USA > Kansas > Leavenworth County > History of Leavenworth County Kansas > Part 39
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J. C. Stafford was born near Nashville, Tennessee, February 24, 1837.
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HISTORY OF LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
In 1842, his parents came to Weston in Platte County, Missouri, later, in 1845, moving to Clarinda, Iowa. J. C. Stafford remained there with his parents until about the year 1877, when he went to Franklin, Nebraska, where he had a contract to build a part of the B. & M. Railroad, known as the Burlington and Missouri. In 1887, he came to Leavenworth, Kansas, and helped build one mile of the A. T. and S. F. Railroad, where the siding of Thornburgh now is in Easton Township. After this, he engaged in farming in Easton Township, but sold his farm in 1916 and moved to Easton, where he and his wife are living a retired life. Mrs. J. C. Stafford was born March 17, 1831, in Tennessee. She and her husband are mem- bers of the Methodist Church.
R. W. Stafford received his education in the Easton schools and the Stanberry Normal school at Stanberry, Missouri. After finishing his edu- cation, he engaged in teaching, and in 1899 became principal of the Easton High School at Easton, Kansas, and remained there in this capacity until 1905, when he became manager of the Lambert Lumber Company of Easton, which position he held until 1921. He then accepted the position of cashier of the Easton State Bank, which position he is well qualified to fill. His versatility is shown by the different lines of work in which he has been engaged, not the least of which is the newspaper which he pub- lishes. He bought the newspaper and printing plant in 1915 from O. M. Osborn, and Mr. Stafford has been editor and publisher since that time. This paper was founded in 1908 by Mr. Stafford and Mr. O. J. Potter, president of the State Savings Bank of Leavenworth, Kansas. The paper was conducted by different individuals until Mr. Stafford took charge in 1915. It is a flourishing paper with a good circulation.
Mr. Stafford votes the democratic ticket. For sixteen years he was on the school board. He is very altruistic and his attitude toward his town and community is a commendable one. He helped build the high school here and also founded the Barnes High School, now a consolidated rural high school of Easton, Kansas. Mr. Stafford is a member of the Methodist Church and superintendent of the Sunday School. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodges, and is always ready and willing to lend his assistance in any worthy venture.
Mr. Stafford was married to Clara Meyer, November 4, 1898. She was born near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a daughter of Henry and Dorris Meyer, who are now living on a farm in Easton Township.
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Mr. and Mrs. Stafford have had four children: Goldia, a teacher in the Easton schools; William B., manager of the Lambert Lumber Com- pany of Easton, Kansas; Thelma and Robert W., Jr., both of whom are at home with their parents. The Stafford family are among the best citizens of the county and have many friends.
The Easton State Bank, one of the dependable and flourishing institu- tions of Easton, Kansas, was organized August 18, 1902, with a capital stock of $5,000.00, with the following officers: 'W. T. Hines, president ; Dr. W. A. Adams, vice-president; F. M. Seward, cashier. The organizers were: S. Hulett, J. M. Corey, J. W. Hennessey, R. Mayer, Henry Holt- meyer, Sam Watson, G. W. Sanders, J. F. Neiman and W. T. Hines.
The first bank building was a frame structure, which burned in 1903, and another frame building was erected, which was moved in 1912 and the present building was built on the same site. This building is made of concrete and, with fixtures, cost $4,200.00.
In 1907, the capital stock of this bank was increased to $10,000 and increased again in 1919 to $30,000.00.
In 1904, E. A. Sabrin who was cashier, was succeeded by O. J. Potter, who was succeeded in 1920 by Neal T. Boyd, and, in 1921, R. W. Stafford succeeded Mr. Boyd. The present officers are: R. Mayer, president ; W. T. Hines, vice-president; and R. W. Stafford, cashier, and Miss Halcy Potter, assistant cashier. The directors are: R. Mayer, W. T. Hines, S. Watson, P. W. Siven, Henry Holtmeyer, C. W. Corson, Tony Brose, T. J. Hennessey and O. J. Potter.
This bank is controlled by farmers of Jefferson, Atchison and Leaven- worth counties and is one of the thriving institutions of Leavenworth County and the State of Kansas.
Christian Sass, a prosperous farmer of Easton Township, was born January 22, 1873, in Holstein, Germany, the son of Christian and Kather- ine (Weber) Sass, both natives of Germany, and the parents of three children, of whom Christian Sass is the youngest. Christian Sass, Sr., was a miller. He and his wife were reared in Germany and lived and died there.
