USA > Kansas > Woodson County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 34
USA > Kansas > Allen County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 34
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Into the mind of Dr. Kellam of this review were early instilled lessons of industry. When quite young he began work on his father's farm, remaining there until he was twenty-one years of age. His father retired and for four years he managed the ranch. In the meantime he secured a good foundation for his professional knowledge by a thorough English course, supplementing his preliminary studies by a course in the Howard high school, of which he is a graduate. For some time he occupied the position of department foreman of the Armour Packing Company, of Kan- sas City, but wishing to make the practice of medicine his lite work he began reading in the office and under the direction of Dr. Strunen, with whom he remained for two years. Later he was graduated in the Kansas City College of Physicians and Surgeons and received practical training while acting as assistant in the free dispensary hospital at Bethany. Prior to coming to LaHarpe he practiced medicine in Kansas City for three
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years, but since 1897 has been a valued member of the medical fraternity of Allen county.
Doctor Kellam married Miss Hattie Graham, who was born in Olio in 1867, a daughter of James Graham, now a farmer of Elk county, Kansas. Two children grace their union: Marvelle and Lillian. The Doctor and liis wife have many friends in Allen county where he is enjoying an ex- cellent practice, having a patronage that many an older representative of the medical fraternity might well envy. As a citizen he is public spirited and progressive, and is therefore a welcome addition to LaHarpe.
C OLUMBUS L. RICE .- On the roll of the business men of Humboldt appears the name of Columbus L. Rice. He was born in Jasper county, Missouri, on the 12th of September, 1854. His father, George D. Rice, was a native of Pennsylvania, and when a young man removed to Olio, where he was united in marriage to Eleanor Taylor. On leaving the Buckeye state he took up his residence in Missouri, and the year 1862 witnessed his arrival in Allen county, Kansas. Soon afterward he joined the Union army as a member of the Ninth Regiment of Kansas Volunteers, and served throughout the remainder of the war, loyally aiding in the preservation of the Union. During much of his life he followed farming, but in later years he located in Humboldt, where he was engaged in the coal business until his death, in July, 1899, when he was seventy-three years of age.
Columbus L. Rice was reared upon the home farm and through the sunny days of early spring followed the plow as it turned the furrows for the planting. He afterward engaged in farming on his own account for a short time, when he entered the machinery department of the business of Johnson & Bragg at Humboldt, being thus employed for nine and a half years. On severing his connection with that firm, he entered the employ of William Rath, who was in the same line of business, and with whom he remained for seven and a half years. While there he learned the trade of a tinner and gas fitter. Subsequently he opened a hardware store of his own, conducting it for two years, when he sold out to E. W. Trego, with whom he has since remained in the capacity of tinner and gas fitter. He lias always been au industrious and energetic man and has never had trouble in keeping himself employed.
Mr. Rice was married on the 23rd of March, 1879, to Miss Lydia Aun Shellman, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Shellman. She was born neal Bloomington, Illinois, and in 1872 came to Kansas with her parents, who settled in Humboldt, where her father was proprietor of the Sherman House. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rice has been born a son, Robert Charles, whose birth occurred in October, 1880. In his political affiliations Mr. Rice is a Republican, but though he keeps informed on the issues of the day he has never been a politician. He is connected with the Modern
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Woodmen of America, and is well known in his community for those traits of character, which in every land and every clime command respect.
T THOMAS M. FITZPATRICK .- A history of Allen county would be incomplete without the record of Thomas Marion Fitzpatrick for he is one of her native sons, a distinction of which very few men of his age can boast. He was born in the county in 1860, before the state was admitted into the Union. His father was one of the pioneers of Kansas who came hither locating in Osawatomie in 1856. Four years later he took up his abode in Allen county, locating on what was known as the Bishop farm, and during the Civil war he served as a private in Company E, Ninth Kansas Cavalry. He was born in Missouri in 1820, and was thoroughly familiar with the development of the west. He married Rebecca Sparks, whose people were natives of Indiana. Their surviving children are: J. J. Fitzpatrick, of Allen county; Mrs. Sarah E. Schultz, of Anderson county; Thomas M., of this review; and Mrs. Anna M. Lucky, of Allen county.
