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 146

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 146
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 146
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 146

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The subject of this sketch was born Oct. 10. 1842, near the town of Allhouse, Denmark. where he lived until a man of twenty-six years. Then. in 1867, be set out for America and soon afterward, landing in New York City, proceeded Westward to Iowa, where he sojourned one year. In 1869 he came to Kansas and entered upon the career which we have already indicated. After his marriage he received from his father's estate in the old country a few hundred dollars which assisted him greatly. He is the only member of his family who emigrated to America.

The subject of this sketch is the son of Rasmus Rasmuson, likewise a native of Denmark and who served the required time as a soldier in the regular army and then followed farming until retiring to private life. He accumulated a comfortable prop- erty and was a prominent man in his community, serving as a Justice and in other positions of trust

and responsibility. He died in his native country in 1874. His wife, Jensen Oletha. was the daughter of James Marson, and was also of Danish birth and ancestry. Her father was a leading man in his community. a farmer by occupation and for many years a Justice of the Peace. Ile likewise spent his entire life in Denmark, as did the mother of our subject. To the latter and her husband there were born nine children. viz .: Rasmus P., James, Hons P., Christian M., James P., Elsa, Ella, Olesa and Colena. James. our subject, remained at home on the farm until emigrating to America. He acquired a common-school education in his na- tive tongue and since coming to America has obtained a sufficient knowledge of the English language to read, write and do any ordinary business.

The wife of our subject, to whom he was mar- ried Feb. 7, 1875. was formerly Miss Katie Seifers, daughter of Andrew Seifers, a native of Bavaria, who is yet living. He was one of the early settlers of Brantford Township. Mr. and Mrs. Rasmuson are the parents of five children. viz .: Arthur, Ber- tie, Pearl, and two who died in infancy. Nellie and Stella. Politically, Mr. Rasmuson is a supporter of the Democratic party, with the exception that he is friendly to Prohibition. He was reared in the doctrines of the Lutheran Church, in which he still believes, while his estimable wife is a German Catholic.

ILLIAM A. LIMBOCKER, Police Justice of Manhattan, was a pioneer of Kansas, and for many years was prosperously identified with its farming interests. Ile is a gentleman and a scholar, and to his strong characteristics of eonr- age. determination. independence, industry and honor, he adds a high standard of morality, and it is conceded on all sides that his selection by his fel- low-citizens for his present post was one eminently fitting. lle is a veteran of the war and did good service fighting guerrillas. bushwackers, and Indians in Missouri, Arkansas, Indian Territory and on the Western frontier.

Mr. Limbocker was born in Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Dec. 29, 1834, in the early years of the

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settlement of that part of the country; his father, the Rev. Ilarry S. Limbocker, an honored resident of Manhattan. where he is living in retirement, was a pioneer of that county. Ile was for many years a noted preacher of the Free Baptist denomination in Michigan and New York, and was instrumental in organizing numerous churches and in bringing many people to that faith. He was born in Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., March 13, 1807, a son of John Limbocker, who was born May 16, 1753, it is thought in Germany. His parents on coming to America settled first in Orange County, N. Y., and some years after that went to South Carolina to live. The grandfather of our subject was bound out to a farmer in Orange County, and when his parents removed to the South, preferred to remain with the people with whom he was living. When the Revolution broke out, he enlisted among the first and fought for independence throughout the war. He located in Cayuga County at a very early day in its settlement, and remained there till 1814, when he went to Genesee County to make his home. lle resided in different counties in New York, dy- ing at last in Monroe County, Aug. 29, 1829, at a ripe old age. His wife, Lovina Hern, to whom he was married Feb. 1, 1785, was born Sept. 4, 1764. She spent her last years in Leona, Jackson Co., Mich., where she died Feb. 29, 1844.

The father of our subject was one of eleven chil- dren, ten of whom were reared to maturity. Ile was seven years old when his parents took up their abode in Genesee County, locating in what is now the town of Le Roy, they being early settlers of that place. Three years later they removed to Livingston County, and lived one year in Palmer, and then went to Monroe County. Rochester at that time was in its infancy, a small village in the wilderness, and there were no railways or canals and no connection with the outside world except with ox teams driven over rough roads through the woods. Mr. Limboeker was reared to man's estate in that county. At the age of eleven he be- came converted and joined the Methodist class. He commenced to work out when he was eleven, and from that time was self-supporting, and at sixteen, his father being blind. he assumed the additional care of his parents.

