USA > Kansas > Wyandotte County > History of Wyandotte County, Kansas, and its people, Vol. II > Part 61
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74
CARL H. SONNTAG .- A man of industry, talent and ability, and an expert chemist, Carl H. Sonntag. superintendent of the Bonner Port- land Cement Plant, is officially connected with one of the leading en- terprises of Bonner Springs, and to his management is due much of the company's success. Bonner Springs, formerly the home of various Indian tribes, many of which roamed throughout Wyandotte county and the surrounding regions, was often visited by the Wyandottes, the Pottawatomies and Shawnees, who came here to partake of the various mineral waters that flow so freely from the earth. In 1885 it was in- corporated as a city, and has since had a rapid and healthful growth. The medicinal properties of its numerous springs are well known, and for the accommodation of the many people who desire to use the waters, hotels, bath houses and a large sanitarium have been erected, and various industries have been established, while handsome residences are to be found in all parts of the city. The Bonner Portland Cement Company was founded by Mr. W. H. Caffery, and owns two hundred and sixty- one acres of land containing immense quantities of a magnificent quality of cement rock and shale, which, according to eminent authorities will furnish enough cement material to last for at least two hundred years longer, no matter how large the demand for the cement. This company was organized with a capital of $800,000 preferred stock, and $1.200,000 in common stock, and has among its officers some of the more wealthy and prominent business men of Kansas.
Carl H. Sonntag was born, in 1878. in Cleveland. Ohio, of substan- tial German ancestry on the paternal side. His father, Henry L. Sonntag, who was born in Germany in 1840. came to this country in early manhood, and for awhile was employed as a florist and landscape gardener in Detroit, Michigan. Going from there to Ohio, he con- tinned as a landscape architect, and was active in the work of converting Cleveland into a city beautiful, among other things laying ont West Park Cemetery. and adding many of its attractive landscape features. Ile belongs to the Lutheran church. and is a member of the Aneient, Free and Accepted Masons, of Cleveland, and is past master of it. He married. in 1876. in Cleveland, Alice Chamberlain, a woman of enlture, who was graduated from Hiram College, in Hiram, Ohio. the institu- tion in which President Garfield was educated. Three children blessed their union, namely: Carl H., the subject of this sketch; and twin daughters, Henrietta and Agnes.
Brought up in Cleveland, Ohio, Carl H. Sonntag was graduated from the grammar and high schools, and has since continued his studies profitably, having won the degrees of bachelor of science and chemical engineer. As chemist and superintendent of the Bonner Portland
953
HISTORY OF WYANDOTTE COUNTY
Cement Plant, Mr. Sonntag is ably and skilfully performing the duties devolving upon him, and is popular with the officers of the company, and with the men who are under his control.
Mr. Sonntag married, in 1905. Elsa M. Zistel, of Sandusky, Ohio, and they have one child, Martha Alice, born in 1908.
FREDERICK MEYN .- One of the representative contractors and build- ers of Kansas City and known as a loyal and progressive citizen, MIr. Meyn is well entitled to recognition in this history. He is vice presi- dent of the board of directors of the Kansas Valley Drainage Distriet of Wyandotte county and is a most zealous worker in connection with the important improvements being made under the jurisdiction of this body. improvements that will be of inestimable value in the develop- ment of the resources of this section of the state.
Mr. Meyn has been the architect of his own fortunes, as he came to America from his fatherland when a young man and has gained for himself not only independence and definite prosperity but also a secure hold upon the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has come in contaet in the land of his adoption. He was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg. Germany, on the 29th of March. 1862, and is a son of John and Fredericka (Wassman) Meyn, both of whom were born in the same kingdom of the great German empire, where the father passed his entire life. Of the children the subject of this review was the third in order of birth and of the number five are now living. The father died in Wurtemberg a number of years ago and the mother soon afterward came to America. She passed the closing years of her life in Kansas City, Kansas, where she died in 1910, at a venerable age.
