USA > Kansas > Labette County > History of Labette County, Kansas, and representative citizens > Part 52
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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY
of Parsons; he has also been a member of the Masonic order since 1868. Mr. Weir united with the M. E. church in 1849. His family are all members of that church. His paternal grandfather was a Wesleyan M. E. minister.
D R. E. W. BOARDMAN is the lead- ing homeopathic physician of Par- sons, Kansas, where he has been lo- cated since 1888, having a lucrative practice throughout the community. His train- ing for this profession was most complete, and his many years of experience have given him the skill to combat the most complicated dis- eases successfully. He was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, in 1860, and is a son of Dr. H. E. and Susan C. (Lock) Boardman.
Dr. H. E. Boardman was born in Vermont and received his higher education in Middle- bury College, in that state. He came west when a young man, and married Susan C. Lock. It was after his marriage that he first conceived the idea of entering the medical pro- fession, and as a result he took a course in Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago, Illi- nois. After his graduation from that institu- tion, he was engaged in practice for the re- mainder of his life, the greater part of the time in Monroe, Wisconsin. He died at the age of sixty-three years, and was survived by his wife and two sons, the latter being Edgar WV., the subject hereof; and Horace P., now a civil engineer on the Chicago & Alton Rail- road.
Dr. Edgar W. Boardman obtained his pri- mary education in Monroe, Wisconsin, and was prepared for the practice of medicine in Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago, Illi- nois, where he graduated with the class of
1884. He spent one year in the hospital, as house surgeon, and in December, 1885, began to practice at Larned, Kansas. He continued there for three years, and in 1888 moved to Parsons, Kansas, where he has since been located. He was successful almost from the start, and his practice has grown constantly since. He is a member of the American Insti- tute of Homeopathy; the Kansas Homeopathic Medical Society,-of which he was formerly president,-and the Labette County Medical Society, of which he is secretary. He was president of the city board of health for two years, his term having expired in April, 1901.
Dr. Boardman was united in matrimony in 1890, with Mrs. Lillie V. Long. Fraternally, he is a member of the A. F. & A. M .; Royal Arcanum; Ancient Order of United Work- men ; Modern Woodmen of America; B. P. O. E .; and Knights of the Maccabees.
m RS. PAULINE FEESS, residing in one of the most beautiful residences in Parsons, Kansas, is the widow of the late Charles Feess, a prom- inent cigar manufacturer of that city.
Charles Feess was born in Osweil, Wurtem- berg, Germany, in 1835, being one of several children. When about eighteen years old, he emigrated from his fatherland and located in 1853, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he followed the carpenter's trade for several years. Subsequently, he learned the cigar business, which he followed for some time in Chicago, Illinois. In 1858, he went to Leavenworth, Kansas, and engaged in the manufacture of cigars on an extensive scale. Returning to the East in 1860, he was again located in Phil- adelphia, for several years.
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While living in Philadelphia and while still engaged in the carpenter business, his marriage to the subject of this sketch was consummated. In 1866, he again went west to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he continued the manufacture of cigars. Having established an extensive trade in Parsons, Kansas, he conceived the idea of locating there, and thus saving considerable traveling expenses. After building the large, brick building next to Holm's drug store, on Johnson avenue, near Central avenue, Mr. Feess removed his family to Parsons, in 1876, immediately establishing a factory in that place.
He carried on the manufacture and sale of cigars in that section very successfully, and some time afterward purchased 800 acres of land near Oswego. In 1882, he retired from business in the city, and removed to his farm, where his death occurred two years later, at the age of but forty-nine years. He was a prominent man in fraternal circles, being a member of the K. of P., I. O. O. F. and K. T.
Mrs. Feess, whose maiden name was Paul- ine Horning, is a daughter of Gotlieb and Dora (Swent) Horning. She was born in Wurtem- berg, Germany, in 1837, came to America in 1852, and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Feess,-four sons and two daughters,- as follows: Charles, Annie, Otto, William E., Lucy, and Fred. Charles Feess is married and resides in Parsons. Annie Feess married Conductor Drew, in the employ of the Mis- souri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company, and they reside on Central avenue; Mr. Drew is a member of the O. R. C. Otto Feess married a Miss Blake, and is a member of the drug firm of W. E. Feess & Company. William E. Feess is the head of the drug firm of W. E. Feess & Company, doing a successful business
as pharmacists and druggists on the corner of Johnson and Central avenues ; he married Nora Warner, a daughter of one of the oldest and most respected families in Parsons. Lucy Feess married G. A. Weir, a fireman on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway; Mr. Weir is a member of the B. of L. F. Fred Feess is a clerk in the drug store of his brothers. Otto and William E. Feess are members of the Knights of the Maccabees, and the former is also a member of the Elks.
