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 79
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 79
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 79
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The early education of Mr. Gish was conducted in the schools of Missouri, although he attended one term after coming to Kansas. Upon reaching man's estate he was married in Jackson County, Oct. 1, 1863, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Alphens and Alvira (Elton) Bainbridge. Mrs. Gish was born in Grant County, Wis., Jan. 8, 1847, and when a mere child was taken by her parents to Clay Connty, Mo. Her mother died there in 1851. Six years later the father came to Kansas with his three children and located on a farm in Jackson County where he still lives. He married for his second wife Mrs. Rosanna ( Acre) Bainbridge and of this union there were born seven children. Da- rius Bainbridge came to Kansas with his son Al- pheus in 1856, and died in 1860. He officiated for many years as a minister of the Baptist Church, to which the father of Mrs. Gish also belongs and in which he officiated as a Deacon.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Gish located on his father's farm, living in a log cabin about two years. He operated as a renter until 1879, then purchased the sixty-three acres where he now lives. Upon this there was a small house and other improve-
ments. He now oceupies a more modern dwelling and has constructed other buildings, making of the premises a very desirable home. Mr. Gish learned carpentering in Missouri, which he has prosecuted considerably since with farming. Politically, he supports the principles of the Democratic party. He is liberal and progressive in his ideas and offici- ates as President of the local Farmers' Alliance. He was appointed State Organizer of that body in 1888. He was one of the first Constables in Rock Creek Township. The six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gish are named respectively, Etta, now the wife of Ambrose Collins; William A., Lewis F., Samuel A., Henry A. and John P .; they are all living.
AMES H. PRICE, a respected pioncer of '65, after having done good service as a soldier in the Union army, came to Kansas and homesteaded forty acres of land in Green Township, Pottawatomie County. He began his labors in a modest manner, dependent upon his own resources, and is now the owner of 311 aeres, occupying a part of sections 30, 31 and 36, mak- ing his home on section 30. He is quite exten- sively interested in stock-raising, making a specialty of thoroughbred cattle and swine. He keeps a number of good horses, and in all his farm opera- tions has pursued that thorough and systematic method which seldom fails of success. Politically he is a stanch Republican, but is no office-seeker, preferring to give his undivided attention to his farming interests.
The subject of this sketch was born in Barn- stable County, Mass., Dec. 22, 1841. His father, George P. Price, is likewise a native of that State and born in 1819, He spent his last years in Massachusetts and died May 27, 1849, at the early age of thirty years. He was a glass-blower by occu- pation and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The paternal grandfather, John Price, a native of England, emigrated to America at an early date and settled in Massachusetts, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Mrs. Lucy (Eaton) Price, the mother of our subject, was born in England and crossed the At-
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lantic with her parents when quite young. Her life thereafter was spent in the Bay State, where she died at an advanced age. Of her union with George P. Price, there was born a family of four children, namely, James; Mary E., who died in in- fancy; Mary E., second, and Lucy. James H., the eldest born, was reared and educated in Boston, completing his studies in East Greenwich College. Afterward he was employed as clerk in a store until about 1855. Then leaving New England he emigrated to Illinois, but a short time later pushed on further Westward to Detroit, Mich. In 1855 he enlisted in the regular army, serving until 1860. In September, 1862, he re-enlisted as a Union soldier at Atchison, Kan., in Company K., 9th Kansas Cavalry, officiating as Quartermaster and participating in the battle at Prairie Grove. He there received injuries which greatly affected his hearing, but he remained in the service until the close of the war, being mustered out at Leav- enworth, May 19, 1865. That same year he located in Pottawatomie County, of which he has since been a resident.
Amongst the campaigns in which Mr. Price served while a soldier of the United States, was the one against the Mormons, commanded by that brave officer, Gen. Albert Sidney Johnson, the Confeder- ate general who fell at Shiloh.
