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 113

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 113
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 113
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 113

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).

AMES DIXON. The annals of Riley County would be by no means complete without due mention of Mr. Dixon, who is one of the most wealthy and prominent men of Ogden Township, and who is known far and wide on account of his contest with the officers of Ft. Riley, in order to hold his claim during pioneer days. He is a man of great native genius, perse- veranee and industry, and has worked his way up from the foot of the ladder in life to a fine posi- tion, socially and financially. His has been a ea- reer full of interesting ineidents, in the relation of which we will commenee at his birth, which oceur- red in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1827.

The subject of this sketch is the son of Thomas and Julia (Monaghan) Dixon, who were likewise natives of County Mayo, and the father prominent in his borough, serving as Postmaster, and being the principal marketman for Eagle Island, on the

west coast of Ireland. The parents were married in their native country, and after the birth of sev- eral children emigrated to America, in 1849, and settled in Fairmount, Va. The father died in Au- gust, 1854, in Illinois, while the mother had pre- viously passed to rest in 1851, in Fairmount, Va. The parental household included nine children, of whom James was the fifth in order of birth. In his youth he learned the trade of a stonecutter, and when starting out in life for himself, went to Cum- berland. Md., where he sojourned about eighteen months. Next he worked on the Rappahannock Canal, in Virginia, until 1848. Subsequently he repaired to Lynchburg, Va., and was employed in building a dam on the James River, later working twenty miles up the river. whence he went to Nashville, Tenn., and was employed on the State House there.

Returning now to Virginia, Mr. Dixon. at Wheel- ing, engaged as a stonecutter in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company on bridge work, after which he went to Memphis, Tenn., and operated a diving bell, raising a number of barrels of flour from a sunken boat. This accomplished, he turned his steps toward the Southwest, crossing the Mississippi, and assisting in bridge building on both sides of the Father of Waters. In the mean- time he fulfilled a contract for Col. Ashley, and in August, 1854, in company with his brother Thomas, eame to Kansas. They located claims, then went back to Illinois, and in the meantime the father died there.

In due time the brothers got their families to- gether, and returned to Kansas, camping on Three Mile Creek. After a few days. there came officers from Ft. Riley, among them Dr. Hammond, now of New York, and ordered the party to move on, as the land was already claimed. The Dixons, how- ever, being made of substantial material, main- tained their ground, and put up a house. . Shortly afterward Capt. Lowe, master of forage, appeared upon the ground with Government lumber and a force of carpenters, and put up a house for himself on the same elaim. Col. Montgomery then notified Mr. Dixon that he was intruding upon the claim of Mr. Lowe, and must move off, or he would be put off hy United States troops. This Mr. Dixon again

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declined to do. The Colonel then sent for him and urged him to leave, but he refused. Ile finally. however, agreed to pay Mr. Lowe $300 to leave, which the latter did.

Mr. Dixon now took a contract to grade a steam- boat landing at Pawnee City, Kan., and when this was completed, an order was received from Wash- ington, to lay off a suitable reservation for Ft. Riley. There were ostensibly two forts to be laid off, a real one and an imaginary one, and the former was to be at One Mile Creek; the latter west of Ogden. Again was Mr. Dixon attacked in his stronghold and urged to leave peaceably, as it was claimed the land was wanted for the reserve. It, however, was actually wanted for personal friends. Judge Johnson called upon Mr. Dixon in the guise of a friend, and after entering the house, chatted, examined the guns, etc., and finally told Mr. Dixon he had better take his advice and leave. Mr. Dixon got upon his feet, and quoted to his anditor the following lines from Burns: "Man to man has been so unjust that one does not know whom to trust." The Judge left never to return.

The next move was to send Capt. Lyon to pur- chase the interest of Mr. Dixon in his claim for $1,000. Still Mr. Dixon refused to leave. They had at a meeting, previously held, expressed the opinion that he had better be put off by force. One of the settlers, Bob Wilson, remarked that that would be unjust, and proposed to give $300 him- self toward the sum to buy him off. Then a com- pany of troops with two yoke of oxen, commanded by Capt. Lyon, came down while Mr. Dixon was away from home, and forcibly ejected the women and children, and by means of oxen tore down the house.

Upon his return at night, Mr. Dixon moved back to the same spot, and acting upon the advice of connsel, put up another house. Seven months later, Col. Wood, with a company of troops, came to the ground, tore down the second house, and a second time ejected the women and children in the absence of the master. Mr. Dixon then dug a hole in the ground, and moved into it with his family. In the meantime, Col. Montgomery left, and the garrison was under the command of Maj. Ogden, who gave to Mr. Dixon a contract for burning

lime. The latter found a friend in this official, who told him that his claim was legitimate, and en- couraged him to maintain it.

