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 116

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 116
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 116
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 116

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. Beek thus served almost fifteen years in the army. In June, 1877 he sought the haunts of peace, coming to Mariadahl, Kan., where his wife lived with her parents. Soon afterward he pur- chased 150 acres of wild land from which he has built up his present homestead. Being likewise a earpenter and mason as well as a military man, he put up his own house and did much of the work on the adjacent buildings. Ile has all the necessary structures for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain, besides corn-cribs, a wind-mill, water-tanks, fruit and forest trees and all the other appurtenan- ces of the ideal country estate. Besides this prop- erty he owns eighty acres of improved land in Marshall County, almost adjoining his homestead. Ile takes life easy-in fact " lives like a Duke." Ilis land is mostly devoted to stock-raising.

In Leavenworth, Kan., on the 24th of July, 1874. occurred the marriage of Frederick Beck with Miss Christine Peterson, Mrs. Beck was born in Jon-

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opingsland, Sweden, Feb. 2, 1854, and lived there until thirteen years old. She then came to America with her parents, educated herself in English and took care of herself until her marriage. Her parents were Charles E. and Johana Fredricka (Johnson) Peterson, who emigrated to the I'nited States in 1867 and located near Mariadahl, Kan., where the father acquired 200 acres of land upon which he operated until his death, in 1887. The mother is still living near her children in Swede Creek Town- ship and belongs to the Lutheran Church. Her brother, Charles J., is a farmer of Swede Creek Township. Iler sister, Mary J., (Mrs. Fosburg) lives in Cleburne. These three comprise the chil- dren of the parental family.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beck: Irene and Eugenia, twins, and Esther. Eugenia died when seventeen months old. Mr. Beck, politically, is a true-blue Republican with no aspirations for office. Mrs. Beck is a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church at Mariadahl. A handsome lithographie view of Mr. Beck's residence is shown on another page of this book.

OB S. WALLACE, M. D., a rising young physician of Barnes, is one of the most popu- lar young men of his profession in Washing- ton County. Conscientious,and ambitions to excel, he gives to the details of his practice that close attention which can hardly fail of success. He has been established in Barnes since 1885, and is building up a lucrative business among its best people. He was born in Madison County. Iowa, Oct. 14, 1855. and is the son of Mac S. Wallace, a native of Decatur County, Ind.

The father of our subject was born March 13. 1823, and remained a resident of his native State until 1842. Then, seeking the country west of the Mississippi, he emigrated to Washington County, Iowa, where he followed farming and mill- ing and rested from his labors in 1880. He was a man of high moral character and from early youth a consistent member of the Baptist Church. He married Miss Mary E. Shirk, a native of his own county in Indiana. The mother of our sub-

jeet was born Feb. 23, 1825, and is still living, making her home in Linn County. Kan. The household circle was completed by the birth of eight children, of whom Job S. was the fifth. He was reared on a farm in Washington County, Iowa, and acquired his education in the best schools and academies of that county. When about twenty-two years old he turned his attention to the study of medicine, and began reading with Dr. W. E. Fraser, of Washington County, Iowa, taking two full terms of lectures at the State Uni- versity of Iowa. In due time he entered the Northwestern Medical College at St. Joseph, Mo .. from which he was graduated with honors. and commenced the practice of his chosen profession in 1882 at Grace Hill. Iowa. He remained there one year, then came to Kansas and established himself at Barnes, where he has since been located.

Dr. Wallace was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Beck, May 11, 1884. at the bride's home in Ilollenburg. Mrs. Wallace was born in Sweden in 1866, and is the daughter of Andrew and Mary Beck, who were likewise natives of that country. Of this union there has been born one son, Fred- eriek, June 28, 1885. The little family occu- pies a snug home in the northern part of the town and have drawn around them many friends. The doctor has been a close student and an extensive reader, and keeps himself thoroughly posted upon the matters connected with his profession. He is prominent both in business and social circles, and is a member in high standing of the I. O. O. F., the A. F. & A. M. and Modern Woodmen of Ameriea. There are before him all the prospects of an honorable and successful career, in which he is given godspeed by hosts of friends.

G EORGE W. FREEBY is one of the exten- sive farmers of Washington County, and in connection with his agricultural work raises considerable stock. His home is on seetion 20. Barnes Township, and he is the owner of 360 acres in that and sections 21, 28 and 29. He started in life poor. and what he has made has been the result of hard work and perseverance.

