USA > Kansas > Montgomery County > History of Montgomery County, Kansas > Part 74
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After returning home, Benjamin Edwards moved his family to Illi- nois, and remained there till the war was over; soon afterward, return- ing to Arkansas, and remaining till 1874, when he moved his family to Montgomery county, Kansas, and located on a piece of land, north of Coffeyville. The sickness which he incurred, while a soldier, remained with him all these years, and he died, in 1874, at the age of forty-four. His wife survived him till 1892, when she died. at sixty-three years of age. The family consists of eight children, three of whom are living : David Monroe, William and John.
David Monroe Edwards came to Kansas, with his parents, in 1874, when only sixteen years of age. The early part of his life was spent in Illinois and Arkansas, where he received only a common school educa- tion. After the death of his father, the responsibility of the family fell, heavily, on him, and. to the efforts of himself and two brothers, all thanks are due for the comfortable home provided for the mother, who remained with him until he was married.
February 4. 1880, he took to wife, Miss Alice Hudelson, a native of
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS.
Illinois, and a daughter of William and Elizabeth Hudelson, formerly of that state. The father and mother came to Kansas in 1872, and bought a large tract of land on the Verdigris, all in heavy timber, which Mr. Hudelson cleared and made a valuable farm. He died on this farm, at the age of sixty-six years, while his wife survives him, at the same age. Of the two children, Mrs. Alice Edwards is the oldest, the youngest being Levi II. of the Indian Territory.
After Mr. Edwards' marriage, he farmed the home of his youth, for some time, and then came into possession of two hundred and twenty- six acres of bottom land, which his wife inherited from her father, which, with the improvements he has put on it, is one of the best farms on the Verdigris. The house, a large two-story, is one of the most substantial farm houses in the township, and there are good barns, and other farm buildings. His farm is five miles north of Coffeyville, and is completely surrounded by water. His principal stock is hogs, but he gives most of his attention to the raising of grain, wheat, corn and alfalfa, the lat- ter being well adapted to the native soil.
To Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have been born eight children: Emma Gertrude, deceased; Willie, deceased; Oscar, Oliver, Rosa, Nellie, Jessie and Vance.
Mr. Edwards is an independent in politics.
PHILIP H. DALBY-Philip HI. Dalby, the leading physician of Havana, was born in Edwards county, Illinois, on the 15th of May, 1853. His father. David Dalby, was a native of Tong, Yorkshire, England, and was born on the 15th of August, 1820. He came to America when only sixteen years of age, where he married Louisiana Brisenden, a native of Albion, Illinois. He was a lithographer in England, and a carpenter in America. Ile came to Kansas in 1870, and settled in Montgomery county, one and one-half miles east of Havana, where he remained for many years. He died at the home of his daughter in Iola, on the 6th day of July, 1902, at the age of eighty-two, his wife having died in 1877. at seventy-four years of age, and both are buried, side by side, in the Ha- vana cemetery. To them were born eight children, seven of whom are living . Zelphi, wife of D. H. Pingree, proprietor of the Pennsylvania Hotel in Iola; W. O., of Seattle, Washington ; Fanny E. Lemmont, of Cimarron, Kansas; Dr. Philip H., Sarah M., wife of Charles Goe, of Elk City ; George P., on the old homestead at Havana; and Minnie E., wife of Dr. John Wright, of Elk City.
Dr. Dalby came to Montgomery county in 1870, with his parents, when only sixteen years of age. He received his education in the schools of this county, and, in 1874, he went to Texas. as a cattle driver and herder, remained one year, and returned home and remained on the farm
P. H. DALBY, M. D.
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS. 651
for some time. He, then, became a student in the Kansas City Medieal Col- lege and graduated in 1878. Immediately after graduation, he put up his sign of "M. D." at Elgin, Kansas, but only lived there a short time, when he moved to Jonesboro, where he practiced for three years. After- ward, he spent three years at Bolton and eight years at Chautauqua, and, in 1892, removed to Havana. his present home. Here, he has built up a good practice, in medicine and surgery, his practice extending over much territory, and he is well and favorably known as a physician.
The Doctor owns property in both Havana and Chautauqua. He is a Democrat in politics and is a member of the Odd Fellows, No. 268, Havana Lodge.
Dr. Dalby was married on the first day of May, 1888, his wife being Minnie E. Byers, a native of Iowa, who came to Kansas in 1871.
