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 126

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 126
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 126
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 126

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).

LFRED B. FOSTER, a pioneer of 1870, established himself in Mulberry Township. Clay County, on sections 27 and 34, tak- ing up 160 acres of land when the country around him was wild and uncultivated, and over which the foot of a white man had seldom passed. He has since maintained his residence here and wit- nessed with warm interest the growth and develop- ment of the commonwealth which had passed through so many scenes of violence and bloodshed. In the struggle for the maintenance of the Union Mr. Foster has had a hand, having enlisted in July, 1862, in Company I, 96th Illinois Infantry, under Capt. Barker. the regiment being commanded by Col. Champion. They were soon ordered to the front, and Mr. Foster participated in all the engage- ments of his regiment, eighteen in number, and es- caped without a scratch, being ready to report for duty on all occasions. The 96th Illinois was one of the leading regiments of that State and did some hard fighting, covering itself with glory. Upon

receiving his honorable discharge, in July, 1865. Mr. Foster returned to Jo Daviess County, Ill., and thenee a year later, went to Iowa Falls, Iowa, where he occupied himself in the transfer business.

Later Mr. Foster returned to Illinois, and from there went to Wisconsin, where he lived one year, coming thence to Kansas. He was born in what was then the very small village of Galena, Ill., May 28, 1839, of parents who had settled in that region during its pioneer days. His father, J. W. Foster, was at one time a prosperous business man of Galena, where he settled as carly as 1825. Later he removed to Alamakee County, Iowa, where his death occured in 1879, when he was past seventy years old. He was a Republican, politically, and belonged to the United Brethren Church.

The father of our subject was first mar- ried to Miss Emma Lattimore, the mother of Al- fred B., who died in Galena when the latter was about twelve years old. There had been born to her and her husband four sons and one daughter. Alfred B. attended the Galena schools until ap- proaching his majority and gaining a fair idea of business, assisting his father. The latter after los- ing his property turned his attention to farming.

The subject of this notice was first married in Thompson, Jo Daviess Co., Ill., to Miss Sarah M. Matson who was born, reared and married in that county, and who died six months after the wedding, at the age of twenty-two years and six months. She possessed those qualities of heart and mind which greatly endeared her to her husband and friends, by whom her name is held in tender re- membrance. In 1873 Mr. Foster contracted a sec- ond matrimonial alliance with Miss Lila Stewart, whose mother had died when she was very young, and who came to Kansas with her father not long afterward. Mr. Stewart settled on a farm in Mul- berry Township, Clay County, where he spent the remainder of his life. His daughter was reared chiefly by her brother in Topeka. Of her union with our subject there were born four children -- Frank W., Hattie M., Allie B. and Jesse M. Mrs. Lila Foster departed this life at the homestead in Mulberry Township, May 29, 1889. Mr. Foster is a Methodist in religion as were both of his wives, and in politics, he is a Republican. He has served

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as Justice of the Peace and District Treasurer, and is at present District Clerk.

Mr. Foster suffered great loss by fire in 1879, nearly all his buildings being destroyed and no insurance. Making the best of circumstan- ces. however, he recovered his losses as well as lie could, and is now again comfortably situated, hav- ing rebuilt and replaced most of that which was lost. He is a member of Subordinate Lodge, I. (). (. F., at Clifton, and was a charter member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge in Clay Center.

M ARGARET READ, widow of Rev. William Read, owns a beautiful home on North Fifth street, at the corner of Webster Street, Clay Center, Clay County, the resi- dence having been built by her husband a few years before his death. She was born in Manches- ter. England, May 30, 1834, and in the city of her nativity was united in marriage to the gentleman whose name she now bears. Her maiden name was Martin, and the ceremony by which it was changed, took place in Manchester Cathedral on June 14, 1857.

Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Read, four of whom are still living. Sarah died Oet. 22, 1880, aged about sixteen years, and three died quite young. The living are: Phoebe, now Mrs. Ernest Pinkerton, of this city and the mother of three children; Emma and Clara J., still at home; and William Brooks. now at school. Mrs. Read is a lady of fine character, and is highly spoken of by all who know her.

