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 34
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a personal acquaintance with the lamented Presi- dent Garfield, whom he always warmly admired and sustained. He served as Justice of the Peace for seven consecutive years. He served as dele- gate upon three occasions to the congressional conventions, two times to the state conventions and very frequently to the county conventions, having been Chairman of the last county conven- tion. Socially, he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and belongs to the post at Osage Mission. In the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a member, lie is serving as Trustee, Class-leader and in various other positions.
6 HOMAS McGEE. Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Linn County, and a pros- perous farmer and stock-raiser of Centre- ville Township, owns a finely improved farm on section 2, where he has resided since coming here in 1865 from Stephenson County, III. On his fa- ther's side he is of English descent, his Grand- father McGee having emigrated to this country from England in Colonial times and made settle- ment in Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Colo- nial army and served during the entire period of the Revolutionary War.
Grandfather James McGee was born in Penn- sylvania and died in Clearfield County, that state. John B. McGee, father of our subject, was born in Centre County, Pa., about 1824, and in early man- hood married Miss Catherine IIolmes, a native of Ireland and the daughter of James Holmes, who emigrated to America about 1812 and settled in Pennsylvania, where he died. After their mar- riage, the parents of our subject settled in Clear- field County, Pa., whence about 1858 they removed to Stephenson County, Ill., and from there in the fall of 1864 they came to Kansas and settled in Centreville Township, Linn County. He still makes his home here; his wife, however, passed away many years ago, in June, 1867. They had a
family of nine children, as follows: Mary O., James (deceased), Thomas, William and Catherine (deceased), Robert, Henry, Wesley, and Philip (deceased).
In Clearfield County, Pa., our subject was born on the 26th of August, 1844, and there he passed the early years of his life. At the age of fourteen years he accompanied his parents to Stephenson County, Ill., and there grew to manhood. In Sep- tember, 1863, when a youth of nineteen years, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Forty- sixth Illinois Infantry, and served until the close of the war, being for the most of the time in detached service. At the expiration of his per- iod of enlistment, and when peace once more smiled upon our land, he returned to the parental home in Stephenson County. In the fall of 1865 he came west to Kansas and settled on the farm of which he has since been a resident.
The first marriage of Mr. McGee took place in Linn County, Kan., in August, 1867, the bride be- ing Miss Mary J. Saddler, who was born in soutli- western Missouri about 1849. Her father, James Saddler, was a native of Tennessee and came to Linn County 1858, settling on Big Sugar Creek, Centreville Township, where he and his wife died. Mrs. Mary J. McGee departed this life at her home on the 9th of April, 1872, leaving one child, Rosa 0). Mr. McGee was again married, choosing as his wife Miss Nancy J. Plymate, a sister of Mrs. N. G. Round, who was born in Warren County, Ill., March 17, 1854. Her parents, John and Mary (Vance) Plymate, were natives respectively of New York and Kentucky and removed to Linn County from Warren County, Ill., in September, 1866. They settled in Centreville Township, where he died March 8, 1876, and she May 20, 1890. They had a family of four children: Hila A., Margaret, Nancy J. and David. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McGee was solemnized in Linn County December 1, 1872, and has resulted in the birth of the following-named nine children: John L., Elmer M., James E., Bernice I., Thomas W., Carl R., Lulu, Orpha L. and Clarence.
In the fall of 1889 Mr. McGee was elected County Commissioner, and three years later was re-elected to the office, and is the present Chair-
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man of the Board. Ile is independent in pol- itics, voting for the best man irrespective of party affiliations. He and his wife are active members of the Christian Church, in which he has served as Deacon and to the support of which he has contributed regularly and generously. In educational affairs he is especially interested and has been a member of the School Board for twelve years. Socially, he is identified with Magnolia Lodge No. 20, I. O. O. F. His farm is embellished with all necessary buildings, including a neat resi- dence, and his landed possessions aggregate four hundred acres in Centreville Township.
OHIN R. HOWARD. Perhaps no resident of Linn County has traveled more exten- sively than the subject of this notice. His experiences in remote places, and his jour- neys by land and water were characterized by many thrilling adventures, which, if told, would fill a volume. Since coming to this county in April, 1872, he has resided on section 15, Potosi Township, where he devotes his attention to gen- eral agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of one hundred and forty acres, where he industriously engages in tilling the soil.
The father of our subject was Allen H. Howard, a native of the sunny south, who died in Johnson County, Ill. He had married Miss Elizabeth Shropshire, an estimable lady, whose death oc- curred in Walla Walla County, Wash. Mr. How- ard, Sr., was one of the brave inen who, during the second struggle with Great Britain, enlisted for service on his country's behalf. He was Fife- Major, and had some active experiences in war, being in General Jackson's army at the memorable battle of New Orleans, During the Black Hawk
War, his name was again enrolled for active serv- ice, and he went to the front with his regiment, being at Ottawa, Ill., during the massacre there.
