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 138

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 138
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 138
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 138

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).

In the meantime Mr. Ables formed the acquaint- ance of Miss Helen Carls, to whom he was married in Riley County, March 8, 1872. This lady, like her husband was of German birth and parentage and is the daughter of H. W. and Minnie ( Tapken) Carls. To them were born five children, viz: Minnie, Johanna, Helen, Betty and William. They are all living and at home with their parents. For about one year after his marriage Mr. Abels farmed on rented land, and the following year he pur- chased a farm in the river bottom about a mile south of Manhattan. He occupied that until 1881, then removing to Clay County, settled where he now lives. About fifty [acres had been broken, but the only improvement was a log shanty. His neighbors were few and far between. He labored in true pioneer style, battling with the difficulties of imperfect farming utensils, but industry and perseverance in due time yielded their reward. Mr. Abels while watching the growth and development of Northern Kansas. has reason to feel satisfaction in the reflection that he has contributed to bring about its present condition. Clay Center was his market place. In order to reach it he was obliged

to ford the Republican River and Five Creek, prior to the erection of bridges and which, sometimes, was a dangerous experiment as the water was often high.

After becoming a voting eitizen Mr. Abels iden- tified himself with the Democratie party. He. how- ever, has very little to do with politics and has never been ambitious for office, simply serving as a member of the School Board for the past five years. Coming from a country practicing compul- sory education, he naturally believes in giving to the young those advantages which will make of them useful and intelligent members of the com- munity.

C IFARLES D. POTTER has been a resident of Washington County for almost a score of years. His comfortable and attractive home is situated in Sheridan Township, and con- sists of 134 acres of well improved land. The es- tate is supplied with all necessary and adequate farm buildings, and is brought to a high state of pro- ductiveness.

The parents of our subject were James and Mary (Miles) Potter. The former was born in Connecti- cut in 1811, and after attaining manhood moved to Bennington County, Vt., where he was engaged in farming until his death. His wife was born in 1809. Her death occurred in 1851, and that of her husband one day later. Both were members of the Baptist Church. Nine children were born to them, all but three dying when young. Those who lived to maturity are: Louisa, James H., and our subjeet.

Charles D. Potter was born in Bennington County, Vt., Feb. 4, 1841. Ile was reared upon a farm, and received the educational advantages to be obtained in the rural districts. The death of his father took place when he was about ten years of age, and he then went to Pike County, Ohio, where he remained until 1862. In September of that year he enlisted in Company A., 53th Ohio In- fantry, being determined to devote the strength of his young manhood to the cause of the Union. The regiment to which he belonged formed a part of the Second Brigade, 2d Division, 15th Army

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Corps. under the command of Gen. John A. Logan. Mr. Potter took part in the engagements at Jack- son, Miss., Missionary Ridge, and many other im- portant battles and minor contests. He was a gallant soldier, and faithful in the discharge of his duties. On May 29, 1865, he received an honor- able discharge, and again assumed the duties of a civilian. In that year he went to Scioto County, Ohio, where he remained until 1870. He then came to this county, and identified himself with the agriculturists of Sheridan Township. In addi- tion to the carrying on of his fine farm, he is now engaged to some extent in grain buying in the town of Palmer.

The wife of our subject bore the maiden name of Levenia Hartley, and the rites of wedlock were performed between them on July 8, 1865. Mrs. Potter was born in Jackson County, Ohio, in 1847, her parents also being natives of the Buekeye State. She has bore her husband ten children, of whom seven now survive. Those deceased are: William, Henry and Royal, the first, third and seventh born, The survivors bear the names of Elmer, Minnie, Frank, Walter, Louisa, Charles and Arthur.

A practical and progressive farmer, a reliable citizen, and a gentleman of intelligence, courtesy and moral character, Mr. Potter commands the re- spect of all with whom he comes in contact.

