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 17
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When about twenty years of age, Mr. Smith re- moved to Iowa County, Iowa, where he engaged in farming for a number of years, meeting with considerable success in his chosen occupation. He continued to reside in Iowa until he came to Linn County in July, 1870. Here he made settlement on section 18, Potosi Township, where he pur- chased eighty aeres and commenced the labor of tilling the soil. As above stated, his landed pos- sessions now aggregate one hundred and sixty acres. As a farmer, he introduces all the modern machinery and improvements upon his place, and keeps abreast with the latest information in the agricultural world.
In Iowa County, Iowa, August 25, 1861, the ceremony was performed which united in marriage Levi Smith and Miss Sarah A. Coy. The bride was an amiable young lady of seventeen years, whose winning manners had won for her a host of warm friends in her girlhood's home. She was born in Jackson County, Ind., March 17, 1844, and in childhood accompanied her father's family to Iowa, where she grew to womanhood. ller par- ents, Moses and Appsla (Ballard) Coy, were na- tives of Kentucky, and died in Iowa County, Iowa. They had two children, Mrs. Smith being the younger. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of four living children: Loretta C., the wife of Charles Barker; Rosa M., Mrs. Alfred Smith; Lot- tie E. and John M. Three children are deceased: one that died unnamed in infancy; Charles D., who died when eigliteen months old; and Libbie, who passed away at the age of six years.
'Through his long and honorable career as a farmer, Mr. Smith has always displayed the utmost probity in all his business transactions and a painstaking perseverance in everything he under-
Nowy Truly Treff lean
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takes. He affiliates with the Democratic party, and on that ticket has been elected to a number of the minor offices in Potosi Township. His inter- est in educational matters has been deep and un- wavering, and he has given his children every ad- vantage for acquiring good educations. He and his wife, by their broad sympathy, inherent kind- ness of heart, extended charity and devotion to friends, have gained the lasting regard of all their associates.
ATHER F. M. VERDAN, pastor of St. Aloyssius Parish, in Crawford County, was born in Savoy, France, and was edu- cated in the country of his birth. He began the study for the ministry at the age of nine. Ile could read long before he could walk, and although he was so young when he began his ministerial studies he found no difficulty in keeping up with his classes. Ile was graduated from the highest institutions of learning in Paris.
At the age of twenty-six years, Father Verdan came to America, and entered the Notre Dame University, in Indiana, where he learned the Eng- lish language. Later, he went to New Orleans, and taught language in the St. Isadore College, where he remained for eight months. He was then ordained, and went to Montreal, Canada, but left that place after eight months, because of the loss of hearing in one ear. From Canada he came to Crawford County, Kau., where he soon regained his hearing. Here he began to build up the church, and now the congregation consists of about eighty- five families. He established a store for the ben- efit of the community, also a creamery and a postoffice, and expects soon to start a mill and a blacksmith's shop.
At Walnut, Father Verdan built one of the finest church edifices in the county, and there is a good
congregation at that place. For the first six years of his residence in Crawford County he conducted services at Girard. He is probably one of the best known priests in the southeastern part of the state. Although he takes no part in politics, he keeps himself well informed on the issues of the day. He gives his entire attention to church work, and is greatly beloved by his people.
Of a family of three brothers, Father Verdan is the only one who took up the work of the church and came to America. His youngest brother be- came a surgeon in the French army, and died in Africa. Althoughi only twenty-seven years of age at the time of his death, he had already be- come a noted physician.
W T. DUTTON, of Erie, follows farming and stock-raising. He was born in Marion County, Ohio, on the 16th of September, 1841, and his father, Virden Dutton, was one of the pioneer settlers of that county, whither he re- moved from Delaware, his native state. He was married in Delaware to Miss Hannah Carey. Locat- ing in Wabash County, Ind., he there engaged in milling until his death. In politics, he was a sup- porter of the Whig party. and was a man of ster- ling worth.
The subject of this sketch is the sixth in a fam- ily of nine children. Ile was a lad of only four summers when his parents removed to Indiana, where he was reared to manhood. In its public schools he acquired his education and then began working in a brick yard, where he was employed for six years. Subsequently he embarked in gen- eral merchandising, purchasing his stock with the capital he had acquired through his industry and economy in previous years.
