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 22

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 22
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 22
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 22

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B ERNARD McDONALD. One of the most enterprising business men of Washington is the gentleman whose name heads this notice. Ile is a harness-maker by trade, and carries on an extensive and profitable business. IIe is a native of Baltimore, Northumberland Co., Province of Ontario, Canada, where he was born Aug. 25, 1852. Ilis father, Eugene McDonald, was born in County Cavan, Ireland, and his grand- father, Bernard McDonald, was also born in that county, of Scotch ancestry. The latter named gen-

tleman learned the trade of a cooper in his native country, and followed it, doing a fair business, un- til he emigrated to America. Upon his arrival in this country he made choice of Northumberland County in which to locate. As soon as he had seen his family fairly well settled in their new home he turned his attention to the business of providing a living. He opened a shop and began work at his trade, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing the business increase until it was quite extensive. Mr. McDonald died at his home in Peterboro, North- umberland County, in 1867, at the age of eighty- seven years. His children that were reared to manhood and womanhood were as follows: Peter, Eugene, Bernard, Phillip, Ann, Margaret and Rose.

Eugene McDonald, the father of our subject, was but a mere lad when his parents came to America, consequently his recollections of his child- hood's home are rather indistinct. He remained in the home provided by his parents until his fifteenth birthday was passed, when, although so youthful, he started out to seek his fortune, and his quest led him to New York State, where he was successful in securing work at the trade which he had partially learned in his father's shop at home. A fellow- workman at the same bench as himself was Joe Smith, then a simple mechanic, but afterward the renowned leader of the Mormons. After working sometime, Eugene McDonald went to New York City, but experienced so much difficulty in finding work that he engaged to go on a whaling voyage, to be gone seven years, but a sister, who was a resi- dent of New York at that time, was successful in dissuading him from such a hazardous undertaking, and he returned to Western New York, where he stayed some time. finally going to Canada on a visit to his relatives. Shortly after reaching his old home he opened a stave-factory and cooper- shop in Baltimore, Northumberland County, and was successful in establishing a large and extensive trade. As the years rolled by he prospered ex- ceedingly, but, alas for the stability of earthly pos- sessions, he endorsed notes for friends and lost all his wealth. However, he had not lost his good name, neither had his hand forgotten its skill, so he bore up bravely, and like a man set out to seek

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another fortune. Beginning once again at the foot of the ladder, he worked at his trade in New York for a space of two years, then returned to Canada, where he resumed business for himself, and it is a pleasant task to record the fact that he was once more successful in acquiring a goodly share of worldly possessions. In 1871 he sold out and re- moved to Kansas, having visited it some time pre. vious and noted its good qualities. The journey was made via the railway to Waterville, and from there to the end of his route by tearrs. He located in Republie County, where he purchased three claims aggregating 480 aeres of land. It was all Government land, and upon each claim was ereeted a small stone house with a sod roof. He made good improvements on a considerable portion of the place, and resided on it for several years. In May, 1876, he returned onee more to Canada, trusting to have his health, which was very poor, restored, at least partially, but his hopes were not destined to be realized, as his death occurred only three days after his return, and his remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Peterboro.

The maiden name of Mr. MeDonald's mother was Ann Flood. She was a native of Northumber- land County, Canada, and a daughter of John Flood, who was a native of Ireland. The parental family consisted of nine children, of whom the subject of this notice is the eldest. The others are: Mary, the second in order of birth; Alice, John, Annie, James, Eugene, Willie and Kate.

Our subject attended sehool regularly in his youth, and laid the foundation of a solid, praetieal education in his native place, and was afterward a student at Queen Victoria College at Coburg. He then turned his attention to earning his own living, and worked for three months in a cooper- shop, but left it to learn the trade of a harness- maker. He began this work in Baltimore, Canada. and continued in the same place until 1871. In that year he accompanied his parents to Kansas, and received from his father one of the three elaims mentioned above, which he immediately be- gan improving. Ile devoted his best energies to the cultivation of the soil and the erection of proper buildings, spending the entire year, except the winter months, in necessary work on his farm,

taking a delight in seeing it improve year by year. The winter of 1875 was spent by him in Water- ville, working at his trade, and the following win- ter was passed in the same way. The intervening summer, during the harvest months, from June onward, was passed in work on the farm. Ou Feb. 16, 1876, he removed to Washington, and en- gaged as a journeyman for J. R. Pruden, and worked for him until January, 1880, when he be- eame a partner with his employer, and has continued in that capacity ever since. Subsequent to the partnership arrangement just mentioned, Mr. Pru- den embarked in the mercantile business in Green- leaf. leaving the conduet of affairs in the shop solely to the wisdom, good sense and business tact of Mr. MeDonald, who is fully able to sustain the burden of responsibility thus devolving upon him.

