Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 95

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 95
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 95
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 95

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The father of our subject lived in Pennsylvania until twelve years of age when his widowed mother removed to Zanesville, where he lived until All- gust, 1889, when he came to this State and is now residing in Oskaloosa. His trade is that of a mill- wright, and for a number of years he had charge of two mills in Zanesville, belonging to Beaumont & Hollingsworth. Ilis wife was a native of Greens- burg, Ky., her natal day being March 14, 1819. Iler death took place in Zanesville, Ohio, May 30, 1889.

Dr. Balsley is the fourth of ten children born to his parents. Mary lives near MePherson, Kan., and is the widow of Ephraim Bonnifield, a farmer, who died in August, 1889, leaving seven children. Rebecca is the wife of Asahel Denman, a promi- nent farmer, near Newark, Ohio, and their family consists of two children. Harriet is the wife of David German, a farmer, at Valley Falls, and they have four children. Martha died at the age of eighteen months. George died when two years old. Nanny lives near Zanesville, Ohio, and is the wife of C. Richards, a potter; they have three children. Frances is the wife of Shelby Hibbs, a farmer, near Zanesville. Herbert is a carpenter and his home is also near Zanesville; he married Miss Net- tie Cooper, and is the father of one child. Ernst, a twin of Herbert, is unmarried and at home.

The gentleman whose name initiates this notice has improved the excellent educational facilities which he enjoyed, and possesses a deep and varied

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fund of knowledge. After acquiring a good com- mon-school education, he spent two years in at- tendance at Muskingum College. and then entered the Sterling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, from which he was graduated in February, 1872. His studies were broken in upon, however, by the breaking out of the Civil War, and before he was yet of age he had entered the Union army, enroll- ing himself as a private in Company G, 32d Ohio Infantry.

At the battle of Harper's Ferry, April 16, 1862, when Gen. Miles and 11,000 men were taken pris- oners by Stonewall Jackson, yonng Balsley was one of the captives, but he was immediately paroled, and in January, 1863, was exchanged. He was then transferred to the Western department and participated in the Vicksburg campaign, taking part in the battles of Black River, Champion Hills and other engagements in the vicinity of Vicksburg. During the contest at Champion Hills his regiment charged and captured a Confederate battery, ard in this charge, as in other work of his regiment and company, young Balsley bore himself gallantly and in a manner becoming one whose lineage is traced from the warlike and soldierly German race.

In the fall of 1863 Mr. Balsley was given a vet- eran furlough, at the expiration of which he joined Sherman at Big Shanty, at the outset of the Atlanta campaign, and under the command of the renowned leader made that march to the sea that will ever have a prominent place in the annals of American history. Ile took part in the battles of Bentons- ville, Goldsboro and Raleigh, the closing battles of the war, and after participating in the grand re- view at Washington City, received an honorable discharge and was mustered out happy in the consciousness that he had discharged his duty with all the ardor which accompanies his years, and with a deep and fervid patriotism. Journeying to Nashville, Tenn., he became a clerk in the Quarter- master's department, and a year later returned to Ohio and took up his studies in college.

In April, 1872, a short time after his graduation from the medical college, Dr. Balsley came to this . place and began the practice of his profession, in which he has a deservedly high reputation. He is the owner of the "Gem Drug Store," which was

established in 1880, and the drug and stationery stock of which amounts to $6,000. The building in which this business is carried on is a two-story brick structure. 20x70 feet, situated on the south- west corner of the public square, and is also owned by the Doctor.

The wife of Dr. Balsley bore the maiden name of Sarah E. Bonnifield, and the ceremony which united them took place in St. Louis, Mo., May 5, 1873. Mrs. Balsley is a daughter of Ephraim and Sommerville ( Reamy) Bonnifield, who were natives of Virginia, and her own birth took place in Zanes- ville, Ohio. She is an intelligent and an estimable lady, and a worthy companion for a man of Dr. Balsley's character and acquirements. They have one daughter, Nellie -- now nine years old.

