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 42
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A native of Canada, and born April 11, 1829, our subject was the second of the ten children, seven of whom are now living. of John and Rachel (Hodge) De Lair. His parents were life-long resi- dents of Canada, where they were prosperously engaged in farming. The good father passed away from the scenes of earth in 1877. having rounded out a busy, honorable life, and his faithful wife followed him in 1881, to that "bourne from whence no traveler returns." In his pleasant Canada home our subject grew to man's estate, obtaining in the common schools a very good education. At the age of twenty-one he started out in life for himself.
well equipped for its struggles with manliness, an energetic and stable character, and a well-balanced mind in a sound body. He came to the States, and on the fertile prairies of Illinois devoted him- self to farming, settling on a farm in Payne's Point, Ogle County, and successfully continued its man- agement until the demand of the Government for more men to aid in suppressing the Rebellion, de- termined him to put aside his personal interests and ambitions, to take part in the great struggle that he had been watching with intense feeling, and do all that he could for his adopted country in her darkest hour of trouble.
Thus it was that Mr. De Lair in 1862 enrolled his name as a member of Company K, 92d Illinois In- fantry, and from that time until the cessation of hostilities served faithfully and valiantly, proving to be a courageous, self-sacrificing soldier, always obedient and cheerful, and displaying coolness and nerve in the face of the enemy. He did not escape unscathed from the terrible hardships of life on Southern battlefields, but at Taylor's Ridge. Ga .. in 1864, he received a sunstroke, from the effects of which he is troubled to this day. He served with his regiment all through his term of service, and was with it in the engagements at Duck River, Tenn .; Lookout Mountain; Aiken, S. C .; Taylor's Ridge, Ga., Tunnel Hill, Ga., Atlanta, Ga., Love- joys, Ga., and various other places. The 92d Regi- ment did valiant service on many a Southern bat- tlefield. The field officers were : Smith D. Ad- kins, as Colonel: Sheets. Lieutenant-Colonel; Woodcock, Major; This was a mounted infantry regiment, and was commanded by as brave a set of field and line officers as ever wore shoulder straps, and they were backed by as brave a set of soldiers as ever bore muskets on a battlefield, and won for themselves an enviable record during the war. They were noted for great strength, and were always dismounted during the battle. Capt. Woodcock was the first Captain of Company K, who was promoted to Major; then Lieut. Scovill was Captain until he was captured at Wickerjack, Ga .. when Lient. Walker took command of the company, and was commander until the close of the war.
After his discharge, July 23, 1865, Mr. De Lair
OKETO CITY.
BIRDSEYE VIEW. LOOKING TOWARDS BIG BLUE VALLEY
"MAPLE GROVE FARM". RESIDENCE OF EDMUND
E LAIR , SEC. 13. OKETO TOWNSHIP, MARSHALL COUNTY.
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returned home with his regiment to Illinois, and was once more united with his family. Ile re- mained in that State until the fall of 1866, when he came to Kansas, having foreseen with charac- teristic sagacity and keen judgment that in such a community of intelligent, enterprising, industrious men as were settling this State, land would rise in value and prosperity would smile upon the people, and that the chances for a practical, skilful agri- culturist to make money were exceptional. Ilav- ing determined to cast in his lot with the sturdy, resolute pioneers of this section of the country, he at that time purchased his present farm. It com- prises 720 acres of rich, tillable land, under excel- lent cultivation and capable of producing large crops, and it is provided with neat and commodious buildings for every necessary purpose, including his pretty, tasty residence that he erected last sea- son. Ilis farm is well stocked with cattle of good grades, of which he handles a large number, and he has at present about 450 hogs.
Mr. De Lair has been twice married. He was first wedded Sept. 20, 1852, to Miss Dilena King, a daughter of Joshua King, of Ogle County, Ill. Of that union eight children were born, five of whom are living, namely: Oscar M., Ida E., Dora O., Rachel C., Effie May. June 21, 1886, the shadow of death again fell athwart the threshold of the home of our subject, and the devoted wife and lov- ing mother was removed from the midst of her family. Mr. Delair was married to his present amiable wife Aug. 24, 1887. She was formerly Miss Hannah Smith, a daughter of Thomas Smith, of Creston, Ill., and a sister of Thompson Smith, whose sketch appears in this volume.
