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 147

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 147
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 147
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 147

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).

The gentleman of whom we write is to be found in the ranks of the Republican party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Clifton. Mr. Marshall is held in good repute by the citizens wherever he is known, as a man of sterling integrity, marked intelligence, and kindly nature.

OHN HI. SHOAF, a peaceable, law-abiding citizen of Lincoln Township, first set foot upon the soil of Kansas in 1881, but only remained a comparatively brief time, so- journing afterward at his old home in Carroll County, III., and being thereafter in various places until January 1889. Then concluding that this was about the best section of country he could find, he established himself in Washington County, purchasing a half section of land where he now lives and is industriously engaged in general farm- ing. On the 7th of March, 1889, he was married to Miss Lucy Karns, a well educated and very in- telligent lady and they have commenced the journey of life together under favorable auspices and with the best wishes of hosts of friends. Mrs. Shoaf was born in Iowa County, Iowa, and is the daughter of John Karns, a highly respected farmer Greenleaf Township.

Jolin Shoaf was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., April 20, 1858. Ilis father, Frederick Shoaf, was a native of Germany and born about 1835. Ile emigrated to America in early life and settled in Westmoreland County, Pa., where he lived until 1869. That year he removed to Carroll County, Ill., of which he was a resident for the following ten years. Ilis next removal was to Riley County, this State, where he now lives and is successfully engaged in farming. Ile is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church, is politically, a sound Republican and during the late war signified his patriotism by serving as a private in the ranks.

Mrs. Christain (Shibley) Shoaf, the mother of

our subject, was a native of Germany and emi- grated to America with her parents when quite young; she is living and is now (1889) fifty- two years old. The children of the parental family, nine in number, were named respectively, John JJacob, Lizzie, deceased; William. Sadie, An- nie, deceased; Mary, David, deceased, and Katie. .John, the eldest, was educated principally in Car- roll County, Ill., where he lived with his parents upon a farm until a young man of twenty-three years. Then starting out for himself he intended going to Washington Territory, but on the way changed his mind and stopped in Wyoming, going to work on a milk ranch. Ilis next destination was Clay County, Kan,, and his subsequent operations we have already indicated. He has very little to do with public affairs, but when performing the duties of an American citizen at the polls, aims to support "principles instead of men," and casts his ballot for the candidate whom he considers will best serve the interests of the people.

OHN SHEA. No better illustration of the self-made man can be furnished than in the person of Mr. Shea, who is Mayor of the live and progressive little city of Clifton, Washington County, and senior member of the firm of Shea & Prentice, the leading general mer- chants of the place. Mr. Shea has a wide reputa- tion for honesty and integrity in his business rela- tions, and from a modest beginning bas worked his trade up to the snug sum of $50,000 annually. The firm began operations in a small store in 1881, but in due time their increasing trade necessitated a change to more commodious quarters and in a more desirable location. They now occupy a fine two-story brick building-the Needham Block- 25×90 feet in dimensions, to which they removed in the year 1884, having the main room and base- ment. They carry a full stock of all goods in their line, and number their friends and patrons among the best people of this part of the county.

We find Mr. Shea first located in the young town of Clifton, in the spring of 1879. Soon afterward he became associated in business with C. W. Snyder,

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and under the firm name of Snyder & Shea they operated as general merchants. Then Mr. Snyder withdrew, and was succeeded by Mr. Ferguson, the firm becoming Shea & Ferguson. This was dis- solved in 1881, and was succeeded by the present firm. A biography of the junior partner, Mr. Prentice, will be found on another page in this volume.

