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 59
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During his residence at Loda, on July 14, 1869, our subject was married to Miss Emma MeBirney.
His wife died in 1879, leaving two children: Maude and Albert, both still living. He was afterward married to Mrs. Martha Bell, nee Noel, of Paxton, Ill., a native of Virginia, and born in 1853. When seven years old her father, William Noel, moved to the vicinity of Paxton, Ill., where he engaged in farming. There she lived until she was united in marriage with Mr. Bell, by whom she has two chil- dren-Mary and William. She moved to lowa and there her husband died. After his decease she returned to Paxton. where she lived until her mar- riage with our subject. Her mother, formerly Miss Sarah Schaffer. had a family of seven children, four of whom are still living; she died in 1878. The father now lives in Lamar, Mo., where he owns a farm, though he makes his home in the city. Ile has always been quite a politician in the Demo- cratic party, is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a Knight Templar, and has always been one of the representative men of the town.
Levi Waters, the father of our subject, was born in Massachusetts, and was engaged in agriculture ten years before his death, when he removed to New York. His wife was in her youth Miss Lu- cinda Twining, and became the mother of six chil- dren. The father lived to be eighty-eight years old, dying in December, 1882, while the mother passed away about 1884.
Our subject was a member of the first and sec- ond Councils of the city of Beattie, and is again a member for the present termi (1889.) His politi- cal influence is cast with the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic order, Beattie Lodge No. 259. Mr. Waters has improved his homestead, and may well be proud of his cozy, convenient residence. a view of which appears elsewhere in this work, in connection with an engraving of his lumber yard.
E LDER JAMES F. SCOTT, a regularly or- dained minister of the Christian Church, preaching regularly in Waterville, is also a man fond of agricultural pursuits, and may usually be found at his finely cultivated farm on section 18, Waterville Township. He also understands
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carpentering, having served an apprenticeship at this trade during his early manhood. 1Ie possesses those qualities of character which have gained him the esteem of his entire community, and has like- wise been endowed by nature with more than ordin- ary intellectual capacities. A reader and thinker, he is one of those comparatively few men with whom an hour may always be spent in a pleasant and profitable manner. Ile is a man plain in his ways and speech, but one whom it is safe to "tie to."
The subject of this notice was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Nov. 26, 1831, and is the son of John Scott, a native of Fayette County. Pa., who was born March 25, 1800. The latter remained a resi- dent of his native State until 1831, in which year he removed to Wayne County, Ohio, where he so- journed until 1848. That year he changed his resi- dence to Carroll County, where his decease occurred Oct. 19, 1858. Ile followed agricultural pursuits his entire life and accumulated a fine property. He exerted a marked influence in his community and occupied many offices of trust and responsbility. For many years prior to his death he was a consci- entious member of the Baptist Church.
Mrs. Mary (Foster) Scott, the mother of our subject, was born in Fayette County, Pa., in 1804, and departed this life in Wayne County, Ohio, July 24, 1838. The parental family consisted of eight children, of whom James F. was the fifth in order of birth. ITis early life was spent at the old homestead in Wayne County, Ohio, where he so- journed until 1884. Then coming to this county he purchased his present farm of 160 acres, and has effected many improvements thercon, making of it a most desirable and attractive homestead.
During the progress of the Civil War, Mr. Scott, in 1864, enlisted with the 100 days' men, as a pri- vate in Company HI, 166th Ohio Infantry, and did duty most of the time on Arlington lleights, guarding Washington City. He was mustered out at the close of his term of enlistment, in October, 1864. Mr. Scott, from 1845 until 1873, was iden- tified with the Baptist Church. His religious views then experienced something of a change, and he espoused the doctrines of the Christian Church as more in consonance with his enlightened belief. He does a large amount of Evangelical work, and
as a speaker is very impressive, holding the atten- tion of his hearers and using those arguments which are at once persuasive and convincing. For his labors in the Master's service he requires nothing. He started out in life at the foot of the ladder, financially, and by industry and economy has been enabled to secure a comptence sufficient for his de- clining years. In politics he is a sound Republican, and socially, belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the I. O. O. F.
