USA > Kansas > Cherokee County > History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative citizens > Part 53
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After the death of Mr. Rogers, Mrs. Rog- ers rented her farm and removed to West Min- eral, where she now resides. She has pleasant companionship here in the midst of her chil- dren and grandchildren, and, in the ease and comfort which now surround her, she can al-
most forget the hardships of her early days in Kansas. She is a worthy and valued member of the Baptist Church.
EWTON J. HALE, one of the highly respected retired farmers of Sheridan township, who owns 231 acres of good land situated in section 20, township 32, range 22, was born November 24, 1838, in Washington County, Illinois, and is a son of Mesliech and Elizabeth ( Maxwell) Hale.
The father of our subject was born in Tennessee, June 23, 1774, and the mother was also a native of Tennessee. They married in that State and then removed to Washington County, Illinois, and settled among the pio- neers there. They were farming people and owned considerable land. The father served as colonel of a regiment in the War of 1812 and was a man of importance in his township after luis return, filling a number of the local offices. He died April 4, 1848, and the mother also died in Washington County. Of their nine children, the two survivors are : Newton J., and his sister Louisa, who is the wife of Levi Rogers, of Webb City, Missouri. In religious faith they were members of the Baptist Church.
Our subject attended the district schools, as opportunity offered, and grew up on his father's farm, trained to agricultural work. He followed the life of a farmer, in Illinois, until the fall of 1870, when he came to Cher- okee County, Kansas, and secured a farm of 120 acres in section 20, township 32, range 22, in Sheridan township, and then returned to Illinois, where on November 9, 1871, he was married to Serena J. Justice, of Perry County, Illinois. This was a wild section of country when Mr. Hale brought his bride here, but both were stout-hearted and industrious and ere long a fair beginning had been made toward
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the evolution of what is now one of the most comfortable homes and best farms of the town- ship. The farm now includes 231 acres of fine land, producing wheat, oats, corn and hay, and sustaining horses, cattle and hogs in large numbers. For some time the labor of the farm has devolved upon Mr. Hale's sons, the time having come for him to take a well earned rest.
Mr. and Mrs. Hale have four children : William B., a farmer of Sheridan township, who married Dora M. Gordon ; James Alfred, a farmer of Sheridan township, who married Iva M. Pickering: Matilda E., who married Albert Dunn, a farmer of Sheridan township; and Alva Otto, who is also engaged in farm- ing in Sheridan township, who married Kate Nolan. Mrs. Hale is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. In politics, Mr. Hale votes as his judgment dictates, putting the man before the party. He has never sought office but has always been ready to do his part in public mat- ters, has taken an interest in the schools and in having good public highways, but has believed in a judicious expenditure of the township finances so that all may be equally benefited. He is considered a man of excellent judgment and his advice is often asked. Both Mr. Hale and his estimable wife have worked hard and have passed through many trying times, but their lines now lie in peaceful paths. They are able to take great comfort in the prosperity of their children who have grown up to be respected members of the community, and they are surrounded by friends who hold them in the highest esteem.
HARLES M. JONES, M. D. The medical men of Baxter Springs are a band of enlightened, progressive men, devoted to their noble profes- sion and representing the best citizenship of the section. Among these, Dr. Charles M.
Jones takes a leading position. He was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, December 5, 1859, and is a son of Dr. William B. and Sarah C. (Strahn) Jones.
Ammon Jones, grandfather of Dr. Jones, was born and educated in Virginia, where he was an old-time planter. He married Matilda Browning and they had issue as follows: Wil- liam B., Porter E., Commodore, Martha, Dor- cas and Alice. In 1867 Ammon Jones removed with his family to Richmond, Missouri, and there continued to farm until his death.
Dr. William B. Jones was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, completed his literary edu- cation there and went to Missouri prior to the removal of the family. He read medicine at St. Louis and was graduated there in 1879. He subsequently practiced at Richmond, Mis- souri ; Holton, Kansas; Florence, Kansas ; and finally came to Cherokee County. He engaged in practice for two years at Columbus and then located at Galena, where he still resides. He married Sarah C. Stralın, of Fleming County, Kentucky, and they had seven sons, namely : Charles M., of this sketch; W. S. and Clemuel H., both physicians in practice at Galena ; Am- mon K., a blacksmith located at Joplin, Mis- souri ; W. Dudley, a passenger engineer in the employ of the "Frisco" system, running from Sapulpa to Paris, Indian Territory ; William, residing with our subject; and Porter, of Galena.
