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 20
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Mr. Elam whose name heads this record was born in Clark County, Ill., in 1840, and in the usual manner of farmer lads spent the days of his boy- hood and youth. The common schools afforded him his educational privileges, and he acquired a good knowledge of the English branches. He had just reached manhood when the Rebellion broke out, and, prompted by patriotic impulses, he enlisted on the 1st of August, 1861, as a mem- ber of Company K, First, Missouri Cavalry. He served throughout the war, and being appointed Sergeant, held that office until the cessation of hos- tilities. He took part in the battle of Pea Ridge and many skirmishes in that vicinity, was at Mem- phis, Tenn., and Coldwater, Miss., and after peace had been restored was mustered out at St. Louis, October 20, 1865, never having received a wound.
Mr. Elam at once returned to Clark County, Ill., hut after a short time removed to Bentonville, Ark., where he remained until 1869, when he came to Labette County, Kan., having purchased his farm the previous year. Ile now owns three hun- dred and fifty acres of land, all under a high state of cultivation and well improved. He is a prac- tical and progressive agriculturist, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the en- terprise and careful supervision of the owner.
In 1868, Mr. Elam married Martha C. Langston, a native of Bentonville, Ark., and unto them have
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been born eleven children, six sons and five daugli- ters. The family circle yet remains unbroken. Mr. Elam is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been an active and useful citizen. Ile holds the offices of Trustee and Steward and has been prominent in all church and benevolent work. Socially, he is a member of the Anti- Ilorse Thief Association. In politics, he is a stal- wart Republican, keeps well informed on the issues of the day, and does all in his power for the suc- cess of his party. He has served as School Director for twelve consecutive years, and for some time has ably and successfully filled the office of Justice of the Peace.
ON. LEVI HATCH. As a veteran of the Civil War, and as a progressive citizen of Arcadia, the subject of this sketch has be- come widely and favorably known among the people of Crawford County. At the time of locating in the Sunflower State the country was disturbed by the border troubles, and Kansas pre- sented a scene of carnage and excitement, the friends of the Union struggling with the cham- pions of the Confederacy for the possession of the soil. Judge Hatch has lived to see the wonderful development of the resources of the state, and has himself been intimately connected with its mate- rial and moral progress. He takes a leading po- sition in public enterprises, and as a citizen is genial, energetic and public-spirited.
Born in Athens County, Ohio, October 22, 1823, our subject is a son of Nathan and Rosanna (Duffy) Hatch, natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania. They were early settlers of Ohio, where they remained until death. Levi was reared on a farm, and in his youth received a limited ed- ueation in the common schools. He also worked in a mill for a time. At the age of twenty-one, he started out in business for himself, his entire
possessions consisting of two shirts and one pair of trousers. He worked on a farm and in a saw- mill, and by industry and economy laid the foun- dation of future success.
In 1845 Mr. Ilatch was united in marriage with Miss Jane Pearson, who was born in Ohio April 22, 1827. Of this union the following children were born, namely: George M., who died in 1857; William W., who is deceased, and had two chil- dren; Henrietta, wife of Henry Burden, and the mother of seven children; Lottie, who married and at her death left two children; Martha J., who married L. P. McGonigle, five children having been born of their union; Lewis J., who is de- ceased, and had four children; and Jolin I., who is also married and is the father of two children. In 1850 the Judge removed to Iowa and resided for a number of years in Lee County. In 1857 he came to Kansas and settled upon a Government claim in Crawford County, where he pre-empted the southwest quarter of section 1. township 24, range 28. At that time the country was sparsely settled and improvements were few, but through economy, good judgment and energy he has brought his land to a high state of cultivation.
On August 15, 1861, the Judge enlisted for ser- vice in the Union army, becoming a member of Company K, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, and from the ranks was soon promoted to Second Lieutenant. Upon the reorganization of the regiment he en- tered the Quartermaster's department at Ft. Scott, where he remained until the close of the war. During his service he formed a personal and inti- mate acquaintance with Colonel Jewell, and also met many other famous soldiers. Upon his return to the farm lie resumed agricultural operations, and in the quiet round of rural life and duties be- came prosperous and well-to-do.