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Before entering upon a brief sketch of the life of our subject, a few words in regard to his parents will not be out of place. His father, John Freeby, was born in Ohio in 1810. IIe moved to Indiana and settled in Allen County, but afterward moved to DeKalb County, where he lived until his death. That sad event took place in Marshall County, Kan., where he was visiting, Feb. 12, 1886. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, but for many years before his death followed farming. He ac- cumulated considerable means during his life. He was a son of George Freeby, who was born in Germany, and who, being left an orphan when young, came to America at the age of fourteen. He settled in Pennsylvania and married there. He served in the war of 1812.

John Freeby married Miss Sarah A. Allen, who was born near Portland, Me., in 1814. She was reared to the age of eighteen in her native place, and then moved to Miami County, Ohio, where she was married at the age of nineteen. She was a daughter of Isaae Allen, and of English ex- traetion. She bore her husband eleven children, namely: Sullivan D., Mary E., Maria L., George W., Margaret, Catherine A., John II., Sarah A., Celia C., Olive R. and Emma D.

The gentleman of whom we write was the fourth child of the parental family, and was born in Allen County, Ind., Jan. 14, 1841. He was reared on a farm in DeKalb County, Ind., and received all the advantages possible in rural distriets. In 1861 he joined the patriotie band who were ready to give their lives, if need be, for the preservation of the I'nion, and was enrolled as a private in Company F, 44th Indiana Regiment. The regiment was attached to the Third Army Corps under Grant, and took part in the battles of Ft. Donelson and Shiloh, and in 'other smaller engagements. Mr. Freeby contracted disease and spent much time in the hospitals. He remained attached to the service, however, until 1865, when his term of en- listment expired, and he accepted his discharge. He has ever since been a sufferer, and at the pres- ent writing is in quite feeble health. Upon being mustered ont of service be returned to DeKalb County, Ind .. where he worked at the trade of a carpenter and joiner until 1878. At that date he

removed to Kansas, settling as before mentioned. In DeKalb County, Ind., Jan. 14, 1867, the rites of wedlock were performed between Mr. Freeby and Miss Melinda J. Riehey. The bride was born in the county in which she was married, March 14, 1847, and is a daughter of Elijah and Margaret (Lautzenbeiser) Richey. The union of our sub- jeet and his wife has been blessed by the birth of eight children: Lewis B., George E., James E., John E .. Cyrus E., Nettie M., Clara P. and Henry E.

Mr. Freeby belongs to Barnes Post, No. 363, G. A. R. He votes with the Republican party, believing that its principles will best advance the interests of the country. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A man of the striet- est integrity and honesty, industrious, intelligent and courteous, Mr. Freeby commands the respect of his fellow citizens.

0 TIS D. FROST. This gentleman has been a resident of Washington County since 1878, and for the past nine years has been lo- cated on section 1, Farmington Township, where he devotes his attention to farming and stoek-rais- ing. The 160 acres of land which he there owns are well-cultivated and improved, and his home is a pleasant one.

The parents of our subjeet are Frederick A., and Adaline A. (Darling) Frost, natives of Massachu- setts, tlie one having been born in Cambridge, and the other in New Bedford. They first settled in the former eity, and in 1867, removed from there to Cerro Gordo County, lowa, where they have sinee resided. The father is a gardener by trade. The parental family consisted of seven ehildren, he of whom we write being the sixth in order of birth.

Otis D. Frost was born in Cambridge, Mass., May 30, 1856, and removing with his parents to Iowa when a boy, he continued with them until he attained to man's estate. He then came to this State, and after spending two years with his brother, F. W. Frost, he located upon his own land as above stated. In Lincoln, Neb., May 30, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah M. Stew- art. She is a native of Iowa, and a daughter of

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A. J. and Frances M. (Bolt) Stewart, who are now residents of Farmington Township. (For sketch of A. J. Stewart, see another page). Mr. and Mrs. Frost have been blessed by the birth of two sons, Claude E. and Austin E.

Mr. Frost in his political views is a Republican. He is a man of integrity and uprightness, intelligent and enterprising, and as such is esteemed by all who know him.

NDREW J. STEWART. The highly cul- tivated farms of Washington County, and the fine stock grazing on its plains are a standing monument to the energy and perseverance of her agriculturists. Among those who have borne a share in producing these results is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article. His home is pleasantly located on section 3 in Farmington Township, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising on his finely improved farm of 320 broad acres. Here he has re- sided for about nine years, although he has been a resident of this county for nearly twice that period.

