Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 55

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 55
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 55
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 55

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).

Railroad Company. He was placed in charge of quite a large force of men who were engaged in grading the road which was then in course of con- struction.

Mr. Nelson continued in the employ of the Railroad Company until about the middle of October, 1854, when he went to Monmouth, Ill., and obtained work from Gen. A. C. Harding on his farm. Finding the work profitable, he re- mained there some seven years, leaving in the spring of 1861 for Burlington, Iowa. Upon his arrival in that State he purchased 500 acres of woodland and employed a force of men varying from fifty to 120 to cut wood which he sold to steamboats, railroads, and the city of Burlington. This venture proving successful, in a pecuniary point of view, he remained in the business till the spring of 1864, when he abandoned it to go to Montana Territory.

April 5, 1864, Mr. Nelson left Burlington with twelve yoke of oxen and four wagons loaded with provisions, and arrived at Bozeman City, Mon- tana, on the 21st of August following. From that place he proceeded to Virginia City where he sold out his load of provisions and afterward his oxen and wagons. An incident that happened on the journey outward from lowa serves to illustrate the danger of travel in those days, even if the party was a large one-while Mr. Nelson and his com- panions were on the Powder River the train was at- tacked by about 600 Indians on July 7. The men composing the party of whites numbered 369, but when the attack was made only some seventy-five could be found ready to fight the red enemies. They, however, made a brave resistance and the Indians were finally driven off with a loss of about thirteen killed, the whites losing seven of their vali- ant band.

After disposing of his outfit, as recorded above. Mr. Nelson procured another one consisting of four mules, two wagons, and a riding horse. Ile also took a party of eleven men and, with them for companions, started Eastward intending to stop at Omaha, Neb. They reached that city Nov. 9, 1864, after a journey which was made withont unpleasant incident. Being anxious to cast his vote for Abraham Lincoln, Mr. Nelson left his outfit and

438

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

party at Ottumwa and procceded to Burlington by rail.

Our subject spent the winter of 1864-'65 in Burlington, being employed in getting ready to cross the plains a second time as soon as the spring was sufficiently far advanced to permit of travel. Ile started on his second journey outward with sixteen yoke of oxen, five wagons and sixteen men. They first directed their course to Omaha from which place they proceeded on the oftimes perilous route across the "Great American Desert" as the plains were then called. A number of other companies left about the same date, May 10, 1865, having the same object in view. On reaching Ft. Kearney, a man, whom it was subsequently ascer- tained did not bear a spotless reputation, appeared and demanded a couple of steers belonging to Mr. Nelson, which he had purchased in White Cloud, Iowa. Conscious of his integrity, Mr. Nelson re- fused to accede to the fellow's demand, and there- upon there arose an exciting struggle between the two parties in which that of our subject came off victorious. The friends of Mr. Nelson werc obliged to contend against great odds, and he himself nearly lost his life, but they had the satis- faction of having won and were well contented with the result. The train with which our subject was connected consisted of thirty-two wagons and 102 men. On arriving at Julesburg Mr. Nelson was chosen captain of the company to remain such while passing through the Indian country. At Bitter Creek, there being no longer any danger of being molested by the Indians, the company broke up into squads and each party proceeded on its way independent of the others. July 26, the com- pany in which Mr. Nelson traveled, reached Vir- ginia City, and he sold out his merchandise to good advantage. In about one month he was ready to return and designed taking the route homeward through Salt Lake City. " Not being familiar with all the habits and dangers of the people among whom he was then living, he inadvertently told the notorious desperado, " Mountain Jack" that he had a large sum of money which he purposed carry- ing to the East with him. With a light heart Mr. Nelson left Virginia City and feeling fully equal to the task, took under his charge a young Mormon

who also had a large quantity of gold which he wished to carry to Salt Lake City. They had not gone far when the true character of the man to whom Mr. Nelson had confided his intentions be- came known to him, and the further fact was also revealed to him that " Mountain Jack " was lying in wait to murder the two travelers who were with- out means to cope with such a desperate band of cut-throats. A man named Blodgett had been killed only a few days before by the cunning gang who had employed the same tactics in his case as they were at that time expecting to put in practice with Mr. Nelson and his companion. However, they were doomed to disappointment in this case as Mr. Nelson, bidding the young Mormon be of good courage, devoutly besought the aid of the all- powerful Ruler of the skies and made preparations to elude his crafty foe. By the assistance of Prov- idence, as Mr. Nelson fully believes, they were suc- cessful in their race for life and reached Salt Lake in safety, leaving their baffled pursuers to gnash their teeth in fruitless rage. The amount which Mr. Nelson and his companion carried with them was about $14,000. It was a thrilling experience and one that our subject has no desire to repeat.