On Dec. 10, 1863, while home on a secret ser- vice, by order of Gen. Curtis, Mr. Price was mar- ried at the bride's home in Pottawatomie County to Miss Mary J. Adkins. This lady was born in Parke County, Ind .. March 10, 1842, and is the daughter of Ephraim and Martha ( Harper) Ad- kins, who were natives of Kentucky. Mr. Adkins was a farmer by occupation. He left the Blue Grass regions when a lad and emigrated to Indiana. His death took place in Illinois, while on a visit to friends, when he was about fifty-five years old. He had come to Kansas in 1854 and pre-empted land in Pottawatomie County. After his decease Mrs. Adkins occupied the home place until about 1885, when she took up her abode with her dangh- ter, Mary J., in Pottawatomie County, where she now lives. She has attained to the age of three- score and ten years, and is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
To Mr. and Mrs. Price there have been born six children, viz .: LucyA. E., George W., Martha I., John H. D., Annetta J. and Mary E., all of whom are living at home with their parents.
Among the representative citizens presented in the portrait department of this volume is Mr. Price. He is well-known and highly esteemed, and his portrait will be gladly received by his many friends throughout the county. As a fitting com- panion picture the publishers present the portrait of his estimable wife.
AVID M. SMITH, Notary Public and General Insurance Agent at Oskaloosa, is one of the honored and useful residents of Jefferson County, in which he has made his home since the fall of 1861. He is a\ son of Thomas and Mary ( McCready ) Smith, and is of Scotch descent. His paternal great-grandfather came from Scotland to this county with his family in the latter part of the last century, and his maternal grandfather also came from the land of the heather and the gowan. Our subject is also descended from a race of farmers, and until a few years ago followed farming himself. His father was born in 1809 and died in Ashland, Ohio, in December, 1883; his wife, was born in 1811, and still resides in Ashland, Ohio, aged seventy-nine years. Both were natives of Washington County, Pa., and their family con- sisted of seven children, our subject being the first- born.
James B., his eldest brother, married Miss Emma Patterson and has seven daughters, their home being on the old homestead near Ashland, Ohio. He served in the 42d Ohio Infantry three years, and was taken prisoner at Black River and ex- changed, and received a serious injury in the shoulder while scaling the works at Vicksburg. Elizabeth is the wife of William Buchanan and the mother of three daughters and one son; her hus- band served during the late war in an Ohio regi- ment and now carries on a farm near Savannah, Ashland County, Ohio. Amanda is the wife of Joseph Day, a farmer, and their home is near Mansfield, Ohio, and their family comprises two
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children. Robert M. lives on part of the old homestead near Ashland; he has been twice married and has three children. Mary lives at Marysville, Ohio; she is the wife of William M. Campbell and they have two daughters. Samuel, with his wife . and family, reside on a part of the old homestead.
The gentleman whose name initiates this notice was born Nov. 7, 1834, near Ashland, Ohio, and was reared on the farm, receiving a good common school education and supplementing it by an at- tendance of a year and a half in the Union Semi- nary at the neighboring town, while his brothers and sisters attended Vermillion Institute at Haysville. On Nov. 20, 1855, he was united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Stone, a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Catherine Stone who were born in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Stone departed this life in 1873, and the father is now living in Ashland, Ohio. His birth took place in 1804.
After his marriage Mr. Smith settled on a part of the old homestead and remained there until 1860, during which year he made a trip to Kansas and bought 160 acres of land northwest of Oska- loosa, which is now the County Poor Farm. In the fall of 1861, he brought his family West and took possession of the estate, upon which they re- mained until 1865, when he leased it and moved into town. Being incapacitated for farm work by reason of an injury received while threshing, he turned his attention to book-keeping and entered the employ of S. S. Cooper and L. D. Price, who were then keeping a general store in this place. Becoming their book-keeper and assistant, he re- inained with them a year and a half and then built an edifice on the south side of the square, on the . site now occupied by A. G. Patrick's grocery store.
Receiving the appointment of Postmaster from President Johnson in 1867, be conducted that office for eleven and a half years, and also carried on a book and stationery store, continuing the latter business until the spring of 1885. and selling musical instruments also. At the date mentioned, he sold ont and has since that time been engaged in the business noted above.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the happy parents of four children. The three daughters have been educated
in the State University at Lawrence and are cul- tured and honorable members of society. Mary E. is the wife of J. H. Johnson, now a resident of Kansas City (see sketch of F. M. Johnson), and formerly Deputy Treasurer and Treasurer of this County for four years each; their family consists of four children. Martha J. is the wife of J. M. Dick, a prosperous farmer living near Winchester, and they have three children. James R. married Miss Lizzie Hughan and is the father of one son; he is in the employ of the Bethesda Springs Mineral Water Company, at Waukesha, Wis. Lulu K. is still single and at home, and is engaged in teaching music.