Christian Sass received his education in the schools in Germany and, in 1889, came to Leavenworth County, Kansas, where he worked on a
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farm by the month, later renting a farm. In 1901 he bought a farm of ninety acres in Easton Township, which he afterward sold and bought seventy acres in the same township, two years later adding 160 acres, which is his present home place. He has made necessary improvements for general farming and for raising Duroc Jersey hogs and Red Polled cattle, and has been successful in both lines.
October 7, 1897, Mr. Sass was married to Martha A. Heidrich, a native of Leavenworth County, the daughter of Frederick and Anna (Dietmann) Heidrick, who came from Germany to Leavenworth County in 1871. They were the parents of eleven children. Both Mr. and Mrs. Heidrick are deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Sass are the parents of eleven children: Katherine A., deceased; Adolph C., of Easton Township; John F., who lives at home; Christene M., who is housekeeper for her brother Adolph; Rosa M., at home; William H., Edward J., Carl H., Ernest A., Harold L. and Elmer A.
Mr. Sass is a member of the Lutheran Church, of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodges and, in politics, he is a Democrat. Mr. Sass is a substantial citizen.
Calvin Willard Loomis, deceased, was an extensive farmer and land owner and during the course of his career was prominently identified with the growth and progress of this county. He was a native of New York and was born near Syracuse, March 30, 1866. When three years old his parents left New York State and settled on a farm near Marshall, Michi- gan. For eleven years they remained there and Calvin Loomis attended the district schools. In 1881 they came to Leavenworth County, Kansas, where they again took up farming.
Calvin Willard Loomis, in the spring of 1889, purchased what is now known as the "Sam Ward farm," near Edminster, Kansas, and he owned and operated this farm until 1901, when he sold it and purchased 1,000 acres nearby. He was a breeder of Holstein cattle and had a large dairy farm, which was known far and near. Mr. Loomis was beloved by all who knew him, as he was kindly dispositioned to strangers as well as friends, and lived an honest upright life. He was always ready to give to the needy and many poor people were recipients of his bounty. Mr. Loomis's death was caused by being accidentally crushed between the doorway of his barn and one of his animals, on February 6, 1913.
MRS. MARY LOOMIS
CALVIN W. LOOMIS
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HISTORY OF LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
In April, 1895, Calvin Willard Loomis and Mary Huston were united in marriage. Mary Huston Loomis is the daughter of Patrick and Mary Jane Huston, the former deceased and the latter living at Tonganoxie, with whom Mrs. Mary Loomis makes her home. Patrick Huston was a native of Ireland and upon his arrival in the United States settled at Parkville, Missouri, where he was married to Mary Jane Williams, in 1863. After their marriage they came to Leavenworth County, Kansas, and purchased 120 acres in Stranger Township, where Mr. Huston labored and reared his family. He spent the remainder of his life on this farm.
Mrs. Mary Jane Huston was born in Dublin, Ireland, October 22, 1837, the daughter of John and Julia (Reynolds) Williams. John Williams and his family left Ireland about 1840 and were among the early pioneer settlers of Chicago, Illinois and Parkville, Missouri. For many years, John Williams worked at his trade of stone mason. He helped in the construc- tion of some of the largest and finest buildings in Parkville, Missouri and vicinity. John and Julia (Reynolds) Williams died at Parkville, Missouri. They were the parents of the following children: Thomas, with Mrs. Mary Jane Huston; Edward, deceased; Mary Jane Huston; John, deceased; and Julia, deceased.
Patrick and Mary Jane Huston were the parents of the following chil- dren : Mary, married Calvin Willard Loomis, of this sketch; Edward, lives in Oklahoma; Julia, Mrs. Joe Klamet, of Leavenworth County; Henry, deceased ; Ella, died in infancy ; James, Tonganoxie, Kansas ; and Thomas, lives in Kansas. .
Mrs. Mary Jane Huston moved to Tonganoxie in 1911 and has pur- chased one of the nicest residences in this city. She has grown up with the country and is an old pioneer of this county.
Mrs. Mary Loomis, widow of Calvin Loomis, after the death of her husband, disposed of 1000 acres of his land and purchased a farm of 147 acres, near her former home. The Union Pacific station, on Big Stranger, is located on her land. Mrs. Loomis also owns real estate at Kansas City, purchased by her husband. In 1915, Mrs. Loomis came to live with her mother and brother.
