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 26
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ARRY HI. LUSK, editor and proprietor of the daily and weekly Sun, at Parsons, was born in Edinburgh, Ind., on the 14th of April, 1852. Ilis father, David W. Lusk, was a native of Kentucky, and removed from there to Indiana, where, in the village of Edin- burgh, he established the first paper published in Johnson County. Later he went to Madison, Ind., and from that place removed to Charleston, the same state, whence he proceeded to southern Illi- nois. Ile was a man upon whom high houors were bestowed, and for some time he occupied tlie officer of Collector of Internal Revenue, and also held the position of State Printer for two years.
A Republican in his political belief, David W.
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Lusk was one of the most influential men of his party in southern Illinois, and was also prominent in literary and journalistic circles. He published a book called "Politics and Politicians of Illinois," which has had a wide circulation, not only in Illi- nois, but throughout many other states of the Union. As a writer, he was versatile and pungent, quick to discern and prompt to execute, keen in thought and forceful in expression. By inherent qualifications, no less than cultivated tastes, he was admirably adapted to the profession of a jour- nalist.
In the public schools of Shawneetown, Ill., the subject of this sketch conducted his studies for some time. There, also, he served an apprentice- ship to the newspaper business under the efficient direction of his father. At the age of about fif- teen years, he removed to Olney, Ill., and there purchased a paper, the Olney Ledger, which he conducted for seven years. From that place he went to Springfield, Ill., and aided his father in the publication of the Illinois State Gazette, which he managed for two years.
Coming to Kansas in 1878, Mr. Lusk purchased the Sun, a struggling paper published at irregular intervals. Then a practical failure, he has made of it a splendid success and a popular journal with many friends in both parties. Ile publishes botlı a daily and a weekly issue, and has made of his paper one of the most influential organs of the Republican party in Labette County. The Sun takes the lead in advocating whatever may be for the highest good of the community, and is con- ducted strictly upon business principles.
In all matters pertaining to the advancement of society, education and politics, Mr. Lusk takes a keen and discriminating interest, and through the columns of his paper, which has a wide circulation both in this and surrounding counties, he has many times been instrumental in securing for this locality various advantages of a nature more or less important. Mr. Lusk is an able editor, and has made a marked success in the conduct of his paper, devoting his energies to making it one which will be a potent factor in the upbuilding of the city and county. In his social relations he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica. He was appointed Postmaster of Parsons April 27, 1889, and assumed the duties of the po- sition on the 11th of May, 1889, serving until January 9, 1894. He also served for one year as Chairman of the Republican County Central Com- mittee.
F. EDWARDS, a farmer and contractor residing in North Township, Labette County, claims Kentucky as a state of lis nativity. Ile was born in Laurel County in 1843, and is a grandson of William Edwards, a native of North Carolina. His father, Charles Edwards, was born in Wales, and bidding adieu to that country, came with three brothers to America during the Colonial days. All four aided the Colonies in their struggle for independence. Charles was killed at the battle of Yorktown, and Thomas lost his life at Round Stone, Va., but the other two survived the struggle. The parents of our subject were John and Sarah (Elliott) Ed- wards. They had a family of twelve children, who grew to mature years.
The subject of this sketch spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Kentucky, and acquired his education in the public schools. After arriving at man's estate he was united in marriage with Sophia Benjey, the marriage ceremony being performed in 1865. Previously he had enlisted in the Union army as a member of Company L. First Kentucky Cavalry, under Colonel Wolford, serving until the close of the war. IIe also had three brothers in the service, but none lost their lives in battle. Our subject was always with his regiment, and partici- patcd in the engagements at Murfreesboro, Mills Springs, Atlanta and the entire Georgia campaign. Ile went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea, and participated in the Grand Review at Washington, the finest military pageant ever seen on this side of the Atlantic.
