History of Labette County, Kansas, and representative citizens, Part 61

Author: Case, Nelson, 1845-1921, ed
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 846

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Five children bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Appich. They are: Annie, Frank, J. Christian, Jr., Harry, and Irene. The eldest is now the wife of Mr. Hart, a stationary en- gineer, of Parsons, and has one son, Frank. Fraternally, Mr. Appich is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America; his wife is a member of the auxiliary lodge, and has held one chair. They are both members of the Knights & Ladies of Security. Mr. Appich carries a beneficial policy in the A. O. U. W., and was one of the first to join that lodge in Parsons, although not a charter member. He was formerly a Democrat, in politics, but has experienced a change of opinion, and now votes the Republican ticket. The family at- tends the different churches, giving the prefer- ence, however, to the Christian church. Aside from his own business ventures, Mr. Appich has devoted energy, good judgment, and money to the furtherance of the city's interests, and the promotion of all worthy enterprises connected therewith. He deserves great credit for his untiring efforts in this direction. We are pleased to be able to present on a forego- ing page a portrait of Mr. Appich, engraved from a recent photograph.

EORGE T. FINCH, a representative citizen of Osage township, Labette county, Kansas, has taken up the line of work laid down by a most honor- able line of ancestors, and is most ably per- forming the many duties that fall to the lot

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of the modern tiller of the soil who wishes to make a success of his vocation. Mr. Finch was born in the city of Rochester, New York, and spent his younger days in school after the usual manner of American youths, assisting meanwhile about the home farm. He is the youngest child, and the only son born to Will- iam and Clara Finch, respected and esteemed residents of the Empire State. His youngest sister's name is Maggie. His eldest sister, Mary, resides on the old homestead.

George T. Finch continued to work upon his father's farm until he was nineteen years of age; he then learned the molder's trade, which he followed until the fall of 1852, and since that time he has been engaged in farming. His marriage took place in 1861. Lena Banta became his wife, the ceremony being performed at the home of the bride, in Illinois. She lived thereafter but seven months. August 14, 1862, Mr. Finch enlisted as a private in the 77th Reg. Ill. Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged from the service July 10, 1865, at Mobile, Alabama.

Returning to his home in Illinois, he con- tinued to reside there until the fall of 1870; he then came west, to Butler county, Kansas, where he purchased land and cultivated it for four years. Receiving a good offer for his farm, he sold out, and returned once more to the Prairie State, where he remained until 1888. But the West held out strong induce- ments to him and during that year he returned to Kansas to seek a new location. He found a very desirable spot in Labette county, and, later, located permanently upon the farm in Osage township, which is still his home. This farm is a part of section 23, township 31, range 18, and is now one of the most product- ive farms in Labette county. He carries on

general farming and stock raising. His farm is well stocked, and is especially adapted to the raising of grain. He possesses a home of which any man might well be proud ; his build- ings are kept in perfect repair and it is the kind of an estate that would gladden the heart of any one who loves the free, hearty and in- dependent life of an agriculturist. Mr. Finch's union with Lena Banta, who died January 12, 1862, resulted in one child,-Jacob L.,-who lives in Chicago. November 15, 1865, Mr. Finch again married,-this time wedding Jane Ruff, by whom he had two chil- dren who grew to maturity,-Henry and Mary. Mr. Finch's last marriage was con- summated April 27, 1890,-Mrs. Esther Rud- der, of Dennis, Kansas, being the bride.

Mr. Finch's church lines are laid with the United Brethren denomination. In politics, he is one of the best known Republicans in his section. In business affairs he is clear-headed, shrewd and upright. He is a valued member of the G. A. R.

EORGE S. TARKINGTON, a prom- inent farmer living in the northeast quarter of section 16, Fairview town- ship, Labette county, Kansas, is one of the progressive citizens of the county. He was born in the town of Bloomington, Mon- roe county, Indiana, February 22, 1848, and is a son of Ellsbury and Lucinda (Legg) Tarkington.

Ellsbury Tarkington, who was a native of Kentucky, reared the following children, name- ly: Joseph. who resides at Minden. Nebraska ; William, deceased; James, who lives on the old homestead in Monroe county, Indiana; Sarah (Wallingford), of Greene county, In-

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diana; Mary, Mildred ( Harden), and Jona- than, deceased; George S .; and Matthew M., a resident of Oswego, Kansas.

