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 94

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 94
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 94
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 94

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E DWARD J. WEBER, a popular young citi- zen of Hanover, Washington County, is at present engaged as a prescription clerk for G. H. Aurner, the well-known druggist, who has a well equipped establishment and a carefully-se . lected stock of goods. Mr. Weber is a native of Leavenworth, this State, and was born May 4, 1869. He lived there until 1875. then came to alone Hanover and completed his education. His par- ents soon followed him and Edward J. occupied himself as a painter. He then became interested in the drug business aud entered the employ of Dr. Aurner, with whom he has since remaincd.

On the 3d of November, 1888, Mr. Weber was married to Miss Celia Dabner, of Hanover. Mrs. Weber was born in England in 1865, and was brought to America by her parents when a child of four or five years. They came directly to Kansas, settling first in Holton and located later in Hano-

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ver, where Mr. Dabner occupied himself at his trade of stone mason, and died about 1881. His wife is still living. making her home in Hanover.

The father of our subject was Christian Weber. who was born in Germany, in 1822. After com- ing to America he was married to Miss Eliza- beth Payed, of Naperville, Ill., and they soon re- moved to Leavenworth. In Chicago Mr. Weber had conducted an hotel, but upon coming West engaged as a butcher. The parental family con- sisted of eight children, five of whom are living. In 1876 Mr. Weber removed to Ilanover, of which place he is still a resident and engaged as before. The wife and mother departed this life July 23,1889, at the age of sixty-nine years and one month, Mr. Weber, politically, is a Democrat and is warmly interested in the labor question. Socially. he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. Faithful attention to business, and courteous treat- ment of those with whom he has dealings, either in a social or busines capacity, has drawn around him many warm friends.

ACOB W. STIEGER, the well-known druggist of Hollenberg, established himself in busi- ness at that point in 1882, and is numbered among the successful men of this part of Washington County. He possesses a thorough knowledge of the commodities in which he deals, and his course as a citizen and a business man, has been such as to commend him to the esteem and confidence of all those with whom he has had deal- ings. He is a fine representative of the German people, who have made their presence felt so sensibly in the Great West, and who have contri- buted in a marked degree to its advancement and prosperity.

A native of what was then the Kingdom of Wur- temburg, Germany, Mr. Stieger was born July 25, 1856,and is the son of Benedict and Theresa Stieger. who were of German birth, and descended from pure German stock. They spent their entire lives upon their native soil. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom came to the United States. Of these latter, Hudebert is a resident of

New York City: Frederick lives in the city of Dun- kirk. N. Y .; Fredricka is the wife of John Knoth. of La('rosse. Wis .; William lives in New York City. Jacob W. was the youngest of the family, and came to America in 1873. He at once made his way to LaCrosse, Wis., where he was employed as a bar- ber. and where he remained three years. His next removal was to this State, and settling in Washing- ton County, he worked in a barber shop until 1879. He then changed his occupation somewhat, and en- gaged in general merchandising. We next find him in Hollenberg, where he established his drug- store, and has since lived.

Mr. Stieger, since coming to Washington County, was married, in 1883, to Miss Theresa Hazelett, and they have one child, a son. Charles W. The fam- ily occupy a snug home in Hollenberg, and enjoy the friendship and acquaintance of its best people. Mr. Stieger, politically, affiliates with the Repub- lican party. and has served as a member of thic School Board. Besides his property in Hollenberg, he owns eighty acres of land, and all this he has ac- cumulated since his residence here. He is a mem- ber in good standing of Hollenberg Lodge No. 182. 1. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the Chairs. and likewise belongs to Star Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He is well-liked both in social and business circles. and is contributing his full quota to the business interests of his town.

OBERT WORREL. A career of industry and frugality has placed Mr. Worrel in comfortable circumstances, and in the en- joyment of a good homestead located on section 16. Zeandale Township, Riley County. He is a gentleman of irreproachable character and ex- cellent habits, kind and pleasant in his disposition, and more than ordinarily industrious and enter- prising. His home surroundings indicate in a marked degree cultured and refined tastes, more than ordinary intelligence, an intimate acquaint- ance with good books, and a general information upon all matters of interest.

