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 48

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 48
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 48
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 48

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).

during the past season from the effect of wounds received in the U'nion service, in which he was a commissioned officer from the opening until the close, and at Atlanta was shot through the left lung.

On another page may be found a lithographie engraving of the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Percival.

OHN WOODRUFF, a homesteader of 1870, established himself that year on section 22. in Clifton Township, where he has 160 aeres of good land, and where he has lived since the fall of the above-mentioned year. He also owns 120 acres in another part of the township. All his land is in a productive condition, and the two farms have upon them good frame buildings. A course of industry, diligently followed, has resulted in the ae- eumulation of a fair supply of this world's goods. while the sterling worth of his character has made Mr. Woodruff one of the most highly esteemed men in his community. He is still on the sunny side of forty, having been born March 5, 1850, in Oakland County, Mich.

Erastus Woodruff, the father of our subjeet, was a native of New York State, and when a boy emi- grated with his parents to Michigan, where the lat- ter died and where Erastus was reared to man's estate. He started out in life for himself as a com- mon laborer. He chose for his partner in life Miss Malinda Bulloek, who was likewise born in New York State and who went with her parents to Michigan when quite young. The two families were among the earliest pioneers of Oakland County. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff so- journed for a time in Oakland County, then removed to Washtenaw County, where they pre- empted land and made some improvements. Then selling out they returned to their old neighborhood in Oakland County, where they have since made their home. They are now comfortably situated and are aged seventy and sixty-five years respect- ively. Both are members of the Baptist Church.

The subject of this sketch spent his early life in the wilds of Michigan. attending the pioneer schools and remaining a member of the parental

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household until reaching his majority. He then determined to seek his fortune west of the Missis- sippi, and coming to Washington County, this State, not only secured a home but a wife, being married in 1872 to Miss Elizabeth A. Sager. Mrs. Woodruff was born in Prince Edward County, Province of Ontario, Canada, Feb. 11, 1854, and is the sister of James Sager, who is represented else- where in this volume and in whose biography will be noted the parental history. James and William Sager came to Kansas when young men and were joined later by Miss Elizabeth A. and a younger brother, Joseph. The young lady kept house for her brother James until her marriage. Of her union with Mr. Woodruff there was born one child only, who died in infancy. Mr. Woodruff makes a specialty of attending to his own concerns, med- dling very little with outside affairs, and is neither a politician or an office-holder. He keeps himself posted upon current events, however, and gives his support to the Republican party.

- UGUST SOLLER, cashier of the Exchange Bank of Linn., is one of the most promis- ing young men of Washington County. He was born in the eastern part of Switzer- land, Aug. 27, 1858. His parents died when our subject was a small boy, and he was left an or- phan with very little means. The small sum was expended upon his rearing and education, so that upon arriving at manhood he was penniless.

In 1880 Mr. Soller came to the United States, and the same year arrived in this county, reaching here before there were any houses in the town of Linn. He went to a farmer near Hanover, this county, and worked for $10 per month. Preferring to become educated in the English language, he entered the employ of Dr. Wm. Jacobs, of Han- over, as ehore-boy, working for his board while attending school. In this way he soon acquired the English language. Ile remained in Hanover until the fall of 1881, when he entered the employ

of Capt. Rockefeller. That gentleman had charge of the postoffice and a store, at Washington, the county seat, and our subject became chore-boy therein. A year later his former employer, Dr. William Jacobs, of Hanover, having been elected County Treasurer and removed to Washington, he re-entered his employ, working as before and at- tending school for some time. He made his home with Dr. William Jacobs until the middle of Feh- mary, 1886. During this time he attended two terms of the County Normal School, and spent six months in attendance at Drake University in Des Moines, lowa. He was very ambitions to obtain a good English education and refused important positions in order to attend school. To Dr. Jacobs, Mr. Soller feels that he owes a lasting debt of grati- tude, for assisting him. at a time when he needed help.

In January, 1886, Mr. Soller was appointed Deputy County Clerk of this county under John E. Pickard, and served in that capacity until Feb. 14. 1887, when he accepted his present position and the following day took charge of the Exchange Bank. The bank is incorporated with a capital of $50,000 and is doing a good business. Mr. Soller was twice elected Township Treasurer of Linn Township, receiving a large majority, and in that position is serving the people to their entire satis- faction.

