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 75

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 75
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 75
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 75

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HEODORE L. WOOD. This gentleman is recognized as one of the most active and enterprising men of Morganville, with whose interests he has been closely identified since its organization as a town. Possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, he has always recognized the value of an education as one of the best elements in the foundation of the social fabric, and has uni- formly given his aid and influence to the 'enter- prises best calculated to promote the welfare of the people, socially, morally and financially. He has been a successful man through life, accumulating a fair share of this world's goods. He took up his abode in Clay County in the early part of 1885 and on the first day of July, that year, opened the first bank of Morganville, which he lias since success- fully conducted and which has beeome an indis- spensable institution to the farmers and business men of this region. He was one of the signer's of the petition for the incorporation of the city and was a member of its first Council.

The subject of this sketch was born in Hancock County, Ohio,Jan. 14, 1845, where he spent his child- hood and youth and acquired his education mostly in the schools of Findlay, that county. His life was spent in a comparatively uneventful manner until the fall of 1864, when he entered the Union army as a member of Company H, 192d Ohio In- fantry, and served as a private until the close of

the war, mostly in Virginia. Upon receiving his honorable discharge he returned to his native county, remaining there until 1868. That year he emigrated to Illinois and occupied himself as a teacher, and also in farming, two years. At the ex- piration of this time he returned to Findlay, Ohio, where he prosecuted farming for four years and then engaged in mercantile pursuits about six years. His next removal was to Clay County, Kan.

While a resident of Illinois, Mr. Wood was mar- ried at Sullivan, that State, in 1869, to Miss Rose E., daughter of Philemon and Rosanna Spicer. The young people commenced their wedded life in Hancock County, Ohio, and in due time became the parents of three children-Wyatt E., Charles M. and Theodore M. Mrs. Wood is a very esti- mable lady and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Wood, politic- ally, affiliates with the Republican party and is con- nected with George B. Mcclellan Post, G. A. R., of Morganville. He belongs to Morganville Lodge, No. 322, I. O. O. F., and Hume Encampment at Clay Center, also Clay Center Lodge, I. O. O. F. Ile has a neat and tasteful home and occupies no secondary position, either in social or business cireles.

The parents of Mr. Wood were Samuel H., a na- tive of Licking County, Ohio, and Minerva (Davis) Wood, who was born in Owensville, Ky. The latter was reared to womanhood and married in her na- tive town, soon after which she and her husband located in Hancock County, Ohio. They now make their home in Weston, Wood County, that State. Richard Wood, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Virginia, whence he emigrated to Licking County, Ohio, and settled among its earliest pioneers. He hewed out a home from the wilderness, gathering about himself and family all the comforts of life, but later removed to Hancock County, where he spent his last days.

Mr. Wood since his residence in Morganville, has taken an active part in the enterprises of public interest. Ile assisted in raising funds for the erec- tion of the large brick school building which is looked upon with pardonable pride by the citizens, and he was also active in the building up of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The prosperity of

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any town is due to its enterprising and liberal- minded men, and the history of Morganville could not be properly written without mentioning the name of Theodore L. Wood.

THEODORE LARABEE, occupying a snug farm of eighty acres on seetion 23, Had- dam Township, operates moderately as a tiller of the soil, but is mostly interested in fine horses. He served in the Union army during the late war, and likewise crossed the plains during the 'GO's. He has thus seen a considerable portion of the United States, and having kept his eyes open to what was going on around him in the world, is more than ordinarily well-informed. He came to Kansas in 1877, first buying property in Mill Creek, then in Union Township, which he sold in 1884, and purchased that which he now owns and occupies. As a farmer, he has been a marked success, and as a member of the community, is accounted one of its best men.

Mr. Larabee was born near Warsaw, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., but only lived in his native State three years, being taken then by his parents to Lake County, Ill. He there grew up on the farm, re- ceiving a common-school education, and remaining under the home roof until a youth of twenty years. Then starting out for himself, he, in 1861, jour- neyed overland with teams of horses and mules, and with a company of eight men and six women, for the Pacific Slope. Five months were occupied in the journey, during which time they made a brief sojourn in Salt Lake City and other places of note in the Great West.