JOHN J. KLOEHR-One of the best known citizens of Southern Kansas is John Kloehr, proprietor of an extensive livery business at Cof- feyville. Ile is full of the snap and energy of youth and gives promise of many years of active and vigorous life.
The historic and picturesque Rhine of the Fatherland was the place of birth of Mr. Kloher, the time June 30, 1860. Joseph and Margaret (Bozst) Kloehr were his parents. They were one of the middle class families, and had been well-to-do millers in that country for generations. In 1870, Joseph Kloehr brought his family to America, settling in Leroy, Kansas, where he went into the packing business. After two years he eame to Coffeyville and began a hotel business, being remembered as "mine host" of the Southern Hotel. He, later, built a handsome brick residence on a 220-acre tract near town, where he was living at the time of his demise, February 14, 1901.
Joseph Kloehr was a gentleman who combined in a marked degree the best characteristics of his race-the Teutonie resoluteness of pur- pose and the sturdy common sense and absolute honesty which is a part of the German training. His wife is still an honored resident of the com- munity, a devont member of the Catholic church, and a lady whose graces of character cause her to be an object of much veneration. The family born to them are as follows: John J., Mollie, Mrs. Robt. Ollinger, of Cof- feyville; Joseph V., residing on the home farm; Frances, wife of Samuel Hart, proprietor of the Southern Hotel, of Coffeyville; Charles, who is in the livery business with our subject; two are deceased-an un-named infant and Barbara, who died at six years.
A ten-year-old lad when the family came to America, John J. Kloehr is a product of Coffeyville institutions, developing into sturdy manhood amid the influences of a live western town. Having a good knowledge of the butcher business by the time he had reached maturity, his first busi-
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ness venture was in the conduct of a shop for some two years. He then engaged with the government on the Canadian river in handling cattle for a year, and, after a like period in Colorado, prospecting for the precious metals, came back to Coffeyville, "ne'er again to roam." He be- gan buying and selling horses, which finally led him into the livery busi- ness. He and his brother have made a handsome success of their stable, and are the leading firm in the city in their line. They are housed in their own building, a brick of two stories, 50x111 feet, with stalls for sixty- eight head of stock in the main building and shed room for an indeti- nite mimber in addition. They have a complete ontfit and keep in active service some thirty horses.
Prior to October 5, 1892, the little town of Coffeyville was an un- known quantity. The events of that day caused it to spring, with one bound, into national notice, and for months it became the cynosure of all eyes. The events of "the Dalton raid" have passed into history and need not be rehearsed here. It is due to John J. Kloehr, however, that the biographer should tell in an "unvarnished tale" the very prominent part taken by him in that day's exciting events. He was reclining on a cot in the stable when Harris Reed ran in and announced the arrival of the gang. Having no gun at hand, Mr. Kloehr crossed with him to the Boswell hardware store, and, hastily seenring an outfit, got into the fight without further delay. For ten minutes the fighting was most fierce, and on count of noses four of the desperadoes were found to have passed the divide. while the bodies of four dead horses lay beside them. For that ten minutes' work John Kloehr deserves unstinted praise for the bravery and coolness he displayed, and it was with pleasure that his friends noted the very generous response from those who admired his conduct. Lyman J. Gage, later President McKinley's secretary of the treasury, and then president of the First National Bank of Chicago, was instrumental in raising a fund of a thousand dollars, with which he had manufactured a beautiful gold medal, two inches in diameter and with a costly diamond in the center, and upon which was engraved the following: "John Joseph Kloehr-the Emergency Arose and the Man Appeared." Upon the oppo- site side is the sentiment : "Presented by friends in Chicago, Ill., who admire nerve and courage when displayed in defense of social order." Besides this came numerous other offerings, among which was a Win- chester repeating rifle, a pair of rubber boots, indicative of "wading in," and a handsome hunting jacket.
Mr. Kloehr was happily joined in marriage, in 1884, to Miss Katie Huff, a native of Indiana. Four children have come to them: Jessie, Russell, Franklin and Nannie.
As intimated in the opening sentences of this review, Mr. Kloehr is a citizen of whom Coffeyville may be proud. He takes a keen interest in the life of the town, has served as alderman, school director and, for a
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS.
period. as deputy sheriff. In social life he holds membership in the I. O. O. F., K. of P .. A. O. U. W. and the Woodmen, and when he takes a hand in politics, it is to aid the Democratic ticket.
