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 73
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Dr. Craft was married in Putnam County, Mo., Oct. 16. 1852, to Miss Anna B. Bledsoe. She was born at Ghent. Carroll Co., Ky .. her ancestors at an early day having settled in that State, to which they had removed from Virginia. The family produced some eminent men. one of Mrs. Craft's uncles. Jesse Bledsoe. being United States Senator. Another uncle, Lewis Saunders, was one of the first to engage in the importation of fine stock, for which the Blue Grass State has become so noted. Mr. and Mrs Craft are the parents of seven children. of whom but one survives; four died in childhood. A son George, a young man of nineteen, was taken sick while attending the medi- cal department of the Campbell University of Hol- ton, and his father took him to Colorado, Mexico and California, hoping to restore his health. His efforts were of no avail, as consumption had fast- ened upon him, and he died at Santa Anna, Cal .. on July 1. 1887, aged eighteen years, six months and six days. A daughter, Ella, became the wife of Clement E. Coulter, whose family history is given elsewhere. She too died practically of the same disease as her brother, the immediate occasion be- ing hemorrhage caused by the rupture of a blood - vessel while coughing. IIer death took place Dec. 29, 1888, she being aged thirty-three years, three
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months and nineteen days. The surviving child is Julia Ann, wife of Henry I. Hewitt. who is in the employ of the Canton Bridge Company, but they make their home in Blue Rapids.
Dr. Craft has always endeavored to avoid hold- ing publie office here, but was indueed two or three times to serve as a member of the City Council. In Jackson County he was County Commissioner, County Treasurer and a Representative to the Legislature, and in every position to which he was chosen he discharged its duties with ability and fidelity. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Blue Rapids Lodge No. 169. This is the only order with which he is now affiliated, al- though formerly he was connected with many other societies.
Dr. Craft is a man of solid and mature views on business and professional matters. He has good judgment, a bright intelleet, and has profited by the experience gained in many years of contact with his fellow-men in various capacities. As a physician he undoubtedly stands at the head of his profession here, and his services are in constant demand, keeping him busy all the time, his practice in the country, especially among the better and older and better known citizens being very large. As a man of business he is trusted, and as a citizen. he is justly held in high esteem. In polities he is a Republican.
ONATHAN BIGHAM was born in Canada. July 19, 1845. When about ten years of age his parents removed to Illinois, where he grew to manhood. During the late Civil War his father enlisted in the 58th Illinois Infan- try, and served one year, when he was discharged on account of disability. As soon as he had re- turned home, our subject, still in his teens, took his father's place in the ranks of his country's defend- ers. He was enrolled in Kilpatrick's Pet Regiment, the 92d Illinois Mounted Infantry, which was in the field when he was enlisted. Hle went at once to the front and engaged in active service. The first prominent engagement in which he took part, was
the battle of Missionary Ridge. Then followed Dalton, the terrible confliets at Resaeca, Dallas, Lost and Kenesaw mountains, and the victorious en- try into Atlanta. Afterward came the grand mareh to the sea, the capture of Savannah, Columbia, and Charleston; the bloody battles of Averysboro, Jonesboro, and Bentonville, and the surrender of Johnston to Sherman. In all this campaign of heavy fighting, skirmishing, and hard marching, our subjeet bore gallant part. He was onee struck in the left breast and arm, by a spent ball. but es. eaped other mishap, and never lost a day's duty during his term of service. The 92d was mustered out at Greensburg, N. C., and our subject was transferred to the 56th Illinois, in which regiment he continued until the expiration of its term of service. When mustered ont, he returned to Cres- ton, Ogle Co., Ill., where he obtained a position as night-watch and switchman for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. He spent six months in this employment, and then made a visit to Canada. Going back to Illinois, he remained there for a short time only, and in the spring of 1866, came to Kansas. He settled on section 15, Balderson Township, where he now owns 160 acres of well- tilled land, upon which he has put all the usual im- provements made by an enterprising and practical farmer, including a fine young orchard. He de- votes himself to general farming, and keeps six- teen head of cattle, eight of horses, and twenty-six hogs. In 1885 he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked in a livery-stable for eight months, and spent five months in the coal business. He then worked on a farm twelve miles east of that city for three months, and afterward returned to this State, where he has since remained.
