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 36

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 36
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 36
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 36

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).

Mrs. Osborne, like her husband, was reared to womanhood in New York City, where they were married. After the death of her husband she con- tinned on the farm, which she managed suc- cessfully until 1879, then selling out purchased property in Plover, Wis., where she spent her last days, dying in 1883 at the age of sixty-three years. She was likewise a member of the Catholic Church.

RESIDENCE OF MRS. ALMARINDA ROBERTS, SEC'S. 16-17: CHARLESTON TP, WASHINGTON CO

RESIDENCE OF J. F. PURSLEY, SEC. 9. MILL CREEK TP, WASHINGTON CO.

RESIDENCE OF MRS. B. ETTER, SEC.22. FARMINGTON TP. WASHINGTON CO

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The eight children of the parental family were named respectively : Edward, now a resident of Wisconsin ; Annie, Mrs. Swan; John, engaged in the real estate business in California; Ellen, a resi- dent of Stevens' Point, Wis .; George, conducting a vineyard in California; William, who is roaming somewhere over the West; Adley, in Wisconsin ; and Mary, a resident of Stevens' Point, Wis. Ed- ward and John during the Civil War served in the 15th Wisconsin Infantry, the latter being only fif- teen years old when he enlisted. He was in all the battles of his regiment until the close of the war, escaping unharmed. Edward was captured by the rebels at Bull Run, and held for nearly ten months when he was exchanged. He had then become so weakened by ill usage and lack of proper food that he was honorably discharged and sent home. Upon his recovery, however. he re-enlisted, and in an engagement fell mortally wounded it was supposed. He, however, recovered, and rejoining his regiment remained with it until the close of the war. John served three years, and after his re-enlistment was detailed as dispatch carrier. being entrusted with important communications and dis- charging his duty in that faithful manner which gained him the high approval of his superior officers.

Mrs. Swan lived in New York City until a child of five years, then removed with her parents to Ohio. They left the Buckeye State in the summer of 1855, removing to Wisconsin, where Miss Annie was reared on the farm near Stevens' Point and re- ceived a common school education. From the time she was ten years old she made her own liv- ing, working out independently and pursuing that womanly course which gained her the respect of all who knew her. Since the death of her husband she has managed the business with great ability. Her residence is beautifully located one-half mile west of town and invariably attraets the attention of the passing traveler as being a home of more than ordinary comfort. Besides this Mrs. Swan owns three store buildings, the Opera House block and five lots. The latter enclose a skating-rink which is duly patronized by the young people of the place.

To Mr. and Mrs. S: an there were born six chil- dren, the eldest of whom. Paul, married Miss Flora

Simpson; Arthur conducts a billiard ball in Hlad- dam; William, Nellie, Harry and Bessie, are at home with their mother.

Mrs. Swan is a member of the Town Site Com- pany; and although believing in the doctrines of the Christian religion she is not identified with any church organization. She always sympathized with her husband in his political views, which were in harmony with the Republican party. He was a member of the Town Council and served as a School Director for years. In Republic County he held the various township offices, and with others was instrumental in laying out the town site of Belleville, this State.

E RNEST E. BENNETT. Among the prom- inent and rising young men of Washington County, we may mention the above named gentleman who owns and occupies a fine farm ou section 4. Farmington Township. He is a son of Ellis L. and AAmanda (Bloodgood) Bennett, both of whom were natives of New York State. There they were married, and settled in Otsego County. where they still reside. They had a family of three children, two sons and one daughter.

Our subject was the youngest member of the pa- rental family, and was born in Maryland, N. Y., Oct. 11, 1855. IIe was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the schools of the vi- einity. When twenty years of age he came West and spent sixteen months in visiting the Western States. On his return home, he remained under the parental roof for fourteen months. He then came to Waukee, Dallas County, lowa, where he was united in marriage with Miss Clara E. Tomp- kins, the ceremony taking place Sept. 18, 1878. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bennett settled in Deeatur County, Kan., where they re- mained about two years. They then spent about the same length of time in Leadville. Col. Thenee they returned to Kansas in the fall of 1882, since which time they have been residents of Farmington Township.