Mr. Edwards began railroad contracting in 1869, and aided in building the Cincinnati & Southern
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Railroad. The year 1877 witnessed his arrival in Kansas. Here he engaged in contracting with Mr. Wolcott. They constructed the Kansas City & Pacific Railroad from eight miles north of Parsons to within fifteen miles of Paola. Ile also built ten miles of the Frisco Line in the territory, and for three years has been engaged in doing the repair work for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Edwards were born six chil- dren: Irvin, Maggie, Sarah (deceased), Nannie, John and Lee. Mr. Edwards has been a second time married, the lady of his choice being Sarah E. Chambers. Three children grace this union: Arra Belle, Dellie and Effie. Eight of the family are members of the Baptist Church and all are highly respected people, who rank high in the social circles in which they move.
Mr. Edwards has always been identified with the Democratic party, and socially is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Ilis life has been a successful one, and his business ability, combined with well directed efforts and enterprise, has acquired for him a handsome property. He now owns nearly five hundred acres of good land, all of which he has accumulated since coming to this eounty. He is a man of sterling worth and strict integrity, and his well spent life has gained him high regard.
ACOB UNGEHEUER. To an extent not usually enjoyed has success crowned the efforts of the subject of our sketch, who is one of the wealthiest men of Linn County, and probably the most extensive landowner in Centreville Township. His residence is a commo- dions and attractive abode, and is pleasantly lo- eated on section 23. Since coming to Linn Coun- ty in the spring of 1858, Mr. Ungeheuer has en- gaged in general farming and is now the owner of thirteen hundred acres in Centreville Township. In his agricultural operations he combines in-
dustry and perseverance with wise judgment and keen insight-qualities which have contributed largely to his prosperity.
A native of Germany, our subjeet is the son of John and Catharine Ungeheuer, who passed their entire lives in the Fatherland. He was born Marclı 7, 1835, and remained in Germany until he was nineteen years of age, meantime attending the common schools and also learning the trade of a blacksmith. In 1854 he crossed the Atlantic, and after landing in New York proceeded to Cin- cinnati, Ohio, where he was employed at his trade for one year. Thence he went to St. Louis and was similarly engaged for a few months. In Des Moines, Iowa, where he next made location, he worked at his trade for three months, and then opened a shop, which he conducted for one year.
From Des Moines Mr. Ungeheuer came to Kan- sas and followed his trade in Centreville Town- ship, Linn County, until the opening of the Civil War. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted as a black- smith in Company E, Sixth Kansas Infantry, and served in that capacity for more than three years, when he was discharged. While boiling coffee, in the fall of 1862, the kettle slipped and the hot coffee flew in his face, causing a total loss of the sight of his left eye. Upon leaving the Union service, Mr. Ungeheuer returned to Centreville Township, and has sinee engaged in farming here.
In Centreville Township, April I, 1861, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ungeheuer to Miss Sarah Walker, who was born in North Carolina April 24, 1843. Iler parents, Alfred and Susanna (Sale) Walker, were natives of North Carolina, and came to Linn County about 1856, settling in that county, where both died, he on the 22d of No- vember, 1861, and she early in the '70s. They were the parents of eight children, five daughters and three sons, Sarah being the eldest of the num- ber. Mr. and Mrs. Ungeheuer have nine living children, namely: Jolin, who married Miss Emma B. Mundell; Mary, Mrs. Henry Mantey; Ida; Nora, Mrs. Watson Campbell; Charlie; William; Cora, who married Charles C. Burkhead; Franklin and Rolla.
The life of Mr. Ungeheuer affords a striking ex- ample of what is in the power of every ener-
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getic, ambitious man to accomplish for himself. Beginning with no moneyed capital, in a country whose language and people were strange to him, he continued steadfastly and patiently at his work, and in due time was rewarded with prosperity. He has ever been one of our most loyal citizens, and no native-born American is more patriotic than he. His wife is identified with the Protest- ant Methodist Church, to which he contributes liberally, though not identified with it or any other denomination.
RTHUR D. SOWERBY, the popular and efficient cashier of the Bank of Richmond, has for a number of years been actively interested in the progressive enterprises of his present locality, and in 1890 became a per- manent resident of Richmond, Franklin County, Kan. The bank in which our subject holds so responsible a position was organized by Mr. Sow- erby himself in the month of July, 1890. It is a state institution, and was incorporated with an authorized capital of 850,000. Being the princi- pal stockholder, and recognized as a man of execu- tive ability, our subject, as was eminently fitting, became from the first the cashier and general man- ager of the prosperous moneyed institution. The Richmond Bank has done a business of over a $1,000,000 annually, and carries a large surplus, its volume of trade far exceeding early expecta- tions.
