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 25
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The youthful days of our subject were passed in assisting his father in the arduous duties of the farm and in attending the common schools, where he received a good practical education. He re- mained in Wisconsin until 1866, when the Sun- flower State tempted him to settle within its borders, and he bought eighty acres of raw prairie land in Miami County, where he now resides. With the exception of two years, when he resided in Paola, Mr. Ranney has made his home on this farm, which has since been increased to one hun- dred and twenty acres. One not familiar with the history of the past can scarcely believe when he looks upon the splendid farm of Mr. Ranney that it was ever a trackless wilderness, much Icss that that was its condition less than half a century ago. Ilis fine farm, so well cultivated and imn- proved, is a standing monument to his industry and good management, and is one of the best in his section.
Mr. Ranney was married February 22, 1874, at which time he united his fate with that of Miss Ida L. Inman, daughter of John and Hannah In- man. Mr. and Mrs. Inman were among the first settlers of Rock County, Wis., and were worthy and esteemed residents of that county, where they spent so many years of their lives. To our subject and wife have been born six children, who are named in order of their birth as follows: Mabel, Nettie, Ralph, Clarence, Addie and Anna, twins, all bright and interesting children. Mr. Ranney has ever been one of the most public-spirited men of his county, and has fought with her most faith- fully in all her struggles for growth and material advancement. Heis a warm friend and an agree- able companion, ever ready to help when help is needed, and is beloved and respected by all who know him.
In politics, Mr. Ranney is a Populist, but was
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formerly a Democrat. In 1890 he was elected Probate Judge and served one term. He has been Justice of the Peace many years, and has held other local offices. He is one of the early members of the Populist party, was County Secretary of the Fariners' Alliance, and was the first County Secretary of that organization, having helped to organize that lodge. He is one of the prominent members of the People's party but has ever been active in politics, and is a man who wields much influence throughout his county. He was former- ly an anti-monopolist. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
C YRUS A. DEGARMO owns and operates a farm located on section 14, Sheridan Town- ship, Crawford County. An influential citizen of the township, he is also well and favor- ably known throughout the entire county, and as a farmer is progressive and energetic. Ile is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of im- proved land, upon which he has erected a number of substantial farm buildings, including a neat residence and commodious barn.
Referring to the ancestral history of our sub- ject, we find that he is a son of John and Eliza- beth (Frakes) Degarmo, natives of Virginia, and prominent members of the farming elass of their community. They had a family of seven children, of whom four are now living, all in Sheridan Township. They are Cyrus A., Robert M., J. Franz and Frank. Our subject was born in Mc- Donough County, Ill., on the 28th of April, 1841, and was reared on a farm, meantime receiving his education in the common schools.
Remaining at home until he was twenty-one years of age, Mr. Degarmo was then married, in 1862, to Miss Mary Willey, who was born in Me- Donough County, Ill., in December, 1840. After
their marriage, the young couple began house- keeping on a farm in MeDonough County, whence in 1865 they removed to Missouri and settled in Knox County. Two years later they located on the farm which they still occupy. At that time the property was unimproved, neighbors were few and conveniences equally conspicuous by their absence. Our subject's family came hither with three other families, and his father also ac- companied the party, he being subsequently killed by lightning.
The original purchase of Mr. Degarmo consisted of one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land. Here he first built a pole shanty, in which for a number of years he made his home. About 1883 he erected his present residenee at a cost of $800, and about the same time built a barn, 40x56 feet in dimensions, costing $650. He has set out numerous shade and ornamental trees, as well as an orchard of the best varieties of fruits. As a farmer he has been quite successful, for at the time of coming here he was very poor, with little of this world's goods to call his own. He is both a grain and a stock farmer.
Mr. and Mrs. Degarmo are the parents of six children, of whom four are now living: F. Marion, who married Ella Turkington, and lives in Sheri- dan Township, Crawford County; Elizabeth M .; Alice M., who married Robert A. Townsend, of Sheridan Township, Crawford County, three ehil- dren having been born of the union; and Elsie, who resides with her parents. In religious con- neetion Mr. and Mrs. Degarmo are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Beulah, in which he has served as Steward and is at present Trustee. The family are regular attendants at the Sunday-school.
