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 108

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 108
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 108
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 108

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mr. Smith was first married in Huntington County, Ind., Sept. 28, 1868, to Miss Sarah De- Witt of that county. Mrs. Smith was born in Wells County, Ind., Feb. 8, 1846, and was the daguhter of

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Clark and Mary (Ogle) DeWitt, wbo spent their last years in Indiana. Of this union there were born three children-William A., June 20, 1869; Albert S., Dec. 9, 1870 ; and Susan E., March 18, 1879. The eldest born only lived a few months, being taken away Oct. 9, 1869. Mrs. Sarah (De- Witt) Smith died at the homestead in Barnes Town- ship, Kan., Jan. 28, 1887. Mr. Smith was married March 1, 1888, to Miss Amanda Brandt. This lady is a native of Ohio, and was born July 28, 1848, being the daughter of John and Sarah Brandt, who are now living in Ohio.

LIVER P. HARBAUGH. The homestead which was build up by the subject of this notice stands as an enduring monument to his patience and industry. Mr. Harbaugh came to Clay County, Kan., at a time when wild animals were plentiful and when Indians were often seen running over the country. He was a man of vig- orous constitution and great perseverance, and after reaching the wild frontier made up his mind to stay, and prepared himself for every emergency. With his hardihood and courage there was blended that kind and benevolent spirit which endeared him to all who knew him. The homestead which he built up will stand as an enduring monument to bis thrift and industry, while his name is held in kindly remembrance by all who knew him.

The subject of this notice was born in Allegheny County, Pa., and departed this life at his home- stead in Sherman Township, Clay County, Kan., June 5, 1889. He spent his early years in his na- tive county and learned the trade of a carpenter, at which he worked for a short time prior to his mar- riage. This important and interesting event of his life occurred at the bride's home, the maiden of his choice being Miss Narcissus Wilson. They removed to St. Louis, Mo., in 1844, where Mr. Harbaugh followed his trade a number of years, and where his wife died leaving one daughter. This daughter, Hannah, is now the wife of Thomas Toffley, and they reside in Clifton. this county. Afterward, in 1848. Mr. Harbaugh was married to Mrs. Olive (Wood) Toffley, widow of Thomas

Toffley, Sr., and the mother of two children-Olive, who married Charles Fairchild of Sherman Town- ship, and Thomas J. already spoken of.

Mr. Harbaugh. in 1870 came to Clay County, and homesteaded eighty acres of land, upon which he labored until his decease. Of his second inar- riage there were born eight children, viz: Mary, the wife of F. O. Andrews, who is represented else- where in this ALBUM; Leonard, Charles, Joseph ; Alice, the wife of N. M. Graves ; John who op- erated the home farm ; Edward and Ida, deceased; John married Miss Luella, daughter of Asbery and Clarinda Cook, a native of Indiana.

Mr. and Mrs. Harbaugh several years ago united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which the latter is still an active member. Mr. Harbangh died firm in the faith. He had been prominent in church affairs, officiating as Steward, and doing whatever lay in his power to promote the cause of religion. To what good purpose he labored in behalf of his family, is noted in the comforts by which they are surrounded. The dwelling is a tasteful, frame structure, around which have been planted fruit and forest trees, while the barn and other outbuild- ings are all that is necessary for the shelter of stock and storage of grain. Mrs. Harbaugh, with the assistance of her son, is managing the estate in an admirable manner, keeping up its old- time reputation.

S AMUEL E. RICHARDS. The business ability of the dealers in any town can read- ily be determined by a glance through the establishment which they control. Even a cursory view through the business streets of Wake- fied, Clay County, would indicate the position held by the gentleman whose name initiates this bio- graphy. as a man possessed of good judgment, tact, prudence and " push." He has been a resident here for almost a score of years, and, starting in business with a limited capital he has steadily increased until he now ranks as the leading merchant of the place.

Mr. Richards is a native of England, having first seen the light in Shropshire, April 14, 1851. Hc

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is a son of John and Catherine Richards, his father having been a shoe-maker. The father died at the age of eighty-two years, and the mother is still liv- ing in England, being now seventy-seven years old. The parental family consisted of six children, two of whom came to the United States. They are, our subjeet, and a brother William, now engaged

in business in Denver, Col. The other members of the family, are: Thomas P., manufacturer of stationary and portable engines in Liverpool ; Joseph B., a carpenter in North Wales ; Arthur A .. a machinist in Australia ; and Sarah P., widow of 'F. Smith, who is living with her mother.