George S. Tarkington received his mental training in Monroe county, Indiana, and at the age of sixteen years began the battle of life alone. In the fall of 1879 he started west in a covered wagon,-driving all the way from Indiana to Labette county, Kansas, where he arrived November 1, 1869. He took up a railroad claim in Fairview township, and with the exception of one year spent in the East has resided in that township ever since. He has owned several farms, but bought his present home,-the northeast quarter of section 16, in March, 1897. He carries on general farm- ing. He has recently bought 80 acres ad- joining his farm, on which his son will live.

Mr. Tarkington married Mary C. Hall, a native of Indiana, in February, 1873. They have three children,-Edna, Roy, and Mildred. Mr. Tarkington is a member of the M. W. of A. He is a Populist, in politics, and served as trustee of the township in 1894, 1895 and 1898. He is township committeeman for his party at the present time.

ACOB F. LEWIS, deceased. Among the well known former residents of Osage township, Labette county, Kansas, the name of Jacob F. Lewis stood well to the front. Mr. Lewis was born in the Hoosier State and was a son of Thomas L. and Nancy Lewis.

Thomas L. Lewis followed agricultural pursuits and he and his wife reared five chil- dren. as follows: John B., Elizabeth, Mary E., Julia Ann, and Jacob F., the subject of these lines.

Jacob F. Lewis was reared on his father's. farm and pursued his studies in the district schools of his native state, where he obtained the rudiments of a practical education ; he re- mained at home until he was twenty years of age. In February, 1865, he responded to his country's call for men, and enlisted in Com- pany I, 15Ist Reg., Ind. Vol. Inf. He ren- dered valiant service, and was honorably dis- charged September 19, 1865, by reason of General Order No. 68.

Going home after the successful termina- tion of the war, Mr. Lewis continued to carry on farming in Indiana for many years. It 1882 he came to Labette county, Kansas, and purchased a fine farm in Osage township. where he continued to live and to till the soil up to the time of his death, June 20, 1891. He improved his farm in various ways, and made it one of the best in his neighborhood. He was well known throughout his county and had the confidence and esteem of a host of ac- quaintances.

October 10, 1853, Mr. Lewis was joined in matrimony with Esther A. Hume, a daugh- ter of James and Mary (McWilliams) Hume. Six children blessed their union, namely : Jasper H .; Mary J .; Aurora A .; Evelyn C .: Eldora; and James T. M. Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political opinions. Mr. Lewis adhered to the Republican party and served several terms on the school board. He affiliated with the I. O. O. F. and with the Farmers' Alliance. He was a shrewd business man, and was well liked by his neighbors. Upon locating in Kansas, he was practically a poor man, and the prosperous condition of his estate is but the result of his energy and perseverance, coupled with the application of successful methods in farming. His success was well

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deserved. He was one of the organizers of Dennis, and a part of his farm was sold and divided into city lots.

A RCHIBALD DANIELS, one of the successful and enterprising farmers of Labette county, Kansas, resides in Osage township, in section 17, town- ship 31, range 18, where he owns a tract of as fertile land as can be found in the county. He is a son of Dennis and Mahala Daniels, and is an Ohioan by birth.

Dennis Daniels was a farmer in Ohio, where he also owned and operated a mill. He and his estimable wife reared II children, namely : Abigail; Rhoda; John; Archibald; Lydia; Jacob; Alfred; Mary; Isabel; Dennis; and George. Four of these were born in the state of Illinois.

Archibald Daniels attended the common schools and grew to manhood on his father's farm, where he remained until he attained the age of twenty-one years. He thus gave his father the benefit of his labors during his early manhood. He then left home to make his own way in the world, and followed agricultural pursuits on neighboring farms for a few years. When twenty-seven years old he was joined in marriage with Mary S. Flynn, a daughter of Andrew and Ann Eliza (Killpatrick) Flynn. This wedding was performed in Illinois, in 1867, and the young folk began housekeeping in the same state, where they continued to live for about six years. In 1872 they decided to seek a home for themselves in the West, and came to Kansas, locating permanently on the farm in Osage township which is their home today.

Mr. Daniels has met with unusual success

during his residence in Labette county, through his operations in general farming and stock raising. He attributes this success to his un- remitting effort and careful management, hav- ing made all he is worth since settling in La- bette county. In politics, he is an ardent Democrat. Both he and Mrs. Daniels are con- sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They reared a daughter, Minnie (Oatts), who has three children,-Hattie Frances, John J., and Roxy Lillian,-and re- sides in Dennis.

