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 79

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 79
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 79
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 79

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).

though often in the heat of a hotly contested en- gagement at the front cheering his men on to face the foe without flinching, he was never wounded or taken prisoner, and he was never sick or bad a furlough in all that long time. He was mustered into the army as a private, was after- wards promoted to the position of sergeant, later to that of quarter-master sergeant, and on the 26th of June, 1864, was appointed captain of Company K. a well-deserved promotion, as by his cool, cour- ageous, soldierly bearing, his faithfulness in subordi- nate positions, and promptness in obeying the orders of his superiors. he had shown himself to be eminently fitted for higher and more responsible positions. Ile served in the ranks at the battle of Stone River, and after his appointment as captain, at the head of his company he took an active part in all the battles of the campaign to Atlanta, and was present at the engagement at Jonesboro. He was then sent with Gen. Thomas in pursuit of the rebel Gen. llood and his soldiers, and he fought with credit before Franklin and Nashville. Ile was honorably discharged with his regiment in June, 1865. After his experience of life on Southern battlefields, Capt. Spilman sought his old home in Crawfordsville, Ind., and quietly resumed his study of law that had been so interrupted by the ex- citing events of the preceding years, and was admitted to the bar in that city in March, 1866, in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, Judge John M. Cowan presiding. Ile then came to Man- hattan, at once opened an office, and was in active practice here till March 12, 1885. on which date he was appointed Judge of the 21st Judicial District by Gov. Martin. The district then comprised Riley, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsea and Osage counties. But in 1889 the district was divided and changed, and Riley, Clay and Marshall counties now form the district over which he has jurisdic- tion. In November, 1885 he was elected for a full term of four years, and was re-elected again in the fall of 1889. He is filling this position with rare ability and genera! satisfaction. being conceded on all sides to be a wise, equitable and learned judge.

Judge Spilman was united in marriage to Miss Hannah A. Russell May 14, 1868. She was born in Wabash County, Ind., a daughter of Samuel A.

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and Catherine (Hogin) Russell. Five of the chil- dren born of this marriage are living-William R .. Katherina, Robert B., Clara and Harold A. Elbert died at the age of two years. Mrs. Spilman is a genuine home-maker and understands well how to make the pleasant dwelling over which she presides, cosy, home-like, and attractive to her family and to their many friends, or to the stranger who may happen to share its generous hospitality.

Judge Spilman's time since he came to Kansas has been chiefly absorbed by his professional and judicial duties, yet he has been alive to all public interests, and his name has often been associated with the administration of the affairs of the city and county; and the mention of the offices he has filled will show the variety and extent of his pub- lic trusts. He served thirteen years as County Attorney, has been a member of the Board of Edu- cation, for three terms was Mayor of Manhat- tan and seven years City Attorney, and in 1878 was elected Representative to the Legislature. In his politics he is a stalwart Republican. Religiously he is a Presbyterian, strong in the faith, and as a true Christian he seeks the good of others and cherishes it. He joined the church in Indiana, and became a member of his chosen church in Manhat- tan at the time of its organization in 1867, and has been one of its most active supporters ever since.

AMES L. WAGEMAN is the son of George R. and Catherine (Hulick ) Wageman, and was born in Clermont County, Ohio, April 20, 1847. Ilis mother's parents were na- tives of New Jersey and she was born in the Buck- eye State. His paternal grandfather, John Wage- man, was born in North Carolina, and moved to Ohio while it was still a territory. The father of our subject was a farmer and from the date of his marriage, Nov. 9. 1837, has resided on the same farm in Clermont County. He is now seventy- seven years of age and his wife has reached the age of seventy-four. They are the parents of four children, he, of whom we write, being the third in order of birth; Elizabeth, the first born, married William E. Whittaker, a farmer in Clermont

County, and their family comprises five children. John H. is farming in the same county, having married Miss Elizabeth Crane, who has borne him two children, one deceased ; Margaret married Albert Lytle, who is employed on the Cincinnati Street Railway line, and their family consists of two children.

