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 83
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 83
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 83
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We next find Mr. Northrup at Lewis, Cass Co., Iowa, established in the real estate business which he conducted successfully four years. His next move was to Colorado, where he spent two years in the mountains engaged in mining. The Civil War now having broken out, he enlisted as a Union soldier in the 2d Colorado Cavalry and served three years and one month, participating in twenty-
eight battles and skirmishes, including the fight at Little Blue, Big Blue, Westport, Mine Creek, New- tonia, and various others. After receiving his honorable discharge, at the end of three years and one month, he came to Kansas, locating in Atehi- son, and for two years was engaged as a lumberman on the Missouri River bottoms. At the expiration of this time he came to Jefferson County and pur- chased 160 acres of raw land in Rural Township. This he brought to a good state of enltivation, erecting thereon the necessary buildings, and added to his landed possessions until he has now 240 aeres, all improved and in a productive condition.
Mr. Northrup was married in August, 1869, to Miss Amoret, daughter of Jonathan Graves, of Ottumwa, Iowa, Mrs. Northrup spent her early years under the home roof until her marriage. She is now the mother of three children: James Edgar, a student of the State University; Austa A., and Esther Estella. Mrs. Northrup belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Northrup is a member in good standing of the G. A. R.
ATTHEW N. BROWN. One of the most attractive farms in Jefferson County is that owned and operated by the above-named gentleman, who oeenpies a high rank among the younger farmers of the county. His home is situated on section 8, Kentucky Township, and the land comprises 110 aeres, having the fer- tile and productive soil of the Delaware and Kan- sas bottoms. The place presents an appearance of neatness and order which is sufficiently indicative of the character of its owner and his excellent wife, and marked improvements show that prosperity is attending their labors.
He of whom we write is a son of Valentine Brown, whose sketch is found elsewhere in this volume and contains an outline of the ancestry. He was born near Veniee, Butler Co., Ohio, Sept. 28, 1847, and was reared on a farm, receiving the good common school advantages, and later attend- ing the High School at Veniee. When nineteen years old he entered the Miami University at Ox- ford, taking the scientifie course and being gradu-
yours Truly E. D. Flagy M. 1.
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ated in 1868, after which he engaged in teaching winters, spending his summers with his parents on' the farm.
In the spring of 1870 Mr. Brown came to Kan- sas, and one winter time since was spent in the profession of teaching; he then farmed on his fath- er's land. In 1874 he started a cheese factory on Rock Creek, under the firm name of Barnes, Hay- nes & Co., and managed it for a year, the grass- hoppers seriously affecting its prosperity. In June of that year he had bought 100 acres in Fairview Township, on Rock Creek, upon which he made improvements and which he farmed till 1883, when he traded it for the place which he now occupies. Ilis present home is supplied with a wind-mill and tank, a bank barn 32x44 feet, all other necessary farm buildings, and a commodious and tasty dwel- ling, under whose roof comfort and good cheer abound. The farm is enclosed and divided hy wire fences, and orchard and groves furnish luxury and refreshment for the palate, and cooling and restful shade for the body. Two teams are em- ployed in the work of the estate, and thirteen head of horses are kept. Mr. Brown feeds several head of cattle a year, and also raises herds of that stock and droves of hogs. His crops are principally corn and wheat, and enterprise and good management are displayed in the conduct of both branches of agricultural work.
On April 23, 1874, at Thompsonville, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Kirby, an educated and refined lady, who has borne him three children. Two of the offspring have been removed by the hand of death-Richard W., dy- ing when five years old, and Olive B. at the age of one year. The surviving child bears the name of Elmer. Mrs. Brown is a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Kirby, who are old settlers in this county, where the father has a prominent position among the agricnlturists. She was born in Wyan- dot County, Ohio, and came to this State with her parents in 1857. A sketch of her ancestry will be found in the biography of Henry Kirby.
Mr. Brown is not only taking a high rank among the farmers of the county, but is prominent in other ways, displaying his enterprise and ability in various lines of work which tend to the develop-
ment of the best interests of the section. Ile has been School Director several years, and assisted in the construction of the school house. He has also been Supervisor of Roads, has served on the jury one term, and has been delegate to county conven- tions, being allied to the Prohibition party. He is a charter member of the Methodist Episcopal Church here, and has been a Trustee ever since the edifice was erected. He is now also Financial and Recording Steward, and has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school.
