USA > Kansas > Marshall County > Portrait and biographical album of Marshall County, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 19
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the order. regularity, and evidence of harmony ex- isting between the surroundings, both in outward form and inward workings. It seems the abode of peace and plenty.
The wife of our subject was also a native of Han- over, where her parents lived till 1855. Mrs. Cohrs was in her youth Catherine, daughter of George and Anna (Bunker) Gieshler, who were universally respected both in their native land and in the com- munity of which they were residents in Kansas. Religiously. they belonged to the Lutheran Church, and after a life well spent in deeds of kindness and self-sacrifice, passed quietly and hopefully to rest. They had resided for fourteen years in Illinois prior to their removal to Kansas in 1869, and it was in this latter State that they died. After the marriage of our subject and his wife, which took place .Inne 18, 1871, they lived for a time on rented land, then had a house built on his present home- stead, into which they removed. The home circle is gladdened by the birth and presence of four children. namely: Henry, Anna, Fred and Cather- ine. They are now at home and receiving careful training for life's responsibilities.
In politics Mr. Cohrs is an Independent.
G EORGE FREDERICK GERLINGER. Perhaps in no portion of the world are the results of industry and perseverance more clearly defined than in the Great West. Fifty years ago a large portion of its territory lay un- tilled, and it is hardly necessary to say that its present civilized condition, its rich farms and flour- ishing villages, have been brought into existence only by those men possessing an unlimited amount of enterprise and energy. In noting the career of the leading men of Marshall County, the name of Mr. Gerlinger can by no means be properly omitted from the list. He represents farm property to the amount of 720 broad acres, his homestead being finely located on section 9, Elm Creek Township. HIe commenced in life dependent upon his own re- sources and has arrived at his present position, so- cially and financially, solely by his own efforts.
Next in importance to a man's personal history. is that of his forefathers. Our subject is the son of Christian Gerlinger, who was born in Germany, where he received a practical education, and was married to Miss Sophia Schmidt, a maiden of his own Province. His distinguishing trait was his desire to get on in the world and to follow a course which would be best for those dependent upon him. There seemed little prospect of attain- ing his desire in the Fatherland and, accordingly in 1846, be set out for America. The voyage across the Atlantic was made in a sailing-vessel, and the family first settled in Pennsylvania, sojourning there, however, only a short time. Then they re- moved to Milwaukee, Wis., of which place they were residents about fifteen years. The father of our subject then having his attention attracted to Northern Kansas as a desirable location for a man with little means, came to this county and settled in Elm Creek Township. He redeemed a portion of the soil, and constructed therefrom a comfort- able homestead, where he and his estimable wife spent the remainder of their days.
The subject of this sketch was the only child of his parents, and was born in Wurtemburg, Ger- many, April 24, 1840. He was a child of six years when his parents emigrated to America, and he came with them to this county in April, 1862. Ile acquired his education mostly in the common schools, and at an early age was taught to make himself useful, and became imbued with those hab- its of thrift and prudence which are the leading characteristics of the German nationality. When reaching man's estate he was married in Nemeha County. May 25.1868. to Miss Augusta Weyer, who born July 15. 1842, to Frederick and Mary Louisa Weyer. This lady was a native of his own coun- try, and after becoming the mother of four chil- dren, departed this life at the homestead Sept. 25. 1880. One of their sons-John-died when an in- fant of six months. George P., born July 17. 1870; Christian A .. Sept. 27, 1871. and William E., Aug. 30. 1873. remain at home with their father.
Mr. Gerlinger contracted a second marriage Aug. 16, 1881. in Milwaukee. Wis., with Miss Elizabeth Munzinger, who born Sept. 8. 1850, near the Cream
CEDAR BLUff
OLD HOME STEAD
ITA
"CEDAR BLUFF FARM" RESIDENCE OF G. F. GERLINGER, SEC. 9. ELM CREEK TP. MARSHALL CO.
