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 21
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 21
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 21
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leaving the farm, engaged on a canal-boat and made his way up from tow-boy to captain. In the fall of 1865 he was employed as a teamster by the United States Government in the Eastern Army, which at the time operated in the State of Penn- sylvania. On June 26, 1864, he enlisted as a regular soldier in Company C, 195th Pennsylvania Infantry, being mustered in at Harrisburg and his regiment assigned to the Army of the Potomac. The regiment was sent into the Shenandoah Valley to guard the passes and other points, but engaged in no skirmishes with the enemy, being in the Third Provincial Division. Mr. Blaney remained in the army until the close of the war, being mus- tered out at Summit Point, in June, 1865, and receiving his honorable discharge at Harrisburg.
Upon returning home Mr. Blaney engaged as a boatman on the Tidewater and Pennsylvania Canal. Soon afterward he purchased a boat which he op- erated during the summer seasons, while his winters were spent chopping in the pine woods of Pennsyl- vania, near Williamsport. He was thus occupied until the spring of 1869, then determined to see what lay beyond the Mississippi, although he had no intention of remaining here. In accordance with his usual habits of industry he engaged as a farm laborer about two years in the vicinity of Irving, and finally becoming favorably impressed with the country, homesteaded 160 acres of land which formed the nucleus of his present farm. He put up a shanty and began handling live stock, not beginning farming until 1873. Since that time he has been mainly engaged in agricultural pursuits, although making a specialty of stock-raising, feeding large numbers of cattle and swine. For seven years he was engaged in buying and ship- ping. He keeps about seventeen head of graded Hambletonian general-purpose horses. In 1880 he rented bis farm and invested a portion of his capi- tal in a stock of general merchandise, establishing himself in Olsburg and becoming a member of the firm of Carlson Bros. & Blaney. Two years, later, however, he sold out his interest in the busi- ness and returned to the farm. He has 400 acres in Pottawatomie County and eighty acres in Mar- shall County adjoining. The whole is improved with modern buildings and 160 acres under the
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plow. The fields are rendered fertile by running water and one of the best springs in Kansas. Mr. Blaney has planted fruit trees of various kinds in- cluding a fine apple orchard and keeps himself sup- plied with the latest improved machinery for the general purposes of agriculture and stock-raising.
In Manhattan on the 26th of September, 1872, Mr. Blaney was united in marriage with Miss Anna C. Carlson, a native of Sweden. Mrs. Blaney came to America with her parents about 1856 remaining under the parental roof until reaching womanhood. She is now the mother of two children-Stella M. and Georgia E. The family occupies a high social position in the community and Mr. Blaney is looked upon as one of those men who have aided materially in the growth and development of Pottawatomie County.
L EWIS HAVERMALE. Among the many worthy young men of whose success Potta- watomie County has just reason to be proud, prominent mention belongs to the subject of this biographical sketch, who is already on a solid basis financially, and has before him every prospect of the full fruition of the hopes so ardently cherished by himself and his many friends. Overcoming the timidity and dependent feeling which usually accompanies youth, and which can he dispelled only by contact with the world, he bravely faced adversity and poverty, and has by shrewd business management, risen above their immediate influence. He is at present the editor of the Olsburg Newsletter, a five column quarto. devoted to the interests of the Republican party, and an important political organ of the county.
Mr. Havermale was born of substantial and wor- thy German ancestors, his grandfather, Peter Haver- male, being a native of the Fatherland, and an emigrant first to Maryland, and later to Ohio, where he located in Fulton County. He was by occupation a weaver in Germany, but in America followed farming. His death occurred in Fulton County, when he lacked only four years of round- ing out a full century. While he resided in Mary- land, his son, George W., the father of our subject,
was born, and later went with his parents to the Buckeye State. He was a member of the first class that graduated from the Garrett Biblical Institute at Evanston, Ill .. and soon afterward began his ser- vices in the Methodist Ediscopal Church as a preacher of the Word. Ever since he commenced to work in the Master's vineyard, he has been a faithful steward, never ceasing to labor for the cause, and devoting all his time to his chosen field of work. Ile is located in Morganville, Kan., and owns 137 acres of fine land in Johnson County, twelve miles from Kansas City.
