USA > Kansas > Portrait and biographical record of southeastern Kansas, containing biographical sketches of prominent citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States and the governors of the state of Kansas > Part 15
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Immediately after completing his professional studies, the Doctor commenced the practice of medicine at Blair's Mills, Pa. Later he went to Huntingdon, and from that place proceeded to Scotland, where he engaged in practice for seven years, establishing in the meantime an enviable reputation for skill in the diagnosis of cases and success in their treatment. He then came to Kansas, and for three and one-half years conducted an ex- tensive practice in Plainville, whence, in 1890, he came to Girard, opening an office at this place in partnership with Doctor Gardner. While a resi- dent of Plainville, he engaged in practice with Dr. J. U. Catudal, who is now in Paris, taking a special course of study.
In 1881 Doctor Blair was united in marriage with Miss Jeannette Dice, who was born and reared in Scotland, Pa. They are the parents of three children, Lucretia G., Gertrude and Phoebe. The Doctor served as County Physician for one year. Ile is prominently connected with the Kan- sas State Medical Society and the Southern Kansas Medical Society, and takes a deep interest in all matters of general importance to the profession. Ile makes a specialty of diseases of the eye and ear, in which he took a special course under Prof. A. Friedenwald, M. D., of Baltimore, Md. His reputation as a specialist in the treatment of these diseases is not limited to Girard or the surround- ing country, but extends throughout the state, and he has an extensive practice in these lines, as well as a large general practice. During all the years of his professional career, he has never lost sight of the fact that his vocation is to relieve the
suffering, and this he does, not so much for the money it brings him, as for the pleasure it gives him to be able to bring relief and comfort to suf- fering humanity. If his time and strength per- mit, he never refuses a call, even though he knows there will he no remuneration. This is the testi- mony of many of the poor, who have never ap- pealed to him in vain. His broad sympathy, ex- tended charity and inherent kindness of heart have made him deservedly popular with all classes.
While not an active partisan, Dr. Blair gives his support to the principles and nominees of the Re- publican party, and is a firm friend of that politi- cal organization. In his social affiliations, he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Work- men. As a citizen, he is progressive and gives his support to all measures having for their object the promotion of the best interests of Girard and the advancement of the material welfare of Crawford County.
T. BROOK. Instances of men who have obtained wealth through the cultivation of the soil of southeastern Kansas are too numerous to be considered exceptional. Hundreds there are who, coming to Kansas with- out capital, have caused the land to give its in- crease and have witnessed the results of their labors in a rapidly increasing prosperity. Such an one is the subject of this biographical notice, who is a well known and influential citizen of Blue Mound and an extensive land-owner, his posses- sions aggregating some eighteen hundred acres.
Elsewhere in this volume mention is made of Hugh M. Brook, a brother of our subject, the two occupying adjoining residences in the city of Blue Mound. Their father, the late I. J. Brook, was born near Zanesville, Ohio, being the son of John Brook. After his marriage to Miss Jane Marshall, a native of South Carolina, he settled in what is
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now Henderson County, Ill., where he accumulated large and valuable possessions, and where his death occurred August 8, 1890. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, viz .: John, Maria, J. W., Smily, Hugh M., Margaret E., Mary, A. T., Charles F. and Jessie.
Born in Henderson County, Ill., July 28, 1854, our subject grew to manhood upon his father's farm. He received an excellent education, which was commenced in the district schools and com- pleted in the United Presbyterian College of Mon- moutlı, Ill. He remained at home with his father until he came to Kansas in the spring of 1879 and settled in Blue Mound Township. He continued to make his home there, devoting his attention to improving his land, until the spring of 1887, when he came to the city of Blue Mound, and has since been a citizen of this place. Though residing in the city, his interests are still in the country, and he engages quite extensively in farming. IIc is also financially interested in the Queen City salt factory, at Hutchison, Kan.
The lady who on the 13th of April, 1881, was united in marriage with Mr. Brook, and who since that time has been his devoted helpmate, dividing his sorrows and doubling his joys, was in maiden- hood Miss Clara L. Cable. She was born in Warren County, Ill., and there resided until her marriage at Berwick, that county. She graduated at Mon- mouth College in 1876. Her parents, Ezra and Mar- tha (Latimer) Cable, reside in Floyd Township, Warren County, being among the most prominent people of their section of country. They have had six children: Addie M., Clara L., Effie, Carl D., Grace and Roy E. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brook there have been born three children, namely: Charles F., who was born December 28, 1882; I. J., January 11, 1888; and Bessie C., Feb- ruary 16, 1890.