Our subject acquired a reasonably good educa- tion in the schools of his native land, and in early life engaged as a clerk in the grocery business. In 1870, he and his brother William joined a colony of Englishmen, which was coming to the United States. They located at Wakefield, but after a short time Mr. Richards went to Junetion City and worked on the railroad there. Subsequently he assisted in the construction of the railroad which passes through this place. About the year 1874, he engaged as clerk for Mrs. J. K. Russell, and served the firm until 1879.

He then established himself in business, begin- ing in a small way, and steadily increasing until the spring of 1884, when he carried a stock of over $12,000. In April of that year the entire stock was destroyed by fire, and he lost all but $5,000 which was covered by insurance. He soon had a new stock and was again doing a lucrative busi- ness, and in 1888 was able to build the edifice 36 x 74 feet, which is now his place of business, and filled with well assorted goods. In addition to his property in Wakefield, Mr. Richards owns 320 acres of land in Graham County, and his en- tire possessions have been acumulated without assistance.

Mr. Richards is a Democrat in his political be- lief, though he does not adhere strictly to party lines, but rather votes for the men. His religions views coincide with the doctrines of the Episcopal Church, of which he is a member. He has been a member of the City Council, and now fills the office of Mayor. Ile is a stockholder in the Wakefield Creamery, and a Director of the association. He is one of

the original stockholders of the Bank of Wake- field, and is its Vice-President. His business ability and his manly, upright character win him many friends, and he is looked upon as one of the rising men of the county.

OSEPH BALDERSTON is the owner and occupant of a valuable farm on section 32, Sheridan Township, Washington County. It is all in use as pasture, meadow, or plowed fields, and is all well feneed. Four acres are devoted to choice fruit trees. . Substantial and adequate stables, corn-cribs and other farm buildings have been erected upon the estate, and a frame house is the family dwelling. All the improvements ex- cept the residence, have been made by our subject sinee his location here in 1883.

Going back four generations in the ancestry of our subject, we find John Balderston. He was born in England in 1702, and emigrated to the United States with a Quaker Colony in 1727. Hle located in Burks County, Pa. Ilis wife was Hannah Cooper, and from their union all in the United States who bear their name, are supposed to have decended. Next to John, in the direct line, came Mordecai and following him a second Mordecai. The next in the direct line was Jonathan, a native of Chester County, Pa., and the father of our sub- ject. Ile married Elizabeth Babb, who was born near Winchester, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Balderston went to Ohio, about 1808, and there reared their family and died. Their family con- sisted of ten children-Stephen, Peter, Mordecai, Isaiah, Mary J., Jonathan, Joseph, William, Eliza- beth and Eli. Mordecai, Joseph and Elizabeth are all that are now living.

Joseph Balderston, was born in Belmont County. Ohio, and reared to farm pursuits. llis education was obtained principally in the district schools, af- ter which he spent one term in a seleet school in Mt. Pleasant, and in 1856 removed to Putnam County, Ill. Subsequently, he spent a year in Marshall County, Ill., and then in LaSalle County of that State, he sojourned until 1883. He then came to Kansas, and located in this county, on the

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farm where he now lives, and where he has since been successfully engaged in the pursuit of agrcul- ture.

In Jefferson County, Ohio, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subject and Miss Hannah M. Fisher. ller parents, John and Hannah ( Thompson ) Fisher, were natives .of Virginia. Early in their married life they moved to Ohio, and there spent their last days. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Balderston has been blessed by the birth of one daughter and nine sons. The daughter, Laura A .. is now the wife of John Graves. (see sketch.) The first born of our subject-Frank, died while yet a babe. The eiglit sons living, are: John F., Els- worth, Eli, Ulysses Grant, James H., William J., Charles and Clarence.

While in LaSalle County, Ill .. Mr. Balderston served as Tax Collector for four years and Assessor two years. Ile is an intelligent, honorable man, and a citizen of good repute.

OSEPH HIAYS. Among the citizens of Riley County, none better deserve mention than the gentleman above-named, whose personal qualities of mind and character, whose use- ful life, and whose long residence in Kansas, alike entitle him to respect and admiration. He is justly regarded as one of the most intelligent residents in this section, and neighbors and fellow-citizens hold him in high esteem. His history, were it written in full, would present many scenes of public inter- est and stirring experience, such as none but those who have participated in frontier life and in the great contests of public opinion, have witnessed or can thoroughly understand. To those familiar with the history of Kansas during the troublous times prior to, and immediately following, its ad . mission to the Union, the outlines, which are all that can be given in a brief sketch, may easily be filled in with all their vivid coloring.

