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 88

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 88
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 88
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 88

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).

Mr. Waring in his life-work has shown himself to be possessed of skill and sound judgment, which, combined with thrift, steadiness of purpose and other traits of character necessary to success in any calling, have made him prosperous, But while laboring to accumulate a competence, he has

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not been unmindful of his duties as a good man and a reliable citizen, as is proved by his dealings with others as concerns the former, and by his war record and subsequent conduct as regards the lat- ter. He was a Republican for many years, but of late years has been identified with the Greenback and Union Labor parties. He is a member of the A.F.& A. M., belonging to LaFayette Lodge, No.16. He is a prominent member of the G.A.R. as repre- sented in this city. belonging to the Lew Gove Post, No. 100, he having been a charter member of the Post, and to him the honor is due of propos- ing the name that it bears, and he was its second Commander.

RANKLIN A. PAULL. Nothing fills the soul of the biographer with more pleasure than to meet "a gentleman to the manor born." Mr. Paul would be at once recognized any- where, as possessing those qualities of character which insure a man hosts of friends and upon whom too high an estimate can scarcely be placed. Genial, companionable and courteous in a marked degree, he is likewise a business man of fine abilities and, it is hardly necessary to say, occupies a high position in social as well as business circles. He is interested in agricultural pursuits and has a beautiful and at- tractive homestead, comprising 320 acres of land ly- ing on section 13, Brantford Township, Washington County. This farm has been developed by a man of no ordinary enterprise as its appearance indicates.

The native place of our subject was Medina County, Ohio, and the date of his birth June 30, 1840. lle was reared from boyhood to farm pur- suits and finds in the tilling of the soil, of which he has made an art and a science, his chief pleasure. When he was two and one- half years old his parents left Ohio and removed to Kane County, Ill., where they sojourned for eleven years.

Thence they pushed on westward across the Mis- sissippi into Keokuk County, Iowa, and Franklin A. continued a member of the parental household until after the outbreak of the Civil War.

In Angust, 1861, being then a young man of twenty-one years and full of patriotic ardor, Mr. Paull entered the I'nion army as a member of Com-

pany F. 8th Iowa Infantry, enlisting for three years, or during the war. Ile acquitted himself in a creditable manner as a soldier and remained in the service until May, 1866. His duties chiefly lay in Alabama and Georgia and he participated in many of the mémorable battles fought in that region and although experiencing many hairbreadth es- capes, was never wounded or taken prisoner. At the close of the war he was mustered out at Selma, Ala., received his honorable discharge at Davenport. Iowa. His fine constitution enabled him to endure the hardships and privations of army life without injury, and he returned bome sound and well.

Mr. Paull immediately commenced farming in Iowa, remaining there until 1872. While a soldier, he returned home on a furlough and on the 13th of April, 1864, he was united in marriage with Miss Ann Conklin. a native of Ohio' and to them bave been born seven children of whom four are living. In the fall of 1872, Mr. Paull set out for Washington County, Kan., and homesteaded 160 acres of his present farm. Its condition at that time was widely in contrast to its present state. it being then a wild and uncultivated tract, with- out trees or buildings. His improvements now are simply elegant, comprising a fine residence with corresponding outbuildings and all the ma- chinery and other appliances necessary to success- ful agriculture. Stock-raising forms a leading feature in the operations of Mr. Paull. He makes a specialty of fine horses, having a valuable, im- ported Percheron stallion and a goodly number of brood mares and colts. He is able to exhibit some of the finest animals in both cattle and horses, in Northern Kansas. Ile has also a fine herd of Po- land-China swine.

After finding himself upon solid ground, financi- ally, Mr. Paul added to his landed possessions by the purchase of another 160 acres, so that he is now the owner of a half section. The whole has been brought to a fine state of cultivation and planted with forest and fruit trees, there being upon each quarter section an excellent orchard in good bear- ing condition. His barnyards and feed lots are all arranged conveniently and a wind pump dis- burses pure water through pipes to whatever spot needed. This water flows from living springs and

STORE

EUSTRAWBERRY STORE

ZUMAR

EFFET

FARM RESIDENCE OF F. A. PAULL, SEC. 13. (T.4.R.I.E) BRANTFORD TP.,WASHINGTON CO. KAN.

FARM - RESIDENCE OF PETER BICHEL, SEC, 35. GRANT TP. WASHINGTON CO. KAN.