E LDRIDGE D. FLAGG, M. D., Mayor of Perry, Jefferson County, is one of its most popular and successful men and has had a large experience of life. Naturally persevering and energetic, he has worked himself up to a fine position, socially and financially, after having been engaged as raftsman and in railroading, mining and other occupations, making some headway in each. Ile is a native of New York State, having been born in the town of Afton, May 18th, 1852, and lived there until a lad of thirteen years. He re- ceived good school advantages among the Oak Openings of the Badger State, where he assisted his father in improving a farm, remaining under the parental roof until a youth of seventeen years.
At this time, starting out for himself, young Flagg made his way to the Wisconsin pineries and engaged in driving a team, hauling supplies, etc., until the spring following. He then engaged in rafting on the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers to Hannibal, Mo., making two trips that year. In the spring, while engineering a log drive, he came near being drowned, and he decided to leave an occupa- tion so dangerous.
We next find Mr. Flagg in the employ of the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company, with whom he worked his way upward until becoming a fire- man, but in the spring of 1872 he emigrated to St. Louis and entered the employ of the Iron Moun- tain Road at Arkansas as ironer and spiker. This, however, not being congenial to his tastes, he soon abandoned it and became overseer on a plantation at Pocahontas, that State. Next he went to Jop-
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lin, Mo., and prospected in the lead mines for two years, being fairly successful. Later he was em- ployed in a smelting furnace, and in due time be- eame superintendent of the Turnbull furnace. While there he employed his spare time in the study of medicine, buying and reading such medi- eal works as he could obtain. He now determined - to adopt this as a profession, and in the fall of 1876 he entered the Pulte Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, and at the close of the school year was ad- mitted into the dispensary of the college and practiced at the hospital connected therewith until the fall of 1877.
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La Crosse County, Wis., now became the scene of operations for the young physician, who began the regular practice of his profession at Mindoro, and continued there for three years. In the fall of 1880 he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, which was also familiarly known as Scudder's School, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1881. Going then to Joplin, Mo., he practiced there for a time and finally was chosen Dean of the Joplin Medical College, holding the position two terms and then resigning on account of dissatisfaction with the management of some of the departments.
Having now accumulated some capital, Dr. Flagg became a member of a stock company, build- ing a roller process flouring-mill at Joplin, and of which he was appointed treasurer and superintend- ent. This enterprise not proving what he desired or expected, he in 1884 sold his interest therein, and coming to Perry gave his attention entirely to the duties of his profession, and in time was in the enjoyment of an extensive and successful practice. He is now looked upon as the leading physician of the place, and personally is a favorite in both social and business cireles. He owns a snug home in the central part of town, and numbers his friends and associates among its best people.
In Joplin, Mo., July 13, 1877, Dr. Flagg was united in marriage with Miss Helen Sargent. Mrs. Flagg was born in Grant County, Wis., July 13 1852, and is the daughter of Jolin B. Sargent, for- merly an old miner and now a large land owner in Missouri. Mr. Sargent is still interested in mining, and at one time operated one of the largest smelt-
ing works in the United States-the only establish- ment which prepares white lead directly from the fumes of the lead. This he sold in 1881. Mrs. Flagg completed her education at Carthage, Mo., and remained a member of her father's household until her marriage. This union resulted in the birth of three children-Kathleen, Edith and John P.
Politically, Dr. Flagg is a Republican, "dyed in the wool." He belongs to the Kansas State Eclectic Medical Association, and is examining physician for the I. O. O. F., Northwestern Mutual Life and other beneficiary orders. He is likewise a member in good standing of the I. O. O. F.
A lithographie portrait of Dr. Flagg is presented on another page of the ALBUM.
OHN GINTER. The main points in the - history of Mr. Ginter, now of Delaware Township, Jefferson County, and who gave the best part of his life to the service of his country in the late Civil War, are essentially as follows: A native of Hamilton County, Ohio, he was born, April 6, 1836, abont fourteen iniles from the city of Cincinnati and near the old Gen. William H. Harrison homestead. The remains of his parents, who died long years ago, were laid to rest in the Harrison cemetery. The father, Gar- rett Henry Ginter, a native of Germany, was born near Minden, and emigrated to the United States in 1833. His family consisted of six children, three of whom were born in the Fatherland and three in the United States. The eldest, Henry, is now a resident of Platte County, Mo .; Frederick lives in Dillsboro, Ind .; William died in Ripley County, that State, when about forty-eight years old, leaving a widow and two children; Lewis is a resident of Shawnee County, this State; John, the subject of this sketch, was the next in order of birth; Charles died in Ohio when nine years old.
