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 85
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 85
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 85
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104
The estimable lady who presides over Mr. Hemp- hill's home bore the maiden name of Sarah E. Dick, and their marriage was celebrated in Butler County, Ohio, Sept. 18, 1878. Mrs. Hemphill was born in St. Charles, Mo., and when eight years old ac- companied her father, Isaac Dick, to Helena, Mont .. going to Ft. Benton on the first steamboat that was run to that point. She accompanied her sister East, and in Ohio, met and married Mr. Hemphill, to whom she has borne one daughter-Anne M. Her father is now living in Oregon.
Mr. Hemphill belonged to the I. O. O. F. at Venice, Ohio. He is a strong Republican and never fails to cast his vote and influence in that which he considers the proper scale. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church in Perry, Jefferson County, and endeavors in daily life to do honor to the faith to which he professes.
AMES C. GRINTER. This sturdy veteran who is now retired from active business, liv- ing amid the comforts of a pleasant home in Perry, Jefferson County, bears the distinc -. tion of being the second oldest settler of Kansas since 1849. Personally, he is genial and compan- ionable and very hospitable, intelligent and well- informed-a man with whom an hour may always be spent in a pleasant and profitable manner. Ile came to this now prosperous commonwealth during
its Territorial days, and maintained his residence here during the thrilling times which followed, when its now smiling fields were made the battle ground between freedom and slavery. He has ever maintained a warm interest in the prosperity of his adopted State, and as far as he was able has contributed his qnota to the general good.
The subject of this sketch was born in Logan County, Ky., Jan. 3, 1828, and was reared there on a farm, obtaining a limited education in the old log school-house, the school being conducted on the subscription plan. The temple of learning was built in primitive style. and furnished with slab benches and other things corresponding. Mr. Grinter during his boyhood days sustained an intimate acquaintance with Henry Clay and other characters which later became eminent. Ile re- mained a member of his father's household until a youth of seventeen years, then engaged as sales- man for a firm of book-dealers, traveling through Tennessee, Missouri, and Mississippi until 1849. In his journeyings he visited seven different States, making his way on horseback, over a rough country.
Finally, young Grinter, not being satisfied with his condition or his prospects in the Blue Grass regions, decided upon seeking the far West. He started from Kentucky on horseback Oct. 8, 1849, crossing the Mississippi River at St. Louis and the Missouri at Kansas City. After going into Wyandotte County, Indian Ter., he located at Government Ferry, and engaged in ferrying for the Government for the period of five years at the old crossing on the Kansas River. In that region he met his fate in the person of Miss Rosanna Mar- shall. to whom he was married in Wyandotte County, Feb. 15, 1850. This lady was born in Springfield, Mo., and was the daughter of William Marshall, a prominent and wealthiy trader among the Delaware Indians. He was of English descent and spent his last days in Springfield. His wife was a Delaware, and a niece of the wife of Capt. Ketchum. She was reared in Kansas, and well- educated at the Shawnee Methodist Episcopal Mission.
After his marriage Mr.Grinter engaged in farming in Wyandotte County, improving a homestead, and
663
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
finally became the owner of 490 acres of land, nine miles from Kansas City. This was devoted largely to the raising of fancy stock, and Mr. Grinter also operated as a buyer and shipper. He likewise became interested in sheep-raising. Ile sojourned in that region until 1880, then coming to Jefferson County, engaged in general merchandising at Perry. as a member of the firm of J. C. Grinter & Co.
The affidavit of Mr. Grinter at Lyons, in 1858, decided the Lecompton constitution. In 1864, as a member of the Kansas Militia, he assisted in driving the rebel general, Price, across the border, and participated in the skirmish near Westport on the Blue. His company was then held as a reserve. For one month they were required on patrol duty at night, and upon several occasions the neighbors of Mr. Grinter came near killing him on account of the decided views he took against outlawry. It is the belief of Mr. Grinter that the only man living besides himself who settled in Kansas in 1849, is one John G. Pratt, who came as a Baptist missionary to Wyandotte County ; and Mrs. Grinter is the old- est settler in years in the State.