Mrs. Bennett is a daughter of Frank and Lydia

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(Saddlemyer) Tompkins. Hler father was born in Greene County, N. Y., and her mother in Scoharie County. After their marriage they settled in Otsego County, from thence removing to Jones County, Iowa, and later to Dallas County. They subsequently lived in Deeatur County, Kan., then in Colorado and finally settled in this county, where they now reside. They had but one daugh- ter, the wife of our subject. Her birth took place Nov. 15, 1858, in the same town which had been her husband's birthplace. To Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have been born three children : Carroll, who died when somewhat past five years of age ; Lula B., born April 8, 1883, and E. Leslie, born Jan. 2, 1888.

Mr. Bennett is a Republican and takes an active interest in local polities. He has held some of the school offices, serving with ability. He and his wife, religiously are members of the United Brethren Church, and of high standing. They are people not only of excellent character, but of ac- tive intelligence, genial manners and social habits, such as not only win them many friends, but give them prominence and influence in the community.

Le AWRENCE WEBSTER BUTLER holds high rank among the young farmers and stoek men of Washington County. He has been very successful, and though but twenty-nine years of age, is already quite well-to-do. He is the fortunate owner of the southwest quarter of section 1, Haddam Township, and of sixty-five acres on section 2. The estate is well watered by Bowman Creek, and has a good supply of native timber. These two points make it a very desirable location, and its value has been further enhanced by the improvements which have been made by its owner. He has erected all necessary buildings, set out a fine orchard, has the farm neatly fenced and 100 aeres under the plow. The place is an attrac- tive home and a handsome stock farm.

Lawrence W. Butler, grandfather of our subject, was born in New Jersey, and early settled among the Quakers, in Mahoning County. Ohio, where he

was engaged in farming. In that county, John L. Butler, the father of our subjeet. was born. Ile was a farmer and stoek-raiser, and eleared a farm of 224 acres near Salem. He was also engaged in dairy business, being the owner of a cheese fac- tory, which earried on a large business. In the fall of 1878, he sold his business interests in Ohio, and came to this State, locating near Sabetha, Nemaha Connty. There he bought eighty acres of land upon which he engaged in grain and stock raising. In 1884 he sold his property there and removed to this county, where he purchased 160 acres. He has the land nicely improved and is carrying on the business of dairying and stock-raising. His wife, who hore the maiden name of Sarah French, was also a native of Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Thomas French, a farmer and early settler of the Buckeye State. Mr. and Mrs. Butler belong to the Friends Church at Pleasant View, and he assisted in the building of the edifice in which the society meets. His political views eoin- cide with the principles of the Republican party. The parental family consists of three children : Thomas, a stockman at Deerfield, Ohio, our sub- ject, and Meribah I., who is engaged in teaching in the schools of lIaddam.

The gentleman whose name initiates this notice, was born near Salem, Ohio, in 1860. He was reared upon a farm, but received a moderate edu- cation. He early took part in the work of the home place and obtained a practical knowledge of agriculture. In 1878, he came to Lawrence, Kan .. and thence to Sabetha. There he left the parental fireside and engaged as a farm hand, being in the employ of one man for three years. He then be- gan renting, and farming for himself, continuing to till rented land until 1884. He then came to this county and bought the estate which he now owns, paying $10.25 per acre for the same. Only eighteen acres of the land were broken, and its present fine condition is due to the energy of its owner. Mr. Butler raises about one carload of Poland-China hogs, per annum, and a high grade of Mambrino roadster horses. He keeps about twelve head, two teams being used upon the farm, and also carries over thirty head of cattle.

Mr. Butler is a Republican and has been delegate

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to the county conventions. Ile is possessed of good business habits, an education both theoretical and practical, and high moral principles. He is in every respect a self-made man and entitled to the high place he holds in the community.

ANIEL L. CHANDLER. M.D. One of the most prominent men of Riley County, and a man of whom any community may well be proud, is the man whose name is at the head of this sketeb. His father. Roger Chan- dler, a native of New Ipswich, N. II., was one of the original manufacturers of that State. lle was born in 1772. The mother, Lydia ( Marshall) Chandler, was a native of Chelmsford. Mass .. where she was born in 1774. Their marriage took place in that city and they took up house- keeping in the same town, and remained there until after the birth of their second child. They then removed to New Hampshire, and resided there until the death of the father in New Ipswich. The widow then removed to Shirley. Mass., and made her home with her son Henry. Another son, Seth, lived in the same town and preached forty-five years for a I'nitarian Church in that place. Mrs. Chandler died at the age of ninety-three years, leaving her memory to be lovingly cherished by her faithful descendants. They were the parents of ten children, of whom three are still jogging along life's rugged road. The subject of this sketch was the seventh in order of birth, and was ushered in this world of ! care on the 13th of June, 1814, in Mason, N. H.