Upon arriving in California, Mr. Larabee, with some of his party, located in the Merced Valley, where Mr. Larabee engaged in freighting to differ- ent points, and was thus occupied until the fall of 1863. Having then had sufficient experience in the Far West, he started for home with ponies, and during the long ride which followed passed through many hardships and privations. In the meantime he went up by the North Platte and returned by the South Platte. Two months were consumed in reaching Lake County, Ind., when he sold all but

one of his ponies, and this one he brought with him to Kansas.

The Civil War now being in progress, Mr. Lara- bee, in the spring of 1864, enlisted in Company E. 151st Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into ser- vice at LaPorte. Ile went South with his regi- ment, which was detailed as a patrol guard. Finally, at Tullahoma, Tenn., he was taken ill, and confined for a time in the hospital. Upon his recovery he was detailed as a cook, and was thus occupied until the close of the war, being mustered out in July, 1865, and receiving an honorable discharge.

We next find our subject operating his father's farm in Indiana, upon which he remained until 1874. He then started for Iowa overland by team, and located near Clarinda, Page County, where he rented a farm and commenced buying cattle and swine. He lived there until 1876, during which year he came by team to Kansas and purchased 160 acres of land in Mill Creek Township. Ile made considerable improvement on this property. and still continues operating in live-stock. He is, in fact, one of the oldest stock buyers of Washing- ton County. In 1877 he sold his farm in Mill Creek Township and purchased 160 acres of land in Union Township. Living upon this until 1884. he then sold out once more and purchased that which he now owns and occupies. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, and is particularly inter- ested in full-blooded Norman horses, having one imported animal, "Brilliant," which is considered one of the finest in the county.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Lucy Bonsteel was celebrated at the bride's home, in Lake County, Ind., Feb. 9, 1865. Mrs. Larabee was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and re- ceived a good education, whieli she put to excellent use by following the profession of a teacher some time before her marriage. Of this union there were born three children, the eldest of whom, Em- ory, occupies himself as a carpenter and joiner, and makes his home in Iladdam; Oren was killed by a horse when nine years old; and Ernest. Mr. Lar- abee is a member in good standing of the Methodist Protestant Church, and assisted materially in the ereetion of the church edifice. Politically. he is a stanch Republican, and takes a warm interest in the

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success of the principles of this party, frequently serving as delegate to the county conventions. He has been a member of the School Board of his dis- triet, and served as Road Supervisor for the past five years.

Albert Larabee, the father of our subject, was likewise a native of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and the son of Thomas Larabee, of New York State, who emigrated to Lake County, Ind., in the pioneer times, and engaging in farming, became well-to-do. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and spent his last years in Lake County, Ill. Albert Larabee was a brother of Gov. Larabee, of New York State. He accompanied the family to Lake County, Ill., and entered 160 acres of land, which he sold later and removed to Lake County, Ind., where he purchased 160 acres, and while car- rying on farming, also engaged as a carpenter. In 1862 he journeyed to the Pacific Coast by water, and remained in that section of the country two years. In 1876 be disposed of his property in In- diana, and coming to Kansas, retired from active business and lives at the age of seventy-nine. He is a Republican, politieally, and a member of the Methodist Protestant Chureb.

The mother of our subject was in her girlhood Miss Amy Seoville. She was likewise a native of New York State, and the danghter of an old soldier of the War of 1812, who was by trade a carpenter and joiner. Mrs. Amy Larabee died in Indiana about 1872. The parental household consisted of the following children: Franklin, now a resident of U'nion; Esther, Mrs. Bonsteel, of Mill Creek; De- lilah, of Hodgeman County, Kan .; Mary, also a resident of that county; Theodore, the subject of this sketeh; Olivia, of Ilodgeman County; Flor- ence, deceased ; Orson, of Hodgeman County ; Alice, Mrs. Vincent, of Haddam; Luman, of Union Town- ship, and Wilbur, deceased.

OIIN WEBBER. Coming to Clay County, Kan., in April. 1876, Mr. Webber bought a homestead of 160 acres of land on section

- 25, Goshen Township. The only improve- ment was a little frame shanty, about 10x16 feet

in dimensions, and containing one room. About eighteen acres had been plowed by some emigrant, who became discouraged, and probably returned whence he came. Mr. Webber, however, was made of different stuff. He came to stay, and has car- ried out his resolution with satisfactory results.

