History of Labette County, Kansas, and representative citizens, Part 71

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

USA > Kansas > Labette County > History of Labette County, Kansas, and representative citizens > Part 71

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Mr. Biggs was united in marriage, De- cember II, 1867, at Fort Plain, New York, with Estelle L. Nellis, a daughter of George G. and Delia (Rich) Nellis, both prominent New Yorkers. Mrs. Biggs' ancestors served in the Revolutionary War. She is one of a family of several children, all of whom were reared in the Mohawk Valley, at Fort Plain, Montgomery county, New York, where all its deceased members are buried. The eldest child of her parents was Eleanor, who is de- ceased. She married Dr. H. M. Cronkhite, a surgeon in the United States Army. Their son, Adelbert Cronkhite, is now a captain of light artillery, and stationed at Fortress Mon- roe, Virginia. He is a graduate of West Point, and married a daughter of Brigadier General Pennington. Adelbert D. Nellis, her brother, served in the Union Army during the- Civil war, as one of Ellsworth's Zouaves, a regiment formed between Buffalo and Albany, New York. Julia N. married William M. Burnap, of Utica, New York, and now re- sides in San Francisco, California. Mr. Bur- nap was at one time the private secretary of Roscoe Conkling. Estelle L., the wife of Mr. Biggs, was the next child in this interesting family, and was born May 24, 1847. George L., a younger brother, lives, with his family, in Kansas City, where he is general agent of the Diamond Brick Company. Minnie L., a younger sister, is the wife of Albert M. Tay- lor, a prominent coal dealer, of Parsons.

Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Biggs. The eldest was Eugenia Lemoine, who died in infancy, July 25, 1882. The surviving daughter is Estelle Louise, born at Parsons, Kansas, January 5, 1885, is an accomplished musician, being especially proficient as a pianist.

In politics, Mr. Biggs is a stanch Repub- lican, and has had much to say and do in the

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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY

guidance of that party in his section. He was made a Mason at Amity Lodge, No. 323, A. F. & A. M., of New York City, and is now a member of the lodge in Parsons. The pref- erence of the family is for the Episcopal church, of which Rev. J. J. Purcell is rector. Mr. and Mrs. Biggs were confirmed at Trinity Chapel, New York City, by Bishop Potter, shortly after their marriage, which was sol- einized in December, 1867.

Mr. Biggs is, doubtless, one of the best judges of real estate values in Labette county, and surrounding counties, if not in the state of Kansas, having had many years' experience. Nearly all his life has been devoted to real es- tate transactions. He is largely interested in both city and county real property, having built some of the finest residences in Parsons, as well as verious tenement houses. His own residence at 1703 Corning avenue is a hand- some modern structure, and an ornament to the city. He is, without doubt, a leading and representative citizen of Parsons, and stands before his family and friends as a victor in the struggle, enjoying the fruits of his foresight, his toil, and his skill.

S. HOKE, senior member of the firm of Hoke Brothers, a well known milling firm of Parsons, Kansas, is one of the most pro- gressive business men and most extensive farm- ers in this section of the state. He moved to Labette county from Ohio as early as 1874, when he immediately engaged in milling. The business prospered and increased until 1882, when the firm of Hoke Brothers was formed, by M. Hoke and his two sons, W. S. and A. C. Hoke, who own and control a milling plant second to none in this section of Kansas.

M. Hoke is a native of Pennsylvania, and is now a retired resident of Parsons, still own- ing a small interest in the milling plant. He is a miller by trade, and has devoted the best efforts of his life to this vocation. His union with Katherine Culp, also a native of Pennsyl- vania, resulted in the birth of two sons and three daughters, namely: W. S., the subjec. of this biography; A. C., the junior member of the firm; Anna (Wiggins), the widow of a railroad engineer, who has four children; Ella (Braunsdorf), wife of a commercial trav- eler; and Marian, who still resides at home, in the beautiful and substantial family resi- dence in Parsons.

A. C. Hoke, the junior member of the firm, was born in 1866. He is married, and has built a handsome residence in Parsons .. Like his brother, he learned the milling busi- ness from his father, and his assistance is in- valuable in their numerous business enter- prises.

W. S. Hoke was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in October, 1857. He attended the common schools of his native state, and from early boyhood found employment in his father's mill. In time, under the supervision of his beloved parent, he became thoroughly familiar with every detail and branch of the milling business, to which his life has been de- voted. He was united in marriage with Mollie E. Barnard, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Barnard, of Illinois, both of whom are de- ceased. Mrs. Hoke has two brothers, C. B. Barnard, of Oklahoma; and W. N. Barnard, of Colorado,-both successful business men. Mr. and Mrs. Hoke have a palatial residence in North Parsons, and are favorites in both social and religious circles. They are regular attendants at the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally, Mr. Hoke affiliates with the A. O.

