USA > Kansas > Woodson County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 87
USA > Kansas > Allen County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 87
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JOSHUA J. PUCKETT.
The prosperity of a county depends upon the aggregate industry of its individual citizens. Mr. Puckett is one who contributes his full share to the general activity, being a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of the community. He has been a resident of Southern Kan- sas for thirty years, but has made his home in Woodson County only
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HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
since 1879. Forty-live years, however, have elapsed since he arrived in the Sunflower state, years in which great changes have been wrought.
He is descended from Virginian ancestry. His grandfather, Lewis Puckett. was a native of the Old Dominion, and William Puckett, the father of our subjeet first opened his eyes to the light of day in the same- state, in 1820. After attaining his majority be removed to Kentucky, but was married in Virginia to Miss Louisa Corel, a daughter of William C'orel. a cabinet maker who spent his active life in the Old Dominion and died in JJackson County, Missouri. In the year 1854, William Puckett, ac- companied by his family came to Kansas, locating in Wyandotte County, where he remained until 1871 when he went to Wilson County. There he spent the residue of his days, passing away in 1886, when sixty-six years of age. His widow still survives him. She is the wife of A. J. Roe- and resides with the subject of this review. Her children, born of the first marriage. are: Henry, who was a member of the Twelfth Kansas Infantry and died in 1863, while loyally serving as a defender of the Union ; Joshua J .; John, who served in the Twenty-second Kansas. State Militia; Emeline, deceased wife of James Forbes; Rebecca, widow ot Joseph Williamson, of Woodson County; Charles J., who is living in Wilson County, Kansas; William C., of Woodson County; Oliver F., a resident of Woodson County; Sherman, who makes his home in the same county ; Lewis, of Allen County, and Louisa, who completes the family.
Joshua J. Puckett was born in Kentucky, June 20, 1845, and was therefore a lad of eleven years when the family came to Kansas-then a territory which was to play an important part in national affairs be- fore its admission to the Union. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period and pursued his education in the common : chools. He was seventeen years of age when he joined Company A, Twelfth Kansas Infantry, under Colonel Adams, and went to the front to do service for the Union cause. He was in the army for a year and participated in the movements of his regiment in Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas, taking part in the engagements of Prairie Grove, Lone Jack and Independence. Company A met the guerrillas under Quantrell on many occasions, and was on the north side of the Kaw river at Lawrence during the raid and massacre. He was wounded on Wea creek, Miami County. Kansas, being shot through the left leg, and this necessitated his retirement from the service. The duties that devolved upon him as a member of the Twelfth Kansas Infantry were faithfully and ably performed, and his record as a soldier is commendatory.
On the 7th of January, 1879, Mr. Puckett was married in Woodson County to Miss Phebe A. Taylor, a daughter of William R. Taylor, who came to Kansas from Tennessee. He married Sarah Hunter and they became the parents of seven children. Six children graced the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Puckett: Omega, Azalia, Curtis, Ransom, Alta and Jay, and the family circle yet remains unbroken. In ante bellum days the Pucketts
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WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS,
were adherents of the Whig cause and on the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks, but although Mr. Puckett of this review was not then a voter, he joined the party when he attained his majority, voting for A. Lincoln for his first vote, and has since been one of its advocates. He has served as treasurer of Belmont township, but does not aspire to political honor, preferring to devote his time to his business pursuits which bring him more satisfactory financial returns.
JOHN WORTH EAGLE.
JOHN W. EAGLE is one of the early settlers and farmers of Emi- nenee township. Woodson County, where he located in 1869, taking up his abode upon a farm on section 26, but for twenty-one years he has resided upon a valuable farm on seetion 30. of the same township, his country seat being one of the attractive and desirable farming properties in this portion of the state. He came to Kansas from Ashland County, Ohio, where he was born August 16, 1847. His paternal grandfather, Thomas Eagle, was a native of Southern Ohio and his people were from Virginia. They followed farming pursuits and were ordinarily success- ful. The family is of English lineage. the grandfather being a third cousin to old John Bull. John Eagle, the father of our subject, was also a native of Ashland County, Ohio, and died upon the farm where his birth occurred, being sixty-five years of age when called to his final rest.
