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 28
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 28
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 28
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
259
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
place, carrying it on very successfully. In 1880 he purchased his present homestead and also home- steaded eighty aeres adjoining. In 1885 he pur- chased another eighty acres, and has brought the whole to a high state of cultivation and erected thereon substantial modern buildings. The land is watered by Spring Creek, and 140 aeres are un- der the plow. It is largely devoted to grain and stock-raising. Mr. Fiegner feeding and shipping to Kansas City about three carloads of cattle annually and two cars of swine.
The subject of this sketch was married in Blaine, July 31. 1881, to Miss Hannah Seibert. This lady was born in Blue Valley Township, and is the daughter of Casper Siebert, a pioncer settler and a prominent and successful farmer now living on the Blue River, in Blue Valley Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Fiegener there have been born four children, viz: Casper, Gottfried, John and Lizzie. Mr. Fie- gener votes the straight Democratic ticket, and with his estimable wife is an active member of the Catlio- lie Church at Blaine, to which they contribute a liberal support.
The father of our subject was John Fiegener, a native of Prussia, born April 25, 1820. The pa. ternal grandfather, Thomas Fiegener, likewise a native of Prussia, was a carpenter by trade, and married Miss Anna Christina Wagner, a native of his own Province. John, like his father, learned carpentering, which he followed from his boyhood up, until coming to America. Ile crossed the At- lantic in the fall of 1852, sailing from the port of Bremen on the "Keppler." which, after a voyage of eight weeks and two days, landed him in New Or- leans. Thence he proceeded to St. Louis, Mo., where he was variously employed until the spring of 1865. Then coming to Kansas he homesteaded eighty acres of land on Spring Creek, where he now lives. In due time he purchased eighty acres adjoining, and has brought the whole to a fine state of cultivation, building up a comfortable home. He rents his land and is now living retired from active labor. He was married in early manhood to Elizabeth Miller, likewise a native of Prussia, and to them there were born five children, of whom Her- man, the subject of this sketch was the eldest; Catherine, Mrs. Wapp, is a resident of Spring
Creek Township; Mary, Mrs. Falder, is a resident of Washington County ; Lizzie, Mrs. Budenbender, lives in Spring Creek Township; Bertha is sojourn- ing in Kansas City.
OHN ROBSON. Industry, frugality, integrity and good business management are qualities characteristic of nearly all Scotch "laddies," and our subject is not lacking in these. It is, doubtless, to their possession that his success is to be attributed. He, like so many others, started in life with his capital in his head and good right arm, and has by their united working secured for himself a good home and a competence, which re- moves him from the need of being dependent in the future on the fluctuations of trade. His fortune is. in the providence of God, owing to his own energy and ability.
Mr. Robson was born in Scotland, Aug. 12, 1838, and passed the years of his youth and early man- hood in bis native country. Upon arriving at a proper age he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a stonc-mason, and after completing the course required was engaged in that occupation in his na- tive place until 1866, when he emigrated to Amer- ica. Upon his arrival he first settled in Wilmington, Will Co., Ill., and worked at his trade in that place until 1877, in which year he removed to Kansas and bought 260 acres of land, which was only slightly improved. Since that time he has bought more until at present he owns 500 acres of excellent land lying on sections 27, 34, 35 and 26 in Rock Creek Township, Pottawatomie County. Immediately upon getting his family settled on the farm he be- gan vigorously to push forward the work of making improvements. Following in his methods the ex- ample set by the most advanced farmers, he has made everything first class, including a fine orch- ard of choice trees. neatly trimmed, a luxuriant hedge, outbuildings of the most approved style, and on section 27 has a handsome stone house, 26x32 feet, and two stories high. The house was huilt in 1879, two years after he located in the county. Ile is now engaged in general farming and stock- raising, and is one of the most prominent farmers
260
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
of the township. He and his family enjoy the re- spect and good will of all with whom they are acquainted.
In 1864, while still a resident of Scotland, Mr. Robson was married to Miss Eliza Scott, the cere- mony taking place on the 10th of June. Mrs. Robson was born, May 15. 1839, in Scotland, and grew to womanhood in her native place. She is liberally endowed by nature with a vigorous intel- lect and a sound constitution, which, united to her amiable disposition, have contributed to make her a valued and efficient assistant to her husband in his work. Five children have been born to them, named respectively: Elizabeth, William, Andrew. Anna and Walter. They are bright and intelligent, and are receiving the best education that good schools can give, and the prospect for their future usefulness is a brilliant one.
