USA > Kansas > Cherokee County > History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative citizens > Part 44
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In 1858 Mr. Holt married Catherine Isle, a native of Alamance County, North Carolina. Their children are,-Millie Ellen, wife of Riley Pickering, of Sheridan township; David H., a farmer living on the home farm, who married Stella Boyd; Orvilla, now Mrs. Arthur Wester- velt, of Sheridan township.
At the close of the war our subject re- turned to his old home, afterward spending one year in Hamilton County, Indiana, and then two years in Emporia, Kansas. In April, 1865, lie moved to Cherokee County, locating in Sher- idan township. His first purchase of land com- prised 40 acres of land in section 30, township 32, range 22, where he put up a small box house, and started to make for himself a home. By close application to business, hard work and good management, he has added to his first acquisition until his present holdings number some 240 acres of good farm land, most of which is under cultivation. The land produces the usual grains such as wheat, corn and oats, and quantities of hay. Besides general farm- ing, horses, mules, cattle and hogs are also raised.
Mr. Holt has always been a farmer, and is interested in anything pertaining to the farm or farm work. In politics he votes the Republican
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PATRICK O'REAGAN
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ticket, socially is a member of the G. A. R. post at Hallowell and religiously belongs to the Friends' Church, of which organization botlı he and his wife have been active workers for many years. For 14 years Mr. Holt has been a member of the School Board, and has always worked for the best interests of education at all times. The long residence of the family in the county has given them an extensive acquaint- ance, and they have the universal confidence and esteem of all who know then.
P ATRICK O'REAGAN. Few agricult- urists in Cherokee County are more plasantly situated than is the subject of this sketch, who lives in section 17, township 34, range 22, in Neosho township. He has a large, handsome residence, surrounded by 320 acres of fertile farm land, and has helped to make Cherokee one of the banner counties of Kansas. He was born in County Kerry, Ire- land, in 1846, and is a son of Michael and Jo- hannah O'Reagan.
The father died when Patrick was quite young, leaving a wife and five small children,- Patrick, Mary, Michael, Bridget and Morton,- to be reared and cared for. Leaving the little ones in Ireland, Mrs. O'Reagan started bravely out to make a home for them across the sea, landing in Canada where she managed to get together sufficient means to send for her family. This was accomplished only by the greatest self-sacrifice, and by ceaseless toil, and her efforts in their behalf were unremitting until she had reared them to an age when they were able to care for themselves. Now, when up- wards of 90 years of age, she makes her home with the subject of this sketch, and it is his privilege and pleasure to return, in part, the attention she formerly gave to hin.
Patrick O'Reagan was a lad of 12 years
when he left Ireland with his younger brothers and sisters, to sail for America. They were shipwrecked, and returned home, where they stayed for a year, and then started again for this country. Their destination was a point in Canada, about 30 miles below Toronto, and there they remained for a period of five or six years, when Patrick ran away and went to Buf- falo. Fearing they would find him there, he went to Pennsylvania, where he secured em- ployment in Mteadville; three years later, in 1866, he went West to Des Moines, Iowa. There he was employed in a grocery store for four years, but the spring of 1870 found him ready to change his location once more, and he then came to Kansas. He bought a claim of un- surveyed land, said to be 160 acres in extent, in Labette County, which proved, when sur- veyed, to contain but 130 acres. He remained on this farm for 17 years. About five years ago he disposed of it, and settled in Cherokee Coun- ty, where he owns a fine farm of 320 acres, in section 17, township 34, range 22, in Neosho township, including about four acres of Mis- souri Pacific Railway land. He has placed fine improvements on this land,-a handsome, com- modious residence and roomy barn,-that add greatly to its value. He has been extensively engaged in the cattle business, but of recent years has devoted more attention to the raising of grain.
Mr. O'Reagan was married in Cherryvale, Kansas, January 3, 1892, to Nora Murphy, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Owens) Murphy. They have had the following children, namely: Jo- hannah, who was born in 1893, and died at the age of three years ; Patrick Thomas, born Feb- ruary 27, 1894; Michael Lawrence, born No- vember 13, 1896: James Maurice, born March II, 1898; Mary Theresa, born August 2, 1899; Francis Leland, born August 6, 1901 ; and Mar- garet Lenora, born November 12, 1903. In
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politics, Mr. O'Reagan has been a lifelong Re- publican, and in religion he and his wife are devont Catholics. A portrait of the subject of this sketch is shown on a preceding page.
