USA > Kansas > Labette County > History of Labette County, Kansas, and representative citizens > Part 76
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F. F. Foster was born in 1858 in West Virginia, where he attended the common schools. When twenty-two years old he be- gan to make his own way in the world, and started in quest of a more suitable location. He drifted into the West, and finally joined a party of surveyors. These he assisted, dur- ing a period of eighteen months, in surveying
the Santa Fe railroad route through the state of Texas. In 1882 he came to Kansas, and spent the following year in the employ of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company. He then began farming, which has been his life work. Being greatly pleased with the state of Kansas, Mr. Foster decided to locate here permanently, and with that intent pur- chased his present farm in Labette county, in 1895. There he has carried on general farm- ing and stock raising cver since. He has im- proved and beautified his farm, and it is now in a high state of cultivation.
Mr. Foster was united in marriage with Cora Lane, who was born in Illinois in 1870. One son, Dwight, blesses their home. In politics, the subject of this sketch is an ardent Populist, and is now serving his second term as trustee of Labette township, having also served as clerk. He is a valued member of Altamont Lodge, No. 244, I. O. O. F., and also of Altamont Lodge, Woodmen of the World. Mr. Foster is enterprising and pro- gressive, and is deeply interested in the welfare and development of his county ; he is an honest, up right citizen, a good neighbor, and com- mands the respect of the entire community.
B ENJAMIN F. ASBELL is one of the most extensive land owners in La- bette county, Kansas, and is living in section 18, township 34, range 21, in Richland township. He was born in Estill county, Kentucky, in 1837, and is a son of Pierce and Maria (Bryson) Asbell.
Pierce Asbell was born in Kentucky in 1800, and removed to Missouri in 1838, where he carried on farming for fifty years, and died in 1894 in that state. He married Maria
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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY
Bryson, who was born in Kentucky, in 1808, and whose death occurred in Missouri, in 1890. They reared IO children, namely: Tyree, aged seventy-three years, who lives in Missouri ; Emily (McPeak), also of Missouri; John, deceased; Mary (Clark), who lives in the Indian Territory,-her husband having been a soldier, who died in Kansas, in 1900; Benjamin F .; William, who died in Wyoming, in September, 1900; Mahala (Suttee), de- ceased; Cassandra (Bolin), of Missouri; Pierce, Jr., who died in Missouri, aged twenty years; and Salina (Anderson), who died in 1896 in Oregon.
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Benjamin F. Ashell was reared and schooled in Missouri, where he remained until he at- tained the age of twenty-four years. On Feb- ruary 12, 1862, he enlisted in the 8th Reg., Mo. Vol. Cav., under Colonel Gravelly, later Governor of Missouri. He served two years as a private, and was mustered out at Spring- field, Missouri. Although he was not seri- ously wounded during his active service, his eyes have been affected ever since, and he has been compelled to wear glasses. Mr. Asbell returned to Missouri, where he remained one season, and then removed to Labette county, Kansas, August 12. 1866. He bought his present home in Richland township, and has added to it ever since. He now owns 1,300 acres of land, and is one of the most prosperous farmers in this section of the state. He em- ploys from three to five men constantly, and is often obliged to hire more to assist him. In 1867 he set out an orchard, and now has about 25 acres of fruit trees. Mr. Asbell replaced the claim cabin with substantial dwellings of brick and frame, and the general appearance of the farm bespeaks the thrift and energy of its owner. Mr. Asbell is a man of more than or- dinary intelligence, and has used great judg-
ment and care in the management of his farm.
Mr. Asbell was united in marriage with Salina McMaster, who died in 1894. She left one son, who is now serving a life sentence in the state penitentiary. He was convicted through an excited popular opinion, and by a prejudiced jury, for the supposed fatal shoot- ing of his wife. The act of the jury in this case was greatly deplored, as Marion Asbell was well liked and had many friends. It is. generally believed that his wife committed suicide, and Mr. Asbell is making every ex- ertion to obtain a pardon for his son. This case only reveals another victim of circumstan- tial evidence, which has been the cause of many wrecked lives.
Mr. Asbell was a Republican in political. views, until the last election. and since that time has been independent. He is a highly re- spected citizen of Labette county, and has given aid to many public enterprises.
ILLIAM WIDMER, a well known. contractor and farmer, living in. section 34, North township, La- G bette county, Kansas, is one of the. most public spirited, progressive men of the county. He lives on his farm in North town- ship, but his place of business is in Parsons. where he has an office on Johnson avenue. Mr. Widmer was born in the southern part of Germany in 1851, of German parentage.