Calvin Willard Loomis was a well known figure in Leavenworth County and endeared himself to many friends, having spent the greater share of his life in the county and was active in all of its agricultural activities.
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George Porter, a successful self-made farmer and stockman of Easton Township, was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, September 25, 1858, the son of A. C. and Charlotte (Grobengeiser) Porter, who were the par- ents of seven children, George Porter being the oldest; A. C. Porter was born in Kentucky and came to Leavenworth County from Indiana in 1868 and located in Easton Township. He later bought a farm here. He died December 1, 1911, at the age of seventy-four years, having been found dead in the yard, his death due to heart trouble. Mr. A. C. Porter was married twice, the second wife being a widow of William Wells, and two children were the result of this union. His first wife was a native of Ger- many, which country she left when seven years old, settling in Indiana with her parents. She died in 1875 in Leavenworth County.
George Porter was ten years of age when his parents came to Kansas. He attended the district schools of this county, and has lived here con- tinuously since he came. He bought his present farm in 1901, has made many improvements on it. Previous to the purchase of this farm he worked as a farm hand for Al Pemberton for seven years, and twelve years for Thomas Stewart, receiving from twelve to nineteen dollars per month for his work.
Mr. Porter has been an industrious man and has been successful through his own efforts. He does general farming and stock raising. In politics, Mr. Porter is a democrat. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Lodge. He is a shareholder in the Easton State Bank at Easton, Kansas.
February 19, 1914, Mr. Porter was married to Hattie Gortney, who was born in Easton Township, Leavenworth County, Kansas, and is a daughter of Steven and Lavinia Robinson. By a former marriage to J. T. Gortney, Mrs. Porter had five children, three girls and two boys, all of whom are married, except James who lives with his mother.
John F. Nieman, a scientific and prosperous farmer, is a native of Easton Township, born June 21, 1871, and is the son of Martin and Eliza- beth (Schott) Nieman. His father and mother were the parents of four children, as follows: Henry, of Potter, Kansas; Emma, the wife of H. Bente, of Leavenworth, Kansas; John F., the subject of this sketch; and August, who lives on the home place.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Nieman are natives of Germany. Mr. Nieman
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came to the United States in 1857 and worked for four years as a farm hand in Indiana, and during the Civil War enlisted in that state in the Seventh Volunteer Infantry of Company C, and served throughout the war. In 1867 he came to Leavenworth, Kansas and located on rented land, and in 1870 bought the farm where he now lives. He is eighty years of age. He was married twice, his first wife dying soon after their marriage. His second wife left Germany during the Civil War, and came to Leaven- worth, Kansas. Martin Nieman was one of the organizers of the Lutheran Church.
John F. Nieman was educated in District Number Six School. He has been a farmer all of his life, beginning work for himself in 1898 on the farm where he still lives. He is up-to-date in his methods, using modern machinery and taking advantage of new ideas. He has recently started the breeding of pure blood Duroc Jersey hogs for market and in this work also he has been very successful.
February 16, 1898, Mr. Nieman was married to Lena Schwettman, a native of Illinois. They are the parents of six children, all of whom live at home: Dora, Clara, Fred, Hilda, Bertha and Elmer.
Mr. Nieman was an organizer and director of the Eastern State Bank. He later sold his stock and then helped organize the Farmers State Bank of Potter, Kansas. Mr. Nieman is republican in his politics and is a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. He and his family are highly respected citizens of the township.
William F. A. Ehart, a well known farmer and stockman of Easton Township, was born in Providence Hesse at Kassel, Germany, July 16, 1875, the son of Henry and Martha (Wring) Ehart, the oldest of five children. Henry Ehart was married four times. He was a farmer and came to the United States in 1884, settling on a farm in Leavenworth County, near Potter, Kansas, and ten years later moved near Easton, Kansas, where he and his wife died, the former in 1915 at the age of seventy-four years, and the latter at the age of seventy-one years, in 1917. Both were members of the Lutheran Church.
William F. A. Ehart was nine years old when his parents came to the United States. He attended the district schools when a boy, and after growing to manhood worked as a farm hand for a few years and in 1898 he rented land for two years, and then bought three or four
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different farms, improving them. He bought his present farm in 1911, which consists of 146 acres of good land. Mr. Ehart does general farming and stock raising and is a thrifty, industrious farmer, making a success in agricultural pursuits. In politics Mr. Ehart is a Republican. He is a member of the Christian Church.