Mr. Brook takes a commendable pride in Blue Mound and its advantages, and every movement looking to the material advancement of the city meets with his encouragement and active support. In politics a Republican, he advocates with en - thusiasm and fidelity the platform of his chosen party and supports its candidates with his ballot. Ilis wise discrimination of men and things, excel-
lent judgment and high abilities have contributed to secure for him the highest material success, and considerable prominence in the city and county as well.
RANK ADAMS, who carries on general farming on section 10, Sheridan Township, Crawford County, is the owner of a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which are a comfortable residence, good barns and out- buildings and all the necessary improvements that go to make up a model farm. Ilis fields are well tilled, and in connection with the cultivation of his land he buys, feeds and ships stock quite ex- tensively. Ile is a practical farmer and business man, and in his dealings has been quite successful.
Mr. Adams was born in Christian County, Ill., in 1845, and is the third in a family of ten chil- dren who were born unto Leason and Amelia (Ralston) Adams. The father was born in North Carolina in 1816, and was a son of Francis Adams, whose father came to America with General LaFay- ette during the Revolution. The mother of our sub- ject was a native of Indiana. Frank grew to man- hood in his native county, acquired his education in the common schools, and in February, 1870, was united in marriage with Miss Matilda J. Bul- pitt, who was born and reared on Prince Edward Island. Her father, James Bulpitt, was the first preacher of the Church of England on that island, and there he spent his entire life.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Adams were born two chil- dren: Elmer D. and Amelia L., who are still with their parents. In 1877, Mr. Adams brought his family to Crawford County, and purchased the farm on which he now resides. lle and his family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics, he takes quite an active interest and supports the Republican party.
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His father cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison, and his last vote for Gen. Benjamin llar- rison, the illustrious grandson of the Tippecanoe hero. For fifteen consecutive years, Mr. Adams held the office of School Treasurer in his district and proved a capable and faithful official, but has never been an office-seeker.
A self-made man, our subject began life for him- self empty handed, but has made the most of his privileges and advantages, and has steadily worked his way upward. His industry and enterprise have overcome the difficulties in his path, and he is now the possessor of a comfortable competence, which numbers him among the substantial citizens of the community. He is well and favorably known as one of the self-made business men of southeastern Kansas. Liberal in the support of every worthy enterprise which is brought to his notice, the community finds in him a valned citizen, and he certainly deserves representation in the his- tory of his adopted county.
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OHN MCHENRY. Having been a resident of Linn County since the fall of 1867, Mr. Mellenry has been a witness of its develop- ment, and has contributed to its progress. Perhaps no citizen is more widely known through- out the county than he, and certainly none is more highly respected than "Uncle" John, as he is fa- miliarly called. A man of enterprise and public spirit, he has, while securiug his individual success, also contributed to the material advancement of the county. Since locating in the county, he has resided on section 17, Potosi Township, where he is extensively engaged in farming.
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Mellenry was born in Indiana County, November 26, 1810, and was reared to manhood in the place of his birth. After completing his education in the common
schools, he embarked in farming pursuits, and was thus engaged during the period of his residence in Indiana County. In 1850 he removed to Illinois and settled in Henry County, where he followed the occupation in which he had previously en- gaged. During the seventeen years of his resi- dence there, he became well known throughout the county, and was recognized as one of its most progressive agriculturists. In 1867 he came to Kansas, and has since resided in Linn County, where he owns and cultivates two hundred acres of fine farming land. His residence is a commo- dious structure, adapted to the comfort and con- venience of his family, while he has also erected suntable buildings for the shelter of stock and stor- age of the various cereals raised on the farm.
While residing in Indiana County, Pa., Mr. Mc- Henry was married, in June, 1831, to Miss Mary Williamson, who was born in the Keystone State on the 14th of October, 1810. They are the par- ents of six surviving children: Sarah J., who is the wife of Edward Bell; Hiram, a resident of Lead- ville, Colo .; Isaac, who makes his home in Potosi Township; John J., who also resides in Potosi Township; Devenia C., who is the wife of Joel Griffin, and resides in Wilson County, Kan .; and Martha, who is at home. The deceased children are: Mary and Catherine, who died in Pennsyl- vania; Samuel, who passed away in Ilenry County, Ill .; and Nancy, formerly the wife of William A. Kaster, and who died in Red River County, Tex.
