Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 31

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 31
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 31
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 31

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).

Mr. and Mrs. Homewood belong to the Chris- tian Church, and Mr. Homewood has been Deacon of that organization. Ile was formerly active in the Sunday-school department, but is now with-

PLAT OF FARM OM SEC. 9.

O PASPURE.

CULTIVATEO LAND.

FARM RESIDENCE OF A . C. HURD, SEC.17. KAW TP, JEFFERSON CO.KAN.

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drawing somewhat from the work, leaving younger members of the congregation to acquire practical training therein. He is the Director of School Dis- triet No. 32, and an efficient school officer. He takes a deep interest in the political issues of the day, and votes the Republican ticket. He not only possesses a fine character and an intelligent mind, but has the pleasant, affable manners. which make his society desirable, and as before stated, is held in high repute by his fellow-citizens, in whose re- gard his wife has an abundant share.

F6 ERDINAND BOETTCHER. A thoroughly tilled farm of 220 acres in Franklin Town- ship, Jackson County, is the home of this gentleman, who, deseended from an excellent Prus- sian family, has for a quarter of a century been an honored citizen of the United States. His fine estate is located on section 9, and the improvements which have been made upon it show that the owner is desirous of ranking with the best of the farmers in the neighborhood in the careful housing of stock and crops, and in the comforts of his dwelling.

Mr. Boettcher was born in Prussia, June 12, 1824, and is the son of a farmer and cabinet- maker. He passed his early life on the farm, and also learned the trade which his father understood. He remained in his native land until the spring of 1854, spending the most of his mature years in the work of agriculture. At the date mentioned he turned his face toward the setting sun and crossed the Atlantic, landing at New York City in the month of May, and made his first home in the New World near Lockport, Niagara Co., N., Y., carrying on farming for three years in company with a brother. He then returned to the Father- land and spent a few months in visiting home and friends.

On his return to the United States Mr. Boettcher stopped in New York for a short time, thence go- ing to Wisconsin, thence to Leavenworth, Kan., and a few weeks later to this county, settling in Franklin Township. In 1861 he removed to Leav- worth County, but three years later returned to this township, where he has since continued to reside,

and where he has successfully carried on the work of farmning, which has been his sole enployment since coming to America.

At her home in this township, Jan. 5, 1865, Miss Margaret Stork became the wife of our subject. Mrs. Boettcher was born in Germany. July 1, 1841, and was but four months old when her parents came to America. She is a well-informed lady, with the kind heart and housewifely qualities which make a pleasant home, and husband and children "arise up and call her blessed." She is a sister of Mrs. Judge Cowell, of this township. She has borne her husband five children-Henry R., Mary E., Clara L., Katie and John. Katie died in infancy.

Mr. Boettcher is a Democrat in politics. He is a public-spirited citizen, showing an intelligent in- terest in the affairs of the country, and especially of this section, and is looked upon with respect by all who know him, and especially by his brethren of the Fatherland, his long citizenship in the United States giving his opinion great weight with them. Both he and his wife are members of the Presby- terian Church.

b UGH LEONARD. For the past nine years Mr. Leonard has been a resident of Belvue Township and has become widely and fa- vorably known to a majority of its people. He presents the picture of a self-made man who began the battle of life for himself without other means than his own resources, and who, by a course of steady perseverance and industry, has made for himself an enviable position, socially and financially. He owns 320 acres of good land located on sec- tions 5, 31 and 32, the residence being on the first mentioned and in addition to general farming, is quite extensively engaged in stock-raising. He keeps from seventy-five to 100 head of cattle, to- gether with a goodly number of farm horses and swine. He is a prominent man in his community and has justly been elected a County Commissioner for the second term. In religious matters, he is a devout Catholic.

A gentleman in the prime of life Mr. Leonard was born Aug. 15, 1840, first opening his eyes to the light in County Fermanagh, the North of

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Ireland. His father, Patrick Leonard, a native of the same locality, was born in 1811 and spent lis entire life upon his native soil, dying at the age of seventy-four years. He was a life long farmer by occupation, and from his youth up was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. The paternal grandfather, James Leonard, who was also born in the North of Ireland, died there when about ninety years of age. Ile likewise followed the peaceful pursuits of agriculture.

