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 124

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 124
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 124
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 124

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).

been otherwise prominent in its councils. In his school district he has officiated as Treasurer.

The residence of our subject was completed in the summer of 1880. Not far from it is a flourish- ing apple orchard of 1,000 trees in good bearing condition, and besides there are 200 pear trees, twenty-five peach, twenty-five cherry, 100 plum, ten apricot trees, and a half acre of grapes, besides currants and the smaller fruits. Mr. Schniederjans is quite a successful apiarist, having fourteen hives of bees, which keep the family supplied with a first- class quality of honey. lle is also considerably interested in live stock. having sixty-four head of cattle, 110 head of swine and fifteen horses. As a man and a citizen, John B. Schneiderjans stands second to none in his community, occupying a high position in both social and business circles. His thrift and industry have proved an incentive to many about him and he has exercised a sensible in- finence among the intelligent and leading men of his township. Both he and his estimable wife number their acquaintances among its best people and their home is the frequent resort of the many friends they have gathered around them during their sojourn in this county.

ATHEW McKELVY, senior member of the firm of MeKelvy Bros .. the leading dry- goods merchants of Barnes, is widely and favorably known throughout the south- eastern part of Washington County as one of its most enterprising and reliable citizens. The firm transacts the bulk of the mercantile business in this section and occupy the finest building in the place. a substantial stone structure, built in the fall of 1889, well lighted and commodious, an ornament to the town and which will stand for years to come as a monument to the enterprise of the proprietors. MeKelvy Bros., carry a large and well-assorted stock of general merchandise and enjoy the patron- age of the best people of this section.

A native of County Antrim, Ireland, Mathew McKelvy was born May 21. 1846, and is the son of James and Nancy (Erwin) MeKelvy, the former of whom was born in Scotland in 1817. The father

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of our subjeet emigrated to America in 1853 and settled in Wyandot County, Ohio, where he lived until 1870. Then, determining to seek the farther West, he emigrated with his family across the Mississippi, and coming to Washington County, Kan., settled on a tract of land on seetion 34, in what is now Logan Township. 1Ie developed his land, built up a comfortable homestead and died there Oct. 12, 1880. He was reared in the doc- trines of the Presbyterian Church, but later in life connected himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was an active and highly esteemed member until his death. In polities he was a sound Republican, and he held a high position in the Masonie fraternity.

Mrs. Naney (Erwin) MeKelvy, the mother of our subject, was born in Ireland in 1823, and is still living, making her home with her son Mathew, in Barnes. The parental family consisted of nine children. viz .. Elizabeth, Mathew, James, Sarah, Robert, Moses, William S., Margaret and John G. Mathew was the second child, and until the year 1869 spent his early life on the farm in Wyandot County, Ohio. He attended the district school and assisted his parents around the homestead un- til after the outbreak of the Civil War. Then, in 1864, when a youth of seventeen years, he en- listed as a private in Company HI, 144th Ohio National Guards, which was attached to the 6th Army Corps, and was under the command of Gen. Phil Sheridan, in the Shenandoah Valley. He par- ticipated in the battles of Frederick City and Winchester, and met the enemy in many minor en- gagements. At the expiration of his three months' term of enlistment he received his honorable dis- charge.

Mr. MeKelvy in 1869 came to this State and homesteaded 160 acres of land on section 29, Barnes Township, where he followed farming until 1884. Then selling out he invested a part of his capital in general merchandise, and in partnership with his brother William S., established himself in business at Barnes. In starting out for himself he had no capital, but he was possessed of those busi- ness qualities and the habits of industry and perse- verance necessary to success. He has been since a young man of twenty-one years. an active member

of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is also connected with Post No. 363 G. A. R., at Barnes. In 1884 he was elected a Trustee of Barnes Town- ship, but feeling that he could not do justice to the duties of the office, resigned when engaging in bus- iness. Politically he is a strong supporter of the Republican party.

While a resident of Washington, Mr. McKelvy was married Oct. 4, 1871, to Miss Kate Carter, of Livingston County, N.Y. Mrs. MeKelvy was born in that county, Nov. 13. 1850, and is the daughter of Roswell and Harriet (Porter) Carter natives of the Empire State. The household thus established has been brightened by the birth of five children, viz., William P., Myrtie E., Esther A., Ira M. and Ernest F. The MeKelvy residence is a tasteful and comfortable structure, located in the northern part of the town, handsomely furnished and having the air of comfort indicative of ample means and refined tastes. The town of Barnes justly feels proud of the MeKelvy brothers, both as business men and as citizens, and they have be- come identified with its most important interests.