In Miss Ida Meyer, of Logan Township, this county, Mr. Soller found a young lady who united in her own person all the qualities he desired in a life companion. His regard being reciprocated, they were united in marriage Nov. 27, 1888. Mrs. Soller is a daughter of Ilenry Meyer, a prosperous farmer of Logan Township, where she was born. Mr. Meyer is the occupant of a beautiful farm, which he homesteaded in 1868, upon first entering this county, of which he is a pioneer resident.

Mr. Soller is Secretary of the Masonie Lodge in Linn and also holds the office of Receiver in the A.O.U.W. He endorses the principles of the Re- publican party by voice and vote. He was brought up a Lutheran and gives liberally to the support of the Gospel. Mrs. Soller is a member of the Evangelical Association of this place. Mr. Soller is respected by all who know him, and,

From Reality Cenyondan

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should no unforeseen misfortunes beset his path, has a brilliant future awaiting him. Mr. and Mrs. Soller are the parents of one child, Albert William Soller, born Oet. 6, 1889.

C HARLES W. JORDAN. In the flourishing city of Clay Center, and among its business enterprises, the fine store known as the "Leader," is prominent. This establishment is situ- ated on Lincoln avenue, and was opened on the 1st of May, 1888, with a fine stock of dry goods and clothing, and has already built up a flourishing trade. The gentleman above named. who is its proprietor, has had a thorough business education in mercantile pursuits. and displays marked ability therein. His high moral character is not put on as a garment for Sunday use, but is exhibited in busi- ness transactions as well as in private life, and his reputation for strict integrity is an important fac- tor in the success with which he is meeting.

Mr. Jordan was born at Monroeville. Ohio, Jan. 16, 1854, and there received his education. At the age of fifteen years he engaged in the dry goods business, remaining in his native town till 1872. He then went on the road as a commercial traveler. acting in that capacity for eight years. Coming to Kansas in 1878, he spent two years as a salesman in Winfield, and then going to St. Joseph, Mo., en- gaged as a traveling salesman for the dry-goods house of Tootle, Ilosea & Co., the oldest firm in the West. His ronte was through Kansas, and he traveled it for five years. He then, on the 1st of March, 1885, embarked in business at Miltonvale. Kan., where he remained until the 1st of May. 1888, and then opened his establishment in Clay Center, which he expects to be his permanent lo- cation.

At the home of the bride, in Monroeville, Ohio. Dee. 27, 1883. Mr. Jordan was united in marriage with Miss Marian L. Hamilton, an estimable young lady. who was born in that town. She is a daugh- ter of James and Bethalia Hamilton, and received an excellent education and careful training in her native place. Her union with Mr. Jordan has been

blessed by the birth of two children. a daughter and son. The daughter, Margaret. is now four years of age; the son, Charles W., died when quite young.

Robert K. Jordan, the father of our subject, was born in the Buckeye State, being the son of one of Ohio's early settlers. He was graduated at Gran- ville College, Ohio, and engaged in the ministry in the Baptist Church. Ile married Miss Mary Ann Clock, who died when our subject was an infant. He departed this life at Livermore, Cal .. in Octo- ber, 1883, aged seventy-two years. For thirteen years previous to his death he had been living on his fruit farm. having retired from his ministerial work after many years of usefulness.

Elsewhere in this volume may be found a por- trait of our subject, which forms a valuable addi- tion to a work perpetuating the life records and features of prominent citizens of ('lay County.

C HIARLES L. HAMMELL is engaged in farming in Sherman Township. Washington County. His well improved and enltivated farm is located on section 19, and consists of 320 acres. He was born in Quincy, Ill., Sept. 8, 1844. Ilis boyhood and youth until the age of fifteen were passed in Burlington, Iowa, where he was educated. In 1860 he went to Pike County, Ill., where he re- mained until 1862. He then enlisted in the I'nion service. and was mustered in at Florence, Ill., Aug. 23, 1862, as a member of Company C. 99th Illinois Infantry. The regiment formed a part of the First Brigade in the First Division of the 13th Army Corps. Mr. Hammell participated in the battles of Vicksburg and Jackson. Miss., as well as many minor engagements. Ilaving faithfully served his country until July 31, 1865, he was then honorably discharged at Baton Rouge. In the spring of 1870 he came to Kansas and filed a home- stead claim on the land which he now occupies.