JOHN ALEXANDER BURT-One of Fawn Creek township's best citizens and farmers was born in Allen county, Indiana, on the 25th of October, 1842. His father, Silas Burt, was a native of Ohio, where he came as a young man and was married to Mary Wycoff, a native of that state. In 1841. they moved to Indiana and settled at Fi. Wayne, where the father died at the age of thirty-one years. By occupation he was a. farmer and blacksmith.
There were four children in the family of Sitas Burt, as follows : Su- san M .. wife of John MeCay of Charles Mix county. South Dakota ; John A .. Rosa, wife of Ingraham Thorn, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Silas, of Har- per county, Kansas. Mrs. Burt married a second time, to John M. Cart- wright. to which union were born five children, three of whom are living. viz: James, living in Washington; Marion, whose residence is in Los Angeles, California ; Alfred, of Ft. Wayne. Ind. Mrs. Burt died at the home of her son, John, at the age of eighty-one years.
John A. Burt was reared on the farm adjoining Ft. Wayne. He never had the opportunity of acquiring an education. but made the most of the few opportunities he did have. He became expert in one of the use- ful trades, that of a blacksmith, and does his own work in this line to this day. He entered the army in February of 1865, and did good service the four months he served. He was a member of Co. "1," 33rd Ind. Vol. Inf., and was discharged at Lonisville, Ky. After the war he rented land and farmed for some time.
In February, 1865, just before enlisting in the army, he was married to Charity Cartwright, a native of Piqua, Ohio, and a daughter of James and Elizabeth Cartwright.
Mr. Burt, having bought one hundred and sixty acres of uncultivated land in Kansas, moved to this state in 1881. This land had an incum- brance of five hundred dollars and the only building was a small log house, which he moved into and occupied for two years. Influence was brought to bear on him to get him to abandon the land and not try to pay the debt, but he persevered, and now, as a result of that perserverance, thrift and economy, he owns four hundred acres of the best land, lying three and one-half miles southeast of Tyro. The land is without incum- brance and is well stocked with horses and cattle. In the place of the log house, stands a modern farmhouse, and not far away, for the comfort of the stock, is a good barn.
When he arrived in Kansas Mr. Burt's only possessions were a wagon and team and thirty dollars in money. To attain to the great
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prosperity of the present, he started to drilling wells, keeping up this ocenpation for several years, and carrying on his farming at the same time.
There are seven children in the Burt family, viz: JJohn, at Cedar- vale, Kansas; Mary Rayle, deceased; Vilanea, wife of Willmr Burt, of Tyro; Viola Norton, of Tyro; Mattie Messersmith, Hettie and Susan at home.
Mr. Burt is a member of the Odd Fellows at Tyro. G. A. R., Coffey- ville Post. and A. H. T. A., No. 192.
WILLIAM P. MARTIN-William P. Martin, although not an old- time settler of Montgomery county, is one of its most enterprising farm- ers and stock raisers. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, July 1, 1858. His father, John S. Martin, was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and came to America, with his parents, when a lad fourteen years old. The mother, whose maiden name was Martha Cliver, was born in Mount Holly, New Jersey.
John Martin was reared in New York, and when a young man, went to Ohio, where he was married. He learned the trade of carriage maker, loeating in Dayton, Ohio, in 1849, where he manufactured carriages. He died at that place at the age of sixty-four. His wife survived him several years and died at the age of seventy-eight. There were eight children : Mary E. and Sarah, deceased; James, Martin, John S., William P .. A. E., and George, deceased.
William P. Martin was reared in Ohio, where he was educated in the common schools. When he became of age, he had an ambition to go west. He thought, by doing this, he would have better opportunities for secur- ing a home. So, in 1879, he came to Kansas and stopped at Topeka, where he went to farming and stock raising. He succeeded very well in his enterprise, so much so, that he made two or three trips to Colorado, during his residence there. Later, he moved to Quennemo, in Osage county. and bought town property, but afterward, moved to Coffeyville, for a short time. From Coffeyville, he went to Cherokee. where, for six years, he was in the stock raising business.