On Dee. 24, 1876, was celebrated our subjeet's marriage to Ida Stollenwork. She is the fourth of a family of six children. five of whom are now liv- ing, and was born April 5, 1856. Her parents, Mathew and Theresa ( Minka) Stollenwork, are na- tives of Baden, Germany, and are still alive. To Mr. and Mrs. Bigham have been born four children: Mathew T., Walter I., Mary Minerva, and Zora Lillian.
The father of our subject was Thomas Bigham. a native of Canada, in which country he married
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Jane Davidson, who was of Irish birth. Mr. Big- ham was a farmer and shoemaker. He lived in Canada until 1855. when he removed to Dekalb County, Ill. After a year's sojourn there, he changed his residence to Dement, now called Cres- ton. Ogle Co., Ill., where he continued until the fall of 1866. At that time he followed his son Jona- than to this eounty, where he was a resident until 1888. He then journeyed to Nez Perces County, Idaho, where he and his wife are now living on a farm with one of their sons. The parental family consisted of nine children, of whom our subject was the sixth. Seven of the family are now living.
Our subject has always borne an active part in political affairs. and votes the Republican ticket. He is a charter member of Oketo Post. G. A. R., and is officer of the day in that Post. He is Clerk of Balderson Township. and also Clerk of the Bald- erson Cemetery Association. He has been Clerk of the School Board for several years. He is a man of intelligence and sterling integrity, a suc- cessful farmer, and a public-spirited citizen.
AMES R. WILCOX. Prominent among the successful farmers and enterprising citi- izens of Franklin Township, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch and whose pleasant home is located on section 2. He is the owner of 160 acres in the home place and 240 in Guittard Township, making in all 400 broad acres of thoroughly cultivated land, upon which stands all the buildings needed by the progressive agri- culturist.
The parents of our subjeet. Robert R. and Mary Jane (King) Wilcox, were natives of New York State, where they were married and from which they departed to make their first home in Crawford County, Pa. In 1856 they removed to Iowa, lo- cating in Howard County. After a residence of five years they removed to Polk County, the same State, and thence to Andrew County, Mo., where the mother died in May, 1865. The father now resides in California.
Our subject was the second in a family of eight
children. he having been born in Crawford County, Pa., Nov. 4, 1843. Coming with his parents to Iowa when thirteen years old, he continued with them to the age of eighteen, when, his young heart being fired with the spirit of patriotism, he deter- mined to devote his youthful energies to his coun- try's cause. Enlisting in Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 9, 1862. he was enrolled in Company C, 23d Iowa Infantry. He had a very active life in the ser- vice taking part in numerous prominent engage- ments, among them being those at Ft. Gibson, Grand Gulf, Jackson, Miss., Champion Hill, Black River Bridge, siege of Vicksburg. the three days battle at Ft. Esperanza, Tex., and the siege of Span- ish Fort, at Mobile. At the charge of Black River Bridge he was wounded by a musket ball, being shot through the face, and was also wounded in the jaw at the siege of Spanish Fort. After serv- ing a year as a private, he was promoted to be color sergeant of his regiment and served in that conspicuous and dangerous position until the elose of the war. After winning an honorable record in the army, at the expiration of his term of serv- ice he returned to Des Moines, Iowa, where he was married Ang. 27, 1865, to Miss Sarah L., daughter of Isaae and Mary Ann (Keeth) Ballard, natives of Illinois, both still living, making their home in Mills County, lowa. The young couple at once went to Andrews County, Mo., where they resided until 1871. In March of that year they came to this county, settling in the township where they now reside, and where, with the exception of two years spent in Beattie, they have been continual residents since their first arrival. They have ereeted a pleasant residence on their homestead, a view of which is giveu on another page of the ALBUM.
The wife of Mr. Wilcox first saw the light in Des Moines, Iowa, Oct. 9, 1847. She has borne her husband ten children, three of whom are liv- ing: Anna F., who is the wife of L. King; Sarah L. and Mary E.
Mr. Wilcox is a charter member of Lyons Post No. 9, G.A.R., of Marysville. He has served as Steward in the Methodist Church, of which he is a consistent member. He takes a prominent part in the affairs of the township, is interested in all mat-
RESIDENCE OF JAS. R. WILCOX, SEC. 2. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
RESIDENCE OF JOHN BALDERSON, SECE 21-28. BALDERSON TOWNSHIP.