William Read, now deceased, was born in Man- chester, England, Feb. 3, 1835, and was educated in the Renshaw Street Acadamy of his native place. Ile continued to reside in England until the close of the last war in the United States, being for some time engaged in the local ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On coming to Amer- ica he first located at Boston, where he worked in S. D. Smith's organ factory. Subsequently. coming farther West, he studied for the ministry at Al- bion, (Mich.) University, After his ordination as

minister of the Baptist Church, his first pastorate was at Dowagiac, Mich. Following this came charges at Kaneville, Ill .; Reading, Mich. ; Amboy, Mich .; and Pioneer, Ohio, after which Mr. Read came to Clay Center as pastor for the First Bap- tist Church of this place. He served in this capa- city until 1880, when, after the death of his mother. he went to Manchester. England, to receive money due him. He remained in his native land seven months, visiting his friends and the scenes of his boyhood, after which he returned to Amer- ica and retired from the continuous work of the ministry, serving, however, as a supply until the time of his fatal illness. He erected the fine resi- dence which his widow now occupies, and also se- cured the ownership of the People's National Bank bloek. His death took place March 3, 1888, he be- ing aged fifty-three years.

Mr. Read was an educated and able expounder of the truths of the Gospel, and having been blessed with such means as enabled him give up the more arduous duties which devolve upon a pastor, there was left for his occupancy a large field of usefulness in the service of humanity and the Master. His death, in the prime of life, was an abrupt in- terruption to his useful career, 'and a sad bereave- ment to his sorrowing wife and family.

W ILLIAM MURDOCK, Postmaster of Clif- ton, Washington County, is discharging the duties of his official position in a well- appointed building, centrally located on Parallel street, and which was erected by him with a view to the accommodation of this office. Ile came to this city in November, 1884, althoughi having been a resident of Washington County since a boy of fifteen years. Prior to assuming the duties of his present office, he was a dealer in flour and feed for about three years. He is a Western man, having been born in Waukesha County, Wis., Nov. 17, 1856, and is still a young man, approaching the thirty-third year of his age.

Mr. Murdock is a descendant of one of the best nationalities on the face of the globe, being a son of James Murdock, a native of Scotland and of

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Presbyterian stock. The latter was reared to farm- ing pursuits and married a lady of his own country, Miss Agnes MeKinnan. Soon after marriage the young people set out for the United States and after a safe voyage landed in New York City, whence they proceeded to Bedford, Mass., and be- gan life together near that place on a farm. Fifteen years later, and after the birth of all but one of their children, they emigrated to Wisconsin, set- tling twenty miles west of the present city of Mil- waukee. The father took charge of a tract of new land from which he improved a farm, operating as a lessee, and there the mother died Aug. 12, 1869. In 1871 the father and his children came to Kansas, locating in Washington County, where the eldest son John had preceded them in the spring of 1870. They took up a homestead claim in what is now Bradford Township. The father was a great suf- ferer from asthma until his death, which occurred Oct. 28, 1877, when he was sixty-six years old. Ile had been carefully reared in the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church to which he faithfully ad- hered all his life. After the organization of the Republican party he became one of its close ad- herents, supporting its principles until the end.

The subject of this sketch was the youngest child of his parents, whose family consisted of five sons and five daughters, only four of whom are living. John married Mrs. Rebecca (Short) Cramer and is farming in Bradford Township, Kan .; Mary is the wife of Perry B. Moore and they live on a farm near Illinois City, Ill .; Ella is the wife of J. G. Baldwin, a farmer of Monroe County, Wis. William, our sub- jeet, like his brothers and sisters, received his edn- cation in the common school and after the death of his mother commeneed to earn his own living. Ile was mostly engaged in farming pursuits during his younger years and in due time secured the tract of land in Bradford Township, from which he has con- structed a good homestead. At the age of twenty- one years he was married in this township to Miss Alice Rusco. This lady was born in Wood County, Ohio, Nov. 23, 1856. and came to Kansas with her parents at the age of fourteen years. Her father, Josiah Rusco, is still living at the homestead which he built up in Bradford Township. He was mar- ried in Ohio to Miss Catherine Dilts, who is still by

his side. Mrs. Murdock received a very good edu- cation and remained with her parents until her marriage. The four children resulting from this union were named Bertha M., who died at the age of two years ; Elmer D., Bessie M. and Ada L. Mr. and Mrs. Murdock are regular attendants of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Murdock, politically, af- filliates with the Republican party. With the ex- ception of serving as a Councilman he has kept himself aloof from the responsibilities of office.

S AMUEL J. MOLBY. This gentleman has been identified with the agricultural inter- ests of Washington County for a score of years. He is the owner and occupant of a fine farm on Section 1, Sherman Township. It con- sists of 160 acres of fertile land, supplied with all the adequate and substantial improvements. There he is carrying on a successful farm life.