The mother of our subject was in her youth Miss Delia A. Buyz, and was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Her father was a painter in that city, and afterward removed to Chicago, thence to the Up- per Peninsula of Michigan. IIi's death occurred in Chicago. She is a woman of unusual talents, refined, accomplished, and noted as a teacher. She has held the position of principal of schools in Garrison, Irving and Hughes, where she is recog- nized as a fine disciplinarian and good instructor. George W. Havermale is a Republican in politics, and a strong advocate of temperance. To him and his wife were born six children-Arthur; Alice, (Mrs. Bayles), a resident of Green Township; George, a farmer of Wabaunsee County, Kan .; Charles, who died in 1874; Lewis, our subject and Albert, who is associated in business with Lewis.
During the residence of his parents in La Harpe, Hancock Co., Ill .. our subject was born May 10, 1867, and was educated in different places. When only eleven years of age he began working for himself, and was there fter variously employed. In 1870 he came West with his parents, who located in Eastern Kansas. When about fourteen years old, our subjeet commenced to learn the printer's trade. working on the Winchester Argus. in Jefferson County. In 1883 he went to Manhattan and was employed on the Manhattan Nationalist for three years. being promoted to the responsible duties of local editor during the last year. He commenced the publication of the Newsletter in 1886, and in January of the following year moved to Olsburg, and published the paper in partnership with J W. McDonald. After continuing in this way for nine months, our subject bought out his partner's inter-
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est, and has since managed it independently. He has increased its circulation, and has established a job department, from which is turned out first class work, and which in consequence of reasonable prices and good work is receiving a constantly in- creasing patronage. In 1887 he started a book and stationery department, which is yielding him a fair renumeration. That same year he commenced the publication of the Butler City News, continu- ing it through the medium of his columns for six months, and then selling it to M. J. Kavanaugh, who now conducts it independently. He cast his first vote for Harrison, and had the proud satisfac- tion of knowing it was not lost.
Nov. 28, 1889, was a very important date in the life of Mr. Havermale, as he was then united in marriage at Denver, Col., with Miss Minnie M. Joneson, daughter of Mrs. Sophia Joneson, of Ols- burg.
G USTAF OSCAR MAXELL is one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of Pot- tawatomie County, owing and operating 400 acres of land in Blue Valley Township, for which he has paid from $6 to $18 per acre, and where he is engaged in general farming and stock- raising. The estate is pleasantly located two miles from Cleburne, is watered by Shannon Creek, the banks of which are lined with timber, and 100 acres of the estate are situated in the bottom land.
Before outlining the life of our subject, it may be well to devote a brief space to his parents and family. His father, Axel Axellson, was a native of Sweden, where he died in the spring of 1868. When a young man he was overseeer of a large es- tate, and later engaged in farming for himself. The mother, Anna Gustafson, was born in Linkopingslan, Sweden, and still resides on the old homestead. The family comprised seven brothers, the subject of this biography being the oldest son, and he, after coming to America, changed his name from Axellson to Maxell for convenience. His brothers are: August, who still lives in Sweden ; Axel, whose home is in Axtell, Neb .; the Rev. Charles who resides in Colorado; Otto, whose home is in Ax-
tell, Neb., and 'Nels, who lives in Sweden. The fifth of the family-Ludvig-departed this life in 1888.
Mr. Maxell first saw the light Nov. 16, 1844, in Linkopingslan, Sweden, and was reared and edu- cated in the rural district. At the age of twenty he hired out as & coachman for an Ade or noble- man, remaining in his employ until 1869, when he determined to try his fortunes in the United States. Taking leave of his native land he went to Liver- pool via Gottenburg and Hull, thence to New York by the steamer "City of Boston" which made the ocean trip in thirteen days.