Mr. Daniels is a very industrious man, of careful habits, and during his active life has accumulated considerable property. He is popular throughout the county. He affiliates with the Sons and Daughters of Justice, and is a member of the Anti-Horsethief Associa- tion.

ICHAEL T. MCCARTHY, a pros- perous business man, and well known farmer and stock raiser, of Walton township, Labette county, Kansas, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1848. He is a son of T. M. and Julia (O'Leary) McCarthy. They were the par- ents of five children, namely : Jerome; Dan- iel ; Michael T .; John; and Julia.

Michael T. McCarthy was brought by his parents to America, in 1849. They landed at New York, whence they went direct to Illi- nois. There Mr. McCarthy received his schooling, and learned farming. He remained in Illinois until 1872, when he moved to Kansas, and located on his present farm, which comprises the southwest quarter of section 9, and the north half of the northwest quarter of section 16, Walton township. He is engaged in the tilling of the soil, in which occupation

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he has had a thorough training. He is thrifty and industrious, and his farm presents a well kept, attractive appearance. In addition to his duties on the farm, Mr. McCarthy has the agency for the Page Woven Wire Fence Com- pany for six counties in Kansas. He is also agent for the Tower Surface Cultivator Com- pany, in which work he is meeting with good success. He further represents the Plano Manufacturing Company, and sells its mow- ers, binders, rakes and sickle-grinders. Mr. McCarthy takes a great deal of interest in stock raising, and has been very successful in, that line.

Mr. McCarthy was united in marriage with Ellen McGough, who was born in Illi- nois in 1842. They have been blessed with nine children, as follows: Philip L .; John, deceased; Jerome; Julia; Hugh; Sarah; Loretta; Justin; and Mary. Mr. McCarthy is a member of the Populist party, and takes an active interest in the politics of the county and township. He has ably filled the office of trustee of his township for one term, and has been a member of the school board for ten years. He is generally and favorably known in Labette county, where he has many warm friends.

J AMES A. JARBOE, treasurer of Wal- ton township, occupies an enviable position among the worthy men of Labette county, and owns one of the most productive farms in Southern Kansas. Mr. Jarboe was born in Hart county, Ken- tucky, in 1844. He is the youngest of six children born to Benjamin and Ellen (Horrell) Jarboe, both of whom were natives of the state of Maryland. Other members of the family

are H. b .; Anna M .; Benjamin; J. F .; and W. J.

James A. Jarboe attended the schools of his native county and remained in Kentucky until he reached the age of twenty-four years. In August, 1863, he enlisted in Company B, 8th Reg., Kentucky Mounted Infantry, For- rest's Division, and served until the close of the war. In 1868 he came west as far as Illi- nois, and made his home within that state's borders for a couple of years. Believing in still greater possibilities farther west, he left Illinois, in 1870, and located permanently in Kansas. He took up a claim in Walton town- ship, Labette county, which is now his home. It is one of the most productive farms in Wal- ton township, and comprises the northwest quarter of section 20, and the southwest quar- ter of section 17. On this farm Mr. Jarboe has carried on general farming for about a third of a century, and has also raised and dealt in stock, to a considerable extent. He is earnestly interested in everything pertain- ing to the welfare of his township, and is rightly considered one of its most progressive citizens. His union with Elizabeth E. White. who was born in Kentucky in 1850, resulted in a large family of children, namely: Ben- jamin A .; Mary; John H .; W. J .; Rosa H .; Mattie; Gertrude; William; and Daniel.

In 1890 their present large, two-story frame house, containing 14 rooms, was erected, and adds not a little to the imposing appear- ance of the place, besides enhancing the com- fort of the family.

Mr. Jarboe is a man of good principles and strict integrity, and is always willing to sup- port any measure which is for the good of the people. He is a man of great energy and will power, and these qualities have been instru- mental in carrying him to the front, in both

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his township and his county. Politically, he is an unswerving Democrat, and takes an ac- tive part in all the affairs of that party. He is intensely interested in educational matters and has been a faithful and valued member of the school board for eighteen years. He served as county commissioner three years. At the present writing he is also serving as treasurer of Walton township, of which he held the office of clerk for fifteen years. He is a member of the Anti-Horsethief Associa- tion, and belongs to the Sons and Daughters of Justice,-an insurance organization. The family adhere to the Catholic faith.