Mr. Molby was born in VanBuren, Ononda- ga Co., N. Y .. Sep. 9, 1844. His father, Samnel Molby, was a native of the same county. In 1866, he removed to Hillsdale County, Mich., where he resided until his death. He was a farmer in fair circumstances at the time of his decease. During his life he held several minor offices His ancestry was traced to the sturdy Scotch, members of the family having come to this country at an early day. He married Miss Rilliar Griffith, a native of New York State, where her father, Carey Griffith, was also born. She departed this life in 1873.having borne ten chil- dren: Sarah J., Chester J., Isaac C., Samuel J., Martin E. Joseph P. and Maria N .- all of whom are living except Isaac-David B. and a twin brother who died in infancy ; David died aged five years. and one other infant who died unnamed.

Samuel J. Molby was reared and received his early education in his native county. his home he- ing upon a farm. At the age of twenty he went to Hillsdale County, Mich., where he remained three years. Hle then, in 1867, went to Kankakee, Ill .. in which place he remained a year. Returning to Michigan he spent a year in VanBuren County. whence he returned to Kankakee. In 1869 he be-

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came a resident of this county, securing the land which he now occupies. under the Homestead Act.

The rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subject and Miss Adelia Molony, June 10, 1876. The bride was born in Wisconsin, and is a daugh- ter of Henry and Maria (Powell) Molony. Her parents were natives of the Emerald Isle and came to this country in 1830. They first settled in New York, whence they removed to Wisconsin. In 1868 they came to this county, where Mr. Molony died at the age of eighty-seven years. Mrs. Molony still survives and has now reached the age of eighty- five years. Both were enrolled among the mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Molony during his life was engaged in the pursuit of agri- culture.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Molony was blessed by the birth of the following children, named re- spectively: Adelia H., Maria, Annie, deceased, Maggie, James, John, deceased, and David; three children named Henry, William and Catherine are deceased.

Mr. Molby is regarded by his fellow-citizens as a man of integrity, industry and good repute, and has many friends among the people where he has so long resided. Mr. and Mrs. Molby are the parents of four children : Fred A., born Jan. 5, 1878; Mariah B., born March 25, 1882, died Dec. 1, 1886; Sam- uel J., born Dec. 15, 1886; Walter D., March 22, 1888.

R OBERT HAMILTON. Whatever associa- tions a Scotchman may form in later years, or however far from his native land his home may be, the ties which bind him to the land of his birth are firm and enduring. The gentleman above named, although an American citizen for a number of years, has never forgotten his boyhood's home, and when ('lay County was properly divided into regular townships, the one in which his home is situated was called Athelstane in honor of his birth- place, he, as one of the oldest settlers therein, be- ing given the privilege of deciding on the name.

The father of our subject was Robert Hamilton. a native of the west of Scotland, where his death

occurred. Ilis occupation was that of a gardener, and he was employed on a gentleman's estate. Hle married Miss Euphemia Rutherford, daughter of Walter Rutherford, also natives of Scotland. The union was blessed by the birth of three children- John, Elizabeth, and Robert. The oldest son died at the age of twenty-one years. Elizabeth accom- panied her brother Robert to America as his house- keeper, and married Thomas A. Coatswith of Wake- field.

Robert Hamilton was born near the village of Athelstaneford, in Haddingtonshire, Scotland, July 15, 1843, and was reared in the rural districts. He was taught to do farm and garden work, and assisted his father until about twenty-two years old. He then went to London, and for five years was employ- ed as a clerk or traveling salesman for an agricul- tural and fertilizing house. He then accompanied the Wakefield Colony from England to Kansas, and settled on a homestead on section 26, of what is now Athelstane Township. He had a small amount of money and at once commenced improving his estate. His first breaking was done in 1870, he paying $5 per acre for it. The following year he began farming, and for three years raised good crops. In 1874 he had a good yield of wheat, but no corn. In 1879, he had some corn but no wheat, the latter having been entirely destroyed by a hail storm, while farms a short distance from his own escaped injury. The four years following 1885, farmers in northern Kansas had very short crops. that of 1887, being almost a failure. The last sea- son (1889) has been a good one.