After a stay of about ten days in Salt Lake City, Mr. Nelson thinking to make the trip profitable, fitted out an expedition to go to Helena, Mont. He loaded six wagons with flour and took them to that city. He stored the flour until the spring of 1866 when he sold it for 828 per sack. Following the disposal of the flour, Mr. Nelson set out to fulfill a contract which he had taken to haul a quartz mill from Bitter Creek and Granger in Utah to Mount Sterling, Mont. The manner in which he secured the contract formed quite an interesting episode and one worth relating. There was another individual seeking the job and Mr. Nelson had to be pretty lively in order to get in ahead. He started on horseback on the long ride which it was neces- sary to take, and by-and-by came to Jefferson River minns a bridge or other means of crossing except the perilous one of fording. To make the matter worse the river was full of floating ice, with ice on each bank and the horse which he was riding showed a decided disinclination to take the plunge, but the courage of the rider rose with the occasion

439

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

and he forced the animal into the stream. For a brief period it was an even chance that they would both drown, but by herculean efforts they both finally landed on the opposite shore. Half dead with fatigue and almost frozen, horse and rider at length reached the hospitable shelter of the cabin belonging to the man whom he was desirous of see- ing, Mr. E. S. Pratt. Dry clothes and refreshments being obtained he at once proceeded to business and had the satisfaction of sleeping that night with his contract, that he had run such risks to ob- tain, fully made out and signed in due form.

Upon the following morning our subject, having accomplished his object, left the shelter of his host and sought that of his own. In March, as above stated, hc started to fulfill the contract and,although meeting with many mishaps and adventures that would have daunted a man less imbued with the indomitable spirit of Mr. Nelson, succeeded in carrying it out to the entire satisfaction of his em- ployer. The machinery of the mill was very heavy and had to be carried on wagons all the way which was difficult in the extreme, but when the rivers were to be crossed then came the "tug of war." While they were crossing Green River, the six wagons upon which were loaded the machinery, were too heavy for the ferry boat and the whole outfit went sailing down stream for five miles, necessitating some hard work upon the part of Mr. Nelson and his men to recover it and bring it safely to land upon the other shore. The next large river, Ham's Fork, was one and one-half mile wide and once more the wagons were obliged to proceed with the machinery under water to the opposite side. Notwithstanding these trials Mr. Nelson de- livered the mill on time and received his money, $5,500.

Mr. Nelson passed the summer of 1866 in Montana and in the fall of that year went to Salt Lake City, where he bought 150 cows, and driving them to He- lena, realized a profit of 100 per cent. The return trip was made in the spring of 1867,and in the fall of that year he again journeyed to Salt Lake and bought a lot more which he also disposed of to good advan- tage. In 1868 he left Ft. Benton for Iowa. From there he took a boat for Sioux City, subsequently going to Minnesota where he visited his brother,

remaining some two months, then started for Kan- sas. He stopped at Monmouth and Atchison and while in that vicinity in the fall of 1868, purchased 300 head of cattle which he divided into lots of 150 cach. One lot he left to be fed in Straight Creek during that winter and drove the other lot to Wayne County, Iowa, where they were fed dur- ing the winter of 1868-'69. In the spring he sold the entire lot to Maj. Pierce of Springfield, Iowa, for $13,500.

After disposing of his cattle, Mr. Nelson went to Atchison and bought one-half of section 1, Straight Creek Township. He settled on the place in the spring of 1869 and built a house which was soon afterwards burned. Our subject did not allow that to daunt him but proceeded to build another. He has good buildings for all necessary purposes on his place, which is now rented to a family who carry on the farm operations for him as he is living a retired life, enjoying the repose to which his past labors have so richly entitled him. He owns 610 acres of land on section 1, and his improvements are all first- class.