In politics a Republican, the Judge is firm in his support of the principles of that organization. Hle won his title by his service as the first Probate Judge of Crawford County, and in addition to that position has served in other responsible offices, where liis labors have contributed to the promotion of the best interests of his fellow-citi- zens. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church at Arcadia, and were largely instrumental
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in securing the erection of the present commodi- ous church edifice. He has officiated as Deacon for a period of almost forty years. Socially he is identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to the post at Arcadia.
AVID C. FRAZIER. While general history treats of the great events that have tran- spired in the past, and records the rise and fall of empires and governments, with criticisms and eulogies on the lives of sovereigns, statesmen and other great men, it is proper that some of the real representatives of the people should be re- membered in a work like this, and that those upon whose shoulders the weight and responsibility of our Government chiefly rests should assume their proper place in these annals. In this sketch, the object will be to preserve in a permanent form, for the use of his friends and the generations to follow, the worthy example and Christian charac- ter of one of the honored residents of Crawford County.
Now a farmer residing on section 30, Sherman Township, the subject of this sketch is a native of Indiana, having been born in Fountain County. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Cade) Frazier, were married in Ohio, and about seventy years ago removed to Indiana, where, in the timberland of Fountain County, they made a permanent home. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, a hard-work- ing farmer and upright man, and his death, in 1833, was mourned throughout the county. Ilis wife survived him many years, passing away in 1866. They were influential members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which she belonged for a period of sixty-five years, and in which he served
as Steward. He was the first Commissioner of Fountain County, and his name is inseparably connected with the early history of that portion of Indiana.
Our subject is the youngest of eleven children, of whom three sons and two daughters are now living. He was born on the 16th of May, 1833, and was orphaned by his father's death when he was an infant. As may be supposed, the youngest of eleven fatherless children, he did not have a very happy boyhood. His education was limited to a brief attendance at the district schools, and his time was principally devoted to farm work. Strug- gling against adverse circumstances, he gradually became independent, and at the age of twenty- four was enabled to establish home ties of his own. He married in 1857 Miss Minerva E., daughter of John and Mary (James) Williams, both of whom were born in Kentucky in 1803.
After their marriage in the Blue Grass State, Mr. and Mrs. Williams removed to Indiana in 1833, and settled in Montgomery County, where he fol- lowed the trade of a mechanic and aided in found- ing the city of Crawfordsville. In 1839 he re- moved to Fountain County, where he engaged in the occupation of a millwright. He died in this county while visiting his daughter, in 1882. His wife passed away in 1864. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom four are now living. In religious belief they were members of the Chris- tain Church, and they traced their ancestry to Wales and England. Mrs. Frazier was born in Montgomery County, Ind., August 4, 1837, and was reared to womanhood in Fountain County, where she received a good education in the com- mon schools.
Purchasing the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead, our subject located there shortly after his marriage, and continued to cultivate the soil of the place for four years. In 1861 he re- moved to Illinois and settled upon a partially im- proved farm in Vermilion County, where he re- mained for ten years, meantime bringing the farm to a high state of cultivation. In 1871 he came to Kansas, where he settled upon one hundred and sixty acres comprising a part of his present posses- sions. The land was then wholly unimproved, and
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not only has he brought it to a good state of cul- tivation, but he has also added thereto, until at the present time (1893) his landed · possessions aggregate eight hundred acres. With the assist- ance of his sons, he has cleared and broken the soil of one thousand acres in this county. He has also planted seven miles of hedge fencing and thirteen hundred apple trees. His residence was erected in 1876, at a cost of $3,000, and contains the modern improvements; there are also other farm buildings of a substantial order.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Frazier has resulted in the birth of nine children, of whom seven are now living. James B., a merchant in Farlington, Kan., married Miss Sarah Leach, and they have two children; John B., who lives in Gray County, Kan., married Miss Nancy M. Rubert, and has three children; Arista E. chose for his wife Miss Ella Crawford, and two children were born of their union; his home is in Girard, this state; Highland W., residing on a part of our subject's farm, married Miss L. Bessie McBroom; Alvah E. is at home; William married Eva Beaver, and they, with their child, reside on the home farm; and Edward is at home. The deceased children are Doctor C. and Rosabell.