The subject of this sketch first saw the light in Bellvale, Orange Co., N. Y., March 2, 1857. Ilis father, John Shea, was a native of Ireland, and came of excellent parentage. He received a first- class education, and when becoming of age, left the parental roof and sailed for America. In due time he found himself in New York City without much knowledge of business, and having an uncontroll- able desire for strong drink, he soon lost an inter- est in what he had been taught by his parents. Ile was disposed to labor with his hands instead of his brain, as he might have done, and performed much of this, for which he was naturally unfitted. He inade friends, however, being a genial and compan- ionable man, well informed and a great talker. The custom then of regaling employes with strong drink proved his ruin, and later in life, constantly reflecting upon lost opportunities and a lot which might have been made better, he finally lost his reason, and is now confined, hopelessly insane, in a hospital in New York State. His wife, to whom he was married in 1855, was in her girlhood Miss Bridget Garrity. She came, with her brother and sister, to America, when quite young. and they set- tled in Orange County, N. Y., where she remained until her marriage. She became the mother of two children, and after the misfortune which befell her husband, she joined her son in Clifton, Kan., and with him spent her last days, passing away in 1888, when quite ripe in years. She was a devoted wife and mother, her chief thought and ambition being the welfare of her family. Her name is held in tender remembrance by her children and the friends whom she had made by her kindly ways and cheer- ful disposition.

The early years of Mr. Shea were spent under the influence of his excellent mother, who was al- ways his patient and wise adviser. Ile, at an early age, was trained in those habits of industry, which

strengthened within him the self-reliance and in - dependence necessary to a successful career in life. At the age of fifteen years he entered the employ of A. J. Bart, a leading merchant of Bellvale, N. Y., with whom he remained four years. The experience thus gained under the tutorage of a man of most excellent character, and one who was shrewd and successful in business affairs, was of inestimable value. Mr. Burt, although somewhat stern in character, was kind and just, and proved to the boy a valuable friend. Mr. Shea feels that to him he is indebted for his later successes in life. At the age of nineteen ycars, full of youth- ful courage and ambition, Mr. Shea decided upon seeking his fortune in the Great West, and made his way first to Grundy County, Ill., settling in Gardner. He was there employed at clerking until twenty-two years old, then. crossing the Mis- sissippi, came to Clifton, Kan., and invested his carefully-hoarded capital as we have already indi- cated.

The community of Clifton soon recognized Mr. Shea as a valued addition to its ranks. He inter- ested himself in its welfare and progress in many ways, and finally was chosen a member of the City Council, and served as such for a period of three years. Upon the organization of the Board of Trade, he was elected the Vice-President, and has given his support and encouragement to all other worthy enterprises. He is identified with the A. O. U. W., in which he has filled all the chairs of the lodge, and has represented the order in the Grand Lodge of the State. Politically, he supports the principles of the Republican party.

For his first wife, Mr. Shea, in 1879, married Miss Ida E. Snyder, an accomplished and highly educated young lady of good parentage. She was born and reared in New York State, and completed her education in the city of Rochester. She came to Illinois with her brother, where she made the acquaintance of our subject. After their marriage. they established themselves in a neat home in Clif- ton, but their happiness was soon invaded by the Destroyer, the young wife dying in 1880, at the birth of her first child. Mrs. Shea was a lady pos- sessing many sterling qulaities, and had endeared herself to a large circle of friends.

Sletheter

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In 1881, Mr. Shea contracted a second marriage with Miss Etta L. Howard. This lady was born in Vermont, Dec. 15, 1860, of an old and highly re- spected New England family. She came to Kansas about 1875, with her father, the Rev. Merrill How- ard, now deceased, but who had been all the years of his active life a minister of the Baptist Church, Of this union there have been born four children, one of whom died in infancy. The survivors are: Ella F., Fred W. and John II. Mr. and Mrs. Shea are members in good standing of the Baptist Church, in which our subject officiates as Treasurer and Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

OAH S. LEUSZLER, one of the younger farmers of Linn Township, is a son of one of the earliest pioneers of Washington County, to which he came in 1870 and homesteaded land in what was then Sherman, but is now Linn Township, when there were only two houses between this land and Waterville, with the exception of several dugouts located on the old Mormon trail. Although still young in years he has seen the coun- try develop from a wilderness, as it were, to its present condition and by the opening up of one of its finest farms, has contributed his full quota to this end. He is a hard worker and good manager and being possessed of more than ordinary intelli- gence and application to business, there is little reason to doubt that his career will be successful all through life.

