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 85

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 85
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 85
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 85

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).

The early home of Capt. Frank was in what was then the Kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany. where he was born Nov. 8, 1836. He comes of pure German stock, being the son of Leonard and Mar- garet Frank, whose family consisted of five boys. Andrew, the second eldest of these continues a res- ident of his native Germany. The others all emi- grated to America. George lives in New Jersey;

Leonard is a resident of Indiana; George M. died when about forty years old; William, of this sketch, was the youngest born.

Capt. Frank. in accordance with the laws and customs of his native land, was placed in school at an early age and pursued his studies until a lad of fourteen. For four years thereafter he employed himself at watch-making until 1854, and then. a youth of eighteen years, set out for America. After a safe voyage he landed in New York City on the 25th of December following, and soon afterward went to New Jersey, joining his two brothers there. lle lived in that State nine months, then, emigrat- ing to Ohio, settled in Marseilles, and occupied himself at whatever he could ånd to do. Ile had learned watch-making in Germany. but there was little call for his services in this line.

At Marseilles, Ohio, young Frank made the ac- quaintance of one William Phillips, a shoemaker. and from him learned the trade and engaged in business with him until October, 1861. The Civil War now being in progress he enlisted in the ser- vice as a musician, and later was detailed as chief bugler of the non-commissioned staff of the 15th Ohio Infantry, and served until the general order of the War Department, discharging all musicians. Returning then to Ohio he raised a company of men which was mustered in as Company G, 144th Ohio Infantry, of which he was elected Captain, May 2. 1864. Ile served until November following, and then received his honorable discharge.

Returning now once more to Ohio, Capt. Frank resumed business with his shoemaker friend, Mr. Phillips, adding a tanyard to the establishment and giving employment to a number of men. The ('aptain, however, was ambitious of becoming a citizen of the West, and accordingly, in 1869, coming to Washington County, Kan., took up a homestead, and in the meantime learned the drug business in Washington. He also improved his leisure time at his old trade of watch-making and repairing.

In 1872 Capt. Frank, going to Republic County, this State, established a drug business at White Rock, sojourning there until 1876, then returning to Washington lie re-engaged in the drug business, which he prosecuted until 1882. Then on account

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of failing health he was obliged to retire, and he took up his abode on the old homestead. A busi- ness life, however, still had its attractions for him and in 1887 be passed a successful examination he- fore the Board of Pharmacy, and once more en- tered the channels of trade, as a clerk in the drug business at Greenleaf. Afterward he was variously oeenpied until 1889.

While a resident of Marseilles, Ohio, Capt. Frank was united in marriage with Miss Mary, danghter of William Phillips, the wedding taking place at the bride's home Aug. 2, 1863. Mrs. Frank was born in Marseilles. Ohio, in 1845. and spent her childhood and youth uneventfully under the pa- rental roof until her marriage. The Captain and his excellent lady are the parents of four children, one of whom, a little daughter, Minnie, was taken from the home circle by death at the age of two years and four months; Effa is the wife of M. Thinnes; Willie is at home with his parents; Lettie married George Stein and lives in Greenleaf, Kan. Capt. Frank east his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. While a resident of the Buck- eye State, he officiated as Mayor of Marseilles for three years. Besides his farm property he is the owner of a good honse and lot in Greenleaf.

C HILES C. COLEMAN, Prosecuting Attor- ney of Clay County, is serving his third year as such, with eredit to himself and sat- isfaction to his constituents. He was born nearly thirty -five years ago, Dec. 29, 1854, in Boone County. Ky., and lived there until a youth of nine- teen years, completing his early education in the Morgan Academy at Burlington, Ky. Then, ac- companied by two sisters, the parents having died, he came to Kansas and entered the office of M. M. Miller, where he prosecuted his law studies nntil May, 1878. Ile was then admitted to the bar, and while working up a practice, employed himself as Deputy Register of Deeds two years, and until Jan- mary, 1881.