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there is also another rivulet flowing through the farm and bordered with timber. Mr. Paull intends in the near future to feed an additional number of cattle, as he finds this industry very profitable.

The subject of this sketch was the son of George A. Panll, who was born in New York State and came to Kansas in 1874, settling in Ellsworth County. He homesteaded eighty acres of land from which he opened up a good farm and where he still lives. He was married in early manhood to Miss Eliza Spencer, daughter of C. R. Spencer, who died in Ohio. Of this union there were born seven chil- dren only four of whom are living. viz. : Franklin A., Charles M., Benjamin B. and Hattie A. Mr. Franklin Panll and his estimable wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Paull, politically, votes the Republican ticket. He has served as Township Treasurer, but beyond this de- clines the cares and responsibilities of office.

The passing traveler observes with marked in- terest the Paull homestead set like a picture in the landscape, and which our artist has faithfully re- prodneed in a fine view on another page.

. .

ETER BICHEL, a Kansas pioneer of 1866, eame first to Jefferson County, this State, where he purchased eighty aeres of land and lived there until 1871. Then not being satisfied with his condition or his prospects, he sold out and coming to Washington County, purchased a homestead claim -- that which he now owns and occupies -- in Grant Township, when there were no improvements upon it. Its present condition indicates to what good purpose he has Iabored, as the passing traveler looks upon a thoroughly culti- vated farm, embellished with good buildings, for- rest and fruit trees and the other appliances of a modern country estate. Besides carrying on the cultivation of the soil, Mr. Bichel has put out about 400 apple trees, 300 peach trees and 300 cherries and pear trees, besides 1,000 grape vines. He understands the manufacture of wine and has two cellars reasonably filled with that which he de- signs shall cheer without inebriating. In these cel- lars also during the winter season will be found

some of the finest fruits in America or even on the Rhine. The proprietor has had very little assis- tance in all this labor. the greater part of it being done by his own hands. He is a man strong, phy- sieally. and as the result of correct habi.s, has been enabled to labor and endure more than most of his kind.

The subject of this sketch was born in Prussia, Jan. 21, 1831, and in 1854, when a young man of twenty-three years. emigrated to America by him- self and settled in Jersey County. Ill., where he lived until after' the outbreak of the Civil War. He then enlisted in Company E, Ist Illinois Light Artillery, in what was known as the"Waterhaus Bat- tery" and entered upon the campaign commencing with the first battle of Shiloh, and later was at Corinth and Memphis, Tenn., whence the regiment went to Chuckaluek Island, where they were kept for several weeks by the rise of the Mississippi. Next they repaired to Duckport, La., aeross the river and above Vicksburg, where Mr. Biebel was employed on the great canal, then went to Port Gibson, crossing at Grand Gulf and taking part in the capture of Jackson, Miss. This famous battery performed some very effective service at this point and Mr. Bichel was among the foremost in the figlit. Later, he took part in the battles of Rey- nolds, Champion Hills and Black River Bridge. He was present at the second battle of Jackson, doing effective service in the heavy artillery fight and during which time the heavy cannonading so affected him that for a time he was totally deaf, and has been deaf in his right ear since then.

Later, Mr. Bichel entered upon the Mississippi and Tennessee campaigns and participated in some heavy fighting, going with Sturgis in his unfortu- nate expedition on what was known as the Guntown. raid, the only place when the battery was obliged to back out and where they lost all their guns. Di- rectly afterward they were in contact with the rebels and paid them up for their loss on the Gen. A. J. Smith raid. Next they were at St. Charles on the White River, where they had a brush with the rebel, Gen. Price, following him across the State of Missouri, and then marched from Sedalia. Mo., to St. Louis, where they took transportation to Nashville and Mr. Bichel took part in the battle

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with the rebel, Gen. Hood, which practically com- pleted his army experience. He received his hon- orable discharge April 14, 1865.

Mr. Bichel may be pardoned for looking on his war record with honest pride. The history of the famous "Waterhaus Battery" is one well known to those acquainted with some of the most important events in the great National struggle. Its men were all brave and did admirable service. l'pon leaving the army, Mr. Bichel returned to Stephen- son County, Ill., removing shortly afterward to Jefferson County, this State. His subsequent course we have already indicated.

