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 41
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ILLIAM C. MCCURDY, senior member of the firm of MeCurdy & Dickey. is, with his partner. conducting a thriving livery business in Waterville. where he has been estab- lished since 1886. He is a gentleman of consider- able means. owning. besides his interest in the above-mentioned business. a well-improved farm in Waterville Township. Ile is popular both in social and business circles, being public-spirited and liberal-minded, and giving his aid and influ- ence to those enterprises best calculated to advance the interests of his community.
A native of Onslow, Nova Scotia. our subject was born June 14, 1834. and is the son of lex- ander McCurdy, a native of the same Province, where he spent his entire life. The father of our
subject was a carpenter by trade, and also prose- cuted farming on a modest scale. He accumulated a moderate amount of property. and held various public offices of trust and responsibility. He was prominently connected with the Baptist Church for many years prior to his death, which took place in, or about, 1841.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Margaret Conkey. She was likewise a native of Nova Scotia, where she spent her entire life. The parental family included ten children. of whom our subject was the seventh in order of birth. lle was orphaned by the death of both parents when quite young, and thus thrown upon his own re- sources, began at an early age to look for himself. He acquired a common-school education, and was employed as a clerk in his native town until 1853. Then. going to Lynn, Mass., he followed the same calling, and clerked there, and then at Boston. until about 1856.
Mr. McCurdy, now repairing to Lynn, Mass .. established himself as a manufacturer of boots and shoes, and remained there until 1862. Then, sell- ing out. he changed the scene of his operations to Waterford, N. Y., and was in the retail business, but two years later he returned to Lynn, and re- sumed operations there until 1868. That year he sold out the second time, and set his face toward the Far West. Coming to this county with the re- solve of engaging in agricultural pursuits and stock- raising, he purchased a tract of land in Waterville Township, to which he gave his undivided atten- tion until 1878. That year he removed to Marys- ville, which remained his home until 1881.
We next find Mr. MeCurdy at Winslow, Ariz. engaged in mercantile business, which he prose- ented one year, then removed to Flag Staff. Ariz., where he still followed merchandising, and for a time also engaged in furnishing ties to a railroad. Finally, returning to Marysville, he sojourned there for a time, then, on account of failing health, started for the South, and spent some months trav . eling. He returned to Waterville. in 1886, greatly improved. and purchased an interest in a livery and feed business. in which he has since been interested. Ilis farm near Waterville is operated by Andrew MeMillin, Mr. MeCurdy having the general super-
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vision over it. This embraces a fine area of fer- tile land, from which the proprietor enjoys a handsome income.
The people of Marshall County have paid Mr. MeCurdy the compliment of electing him to many offices of trust ard responsibility. He was elected, in 1869, the first Trustee of Waterville Township. serving one term, and in 1871 was elected Probate Judge of Marshall County. and re-elected twice, serving in this capacity a period of six years. It was coneeded by all that he made a wise and im- partial judge -- one well qualified for the position. Ife now holds the office of Justice of the Peace. Ile takes an active interest in educational affairs, and uniformly gives his support to the Republican party.
In 1866 occurred the marriage of William C. McCurdy and Miss Mary R. Brooks, of Waterford, N. Y. Mrs. McCurdy was born in Waterford, in 1845, and is the daughter of Benjamin and Mary Brooks, who were natives of England, and are now deceased. Of this union there were born five chil- dren-Maude, Susie M. and W. Fred are deceased ; Harry and Mabel reside at home with their parents
MOS SPANGLER. Here and there the biographer encounters an old homesteader who ventured out on the frontier during the early settlement of Kansas, fortified with that hardy spirit which was so necessary dur- ing the times which tried men's souls. Not only did they have to contend with the difficulties of life in a new settlement, but there followed the troubles which gained for this now happy and prosperous commonwealth the title of "Bleeding Kansas." Mr. Spangler has borne no unimportant part in the affairs of his adopted State, both politically and financially. He spent three years in active service during the Civil War, and at its close followed the pursuits of agriculture and built up one of the most charming homesteads within the confines of Noble Township. This embraces 160 acres of land on see- tion 24, and has proved a monument more endur- ing than marble to the man whose energy and
industry have been exercised in a marked degree. and which have met with results which should be to him satisfactory in the extreme.
