USA > Kansas > Labette County > History of Labette County, Kansas, and representative citizens > Part 57
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Mr. Bashelier married Cecelia Amsbaugh, in 1875, and they have two children, W. Ira and Goldie M. Mr. Bashelier is well known in Parsons, and throughout this section of the state, and is greatly esteemed for his honest, upright business character and his qualities as a public spirited citizen.
OHN F. WASKEY, a prominent and influential citizen of Oswego, Labette CGG county, Kansas, and the proprietor of a gentlemen's furnishing store in that place, is a native of Van Buren county, Iowa, and was born February 24, 1843. He is a son of Alexander and Nancy ( Purdom) Was- key.
Mr. Waskey's grandfather, John Waskey. was born in Virginia. at Natural Bridge. He was a miller and farmer by trade. Some of the Waskey family now reside at Waskey's Mills, Virginia. Alexander Waskey, the fa- ther of John F., was born in 1814 in Rock- bridge county, Virginia, where he was also reared and mentally trained. In early life, he moved to Keosauqua, Van Buren county, Iowa, where he lived until 1854, and afterward located at Westport, Missouri. There he died, in 1879, at the age of sixty-five years. He followed mercantile pursuits,-having a store in Westport,-and in 1861 moved his stock of goods to Emporia, Kansas, and sent his son, John F., to that place, to act as clerk in the store, although he continued to reside in West- port. In politics, he was a Democrat, until after the war, when he became a Republican. He married Nancy Purdom, who was born in North Carolina, in 1816. She now lives in Westport. Missouri. They were the parents of the following children, namely: John F .;
Virginia ( Hurst) ; Thomas P., a merchant of Pittsburg, Kansas; Amanda (Goslin) ; Mary I .; and Sarah M. (Smith).
John F. Waskey, whose name heads this- personal sketch, went with his parents to West- port, Missouri, in 1854, and as before men- tioned, went to Emporia, Kansas, to serve as. clerk in his father's store, in 1861. There he remained until the fall of 1867, when he moved to Oswego, Kansas. In partnership with his brother, Mr. Waskey started a store, but in 1873 the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Waskey has since conducted the business alone. He carries a full line of shoes and gentlemen's. furnishings, and has a large patronage.
Mr. Waskey was united in marriage, in 1866, to Sarah E. Sager, of Westport, Mis- souri, and they have two children, namely : Dick S., who was born in 1867, and is now manager of the Deming Investment Company. at Colfax, Washington, where he has lived since 1892; and Blanche ( Elliott), who is a resident of Sherman, Texas. Politically, Mr. Waskey is a Democrat, and has served as city treasurer, and as mayor, since his residence in Oswego. He is a public spirited man, and takes an active interest in the welfare and de- velopment of the town.
R. ALBERT SMITH, a successful. young medical practitioner of Par- sons, Kansas, is well known to the residents of the city where he has been located ever since his boyhood days. He madecareful preparation for the medical profes- sion in some of the best schools of medicine in this country, and in practice has given evidence- of skill not equaled by men of many more- years' experience.
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Dr. Smith was born in Erie, Kansas, July 24, 1870, and is a son of Irvin Smith, now a druggist of Parsons. He was a small boy when he accompanied his parents to Parsons, where he received his primary education in the public schools, and under the private tutelage of Prof. Hickson, of Parsons. He then took a course of study in the State University of Kansas, at Lawrence, which was supplemented by a course in the Philadelphia ( Pennsylvania) School of Pharmacy, where he graduated with the class of 1890. He then became asso- ciated with his father, in the drug business, at Parsons and continued thus from 1890 until 1892. He then attended lectures at the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons, in Chicago, Illinois ; and took a second course of lectures at the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College, -graduating with the class of 1895. He be- gan the practice of medicine at Parsons, in the spring of 1895, and has been successful beyond his fondest expectations.