In 1898, he bought the farm of one hundred and sixty aeres. on which he is now living, seven miles west of Coffeyville. This farm is near the state line and is a natural stock farm. The home is a beautiful one. sit- nated half way up a slope from the main road. There is a nice drive. way through natural oaks, on either side. In front of this farm is a tine oak grove, eleared of underbrush, making a fine stock shelter in winter. Mr. Martin was married, March 24, 1882. His wife, Maggie Darling, is a native of lowa, and a daughter of Samnel and Maria Darling. The par- ents came to Kansas, in about 1875.
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin have five children: Ellis Louis, Esther May, Charles A., John S. and Mand S. Mr. Martin is one of the most prosper- ous farmers of the county. This prosperity is all due to the efforts of a man, noted for his honesty, straightforwardness and perseverance. In political faith, he is a Democrat.
ISAAC KURTZ-One of the leading and extensive farmers in Fawn Creek township, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, August 14, 1832, a son of Isaac Kurtz, born in Chester county, that state, near the close of the eighteenth century. His mother was Rachel Longacre, of Chester county, and the parents moved to Illinois in 1861, where the father died, from a fall on the icy streets, at the age of ninety-two years. The mother died in 1869, at the age of eighty years, leaving five surviving children, viz: D. B. and E. T. Kurtz, lawyers of New Castle, Pennsyl- vania; Mrs. Frances McMeen, of Fawn Creek township; Mrs. Deborah Lochman, of Illinois; and Isaac, our subject, who is the second oldest of the surviving children.
Mr. Kurtz, of this sketch, lived in Pennsylvania for the first twenty- seven years of his life, and received his education there. He came to Illi- nois, in 1859, and settled in Bureau county, where he bought land and farmed and raised stock. He came to Kansas. in 1885, and located on a farm of one hundred and seventeen acres, on the state line, eight miles west and two miles south of Coffeyville. He located on the state line, to be near the Territory and have pasture for his stock. having six hundred acres of leased land in the Territory, for that purpose. He has several large fruit orchards of apples, pears, and peaches, never failing to have plenty of fine apples to sell, when apples are high. He has erected, on his farm, a beautiful cottage, and has many good substantial granaries and other ont-buildings, on the place. He has a number one gas well on the place, which supplies his house with natural gas. At this time, he is one of the largest stock dealers in the county, buying and shipping to the Chicago market.
Mr. Kurtz was married on the 14th day of March, 1867, to Mary J. Ross. a native of New Philadelphia, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob and Mary Ross. Mrs. Ross died many years ago, and Mr. Ross is living at Emporia, with one of his sons, and is ninety-three years old.
There are three children : Alcie, wife of Charles Engles: Jennie, wife of F. M. Anderson ; John, living on the home farm, is married to Prudie Pollet. a native of Montgomery county. Kansas, and has two children.
THADDEUS C. FRAZIER, M. D .- A distinguished pioneer of Montgomery county. who has been a prominent figure in the social, pro-
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS.
fessional and political life of Coffeyville and Parker township, is Dr. T. ". Frazier, of this review. He came here in the incipient stages of county devek pment and when there was more or less political chaos, and much jealousy and town rivalry, and has wielded a silent, vet potent, influence in the final adjustment, which resulted in the unification of sentiment for a single town, and that the metropolis of Montgomery county.
In whatever community his residence has been maintained, his opin- ions, regarding the proper conduet of affairs, have carried weight and events seldom proved that his judgment had erred. When he came to Montgomery county, in October, 1869, he cast his lot with Parker. the metropolis of the county, and bore her standard with enthusiasm, until Coffeyville inoculated it with decay and rendered it a hopeless invalid, when he lent his efforts to the successful rival in building up a business center, unsurpassed within the county's limits.
While his first concern was for the practice of his profession. the Doctor could not refrain from participating, with his neighbors, in the affairs of the local government. As mayor of Parker, his administration contributed to the welfare of the town, and, as a business man and physi- cian, he honored the calling he represented. His position in Coffeyville has been no less prominent and his services no less sincere. As medical director of the city for ten years, as a member of the common council. and as mayor for four years, he has builded wisely and well. As chief executive of the city, he personally supervised a large amount of public work. involving an expenditure of vast sums of the public funds, and, in other directions, where the publie weal could be conserved, his voice and his hand stood ready to perform.
The innumerable ways in which Dr. Frazier has rendered valuable service to his community, can not be particularized in this article. Great credit attaches for his unselfish devotion to public duty, and. yet, his time and labor were given without financial consideration or hope of reward. He sacrificed his professional practice, to the welfare of his town, and. in view of his pecuniary dependence, what greater sacrifice could have been made?
