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 127

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 127
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 127
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 127

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Mr. Boulden was an adherent of the cause of the South during the late Civil War, though too old for military service. One son gave his strength to the Confederacy, battling under the command of the brilliant cavalry leader, Gen. Jubal A. Early. This son was visited by the father while in the service, and encouraged in his soldierly duties and exploits. The young man was captured by the Union forces three times, but twice escaped. The third time he was taken to Point Lookout, where he was held a prisoner of war till near the close of the contest. He is now living in this State.

During his residence in Alabama, Mr. Bouldin was united with the lady of his choice, Miss Sarah

W. Shelton, daughter of Charles Shelton, an old acquaintance of the father of the bridegroom. The happy union was blessed by the birth of seven children : John, Ann G., William R., Mary W., Martha A., Charles, and Robert A., deceased. The wife and mother died March 29, 1889. at the age of seventy years. deeply regretted by all who knew her.

The gentleman of whom we write was the only child born to his parents, Pleasant N. and Nancy (Paee) Bouldin. His father was in the War of 1812, and was taken siek at Norfolk, Va., and died there, while in the service. His widow survived him many years, and coming to Kansas with her son's family, died here in 1875, at the age of ninety-two years and six months. She was a daugh- ter of William Pace, of the Old Dominion.

Mr. Bouldin is a Demoerat, and a stanch sup- porter of the principles in which he believes. Ilis wite was a devoted Presbyterian, and of that church be is an attendant. Mr. Bouldin not only pos- sesses the more noticeable traits of the Virginian, but is a man of integrity and high moral princi- ples, and as such gains the respect of the people whom he meets.

ETER MCALPINE, one of the most pub- lie-spirited citizens of Barnes Township, is numbered among its leading farmers, occupying 160 acres of finely-developed land on section 2. He is a general favorite in his community, being more than ordinarily intelligent, social and agreeable, and a man who makes friends wherever he goes. His native place was in Middle- sex County, Province of Ontario, Canada, where his birth occurred Jan. 25, 1845.

The scion of an excellent family, the subject of this notice is the son of Malcolm McAlpine, who was born in Scotland in 1804. He crossed the Atlantic about 1830, settling in Middlesex County. Canada, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away on the 5th of October, 1888, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. He was one of the old landmarks of that region, having lived on the same farm for more than fifty years. He settled there when the country was in its wild and uncultivated condition,

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and when few white men had ventured there. He endured all the hardships, labors and privations of life on the frontier, watching with warm interest the development of the country, and being pros- pered in his labors, accumulating a large property. He was a man of high moral character, and for many years before his death an active member of the Baptist Church, contributing liberally of his means to its advancement and prosperity. He was prominent in his community, holding many offices of trust and responsibility. The paternal grand- father, also named Malcolm McAlpine, was likewise a native of Scotland.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Ann MeAlpine, and the parents were married in 1837. Although bearing the same name they were not in any wise related to each other. The mother was likewise a native of Scotland and the daughter of Hugh MeAlpine, who was born in the same country and who, it is supposed, spent his last years in Canada. Peter, our subject, was the fifth in a family of eleven children born to his parents, and was reared and educated in his native county. . Ile was bred to farm pursuits from his boyhood, and possessed in a marked degree those qualities of honesty and industry which were the salient points in the character of his honored father. He re- mained in the Dominion until 1880, then coming to this State purchased the land which constitutes his present farm, and was successful in its devel- opment and improvement. For the past few years he has made a specialty of stock-raising, with flat- tering results. The family occupy a fine, two-story frame residence, which was erected in 1886. The barns and outbuildings are indicative of the enter- prise of the proprietor. Everything about the premises is kept up in good shape, and the home- stead forms an attractive picture in the landscape.

On the 27th of February, 1868, occurred the marriage of Peter McAlpine with Miss Margaret Hyndman, of Middlesex County, Canada, Mrs. MeAlpine was born Dec. 29, 1845, in Canada, and is the daughter of Peter and Isabelle ( McBain) Hyndman, natives of Scotland. The father is de- ceased and the mother lives in Canada. Our subject and his estimable wife are the parents of nine chil- dren, viz: Malcolm, Peter, Isabel,' Annie, Hugh,

John, Dan, Duncan and Eva, Mr. McAlpine started in life dependent upon his own resources, and his present possessions are the result of his industry, frugality and good judgment. He occupies a lead- ing position among the honored men of his town- ship, with whose interests he is closely identified, and is performing his share in advancing its pros- perity.