John Eagle spent the greater part of his life in Ohio, but for ten years was a resident of California. He made his way to the Pacific coast in 1850 and during the succeeding decade was engaged in prospect- ing over the state. He married Jane Haughey, a daughter of Robert HJanghey, who was of German lineage. but the family was founded in America at a very early period in the development of this country and its representatives through many generations were identified with agri- cultural pursuits. Mrs. Eagle died at the home of her son, J. W., in 1899, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Her children were as follows: Robert F., who is now living in San Francisco, California ; Thomas, who makes his home in Topeka, Kansas; Martha. wife of W. M. Zimmerman. of Ashland County. now deceased; Mary E., who became the wife of L. Potter, and after his death married E. P. L. Dowe, now of Oklahoma ; and George B., who died while serving in the Union army.
The other member of the family is J. W. Eagle, whose name in- troduees this record. After acquiring a common school education he turned his attention to farming upon the old homestead and was thus en- yaged until twenty-one years of age when he started out in life on his own account. Boarding a westward-bound train he then came to Kansas, leaving the ears at Ottawa, whence he proceeded by wagon to Woodson County, arriving here in 1869. This was at an early period in the de-
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HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
velopment of the county when much of the land was in its primitive con- dition and the work of progress seemed scarcely begun. Mr. Eagle se- eured a tract of railroad land which he improved somewhat and then sold, after which he purchased the farm belonging to his brother. Robert F., and has sinee made the Eagle Gap farm one of the finest in this por- tion of the county. Ile owns one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 19, Eminenee township and one hundred and thirty-five aeres on section 30.
In April, 1868, occurred the marriage of Mr. Eagle and Miss Matilda Maurer, a daughter of George Maurer, who died in the Federal army during the war of the Rebellion. Her people resided at one time in Ohio, but came from Pennsylvania-German stock. Mrs. Eagle was born in ash- land County, Ohio, in 1852, and by her marriage became the mother of three children : Jennie, now the wife of David Hall, of Woodson County ; Albert. of the same county and Cyrus P. In the early days the members of the Eagle family were Demoerats, but the present generation re- pounce the political faith of their forefathers and Mr. Eagle of this re- view has throughont his entire life been a stauneh Republiean. He has never sought office but has given his attention to his farm work and now
1 " .rhle property.
WILLIS P. DICKERSON.
WILLIS PAINTER DICKERSON. a well known business man of Toronto, occupying the position of eashier in the Toronto bank, has been a resident of Woodson County since 1876. His father was John M. Dickerson, who served as quartermaster of the State Soldiers' Home at Dodge City, Kansas. He was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1839, and was reared in that eounty and in Franklin County of his native state. He was a miller's son. his father being Thomas Dickerson who. throughont his life, devoted his energies to the milling business. John N. Dickerson was the second ebild in his family. At the time of the Civil war the father of our subjeet responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in the One Hundred and Thirty-third Ohio Volunteer in- fantry, in which he held the rank of lientenant. Before the expiration of his term he was honorably discharged on account of disability, but to- ward the close of the war he re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninty- First Ohio Volunteer infantry and manifested his loyalty to the govern- ment by faithful service in the south. Several lines of business have elaimed his attention. He has followed farming, milling and merchan- dizing. In 1870 he came to Kansas and located two miles west of Carlyle where he resided until 1876 when he came with his family to Woodson County. For two years he eondueted a grocery in Toronto and on the expiration of that period he accepted the position of quartermaster in
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WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
the State Soldiers' Home at Dodge City, Kansas. Mr. Dickerson was married in Franklin County, Ohio, in 1859, to Miss Sarah E. Painter, a daughter of Willis Painter, and grand-daughter of Samuel Painter Sr., who was one of the pioneer settlers of the Buckeye state, removing from Virginia to Ohio. The children of John M. and Sarah E. Diekerson are as follows: Willis of this review: Hiram T., who is living in Toronto; Thomas J., also of Toronto; Leah J., the wife of E. C. Snyder, of Cen- terville, Kansas, and Mamie, the wife of E. W. Harris also of Center- ville.
