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 131

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 131
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 131
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 131

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Sept. 26, 1861, Jesse J. Brewer was united in mar- riage with Miss Ernestine Green, a daughter of Mrs. Mary Green, a widow who lived in Riley County, this State. The parents of Mrs. Brewer were from Hamilton, Ohio, and the family removed to Kan- sas in 1856, the father having died in 1849. Of their nine children, Mrs. Brewer was the youngest. She was born in Hamilton, Ohio, July 24, 1841. Her education was obtained in the common schools of her native State, and the faculty then gained of being able to enjoy the best thought of the world as expressed in books and papers, was a source of great consolation to her in her frequently lonely life on the prairie. She came of heroic stock, and needed all her courage to carry her successfully through the trying times of the Civil War, which raged so fiercely in Kansas, pending its admission to the dignity of Statehood. A brother of Mrs. Brewer, James H. Green, was assistant editor of the Free Press, of Lawrence, Kan., at the time the border ruffians made their raid on that place. The raiders threw the press into the river, and Mr. Green barely escaped their fury by slipping through the ranks unobserved.

Mr. and Mrs. Brewer have had seven children born to them, of whom five survive-Mary, Sheri- dan, Eliza, Carrie, and William F. They are members of the Christian Church, but deplore the fact that there is no church of this denomination in their town. Although not permitted to wor- ship with their brethren, they nevertheless, en- courage each other in the reading of the inspired Word, and in the practice of the Christian virtues inculcated therein. Mr. Brewer is one of the lead- ing men of the county, not only in wealth, but in natural ability. He is Treasurer of School District No. 23, and a member of the I. O. O. F. of Og- den, also of the Patrons of llusbandry of Manhat- tan. Ile was Secretary of the Grange at Ogden, prior to its demise. He is also a member of J. U. Parson Post, G. A.R., at Ogden.

The landed possessions of Mr. Brewer, comprise 760 acres, all of which is situated in Ogden Town-

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ship, and lies in three different bodies. It is all fenced, and 160 acres are under plough. Besides other fruit, there are 400 apple trees. 200 each of peach and cherry trees, and sixty grapes-vines, all in a thrifty condition. Mr. Brewer is a large cat- tle raiser, and also pays considerable attention to the breeding of fine horses and swine. Politics finds in him an ardent advocate, and he does not play "follow your leader," but decides for himself whom and what to vote for, and then follows his convictions. Although an Independent, he usually votes for the Greenback or Union-Labor ticket. He was among the first to detect the encroachments the National Banking and other corporations were making upon our rights and liberties, and for a number of years he has, through the press and oth- erwise, warned his fellowmen of the fate that will in the near future befall us as a nation, if we do not possess the intelligence and virtue to divest these corporations of the dangerous powers dele- gated to them.

The readers of this volume will no doubt be pleased to see the portrait presented elsewhere, of this resolute man, who was not only a pioneer, but an old-time freighter, who uniformly preserved his courage amid the dangers he was called upon to pass through in transporting goods across the Plains.

R REDERICK ALLERHEILIGEN. This gen- tleman may be properly classed among the pioneers of Hanover Township, Washington County, as he came to this seetion when there was only a dug-out upon the 240 aeres of land of which he is now the owner. The outlook at that time, it must be confessed, was anything but encouraging, but this pioneer was well fitted by nature and train- ing to enter upon the task before him. Ile labored in true primitive style for a number of years, amid many difficulties, and in due time met with the usual reward of energy and perseverance. His farm now presents a picture of well-tilled fields, and is embellished with the requisite buildings, in- eluding a comfortable house, a barn and the other structures required for the successful prosecution of farm work. All these have been erected by him-

self, and in addition he has put out 200 fruit trees, a goodly quantity of grape vines, and has an assort- ment of the smaller fruits. During the season of 1889 he had twenty-seven head of cattle, 113 head of swine and seven good farm horses. He is greatly assisted in the management of his farm by his two sons, Ilenry and William, who are young men of more than ordinary intelligence, well-educated in English and German, and possessing those habits of industry which have already marked them as useful and reliable members of their community.