In October, 1828, Mr. Limbocker joined the Free Baptist Church, finding that its doctrines agreed with his views of Christianity, and in January. 1829, he entered upon his eminently successful ca- reer as a preacher in that denomination. In 1830 he visited Michigan and spent the winter in Wash- tenaw County, which was then a sparsely set- tled wilderness, and the flourishing city of Ypsi- lanti had no existence, as there was not a house standing on its present site. In the spring of 1831 he went back to New York, and in the spring of 1832 returned to Washtenaw County with his fam- ily for permanent settlement. The removal was made by canal and lake to Detroit, and thence by wagon to Ypsilanti, there being no railways in western New York or further westward. Mr. Lim- bocker took up eighty acres of Government land six miles southeast of Ypsilanti, and there in the primeval forests of Michigan he erected a rnde home, consisting of a cabin 14x16 feet, built of poles, with rived shakes for the roof, which was kept on by poles, no nails being used in the con- struetion of the dwelling. In the fall he replaced the cabin with a frame house. In that wild country deer and bears were often to be seen, and other kinds of game furnished the tables of the pioneers with nutritious meat.

In 1836 Mr. Limbocker sold his claim, and mov- ing to Leona, Jackson County, bought ninety acres of land in the oak openings, none of the land being improved. He built a hewed log house, to which he afterward added a frame "L." and he and his family made their home therein a number of years. Jackson was then but a small village and was a depot for supplies for the surrounding country. While a resident of Washte- naw County, Mr. Limbocker had been actively en- gaged in his ministerial duties, traveling far and wide and organizing churches. After his removal to Jackson County he was similarly engaged, and during his residence in Michigan he organized fourteen churches and baptised 1,100 people, his zeal in the cause of the Master being unsurpassed by any of his ministerial brethren, and his success in making converts remarkable. He made his home in Leona until 1850, and in that year accepted a call to preside over the church in Jackson. Three

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years later he went to Lenawee County to organize a society in Hudson, and after preaching the Gos- pel to the people of that place three years, he was called to his native State to take charge of a church at Fairport. At the end of three years he went to Walworth for the same purpose, and was the pastor of a church at that point five years. In 1864 he came to Kansas, and for four years devoted his time to farming on this rich soil. He then returned to New York, and was a resident of Walworth the ensuing two years. At the expiration of that time, he once more made Michigan his home, and resided in Reading and in Clarendon. in Hillsdale County. six years. In 1880 he came to Manhattan, and has since lived in this city in honorable retirement from active labor, having earned a rest by a long and noble life of usefulness and well-doing. He was married in April, 1830, to Miss Florilla Spald- ing, a native of York State, born in Cayuga County, the town of Auburn, Nov. 19, 1805. March 1, 1889, after a peaceful and happy wedded life of nearly fifty-nine years, this devoted wife and mother passed to the Great Beyond.

William A. Limbocker, the subject of this sketch, was about a year old when his father moved to Jackson County, and he remembers well the inei- dents of pioneer life which occurred in that region as he was growing up, and he can recollect when the city of Jackson was but a small village of a few houses. He gleaned his early education in the pioneer schools of his native State, the rude log school house being furnished with home-made furn- iture, the seats being slabs with wooden pins for legs. As soon as large enough he had to assist in clearing the farm and tilling the soil. Being fond of study and ambitious to gain a better education, he became a student of Spring Arbor College, now Hillsdale College, and during the intervals of attendance taught school in Indiana and Ohio to get money to pay his tuition. He lived in Michigan until he was twenty-one and then located in Indiana. and engaged in the hardware business in Boonestown, Jackson County. The last two years of his stay in Indiana, he was President of the White River Academy, resigning that position in the spring of 1860 to take up his residenee in the Territory of Kansas. He came thither by rail to St. Louis, from

there by steamer to Leavenworth, and there being no railways in this part of the country west of the Missouri at that date, he chartered a prairie schooner and eame to Manhattan in that characteristic pio- neer vehicle.