In religious connections Mr. Frazier is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has officiated as Steward and Class-leader. He has also been active in Sunday-school work, having been Superintendent of the same. He is interested in educational matters, and has been a member of the School Board for twenty years. He gave his children the best of advantages, and two of his sons have followed the profession of teaching. Formerly a Democrat, he is now a Populist, and has served in various positions, including that of Road Overseer. His name was prominently men- tioned as a candidate for the office of County Treasurer, but he refused to allow his name to be presented to the convention.
Mr. Frazier improved two farms in Illinois and five farms in Kansas, owning two-thirds of one hundred and sixty acres of coal land in one tract in Baker Township, also a tract of two hundred and forty acres, and eighty acres in the same town- ship. Mr. Frazier has become prominently identi-
fied with the best interests of the county, and is one of its most highly esteemed citizens.
E LMER C. CLARK, Clerk of the District Court at Oswego, was born in Leavenworth, Crawford County, Ind., May 16, 1863. He is the son of James A. Clark, likewise a native of Crawford County. The paternal grandfather, Sam- uel M. Clark, a Pennsylvanian by birth, was an early settler of Eaton, Ohio, and from there re- moved in 1816 to Indiana, becoming a pioneer of Crawford County. With the growth and devel- opment of the Hoosier State he became closely connected, contributing to the progress of its ma- terial resources and advancing its best interests. He entered a tract of land, upon which he engaged in farming pursuits. He was also prominent in public affairs, and for three terms served as Sheriff of the county.
The father of our subject was reared to man- hood in Indiana, his youth being spent amid the pioneer scenes there. For forty years he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business at Leaven- worth, meeting with fair success in that enterprise. In 1883 he came to Kansas and settled in Montgom- ery County, where for a number of years he engaged in farming near the village of Independence. Ile came to Labette County in 1886, and since then has made his home in Parsons, of which he is a well known citizen. In political belief he is a Re- publican, and is proud of the principles and his- tory of that party. Having lived a life of in- tegrity and uprightness, he is held in high esteem by all who know him. He is a man of liberal spirit, thoroughly identified with every improve- ment and progressive enterprise of the neighbor- hood, and possessing a ready apprehension to dis- cern that which is for the best interest of the community. The lady whom he married was in
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maidenhood Harriett E. Gaither, and was a native of Harrison County, Ind.
In the schools of Crawford County, Ind., the subject of this brief notice received the rudiments of his education, to which he has since added by diligent application and effort. Upon embarking in his business career, he opened a mercantile es- tablishment at Sedgwick, Kan., and conducted a fair business at that place for about three years. Upon coming to Parsons, he was for a time in the employ of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company. Later he studied law with the legal firm of Simons & Atkinson, of Parsons, and was admitted to practice at the Bar of the state of Kansas on the 11th of October, 1889, after which he opened an office for the practice of his profes- sion at l'arsons.
For a time Mr. Clark served as Deputy District Clerk, to which position he was appointed in 1890. In November, 1892, he was the only successful Republican candidate, and elected to the office, assumed the duties of the position on the 9th of January, 1893. His abilities and untiring en- ergy admirably qualify him for the prompt and efficient discharge of the duties of his position, and both as an official and as a private citizen he is highly regarded by the people of his county. Po- litically he is a Republican, and takes an active interest in party affairs. Socially, he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic fraternity. On the 25th of December, 1892, he married Miss Linnie C., daughter of William Smith, of Oswego.
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HOMAS WALKER, a progressive agricult- urist of Liberty Township, Linn County, owns and tills the soil of a farm that is pleasantly located on section 26, township 20, range 21. He was born in Pike County, Ill., March 19, 1837, and is of direct English descent.
His father, Robert Walker, was a native of York- shire, England, whence at the age of nineteen years he emigrated to the United States and set- tled in Illinois. Somewhat later his sister Lizzie, wife of Joseph Wilson, came to this country and located in Pike County, Ill. For a time he was employed on a Pike County farm, and also en- tered land there, to the cultivation of which he gave his undivided attention.