Mr. Robson has been Treasurer of the school district from the time he first came to the place, and has given universal satisfaction in the manner in which he manages the funds. In politics he takes a fairly deep interest, not seeking office, but closely scrutinizing the record of those who are presented as candidates for responsible positions by the respective parties, and voting for those who come up to the standard of qualifications which he thinks are necessary in those who would manage public affairs. He usually finds himself in agree- inent with the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Robson are consistent members of the Congrega- tional Church, and are highly esteemed by their neighbors for their sterling goodness and active benevolence.
ENRY SCHIRMER. The German residents of Jackson County are worthily represented by the above-named gentleman, whose fine farm is located on section 5, Franklin Township, and consists of 360 broad acres. The improvements which it bears are better than the average, the dwelling and barn being especially well built and commodious. The entire estate bears an appearance of order and thrift quite in keeping with the character of the owner, who is
well known as a progressive and energetic farmer and stockman, his specialty in the latter line being the raising of Short-horn cattle.
The parents of our subject were Frederick C. and Engel (Ennabrock) Schirmer, of Germany, in which land they lived until 1864, when they emi- grated to the United States, coming direct to this county upon landing in New York. They settled on section 32, Liberty Township, afterward chang- ing their residence to the place where their son now lives. Here the father died March 30, 1879; the mother still survives and is making her home with her son William in this county. The parental fam- ily consisted of two children-our subject and an older brother, William. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany, Aug. 12, 1854, and was consequently ten years old when he accompanied his parents to America. He was educated in the common schools and lived with his father until his death, afterward taking charge of the farm which he now owns and operates.
At the home of Charles and Susannah (Deichler) Daschner, in Richardson County, Neb , the rites of wedlock were 'celebrated between their daughter Sophia and Mr. Schirmer, the date of the happy event being Jan. 2, 1882. The parents of the bride are natives of Germany, and their first settlement in America was made in Kane County, Ill., where Mrs. Schirmer was born July 9, 1860. Their fam- ily was a large one, comprising eighteen sons and daughters, and Mrs. Schirmer was one of the younger members of the family; she received an excellent education in the schools of this country, and from her mother has learned the good house- keeping and thrifty ways which are considered so necessary an accomplishment among the race from which she sprung. In addition she has the firm principles and Christian character which exert an influence for good beyond the immediate home circle. Five bright and interesting children clus- ter around the fireside, their names being William W., Laura S., Franklin F., Amanda M. and Ed- ward E.
Mr. Schirmer gives his suffrage to the Repub- lican party, believing its principles will best ad- vance the interest of the Nation. He is not only a man of high moral character, both he and his wife
FARM RESIDENCE OF HENRY SCHIRMER, SEC. 5. FRANKLIN TP., JACKSON CO.
SENATOR MORRELL
EAST LOVE
I
FOUNTAIN FARM. RESIDENCE OF GEO. W. SHEHI, SEN.,(BREEDER OF THOROUGHBRED RUNNING HORSES.) SEC.33. SPRING CREEKTP., 'POTTAWATOMIE CO. KAN.
263
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
being members of the German Evangelical Church, but is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, who makes many friends. The parents of Mrs. Schirmer are still living on their homestead in Richardson County, Neb. A fine view of the residence of Mr. Schirmer is given upon another page in this ALBUM.
