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 83

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 83
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 83
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 83

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Elsewhere in this volume we present a fine litho- graphic engraving of the pleasant homestead of our subject. It is one of the ideal rural homes, of which Washington County is proud, as represent- ing unremitting, unflagging labor on the part of her citizens.

S AMUEL M. FERGUSON has been pros- perously engaged in horse-shoeing and gen- eral blacksmithing in Manhattan, for nearly a quarter of a century. He may be denom- inated one of the pioneers of the State and city, much of whose growth he has witnessed, and whose interest he has promoted to the best of his ability, both as a private eitizen and when he has taken part in its government. Ile was born in New Paris, Preble Co., Ohio, Jan. 17, 1833. His father, James D. Ferguson, was a native of North Carolina, and when he was only seventeen years old he left the place of his nativity with his parents and accompanied them to Tennessee. Soon after the removal of the family to that State, our subject betook himself to Ohio, where he learned the tan- ner's trade. He did not, however, follow that call- ing, but in 1834, going to St. Joseph County, Ind., he entered a tract of government land, and in 1835 removed there with his family, and devoted him- self to farming. The first thing that he did after he settled on his land was to build a log house on the place, which was eight miles northeast of South Bend. He was among the pioneers of the

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county, and in common with the other early set- tlers, had to live in the most primitive manner. There were no railways there for years, and no markets in that section of the country, Michigan ('ity, forty miles distant, being the nearest one. Mr. Ferguson lived there till 1848, and then disposing of his property in that place, bought an improved farm in La Porte County, Ind. In 1853 he sold that, and then, with his family and an ox team, and driving his cattle before him, he started for Dallas County, Iowa. and again took up the old pioneer life. Ile bought an improved farm near Adell, and later, entered government land. There were no railways in Iowa till 1856, and Keokuk, and other river towns, 200 miles distant, were the nearest markets. He resided in that county, respected and regarded with esteem by all who knew him, till his death in 1886 at the venerable age of eighty-four years. The maiden name of the mother of our sub- ject was Elizabeth T. Ireland. She was born in Kentneky and died in lowa in 1868. She had ten children, eight of whom are now living.

He of whom we write, gleaned his education in the primitive pioneer schools of his native county, which he attended as opportunity offered. The schools, which were kept in a rude log building, were conducted on the subscription plan, and the father of our subject having a large family could not afford to send his children to school very much. As soon as Samuel was large enough he had to assist his father in clearing his land and in till- ing the soil, and was thus employed till he was nineteen. He then served a three years apprentice- ship to learn the trade of a blacksmith. At the ex- piration of that time he went to Adell, Iowa, and opening a shop in that place, carried on business there two years. After that he came to the Terri- tory of Kansas, and locating at Topeka, then a small village of scarcely more than 200 inhabitants, he worked for one man for eighteen months. losing but two days time. Revisiting Iowa a short time, he came back to Topeka, and was employed by the same man till 1859. In that year he rented the shop of him and started in business for himself. He had saved $800 from his earnings, but in a few months he did so much work on credit, for which he never received any payment, that his little fortune

was swept away and he found himself in debt to the sum of $79. Having met with such poor success in his venture, he went to St. Mary's Mission on the Pottawatomie Indian Reservation in Pottawa- tomie County, and he there managed a smithy in the interest of the government till 1865. That was the year in which he took up his residence in Man- hattan, and he immediately opened a shop in which to do shoeing and general blacksmithing, which he still carries on very profitably, having met with much greater success in this enterprise than in his former one. He has a thorough know- ledge of his trade, and his long experience has made him very skillful so that he commands a large business.

In 1861 Mr. Ferguson was married to Miss Mary A. Pickett, and of their pleasant wedded life three children have been born-Ida A., Josie E., Mary Elizabeth. Mrs. Ferguson is a native of Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y.

Mr. Ferguson is classed among the old pioneers of Kansas who came here in the carly years of its settlement, and have witnessed almost its entire growth, and as intelligent and law-abiding citizens faithfully doing their whole duty wherever placed whether in public or in private life, have mater- ially contributed to its prosperity and high stand- ing as one of the leading States in the West. He has always been a Republican, casting his first vote in a congressional election for Schuyler Colfax. and his first Presidential vote for Gen. J. C. Fre- mont. He has taken part in the administration of the government of Manhattan as a member of the City Council, proving to be a trusty and efficient official.