Over thirty-five years ago Mr. Scott was married, Nov. 15, 1853, to Miss Mary, daughter of David and Ruth (Carter) Gaff, who were then residents of Wayne County, Ohio. Mrs. Scott was born April 4. 1832, in Stark County, Ohio, and passed ber childhood and youth quietly and uneventfully under her parents' roof. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have no children. Their home is extremely comfortable and pleasant, and is the frequent resort of the many friends they have made during their sojourn in this county.
Le LOYD S. BENNETT occupies an attractive residence on the Vermillion River one mile west of Frankfort. He has charge of a fine farm of 167 acres, which is owned by John D. Wells, and is occupied in general farming and stock-rais- ing. He was born in Harrison County, W. Va., Aug. 9, 1859, and is one of a family of six children. His father, Alva II., and his mother, Sarah (Hus- tead) Bennett, were natives of the Old Dominion, and descendants of old Virginia families. Of the parental family, James C. is now living in Lincoln, Neb .; he married Miss Jennie Harland, and has one child. Amanda M. is the wife of Charles Dotson, a farmer of Cloud County, Kan. and has three chil- dren; Elizabeth Q., wife of William Mosburg, a farmer, also lives in Cloud County. Harriet F. is the wife of Wait Doak, a farmer of Osborne County, and has three children; Harrison A. E. married Ella Dotson, and is the father of one child. His home is in Wells Township.
The mother of our subject died when he was twelve years old, and two years later his father re- moved to Cloud County, where he is still living.
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In that county he was subsequently married to Nancy .J. Cox, and became the father of the fol- lowing children: William R., Ona J., Elza, Claude, Nora, Gordie and Gay, all of whom are at home.
Our subjeet was reared on his father's farm, and received a fair edneation in the common schools. At the early age of fifteen he went to work for himself. finding employment by the month on a farm. He came to this county and continued in agricultural pursuits. Having wooed and won Miss Arta Bell, daughter of John D. and Elizabeth Wells, he was married to her in Wells Township, March 26, 1882. (See sketch of John D. Wells, which is found elsewhere in this volume.) The result of this union has been one interesting child.
Mr. Bennett is a heavy built and muscular man, possessing a good stock of mother wit and strong common sense. Ile is a hard-working man and a good farmer, and one who is likely, before many years, to rank with the leading land-owners of the connty. He is a believer in and supporter of the Democratic party. He is a a man of honor and uprightness, and a reliable citizen.
OHN J. WATERBURY. Before entering upon a sketch of the gentleman, whose name heads this notice, it may well be to devote some space to the family of which he is a member. His grandfather, John Waterbury, was a native of New York, where the family was living previous to the Revolutionary War. He was a farmer and in his own occupation, his son, James, father of our subject, was reared. James Water- bury married Mary Littz. She was of Ger- man descent, though hier parents, as well as herself had been born in the Empire State. He removed from New York to Michigan, settling at Algansee, in Branch County, where he engaged in farming. He also followed the profession of teaching during a period of forty years. In Branch County he was Justice of the Peace, and served several terms as County Superintendent of Schools. He died in Mieh- igan in 1883, at the age of eighty-seven. His
wife was eighty-two years old at the time of her death, which took place the year previous to his own. He was a Whig and later a Republican, and was a member of the county delegation in several conventions. He belonged to the Baptist Church and his wife to the Methodist. The family con- sisted of seven children; Sarah M., Henry, Sichee Ann. John J. our subjeet, Aaron, Cornelius, and one who had died in infancy. Sarah M. is now living in Montgomery, Hillsdale Co. Mieh .; her husband Seneca Canfield was a farmer and during the late war served in a Michigan regiment. He breathed his last in 1873. Henry is living on a farm adjoining the parental home in Branch County, Mich .; he married Mrs. Rufus Murray, and is the father of four children. Siehee Ann is the wife of John Walworth, a farmer, living on land adjoining the old Waterbury homestead; she is the mother of seven children. Aaron served in Company H, 17th Michigan Infantry, and lost his life by the explosion of the steamer "Sultana," April 24, 1865 ; he left a widow and three children, now living in Michigan. Cornelius died at the age of twelve years.