Andrew Stewart, the father of our subject, was born in Athens County, Ohio, and after reaching man's estate was united in marriage with Sarah Rutan. They soon afterward settled in the northern part of Indiana and from there emigrated to Van Buren County, Iowa. about 1842. There the father died about a year later. The mother still survives, making her home with a daughter in Nebraska.

The parental family consisted of nine children, of whom our subject was the eighth, and was born June 20, 1843. When quite small he accompanied " his mother to Lee Co., Iowa, and when eleven years of age removed with her to Pottawatamie County. Thence she went to Montgomery County, where her son, our subject, grew to manhood. In that county he was married March 28, 1863 to Miss Frances Bolt, a sister of Mrs. Richmond Bond, of Charleston Township. (See sketch of Richmond Bond). Mr. and Mrs. Stewart remained in Mont- gomery County for some time after their marriage

and thence removed to Dodge County, Neb. There our subject homesteaded eighty acres of land, on which the family lived for seven years. Ile then sold and came to this county in the fall of 1874, locating about three miles east of IIollenberg. There they remained about six years and then came to their present farm.

Mrs. Stewart was born in Brown County, Ind., Dec. 4, 1845. Her father, Charles Bolt, died in Lucas County, Iowa, and her mother, Mahala (Walker) Bolt, in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have become the parents of nine children. namely: Charles A., Sarah M., Mary, Laura, Jesse, Emma, William, Victor, and Earl. Sarah M. is the wife of O. D. Frost, whose sketch is presented on another page of this volume. Mary is the wife of W. M. Perkins.

When living in Montgomery County, Iowa, Mr. Stewart served as a minute man in the State Militia. for about two and one-half years. The head- quarters were Clarinda, Iowa. When the rebel Gen. Pryor made his raid in northern Missouri, the minute men were called out, but were not engaged in any active service. Mr. Stewart is a Republican, and takes quite an interest in local affairs, always exerting his influence to aid worthy causes. He is an energetic business man, a reliable citizen, a kind husband and father, and his good qualities win him friends wherever he is known.

B ENJAMIN F. MORGAN, M.D. The main points in the history of the life of this gen- tleman, the leading practitioner of Riley. are as follows: He was born at Pella, Iowa, Aug. 3, 1857, and was the son of Elijah D. and Kerilla A. D. (Wilhite) Morgan, the former of whom was born in Sardius, Mason Co., Ky .. April 1,1814.

The father of our subject was reared in his native county where he received a practical education and when a young man of twenty years, set his face toward the Great West. crossing the Father of Waters and locating in the infant town of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. After a lapse of sixteen years we find him a resident of Pella, where he sojourned

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until 1887. That year he changed his residence to Clay Center, Kan., where he now resides. He was a tailor by trade which he followed during his younger years, but at Pella, Iowa, turned his atten- tion to another business, establishing the Iowa Central Nursery which he operated for about twenty-five years. He then retired from active business. He has been successful financially and is now surrounded by all the comforts of life. Politi- cally, he supports the principles of the Republican party. He is a very enthusiastic Mason and is a charter member and was the first Master of the Pella Lodge. Since early manhood he has been a member of the Baptist Church.

Mrs. Kerilla A. D. Morgan, the mother of our subject; was born in Crawfordsville, Ind., Nov. 15, 1812, and is still living, in the enjoyment of good health. She was married to Elijah Morgan in Crawfordsville, Ind., on the 14th of April, 1837. They became the parents of eight children, viz .: Henry J., John S., Mattie M., Horace W., Teda A., Benjamin F., Curtis C. and Wilbur F. Benjamin was the sixth child of his parents and was reared in Pella, Iowa, where he received his early educa- tion in the common school. Later he attended the Iowa Central University at Pella. In 1880 he re- moved to Western Kansas where he remained a short time, but later visited Colorado where he spent a few months, then returning to WaKeeney. Kan., engaged in mercantile pursuits two years.

Not yet having found that which was exactly congenial to his tastes. our subject now took up the study of medicine under Dr. A. B. Jones, and in due time entered the Iowa College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he took a full course and later attended lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago. After being duly graduated he commenced the practice of his profession at WaKeeney, Kan., but on the 22d of June, 1887, took up his abode in Riley, where he has since followed the practice of his profession successfully and become one of the leading men of the place. He is a member of the Kansas State Medical Association and belongs to Garfield Lodge, No. 235, A. F. & A. M., at Leonard- ville. Politically, he is a sound Republican and a hard worker for the party.