In Pike County, Robert Walker and Miss Frances Wade were united in the bonds of marriage; there they commenced housekeeping, working together for their mutual good until the happy family circle was broken by the death of Mrs. Walker, at the early age of thirty years. Ile survived her for many years, passing away at the age of fifty-three. Three children blessed their union: Thomas, of this sketch; Elizabeth, wife of Milton Batley, and a resident of Pike County, Ill .; and Rebecca, Mrs. Jolin Hardy, of Pike County, Ill. The father of this family was a rugged, stalwart man and a suc- cessful farmer, being the owner of three hundred acres of arable land. He also improved a number of other farms, as he frequently exchanged prop- erty.
The eldest of three children, our subject was only five years of age when he was orphaned by his mother's death. That bereavement, although a heavy one, did not break up the little household, as the father kept the children together, and un- der his guidance and care they grew to maturity. Thomas was the recipient of excellent common- school advantages, and also gained a good idea of agriculture in his youth. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Miss Purrilla Morrell, who was born in Pike County, Ill., in 1836, being the daughter of E. G. and Patsy (Lewis) Morrell. In 1864 Mr. Walker removed to Shelby County, Ill., settling in Tower Hill Township, where he pur- chased eighty acres of land. He improved the place and devoted himself to its cultivation until 1874, when he disposed of the property and came to Kansas.
Arriving in the Sunflower State in March, 1874, Mr. Walker resided for six months in Bourbon County, and from there came to Linn County For four years he tilled the soil of rented land, af-
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ter which he settled upon his present farm, con- sisting of one hundred and sixty acres. He also rents a tract of land and engages extensively in general farming and stock-raising. He and his wife are the parents of six children: Angie, wife of Ed Groves, of Blue Mound, Kan .; Robert; Es- sie, Mrs. Edward Reed, of Pike County, Ill .; Het- tie, wife of James Purcell, of Blue Mound, Kan .; Emma, now Mrs. James Cottle; and Anna. In his political opinions, Mr. Walker is a Democrat, and although not solicitous for office, has served as School Director and in other local offices. He is a believer in the principles of Christianity, and is identified with the United Brethren Church, as is also his wife.
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UNIUS LOMAX, a prosperous agricnlturist and well known citizen of Mound City Township, Linn County, is by nativity a genuine western pioneer, and was born in Orange County, Ind., June 15, 1834. Since July, 1866, he has resided in his present locality, and for twenty-two years has been pleasantly situated on section 33, where he profitably cultivates a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres. The Lomax family is of English descent. The pater- nal grandfather, Jonathan Lomax, was a native of North Carolina, and later removed to Tennessee, he finally followed the tide of emigration, and coming north, spent his last days in Orange Coun- ty, Ind.
In Tennessee the father of our subject, Quintin Lomax, was born, and was a mere child when with his parents he removed to Indiana, where he was reared and educated. There lie married Miss Nancy Davis, a native of Kentucky, who was reared from early childhood in Orange County, Ind. Af- ter their marriage they settled upon an Indiana farm, where they continued to reside until the death of the father and husband. The venerable
mother still survives (1893), and makes her home among the scenes of her youth.
The eleven sons and daughters who gathered about the family fireside of Quintin and Nancy (Davis) Lomax were: Jane, Jonathan, Josephus, Margaret, Jumus, Wellington, Laniska, Abel, Ma- tilda, Lucy and Andrew J. Our subject, the fifth in order of birth, was reared upon the farm of his father, and from sixteen years of age was mainly self-supporting, although he made his home with his parents until he had attained to his majority. Beginning life for himself, he learned the carpen- ter's trade, which occupation he followed until his marriage. In Dubois County, Ind., December 8, 1859, he was nnited with Miss Elizabeth Gra- ham, a native of Dubois County. She was born January 30, 1842, and spent the first seventeen years of her life in her birthplace, enjoying the advantages of instruction in the district schools of her home neighborhood. Her father, Ewing Graham, was by birth a Kentuckian; her mother, Elizabeth Graham, a native of Germany, emigrated to America when only six years of age. They married and settled in Dubois County, where they were well known and highly respected. Mr. Gra- hamn passed away, mourned by many friends, Jan- uary 10, 1890. His faithful wife departed this life in the spring of 1892. They were the parents of nine children: Margaret, Elizabeth, David, Catherine, Lucinda A., James R., one that died in infancy, Marietta and John H.
