USA > Kansas > Woodson County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 93
USA > Kansas > Allen County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 93
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The subject of this review was only a year old when taken by his parents to Illinois, and with them he remained until they there were called to the home beyond. He was reared amid the scenes of rural life, spending his time in mastering the branches of English learning taught in the com- mon schools or in' working in the fields. On the 16th. of February, 1871, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Sarah R. Parsell, who was born in New Jersey, on the 17th. of January, 1850, her parents being Peter and Eliza- beth M. ( Smalley) Parsell, both natives of New Jersey. In 1864 they re- moved to Illinois. where the father followed the occupation of farming until his death, which occurred in 1890, when he was sixty-five years of age. His widow still survives him at the age of seventy-four. and is now living in Jerseyville. Illinois. Their family numbered nine children, as follows: Margaret S. : Sarah R. ; Isaac S .; Jeremiah ; James S. ; Sophia S .. wife of James Nugent, and Peter R., all in Illinois ; John R., of St. Louis, Missouri ; Oliver P., of Jerseyville. Illinois, and Margaret S. The first named became the wife of Thomas Herdman, but both died in Neosho Falls, his death oc- eurring December 3, 1880, and her death March 23, 1900.
The year 1879 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Spencer in the Sunflower state. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Liberty town- ship, Woodson County, on which he now resides, the farm being con- veniently located four miles directly north of Yates Center. He has wrought a great transformation in his land, making many excellent im- provements thereon, and the boundaries of the farm he has extended until it now comprises three hundred and twenty acres. His attractive residence stands in the midst of a nice grove of evergreen and forest trees, and in the
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rear is a good barn and other substantial outbuildings, which stand as monuments to the thrift and enterprise of the owner.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Spencer has been blessed with six children, namely : Elizabeth T., a highly educated young lady, who is a graduate of the State Normal School, at Emporia, Kansas, and is now teaching in the city school of Kansas City, Kansas; Walter H., a graduate of the Agri- cultural College, at Manhattan, Kansas; Lila S .. a graduate of the State Normal School, of Emporia, of the class of 1901; H. Scott, who is now teach- ing in the country schools : J. Oliver, who is attending high school in Yates Center, and Sophia B., who is also a student in the high school. Mr. Spencer has provided his children with excellent educational privileges. thus giving them something which can never be taken from them and which admirably fits them for the practical duties of life.
In his political views Mr. Spencer is a Democrat and cast his first presi- dential vote for Stephen A. Douglas in 1860. In his business affairs he has heen very successful, for though he had neither wealth or influential friends to aid him at the outset of his business career he is now in control of a valuable farm which he owns, and which annually brings to him a good financial return on his investment.
HON. GEORGE D. CARPENTER.
The late George D. Carpenter whose active and honorable business career of many years was closed suddenly in death, July 20, 1885, was born in Chenango County, New York, July 6, 1838. He received his early education at Binghampton Academy. came to LaSalle County, Illinois, in early manhood and devoted himself to teaching school until the outbreak of the Rbellion. He enlisted in the Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer infantry. and was afterward commissioned captain of Company C, Sixty-sixth United States Colored troops and, without shrinking from duty. partook of the dangers, privations and hardships of the Yazoo Expedition, participating in the engagements at Ft. Pemperton, Grand Gulf. Champion Hill, Big Black, and the siege of Vicksburg. He was in command of the first Black River Arkansas Expedition, and after the war was ended he commanded the military posts at Biloxi and Pass Christian, Mississippi, until mustered out of service in the spring of 1866.
Mr. Carpenter's identity with Woodson County dates from 1870 when 1:e located in Liberty township. By dint of untiring energy and good man- agement he developed into one of the leading stock farmers in the county. Four years after his advent to the county. as a recognition of his splendid business qualities and manly worth he was chosen by the voters of his county to be clerk of the court, which office he filled six years. Upon the expiration of his term of office he returned to his country home and herds. When the First National Bank of Yates Center was organized he was
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elected its president, which position again called him from the farm to & residence in the county seat. In his connection with the bank Mr. Carpen- ter exhibi'ed rare business traits and the stability and integrity of the in- stitution was due in a great measure to his personal worth and credit. In his death the institution suffered a serious loss.
