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 137

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 137
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 137
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 137

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).

Owing to the fact that Mr. Branson had been obliged to rely entirely upon his own exertions, his means were by this time exhausted and he resumed teaching. He taught during the fall term, but in February, 1881, determined to try his fortune in Kansas, and came direct to Washington. He was an entire stranger in that city, but soon secured a position as Assistant Principal in the graded schools, and held it for nearly three years, when he resigned to purchase an interest in the Clifton Review. During his first four years' residence in

Washington County, he was one of the County Ex- aminers of teachers.

On June 26, 1884, Mr. Branson was united in marriage with Miss Maggie L. Barnes, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Barnes, who were then, and are now, residents of Washington, where: Mr. Barnes pursues his trade of a carpenter. Mrs. Branson was born at Fairfield, Iowa, in June, 1864. She is a refined, intelligent lady, well-fitted by nature and education to preside over the pleasant home of her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Branson are the parents of two bright and lovable children-Ethel May and Lila Belle.

Since locating in_Clifton, Mr. Branson has re- fused to practice law, exeept in the matter of col- lections, drawing of papers and kindred work, as engaging in active practice would be inconsistent with his work as editor of his paper. Ile first engaged in the newspaper enterprise in partnership with R. O. Woody, now Deputy County Treasurer, but about nine months afterward, Mr. Branson bought his partner's interest, and has since been sole pro- prietor and editor. The paper is Republican in politics, and under its present management aims at being not alone a political organ, but a paper which will be acceptable in the homes of the peo- ple, and it gives especial attention to the news of the city where it is published and the sur- rounding country. Care is taken that nothing shall appear in its columns that has the slightest taint of impurity about it, and the result is a clean, newsy sheet, which is welcomed by its readers. Under Mr. Branson's management the circulation has grown and the business is steadily increasing. The office is completely fitted for job printing, in which it has a good trade. The paper was first, established Feb. 27, 1879, by Blake and Wellman, shortly after the founding of the city, but passed through several hands before it came into possession of its present owner.

Since coming to Clifton, Mr. Branson has held the position of City Clerk, which he has filled from the incorporation of the city in 1884, to the present day; at the same time, he was, for two years, City Attorney, and in the fall of 1888, was elected Jus- tice of the Peace, the several positions coming to him naturally without his seeking them. He is a

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member of the Clifton Lodge, No. 181, I. O. O. F., of which he is now Permanent and Recording Sec- retary, and he bas filled all the chairs; he also be . longs to the Clifton Lodge, No. 40, A. O. U. W. He is a gentleman of irreproachable character, who is universally respected by those who know him best, for his integrity and the possession of those qualities which go to make up a good man and an honest citizen.

EROY M. FELLOWS. The finely culti- vated farm of 320 acres which comprises the headquarters of one of the best citizens of Blaine Township, and which is finely located on section 35. illustrates in a marked manner what a man may accomplish by steady perseverance and industry. Mr. Fellows started out in life depend- ent upon his own resources, employing himself as a farm laborer, and thus earned his first $1,000, with which he began farming. By a course of prudence and economy he has steadily added to his worldly possessions, and is now numbered among the well-to-do farmers and stock-raisers of his township. Politically, he is a sound Republican, and a man liberal and public-spirited, a member of the Baptist Church, and one who uniformly gives his encouragement and support to the enterprises calculated to benefit the people.

Mr. Fellows was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., Oct. 26, 1850, and is consequently on the sunny side of forty. He is the scion of an ex- cellent family, being the son of David G. and Mary Fellows, both of whom are natives of the Empire State. The paternal ancestors came from England. Leroy M. was the youngest in a family of six ehil- dren, and was reared to manhood in his native county, his life passing in a comparatively unevent- ful manner upon the farm. He acquired his edu- cation in the public schools, and at an early period chose farming for his vocation in life. He began business for himself in the twenty-second year of his age, but made his home with his father until in his twenty-fourth year, when, changing his oceu- pation somewhat, he engaged as a clerk in a store at Camillus, N. Y., and was thus occupied about

three years. The following year he engaged in teaming, hauling lumber, brick and other building material for E. D. Sherwood. At the expiration of this time he resumed farming, which he followed eight years in New York.