Mrs. Ann (Fee) Leonard was born in County Cavan, Ireland, and after the decease of her hus- band emigrated to America. She is now living with her son, our subject, and is sixty-eight years old. Her father, Owen Fee, likewise a native of County Cavan, crossed the Atlantic in 1847 and settled in Canada where he now lives and is oc- cupied in farming. He likewise belongs to the Catholic Church. To Patrick and Ann Leonard there was born a family of fourteen children of whom Hugh, Bridget, Margaret, Ann, Frank, James and Katherine are now living. Bridget and Margaret were the first of the family to come to America. Both are married and living in New York State.

Mr. Leonard spent his early years in his native county, being reared on a farm and acquiring his education in the common school. In the spring of 1861, when a young man twenty-one years old, he came to the United States, locating in Madison County, N. Y. In 1865 he turned his steps West- ward, coming to Jefferson County. this State, and sojourning there until the following year. He then entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, and was thus occupied until the 13th of May, 1868. Then he engaged on the St. Joseph & St. Louis Railroad. In the spring of 1870 he returned to Jefferson County and sojourned there until 1880, taking up his residence then in Pottawatomie County. He was soon recognized as a valued ad- dition to the community and has been uniformly prosperous in his farming and business transactions. Politically, he votes the straight Democratic ticket.

On the 7th of February, 1870, Mr. Leonard was joined in wedlock with Miss Catherine A. Fitz- patrick. Mrs. Leonard was born in Louisville, Ky., in 1852, and is the daughter of Patrick and

Johanna (Buckley) Fitzpatrick, who were natives of Ireland. The Fitzpatricks were among the very first settlers of Jefferson County. The father took up a tract of land and labored very success- fully as a tiller of the soil, being now well-to-do and a man of considerable prominence in the county. He has held various offices, and with his estimable wife, is a member in good standing of the Catholic Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard there have been born three children, Thomas, Annie and Katie. The latter died at the age of three years and one month. Mr. Leonard has one of the most valuable homesteads in his township and exercises no small influence among his fellow-citi- zens. A stirring, enterprising man he has con- tributed his full quota to the growth and develop- ment of his adopted township.

C HARLES J. FALIN has been for almost thirty years a resident of Kansas, and occu- pies a front rank among the citizens of Pottawatomie County, as a farmer of substantial circumstances and of progressive ideas. IIe is one of the oldest settlers in Blue Valley Township, and a genial, whole-souled gentleman, who takes an active and intelligent interest in educational and other matters which pertain to the good of the community. He is a stanch Republican, but does not aspire to office, being content with that which "his hand finds to do" in his own private affairs and matters relating thereto. His fine estate comprises about 500 acres bordering on the Blue, and he is engaged in the raising of grain and stock.

Mr. Falin is of an honored Swedish family, his father, Magnus, having owned a farm and been en- gaged in agricultural pursuits in Sweden until his death in February, 1874. His mother was Anna M. Nelson, who died the same year as her husband, and both were members of the Lutheran Church. The grandfather of our subject was also named Magnus, and was a soldier in the Swedish army for thirty years. He served in the Finland War three years, and in the French War five years. During the last named he was taken prisoner at Lubeck, Germany, taken to France, and held in captivity

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for a long time. Upon leaving the army, he en- gaged in farming. The family of which our sub- ject is a member, was composed of eleven children, seven living to years of maturity: Christine, Erick, Alfred, and Anna died in infancy, and Louisa and Gustav, in later years; Magnus and August are now living in Sweden; Malker in this township; and Charlotte, now Mrs. Linbloom, also in this town- ship.

The subject of this sketch is the oldest of the brothers and sisters who reached mature years, and was born in Hagerstad, Linkopingslan, Sweden, June 24, 1828. He was reared to the pursuit which his father followed, and had no advantages of pub- lic schools, the period of his early life being before their institution. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits in his native land until 1856, when he de- termined to try his fortunes in America, being led to believe that here he would find a broader field for his energies, and a brighter prospect for finan- cial success. In July, therefore, he took passage on the sailer "Evangeline," and after an ocean voy- age of seven weeks, landed in Boston, whence he went directly to Illinois, and worked on a farm near Galesburg, until the spring of 1860.