In 1880 Mr. MeDonald and Miss Hattie Ilayes, a native of Ohio, were united in marriage. She is a daughter of Edwin and Margaret Hayes, who took up their abode in Kansas while she was quite a small child. She is an intelligent lady of an amiable, pleasant disposition, and presides with graee and dignity over the charming home of her husband. They are the parents of one child, a manly and promising boy-Charles. Mr. Mel)on- ald is a member of several secret and benevolent societies-Fenten Lodge No. 104, A. F. A. M .; Tyrian, No. 29, Chapter No. 76, R. A. M .; Wash- ington Lodge, A. O. U. W., No. 119; S. K. of A. O. U. W. Banner Legion, No. 58.

AMES R. WILSON was born in Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 4, 1833, and departed this life in Washington County, Jan. 25. 1879. He came from excellent aneestry, being of Scotch-Irish and Welsh deseent. Ile was reared and edueated in Fremont, Ohio, where he made his home until 1870. At that date he came to Washington County and filed a claim on 160 acres of land on section 14, Kimeo Township, which he seeured under the Homestead Aet.

Mr. Wilson served as one of the defenders of his country during the late Civil War. His first en-

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rollment was on Oct. 28, 1861, as a member of Company K, 9th Ohio Cavalry. He was discharged on March 14. 1863, and on the 19th of October following re-enlisted as a member of Company K, 57th Ohio Infantry. His final discharge was re- ceived July 20, 1865, after a faithful service in the ranks.

On Oct. 19, 1856, Mr. Wilson was united in wed- lock with Miss Ann M. Bowles. The bride was born in Sandusky, Ohio, Feb. 3. 1838, being a daughter of Jaeob and Sarah Bowles, natives of Maryland. Her parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church all their lives. They had a family of ten children. six of whom are still living. Mrs. Wilson was the ninth in order of birth. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson resulted in the birth of five children, who are named re- speetively, Blanch A., Harry C., James R., Ida E. and Grace L. All are still living and are respected members of society.

Mrs. Wilson owns eighty acres of valuable land in Kimeo Township, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Foster, on the adjoining farm. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of high standing therein, a lady of many vir- tues, enjoying the respect of the entire community. Her honse was opened for preaching and Sabbath- school in 1871, prior to the building of school- houses in her neighborhood.

R EAL L. FOSTER. The fact that Washing- ton County has made rapid strides in agri- culture and various other industries as well Das in a moral and educational point of view, is owing directly to the men who settled here years ago and devoted themselves to its best interests. At the same time the fact that they accumulated for themselves a competence does not detract from the merit of their deeds, as what has benefitted one has been of value in a certain sense to the whole com- munity. Mr. Foster is one of the most enterprising men of Linn Township, and as a brecder of fine stock is excelled by none within its limits. Ile makes a specialty of thorough-bred Galloway polled-

Angus eattle, Clydesdale horses and Poland China swine. He keeps himself well posted eoneerning this industry and upon all important topics of the day. Active and energetic, he is never content unless oceupied at something useful and by this means has gained for himself a competence and is numbered among the substantial men of Linn Town- ship.

A native of the Empire State, Mr. Foster was born in Westehester County, Nov. 10, 1848. His father, William Foster, was likewise a native of that county and while engaged in farm pursuits also conducted a country store. His life was that of an honest and upright man, one who was held in re- speet by all who knew him. The maiden name of the mother was Nancy Smith, and she was born in C'onneetient, where she remained until her marriage, then emigrated with her husband to New York State. Of her union with William Foster were born eleven children, eight of whom are living, namely: Seymour, Margery. John, Uriah, Mercy, Real L., Martha and Frank.

