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 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
Mr. Gowdy was born in Clarke County, Ohio, December 21, 1834, to John and Ann (Steele) Gowdy, natives of Kentucky, who married and settled in Clarke County, Ohio, where they re- mained some time and then removed to Warren County, Ill., in 1851. The former died in 1864, and the latter in 1883. They had ten children: James S., William C., Naney C., Isabella, John, Joseph, Robert, Thomas P., David and Sarah J.
Our subject spent the early years of his life in his native county, going to Warren County, Ill., with his parents in 1851, and continuing with them until the war broke out. Being of a patriotic nature, young Gowdy enlisted in the service of his country in July, 1862. He enrolled with Company C, Eighty-third Illinois Infantry, and remained on the field until the close of the strug- gle. In the battle of Ft. Donelson, in 1863, he fought bravely, and when peace was declared, re- turned home to Warren County, where he resumed his work on his father's farm.
In 1865, Mr. Gowdy was married to Miss Naney J. Caldwell, daughter of John and Mary A. (Nichol) Caldwell, whose biographies may be found in the sketch of Joseph Caldwell. Mrs. Gowdy was born in Greene County, Ohio, Septem- ber 24, 1841. She was twelve years old when she went with her parents to Warren County, Ill., where she grew to womanhood and married our subjeet. After their union, Mr. and Mrs. Gowdy settled in llale Township, the same county, and there lived until the fall of 1869, when they came to Anderson County, and located in this township, on the land which he had previously bought. In these years our subject has worked industriously, improving his land, and from time to time, as he was able, erecting the necessary outbuildings with which to carry on farming successfully. He is now regarded as one of the most sagacious and prominent farmers and stock-raisers in this part of the state, and is also a marked figure in its political and social life. llis farm comprises two hundred and thirty-three acres of fertile soil, which yields an abundant harvest of the various cereals each
season. Mr. Gowdy has never been an office-seeker, but has been called to fill some important town- ship offices, having served as Justice of the Peace for two terms, besides filling other equally respon- sible positions. He is a stanch Republican and takes an active interest in the political issues of the day.
Mr. and Mrs. Gowdy are deeply interested in religion, and are valued and consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church. To this es- timable couple were born three children: Brainard W., Riley Warren and Harry S. A law-abiding citizen, possessed of good social qualities and ex- cellent character, our subjeet is held in good re- pute by neighbors and friends.
5
0
E M. BOOR. In the great and fertile west are some extensive farmers, men who bring to their calling rare business skill and ex- eellent judgment. Some of the most enterprising of these may be found in Kansas. Ranking among them is E. M. Boor, who is one of the prominent men of Crawford County. He owns and operates two hundred and nineteen acres of land in Osage Township, nearly all of which is under cultiva- tion, the balance being devoted to stock-raising.
Mr. Boor was born in Bedford County, Pa., in 1836, and when yet an infant his parents removed to Clay County, Ind. He was the fifth of seven children born to John and Sarah (Miller) Boor, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German de- scent. Our subject grew to manhood in Indiana, and there married Miss Sarah Rector, whose par- ents were among the early pioneers of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Boor began life together in 1860, with little or no means. They continued to live in Indiana until 1882, when they removed to Kansas, They sold out their Indiana property
-
yours Truly A . M. Bowman
281
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and purehased land in Osage Township, Crawford County, where they have sinee resided.
Our subject and his estimable wife are the par- ents of thirteen children, eleven of whom are liv- ing. They are all members of the Disciples Church at Monmouth, except the three youngest. Mr. and Mrs. Boor have been members of this denomi- nation for many years, and in their social and private life show themselves to be guided by Christian principles.
Politieally, Mr. Boor is a member of the Repub- liean party, and cast his first vote for Lincoln. He is a genial, pleasant gentleman, and is well liked by a large cirele of friends and acquaintances.
