Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 102

Author:
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 788


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 102
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 102
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 102


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).


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Mr. Wunder is a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a believer in and supporter of the principles of the Republican party. Although neither himself nor wife hold membership in any religious society, they contribute liberally to the support of the Gospel and to benevolent enterprises. Among the German citizens of this section of country Mr. Wunder is highly bonored, and the respect in which he is held is not confined to those of his own nationality.


S AMUEL NICHOLS, late an honored resi- dent of Jefferson County, and for more than twenty years an agriculturist of Norton Township, was of Scotch parentage and born in Ireland. His parents were William and Margaret (Mathews) Nichols, and under their roof he remained until he had reached maturity, when he announced his determination of seeking a home in the New World, and bidding adieu to his friends, crossed the broad Atlantic. He settled in Chester County, Pa., where he lived about seven years, during that time making the acquaintance of a young lady whose excellent qualities and pleasing manners won his respect and deep affection. This young lady was Miss Jessie A., daughter of George and Jane (Hening) Nixon, who was born in Dum- frees, Scotland, and came to America with her parents when she was a lass of sixteen years.


His regard being reciprocated, Mr. Niehols was united in marriage with Miss Nixon, and they es- tablished themselves in Reading, where for a short time the young husband was employed as a puddler in the iron mills. He thought he would prefer an agricultural life, and going to La Salle County, Ill., he purchased a farin near Ottawa, where they lived thirteen years. 1Ie then sold it, and in 1864 came to Jefferson County, Kan., where he bought


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a quarter-section of land, which his family now oc- cupies. It was somewhat improved, there being forty acres of broken ground in the tract, and a little shanty furnishing shelter for the family. Mr. Nichols made many improvements, among other efforts being the setting out of a fine orchard, which was destroyed by a wind-storm in 1888.


After having operated his estate for many years and gained hosts of friends by his consistent Chris- tian character and useful life, Mr. Nichols laid down to rest on the 18th of April, 1887. his dying hours cheered by the faith in which his fathers had lived and died, all having been members of the United Presbyterian Church. He had ever lived up to the faith which he professed, and had taken a great interest in religious matters, helping to build the church at Nortonville, and by example and precept letting his light shine in the circle in which he moved. Ile was greatly beloved by his family, and his memory is revered beyond measure.


Mr. Nichols was the father of four children, one of whom died in infancy. The living are William, George and Margaret. William is married and living on the home farm; he has a family of seven children; his eldest daughter, Annie, is married to Willie Roper, and has one son. George owns and operates a farm in Washington County ; his family comprises seven daughters and one son. Margaret is the wife of John Nixon, and lives in Republic County, but within two miles of her brother George; she is the mother of four dangbters and two sons. Her family makes up the number of twenty-one grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols. The children above named are members of the Christian Church.


M ICHAEL DINNEN & SON occupy 335 acres of valuable land in Jefferson County, which is owned by the senior Dinnen, and which the two farm in partnership. The estate is located on section 22, Kaw Township, nine miles from Topeka, is watered by Prairie Creek and is well improved. The residence is a beautiful edifice, built on a slope and surrounded by groves and orchards. An adequate barn and other out-


buildings, feed yards, corrall, and other conven- iences, are to be seen on the estate. The Dinnens raise and feed the best grades of cattle and hogs, and have two full-blooded Norman mares and a stable horse, half coach and half Clydesdale, named "Davy Crockett."


Michael Dinnen, Sr., was born in Killrue, County Limerick, Ireland, in 1832, and is one of a family of eight children born to Maurice and Jobannah (Carroll) Dinnen. His parents were also born in County Limerick and both died in their native land. His father was in good circumstances and was a prominent and influential citizen. He was in the leather business, having had a store at Ballan- ders, and be also operated a farm. Of the brothers and sisters of Mr. Dinnen of our sketch, only one is now living. This is Maurice, who resides in Cheyenne, Wyoming; Mary, Bridget, Patrick, John, Dennis, and an infant unnamed are deceased.


