USA > Kansas > Woodson County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 77
USA > Kansas > Allen County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 77
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Henry Old, the eldest of the living children, came with his parents to Kansas in 1882 and attended the common school until qualified for teach- ing, when he became a representative of that profession which he followed for nine years in Woodson county. He always attended the county in- stitutes and thus kept in touch with the progress continually being made in that line of work. He also served for two years on the examining board of the county. It was at one time his intention to enter the medical fraternity, and with this end in view he studied medicine for three years under the direction of Dr. Kellenberger, of Yates Center, but this work did not prove as congenial as he had anticipated and accordingly he abandoned ¡ nd turned his attention to merchandising.
With the money which he had saved from his wages as a teacher he purchased a stock of goods and as a member of the firm of Randall & Old he became connected with mercantile pursuits, opening a store in Burt in 1899. Their store is the only one in that locality and they draw a trade from miles around. They carry a well selected general stock valued at two thousand dollars and their annual sales amount to ten thousand dollars. Their success has exceeded their expectations and is an indication of their courteous treatment of their patrons, their straight-forward dealing and their earnest desire to please.
On the 23d of May, 1900, Mr. Old led to the marriage altar Miss Ellen B. Randall, who was born in Cowley county, Kansas. The young couple have many warm friends in the community and are held in high es- teem by all who know them. His force of character, strong individuality and steadfastness of purpose have already won for Mr. Old a desirable posi- tion in commercial circles and will undoubtedly bring him still greater suc- cess.
REUBEN JONES.
Athough one of the more recent arrivals among the farmers and stock raisers of Woodson county, Reuben Jones has the enterprising and
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progressive spirit of the west and has been accorded a place among the representative agriculturists. He was born near Jefferson City, Missouri. February 2, 1848. His father, Thomas Jones, was a native of Massachu- setts and as his father died when Thomas was only twelve years of age the latter had to make his own way in the world and finlly drifted to Ohio, where he formed the acquaintance of Miss Jane E. Fuller. In due course of time they were married. and in 1851 removed to Grundy county, Illinois, where they went to Livingston county. that state. The year 1884 witnessed their arrival in Kansas, their home being near Iola, in Allen county, where the mother of our subject passed away in 1888, the father surviving until 1891, when he to departed this life. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are yet living: Reuben ; Asa, who makes his home in the city of Oklahoma. and Mrs. da Miler, of La Harpe, Kas.
Reuben Jones was reared to farm life in Illinois and there pursued a common school education. As is usual with young men starting out in busi- ness life he sought a companion and helpmate for the journey and was united in marriage to Miss Anna Fisher, a native of New Jersey. They continued to reside in Illinois until 1892 when they came to the Sunflower state, settling in Toronto township, Woodson county, eight miles north of the town of Toronto, where Mr. Jones purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, but since that time he has extended the boundaries of his place until it now comprises four hundred acres, constituting some of the hest farming land of the county. bordering the Brazle creek. Here he is engaged in the raising of crops and stock and now has about eighty head of cattle and one hundred hogs, producing about that number annually. He feeds all of his corn and hay and keeps his stock in excellent condition, markets it himself and therefore receives the highest prices paid.
In his work Mr. Jones has had able assistance from his sons. Thomas E., the eldest, is now in the employ of the Santa Fe Railroad company, at Quincy, Kans .; George F., operates a farm near the old homestead: and Asa is married and assists in the operation of the home farm. Mr. Jones is a memer of the Odd Fellows society. at Quincy, Kans .: and also belongs 10 Woodson lodge No. 121. F. & A. M., at Toronto. Political preferment bas had no attraction for him, yet he was elected and served for one term as justice of the peace. Business cares engross his attention, the work of the farm being under his immediate supervision and indicating the careful direction of an enterprising and progressive owner by its splendid returns. Everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance, the improve- ments being in keeping with modern progress and advancement, and the position which the owner occupies in agricultural cireles is commendable and enviable.
COL. WILLIAM L. PARSONS.