December 29, 1897, Mr. Ehart was married to Rebecca J. Penning- ton, who was born in Easton Township October 10, 1876, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Snody) Pennington, natives of Missouri, but who are now living at Potter, Kansas.
Mr. and Mrs. Ehart have had eight children: James H., who died in infancy; Katie E., a teacher who lives at home, and a graduate of the Easton High School; Anna, who lives at home; Lucy May, Myrtle, Fred A., Emma and Helen J., all at home with their parents.
H. T. Biehler, a progressive farmer and native of Easton Township, was born on his present farm December 22, 1870, the son of Max and Rosa (Gilgore) Biehler, both natives of Baden, Germany. H. J. Biehler and a sister, Miss Lena Biehler, are the only two living of eight children.
Max Biehler was born May 9, 1826, and died January 31, 1907. He came to the United States in 1849 and settled in Buffalo, New York, where he stayed for six months, going from there to Ohio. He lived in Ohio three years and then went to Weston, Missouri, eventually locat- ing in Easton Township, Leavenworth County, Kansas, in 1860, where he lived with his family until his death. For eight years he was road overseer of Easton Township. During the Civil War he served for six- teen days in the State Militia. His wife was born in 1828 and died Au- gust, 1906. Both she and her husband were members of the Catholic Church, and they are buried at Oak Hill Cemetery.
H. T. Biehler grew to manhood on his present farm, and has lived here all of his life with the exception of four years. When a boy he at- tended District Number Eleven School. He has been engaged in farming ever since finishing his education, and at the time of the death of his parents owned forty-two acres of land. He became heir to sixty acres, and later purchased the other heirs' shares in the estate, and he now owns 2441/2 acres of well improved land. He does general farming and raises high grade stock, and is one of the most substantial farmers of this community. In 1911 Mr. Biehler built a round barn on his place, which
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is one of the best modern barns in the county, and is the only one of this kind in this section.
Mr. Biehler takes an active interest in the affairs of Leavenworth County and has many friends.
November 18, 1900, Mr. Biehler was married to Anna Brose, who is a native of Alexandria Township, Leavenworth County, Kansas, the daugh- ter of John and Julia Brose, a sketch of whom appears in this history. Mr. and Mrs. Biehler have had four children: One who died in infancy; Elmer J., Leo V., and Marcella M., all at home with their parents.
Mr. Biehler is a shareholder in the Easton Bank of Easton, Kansas. He is a Republican but is independent in his voting. He is a member of the Catholic Church and of the Knights of Columbus Lodge. He takes an active interest in all community affairs and has many friends over the county.
A. A. Bowen, the progressive and successful president of the State Bank of Linwood, Kansas, is one of Linwood's most enterprising mer- chants and business men. He is a native of White County, Georgia, where he was born May 8, 1856, the son of Isaac and Mary (Cantrell) Bowen, natives of Georgia. Isaac Bowen is the son of Thomas and Miss Hunt Bowen, natives of Georgia, where they were engaged in farming and spent their lives.
Isaac Bowen was reared in his native state and was married to Mary Cantrell, a native of the same state. In 1865 they came to Missouri and in the spring of 1871 they established their home in Reno Township, Leavenworth County. They farmed land in this township for many years and were citizens of the county for nearly fifty years. In 1913 Isaac Bowen died at the age of ninety-four years and his wife preceded him in death a few years at the age of eighty-two years.
A. A. Bowen was the sixth child of the ten children born to his par- ents. When he was nine years of age he came with is parents to Missouri and later to Reno Townsip, where he has ever since made his home. Mr. Bowen received his education in the district schools and remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age. He then farmed rented land until he purchased the land which is the present town site of Linwood, Kansas. The bank and lumber yard are located on a portion of this farm.
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In 1906 A. A. Bowen discontinued farming and went into the mercan- tile business in partnership with F. E. Frederick, in which business he is actively engaged. Mr. Bowen was instrumental in organizing the Linwood State Bank and in 1915 was elected its president.
Mr. Bowen has been twice married, the first time to Rilla Hamill, now deceased. To this union three children were born, as follows: Bertha, widow of William Adams, living at Conway, Kansas; Melvin, deceased. and John, of Eudora, Kansas. December 31, 1881, A. A. Bowen and Katie Frederick were united in marriage. She was born in Kansas City, Mis- souri. To this union one child, Lottie, was born. She was married to J. E. Blevins and lives at Linwood, Kansas.
