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 28
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AMES SHORES. Nature has done much for this gentleman in bestowing upon him a mind of more than ordinary intelligence, and a keen pereeption of the obligations which man owes to his fellowman. He is a pleas- ant and outspoken citizen, one whose opinions are generally respected in his community, and he has
made for himself a good record, especially during the late Civil War. when, as a resident of North Carolina, he stood up bravely for the I'nion eause. Ile is well-known to the citizens of Balderson Township, and is at present occupying the office of Road Overseer in his district. His well-regulated homestead is located on section 4.
In noting the antecedents of our subjeet, we find that his father was David Shores, a native of North Carolina, engaged both in farming and mercantile pursnits. The maiden name of the mother, was Rachel Clanten, who was reared not far from the early home of her husband in North Carolina, where they were married, and spent their entire lives. David Shores departed hence in 1875. and his wife three years later, in 1878. There had been born to them thirteen children, six of whom are still living.
The subject of this sketch was the fifth child of his parents, and was born in North Carolina, Sept. 25, 1836. His advantages for an education were extremely limited, and he was made acquainted at an early age, with the duties and responsibilities of life. lle started out for himself when a youth of nineteen years, employing himself at whatever he could find to do, and very soon thereafter was mar- ried, in December 1855, to Miss Sarah, daughter of the late Thaddeus and Eliza Maynard, natives of North Carolina, and the parents of two children. of whom Mrs. Shores was the younger. The young people settled in their native township, and re- mained residents of North Carolina until October, 1869. Then removing across the Mississippi, they established themselves in Andrew County, Mo., where they sojourned until 1883. That year they came to Northern Kansas, and settled at the home- stead, where they now live. This comprises 160 aeres of land on the Otoe Indian reservation, all of which is under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Shores put up a frame house, together with a barn and other outbuildings, and has a large orchard of apple trees, besides shade and ornamental trees, He usually keeps about ten head of cattle, six head of horses, and fifteen head of swine.
Of the first marriage of our subject. there were born eleven children, nine of whom are living. namely: Sarah D .. M. Elizabeth. J. Rush, Will-
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iam A., Lucy, Charles, Benjamin, Archie, and May. The mother of these children departed this life in 1882. Our subject, in December, 1886, contracted a second matrimonial alliance with Mrs. Lyda (Sturgeon) MeManamy, of Kentucky. Of this union there are no children. Mrs. Shores is a mem- ber in good standing of the Baptist Church, while our subject finds his religious home with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, in which he has officiated as Steward, and is a leading member. He is held in high esteem by all who know him, and is dis- charging the duties of his office in a manner credit- able to himself, and satisfactory to all concerned. He has had considerable experience as overseer, having held that position while a resident of Mis- souri. He takes an active interest in politics, and uniformly votes the straight Republican tieket, fighting for the interest of this party, as faithfully as during the old secession days.
ORGAN HEDGE, junior member of the firm of Brainard & Hedge, lumber and grain dealers, Oketo, stands well in regard to ability and reputation in the commercial circles of Marshall County, and he and his partner are conducting a growing and prosperous busi- ness. He claims Indiana as the place of his nativ- ity, he having been born in Blackford County, that State, Oct. 1, 1845. His parents, Abner and Charlotte (Casterline ) Hedge, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New York, settled in that county after their marriage, and made their home there until February, 1877, when they came to Kansas and located in Marshall County, on the Vermillion River, seven miles northwest of Frank- fort, and there the father's useful career was cut short by death. The good mother is still spared to bless her children with her presence.
Our subject is the fourth in order of birth of the family of nine children born to his worthy parents, and by them was reared to a useful and honorable life, passing his early years on a farm. In the year 1877 he left the place of his birth and accompanied his father to this State, and from that
time was actively engaged in farming on the Ver- million River, till the fall of 1886, when he re- moved on to his own farm in Oketo Township. In 1888 he abandoned agricultural pursuits, and coming to Oketo, entered into business with his present partner, under the firm name of Brainard & Hedge. In his business transactions he has shown a cool head and clear judgment, and he and Mr. Brainard already command an extensive trade in lumber and grain, and their credit stands high in financial circles. It will thus be seen that they are an influence for good in promoting the mate- rial prosperity of the village of Oketo, and are in- strumental in its upbuilding to a considerable extent.