In April, 1869, Mr. Carpenter married Miss Laura Scovel. Their four daughters are Dora E. Bigelow. Mabel L. Wamsley, Edna A. and Jessie C. Carpenter.
George D. Carpenter was a man warm, tender and devoted to his friends, broad in his views and possessed of the most generous impulses. He was a representative Mason, was a Sir Knight, an Odd Fellow and a Workman. Never in the history of the county was a larger concourse of its citizens assembled as a convention of sorrow and never in the history of any community did a citizen deserve more the attention paid him when dead than he upon whose casket friends showered tears and flowers upon this: sad occasion.
REV. O. P. AUGUSTINE.
REV. O. P. AUGUSTINE, who for eighteen years has served as post- master of Coloma and is a well known representative of the business inter- ests of this locality as well as of the work of the church, was born in Stark County, Ohio, October 1. 1824. His parents, John and Margaret (Wishard) Angustine, were both natives of Pennsylvania. In early life the father largely devoted his time and attention to political interests and to military service. He was one of the loyal defenders of his country in the war of 1812, was made a brigadier-general and served throughout the Black Hawk war. A recognized leader in public thought and opinion, his views carried weight in political circles and in 1840 he was chosen a presi- dential elector, casting his ballot for William Henry Harrison. His high standing in the publie regard is indicated by the fact that for twenty-one years he represented his district in the state legislature. He was also sheriff of his county for four years. He resided in Ohio from 1807 until 1852 when he removed to Illinois, where his remaining days were passed, his time being devoted to agricultural pursuits. He died in 1871. at the ripe old age of eighty-two years, and his wife departed this life in 1845, at the age of sixty-one . This worthy couple were the parents of nine chil- dren.
O. P. Augustine, however, is the only survivor of the family. He re- ceived a common-school education and was reared to rural life, assisting in the labors of the farm from his early boyhood. When he had reached adult age he was married in Ohio, November 7, 1844, to Miss Agnes A. Webb. In 1852 they removed to Illinois, where Mr. Augustine purchased and operated a farm, coming thence to Woodson County, in 1871. Here he
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purchased two claims of 80 acres each, five and a half miles north of Yates C'enter, and is now in partnership under the firm name of O. P. & O. W. Angustine, dealers in stock and farming and are doing a good business, mak- ing large purchases and sales.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Augustine were born four children: Mary Agnes, who died in infancy ; John Wesley, now in Oklahoma ; Elizabeth. J., at home, and Oliver W., who has charge of the farm. The family is one of promi- nence in the community and the members of the household merit and receive the high regard of friends and neighbors. In his political views Mr. Augus- tine is a stalwart Republican. He filled the office of coroner of Woodson County for six years and through long periods has served in the township offices. Eighteen years ago he was appointed postmaster of Coloma and bas sinee occupied that position, discharging his duties in all these offices with due regard to the trust reposed in him and with promptness and dispatel. For thirty years he has been a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in 1899 he engaged in preaching in Oklahoma. His religous faith and belief are the aetuating motive of his life and guide him in all his relations with his fellow men.
GEORGE W. NAYLOR.
Among the extensive landowners and leading agriculturists of Wood- son County is numbered George W. Naylor, whose successful career is one worthy of the highest commendation for all that he has is the outcome of his persistent effort, guided by sound business judgment and characterized by unfaltering honesty in trade transactions. Respect and admiration are un- consciously accorded such a man and are a just tribute to his ability and worth.
Mr. Naylor was born in Monroe County. Ohio. May 3. 1849. His father, Samuel, Naylor, was a native of Pennsylvania and there married Anna Al- bright, who was born in the same state. About 1848 they removed to Ohio. where the father followed his trade of wagon-making for a time but later turned his attention to farming. In 1856 he went with his family to Illi- nois, and in 1869 came to Kansas settling in Woodson County. He and his wife are now living in Yates Center, at the ages of seventy-three and seventy- five years respectively. They were the parents of nine children, of whom ('corge WV. was the second in order of birth.