Mrs. Feess still owns the large farm near Oswego, which she leases for pasturage and farming purposes. She returned to Parsons shortly after the death of her husband, and for a time lived in the large brick building, which was formerly their home. This she sold subsequently, and in 1897 erected her pres- ent beautiful residence at 1915 Crawford av- enue. She distinctly remembers, and often re- fers to, incidents of pioneer life in Kansas, where she first located in 1858. Many fea- tures of her journey to Leavenworth are as fresh in her mind as if they occurred but yes- terday. The railroad extended only to Jeffer- son City, Missouri, at that time, and the re- mainder of the intervening distance was tra- versed by boat. Mrs. Feess is a lady of many virtues, of both heart and mind, has a wide circle of friends, and is greatly beloved by her children. The entire family worship at the Presbyterian church.
YRENIUS W. GRAGG, a general storekeeper of Dennis, Labette coun- ty, Kansas, has been postmaster of that village for the past four years. He was born June 5, 1848, in Pulaski county, Kentucky.
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His father was born in Virginia, and lived to the age of sixty-eight years. His mother was a native of Kentucky, and also reached the age of sixty-eight years. They reared 12 chil- dren, namely : Emily F .; H. H .; Amanda; Ella; William P .; J. B., deceased; Cyrenius W .; L. B .; Paulina and Amelia, twins, both deceased; and. Alice and Bell, deceased.
Cyrenius W. Gragg spent his early life in his native state, Kentucky, and engaged in the drug business during 1871 and 1872. He was appointed U. S. storekeeper and also post- master at Monticello, Kentucky, which position he held until 1884. In that year, Mr. Gragg decided to move west, and accordingly located in Labette county, Kansas, where he lived, near where the notorious Bender family in previous years committed so many awful murders. He conducted his farm for one year and then traded it for his store in Dennis, where he now lives. He was made postmaster of that village four years ago, and in connection with this po- sition operates a general store. He has been very prosperous, and his trade increases each year. In connection with his general business, he has shipped 73 car-loads of corn and oats, and 20 car-loads of hay. Mr. Gragg is very generally and favorably known in Labette county, and is one of the influential men of Dennis, no public enterprise being completed without his assistance.
Mr. Gragg married Wiletta Burton, who was partially reared by Allen Burton, United States Minister to one of the South American governments, under Grant's administration. Mr. Burton was a brother of Mrs. Gragg's father. Mr. and Mrs. Gragg have been blessed with three children, namely: Bessie, Hazel and Helen. Mr. Gragg belongs to the Anti Horsethief Association. He is a stanch Re- publican, in politics. Religiously, he attends
the United Brethren church, in which he is an interested worker. He is very popular in Dennis, and is one of the best citizens in the town.
ALTER S. EVERY, a prominent farmer of Labette county, Kansas, who is largely engaged in the rais- ing of cattle and hogs, is at present living on section 2, in Liberty township. He is widely known in the county, where he is. considered a man of high character, and one who is honest and upright in dealing with his. fellow citizens. Mr. Every was born in Dela- ware county, New York, in 1859, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Scott) Every.
George Every was born in Delaware coun- ty, New York, in 1835, and his death occurred in Labette county, Kansas, fifty-six years later. He married Elizabeth Scott, who was also a native of Delaware county, New York, and was born in 1845. She died in Labette county, Kansas, in 1886. They reared the following offspring: Nettie (Graham), who lives in Labette county; Willis, who lives in Oswego, Kansas; Walter S., the subject of this sketch ; John, who lives in Labette county; George, who lives in Kansas; Frank, a resident of Par- sons, Kansas; Albert, who lives in Missouri; and Matilda (Bandy), who lives in Labette county.
