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 43

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 43
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 43
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 43

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).

A native of Champaign County. Ill., the subject of this sketch was born March 2, 1844. He is the offspring of an excellent family, being the son of Samuel and Betsy Ann (Taylor) Kerr, who were

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natives respectively of Ohio and Kentucky. Both parents removed to Indiana in their youth and in that State were married. In 1836 they settled in Champaign County, Ill., and were among its earliest pioneers, taking up land from which the Indians bad just departed. U'pon the north and west of them there was not a settler for twenty miles. Deer. wolves and various other kinds of wild animals were plentiful. The elder Kerr entered 500 acres of land from the Government and when his town- ship was organized, it was named in his honor. He improved the whole of his land and there spent the remainder of his days, departing this life about 1852. The wife and mother survived her husband only about four years. Their family consisted of six children of whom Russell T. was the eldest horn. John C. is a resident of Vermillion County, Ill. Elizabeth is the wife of Jacob Jones and Ma- tilda married Jonathan Jones, both being residents of Vermillion County, Ill. ; Joseph established him- self on a farın in Kerr Township, Champaign Co., Ill., where he now resides; Rachel Ann is the wife of Prince Evans and they live in Southern Kansas.

Russell T. Kerr was reared to man's estate in his native county, but in the early part of 1861, be- fore reaching his majority and shortly after the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in Com- pany 1, 2d Illinois Cavalry in which he served over two years. He was princpally engaged as a scont, but fought at the battles of Vicksburg, Champion Hill, Raymond, Jackson, Holly Springs, Bolivar, Pocahontas, and was also in numerous skirmishes. He was uniformly found at the post of duty and was promoted to Corporal. He served until the expiration of his term of enlistment and then receiving an honorable discharge on account of disability returned to his native county and re- sumed the farming pursuits to which he had been reared since boyhood. He also commenced dealing in live stock. In due time, being ready to establish a home of his own, he was married, Jan. 24, 1864, to Miss Frances .J., daughter of Plina and Eunice (Sawtell) Lamb. Mrs. Kerr was born in Fountain County, Ind., Oct. 31. 1847. Her parents were natives of New England which they left early in life, removing each with their respective parents to

Indiana, where they were married. Later they re- moved to Illinois and when Frances J. was a small child, changed their residence once more to Cham- paign County, Ill., where the father died and where the mother is still living.

Mr. Kerr, in 1869, came to Washington County. Kan., and entered land in Franklin Township. In addition to the cultivation of this he engaged in breaking prairie a number of years, operating five teams. He effected good improvements upon his land and lived there until 1874 when he removed to Hollenberg and for two years was the Station Agent at that town. He also established a store of general merchandise, officiated as Postmaster, and dealt in grain. He was the first duly elected Trustee of Hollenberg Township of which Franklin now forms a part. He put up the first warehouse in the place, also the first hay scales and shipped the first car load of grain from this point. Having no scales then for weighing that first load of grain it was measured in a cheese hoop.

In addition to the interests above mentioned, Mr. Kerr also operated an hotel for a number of years at Hollenberg, Later he abandoned it and for the last two years has given his attention entirely to his grain and live stock interests. For a time he con- ducted a lively real-estate business and has had the selling of nearly all the land in this part of the county, having, as the record shows, made the largest list of transfers within its limits. He also officiated as a Notary Public. Politically, during the progress of the Civil War he supported the Re- publican party, but voted for Horace Greely in 1872. Since that time he has been a third-party man and has frequently been selected as the candi- date of the minority party for the various county offices and was given large majorities at home, his own township giving him 120 votes from a ballot numbering only a few more than this. In religions matters, he coincides with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

To Mr. and Mrs. Kerr there have been born eight children the eldest of those now surviving being a daughter, Lilly, who is the wife of John T. Lewis and the mother of two children-Verne A. and an infant unnamed. Samuel P. is living in Montana; Jennie M. is the wife of Sheridan Henderson and

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they have one child, a son, Guy. Ella E., JJames, Belle and Mary are at home with their parents. The paternal ancestors of Mr. Kerr were originally from Scotland, and a paternal granduncle served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War until its close and was afterward a member of the United States Senate. On his mother's side Grandfather John Taylor, was a second cousin of President Zachary Taylor, and a member of the Kentucky Legislature.

