Portrait and biographical album of Marshall County, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 20

Author: Chapman Brothers (Chicago), pub
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 770

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 20

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Mrs. Rice was born in Andrew County, Mo., April 26. 1841. Of her marriage with our subject there have been born seven children. the eldest of whom, a son, James N., died when a child of eighteen months; John L. died when fourteen months old; Martha A. became the wife of Will- iam Il. Leach, and died in Wells Township, this county, Feb. 2. 1889, at the age of twenty-four years; William J. married Miss Minnie Thompson of Marysville, they live in Elm Creek Township; Albert, Charles F. and Edgar D. remain at home with their parents. Mr. Rice was appointed Post- master under the administration of President Arthur in September, 1882, and has since held the office. Politieally, he is a sound Democrat.

On the 13th of September, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Rice appropriately celebrated the twenty-fifth an-

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niversary of their wedding. A large number of friends and relatives were present at the homestead and a goodly number of valuable gifts were pre- sented the couple in remembrance of their silver wedding. Among the guests was one lady, Mrs. Eliza Jane Gift, who was a witness of the ceremony which made the twain man and wife in their youth. It was an occasion which will long be re- membered with pleasure by those who were pres- ent. and who expressed their wishes that many more years might be granted Mr. and Mrs. Rice on the journey of life together.

W ILLIAM LOVE. Our subject is of Irish ancestry and birth, his father, John, and his mother, Mary (Donelly) Love, both having been natives of the Emerald Isle, on which they lived and died. They had a family of eleven children, of whom our subject was the fourth. He was born in Connty Cavan, in 1826, and in his six- teenth year left home to make for himself a place among the residents of the New World. lle landed at Brooklyn, N. Y., where he made his home for three years. engaged a portion of that time in stage driving. Ile then went to Sehoharie County, N. Y., where he worked upon a farm for some time. then buying a half-interest in a steam sawmill, he fol- lowed this business for about two years. Selling out, he removed to Delaware County, N. Y., where he engaged in lumbering for nearly a year. He afterward spent some time in Chicago, Milwaukee, and other cities of the northwest, engaging in dif- ferent occupations as the demands of the region made most profitable. Among his various employ- ments, was that of a carpenter, and engineer of a threshing machine. In Menomonee. Wis., he en- gaged in mercantile pursuits, afterward in the wholesale and retail liquor business, and traded in furs. Here he met Mrs. Lydia H. Inglesbe, a woman of that noble nature fitted to make a happy home. To this lady Mr. Love was married in 1871, and he then removed to this county, locating on section 12. Marysville Township, where he has since that time devoted his attention to farming. He

now owns 240 acres of land on which are the usual improvements of the enterprising and progressive farmer.

Mrs. Love was a native of Delaware County, N. Y., where she was born July 23, 1837. Her first husband was llenry Inglesbe. who died in Menowi- onee, Wis. The fruit of this union was five chil- dren, two of whom grew to maturity: William Inglesbe married Emerilla Bigham, and resides in this county; Jennie was the wife of Kennet Bent- ley, of Marysville Township. She died in 1889.

Mr. Love is a supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He possesses all the native wit for which his countrymen are so justly noted. is a man of varied ability, and is held in high es- teem by his fellow-citizens. His wife is a worthy associate, looking well to the ways of her house- hold, and proving an efficient aid to his financial and social success.

W ARREN S. LESLIE. It is a great mistake to suppose that refinement and intelligence are confined to the limits of the incorpor- ated cities. The biographer in making his rounds through the rural districts. frequently meets with men of more than ordinary intelligence, readers, and well-informed. those who keep themselves abreast of the times, and well-posted upon current events. Among these may be properly classed the subject of this notice, who is a man particularly progressive in his ideas, and one with whom an hour may always be spent in a pleasurable and profitable manner. Mr. Leslie believes in availing himself of every opportunity for mental improvement, and has a thorough appreciation of the value of history and biography, without which no community ean preserve a proper record of its local affairs. Farm- ing has been his life occupation, and we find him snugly situated at a well-regulated homestead on section 34, Elm Creek Township.

