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 27
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The father of our subject was William G. Thomp- son, a farmer and cooper, and a native of Ver- mont. Ilis mother was Betsey (Reed) Thompson, a native of Maine. They were wedded in Maine, and after a few years spent in that State, emigrated to Canada, where they remained for many years. In 1840 they went to Michigan, being very early settlers of the section in which they made their home. In that State they remained until their
death, the father dying in 1858, and the mother in 1868. The parental family consisted of twelve children, our subject being the eleventh. Nine of the family still survive.
The subject of our sketch came to Kansas in 1870, settling upon the farm where he still resides. He has eighty acres of land, all under cultivation, and. in addition to his farming, raises some stock. He has now seven head of horses and a dozen head of fat hogs. He is a member of Chase Post No. 101, G. A. R., at Beattie. He takes an active interest in politics, and is a straight Republican, who never fails to çast bis vote in behalf of the principles which he advocates. He is at present serving as Justice of the Peace, discharging the duties of this office in a creditable manner. For several years he has been a member of the School Board.
HOMAS PETERS. Half a hundred years, or thereabouts, B. C .. Julius Caesar, then in the full tide of his glory, carried his vic- torious arms across the narrow portion of the sea which separates the island of Britain from the continent of Europe, and succeeded after sev- eral ineffectual attempts in, at least partially, con- quering the natives. They were a brave race and only bided their time to throw off the Roman yoke. The time at length came, but the emancipated peo- ple were not destined to long enjoy their land in peace. The barbarous nations of Northwestern Europe invaded the fertile lowlands, and despite the utmost exertions of the rightful owners of the soil they gradually possessed themselves of all the level distriets. pushing the natives into the mount- ainous regions where they were at last successful in staying the onward march of the invading hosts. The people who thuis found refuge in what is now called Cornwall, in unison with the adjoining dis- trict now known as the principality of Wales, main- tained their independence and language for many centuries. In course of time, owing to its position on the border between England and Wales. its people became largely assimilated in manners and language with the dominant English. Intermar-
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riages became comparatively common, and in- ereased in frequeney as the years rolled on, so that. to-day it is probable that the Cornish have more English than Welsh blood in their veins. In spite of what has just been said of their admixture with the English, they still retain many national peculiarities, and it is perhaps needless to say are very proud of their ancestry.
The subject of this sketch, as well as his father, William, and his mother, Elizabeth. (Blake) Pe- ters, were born in that celebrated land and cherish the traditions of their raee with loving fidelity. William Peters and Elizabeth Blake were married in Cornwall and continued to reside in thelr native place until after the birth of their eldest son. 'Thomas, Feb. 15. 1824. When the child was about six years old the parents emigrated to Canada and remained there during the remainder of their lives. Their home was in Hope Township, Durham County, where the father died in 1860. They were the parents of eight children, Thomas, as before stated, being the eldest. When the gentleman whose name heads this sketch was twenty-seven years old he left his father's house and opened a farm in Durham County, which he operated twenty years. IIe left Ontario in the fall of 1871 and located on section 32. Center Township. Marshall Co., Kan .. where he purchased 160 acres of fertile land, and set to work to bring it under cultivation. During the time that has elapsed since he became a resident of the State of Kansas, he has diligently striven to improve his farm to the utmost. and has the satisfaction of knowing that the labor has not been bestowed in vain. He is now the owner of a com- fortable and pleasant home, where he may reasona- bly hope to spend the remainder of his life in peace and contentment. Although his various buildings are not so handsome as some that his neighbors have erected, yet they answer his purpose very well and therefore canse him no needless anxiety.
March 7, 1850, Mr. Peters and Miss Mary Anne Bedford were united in marriage at the home of the bride's parents in Hope, Durham County. On- tario. The birth of Mrs. Peters occurred Feb. 7, 1828, in the same village in which she was subse- quently married. This union has resulted in the addition of eight children to the family of Mr. and
Mrs. Peters, namely : Franklin R .; Charlotte, John E .. Mary E., Anna B., Alfred B., Ellen J. and Fan- nie (). Franklin resides at home and is a great comfort and support to his parents, who are now in the decline of life; Charlotte is the wife of Will- iam Little; John is a resident of Kalamazoo. Mich. ; Mary is the wife of Charles Baker, of Brown County. Kan .; Anna is the wife of the Rev. Rich- ard Finley, also of Brown County, Kan .; Ellen is the wife of Franklin Hunt, of Blue Rapids Town- ship, this county; Fannie is the wife of John Hunt, and also resides in Blue Rapids Township.