3€
G EORGE W. SHEHI, of Spring Creek Town- ship, Pottawotamie County, is well known as a large land-owner and stockman, his specialty in the latter line being the breeding of thoroughbred horses. He is well informed regarding equines, and a lover of those animals would find much pleasure in conversing with him regarding their traits and the characteristics of different breeds, as well as in a visit to his stables. In fact, a man would be the wiser after any conversation with him, his years having been well improved in glean- ing knowledge in various departments of life. His home is more than ordinarily comfortable and pleasant, and both it and the farm are furnished with modern improvements which are not to be found in every rural residence. Mr. Shehi is an enterprising and public- spirited citizen, and a jolly, good-natured and upright man. He is the second oldest settler in Spring Creek Township, possesses the largest acreage of land held by any one man therein, and has the largest horse ranch in the county.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was born in Ireland, being of Scotch-Irish blood, and on coming to America, located in Fauquier County, Va., where his son, John, father of our subject, was born. John Shehi moved to Kentucky in 1790, and there engaged in farming, also flat-boat- ing down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, where he would sell boat and cargo, and return to his home on foot. During the War of 1812 he served as a Lieutenant under the command of Gen. Andrew Jackson. In 1832 he locked near Monmouth, Ill., and engaging in agricultural pur- suits, became a prosperous farmer and stockman. In March, 1865, he came to Kansas, and from that fime till his death, in 1876, resided with his chil- dren, being borne to the grave when past eighty-
nine years of age. The mother of our subject was in her maidenhood Miss Mary McDonald, was born in the Blue Grass State, and died in Illinois, Nov. 8, 1864. Her grandfather McDonald, served eight years under Washington in the struggle for American independence. Mr. and Mrs. John Shehi were the parents of six children: John, who lives at Monmouth, Ill .; Hon. J. H., of this county; Daniel, of Colorado Springs, Colo .; the subject of this biography; Henry, who is now deceased; and Harrison.
George W. Shehi was born near Monmouth, Ill., Nov. 12, 1836, and was reared and educated on the farm, spending some time at clerking during his early years. He made his home with his par- ents in their rural abode until the spring of 1860, when, in company with his brother, J. H., he started for Pike's Peak, traveling np the Platte River. Soon after reaching the mountains, he was taken sick, and being obliged to return to his home, made his way thither through Northern Kansas. The following spring he again left his home and went by boat to Atchison, thence by stage to Topeka, and thence on foot to Spring Creek, on which he took a pre-emption claim of 160 acres on section 21, and immediately began improving the same on a cash capital of $2.50. In- dians were numerous in the locality, sometimes making themselves more familiar than was desir- able on his place, and he hunted many a deer not far from his own door. Two years after taking up his residence here, Mr. Shehi homesteaded land, also on section 21, which has been thoroughly im- proved and successfully cultivated. The creek which waters it would sometimes overflow, causing some inconvenience to the owner and his family, and after some years he removed to the place which he now occupies on section 38. 1Te had purchased this land in 1878, but did not occupy it as a residence until 1884.
The home farm of Mr. Shehi is supplied with adequate outbuildings and a large residence, and the latter is furnished with water from a fine spring thirty-two feet above the house, From which pipes convey the sparkling liquid and form a com- plete system of waterworks. The landed estate of Mr. Shehi comprises 2,000 acres, for which he has
264
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
paid from $1.66 to. $10 per acre. It is all well fenced, and three residences, with barns and other adequate buildings, orchards, etc., have been built and set out upon it. Mr. Shehi has been en- gaged in buying and shipping stock extensively, averaging fifteen carloads per month. and still feeds and raises cattle, having about 200 head on the place at this writing. He raises some full- blooded Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. As before mentioned, however, his especial attention is given to the equine race, and breeding thorough- breds and trotters. He now has seventy head of horses, and nine are thoroughbred. One of these is "Candanze," who has been a winner in almost every race in which she has started. Of thirteen in which she took part last fall, she took the first prize in all but one. She makes the half-mile in 493 seconds. The thoroughbred, "Senator Morrell," is at the head of the stud. "Hydralla," sired by Spokane, is entered in the Kenwood stakes at Chi- cago.
In 1881 Mr. Shehi opened a bank at Olsburg, and after running it eight months removed it to Greenleaf, and subsequently sold it. In the spring of 1864 he was enrolled in the State Militia, and in the fall, with the 14th Regiment, took part in the engagements during Price's raid. He is a stanch Republican, and has been a delegate to county con- ventions, and prior to the last Presidential election bet heavily on the chances of the Republican can- didate, Gen. Harrison. He has been influential in various public matters connected with the county and township, having assisted in the organiza- tion of the former, and has served as Township Clerk for two terms. He also assisted in building the Shehi school-house, which was the first edifice erected for educational purposes in the township. and has been connected with the School Board from that day. His wife is a member of the Con- gregational Church.