Although our subject was born over the border within the dominion of our northern neighbor, yet crossing the line into the United States when lie had attained his majority, the years of his manhood have been entirely passed under this flag, and from the time when in the prime and vigor of life he enlisted to do battle in its defence, he has proved his loyalty and devotion to the interests of his adopted country. Ile has been closely identified with the growth and development of Marshall County, and will ever hold an honorable place among her pioneers. The extraordinary success
that has met his endeavors to accumulate property shows him to be a man of marked ability, profound judgment, and keen business talents. His position as a citizen of Oketo, is that of one who by his pub- lic spirit and beneficence has been of great good in advancing its material, educational, and religious interests. He has done his duty with conscientious fidelity when called to public office. He has been an efficient Treasurer of his school district for a number of years, and has been a good Road Over- seer. In commemoration of the part he took in the Civil War he is identified with the Oketo Post, No. 477 of the G. A. R. In politics he is a sound Democrat, and gives material support to his party. Hle and his wife are people of sincere religious convictions, and the Methodist Episcopal Church has in them two of its most consistent members.
C HARLES A. SWANSON. Among the suc- cessful stock-raisers and farmers of this county, is the above named gentleman, who resides on section 4, Murray Township, where he occupies a highly improved farm of 220 acres. The land is well watered, well stocked, and upon it the owner has erected adequate and substantial farm buildings. In addition to the home farm Mr. Swan- son owns forty acres in another part of the town- ship. Mr. Swanson is of foreign birth, having first opened his eyes to the light in Smolin, South Sweden, Dec. 16, 1849. His father, Swan John- son, lived and died in Sweden, his death taking place in 1859, when he was but fifty-four years of age, and his son, the subject of this sketch, yet under ten. The wife still survives at the age of sixty-seven, and lives in America with her chil- dren. Both parents were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject was reared and obtained a good edu- cation in his native country. When about twenty years old he set out for the I'nited States via Eng- land, taking passage at Liverpool, July 19, 1869, and landing in New York City, from which place he came to Chicago, Ill. He spent some years in Illinois, coming to this State from Hancock County
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in the year 1871, and obtaining from the Govern- ment an 80-aere homestead. He endured many hardships during his early residence without being dismayed by them. By persevering industry he not only improved the homestead, but gradually attained a greater measure of prosperity, adding to his farm many acres, and bringing the entire place to a high state of cultivation. and raising annually large numbers of horses, cattle and hogs.
Mr. Swanson was married. in this township, to Miss Ingra Eliason, who was born near her hus- band's native town in Sweden, Feb. 5. 1854. At- taining to years of maturity, she had come to Ameriea alone, her father, Elias Moody, with his wife, following their daughter to this country in 1882, and now living upon the farm of their son- in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson are the parents of five children-Vietor S .. Amanda D., Emma A. and Edgar F. now living; and Minnie C. deceased. The family are attendants of the Lutheran Church. both Mr. and Mrs. Swanson being members in good standing. Mr. Swanson is now serving as Town- ship Clerk, an office which he has held for some- time. His political adherence is given to the Republican party. He is a man of sterling integ- rity of character, progressive and enterprising in his business, and occupies a high rank among the people of the county.
C HARLES C. WHEELER. Among the prom- inent business men of Marysville, none have exhibited greater ability than the subject of our sketch, who is now engaged in the coal busi- ness in the city, attending to two farms, and also dealing in real estate. James T. Wheeler, the father of our subject, was born in the Province of New Brunswick in 1807. He was educated in his native country and taught there for some years after arriving at maturity. About the year 1833 he came to St. Charles, Ill., and there took up a new farm. In January, 1835, he married Miss Young, formerly of the same place. He made of his farm a fine home, where he continued farming until 1865. when his eldest son took charge of the
property and the father retired from business. In 1885 Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler held their golden wed- ding anniversary at St. Charles. To them have been born six children, all of whom lived to ma- turity: J. B. T., now living on the homestead; Mary A., now Mrs. C. H. Davidson, of Austin, Minn .; H. N., now editor of the Quiney Journal, at Quincy, Ill .; C. C., our subject; J. K., at Hart- ford, a preacher of the Baptist denomination, and J. N., engaged in the publishing business at Chi- cago. The father and mother are consistent mem- bers of the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Wheeler was a Whig and then a Republican, always radical on that subject and on temperance. Two of the sons, J. B. T. and II. N., were in the army during the late Civil War.