A. A. Bowen is a public spirited citizen and always takes an active interest in the local affairs. He is a Democrat and has been township trustee for two terms and township treasurer for three terms. Mr. Bowen owns twenty-seven acres of land in Linwood, Kansas, and forty-five acres across Stranger Creek. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and of the Shrine; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Bowen has been actively associated with the county's growth and development for many years and is one of its es- teemed citizens.
William Wendel, a well known retired farmer of Easton Township, was born February 2, 1847, in Germany. He left his native land in 1884 and settled in Leavenworth, Kansas, where he lived and worked as a la- borer for one year. He was accompanied to this country by his brother- in-law, Chris Ehart. Before William Wendel left Germany he was blind for several years but after coming to America he regained his eyesight.
In 1902 Mr. Wendel bought his present farm of 120 acres in Easton Township. He has made extensive improvements on this farm. His wife is also a native of Germany. She was born October 9, 1846.
Mr. and Mrs. Wendel are the parents of eight children: John, of Eas- ton Townssip; Elizabeth, the wife of T. Burke, of Leavenworth, Kansas; Christena, the wife of S. Goble, of Leavenworth, Kansas; Martha, the wife of Mat Fritchen, of Kickapoo Township; Chris, of Leavenworth, Kansas; Mary, the wife of H. Felzki, of Kickapoo Township; Anna, the wife of William Kreuitzer, of Easton Township; and Adam, who was born on the present farm February 28, 1887, educated in district school number six, and who is now farming the home place.
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In politics Mr. Wendel is independent. He is a member of the Luth- eran Church and he and his family are substantial citizens of the county.
Dr. J. W. Warring, a retired and highly honored physician of Lin- wood, Kansas, who for the past fifty years has practiced medicine in Lin- wood and has endeared himself to many friends, is a native of Scott County, Kentucky. He was born near Georgetown, Kentucky, August 4, 1847, the youngest son of William C. and Martha M. (Bryan) Warring.
William C. Warring was born in Delaware, where the Warring family was established after their emigration from Scotland, their ancestral home. William C. Warring was a physician and practiced medicine in Scott County, Kentucky, and later established his business in Owen County, Kentucky. He was thirty-four years old when he died in 1854. By his first marriage he had three children. He was married the second time to Mary Caldwell, and three children were born to this union.
Doctor J. W. Warring received his education in Kentucky and gradu- ated from the old Kentucky College of Medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1869. In 1870 Doctor Warring came to Linwood, Kansas, where he began the practice of medicine. In 1873 he attended the Physicians and Surgeons College of Kansas City, Missouri, taking a post graduate course. He has since then kept abreast of the times and faithfully and conscien- tiously done his work of administering to the sick and dying. Doctor Warring is not doing active work, but continues to be medical adviser and physician for the employees of the Union Pacific Railroad.
Dr. J. W. Warring is the only living charter member of the Masonic Lodge No. 241, Linwood, Kansas, which he helped to organize many years ago. He is a Democrat and has served as township trustee for Sherman Township.
Dr. J. W. Warring was married the first time May 9, 1870, to Lydia F. Harness, who was born July 9, 1852, near Louisville, Kentucky. She died in 1905. To this union the following children were born: Carrie M., now Mrs. William Ford, of Argentine, Kansas; Ray M. was killed in a railroad accident while serving as a brakeman for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad; Earl A .; Ola O .; and Claude W., who lives at Topeka, Kansas, and are engaged in the produce business. Doctor Warring and Sarah (Forbes) Forman were married in June, 1902. She is a native of Pittsburg, Kansas, and by a former marriage to William Forman has two sons, Otto, of Portland, Oregon, and Mason, deceased.
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Doctor Warring has always taken a commendable interest in the local affairs of the township. He has served on the school board and was a member of the first council of Linwood, Kansas. The early days of his practice were perilous ones, in a new country and under pioneer conditions. On horseback he would make the rounds to see his patients and many a time was called out in a dark and stormy night.
Doctor Warring is a member and trustee of the Congregational Church and one of the honored and respected citizens and physicians of Leavenworth County.
John Tudhope is a retired farmer and railroad man and the oldest living member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Kansas. He joined the Masons in 1854 in Upper Sandusky, Ohio and took the chapter degrees at Marion, Ohio and the Scottish and York Rite de- grees at Lawrence, Kansas. He is a K. C. C. H. degree Mason and a member of the Abdallah Temple at Leavenworth, Kansas.
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