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ters which pertain to the welfare of the community and is in all respects a public-spirited citizen. lle was one of the first constables in the township and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for eight years; he has also been Notary Public since 1881 and one of the School officers for three years.
OIIN BALDERSON. The subject of this notice is a retired farmer living upon see- tion 28, Balderson Township. IIe is one of the first settlers in the township, which was named in honor of himself and brother, Chas. W. Balderson. He has been closely identified with the growth of this section of the State. He was the second child of his parents, and was born in Can- ada, April 19, 1826, and there grew to manhood. About a year after attaining his majority be went to Ogle County, Ill., where he remained until 1869. He then came to Kansas and took up a homestead, which forms a part of his present farm. He has owned 1,000 acres, of which he sold a small piece and has given some to his sons, thus reducing his own possessions to 560 aeres.
During his residence in Ogle County, Ill., Mr. Balderson was married to Mary Ann Smith, the ceremony taking place July 19, 1854. The bride was, like himself, a native of Canada, where she was born March 9, 1834. She was the oldest of eight children, two deceased, who had been born to Thomas and Jane (Thompson) Smith. HIer parents were natives of Yorkshire, England, and had emigrated to America about the year 1820. The father was a farmer, and died Jan. 25, 1882, while his widow still survives at the age of seventy- six years and resides on the old homestead in Illi- nois. To Mr. and Mrs. Balderson have been born ten children, six of whom are now living. They are named respectively, Charles A., Augusta, Jane E., J. Frank, Minnie A. and Rena. All have been well educated and are energetic and prominent members of society. Rena holds the office of see- retary in the Sunday-school, while Minnie, who ocenpied the office for a term of years, is now a teacher. The father of our subject, Thomas Bal-
derson, was descended from Quaker stock and was a native of Lincolnshire, England, where he had been a butcher boy but in early life learned the miller's trade. He emigrated to Canada, where he married Caroline Partridge, a native of Albany, N.Y. He remained in Canada until his death, which took place in 1834. He left three children, Thomas P., John, our subject; and Charles W. His widow subsequently married William IIunt, of Canada, and died in 1874.
Our subject met with a severe loss in the death of his brother, Chas.] W. Balderson, which sad event occurred July 14, 1889, and was due to in- juries received by a kick from a horse.
Mr. Balderson is a member of Marysville Lodge, No. 91, A.F. & A. M., also] of Marysville Chapter No. 29. and has been a member of the Grange. Dur- ing his residence in Illinois, he held the office of Township Assessor and during the Civil War was Deputy Enrolling Officer. He has been a member of the School Board for twenty years and evinces an active interest in educational affairs. He al- ways votes the Republican ticket, taking great interest in polities, and has frequently been a dele- gate to county and congressional conventions. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. They are in fair health, and though re- tired from active life, their precept and example make their presence much to be desired. The rug- ged manliness of our subject and his sterling worth as a citizen, are a bright example to the younger residents of this section, where the name of John Balderson will ever be remembered with high respeet.
A fine lithographie view of the pleasant home of Mr. Balderson and his amiable, hospitable fam- ily, adds to the value of our work and will be wel- comed by their many friends.
C IIARLES H. SHAFFER, cashier and as- sistant agent in the St. Joe & Grand Island and Union Pacific Railroad offices at Marys- ville, also of the Paeifie Express Company, has for the last nine years discharged the duties of
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his positions with credit to himself and satis- faetion to all concerned. lle is a young man of more than ordinary intelligence and good business capacities, attends strictly to business, and has evidently entered upon a career which will main- tain him in a good position, socially and finan- cially, among his fellow-citizens.
The scion of an excellent family, Mr. Shaffer was born in Garrett County, Md., Feb. 23, 1861, and lived there until a youth of nineteen years. In the meantime he acquired a good common-school edu- cation, completing his studies in Cumberland Acad- emy, to which his father removed when he was a lad of four years old. He attended school until eighteen years of age, and prepared himself for West Point, but on account of failing health lie was obliged to abandon this project and spent eighteen months in traveling. He made his way to Marysville in 1880, and for seven months was employed as a baggage man. after which he was promoted to the position he now occupies. This is ample evidence of the fidelity and efficiency with which he has discharged his duties.
