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 84
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the parental family and spent his early years at the old homestead in Perry County, Ohio, receiving his education in the common school. When abont twenty-one years old he emigrated into Warren County and soon afterward joined the army as a private in Company D. 79th Ohio Infantry, which was assigned to the first brigade, third division, 20th army corps, the regiment being commanded by Col. Uriah W. Doane. Mr. Ilowe was in the same brigade with Gen. Benj. Harrison, now Presi- dent of the United States, and participated in all the battles fought during the Georgia campaign. He went with Sherman on the march to the sea and served until the close of the war. He then received an honorable discharge and was mustered out at Washington City, July 9, 1865.
Returning now to Ohio our subjeet in the fall of the year above mentioned, after a brief sojourn among his old friends, repaired to Henry County. Ill., where he became Overseer of a large tract of land. He occupied this position until January, 1883, then coming to this county purchased 160 acres of land on section 35 in Waterville Township. This is now largely devoted to stock raising. but has been brought to a thorough state of cultivation and is well improved. Mr. Howe is pardonably proud of the fact that he commenced in life with comparatively nothing and is indebted to no man for a dollar of his possessions. As an ex-soldier, he is identified with the G. A. R., Waterville Post.
Our subject wasmarried in December, 1882,to Mrs. Sarah E. (Caldwell) Clark, widow of James O. Clark of Henry County, Ill., by whom she became the mother of two children: Benjamin F. and Nellie W. Mr. and Mrs. Howe are the parents of one child, a daughter, Neva M., born Feb. 5, 1885. Their home is a cozy and attractive one, and is represented in the ALBUM by a fine engraving.
GEORGE BINDER. In the spring of 1870 Mr. Binder came to this county and pur- chased 160 acres of slightly improved land, from which he has constructed a good homestead. bringing the soil to a state of cultiva-
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tion, and erecting a substantial stone dwelling, with a frame barn and other needed structures. A view of this convenient residence. also of the principal farm buildings surrounding it. is presented on an- other page of the ALBUM. He also has a quarter- section south. and is looked upon as a well-to-do citizen. who is contributing his quota to the moral and financial interests of the community.
A native of the Kingdom of Wurtemburg. our subject was born near the town of Nellingsheim, Jan. 25. 1831, and there spent his childhood and youth, being reared under the compulsory educa- tional laws of his native land. When of suitable age he began learning the trade of a stonemason, but upon reaching his majority, not making the headway financially which he desired, he resolved to emigrate to the United States. Accordingly, bidding adieu to the friends of his childhood, he embarked on the sailing vessel "John of Praekle," and after a somewhat lengthy voyage of fifty-two days landed in New York City, in the month of June.
From the great metropolis young Binder pro- ceeded to Richland County, Ohio, where he so- journed two years; then pushing further Westward, he took up his abode in Mahaska County. Iowa, where he followed his trade some years, and then occupied two years in traveling. He finally de- eided to locate in Scott County. Iowa, and was there married to Miss Catherine, daughter of Michael and Mary (Shiner) Bald. Mrs. Binder was born in Germany, and was brought by her parents to America when an infant. Our subject thereafter sojourned in the Hawkeye State until coming to this county. in 1870, as already stated. Since that time he has worked very little at his trade, finding farming more congenial to his tastes and health. He may be properly termed a self- made man, having arisen to his present position solely by his own efforts.
The parents of our subject were .J. George. Sr., and Catherine (Barber) Binder, likewise natives of Wurtemburg, and devout members of the Lutheran Church. They emigrated to the I'nited States with their family in 1852. settling in Delaware, Ohio, where the father died about 1854. The mother later joined her son, our subjeet, in Iowa,
where she died. The parents of Mrs. Binder. it is believed were natives of Bavaria, and members of the German Catholic Church. The father is deceased. while the mother lives in Scott County, lowa. Our subject and his estimable wife are the parents of ten living children, namely: William F .. John P., Catherine B., George H .. Charles T., Frank B., Edward Otto, Lena M., Amelia A., Anna M. One daughter, Menice, died when one month old. Mr. Binder belongs to the Lutheran Church of his fore- fathers, while his wife is a member of the German Catholic Church. Politically, our subject supports the principles of the Democratie party.