Mr. Grinter continued in the mercantile business in Perry until June, 1888, then on account of fail- ing health he sold out and retired. In November, 1887, he sold his farm in Wyandotte County, and in April, 1888, came to Perry. Ile has the finest residence in town, crected at a cost of about $3,500, under the supervision of Mr. Colby, a Wyandotte architect. Besides his city property, Mr. Grinter owns 500 acres of farming land in Jefferson County. He has given his children a fine start in life, deeding to each a valuable piece of land. During the season of 1888 his share of the corn raised on his land aggregated 9,000 bushels.
Mr. Grinter is the father of eleven children liv- ing : Julia A., Mrs. Conly, is a resident of Kansas City, Mo .; Harriet F. remains at home with her parents; Maria J., Mrs. Timmons, is a resident of Wyandotte County, this State; Elizabeth S., Mrs. Betts, lives on a farm in Rural Township; Sarah F. is the wife of James David, a farmer of Ken- tucky Township; Flora, Mrs. Martin, lives in Kansas City ; Susan is attending school at Lexing- ton, Mo .; Mary B., Mrs. Colley, is a resident of Perry; Rose remains at home; James M. is a
prominent farmer of Kentucky Township; Lor- enzo D. is farming in Kural Township.
Mr. Grinter, politically, supports the principles of the Democratic party, and is quite prominent in local affairs, officiating as a delegate to the county conventions. and serving on the School Board for the last twenty years. In his religious views he is a Methodist, and assisted in the erection of the church building at Perry. For the past ten years he has been prominent in church circles, officiating as Class-Leader, Steward, Trustee and Sunday- school Superintendent.
The father of our subject was Francis Grinter, a native of Virginia. The paternal grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier and of Scotch-Irish descent. After the war he carried on farming, and spent his last years in Kentucky. Francis Grinter, also a farmer by occupation, emigrated to Logan County, Ky., at an early day, and with the aid of slaves prosecuted farming extensively and became well- to-do. In 1854 he removed to Kansas, and was a resident of Wyandotte County until 1848. Ile then returned to Kentucky, where he spent his last days, dying in 1864. He was a Whig in the early days, and during the war a stanch Union man.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Susan Reed. She was born in Virginia, and was the daughter of an old Revolutionary soldier of Scotch-Irish descent. She died in Kentucky, in the faith of the Presbyterian Church. The par- ental household consisted of eleven children, nine of whom lived to mature years. But four are now living.
6 HOMAS WOODSON GARDINER. The Valley Falls Register, under the able man- agement of Mr. Gardiner as editor and proprietor, has become an institution that is indis- pensable to the people of Jefferson County, to whose interests it is thoroughly devoted, and as an exponent of the Democratic party, enjoys a liberal support. Mr. Gardiner has been prominent in local affairs in this county, serving at one time as Justice of the Peace, and in 1878 was the nominee of bis party for Probate Judge. running over 400 votes ahead of his ticket, and being beaten by only sixteen
664
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
votes. This simple fact serves to indicate his popularity among the people of this section. He is a clear and forcible writer, a good business man, and a valued member of the community.
The subject of this notice was born in Platte County, Mo., Sept. 22, 1847, and is the son of William M. Gardiner, a native of Kentucky, who went to Pike County, Mo., with his parents when a lad of five years. In 1838 the family located on the Platte Purchase, and in 1854-55 settled in Jef- ferson County, Kan., where grandfather James Gardiner spent his last days. The mother of Thomas W. bore the name of Susan M. Tipton. She was a daughter of Jonathan Tipton, who spent his last years in Colorado.
To William M. and Susan Gardiner there was born a family of ten children, eight of whom are living, viz .: Thomas W., James J., John W., Barbara J., Mary M. (Mrs. J. A. Rea), Frank T., Susan E., and Hattie A. W. M. Gardiner located on ground near Winchester, driving the first stake upon the present site of the town. Ile carried on farming, and was a hard worker, battling with all the diffi- culties of life on the frontier. For several years he was obliged to travel to Platte City, thirty miles away, for his flour. The Delaware Indians at that time occupied the southern part of the county, and wild animals-antelopes, deer, wolves, and coyotes, besides turkeys and other small game. were abundant, and wild horses were numer- ous. Thomas, like his brothers and sisters, ac- quired his education mostly by the home fireside, the children being required to make themselves useful around the homestead as soon as they were large enough to be of service. It was some time before the establishment of schools, and these were at a considerable distance, and condueted un- der great difficulties. Thomas remained under the home roof until a young man of twenty-two years, and in 1869 occupied himself in other pursuits at Trenton, Mo. Subsequently he taught school in Jefferson County for a period of ten years, all in five distriets.