Landing on American soil, our subject came at once to this State, where for a year he labored in Blue Valley Township, following this by working for Mr. Richards near Westmoreland for three suc- ceeding years. In 1870 he homesteaded land in Riley County, but it being too far from his em- ployer's for him to attend to it, the claim was jumped. Returning to this township in 1873, he took charge of J. A. Johnson's farm, which he man- aged until the spring of 1878 when he bought 160 acres of the land which he now owns. It was raw land, bare of improvements, and Mr. Maxell im- mediately set to work to make himself a home. His success is proven by the large acreage which he now possesses and the substantial basis of his finances. His estate is fenced into fields of conven- ient size, and upon it are a bearing orchard, a stone residence 31x33 feet, with a wing 14x18 feet. which was erected in 1886, and a stone barn 31x53 feet in dimensions, which was built in 1878. The dwelling is well furnished, and with its pleasant sur- roundings presents an attractive appearance, invit- ing approach to its hospitable doors. Mr. Maxell keeps from eighteen to twenty head of graded Norman horses, at the head of the stud being the imported Norman horse "Tony." He is engaged quite extensively in raising, buying and selling cattle and hogs.
The lady who was the chosen companion of Mr. Maxell, bore the maiden name of Miss Emma John- son, and the rites of wedlock were celebrated be- tween them in this county, May 23, 1873. She was born in Galesburg, Ill., and is a daughter of N. P. Johnson, whose sketch occupies another page in
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this volume and contains a history of her ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Maxell are the parents of two chil- dren, a pair of twins named Ida and Ettie.
Mr. Maxell is active in enterprises which promise well for the public good, displaying the same energy in the duties of a citizen which he has done in his personal affairs. He belongs to the Bridge Building Committee, is one of the Directors of the Orphans' Home, and Treasurer of the Blue Valley Stock Association. IJe has been Township Treas- urer one year and School Clerk three years, and has served on the Jury two terms. He is a straight Republican and has been a delegate to county con- ventions. In the Lutheran Church in Mariadahl he is an active member, and has been Trustee for the last nine years. The positions which he holds are proof of the esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citizens, his wife sharing with him in their respect and good will.
C HARLES W. SHEHI, one of the Trustees of Spring Creek Township, Pottawatomie County, and a son of one of its old settlers, is looked upon as a young man of much promise, being industrious and energetic, and operates a part of his father's farm on section 33. He is the son of George W. Shehi, one of the pioneers of Pottawatomie County, and a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this ALBUM.
The second in a family of ten children, the sub- ject of this sketch, a native of Kansas, was born at his father's ranch in Spring Creek Township, Jan. 14, 1863, and there reared to man's estate. He grew up amid the primitive scenes of life on the frontier and can remember the time when wild game was plentiful and when Indians to the number of 500, sometimes passed through this section of country. His first studies were conducted in a log cabin with slab benches, under a system of educa- tion widely different from that of the present time. He remained under the home roof until a youth of seventeen years, then entered the Gem City Business College at Quincy, Ill., from which he was gradu- ated in December, 1881. Then returning home he became the book-keeper and cashier of his father's
bank at Greenleaf until it was sold, and then re- turning to the farm he worked there until the fall of 1886.
At this time young Shehi once more left the farm and engaged in clerking for the general mer- chant, J. H. Young, at Fostoria. Five months of this experience, however, satisfied him and return- ing home he commenced operating a part of his father's farm and has been thus engaged since that time. He makes a specialty of grain and stock- raising and occupies a neat residence on Spring Creek which with its surroundings makes a very attractive home. He was married in Westmoreland, June 9, 1887, to Miss Ella Vroman. This lady was born in Shannon Township, Dec. 18, 1868, and is the daughter of David Vroman, a native of Ohio. Her paternal grandfather, Timothy Vroman, like- wise a native of the Buckeye State, came to Kansas at an early day and was a successful farmer of Pottawatomie County. His son, David, located in Shannon Township in 1860, while Kansas was a Territory, and is now a well-to-do farmer, owning about 500 acres of land. He married Miss Maria Fenn, a native of Ohio, and to them there were born seven children, viz .: Arthur, who is deceased ; Ella, (Mrs. Shehi); Addie, Carrie, Lucy, John, deceased; and Christine ; the survivors are at home with their parents. Mrs. Shehi was reared and educated in Shannon Township and is now the mother of one child, a son, John Orris.
Mr. Shehi like his father and brothers, is a Re- publican of the first water and is quite prominent in local affairs, serving at the present time his sec- ond term as Township Trustee, and he is also Township Assessor. He is a general favorite in the social circles and possesses those sterling quali- ties which maintain his standing in his community as one of its most valued members.