REDERICK FOCKS was born at Barth, Germany, Jan. 5, 1850. llis father. after whom he was named. was a son of Michael Foeks, and was born in the same place in 1811. and was by trade a ship carpenter. Ile followed that employment until after becoming a resident of America, to which country he emigrated in 1871, locating first in Chicago, and a year later removing to Waterville Township, where he followed farm- ing until his death. He had been from early man- hood a member of the Lutheran Church. His wife, Margaret Brumzagen, who yet survives, is the daughter of Michael Brumzagen, and was born in Karnz, Germany. March 8, 1821. She bore her husband two children, Lena and Frederick, of whom the latter only is living.
Our subject was reared in his native country, and received a thorough education under the compul- sory laws of the Empire. He followed farming in his native land, and in 1868 came to America loca- ting at Milwaukee, Wis. After a two years' resi- dence in that city, he went to Holly Springs, Miss .. and remained South, traveling during one summer. Afterward sojourning for a time in Southern Mis- souri. and Kansas. he became interested in the lat- ter State. and although he returned to Chicago. he did not remain there, but in 1872, came again to Kansas, and settled in Waterville Township, where he now resides. Ile has a farm of 160 acres in an excellent state of cultivation, with adequate barns
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RESIDENCE OF FRED. FOCKS, SEC. 14. WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP
RESIDENCE OF WM C. PARK, SEC'S. 17. & 20. WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP.
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and other outbuildings, and an excellent house, a view of which, with its pleasant farm surroundings, is presented to the readers of this ALBUM. He is an industrious and enterprising man, and has risen from the ranks of the poor, to affluence.
On Dec. 28, 1876, our subject was married to Miss Mary Schroeder. She was born and reared in Bloomington, Ill., her birth having taken place Jan. 20, 1857. She is the daughter of Anthony and Sophia (Seibert) Schroeder, who were born in Ger- many, and emigrated to America about the year 1854. They had but two children, Mary and Min- nie. To our subject and his estimable wife, seven children have been born-Amelia. Minnie, Fred- die, Hulda, Henry, Louie, and Rudolph.
Mr. Focks affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W., and the Turner Society. He has been Road Over- seer, and held other township offices. He has held minor school otlices, and takes great interest in ad- vancing the cause of education. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a man of intelligence, honor. and steadfastness, and one of those whose citizenship is an advantage to any community.
W ILLIAM C. PARK. If to be well thought of by the people of his community is any indication of a man's true character. that of Mr. Park is above reproach. He owns and occu- pies a finely cultivated farm of 240 acres. lying on sections 17 and 20 in Waterville Township, where he has made good improvements, and where he has earned the reputation of being one of the most industrious men in Marshall County. Ilis na- tive place was in Clark County, Ohio, where he was born May 5, 1831.
The father of our subject was James W. Park, a native of West Virginia, and born near the city of Wheeling. When quite a young man he emigrated to Ohio, and there spent the remainder of his days engaged in farming pursuits. In connection with this, he operated a tan-yard for many years. He accumulated a comfortable property, and for many
years prior to his decease was a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. He was a prominent man in his community, holding various offices of responsibility and trust. He served as Justice of the Peace for more than twenty years, and for a number of years was County Commis- sioner.
The mother of our subject was in her girlhood Miss Elizabeth Longbreak. She was born in Penn- sylvania, and died in Ohio. The parental family embraced eleven children, of whom William C., our subject, was the eldest born. He was reared at the old homestead in Ottawa County, Ohio, to which his parents had removed after his birth. Ile was bred to farm pursuits, and received his education in the district school. He worked with his father on the farm until a young man of twenty-two years, having in the meantime for some time prior to this, its entire management. When leaving the old roof- tree, he settled on a farm adjoining, where he prose- cuted agriculture until 1870.
Our subject now decided to cast his lot among the people of Northern Kansas, and first located in Washington County. Thence he removed, in 1875. to Marshall County, purchasing the farm in Water- ville Township which he now owns and occupies. He started in life without means, and has met with financial reverses, but he has held fast his integrity, and if there has been any injustice in connection with his transactions it has been to himself. Public- spirited and liberal, he is of that temperament which can scarcely refuse to grant a favor, and has con- sequently given away almost as much as he has made. l'olitically, he is a supporter of the Demo- cratic party, and from early manhood has been a consistent member of the Lutheran Church.
