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 20
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 20
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 20
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W ILLIAM GREGORY M. D., a prominent member of the medical fraternity of Potta- watomie County, came to Kansas in 1875, and practiced his profession in different parts of the State until about 1886. Then establishing himself in Belvue he entered upon the career in which he has been so successful, and has become one of the prominent citizens of his community.
Dr. Gregory was born in the city of Leeds, York- shire, England, Dec. 25, 1841, and is thus in the prime of life. He spent his first twenty years in his native shire, then emigrated to America. He enlisted in the regular army, 15th United States Infantry, in the year 1863, and participated in some of the most important battles of the war. viz: Buzzard's Roost, Funnel Hill, Kenesaw Moun- tain, Jonesboro and Atlanta. He continued in the service until the close of the war, and received an honorable discharge.
Prior to entering the army the Doctor had com- pleted his medical studies and been regularly grad- uated, but did not practice to any great extent un- til afterward. He then made chronic diseases a specialty, and traveled all over the country until taking up his residence in Kansas. He is now in the enjoyment of a thriving business, and numbers his friends and patrons among the best people of this region.
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Austin D. Fem
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USTIN D. FENN. Seldom does it fall to the lot of the biographer to meet and converse with a gentleman so genial and entertaining as this citizen of Olsburg, who is familiarly known as "Squire Fenn." A vet- eran of the late war, an early settler of Pottawat- omie County, an honored and upright citizen of one of its principal towns, he certainly deserves important mention in a volume designed to per- petuate the names and histories of her most influ- ential inhabitants. That our subject is appreciated by his fellow-citizens is shown by the fact that he has served as Justice of the Peace continuously since 1873, and has filled that position satisfactor- ily. He is serving his second term as Notary Pub- lic, and is now Assistant Postmaster of Olsburg. He is active in the ranks of the Republican party, and has served that organization as a delegate to county conventions. In many respects he is iden- tified with the political and social history of this county, of which he has been a resident since 1872.
Born of a sturdy New England ancestry, the progenitors of Mr. Fenn were men of influence in the East, and were ardent patriots during the Revo- lutionary War. His grandfather, the Hon. Austin Fenn, was a carpenter by trade, and entered the ranks of the American army when a lad of sixteen, serving during the last two years of the Revolu- tion, and until the siege of Yorktown had brought peace to the Colonies. Later, he removed to Lud- low, Vt., and there engaged in tilling the soil. He was an old-line Whig, and served several terms in the State Legislature, but finally removed to the vicinity of Newark, Wayne Co., N. Y., where his last days were quietly passed.
The father of our subject was Joel Fenn, a na- tive of Connecticut, who in early manhood went to Dutchess County, N. Y., where he was employed in a cotton factory. He afterward engaged in farming in Wayne County, N. Y., and there passed to his last rest. His wife was Anna M. Holmes, who was born in Coxsackie, N. Y., and was the daughter of Joshua Holmes, a native of New York. He served in the War of 1812, and was by occupa- tion a farmer and stock-raiser, having a fine farm in Dutchess County, where his death occurred. The mother of our subject died in Newark in 1888,
having attained to the sixty-ninth year of her age. She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, and was a woman possessed of many womanly virtues; her memory is lovingly cher- ished by her children, of whom only three survive, namely: Austin D., our subject; Jane, a resident of Clinton, Wis .; and Joel, who lives in Beloit, Wis. Those deceased arc: Mary Chelette, who died in Boston; Harrison and Alice, both of whom died in infancy.
The first three years of the life of Squire Fenn were passed in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he was born Oct. 27, 1837, removing thence with his par- ents to Wayne County, the same State, in 1840. He lived on a farin there until he was eleven years old, when his father died. Thus early deprived of the loving counsel of one whose guiding hand seemed especially necessary, the orphan boy was taken into the family of an uncle in Vermont, and was given common-school advantages. He was also employed on the farm and in various other avocations, assisting in a sawmill when only eleven years of age. At the age of twenty-one he started out for himself, purchasing 100 acres of land in the township of Weston. This he improved and cultivated until June, 1862, when he left the quiet pursuits of the husbandman for the strife of the battle-field.