Mr. Leuszler was born in Doylestown, the county seat of Bucks County, Pa., Dec. 31, 1851. His father. John Leuszler, now a resident of Linn Township, is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger- many, whence he emigrated at the age of twenty- five years, settling first in Medina County, Ohio, in 1852. Thence he removed to Lorain County, that State, in 1862, and in 1870 came to Kansas and homesteaded a quarter section of land, together with his sons-Harry, John and Peter. By patient industry and hard labor he opened up a good home- stead where he is spending his last years sur- rounded by all the comforts of life.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject

was Catherine Long. She was born in Pennsylva- nia and by her marriage with John Leuszler, be- came the mother of fifteen children. Ten of these are living, viz: Mary, Mrs. Hollinger; Lizzie, Mrs. Hasseflue; Harry J .; Catherine, Mrs. Lytle; Sarah, Mrs. Febach ; John S .; Tillie, Mrs. Paulie; Peter, Noah S., and Ilettie, Mrs. Field. Mrs. Cath- erine (Long) Leuszler departed this life in Lorain County, Ohio, in 1864.

The subject of this notice attended the district school during his boyhood and being a reader of books and the weekly newspapers, has become a thoroughly well-informed man. When twenty- four years old he was married Feb. 22, 1875, to Miss Linnie M. Bellows, daughter of Henry Bellows, now a resident of Greenleaf Township. The four chil- dren born of this union were named respectively, Minnie, William, Albert and Alta, the latter two twins. Mr. Leuszler's 160-acre farm is largely de- voted to stock-raising-graded Clydesdale horses, Short-horn cattle and thoroughbred Poland-China swine. His career is the simple story of so many men who began life dependent upon their resources and have made of it a success. His possessions have been accumulated only by persistent labor and good management. The little family occupy a fine modern dwelling, handsomely finished and fur- nished and adjacent to which is a good barn and all the necessary outbuildings, with a windmill, water tanks and other improved machinery. Mr. Leusz- ler never seeks official honors, but keeps himself posted in regard to events of general interest and gives his cordial support to the Republican party. He also belongs to the A. O. U. W.

OHN GEORGE DIETER, though of foreign birth and ancestry, has done good service to the United States as soldier and citizen. He spent several years of his early manhood in battling for national unity in the land which he had made his home, and notwithstanding the fact that he has ever since been a sufferer from disabili- ties contracted in the army, he has been an ener- getic worker in the upbuilding and development of Clay County. It is a pleasure to chronicle, even

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in a brief outline, the life of such a man, and to thus indicate the sterling qualities of his character and the business ability which he possesses.

Mr. Dieter was born in Gross Bieberan, Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, on the 20th day of April, 1841. When a youth of seventeen years he came to America, and landed in New York, where he re- mained a twelve-month. He then went to Zanes- ville, Ohio, there continuing about two years, employed at the trade of a barber. Returning to New York he sojourned a short time, and then, in 1861, enlisted in the regular army of the United States. He was transferred to Company D, of the 4th United States Cavalry, and was sent to Leaven- worth, Kan., and thence joined the command of Gen. Lyons, at Wilson's Creek. He took a gallant part in some of the most terrible conflicts of the war, as well as in minor skirmishes and hard marches. At Stone River he was struck on the leg by a cannon ball, the wound unfitting him for service for a considerable time. He escaped other wounds, or capture by the enemy, but had a serious attack of typhoid fever, from the effects of which his system has never recovered, and on account of which he receives a small pension. Mr. Dieter's company was escort to Gen. Rosecrans, and while carrying dispatches, etc., was frequently in a posi- tion of great hazard. He was discharged at Co- lumbia, Tenn., after having served three years, and returned to the ranks of civil life unfitted for any manual labor.

After being mustered out of the service, Mr. Dieter went to Terre Haute, Ind., where he re- mained three months, thence going to St. Louis, Mo., where he engaged at Benton Barracks, as foreman of an alley, keeping time and looking after the care of the horses, his health not yet being sufficiently established to allow of hard labor. Following this employment he went to Nashville, Tenn., and engaging with a Government construc- tion corps, was sent to Morehead City, N. C., and worked on a wharf for ship lading. There he remained three months, thence worked his way to New York, and took passage for the Fatherland.

