Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 39

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 39
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 39
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 39

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).

the Kansas State Agricultural Society, in 1885, and was Loan Commissioner three years, and has been President of the Board since April, 1889. He is connected with the A. F. & A. M. order as a mem- ber of Holton Lodge, No. 34, and belongs to Friend- ship Lodge, No. 1769, K. of II. Both he and his es- timable wife are leading members of the Presbyte- rian Church, of which he has been Ruling Elder many years. It is said, "By their fruit ye shall know them:" Surely the unswerving integrity of an upright life proves the reality and worth of his religion.

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C HARLES K. STEVENS. Postmaster of Fos- toria, Pottawatomie Co., Kan., is proprie- tor of the Eagle Hotel, and is also a large dealer in groceries. His trade in the latter busi- ness is extensive, and in all his relations with his fellow-men, whether of a social or a business na ture, he is highly esteemed and very popular. He was born in Bradford County, Pa., Nov. 29, 1843, and was reared in his native place, receiving a good common-school education, afterward attending the excellent academy at Camptown, where he finished his studies, so far as school-life is concerned, but he has always taken a deep interest in the history of the past, and keeps well posted in current liter- ature. Upon leaving school he engaged in the honorable but oftentimes trying occupation of teaching, in which he had good success. During the summers when the schools were enjoying vaca- tion, he employed himself on the farm, and fol- lowed that plan of teaching in winter and farming in summer until he started West in 1869. He took the trip in a leisurely fashion, stopping six months at Lanark, Ill., and finally reaching Leavenworth October 3, in the fall of the same year in which he left home. Proceeding on his journey he reached Oskaloosa, Jefferson Co., Kan., and taught school that winter. lle remained in that town for about one year, leaving on Oct. 11, 1870, for Shannon Township, where he took up a homestead of eighty acres of raw land on section 14.

On April 12, 1870, Mr. Stevens was united in marriage with Miss Lovica Keeney, of Stevensville, Bradford Co., Pa .. and she accompanied him to his

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farm in the fall. Immediately upon taking posses- sion of his land, Mr. Stevens set to work and built a comfortable frame house, and then proceeded to make all the other improvements. Breaking up the tough sod, building fences, and planting trees, kept him busy, but it was labor that well repaid the time and trouble spent in it, as he soon had a fine home, with everything necessary to happiness in rural life. A large orchard of well selected trees and a fine hedge which served the double purpose of a wind-break and a shade for stock, were among the valuable improvements put upon the farm by Mr. Stevens. He remained upon the farm until 1884, when he removed to Fostoria, on September 20, and engaged in the business of keeping a hotel. Some time after starting the hotel he opened a gro- cery store, and is now doing a good and lucrative business. In July, 1889, he was appointed Post- master and took possession of the office on the 29th of the same month. He is a stalwart Republican, and has been Justice of the Peace fourteen years, and is still holding the position. He has also filled several offices in connection with the School Board, and in all respects stands high in the regard of the community. Miss Kecney, the first wife of our subject was a native of Stevensville, Pa., and died the spring following her marriage. Mr. Stevens was again married April 10, 1872, taking Miss Ellen A. Marcy for his wife. Of this union there has been born one child, Mamie J.

Aden Stevens the father of our subject, was a native of Connecticut. He was born near Dan- bury, and when three years of age was taken by his parents to Bradford, Pa., where he grew to man- hood, and where in due course of time he was mar- ried to the lady of his choicc-Miss Rebecca Ingham. Their home was on a farm, and they continued to reside on the same place until the in- exorable fiat went forth and removed them from the scene of their labors and triumphs. Ilis de- parture took place in 1881, at which time, he was seventy-two years of age, her death occurring some years before in 1856, when she was forty-three years old.

Mrs. Ellen A. (Marcy ) Stevens was born in Erie County, Pa., Oct. 13, 1851, and resided in her na- tive place till her twentieth year. The family

home was some distance from Waterford, which was their post-office. Her father, James Marcy, was born in Maryland, in 1806, and removed to Erie County when a boy. He grew to manhood in that county, and in the same place was married, to Miss Floretta Pringle. Farming was the occu- pation which he followed for a livelihood during his career. When Mrs. Stevens was sixteen years of age, Mr. Marcy moved to Mercer County, Ill., and lived there three years, then removed to Potta- watomie County, Kan., and located in Shannon Township, where he took up a homestead and made a good farm and comfortable home for his family. Ilis death occurred on the home place, Jan. 29, 1889. Mrs. Stevens' mother is still living, and in a fair state of health and spirits. She was born in New York, Feb. 29, 1816, and became the mother of fourteen children, of whom eight grew to ma- turity, and five still live. They are members of the Free Will Baptist Church. Mrs. Stevens is a lady highly spoken of by all, and is well-known among the prominent people, and especially to those interested in literature, as she is deeply versed in history and scientific studies.

