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 151

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 151
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 151
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 151

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 following spring Mr. Lewis came to Kansas, and for a time camped around in Republic County, during which time he and two companions had a skirmish with the Arrapahoe and Cheyenne In- dians, in which one of their party, Gorden Win- bigler, was killed. It was while standing by this comrade, after he was mortally wounded, that the Indians cross-fired on the subject of this sketch. (For particulars sce "History of Republic County.") It was a day of general attack all along the frontier, the same day that Mrs. Morgan was taken captive from the "Solomon," and Miss White from Lake Sibley, on the Republican, both of whom were re- captured by Gen. Custer in the spring of 1869. Later in the same year, Mr. Lewis came to Clay County, and in September of that year settled on section 21, Blaine Township, where he has since

lived. He took both pre-emption and homestead claims of 160 acres each, paying the Government price for the same when proved up on. He has since added 160 acres by purchase, the whole com- prising his present fine estate, which perseverance and good management have raised to its high state of fertility and improvement, and where Mr. Lewis is, and has been, successfully carrying on his ocen- pations.

In IIolmes County, Ohio, in 1868, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Lewis and Sarah J., daughter of Robert and Mary (Tinkey) Maxwell, of that county. The union has been blessed by the birth of seven children: Ida L., Hattie E., Mary F., Clara N., Clemens C., Sarah Twila and Nellie A., the latter of whom is now de- ceased. They are being carefully reared by their worthy parents, and are made the recipients of all the advantages which parental love, easy circum- stances and the facilities of the State will afford.

Mr. Lewis gives a stanch adherence to the Demo- cratic party, believing that its principles are best adapted to the welfare of the nation. He is of a public- spirited uature, taking an active interest in the improvement and development of the county, by whose citizens he is respected for his character and ability. He is one of the Directors of the People's National Bank, at Clay C'enter.

OHN T. WOODS, Probate Judge, resides in Clay Center, Clay County, and is, financially speaking, one of the substantial men of this county. In Blaine Township, where he made his home for several years, he owns a farm of 200 acres, which is one of the best improved and finest fitted up of any estate of its size in the county. It is located in the Republican Valley bottom. one and a half miles south of the city of Clay Center. Judge Woods also owns lands in other counties, and the competence which he now enjoys has been earned through his ability and attention to business. In October, 1888, he was nominated as the candi- date of the Republican party for Probate Judge, and was elected November following, and Jan. 1, 1889, entered upon the duties of the position, which

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be is now discharging acceptably to his constitu- ents and with credit to himself.

Judge Woods is a native of England, having opened his eyes to the light in Lynn, near London, July 16, 1843. He is however, by training an American, as his parents removed to this country when he was but three years old. His father, Will- iam Woods, was born in Scotland and married an English lady, whose maiden name was Mary Pett. They reared a family of six children, three hav- ing been born to them after they became residents of the I'nited States. On coming to America William Woods located at Buffalo, N. Y., where he resided for three years. Ile then, in 1849. re- moved to Ilillsdale, Mich., where he engaged in farming, continuing his agricultural employment until his death in 1852. The mother still lives at Ilillsdale.

The gentleman of whom we write grew to mantu- rity in Michigan, finishing his education in Hills- dale College. While in attendance there the Civil War broke out and he, like many others of the youth of our land, was fired with an enthusiastic longing to take part in support of the Union. Being less than eighteen years of age he was obliged to leave home to enlist, and entering Illinois he was enrolled in Company F, 42d Illinois Infantry, the date of his enlistment being Aug. 16, 1861. The regiment first served under Gens. Fremont and Hunter in Missouri, then under Pope in the New Madrid and Island No. 10, campaigns, and were then transferred to Pittsburgh Landing, following which they took part in the siege of Corinth. Being then trans- ferred to the 20th Corps (Army of the Cumberland) they participated in the battles of Inka Springs, Perrysville; Murfreesboro, Tenn .; Chickamauga, siege of Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, the relief of Knoxville, Strawberry Plains, and the minor skirmishing and tedious marching which accom- panies the more bloody and stirring conflicts of a soldier's life.