To the township of Potosi Mr. McHenry has al- ways held a most devoted attachment, and what- ever contributes to her growth and advancement he is ready to espouse. Although he is an out- spoken Republican in politics, yet some of his warmest friends are among the opposing party, and the ties of party are always with him less strong than those of friendship. Hle and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and formerly he took a prominent part in all religious enterprises, but with advancing years he has been obliged to desist from active labor. Surrounded by every comfort of life, and minis- tered to by loving hands, he is quietly passing the twilight of his useful existence in his pleasant home. Upon his past he can look without remorse,
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and upon his future without fear, and, cheered by the Christian's hope, he awaits the summons to his heavenly home.
OHN H. WAYNE, for many years a suc- cessful general agriculturist and stock- raiser and a well known and highly re- spected citizen of Linn County, Kan., located in December, 1855, upon a claim on sec- tion 22, town 22, range 23, where lie yet resides, having brought up from its wild condition to its present productive state of cultivation a pre-emp- tion for which he paid $1.25 per acre. Mr. Wayne is a native of Bourbon County, Ky., and was born October 1, 1830. His parents, Temple and Laura (Peyton) Wayne, were also natives of Kentucky.
In about 1831 the father and mother removed to Missouri, and not long after the mother died, leaving seven sons and daughters. William died in Missouri early in life; Mary became the wife of Robert Thockmorton, and died in Linn County, Kan .; Temple makes his home in Missouri; Jo- seph passed away at the age of twenty-two years; Laurinda has been married twice and now resides in Idaho; her first husband was Cornelius Garner, and her second Mr. White. Our subject, John H., was the next in order of birth; and James H. lives in Missouri. The father subsequently marrying Miss Elizabeth Gregg, they became the parents of nine children, seven of whom survived to adult age. Lucy married John Ruark, and died in But- ler County, Kan .; George resides in Oregon; Eliza- beth married H. Jasper Dingus; Emily is deceased; Susan Martha is the wife of George Mitchell, of Linn County; Alfred and Franklin reside in Linn County.
In 1855 the parents of our subject made their home in Kansas and settled in Mound City Town- ship, where later the father took up a homestead. He died at the age of sixty-three, his wife surviving him many years and passing away in Kansas.
The father devoted his life to the pursuit of agriculture, and was a man of tireless indus- try, upright in character and highly respected by all who knew him. Our subject, reared upon a farm, grew up manly and self-reliant, and was well fitted to take an active part in any work of life which might in the future devolve upon him. He received in the district schools of the home neighborhood a good common-school education, and remained continuously amid the scenes of his childhood until the fall of 1855, when he jour- neyed to Kansas on horseback, and from that time has made this state his permanent residence.
Upon December 25, 1857, were united in mar- riage John H. Wayne and Miss Nancy Park, daughter of William and Elizabeth Park. The es- timable wife of our subject was born in Randolph County, Mo., and came to Kansas with her par- ents. Her father, William Park, was one of the pioneers of 1855, in the spring of which year he pre-empted a claim in Mound City Township. Mr. Park was born in Madison County, Ky., May 19, 1810, and was the son of David Park. William Park married in Kentucky Miss Elizabeth Mc- Analley, and with her made his home in Randolph County about 1836. He became the owner of a farm, which he cleared, cultivated and improved. He was Justice of the Peace for many years. In 1855 he journeyed to Kansas by team, and after many years the mother of Mrs. Wayne passed away, mourned by all who knew her, in December, 1884.