Mr. Dieter spent six months in the land of his birth, and in 1866 returned to New York, whence after a short time he went to St. Louis. Thence

during the same year he went to Kansas City, Mo., and once more engaged at his trade, barbering. In September of the same year he came to Kansas, and for a few months was in the same business at Junc- tion City. In 1867 he came to this county and pre-empted 160 acres of land in Oakland Township, afterward taking up a homestead claim of equal extent. Still retaining his shop at Junction City, Mr. Dieter began work on his claim. Late in the year 1868 he removed to Ellsworth, and the next year took up his residence on the claim. He lived there until 1876, when his health failed, and he re- moved to Dodge City, and again took up work at his trade.

After a residence there of four years he came to Oak Hill, and purchased a stock of general mer- chandise, together with buildings, and has since been conducting this business. Ile still retains ownership of the pre-emption and homestead claims, which form one of the finest farms in the neighborhood. He has purchased other farms, and now owns about 700 acres of land, besides his village property and store. In conducting his mercantile business he takes country produce in exchange for goods. He also buys grain, feeding and handling large numbers of cattle. He is the principal business man of this part of the county, and has made a success of his enterprise here.

At Junction City, Oct. 8, 1868, Mr. Dieter be- came a Benedict, the lady to whom he was united being Miss Johanna W. Jansen, who was born in Sweden, and with her father came to this State. Mr. and Mrs. Dieter are the happy parents of eight children, all living. They are named John G. Ph., Anna M. M., Justanna W., Annie C., John N., Charles A .. John P., and Nelly B.

Mr. Dieter is of pure German parentage, his parents being John P. and Anna M. (Ramge) Dieter. His father owned and operated a mill in Germany, following the occupation of a mill-wright during his entire life. His death occurred in 1864. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Nicholas Ramge. She bore her husband ten chil- dren, three of whom died while quite young. Those who grew to years of maturity bore the names of Anna J., George W., Annie C., John P., John G., John N., and Johannes. Two sons and

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two daughters came to America; both the daughters have since died; John N. is now living at Clay Center.

Mr. Dieter and his wife are members of the Pres- byterian Church. lle has good standing in the Ma- sonic fraternity, and also belongs to the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. He is a Republican and a tem- perance man, though he does not favor Prohibition. In 1880 he received the appointment of Postmaster at Oak Hill, and has ever since been the incumbent of that office.

A lithographie portrait of Mr. Dieter is shown on another page of this volume.

ILLIAM F. PATRIE, for several years ac- tively and prosperousty engaged in agri- eultural pursuits in Washington County, owning and managing a fine farm in Washington Township, now rents his farm and is living in the town of Washington in one of its many pleasant, cozy homes, in the enjoyment of an ample income, free from the cares and labors that beset his early life. He was born in Baden, Germany, July 12, 1819, and comes of good French stock. His father, John Patrie, was born in France, as was his grand- father, who being a Lutheran in religion, found it convenient to emigrate to Germany during the Revolution. Ile was a merchant and he opened a store in Baden, and was engaged in the mercantile business there until death. The father of our subject passed his early life in his native France, subse- quently accompanying his father to Baden, He was for some years engaged in dealing in stock, and later bought land and carried op farming. He died in Baden. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Margaret Kindler. and she was born in Hesse Darmstadt. and died in Baden. There were five children born of her marriage, of whom our subject was the only one who came to America.

He was bred on a farm to the life of a farmer, and continued to live in his native Baden until 1852, having married and settled down. In that year, ambitious to better his condition, and to be able to give his children good advantages, he emi-

grated with his wife and four children to this country, setting sail from Baden in March and landing in New York, April 24. after a tedious voyage of forty-two days. Ile proceeded with his family to Albany, and after a stay there of six weeks went onto a farm in Rensselaer County, and was employed by the month there four years. Having frugally saved his earnings, at the end of that time he invested in 182 acres of land in the town of Benton. and carried on farming success- fully on his own account in that place several years. In 1874 he sold his property there and coming to Kansas, bought 160 acres of land in Farmington Township, of which eighteen acres were broken, and a log house, 16x20 feet stood on the place. The family lived in that humble habitation six years, and then weather-boarded and plastered it, and made a frame addition, and later replaced it by a more substantial and commodious frame house. Mr. Patrie planted fruit and shade trees. and improved all the land before he gave up its management, placing the soil under admirable cul- tivation so that it yields bountiful crops. He re- sided on his place until September, 1888, and then having a comfortable competence, placing him far beyond the need of labor, he rented his farm and moved with his family to Washington.

