USA > Kansas > Jackson County > Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 101
USA > Kansas > Jefferson County > Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 101
USA > Kansas > Pottawatomie County > Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 101
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 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104
R ICHARD D. SIMPSON, proprietor of the Hillger House at Valley Falls, officiates as "mine host" of one of the most popular hotels in that part of the county. It is the only first-class public house in Valley Falls and Mr. Simpson is a genial, whole-souled man, ex- tremely popular with the traveling public. He is a Kentuckian by birth, a native of Madison County, and first opened his eyes to the light May 24, 1838.
The immediate progenitor of the subject of this notice was Duke W. Simpson, who emigrated from Kentucky to Westport, Mo., when his son, Richard D., was a small boy. He was in good circumstan- ces, financially, a man enterprising and progressive in his ideas, and inaugurated the Santa Fe trade, engaging extensively and successfully in merchan- dising. He stood in the front rank of the com- mercial cireles of that region and was called upon to fill many offices of trust and responsibility. After a busy life, he departed hence at Westport, Mo., in 1853. The maiden name of his wife was Lipscomb ; she died at Westport, Mo., in 1844.
Richard D. Simpson received a liberal education and for a few years after reaching man's estate, as- sisted his father in his extensive business transac-
762
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
tions. Afterward he repaired to Nebraska City. Neb., and entered the employ of Russell, Majors & Waddells, the famons Government freighters, in whose employ he became thoroughly versed in this business. He was in due time promoted to the post of Wagonmaster, which he held several years, and met with a varied and thrilling experience on the plains, among the Indians and a cosmopolitan people.
Upon the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, Mr. Simpson became interested as a con- tractor and furnished a large amount of ties and bridge-timbers for that road. He came to Kansas in 1873, and in 1875, was made Deputy Sheriff of Jefferson County, in which capacity he served fonr years. Later he was elected City Marshal of Val- ley Falls and in 1882 was elected Justice of the Peace and Police Judge. While a resident of Ne- braska City, he identified himself with the Masonic fraternity in whose prosperity he has ever main- tained a warm interest. In politics, he is a Dem- ocrat.
Mr. Simpson was first married in Westport in 1860, to Miss M. A., daughter of Alexander Majors, one of the Government freighters heretofore spoken of. Of this union there were born four children, Edmoine (deceased), Susan A., Amanda C., and Richard D., Jr .; they are all living, making their homes in Valley Falls . Mrs. M. A. Simpson de- parted this life in Jackson County, Mo., in 1876. In May, 1879, Mr. Simpson contracted a second marriage with Miss Elizabeth C. Fuller.
ARREN BROWN. In the person of the subject of this notice we have that of a man who pressed the soil of Kansas nearly thirty-nine years ago,about ten years before it was admitted into the Uniom as a State. He has since maintained his residence here, and been an inter- ested witness of the remarkable changes which have transpired. passing through many thrilling scenes and noting its growth and development. We now find him the owner of a comfortable home on sec- tion 11, Rural Township, a man still hale and hearty, notwithstanding the labor and hardships
involved in constructing a homestead from the wilderness.
Mr. Brown was born nearly sixty-eight years ago, April 19, 1822, in Onondaga County, N. Y. He comes of good New England stock, of Scotch origin, and is the son of Hugh and Mercy (Gil- more) Brown, the former of whom was a native of Vermont, and who served as a soldier in the War of 1812. He followed farming and met his death by drowning when Warren was but a child. The latter lived with an uncle until reaching his majority, then emigrated to Illinois and engaged in farming in Will County, where he resided four years. From there he went to Ft. Leavenworth and for a time was engaged in the Quartermaster's depart- ment of a part of the army stationed there, and later was in the employ of the Government as a herder of stock; he also assisted in the superintend- ency of a farm two years, being also a wagonmaster. In this latter capacity he made two trips to Ft. Union, New Mexico, being thus occupied until April, 1865. That year he commenced farming in Leavenworth County, where he lived a number of years. He came to Jefferson County, in 1871 and took up a tract of partially improved land, becoming in due time the owner of 450 acres. He parted, later, with some of this, and has now 310 acres thoroughly improved and in a productive condition.