Mr. Peters and his family are entitled to and re- ceive the respect and esteem of their neighbors for their many good qualities. The integrity of Mr. Peters has never been questioned. as following the traditions of his race, he regards his word as others do their oath. This conscientious regard for the principles of right and justice, while it may not have made him a millionaire, has pro- cured for him the implicit confidence of all with whom business or social duties have brought him iu contaet, and is a better heritage to bequeath to luis children than all the golden wealth of the Astors or Vanderbilts. Our subject and his wife are both active and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In political affairs, Mr. Peters is in active sympathy with the Republican party.
W ILLIAM H. KOENEKE, one of the most prominent men of the village of Herkimer. is an extensive grain dealer, and has an elevator which is a eredit to the town, and brings to it a large amount of business. He is a publie- spirited citizen, taking a genuine interest in what- ever pertains to the welfare of the community. and giving substantial encouragement to the projects ealeulated for its advancement.
Our subjeet was born in Cook County, Ill., July 15. 1852, and in 1860. when a boy of eight years old, accompanied his parents, Thomas and Mary (Schatta ) Koeneke, to this county. They located on a traet of wild land in Logan Township, where the father instituted a good homestead and where the parents
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still live. Thomas Koeneke was a native of Hol- stein, Germany, where he was reared and he married a maiden who was born in Hanover. Both were of pure German stock, and emigrated to America prior to their marriage, which took plate at Blue Island, Cook Co., IN. They had been trained from childhood in the doctrines of the Lutheran Church, to which they still loyally adhere.
Growing up amid the pioneer scenes of life on the frontier, our subject became strong and well developed, and at an early age was tanglit to make himself useful on the new farm. Wild ani- mals were plentiful at the time his parents settled here, also the Otoe Indians, who were their near neighbors, but peaceable and friendly. His school advantages were quite limited, but by his own etforts he acquired sufficient education to prosecute business successfully. Upon approaching manhood he left the farm and engaged in the lumber busi- ness with his brother-in-law, William Wieters, con- tinning with him until 1887, when he purchased the entire business and is now conducting it alone. He began operating in grain some years ago, and later also purchased the interest of Mr. Wieters in this branch of trade.
In the fall of 1888 Mr. Koeneke put up a large elevator, and in addition to his lumber trade in this place, is also carrying on a similar business at Bremen, in this county. He likewise has a farm of ninety acres adjacent to the town limits, and a fine dwelling is now (August, 1889) in process of erec- tion. Ile also has two other farms of 160 acres each in other parts of the connty, both of which are under a good state of cultivation, and improved with the necessary buildings. Mr. Koeneke has made the most of his money in his farming prop- erty, and is now unquestionably well-to-do.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Julia, daughter of Frederick and Catherine Brockmyer, was celebrated at the bride's home in May, 1878. Mrs. Koeneke was born in Kansas, of German par- ents, her father having emigrated from Hanover some years since. ller mother was a native of Mecklenburg, and they now live near Hanover in Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Koeneke are the parents of four children, viz .: Sophia, Ernest, Mary and Julia. Both parents and children are
members of the Lutheran Church, in which our subject and his wife were carefully reared by their respective parents. Mr. Koeneke has been quite prominent in local affairs, and served as Treasurer of Marysville Township, when Herkimer was a part of that township. He is widely and favorably known throughout this section as one of its most useful and wide-awake men.
b UBBARD C. SMITH, a pioncer of 1858, came to this State in the above-mentioned year, and to Marshall County in 1866. He established himself as a farmer in the wilds of Guittard Township, and is now numbered among the prominent business men of the city of Beattie. lle is engaged as a general merchant. and is the owner of a fine body of improved land. embracing 320 acres on sections 28 and 29, which is operated by a renter and largely devoted to fine stock. Mr. Smith is thus in the enjoyment of a handsome income, and is looked upon as one of the leading men of this community.