In examining the records of the Leslie family, we find that they were first represented in New England, at an early day. The father of our sub- ject was Cyrns Leslie, a native of Vermont, who

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resided in his native county until early manhood, and was married to Miss Elvira Smith, a maiden probably of his own township. Ile served an ap- · prenticeship at the tailor's trade, which he followed the greater part of his life in the Green Mountain State. The parental household included seven children, of whom Warren S. was the fourth in or- der of birth.

Mr. Leslie was born in Plymouth, Windsor Co., Vt., Dee. 14, 1841, and was left fatherless at the early age of seven years. He was placed on a farm in his native county, where he became familiar with agricultural pursuits, which he followed with the exception of the time spent in the army, until he was a man of twenty-six years. On the 18th of May, 1861, he enlisted at Ludlow, in Company I, 2d Vermont Infantry, in which he served until February, 1863, and was then obliged to accept his honorable discharge on account of disability occa- sioned by a wound received while in camp. He participated in many of the important battles of the war, being present at the first engagement of Bull Run, and was afterward at Lee's Mill, Will- iamsburg. and the seven day's fight under Gen. McClellan, at Sonth Mountain and Antietam. At Bull Run he received a bruise from a spent ball, which, however, was not serious.

Upon his discharge from the army, our subject returned to his native State, and for two years was employed on a farm in the vicinity of Rutland. The year following he spent on a farm in the vicin- ity of Pittsford, then returning to Plymouth, so- journed there until the spring of 1868. That year he left New England, and spent about twelve months in Jackson County, Kan. We next find him set- tled in this county, on a farm of eighty aeres, occu- pying a portion of section 34, Elm Creek Township. Here he has since remained, bringing the soil to a good state of cultivation. and erecting substantial buildings. Ile is a universal favorite among his fellow-citizens, being of that genial and compan- ionable temperament which makes for him friends wherever he goes.

While a resident of his native State, our subject was married, Oct. 18, 1866, at Woodstock, to Miss Alice D., daughter of William B. Newman, a sketch of whom appears on another page in this volume.

Mrs. Leslie was also born in Vermont, where she spent most of her early life. They have one child only, a daughter, Eva B., who is now the wife of John Prell, of Elm Creek Township. Mr. Leslie, politically, is a stanch Republican, but aside from holding the office of Township Treasurer, mixes very little in public affairs. Both the parents and the daughter are prominently identified with the Baptist Church.

C APT. FRANK KISTER. Among those whose history is eminently worthy of record, stands prominently the name of this gentle- man who for many years was one of the leading resi- dents of Marysville Township, and who departed this life July 6, 1872. He was born in the little village of Wrego, Prussia, Dec. 28, 1825, and lived there until a youth of seventeen years. Ile was placed in school at an early age, and pursued his studies until a lad of fourteen years. He spent the following three years under the parental roof, then, leaving home, served an apprenticeship at the miller's trade, which he followed in different places, but mostly in Wittenberg, where he was in the employ of one man five years. In the meantime he met and married Miss Augusta Paulina Woel- fel, also a native of Prussia, and born in Eislepen, Ang. 23, 1827.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kister set- tled in their native Province, and Mr. Kister pur- chased a flouring-mill near Wittenberg, which he operated about three years. The building was then destroyed by fire, and, in addition, they lost all their clothing and household goods, as the fire occurred in the night, which was a very cold one, and they barely escaped with their lives, enduring great suffering. After the destruction of his mill, Mr. Kister making the best of the circumstances. entered the employ of others, and for one year worked in the city mill at Wittenberg. While en. gaged in some repairs, he accidentally dropped a broad ax upon one of his feet, which greatly im- paired his usefulness as a workman and laid him up for some time. He was becoming greatly discour-

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aged, and in March, 1855, determined to emigrate to America. With his family, he embarked upon a sailing-vessel. and May 7 landed safely in New York City. Thence they proceeded directly to White Pigeon, Mich .. where Mr. Kister obtained employment, and later was engaged in a sawmill about three and one-half miles from White Pigeon. where he remained three years. He then rented the mill, which he conducted successfully for several years. The family lived in that vicinity until August, 1860, then, coming to Kansas, settled in Marysville, which remained their home until after the close of the war.