The subject of this sketch was born in Harrison County, Ky., Feb, 27, 1824, and is the second in a

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family of ten children, the offspring of Richard and Jane (Snodgrass) Worrel, who were natives of the same county as their son, and further mention of whom is made in the sketch of William Worrel, on another page in this volume. Robert, in 1840, when a youth of sixteen years, removed with his father to Hendricks County, Ind. After a resi- dence there of six years, he returned to Kentucky, resuming his old residence in Harrison County, and remained there until February, 1872. In the mean- time he was married, Feb. 7, 1850, to Miss Anna Moore, who was likewise born there, and in Feb- ruary, 1872, came with his family to Kansas, set- tling in Zeandale Township, of which he has since been a resident. He is now the owner of 760 acres of good land, upon which he has erected substan- tial buildings and gathered about him all the con- veniences of modern life. His live-stock and farm machinery indicate in a marked degree the spirit of progress which has controlled all his labors.

To Mr. and Mrs. Worrel there have been born six children, viz: Jane, Elizabeth, Elijah, Thomas, Levi, and Mary. The eldest daughter became the wife of G. W. Mattox, and died in Wichita, in 1872; Elizabeth married William O. Allen, of Clay Center, Kan. Mr. Worrel cast his first Presidential vote for Zachary Taylor, and affiliates with the Democratie party. His estimable wife is a con- scientious member of the Christian Church. The family occupies a high position, socially. number- ing their friends and associates among the leading people of the county.

ONATHAN WINDTHORST. In making note of the prosperous farmers of Washing- ton County. the name of the subject of this notice can by no means be properly omitted from those who hold a prominent position in Farm- ington Township. His home lies near its eastern line and comprises a handsome, modern residenec, which, with its pleasant surroundings, is repre- sented by a lithographie engraving on another page of this ALBUM. and displays the result of ample means and refined tastes. The proprietor is one of the leading men of his community,

active in local politics and educational affairs, hold- ing the office of Justice of the Peace, prominently identified with the Republican party, and has served as a School Director for many years. He and his wife, with their son Henry and daughter Mary, are members of the Lutheran Church. The habits of thrift and industry, which Mr. Windthorst acquired in his youth, have followed him all through life, resulting in the building up of a valuable home- stead and a competency to insure him against want in his old age.

A native of Ripley County, Ind., the subject of this notice was born Feb. 8, 1845, and was the only child of his father, Deitrich Windthorst, who was a native of Hanover, Germany, and who, on emigrat- ing to America settled in Dearborn County, Ind., where he died when his son Jonathan was quite young. The mother, whose maiden name was Mary Vosz, was likewise a native of Germany, and after the death of her first husband was married, in Indiana, to Philip Asche, with whom she now re- sides at Hollenburg, this State.

Mr. Winthorst lived with his grandfather, Henry Vosz, in his native county until he was about thirteen years old, then, starting out for himself, he worked at whatever he could find to do for about five years, and until after the outbreak of the Civil War. Dec. 16, 1863,he enlisted in Company K, 9th Indiana Cavalry, and served until June 22, 1865, when he was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio. While in an engagement at Sulphur Trestle, Ala., he was taken prisoner and held about seven months in Selma and Cahaba, that State. In the latter place he met with an accident and contracted a dis- ease which resulted in the loss of his right foot.

Upon retiring from the army, Mr. Windthorst returned to Ripley County, Ind., and engaged in farming there until the spring of 1878. Then com- ing to Kansas he was located for a time near Hol- lenburg, and later settled in Farmington Township, where he now owns and operates 320 acres of land. He has effected most of the improvements upon the place, and it is well equipped with the machinery necessary for prosecuting agriculture after the most approved methods.

One of the most interesting and important events in the life of our subject occurred in his native

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county, June 4, 1868, namely his marriage with Margaret, daughter of Arnold H. and Magdalena (Thielbar) Hoeft. The parents of Mrs. Windthorst were natives of Germany, whence they emigrated early in life, settling in Dearborn County, Ind., where they were subsequently married. Two years later they removed to Ripley County, that State, where the father died Nov. 14, 1886; the mother is still living there. Mrs. Windthorst was next to the eldest of their three children, and was born in Ripley County, Ind., July 4, 1851. Her union with our subject has resulted in the birth of five children, viz: Henry A., Mary, Madalena S., John William and John Philip. They are a bright and interesting group and are given the advantages suitable to their position in life.