OIIN M. BOWMAN. The confidence of the public in any business enterprise must be measured by its tangible attitude toward that enterprise. Measured in this way the Bank of Greeley has a strong and unassailable hold upon the business and financial men of that city. The honored and esteemed President of this bank, John M. Bowman, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 26, 1827, to the union of John and Elizabeth (Morris) Bowman. The father, a native of Hardin County, Va., was born in 1800; the mother was born in 1802, being the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wells) Morris, both of whom were originally from Maryland.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Will- iam Bowman, was a native of the Old Dominion, but at an early date removed to Ohio, where he was a pioneer of Piekaway County, settling there during the War of 1812, when the Indians were about the only inhabitants. He had a brother, Jacob Bowman, who settled at Newark, Ohio, at the same time. Grandfather Bowman eleared a farm in the timber of Walnut Township, now one of the finest townships in that seetion of country. He lived to be about three-score years of age. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents had
fifteen children, all of whom attained to mature years.
The father of our subjeet, John Bowman, was trained to the arduous duties of the farm at an early age, and when but a boy removed with his parents to Pickaway County, Ohio. where he mar- ried and became an influential farmer. There his death oceurred in 1842, and his wife followed him to the grave two years later. Eight children were born to them, the eldest of whom, a son, was drowned in childhood. The others were as fol- lows: John M .; Lydia, who married Edward Weak- ley, and is now a widow, making her home witlı our subject; William, who resides in Sumner County, Kan., Melissa, who married Robert Burk, and resides near Shelbyville, Ill .; Matilda, who married George Cummings, and lives at Girard, Kan .; Mary, who married William McCullough, and resides at Ottawa, Kan., and Samuel (see sketeh).
The youthful days of our subject were spent on the farm in Ohio and in attending the common schools, where he received a good practical educa- tion. In 1851 he married Miss Rachel Warren, who was born in Piekaway County, Ohio, in 1831, being the daughter of Silas and Sarah (Riley) Warren, natives of Delaware. In September, 1854, our subject removed to Illinois and settled in Tower Hill Township, Shelby County, where he purchased one hundred and sixty aeres of raw prairie, making his home there until he came to Kansas. At that time he owned two hundred and thirty acres of land which he sold. While traveling westward he stopped in Missouri for a few months and then came to Kansas, where he purchased four hundred and eighty acres of unimproved land located in the southwestern part of Lib- erty Township, Linn County. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres additional, and fol- lowed stock-raising and also dealt in live stock. On this place he resided until 1886, meantime making many improvements and erecting fine buildings. He had the misfortune to lose his wife September 16, 1871. After his children started out in life for themselves he left the farm and came to Greeley, where he has since resided.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bowman were born four chil-
7
282
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dren: George, who was born December 9, 1852, and is now a druggist at Hopkins, Mo .; Nelson, who was drowned in the Kansas River while a student at Lecompton; Noah, who is an attorney at Garnett, Kan., and has one son; and Jennie, who married John McFadden, of Greeley, and has oneson and one daughter. In his political views Mr. Bowman is a stanch advocate of Democratic principles. He has held local offices, but the de- mands of his private business have prevented him from participating largely in public affairs. In his religious views he affiliates with the United Brethren Church, having joined that church in 1845; he was Class-leader for several years, and was a member of the liberal branch of the church. From the establishment of the Bank of Greeley he has been its President and one of the original stockholders. It is a state bank and is one of the solid financial institutions of the county. For some time he had an interest in the Greeley Mills. and also dealt in live stock for some years after removing to Greeley. He has made his own way in the world, for when he first settled in Illinois he had only a team and wagon and 8817 in money, which represented his earnings in Ohio. He prospered in Illinois and has also been unusually successful in Kansas.
D ANIEL P. GARDNER, who carries on general farming and stock-raising on sec- tions 28 and 29, Ladore Township, Neosho County, is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of fine land, constituting a desirable and valuable farm. Its fields are well tilled and yield to the owner a golden tribute. There are also many improvements upon it which add to its value and attractive appearance.
Mr. Gardner is a native of the Empire State. Ile was born in Genesee County in 1838, and is one of seven children. Ilis parents, Ozro and
Ann (Underwood) Gardner, were also natives of New York. The grandfather, Ensign Gardner, was born in Connecticut, and was one of the he- roes of the Revolution who valiantly aided in the struggle for independence.
