Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 70

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 70
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 70
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 70

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).

Young Snyder now determined to cross the plains to California, and in company with a man famil- iarly known as Capt. Harwood, and three others, started with a hand cart on their long journey; the cart soon broke down and was abandoned. The party was soon in the same condition, but young Snyder determined upon carrying out his project. so he proceeded on his journey alone and finally fell in with a large train, with which he remained

until they reached the Sink of Humboldt. He then entered the employ of a man to drive a team of cattle to Marysville, across the desert to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Six months later he arrived at his destination, and after traveling about in that region for a time finally settled at Minnesota Flats, where he remained until October. 1855.

Having now seen enough of the wild West, Mr. Snyder returned to St. Louis by way of the Isth- mus and New York. We next find him in Leaven- worth County, Kan .; whence, in the following spring he came to Jackson County and took up a claim, in what is now Jefferson Township, and at present owned by John Lutz. Ile settled upon this and lived there until the spring of 1860, then sell- ing out went to Pike's Peak and remained there until the fall of that year. Thence he went into Jefferson County, this State, and later to Atchison, where he was variously employed. In the spring of 1861 he returned to Jefferson Township. Subse- quently he cultivated a tract of land in Leaven- worth County, raising two crops for which he obtained good prices on account of the war. In the spring of 1865, returning to Jackson County, he settled on section 8, Liberty Township, where he has since resided.

On the 16th of April, 1856, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage, in Kickapoo, Leavenworth Co., Kan., to Miss Tilitha Deyarmon. This lady was born in Wright County, Mo., Feb. 22, 1840. Her parents were Abraham and Lucy (Chauning) Deyarmon, natives of Trimble County, Ky. The mother died near Independence, Mo., in 1848. The father, about 1868, removed to Jackson County. and eighteen months later died at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. Snyder, on the 18th of January. 1870.

During their residence of over twenty-five years in Liberty Township, Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have gathered around them a large circle of warm friends. There have been born to them two children only, the elder of whom, a son, Thomas H., married Miss Emily B. Watts, and is living on a farm in Liberty Township; Charles A. married Miss Rosa Figley, and they reside in Nemaha County.

During his sojourn in California Mr. Snyder did well at mining, but says that like many another

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young man of that day, and this also, he did not have the forethought and good judgment to save his money. He learned the trade of a brick-maker during his early manhood, and followed this in St. Louis before going to the Far West. He made one kiln of brick in Kickapoo, Leavenworth County, this State. After that he practically abandoned his trade.

E DWARD KNOUSE. The career of the above-named gentleman affords an excellent example of the results of persevering indus try, frugal living and wise economy. He began life poor, and has been financially prospered, and is now spending his old age in ease and comfort, unharrassed by annoying cares or anxiety regard- ing his future support. IJe is an unassuming, con- scientious man, never seeking political or official honors, but endeavoring in a private capacity to fulfill every duty which devolves upon him and receiving a corresponding degree of respeet from all who know him.

Mr. Knonse is a native of Lehigh County, Pa., and his natal day was Oct. 11, 1811. His father, George F. Knouse, who was a farmer, was born, lived and died in Lehigh County, and was never out of the State but once, on which occasion he walked across the bridge at Easton into New Jersey, just to have it to say that he was once out of the State. When our subject was young the grain which his father raised had to be hauled to Philadelphia, a distance of fifty miles, and when, in 1828, the Le- high Canal was constructed they thought they were "right in town."

In 1848 Mr. Knouse moved to Seneca County, Ohio, and there worked at the trade of a carpenter for many years. He afterward settled on a farm, where he built all his own buildings and worked hard to elear the land, which was in the heavy for- est. He did not abandon his trade but did carpen- tering in connection with his farming. In. the spring of 1882 he came to Topeka, Kan., and the following September removed to Valley Falls, Jef- ferson County, where he made his home.

The lady who for over forty years has been the companion of Mr. Knouse in his labors, sympathiz-

ing and assisting in every hardship and enjoying with him every success. bore the maiden name of Eliza Swander, and is a daughter of John Swander, deceased. The rites of wedlock were celebrated between them Dec. 8, 1844, and their happy union has resulted in the birth of seven children. Of these Mrs. Eliza Taylor died Dec. 7,1889, at Colo- rado Springs; the remains were brought to Valley Fall for burial. Mrs. Lina Nicewinter lives in Colorado Springs, Colo .; Mrs. Mary J. Yoder in Pawnee County, Kan .; Mrs. Almeda Watson lives with her parents, and William F., John G. and Thomas .J., in and near Valley Falls.