In 1863, Mr. Dutton was united in marriage with Miss Mary Welch, a native of York, Pa. They began their domestic life in Indiana, but in
3
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1869 came to Neosho County, locating in Erie, in company with his brother, George F. Dutton, who is now living in Los Angeles, Cal. It was not long before his fellow-townsinen recognized his worth and ability, and a year after his arrival he was elected Constable, which otlice he filled for six years. During this time he was also Coroner of the county, and was elected and served as Justice of the Peace. When his term as Constable had ex- pired, he embarked in the hardware and grocery business, which he continued for about nine years.
In June, 1869, the mother of our subject came to this county and entered forty acres of land from the Government. She died about 1888, but previously her land had been laid off into town lots, which form the now thriving city of Erie. Mr. Dutton of this sketch owns two hun- dred and sixty acres of land in Erie Township ad- joining the town. He at first purchased sixty-six acres, but from time to time he has added to this until he now has a fine farm, whose extent is given above.
In January, 1880, Mr. Dutton was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. He afterward mar- ried Miss Lou llimmelright, a native of Clinton County, Mo. Mr. Dutton now has three children : Charles C., who is now Deputy County Treasurer of Neosho County; Dallas D., who is in the employ of Bradley, Wheeler & Co., of Kansas City, Kan .; and Daisy D., who is at home.
Since the organization of the party, our subject has been a stalwart Republican, and many times has he been honored with elections to public office. He has served as Township Clerk, Township Treasurer, and has been a member of the School Board for three years. He was Mayor of the city for four years, and was Clerk of the Council. So- cially, he is connected with the Masonic fraternity and the Order of the Eastern Star, the Odd Fellows' society, the Encampment and Rebecca Lodge. Ile is also Past Grand of the Odd Fellows' society, and has represented the local lodge in the Grand Lodge, also the Encampment and Rebecca Lodge.
Mr. Dutton now owns and occupies a fine resi- dence in Erie, and has about forty town lots. Ile also has another residence and two store buildings. He is one of the pioneers of this place and has
been prominently identified with its growth and upbuilding and all that pertains to its develop- ment. lle has been connected with the official, social and business interests of the place and is recognized as one of the valued citizens whom Neosho County could ill afford to lose.
AMES CATON. Nowhere within the limits of Miami County can there be found a gen- tleman who takes greater interest in agri- cultural affairs than does the subject of this notice, who is a successful farmer of Richland Township and the owner of four hundred acres on section 17. For a number of years he has been one of the leading stockinen of the township, his place being stocked with fine cattle, varying in number from two hundred to one thousand.
The parents of our subject, Robert and Elizabeth (Caton) Caton, were natives of Ireland, where they were reared and married. About 1830 they emi- grated to the United States and settled in New York, residing for a time near the city of Utica and later making their home in Albany. In 1840 they went to Canada, where the father engaged first in the boot and shoe business, and later con- ducted farming operations. He died in Canada about 1851, and his wife passed away in 1840. They were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom were born in Ireland and were left in the Old Coun- try when Mr. Caton crossed the ocean. Of the four born in America, James is the only survivor. The parents were. members of the Episcopal Church, and the father politically was an old-line Whig and a conservative man.
Born on the 18th of December, 1834, the sub- ject of this sketch was obliged to become self-sup- porting at the early age of nine. For a time he worked on the Welland Canal, in Canada, and with the assistance of his father, purchased a team
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when only twelve years old. Later he sold the team and went to Hamilton, Canada, where he en- gaged as a teamster and later took charge of a stable containing forty horses. He managed the business for one and one-half years and was suc- cessful in winning the confidence of the other employes of the firm, although he was the only Protestant among a large number of Catholics.