A NDREW J. CUNNINGHAM was born in Mercer County, Kentucky, April 30, 1839, and died on his home farm of 160 acres in section 27, township 31, range 23, in Ross township. Cher- okee County, on December 14, 1903. In his death passed away one of the county's pioneer settlers and most estimable and highly respected citizens. He was a son of Jacob and Jane (Curry) Cunningham.
The parents of the late Andrew J. Cun- ningham were also natives of Mercer County, Kentucky. In 1848 they removed to Brown County, Illinois, and later to Adams County, Illinois, and in April, 1871, they came to Ross township, Cherokee County. They were farm- ing people, who lived for a time on a farm and then bought a home in Cherokee County, where Mrs. Cunningham died. Mr. Cunningham came back to Ross township and died here. They had seven children.
Andrew J. Cunningham was a man of ex- cellent mental training and was known for his good judgment both in his home affairs and in matters of public interest. He assisted his father until he married, and then followed farming for himself, in the same neighborhood, until September 20, 1870, when he located in Ross township.
On December 26, 1860, Mr. Cunningham married Malinda E. Cunningham, of Schuyler County, Illinois, who is a daughter of William and Ellen ( Eades) Cunningham. The father was born in Mercer County, and the mother in Taylor County, Kentucky. They afterwards removed to another part of Illinois, where Mrs.
William Cunningham died in 1845. Mr. Cun- ningham married for his second wife, Elizabeth Eades, a sister of his first wife. The three chil- dren of the first marriage were,-Eliza, Sarah and Malinda E. Six children resulted from the second union, namely : Joseph, Maria, Will- iam, Maggie, Thomas and Lucy. The 10 children born to Andrew J. Cunningham and wife were as follows: Alice, deceased ; James, who married Myrtle Dobson, and lives at Min- eral, Kansas; Joseph, who first married Fannie Spencer, and second, Rosie Dobbins, and lives at West Mineral: Maggie, who is the wife of John Hite, of Chicopee, Kansas; Samuel, who married Naomi Hadlock, and lives in Ross township; Millie, who is the wife of Alvin Swan, of Kansas City; Mary, who is the wife of Lewis Black, of Mineral; Herbert, who is at home with his mother; Minnie, who is the wife of Warren Whittaker, of Reeds, Missouri; and Elmer, who resides at home. Mr. Cunningham took pleasure in affording his children educa- tional and social advantages, and they all reflect credit upon their home training. The larger number are comfortably settled in homes of their own, and all are highly esteemed members of society.
When Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham first set- tled here, being the very first in their section of the township, they were confronted with many hardships. Years of toil and deprivation faced them, but Mr. Cunningham lived long enough to enjoy many of the rewards of his industry, and his most estimable wife is surrounded with everything needful to the comfort of advancing years.
Mr. Cunningham carried on general farm- ing and stock-raising, and met with good suc- cess. He made all the improvements on the farm, setting out the beautiful hedges and orchards with his own hands. In politics. he was a supporter of the Democratic party. His religious convictions made him a member of
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the Christian Church. His was a life full of kind, helpful work for others. In his family he was beloved, and in his community uni- versally respected.
ILLIAM TAYLOR, a prominent general farmer and fruit grower of Cherokee County, who owns a quarter section of fine land in sec- tion 36, Salamanca township, was born in Huron County, Ohio, in 1832, and is a son of Thomas and Fannie (Spencer) Taylor.
Thomas Taylor was born in Ireland, and settled in Richland County, Ohio, at the age of 16 years, but later removed to Huron Coun- ty, where he carried on farming until his de- cease, in 1875, at the age of 69 years. His wife was born in Huron County, Ohio, where her people had settled when they came, in early days, from Connecticut. She died in her, na- tive county in 1865, aged 49 years. The sub- ject of this sketch is one of a family of nine children, two of whom are deceased, and the others are distributed in different sections of the country, William Taylor being the eldest, and the only one who located in Kansas.