Mr. Ilamilton is one of the oldest settlers in Athel- stane. When he first arrived, the country was full of Texas cattle ; antelope. deer, and such game, were plentiful, and the buffalo were only about seventy miles west. The conveniences of life were hard to obtain, Junction City being the nearest trading point. From that place Mr. Hamilton hauled all the lumber which he used in improving his estate. Being a single man, he built a small house at first, and "bached" it therein for some years. 'He has added 160 acres by purchase to his original estate, and has the entire acreage well-improved and thor- oughly cultivated. The contrast between the dis_ advantages of his early life here, and the situation

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now that towns and postoffices are near, and railroads make supplies handy and prices reasonable, is one which he often notes.

The marriage of Mr. Hamilton took place on Feb. 22. 1877, the bride being Miss Mary A. An- derson, a native of Perthshire, Scotland. She had accompanied her father, John Anderson, on a visit to Kansas and was persuaded to remain as the wife of our subject. Her father returned alone to Seot- land, and died two years later, being then seventy- six years old. To Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton four children have been born, namely-Robert A., John W., Thomas C., and Hazel G.

Mr. Hamilton is a Democrat in polities. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church- Both are worthy citizens, being possessed of the sterling traits of character which belong to the race from which they sprang.

C LINTON D. MOLBY is of Scotch extraction, his ancestry being traced to a certain Lord Maltby, as the name was originally spelled. The early members of the family were men of great strength and very large. The grandfather of our subject was Chester Molby, who had a son John, born in Onondaga County. N.Y., about the year 1818. This John Molby was a farmer and passed his entire life in his native county. In polities he was a Democrat. Ile was in only moderate finan- cial circumstances. In 1833, he was married in Onondaga County to Miss Clarissa Holcomb. She was born in Massachusetts in 1814, and was the daughter of Abijah Holcomb. She is still living at a ripe old age. John and Clarissa Molby became the parents of eight children: Alvira, Almira, Emily, Clinton D., William W., George W., Frank II., and Irvin J.

The subject of this brief memoir was the fourth child, and was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., Jan. 6, 1844. He was reared on a farm, and received a good common-school education. In 1866, he re- moved to Lee County, Ill., where he remained until the spring of 1870, at which date he removed to Washington County, Kan. He homesteaded 160 acres on section 5, Barnes Township, where he still

resides. Ile has since purchased eighty additional aeres. Ile gives considerable attention to the stock business and feeds his grain, beside purchasing eon- siderable. He started in life on a small capital and has made his own fortune. His farm is a very fine one, having excellent improvements, and Mr. Molby is considered one of the best farmers in the town- ship. He takes a great interest in his home, and well he may, as it is one of the most attractive in this section of country.

In Miss Harriet A. Ilatch, daughter of Harvey and Harriet (Tyler) Hatch, of Onondaga County. N.Y., Mr. Molby found the character which he de- sired in a companion. With this lady he was united in marriage Feb. 12. 1866. The parents of the bride were natives of New York and Vermont, re- spectively, and in the former State she was born Feb. 21, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Molby have been blessed by the birth of three children: Bertha D., who died when four years old; Mamie A., and George II.

Mr. Molby is a stalwart Republican. Althoughi not connected with any church, he and his family are regular attendants of church and Sunday-school, and he is a liberal contributor to all church and charitable organizations. Hle stands high in the esteem of his fellow men, and his estimable wife shares in their respeet.

ILLIAM SCHWARTZ. This gentleman is not only one of the most prominent farmers of Swede Creek Township, but with his es- timable wife is an esteemed citizen, more than ordi- marily intelligent, well-educated, especially in the German tongue, and of that progressive train of thought which appreciates the value of family his- tory, and coming from a race of which they may well be proud. They are in good circumstances, as the result of their own industry and frugality, and, in fact, ocenpy a position in the front rank, in their community. The Schwartz homestead embraces 240 acres of prime land on section 26, Swede Creek Township, Riley County.

The Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg. Germany, was the early home of our subject, and where his birth

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took place May 31, 1833. IIe was reared amid the quiet pursuits of farm life, and was placed in school at an early age, pursuing his studies until a lad of fourteen years. At the same time he was trained to habits of industry, and soon after leaving school, began working out on a farm by the year, follow- ing this until twenty-one years old, and turning over his earnings to his parents.