The boyhood of our subject was not one of leisure for he was early trained to do the work of the farm and through the summer months as- sisted with the plowing, planting and harvesting. He pursued his educa- tion in the subscription school, his first teacher being a Mr. Todd, and the school house being on the Fulton farm. Mr. Fitzpatrick also engaged in teaming from Kansas City prior to the building of the Southern Kansas railroad. He aided in farm work when Elm township was a part of Iola township, and only about ten families lived within its borders, the greater part of the land being wild prairie which awaited the awaking touch of civilization. The first land which he owned was a quarter of the Dr. Ful- ton farm. He removed to his present farm in 1881, and is to-day the owner of a valuable property, his labors having wrought a great change in the appearance of the farm.
In 1880 Mr. Fitzpatrick wedded Miss Melissa Leake who was born on the farm now owned by Mr. Daniel Horville, and whose mother is yet living. She has three brothers living in Kansas: William Henry, a resi- dent of Phillips county; J. P., of Iola, and I. T., who is also living in the county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick are Albert, Bertha May, Cora Fay and Jessie. All are under the parental roof.
After attaining his majority our subject gave his political support to the Democracy, but of late years has been a Populist. He has served as a member of the school board, and is a prominent member of the camp of the Modern Woodmen. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick are native citizens of Allen county, and as such are entitled to distinction. They have always manifested a deep interest in its progress and upbuilding and have borne their share in the work of development which has placed Allen county upon a par with any county in the commonwealth. Their social qualities and genuine worth have gained them many friends.
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M RS. MARGARET C. DEAL, one of the pioneers of Allen county, was born in Indiana May 9, 1841. Her father, Enos Myers, a native of North Carolina, came to Indiana when still a young man. Here he married Sallie Seachrist, a native of North Carolina. Mr. Myers moved to Illinois when Mrs. Deal was eleven years old, and resided there for two years. He then moved to Denton county, Texas, where Mrs. Deal was married in 1857 to Andrew M. Deal, a native of Indiana. Mr. Deal had gone to Texas when but twenty-one years old, intending to make that state his home. When the war came on he did not believe in the Confederacy, and, as Union men were not wanted in that part of Texas, he came to Kan- sas. An ardent and earnest advocate of the cause of the Union in the great struggle, Mr. Deal in 1862, enlisted in the Ninth Kansas regiment. The regiment was used largely against the bushwhackers, that infested the border counties and made life for the free state men a constant terror. One morning a party of twenty from the regiment, among the number Mr. Deal, joined a detail of scouts for an expedition. While passing through a stone lane near West Port, they were surrounded by the enemy, believed to be Quantrell's guerrilas, who opened upon them from behind cover. Al- though surprised and unable to see their foe they fought gallantly, until fifteen of Company E, Ninth Kansas men were killed, Mr. Deal among the number; the five men who were left making their escape. The Con- federates killed the Federal wounded.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Deal: Mary E., now the wife of Howard Moore; Paris and Thomas, both living at home. Left thus with the care of a small family Mrs. Deal faced the future with a courage worthy of the husband, who had given his life for his country. The chil- dren as they grew older aided in the struggle against the hardships of the new country and now, after many years, have succeeded in acquiring a fair share of this world's goods. Three miles east of Humboldt they have a pleasant home, surrounded by stately maple trees, and every acre of the eighty is well improved and shows the evidences of careful cultivation.
To the fatherless children Mrs. Deal has given a careful training and the record of the deeds of her husband has been one of the cherished memories of their life.
