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 99

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 99
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 99
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 99

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).

An early settler of Manhattan, Mr. Gardner saw it when it was in its first stages, a mere hamlet in a wild, sparsely inhabited region; coming back to it after the war he could note the progress it had made since he first set foot within its bounds; identifying himself later with its business interests, he has witnessed the remainder of its development to its present condition as a well-built, well-gov- erned, wealthy, flourishing metropolis, and it must be a satisfaction to him that he has contributed his share to bringing about this great change. IIe is a man of strong common sense, sonnd discrimina- tion, liberal in his views and acts, and his course as a man in the various relations of life, as a patriotic citizen in times of war and peace, and as a business man has always been commendable, and the high position that he occupies in this community, is un- assailable. He has always taken a lively interest in politics, and in early life lent his influence to the Free-soil party, and later to the Republican party.

OIIN J. SMITH, who is associated with his father as a member of the firm of A. G. Smith & Son, nurserymen of Clay Center, is prosperously situated, and has before him the promise of a successful and happy life. He is the owner of the fine 40-acre lot, on which the southeastern part of the nursery stands. In it are to be found all choice varieties of fruits, suitable to this elimate, and the best kinds of pears, cherries, apples, etc., may all be obtained there during the fruit season. Every year he raises on his estate 100,000 apple trees as fine as can be seen anywhere,

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besides small fruits of all kinds. He has a wind- mill with connections and tank, so that it can be used for all purposes.

As may be ascertained by reference to the sketch of A. G. Smith, our subject is the only son of Alfred G. and Laura (Esty) Smith, the former a native of Richford, Vt., and the latter of Canada. John J. * was one of four children born to them, of whom three are now living, and one, Emma, is deceased. He of whom we write was born in Richford, Vt., May 1, 1860, and is therefore scarcely thirty years of age. He received a practical education, such as fitted him for the responsibilities of life and pre- pared him for the active duties of citizenship. In due time he founded a home of his own, when he was united in the bonds of wedlock with Etta Foster, of Clay Center, by whom he has two chil- dren, Orin Roy and Estella. Our subject and his wife occupy prominent positions, socially, and are welcomed into the best society of their community.

IIOMAS IIANNAGAN, an intelligent and popular citizen of Riley County, resides with his family in their beautiful home on section 8, Ogden Township. Their present pros- perity is an admirable illustration of what " brain and brawn" can accomplish when united, as they have been in this household. No other capital was possessed by the subject of this notice than what was in his clear head and strong hands, yet by dil- igent labor and wise economy he has accumulated a sufficient share of this world's goods to place him in comfortable circumstances during the remainder of his life.

County Cork, Ireland, was the early tramping- ground of Joseph Hannagan, the father of our sub- ject, and there he learned the trade of a black- smith. Early in the twenties he emigrated to America and secured work on the first railroad ever built in the United States. Finding himself in a position to support a family he took a wife and trusted to have a long life of marital felicity, but the angel of death entered his happy home and took lience the wife and three children that had come to them in the meanwhile. This was a sad blow, but

time healed his trouble and he again mated himself to a lady, and once more launched his bark on the sea of matrimony. The second marriage took place in Maryland about the year 1833, the lady's name being Miss Leonora Berry, a native of County Cork, Ireland. They were an enterprising couple and instead of settling down on the place as was the usual custom they followed the railroads which were being constructed, Mr. Hannagan being em- ployed by them at his trade of blacksmithing.

For about twelve years they pursned this course; then Mr. Hannagan opened a shop for himself in Berkshire County, Mass., and remained there till 1847, then removed to MeHenry County, Ill. While a resident of the latter place he died from the effects of a blow received from a fence stake in the hands of a neighbor. After that sad event, his widow made her home with her married children, living the principal part of the time with the subject of this sketch. She was a lovely old lady and lived a life of usefulness and Christian charity. Her death, which occurred in 1882, left a vacant chair in the household of Thomas Hannagan that, although it can never again be filled with the form of the dear old grandma, may yet serve as a reminder of the words of wise counsel that were wont to fall from the lips of one now in the paradise of the blessed.