Mr. Knonse is a life-long Republican. He voted for William Henry Harrison in 1836 and again in 1840, and in 1888 cast his ballot for Benjamin Harrison, our present President. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and have a high standing in that religious body.

The subject of this sketch is descended from a Knouse family in both the paternal and maternal lines, although his grandparents were not related, while both families eame from Switzerland. His mother was a daughter of Godfried Knonse, who, with a brother, came to the United States before the Revolutionary War, both of them enlisting in the Colonial Army. They served together until near the close of the war, when the brother was lost and it was never learned whether he was killed or taken prisoner. After the Revolution Godfried Knouse settled in Lehigh County, Pa., three miles north of Allentown, and three miles west of the same place George Knonse, the paternal grandfather of our subject, made his home. He also had come from Switzerland prior to the Revolution.

LFRED B. POMEROY, Cashier of the First National Bank at Westmoreland, was born in Washtenaw County, Mich., May 27, 1844, and lived there until twenty years of age. Ile completed his education in Michigan University at Ann Arbor,and commenced his business career at South Haven where he re- mained for several years. Thence he went to Johnstown, N. Y., where he was connected with a

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bank for nine years and from there came to Frank- fort, Marshall County, this State, in 1880.

After coming to Kansas Mr. Pomeroy engaged in farming two years and then became connected with the First National Bank at Frankfort as as- sistant Cashier, remaining there two years. At the expiration of this time he came to Westmoreland and in 1885, assisted in establishing the bank at this place. He attends strictly to business, having no political aspirations otherwise than assisting to support the principles of the Republican party.

The subject of this sketch was married Oct. 12, 1870, in Ann Arbor, Mich., to Miss Jennie Mc- Intyre. Mrs. Pomeroy was born in Ann Arbor and is the daughter of the well-known Judge Mc- Intyre. To Mr. and Mrs. Pomeroy there has been born one child, a son, Harry M .. who is now a promising youth of sixteen years. They are men- bers in good standing of the Congregational Church. Mr. Pomeroy is considered one of the leading business men of Westmoreland, possessing marked ability and strict integrity. His father, Daniel Pomeroy, was born in Northampton, Mass., and married Miss Mahala Blake, of Springfield, that State. They removed to Michigan in 1840 and located in the northern part of Washtenaw County, engaging in farming. The mother died in 1886, at the age of eighty-five years. The father is still living, long since retired from active labor.

= ON. CASSIUS N. BAKER, Treasurer of Pottawatomie County, has held this office one term and is renominated for the second terin. He is one of the early settlers of Kansas, coming to Topeka in 1867, and commenced his business career in the Sunflower State as clerk in a grocery store, holding the position two years. In 1869 he settled in Wamego, just after the rail- road had been built through the town and opened the first extensive grocery store in the place. He dealt in groceries and queensware, wholesale and retail thereafter for eighteen years and a half. At the same time he operated in grain, having the lead of this business also. He witnessed the growth of the city from a small town of 200 souls

to its present proportions and the school of nine pupils to 500. He was Mayor of the city for two years and City and Township Clerk four years, likewise Township Trustee two years. He was elected to the Treasurership on the Republican ticket.

Mr. Baker was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, Feb. 23, 1844, and lived there until a youth of sixteen years. Upon the opening of the Civil War he was the first man to respond to the call for volunteers, enlisting in the 14th Ohio Battery. Later he enlisted under the first call for 500,000 men, entering the ranks July 20, 1861, and serving in the second division, 16th Army Corps, in Tenn- essee with Sherman, Thomas and Grant. At the battle of Shiloh he was injured by a horse and after a season of severe suffering he rejoined his regi- ment and was present at the battles of Parker's Cross Roads, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta and other important battles of the war. At the close he received his honorable discharge and was mustered out Aug. 19, 1865, after a faithful service of over four years. He was then only twenty-one years old.