In taking up the history of Willis Painter Dickerson we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Woodson County, where he has spent the greater part of his life. He was born November 7, 1861, and in 1876, when fourteen years of age, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Kansas, the family lo- eating in Toronto township, where he remained until 1880. He pursued his education in the schools of Ohio, then in Allen and Woodson Counties this state, also spending a few months in the Kansas University. It was his intention to pursue the entire course. but circumstances prevented his carrying out the plan. He then turned his attention to business and his first independent venture was teaching. He followed that profession for six years in Woodson County and was known as a most capable educator, having the ability to impart readily to others his knowledge of the studies pursued in the public schools. For two years he was proprietor of the Toronto Register, which has since been merged into the Toronto Republi- can. He established the former paper and made of it a ereditable jour- nal, winning a liberal and well deserved patronage. His fellow towns- men recognizing his worth and ability, and his fidelity to the duties of citizenship, elected him to the office of the clerk of the district court of Woodson County in the year 1888, and he served for two terms. In 1892 he ambarked in the banking business and is now eashier of the To- ronto Bank, the success of which is due in no small degree to his enter- prising efforts, his keen discernment and his sound judgment. He also owns the Toronto Rolling Mills and is interested in the Toronto Gas & Mining Company, of which he is treasurer and director.
On the 25th. of September, 1886, Mr. Diekerson was united in mar- riage in Toronto, Kansas, to Miss Kate L. Lockard, a daughter of Martin B. Lockard, of Fort Scott, Kansas. They now have three children : Freda, Nellie E. and Howard W. Socially Mr. Dickerson is a master Mason and is held in high esteem by his brethren of the fraternity. In polities he is a Republican. but the honors and emoluments of publie of- fice have had no attraction for him, his support being given to the party because he believes in its principles and not because he hopes for official reward. His advancement in the business world is due to his own ef- forts. for a determined purpose, energy and keen discernment have enabled him to work his way steadily npward.
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HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
JOHN T. BAYER.
JOHN T. BAYER has spent almost his entire life in Woodson County. He was born in New York city, on the 21st. of July, 1865, a son of John H. and Dorothea (Teleke) Bayer. The father was born in Han- over, Germany, in April, 1836. and in 1850, when fourteen years of age, crossed the briny deep to the United States, locating first in New York. He afterward spent one year in South Carolina and subsequently resided in Connecticut, but finally returned to New York city, where he engaged il: the butchering business. Success attended his efforts there, for when he returned to the metropolis his capital consisted of only four dollars and when he came from the Empire state to Kansas he brought with him a sum of money sufficient to enable him to purchase a good farm in Owl Creek township ,where he has since made his home, being now recog- nized as one of the thrifty farmers and enterprising citizens of the com- munity. His wife is also a native of Germany. her birth place being in the province of Hanover. Unto them have been born four children, as follows: Frederick H .: John T .; Rebecca E., widow of William H. Lep- mann and a resident of Santa Anna, California, and Gusta H., wife of W. H. Stockebrand.
Brought to Woodson County during his infancy, Mr. Baver has throughout his entire life been identified with agricultural pursuits here. He assisted in the work of the farm when not attending school, his educa- tion being acquired in the district schools near his home and in the Fort Scott Normal. He remained at home until twenty-eight years of age, and then completed his arrangements for a home of his own by his marriage 19 Miss Carrie J. Shotts, a daughter of D. T. Shotts. of Owl Creek town- ship, Woodson County. The wedding was celebrated on the 14th. of June, 1893, and their home has been blessed with the presence of three children : Theodore L. and Frederick H., twins, and Dorothy. The little ones add life and sunshine to the household and contribute much to the happiness of the parents. Like his father Mr. Bayer is a stalwart Republican, having supported the party since casting his first presiden- tial vote for Benjamin Harrison in 1888. For a period of six years he has served as clerk of the school board, and is a warm friend of educa- tion, doing what he can for the advancement of the schools. He is a man of diligence. not afraid of work, and has found that industry is the essen- tial basis of all success.
LEVI ROBBINS.