The parental family embraced fourteen children, four of whom are now living. Our subject was the second child and was born Feb. 22, 1836. in Paw- tucket, R. I. llis youth was spent in Berkshire County, Mass., where he received a common school education. Hle was a bright pupil and made the most of his opportunities, hence succeeded in ac- quiring a first-class elementary education by the time it was necessary to go out in the world and begin the battle of life for himself. When seven- teen years of age he was apprenticed to a black- smith in Chicago, Ill., to learn the trade. He con- tinned at that for the entire seven years that were required in those days to entitle one to be consid- ered perfect in all branches of the trade. When his term of apprenticeship had expired he jour- neyed to Ogle County, Ill., where he remained seven years. Not being entirely satisfied, he took up his belongings and started westward reaching Kansas in June, 1868. After looking over the country a

PLAT of FARM

PASTURE

200 ACRES SECS. 5 &8. T.II .= R.7.

280 ACRES. SEC.33.

RILEY CO., KANS.

80 ACRES PLOW LAND .. SEC. 5

T.IL= R. 7. GEARY CO. KANS.

PLOWS

LAND 80 ACRES" SEC. 8

PASTURE

40 ACRES MEADOW.

PASTURE

PLOW LAND.

KANSAS RIVER

SEVEN MILE CREEK,

BENSON

RESIDENCE OF MR. THOMAS HANNAGAN, SECS 5. & 8. T. I.1 .= R.7. RILEY CO, KANS.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

little he located in the place where he now resides. In the fall of that year he went to Junction City where he worked at his trade till the following July. He has followed his trade at Ft. Riley for eleven years working for the United States (Quarter- master.

July 4th, 1861, was a memorable date in the life of Mr. Hannagan, as he then passed from a bache- lor to a benedict. The lady who henceforth was to journey through life with him. was Miss Isabella Johnston, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Stewart) Johnston, residents of Waukesha County, Wis., where, at their death, their remains were interred to await the resurrection morn. They were Scotch people and were the parents of eight children of whom Mrs. Hannagan was the second in order of birth. She was born in Dumfries, Scotland, Nov. 15, 1839. Although a sufferer for many years from that distressing and troublesome disease, asthma, Mrs. Hannagan retains the sweet and sunny dispo- sition of her youthful days and is a blessing to her family and the neighborhood. to whom she is en- deared by her many acts of kindness and charity. Mr. and Mrs. Hannagan are the parents of nine children, two girls and seven boys. Four of the children have taken up their abode in the land of perpetual summer, and the others continue to reside on this mundane sphere, cheerfully and faithfully performing the duties of life. They are: Ella Leonora, wife of Edward Ryan, of Lincoln County, Kan., and mother of three boys ; George J., Thomas D., James M. and William H. are all at home. Mr. Hannagan and his family are devoted members of the Catholic Church of Ogden, and he is a member of the Board of Trustees, a position which he has filled for the last seven years. He has been Road Overseer two terms and Clerk of the School District of Ogden for some time. While the family were residents of Ogle County, IN., Mr. Hannagan was a member of the Lodge of Good Templars, an organization which has not yet been founded in Ogden.

The home farm of our subjeet comprises 200 acres of good land, all under cultivation and other- wise improved. He also owns 280 acres in Geary County (formerly Davis County ). There are three houses on the home farm, in one of which, a pretty

dwelling situated one and one,half mile east of Ogden, the family is living in the enjoyment of all the comforts and conveniences of modern life. A view of this typical country home appears elsewhere in this volume. They have a fine orchard of sixty trees and all kinds of small fruit ; also about eighty head of cattle; nine of horses, and sixteen hogs. The family is deeply interested in educational mat- ters and is always ready to promote the instruction of the youth of the community in every legitimate way. Mr. Hannagan is conservative in politics and votes the Democratic ticket.

o+0.

ON. JAMES M. HOOD, part proprietor of the Hanover Democrat, and an ex-member of the Iowa Legislature, is recognized as one of the leading citizens and business men of Hanover Township, Washington County, to which he came in 1878, and assumed the publi- eation of the Democrat in connection with D. O. Munger. In 1882 he was appointed by Gov. Glick one of the State House Commissioners, and subse- quently, on the accession of the Cleveland admin- istration, was appointed Postmaster at Hanover. In other words, he went out under Buchanan, in 1860. as Postmaster, and came in under Mr. Cleveland. in 1885. He has always been a Democrat, but a Union man; is now sixty-two years old and run- ning a Democratic paper. For a period of seven years he was telegraph operator on the Wabash & Erie Canal, learning the art in 1852, and being one of the very first men to acquire this in the West.