Leaving Canada, Mr. Caton went to New Or- leans, then up the Mississippi River to Stillwater, Minn., and from there engaged in rafting down the Mississippi to St. Louis. After having made two trips, he went to Chicago on a flat-boat, and later secured a position as mate on a small steamer on the Illinois River. Subsequently he engaged as an engineer for two years, and in connection therewith also learned the trade of a blacksmith. Ile was then hired by Jabez Fisher, the pork packer of Lakin, Ill., to run a ferry boat across tlie Illinois River at Lakin. This he did, operating the first ferry at that place. Subsequently he be- came the manager of a sawmill belonging to Will- iam Fisher, and then resumed the trade of a black- smith, which he followed for two years. His next occupation was that of grading a railroad, under Contractor Thompson, at which he made a good salary, clearing $450 in thirty-two days.
On the 12th of August, 1855, Mr. Caton married Miss Julia Martin, who was born in Ireland March 16, 1834, and emigrated to America in 1843. Three years after his marriage, he located in Mar- shall, Ill., where he conducted a rented farm until the spring of 1870. He then came to Kansas and purchased one hundred and sixty acres situated three miles south of Paola. The land was wild, and of cultivation there was not a trace to be seen. After farming on that place for four years, Mr. Caton located upon the farm where he has since resided. At the time of the purchase, the estate included eighty acres of partly improved land, and the original tract has been added to until Mr. Caton is now the owner of four hundred acres, the most of which is under cultivation.
Mr. and Mrs. Caton are the parents of ten chil- dren, as follows: R. D., Harriet, John II., George, James E., Mary, Walter M., Thomas J., Lizzie and William L. The three daughters are married, and
the sons are all independent, being numbered among the foremost citizens of their various com- munities. James E. is the present candidate be- fore the Republican convention for the office of County Clerk. Mr. Caton is especially interested in stock-raising, and during the year 1893 had on his place one hundred head of cattle, one hundred and fifty hogs and other stock of good grades.
In financial circles, the name of James Caton carries considerable influence. In business matters he is a leading resident of Richland Township, paying more taxes than any other citizen of the township and also handling larger sums of money than any one else in this part of the county. As a Republican, he has been active in politics during the entire period of his residence in Miami County, and is a firm believer in the platform of his chosen party. He takes an active interest in the welfare of the Baptist Church, in which he is Trustee. IIe has served as a member of the School Board for six years. Socially he is identified with the An- cient Order of United Workmen.
C
OHN H. MORRISON. In the career of this gentleman we find an excellent example for young men just embarking in the field of active life of what may be accomplished by a man beginning poor, but honest, prudent and industrious. In early life he enjoyed but limited advantages, nor had he wealth or position to aid him in his youth. He relied solely upon his own efforts to win prosperity, nor has his been a success only in the sense of accumulating a competence, but in doing good to others and in winning their respect.
Now a prominent attorney of Oswego, Mr. Mor- rison is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Mifflin County on the 23d of April, 1850. He is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Ross) Morrison,
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natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been born in Mifflin County, and the latter in Perry County. Samuel Morrison was reared to man- hood upon a farm, and followed agricultural pur- suits for a time. Later he engaged in mercantile business at Newton Hamilton, Mifflin County, where he resided until about 1853. Then remov- ing to Illinois, he located in Fulton County, where he conducted general farming, stock-raising and other pursuits until his death in 1887. His wife died in November, 1893, at Ipava, Ill. She died as she had lived, a faithful Christian mother. They were the parents of two children, J. H. and J. A., the latter being a resident of Ipava, Ill. The father was a man of sincere Christian character and a de- voted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
At the time the family removed to Illinois, our subject was a lad of about three years. He grew to manhood in Fulton County, where he received the advantages of a common - school education. After completing his studies, he engaged in teach- ing school for about three years, and in the mean- time employed his leisure hours in the study of law. In Fulton County, Ill., he was admitted to the Bar of Illinois in 1878, and at once commenced the practice of his profession in that county, re- maining there for two years. In 1880 he came to Oswego, where he remained for some time. In the winter of 1886-87 he served in the State Legisla- ture, and from 1889 until 1891 filled the position of County Attorney of Labette County, Kan.
Removing to Portland, Ore., in 1891, Mr. Mor- rison remained in that city for one and one-half years engaged in the practice of his profession. HIe was not satisfied, however, to establish his home permanently in the far west, having gone there principally on account of his wife's health. Since his return to Kansas he has resided in Oswe- go, liis former home.