Re-enlisting as a veteran, after a thirty days' furlough, Mr. Woods was returned to the 4th Corps and from Chattanooga entered the Georgia cam- paign under Sherman, accompanying the main body as far as Jonesboro on the march to the Atlantic. The 4th and 23d Corps then went back to head off

Ilood. being under the command of Gen. Thomas, from Jonesboro. Pulaski and Columbia, Tenn., were their next most notable points, following which enme Spring Hill. Franklin and Nashville. Thence, after Lee's surrender, the regiment was sent to In- dianola, Tex., thence to Victoria, and on the 6th of January, 1866. they were mustered out at Port Lavaca, Tex., and being transferred to Springfield, Ill., received their final pay and were discharged. Mr. Woods had served four years and six months, being among those who were in the army the longest time. On the 26th of April, 1865, he was commissioned First Lieutenant by Gov. Oglesby, of Illinois, and had complete charge of his com- pany . until the time of his being mustered out of service.

At the expiration of his army life Mr. Woods returned to his home and spent another year in study at his Alma Mater. Ile then came West, and going up the Missouri River to Helena, Mont., he spent four years mining in that section. He came to Kansas in Jannary, 1871, and locating at Milford, Riley County, engaged in agricultural pur- suits during the following four years. Removing to this county in 1875, he has since that time been a resident and voter of Blaine Township. He has bought, improved and sold several farms in that township, and to his labors in this county he owes the financial standing of to-day. On account of poor health he has spent several seasons with his family in other sections, but since he removed to this county it has ever been that which was home to him.

At the residence of the bride in Manhattan, Riley County, Oct. 7, 1875, Mr. Woods was united in marriage with Miss Elsie L. Thorpe. Mrs. Woods was born in Polo, Ogle Co., III., Oct. 28. 1853, and is a daughter of Eli O. Thorpe, who was born at Springfield, Mass. In 1871, she became a resident of Manhattan, where she completed her education. At the time of her marriage she was engaged in teaching, a work for which her natural tact and cultivated mind well fitted her. To Judge Woods and his wife two boys have been born. They are: Earl L., born in 1880, and Lynn, born in 1883.

Judge and Mrs. Woods belong to the First

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Methodist Episcopal Church, in which society the Jndge is one of the Trustees. He holds member- ship in the G. A. R. Upright and honorable in business and in private life, Judge Woods is highly spoken of by all who know him. In politics he is, and always has been a stanch supporter of the prin- ciples of the Republican party.

R. HORACE E. POTTER, the leading Homæpathie physician of Clifton, Wash- ington County, settled at this place first in 1885, remaining until the following year. He was then located in different places until the fall of 1888 when he returned and entered upon the successful practice which he now enjoys. He was regularly graduated March 5, 1885, from the Homopathic Medical College of Missouri, lo- cated at St. Louis, and later received a certificate from the State Board of Medicine of Iowa. Ile had practiced somewhat prior to this, having re- ceived a thorough course of instruction under his father, Dr. L. E. Potter, of Algona, lowa.

Dr. Potter was born in Henry County, Ill., Dec. 25. 1858, and is thus approaching the thirty-first year of his age. In 1865 he removed with his parents to Gilman, Iowa, and completed a course of study in the High School at that place. Later he occupied himself as a teacher and in the mean- time employed his leisure hours in the reading of medicine. Ile finally became a regular student in his father's office. The latter is a native of New York State whence he removed to Ohio during his boyhood and from there to Illinois where he fol- lowed his profession under the Eclectic system. Ile has been uniformly successful and is still actively engaged in practice, although past sixty-five years old.

Mrs. Thankful ( Rickard) Potter, the mother of our subject, was born and reared in Ashtabula County, Ohio, where her marriage likewise took place. She is about the age of her husband and religiously, is an Episcopal Methodist. The elder Dr. Potter is warmly interested in temperance work. The parental family consisted of eight children. Horace E. was reared under the parental

roof and as we have already seen, began to make himself useful at an early age. He came a single man to Kansas and in 1887 was united in marriage, at Greenleaf, with Miss Iza E. Ware. Mrs. Potter was born in Howard County, Ind., Jan. 5, 1867, and removed thence with her parents to Missouri when quite young. Later they came to Greenleaf, Washington Co., Kan., where she completed her education, and when seventeen years of age began teaching, at which she continued until her marriage. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a lady highly respected in her community. Dr. Potter is a sound Republican, politically, and was for two years the Coroner of Clay County. He belongs to the Homoepathic Medical Society of Kansas and is a member of the A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 40 at Clifton. Personally, he is very genial and companionable, possessing considerable literary taste and in former years was a frequent contributor to the press.