In WaKeeney, Kan., on the 22d of May, 1882,

Dr. Morgan was united in marriage with Miss Lucy M. Hanna, of WaKeeney, Kan. Mrs. Morgan was born in Alton, Ill., Oct. 15, 1864, and is the daugh- ter of Benjamin J. F. and Margaret P. (Phillips) Hanna. the latter a sister of Hon. William A. Phil- lips, of Salina, Kan. There has been born of this union one child, a son, Edwin C., March 29, 1885.

ON. EUGENE K. FELT. The people of Barnes, Washington County, and vicinity, unanimously speak of Mr. Felt as "a good man in every respect." This is plain, de- cisive language. and abundantly indicative of the estimation in which he is held by the people of his community. He is possessed of those qualities of character most needed in laying the foundations of society and good order, and he has contributed liberally of his time and means to advance the in- terests of his adopted county. Ile has been for years one of the most enterprising business men of Barnes, and at present is largely interested in the lumber trade. Prior to his removal to Kansas he was, for a number of years, a resident of Beloit, Wis.

Webster, Monroe Co., N. Y., was the native place of our subject, and the date of his birth was April 11, 1838. His father, Asa G. Felt, was born in New Hampshire in 1791. The latter sojourned in the Old Granite State until reaching his twentieth year, and then emigrating to the vicinity of Web- ster, Monroe Co., N. Y., lived there until 1846. That year he pushed on further Westward into Wisconsin, settling near Beloit, where he engaged in farming, and died in 1871. He was a man sue- cessful, financially, accumulating a good property. He was a member of the Baptist Church from early manhood, and was instrumental in having churches established, both in New York and Wisconsin. Ile was prominent in his community, and held many of the minor offices. His father, Joseph Felt, was likewise a native of New Hampshire, and served seven years in the Revolutionary War.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject was llenrietta Foster. She was born in Webster

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Monroe Co., N. Y., about 1796, accompanied her husband to Wisconsin, and died there in 1876. The maternal grandfather was Abram Foster, likewise a native of the Empire State, and grandfather of C. G. Foster, a United States District Judge of Kansas. To Asa and Henrietta Felt there was born a family of ten children, who were named respect- ively: Eunice, Betsey, Alvira. Philester, Plebe, Hannibal, Sally, Clementina, Mary A. and Eugene K. The latter, the youngest of the family, was eight years old when his parents removed to Wis- consin. where he was reared upon the farm, and followed agriculture until 1881, and in 1883 came to Kansas and established the lumber business, in which he is now engaged. In the meantime he purchased 320 acres of improved land on sections 3 and 9, Barnes Township, where he superintends the operations of farming and stock-raising. His farm is finely improved.

Mr. Felt started out in life at the foot of the ladder, and his present surroundings, together with the extent of his possessions, indicate the perse- verance and industry with which he has labored. Ilis residence, just completed, is one of the best dwellings in Barnes, combining all the comforts and conveniences of modern life. With its sur- roundings, it forms onejof the most pleasant and comfortable homes in the town.

On the 16th of May, 1861, Mr. Felt was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Morris, of Green County, Wis. This lady was born in Rochester N. Y., April 12. 1839, and is the daughter of Will- iam S. and Zabiah (Gregg) Morris, who were na- tives of New York State. This union has been blest by the birth of twelve children, viz: Dorr E., Lola A., Minnie, Matie A., Artie, Fred K., Earl. Flora C., Gertie E., Vinnie B., Louis F. and Rob- ert G. Dorr E., the eldest, has won for himself a wide reputation as the inventor of the comptometer and comtograph, which are attracting so much at- tention at the present time. It is claimed by Mr. Felt, and the scientific men of this and foreign countries, that these machines will work out any mathematical problem required. They are regarded hy inventors as the most wonderful piece of mech- anism in existence, and were adopted for use in the United States 'Treasury about two years ago, ;

and are now used in most of the departments. Many are also used in the city of Chicago. All the children of Mr. Felt have been carefully trained and edueated in a manner suited to their position in life.

