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 60

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 60
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 60
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 60

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).

WEN E. EDGERTON, Mayor of Randolph, Riley County, is a prominent professional man and a leading citizen of this city. lle is a physician and surgeon of both theoretical and practical ability, and since his location here in De- cember 1885, he has built up an excellent practice. His energy and perseverance have stood him in good stead, and his professional knowledge becom- ing known. he has a growing reputation in his pro- fession. He was elected to the mayoralty in the spring of 1887, and is serving in a manner credit- able to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. He is examining physician for the Massachusetts Mutual Insurance Company, the Covenant Mutual Insurance Company of Galesburg. Ill., the North- western of Milwaukee, Wis., the Mutual Life In- surance of New York, and the Endowment Rank of the Knights of Pythias.

The parents of our subject are now living in Center Township,this eounty, where the father, IIon. A.S. Edgerton. is a prominent and influential citizen. Ile was born in the Hoosier State, whence moving to Iowa, he located in Guthrie County and engaged in farming. In 1859 he came to Kansas, first settling near Ft. Riley, where he tilled the soil until 1861, when he moved to lowa and one year later leaving his family comfortably situated, enlisted in the de- fence of the Union. Ile was enrolled in the 29th Iowa Infantry, taking part in all the battles of his regiment until the close of the war. Ile then returned to this State, and continued his farming op-

erations near Ft. Riley until 1866, when he removed to the place which he now occupies. He home- steaded and purchased land until his possessions amounted to 320 acres, all of which is now well im- proved and thoroughly cultivated. He is a strong Republican, and represented his district in the State Legislature in 1876-77.

Hlon. A. S. Edgerton married Melissa Osborn, who was, like himself, a native of the Hoosier State. Iler father, O. E. Osborn, is an agriculturist, and after having followed that occupation for some years in Indiana, went to Iowa in quite an early day. In 1859 he came to this State, and is numbered among the pioneers of Riley County, now owning 320 acres of valuable land in Center Township. He has been County Commissioner of this county. Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Edgerton are active members of the United Brethren Church, he being a Class- Leader. They are the parents of ten children : J. B. a farmer in Center Township; Lydia, now de- ceased: O. E. our subject; J. E., principal of the High School at White City, Kan .; D. C., deceased ; Nellie, now Mrs. Gridlev, residing at home; Wil- liam, who is teaching in Center Township; and Thomas, Solomon and Harvey at home.

Dr. Edgerton was born in Dalmanutha, Guthrie Co., Iowa, Oct. 21, 1857, and two years after his birth was brought by his parents to this State, the journey being made by wagon and the country being then wild and open, abounding in game and Indians. Our subjeet was early set to work on the farm, assisting to improve and cultivate it. The first school he attended was held in a log house on Fancy Creek. the pupils occupying slab benches. Ile remained under the parental roof until sixteen years of age, when he obtained a position as clerk in a general store at May Day. There he remained until nineteen years old. when he spent a short period in attendance at Lane University. On ac- count of ill health he was forced to abandon his studies and return to his father's home where he remained until 1877. lle next spent some three months in lowa, and again settled down to rural life on the home farm.

Dr. Edgerton had always had a leaning toward the profession of medieine. and when twenty-two years old he began its study, his preceptors being

500

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Drs. Lyman and Ward, with whom he read for two years. In the fall of 1881 he entered the college of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis, Mo., gradu- ating in the spring of 1884 with the honors of his class. He first went to Parkerville, Kan., where he practiced for eighteen months, removing thence to May Day, and after a few months sojourn there, the railroad having been constructed through this place, he located here as before mentioned. The summer of 1888 was spent by him in New York City, where he took a post graduate course in his profession.

The rites of wedlock were celebrated in May Day on May 15, 1"85, between Dr. Edgerton and Miss Rachael Bacon. The bride is a daughter of Joseph and Mona Bacon of Canada, who came to this State and county in 1882. the father engaging in farming in May Day, where he subsequently died. The mother still resides on the home farm. To Dr. Edgerton and his charming wife two chil- dren have been born: they are named Paul and Lyla.

Dr. Edgerton is a straight Republican, his vote and his personal influence being always east in favor of the principles which he believes to be best adapted to the interests of our Nation. He owns two lots in Randolph and a pleasant residence built by himself. He is a man of excellent moral char- acter, of affable manners, and is personally a fine looking gentleman.