Previous to the enlistment of Squire Fenn, he had served in an independent organization known as the "Green Mountains' Guards." He was mus- tered into the Union army at Ludlow, having en- listed in Company H, 10th Vermont Infantry. He served with the Army of the Potomac, and partici- pated in the battles of Greenwich and Bristol Sta- tion. He was in the famous Gettysburg campaign, but was held in reserve with 7,000 men to cut off Lee's retreat. He was also at Locust Grove, Battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and the siege of Petersburg. Afterward he joined Sheridan's army in the Shenandoah Valley, and was in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, and other less important skirmishes. Later, he was returned to the Army of the Poto- mac, and witnessed the capture of Richmond and Petersburg, was engaged in the battle of Sailor Creek, and was an eye-witness of Lee's surrender
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at the Appomatox Court House. During the most of his time he had served as a corporal, but at the time he was mustered out he was doing sergeant's duty. After Lee's surrender he was sent to Dan- ville, N. C., and was within thirty miles of John- ston's surrender, after which he was sent by rail to Richmond, whence he marched to Washington, and took part in the grand review. He was finally mustered out and honorably discharged at Ball's Cross Roads, July 29, 1865, and thus was termin- ated the career of one of the Union's most valiant soldiers. He belonged to one of the fighting regi- ments af the war, and took part in every engage- ment of his company. He experienced many hair- breadth escapes, but was never seriously wounded.
After these perilous events, Mr. Fenn returned to the quiet of his farm. lle bought some land ad- joing that previously purchased, until he was the owner of 320 acres of well-improved land, most of which was used for grazing purposes. He engaged in the dairy business, and erected and engaged in running a sawmill. In 1872 he decided to locate in the West, and coming by rail to Beloit, Wis., there bought a team, and came overland to Kansas, crossing the Mississippi at Quiney and the Mis- souri at Kansas City. Upon arriving in Pottawat- omie County, he homesteaded 160 acres of land in Green Township, which he improved from a primi- tive condition of nature to a highly-cultivated estate.
Upon removing from his farm, in 1881, to Ols- burg, Mr. Fenn built his present commodious resi- dence, and also erected the fine hotel, which is lo- cated on three lots on Commercial street, and which he rents. Squire Fenn is a practical carpenter, but although devoting some of his time to that trade, he is chiefly occupied in discharging the duties im- posed upon him by his various offices. While a resident of Vermont, Mr. Fenn was married in Weston, that State, to Miss Julia Woodcock, a na- tive of the town where she was married. She is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Olsburg, and is active in all good works, sharing with her husband the respect of the com- munity , where for so many years they have resided. They stand high both in religious and social circles.
Among other portraits of gentlemen prominent
in the 'history of Pottawatomie County. we are pleased to present that of Mr.[Fenn, who is uni- versally recognized as a man of ability and enter- prise. He is identified with the interests of the community, and is a member of the MeCoy Post, at Randolph.
ESSE S."CARPENTER is the able and effi- cient editor of the St. Mary's Gazette, a jour- nal founded and conducted by him in the interests of the Republican party. It has a circulation extending into the thousands, being read not only in that community but also having a more than local reputation. A six column quarto, with news both social and political, it is conceded to be one of the most successful papers in Pottawa- tomie County.
Since early youth our subject has been connected with printing offices, commencing with their hum- blest duties and gradually working his way to prom- inence in the editorial staff, and finally assuming sole control of a paper with its manifold responsibil- ities and arduous labors. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the trade of printing at Council Grove, Kan., while he dates his first editorial work from his connection with the Temperance Banner, which he launched at Council Grove during the exciting campaign of 1882. His next enterprise in the field of letters was the founding of the Vidette, which after three issues was removed to Rossville, and rechristened the Rossville News, being pub- lished as such for a period of several years.
One of the most successful ventures in which Mr. Carpenter was ever engaged, was the establish- ment of Carpenter's Kansas Lyre, a humorous sheet, filled with anecdotes, and containing flashes of wit and words of wisdom as well. In this con- nection he worked up quite a reputation. In Feb- ruary of 1888, the office was removed to St. Mary's. The Gazette has amply filled the needs of that organization and has already gained a . good patronage.