Mr. Limbocker bought a claim in Wabaunsec County, and in the fall of 1860 moved into the log cabin that stood on the place. No attempts had been made to cultivate the land which was in its original wildness, and the next two years he was busily engaged in its improvement. living on it until September, 1862. In that month he enlisted in Company K. 11th Kansas Infantry, and from that time until the elose of the war there was no more faithful or patriotic soldier fighting on the Western frontier. At Independence. Mo., while his regiment was engaged in battle with Price's forces, he was shot in the head, and was left on the field for dead. He miraculously escaped capture, and the next day joined his regiment and did good work in the line of battle. On the same day a bursting shell knocked him from his horse, and he was taken up by his comrades insensible, but a few hours later, this undaunted soldier was again fight- ing the enemy with characteristic coolness as if nothing had happened to him. His first wounds were received in November, 1862, in the battle of Cane Hill, as he was assisting to place a cannon on a hill in line of action, the cannon falling on him, and severely injuring him. He could have had his discharge at that time, but he heroically refused to accept it, and remained with his regiment, one of its most efficient members. until it was mustered out of the service in September, 1865. He then returned to Kansas and bought a farm in Pottawatomie County, and was busily engaged in agricultural pursuits there until 1887, when he rented his farm, and came to Manhattan to reside, and in 1889 was elected Police Justice.

Mr. Limbocker was married in Jackson County, Ind., in December, 1857, to Ameriea J. Scott, a na- tive of that county, and a daughter of Solomon Scott. Their happy household circle was completed by the birth of four children-Doris R., Flora L., Alfa D., and Lester S.

As will be seen by a perusal of this sketch, Mr. Limbocker is a man of high personal character and

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of good standing in this community. While a resident of Pottawatomie County he was Justice of the Peace for six years, and during his incumbency of that office gained much experience which is of great value to him in his present position. He was a member of the Protestant Methodist Church for many years, and was ordained Elder in 1874. Ile is now a member of the Manhattan Union Mission Church. He has always been an ardent worker in the Sunday-school, and was President of the Pot- tawatomie County Sunday-school Association, a number of years. In politics he is a sound Repub- liean.

LVIN B. LEE, senior member of the firm of Lee & Stafford, is, with his partner, con- ducting a flourishing hardware and agri- cultural implement trade at Riley, Riley County, and was one of the first men to engage in a like enterprise in this place. He came to the county in 1887. and a short time afterward estab- lished himself in his present business. He has suc- ceeded in placing it npon a sound basis, and is numbered among the representative men of Riley, who have assisted in promoting its best interests.

The subject of this sketch was born in Carroll County, Ohio, Dec. 29, 1856, and is the son of Rev. Wm. D. and Nancy (Beatty) Lee. William D. Lec was likewise a native of the above-mentioned county, and born in 1827. He lived there until 1865, being then a man of thirty-eight years, then set out for the Sonthwest, crossing the Mississippi, and located in DeKalb County, Mo. He there spent his last days. passing away in 1886. Ile had become connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church when quite young, and after going to Missouri joined the Missouri Methodist Episcopal Confer- ence, with the intention of devoting himself to the ministry, having already been preaching con- siderably. A few years later, however, he was compelled to abandon his ministerial labors on ac- count of failing health. In the meantime he had also been engaged in farming and the live stock busi- ness and had accumulated a comfortable property. He was a man who kept himself well posted upon matters of general interest, and after the organiza-

tion of the Republican party, uniformly gave his support to its principles.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was David Lee, who traced his ancestry to Germany. Mrs. Nancy (Beatty ) Lee the mother of our sub- jeet, was born in Ohio, in 1816, but when quite young was taken by her parents to West Virginia, where she was reared to womanhood. Iler father was Thomas Beatty, who spent his last years in Ohio. Mrs. Lee is still living and makes ber home in Riley, Kan. There were born to her and her husband, five children, viz: Sarah E., Julia A., Alvin B., Asbury P. C. and Laura; three of these are living, and located mostly in Kansas.

