History of Labette County, Kansas, and representative citizens, Part 90

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 90

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Prof. Todd's grandfather on the paternal side was Silas Todd. He was a native of Connecticut. Edward P. Todd was born near New York City. He was reared and schooled in Galena, Illinois, to which city his parents moved when he was a child. During his active career he followed farming, and lived at various places, principally in Illinois. In 1874 he settled permanently in Montgomery. county, Kansas, in the town of Independence, and there he now resides. He married Jane

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Lemon, who was a native of Niagara, Canada. They reared the following children: Frank, a farmer in Montgomery county, Kansas; Howard, deceased; H. W., the subject of this sketch ; and Elsie. Mr. Todd is a Republican, in politics, and has served in various local offices.

H. W. Todd, the subject of this biography, received his primary education in Indepen- dence, Kansas, and during the years 1888, 1889 and 1890, attended the Kansas State Nor- mal School at Emporia. He graduated from the Valparaiso Normal College, of Valparaiso, Indiana. in 1892. He began teaching in Montgomery county, Kansas, although he had taught somewhat before his graduation. He taught three and a half years at Coffeyville, and was principal of the schools in Edna, Kan- sas, for two years. In 1897 Prof. Todd be- came principal of the Oswego schools, and in 1899 was made superintendent of the city schools, and is serving in that capacity at the present date.

Prof. Todd was united in marriage with Gertrude Hilman, in 1890. Mrs. Todd was born in Edna, Kansas. They have one child, -Hubert. Prof. Todd is a member of the Kansas State Teachers' Association. Frater- nally, he belongs to the Woodmen of the World. Politically, he is a Republican.

ATHANIEL D. TOWER .* a promi- nent farmer and stock raiser of Mon- tana township, Labette county, Kan- sas, takes an intelligent interest in the leading questions of the day, and has deeply at heart the welfare of his section of the Sun- flower State. Mr. Tower was born in Chenan- go county, new York, in 1839, and is a son of

Loammi and Elizabeth (Townsend ) Tower. Loammi Tower, who was by occupation a farmer, was born in Vermont, and his wife was a native of the Empire State. Seven children comprised the parental family, as fol- lows: Polly (Shoe), of Illinois; Nathaniel D., the subject of these lines; Sarah (Fore), of Van Wert county, Ohio; Samuel ; Mary and Matilda, who are deceased; and Timothy, who was killed in an engagement of the Civil WVar. Nathaniel D. Tower's parents removed to Ohio when he was five years old, and there he was educated in the public schools, and was prepared for the sober duties of life. In 1857, the family removed to Illinois, where, in Sangamon county, they continued to reside for a number of years, during which period Nathaniel followed carpenter work. In 1865, he left Illinois, traveled overland to Kansas, in company with Samuel Dunham, and located in Labette county. The following year ( 1866), he took up a claim in section 30, Mon- tana township, having made proper entry of it at Humboldt, Kansas, where the nearest land office was located.

Mr. Tower has continued to reside upon this farm ever since, and has carried on gen- eral farming and stock raising. Quite recent- ly, in 1899. his present large, substantial resi- dence, a two-story frame, with seven rooms, was erected, and the whole place was otherwise improved and modernized. Mr. Tower was joined in marriage with Miss R. Whitehead, who was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1841. Ten children blessed their union. Of this interesting family, the eldest two, Daniel and George, are farmers in the state of MIis- souri. Charles, the next one, is deceased. Ruth M., the eldest daughter, is now Mrs. Carns, of Oswego, Kansas. Martin, the next in order, is an employee of the Colorado and

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Midland Railroad and resides in Colorado City, Colorado. Nora, the second daughter, is now Mrs. Whelen, of Denison, Texas. Her- bert, the next son, assists in cultivating the home farm. Bryan is a fireman on the Mis- souri, Kansas & Texas Railway, and resides at Denison, Texas. Grover is an assistant on the farm, while Allen N., the youngest son, resides in the Indian Territory.

Mr. Tower is closely allied with the Popu- list party in Kansas, and has served his party in various ways. He served one term as treasurer of Montana township, and was, for several years, on the school board, of which he was also treasurer. He is a prominent mem- ber of the Anti-Horsethief Association, Camp No. 26, and belongs to Labette Lodge, No. 488, I. O. O. F., and the Sons and Daughters of Justice, also of Labette. In religious mat- ters, he was reared a Baptist, and strongly ad- heres to the faith of that denomination. He ranks among the most prominent citizens of Montana township, and his success in life is most gratifying to his friends and his family.