Mr. Brown was first married, in 1859, to Miss Olivia N. Byrn. This lady is a native of Cler- mont. County, Ohio, and died at her home in Leavenworth, Jan. 6, 1868. Four children were born of this union, viz: William a resident of Leavenworth, this State; Wilson W. of Denver, Col .; Samuel R. and Edward P., who remain at home with their father. Mrs. Olivia Brown was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Our subject contracted a second marriage in 1871, with Miss Isabella Farren, who died March 8, 1889. She also was a member of the Presby- terian Church, with which Mr. Brown was likewise identified. Polltically, Mr. Brown is a sound Re- publican. He has been the architect of his own fortune, starting out in life with a limited educa- tion and no capital. He lias met with reverses, but has pursued a steady course of industry and per-
763
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
severance and is now amply provided for in his declining years. No man has maintained a warmer interest in educational affairs and all the other enterprises calculated to benefit the people. He served as a member of the School Board during his younger years, but has never sought office. lle is looked upon as one of the best farmers of Jefferson County.
Milo Brown, a brother of our subject, died in Will County, Ill., a number of years ago, leaving a family of three children. Samuel and Jane also died there. The latter was the wife of John Carl, and left two children. Minerva ( Mrs. Bundy,) also died in Will County, Ill .; Henry settled in California a number of years ago, and it is sup- posed that he is still living there.
6 HOMAS ARMSTEAD. Among the thrifty farmers who have made for themselves a good record in Ozawkie Township, Jefferson County, must be mentioned Mr. Armstead, who, from a tract of wild land on section 18, has con structed a well-regulated farm of 270 acres, which is now the source of a comfortable income. He took possession of this in 1866, when there was upon it simply a log house and about twelve acres under the plow. By a course of plodding industry he has brought ninety acres to a good state of culti- vation, has the whole enclosed with substantial fencing, and has set out an orchard of about 100 apple trees. His residence, although not preten- tious, provides a comfortable shelter for his family, while he has an extra good barn with sheds, corn- cribs and all the other necessary outbuildings. He usually feeds to his stock most of the grain raised upon his farm, and handles good grades of cattle and swine, making a specialty of the latter.
Born in Yorkshire, England, Nov. 24, 1842, Mr. Armstead is thus in the prime of life and the midst of his usefulness. He crossed the Atlantic with his parents in 1851. The latter were William and Ann Armstead, most excellent and worthy people. who are now residents of Kansas, and rep- resented elsewhere in this work. Thomas developed into manhood at the parental homestead in Ozawkie
Township, and when about nineteen years old, the Civil War having been in progress for some time, he enlisted as a Union soldier in Company I. 2d Kansas Cavalry, being mustered in as a private at Ft. Leavenworth. Soon afterward he was trans- ferred to Company H, 15th Kansas Cavalry, and later to Battery A, with which he was sent to the Northwest, where he remained until the close of the war. He received his honorable discharge in December, 1865.
Returning now to Jefferson County, Mr. Arm- stead resumed farming at the old homestead. On the 21st of July, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Esther, daughter of Moses and Mary J. (Hutton) Pittman. Mrs. Armstead was born in Jefferson County, Iowa, Sept. 22, 1848, and came to Kansas with her parents in 1857, they locating in Ozawkie Township. The father purchased land and built up a comfortable homestead, where the family lived several years, and where the mother died in February, 1879, at the age of fifty-five. Mr. Pittman is now a resident of Valley Falls. The parental family included six children, all of whom are now living. To Mr. and Mrs. Armstead there have been born five children, namely: Annie, Fanny, George and Jack, living, and Charles, who died at the age of ten years. Mr. and Mrs. Arm- stead are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Armstead. politically, affiliates with the Democratic party, and is a member of the A. O. U. W. at Valley Falls. He likewise belongs to the Farmers' Alliance of Ozawkie Township.
OHN N. WILLARD, a well-known citizen of Douglas Township, Jackson County, set- tled in Northern Kansas during its border ruffian days, but being a man of sense, and confining himself to his own affairs, he was never molested. He is more than ordinarily intelligent and enterprising, and has succeeded in his under- takings. He has always maintained an active in- terest in the growth and development of his adopted county, and is accounted one of its most useful men.
A native of Wilson County, Tenn .. the subject
764
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of this sketch was born Aug. 29, 1821, and has thus passed the sixty-eighth year of his age. Ile was reared to agricultural pursuits, as conducted in the South, and received no schooling whatever. He, however, by his own efforts learned to read and write, and has no trouble in transacting busi- ness. He remained a resident of his native State nntil 1842, and then, having reached his majority, started out on his own account. Fle first sought the Southwest, beyond the Mississippi, locating in Clinton County, Mo., and later in Platte and Bu- chanan Counties. During his residence of thirteen years in Missouri he took a trip to California, spending two years on the Pacific Slope.