Mr. Smith has been a delegate to the county con- ventions of the Republican party which he earnestly supports. He is a Mason and affiliates with the Os- kaloosa Lodge, No. 14, and Chapter 9, being Secre- tary in the latter. In 1866 and '67, he served as Township Trustee and in 1868 and '69, as County Commissioner. He belonged to the latter board when the court-house plans were accepted and during the early part of the work of construction, but resigned on account of his removal to this city, which took him from the district. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church and holds the office of Elder, having been the first incumbent of that po- sition when the society was organized here. Ilis pure and useful life, his industry and perseverance, and his intelligent interest in all matters that per- tain to the public good, alike entitle him to the respect of his fellow-citizens who are not slow to accord it, while his estimable wife holds her own measure of friendship and esteem.
HARLES H. GILLMAN. Jefferson County would be but poorly represented in this volume, did not its pages contain a bio- graphical sketch of Dr. Gillman, a prominent resi- dent and professional man of Valley Falls, where he is engaged in the practice of dentistry. He thronghly understands his profession, and is one of the best and most rapid workers in the State, his business being an immense one, and including work that no other dentist in the county has or is capa-
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ble of doing. He not only has a first-class local practice, but patients come to him from Holton, Winchester, Oskaloosa, Nortonville and Topeka.
The father of our subject was Dr. Charles Gill- man, who was born on shipboard while his parents were en route from Glasgow, Scotland, to the United States. He was a well-informed and suc- cessful physician, who practiced his profession in Erie County, N. Y., in Rock and Kenosha Coun- ties, Wis., and in Toronto, Canada. IIe was at the latter place during the War of 1812, and taking the part of the United States, participated in the battle of Lundy's Lane, and in consequence was compelled to flee to the States to escape execution. IIe departed this life in Rock County, Wis.
Dr. C. H. Gillman, the subject of this sketch, was born in Erie County, N. Y., March 17, 1840, and finished his education in the college at Milton, Wis., being graduated from that institution in the spring of 1860. He taught school for a short time, and then took up the study of medicine, reading under Dr. William Swain, of Waupun, Wis., and teaching singing schools as a recreative and remunerative change from his studies. Hav- ing completed his medical studies, he opened an office at Blue Mound, Wis., where he practiced his profession seven years. He then returned to the Empire State, and without abandoning the profess- ion which he already understood, began the study of dentistry.
Dr. Gillman at length devoted his attention entirely to the study of his new profession, and spent some time in attendance at the Baltimore Dental College. IIe subsequently opened a dental office in Watertown, Wis., and also practiced at other points in the same State until December, 1877, when he came to Valley Falls. With the exception of two years spent in Holton, Kan., Dr. Gillman has resided and practiced in Valley Falls since his first arrival, with the result noted above. He has not only a thoroughly established profes- sional reputation, but is regarded as a man of excellent moral character, fine social qualities, and intellectual and musical tastes of no mean under.
On Aug. 8, 1876, Mr. Gillman was united in marriage with Miss Mary E., daughter of William
Thomas (deceased). The bride was born in Cov- ington, Ky., and was brought up in Cincinnati, ac- quiring a liberal literary and musical education, and her cultured tastes and worth of character are duly appreciated by a large circle of acquaintances. She is an especially fine performer on the organ. To Dr. and Mrs. Gillman four children have been born. Samuel E., Mary J., and Charles, are now living.
The social and benevolent characteristics of our subject lead bim to take an interest in various orders, and he is now a member of the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W., and the K. of P. Mrs. Gillman is a member in high standing of the Baptist Church.
OAH H. HARMAN. A prominent place among the pioneers of Jefferson County is occupied by our subject, who settled among the Indians and wild animals in what is now Delaware Township in 1857, and who has been a useful citizen from that day to the present. He has borne an honored part in the upbuilding of the edu- cational system of this section, in developing the resources of the country, and bore his share in mil- itary work during the late "unpleasantness." Heis a descendant of an honored family of the Old Do- minion and of remote German ancestry, and during the late war a number of his near relatives suffered much on aceount of their devotion to the Union.