AMES C. MeCURDY. Notary Public. and for seven years Justice of the Peace in Goshen Township, and filling the same posi- tion four years in Clay Center, is one of the oldest settlers of Clay County, having come to this region in March, 1869. In fact he assisted in the organization of the township and gave to it its present name. There were then only seven fam- ilies within its limits, bearing the names, respect- ively, of Surrier, Frazier, Schaubel, Ilemerich, Gray, Pickett and Wolcott.

Mr. MeCurdy took up a tract of new land on sections 4 and 6, where he proceeded to open up a farm. He was at onee recognized as a valued addi-

tion to the community, in which he made himself useful, assisting in the organization of the first school district. No. 20, and laid off another from it, No. 24. He was the first Clerk of the 1st and 2d districts, and circulated the petition for the new township, named Goshen. In 1876 he was ap- pointed Postmaster at Carter Creek, and was the first man occupying this position on the mail route after it was established between Clay Centre and Waterville. In 1875 he was elected Justice of the Peace, and he held both of these offices until his removal to Clay Center in 1882. This removal was made in order to give his children a better educa- tion than they could receive in the country.

Mr. McCurdy made the usual improvements on his farm, setting out fruit and forest trees and erecting the buildings required for the comfort of his family, likewise those necessary for the success- ful prosecution of agriculture. After his removal to Clay Center he was elected Justice of the Peace, and in the discharge of the duties of this office acquitted himself with great credit, and gave gen- eral satisfaction to the people. In addition to this he engaged in the real estate and loan business, but at the present time is gradually retiring from the active labors of life. He was a member of the Board of Education two terms and represented the Fourth Ward in the City Council. The fact that he is uniformly well spoken of by his fellow townsmen is sufficient indication of his true charac- ter. He has taken a warm interest in the prosper- ity of Clay Center, and has been the encourager of the enterprises calculated for its advancement. Ile was regularly installed as a member of the I. O. O. F. Nov. 10. 1849. at York, Pa., and has since then continued his connection with the order a period of forty years. lle also belongs to the G. A. R. and the Knights of Maccabee.

A native of Lancaster, Pa., Mr. McCurdy was born Feb. 14, 1827. and lived there until a lad of eleven years. He removed then with his parents to York, Pa., where he attained to a worthy man- hood and acquired a practical education in the common school, At the age of twenty-three years he was married, Dec. 25, 1850, to Miss Mary Kauffman. and they remained residents of York until the fol- lowing year when they removed to Goshen, Ind. Mr.

501

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

MeCurdy. at the age of seventeen years, commenced learning the trade of a tanner and currier, which he followed until after the outbreak of the Civil War.

On the 22d of August, 1862, Mr. MeCurdy en- tered the Union army as a member of Company B. 29th Indiana Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He soon saw the smoke of battle and participated in the following important engagements: Lavergne, Liberty Gap, Chicka- manga. Missionary Ridge, the siege of Nashville, and minor engagements and skirmishes. Some time after the expiration of his term of enlistment, and after the close of the war, he was mustered out at Marietta, Ga., Dec. 2, 1865. In the meantime his bravery and fidelity to duty had caused his promo- tion to the rank of First Lieutenant and Regimental Quartermaster. Ilis excellent constitution carried him through without a day's illness, andt he was neither captured nor wounded. He looks with par- donable pride upon his army experience and feels that satisfaction only experienced by the true pat- riot in knowing that he assisted in the preservation of the Union.

After the close of the war Mr. MeCurdy returned to Goshen. Ind., and, in partnership with Samnel O. Gregory, the Colonel of his old regiment, em- barked in the lumber business, and was thus occu- pied until 1868. The following year found him upon the soil of Kansas, where he has since remained. To him and his estimable wife there have been born seven children, five of whom are living, namely : Jennie, James C., Byron E., Horace A. and Frances V. The eldest son accompanied Gen. Grant around the world. He is now officiating as clerk in the Philadelphia Post- office and drawing a liberal salary ; Byron is a resident of Goshen Town- ship, Clay County; Horace is in the Philadelphia post-office with his brother. The two daughters acquired a liberal education and occupy themselves as teachers.