Dr. Charles M. Jones was educated in the schools of Florence, Kansas, and was graduated from the high school at the age of 17 years. He then entered upon the study of medicine under his father and took his first examination in 1879, when but 19 years of age, too young to be permitted to practice. On February 10, 1880, he was granted a license to practice as a one year's student. In 1882 he returned to college, took his second course and was grad- uated February 23, 1883. After graduation,
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Dr. Jones practiced at Florence for II years and then removed to Fall River for five years and then located at Baxter Springs. Here his ability has been generally recognized and his practice is a large and lucrative one.
On May 30, 1880, Dr. Jones was married to Elva Ladue, of Florence, Kansas, who died July 6, 1884, the one son of this marriage liv- ing but one short year. In 1885 Dr. Jones married Fannie Cowgill, of Florence, Kansas, who at death left one daughter,-Bertha. In September, 1894, Dr. Jones was united in mar- riage with his present wife, formerly Ella Ash- will, of Fall River, Kansas.
Politically, he usually votes with the Demo- cratic party in national affairs, but is otherwise not affiliated. He was twice elected mayor of Fall River. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic bodies; Order of the Eastern Star; Knights and Ladies of Security; and Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Christian Church and has served as Sunday- school superintendent. Devoted to his profes- sion, he has scarcely permitted himself any re- laxation since taking up its duties. In 1901 he made a visit to St. Louis and took that occa- sion to enjoy a post-graduate course. Person- ally he is held in the highest esteem at Baxter Springs and professionally belongs to Cherokee County's eminent physicians.
AMES P. PENDERGRASS. Among the many worthy veterans of the Civil War who turned theeir faces Westward after their noble struggle for the old flag, was James P. Pendergrass, now and for long years one of the prominent farmers in Lola township, who resides on the northwest quarter of section 27, township 33. range 22. The subject of this sketch arrived in this county on October 1, 1866, after an over- land journey of 17 days from Illinois.
Mr. Pendergrass was born in Athens Coun- ty, Ohio, April 2, 1844. The death of his pa- rents when he was quite young caused him to be taken into the home of C. A. McNeil, and under the guiding care of that gentleman, which was all that could have been expected even from a parent. he grew to manhood. The family moved to Macoupin County, Illinois, in 1858. and it was there that Mr. Pendergrass watched the gathering of the stormn cloud of war, which in 1861, burst with such fury upon the country. His resolve to do his duty by the Union was made good when, in 1862, as a youth of 18 years, he shouldered his musket and went to the front as a member of Company I, 122nd Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf .. Col. John I. Rinaker commanding. This regiment was brigaded in the right wing of the 16th Army Corps, and saw service throughout the West, from the campaign in Missouri against Price, to the Spanish Fort engagement at Mobile. The sub- ject of this sketch was in service for three years, and participated in several hot engage- ments and numberless skirmishes. He re- members Tupelo, Mississippi, and the scenes of Mobile, most vividly. A prolonged attack of that soldier's affliction, the measles, kept him away from his regiment while it helped to chase Price out of Missouri; but with this ex- ception he was under arms during the entire period of service, and received an honorable discharge at Carlinville, Illinois.
After reaching home. Mr. Pendergrass made a lengthy visit to Ohio relatives. On re- turning to Illinois, he found that a brother of the gentleman in whose home he had been reared was about to move to the "Sunflower State," and he at once resolved to accompany lim. Upon his arrival in the county he entered the quarter where he now resides, and im- mediately began its operation. During the first year he hired help to break 10 acres, at $4 per acre, and put up a log house, 14 by 18 feet,
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in dimensions. The first year or two he worked away from the claim a great deal, doing team- ing, as most of the supplies for the settlers had to be brought from trading points in Missouri. The country was, of course, sparsely settled. There were but three or four houses in Oswe- go, in Labette County, and a few shacks scat- tered about on the prairie. Game was plenty, consisting of deer, prairie chickens and turkeys ; there were many wild cats. Mr. Pendergrass soon established a reputation as a crack shot, and he and his chum, Charles Jackson, soon had the record of champion deer hunters.