T. BAKER,* a sturdy and pros- perous farmer of Labette town- ship, Labette county, Kansas, was born in Fountain county, Indiana, in 1831, and is a son of O. and A. (Timmana) Baker. His father was born in Virginia, and his mother first saw the light of day in Indi- ana. Thirteen children composed the parental family, as follows: Allen F .; A. S .; M. A .; M. T .; Isaac; E. J .; M. J .; M. E .; J. H .; G. WV .; Taylor; Sarah; and M. G.

Our subject farmed in his native state un- til he was twenty-two years old, when he moved to Iowa, and resided there until 1860.

He then came to Kansas, where he spent eleven months, after which he returned to Indiana, and followed farming until 1883. His visit to Kansas was not, however, devoid of good results. There was a charm about this coun- try which Mr. Baker could not resist; he ac -. cordingly returned in 1883, and located on his present farm, in the southwest quarter of section 27, Labette township. There he has followed general farming and is largely inter- ested in fruit growing,-having a fine, young orchard of 1,000 apple trees.

Mr. Baker married Miss B. L. Bonebrake, who was born in Indiana, in 1837, and is a daughter of D. and Catherine ( Cohen) Bone- brake. Her father was born in Ohio, and her mother, in Virginia. Eleven children made up the Bonebrake family, namely: Eli, Simon, Wesley, Harry, John, E. A., C., Stephen, Den- nis, B. L., and E.

Mr. Baker and his wife were blessed with 12 children : David, Alfred, C. A., Clara, and E., all of whom are deceased; J. O., who is a farmer, and Catherine, both of whom reside in Allen county, Kansas; Harry, who lives in the Indian Territory, and is a barber by trade ; J., who married A. Bentz, a farmer,-they re- side four miles east of Parsons, Kansas; and Wilford, Joseph, and Eddie, who live at home. In his political belief, Mr. Baker is a Populist ; he is also a member of the Anti-Horsethief Association. He and his family belong to the United Brethren church.

ARVEY W. LOWE,* a prominent young business man of Altamont, Labette county, Kansas, engaged in the hardware business, is one of the rising young men of that city. He is actively

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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY

interested in anything that is for the good of the people who reside in that commounity. He is a mon of honor and integrity, and through his honesty in dealings with his patrons he has won the confidence and respect of all who are as- sociated with him. Mr. Lowe was born in McDonald county, Missouri, in 1873, and is a son of John W. and Fanny ( Ransom ) Lowe.

John W. Lowe was born in Virginia, in 1837. In 1874. he moved with his family to McDonald county, Missouri, where he was en- gaged in the hardware business for four years. In 1878, he removed to Neosho county, Kan- sas, where he settled on a farm, and now re- sides there, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Fanny Ransom, who was born in 1840, in White county, Arkansas. They reared the following children, namely: Levi, Bethel and Joel, of Neosho county, Kansas; Charles and Lizzie, deceased; and Harvey W., the sub- ject of this sketch.

Harvey W. Lowe, the subject of this sketch, was five years old when his parents moved to Neosho county, and there he received his mental training. He assisted his father in farming until September, 1900, when he moved to Altamont, Labette county, and en- gaged in the hardware business. He has a large, well stocked store, and is thoroughly conversant with the business. Mr. Lowe was united in marriage with Maude Clemens, who was born in Neosho county, Kansas, in 1881. She is a daughter of Newton Clemens, who was born in Illinois, in 1851. The children comprising Mr. Clemens' family are: Dressie (Oleson), Isaac and Noble, all of Neosho county; Maude, the wife of Mr. Lowe; and Clara ; Charles ; and George, of Neosho coun- ty. Mr. Clemens is also a resident of Neosho county.

Mr. Lowe and his wife are the parents of

one child,-Mark. Like his father, who was a justice of the peace in Neosho county for ten years, Mr. Lowe is a stanch Republican. Being a young man, he has the prospects of a very good future before him, and as he is a man of strength of character and determina- tion, his success seems assured.

HARLES MURRAY,* one of the most prosperous farmers of Mon- tana township, Labette county, Kan- sas, is located in sections 32 and 33, and owns 100 acres of land.

Mr. Murray was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1846, but was reared in Cincin- nati, Ohio, where he lived unitl the Civil War. He enlisted in Company K, 2Ist Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in 1863, and was in the service un- til January 19, 1866, under Col. B. F. Hays. After the close of the war, he located in Hen- dricks county, Indiana, and resided there until he came to Kansas in 1869, engaging in agri- cultural pursuits. He came to this State in a wagon, the journey consuming thirty days. He resided in Labette county a period of four years, and then returned to his former home in Indiana, whre he lived on his old farm un- til 1885. In that year, he again came to La- bette county, Kansas, and located upon his present farm of 100 acres in sections 32 and 33. Montana township. He built his present comfortable home in 1885. His place is neat and attractive in appearance, and he engages in diversified farming.