On another page appears a fine engraving of the pleasant home of Mr. Kerr, to which his amiable wife and accomplished daughters welcome their many friends with good cheer and hearty hos- pitality.

ILLIAM E. DUNAWAY, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, in Clay Center, is a prominent member of the legal profession in Northern Kansas, and for the last twelve years has successfully practiced in Clay and adjoining counties, building up a lucrative business. 1Ie is a Pennsylvanian by birth, his native place being in Luzerne Township, Fayette County, where he lived until 1877. He was born Oct. 4, 1851, and acquired his early education in his native township. In the year mentioned he entered Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pa., from which he was graduated with the degree of A. M., two years later.

Upon leaving college Mr. Dunaway engaged in teaching, and read law under the instruction of an elder brother, C. P. Dunaway, at Uniontown. He was admitted to the bar in 1877 and soon afterward started to the West, arriving in Clay Center, Kan., on the 20th of April. He at once made himself at home, resolving to make his way through every difficulty and drawback and his determination has been rewarded with success. He is highly spoken of, both as a practitioner and as a member of the community. As a lawyer he takes rank with the ablest men in this part of the State.

Mr. Dunaway on the 15th of May, 1879, was united in marriage with Miss Nannie W. Small, of Maine. This lady was born in Oxford County. that State, Sept. 6, 1857, and was deprived by

death of a father's care when twelve years old. Subsequently she made her home with an aunt in Boston until 1876. coming that year with relatives to Kansas and remaining a resident of Clay County until her marriage. She is now the mother of four children, all living, viz: Elsie P .. Helen L., Alonzo Linn and Edwin Small,

Mr. and Mrs. Dunaway are connected with the Presbyterian Church in which our subject officiates as Elder. Mr. Dunaway is a member of the Ma- sonie fraternity in which he has attained to the Chapter degree and is also connected with the 1. O.O. F. in the Lodge and Encampment. Politi- cally, he affiliates with the Republican party, of which he is an active worker. From 1882 to 1886 he filled the office of County Attorney of Clay County.

The father of our subject was William Dunaway, who was born in Greene County, Pa., in 1812 and spent his early life in that locality. He married Miss Elizabeth Porter, and to them there were born two children, William E, and lames W. The lat- ter remains at the homestead with his parents. The mother is likewise a native of the Keystone State and was born Sept. 27, 1813.

UGUST MOELLING is a thrifty, energetic agricultorist, descended from the race that has furnished so many honored and enter- prising citizens and pioneers to this broad land. Ilis farm is in Bloom Township, Clay County, and is well improved, carefully cultivated, and supplied with all necessary buildings, erected in a substantial and pleasing manner. The estate is situated on section 20, and comprises 130 acres. It has been the home of its present owner since 1878, at which time he came to this State from Gasconade County. Mo., where he was born June 2, 1854. He is the eldest son of his parents, and was reared and educated in his native county, receiving all the ad- vantages possible at their hands.

In his native county Mr. Moelling entered into the marriage relation, the lady whom he had chosen for his companion being Miss Minnie Stute, She

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was born in the same county as her husband, on the 7th of March, 1857, her parents being respected German citizens. Iler father, William Stute, is still engaged at his occupation of farming in that county. Ile belongs to the Presbyterian Church, as did his wife, Hannah ( Pesopski) Stute, who died in 1885, at the age of fifty-two years. To Mr. and Mrs. Moelling, seven children have been born, three of whom, Lizzie and an infant, are deceased.

The birthplace of Adolphi Moelling, father of our subject, was Lippe Detmold, Germany, whence he came to the United States when forty years old and still unmarried. After an ocean voyage of seven weeks he landed at New York City, whence he came to Missouri, and began the operations of a farmer. There he married Louisa Otto, a native also of Ger- many, who departed this life in Gasconade County, Mo., in 1864, being then thirty-nine years old. Iler bereaved husband lived to come to Kansas in 1878, and resided in this township until his death, which occurred May 6, 1887, at the age of seventy-seven years. He was a Deacon and an active member of the Presbyterian Church, to which his deceased wife had also belonged. ITis political views coin- cided with the doctrines of the Republican party. with which he cast his vote.