On the 31st of March, 1886, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Lena L. Debus. for- merly of Boone County. Mo., and they have one child, Eulalie. Mrs. Shaffer is the daughter of Adam Debus. who emigrated from Germany prior to the birth of his daughter Lena. Later he served in the Civil War, and then settled in Missouri, where, with his excellent wife, he spent the re- mainder of his days. Mrs. Shaffer is a lady of many excellent qualities and a devont member of the Christian Church.
John W. Shaffer, the father of our subject, was born of Scotch parentage, in March, 1827. He spent his early life in the Keystone State, and was there married to Miss Isabel Heckrotts. They lived upon a farm thereafter for a number of years, and the father, in the meanwhile, became prominent in local affairs, holding the office of tax collector and other positions of trust and re- sponsibility. In 1865 he removed to the city of Cumberland, where he was employed as a book- keeper, and officiated as City Tax Collector and City Clerk. He was a man of great energy and excellent business capacities, and accumulated a
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comfortable property. Hle is still a resident of Cumberland, among whose people he is held in high esteem.
To the parents of our subject there were born the following children: Mary, John W., Jr., Charles II., Harry H., in Ottawa, Kan .; Frank, who re- mains with his parents; Grace, in Ottawa, Kan .; and Lloyd L., who finished school last year. Charles 11., our subject, although mixing very little with politics, keeps himself well posted upon events of general interest, and votes the straight Republican ticket. Ile is prominent in the Masonie Lodge at Marysville, and is identified with the A. O. U. W. and the M. W. of A.
OHNSTON S. ARMSTRONG. The solid euphony of this name is quite befitting to him who bears it. He is a man of irre_ proachable character with a fine sense of honor, which he has applied to his daily life, and in consequence enjoys in a marked degree the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. Early in life he chose farming for his vocation, and we now find him comfortably situated at a well-regu- lated homestead in Marysville Township, where he is pleasantly located on section 33. He has been prominent in local affairs, and at present is Town- ship Trustee and Assessor, to which office he was alected in the fall of 1888. Politically, he is inde- pendent, aiming to support the men whom he con- siders best qualified to serve the interests of the people.
Our subject is the son of John Armstrong, who was born in the North of Ireland, and who mar- ried Miss Jane Arinstrong, a native of the same county as her husband. After a few years they emigrated to the Dominion of Canada, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom Johnston S. was the seventh-born, his birth taking place April 21, 1843, in Stratford, County of Perth, Province of Ontario. He lived at home until about seventeen years old, and then starting out for himself, went to Buffalo, N. Y., where he entered the employ of
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a lawyer. taking care of his office and doing any- thing required. He remained with him a little over a year, then returned to his parents and staid there about six months.
Our subject next emigrated into the lumber re- gions of Canada, where he was employed three years. He then made a short visit to his old home and parents, after which he went into the oil re- gions of Pennsylvania, and for some time was em- ployed as a laborer in Oil City and vicinity. In 1878 he came to this county, purchased a farm, and then returned to Pennsylvania, where he staid until 1884. In December of that year he came back to Kansas, and took possession of his farm, which was located in Marysville Township, four miles northeast of the city.
In February, 1885, Mr. Armstrong sustained a severe accident, receiving a kick from a horse, which resulted in the amputation of his right leg above the knee. The following spring he sold his farm and purchased the place where he now lives, and which is located about one mile south of Marysville. Here he has a snug home with all the conveniences and comforts of modern life. His family consists of his wife and two bright children, the latter named respectively: Johnston A. and Bertie W. He was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Emma L. Burroughs, who was a native of that State. During the last ten years of his resi- (lence there, he was employed as a superintendent of oil wells and given a comfortable salary, from which he was enabled to save the money invested in his Kansas property.
LVIN R. ESTERBROOK, one of the lead- ing business men of Marshall County, may be looked upon as the " Father of Oketo," as he has done more than any other man towards its upbuilding and placing it on a secure foundation. By his liberality and enterprise he is still contributing largely to its growth, using his influence to forward every scheme for its material advancement, and is and has been a potent factor
in elevating its educational, social and moral status. He carries on an extensive business as a dealer in stone, having a valuable quarry of magnesian lime- stone, which forms an excellent and durable build- ing material. and commands a ready sale, his principal market for it being at different points in Nebraska. Mr. Esterbrook is also conducting a profitable real estate business, and is identified with the agricultural interests of the county, owning and managing a fine farm on section 13.