In the meantime, in 1848, Mr. Willard was mar- ried in Missouri, and seven years later, in 1855, after his return from California, sought the wilds of Northern Kansas, "squatting" on a tract of land before its survey by the Government. This land he still owns and operates, obtaining his title to it at the Government sale, when the "squatters" were given preference to the land at its appraised value. Mr. Willard first secured 160 acres on sec- tion 32, and subsequently made additional pur- chases until he is now the owner of 292 acres. lying along the cast side of the west fork of Muddy Creek, which affords plenty of water and a good supply of timber. lle cultivates 130 acres, carry- ing on farming quite extensively, and making a specialty of stock-raising. He is particularly in- terested in horses, being part owner of an imported Percheron stallion, weighing 2,000 pounds, and valued at $2,500. Mr. Willard has some very fine colts, besides cattle and swine, graded animals of a good breed.
During the progress of the Mexican War, Mr. Willard served on the staff department, in June, 1846. He was also employed as a teamster with Col. Kearney, and was in the Government employ all during the war. receiving for his services a land warrant at the close. Returning then to Missouri, he sought the Pacific Slope, and during the late Civil War made his way to Kansas and joined the militia, serving with it during Price's raid, and participated in the battle on the Blue, which was hotly contested, and in which a large number of I'nion soldiers were killed, Mr. Willard, however,
escaped unharmed, and returning to his farm, gave to it his undivided attention from that time until the present.
The father of our subject was Jolin Willard, a native of Virginia, and born near the city of Rich- mond. He there grew to manhood, and went to Tennessee at an early date, when canebrake grew wild and game of all kinds was plentiful. He en- gaged in farming and married Miss Mary E. Landes, daughter of William Landes, a native of North Carolina and of German descent. Of this union there were born thirteen children, John N. being the eighth.
The subject of this sketch was married, in Mis- souri, to Miss Harriet F., daughter of John and Sarah Cozie. The father of Mrs. Willard was a native of Holland, whence he emigrated to America when thirteen years of age. He afterward acquired a good English education, and learned blacksmith- ing, which he followed in connection with farming. Of this union there were born three children- Caroline and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Har- riet Willard departed this life, at her home, in 1853. Mr. Willard, in 1857, was married a second time to Miss Mary E., daughter of Carvin and Elizabeth Norvell. Mr. and Mrs. Norvell both died in 1879. The father was a farmer by occupa- tion. Of this union eleven children were born, viz: Sierra Nevada, Frances I., Rosetta, Emma. William N., Noah, James N., Mary E., Martha A., Charles W., and one who died in infancy nnnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Willard are members of long stand- ing of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Willard, so- cially, belongs to the Masonic fraternity. He is also a member of the Alliance and several other temperance societies. Politically, he supports the Republican party.
W ILLIAM HARRISON BEELER. One of the most attractive homes in Jefferson County, is that occupied by this gentleman and his family. It is situated on section 6, in Kaw Township. and comprises ninety-seven acres of improved land, furnished with all modern con- veniences, fertilized by running water, and dis-
765
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
playing the taste of the owner's family in the neat- ness and order which pervade it, and in the trees and plants which adorn it. Mr. Beeler is the oldest settler of Kaw Township now living within its bounds, and is widely and favorably known.
This gentleman of whom we write is of German ancestry in the paternal line, and the spelling of the family name has been changed through some mistake or carelessness in days long passed. His grandfather, William Beeler, was born in New Jersey, and took his place among the early settlers of Kentucky, in which State he became the owner of much land and of many slaves. He was promi- nent and influential, held county offices at various times and possessed considerable means. To him was born a son, Richard Beeler, who opened his eyes to the light in Nelson County, and who. when a young man, bought land and engaged in farming in Hardin County. There he remained until 1854, when he sold his property, removing to Clay County, Mo., where he spent a year in agri- cultural pursuits, and then, in the spring of 1855, he became a citizen of Kansas. He selected a claim on the Big Muddy, bought it at the land sale, and pitching his abode thereon, began a suc- ccessful career as a farmer on the western frontier. He became the owner of 288 acres of land, which he sold in 1884, removing at that time to North Topeka, where he now resides. He was quite a hunter in his earlier years, and kept the table sup- plied with wild meat as long as game could be found in the country around about him. He be- longed to the Kansas State Militia and was in the field during Price's raid. He has now reached the ripe age of seventy-seven years.