Mr. Hays is of Irish ancestry, his great-grand- father, accompanied by his wife and four sons, having at an early day emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania. Samuel Hays, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Chartier Township, Wash-

ington County, that State, and there his son David saw the light Jan. 16, 1802. David Hays accom- panied his parents to Virginia when twelve years old, and there grew to manhood, marrying Miss Rebecca Simpson. To them were born three chil- dren-Robert, Joseph and Samuel, all now living in this State.' Robert came to Kansas in 1855, and taking up the land on Cedar Creek, in Blue Town- ship, Pottawatomie County, has ever since been a resident there. He married Miss Emma Paul, sis- ter of J. W. Paul, whose sketch is to be found on another page. She died in March, 1879, leaving seven children. Samuel, who also came to Kansas in December, 1854, is still occupying his original homestead, adjoining that of his brother Robert. His wife was formerly Miss Jane Vance, and they have ten living children.

The father of our subject built flat-boats on the Ohio River, continuing his residence in West Vir- ginia until 1852, when he settled in Cass County, Mo., remaining there a little less than two years. In September, 1854, he came with his son, Joseph, to this State, and soon took up a claim on Cedar Creek, in Pottawatomie County, upon which he re- sided until his death, July 23, 1885, that being the day on which the famous General, U. S. Grant, breathed his last. Mr. Hays was, at the time of his death, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, his wife having preceded him to the tomb in 1868, at the age of sixty-seven years. Mr. Hays was one of the oldest settlers of Pottawatomie County, and a prominent citizen, regarded by those who knew him as a man of honor and uprightness. He had served as a Justice of the Peace for many years.

Joseph Hays, of whom we write. was born in Hancock County, W. Va., May 20, 1828, and was reared on a farm, receiving his early education in the subscription schools. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-seven years of age, two years after coming to Kansas, having, with his brother Samuel, helped his father to clear up a claim in Pottawatomie County. In the meantime, he had taken up land in Manhattan Township, Riley County, it being located on section 25, about five miles from the town of Manhattan. He chose a tract which was made up of bottom land, timber land and bluff, thus providing himself with an

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abundance of water, wood and stone, beside having a fine proportion of fertile and inexhaustible soil lying between the bluff and the Blue River. The original claim, being a fractional quarter section, amounted to but 145 8-100 acres, to which addi- tions have been made by purchase until the pres- ent holding of Mr. Hays amounts to nearly 400 acres.

Immediately after entering his land, Mr. Hays set about improving it, and has now a well-tilled and well-furnished farm, which. owing to its excel- lent location, yields good crops, even in the dry years. Its owner devotes his attention to raising grain and stock and feeding the latter for market. Hle has resided here for over thirty-five years, being one of the few settlers of Riley County who have retained uninterrupted possession of the land origin- ally entered by them. When he took up his claim, but six had been taken in the county, the claimants thereof being Thomas Runnels, who had settled on section 6, Ogden Township; S. D. Hous- ton, who settled on Wild Cat Creek, in Manhattan Township, four miles west of Manhattan; H. Eu- bank, Tunis .J. Rosa, Jacob Thayer and Mr. Ship, who settled in other parts of the county. Remnants of the Kiowa, Otoe and Pottawatomie tribes, to- gether with some other Indians, roamed over this section, and although peaceable when Mr. Hays lo- cated, there was no certainty that they would re- main so, there being constant rumors of threatened outbreaks.

Mr. Hays remained single until Dec. 24, 1863, at which date he was united in marriage with Miss Julia Paul, sister of J. W. Paul, whose sketch may be found on another page in this work. Mrs. Hays is a native of Johnson County, Mo., where she was born in 1841. Six children have been born of this happy union, who were named respectively: Mary Ann, David P., George W., Emma R., John S. and Martha E. The last two named are minors, and are still living under the parental roof. David P. also resides at home, being yet unmarried. George W. and Emma R. died in infancy. Mary A. married John A. Henton, and their home is in Grant Township.