The marriage of Mr. Hedge to Miss Clara Brain- ard took place in this county after his settlement here, and in their pleasant home one child, Earl M., has been born to them. Mrs. Hedge was born in Lewis County, N. Y., and is a daughter of M. C. Brainard, whose sketch appears on another page of this work.
Mr. Hedge is a man of exemplary habits, and, with his wife, occupies a high position in social circles, they being held in general esteem for their many pleasant, genial qualities. Our subject has a mind and opinions of his own, as is shown by his political affiliations, he being an ardent advocate of the Democratic party.
TEPHEN SHELDON is one of the firm of Jones & Sheldon, liverymen and horse dealers, Oak street, Beattie. If it is a pleasure to recount the success of any hon- orable business man, how much more pleasurable is it to outline a sketch of one, who, by his ability, energy and economy, has made for himself a place among the prominent business men of this little city. Such a man have we in the subject of our present sketch, who, starting in life with but a small amount of this world's goods, has by his own exertions gained his present enviable position.
Mr. Sheldon was born in Geauga County, Ohio, Nov. 27, 1851. When about fourteen years old,
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bis parents removed to Eaton County, Mich., eight miles northwest of Lansing. Here he lived on a farm until eigliteen years of age, gaining a good, practical education. He then began spending his winters in the lumber woods, working upon a farm in the summer, and saving his earnings until he was about twenty-seven years old, when he came West, stopping near Jefferson City, Mo. In February, 1878, he came to Beattie, then but a small railroad station, and went with his brother Julius Sheldon, into the lumber business, carrying on the only business of the kind located here at that time. Our subject remained in this business some three or four years doing well. Then selling out, he en- gaged in farming until about a year ago, when he came to the eity and joined Mr. Jones in the livery business. the firm also having a sale stable.
The wife of our subjeet was Ida, daughter of 1I. M. Newton, and was born in this county, in 1862. Their marriage took place July 15, 1889. Fernando C. Sheldon, the father of our subject was born in New York, and when a young man, he re- moved to Indiana, and thence to the Western re- serve of Ohio, where he married Miss Augusta Maynard. To them were born four children, of whom three still survive: our subject, Elmer, liv- ing in Greenville, Mich., and Ernest, of Hamden, Ohio. The mother, and only daughter, died in Michigan, when our subjeet was sixteen years of age. The father married again, came to Kansas, but returned to Ohio in 1874, and there died the following year. Our subject votes with the Repub. lican party.
S TAFFORD HOLMES. Among the many pleasant, genial and successful residents of Marshall County, considerable mention may be made of the gentleman whose name ap- pears at the head of this biographical review. Of American birth, he is intensely and devotedly at- tached to the land of his birth, and for her stars and stripes cherishes a most patriotie affection.
Born to Nelson and Julia A. (Iseminger) Holmes, our subjeet spent the earlier portion of his life among the pleasant hills and valleys of Monroe
County. Ind. His father was a native of the south- ern part of that State, while his mother was born in Ohio. Their first home in Indiana was in Jaek- son County, whence they removed to La Porte County in an early day. The closing period of their lives was spent in the homes of their children, and they passed to rest in York County, Neh. Of their family of six children, our subject was the third in order of birth.
The first four years in the life of him of whom we write, were spent in the place of his birth, Mon- roe County, Ind., where his earthly career com- meneed July 9, 1845. When he had arrived at the age before mentioned, he was taken by his parents to La Porte County, and there grew to a hardy and vigorous manhood. His father's farm was his early tramping ground, and there he passed the happy years of childhood in boyish pleasures, developing a robust system; but as he grew older, fun and frolie gave place to the busy occupation of a farmer. He remained with his father until he was prepared to establish a home, and found family ties of his own.