OHNSON VANKIRK. The hospitality of the Western farmer is becoming proverbial. and nowhere will friend or stranger find more cordial welcome than under the roof of the above-named gentleman. IIis home is pleas- antly located on section 19, Logan Township,. Wash- ington County, where he is engaged in stoek-rais- ing and feeding. His 160 aeres are well improved and his fine vineyard and orchard form an attract- ive feature in the landscape.

Mr. Vankirk is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Pettit) Vankirk, natives of New Jersey. The Van- kirk's are of Holland extraetion. The grandfather, William Vankirk, served for three months during the Revolutionary War. HIe subsequently pre-emp- ted land in Washington County, Pa., and there passed the remainder of his life. Henry Vankirk was eighteen years old when the family settled in Western Pennsylvania. where he passed the rest of his life and died at the age of sixty-two years. His wife passed from earth at the age of forty-two.

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The parental family consisted of Sarah Ann, the wife of W. M. Evans, who died at Melvern. Iowa : Foster, who died in Pennsylvania ; Caro- line, who married Wilson Paterson, and died in Washington County, Pa .; Thomas W., who also died in that State ; Deborab, who married J. B. Hagerty, and died in Ottawa, Ill., aged forty-two years ; Jesse, who died in Pennsylvania, aged twenty-eight years ; Johnson, our subject ; and Phobe, who died in childhood.

Mr. Vankirk was born in Washington County, Pa., Dec. 2, 1827. Ile was reared upon a farm and resided in his native State until 1859. During the Mexican War he volunteered as a soldier, but no more troops being needed he was not mustered into the service. Miss Mary A. Porter. a native of Fayette County, Pa., won the regard of the young man, and on Dec. 4, 1849, they were united in marriage. Ten years after that happy event they removed to Illinois, settling near Ottawa, LaSalle County, where Mr. Vankirk purchased eighty acres of raw prairie land. To this he subsequently added forty acres, improving the whole and making it the family home until 1870. He then removed to Streator, becoming owner of a part of the city (fifty-six lots), and putting down a coal shaft there. After a residence of eighteen months Mr. Vankirk returned to farm life, renting a farm near Dwight. He, however, retained property in Streator for some time longer. In December. 1875, he started for Kansas, the journey being made with team and wagon. In January, 1876. he stopped at High_ land, Doniphan County, and there followed agricul- ture during the succeeding five years. At the ex- piration of that time he came to this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Vankirk are the parents of seven children, two of whom have been taken from them by death: Thomas II. died at the age of twenty- three, and Cephas P. at the age of six years. Sadie is the wife of Thomas D. Bowers, residing at Streator, Ill .; Ella, James, John and Katie are un- married.

Mr. Vankirk is a Republican and has voted with that party from its earliest days. He has been a member of the School Board here, and was Trustee of Public Schools in Farm Ridge, LaSalle Co., Ill. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in

which he has been an Elder since the age of twenty- five. He was ordained at MeClellandtown, Pa., and was again installed at Farm Ridge Church, Ill., at Highland, Kan., and Washington.

Mr. and Mrs. Vankirk are people of intelligence and refinement, and very popular among their ac- quaintances. who find the best entertainment in their pleasant home. Their sterling worth insures them the respect of all who know them. and their friends are many and sincere.

A. GODARD. junior member of the firm of Harkness & Godard of Clay Center came to this place with his partner in Oct- ober, 1879, and they engaged in the law practice, in which they are building up a lucrative business, also a fine reputation. Mr. Godard like his partner was born in Bradford County, Pa., Dec. 18, 1855, and remained there until a lad of fifteen years when he left home for the purpose of attending school at Waverly, N. Y. Subsequently he pursued his studies in the University at Syra- cuse, N. Y., three years, and from there came to Kansas and prosecuted his law studies in the office of Hayden & Hayden of Holton. He was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1879, and at once com- menced practice with Mr. Harkness, since which time they have been recognized as among the ablest lawyers of this part of Kansas.