Mr. Coleman now went into the real estate office of J. Pinkerton & Co. as a partner, continuing with

them until August, 1885. At this time he pur- chased the law office of E. W. MeJunkin, and has since been actively engaged in the practice of his chosen profession. llis library is extensive, and comprises a careful selection of text books and re- ports of the latest editions. His practice is large and increasing. He was elected to his present office in 1886, and re-elected in 1888, on the Re- publiean tieket. To this party he has given his nu- qualified support since becoming a voter. Ile is a close student and keeps himself fully informed upon the questions which are constantly arising in con- nection with his profession. Ile is a man well-liked in his community. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery, in each of which he has beenpied the highest offices, and in his re- ligious views he is a Presbyterian, belonging to the church at Clay C'enter.

Mr. Coleman was married Oct. 10, 1878, in Clay Center, to Miss Willie Miller, sister of M. M. Miller, of that city, and a native of Galena, III. Mrs. Cole - man was born Sept. 24, 1855, and a daughter of Henry W. Miller, who died at Galena. She lived with her mother in Galena until 1873, then re- moved to Clay Center. Of her union with our subject there have been born three children-Kath- erine, Virginia, and Preston.

The father of our subject was .James P. Coleman, who was born in Fayette County, Ky., Oet. 30, 1829. His parents removed to Boone County when he was five years old, where he was reared to man's estate, and was married to Miss Mary Katherine Fraizer. He prosecuted farming for many years thereafter, and also taught school, becoming prin- cipal of Morgan Academy. Ile was well educated, having been graduated from Center College, Dan- ville, Ky. He followed the profession of a teacher until his decease, Sept. 20, 1873. There are now living besides our subject, his two sisters-Miss Mary, who was elected in 1887, as an independent candidate for Register of Deeds, and Anna, both of whom are residents of Clay Center.

The mother of our subject departed this life at Burlington, Ky., in 1567. She was born in Cynthi- ana, Ky., in 1832, and removed to Boone County, with her mother when a maiden of sixteen years. Chiles C., like his father, also adopted the profes-

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sion of teaching. which he followed two years in Kentucky, and one year after coming to Kansas. James P. Coleman was identified with the Repub- lican party from its organization until his decease. Ile enlisted in the Union service after the outbreak of the Civil War, but was rejected on account of physical disability. Since attaining his majority, Mr. Coleman has been a stanch adherent of the principles of the Republican party, and is recog- nized as one of the substantial leaders of the party in Northern Kansas.

C OMFORT WALLER YOUNG. In making note of the leading men of Greenleaf, Wash- ington County, the biographer finds that Mr. Young occupies no secondary position, being one of its most enterprising men and possessing a snug amount of this world's goods. He is an ex- tensive grain dealer, owning and operating the steam elevator and takes a warm interest in the prosperity and advancement of his adopted town. Ile is a native of Washington County, Wis., and was born Nov. 3, 1855. He is consequently only thirty-four years of age and for a man of his years has made admirable headway financially, while he is fully established in the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens.

This branch of the Young family originated in Scotland where William and Mary (Graham) Young, the parents of our subject, were born. The parents emigrated to the United States about 1842 and are now living in Washington, Kan. Comfort was the youngest in a family of five children and was reared on the farm in his native county, at- tending first the district schools. Later he pursued his studies in the academy at West Bend and in due time developed into a pedagogue. lle fol- lowed teaching and farming alternately, until twenty-nine years old and then being seriously in- jured by the falling of a tree was incapacitated for further business for some time. In the meantime he had become owner of a farm in Wisconsin, but upon regaining his health he sold this and in the spring of 1886 came to Kansas and engaged in the grain and coal trade with his brother, A. A. Young

in Greenleaf. The Young Brothers were among the very first men to locate in the embryo town. In Jannary, 1888 our subject purchased the interest of his brother and in addition to the commodities already mentioned deals in farm implements and icc. He started for himself with a capital of $200 given him by his father and aside from this has made his own way nnaided. Too much credit can- not be given him for the perseverance and industry with which he has labored and they have borne their legitimate fruits.

In Washington County, Wis., Mr. Young was married March 25, 1880, to Miss Matilda Board. Mrs. Young is a native of Devonshire, England, and was born Feb. 18, 1856. She emigrated to America when a child with her parents, Charles E. and Susan (Langler) Board, about 1858. They settled in Washington County, Wis., where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Young are the parents of four children, viz: Alice S., born Feb. 19, 1881; Cora F., May 13, 1883; Fanny G .. Dec. 27. 1885 and Gerald C .. July 9. 1888. They form a very bright and interesting group and will be given the education and training suitable to their position in life.