The 11th of March, 1875, formed an interesting date in the life of our subject, namely, his marriage with Miss Incz, daughter of George Whitney, then a resident of New York State, but now living in Lansing, Iowa. The newly wedded pair began the journey of life together in New York, and in 1885, coming to Kansas, settled upon the present farm, to which Mr. Fellows has since given his close attention, bringing it to a high state of culti- vation and erecting upon it substantial buildings. To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born four children: Arthur, Sept. 30, 1876; Helena, Feb. 10, 1882; Scott, Nov. 13, 1883; and Alfred, May 27, 1885. Mrs. Fellows is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in her old home in New York State.

ILLIAM SCRUBY. A residence of nearly twenty years in Washington County, has served to make Mr. seruby well known among the older residents, and his sterling worth as a citizen long ago established him in their esteem and confidence. He settled in Farmington Town- ship in April, 1870, purchasing 160 acres of land on section 11, and by a course of industry and economy has brought his fields to a fine state of cultivation and erected neat and substantial mod- ern buildings. His general farming operations in- clude stock-raising, and in all he has been quite successful. At the same time his fostering care has been extended to the interests of the people around him, and besides being generally interested in the establishment of schools he has officiated as a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, hold- ing a regular certificate and laboring in the Mas- ter's vineyard as time and opportunity presents itself. He has been the School Treasurer of his dis- triet for the past fifteen years, and at the organiza- tion of the township officiated as its first Treasurer.

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Other positions of trust and responsibility have been frequently tendered him, and the duties of those which he accepted have been discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned.

The Scruby family is of English origin, and in Cambridgeshire our subject was born, April 12, 1827. Ilis parents, Joseph and Emma (Stock- bridge) Seruby, were also natives of that shire, but were married in the city of London. They, how- ever, settled not far from the place of their birth, but in 1833 emigrated to America and located in Oneida County, N. Y., where the father died when William was a small boy. The mother subse- quently removed to Sparta, Monroe Co., Wis., where her death took place in 1857. The parental family included eight sons and four daughters, of whom William was the youngest born. lle went with his mother to Wisconsin about a year after his father's death, and was there reared to man- hood on a farm, living there until 1863. That year he went into Steele Connty, Minu., where he purchased a farm, which he lived upon until 1869. He spent the next year on a rented farm in Greene County, Mo., then removed to Greene County, Ill., where for two years he was engaged as a butcher and stock- dealer. His next removal was to this county, of which he has since been a resident.

In Dane County, Wis., occurred the marriage of William Scruby and Miss Melissa Damman. Jan. 1, 1855. Mrs. Scruby was born near Bangor, Me., Oct. 12, 1835, and is the daughter of Seth and Nancy (Doe) Damman, who were likevise natives of the Pine Tree State. They lived there some time after their marriage, then emigrated to Wis- consin, and were residents of Dane County several years, after which they removed to Monroe County and passed the remainder of their lives. Their family consisted of four daughters and three sons, Mrs. Seruby being the eldest born.

The record of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Seruby is as follows: Louisa A. is the wife of John A. Palmer. and they live in Farmington Township, Washington County; George married Sarah E. Foster, of Washington County; Jonathan S. married Miss Mary E. Foster; Charles E. mar- ried Miss Ella S. Knight, and continues a resident

of Washington County; William and Fred J. re- main at home with their parents.

Mrs. Scruby, like her husband, is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. Scruby endorses the principles of the Republican party, but usually votes indepen- dently, supporting the men whom he considers will best serve the interests of the community. A man spoken well of by his neighbors is generally one who can be trusted.

OHN H. BUCK is the enterprising proprietor of a restaurant in Clifton, Washington County. His business is carefully managed, and is proving remunerative and popular. It was started by Mr. Buek in 1885, at which time he erected an excellent brick building, 24x44 feet, in which to carry it on. Hle had previously been en- gaged in agricultural pursuits in Brantford Town- ship, where he still owns 160 acres on section 14. 'The rural home is favorably located, with an abun- dance of good water. It has been supplied with well built and adequate farm buildings, and is a very comfortable home.