RS. LIZZIE DIXON, nce Haub, a highly respected lady of Walton township, Labette county, Kansas, esteemed for her benevolent dis- position and her many amiable traits of char- acter, is the widow of the late Edward Dixon, whose death took place December 15, 1900.

Edward Dixon was born, in 1843, at White Pigeon, Michigan, where he spent his boyhood, and prepared himself for the struggle of life. He learned the trade of a miller and followed that calling during his early manhood. In 1864 he left Michigan and was located for several years in Seymour, Indiana, where he and his brother-in-law conducted a hotel, and met with a fair degree of success. He con- ceived the idea of going west where as a young man his advantages would be greater. In 1869 he located upon the northeast quarter of section 4, Walton township, having been favor- ably impressed with the land in Labette coun- ty. This is the farm which is the present home of Mrs. Dixon, and the place where her lamented husband passed his last days.

Mrs. Dixon is a native of England. She is a daughter of Conrad and Margaret (Young) Haub, both of whom were born in Germany,-the former in 1819, and the latter in 1821. While still a young man, Mr. Haub went to England, and in 1849 came to Amer- ica with his family, and located in Seymour, Indiana. Six children were born to him and his wife, as follows: Conrad; Lizzie; John; Louisa and Philip, deceased ; and Annie.

Lizzie Haub accompanied her parents to America, and located in Seymour, Indiana, which continued to be her home until 1870, when she joined her husband in the journey to Kansas. Four children blessed her union with Edward Dixon, namely: George; Ed- ward; Anna L .; and Arthur. The eldest is a prominent farmer in Neosho county, Kansas. Edward, the second son, conducts the home farm for his mother, carries on general farm- ing, and also raises some cattle. Surrounded by her children, Mrs. Dixon is spending her declining years amid the familiar scenes which have witnessed her many years of unselfish en- deavor. She is provided with every comfort, and the burden of former days has been lifted from her, and now rests upon the shoulders of her offspring, who delight to do her honor.

ON CARLOS WELCH, auditor of the Southwestern Coal & Improve- ment Company, with offices at Par- sons, Kansas, is one of the most prominent business men of the city, and occu- pies a high position in the estimation of his fellow citizens. He is a man of rare judg- ment and fine business ability, and although young, has had several years of valuable busi- ness experience. Since first engaging in the

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business, he has made rapid progress, and gained several promotions. He was born in Pike county, Missouri, in 1868.

Mr. Welch received his early mental train- ing in Bates county, Missouri, whither his parents moved when he was quite young. He attended the public schools of that county, and later became a student in the Missouri State University. He subsequently taught school for three years with much success. In 1891 he entered the office of the Southwestern Coal & Improvement Company, and shortly after- ward was promoted to the position of chief clerk. It was not long until he was again promoted, and became cashier. January I, 1897, Mr. Welch was made auditor of the company, and this position he has continued to fill in an able manner ever since. He has won the confidence and respect of all who are connected with him in a business way, and is very popular among his fellow workmen and his social acquaintances.

Mr. Welch was united in marriage, in 1893, with Ethel Clifton, and they have been blessed with one child, whose name is Lorene. Mr. Welch has lived in Parsons, Kansas, since April 1, 1896, and takes an active interest in local affairs. He is a member of Parsons Lodge, No. 527, B. P. O. E.

D R. ANDREW TEN BROOK, one of the most prominent physicians and surgeons of Parsons, Kansas, has an extensive practice in the vicinity, in addition to which he has acted as local surgeon for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company since 1890.

Dr. Ten Brook was born in Northumber- land county, Pennsylvania, in 1853, and is a

son of Andrew Ten Brook, Jr., and a grand- son of Andrew Ten Brook, Sr., who was born in New Jersey, and was an early settler in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania.

Andrew Ten Brook, Jr., father of the Doctor, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and resided in that county all his life with the exception of twelve years spent in Niagara county, New York. He married Hannah M. McCarty, who died at the age of thirty-eight years. He died at the age of seventy-eight years. They were parents of three children who reached maturity, as fol- lows: William H., of Paris, Illinois, Andrew, and Adelaide (Russell), a resident of North- umberland county, Pennsylvania. One died in infancy, and Robert S. died at an early age. William H. became a physician.

