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 51
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 51
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 51
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Mr. Hetu was in all respects an honest man, a good citizen and a valued member of the commu- nity. He was active and enterprising, a good neighbor and a kind husband and father. In poli- ties he was a sound Republican, although mixing very little in outside affairs. He came to Wash- ington County a single man, and on the 4th of De- cember, 1872, was united in marriage with Miss Celia A. Burk, of Clifton Township, and the daugh ter of Robert Burk, who is represented elsewhere in this ALBUM. Mrs. Hetu was the eldest daughter and second child in a family of nine children, and was reared and educated in Iowa and Kansas. She is a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, bright and well-informed, and a worthy representative of one of the most prominent families in this part of the county. Of her nnion with Mr. Hetu there have been born two children, Schuyler and J. Menty, who remain at home with their mother, and are being educated in the Clifton schools. Mrs. Hetu is a Presbyterian in religious belief, and a lady very highly respected in her community. Since the death of her husband she has managed the property with rare good judgment, and keeps up the homestead in its old time admirable condition.
A lithographie view of the old homestead is shown elsewhere in this work.
OSEPH BOWMAKER, JR. Among the pio- neer residents of Washington County, none are more highly respected than the gentle- man above named. From the year 1860 he has witnessed the development of the county. He participated in the scenes of pioneer life from his boyhood until the county ceased to be considered
"on the frontier." He owns and occupies the northeast quarter of section 7, Sheridan Township. The farm is all under the plow, in pasture, or in meadow. It is all fenced, except about eighty rods on the east side. There is an excellent orchard of about 200 trees, a well-built dwelling of pleasing design. and adequate farm outbuildings.
The parents of our subject, Joseph and Elizabeth (Fink) Bowmaker, were born in Prussia. After their marriage they came to the United States, and located in Illinois. They came to this county in 1860. The father preempted a quarter of section 12 in Clifton Township, where he still lives. Many Indians were in the neighborhood during the early years of their residence, and the settlers were fre- quently alarmed by their raids. At such times Ft. Riley, Clay Center and Clifton were the gath- ering places of the settlers, No serious depreda- tions were committed in this immediate neighbor- hood, though on the way from the Fort scenes of destruction would be visible.
The gentleman of whom we write was born in Stephenson County, Ill., Oct. 17, 1846. He was consequently but fourteen years of age when he entered this county, and well remembers such scenes as are spoken of above. There were no schools here when he came, and the most of our subject's school life was that which was spent in Illinois. The farm which Mr. Bowmaker now occupies was taken by him under the Homestead Act. He built a log cabin on the claim, and there kept "bach" for over four years. During the time he broke some of the prairie, and otherwise improved the place. After their marriage, the young couple began their housekeeping in the same log cabin, which soon showed that a woman's hand was "at the helm." In the fall of 1885 a well-built frame house was erected. and the family moved into the new and more com- modious quarters.
In Strawberry Township, at the home of the bride, Mr. Bowmaker was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Felder. Her parents, Hobart and Mary A. ( Walterschiet) Felder, were born in Ger- many. There they were married, and thence emi- grated to the United States in 1847. They located in Missouri, where their daughter, Mrs. Bowmaker, was born. In that State Mr. Felder died. IIis
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widow departed this life in this county. Both were communicants of the Catholic Church. Mrs. Bow- maker has borne her husband seven children, two of whom died in infancy. The five survivors are named respectively: Peter, Elizabeth, Mary, Lena and Hobart.
Mr. and Mrs. Bowmaker are communicants of the Catholic Church, in which faith they were reared. They are possessed of many sterling quali- ties, and are well esteemed by all who know them. A view of their place will be seen on another page.
REDERICK IMHOFF. This gentleman is one of the large land owners of Independ- ence Township, Washington County. He resides on section 29, and has 480 acres of land under thorough cultivation, and supplied with necessary and adequate buildings. He has just com- pleted a residence at a cost of $1,500, his former home having been entirely destroyed by fire on the 6th of March, 1889. The conflagration was occa- sioned by sparks from a locomotive on the Balti- more & Mississippi Railroad, which runs through his land. Mr. Imhoff intends erecting a fine new barn. His place is made attractive by the 300 fruit trees, numerous stands of grapes and other small fruits. which he has set out. Beginning life with no capital, his affairs now rest on as firm a financial basis as those of any citizen of the vicin- ity.