Mr. Ginter, at the age of fourteen years, was left an orphan by the death of both parents, and the following year he repaired to Dearborn County, Ind., and learned shoemaking in Dillsboro, serving an apprenticeship of three years. In 1855, he
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crossed the Mississippi into Des Moines County, Iowa, where he drove a haek one summer. Then, returning to Dillsboro, Ind., he worked at his trade until the spring of 1857. Ilis next journey was to Ft. Riley, this State, where he commenced breaking prairie for a farmer, and was thus occu- pied one season. Toward winter, he went to Leav- - enworth, where he worked at his trade until the spring of 1858.
Entering now the service of the United States Government, Mr. Ginter was employed as a team- ster, driving mules and hauling provisions for sol- diers during the Mormon troubles. In December, 1858, he returned to Dillsboro, Ind., and commenced working for his brother, Frederick, who was run- ning a shoe shop. In 1860, they went over into Platte County, Mo., where they sojourned until October, 1861, John, in the meantime, working at his trade in winter, and farming in summer. After the outbreak of the Civil War, he, in October, 1861, enlisted in Company G, 5th Kansas Cavalry, having to conduet this movement with great secrecy on account of rebels being all around him. The re- cruiting officer sought him in the wheat field where he was at work, and they agreed to meet at the for- mer's house on a certain night. The Lieutenant, however, was obliged to leave before the night ap- pointed for the meeting. Mr. Ginter's partner swam the Platte River, then got a skiff, and by the aid of this they reached the Missouri River, cross- ing to Leavenworth, where they joined their regi- ment. Mr. Ginter was mustered in by Gen Jim Lane, and served three years and two months. 1Ie fought at the battles of Dry Wood, Morristown, Ilelena, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Ark., Cowley's Ridge, Polk's Plantation, Branehville, and in other engagements. He is now suffering from internal injury. He was overheated in the battle of Helena, which left serious effects, and he draws a pension. In the service he was promoted to Duty Sergeant, having charge of the Pioneers of the regiment for some time.
Returning once more to his old haunts in Indiana, Mr. Ginter spent one winter in Dillsboro, and in April, 1865, returned to Platte County, Mo., and raised erops with his former employer, Jolin Morris, who was a stanch Union man. His next move was
to Sullivan County, that State, but in 1871 he re- turned to Platte County, and from there, in 1873, came to Wyandotte County this State. In 1880. be moved to Jackson County, and in 1884 he set- led on his present farm in Jefferson County, being the owner of 117 acres of good land. He makes a specialty of graded Short-horn and Polled-Angus cattle, Poland-China and Berkshire swine, and Nor- man horses. Years of frugality and industry have conspired to gain him a competency, and the pros- pect is that in his deelining years he will want for nothing.
The marriage of John Ginter and Miss Martha C. Swallow was celebrated at the bride's home in Mis- souri, March 29, 1866. Mrs. Ginter was born in Dearborn County, Ind., and is the daughter of Gar- rett and Elizabeth Swallow. Mr. and Mrs. Ginter were friends from early childhood, and of their con- genial union there have been born twelve children, viz .: G. Walter, Frederick, Charles M., Arthur B., Maurice H., Byron A., William H., Mamie E., Claudius D., Pearl M., Rollie and Dollie, twins. Walter, Frederick and Charles are students in the State Agricultural College at Manhattan. It is hardly necessary to state that Mr. Ginter is a sound Republican, politically, and belongs to the G. A. R. He is also connected with the A. O. U. W., and the Farmers' Alliance, and, with his estimable wife, is a member in good standing of the Methodist Epis- eopal Church.