At the tender age of eleven years, Daniel L. Chandler was bound out to a farmer at Pelham, N. H., there to remain until twenty-one years old. At the expiration of that time he was to receive $100 as payment for his services. His guardian kept a tavern in addition to the farm, but our subjeet never took a glass of liquor in his life as a beverage, which is certainly greatly to his credit considering the circumstances in which he was placed during his youth. Ile faithfully served his full time and received his money, then, leaving his employer, he returned to New Ipswich, where for some time his

home was in the family of his brother Jam. s. who was a prominent man in that place and also well- known in Massachusetts, be having enjoyed the unusual distinction of representing a district in cach State in their respective Legislatures.

When twenty-four years. oll Mr. Chandler went to Shirley and bought a farm, which he operated for twelve years, supporting during that time an invalid brother, John, and his aged mother. In 1854 he turned his face away from the rocky hill- sides of his native State, and set ont for the West- ern country. His emigration led him to Chicago. where he concluded to settle, Ile procured work in a livery stable and remained there two years. The two years immediately preceding the journey Westward, were spent by Mr. Chandler as a Rep- resentative of his district in the Massachusetts Legislature, in which eapocity he made an excellent record, and would no doubt hive risen to even higher honors had he chosen to remain in that State, but his determination was fixed to proceed toward the boundless prairies of the new West; so. bidding farewell to the scenes of his youth and early manhood, he, as above stated, set out to find a new home in the land which his fancy portrayed in glowing colors of promise. After the two years already mentioned as being spent in Chicago, our subject, in 1856, started once more toward the setting sun, going by way of Iowa and Nebraska to Kansas. On reaching the latter State he was siezed and taken prisoner by United States troops and marched to Topeka, then a straggling frontier settlement. containing only two or three houses besides the tents and shanties of the soldiers. When the party reached the place, called by courtesy a city. they were searched and examined as to their intentions by Gov. Geary, who, finding them peace- ably inclined, immediately ordered their release. They departed forthwith, and proceeded on their way until they reached the end of their journey --- the place where Ogden now stands.

The colony of which our subject had become a member, prior to setting out for Kansas, consisted of twenty-four young men. Mr. Chandler and two others bought the Government sawmill and oper. ated it for the benefit of the settlers for one year, then rented it out and finally sold it. The settlers

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were not without their share of the troubles then agitating Kansas, but kept up good heart and en- couraged one another to persevere in their under- taking. The present thriving city of Ogden is ample proof that they were finally successful.

Dr. Chandler was a delegate to the numerous Constitutional Conventions at Topeka and Lecomp- ton, and was such an enthusiastic champion of what he believed to be the rights of his adopted State, that he cheerfully accomplished the journey of eighty miles to the meetings of the conventions on foot, and when all was over trudged home again in the same primitive way. It is to the heroic self- sacrifice of such men that Kansas owes its dearly prized liberties and its unexampled prosperity. The Doctor was elected a member of the Territo- rial Legislature in Kansas for the term of 1858-59, and did yeoman service in the cause of freedom and good government. His life was an eventfn] one during the stirring times preceding the final triumph of the party of law and order,'butthe limits of this sketch forbid more particular mention of the thrilling scenes of which he was a participant. Dr. Chandler was a personal acquaintance of John Brown when the brave old hero lived at Osawato- mie, and was a sincere admirer of his private char- acter, and a firm believer in the rightfulness and expediency of the sturdy patriot's methods of defending Kansas.

