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 35

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 35
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 35
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 35

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OHN NEWTON. Those who can boast of a pioneership on the Kansas frontier. have had an experience which their descendants will never realize, at least in this State, and the fact that it has grown to be one of the most prosperous commonwealths west of the Mississippi is Ine to the character of the men who first settled within its borders. Among them the subject of this sketch stands prominently as having possessed those qualities most needed in the development of the new conntry to which he came in his prime, and whose prosperity he has watched with the in- terest only felt by the most worthy of her adopted sons.

The career of Mr. Newton may be briefly sketched as follows : Ile was born in Morgan County, Ohio, Jan. 8, 1817, and spent his early years upon a farm. Ilis father, Nathan Newton, was a native of New York State, and during his early manhood emi- grated to the wilds of Ohio, settling in the forest from which he hewed out a farm. He married Miss Catherine Keith, a native of Pennsylvania. who proved a most faithful and efficient helpmate. assisting her husband during his toils and struggles, and upholding him in his worthy ambitions. By their united efforts, they constructed a comfortable home, and reared a family of eight sons and one daughter. They spent their last days there, dying in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, of which they had been devoted members for many years.

There are only four survivors of the children above- mentioned, of whom John Newton was the second in order of birth. He studied his first tes-

sons in a log schoolhouse. in the Buckeye State. this buikling being finished with a puncheon Hoor and window panes of grensed paper. A large fire- place extended nearly across one end of the build- ing. and a chimney was built outside of earth and sticks, The seats were likewise made of punchcon, supported by rude wooden pegs. The system of instruction corresponded with the style of the tem- ple of learning, but amid those scenes and surround- ings young Newton developed into a vigorous and healthful manhood, trained to habits of industry and imbned with sentiments of honor.

In Ohio, Feb. 2, 1852, John Newton was united in marriage with Miss Esther, daughter of Phillip and Susannah Kepple, and who was a native of Pennsylvania. Soon afterward Mr. Newton por- chased forty acres of timber land, to which he later added forty more, and cleared the whole, making a good farm. Here his eight children were born, being named respectively : Mary A., Julia A., Mar- garet J .. Benjamin F. ; John C. and Catherine (both deceased ) ; Oreal W. and Henry O.

Continuing to live in Ohio until 1862, Mr. New- ton then decided upon a change of location, and set out with his family overland by wagon to De Kalb County, Ill. He purchased a farm, and lived there until 1870, then selling out. he came to Clay County. Kan., and homesteaded 160 acres of land in Goshen Township, this now being occupied by his sons-Benjamin F. and Henry O. He sojourned there until the spring of 1886, then retiring from active labor, removed to Washington County. There Mrs. Newton departed this life, May 21. 1888. at the age of seventy-three years. She was a lady of many excellent qualities, and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Newton now makes his home with his son Ben- jamin on the old farm.

Benjamin F. Newton was born Dec. 7. 1846, and was married, in Boone County, Ill., to Miss Sarah J., daughter of Henry and Esther ( Carpenter ) Rote, and a native of Pennsylvania, as were also her par- ents. The latter removed to Ilinois in 1856. where the mother died, in October. 1886, after a residence of thirty years in Boone and DeKalb counties. Mr. Rote still resides in Boone County. In 1880, Benjamin Newton entered the ministry of

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the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has since been connected, and still preaches occa- sionally. He preached one year for the Evangelical Lutheran Church, of the General Synod at Barnes, in Washington County. He was principally instru- mental in the organization of the Faet Circuit, which now embraces a membership of over 200. He has been a zealous worker in the Master's vine- yard, and he also took part in the organization of the order of Good Templars having their lodge at Dimond.

When John Newton came to Kansas, Goshen Township was largely a wild prairie, with animals in abundance, including deer, wolves and a large number of antelopes, besides jack rabbits and prai- rie chickens. The wolves frequently made night hideous with their howling, coming close to the dwelling. The family first lived in a dugout with a hay roof, and the nearest market was at the infant towns of Clay Centre and Waterville.