W ASHINGTON B. HAZEN. Few men in Pottawatomie County would be considered more thoroughly identified with its inter- terests than this gentleman, who is now a member of the firm of Daily & Hazen, grocers, in West- moreland. He has been a resident of this county
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from a very early period, both in its history and his own life, having arrived here on Nov. 6, 1855, when about six months old. His parents, Isaac and Elizabeth (Wright) Hazen, were the earliest settlers within the borders of this county, their set- tlement being made one-half mile south of this city, which the farm now adjoins. Isaac Hazen was a native of Ohio, going from that State to Iowa when quite young. In the Hawkeye State he married and lived in Jackson County until his re- moval to this State. He died in the fall of the year in which he became a resident here, leaving his widow in a new country with the care of an in- fant, and the nearest family one and a half miles distant. Her first home was a log house, and the groceries were brought from Leavenworth, a dis- tance of 100 miles, the trip with ox-teams consum- ing two weeks' time. Milling was also done there, and mail was brought from the same city a few times a year. Mrs. Hazen, after a time spent in widowhood, married John McKimens, and is still living on the farm which was her first home in Kansas, she being now the oldest settler living in the vicinity.
W. B. Hazen grew up amid the scenes of pioneer life which tend to develop a rugged and sturdy manhood, unknown to those whose early lives are spent in scenes of luxury and in older communi- ties. He received an excellent practical education at the common-schools, one of the first objects sought for and obtained on the frontier, being the establishment of institutions of learning. He re- mained on the farm until reaching manhood, after which he engaged in mercantile pursuits, first as a clerk, and in 1877 established himself in business. Since that time he has been numbered among the business men of Westmorland, and connected with its interests and welfare. The present firm was es- tablished less than two years ago, the senior partner being A. P. Daily.
The great step of Mr. Hazen's life was taken on Dec. 28, 1876, when he became the husband of Miss Johan Lunbeck, of this township. She was born in Iowa, Nov. 12, 1855, the date of her husband's birth being May 18, of the same year. Her father, Silas Lunbeck, was born in Ohio, and married Miss Sarah Paschal, and after some years residence in
Iowa, came to Kansas in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Lun- beck first settled on a farm, but are now living in Garrison, having left their rural home five years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Hazen four children have been born, three of whom still live. They bear the names respectively, of Thomas A., Sarah E., and Davis J.
Mr. Hazen always votes with the Republican party. He has not been a political aspirant, but was prevailed upon to serve his fellow-citizens as a member of the City Council. He belongs to the social order of the A. O. U. W. A reliable citizen, upright in his dealings and honorable in every re- lation of life, Mr. Hazen enjoys the respect of his fellow-citizens, his estimable wife sharing with him in their esteem.
L EVANT L. BADGLEY, Clerk of the Dis- trict Court of the 35th District, is now an honored resident of Westmoreland, Potta- watomie County. He is one of the young men of the section, having been born May 5, 1851, and his residence in this State dates only from the spring of 1880. He was born near Lake Chautau- qua, Chantanqua Co., N. Y., on the farm occupied by his parents, Curtis and Arcelia (Caulkins) Badg- ley. The father was a native of the same county, being one of its earliest pioneer settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Badgley had two children-our subject and a brother, John, when they left the Empire State and took up a home in Wisconsin. While building a house thercon, Mr. Badgley was stricken with the cholera and died. The mother and sons returned to New York, and there the widow subsequently married a Mr. McDonald, and is still living in Chautauqua.
The gentleman of whom we write was but three years old when his father died, and he grew to man's estate under his mother's care. Ile finished his education at Jamestown Institute, after which he entered a grocery store at Corry, Pa., where he was employed for a period of three years. He then, in 1876, came to Kansas, and after spending a year in Louisville, returned to the Keystone State, lo- cating at Pleasantville, Venango County, this being
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in the oil region. He entered the employ of Hol- man & Hopkins, dealers in general merchandise and groceries, being head clerk and manager of the grocery department for three years.