As soon as Mr. Nelson located in Jackson County, Kan., he turned his attention to the business of buying and shipping stock to other places to be dis- posed of in a manner best calculated to secure the largest returns. In 1874 he went to Bentonsport and purchased one-half interest in a mill and re- moved to the place which he made his home until 1876, when he sold the mill and returned to the farm. He then bought 400 head of sheep and went into the sheep-raising business, which he fol- lowed for two years, then began shipping hogs and cattle in connection with his farm work.

On March 6. 1869, Mr. Nelson and Miss Myra Loper were married in St. Joseph, Mo. Mrs. Nel- son is a native of Des Moines County, Iowa, and a daughter of Frank Loper, a pioneer of that county. She is an intelligent lady and a worthy companion of her noble husband. Mr. Nelson is a profound admirer of American institutions and takes a deep and active interest in political affairs. He is a stanch Republican and contributes liberally towards the success of its principles. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Farmers' Alliance. Since becoming a citizen of America Mr. Nelson

440

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

has not forgotten the home of his youth but has twice visited it, once in 1857, and again in 1887. Did space permit, much more might be said of the career of Mr. Nelson, but a simple recital of the foregoing facts must serve to impress every reader with the fact that he is a man of decided force of character, and with a record of which any one might well be proud.

RANK SMITH occupies a fine homestead in Vienna Township, Pottawatomie County, and is engaged in stock-raising and general farming. The farm comprises 580 acres well- watered by James Creek, and excellently adapted for stock purposes. It lies on sections 28, 29 and 33, and has been his home since 1874, when it was purchased from the county, which had intended it for use for the county poor. Our subject and his father, who has an interest with him in the place, have brought it to its present state of improve- ment and general excellence.

The subject of this notice was born in Johnson County, Iowa, about twelve miles northwest of Iowa City, June 10, 1844, and was the only child of his parents. He obtained an excellent practical education, remaining at home until of age, and then spending a few years in Douglas County, Kan., whence he came to this county and township to take possession of his present farm. The careful training which he received from his worthy parents has resulted in a manly and practical character, which leads to his success in business and to a high standing among the citizens, by whom his good qualities are fully recognized.

At the home of the bride in Douglas County, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Mary J., daughter of Anthony and Sarah (Thompson, nee Hibbs) Sells. The bride was born in Jolinson County, Iowa, Aug. 15, 1850, and received an ex- cellent education, engaging in the profession of teaching, bnt continuing to make her home with her parents, whom she accompanied to Kansas in the fall of 1869. Her father died in Douglas County, and the widowed mother, now full of years, is residing with her children. Mr. Sells spent his life in the pursuits of agriculture. The

union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been blessed by the birth of two children-O. D. and Cora, who under the loving tuition of their cultured mother, are acquiring the refinement of manners and moral principles which will do credit to the name in future years.

The father of our subject is D. B Smith, who is of German ancestry, and was born in Northumber- land County, Pa., in 1818, and was reared as a farmer. After coming to manhood he was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Hess, of the same county and of Dutch ancestry. She was born about the year 1810, and after her marriage accompanied her husband at once to the West. Mr. Smith pur- chased a claim in Johnson County, Iowa, where he was one of the first settlers, and after settling his little household in their new abode, he obtained work in the mines at Dubuque, and gradually saved enough money to pay for his home. He did quite well financially, and was able to improve his farm, and finally to devote his whole attention to it, making it his home until the fall of 1873. He and his wife then came to this State, and sojourned in Douglas County with their son, our subject, until the following spring, when they came to their present home. They are still living, their home being on the farm a short distance from that of their son. They are now quite old, and retired from active pursuits, enjoying the comforts of life, and the rest which should justly follow their years of hard work and usefulness. The father is a Democrat, and a stanch supporter of the principles of that party, which his son, our subject, also supports.

A lithographie view of the residence of Mr. Smith is shown on another page.