Mr. Dixon now went to Platte City, Mo., where he interviewed Gen. Atchison, then acting Vice President of the United States, and to whom he stated his case, and made affidavit to his statement. This was sent to Washington by Gen. Atchison, and Gens. Churchill and Clark were detailed as a a committee of inquiry by President Pierce. Jef- ferson Davis was then Secretary of War. Gens. Churchill and Clark had the power to lay off a reservation, which they did at One Mile Creek, and Col. Montgomery. with the two Generals, drove out to view the reservation.

The next day Mr. Dixon was summoned to ap- pear at Ft. Riley at the court of inquiry. They reported at Washington, and left out of the reserv- ation Mr. Dixon's claim and the city of Pawnee. This was not approved by Secretary Davis, and he extended the lines of the reservation to its pres- ent limits, thus covering Mr. Dixon's claim again, and likewise the city of Pawnee. Then Mr. Dixon was summoned to Ft. Leavenworth. Col. Mont- gomery and the officers at the fort were court-mar- tialed, and the Colonel was cashiered from the service. Gen. Robert E. Lee was then the Judge Advocate.

Mr. Dixon now took up a claim on Seven Mile Creek, from which he removed a short time after- ward and came to the land which he now owns and occupies. Here he has 1,200 broad acres, and 400 acres under the plow. Upon this he carries on stock-raising extensively, having, during the sea- son of 1889, 200 head of cattle, 120 head of swine, and seventeen horses. The elegant residence which attracts the attention of the passing traveler was put up. in 1879. at a cost of $10,000, and is one of the finest structures of its kind in Riley County, ontside of the city of Manhattan. Before Pawnee was wiped out of existence, Mr. Dixou owned lots there, and had put up a house. When he first came to Kansas, Kansas City was but a trading-post, con- taining a small brick hotel and a few huts. Mr. Dixon purchased a horse for $75. and went out to the Fox and sac Agency, but finding nothing desir- able there, returned to Ft. Riley. Judge Reynolds,

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the first settler of Riley County, had a shanty on the hill east of Ogden, and traded with the In- dians. Prior to this, he had a claim about one mile southwest of the present site of Junction City. Upon one of his trading expeditions in Little Blue. in July, 1854, while dealing with the Indians and Mormons, he was surrounded by the Indians, but he and his two sons, John and James, succeeded in making their escape, though in so doing he re- ceived a wound in his arm.

James Dixon was married, in 1857, to Miss Bridget Barrett, who, like himself, was a native of County Mayo, Ireland, and who, at that time, was a resident of Wheeling, Va. Of this union, there were born twelve children, eleven of whom are liv- ing, and both parents and children are members of the Catholic Church, at Junction City. One daughter, Julia, is the wife of William Flaherty, and they live in Kansas. John Dixon is in Den- ver, Col. The others are at home with their parents. Mr. Dixon, politically, is a stanchi Demo- crat, and has been a member of the School Board in his district for the past twelve years. Ile was upon one occasion appointed Justice of the Peace, but refused to qualify, having no aspirations for office.

We take pleasure in calling the reader's attention to a fine lithographie engraving of the residence of Mr. Dixon, which, with its lovely surroundings, forms one of the most pleasant pictures in the landscape of the county.

R EV. EBENEZER HUSE, an ordained Dea- con of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is a gentleman likewise fond of agricultural pursuits, as has been amply indicated in his almost elegant surroundings, comprising one of the most desirable homesteads in Ashland Township. Here he has erected a very fine set of stone build- ings, including a residence, stone and frame barns and outhouses, and has planted an abundance of fruit and shade trees, which with other embellish- ments give to the premises the air of comfort and content which is seldom to be found. In his labors and ambitions Mr. Huse has been ably assisted by

the most excellent of wives. Mrs. Huse being in all respects the efficient helpmate of her husband, and contributing in no small manner to his prosperity and success.