Mr. Falin then came by boat to Kansas City, thence on foot to this township, and with a land warrant purchased 226 acres on section 14, upon which he constructed a log house, and thus began its improvement. He worked out by the month to secure money with which to buy oxen, so as to break his land, and in the wilds of Kansas, by in- dustry make for himself a good home. He has been very successful in his efforts, and now owns thic large acreage before mentioned, which bears all necessary improvements, well constructed, con- veniently located, and neatly kept. He is a mem- ber of the Blue Valley Stoek Dealer's Association. and in everything connected with his occupation in life endeavors to keep abreast of the most practical ideas of the time.

In this township, on Sept. 20, 1863, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Falin and Miss Mary Sophia Josephson, who was born in the Province of Rumskulla, Linkoping. Their union was blessed by the birth of four sons and two daughters. Those living are: Mary Eleonora, and

Albert Leonard; and those deceased are: Oscar Emil, Alexander, Emma Celia, and a son unnamed. Mrs. Sophia Falin contracted a fatal illness, and her death occurred Feb. 20, 1878. Mr. Falin entered into a second matrimonial alliance Jan. 24, 1880, the bride being Miss Cecelia Peterson, a native of Bornholm, Denmark.

SAAC Y. WEDDLE, is a resident of Pottawa- tomie County, who, beginning life empty handed, has reached a degree of comfort and prosperity which speaks well of his energy, industry and prudence. His estate, which is located on sec- tion 1, Louisville Township, is carefully and in- telligently conducted and bears some notable im- provements. Chief among these is a barn which was erected in 1886, and under whose capacious roof 1600 bushels of grain, thirty-two tous of hay, and twenty head of horses find adequate shelter. A recently built corn-crib has a capacity of 2,500 bushels. Mr. Weddle now has seventeen head of horses, two mules, and a porportionate number of cattle and hogs upon his quarter section, and every- thing about the estate indicates that the years which he has devoted to the pursuit of agriculture have not been spent in vain, and that his know- ledge of matters pertaining to that employment is varied and thorough.

The subject of this brief sketch is a son of James R. and Elizabeth (Curry) Weddle, the former a na- tive of Tennessee and the latter of Virginia. After the marriage, which took place in the former State, they settled in Jackson County, Ind., at period so early in the settlement of that section, that they were obliged to band with other pioneers for pro- tection against the Indians. The father died in 1859 at the age of seventy-two, and the mother survived until 1871, when she too departed this life aged seventy-five years. Of the nine children born to them, four only are now living.

Isaac Weddle was the eighth in order of birth in the parental family, and was born in Jackson County, Ind., July 8, 1833. Ile grew to manhood in the place of his nativity, and improved such ad- vantages as were afforded by subscription schools

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at that period, obtaining but a limited education, which has been made the foundation for his present intelligence and fund of information, which native wit and powers of observation have given him. At the age of twenty-one years he began life for himself, adopting the occupation which he has since con- tinuously followed, and remaining in the Hoosier State until 1868, when he settled in this county. He removed to his present home in 1879. erecting a comfortable and substantial dwelling the same year, and making other improvements since, among them those above noted.

Mrs. Weddle was born in the same county as her husband, her natal day being July 30, 1835, and she being one of eleven children born to Edward and Nancy (Lynch) Hubbard. Her parents settled in Indiana in an early day, and her father was a prominent man in his county. During the Civil War he served in Company A, 50th Indiana In- fantry, and gave his life for his country's cause, dy- ing in 1865, from disease contracted by hardship and exposure. The date of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Weddle was June 26, 1854, and the happy bride bore the maiden name of Martha Ann Hub- bard. The union has been blessed by the birth of seven children, and though five of them have left , the home nest, all but one are living around the homestead, and the family circle is scarcely broken. John W., the first born, married Jennie Stratton, and has three children, his home being on the same section as that of his parents. Mary is the wife of Ezra Nixon, and is the mother of four children, her home being in this township. James married Clara Taylor, and lives in Hot Springs. Ark., their family consisting of one child. Aaron married Louisa Melot; they have one child and live on section 2. Hettie Jane is the wife ot John A. Walker; they have two children, and their residence is on the same section as that of our sub- ject. The two remaining members of the family, Charles and Peter Oliver, are unmarried and at home.