In 1861, when the Civil War broke out, the Doctor, true to his country, enlisted promptly in her defence. Ilis first service was as a member of Company H, 10th Kansas Infantry. In 1862 he joined the 3d Cherokee Regiment, in the Indian Territory. and was detailed as Hospital Steward. Ile also acted as Surgeon for the greater part of the time that the war lasted. and the skillful man- ner in which he performed his duty elicited the admiration of all with whom he had to deal. He saw considerable service in active duty outside of his work in the hospital. The battles of Cabiu Creek, Newtonia, Mo., and Ft. Wayne were parti- cipated in by him with much credit to himself. An incident of a thrilling but unique character, in which our subject figured as a principal, deserves special mention: By the fortune of war he was employed to carry dispatches from the Cherokee

camp to Gen. Jim Lane, a service which called into play all the courage, watchfulness and coolness of the experienced aid-de-camp, and was consid- ered too important and hazardous an undertaking to be intrusted to any but the bravest and finest soldier. Spies and roving bands of guerrillas in- fested every road, and were to be met in the most unexpected places at almost any time, day or night, but our subject rode gaily out of camp, pleased to be selected for such an important service. Every thing went well for awhile, when he suddenly dis- covered that he was being followed. Vividly his mind pictured the consequences of being captured hy a band of guerrillas, earnestly he urged for- ward his foam-flecked steed, but in spite of his utmost exertions his pursuers gained steadily, when, suddenly, pursuers and pursued made a surprising discovery, our hero was found by the troops bent on capturing him to be a Union sol- dier, and the valiant band who had so hotly chased him proved to be a body of stanch Unionists belonging to Col. Jennison's Red Legs, who had mistaken the Doctor for a rebel. Another impor- tant service which was well rendered by our subject during the war was to go to Illinois and obtain re- cruits for the company of Capt. Harvey, a gallant soldier who was afterward Governor of Kansas.

Upon the close of the war Dr. Chandler returned home, where he has since remained quietly pursu- ing his way and faithfully practicing his profession. He has never married. He has been a member of the Sons of Temperance, an organization not repre- sented by a lodge in Ogden; is a member of the J. U. Parsons Post, G. A. R., at Ogden; is also a member of the City Council of Ogden, and has been a member of the School Board, Mayor of the city, and Justice of the Peace for twelve years. He has been tendered many offices, but cannot be persuaded to accept, contenting himself with his place in the Council, a position he has held ever since the close of the war.

Dr. Chandler was formerly an extensive land- owner, but has been selling off his possessions till at the present time he has the comparatively small amount of 160 acres, which is in. two bodies, one part or farm. lying in Ogden Township, and the other within one mile of the State University at

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Lawrence, Kan. He is pre-eminently an American in thought, feeling and purpose, and is proud of the fact that his ancestors came to this country more than 200 years ago, the founder of the family being in this country at Concord. N. H., as early as 1649.

RE EUBEN VINCENT, the present nominec ( 1889 ) for Treasurer of Washington County ( which means an election ), is one of the most prominent men of Haddam Township, in social, church and political circles. Intelligent, enterprising and well-informed, he is likewise progressive and liberal in his ideas and a man ever ready to give his time and influence to the measures calculated for the general upbuilding of the community. At present he prosecutes farm- ing and stock-raising successfully, making a spec- iality of fine horses. His property, comprising a homestead of 113 acres in extent, is located on sec- tion 22 and gives evidence in all its appointments of the supervision conducted by one of the most intelligent men in this region.

The early years of Mr. Vincent were spent at his father's farm in the vicinity of Crown Point. Ind., where he was born April 17, 1845. Ile is the fourth son of Martin Vincent, a native of Schoharie County, N. Y., whose father, Richard Vincent, was born in the same county and participated as a pri- vate in the War of 1812. During his early years he followed agricultural pursuits, but finally went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he operated as a grain dealer for a time. Then removing to Kalamazoo, Mich., he became interested in the lumber trade and operated a sawmill. As early as 1840 he entered a tract of government land in Lake County, Ind., where he opened up a large farm and there spent his last days. He was of Scotch descent and a Quaker in religion.