The subject of this sketch was born in Rochester, Windsor Co., Vt., Sept. 25, 1815, and is the son of Robert and Lydia (Jewett) Iluse, the former a na- tive of Massachusetts and the latter of New lIamp- shire. Robert Huse followed agriculture all his life, and Ebenezer was reared on his father's farm, where he lived in that vicinity until a man of twenty-seven years. In the meantime he was mar- ried, in December, 1841, to Miss Fanny W. Dyer. and six years later, leaving New England, they emigrated to Illinois, settling in Hancock County. where Mr. Huse purchased a farm and continued to live until coming to Kansas in the spring of 1875. In the meantime he had become the father of six children, four of whom are living -- Annette ('., Ansel, Corliss W., and Alden F. Mrs. Fanny W. Huse departed this life in Hancock County, Ill., in November, 1865.

Mr. Huse, in 1866, was a second time married in Hancock County, Ill., to Mrs. Harriet O. Moore, widow of William S. Moore, who died in Hancock County, in 1860. She was born in the town of Limerick, York Co., Me., Dec. 23, 1816. In the spring of 1875, Mr. and Mrs. Huse came to Riley County, Kan., and settled on McDowell Creek, in Ashland Township, where Mr. Huse proceeded with the improvement of a farm, with what success is amply indicated in his present surroundings. In due time he added to his possessions, and is now the owner of 1,100 acres, rich and fertile bottom land. His industry and his excellent judgment are displayed on every hand and the estate forms one of the most pleasing pictures in the landscape of that region.

In politics, Mr. Huse is a decided Republican. While living in Illinois, he was Justice of the Peace for several years, and also Township Clerk. Ile and his estimable wife have been for many years connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, giving to it a cordial support, and laboring as they have opportunity in the Master's vineyard. Mr. Huse. in 1852 or 1853, was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Scott, and officiated as a minister a large

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portion of the time until 1870. His name has fre- quently been mentioned for Representative to the Legislature, but he invariably declines to run for office. Mrs. Iluse, while living with her first hus- band, adopted a little girl, Annie E., who is now the wife of Seth J. Yenowine, of Ashland Town- ship, Riley County.

W ENDELIN WENDEL, dealer in dry-goods and groceries at Hanover, came to Wash- ington County, this State, in 1869, and was one of the earliest settlers, being one of the three now living in the city. The other two are August Jaedicke and Judge Wilhelm Kalhoefer. Mr. Wen- del, in 1870, entered a tract of wild land, one mile north of the present site of Hanover, and put up a good frame house. It was the first streetnre of the kind in that vicinity, and is still standing. Mrs. Wendel also owns 160 acres adjoining her husband.

Mr. Wendel spent the first year mostly in im- proving his farm, then, in 1870-71, established a lumber-yard, and a livery-stable, and also dealt in agricultural implements, being the pioneer in these enterprises. In 1874 he removed from the farm into the infant town, and became quite prominent in its affairs, serving as a member of the Council, and also as Township Treasurer. Ile was a mem- ber of the Council two terms, and in 1884 was again elected Township Treasurer, serving until 1888. Ile put up the first brick store in the town of Hanover, which included a public hall, although the latter was subsequently devoted to general mer- chandise. He still owns the quarter-section of land which he first purchased, and which lies over the line in Independence Township. He has likewise acquired valuable city property, including lots and residences.

From 1885 to 1889, Mr. Wendel was a member, and one year President of the City Council, and from the organization of the fire department, he was its Treasurer and its principal head. He was one of the leaders in the movement to organize the German society (Deutscher Maennerverein), and assisted in building the hall for the accommodation of its members. Ile assisted in organizing the Ger-

man-Catholic Church, being one of its first mem- bers, and is one of its most liberal supporters. A small church edifice was erected in 1870; the Sis- ters' house was built in 1876, and the first stone church was put up also in that year. In 1880-81, an addition was made. In 1884 the Catholic school was established, and in 1885 the Priest's house was built. These are all stone structures, and the finest group for the purpose, west of the Missouri River. Mr. Wendel contributed $1,400 to the erection of these in hard cash, and has esteemed no effort too great to bring about the continned prosperity of the church and all the institutions connected with it.

A native of the Province of IIesse-Darmstadt, Germany, Mr. Wendel was born March 9, 1828, and emigrated to America in 1851. Later he re- turned to the Fatherland, but came back to the United States in 1852, and spent three years steam- boating on the river, and as an employe of the Dunkirk Railroad. Prior to this he had been on the ocean for four years. For a time he carried on farming in Central Illinois, then in 1858 repaired to Pike's Peak, but a short sojourn in that region satisfied him, when he returned to the Prairie State, and again resumed agriculture.