Richard P. Beeler took for his wife Miss Margaret Castleman a native of La Rue County, Ky., who bore him twelve children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth. John, the next younger than William H., is deceased. Rob- ert and Luther both died in infancy. The other members of the family circle reside as follows: Mrs. Rebecca Kerr, in Kansas City; James, in Col- orado; Isaiah, in Bourbon County, Kan .; George, in Jackson County, Kan .; Ambrose, in Pulaski County, Mo .; Mrs. Sarah E. Tuppen and Mrs. Mar- tha Beeler in Los Angeles, Cal .; Mrs. Laura F.
Samples in Denver, Colo. The mother died July 25, 1860. George was in the 11th Kansas Cavalry, on the muster roll of Company D, and served the same length of time and in the same engagments as did our subject.
Richard P. Beeler was married a second time to Elizabeth Isaacs, and there were born to them nine children, namely: Duley, Dora, Rush, Deward, Mary, Albert, Eva, Amelda, Benjamin. Albert died infancy.
W. H. Beeler, of whom we write, was born near Elizabethtown, Hardin C'o., Ky., Sept. 12, 1841. and reared on a farm there until he had entered his fourteenth year, when he accompanied his parents to Clay County, Mo., their journey being accom- plished by boat. A year later they came by team to Jefferson County which has since been the resi- dence of our subject and wherein none others now remain who came as early as the spring of 1855. He assisted his father on the farm, and as there was but little schooling here at that early period, his advantages in that line were very limited. Having remained at home until 1860. he then began working out on farms and operating rented land until the fall of 1863, when he entered the Union army.
The date of Mr. Beeler's enlistment was Octo- ber 25, and his name was placed on the muster roll of Company D, 11th Kansas Cavalry. Ile was mustered into the service at Kansas City, joining his regiment at Aubrey, Kan., and, that command being the one that chased Quantrell out of the State, he was a participant in several skirmishes with the followers of that notorious guerrilla. The Price raid followed, and Mr. Beeler took part in the following battles: Lexington, Mo., Oct., 19, 1864; The Little Blue, Kan., Oct. 21; The Big Blue, Kan., Oct. 22; Westport, Oct. 23; Mound City, Oct. 25, and Newtonia, Ark. The regiment was then ordered to Ft. Smith, Ark., and after remaining in camp there for two weeks, went to Olathe, Kan .. and thence to Ft. Riley, where they remained till February, 1865. They were then sent out on the plains to guard trains and keep telegraph lines in repair, and perform all the duties necessary in In- dian warfare. They took part in skirmishes at Ft. Laramie, Platte Bridge and other points, at one
766
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
time fighting thirteen different tribes of Indians. In the fall they came back to Leavenworth, where they were mustered out and honorably discharged, Sept. 13, 1865.
Mr. Beeler returned to his home and operated his father's farm nntil 1872, when he bought fifty- seven acres of the land which comprises his present home, to which he subsequently added forty acres adjoining, and which be has made into a valuable and attractive farm. He rents land adjoining his own estate and operates about 200 acres, which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. He has displayed an energy and good judgment very commendable, and has bestowed upon his family not only the comforts of a pleasant home, but good advantages for obtaining an education as they grew old enough to need them.
An important step in the life of Mr. Beeler was taken Sept. 25, 1867, when in Oskaloosa, he was united in marriage with Sarah Frances Seal. The bride was born near Carthage, Jasper Co., Mo., March 8, 1849, and was reared and educated in her native county. Her father, James Seal, was a native of Ohio, as was her grandfather, and the family were of Scotch-Irish descent. James Seal followed farming in his native State for a time, then removed to Indiana, and later to Jasper County,, Mo., where he continued the pursuit of agriculture until his death. His wife bore the maiden name of Martha Doughty, was also born in the Buckeye State and was the daughter of Elijah Doughty, a farmer there. In 1859 she took her family to Texas, locating on a farm in Fayette County, but times became too lively there for their comfort or safety, and they returned to Mis- souri in 1861. The following year they removed to Kansas by teams, taking up their abode near Lawrence, whence, the next year, they came to Jefferson County, locating in Rural Township. There the mother remained until 1867, when she became an inmate of the household of our subject, dying at his home in May, 1869. She was a worthy member of the Methodist Church. She was the mother of nine children-Elizabeth, Wil- liam, Eliza, Daniel, James, Joseph, Thomas, Ann, and Sarah. William lives in Carthage, Mo .; Mrs. Eliza Bishop, in Lawrence; James, in Cowley
County, Kan .; Joseph, in Oklahoma; Thomas, in Barton County, Mo .; the others are deceased, with the exception of the wife of our subject.