The parents of our subject were Bennett Fred- erick and Anna (Gode) Imhoff, natives of Olden- burg, Germany, where they were married and resided. The father was a brick-layer. He died in 1886; his wife is now living in her native place at the age of eighty. The family comprised six children, of whom our subject was the third. He was born Feb. 27, 1843, and grew to manhood in his native place. He received the education which Germany insures to all her sons, and learned the trade of a carpenter. During his country's war with Austria, he served in the 2d Artillery, and went through the campaign from the fall of 1864 to the fall of 1866 without a wound. Among other engagements in which he took part were the Ger-
man victories of Tauber-Bischofsheim and Gerlach - shein in Baden, and Wurzburg in Bavaria. The year following the war, Mr. Imhoff came to Amer- ica, and landing in New York, went immediately to Doniphan County, Kan. In 1869 he removed to this county, and took a homestead. Here he has since made his home, improving his estate and add- ing to its acreage. He keeps about thirty-five head of cattle, ten of horses, and forty of hogs.
Mr. Imhoff celebrated his marriage, in March, 1870, with Helene Lavrantz, of Doniphan County. She was born in Oldenburg, Germany, Sept. 28, 1843, and came to America in 1867, residing in Doniphan County, until her marriage. (For notice of her parents, see sketch of her brother, John Lav- rantz, which occupies another page). Mr. and Mrs. Imhoff are the parents of five children, three of whom are now living. They are Henry A., F. William, and A. Helene, all at home attending school. They are receiving all possible advantages in that direction, and their parents are much inter- ested in their progress.
Mr. Imhoff is conservative in politics, and votes the Republican ticket. He has been a member of the School Board for six years, and has also acted as Road Overseer. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church, in Hanover, and he has been Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The success which Mr. Imhoff has met with, proves him to be capable and cautious in the management of his business. He bears the reputation of an honor- able man and intelligent citizen, and is a general favorite in the community, his wife also standing high in the respect of all.
NDREW J. WILCOX. Among the many successful and progressive farmers and stock-raisers of Washington County, this gentleman holds high rank His home- stead is located on section 8, Clifton Township, and is in a highly improved condition. He makes a specialty of Poland-China hogs, and has some fine registered swine. He was born in Wisconsin, and is a son of Ephraim and Mercy (Adams) Wilcox. His place of birth was Salem, Kenosha County, and
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the date. Jan. 22, 1843. Ile was well educated, and made his home with his father until he came to Kansas in 1869. The family lived in two or three different counties in Wisconsin.
In Trempealeau County, Wis., in 1860, our sub- jeet, with his father, started a nursery, which they conducted for nine years. Mr. Wilcox then sold to a brother, William, and eame himself to this State. In March, 1864, he enlisted in the 36th Wisconsin Infantry, Company I. The company was com- manded by Capt. Farren, and the regiment by Cols. Ilaskell and Warner. The regiment was sent to the South, and took part in the terrible battles of Rick- et's farm, where eighteen per cent of those engaged on the Union side were lost. Their next heavy engagement was at Spottsylvania. Following this came the hard fought battles of Chickahominy and Cold Harbor. At the latter engagament Mr. Wil- cox received a shot in the left knee, which disabled him for a few days. He lost as little time as pos- sible, and, rejoining his company, fought with them through seven engagements at Petersburg. He was discharged at Alexandria, Va., in June, 1865, and thence returned to his home. There he continued in the nursery business for four years. On coming to this State, he identified himself with the agricul- turists and stock men. The land upon which he now resides, was taken by him as a homestead in 1870. He feeds much stock, and is a successful breeder.
Mc. Wilcox was married in Trempealeau County, Wis., to Miss Violet Gladson. The bride was born in Delaware County, N. Y., Aug. 23, 1845. When quite young she came with her parents to Trem- pealean County, where they settled on a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Gladson were born in Scotland, and came to the United States after their marriage. Both are now deceased. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Wileox has been blessed by the birth of five children. They bear the names of Elsie, Angus, Walter, Eunice, and Andrew J. They are all at home.