Mr. Murray was united in marriage with Mary E. Duncan, who was born in Morgan county, Indiana, in 1848, and they have reared three children, as follows: Lulu (Peck), of Clayton, Indiana, who has one daughter, Ma-

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tilda ; Clarence, who served in Company A, 2d Reg., Mo. Vol. Inf., during the Spanish- American War, and was killed on April 7, 1901, by a railroad train; Daisy (Cornish), of Neosho, Missouri, who has two children,- Earl and Hester ; and Bessie, who still remains at home. Mr. Murray is a Republican in pol- itics. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. Religiously, he and 'his family are members of the Christian church.

AMUEL DUNHAM,* a prominent and representative farmer of Mon- tana township, Labette county, Kan- sas, was born near Harper's Ferry, Berkeley county, West Virginia, April 8, 1821. His parents were Hiram and Mary (Ganner) Dunham, both natives of New Jersey. They belonged to that sturdy class of citizens, who have done so much to develop the farming in- terests and have helped to place the United States in the front rank of agricultural na- tions.

Samuel Dunham left home when he was nine years old, and moved with his parents to Christian county, Illinois. In 1865, he came to Labette county, Kansas, and secured a homestead claim in Montana township, enter- ing it at the land office in Humboldt; on this property he has lived, and has improved and developed it to its present high state of culti- vation. Mr. Dunham has a keen appreciation of the fact that our farming population is the very bone and sinew of the nation, and he has shaped his daily life with the aim always in view of being of the utmost value to himself, hi's neighbors, and his county.

Mr. Dunham was the eldest in a family of three children. He has been twice married.

His first wife was Mary Jane Harry, who is deceased. A few years after the death of his first wife, he married his present wife, who was Mary Slunan, a native of Marion county, In- diana. She was born in 1845. Ten children were the result of this union, as follows: A. J., who is at home; Mary; Lano, now Mrs. Barkis, living in Montana township, Labette county, Kansas; E. D. and Walter, who are at home; Lee, who resides in Montana town- ship; Robert and Harvey, who are at home; Albert and Ida, deceased.

Mr. Dunham is a Democrat, but liberal in his opinion on all subjects which draw out party discussion. He has served as a member of the school board in his township, and is a member of the Anti-Horsethief Association.

RS. S. E. THURBER,* a highly respected lady of Parsons, Kansas, is the widow of the late Samuel L. Thurber, for many years a prominent railroad engineer on the "Katy" road, and whose death took place, as the re- sult of an accident, in 1894.

Samuel L. Thurber was born in Lower Ireland, Province of Quebec, Canada. He was a son of Samuel J., Sr., and Margaret (Lee) Thurber, the latter being a relative of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Mr. Thurber had several brothers and sisters, all Canadians by birth, some of whom are still living, and reside in Castle Bar, Lower Ireland, and at various places in the Dominion of Canada.

Mr. Thurber was reared and schooled in Canada, where he remained until he attained his majority. He then started out to make his own way in life, and engaged in agricult- ural pursuits in both Vermont and Massachu-

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setts, until some time in the "'sixties." He then conceived the idea of going west and growing up with the country. He came to Kansas, and assisted in the construction of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway. He vis- ited the present site of Parsons before such a city was even thought of.

About 1869 or 1870, he returned east as far as Quincy, Illinois, where he remained un- til 1871. Returning at that date to Sedalia, Missouri, he reentered the service of the Mis- souri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company, where the remainder of his life was spent. In the early morning of January 20, 1893, while serving in the capacity of passenger engineer, the accident occurred which ultimately caused his death, which took place October 1, 1894. He was traveling engineer for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway a number of years. He was highly respected and esteemed by all who know him, and his unfortunate demise was generally mourned. Fraternally, he was a Mason and Knight Templar; a member of the I. O. O. F .; Knights of Pythias; and B. of L. E. In politics, he was a Republican. He was reared in the Episcopal faith, but later in life both he and Mrs. Thurber united with the Presbyterian church.