Mr. Weddle takes an active interest in polities and generally votes the Democratic ticket. Ile served as Constable of Louisville Townsbip for two terms. has been Road Overseer for three years. and for seven years has filled the office of Treas-

urer of school district No. 42. He has proved his efficiency in the positions to which he has been called, and is regarded with high respect as a mem- ber of the community and an upright man. Mrs. Weddle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is highly esteemed by her associates.

AMES J. WELSH has lived in St. Mary's for a decade past, and for several years was engaged there in the hotel and livery busi- ness. Ile has a wide scope of business as an auctioneer and a veterinary surgeon, and has been engaged in both lines of business for more than a quarter of a century. He is the principal auction- eer in this vicinity. His long life has been spent in activity, and he is now, at the age of sixty-two years, as energetic and capable as many men much younger than he.

The natal day of Mr. Welsh was July 2, 1827, and his birth took place in Washington County, Pa., whence his parents removed to Muskingum County, Ohio, locating on a farm near Zanesville, about the year 1839. There our subject's school days were chiefly spent, and there his parents, Robert and Margaret (Cother) Welsh, died. The father was born and reared in Westmoreland County, Pa., where his father, Robin Welsh, had removed in early life from his native place in the North of Ireland. The ancestors belonged to the Presbyterian Church, and in that faith the family was reared for generations. The mother of our subject was born in Rising Sun Hotel, in Lancaster County, Pa .. and reared and married in the house which had been used as a hotel for many years, and kept by her father, and where he died.

When about twenty years old, he of whom we write went to Marysville, Union Co., Ohio, mak- ing the trip on horseback, and there beginning work as a farm hand. This he continued until after his marriage in 1848, when his father-in-law "set him up" on a farm of 100 acres of heavy tim- ber land. Mr. Welsh built a log cabin and began the work of clearing the mighty forest. which by degrees was accomplished, and the land improved until it became a fine and productive estate. With

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the exception of two years spent in the hotel busi - ness at Marysville, Ohio, the farm was the family home until 1855, when Mr. Welsh removed to West Union, Fayette Co., Iowa, where for about eight- een months he owned and operated another farm. He then sold his land. and during the following three years served as Depnty Sheriff, and at the expiration of that time was elected Sheriff, which office he filled during 1860-61.

In the spring of 1862 Mr. Welsh engaged in the livery business, but in August gave up that occu- pation to take up arms in defense of his country. In nine days he organized a company of men from his county and went into the army as Captain of Company A, 38th Iowa Infantry, serving in that capacity a year when he was obliged to resign on account of sickness and return to his former home. During his army experience he was under constant fighting forty-two days during the Vicksburg eam- paign, when Grant determined to "fight it out on this line if it took all summer," and where 32,000 prisoners were delivered into his hands by the sur- render of Pemberton.

After his return to West Union Mr. Welsh again went into the livery business, which he continued there until 1872, serving as Deputy Sheriff during the four years prior to that date. He then sold out his business and removed to Topeka, Kan., where he took up the same occupation, sojourning in this State but a year when he sold out and returned to West Union and engaged in his olden occupation there. In 1874 he was again elected Sheriff and served two years, after which he returned to his former employment and continued it until the spring of 1879. Ile then moved permanently from West Union, and taking up his abode in this eity. engaged in the hotel and livery business, abandon- ing the former after eight years' experience as landlord here, and a year later selling his livery business. Since that time he has devoted his at. tention, as before noted, to the work of a veterin- ary surgeon and an auctioneer, his son Clinton being his partner in business. He owns one fine specimen of horse flesh, it being a Membrino stall- ion of a bright bay color, and weighing 1.150 pounds.

Mrs. Welsh bore the maiden name of Isabelle

Scott, and is a native of Knox County, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Frances ( Bareus) Scott. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Welsh was celebrated Aug. 29, 1848, and seven children have been born to them. Belle and Jennie have been removed from them by death. Of the survivors, William E., the eldest son, is in Denver, Colo .; Emily A. lives in Rossville, Shawnee County, and is the wife of Jo- seph F. Cannon; Margaret F. is the wife of George O. Helm, and their home is in St. Mary's; Clinton and Jennie B. are yet at home.