Frederick Meyn was afforded the advantages of the excellent schools of his native land and there learned the trade of carpenter. He was thus well fortified for the battle of life, though his financial resources were merely nominal, and in 1881, when nineteen years of age, he severed the ties that bound him to home and fatherland and came to the United States, feeling assured of better opportunities for gaining pros- perity under the conditions and influences of the great American repub- lic, to which his native land has contributed a most valuable element. He landed in New York city and soon afterward made his way to Kansas City, Kansas, where he has maintained his home during the long in- tervening years and where, through energy and well directed efforts, he has won worthy success, together with the confidence and good will of the people of the community. He followed his trade as a journey- man until 1895, and since that time he has been engaged in independent business as a contractor and builder. Through his identification with this important line of enterprise he has contributed materially to the upbuilding of Kansas City, and he has made judicious investments in local realty, as well as in farm property in the valley of the Kansas river. He has been a member of the board of directors of the Kansas Valley Drainage District for several years, and his zeal in the work has brought to him incidental preferment as vice president of the board, as has already been noted. In a generic way Mr. Meyn is found enrolled as a supporter of the cause of the Demoeratie party. but in local affairs he gives his support to the men and measures meeting the approval of his judgment, without regard to striet partisan lines. He is affiliated
954
HISTORY OF WYANDOTTE COUNTY
with Wyandotte Lodge, No. 440, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On the 2nd of September, 1885, Mr. Meyn was united in marriage to Miss Christina Bruklare, who was born in Germany, and of their nine children five are living. namely: Charles, Fritz, George, Emma and Freda.
ALFRED BAUER .- The prosperous town of Rosedale. Kansas, has as superintendent of its water works Alfred Bauer, who has efficiently served in this capacity for the past three years, and who has proved himself to be the right man in the right place.
As his name indicates, Mr. Baner comes of German parentage. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, June 9. 1875, a son of Otto and Theresa Bauer, both natives of Vienna, Germany. Otto Bauer on com- ing to America located at Kansas City, where he engaged in the bnteher- ing business. Afterward he was in the employ of the old Kumps brewery, and finally settled on a farm in Johnston county, Kansas, where he spent the rest of his life and died. his death occurring in 1899. Four years after his emigration to this country he was joined in Kansas City by his wife and two children. Charles and Andrew, and here two other children were born to them, Theresa and Alfred, the former being now the wife of Lonis Sohn. a farmer of Jackson county. Missouri. The parents were Catholics, in which faith they reared their family. and, politically, the father was a Democrat.
Alfred Bauer has been a resident of Rosedale since he was five years old. He attended school until he was twelve, when he left the school room to become messenger boy in a telegraph office and learn telegraphy. Afterward he also learned the trade of iron monlder, at which latter trade he worked for a period of fifteen years. In 1893 he was appointed by the county commissioners to the position of custo- dian of the court house. and for four years filled this office. Sinee the spring of 1908 he has been superintendent of the water works. having been appointed to this position by the mayor and council of Rosedale. and under his supervision many improvements have been made in the plant. In 1910 he was urged by his friends to make the race for nomina- tion on the Democratic tieket for clerk of the district court. and he allowed his name to be used. Ile did not. however, push the canvass. as his time was spent in looking after the interests of Rosedale. and consequently he was defeated.
In 1895 Mr. Bauer married Miss Myrtle Kesner. of Rosedale, and they have one child. Irene, a high school student.
PAUL J. O'CONNELL, M. D .. belongs to the younger members of the younger members of the professional ranks of Rosedale. Kansas, where. by reason of his school life acquaintance and the special preparation he has made for the work upon which he has entered. he has peculiar advantage and already is enjoying marked success.
Paul J. O'Connell was born in Miami county. Kansas, August 25. 1887. a son of John J. and Mary (Shine) O'Connell. since 1891 residents of Rosedale. John J. O'Connell is a native of Missouri. he having been born in Kansas City. March 20. 1862, and in his early life farmed on what is now a part of that great city. Subsequently he farmed in
955
HISTORY OF WYANDOTTE COUNTY
Miami county, Kansas, where he remained until 1890. That year he returned to Kansas City, Missouri, and the following year took up his residence in Rosedale, where he engaged in constructing sewers, and as a contraetor in this line of activity became a prominent factor in the town. Politically he has always affiliated with the Democratic party. In religion he is a Catholie, and he also belongs to numerous fraternal organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Knights of Father Mathew, Knights and Ladies of Security, and the Modern Woodmen of America. While in Miami county he served as a member of the school
board. It was in Miami county, November 17, 1886, that he married, and of the six children born to him and his wife only two are living, Paul J. and Marie, both at home.