Mr. Park after a time married the widow of a brother and resides in Johnson County, Ind. Prior to the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Park, eight of her nine children had married and settled near their parents. Doctor Franklin, the eldest, now lives in San Diego, Cal .; Martha, married to Thomas Walden, is now deecased; Susan, wife of Theo Tedford, died in Linn County; Nancy is the wife of John H. Wayne; Louise, the wife of Samuel Baldwin, makes her home in Oregon; Lu- cinda is the wife of the Rev. Jolin Baldwin, a minister of the Baptist Church; John R. makes his home in Oregon; William II. resides in Linn County; and Sarah died in childhood. Mr. Park, beginning life a poor man, steadily won his way
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upward and cared tenderly for his children, giv- ing to his sons and daughters each a good educa- tion and thus starting them worthily in life. In belief a Baptist, he is a devout Christian, earnest in good work and a liberal supporter of religious enterprises.
Our subject has constantly resided upon his present farm ever since his arrival in Kansas, and devotes himself to the culture of two hundred and twenty-eight acres of land, also handling a supe- rior grade of stock, horses, cattle and hogs. Three children have blessed the home with their pres- ence: James W., a citizen of Leavenworth Coun- ty, Kan .; Carrie May, the wife of Edward Bell, of Linn County, Kan .; and Charles E., a book-keeper in Topeka, Kan. For many years Mr. Wayne has been a valued member of the Baptist Church and. possessed of sterling integrity of character, ever exerts his influence in behalf of right and justice. During the troublous days of the Civil War, our subject was Quartermaster of the Sixth Regiment of state militia, and was called out for duty several times. Passing through the vicissitudes and trials which beset Kansas in her early days, Mr. Wayne has attained to financial success, and is numbered among the substantial citizens of Linn County.
MOS DURBIN, a representative agricultur- ist and successful stock-raiser of Mound City Township, Linn County, is desirably located upon a fine farm of two hundred and six aeres, situated on section 10, in one of the most fertile districts of the state. A constant resident of the township since 1860, he enjoys an extended acquaintance and the high regard of all his fellow-townsmen, with many of whom he has borne the heat and burden of the day in the vicis- situdes which Kansas has experienced during the past thirty-three years. Enterprising, energetic and a leading citizen of Linn County, he has
aided in the advancement and stimulated the pro- gressive interests of the community, and has never been known to withhold his assistance in any mat- ter of mutual welfare.
The parents of our subject, Amos and Susan (White) Durbin, were natives of the sunny south, having been born in Maryland. They were there married and afterward removed to Mississippi, where they remained one year, returning thence to the home of their childhood, Maryland. After a brief time they sojourned to Kentucky and set- tled in Greenup County, which they made their abiding place for a full score of years. Finally they again changed their residence and located in Indiana, where some time later they died. Their nine children were Betsey E., Naney, Polly, David, Susan, Thomas, William, Amos and Jack- son. Amos was born in Greenup County, Ky., July 4, 1813. He was a mere boy when his father and mother removed to Johnson County, Ind., where he received his education and was trained to habits of industrious thrift.
Upon the 10th of October, 1833, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Ann Forsyth, a lady of worth, who was born in Oldham County, Ky. Two children were born unto this marriage, one of whom died in infancy. The other, Cas- sandra, a lovely and accomplished young lady, married Edward Kingsbury, a native of Ohio, and passed away, beloved by all who knew her, in No- vember, 1869. Mrs. Naney Ann Durbin died in Johnson County, Ind., in 1837, having survived her marriage but four years. Upon the 7th of November, 1837, Amos Durbin married Miss Mar- garet Featheringill, who was born in Oldham County, Ky., February 6, 1820. Until 1839 Mr. Durbin continued his residence in Johnson Coun- ty, Ind., but at that time located in Winnebago County, Ill., and settled fourteen miles west of Rockford. For many years he was numbered among the leading farmers of that locality, but in the fall of 1860, selling his Illinois property, he with his family journeyed to Kansas and located permanently in Linn County.
Mr. Durbin purchased one hundred and fifty- four acres on section 10, Mound City Township, and being a thoroughly practical farmer, has
RESIDENCE OF CHARLES HALLER, SEC. 7., SHERIDAN TP, LINN CO., KAN.
RESIDENCE OF AMOS DURBIN, SEC.10., MOUND CITY TP., LINN CO., KAN.
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brought the land to a high state of cultivation and made many valuable improvements, beside adding to his original investment one hundred acres. Aside from the tilling of the soil he profit- ably handles a fine grade of stock and has upon his farm some of the best liorses and cattle in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Durbin are valued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he has belonged for over a half-century, and for thirty years has been a Class-leader. Mrs. Dur- bin is a lady of intelligence and ability and has been prominent in the social and benevolent en- terprises of her locality, and together with her husband enjoys the esteem of many friends. Al- though never a politician in any sense of the word, Mr. Durbin takes a deep interest in the management of both local and national affairs and is known as a man of sterling integrity and a sub- stantial and publie-spirited citizen.
