USA > Kansas > Cherokee County > History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative citizens > Part 36
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T. P. LaRue was reared on his father's farm in Iowa. He possessed the business ca- pacity which led him to invest his small capital to the best advantage, and to turn it over until he had secured enough to establish himself in a private banking business. This he accom- plished in 1877 with means he had earned him- self, for Mr. LaRue is an example of a self- made man. He continued in the private bank- ing business at Scranton, Iowa, until 1886, when he moved to Cherokee County, Kansas, subsequently purchasing the Columbus Bank, a private institution, of which Jarvis, Conklin & Company were the owners. This bank, which was founded in 1882 by Dwight & Schott, had been disposed of to Jarvis, Conklin & Company, and was sold to Mr. LaRue in the fall of 1887.
In 1902 the institution became the First National Bank of Columbus, which is capi- talized at $50,000, and has about $5,000 in un- divided profits. Mr. LaRue is now in active charge of the bank as its president, and the other officers are,-Isaac Wright, vice-presi- dent; H. A. LaRue, cashier ; and A. M. Albin, assistant cashier. The success of the institu- tion has been assured ever since Mr. LaRue took charge, and the business has continued to expand until now it is rated, not only as one of the safest, but also as one of the most im- portant financial concerns of the State.
When Mr. LaRue came to Cherokee Coun- ty, he brought considerable capital with him, which, under his good management, has many times increased. He owns between 4,000 and 5,000 acres of land in Cherokee County and is the largest tax payer. He also has property located in other states, and owns stock in several other banks. His farming land he rents, de- voting the greater part of his time to the man- agement of his numerous investments.
Mr. LaRue married Elizabeth Hutton, who was born in Ohio, and taken to Iowa when a child by her parents. Six children were born to them, four in Iowa, and two (twins) in Kansas. Mrs. LaRue and the younger children are enjoying the comforts of the beautiful win- ter home at Los Angeles, California.
During the Civil War, Mr. LaRue served for 18 months as a non-commissioned officer in Company G, 2nd Reg., Iowa Vol. Inf., and saw active service during his time, but returned uninjured. Politically, he has always been a strong supporter of the Republican party, but has never accepted preferment of any kind. Fraternally, he is a Royal Arch Mason, and belongs also to the Grand Army of the Repub- lic. In religious views, he favors Catholic in- stitutions.
Without doubt, Mr. LaRue is one of the most widely known men in business and finan- cial circles in this section of Kansas, and he fills a prominent position as the president of oldest banking institution in Cherokee County.
NDREW SHEARER, a prominent resident of Columbus, and one of the most substantial citizens and largest land owners of Cherokee County, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born in Scotland, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Chambers) Shearer.
Robert Shearer was born in Scotland. His wife, while of Scotch parents, was born in White Haven, England. She died in Illinois, in the winter of 1902, but Robert Shearer still survives, residing near Keelville, Lyon town- ship, Cherokee County, and, although almost 87 years of age, still takes an active interest in agricultural affairs. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of his family of six children. A brother and sister still reside in Illinois, and
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two brothers, Hugh and John, settled in Lyon township, where the former died in April, 1902.
Andrew Shearer was reared in Will County, Illinois, and attended the public schools. His business has always been of an agricultural nature and he has been highly suc- cessful. He located in Cherokee County, Kan- sas, in February, 1881, having purchased a farm of 160 acres from the railroad company in the previous year. To this first purchase he has added until he now owns over 1,000 acres in Cherokee County, including one entire sec- tion. When he came here he brought with him some fine Clydesdale stock, and has continued to raise this breed ever since. He has done an immense amount of feeding, buying and sell- ing cattle. In 1900 Mr. Shearer purchased his present home site in the northwest portion of the city. He improved it greatly and now en- joys one of the really fine homes of Columbus.
Prior to coming to Cherokee County, Mr. Shearer had married, in Illinois, Kate Kassa- baum, who was born in Pennsylvania, but was reared in Illinois. They have three children. namely: Mrs. Addie McIntosh, born in Illi- nois, and now residing on the old homestead in Lyon township, who has one son,-Arthur, -born there; Mrs. Maggie Deem, born in Illinois, who also resides in Lyon township, and has one son,-Harry ; and Oliver, born in Cherokee County, who is still at home.
Politically, Mr. Shearer is a Republican. and has been a very prominent factor in county politics. From 1893 to 1896 he served as county commissioner, and from 1897 to 1898 as county treasurer. Prior to this he had served in various township offices, and has al- ways done his full duty as a public-spirited citizen.