Dr. Balsley is a Republican, and has frequently been delegate to county conventions, and is treas- urer of the County Central Committee. He has a genial, social nature, and belongs to the following orders: A. F. & A. M., K. of P., A. O. U. W. and G. A. R. He has been presiding officer in the lo- cal lodges of each of these orders, and is Medical Examiner of them all. He now holds the office of Inside Guard in the State Grand Lodge of the K. of P. He is the Coroner of Jefferson County. He and his wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

AMES C. DINNEN. The young farmers of Jefferson County have an excellent rep- resentative in this gentleman, who is both prosperous and enterprising. and who owns and operates 160 acres in Kaw Township, and is also the owner of 320 acres in Wilmington Town- ship, Wabaunsee County. He is among the oldest settlers in the township where he resides, and his dwelling is one of the finest therein, having been erected in 1889 at a cost of $3,000. The entire home farm is under cultivation, is fenced with hedge and wire, and is supplied with a windmill and tank, and all necessary outbuildings, the whole making up an estate profitable, convenient and at- tractive. Mr. Dinnen has been quite extensively engaged in stock feeding, and has adequate feel

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and stock yards, but he now farms in a general way, believing this to be more profitable in these times.

The subject of this sketch is of Irish descent and parentage, and inherits a sturdy perseverance and acute observation, together with a discriminating judgment, from his progenitors. His grandfather Morris Dinnen, followed agricultural pursuits in the Emerald Isle until his death. He was the fa- ther of a large family, one of whom, Michael Din- nen, born in County Limerick, was reared and edu- cated by an uncle on whose farm he was employed until 1848. He then came to America and loca- ted in Pittsburg, Pa., found employment in the rolling mills of that place, running a furnace there until about the year 1856, when he went to Kansas City, Mo., performing a part of his journey by boat. In that city he worked at brick-making un- til the spring of 1859, when with his family he moved to Kaw Township, this county, first settling on survey 13, where he began making improve- ments. He farmed there until 1865, when he sold his inprovements and his claim on the land, and bonght a tract on section 22, of the same township, which forms a part of the estate which he now owns and occupies. He has been successful in his agricul- tural work, and is now living at ease enjoying the results of his earlier labors and prudent manage- ment. He owns 335 acres of land in the county, with valuable improvements, and is also the owner of real estate in South Topeka. He served in the Kansas State Militia and was out during the Price raid. He is a prominent and respected citizen.

The wife of Michael Dinnen bore the maiden name of Bridget Murphy and was born in County Longford, Ireland. Her father, Hugh Murphy, was a native of the same county as herself, and coming to America he spent his last days at his daughter's home, where he died at the age of eighty- four years. Mrs. Bridget Dinnen bore her hus- band nine children, four of whom are now living. Our subject is the second member of the family ; his sister Catherine, now Mrs. Sweeney of Lead- ville, Col., precedes him on the family roll; John is a train master in Montana; and Michael lives on the home farm in Kaw Township.

James Dinnen first opened his eyes to the light

in Pittsburg, Pa., May 24, 1856, and was but a year old when his parents emigrated to Kansas City, Mo., and a child of three when they came to this county which is the scene of his earliest recol- lections. He was reared on the farm and educated in the district schools, the first one which he at- tended being held in a log house furnished with slab benches. During his leisure from school he made himself useful at home and was able to help his father a great deal in improving the place, upon which he remained until he was twenty-three years old, for some time prior to his departure superintending the estate.

Upon leaving the paternal roof in 1879, Mr. Din- nen rented an adjoining farm and began hand- ling stock, feeding. and shipping to Kansas City, and being very successful in the business. In 1882, he was able to purchase the half section which he still owns in Wabaunsee County, which he fenced and arranged as a place on which to keep cattle through the summer. In the fall of the same year he bought the farm which he occupies, paying a round sum of money for it, although it had no improvements except fences and broken sod. Its situation, however, on the Kaw bottoms, made it valuable and by strict attention to hns- bandry Mr. Dinnen has developed its fertility, made upon it the improvements before noted and placed it in a condition unexcelled in the vicinity.

In Miss Mary Reed, a native of Atchison County, Kan., Mr. Dinnen found the lady whom he desired as a life companion and they were united in marriage at Newman, Nov. 8, 1882. The parents of the bride, Addison J. and Elizabeth E. Reed, were early settlers of Atchison County, whence they moved to Jefferson County, and are now living upon a farm in Rock Creek Township. The hap -. py union of Mr. and Mrs. Dinnen has been blessed by the birth of three children-Frank, Lizzie and Victor, whose childish voices and growing intelli- gence are music in their parents' ears.