ENRY KROUSE. A valuable and finely improved farm in Vienna Township, Potta . watomie County, is the home of this gen- tleman, who is one of the most successful farmers in the county. His home estate comprises 240 acres on section 18, and contains a fine set of farm buildings, is well-stocked, and carefully and

Residence of Frank Smith, Sec. 33, Vienna In. Pottawatomie Co Kan.

RES. AND STOCK FARM OF HENRY KROUSE, SEC.18 VIENNA TP, POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY KAN.

443

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

intelligently managed. He also owns a valuable tract of 400 acres in Sherman Township. The most of this fine property has been accumulated since the owner came to Kansas in 1875, and is a proof of his industry, prudence, and able management.

Mr. Krouse is really one of the oldest settlers of this State, though his residence has not been con- tinuous within its borders. He first came to the Territory in 1852, while still considerably under legal age, and since that time has had an experience which falls to the lot of few of his years. He was born in Batsto, Burlington Co., N. J., Sept. 12, 1843, of educated and highly respected German parents. He was one of the younger members of the family, and with a brother, William, camne West. Some time after reaching this State, he became a member of the State militia, and afterward saw much active service during the years when Kansas was the scene of border troubles, Indian outbreaks, or raids. In the spring of 1865, he crossed the plains, and remained on the Slope about six years, accumulating some money with which he returned to Kansas in 1871. He lived in Sedgwick and Neo- sho Counties for a few years, coming here from the latter county at the time before mentioned. His earlier years in this Territory were spent among in- dian nations with his father, who after the death of his first wife, had married an Indian maiden be- longing to the Creek Nation.

Henry Krouse, the father of our subject, was born in Hanover, Germany, and was the son of well . to-do and honorable parents. Ife was well-reared, and well-educated, especially in music, of which he became a teacher when nineteen years old. Ile married Miss Charlotta Collinsburg, of the same Duchy, and also of a highly respected family. Af- ter the birth of two children. Henry Krouse came with his family to America, leaving his native land much against the wish of his friends. Ile located in Philadelphia, and there learned the trade of glass making, in which he became a proficient work- man, and which he followed for many years. Later he adopted a seafaring life, and made many trips to ports of the Atlantie and Pacific Coasts, having some remarkable experiences, and suffering many hardships. While sailing around Cape Ilorn, on one of his voyages, the vessel was lost for six weeks

in the fogs, during which time the crew saw neither sun, moon nor stars.

Early in the '40's, Henry Krouse rounded Cape Horn, and reached the California coast some time before the discovery of gold on the Slope. He af- terward lived there for some years engaged in mining, and during this time his wife died in New Jersey, at the age of about fifty years. In 1852, Mr. Krouse left the mines of California, and came to Kansas, where he was joined by his sons, Will- iam and Henry C. After marrying the Creek maiden, he lived in the Nation for seven years, when they were separated. During the Civil War, though beyond a legal age for army life, he en- listed in a Kansas Infantry Regiment, and being strong and rugged, was accepted and served for a short time in defense of the Union. He then siek- ened and died, his death oceurring near Ft. Scott, in 1862.

Henry C. Krouse, of whom we write, was married in Neosho County, to Mrs. Sarah E. Winstead, nee Garroutte, who was born in Greene County, Mo., July 8, 1848. She lost her parents when she was eight years old, and was but fifteen years old when she came to Neosho County. where she married her first busband, James Winstead. He died leaving one child, Harvey Winstead, who married Miss Maggie Teeter, and lives on a farm in Sherman Township. Mrs. Krouse has borne her present hus- band five children: James M and Arthur are de- ceased; Walter M., Charles L., and Ada M., are still under the parental roof. Mr. Krouse is a sound Democrat, giving all bis influence to that party.

In connection with this sketch, the reader will find a lithographie engraving of the residence of our subject, with its pleasant rural surroundings.

ENRY F. MEYER. Prominent among the keen, stirring, enterprising citizens of IFol- ton who are endeavoring to extend its in- terests in various directions. our subject is well known in Jackson County, where he has made his home for several years, and is regarded as one of its most substantial, well-to-do men. He is actively engaged in business at Holton, under the

444

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

firm name of Fisher & Meyer. Of foreign birth, our subject proved his loyalty to his adopted coun- try, under whose institutions he was bred from early childhood, by taking up arms in its defence and devoting the opening years of his manhood to fighting its battles.