The family is connected with the United Brethren Church, although Mr. Shearer was rearcd in the Presbyterian faith, his father hav- ing prepared for the Presbyterian ministry.
While still a resident of Illinois, Mr. Shearer became identified with the Masonic fraternity, and since coming to Kansas he has become a member of the Odd Fellows. He is one of the highly respected and widely known citizens of this section.
J AMES W. LAMASTER. The name of Lamaster has long been an hon- ored one in Lola township, four, mem- bers of this family having been among the early settlers. The gentleman mentioned above was the first to come to the county, mak- ing the trip from Knox County, Missouri, in May, 1870. He located on the farm in sec- tion 27, township 33, range 22, which now con- stitutes his home,-being part of what were called the "Joy lands." Mr. Lamaster was born in Garrard County, Kentucky, November 6, 1844.
The father of the subject of this sketch was Alexander W. Lamaster, a native of Kentucky, who lived out his 60 years of life there and in Missouri, dying in Knox County, Missouri, in 1865. He was a cooper by trade and also fol- lowed farming. He married Nancy Lear, also of the "Blue Grass State," who died in Knox County in 1860 at the age of 48 years. She was the mother of the following children : Mrs. Elizabeth Haden, who came with her husband to Cherokee County and is now deceased ; Mrs. Sallie Starks, of Montana : James WV., the sub- ject of this review; Mrs. Zarelda Lewis, of Pony, Montana: Mrs. Edna Earl, of Lola township; William A., elsewhere mentioned in this volume: Mrs. Katherine Lightfoot, of Deer Lodge, Montana ; Mrs. Nancy Bradshaw, of LaBelle, Missouri; and Joel Garwood, of Butte City, Montana.
James W. Lamaster was 13 years old when his parents removed from the "Blue Grass State" to Knox County, Missouri. He re-
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ceived a fair common-school education, and learned lessons in thrift and economy in the rigorous farm life of his early manhood. His youth was passed amid the exciting events of the Civil War, but he was too young to enter the service. He remained at home until 1869, and then resolved to take advantage of the cheap lands then obtainable in Southeastern Kansas. Arriving in Cherokee County in May, he soon found a suitable location, as noted above, and began the arduous task of building a home in a new country. His first entry was a quarter section of the "Joy lands," to which he later added 150 acres of "treaty-right" land in sec- tion 29, 40 acres in section 21 and 40 acres in section 27, adjoining his home place, making in all 390 acres, all in township 33, range 22.
As he looks out upon his broad acres at the present time, his mind reverts to the period when the surrounding country was nothing but unimproved prairie, with neighbors many miles away, the nearest trading points being Columbus, Chetopa and Oswego,-the first named place having at that time only a few small houses or huts. But strong in the faith that out of these seemingly desert lands would come fertile and productive farms (for it was at one time thought that the Western prairies were barren), he worked away, breaking land for his neighbors as well as for himself, plant- ing fruit and shade trees and adding one im- provement after another as he had the means, and finding himself a little in advance every year. When he came to the county he had only a team and about $200. His first habitation was a frame box-house one story high, and 12 by 14 feet in size, with two doors and one window. This continued to be his home until 19 years ago, when he built liis present commo- dious and substantial frame dwelling. For a good many years Mr. Lamaster kept bachelor's hall in the primitive house mentioned. For six years he ran a prairie team, making trips
to and from Columbus with oxen. At first he had very poor crops, the failures being caused by severe droughts and grasshopper raids. Probably the most discouraging year was when myriads of grasshoppers attacked his 40-acre wheat field, and destroyed every blade, as well as nearly everything green on the farm.
Mr. Lamaster married rather late in life, waiting until he had accumulated considerable property and was well established in business. In 1881 he was united in marriage with Elzada Thompson, who was born near Indianapolis, Indiana, September 18, 1859, and is a daugh- ter of Adam and Zella Agnes (Bursott) Thompson, natives of Kentucky and Indiana, respectively. One daughter, Zella May, was born to this marrige, December 28, 1882. Mr. Lamaster has been a great worker in the Chris- tian Church, and a fast friend of education. He has at various times served on the School Board. He votes with the Populist party, al- though he cares little for politics. Mr. Lamas- ter has been a member of the A. H. T. A. and the Land League of the settlers. He is a gen- tleman whom all unite in greeting with warm expressions of esteem.