The father of our subject was born in Burling- ton, N. J., in 1811. and bore the name of John. , Ile moved to Quiney, Ill .. in 1811, and thence in

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1873 to this county. Here he was living at the time of his death, which took place Dec. 31, 1879. He was engaged in tilling the soil. The Hammell family were of German extraction.

The mother of our subject is now living in this county. She was born in Mount Holly, N. J., Sept. 7, 1808, and bore the maiden name of Esther A. Leeds. She is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, as was her husband. Her union with Mr. Hammell resulted in the birth of four children. They are named, respectively : Charles L., Alice J., Robert T. and John W. All are living except the daughter, who died at the age of twenty-two years.

In 1874 Mr. Hammell was married to Miss Hat- tie Ward, a native of Pike County, Ill. The union was blessed by the birth of three children-Charles T., Stella J. and Mary E., all of whom are now living. The wife departed this life in 1880, at the age of twenty-seven years. Mr. Hammell was again married on the 7th of September, 1884. The bride in this instance was Miss Jennie C. Beeson, who was born in DeSoto, Johnson Co., Kan., Dec. 30, 1861. She is a daughter of Harvey and Elizabeth Beeson, natives of Iowa. The result of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hamnmell has been the birth of one child-Hattie J. They occupy a pleasant home, which is represented by a view else- where in this ALBUM.

Mr. Hammell is identified with the A. O. U. W., belonging to Palmer Lodge No. 166. He is a gentleman of excellent character, intelligent and observing. and is respected by his neighbors and fellow-citizens.

ULIUS R. TRIPP, Postmaster and Cashier of the Exchange Bank at Barnes, bears the reputation of a man whose career has been highly ereditable and one which has com- mended him to the esteem and confidence of his fel- low-citizens. Upright in his dealings, generous and public-spirited, he has ever been on the side of progress and reform and the uniform encourager of the enterprises calculated to build up the moral and religious elements of society. In his praiseworthy

labors in this direction, he has received the encour- agement of one of the best of women -- a lady pos- sessing rare virtues and who has assisted in drawing around herself and her family the best social ele- ments of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Tripp have a home which, without any pretentions to elegance, is encircled by an air of comfort and refinement which makes it a most delightful place of resort.

A native of Warren County, N. Y., the sub- ject of this notice was born Oct. 29, 1849, and is the son of Alfred W. Tripp, whose native place was Warrensburg, N. Y., and whose birth occurred March 27, 1822. The latter emigrated to Wis- consin about 1850 and sojourned in that State until 1879. Then coming to Kansas he established him- self on a tract of land in Barnes Township, where he lived until 1885. That year he was appointed as Postmaster of Barnes, which office he held four years. He is now somewhat aged and with the ex- ception of performing the light duties of Deputy Postmaster has retired from active labor. In poli- tics he is a Democrat but has never taken any prominent part in public affairs.

The paternal grandparents of our subject were Jesse and Ann (Bond) Tripp, both natives of New York State and to whom was born a family of eight children-Alfred W. being next to the youngest. The latter, in 1849, was married to Miss Mary A. Girard in Warren County, N. Y. She was born in that county May 30, 1828, and is the daughter of Gilbert and Ann ( Baker) Girard, likewise natives of the Empire State; she is still living. Besides our subject there were only two children-Annie J., now Mrs. J. II. Freeby, of this county, and Ida M., who died July 1st, 1883.

The boyhood and youth of Julius R. Tripp were spent in his native county and he completed his education in Wisconsin, to which State he removed with his parents. Later he assisted his father on the farm and engaged in the lumber business until 1876. That year he came to Washington County, Kan., settling near the present site of Barnes. He contributed his quota toward the establishment of the town and in 1879 was appointed Station Agent for the Chicago, Burlington and Union Pacific Railroad Company at Barnes which position he held until 1886. That year he was made Cashier

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of the Exchange Bank, which position he has since held. At the same time he operated his farm of 240 acres, located on sections 6 and 16, Barnes Township.

Mr. Tripp began life for himself without means, and his present standing, financially, indicates the perseverance and industry with which he has la- bored. He is a thorough and accurate business man and well qualified for the responsible position which he holds in connection with the bank. So- cially, he belongs to the I. O. O. F. being a member in good standing of Lodge No. 276 at Barnes, of which he is a charter member, also a member of Marshall Encampment No. 50 of Barnes. Politically, he is a sound Republican.