During the late war Mr. Hays served as a cor- poral in Company A, 14th Kansas Militia. under

Capt. Todd. He did duty in looking after the In- dians on the frontier, and on the Price raid, being at Westport, Mo., when Price and Curtis fought the battle of the Big Blue. IIe came to Kansas as an Anti-slavery Republican, and early became interested in the Free State movement, accom- panying Luke P. Lincoln and Dr. Adams as a delegate from Riley County to the first Free State Convention, which met in Topeka in the fall of 1855. Until recently he has been a Republican, but is now independent in politics. He has been a member of the School Board, and its Treasurer for a number of years, his entire service in that body extending over a period of more than eight- een years. He is a member of the United Presby- terian Church, and his wife belongs to the Baptist Church. A man of thought and intelligence, well- read and well-informed and a good conversational- ist, he is an entertaining companion, and in the active duties of life has shown himself to be pos- sessed of energy and sturdy perseverance. His pleas- ant home abounds in good cheer and hospitality, and its honored occupants are enjoying the legiti- mate fruits of their industry and useful lives.

IRAM KEARNS, one of the old residents of Manhattan Township, Riley County, was, in former years, probably the largest ship- per of cattle in this section. lle owns a fine body of land upon which is situated a plain but comfortable residence with the outbuildings necessary for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain. Ile lives plainly and unpretentiously and is a man enjoying in a marked degree the esteem and confidence of his neighbors. Although ap- proaching the sixty-eighth year of his age he is quite well preserved, while his industrious and en- ergetic habits probably will never leave him as long as he is able to move around and maintain the management of his business.

The native place of our subject was in Marion County, Ind., and the date of his birth May 10, 1822. llis parents were Thomas E. and Sarah (Jackson) Kearns, both born near Erie, Pa., and the father of Scotch descent. The latter was a far-

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mer by occupation. also Justice of the Peace, and spent his last years in Warren County, Ind., as did also the mother.

To Thomas E. and Sarah Kearns there was born a family of ten children of whom the record is as follows: Catherine married John Castle, a hardware merchant, and died when thirty years of age in Warren County, Ind., leaving five children; Archi- bald died in Benton County, Iowa, about twenty- five years ago; he was first married to Elizabeth Farmer, who died leaving four children, and he was then married;to Louisa Whipple who died in 1889, leaving him four more children. Margaret married Hiram Farmer and died in Marion County, Ind., about forty years ago, leaving three children. Mary became the wife of James Hoover and died about thirty-five years ago in Warren County, Ind .; leaving three cildren; Esther is the wife of Perry James, of Warren County, Ind., and the mother of three children; she has been an invalid for nearly fifty years. John died in Pottawatomie County, this State. in 1879; he married Miss Eveline Davis and served in the Kansas Militia during the Civil War; he left three children. Elizabeth is the widow of William Coats, who died about ten years ago and has two children; she lives in Warren County, Ind. Medina is the wife of Frank Brink- horn ; they live in Ellsworth County, this State, and have one child; William who was a bright boy and a student in the college at Bloomington, III .. ‹lied at the age of fifteen years.

The Kearns family removed from Pennsylvania to Warren County, Ind., when Hiram was about five years old. lle attended the common schools and worked on the farm until a youth of eighteen years when he began dealing in cattle at La Fayette, Ind., and was thus occupied successfully for ten years. He was a well informed and intelli- gent young man. fond of reading and when about twenty years old. established the Wabash Register at Attiea, Ind., which was published by the firm of Kennett & Kearns.

Finally meeting with reverses in business, Mr. Kearns went to Benton County, Iowa, where for two years he engaged in trading in a general way. In 1860 he came to Kansas Territory, and settled near the present site of Manhattan which was then

a small town. He kept a market and sold provis- ions and produce, being senior member of the firm of Kearns & Davis. He erected and occupied for business the building now devoted to the County Treasurer's office and continued in business ten years. For the next fifteen years he was engaged in buying feed and shipping live stock extensively.

In the meantime Mr. Kearns had purchased 400 acres of land in the western part of Manhattan Township where he built up his present homestead and which has been largely devoted to live stock. While a resident of Manhattan, Kansas, he was married May 18, 1870, to Miss Ann Johnson, a native of Canada and whose parents were natives respectively of the Dominion and New York State. There have been born to them seven children, viz: William, who died at the age of thirteen years; Olly, Archibald, John, Etta, who died when three years old ; Esther and one who died unnamed in infaney. Mrs. Kearns is a member in good staning of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Kearns, politieally, is a decided Republican, and during his residence of two years in Manhattan was a member of the Board of Aldermen. He has also officiated as Road Overseer.