To Mr. and Mrs. Beeler seven sons and daugh- ters were born-Cora, Oscar, Emma, Elmer, Walter, Alvan, and Ivan. Cora has attended the Topeka High School, and has been engaged as a teacher for three years. The aim of Mrs. Beeler has ever been to make her home happy, to be a true helpmate to her husband, and to rear her offspring to useful manhood and womanhood.
Mr. Beeler belongs to Meriden post, G. A. R. He is a stanch Republican, never failing to cast his vote in behalf of the principles that he believes will best advance the interests of the Nation. For eighteen years he has been School Treasurer and still bolds that office. Mrs. Beeler is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Grantville.
OHIN WUNDER is a prominent and wealthy foreign-born citizen of Jefferson County. whose industry and economy have been the levers by which he has so moved the cir- cumstances which surrounded him, as to acquire a fine estate and be enabled to exercise the gener- osity and benevolence which are prominent traits in his character. His fine improved farm consists of 500 acres, lying on section 20, Delaware Town- ship, and is devoted to the two-fold work of farm- img and stock-raising. He cultivates such crops as are usually to be seen on Kansas lands, and raises graded Short-horn cattle, Dew Rock Jersey Ilogs, and Hambletonian and Norman horses.
A Bavarian by birthright and parentage, the eyes of John Wunder first opened to the light, Dec. 11, 1834. When three years old he was left motherless, but his father, after whom he was named, survived until 1861, his death occurring in Lawrence, Kan., after a residence in Missouri of about seven years. The parental family consisted of seven children, of whom the following survive: Conrad, Peter, George, John and Elizabeth ( Mrs. Fisher).
The gentleman of whom we write was reared upon a farm and educated in the common schools of his
767
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
native Kingdom, whence he came to the United States in June, 1852, making his first home in Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pa., and working in a zine furnace there unti! 1855. Ile then worked in Wisconsin one summer, and in the spring of of 1856 settled in Dane County, that State, fifteen miles northeast of Madison. where he worked as a farm hand some time, and then operated rented land. In December, 1859, Jackson County, Mo., became his place of abode, and he continued his farming operations there until October, 1861, when, being in sympathy with the Union, his property was confiscated by the rebels, and he was ordered to leave the country. His home was but nine miles southeast of Kansas City,and going to Leaven- worth. Kan., he took up the occupation of freight- ing for the Union sutlers, hauling goods from Leavenworth to Fts. Scott, Gibson, Smith, Kear- ney and other points.
After following the occupation of a teamster until June, 1863, Mr. Wunder came to Jefferson County, and settled on the farm now occupied by John Ginder, which was in the Delaware Indian Trust Lands. The land was still wild and un- broken, except a small field, which was enclosed by a rude fence, and upon which a log cabin had been built. The acreage was broken, well culti- vated and nicely improved by Mr. Wunder, who remained upon it until 1880, when he removed to Osage County, but after a few months' sojourn re- turned to Jefferson County and settled on the farm which he now occupies. and which has since been his home.
The first marriage of Mr. Wunder took place Sept. 15, 1857. his companion being Miss Ebalona Ohrlein, a native of the Kingdom of Bavaria, and a lady of many domestic virtues. She bore four children, two of whom are living: John P. married Louisa Meyer, and lives in Rock Creek Township, this county; he has one son, Frank F. Annie married Harry Wettig, of Delaware Town- ship. Mrs. Wunder departed this life in January, 1870, and after remaining a widower until March 6, 1876, Mr. Wunder became the husband of Mrs. Kezialı Cowee, widow of Merrill Cowce, and daugh- ter of John and Sophia (Darling) Ilook (deceased). Mrs. Keziah Wunder was born in Coshocton
County, Ohio, and came to Kansas with her first husband in September, 1866, settling in Osage County. Mr. Cowee was a native of Greene County, N. Y. His wife bore him three children -Edwin. Frank and Nettie-who still remain with their mother, who has borne her present husband one daughter, Ida.
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.