The subject of this brief sketch was reared on a farm and received a common-school education, supplementing it by attendance in select schools at Amelia and Williamsburg, and acquiring a thor- ough knowledge of the English branches. In the fall of 1866 he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for four years in his native county and State, afterward teaching two winters in Grant Township, Riley Co., Kan. He came to this State in 1870, arriving in Manhattan, March, 3, and securing work on a farm for two and a half months. He then went to Jewell County and en- tered a claim of 160 acres, upon which he remained eighteen months. after which he proved up and sold out, returning to his native State for a short time. In the spring of 1872 he returned to Kansas accompanied by his bride of a few months, and settled on Mill Creek, in Riley County, about two miles from Stockdale. He rented land for two years and then purchased eighty acres on which he lived , until the fall of 1889, when he traded it for 118 acres situated on section 14, Grant Township, where he now resides. His present home is located on the Blue River and is an excellent property, already of considerable value and capable of be- coming more so under proper management.

The marriage of Mr. Wageman took place in Williamsburg, Ohio, on the 13th of December. 1871, the bride being Miss Judith P., danghter of Sydney and Melissa Leffingwell, and a native of the town in which her marriage took place. The estimable wife of Mr. Wageman has borne him eight children-George L., William, Elmer, Mary, Fawny, Maggie, Lloyd and Mina. The first three named and Fawny died in infancy; the others form a bright and interesting group under the family roof-tree.

Mr. Wageman has served as Justice of the Peace, and in 1880 took the census of his township. He was serving satisfactorily as a member of the

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School Board before moving to his present place, his intelligence and practical experience in peda- gogical labors making him well fitted for the position upon the board. While in Jewell County, he was Township Clerk and Township Trustee. He is a Republican in politics and has served as delegate to county conventions, as well as at different times being a member of the county central committee. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Church and he has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school in the church at Stockdale for eight years. A man of honor and Christian character, a worthy and reliable citizen, and one whose kindly nature is manifested in the domestic relations of life, he is justly held in high respect by his fellow-citizens.

ILLIAM W. WOODING. A pleasantly located and comfortable estate in Mill Creek Township, Washington County, is the home of the above named gentlemen, his esti- mable wife, and the two daughters who yet remain under the parental roof. The farm consists of eighty acres, under thorough cultivation and supplied with all the necessary and adequate farm build- ings. Mr. Wooding, though quite advanced in years, is active, energetic and well preserved, and manages his affairs in a manner that would be cred- itable in a much younger man. He is of a frank and friendly nature, and well liked by his neigh- bors, among whom he is ever ready to lend a help- ing hand.

Mr. Wooding is of Swedish and French descent. His paternal grandfather, Isaac Wooding, emi- grated from Sweden to America prior to the Revo- lutionary War. In early life he learned and worked at the trade of a blacksmith in New Brunswick, N.J., and was also occupied in farming. The ma- ternal great-grandfather of our subject was Michael Garrett, a Frenchman who came with LaFayette to America and participated in the Revolutionary War. He was a merchant.

The parents of Mr. Wooding were natives of New Jersey, and named Ezra and Ann ( Dayton) Wooding. Eight children were born to them, our subject being the second. Of his brothers and sis-

ters the following brief mention is made: Isaac married Hannah Hankins; he was last heard of in Posey County, Ind., where he was engaged in farm- ing. Uriah married Sarah Edwards, who died, leaving two children; he enlisted in Company B, 17th Iowa Infantry, and was taken prisoner at Ful- ton, Ga., in October, 1864; he died in the Confed- erate prison at Florence, S. C. Benjamin F. died at Mt. Vernon, Ind., in 1850; he was a farmer and unmarried. David, John and Ezra died in infancy. Sarah married Henry Russell, and died near Mt. Vernon, Ind.

Willam W. Wooding was born in Atlantic County, N. J., Sept. 23, 1823. He lived in his na- tive State until of age, and worked as a lumberman in the cedar swamps and pineries therein. He never went to school but one day, but has obtained a fair education through self-instruction. In 1851 he went to Posey County, Ind., and purchased a piece of land from Gen. A. P. Hovey, present Governor of that State. The land was located near Mt. Vernon, and there our subject remained until 1858. He then removed to St. Joseph, Mo., and went to work on a ferry-boat. After a short sojourn he came to this State and bought a claim of 160 acres in Doniphan County. On it he remained until the spring of 1859, when he rented land in Vermillion Township. Marshall County, and engaged in farm- ing there. A year later he came to this county, and remained a greater part of the year. Thence he went to Elwood, in the eastern part of the State, where he was living when the war broke out.