The father of our subject was E. A. Godard, likewise a native of Bradford County, Pa., having been born in 1819. 1Je there grew to mature years and married Miss Priscilla M. Sherwood. Then settling on a farm near Burlington, Pa., he reared his two sons and remained there until 1888 when he took up his abode with his son, A. A., with whom he still lives. The mother passed away March 2, 1886, at the age of sixty-four years.

The firm of Harkness & Godard are accredited with the possession of the best library west of To- peka in this part of the State. Although never having been a candidate for any office, Mr. Godard keeps himself well posted upon political affairs and is a live worker for the Republican party. Among the societies he is a member of Blue Lodge, Chap-

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ter and Commandery, occupying a leading position in the Masonic fraternity.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Eva Val- entine of Topeka, was celebrated at the bride's home in that city, Dec. 10, 1885. This lady was born in Ottawa County, Kan., and is the daughter of Judge D. M. Valentine, a member of the Su- preme Court. Of her union with Mr. Godard there have born two children, Guenn Priscilla and Daniel Valentine.

M ADISON COX. Mr. Cox has been a resi- dent of Kansas since 1859 and has made his home in Washington County since 1868. He has thus witnessed the remarka- ble changes in this section of the country and has contributed his quota in bringing about its present condition. He is looked upon as one of the repre- sentative men of Haddam Township, although com- paratively young in years, having been born May 2. 1856, near Bloomington, Ill.

When a child of three years Mr. Cox was taken by his parents to Marshall County, Kan., they mak- ing the journey overland by team. He there re- ceived such school advantages as could be given in a log house under the most primitive methods of instruction, and at an early age was taught hab- its of industry and economy. His father died when he was a boy of ten and his brothers being in the army, Madison, as far as he was able, took charge of the homestead, putting his shoulder bravely to the wheel and proving the main stay of his widowed mother. After the expiration of two years, however, desiring a farm upon which there was timber, the mother of our subject, came with her little family to Washington County, this State, and homesteaded 160 acres of land in Haddam Township. Madison remained with his mother, as- sisting in the improvement of the farm, until a young man of twenty years and then began oper- ating for himself. In 1878 he purchased eighty acres of land along Mulberry Creek, of which he still retains ownership and which he has brought to a good state of cultivation, effecting also good im-

provements. He has a substantial dwelling, a good barn, the necessary outhonses and a supply of native timber. The land is mostly enclosed and divided with wire fencing. Mr. Cox, in 1873 purchased forty acres additional on the same sec- tion and is quite extensively interested in stock raising-cattle, horses and swine. ITis stable con- tains a full blooded Percheron-Norman, a valuable animal of many fine points. Mr. Cox is a mem- ber and a Director of the Pereheron Stock Com- pany at Haddam, and has had no small experience in raising the standard of horse flesh in this vicin- ity.

When Mr. Cox came to Kansas he found deer and other wild animals abundant and when a boy of twelve was quite an expert with the rifle. He established domestic ties at an early age-a short time after reaching his eighteenth year-being married in Haddam, June 6, 1874, to Miss Mar- garet A. Brown. Mrs. Cox was born in Mahaska County, Iowa, June 24, 1848. Of her nnion with our subject there have been born two children, the eldest of whom, Joseph William, died July 3, 1889, at the age of thirteen years. The only remaining child is a daughter, Mary E. Mr. Cox is a Repub- lican, politically, and has been quite prominent in his party in this section, frequently serving as a delegate to the county conventions. He served as Road Supervisor one year and has been School Director in his district for the past four years. Mrs. Cox is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

John Cox, the father of our subject, was born and reared in the Old Dominion and when a young man removed to McLean County, Ill., during its pioneer days. He entered a tract of land and im- proved a farm, living there until 1859. Then crossing the Father of Waters, he located in Mar- shall County, this State, in what is now Vermilion Township, and secured 200 acres of land. Upon this lie operated successfully until his death, which took place in 1866. He was an honest man and a good citizen and from the time of its organization upheld the principles of the Republican party.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Rebecca Higgs. she was born in Ohio and was the daughter of Levi Iliggs, a farmer of the

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Buckeye State, who died there; she is still living, occupying a 120-acre farm near Haddam. Prior to his marriage with Miss Higgs, John Cox, by his first wife had become the father of six children, the eldest of whom, Sally A., is deceased. Betsy, Mrs. Foster, is a resident of Independence, this State; Daniel, Joseph and Letice are deceased. Margaret, Mrs. Carpenter, is a resident of Davis Co., Mo.