Mr. Sowerby is a native of England, and was born in the city of London May 8, 1856. llis parents, John Edward and Elizabeth (Dewhurst) Sowerby, were likewise English born, and were the descendants of a long line of useful and il- lustrions ancestors, the father and his paternal
grandfather being widely known as writers of dis- tinction on the subject of botany.
The father published Sowerby's English Botany, a work of great merit, which required eleven years to complete and publish. He was also the author of other works which obtained a wide circulation. He was a cultured man, of broad intelligence and pro- found research, and was recognized as authority upon botanical subjects. Winning universal re- cognition in his literary field of labor, he attained to financial success, and after a life of busy useful- ness entered into rest in the year 1869. The mother makes her home in England. Our subject, the second-born in a family of six children, is the only one who emigrated to the United States. He received an excellent education in his birthplace, and upon attaining to manhood deter- mined to try his fortunes in the land beyond the Atlantic, and in 1878 embarking for America, after a safe and pleasant voyage landed in New York. Our subject first made a long expected visit with relatives in the state of Connecticut, then journeying to the westward he remained for a few months in Ohio. The succeeding year, 1879, he found his way to Kansas, and successfully en- gaged in merchandising in Central City.
In 1880 Mr. Sowerby became identified with the First National Bank of Garnett, where he ably served as book-keeper and teller until he made his home in Richmond. In the year 1879 were united in marriage Arthur D. Sowerby and Miss Jessie Motherhead, an accomplished lady, born in Hong Kong, China, and the daughter of English parents. The father of Mrs. Sowerby, Alfred Motherhead, was Clerk of the Court in China at the time of his daughter Jessie's birth. Three sons blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sowerby, Alfred A., Leslie F. and Clive H., all intelligent young lads, with a bright future before them.
Our subject and his excellent wife are devout Episcopalians, and are foremost in good work and benevolent enterprises, occupying social positions of influence. Politically a Republican, Mr. Sower- by has not been troubled with a desire for office, and is devoted to the demands of his business. Ile is fraternally a valued member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, and is likewise connected
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with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and within these orders has a host of friends and well- wishers.
J. WILSON, an early settler of Kansas and a public-spirited citizen of enterprise and ability, prosperously conducts one of the finest farms of Marysville Township, Miami County, Kan., and is pleasantly situated on section 24. A friend to educational advancement, and intimately associated with the progressive inter- ests of his locality, Mr. Wilson has served effi- ciently as Clerk of the School Board, and among his friends and neighbors is esteemed for his ster- ling integrity of character and excellent business ability. Our subjeet is a native of Erie County, Pa., and was born July 4, 1841. Ilis parents, James and Elenor (McNair) Wilson, were both descended from a long line of energetic and hard working ancestors. The pioneer home of the father and mother was blessed with the presence of five children, four of whom are yet living. The mother died in 1846, universally lamented, and the father passed away in 1864. He was a man of broad in- telligence, liberal in his views and upright in his daily walk, commanding the high regard of all who knew him. He appreciated the advantages of an education and gave his children all the opportunities for instruction he could afford.
Our subject was reared upon his father's farm and was trained to the avoeation of a tiller of the soil. Ile attended the district school of the home neighborhood, and, always a farmer, began life for himself at the age of twenty-one years, then leav- ing home and journeying to the farther west of Illinois. Mr. Wilson settled in Kane County and worked on a farm by the month for three years. He later emigrated to Nebraska and located on the Little Blue, where he had an interest in a ranch for about a twelvemontlı. In the year 1867 our subject came to Kansas and made his permanent
home in the east half of the southwest quarter of seetion 28, Ten Mile Township, all wild land then. Remaining upon this homestead for about thirteen years, Mr. Wilson devoted himself unweariedly to the cultivation of his acres and to the various need- ed improvements. In 1880, beginning anew, he re- moved to his present farm, as before, entering upon the cultivation of entirely wild land. Financially prospered, Mr. Wilson is the owner of three hun- dred and twenty aeres, finely cultivated, two hun- dred and twenty being under the plow and pro- dueing an abundant harvest of grain, corn, flax, millet, timothy, clover and prairie hay. There are upon the place twelve high-grade horses, eighty head of cattle and one hundred and sixty- nine hogs.
