended, he was mus'ered out and returned to his home.
Resuming work at the carpenter's trade. Mr. Brenner followed that pursuit until 1871. On the 9th of October, 1865, he arrived in Kansas City, Kansas, and in 1870 he came to Woodson County, where he pur- chased eight hundred acres of land on Turkey creek, remaining there for 22 years. On the expiration of that period he came to his present farm, a half mile north of Neosho Falls, purchasing one hundred acres of rich bottom land, on which he is now extensively engaged in raising wheat and corn. He also handles hogy and to them feeds all of his corn crop. He has made most of the improvements upon his place, has erected two large and substantial barns and has added all the accessories which are today regarded as necessary to a first-class farm.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Brenner has been blessed with twelve children, six of whom are yet living; Fred and George, who are residents cf Iola, Kansas; Henry, at home; Clara, wife of Charles Garrett, of Woodson County; Belle and Minnie, who are still with their parents. Sarah Jane and Lizzie have passed away. In his political affiliation, Mr. Brenner is a stalwart Republican, and says he votes as he shot. He cer-
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tainly was a loyal soldier and is no less faithful to his duties of citizenship in times of peace. Political preferment however, he does not covet, and his attention has been given to his business affairs in a way that brings him a splendid return for his labors. Although he came to Kansas with little capital he is now one of the substantial citizens of Woodson County, a good property being the substantial evidence of his labor.
DAVID H. HENRY.
A veteran of two wars, an enterprising farmer and breeder of fine stock and one of the reliable citizens of Woodson County, David H. Henry certainly merits mention among the leading men of this portion of the state. He was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, November 29, 1827, and has therefore passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten but is still actively concerned with the affairs of business life. His father, David Henry, Sr., was a native of New Hampshire and married Lucinda . Ellis, who was born in Vermont. When a young man he removed to the Keystone state, where he followed farming and also worked at the mill- wright's trade. However, during the greater part of his residence in Penn- sylvania he gave his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits. He passed away about 1845 and his wife died about 1841. They were the parents of seven children, but only two are now living-David H. and a sister.
Mr. Henry, of this review, was the youngest of the family. He was educated in the Wellsboro Academy, at Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. and was reared to the work of the farm, plowing and planting the fields in the early springtime, and harvesting the crops in the summer and autumn. He worked at home until after the inauguration of the Mexican war, when his patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment and he joined the army. He saw hard service under the command of General Winfield Scott and par- ticipated in five battles, being wounded in the knee at the engagement of San Juan de Ulloa. He was then sent to the hospital in New Orleans. The term of his service covered almost two years.
After his return home Mr. Henry made the acquaintance of Miss Harriet Fairehild, of Canada, who was then visiting in Pennsylvania, and on the 3d of June. 1852, they were married. After his father's death, Mr. Henry and his eldest brother purehased the old homestead, consisting of about one hundred and fifty acres of land, which he operated until 1854, when h . sold his interest in the farm and removed to Illinois, purchasing there a small tract of land which he continued to cultivate until the sectional differences between the North and the South involved the country in civil war. He was a Mexican veteran in whose heart the fires of patriotism yet burned brightly. He could not stand to see the flag of his country assailed so when the first call for three year's men was made in 1861, he
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
Arent forth to do battle for the Union, enlisting in Company 1, Twenty- third Illinois Infantry, with which he was sent to Lexington, Missouri. His command there met a body of the enemy by whom they were defeated .and captured and then sent to Chicago for exchange. Subsequently, Mr. Henry was sent to the Eastern army and participated in a number of battles, including the engagements of Fisher Hill, Virginia, Cedar Creek, Cold Harbor and one year's service in front of Petersburg. He many times narrowly escaped being wounded or killed. on one occasion a minnie ball passing between the sole of his shoe and his foot. In August, 1865, he received an honorable discharge and returned to his home, again having made a creditable military record as a defender of his country.
Mr. Henry remained in Illinois until 1869, when he cante with his family. to Kansas, settling three miles northwest of where Piqua is now located and four miles south of Neosho Falls. He secured a homestead of eighty acres and purchased an additional eighty-acre tract. so that he now has a good farm of a quarter section. It is fine land and he is suc- cessfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising. making a specialty of Polled Angus and Galloway cattle, of which he has some very fine speci- mens. He has done not a little to improve the grade of stock raised in the community.