The mother of our subject was married three times. Of her first union, with Mr. Thompson, there were born three children-John, Levi and Mary C. Mary married a Mr. Patterson of Ilad- dam Township and there were born ten children. After becoming a widow the first time the mother married Mr. Turnipseed, and there were born three children-Janet L., Mrs. Foster; Henrietta, also Mrs. Foster and both residents of Haddam; and Rachel, who is now deceased. Of the third mar- riage there were born four children-Madison, the subject of this sketch; Matilda who remains at home with her mother; Emily, Mrs. Stroud, of Cheney County, Neb., and John, who farms on the homestead. John and Levi, during the late war served in the 13th Kansas Infantry in Companies D. and F. John fell mortally wounded in the battle of Missionary Ridge. Levi was killed on the march by the falling of a tree after having served for over five years. Daniel enlisted in 1861 in an Ill- inois regiment, in which he served three years then re-enlisted in a Kansas regiment and was shot while on picket duty. Joseph Cox served in an Illinois regiment and died afterward in Missouri.

ON. WARREN H. FLETCHER. Among those who sought the frontier of Northern Kansas after the close of the late Civil War, came Mr. Fletcher, in the fall of 1866, and settled three miles west of the present site of Clay Center on a homestead across the Republican River. Hle braved the dangers and difficulties of life on the border, maintained his resolution to found a home in this region and is now looked upon with that respect only accorded the early pioneers. His career has been that which his descendants will look upon with pride in after years.

By glancing at the antecedents of Mr. Fletcher, we find that he is of substantial New England stock and a native of Cornish, N. H. He was born Oct. 10, 1837, and is the son of Hiram C. Fletcher, like- wise a native of the above mentioned place, where he lived and followed the occupation of a wheel- wright. He married Miss Maria Patrick, and there were born to them three children of whom Warren H, is the only one living. After the death of his wife, in 1840, Hiram Fletcher removed to Eden, Vt., where he was subsequently married and made his home until his death, with the exception of one year which he spent in Kansas. Ilis decease oc- curred in May, 1867,

The subject of this sketeh received a good pract- ieal education in the common school and com- menced working out at the early age of nine years. Four years later he began life on his own account, working at $4 per month for nine months and the next year received $5. The year following his wages were raised to $6 per month, which was con- sidered quite good at that time. He remained in the employ of one man and in the winter season attended school and paid his way by doing chores. In 1858, when twenty-one years old, young Fletcher returned to his native town, remaining there until after the outbreak of the Civil War. On the 12th of October, 1861, he enlisted as a I'nion soldier in Company G, 2d Regiment, New Hampshire Volun- teers. This was an Independent Regiment, known as Berdan's Sharp Shooters, and reported for service at Washington, D. C., after being in Camp for In- struction all winter.

This regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and Mr. Fletcher first saw the smoke of battle at Falmouth, Va. On the first of April follow- ing (1862.) he set out on the march to Bristol Station and fourteen days later met the enemy for the first time at Falmouth. On the 9th of May following he was at Manassas Gap, and later at Harper's Ferry. The engagements which followed were Rapahannock Station, Aug. 23, 1862; Sulphur Springs, Aug. 25, Gainesville, Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam and the three engagements at Fredericksburg all occurring during that year. Later Mr. Fletcher fought at Chancellorsville in two battles and a skirmish, and was at Gettysburg,

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Trapping Heights. Auburn, Kelley's Ford, Bramly Station, Locust Grove and Mine Run. This by no means closed his fighting record, as he was in the later important battles of that campaign.

In the report of this regiment furnished later, it was found that it had embraced in numbers 1,182 men, of which 520 were killed and wounded. They captured more prisoners than their own numbers and it is believed they killed and wounded twice as many as they took prisoners. Mr. Fletcher remained with his comrades until .July, 1865, when he was made a ranking officer and mustered in as Second Lieutenant, finally being given a First Lieutenant's commission. He commanded his company there- after until the close of the war. He was mustered out at Concord, N. H., July 10, 1865, and after spending a little time among his old friends and associates came to Kansas and taking up a home- stead claim of 160 acres in Blaine Township, com- meneed the improvement of his property.