HOMAS W. KINCAID. The business in- terests of Clay County, and more especially those of the rural districts, would not be well represented were no mention made of him whose name heads this notice. He is both a far- mer and blacksmith, his home being situated in Bloom Township, on section 36, where he owns a fertile farm of 160 acres. This estate was pur- chased by the present owner in May, 1881, and is being improved and brought to a high state of productiveness. Mr. Kincaid had previously been a resident of Lineoln Township, Washington County, where he had homesteaded a quarter-section of Government land in 1873, and engaged in the practice of both his employments. To this State Mr. Kineaid had come from his birthplace near West Union, Adams Co., Ohio. he having first seen the light May 5, 1833.

The grandfather of our subject was John Kin- eaid, a native of Virginia, and of Seoteh-Irish parentage. He was reared in his native State, and there learned the manufacture of sickles, bells and other implements known to mechanics. After his

marriage he moved to Ohio, becoming a settler of Adams County while that seetion was all unbroken. There he established a shop and improved a farm, which he made his home until he died ripe in years. Thomas Kincaid, his son, was born and reared in that county, and there followed his oceu- pation of farming. His death took place when he had reached the age of fifty-two years. He had been twice married, his first wife being Miss Eliza- beth McClanehan, who was born in Ireland, and when young was brought to America by her par- ents, who located in Adams County, Ohio, where she and they died. She was in middle life when called from earth, and had borne seven children, our subject being the youngest but one, and three years old when his mother died. The second wife of Mr. Thomas Kincaid was Nancy MeClanehan, a second cousin of the former helpmate. She was born in Ohio of Irish parents, and now lives on the old homestead, having reached the advanced age of eighty-six years. Thomas Kineaid and both his wives belonged to the Presbyterian Church (old school ).

T. W. Kincaid, of whom we write, received his early training from his father and step-mother, and learned his trade chiefly under Thomas Dickinson, afterward opening a shop of his own and since doing business on his own account. He was united in marriage in his native county, with Miss Nancy McCormick, an estimable lady of that county, whose parents were American born and of Scotch- Irish descent. Mrs. Kincaid died in the Buckeye State in the prime of life, leaving three children, one of whom. Martha A., is now deceased; Samuel W. is living in Ottawa County, practicing his pro- fession of dentistry; Mary is the wife of John Miller, a railroad man, whose home is in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Mr. Kineaid contracted a second alliance. the bride being Miss Martha McCreight, who was born in Adams County, Ohio, April 10, 1836. and is a daughter of William and Mary ( McCreight) Me- Creight. Mrs. Kincaid's parents were natives of the same county as their daughter, and lived and died near where they were born, the father being seventy-three years old when he departed this life, and the mother but forty-three. Both were mem-

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bers of the I'nited Presbyterian Church. The grandparents of Mrs. Kineaid had removed to the Buckeye State from North Carolina, and were early settlers of Adams County, seeing much of the horror of the frontier life, some of their neigh- bors being tomahawked by the savages. The grandfather was a soldier of the War of 1812, as was also the grandfather of our subject. His uncle, Gen. John McClanehan, was killed at Ft. Donelson; his widow is living at Monmouth, Ill.

To Mr. Kincaid and his present wife five chil- dren have been born: Lnella Jane is the wife of G. W. Kuhn, a farmer on section 33, this town- ship, owning 160 acres of fine land there; William Grant, who married S. Anna Cox, lives on a farm in the Indian Territory; John N., Ormand E. and Franklin B. are at home and helping to carry on the farm.

Mr. Kincaid casts his vote with the Union Labor party. He is President of the Bloom Allianee at Lincoln, Bloom Township. this State, and Chaplain of the County Alliance Society. IJe and his wife are active members of the United Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Kincaid is Superintendent of the Sunday-school at Idana, where the church edifice of that society is located. The private character aud public life of Mr. Kincaid are above reproach, and he is the recipient of hearty respect from his fellow-citizens, his wife sharing with him in their esteem.

W ILLIAM H. STEVENSON, a practical young farmer of Haddam Township, owns and operates eighty acres on section 34. where he has been located for the last four years. Ile conducts his farming operations with systematic skill and has already a fair start on the highway to a competency. His home is presided over by a lady of sterling worth, and one who illustrates in her character all the virtues of a model wife and mother, thoroughly devoted to her home and who has been no small encouragement to her husband in his worthy endeavors.