In noting the antecedents of Mr. Spangler, we find that he is the offspring of an excellent family and the son of Timothy Spangler, a native of Penn- sylvania. The paternal grandfather, George Span- gler. likewise a native of the Keystone State. was a miller by trade, and in early years followed his calling on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Hle served in the War of 1812, and finally leaving his native State emigrated to Ohio, and settled in the wilds of Pickaway County. Ile entered land from the Government and constructed a fine farm of 320 acres, where he spent his last days in the enjoyment of an abundance of this world's goods. He was of German descent and a prominent and active member of the German Reformed Church. He stood high in his community, and for many years served as Justice of the Peace.
The father of our subject accompanied his par- ents to Ohio, and for many years farmed on his father's place and became the owner of fifty-three acres of good land. Ile made a specialty of live- stock and remained a resident of the Buckeye State until his death, which took place in 1871, when he was seventy-eight years old. He was married in early manhood to Miss Eliza Crider, a native of Virginia. in which State her father was also born. The latter emigrated to llocking County. Ohio, in the pioneer days, and there spent the remainder of his life. The mother of our subject died in 1865 in Pickaway County. The three children of the parental family were named respectively, Charles, a resident of Laneaster County. Ohio; Amos, our subject, and Mary, who died when about thirty years of age.
The subject of this sketch was born near Tarlton, Pickaway Co., Ohio, March 4, 1842, and there spent his boyhood on his father's farm, acquiring his education in the common school. He was put to work when a lad of eight years, and this really suited him better than school, from which he fre- quently ran away as opportunity occurred. On the 15th of August, 1862, when twenty years of age, and after the outbreak of the Civil War, he proffered his services to his country, enlisting in Company B, 14th Ohio Infantry, and was mustered
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into service at Circleville. After a brief time in Camp Chase he went South with his regiment, and thereafter participated in some of the most import- ant engagements of the war, namely: Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Grand Gulf, Willow Springs. Ft. Blakely, Champion Hills. Black River Bridge. the siege of Vicksburg, and many others. lle was uniformly found at the post of duty, and suffered the privations and hardships incident to army life. In due time after the close of the war he was mustered out, in Angust, 1865, and received his honorable discharge at Columbus, Ohio. Ile par- ticipated in nine pitched battles, besides minor en- gagements and skirmishes, and was frequently in the thickest of the fight, with his comrades falling around him.
Upon returning home our subject operated his father's farm until 1870, and then decided to estab- lish a home of his own. lle had in the meantime been married, in Tarlton, Ohio, Aug., 19, 1869. to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John McKitrick. The latter is now a resident of Illinois. In the spring of 1870 Mr. Spangler sought the wilds of Northern Kansas, and purchased 160 acres of land, from which he constructed his present valuable home- stead. He put up a house the fall following, set out forest and fruit trees, the former comprising poplar, maple, box, cotton wood, willow and wal- nut. He has two orchards, embracing 300 trees of all kinds of fruits, and a grove of five acres. He put up a neat and substantial dwelling for himself and has another for his hired help. The barn and other outbuildings are fully adapted to the storage of grain and the shelter of stock. The land is watered by Tyler's Branch, which is fed by a run- ning spring, thus making it admirably adapted for stock-raising. Mr. Spangler keeps graded Norman draft horses. nine head, using three teams to operate the farm, also graded Short-horn cattle and Po- land-China swine. The land is all under a good state of cultivation.
Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Spangler, the eldest of whom, Mary E., together with the five younger, llattie, Charles, Effie R., Daisy E. and Roy, are at home with their parents. Etta, the second daughter, is the wife of John Moorehead, a farmer of Noble Township. Mr.
Spangler, politically. was reared a Democrat. and loyally adheres to the precepts of his early train- ing. He has never aspired to office, although of- ficiating as Road Supervisor. He assisted in the organization of Noble Township and helped to build its first school-house. Socially, he belongs to Thompson Post, No. 46, G. A. R. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. to which he gives a liberal support. l'pon his first settlement in Noble Township there were no houses between his land and the present site of Vermillion. Wolves were plentiful, and other wild animals abounded. Mr. Spangler came without capital to this region, is consequently a self-made man, and has reason to "be proud of the job."