Mr. Smith was born in Gardner, Me., July 21, 1834, but when a child of two years his parents removed to Ohio, where his father died while still a young man, in 1842. The mother then returned with her children to the Pine Tree State, where Hubbard C., our subject, lived until a youth of eighteen years. Then leaving New England he emigrated to Ohio. and completed his education in Baldwin University, after an attendance of two years. At the expiration of this time he, in the spring of 1858, made his way to Kansas, sojourn- ing for a time at Wyandotte and St. Joseph. In the meantime he employed himself in teaching school, until the fall of that year.
Young Smith now set ont across the plains with a wagon train to New Mexico, where a compara- tively brief sojourn satisfied him and he returned to Wyandotte. In 1859, still infected with the spirit of adventure, he started for Pike's Peak with a wagon, to which was attached a yoke of cows and a yoke of bulls. Some of his men, however, fail-
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ing him, he turned back before reaching his desti- nation and began eutting and selling hay in Kan- sas City, at a time when there only a few houses on the bluff, and a cornfield between it and the bluff. That year also Mr. Smith repaired to Roch- ester, and took up his abode with Dr. Sheldon, the first physician in this region. Later we find him in Centralia, Nemaha County, stopping with the Galesburg Colony. Later he rode from Centralia to Galesburg, Ill., camping out at night and being two weeks on the road. Thence he repaired to liis native State, via Cleveland, Ohio, and spent the winter. In the spring he started to return, repair- ing to Boston to take a steamer, when the news came of the firing upon Ft. Sumter. The next morning our subject enlisted as a Union soldier in Company C, 3d Maine Infantry, for three months' service. He did this from pure patriotism, as he had been proffered a good position in Ohio. His regiment was sent to Alexandria. arriving there soon after the shooting of Col. Elsworth-an epi- sode which will be remembered as one of the most thrilling events of the war.
The 3d Maine Infantry was one of the first regi- ments at the battles of Bull Run and Arlington Heights, and after the battle of Alexandria it was re-organized and assigned to the command of Gen. McClellan. They were ordered to Fortress Mon- roe, and spent some time in the swamps of York- town. Later Mr. Smith was assigned to picket duty, and frequently slept in "Washington's pew." He still preserves a piece of wood from this pew in the church, which he sent to the maiden, who after- ward became his wife, but who was then merely a girl. Their next point was Fair Oaks, where they pitched their tents and made excellent beds of evergreen branebes. In the meantime Mr. Smith had been promoted to Orderly Sergeant. Night after night the troops dozed on their arms, as it were, being drawn up in line of battle, and one night Mr. Smith obtained sleep on a bed made of three rails thrown over a ditch half filled with water. This was his last night in the ranks. The next day at 9 A. M. they were early drawn up in line of battle, their breakfast being brought to them, lest the enemy should surprise them un- prepared. In the engagement which followed
many of the rebel troops were taken prisoners, and Mr. Smith received a rebel bullet in his lung, which he still earries. He was sent to the hospital at Fortress Monroe, being carried six miles by men on a stretcher. He was well cared for, and regards his sojourn at that fortress as one of the most pleasant episodes in his life. Two weeks later he was sent to Albany, and being the first wounded soldier to arrive there, was warmly received, and remained there until being given a furlough. He then returned to his native State, and was given an honorable discharge in November, 1862.
Our subjeet remained in his native State the fol- lowing winter, and would willingly have re-en- tered the service had he felt able to do so. He was finally drafted and attempted to do duty, but after six months he was sent to the convalesent camps at Arlington Heights, where he spent the winter, and was a second time discharged in the spring of 1864. He then returned to the West and purchased a farm near Centralia, Nemaha Co., Kan., where he made the usual improvements and remained until 1866. That year he sold out and located as a homesteader on the farm which he now owns. He battled with grasshoppers and other disadvantages until 1873. That year on account of ill-health, he abandoned farm life, and com- menced his experience as a general merchant. Aside from his residence in Beattie, he owns other valuable eity property and is generally well-to-do.
For the last twenty years Mr. Smith has been most of the time a member of the School Board, and has represented his ward in the City Council. He was appointed Postmaster by President Hayes, and held the office from 1878 until 1885, a period of seven years and seven days, and upon settling with the department there was found to be $13 to his credit.