Mr. Felt, politically, is a sound Republican, and for years has been prominent in the councils of his party in this section. In 1872-73 he represented Beloit in the Wisconsin Legislature, and again in 1874-75. The nomination was made by acclama- tion, and his election was a great triumph, not only for himself. but his party in that region. While occupying his seat in the Legislature, he was ever found carefully looking after the interests of his constituents, and served as Chairman of the Committee on Railroads, while his advice was often sought in regard to other important matters. He has been a life-long reader, and keeps himself thor- oughly posted in regard to matters of general in- terest. He occupies no secondary position in Wash- ington County, and is properly classed among its representative men.

ACOB GERMANN. Among the homestead- ers of 1869 who came to Clay County and selected their location in Bloom Township, was Mr. Germann, who secured 160 acres of land on section 11, made some improvements and lived there seven years. In 1875 he sold out and went eastward as far as Madison County. Il., where he sojourned two years, but not being as contented there as in Kansas. he came back in 1877, loeating again in Bloom Township and purchasing 160 acres of land on sections 2 and 3. Here he has since maintained his residence and given his undivided time and attention to the improvement of his property. His land is finely located and well watered by Mulberry Creek, so that it has been comparatively without effort that it has been brought to a very fertile condition, yielding the rich crops of Northern Kansas. For the past two or three years Mr. Germann has made a specialty 01 live stock of which he has a goodly assortment. including horses, cattle and swine.

Bloom Township recognizes as among its best

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elements its peaceable Swiss population. to which nationality the subject of this sketch belongs. He was born in the Canton of Thurgau, Oet. 24, 1835. He is the offspring of an old and highly re- spected family and the son of Jacob Germann, Sr., who was a cooper by trade and spent his entire life in his native country, dying at the age of sixty- five years. He was the father of twenty-nine children, eighteen sous and eleven daughters, hav- ing been thrice married and having eleven children by the first wife, eleven by the second, and seven by the third. Jacob, Jr., our subject, was a lad of four years at his father's death and the twenty-eighth child, and of all this large family he was the only one coming to the United States. His motlier in her girlhood was Miss Kate Baltzsieker. She lived to the advanced age of eighty-nine years, dying in 1867.

Jacob Germann, Jr., was reared amid the quiet seenes of farm life in Switzerland and came to America a single man. Upon leaving his native place he repaired to Havre, France. and upon the 13th of March, 1861, boarded a sailing vessel, the " City of Zurich," and after a voyage of forty- three days landed in New York City. Thence he proceeded to Columbus, Ohio, arriving there with a capital of two cents in his pocket. Shortly after- ward he fortunately found a friend who paid his way to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he found work and remained until the following August. On the 2d of that month the Civil War being in progress, he enlisted as a Union soldier in Company E, 37th Ohio Infantry, the company under command of Capt. Reywinkle, and the regiment commanded by Col. Seibert. They were shortly afterward ordered to the front, and Mr. Germann participated in the battles of Princeton. W. Va., Cotton Hill, Cowley Bridge, and thenee marehed upon Vicksburg, fight- ing the terrible battle there, after which he met the enemy at Jackson, Miss .. and Missionary Ridge, and was engaged in various minor conflicts. He then secured a thirty days' furlough, and after re- joining his regiment, fought at Ringgold, Resaca. Dallas, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, and was in all the battles of that campaign. He likewise marched to Atlanta and back to Louisville, Ky., whence the regiment was ordered to Little Rock, |

Ark., and soon afterward, the war having closed, Mr. Germann, on the '26thi of August, 1865, re- eeived his honorable discharge. He served over four years, having veteranized after the expiration of his first term of enlistment. Although frequent- ly in the thickest of the fight he escaped without being wounded, but suffered a sunstroke and was ill for seven weeks.

l'pon leaving the army Mr. Germann returned to his old haunts in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he staid one year and then went to Madison County, Ill. He was married there Sept. 17, 1868, to Miss Mary A. Miller, a native of his own country and who was born Aug. 18, 1851. Mrs. Germann eame when a girl of fifteen years with her parents to America, they locating at St. Jacobs, Ill. The father, Samuel Miller, was a tailor by trade and still follows it in that place. His wife, Mrs. Anna M. (Hafflger) Miller, is likewise living, and both parents are about sixty-six years old. The mother is quite feeble. Both are members of the German Reformed Church. Mr. Germann, upon becoming a voting eitizen, identified himself with the Demo- cratie party. and he and his wife are Catholies in religion.

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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 116

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

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