There were twelve children in the parental fam- ily, our subject being the next to the youngest. He was born in Haywood County, Tenn., on the 8th of Angust, 1834, and when quite young he ac- companied his parents to Johnson County, Ill., where he resided until he was twelve. In the spring of 1847 he removed to Johnson County, Iowa, and thicre made his home until the spring of 1854. The gold excitement of 1849 had been suc- cceded by a steady removal of eastern people to the Pacific Coast, and although Mr. Howard had no wild and visionary expectations of finding an El Dorado, yet he believed that success might be found in the Golden State. Accordingly in 1854 he went to Oregon, and from there to California, making the journey overland, and engaging in mining there until May, 1858.
Returning to Iowa, Mr. Howard settled in Ben- ton County, of which he was a resident until the spring of 1864, wlien he removed to what was then the territory of Washington. He spent two years there, and in the early part of 1866 again re- turned to Iowa, the home journey being made via the Isthmus of Panama. Locating in Iowa Coun- ty, Iowa, he remained there until lie came with his family to Linn County, in the spring of 1872. Since coming to the Sunflower State his attention has been devoted principally to farming, in which lic has met with success. During recent years he has taken a deep interest in political affairs, and for a time held the office of Justice of the Peace.
In lowa County, lowa, January 28, 1862, Mr. Howard was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Athey, who was born in Parke County, Ind., May 15, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Howard are the parents of fourteen children, viz .: Hardee H., May L., Early L., Eva H., Ida II., Esther Z., Clyde S., Nel- lie S., Warren P., Gaylord, Dolly C., Yancy, Shel- by and Fred V. Gaylord died when about eight years old, in 1886; May is the wife of Clinton Athey; Early married Miss Jane Grimes. The other children are with their parents. The parents of Mrs. Howard, Judson and Susan (Justice) Athey, had a family of eleven children, of whom
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she was the next to the youngest. Mr. Athey, who was a native of Virginia, died in Iowa Coun- ty, Iowa; his wife, who, it is thought, was born in Indiana, also passed away in Iowa Connty.
n ELSON ELLIOTT. This gentleman is num- bered among the successful agriculturists and prominent stock-raisers of Putnam Township, Anderson County, Kan., having by dint of energy and prudent management become the possessor of five hundred acres of fine farm land, for which this county is noted. Mr. Elliott has lived here but a short time, having come here in 1890, but he has become well known throughout the entire community for his prosperity as a farmer. IIe resides on section 31, where he has a comfortable and commodious home, in which have been made all the improvements of modern times.
The father of our subject, whose Christian name was Aaron, and the mother, whose maiden name was Jane Rapold, were both natives of Ross County, Ohio, and were the parents of three chil- dren: Levi, Austin and Nelson. The father died August 4, 1888. Our subject grew to man's estate in his native county, Ross, where he was born February 27, 1852. He spent the greater part of his time on the farm, for his father was a farmer and blacksmith by trade, and after he reached his sixteenth year, worked out by the month. In 1877, he came to this county and started in life for him- self, following his chosen vocation, that of a farmer.
The pleasant wedded life of our subject and his wife began April 11, 1882. Mrs. Elliott is the daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Kauffman) Eich- holtz, and bears the given name of Ida. Jacob Eichholtz was born in Champaign County, Ohio, as was also his wife. They came to Anderson County early in the '70s and settled in Reeder Township. After a time they removed to Putnam and ultimately to Westphalia Township, where
they have sinee lived. The following children were born to them: Ida M., John, Joseph, William, Ora, Henry and Charles. The worthy wife of our subject was born in Champaign County, Ohio, January 14, 1864.
Mr. Elliott first settled in Reeder Township, where he resided until 1890, and then removed to Putnam Township in October of the same year, locating on the land that has since been his home. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Elliott has resulted in the birth of these children: Minnie, William, Charles and Mand. Our subject has always been a farmer and an extensive stock-raiser and so finds little time to devote to public affairs. However he is ever ready to help in all good causes and to do what he can toward the upbuilding of this com- munity. He and his wife both possess genial, sunny temperaments, know how to enjoy life, and are social favorites, extending the hand of hospi- tality to any who may call at their comfortable home.
OHN SAMUEL GOODRICHI, founder of the pleasant village of Goodrich, and a prominent resident of Linn County, as well as one of its earliest pioneers, was born in Bainbridge, N. Y., October 9, 1831. Ilis father, Jeremiah, the son of Daniel Goodrich, was twice married, our subject being a son of the first union. When he was a mere child, he was orphaned by his mother's death, and subsequently his father married Miss Rebecca Huntley. The children born to the union of Jeremiah and Sophronia Goodrich were five in number, and were named as follows: William, now a resident of Todd County, Minn .; Emaline, who first married Elisha Coon, and after his death became the wife of a Mr. Mills, now re- siding in Venice, N. Y .; Martha, John Samuel, and Charles, deceased. The second marriage of Jeremiah Goodrich resulted in the birth of three children:
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James A., residing near Goodrich; Helen R., who married Nelson Crook and lives near Goodrich; and Lucy C., who is married and lives near Red- wood, Minn.