ENRY SCHROEDER.

There is not along the eastern line of Washington County, a more attractive home than that belonging to the subject of this biography. The point of interest centers in the handsome mod- ern residence which was completed in the fall of 1884, at a cost of $2.000 and which is represented by a fine engraving on another page of the ALBUM. This structure is finely finished, furnished in modern style and is more than ordinary well arranged.

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being remarkably convenient from chamber to cel- lar and indicating in a marked manner the taste and neatness of its presiding genius, Mrs. Schroeder. This lady besides being a very intelligent woman, is a prime housekeeper and not only makes her family comfortable, but all who come under the rooftree. Among other handsome furniture is a very sweet-toned cottage organ, upon which the skillful fingers of the son and daughter, Charles and Johanna, make charming music. The family all possess cultivated tastes, as is evinced by their surroundings and their attractive home is the re- sort of the best people of their community.

In noting the antecedents of Mr. Schroeder, we find that he was the eldest in a family of eleven children, the offspring of John A. and Sophy M. (Ditzen) Schroeder, who were born and reared in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Germany. Of that province Ilenry was also a native and first opened his eyes to the light, Sept. 18, 1841. He spent thirty years of his life in his native province and then, in 1871, accompanied his parents to America. The latter settled in Davis County, lowa, where they lived for a period of ten years, then coming to Washington County, this State, lo- cated in Hanover, where they now live retired from active labor. John Schroeder is now seventy- seven years of age and his wife ten years younger. Eight of their children are now living and are resi- dents of Kansas.

Mr. Schroeder in accordance with the laws and customs of his native country, was placed in school at an early age and pursued his studies quite steadily until a lad of fourteen. He came to America a single man and remained a bachelor until ap- proaching the forty-second year of his age. He was then married in Hanover Township to Mrs. Caroline (Carstens) Mueller. This lady is the daughter of Carl D. and Annie (Brandt) Carstens, who were likewise natives of Oldenburg and the father a blacksmith by trade. The wife and mother died in Germany in 1868. Mr. Carstens is still living in his native country and is now well advanced in years.

Mrs. Schroeder is the eldest in a family of nine children and was born lan. 28, 1851, in Olden- burg, Germany. May 10, 1869. she became the

wife of Frederick Mueller, a farmer by occupation, and accompanied him to America the same year, settling in Washington County, Kan. Mr. Mneller departed this life in August, 1882. Of that union there were born five children, four of whom are living, viz: William Henry, Charles John, Johanna and Emil. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schroe- der there is one child only. a son, Henry, born Aug. 3, 1883. Mr. Schroder takes an interest in local affairs and votes the straight Democratic ticket. Ile has never aspired for office but has served as Treasurer in School District No. 99, for some time. Both he and his wife are members in good standing of the German Lutheran Church at Hanover. They number their friends by the score among the good people of Washington County. They appear to be a couple singularly well mated and their domestic life forms a picture truly delightful to look upon.

The Schroeder homestead embraces 400 acres of choice land, all in one body and under a thorough state of cultivation. Besides the family residence there is another dwelling with all the necessary outbuildings, occupied by a tenant. Mr. Schroeder some years since set out a small orchard, which he contemplates enlarging by three acres in the near future. He has 100 grape vines and several varie- ties of the smaller fruits. His farm operations include stock raising, and the present year (1889) he has ninety head of cattle, 150 head of swine and ten good work horses.

M ESSRS. CAMPBELL & VALENTINE, ed- itors and proprietors of the Times, pub- lished at Clay Center, are conducting the leading paper of this county, a journal having a large circulation and wielding a sensible influence among its citizens. It is a nine column folio, printed at home and enjoys a generous adver- tising patronage. The office is thoroughly equipped for job printing of all kinds, commercial, pamphlet and show bills. Its presses are operated by steam and there is in connection with it a complete stereo- typing outfit, rubber stamp manufactory, and in

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fact all the other facilities for this branch of the business to be found in the larger cities.