Daniel McCurdy, the father of our subject, was likewise a native of Lancaster County, Pa., where he spent his youthful years and was married and reared his children. In 1838 he removed to York County, where he spent his last days, dying in 1881, at the advanced age of eighty-seven. His wife, who in her girlhood was Miss Margaret Curran,

was a native of the city of New Orleans, and when quite young removed with her parents to Philadel- phia, Pa., living there and in Lancaster County until her marriage. She passed away prior to the decease of her husband, dying in 1872, at the age of seventy-two years. The parental family in- eluded three children only, of whom James C., our subject, was the eldest born ; John died in Pennsyl- vania when about seventeen years old ; Sarah, Mrs. Fry, died in Wrightville, Pa.

Mrs. Mary (Kauffman) McCurdy was born at Windsor, York Co., Pa., Jan. 29, 1827, and is the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Kauffman, who for many years lived on a farm in York County.

OHN M. McCORMICK. The " old settler " is always an object of interest to the intelli- gent public. The pioneers of Kansas became a peculiar people because of the political troubles occurring during the period of its early settlement, in addition to the grasshopper plague, the drouth and other disasters which befell the un- happy territory. Fortunate was it for Kansas that there was a band of hardy spirits who seemed to pride themselves upon being able to overcome hardships and danger. These men in due time met their reward and their descendants have reason to be proud of their record. Among those thus de- serving of honorable mention is John M. McCor- miek, who has performed his part well in the growth and development of that which is now one of the foremost States in the West. The biographer found him pleasantly located as the owner of a good farm on section 32 in Zeandale Township, and gathered from him the following facts in relation to his history.

The subject of this sketch is the son of Levi Me- Cormick, who was born in the eastern part of Vir- ginia, where he was reared to manhood and married Miss Phebe Stuart. The mother was likewise a na- tive of the Old Dominion and born in Frederick County. After marriage the parents removed to Wayne County, in what was afterward West Vir- ginia, where they sojourned until called hence. Their family consisted of eleven children, ten of

502

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

whom lived to mature years, and of whom John M. was the sixth.

Mr. MeCormick was born in Cable County, W. Va., Oct. 20, 1826, and lived there until reaching man's estate. In the meantime his native county was divided, and that part which embraced his birthplace was laid off as Wayne County. He was reared to farming pursuits and remained in Virginia until 1853, in which year he set out for the Great West, and crossing the Mississippi located in An- drew County, Mo. Not being quite satisfied with this experiment, he, in the spring of 1855, emigrated to Kansas and settled upon a claim which he had made on Deep Creek, Zeandale Township, the pre- vions autumn, this embracing 160 acres.

Few men had visited this region at that time and Mr. McCormick is consequently one of the oldest settlers of Riley County. His was the first wagon track across the old Pottawatomie Reserve. He made his home in a log cabin which he erected, and commenced the cultivation of the soil with imperfect implements and under many disadvant- ages. Laboring early and late, year after year, his industry finally met with its reward in the opening up of a good farm, which in later years he devoted largely to stock-raising. The first rude dwelling was abandoned for a more modern residence, and he has now a substantial frame dwelling with the various other improvements which time and means will naturally effect. Hle likewise added to his landed possessions until he is now the owner of 1,260 acres and turns annually into the county treasury a snug sum in the way of taxes. His live- stock includes cattle, horses and mules, and he is enabled to exhibit some of the finest animals in Northern Kansas.

Mr. McCormick was first married in West Vir- ginia, to Miss Nancy M. Hull, who was born in Ohio but reared in the Old Dominion. She bore her husband two children, who died when quite young, and the young wife passed away in her adopted State. Mr. McCormick after coming to Kansas, was married at St. George, to Miss Mary J. Gillespie, a native of Kentucky. This union resulted in the birth of seven children. viz., Thomas L., Wolstein B., George W., Cavit H., Mary K., Zollie M. and Alvie. Thomas L. died when a

promising youth of eighteen years. Mr. McCor- miek's sympathies now are with the Union Labor party. He, however. aims also to support the man whom he considers best qualified for office, inde- pendent of party. Mrs. McCormick is a very in- telligent and agreeable lady, one who has managed her household affairs with economy and prudence and who has been in all respects the suitable part- ner for such a man as her husband.