Soon after reaching his majority, young Schwartz . enlisted as a soldier in the German army, in the 2d Regiment of Infantry, being in active service two years, and later being held as a reserve for four years. During the latter period he worked on a farm and resided in Mecklenburg until 1868. He had now made up his mind to emigrate to America, and in June of the above- mentioned year, accom- panied by his family, embarked at Hamburg on the steamer "Bovena," and fourteen days later, landed safely in New York City. Thence he came directly to Riley County, Kan., locating in Center Town- ship, to which his brother Frederick had preceded him, and he worked for the latter one year. In 1870 he homesteaded forty acres of raw land in Jackson Township, which he improved and culti- vated, and sold five years later. Soon afterward he purchased a part of that which he now owns, and to which he later added as his means justified. A stream of running water passes through the farm, which is thus amply watered and very fertile. Mr. Schwartz has a comfortable residence and a good barn, an orchard and a fine yard. He makes a spec- ialty of graded cattle.

Before leaving his native land, Mr. Schwartz was married in July, 1861, to Miss Augusta, daughter of John Sahs. The latter was a native of Prussia, but in early manhood removed to Mecklenburg, where he engaged as a laborer, and spent the remainder of his life. He was an honest citizen, and a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. He married Miss Sophia Simes, a native of Mecklenburg, who sur- vived him many years, and also died in Mecklen- burg.

Mrs. Schwartz was one of fifteen children born to her parents, five of whom are living: Sophia re- mains a resident of her native Germany; John emigrated to America, and resides in Woodstock, Ill .; Jorgen lives near the city of Berlin, Germany, !!

and had two sons in the Body Guard of Emperor Frederick; Augusta, Mrs. Schwartz, is next to the youngest living; William lives in Prussia.

Mrs. Schwartz was trained to habits of industry. and from the age of fourteen, until her marriage, lived independently, supporting herself. Of her union with our subject. there have been born four children, the eldest of whom, a son, William, mar- ried Miss Emma Nehenkic; a miller 'by trade, he is employed at Winkler's Mill. Adolph married Miss Albertine Rickson, and is farming in Swede Creek Township; Henry remains at home with his parents; Charles is experimenting as a miner in the Black Hills. Mr. Schwartz has always heen warmly interested in the establishment and maintenance of schools, and assisted in the organization of his school district as well as in the erection of the building. He officiated as Clerk six years, and as a Director four years. Politically, he is a Demo- crat, and religiously an active member of the Lu- theran Church at Fancy Creek.

ILLIAM H. BOULDIN. No citizens of this broad land are so proud of their line- age as those who come of a long line of Virginia's sons. And well may they be glad to be numbered among the natives of a State that has given such names as Washington, Jefferson, Madi- son, Monroe, Clay, Ilenry, and a host of others, who will be honored as long as the American Re- public stands, or history endures. The gentle- man whose name initiates our sketch, not only claims descent from a long line of Virginia ances- try, but is also a descendant of the famous princess, Pocahontas. He is a fine type of the Virginia gen- tleman, being hospitable, well-read, and with the courteous manners of his people.

The birth of Mr. Bouldin took place in Pittsyl- vania County, Va., March 27, 1813. He was reared on a farm, the most of his early life being spent in Henry County, and received a good common- school education. At the age of seventeen he be- gan the manufacture of tobacco, and subsequently became salesman for a Danville firm, When twenty-

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five years old he went to Alabama, and was the overseer on a large plantation there for thirteen years. Ile then returned to his native State, where he continued to reside until 1867. at which time he came to Kansas.

Mr. Bouldin's first settlement in this State was in Ottawa County, where he lived three years. At the date of his arrival in the State, President John- son had not signed the Homestead Bill, giving the right to settlers to take up claims, but when Mr. Bouldin came to Clay County, in 1870, that right had been granted, and he took advantage of it, fil- ing on a tract of land in Chapman Township. Very little land was entered in the vicinity, and none broken, and an adobe hnt was considered a fine residence. Our subject lived in a tent until he could get such a hut built, and then, taking posses- sion of it, he continued to make it his home for about seven years. He then purchased an 80-acre tract that had a small house on it, and lived there till he built a good residence on his homestead, where he has since resided. Mr. Bouldin had small means when he came West, and was compelled to undergo many hardships in the early years here; but he has overcome the discouragements and dif- ficulties of those days, and now enjoys most of the comforts and ease of life. He has raised the usual crops cultivated in Kansas-wheat, corn and oats. and has made enough to supply bis needs, except in 1888, when his grain crop was a total failure. He has now abandoned wheat-raising; his yield of corn and oats was very satisfactory this season (1889).

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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 126

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

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