William Taylor was reared in Huron County, Ohio, and obtained his education in the district and select schools of his neighborhood. His life has been devoted to agricultural pur- suits. In the fall of 1884 he came to Cherokee County, Kansas, and located on a part of his present farm, a claim which had been taken by a Mr. Pratt, and later improved by a Mr. Trim- mer. Mr. Taylor purchased his land from a Mr. Moyer. Here he carries on general farming, in partnership with his son, Frank S., and they devote special attention to fruit growing and berry raising.
In November, 1863, Mr. Taylor was mar- ried to Sarah L. Conklin, who was born in
1842 in Richland County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Charles and Rachel ( Bevier) Conk- lin. Mrs. Taylor comes of Dutch ancestry, her forefathers having emigrated from Holland and settled in New York, where her parents were born. They were early settlers in Rich- land County, Ohio, where her father first fol- lowed the tailoring business, but later became a farmer, and died there in 1889, aged 84 years. The mother died in January, 1885, aged 70 years.
Mrs. Taylor was one of a family of six chil- dren, three of whom still survive, and with three half-sisters, reside in Ohio. She was reared and schooled in Richland County. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have three children, all of whom were born in Ohio, viz: Julia, who is the wife of T. J. Skinner; Frank, associated with his father, who married Ida Losey, of Cherokee County, and has two bright boys,-Fred and Thomas, aged seven and five years, respectively ; and Charles, who is engaged in clerking for Isaac Wright at Columbus. Mrs. Taylor is a member, and the rest of the family are attendants, of the Presbyterian Church.
Politically, Mr. Taylor is a stanch Republi- can. He is a member of the Good Templar organization, and in earlier days belonged to the Farmers' Alliance. His pleasant country home is on Rural Free Delivery Route, No. I, and is one of the hospitable centers of the neighborhood.
C HOMAS JEFFERSON MORROW, the well known druggist of Baxter Springs, is acquainted throughout Cherokee County, and has many stanch friends who hold him in highest esteem. He is a native of Randolph County, Missouri, where he was born May 25, 1850, and is a son of John S. and Melsena ( Richardson) Mor- row.
HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY
Joe Morton, the paternal grandfather of . what he followed the occupation of a painted Ins brothers, Witham and Jefferson, to Antoine A song, and located on a farm. Fillet of Morrow organized Macon Connu 1.5 15 11 treasurer, and Maj. William Non serve as its first sheriff. The Mor How funny was among the first to settle in that section and at one time were owners of a town ·hip of lind, bearing the name of Morrow town ship John S. Monow, father of our subject, was born in Tennessee, August 17, 1824, and there received his early education in the com mon schools, Removing to Macon County, with his father, he assisted in the work on the farm until the breaking ont of the Civil War. The Morrow family had been lifelong Deno- crats. John S. Morrow sincerely believed the nation was sovereign to any State and did not wish to see a rupture, but at the same time was opposed to the methods advocated by the North for the settling of the slave question, feeling that the slaveholders had certain rights as prop- att owners. At this time every citizen of Macon County was required to go on record, registering either as a law abiding Union citi- den or as Southren sympathizer. Here arose the gravest issue in John S. Morrow's life, and atter careful deliberation he decided to register as a law-abiding Union citizen and to remain neutral in the event of a conflict. Hc registered and made his decision conscientious- ly, but the Federalists, knowing his political be- hef, felt that at heart he was a Sonthern sym- pfflnser, and made him the victim of continued depredations involving the ruin of his property, and home. Realizing that the war was in- evitable and deploring the maranding and retahatory methods that were being practiced by the militia and bushwhackers of that section, he enlisted in the Confederate Army under Gen.