The subject of this sketeh was born in Hanover. Germany, Jan. 4, 1840, and is thus in the prime of life. He was reared to manhood in his native province, receiving an excellent common-school education, pursuing his studies from a little lad of six years until he was fourteen. His parents, Henry and Dorothea (Hoffman) Allerheiligen, were like- wise natives of Hanover, where they spent their early years and were married. After the birth of all their children, they, in 1865, emigrated to America, and for four years thereafter lived in Illinois. They then crossed the Mississippi, and coming to this State, settled on the place now oc- eupied by the subject of this sketch. The father died in September, 1883, aged about seventy-six years; the mother is still living, making her home with her son, Frederick, and is now seventy-six years old.

To the parents of our subject there were born four children, all of whom are living. Frederick was next to the oldest. He did not accompany the family to America, but came in 1870. joining his parents in Washington County, Kan., and settling where he now lives. He was married in 1864, to Miss Catherine Weidler, a native of Hanover, Ger- many, and who came to America with her husband in 1870. This union resulted in the birth of four children, only two of whom are living-Henry and William. Mrs. Catherine ( Weidler) Allerheiligen departed this life in Hanover Township, March 1, 1884.

In August, 1886. the subject of this sketch eon. tracted a second marriage with Miss Mary, dangh- ter of John Douver. The latter was a native of Hanover, Germany, and died many years ago. Our subjeet and his estimable wife are members in good

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standing of the Evangelical Church, attending ser- vices at Hanover. Mr. Allerheiligen is Treasurer of the church funds. He votes the straight Repub- lican ticket, and has officiated as Road Overseer in his district. Henry, his eldest son, owned a half- interest in a threshing machine, which he operated late in the summer and in the fall of the year, and which he has recently sold. The family are highly respected throughout this region, and amply wor- thy of representation in a work designed to perpe- tuate the names of those who have assisted in the growth and development of Washington County.

ENRY H. AVARD, late a well-known citi- zen of Farmington Towaship, constructed one of its most valuable homesteads, and departed this life on the 3d of January,

1887. He was born near St. Joseph, Mo., Nov. 21,

1839. His parents were were Simpson and Eliza (Ball) Avard, who spent their last years near Ed- wardsville, Ill. When aproaching manhood Mr. Avard removed to Madison County. Ill., where he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann Mon- dis. They lived thereafter for about five years in Madison County, then, in October, 1878, came to Kansas, and were soon established upon the farm which afterward remained the home of Mr. Avard and where his widow still lives.

The subject of this notice was a man of many excellent qualities, taking an active part in political affairs, and being a stanch supporter of the Repub- lican party. Ile was likewise a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. After the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted, July 1, 1863,in Company F, 117th Illinois Infantry, serving until after the close of the conflict. In the meantime he participated in the following battles: LaFayette, Tenn., Queens Hill, Miss., Ft. DeRussey, Pleasant Hill, Nashville, Tenn., Blakely, Ala., and other minor engagements. After leaving the service he returned to Illinois, remaining there until coming to Kansas with his family.

Mrs. Mary Ann (Mundis) Avard was the third in a family of twelve children, and was born in Fay-

ette County, III., Dec. 28, 1853. Her parents were Israel and Emily (Ogle) Mundis, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this ALBUM. She was quite young when her parents removed to Madison County, III., where she developed into womanhood, and remained under the home roof until her marriage, this event occurring June 11, 1873. To Mr. and Mrs. Avard there were born two children-Ella I. and John H .- who were aged fifteen and thirteen years respectively. Mrs. Avard since the death of her husband has carried on her farm in a praiseworthy manner, keeping up its former reputation as one of the best-regulated estates in this part of the county. It is 210 acres in extent, and with its buildings and appurtenances stands second to none in Washington County.

S AMUEL C. CHESTER. Among the pleas- ant homes of Clifton, Washington County, that of Mr. Chester is noticeable as being finely located, and the residence is one of the most tasteful, substantial and attractive within the town limits. It has about it the air of solidity and comfort which harmonizes well with the char- acter of the proprietor, who is one of the leading citizens in the southwestern part of Washington County. He came to this locality when Washing- ton was a part of Clay County, during the Territo- rial days of Kansas, before the county organiza- tion had been effected and when the land did not come into the market until about three months afterward. Mr. Chester selected 160 acres on sec- tion 4. township 6, and as soon as a land offiee was opened, secured possession of his real estate at Government prices.