Upon leaving the army young Baker, desirous of furthering his education, entered the Business College in Aurora, Ill., taking a full course and being regularly graduated. Thence he went to Chicago and later came to Topeka, becoming in the latter place head clerk in a large grocery honse. He was married in September, 1868, to Miss Adelia L. Bogert of Topeka. This lady was born on the Hudson River, in New York State and educated at Clifton Park. She came West with her father, Jacob Bogert. who was a contractor for the first wing of the Capitol building at Topeka. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are the parents of two children-Fred- erick and Beatrice. Mr. Baker in addition to liis other property has a good farm, and stock in the First National Bank, of which he is a Director. He is also President of the Westmoreland & Wa- mego Telephone line. He has always maintained a uniform interest in the welfare of his adopted county and aided largely in its growth and develop- ment.

H. B. Baker the father of our subject, and form- erly of Rutland, Vt., married Miss Emily F. Hocum

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and they reared a family of three sons. They re- moved to Ohio and engaged in farming and the mother died when her son Cassius N., was a boy of nine years. The elder Baker was a second time married. He spent his last days in Topeka, dying in 1880 at the age of eighty years. Mr. Baker be- longs to the I. O. O. F., being a member of the Grand Lodge and the Encampment. As a Union soldier. he is also a member of the G. A. R. His sterling worth and integrity have given him a solid standing among his fellow-citizens.

IMOTHY C. GREEN is an old settler of Jefferson County, and a prominent farmer of Kentucky Township, of whose agricul- turists he is an excellent representative. His farm comprises eighty aeres on section 15, favorably located on the Delaware River, one mile from Perry. It bears native timber, and is watered by living springs, and is now finely improved, with substantial and adequate outbuildings, and fruitful orchards. The dwelling now occupied by the fam- ily, was erected in 1882, and is a two-story and basement edifice, 28x28 feet, and of pleasing de- sign. Mr. Green is devoting his attention princi- pally to corn and stock-raising. He raises high- grade and full-blooded Short-horn and Hereford cattle, and Poland-China hogs; and also keeps ex- cellent road horses, having seven head on hand, one of them being Mambrino Chief.

The grandfather of our subject was a native of New Jersey, and a brother of Gen. Nathaniel Green of Revolutionary fame, and these brothers were de- scended from one of Cromwell's followers, who was outlawed from England, and found a home in the new colonies. Like his brother, Nathaniel, Mr. Green was a Revolutionary soldier. His trade was that of a carpenter, and from his native State he removed to New York, locating near Albany, where he continued to reside until called from time to eternity.

Ichabod Green, son of the above, and father of our subject. was also born in New Jersey, and fol- lowed the trade of his father for some time. He engaged in farming in Ontario County, N. Y.,

whence he subsequently moved to Allegan County, Mich .. and there also operated a farm, on which he was residing at the time of his death. He had been a soldier in the War of 1812. and at Plattsburg was wounded by a shot in the leg. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife was born in Massachusetts, and bore the name of Olive Tinney. Her father was also a native of the old Bay State, was a millwright, and one of the first settlers in Ontario County, N. Y., where he built sawmills, operated a farm, and also carried on a business in saw-milling, becoming quite well-to-do. Grandmother Tinney was born in England. The mother of our subject died at her home in Michi- gan, after having borne nine children: George W., Harriet, and Adeline. are deceased; Matilda, now Mrs. Peck, lives in Ontario County, N. Y .; Corin- tha and Dewitt C., are dead; Mrs. Maria Hicks lives in Michigan; Timothy C. is the next on the family roll; Mrs. Mary Sutton resides in Ontario County, N. Y.

The natal day of our subject was June 12, 1833, and his birthplace Naplestown, Ontario Co., N. Y. He was reared upon a farm, and was the recipient of common-school advantages, and also learned the carpenter's trade during his boyhood and youth. At the age of nineteen years he began farming, and going to Allegan County, Mich., he purchased eighty acres of land, which he improved, at the same time working at his trade. In the spring of 1862, he entered the employ of the United States Government as a scout under Gen. Buell, and served as such for a year. During this time he had been present at the battles of Perryville and Stone River.

In the summer of 1863, Mr. Green enlisted in Company G, 4th Michigan Cavalry, and after being mustered into the service at Grand Rapids, was sent South and participated with his comrades in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Tunnell Hill, Resaca, and Rome, and in skirmishes all the way to .Atlanta. During the siege of the latter place, the command to which he belonged was dismounted, and took their place in the trenches with the infantry men. After the investment at Atlanta, the 4th was remounted and did service in the engagements at Lovejoy Station and Jones-

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boro, whence they went on to Decatur, at which place Mr. Green helped to carry the body of the gallant Gen. MePherson from the field. The com- mand then participated in the raid on Macon, Ga., and Mr. Green made one of a dozen mounted men who came back under the orders of Gen. Scoville to watch the movements of Hood, and who reached Nashville ahead of that rebel General.