Joe Shelby. He fought through the South with this regiment and returned with General Price, taking part in the campaign in Kansas and Missouri. At the class of the war, General Shelby desired to invade Mexico for the purpose of founding a colony which would be a home for the Southerners who did not care to remain in their former homes after defeat. While in Texas, General Shelby spoke to his men, stat- ing that he could not command them to go with him, explained his plan and called for volumn- teers ; those wishing to accompany him were to step to one side and those wishing to return home to the other. Here was enacted one of the most pathetic scenes of the war. Men who for five long years had been comrades in arms and united in their devotion to their leader were suddenly called upon to make a choice be- tween continuing the warfare, of which all were tired, or of returning to their homes and families to follow peaceful pursuits. John S. Morrow elected to return home and did return, immediately taking up the task of restoring his estates to their former condition. He resumed the occupation of a farmer and stock-raiser, and is now living in Callao, Missouri, at the ad- vanced age of 80 years. In 1845 he was united in marriage with Melsena Richardson, a daugh- ter of Schuyler ad Minerva Richardson, of Howard County, Missouri Mrs. Morrow died in 1875, leaving four children, as follows: Thomas J .; John 1., who] is conducting a general merchandise establishmente at Waits- burg, Washington ; J. W., a physician of Port- land, Oregon, and C. J., a physician of Kansas City, Missouri.
Thomas J. Morrow received his early edu- cation in the public schools of Missouri, supple- mented by a two-years' course in Mager Col- lege at College Mound, Missouri. He then took a course at the State Normal School at Kirks- ville, Missouri, graduating with the class of 1872, after which he successfully engaged in
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
raises hogs of the Poland-China and red Duroc varieties. The experience of many years, for our subject has always been a farmer, adds greatly to his success, and being of the pro- gressive type of farmer he is always ready to advance with the times.
Though not an active politician, he takes an interest in public affairs, voting for Demo- cratic principles on election day. His two sons, who have been associated with him in the farm work for several years, helping to carry on the work, and bringing into the farm life the spirit of youth so evident in the present generation and so necessary to the successful conduct of any kind of business. Edward, the older of these sons, is affiliated with the A. H. T. A., and is a member of the Friends' Church. Wil- ber, the younger, is a member of the A. O. U. W. and belongs to the Baptist Church.
HARLES L. SAWYER, mayor of the city of Galena, and prominently identified with the business, political and social life of this section, was born in 1863 at Carlinville, Illinois, and is a son of Thomas L. and Martha (Drew) Sawyer.
Thomas L. Sawyer was born in Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania, and died at Galena, Kan- sas, in 1886. The mother was born in the parish of Stratbridge, County Dorset, England, May 27, 1832, and died at Galena, Kansas, in 1884. The two children of these parents were : Charles L., of this record, and Henrietta Lonise, who is the wife of G. E. Lowdermilk, of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Thomas L. Saw- · yer was a resident of Carlinville, Macoupin County, Illinois, for a number of years. He was a well known educator there and was instrumental in the founding of a college at Carlinville. After locating in Galena, he estab-
lished himself in an insurance business in which he remained interested until the close of his life.
Charles L. Sawyer's educational advan- tages were confined to the common schools and were terminated at the age of 14 years when he entered into commercial life as a clerk in a dry goods store. After coming to Galena, in 1878, hie accepted a clerkship in a large clothing house, in which he continued until 1884 and then became associated with his father in the fire and accident insurance business, succeeding to the management upon the death of the older partner. This is one of the oldest and most reliable houses in the city, 17 of the leading insurance companies of the country being represented. The business is lo- cated at No. 215 Main street.
Mr. Sawyer was married first in January, 1885, to Nellie E. Neal, who was a native of Missouri. She died in November, 1887, and was survived by one daughter,-Eulah E. The second marriage took place in 1894 to Mila E. Yoder, of Ohio, and to this union one son has been born,-Max Yoder. The family residence is in a choice part of the city, at No. 410 Galena avenue.
Mr. Sawyer has been an active and popular member of the Democratic party ever since his majority and has taken a deep interest in civic affairs both as a private citizen and as an official. He has frequently served as a member of the City Council and belonged to that body when the city was changed from the third to the second class, and in 1889, when the water franchise was passed on, and again, when on July 19, 1904, the council decided to buy the water plant. In 1889 he was chosen city clerk and was continued in office until 1897. From 1900 to 1902, he was treasurer of the Board of Education and in the latter year was elected, with 90 majority, to the highest municipal position in the gift of his fellow citizens. Thus
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closely identified with public affairs for so long, he is thoroughily qualified for the mayoralty and his administration has been of a character to continually add to his laurels.