Later, Mr. Chester homesteaded 160 acres of land and then purchased eighty acres. He is now the owner of 400 acres, all of which has been brought to a state of cultivation and comprises one of the best farms in Clay County. It lies on either side of Peach Creek, being thus well watered and highly productive. Within the town limits of Clifton, Mr. Chester has two acres. Upon coming to this region Indians were plentiful, and although troublesome, Mr.Chester never esteemed them really

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dangerous, they never attacking him cutright. White men at that time were few and far between. Mr. Chester commenced business with a capital comprising one yoke of oxen, a log chain and a $20 gold piece. From that modest beginning he has built up a large and valuable estate, mostly by the fattening of live-stock. In 1884 he retired from active labor, taking up his home in Clifton, and now has ample time to mediate upon the changes which he has witnessed during the period of his residence in this section.

The birthplace of the subject of this sketch was on the other side of the Atlantic, near the town of Burbage, Leiscestershire, England, where he first saw the light June 21, 1830. His father, William Chester, was a native of Northamptonshire, where he made his living by honest work, and was mar- ried to Miss Elizabeth Chester. Subsequently they lived in different counties in England and at- tained to an old age, the father dying when eighty- three and the mother when aged about cighty years. They conformed to the doctrines of the Epis- copal Church, and were people generally respected in their community.

Four sons and four daughters comprised the family of Charles and Elizabeth Chester, six of whom passed away prior to the death of the parents. The only survivors, therefore, are Samuel C. and his brother Charles, the latter continuing a resident of his native country. Samuel when a child of seven commenced earning his own living, receiving small wages, which went to his father for his keep- ing. When twenty-two years old he determined to emigrate to America and took passage on a sailing vessel, the "Washington," at Liverpool, Oct. 14, 1852. The voyage occupied five weeks and two days, and young Chester, four days after landing in New York City. made his way to the woods of Wayne County, Pa. He sojourned there until March, 1854, then set out for Michigan, and was employed as a farm laborer in Green Oak Town- ship. There he found a wife and helpmate, being married Dec. 26. 1855, to Mrs. Ann (Baldrey ) Morris. This lady was born in Cambridgeshire, England, April 17, 1824. Her father, John Bakl- rey, married an English lady, who died when her daughter Ann was five years old. The father was

subsequently married to Mary Funnell, and emi- grated to America, settling in the Hudson Bay Company's possessions, where he lived one and one- half years. He then returned to England, but came back to America and settled in New York State, whence he removed to Illinois. We next find him in Iowa, and there Mr. Baldrey died, when past seventy-eight years of age. He belonged to the Church of England. His wife subsequently came to Kansas, and died at the home of her step-daughter Ann, in Clifton, when quite old; she was a member of the same church as her husband.

Mrs. Chester by her first marriage became the mother of a son, John Morris, who is married and lives on a farm in Sherman Township. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Chester left Michigan, March 20, 1859, and settled in Louisa County, Iowa, where they resided one year, coming thence to Kansas. While a resident of Sherman Township Mr. Chester served as Justice of the Peace four years. In November, 1874, he was elected County Commissioner of Clay County and served two years. He is a sound Republican, politically, and with his excellent wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Chester officiates as a Trus- tee. This worthy couple adopted a nephew, John E. Baldrey, who is now the Deputy Postmaster in Clifton, and a little girl, Allie Smith, who married David Marshall, and resides on a farm in Clifton Township.

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OHN KOENIG, Justice of the Peace. Twenty- one years ago this gentleman landed in America. Ile had not yet reached the age of manhood, and had no capital except his native ability and the excellent education which he had received in the Fatherland. He is now the owner of 2423 acres of land, all improved, and comprising two farms on each of which is a dwell- ing and adequate outbuildings. The land bears 200 fruit trees of the usual varieties, 200 grape vines, 200 Russian mulberry trees, and a quantity of small fruit. There are 130 acres under the plow, while the balance affords pasturage for fifty-three head of cattle, five head of horses and 100 head of hogs. The

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owner of this fine estate resides on section 36, In- dependence Township, Washington County, where he is well known as an industrious and progressive farmer, and an enterprising citizen.

Mr. Koenig was born in Hanover, Germany, April 21, 1848. llis parents, Frederick and Helene (Sohl) Koenig, were also natives of Hanover, where they resided during their entire lives. The father's death took place in 1871; that of the mother in 1873. They had a family of six boys and two girls, our subject being the fifth child. Ile was reared upon his father's farm.