Our subjeet was born in Richland County, N. Y., July 1, 1833. His parents removed to Michigan when he was six years old. and he remained with them nntil about sixteen. He then went to Hillsdale, Mich., to learn tailoring, and served there three years. Going to Jonesville, he there worked one and a half years. He completed his apprentice- ship at Cold water, where he remained about a year. From this time up to the summer of 1861 he worked at his trade. He then joined a squadron of cavalry, which was being raised for Gen. Rich- ardson's body guard. After three months' service the squadron disbanded, and our subject went to Frankfort, Ind., where he spent the winter of 1861 - 62. The fires of patriotism burned too fiereely in his breast for him to carry on the peaceful em- ployment of his trade, while the nation was in need of brave men, and in August, 1862, he en- listed in the 100th Indiana Infantry, serving in the 15th army corps. They took part in the bat- tles at Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, Lookout Moun- tain, and came to the relief of Burnside at Knox- ville. Coming back by the way of Chattanooga,
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the regiment wintered at Scottsborough, Ala. 1n the summer of 1864, they participated in the bloody battles of Resaca, Kenesaw and Lost Mountains, and were at Atlanta, July 22, and Love- joy Station, September 2. They then formed a part of the gallant 60,000 in the march to the sea and finally participated in the last fight of the Sher- man campaign at Bentonville, N. C. The regi- ment was discharged in August, 1865, and our gallant soldier returned to Frankfort, Ind., and resumed his old trade. He remained at Frankfort two years, and after working as journeyman tailor at various places, he finally came to Kansas. In 1883 he located at Clyde, where he remained about two years, and then going to Lane County, he took up a homestead. After two years resi- dence on the farm, he proved up and still owns the land,and then came to Frankfort, arriving here Aug. 1, 1888.
In Frankfort, Ind., Sept. 20, 1865, the marriage ceremony was performed, which made Miss Annie E. Waters, Mrs. John J. Waterbury. The bride was the daughter of Robert and Schalatt Waters, both natives of the Keystone State. The mother died when her daughter was but a babe. The father was a "forty-niner," who having gone to California during the great excitement, remained in the Golden State until two years ago. He died in Frankfort, Kan., in June, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Waterbury have lost one child, a girl, who died in infancy. Robert the only living child, is now conducting a merchant tailoring establishment in Frankfort. He was married July 3, 1889 to Miss M. S. Smith, daughter of M. C. Smith, whose par- ents are residents of Frankfort.
Mr. Waterbury is independent in his political views, voting for those whom he considers best qualified to advance the interests of the county. He is a member of the Good Templars order, of Clyde Post G. A. R. in Cloud County, and of Dighton Lodge, 1. O. O. F. and is now a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. here. In the latter society he has filled the Chairs, been delegate to the Grand Lodge, and has served two terms as District Deputy. Mrs. Waterbury is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which her husband is an attendant. Mr. Waterbury is a man of fine charac-
ter, a thorough workman and a good citizen, in- terested in every movement which is calculated to advance the interests of the town in which he resides.
S AMUEL BENTLEY is numbered among the intelligent, progressive, industrious farmers and stock-raisers who are uphold- ing and extending these important interests in Marshall County. And on section 17, Oketo Township, he has a fine, well-managed farm, one of the most desirable in this locality, which, in the fall of 1877, he took up under the provision of the homestead act, it then being a tract of wild uncul- tivated prairie land.
Our subject is a worthy descendant of good Canadian stock, and on his father's side he is of Quaker blood. His parents, Wilson and Mariam (Jackson) Bentley, were natives and life-long resi- dents of Ontario, Canada. His father was a pros- perous farmer, and a man of superior intelligence and ability, and was very prominent in his county. Ile was Justice of the Peace for many years, and held the responsible office of Sheriff of the county for three years. He was for some years lighthouse keeper at Presque Isle. His father, Elijah Bentley, was a Quaker preacher, and removed from New York to Ontario during the War of 1812. He was ar- rested by the British authorities, and placed in prison, because he was thought to be a spy. His wife carried him food, which with characteristic generosity and self-forgetfulness, he divided with his fellow-prisoners, who were less fortunate in se- curing provisions. Ile was finally released from his unjust confinement, and he subsequently re- moved to Prince Edward Island. In the latter part of his life he took a long journey in a buggy to visit his sons and daughters in Indiana, and there the good man's life was brought to a close. and all that is mortal of him is buried in Eugene, Ind.