The marriage of Mr. Shehi was celebrated at Westmoreland, in July, 1861, the bride being Miss Harriet Cowan, who was born in Ohio. She has been a valued companion, ever ready to encourage him during his early years of toil, and in the con- duct of her household affairs and the training of the children with whom they have been blessed,
has shown her worth of character. They have a a large and interesting family, named respectively : Mary, Charles W., Alice J., Emma, John A., George E., Laura M., Archibald A., Gracie L. and Daisy A. Mary is a graduate of the Gem City Business College, at Quincy, Ill., and is at home: Charles W. is' Township Trustee, and a prominent farmer in Spring Creek Township; Alice J. is the wife of Ernest Root, of Marshall County; Emma is the wife of George McCarger, of Shannon Township, this county ; the rest are at home. A view of the residence of Mr. Shehi will be found on another page.
OHN W. TIDLER, now living in Spring Creek Township, Pottawatamie County, has had experiences that would fill much larger space than can be given in a volume of this kind. He has traveled considerably on the plains, where he had various adventures with Indians, and has had practical experience in various forms of Western life outside of this State, of which he is an old settler, and in which he has endured the toils and privations incident to life on the frontier. He now occupies a prominent position among the eiti- zens of the township where he resides, his manly and upright character, his active interest in mat- ters of public weal, and his wide information and knowledge of men and affairs, alike entitling him to the high esteem of those among whom he asso- ciates.
The father of our subject, was George Tidler, who was born in Shenandoah County, Va., and af- ter arriving at a sufficient age, was there engaged as a hatter, as was his father, who came to the Old Dominion from Germany. Mr. George Tidler re- moved from New Market, Va., to Floyd County, Ind., where he engaged in brick-making, and was in the railroad employ, and where his death took place in 1843. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and a firm believer in the tenets of that society. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Ann Dolan, was born in Ireland, and was the daughter of well-to-do parents, who belonged to the Scotch Presbyterian Church. She came to America with her uncle and a brother. Her death
265
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
also took place in the Hoosier State, and she re- joiced in the faith of her Scotch-Irish ancestry. To herself and husband six children were born: Mary, William, Eliza, and George, are now deceased, and Emma is residing in New Albany, Ind.
The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch, was the fourth in the parental family, and was born in New Market, Shenandoah Co., Va., on Christmas Day, 1835. When a child he was taken by his par- ents to Indiana, and received his early training and education in New Albany. At the age of twelve years he was apprenticed at the blacksmith's trade, and worked at the same for five years, being then apprenticed to learn gas-fitting, and two years later becoming a journeyman at the latter trade. He went to Winchester, Va., where he fitted up the town, the following year going to St. Louis, Mo., where he sojourned a twelvemonth, employed at the trade last learned. He then returned to New Albany, where he remained until the spring of 1857, when he went to St. Louis, thence by boat to St. Joseph, and by team to Gage County, Neb., where lie located a claim two miles from Blue Springs, on the creek which now bears his name. He improved and operated his claim of 160 acres, until the spring of 1859, when he journeyed to Pike's Peak by ox-team, having been seized with an attack of the gold fever, from which so many men suffered that year.
Mr. Tidler engaged in mining aud prospecting, but some one having jumped his Nebraska claim, he was obliged to return, but in spite of his efforts to retain it, he was beaten out of it, all he got being $100. He next returned to Jackson County, Kan., where for some months he worked on a farm, and at various other jobs, and in 1861 engaged in freighting to the mountains. On his first trip the party was attacked near Ft. Larned by Indians, who coralled them and held a council of war re- garding them. The savages wanted blankets, and the white men not having them, were finally al- lowed to depart in safety. On the same trip Mr. Tidler and a companion, while out hunting jack rabbits, were captured by a band of red men, and after being relieved of their gold watches and other trinkets, were told to "Pocachee." During the fall of the same year, he returned to the Mississippi
Valley, and in the spring of 1862, enlisted in the United States Commissary Department, being mus- tered into service at St. Louis, and attached to the army of the Southwest. He filled the rank of Sec- ond Lieutenent, and was occupied in the work of transferring stores by teams from the supply de- pots to the camps where they were needed, a service both arduous and dangerous. Being mustered out in the spring of 1864, Mr. Tidler immediately went into the United States Telegraph service, bearing the same rank as in his previous work, and being employed in repairing telegraph lines and similar duties until May, 1865, when he resigned.