D AVID P. DURNING is one of the most successful stockdealers of southeastern Kansas where he has carried on business since 1871, and through the intervening years he lias borne an unassailable reputation in trade circles, never making an engagement which he has not kept, nor contracted an obligation that he has not met. His sagacity and enter- prise, and moreover his untiring labor have brought to him a handsome competence, and the most envious can not grudge him his success, so honorably has it been acquired. Neither have his labors resulted alone to his individual benefit, for on account of the large amount of stock which
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he handles he has instituted a market for much of the grain raised in this locality and his trade relations with his fellowmen have been mutually profitable.
Mr. Durning was born in Kentucky March 4, 1842. His father, John Durning was a native of Pennsylvania, and during his boyhood days ac- companied his parents on their removal to Kentucky where he was reared to manhood and married to Miss Mary J. Maxwell. The latter died when her son, Porter, was a small boy. Mr. Durning afterward came to Kansas and spent his last days with the subject of this review, his death occurring about 1885.
David Porter Durning spent his early boyhood days under his father's roof, remaining at home until he was fourteen years of age, when the father suffered financial reverses and he started out to make his own way in the world. His educational privileges were very limited. He attended school for about a year, but other than this his mental discipline has been obtained in the hard school of experience. Reading, observation and practical work gave him a good knowledge which fitted him for the responsibilities of a business life. On leaving home lie went to Illinois in 1857 and there secured work by the month as a farm hand. He was thus employed until he had saved money enough to venture upon a new stage of life's journey, taking to himself a companion and helpmate,-Miss Mary J. Traughber,- their marriage being celebrated in the year 1865. The lady was born and reared in Illinois and for a few years after their marriage they resided in that State, but believing that there were better opportunities for young men in the districts farther west, Mr. Durning turned his face toward the setting sun and in 1871 arrived in Kansas, locating on the county line between Allen and Woodson counties. He made his home there for a number of years and improved the property, but gave the greater part of his time and attention to the buying and shipping of stock. After eight years he took up his abode in the city of Humboldt and has always continued his opera- tions as a live stock dealer. He entered into partnership with James Dayton and together they purchased and shipped stock for a number of years, when the business relations between them were dissolved, since which time Mr. Durning has been buying, feeding and shipping stock on his own account. His business has grown to very extensive proportions and he ships more stock from the Humboldt depots than any other man in the county, his shipments reaching as high as thirty-five carloads a month. His equipment and preparation for feeding and growing stock is unequaled in the State. He pays good prices to the farmers for their grain and his ex- tensive stock dealing interests have made Humboldt one of the best grain markets in Kansas. He is an excellent judge of horses, cattle and hogs and this enables him to make judicious purchases and profitable sales.
In his political views Mr. Durning is a stalwart Republican, but he has never sought or desired the emoluments of public office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs. He started out in life for himself a poor boy without capital. His environments were not particularly favor- able and he had no influential friends to aid him, but he placed his reliance
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in the more substantial qualities of diligence, energy, determination and honesty. The experience of men who are willing to work persistently and intelligently and wait calmly goes to prove that success may surely be attained during the ordinary lifetime, and no man, not cut off at an untimely age need work and wait in vain. Steadily has Mr. Durning increased his capital and his honorable business methods and unflagging industry have enabled him for many years to maintain a position among the wealthy business men of Allen County.
R ICHARD WARD-A native of the Empire State, Richard Ward was born in Westchester County in 1843. The Wards came originally from Holland to America, the family being established in New York in 1680. James Ward, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of West- chester County. Hezekiah Ward, the father of our subject, was also a native of Westchester County and was a farmer by occupation. He wedded Mary A. Cromwell, who was of English lineage. They became the parents of three sons who are still living: Clarence A. and Charles P., both younger than Richard, being still residents of the Empire State.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Richard Ward during his boyhood days. He assisted in the labors of field and meadow through the summer months and pursued his education through the winter season at the common schools. In 1864, on attaining his majority, he enlisted in the navy and was assigned to duty on the war ship Hetzel. He afterward served on the Granite and on the Mattabessett, his time being spent with the blockading forces at Plymouth, Albemarle Sound and Cape Hatteras, under Commander Febbager. Throughout his business career he has carried on agricultural pursuits and has gained a good living through his indefatigable industry.