Politically, Mr. Young fully endorses the prin- ciples of the Republican party and although not ambitious for office he has at different times held various positions of public trust and responsibility. Ile came to Greenleaf at a time when enterprising men were most needed and has contributed his full quota to its prosperity and advancement.

OSEPII KIMBLE, one of the steady-going farmers of Manhattan Township, Riley County, is comfortably located on 102 acres on section 11, four miles northwest of the city, and besides this, has 160 acres on Wild C'at Creek. ITis residence is a well-built two-story stone structure, flanked by a substantial barn, and the necessary outbuildings, and there is an orchard of 400 apple trees besides a goodly number of cherry, peach and pear trees. Mr. Kimble came to Kansas with his parents in 1861. when a lad of thirteen years, they settling on Wild Cat Creek and

RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH KIMBLE, SEC.11. MANHATTAN TP., RILEY CO. KAN.

RESIDENCE OF C. J. DAHLBERG, SEC. G. ( T. 7. R.7.) RILEY CO. KAN.

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building up a home from an uncultivated tract of land soon after Kansas was admitted into the l'nion as a State.

The subject of this sketch was born in Sarahs- ville, Noble Co., Ohio, Jan. 20, 1848, and is the son of Samuel and Mary ( Petty ) Kimble, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this ALBUM. Joseph was reared to farming pursuits and remained a mem- ber of the parental household until twenty-three years old. He attended the district schools in his boyhood days and completed his edueation in Blue- mont College. When a man of twenty-five years he was united in marriage with Miss Belle Dempsey, at the bride's home in Manhattan Township, June 15, 1873. This lady was the daughter of James and Elizabeth Dempsey, formerly of Kentucky, and now deceased. Mrs. Belle Kimble departed this life at the homestead in Manhattan Township, Sept. 23, 1888. There were born to Mr.and Mrs. Kimble eight children, viz .: Mary E., Josephine, Georgia A., Ralph K., Nellie, Samuel, Karl and Mary Belle; they are all at home with their father.

Mr. Kimble on Jan. 24, 1889, contracted a sec- ond marriage with Miss Loretta P. Dodge, and there has been born to them one child, a daughter, Luey P. Politically, Mr. Kimble votes with the Democratic party, but has very little to do with public affairs, preferring to confine his attention to his farming interests. His home-surroundings are such as should afford him a large measure of con- tenment, as will be acknowledged by all who look upon the view of them which our artist presents elsewhere in this work.

C ARL J. DAHLBERG, the oldest Swedish living settler of Riley County, dates his arrival here from the fall of 1857, and thus has been a resident for the long period of thirty-two years. A course of industry and prudence has made him comparatively independent and the owner of a valuable farm of 520 acres, occupying the greater portion of section 6, Jackson Township. Personally, Mr. Dahlberg is a pleasant and compan- ionable old gentleman -- one whose hospitable doors

are always open to both friend and stranger. who are at once impressed by the exeellenee of his character.

The Dahlberg family originated in Sweden sey- eral hundred years ago. The father of our sub- ject, Magnus, was a native of Kalmarland and the son of Gustav N. was also born there and the owner of a large estate. The former was reared to farming pursuits which he proseeuted through life. He died when Carl J. was ten years old. His wife, Maria, was likewise of Swedish birth and parentage and the daughter of Peter Dahlberg, another large farmer of that region. Her death occurred in Sweden in 1874, after she had reached the advanced age of ninety-five years; she was a member of the Luth- eran Church. Their three children were Peter MI. and Stina E., both deceased ; and Carl J.

The subject of this sketch was born in Christ- dala Soken, Kalmarland, Sweden, July 27, 1823, where he was reared on a farm and grew to man's estate. There also was born the famous singer, Jenny Lind, who subsequently uttered her wonder- ful notes, not only before the crowned heads of Europe, but also the people of America, and Mr. Dahlberg became personally acquainted with her. He enjoyed the advantages of the common schools, acquiring an excellent education in bis native tongue. He lived with his mother until reaching his majority and then having fallen heir to quite a fortune in the shape of a large farm, he began cultivating this and was subsequently largely interested in stock-raising.