OSEPH H. WALKER. The advantages of life in the country are set forth in their most attractive aspect at the home of this gentleman, which comprises a well-regulated farm of 160 acres on section 8 in Noble Township. The buildings are neat and substantial and the dwelling with its surroundings is in all respects in- dicative of refined tastes. There is an abundance of shade trees, with beds of flowers, the latter at- tended mostly by the wife, a lady of much culture and who is in all respects the suitable partner of her husband. Mr. Walker settled upon this place in 1881 when there were upon it few improvements, and its condition to-day indicates the industry and perseverance with which he has labored. He is a natural mechanic and thus has been enabled to bring about many conveniences without the outlay of large sums of money. As a farmer he is thorough and skillful and in business is prompt to meet his obligations. As a member of the community he is held in high esteem.
In reverting to the antecedents of our subject, we find that his father, James P. Walker, was a native of Wayne County. Ind., and the son of Dr. James P. Walker, who during his younger years was a resident of Louisville, Ky., where he occupied himself as a teamster. When leaving the Blue Grass State he established himself near
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Hagerstown, Ind., where he was among the earliest pioneers and opened up a farm from the wilder- ness. He lived there until about 1868, then came to Kansas, settling in Cherokee County and en- gaged as a land speculator. About this time also he began practicing medicine. He acquired 320 acres of improved land and died there in 1888. He had been identified with the Republican party many years.
The father of our subject during his younger years carried on farming in Ripley County. Ind., where he owned 160 acres of land. In 1878 he moved to Missouri, and became the owner of 320 acres of land in Nodaway County, where he so- journed two years. Thence he removed to Cow- ley County, Kan., and later to Reno County, where he had 160 acres of land and where he spent the remainder of his life, dying Aug. 4. 1888, at the age of fifty-eight years. During the Civil War he served about six months in an Indiana regiment. He was a Republican, po- litically, and a Universalist in religious belief.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Marian B. Knapp. She was born in Ripley County, Ind.
Grandfather Knapp was a native of Dearborn County. that State, whence he removed to Ripley County during its pioneer days. In the latter he became the owner of a large farm and also en- gaged at his trade of a wagon-maker. Ile is still living, being seventy years old and is now the owner of five farms. He has been a Justice of the Peace for thirty-five years. Religiously he is a Universalist and politically, a Republican.
The mother of our subject is living with two of her sons in Oklahoma and is now fifty years old; she is a member of the Baptist Church. The par- ental household included three children : Joseph H., Alonzo C., and Oliver P. M.
The subject of this sketch was born near Ver- sailles, Ripley Co., Ind., Nov. 10. 1859, and lived there until a youth of eighteen years, receiving a practical education in the common schools. He worked on the farm with his father until the spring of 1878, then went to Nodaway County, Mo. In the meantime his mechanical genius developed itself. he being able to turn his hand to most any-
thing and was variously employed until coming to this county in the spring of 1881. lle was accom- panied by his brother. Oliver P. M., and made the journey overland with a team. Ile at once secured 160 acres of land, for which he paid $5 per acre and upon which there were no improvements. Six- teen acres had been broken, but otherwise it lay in its original condition. Mr. Walker improved his time thereafter and made preparations to establish domestic ties. On the 3d of December, 1882, hav- ing repaired to Ripley County, Ind., he was united in marriage to Miss Norah B., daughter of Samuel R. Grimes. The latter was a native of that county and the son of Jolin Grimes one of its pioneer set- tlers. The latter cleared a farm from the wilder- ness and died there.
Samuel R. Grimes spent his boyhood upon a farm and improved his opportunities for an educa- tion which was rather limited. By faithful appli- cation to his books, however, he became fitted for teaching and followed this profession for a period of twenty years. In the meantime he was gradu- ated from Wilmington College. Ind. Hle became prominent in local affairs, occupying the various offices, among them that of Assessor and Collector. He left Indiana in 1885 and coming to this county located at Vlietts, of which he is now Postmaster and Weighmas er. llis age is sixty-eight years. Ile is a Democrat politically, and religiously a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served as Class-Leader.
Mrs. Catherine A. A. (Carrington) Grimes, the mother of Mrs. Walker, was the daughter of Benja- min P. Carrington, a native of Connecticut, and who during his younger years was occupied as a general mechanic. When leaving New England, he established himself at Lawrenceburg. Ind., where he was principally engaged in placing engines. Later he removed to Ripley County, Ind., where he en- gaged in farming and as a general mechanic, and became well-to-do and the owner of 400 acres of land. Ile conducted a machine shop, and there spent his last years. His father was an officer in the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Grimes is still liv- ing and a resident of Vliets, being now forty-eight years old. She is the mother of eight children, viz .: Emily L., living in Ripley County. Ind. ;
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Norah B .. Mrs. Walker; Mary D., who died when about twenty-two years old; Laura A., a teacher living at home; Carrie A., and Della E., also at home with their mother; Robert C., deceased, and Paul W.