Reared in La Porte County, it was natural that our subject should select a wife from among its fair daughters. He was united in marriage, Oct. 29, 1868, with Miss Sarah Taber, a native of In- diana, and born in Lake County, April 12, 1845. After marriage Mr. Holmes and his young bride settled in La Porte County, which continued to be their home until the fall of 1880. Then attracted to Kansas by reports of its fertile soil and vast re- sourees, Mr. Holmes and his wife, accompanied by their children, started for Marshall County, and located on section 4. Center Township, of which he has since been a resident. On this estate he gives his almost exclusive attention to general farming, in which he has been prospered greatly. His farm has been inereased in size until it now comprises 240 aeres. Upon it has been erected a substantial, comfortable residence, and other buildings neees- sary on a modern estate.
Of the three children born to our subject and his estimable wife, two are living, and one. William R., died when six months old. The surviving are: Carleton K., and Dolly E. They are growing to manhood and womanhood under the parental roof,
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and receiving such thorough and practical eduea- tions as will fit them to occupy prominent places in the social world in future years. Our subject and his wife are members in good standing of the Chris- tian Church. and are highly esteemed by their many acquaintances throughout the county. Mr. Holmes is a very pleasant, genial associate, occupy- ing a prominent position in the ranks of the Re- publiean party, while his wife possesses the many graces of true womanhood, and as the years pass by, is gaining a beauty more lasting than that of youth, the beauty of loveliness.
AMES M. WILLIAMS is a man of superior intelligence and one of the most enterprising and public-spirited citizens of Center Town- ship. His charming home on section 12 is a rallying point for the culture and wealth of the entire neighborhood. The father, James Williams, a native of North Carolina, is a shrewd business man and a well-posted observer of current events. The mother, Maria (Sawyer) Williams, was also born in North Carolina of a good family and is a capable woman and a good mother. Mr. and Mrs. James B. Williams were married in their native State and made that their home until 1850 when they travelled northward, and after a leisurely sur- vey of the district traversed by them, located in Hartford City, Ind. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom James M. is the fourth. [and-in-hand they have passed through the many struggles of a long and laborious life and are now enjoying a well-earned repose in their pleasant home in Indiana, where Mr. Williams has retired from the active duties connected with the management of his farm.
The subject of this biography was born on his father's farm near Elizabeth City, N. C., March 8, 1850, and was only a few months old when his par- ents emigrated to Indiana. His youth and early manhood were spent on the farm of his parents. The schools were far superior to the usual ones found in ordinary country districts, and young James improved the opportunities offered by
them to the best of his ability and thus became quite a noted scholar in that locality. In 1870, when only twenty years old, he was enabled to de- rive some pecuniary benefit from his previous close application to his studies, by accepting a position to teach others what he had thoroughly learned himself. He followed the profession of teaching for a period of seven years, but subsequently rented a farm and engaged in the occupation of a tiller of the soil in imitation of our first parents.
One of the happiest days in the lifetime of Mr. Williams, and best remembered, was the one when Miss Louisa Jones transferred her happiness into his keeping, and trustingly set out with him to seek what the future held in store for them. Their marriage was celebrated Feb. 27, 1879, and after one year's residence in the neighborhood of their youthful days they emigrated to Kansas, and located on section 12, Center Township, Marshall County, where they had previously purchased 160 acres of land. The soil was highly produetive and markets good, our young friends were blessed with youth and health, which, united with thrift and intelligent labor. have brought them their just reward of a flourishing and well ordered estate that now em- braces 240 acres of finely cultivated land, upon which he has made many good and valuable im- provements, besides the commodious buildings erected at convenient places for the use and com- fort of his family and dependents, and for shelter for the high grade stock, which forms a very con- siderable and profitable part of his farm opera- tions.
Mrs. Williams is one of the ornaments of the social and literary world of Center Township, but is equally charming in domestic life, and her gra- cious hospitality is a real boon to any world-weary one who chances to stray that way. She is a native of Indiana, where she was born Aug. 16, 1853, near Hartford City. Her parents, John and Dolly (Buoy) Jones were residents of that city for a num- ber of years; their last resting place is in the beau- tiful cemetery, Olive Branch, adjoining the thriving town, which was the scene of their earthly activities. Mr. Jones was a native of the historic little State of Delaware, hallowed to the annals of our country by the gallant efforts of the doughty
es
CHET
RESIDENCE OF JOHN KIRCH. SEC.17. ELM CREEK TP.