Before the battle of Nashville, the company was sent to Louisville, and after being supplied with new horses, started for Eastport, under the com- mand of Gen. Wilson. They participated in the capture of Selma, Ala., thence went to Montgom- ery, and then to the Chattahoochee, where they took part in another engagement, They were next sent to Macon, where the Confederates surrendered, and where they remained three or four days, when the regiment was ordered to the pursuit of Jeffer- son Davis. They spent a night and a day in steady marching, when their horses gave out, and a de- tail of 125 men was sent on after the fleeing Con- federate. Mr. Green made one of this band, which marched all night and came up to the Confederate camp at four o'clock in the morning. They had a fight with the 1st Wisconsin, mistaking this body of their own forces for a party of Confederates. Mr. Green was on picket when Davis was captured, and made one of his guards during the journey of 125 miles back to Macon.

Mr. Green was mustered out of the service at Nashville, Tenn., in the fall of 1865, after an army life of over two years. during which he had many narrow escapes from capture and death. While foraging between Montgomery and Columbus, he was taken prisoner by Gen. Forrest, but escaped the same night, riding off on his own horse, his de parture being made easy by his acquaintance with the man who was left to guard him. He acted in every capacity from Corporal to Lieutenant, but was not commissioned, and never missed a day's service.

Returning to his home in Michigan, after having faithfully served his country, and performed his duties in a gallant and honorable manner, Mr. Green again took up the peaceful occupation of farming. In April, 1866, he sold his farm in that State, and on account of poor health, came to this

State, traveling by rail to Lawrence, and thence to Perry. He purchased the land which he still ocen- pies, of the Union Pacific Railroad, paying six dollars per acre for it, and at once erecting a log house upon it took his place among the pioneers of this vicinity.

An important step of his life was taken by Mr. Green on the 4th of July, 1858, when he was united in marriage with Miss Celestia Allen, the ceremony being performed in Allegan County, Mich. Mrs. Green was born in Ohio, and is pos- sessed of many womanly virtues and domestic ac- quirements. To herself and husband three children have been born: Olive, wife of Otis Talladay, re- sides in Perry ; Jennie is the wife of C. F. Dick, and lives in this township; Maud is still at home.

Mr. Green served as School Treasurer three terms. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., at Perry, and holds the rank of Past Noble Grand, and has been a representative to the Grand Lodge. He formerly belonged to the G. A. R. at Perry, In politics he is a sturdy Republican. The energy of his char- acter and uprightness of his life, combined with his intelligence and geniality, win for him friends, and he is looked upon with respect by all with whom he comes in contact.

AMES M. MAY. Among the pioneer resi- dents of Jefferson County and the prosper- ous farmers of Delaware Township, the subject of this sketch holds a high rank, and is one of those brave and loyal men, who dur- ing the late war distinguished themselves in the ser- vice of their country, warring against the savages as well as the white citizens who were rebels to the Nation. He possesses a social and generous nature, a high moral character, and is a consistent and ac- tive member of a religious body, and ever found identified with those movements which will con- duce to the advancement of the higher civilization in the State in whose welfare he takes such pride.

The parents of our subject were George W. and Rachael (Smith) May, the former a native of Pennsylvania, but reared in Preston County, Va., where his wife was born. George May was a

RISING SUN DAIRY FARM & RES. OF JAS. M.MAY, SEC. 25, 8-17 DELAWARE TP. JEFFERSON COUNTY, KANSAS.

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farmer, and in 1857 took up his residence in Kan- sas locating on the Delaware Trust Lands, his farm comprising a portion of section 30, township 8. range 18, now included in Delaware Township, Jefferson County. It was wild land and the family was surrounded by Indians and wild animals. while buffaloes were numerous thirty miles west of their home. The wolves were quite troublesome. .and sheep, pigs, chickens. and other domestic ani- mals and fowls were carried off by them.

The mother of our subject departed this life April 7, 1860, and the father subsequently married Mrs. Susan Bloomer, surviving until the fall of 1886, when he too was called from time to eternity, his age being seventy-two years. He was not a seeker after popularity but a consistent Christian, and in the pursuit of the duties which devolved upon him he became highly esteemed by his fellow- citizens. Ile was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the mother of our subject also bore high standing in that religious body.