Alvin B. Lee was the third child of his parents, and lived in Carroll County, Ohio, until nine years old. The family then removed to DeKalb County, Mo., where Alvin was reared on a farm and received an academic education. After completing his studies he followed farming until coming to Kansas. Like his father before him, he is a sound Repub- ilcan, and socially he belongs to Lodge No. 346, I. O. O. F., at Riley. He was first married Jan. 18, 1884, to Miss Ella J. McCartney. This lady was born in DeKalb County, Mo., July 20, 1860, and died at her home there on the 22d of August, 1886. Of this union there was born one child, a daughter, Cora E. Mr. Lee on the 18th of De- cember, 1888, contracted a second marriage with Miss Lizzie Lambert. who was born in New York State in 1859. Mrs. Lee was a very estimable lady, and a member in good standing of the Presbyter- ian Church.

ABEZ SMALL. In reviewing the carcer of this late citizen of Blaine Township, Clay County, we are forcibly reminded of the scriptural quotations that man passeth away, but " his works do follow him." The monument which Mr. Small reared to his industry and perse- verance in the shape of a fine homestead, is one greatly to his credit and honor, as illustrating the leading traits of his character, among which per- severance under all difficulties was the one which secured the present valuable estate his family. This comprises 480 broad acres upon which his

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widow still resides, surrounded by all the comforts of life.

The subject of this sketch was born in Worces- tershire, England, May 14, 1835, and was the son of Benjamin and Hannah Small, who were likewise of English birth and ancestry. He was reared to manhood in his native shire, receiving a good edu- eation in a private school, and grew up under the home influences, which made of him a conscien- tious aud capable man.

Mr. Small was bred to agricultural pursuits and when twenty-three years old was married, April 29, 1858. to Elizabeth Griffith. The bride was also a native of Worcestershire, and the daughter of Ilenry G. and Ann Griffith, who were likewise na- tives of England. This union resulted in the birth of ten children, eight of whom are living, the eldest of whom a son, Benjamin, is a resident of Decatur County, this State. Louisa A., Mrs. William Wylie, also lives in that county. Henry, George J., Eliza- beth A., Mary A., Dorcas and Ruth I. are at home with their mother. The deceased are John J. and Thomas.

Remaining a resident of his native shire until 1873, Mr. Small in the winter of that year, having decided upon seeking his fortune in America, crossed the Atlantic with his family, taking pas- sage on a steamer at Liverpool and landing in Bos- ton, Mass., after an ocean voyage of fifteen days. Thence he came directly westward to Otoe County, Neb., settling on a tract of land three miles east of Palmyra. Here he purchased 160 acres from which he improved a farm, and npon which he lived until his removal to Clay County, Kan., in the spring of 1883. In the meantime he had been prospered and now purchased the farm included in the fine estate which he left at his death. Upon this land when the Small family assumed possession there were no improvements to speak of, and they there- fore commenced at first principles in the erection of a homestead. A few years of diligent toil and good management resulted in the construction of a good farm, which is now the source of a song ineome.

Mr. Small departed this life at his homestead in Blaine Township, May 22, 1889. He was a good man in the broadest sense of the term, a kind hus-

band and father, a hospitable neighbor, and was ever ready to render a kindly service to those around him. In his death Clay County lost one of her most useful citizens. He was a stanch supporter of the Democratie party, and although no office seeker, was frequently called to positions of trust and responsibility. These, however, he declined almost invariably, preferring the quiet of his home life. Ile was a man respected by all who knew him. and has left in addition to a substantial property, the legacy of a good name to his children.

OHIN B. LYONS. Most men have their ac- complisliments and their hobbies, and that of Mr. Lyons is fruit growing for which he scems admirably adapted. Upon his farm 160 acres in extent, 110 of which are under the plow, he has about 600 apple-trees. raised from the sced, mostly now grafted and budded and in good bearing condition. This is his second orchard, the first having been destroyed by grasshoppers in 1875, these ravenous insects having eaten not only the leaves, but the bark. thus sapping the life of the trees. Besides these he has about thirty plum trees of choice varieties and quantities of the smaller fruits. Mr. Lyons is an expert in grafting, tak - ing great pride in his work and being remarkably successful. He has in all nine aeres devoted to fruit.