Upon the tract of land above described there now stands a substantial frame dwelling, a good barn, two double corn-eribs, an orchard of 200 apple- trees, together with 100 peach trees, and about one acre of grape vines. The land has all been enclosed with good fencing, and is mostly under a good state of cultivation. The grain raised is nearly all fed to live-stock, Mr. Webber keeping numbers of Short-horn cattle, Norman horses and Berkshire and Poland-China swine.

The patronymic of our subject was in the old country spelled "Weber," the change being made after coming to the United States. John Webber was born in Hardesen, Hanover, Germany, Oct. 14, 1829, and lived there until 1853. His parents, Henry and Charlotte (Long) Webber, were natives of the same province as their son, and devout mem- bers of the Lutheran Church, in the faith of which they died, both passing away within a week, in February, 1843.

Yonng Webber, after death had thus broken up the home eircle, learned the tailor's trade, and soon began traveling through Holstein. Mecklenburg, and other parts of Germany, working at his trade in all the large cities. Finally, determining to seek his fortune in America, he, in August, 1853. set out from Bremen to Baltimore, Md., making the voy- age on the sailing-vessel "Louisa," in thirty-eight days, landing September 17. From Baltimore be proceeded to Greenup County, Ky., where he worked at his trade about six months. We next find find him in Portsmonth, Ohio, where he was employed as a salesman and clerk in a wholesale and retail clothing house one year.

In Seioto County, Ohio, Mr. Webber was mar- ried, Oct. 1, 1856, to Miss Susan, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Bradshaw) Littlejohn. This lady was born in the above-mentioned county, and of her nnion with our subjeet there have been born the following children: Henry, Charles, Frank, Emma; Harrison and Mary E., deceased; Addie,

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Alice, Florence and John. In 1858 Mr. Webber re- moved with his little family to Wheelersburg, Ohio, where he worked at his trade about one year, and then engaged in a woolen mill, where he continued nntil 1861. The Civil War now being in progress, he enlisted, on the 12th of September, that year, in Company E, 33d Ohio Infantry, as a corporal, and served in that capacity three years. He par- tieipated in a large number of important battles. among them being Stone River, Perryville, Chicka- mauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Tulla- homa, Peach Tree Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, and went with Sherman to Atlanta.

At the battle of Mission Ridge, Mr. Webber was struck above the left ear by a piece of shell, which produced blindness of the left eye and deafness of the right ear. In addition to this, his general health was greatly impaired by exposure and hard- ship. After his honorable discharge in 1864, he returned to his old haunts in Wheelersburg, Ohio, and resumed work in the woolen mill, continuing there until 1872. He was then elected Assessor of his township, serving two years, and then, in April, 1876, started for the West. His subsequent career we have already indicated.

Mr. Webber votes the straight Republican ticket, and is a member of Phil Sheridan Post, No. 88. G. A. R., at Clay Center. He is also identified with the 1. O. O. F., being a member of Lodge No. 315, at Clay Center. He has passed all the chairs of his lodge, and is a member in high stand- ing. In religious matters he is a Lutheran. Mrs. Webber finds her religious consolation in the doe- trines of the Baptist Church.

S EYMOUR D. MOSES. Among the homes of Manhattan Township, Riley County, one of the most attractive, both in its outward appearance and surroundings and in its in- ternal furnishing, is that owned and occupied by the gentleman above named. It is an orehard farm of five acres situated south of the college farm and adjoining the grounds of Mrs. Ingraham on the east. The residence is a handsome brick structure,

tastefully and elegantly furnished, its walls abound- ing in good pictures, mostly fine steel engravings. and containing a good library, well supplied, not only with good books, but with current literature in the form of magazines and papers. In this heau- tiful home Mr. and Mrs. Moses are quietly enjoying the fruits of years of industry, enabled to gratify their refined taste, and their social natures by the prosperity which has attended them.

The subject of this notice is a direet descendant of Timothy and Thankful Moses, who lived in Windsor, Conn., and whose son, Aaron, born in 1733, with his wife, Susannah Seymour, came from Wintonbury to West Simsbury, in the year 1757, dying there in 1809. Darius Moses, son of the couple above named, who was born in 1758 and died in 1824, was the grandfather of our subject. The next in the direct line of descent was Chauncey Moses, who was born in 1789 and died in 1862. lle married Catherine Johnson, who was also a native of Connecticut. He was a mechanic and followed plow making. He served a term as a member of the Connectient Legislature and was a Seleetman of Canton Township, Hartford Co., Conn., where his home was. He was an Old Line Whig. To Chauncey and Catherine Moses five children were born. The first-born, Elizabeth, died unmarried nearly fifty years ago in Unionville, Conn. Harry, the second child, was killed by an accidental explosion of powder, July 4, 1838, at his home in llartford County, Conn., he being twenty- one years old and unmarried. Flora is unmarried and lives in Manhattan. . Rollin is the fourth child and his sketch occupies another page in this volume.