The office of probate judge in Woodson county is filled by William
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L. Parsons, a man whom his fellow-townsmen recognize as worthy of the public trust and confidence. for in all life's relations he is found true to duty, and his ability also well qualifies him for the position. He came to the county in December, 1871, and therefore through a period of thirty years has been connected with its interests, much of the time being a prominent representative of its industrial concerns.
Mr. Parsons has had a somewhat eventful carcer but through the vicissitudes of life has persevered in a persistent purpose. He was born on Long Island, New York. April 30, 1833. a son of William Parsons, of East Hampton, a sea captain who died on Long Island, leaving two sons and two daughters. In the place of his nativity our subject grew to man- hood. no event of special importance occurring to vary the usual routine of life for boys of that period. He was educated in the public schools and Clinton Academy and remained on Long Island until twenty-five years cí age, when he sought the broader business opportunities of the new and growing west. removing to Racine, Wisconsin, in 1858. There he was engaged in merchandising at the time of the outbreak of the Rebellion in the south, and, putting aside all personal considerations, with patriotic spirit he volunteered for service at the front. enlisting in Company F, Second Wisconsin infantry, with which he remained for three years and eight months. He was in the First Division of the First Army Corps and participated in the battle of Bull Run and in many other engagements, his service ending with the Grant campaign. He was wounded at South Mountain, again at Gettysburg and a third time in the battle of the Wilderness, where he was left on the field for dead, but was afterward picked up by the Rebels and sent to Macon, Georgia. Later he was trans- ferred to Charleston and subsequently to Columbia, South Carolina. His brigade was known as the Iron Brigade-a name which indicates the character of the soldiers, who stood with almost unbending strength before the rain of shot and shell that came against them in many a battle. Mr. Parsons was a brave and loyal soldier, always found at his post of duty. and from the ranks he was continually promoted, in recognition of his meritorious service. until he won the title of colonel but fought only as major.
After returning from the army Colonel Parsons conducted an elevator for a railroad company at Savannah, Illinois, and was later connected with the internal revenue service as inspector. He went to Chicago, where he was later engaged in handling vessel supplies and dealing in groceries on Sonth Water street. There he continued operation until the big fire of October. 1891, when he lost all that he had saved. his store being in the burned district. He then resolved to retrieve his lost possessions in the west and accordingly, in December. of that year ,he arrived in Woodson county, where he has since made his home. Locating in Neosho Falls in the spring of 1872 he purchased an interest in the milling business of the firm of Covert & Cozine and finally became sole owner of the plant. He later
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erected a new plant on the old site and successfully carried on the enter- prise under the name of the Neosho Falls Fuoring Mills until 1898, when he retired from active business life.
In Newwho Falls. in 1877, Colonel Parsons was united in marriage to Miss Jennie E. Holloway, a sister of the late I. N. Holloway, of Yates C'enter. Two children were born to them, William Sherrill, whose bright young life on earth ended in April 1900. The daughter Anna Esther, is now the wife of Dr. O. B. Trusler, of Yates Center.
Since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont the colonel has been a stalwart advocate of the Republican party and, like every true American citizen should do, keeps well informed on the issues of the day and is thus able to support his position by intelligent argument. In 1898 he was elected probate judge and filled the position so acceptably for two years that he was re-elected in 1900 for a second term. Ere leav- ing Long Island he was made a Mason and is now a member of the chapter o" Yates Center. Various business interests have claimed his attention and at all times he has been found enterprising, energetic and notably reliable ; his patriotism has been tested on the battlefields of the greatest war which the world has known; his friendship is ever found tried and true ; and now in publie office he is giving evidence of conscientious and faithful serivee and thereby winning the commendation of all concerned.
DAVID GAILEY.