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City, and lived there until her marriage. Both Mrs. Gerlinger and her husband are members in good standing of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Ger- linger, politically, is independent, a man who does his own thinking and endeavors to support the men whom he considers best qualified for office. In his farming operations, he makes a specialty of stock- breeding, and has all the convenienees for the sue- cessful prosecution of his calling. He has erected good buildings on his place, and avails himself of modern machinery in the cultivation of the soil. Among his fellow-citizens he is uniformly popular, and his home is the frequent resort of the best peo- ple of Elm Creek Township. We call the atten- tion of our many readers to an elegant lithographie view of the handsome residence and surroundings on the farm of Mr. Gerlinger, to be found on an- other page of this work.
BSALOM H. JESTER has for many years been an active citizen and earnest worker for the promotion of the best interests of Marshall County, where he has attained the worthy reputation of being public-spirited, lib- eral, and industrious. By trade a carpenter, he has devoted his later years to agricultural pursuits, owning and cultivating a fine farm on section 30, Center Township. By developing the best inter- ests of his own estate, he has thereby elevated the standard of agriculture in this county, and has stimulated others to more determined efforts by his successful operation of his farm.
Inheriting the thrift of a long line of Scotch an- cestry, he has had the hearty co-operation of a worthy helpmate for many years. Mrs. Jester has all the charms and attractions of gracious woman- hood, mellowed and subdued by age. Of charit- able disposition, winning and kind, the poor never fear to approach her, while those in her own social sphere rival each other in bestowing upon her those little favors so gratefully received by all the gen- tler sex. She was united in marriage with our sub- jeet, in Springfield. III., July 11, 1850, and has ever since then been a true wife, faithful compan-
ion, and active co-laborer. working earnestly for the promotion of the family welfare. Not alone has she been a worthy helpmate, but in every sense of the word, she has been a devoted mother to her children. of whom there are eight. We herewith give the family record : John, Julia, Ann, Varden, Charles, Katie, Stephen, and Mattie. Ann died when just budding into womanhood, at the in- teresting age of sixteen years. She was buried near the homestead. in Center Township; Varden was taken from the family circle when an infant; John married Laura Crary, and resides in Colorado; Julia is the wife of George Thomas, and lives in Marysville ; Mattie married Edward Dexter, a resi- dent of this county; Charles and Stephen are at home.
Politically, Mr. Jester is an active supporter of Democratic principles, working for the election of their tieket in all National and local affairs. To- gether with his wife he attends services at the Baptist Church, of which both are members. Mr. Jester has filled with characteristic ability several school offices, but prefers the quiet of the domestic eircle to the uproar of official life.
The father of our subject, John B. Jester, was a native of Scotland, and by occupation a shoemaker. In early manhood he married Tabitha Jones, who was born on the eastern shore of Maryland. After marriage, they removed to Woodford County, Ky., where he followed his trade several years. During their sojourn in that county, our subject was born Nov. 1, 1822. and was one among nine children born to John Jester and his helpmate. He was the third in order of birth, and was eight years old when his parents left their Kentucky home, and located in Sangamon County, Ill. Here, as in Ken- tucky, Mr. Jester was occupied with his trade, but afterward became interested in farming pursuits. Both he and his wife died in their Illinois home.
For twenty years a resident of the capital city of the great State of Illinois, our subject there was engaged as a carpenter, and enjoyed the personal acquaintance of President Lincoln, who was then entering upon that career so brilliant, so wonder- ful, and so suddenly terminated in the midst of the greatness achieved, when he had been placed on the pinnacle of renown, by a loving, reunited people.
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Leaving Springfield, Mr. Jester returned to his father's old homestead, and made it the scene of his labors for six years. In the autumn of 1869 he left that place and settled in Center Township, on section 30, this county, where he has since re- sided. He preempted a homestead of eighty acres on section 30, and has since added another eighty to the original claim. Upon his estate he has erected a commodious residence, and has also set out fruit trees, and otherwise improved the prop- erty.
Mrs. Jester is the daughter of John and Ann ( Wetherell) Connelly. who after their marriage. settled in Georgetown, D. C., and there resided until the year 1837. when they came to Sangamon County, Ill., settling in Springfield. There the father followed the occupation of a shoemaker. and filled various offices of trust, and became prominent among those of his social circle in his vicinity. He and his wife reared a family of eleven children, six daughters and five sons. Of these Mrs. Jester was the eighth child, and was born in Georgetown, D. C., Feb. 28, 1832. accompanying her parents on their removal later, to Springfield, where she met and married the subject of this sketch.