Our subject's father, M. Widmer, was also a native of Germany. His wife was born in Germany, and they reared the following chil- dren: Jacob; George; William, the subject of this sketch; and John, deceased.
William Widmer spent his early boyhood in Germany, where he received his education ..
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MRS. MARY T. KNOUS.
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He set sail for this country in 1867, and after reaching America settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he followed the trade of a cabinetmaker for a number of years. He then went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he lived until 1875. In that year he removed to Parsons, Kansas, and he has resided in the vicinity of the city ever since. Since first coming to Parsons he has bought his farm in North township, in the northwest quarter of section 34. He is engaged in general farming, and has been very successful. He does a large business as a contractor, and is considered a fine workman.
Mr. Widmer was united in marriage with Elizabeth Gates, and they have been blessed with the following children: Grace; Carrie, who is a teacher in the public schools of Par- sons; Will; Harry ; George; Earl; Albert; and Henry. Mr. Widmer has lived in Parsons for about twenty years, and he is well and favor- ably known throughout the county. He is an independent, in politics, and has served on the school board in North township for four years. He belongs to the A. O. U. W., Parsons Lodge, No. I. Religiously, he is a member of the German Lutheran church. He has many warm friends in the county, where he is highly esteemed and respected for his honest, upright character.
AMES E. RICE, a prominent and well known agriculturist of Neosho town- ship, Labette county, Kansas, was born in Washington county, Illinois, in 1859, and there resided until he came to Kansas with his father, in 1865. Although Labette county has been his home for the past twenty-two years, he has spent a number of years in traveling, chiefly in Missouri, Texas
and Colorado. Mr. Rice is a son of H. P. and Rebecca M. (Lyons) Rice.
H. P. Rice and his wife were born in Washington county. Illinois, and there began the journey of life as husband and wife. They came to Neosho township, Labette county, Kansas, in 1865, and a year later the father of the family died. Six children were born, as follows: Francis; James E .; Julietta ; Thomas ; Clementine ; and Lemuel.
James E. Rice, during youth, worked for three years at the printer's trade, and also learned to be a cooper. Mr. Rice located on his present farm, consisting of the east half of the southeast quarter of section 27, in 1879. He carries on general farming, and has suc- ceeded very well: he enjoys an excellent repu- tation as an honest, upright citizen, and is highly respected by all in the community in which he lives.
Mr. Rice married Kate Grey, who was born in Clinton county, Illinois, in 1859. He is a Democrat in politics and is a justice of the peace of Neosho township; he has served on the school board for four years.
D ANIEL R. KNOUS. This much- respected pioneer citizen of Labette township, Labette county, Kansas, has been identified with the inter- ests of the county for a third of a century and has long been recognized as one of its best citizens.
Mr. Knous was born in Pennsylvania, in 1849. His father, John Knous, was a native of that state, and was born in 1809. He fol- lowed farming until his career was cut off by death in 1864. He married Rebecca Scar- brough, who was born in Pennsylvania, in
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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY
1826. Seven children blessed their union, namely: George W., deceased; Elizabeth, wife of J. S. Adamson, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Daniel R .; Mary; John F. and James F., miners in Colorado; and Alfred L., who married Clara Cooper, and resides in Colorado, and has four chil- dren, namely: Elizabeth; Lucile; and Mil- dred and Marion, twins. In 1867, Mrs. Knous married for her second husband M. J. Smith, of Ohio, who at the time of their union lived in Iowa. Two children were born to them: Rilley and Emma.
In 1851, when Daniel R. Knous was but two years old, his parents removed to Ohio, where the boy was reared up to his thirteenth year and mentally trained. After his father's deatlı, he accompanied his mother and other members of the family to Jasper county, Iowa, 45 miles east of Des Moines. In 1869, Mr. Knous came south to Kansas, and on October 6, of the same year, located upon the farm where he now lives. He remained on this farm until 1871, perfected his claim, and then went back to Iowa. He subsequently spent six years in Colorado, where several of his brothers had previously located. In 1887, he returned to his farm in Labette township, and has made his home there ever since. He has enjoyed to the fullest extent the confi- dence of the people of his community. He has improved his farm in many ways, and it is in some respects a model for his neighbors. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and has wielded a powerful influence in his section. He is a valued member of Parsons Lodge, No. I, A. O. U. W., and of the Anti-Horse- thief Association, Lodge No. 183. He was joined in marriage with Mary B. Thornburgh, who has been his faithful helpmeet for many
years. She is a native of Hagerstown, Indiana, where she was born in 1859.
Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Knous, exe- cuted from recent photographs, are shown on a page in proximity to this.
EORGE W. HARDMAN, a well known farmer, residing in section 4, North township, Labette county, Kansas, is one of the active and pro- gressive citizens of the county, and is widely known in the community in which he lives. Mr. Hartman was born in Gilmer county, West Virginia, in 1833, and is a son of Thomas and Rebecca (Goff) Hardman.
Thomas Hardman was a native of West Virginia, his birth occurring in Randolph coun- ty. His wife was also a native of that state. They reared the following children, namely : Nancy; Julia; William; Darlis; John; Chris- tiana ; George W .; S. S .; and J. E.
George W. Hardman was eight years old when his parents moved to Jackson county, West Virginia. There he followed farming for a number of years, and in 1865 moved to Whiteside county, Illinois, where he remained two years. In the fall of 1867 he went to Clay county, Missouri, where he was occupied in farming until the spring of 1870. His next and final move was to Kansas, where he bought the northwest quarter of section 4, North town- ship, Labette county. This place has been his home ever since, and he has made many warm friends in the county. He has been a faithful and conscientious worker, and his neat and at- tractive home shows the result of his labor.
Mr. Hardman married Elizabeth Eye, in 1851. She was born in 1828, and was a daugh-
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ter of Reuben and Sarah (Rexford) Eye. She died April 24, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Hardman reared the following children: Rebecca; Sal- lie; J. M .; Lennox; N. W .; J. H., deceased ; Harriet ; and Mollie. Mr. Hardman is a Dem- ocrat in politics. He belongs to the Anti- Horsethief Association.
1 N. ANDERSON. This gentleman is the well known undertaker and furni- ture dealer of Chetopa, Labette county. Kansas. He was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1848, and is a son of William Anderson.
William Anderson was born near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and was raised on the frontier. He was of Scotch descent, and followed the occupation of a farmer most of his life, and also conducted a brick manufacturing plant. He died in Pennsylvania, in 1889. Mr. An- derson married Hannah Sowash, who was of German descent. She also died in Pennsyl- vania. They reared nine children, who, with the exception of I. N. and a daughter, live in Pennsylvania.
I. N. Anderson was educated in the com- mon schools of his native county, and when young was apprenticed to a painter at Sharon, Pennsylvania. Later he established a shop at that place where he did all kinds of painting. finishing and sign writing. He located in Chetopa in 1880, and engaged in business. In 1885 he entered into partnership with A. P. Free, his brother-in-law. They bought the stock belonging to Mr. McIntyre, and con- ducted the furniture business together for some time. Then Mr. Anderson bought Mr. Free's interest, and Mr. Free went into the grocery
business. He is now mayor of Chetopa. In 1895 Mr. Anderson erected his present fine building on Maple street. This building is. 24 by 70 feet in dimensions, and two stories. high. Mr. Anderson occupies the entire build- ing. He is a graduate of the Kansas Under- takers' Association, and is thoroughly com- petent to handle the business which has been his since entering this store. He carries a full line of furniture, and has a large patronage, including that from the Cherokee and other Indian nations. He employs one man con- stantly to assist him, and during his busiest seasons often hires more. Mr. Anderson is honest and upright in his business methods, and by his genial and pleasant manners has won 'many patrons and friends.
Mr. Anderson was married, in Pennsyl- vania, to Sarah E. Ray, who died one year later, leaving a daughter,-Eva (Horn). Mrs. Horn has two children. She was reared by her grandmother, and in 1890 went to Chetopa, where she graduated from the high school,. after which she returned to Pennsylvania. Mr .. Anderson's second wife's maiden name was Nancy E. Free. This union resulted in the birth of one child, who died in July, 1881.
In politics Mr. Anderson is a strong Re- publican, and his father was one of the success- ful managers of the "underground railroad." Mr. Anderson raised his first flag for John C. Fremont. He has been a member of the city council for two years. Fraternally, he has been financier of the A. O. U. W. lodge since 1887, and V. C. of the M. WV. of A., over four years. He is also a member of the K. of P., of Chetopa. Religiously, he favors the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Anderson has erected a fine house in Chetopa, and is looked upon by all as one of the most enter- prising and loyal of its citizens.
