Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 90

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 90
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 90
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 90


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).


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The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch was born in the city of Gravesano, Canton Ticino, Switzerland, Nov. 1, 1832, and was reared in the village until thirteen years of age. He had no schooling and in his mental acquirements is literally a self-made man. He left his native place to eross the Mediterranean with his father and learned the mason's trade under his oversight in Algeria. He spent some four years on the southern shores of the great sea, and while there acquired a knowledge of the French, Arabian, and Spanish tongues, which en-


abled him to conduct business and enjoy the enter- tainments afforded by the various residents of that elime.


In 1849 young Morelli returned to his native land and engaged at journey-work, traveling over the different Cantons of Switzerland while so em- ployed. In 1854 he again went to Africa and with his father entered the employ of the French Gov- ernment, making money and enjoying uninter- rupted prosperity until the death of his father bereaved him of his counselor and chief friend. Remaining in Algeria for a few months after the death of his parent, he in the spring of 1856, went to Marseilles, France, and there took passage for the United States. Leaving the French port in March, in the sailing vessel "Album," he arrived in New York after a voyage of fifty-two days, well supplied with money but a stranger in a strange land. He went to Galena, Ill., and spent three years in working at his trade when the seasons would permit, and in prospecting and mining lead ore during the winters. In the spring of 1859 he joined an expedition for Pike's Peak, traveling by boat to Hannibal, Mo., thence by rail to St. Joseph. but on reaching Leavenworth he gave up the con- templated expedition and remained there working at his trade and paving the levee.


During the next year Mr. Morelli bought thirty- four acres of land in Leavenworth County, upon which he began farming, although he still con- tinned his stonemason's work in the city. He be- longed to the Kansas State Militia during the war, and was on duty in Price's raid, taking part in the battles of the Big Blue, the Little Blue, Westport, and Mound City. On the 1st of March, 1865, he sold his property in Leavenworth County and lo- cated on his present farm, which was then in the unbroken condition in which it was left by the In- dians. The amount of his first possession in Jef- ferson County, was eighty acres, which he at onee proceeded to improve and to which he soon added 100 acres adjoining. It is located in Kaw Town- ship, is fertilized by Prairie Creek, which runs through the farm, and is now supplied with good fenees, a tasteful house, barns and other outbuild- ings, and a windmill which furnishes the power by which water is carried to different points. A fine


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orehard and shady groves adorn and beautify the estate. Mr. Morelli raises grain, eattle, hogs, from twelve to fifteen horses, and also feeds eattle. He did not abandon work at his trade until a twelve- month ago, and a great many houses in the vicinity were constructed by him.


The lady who presides over Mr. Morelli's house- hold and with whom he was united in marriage Oct. 15, 1868, bore the maiden name of Rhoda Conner. She was born in Miller County, Mo., April 2, 1841, reared there and edueated in the subscription sehools, which during her childhood were the only ones near her home. Amid the prim- itive surroundings of the frontier school-house with its slab benches, its puneheon floors, and its writing desks supported by pins in the wall, she acquired a good knowledge of the common-school branches, whieh beeame a foundation upon which to build a wider store of knowledge during her maturer years.


The parents of Mrs. Morelli, Pleasant and Eliza- beth (Cooper) Conner, were born in Georgia and Tennessee, respectively. Her grandfather, Martin Conner, was a farmer in Georgia, whence he re- moved to North Carolina, and during the early settlement of Miller County, Mo., became a resi- dent there, continuing such until his death. Pleas- ant Conner was a young man when the removal to Missouri took place, and in that State spent the re- mainder of his life, acquiring a good farm and rearing a large family. He was a member of the Baptist Church. His widow still resides in that State on the farm and is now eighty-five years old. She is a daughter of George Cooper, a Revolution- ary soldier and a North Carolina farmer, who, in his later years, removed to Missouri, and had ac- quired a comfortable estate prior to his death.


Mrs. Morelli is the eleventh child in a group of sixteen, who grew to maturity and of whom ten are still living. Of this number Martin is now living in Callaway County, Mo .; Mrs. Mary M. Mainus, in Bourbon County, Kan .; Mrs. Rebecca Bliss, in Mil- ler County, Mo .; William, in Missouri; Thomas, in Bourbon County, Kan .; Mrs. Sarah J. Maeomb, in Kingsman, Kan .; Dennis, Wilson and Lewis, in Bourbon County, Kan. All the brothers served in the Federal Army during the Civil War, with t'ie exception of Wilson, who is a cripple.