But those days rapidly passed away. Set- lers became more numerous and game grew scarce and shy. Evidences of civilization be- gan to present themselves everywhere, and the adventures of the pioneer were soon a thing of the past. Mr. Pendergrass, after two years of bachelorhood, took unto himself a wife, and began in earnest the work of perfecting his home. Trees were planted, and shacks gave way to substantial buildings. The log house served until about 1881, when the present com- fortable farm house was erected. It is little wonder that the early settler only parts with his first farm under necessity, as it represents years and years of hard labor and thoughtful care. Indeed, it comes to be looked upon al- inost as one of the children, whom he has nursed from a puny infant to a lusty maturity. Mr. Pendergrass expects to spend his days on the handsome farm property which stands as the result of his life's work, where he is surrounded by old friends and neighbors, who love and respect him for his true worth.
The father of the subject of this sketch was James P. Pendergrass, a carpenter and stone- mason by trade. He died while still in middle life. He married Mary Ann Buckston, of Eng- lish parentage, but a native of Ohio. Eight of the 13 children born to these parents lived to maturity, as follows: Catherine, the eldest
daughter, who died in early womanhood; Ed- ward, the eldest son, deceased about three years ago, who was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in 1861 in the Ist Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav .; Franklin H., who resides at Shef- field, Missouri ; Maria, who is married and lives in Ohio; Mrs. Marinda Crocket, of Neosho County, Kansas; James P .; Joel, of Pike County, Ohio; and Mrs. Mary Peterson, of Neosho County, Kansas.
As stated, Mr. Pendergrass married as soon after coming to Cherokee County as he could get things in what he considered proper shape, that event occurring in 1868. The maiden name of his wife was Rachel Mattocks. She was born July 19, 1842, in Missouri, and was a daughter of John G. and Elizabeth (Pitney) Mattocks. She proved an excellent helpmeet to her husband, and a kind and loving mother to their five children. She died September 22, 1903. Of the children, John F., born February 15, 1869, died December 11, 1877; Mrs. Mary E. Ballenger, born June 3, 1871, died January II, 1892; Charles, born October 22, 1872, died August 22, 1873; Martha E., the youngest daughter, who is the wife of Malden E. McKee, and who resides with Mr. Pendergrass, to- gether with her husband and little daughter, Rachel Edith; and James J., the youngest son, a railroad fireman, living in Monett, Missouri, who married Tillie Martin, and has two chil- dren,-Lela and Charles.
In speaking of the life which Mr. Pender- grass has lived in Cherokee County, strong words of commendation may be used. His in- fluence lias ever been thrown on the side of right, and during the earlier days, when men of strong moral character were needed to com- bat the evil influence of the rough characters who found it unhealthy to live in the more crowded sections of the country, he was a tower of strength in upholding the law and the rights of citizens.
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In his political belief, the subject of this sketch leans toward Republicanism. He joined the Union Baptist Church in early manhood, but later transferred his membership to the Christian Church, and this organization has received liberal support from him, financially and otherwise. Mr. Pendergrass is a worthy member of the G. A. R., and was one of the organizers of the A. H. T. A.
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OODFORD A. WARD, M. D. The medical profession of Chero- kee County will compare favorably with that of any other county in the State. In it are a number of practitioners who have established reputations for skill in particular lines which are of State-wide pub- licity. At Hallowell the biographer found in the gentleman mentioned above a young phy- sician whose success in the treatment of the respiratory organs, and notably of the dreaded disease of consumption, has been of such a char- acter as to attract attention all over the West. Dr. Ward was reared in the county, but is a native of Indiana, having been born in La Grange Center, La Grange County, September 1, 1861.
In his early childhood the subject of this sketch accompanied his parents to Nebraska, where they resided about two years in Richard- · son County, and thence went to Andrew County, Missouri. In May, 1873, the family settled in Cherokee County, Kansas, where Dr. Ward received the greater part of his boyhood's mental training in the common schools of Sher- man City. The earlier portion of his young manhood was spent in travel. He learned the paper-hanger's trade, and being apt at other occupations did not find it difficult to get work wherever he might be. This fact, together with a desire to see the world, led him to take a trip
over the Pacific Coast region. He was gone about six years, covering the entire coast to British Columbia, and many of the Rocky Mountain States. Upon his return he con- ceived the idea of becoming a physician. He was, however, without money to pursue a course of training. Nothing daunted, he began saving his earnings, and in 1887 was able to enter the Northwestern Medical College at St. Joseph, Missouri, and took his degree of M. D. in that institution in 1890.