The elder of the gentlemen of whom this sketch treats was principally reared by his uncle, Michael Dinnen, in the town of Killfinnie. and received a good education. He remained with his uncle, who was a farmer, until fifteen years old, when he de- termined to seek his fortune in America, and he therefore went to Liverpool, where he took passage for New York on the sailer "Ambassador." The vessel sprung a leak and was wrecked off the coast of Ireland, and Mr. Dinnen went home and stayed a month. He then returned to the coast, boarded the same vessel, which had been repaired in the meantime, and six months from the time he first left home landed at New York, this being on April 4, 1848.


Going to Fall River, Mass., Mr. Dinnen found employment in the iron roller mills, beginning as a boy hand, at $5 per week and working his way un- til he ran a furnace of his own, making $8 a day. He thoroughly understood the puddling of iron. In 1852 he went to Pittsburg, and was one of the 300 men that broke up the strike at that place. He made his residence in Pittsburg until 1854, when he went to Wheeling, W. Va., and after a so- journ of about two years in that city, went to Kan- sas City, Mo., by boat, and procuring work in the brick yards, then ere long became a practical brick- maker. His desire was to obtain a place of his


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own and engage in farming, and in the fall of 1 856 he paid a visit to Eastern Kansas, but returned to Kansas City and continued his work there until the spring of 1859. He then brought his family to Jefferson County, located on a wild piece of land on section 13, Kaw Township, built a log house, and farmed there until 1865, having fortunately money enough to carry him through the dry year of 1860.


In 1865 Mr. Dinnen sold his original farm in Jefferson County, and bought 530 acres where he now lives, which is one of the best farm sites in the township and was bought when he had the choice of the valley. In 1889, he sold 195 acres, still re- taining the remainder which has been already de- scribed. He also owns a residence and six lots in Oaklawn Park, Topeka. During the rough times in the earlier history of this section he often slept out doors, having to assist in hunting down horse thieves and other desperadoes. He belonged to the Kansas State Militia and during Price's raid took part in the battle at Westport. Soon after returning from the raid he was drafted, and imme- diately left his wife and little ones in response to the call, reporting at Leavenworth, but he was never needed or called upon for active service.


In Fall River, Mass., June 11, 1850, Michael Dinnen, Sr., was united in marriage with Bridget Murphy, who was born in County Longford, Ire- land. Her father, Hugh Murphy, was a prominent farmer in the Emerald Isle and came to America in 1859, from that time until his death living a re- tired life at the home of his daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Dinnen are the parents of four children, of whom we note the following: Catherine is the wife of John Sweeney, General Road Master of the Rio Grande Railroad, whose home is at Leadville, Colo .; James C. is a prominent farmer of Kaw Township; John I. is train master at Helena, Mont .; Michael Jr., was born in Kaw Township, April 18, 1864, and is unmarried; he is an intelligent and enter- prising young man and is a valued assistant in his father's employment, and a veritable "chip of the old block" in all the sturdy qualities which have made his father so successful and so highly re- spected.


Michael Dinnen, Sr., has always been greatly in-


terested in educational affairs and was instrumental in building the first school house in the township, which was made of logs and stood near his present home. He has served on the School Board for nine years, although he declines all other offices. He belongs to the Democratic party and is one of its most active members; for the past thirty years he has been delegate to County Conventions and a member of the Central Committee, and has sat in some dozen State Conventions as a delegate. He is a devout Catholic, holding membership in the church at Newman, of which he has been a Director for years. Ile is highly regarded by every one who knows him and considered one of the most useful members of the community in which he resides.


DAM C. HURD. This gentleman is one of the old settlers of the State and also an early settler of Jefferson County. He is largely engaged in farming, owning 211 acres on section 17, and 240 on section 9, Kaw Township, and in addition to his farming he pays a good deal of attention to the dairy business, keep- ing forty cows. His estate is located within seven miles of Topeka, and is finely improved, supplied with a well-built house, barn and other necessary buildings, beautified by orchard and groves, and furnished with adequate feed yards. He uses the latest improved farm machinery in carrying on his agricultural work, and the water needed upon his place is brought from mother earth by two wind mills, with large tanks from which the liquid is piped to various points as convenience demands.


The paterual grandfather of our subject was Samuel Hurd, who was born in Vermont and be- came one of the first settlers in Allegany County, N. Y., going thence wlien their way had to be cut through the forest. He was a soldier in the Mexi- can War. His wife was a daughter of Batman Fitzsimmons, a Revolutionary soldier.


