Portrait and biographical album of Washington, Clay and Riley counties, Kansas, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent citizens together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of the state, Part 101

Author:
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman Brothers
Number of Pages: 1258

USA > Kansas > Clay County > Portrait and biographical album of Washington, Clay and Riley counties, Kansas, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent citizens together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of the state > Part 101
USA > Kansas > Riley County > Portrait and biographical album of Washington, Clay and Riley counties, Kansas, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent citizens together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of the state > Part 101
USA > Kansas > Washington County > Portrait and biographical album of Washington, Clay and Riley counties, Kansas, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent citizens together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of the state > Part 101

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The father of our subject was Solomon Brown. who was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1782, and who, when about thirty years of age, emigrated to Washington County, Ohio, whence after a few years residence he removed to Morgan County. In 1836 he again changed his home, lo- cating in Marion County, remaining there for a period of about seventeen years, and going thence to Haskell County, Iowa, where he died. He had been by occupation a farmer and blacksmith. and never became wealthy, although he surrounded his family with all the necessities of life. He had served as a soldier in the War of 1812. The pa- ternal grandfather of our subject was John Brown, who early emigrated from Ireland and settled in Pennsylvania. The mother of our subject was in her youth Rachael Muckmun, and like her husband was a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., where her birth occurred about the year 1780. She died in 1844, while the family were residing in Marion County, Ohio. The maternal grandfather of our

subject was a native of Ireland, and after coming to the United States, served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Brown consisted of ten children, namely: Nancy, Mary, John, Elizabeth, Alexander. James, Jane. Martha, Margaret, and Jonathan.

James Brown, the subject of this sketch, was born in Morgan County, Ohio, March 3, 1817. and was the sixth child born to his parents. He remained until the age of eighteen years in his native county, then resided in Marion County until 1852. We find him located next in Haskell County, Iowa, where after a residence of seven years, he came to Kansas. lle began life with no capital, except a good constitution and an energetic disposition, and the property which he now owns certainly evi- dences the character of the man.

In Marion County, Ohio, on June 24, 1833, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Brown and Miss Sallie O. Watkins, daughter of Ephraim and Fannie (Palmer) Watkins, natives of Pennsyl- vania, where Mrs. Brown was born May 11, 1822. The Watkins family are of English ancestry. The six children born to our subject and his wife are named respectively : John. Amanda, Daniel, Mary J., Rachael, and Frances.

Mr. Brown is a believer in and supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. He is a reliable citizen, a worthy man, and justly receives the re- spect of the community in which he resides. Ou another page of this volume appears a lithographie view of the residence and surroundings on the farm of Mr. Brown. It is one of those ideal country homes, where hospitality abounds and hearty good will reigns supreme.

C IIRISTIAN LAUFFER. The agricultural interests of Clifton Township are worthily represented by the gentlemen with whose name we introduce this biographical outline. We find him comfortably situated on a fine farm of eighty aeres on a portion of section 33, where he has about him all the comforts and conveniences of modern life. A native of what was then the

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Province of Alsace, France, he was born Aug. 18, 1828, and upon coming to the United States in 1851, sojourned for twenty-five years thereafter in Wayne County, N. Y. Ile was there likewise en- gaged in agricultural pursuits with which he had become familiar in his native land, which he left when a young man of twenty-three years. In ac- cordance with the laws and customs of Germany he had been placed in school at an early age, at- tending quite regularly until a lad of fourteen, thus securing a practical education in his native tongue.

The father of our subject was Christian Lauffer, Sr., likewise a native of Alsace and a descendant of pure German stock. IIe learned carpentering early in life and spent his days upon his native soil, liv- ing to be nearly ninety years old, passing away in 1885. The mother, Mrs. Kate (Houser) Lauffer, likewise spent her entire life in the Province of Alsace and died at the age of sixty-six years; she was also of German ancestry and both parents were Presbyterians in religion. Their family consisted of two children only-our subject and his sister, Katie. The latter came to America with friends, and was married to Gotlieb Wentzell in Wayne County, N. Y., where she died and where Mr. Wentzell is still living.