Mr. Wooding went to Keokuk, Iowa, and on March 25, 1862, signed the muster-roll of Company B, 17th lowa Infantry. He participated in many hard-fought battles and minor conflicts. Among them were the siege of Corinth, Miss., the battles of Iuka, Holly Springs (where he was under Grant's command), Vicksburg. Champion Hill, Jackson, Missionary Ridge, and Tilton, Ga. He was prompt in the discharge of every duty, ever ready for the call " to arms." and in every position a courageous and gallant soldier. During the summer of 1864, the command, which was stationed in the stockade at Tilton, was captured and taken to Anderson- ville. The first night after their capture Mr. Wooding made his escape and returned to Tilton,

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where he was rescued by the Federal Cavalry. He was then detailed as a teamster, and went with Sherman to the sea. In the latter part of April, 1865, he was discharged at Davenport, Iowa. He then bought a small farm in Appanoose County, where he remained until the fall of 1868. He then came to this county and settled in Mill Creek Township, on the quarter section which is now known as the Nesbitt Place. There he lived for fourteen years, then selling out he removed on to the place which he now occupies.

On Oet. 1, 1853, Mr. Wooding was united in marriage with Miss Martha MeFadden. She was an orphan, both parents having died near Mt. Vernon, some time before her marriage. The re- sult of the union was two children, Sarah and Martha, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Wooding followed his wife to her grave in Febru- ary, 1855. lle was subsequently married to Miss Nancy Edwards. who has borne him six children. Jennie is the wife of Robert Bell, a lumberman of Seattle, Washington; they have three children. Uriah married Ada Tinkham, and has one child; they reside in Seattle. Julia married Mark Spaul- ding, and he is also at Seattle. J. Greenleaf married Cora Bonesteel; they reside with our sub- ject, and he is teaching the Blocher school. Ida and Flossie are unmarried and at home.

Mr. Wooding is a supporter of the principles of the Republican party, which he believes best adapted to upbuild the land which he considers the best on earth. He is a reliable citizen, interested in every movement which will tend to elevate so- ciety and advance the interests of the community in which he resides.

W ILLIAM H. LONG, a retired farmer and stock-dealer of Haddam, came to Kansas in 1883, in search of health, and purchased eighty acres of land in that township, where he en- gaged in farming for a time, and also dealt quite ex- tensively in live-stock. lle ships mostly to Kansas City, and within the last few years has handled a very large amount of money. He erected good buildings upon his farm, and is surrounded by all

the comforts of life. He owns a block of buildings in the town, including that occupied by the State Bank.

Mr. Long was born in Concord, Ill., Nov. 5. 1834, and from boyhood up he was bred to farm- ing pursuits. He attended the district school. which was conducted in a log-house, and bright- ened his natural perceptive faculties by good attention to his books. He remembers the time when wild game was plentiful in his native town- ship, and when the Prairie State was in wide contrast with its present condition of wealth and prosperity. He remained at home assisting his parents until a young man of twenty years, then started out for himself, working by the month for two years. Later he farmed on rented land, then purchased a farm near Concord, which he improved, and upon which he lived until 1883, during which year he sought for health west of the Mississippi.

On the 5th of March, 1856, our subject was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary A Park, at the bride's home in Morgan County. IN. Mrs. Long was born in the Blue Grass State, and is the daughter of Robert B. Morrison, who spent his last days in Illinois. Her paternal grandfather came from Ireland and settled first in Pittsburg, Pa., then removed to Fleming County. Ky., where he was one of the earliest pioneers and where he spent the remainder of his days. Robert B. was four years old when going to Kentucky, and later participated in the War of 1812. When this was ended he returned to the Blue Grass region, where he engaged as a planter, but in 1820 removed to Morgan County, Ill., where he prosecuted farming until his death.