During the period of their residence here, Mr. and Mrs. Jester have endeared themselves to those with whom they have associated, and are known in their community for their good works.
P ATRICK J. FARRELL. It is a remark- able man. who takes no pleasure in view- ing the evidences of thrift and enterprise in a community, the cultivated fields of the agricultural districts, especially, the substantial buildings and the various other indications of in - dustry and prosperity. Hle who has built up for himself such a homestead among an intelligent peo- ple, is worthy of more than a passing mention. The farm of Mr. Farrell, which is pleasantly lo- eated on seetion 7, Walnut Township, invariably attracts the eye of the passing traveler, its fields being well tilled and productive. its buildings neatly painted and kept in good repair, and the surround-
ings generally indicative of a man intent upon reaching a high point of excellence, both socially and financially.
The subject of this notice was born in County Longford. Ireland, March 4, 1849, and is the son of Patrick and Mary (Milnamow) Farrell, who emigrated to the United States when Patrick J. was a child of two years. They made the voyage on a sailing-vessel of the Black Star Line, and landed in New York City in December, 1851. Thence they proceeded to De Kalb County, Ill., where the father occupied himself as a farmer, and where he still lives. The mother died in 1886. Both were mem- bers of the Catholic Church, of Killishee Parish.
Mr. Farrell came when a young man, in 1869. to this State, and homesteaded 160 acres of land where he now lives, and which occupies the south- east quarter of section 7. He had acquired a com- mon-school education in Illinois, together with those habits of industry and frugality, which have been the secret of his success. When becoming sufficiently established, financially, he was married in this county, on June 20, 1877, to Miss Mary C., daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Downey ) Flem- ing. who was born in Bruce County, Canada, and whose father was a native of Kilkenny, Ireland. The latter when a young man, emigrated with his parents, William and Catherine (Mackey ) Fleming, to the Dominion, and there his parents spent their last days. The father was a member of the Church of England, and the mother was a Catholic in re- ligious belief; the father when married also joined the Catholic Church. Grandmother Fleming died soon after landing in Quebec. Grandfather Flem- ing died while on a visit to his daughter in Michi- gan. Mrs. Farrell's mother was born in Canada. where she was reared to womanhood, and married. The parents of Mrs. Farrell are now residents of Pottawatomie County, this State. The maternal grandparents were Patrick and Elizabeth (Phelan) Downey, both natives of Kilkenny, and members of the Catholic Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Farrell began their wedded life to- gether on the farm where they now live, and upon which great changes have been brought about since our subject took possession. Besides the buildings mentioned, there is an abundance of fruit and
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shade trees, including a fine orchard of about 100 apple trees. The land is largely devoted to pastur- age. Mr. and Mrs. Farrell are members in good standing of the Catholic Church, and our subject, politieally, votes the straight Democratie ticket. He has served as Township Trustee two years, and also as Road Overseer, and Clerk of his school dis- triet several years. The household circle ineludes six bright and interesting children, viz .: Patrick, Elizabeth T., Thomas L., Bernard W., Gregory, and Henry M.
Mrs. Farrell is a very intelligent lady, and well edneated, having completed her studies in the Catholic school at Galesburg, III., of which she was a student four years. She was also in the convent at Farmassa, Canada, four years. In 1885 Mr. Farrell and his family visited their old home in De Kalb County, Ill .. and also took in the great and growing eity of Chicago.
AMES SHROYER. A plain and unassum- ing citizen, the subject of this notice has long been recognized as one of those men possessing the qualities of character which form the basis of all good society, and lend dignity and worth to a community. He has been content to pursue the even tenor of his way, giving his thoughts mostly to his family and his farm, but at the same time has maintained a uniform interest in the progress and welfare of the people about him. He has a very pleasant family and a 'wife possessing great excellence of character, a lady who is warmly interested in the cause of education, maintaining a worthy ambition to give her children the best of advantages. Their home makes one of those quiet country pictures, having a charm about it greater than that which wealth or ambition can give.