Le YMAN T. FORD is the owner and occupant of a rural home in Oakland Township. The farm is in a state of thorough cultivation, and is adorned with groves, orchards, and adequate and well constructed buildings. The dwelling is an extremely comfortable structure, and affords adequate shelter for the family which occupies it and the guests who cross its threshold.

The birth of Mr. Ford occurred in Huron County, Ohio, Sept. 29, 1836, and his boy hood and youth were passed upon a farm. He received such educational advantages as could be obtained in that section, and at the age eighteen began wagon-mak- ing, which occupation he followed until after the breaking out of the Civil War. A man of patrio- tic spirit and zealous in his belief in the principles of a united government, he determined to devote himself to the cause of the Union, and on Sept. 24, 1861, he enlisted in Company A., 55th Ohio In- fantry, being Sergeant of his company. After the expiration of his first enlistment, he was enrolled as a veteran in the same company and regiment, and continued in the service until the close of the war. The 55th was attached to the army of Vir- ginia nnder Gens. Sigel, Fremont, Pope, McClellan and Hooker, and afterward belonged to the 20th Corps, Gen. Slocum in command, in the Army of the Cumberland. Mr. Ford participated in thirty

battles, besides numerous skirmishes, and marched 6800 miles. He was never captured and received only slight wounds. During the last two years of his service he suffered from camp diarrhea, which at intervals unfitted him for active duty, and which eventually resulted in piles, from which he is yet a sufferer. Mr. Ford accompanied Gen. Sherman from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and "from Atlanta to the sea," and at the time of Lee's surrender had returned as far north as Goldsborough, N. C. In July, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Lonis- ville, Ky., and sent to Cleveland, Ohio, to receive his papers and the balance of his pay.

At the expiration of his military life, Mr. Ford returned to his home in Ohio and at once removed with his family to Avilla in Indiana, where he lived six years. A part of his time was spent at his trade of wagon-making, and the rest at carpen- tering, which he also understood. In 1872, he came to this State and located on the farm which he still occupies. He has carried on farming ever since coming to Kansas, and has also done some carpenter work. He has never had a total failure of crops, but has raised enough to supply the needs of the family without having to buy, as some of his neighbors have been obliged to do. The crops of 1889 are very good, though for three seasons preceding they were very light.

Mr. Ford has been twice married. The first al- liance was contracted in 1855, the bride being Miss Melissa, daughter of lliram and Hannah Conklin, from Pennsylvania. Mr. Conklin was a stone-cut- ter by trade. He went to California in 1849 and there remained. The first wife of Mr. Ford bore him three children: Frank L., Charley and Willie E. Frank died at the age of fifteen years and Charley at the age of seven months. The wife and mother departed this life June 12, 1867.

Mr. Ford found a second companion in the per- son of Miss Ann Vanferson, and their marriage was celebrated Dec. 16, 1867. Miss Vanferson was a daughter of John and Ruth Vanferson, of Mary- land, and her parents are now living in Indiana, her father being engaged in farming. The second happy union of Mr. Ford resulted in the birth of two children, Bernardo E. and Cora Janet.

Mr. Ford is a Republican and favorable to Pro-

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hibition. He has good standing among the Masons, having been a member of the order for some time. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He is highly esteemed as a man of intel- ligence, enterprise, pleasant nature and fine char- aeter.

James Ford, the father of our subject, was a na- tive of New York State, and thenee removed at an carly day to Ohio, being engaged in farming. He died in 1844, when his son, our subject, was a lad of but eight years. Ile married Miss Lucy Rumsey, and their union was blessed with the birth of ten children: Parmeila, Ozias, Mary J., Martha A., Lyman T., Hulda, Martin. Lucy, David and Curtis. Martha A. died when about seven years old; David at the age of three years; and Curtis in his infancy. Ozias gave his life for his country, being killed at the battle of Gettysburg. Martin also belonged to the Union army, and from exposure in the service is suffering with a compliea- tion of diseases and is a confirmed invalid. The Ford family is of Irish descent, and the Rumsey's of Scotch origin.