The Clay Center Times was established in 1876 at Clifton. by F. Cunningham, under the name of the Localist, but a few years later was removed to the county seat and in due time was purchased by Mr. J. P. Campbell, one of the present proprietors, soon after which its present prosperity commenced. Mr. Campbell was a newspaper man of experience and under his management the paper at once im- proved and was established on a firm basis. On the Ist of January, 1884, Mr. Campbell sold out to his present partner, Mr. D. A. Valentine, and in Au- gust, 1886, the latter started a daily edition which he continued two and one-half years. Then the hard times consequent upon years of failure of crops in Kansas induced the proprietors to diseon- tinue the daily edition. Mr. Campbell had during this time, in March, 1887, entered into partnership with Mr. Valentine. While the daily was running it was conceded to be one of the most live, newsy and progressive papers ever issued in Kansas.

The Times is Republican in politics and has always been an important factor in promoting the growth and prosperity of the city and county whose interests it is foremost in advocating and fostering. Its proprietors are men of decided views, having the welfare of the community at heart and the Times voices their sentiments with no uucertain sound. John P. Campbell is a native of Kentucky. born in Stanford, Lincoln County, March 13, 1852. His grandfather on the paternal side was a resident of that State and there his father, John A. Campbell, was born in 1820. The latter learned cabinet-mak- ing in his youth, at which he worked until some years after his marriage, which took place in Lin- colu County, Ky., in 1844, Miss Nancy E. Emerson becoming his wife. Mrs. Campbell was also a na- tive of Kentucky, and born in Cumberland County, Jan. 25, 1823. She is living and is a resident of Clay Center, this State.

John Campbell late in life became a farmer, own- ing land in Washington County, Ky., and it was while working on this place that he endured the shock which terminated his life. He first became over heated in the harvest field and then, becoming chilled, quick consumption ensued which terminated

his life, July 14, 1854, at the age of thirty-two years. IIc had taken a somewhat prominent part in local politics, being a stanch Whig, and of course as a Kentuckian. was an admirer of the great statesman, Henry Clay. The Campbell family were all Whigs before the war and all became Republi- cans during its progress. The father of our subject was appointed Postmaster of Stanford in 1842, under the administration of President Tyler. and held the office until his death. He was a popular man in the neighborhood where he lived aud exer- eised a considerable influence. Honest and upright, he enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew bim.

On the maternal side the Emerson family were of Scotch-Irish extraction. The ancestor who im- migrated served as a soldier under Washington during the Revolutionary War and at its close set- tled in Cumberland County, Ky., near the Tennes- see line, where he died in the ninety-ninth year of his age. His deseendants became lawyers and jur- ists of distinetion in Kentucky and Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. John A. Campbell had five sons, but no daughters. Two of the boys died while young. The other three arc yet living. William P'., is a resident of Wichita, this State, and a praetieing lawyer. For nine years he was judge of the Thir- teenth Judicial District of Kansas, then comprising the counties of Butler. Sedgwick, Sumner, Cowley. Elk and Chautauqua. He is one of the best known residents of the State and has been the candidate of the Democratic party for Associate Justice and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Francis J., makes his home at Stanford Ky., but for the past ten years has been manager of the old Rock Castle Springs, a summer resort in the mountains. He is a man of marked characteristics, essentially a philan- thropist, doing all he can for the welfare and ad- vancement of the poorer people who live in those mountains and is greatly beloved by them. Ile has ministered both to their souls and bodies, acting in the capacity of preacher, doetor and ruler. Should he leave them, he would be greatly missed by those who have learned to rely implicitly upon him.

John P. Campbell is the youngest of the three sons living. Until twelve years old he continued a resident of his native town, attending first a "dis-

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tiict " school and afterward Stanford Seminary. At the age mentioned he commenced an apprentice- ship at the trade of saddlery and harness-making, but not liking this abandoned it after a few months. He then embraced the opportunity offered to enter the office of the Stanford Banner, the first paper published in that place. There he learned the printer's trade and while yet a boy became foreman of the office. Later, leaving that employment, he engaged to work for an unele who operated a saw- mill on Rock Castle River and with whom he staid about one year, when the uncle, who was a lawyer, removed to Somerset, Ky., and young John was started on a collegiate course in that city.