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U. W. organization, while Mrs. Hoke is an esteemed member of the Degree of Honor.

The firm of Hoke Brothers was formed in 1882, and has a capital stock of $30,000. Their large plant is located in the northern part of the city of Parsons, and covers about two acres of ground,-employing from ten to fif- teen men. The present buildings were erected in 1873, and 1874. They consist of a flour mill, feed mill and warehouse and elevator. Later, the present fine office building was added. The plant is operated by steam, the power being furnished by a 60-horse-power en- gine and boiler. Soft-wheat flour in several grades is manufactured,-the finest being the Blue Ribbon, White Loaf, and Champion,- and a full line of feed stuffs is also turned out. The business has prospered and increased, un- til the local grain supply is inadequate for the present capacity of the mills, which have been proportionately enlarged, and a great amount of grain is purchased outside.

In addition to the workmen within the mills, a number of traveling salesmen are constantly employed, and the firm advertises largely. The products are sold all over Southern Kansas, besides a heavy local patronage. The firm of Hoke Brothers has extensive interests entirely separate from their milling business. They own large tracts of land in different parts of Labette county,-principally, in Liberty and Walton townships,-which they farm on a large scale. In addition to a large tract in North township, recently sold by them, they still own about 800 acres and lease about 1,000 acres, raising from ten to twenty thousand bushels of wheat annually. Several foremen and about 20 workmen perform all the manual labor required in raising this grain, which has netted the proprietors quite a neat sum dur- ing the past year, which has been an excep-

tionally good one for business. Stock is also raised extensively.

W. S. Hoke bears an excellent reputation for good, honest business methods, and prides himself on the general success which has at- tended his efforts. He entertains a pronounced belief in the principles of the Republican party, but has been kept too busy in attending to his milling business to accept any office.

h B. PRICE, one of Labette county's successful farmers, has been a resi- dent of this county since 1872, and is located in section 18, township 33, range 18, in Mound Valley township. He has been a very industrious man, and success has attended his efforts. He represents the high- est type of a citizen, and takes an earnest in- terest in all that relates to the welfare of his township and county. He was born in Law- rence county, Missouri, May 7, 1846, and is a son of David and Catherine (Moyer) Price.

David Price was reared in Indiana and Ohio, and died in 1853. His wife was born in Pennsylvania,-her family having come from Germany,-and she received her education in the schools of Ohio and Indiana. She died in Pheips county, Missouri, in 1894, at the age of eighty-four years. They were parents of eight children, four of whom arrived at ma- turity, namely: Melissa (Decker), of Fay- etteville, Arkansas: Janette (Taylor), of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Elizabeth (Furray), of F helps county, Missouri; and H. B.

H. B. Price moved with his parents to sev- era1 different places, and was reared in Mis- souri, Illinois and Indiana. He was married, February 1, 1872, and on February 7th left Illinois with a team of horses,-his wife and

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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY

her sister having started two days previously. He crossed the Mississippi River, on the ice, at St. Louis, and then continued on through Missouri to Kansas. He located in Labette county in the spring of 1872, and located on railroad land in section 21, Labette township, along with two of his brothers-in-law. He partly improved his claim, and then sold it to the others of the party, and removed to Mound Valley township, where he acquired title to 80 acres in the southwest quarter of section 25, township 32, range 18. He continued on this farm for four years and then moved to his present home farm in section 18, township 33. range 18, which he bought from A. Fanning. It had been preempted by Mr. Goddard. Fifty acres of the land were broken, and a house was located on the northeast corner of the farm. This was later torn down, and the oak lumber was used in the construction of the comfortable barn, 32 by 42 feet in dimensions, which is located on the place. There was also a growing crop of wheat, and hedges had been set out, as well as the nucleus of an orchard, which has since been developed into an orchard of six acres. Nine acres are devoted to or- chard, house and yards, and the remainder of the land is cultivated and is well fenced and improved. In 1898 he purchased an additional tract of 160 acres in section 7, township 33. range 18, which is fenced and cross-fenced. This property is free from incumbrance, and its owner has a clear title to it. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising, and fa- vors Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. He buys some stock, but mainly breeds and feeds, having a large pasture area.