Germany is his native land, and there he was born Feb. 19, 1842. When he was four years old he left the Fatherland with his parents, and crossing the ocean, the remaining years of his boyhood were passed with them in their home in Sheboygan County, Wis. He was given the advantages of an education in the public schools, and was early trained to habits of industry, and in all things that go to make an honorable man and a useful citizen. He was living in the Badger State when the war broke out, and in the year that he attained to his ma- jority, 1863, he offered his services to the Govern- ment and became a soldier in the 17th Wisconsin Regiment, and remained in the ranks till the war closed, discharging his duties wherever placed with the fidelity and efficiency that won him the implicit trust of his commanding officers. In the spring of 1869 Mr. Meyer came to Kansas, at- tracted hither by the many facilities offered for a practical, energetic man to make money. He lo- cated first in Marshall County, whence he came about three years later to Jackson County, of which he has since been a resident. In the spring of 1884 he came to Holton for the purpose of establishing himself in business here, and, as a public- spirited, progressive citizen has closely identified himself with the best interests of the city, and is contribu- ting his quota to its upbuilding. Though not one of the earliest settlers of Jackson County he came here when it was in its infancy, and as one of its pioneers, has not only witnessed the most of its growth, but has done what lay in his power to promote its prosperity. He is a man of excellent habits and sterling principles, is prompt, methodi- cal and reliable in his business dealings, and is held in high respect by the entire community.

Mr. Meyer and Miss Lissette Jager were united in marriage in Sheboygan County, Wis., and to them have been born five children, as follows : Wil- liam II., Ida L., Rosa L., Ola A. and Henry P. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer, as genial, courteous, kindly peo-

ple, enaet with genuine hospitality the part of host and hostess, and render their home pleasant and comfortable to their many friends whom they wel- come within its walls from time to time.

ON. CASE BRODERICK, one of the prom- inent men of Holton, was born in Marion, Grant Co., Ind., Sept. 23, 1839, and is the son of Samuel Broderick, a native of Ohio. The paternal grandfather, Patrick Broderick, was born in Ireland and was of Scotch ancestry. The latter came to America and settled on a farm in New York State. Later he removed to Ohio, set- tling near Chillicothe, among its earliest pioneers, and there he spent his last days.

Samuel Broderick was a farmer by occupation and left his native State of Ohio when a young man, going to Grant County, Ind. He purchased a tract of timber land east of Marion and put up a log house in which the subject of this sketch was born. He sold out in 1845 and removed to New- ton County in the same State, where he purchased a tract of unimproved land, part prairie and part timber. He put up buildings and cultivated the soil prior to days of railroads and carried his pro- duce to Chicago, seventy-five miles distant, that being the nearest market for some years. He de- parted this life in 1870.

The mother of our subject was in her girlhood Mary Snyder, a native of Ohio, who died on the home farm in Newton County, Ind., about 1854. Both she and her husband were members of the Baptist Church. The six children of the parental family all lived to mature years. Case was six years old when his parents removed to Newton County, where he attended the pioneer schools and developed into a country pedagogue, teaching in the log school house near his home. He also as- sisted in carrying on the farm, where he remained until his mother's death. Then leaving home he was engaged as a farm laborer and resided in In- diana until 1858.

In the above-mentioned year young Broderick came to Kansas while it was a Territory, locating in Jackson County, and purchased a tract of land

445

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

in Douglas Township. He labored upon this until the outbreak of the Civil War, and then in May, 1862, enlisted in the 2d Kansas Battery, serving until the close of the war. He operated with his comrades in Arkansas and Missouri, also on the more Western frontier until Angust, 1865, when he received his honorable discharge. While in the army he read law considerably and followed this after resuming farming to such good purpose that in 1870 he was admitted to the bar. In the mean- time, in 1868, he had removed to Holton, of which he has since been a resident. Ile held various of- ficial positions, among them being that of County Attorney in 1876 and later was chosen to represent Jackson and Pottawatomie Counties in the Kansas Legislature. In 1880 he was made Associate Judge of the Superior Court of Idaho, serving four and one-half years, after which he returned to Holton, where he has since remained.

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.

Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 55

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

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