Samuel Bentley, of this biographical review, was the third child in a family of seven children, four of whom are living, and he was born in Ontario, Canada, April 5, 1835. He grew to man's estate in
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his native province, receiving fair educational ad- vantages, which he profited by, so that he is a well- informed man. At the age of twenty he began life on his own account on a farm near his old home, marrying in that year and establishing a home of his own. In 1858 he left Canada to take up his residence in Montezuma, Ind., and lived there till 1861, when he returned to his native land, Can- ada. In 1864 he went back to Montezuma, and re- mained there till 1877, engaging in business there as a carpenter and millwright. Having through his friends heard much of the fertile soil, fine clim- ate and, above all, the cheap lands of Kansas, he plainly saw that there was money to be made bere by a man of fair abilities, backed by industrious habits, thrift, enterprise and keen common sense, and he determined to take his chances, so in the month of September, 1877. he emigrated here with his family, coming to Marysville, and im- mediately took the homestead on the Otoe Indian Reserve, where he now lives. It has taken much hard labor to bring his farm to its present fine con- dition, with its 223 acres all under cultivation and bearing large crops, its buildings in good order, and its stock well kept, and comparing favorably with other herds in the vicinity. Mr. Bentley has greatly increased the value of his place, to say nothing of the additional beauty of the landscape, by planting a large number of trees, cottonwood, maple and fruit. He devotes a part of his farm to raising stock. and handles forty head of cattle, and has been a heavy dealer in hogs. During the Civil War, Mr. Bentley was part owner of the schooner "Gold Hunter," that plied between Kingston. Can- ada, and different ports in the States, and he has experienced many hard storms on Lake Ontario.
Mr. Bentley has been twice married. Ile was first wedded in 1855 to Miss Maria Walker, a daughter of William Walker, of Ontario. Three children were born of that marriage, two of whom are living, Pencey and Kenneth. July 26, 1863, she was taken from her family by death. while she was yet a young woman in the midst of her useful- ness. Mr. Bentley was remarried Sept. 25, 1866, Miss Jenetty Dailey becoming his wife. She is a daughter of William and Elsie (Conner) Dailey, of Parke County, Ind. Five children have been born
to our subject by his marriage, namely: Ella Ann, James D .. William II., Elbert E. and Mariam I. All are being given good educational advantages, and fitted to be honorable members of society.
In his career as a farmer and stock-raiser, Mr. Bentley has manifested shrewdness, discretion, cal- culation and clear discernment, coupled with pru- dent and industrious habits, and these have led him to success. He is a man of good standing in the community, and is well thought of by all. He has held public office with credit; in Canada, when he was a resident there, he was Recorder of Elec- tions at different times. and since living here, has been School Director of this district, and while he was in office, the present neat schoolhouse was erected. Ile is prominently identified with the I. O. O. F. as a member of Oketo Lodge, and has gone through the chairs three times. He is also a mem- ber of the encampment of the same order, and was formerly connected with the Masonic fraternity, as well as being a member of the Sons of Temperance and Good Templars. In politics he is identified with the Union Labor party, which has no more earnest, enthusiastic, conscientious or intelligent supporter than he, who can eloquently discourse on its object, and convince an unprejudiced individual that of all parties it has the best right to exist, as, if its policy were carried out, the best interests of the greatest number would be subserved, and the Government would be purified. Mrs. Bentley is a valued member of the Christian Church, and in her daily life seeks to live up to its teachings.
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E RNST BROCKMEYER. This representative pioneer of Marshall County, may usnally be found at the well-regulated farm which he built up from the wilderness. and which is finely located on section 9 in Bigelow Township. The premises bears all the evidences of thrift and pros- perity for which the German nationality is peculiar. Mr. Brockmeyer was born on the other side of the Atlantic, in what was then the Kingdom of Han- over, Oct. 23. 1844, and thus is in the very prime of life and in the midst of his usefulness. He is
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essentially a self-made man, one who started at the foot of the ladder in life, and furnishes a fine illus- tration of the results of steady perseverance and unflagging industry.
In glaneing at the parental history of the subject of this sketeli we find that he is the son of Henry and Sophia Broekmeyer, who were also natives of Hanover, and who lived there until after their marriage and until their son Ernst was a lad of seven years. Then they resolved to seek their fortunes on the other side of the Atlantic. Repair- ing to the city of Bremen, they embarked on a sail- ing vessel bound for New York City, and after an ocean voyage of forty-eight days arrived safely at their destination. Thenee they emigrated east into Connecticut and established themselves on a farm, and there the father died in 1855.