Our subject was born on the homestead near St. Charles, Sept. 3, 1847. and there lived until twenty years of age, finishing his education at the St. Charles school. At the age of seventeen he went on the road as commercial salesman, following that business until two years ago, traveling from Mo- bile. Ala., to St. Paul, Minn., and as far west as Denver. For the past nine years he has made this city his home. On April 11, 1867, in Mobile, Ala., occurred his marriage, to Miss Anna E. Cogg- eshall. She is the daughter of W. A. Coggeshall. of New London, Conn .. in which place she was born, Jan. 31, 1848, receiving her education at Providence, R. I. Mr. Wheeler is a stanch Re- publiean, a man of fine business ability, as is man- ifested in his affairs. He resides in a large frame dwelling of pleasing design, built in 1889, on Wheeler's Addition to the town of Marysville. This addition to the town was platted in 1887, and from its sightly precinets Mr. Wheeler has been selling town lots.
J. K. Wheeler, brother of our subject, was edu- cated at Wheaton, Ill., for a teacher, and then took a theological course at Chicago. Ile is a self-made man. having educated himself with the means which he obtained from teaching. Ile was for two years Principal of the schools at Austin, Ill., at a salary of $1,500 a year, and with the prospect of receiv- ing the position of Principal in the schools of Chi- cago. These prospects he left to study for the ministry. His first charge was at Marengo, Ill.,
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where he remained four years. He then spent four years at Terre Haute, Ind., and thence went to Hartford, Conn., a fact which speaks more to his praise than words could do. Being a man of abil- ity and an earnest worker, if life be spared to him, he will undoubtedly make his mark in the world.
AMES M. BRADSHAW. The results of perseverance and industry are admirably illustrated in the career of this gentleman, who has one of the finest farms in Murray Township, located on section 2. The land bas been brought to a high state of cultivation, and upon it have been erected neat and substantial buildings, second to none in this part of the county. The farm is largely devoted to stock-raising, and the residence with its appurtenances is situated on a rise of ground commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country.
Mr. Bradshaw acquired possession of his prop- erty in 1885, and has effected great improvements in its condition. In addition to this he owns a fine farm of 160 acres on section 25 of Murray Township, which is also well stocked with Durham cattle and Norman horses. Mr. Bradshaw has gained an enviable reputation in the breeding of fine stock, and is able to exhibit some of the best specimens of horses and cattle in this region. Ile came to Murray Township in February, 1880, and for five years lived on a farm near the city limits of Axtell. Prior to this he had been a resident of Groveland Township, Tazewell Co., Ill., where he was born Dec. 16, 1842, and where he spent his youth and early manhood with the exception of three years in which he served as a soldier in the Union Army.
Our subject comes of substantial Pennsylvania stock, being the son of Robert Bradshaw, who was born in Bucks County, that State, Aug. 28, 1799. The paternal grandfather was James Bradshaw, likewise a Pennsylvania farmer and of English ancestry. The latter was married in early man- hood to a Pennsylvania lady by the name of Jane Thomas, and they spent the remainder of their
lives in Bucks County, dying when quite aged. In religion they were members of the Friends' Church.
The father of our subject was the youngest of ele- ven children, four sons and seven daughters, all of whom lived to be married and reared families of their own. He remained a member of the parental household until reaching manbood, and then, still unmarried, made his way to Dearborn County, Ind., where his affections in due time were captured by Miss Sarah Owens, who became his wife. This lady was a native of Maryland and born on the Chesapeake Bay. She went to Indiana with her parents, James and Elizabeth (Nelson) Owens, who were likewise natives of Maryland. They sojourned in Dearborn County, Ind., a few years, being among the pioneer settlers, but later in life removed to Tazewell County Ill., where they died when ripe in years. Mrs. Elizabeth Owens took naturally to medicine and nursing, and attained a wide reputa- tion as a successful doctress. She prosecuted her profession all through Tazewell County, where she became widely and favorably known. In the pur- suit of her chosen calling she went out at all times both day and night, and in all kinds of weather alone, wading across creeks and bravely encounter- ing storms, both summer and winter, prompted by her interest in the welfare of her sex, treating women only, except upon extra occasions. She lived to the ripe old age of ninety years.