DAVID GAILEY, whose identification with the interests of Wood- son county dates from March, 1870, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in September 1842. His father, James Gailey, was a native of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and was descended from Pennsylvania-German ancestry. In the place of his nativity he married Hannah Hunter, and prior to the Civil war removed to Delaware county, Ohio, where he re- sided until 1867. He then continued his westward journey to Johnson county, Missouri, which was his place of abode until 1870, when he came to Woodson county. He first resided at Chellis, Kansas, then at Kalida and afterward at Yates Center, where he died in the spring of 1890, at the age of eighty-five years. He was a venerable, honorable and respected citizen, who throughout his entire business career had followed the occu- pation of farming. He voted with the Republican party but took no active part in politics. His wife died during their residence in Delaware county, Ohio. They had several children but our subject is the only one now liv- ing. John Gailey, the eldest son, who was a member of the Ffteenth United States regulars, served in the Civil war, was captured at Stone river and died eleven months later in Andersonville prison ; William, who was a member of the Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer infantry. died in Co- lambus, Ohio; David is the next of the family; James was a resident of
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Anderson county, Kansas ; Samuel made his home in North Dakota : George lived in Delaware county, Ohio: Mary is the deceased wife of Austin Oldan ; Eliza resides in the state of Washington; Angeline became the wife cf N. E. Cor, of Missouri. and Anna died in childhood.
David Gailey was reared upon the home farm and received but meager educational privileges. He attended the district schools to some extent and for one year was a student in a select school in Berkshire, Delaware county, Ohio, but the greater part of his time was given to the labors of the fclds. His work, however, was interrupted by his military service for when the south attempted the destruction of the Union he enlisted under the Stars and Stripes, becoming a member of the Fifteenth United States regulars, at Columbus, 1861. He was in the army of the Cumberland. with the Fourteenth corps, and the first battle in which he participated was at Shiloh. He afterward took part in the engagements at Corinth, Perry- ville and Stone River, and about that time was taken ill and was not again in active duty. He had enlisted for three years hut on account of disability received an honorable discharge and returned to his home. However, he re-enlisted for six months service in the Fifth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry and afterward in the Eighty-eighth regiment of Ohio for one year, serving with the latter command until the elose of the war. He was a private and passed through all the hardships and rigors of war, but was ever found at his post of duty, faithfully defending the Old Flag.
When the war was over Mr. Gailey returned to his home in Ohio and resumed farming. He accompanied his father on his various removals, re- m:aining with him until his death. After coming to Woodson eounty he was here married. on Christmas day of 1871, to Miss Lneinda Gephard. a daughter of Joseph Gephard, a native of Pennsylvania and farmer by occupation. He married Sevilla Miller, also a native of the Keystone state, and unto them have been born the following named: Mrs. Gailey ; Mary, wife of Thomas Wilson, of Eureka. California; Franklin, of Yates Center ; Joseph and William, also of Yates Center; Samuel, of Eureka, California, and Emma, wife of Edward Gibbons, of Sioux City. Iowa.
In his political affiliations Mr. Gailey has been a stalwart Republican since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, in 1864. As a eitizen he manifests a publie-spirited interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community in which he resides and is as true and loyal do his country to-day as when his patriotism was manifest on southern bat- tiefields.
HIRAM E. BRADFORD.
One of the well known and prosperous farmers of Perry township. Woodson county is H. E. Bradford, who first came to Kansas in 1866 and whose residence in this county covers a period of twenty-three years. He
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was born in Switzerland county, Indiana. November 12, 1843, and is a representative of an old New England family. His grandfather, Hosea Bradford. was a native of that portion of the country and was one of two brothers who sought homes in the middle west, the other being Joel Brad- ford, who located in Switzerland county, Indiana. Hosea Bradford mar- ried Hannah Dustin, a nieee of the Mrs. Dustin, of New England, who was carried off by the Indians and afterward killed eleven of her captors and made her eseape. Mr. and Mrs. Bradford resided for a time in Canada and then removed to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where the grand- father of our subjeet followed farming. Lester Bradford, the father of our subjeet was born in Canada and was but a small boy when his parents be- came residents of Ohio. He was reared to farm life and throughont his active business career carried on the work of tilling the soil. He was at one time a resident of Switzerland county. Indiana, but afterward re- turned to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and his last days were passed in Wood- son county, at the home of his son, Hiram E., where he died in August. 1898, at the age of eighty-nine years. His wife bore the maiden name of Elvira Thayer and died in 1848, leaving the following named: Elbert N .. now a resident of Douglas county. Oregon : Julia, deceased wife of Dr. Norman Wright, of Cuyahoga county. Ohio; Lodicy, deceased wife of Aseph Sabin, and Hiram Elliott.