On the 29th of October, 1881, occurred the mar- riage of Julius R. Tripp with Ella F. Dikeman. Mrs. Tripp was born in Rutland County, Vt., July 12, 1859, and is the daughter of Frederick A. and Martha (Whitney) Dikeman who were natives of Vermont. F. A. Dikeman died at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., July 12, 1867. Martha Dikeman is a resi- dent of Washington County. The household circle of Mr. and Mrs. Tripp includes three chil- dren -- Frank E., Ida C. and Alfred W. Jr. The family residence is in the west part of town and is the frequent resort of its best people.

ENRY W. STACKPOLE, L.L.B., junior member of the firm of Anthony & Stack- pole, is one of the prominent attorneys of Clay Center, and possesses many of the sub- stantial qualities of his New England ancestry. He was born in Ellsworth, Hancock Co., Me., Oct. 26, 1856, where he lived until five years old and later resided at Portland and other places. His native place was also the birthplace of Engene Hale, sub- sequently a United States Senator, and with whom he was acquainted.

The father of our subject was Greenleaf Stack- pole, Jr., who was born in the same place as his son Henry, July 12, 1833. He married Miss Ma- linda A. Rice of Hampden, Penobscot Co., Me .. and operated as an inventor and patent solictor

after removal to New York City in 1863. Ile con- tinued as a patent solicitor and later in life changed his residence to Elizabeth, N. J., where he lived for ten years prior to his decease, although at the same time doing business in the metropolis. His death took place in Brooklyn, N. Y., Jan. 12, 1881. Henry W. was his only child. The widowed mother of the'latter is still a resident of Elizabeth, N. J.

The subject of this sketch after leaving the com- mon school finished his preparatory course at the somewhat famous school of Rev. T. F. Pingry, D. D., in Elizabeth, N. J., and later "entered the law department of Columbia College of New York. from which he was graduated in the class of 1877 with the degree of L.L.B. That same year he was admitted to practice in the courts of New York State, but'a few weeks later'set ont for the West,locat- ing in Manhattan, this State, where he followed his profession for a period of ten years. Thence in 1887 he removed to Clay Center, and was for- tunate in becoming associated with his present partner, C. M. Anthony, the oldest practicing at- torney of note in the city. Mr. Stackpole learned the business of patent solicitor under his father and continnes that branch in addition to the general practice of law.

Mr. Stackpole has made for himself a fine repu- tation as a man of ability professionally and like- wise in his character as a business man and a citi- zen. He is a prominent member of the Republi- can party and is frequently sent as a delegate to the County Conventions. He has little desire for office, but a great one for thic continued success of his party. He is an honored member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, being Secretary of his lodge and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Electa A. Foster of Elizabethi, N. J., occured at the bride's home in Elizabeth, N. J., May 1, 1884. This lady was born in the above mentioned city, and is the daughter of Marsh and Mary (Fox) Foster, the former of whom operated as a contractor and also carried on a sash and blind factory in Elizabeth. He died there in November. 1881, and there the mother is still living. Mrs Stackpole received a good education, being specially cultured in music,

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and was afterwards an instructor in the Conser- vatory at Elizabeth, N. J. where she was graduated.

While a resident of Manhattan, Mr. Stackpole served the first six years of his residence as Police Magistrate and four years as Justice of the Peace. lle was Clerk of the Board of Education, six years and Secretary of the Manhattan Lodge, A. F. & A. M., seven years. He assisted in the organization of the Manhattan Building and Loan Association and also belongs to the Phoenix Loan and Building Association of Clay Center. It will thus be seen that his life has been a busy one and being still young in years he will probably gain for him- self further laurels. both in his profession and as a publie -spirited citizen.

Mr. Stackpole was in 1889 made Secretary of the Clay County Republican Central Committee, which position he still holds, and the success of the entire Republican ticket in that county for the first time in an off year for ten years. was largely due to his untiring efforts in its behalf.