Mrs. Walker was born near Versailles, Ind., Feb. 23, 1863, and lived with her parents upon the farm until a maiden of twenty years, enjoying good school advantages. She taught school two terms prior to her marriage. Mr. Walker put up his present dwelling in 1885, It is a tasteful and roomy structure, the main part occupying an area of 16 x 26 feet and the wing being 14 x 16 feet in dimensions. He also has a good stable, together with a carpenter and blacksmith shop, in which by repairing his farm implements and doing various other work, he saves probably hundreds of dollars annually. He has set out an apple orchard and trees of the smaller fruits, has a fine grove, and many of his fields are enclosed with hedge fencing. A fish pond stocked with German earp forms an- other attraction of the place. His stock consists of graded cattle and swine with four good horses. Sixty-five acres of the land are under the plow and each year adds something to the value of the property as improvements multiply and cultivation goes on. This happy roof-tree shelters one child. a little daughter, Ethel B., who was born Dec. 15. 1884.
Mr. Walker is a stanch adherent of the Republi- can party. His wife is a well informed lady who has her own views in regard to matters and things and who sympathizes with the Democracy. They attend the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pickets. Mr. Walker is Clerk of the School Board in his district, which position he has occupied for the last four years.
W ILLIAM M. ROUNDTREE was born Feb. 18, 1844, in Knox County, Ill. His father, John D. Roundtree, was a native of Ken- tucky, in which State he was married to Dosha Fugua. At an early day he removed to Illinois. where he carried on the business of farming. The
family consisted of twelve children, named respec- tively: Patsey, Nancy, Elizabeth, Turner, Mary, Louisa, Dudley R., James, Narcissa, Obadiah, Kattie and William M. Patsey is now living in Clear Fork Township. She married Thomas Ed- gar, who died in January, 1885. She has borne nine children, of whom five are now living. Nancy died in this place June 1, 1878. She was the widow of Joel S. Young, of Knox County, Ill .. who died in 1859. Elizabeth is the wife of Robert Osborne, a retired farmer now residing in Frankfort. Turner, at the age of eighteen, accidentally shot himself while hunting in Illinois. Mary died in girlhood. Louisa died in Pattawatomie County, Kan., July 23. 1885, at the age of fifty-two; she was unmar- ried. Dudley R. is pursuing agriculture in Potta- watomie County, Kan .; his wife was formerly Miss Lottie Clang. James is a retired farmer, living in Wataga, Knox Co,, Ill .; he married Miss Naney A. Duvall. Narcissa is the wife of Latham A. Howe, and is living in Knox County, Ill. Obadiah died in infancy.
Our subject was reared upon a farm, and re- ceived such educational advantages as are open to a farmer's son, through the district schools. He remained under the parental roof until the year 1868. being then twenty-four years of age. lle at that time removed to Kansas, and bought 160 acres of land in Vermillion Township this county, where he has since made his home, and where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. The farm, which comprises the northwest corner of the township, is in excellent condition, and bears all necessary and adequate improvements. The residence is a fine frame building in Gothie style, and the pleasant home is presided over by a plump. good-looking and refined mistress. This lady, to whom our subject was married Oct. 27. 1874, was a native of Waukesha County, Wis., and bore the maiden name of Ann J. McElroy. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Mary A. MeElroy, who were married in New York City. ller father was a native of Massachusetts, and her mother of Eng- land. The latter died when her daughter Ann was quite small, and the father in 1856 emigrated to Kansas and took up his abode in this county. He was Postmaster at Frankfort a number of years.
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Two years ago he retired from that office, and now keeps a notion store in the Postoffice building.
To Mr. and Mrs. Roundtree eight bright chil- dren have been born-William, who died in in- fancy ; John 1) .; Benjamin E., Myrtie I., Dudley L., who died at the age of twenty-two months; May, Guy and Roswell.