In the meantime, during the Presidential cam- paign of 1868, Mr. Gardiner wrote his first news- paper article as a correspondent of the Leavenworth Commercial. In 1872 he became interested in the
Grasshopper, a paper published at what was then Grasshopper Falls, but is now Valley Falls. Ou this he edited the page devoted to the interests of Winchester and entitled the Winchester News, conducting this department until June, 1876.
Branching out now upon his own hook in the newspaper world, Mr. Gardiner established the Winchester Argus, having it printed at Oskaloosa. In March, 1879, he purchased an outfit for the Ar- gus and conducted the paper until 1880, when he sold out and in July, that year, came to Valley Falls, establishing the Register which he has engineered successfully until the present time. It was first a four-column quarto, but has been enlarged to a six- column quarto and is a spicy paper, full of local news and in politics devoted to the interests of the Democratic party. It has a circulation of about 1,000 and being the only Democratic paper in the county has the inside track of its competitors.
While a resident of Winchester, Mr. Gardiner was married Nov. 28, 1874, to Miss Mattie E., daughter of William Kirpatrick, of Butler County. this State. Two daughters have been born of this union-Grace E., March 18, 1876, and Aliee B., July 29, 1878. Mr. Gardiner keeps abreast of the times socially, belonging to the A. O. U. W. and K. of P., and politically is well informed upon the leading issnes of the day.
-
OWARD R. ROBERTS. Although the es- tate of this gentleman is not so large as many in Jefferson County, it is one of the most attractive, as everything about it is in first-elass order and good style. The farm com- prises eighty acres on section 11, Kentucky Town- ship, and is well watered by Wild Horse Creek. It is thoroughly cultivated and intelligently con- ducted, and bears all modern conveniences for the carrying on of the home economy and the work of fruit growing and grain and stock raising, in which Mr. Roberts is engaged. Twenty-seven acres of the estate are covered with bearing fruit trees, and a high grade of stock is raised. while the grain crops rank with the best in quantity and quality.
The grandfather of our subject was Jacob Rob-
665
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
erts, a native of North Carolina and a planter there. From that State be removed to Virginia where he spent the remainder of his life. His son John, father of our subject, was also born in North Carolina, and accompanied his father to Virginia, whence in early youth he went to Frankfort, Ky. where he began to acquire the trade of a printer, and thence to Springfield, III. IIe worked at the .trade there until 1848, when he went to Eddy- ville, Iowa, and after continuing the same em- ployment there for a couple of years, engaged in farming in that neighborhood. In 1859 he came to Kansas and located on a claim in Butler County, near Eldorado. where he remained until 1862, when he took up his abode in Douglas County, near Lawrence, and continued his agricul- tural pursuits there until the following year when he was gathered to his fathers.
The maternal grandfather of our subject was Jacob Pierce, a native of Tennessee, a soldier in the War of 1812, and one of the pioneer farmers of Sangamon County, Ill. His daughter, Salina, was born in the same State as himself, and having accompanied him to Illinois, was there united in marriage to John Roberts and became the mother of nine children. She now resides with her son, Howard R., who is the fifth in order of birth in the family. The first born, Cordelia, now Mrs. Mer- cer, lives in Lawrence; Margaret, Mrs. Jones, resides in Franklin County; Louisa, Mrs. Mishey. lives in this county; John, who enlisted in 1863 in Company M, 11th Kansas Infantry, and served until the close of the war, is a railroad engineer and lives in Ottawa; Emily, Luella, Melissa and William are deceased.
Howard Roberts was born in Springfield, Ill., March 22, 1844, and was four years old when his parents removed to Iowa, and still in his teens when they came to this State. Ile well remembers their journey, which was made with ox-team and wagon. His school advantages were limited, but having a desire for knowledge he has improved every opportunity for self instruction and is well read and well informed. When only seventeen or eighteen years old, and while the family was liv- ing in Douglas County, he was out on the plains in several buffalo hunts, and has killed as many as 1
twenty-five of those denizens of the Western prairies. He has also hunted deer and wolves.