Seymour D. Moses was the youngest child in the parental family, and was born June 2, 1828, in Canton Township, Hartford Co .. Conn. His boy- hood was spent upon a farm, and he received a common school education which he has since sup- plemented by careful reading and study, becoming a man of more than ordinary intelligence. He remained at home until the death of his father in 1852, he being then sixteen years old. After the death of his father in 1852, he bought out the other heirs of the farm and settled upon it with his wife, living there about eight years. fle subse-

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quently spent a year in Cornwall, thence moving to Unionville, where he resided ten years. At the ex- piration of that time he came to Kansas, this being in the year 1870, locating at once at Manhattan where he has since remained. In his native State he had learned the trade of a carpenter and cabinet maker, which he has followed since becoming a resident here.

The refined and cultured lady who shares Mr. Moses's heart and home. bore the maiden name of Harriet Mills, and is a daughter of Harvey and Pollie M. (Sherman) Mills. The ceremony which united them took place in Canton, Conn., Sept. 15, 1852. Two children have been born to them. the youngest, a daughter, Mary E., being their com- panion in their pleasant home. The son, George C., is living at Ft. Riley, being a contractor and builder for the Government. He married Abbie J. Streeter. of Milford, Conn., who has borne him three children.

Mr. Moses was County Surveyor in 1883. Ile is a Prohibitionist. He is a member of the Con- gregational Church and holds the office of Deacon in that society. His easy courteous manners com- bined with his intelligence, make him an agreeable companion, and his excellent character retains for him the respect of all with whom he comes in contaet.

RREN R. STRONG, formerly a resident of Wildcat Township, removed in the fall of 1889 to the vicinity of Manhattan where he is engaged in farming. He is a stirring, wide-awake citizen and during the late Civil War signalized his patriotism by serving in the Union army. He was a strong anti-slavery man and in former years one of the warmest supporters of the Republican party. Latterly his warm interest in the temperance move- ment has induced him to identify himself with the Prohibition element. He is in the enjoyment of a comfortable income, the result of his own industry and good management.

The subject of this notice was born Sept. 30, 1824. in Orleans County, N. Y., and is the son of Alvah and Eunice (Kelly ) Strong who were natives of Vermont. The father served as a soldier in the

war of 1812. The paternal grandfather was a na- tive of the Green Mountain State and of English descent. Grandfather Kelly traced his ancestry to Ireland. Alvah Strong was reared to farming pur- suits and left New England prior to his marriage. settling in New York State. To him and his esti- mable wife there were born two children only, Orren R. and Sabrina A. The latter was first mar- ried to S. A. Merrill, who died, and she was then married to a Mr Moore, a commercial traveler ; she is now a resident of California.

When Orren Strong was a lad of fifteen years he removed with his parents to Medina County, Ohio, and they settled upon a farm where the father so- journed until 1861. Later he removed to Page County, Iowa, and finally to Kansas, making his bome with his son, Orren, and departing this life May 19, 1887. His ninetieth birthday occurred the preceding January. The mother died in Me- dina County, Ohio, June 12, 1848. After the death of his first wife, Alvah Strong was married to Mrs. Sally Palmer, widow of Ira Palmer; she is now deceased. The elder Strong was somewhat prominent in local affairs in New York State, hold- ing the township offices in Cattaraugus County. When quite well advanced in years he enlisted as a Union soldier in Company F, 1st Nebraska Infan- try in which he was Color Sergeant and bore the colors of the regiment at. Pittsburgh Landing. He was an Old Line Whig during his early manhood, afterward an Abolitionist and later a Republican. In religion he was a Baptist and he was a member of Lew Gove Post, No. 100, G. A. R. at Manhat- tan.