In his native Province of Alsace, Christian Lauffer was reared and acquired some knowledge of the French, as well as the German tongue. In 1851 he decided upon a change of location and taking passage on the sailing vessel "Orient," at Ilavre, France, made the voyage in safety to New York City, being on the ocean forty-eight days. He took up his abode in Wayne County, N. Y., where he worked on a farm and remained until his marriage, in September, 1854. The maiden of his choice was Miss Sedonia Evalt. Mrs. Lauffer was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, where she lived until forty years of age then came alone to the United States. Of her marriage with our sub- ject there were no children, and Mrs. Lauffer died ' thirteen years later in Lyons, N. Y., Dec. 2. 1878. Her father Mr. Evalt, came to the United States after the death of his wife. settling in Wayne County, N. Y., where he died at the age of seventy- two years. Mr. Lanffer came to Kansas in 1879. In 1881 he contracted a second marriage with Mrs.

Catherine Savener, widow of Peter Savener, who died in Paris, France, leaving four children, namely : Christolph, Mary, Nicholas and Peter, all of whom are living with our subject.

Peter Savener was born in Prussia, where he learned carpentering, but later went to Paris, leav- ing his family in Germany, and died in that city. His wife Catherine, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Oct. 10, 1844, and came with her four small chil- dren to America, settling in Washington County, Kan. The parents of Mrs. Lauffer, died in Ger- many, each at the age of sixty-two years. They were highly respectable people and more than or- dinarily intelligent. Mrs. Lauffer is a member of the German Catholic Church. Mr. Lauffer is a sound Republican, politically. but has no aspira- tions for office. being content to pursue the even tenor of his way amid the peaceful employments of farm life.

℮ HARLES LABES. One of the valuable farms of Washington County, is that owned and occupied by the above named gentle- man. It is located on section 19, Clifton Town- ship. It is well fertilized by creek water and is pleasantly located. It is well stocked, and excel- lent buildings have been erected upon it. Its fine condition is due to the present owner as it was but little improved when he took possession of it. Even a tyro in agricultural matters would see at a glance that it is the home of a first-class farmer.

The gentleman of whom we write came to this State and county in 1871, direct from Germany. Two brothers, Julius and Alex Labes, had come two years previous and he desired to join them. Julius Labes is now engaged in agricultural pur- snits near Washington, this county.

Charles Labes was born in Prussia, Sept. 26, 1839. There he grew to manhood, receiving the ed- neation which Germany furnishes all her sons and daughters. He learned the trade of a stone mason. In his native land he was married to Sophia Minka. She was also a native of Prussia, in which country her parents lived and died. Her father was a cooper. Sometime after the birth of their oldest child, Mr. and Mrs. Labes set out for America.

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They sailed from Germany, and after an unevent- ful voyage of twenty-six days, landed in New York City whence they came immediately to this county.

The father of our subject, Charles Labes. was a Prussian farmer and miller. He spent his entire life in his native State, as did his wife. She bore the maiden name of Wilhelmina Melchaska. She departed this life at the age of sixty-five, and her husband at the age of seventy-two. Both were mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. Their family com - prised three sons and one daughter. The sons, as before stated, came to America. The daughter is living in her native land, and is the wife of Ferdi- nand Grough, a shoemaker.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Labes have been greatly blessed by the birth of five children. They are named respectively: Amos J., Martha W., Henry C., Minnie S. and Alexandra S. All are at home, and receiving careful home training and good edu- cational advantages.

Mr. Labes is a leading supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He and his wife belong to the best class of German-American citizens, being enterprising, intelligent and of upright character.

W ILLIAM MILLER, of Grant Township, Washington County, bears the distinction of being one of the first men to settle on the prairie in this section, taking up the northwest quarter of section 26, as a homestead, in 1868. At the time deer, antelopes and wild turkeys were plentiful, and the country around presented a wild and desolate appearance, uninhabited by man. Mr. Miller was very poor and for three years after set- tling here did not even have a chieken on his place. For his dwelling he cut out a dugout in the sand rock, which he now uses as a stable. Ilis wife was an invalid for six years, and his children being small, he had to do all the work both indoors and out. All the money which he could make there- after, fully $1,000, was paid out in the hopes of restoring his wife to health, but in vain. She died leaving him with a family of three children; Teracy,

Charles and Willie who are at home with their father. The homestead is now complete in all its appoint- ments, and stands as a monument to the industry and perseverance of the proprietor.