In the fall of 1854, however, Mr. Dahlberg dis- posed of all his possessions in his native land and set out for America. He was six weeks making the voyage from Liverpool to New York City, and thence proceeded to Rock Island, Ill., where he sojourned one year. At the expiration of this time he purchased eighty aeres of wild land in the vicinity of Andover, Henry County, upon which he operated until 1857. Then, on account of fail- ing health. he determined to seek a dryer climate and started overland with an ox-team for Kansas Territory. He crossed the Mississippi River at Burlington and the Missouri, at St. Joseph, and after one months travel, July 15, struck the Big Blue and purchased 160 acres of raw land. He put

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up a log-cabin, broke the soil with an ox-team and gained notoriety as being the third Swedish settler on the Bine, and the first Swedish settler in Riley County. Indians were often seen in that region and in 1864 Mr. Dahlberg served for a time in the State Militia for the protection of the frontier.

The career of Mr. Dahlberg in Kansas has been one of uniform success, and he was at one time the owner of 740 acres of land. He has parted with over 200 acres of this to his children. He has effected first-class improvements, including a sub- stantial stone house built in 1870, and has a good barn with a windmill, water tank, orchards and groves, the whole situated about two miles from Randolph, Riley County. In the early days Mr. Dalılberg freighted his produce to the river points -Atchison, Leavenworth, etc. In addition to gen- eral farming he keeps a goodly assortment of live- stock, usually about 200 head of cattle, and a numbers of swine. The farm is now ( 1889) oper- ated by a tenant on shares.

In Sweden on the 14th of October, 1845, oc- curred the marriage of Mr. Dahlberg with Miss Johanna Gustafson. This lady was born near the early home of her husband and they are now the parents of seven children, only two of whom are living: Carl Victor, who is represented on an- other page in this work, and Clara J. who lives in Pottawatomie' County; Johanna died when seven years old and Josiah at the age of three years; John S. , Emily C. and Amanda died of typhoid fever within a month, in November, 1885, aged respectively, twenty-five, twenty-three and twenty years. Clara J. is the wife of Axel Axelton, a farmer of Pottawatomie County.

Mr. Dahlberg assisted in organizing Jackson Township and his school district. He assisted in building the first school house, and has always en- couraged the education of the young, believing that they should receive every advantage which will make of them good citizens. He is a charter member of the Swedish Lutheran Church at Maria- dahl, and assisted in building the church edifice, being one of the committee. Last year he resigned the office of Deacon which he had held for some time, but he officiates as Trustee. l'pon becoming a voting citizen he allied himself with the Republi-

can party, of whose principles he is a strong sup- porter and is frequently sent as a delegate to tlie county conventions. The Dahlberg homestead, cheerful and hospitable and partaking largely of the character of its projector makes a pleasing picture in the landscape, and is duly illustrated on another page.

Ri ICHARD FREEMAN landed in Logan Township, Washington County, on the 8th of March, 1870, and immediately filed a claim on the southwest quarter of section 11, where he built up a homestead, which he has since owned and occupied. During the changes of nearly twenty years which have clapsed le, if a ready writer, might indite a tale of truth which perhaps in some respects would be stranger than fiction. The face of the country presented a wild and un- cultivated tract of land, with here and there the cabin of a settler, with wild animals in abundance, and most of the soil lying as the Indians had left it. It required men of courage to thus leave the haunts of civilization and venture into a wild re- gion where there were none of the comforts of modern life. Mr. Freeman possessed in a marked degree the requisites of a pioneer, as subsequent events most decidedly proved.

The subject of this sketch was born in Grant County, Ind .. Jan. 3, 1849, and is the son of Win- field S. and Cassandra (Beatty ) Freeman, who were natives respectively of South Carolina and Ohio. They emigrated with their respective parents to Indiana at an early day, settling in Grant County, where they were married. In 1863 they removed to Stark County. and thence, in 1867, to Kansas, settling first in Doniphan County. Later they re- moved to Missouri, where the father died. The mother returned to this State, and is now a resident of Doniphan County. The parental family included four children-Samuel, Richard, Emsley, and Eliza Melissa, who is deceased.