In Grant Township, Washington Co., Kan., Peter Bichel was married May 21, 1872, to Miss Christina, daughter of Alfred Dietrich, and of this union there have been born eight children. namely : Jacob, Mary. Henry, Annie, Katie, Lizzie, Peter and Paulina. These are stout, bright and healthy children, who are being trained to the habits of in- dustry which has been the secret of their father's success in life. Mr. Bichel after having done such good service in the Union army, is naturally the strong supporter of Republican principles. He, and his good wife are consistent members of the German Catholic Church, attending services at the church in Strawberry Township.

In looking upon Mr. Bichel's homestead, illus- trated on another page by a fine lithographie view, the reader will bear in mind that this is also one of the finest fruit farms in this part of the county, and indicates in a marked manner what may be ac- complished upon the soil of the Sunflower State, by a man of industry and enterprise.

PA AV

HILETUS REMINGTON. Among the many citizens of Clay County, who have been residents therein for a sufficient

length of time to have a practical knowl- edge of the difficulties attending frontier life and an extended observation of the growth and de- velopment of this section of the great West, none better deserve notice in a volume of this kind, than lie whose name initiates this biography. Ilis pleas-

ant farm home'is located on section 21, Blaine Township, and it has, by his own persevering indns- try, been reclaimed from a wild and primitive con- dition to the beautiful and fertile acreage which it is to-day. He and his wife are among the oldest of the settlers in their locality and are now, in their old age, enjoying the fruits of uscful and well- spent lives and the ease which is a just recompense of years of toil.

The paternal ancestors of our subject were of Welch and Danish origin, and both his parents were born in Massachusetts, the mother's native place having been in the vicinity of Boston. Jonathan Remington, an uncle of our subject, was a Revolutionary soldier and was killed by a Tory during that strife. Senaca and Mary (Sargent) Remington, parents of our subject, moved from Washington County, N. Y., where he was born, to Berkshire County, Mass .. when he was an infant about a year old. The old Bay State was their residence for almost a score of years, when they re- moved to Bradford County, Pa., and in 1849 went still further westward, locating in Kane County, Ill. When they passed through Chicago, there were but four miles of railroad running out of that city. The parents died in Kane County, the mother closing her eyes to earthly things Sept. 11, 1855, and the father departing this life Oct. 14, 1856. Of the eleven children born to them only two are now living-Elizabeth, the widow of E. D. Leonard of Livingston County, Ill .. and our subject.

The natal day of Philetus Remington was Nov. 18, 1812. His early education was limited to the training obtained in the subscription and district schools, which at that early date were not as efficient and numerous as at present. The few studies, however, which were npon the curriculum were generally thoroughly learned, and afforded an excellent foundation for the practical training of later life. Our subject was not behind others of his day and age in making use of the advantages afforded him, and has kept himself well-informed during his entire life. Having accompanied his parents to Illinois, Mr. Remington remained in that State until 1859, in the fall of which year he, with his wife and family, came to Kansas, making their first settlement in Riley County. There they

Philetwas Remington

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

remained until 1868, when, entering Clay County, he took up 160 acres of land securing the same under the Homestead Act. Since that time he has been a resident of this county and has thoroughly identified himself with its interests and advance- ment.

The lady who has been Mr. Remington's com- panion in the toils of life as well as in its enjoy- ments and successes, bore the maiden name of Bet- sey Smith, the ceremony which united their lives and fortunes having taken place in Pennsylvania. May 15, 1836. The bride was born in Rutland County, Vt., and is a daughter of Stephen and Betsey (Barton) Smith, her parents being natives of New England. and both undoubtedly of Eng- lish descent. Their family consisted of seven children of whom the following now survive: David B., whose home is in Pennsylvania; Mrs. Remington, and Emily, wife of G. Thomas, also a resident of Pennsylvania. William Barton, a great- uncle of Mrs. Remington, with the assistance of a colored man, and at great risk to himself, captured C'ol. Prescott during the Revolutionary War.

To Mr. and Mrs. Remington eight children have been born, seven of whom are now living: Judson lives in Clay Center; Elizabeth is the wife of John HI. Schryver of Idana, Kan .; Myra is the wife of J. E. Jones of Clay Center; Minerva is the wife of L. H. Rich of Russell County, Kan .; Cythera is now deceased; Howard S. lives in this township; Henry M. resides in Missouri; and Emma is the wife of F. F. Steele, of this county.