In his political belief he is a Republican, and has served as Chairman of the County Republican Committee, being prominent in his chosen political organization. IIe has also served as delegate to the state convention.
In church matters Mr. Morrison is a Congrega- tionalist. Socially he is identified with the All- cient Order of United Workmen, He was united
in marriage in 1877 with Miss Loesa, daughter of Robert Carithers, a prominent farmer and stock- raiser of Fulton County, Ill. Two children have been born of this union, Maud and Ralph, bright and intelligent children, who are being educated in the Oswego schools.
R OBERT II. MOORE is one of the wealthy and progressive agriculturists of Wash- ington Township, Anderson County, own- ing a large and well equipped farm on section 6. In the early days he filled a number of township offices, and has always taken an active part in all local and political affairs. His influence has ever been cast on the side of improvement and measures calenlated to promote the good of the county.
The birth of our subject occurred in Muskin- gum County, Ohio, on the 11th of December, 1827. His parents were Elijah and Frances ( Weed- en) Moore. The former was a native of Virginia, and came from one of the notable families of the Old Dominion, his father being Joseph Moore. Both parents of our subject died in Muskingum County, where they were numbered among the carly settlers. The youth of Robert II. Moore was passed in his native county, and when only thir- teen years of age he commenced learning the car- penter's and joiner's trade, serving an apprentice- ship of four years. He afterward formed a part- nership with his old employer, continning with him for five years. For four successive years, Mr. Moore engaged in business alone with fair success.
It was in April, 1857, that Mr. Moore started for the west and located in Anderson County. He became the owner of a claim on section 6, Washington Township, where he settled and at once began to improve the land. Ile still owns his original farm and has since extended the
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boundaries of the same until it now comprises about three hundred and seventy acres. Many valuable improvements have been placed upon the farm by the owner, which have added materially to its value. He has built a good residence and other farm buildings, and has set out numerous shade and fruit trees. He is without doubt one of the most enterprising and progressive agriculturists of thuis region, having accumulated a considerable fortune by his industry and perseverance.
- A marriage ceremony was performed in Musk- ingum County, Ohio, in March, 1852, whereby Miss Martha IIutton became the wife of Mr. Moore. The lady was born in the same county in which her marriage took place, in July, 1831. Seven children have been born of this union. Emeline is the wife of Henry Thompson; Laura became the wife of William Manners; William is next; Judson mar- ried Miss C. Cullison; Nettie and James and one child who died in infancy complete the number.
The business ability of Mr. Moore is well known in this county, and he is now serving as Vice- President of the First National Bank of Garnett. He is respected and esteemed for his qualities of true worth and uprightness of life. He is honor- able and just to one and all with whom he has dealings, and with his family numbers a host of friends in the neighborhood of his home.
ELSON F. PAYNE. The name of this gentleman is a familiar one to the people of Liberty Township, and indeed to all the residents of Linn County. His farm is pleasantly located on section 34, township 19, range 22, and has been his home since 1870, at which date he came to Kansas. His childhood's home was in New York, and he was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., October 21, 1844, being a son of Harrison and Abigail (Lucc) Payne. In the Empire State he passed the uneventful years of boyhood and
youth, daily learning in the school of experience lessons as useful as those gleaned from the text- books of the common schools. He was intelligent and thoughtful beyond his years, and early in life became very proficient in every department of agriculture.
Orphaned by the death of his parents when he was seventeen, our subject afterward worked by the month or day at any honest employment he could secure. On the 17th of June, 1864, he enlisted as a member of the Union army, and was mustered into service with Company D, One Ihun- dred and Seventy-ninth New York Infantry, in which he served for eleven months. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and with it he participated in the battle in front of Petersburg, June 17, 1864, as well as in a number of minor engagements. At the close of the war he was discharged under general orders.