Mr. Roundtree has held the offices of School Di- rector, School Clerk and Road Overseer. He is independent in his political views, voting for those who, in his judgment, are best qualified for the offices to which they are nominated. Though in rather poor health, he gives careful attention to his business occupations. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, of kindly nature and agreeable manners, and one who stands high in the esteem of the citizens of the surrounding country.
UDGE GERVASE GOODWIN. When the citizens of a country go to its agricultural - districts for a candidate, and elect a man whose politics are opposed to the prevailing opinion of a county, it speaks well for their judg- ment and the character of the man chosen. Such has been the case in Republican Marshall County, where the subject of our sketch has been elected Judge of the Probate Court, At time of his elec- tion, in 1888, he was living upon a fine farm, com- prising 160 acres of highly cultivated land on section 20, Wells Township, and which he left for a city residence during his term of office.
Judge Goodwin was born Nov. 17, 1836, in Lincolnshire, England, and there lived until the age of seventeen years, attending the town schools. Ile finished his education at Windsor, London, and afterward served an apprenticeship of two years in the wholesale dry-goods house of William Gath & Co., at Bradford, Yorkshire, England. Without company he then emigrated to Canada, locating in the county of Oxford, where he re- mained for twenty years engaged in the mercan- tile and afterward in agricultural pursuits. While there he was Reeve of the township for six years, and Warden of the county. (The office of Reeve
is similar to that of our Township Board. and Warden to that of Chairman of the County Board. ) He was also a member of the School Board. and held various other offices. In July, 1858, he mar- ried Miss Carrie Cornell, a native of that county. She was the daughter of Samuel P. and Julia Cornell. Her father was one of the oldest settlers of Oxford County, Canada, and, with his brother, a merchant there. Both were prominent men, though politics were foreign to their belief, be- longing, as they did, to the Society of Friends. In the same county the mother lived and grew to wo- manhood.
In 1874 our subject, with his family, removed to Oakfield, Fond-du-lac Co., Wis., there engaging in the mercantile business for four years. Avoiding politics, he carried on a good business, but, on ac- count of the health of his wife, he came West, settling in this county, buying a partially-improved farm in Wells Township. He has made all the improve- ments usually put on by an enterprising farmer, including a variety of fruit, until it is now con- sidered by good judges one of the most highly improved farms of the township. Change of clim- ate proved but a temporary benefit to Mrs. Good- win, who died in December, 1880. She had been the mother of eight children, five of whom survive her. Charles. now living in Irvine, is engaged in the drug business for himself. He married Miss Sarah Murray. They have two children-Gould and Brownie. Nellie, wife of J. P. Miller, a grocer of Blue Rapids, is the mother of one girl-Carrie. Emma, wife of George Miller, a farmer of Oketo Township, this county, has two children-Edna and Earl. Lon and William G. are still at home. All have been given good educational advantages. In June, 1884, Mr. Goodwin married Mary S. Steen. of Oakfield, Wis. This union has been blessed with one son- Russell.
Miss Mary Steen was born in New York in 1846. Iler mother died when she was only a child, and she came with her father to Oakfield, Wis .. where he died in 1883. Arthur Steen was a farmer and a prominent man, holding various county posi- tions, and a man of means. Our subject has been a loyal member of the Masonic fraternity for a third of a century. Ile belongs to Crescent Lodge,
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of Oakfield, Wis. He is an attendant and sup- porter of the Episcopal Church. Ile is a man of ability and fine moral character, highly spoken of by all who know him.
E DMUND DE LAIR, who is conducting ex- tensive farming and stock raising interests in Oketo Township, having here a large and valuable farm, lying partly on section 13, is one of the foremost men of his calling in Marshall County. He and his family have a very attractive home, fitted up with all the modern conveniences. and handsomely and tastefully furnished throughout. On another page will be found a fine engraving of this convenient residence, wherein a happy family are actively co-operating for their mutual good. Mr. De Lair's claims to representation in this bio- graphical work are not wholly as a farmer, but in part as a noble type of the veterans of the late Civil War, whom we delight to honor, and who since the Rebellion closed have done so much to develope the magnificent and varied resources of our great Republic that their valor saved from ruin, to add to its wealth and importance, to pro- mote its interests in every direction, and advance it to its present high position among the most pow- erful nations of the earth. Our subject has an en- viable military record as an able and trustworthy soldier, who did his share of the bard fighting that kept the Stars and Stripes floating over a free and undivided country.
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