In October, 1870, Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Naomi Earl, who is the only child of William Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Ward now have seven children, all of whom still call the old place home. These are: Hezekiah, Mary A., Fanny C., Jennie, Clarence A., William J. and Amelia. The year 1880 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Ward and his family in Allen County, and he has since been numbered among the enterprising agriculturists of Elin township, having a very comfortable home, which is surrounded by well tilled fields, whose neat and thrifty appearance indi- cates the careful supervision of the owner. As a citizen he takes a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his com- munity and gives a loyal support to all measures which he believes will contribute to the substantial upbuilding of the county and to its progress along intellectual, social and moral lines.
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C' HARLES F. HELLE-In Humboldt township is a well developed farm which is the property of Charles F. Helle, one of the most prosperous agriculturists of the county. He was born in Allen County, Indiana, on the 20th of November, 1843. His father, Frederick Helle, was a native of Prussia and in that country married Celatara Pence. With his young wife he sailed for America in 1841, and after a short time spent in New York continued his westward journey until he established his home in Allen County, Indiana. He was a passenger on the first canal boat that was ever taken through the Erie Canal. By trade he was a tanner and worked with General Grant at the tannery in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The friendship formed between them at that time continued throughout their remaining days. Mr. Helle was also an engineer and during the latter part of his life was employed in that capacity in the foundry of Stacy & Bouser, at Fort Wayne. He died in 1876 at the age of sixty-six years, and his wife passed away in 1870 at the age of fifty-five years. They were the parents of only two children, the daughter, Louisa Dolman, being now a resi- dent of Allen County, Indiana.
Charles F. Helle was the elder. Although his parents were natives of the fatherland he never learned the German language. He associated with boys who spoke the English tongne and has always been an American in thoughit, purpose and feeling. His time in youth was devoted to the studies of the school room and to different employments that would contri- bute to his livelihood. In Allen County, Indiana, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Amanda Bishop, the wedding being celebrated November 3, 1862. The lady was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and was afterward a resident of Ohio, but later moved to the Hoosier State. Unto them have been born seven children, namely: Charles F., who is engaged in the transfer business in Chicago; Lizzie, the wife of J. W. Wheatley, a resident of Iola; John, at home; Warren, who is also engaged in business in Chicago; Frank, who has business interests in Kansas City; George and Daisy, who are with their parents.
Thinking to find better opportunities in the west where there was not such great competition, Mr. Helle removed from Indiana to Allen County, Kansas, and purchased three hundred acres of land a mile and a half north of Humboldt. To his property he has added until now he has land aggre- gating seven hundred and fifty acres, a rich farming tract in this section of the State. He raises wheat, oats and corn on an extensive scale, and has large numbers of horses, mules, cattle and hogs, and everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance and modern in appointment. His residence occupies a commanding building site, standing on a bluff of the Neosho river in the midst of a beautiful grove of natural forest and cedar trees. In politics he is independent, voting for the man he regards as best qualified for the office. His business career has surely been a most success- ful one, due to his well directed, earnest and indefatigable efforts. He has made a good record as a business man and citizen, being at all times reliable and upright. His name is high on the roll of Allen County's most
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prosperous agriculturists. His code of morals is such as to impel him to a just consideration of the rights of all with whom he has been brought in contact and a conscientious observance of all the proprieties of life.
C LIVER H. STEWART-Although Mr. Stewart does not make his home in Allen County at the present time, he is one of the native sons of the county and has been prominently identified with her interests so that his history cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers. He occupies an enviable position in financial circles, not alone on account of his brilliant success but also on account of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. He is a man of energy, of keen per- ception, forms his plans readily, and is determined in their execution, brook- ing no obstacles that bar his path to success along the line of honorable effort.