During the war of the Rebellion our subject en- listed in Company K, 11th Kansas Infantry, and afterward the 11th Kansas Cavalry, and served a few months, being honorably discharged on account of disability.

C RISWELL BROS. These two worthy and enterprising young men, who are widely and favorably known throughout Manhattan Township, were orphaned by the death of both parents while minors, but were left a good farm. consisting of 160 acres in Manhattan Township, and they have forty acres across the Blue River in Pottawatomie County. The former is well fenced and supplied with good buildings, conspienous among which is a commodious and handsome stone residence, erected in 1873, and which is one of the finest farm dwellings in Riley County. Adjacent is a good orchard and other fruit trees, and the outbuildings required for the shelter of stock and storage of grain. The brothers are bright, intel- ligent, well educated young men and greatly re- speeted in their community.

The parents of the Criswell brothers were Cyrus and Marion G. (Scott) Criswell. the former a native of Mifflin County, Pa., and born Oct. 13. 1812. lle was of Scotch-Irish descent, a practical miller, a successful farmer, and a man possessing more than ordinarily good business talents. Upon leaving his native State he went to Ohio. where he remained a short time, and from there came to Kansas in April, 1869. In September following he assumed charge as head miller of the Rocky Ford Mills, on the Pottawatomie County side of the Blue River. about four miles north of Manhat- tan. Ile retained this position until 1873, and

Robert Earl

505

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

then removed to the farm which he had previously purchased, comprising 160 acres on section 31. three miles north of Manhattan on the Blue Valley road. lle operated this farm until his death, which occurred July 22. 1878, at the age of sixty-six years. The Criswell family is of Scotch-Irish descent.

Mrs. Marion Criswell was of English extraction and survived her husband seven years, dying at the homestead April 1, 1885. Judson H. and Cyrus S. are the only survivors of their family of eight children; the others died in childhood and infancy. Judson was born in Mifflin County, Pa .. July 19, 1866, and after the usual time spent in the common school, took a four-year's course in the State Agricultural College at Manhattan, from which was he graduated with the degree of B. S. C.

Cyrus S. Criswell was born in Latonia, Ohio, Sept. 8. 1868, entering the State Agricultural Col- lege where he is now (November, 1889) pursuing his studies. Politically, they support the principles of the Republican party, and much is expected of them in the future, both as financiers and citizens, as they belong to that progressive element upon which depends the growth and progress of a com- munity.

R OBERT EARL. Among the names familiar to the old residents of Riley County, is that of him with whose name we introduce this sketeh. He and his excellent wife occupy no secondary position among the leading people of Zeandale Township, and among whom they have walked in and out for lo, these many years. They own and occupy a good farm or. section 21, and are conscientious members of the Congregational Church at Wahaunsee. They have reared a fine family of children, seven of whom are living, viz., Mary, Irving, Caroline, George W., Henry J., Frederick H. and Fremont R. Eliza M., the fourth child, died in infancy. In politics Mr. Earl is a sound Republican.

In recurring to the antecedents of Mr. Earl we find that his father, Philip Earl, was a native of New Jersey, and married Miss Phebe Bond, who was born not far from the early home of her hus-

band. They remained residents of their native State during their entire lives, engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. They were industrious people. honest and upright in their lives, rearing their chil- dren to habits of industry and sentiments of honor. and without making any great stir in the world pursued the even tenor of their way as peaceable and law-abiding citizens and respected by their neighbors.

To the parents of our subject there were born five children, of whom Robert was next to the eld- est. He first opened his eyes to the light in the vicinity of Elizabeth. Essex County. Aug. 6, 1813. lle lived with his parents until a youth of sixteen years, acquiring a common school education, and then began an apprenticeship at carriage-making. serving four years, and afterward followed his trade in New Jersey as a journeyman for a number of years. He finally emigrated to New York State. and after a time settled in Rome, Oneida County, where he followed his trade seven years. At the expiration of his time he resolved upon seeking the West, and emigrated to the vicinity of Milwaukee. Wis., where he was employed on a farm one year, then returned to his old business and lived in Mil- waukee until the spring of 1856. The Cream ('ity was then an animportant village, giving little indication of its future greatness.