In 1896, Dr. Smith was united in marriage with Nannie E. Cowden, of Parsons. Frater- nally, the Doctor is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America; and the B. P. O. E. Politically, he is a Republican.
A BRAHAM C. LOPER, one of Os- wego's progressive citizens who has resided in the city since 1878, is ex- tensively engaged in cattle dealing. He was formerly engaged in farming in the county, but retired from that vocation, although he still owns a farm of 160 acres in Liberty township.
Mr. Loper was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1845, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Sommers) Loper. Joseph Loper was
born in Harrison county, Ohio, and moved west, to Van Meter, Dallas county Iowa, where he died in 1891, aged seventy-six years. His wife was Sarah Sommers, a native of Western Pennsylvania, who died at an early age, hav- ing borne him the following children: John S., deceased; Esther (Fred), deceased; Eliza ( Hogue), and Benjamin, who live in Bel- mont county, Ohio; Abraham Clark; and Cy- rus, deceased. Mr. Loper served in various township offices, and was a Republican in pol- itics. He was a member of the Christian church.
Abraham C. Loper received his mental training in the public schools of his native town, and then engaged in the stock business in Ohio, marketing at Wheeling, West Vir- ginia. and Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He moved to Labette county, Kansas, and in the spring of 1874 purchased the northeast quar- ter of section 21, township 34, range 19, in Elm Grove township. He resided upon this property and was engaged in agricultural pur- suits for four years. At the end of that period, he moved to Oswego, where he has since re- sided. He sold his farm in Elm Grove town- ship, and purchased 160 acres in section 2, Liberty township, which he still owns. At present he is not engaged in farming, but de- votes his energies to the cattle trade, in which he has been decidedly successful. He is a man of admirable character, and has many friends throughout this section of the county.
In 1869. Mr. Loper was married to Flor- ence Waters, and to them were born two chil- dren : William C. and Winifred, both of Os- wego. Mrs. Loper died January 7, 1890. In April, 1895, Mr. Loper married Mary E. Mil- lion, of Mound Valley, Kansas. Fraternally, the subject of this sketch is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen; Inde-
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pendent Order of Odd Fellows; and Knights and Ladies of Security. He is a Republican, in politics, and served as deputy to Sheriff J. W. Bennett, from 1893 to 1897. Mr. Loper was also engaged in the cattle business in the Indian Territory during the first years of his residence in Labette county.
W. RYAN. This gentleman is a member of the firm of C. A. Wilkin & Company, engaged in the real estate and abstracting business in Parsons, Labette county, Kansas. The mem- bers of the firm are widely known throughout the county, and this section of the state, and their transactions are carried on in a manner which bespeaks their honesty and upright principles. They do a large and profitable business, each year finding them with a greater amount of work on hand. Mr. Ryan was born in De Kalb county, Alabama, in 1869, and is a son of Albert M. Ryan, who is still a resident of that state.
C. W. Ryan received his education in his native state, where he lived for a number of years. In 1887, he went to Washington, where he engaged in the lumbering business in the district of Puget Sound. The follow- ing two years were spent at Fair Haven, Washington, where he was engaged in the reat estate business. In February, 1891, Mr. Ryan located in Parsons, where he opened a real estate agency. In October, 1892, he formed a partnership with C. A. Wilkin, and attended to abstracting and real estate matters under the firm name of C. A. Wilkin & Company. Mr. Ryan is a man of splendid business abil- ity, and his career in this line has been marked with great success. He is a young man, and
there are prospects of a brilliant future before him.
Mr. Ryan was united in marriage with Eva M. Heacock, a daughter of Dr. James Heacock, of Parsons, and they have been blessed with three children, namely: Annie, Asa and Harry. Mr. Ryan is a member of Pioneer Lodge, No. 12, K. of P .; and also of Camp No. 844, M. W. of A. Politically, he is a firm supporter of the Republican party.