Returning to New York, Mr. Payne was em- ployed as a farm hand until 1870, when he came to Kansas and bought the one hundred and sixty acres where he now resides, paying $750 for the tract of raw prairie land. Not having the money necessary to commence the independent career of a farmer on his own property, he worked for four years in the employ of others, and his knowledge of agriculture and his tireless industry caused his services to be highly appreciated in his commu- nity. Subsequently he operated for some time as a renter, and while so doing devoted as much time as practicable to the clearing and improving of his property, on which he erected a number of farm buildings. Since coming to this place he has given considerable attention both to general farm- ing and stock-raising, and also for some years owned an interest in a threshing-machine, which hie operated.
In February, 1876, Mr. Payne returned to his native county, and was there united in marriage with Miss Edith, daughter of Carl and Christina (Johnson) Carlson. Mrs. Payne is of Swedish birth, and emigrated to this country when four- teen years of age. She is the mother of two chil- dren, Lorenzo and Ethel, in whose welfare and that of her husband her interests are centered. In his social connections Mr. Payne is identified
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with the Patrons of Husbandry, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Grand Army of the Republic, being prominent in these fraternities. Formerly he affiliated with the Republican party, but since the organization of the Populist party he has supported its principles. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and active in its support.
R UFUS SMITH, a prominent citizen and lead- ing agriculturist residing upon the south- east quarter of section 4, Paris Township, Linn County, has since October, 1859, been intimately associated with the upward growth and progressive interests of his present locality. He has with ability discharged the duties of Jus- tice of the Peace and efficiently served as a mem- ber of the School Board. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Gideon Smith, was a resident of Westmoreland County, New Brunswick, where the father of Rufus, William Smith, was born, June 12, 1808. The mother, in maidenhood Miss Matilda Fillmore, was also a native of Westmoreland Coun- ty, and was born July 12, 1812. The maternal grandfather, John Fillmore, who was born on the ocean while his parents were coming to America, was a man of integrity and was esteemed by all who knew him. The parents, reared, educated and married in their birthplace, spent their happy mar- ried life in New Brunswick. The father died in the early '80s, but the mother still survives. The seven brothers and sisters who gathered in the old home were: Rufus, Mary, John, Elizabeth, Will- iam, Judith and Elijah. Our subject, the eldest of the family, was born in Westmoreland County, February 19, 1834, and remained upon his father's farm, assisting in the daily round of agricultural pursuits, until he had attained to nineteen years of age, when he entered upon an apprenticeship in the carriage and wagon manufacturing business,
continuing in that employment until he reached his majority.
In November, 1855, Mr. Smith emigrated to the United States, located for a short time in Missis- sippi, and then journeyed to Kane County, III. At Lodi Station, now Maple Park, he worked at his trade until he came to Linn County, Kan. Ilis first location in the west was Moneka, Paris Township, where he followed his trade from Oeto- ber. 1859, until March, 1861, when he took up a Government claim where he now lives. Eight months after settling on this land our subject was driven away by the troubles which then existed, and in September, 1861, as he was preparing to leave his home and join the army, which was about to confront Price, he found his home surrounded by seven armed men. Mr. Smith, thoroughly under- standing his danger, left the house, but had only gone a short distance when he was shot through the body. He was carried into his home and as- sisted by one of the posse, another going for the doctor. He was confined to his bed for thirty days, but as soon as he was able, wisely removed to Mound City, where, when he was strong enough, he worked at his trade. He continued thus em- ployed until 1869, with the exception of the one hundred and fifty-six days he served in the army. Mr. Smith afterward experienced much trouble in holding his claim, but at last it was justly awarded to him. He again took possession of the land in 1869, and has made this valuable farm his per- manent home when not engaged in the mercan- tile business in Pleasanton, where he profitably handled merchandise for a number of years.
Since the year 1889, our subject has devoted his entire time to the two hundred and eighty aere homestead, whose finely cultivated fields, sub- stantial improvements and excellent location in Paris Township render it one of the best pieces of farming property in this part of Linn County. In Kane County, Ill., September 7, 1856, Rufus Smith and Mrs. Charlotte Crabtree were united in mar- riage. The accomplished wife of our subject was the widow of Charles Crabtree and the daughter of John Fillmore. She was born in Westmoreland County, New Brunswick. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one surviving child, a daughter, Eva J., the
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