OHN BOND. A leading position among the farmers of Charleston Township, Washing- ton County, is occupied by the above named gentleman, who is engaged in stock-raising, and deals in horses, cattle and hogs. He is one of the oldest permanent settlers of the county, and with his brother, Richmond, had the honor of be- ing the first to settle in this township. He is now the owner of over 1,000 acres of productive land. nearly all of which is improved. His residence stands on section 4, and is a substantial and well designed stone builling, and is accompanied by an equally substantial stone barn. The house stands on an elevation and presents a fine view over the fertile and picturesque lands which surround it.

Mr. Bond was born in Wiltshire, England, April 18, 1824, and was a son of James and Mary Bond. The paternal family consisted of ten children, three of whom-Richmond, John and Henry J .- came to the United States. Our subject learned the trade of a blacksmith in his native land, where he remained until twenty-seven years of age. He then, in company with his older brother, came to America, landing at Philadelphia. He went to Pittsburg, but spent only a short time there, his first stop of any length being in Wayne County, Ohio. In 1853 he traveled westward as far as Linn County, Iowa, and remained two years at Marion, following his trade. Ile then started for Kansas, but stopped in Nodaway County, Mo. Ile was deter- mined to settle in this State, however, and in 1858 came to the then Territory and located on land in Charleston Township. After filing his claim he re- turned to Missouri, and in 1860 brought his family, consisting of his wife and three children, to their new home. The journey was made with an ox team and the house to which they came was a rude cabin without a floor. Leaving the family domiciled here, Mr. Bond returned to Missouri for his cattle and goods. An attempt was made to jump his claim, but Mrs. Bond gave the man 100 pounds of flour and about a half barrel of whisky, in consid- eration of which he left her in peace and departed for Pike's Peak. The claim jumper was the only white man Mrs. Bond saw during her husband's absence:

The original Kansas home of Mr. Bond occupied the southeast quarter of section 8, and contained considerable timber. It was improved and was the family home for a number of years. Indians were plenty in the neighborhood during their early re- sidence in the county and three times the family was driven from home by the Cheyennes. They repaired to Marysville for safety, returning to their home only after several days of absence. The Otoe tribe was peaceable and members of it frequently ate at Mr. Bond's table. After several years' residence on the original claim. Mr. Bond re- moved to the place which he now occupies. He had about $100 when he came to America and his present fine estate is the result of unflagging in- dustry and good management. During the past

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year he has sold $2,600 worth of hogs and $5,000 worth of cattle.

In 1853 Mr. Bond was united in marriage with Rachael Metcalf. She was the daughter of Mas- son and Ilannah Metcalf, and her birth took place in Ashland County, Ohio, April 21, 1828. Her parents were natives of the Buckeye State, and descendants of old Maryland families. The fam- ily removed to Linn County, Iowa, about two years before the daughter's marriage. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Bond has resulted in the birth of eight children. Two daughters died in childhood. Those now living are: Emma, wife of Barnard Graves; Sarah A., wife of Allen Maurer; James, Isabelle and Arabell (twins), and Allen W., now at home.

Mrs. Bond is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Bond, politically, is a Democrat, but in local affairs has liberal views, and votes for the man whom he considers best fit- ted for the office to which he is nominated.

G EORGE II. FULLINGTON, County Treas_ urer of Clay County. The life of a prominent man is at all times an interesting study, and not only may we read the record of such a one with pleasure, but with profit, as setting forth the results of energy rightly directed and quickness of decision controlled by prudence. It is therefore a matter of interest and instruction to review briefly the life and works of him whose name introduces this sketch. Holding the office of County Treasurer for the second term, the fact of his re-election is sufficient evidence of his established worth with the people of his vicinity. For the last twenty-three years he has been an important factor in the polit- ical and business life of Clay County, and receives merited respect from all who know him. Socially he and his family occupy a conspicuous position, being leaders in all good works. Mrs. Fullington is a worthy and influential member of the United Pres- byterian Church, and to the maintenance of that church Mr. Fullington contributes regularly and liberally. He is a firm supporter of the principles

of the Republican party, and is numbered among the Knights of Pythias. Ile owns a grain elevator in Indiana, and has large farming interests, includ- ing 300 aeres of fine land in Clay County, adapted to agricultural products as well as to stock raising. This estate is used to some extent as a stock farm, and on it high grades of stock are raised and fed.