Mr. Campbell, however, did not complete his college course, being compelled to leave by the de- parture of his uncle and he returned to the home of his mother, who had taken a farm in Lincoln County, Ky. He was employed the following year as clerk in a store until the building was burned. Then at the age of seventeen he entered the employ of W. A. Holland, editor of the Constitutionalist at Newcastle, Ky., with whom he remained two years. He was then engaged at his old home as elerk in a general store kept by Chenault & Hughes, and in that capacity spent a year.

At the expiration of this time Mr. Campbell caught the Kansas fever, coming to this State in September, 1870, and procuring a position as book- keeper in the Walnut Valley Bank at Eldorado. In the meantime he employed his leisure hours at sign-painting. After the re organization of the in- institution as the First National Bank, Mr. Camp- bell was made Assistant C'ashier, which position he held until February, 1874. Then at the solicita- tion of the directors of the First National Bank of Wichita, he resigned to accept a similar position there. In March, 1875, going to Osage City lic established the Osage City Free Press, which he conducted fourteen months, then selling out he, in partnership with Charles M. Foulks, embarked in the dry-goods trade at Neosha Fails and Osage City.

The above venture not turning out as lie ex- pected, Mr. Campbell, at the end of six months retired, and repairing to Clay Center purchased the Dispatch, then the only paper published in the

county. This be conducted very successfully until 1880, making the paper both profitable and in- fluential. In January, of that year, he sold a half interest to Hon. Wirt W. Walton to whom he gave the editorial management, he in the meantime starting the Republican Valley Bank, a private in- stitution. In 1882 the bankjwas incorporated under the State law. In November, 1883, the business was sold and it was incorporated under the National law as the First National Bank of Clay Center, Mr. Campbell retiring.

The next enterprise Mr. Campbell engaged in was the purchase of the Clay Center Times, he having sold his interest in the Dispatch to D. A. Valentine and bought the Times while still con- nected with the bank. Ile retained ownership until January, 1884, when he again became a part- ner in the Dispatch office, but in August, of that year he retired from that office and at the earnest solicitation of the owners of the bank, lie took it off their hands and re-organizing it became its Vice President, serving behind the counter until March, 1887, when he bought his present interest in the Times. He has, however, always retained his posi- tion of Vice President in the bank.

Mr. Campbell has been an active factor in the building up and development of Clay Center, hav- ing erected some of its best buildings, both for business and residence purposes. He is a Director in the Loan and Building Association of Clay Cen- ter and also a Director in the bank of Wakefield, in Clay County. He is Secretary of the Kansas & Boston Investment Company, which owns large tracts of land adjoining the city of Clay Center, and in every project tending to the advancement of the city or county he takes a warm interest.

On the 16th of May, 1876, Mr. Campbell was united in marriage with Miss Ellen L., daughter of P. E. and Catherine Hosmer, residents of Nashville, Ill., where their marriage was celebrated and where Mrs. Campbell was born, Feb. 1, 1855. They have two children-Ruth Hosmer and Kenneth Hosmer. One child, Donald Emerson, died in infancy. Mr. Campbell is a Trustee of the Presbyterian Church in Clay Center. A stanch Republican in politics, he takes a warm interest in the success of the party for which he labors ardently, but for himself does

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not seek political position. Still a young man, he has made for himself an enviable position in bnsi- ness circles and has, by his own energy, foresight and good judgment, acquired ample means. He deservedly ranks high in the community of which he is a member.

NDREW P. PATTERSON is a native of of Sweden, having first seen the light near Christianstad, on March 12, 1834. He was reared on a farm, and well educated in the schools of his native country. Having arrived at a suitable age, he learned the tailor's trade in Chris- tianstad, and afterward worked at the same in Copenhagen, Lubec, Hamburg and Hanover. Con- cluding that the New World afforded him a better field for his energies and the upbuilding of his for- tunes, he took passage from Hamburg on a sailing vessel bound for the United States, landing at New York City, Oct. 24, 1863, after a voyage of six and a half weeks.