William C. Park was first married, Jan. 27, 1853, to Miss Sarah Pickering, of Ottawa County, Ohio. There was born of this union one child, a son, James F., and the mother departed this life Feb. 16, 1854. On the 25th of May, 1856, Mr. Park contracted a second marriage with Miss Sarah A. Grundy, a native of England, but at that time a resident of Ohio. There have been born of this marriage nine children, namely : Ellen J., Lowell W., Sarah E., Mary A., John G., Charles W., George G., Henry and Harriet A, All are alive,
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three remaining under the parental roof, while the others are residents of Kansas, except J. F., who resides in Ohio.
Elsewhere in this volume we present a fine lithio- graphic engraving of the home of Mr. and Mrs. Park, where they live in comfort and happiness, and where their many friends are always assured of a warm welcome.
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ENRY E. WIEDEMEYER. Fortunate is the boy, who. thrown upon his own resources at an early age, has mental or manual skill combined with the persistent will which will make for him a place among men of means and in- fluence; more fortunate he who combines with his mental and bodily strength the moral principles and stubborn self-respect which will win him also the esteem of his fellowmen.
Such an one have we in the subject of our sketch, a wholesale and retail cigar dealer. occupying a fine retail store on Broadway, between Eighth and Ninth streets, and having a factory in the next block. He has a fine trade, giving employment to a large number of men. and having a man on the road all of the time, who sells over a large terri- torv.
Joseph Wiedemeyer, the father of our subject. was born in Keroika Kreis. Worburg. Westphalen, Germany. When a man thirty-five years of age, he came to this country, locating at Alton, Ill .. where he lived during the remainder of his life. There he married Miss Elizabeth Dueker, and they became the parents of four children-Henry E., Elizabeth, Josephine, and Mary. He died in 1866, and his wife three years later.
Our subject was born in Alton, Ill., Feb. 23, 1857. At the death of his mother, which took place when he was twelve years old, he went to St. Louis, Mo., remaining with an aunt for about two years, working during the intervals of school until the age of fourteen. He then returned to Alton, where he learned the cigar and tobaeco trade in the factory of Leggett & Dansman. In 1875 he went to Moline. Ill., remaining there three years engaged
in cigar manufacturing as a journeyman, from there to Alton, and then to Jerseyville, Ill., where he re- mained two years, when he came to this city and found employment. He remained but three months, then returned to Jerseyville, Ill .. but after an ab- sence of two years, returned here permanently. In 1882 he went into partnership with Charles E. Bendel. At the expiration of three months Mr. Wiedemeyer bought out his partner's interest. The business has grown to be an extensive one, and its manager may well be considered one of the suc- cessful business men of the town. In addition to his business property, he owns a good residence at the corner of Eighth & Calhoun streets, another adjoining it and city property in Oberlin, Kan.
At Jerseyville, Ill., Sept. 22, 1878, was celebrated our subject's marriage to Miss Catherina Wurth. Miss Wurth was born at Grafton, Ill., June 22, 1857, and is the daughter of Vincent and Frede- ricka (Ketzenburger) Wurth. Her parents removed to Jerseyville while she was young, and there her father still lives, engaged in the shoe business; the mother died some years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Wiedemeyer have been born five children-Joseph. Lulu, Maggie, Elizabeth. and Charles. It is the intention of their father to give them every eduea- tional advantage.
Our subject is a member of the Democratic party. flis appetite for office is satisfied with a position on the School Board. He is a most honorable man. deserving the enviable position he occupies both as to his means and the esteem in which he is held.
ILLIAM D. HEALY, who was born in County Cork, Ireland, in January, 1826, grew to manhood under his father's roof, enjoying such advantages in the way of secur- ing an education as were common to the youth of Erin's green isle at that time. Chafing at the hardships imposed upon the tenant elass of his na- tive land, he determined to seek his fortune in America, and when twenty-three years old took passage on a vessel bound for the land of promised wealth and freedom. In due time the good ship
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came to anchor in the world-famous harbor of New York, and our subject set foot on the hospitable shore of the New World in joyous anticipation of a prosperous future, not, however, without a de- gree of sadness at the thought that he might never see his beloved native land again.