Walter S. Every spent the first ten years of his life in Delaware county, New York, where he received his primary education. His father moved to Labette county, Kansas, in 1869. and Walter S. accompanied him. He assisted his father in farming, and subsequently bought his present farm in section 2. He takes great pride in raising fine stock, and has been very successful in that line,-his cattle
M. M. KINGSBURY.
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and hogs being among the finest in the state. Mr. Every also makes a specialty of raising small fruits, and this venture has also met with great success. He is a thorough, conscientious farmer, and his farm is always well kept, and carefully managed.
Mr. Every married Eva Bunnell, who was born in Kansas, in 1860. This union resulted in the birth of five children, whose names are : Frank, Ethel, Pearl, Jessie, and Walter, all of whom are living in Labette county. In po- litical belief, Mr. Every is independent, vot- ing for the man who, in his opinion, is best qualified to fill the office.
H. HOWLETT. Among the prom- inent real estate dealers of Parsons, Kansas,. is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. A man of honest and upright business methods, and of the strictest integrity, he is highly respected in the community, of which he is a well known member. He is an active worker in local af- fairs, and is always ready to assist in any movement which tends toward the welfare of the people, and of the town in which he resides. Mr. Howlett was born in Rennselaer county, New York, in 1836, and is of English descent. His father was John Howlett, who was born in England.
Mr. Howlett was reared and schooled in his native county, where he remained until 1856. He then moved to Chicago, Illinois, and entered the locomotive department of the Chi- cago & Rock Island Railroad Company. There he remained for two years, when he moved to Kentucky, where he was engaged in railroad- ing until 1861. After the Civil War broke out, he enlisted, in August, 1861, in Company D.
6th Reg., New York Vol. Cav. He served in. the Army of the Potomac, and during the sec- ond battle of Bull Run, in 1863, he was wound- ed, and afterward received an honorable dis- charge. In 1864, Mr. Howlett returned to, his former occupation of railroading, accept- ing a position as engineer with the N. & O .. Railroad Company. He remained with this. company until 1870, when he obtained similar employment with the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company. In 1893, Mr. How- lett became interested in real estate transac- tions, and decided to open up a place of busi- ness in this line, in Parsons, where he has made his home since 1871. He has been very suc -- cessful, and has a large patronage. He pos- sesses a thorough understanding of realty af- fairs, and is well known in Parsons and the. surrounding country.
In 1876, Mr. Howlett was married to Minnie Mersereau, and they have been blessed with four children, whose names are: Sadie, John, Emily, and Hattie. The subject of this sketch is a member of the A. O. U. W. and A. F. & A. M. lodges, and also of the Brother- hood of Locomotive Engineers.
M. KINGSBURY is a progress- ive business man who has been engaged in the drug business in Oswego, Labette county, Kansas, since 1870. He is senior member of the firm of Kingsbury & Frick, leading druggists of the city. Mr. Kingsbury was born in Franklin county, Indiana, October 12, 1839, and is a son of George W. and Rebecca (Remey) Kingsbury.
George W. Kingsbury was born, reared and schooled in the state of New Hampshire.
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He learned the trade of a carpenter, and fol- lowed it during the early part of his business life, but later pursued the occupation of a farmer. He located in Franklin county, Indi- ana, where he was united in marriage with Rebecca Remey, of that county. They jour- neyed west, to Labette county, Kansas, in 1866, where the husband took up a farm, and where he lived until his death. He died at the age of sixty-seven years and his widow at the age of eighty-two years. They were parents of eight children: Theodosia (Ruble) ; James T., de- ceased; Adelaide (Conover) ; M. M., the gen- tleman whose name heads these lines; Joseph J .; Winfield S .; William R .; and Elizabeth (Dickerman). George W. Remey was a Re- publican, in politics; in religious attachments he was a member of the Baptist church.
M. M. Kingsbury received his primary edu- cation in the common schools of his native county, and in Howes Seminary at Mount Pleasant, Iowa. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted in Company G, 11th Reg., Iowa Vol. Inf., and was in the campaign of Vicksburg, and later, with the army of Gen. Sherman. He enlisted as a private, bút was promoted to be captain of Company F, 46th Reg., U. S. Colored Troops, and was mustered out of the service in February, 1866. He par- ticipated in much hard fighting and was in the following important engagements, in addition to many of less note: Pittsburg Landing, Vicksburg and vicinity, Alexandria, and the Red River expedition. After returning from the war he attended a mercantile school at Kansas City for six months, and in 1867 took a claim in Oswego township, Labette county, Kansas. He then went back to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he was married to Lisette Cozier. He returned to Labette county, in 1867, and in 1870 established the foundation of his present
thriving drug business. From a small begin- ning it grew, as its patronage justified, into a large store, well stocked and handsome in its appointments, and commanding the best drug trade of the city. Since 1890 he has had as- sociated with him Mr. P. C. Frick,-a very enterprising man,-the firm name being Kings- bury & Frick.