The Foster family, leaving New York in 1854, emigrated to Kane County, Ill., settling in its southwest corner. The father took up a traet of land from which with the help of his boys he con- structed a comfortable homestead, but later re- moved to Hiawatha, Kan., where with his excellent wife he spent his last days, passing to his final rest Feb. 22, 1882. The mother survived her husband a little more than three years, and died May 17, 1885. Real L. attended the common schools in Illinois, worked with his father on the farm and also learned the carpenter's trade. He left Illinois in 1870 and came to Brown County, this State. erossing the Missouri River in a skiff on St. Patrick's Day. Ile settled nine miles southwest of Hiawatha, and remained a resident of Brown County until March, 1887, engaged in farming pursuits. His next removal was to Washington County, and he settled on the land which is included in his present farm. He has been uniformly prosperous, and has added to his first purchase, so that he is now the owner of 247 acres of land, eighty-seven of which are located across the line in Strawberry Township. He has been constantly making improvements, and has a good set of farm buildings together with the

KINTORE BOY

BISHOP OF ELY

My. No. 3351

OYD

SCALES

STOCK FARM AND RESIDENCE OF R.L. FOSTER, SEC'S. 19 & 24.(T.4. R.2.) LINN TP. WASHINGTON CO.KAN.

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machinery required for tilling the toil in a profita- ' can soil sought the Territory of Wisconsin and for ble manner. Everything about the premises indi- cates the industry and enterprise of the proprietor. An additional feature of interest in this work is a fine engraving of Mr. Foster's farm, with its prin- cipal buildings.

The family of Mr. Foster consists of his wife and five children, the latter named respectively: Agnes L., Edith, Laura E .. William and Mabel C. Mr. Foster was married in Kansas July 10, 1879, to Miss Nannie Leonard, daughter of Anderson Leonard, a native of New York, who spent his last days in Kansas, Mrs. Foster was born Nov. 2, 1857, near Fond du Lac, Wis.

Mr. Foster cast his first Presidential vote for Grant, and is a steadfast supporter of the Repub- lican party, although he meddles very little with political affairs. He keeps himself informed con- cerning those matters of general interest to every intelligent citizen. The live stock interests of Linn Township have been the objects of his espec- ial solicitude and are greatly indebted to him for the excellent breeds of domestic animals which have become a feature of this locality. Mrs. Foster is a communicant of the Congregational Church. Her amiability of disposition. depth of mind and largeness of heart, have won for her the affectionate regard of the community in which she resides.

R. CHARLES BRUENGGER, the pioneer druggist of Clifton, came to this place in the fall of 1878, just after the completion of the Union Pacific Central Branch, and established the first drug store in the infant town. He had prior to this time practiced medicine for about seven years in Kansas and about twenty years in Wisconsin and for a time followed his profession after coming to Clifton. Later he devoted himself to the drug business, in which he has built up a large and lucrative trade. A native of Zurich, Switzerland, he was born May 28, 1826, and cmi- grated to the United States in 1847, when a young man of twenty-one years.

Young Brnengger when setting foot upon Ameri-

seven years thereafter was a resident of Milwaukee. Thence he came to Kansas in 1871, settling in Pardee, Atchison County, and from there removed to Clifton, six years later. Hle established himself in business at Clifton on a modest scale, in a build- ing 24 x 18 feet square and by close attention to his calling and fair dealing with his fellow citizens was in due time obliged to enlarge his facilities. Hle now carries a full stock of everything in his line and numbers his patrons throughout Clifton Township and vicinity.

In noting the parental history of Dr. Bruengger we find that his father, Casper by name, was like- wise a native of Zurich, Switzerland, and trained to the manufacture of cutlery. Ile spent his entire life upon his native soil, dying at Zurich when Charles was a lad of twelve years. The mother, Mrs. Dorothea (Gilg) Brnengger, was born and reared not far from the home of her husband. She survived him many years, dying about 1874 at the age of seventy-eight; both were members in good standing of the German Reformed Church. Charles was the youngest born and the only son. Ile is likewise the only member of the family who came to the United States. Two of his sisters are de- ceased and the survivor is living in Switzerland.