Mr. Navlor of the review spent the greater part of his childhood and youth in Illinois, and in 1869 came to Kansas with his parents. remaining with them until he had attained his majority when he homesteaded eighty aeres of land in Liberty township and thus laid the foundation for his present prosperity. For six years he resided upon that place and then sold the property after which he removed to Toronto township and purchased eighty acres where he now resides. As his financial resources have increased
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and favorable opportunity has offered he has made judicious investments in real estate until he now owns nine hundred and sixty acres of valuable- farming land, situated on Brazel creek, six and a half mile .: north of Toronto, where he is extensively engaged in the production of grain and the raising of ca'the and other stock. He has one of the best equipped farms in the county. The ereek which erosses his land, is skirted with timber on both banks thus furnishing both water, shade and shelter for the stock, and in ad- dition to the creek he has living springs on every quarter section, thus hav- ing a never-failing water supply. He has pipes laid from the springs to. large tanks that are always full of elear water, whether the winds blow or". not. There are large barns and > heds for the protection of grain and stock and there is one large shed wall, built of stone, ninety feet long and roofed in with shingles so that he can safely house all his stock. He keeps on hand about one hundred head of cattle and the same number of hogs and ships his own stock as fast as it is in condition for the market.
In 1872 Mr. Naylor was united in marriage to Miss Alice Miller, a native of Illinois, who came to Kansas in her early girlhood. For almost thirty years she has traveled life's journey by her husband's side and has been indeed of valuable assistance to him as well as a devoted companion. They have a nice home and their delight is to entertain their friends. Mr. Naylor has been successful in his business career for he started out in life with only his homestead farm of eighty acres and a team of horses and today he is one of the most properous and prominent agrienlturists of the com- munity. He has served for three terms as township trustee of Liberty town- ship and in his political views is a staunch Republican, but has no time for public office. his extensive business interests elaiming his attention and bringing to him splendid suceess.
LOVEL P. PEMBERTON.
LOVEL P. PEMBERTON, who is widely and favorably known in Woodson County. where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, took up his abode in Liberty township, that county, in 1878 and throughout the intervening period has figured in connection with the advancement of agricultural interests in this portion of the state.
Mr. Pemberton is a native of Hamilton County, Missouri. born August 7. 1845, and is of English descent. The family was founded in America by the great-grandfather of our subject, who was born in England and crossed the Atlantic to the New World. Representatives of the name have since served in the Revolutionary war. the war of 1812 and in the Black Hawk war. and in civil life have they also displayed their loyalty to their country.
William Pemberton, onr subject's grandfather, was a native of Vir- ginia, whence he removed to Kentucky, but spent his last days in Paris, Ten-
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nessee. John Pemberton, father of our subjeet was born in Adair County, Kentucky. He accompanied his parents to Paris, Tennessee, and when twenty-one years of age came into the new state of Missouri and entered land in Caldwell County. He passed the remainder of his long life there, dying in the year 1900 at ninety years of age. He lived sixty-two years upon the family homestead of a half seetion and was surely one of the "land- marks" of the county. He married Clarissa Wilson, a daughter of William Wilson, who was born and reared in the state of Mississippi and who died in 1856. For his second wife the father married Delilah Bogan. The chil- dien of his first marriage were: Carroll, of Caldwell County, Missouri ; John H., who died in Shawneetown, Kansas, just after the Rebellion, he having been a soldier therein; Alfred W., who went to California in 1866 and has not since been heard from ; Arminta, deceased wife of G. B. Hill; Rebecca A., wife of William C. Clevenger, of Kansas City, Missouri ; Lovel P .; Thomas, of Caldwell County, Missouri : Chas. M., of Englewood, Kansas. and Genevra E., who married T. P. Toner, of Livingston County, Missouri. A. C. Pemberton is a child of the second marriage of John Pemberton.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Lovel P. Pemberton in his youth until the Civil war came on and 1:o joined the Eleventh Missouri cavalry at the age of seventeen years. He enlisted at Breckenridge, Missouri. and was mustered in at St. Joseph. The regiment, under command of Col. Wm. D. Wood, served in the western divi- sion Seventh Army corps. In 1864 an engagement on White river was par- t.cipated in by the regiment and known as "the 19 of February." Mr. l'emberton also took part in the battle of Ashland Station and in many smaller engagements and skirmishes in the southwest, and served from 1863 to the close of the war. In August 1865 he arrived home and resumed the work of the farm. He remained in Missouri until 1878 when he deserted it to make his home on the prairies of Kansas.