Selecting as a field for practice the home of his youth, Dr. Ward came to Hallowell, where he has had a most marvelous success, and has built up a practice limited only by his physical power to give it attention. He was early at- tracted to the pathology of the respiratory or- gans, in view of the alarming prevalence of con- sumption, and his researches in this direction have been such as to bring him great success in the treatment of the dread disease. He has a record of having cured 75 out of 100 cases he has had under treatment, and so great is his fame that patients come to him from all parts of the West. For the treatment of dis- ease, Dr. Ward's office is finely equipped with all the latest discoveries known to medical sci- ence,-galvanic batteries, an X-ray machine, ozone, etc.
Our subject's brother, Dr. William H. Ward, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, Jan- uary 27, 1828. His people were of English descent, coming to Pennsylvania in early colo- nial days. He was a graduate of the medical department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and practiced at different points in Ohio and the West, notably in Andrew County, Missouri. He spent some time in California in the gold fields when a young man, going overland and returning by way of the Isthmus of Panama. He suffered death by burning while on a trip to Oregon, May 27, 1903. His wife was Parmelia A. Randolph, a native of
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Wheeling, West Virginia, who survives him at the age of 66 years. Their family consisted of four children, as follows: John, the eldest, who is deceased; Woodford A .; William H., who resides in Hallowell; and Nellie, who is deceased.
Dr. Ward is living with his second wife. Her maiden name was Madge G. Oglesby and she is a native of Missouri. His first wife was Eva L. Hazelton, a native of Illinois, and their marriage took place July 13, 1892. She died April 28, 1901, at 29 years of age, leaving a little son,-Don Carlos.
A courteous and agreeable gentleman, an astute and studious student of his profession, and a high minded Christian citizen, Dr. Ward holds the respect and esteem of the whole coun- try about Hallowell, and wherever he is known throughout Cherokee County.
HARLES L. MOLL, who has been a successful mine operator in Cherokee County for many years, is superin- tendent of the Merger Mining Com- pany. He has lived in the city of Galena since 1866, and is the pioneer living citizen at the present time. He was born in St. Louis, Mis- souri, September 16, 1852, and is a son of Egidious and Barbara (Hunt) Moll, both na- tives of Baden, Germany.
Egidious Moll, whose father was an officer of high rank in the German Army, came to the United States at the age of 10 years with his parents, who located in Buffalo, New York. His wife was three years old when she came over with her parents. With his parents, Egid- ious Moll removed to Perry County, Missouri, and there he followed farming during his early life and engaged in the mercantile business. In 1863 he located in Johnson County, Kansas, and farmed until 1866 when he came to Chero-
kee County, locating upon the quarter section which is included in the town-site of Galena. He farmed this tract until 1877, when he sold what is now known as the property of the Ga- lena Lead & Zinc Company and thereafter lived in retirement until his death in 1890. He was married in Perry County, Missouri, to Barbara Hunt, whose relatives died in one night during an epidemic of cholera, the house being burned and all family records destroyed. Of the five children born to them, two died in infancy and three survive, namely: William Henry, who married his cousin, Emma Moll, and resides on a farm in Johnson County, Kansas; Charles L .; and J. E., who married Ida Effinger and re- sides on a farm in Johnson County.
Charles L. Moll was reared on his father's farm and when 14 years of age accompanied them to Cherokee County. He received his educational training in the public schools and lived on the home farm until it was sold, with the exception of three years spent in the livery business. He has since been continuously en- gaged in mining and has attained a high de- gree of success. He began at the lowest step as a miner and worked his way up until he had supervision of the interests of large mining companies. He was president of the Moll- Reid Paint Company, and at different times superintendent of the Cripple Creek Mining Company, the Pittsburg Mining Company ; the M. & F. Mining Company; the Merger Mining Company, and many other smaller companies. At the present time he is superin- tendent of the M. & F. Mining Company, which has large interests and a prosperous business. Mr. Moll is a member of the Commercial Club of Galena, and one of that city's public spirited business men.