The last named spent his boyhood days at Olmstead, Ohio. and there became familiar with farm work. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Union army for service in the Civil war, as a member of company B. One Hundred and third Ohio infantry, and was mustered in at Covington. Kentucky, where he remained until the summer of 1863, when his regi- ment joined General Burnsides' army for an invasion of eastern Tennessee. He met the Rebels n the skirmish line near Covington before he was regularly mustered in, but the first regular engagement in which he partie- ipated was on the Atlanta campaign. The most serious loss which the regi- ment sustained was at Resaca. where about one third of the number was killed or wounded. Mr. Bradford was with the forward movement until the fall of Atlanta, when the One Hundred and Third turned back with General Schofield to Franklin. Tennessee, where one of the bloodiest battles of the war was fought. This was followed by the battle of Nashville and of Clifton, and then. they proceeded in pursuit of General Hood. Later Mr. Bradford with his command was ordered to Fort Fisher, North Caro- 1.na. and subsequently went across the state to Goldshoro where they joined Sherman and saw the last serviee of the war. The regiment was then sent to Newberne and took boat to Baltimore where they boarded a train for Cleveland, where he received an honorable discharge. after having served for two years and ten months.
On the elose of his military experienee he went to Indiana but after a brief period eame to Kansas, here remaining until 1874 when he re- turned to Cuyahoga county, Ohio. There he passed the succeeding four
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years and in 1878 located permanently in this state. The following year" he took up his abode in Woodson county and now makes his home on the northwest quarter of section twenty, township twenty-six, range seventeen where he is carrying on farming operations, the well tilled fields giving promise of abundant harvests.
On the 25th of February, 1871, Mr. Bradford married Irena Bartlett, a daughter of James and Nancy (Shannon) Bartlett. Their marriage has been ble sed with three children: Walter L .; Elvira M., a teacher in the public schools of Woodson county. and ElbertE. The sons assist their father in the operation of the home farm. Mr. Bradford is well known for his Republican principles and the hearty endorsement which he gives to the men and measures of the party. He has held the office of justice of the peace and at the present writing is treasurer of Perry township, in vlich office he has discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. He belongs to the United Brethren church and is one of the reliable and valued citizens of the community.
CHRISTIAN STANGE.
CHRISTIAN STANGE has been a resident of Woodson county since he was eleven years of age, and he has now passed the fiftieth milestone on hfe's journey. He came thither with his father, Christian Stange, Sr., an bonored pioneer who located in southeastern Kansas in 1858. He made his way to the Sunflower state from Hanover. Germany, where occurred the birth of his son Christian, on the 5th of September, 1847. The latter spent his first decade in his native country ,and at the age of eleven came with his parents to the New World. He was reared on the home farm on Cherry creek, in Everett township, Woodson county. and worked in the fields and meadows from early youth, gaining practical experience in the labors of the farm so that he was well equipped to carry on farming on his own account when he began business life for himself.
In January, 1876. in Everett township. Mr. Stange was united in marriage to Miss Louise Sieker, a daughter of William Sieker, who resided in Lippe-Detmold, Germany. One of her brothers, August Sieker, is a resi- dent of Woodson County. Mrs. Stange came to Woodson County in 1875, so that she has been a resident of this portion of the state for more than two decades. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children, namely : Mary, Annie, Lizzie and Martha, and the family circle yet re- mains unbroken.
At the same time of his marriage Mr. Stange took up his abode upon a farm in Everett township, where he resided until 1884, when he pur- chased the southwest quarter of section thirty-three, township twenty-five, range seventeen. Here he has since carried on farming, meeting with
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signal success in his undertakings for his farming methods are progres- sive-calculated to produce the best results. In their religious faith, Mr. "Stange and his family are Lutherans, and in his political views he is a Republican, his ballot being cast for the men and measures of the Grand Old Party.