Our subject spent the first seven years of his life in the state of his nativity, and then accom- panied his parents on their removal to Kane Coun- ty, Ill., where they resided eight years. On the expiration of that period they removed to Jackson County, Iowa, where Daniel Gardner also spent eight years. During that period he was married near Brooklyn, Poweshiek County, Iowa, the lady of his choice being Miss Rosa Motheral, and in 1861 he brought his wife to Kansas, locating in Allen County. There be lived until 1863, when he entered the service of his country as a member of Company E, Fifteenth Kansas Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, under Colonel Cloud, doing duty in Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri and Colorado.
When hostilities had ceased and peace had been restored, Mr. Gardner returned to his farm in Allen County, and the following year came to Neosho County, locating upon the farm which is still his home. It was then wild land, upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, but with characteristic energy he began its development, and in course of time the barren prairie began to yield him a ready return for his labors. His life has been a busy and useful one and has always been devoted to general farming, in which he has met with good success.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gardner were born two chil- dren: Otto, who died in infancy, and Effie, wife of William Baine. The mother of this family was called to her final rest, and after her death Mr. Gardner was again married, his second union be- ing with Sarah McClure. Ten children graced this union, five sons and five daughters: Cora, Myrtle, Carrie, Inez, Daniel P., Maggie, and four infant boys deceased. In politics, Mr. Gardner supports the Democratic party. He has served in the office of Town Trustee, and socially is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. Ile has been a member of the Christian Church and the Anti-Horse Thief Association. When he came to Kansas he
283
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
had no capital or property, hence his entire pos- sessions have been acquired since his arrival, and the fact that he is now a well-to-do citizen indi- cates a busy and useful life.
e
C APT. JOHN R. FOSTER, President of the First National Bank at Garnett, Kan., re- quires more than a passing notice in a work of this character. He is the pioneer banker of Anderson County, and is well known as a finan- cier and shrewd business man, as well as a banker of the soundest judgment and wide range of prac- tical experience. The First National Bank of Garnett is closely identified with the financial in- terests and commercial progress of this community and is one of the solid institutions of Kansas, en- joying a reputation for reliability and safety that extends far beyond the limits of this county.
Capt. John R. Foster was born in Knox County, Tenn., December 2, 1841, being a son of Jesse F. and Huldah E. (Ramey) Foster. His ancestors were all wealthy and the owners of large planta- tions in the southern states as well as a great many slaves. The family of which our subject was: a member removed to Webster County, Mo., in 1845, and settled on a farm where the father and mother both passed the closing scenes of their lives. Of the four children born to them our sub- ject is the first in order of birth. Thomas, the second child, is now cashier of the People's Na- tional Bank at Burlington, Kan. Ann E. is the wife of Robert McMahan, of Webster County, Mo. Jesse F. resides on the homestead in Webster County, Mo.
Our subject passed his boyhood and youth upon a farm, and early in life developed a strong liking for business. When but ten years of age he com- menced trading in live-stock, and as his judgment was all that could be desired in his dealings his father would always uphold him in any bargain he
chose to make. Although the latter never gave him money to spend, he gave young Foster oppor- tunities to earn the same. When the Civil War broke out this boy was among the first to offer his services, and he enlisted in Coleman's Regiment, serving three months,when the regiment disbanded. He then furnished horses for the Government and made money from the start. In 1862 he again enlisted, and in March was mustered into the ser- vice with Company H, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, of which he was commissioned Second Lieuten- ant. Before attaining his majority he was pro- moted to the rank of Captain and commanded his company in many hard fought battles.
On August 16, 1862, in the engagement at Lone Jack, Mo., his company suffered a loss of forty- three men in killed and wounded. Lieutenant Foster received a load of shot in the face and had the barrel of his revolver shot away, the stock re- maining in his hand. The company was next on duty in Arkansas, where many skirmishes and hard marches occurred. In the spring of 1863 our subject received his commission as Captain of Company F, and commanded it until they were mustered out of the service. At the battle of Moore, Mo., his horse was shot under him and he came near being severely injured by its fall. The next day was occupied in a running fight from Stringtown to California, Mo., and following this the company was in an all-day fight at Booneville without breakfast or dinner. Shortly after this was the battle of Pleasanton, Kan., where one thousand men were taken prisoners and all the enemy's guns, with the exception of two, were captured. The battle of Independence, Mo., was the last engagement in which Captain Foster par- ticipated. He remained in command of the com- pany, however, until mustered ont, in June, 1865.