Mr. Miller was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, in May, 1833, and lived there until a young man of twenty-four years. He had received a limited education in his native tongue, and from his boyhood was trained to habits of industry. Upon coming to America he located at Marengo. Ill., and at the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted as a Union soldier in Company C, 9th Illinois In- fantry, soon after which he fought at Fts. Henry and Donelson, and was wounded severely in the left foot. When partially recovering and anxious to get back to his regiment, he rejoined his com- rades in time to participate in the battle of Shiloh, where he received several bullet holes through his clothing, and one grazed the bone of the right shoulder indncing paralysis of the right arm, which continued for some time. The wound in his foot also re-opened and dropsy followed, from which he has suffered from that time. In 1862, on account of disability, he was given his honorable discharge at Evansville, Ind., and returned to Marengo, Ill., where he remained about two years, but was unable to do any labor.

Later, Mr. Miller repaired to Belleville, Ill., where he worked awhile, and next went to St. Louis. Mo.,and secured employment at his trade of a baker. 1Ie there met and married Miss Minnie Rocken, and soon afterward came to Washington County, Kan. The events which followed we have already described. Years later, on the 8th of April, 1889, le contracted a second marriage with Mrs. E. M. (Ketchum) Cowperthaite. This lady was born in Geneseo County, N. Y., and is the only surviving member of her family. Her parents were William and Maria Ketchum, who spent their early years on a farm in Geneseo County, N. Y. There were born to them ten children. and five of the sons fought in the I'nion army during the late war. One was killed in battle and one died from a wound received in the wrist. The other three likewise died from the effects of life in the army. Mrs. Miller is a very capable and intelligent lady and is of great assistance to her husband. They have a commodi-

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ous frame dwelling. with substantial outbuildings, and all the land is in a good state of cultivation.

Mr. Miller politically, is a sound Republican, and his views in this direction are heartily endorsed by his wife, who never can forget the death of her brothers in the Union army. Mrs. Miller belongs to the Free Will Baptist Church, while Mr. Miller is a German Catholic.

G OTLOB SCHAUBEL. This enterprising young farmer of Jackson Township. Riley County, operates 200 acres of his father's land, lying on section 30, and is a general favorite in his community. He is intelligent and industrious, and the day is evidently not far off when he will have acquired a solid footing, financially, and will occupy a leading position among his fellow citizens. He is of German parentage, but was born in Goshen, Elkhart Co., Ind., Aug. 3. 1862. When a year old, his parents came to Kansas, locating on land in the vicinity of Manhattan, whence they removed four years later to Jackson Town- ship, Riley County. where their son was reared upon a farm, attended the common school and assisted his parents until attaining his majority. He then took charge of the homestead where he first prosecuted general farming, then drifted gradually into stock-raising at which lie has done exceedingly well. For the convenience of this industry he has arranged yards and buildings and has all the fa- cilities for prosecuting it in a systematic and profi- table manner.

The Schaubel homestead presents a pleasing pic- ture in the landscape with its groves and orchards, and a vineyard of 800 vines. The subject of this sketch was married in Sherman Township. July 20, 1888, to Miss Anna Ebens, a native of Germany, and whose father, a shoemaker by trade, still re- mains in his native country. Mrs. Schaubel came alone to America in 1884, and thereafter until her marriage made her home with her uncle, Martin Govenstein, in Sherman Township. She is an ex- cellent lady and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of this union there has been born one child, a daughter, Meta. Mr.

Schaubel, politically, is an active Democrat and is frequently selected as a delegate to the county con- ventions of his party.

The father of our subject was Traugott Schaubel, a native of the city of Marbah, in the Kingdom of Wurtemburg, and born March 27, 1824. He was educated in his native city. the birth-place of the immortal Schiller. His father was Christof Schau- bel, likewise a native of Marbah, and a blacksmith by trade. He spent his entire life in his native city. His wife was Christine Albright, the daugh- ter of Henrich Albright, one of the leading archi- tects of Marbah. She was well educated, and after the death of her husband, emigrated, in 1850, to America, and settled in Goshen, Ind., where she died in 1863, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. To her and her husband there were born twelve children-Frederick, deceased ; Christian, who is now eighty years of age and a retired shoe- maker of Chicago, Ill., possessing ample means ; William, deccased ; Gotleib, a resident of Schuyl- kill, County, Pa .; Gotlob served in an Indiana regiment during the late war, was wounded, draws a pension, and is now a resident of Clay County. Kan .; Traugott, the father of our subject, was the sixth child ; Henry resides near Clay Center, Kan .; Benjamin is in Lancaster, Pa .; Wilhelmina, Johanna and Christina are deceased; Fredricka, Mrs. Neff, lives in Goshen, Ind.