James C. and Elizabeth (Fenner) Carpenter, the parents of our subject, were' residents of Warren County, Iowa, where their son, Jesse S., was born
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April 9, 1863, and when the child had reached the age of seven years the family left the Hawkeye State, and homesteaded a claim in Kansas near Council Grove, Morris County. This farm was improved gradually by the combined efforts of the household and our subject was by no means a laggard in the development of the estate. After residing there about three years, in 1873, they located in the village of Council Grove, where the father was interested in horses. The early educa- tion of Mr. Carpenter was gleaned in the common schools of his district, but he early developed those traits of independence which still so successfully accompany him, and since a lad of fifteen he has carved for himself his own pathway, and has climbed the rugged road leading to fortune with very little aid from others, except the assistance given him in the shape of kind words and loving counsel.
A few years since Mr. Carpenter chose for him- self a helpmate, being united in marriage Aug. 22, 1886, with Laura Frishman, daughter of Samuel and Rosalia Frishman, natives of Germany. Mrs. Carpenter was born in Lawrence, Kan., Aug. 25, 1867, and has become the mother of one child, a son, Willie.
LLEN B. SCHIOLES. In speaking of the pioneers of a country, the thoughts fly first of all to those who have broken the soil and improved the farm lands, enduring the perils and privations always suffered by those who live remote from human companionship. No doubt the foremost place is deservedly theirs, but following very closely come the mechanies who in the various branches of handicraft have built up the new countries. Were it not for the builders, and the makers and repairers of tools and machin- ery, our agriculturists would endure much greater hardship than has been theirs. The gentleman whose name heads this notice is entitled to great credit for his labors in Kansas, of which State he has been a eitizen for thirty-one years, spending luis time at the trade of a carpenter. He is now Postmaster in Westmoreland. Pottawatomie County, having taken that position the 1st of October, 1889.
The eyes of our subject were first opened to the light in Ashland County, Ohio, Jan. 17, 1834, and in that county he spent seven years. His parents then removed to Mason County, Ill., where he re- mained until twenty-four years old. He obtained a good education and learned the trade of a car- penter, which he followed from that time until his appointment to the office of postinaster. On April 1st, 1859. Mr. Scholes with his wife set out for Kansas with an ox-team, and on reaching the Ter- ritory located at Holton, Jackson County, there being but nine houses in the village at that time. During the next ten years, Mr. Scholes and his partner, Mr. VanNuys, built the most of the town. The former continued his labors as a contractor until about the year 1881, when he became foreman for Mr. Chase, who was a heavy contractor. Two years later he removed to this county, continuing work at his trade, both as an active builder and as a contractor, until called upon to serve in a more public capacity. Mr. Scholes owned a farm in Jackson County, and still owns a tract of land in Sherman Township, this county, which he operates as a general farm and which was his home until he became a denizen of the city of Westmoreland in 1887.
Mr. Scholes was intensely loyal to the cause of the Union, and not many months had elapsed after the first call for troops to suppress the late Rebel- lion, before he was enrolled in the ranks of his country's defenders, Leaving a young wife and two small children, he enlisted Aug. 18, 1862, in Company B., 11th Kansas Cavalry. The regiment was in the Army of Arkansas a greater part of the time, and soldiering mostly on the frontier. Mr. Scholes took part in the engagements at Prairie Grove, Cane Hill, Lexington and Independence, Mo., and Westport, together with the scouting that appertains to cavalry service. He was mustered out on June 5, 1865, at the close of the war, return- ing to IIolton with an honorable record and finding his family in good health awaiting his return.
The lady who has been Mr. Scholes' most valued companion for many years, was in her maidenhood Miss Eliza P. Watters. She was born in Washing- ton County, Iowa. March 3, 1813, and at the time of her marriage was residing at North English,
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Iowa County. To Mr. and Mrs. Scholes nine chil- dren have been born, all still living, and of whom we note the following: Frank married Miss Alice Harrison, of Holton, and now lives in Colorado; Belle is the wife of Mark Keeney, of Otisburg; Elsworth married Mary VanGilder, of Morris County, where they now live; Virgil married Miss Rosa Conway, and now lives in Topeka; Albert, Ramie, May, Maggie, and Bruce are still single.