The marriage of our subject with Miss Vina Hamilton occurred at Old Centralia, Nemaha County, Oet. 8, 1865. Mrs. Smith was born in Mahoning County, Ohio. April 18, 1844, and is the daughter of Hugh Hamilton, a pioneer settler of Nemaha County who came to Centralia as early as 1858. Of this union there have been born five children, only three of whom are living-Frank L., Ray F. and Harry C. Mrs. Rachael (McCune)
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Hamilton, the mother of Mrs. Smith, spent her last days near the latter, dying at the farm in 1883. The father is still living and a resident of this State.
John Smith, the father of our subject, was, like his son, a native of Maine, and in early manhood married Miss Martha Wakefield, of Gardner. There were born to them five children, four of whom lived to mature years. The- mother, after the death of her husband, came to Kansas, and spent her last days with her son, our subject, dying in November, 1868. Besides their own children Mr. and Mrs. Smith have an adopted daughter, Marian. who is now ten years of age.
OHN G. BROWN. Were all the men of Elm Creek Township as enterprising as Mr. Brown there would not be a neglected farm within its limits or any tumble-down build- ings and poorly-fed stock. Without making any pretensions to elegance, he has a well-regulated home and believes in extracting all the comfort from life that is possible. He is a skilled farmer and has had a large experience as a dealer in live stock. His possessions embrace 170 acres of choice land, finely located on section 26. During his younger years he studied for a veterinary surgeon and has attained quite a reputation as a practitioner, being very successful. lle keeps quite a large number of horses and cattle and takes a pardonable pride in the results of his labors, both as a farmer and the success of his operations in live stock.
Our subject was born in Cook County, Ill., May 18, 1848, and is the son of John and Catherine (Landgraff) Brown, who were both natives of Ger- many. The parents upon emigrating to America settled in the above-named county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Their family included nine children of whom John G. was the second born. His father died when he was but three years old and he was doubly orphaned by the death of his mother ten years later and then, a lad of thirteen, was thrown upon his own resources and commenced the battle of life for himself. By
the advice of friends he went to Blue Island and entered the employ of a drayman with whom he remained two years. We next find him in the now great city of Chicago, studying veterinary art under the instruction of his uncle, John Landgraff, with whom he remained three years.
Finally, our subject leaving the city rented a large farm of 490 acres west of it, which he operated three years. Then setting out for the farther West, he came to this county and locating on a farm in Marysville Township, raised one season's erops. He then returned to Chicago which had been devastated by the big fire, and engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery, while he put in his spare time in gardening at which he was employed ten or twelve months. In 1877 he returned to this county and purchased two farms in Herkimer Township west of Marysville, where he lived about seven years. Then selling out he purchased a farm south, in Elm Creek and lying on section 4. In due time he sold this also and purchased one- half of section 35 in Marysville Township, and a part of section 4 in Elm Creek Township. He sold this property three years later and purchased that which he now owns.
To Mr. and Mrs. Brown there have been born nine children, viz .: Eva, William, George, Katie, Minnie, Emma, Mary, John and Frederick. Mr. Brown, politically, gives his support to the Demo- cratic party and his excellent wife is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church. Mr. Brown has carefully examined the questions relating to capital and labor, and some time since identified himself with the A. O. U. W. He is also a mem- ber of the K. of H. and the German Odd Fellows.
NDREW BIGHAM. On section 22 in Marysville Township, lies the homestead of the subject of this sketch, a worthy monument to his industry and persever- ance. A man perhaps who has not been the hero of any thrilling event, he has yet made footprints on the sands of time, which will be discernable long after he has departed hence, by the influence which
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he has exerted and the example of diligence and frugality by which communities have been built up and the fabric of society given a solid and steadfast existence. Upon the character of its early settlers largely depends the status of a com- munity and Mr. Bigham has materially assisted in developing the best resources of his adopted county and given his encouragement to the pro- jeets calculated for the best good of her people.