Mr. Fullington has a worthy helpmate in his wife, who was formerly Miss Maggie Scott, daughter of Rev. James Scott of Blaine Township (for further parental history see sketch of her father). The wedding of our subject and his wife was celebrated Sept. 15, 1875, and there have been born to them four children, all living, and named respectively: Scott J., who was born Oct. 4, 1878: Clayton B., Dec. 11, 1880; Augusta, in 1884; and Lynn G., in July, 1888. Mrs. Fullington was born in Illinois, and when an infant was taken to St. Lawrence County.N. Y., and thence to Pennsylvania at an early day. In the Keystone State Mr. Scott was a minister of the United Presbyterian Church, but after moving here became interested in farming,and also preached up to 1887. He made his home on a farm until his death in July, 1889, at the age of sixty-five years. A family of eleven children had been born to him and his wife. Mrs. Fullington inherits many of the excellent qualities of both parents, and is a favorite in social circles, which she graces by her varied accomplish- ments and charming disposition. However, like all good women, she is seen to best advantage in the midst of the home circle, where her affections are centered, and to the interests of which she de- votes her life.

The father of our subject was John T. Fullington, a native of Vermont, where his father was one of the carly settlers of Cambridge, Lamoille County. John T. was born in 1805, and is living at present on the farm where his entire life has been passed. He married Miss Betsey Baleh, and the only child born to them was our subject, who was born in Cambridge, Lamoille Co., Vt., July 12, 1846. When George H. was only two and one-half years old his mother passed to her final rest, and his fa- ther married again. Our subject passed his boy- hood with his father and remained at home until he was twenty years of age, receiving a good practical education in his native county, but never going

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further than twenty miles from the homestead during all this time. His first trip was made to Kansas in 1866, and upon reaching the State he stopped for a short period in Riley County, where he engaged in teaching school for one term. He purchased school land in Clay County, and also 160 aeres on the present site of Wakefield, his farm comprising 240 acres of land, partially improved and having on it an old log cabin which served as a shelter from the elements and wild animals. When our subject settled on this homestead, his nearest neighbor was four miles west, and for two years he remained on his claim, improving it gradually, until he was able to sell at a fair profit; he then bought another farm, where he located and lived for a year alone. Then he determined to change his solitary condition ; accordingly, he was united in marriage Feb. 10, 1868, with Miss Emma Walbridge, who lived only a little more than two years after marriage.

Residing for a time at Milford and also in Re- publican City, our subject was engaged in the gen- eral mercantile business in the latter city for a year. It was at that period of the county history a thriving town, and contained more residences than Clay Center, but the latter place being made the county seat, of course from that time Republican City lost its business influence, though it had been beaten in the contest by only one vote. When the bridge was built in 1875, Mr. Fullington saw that his prosperity in life demanded that he should change his location, and he therefore crossed the river to Clay Centre, and engaged in general mer- chandising. He bought out and established a good book and stationery store, which was the first of any note in the city, and was continued in the post- office. Mr. Fullington was also engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, and was for two years the only undertaker in the town, having bought out all the others. He continued to engage in this business until his election in 1886 as Treasurer of Clay County, since which time he has given his sole attention to the duties of his office.

Having been appointed County Commissioner in 1880 to fill a vacancy, so well did our subject discharge the duties of the position that the follow- ing year he was elected for a second term by the unanimous vote of the citizens. Ile, however, re-

fused to accept another nomination on account of other duties. Mr. Fullington has also been a member of the council for several terms, serving with characteristic zeal and enterprise. To him not less than to others, Clay County is indebted in a large measure for its prosperity and high standing among the connties of Kansas.

OGENS NELSON. The lands across the sea have given many worthy citizens to Amer- ica, and the agricultural districts in Kansas have taken a fair share. Whatever pleas are raised in our large cities in opposition to foreign immigration, the intelligent observer in farming regions must confess that no better citizens of the rural districts can be found than those who have come from beyond the Atlantic,

The gentleman of whom we write belongs to the class just noted. He was born in Jyland, Denmark, April 14, 1842, being a son of Nels Sorreuson. In accordance with the custom of his native land, his surname is made up of his father's given name with "son" attached. He received a thorough common- school education in his own language. In company with his sister, Carrie Nelson, he came to the United States in 1869. A brother, Jacob Nelson, had come to this country three years before, and was living in Bremer County, Iowa. There our subjeet spent a year.