The commodious family residence of modern design and finish, a capacious barn costing $1,800, and large sheds are among the valuable improve- ments of the Wilson farm. The barn, one of the best in the township, is 40x50 feet with a shed twenty feet. The posts are twenty feet, and there is a basement underneath. The walls are ten feet and one ineh in height and two feet in thickness. There are in the orchard sixty-five apple trees, six cherry and forty peach trees, also a number of ornamental trees and shrubs. Beginning in Kan- sas upon a capital of 890.05, Mr. Wilson has won his upward way to a comfortable competence, and, unaided, has self-reliantly attained to a posi- tion of useful influence. As Clerk of the school district our subject has given to the publie most efficient service, and politically a Republican and a prominent leader of the local party, he has fre- quently represented his fellow-citizens at state and county conventions, and in the discharge of the duties intrusted to his care gave thorough satis- faction to all his constituents. He has been urged to make the race for County Commissioner, but has persistently refused to accept the nomination.
February 22, 1871, J. J. Wilson and Miss Alice Pipher were united in marriage .. The estimable wife of our subject, born in 1848 in the state of New York, was the daughter of Lewis and Sophro- nia (Gardner) Pipher. Mr. Pipher, a native of Canada, and his good wife, born in Jefferson County. N. Y., for many years made their home
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in Kane County, Ill., but in 1870 removed to Miami County, Kan., where they both passed away. Ten children had blessed their union. Joseph Pipher was a member of the Eighth Illinois Cav- alry and served with courage during the Civil War. Mrs. Pipher was a devout Christian and a valued member of the Presbyterian Church.
Our subject has no children, but, a friend to educational advancement, aids the youth of his locality in securing a higher and more extended education than was possible in Kansas but a com- paratively few years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson enjoy the kindly esteem of many friends, and ever ready to lend a helping hind to the unfort- unate, accomplish much good. Our subject is numbered among the substantial men of the county, and, a liberal-spirited citizen, is active in all matters pertaining to the public welfare.
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ON. JABEZ B. BROADHEAD, prominently associated with the early history and strug- gles of the state of Kansas, located in Mound City Township, Linn County, in the fall of 1858, and for over twenty-two years was closely identified with the upward growth and ultimate success of his adopted state. A man of broad intelligence, business enterprise and upright character, his executive ability made him an in- portant and invaluable factor in the development of the new country, whose triumphant advance was marked by unprecedented trials and calami- ties, overcome with heroic courage and endurance. lle was born in Sorby Bridge, Yorkshire, England, April 4, 1826. Arriving in America with his parents when only a little child, he soon became in heart and soul a thorough American, and was but fifty-five years of age when his useful life was terminated by a terrible death. Gorcd and lit-
erally crushed by an infuriated bull weighing fully twenty-six hundred pounds, he survived to suffer but a few hours after receiving his frightful injuries and passed to his rest mourned as a pub- lie loss by all who knew him. Our subject was a half-brother of J. C. Broadhead, of Paris Town- ship, and was a son of John Broadhead, of York- shire, England. His mother, Ilannah Hall Broad- head, was also a native of Yorkshire, England. The parents, immediately after their emigration to the United States, made their home in Chau- tauqua County, N. Y., and many years later died in Busti.