J AMES N. DODSON, city treasurer of Weir City, and one of its prominent citizens and substantial business men, was born in Johnson County, Mis- souri, in 1855, and is a son of William and Sarah (Farris) Dodson.
William Dodson was born in 1813 on the site of the city of St. Louis, Missouri, when it was but a little collection of log houses, inhab- ited chiefly by French traders. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in connec- tion with farming all his active life. His first removal was to Howard County, Missouri, thence to Johnson County and later, in 1859,
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to Henry County, where he located in the vicin- ity of Calhoun. His death took place at Lewis Station, Henry County, September 20, 1879, at the age of 66 years. In political views, he was in accord with the Republican party. Wil- liam Dodson was twice married, the two chil- dren of his first union being,-Mary, who is a resident of Joplin, Missouri ; and Henry, who resides at Bartlesville, Indian Territory. Henry Dodson enlisted in the Civil War in 1861, en- tering the 7th Regiment, Missouri Vol. Cav., as a private, and rose successively to the rank of 2nd lieutenant, Ist lieutenant and captain. He has been a prominent figure in political life, and served two years as sheriff of Henry County, Missouri, and two years as sheriff of Butler County, Kansas. The second marriage of William Dodson was to Sarah Farris, who was born in Missouri in 1828, and died Sep- tember 5, 1893. Their surviving children are as follows: John T., of Joplin, Missouri ; Martin F., of Seattle, Washington ; James N. ; Nealia, of Lowry City, Missouri; Charles J., of Pittsburg, Kansas; Jennie, of Weir City, Kansas; and Robert, of Lowry City, Missouri.
James N. Dodson was four years old when his parents moved to Henry County, Missouri, and settled on a farm, and he assisted in its cultivation until he was 22 years of age. Then he began to work in the coal mines of Henry County, where he continued for 10 years. In 1880 he married and six years later moved with his family to Butler County, Kansas, and em- barked in mercantile pursuits at Leon. Two years later he moved his family and stock of goods to Bennetts, Arkansas. Mr. Dodson car- ried on his store in connection with the butch- ering business, from November, 1887, to May, 1888, when he moved to Huntington, Arkansas. There he remained from May to August I, 1888, and then settled at Weir City. Mr. Dod- son worked in the coal mines at Weir City, that
being the leading industry, until 1890, when he accepted a position in the general store of the Kansas & Texas Coal Company, at Weir City, beginning as a grocery clerk and through effi- ciency rising to the position of grocery mana- ger. He continued there until 1900, when he bought a half interest in the general store of the J. R. Crowe Coal & Mining Company at Columbus.
After this purchase, the stock was moved from Columbus to Stippville, Cherokee County, and the firm style became J. N. Dodson & Company, which was continued for two years. Then Mr. Dodson sold his interest in the busi- ness at Stippville to the J. R. Crowe Coal Com- pany, and entered into a mercantile venture at Weir City. In 1902 he purchased the store of B. S. Abbott. This store is one of the leading business establishments in the city, its manage- ment and operation reflecting great credit upon Mr. Dodson.
In 1880 Mr. Dodson was married, at Mont- rose, Missouri, to Mary Mahon, who was born in 1857 at Peoria, Illinois. They have a fam- ily of eight children, viz: John W., born at Lewis Station, Henry County, Missouri, who married Eva Pollock, of Scammon, Kansas, and has one child,-John James, born at Weir City, Kansas; Winnie and Mary, born at Lewis Sta- tion; Raymond, born in Butler County, Kan- sas; and Ella, William, Joseph and Irene, born at Weir City. The family attend the Catholic Church.
Mr. Dodson has been closely identified with the business interests and political affairs of Weir City for a number of years, and has fre- quently been honored by the Republican party, of which he is a stanch member, by election to responsible offices. He has been a very useful member of the School Board and the City Council, and at present is the city's capable treasurer. His fraternal associations are with
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the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Dodson is a man who commands universal respect, and is a worthy representative of the city.
ON. W. R. COWLEY, general attor- ney of The Long-Bell Lumber Com- pany, which has its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, has been identified with this corporation since its incep- tion at Columbus, Kansas, in 1875. Mr. Cow- ley was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1843. and was eight years old when he came to Amer- ica, accompanying his parents, who located at Hudson, Ohio, where both subsequently died.