FAVORITE , 5384
MANSFIELD.5020.
POMPEY, 1957
SPRINGS
GLADIATOR. 69807
RES. OF JAMES WILLIAMS SEC.12. CENTER TP
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sons of liberty in their struggle for freedom from the yoke of the haughty Briton. Mrs. Jones was born in Monroe County, Ohio, and was the worthy mate of a good man.
Mr. and Mrs. Williams have become the parents of two children-Jim, and one who died in early infancy, like a tender bud that was plucked too soon. Mr. Williams is a wide-awake citizen, keenly alive to anything that will tend to promote the interests of his district, but takes a proportionally great in- terest in national affairs and assists with all his might, whatever will, in his opinion, produce the most good for the greatest number. lle takes a deep interest in educational matters, believing that the proper training of the young is a duty that the present generation owes to those who will follow. Politically, our subject is a Republican, but would not subordinate right principles to mere party sue- cess. Ile has filled the position of Justice of the Peace with eminent ability for two years.
Elsewhere in this work appears a fine lithographie engraving of the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Williams.
OHN B. KIRCH. Gradually, as the old pio- neers yet spared are retiring from the ac- tive labors of life, the younger men are filling their places, the most of them in a manner befitting their training, pursuing the same course of industry and economy which enabled their parents to battle successfully with life on the frontier, and leave to their descendants a goodly heritage.
The subject of this notice, a young man of thirty- three years, has the entire charge of the old homestead of his father, which consists of 240 acres of well-improved land finely located on section 17 in Elm Creek Township. John Kirch, the father of our subject, was one of the earliest settlers of this county, and is still living upon the old home- stead which he built np from the wilderness. He located here in 1857, and was the first German set- tler in his community. He was born in Germany Sept. 28, 1820, in the county of Luxemburg, and was first married in 1847 to Miss Anna Mary Kat-
ter, who died on the ocean while making the voy- age to America. Ile was again married in 1850, his second wife being Miss Anna Thielan, also a native of the Fatherland, and the daughter of John Thielan, who is living in Wisconsin, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-eight years. On arriving in America the father of our subject settled in Ozau- kee County, Wis., and made it his home until 1857. That year he brought his family to this county, of which they have since been residents. When he settled here the Indians still roamed over the broad prairies, some hostile, others friendly. Upon one occasion some white settlers had been out buffalo hunting, and returning from the pleasures of the chase, met some Pottawatomie Indians, with whom they engaged in deadly conflict, killing three of them. Mr. Kirch buried the bodies of the fallen warriors a few days after the occurrence.
In common with the people around them, the parents of our subject endured many hardships and privations while battling with the difficulties of life on the frontier, but industry and ceaseless endeavor bore their legitimate fruits,and in due time they were amply rewarded. There came to the household a family of six children-three sons and three daugh- ters-of whom John B., our subject, was the eldest son and third child. He was born in Ozaukee County, Wis., Aug. 22, 1856, and was about nine months old when his parents came to this county ; hence he knows no other home, and here have een- tered his chief interests. Ile grew up on a farm, and received his education in the common school. lIe chose agriculture for his occupation, and at an early age adapted himself to the various employ- ments of farm life.
Our subject remained a bachelor until approach- ing the twenty-seventh year of his life, and was then married, May 31, 1883, to Miss Anna C. Hil- debrandt, daughter of Joseph and Lena (Oswald) Hildebrandt. This lady was born in Leavenworth, Kan., Oct. 17, 1862. Her union with our subject has resulted in the birth of three children -- John E., Charles W., and Harry H. Charles died when a babe of eleven months. The two living are bright boys upon whom the parents are building great hopes of the future.
In politics Mr. Kirch is an active Republican,
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taking a lively interest in local affairs. He is serving as Township Trustee, to which office he was elected in November, 1888. He has been a School Director in his distriet four years, and School Treasurer nine years. Both he and his es- timable wife are members in good standing of the Catholic Church, as are also his father and mother and the other members of the family circle.
Elsewhere in this volume appears a fine litho- graphic view of the cozy home of our subjeet and his wife, and it is the universal wish of their hosts of friends that they may be spared many years to enjoy their comfortable home and the good things of this life.