LEVI ROBBINS is one of the most extensive landowners in Wood- son County, his realty holdings comprising twenty-three hundred acres. He has made very judicious investments of the capital which he has ac- quired through his own efforts, and his broad fields are now the visible
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WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
and substantial evidence of a useful, active and honorable career.
Mr. Robbins eame to Kansas in April, 1870, from Porter County, Indiana, where his birth occurred on the 31st. of March, 1848. His father, S. P. Robbins, was a farmer by occupation and removed from Chio to the Hoosier state and from Massachusetts to Ohio. He became one of the leading and influential citizens of Porter County, Indiana, was recognized as a leader in public affairs, and for many years served as county commissioner. His opinions carried weight in publie councils and his efforts contributed in no small measure to the growth and ad- vancement of the community in which he resided. He was single when he went to Indiana, and there, in 1835, he married Caroline Coe, a na- tive of Ohio, whose father was from Connectient. Thus she was, like her husband. a representative of an old New England family, his ancestors having come from old England to America prior to the war of the Rev- olution. Mr. Robbins died in 1889. at the age of eighty years, and his wife died in Indiana. October 19. 1898, at the age of eighty-three. Their children were: Amos, who died in Indiana: Levi: Jantes B., who also died in the Hoosier state; Lewis H., of Porter County, Indiana, and Joseph D .. of Mills County, Iowa.
Levi Robbins secured a common school education in the neighbor- hood of his boyhood's home and received practical training in the work of the farm. About the time he attained his majority the father turned over to his sons the care of the home farm and he became an active factor in its management and operation. Believing that he would have better opportunities in the west he came to Kansas in April. 1870, mak- ing the journey westward by rail, and after reaching Woodson County he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land on section four. town- ship twenty-six, range sixteen. With characteristic energy he began the development of his farm and soon wrought a great ehange in its appear- anee, its wild lands being transformed into richly cultivated fields. Soon the golden grain filled his barns and sheds and the sales of his products annually inereased his financial resources. He then made other pur- chases, judiciousły investing his capital in farm property until he is now one of the most extensive land owners of southeastern Kansas. He re- sided at his first location until January, 1900, when he removed to his present home on section eighteen. erceting here a handsome residence- one of the most modern in the township, supplied with all the latest im- provements and equipments that add to the comfort and enjoyment of life. Throughout the years of his residence in the county he has en- gaged in the raising, feeding and shipment of stock, and in his pastures are found the best grades of cattle, horses and hogs. All this is but an indication of the unflagging industry which has ever been numbered among his strongest characteristics.
On the 10th. of December. 1873, in Woodson County, was celebrated the marriage which united the destinies of Mr. Robbins and Miss Mary
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HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
Scott. a daughter of Elijah Scott, of Missouri. Seven children grace their union : Lillian, Charles D., James C., Frank, Jesse, Pleasant and Riley. The family have a wide acquaintance in the county, and the members of the household occupy an enviable position in the social circles in which they move. Mr. Robbins was reared in the faith of the Republi- ean party. His grandfather was one of the officers of the underground railroad in ante bellum days and with the organization of the party the' Robbins became its supporters. The mature judgment of our subject has sanctioned its policy and principles and thus his ballot is cast for its can- didates. Such in brief is the life history of one of the popular citizens and successful farmers of Eminence township-a splendid financier of excellent executive ability and marked enterprise combined with excel -. lent business judgment. He has practically turned over the manage- ment of the old home farm of 1,600 acres to the three oldest sons who are rapidly acquiring a reputation as successful farmers and business men and who enjoy a financial reputation second to none in the county.
JOHN EISENBART.