Mr. Cowley attended the schools of Hud- son and Akron, Ohio, until the age of 16 years, when he entered the Christian College at Oska- loosa, Iowa, where he completed the literary course in 1868. His entrance into business was as a surveyor at Montezuma, Iowa, where he spent one year as surveyor of Poweshiek County, and then engaged, for two years, with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, platting and appraising lands for them in Western Iowa. He afterwards com- menced the study of law at Montezuma, and was admitted to the bar. Thereupon he located at once in Columbus, Kansas, where he entered into practice.
Prior to this, Mr. Cowley had made a fine war record for himself, first, as a member of the 84th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Col. Wil- liam Lawrence, who afterwards became Comp- troller of the United States Treasury. With this regiment he served four months on guard duty, along the Potomac River. He then re- turned to Iowa and enlisted in the 15th Reg., Iowa Vol. Inf., under Col. W. W. Belknap, and served for two years, being honorably dis- charged without having suffered either wounds or imprisonment.
After locating in Columbus, Mr. Cowley went into partnership with the late Boyd Hutchinson, and later the firm of Cowley & Hampdon was formed; still later, he was asso- ciated with M. V. B. Bennett. From January, 1879, to January, 1883, he served as county attorney for Cherokee County, but since 1883 he has given practically his whole time and at- tention to the affairs of The Long-Bell Lumber Company, traveling in their interests about 2.500 miles per month. He still retains his pleasant home in Columbus, where he and fam- ily have many agreeable social connections.
Mr. Cowley married Florence J. Smith, who was born at Oskaloosa, Iowa, and was one of his classmates at the Christian College. They have three sons and one daughter, viz: Fred- erick, Minnie, Lawrence L., and Clare J. Frederick, who was born in Iowa, is a farmer and stock-raiser of Cherokee County ; he served three years as a member of the State Sanitary Live Stock Commission, being the youngest member ever elected. Minnie is the wife of C. S. Huffman, of Columbus; Lawrence L., who is a graduate of the Lawrence High School. the State University and the State Law School. is now an attorney at Perry, Oklahoma, and holds the position of territorial attorney for The Long-Bell Lumber Company, and general attorney for the Minnetonka Lumber Company. Clare J. graduated from the State University in June, 1904, just before coming of age, and will enter the lumber business, both he and his brother, Lawrence, being stockholders in the Minnetonka Lumber Company. All three of these young men possess the qualitie's and edu- cation which insure their future prominence.
Politically, Mr. Cowley is a Republican. Fraternally, he is connected with a number of the local orders, and formerly was active in G. A. R. affairs. He is a member of the Christian Church. On account of his being a represen- tative man of the section, and an orator of more
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than usual eloquence, he has frequently been chosen as the speaker for public occasions, and has made addresses at the Old Settlers' Reun- ions. His notable efforts were his Garfield and Sherman memorial addresses and his address at the first Decoration Day celebration at Co- lumbus.
ILLIAM ALEXANDER LAMAS- TER. In the subject of this sketch we have one of the pioneers of the county, who came here in the days when Cherokee County was a lusty infant, and who was present at many of the "first" events now related at the meetings of old settlers. Mr. Lamaster came to the county in 1870, and im- mediately located on the south half of the north- east quarter of section 28, township 33. range 22. in Lola township, a portion of the 440-acre tract he now owns. He is a native of the "Blue Grass State." born April 8. 1852. in Garrard County.
The early childhood of Mr. Lamaster was passed in his native county. When he was five years old, his parents moved to Knox County, Missouri, where he lived until he was 17 years old. There his father, Alexander W. Lamaster. who was a cooper by trade, and also a farmer by vocation. died in 1865, and there his mother, Mrs. Nancy ( Lear) Lamaster, passed away at the age of 48 years. Nine children resulted from their union, as follows: Mrs. Elizabeth Haden, who came with her husband to Chero- kee County, and is now deceased; Mrs. Sallie Starks, of Montana; James W., one of the prominent citizens and well-to-do farmers of Lola township: Mrs. Zarelda Lewis, of Pony, Montana; Mrs. Edna Earl, of Lola township; William Alexander : Mrs. Katherine Lightfoot, of Deer Lodge, Montana; Mrs. Nancy Brad- shaw. of LaBelle, Missouri ; and Joel Garwood, of Butte City. Montana.