ICHIARD C. MILLER, attorney and cour - selor-at-law, is one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Clay County. He located in the thriving town of Clifton in 1887, having been admitted to the bar of this State in April of that year. He has since devoted himself to practice in the courts of Washington and Clay counties. He graduated from the law department of the Iowa State Uni- versity on June 19, 1883. He was sworn in by Chief Justice Day, of the Supreme Court of Iowa, and at once began legal practice. The following year he located in Hale, Carroll Co., Mo., being admitted to the bar of that State. There he re- mained until coming to this State at the date above mentioned.

Mr. Miller was born in Ritchie County, W. Va., Dee. 11, 1858. He is a son of John W. and Ruth (Robinson ) Miller, and is the sixth child and fifth son in a family of eleven children. When a youth of seventeen years, his father left his Virginia home for a residence near Moulton, Iowa. Our subject was thrown upon his own exertions for a higher education, and by hard labor worked his

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way through school. In 1880, he went to Butler County, Neb., where he taught three terms of school. He subsequently returned to Iowa, where lie was engaged in teaching until September, 1882. Ile then entered the State University, which he left the following year with the degree of L. L. B. Since that time he has been engaged in the practice of his legal profession.

In Appanoose County, Iowa, on Nov. 20, 1884, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subject and Miss Mary A. Earnest. Her birth oc- curred there in May, 1860, and there she vas reared and educated. She is a daughter of Jacob L. and Elizabeth ( Murdy) Earnest. Mrs. Earnest died in Appanoose County, Iowa, in 1886, being then past fifty years of age. She had been a member of the Methodist Church during the greater part of her life. Mr. Earnest is now living in Washington, Washington County, to which he removed in August, 1887. He has been a farmer, but is now re- tired from active pursuits. He held the office of County Commissioner in Iowa. He has been a sound Republican since the organization of that party, and is a communicant of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Miller is a lady of culture and refinement. After she grew to womanhood and prior to her marriage, she taught school in Iowa. Her union with Mr. Miller has been blessed by the birth of two children : Portia E. and Blaine.

John W. Miller, the father of our subject, was born in Marion County, W. Va. He learned the trade of a blacksmith at Morgantown, that State, and was engaged in that occupation until after the close of the war. His health having given way he quit his trade and turned his attention to farm- ing. During the war he favored the cause of the Union and belonged to the Home Guards in his na- tive State. In 1875, he removed to Appanoose County, Iowa, where he yet resides, being now sixty-three years old. In his boyhood he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and when still young was licensed to preach. Ile has since been engaged in the local ministry and since coming to Iowa has had charge of a circuit or two. Ile has now retired from all work, having suffered from the removal of a cancer. He was married in Harrison County, W. Va., to Miss Ruth

Robinson. She was born, reared, and educated near Clarksburgh, that county. She belonged to an old and highly respected Southern family. She died in Ritchie County, W. Va., in 1873, aged forty-three years. From girlhood she had been a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. John Miller was a second time married, in his native State, to Mrs. Mary Alexander, nec, Cox. She is the mother of six children by her former marriage, and is yet living. Of the cleven children born to John Miller and his first wife, five are now living. Those who died passed away in West Virginia.

Mr. R. C. Miller is a member of Subordinate Lodge No. 181, I. O. O. F., and has filled most of the chairs. He is a stanch Republican. He is an able counselor and logical in the presentation of a case before the courts. Both he and his wife are of a social nature.

ENRY KREIENSIECK. There is not a better farm or a more attractive homestead within the limits of Independence Town- ship, Washington County, than that belong- ing to him whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He is a leader among the intelligent Ger- man citizens of his community, is well fixed financially, and his surroundings indicate in a marked manner the intelligence, industry and en- terprise which are the prominent features of his character. A neat modern dwelling embellishes the place, flanked by a fine barn and other neces- sary outbuildings, fruit and shade trees and the machinery requisite to carry on agriculture after approved methods. While Mr. Kreiensieck attends to outdoor matters around the premises his house- hold affairs are presided over by a lady in every- way his equal, a fine-looking woman, in good health and more than ordinarily bright mentally. Mr. and Mrs. Kreiensieck occupy a prominent position so- cially and are in every respect worthy the esteem in which they are held by all who know them. The farm is finely located, a little north of the center of the township, on section 16.