Mr. Buck first saw the light in Hamburg, Ger- many, in 1843. His parents, Henry and Mary (Timmons) Buck, were married in that city, both being Germans. The mother died some ten years ago, being then past sixty years of age. The father is still living near Hamburg, and is now aged seventy-five years. He was a farmer. Both pa- rents belong to the Lutheran Church. Our subject was reared and educated in Germany, receiving all the advantages for which that country is noted. When fourteen years old he left his native land to become a citizen of the United States. He took passage at Bremen on a sailing vessel, and landed in New York City after a quiet but prolonged voy- age of sixty days.

Mr. Buck remained in New York State until of age and then entered the I'nion army, as a member of Company E, 93d New York Infantry. His enlist- ment took place in 1864, and after a service of one year he was discharged June 29, 1865. Ile saw but little fighting, and was never wounded or taken pris-

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oner. After his return to New York City. he came West as far as Shannon, Ill., where he lived some years. He then removed to; Corning, Mo., where he made his home for several years.

July 11, 1870, our subject located on a homestead claim in Brantford Township, this county. At that time the county was new, and that section mostly unbroken. The first dwelling was a dugout, which was occupied for some years. Mr. Buck and his wife improved their home, and every opportunity afforded them to increase their comforts and finan- cial ability. By dint of hard work and prudent management they have succeeded, and now have a valuable farm. When the town of Clifton was started Mr. Buck came to this place and went into business. Two years later he returned to his farm, but subsequently took up his residence in town. He has worked hard in behalf of the home of his adoption, and his intelligent wife is as interested as he is, in seeing the town flourish.

The marriage of Mr. Buck took place in Wash- ington County. His bride bore the maiden name of Emna Hushard. She was born in Dearborn County, Ind., Nov. 4, 1834, and is the eldest of six children. She was reared in her native State, and was there united in marriage to Peter Waltner, a Ger- man beer brewer. During a politicial outbreak among the Irish and Germans in Hamilton, Ohio, Mr. Waltner was killed. Ilis widow some years later became the wife of our subject.

By her first marriage Mrs. Buck became the mo- ther of two sons and three daughters. One son, Frank A., died when ten years old. The other son, Henry, is a merchant at Kiowa, Kan. Hle married Miss Minnie Ruland. The daughters are all mar- ried. Matilda is the wife of Christ Reakerman, who is running the New York barber-shop in Kan- sas City. Emma is the wife of Ed. Titus, a farmer in Wyoming Territory. Lillie is the wife of Els- worth Kreek, a furniture man in Clifton. By her present marriage Mrs. Buck has become the mother of two children, both of whom are at home. They are named respectively. Edward A. and Elenora S.

The parents of Mrs. Buck were Peter and Bar- bara (Kcler) Hushard. They were natives of the Rhineland, and came to the United States after their marriage. They located on a farm in Dear-

born County, Ind., fourteen miles from Lawrence- burg. Mr. Hushard was accidentally killed by a run- away team when he was forty-seven years old. Ilis widow died twelve years later, at the age of fifty- seven. Both were communicants of the Catholic Church.

Mr. Buck belongs to Chadwick Post No. 24, G. A. R., at Clifton. He also belongs to the Ma- sonic fraternity, being a member of Blue Lodge No. 22, at Clifton. He is independent in his polit- ical views, voting for the men he thinks best fitted for office. Both he and his wife have followed the religious faith of their parents, he being a member of the Lutheran Church and she of the Catholic.

6 HEO. WEICHISELBAUM. Saul was promi- nent in the nation of Israel by reason of his great height, but the subject of this notice is prominent in his community by reason of his eminent executive and financial abilities, which have deservedly placed him in the lead in all mat- ters pertaining to the growth and prosperity of the city and county in which he resides. In his business transactions as a merchant and stock-raiser, his well- known integrity and superior mental qualifications have secured for him the implicit confidence of all with whom he has to deal. In all propositions em- anating from him, which have for their object the improvement of the intellectual or corporeal inter- ests of the community, he is sure of the support of his neighbors, who regard him as a leader worthy to be followed.