Mr. Lamaster came to Cherokee County in 1870, with a brother-in-law and sister, riding a horse the whole distance, and driving the cow behind the wagon : his brother-in-law drove the team and Mr. Lamaster had to help the wagon up nearly all the hills. They were four weeks making the trip, and arrived here in October. It is unnecessary to go into details concerning the hardships encountered during those first years. No wonder the old settler looks with contemptuous pity on the farmer of this day. who complains of the difficulties encountered in improving the farm from its wild state. Surrounded with all the comforts of civiliza- tion, and with modern machinery to aid him in his work, there is a world of difference le- tween his condition and that of the farmer in the days when the county was first settled.
Mr. Lemaster joined his brother, James WV .. who had arrived here in the preceding May. and "bached" with him for some time. He located a claim in the "Joy lands." taking 160 acres in section 28, Lola township, where he has ever since lived. Later. he acquired the northeast quarter of section 22 and 120 acres in section 26, township 33. range 22. After living with his brother for one year, Mr. La- master built, on his 160-acre tract in section 28, a box house, one story high and 14 by 24 feet in size, divided into two rooms. This was the home to which he took his bride in 1875. and this continued to be his residence until about 1884, when he erected his present fine. frame house.
Mr. Lamaster and his brother entered vig- orously upon the work of preparing their land for cultivation, and broke all their own land. besides a good deal for their neighbors, at the same time exchanging work to a considerable extent with their fellow settlers. In the first winter he was here, Mr. Lamaster killed the first white prairie chicken he ever saw ; he never saw any after that winter. There were a few
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turkeys to be seen. The district abounded in deer, and at one time Mr. Lamaster saw 38 antelope in one drove. Chetopa, 12 miles away, was his trading point.
The subject of this sketch, immediately upon locating in Lola township, identified hin- self with the interests of the section. He joined the Land League of the settlers, and was active in making it an effective organization. When the A. H. T. A. sprang into existence, he gave it hearty support. Of the township society of this association he has been president for the last 15 years. So faithful has he been, that last spring he was voted a gold badge for his long service. This association has been of great service to the citizens of the county in recover- ing stolen horses, and has sent many horse thieves to prison. In the days of the Farmers' Alliance, Mr. Lamaster was one of its enthu- siastic members. The promoters of schools and churches have always found him a ready helper. He helped to build the first log school house in Lola township, at Faulkner, and has served on the School Board in Lola township for 17 years, being now its treasurer. He for- merly supported the Democratic party, but of late years has voted the Populist ticket. For two years, he served as township treasurer. A member of the Christian Church, holding the office of deacon, that organization has found him a tower of strength not only in the early days, but also at the present time. He was one of the building committee, in company with William McKee and Rev. William King, on which fell the burden of building the present fine edifice of the Christian Church in Hallo- well.
On December 20, 1874, Mr. Lamaster was married to Susan Dunbar, who was born in Illinois, and is a daughter of Warder D. and Louisa (Narden ) Dunbar. To them were born a son and a daughter, namely: Ernest, who lives at home ; and Tennie May, who is the wife
of Philip Oglesby, of Lola township, and the mother of two daughters,-Letha and an in- fant.
N. DUNBAR, an attorney-at-law of Columbus, and the owner of a finely- improved farm of 80 acres in Chero- kee County, adjoining the city, was born in 1866, near Prairie City, McDonough County, Illinois, and is a son of Warder D. and Louisa (Narden) Dunbar.
Warder D. Dunbar was born in Kentucky, but went to Illinois in young manhood. His death occurred about 26 years ago, in Cherokee County, Kansas, whither he had removed in 1869 ; his widow died about 18 years ago. He was twice married and the children of his first marriage, all now deceased, were: Elihu and William, who lived for a time in Cherokee County, and Cynthia and Geneva, both of whom left families. The subject of this sketch is one of six children born to the second mar- riage, all of whom came to Cherokee County, and one, Lucy, died at the age of 16 years, the others, exclusive of J. N., are: Waller C., who is a farmer in the Indian Territory ; Susan, a twin of Waller C., who is the wife of William A. Lamaster, of Cherokee County ; Joanna L., who is the widow of Edward Braer- ton, of Parsons, Kansas; and David, who is a farmer on the home farm in Lola township.
J. N. Dunbar was an infant when he was brought into Cherokee County, and has never found any other section more attractive. He attended the public schools and the graded schools at Columbus, and also took a business course at Sedalia, Missouri. He then taught for a season, preparatory to settling down to the study of the law. He remained in the office of Frederick Basom, at Columbus, for five months, and then went to Galena and entered the office of W. F. Sapp. In April, 1892, he
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