Returning, in 1868 to his native place, Mr. Fletcher was united in marriage with Miss Cassie Freeman on the 12th of March. The newly wedded pair returned at once to Kansas and lived upon the new farm until 1878. In the meantime its condi- tion was greatly changed, Mr. Fletcher being very successful in the cultivation of the soil and effect- ing the needed improvements. Of late years it has been largely devoted to live stock. Trees had been planted which are now two feet in diameter. Convenient and suitable buildings have been ereeted and the soil has been rendered fertile with the aid of the latest improved machinery.

Mr. Fletcher has always been considerably inter- ested in political affairs and has exercised due in- fluence in his community. While on the farm he was elected to the office of County Clerk in which he has served three years, being at the same time Register of Deeds. In 1877 he was elected by the Republicans of Clay County to represent them in the State Legislature. In 1869 he was elevated to the Probate Judgeship, serving one term. He has been influential in the councils of his party and is at present Secretary of the Republican Central Committee. In August, 1868, while Mr. Fletcher was serving as County Clerk the Indians of this region became troublesome. Mr. Fletcher, or-

ganized at that time a Company of Volunteers to repel the Indians -- and proceeded north to Peach Creek, where the command ascertained that there was no danger, it being simply a movement of the P'ottawatomies going westward for their annual hunt. Soon the command was disbanded and re- turned home. During the absence of Mr. Fletcher, Mrs. Huntress packed the records of the County Clerk and records of the Register of Deeds, in a small leather valise, and hid them in the hollow of a cottonwood tree. This tree is still standing across Huntress Creek on Court street.

In 1879 Mr. Fletcher, leaving his farm, removed to Clay Center and engaged in the real estate and loan business which he has since prosecuted very successfully. There have been born to him and his estimable wife eight children, five of whom are living-Frank L., Harry W., Frederick, Edith and Fanny. They all make their home with their parents. The eldest, Frank, is employed in the First National Bank as an assistant to the cashier.

Mr. Fletcher was present at the surrender of Gen. Lee and at the time purchased of a rebel officer an English sword, for $100 in Confederate money. The officer would have accepted $15 in I'nited States currency. Mr. Fletcher obtained his rebel money by sharing the spoils of a captured wagon train.

In October. 1889, Mr. Fleteher was appointed Postmaster of Clay Center by President Harrison

C HIAUNCEY A. GREEN, of Goshen Town- ship, came to his present farm in January, 1888, and is numbered among the represen- tative citizens along the northern line of Clay County. This farm comprises 160 acres of fertile land, of which 110 acres are under the plow, and the balance in pasture and meadow. He purchased this property in the fall of 1879, when only about twenty acres had been broken, and at once put up a part of his present dwelling. Gradually he ef- fected other improvements, remaining here until in December, 1883, then removed to Clay Center to assume the office of Sheriff, to which he had been elected the previous fall. Prior to this he had

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served two terms as Township Trustee, and in the meantime was elected Sheriff, serving four years. His re-election was considered a great compliment, as few men have served in this office in Clay County more than one term. At the expiration of his sec- ond term Mr. Green returned to his farm, where he has since lived.

The subject of this sketch was born in New Berlin, Waukesha Co., Wis., April 3, 1843, and was reared upon a farm, acquiring his education in the distriet school. He was a youth of eighteen years upon the outbreak of the Civil War, but in April, 1861, under the first call for 300,000 troops, he enlisted in Company C, 6th Wisconsin Infantry, and going to the front, participated in many of the important battles which followed, namely: the second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Mine Run, Chaneellorsville and Gettys- burg, and at the latter place was wounded July 1. 1863, by a gunshot in the right thigh. This dis- abled him for about five months, and he then re- joined his regiment in time to have a hand in the battles of the Wilderness. Spottsylvania, Cold Har- bor, North Anna, Petersburg, and at Weldon Rail- road was wounded in the right shoulder. Aug. 18, 1864. This disabled him for the same length of time as before, and as soon as he was able he again joined his comrades, and after participating in the Weldon Railroad raid, went down into North Carolina, fought at Five Forks. marched with his regiment to Appomattox Court-House, and was present at Lee's surrender. April 9, 1865. He went up through the Carolinas to Washington, D. C., tak- ing part in the grand review, and thence via Jef- fersonville, Ind., returned to Madison, Wis., where he received his honorable discharge.

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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 124

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

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