The father of our subject, Fitzsimmons Hurd, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., and upon at- taining sufficient age adopted his father's occupa- tion of farming, being so employed in Allegany County for some years. In the year 1847 he


4.


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removed to Michigan and located in llillsdale County, where he bought a farm which he then operated for five years. His wife dying at that time he returned to his native State, whence in 1857 he came to Kansas and settled on a claim in Jack- son County. After remaining there two years he went to Carrollton, Mo., and engaged in the mer- cantile business, continuing until the spring of 1862, when owing to the excitement engendered by the Civil War, he was compelled to flee from the rebels, leaving everything which he possessed ex- cept the horse upon which he rode. He came to Jefferson County, Kan., and in the spring of 1863 he enlisted in the 15th Kansas Cavalry. although above the age of military service. He served as Sergeant of Company F, and on detached duty as dispatch carrier, until injured by the falling of a horse upon him, when he was mustered out on account of disability. He returned to Jefferson County and the latter years of his life were spent with our subject, his death occurring in 1874 at the age of sixty four years. In politics he was a Democrat, and belonged to the Methodist Epis- copal Church.


The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Annie Sortore, and was a native of New York State and daughter of Jonathan Sortore, who carried on a blacksmith shop on the Gene- see River. The Sortore family were from South Carolina. Mrs. Fitzsimmons Hurd died in Michi- gan in 1852. She had borne six children, of whom' our subject is the oldest : Sophia, now Mrs. LaFon, lives in Oklahoma; Samuel died when a child; Mrs. Carrie Rogers lives in New York ; Insco is deceased; Mary now Mrs. Peck, lives in Musca-' tine, Iowa.


A. C. Hurd was born near Seio, Allegany Co., N. Y., Jan. 14, 1839, and was eight years old when he accompanied his parents to Hills- dale County, Mich., where he helped his father improve a farm from the wilderness, having the advantages of the district schools. After the death of his mother, he accompanied the other members of the family to New York State, and a few years later came to Kansas with his father, their journey being performed by water on the Al- legheny, Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri Rivers to


Leavenworth, and thence by teams to Topeka. Upon reaching the latter point, young Hurd struck out for himself and went to Indianola, where he obtained employment in a saw and grist mill and where he continued working for five years. Dur- ing this time he saw and did business with a great many Indians and learned to understand them, and to speak some of their language, especially that used by the Kaw and Pottawatomie tribes.


In August, 1862, Mr. Hurd enlisted in Company L. 5th Kansas Cavalry, and was mustered into ser- vice at Leavenworth, remaining in the fort some time and being sent out on several raids. He was afterward stationed at Blue Springs and Independ- ence, Mo., with a battery, thence scouting be- tween Sedalia and the Arkansas River, hunting bushwhackers. Mr. Ilurd had been acting as Ser- geant, and being well versed in artillery tactics he was stationed at Olathe, Kan., to complete the for- tifications and drill a company in the use of ar- tillery, and he remained in command there for a time.


After being mustered out of service at Leaven- worth, July 1, 1865, Mr. Hurd came to this county, and bought the ferry across the Kaw River on the Jefferson and Shawnee County line. He ran the ferry for seven years, farming some in connection therewith, in 1870 buying eighty acres of the farm which he now occupies and locating upon it two years later. It was then a raw piece of land with- out improvement, and that its owner has been more than ordinarily successful in his life as a Kansas farmer is proven by the amount of land which he now owns, and its fine condition as to productive- nesss and improvement .. Mr. Hurd has been largely engaged in wheat-raising, and says that he was obliged to quit it for general farming as it was "busting" him.


In Johnson County. Kan., Feb. 25, 1865, Mr. Hurd was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Enochs, a native of Ohio, who had come to this State the year before her marriage. She was the daughter of David Enochs. a farmer in Kaw Town- ship, and possessed many of those qualities which make home happy. She bore her husband six chil- dren-Fitzsimmons, Leonora, Amy, Alta, Etta (the latter twins), and Colonel D. All of the chil-


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dren are yet at home except Leonora, who is the wife of W. G. McHenry, a mechanic residing in Kaw Township. The wife and mother departed this life in March, 1882.