Mrs. S. E. Thurber, the subject of this brief biography, was born near Fairfield, Iowa. in 1856. She is a daughter of Alexander and Susan Cox. Her mother died when the sub- ject hereof was quite young, and she was reared by her father and step-mother, until she reached the age of fourteen or fifteen years. She then moved to Parsons, Kansas, and made fer home with J. J. Pierson, a relative, and a wholesale grocer of that city. Mr. Pierson still resides on Stevens avenue, and Mrs. Thurber has resided on that street since 1873.

In 1879, the subject of this sketch was|

united in marriage with Samuel J. Thurber. Two children were born to them, Clyde J. and Mabel. The former, who is nineteen years old, is shipping clerk for J. J. Pierson, and is boarding at home. Mabel is sixteen years of age, and is attending the high school. Mrs. Thurber resides in a comfortable residence at No. 1703 Stevens avenue. She is a prominent club woman of Parsons, being a member of the Atheneum Women's Club. For the past six years, she has also been a member of the Par- sons Reading Circle. She is a general favorite in society, and is esteemed for her many good qualities.

RS. ELIZABETH STEWART,* widow of Henry J. Stewart, has been a resident of Labette county, Kansas, since 1866, and has been located on her farm in section II, Montana township, during this time.

Mrs. Stewart was born in Missouri along the Mississippi river, March 23, 1831, and is a daughter of Isaac and B. ( Patterson) Flynn. Her father was a farmer by occupation, and was the father of the following children : William: Isaac; John; Simpson; El zabeth, the subject of this personal history; Martha and Rachel, twins; E. A .; and P.

Elizabeth Flynn was united in marriage with Henry J. Stewart, who was born March 19, 1829. They came to Kansas in 1866 by wagon from Illinois, the trip consuming one month's time. They located on the present family homestead in section 11, Montana town- ship, Labette county, and on this Mr. Stewart made many improvements, converting it into one of the finest farms in the section in which he lived. The claim was entered at Humboldt, Kansas. He continued to reside upon this

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property until his death in 1880. He was a Republican in politics, and served on the school board of his township a number of years. Mr .. and Mrs. Stewart became the parents of the following children: Miles; Charles; Clark; Allen ; Layman, Nora ; Ambrosia and B. Miles and Charles are farmers in Kansas; Clark is a resident of Missouri: Allen lives in Labette county. Kansas; Layman, who conducts the affairs of the farm for his mother, married Miss L. Cox, who was born near Westfield, Illinois. He is a Republican, in politics, and is serving his third term as treasurer of Mon- tana township. Nora married a Mr. Stewart, and resides at McCune, Kansas; Ambrosia is the wife of a Mr. Dunn. Religiously, Mrs. Stewart is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church. She is a woman possessed of many admirable traits of character, and en- joys the respect and esteem of all with whom she is acquainted.

ILLIAM McCRUM,* a successful farmer residing in section 14, township 31, range 17. in Osage township, Labette county, Kansas, was born in De Kalb county, Indiana, in 1842. He is a son of James and Mary Ann ( Cughan ) McCrum.

James McCrum was of Irish descent, and came to Canada, when he was twenty years old. Subsequently, he moved to Indiana, where he died some years later. His wife was also born in Ireland, and her death occurred in Indiana. They had seven children, two of whom are deceased. One of their sons, John, lives in Cherryvale; another son lives in In- diana, and Sarah, a daughter, lives in Colo- rado.

William McCrum, whose name heads this sketch, was reared and schooled in Indiana, where he remained until he reached the age of twenty years. He enlisted in Company D, 74th Reg., Ind. Vol. Inf., and served from July, 1862, until June, 1865. He received an honorable discharge, as a noncommissioned officer, in Indiana. After he left the army, he engaged in farming in Indiana, where he married. April 8, 1871, Mr. McCrum re- moved to Osage township, Labette county, Kansas, and settled on his present farm in section 14. This claim had been bought and improved by another man, and Mr. McCrum purchased improvements in February, 1871. The house, which was 14 by 16 feet, in size, was of walnut lumber; it still stands on the farm, and is used as an outbuilding. With a few additions made to it, the family occupied this house until 1895, when Mr. McCrum built a comfortable home, 28 feet square, with a 10-by-18-foot addition. The old stable has been replaced by one 40 by 56 feet, in dimen- sions, and 16 feet to the square, which was built in 1885. There is a complete system of water works, supplying the house, barn, and all parts of the farm. The land is finely improved, and during 1900, Mr. McCrum sold $1.400 worth of farm products. When he first reached Cherryvale, he had a team of horses and $95 in money. He went into debt to pur- chase the farm, and began general farming and stock raising. He also has something of an or- chard. He has worked with untiring energy, and his efforts have been well rewarded, for he is now one of the many prosperous farmers in Labette county. He also owns a half interest in a farm several miles southwest in Osage township.