AMES P. LOWE is the son of Philip and Mary Ann (MeCleary ) Lowe, both of whom were natives of York County, Pa. Their first settlement after marriage was in Seneca County, Ohio. They finally moved to Tuscarawas County, where they subsequently died. The father was a farmer. The parental family comprised four sons and three daughters, and he of whom we write was the youngest member. He was born in Tusca- rawas County, Oct. 12, 1843, and his boyhood and youth were passed in his native county. He found employment as clerk at an early age, and was for ten years in the service of the same man. When twenty years old he left home and went to Bureau County, Ill. There he remained four or five years, being engaged in the mercantile business a portion of the time as elerk, and a portion in business for himself. Princeton and Tiskilwa were the towns in which he lived. From Illinois he removed to Sidney, Fremont Co., lowa, where he was engaged as clerk, and in the mercantile business for several years. Ife next changed his location to Gage County, Neb., and erected the first board shanty on the reservation There he lived until the spring of 1853, when he came to Washington County. Kan. He located on section 23, Highland Township, where he owns 160 aeres, which for fer- tility and productiveness will compare favorably with the best in the county. The improvements which he has made on his farm are above the aver- age in the western part of the Mississippi Valley. Mr. Lowe gives his attention wholly to farming and stock raising, and being a man of intelligence and keen observation, is proving very successful in his new occupation.

In Sidney, Fremont Co., Iowa, Mr. Lowe was

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united in marriage with Miss Isa R. Van Eaton, The ceremony took place Oct. 12, 1870. The par- ents of Mrs. Lowe, Joshua and Rebecca (Lewis) Van Eaton, were natives of Ohio; their first home after marriage was near Jeffersonville, Ind., whence they removed to Boone County, the same State. Their daughter Isa was born Jan. 15, 1844, she being the tenth in a family of twelve children. Her parents subsequently removed to Fremont County, Iowa, where they died. To Mr. and Mrs. Lowe have been born eight children-Blanche V., Tom V., Harry V., Frank V., Grace V., Ralph V. and May V. One child died in infancy.

Mr. Lowe is a man who takes a great interest in educational affairs, as well as in other movements which tend to the elevation of society. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the principles of De- mocracy. Mrs. Lowe is a member of the Presby- terian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Lowe are people of intelligence and refinement, who manifest great kindness in their family relations and a cordial spirit in social life. These traits, together with their upright character, win them the regard of many friends, and the respect of the entire com- munity.

0 RSON S. CANFIL. This gentleman bears the distinction of being one of the oldest settlers along the western line of Washing- ton County. Ile was the very first man to settle on Mill Creek, locating while the Indians were still plentiful, and when as many as 1,400 of these were on his place at one time. They crowded into his house as thick as they could stand, and it kept him busy watching them and keeping them from carry- ing off every portable article which lie possessed. The question naturally arises whether he stood in fear of them or not, but he declares that he was not troubled by this sentiment, being a man of great courage, and when he wished them to withdraw he simply uttered the word " poccachee," and they went accordingly.

During the Indian scare of 1861 or 1862, people came flying East from Rose Creek with their teams. Mr. Canfil endeavored to stop them and induce them to construct a fort out of his log house where they |

could take shelter and not be molested. They would not heed him, however, but fled on foot and in wagons as fast as they could. He, in company with another man, Mr. Darby, followed them as far as the Little Blue, where they camped near Water- ville. There they formed a company, and taking their horses went scouting to watch the Indians- who were not to be seen, having left for other parts. Notwithstanding the agitation and excite. ment Mr. Canfil states that he never knew of a single person being killed by Indians on Mill Creek.

Mr. Canfil first came to Kansas with his brother from Freeport, III., their destination being Pike's Peak. Upon reaching Des Moines, Iowa, they en- countered people returning disgusted with the Peak, so they settled in Washington County, this State. Mr. Canfil took up a tract of land upon which he resided until 1888 and prosecuted farm- ing. He then removed to town and engaged in the hardware business, and has the largest stock of ar- ticles in his line in this locality. His residence is a handsome stone structure, scarcely equalled by anything of the kind in Haddam Township.