EORGE L. TOMS, a successful farmer and coal operator, living in section 26, Oswego township, Labette coun- ty, Kansas, is a gentleman of sound principles and strict integrity. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1866, and is a son of Abner J. and Eleanor (Weaver) Toms.
Abner J. Toms was a native of Maryland, where he was reared and mentally trained. After his marriage, he located in Montgomery county, Ohio, where he remained until 1876. He then moved to Bates county, Missouri, and in 1882 to Longton, Elk county, Kansas, where he died at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife still resides in Longton. They reared the following offspring, namely: Mary L .; Laura B., deceased; Lizzie; Emanuel; Frank; John; George L .; and Charles.
George L. Toms moved with his parents to Kansas, when they located in Elk county, in 1882. He followed farming in that county until 1889, when he went to Arkansas City, Cowley county, and engaged in the hay, grain and coal business. This business he followed for four years, and then returned to farming and cattle raising. In 1900, he moved from Elk county to Labette county, and located on
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a farm in section 26, Oswego township, where he is now engaged in farming and operating a coal bank. During 1901 Mr. Toms expects to take out 20,000 bushels of coal. He has been quite successful, and is considered a very good farmer. During his short residence in the county he has won many friends through his genial manners and his upright dealing with all.
Mr. Toms was united in marriage with Etta B. Freeman, in 1887, and they have been blessed with five children, namely: Grace; Ray and Ruth, who are twins; Clara; and Levi. Mr. Toms is a member of the A. O. U. W. lodge. Politically, he is a Republican.
A SA SMITH, a well known and pros- perous real estate dealer of Parsons, Kansas, has been a resident of the city almost continuously since July,
1871.
Mr. Smith was born in Wabash county. Indiana, in 1853, and thence went with his parents, at the age of ten years, to Urbana, Ohio. He accompanied the family to Kansas in 1868, and staid for about six months in Woodson county, where his father located a claim. He next went to the town of Erie, Neosho county, in the fall of 1868, and was with the Southwestern Stage Company for three years. In 1871, he located in Parsons, Labette county, where he has since resided, with the exception of four years. He was en- gaged in railroading for eleven years. In 1883, he was elected register of deeds, and his term expired in 1888. He then started in the real estate and loan business for himself, and has been very successful from the beginning. He also does some farming and stock raising.
He is a man of high character, and is well liked by all with whom he comes into contact. both in business and social relations.
Mr. Smith was joined in matrimony, in 1884, with Emma Scholl, of Parsons. Fra- ternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a Republican, in politics, and was supervisor of the census of 1900 for the Third Congressional District of Kansas.
COTT TAYLOR, a prominent jeweler of Oswego, Labette county, Kansas, is one of the most progressive citizens of the town. He is a public spirited man, lending his assistance to all movements which are for the development and advance- ment of the community. Mr. Taylor was born in Fowler township, Trumbull county, Ohio, December 10, 1855, and is a son of Han- nibal Taylor, who was a native of Massa- chusetts.
Scott Taylor received his primary school- ing in his native county, and in 1871 went from Ohio to Towanda, Butler county, Kansas, to live. He was engaged in clerical work there for several years, and in 1876 decided to locate in Oswego. Accordingly, in that year, he moved to Oswego, and embarked in the jewelry business. He has carried on that busi- ness successfully ever since, and has a large patronage. His stock is of the best, and his manner of dealing with customers is character- istic of the man, who is thoroughly imbued with honesty and the spirit of fair dealing. In connection with the jewelry store, he also conducts an optical department.
Mr. Taylor was united in marriage, in 1876, with Clara Wheeler, a daughter of George Wheeler, of Butler county. Kansas.
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They are the parents of three children, namely : A. Ray, who assists his father in the store; Merle C., who is with Montgomery & Com- pany, of Oswego; and Wayne W., a student. Mr. Taylor is a member of Adams Lodge, No. 63, A. F. & A. M., of Oswego. Politically, he is a Republican, and held the office of city treasurer from 1891 to 1901, when his last term of office expired. He is a director of the Oswego State Bank.