C HIARLES D. LOGAN ranks among the first business men of Whiting, where he has his headquarters. By close application to the details of his work he has built up the largest trade in that liue in the county. He carries a full line of everything that is used in the construction of a building, making a specialty of lumber. His place of business occupies 150 square feet of ground, with a shed room 50x110 feet, and twelve feet high. In the well-finished office, 16x24 feet, paints, oils, nails, and builders' hardware may be found.

Robinson Township, Alleghany Co., Pa., was the native place of our subject, and the date of his birth Oct. 23, 1858. One year later he was taken by his parents to Southern Ohio, where they re- mained until the time of Morgan's raid; they then returned to the Keystone State for a three years' residence. Columbiana County, Ohio, was their next place of abode, and they are still living in East Liverpool, that county. The father is Will-

R WARD

LUIV. BER YARD

J. E. HOLM & BRO.(DEALERS IN LUMBER, COAL, GRAIN, PUMPS,WINDMILLS & SCALES,) OLSBURG, POTAWATOMIECO. KAN.

LUMBER

LUMBER YARD

RESIDENCE & LUMBER YARD OF C.D. LOGAN, WHITING JACKSON CO. KAN.

(VERMILLION RIVER & DAM.)

VERMILLION VALLEY ROLLER MILLS, (CAPACITY 75.BbIs) J. A.PORTER, PROP. LA CLEDE, POTTAWATOMIE CO. KAN.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

iam F. Logan, of Scotch-Irish descent, and a second consin of John A. Logan, the "Black Jack" of hon- ored memory. The mother was in youth Jane Anderson, and was of French extraction.

The subject of this sketch lived with his parents in East Liverpool, receiving such advantages as the common schools afforded. At the age of seventeen years he started out for himself, empty-handed, to make his way in the world. He came directly to Jackson County, and in North Cedar Township began to work for George Myers, a contractor and bnilder. After working for him about a year he engaged in business for himself. Seven years ago he entered into partnership with John Earnest, a practical contractor and builder, and still carries on that line of work. He is individually engaged in the sale of lumber and building material.

Until Feb. 25, 1889, the lumber business was controlled jointly by our subject and Newton J. Swisher, under the firm name of Swisher & Logan ; their business connection commenced in 1887 and ceased only at the death of the senior partner. The firm in addition to their large stock in Whiting has also $500 worth of stock in the creamery, which is located near their place of business, and which was started in June, 1889, with a paid-up stock of $5,800. Mr. Logan owns a half interest in the lumber firm of Logan & Friend in Ontario, his partner being Carl E. Friend. They carry 500,000 feet of lumber and a full line of supplies, and al- though recently established are doing an excellent business. Among the many large contracts taken and completed by the firm of Earnest & Logan, was the Newman & Dickie building in Holton, which was erected at a cost of 89,000. The greater part of their work consists in the erection of farm build- ings-dwellings, barns, etc .- and nearly all the first- class residences of this kind in the county have been their work.

May 23, 1881, Mr. Logan was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Gillis, and they are the parents of one daughter, Agnes Rosella. Mrs. Logan is the daughter of Robert S. and Agnes (Blair) Gillis, of Scotland, who on coming to America lo- cated in Chicago, where their daughter Lizzie was born. Mr. and Mrs. Gillis removed from the gar- den City to Kansas, and for some time lived in

North Cedar Township, their present home being in Garfield Township.

In 1886 Mr. Logan erected for his own occu- pancy a pleasant residence, favorably located and overlooking the track of the Rock Island Railroad. It is of excellent design and contains seven rooms, with hall, closets, bathroom, etc. Mr. Logan is a Re- publican, and is now filling the office of Township Clerk, which he has occupied for three terms. Mr. Logan has not only manifested a close attention to the details of business, but has shown a discrimina- tion in the selection of his goods, and the disposal of his stock and the carrying out of his contracts, which is rarely met with in one so young. His personal character is excellent, and although his educational facilities did not extend beyond the common branches, he is well-informed and intelli- gent. Mrs. Logan is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, at North Cedar, Jackson County.

On another page of this volume may be found a lithographie engraving of the home of Mr. Logan.