OHN BYERS ANDERSON, President of the First National Bank of Manhattan, has been a Director in that institution since its organization, and not long after that event was elected its President. When the Manhattan Mill and Elevator Company was organized he was elected its Treasurer, and has assisted in the work of the company until the mill and elevator were erected. In 1889, the Manhattan Electric Light Company was organized, and of this body also he was elected Director. He is very popular not only in Manhattan but in other sections where he is known, and his wife shares in the esteem in which he is held. Both are very charitable, and many have cause to bless their generosity. We append a sketch taken from " The Annual of Washington and .Jefferson College for 1886."

" John Byers Anderson, L. L. D., was born Nov. 22, 1817. being the second son and youngest child of the venerable John Anderson, D. D, a native of Guilford County, N. C., and for forty-three

years, ending in 1833, the honored pastor of the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church, in Washington County, Pa. His mother was Rebecca Byers of Cumberland County, Pa. Dr. Anderson was emi- nently pious and talented, a fine scholar and able theologian, a recognized instructor of candidates for the ministry, a prominent leader in the church, and President of the Board of Trustees of Wash- ington College from the date of the charter, in 1806, until his resignation in 1831, on account of the infirmities of age. His eldest son, the Rev. William C. Anderson, D. D., a son of the college, and afterward a Trustee, who died at the age of sixty-six years, was one of the most popular min- isters of bis generation.

Our classmate, inheriting the blessings of such a parentage, could well receive his preparatory education at home. He entered the Freshman class in the autumn of 1832. We remember him as a genial companion, an honorable friend, a generous rival, a fair scholar and a general reader. Even then he gave tokens of the reserve power which the actual competitions of life have so signally drawn forth into success. With his mind set upon the legal profession, he turned to teaching as a tem- porary expedient to supply the necessary means. But marked suecess in this line of necessity over- ruled his choice, and the irrepressible demand for his services as an educator, not only delayed pro- fessional preparation, but crowded out the practice after his admission. Beginning with a school in Breckenridge County, Ky .. he was advanced to the leadership of Meade County, Academy, the follow- ing spring (1837), and two years later was made principal of a seminary at Hardinsburg. continuing there until 1841. Mean while having been married, in 1838, to Miss Cecilia Geraldine Alexander, who has ever since been the joy of his life as well as his most efficient helper, he came to feel himself com- mitted to teaching as his calling. Opening a school for boys in 1842, at New Albany, Ind., he pur- chased the next year the lease and fixtures of a female school in the same place. For each of these institutions he obtained a charter, one under the name of Anderson Collegiate Institute, and the other that of Anderson's Female Seminary. Both flourished, drawing pupils largely from the Western

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and Southern States. Some of his teachers were distinguished sons of his own Alma Mater.

But out of the passion and energy of the teacher was developed the still more successful railroad engineer and superintendent. His own advance- ment in higher mathematics, and his practice in sur- .veying with his students for their benefit, made him an engineer of the first class with a reputation which flooded him with applications to engage in that business. As early as 1851, he constructed a highway road from New Albany to Corydon ; in the year 1852, he was chosen chief engineer of a proposed road from the Ohio, below the falls to Sandusky : for three years. ending in 1858, he was General Superintendent of the New Albany & Salem, now the New Albany & Chicago Railroad. All this was accomplished while still holding and conducting his educational institutions. But, retir- ing absolutely at that crisis, he devoted himself wholly to railroading, and accepted the place of Division Superintendent of the Pennsylvinia Rail- road. In February, 1859, he was advanced to the General Superintendency of the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad. In less than a year, however, he was called to be Superin- tendent of Transportation on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, a position in which the opening of the Civil War found him. The General commanding the army of the Ohio (after- ward the Cumberland), gave him charge of all the United States Military roads of his department, and by renewed appointments he was held at the head of transportation and the construction of roads and bridges along the whole line from Louisville to Huntsville and Chattanooga, until his resignation in the summer of 1863. Later he was appointed by the Secretary of War, the general manager of the l'hited States Railroads. but at his own request was retired in 1864, only, however, to engage with others in the construction of the great Union Pa- cific Railroad, Eastern division. For the sake of rest, he spent the years of 1866-68 in making two trips to Europe, accompanied on the first by his brother and in the last by his wife. Nor even yet was repose allowed him, until in the years of 1875- 77 he wound up the affairs of the Maysville & Lexington Railroad as President and General Man-

ager, after which, who could challenge his right to affluent resources and a dignified and quiet life upon the broad aeres of his chosen Kansas? But even that quietness has been more or less disturbed by the care of the public buildings at Topeka, under the Governor's appointment. Even yet the art of repose is his most difficult lesson."