Mr. Stevenson was born near Perry, on Sonth Prairie, Pike Co .. Ill., on the 21st of January,

1857, and is consequently approaching the thirty- third year of his age. Ilis early surroundings were similar to those of most farmers' sons and as soon as old enough he was taught to make himself use- ful to his parents and went, a barefoot boy, to school, mostly during the summer season. He re- mained under the parental roof until a youth of nineteen years and being more than ordinarily anı- bitious, now started out in life for himself, engaging in farming on rented land and also operated his father's farm. In due time he inherited eighty aeres of which he retained ownership until 1883. That year he sold out and in the spring of 1884 removed to Riley County, Kan., and purchased 480 acres of land. Soon afterward he traded this for 160 acres in the vicinity of Morganville, Clay Co., Kan., upon which he located and where he instituted many improvements. He, however, found himself in the midst of a Swedish settlement and so in 1885 sold out once more and purchased his present farm of eighty acres in Haddam Township. This was little removed from its primitive condition and he has made most of the improvements which we to- day behold. He has a neat and substantial dwel- ling, occupying an area of 20x26 feet, flanked by a good stone barn and other necessary outbuildings. The land is watered by Mulberry Creek and there is a good supply of native timber. It is mostly enclosed by wire fencing and has been brought to a good state of cultivation. It is finely adapted to stock-raising, of which Mr. Stevenson makes a spec- ialty, keeping good grades of eattle and a fair num- ber of Poland-China swine, usually shipping one car load annually. He keeps about six head of horses of the Morgan and Clydesdale breed and uses two teams in the operation of his farm.

The 6th of December, 1883, marked an interest- ing epochi in the life of our subjeet as on that day he was united in marriage with Miss Katie Dellart, who is a native of that county and the daughter of Thomas B. Dellart, Que of its earliest pioneers. The household circle now includes two bright chil- dren, both boys -- Alfred Irving and Guy. Mr. Stevenson does not mix very much in politics but keeps himself posted upon the leading events of the day and gives his support to the Democratic party. The subject of this sketch is the son of John W.

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Stevenson, a native of Hart County, Ky., and whose father, a well-to-do Kentucky farmer, died when John W. was but four years old. He was prominent in the Masonic fraternity of the Blue Grass State. John W. remained at the homestead until a youth of sixteen years, then began running on the river and in due time rose to the position of first mate on a steamer plying from New Orleans to St. Louis. Later he was employed on a ferry bat finally aban- doned the river and in 1840 settled in Pike County, Ill., where he purchased land until he had acquired 500 acres. This he brought to a good state of eul- tivation and became prominent in his community -one of its leading men, socially and financially. and a member of the Christian Church. He spent his last days at the homestead in Pike County, dying in 1880.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Mary A. Wilson. She was born in New Hamp- shire and was the daughter of James Wilson, like- wise a native of that State. Grandfather Wilson emigrated to Illinois in 1830 and entering land in Pike County, built up a good homestead where he spent the remainder of his days. The mother is still living there and is now sixty-three years old. To the parents of our subject there were born ten children, viz .: George and Ira, residents of Pike County, Ill. ; Edward, Jolin W., and two infants de- ceased ; William HI., Charles, a resident of Brown County ; Mary, Mrs. Crawford; Nettie, Mrs. Rounds. the two latter residents of Clay County, Kan.

ENRY SUMP. The name of this gentleman is widely and favorably known as that of one of the most prosperous and wealthy farmers of Swede Creek Township. He is one of the few whose life. socially, morally and financially. may be counted a success ; and in this connection should also be mentioned the lady who for many years has been his most efficient partner and helpmeet, and who possessing more than or- dinary intelligence, has been his chief "standby" during the years in which he has been building up,

not only a homestead, but a name. Mr. and Mrs. Sump commeneed the journey of life together in a a modest manner, but are now the occupants of a beautiful home and surrounded by all the comforts of life.