Mr. Roberts was in Lawrence when that city was raided and burned, and shortly afterward joined "Jim" Lane's company and followed Quantrell's gang out of the State. He took part in the skir- mish in Brookville and also in one near Ottawa. After the death of his father in 1863, he took charge of the farm and conducted it successfully, continuing his residence in Donglas County until the spring of 1868, when he bought the estate which he now occupies, which was then bare of im- provements. Removing to it he began its cultiva- tion, and has been eminently successful in bringing it to a high standard of excellence.
The marriage of Mr. Roberts took place in Douglas County, Feb. 13, 1868, his chosen com- panion being Miss Mary Adams, a young lady whose fine character, intelligence and domestic ac- complishments well fitted her for the position which she was called upon to fill. She was born in Johnson County, Mo., and is a daughter of Calvin and Catherine (Grainger) Adams, who are now living on a valuable quarter-section in this township. Calvin Adams was born in Wilkes County, Tenn., and was a son of Abraham Adams, who removed from that State to Johnson County, Mo., spending the remainder of his life there. Calvin Adams followed in his father's footsteps and engaged in farming in Johnson County, later moving to Jackson County, and in 1854 locating on a claim near Lawrence, where he was one of the first settlers. He improved and operated a farm there until 1868, when he sold and located at his present place of abode. He took part in the Mor- mon War at Far West, Mo. His wife was born in Tennessee, and was the daughter of Benjamin Grainger, an early settler in Missouri. The happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts has been blessed by the birth of five children, Alice M., Victor, Eugene, John and Emma K. deceased. All are at home except Alice, who is married to Albert Hebbe, a farmer of this townsbip.
Mr. Roberts has been School Director for several years, and is also Supervisor of Roads. In politics he is a strong Prohibitionist, and has been delegate to both county and State conventions. Formerly
666
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
he was an ardent Democrat. His fellow citizens hold him in high esteem for his courteous man- ners, intelligence, ability and upright character, and his wife also has many friends in the community. She is a member in good standing of the Presby- terian Church.
OHN F. MENDENHALL, one of the Trus- tees of Kaw Township, Jefferson County. is serving his second term in this capacity and otherwise operates as a successful contractor and builder. He is one of the most enterprising citizens of Grantville and owns a song homestead embracing thirty-two acres of land on Survey 9, besides his residence and lots in Grantville. His career has been marked by more than ordinary in- dustry, the fruits of which are apparent in his sur- roundings and the fact that he is comfortably fixed financially, with something laid by for a rainy day. He is still a young man, having been born Jan. 17, 1856, and he spent the first twelve years of his life at his birthplace in Miami County, Ohio.
In 1868 Mr. Mendenhall accompanied his parents to Missouri and two years later they came to Kansas, settling in Topeka. John had attended a select school in Missouri and completed his studies in Kaw Township, to which the family removed in 1872. lle assisted his father on the farm in 1876, then, a young man of twenty years, started out on his own account and associating himself with a partner, established a grocery store at Grantville, which they operated until 1877, under the firm name of Colvin & Mendenhall. The latter then disposed of his interest in the business and took charge of his father's farm, also renting land ad- joining, and prosecuted agriculture quite exten- sively until 1880.
In the above mentioned year Mr. Mendenhall returned to Topeka, where he operated as a carpen- ter one year. We next find him in Kansas City, this State, where he worked as a carpenter until 1872. Then returning to Kaw Township he took up his abode in Grantville, where he began opera- ting as a contractor and builder, and has thus oc- cupied himself successfully since that time. He
erected a neat residence for himself and has also been employed in the construction of a number of buildings at Lawrence and some in Cowley County. Although meddling very little in political affairs, he keeps himself posted upon the leading events of the day, and gives his support to the Democratic party. He takes a warm interest in agricultural matters, and is identified with the Farmers' Alli- ance. He was married in Kaw Township May 15, 1887, to Miss Cassie Fanning who came to Jeffer- son County when a young lady with her father, . John Fanning, who is a farmer of Kaw Township. Mrs. Mendenhall was born March 13, 1867 in Pike County, III. Her mother bore the maiden name of Underwood; she is now living two miles north of Grantville. There has been born of this union one child, a daughter, Nannie May, born Feb. 5, 1889.