Mr. Healy remained in the State of New York for about two years, being engaged in different oceupations, but not being satisfied with anything he could get to do, he emigrated to Moline Ill .. where he remained for some time working at vari- ous employments, and among others, assisting on a Government contraet, in which he gave very good satisfaction. When the opportunity for en- listing in the defence of his adopted country was given. in the fall of 1861, he embraced it eagerly, and in December of that year he became one of Uncle Sam's most valiant defenders. The regi- ment of which he was a member was mustered into service in January, 1862, and shortly after de- parted for the immediate theatre of war. To write a record of the numerous engagements in which he participated would be, not simply to transcend the limits of this sketeh, but to write a history that would fill a volume, as his period of service ex- tended without a break until the elose of the war in 1865, when he was mustered out, at San Antonio, Tex. Upon receiving his discharge, he returned to Illinois, where he remained until the spring of 1871, when he removed to Marshall County, Kan., and settled on section 23, Center Township. Be- fore finally locating, he made a preliminary survey of various portions of the State, and was so well satisfied with what Marshall County offered him that he has never since desired to change his place of residence. He owns 130 aeres of good land, upon which he has erected a nice, comfortable dwelling and good outbuildings.
Mr. Healy and Miss Jane Cue were united in the bonds of matrimony, in the city of Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 18, 1848. They have become the par- ents of eight children, five of whom are now living, namely: William J. married Miss Emily Doolittle, of Moline, Ill., and resides in Topeka, Kan .; he is chief clerk in the Auditor's offfee of the Atehison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. Cherrie is the wife of S. H. Peters, of Frankfort, Kan .; he is editor of
the Sentinel, a bright and newsy paper published in that city. John married Miss Linnie Prescott, of Topeka, Kan., and is engaged in the insur- ance business: Thomas IT. married Miss Sadie Robinson, of Marshall County. Kan., and is in the employ of the Santa Fe Railroad. and is living at Pogalas, Ariz .; Fred married Miss Eva Prouty, and is chief clerk of the Santa Fe Railroad at Los Angeles, Cal. Lillian G. was the wife of R. E. Trosper; she died June 25, 1885, near Frankfort, Kan. Lizzie died when an innocent ehild of nine and one-half years of age, and another child died in infancy.
Mrs. Healy was born in County Cork, Ireland, July 3, 1830. She came to America when a young lady of eighteen summers, and fully sustains the reputation of her country-women for beauty, in- telligence and virtue. Her married life, although not exempt from trials, has been a blessing to her- self, and all with whom duty or pleasure has brought her into contaet. She has secured, partly by the aid of the schools she was permitted to at- tend in her youth and partly by her own exer- tions, a thoroughly sound, practical education, which has made her a suitable guide and pleasant companion for her children, both in their child- hood and during the critical time of youth when a wise mother's loving care and intelligent counsels are invaluable. While not despising or neglecting such domestie labors as are necessary for the com- fort and well-being of her family, Mrs. Healy be- lieves, and is supported by her husband in her belief, that the mission of a wife and mother is a higher and nobler one than that of a mere do- mestic drudge. She, therefore, has always made it her business to devote a portion of her time to the cultivation of her intelleet, thns keeping abreast of the spirit of the times and taking the proper place in her home and the ecmmunity to which her nat- ural ability of mind and graces of character entitle her.
Mr. Healy is a man who believes that there are two sides to every question, and consequently reads up on both sides before deciding which one to take. In politics. therefore, he is independent, although largely in sympathy with the Republican party. The suffrages of his fellow-townsmen, based upon
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their high estimation of his character and abilities, have placed him in the office of Township Treas- urer, and also called him to fill a position of great responsibility as a member of the School Board. He is not only an ardent advocate of the liberal education of the youth of the land, but is equally in earnest in his advocacy of whatever will in his estimation promote the interests of the community in which he lives.
The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Healy is not based on principles of worldly philosophy, but is founded on the enduring and beneficent precepts of the Everlasting Word. They are devoted and active members of the Episcopal Church. Their children have all left the home nest, but carried with them the righteous principles learned there, and are now occupying positions of honor and trust, re- fleeting eredit upon their parents and laying the foundations of greater usefulness in the future.