Mr. Dinnen has been Clerk of Kaw Township for three years. He is an advocate of the princi- ples of the Democratic party. He has served a term on the Grand Jury. His parents and himself are members of the Catholic Church, and he is one of the Directors of that denomination at Newman,

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and active in its support. The sturdy characteris- tics which Mr. Dinnen has derived by inheritance from worthy parents and which have been im- proved by careful training, coupled with intelli- gence and courtesy, make him an object of respect and friendly esteem in the community, and give promise of his future years being still more useful and prosperous than those which are past.

E DGAR L. CARHARTT, M.D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Thomp- sonville, was graduated from the medical departments of the Missouri State University at Kansas City, and is now in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative practice. He has been a close stu dent and an extensive reader, and owns one of the best-appointed medical libraries in this part of the State. He is looked upon as a man of worth and reliability, and is equally popular both in social and business circles.

A native of Delaware County, Ohio, Dr. Carhartt was born Sept. 12, 1860, near Burling Station, whence shortly afterward his parents removed to Keokuk County, Iowa, where he received his early training and was reared to manhood on a farm. In 1876, when a youth of sixteen years, he accom panied his parents to this State, locating in Ells- worth County, where he assisted in the labors of the farm and gave good attention to his books in the common school. When less than twenty years old he was married Oct. 14, 1880, at Ellsworth, to Miss Etta Wollam. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Carhartt began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Alderson, at Wilson, and with whom he remained three years, entering then the University and being graduated therefrom in March, 1886, with the highest honors of his class.

Beginning the regular practice of his profession at Wilson with his preceptor, Dr. Carhartt contin- ned there until January, 1889, when he changed the scene of his labors to Thompsonville, entering into partnership with one of his old classmates, Dr. Smith. This partnership was dissolved the following May and Dr. Carhartt has since operated singly and alone, giving particular attention to

surgery. He has been more than ordinarily suc- cessful, having more business than he can con- veniently attend to. He is Vice President of the Alumni Association, and a member of the Central Kansas District Medical Society, having been duly registered by the State Board of Pharmacy.

The subject of this sketch is the son of Lewis Carhartt, a native of Utica, N. Y., and the grand- son of Henry Carhartt, a blacksmith by trade, and also born in the above-mentioned city. Elliot Carhartt emigrated to Iowa at an early day, and thence to Missouri, locating in Macon City. He served in the War of 1812. He traced his ancestry to England. The great-grandfather Carhartt emi- grated from that country and settled on Long Island.

Lewis Carhartt carly in life established himself on a farm in Delaware County, Ohio, whence he removed first to Keokuk County, and then, in 1876, to Ellsworth County, Kan. In the latter county he became the owner of 320 acres of land from which he improved a good farm, where he made his home until 1886. That year he removed to Wilson, sojourning there until the early part of 1889. He then took up his abode with his son, Edgar L., and died Nov. 30, 1889, at the age of seventy-two years. He was a member in good standing of the Baptist Church. The maiden name of his wife was Nancy Pearson. She was born in Athens, Ohio, and was the daughter of George Pearson, a native of Cumberland County, in the eastern part of Virginia. Grandfather Pear- son was a farmer by occupation, and served in the War of 1812. Hle settled in Delaware County, Ohio, at an early date, and removed thence to Iowa and finally to Kansas. He returned to Iowa prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, and died in that State when over eighty years of age. He likwise was of English descent. To the parents of our subject there was born a family of six children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Betsey A., died when in her sixteenth year; William H. is in Denver; Harrison and Harvey died in Iowa; Clara is living in Watson, Kan. ; Edgar L. was the young- est born.

Mrs. Carhartt was born in Apple River, Jo Daviess Co., Ill., June 23, 1862, and was educated

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in Wilson, Kan., and Apple River. Her parents were James and Mary (Jellison) Wollam, natives of Ohio and early settlers of Northern Illinois. The father engaged in farming and accumulated a competence. He left Jo Davi ss County, Ill., in 1871, and coming to Kansas, located in Ellsworth County, where he prosecuted farming until his death, in 1875. He was prominently connected with the Presbyterian Church. He followed teaching considerably during his younger years, and after his removal to Kansas became the Superintendent of Ellsworth County Sehools, and also was Tax Col- lector. He served in the Union army during the Civil War, in an Illinois regiment under the com- mand of Gen. Grant. The paternal grandfather, Samuel Wollam, removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio at an early dav, and thence to Jo Daviess County, Ill., settling in Apple River, where he became a wealthy man. Mrs. Wollam departed this life at Wilson in 1884. Mr Wollam died in the same place about 1876. Her family, the Jelli- sons, were of German descent. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wollam were: Etta, Mrs. Car- hartt; Rosa, Mrs. Olsen, of Wilson; Allie, deceased; Stella, Mrs. Taylor, of Utica, this county; James, who is attending college at Saline, Kan .; Adah, living in Colorado, and Josie, in Wilson.