In 1874, Mr. Henry was called upon to monrn the loss of his wife. who died at the age of forty-seven years. Seven children were born to them and were left to mourn the loss of a devoted mother. These are Lewis R., at home; Celia, wife of W. S. Cape, of Missouri: Alice, at home; David L., who is living on a farm in this neighborhood; Lenora ; Willamet, and Lucinda, wife of R. L. Dunton, of Neosho Falls. The family is one well known in this locality for the sterling worth of its individual members. Mr. Henry has served as justice of the peace in Neosho Falls township for about sixteen years, proving a most reliable officer as neither fear nor favor can deter him from the even handed administration of justice.
A. J. BEAM.
A. J. BEAM, who is numbered among the prosperous, practical and progressive farmers of Woodson County. was born in Wayne County, New York, July 5, 1833. His father, John S. Beam, was a native of South Carolina, born in Chopee, July 3, 1807. Having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Margaret DeLong, and they became the parents ot' seven children, of whom four are yet living, namely: Jacob, Malissa. Hannah and A. J. The father passed away Jannary 30, 1884, and his wife died March 1, 1880. at the age of seventy-five years.
A. J. Beam pursued a common school education in New York, and remained with his parents. until he had attained his majority. He after-
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HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
ward learned the carpenter's trade ,and for two years followed that pur- suit in Michigan, after which he returned to his old home on a visit .. His next place of residence was Galesburg, Illinois, where he was employed for some time at carpentering, and later he worked at his trade in Winfield, Henry County, Iowa. following that vocation continuously until 1884, when he came to Kan: as, since which time he has been a representative- of agricultural interests.
After residing in Iowa for some time Mr. Beam formed the acquain- tance of Miss Mary E. Harkness, and on the 16th of June, 1857, they were married. The lady was born in Delaware county, New York, June 16, 1838, and they have traveled life's journey together for forty-four years. Her parents were James B. and Margaret ( Fleming) Harkness, the former a native of the Empire state, while the latter was born in Cam- bridge, New York. Mis. Beam is of Irish and Scotch lineage. Her maternal great-great-grandfather, George T. Fleming, was killed in the now renowned battle of Colloden, Scotland, which was the last battle in which Prince Charles Edward Stuart fought. James Fleming, her great-grand- father was in London the day on which King George was crowned monarch of England. George Flo ming, her grandfather, was the founder of the family in America. He came to this country in 1795, and located in Washington County, New York, whence he removed to Albany in 1807. He married Margaret Darrah, a native of Mulligan, Ireland. Both the paternal and maternal grandfather of Mr. Beam also lived in America in colonial days and fought in the Revolutionary war. A gun that was carried by the for- mer in the struggle for independence is still in possession of the family. On leaving their native state Jame" B. Harkness and his wife removed to Iowa, where they resided from 1852 until called to their final home. The father died March 21, 1880, at the age of seventy-eight years, and his wife passed away January 24. 1887, at the age of seventy-six years. They were the parents of six children, four of whom survive, namely : Mary E., Edwin. George and Margaret.
Mrs. Beam, who is the eldest of this family, successfully engaged in teaching schoch in Iowa, both before and after her marriage. She was well qualified for this calling, having acquired an excellent education, completed by two years' study in Howe's Academy at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. She be- gan teaching when sixteen years of age, and was widely recognized as an efficient instructor. She is a lady of superior culture and refinement and well deserves the high regard in which she is uniformly held. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beam have been born nine children: Elwood, who is living in Port Angeles, Washington: Edwin, who resides upon his father's farm ; Charles, who is now in the Klondike; Gertrude, wife of John Webb, of Pratt County ; Ida, wife of Elmer Jones, of Iola; Jennie, wife of Albert Florence, of Yates Center ; Stella, a milliner of Chanute ; Lulu, who is en- yaged in teaching. and Laura, a student in the high school at Neosho Falls.
In 1884 Mr. Beam removed his family to Woodson County, Kansas, and
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7, now living on a farm of ninety acres situated a mile and a half south of Neosho Falls. The place is very attractive in appearance and is cer- tainly one of the most desirable farms in the locality. To the north of the house is a large maple grove of about five acres which makes an ex- cellent wind break. The residence is also surrounded by a beautiful maple grove. and all modern accessories and conveniences can be found upon the farm. The improvements are as a monument to the enterprise and thrift of the owner. He has erected the buildings which have been constructed in the old style with heavy timbers morticed in. In his business affairs Mr. Beam has been successful, winning the prosperity which comes as the re- ward of persistent, carnest effort when guided by sound judgment and supplemented by honorable dealing. While residing in Iowa he served as sheriff of Henry county. He cast his first presidential vote for Millard Fillmore and since the organization of the Republican party has been one of its stalwart advocates, believing that its principles contain the best elements of good government. As a citizen he is publie-spirited and reliable, and in every relation of life he is known for his fidelity to duty and genuine worth of character.