The charming group of whom Mr. and Mrs. Morelli are the parents, comprises; nine sons and daughters, named respectively: Maggie, Fred- erieko, Jr., Mary, Regina, Angeline, Joseph, Peter, Katie and Frank. Fredericko is attending St. Mary's College. The family have inherited pro- nouneed musical taste and talent, while Mr. Morelli himself handles the bow like a second Pa- ganini, and their home is the seene of many an evening's entertainment during which the walls re- sound to "a concord of sweet sounds." Mr. Mor- elli has been Superintendent of Roads a year, assisted in building the school-house in his district, and resigned his position as Treasurer of the School Board after having served in that eapaeity nineteen years. He supports the principles and policy of the Democratic party and belongs to the Catholie Church at Newman. He has served upon the jury. Prosperous in bis worldly eireumstances, possess- ing a character and disposition which render him popular among his fellow-men, and with his natural abilities improved by his travels and experiences in varions parts of the world, it is natural that he should have a prominent position in the community where his acquirements are well-known and highly appreciated.


B ILLY B. COPPINGER. Again and again is a traveler through the West impressed with a great number of young men who are filling responsible positions in pub- lie affairs, are conducting thriving mereantile es- tablishiments, or are managing large and product- ive estates. The subject of this sketch is one who, at a very early period of his manhood, began to take a prominent place among his fellowmen, and whose energy and ability are clearly demonstrated by his prosperity in life.


The natal day of Mr. Coppinger was Jan. 21, 1855, and he was born in the State of Missouri, about four miles from the city of St. Joseph. He was a child of two years when his parents came to Jefferson County, Kan., settling on a quarter see- tion of land in Jefferson Township, which is now his own home. He has been foreman of the farm since he was eleven years of age. His education


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was received in the district schools and at the Win- chester Academy, where he finished his studies at the age of twenty-two. after attending that insti- tution two years. At the age of nineteen his father gave him his time and 160 acres of land, and some months after finishing his schooling he was married and set up a home of his own.


In 1882 our subject went to Colorado and bought a raneh, which he operated for a time, and then traded with a brother for the farm where he is now living, returning to the State after an ab- sence of less than a year. He has made many im- provements on his place, has brought the land to a high degree of cultivation. and adorned it with many trees. He makes a business of raising mules, and for the past eighteen months has been an ex- tensive shipper of that stock, and also of cattle and hogs. He keeps a goodly number on hand, and at this writing has 120 head of hogs.


The marriage of Mr. Coppinger took place in 1878, his bride being Miss Mary, daughter of Nicholas and Catherine ( Hemphill ) Sloop. Mrs. Sloop belonged to a Pennsylvania family, and Jacob Sloop, grandfather of Mrs. Coppinger, was also of Pennsylvania, and of German parentage. When the great-grandparents of Mrs. Coppinger landed in New York on their arrival from Ger- many, two of their children, who were between five and eight years old, were taken away from them, and they never saw them again. Six children have heen born to Mr. and Mrs. Coppinger. Anna died at the age of two years and two months. Jimmie, who is now a boy of nine years, has in his short life experienced some serious disasters. When about eighteen months old his mother accidentally spilled a tub of hot water, scalding his right side, so that for ten weeks he lay wrapped up in cloths. He also had the misfortune to lose part of his hand in a corn-sheller. . Hulsie died at the age of two years. The other survivors are: Cora, Claude and Grover Jacob.


Mr. Coppinger is a member in good standing of Jefferson Lodge, No. 84, A. F. and A. M., and has passed through the chairs of the lodge, which he joined when twenty-one years old. He also be- longs to the Knights of Pythias of Winchester. The reputation which he has among his fellowmen


may be judged from the fact that in a Republican township he was elected to the office of Trustee as a candidate of the Democratic party, receiving a majority of sixty-one votes. He and his wife are members in good standing of the Christian Church.