OHN MCCLURE. The farming community of Ozawkie Township recognizes in Mr. Mc- Clure one of its most substantial and reli- able men. He started out in life without other means than his own resources, and is conse- quently a self-made man, one who has attained to a good position socially and financially, through his own unaided efforts. Ile may usually be found at his headquarters, a well-regulated homestead on section 12, where he prosecutes general farming successfully, and lives at peace among his neigh bors.

Mr. MeClure was born in County Armagh, Ire- land, July 5, 1842, and there spent the first eighteen years of his life. In the meantime he attended the common school, and gained a very good insight into the various pursuits of farm life as conducted

in the Emerald Isle. Upon approaching man's es- tate, however, he became dissatisfied with his pros- pects and surroundings, and resolved upon emigrat- ing to the United States.

In 1860, putting his resolve into execution, young MeClure embarked on a sailing-vessel, and after a safe voyage, soon found himself upon Amer- ican soil. First making York County, Pa., his home, he sojourned there for a brief time, then went to Philadelphia, where he lived a few months, but finally returned to York County. In Angust, 1863, during the progress of the Civil War, he en- gaged as hostler in the employ of the Government at $50 per month, and was thus occupied, moving with the regiment, until 1864. That year he en- listed as a regular soldier, and served until the close of the war.

Returning now to Pennsylvania, Mr. McClure, in 1865, took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Agnes Taylor, a native of York County, Pa., the wedding oceurring Dec. 5, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. McClure lived in Pennsylvania until the spring of 1869, then set out for Kansas, and coming to Jeffer- son County, Mr. McClure purchased 160 acres of his present farm. He was prospered as a tiller of the soil, and invested his capital in additional land to the extent of 320 acres. It must be remembered that this was all wild land. The task of erecting buildings, making fences, planting trees, and in- stituting the other indispensable improvements on a farm, can better be imagined than described. The labor of years, however, prevailed, and Mr. McClure now has one of the most desirable home- steads in Ozawkie Township. He has a good frame dwelling neatly painted, with a pleasant yard, orna- mented by shade trees, and adjacent is a conven- ient barn, and the other necessary outbuildings required for the storage of grain and the shelter of stock. Mr. McClure has set out about 250 apple trees, besides trees of the smaller fruits.

To Mr. McClure and his estimable wife, there have been born six children-William A., Sarah J., Molly, and Alter; these are all living. The de- ceased are Joseph and Ira. The parents are mem- bers in good standing of the United Presbyterian Church. The ancestors of Mr. McClure were na- tives of Ireland, as far back as is known, and de-

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vout adherents of the Presbyterian Church. Upon becoming a voting citizen, Mr. McClure identified himself with the Republican party, but with the ex- ception of casting his vote at the general elections, he meddles very little with political affairs. He is liberal and progressive in his ideas, and belongs to the A. O. U. W. lodge, of Valley Falls.

R EV. ALBERT L. PEARSALL. an efficient minister of the German Baptist Church, became connected with this denomination when a man of thirty years, in 1865, and was soon afterward appointed to the office of Dea- con. He was recognized as possessing more than ordinary talent, and three years later was ordained a minister, in which capacity he has since served. The society at Ozawkie was organized about 1863, and for many years Mr. Pearsall preached in school houses and private residences before the erection of a church edifice. The society has recently finished a church, 38x60 feet in dimensions, with basement under the whole. The membership is about 175, and the church is in a prosperous condition. The labors of its pastor have been crowned with success and he is warmly appreciated by his people.