The war then being over, Captain Foster re- turned to Missouri, and having saved his money, engaged in general merchandising at Lebanon. Later he followed the same business at Pleasant Hill, that state, but sold out in 1867, and the day following became associated with the bank of Leonard, Dunbaugh & Co., at Pleasant Hill, where he received his first lesson in banking, first as book-keeper and latter as teller. In the spring of
284
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1870, in connection with his brother Thomas, who had also been saving money, Captain Foster em- barked in the banking business at Garnett, under the firm name of John R. Foster & Co. This was the first bank in Anderson County. When the grasshoppers destroyed the crops and the county commissioners voted to furnish assistance to the people, this bank furnished the money to pur- chase the supplies.
The bank was organized under the state laws in about 1872 and became the Anderson County Sav- ings Bank, with a capital stock of $20,000. Soon afterward Captain Foster was elected President, which position he still holds. He is widely known as a leading financier and as a man whose high sense of honor commands the respect and confi- dence of all with whom he has business relations. The bank is one of the sound financial institutions of southeastern Kansas. It has a surplus of $12,500, and its individual deposits are $160,000. The bank building was erected by our subject in 1870. Captain Foster is also President of the Bank of Westphalia, is a Director in the Bank of Greeley, a Director in the Inter-State National Bank at Kan- sas City, Kan., and a stockholder in the People's Bank of Colony, Kan.
The business in which Mr. Foster takes special interest is stock-raising. He owns about one thousand acres of land near Garnett, on which he has carried on an extensive stock business for many years. In 1883, in connection with Mr. Hopkins, be purchased twenty-five thousand acres in Texas and organized the Clay County Land and Cattle Company with an authorized capital stock of $250,000, $150,000 being paid in. Mr. Foster is Treasurer of the company. He has also dealt extensively in real estate in Kansas City, Mo., and Ft. Worth, Tex. He is Treasurer of the Gar- nett Canning Company, and has figured promi- nently in many other enterprises. In politics he usually votes the Republican ticket, but is in- clined to be independent in his views. He has never sought public offices, for he has neither the time nor the desire for positions. The Grand Army of the Republic is the only society to which he belongs.
The most important event of his career, however,
took place in 1865, when he led to the altar Miss Anna V. Bailey, a native of Springfield, Mo., and the daughter of Joshua M. and Lorinda H. Bailey (see sketch of J. B. Bailey). Two children have been born to Captain and Mrs. Foster: Edward L., cashier of the First National Bank of Garnett, and . Jesse F., book-keeper of the same bank. West Lawn, the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Foster, is located one mile west from Garnett, and is a model of neatness and comfort. Everything about the place indicates to the beholder that the owners are people of refinement and culturc.
AMES W. SCOTT. There is no more at- tractive section in which to farm than that of Labette County. Here are many splen- did farms and enterprising farmers. One of them, our subject, is a leading farmer and stock-raiser of this community. He has a fine es- tate on section 31, and has been a resident of Kan- sas since 1871. Ilis early home was in Bourbon County, Ky., where his birth occurred in 1847. Ile spent his childhood and youth attending the district schools and becoming familiar with the various employments of rural life, and upon reaching manhood was consequently fitted for the career of a farmer, which he has since followed.
Our subject was one of seven children born to James T. and Mary (Logan) Scott, both natives of Fayette County, Ky. The brothers and sisters were as follows: Thomas, who served in the Union cause in the Civil War over three years and is dc- ceased; Mary; James W., our subject; S. A., a teacher of Labette County, and a graduate of Kan- ville (Ky.) College; Charles and Etta deceased, and one who died in infancy. The paternal grand- father, Thomas Scott, was of Scotch descent, and although not positively known, it is said he was a native of Pennsylvania.
James W. Scott was married in 1885 to Miss
28
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Annie, daughter of Frederick Kimber, who came to the county in 1870 from Illinois, but who was originally from England. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are the parents of four children: Jessie, Charles, Mary and Paul. They are both members of the Presby- terian Church, of which they are sincere and eon- sistent members. Politically, our subject is a stanch Republican, and takes an active interest in all questions of the times. He was elected County Commissioner in 1889, and served one term. He was defeated a second time by four votes on ac- count of fusion of the Populists and Democrats. Socially, Mr. Seott is a member of no secret orders, except the National Anti-Horse Thief Detective Association.