Immediately following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lomax located on a farm in Orange County, Ind., where our subject engaged with energy in the pursuit of agriculture, and continued in the tilling of the soil until he entered the Union army. Hle enlisted September 23, 1864, in Company H, Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and July 3, 1865, having served courageously, he was honorably dis- charged, and returned again to his wife and fam- ily. Ile remained in Indiana until 1866, when, in the month of July, he journeyed with his family to Linn County, Kan., and for four years lived upon a rented farm in Mound City Township. The fifth year was passed upon a farm in Potosi Town- ship, and in 1871 he began the cultivation of eiglity acres where he. now resides. This acreage
RESIDENCE OF C. W. Mº. CLURE, SEC.12., BLUE MOUND TP, LINN CO., KAN.
RESIDENCE OF JUNIUS .LOMAX , SEC'S.22-24&33, ) MOUND CITY TP. , LINN CO., KAN.
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has since been increased to two hundred and forty, and is devoted to mixed farming, some exception- ally fine stock being raised with success.
The eleven children comprising the family of Mr. and Mrs. Lomax are: Armilda, the wife of James Barrack; Russell, who died in childhood; Samantha M. and John P., who passed away in in- fancy; William T., Albert E., Benjamin F .; Del- bert Q., who was drowned in Stanton Township, Linn County, at the age of about five years; David E., Ella M., who died when an infant; and Clar- ence J. Mr. and Mrs. Lomax passed through a terrible experience April 21, 1887, at which time they were visited by a terrific cyclone that swept away their barns, house and other buildings and left them without shelter, the family escaping death by taking refuge in a hollow near the house.
Our subject is a valued member of the United Brethren Church, and is active in good works. Politically he takes a deep interest in local and national affairs, and a friend to educational ad- vancement, has for seven years been an efficient member of the School Board. A prominent fac- tor in all matters of mutual welfare, he has many friends, and is numbered among the substantial citizens of Linn County.
C HARLES W. MCCLURE. Noticeable among the finely improved farms of Blue Mound Township, Linn County, is the McClure homestead, which is located on the southeast quarter of section 12, township 22, range 22. The owner of this estate, Charles W. McClure, was born in Clark County, Ill., on the 30th of March, 1843, and is the son of John M. and Rebecca (Wilkin) McClure, natives of Knox County, Ind. The paternal ancestors of our subject located in Indiana prior to its admission into the Union, and his grandfather, Charles, spent his entire life there, with the exception of the time when he was on the
frontier in the Indian wars under General Har- rison.
The father of our subject, John M. McClure, was a farmer by occupation, and spent his entire life in the Hoosier State, with the exception of a residence of four years in Clark County, Ill. Hc and his first wife were the parents of three chil- dren: Mary, Mrs. John Macklin, who died in Knox County, Ind .; our subject; and William, who died in childhood. By a subsequent marriage he became the father of one son, John, now de- ceased. Charles W. is the only surviving member of the family. He was reared principally in In- diana, to which state his father returned after the death of his mother in Illinois.
In October, 1861, Mr. McClure enlisted for service in the Union army, and his name was en- rolled as a member of Company HI, Fifty-first In- diana Infantry, in which he served for four years and three months, having veteranized at the cx- piration of three years. With his regiment he was present at Stone River, Nashville, Franklin and other important engagements. Near Rome, Ga., his regiment was captured by the rebels, but on account of sickness he was not in active service at the time, and so escaped being a prisoner. He was Sergeant of his company until, at the close of the war, he was honorably discharged from the army.
Returning to civic pursuits, Mr. McClure for a time remained at his old home in Indiana, whence he came to Kansas and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land. Here he has since made his home, having placed the soil under excellent cultivation and introduced all the mod- ern conveniences. He is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres, the value of which has been greatly increased by the erection of a num- ber of substantial buildings, including a pleasant rural abode for his family.
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