Our subject is a son of Alonzo Esterbrook, a na- tive of Vermont, born in 1817, and one of the early pioneers of Schuyler County, Ill .. where he took up his abode when he was seventeen years of age, and in after years became a prosperous farmer, eliminating a valuable farm from the wilderness. The mother of our subject was Mary Ann Rucker, and she was a native of Kentucky, though wedded in Illinois. Four of the nine children born to her and her husband are now living: Alvin R., of whom we write, was their third child in order of birth, and he was born Sept. 28. 1845. Ile ob- tained his education in the common schools of his native county (Schuyler County, III.), and was carefully trained by wise parents in all that goes to make a good man and a useful citizen. He was bred to the life of a farmer, and followed that call- ing in the Prairie State till the spring of 1875. In that year he came to Kansas to take advantage of the superior facilities offered for a skilful agricul- turist and a practical, intelligent business man, to accumulate wealth. IIe purchased a farm of 125 acres on sections 12 and 13, Oketo Township, a part of which is now Oketo, and at once entered upon its improvement, and still has it under his manage- ment. It is in a high state of cultivation. is well stocked, and is amply supplied with substantial and well-arranged buildings, and first-class machinery for carrying on farming to the best advantage. He pays much attention to rearing stock, and his cattle are of the celebrated Short-horn breed, while his horses are fine specimens of blooded Clydesdales. ITis magnificent bull, "Chieftain," is one of the finest specimens in the county. His pedigree number is 11035. In his herd are some splendid thorough- bred cows. His handsome well-appointed residence, with its beautiful grounds, comprising ten acres of
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land, finely laid out and adorned with ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers, is an ornament to the town and a pleasing feature in the landscape. He also has a vineyard and a good orchard of all kinds of fruits.
Mr. Esterbrook has been exceedingly prospered since he came to Marshall County, and is classed among the moneyed men who are so vigorously extending its interests in every direction. Ile is the proprietor of nearly all the village site of Oketo, and has made two additions, consisting of twenty-five aeres, and has already disposed of 150 lots. and has a large number yet in his possession. Besides this large amount of valuable real estate. he owns five dwelling houses, including his resi- dence. Seven years ago Mr. Esterbrook gave a new impetus to the growth and prosperity of Oketo. by the opening of what has proved to be a valuable quarry of magnesian limestone, which enterprise has in various ways increased the business interests of the village. He employs from fifteen to forty men in the quarry throughout the year, has all the required machinery for removing the stone to the best advantage, and has shipped as high as 2.000 carloads a year to various points, principally in Nebraska. He has also made lime from this stone.
The marriage of Mr. Esterbrook with Miss Annie M. Young was solemnized Jan. 1, 1868, and in her he has found one of the most precious of earthly blessings, a devoted wife, a true friend and wise counselor. A lady of intelligence and culture, she presides over their charming home with infinite tact and graciously seconds her husband's genial, courteous hospitality in making friend or stranger welcome within its walls. Their sons and daughters are being carefully and wisely trained and educated to helpful. happy, honorable lives, five of their nine children still surviving: Garry G., Ollie, May. Edgar, Florence. Mrs. Esterbrook was born in Illinois Feb. 1, 1850, the third of the seven chil- dren of Robert and Mary (McAllister) Young. retired farmers living in Colchester, 11I.
A perusal of this life-record of our subject will show him to be a stirring, wide-awake business man, with an active brain, fertile in resources, whose enterprise has been of great benefit to the community where he has made his home for more
than a decade. and with whose highest interests he has so thoroughly identified himself that the history of Oketo, in the brief years of its existence as a thriving village. may almost be said to be his his- tory. He and his family stand high in social and religions circles, and he and his wife and three of their children are among the most active of the prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which he has faithfully served as Steward for twenty-five years. Ile has also been Superin- tendent of the Sunday- school for nearly the same length of time, while he and his daughter Ollie each have charge of a class in the school. In him the cause of local education finds an earnest advo- cate, and he has done good work as a member of the School Board for six years. He is identified with the I. O. O. F., belonging to Oketo Lodge, No. 344. Ile takes a lively interest in politics, and gives hearty support to the Republican party. He is strongly in favor of temperance. and is con- sistently temperate himself, in word and deed.
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