A great transformation in appearances, conditions and improve- ments has been made in Woodson County since John Eisenbart took up his abode within its borders to become identified with its agricultural in- terests, which yet claim his attention. He was born in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, May 2. 1850, a son of Mathias and Eve (Pahlen) Eisen- bart, both of whom are now deceased. They were of German birth and the father was a coal miner. They had four children, but only two are now living: John and Margaret, the latter now the wife of Peter Kauff- man, of Humboldt.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Eisenbart of this review has been familiar with the work of the farm. His educational privileges were limited and his youth was largely a period of toil. In 1856 he left Penn- sylvania and spent one year near Kankakee, Illinois. In 1858 he joined a small company en route for Kansas and was reared upon the Moerer place in Everett township, working in the fields and meadows from the time of early spring planting until the harvests were garnered in the late autumn. He chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Helena Koppers, a daughter of Henry Koppers Sr. and Johanna Franken. Her father was born in the Rhenish province of the Kingdom of Prussia in Europe, and in 1872 became a resident of Kan- sas, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1897, at the age of eighty-two years His children are: Mrs. Eisenbart: Mrs. Her- man Tholen, of Humboldt, Kansas; Mrs. B. H. Achter, of Humboldt; Anton, also of Humbolt; Minnie. of Yates Center; John, of Woodson County; Henry and Martha.
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WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
"The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Eisenbart was celebrated April 18. 1875, and they began their domestic life upon their present farm on sec- tion ten, Owl Creek township, where he secured a homestead claim of eighty acres. Later he purchased an additional traet of one hundred and sixty acres and has developed a very fine farm, improved with all modern accessories and conveniences. All the buildings and accessories upon the place stand there as monuments of his labor and his enterprise. The first home was a rude house built of native lumber, and snakes sometimes made it their hiding place and toads their rendezvous, but such conditions have long since been done away with and the farm is now one of the most attractive and desirable in this part of the county.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eisenbart have been born nine children: Mary, now the wife of Will O'Donnell. of Woodson County ; Henry, John, Will, Johanna. Elizabeth, Albert. Clara and Edward, all of whom are still with their parents. From the time he attained his majority down to the present Mr. Eisenbart has been a supporter of the Democracy and has served as a member of the school board, although he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He feels jnstly proud of the changes that have been wrought in the county since his arrival, the great strides of civilization and the onward march of progress, placing the county on a par with any in this great commonwealth. He might also well feel proud of the advancement he has made, having worked his way upward from a humble financial position to a place among the sustantial and well-to-do agriculturists of the community.
WALTER J. AGNEW.
WALTER J. AGNEW is a young man of enterprising spirit. pro- gressive, energetic and wide-awake to possibilities in business and to the opportunities of life in general. He is numbered among the native sons of Kansas and is a representative of one of the leading families of this portion of the state. He was born in Anderson County, November 8. 1866. and is a son of the late honored citizen of Center township. Wood- son County-William Agnew-who was born in County Down, Ireland, near the city of Belfast, February $9. 1832. At the age of twelve years he was left an orphan. In his father's family there were six children. of whom the surviving members are: Joseph, a resident of Rice County, Kansas : Mary, widow of Fred Brown. of Montreal. Canada, and Jennie. who is living in Glasgow, Scotland. After the death of his parents Wil- liam Agnew resided with a Mr. Moffett, his maternal uncle, until six- teen years of age. when he resolved to try his fortune in America. He chine alone to this country and during his early residence in the United States remained in New York. He afterward became a farm hand in Pennsylvania and later in Ohio and thus he acquired a start in life.
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HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
gaining the nucleus of the handsome competence which he afterward ac> quired.
Upon his return to America after a visit to the Emerald Isle in 185 -- ,. Mr. Agiew at once came to Kansas, locating at Garnett, Anderson County. Not long afterward he was followed by the lady whom he wedded -Miss Mary Jane Gregg-and after their marriage they settled upon a homestead claim in that county, Mr. Agnew giving his attention t. the improvement of his property and the cultivation of his fields until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of Company G, Twelfth Kansas in -- fantry. His command : erved in Arkansas and Missouri and he remained in the army for three and a half years loyally aiding his adopted coun- try in her struggle to preserve the Union. He was mostly engaged in guard duty but participated in a number of skirmishes and minor engage- ments. When ho: tilities had ceased and the country no longer needed his aid he received an honorable discharge and returned to his home in Anderson County. where he continued his farming operations until 1871, when he removed to Franklin County. In 1873 he came to Woodson County and purchased a quarter section of land on Owl creek. The land' was in its primitive condition as shaped by the hand of nature, and with huis usual energy and resolute purpose he began the development and im- provement of the fields, which he transformed into rich tracts. At the time of his death he had made the farm one of the most productive and attractive in this part of the state.
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