Robert Bradshaw lived in Indiana until after the birth of three children, then resolved upon a change of location. Gathering togetber his fam- ily and household goods, he started overland with teams to Groveland Township, Tazewell Co., Ill., camping wherever night overtook him, and finally arriving safely at his destination. He was success- ful in building up a comfortable home, and died there April 20, 1871, at the age of seventy-two years. He was not only a thorough and skilled farmer, but a citizen highly esteemed in his com- munity, in whose affairs he became prominent. Hle served as County Commissioner a number of years, and represented his township in the County Board of Supervisors term after term. Politically, he was an Old-Line Whig until after the abandon- ment of that party, when he gave his cordial en- dorsement to Republican principles. The wife and
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mother survived her husband a number of years, and finally eame to Kansas. and died at the home of her son David. who resided at that time in Mor- ray Township, March 8, 1883, at the age of seventy- five years, having been born Feb. 7, 1808.
The subject of this sketch was the eighth child and third son of his parents, and received a practi- enl education, completing his studies in the com- mercial College at Peoria, Ill. After the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted, under the second call for troops in Company G, 108th Illinois Infantry, as First Sergeant, and remained with his regiment until nearly the close of the war, when he was commissioned Second Lieutenant. Ile was present at the first attack upon Vicksburg, was also in the battle of Arkansas Post, later was at the siege and capture of Vicksburg, participated in the fight at Brice's Cross Roads, Miss., was at Spanish Fort and Magnolia Hills, besides various other engagements and skirmishes-in fact he was in every engage- ment of his regiment until the expiration of his term of enlistment, when he received his honorable discharge Aug. 2, 1864. lle was fortunate in never being wounded, and was never absent at roll-eall. He possessed a vigorous frame, and was enabled to endure hardship and privation to a remarkable degree.
Upon retiring from the service Mr. Bradshaw began teaching during the winter season, and in summer farming on his own account. When ready to establish a home of his own he was married, Nov. 24, 1870, at Tremont, Tazewell Co., Ill., to Miss Lunette Lackland, who was born there Jan. 4, 1850. Her father, Col. William R. Lackland, was a native of Tennessee, and removed to Tazewell County, Ill., prior to his marriage. The maiden name of his wife was Cordelia Warner. She was born in New York State, and removed to Illinois with her parents when a young girl. Col. Lack- land was a farmer by occupation until the outbreak of the Civil War, and soon afterward organized Company A, 108th Illinois Infantry, of which he was elected Captain. Later he was promoted to Major, next to Lieutenant-Colonel, and finally to Colonel of his regiment. Ile led his men to bat- tle in many of the important engagements which followed, and was for some time connected with
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Gen. Carr's staff. He served three years, and es- caped unhurt and without being captured by the enemy. He received an honorable discharge, and resumed farming in Tazewell County, but only lived a few years thereafter, dying in 1874 when only forty-three years old. He was a prominent man in local politics, and held many of the offices. Mrs. Lackland is still living, remaining a widow, and makes her home in Tremont, Ill .; she is now sixty years of age. Both she and her husband identified themselves with the Methodist Church early in life.
Mrs. Bradshaw was reared to womanhood in her native county, receiving careful home training, at- tending the Tremont High School. Her union with our subject has resulted in the birth of five children, one of whom. Olive. died at the age of sixteen months. The survivors are Eugene L., Maude M., Gertrude F., and Ralph H. Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, and our subject politically, like his father before him, is a staneh supporter of Republican principles. lle has held the various local offices. and has been for many years a member of the School Board. He is a friend of education and progress, and is accounted one of the most useful men of the community.
G EORGE A. ELY, of the firm of Ely Bros., in Axtell, dealers in hardware and farm implements, also lumber and coal, became connected with the business in 1885. The hard- ware department was established in 1880, by J. T. Ely, and five years later George A. became a part- ner in the business. They operated one year under the title of Ely Bros., and a year later the firm was strengthened by the addition of Mr. A. C. Axtell.
Mr. Ely came to Axtell in March, 1882, and was associated with the dry-goods trade until engaging in his present business. Prior to this he had been in the dry-goods trade at Dresden, Iowa, for a period of twelve years. and has been uniformly successful in his various enterprises. Ile was born in Williams County, Ohio, Feb. 10, 1845, and is
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the son of Asher Ely, Jr., a native of Northum- berland County, Pa. The paternal grandfather. Asher Ely, Sr., was a native of New Jersey, and removed to Pennsylvania while young, and of English ancestry. Father and son were farmers by occupation, and emigrated from Pennsylvania to Knox County, Ohio, when the latter was but five years old. They removed to Williams County thir- teen years later. The father took up a tract of land, and there spent the remainder of his days, dying when about sixty years old. Ile served in the War of 1812, and was possessed of those qualities of char- acter most needed in the settlement of a new country, being brave in spirit and vigorous in frame. He married in early manhood a Pennsylvania lady, Miss Catherine Campbell, who died at the homestead in Williams County, Ohio, in June, 1872, when about eighty years of age. Both she and her husband were Presbyterians in religion.