Dr. Andrew Ten Brook received his pri- mary mental culture in the public schools of his native county, and at the age of sixteen years went to Galesburg, Illinois, where he at- tended Knox College. He afterward studied medicine at Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, and was graduated with the class of 1876. Returning to his native county, he practiced medicine there in a very successful manner for a period of seven years, and was then located for one year at McLean, Illinois. In February, 1884, he settled in Parsons, Kansas, where he has built up a good and re- munerative practice, and enjoys an excellent reputation as a skilled and experienced prac- titioner.

In 1884 Dr. Ten Brook was united in mat- rimony with Carrie D. Aldrich, of McLean, Illinois, and they have two children, as fol- lows: Carl and Andrew, Jr. Fraternally, the Doctor is a member of Parsons Lodge, A. F. & A. M. Politically, he is a stanch Re- publican. He has served as a member of the

J. M. BIRT.

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board of health and as city physician. He is also a member of the Southeastern Kansas Medical Society.

M. BIRT, a highly esteemed citizen of Parsons, Kansas, who is practically retired from his occupation of farm- ing, and is now serving as city mar- shal, is living in his fine residence at 2204 Johnson avenue. He is one of the pioneer set- tlers of this part of Kansas, and was born at Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, December 19. 1844. He is the youngest of seven children born to John and Elizabeth (Lambert) Birt.

John Birt, who was an Ohioan by birth, moved to Illinois in the spring of 1857, and by successful farming and speculation accumu- lated a fortune of $40,000. While visiting his son, J. M., in New Orleans, he dropped dead from heart disease, on January 26, 1865, -having reached the age of sixty-five years. His widow survived him for many years, and passed to her reward, April 26, 1876, at the age of sixty-nine years. Their mortal remains rest in the cemetery at Perry, Illinois. Their children were as follows: Minerva (Hoy), who died aged forty-two years; Martha (Hampton), who died at the early age of thirty-six years; L. H., who recently died in Missouri, at the age of seventy-three years; A. L., who is a Union veteran of the Civil WVar, is a farmer in Ohio, where he still re- sides, at the age of seventy-one years; J. C., fifty-one years old, who is a retired farmer, of Carthage, Missouri ; Mrs. Mary A. Hurley, of Nortonville, Kansas; and J. M., the subject of this biography.

J. M. Birt had limited educational advan- tages, which were supplemented by a careful

home training. He remained at home and was occupied in cultivating his father's farm until August 9, 1862, when he enlisted in Company B, 99th Reg., Ill. Vol. Inf., and served as a private in the Department of the West, under Gen. R. S. P. Canby. The duration of his service was three years, lack- ing ten days, and he was mustered out of serv- ice at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1865. Re- turning from the war, his marriage with Sarah M. Moore, a daughter of J. Moore, of Ohio, was consummated, and he continued to con- duct the family farm for several years, thereby making a home also for his widowed mother.

In 1869 Mr. Birt left Illinois to seek a new location in the West. He went first to Rich- ardson county, Nebraska, where he rented a farm for one year. He then went to Atchi- son, Kansas, where he was also dissatisfied. He spent some time in Neosho county, and then came to Labette county, where he located permanently. He purchased 160 acres of fine farming land in Walton township, six miles from Parsons, for $4,200. He lived upon that farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years. He finally sold to great ad- vantage, and afterward purchased another fine · farm, which he leased to his son. March 5, 1893, Mr. Birt removed to Parsons to spend his declining years in retirement, and the en- joyment of the fruits of his labor. He was, however, appointed by Mayor Busby, on May 6, 1901, to the office of chief city marshal, the duties of which he 's now discharging.

Mrs. Birt was born in Ohio in 1844. She is one of a family of 10 children, the most of whom died while young. One sister, Mrs. J. M. Gregory, also resides in Parsons. Their father, J. Moore, was a successful and highly respected business man and pioneer of Par- sons. He was a native of Ohio, and located

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in September, 1869, in Labette county, where he engaged in farming. After the town of Parsons was laid out, he erected one of the first buildings on Johnson avenue, and opened a furniture store, with a capital of only $200. Subsequently, a partnership was formed, and the business continued to prosper under the firm name of Moore & Gregory, until January, 1898. The death of Mr. Moore then occurred, and the firm became Gregory & Son, who still do business at the old stand.

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History of Labette County, Kansas, and representative citizens, Part 61

Author: Case, Nelson, 1845-1921, ed Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Chicago, Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 846

Author: Case, Nelson, 1845-1921, ed
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 846