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J OHN H. RUST, a prosperous and pro- gressive business man of Altamont, Labette county, Kansas, is extensively engaged in dealing in lumber, hay and grain, and owns a large elevator and feed-mill in the city. He is a native of Cambridgeshire, England, where he was born in 1851, and is a son of John H. and Eliza (Burgess) Rust.
John H. Rust, Sr., was born in Cambridge- shire, England, and there was reared and re- ceived his intellectual training. In 1852, after his marriage to Eliza Burgess, he came to America, and settled in Genesee county, New York, where he resided until 1864. He then settled on a farm in Jasper county, Mis- souri, where he died at the age of sixty-four years. His widow resides at Altamont, Kansas. They reared the following children : Arthur J., a resident of Mount Pleasant town- ship,' Labette county, Kansas; Edith S. (Ryan), of Pettis county, Missouri ; John H .; Eliza (Fowler), deceased ; Elizabeth (Dalton), of Junction City, Kansas; and William, Hat- tie and Mattie, deceased.
John H. Rust received his school training in the district schools of Genesee county, New York, and Jasper county, Missouri. He lived in the latter county until 1874. when he located
in Labette county, Kansas, and settled in sec- tion 9, Mount Pleasant township, where he farmed until December, 1900. He was en- gaged solely in farming until 1891, when he also embarked in business at Altamont, and commenced dealing in lumber, hay and grain, having purchased the lumber yard of R. L. Sharp. In the fall of 1900, he decided to give up farming and to devote his entire attention to his other business interests, which resulted in his removal to Altamont. He still owns the farm but rents it. He built a new elevator and feed-mill, which was ready for operation in January, 1900. It has a capacity of 65,000 bushels of grain, and is thoroughly equipped in modern style. He handles an immense amount of grain, and is one of the largest deal- ers in Labette county. The aggregate of his transactions exceeds that of any other business man of Altamont. He is shrewd, energetic and enterprising, and his trade is constantly increasing.
In 1878 Mr. Rust was united in marriage with Stella Driggs, a daughter of William Driggs, of Clinton, Missouri, and they have three children,-Leonora, Milburn and Ralph. The subject of this sketch is a strong advocate of Populistic principles, but, although an ac- tive party worker, does not care to accept office. He served a term as township treas- urer. Mr. Rust, in religious views, is a Meth- odist.
A RTHUR J. RUST, a prosperous farm- er living in section 9. Mount Pleas- ant township, Labette county, Kansas, has for many years been one of the leading agriculturists of the county. He has an attractive farm, which he has spent years in cultivating, and being a progressive man he has
JOHN N. PARKER.
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kept abreast of the times, and availed himself of the modern improvements in farming im- plements. Mr. Rust was born in Cambridge- shire, England, in 1849, and is a son of John H. and Eliza (Burgess) Rust.
John H. Rust was born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1823, and died in Labette county, Kansas, in 1886. His wife, Eliza (Burgess) Rust, was also born in England, in 1827, and is now living in Altamont, Kansas. They reared the following children, namely: Ar- thur J., the subject of this sketch; Edith S. (Ryan), of Pettis county, Missouri ; John H., a resident of Altamont, Kansas; Eliza ( Fow- ler), deceased ; Elizabeth (Dalton), of Junction City, Kansas: and William, Hattie and Mat- tie, deceased.
Arthur J. Rust came with his parents to America in 1852. They located in Genesee county, New York, where they lived on a farm until 1864. In that year they moved to Win- nebago county, Wisconsin, and in 1868 to Pet- tis county, Missouri. The family remained in Pettis county for four years, and then went to Jasper county, Missouri, where they lived three years. Their final location was in La- bette county, Kansas, where Mr. Rust settled on his present farm. He has been quite suc- cessful since he established his residence in Labette county, and is well known in the com- munity as a man worthy of the respect and esteem accorded him.