Born on the other side of the Atlantic, Mr.

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Kreieusieck first opened his eyes to the light Aug. 2, 1855, in the Province of llanover, Germany. He. left home when a lad of fourteen years, cross- ing the Atlantic alone and coming directly to Kansas, located in Washington County near Han- over, where he sojourned for a period of seven years. He was induced to come to this country by G. H. Hollenberg. At the expiration of this time, he was married, in July, 1887, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Ann (Day) Gun- delfinger. The father of Mrs. Kreiensieck was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, while her mother was a native of Illinois. After marriage the father followed farming and the household cir- cle was completed by the birth of eleven children of whom Catherine was the eldest. She was born in Jackson County, lowa, Aug. 31, 1859. In June, 1860. her parents came to this State and settled one mile north of Hanover, Washington County, where the mother died in 1885. The father is still living on the home farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Kreiensieck there have been born three children-Caroline Elizabeth, born Dec. 6, 1878; Rosa, April 28, 1883 and Mary, April 23, 1889.

Reared amid surroundings where education was fostered and habits of industry instilled, he is in favor of everything tending to elevate society and takes an active part in politics, voting the straight Republican ticket. Hle is a man whose opinions are held in high respect and is frequently sent as a delegate to the county conventions. His farm em- braces 260 acres of choice land, 130 of which have been brought to a good state of cultivation. He has himself made all the improvements which are upon it and is considerably interested in live stock, having the present year (1889) fifty head of cattle, twelve head of horses and 100 head of swine. Near the residence is an orchard of 600 trees in good bearing condition, and there is a goodly assortment of trees of the smaller fruits. The whole premises have the air of comfort and content which forms a delightful picture of peaceful rural life.

Peter Kreiensieck, father of the subject of this notice, was likewise a native of Hanover, Germany, and largely interested in fine horses Upon reach- ing manhood he was married to Miss Caroline Dieckhaus, who was horn in his own province,

and there he spent the remainder of his life, depart- ing hence in 1874. The mother is still living in Hanover. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Henry is the second living child, and of whom only four are living. Elizabeth became the wife of August Strattman and is a resident of Es- sen, Germany; Charles came to America in 1881 and makes his home with his brother Henry ; Louisa, the eldest child living, is the wife of Conrad Ruch- mekorf, of Hanover, Germany.

ILLIAM B. DRISCOLL. This gentleman came to Kansas in 1879, although not set- tling on his present farm in Blaine Town- ship, Clay County, until 1884, notwithstanding he had owned it for several years prior to this time. He has 160 acres well tilled and upon which he has effected good improvements. The land was prac- tically in its wild state when he assumed ownership and there were upon it no buildings with the ex- ception of a very poor dwelling, scarcely fit for human habitation. The farm at the present day with its appurtenances, indicates the supervison of a thorough and skillful agriculturist, while it is evi- dent that no small amount of labor has been per- formed in bringing it to its present condition.

Much pioneer labor has been done by Mr. Dris- coll, not only in Kansas, but in his native State of Ohio. He was born in Washington County, that State, Jan. 17, 1834, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth, being reared to farm pursuits and acquiring a practical education in the common- schools.

The parents of our subject were Daniel and Laura (Brooker) Driscoll, who removed at an early day from New York State and settled in the woods of Washington County, Ohio. They hewed out a home from the wilderness at a time when bears, wolves and deer were plentiful and when the pio- neer did not dare to venture from his home without a rifle upon his shoulder. The Driscoll family in- cluded seven children, all of whom were reared to habits of industry and sentiments of honor. The five survivors are George, in Ohio; Merritt, a resi- dent of Missouri; Thomas in Wichita, this State;

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Lohana, Mrs. Smith, of Clay Center and William B. The two deceased died at the ages of six and sixteen years.

Mr. Driscoll remained a resident of his native county until reaching man's estate, assisting his father in the development of the farm and acquir- ing his education in the primitive schools. Ile grew up to a useful and worthy manhood and when ready to establish a home of his own was married to Miss Elizabeth Penwell. Of this union there were born two children-Mary A., now the wife of Duley Rust, of Dakota, and Charles E., a resident of Clay Center, this State. Mrs. Elizabeth Driscoll departed this life at her home in Blaine Township, July 20, 1880. Mr. Driscoll contracted a second marriage Oet. 31, 1881, with Miss Jane Thompson.