The gentleman of whom we write was born in Pendleton County, W. Va., Jan., 24, 1829, and was the first child born to Solomon and Elizabeth Harman. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of his native county, acquir- ing a good knowledge of the English branches, and afterward imparting instruction to others for seven years, mostly during the winter seasons. During the winter of 1852-53 he taught in Champaign County, Ohio, returning to Virginia in the spring and tilling the soil there. On Nov. 19, 1853, he became the husband of Miss Emily .J. Burgoyne, who was born in Pendleton County, W. Va., and whose father, Thomas P., was a second cousin of Gen. Burgoyne of Revolutionary fame.
In 1857, as before stated, Mr. Harman became a
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citizen of Kansas, locating on wild land and work- ing hard to build up a comfortable home for him- self and family. His land consisted of both prairie and timber. and his dwelling was made of wood grown on his own ground, it being constructed of a pole frame boarded up. with a canvass roof, and the only door, a blanket hung in the doorway. Cooking was done outside, and when it had rained and ice had formed on the canvass the room was quite comfortable. Mr. Harman never had any trouble with the Indians. although they camped on his place, 200 stopping there one night when he was absent and Mrs. Harman was alone with her babe. The next morning one of the Indians came to the house and wanted to trade a pony for the "pappoose." Valley Falls, at the period of which we are now speaking, contained one store, one blacksmith shop, and one hotel (a board shanty). Now a flourishing city stands there, and in place of the unbroken and uncultivated land and the little shanty which Mr. and Mrs. Harman then called home, they are surrounded by all the com- forts of life, the 1,180 acres of their present estate being under thorough cultivation and improve- ment, their dwelling a modern and tasteful one, and their means sufficient to ward off any anxiety as to their declining years, and enabling them to gratify their tastes and generous impulses. Their residence is on section 27 of the township and county named at the beginning of this sketch, and Mr. Harman is occupied with farming and stock- raising, keeping graded Short-horn cattle and Po- land-China and Berkshire hogs.
Mr. Harman, like other members of his family, displayed his patriotism during the late war, help- ing to raise money to clear the township of the draft, and going out in a militia company during Price's raid, endeavoring to capture that noted guerilla. The company went as far as the Big Blue, Mo., whence they were ordered back. Dur- ing the '60's he taught school in his district, and was the instructor during three winters, continuing his farm labors in the interims. He had furnished all the native lumher to build the school house, and hauled it at his own expense, but the district after- ward paid him for it. He has always been a mem- ber of the School Board but has no desire for
official honors. He belongs to the Sons of Tem- perance, and has been Justice of the Peace for eight years.
The mother of Mrs. Harman was Nancy Burnett, who was married at the age of fifteen years, and who was afterward a physician of large practice in Pendleton County, W. Va. She had six sons and six daughters, of whom George A., Margaret L .. ( Mrs. Harman), Cyrus H., Ezra G., Isaac N .. and James R. are deceased. The survivors are: Mrs. Martha H. Ward, Mrs. Sarah C. Higginbotham, Mrs. Isabella L. Harman, Mrs. Cynthia D. Short- ridge, Mrs. Noah Harman and Harrison II. Tho- mas Burgoyne, father of this family, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and first serving as Lieuten - ant Colonel, was made General before peace was declared. He was the father of three children by a former marriage, viz: Elizabethı (Mrs. Stump) ; Harriet (deceased), and Washington who died at the age of seventy years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Noah Harman nine children have been born: David H. died in his second year and Andrew J. in his fourth year; N. Webster. Charles F., Mary F., Cynthia L., John B., Colfax B. and E. Hortensia are still living. Webster mar- ried Mary A. Francis, and lives in Delaware Town- ship, Jefferson County; their family comprises Emma F .. Esta May and Eva Sylvia. Charles F. married Lucy Carnahan and has five children- Denton, Cyrus, Belva, Spencer, and an infant son; he lives on a part of his father's farm.