During his residence in Jackson County, our subject served as Deputy Sheriff and as a member of the School Board. He is one of the oldest men now living, that settled in Northeastern Kansas as early as the spring of 1859, and might give much interesting information regarding the development and growth of this section. He is a man of moral worth, highly spoken of by all who know him, and has many warm friends in the community. He is a member of the Christian Church, as is also bis wife.
OHN W. JOHNSON. In Kansas, as in other Western States, one is strongly impressed with the fact that positions of prominence in public life, in business circles, and among land owners are filled by men young in years, but active, enterprising and possessed of sterling busi- ness qualities. Pottawatomie County has her full share of these young and successful men, and among them stands the gentleman whose name ini- tiates this notice. His home is pleasantly located ou section 28, Blue Valley Township, and on the 220 acres of land which he there owns he is en- gaged in farming and stock raising. He uses the latest improved labor-saving farm machinery, keeps abreast of the times in his stock-breeding. and has spared no pains or expense in adding to the comforts of his home.
Mr. Johnson is the second child in a family of seven children born to N. P. Johnson, whose sketch occupies another page in this book. He was the first, Swedish child born in Kansas, his birth having taken place in Blue Valley Township, Dec. 30, 1856, and he can well remember when the sur- rounding country presented little that would be-
token the residence of civilized men. He was reared on his father's farm on the banks of the Blue, and the first schools which he attended were held in log houses with slab benches, the instruc- tion there received, however, being quite thorough, and his own education being completed in the Man- hattan High School. He remained at home until of age, when he rented a farm from his uncle, John A. Johnson, and a year later purchased 100 acres of his present estate, upon which scarcely any im- provements had been made. He broke the soil and engaged at once in farming and stock-raising, subsequently adding to his original purchase 120 acres, the whole being now fenced in convenient fields, and well improved. It is watered by Shannon Creek, and borders on the Blue, 100 acres of it ly- ing on the bottom lands, and having the deep, rich soil of that valley. Mr. Johnson is a practical farmer, and has made a success of his labors both in the raising of crops and stock. He raises three- fourth grade Short-horn cattle, feeding about one car-load per year, and three cars per year of full- blooded Poland-China hogs. He also raises graded Norman horses, having fourteen head on the farm, and using three teams in farm work. In addition to the stock which he raises, he is engaged to some extent in buying and shipping. His residence is a pleasant frame house 14x28 feet, with a wing 16 feet square, and is situated one and a half miles from Cleburne. A fine stone barn 28x38 feet was erected by Mr. Johnson in 1881, and his corn-cribs cover an area of 10x115 feet.
The pleasant and hospitable home of Mr. John- son is under the care of an excellent housewife, with whom he was united in marriage at her home in Blue Valley Township, Jan. 12, 1879. Mrs. Johnson bore the maiden name of Alma Burklund, and is a native of Sweden, having come to Kansas when a child with her father, Jacob Burklund, a homesteader and prominent farmer of this town- ship. Three bright children cluster around the fireside of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson-Hilma, Alphia and Alice.
Mr. Johnson is a stockholder in the Blue Valley Stock Breeders' Association, and an interested member of that body. He has been Supervisor of Roads for a year, and is now serving as Treasurer
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of the school district. He has served on the petit jury one term. Mr. Johnson is a prominent mem- ber of the Lutheran Church at Mariadahl, and in regard to his politics says he is a Republican first, last and always.
LONZA H. ROBERTS is one of the most enterprising and successful farmers of Pot- towatomie County, where he has a fine estate, comprising eighty acres of land, on section 2, in Rock Creek Township. The residence is a convenient and comfortable one, pleasantly lo- cated and cozily furnished.
Mr. Roberts passed the early part of his life in Waterboro, Me., where his birth occurred March 17, 1843. He grew to a stalwart manhood, in the meantime obtaining that knowledge which is in- dispensable to business success. He remained on the homestead several years after he attained to that age when one is empowered by law to act for him- self. Believing he could meet with greater success financially by changing his location, he removed to Biddeford, Me., and engaged in the grocery and provision trade. Ilc remained there some time, then removed to Sackville, where he carried on his business until 1869. During the years 1869-70 he was the proprietor of the "Ocean House," at Old Orchard Beach, which was built as it now stands in accordance with his plans. In 1871 he sold out his business, and removed to Boston, where he em- barked in the fruit and vegetable trade. In this he continued until he finally left the New England States and located in the West.