F REDERICK HARTWICH is one of the most successful farmers and live-stock feed- ers of Pottawatomie County, where he has lived since the spring of 1857. During his early years he witnessed, and as his age would permit, participated in, many of the hardships of those days, and relates incidents of that time with great inter- est. As an example he speaks of the time when the family had to grind corn in a coffee-mill to make bread with which to sustain life; and when after the total failure of crops in 1860, it was necessary to obtain aid from the National Government, and from sister States, and the following winter being a severe one, the people had to shovel roads through
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the snow drifts to Atchison, where provisions had been sent for them. The suffering people endured a great deal that winter, though other years gave them also many weeks of hard times as well as pleasures, and developed in the citizens a true hos- pitality and good fellowship, which is nowhere else so strong, true, and tried, as on the frontier.
The parents of our subject were Michael F. and Anna (Strunske) Hartwich, who were born and reared in Prussia, about twenty-four German miles from Berlin. After the birth of four children, our subject, William, Ferdinand F., and Herman F., the parents determined to make a home in America. and on April 18, 1856, took passage on a sailing- vessel at Hamburg, and after a voyage of six weeks, landed in New York City. They went at once to Monroe, Green Co., Wis., where, in the fall their oldest child, William, was removed from them by death. In the spring of 1857, with two cows, two yoke of oxen, and a wagon, they came overland to this county, camping by the way, and reaching Lone Tree Township, in July. There the father filed a pre-emption claim for 160 acres on section 12, where the parents of our subject have ever since resided. The family was very poor, and it was some time before the father could save money enough to pay for his claim, but he finally suc- ceeded in doing so, and in acquiring other prop- erty, and is now the owner of several hundred acres.
The subject of this biography grew to man's es- tate in Lone Tree Township, and after becoming of age began farming for himself, and he has since made quite a fortune. He first purchased 160 aeres and has increased it to 400, his home farm in Mill Creek Township being supplied with a very fine set of farm buildings, all well built of stone. Mr. Hart- wich endeavors to keep abreast of the best thought of the times in every matter connected with the management of his land, and so derives a fine in- come from his estate.
The first marriage of our subject took place in this township, the bride being Miss Sophia Nicholas of Germany, who accompanied her parents to this county about two years before her marriage, she being then a young lady. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas are now living in Center Township, on a farm. Mrs. Hartwich died at her home in this township,
Feb. 6, 1886, being then past thirty-eight years of age. She was the mother of nine children, two of whom died in infancy. The living are all now at home. They are named respectively : Anna M. M., Ida T., Lena F., Herman F., Lizzie M., Edward F., and Robert F.
Mr. Hartwich contracted a second matrimonial alliance, taking as his wife, Mrs. Sophia Shenke, nee Hinsman, who was born in Prussia, in the year 1856. Her father died in the Fatherland in 1864, and in 1886 the widowed mother and the daughter came to the United States, and to Kansas, where not long afterward the marriage of the daughter to Mr. Hartwich took place. Mrs. Ilartwich had two children by her first husband, William Shenke, who died in Germany. The two daughters, Mary and Emma M., are still living with their mother.
Mr. Hartwich is a Republican, and has held the minor offices in this township. He and his wife be- long to the Presbyterian Church, as did also the first Mrs. Hartwich. Mr. Hartwiel is well esteemed by his fellow-citizens for the intelligence and en- terprise that he manifests in his private affairs, and in his duties as a citizen, and for his good char- acter and kindly nature.
NDREW J. MCHENRY who was one of the early settlers in Jefferson County was a man of prominence therein, as land- owner, stock-dealer, and an upright, hon- orable and public-spirited citizen. His death took place in Kentucky Township, Feb. 3, 1888, and by it the county lost a resident who was held in high esteem, and whose presence was an honor to the community. The bereaved widow is now living on that part of the farm which became hers when the property was divided, and which consists of eighty-two acres bearing excellent improvements, including good fences, orchards, and an excellent set of farm buildings, and supplied with good grades of cattle and hogs.
Mr. MeHenry was the eldest of nine children, and was born in Tennessee May 9, 1818, going thence to Indiana when a young boy. He was there married to Miss Elizabeth Higgins, and subse-
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quently engaged in farming upon an eighty-acre tract of land which had been given to the bride by her father. In 1857 they sold this farm and re- moved to Missouri, locating ten miles from Car- thage, and buying a farm of 700 acres, which they improved and built upon. It had been placed in excellent shape when the war broke out, and the country began to assume a dangerous aspect for all who did not fully sympathize with the cause of the South. In 1861, : fter the Rebels took Preston, Mr. McHenry and his family were obliged to leave the State, and coming to Kansas by team, lost not only their Missouri land, but almost everything else which they possessed. They decided upon a loca- tion in this county and bought land of the Indians, being obliged to pay different savages for it time and again, and having over twenty-five deeds. The home farm comprised 167 acres, and Mr. Mc- Henry also at one time owned another large tract of land, which he was beat out of by land sharks. Ife dealt in cattle extensively, and also owned and managed the ferry across the Delaware River for two years. Mr. McHenry was a member of the State Militia. In politics he was ever a stanch Democrat.