The family of which our subject is a member comprised thirteen children, twelve of them hav- ing been born to his mother and one to his step- mother. Two children died when small, and Mrs. Martha Ilosler and Salathial died in mature years, leaving families. William J., Isaac N., our sub- ject, George D., Mrs. Rachael Piper, Mrs. Amy Gerberick. Joseph F., and Mrs. Eliza Lambert, live in Northern Kansas. The child of the elder Mr. May's second marriage is Flora E., now Mrs. Gib- bons.

James M. May was born Feb. 22, 1844, in Wood County, W. Va., and in 1857 accompanied his parents to the territory of Kansas, spending a short time amid the primitive surroundings of their frontier home. His country's needs aroused his patriotie spirit and although "only a boy" in years, he entered the service with a man's deter- mination to do all that lay in his power to uphold the union and preserve it intact. He became a member of Company I., 11th Kansas Mounted In- fantry, and for three years displayed his gallantry on hard fought fields, on lonely picket duty, and in the various situations which "try men's souls " in army life. Among the more prominent battles in which he took part were Cane IIill, Prairie

Grove, Westport, Big Blue. Lexington, ( Mo.,) and the engagement with the Indians at Platte Bridge, Neb. In the latter contest his company, which numbered 100 at the beginning of the engage- ment, was depleted to sixty-eight men. Four of his brothers were in the service and were with Mr. May at this battle, where George was wounded but escaped to the fort. The five brothers lived to re- turn to their homes. Their youngest brother, Joseph, was as enthusiastically patriotic as the others, and running away from home, joined them and tried to enlist, but was rejected, as he was only fourteen years old. He then returned to his home and assisted his lonely father to carry on the farm.

After receiving his honorable discharge from the Union army, the gentleman of whom we write spent two years as a clerk in the dry-goods store of Calvin Smith, and then helping to raise a company. went out in the 19th Kansas Cavalry, to fight the Indians and retake Mrs. Morgan and Miss White. Under the dashing and gallant Gen. Custer, they surrounded the Indian camp and made prisoners of the chiefs. The savages refused to surrender their captives and escaped with the women during the night, having word sent them by Gen. Custer that at twelve o'clock the next day the chiefs would be hanged unless the women were restored to their friends. Preparations were made for the execu- tion of the chiefs, and when the ropes were thrown over the limb of a cottonwood tree, the Indians, who were watching from a distance, sent the women to the United States troops. Gen. Custer kept the chiefs as hostages for the protection of his little band, and they were finally killed in trying to escape. The 19th was discharged after a six months' campaign and our subject resumed farm- ing in Jefferson County. adding stock-raising to that occupation. Ile owns 186 acres of improved land on section 25, Delaware Township, and his stock consists of Norman horses, Short-horn cattle and Poland. China hogs.

The marriage of Mr. May took place Feb. 7. 1871, his chosen companion being Mrs. Ellen Van Liew, widow of Ogden VanLiew, and daughter of Daniel and Louisa (Rorebaugh) Fonst, deceased. The union has been blessed by the birth of two children: Charles A., born Oct. 6, 1872, and Rusa

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H., born Sept. 24, 1874. Mrs. May had seven children by her first husband, and six of them now survive. They are: Lucretia E., born Jan. 2, 1855; John H., Sept. 15, 1856; Julia S., Oct. 28, 1858; Henry Ogden, Jan. 11, 1861; William W., Sept. 13. 1862; Lewis E., Nov. 7, 1864, and Benja- min F., June 7, 1867. Of these Henry Ogden is deceased. Lucretia married William Rogers of Mor- row County, Ohio, and has no family ; John mar- ried a lady in New Mexico and has two children, William and Ida; their home is in ElPaso, Tex .; Julia married Simon Fowble of Morrow County, Ohio, and is the mother of four sons-Bertie. Guy, Harry and James R .; William married Cora Wad- dell, lives in Kansas City and is the father of one son-Earl; Lewis married Belle Weibling and has no children; he is traveling for the firm of Barrett & Barrett, Kansas City; Benjamin F. married Belle Case and they reside in Brown County, Kan. Mrs. May was born in Baltimore County, Md., near Fredericktown, and accompanied her parents to Richland (now Morrow) County, Ohio, and in April, 1860, came to Jefferson County, Kan., with her first husband. She was once a Lutheran but for many years has been a member of the Metho- dist Church.

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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 70

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

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