Mr. Price was united in marriage with Sarah J. Mahar, who was reared in Morgan county, Ohio, and is now forty-seven years of age. This union resulted in the following off-

spring : Luella; Edna; Irene; Annie; Lena; Mary; Nina; Ira; Ralph; Calvin, who is with the Western Union Telegraph Company at Beaumont, Texas; Harvey, who is ranching near Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Cath- erine, who died at the age of four years. In politics, Mr. Price was a Republican until the organization of the Alliance, and at the pres- ent time is a Prohibitionist. He lives in School District No. 75. In the early days, he was a member of Anti-Horsethief Association. He attends the United Brethren church at Elm- wood.

H. KILE, deceased. This gentleman was for many years one of the fore- most farmers living in Mound Valley township, Labette county, Kansas. He resided in the southeast quarter of section 31, township 32, range 18,-the farm which his wife has managed since his death. Mr. Kile was born on the south branch of the Po- tomac River, in Virginia, in 1834. He came of a well known family of that state, his father having lived there a number of years. One- sister lives in Illinois at the present writing, and five of his brothers served in the War of the Rebellion.

Mr. Kile followed farming in his native- state for a number of years, and in April, 1872, moved to Labette county, Kansas, his- wife and family following him in November of that year. Here he took up the farm on which his wife now resides. This was partly improved; about 60 acres of the land had been broken, and wheat had been planted. Some hedge had been set out, and maple trees along the driveway, now large, were at that time small bushes. Twenty-five peach trees had been set out, and the farm now yields abundant

EMIL RORSCHACH, JR.

MRS. CAROLINE D. RORSCHACH.

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fruit. The quarter-section of land is finely improved, and a large house and outbuildings add greatly to the general appearance of the place, making it one of the most attractive and substantial farms in the county. Mr. Kile carried on general farming until his death, which occurred in February, 1890. He was a man of great thrift and energy, and took much pride in making his farm one of the finest in his section. He was an active and loyal citi- zen, giving his assistance to all public enter- prises which were for the good of the com- munity, and his death was deeply mourned by all.

Mr. Kile was united in marriage with Re- becca J. Haigler, who was born in Pendleton county, West Virginia, in 1834. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Haigler, who had three boys and four girls born to them. The youngest son, Elijah M., lived for many years in Ohio, and died in Labette county in 1900, aged seventy-three years. James W. and John M. moved to Iowa, and died there. Lu- cinda H. (Judy) died in Illinois. Joanna and Sophia, twins, died in Virginia. Lavina be- came Mrs. Terwilleger. Mrs. Kile's father, John Haigler, was born March 30, 1791, and died in Labette county, after a residence of eighteen months, March 24, 1875. Her mother, Phœbe (Skidmore) Haigler, was born Novem- ber 27, 1798, and died in Virginia, January 10, 1873. This worthy couple were married in October, 1822.

Mr. and Mrs. Kile are the parents of four children, namely : John H., who attends school at Baldwin; Delia Virginia (Titsworth), who lives at home, and has one daughter,-Carrie Hazel; William C., who married a daughter of W. H. Eakins, and is at home; and Charles Lee, who married Miss Dingfelder, and lives one mile from the old homestead.

Mr. Kile was a stanch Democrat in politics. Both he and his wife were members of a mu- tual benefit association. In religious views, Mr. Kile was a Methodist. His wife was a member of the United Brethren church, al- though she recently joined the Methodist church at Mound Valley, with a son and daugh- ter. Mrs. Kile has successfully managed her husband's farm, with the assistance of her son, and keeps everything in good condition. She is well known in the vicinity for her womanly qualities, and many good deeds.

E MIL RORSCHACH, SR., who was for many years a prominent farmer of North township, Labette county, Kansas, is now living in retirement in the city of Parsons. He is a man of pleas- ing personality, and has scores of friends in the county.

Mr. Rorschach was born in Switzerland, in 1836, and attended the schools of his native country until he was twenty years of age, after which he came to America. He landed in New York in January, 1857, having crossed the ocean from le Havre, France, on a sailing ves- sel, which consumed thirty-seven days in mak- ing the voyage. After landing in New York, he spent about six weeks in that city, and then sojourned in Philadelphia for a short time. He afterward located in Lancaster, Pennsyi- vania, with but 25 cents in his pockets. The following winter he worked for his board, and then took up the trade of a carpenter, which he followed in that city for five years. In the fall of 1861, he went to Sandusky county, Ohio, and lived on a farm near Fremont. In 1862, he enlisted in Company A, 72d Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., which was taken into the 16th