Mr. Hurd has been a useful citizen, not only in a private capacity but in public office, having served on the School Board for years; been Town- ship Clerk several years; and Township Trustec for six years. Although reared to a belief in the principles of the Democracy, he is a Republican always, having decided the political question when a young man in Indianola, from disputes held and words used between the two parties during those early Kansas days. He has been a delegate to the county convention and is a member of the Repub- lican County Central Committee. Mr. Hurd is an active and liberal member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church at Grantville, and it is needless to state that he has many warm friends wherever his character is known.


L ORENZO NORTHRUP, M.D., one of the pioneer physicians and surgeons of Valley Falls, has, since his settlement here in 1855, filled a high position in the affections of his fellow- citizens. He began the practice of his profession in this region when the Indians roamed up and down the valley in the daytime, and the wolves howled constantly at night. The country, in its wild and unsettled condition, presented a not very cheerful outlook to the new comer, but he was a man of undaunted courage, and maintained his po- sition amid the many thrilling scenes which suc- ceeded his first settlement here. In addition to the duties of his profession, he found time to interest himself in the welfare of the people around him, officiating as a member of the School Board and otherwise making himself useful in local affairs.


At that time when, as the country became set- tled up, a school district was divided, those thrown into the new district were required to establish a residence of thirty days before they could vote at a school election. This naturally led to consider- able illegal voting. Upon a question arising as to


law requiring a thirty days residence in the District in order to entitle him to vote, the State Superin- tendent of Public Instruction, Prof. McVicker, sus- tained the decision of Dr. Northrup, who was work- ing vigorously in order to have a commodious school building erected, which project was being met with considerable opposition. The spirit of enterprise prevailed, however, and resulted in the present beautiful and well-appointed structure which is now the pride of the people of Delaware Township. Dr. Northrup, as a member of the Building Committee, was largely instrumental in making the building what it is. He was likewise one of the early members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, to which he has given a liberal sup- port. No enterprise deserving of success and en- couragement has been denied the aid of Dr. Northrup, who has taken a more than ordinary in- terest in the growth and developement of this section of country, which he chose as his abiding place thirty-five years ago.


A native of the town of Jefferson, Schoharie Co., N. Y., Dr. Northrup was born at his father's old homestead May 10, 1819, in the same house where his ten brothers and sisters had also first opened their eyes to the light. Israel Northrup, the father, was a lifelong farmer, and spent his last years in New York. The maiden name of the mother was Sally Bailey. She died in New York. Grand. father Bailey was a musician in the Revolutionary War. There are living only three of the children born to Israel and Sally (Bailey) Northrup, of whom Lorenzo is the eldest. His sister, Jerusha, ( Mrs. White) is the wife of James White, a miller by occupation. and living in New York. Ansen is a resident of Apulia, that State, and a farmer by occupation.


Lorenzo Northrup completed his studies in the academy at Homer, and in 1839 began reading medicine under the instruction of Dr. Farrington, of Ashtabula, Ohio, to which State he had emi- grated. Ile devoted himself faithfully to medical study for three years under different preceptors. and in the fall of 1842 entered the medical department of Willoughby College, from which he was gradu- ated. He commenced the practice of his profession in Revenna, Portage County, with a capital of fifty


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cents. His first case was straightening the eyes of a cross-eyed boy, a stepson of a resident physician. The latter was so elated over the success of the operation, that he advertised it in the local paper. and the fame of Dr. Northrup as an eye specialist was thus assured. He arose at once in his pro- fession, securing a lucrative practice. Soon after- ward, however, he removed to Stark County, locating in Limaville, a short distance away, After practicing there for a time, he, in 1850, joined the caravans journeying to the newly discovered gold fields of California, and established a hospital in Illinoistown. He practiced a short time, until the wet season, then returned to his old haunts in the Buckeye State.