Socially, Mr. Degarmo is identified with the Ma- sonic fraternity and the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to the lodge at Girard. In polities he is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles, and is a local leader of the party. For ten years he has been a member of the School Board of Distriet No. 43, in which capacity he has done good service in behalf of the schools. Seen in his comfortable home, surrounded by his fam- ily, one cannot help feeling that Mr. Degarmo is
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singularly favored, and should be, as he is, univer- sally respected for his many good qualities, as well as for what he has accomplished.
G EORGE E. REINER. The descendant of a long line of German forefathers, Mr. Reiner is also a true and independent American citizen, and gives his allegiance to the land of his birth. In the conduct of his business affairs he has been distinguished for ambitions en- ergy, and as a dealer in hardware, stoves and agri- cultural implements has gained an enviable repu- tation throughout the entire connty of Crawford. He is known as one of the most energetic and capable citizens of Girard, and his trade extends not only throughout this city, but into the sur- rounding country.
Born in Madison, Wis., on the 6th of February, 1861, our subject is the son of John and Eliza- beth (Hitz) Reiner, natives of Germany, who were there reared and married. At the age of twelve ycars John Reiner commenced to learn the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed in the Father- land and also after coming to America in 1845. He settled in Madison, Wis., where he continues to make his home. In his political belief he is a stanch Democrat, and throughout his entire resi- dence in this country be has exerted a constant influence in behalf of public progress and local improvements.
After completing the studies of the grammar school, our subject entered the Madison High School, graduating from that institution in 1879. In the fall of that year he came to the state of Kansas, and, locating in Girard, entered the employ of C. Hitz, m the milling business. He continued in the employ of that gentleman for six years, and at the expiration of that time em- barked in the grocery business in partnership with Mr. Wallace, the firm title being G, E. Reiner &
Co. That connection continued for one and one- half years, when our subject sold out to his partner.
We next find Mr. Reiner occupying the posi- tion of book-keeper in the Girard Foundry, after which he superintended the management of the hardware business for Mr. Tontz. Later be pur- chased a one-half interest in the business, and upon the retirement of Mr. Tontz from the con- cern Mr. Prentice entered the partnership, the firm being for the following two and one-half years that of Reiner & Prentice. Subsequently our sub- ject purchased his partner's interest, and since that time he has been conducting the business alone. He has established a lucrative trade, and far and near is known for the reliability of his dealings and the integrity of his business trans- actions.
In May, 1885, Mr. Reiner was united in mar- riage with Miss Florence A., daughter of John Tontz, of Girard. They are the parents of three children : George E., Charlie W. and Fred L. Mr. Reiner is well known, and is noted for his strict attention to bis own business, although at all times he is ready to respond to calls upon his own time and means, if convinced of the advantages which will accrue to his city or county. His views have made of him an active Republican, and in that party he sees the redemption of the country from all the ills which afflict her. Hle has occupied a number of responsible positions, and at present is President of the City Council.
Socially, Mr. Reiner is identified with the Ma- sonic fraternity, belonging to the chapter and the Knights Templar. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias, and has served as Chan- cellor-Commander of that organization. Ile is one of the progressive men of this locality, and seeks to extend every resource in the county so far as possible. His store is located on the west side of the public square, convenient for the pur- poses of trade, and within the establishment may be found a complete assortment of ranges, hard and soft coal burners and wood stoves. There also will be noticed every variety of agricultural implements or labor-saving machines, as well as the smaller articles of hardware and tinware useful in
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the home. The owner and proprietor of this es- tablishment is a man of sterling worth, who has carved his way to fortune through many diffi- culties, but now has reached an eminence from which he can look down and offer encouragement to those still struggling up the ladder of fame. In spite of his success, he is a quiet, unassuming gentleman, whom it is a pleasure to meet, and his many friends unite in pronouncing him one of the most esteemed citizens of Girard.