In December, 1861, our subject enlisted, at Marysville, in Company K, 2d Kansas Cavalry, and was mustered into service on the 10th of Jan- mary, 1862. He was soon promoted to the rank of Sergeant. but two years later was detailed for the recruiting service, and raised a company of colored men at Ft. Scott and vicinity, of which he was made Captain, this being Company D, 83d Kansas Infantry, of which he retained the com- mand until the close of the war. He was a man of cool judgment and great bravery, and by his fidelity to duty secured the approval of his supe- rior officers and the loyalty of his subordinates.

Upon receiving his honorable discharge. Capt. Kister, returning to Marysville, entered the employ of Perry Hutchinson, the noted miller, with whom he remained some two or three years. In the mean- time he homesteaded 160 acres of land on section 17, from which he constructed a good farm, which was afterward conducted by his two sons .. In due time the Captain took up his abode at the farm, where he spent his last days. The hardships and privations which he had endured in the service, had their permanent effect upon his constitution, and he never fully recovered his former good health. In time dropsy set in, from which he suffered for sev- eral months prior to his decease.

Both as a citizen and soldier, Capt. Kister had conducted himself in that manner which gained him the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. He was liberal and public-spirited. and uni- formly gave his encouragement to those measures calculated for the best good of the community. Since his death, Mrs. Kister has managed the farm

with excellent judgment, and it is now the source of a comfortable income. Mrs. Kister is a very intelligent and pleasant lady. and entirely devoted to the interests of her children. In every position which she has been called upon to fill, she has main- tained a womanly dignity which has gained her the admiration and esteem of all with whom she comes in contact. She has for a number of years been a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church, to which she gives a liberal support.

The six children born to Capt. Kister and his estimable wife are recorded as follows: Oscar H. married Miss Naomi Angell, and lives in Bridge- port, Mono Co., Cal .; he is now County Clerk of that county. Henry J., Ida J. and Edith J. remain at home with their mother. Frank died when an infant of two weeks; Emma L. became the wife of Charles H. Griffee, and died at Beatrice, Neb., March 13, 1887. The Kister homestead is kept up in good shape, and, while making no pretensions to elegance, presents a picture of plenty and com- fort, which is pleasing to contemplate.

ATRICK FARRELL. The generous, open- hearted and industrious Irish-born citizen is admirably represented in the subject of this notice, who occupies no unimportant position in his community, and is well known to a large portion of the residents of Walnut Township. lle lives on a well-regulated farm of 160 acres, occu- pying the northwest portion of section 7, the land of which is highly productive and yields to the proprietor a good income. Without making any pretensions to show or elegance, Mr. Farrell enjoys a goodly measure of the comforts of life, and is ever willing to lend a helping hand to those about him.

The native place of our subject is County Long- ford, Ireland, where he was born in May, 1843, and where he lived until a youth of cighteen years. He was a bright and ambitious boy and at an early age determined to be somebody in the world, but secing little prospect of attaining to his ambition in his own country, he. at the age mentioned, set.

# CHAPLAIN

KN1035

RESIDENCE & QUARRIES OF A. R. ESTERBROOK, OKETO CITY, KANSAS.

RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH ELLENBECKER, SEC, 30. MARYSVILLE TOWNSHIP.

RESIDENCE OF HENRY NIEMANN, SEC. 32. OKETO TOWNSHIP.

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ont for the United States, making the voyage ou the sailing ship "Vanguard," and landing in New York City in November, 1863. Thence he made his way directly to DeKalb County, Ill., of which he was a resident six years, employing himself at whatever he could find to do. We find him strik- ing out for Northern Kansas in the spring of 1869. and he soon homesteaded 160 aeres upon which he still resides. Upon it he has effected many im- provements, putting up a frame house, a stable and the other buildings required for the successful pros- ecution of his ealling. He keeps a limited quantity of live-stock, including some good horses, and with the exception that he has never married. he has performed all the obligations of an honest man and a good citizen. He makes his home with a family whom he employs to keep house for him. Ile is moral and upright and a prominent member of the Catholic Church.

The parents of our subject were James and Aun (Farrell) Farrell, also natives of Ireland, where they spent their entire lives. They had a family of seven children, and our subject was the only one of the family who came to the United States. llis ancestors for many generations, it is supposed, had lived in County Longford, where the parents spent their last days.