In 1868 Mr. Koenig came to America and went directly to Sauk County, Wis. He first found em- ployment in a sawmill, but at the expiration of three months an accident to his hand caused him to seek a new ocenpation, and he became a brick-maker. IIe next went to Iowa, and worked on a railroad in the northwestern part of the State. It was in this State in the winter of 1868, that Mr. Koenig and a fellow traveler, had an experience which came near prov- ing fatal. They were on foot and on a bitter cold night lost their way. Not being able to find the road they put up a couple of stakes, twenty rods apart, and by walking from one to the other all night they kept from freezing. The climate of Iowa being too hard for Mr. Koenig, he returned to Sauk County, Wis., where he worked at chop- ping rails. Ile made 300 per day, and for his labor received $6 and $7 per month and board. From Sauk County, he went to Grant County, where for eight months he worked on a railroad. He then engaged with a farmer and received his first exper- ience in the pursuit of agriculture. In February 1871, he came to Kansas, and for four years was em- ployed by Fred Brockmeyer of Hanover Town- ship, this county. In the meantime he bought eighty acres of land where he now lives, and set to work to accumulate money to lay the foundation for a home.

Our subject was united in the bonds of mar- riage with Dora Hilmer, a daughter of John and Lizzie (Schiller) Hilmer. Mr. and Mrs. Ililmer were natives of Hanover, Germany. They came to America in 1868, and located in Sauk County, Wis., where Mrs. Hilmer died in 1874, and her husband in 1883. Their family consisted of four

children, Mrs. Koenig being the second. She was born in Hanover, Germany, June 5, 1859, and is a lady well fitted to assist her husband in the up- building of his fortune. Mr. and Mrs. Koenig are the parents of three children. Ida was born July 10, 1879; Adolph, May 16, 1882; and Bertha, Jan. 16, 1884.

Mr. and Mrs. Koenig are members of the German Lutheran Church at Hanover, and he has been Trustee of the same for two years. Ile takes an active interest in politics and now votes the Demo- cratic ticket, although formerly a Republican. Hle is not an office secker, but has at the solicitation of his neighbors accepted some positions of responsi- bility.

For two and a half years he was Constable, and for two years a Justice of the Peace. He was formerly Clerk of School District No. 42, and is now Director of School District No. 100.

JACOB W. STIEGER, the well-known druggist of Hollenberg. established himself in busi- mess at that point in 1882, and is numbered among the successful men of this part of Washington County. He possesses a thorough knowledge of the commodities in which he deals, and his course as a citizen and a business man, has been such as to commend him to the esteem and confidence of all those with whom he has had deal- ings. He is a fine representative of the German people, who have made their presence felt so sensibly in the Great West, and who have contrib- uted in a marked degree to its advancement and prosperity.

A native of what was then the Kingdom of Wur- temburg, Germany, Mr. Stieger was born July 25, 1856, is the son of Benedict and Theresa Stieger, who were of German birth, and descended from pure German stock. They spent their entire lives upon their native soil. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom came to the United States. Of these latter, Hudebert is a resident of New York City; Frederick lives in the city of Dun- kirk, N. Y .; Fredricka is the wife of John Knoth,

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of LaCrosse, Wis .; William lives in New York City. Jacob W. was the youngest of the family, and came to America in 1873. He at once made his way to LaCrosse, Wis., where he was employed as a bar- ber, and where he remained three years. ITis next removal was to this State, and settling in Washing- ton County, he worked in a barber shop until 1879. He then changed his occupation somewhat, and en- gaged in general merchandising. We next find him in Hollenberg, where he established his drug- store, and has sinee lived.

Mr. Stieger, since coming to Washington County, was married, in 1883, to Miss Theresa Hazelett, and they have one child, a son, Charles W. The fam - ily occupies a snug home in Hollenberg, and enjoys the friendship and acquaintance of its best people. Mr. Stieger, politically, affiliates with the Repub- lican party. and has served as a member of the School Board. Besides his property in Wollenberg, he owns eiglity aeres of land, and all this he has ac- cumulated since his residence here. He is a mem- ber in good standing of Hollenberg Lodge No. 182, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the chairs, and likewise belongs to Star Lodge, A. F. & A. M. Ile is well liked both in social and business circles, and is contributing his full quota to the business interests of his town.