At the date above mentioned we find Mr. Earl in Riley County, Kan., when the now prosperous Commonwealth was under Territorial Government. He settled upon a tract of wild land, which after a series of years he succeeded in transforming into a valuable homestead. which he still owns and occupies. During his residence of thirty-three years upon his farm he has been the witness of many and great changes, and has contributed his quota to the growth and development of his adopted county.

Accompanying Mr. Earl in his different emigra- tions after leaving his native State, was the faithful wife and helpmate. to whom he was married April 26, 1843, and who in her girlhood was Miss Caro- line. daughter of Robert R. and Ellen (Williams) Hunter. Mrs. Earl was born in Charleston, S.C .. Oct. 25, 1819, and went to New Jersey with her parents when three years old. The latter were natives of Scotland and possessed all the admirable

506

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

traits of character which distinguished their ances- tors. They were married in their native country and soon afterward emigrated to America, settling in New York City, and afterward removing Sonth, where they remained three years, whence later they removed to Sussex County, N. J., and there spent their last days. They were the parents of nine children of whom Mrs. Earl was the fifth in order of birth. Six of these are now living, making their homes mostly in Ohio and New Jersey. The por- trait of Mr. Earl shown on another page, we trust, will be at once recognized with pleasure by his many friends.

AMES O. YOUNG, Treasurer of Washington County, has been a resident of Kansas since June, 1868, coming hither from Washington County, Wis. He is a man of eminent worth and ability, and has been an important factor in the social and political life of his community. In the public life of Washington County he has taken a prominent part, having been called upon by his fellow-citizens to fill some of the most responsible positions in their gift. In the fall of 1870 he was elected Clerk of the District Court, and was re- elected in 1842, serving two full terms. In the autumn of 1877 he was chosen County Clerk by a large majority of votes, and was re-elected three suc- cessive terms, holding the office for eight years. In the election of 1887, he was again called to a prom- inent position, being elected to the responsible of- fice of County Treasurer, in which capacity he is now acting. His last election was a great honor to him. He has always been a stanch Republican, but at the regular convention that year great dissatis- faction was expressed at the nominee chosen, and Mr. Young was selected as the standard bearer of the Independent or People's party, and was elected over both the regular party nominees. He has also been a member of the City Council of Wash- ington, and has filled other positions in its muni- cipal government.

A native of Caledonia, Livingston Co., N. Y., James O. Young was born July 8, 1846, of Scot- tish ancestry, his parents, William and Mary

(Graham) Young, both being natives of Scotland, but after the spring of 1842 residents of America. For a couple of years William Young and his wife lived in Canada, then removed to Livingston County, N. Y., where Mr. Young bad a farm. Later they removed to Rochester, N. Y. going from there to Washington County, Wis, in May, 1847. There the father of our subject bought a farm of 120 acres from the Government, and on that place, to which he added by subsequent purchase, he lived for nearly forty years. In May, 1886. he followed his son, our subject, to Washington County, Kan., and is with his wife now living in this county, enjoying the fruits of a life of thrift and industry. William Young was from his youth a farmer, a hard worker, never taking an active part in politics, but giving his whole time and attention to his farm. Ile was born August 27, 1818, and was married May 9, 1842. Ilis wife was born June 10, 1819. They are the parents of five children, as follows: Mary M., is the wife of Christian Allbright, with whom she was united in marriage in Wisconsin, and they are now residents of Washington County, Kan .; our subject was next in order of birth; Grace Jane is the wife of Charles E. Ripley, a retired farmer, now living in Oakfield, Fond du Lac Co., Wis .; Alvin A. was united in marriage with Miss Mary S. Friedeman in Wisconsin, afterward came to this county, and died in Greenleaf, where his widow and two chil. dren still live; Comfort W., the youngest of the family, is married to Matilda Board and is now engaged in dealing in grain implements, coal, etc., in Greenleaf, Kan.

He of whom we write was brought up on the home farm, in Wisconsin, and early learned what hard work was. The Wisconsin farm upon which his parents located was in the heavily timbered coun- try, and being the eldest son he was obliged to take an active part in the labor of clearing it up. He attended the district schools, going through the timber two miles each way. Later he was a stu- dent in the High School for a few terms, and when about eighteen years of age, began teaching, at the same time completing his education. In this way the time was passed until be moved to Kansas. He was partly impelled to the removal by reason of

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 60

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

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