Mr. Sump may be usually found on his fine farm comprising 680 acres of land, 160 acres of which he purchased in the fall of 1868 for the sum of $1,000. Soon afterwards he homesteaded 160 acres, later preempted 160 acres and final- ly purchased 200 acres near this. His first dwelling was a log house. and the years which followed were devoted to the cultivation and im- provement of his land with the result that he has one of the finest estates in Riley County. The present residence was erected in 1884, the main part being 16x36 feet in dimensions with a wing 12x16 feet. The main barn covers an area of 16x74 feet and the other outbuildings, in point of soli- dity and convenience, fully correspond with the substantial frame and stone residence. Mr. Sump avails himself of the most improved machinery in the operations of his land, including a wind mill and water tanks. and of late years has been quite extensively interested in live stock. He feeds usu- ally a car load each of cattle and swine annually, and keeps a goodly number of draft horses, using from three to four teams in his farm operations. His landed possessions comprise 520 acres on section 7 and 160 acres on section 14.

Mr. Sump came to Riley County a single man and on the 7th of January, 1869, was united in marriage with Miss Matilda, daughter of F. J. Teske, the latter of whom was a native of Prussia, and born near Mt. Crone, March 5, 1818. During his early manhood he operated as a stage-driver and a mail- carrier, but afterward engaged in farming, remain- ing a resident of his native Kingdom until 1853. That year he came alone to America and in the State of Louisiana was variously employel until 1858. He had been successful in accumulating money and now returned to Prussia for his family, and upon coming back to the United States turned his steps toward the Great West and homesteaded land in Center Township. Kan., of which he has since been a resident. He is now well-to-do, being the owner of 441 acres of improved land which is

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largely devoted to stock raising. Mr. Teske is quite prominent in his community and affiliates with the Republican party.

The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. Sump was Charlotte Lahmann. She was a native of the same provinee as her husband and accompanied her family to America. She died in Center Town - ship, Riley County, in 1869. There have been born to her and her husband two children only, both daughters-Matilda and Mary. The latter was married in Center Township, to a Mr. Smith, and is now deceased. Mrs. Sump was born in Koenigsburg. Prussia, Dec. 21, 1844, and until thir- teen and one-half years old attended school at Mt. Crone. She then started to America with her parents, they leaving Hamburg, Sept. 8, 1858, on the sailing vessel . Washington," which three months later landed them in the city of New Or- leans. Thence they journeyed up the Mississippi and Missouri rivers to Leavenworth, Kan., and Mrs. Sump afterward completed her education through her own efforts and grew up to an interesting and attractive womanhood. She takes a warm interest in educational affairs and has been the School Treasurer of her distriet for the last three years.

Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sump whom they named respectively, Charlotte, Henry, Jr., Anthony, Otto. Albert, Matilda and Grant. The eldest daughter is the wife of William Konsey, a farmer of Center Township ; the others remain at home with their parents. Mr. Sump, politically, is a staneh Republican, and has been Road Supervisor one year. He and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Lutheran Church at Winkler's Mills.

The parents of our subjeet were llenry and Dora ( Malufins) Sump, the latter of whom spent her entire life in her native country. Henry Sump, Sr., was born in the Duchy of Brunswick, and served a number of years as a soldier.in the regular army. Ile likewise operated as a farmer and was well-to-do. In 1875 he came to America and lived for a time with his son. Henry, Jr. Later he made his home with his daughter. in Center Town- ship, where he died in 1886, at the age of seventy- seven years. Only three of the children born to him are living: Elizabeth. Mrs. Teske of Center

Township; Henry. the subject of this sketch, and Dora, a resident of the city of Bremen, Germany. llenry was born in Brunswick, Jan. 17, 1842, and from the age of seven years remained on his fath- er's farm until a youth of seventeen. He then worked a dairy farm one year, and next repaired to the city of Bremen and became an otlice boy in a wholesale establishment for three years. In Octo- ber, 1864, he sailed for America on the steamer " Bremen" and landed in New York City, eighteen days later, a stranger in a strange land. Ile pro- ceeded to the city of St. Louis, where he was var- iously employed but principally in a brick yard and sugar refinery, until in the fall of 1868, when he went up the river by a steamer to Kansas City, Mo., and from there by rail to Riley County, this State, of which he has since been a resident. lle has performed no unimportant part in the growth and development of Riley County, and the estate which he hasbuilt up is a standing monument to the solid worth of his character and the element of perseverance without which success can seldom be attained.