The elder Schaubel served an apprenticeship of three years as a carpenter and joiner, commencing at the early age of fourteen. Ile traveled over Germany and Switzerland three years, then returned home to enter the army. On the 24th of March, 1845, he enlisted in the Neaner Cavalry, and served six years as a Corporal, taking part in the German Rebellion of 1848-49. He received his honorable discharge April 1, 1851, and again began travel- ing and working at his trade, but sojourned prin- cipally in Baden. In April, 1853, he set sail for America, taking passage at Antwerp, and after a voyage of seventy days, during which the vessel encountered severe storms, landed safely in New York harbor.

To the City of Brotherly Love the father of our subject thence proceeded, and for two months worked at his trade, after which he made his way to

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Chicago, Ill., where he followed his trade until Angust, 1854, at which time the cholera broke out and he left for Goshen, Ind., where he engaged as a builder and contractor until July, 1863. We next find him in Manhattan, Kan., where he put up a residence for himself, and operated as before until the spring of 1870. He now resolved to turn his attention to farmning and homesteaded 160 acres of land, besides pre-empting forty acres adjoining. Ile was successful in his efforts as a tiller of the soil and is now retired from active labor, being sur- rounded by all the comforts of life. He is a Luth- eran in religion, and a Democrat in politics.

The mother of our subject was in her girlhood, Miss Mary Kramer. She was born in Monheim, Germany, March 9, 1829, and became the wife of Traugott Schaubel, in the city of Philadelphia, Pa .. July 10. 1853. IIer father, Adam Kramer, was a native of the same place as his daughter, where he operated as the superintendent of a large farm. Ile married Catherine Hilsbergen, and both parents died when Mary was a small child. She was reared by strangers, and emigrated to America with her brother in 1853. She is a member in good stand- ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To her and her husband there were born five children, viz: Henry, a traveling man ; Albert a merchant of Pueblo, Col .; Gotlob, the subject of this sketch; Fredricka, the wife of Ed. Marksheffle of Man- hattan, and Mary residing at Colorado Springs, Col.

NTONY FORSTER, respected by his neigh -. bors, an honest man and a good citizen, is well known to a large portion of the resi- dents of Independence Township, where he homesteaded, in 1878, 120 acres of land on section 9. By a course of great industry, prudence and economy, he succeeded in building up one of the best farms in the township, from a tract of wild prairie land. Ile was unmarried and kept bache- lor's hall for two years. Then renting out his land he entered the employ of the St. Joe & Grand Island Railroad Company, working as a section hand, and later was employed in a butcher shop in Hanover. In the meantime he had been preparing to

establish a home of his own and in January, 1883, went to Manitowoc County, Wis., and was there married, Jan, 31, 1883, to Miss Annie Pray.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Forster settled upon the present homestead and labored with one mutual purpose in view-the improvement and cul- tivation of the farm-and having a thoughtful care

for the future. In due time there were born to them four children only two of whom are now liv- ing-Anna Clara, born Dee. 21, 1883, and George Wensl, Dec. 16, 1885. The happy honsehold met with its first deep affliction in the death of thedevoted wife and mother which occurred in childbirth, May 3, 1889, Mrs. Forster was a lady of many estima- ble qualities and was the encourager of her hus- band in all his worthy ambitions, standing bravely by his side through storm and sunshine, and labor- ing equally with him industriously and prudently in the accumulation of a competence. Iler deatlı was deeply mourned by him as well as the many friends whom she had drawn around her by self- sacrificing devotion to duty, which was a matter of comment among all who knew her. She, like her husband, was a member in good standing of the Roman Catholic Church. Her parents were George and Annie (Seidl) Pray, who are now residents of Manitowoc County, Wis .. where Mr. Pray is owner of a fine farm. The parental family consisted of eight children of whom Mrs. Forster was the third and she was born in the county above mentioned, Oct. 16, 1861.

The father of our subject was George Forster, a native of Bohemia, Austria, and a farmer by occu- pation. The maiden name of his mother was Annie Seidl, likewise a native of Bohemia, where they were reared and married. They emigrated to America in 1873 and later made their home with a daughter in Wisconsin, where the father died in 1880. The mother is still living there and is now seventy-five years old. They were the parents of five children of whom Antony was the youngest. He received a good education in his native tongue. and also became familiar with the English language. Ile was thirteen years of age when emigrating to America and was a resident of Wisconsin for a period of twelve years. In the meantime he worked on a farm, and for five years was employed

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in the pineries. His subsequent course we have already indicated.