AVID C. THURSTON, a farmer residing on section 13, North Township, and one of the well known residents of Labette County, is a native of Morrow County, Ohio, and was born on the 11th of March, 1843. He is a son of Levi and Elizabethi E. (Bastress) Thurston, the former born near Pottsville, Pa., of English descent, and the latter also a native of Pennsylvania, and a descendent of German ances- try. They were married in the Keystone State, whence soon afterward, in 1830, they removed to Ohio and settled in Morrow County, of which they were early settlers. There he still resides, being at present (1893) eighty-seven years of age. His wife, the mother of our subject, passed away on the 28th of January, 1891, at the age of seventy-seven years and eight months. They had a family of ten children, of whom six are now living; three of their sons were soldiers in the Civil War.
Upon a farm north of the village of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, the subject of this sketch passed the days of his youth and grew to a sturdy manhood. He received a good education in the union schools of Mt. Gilead, but spent his time principally in farm work. On the 21st of April, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company E, Twentieth Ohio Militia, for three months' service. With his company he was sent to West Virginia to guard the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, under the command of Gen.
George B. McClellan. At the expiration of his period of service, he was honorably discharged, and immediately afterward re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company C, Fifteenth Ohio Infantry, which was organized at Mansfield, Ohio.
Marching to Camp Dennison, the newly organ- ized company received arms and ammunition, and then proceeded to Lexington, Ky., from there to Louisville, the same state, and thence to Bacon Creek, near Green River. They were ordered to the relief of General Grant at Ft. Donelson, but after a day's march turned to Bowling Green and from there went to Nashville. Under the command of General Buell the company marched to Shiloh, where they participated in the second day's en- gagement. Later they took part in the siege of Corinth, from there went to Chattanooga and then followed General Bragg to Louisville. After the battle of Lawrenceburg, Ky., they pursued General Bragg to the front of Nashville, and thence to Mur- freesboro, where on the 26th of December, 1862, was fought the memorable battle, the first of a series of engagements of inestimable importance in the issues of the war.
Following these battles our subject participated in the Tullahoma campaign and the battle of Lib- erty Gap, after which he moved across the Look- out Mountain to Chattanooga, and with his com- mand flanked General Bragg. On the 19th of September, 1863, his regiment was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, with which he took part in the two days' battle of Chickamauga, and then retreated to Rossville, Ga., from there march- ing to Chattanooga. On the 23d of November, the regiment moved out to Orchard Knob and opened the battle at that place under the eyes of Gen. U. S. Grant. Two days later, under Gen. T. J. Wood, they charged on Missionary Ridge and broke the rebel center.
On account of disability, Mr. Thurston remained in the convalescent's camp for one month, after which he rejoined his regiment at Strawberry Plains, in East Tennessee, where he veteranized as a Corporal. After a furlough of thirty days, he re- joined his regiment at Chattanooga, and then ad- vanced to Rocky-Faced Ridge and commenced the Atlanta campaign. On the 27th of May, 1864,
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Piekett's Mill was charged, resulting disastrously to the Union forces, and entailing a loss of four- teen hundred and seventy men in three hours. Mr. Thurston was a valiant soldier in the battles of Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie, siege of At- lanta, Jonesboro, thence back to Atlanta and from there went into eamp.
In October Mr. Thurston with his regiment fol- lowed General Hood to Gatesville, and was sent from there to Pulaskiville, later under Gen. George H. Thomas, fought at Columbus, Tenn. After the battle of Franklin, Tenn., he retired to Nashville, reaching that city November 30, 1864. On the 15th of December, his regiment moved out against General Hood, ronting his army and following him to the vicinity of Iluntsville, Ala. There they remained in camp until March, 1865, when they went to East Tennessee for the purpose of heading off General Lee. Later they returned to Nashville, and from there went to New Orleans, reaching that eity in July, 1865.
From New Orleans the regiment sailed down the Mississippi and from there across the Gulf of Mex- iea to Indianola, Tex., and thenee marched to San Antonio, where Mr. Thurston was appointed Provost Guard. On the 21st of November, 1865, he was mustered out of the service, and at onee proceeded to Columbus, Ohio, where on the 27th of December, 1865, he was honorably discharged, after a continuous service of four years and eight months. After the battle of Shiloh he was pro- moted to be Corporal, and in May, 1864, became Sergeant; in August, 1864, was chosen Second Ser- geant, and in March, 1865, was made Orderly- Sergeant, with a complimentary commission as Second Lientenant. He took part in every en- gagement in which his regiment participated, and also participated in a fight at Charleston, Tenn., against the Confederate forces under General Wheeler. Though often slightly injured in battle, he was never seriously wounded and was never taken prisoner.