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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY
OHN A. McCAW, an old settler of Richland township, Labette county, Kansas, living in the northwest quar- ter of section 29, township 34, range 21, was born October 10, 1856, in Laporte county, Indiana. He is a son of John and Annie (Smith) McCaw.
John McCaw was born in Ireland, and was reared in England. His father was a very suc- cessful physician, who died in South America. Dr. J. C. Ayer, a well known physician of Lowell, Massachusetts, was an uncle of John McCaw. The father of the subject hereof lo- cated in Labette county in the spring of 1868. He was accompanied by his son, Bruce, and they settled on Deer Creek, where they built a house. They sold this house and land for $300 to a stranger, who, odd to relate, was never seen after paying for the place, and the land was taken up by another party. Mr. Mc- Caw then purchased the southeast quarter of section 16, township 34, range 21,-the 120 acres lying just north of the present Labette Creek bridge, on the Chetopa-Oswego wagon road, and 40 acres of railroad land. This home place is owned jointly by the seven sons, of whom John A. McCaw is one. There Mr. McCaw remained until his death, which oc- curred in 1895, at the age of sixty-nine years. He married Annie Smith, who was born in Canada, and when young accompanied her mother to Providence, Rhode Island, where she married Mr. McCaw. She died in Labette county, aged thirty-eight years. They reared seven sons, namely: John A .; Bruce, who is in partnership with his brother, William, the owner of a stock ranch in Colorado; Wallace, a farmer in Colorado; Thomas, who is on the home farm in Richland township; William; Edwin, a farmer and stock dealer, who is at present in the Indian Territory; and Walter,
who lives in Hackberry township, Labette county.
John A. McCaw lived in Indiana until he was thirteen years old, when he moved to La- bette county. He was a classmate of Miss M. Nellie McGinley, who is superintendent of the Chetopa city schools. His first teacher was Jesse Morgan. In 1877 Mr. McCaw left home and worked about for some time, and in 1880 went to Colorado, where he spent three years,- mainly employed in running a pack train. In 1883 he returned to Labette county, and in the summer of that year went to the Indian Territory, where he worked in a sawmill near Coody's Bluff, on Big Creek. After six or eight months' employment there he returned to Labette county, where he purchased in Rich- land township 120 acres of land in section 15, township 34, range 21. He broke and im- proved this land, and in the later "'eighties" sold this farm, and bought his present one, which is the northwest quarter of section 29, township 34, range 21, which was first claimed by Mr. Williams. Mr. McCaw has made ex- tensive improvements on the land, and has II acres of orchard. He follows general farming and stock raising, breeding a high grade of Shorthorn cattle and Berkshire hogs, among which he has several thoroughbreds. The water supply on his farm is fine, the wells being shallow. Mr. McCaw is very well pleased with the success which has attended his farming career in Labette county.
In 1882 the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Harriet L. Gordon, who was born in Indiana in 1864. They have seven children, as follows: Clyde : Ethel ; Car- roll: Lottie and Louis, twins; Elsie; and Myrtle. In politics, Mr. McCaw is a Populist. He has served as a member of the school board in District No. 5. He is a member of the new
RESIDENCE OF M. H. GRAY.
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order-the Home Builder's Union,-of which J. S. Hileman, of Edna, is supreme master builder. In religious views Mr. McCaw is liberal, giving his support to all churches.
H. GRAY, a picture of whose residence is shown on the opposite page, is a well-known farmer liv- ing in Elm Grove township, La- bette county, Kansas, on the southeast quar- ter of section 14, township 34, range 19. He was born at Parkville, New Jersey, in 1833, and is a son of Jesse and Mary (Fitch) Gray. Jesse Gray was born in New Jersey, in 1789, and was a blacksmith by trade. He married Mary Fitch, who was also a native of New Jersey, and they reared 10 children, all of whom are deceased except M. H., the subject of this sketch.
When Mr. Gray was but four years old. his parents removed to Butler county, Ohio, and there Mr. Gray received his mental train- ing. He learned to till the soil, and followed the occupation of a farmer in that county until 1868. In that year, he removed to Johnson county, Missouri, where he farmed for eight years. He then returned to Ohio, and after remaining there four years came to Kansas. He arrived in Labette county February 22, 1879, and located on his pres- ent farm in Elm Grove township. He has been a very successful farmer, and has also raised considerable stock. Mr. Gray is a man of sound business judgment, and is a careful manager.