Mr. August Moelling follows the teachings and example of his respected parents, both in politics and religion, being a Republican and a Presbyter- ian. He and his wife are classed among the workers in their church, and are interested in every good work instituted therein. The standing which Mr. Moelling has in the community is due not only to his moral character. but to his practical ability as an agriculturist and to his kindness as a neighbor and friend.

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OHN M. STEELE, of Strawberry Township, Washington County, and superintendent of Steele's ranch, is one of the members of the firm composed of three as enterprising men as are to be found anywhere in the West. The subject of this notice possesses more than ordinary intelligenee, and has been no unimportant factor

in building up the agricultural interests of Straw- berry Township. Steele's ranch is located on section 10 and forms the roaming place of large numbers of fine cattle and horses, which are the source of a handsome income to the proprietors.

A native of Jessamine County, Ky., John M. Steele was born Jan. 23, 1824, and is the son of Samuel C. Steele, who was born in Virginia and who left the Old Dominion for the Blue Grass State during its pioneer days. He married Miss Eliza- beth Mitchum, a native of Woodford County, Ky., and they became the parents of seven children, five of whom are living, viz: Susan, now Mrs. Smith; Helen, Mrs. Singleton ; Dudley M., a partner of John M., and Joanna, Mrs. Rogers.

Mr. Steele spent his early years in his native county, and in 1854 crossed the plains to Califor- nia, settling near Colusa, of which he was a resident for the long period of thirty-five years, and where he still spends his winters. During his absence he entrusted his business here to the hands of his grand-nephew, William M. Steele, the grandson of his brother William M. He traveled all over the overland route to California before the con- struction of any railroad between the Mississippi and the Pacific Slope. He crossed the plains before even a stage route was established, and has also made the trip to the Golden State by water. There are few portions of the great West which he has not traversed, he having visited New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Mexico, and also visited the Eastern cities, New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

Mr. Steele came to Kansas in August, 1886, and began improving a tract of raw prairie, upon which there was not a stick of timber. The ranch em- braces a whole section of land, all of which is feneed and divided mostly into six fields, besides the hog lots. The two-story frame dwelling contains eight rooms and other modern improvements, the whole being 30x32 feet in dimensions. His barn is 120x65 feet in area, and the granary 28x16 feet. There are sheds on both sides of this latter, a stable of 40x30feet in dimensions, including a bath-room, and elsewhere over 200 feet of sheds. The ranch at the present time (October 1889) accommodates 117 head of horses and fifty-six mules. The firm

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has just commenced The breeding of swine, having about fifty or sixty head. Three miles west of Haddam they have a large cattle ranch, embracing three sections of land in Washington County ; they also have a large horse and cattle ranch in Elko County, Nev .. embracing 4,000 acres of land, all feneed and divided into four pastures. They have besides this all the outside range desirable.

Mr. Steele. Sept. 20, 1849, was united in marriage with Miss Susan, daughter of John Mitchum, long since deceased. Mrs. Steele was born in Woodford County, Ky., and departed this life in California, April 18, 1855. Mr. Steele has never remarried, having lived a widower for the long period of thirty-five years. The two children born to him and his estimable wife died in infancy. While a resident of California, he served as Sheriff two terms and was County Supervisor one term, de- clining a nomination thereafter. Ile meddles very little with politics, although keeping himself posted upon events of general interest, and usually supports the Democratie party.

HARLES M.GIFFORD. The history of Riley County would by no means be complete with- out special mention of Mr. Gifford, now a veteran of seventy-three years and one of the most extensive land-owners and stock-dealers of this section. Not only has he been a success financially, but he is possessed of those sterling qualities which have established him in the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens and which will serve to main- tain his name in kindly remembrance long after he has been gathered to his fathers. Notwith- standing his years, he is active and well pre- served, as the result of temperance and correct habits, and can to-day transact more business than many a man numbers of years his junior. Ile has one of the finest farm residences in this county, which, with its surroundings invariably attracts the eye of the passerby, who turns again and again to view that which has been accomplished solely by persevering industry.