The subject of this notice was born Nov. 18. 1827, in Vermilion County, Ind. His father, Thomas Hood, was a Tennesseean, and emigrated from that State to Indiana in the year 1816. His mother, in her girlhood Miss Nancy Barnett, was born and reared in North Carolina, and was con- nected with the Society of Friends. Thomas Hood was of Scotch descent. the original progen- itor of the family having emigrated from Scotland at a very early day. James M. was brought up on a farm and educated in the common schools of In- diana. At the age of twenty-two years he was ap- pointed Postmaster by President Pierce, in 1852,

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continuing under Mr. Buchanan. In 1860 he was appointed to take the United States census in Ver- milion County, Ind., and upon the completion of that work he was made Clerk in the Legislature of that State during the winter of 1860-61.

In the spring of 1861 Mr. Hood emigrated to Iowa, settling in Dallas County, where he taught school for two years. In 1863 he removed to Fre- mont County, that State, where he engaged in mer- cantile pursuits. In 1864 he was elected County Superintendent of Schools, and subsequently was Mayor of Hamburg, Iowa, for two years. In 1869 he was elected to the Iowa Legislature, and served in the Thirteenth General Assembly, being placed on several important committees.

In 1861 Mr. Hood was married to Miss Climena Flanders, who was born in Orleans County, N. Y., and whose parents, Zebulon and Tamer Flanders, were natives respectively of Massachusetts and Vermont.

AMES B. LOWER. Among the citizens of Palmer, Washington County, none stands higher in the esteem of the community or in business circles, than the above-named gentleman. He is one of the proprietors of the bank of Palmer, and owns a house and lot in that thriving town. as well as 123 acres of fine land in the farming districts of the county. Mr. Lower has passed the most of his life in this county, hav- ing been but a lad of ten years when his parents came here.

David Lower, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania in 1800. He removed to Illinois at an early period in the history of that State, and there died at the age of eighty-one. Ilis son Levi, the father of our subject, was born in the Key Stone State, but was quite young when the family removed to the Mississippi Valley. He re- mained in Illinois until about 1867, when he re- moved to Clinton, Iowa, where he remained until 1870, when he located in this county, where he en- gaged in his occupation of a farmer. He served as a private in the late War three years and twelve days. He was formerly a member of the I. O. O. F., but is not now identified with the order. He

holds the position of County Commissioner. IIis wife, formerly Miss Mary Dougal, was born in Pennsylvania, being a daughter of Henry Dougal, and of Scotch and Irish ancestry. Members of the family were early settlers in the United States. Mr. Dougal was a farmer. His widow died in Illi- nois in February, 1875. Mrs. Mary (Dougal) Lower has borne her husband six children, all of whom are now living. They are named, respect- ively : David E., James B., Henry M., Emma C., Ulysses F. and William S.

James B. Lower was born in Carroll County, Ill., July 30, 1860. He was reared in this county, and to its schools is indebted for the greater part of his education. He spent six months in the Atchison Institute, where he took a commercial course. He afterward taught school in different parts of this county. In 1886 he accepted the po- sition of cashier in the bank of Palmer, of which institution he is now, as before stated, one of the owners.

On May 30, 1888, the marriage rites were per- formed between our subject and Miss Minnie Potter at the residence of the bride's parents, Charles and Lavina Potter. Mr. Potter is a native of Vermont, and one of the early settlers of this county, where he is now engaged in the grain business. Mrs. Min- nie Lower was born in Sherman Township, this county, March 5, 1871. She is a young lady of intelligence and refinement. Her union with our subject has been blessed by the birth of one child, Ora M., who opened her eyes to the light Feb. 11, 1889.

Mr. Lower enjoys an enviable position for a young man of his years, and, being upright, well- informed, and possessed of abilities of no mean or- der, is likely to become still more prominent and influential as years roll by.