At the time the O'Connell family moved to Rosedale Paul J. was a small boy. Here he grew up, receiving his early training in the com- mon and high schools. After his graduation from the high school he was sent to St. Mary's College, from which he received his diploma in 1905. The following year he entered the University Medical College, where he graduated in 1910, and that same year passed the examina- tion of the Kansas State Board, receiving highest honors in that test. Thus equipped for his life work, he opened an office at Rosedale, where he started out in a professional career replete with bright prospects. He is examining physician for the following fraternal organizations, in which he has membership: Knights of Father Mathew, Knights and Ladies of Security, Woodmen of the World, Fraternal Aid and Life Annuity.
CHARLES LOVELACE, a pioneer in Kansas City, is both well known and universally respected in the county. A man who has lived here for half a century and done as much good as has Mr. Lovelace is deserving of our deepest thanks. He has given of his time, his money and him- self to promote the welfare of the county. He has directed his energies toward the training of the young men and women that they might go forth into the world and make it better for their lives. He is one of those men who stand at the door of life dispensing plenty. He offers food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless, comfort to the sad, courage to the cowardly and peace to the restless. He is one of those men who manufacture optimism.
Charles Lovelace was born in Tennessee in 1831. His father was Charles Lovelace, a native of South Carolina, where he farmed. When he was a young man he went to Tennessee and farmed. He met Rachael Peters, a young Tennessee girl, and won her for his wife.
Charles Lovelace, their son, was educated at the country schools in Tennessee. He lived on his father's farm until he moved with them to Missouri. In 1887 he decided to come to Kansas. There he engaged in the saw mill business at first. Then he became a contractor and has been in many deals which have advanced the interests of Wyandotte county. He has laid out two additions in lots near Turner, named after him, Lovelace.
In 1855, two years before he came to Kansas, Mr. Lovelace married Lonise Hewitt. She died in 1891. They had nine children, four of whom are living now (1911) : Frank, Alfred, Roxie and Linnie. In 1894 he married again, wedding Mrs. Barber, who had come to Kansas
.
956
HISTORY OF WYANDOTTE COUNTY
with her husband in 1859. He died in 1889. After she married Mr. Lovelace he went to live with her on her farm of one hundred and sixty acres, the place where she had lived ever since her arrival in Wyandotte county, at Turner, Kansas.
Mr. Lovelace is a Republican and a great believer in party spirit. Both he and his wife are Baptists and are very prominent in ehureli affairs. Mr. Lovelace advanced the first money toward the building of the Kansas City Baptist Theological Seminary, which was started in 1901. There are now about fifty students enrolled. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lovelace are very enthusiastic about this seminary and they in- tend to do more for it at their death. There is nothing half hearted abont Mr. Lovelace, whatever he does he does with all his might. He has always been a booster. He is most hospitable and he and his wife are always glad to welcome their numerous friends to their home.
JOHN B. SCROGGS .- He to whom this memoir is dedicated was one of the pioneer members of the bar of Wyandotte county, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession for more than a quarter of a century, and by his life and services he lent dignity and honor to his profession and to the state in which he so long maintained his home. He was for many years one of the leading lawyers of this section of the state; he appeared in connection with much important litigation in the various courts, and as a citizen he exemplified the utmost loyalty and patriotism, even as he was true to the highest ideals in all other relations of life. He was a man of great intellectual power and was versatile and resourceful in the work of his chosen calling. He left an unsullied reputation and it is most consonant that in this history of Wyandotte county and its people be incorporated a brief tribute to his memory.