A native of Tioga County, N. Y., Mr. Lyons was born May 11, 1848, and was there reared to man's estate, receiving the advantages of a practical edu- cation in the common schools and likewise careful home training. When a young man of twenty-three years he set out for the West, joining his brother, Joseph, in Waterville, this State, south of wnose place there was a vacant tract of land upon which Mr. Lyons filed a homestead claim on the 17th of May, that year. Ile made his home with his brother, broke eight acres of his land, and lived there until 1875.

Mr. Lyons came to Grant Township, Washing- ton County, in 1871, and in 1875 completed a sub- santial stone-building. 18x21 feet in dimensions and a story and a half high. To this in due time he

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brought his newly wedded wife, having been married Feb. 22, 1874. to Miss Lilie Hyland. Mrs. Lyons was born June 25, 1855, in Lorain County, Ohio, and is the daughter of James Ilyland, a native of England and who, when crossing the Atlantic, lo- eated in Lorain County, Ohio. Of this union there have been born eight children, viz .: Lena, at home ; Abram, who died at the age of seven years; Ezra and Harry at home; Henry, who died in infancy ; William, Cora and George. Mr. Lyons, politically, is independent, supporting the men whom he con- siders best qualified for office, irrespective of party.

Our subject is the son of Henry Lyons, who was the oldest in a family of ten children born to Jesse Lyons, and who is now living at the advanced age of ninety-four years. To Henry Lyons and his wife there was born a family of fifteen children. of whom John B. was next to the youngest. He and his estimable wife are still living.

AVID MARSHALL. Among the younger farmers of Washington County, the above- named gentleman takes high rank as a suc- cessful and progressive agriculturist. He is the owner of 360 aeres in Clifton Township. The homestead is located on section 34, and comprises 200 aeres. It has been well improved and is sup- plied with excellent barns and other outbuildings. The residence is a substantial building of pleasing design, and is presided over by a charming and hospitable lady. The 160 acres owned by Mr. Marshall on section 23 bear some improvements, and the whole estate is carefully and intelligently managed.

Mr. Marshall was born in Green Oak Township, Livingston County, Mich., March 17, 1853. There he was reared to manhood and became the recipient of a good education. Thence he and a brother, John, came to Kansas in 1878. They purchased 400 acres of land in Mulberry Township, Clay County. It was in the primitive condition of the western prairie, and they improved and operated it until 1883. Our subject then came to this place, where he has sinee resided.

Our subject was the third in a family of seven

children, all living and all now married. He came West a single man. In this State he met the lady who was destined to become his wife. The rites of wedlock were celebrated between them in Sher- man Township, Clay County. The bride bore the name of Alice Smith, and was born in Baldwin City, Kan., March 8, 1860. She has borne her husband four children: George, Alfred, Lewis, and Claude A.

Nathan W. Smith, the father of Mrs. Marshall, was born in the Keystone State. There he was reared and married Miss Eliza Woodruff. They removed to Ohio, thence to Missouri, and thence still later, to this State. They settled in Lawrence, whence in the early part of the war Mr. Smith took up the musket to defend the colors of the Union. He went to the front with his regiment and company, and did gallant service for over a year. With a few comrades at the battle of Inde- pendence, Mo., he was cut off from the retreating regiment, and while in the woods was surrounded by the enemy. The comrades were asked which they preferred, surrender or a chance to get away. Mr. Smith chose to take his chances of escape rather than to submit to prison life. In his efforts to reach the Federal lines he was fatally shot, and died shortly afterward in a hospital. Though only a private, he was a brave and gallant soldier, and his memory may well be revered by the friends he left behind him. His widow survived him about two years, when she died in Junction City, Kan. She was then thirty-eight years old, which was about the age at which her husband died. Mrs. Marshall was but five years old when she lost her mother. She was afterward reared by Mr. S. C. Chester, of whom see sketch. She was carefully trained by her foster parents, and received an ex- eellent education.

The parents of our subject, David and Eliza (Bunton) Marshall, were natives of England. On coming to the United States, they first settled in Vermont, where one of their sons was born. They subsequently went to Livingston County, Mich., being early settlers of Green Oak Township. Mr. Marshall was a successful farmer, improving his farm there, and bringing it to a high state of eniti- vation. He died in the fall of 1884, being then

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about sixty years of age. The mother is still living in that State, and is now sixty-eight years old. Both parents were prominent members of the Baptist 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 146

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

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