Mr. McCrum formed a matrimonial union with Nancy McClish, and they have four chil-

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dren: Rosa E., who is at home; Mary L., who lives near home; Minnie B. ( Batey ), who lives in Osage township, southwest of her father's farm; and William W., who lives in Los Angeles, California. Mr. McCrum was formerly a Democrat in politics, but is now an independent voter. He was a charter mem- ber of Houston Post, G. A. R., No. 180, of Morehead, and has served as commander of the post. He now belongs to Hackleman Post, G. A. R., No. 142. He is liberal in his relig- ious views, and lends his support to all churches.

OHN R. BYRUM,* a prominent resi- dent of Howard township, Labette county, Kansas, located on his home farm,-the north half of section 36, township 34, range 17,-in 1880. He was born near Crab Apple Orchard, Kentucky, in 1844, and is a son of William and Mary (Gowens) Byrum.

William Byrum was born in Kentucky, and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. He married Mary Gowens, also a native of that state, and they reared eight children, four of whom are still living, as follows: John R .; Bendy ; Beckie; and Harriet.

John R. Byrum, the subject of this sketch, was but a child when his parents moved to In- diana, and in the Hoosier State he lived until the war broke out. In 1862, he enlisted in Company A, 59th Reg., Ind. Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the war, being much of the time in Gen. W. T. Sherman's com- mand. He returned to Indiana after securing his discharge and later went to Illinois, where he lived five years. In 1878, he located in Kan- sas, and two years later made his settlement in Howard township, Labette county. He has

lived there since that time, and has had good success in his farming operations.

Mr. Byrum married Nellie Winters, who died in 1889. They were the parents of one child,-Alvin, who is a farmer in Labette coun- ty. Mr. Byrum married, secondly, Mary Kink, and they have one child,-Otha.

Mr. Byrum is a Democrat, in politics, and takes a deep interest in the affairs of that party. He served as trustee of Howard township one term, and has been a member of the school board for nine years. He belongs to the Anti- Horsethief Association; and is a member of the Masonic order, and the M. W. of A. Re- ligiously, he and his family are members of the Christian church. Mr. Byrum is well known in Labette county, and is considered a very good farmer. He is highly respected throughout the community in which he re- sides.

ACOB FISHER,* a well known resi- dent of Montana township, Labette county, Kansas, is engaged in agri- cultural pursuits on his farm in sec- tion 29, where he has been located since 1885. Mr. Fisher was born on the River Rhine in Germany, and is a son of C. Fisher.

C. Fisher was born in Germany, and came to the United States at an early day. Here he engaged in farming. He married Miss Rhine- frank, who was born in Germany, and they became the parents of seven children, as fol- lows: John and Philip, deceased; J. E .; E .; George; V .; and Jacob.

Jacob Fisher was but five years old when he was brought to this country by his parents ; they landed at New Orleans. His father lo- cated with his family in Macoupin county, Illinois, and there Jacob resided until he came

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to Kansas in 1885. He located on his present farm, in section 29, Montana township, La- bette county, and has since engaged in gen- eral farming, an occupation he has followed throughout life.

Mr. Fisher was united in wedlock with Lizzie Ann Ringer, who was born in the state of Ohio, and they have nine children, namely : Charles E., a farmer of Neosho county, Kan- sas; Samuel, who resides in Illinois; Jchn P., who is living at home; Mary A. (Shepard). who resides in Illinois; H. C., who is living in Chicago, Illinois; (Rasbach), of Spring- field, Missouri; L. C .; Annie; and Jacob, Jr. Politically, Mr. Fisher is a strong supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. Religiously, he belongs to the Meth- odist Episcopal church.

ISRAEL JOHNSON .* £ In the front ranks of well known farmers in Mound Valley township, Labette county, Kansas, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He owns 400 acres of land in this township, and his home farm is in the southeast quarter of section 10, township 33, range 18. Mr. Johnson was born in the west- ern part of Sweden, in April, 1839. He is a son of Johanus and Alice (Larson) Johnson, who were also natives of that country.

The father of our subject, who was a farmer by occupation, died in 1888, aged eighty-five years. His wife died after his de- mise, at the age of eighty-four years. They had five sons and one daughter. The names of the sons are: August, who remained on the home farm in Sweden; Israel, the sub- ject of this sketch; Andrew, a traveling me- chanic and factory employee in America ;

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History of Labette County, Kansas, and representative citizens, Part 90

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