Some time after becoming a resident of this county, Mr. Remington added sixty aeres to his homestead, maki: g in all 220 acres of land which is now owned by his son. Howard S., who was born in Kane County, Ill., in 1850, and came with his parents to Riley County, Kan., and thence to this county in 1868. Coming to the State at the early age of nine years, he has been an eye witness of the scenes of pioneer life, and has borne such a part therein as his years and strength would admit. He is a man of excellent education, his earlier training having been received in the district schools of Riley County, and he having subsequently at- tended the State Agricultural College at Manhat- tan for about four years. Like his respected fa-

ther, he is a Republican, and both are well-known throughout the county, and highly respected by their fellow-citizens. The elder Mr. Remington served for three years on the School Board, mak- ing an acceptable school officer. being interested in the advancement of education, as he has always been in every movement for the good of society.

Accompanying this sketch is a portrait of the gentleman whose life and character are noted herein, and whose lineaments it will be a pleasure to look upon in connection with his history.

G EORGE ERICKSON. Hayes Township, Clay County, has many citizens worthy of representation in a volume of this nature, but none more so than the Rev. George Erickson, who is one of the early settlers therein, and who is not only a successful agriculturist, but is also en- gaged in the local ministry of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. in which he has for many years la- bored to win souls to Christ. He was born in Sweden. April 27, 1831, and is the eldest son of Hokan and Anne Erickson, both of whom were na- tives of the same country in which lie was born. He grew to manhood on a farm, receiving a good education in his native tongue, being mainly self- educated in English, of which language he has acquired a good knowledge.

In the spring of 1853 Mr. Erickson took passage at Guttenburg on a sail vessel, and after an ocean voyage of six weeks and three days, landed in New York City. For several years he was a resi- dent of Knox County, Ill., going thence to Henry County, where he remained till 1870, when he came to Kansas. Selecting Clay County as his future home, he took up a homestead of 160 acres where he still resides, and which forms a part of his pres- ent fine estate of 320 acres. When he landed in America he had bnt $6 in money and from this small beginning has grown his present excellent financial standing, a monument to his energy and good management. Like all the pioneer families, he and his passed through some of the hard- ships usual in getting a start on the frontier, but have been well rewarded for their honest industry.

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The first marriage of the Rev. Mr. Erickson oc- eurred on Dec. 23, 1854, in Illinois, the bride being Miss Christine Moden, who bore one son, John, who is now deceased. His first companion having been taken from him, Mr. Erickson was again married, the second ceremony taking place April 18, 1855, and the bride being Miss Martha Moden. Ten children were the result of the second alliance. Anne A., is the wife of Charles Samuel- son, of Denver, Col .; Emma, is the wife of John Buorke, of this township: Esther E., is the wife of Andrew Danielson, of Nebraska; John W. and Nora are at home; Walter, George F., Ida M., George W. and Matilda S. are deceased.

The Rev. Mr. Erickson has served as Justice of the Peace since 1874, his continual service having been performed in a satisfactory and creditable manner. Ile has also been Clerk of the District School Board for a number of years. He is inter- ested in and identified with the various movements for the intellectual, moral and spiritual advance- ment of the county of which he has so long been an honored resident.

ANS OSTERGAARD. During the early settlement of Riley County, there came within its borders a fine representation from the other side of the Atlantic-men who have been largely instrumental in developing the best resources of Northern Kansas. Among these, the subject of this notice deserves more than a passing mention, as he was one of the most intelli- gent men of his community, of Danish birth and parentage, and possessing all the traits of an ex- cellent ancestry. He owns and operates eighty acres of fine land lying on seetion 24, Swede Creek Township, and is considerably interested in horti- culture. His industry and prudence have resulted in the accumulation of a snug property, and as a man and a citizen, he occupies a leading position among his neighbors.