The native place of Mr. Canfil was Columbus, Ohio, and the date of his birth Nov. 13, 1828. His father, James Canfil, was born near Newark, N. J. His paternal grandfather was likewise a native of New Jersey, and served as a private in the Re- volutionary War. Although of English descent he was a strong advocate of the American cause. He was by trade a carpenter and joiner, and after the war was over removed to Ohio where he died. James Canfil followed brickmaking in Columbus. Ohio, but later removed to another part of Franklin County, where he sojourned a few years, then set out for the West and located in Stephenson County, Ill., when Chicago was a hamlet of ten houses. He entered land near Cedarville-160 acres -- which he improved and then opened a brickyard, the first in that region. The first brick building erected in Freeport, was constructed of the material which he manufactured. He accumulated a good property, and died upon the farm which he had built up from the wilderness, passing away in 1887, when over eighty years old. Politically, he was a Demcrat. Mrs. Sarah (Ogden) Canfil, the mother of our

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subject, was born in New York State, near the me- tropolis. Her father served in the Revolutionary War and afterward removed to Ohio, where his death took place. Mrs. Canfil departed this life at the homestead in Stephenson County, Hl., in 1860. There were born to her and her husband six chil- dren, viz: Orson S., Oscar, George, Oliver and Tobias, these being deceased, and Beatrice, Mrs. Creighton, of Washington County, this State. Orson S. was a lad of twelve years when his parents re- moved from Ohio to Illinois. Ile pursued his stu- dies in the log school-house built by his father,and when old enough learned brick-making which he followed for a number of years. Finally, on ac- count of his ill-health he started out as a peddler, selling his wares in the lead mining regions and also going into Iowa. He first visited Iowa and later settled in Hardin County, where he secured a tract of land, but engaged as a clerk in a mercan- tile house. Later he removed to Stephenson County, Ill., and resumed brick-making, but not long afterward his eyes became affected, and for four years he was practically unfitted for anything requiring the close use of them.

In the spring of 1859, Mr. Canfil started out for Pike's Peak, as we have already stated. Upon com- ing to Washington County, Kan., he found about ten families in Haddam Township, and he "squat- ted " on the prairie on Mill Creek when deer, clk, wolves and buffalo were plenty. For some time he was obliged to go forty miles to Marysville to get his plow sharpened. He put in his first crop in 1861, raising all kinds of produce. In 1863 he re- filed and took in eighty acres adjoining, and from the first was successful, his land being highly pro- ductive. Ile assisted in the organization of Had- dam Township, being instrumental in giving to it its name. The mail in those days was carried on horseback, and for five or six years Mr. Canfil offi- ciated as Postmaster. The office was then discon- tinned for one year, when our subject made ar- rangements with parties to locate a store near his place and another office was established. He put up a blacksmith shop, and dil a good business for a little town. Mr. Canfil established his hardware business in 1882. but five years later sold out, then repurchased in 1888.

Mr. Cahfil became the owner of 400 acres of fine land, which was largely devoted to live stock. In 1888 he rented his place and moved into town where he has a comfortable residence with pleasant surroundings. He was married in December, 1860, to Miss Phebe Myers, who was born in Carroll County, Ill. There were born of this union five children, viz: Charles, Lawson, Josephine (now de- ceased, ) Rosa and Bud. Charles was the first white child born in this county; he is married and assists his father in the store. Rosa is mar- ried and living in the northwest corner of the State, in Cheyenne. Bnd is doing for himself.

Mr. Canfil contracted a second marriage in 1872 with Miss Clara Eastwood. This lady was born in England, in 1850, and came to America when six- teen years old. She is now the mother of five chil- dren, only three of whom are living, Anna. Roxie and Orson S., Jr.

E LIJAH M. SHIELDS. This gentleman has been a resident of Washington County, for more than a score of years. In July, 1867, he filed a claim for 160 acres of land, located on section 13, Highland Township, which he secured under the Homestead Act. During the first three or four years of his residence there, he followed the trade of a blacksmith in connection with the work upon his farm, but since that time has given his at- tention wholly to agriculture. The land is thoroughly cultivated and has been brought to a high state of produetiveness. On it he has made such improve- ments as are usual among progressive farmers.