The education of young Bruengger had been conducted with a view to his becoming a physician and he had therefore gained a fair knowledge of medicine before coming to this country. When leaving his native place he repaired to the port of Havre, France, and embarked on a sailing vessel which thirty days later landed him safely in New York City. After going to Milwaukee, Wis., he completed his medical studies under the Homeopa- thie professor who was conducting a hospital at that place. In due time he was given a certificate from the Board of Medical Examiners and at once entered upon the duties of his chosen calling.

In Milwaukee County, Wis., Dr. Bruenngger, April 1859 was wedded to Miss Lyda Johnson. This lady was born in Lowell, Mass .. March 28, 1840, and is the daughter of Jobn Johnson, who had re- paired to Wisconsin Territory with his family when the country was peopled principally by Indians and wild animals. He took up a tract of land which

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he eultivated for a time and then removed to Michigan, dying at the advanced age of over eighty years. After twenty-seven years of wedded life Mrs. Bruengger passed away at her home in Clifton, Sept. 25, 1886. She was a lady possessing all the Christian virtues and greatly beloved by a large circle of friends. She had been for many years a devoted member of the Baptist Church. Having no children of her own, the Doctor and his excellent lady adopted a child, Sarah, who is now the wife of Joseph Iman, a farmer of Clifton Township. The Doctor has living with him two grand-nephews, brothers, Leonard, born in Switzer- land, Mareh 14, 1870, and Carl, born Aug. 1, 1871. Carl came to America in 1885. Leonard is a clerk in the bank at Clifton and Carl assists his uncle in the drug store.

Dr. Bruengger upon becoming a voting citizen identified himself with the Republican party, of which he is a stanch supporter. He was a member of the first City Council of Clifton, and has ever maintained a warm interest in the growth and pros- perity of the town. He is a regular attendant of the Baptist Church, to which he contributes regu- larly and has always been found upholding those enterprises calculated for the general good of the community.

C ALEB ESTES. The career of Mr. Estes is one of more than ordinary interest, and pro- bably no man in Riley County has made better use of his opportunities, or accomplished more under the diffeulties which have surrounded him. Born and reared in the South, his birth oc- euring Feb. 26, 1840 in Caldwell County, N. C., he there grew to man's estate, acquiring his principal education in the common school and becoming familiar with farming pursuits as conducted in that section of country. Ile grew up to a vigorous and healthy manhood, imbned with Southern sentiments and intensely loyal to his native clime.

Upon the outbreak of the Rebellion Mr. Estes in June, 1861 enlisted in the Confederate army as a member of Company F, 26th North Carolina In- fantry and took part in many of the important

battles which followed. He was at Newbern and in the seven day's fight around Richmond. At Fall- ing Water he was captured and sent first to Wash- ington City and from there to Point Lookout, and held in confinement five months after which he was paroled and exchanged. Later he fought at the battle of Cold Harbor and received a wound in the breast and the right arm. Upon his recov- ery he rejoined his regiment and was at the siege of Petersburg during which he was again captured sonth of the city and returned to Point Lookout for a period of seven months. Then being paroled he returned home, at which time, the war being ended he assumed the role of a citizen, after having served four years.

In the spring of 1866 Mr. Estes leaving Lenoir came to the young State of Kansas, locating in Ogden Township and thereafter for four years operated on rented land. He then homesteaded a part of his present farm upon which he has effected all the improvements which we now see upon it. During the early years of his struggles in Northern Kansas he exercised that patience and perseverance which are among the leading traits of his character. Were it not that the visible re- sults of his labors so forcibly appear to the naked eye, his perseverance and energy would seem to have accomplished that which is almost incredible. He came to Kansas without other resources than those with which nature had endowed him and has made for himself not only a good position, finan- cially. but among his fellow citizens is held in high esteem.

Mr. Estes commenced from first principles in the building np of his estate, his land being in its pri- mitive condition, over which but a short time pre- viously Indians and wild animals had roamed unrestrained. His 230 acres of choice land have been brought to a good state of cultivation and the farm . is embellished with substantial buildings. It lies five and one-half miles northwest of Ft. Riley and is largely devoted to stock raising, Mr. Estes hav- ing, during the season of 1889, ninety head of cattle, nineteen head of horses and seventy-five head of swine. Mr. Estes is conservative in politics and uniformly votes the straight Democratic tieket, He is interested in all the enterprises tend-