In all these years that he has been gathering to- gether his property, Mr. Patrie has been blessed with a wife who is in all respects a thorough help- mate and a true companion, and has co-operated with him in his work. They were united in the holy bonds of matrimony Feb. 23. 1843. Her maiden name was Catherine Lichtenberger, and she was born in Baden, Germany, July 4, 1820, a daugh- ter of Ludwig and Margaret ( Lights) Lichtenberger. The following is recorded of the eight children born of the happy wedded life of our subject and his wife: Charles William, a resident of Farming- ton, married Carrie Ness and has five children; Martin lives in Idaho; Jacob is deceased; Eliza- beth S. married Nicholas Miller of Washington, and they have five children; Louisa married Paulas Miller of Farmington, and they have five children; Louis, who lives in Washington Township, married Etta Pitcher, and they have two children; Win- nurre married Samuel Bonnell, and they have two

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children; Edward, who lives in Farmington, mar- ried Estella Cole, and they have one child.

Mr. Patrie is one of our so-called self-made men, and is an honor to the class, he having worked bis way up from poverty to comparative affluence by the exercise of those worthy traits of character that mark him as a man who has always done his duty whether in the employ of another, or in caring for his own interests. and he has labored diligently wherever placed. Ile and his wife are intelligent, well-informed people, and though foreign-born and bred, can read and speak the English language with ease. They are valued members of the Luth- eran Church, true believers in the faith, and in polities, he is a strong Democrat. He is a Deacon in the church.

S ENECA R. RANDALL owns and occupies one of the best farms in this part of the Mississippi Valley, 160 acres, situated in what is now Athelstane Township, Clay County, having been located under the Homestead Act in 1871. It is fertilized by the waters of Chapman's Creek, which stream flows through the estate, and from the first year of its cultivation Mr. Randall has never had a total failure of crops, although other farmers, whose estates were on higher land, have sometimes failed wholly. Mr. Randall has added 160 acres by purchase to his homestead, and carries on farming on an extensive scale. besides raising stock of all kinds, his horses, cattle and hogs being well graded.

The subject of this sketch was born in Steuben County, N. Y., March 30, 1833, and was reared on a farm, receiving no education except what was to be obtained in the common schools. In 1853 his parents removed to Illinois, and he remained with them for six years after their removal, he and his brothers carrying on the home farm. He had taught a few terms of school, but his time had mainly been spent in the pursuit of agriculture. In 1859 he left the parental fireside, and entering the marriage state began life for himself.

The tidal wave of enthusiastic patriotism which swept over the North when Ft. Sumter was fired

upon, was felt by Mr. Randall. and finding that the first troops who enrolled were not sufficient to quell the Rebellion, he enlisted in August, 1862, as a member of Company I, 100th Illinois Infantry. His regiment was attached to the Army of the Cumberland, and was first under the command of Gen. Buell, and later under Rosecrans. Mr. Ran- dall participated in many battles, some of them being the most noted conflicts of the war, and passed through them all, together with the routine work of a soldier's life, without being wounded or captured. He was mustered out of service at Nash- ville, Tenn., in July, 1865, and was sent to Chicago, where he received his final pay and discharge pa. pers. Before leaving Chicago the regiment was invited to Joliet, the county seat of Will County, in which the command had been raised. A grand re- ception was given, in which the patriotic citizens, both ladies and gentlemen, took part, and the re- turned soldiers were feasted and toasted to their entire satisfaction.

Upon his return to his home Mr. Randall went to work at the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1871, with the exception of about one year, which he spent in clerking. He came to Kansas in 1870, and locating at Wakefield, was there engaged at his trade for a year, and then located and began to improve the homestead, where he has since re- sided. Very little improving was done when he began his work, although most of the land had been taken as claims. He was one of the first to begin reclaiming the wild prairie, and his was one of the first frame houses built in this part of Kansas on the farm lands. The first year after filing his claim he got five acres of breaking done, and at once be- gan operations in tilling the soil. Although some years his crops have been light, he has always raised some corn, if not much else. He is not only industrious and enterprising in the cultivation and improvement of his fine estate, but displays excel- lent business tact in the management of his affairs.

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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 147

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

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