C IIARLES A. HOLM. Few of the young men of the present generation have achieved the success in business which has been the fortunate experience of our subject. He is now in his early prime, and notwithstanding this fact, has become closely identified with the interests of Pot- tawatomie County, and has materially assisted in its development. What the future holds for him, we cannot tell, even though we might desire to lift the veil which hides our to-days from the to-mor- rows. It must be left for a later biographer to pen the results of an energetic and enterprising life, whose successful commencement we herewith chron- icle.

Charles J. Holm, the father of our subject, was a native of Sweden, having been born at Erbogan, that country. When he had reached manhood, he was apprenticed as a mechanic, becoming experi- enced and practical in various trades. Later he engaged in agriculture, and owned a fine farm; he was also employed in the manufacture of charcoal, and was in the region of the iron mines of Sweden. During the hard times in the mines, he met with

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reverses, and so resolved to emigrate to America, and there establish a home. Hither he accordingly came in 1868, and homesteaded a claim in Blue Valley Township, Pottawatomie County, this State. This he continued to improve and operate until in 1883, when he sold it to his son, J. E., and bought 160 acres of land in the northern part of Green Township. Having been successful in agricultural pursuits, he is now in comfortable circumstances, and lives retired from life's active labors. He, however, still oversees the management of his land. In matters, political, he is a Republican, while re- ligiously, he affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Olsburg. .

While residing in Sweden, the father of our sub- ject was united in marriage with Louisa Anderson, a native of that country. She died in Pottawato- mie County, in the autumn of 1880. After her de- cease, the father was again married, his second wife being Miss Charlotte Carlson. By the first union he became the father of four children, namely : J. E., partner of our subject, and a farmer in Bhie Valley Township; Charles A .; Frank, who is farm- ing in Blue Valley Township; and William, who is attending Pond's Business College, at Topeka. Of the second union one child was born, a daugh- ter, Emma, who is at home.

Although a native of Sweden, where he was born Jan. 5, 1864, almost the first recollections of Charles A. Holm, are of the homestead in Blue Valley Township, whither he had come with his parents in the spring of 1868. He was reared on his father's farm, and was given the advantages of a common- school education until he was fourteen years of age. Then he commenced to work for himself, being occupied at various pursuits until he was sixteen years old. In 1880 he commenced to clerk in Ols- burg, and was thus employed until 1882, when he entered Pond's Business College at Topeka, Kan., graduating in 1883 with honors, and a standing of ninety-eight per cent.

Upon leaving college, Mr. Holm returned to Ols burg, and in partnership with his brother, J. E., started in the pump and windmill business. They owned a well-drill, and had a force of men con- stantly employed. They would drill a well, and have the pump and windmill set up complete within

four days. By steady attention to their business, they gained a good start, and becoming well known, succeeded in doing an extensive business. In this business Mr. Holin made a start toward financial prosperity, and he has just reason to be proud of his present standing, as it represents the results of his own unaided efforts. He commenced without any cash capital, and even paid his own way through college. In July, 1885, the two brothers purchased a couple of lumber yards in Olsburg from John Foster & Son, and Shonbeck & Anderson. This lumber yard they have enlarged since purchasing it, and have added to its value by erecting office buildings, dry-sheds, and warehouses. In 1887 they discontinued the drilling business, though they are still interested in pumps and windmills. They do an immense business, making their purchases in large lots, buying and selling lumber, coal, lime, cement, and building material. Mr. Holm is also a director of the Union Barn Company, of Olsburg.

Mr. Holm was especially fortunate in the selec- tion of a wife, as her refinement and accomplish- ments fit her to adorn any society, and to take a prominent part in social circles. She was Miss Rosa Barker, a native of Quincy, Ill., and the daugh- ter of S. C. Barker, a contractor and builder of Burton, Ill. Their wedding occurred June 9. 1889, in Westmoreland, Kan. As in business circles, so in political affairs, Mr. Holm wields considerable influence, and is always interested in what is cal- culated to upbuild his community. He, however, has no office aspirations, but has served as delegate from the Republican party to county and Congres- sional conventions.

A lithographie engraving of the lumber yard of Holm Bros., with its office buildings, warehouses, etc., is presented on another page of the ALBUM, and represents one of Olsburg's most flourishing in- dustries.