In 1870, Mr. Nelson came to Kansas and located in Washington County. He filed a claim to a tract of land in Strawberry Township, upon which be proved up under the Homestead Act, in 1875. In that year he visited his old home, to see his mother, who has since died. Returning to America the year of the Centennial Exposition at Philadel- phia, l'a., he visited that exhibition. Coming on West he stopped in Iowa, where he was employed on the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, be- tween Council Bluffs and Burlington, for a year and a half. He then returned to his homestead in this county, all of which has been put under the plow. The farm is well fenced, there being about one mile of hedge, and the rest under wire fence. The dwelling is a well built frame structure, neatly

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furnished, and presided over by an excellent house- wife. An abundance of shade is furnished by 200 forest trees, which have been planted near the house. The apple orchard contains 150 trees, and there is also a variety of small fruits. The estate is carefully and intelligently managed, and is an attractive rural home.

In 1881, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage with Miss Auna Hough. The bride is a daughter of Benjamin Hongh, who two years previously had re- moved from Illinois to this State, settling in Cole- man Township (then Mill Creek Township). The recent death of Mr. Hough has thrown his estate into the hands of his daughter, and it will hereafter be the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson. It is located on section 34, and has been particularly well im- proved. The dwelling is a large, elegant stone house, and large orchards, groves, etc., beautify the estate.

Mr. Nelson is a Republican, and when he thinks it for the good of the people, takes an active part in public affairs. He was educated in the Lutheran faith, but attends a neighborhood organization, with a large Sunday-school, which is supported by those of various beliefs. Mrs. Nelson belongs to the Baptist Church. Both are possessed of sterling characters, intelligent minds and cordial manners, and are among the best citizens of the county.

ACOB ENGERT. The farming and stock- raising interests of Blaine Township, Clay County, acknowledge a worthy representa- tive in this substantial citizen who may be usually found at his headquarters on section 29. Here he has a well-tilled farm, 160 acres in extent, where he has effected good improvements and laid up for himself the wherewithal to comfort him in his declining years. He was born in Hesse Darm- stadt, Germany, March 9, 1836. and is the son of Jacob, Sr., and Catherine (Nickel) Engert, who were likewise of pure German birth and ancestry.

voyage oceupied five weeks and a few days, and soon after landing upon terra firma, the family made their way to the vicinity of Cleveland, Ohio. The father carried on farming a number of years, then moved into the city, where he and his estima- ble wife spent their last days. Jacob was the only son, and has two sisters living-Elizabeth, the wife of A. Alten, of Blaine Township, and Eva, Mrs. Philip Rose.

The subject of this sketch spent his early years on the farm in the Buckeye State and received a fair education both in English and German. He was a youth who kept his eyes open to what was going on around him in the world, and grew up with a fair idea of business as well as farming. Ile re- mained a bachelor until past twenty-nine years old and was then married Sept. 18, 1865, in Ohio, to Miss Catherine Engert, a native of his own Prov- ince in Germany, and the daughter of Philip and Eva (Schader) Engert. This union resulted in the birth of six children, two of whom-Jacob and Anthony-died at the ages of eight and two years respectively. Catherine is the wife of J. P. Bisen- ius; Philip, Henry and ,Jacob remain at home with their parents.

Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Eng- ert settled down in a snug little home in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, and for twelve years thereafter Mr. Engert operated as a teamster in the employ of one firm. Finally deciding to seek his fortune in the farther West, he, in 1878, disposing of his in- terests in the Buckeye State, came with his family to Kansas and settled on his present farm in Clay County. Here he has operated with genuine Ger- man thrift and prudence, and has been uniformly successful. Besides the land which he occupies, he has a half interest in 246 acres in Riley County. He has been principally the architect of his own fortune, accumulating his possessions by industry and perseverance. He made it a rule at the begin- ning to live within his income, and has followed this wise resolve with the results which we now be- hold. He is a man prompt to meet his obligation and one whose word is considered as good as his bond.