The father of our subject is now living, at the age of eighty-two years, having been born in 1808, and a native of Washington and Sylvan Counties, Tenn., the county line passing through the dwell- ing of his parents. The parents subsequently moved to Sullivan County. near Jonesboro, and W. H. Coppinger lived there until he was twenty years old. He then entered the 1st United States Dragoons to fight Indians, and remained in the army three years, being present at the treaties with the savages. L'pon leaving the army he went to Kentucky, where he met Miss Rebecca, daughter of James and Harriet ( Howard) Dickenson, with whomn he was united in marriage in 1838. His bride was ten years younger than himself, having been born in 1818, and is now seventy-two years old. After remaining some years in Kentucky Mr. and Mrs. Coppinger, in 1847, moved to Buchanan County, Mo., and settled east of where St. Joseph now stands. After remaining there ten years the family removed to Jefferson County, Kan., and Mr. and Mrs. Cop- pinger are yet living on the home place. W. H. Coppinger was at one time the owner of 1400 acres of land, fully 1,000 acres having been improved by himself and his sons. He was a corporal in the army, was wounded in the eyes and was cupped and left in such a condition that at times he is blind.


Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Coppinger are the parents of eight children, of whom four now survive. J. D. lives on a fine farm, his parent having given him 160 acres and sold him an equal amount. He is mar- ried and has six children. Claude died, leaving a wife and two children, who still occupy his farm of 160 acres; Rufus lives in Colorado with his wife and six children ; Sally died at the age of twenty- seven, unmarried; Margaret is the wife of D. L. Davis, whose sketch will he found elsewhere in this work; Mary died in childhood; W. B. is the sub- ject of this sketch; Rebecca died at the age of six- teen years.


The great-grandfather of our subject was Hig- gins Coppinger, Sr., who married Annie Smith, a


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native of England, and who was in the Revolution- ary Army three years and eleven months. Hig- gins Coppinger, Jr., the next in direct line of descent, married Marjie, daughter of George and Annie (Skelton) Conklin. The Coppingers are of Irish ancestry.


When our subject was thirteen years old he was herding cattle on a large roan mare where three men were digging a well on the prairie. The mare got her foot in the bridle-rein and backed into the well. There were two men down in the well. It was forty-two feet deep, and the mare went to the bottom onto the two men. One of the men had a broken leg when taken out, which was the only in- jury the men received, but it ruined the horse.


W ILLIAM D. GOODMAN. The results of energy and perseverance are nowhere bet- ter illustrated than in the career of Mr. Goodman, who began life without means or other resources than those with which nature had en- endowed him. He is now numbered among the leading farmers of Rural Township, having 150 acres of well cultivated land on section 20, and good buildings. He is a native of Kentucky, and born in Morgan County, Dec. 25, 1841. His pa- rents were Calvin and Saralı ( Moore) Goodman, the father a native of Tennessee, and the mother of Floyd County, Ky.


Calvin Goodman left his native State probably when quite young, and after settling in Kentucky became quite prominent in local affairs, officiating as Deputy Sheriff in Morgan County and occupy- ing the minor offices. Both he and his excellent wife were members in good standing of the Union Baptist Church, contributing to it a liberal support, and being among the chief pillars. The mother died in 1874, at the age of fifty-two years, leaving quite a large family of children. The father is still living at the old homestead in Kentucky. The oldest son, James, is farming iu Elliott County, that State; the next was William D., our subject; Louisa became the wife of James McClurg, and died in Kentucky; Mary is the wife of William Johnson, of that State; Louis and Santa Fe remain


at home with their father: Elizabeth is single and with her father; Ellen is the wife of James M. Conn, and both live in Kentucky; Harvey came to Kansas and died at the house of his brother Wil- liam D.


Young Goodman attended the subscription schools in his boyhood days in Kentucky, and at an early age began to form his plans for the future, being married in 1864, when twenty-two years old, to Miss Amanda McClurg. This lady was also a native of Kentucky, and the daughter of John Mc- Clurg, likewise born in that State. A year after his marriage Mr. Goodman rented a farm in Mor- gan County, upon which he lived two years. He then emigrated to Indiana and was a resident of Fountain County three years. Then, in 1869, he came to Kansas, settling in Sarcoxie Township, where he farmed on rented land three years. Ilis next removal was to Rural Township, of which he has since been a resident. Here also he operated upon rented land two years, then purchased eighty acres, which are included in his present farm. Later he added seventy acres to his possessions. This land lay mostly in its primitive condition, re- quiring a great amount of labor to bring it to its present state.


Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Goodman, the oldest of whom, a daughter, Fran- ces, is the wife of Albert Brown, of Lawrence; Menifee is farming in partnership with his father; Margaret, Frank and Allie are at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Goodman are prominently connected with the Christian Church. Mr. Good- man takes an active part in politics, giving his un- qualified support to the Republican party. He has held the various township offices, and stands well in his community as a man deserving of confidence and respect.


P ATHER B. F. HUDSON, having charge of the Catholic Church at Perry, assumed his present duties in August, 1888, and also officiates at Newman and Meriden. He is a man of fine classical education, and has a superior class of people to deal with. United to much natural shrewdness and wit there is that conscientious re-


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gard to the duties of his calling which has resulted in his being able to wield much influence for good. He makes his headquarters at Perry, where he has a comfortable residence, pleasantly situated, and where he enjoys the respect of the entire commu- nity.


The subject of this notice was born in the town of Corvina, County Longford, Diocese of Arda, Ireland, Dec. 10, 1846, and was brought up on a farm, receiving private instruction under ex- cellent tutors. He was well advanced in his class- ical education before entering college at the age of seventeen years. In 1863 he became a student at All Hallows College, where he studied five years, and was graduated in 1868. He then resolved upon com- ing to America and engaging in missionary work. Fe sailed from Dublin to Liverpool on the steamer " City of Limerick" and after landing in New York began his journeyings, visiting different cities and parts of this country, and in fact nearly all the States of the Union. He was thus occupied between eight and ten years.


On the 26th of October, 1880, Father Hudson made application to Bishop S. M. Fink, of Leaven- worth, for priestly orders, and being accepted was ordained, and sent on his first mission to Blaine, to take care of a colony sent out from St. Louis. There was then only one house to mark the present site of the town. Father Hudson labored long and ear- nestly to organize a congregation. and finally, in 1881, had the satisfaction of being able to erect a fine church building. Ile also organized the con- gregation at Onaga, and built two churches there. At the same time he preached for the parish at Cold Creek, Nemala County.


The work at Blaine was exceedingly arduous, being among a rough class of people, requiring much patience and tact to interest them in the im- portant matters in hand. A few years of perse- verance and energy, however, brought about a won- derful change both in the minds, manners and morals of the people.


The subject of this sketch is the son of Mathew Hudson, likewise a native of County Longford, Ireland, and the grandson of John Hudson, an ex- tensive farmer and land-owner. The great-grand- father was born and reared in England under prot-


estant influences, but later removing to the North of Ireland, was there converted to the Catholic faith. He was a highly respected farmer and be- came wealthy.


Mathew Hudson, at his father's death, became owner of the old homestead, to which he has added, so that it now comprises a large tract of land which is the source of a handsome income. He is a prominent man in his community, and is now about eighty years old. The maiden name of the mother was Bridget Ferry. She was born in Drumlish, Ireland, and was the daughter of John Ferry. a well-to-do farmer. Both she and her hus- band are faithful adherents of the Catholic Church. The household circle consists of five children, the oldest of whom, a son, John, came to America and is farming in Blaine Township, Kan. James, the second son, and Michael, the fourth, remain resi- dents of their native Ireland. B. F. was the third hild in the family. C


USSELL R. BUMAM owns and occupies a a very pleasantly located and well-improved farm in the southeastern part of Oskaloosa Township. Jefferson County, and compris- ing eighty acres on section 22. He has been a resident of this township for nearly a quarter of a century, and is thoroughly identified with the farming interests of the community. He is a na- tive of Missouri, having been born at Fayette, Howard County, Aug. 15, 1836. His father, Elijalı Bumam, is of English descent, and a native of Ken- tucky, in which State also his wife, Sarah Reynolds. was born. Elijah Bumam is a farmer and cooper. and followed the latter occupation for a number of years in Howard County. In 1838 he moved with his family to Andrew County, where he so- journed until 1849, when he changed his residence to Holt County, and there remained until 1868. His wife, Sarah, died in Andrew County when our subject was about seven years of age, and the father subsequently married a Miss Molin, who lived but a short time after her marriage.


Our subject is the eighth of the eleven children born to his parents. Elizabeth married John Cun.