The father of our subject was Levi Mendenhall, a native of Miami County, Ohio, and the son of Joseph Mendenhall, who was born in England. The latter emigrated to the United States at an early day, and taking up a tract of land in Miami County, Ohio, constructed from it a good farmi, became well-to-do and there spent his last days. He was a highly respected citizen and in religion a Quaker. Levi Mendenhall when a young man likewise improved a farm of eighty acres in Miami County, Ohio, upon which he lived until 1868. Then desirous of a change of scene he sold out and removed to Missouri, locating in Franklin County, but only sojourned there eighteen montlis. In 1870 he came to this State and purchased forty- two acres of land adjoining the young city of Topeka. Upon tilis he farmed in a modest manner until 1872. Then coming to Kaw Township, Jeffer- son County, he purchased thirty-two acres on lot 2, survey 9, where he made his home the remainder of his life. He departed hence Dec. 5, 1879, at the age of sixty-eight years. Like his honored father, he also was a Quaker in religious belief.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Nancy Miller. She was born in Maryland Aug. 17, 1824, and was the daughter of John Miller, likewise a native of Maryland, who was a lifelong farmer and spent his entire life in his native State. He likewise was a Quaker in religious belief and
AMSpangler
669
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
stood high among his people. John Miller, Sr., the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of Germany, whence he emigrated to America when a young man and in time to have a hand in the Revolutionary War. He fought on the side of the Colonists and after the struggle was ended, settled down on a farm in Maryland, where he spent his last days. Miss Nancy Miller was first married in Maryland to G. B. Golden, with whom she removed to Miami County, Ohio, where Mr. Golden died, and where she met her second husband. She is still living and makes her home with her son, our subject. In religious belief, she is a Methodist, belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Of her marriage with Mr. Golden there were born two children-Mary L., now Mrs. Mann of Macoupin County, Ill., and Georgia A., who is deceased. Levi Mendenhall was also twice married, becoming by his first union the father of two chil- dren-James who is deceased, and Joseph, a resi- dent of Newport, Ark.
-
ENRY W. SPANGLER, Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, of Perry, is local editor of the Perry News, and also carries on a thriving trade in drugs and stationery. He is one of the most active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and otherwise closely identified with the various interests of this pro- gressive little city.
The offspring of an excellent old family, he of whom we write first opencd his eyes to the light near Columbia City, Whitley Co., Ind., Sept. 7, 1846, and is the son of Samuel R. Spangler, a na- tive of Muskingum County, Ohio. The paternal grandfather was Henry Spangler, who was born in Frederick County, Md., and lived a number of years near Hagerstown. After his removal to Ohio he engaged in farming, and died near Etna, Licking County. He was a member of the militia, and concerned in the siege of Ft. Miegs. The great-grandfather, Mathias Spangler, was a hatter in Hagerstown, and of German descent.
Samuel R. Spangler, the father of our subject, engaged in farming in his native State until 1842.
That year he emigrated to Whitley County, Ind., settling among the pioneers of Columbia City. He was a carpenter by trade, and assisted in erecting some of the first buildings in the town. He in- vested a portion of his capital in 120 acres of Gov- ernment land, from which he improved a good farm, operating upon it until the fall of 1870. Then selling out, he came to Douglas County, Kan., and lived there a few years, finally taking up his abode with his son, Henry W., with whom he spent his last days in Perry.
The mother of Mr. Spangler bore the name of Elizabeth Snyder. She was born in Lancaster, Ohio, and was the daughter of Jacob Snyder. She was reared in the family of Judge W. H. Hunter from the age of twelve until her marriage. She is still living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Fullerton, in Baldwin City, this State. She united with the Methodist Episcopal Church many years ago. There was born to her and her husband a family of seven children, viz .: Matha, Mrs. Plummer, of Channte, this State; Jacob F., of Baldwin City; Joseph W., of Franklin County; Phebe .J., Mrs. Fullerton, of Baldwin City; Benja- min M., of Franklin County; Mary E., Mrs. Lari- mer, of Perry; and Henry W., our subject.
Having limited school advantages, the early education of young Spangler was conducted largely by the evening fire at home, under the instruction of his father, who was well-educated and had fol- lowed the profession of a teacher. Upon the out- break of the Civil War, although only seventeen years old, he attempted to enter the Union army, but was debarred on account of his age. When twenty years old he began teaching in the school district where he was born, and followed this while remaining in Indiana. He spent one summer in a select school in Columbia City, and was given a first grade certificate at the regular examination.
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.