Mrs. Sarah (Dunlap) Morrison, the mother of Mrs. Long, was born in Pennsylvania, and removed with her parents to Bainbridge, Ohio. Later the family returned to Kentucky. Grandfather John Dunlap spent his last years in Kentucky. To Robert and Sarah Morrison there was born a family of ten children, the eldest of whom, a son, David, died when seventy-three years old; Mrs. Long was the second child; Sarah and Robert are deceased ; Elizabeth is a resident of Macomb, Ill. ; Margaret .J. is deceased; John B. is a resident of California; America died when about middle-aged; Peru and

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Joseph are residents of this State. David served in the Black Hawk War. Mary A. was born near Flemingsburg, Ky., Oct. 20. 1812, and lived there until eighteen years old. She then removed with her parents to Morgan County, Ill., and was mar- ried in Spring Creek, Sangamon County, to John Park, who died a few years later. Of this union there were born five children, viz .: Sarah G., Elvira E., George W., Carrie S. and John S. Sa- rah G. is the wife of Martin Collier, a carpenter by trade, and they reside in Oregon: Elvira (Mrs. Newton) lives on a farm near Concord, III .; George W. is farming in Lane County, this State; Carrie L. (Mrs. Derrick) lives in Hillsboro, Ore .; John and Sophia (Mrs. Chase) reside in Haddam. The Morrison family was highly respected wherever known, and Mrs. Long is a lady possessing all the womanly virtues, being kind-hearted, hospitable. and possessing more than ordinary intelligence. She has made a pleasant home for her family, and is an intelligent reader of good books, being more than ordinarily well posted upon matters of general interest to the intelligent portion of the community. She has been for a number of years a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church, and is greatly respected by her neighbors. Mr. Long officiated as School Director in his district for a number of years, and has been a member of the Town Council. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.

The father of our subject was George Long, a .native of Tennessee and the son of Henry Long, who was likewise born in that State and was of Ger- man descent. The latter is a farmer by occupa- tion, and upon leaving the South removed to Morgan County, III., near where the town of Con- cord afterward grew np. He lived to see the de- velopment of one of the noblest States in the Union, and spent his last days in Morgan County.

George Long, like his father before him, followed farming for a vocation, and became owner of 200 acres of land near Concord, where he died in 1882. He was a Democrat politically, and in his religious views favored the doctrines of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, to which he belonged. He was mar- ried in early manhood to Miss Mary A. Provine,' who like himself was a native of Tennessee, and

the sister of Jolm Provine, who emigrated from the South and was one of the earliest settlers of Morgan County, Ill. In later years he removed to Oregon and there died. Mrs. Mary A. Long de- parted this life at the old homestead in Morgan County, III. The parental family consisted of the following children: Sterling, Emily, Alvina and Melinda, deceased ; William H., our subject; Elzad. a resident of Dakota; Mary A., who is living in Cass County, Ill., and Charles, a resident of Mor- gan County, that State.

OHN LANDGRAF. This gentleman is one of the wealthiest men in Barnes Township, Washington County. He is engaged in farming and also gives considerable atten- tion to stock dealing. He is the owner of 400 acres of land, his residence being on section 32. Ilis farm is well improved and bears evidence that its owner is both enterprising and prosperous.

Mr. Landgraf first saw the light in Germany, Jan. 27, 1840, being the seventh child of Henry and Theresa (Maur) Landgraf. Henry Landgraf was born in Germany, in 1804. Ile emigrated to America in 1849, and settled in Washington County, Wis., where he died in 1863. He was all his life a farmer and was in good circumstances. Theresa Maur was born in Germany, March 10, 1806, and still sui vives, her home being in Winne- bago County, Wis. The parental family consisted of twelve children. They were Jacob, Mary, Theresa, Andrew, John, Christ, John, (our sub- ject), Valentine, Katherina, and three infants that died unnamed.

The gentlemen of whom we write was a lad of nine years when his parents removed to the United States. He remained under the parental roof until thirteen years of age, when he went to Milwaukee, Wis., and learned the trade of a harness-maker. Later he went to Chicago, where he worked at his trade one summer. Thence he went south and worked in the cities of Louisville, New Orleans and at various points until 1858. At that period he went to · Atchison, Kan .. where for a time he was engaged at his trade. He made one of the first 100 men.

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who went to Colorado to organize the town of Denver, in the laying out of which he assisted. He did not remain in the C'entennial State, however, but returned to Atchison the same year (1859). There he continued a resident until 1869, when he removed to Waterville, Kan. A few years later he came to this county, filed on a claim, and began the life of a farmer. having previously been em- ployed at his trade. Ile afterward homesteaded 160 acres on sections 32 and 33 in Barnes Township, where he has since made his home.