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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY

Army Corps of the Army of the West. He was taken prisoner June II. 1864, at Gun- town, Mississippi, and was sent to Anderson- ville prison, where he was incarcerated seven months; he was also subsequently imprisoned at other places. Finally, in February, 1865, he was exchanged at Savannah, Georgia, and immediately returned home. He was incapaci- tated for work for several years, by his trying. experiences, which had impaired his health. In 1869, he journeyed by rail to Cameron, Missouri, where he bought a team which he drove to Labette county, Kansas. He took up a claim in section 5, North township, and re- sided on that farm until November, 1898, when he moved to Parsons, subsequently dis- posing of his farm. He was very successful as a farmer and laid by a handsome compe- tency. He is independent in politics, and served on the school board for a period of sixteen years, a part of the time as secretary of the board, and a part of the time as treas- urer. He is a member of Antietam Post, No. 64, G. A. R.

Mr. Rorschach was united in marriage, in 1860, with Caroline Dorley, a native of Ger- many, and they are the parents of 12 children, as follows: Mary (Walker), who resides in North township; Emil, Jr., of Shaw- nee, Oklahoma; Carrie (Walker), of Se- dalia, Missouri; Harry, a resident of Shawnee, Oklohoma ; Karl, a resident of Chanute, Kan- sas; Frank and Otto, twins; Walter, a resi- dent of South McAlester, Indian Territory ; Werner, a resident of Joplin, Missouri; Ar- nold and Herman, residents of Parsons, Kan- sas; and William, who is attending school. This large family has never known serious sickness, nor has any member of it ever been crippled. Two of the sons, Frank and Otto, twins, entered the United States Navy, at

Washington, District of Columbia, in 1887, and have continued in the service since. Both have been promoted from time to time. At present, Frank is chief gunner of the naval magazines near Norfolk, Virginia, where he has been stationed since the Spanish-American WVar. Otto is chief electrician on the Marietta, now cruising in Chinese waters. During the Spanish-American War, both served on the Puritan, and Frank had the distinction of firing the shot from the Puritan which exploded the magazines at Fort Matanzas.

. The publishers of this work are pleased to be able to state that portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Rorschach accompany this sketch.

RS. ELIZA A. WEST, widow of the late E. H. West, is a native of Marshall, Michigan, and was born in 1840. She is a daughter of Isaac B. and Susan (Bentley) Woodcock. Since her husband's death, she has successfully managed her farm, which is in section 20, township 33, range 18, in Mound Valley town- ship, Labette county, Kansas.

Isaac B. Woodcock spent most of his life near Otego, New York, but his declining years were spent in the home of his daughter. Mrs. Woodcock was a native of England, and came to America when she was fourteen years old. She died in Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Wood- cock were the parents of five children, namely : Eliza A., the subject of this sketch; D. B., who is engaged in the livery business in Illi- nois; R. A. (Sweet), who lives in Carson City, Michigan ; M. J. (Knickerbocker), of the same place; and S. M. (Duffy), whose husband is a real estate dealer in California. Mr. Wood- cock followed the occupation of a farmer.

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E. H. West, deceased, who was the hus- band of our subject, was born in New Hamp- shire in 1830. When he was two years old, his parents moved to the eastern part of New York, and later, to the southern part of Mich- igan. Mr. West was reared in New York and in Michigan. He had two brothers and three sisters, viz .: Sarah (McKnight), of Michi- gan; Walter, who lives in Minnesota; Mary, deceased; Lucinda (Simpson), who died dur- ing the Civil war; and Seth, whose home is in Michigan. Mr. West was united in mar- riage with Eliza A. Woodcock, the subject of this sketch. They lived on a farm in Michi- gan, until their removal to Kansas. March 23, 1870, they went by rail to Fort Scott, Kansas, having decided to try their fortune in Kansas,-Mr. West had looked over that coun- try some time before. They bought the pres- ent home farm in Mound Valley township, from Mr. Whitesell. Mr. Ross and Mr. Wells were then the only near neighbors. There were no improvements on the place except a log house which stood near the creek. The present substantial house was built in the fall of 1870,-the lumber being hauled from Carthage and Columbus, and some of it from the mill at Oswego. Mrs. West also bought another quarter-section of land, which is now owned by her son, E. B. West. Mr. West de- parted this life in 1876, and his death was sincerely mourned by all, as he was a loyal and useful citizen.