P HILIPP RAEMER. The town of Herkimer has been remarkably fortunate in the num- ber of its prominent and wide-awake men who have, since coming within its borders, given to it, in a large measure, their fostering care. Many of these are emanations of the Fatherland, as was the subject of this sketch, who was born in Prussia, Ang. 25, 1834. Besides his interests in the village he has a good farm adjacent, and is generally considered well-to-do. Public-spirited and liberal, he not only takes an interest in the so- cial and financial welfare of his community, but is active in promoting the interests of the Evangeli- cal Church.

In accordance with the laws and customs of his native country, our subject was placed in school

at an early age, where he pursued his studies quite steadily until a lad of fourteen years. He made his home with his parents on the farm, and was one of six children born to John William and Alberte- nia (Elstdorf) Raemer, who were likewise natives of Prussia, and of pure German stock. They be- longed to the Evangelical Church. in the faith of which the mother died when a comparatively young woman. John Raemer was subsequently married to Miss Margaret Rheinharth. He emigrated with his family to America in 1858, and after an ocean voyage of forty-nine days. they landed in New York City, and thence proceeded to Wisconsin, whence, in 1860, they came to this county. Locating on a traet of wild prairie land on section 11, Logan Township, the father improved the farm where he with his second wife spent his last days.

When first becoming a land owner, our subject pre- empted 160 acres on section 12, where he now lives, and from which a part of the village of Herk- imer was laid off. He put up substantial buildings, including a commodious house with a good barn and outbuildings, planted an orchard and brought his land to a good state of eultivation. He remembers the time when Indians still lingered in this region, and when Marysville was a mere hamlet. Later he added to his real estate possessions, and is now the owner of 320 acres, less about four aeres, with which he has parted and which now comprises a part of the town site and a church block. He took an active part in the erection of the Evangelieal Church edifice, donating an aere of ground where it is now being built. Mr. Raemer was married March 3, 1868, to Miss Dortha Fisher; she was the daughter of Frederick and Mena (Olendorf) Fisher. Mrs. Raemer was born in the village of Emten, Ilanover, Germany, and removed with her parents to Will County, Ill., and afterward removed to Marshall County, Kan. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Raemer, named respectively, Dena, Mena, Sophia. August, Philip, Edward, Katie, George and Dora. The eldest is twenty years old, and the youngest eighteen months. They make a very bright and interesting group, and will be given the education and training suitable to their station in life.

During the late war Mr. Raemer was a member

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of the Kansas Home Guards under Capt. Frank Smith. He was connected with the church at Marysville until the spring of 1869. when an or- ganization was effected in llerkimer. He was a member of the Board of Trustees in Marysville, and held other positions of responsibility. He is a citizen who is held in high esteem, and whose opinions are generally respected. Politically, he was formerly a Republican, but is now independent in politics.

ILLIAM KENNEDY. One of the sweet- est of American poets tells us that we all are "architects of fate. working on the walls of time." How important. then, is it that we realize the necessity of building not for time, but for eternity, of building a structure so firm, so durable that the storms of trouble can only shake, but never destroy it. Ile of whom we write this brief record has certainly realized the impor- tance of life, and determined to obtain his share of this world's goods. Being of Scotch parentage, he possesses those sturdy, independent qualities, for which the natives of Scotland are famous the world over.

Natives of Rosshire, Scotland, Donald and Mary ( McDonald) Kennedy, were there married and there passed away, and were laid to rest near where a large portion of their quiet existence had been passed. Passing through this world in a humble, industrious manner, they cared little for the fascinations of wealth and splendor, but prized more highly than these. the beauty of their little cottage home, and the love of those who had been their neighbors for many years. Of their seven children two were sons and five daughters, our sub- ject being the eldest in order of birth. He was born in the native place of his father and mother, in August, 1844. In company with his brother and sisters he was reared to years of maturity on the Scottish moorlands, and there developed the stur- diness of character and the excellent physical con- dition which are his proudest possessions.