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ningham in Holt County, and died about twelve years ago, leaving several children, who have since died. Joseph went to California in 1850, and when last heard of, seven years since, was living in Placer County, and unmarried, Martha married William Kenny, and died in Andrew County, Mo., soon after her marriage. Marnissa is the widow of Samuel Still, a farmer, who died, leaving six chil- dren; the widow is living in Atchison County. Mary has been married three times. Her third husband, Jesse Noland, died about sixteen years since, leaving five children. William went to California in 1850, and died in the spring of 1857, unmarried. Henry was a farmer, and his death occurred in July, 1887, in Bird City, Cheyenne County; he left a widow, formerly Miss Kate Hen- derson, and two children. John died on the plains in 1864; he was unmarried. James was a dealer in musical instruments in Falls City, Neb., where his death took place in 1878; he left a widow, whose maiden name was Miss Lanra Paxton, and five children. Hamilton died in Atchison Connty, Mo., leaving a widow, formerly Miss Delilalı Todd, and one child.


When the subject of this biography was about two years of age his parents moved to Andrew County, where he remained until about thirteen, when their place of abode was changed to Holt County. He received a common-school education, and continued to reside nnder the parental roof until twenty years of age. In 1857 he went to California, and entering the mines, labored there four years, and then returned to his Missouri home, and for two years engaged in tilling the soil in Holt County. He then entered the Union army as a member of Company H, 14th Kansas Infantry, and remained until the close of the war, partici- pating in a number of skirmishes and in the battle of Cabin Creek. He was on duty mostly on the western frontier in the Indian Nation, and engaged in scouting service. He was discharged in August, 1865, in Lawrence, Kan., and shortly afterward came to this county, settling on 150 acres of land adjoining the farm on which he now resides.


An important step in the life of Mr. Bumam was taken, Sep. 18, 1861, when he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Jacob and Mary Moser, the


ceremony taking place at the bride's home, in Holton County, Mo. Mrs. Bumam was born in that county, of which her parents were early set- tlers, and where her mother is still living on the homestead upon which they settled over forty years ago. She is now eighty-nine years of age, and her husband was of that age when he departed this life, on the 18th of May, 1872. Mr. Moser was a native of Virginia, and Mrs. Moser of New- ark, N. J. Mrs. Bumam is one of seven children born to her parents, and her name comes midway on the family roll. Her oldest brother, George, lives in Tulesboro, Louisa Co., Iowa, and is one of the officers of Wapello Bank; he is married, and has one son. Anna is the widow of Green Londen, and lives in Atchison County; she is the mother of seven children. Harriet married George W. MeNulty, a farmer of Holt County, Mo., and they have seven children. Jacob died in that county, leaving eight children; his wife 'bore the maiden of Jane Watson. Caroline is the wife of Edwin Philips, a wealthy Colorado stockman, whose home is at Manitou Springs, and whose family comprises two children. Charles is living in Holt County, Mo .; his first wife, Susan Minton, died, leaving three children; his second wife, Mrs. Susan Alkire, bas borne him one child, and is the mother of four children by her first husband.


Mr. Bumam has been Road Overseer and Clerk of the School Board. He belongs to the Repub . lican party, and in his quiet way labors for the good of the cause. Ile affiliates with Eagle Lodge, No. 42, I. O. O. F. He is a member in good stand- ing of the Christian Church. He possesses a good education and a varied knowledge of facts to be aeqnired outside the schoolroom, and is a liberal- hearted and public-spirited citizen. His wife also possesses many fine traits of character, and the eight children who have been born to them have been given every advantage which the parents means would admit, together with the home train- ing which would fit them for useful and honored lives.


Three of the children are married and living in homes of their own. Jacob took for his wife Miss Susan Center; their home is on the farm in Atchi- son County, Mo., and three children have been


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born to them. Charles A. married Miss Mary C. Harding, and they live on a farm near that of our subject. William T. also lives on a neighbor- ing farm with his wife, who bore the maiden name of Fannie Douglas. The other children of our subject and his wife bear the names of Marnissa E., Bert I .. Clyde, Lewis and Levara.


R EZIN SMITH. Among the old settlers, the prosperous citizens, and the respected mem- bers of society in Jefferson County, this gentleman well deserves our notice. His career in life affords an unusually excellent exam- ple of industry, untiring energy, and prosperity won by his efforts. He is the owner and occupant of 156 acres of bottom land and fifty acres of prai- rie land in Kaw Township, finely improved, well fenced, adorned with orchards and groves. supplied with barns and other necessary outbuildings, and a very tasteful and comfortable dwelling.




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