ESSE INGRAHAM. The late .Jesse Ingra- ham was born in Jefferson County, N. Y .. March 28, 1820, and died near Manhattan, Riley Co., Kan., Jan. 28, 1889. IIe was the son of Jesse and Eleanor (Thrall) Ingraham, and of English deseent. He was reared until fourteen years of age, in Yates County, N. Y., his parents removing thenee to LaGrange County, Ind., where he lived until his removal to Kansas. Both par- ents died in Indiana, and of the eight children born to them. all are now deceased except one son, Lo- renzo Ingraham, who lives in Southwestern Kan- sas.

In 1866, .Jesse Ingraham removed with his fam- ily to Kansas, taking up 160 acres on Wild Cat Creek in Wild Cat Township, Riley County. This estate he improved and cultivated, living thereon for ten years, when he removed to the place where his widow now resides, it consisting of ten aeres

To M. G Kinkaid

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south of the Agricultural College grounds, and be- ing operated as an orchard farm.

The late Mr. Ingraham was County Commis- sioner in 1859, and Coroner from 1861 to 1869 in- clusive. He was also a member of the School Board for several years. He belonged to the 1. O. O. F., and during the late war was in the State Militia. He was a Republican to within a few years prior to his death, when he became identified with the Labor Union party movement; and he had frequently served as delegate to political county conventions. He was twice married, his first wife, to whom he was united in 1850, dying in 1854, leaving no children. He was one of the first set- tlers of this county, which in his death lost a citi- zen of worth, both as a private individual, and as a member of society. Possessed of strong common sense and intelligence, of sterling integrity, and living an upright and honorable life, he won the respect of all with whom he came in contact, his loss being regretted by a wide circle outside of his home, and being irreparable to his immediate fam- ily circle.

Mr. Ingraham was married in Lenawee County. Mich., March 25, 1857, to Miss Patience Shumway. She is the daughter of Levi and Abigail (Smith) Shumway, her father having been a native of Mas- sachusetts, and her mother born in Canada, of New England parentage. The parents of Mrs. Ingra- ham were married in Rochester, N. Y., and lived and died in Lenawee County, Mich., the father passing away when Patience was but four years old. To Mr. and Mrs. Shumway nine children were born, of whom we note the following: Alfred, who was a farmer in Branch County, Mich., departed this life in 1879, leaving a widow who had borne the maiden name of Nancy Davis, and three children ; the widow died some time after her husband. Mary is the wife of Sardius Johnson, a farmer in Lena- wee County, Mich., and bas five children: Stephen died in 1880, in Lenawee County; he was single. and was engaged in farming. Elmira is the wife of John Mason, a farmer in Polk County, Mich., and is the mother of four children; Ezekiel Smith lives in Lenawee County, where he is engaged in tilling the soil; he was married to Miss Sarah Van- Ostrand, and they have one son. Nathan is farm-

ing also in Lenawee County ; he married Marietta P. Mann, and bas two children. Abigail is unmar- ried, and lives in Lenawee County, Mich; Clarissa is the wife of George Cole, a farmer of Lenawee County, Mich. After the death of Mr. Shumway, his widow married John Baldwin, by whom she had one child, Matilda, who is now the wife of Cullen Cheeny, a farmer in Lenawee County, Mich; Mrs. Baldwin departed this life in 1874.

Mrs. Patience Ingraham bore her husband seven children, all still living except Abigail, the sixth child, who died when a year and a half old; Flor- enee M. is the wife of W. F. Allen, and is the mother of three girls; Eleanor is the wife of Isaialı Williston, a stone-mason, whose home is just north of Manhattan; they have two children. Carrie V .. is the wife of John Shumway, a farmer of Potta- watomie County, and is the mother of one child. A sketch of Marlow W., occupies another page in this ALBUM; Eva married Valdy Akin, a lawyer of Zeandale, this county ; Riley is still unmarried, and at home.

In addition to the substantial stone residence and its pleasant surroundings near Manhattan, where Mrs. Ingraham resides, she owns 216 acres of excellent land situated on the Blue River, in the northeastern part of Manhattan Township, where her son Marlow now lives. A lady of intelligence and refinement, modest and unassuming, she earns the esteem of all who know her by her quiet pursuit of her duties in life, and by her womanly virtues.

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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 108

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

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