Leaving all the ties of acquaintances made by

years of pleasant associations, and braving the dangers of the deep, in 1872, Mr. Kennedy crossed the Atlantic and came to the United States. Land- ing in New York, he proceeded to Stark County, Ill., and there made his home with an uncle, Don- ald McDonald. This uncle lived on a farm, and his nephew was his energetic assistant for six years. Realizing that " Westward the star of empire wends its way." he determined to once more change his residence and start again among strangers. In the winter of 1878 he came to Marshall County. Kan., and for one year rented land in Marysville. After that he was able to purchase land for himself, buy- ing 120 acres of land in Marysville Township, where he lived until about 1884; then. selling again, be located on his present estate, which com- prises 160 acres on section 5. Franklin Township. Here he has erected good buildings, and has also improved the land, giving his attention exclusively to agriculture and stock-raising, in the latter mak- ing a specialty of Poland-China hogs. lle votes with the Republican party, and is a strong be- liever in the truth and correctness of its princi- ples.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Mr. Kennedy has remained invincible to the charms of the ladies. and so far has paddled his own canoe. Ile is an energetic, progressive farmer, of whom his com- munity feel justly proud, and hope that his love for his home will prove too strong to allow him to ever desire to leave it for other fields of labor. Ilis sister, Kate, looks after the domestic affairs of the house, and makes home pleasant for him.

ENRY KRAMME is one of the large land owners of Franklin Township, owing 640 acres of well tilled land, upon which he has erected good buildings and made such im- provements as are needful to the carrying on of the work of a successful agriculturist. He was born in Germany, Oct. 24, 1836. At the age of twenty-five he left his native land and emigrated to America, landing in New York City. From there he came to Chicago, Ill., remaining but one

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week, when he came to Peru, in the same State. where he found employment in a coal shaft, and where he remained for seven years. He then bought a farm in La Salle County, Ill., and en- gaged in agricultural pursuits in that county until 1879, when he came to this State. Selecting this county and Franklin Township as his location. he has ever since been a resident on section 21.

Mr. Kramme was married in Lee County, Ill., to Miss Alvena Branch, who was born in La Salle County, Ill. They were the parents of four chil- dren-Louisa, August, Alvena and Anna. Mr. Kramme is an attendant of the Lutheran Church. He gives his support to the Democratic party. He devotes his attention strictly to the work of farming and stock-raising, in which occupations he proves very successful.

ACOB REITER was born in Elm Creek Township, this county, Oct. 4, 1861. Here he was reared, receiving his education in the district schools. He is the son of John Reiter, whose sketch occupies another page in this volume. In the spring of 1886 he visited South- ern Kansas, thence returning to his home, and then journeying to Western Kansas and Colo- rado. In Sherman County, Kan., he took up a homestead of 160 acres. After two years' experi- ence in "baching" there, he returned to this county, and in October, 1888, was married to Katie, daugh- ter of John Armstrong, of Walnut Township. She is a native of Chicago, Ill., whence her parents re- moved to this county when she was seven years of age. She has been educated in the district schools of this county, making excellent use of the advantages given ber. (For history of her family sec sketch of John Armstrong, which oceu- pies another page in this work.)

Our subject has rented a farm of 160 acres, ly- ing on section 36, Logan Township, where he car- ries on an active farm life. He is just beginning his career, with bright prospects before him, being an industrious, intelligent and moral man. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, of Marysville.

Both he and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. in the same city. His political adherence is given to the Republican party.

OHN II. SCHEIBE. This gentleman. origi- nally a weaver by trade, has proved conclu- sively that a man may be master of more than one industry, as he is now numbered among the well-to-do farmers of Walnut Township. A native of the Kingdom of Prussia, he was born April 29, 1839, and was reared and educated under the laws of his native country, being placed in school when a little lad of six years, and pursuing his studies until fourteen. Before reaching his majority he learned the weaver's trade, at which he worked until a man of twenty-five years, then. in 1864, set out for the United States.

After an ocean voyage of seventeen days our subject landed safely in New York City, whence he proceeded directly to Marshall County, Ill. After a few months sojourn there employed at farming, he pushed on further Westward, across the Mississ- ippi, and early in the spring of 1865 we find him in this county. For two and one-half years there- after he was employed on the Northern Pacific Railroad, making his headquarters along the line; then, returning to this county, he purchased 160 acres of land in Walnut Township, only twenty-five of which were under the plow. That same season he also homesteaded 160 acres adjoining his origi- nal purchase. and he has now brought the whole 320 acres to a good state of cultivation.

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Portrait and biographical album of Marshall County, Kansas : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 20

Author: Chapman Brothers (Chicago), pub Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros. Number of Pages: 770

Author: Chapman Brothers (Chicago), pub
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 770