JOHN H. WALTERS.
JOHN H. WALTERS, who has been actively identified with the devel- opment of the west and who is familiar with all the experiences of the pio- neer on the plains, was born in the Province of Luebeck, Kingdom of Hano- ver. Germany in 1849 and with his parents came to America in 1853, set- tling in Cincinnati. O. He is a son of John H. and Elizabeth Wilmer- ing Woltermann. They were the parents of five children, of whom our subject was the fourth in order of birth. He remained with his parents until thirteen years of age and then left home to make his own way in the world. He has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources. and certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished.
Mr. Walters remained in Cincinnati where he worked at anything that he could get to do until he had an opportunity of learing a trade. When the chance came he began learning the business of manufacturing trunks and followed that pursuit until the latter part of the Civil war. In 1864. although only fifteen years of age he became connected with the army, join- ing the Fourth United States Cavalry as a clerk for the sutler of that regiment with whom he remained until the close of the war. He then hired as a messenger to the quartermaster at Nashville. Tenn., acting in that Capacity until affairs were all adjusted in that locality. During the Wilson raid he took the place of soldier, carrying a musket and saw some arduous service. On the road between Earlton and Montgomery he was captured and held for days, on the expiration of which time he succeeded in making his escape, working his way back to the regiment.
When the war was over Mr. Walters returned to Ohio and four months later he accompanied some land dealers to Missouri where he engaged with Owen, Fisher & Company, proprietors of the stage line, working as a utility man. performing any service required by the company. He was frequently sent from place to place on various kinds of business. After working for a year for the stage company he went to Leavenworth, Kas., and herded the town cattle. In the fall of 1869 he volunteered to go West to fight the Indians under General Carr, as a teamster for the Seventh United States Cavalry. He drove the mess wagon for Company S. and remained on that expedition for six months. after which he returned to Leavenworth and again engaged in herding cattle through the summer. In 1870 he went to the southern state line and secured a claim in the new strip of land opened at that time for settlement. After eleven months,
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however, he sold that property and came to Woodson County, where he- purchased a claim upon which he resided for seventeen years with the exception of two years at Fort Scott, making good improvements upon the place. In 1890 he disposed of that property and purchased his present farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of good land. The farm is. situated a mile and three quarters northwest of Vernon, and he has a very pleasant home. surrounded with a nice grove of maples. All the modern equipments and conveniences are found upon the place, and the neat and thrifty appearance indicates the careful supervision of a pro- gressive owner. He keeps on hand about thirty head of cattle and raises good erops, feeding most of his corn to his stock.
On the 14th of October. 1877. Mr. Walters was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Jane Withers, a native of Illinois, a daughter of William and Eliza ( Rich) Withers, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Ohio. They came to Kansas in 1871, when Mrs. Walters was thirteen years of age. and the father died in 1894, at the age of sixty-three years while the mother is still living in Yates Center, at the age of sixty-one. Of their children six sons and six daughters yet survive. Unto Mr. and. Mrs. Walters have been born ten children. nine of whom are living: Frank, Fred, Ralph, Arthur, John, Jennie Edward, Ellen and Stanley. In his political views Mr. Walters is a Republican and has filled the office' of justice of the peace in Everett township, but has never been an aspirant for the honors and emoluments of public office, preferring to devote his time to his agricultural interests for the benefit of his family. Starting out in life a penniless boy at the age of thirteen he now stands among the' substantial agriculturists of Woodson County, the possessor of a confort- able competence and rich in the possession of the warm regard of many friends.
D. R. INGE.
Work is the common lot of all and the majority of men devote their energies to some line of activity in business, yet many are the records of failures. The secret of this is found in a few causes, a lack of energy, of resolution, of persistent purpose and of practical common sense. These are the elements which contribute to prosperity and they are the salient features in the business career of D. R. Inge, making him one of the sub- stantial citizens of Woodson County.
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