Since her husband's death Mrs. West has had the sole management of the farm, and has made many valuable improvements on the place. She has a good orchard, the trees of which she planted. The barns and outbuildings are all large and commodious, and everything about the place is kept in excellent condition. Mrs. West has four children, namely: Mrs. Thomp-

son, of Pierce City, Missouri; E. B., who is engaged in the implement business in Mound Valley; F. E., who lives on the farm with his mother ; and H. E., superintendent of the tele- phone offices at Pittsburg, Kansas.

Mr. West was a Republican in politics, and was a very well informed man. Mrs. West is a member of the Methodist church. She is a kind and charitable neighbor, and has many estimable qualities which make her warmly re- garded by all.

OHN BENNETT is a prominent farm- er of Elm Grove township, Labette county, Kansas, and is located on the northwest quarter of section 32, town- ship 34, range 19, where he possesses a very valuable piece of farming property. He was born in North Wales in 1834, and is a son of John and Jane (Owen) Bennett.

John Bennett, Sr., was born and married in North Wales. He was a farmer by occupa- tion and lived to reach the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. His union with Jane Owen resulted in the birth of the following children : John; Elizabeth; Edward; Jane; Richard; Thomas; Ann; William; Evan; and Mary. Mrs. Bennett was also born in North Wales and died at the age of sixty-six years.

John Bennett, the subject of this sketch, lived in his native country until 1867, when he came to the United States, accompanied by his brother, Edward. After landing at Castle Garden, New York City, they traveled west to Putnam county, Ohio, where John purchased a farm, which he still owns. He made Ohio his home until he settled in Kansas, having followed railroading for twenty years during his early life. Mr. Bennett worked in England

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under the first railroad secretary in the world, Braithwaite Poole, on the Burton Head and Hoylake Railway. Mr. Poole was secretary of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, said to be the first railroad operated in the history of steam locomotion. He arrived in Kansas in March, 1888, and located on his present farm in Elm Grove township, Labette county, -the northwest quarter of section 32, town- ship 34, range 19. He carries on general farm- ing, although he rents a part of his land. In politics, he is a Republican, having cast his first presidential vote for General Grant. He served as township trustee in Putnam county, Ohio, for a period of twelve years. An indus- trious man, of frugal habits, his affairs are in a very prosperous condition. He is possessed of many excellent'traits of character and has many friends in the township.

Mr. Bennett was first married to Ann Gar- ner, who was born in North Wales in 1824, and died in 1891, leaving one daughter, Ann Jane, whose union with Albert Reece resulted in the birth of three children: Mabel, Anna M. and Mary. Mr. Bennett's present wife was Mrs. Mary C. (Morris) Garner, who was born in New York State in 1853, and has one son, J. R. Garner. Mrs. Bennett is a member of the Presbyterian church.

W. LEAP, a prominent stock man and extensive land owner of Hack- berry township, Labette county, Kansas, is one of the early settlers of the county, having located here in 1867. He lives in the southeast quarter of section 25. township 34, range 20, and owns 400 acres of highly cultivated land. He was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, in 1838, and is :

son of Samuel and Margaret (McCauly) Leap.

Samuel Leap was a native of West Vir- ginia, and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. His wife, who was born in Vir ginia, died in Iowa, in 1852, having removed to Davis county, in that state, in 1850. Two of their daughters are deceased; and San- ford, the brother of G. W., is living in San Antonio, Texas.

G. W. Leap, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in Indiana, and remained at home until he became of age. On October I, 1867, he removed to Labette county, Kan- sas. He came to Oswego by way of Kansas. City, in company with Mr. Butterworth and family,-thus making a party of five or six people. Mr. Leap took a claim in Hackberry township, and has resided on this land ever since. He now owns a quarter-section directly south, across the road,-the northeast quarter of section 36; and 80 acres adjoining in Rich- land township, making a total of 400 acres of fine farming land. When he first located in Kansas, he was a poor man, and his success has, been due entirely to his own efforts. He has made many fine improvements on his farm, and has never had a desire to remove from the county. Upon first locating on his home farm he built a log cabin in the field, which he oc- cupied for some time. His present frame house was completed in 1875, and the barn. was finished in 1881. The nearest trading points in early days were Lawrence, Kansas City and places in Missouri. Turkey Creek flows through his land, and there is a good well in the pasture, and also a windmill, which afford a fine supply of water. A handsome hedge was set out by Mr. Leap, and he has about five acres of fruit. Mr. Leap often feeds 100, or more, cattle, and raises a high grade of

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History of Labette County, Kansas, and representative citizens, Part 71

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