In politics, Mr. Kingsbury is a strong ad- vocate of Republican principles, and has taken an active interest in party work. He has served in the city council. Fraternally, he is a member of Post No. 150, G. A. R .; and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. A portrait of Mr. Kingsbury accompanies this sketch.
F. GRIERSON, a gentleman who has been identified with religious work since his arrival in Parsons, Kansas, in 1876, has accomplished much good and done much to elevate the moral standard of the city and county. He is a vet- eran of the Civil War and is commander of Post No. 81, G. A. R.
Mr. Grierson was born in Lexington, Ken- tucky, October 10, 1836, and spent his early boyhood in Brown county, Ohio. He attended the Ripley High School and Delaware College, and then for twenty years was engaged as an instructor in schools in the states of Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kansas. He lo- cated in Parsons, December 1, 1876, where he has since resided. He has been in the ministry of the old Christian church for twenty-eight years, and for two years has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal church. For six years, he was state missionary for the Christian church, and was organizer of the first school for negroes, in Parsons.
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Mr. Grierson is a son of John Grierson, who during his early life followed teaching and later engaged in farming. John Grier- son was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He married Anne Greenhow, by whom he had ten sons and four daughters; nine of his family grew to maturity, and seven are still living. John Grierson died at the age of seventy years, and his wife, at the age of seventy-two years.
The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, in 1865, with Hannah Hiett, of Brown county, Ohio, and they became parents of four children: Ida (Kilmer), a resident of Lincoln, Kansas; Walter A., of Parsons; Anne; and James A., who married Lodema Weaver, by whom he has a son, Harold, and who resides in Parsons, Kansas. W. F. Grier- son is a member of the Sons and Daughters of Justice. In politics, he is a Republican, and was justice of the peace from 1891 to 1896. He has served six years on the school board, and has also been a member of the board of health. He is a charter member of Post No. 81, G. A. R., of which he was elected com- mander in 1900.
Mr. Grierson was the first man to enlist from Brown county, Ohio, when a call for troops was made. He enlisted in Company B, Ist Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and his first battle was at Bull Run. After the expiration of three months,-his term of enlistment,-he reen- listed in Company B, 33d Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served in the Army of the Cumber- land. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Perryville, Richmond Hill, and Chickamauga. At the last named place, he was taken prisoner, and held in cap- tivity for eighteen months and nine days. He was first incarcerated at Libby Prison, and then at Danville, whence he was removed to Ander-
sonville. Afterward he was taken to various places, in order to prevent his liberation by the Union army.
ON. J. B. MORRIS, judge of the po- lice court of Parsons, Labette county, Kansas, is widely known in the coun- ty, and his election to his present po- sition shows the confidence placed in him by his fellow citizens. He is a natural leader among men, being possessed of keen percep- tions and good judgment. The duties of his office are arduous and exacting, yet he per- forms them to the entire satisfaction of all. Judge Morris is a native of Cattaraugus coun- ty, New York, and was born in 1832.
Judge Morris received his early education in his native state, where he applied himself to the trade of a carriage-maker. He also learned the business of a contractor, which he followed for many years. He went to Marshall county, Illinois, in 1866, where he did considerable work in contracting. Three years later, he moved to Elk Point, Dakota, and in 1875, lo- cated in Parsons, Kansas, where he has since resided. He has built many houses in the city, and until he accepted his present public office was extensively engaged in the contracting business,-being considered one of the best in the county. Judge Morris has always been actively interested in the affairs of the county, and of the city in which he lives, and has con- tinually given much time and attention to local politics.
Judge Morris has been twice married, first to Jane Moore, of New York State, who died leaving one daughter, Ella, now the wife of S. T. Gilbert, living in Colony. Kansas. He next married Aggie Rider, a native of Buffalo, New York, who died in March, 1900. She bore
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him two children, -- J. Webb, now in the em- ploy of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Rail- way Company, at Parsons, Kansas, and Charles H., an invalid.