While a resident of Lee County, Ill., Mr. Wen- del was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Becker, the wedding taking place at the bride's home, Sept. 6, 1868. Of this union there were born five children, four of whom are living, viz: Jolin W., a resident of Centralia, Ill .; Philip J. re- siding in Quincy, Ill .; Mary Catherine and Clara Matilda, who are at home with their parents; Fred- erick died when two years old. The surviving children have been well-educated, and are young people of great promise. Mrs. Catherine Wendel was born April 2, 1850, in Germany, and emi- grated to America with her father. Philip Becker, in 1866. He settled in Lee County, Ill., where Miss Catherine lived until her marriage. Her par- ents are now in Hanover, Kan.

As a man and a citizen, Mr. Wendel has always borne an irreproachable character, possessing those reliable and substantial traits which have gained him the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen. He has always maintained the most unselfish inter-

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est in the building up of his adopted county, and is one of those men to whom it is indebted for its present prosperous condition. The town of Han- over was brought into existence by men of intelli- gence and enterprise, among whom Mr. Wendel occupies no secondary position.

C TIS 1. HUTCHINGS, the leading popular photographer in the city of Washington, has a neat and well-appointed gallery here and is doing an extensive business. Ile was born in Muneie, Delaware Co., Ind., April 1. 1860. His father, John Hutchings, was born. it is supposed, in Virginia, and it is thought that his grandfather spent his entire life there. At some period of his life the father of our subject took up his residence in Delaware County, Ind., and for some years was en- gaged in the mercantile business in Muncie. Later he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and died on his farm seven miles from Muncie in 1867, his community thus being deprived of a worthy citizen. a man of public spirit and enterprise, a good neighbor and one who was true in his family rela- tions. The maiden name of his wife was Eliza A. Ribble, and she was of German ancestry. She was left a widow with twelve children, but she bravely struggled to keep her family together and reared them to be good and useful members of society, an honor to her and to the communities in which they make their homes. She removed to Clarinda, Iowa, and has resided there the greater part of the time since.

Otis Hutchings gleaned the greater part of his education in the public schools of Clarinda, and as soon as large enough eagerly sought work. as with characteristic manliness and self-reliance he wished to relieve his mother of his support. He served an apprenticeship at the cigar trade in Ohio, and worked at it three years. and then commenced to learn the photographer's art in a photograph car on the Union Pacific Railway., and in 1886 he followed that pro- fession in Visalia, Cal. Ile subsequently returned eastward. and formed a partnership with his brother V. Hutchings, and building a car, worked the towns on the Central Branch Railway with good financial

success. In 1888 Mr. Hutchings eame to Washington and opened a gallery here, which he fitted up taste- fully, with all the modern appliances of the photogra- pher's art. and has been eminently successful, secnr- ing the patronage of the best people of the city and surrounding country.

Mr. Hutchings was married Oct. 18, 1888, to Miss Mary Crum, a native of Atchison, Kas. She is a true home - maker, and presides charmingly over their home, rendering it cozy and attractive to their friends. They are parents of one child, a son.

Mr. Hutchings is a young man of much genuine talent, and has a thorough knowledge of his art and a decided taste for it, and with a career beginning so auspiciously has a bright and promising future before him.

NDREW J. IMAN, is a well-known nursery- man of Washington County. Ilis stock is one of the best, and gives universal satis- faction to all who have bought of him. He is prepared to furnish any kind of nursery stock that may be called for. He has about twenty-five acres in vineyard and various kinds and varieties of fruits. Four acres additional are devoted entirely to apple trees. He owns 160 acres on section 20, Sheridan Township, and it is all under cultivation or in pasture and meadow. In addition to the nur- sery business, he carries on general farming and keeps good grades of horses, cattle, and hogs. Hle also has a molasses factory on his farm.

Mr. Iman was born in West Virginia, Oct. 15. 1849. He was there reared to manhood, and came to Kansas with his parents. William and Lucinda ( Maleolm) Iman. They were born in Virginia. The father of William Iman was Emanuel, also a na- tive of West Virginia and of German descent. The father of Lucinda (Malcolm) Iman, was William Malcolm of Scotland, who having come to America reared his family in Virginia and there died.

In the year 1871, Mr. Iman took up 160 acres of land under the Homestead Act. Ile built a little frame house in which he kept "bachelor's hall" until his marriage. Previous to that interesting event he had made some improvements upon the farm. In the spring of 1884 he began the nursery business,

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and by his honest dealing has built up an extensive trade. He guarantees all the stock he sells, and is straightforward in all his business transactions.