In Caldwell County. Missouri, on the 24th. of September, 1874, Mr. Pemberton was united in marriage to Jane A. Brouse. a daughter of Michael Brouse who was a native of Canada and who married Ann Cook. Their union produced eleven children ten of whom survive. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Femberton have been born six children, namely. John H., express messen- ger on the Union Pacific Railroad: Arthur L., of Wyoming: Clande, of Vates Center who married Bertha Lambrun: Herbert L .: Andley B., and Iva I.
For thirteen years after coming to Woodson County, Mr. Pemberton made his home in Liberty township and then located upon section thirty- one. township twenty-five. range fifteen, Belmont township. Here he is now the owner of six hundred and forty acres. and in connection with the cultivation of the fields and the raising of crops he has devoted considerable attention to stoek-raising and feeding. His estate is a valuable property,
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supplied with convenient farm improvements and is an ideal place for the handling of stock.
In his political views Mr. Pemberton is a Democrat. He is without am- bition in politics and is seeking nothing beyond the opportunty to devote his time and talents to his immediate business.
HENRY MASSOTH.
In a pleasant home in Piqua, Kansas, Henry Massoth is now living re- tired from the more arduous cares of business life, having through former years of activity and industry gained a substantial competence which now provides him with all of the necessities and many of the luxuries of life.
Mr. Massoth was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 2d. of June, 1842, and is a son of John and Christiana ( Ovoch) Massoth, who were also natives of the same country, whence they crossed the briny deep to the United States in 1854. The father died of cholera in less than a month after landing on the shores of America. The family took up their abode in Lake County. Indiana, and the mother survived her husband until 1874, when she too passed away at the age of sixty-eight years. They were the parents of six children, four of whom are now living, namely: Henry ; Frank, a resident of Indiana ; Peter B., of Nebraska. and Katie.
Mr. Massoth of this review is the eldest of the surviving members of the family. He resided upon the home farm with his mother until after the inuaguration of the Civil war when feeling that his chief duty was to- ward his country, he enlisted on the 1st of July, 1862, as a member of com- pany A, Seventy-third Indiana Volunteer infantry, remaining at the front until after the close of the war, when in July, 1865, he received an honorable discharge. He was in the battle of Perryville and several lesser engagements and was captured at Day Camp, Alabama, but after being held for two weeks by the Rebels he was exchanged. He was never wounded although twice hit by spent balls that did not pierce the skin. He was a loyal soldier. who gallantly defended the old flag until hostilities eeased.
After the war Mr. Massoth resumed his old occupation of farming. He was married on the 19th. of September, 1865. to Miss Mary Kline, also a native of Prussia. and they began their domestic life upon a rented farm. It was in this way that he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits while in Indiana. Thinking that he might acquire a farm where land was cheaper. in 1870 he came to Woodson County and pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres on Plum creek. eight miles east of Yates Center. He now has a valua- ble farm of five hundred and twenty aeres of well improved land, together with town property in Piqua. When he arrived in Kansas he had only three hundred dollars in money, a wagon and a team, but with this as a start he allied himself with the agricultural interests of the county and found that the rich soil would yield to him an excellent return for his care
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and labor. As the years passed and he placed his fields under cultivation his income was annually increased and his stock-raising interests also brought to him handsome financial returns. He has made nearly all that he possesses since coming to Kansas, and now he is enjoying a well-earned rest.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Massoth have been born ten children: Kate, wife of Peter Hellinghouse, of Muskogee Indian Territory; Lena, wife of J. Klein : George and Henry, who are upon the home farm ; Mary, who is with her sister in the territory : Anna, who is on the farm with her brothers; Flannah, who is with her parents in Piqua ; Frank. John and Willie, also at home.