Mr. Freeman, leaving Indiana in 1864, came to this State with the family, and like them sojourned in Doniphan County for a time and was employed as a farm laborer. In 1870 he came to Washington

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County. In the meantime he had crossed the plains to New Mexico, for the purpose of freight- ing, and spent seventeen weeks on the Pacific Slope. With the exception of eighteen months spent in Washington, he lias, since 1870, resided continuously upon his farm. This embraces 163 acres of good land, which yield in abundance the rich crops of this region, but which for the past two years has been mainly devoted to stock-raising.

In Doniphan County, in 1869, Richard Freeman was united in marriage with Miss E. A. Hewett. This lady was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, Nov. 16, 1843, and is the daughter of Chauncey Hewett, who is now deceased. Of her union with our subject there have been born seven children- Arminda, Alonzo. Idella, Oliver O .; Arthur, who died when three years old; Eddie and Florence. Mr. Freeman, politically, affiliates with the Repub- lican party, and in his religious views endorses the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The children are all at home with their parents.

ACOB FREOHLICH, farmer and stock- raiser, has been a resident of Washington County for a score of years. His beautiful farm is located on section 1, Farmington Township. It is under excellent cultivation, the substantial buildings which have been erected upon it are well adapted for their purpose, and the land is beautified by numerous shade and fruit trees. Switzerland is the native land of our subject, and his natal day was April 28, 1847. At the age of eighteen he emigrated to America, landing in New York City. Thence he traveled to Livingston County, Ill., where he remained for two years, working out by the month as a teamster. Turning his steps Westward in 1868, he came to Atchison, Kan., where he lived about two years. In No- vember, 1869, he settled upon the farm which he now occupies, which he has since brought to its present state of perfection.

In Atchison, March 19, 1868. a ceremony was performed by which Miss Minnie Fiss became Mrs. Jacob Freohlich. She is a Prussian lady, who first saw the light July 1, 1848. She has borne

her husband seven children-Emma. Bertha, Lena, Louisa, Fred, Arthur and Harry. Louisa died at six years and four months of age.

Mr. Freohtich has held several of the township offices. He has served as Constable. School Director. and Overseer of Township Highways. performing the duties of office in the same wide- awake spirit in which he carries on his personal affairs, In poli- tics he is a Republican, and has often been in at- tendance as a delegate to the conventions of his party. He and his wife, religiously, are members of the Lutheran Church, Both are of marked in- telligence, full of the spirit of the times. and inter- ested in the advancement of the community, where they are held in high esteem.

ELS CHRISTENSEN, Postmaster of Clark- son, Riley County, is one of the most prominent and public-spirited men of Swede Creek Township and likewise is one of its leading citizens. In addition to the duties of his office he conducts a store of general merchandise, also a fine farm located on section 32. He has an attractive home, furnished with all modern conveniences and which forms one of the landmarks of this region.

The subject of this sketch was born near Mari- boe, on the island Laaland, June 21, 1830, and is of Danish ancestry. His parents were in limited circumstances and he only attended school a few years, beginning to work out when a lad of nine and thereafter made his own living. lle was ad- opted by one Henry Mincke, who was a proprietor of a large estate called the " Soholt Farm ", and and who became a very prominent man in Den- mark. With him young Christensen remained un- til past fifteen years old, when he was apprenticed to the weaver's trade. After four years thus spent he returned to Mariboe, where lie served longer as an apprentice and finally developed into a journey- man. After working in this capacity one year, he repaired to the city of Copenhagen and began work in the first steam weaving factory in Denmark, where by his fidelity and attention to his duties he was promoted to the position of Division Superin-

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tendent. In the meantime he studied German and English, and the first book which he read in the German tongue was that well-known story "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which has been translated into most all of the living languages. His first book in Eng- lish was " Rip Van Winkle ." equally well known.

In August, 1854, when a young man of twenty- four years, Mr. Christensen set out for America, going first to Liverpool. England, where he em- barked on the sailing vessel "Constantine " for New York City. The only redeeming feature of this craft was its cleanliness, as otherwise the pas- sengers suffered nearly everything which could be imagined. After a voyage of four and one-half weeks Mr. Christensen landed in New York City, nearly starved, not having tasted a bite of meat on the way. In addition to this, his trunk was broken open and his belongings stolen. He arrived among strangers in a strange land during the financial crisis of that year, with only fifty cents in his pocket and finding almost everyone out of employ- ment.

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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 85

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

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