Mr. Shields was born in Jennings County, Ind .. Feb. 1, 1824. He was about one year old when his parents removed to their native State, Tennes- sce. where they lived about a year. They then removed to Decatur County, Ind., where the father, Robert Shields, afterward died. The mother, Elizabeth (Davis) Shields, still survives at the ad- vanced age of ninety years. The gentleman of whom we write was the third in a family of five children, and grew to manhood in Deeatur County, Ind. When a young man he learned the trade of a blacksmith and followed it in that county, where

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he continued to make his home until 1866. He then came West, and the following summer, as before stated, located in Washington County.

At the home of the bride in Decatur County, Ind., Sept. 12, 1844, Mr. Shields was united in marriage with Catherine, daughter of Jeremiah and Susan (Patrick) Morgan. Mr. Morgan was a native of Virginia, and his wife of Maryland. They first settled in Shelby County. Ky., where their daughter Catherine was born March 3. 1825. Thence they removed to Decatur County, Ind., where they died. Their family comprised nine children, four older and four younger than Mrs. Shields.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Shields has re- sulted in the birth of five children: Jeremialı, married Ursula Williford; William died when eight years old : Mary M. is the wife of E. J. Dunford; Jonathan died when three years old; Martha is the wife of William Hadley.

Mr. Shields takes a decided interest in all educa- tional affairs and has held the various school offices. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been Town- ship Trustee for two years. Mr. and Mrs. Shields, religionsly, are members of the Baptist Church, in which he holds the offices of Deacon and Trustee. Mr. Shields is a public spirited citizen and an hon- orable man, and as such is esteemed by his fellow citizen.

HARLES CASITY, a well-known resident of Washington County, came to Northern Kansas in 1873, and purchased a "squatter's" claim of 160 acres on section 24, Brantford Town- ship. From this wild uncultivated tract of land he constructed the little homestead which he now owns and occupies. He is a Western man in all respects. hauing been reared in the town of Oconomowoc, Waukesha Co., Wis., on a farm. He was born in New York State, Dec. 17, 1834. While a young man he emigrated to Clayton County, lowa, where he lived about three years and in the meantime was married. Thence he came to Kansas, in the year already mentioned, and is now one of the represen- tative men of Washington County.

After the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Casity, in 1861, enlisted in the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry and served three years, being mustered out at Calhoun. Ga., and receiving his honorable discharge in Louisville. Ky. Ile engaged in many of the memorable battles of the war, but at Dan- dridge, E. Tenn., in the winter of 1863-64 was captured twice within two hours, escaping both times. Although frequently in the thickest of the fight, he was never wounded, and maintained his usual good health in spite of the hardships and privations of army life. Upon retiring from the army he returned to Wisconsin, and thence emi- grated to Iowa. In the latter State he was mar- ried, and finally took up his permanent abode in Kansas.

The father of our subject was a native of New York State, but further than this fact his son knows little about him, as he died when the latter was only two years old. He likewise lost trace of his mother subsequently, being bound out and reared by strangers who removed to Wisconsin. He was at an early age thrown upon his own resources, and worked hard to make his living. He met with various accidents, having his skull fractured at one time and other bones broken, but he survived all these catastrophes, and acquired that'independence of spirit which has made him what he is.

After becoming established in Kansas, Mr. Casity counted up his assets and found he had a cash capital of twenty-five cents. Ile had, however, a small team of mnles and a cow, and with this limited amount of live-stock he commenced the improve- ment of his farm-with what excellent results have already appeared. While a resident of Iowa he was married, Dec. 14, 1870, to Miss Cornelia Bea- man. This lady was born in Waukesha County, Wis., and is the daughter of Ifiram C. and Mary A. (Kilham) Beaman, who were natives respectively of Massachusetts and New York State. Mr. Bea- man was taken by his parents to the latter State when a mere child, where he was reared to manhood. He emigrated to Wisconsin about 1843. and died there in 1880.