Mr. Rust was united in marriage with Louisa Watkins, who was born in Dade county, Missouri, in 1856. They have no children, but have raised a niece, whose name was Ella Spitler. She married John Stagmeir, and has two children,-Alva and Charles. Mrs. Rust was the daughter of David Watkins, who was born in North Carolina, in 1821. His death occurred in Oregon, in 1889. His children were : Thomas, Clinton, Martha (Spitler),
and Josephine, all deceased; Louisa; Orlena (Smith), of Joplin, Missouri ; Perry, living at Orlando, Oklahoma; Charles, a resident of Alva, Oklahoma; Lorenzo, of Webb City, Missouri; and David and Winter, twins, de- ceased.
Mr. Rust is a member of the Populist party, and is the present township trustee. He be- longs to the A. O. U. W. lodge, and is an active member of the Methodist church. His friends are legion.
OHN N. PARKER. Among the prom- inent agriculturists of Labette county, Kansas, is John N. Parker, who owns a very productive farm in Walton township, comprising the southwest quarter of section 27, where he has carried on general farming since 1869. He was born in the Em- pire State, in 1822, and is the eldest son born to Nathan and Polly ( Doubledey) Parker.
Nathan Parker was a native of Vermont and served in the War of 1812. His wife was born and reared in the state of New York. Four children were born to this worthy couple, namely: John N., the subject of this brief biography; Joe; Ruth; and Elizabeth.
John N. Parker received his primary men- tal training in his native county. When twelve years of age, his parents removed to Jackson county, Michigan, where he lived for twenty years. When grown to manhood, he deter- mined to fit himself for a professional career and studied medicine for, perhaps, a year and a half. But the idea of becoming a doctor did not continue to appeal to him, and he discon- tinued his studies in that line and returned to farming,-an occupation to which his life has since been devoted.
Leaving Michigan to seek a location far-
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ther west, he settled in Benton county, Iowa, where he farmed for fifteen years. In 1869, he went south, to Kansas, making the trip overland at the cost of about $200. It cost him $8 to stay one night at Osage Mission, Kansas. In 1870 Mr. Parker located upon the farm in Walton township, which is now his home, and where he has spent many of the best years of his life.
Mr. Parker has been twice married. His first union was with Mary Norton, of New York. She died in 1864, leaving eight children as a legacy to her husband. Their names are : Frank, Orville, Charles, Joel, Rosa, J. Q., Jo- sephine, deceased, and Belle. The mother of these children was buried on the same day that Abraham Lincoln was the second time elected to the presidency. In 1867, Mr. Parker married his second wife, whose maiden name was Car- oline Mitchell. She was born in Benton coun- ty, Iowa, and is a daughter of William and Sarah (Broady) Mitchell. Her father was a farmer, and reared eight children, as follows: Hannah, Mary, Sophronia, Abbi, Mercy, Caro- line, Emma, and Henry S. Six children were the result of the second marriage of Mr. Park- er, namely : Clora, Florence, Fred, Mabel, Livona and Harlow.
Mr. Parker and his wife are devout mem- bers of the Christian church and are known to be among the most charitable citizens in the community. In his political convictions, Mr. Parker is an ardent Democrat, and never loses sight of the interests of his favorite party. He has almost attained the four-score years allotted to man, and his many friends hope he may live to reach the century mark. With a well spent career behind him, full of usefulness and good deeds, he is passing through the sunset period of life in the quietude of reflection, and is look- ing forward, with steadfast faith, to the glories
awaiting him beyond. A portrait of Mr. Parker is shown on another page of this work in proximity to this.
OHN BICKNELL, the founder of the city of Bicknell, Indiana, and one of the old settlers of Labette county, Kansas, is a man of varied and inter- esting experiences. He is an entertaining conversationalist, and his friends are eager listeners to his reminiscences of pioneer days. Mr. Bicknell was born in 1823, in Knox coun- ty, Indiana, where he lived until his removal to Labette county, Kansas, in 1879. His par- ents were Mumfred and Nancy (Ashby) Bick- nell.