After reaching America Mr. Patterson's first lo- cation was in Brooklyn, N. Y., where he worked at his trade about a year. Thence he went to New Boston, Ill., where his brother Olaf had previously located, and with whom he sojourned a short time. Thence he went to Burlington, Iowa, and from there to Chicago, Ill., working at his trade about two years there. In 1866 he came to Kansas, stop- ping at Manhattan for a few days. He then sent his wife to Morganville, where her father had lo- cated, and himself went to Lawrence to get work. llis father-in-law was poor and our subject assisted in the support of the family. A few months later Mr. Patterson came to Clay County and home- steaded 160 acres on section 1, Sherman Township, where he now lives. Ile had previously pre-empted eighty acres on section 22, Clay Center Township, and upon that claim his father-in-law spent the rest of his life.

When Mr. Patterson located on the farm which he now occupies he built a log-house 14x16 feet, which was the family residence for several years. During that time he improved his farm, erecting various outbuildings, and planting an orchard and

many forest trees. lle now has a valuable farm, well-tilled. and furnished with stables, cribs, gra- naries, etc. The present residence is a substantial frame house, comfortably furnished, and neatly kept by the excellent house-keeper who presides over it.

The parents of our subject were Par and Gunila (Muslander) Parson, of Swedish ancestry and na- tivity. They belonged to the Lutheran Church. Mr, Patterson's maternal grandfather was for many years the organist in his church.

In Burlington, Iowa, Mr. Patterson was united in marriage with Miss Louisa, daughter of S. Lin- gering, the bride being of Swedish parentage and ancestry, and the family, members of the Lutheran Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Patterson three chil- dren have been born, namely ; Ida, (now deceased ), Aaron and John.

The family of Mr. Patterson are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a success- ful farmer, a good neighbor, and a man of upright character, and is one of the most highly respected citizens of the township. Mrs. Patterson's mother, who was a native of Sweden, came to Ame- rica with her husband in 1856, and located in New Sweden, Iowa, where they lived several years and then went to Biggsville, Ill., where they lived until 1867, when they came to Kansas. In 1887 they went back to Sweden where the father was taken ill and died. The mother now makes her home with on subject.

A view of the family residence of the Pattersons is presented on another page, and reflects credit upon its proprietor and builder.

ARIU'S M. WATSON is one of the enter- prising and progressive farmers of Wash- ington County. His home is located in Coleman Township, and comprises eighty acres of fine land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He has set out about 100 apple and peach trees, grapes and a variety of small fruits.

Mr. Watson is a native of Bloomington, Ind., where he was born April 24, 1838. There he was

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reared, and received an excellent education in the common sehool branches. At the age of twenty- two he went to Champaign, Ill., where he remained about a year. He then, at the breaking out of the Civil War, returned to his home in Indiana and enlisted in Company F., 82d Indiana Infantry. He took part in the Kentucky campaign, and the battles of Perrysville. Mursfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and all the engagements between Chattanooga and Atlanta. Among those of the latter Campaign were Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and the Siege of Atlanta. Af- ter the eapture of the latter place, Mr. Watson was taken siek, and was sent East to the hospitals. Two months before the expiration of the three years for which he had enlisted, he was discharged at the Madison, Ind., Hospital, for disability.

Returning to Illinois he took up his abode near Gridley, MeLean County, on a farm. There he lived for six years, thence removing to the south- western part of Cedar County, Mo., where he bought a farm. After a residence there of four years he sold out and went to Black Hawk County, Iowa, where he lived about six years. From that State he came to Kansas, and settled where he now resides.

Mr. Watson was married in his native place, on New Years Day, 1859. The young lady with whom he was united was Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham and Susan (Whisnand) Young of that place, formerly of Kentucky. The marriage has been blessed by the birth of seven children. Mary S., the eldest child, is the wife of John MeKee, a minister of the Christian Church, now living in Milwaukee, Wis. James is living with his parents. Ile was married but a few months sinee. Stella G., a young lady of eighteen years is now attending school at Milwaukee. She is perfecting herself for the position of teacher, having already labored in that profession. Ollie is a young miss still at home. Claude D., Blanche and the infant complete the family.

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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 83

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

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