Our subject came to Kansas when it was noth- ing but a wilderness, but through his earnest efforts has improved his farm and added to it, so that now he owns nearly a whole section of land, all of which is highly improved. He and his wife, surrounded by loving friends, are well known in their section, and are highly esteemed by all with whom they come in contaet.
ON. LESTER K. KIRK. In this country where so many young men are thrown upon their own resources at an early age . and are often obliged, while yet inexperi- enced and while yet unfamiliar with their own tendencies and inclinations, to choose their occu- pation in life, it cannot always be expected that the most suitable or congenial pursuit will be se- lected. It thus often occurs that a young man finds after a few years that he has made a mis- take, and that in some other pursuits he can find a larger sum of pleasure and more substantial re- sults. In the Old Country, where too often genius and ambition are both absolutely opposed by the old adage, "Follow your father, my son, and do as your father has done," young men do not have
the advantage they have here. In this country it is the trend of legislation to place no obstacle in the way of the full development of talent and the skyward expanse of genius. Consequently it should be impressed upon the minds of youth that they should begin at an early age to practice retrospec- tion, and should seriously study the famous Delphic oracle, "Know thyself." They will thus find as suitable an occupation as did Lester K. Kirk, who is now a prominent attorney at Garnett.
Mr. Kirk is a native of Ohio, born in Mahon- ing County December 6, 1841, and is a son of Caleb and Julia A. (Jacobs) Kirk, both natives of Coitsville, Mahoning County, Ohio. The early life of our subject was passed on a farm in Mereer County, Pa., whither the parents had removed soon after his birth, and he attended the common schools and academies. In June, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundredth (Round leads) Pennsylvania Regiment, and remained with the company until 1864. At the battle of Petersburg he received a gunshot wound in the left shoulder and was discharged on account of disability. He was in the battles of Port Royal, second battle of Bull Run, Ox Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Freder- icksburg, Vieksburg, Knoxville, Wilderness, Spott- sylvania and Cold Harbor. Ile rose from the rank of private to Captain, and left the army bearing wounds that will remain with him through life.
After leaving the army Mr. Kirk went to Illi- nois, thenee to Iowa, and read law at Mt. Pleasant, in the office of Ambler & Ambler. Later he en- tered the law department of the Iowa University, and was admitted to the Bar in 1865, at Mt. Pleas- ant. Ile then came to Kansas, and first engaged in the cattle and sheep business, but, as this proved unprofitable, he engaged later in the prac- tice of law. This he has since continued, and has met with the best of success. In polities he is a Republican, and was State Senator for two terms. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the State Charitable Institution, and was President of the Board for four years. He was the first Mayor of Garnett, and has held many other local offices of importance. Mr. Kirk was married to Miss Martha Lindsay, daughter of the Rev. David Lind- say, and a sister of Dr. Thomas Lindsay. Three
286.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sons have blessed this union: L. D., S. B. and Paul, all in school. Our subject owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining the city of Garnett, where he resides, and he built and owns the Kirk Block in that place. In religion he is a Congregationalist.
ON. EDWIN T. METCALF, M. D., located in Colony in the fall of 1882, and is now the oldest physician in years of active practice in this place. Skilled in his pro- fession, he has won a high reputation among his brethren of the medical fraternity, and is also widely known in public circles throughout the state. He is the present State Senator from his district, and the upright course which he has taken in the Legislature has brought credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents.
The Doctor was born near Carlinville, Ill., July 27, 1843, and is a son of John M. and Isabelle (Wyeth) Metcalf, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Pennsylvania. His mother was a lineal descendant of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. John Metcalf went to Illinois when a young man with his father, William Metcalf, who settled in Macoupin County, purchasing large tracts of land and locating his sons in that vicinity, which still goes by the name of the Metcalf settlement. He was a slaveholder in Kentucky, but becoming convinced that slavery was wrong, disposed of his negroes and removed to a free state, becoming a wealthy farmer of Illinois.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.