In 1856 Mrs. Broekmeyer with her five children, three sons and two daughters, set out for the West- ern eountry, and coming to this eounty located at the mouth of Clear Fork Creek, a short distance northeast of the present site of Bigelow, and where the creek empties into Vermillion River. They were among the earliest settlers of that region, but only remained there a short time. The eldest brother and one sister continued residents of this county while Ernst and the balance of the family removed, in the fall of 1857, to St. Louis in order that the education of the younger children might be conducted as they wished.
Mr. Broekmeyer attended school in St. Louis until the spring of 1860, then coming back to this county was located for about two years on the Vermillion River. He then removed with his mother to Washington County, where her death took place in 1882. Mr. Brockmeyer returned to to this eounty two years later. In 1884 he pur- chased 160 acres of land, which now comprises the improved farm which has for many years yielded him a comfortable ineome. Some of the time dur- ing his younger years he was engaged as elerk in a store, but mostly was occupied in farming pursuits. He thus labored about twelve years in obtaining a foothold financially.
In 1873 Mr. Brockmeyer took unto himself a wife and helpmate, being united in marriage with Miss Louise, daughter of William and Mary Hol-
lenberg. There have been born to them two sons- William and Ilenry. While a resident of Washing- ton County, Mr. Brockmeyer served as Clerk and Treasurer of his school distriet, and he has always been interested in the maintenance and establish- ment of schools, having come from a country com- pelling its youth to be educated. He was reared in the doetrines of the Lutheran Church, to which he still loyally adheres. Upon becoming a voting citizen he identified himself with the Republican party, to which he has sinee given his unqualified support. When he first came to this county there were only two families in his immediate neighbor- hood, Louis Trumbley, a half-breed Indian, and Henry Hollenberg. The following year quite a number of families emigrated from Ohio.
LEXANDER VAN BUREN THOMAS. It is fortunate that among the various members of a community, there are some who, in addition to being interested in its business advancement, also take its moral and educational matters under their fostering care. During his honorable career in this section, Mr. Thomas has distinguished himself as the particular friend of education, and has carried his principles into active application as regards his own family. His children have been given the best advantages within his power. In his early home he was the eldest of his father's family, and after the death of that parent, assisted in edueating the youngest child, and has at all times done whatever he could for the others, helping them to a start in life. 1Ie is numbered among the leading eitizens of Noble Township, and is a prominent light in loeal pol- ities, advoeating the principles of the Democratie party.
Our subjeet is the owner of 320 acres of land, a part oeeupying a quarter of seetion 26 and the other seetion 35 in Noble Township. He is a Mis- sourian by birth, having first opened his eyes to the light in the vicinity of Columbia, Boone County, Aug. 20, 1886. He lived there with his parents until a lad of eight years, and then the family re-
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moved to Buchanan County, where Alexander at- tended school in a log house finished and furnished after the pattern of that period. He was at an early age made acquainted with hard work, and acquired those habits of industry which have proved of so much service to him in later life.
When a youth of nineteen years, Mr. Thomas re- turned to his native county and attended the dis- trict school. Then, after a year's sojourn at home. he, in 1857, made his way to Doniphan County, Kan., where he entered 160 acres of land. Subse- quently he was swindled out of this, and returning to Missouri engaged in farming with his father. also operating a coal pit. This last venture proved quite profitable. He still carried on farming, how- ever, and in due time took charge of the homestead. After the outbreak of the Civil War, he, in 1862, joined the State Militia, and was in active service seven months at St. Joseph. He remained in Mis- souri until 1867, and after the death of his father administered upon the estate. In the last men- tioned year the family came to this county, and our subject assisted them, making many sacrifices in order to do so.
Finally Mr. Thomas located in Center Township and engaged in farming and stock-raising, and since that time has made a specialty of the latter, also feeding and shipping. He was one of the first settlers of this township, and located on Perkins Creck. le resided there until 1877, then disposed of his property and purchased the homestead which he now occupies. Only forty acres had been broken, and it was destitute of any other improve- ment. He has brought the balance of the soil to a state of cultivation, put up a house and barn, planted an orchard, made fences, and gathered around him all the other appliances required by the progressive, modern farmer. Ilis land is wa- tered by the north fork of Vermillion Creek, and is highly productive. Mr. Thomas keeps a goodly assortment of graded cattle and Poland .China swine, besides the horses required in his farming operations.
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