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ing to promote the welfare of his community and has been a member of the School Board of his dis- triet for the past seven years. He has also served as Road Supervisor. Personally, he is courteous in his bearing, modest and unpretending, a man who at once establishes himself in the esteem and confidence of those who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

The marriage of Caleb Estes and Miss Mary E. Moody was celebrated at the bride's home in North Carolina, in 1865. Mrs. Estes was born in Caldwell County, N. C., July 12, 1848 and is the daughter of Robert and Bathsheba Moody who were of Southern birth and parentage and are now living two miles north of the Estes place. Of this union there was born one child only, a daughter,; Ariel, who is now a promising girl of fourteen years. Mrs. Estes and her daughter are members in good standing of the Baptist Church, of which church Mrs. Estes is pastor.

The father of our subject was Caleb Estes, Sr., likewise a native of North Carolina and a farmer by ocenpation. His mother Eliza, was a native of the same State and there the father spent his en- tire life, dying in about 1850 when in his prime. The mother is still living, making her home with her younger son in North Carolina and has arrived at the advanced age of eighty-three years.

S AMUEL PRESTON is one of the enterpris- ing farmers of Washington County, being the owner and occupant of a farm on section 36, Barnes Township. He is a son of Sam- nel and Susan A. (Rader) Preston. The father was of French extraction and born in Pennsylvania, from which State he removed to Ohio early in the nineteenth century. In that State he resided dur- ing the remainder of his life, dying about the year 1851, at the age of forty-five. He was a farmer and also a shoemaker, and during the winter sea- sons worked at the latter trade. He was in only moderate circumstances but well esteemed by his neighbors. He held some minor offices, and was for many years an active member of the United

Brethern Church. His wife was born in Adams County, Ohio, about the year 1816, and still sur- vives. She bore her husband two children: Sarah E .. now the wife of James Warrener, a stone mason at Leavenworth, Kan., and our subject.

Hle of whom we write was born in Adams C'oun- ty, Ohio. Oct. 8, 1845. Ile was reared to farm pursuits, and has followed that occupation during his life. In his boyhood he received a good com- mon school education. The first shot in the late Rebellion echoed through the hearts of many a youth, and roused as much patriotic fervor as in the breast of the older citizens. Mr. Preston was one of those who heard his country's call "to arms." and though but sixteen years of age he at onee responded. He enlisted as a private in Com- pany C., 70th Ohio Infantry, which was attached to the 3d Brigade. 15th ('orps, 2d Division. He par- ticipated in many hard fought battles, including Shiloh, Corinth, Holly Springs, Vicksburg. Jack- son (Miss.), and Mission Ridge. At the first named he received a slight wound. After the battle of Mission Ridge, his command went to Knoxville. Tenn .. and thence to Scottsboro. Ala., where he re-enlisted, and got a thirty days fur- lough. After this relief and rest from the soldier's life, he returned to the field and again engaged in gallant warfare. He was in the Georgia campaign. and took part in all the battles, including those at Reseca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, etc. On the march to the sea he made one of the gallant 60,000. On the cessation of hostilities he took part in the grand review of Sherman's army at Washington, D. C. Ile then went West down the Ohio River, and received his discharge at Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 13, 1865. At the battle of Ft. MeAllister, Ga., he was wounded in the head. on account of which misfortune he now draws a pension.

After the war was over, Mr. Preston went back to Adams County. Ohio, resuming the duties of a civilian. He was engaged in farming and lumber- ing in that county until 1869. when he removed to McLean County, Ill. There he remained about two years engaged in farming. He then removed to Clay County, Kan., and homesteaded 160 acres in Sherman Township. He sojourned there until 1879, when he removed to the place where he now

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resides and where he bought 120 acres of land. Ile now has a good farm, well improved and cul- tivated, and is carrying on a successful agricultural life there. He started in life poor, and all he has made, has been accumulated since he came to Kansas.

The marriage of our subject took place Dec. 31, 1873, the bride being Miss Jennie Winkelpleck. She was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1850, and is a lady of intelligence and fine charac- ter. She is a daughter of Reuben and Maria (Dickey) Winkelpleck. While hunting on White Rock, Republic County, in 1870, her father was killed by the Indians, being one of six who suf- fered that fate. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Pres- ton has been blessed by the birth of three bright boys-Guy H., Charles E. and Harry S.

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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 22

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

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