Mr. Welsh has served one year as Mayor of this city, among whose citizens he has good standing as a man of probity, intelligence and public spirit. Mrs. Welsh has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for some years in Iowa, and her Christian life is a model to those about her.

OHN ARONSON. Among the well-to-do Swedish citizens of Blue Valley Township, Mr. Aronson deserves special mention as furnishing a fine illustration of the self-made man, who by a course of frugality and industry has made for himself a good position, socially and finan- eially. He owns and operates a fine farm of 383 acres on seetion 24, and has been quite prominent in local affairs, holding the various minor offices, and being at present a Director of the Orphan's Home, on the Blue.

The father of the subject of this sketch, was Aron Erickson, born in Orbrolan, Sweden, in 1823. He was reared in the mining regions of his native Province, and worked in the mines during his younger years. He at an early age evinced these qualities of energy and industry which have been the secret of his success in life. He was faithinl and reliable in the performance of his duties, he- coming a boss in the mines. and later wa- employed in the smelting furnace. He. however, was not satisfied with his condition or his prospects in h's native land. and finally in 1370 decided to emi- grate to America. He came to Kansas that year, and homestended eighty acres of land in Blue Val- ley Township, which formed the nucleus of his pre- sent homestead.

The mother of our subject was Caroline Peter-

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son, a native of Linsberg. Sokn, Orbrolan, Sweden; she was born in 1815, and is consequently seventy- four years old. She is living and in good health. The four children of the parental family were named respectively : Charles, John. and two by the name of Erick, who died in infancy. The eldest son is a prominent fariner of Blue Valley Town- ship, owning 224 acres of land. John was born in Kapperbjergetsokn, Orbrolan, Sweden, Aug. 19, 1846, and was almost reared in the mines, receiving a limited school education. When nine years old he began work at separating silver ore, and was em- ployed continuously in the mines until a youth of sixteen years, when he commenced working in a smelting furnace. Two years later he began an ap- prenticeship at the blacksmith trade, which he fol- lowed until the spring of 1868. and then returned to the smelting furnace.

Having now a great desire to see America, Mr. Aronson, in the spring of 1869, left his native land in advance of his father's family, and going to Liverpool, England, embarked on the steamer, "Helvetia," which landed him in due time in New York City. Thence he proceeded to Minnesota, and was employed on the railroad near St. Paul two months. At the expiration of this time, he came to Kansas, and began working as a stone- mason with his brother, Charles, in Blue Valley Township. He followed this quite steadily about ten years, becoming a practical and experienced mason, and put up many houses in Pottawatomie County.

In 1871 Mr. Aronson homesteaded eighty acres of his present farm, which was then a tract of wild land, without any improvements whatever. He lo- cated upon it the following year, and gradually improved it while he engaged in his trade until 1880. Since then he has given it his whole time and attention, and added to his worldly possessions as his capital increased. The land is all enclosed by good fencing, and is mostly under the plow. He has good buildings, including a substantial stone residence, a frame barn 16x40 feet in dimensions, a windmill and water tank. a good orchard and groves and all the other appurtenances of the modern coun- try estate. He is greatly interested in fine horses, mostly graded Perchcrons, and is a leading and en-

terprising member of the Olsburg Horse Company.

Mr. Aronson was married in Manhattan, Kan., Nov. 5, 1871, to Miss Christine Swanson,. who was born in the town of Vimenerby, Kalmerlan, Sweden, and came to America in 1869, locating in Pottawa- tomie County. Of this union there have been born ·three children, viz: Ida J., Hannah W., and Ililma C. Mr. Aronson upon becoming a voting citizen, identified himself with the Republican party, of which he is an active member, and is frequently sent as a delegate to county conventions. He has been Township Trustee one year, and Clerk of his school district one term. He assisted in the organization of the Swedish Lutheran Church at Olsburg, of which he has been a member fourteen years, some of the time officiating as Deacon. IIe gives to the church liberal support, and assisted in the erection of the church edifice. He is looked upon as a nse- ful citizen, who is contributing his full quota to the best interests of his adopted country.

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Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 31

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

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