Dr. Moritz Weichselbaum, the father of our sub- ject, is a native of Furth, Bavaria, where he is en- gaged in the practice of medicine. He was born in 1802, and after successfully completing the pre- scribed course of study, was graduated with high distinction from the University of Wurtzburg. Ba- varia, and immediately afterward began the practice of medicine. Ilis professional career dates from 1828 and embraces a period of sixty-one years. The mother of our subject was Betty (Kohn) Weichsel- baum, a native of Wurtzburg, Bavaria. She departed this life in 1869, leaving the memory of

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her charitable acts and virtuous life to be lovingly cherished by her faithful descendants.

The parental family consisted of fourteen chil- dren. of whom five are now living; one-Albert .- was killed by the Kiowa Indians near Ft. Dodge, in 1865. The subject of this sketch was the second child in order of birth and first opened his eyes to the light of day, June 10. 1834, at Furth. Bavaria. He grew to manhood in his native place and was the fortunate recipient of a thoroughly sound, prac- tical education, which has been of inestimable benefit to him in his subsequent career, and has contributed, no doubt, not a little to his success in life.

After serving an apprenticeship of four years to a merchant, Theo. Weichselbaum, then a youth of seventeen years, began life for himself, engag- ing as a traveling salesman for general merchandise for a house in Amsterdam. He continued in that line for several years. In June, 1856, he landed in New York, where he remained some ten months, then went to Kansas City, Mo., where he opened a store and resided there another ten months, at the expiration of which time he removed to Ogden, Riley Co., Kan., and opened a general merchan- dise store, on Christmas day, 1857. This venture has proven a very successful business investment and the returns from it have been large. A portion of his success in amassing a fortune has been owing to the fact that in 1860, he secured the contract of supplying the post sutlers of five different United States military posts, with various commodities in his line of business and continued his interest in that enterprise until 1869.

In 1869 Mr. Weichselbaum began buying up farms that were offered for sale, and now owns 1.400 acres of land in Ogden Township. He also owns several farms in adjoining counties. lle is a prominent stock-raiser and takes pride in showing to visitors his large stock-farm, the fine blooded animals contentedly grazing in his extensive pas- tures or comfortably housed in the roomy buildings provided for their use. His cattle consist princi- pally of Short-horns and Ilolsteins; the horses are of Norman and Hambletonian pedigree.

June 10, 1862, Mr. Weichselbaum was married to Miss Fannie Blumenstein, who was a native of

Gunsenhausen, Bavaria. She came to America just two days prior to her marriage, having been betrothed to our subject previous to embarking for this country. They are the parents of eight children, of whom five are now living, viz: Joseph- ine, Samuel, Edwin, Bettie and Johanna. They are laraelites by birth and cling with faithful tenacity to the noble faith of their fathers. They are cele- brated for their many good qualities not only in Ogden, but throughout the entire county.

Mr. Weichselbaum was Mayor and Postmaster of Ogden for many years and it is.perhaps, needless to say, has given perfect satisfaction. He is also a Notary Public and a valned member of the School Board of the to . n and in addition has filled the of- fice of Township Treasurer. Ile is a member of Centenian Lodge, No. 18, K. of P., of Junction City. He is the Grand Deputy of the District. Ile is also a member of the J. O. O. F. No. 281, of Ogden and has been Secretary. In politics he is an active and efficient worker and upholds the princi- pals of the Democratic party.

6 HOMAS J. GILCHRIST. Among those who have made for themselves a worthy life- record and have now passed to their long home, may be numbered the subject of this sketch, who departed this life at his homestead, familiarly known as the Twin Mound Farm. in Blaine Town- ship, Clay County, March 29. 1885. He took up his residence here in 1878, seenring possession of the 80-acre farm which is now occupied by his widow, and which he built up from an uncultivated tract of land. Hle was a man highly esteemed in his community, kind and indulgent in his family, liberal and public-spirited, and one whose loss was sensibly felt in his community.