Mr. Stewart was born in this county on the 6th day of November, 1861, a representative of one of the leading pioneer families, his parents having settled in what is now Allen County in May, 1856. He is the fourth son of Watson and Elizabeth Stewart and was reared and educated in Humboldt. In 1885, though a staunch Republican, he was appointed under the Democratic administration, Agent to the Mexican Kickapoo Indians under the control of the Sac and Fox Agency in the Indian Terri- tory and detailed as an expert accountant to the Sac and Fox Agency. He remained there for a year at which time he removed to Parsons, employed by W. L. Bartlett and Company of that city, large dealers in general merchandise, and subsequently became a member of that firm, where he continued for ten years, his labors and counsel proving import- ant factors in the successful conduct of the business. In 1897 he returned to Humboldt to assist in the settlement of the estate of the late Paul Fisher, and when that task was completed returned to Parsons, Kansas, assisting in the organization of The State Bank of Parsons, which was opened for business on the 7th day of November, A. D., 1899, with a paid up capital of $25,000, with Mr. Stewart as president of the institution. In 1900 The Savonburg State Bank with paid up capital of $6,000 was also organized and opened for business on the 23rd day of October, Mr. Stewart being also president of this institution. He gives both banks personal attention, and they are classified among the safe financial institutions of the State.
He and Mrs. Stewart own and operate upward of nine hundred acres of Allen County's most fertile soil, in high state of cultivation, finely in- proved, and carrying a considerable number of fine cattle.
On the 9th of May, 1887, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Stewart and Miss Katie Fisher, a daughter of Paul and Nancy E. Fisher, one of Allen County's native daughters. They have four sons: Lyman O., Ellsworth F., Harold E. and Paul F., aged respectively twelve, ten, five and one year. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have many warm friends in Allen
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County as well as in the city of their present residence. In his politica I affiliations he has always been a Republican. He has served as president of the Board of Education of the city of Parsons, and member of the City Council of the city of Humboldt. Fraternally he is connected with the Royal Arcanum. Both Mr. Stewart and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian church of Parsons.
B ERGEN S. SMITH, one of the prosperous business inen of Humboldt, was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, July 27, 1857. His father, Zachariah Smith, a native of the same state, was a farmer, until ill health compelled him to abandon the farm. He accordingly entered the merchant tailoring business, which he followed until his death in 1862. He was married to Miss Lydia A. Johnson, a native of New Jersey, and three children were born to them, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second. After the death of her husband Mrs. Smith was married to Mr. Nical Graham, and is still living.
Early in life our subject started out to face the realities of life. He first learned the printers trade and worked for four years in the office of the Hunterdon County Republican. This business did not offer the oppor- tunity that he wished and, in 1877, he came to Kansas City, Missouri, and after trying in vain to get a position that would aid him in his ambition he accepted a position with Bullene, Moore & Emery, (now Emery, Bird, Thayer & Co.), one of the large department stores of that city. This place he soon left for a better one with G. Y. Smith & Co., and two years later entered the wholesale house of Tootle, Hanna & Company, where he re- mained for five years. His careful attention to business and his natural aptitude for the work soon gained him the esteem and confidence of his employers and he was advanced rapidly. His work in Kansas City came at a time when real estate was advancing enormously in that city and Mr. Smith took advantage of the opportunity thus offered to invest his savings in that channel. As soon as his investment showed a fair profit he sold, and by this method succeeded in adding materially to his savings. In 1884 he formed a partnership with J. F. Cooper and together they estab- lished a clothing store at Cherryvale, Kansas. One year later Mr. Smith purchased the interest of his partner and moved the stock to Humboldt. Here he has built up a business second to none in the southwest. Carry- ing a large stock, carefully selected, a shrewd and judicious buyer, he has been able to attract trade from territory not strictly tributary to him. The years he spent with the large stores in Kansas City brought him an ex- perience that he has been able to turn to golden account in the conduct of his own business.
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