To Mr. and Mrs.Casity there have been born four children : Martha A. ; Leonard W. who died aged twenty-three months; Charles B. and Hiram D.

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Politically, our subject votes the Democratic ticket. In view of his army record it is scarcely necessary to say that during the National conflict he was a stanch defender of the Union, and he thinks that there should be no parties at a time when the country is in danger. His record has been that of an honest man and a good citizen, and he is in proportion respected by all who know him. Mrs. Casity is a member of the United Brethren Church.

ONATHAN D. HIATT. A worthy repre- presentative of the younger agriculturists of Washington County, is to be found in the person of the above-named gentleman. He is the owner of 120 acres of land situated on sec- tion 2, Haddam Township, where he is engaged in corn and stock-raising. His farm is supplied with running water from Bowman's Branch, and sixty- five acres are kept under the plow. The entire estate is fenced and improved, with a comfortable resi- dence, stable, and other necessary buildings, while a good orchard and pleasant groves afford shelter from the noonday sun, and luxuries for the table.

Before entering upon a short sketch of our sub- ject, a few words in regard to his ancestors may not be amiss. Going back four generations, we find John Hiatt, who was born in England, and emigra- ted to America, first settling in Pennsylvania. He was a member of the sect of Quakers, as have been his direct deseendants. He removed from Penn- sylvania to Belmont County, Ohio, and still later. located in Morgan County, where he died. Foi- lowing him in a direct line, came Jonathan Hiatt, who was born in the Keystone State, but after the removal of the family to Ohio, located in Highland County, and engaged in farming. Subsequently he removed to the vicinity of Chesterfield, where he farmed 100 acres, until his death. He was identified with the Abolition party.

The next in the direct line was Wilson Hiatt, the father of our subject, who was born in Belmont County, Ohio, Dec. 20, 1829. 1Ie remained at home until nineteen years of age, when he was ap- prenticed to a blacksmith at Lexington. In the spring of 1852, he removed by team to Oskaloosa, |

Iowa, where he engaged in work at his trade. He continued to reside in the town until 1855, when he bought forty acres of land north of Oskaloosa, and on it put up a shop, which was one of the first erected in the county. Mr. Hiatt was a good work- man, and succeeded well at his trade. In 1876, he changed his residence to Lucas County, where he bought 156 acres of land. The improvement of the estate, and work at his trade, occupied him there until 1881, when he sold out and came to Kansas. IIe located in Haddam Township, upon eighty acres of land, which he has under good im- provement. He also has a blacksmith shop, and still works at his trade. He is a Republican, and holds membership in the Friends' Church at Pleas- ant View.

The wife of Wilson Hiatt, bore the maiden name of Mary J. Chrispin. She was the daughter of David Chrispin, a native, like herself, of the Buck- eye State, where he was engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. He subsequently removed to Ma- haska County, Iowa, being one of the earliest settlers there, where he carried on his former occu- pation until his death. He was a prominent Quaker. Mrs. Mary Hiatt departed this life in Iowa in 1871. She had borne her husband three children: J. I). of whom we write; Phoebe A., now Mrs. Mattison, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Rosa, now Mrs. Roberts, of Union Township, this State. Mr. Hiatt was sub- sequently married again, the result of the second union being three children-Charles, Carrie, and Maud, all of whom are at home.

The gentleman of whom we write, was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, July 31, 1855, and was but a babe when his parents removed to the farm, where he was reared. He was the recipient of good educa- tional advantages in the common schools, which he attended for many winters. The summers, after he grew old enough to assist in farm labor, were spent in that employ. He remained on the home farm until he was of age, when the family removed to Lucas County, and he accompanied them to take charge of his father's farm there. In the spring of 1881, having determined to try their fortunes in a new home, they came to this State. They traveled with two teams, crossing the Missouri River at Ne- braska City. He of whom we write bought eighty

James Smith

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acres, but continued in charge of his father's farm until 1882. when he traded his own eighty for his present home, which was at that time raw land, bare of improvements. He at once took posses- sion of the place, upon which he has since made the improvements noted at the beginning of this sketch. He raises forty acres of corn per annum, that being his principal grain crop. He raises draft horses, Poland-China hogs, and cattle. Of the latter he has now December, 1889), twenty-four head.

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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 127

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

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