A scion of one of the sterling pioneer families of the fine old Bnekeye state, John B. Seroggs was born at Canton, Stark county, Ohio, on the 24th of November, 1838, and his parents continued to reside in that state until their death. They were folk of genuine worth and their lives counted for good in all relations. John B. Seroggs gained his early education in the pioneer schools of his native state and, with characteristic self-reliance and independence of mind, he early formu- lated definite plans for his future career. At Bueyrus, the judicial center of Crawford county, Ohio, he studied law under effective pre- ceptorship and made rapid advancement in his assimilation of the science of jurisprudence. He continued at all times a close and appre- ciative student and his knowledge of law and precedent was exceptional- ly broad and accurate, as those familiar with his professional career can well attest. He was duly admitted to the bar of his native state and there won his professional spurs. He finally removed to Freeport, Illinois, where he was associated in practice with Colonel Thomas J. Turner, who was then one of the leading members of the bar of Stephen- son county and who was also one of the prominent and influential citizens of the state. This professional alliance continued until 1866. when Mr. Scroggs eame to the old town of Wyandotte, Kansas, the nucleus of the present Kansas City of this state, where he engaged in the practice of his profession, in which he soon achieved prominence as one of the able and successful members of the bar of the state, which was yet thinly settled and virtually upon the very frontier. Eventually
John B Sings
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENEX TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
957
HISTORY OF WYANDOTTE COUNTY
he formed a partnership with General Bartlett, with whom he was asso- ciated in practice for some time, after which he conducted an individual practice until the later years of his life, when he became associated with his son-in-law, John E. McFadden, who is still one of the repre- sentative members of the bar of Wyandotte county and who is individu- ly mentioned on other pages of this publication.
The reputation of Mr. Scroggs as one of the prominent lawyers of the state was reinforced with the passing years, during which he ap- peared in connection with many of the important causes brought before the state and federal courts of Kansas, with many noteworthy forensic victories to his credit. He was a strong advocate before court or jury and not only marshalled his causes with great ability, but also brought to bear the strength of a strong and upright character, so that he gained and held the inviolable confidence and regard of his fellow practitioners and also of the general public. IIe was a man of generous and kindly nature, democratic in his views and with naught of intellectual in- tolerance. Ile did much to further the civic and material progress of Wyandotte county and of what is now its thriving metropolis, Kansas City, and no citizen held more secure place in popular regard. He continued in the work of his profession, as one of the best known and most honored members of the bar of Wyandotte county, until his death, which occurred on the 28th of June, 1898. The community marked with appreciative evidence its sense of loss and consistent memorial resolutions were passed by the bar of the county.
In politics Mr. Seroggs was an uncompromising and able advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party and he did effective service in behalf of its cause. He served for two or more terms as county attorney and for one term as mayor of the city of Wyandotte, now an integral part of Kansas City. IIe was affiliated with Wyandotte Lodge, No. 3, Free and Accepted Masons, and was one of the charter members of Wyandotte Lodge, No. 440, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On the 1st of June, 1875, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Seroggs to Mrs. Margaret E. Cruise, who survives him and who resides in the attractive homestead at 720 North Fourth street. Kansas City. She likewise was born in Stark county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shenberger) Kerstetter, both of whom were natives of Ohio, where they passed their entire lives and where the respective families, of German lineage, were founded in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Kerstetter became the parents of eight children, of whom Mrs. Seroggs was the third in order of birth, and of the number four are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Seroggs became the parents of one child, and one son and two daughters survive the honored father, being the children of Mrs. Seroggs by her first marriage, mentioned in the fol- lowing sentence. Maurice is a resident of Rock Island, Illinois, where he is engaged in the himber business; Emma is the wife of John E. McFadden, a prominent attorney of Kansas City, and who is specific- ally mentioned elsewhere in this work ; and Delia is the wife of Robert E. Melling, president of the Wyandotte Coal & Lime Company, of Kansas City, Kansas. Eugene C. died at the age of twenty-four years.
Mrs. Seroggs was previously married, her first husband having been James A. Cruise, who died in 1873. They were married in 1864 and had five children, three of whom are now living, as stated above.
958
HISTORY OF WYANDOTTE COUNTY
JOIN S. PERKINS .- It is always pleasing to the biographist or student of human nature to enter into an analysis of the character and career of a successful tiller of the soil. Of the many citizens gaining their own livlihood, he alone stands pre-eminent as a totally independent factor, in short "monarch of all he surveys." His rugged honesty and sterling worth are the outcome of a close association with nature and in all the relations of life he manifests that generous hospitality and kindly human sympathy which beget comradeship and which cement to him the friendship of all with whom he comes in contact. For many years engaged in diversified agriculture and the raising of high grade stock, John S. Perkins is decidedly a prominent and popular citi- zen of his township in Wyandotte county.