When about nine years old. Mr. Engert crossed the Atlantic with his parents, on a sailing vessel Politically, Mr. Engert is independent, aiming bound from Antwerp to New York City. The | to support principles rather than men. He and his

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estimable wife have labored hand in hand in the accumulation of their property, and are now in the enjoyment of the fruits of their industry. They have made many friends since their sojourn in this State, and Mr. Engert as a citizen bas acquitted himself with credit.

Mrs. Engert was born March 29, 1846. and was next to the eldest daughter of her parents, with whom she emigrated to America when a maiden of sixteen years. The family took passage on a sail- ing vessel at the port of Havre, France, and landed in New York City after a voyage of fifty-six days. Thenee they proceeded shortly afterward to Will- iamsburg, N. Y., and from there journeyed over- land to Cleveland, Ohio. The father came to Clay County, this State, and died Jan. 21, 1884. The mother is still living and makes her home in Cleve- land.

S TOVER MOON. There are few residents of the little city of Green, Clay County, unfamiliar with the name of Mr. Moon. who came to this place in the spring of 1883 and erected the first blacksmith shop in the town. This he has since successfully conducted and has one of the best equipped establishments in Clay County, for doing all kinds of work, either wood or iron. To his genius as a natural mechanic, has been added a long experience, and it is con- ceded that he is the most skillful workman in this part of the country. He occupies one of the best residences in the village, and also has a snug farm of eighty acres north of it. Financially, he is well-to-do, and as a citizen is held in high esteem.

Clinton County, Ohio, was the early tramping- ground of our subject, and where his birth took place June 27, 1851. In the spring of 1852, bis parents, Elihu and Mary (Barr) Moon, disposing of their interests in the Buckeye State, set out for the Far West, and settled first in Indiana, then in Illi- nois, then in Iowa, then in Missouri for the winter of 1857-8, and in 1858 they came to Riley County. this State, They landed at the mouth of Fancy Creek on the 10th of May, on the present site of the town of Randolph, afterward locating about

two miles above at the mouth of Walnut Creek, be- fore land in that section was on the market, and while Kansas was still a Territory. They made their advent in this region with an old wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen, and besides this, their capital consisted of an ax and a few articles of clothing and household effects, together with a family of three children. The father borrowed money in order to enter land, which he sold to pay it back. He then located under a "squatter's" claim and held it until the enactment of the llomestead Law, when he procured a title to it and still occupies it,

When the father of our subject first settled in Kansas, the nearest mill was at Grasshopper Falls, to which place he conveyed his wheat and corn for grinding. His nearest trading points were Atchi- son and Leavenworth. Upon the present site of Manhattan, there stood about three houses. A drouth in 1860 (there being no moisture of any consequence from the 15th of May until in the winter.) destroyed nearly all vegetation, and the elder Moon, in company with G. D. and R. P. Spur- riers, neighbors, set out for Leavenworth with an ox-team where they procured 100 pounds of flour each, from the agency which was disbursing pro- visions to the sufferers. Indians still lingered in this region, but aside from a little stealing, they did not molest the settlers. The first school was estab- lished about 1865, in a private house and conducted on the subscription plan, and in this Stover Moon obtained his first book knowledge. The following winter the neighbors got together and put up a log shanty. about 13x16 feet in dimensions, and digni- fied it by the name of "school-house." The floor and roof were of puncheon, the latter covered with hay and dirt to keep out the rain and cold. The seats were constructed of the same material with rude wooden pins for legs, and the desks were made of plank, supported against the wall also with wooden pins.

The subject of this sketch thus spent his boy- hood and youth amid the wild scenes of pioneer life until after the outbreak of the Indian War. In September, 1868, he enlisted in Company K, 19th Kansas Cavalry, (mustered in at Topeka.) soon after which the regiment was ordered to intercept Gen. Custer, who was then at Camp Supplies. in the

Michael James

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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 138

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

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