Philip Shroyer, the father of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania where he was reared to farming pursuits and married Miss Catherine Lash, a native of his own State. Soon after uniting their destinies they removed to Perry County, Ohio, where the father was cut down in his prime, dying when his son James, our subject, was about seven
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years old. The mother subsequently removed to Fulton County, Ind., and later came to this county and died about 1878. The family of nine children consisted of seven sons and two daughters, of whom James was the youngest born. He first opened his eyes to the light near Thornville, Perry Co., Ohio, Sept. 30, 1841, and was eight years old when his mother left the Buckeye State and removed to Ind- iana. Ile was reared to manhood in the latter | State and came to this eounty in the fall of 1864, when twenty-three years old. He seeured a tract of land on section 31, Elm Creek Township, and established the homestead where he now lives. He is now the owner of 320 acres of land upon which he has erected good buildings, planted forest and fruit trees, and gathered about himself and his fam- ily the other comforts and conveniences of modern life.
The marriage of our subjeet with Miss Sarah Blalock took place at the home of the bride in Elm Creek Township. Sept 12, 1869. Mrs. Shroyer is the daughter of John and Rosamond (Hill) Blalock; the mother is deceased, the father is a resident of Texas. The wife of our subjeet was born in Grant County, Wis., Sept. 20, 1845, and received a good education, after which she followed the profession of a teacher in this county and other places, until her marriage. This union has resulted in the birth of four children, viz .: Warren is now a student at Plattville, Grant Co., Wis .; John, Ferdinand, and Mary J., are at home with their parents and receiving the benefits of a good edu- eation. Mr. Shroyer, politically, affilliates with the Democratic party, but has never sought the re- sponsibilities of office. Mrs. Shroyer is promi- nently connected with the Congregational Church.
DAM SACHS. The reader will at onee recognize this name as belonging to a German citizen, and the biographer found him located on one of the best farms in Walnut Township, pleasantly situated on section 8. The homestead in all its appointments indicates the thrift and industry of the proprietor, from the
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large neatly-painted frame dwelling, to the barn and other outbuildings, the fat cattle and other well-fed live stock, the machinery and all the appurtenances usually employed by the skillful and thorough agriculturist. The soil has been brought to a highly fertile condition and very little of it is allowed to run to waste. Mr. Sachs is one of the most worthy representatives of his national- ity, and has been no unimportant factor in uphold- ing the reputation of his adopted township as one of the most intelligent communities in this region.
A native of the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, our subject was born Jan. 2, 1847. and reared un- der the compulsory education laws of his native land. He spent his boyhood and youth on the farm of his parents, Lawrence and Maggie (Goller) Sachs, who were likewise natives of Bavaria and of pure German ancestry. They were most excellent and worthy people, members in good standing in the Lutheran Church, and spent their entire lives on their native soil.
Our subject left his native shore in 1868 on the steamer "Weser," and after a voyage of eleven days landed safely in New York City on the 16th of September. He made his way directly from the metropolis to Seott County, lowa, where he employed himself as a farm laborer three years. Afterward he established himself on a rented farm which he operated two years and then removed, first to Guthrie County, Iowa, and next to Adams County, Neb. In the latter county he purchased a claim, chiefly with money which he had made by months of hard labor, and next took unto himself a wife and helpmate. This lady was Miss Philipina, daughter of Philip Schoneberger, a native of his own country, and they lived on that farm until 1883, during which year our subject came to this county,
Mr. Sachs now purchased 240 aeres of land, that which constitutes his present farm, and has since given to it his best efforts. Ile makes a specialty of Short-horn cattle, an industry in which he has been very successful and which yields him a hand- some income. At the same time he takes an inter- est in everything pertaining to the general welfare of his community, being the friend of education and progress in all its forms and uniformly sup-
porting the principles of the Democratic party. Hle has held the office of School Treasurer in his dis- trict for the last four years, is a man prompt to meet his obligations and one whose word is consid- ered as good as his bond. Both he and his wife are leading members of the Lutheran Church in the faith of which they have been reared since child- hood; they have two children, whose names are George and Mary, who are receiving the benefits of a good common sehool education,
ETER J. SCHUMACHER. This gentle- man, who is on the sunny side of forty, and who is a farmer by oceupation, having a well-regulated homestead on section 12, in Logan Township, was born in Wisconsin, Oct. 12. 1860, and lived there until a child of seven years, About 1867 his parents removed to the Northern part of the Wolverine State, but not be- ing satisfied with their surroundings, came a year later to this county and located on the farm now occupied by their son. Here our subject was reared until approaching to man's estate and when about eighteen years old, the parents, leaving the farm in his hands, removed to another on section 18, Lo- gan Township, where they still reside.