Mr. Pearsall was born in Susquehannalı County, N. Y., Sept. 2, 1835, and about 1840 was taken by his parents to the vicinity of Chicago, Ill. They located on land about one and one-half miles west of the present site of the city, and for years kept what was known as a four and one-half mile house. About 1850 they removed to Lawrence County. Ind., where the father purchased a flouring-mill, which he operated until 1853. Then pushing on further Westward, he crossed the Mississippi, and located in Benton County, Iowa, prosecuting farm- ing there until 1855.

In the year above mentioned, the Pearsall fam- ily came to what was then Kansas Territory, and located in what is now Rock Creek Township. In 1856 they removed to Madison County, and the father, Albert Pearsall, died the following fall, at the age of fifty-eight years. The mother, Mrs. Lydia (Atwater) Pearsall, was a native of New York State, and spent her last days at the home of

her son, in the village of Ozawkie, dying in 1865, when about the same age as her husband at the time of his decease. The parental grandfather was Stephen Pearsall, a native of France, who emigrat- ing to America, settled in New York State, where he reared a family, and there spent his last days.

After the death of his father, Mr. Pearsall re- moved to the village of Ozawkie, and engaged in milling, having learned the trade with his father. He operated one mill for fifteen years in the inter- ests of the owner, Mr. Dail, who is still its proprie- tor. In 1856 Mr. Pearsall was wedded to Miss Catherine, daughter of Jacob N. aud Anna (Hoo- ver) Brown. The Brown family settled in this region in 1854, and here the parents of Mrs. Pear- sall spent their last days. They were born in Bed- ford County, Pa., and early in life connected them- selves with the German-Baptist Church, of which they thereafter remained faithful and conscientious members. They were a people greatly respected in their community for their upright lives and kindly traits of character.

About 1871, Mr. Pearsall engaged in the lumber business at Ozawkie, and later commenced dealing in hardware, building materials and agricultural implements. After a time he associated himself in partnership with Samuel Stephenson, and under the firm name of Pearsall & Stephenson they are still conducting a thriving business. Their store build- ing, a substantial frame structure, occupies an area of 50x22 feet, and is well stocked with everything in their line of merchandise. They do an annual business of at least $10,000.

To Mr. and Mrs. Pearsall there have been born three children: Stephen, who is married; Ida, who is the wife of Hiram Stewart, of Ozawkie Township; and Addie L.

SAAC WARD, a well-to-do farmer of Franklin Township, may usually be found at his home- stead on section 5, where he has labored suc- cessfully as a tiller of the soil. and has provided himself with all the needful comforts of life. Ile is numbered among the peaceable and law-abiding citizens of that locality, and uniformly votes the

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Republican ticket. The family consists of his wife and ten children, the latter being named res- pectively: Eliza Ann, Ida B., Viola, Mary, Melvin, Thomas, Lnella, Lucinda, Jesse and Bertha M.

The subject of this sketch, a native of Wayne County, Ind., was born Aug. 17, 1839, and was the second in a family of four children, the offspring of William J. and Frances (Runnels) Ward, who were natives respectively of Indiana and Tennessee. After their marriage they settled in Wayne County, Ind., and thence removed to Vermilion County, Ill., where they lived a number of years and where the mother died. Afterward the father came to Kansas, settling in Franklin Township, Jackson County, where his death took place March 17, 1885.

Isaac Ward resided in Vermilion County, Ill., until the fall of 1877, then came to Kansas with his wife and four children, settling in Franklin Town- ship, of which he has since been a resident. From his boyhood he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and at the present time is considerably interested in stock-raising. His farm of 100 acres is all under cultivation. His estimable wife, to whom he was married in Vermilion County. Ill., April 3, 1863, was formerly Miss Sarah A., daugh- ter of William L. and Eliza (Smith ) Gants. Mr. Gants was a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife was born in Tennessee. After marriage they settled in Vermilion County, Ill., and Mr. Gants departed this life March 17, 1889; the mother is still living. Their family included ten children, of whom Mrs. Ward was the eldest born. She is a native of Georgetown Township, Vermilion Co., Ill., the date of her birth being Aug. 25, 1842.

AMES M. ORENDORF was for more than a quarter of a century a resident of Jeffer- son County, and was engaged in farming and stock-raising on a fine estate in Norton Township. He is now living in Leavenworth retired from active life, having accumulated snfli- cient of this world's goods to enable him to spend his declining years in ease, and finding life in the country rather lonely for himself and wife, all

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Portrait and biographical album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 95

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

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