Again turning his face toward the setting sun he came once more to this State, and in March, 1880, engaged as a book-keeper for C.W. Bittmann, dealer in general merchandise at Louisville. He remained in the employ of Mr. Bittmann during the succeed- ing eight years. and then having been elected on the regular Republican ticket in the fall of 1888, to the position which he now occupies, he entered upon the duties of that office. He is filling the position with credit to himself, and in a manner acceptable to his constituents and to the people at large.
At the home of the bride's parents in Sugar Grove, Warren Co., Pa., May 18, 1874, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Badgley and Miss Henrietta Warner. The bride was born in that place on the 23d day of May, 1847, and is a dangh- ter of Robert and Mary (Thorpe) Warner, who still live there. Mr. Warner is an old resident of the Keystone State, where he has been engaged in farm- ing. During the California gold excitement he spent some time on the Pacific Coast. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and reared their daughter to a useful and respected womanhood. To Mr. and Mr. Badgley four chil- dren have been born, of whom two-Vera M. and Lena .1 .- still live. Gny was taken from them on Sept. 18, 1882, at the age of six years ; and Rena, on October 4, the same year, aged two years.
Of the social orders, Mr. Badgley holds member- ship in the A. O. U. W. and the I. O. O. F. Ile is a young man of ability and of high standing in the county, his character being excellent and his man- ners courteous and well-bred.
OHN H. FREY. Among the business men of Louisville, Pottawatomie County. is the gentleman above named, who is engaged in harness-making, and who, with a fair share of patronage in his line, has also won the esteem of his neighbors during his three years' residence in
this city. Ile is a capable workman, and deserv- ing of credit for the position which he occupies among the young business men of the State. His father, John C. Frey, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and having gone to Illinois, was there united in marriage with Sarah Shaw, a native of England. Mr. Frey was a harness-maker, and after his mar- riage pursued his employment in Illinois until 1870, when he removed to this State. Settling at Wam- ego, he remained there until 1887, and then jour- neyed to California, where he and his wife still reside. The parental family was made up of eleven children, eight being still alive.
The gentleman whose name initiates this notice, is the eldest child of his parents, and was born in Will County, Ill., June 22, 1855. In his boyhood until the age of fourteen years, he was a recipient of the advantages to be obtained in the common schools, and was then set to work to learn his trade under the eye of his father. Five years later, when nineteen years old, he began life for himself, and for several years was something of a rover, passing his time in Eldorado, Winfield, and other Kansas towns, until his marriage, when he adopted a more settled mode of life. Three years ago, he opened his present business here, on a capital of $13, and has built up so good a trade, as to place his finan- ces on a very comfortable basis.
The most important step in the life of Mr. Frey, was taken in the spring of 1881, when he became the husband of Eliza C., daughter of James and Sarah Stewart of this place. The parents of the bride were originally from the Buckeye State, whence they removed to Iowa, and finally took up their residence in Kansas about thirty years ago. Their family was made up of six children, and Mrs. Frey is the fourth in order of birth, her natal day being August, 1862. Born in this State, she has had good advantages of education and training, and is a capable, as well as loving companion. To herself and husband four children have been born, but two have been removed from them by the hand of death. The survivors are George, a bright child of seven years, and Hattie. five years younger.
Mr. Frey is conservative in politics, and always votes the Republican ticket. He has filled the office of City Clerk, of Louisville. He belongs to
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the A. O. U. W. of this place, and has been through the chairs; and he is also a member of the Im- proved Order of Red Men of Wamego. Though the schooling which he obtained in his youth, was somewhat meager, he has read extensively, and to good purpose, and is more than ordinarily well-in- formed and intelligent. He is possessed of pleas . ant manners and fine social qualities, and is an entertaining companion as well as a citizen who is interested in the development of the town in which he has made his home.
C ORNELIUS TEEHAN. There is not a more honest, industrious and useful citizen in Clear Creek Township, than Mr. Techan, who is the Treasurer of School District No. 74, and takes a warm interest in educational matters. He has been a member of the Roman Catholic To- tal Abstinence Union of America, for over twenty- three years, and is a lifelong Catholic in religion. His occupation is that of a farmer, and his well- regulated homestead in Clear Creek Township com- prises the south half of the southeast quarter, and the south half of the southwest quarter of section 21, which he has built up from the primitive soil, and which is recognized as one of the best farms in that vicinity.
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