On Sept. 19, 1860, Mr. Landgraf took part in an interesting ceremony. It was the occasion of his marriage to Miss Margaret Bulger of Atchison, Kan. The bride is a daughter of Nicholas Bulger, and was born in Prussia, in 1842. This worthy lady has borne her husband thirteen children: Mary, Lena, Lizzie, John, Rosa, Emma, William, Barbara, .Joseph, Dora. Albert, Peter and Alma.

Mr. Landgraf is a member of the Catholic Church. As a man and citizen he is held in good repute in his locality, where he wields an extended influence.

AMES STEWART. The old settler is al- waysan object of interest among his fellow- citizens, especially if his career has been a worthy one and if, as in the present case, he has been a useful member of his community. Mr. Stewart was one ofthe early homesteaders of Blaine Township, Clay County, and is now comfortably located on section 31, where he has a fine farm. 160 acres in extent, and also owns 160 acres in Blaine Township. By the exercise of persevering industry he has transformed a portion of the prim- itive soil into a fertile farm. He comes of sub- stantial aneestry and was born in Lawrence County, Pa., Sept. 18, 1826.

Matthew and Sarah Stewart, the parents of our subject. were likewise natives of the Keystone State, and the former is still living in Lawrence County at the advanced age of ninety-three years.

The mother was born in Butler County, and de- parted this life about 1856. The family is of Seoteh-Irish descent, and was represented in Ame- rica at an early day. James, our subject, was

reared amid the quiet pursuits of farm life, and when a youth of nineteen years began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed thereafter for nearly a quarter of a century. His early educa- tion was conducted in the schools of his native township, he receiving only the limited advantages of that time and place. His habit of thought and observation. however, has served him well, as he makes it a rule to keep himself posted upon the general topics of the day.

Mr. Stewart remained a resident of his native State until a man of twenty-six years. then in 1852, started for the far West, and crossing the Missis- sippi, established himself in Scott County, Iowa. lle followed his trade in that vicinity for a period of sixteen years, working in and around Davenport, making many friends and considerable money. We next find him in Monroe County, that State, where he sojourned probably four years. In the spring of 1872 he came to Northern Kansas and home- steaded 160 acres of land in Blaine Township. where he now resides. This land when he took possession of it lay as the Indians had left it, not a furrow having been turned. The task before him seemed great, and it was at a time when this re- gion was comparatively unsettled, the cabins of. the pioneers being few and far between. The hardy spirit, however. which had been transmitted to Mr. Stewart from a worthy ancestry, served him well in this emergency.and he not only brought his first pur- chase to a good state of cultivation. but added to his possessions until they assumed their present propor -. tions. Besides this farm he has property in the city of Clay Center.

Aside from serving as a member of the School Board in his district, Mr. Stewart has carefully avoided the responsibilities of office. He has watched the growth and development of Northern Kansas with that warin interest felt by every in- telligent citizen, and it cannot be denied that he has contributed his full quota toward bringing abont its present condition. He is a member in good standing of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, in which he was at one time an Elder. Mr. Stewart was first married in 1853 to Miss Louisa Fuhr, and to them there were born three children, two of whom are living, namely, Matthew C. and William

RESIDENCE OF GEORGE W. EMRICH, SEC. 12. CHAPMAN TP. CLAY CO.

RESIDENCE OF JAMES STEWART, SEC. 31. ( T. 8.R.2.) BLAIN TP.CLAY Co.

RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM ME NEIL, SEC.30.(R.1.E). BLOOM TP., CLAY CO.

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A. Mrs. Louisa Stewart departed this life at her home in Scott County, Iowa, in 1866. Mr. Stewart was married a second time April 21, 1867, to Miss Rachel Johnson. and they have three children, two of whom are living-John K. and Sarah A.

On another page of this volume we present a a lithographie engraving of the estate, whose owner and operator is our subject; it forms a delightful scene in the landscape of the country, and is well improved with a cosy residence. outbuildings of a substantial nature, and other features of a rural homestead.

G EORGE W. EMRICH is one of the leading farmers of Clay County, and a man of ex- cellent business ability, somewhat of a leader in the political work of the vicinity, and withal a man of character and vim. His home is located in Chapman Township, and the estate, comprising 280 acres, is well-improved and furnished with good buildings.

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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 79

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

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