When about twenty-six years of age, Mr. Dris- coll, leaving the farm. established in business in Marietta, Ohio, and lived there several years. Sub- sequently he removed to Bradford City, Pa., in the vicinity of the oil regions and was engaged in drill- ing for oil two years. Upon leaving the Keystone State he came to Kansas, and considers this about the best seetion of country which he has yet found. Ile has the reputation of being one of the hardest- working men in his township, and he has thus fortified himself against want in his old age. Like most of the men around him,he has good buildings, a fair assortment of live stock, improved farm ma- chinery and all the other appliances for successful agriculture. As a citizen, he is held in high esteem.

ON. GERSHOM A. RANDALL, physician and druggist at Linn, has been identified with the interests of Washington County for twenty years. He took the first prairie home- stead entered in this county, where but about 1,500 people were residing when he located here. He is a gentleman whose history is an interesting one and his name should be especially remembered by the patriotie friends and supporters of the Union. No other man, save Grant or Lincoln. did so much to bring about the successful termination of the late War as Dr. Randall, who was enabled to bring to light the treachery of the Knights of the Golden

Circle, and to frustrate their intended death-blow to the United States Government.

The ancestors of our subjeet were Highland Seotch, who were driven to Normandy by Mc- Gregor, in the days of Rollo, the great pirate. When William the Conqueror became ruler of Eng- land, and the Anglo-Saxon raee sprang into exist- ence, the Randalls became inhabitants of the new kingdom. Their descendants came to America in 1628, three families crossing the Atlantic within three years, and settled in Bay Colony, Mass. The great-grandfather of our subject, was Gershom Randall, who was killed during the French and Indian war in 1655. One of his sons became the grandfather of the Hon. Samuel Randall, whose name is so well known to the United States. Another son, Gershom, born Ang. 25, 1749, was grandfather of him of whom we write. Our sub- jeet's grandfather was a soldier during the Revo- lutionary War. His grandson still keeps the gun that he used in the battle of Bunker Hill. His son, Nehemiah, the father of our subject, was born at Worthington, Hampshire Co., Mass., on the Connectieut River, Aug. 9, 1784, and was gathered to his fathers March 8, 1846.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sarah St. Clair. She was a native of Sanborn- town, Mass., and a daughter of James St. Clair, a Revolutionary soldier. He took part in the battles of Lexington, Ticonderoga, Bunker Hill, Mon- mouth. Brandywine, Valley Forge, and the taking of Burgoyne. At the time of Arnold's treason, he was at West Point. During a part of the term of conflict he was one of Washington's body-guard. Mr. St. Clair had a sweetheart, and being in her neighborhood, he one night left eamp to pay her a visit. No leave had been granted him for court- ship, and his absence being discovered he was sen- teneed to be shot. He was, however, pardoned by Gen. Washington, and lived to marry the girl he loved. Ilis discharge, bearing the signature of Washington, was carefully preserved by his de- scendants. An unele of Mrs. Nehemiah Randall. by name Enoch Hunt, was also a Revolutionary soldier, and at the surrender of Burgoyne was aet- ing Aid-de-Camp to Gen. Gates.

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch

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was born in Orleans County (now Lamoille County ), Vt., Aug. 18, 1817. His parents removed to Or- leans County, N. Y., when he was a lad of about six years. He received a fundamental education in the common schools, after which he entered the Collegiate Institute in Albion, N. Y. Having com- pleted the course of instruction, he engaged in the profession of teaching. Two years he spent in this work in Orleans County, and two in Canada West (now Ontario). His Canadian patrons presented him a large Bible, as a token of their appreciation of his labors and merits. In 1846 Dr. Randall came West and spent two years in professional work at Joliet, Ill. He then taught a year in Warrenville, Du- Page County, and also read medicine with Dr. Newton, of that place. Before leaving his native State he had read medicine for a year, and in 1848 he began to practice some. Ile did not, however, abandon the profession until several years later. In Sangamon County, Ill., he taught for four years. In 1855 and 1856 Mr. Randall was a student in Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill., Professor N. S. Davis at that time being Professor of the Theory and Practice of Therapeutics. After receiving his diploma he engaged in the practice of the profession of medicine in Sangamon County, and remained there until 1869. Ile had a large practice and earned $54,000 in professional work in that county.

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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 151

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

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