C HARLES HALLER. Just outside of the corporate limits of the village of Prescott, on section 7, lies one of the best farms of Linn County. This attractive place is the prop- erty of Mr. Haller, one of the honored pioneers of Kansas, whose residence in Linn County dates from the 21st of June, 1857. 1Ie was born in Frederick County, Md., January 14, 1827, being the son of Jacob and Catherine (Bolinger) Haller. His father, who was a native of Bavaria, Germany, was a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte. After his marriage he emigrated to the United States and settled in Maryland, where he secured em- ployment as a day laborer. There he passed his remaining years until at the age of eighty-six he closed his eyes upon the scenes of earth. His wife survived for a few years.
In the parental family there were seven chil- dren, who grew to mature years and are now liv- ing. Jacob resides in Frederick County, Md. Ann Maria married Joshua Murray and makes her
home in Maryland. Elizabeth, also a resident of Maryland, is the wife of David Minnick; Catherine married John Ringel, of Maryland; Charlotte, Mrs. Harman Fulmer, resides in Maryland; Daniel makes his home in Linn County. Our subject, who is the fourth in order of birth, spent his youthful years in his native county and state, where he attained his majority. In boyhood he attended the common schools, and later he was em- ployed on a farm.
Removing to Ohio at the age of twenty-one, our subject sojourned for a time in Montgomery County and worked on a farm near Dayton, his wages ranging from $11 to $20 per month. He also dealt to some extent in horses. On the 15th of April, 1857, he removed to Cooper County, Mo., and in June following he came to Kansas and settled on Indian lands in Bourbon County, where he purchased a elaim consisting of one hun- dred and sixty acres. In the fall of 1857 he pur- chased a claim, this one being located in Linn County on the Miami Reservation. He pre- empted the claim and made it his home until in September, 1861, when he enlisted as a member of Company G, Seventh Kansas Cavalry. The regi- ment was mustered into service on the 1st of Sep- tember at Leavenworth, Kan., and after receiving instructions went to Kansas City, and later oper- ated in Missouri until February, 1862. From that month until April of the same year, they remained at the headquarters at Humboldt, Kan.
From Humboldt the regiment was ordered to Lawrence, thence to Ft. Riley, and from there to St. Louis, Mo., and Columbus, Ky., reaching the latter place on the 2d of June, 1862. They were next ordered to Union City, then to Corinth, Miss., where they participated in the second battle of Corinth under General Rosecrans. Later under General Grant our subject took part in the ad- vance on Vicksburg. He was also present at Wa- ter Valley and fought at the engagement on the Yellow Bushey. When the enemy from the rear captured Holly Springs, our subjeet with his regi- ment marched to that place, arriving the day after the battle. They followed the rebel force to Bol- iver, Tenn., and by riding all night succeeded in getting aliead of the enemy. In the morning the
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piekets were attacked, lines formed, and with six- teen hundred cavalry Van Dorn's army was routed and pursued into Mississippi. Once more they went to Holly Springs and from there marched to Summerville, looking after Colonel Faulkner.
After passing the winter at Germantown, the regiment proceeded to Tuscumbia, Ala., on the Dodge expedition, and after a brief engagement with the enemy fell back to Tuscumbia, then to Town Creek, where a fight took place. While scouting for General Dodge several skirmislies ensued. From Corinth they marcbed to Barns- ville, whence one thousand of the best-mounted men rode to Tupelo, where a battle took place. The company of which our subject was a member was dismounted. They made a charge on the enemy, scattering the ranks and disorganizing thie forces, whom they followed into the country, so that when the bugle sounded the recall they were out of hearing. In number they were forty, and after the enemy rallied these forty men were within the rebel lines and thus cut off from the command. After the engagement the rebels fell back on these forty men, who opened fire and stampeded the enemy, thus succeeding not only in effecting their own escape, but also in capturing fifteen prisoners. They killed many of the con- federates, but did not lose one of their number. For their valorous and heroic action they received great praise.
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