In September, 1876, Mr. Moll was united in marriage with Nancy E. Casebeer, a daugh- ter of Miles and Elizabeth Casebeer of Iowa. She died in 1890, having given birth to nine
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children, six of whom are living, namely : John, who married Nettie Dorris, and lives at Galena : Irene Belle (Dillon), who lives at Ga- lena; T. C., of Galena, who married Bertha Dorris; David O., who is in the United States Army and is in the service in the Philippine Islands; and Henry and Arthur, who both live at home. These children have all received good educational training and are useful citizens. In 1891, our subject formed a second union, mar- rying Mollie Baxter, who is a native of Holton, Kansas.
ENRY H. HARPER was born in Marion County, Missouri, June 9, 1843, and made his home there until after the war. In 1871, with his wife and child, he drove to Kansas in a wagon, and after many and varied experiences arrived at his destination, where he purchased 80 acres of "Joy" land from the railroad in section 12, township 33, range 22, in Lola township. There were only a few pole houses in the vicinity and between his farm and Columbus. The country being so new, there were no roads, and when starting out across the prairie, one could take any direction, or make a short cut, to suit his convenience. Rattlesnakes abounded and Mr. Harper killed numbers of them. Out in this seeming wilderness of prairie, a box house, 12 by 14 feet in size, was erected, and the fam- ily took possession, glad to leave the camp life in the wagon, and be in more comfortable quar- ters. Here they lived until 10 years ago, when the new dwelling, a substantial farm house, was completed, and they moved once more, this time into the comfortable home where they now reside. Good outbuildings and fences here be- speak the thrifty farmer.
Columbus was a convenient market, and there also the farmers got their mail. . One drawback was experienced in the chills and ma-
larial fever that were prevalent, and the family, with the exception of Mr. Harper, suffered in consequence.
During the war Mr. Harper saw active ser- vice as a member of the Ist Reg., Missouri Na- tional Guards, in which he enlisted in Lewis County. He served under many prominent leaders, among them being Col. Moses E. Green, and Lieut .- Col. Joseph Porter, of the Confed- eracy. He was in many skirmishes, the most important being at Athens and Lexing- ton, Missouri, under General Price. After the battle of Pea Ridge, he was discharged on ac- count of ill health. One of his experiences dur- ing the war was a two-months' imprisonment in a Federal prison in St. Louis, with three others; he escaped by jumping from an upper window. After the war he spent some time in Quincy, Illinois, before migrating to Kansas.
Mr. Harper is a member of the Christian Church and is active in church work. In poli- tics, he was a follower of Cleveland, and later has been a champion of Bryan. He served two terms as deputy sheriff under J. C. Babb.
The Harpers, who are of English descent, came to America in colonial times. The grand- father of Mr. Harper was a slaveholder, and at one time sold 10 slaves in order to pay a secur- ity debt. He died one year, after going to Mis- souri, leaving a widow and 14 children, and many slaves. The grandmother died in Quincy, Illinois, during the Civil War, at the age of 90. She was born in North Carolina, was of German descent, and became one of Kentucky's pioneers. Among her varied ex- periences was that of flying to forts for refuge when the Indians made their raids. At one time, in company with a sister, she was captured and held seven years by the Indians.
George Washington Harper, the father of Henry H., was a native of Bourbon County, Kentucky, where he died at the age of 67 years. He was a veteran of the "Florida War,"
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where one of the greatest battles against the Indians was fought, and many brave officers were killed. Missouri found him among her settlers when she entered the Union as a State. The mother of Henry H. Harper, Martha Gas- saway, was born in Kentucky, between Lex- ington and Frankfort, and was the youngest of a large family of children. She died in Lewis County, Missouri, at the age of 55 years. She had seven children, four of whom lived to ma- turity, namely: Henry H .; William, of East St. Louis, Ilinois; Mrs. Mary A. Zimmerman, of Lewis County, Missouri; and George W., who died at Hot Springs, Arkansas. George WV. Harper was principal of schools at Galena, Kansas, for many years.
On February 21, 1864, Henry H. Harper was married to Mary E. Rardon, a native of Missouri, who died there July 16, 1865, leaving one child, Mrs. Lizzie Lee, of Hannibal, Mis- souri. The children of a second marriage, in 1869, to Arminda Blair, of Missouri, are George, who resides at home, is married and has one child; and Martha A. and Mary W., also living at home.
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