Sojourning in Ohio, this time until 1855, Dr. Northrup now turned his attention to what was then Kansas Ty., where he decided to make his future home. Coming to Jefferson County, he looked upon the present site of Valley Falls when it was only marked by a single house and which house has long since disappeared. He has wit- nessed the erection of every building since put up in the town, and has watched its growth and pro- gress with the warmest interest. He served as Director in the first school district four years, and assisted in the erection of the first school house in Jefferson County, contributing thereto with his own money, and hired a teacher at his own expense, allowing all the neighborhood children to attend whether they paid or not. The teacher, however, proved an individual interested in his work, and collected tnition from all, so that Dr. Northrup was released from his self-imposed contract. The Doctor was at one time the Mayor of Limaville. In 1869, Dr. Northrup repaired to Chicago, Ill., and took a course of lectures in Rush Medical College, from which he was graduated with high honors. Later he attended a post-graduate course in Bellevue Hospital Medical College, which af- forded him instruction and experience of incalcu- lable value.


Dr. Northrup was married in the fall of 1844, at Elsworth, Ohio, to Miss Jane, daughter of James and Hester Brook. The latter was a first consin of Daniel Boone, the noted pioneer and Indian fighter of Kentucky. Mr. Brook departed this life at


Goshen, Ohio, and his estimable wife died at Bur- lin abont 1850. Esther, the eldest child born of this marriage, is the wife of Ameriens Frazier of Valley Falls; Elmer married Miss Ilattie Crain, and is a resident of National City, Cal .; they have one child, a son. Ray. Kirkland married Miss Hattie Eastman, and is a practicing physician of Palco, this State; they have a son also named Ray. Daniel B. married Miss Fanny Bogues, and is a leading physician and surgeon at San Diego, Cal .; they have two children, Genevieve and Daniel B., Jr .; the latter, in 1888, took the premium at a baby show at San Diego as being the happiest, noisiest and sauciest infant in the crowd, and was nominated by acclamation as a future Governor. Katy is the wife of William White of Leavenworth, and she, following in the footsteps of her brothers, has likewise named her only child Ray. In August, 1868, he went to California, where he sojourned six months, in the meantime following his profession.


Mrs. Northrup died at San Diego, Cal., Jan.4,1888. The bereaved husband brought her remains to his home at Valley Falls for burial, and in his loss was tendered the sympathies of the entire community. The departed wife and mother was a consistent Christian, a member of the Friends' Church, and one who possessed all the womanly virtues. In Ohio, Dr. Northrup was a member of the Alliance (Stark County ) Medical Society, a flourishing asso- ciation in which he was officiating his second term.


W. ROBERTS. While Kansas was still a Territory, and Oskaloosa in its infancy, but already the county seat of Jefferson County, the gentleman whose name initiates this sketch established the Oskaloosa Independent. This valnable public journal during the thirty years since that time has been in continued charge of some member of the family. The founder of the sheet is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, and, in Warren County of that State, had, for about ten years, been engaged in the publishing business, when he determined to remove to a section


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farther west. After establishing his new enterprise he, in July, 1862, brought his family to Oskaloosa.


The Independent has been the official sheet of Jefferson County and of the city during almost the entire period since its establishment. Its list of subscribers is surpassed by that of very few weekly papers in Kansas, and the plant is a superior one, including a commodious stone and brick building, and such presses and other conveniences as fairly entitle it to be considered as one of the best equipped country offices in the State. A wise gleaning of the news of the day, a terse and vigor- ous speech on topics of public interest, and a dis- criminating judgment regarding the needs of the people, are manifested in its columns, and it is recognized as one of the leading papers of the State, and one of her permanent institutions.


Since July, 1882, the Independent has been in charge of F. H. Roberts, a son of the founder, and a young man whose early training, habits of thought, and the characteristics of mind inherited by him, especially fit him for the position of editor and publisher. It is confidently expected that the pub- lication will grow in power and influence, that in the advancing thought and extended knowledge of the age, it will ever keep abreast of the times, and retain the position it now holds as a part of the press of a great commonwealth and a grand Nation.


OHN GOOD, a prominent farmer of Potta- watomie County, resides on a fine farm of 160 acres of land on section 2, Rock Creek Township. It has been his home since 1870, he having previously lived in Putnam County, Ind. He was born in Wayne County, Ind., Oct. 25, 1833, and when four years of age, was taken by his parents to Clay County, where he grew to ma- turity. He received a fair English education in the common schools, and a fine practical training on the farm, and when ready to commence for himself, was equipped with the requisite amount of know- ledge, theoretical and practical, in addition to a fine robust constitution, which was of great use to him in his subsequent struggles to secure a foothold in the, at that time, far West, When the parents of




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