Returning to Jackson County, Mr. Tidler bought eighty acres of land near Netawaka, and entered upon the more peaceful occupation of a farmer, improving and operating his farm until the spring of 1882, when he sold and purchased 240 acres in this county, where he now resides. The land is located on sections 32 and 22, Spring Creek Town- ship, and when purchased by its present owner was raw land. He immediately located upon it, and began its improvement and cultivation, and it is now in a high state of fertility, and bears marked improvements, the residence and other outhuild- ings being tastefully designed and well-constructed. The estate is neatly fenced, and one of its attrac- tive and remunerative features is an excellent col- lection of bearing fruit trees. The farm is located at the head of Four Mile Creek, which waters and fertilizes it, and is well-adapted for both grain and stock-raising, in which Mr. Tidler is engaged. He raises high-grade Durham cattle, and keeps a few head of high-grade Norman and Clydesdale horses.
Mr. Tidler was united in marriage at the home of the bride near Holton, in 1872, with Miss Har- riet Allen, who was born in Lenawee County, Mich. This estimable lady has borne him seven children, who are receiving careful home training at their hands, and the best educational advantages which can be secured them. Emily C., the oldest daugh- ter, is now attending the High School at Manhat- tan; Margaret J., Eliza A., Bertha B., Esther, Edith G., and Phoebe. are yet at home.
Mr. Tidler is especially interested in educational affairs, and has been School Treasurer in this county for three years. While in Jackson County, he
266
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
served as School Director for an equal length of time. He is a fervent Republican, never failing to cast his vote in the interests of the principles to which he adheres. Mrs. Tidler holds membership in the Richelieu Methodist Episcopal Church.
YLVESTER FOWLER, editor of the Pot- tawatomie County Times, has had con- siderable experience in editorial work, and possesses the qualities of mind which fit him for his chosen profession. The sheet which he now edits has the largest circulation of any in the county, and is ably conducted, the good judgment which is shown in the selection of matter for pub- lication, and the excellent command of language, making its editorial columns entertaining as well as instructive.
The editor of this sheet was born in Williams County, Ohio, March 2, 1853, and was not a year old when his parents removed to Iowa, whence about three years later they came to Kansas. It was then a Territory, and the father of our subject being an Abolitionist, made one of the number who caused its admission to the Union as a Free State. "John Brown of Ossawatomie" on more than one occasion sat at the table in whose circle our subject was included. Mr. Fowler during his boyhood saw herds of buffalo in the Republican Valley, near where Clay Center now stands. The family moved to Southwestern Missouri, in 1886, and the father died in Dade County, five years later.
He of whom we write taught school in Northern Arkansas, but though his education was quite sufficient for the duties of that profession, it was not congenial ; nevertheless, he has more than once turned his talents to account in that field of labor. He learned the printer's trade in Springfield, Mo., and later established the Independent at that place. In 1876. he returned to Kansas, and for a time taught school in this county. In 1878, he was editor of the Reporter, published at Louisville, and has since been editor of the Herald, also published there, and of the Tribune, in Wamego.
In July. 1880, a matrimonial alliance was con- tracted between Mr. Fowler and Miss Lizzie Shaw.
This estimable lady has borne her husband three children, in whose development their parents take great pleasure. The charming group comprises: Maud, who was born March 21, 1882; Herbert S., Aug. 24, 1885. and Edna, June 23, 1889.
Mr. Fowler is not only an efficient journalist and a man of intelligence and education, but possesses the good principles and pleasing manners which win friends, and, together with his wife, is highly regarded by his fellow-citizens.
M ICHIAEL J. WALSH, farmer, real-estate, loan and insurance agent, lumber, coal and grain dealer, of Blaine, Pottawatomie County, and an active temperance man, is numbered among its most solid citizens, and one who has materially aided in the growth of the town. He is in the prime of life, having been born on the 29th of September, 1843, in County Mayo, Ireland. He lived there until a youth of sixteen years, then emigrating to America, settled in Scranton, Lawrence Co., Pa., where he engaged in mining until 1878. That year he came to Kan- sas and bought the south half of the southwest quarter of section 15, where he now lives. Later he purchased 160 acres in the same section, having now 320 acres, all lying within two miles of the town of Blaine. Since coming to the Sunflower State he has been continuously engaged in farming and stock-raising, and he is recognized as one of the most intelligent. progressive and successful agriculturists of his township.
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.