The father of our subject learned the tanner's trade and removed to Michigan with his father. where he became interested in the lumber business. During the Canada troubles he was held as a pris- oner for three months and then released. About 1840 he took up his abode in Lake County, Ind.,

where he carried on farming and bred fancy stock, mostly horses, which he bought and sold by the car load. Hle owned and operated a large farm of 300 acres in the vicinity of Crown Point. He at one time officiated as census taker and after the war was a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He was a member in good standing of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, in which he officiated as Class-Leader and is still living at the age of seventy-five years. Michael Vincent, the paternal great-grandfather of our subject was a wealthy man in Canada, but his property was confiscated during the Rebellion.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Merey Pierce ; she was born in Vermont and was the daughter of Wheeler Pierce, likewise a na- tive of that State and who participated in the War of 1812. He, like Grandfather Vincent, was taken prisoner and they were tied together for transpor- tation ; they were held only for a short time. Hle spent his last years on a farm in Schoharie County, N. Y. Mrs. Vincent is still living and is now seventy-three years old ; she is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, The nine children of the parental family were named respectively. Alonzo. who is now a physician at Valparaiso, Ind .; Milo, deceased ; Reuben, Margaret, deceased ; .James engaged in the grain trade at Ainsworth, Ind .; Mary, deceased ; Daniel a grain dealer of Crown Point ; Charles remains at home on the old homestead, and Martin, a painter and living in Chicago,

Milo Vincent during the late Civil War served in the 73d Indiana Infantry and died in Gallatin, Tenn., in 1863. Alonzo was drafted into the army but was rejected ; Reuben, like his brothers and sisters, obtained his early education in the district school house and as soon as large enough, was re- quired to make himself useful about the farm. Upon the outbreak of the Rebellion he had not attained his seventeenth year, but in February. 1862, he enlisted in Company E. 51st Indiana In- fantry and was mustered into service at LaPorte. going soon afterward to the South. Later he was detailed with a part of his company to guard the magazine at Nashville. At Ft. Tullahoma, he was taken ill and sent to the hospital at Nashville from

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which he was discharged in December, 1865. He was disabled thereafter for several years, being un- able to do any labor and remained at home until 1867.

When sufficiently recovered from his ailments Mr. Vincent rented a farm in Lake County, Ind .. which he operated until 1874. That year he set out by team for Kansas and purchased a claim in Washington County, also homesteaded eighty acres on section 3. Haddam Township. He was one among the first men to locate in this region and in due time purchased 240 acres adjoining the first land, all of which he operated until 1881. Then selling out he purchased another 240 aeres adjoin- ing the town of lladdam and likewise invested a portion of his capital in a stock of general mer- chandise. In connection with this store he estab- lished a drug business and was appointed Post- master. After a year's service he resigned in order to turn his attention entirely to agriculture, and purchased additional laund until he became the owner of 320 acres which he improved. He also dealt largely in real estate and at one time con- trolled 1000 nere- of land. lle has now 320 acres,' well-improved with a substantial dwelling. a good barn, stable and cattle sheds and all the other ap- purtenances necessary for his calling. Ilis stables include one full-blooded trotter of Mambrino stock, a full-blooded imported Norman, and also a Norman and Cleveland Bay. He was instrumental in securing the railroad through Haddam, giving the right of way and $200 besides.

Mr. Vincent was married in Lake County, Ind., April 21. 1867, to Miss Alice Larabee, who was born in that county and whose father, Albert Larabee, was a second cousin of ex-Governor Larabee of Iowa. Of this union there have been born three children -Eddie, Wilbur and Earl; the two younger are at home. The oldest boy is now attending college at Valparaiso. Ind. Mr. Vincent has served as Justice of the Peace for six years. He assisted in the organization of the township and was its first Chrk. serving four years in succession ; he is also a Notary Public, having been appointed by Gov. St. John, eight years ago. He has most always been a member of the School Board and in fact may usually be found at the head of every ent-

erprise calculated for the good of his community.

As a charter member of the Methodist Protestant Church, Mr. Vincent has always looked after its best interests, officiating as Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He also has been Class-Leader and Steward, contributing liberally to its support. He is Post Commander and Chaplain of Putnam Post, No. 419, G. A. R., at Haddam. He is one of the Directors of the W. E. Bank and Vice-President of the Haddam Town Site Company. In 1884 he associated himself with Mr. J. C. Morrow and under the firm name of Vincent & Morrow they are transacting a large business as land and loan agents and insurance brokers. Mr. Vincent frequently oflieiates as a delegate to the County and State conventions of the Republican party with which he has been identified since he attained his majority.

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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 36

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

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