Ephrain Wilcox, the father of our subject, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., and was the son of Jolin Wilcox, who was also a native of the Empire State, and probably of Welsh ancestry. John Wil- eox was a farmer. After the death of his wife he removed to Wisconsin, and made his home in Ken-
osha County, until his death. That event occur- red when he was within a few days of ninety years of age. lle had been a soldier in the Black Ilawk War, and was a lifelong Democrat. Ephraim Wil- eox was taught the trade of a shoemaker, and fol- lowed the same for some years. IIe was officially connected with Oneida County for several years as Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Clerk, etc. He was mar- ried in that county to Miss Mercy Adams. She was a native of that county, and descendant of a long line of aneestors prominent in the history of that State.
After the birth of four children, Ephraim Wil- cox and his wife removed to Kenosha County, Wis. Their removal took place in 1830, and they crossed Lake Michigan on the first boat that made the trip. The vessel was in command of Capt. McFadden. On settling in Wisconsin, Mr. Wilcox was sur- rounded by a wild waste of territory inhabited by Indians, and on which wild game abounded. He be- came one of the live men of the county, and assisted largely in its development. He was one of the founders of the town of Wilmot, which was located on land which he liad obtained from "Uncle Sam." Some time after his removal to Wisconsin, he man- aged an hotel, and carried on a boot and shoe store. Later he, with two others, founded the city of Rich- land Center, Riehland County. He afterward pur- chased two farms near the city, and operated them for several years. Selling them, he removed to Jackson County, and there continued his agricul- tural pursuits. He subsequently removed to Trem- pealeau County, and, as before stated, was engaged for a number of years in the nursery business. After his son Andrew, our subject, had sold his in- terest to another son, William, the father and his new partner continued the business at the same place until about the year 1873. They then removed to LaCrosse, where they have since been successfully engaged in condueting what is known as the Mt. Hope Nurseries.
Ephraim Wilcox was an Abolitionist until after the emancipation of the slaves, since which time he has been a radical Prohibitionist. While working in behalf of the freedom of the slaves, he was closely connected with Owen P. Lovejoy, and made many speeches in the interest of freedom. Ile is an hon-
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orary member of both the Wiseonsin and Minne- sota State Horticultural Societies. Among the fruit growers and those interested in horticulture in the Northwest, he is well known. Two of his sons, Thomas and Ephraim, Jr., served more than three years in the suppression of the late Rebellion. Ephraim, Jr., was a member of the "Eagle Regi- ment," and of the "Old Abe" Company, of Wis- consin.
Andrew J. Wilcox has served two terms as Jus- tice of the Peace in Clifton Township, and has held other local offices. Ile belongs to Sedgwick Post No. 24, G. A. R., at Clifton. He is a stalwart Re- publican. and is not only a successful business man, but is a progressive citizen-and a man of sterling character and fine capabilities. His wife is also possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, to- gether with many social and domestic virtues.
M YRON P. WEBSTER. The spring of 1879 found Mr. Webster established at his pres- ent farm on seetion 21, Clifton Township, and since that time he has devoted his at- tention to its cultivation and improvement. The homestead comprises 320 broad acres, fertile and well watered and which yield handsome returns to the hand of the husbandman. Mr. Webster came to Washington County in the spring of 1878 from Assumption, Ill. He had been for about thirty years a resident of Christian County, that State. Prior to this he had lived in Sangamon County, III., three years. During his early manhood, having a fine voice for singing, he had occupied himself as a teacher of vocal music for many years, but in the meantime he had also purchased and conducted a farm. Since coming to Kansas he has also taught music considerably. His first experience in this profession was at the age of eighteen years, and his first class in music was in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. He was born in that county, in the town of Stockholm, July 8, 1827.
The father of our subject was Warren Webster, a native of Massachusetts and an offshoot of the old Noah and Daniel Webster families, being more nearly related to the former than the latter. The
paternal grandfather of our subject. was the Rev. Samuel Webster, a minister of the Baptist Church, who spent the most of his life in the State of Ver- mont, where he died when ripe in years. IIe preached the first sermon ever delivered in Stock- holm. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., while on a visit to his children, who had settled there at a very carly clay. He possessed considerable talent as an orator, always speaking extempore.