Accompanied by his family, Mr. Roberts, in 1881, proceeded Westward and located in Pottawat- omie County, Kan., where they now reside. It was not thickly settled, when, having resolved to make it their home, they purchased a tract of raw prairie, on which they commenced to labor with zeal. Our subject pushed his improvements, so that in a comparatively short time he had his homestead under excellent cultivation, with the buildings, orchards, fences and other improvements that are always to be found on a well-regulated country estate. To the occupation of a farmer, he has
added that of stock-raising, and keeps on his place Shire horses and Cleveland Bay stallions; he also has five imported horses: "Hector," "Maxwell," "Da- mon," "Addington" and "Bellefountain." He makes a specialty of buying and shipping horses to the State of Maine, having sent several carloads there.
Although not an active politician, Mr. Roberts votes with the Republican party. He was united in marriage with Fannie L. Broderick, of Boston, Mass., July 16, 1878. Their two children are -- Chester W. and Samuel D. Mrs. Roberts was born in Massachusetts, near Boston, and passed her child- hood days in Holbrook, Mass., but in early girl- hood removed to Boston, where she passed the years prior to her marriage. She is a lady of many graces of character, and is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, Winthrop street, Boston. Mr. Roberts is a man of superior intelligence and business capacity, and, with his family, receives the hearty respect and kind esteem of neighbors and friends.
G EORGE J. BLANEY, County Commis- sioner of the First District of Pottawatomie County, is one of the most prominent and influential men in this section of country, and makes his headquarters at one of its finest home- steads, comprising 480 acres of land on section 2, Spring Creek Township. He was elected to his present office in the fall of 1887 by the Republican . party, for a term of three years. He is a liberal and public-spirited citizen, a member of the School Board of his district for many years, and politi- cally a strong Republican, a man foremost in the councils of his party in this section and frequently sent as a delegate to the county and State conven- tions. By the exercise of industry, economy and prudence, he has accumulated a good property, being practically independent.
The Blaney family originated in Ireland, whence the great-grandfather of our subject emigrated to America at an early day. He reared a fine family, among whom was Josiah, the grandfather of our subject, who was born in Hartford County, Md .. and was given a thorough education, being gradu-
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ated from a Maryland college and designed for the priesthood. He, however, was not inclined to holy orders, but turning his attention to worldly business, became the owner of a large plantation, which was operated by slaves. Among his sons was Thomas, the father of our subject, likewise a native of Hartford County, Md. The latter learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and remained a resident of his native county until after reaching his majority. He afterward removed to York County, Pa., where he engaged in farming. He be- came well to do and finally retired from active labor, and removed to the town of York, Pa., where he spent his last days. He was a highly-respected citizen and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Frances Keener. She was born in York County, Pa., and was the daughter of John Keener, likewise a native of the Keystone State. Grandfather Keener owned about 400 acres of land npon which he prosecuted farming successfully and also operated as a distiller. The Keener family was of German descent. To Thomas and Frances Blaney there was born a family of thirteen chil- dren, eight of whom lived to mature years. Sarah A. died in York County, Pa .; John T. is a resi- dent of Quincy, Ill .; Mary E., Mrs. Handley, re- sides in Lancaster, Pa .; William M. is in York, Pa., James R. is a resident of Irving, Kan .; Henry E. resides in Bigelow, this State; George J. is next to the youngest born ; Melissa, Mrs. Mohr, makes her home at Mt. Wolf, Pa. John, during the late Civil War, served six months in an Illinois regiment; William M. served nine months in the 209th Pennsylvania Infantry ; James R. served four months in the 103d Pennsyl- vania Infantry; Henry E. served three years ten months and four days in the 87th Pennsylvania Infantry, being the last ten months and ten days in Andersonville prison.
The subject of this sketch was born in Lower Chanceford, York Co., Pa., Dec. 1, 1844. He was brought up on the farm and received a lim- ited education in the old-fashioned log school- house of those times. He remained under the parental roof until a youth of eighteen years, then
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