A native of Oswego County, N. Y .. the subject of this notice was born Jan. 22, 1828, and was the son of Peter Gilchrist, who belonged to an excel- lent old family of Scotch descent. He was reared to man's estate in his native county, becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits and acquiring a good common-school education. In the meantime, at the age of seventeen years, he began learning

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the carpenter's trade, which he followed thereafter mostly through life in connection with farming. Mr. Gilchrist when about twenty-two years of age was married to Miss Anna Vandenburgh, who only lived about six years. Of this union one son, named Martin, was born. On the 2nd of Novem- her, 1861, our subjeet was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Thomas, who assumed the name of her adopted parents, George and Elizabeth Thomas. She was born in Wooster. Ohio, Aug. 5, 1840, and was the daughter of Samuel and Catherine Cole. When about four years old she was taken by her parents to MeHenry County, Ill., where her father died when she was six years old. Six years later she was wholly orphaned by the death of her mother, and was then adopted by Mrs. Dr. Thomas, of MeHenry Co., Ill., with whom she went to Onon . daga County, N. Y., where she was reared to womanhood and where she remained until her marriage. She received a good education, com- pleting her studies in Jordan Academy.

At the beginning of the Civil War, Mr. Gil- christ enlisted as a Union soldier in the 75th New York Infantry, and during his service of four years participated in many important battles. He fought at Ft. Hudson, the siege of Vieksburg, at Santa Rosa Island, Ft. Pickens, but fortunately escaped unharmed, and at the close received an honorable discharge. Upon leaving the army, he returned to Onondaga County, N. Y., where be sojourned with his family until the spring of 1877. He then re- solved to seek his home in the far West, and com- ing to this State, settled the following year on the farm where his widow now resides. This comprises a choice body of land, and possesses the peculiarity of two Indian mounds of about the same size, reared by the aborigines in early times.

Mr. and Mrs. Gilchrist were among the early settlers of their neighborhood, and performed much hard labor in bringing their homestead to its pres- ent condition. There were born to them four children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Mina, is the wife of William Naumann, of Blaine Town- ship. Florence is at home with her mother; Carrie is deceased and George lives at home. Mr. Gil- christ, politically, was a sound Republican, and in religious matters a consistent member of the Bap-

tist Church. He left his family in comfortable circumstances, and Mrs. Gilchrist receives monthly from the Government a pension of $12, besides $2 per month for her little boy. The farm buildings, without being pretentious, are convenient and com- fortable, and the whole place presents a picture of qniet country life, where peace and plenty abound.

ENRY ABELS. The farming community of Blaine Township, Clay County, recognizes Mr. Abels as one of its most prosperous citizens. He is the owner of 400 acres of prime land, 160 acres of this comprising the home- stead and the balance in Five Creek Township. This property is the accumulation of Mr. Abel's own industry, he being a self made man in the broadest sense of the term-one who has arisen to his present position by his own unaided efforts. He makes a specialty of stock-raising and all his trans- actions are conducted in that thorough and system- atie manner which seldom fails of success.

The thrifty German element of Kansas has been no nnimportant factor in its growth and develop- ment. Mr. Abels is a true son of the Fatherland, having been born in the Grand Duchy of Olden- burg, and is a gentleman in the prime of life, first opening his eyes to the light Dee. 27, 1843. He was the second son and third child of John and Christina (Mueler) Abels, the latter of whom died upon her native soil in 1871; the father is in Oldenburg. Henry Abels was reared to man's estate in his native province and followed farming. In accor- dance with the laws and customs of his native country he was placed in school at an early age and given a thorough education in the German tongue. After coming to America he improved his evenings at a night school taught by a minister, in Lee County, Ill., and thus gained a good knowledge of English, sufficient to do ordinary business. This, with his habit of observing what is going on around him in the world, has made of him an intelligent and well-informed man.

Mr. Abels lived in Germany until a man of twenty-eight years and then, in 1867, emigrated to

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America to make it his home, having visited this country three years before, taking passage on a steamer at Bremen, which ten days later landed him in New York City. Thence he proceeded di- reetly to Lee County, Ill., where for one year he was employed on a farm by his uncle. Henry Miller. He lived in Illinois over two years and subse- quently spent a short time in Missouri and Iowa. In the winter of 1870 he returned to his native land and visited a few months among the friends and associates of his childhood. He came back to the United States during the Franco-Prussian War, when the German harbors were blockaded by the French fleet so that no German vessel could sail. On account of this he took passage on an English steamer at Hamburg and by this means proceeded to Liverpool, whence he sailed for his adopted country. After leaving New York City the second time, he journeyed to Southern Illinois and later. accompanied by his brother Martin, eame in the fall of 1871 to Kansas. He spent the first year in Riley County, farming in partnership with his brother.

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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 137

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

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