Warren Webster was young in years when he went with his father from Massachusetts to Ver- mont, and in the latter State was reared to farming pursuits. There also he was married to Miss Anna Phelps, a lady of excellent birth and education, and one possessed of all the Christian virtues. Her early home was near the town of Rutland, and she was the daughter of a Baptist minister, who was born, reared and married in Massachusetts; he died when quite aged in Vermont. After their marriage Warren Webster and his wife immediately removed te St. Lawrence County, N. Y., he being about the ninth to settle there, taking up his residence in Stockholm Township. He improved a farm from the wilderness, building up a comfortable home and there spent the remainder of his life, dying at the advanced age of ninety years. He was a Bap- tist in religious belief, and, after the abandonment of the old Whig party, a Republican in politics. He served as a Colonel in the War of 1812, and for some years was a recruiting officer. His wife sur- vived him a few years, and died at the home of her daughter. Mrs. Eliza Johnson, in Potsdam, N. Y .; she was ninety-two years old, and was likewise a Baptist in religion.
The subject of this sketch was the youngest of the eight children of the parental family who grew to mature years-four sons and four daughters. Of these but three are now living. Myron P. acquired his education mostly in a select school and took singing lessons at Potsdam, N. Y. Upon reaching man's estate he was married, in St. Lawrence County, to Miss Julia T. Chase. This lady was born in Ver- mont, April 4, 1829, and was the daughter of Lu- ther and Julia Chase, who were natives of the Green Mountain State, where they were reared and mar- ried. They became the parents of two children only, both daughters, of whom Mrs. Webster was
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the elder. The mother died in middle life and Mr. Chase married for his second wife a Miss Bar- rett. The family all removed to St. Lawrence County, N. Y .. later settling on a farm, where the parents lived for some years. In 1852 Mr. Chase removed with his wife to Christian County, Ill., and there the latter died of cholera two days after their arrival. Mr. Chase subsequently made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Webster, and died at an advanced age in the faith of the Baptist Church, religiously, and politically in the faith of the Republican party.
The following children were born to our sub- jeet and his estimable wife, one of whom, Julia T .. died at the interesting age of nineteen years; Warren, the eldest living, is married, and lives on a farm in Ellsworth County, this State: Anna is the wife of Gilbert Folsom, and they live on a farm in Clifton Township; Emma married Leon- ard Cushing, a farmer of Sheridan Township; Idella is the wife of Robert Woody, Deputy County Treasurer of Washington County; Ernest took to wife Miss Viola Haggard, and they live on a farm in Clifton Township; Celestia employs her- self as a teacher and makes her home with her par- ents; Edmund remains at home and assists his father on the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Webster belong to the Baptist Church, in which the former officiates as Deacon. Politically, he is a sound Republican.
AMUEL MONTGOMERY. This well-to- do farmer of Ogden Township, may usually be found at his headquarters-a fine and well-improved homestead of 320 aeres on section 7. He has under the plow 200 acres, and the balance is largely devoted to hay and pasturage. He keeps about forty head of cattle. fifty head of swine and nine horses. His family consists of a very intelligent wife and twelve children, all of whom are living. The latter comprise a most in- teresting group of sons and daughters, whose births are recorded as follows: Zachariah. March 10, 1851; Thomas Dec. 19, 1853; John, Nov. 1. 1855; Emily, Feb. 7, 1858; Irene, Nov. 30, 1859; George, March 28, 1862; Cynthia, March. 13. 1864;
Samuel, Feb. 14, 1868; Marian, Aug. 17, 1871; Grant, Nov. 19, 1873; Naney, Aug. 31, 1875; Walter, Feb. 5, 1879.
Mr. Montgomery was the seventh in a family of ten children, and was born March 2, 1828 in Green County, Ky. His father, Thomas Montgomery, was a native of Virginia and a farmer by occupation. The maiden name of the mother was Sally Morris, and she was a native of Kentucky. The parents spent their last years in Missouri, the father dying in 1855 and the mother in 1874. Samuel, like his brothers and sisters, received a common-school ed- cation in Buchanan County, Mo .. to which the family removed in 1838. He at an early age became familiar with the science of agriculture, and re- mained under the parental roof until after reaching bis majority. On the 29th of December, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Naney Jane Parker, the wedding taking place at the bride's home in Center Township, Buchanan.