Mr. Gray was united in marriage with Christiana Hinckley, who was born in Frank- lin county, Indiana, in 1842. She is a daugh- ter of Dr. J. Hinckley, who practiced medi-
cine for fifty years, and died when seventy- five years old. Dr. Hinckley married Elvira Hazleton, who was a native of New York, and they were the parents of ten children. Those now living are as follows: Emily O .; Mary C .; Adeline; Armanilla; Herschel. D .; and Christiana.
Mr. Gray and his wife have had seven children, namely: Lillie, deceased; Jesse H .; Gertrude, deceased; Herschel H .; Gordon D .; Oscar M .; and Edith. Mr. Gray is a mem- ber of the Republican party. He has served on the school board in his district for three years. In religious attachment, both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Gray is one of the most actively interested workers in Elm Grove township, and has many friends.
RS. MARGARET R. HARRIS, a highly esteemed resident of North township, Labette county, Kansas, has lived in her present home,- the southeast quarter of section 8,-for the past thirty years. She is widely known in the county, where for many years her husband was one of the leading farmers and dairymen. Mrs. Harris was born in Monrce county, Virginia, in 1850, and is a daughter of George and Dolly Ann (Schafter) Denney. Soon after the birth of Margaret R., the subject of this sketch, George Denney died, and his wife then moved to Cole county, Missouri, where Mrs. Harris was reared. Her mother died when she was three years old, leaving her an orphan. She lived with her grandfather for a short time, and then with her aunt, until 1864.
In 1869 the subject hereof was married to J. H. Harris. He was born in Rockbridge
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county, Virginia, and died in October, 1900. He was an honest, upright citizen, worthy of the confidence reposed in him, and his friends in Labette county, where he lived for a number of years, were legion. Mrs. Harris has II chil- dren, namely : Charles, who now manages the farm; Mary V .; Minnie M .; Effie M .; Leona; Willie and Allie, twins; Susie J. ; Lottie ; Ellen ; and Inez.
Charles Harris, the eldest son, is now thirty years old. He owns the concern known as the Virginia Dairy, which was conducted by his father for twenty years. Charles Harris is a member of the A. O. U. W., and also of the Anti-Horsethief Association.
D R. HENRY LISLE, a retired physician and old resident of Labette county, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1820. He is a son of James and Peninah (Doudna) Lisle.
James Lisle was born in Ohio, and died in 1824, at the early age of thirty-five years. He married Peninah Doudna, who was a na- tive of North Carolina, and who died in 1863, aged seventy years. They were the parents of six children, namely: George; John; Joseph; Henry; Mary; and James. George, who is familiarly known as "Old Dr. Lisle," of Che- topa, enjoys the distinction of being the oldest resident of the county. He has a wonderful memory, and can recall many of the incidents which occurred in Labette county during the "sixties." John, aged eighty-four years, is a farmer, and lives in Iowa. Joseph, who was a farmer in Iowa, died in 1890. Mary (Han- son) died in Ohio, in 1866. James, a miller, by trade, died in Monroe county, Ohio, when he was a young man.
Dr. Henry Lisle remained at home until he reached his majority, and at the age of twenty-three years began the study of medi- cine with his brother, George. He spent four years with him, and practiced during the fourth year. He began practice alone in Pow- hatan county, Virginia, where he spent the greater part of seven years. He practiced eight years at Hunter, Ohio, near his old home, and four years at Murraysville, West Virginia. Af- ter spending three years at Queensville, Indi- ana, he removed to Labette county, and opened an office at Chetopa. He lived there two years and in 1871 moved on his farm in Richland township, which is the northwest quarter of section 5, township 35, range 21. This farm was in the Cherokee strip, the Osage line be- ing the northern boundary. Dr. Lisle has made many improvements on his farm, and has a fine house. He has an orchard of five acres, and now owns 120 acres of land, although he formerly owned more. He has leased the land during the past few years,-being unable to work much,-but it is still under his manage- ment. Dr. Lisle keeps some stock,-favoring Shorthorn cattle.
Dr. Lisle married Sarah A. Conley, in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, in 1849. She was born in Ohio, and was reared in that state and in Pennsyl- vania, where she spent several years. This. union resulted in the birth of seven children, namely : David, who went to Florida in the fall of 1900, where he is engaged in the culti- vation of pineapples; Mary, who is unmarried, and resides at home; Alice, the wife of E. M. Mairs, who lives near Chetopa, and has three children; James, a wealthy mine owner in the West; Lena (Williams), who lives five miles south of her father's place in the Indian Ter- ritory, and has two sons; Detta, who is at home; and Jessie A. (Greenough), whose hus-
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