OHN H. CUSAC is the owner of 480 fertile acres in Washington County. Ilis residence is on section 22, Clifton Township, and the home estate comprises 320 acres. The bal- ance of his landed possessions is on section 15, the same township. Most of the land has been im- proved by himself. It is supplied with such farm buildings as are usually erected by an enterprising farmer. Mr. Cusac has owned the homestead since 1877. His residence in the county began in 1878, he having come hither from LaSalle County, Ill.

Mr. Cnsac first saw the light in Muskingum County, Ohio, Oct. 11, 1851. He was reared in Marshall and LaSalle counties, Ill., and educated in their schools. After lie became old enough lie en- gaged in agricultural pursuits for himself. Polk Township, LaSalle County, he was thus en-

gaged for three years prior to coming to this State.

The wife of Mr. Cusac bore the maiden name of Mary Ililtebrand. She was born in Putnam County, 111., Aug. 18, 1855. She was reared and educated in LaSalle County, where her parents are yet living on a farm. The rites of wedlock between herself and husband were celebrated in Polk Township, of that county, at the home of her parents. To her and her husband four children have been born. One infant is deceased. The living are Arthur B., Grace E., and George H.

Mr. C'usac holds the office of Clerk in Clifton Township. He is of Republican politics, and an earnest advocate of the party. He and his wife are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he holds membership. They are people of high standing in the community, both on ac- count of their intelligence and cordial manners, and their high moral characters.

ILLIAM CUSAC. This gentleman has been identified with the agricultural inter- ests of Washington County for the past ten years. He is now retired from farm life, and resides in Clifton. There he owns five acres within the city limits, his dwelling being on the most prominent residence street of the city. The house is a well-designed and pleasant structure, and under its hospitable roof good cheer abounds. Beside his city property, Mr. Cusac owns two fine farms in Clifton Township. They are situated on sections 27 and 21, and each consists of 160 acres. On the former, Mr. Cusac made his home for several years. It is well improved, and fine farm buildings have been erected upon it, including a substantial dwell- ing. The other farm is also marked by good im- provements. Mr. Cusac became a resident of the city in November, 1887.

The father of Mr. Cusae bore the name of Jolm II. He was born in Pennsylvania, and there grew to manhood. He learned the trades of a miller and millwright. While still a single man, he went to Muskingum County, Ohio. There he was married to Miss Elizabeth Slaek. She was born in Buck County, Pa., and when young came to Ohio with

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her parents. They located on a farm in Muskingum County, of which they were early settlers They died there when quite old, being highly respected by their fellow-citizens. Their daughter, Mrs. Cusac, was reared to womanbood in that county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cusac con- tinued to live in that county. He died when abont three score years of age, and she when about sixty-seven. They were Presbyterians, as had been their parents before them. John H. Cusac had been Justice of the Peace in Newton Township, Muskingum County.for twenty-one years. and in politics was a Whig. His family comprised six sons and four daughters, all but one of whom lived to maturity. Three are now deceased. Those now living are married. The subject of this notice is the second son and child.

William C'usae was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, April 15, 1825. He was brought up to the milling trade. In his native township he was married to Miss Amanda Axline, who was a native of that township. Her birth took place in March, 1827, she being the daughter of Henry and Cather- ine (Roof) Axline. They came of German ances- try, who were early settlers in the Old Dominion. In Loudoun County of that State, both Mr. and Mrs. Axline were born. There they were reared and married, and lived until after the birth of their first five children. They then removed to Ohio about the year 1824, and located as pioneer settlers in Newton Township, Muskingum County. They purchased an uncleared timber farm, and cleared and improved the same. That estate is yet in the possession of the family. Mrs. Axline died in Ohio when forty-five years of age. She had borne three children after the family removed to Ohio. Three years after her death, Mr. Axline married Mrs. Elizabeth Springer, nee Crooks. She was the mother of six children by her former marriage. Iler union with Mr. Axline resulted in the birth of four children. Mr. Axline died at his home in Muskingum County, being eighty-one years old. His second wife survived him four years, passing away at the age of sixty-seven years. He and both his wives were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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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 131

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

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