LFRED G. SMITH is the senior member of the firm of A. G. Smith & Son, nursery- men, having the largest and finest nursery as to collection, in the State of Kansas. The home of our subject adjoins the city on the east, where he has a fine estate with seven acres

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devoted to his business and to fruits. also the large nursery eighty rods east of the city of Clay Center but south of the home place, and which comprises forty acres. Mr. Smith came to this county in December, 1878. and purchased the land where is now his beautiful home. This he improved, and in 1882 commenced the business which he has since been so prosperously engaged in. His prosperity has not been due to what some call luck, but is the result of close attention to business, strict and hon- orable dealing with all men, and a careful study of the varieties adapted to this climate. As an exam- ple of the extent of his business, we may state that although this is the first year in which the firm has been engaged in the raising of berries. they dis- posed of over $500 worth from that department alone. They also pay considerable attention to the cultivation of shrubbery, forest trees, grapes. and all other fruits and trees usually to be found in a thoroughly first-class nursery. The firm every year makes a large exhibit at the county fairs, where their displays invariably attract many admiring eyes. It would doubtless be surprising to many of the Eastern people to observe the wonderful re- sults which have been produced from land which eight years before was bare and unimproved.

In Richford, Vt., where he was born Dec. 22, 1828, our subject passed his life until 1878, when he resolved to locate in the West. and accordingly settled in Kansas. He had received a good high school education in Vermont, and was afterward engaged in farming in Franklin County, that State. He there married Miss Laura Esty, March 24, 1855, and she has since that time been a faithful, tireless worker in the interests of her husband and her children, of whom she has three living, one, Emma. having been taken to rest when twenty-one years of age. Those who remain are John James, Minnie M., and Lottie. The son is a member of the firm and married Miss Etta Foster, of Clay Center, by whom he has two children: Minnie is at home; Lottie is now Mrs. C. B. Hammond, of Idaho. Mrs. Smith was born in Canada, where her life was passed prior to the time of her marriage. Though giving his attention more to the details of his busi- ness than to political affairs, our subject at one time affiliated with the Republican party, but later events

have caused him to sympathize with the Union Labor party, and he now upholds their ticket. He is highly esteemed in his business as well as in social circles, and to him is given the credit of advancing the fruit interests of this county more than any other man.

The father of our subject, Jonathan Smith, was born in the same place as was our subject, and was the son of Asa Smith, who fought for American liberty during the dark days of the Revolution. The father of our subject became the husband of Miss Sophia Goff. the daughter of Hezekiah Goff, a Re- volutionary hero, and also a soldier in the War of 1812. Jonathan Smith was reared as a farmer, and became the father of four children, passing to his rest when our subject was twenty years of age. His mother lived until 1884, being at the time of her death eighty-four years old.

The financial prosperity which has fallen to the lot of our subject has all been the result of his labor since coming to Kansas; he was prior to his removal here a dealer in produce and a farmer, but the panic of 1878 bankrupted him, and when he arrived here his worldly possessions consisted of $125, and he was thus compelled to commence life anew in a strange country. But such has been his perseverance that he is now surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, and has the wherewithal to ensure his declining years from the vicissitudes which accompany poverty and want.

6 IMOTHY M. LEWIS.

The pleasant and substantial rural home of the above named gentleman, is located on section 9, Kimeo Township, Washington County. There he is en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising. His estate is pleasantly located, well kept and marked with the usual improvements of an enterprising farmer.

Daniel Lewis, the father of our subject, was born in northern New York in 1806, and when quite young was brought by his father to Jennings County. Ind. There he was reared and educated. remaining under the parental roof until 1822, at

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which time he bought eighty acres of government land on which he made his home. On this limited estate he began a prosperous life, and at the time of his death was the owner of 1,700 acres of land. Ile made a specialty of raising and selling hay. In 1862 he was appointed stationary Quartermaster for Indiana, and held the position to the close of the War. He was a stanch Republican. The doc- trines of the Baptist Church seemed to satisfy his religious needs, and with it he was identified for many years.

The wife of Daniel Lewis bore the maiden name of Harriet Keith. She was born in Kentucky, her parents also being natives of the Blue Grass State. They were of Scotch extraction. Her father was an early settler in Indiana, where he died. The family was in good circumstances. The parental family comprised ten children, Levina, Eli, Fran- cis M., Julia, Charles N., two who died in infancy, Timothy M., Samantha and Serelda. Of these five are still living.