Mumfred Bicknell was born in Kentucky. in 1796. He moved to Knox county, Indi- ana, where he died in 1853. He married Nancy Ashby, a native of Mercer county, Kentucky, who was born in 1798. She also died in Knox county, Indiana, in 1876. They reared the following offspring: James and Christiana, deceased; John, the subject of this sketch ; Samuel and Josephus, of Knox county, Indiana; Alfred, of Labette county ; Mumfred, deceased; Austin, of Liberal, Missouri; and Hibbard, Polly (Goodman), David and Will- iam, deceased.
John Bicknell began his career as a farmer, and followed that occupation until 1871, when, in company with a Mr. Slater, he engaged in mercantile business. He was the third man to set up a place of business in Bicknell, Indiana. He carried on a general store in that town until 1878, and in 1879 moved to Labette county, Kansas, and settled on the farm where he now resides. He has followed the occupa- tion of a farmer since that time, and is well
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informed in all agricultural matters. His farm presents a neat and attractive appearance, and speaks well for its owner's thrift and good management.
Mr. Bicknell was united in marriage witlı Eliza A. Chancelor, who was born in Mercer county, Kentucky, in 1823. Her father, John Chancelor, was also a native of that county, having been born in 1800. He died fifty-six years later. John Chancelor's wife, who was Polly Thomas, was also a native of Mercer county, and was born in 1802; she died in Knox county, Indiana, in 1877. Their chil- dren were: Eliza A., Isaac, Will, John, Elias, and James, all deceased.
Munford, the oldest son of John Bick- nell, served in the Civil War, and was wounded at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky. He now lives in Knox county, Indiana, and his daughter, Cora (Moss), lives in Labette coun- ty; Mrs. Moss has two children, Walter and Floyd. Mumfred Bicknell's other children are named: Clarence, Roy and Sailie,-the first two being the offspring of his first mar- riage. John Bicknell's other children are: Mary (Goff), of Labette county, the mother of Lillie (Davis), of Oklahoma, whose chil- dren are Ralph and May; Brighton, who has two children, Floy and Evaline; Nancy (Reel), of Labette county, who has one child named Denver ; John, of Knox county, Indiana, who has three children, Homer. Ottie and Flossie; Caroline (Copley), of Labette county, who has two children, Silvia and Roy; Lovisia E. (Chambers), of Knox county, Indiana, who has two children, Bertie and Carrie; William. of Labette county; Benoni, deceased, whose children are Edgar and Raymond; and Flor- ence (Robertson), of Liberal, Missouri, whose children are, Blanche, Cleo and Bernice.
Mr. Bicknell is a member of the Republican
party. He has been an active member of the Baptist church for the past sixty years. He is surrounded by a large circle of friends.
HELBY WILLIS, one of the promi- nent and influential farmers identified with the growth and development of Labette county, resides in section 20, Liberty township. He is a native of Shelby county, Kentucky, and was born in 1832. When but three years of age, he moved with his parents to Marion county, Indiana, where he received his early mental training. In 1843, his parents moved back to Shelby county, Kentucky, where they remained until 1851. In that year, they went to Fountain county, Indiana, and later to Marion county, Iowa. In 1855 they located in Jefferson county, Iowa, and six years afterward moved to Union coun- ty, Iowa. Shelby Willis enlisted in Company L, 3d Reg., Iowa Vol. Cav., in 1864, and was mustered out at Atlanta, Georgia, in 1865. At the close of the war, Mr. Willis returned to Union county, Iowa, where he resided until he located in Labette county, Kansas. He settled on his present farm, in 1894, where he has carried on general farming ever since. He is a man of sound judgnient, and good busi- ness ability, and his agricultural career has been very successful.
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