EREMIAH MILES. This substantial name is familiar to most of the older residents of Garfield Township, Clay County, within whose limits its owner first set foot in 1870, and his career has been such as to commend him to the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. Born in Miami County, Ohio, May 13, 1820, he is thus approaching his threescore-and-ten years, and has made for himself a good record along the high- way of life. Of southern antecedents, he is the son of David Miles, a native of South Carolina, who was born in 1795, and who emigrated to Miami County, Ohio, with his father, David, and his step- mother, Rebecca (Golden) Miles, in 1810. The first wife of David Miles died in South Carolina.

The paternal grandparents of our subject lo- vated amid the heavy timber of Miami County, Ohio, where the father hewed out a farm from the wilderness and where with his estimable wife he spent the remainder of his days. Our subject's grandfather went to South Carolina with his par- ents, William and Catherine Miles. the former of

whom was born in England and the latter in Switz- erland. During the Revolutionary times their dwelling, with all its contents, was destroyed while the Whigs and Tories were on their plundering expeditions. The great-grandparents of onr sub- jeet spent their last days in South Carolina. His grandparents and parents died in Ohio.

In Miami County, Ohio. on the 25th of August, 1841. Jeremiah Miles was first married to Miss Re- becca K., daughter of Samuel and Anna (Kelley) Miles, whose parents were both natives of South Carolina, and were among the earliest settlers of the Buckeye State. They lived in the latter many years. when the mother died and the father re- moved to the vicinity of Richmond, Ind., where he spent his last years. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Miles were William and Rachel (Elemore) Miles; they likewise were early settlers of Ohio, where they died. On the maternal side of the house her grandparents were Moses and Mary (Teague) Kelley. They lived in Ohio many years and Grandmother Kelley died there. Her husband later removed to Parke County, Ind., and settled among the earliest pioneers, there spending the re- mainder of his life.

Jeremiah Miles was a resident of his native State until 1854, being then a man of thirty-four years. Deciding now to cross the Mississippi, he located in Marshall County, Iowa, and thence in 1866 removed to Parke County, Ind. Two years later he returned to his native State, and from there, in 1870, came to Kansas and homesteaded 160 acres of his present farm. There was not a twig or a tree upon the place. Deer and antelopes were quite plentiful. He put up a sod house at a time when there were but two dwellings on the road between this point and Clay Center. The latter was then a very small village. Ile frequently walked there to obtain his provisions, carrying them home on his back. The little family occupied the sod house about two and one-half years and then moved into a better dwell- ing

That tract of wild prairie land now bears little resemblance to its primitive condition. Modern buiklings embellish it, and the land is all enclosed with good feneing of wire and hedge. There are forest and fruit trees and all other accessories of

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the modern farm. Mr. Miles has planted an orchard of about 500 trees and has probably 100 grape vines. Four acres are devoted to walnut timber, with some cottonwood and maple. Adjacent to the dwelling is the barn, stables, corn-eribs and gran- ary

Mr. Miles cast his first Presidential vote for Henry Clay, and is a staneh adherent of the prin- ciples of the Republican party. He has always 1

been one of the representative men of his commu- nity and has occupied most of the local offices. IIe served as County Commissioner two years, was Assessor one year and has been a member of the School Board fourteen years. He and his family belong to the Friends Church in the faith of which his ancestors were reared as far back as is known. Mr. and Mrs. Miles became the parents of eight children, the eklest of whom, Anna J .. died in 1862. when about twenty years old. Esther; Enos P. lives in Clay Center; Joseph J. lives at home; Elizabeth is the wife of Frederick Wickstrom, and they live in the State of Oregon; Samuel W. is also in that State; David and John (twins) died in in- fancy.

LEXANDER SPIERS. There is not within the limits of Linn Township, a more at- tractive home than that of Mr. Spiers, nor a finer family. The head of the house- hold is a gentleman of more than ordinary intelli- gence, enterprising, active and public-spirited, and his wife is a well educated lady who was formerly prominent among the teachers of this section, hav- ing conducted the first school in what is now the Linn district, in the private dwelling of Mr. Fred- erick Bedker on section 28, the school being main- tained by subscription. There has been a vast change in the school system and no less change in the circumstances of Mr. and Mrs. Spiers. From a modest beginning, they have made their way up- ward and now own and occupy a well-developed farm, 320 acres in extent and which is the source of a handsome income. Mr. Spiers makes a specialty of stock-raising, producing graded Short- horn cattle, full-blooded Poland-China swine and

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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 48

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

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