Mr. Ostergaard was born in Sleisvig, Denmark, near Ribe, now a Province of Germany, Nov. 21, 1851, and was deprived by death of the affec- tionate care of his mother when a little lad of five

years. Ten years later he was wholly orphaned by the death of his father, and then commenced work- ing on a farm, remaining in his native country until reaching his majority. Then not being satis- fied with the outlook, financially, le determined to seek his fortunes on the other side of the Atlantic. Accordingly, in the spring of 1873, he sailed from Hamburg on the steamer "Ilammonia," and two weeks later landed in New York City. Thence he emigrated to Davenport, Iowa, where he was occu- pied as a farm laborer two years. In 1875 he went into Colorado, and in Georgetown, Clear Lake County, engaged in mining on his own account, and for a short time was interested in a mine. Later he began working in a smelting furnace, and finally became manager of this, having obtained a practical knowledge of the business.

In 1878, however, Mr. Ostergaard decided to change his vocation, and coming to Northern Kan- sas, entered the land which he now owns and oecu- pies. securing his title as a homesteader, and has since given his attention to its improvement and cultivation. There were upon it no improvements whatever, and he thus commenced at first princi- ples in the opening up of a farm. It is now quite complete, being enclosed and divided with substan- tial fencing, embellished with a good set of frame buildings, adjacent to which are fruit and forest trees, and all the comforts and conveniences of modern farm life. Stock-raising and fruit-growing are the leading features in the operations of Mr. Ostergaard, in which he has been remarkably suc- cessful.

When leaving Colorado, Mr. Ostergaard was for a time the traveling agent for the Marysville Nur- sery, and thus became interested in horticulture, and acquired considerable knowledge in connection therewith. After working his land two years and laying the foundations for a future home, he took unto himself a wife and helpmate, being married in Manhattan, Oet. 14, 1880, to Miss Martha, daugh- ter of Peter Engebretson. This lady was horn near Kongsvig, Norway, April 2, 1859. Her father was a native of the same place and a farmer by occu- pation. He emigrated to America and in 1879, settled in May Day Township, Riley County, Kan., where his death took place in the fall of

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1889, when he was seventy-two years old. The mother, Mrs. Martha (Oleson) Engebretson, was a was a native of the same place as her husband, and is still living, making her home in Center Town- ship.

To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born four children, viz .: Andrew, Clara J., Nellie C. and George Washington. Mr. Oster- gaard, politically, votes the Independent ticket. He has been the School Clerk of his district for six years, and has also served as a Director. Notwith- standing the death of his parents, he acquired a good education in his native land. His father, Thomas Ostergaard, was quite an extensive farmer, as was also his paternal grandfather. The maiden name of the mother was Maren Lund, daughter of Peter Lund, and she likewise was a native of Sleisvig.

DOLPH FRIEDRICHS. In passing through Grant Township, Washington County, and noting the homes which have been built up by the hand of industry, due mention should be made of the farm belonging to this gen- tleman, and where he has been laboring industri- ously since the year 1872. He came to Washington County that year, and purchased the northwest quarter of section 26, for which he paid a home- steader, the sum of 8300. Although it had been proven, no improvements of any account had been made upon it, and Mr. Friedrichs thus began at the first principles in the erection of a home. The present condition of the property indicates to what good purpose he has labored in the cultivation of the soil, the erection of buildings and the gather- ing together of those comforts and conveniences which have become a necessity to the civilization of the present day.

About eighty acres of this farm are under the plow, and the balance devoted to pasturage. The house, originally of logs, has been repaired and weatherboarded, and makes a substantial dwelling, while adjacent is a good barn, corn-cribs. wagon sheds, and the other structures required' for the shelter of stock and the storage of grain. The barn and granary are especially worthy of mention, the

former being a new building 20x30 feet in dimen- sions,'sixteen feet in height, substantially finished. battened and painted. The granary and stable have been treated in the same manner. Mr. Friedrichs has planted quite a large number of trees, but owing to various circumstances, these have not flourished as well as could be desired. He, however, is a man who does not allow himself to be discouraged, and will "try it again."

The subject of this sketch was born in Germany, near Hanover, March 9, 1827, and is the son of Daniel and Christiana Friedrichs, with whom he lived at home, in Stedthagen, until 1850, with the exception of three years spent in traveling through Switzerland, France and Denmark. In the meantime, he learned the tanner's trade of his father, but could not make up his mind to settle down in his native country. He worked at his trade, however, con- siderably during his travels. In 1850, when a young man of twenty-three years, he resolved upon emigrating to America, and repairing to the port of Bremen, embarked on a vessel bound for New York City. Shortly after landing, he made his way to Newark, N. J., where he secured employ- ment at his trade, and remained two years.

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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 88

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

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