GEORGE W. CAMPBELL.
GEORGE W. CAMPBELL, who owns, and operates a farm in North township. Woodson County, was born in Cook County. Illinois. December 20. 1852, and is a son of Sidney and Betsy (McClara) Campbell, both natives of New York. The father devoted his life to farming operations. He went to Illinois in 1838, locating in Cook County when Chicago was a small village. He therefore witnessed its marvelous growth and develop- ment as it attained to the second position among the cities of the Union. Mr. Campbell died in Cook County in 1891. at the ripe old age of eighty-five years, and his wife passed away in 1886, at the age of sixty-four years. They were the parents of eight children. six of whom are living. Two of their sons laid down their lives on the altar of their country in the Civil war, one of them never being heard from after he entered the battle.
George W. Campbell was the seventh in order of birth in the family. He attended the common schools of his native county and when a young man he resolved to go west where he could obtain land at cheaper rates than he could in Illinois. Accordingly. in 1878. he made his way to Wood- son County, Kansas, and for one year worked by the month as a farm hand after which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw land and began the development of the farm upon which he now makes his home, although its boundaries have since been extended until it now comprises two hundred and forty acres. It is a very fertile and productive tract, located about fourteen miles northwest of Yates Center. He remained upon his farm until the Oklahoma district was opened for settlement, when he went
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HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
to that country, remaining for a year. Not being pleased with the terri- tory, however, he returned to Woodson county where he has since made his home. devoting his time to general farming and stock-raising. He has a large herd of cattle and also many mules, and in both branches of his busi- ness he is meeting with prosperity.
After purchasing his land and making preparations for a home of his own, Mr. Campbell desired to have a companion with whom to share his new possessions, and in 1880 was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Miller. Their union has been blessed with two sons, Sidney and Ira, both at home and assisting their father in the operation of the farm. Mr. Camp- bell is now a prosperous agriculturist and his success is entirely attribu- table to his own efforts, for all that he possesses has been acquired since- his arrival in Kansas. In his political views he is a Republican and has filled several offices of trust in his township, called to these positions by the vote of his fellow townsmen, among whom he is a popular and re- spected citizen.
LEWIS KLICK.
For almost thirty years Lewis Klick has resided in Woodson County and although he had very limited capital at the time of his arrival he is low one of the substantial farmers and stoek growers of this portion of the state. He was born in Stark County. Ohio, January 3. 1842, of German parentage, being a son of Nicholas and Mary B. (Huber) Klick, who were- natives of the fatherland, although their marriage was celebrated in this country. They located in Ohio where Mr. Klick followed his trade of shoe making for many years. In 1863 he removed to Noble County, Indiana, where he died at the age of seventy-four years, while his wife passed away in December, 1899. at the advanced age of eighty-four years.
Of their thirteen children Mr. Kliek was the fourth in order of birth. He spent his youth upon his father's farm and in the common schools ac- quired his elementary education which was supplemented by one term's study in Fredericksburg Seminary, after which he became a student in the Greensburg Seminary. In 1862 he went to Noble County, Indiana, where he engaged in teaching school. In 1865 he started for California, going by way of the isthmus of Panama, and while in the Golden state he was employed by the month on a farm. He remained for five years, returning to In- diana in 1870. There he resided for a number of years and in April, 1872, le was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth C. Moore, a native of Ohio.
In May of the same year, Mr. Klick started with his bride for Kansas and took up his abode in the southeastern part of Woodson county, where he purchased a homestead of eighty aeres, there carrying on farming until 1885. He then sold that property and removed to Toronto township, settling on Cedar creek, six miles northeast of the town of Toronto. He
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purchased four hundred acres of land and now has one of the nicest farms in the township. He keeps annually about seventy-five head of the best graded cattle in the county and sells his stock to the local buyers. After coming to Kansas he taught for one term in the district school but has since given his undivided attention to his farming and stock-raising interests, save when called to public duty by the vote of the people who have one time elected him township trustee.
In 1881 Mr. Kliek was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died on the 10th. of January of that year. leaving three children- Jennie M., Laura A. and Harvey L. In 1892 Mr. Klick was again mar- ried, his second union being with Mrs. Mary C. Palmer, who had one son, John Palmer. Mr. and Mrs. Klick have one daughter, Lizzie B., a young lady at home. Mr. Kliek vote swith the Democracy and while he keeps well informed on the issues of the day he has never been an aspirant for office, preferring that his time shall be given uninterruptedly to his business affairs whereby he has gained a competency sufficient to supply his needs when the evening of life shall come and labor proves wearisome.
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