At the home of the bride in this county, in Jan_ uary 1875, Mr. Iman was united in marriage with Miss Mary J., daughter of Calvin and Mary A. Griffith. Three children are yet living to brighten the fireside of Mr. and Mrs. Iman. They are named respectively : Florence, Albert C. and Carrie M. The third born, Charles, died at the age of four months.

Mr. Iman is a member of the A. O. U. W. of Clifton, and also of the Select Knights of the same place. He is not only an honorable business man, but is a hospitable and whole-souled neighbor, and a reliable citizen.

ENRY H. ELDER, Esq., is the proprietor of "Sunny Side Farm,"and Postmaster of the post-office of DeWitt, which he keeps in his house. "Sunny Side Farm" is one of the most beautiful places in Washington County. It comprises 320 acres, all under the plow and neatly fenced. The dwelling is a substantial and well de- signed structure, 19x33 feet, and two and a half stories high, having two good rooms on the third floor. It was the first good house built in this part of the county, and was erected in 1880. An ade- quate number of stables and other outbuildings are conveniently located upon the estate. A great number of trees are now growing at "Sunny Side." There are 6.000 forest trees, 150 apple, 200 mul- berry, and some peach trees. The vineyard con- tains about 500 stands of grapes, and the place is also well supplied with small fruit.

The owner of this beautiful estate is a native of Johnson County, Ind. From childhood to the age of fifteen he was reared in Brown County, Ind. He is a son of Stephen and Anna (Stuart) Elder. The latter was a daughter of James Stuart, who emi- grated from Scotland to America when a boy. James Stuart was a direct descendant of the re- nowned Scotch family of that name. In the spring of 1849, Stephen Ekler, with his family of eight

children, removed to Marion County, Iowa. There he still lives on a farm. He has reached the ad- vanced age of eighty-two years, and his wife that of eighty.

Our subject began life for himself by taking a trip to California in 1854, when a youth of nine- teen years. In company with others he crossed the Missouri River on the 4th of May, and reached Oregon City on the 6th of September, making the trip with an ox team. Going from Oregon to Cal- ifornia he worked in the mines for eleven months. He bought in with a friend, and they worked to- gether for that length of time, taking out $6,000. Mr. Elder's share was $3,000, and with this he thought he would take a trip home. Taking ship at San Francisco, Cal, Oet. 5, 1855, he reached New York via the Isthmus of Panama, landing in the metropolis the 3d of November. On reaching Iowa he bought a share in his brother's store at Knoxville, where he remained about two years. He then sold out and engaged in farming. at which oc- cupation he continued until 1869. He then, with a family of five children, removed to Kansas, set- tling near Lawrence. There he bought a farm on which he sojourned three years. Selling out, he went to Alton, formerly Bull City, where he pre- empted a piece of land. In 1874, having traded his place there for the northeast quarter of section 19 in Coleman Township, he prepared to move to this county. Before settling on his new place, how- ever, he made a visit to his former home. He spent a year in Iowa, and then settled where he now re- sides. He had bought the northwest quarter of section 19, adjoining that which he had obtained by exchange, and the whole forms his present fine estate of "Sunny Side." He pays considerable at- tention to stock-raising, and has some very good grades on his place.

The marriage of Mr. Elder took place Dec. 14, 1856, at the bride's home in lowa. The lady with whom he was united was Miss Sarah E. Collins, a daughter of Dr. Thomas and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Collins, of Oskaloosa. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Elder came to lowa in 1847 from Indiana. They were among the pioneers of the former State, where they lived until very aged. Mr. and Mrs. Elder have been blessed by the birth of eight chil-

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dren. All have been very healthy, a physician never having been called for any of them.

The eldest daughter, Ida, married S. T. Bissel. They reside on their farm in Washington Town- ship in this county. They have two children. Jennie, the second daughter, married C. W. Flaiz of this county. He is a Seventh Day Adventist minister, and will locate in Minnesota. They have four children. William, the oldest son, lives in Des- Moines, Iowa, where he works at the trade of ma- chinist. Ile has two children. Harry F. is now living in this county, where he owns a farm. He has one child. Rena is now attending school at Emporia. She has also attended the University at Battle Creek, Mich.,and at Healdsburg, Sonoma Co., Cal. She is a teacher by profession; Anna is at. school in Emporia; she also attended school at Healdsburg, Cal. Freddie, a lad at home. and Charlie, the baby. Mr. Elder has taken great pains to thoroughly educate his children. Misses Rena and Anna are both well versed in mu- sie in addition to their other accomplishments.

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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 113

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

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