A native of Dutchess County, N. Y .. the subject

of this notice was born Oct. 23, 1816, and is the son of Nehemiah and Elizabeth (Dykeman) Gif- ford, who were likewise natives of the above men- tioned county and who lived to an advanced age. The father of our subjeet was a well-to-do farmer, spending his early years in his native place. In 1820 he changed his residence to Essex County. the same State, where he followed agriculture sue- cessfully and spent the remainder of his days. For more than three seore years he was a devout mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Ile was the descendant of a good old English family who settled in the Empire State at an early date.

To Nehemiah and Elizabeth Gifford there was born a family of four children who were named respectively, Samuel, Ezra, Charles M. and Eliza. Two are living and located in Kansas. Charles M. was next to the youngest and spent his early life in Essex County, N. Y., attending the common school and assisting his father on the farm. In 1854, starting out for himself, he went to Malone, N. Y., where he engaged in the hotel and livery business three years. Then erossing the Mississippi into Lyons, Iowa, he was similarly engaged until 1859. That year he came into Kansas Territory, loeating near the present site of Irving, Marshall County, and later assisted in founding the town. There he engaged in farming pursuits. Later he established himself in Manhattan as an hotel-keeper. but at the same time carried on a farm and thus operated until 1864. We next find him the pur- chaser of 160 acres of land on section 31, Madison Township. Riley County, of which he has since been a resident. Thereafter he found farming most congenial to his tastes and invested his surplus capital in land until he became the owner of 1,800 acres, which occupy a portion of scetions 31, 36. 25, 32 and 28. In addition to this he also has 200 aeres in Gray County.

Mr. Gifford came to Kansas with a capital of less than $500, and like the wise man of Scriptures has been able to increase his talent ten-fold. lle is now recognized as the largest stock dealer in the county. He makes a specialty of Short-horn cattle, having one of the finest herds in Kansas, embracing usually from 120 to 125 head. His annual sale is largely attended by stock-men from all over the State, In

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connection with this he is largely interested in the breeding and development of blooded horses. Of horses and cattle together he keeps an average of about 500 head. His buiklings are amply adapted to the shelter of stock and the storage of grain, while he avails himself of modern methods and im- proved machinery.

Politically Mr. Gifford is an enthusiastic Demo- crat and has stood bravely by his party, both in its successes and its defeats. He has been for some years a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity and the I. O. O. F. His family consists of an estimable wife and six children, to the former of whom he was married March 17, 1850 and whose maiden name was Elizabeth Buckley. Mrs. Gifford was born Sept. 2, 1829, in Vergennes, Vt., and is the daughter of John R. and Mary A. (Miles) Buckley who were born respectively in Connec- ticut and Vermont. The father died in Vermont and the mother is now living with our subject at the advanced age of eighty-four and very active for one of her years.

The six children born of this union are named respectively: Charles E., residing in Clay Center; John B., Fred M., Frank B., now in Oregon, Carrie L. and Ilattie M. The family is widely and favora- bly known throughout the county and occupies no secondary position among its best social elements. Not only has Mr. Gifford been fortunate financially, but in his selection of a life partner. Mrs. Gifford is a very worthy and intelligent lady, and has proved the able assistant of her husband. encour- aging him in his worthy ambitions and managing her household affairs in that prudent and economi . cal manner which has so much to do with the hap- piness and prosperity of a home.

E RNEST WILLIAM TIHELE. The busi- ness community of Hanover and vicinity. recognizes in this capable and enterprising young man one of its worthy representatives and one who is evidently bound to make his mark in the business world. At present he is senior mem-

ber of the firm of E. W. Thiele & Bro. and with his partner deals extensively in lumber, saslı, doors, blinds and the other materials usually sold in a lumber yard. They have their office on Washing- ton street, convenient to the tracks of the Burlington Missouri and Union Pacific Railroads and receive orders throughout Washington and the counties adjoining. They form no unimportant factors among the solid interests of the city of Hanover, and personaliy as well as in a business capacity, are numbered among its best citizens.