The father of our subject grew to manhood in Williams County, Ohio, and was married to Miss Martha Borton. She was born in New Jersey, where her father died when she was quite young. Her widowed mother later emigrated to Williams County, Ohio, where they were among the earliest settlers. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ely established themselves on a new farm in Brady Township, Williams County, where the father of our subject is yet living. at the age of sixty-seven years, and is still bright and active. The mother died in 1863, at the age of forty-three years. She was a most excellent and worthy woman, and had been reared in the Society of Friends, in the faith of which she died. Asher Ely is a Presbyterian in religion, and a Republican in politics.
The subject of this sketch was the eldest son and second child in a family of two sons and two daughters. He was reared to man's estate in his native county, where he remained until after the outbreak of the Civil War. In June, 1863, he enlisted in Company H, 86th Ohio Infantry, in which he served six months, then re enlisted, in September following, in Company F, 182d In- fantry, under Capt. William Caslett, the regiment being under command of Col. Butler, and assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He was under command of Gon. Thomas at the battle of Nash-
ville, and was promoted Color Corporal. While a member of the 86th Infantry our subjeet fought at the battle of Cumberland Gap. Ile served alto- gether seventeen months, and after receiving his honorable discharge engaged in teaching school, both in Ohio and lowa.
Mr. Ely was married, in his native county ( Will- iams), in 1866, to Miss Carrie A. Shangle. This lady was born in New Jersey, and is of German deseent. Iler parents emigrated to Ohio when she was quite young, and she remained a resident of Williams County until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Ely have one child, a little girl-Iva Pearl. Our subject votes the straight Republican ticket, and both he and his estimable wife are members in good stand- ing of the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Ely holds the office of Elder and Trustee. Ile was a member of the first City Council at Axtell, and is at present (1889) holding the office of City Treas- urer.
OHIN R. LIVINGSTON, a member of the firm of Lucas, McGrath & Co., is familiarly known as one of the proprietors of the Old Variety Store, at Axtell, on the eastern line of the county. Ilis occupation was that of a farmer, until nineteen years of age, although he has been closely identified with the growth and development of the town. He came to Kansas in 1870, and with the exception of two and one-half years, has oecu- pied himself as a general merchant. Ile was Post- master from 1875 to 1886. and has been President of the City Council since Axtell was incorporated as a city, in the fall of 1887. In 1889 occurred the organization of the Axtell Butter and Cheese Fac- tory of which Mr. Livingston is President. He has in fact taken an active part in all that pertains to the growth and advancement of the town.
Mr. Livingston is one of the extensive land own- ers of this county, having 222 acres of improved land in Murray Township, and 320 near the county seat of Martin County, Tex. He came to Axtell in the spring of 1871, and was one of the first men to establish business within its limits. Prior to this he had lived in Boone County, Ill., and re
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moved thence to this State, in 1870, and was a resi- dent of Seneca until his removal to Axtell. There also he occupied himself as a general merchant, be- ing a member of the firm of R. H. Moore & Co. one year.
In Boone County, Ill., Mr. Livingston was born March 16, 1845, and is the son of Jacob .J. Living- ston, who was born in New York State, Nov. 22, 1804, where he grew to manhood, and was married in 1828, to Miss Susanna Garnsey, a native of the same State, and born March 3, 1809. He occupied himself as a farmer and general mechanic, and re- mained a resident of his native State until after the birth of several children. Then, emigrating to Boone County, Ill., the father of our subject pre- empted a tract of Government land, and also pur- chased a small farm northwest of the county-seat in Caledonia Township. He there spent the remain- der of his days, his death oceurring Jan. 26, 1883, when he was about seventy-nine years old. Politi- cally, he was in early manhood a stanch Whig, and in his religious views was in harmony with the doctrines of the Baptist Church, of which he was a member many years. As a man and a citizen, he was held in high esteem in his community. The mother died two years prior to the decease of her husband. her death occurring Dec. 11, 1881, when about seventy-two years old. She likewise was a member of the Old School Baptist Church.
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