The grandfather of Mr. McHenry bore the name of Robert, and emigrated from Ireland to America prior to the War of 1812, in which he took part with the Americans. He was engaged in farming in Tennessee for some years, and then removed to Boone County, Ind., continuing his agricultural labors there, and departing this life in that State. His son, Hugh, father of our subject, accompanied him to America, and in Tennessee was united in marriage with Miss Polly Razor, a native of that State. He became a prominent farmer; was judge and held other county offices, being well-known and highly respected in Indiana, and becoming quite wealthy. He came to this State in 1861, and here he and his wife passed away, after some years spent in retirement from active duties. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a highly respected citizen.
Mrs. Elizabeth McHenry, widow of the gentle- men whose name initiates this notice, was a Christ- mas gift to Elisha and Melinda ( Walters) Higgins in the year 1824, and her birth took place on the
Red River, in Kentucky. Her grandfather, Robert Iliggins, was born in Tennessee; was a farmer and stock-man, and a soldier during the Revolutionary War. He subsequently removed to Virginia, where his son Elisha was born, afterward changing his residence to Kentucky, where he died. There Elisha Higgins owned and operated a large planta- tion and many slaves, and became quite wealthy. He not only carried on agricultural work but was also a drover. In 1833 he obtained 125 acres of Government land in Boone County, Ind., and im- proved a couple of farms there. In 1855 he changed his place of abode to Missouri, tilling the soil there until 1561, when he came to this county, and located on the Kaw River, in Rural Township. Ile purchased an improved farm which he operated for a few years, when he went to Davis County, Mo., in which county he farmed until his death in 1884, when he was past the age of eighty-five years. Ile belonged to the Baptist Church and held the office of Deacon in that Society. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. McHenry was Rob- ert Walters, a native of Tennessee, and likewise an agriculturist. From his native State he removed to Kentucky, and later to Indiana at an early day in the history of that Territory. There he became a large land owner and a prominent man. His daughter. Melinda, widow of Elisha Higgins, has now reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years, and is residing with her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth McHenry. She also belongs to the Bap- tist Church. The Higgins family is of English de- scent, and its members were prominent in political affairs in Kentucky.
To Elisha and Melinda Higgins six children were born, Mrs. McHenry being the eldest. Mary, now Mrs. Breninger, lives in Missouri; Thomas is a physician in the Indian Territory; Elisha is de- ceased; George lives in Missouri; Robert is a Government physician in the Indian Territory. George was in a Missouri regiment belonging to the Confederate army through the late war. Rob- ert was in a Kansas regiment in the Union army during the same time.
Mrs. McHenry accompanied her parents to In- diana when she was quite young, their journey be- ing made by wagon and on horseback. They
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settled on a open prairie, where deer, elk and In- dians were plentiful, and where they had to go 125 miles to mill. She had no school advantages but learned all that was possible from her parents, in- cluding some arts which are not common at this period. Her father was a great hunter, and she became an excellent shot, one of her exploits being the bringing down of a deer. She learned to hackle, card, spin and weave. Her marriage to Mr. McHenry took place in September, 1841, and their happy union resulted in the birth of thirteen children. Martha E., and Jane are deceased; Hugh owns two farms near Topeka; Elisha is an agriculturist in Elk County; John S., Daniel, Linda and Maggie are deceased; Sadie married Frank Simmons, and has two children-Edith and Claude; Mr. Simmons is now operating Mrs. McHenry's farm. Lydia is deceased; William is carrying on a farm in this township; Harriet is deceased; Car- rie is a graduate of the musical department of the Lecompton and Lawrence Universities, and is mar- ried to Mr. A. Glenn, a grain-dealer at McLouth, this county. Mrs. McHenry is an active member of the Baptist Church, and her practical Christian life is the source of deep regard from all to whom her life and works are known.
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