AMES A. PORTER. Indiana has sent many of her most prominent and prosperous citi- zens to settle the frontier towns of the West, and to develop a civilization similar to that of their native State. They brought with them boundless ambitions, strong hands, and clear brains,

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and with these possessions have been awarded the success which is their just due. Scarcely could we with propriety omit from among them the history of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and who is now the proprietor of the mills at Laclede, formerly known as the Prunty Mills. He is recog- nized as a business man of fertility of resources, depth of mind, and quickness of perception, and therefore bids fair at no distant day, to be ranked with the wealthy citizens of Pottawatomie County.

George K. Porter, the father of our subject, was of Irish parentage, and was born in West Virginia, in 1798. At an carly day he removed to Washing- ton County, Ind., and became one of the pioneers of that region, then considered as a part of the re- mote and uncivilized West. Still later, he again removed, this time locating in Missouri, where he died at the age of eighty-six years. Religiously he was a faithful member of the Christian Church, which he united with in the first years of its organ- ization. Ile had the pleasure of witnessing its rapid and steady growth, and was identified with its de- velopment.

Upon reaching years of maturity, George Porter took unto himself a wife and helpmate, who was in youth Nancy Scott, a native of Indiana. Our sub- ject was early orphaned by the death of this de- voted and loving mother. The native county of our subject was Washington, in the State of In- diana, and the date of his birth. May 24, 1830. Ile was educated principally in Washington County, and when a youth of seventeen years, located in Missouri, whence he afterward emigrated to Cali- fornia. On the Pacific Coast he was variously oc- cupied, until April, 1889. Ile was prospered in his undertakings, and accumulated considerable property. Finally he traded his property in Cali- fornia for some in Pottawatomie County, Kan., and accordingly returned East.

Mr. Porter has not been without the assistance of a wife and helpmate during these years, but estab- lished a home of his own in 1864, being married, December 9, of that year, to Miss Candace A. Staf- ford. Mrs. Porter was born in Parishville, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Aug. 10, 1829, and is the daughter of Erastus and Prudence (Perkins) Staf- ford, the former a native of New York State, where

he died when sixty years of age. He was a cloth manufacturer. His wife was a native of the Green Mountain State, and lived until seventy-three years of age. Both were consistent members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. The family of our sub- ject comprises, besides his wife, their son George, now twenty-one years of age. Two other children died, one in infancy, and the other, Robert, when ten years of age. Although this excellent family have been residents of Pottawatomie County only a short time, they have endeared themselves to all who know them by their kindly deeds and generous actions, which cast a lustre over the lives of all who come in contact with them. .

On another page of this volume may be found a lithographic engraving of the mill which Mr. Por- ter operates. .

B ENJAMIN HAFER. The subject of this notice is distinguished among the citizens of Franklin Township, for his zeal for the public welfare of his district, and for the strict integrity and uprightness of purpose which characterize all his efforts for the prosperity and advancement of his community. Anything that may reasonably be supposed to further the interests of the township, can confidently count on his sym- pathy and, if convinced of its practicability, the projectors of the plan can be assured of his active assistance. Such men, who are not carried away by chimeras, tempted by cupidity, nor restrained by prejudice, arc of inestimable value to a place, and when discovered, should be esteemed accord- ing to their rarity. We are happy to say that Mr. Ilafer is highly regarded and duly appreciated by his admiring friends.

Godfrey Hafer, the father of our subject, was a native of Germany, and came to America when quite young, in the care of his parents. The mother of Benjamin Ilafer, was Mary Phillip, a native of Ripley County, Pa. The first home of Godfrey and Mary Hafer after marriage, was in Ripley County, Pa. From there they removed to Fayette County, Ohio, which they in turn left to take up their resi- dence in Iowa County, Wis., where they settled in

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the year 1842. In the summer of 1856 they re- moved to Jackson County, Kan., and settled in Franklin Township. They made their home in that county during the rest of their lives. The death of the mother occurred on the 1st of May, 1872, and that of the father on June 24, 1882. They were the parents of nine children, of whom five were sons.

Benjamin Hafer is the eldest child of his father's family, and was born in Ripley County, Pa., Aug. 2, 1844. He accompanied his parents to Jackson County, Kan., in 1856, and continued to reside under his father's roof until he enlisted in the Union army in July, 1862. When the Civil War had raged with much violence for over a year, and the end was apparently no nearer than when it be- gan, both sides girded themselves with fresh zeal and prepared to continue the struggle to the bitter end. The Government at Washington issued a call for more troops, and in response to that call our subject enrolled himself in Company B, 11th Kansas Infantry, and served until September, 1865. During his term of enlistment he took part in the - battles of Boonesborough, Prairie Grove, and Van Buren, Ark., and Lexington, Mo. He also assisted in Price's raid. He patiently endured the ills in. cident to a long campaign, and in action strove manfully for the "right as he was given to see the right," but when victory perched upon the starry banner he had so bravely defended, he was pro- foundly grateful, and welcomed the blessing of peace, as those only can who know by experience what are the horrors of war. He and his comrades were mustered out at Ft. Leavenworth, and he im- mediately returned to his father's home in Franklin Township.