Upon his return from the field of battle, Mr. Thurston remained in Ohio until March, 1866, when he came to Kansas and settled on the farm he has since occupied. Neighbors there was none at that time, and the land itself presented any-
thing but an inviting aspect to the would-be set- tler. In spite of adverse circumstances, he worked patiently and to such good purpose that he ac- quired the ownership of an eighty-acre farm, all of which is under the best of cultivation. Mr. Thurston is a member of the Settlers' Protective Association, of which he was Secretary for four years. He was also Secretary of the Grange at Concord, and for five years has served as Secretary of the Anti-JIorse Thief Association. Naturally he takes a great interest in the Grand Army, and is a member of Antietam Post, at Parsons.
In May, 1868, Mr. Thurston was united in mar- riage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jolin W. Barnes. She was born in Ashland County, Ohio, in October, 1841, and died February 19, 1869. Mr. Thurston was a second time married, April 16, 1871, his wife being Miss Christina F. Biby, who was born in Indiana November 7, 1853, and died June 11, 1877. Three children were born of the union: Levi H., Edward E. and Albert A.
The lady who on the 14th of July, 1878, became the wife of Mr. Thurston was Rebecca A., daugh- ter of James and Martha J. (Owens) Chapman. Her parents were born in Kentucky, near Mam- moth Cave, and were there reared and married. In 1857 they settled in Warren County, It., and from there removed to Kansasin 1869, and settled in Neosho County, where Mr. Chapman died on the 12th of September, 1886. Mrs. Chapman is still living (1893) and makes her home in Neosho County. Mrs. Thurston is one of ten children, six of whom survive. She was born in Kentucky. June 14, 1854, and by her marriage has become the mother of three children: Elizabeth E., James Asa Harvey and David Chickamauga.
In his political belief Mr. Thurston is a stanch Republican, and so firm was he in his allegiance to the party of his choice that when Abraham Lin- coln was a second time elected to the Presidency he went under fire to cast his ballot for him. IIe has served in numerous responsible positions, in all of which he has rendered efficient service on behalf of his fellow-citizens. For nine years he served as Township Treasurer, and for twenty years has been Treasurer of School District No. 16. In 1880, and again in 1890, he took the United
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States census in this township. Some years ago he was elected Justice of the Peace, but, not desir- ing the office, refused to qualify. As a citizen he is one of the most prominent men of the county; as a veteran of the Civil War he is held in the highest regard by all who love their country and cherish the principles for which our Government stands, and as a farmer he has proved energetic and capable.
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R OBERT W. WRIGHT, M. D., proprietor of the Pioneer Drug Store at Oswego, was born in Millington, Yorkshire, England, on Christmas Day, 1824. At the age of four- teen he emigrated to the United States in company with his father, William Wright, and settled in Bur- tonsville, Montgomery County, N. Y., whence he removed to Bellona, Yates County, N. Y. For five years he was employed by Henry Coleman and George O. Toby, and at the age of twenty-one com- menced to study medicine at Penn Yan, N. Y. In order to defray his expenses, he taught a singing school and boarded himself in the office of his pre- ceptor. Later he attended lectures at Geneva, N. Y.
In the village of Abington, Luzerne County, Pa., in the spring of 1848, Doctor Wright and Miss Lota A. Waite were united in marriage. In the same year the young couple migrated to Wisconsin and located in Emerald Grove, near Janesville, where they remained until the spring of 1850. They then removed to Iowa and became pioneers of In- dependence. In July, 1861, the Doctor organized a company and enlisted as a private soldier. He was detailed to take charge of the hospital at Franklin, Mo., in the winter of 1861-62. After the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark., he was promoted to the rank of Captain of Company C, Ninth lowa In- fantry. After the battle of Vicksburg he was ap-
pointed in Iowa Recruiting Agent of the Govern- ment for the Dubuque District, and served in that capacity until the close of the war.