OHN SWAN. The main points in the his- tory of this gentleman late a resident of Haddam Township, are essentially as fol- lows: Ilis birthplace was in East Bristol. C'anada, and the date thereof March 15, 1842. Ilis father was William Swan. a native of Scotland, who emigrated to America and settling in the Do- minion, followed farming there a few years, then emigrated to Portage County, Wis. Entering land he farmed there until 1863, then crossing the Mis- sissippi established himself in Saline County, Kan .. where he homesteaded land with the intention of opening up a farm where he might possibly spend many years in peace and comfort. The next year, however, he was taken ill and died. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a stanch supporter of the Republican party.

Mrs. Jane (Walker) Swan, the mother of our subject, was born in the North of Ireland and was of Scotch-Irish descent; she departed this life in

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1855. John, of this notice, accompanied his par- ents in their various removals. and was a resident of Wisconsin at the time of the outbreak of the Civil War. He enlisted in October, 1861, in Com- pany B, 14th Wisconsin Infantry and was mustered into service at Madison. Soon afterward he was taken ill, and being rendered unfit for service re- ceived his honorable discharge in February, 1862. lle returned home and remained there until Novem- ber, 1863, then, being still anxious to have a hand in the preservation of the Union, entered the ranks once more as a member of Company E, 16th Wis- consin Infantry and had the satisfaction of serving until the close of the war. He fought in many important battles, marched with Sherman to the sea, and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 12. 1865.

U'pon returning to civil life, Mr. Swan came west of the Father of Waters and engaged in driving a stage over the plains, also having charge of the mail. Ile encountered many dangers and was thus occupied until 1867. In the spring of that year he returned to Wisconsin, where he was married and afterward homesteaded a tract of land near Cuba, Republic County, this State. For two years thereafter the young people lived in a dug-out, then erected a log cabin. The nearest market was Marysville and they for some time were the first settlers in that region. Mr. Swan effected good improvements on his farm and lived there ten years. lle and his devoted wife experienced all the hardships and privations of life on the frontier, at a time when wild game of all kinds was plenti- ful, including elk and buffalo.

Upon leaving his farm Mr. Swan established a store of general merchandise at Cuba, the first in the place. In fact he laid out the town from a portion of his farm and was the first postmaster. The office was removed to the railroad station in 1884. Prior to this, however, in 1877, Mr. Swan disposed of his property, and removing to Wash- ington engaged in the livery business until 1879, when be removed with his family to Haddam. He had been troubled a large portion of the time with rheumatism, contracted in the army. In Haddam he put up one of the first store buildings. He had acquired ownership of a large portion of the origi-

nal site of the town and was largely instrumental in advancing its business interests. He almost gave away his lots as an inducement for people to settle upon them. The enterprise prospered, and in due time Mr. Swan erected the opera house. which is one of the most prominent buildings there. He probably did more than any other one man in getting the railroad through the place.

In 1885 on account of ill-health Mr. Swan dis- posed of his store and stock to Yoder Bros. and turned his attention largely to the buying of cattle and other live-stock. In 1886 he entered the em- ploy of the St. Joseph cigar manufactory, with which he continued until May, 1887. He was taken ill while out on the road, but was able to reach his home in Haddam, where his death took place May 11, 1887.

The marriage of John Swan and Miss Annie Osborne was celebrated at the bride's home in Lanark, Portage Co., Wis., April 25, 1867. Mrs. Swan was born in New York City, Dec. 18, 1846, : and is the daughter of John and Ellen (Golden) Osborne, who were natives of Ireland and both of whom emigrated to America with their respective parents when quite voung. John Osborne was reared to man's estate in New York City, where he engaged as ship chandler. He finally emigrated to Ohio, settling in Ohio City, where he followed the lumber business for three years, then engaged in the grocery trade. Finally leaving the Buckeye State, he removed with his family to Wisconsin when Annie was a little girl of nine years. Mr. Osborne entered a tract of land in the vicinity of Stevens' Point, which he improved, putting up a house and instituting other comforts and con- veniences for his family. In 1855, while engaged in digging a well, he received injuries which caused his death within an hour. lle was a Democrat po- litically and a Catholic in religion.

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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 35

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

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