Surely these facts establish Col. Anderson's right to a place among the leading men of a most event- ful time. His quick perception, accurate discrim- ination, prompt decision, and comprehensive and energetic execution, explain his distinguished suc- cess. His services were never offered, but always yielded to imperative demand. His calls to duty came for the most part from the master spirits of the difficult enterprises needing him, upon their own discernment in him of the rare qualities de- manded by the crisis. And their approbation, so uniformly given, was a surer reward than mere publie applause, so often bestowed on superficial grounds. The Superintendent of Transportation, for example, both of men and supplies for the Western and Southern States, at the perilous crisis of our Civil War, holding his commission now from Department Commander, and now again from the Secretary of War, himself, the one who could meet his high responsibilities withont complaint, is no ordinary man.

It was not until 1871 that Col. Anderson saw his way clear to fulfill his baptismal vows, by his own confession of Christ before men in the full com- munion of the church. One year later, the confi- dence of his Christian brethren was expressed in his election as a ruling Elder. In 1877, he represented the Presbytery of Topeka in the general assembly of the Presbyterian Church, in session at Chicago, Ill., also in 1888 at Philadelphia. He is active and liberal in all Christian enterprises, enjoying most of all the work of Sabbath-school Superintendent. Providence has given him ample provision for de- clining years, with a heart to " honor the Lord with his substance, and with the first fruits of his in- crease." Without children of his own, save by adoption and love, he grows to be more and more a friend of Christian education, alike for his coun - try's sake and for the church of Christ. He is one of the chief benefactors of the young college of

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Emporia, in his own State, and the President of its Board of Trustees. His late gift of $2,500 to- ward the endowment of the Presidency of his Alma Mater (Washington and Jefferson College), proves his abiding love. Her estimate of him and her pride in his achievements, may be faintly read in her unsolicited and unanimous bestowment on him of the honorary title of Doctor of Laws (L. L. D.), an honor to herself in the gift, but a total surprise to the recipient, if not even a shock to his sensitive modesty.

HOMAS C. WELLS is an old and honored resident of Riley County, and a man whose citizenship is an honor to any community. He first came to Kansas in the spring of 1855. reaching Pottawatomie County on the 1st of April and making a settlement there, sojourning, how- ever, but a year before coming to this county where he has since remained. He has an extended acquaintance and is highly regarded for his many fine qualities of mind and character. His wife, who has also been a resident of this State for many years, shares in the esteem in which he is held, be- ing a lady of intelligence and refinement, possess- ing a kindly nature and the thrifty ways of one who looks well to the comfort of her household.

The paternal ancestors of our subject were from England, the first one of the name born in America being Thomas Wells. who was born April 18, 1755. and died April 20, 1829. His son, Thomas R. Wells. was born et. 20, 1784, and died Oct. 31, 1853. The next in the direct line of descent was Thomas Potter Wells, the father of our subject, who was born in April, 1809, and died in Kingston, R. I., Aug. 31, 1884. During his life he was connected with the Narragansett Bank, the Wakefield Bank, the Wakefield Savings Bank, the Landholders Bank of Kingston, and the Savings Bank at the same place. IIe became connected with the Wakefield Bank at its formation, in 1835, and was chosen its cash- ier. He was also the Treasurer of the Wakefield Savings Bank, and for a number of years before his death, was Cashier of the Savings Bank at Kings- ton. He was a fine book-keeper. an expert account- ant, and a man of thorough honesty and unswerving

integrity. His life was that of a consistent Chris- tian, and he was actively identified with church work, being, like his father before him a Deacon in a Congregational Church at Kingston. At his deatlı the pulpit and press, of the place in which he he had lived a long, useful and honorable life, paid eloquent and deserved tributes to his memory.

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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 94

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

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