On Dec. 18, 1866, Mr. Hafer left his father's house and took to himself a wife in the person of Miss Mary L. Mitchell, a daughter of Moses and Barcena (Price) Mitchell, natives of Tennessee and North Carolina. Mr. Mitchell at first set- tled in Jackson County, Mo., then removed to Clinton County, Mo., where he was married, and finally located in Cedar Township, Jackson Co., Kan., about the year 1860. The mother died in Missouri, and the father contracted a second mar- riage before leaving Missouri, with Mary F. Coffee,

a native of Kentucky. The father then went to Jefferson County, where he now resides. Mrs. Ha- fer was born in Clinton Connty, Mo., March 19, 1846, and is an amiable lady, accomplished in all true housewifely duties and dignity. Mr. and Mrs. Hafer are the parents of three children whose names are: Moses M., Oscar G., and Mary F. Moses is married to Miss Laura B. Clark, and resides in Franklin Township.

When Mrs. and Mrs. Hafer united their fortunes and started out to make a home for themselves, they chose section 23, Franklin Township, and, liking it so well, have remained there to the present time. The farm embraces 280 acres of land upon which Mr. Hafer has made good improvements and has erected a comfortable set of buildings. He confines his attention strictly to his business of farming and stock-raising, and has met with success in his operations. Mr. Hafer's good qualities are appreciated by his Democratic friends, and they have secured his election to the office of Township Treasurer. Ile is a member of the Farmers' Alli- ance, and he and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Church.

ON. JOHN L. WILLIAMS, M. D., was a pioneer physician and farmer of Jackson County, coming here shortly after the close of the war, in which he had ably served as an officer in two Ohio regiments. He was at one time engaged in the manufacture of flour here, but in 1884 went to Alabama and engaged in fruit cul- ture. Returning from his sojourn in the South in 1887, he established himself in the insurance, loan and pension business and is accounted one of the substantial financiers of Holton. He claims Wayne Township. Belmont Co., Ohio, as the place of his birth. which occurred Nov. 13, 1819.

Thomas Williams, the father of our subject, was born in Virginia in 1793, a son of Joseph Williams, a native of the same State. He removed from there to Ohio about 1808, and was a pioneer of Belmont County, where he secured a tract of Gov- ernment land which he improved into a good farm. He resided there some years and then went to Mor-

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gan County where his long life was brought to a close when he had attained the age of ninety years. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Lawson. She was a native of Kentucky and died in Belmont County, Obio.

The father of our subject was about fifteen years old when his parents crossed the wild country in- tervening between his native place and their new pioneer home in the primeval forests of Ohio. Soon after his marriage he bought a partly improved farm in Wayne Township, and in the double log- house which stood on the place at the time of pur- chase the Doctor was born. In 1829 Mr. Williams removed with his family to Morgan County, and buying 120 acres of timber land he proceeded to erect a shelter for his wife and children, building a log-cabin, with a dirt and stick chimney, and split- ting puncheon for floor. The mother used to cook the savory meals that she prepared for her family by the open fire in the rude fireplace. She was also an accomplished weaver and spinner, and under her deft fingers flax and wool were made into cloth wherewith to clothe husband and children. The country roundabout was sparsely inhabited. There were no railways there and McConnelsville, on the Muskingum River, was the nearest market. With the assistance of his children the father of our sub- ject cleared a fine farm, put it under excellent cul- tivation, erected comfortable buildings, and other- wise greatly improved it before his death, which occurred on his homestead in September, 1862. He was ably assisted in his labors by a capable, de- voted wife, whose maiden name was Mary Steward. She was born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of one Jacob Steward, a native of Ireland, who came to America when he was a young man. Ile married in Pennsylvania a lady, native of that State, of Ger- man parentage. About 1817 they removed to Ohio and cast in their lot with the early pioneers of Belmont County, where they bought wild land and improved a farm on which they spent their last years. The venerable mother of our subject died in his home, in 1880, at the advanced age of eighty- four years. Of her nine children two are now living.

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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 39

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

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