A native of the city of Toronto, Canada, our subject was born Feb. 7. 1837, and lived there until a youth of seventeen years. Then striking out for himself, he came over into the States and settled in DeKalb County, III., whenee he removed later to Ogle County. In the meantime he had learned the trade of a mason, which he followed in connection with farming until 1887. Since that time he has occupied himself with agricultural pursuits including dairying. In Sept. 1877, leaving the Prairie State he came to Kansas and located in Oketo Township. this county. Next he rented a farm in Marysville Township, and in the fall of 1879. homesteaded eighty acres on section 22. which comprises his present farm. Here he has effected good improvements, bringing the land to a productive condition and erecting the necessary buildings. His milk product finds a ready sale in Marysville and vieinity and yields him sufficient returns for his labor.
Mr. Bigham was married in Brant County, Can- ada, Nov. 6, 1859, to Miss Eliza Mathews, who was born there April 12, 1839. To them have been born nine children, namely : Emerilla J., Martha M., Addie A .. Minnie M., Maggie M., Joseph T., George E., Golden F. and Samuel W. Martha M. married William Colgrove; Emerilla J. married William Inglesby ; Addie A. married William Reefover; Minnie M. married Joseph Ford. Joseph died when two and one-half years old. The other four children re- main under the parental roof. Mr. Bigham, po- litically, is a sound Republican, while he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Baptist Church. In this our subject has offi- ciated as Deacon for the past two years. He is in favor of the establishment and maintenance of schools, and all other enterprises tending to effect the moral and social welfare of the community.
Under his hospitable roof have been gathered from time to time, some of the best residents of the county, among whom he numbers his friends and of whose respect he is amply deserving.
The father of our subject was Thomas Bighamn. likewise a native of Toronto, Canada, and who married Miss Jane Davidson, who was born in Ireland. They lived in the Dominion for a number of years afterward. then removed to DeKalb County, Ill., and later to Ogle County, that State. Their next removal was to this county, where they lived until the fall of 1888, then went into Idaho, where they now reside. The seven children born to them lived to mature years, among the elder of whom was the subject of this sketch.
OHN A. WILLIAMS. Wealth may bring power and influence, but it fails to inspire genuine affection and respect. Virtue and goodness are sure to meet with their reward, and this sentiment is forcibly illustrated in the lives of Mr. Williams and his estimable wife, who, qniet. unobtrusive people as they are, and blest with a moderate supply of this world's goods. command the highest respect of the people of their community. They have reared a fine family of sons, and it is seldom the lot of the biographer to meet a more pleasant household or a home more attractive in genuine comfort and content. Mr. Williams is a farmer by occupation, and owns 160 acres of land on section 18 in Walnut Township.
The early home of our subject was on the other side of the Atlantic, he having been born near the city of London, England, in Middlesex County, March 8, 1849. He lived there until a young man of twenty years, and then emigrated. in company with his parents, John and Mary A. (Painter) Will- iams, to the United States, in May, 1869. The voyage was made on a steamship, the ".City of New York," sailing from Liverpool to New York in seventeen days. Thence the family came di- rectly to Waterville, this county, and the father of our subject homesteaded 160 acres of land, from which he improved the farm now owned and occu-
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pied by John A. Three years later the father pur- chased a farm in Washington County, this State, to which the parents removed, and where they still live. Their early home across the Atlantie was in the village of Norwood Green, ten miles west of London, in which eity they were born, reared and married. Afterward they kept a restaurant for many years. Both were members of the Church of England.
The subject of this sketch soon became familiar with the best methods of farming in America, and and in dne time took unto himself a wife and help- mate, being married in this county to Miss Lucy Braughten. Of this union there were born two children-Walter B. and Sylvia L. Mrs. Luey (Braughten) Williams departed this life at the homestead, April 24, 1878.
Our subjeet contracted a second marriage with Miss Irene, daughter of John A. and Mary (Clev- enger) Thompson, who was born in Madison County, Iowa. The parents of this lady were na- tives of Virginia, but removed to Ohio with their respective families, and in that State were married. They came to Kansas about 1868, sojourning here two and one-half years, then returned to Iowa, and lived there until 1878. That year they came back to Kansas. and are now living near Manhattan. Of this marriage of our subject there have been born tive children. viz: Guy B., James O., Arthur L., John R. and Ernest A. His first wife was a Presby- terian in religious belief. Our subject and his present wife are members of the Friends' Church. Mr. Williams, politically, is identified with the Re- publican party. With the exception of serving as Constable one term in Walnut Township, he has deelined the responsibilities of office.
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