Timothy M. Lewis, of whom we write, was reared and educated in Jennings County, Ind., where his eyes opened to the light Oct. 17, 1844. Ile received a common school education, and at the early age of seventeen, gave up the advantages which would otherwise have been his, to take a patriot's place in the ranks of the Union army. He enlisted at Madison, Ind., July 10, 1861, his name being placed on the muster roll of Company H. 22d Indiana Infantry. The regiment was attached to the 3d Brigade, 2d Division, 14th Army Corps. Mr. Lewis participated in the battle at Pea Ridge and the siege of Corinth, and joined Buell's force in Angust, 1862. During their march the com- mand took part in the Warrensburg expedition which resulted in the capturc of 950 rebels, with their horses and arms. They also participated in many other minor engagements. At the bloody contest of Missionary Ridge, Mr. Lewis was wounded. After a faithful and efficient service, he was dis- charged at Louisville, Ky., July 23, 1865.

On his return to civil life, Mr. Lewis came to Riley County, Kan., where he remained until 1884. The next year he came to Washington County, and located in Greenleaf, where he engaged in the occu- pation of draying. In this he continued until Oct.

23, 1888, when he took possession of his present home. In addition to his property in this county, he is the owner of 160 acres of valuable land in Riley County.

Mr. Lewis has been twice married. Ilis first bride was Miss Nancy Williams, daughter of Horace and Loretta Williams, and to her he was united in 1869. She departed this life, March 23, 1873, leaving one daughter-Loretta, who subsequently died at the age of eight years. The second marriage of our subject took place Oct. 6, 1888, the bride being Mrs. Rachael Bent, widow of E. M. Bent. She is a daughter of Ilenry and Emily (Pickett) Smith, and was born in Vermillion County, Ind., Feb. 11, 1844. Her parents were natives respectively of Kentucky and Ohio. They settled in this county in early life, and remained residents of it to the day of their death. Mrs. Smith departed this life, Aug. 2, 1876, and her husband survived until March 29,1883.

Mr. Lewis is a believer in and a supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He holds membership in the G. A. R. at Greenleaf. An enterprising farmer, a trustworthy citizen and a man of pleasant manners and fine character, he is deservedly popular wherever he is known.

W ILLIAM BAKER, capitalist, is promi- nently identified with the financial interests of Riley County, particularly of Manhat- tan, where he has a handsome residence, one of the finest of the many beautiful and cultured homes in the city, pleasantly located on the corner of Fourth and Houston streets. He is a native of Ohio, the town of Chillicothe, Ross County, his birthplace, and July 17, 1841, the date thereof. His father, James Baker, came of an old English family who was among the early settlers of Vir- ginia, and he was born in the Shenandoah Valley in that State in 1817. His father, Joseph Baker, owned a farm there, which he carried on till 1822, when he moved to Ohio, settling on a tract of timber land in Ross County, the removal thither having been made with teams. Before his death he

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cleared a good farm, on which he lived in peace and prosperity many years.

The father of our subject was reared and mar- ried amid the pioneer scenes of the new home in Ohio, and when he established himself in life, he bought a tract of timbered land, and by years of well directed toil improved an excellent farm, He remained a resident of Ohio till 1866, and then selling his property near Chillicothe, he removed with his family to Missouri and purchased a farm in Saline County, where he still makes his home, respected and trusted by all as a man of true worth. His faithful wife and helpmate who aided him in building up their cozy home and is enjoy- ing its comforts with him, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1821, her maiden name being Harriet Schooley. Her father, William Sehooley. was born in New Jersey, and he was one of the early settlers of Ross County, where he improved a farm from the wilderness, on which he lived the remainder of his life. The mother of our subject was carefully trained in all household accomplishments considered necessary to make a good housewife, and especially was she taught to card, spin and weave wool and flax, and for many years she made all the cloth used in the family. There were seven children born to her and her husband, all whom were reared to maturity ; their names are as follows: William, Mary, Sarah, Emza. Kate, Ella and Minnie.

The subject of this biographical review grew to manhood in his native county, and when not at- tending school assisted his father to clear away the trees of the primeval forest and improve the land into a well-tilled farm. He resided with his parents till his marriage. For some time he was engaged in the mercantile business in Ross County, in the town of Londonderry, establishing himself there in 1863 and continuing until the latter part of 1865. In that year he started on a tour through the Mid- dle-Western States, and traveled in Iowa, Missouri and Illinois. In 1866 he removed to Missouri and bought a tract of rich, highly productive prai- rie land, which he improved, and then, with charac- teristic shrewdness and foresight, he invested in other lands till he had 665 acres. all finely im- proved and divided into three valuable farms. In 1883 he rented his property in Missouri, having

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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 99

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

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