The political principles of the Democracy are supported by Mr. Massoth at the ballot box and he is an ardent advocate of the party. He has served as treasurer of his township and has been one of the school directors of his district for a number of years. He is an excellent example of the self-made American citizen and a grand exemplification of the progress that an am- bitious foreigner can make in this country of unbounded opportunities.
JOHN W. QUICK.
Long years of earnest labor certainly earn a rest and retirement from business cares and this has been vouchsafed to John W. Quick, who has now put aside the more arduous duties of the farm and is enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He is, however, serving his fellow townsmen in public office, for recognizing his ability and trustworthiness, they elected him to the position of county commissioner and for two terms he has been the incumbent in the office, representing the first district upon the board. This shows his standing among fellow men who entertain for him high re- gard by reason of his upright life.
Mr. Quick was born in Warren County, Indiana, on the 8th. of March, 1833. His father, James Quick, is a native of Virginia, born in 1803, and when only twelve years of age he accompanied his father on his removal to Ohio, where he attained early manhood. He then went to Indiana and in that state was married to Miss Elizabeth Goodwin, a native of Kentucky, who died about 1845. The father is still living in Illinois and has reached the advanced age of ninety-eight years.
John W. Quick of this review was only twelve years of age at the time of his mother's death. He then returned from Davis County, Iowa, to Indiana in order to make his home with an unele there, but from that time he was self-supporting. He worked for twenty-five cents per day. which then seemed quite a munificent sum. He acquired only a common-school education, but through experience, observation and reading he has become a man of good practical knowledge. As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life he chose Miss Rachel Jones, the wedding being celebrated January 20, 1853. She was born in Ohio, April 21, 1833, a daughter of Wil- liam and Rachel (Slaughter) Jones, the latter of New Jersey.
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After his marriage Mr. Quick began to learn the miller's trade and remained in the employ of one firm at Williamsport, Indiana, for six years. He afterward was connected with other milling establishments for a number of years, but finally abandoned the business in order to engage in farming and rented a tract of land which he operated for three years. In 1869 he came to Kansas and secured a homestead of eighty aeres upon which he has since resided. He first erected a small house upon his elaim and then be- gan contracting for grade work on the railroads. He followed that pursuit for four years and then took up the work of the farm. He is to-day the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land, all improved. There is a nice grove surrounding his house and barn and everything about the place is in good shape. He has made everything that he has upon his farm through the cultivation of the fields and the raising of sheep, and having gained a handsome competence he is now living retired, his land being rented.
In his political views Mr. Quick is a stalwart Republican and has served for one term as township trustee of Everett township. In 1887 he was elected county commissioner and filled that position for three years. Again 1: 1898 he was elected to the same office, so that he is the present incumbent. He gives careful attention to his official duties and his administration is practical and progressive, showing that he has the best interest of the county at heart.
JOSEPH PARKS.
Joseph Parks, whose residence in Kansas dates from 1868, is now the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Neosho Falls town- ship. The place is surrounded by well-kept hedge fences and a large resi- dence stands in the midst of a maple grove so that the house is seen through the vista of the trees and makes an attractive feature in the landscape.
Mr. Parks, its owner and occupant, was born in Warren County, Ohio, November 6, 1833, a son of James and Grisella (MeMeen) Parks, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. The father was one of the pioneer settlers of Ohio. His home was erected in 1800, and in 1803 he built a barn which is still standing. He died in Ohio, in 1836, and his wife, surviving him until 1848, passed away at the age of fifty-eight years. Of their family of seven children only two are now living, the sister being Mrs. Martha Hayden, the wife of John Hayden, of Joliet, Illinois.
Our subject, the youngest of the family, was the only son. He ac- quired an academic education and in 1854 went to Des Moines County, Iowa. where he remained until 1860. He was married there to Miss Sarah E. Colby. They subsequently removed to Chicago, Illinois where Mr. Parks was engaged in the provision business till 1868, when he came to Kansas. Arriving in this state he first located at Leavenworth, and
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