RANCIS W. HAMMETT. The family of this name has been for many years identi- fied with the most important interests of Elm Creek Township. They are almost uniformly industrious and well-to-do, possessing in a marked degree the faculty of getting on in the world. The subject of this notice is one of the most worthy representatives of the name and is com- paralively a young man, on the sunny side of forty, a native of Marshall County, Ill., and born Dec. 30, 1852. In his home surroundings he is remarkably fortunate, having a very intelligent and amiable lady for a wife, and an interesting group of children, and it is to his credit that around his fireside eenters his chief interests.
The parents of our subjeet were Josiah M. and Rachel (Frazier) Hammett, mention of whom is made in the sketch of J. M. Hammett on another page in this ALBUM. Francis W. was the fourth child of the family, and spent his boyhood and youth in a comparatively uneventful manner on the farm, acquiring habits of industry and receiv- ing his education in the common school. In the summer of 1866 the family. leaving Illinois, came to this county, and our subject thereafter remained a member of the parental housebold until bis mar- riage. This interesting and important event was celebrated at the residence of the late John Shroyer Oet. 2, 1878, the bride being Miss Harriet
Shroyer, who was born in Ohio Feb. 13, 1857. The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. Hammett was May Zortman; she was a native of Ohio, and is now leeeased.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hammett settled on seetion 29 in Elm Creek Township, where our subject prosecuted farming successfully, and in due time invested the proceeds in additional land. Ile is now the owner of 305 acres, located on see- tions 19 and 29, Elm Creek Township, where he has erected good buildings and effected other im- provements. lle makes a specialty of stoek-rais- ing, and keeps himself thoroughly posted in regard to modern methods, while availing himself of the most approved machinery. He naturally has little time to mix with polities, but gives his support to the Democratic party.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hammett there have been born five children, viz .: Royal F., Rinaldo, Idella, George A. and Essie P. John Shroyer, the father of Mrs. Ilammett, was reared to manhood in his native State of Ohio, where he married a maiden of his own county, and they lived in the Buckeye State for some time thereafter. Upon their remo. val thence they settled among the early pioneers of this county, and thereafter remained residents of Elm Creek Township until departing hence. Mr. Shroyer died about 1864-65; the mother survived until February, 1883, spending her last days on the old homestead. Their family consisted of ten children, of whom Mrs. Hammett was the seventh in order of birth. All of these are yet living and located mostly in Kansas.
ARL F. BARKS was born in Prussia, April 1, 1823. When a young man he learned storekeeping, serving five years at that em- ployment, after which he spent three years in the German army. After leaving the army he engaged in store keeping for thirteen years. In 1861, he with his family, consisting of a wife and five chil- dren came to America, landing at Quebee in Sep- tember of that year. He went directly to Prinee- ton, Ill., at which place he engaged in store-keeping
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for a period of eight years. He then sold out but remained in Bureau County, engaged in other business for ten years. In 1879 he came to this county, buying 160 acres of land on section 27, near Marysville, on which place he has since re- sided, having a good home, both buildings and farm being in an excellent condition.
The wife of Mr. Barks bore the maiden name of Catherine H. Guhl. Their marriage took place in Germany, September, 1846. Mrs. Barks has be- come the mother of seven children, two of whom died when quite young. The others are as follows: William; Henrietta and Theresa, deceased; Iler- man and Lizzie. Mrs. Barks died in Marysville Township, Dec. 21, 1882.
Mr. Barks is a man exhibiting the sturdy good qualities of his raee, economical, industrious and of strict integrity. His political adherence is given to the Democratic party. Ile is a member of the Lutheran Church in Marysville, as are also his children, who are married and have homes of their own; one in Washington, one in Princeton, Ill., and one in Marysville.
B YRON A. HILL, Postmaster of Stolzen- bach. was appointed to this office in Janu- ary, 1882. and still holds the position. He is numbered among the prominent farmers of Balderson Township, and occupies a large, sub- stantial stone residence, which in former days was the Presbyterian Mission House for the Otoe In- dians. It has been renovated and modernized, and makes one of those quaint-looking buildings which we frequently read of, but seldom see.
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