Thaddeus C. Frazier is a native of Henry county, Tennessee, where his birth ocenrred December 14, 1841. His parents, William M. and Judith (Arnn) Frazier, were farmers of North Carolina, and Holland stock, respectively. The parents remained in Tennessee, until 1860, when they removed to Green county, Missouri, and, in 1863. settled on a farm near Sherman, Texas. In 1887, the family home was transferred to Wichita, Kansas, where the father died in 1897; the mother passing away in Henry county, Tennessee, in 1845. Two of their four children survive. viz: Thaddeus C., and William M., of Wichita, Kansas. Another son. Samuel V., was four years a Confederate soldier, was of large physique. was three times wounded, and is now deceased.
T. C. FRAZIER, M. D.
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS.
The preparation for the affairs of life began with Thaddeus C. Fra- zier when he became a student in the academy at Paris, Tennessee, and. later, in the University at Columbia, Missiouri. He left the latter school in 1861, and enlisted in the Missouri State Guard, under Gen. Sterling Price. He took part in the battle of Wilson Creek, where he received a wound which, subsequently, caused the amputation of his right arm. Rendered incompetent for further service in the army, he left Russellville, Arkansas, where he had suffered the amputation of his arm, and went to Collin county, Texas, and remained till the close of the war. He went, then, into the Red river country, where he rented a farm and raised a erop of cotton and, at the same time, renewed his acquaintance with the subject of medicine. The following year. he entered the medical depart- ment of the University of Louisville, Kentucky.
His education finished. the Doctor opened an office in Green county, Missouri, but, not being pleased with his location, he came to Kansas. and identified himself with the new and promising town of Parker. When the fate of that place was sealed, by the exodus of its citizens. he became a citizen of Coffeyville, in 1874, where his interests have, since, been con- tored.
Dr. Frazier was one of the founders of the Montgomery County Med- ical Society, of which he is still a member, and has been honored with space for his articles in medical journals. In Pythianism and Odd Fel- lowship. he is high in the councils of the orders. He has passed the chairs in the latter, and has been a delegate to, and an officer of the State Grand Lodge, and is, at present. Grand High Priest of that body. He is a mem- ber of the Pythian Grand Lodge and is Past Grand Director in the Knights of Honor.
In 1892, the Doctor organized the Coffeyville Board of Trade, to stimulate the grain trade here. He was secretary of the body and, within three years, the city assumed a position as a grain center, second. only. to Kansas City. In 1897. the grain trade passed under the control of the state, and the Coffeyville Board of Trade was disbanded. The Coffey- ville Commercial Club was, then, organized and has, since, looked after the commercial interests of the city. For several years, our subjeet was president of this body and, through its efforts, many of the prominent enterprises of the place were obtained. While in this position, he was sent. as a delegate, to the Trans-Mississippi Commercial Congress, at Wichita, Kansas, and was, by that body, elected a member of the exeon- tivo committee of the congress, a position which he still holds.
In politics, he affiliates with Democracy, when principles are involv- ed, but, with any movement that promises the best interests of his town or county. he is, by political considerations, unmoved.
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IIISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KANSAS.
JOHN F. KRING-One of Cherryvale's substantial business men, and the pioneer merchant of the place, was born in Livingston county, Illi- nois, February 9, 1857. His parents were Henry and Ann (Bowen) Kring, the father being a native of Ohio, and the mother of Indiana. By occupation, the father was a carpenter, in early life. but came to Kansas, in 1882, and, was here engaged in farming, for a period, thence to near Hastings, Nebraska, where he died, at the age of sixty-one. He was a man of deeply religious mould, an active worker in the M. E. church, in which he. for long years, held official connection. His wife died at the age of twenty-eight. Of the four sons, who comprised their family, John F. was the oldest ; Milton resides at Mascotah, Nebraska; Charles lives at North England, Iowa ; and William is a resident of Ottawa, Kansas.
John F. Kring passed the period of his boyhood in Fairburg, Illi- nois, receiving a good common school education. After leaving home, he farmed, four years in Illinois, and, in December of 1881, came to Mont- gomery county, and passed the first year, in Independence. In 1882, he rame to Cherryvale, where he started a butcher business. Two years later, he added a stock of groceries and has, since. carried the double stock. He is well located and does a flourishing business.
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