He is a firm supporter of the Repub- lican party, and has served three terms in the city council. He also served as deputy United States marshal, under B. F. Simpson, and as deputy sheriff and justice of the peace. Judge Morris was appointed police judge in 1897, to serve out an unexpired term, and was reelected to that office in the spring of 1898, and also at the election of 1901. Fraternally, the Judge is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, Mohawk Tribe, No. 6.
The subject of this sketch has had a very active and useful career, and his success has been due entirely to his own efforts. He has striven long and faithfully, with unceasing labor, and all his undertakings have met with success. He is a man of affable and pleasing manners, and his friends in Parsons and its vicinity are many.
P ROF. J. C. OLSON, one of the best known educators of the state of Kan- sas, is president of the Parsons Busi- ness College, of Parsons. This in- stitution not only takes rank as the best com- mercial college in the Southwest, but is also one of the foremost in the United States.
Established in 1892, the Parsons Business College was a success from its very inception. Prof. J. C. Olson, the president of the college. is master of his art. He is a thorough educator. his methods of business are upright and just. and his reputation for honesty and just deal- ing with students and with the public generally is such that the citizens of Parsons, in every
vocation, from banker to laborer, vouch for his good stewardship. The growth of the col- lege has been phenomenal,-about 200 pupils having been enrolled during the past year, many of whom are from other states. Hundreds of successful stenographers and bookkeepers at- test the efficiency of the Parsons Business Col- lege. The work done is of a high grade. Every branch of business education is handled. by practical and capable instructors, bearing diplomas from the best educational institutions in the country. The members of the faculty are as follows: J. C. Olson, M. A., president, instructor in bookkeeping and penmanship; Carolyn A. Brehm, B. A., shorthand and type- writing; Mrs. G. C. Townsend, vocal music ;. A. A. Osgood, B. S., commercial law; W. L. Newell, mathematics and English; A. J. Har- ris, assistant in the business department; and Edna Shoup, assistant in shorthand and type- writing. There are also numerous lecturers, of prominence in the community, whose connec- tion with the school adds greatly to its stand- ing. As the Parsons Business College has flourished in the past, there is a good prospect that under the efficient management of Prof. Olson it will continue to do so in the future.
ILO HILDRETH. This gentleman has for many years been one of the leading agriculturists of La- bette county, and is known as a gentleman of marked intelligence, firm princi- ples and strict integrity. He takes an active interest in the county's welfare, and is one of its. most progressive citizens. Mr. Hildreth is a native of St. Lawrence county, New York. where he was born in 1844.
His father moved to Jefferson county, In-
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diana, in 1853, and there Milo Hildreth re- ceived his early mental training. He attended Oberlin College, in Ohio, during 1866 and 1867, and taught school in Ohio, Indiana and Kansas, for seven years. In 1870, Mr. Hil- dreth moved to Labette county, settling in Mount Pleasant township, in section 30, where he has since lived. He rapidly became known as one of the progressive men of the county, and, being possessed of superior executive abil- ity and good judgment, was soon appointed to some of the township offices. He was district school clerk from 1874 to 1897. In addition to this, he has served two terms as township trustee, one term as township clerk, and two terms as county commissioner. He is now, and has been for the past four years, trustee of the county high school, at Altamont, an office which he fills to the entire satisfaction of all.
Mr. Hildreth was united in marriage with Mary E. Kinnear, who was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, in 1843. She is a daughter of William and Barbara (McKay) Kinnear. William Kinnear was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, in 1817, and died in Jefferson county, Indiana, in 1893. His wife, Barbara (Mc- Kay) Kinnear, was a native of Jefferson coun- ty, and was born in 1819; her death took place in that county, sixty-three years later. The children resulting from this union were as follows: James, of Kirkville, Missouri; Mary E., Harriet (Corya), deceased; Alzora Nel- ·son). of Oswego, Kansas; Sarah, of Jefferson county, Indiana ; Charles, of the same county ; George, of Greenwood, Indiana; Arthur, of Eureka, Utah; Anna (Cosby), of Burns- ville, Indiana; and Samuel. of Cheyenne, Wy- oming. Mr. Hildreth's wife has borne him five children, namely: Lucy, deceased; and Chester, Clara, Eva, and Blanche,-all of La- bette county. Mr. Hildreth has been an active
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