A native of St. Louis, Mo., the subject of this sketch was born Feb. 2, 1859 and lived there until a young man of twenty years. He acquired a prac- tical education and commenced his business career as clerk in a store. He also was engaged for a time at different kinds of work, then learned the carpen- ter's trade, working at the latter three years. He came to Washington County, Kan., in 1879 and followed carpentering four years, after which he engaged as clerk and general helper in a lumber yard for another four years. In the meantime he had saved what he could of his earnings and in 1887 with his brother, George H., purchased the present business which Ernest W. has chiefly man- aged. From a modest beginning he has built up a good trade and carries a full stock of everything in his line. He is highly spoken of by his business associates and as a member of society, is a general favorite. Although uniformly voting the straight Republican ticket, he meddles very little with poli- tics. IIe is a member of the M. W. of A. and the A. O.1. W.

On the 3d of October, 1881, Mr. Thiele was mar- ried in Ilanover, to Miss Ida Miller, and they are now the parents of two bright children, Lottie and William. Mrs. Thiele is a native of Germany and was born Feb. 26, 1867. She came to America when a child with her father, William Miller, who is still living and occupies his farm west of Hano- ver on the Little Blue River. The little family is comfortably located in a snug home in the north part of the city and is surrounded by all the com- forts of life.

The father of our subject was E. W. Thiele, Sr., a native of llanover, Germany, and who upon emi- grating to America, settled in Connecticut and

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was there married to Miss Charlotte Brockmeyer. Ile came to Kansas in 1855, but afterward went to St. Louis where he followed his trade of a painter. Later he returned to this State with his family and died in Hanover in 1883. The wife and mother survived her husband three years. passing away in 1886; they were the parents of ten children.

G EORGE W. COBB, an early pioneer of Kansas, came to Riley County in 1884. and is now the owner of a good homestead, com- prising eighty acres of land on seetion 2, Swede Creek Township. His career has chiefly been sig- malized by hard labor and steady perseverance, during which he has been enabled to surround himself and his family with the comforts of life. Fle was born in Middletown, Orange Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1843, and when an infant was taken by his parents to Luzerne County, Pa.

When a lad of ten years young Cobb was thrown upon his own resources and obliged to look out for himself. He began working out by the month, and consequently was enabled to acquire only a limited education. At the age of seventeen he entered a foundry. in which he worked until becom- ing ill, and upon his recovery was variously em- ployed until 1866. That year he sought the Great West, coming into the new State of Kansas, and worked for his brother Lewis, in Jefferson County, getting out ties for the Kansas Pacific Railroad Company. The fall following he returned to his native State and engaged in butchering one year. He then entered the employ of a general merchant as deliveryman, working there also one year, and after this he went to work in a mill at Seranton, Pa., where he continued until the spring of 1870. and then set out once more for Kansas.

In Pottawatomie County, this State. Mr. Cobb first homesteaded eighty acres of land, and eom- menced its improvement under the difficulties nat- urally occurring in the case of a man without means. He worked on his farm and by the month for other parties alternately for two years, at the

expiration of which time he was enabled to give all his attention to his farm. Ile thus operated until 1881, then traded it for eighty acres near Irving- the old Ashcroft place-and purchased forty acres adjoining, at $4 per acre. He operated upon this land until the fall of 1884; then selling out. pur- chased his present farm of eighty aeres, where he has effected all the improvements which we now see upon it. He has set ont forest trees, and has a vineyard of fifty grapevines. During the season of 1889 he raised sixty-three acres of corn. The land is well watered by Timber Creek, and finely adapted to general agriculture and stock-raising. In the latter Mr. Cobb is considerably interested. keeping graded animals. In connection with his other interests, he, in partnership with Mr. M. E. Dial, owns the United States patent for a diplitheria cure, which he is introducing with a fair success.

In Jefferson County, Kan., on the 24th of Sep- tember, 1871, occurred the marriage of George W. Cobb with Miss Cynthia C. Raines. This lady was born in West Virginia, Sept. 24. 1853, and eame to Kansas with her parents in 1867. The latter were Isaac and Mary A. (Harmon) Raines, who are still living on a farm in the vicinity of West- moreland, Kan. Of this union there have been born eight children, viz .: Ira A., Effie G., Francis E., Nellie P., Fred. Ida B., Grace and Stella. Mr. Cobb, politically, gives his support to the Union Labor party, in whose ranks he is quite a promi- nent member, being frequently sent as a delegate to the county conventions. He is likewise an ar- dent friend of temperance.

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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 43

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

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