Young Strong remained a member of the parental household until twenty-three years old. On the 3d of October, 1849, he was married in Sullivan Township, Ashland Co., Ohio, to Miss Amanda, daughter of Elijah and Amanda (Clark) Gibbs. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs were natives of Vermont and their daughter, Amanda, was likewise born in Waterford, Essex County, that State, Oct. 28, 1827. The family is of old Revolutionary stock and their honsebold consisted of ten children, the eldest of whom, a son, Samnel, died when a youth of seven- teen years. Amanda was the second born; Lydia is the widow of Benjamin Swatman, who died in

O. B. Letch

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the army and she lives in Dakota. Dan C. married Almira Marsh, is the father of four children and lives in Dakota; Lucy C. married James C. Ran- dall and lives in Fremont County, Iowa; she has seven children. Joseph died when two years old : George married Rachael Johnson, has five children and is farming in Dakota; Sophia died in infancy; Benjamin married Miss Mary Pratt, has two chil- dren and is farming in Page County, Iowa. The mother departed this life Dec. 15, 1870, in the above mentioned county. The father survived his wife a number of years, dying Nov. 27, 1884, in Jerauld County, Dak.

Mrs. Strong was born Oct. 8, 1827, in Vermont, After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Strong resided three years in Ashland County, Ohio, and then re- moved to the vicinity of Linnville in Ogle County, Ill. Mr. Strong engaged in farming during this time and then in the spring of 1856 crossed the Mississippi and located in Page County. Iowa. Later he changed his residence to Andrew County, Mo., but only remained a short time in that State owing to the outbreak of the Civil War. In the meantime he enlisted in Company C, 4th Missouri Cavalry in April 1862, and served until Aug. 28, 1864. He was principally engaged in hunting bush- whackers and on account of his bravery and fidel- ity was promoted to First Sergeant.

Mr. Strong in the spring of 1865, took up his abode in Atchison County, Mo., and engaged in farming and dairying, remaining there until 1869. He then removed to Fremont County, Iowa, where he sojourned until 1876. That year he came to- Kansas and settled on Wildcat Creek, Wildcat Township, where he secured 160 acres of land on section 34, which he still owns and operates. Ilis residence is now in Manhattan Township, three miles northwest of the city on section 11.

To Mr. and Mrs. Strong were born the following children, the eldest of whom, a son, James R., mar- ried Miss Maria Putman, has four children and lives in Riley County, this State. Eunice A. died when three years old; Ralph I. married Miss Jane Ashton, is the father of four children and is farm- ing in Wildcat Township; Mary E. married James 1I. Warrell, has five children and they are living near Eureka Lake in Ogden Township; Charles A.

married Miss Martha V. Zeller; he is the father of three children and is employed as a teacher in Waterville, Marshall County ; George G. is ummar- ried and teaching in Madison Township. Addie, the youngest daughter, is single and makes her home with her parents.

Mr. Strong, politically, is a Republican with pro- hibition tendencies. Ile served as School Director in his district and is a member of Lew Gove Post, No. 100, G. A. R. at Manhattan. Ile and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. They occupy a good position, socially, and in their pleasant home are surrounded by all the comforts of life.

6 HOMAS B. PETCH, a leading farmer of Sherman Township, Clay County, owns and operates 300 broad acres which he has brought to a fine state of cultivation, and upon which he has erected first-class buildings, fitted up with all the modern conveniences. Ile lives some- what alone, his wife having died in Iowa, and his only daughter being the wife of William Green- wood, who is represented elsewhere in this volume.

A native of Hardy County, W. Va., Mr. Petch was born Feb. 7, 1819 and was there reared to man's estate. When twenty years old he emigrated to Logan County, Ohio, and was there in due time married to Miss Caroline, daughter of Thomas Seegar. They sojourned there seven years after- ward, then going into Lake County, Ind., were res- idents there a period of seven years. We next find them in Ringgold County, Iowa, where they lived another seven years. At the expiration of this time they came to Riley County, Kan., but eigh- teen months later removed to Phelps County, Neb., where Mr. Petch homesteaded land and lived upon it five years. Then selling out he came to Wash- ington County, Kan., and purchased 200 acres where he lived eighteen monthis. Then selling out he came to Clay County, and purchased 160 acres of land on section 19. Upon it there stood a shanty and eighteen acres were broken; beyond this there were no improvements. Mr. Petch labored industriously as a tiller of the soil. planted trees and erected buildings and lived there about ten

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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 75

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

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