Mr. Sawyer is a member of the Commercial Club and is fraternally associated with the Masons, Knights of Pythias, Elks, Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America and the Fraternal Aid Association. He is a member and treasurer of Christ Protestant Episcopal Church of Galena. Personally he is a gentleman, and his courteous manner, both in private and official life, lias won him many many friends. This urbanity, however, does not mean weakness, for in the cause of right or in the administration of civic law, Mr. Sawyer can show the firmness of an iron will.
L ANE WILLIAMS. One of the best known and most worthy agriculturists in Shawnee township is the gentleman whose name begins this review. His farm is located in sections 1, 2 and 12, township 33, range 25, and comprises 250 acres of fine farm land. Mr. Williams was born in Daviess County, Indiana, May 13, 1841. He is a son of James T. and Nellie (Woody) Williams, the former a native of White County, Tennessee, and the latter of North Carolina. The father moved with his parents to Indiana when that State was a Territory, and there located in Lawrence County.
On his father's farm in Lawrence County, Indiana, James T. Williams grew to manhood. Shortly after his marriage, he bought a farm in Daviess County, where he remained until 1854. Then he moved to Iowa, locating in Ringgold County. Only a short time was spent in Iowa, for a climate farther South was better suited to a Southerner by birth, and he chose Missouri for his future home, settling
in Nodaway County. Selling his home in Missouri, he moved, in 1866, to Kansas, and occupied the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch.
A Southern Democrat, he was always loyal to his party, and during his residence in Mis- souri, was honored by being elected to the office of justice of the peace, in which capacity he served for eight years. He was made a Mason in Maryville, Missouri, and was demitted to the lodge at Columbus, Kansas.
James T. Williams married Nellie Woody, of Bedford, Indiana. Only two children were born to this union,-Emeline, of Nebraska ; and the subject of this sketch. The mother hav- ing died in 1845, Mr. Williams contracted a second marriage, wedding Rosanna Hackler.
Lane Williams received his mental training in one of the old-time log school houses which were so numerous in our grandfathers' days, in the rural districts of the Middle and Eastern States. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, and, with a farm experience dating from childhood, he naturally turned to that occupa- tion for a livelihood. His present farm pro- duces all the small grains, but Mr. Williams makes a specialty of wheat and corn, large fields of each being grown each year.
A follower of the Democratic party, Mr. Williams has several times been honored by election to office on its ticket. He was the first district clerk of Cherokee County, and for more than a quarter of a century has been a director of schools in his district. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masons, having been made a member of that order in Maryville, Missouri, and demitted to the lodge at Columbus, Kansas. He is also a well known member of the G. A. R.
In June, 1862, Mr. Williams enlisted in the I Ith Reg., Missouri Vol. Cav., and was in the service until he was mustered out on August 5, 1865.
To the marriage of Mr. Williams and Clar-
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY
inda Naslı, a daughter of Timothy G. Nash, of Shawnee township, Cherokee County, six children have been born, namely: Nellie, wife of F. C. Lyerla, of Shawnee township; Rossa L., deceased; William W .; Julia A .; James O .; and Naomi. The family has recently suffered a sad bereavement in the death of a son, Rossa L., a promising young man with the brightest of futures before him. At the age of 23 years, while a ranchman in Idaho, he was seized with a sudden sickness and died August 14, 1904.
Mr. Nash, the father of Mrs. Williams. came from Nodaway County, Missouri, and settled in Kansas in April, 1866. For 30 years. he was interested in sawmills and operated them, besides attending to his farm affairs. As one of the oldest settlers in Cherokee County, he is well and favorably known, his acquaint- ance extending beyond the limits of the county.
P ETER COVERT. Among the names of the early settlers of Cherokee County stands that of Peter Covert, a well known farmer of Spring Val- ley township, living on a fine farm of 160 acres of land in section 34, township 34, range 24. He is a native of the "Hoosier State" and was born in Clark County on July 4, 1838.
Lucas Covert, his father, also a native of Clark County, Indiana, was born about 1812 and secured his education in his home county. After leaving school, he learned the trade of cooper, and followed that occupation during the early years of manhood. He married Anna Needles, a native of Indiana, and to this union were born five children, as follows : William, Andrew, Peter, Harriet and Catherine. Mrs. Covert, the mother of these children died when our subject was five years of age. Later, Mr. Covert contracted a second marriage, this time
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