ORACE SMITH, deceased, was a native of Navarino Township, Onondaga Co., N. Y., born Feb. 8. 1842, his parents being Lyman and Sarah (Benedict) Smith. His grand- parents were born, the former in Connecticut, the latter in Vermont, but later removed to New York, where the grandfather bought a large amount of land, and became wealthy, but by endorsements for pretended friends, which he had to pay, he lost almost all his property. Lyman Smith was a na- tive of Onondaga County, and his wife of Con- necticut. They came to Kansas in 1871, following their sons, Horace and Seth, who had previously settled in Cottage Hill Township, this county. IFere they remained a year or two, thence going to Clay County, where the father took up a home- stead, on which both died, the father in 1876 and the mother in 1881.
Horace was the eldest of the family who sur- vived beyond childhood, and was a twin brother of Harvey. He in early life adopted the profession of a teacher, which he followed in his native State until 1862, when, his health failing. he went to California by way of the Isthmus. He taught in
that State, and a part of the time was associated with a surveying party. in order to get the benefit of the out-door life. These means partially re- established his health. and he returned to his old home in New York, teaching the greater part of the time until his removal to Kansas. He was a gentleman of good literary ability and attainments, a close student, and never had any difficulty in obtaining a position as teacher in a good school. In 1869 he came to Kansas with his brother, Seth. and homesteaded 160 aeres on section 29. in Cot- tage IIill Township. He stayed upon his place long enough to hold it, but taught school most of the time for three terms each year. in Doniphan County, though he always considered Marshall County his home. Mr. Smith soon entered into the business of raising and dealing in stock, gath- ering large herds every spring, which he sold as the market offered.
In 1879, on his marriage, Mr. Smith removed to the home of his wife's father, in Blue Rapids, where they stayed until the year 1886, thenee going to a large farm of 680 acres which he had bought in Cottage Hill Township. In that township Mr. Smith owned altogether between 800 and 900 aeres. On his ranch Mr. Smith remained until a short time before his death, which occurred in St. Joseph City, on Oct. 30, 1887, while there for medical treatment.
Sept. 4, 1879, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Laura S. Dawes, daughter of James S. Dawes, under whose name a full history of her family is given. The union is blessed by the birth of three children: Carroll D., born Oet. 11, 1883; Addie F., June 27, 1885, and Helen S., July 8, 1887. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Smith has returned to the home of her parents in Blue Rapids.
Mr. Smith was a Republican in politics, but not an office-seeker, although he served one term as Justice of the Peace. His education brought him into prominence in his township, where he took a leading position in local affairs. He was a man of literary tastes, a great reader and student, and had been connected with some of the journals of this part of Kansas. During one or two of the annual sessions of the Legislature. he was the Topeka corres-
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pondent for the local papers. Ile was a man of great energy and indomitable will, and although a victim of disease for years before his death, he kept his place at the head of his own business, and by his industry and good judgment had accumu- lated a fine property. He was reticent and self-con- tained in manner, a natural leader of men, kind in disposition, and a more than ordinarily affectionate husband and father, whose untimely demise was a great affliction to his wife and to his children, who were thus deprived of a father's care and guidance at a tender age.
W ILLIAM E. TALBOT. He who is able to accumulate property, is considered fortu- nate, but he who is enabled to take care of what he has, possesses a quality of equal import- ance. Mr. Talbot, a well-to-do citizen of Water- ville. started out in life with some means which he had received from his father, and, like the wise man of Scripture, he has been cnabled to increase his talent. He is one of the most extensive farmers of his township, wide-awake and enterprising, and oc- cupies no unimportant position among its agricul- tural and business interests. Socially, he is held in high esteem.
The first years of our subjeet were spent in Taze- well County, Ill., where he was born Feb. 14, 1852. The Talbot family flourished in New England, probably during the Colonial times, and Seth, the father of our subject, was born in Dighton, Mass., June 3, 1820. When eighteen years of age, he emigrated to Illinois, and for many years thercafter followed farming in Tazewell County. He was prospered as a tiller of the soil, accumulated a handsome property, and now lives upon the inter- est of his money, which he loans. Ile is a man of high standing in his community, and a member of the Universalist Church.
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