In 1865 the Doctor visited his old home in Eng- land. Returning to the United States, he located temporarily at Springfield, Mo., whence in July, 1867, he removed to Oswego, Kan. He was one of the original members of the Town Company, and in the summer of 1867 erected the first frame house in the place. This structure was 16x24 feet in di- mensions and was a mere shed, though serving the double purpose of store and dwelling. In this, the original Pioneer Drug Store, he conducted a flour- ishing business, carrying a stock of drugs and gro- ceries, which he sold to the farmers of the surround- ing country.
Doctor Wright was elected to the office of Rail- road Assessor and served in that capacity for three years. Ile also served as a member of the State Legislature, being the member who introduced the bill providing for an appropriate representation of Kansas at the Centennial. Governor Osborn appointed him one of the Centennial managers of the exhibit of Kansas in Philadelphia, and by that appointment recognized the credit that was due him for securing from the Legislature the appro- priation of $25,000. The Doctor has served for three terms as Mayor of Oswego, and has held var- ious other responsible positions.
Every railroad in southeastern Kansas has re- ceived the Doctor's support. He was instrumental in securing the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Rail- road to Oswego, and was the originator and Pres- ident of the Spring Valley & Southern Kansas Railroad, afterward known as the Memphis, Carth- age & Northwestern Railroad; he served as Vice- President and Director of the company until the road was graded to Oswego. In August, 1869, lie laid out the town of Independence and organized the Town Company, naming the place in honor of his old home, Independence, Iowa.
A prominent member of the Kansas State Medieal Association, Doetor Wright served as its President for two years. Ile spent two years in California and traveled extensively through that state in search of a suitable location, but found that the state was owned by English lords and dukes and,
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he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, and lias taken an active interest in every worthy en- terprise which tends toward the advancement of the county, in which he has so long made his home.
AMES TEXAS BROWN, a farmer and stock-raiser of Washington Township, Craw- ford County, residing on section 10, was born in Wheeling, W. Va., August 23, 1816, and is the eldest of eight children whose parents were Nathan and Mary Brown. They were na- tives of Virginia. The father served in the War of 1812, and took part in the battle of New Or- leans. The grandfather, James Brown, was born in the Old Dominion and served in the Revolution- ary War. The family originally came from Aber- deen, Scotland.
Our subject, accompanied by his parents, went to Vermilion County, Ill., when a lad of six sum- mers and there remained until fifteen years of age. During that time the father died, and Mr. Brown of this sketch went to St. Lonis, where he joined the United States Fur Company and went to Ft. Benton. Ile remained with the company for about seven years, hunting through Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. He had many narrow escapes in hunting the buffaloes of the plains, for the Indians were still treacherous. In 1839, he went to Texas, and in 1840 went to Minnesota and Wisconsin, where he followed carpentering.
In 1847, Mr. Brown returned to Illinois and married Miss Mary Sprawls. By this umon were born four children: Electa, wife of R. M. Tiffany, of Girard; Mary A., wife of Mr. McMurdy, of Minnesota; Elizabeth, wife of John Culvert, of Greenwood County, Kan., and Nathan, of Iowa. In Iowa Mr. Brown married his second wife and they became the parents of a daughter, Maggie, who married C. C. Laws, of Girard. In 1856, our
subject emigrated to Kaufman County, Tex., where he remained until 1880, and during that time served as a member of the Constitutional Convention. To him is dne the present school laws of the state of Texas, which he modeled after those of Iowa, with which he was familiar. IIe served in the Legislature during the winter of 1868-69, proving an honored and competent member of the Assembly.
In 1880, Mr. Brown came to Crawford County and purchased a section of land, but has since sold part of it, his possessions now aggregating three hundred and twenty acres. He once owned a sec- tion of land in Greenwood County, Kan., and while in Texas had over thirty thousand acres. He has a beautiful home, and his is one of the model farms of the community. He possesses most excellent business ability, and the success of his life is due to his own efforts. Since its establislı- ment he has read the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, and since 1856 has taken Norton's Union Intelligence. Since the war, he has been a stalwart supporter of the Republican party, and socially is a member of the Odd Fellows' society.
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