Mr. Schumacher was the third born in a family of six children, one of whom is deceased. Ile was educated in the distriet school and when twenty- five years old, was married in Logan Township to Miss Paulina C., daughter of Anton and Julia (Riebard) Iluber. The parents of Mrs. Schumacher were natives of LaSalle County, III., where they lived until she was about three years old. They then removed to this county and are still residents of Franklin Township. The young people began their wedded life together under the old roof tree, and are now the parents of one child, a son, An- drew, who was born July 21, 1888.
The farm of our subject comprises 160 acres of good land, the greater part of which is in a good state of cultivation. lle has a substantial frame dwelling with a good barn and an orchard of about 100 fruit trees, besides other fruit and shade trees.
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He lias been quite a prominent man in his eommu- nity and in the spring of 1887 was elected Trustee of Herkimer Township, and re-elected in the spring of 1888-89. He superintended the assessment of the township after its division in the spring of 1889, the south half being given the name of Logan. Ile likewise served as Constable five years prior to his first election as Township Trustee. Socially, he belongs to the I. O. O. F., Otto Lodge, No. 85, of Marysville and to the Turner Lodge of that place. Ilis farming operations are conducted with that good judgment and skill which has made his land a source of a comfortable income. whereby he is able to surround his family with everything needful for their comfort and happiness. He is First Ser- geant of Company G, 3d Regiment, K. N. G.
W ILLIAM R. RICE, Postmaster of Elm Creek, has been a life-long agriculturist, and makes his headquarters at a good farm on section 35. 1le has a substantial and tasteful modern residence, and his domestic affairs are pre- sided over by a lady of more than ordinary intelli- gence and worth. The family is widely and favor- ably known and occupy a high social position among the leading people of their community.
In reverting to the early history of our subject, we find that he was the eldest of a family of twelve children-six sons and six daughters-the off- spring of Isaac N. and Hannah (Collier) Rice, the former of whom is supposed to have been a native of Virginia, while the latter was born in Kentucky. The parents of our subject after their marriage set- tled in Washington County, the latter State, where the father carried on farming for a time and then, in October, 1850, moved across the Mississippi into Buchanan County, Mo. There the parents spent the remainder of their lives. William R. was born in Washington County, Ky., Feb. 8, 1839, and was consequently a lad of eleven years when he aceom- panied the family to Missouri. He lived there until 1862, engaged in farming pursuits. In the spring of that year, his attention having been called to the fertile lands of Northern Kansas, he came
to this county and settled on section 35. The fol- lowing year he removed to Marysville, and lived there two years, engaged in blacksmithing and wagon-making. With this exception, his life oc- cupation has been that of a farmer. In 1865 he returned to his possessions in Elm Creek Town- ship, where he lived until April, 1866, then removed into Bine Rapids City, remaining there until 1874. IIe then returned to the farm, where he has since lived. This embraces at the present 243 acres of choice land, which he is cultivating with excellent results and at the same time carry- ing on his blacksmith shop. This latter is a great convenience to the people of this region, and is generously patronized. The proprietor is a man prompt to meet his obligations and stands well among his neighbors.
Our subject was married in Elm Creek Town- ship, Sept. 13, 1860 to Miss Susan M., danghter of James and Sarah (Farris) Taylor. The parents of Mrs. Riee, it is believed, were natives of Kentucky, but after their marriage they settled in Indiana. Later, they removed to Illinois, and thence to Buchanan County, Mo. In 1859, they once more changed their residence, locating then in this county, on a farm in Elm Creek Township, where they spent their remaining days. Their family consisted of twelve children, only six of whom lived to mature years, four sons and two daugh- ters.
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