John S. Perkins was born at Westport, Kansas, in 1855, and he is a son of Stephen and Sophia (Seaman) Perkins, both of whom are now deceased. The father was born in the old commonwealth of Ken- theky, on the 14th of November, 1817, and he was summoned to the life eternal on the 5th of December, 1893. The mother, who was a native of Indiana, was born in 1828 and died in August, 1907. As a young man Stephen Perkins removed from Kentucky to Iowa, where he engaged in manufacturing old fashioned fanning mills. In 1855 he came to Kansas, loeating at Westport, where he became identified with the mercantile business. Subsequently he engaged in the manu- facture of wagons and in 1858 removed to Wyandotte county, Kansas. loeating near what is now known as Turner Station. Mr. Perkins experienced a great deal of trouble at the time of the border struggle in Kansas. TIe was a stanch Republiean in his political convictions and was an influential factor in many matters projected for the good of the general welfare in his community. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Perkins became the parents of three children,
.John S. Perkins passed his boyhood and youth in Wyandotte county and he received his early educational training in the neighboring dis- trict schools. IIe early became interested in farming and is now the owner of a splendid estate of one hundred and eighty-three acres of most arable land. The substantial buildings in the midst of well cultivated fields, together with the general air of thrift and prosperity which pervades the place, are splendid indications of the ability of the practical owner. For some years Mr. Perkins has lived virtually re- tired from active participation in business life, and while he does not take an active part in public affairs he exerts a strong influence in Wyandotte county for progress and development.
In the year 1876 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Perkins to Miss Mary Douglas, who was born and reared in Indiana and who passed into the great beyond in 1905. Mrs. Perkins was a woman of rare charm and most gracious personality and at the time of her death was deeply mourned by a wide circle of loving friends and relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins became the parents of six children, namely : Ida, Edna, Halline. Nellie, Alsie and Helen. In 1907 Mr. Perkins was united in marriage to Miss Eva M. Sauer. of Wyandotte county. To this union has been born one child, Marguerite Alice, whose birth or- curred in 1910.
Mr. Perkins has lived a life of usefulness such as few men know. God-fearing, law-abiding, progressive, his life is as truly that of a
959
HISTORY OF WYANDOTTE COUNTY
Christian gentleman as any man's can well be. Unwaveringly he has done the right as he has interpreted it. Possessed of an inflexible will, he is quietly persisent, always in command of his powers and never showing anger under any circumstances. He is a man of the utmost kindliness of spirit and great affability and he is held in warm regard by all with whom he has come in contaet.
ROBERT HI. PERKINS .- The line of demarcation between the indoors man and the outdoors man is a thin and wavering one, at times almost indistinguishable. There is no indoors man who has not a subcon- scious self that wants out of doors more or less of the time. Robert Harrison Perkins has been more or less of an outdoors man all of his life. It seems as if he had chosen the ideal method of living. He lives in the world of bustle, in that he is intensely interested in its advanee- ment and has done and is doing his utmost to further that end. He lives out of the world in that he is elose to nature and can understand to a modified degree its inscrutable workings. He is a publie benefac- tor and a private idealist. He has the refinement that contact with people brings and the simplicity that is derived from communion with nature.
Robert Harrison Perkins was born in West Port, Kansas. His father ,Stephen Perkins, was born in Kentucky, November 14, 1817. When quite young he left his southern home and went to Iowa, where he engaged in manufacturing in an old fashioned fanning mill. In 1855 he came to Kansas and located at West Port, where he engaged in the mercantile business. Later he manufactured wagons. In 1858 he came to Wyandotte county, Kansas, and settled near what is now known as Turner Station. During the border struggle Mr. Perkins had a good deal of trouble. Politically he was a Republican and quite a prominent man in the party. Ile married Sophia Seaman, who was born in Indiana in '1828 and died in August, 1907, at the advanced age
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.