Ten children clustered in the home of John and Hannah Broadhead, and Jabez B., the eldest son, early became self-supporting. He was educated in the district schools of the Empire State and there attained to manhood. Upon the 1st of September, 1850, our subject was united in mar- rage with Miss Hannah M. Smith, born Novem- ber 30, 1831, in Busti, Chautauqua County, N. Y. For some years subsequent to their union Mr. and Mrs. Broadhead resided amid the scenes of their youthful days, and it was not until 1858 that they made a change of locality, then journeying to Kansas, from that time their future home. In Mound City Township our subject at once en- gaged in the cultivation of a fine farm, and had brought his homestead up to a highly productive state and added many valuable improvements when he was so suddenly summoned from his la- bors. Financially successful, he was also deeply interested in both local and national issues, and, popular with his fellow-citizens, who appreciated his qualities of head and heart, he was elected to the Kansas Legislature in the early '60s. An ar- dent Abolitionist, he made a gallant fight in the Ilouse for his principles and his party and did good work in securing Kansas' admission into the Union as a free state.
In religious convictions Mr. Broadhead was a Congregationalist and was active in the support and extension of Christian influence. Elected the first President of the Linn County Agricultural So- ciety, he discharged the duties of the position to the great acceptability of his associate members and held that honored office at the time of his death.
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Hle was among the leaders in improving the qual- ity of stock owned in Linn County and imported thoroughbreds and full-blooded stock. His home, one of the pleasantest in the county and the abode of hospitality, was blessed with the presence of four children, one of whom died in infancy and another in early childhood. Ellen M. is the wife of Judge Theodocius Botkin; and Mary F., is the wife of Charles W. Forbes.
The homestead, containing three hundred and twenty acres, is one of the finest pieces of farm- ing property in the state and is kept in perfect order. The estimable widow of our subject, is a member of the Congregational Church as was her husband, and with her two danghters occupies a social position of usefulness and influence.
ART VELTHIOEN is a native of Holland, and is one of the industrious farmers of Anderson County. He owns a desirable farm on section 20, Union Township, and may be truly proud of the success he has achieved in the land of his adoption. For over thirty years he has taken his share in the advancement and prosperity of this county, of which he is justly es- teemed one of the leading agriculturists.
Our subject was born in the southern part of Ilolland, March 19, 1828, and passed his boyhood in the usnal manner of farmer lads. Much of his time was devoted to raising flax, in which he has very successful, and for a period of abont six years he was employed as an overseer, as he was consid- ered an expert in the business. His parents were also natives of Ilolland, where they passed their entire lives. His father bore the same Christian name as our subjeet, while his mother was in her maidenhood Miss Ileltje Fisher. Their family comprised thirce children, namely: Leander, John and our subject.
Believing that he could better his condition, Mr. Velthoen took passage on a sailing-vessel on the 10th of March, 1856, bound for America. The
voyage consumed fifty days, his destination being New Orleans, where he arrived early in May. He only remained in the Crescent City for about two days, and thence proceeded up the Mississippi River as far as Keokuk, Iowa. After prospecting in the west to some extent, he located in Marion County, Iowa, which was his place of abode until April, 1861, the date of his arrival in Anderson County. He at once settled in what is now Union Township, where he has since been one of the prominent residents. He had only limited means, which he invested in one hundred acres of land, but as the years rolled by he found himself en- abled to purchase more land, until at the present time he possesses some six hundred acres.
The union of Mr. Velthoen and Mrs. Henrietta M. Enochs was celebrated in Greeley, Anderson County, on the 31st of August, 1862. The lady was born in Darke County, Ohio, April 20, 1831. Her maiden name was Lawrence. She became the wife of George Enochs, and came to this county in October, 1859, settling in Union Township, where Mr. Enochs was accidently killed on the 29th of October of the following year. Their son, William II., is now a farmer of Union Township. Our subject and his wife have a son, John S., who married Miss Mary J. Alexander, and resides in Union Township. The father of Mrs. Velthoen, Clark Lawrence, was a native of Pennsylvania, while her mother was born in Maryland.
In his political affiliations our subject is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and nominees. Ile is a liberal contributor to church and benevo- lent enterprises, and adheres strictly to the teach- ing of the Golden Rule. He has a pleasant home, and has found in his wife a kind and trusty help- mate, who has aided materially in his success.
JIOMAS P. GOWDY, an honored veteran of the late war, is classed among the intelli- gent and enterprising farmers of Jackson Township, Anderson County, who have contributed so largely to raise it to its present high position as
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a great agricultural centre. His farm is one of the finest in the place, and here he has a comfortable home.
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