Solomon Harman. the father of our subject, was a native of Pendleton County, W. Va., and is now eighty-three years old. During the period of his active years he was engaged in farming and stock raising. His parents were Isaac and Christena (Hinkle) Harman, and his mother's family were among the wealthiest and most honored citizens of the Old Dominion. They once owned some of the best land in Hardy County, W. Va., on the south branch of the Potomac River, but became bank- rupt by going security for other parties. Mrs. Christena Harman had five brothers. two of whom were Lutheran ministers and two in the Methodist ministry.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Harman, and was a daughter of
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George Ilarman, a millwright and farmer. Al- though she bore the same surname as the gentle- man whom she married, and both were of German ancestry, there was no relationship between them. She bore twelve children : Noah A., (our subject), David, Mary A., Asa, Job, Samnel, Benjamin and and Joseph (twins), Jesse, Jane, Solomon, and one who died in infancy. Samuel died of small pox about seventeen years ago, and Benjamin was assassinated by Rebels in Randolph County, W. Va., during the late war.
During the Civil War nearly all the sons of the Harman household were members of the Home Guards in West Virginia; Samuel and Joseph were shot by the Rebels but recovered after severe suf- fering. Joseph, upon being wounded fell with his face in the snow, and one of the enemy was about to thrust a bayonet through him, but the Lieuten- ant in command said "never mind, he is dead any- how," so they stripped him.and going to the house of some of his relatives near by, told the inmates that they had killed that "Yankee son of a --- ," and showed the clothes aud the pocket knife which they had taken from him. Ilis friends took clothing and set out to hunt him, and found that he had crawled 100 yards through the snow toward the house, to which they assisted him and where he was cared for so that in a few months he was able to resume hostilities. Ile was an excellent shot and killed many Rebels, who were constantly plun- dering the community, it becoming necessary to carry sixshooters when following the plow or when performing other peaceful labors.
On another occasion Joseph Harman and his father were taken by Rebels, tied, and made to march ninety miles to Stanton, Va., the journey being especially cruel to the father, who was then nearly sixty years old. Upon reaching their des- tination the elder Mr. Ilarman's release was or- dered by officers who were his personal friends and he was sent to his home. Joseph was tried for treason against the State of Virginia, but as his captors failed to establish the truth of the charge, he was also released.
A cousin of our subject, one Elijah Harman, was also a Union soldier in Virginia, and on one occa- sion made one of a company of thirteen men who
captured the fiend, George Harper. This Harper was the man who gave whiskey to the men who, while intoxicated, killed Benjamin Harman, the brother of our subject. Harper was captured by the little party above mentioned, which stopped for breakfast at the house of an uncle of our sub- ject. While they were there some Rebels passed and ambushed themselves in the neighborhood, and as the little band of Union men came on, the Re- bels fired, killing three and wounding others. Har- per took to his heels, calling out "give them h-11, boys," and made his escape. Elijah Harman shot and killed two or three Rebels and wounded two others, but he was afterward captured, taken to Richmond and placed in Libby Prison. He es- caped and was fired upon and recaptured several times, finally reaching his home, after which he re- turned to his guerrilla warfare against the Rebels until the close of the war. He is now living near Seneca, Pendleton County, W. Va.
SAAC S. PLOUGHE is the owner and occu- pant of a valuable estate in Kentucky Town- ship, Jefferson County, where he is engaged in general farming and stock business. The farm comprises 400 acres located on section 35, and bears marked improvements, among them being a beautiful modern residence, substantial barns, a wind-mill and tank, and thrifty orchard and groves. All is neatly fenced, and pervaded by a general air of prosperity and order, quite indicative of the char- acter and financial standing of the owner.
Mr. Ploughe was born in Rush County, Ind., Dec. 9, 1837, and was reared on his father's farm, acquiring a good education at the free and subscrip- tion schools in the old fashioned log school houses of that day. Until his sixteenth year he lived in his native county, and he then removed with his father to Howard County, the succeeding two years being spent on the Indian Reservation there. He then found employment in a hotel in Komoko, Ind., where he remained until of age. In the fall of 1859, he and a brother started for Texas by team. and were on the road eight weeks. Having reached Dallas County, our subject engaged in farming
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