Mrs. Nancy Jane ( Parker) Montgomery was born in Surrey County, N. C., Sept. 6, 1834, and was the seventh ehild in a family of thirteen children, the offspring of Edmund and Nancy (Hickman) Parker, who were natives respectively of North Carolina and Virginia. They were married in the first-men- tioned State, and lived there until 1840. Then eross- ing the Mississippi they settled in Buchanan County, Mo., where the father died in 1860. The mother survived her husband for a period of twenty-four years, remaining a widow, and died in 1884, at the home of her youngest son. (. M. Parker, in Sumner County, Kan., when quite aged.
Mrs. Montgomery spent her childhood and youth in a comparatively uneventful manner. acquiring her education in the common school, and growing to an interesting and attractive woman- hood. She has been the able assistant of her hus- band in the accumulation of their property, and is recognized as a leader in her community, where the family, notwithstanding the fact that they have not been long-time residents, are looked upon as constituting a part of its most respectable element. Mrs. Montgomery is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church, and with her husband, is warmly interested in the training and education of their younger children. Mr. Montgomery, who
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came with his family to Riley County, in 1887, was a member of the School Board of his district in Missouri, and also officiated as Road Supervisor. He refuses to be governed by party lines in poli- tics, but usually votes the Republican ticket.
ANIEL BLOSSER is one of the prominent citizens of Clifton, and one of its most suc- cessful. He possesses a fine property in Washington and Clay counties, and the most of his fortune has been made since he came to this State in 1879. He has done a large business as a money loaner, in connection with the manage- ment of his landed possessions. In Clay County he has 617 acres, divided into four farms. They are located in Mulberry and Sherman townships, and each is supplied with good buildings, and is well-im- proved. In this county he owns 480 acres divided into such parts as to be successfully operated by renters. This land is also well-improved, and sup- plied with excellent buildings. orchards, etc. He also possesses a fine property of 100 aeres approxi- mate to, and partly within the city limits, on which he resides.
Before entering upon the sketch of our subject, some brief notes regarding his ancestors, will not be amiss. His father, Joseph Blosser, was a farmer and miller. He was born in Page County, Va., March 2, 1795, being a son of Jacob and Barbara Blosser, who were of Dutch descent. Jacob Blos- ser was born Jan. 14, 1758, and having removed to Virginia, there spent his last years. He died very suddenly when past the age of eighty-four. His wife departed this life when seventy-five years old. Joseph Blosser was reared to manhood in his native county, and in his occupation followed in his father's footsteps. He was married April 4, 1822, to Miss Sarah J. Basye, of Shenandoah Valley. She was born in Culpeper County, Va., May 13, 1803. Af- ter his marriage, Joseph Blosser was engaged in milling on the Hawk's Bill River. There five chil- dren were born to him. He subsequently, with his family, went overland to Pike County, Ohio, when that county was unbroken. He settled on heavy timbered land, for which he had traded his Virginia
mill, and which he had never seen until he moved to it. He tried to improve the place, but as he un- derstood milling better than clearing land. he was not successful. He therefore went to work in a mill, and had his 320 acres improved and worked by others. He still made it the family home, and subsequently erected a flouring mill on the farm, managing them jointly. Still later he removed to Winchester, and afterward sold the farm. There he purchased a mill which he operated for a few years. Thence he returned to Union Township, Pike County, where he purchased another mill on another farm. Later he sold out and retired to a farm, where he died Dec. 17, 1863, being then sixty- eight years old. His widow survived until Nov. 2, 1876, when she too passed from earth, her death taking place in Mercer County. Joseph Blosser and wife were members of the New Light Christian Church, he being an Elder in that organization. Ile was a very generous man, both to the church and to his neighbors. He was an Old-Line Whig and later a strong Republican. He was a noble specimen of Christian manhood. ITis family con- sisted of five sons and four daughters, our subject being the youngest son and youngest but one of the family. All lived to be married, and all but our subject have reared families. All have been suc- cessful in life, and are worthy citizens of the com- munities where they severally live. Two of the family, a son and daughter, arc now deceased.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was born in Union Township, Pike Co., Ohio. He re- ceived an excellent practical education in bis na- tive county, and careful home training until he was twenty-two years old. He enlisted at the last call of President Lincoln, for 500,000 brave men to put down the Rebellion. He was enrolled Feb. 16. 1865. in Company A, 193d Ohio Infantry, Col. Powell and Capt. Mason commanding. Ile re- mained with his regiment until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged and returned to Pike County. He had escaped the enemies' bullets, but contracted disease which he has never gotten rid of.
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