Politieally, Mr. Forster supports the principles of the Democratic party. The improvements upon his farm have been brought about by his own labors, and in addition to the buildings mentioned. he has an orchard of 125 fruit trees, besides trees of the smaller fruits. Ten acres of his land is in good timber. He usually keeps about ten head of cattle, twenty-five head of swine and four good work horses. He is essentially a self-made man and is one of those solid and reliable characters from which is built up the best elements of the community.

ETER G. JOHNSON, one of the most prominent Swedish farmers of Riley Coun- ty, is not only popular among his own countrymen but among his adopted bretlı- ren. He at one time mingled considerably in poli- tics, and was nominated by the Greenback party as the Representative from Riley County to the Leg- islature, being defeated by only one vote, and there are people in the county who believe he was fully elected. IIis career of industry and fru- gality has made him independent financially. he being the owner of 500 acres of fine land, lying on sections 6, 12 and 18, Madison Township, the homestead proper being on section 18. Mr. John- son, however, resides on section 12. He came to America poor in purse and his present possessions are the result of his own industry and perseverance. Politically he is now in sympathy with the Union Labor party.

The subject of this sketch was born in Sweden, March 15, 1834, and is the son of John and Carrie E. Johnson, who were likewise of Swedish birth and ancestry. John Johnson was twice married, both times in Sweden. His first wife died there, and after his second marriage he, in 1856, emi- grated to America, and coming directly to Kansas settled in Butler County, where he died soon aft- erward. By his first wife. Carrie, he became the father of two children, Peter G., our subjeet, and August, who is now deceased. Of his second

union there were four children. viz., Vietor, Oscar, Christina and Tilda. August and Victor were killed by the Indians in the Indian Territory, in 1862.

The subject of this sketch is the only surviving member of his family, except a half-sister who resides in Washington. He lived in Sweden until twenty-three years of age, following farming for a livelihood, and acquired a practical eduea- tion in the common school. During his younger years he for some time followed the sea. In 1856 he emigrated with his parents to America and thereafter spent about eighteen months in Marshall County, Ill. In 1858 he came to the territory of Kansas, settling on a tract of land in Butler County, where he operated until 1863. We next find him in Montana, where he followed various pursuits until 1865.

In the above-mentioned year Mr. Johnson re- turned to Kansas and settled in Riley County, of which he has since been a resident. In 1870 he was married in Riley County to Miss Anna E. Sbel- lerstrom. This lady by her first husband beeame the mother of two children, Hilman and Melshior. Of her union with our subject there has been born one child. Peter A. Mr. Johnson's homestead, which is duly illustrated on another page, stands as a fitting monument to his industry and his value as a member of the community.

OHN MELVILLE KIMBALL, of Manhat- tan Township, is designated as " an intel- ligent farmer of courteous address and progressive ideas." He has a pleasant home one-fourth of a mile from the public high- way, approached by a lane bordered on each side by shade trees and which affords a very nice drive. He has a neat and substantial resi- dence with other good improvements, including a fine orchard, and his farm indieates the supervision of a careful and thrifty man who has made it a point to live within his income, and has by his in- dustry and economy fortified himself against want in his old age.

A New Englander by birth, the early home of

FARM RESIDENCE OF J. M. KIMBALL, SEC. 2. MANHATTAN TP,RILEY CO. KAN.

RESIDENCE OF P. G. JOHNSON, SEC. 12. MADISON TP.,RILEY CO. KAN.

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Mr. Kimball was in Goffstown, N.H., where he first opened his eyes to the light, May 11, 1836. His father, John Kimball, Sr., was a native of New Hampshire, and his mother, who in her girlhood was Sarahı (Collins) Putnam, was born in Danvers, Mass., and was a lineal descendant of Gen. Israel Putnam, of Revolutionary fame. The paternal grandfather was also a native of the old Granite State. The maternal grandmother of Mr. Kimball was a daughter of Gen. Collins, who signalized himself as a brave officer in the Revolutionary War. Jolın Kimball was a miller by trade and during his younger years followed this in Massa- chusetts.

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Portrait and biographical album of Washington, Clay and Riley counties, Kansas, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent citizens together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of the state, Part 101

Author: Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago, Chapman Brothers Number of Pages: 1258

Author:
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman Brothers
Number of Pages: 1258