When our subject was a lad of twelve years, the family emigrated to Illinois and settled in Hadley, Will Connty, where the father soon afterward died. The children were therefore obliged to be- come self-supporting at an early age, and our sub- ject, instead of attending school, secured employ- ment in a cotton factory. Later he commenced to work on a farm, and was thus engaged until 1852, when he went to California, then the El Dorado of many an Argonaut. He remained in the Golden State for five years, and for one year engaged in mining, after which he embarked in the mercantile business, carrying goods by pack mules from one place to another. His ventures were crowned with the highest success, though his profits were necessarily reduced on account of the high expenses.
The return trip was made via the Isthmus of Panama, and while off the island of Cuba the ship was wrecked on the rocks, but after a week's delay was repaired so as to complete the voyage. From New York City Mr. Goodrich proceeded to Phila- delphia. There at the mint he exchanged for cash gold dust valued at $2,000, to be made into United States coin. Thence he returned to Illinois, his mother having in the meantime removed to Stark County. He was married near Chillicothe, Ill., to Miss Jane McCabe, and shortly after that im- portant event he came to Kansas with team and wagon. Upon reaching Linn County he purchased a claim, and later pre-empted the land, which he improved and cultivated.
At the opening of the Civil War, Mr. Good- rich's sympathies were enlisted on behalf of the Union cause, and in September, 1861, he was mus- tered into service as a member of Company E, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, in which he served nntil January, 1865. Among the engagements in which he was an active participant may be mentioned the battles of Cane IIill, Ark., Prairie Grove and numerous minor skirmishes. At the expiration of his period of enlistment he returned to his home, where he has since engaged in general farm-
ing and stock-raising. Ile has gained considera- ble local fame as a breeder of Galloway cattle, which he introduced into the county.
In the year 1872 a postoffice was established at the residence of Mr. Goodrich, and was named in his honor. He was appointed Post- master, and still holds the commission. For some years he conducted a general mercantile business, having an extensive trade with the people of the surrounding country. Ile was largely instrumental in securing the railroad at this place. The origi- nal route was further west, but by the expendi- ture of considerable money and time he was en- abled to have the route changed. When the railroad was built, a station was located on his farm and called Goodrich. To him more than to any other man is due the prosperity of the thriv- ing little village that bears his name. Its citizens are an unusually fine class of people, energetic, refined and public-spirited, and there is no doubt but that in future years it will be one of the im- portant towns of the county.
Mention has hitherto been made of the first marriage of Mr. Goodrich. IIis second union took place in January, 1871, at which time he married Mrs. Frances C. (Good) Ewing, who was born in Christian County, Ill., April 29, 1845. Iler par- ents, Jasper N. and Rose Ann Good, started for Kansas in 1858, but on account of border troubles stopped in Missouri for eighteen months, locating in this state in 1860. On Christmas Day of 1862, Miss Good became the wife of Robert M. Ewing, and of this union were born two children, Emma Ann and Charles Alonzo. Mrs. Goodrich is a lady of refined and noble character, and is highly esteemed wherever known.
In politics a Republican, Mr. Goodrich has been elected on his party ticket to several offices of trust. Ilis interest in educational matters has been constant, and his active co-operation has se- cured many improvements in the public-school system of Linn County. He has been a member of the School Board for many years. In religion a Methodist, he has served the congregation in the capacity of Steward for more than twenty years. Socially, he is identified with the Grand Army of the Republic. His material prosperity has been
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secured through indefatigable energy, and he is now the owner of a section of land, in addition to other valuable real estate. However, he has also had some reverses, and through the failure of the LaCygne Exchange Bank, in which he was one of the original stockholders, he lost over $5,000.
ON. ALEXANDER G. SEAMAN resides on the west half of section 26, township 19, range 22, and is one of the well known farmers of Liberty Township, Linn Coun- ty. His residence in this county dates from 1860, although he had resided in Kansas for two years previous to his advent in Linn County. During the period of more thirty years that he has made his home here, he has, while materially promoting his own interests and gaining a competency, also advanced the welfare of his community. At the time of coming to Kansas he had only $4 in cash and was in debt to the amount of $15, but through untiring perseverance and good management he has been greatly prospered.
Born in Chemung County, N. Y., January 2, 1835, our subject is the son of Chauncey and Mar- garet (Glenn) Seaman, both natives of the Empire State. The Seaman family is of English extrac- tion, but has been represented in the United States for several generations. The grandfather of our subject, Andrew Seaman, was a native of New York, where he followed the trade of a tailor, and also engaged in farming. During the War of the Revolution he was a soldier in the defense of the Colonies, and drew a pension from the Govern- ment for his services. Ilis home was for many years in Schenectady County, N. Y., where he died at the age of ninety-six.
One of a family of twelve children, Chauncey Seaman was born in October, 1807. He was reared a farmer, and for a time engaged in teaching school.
After his marriage he resided for a few years in Chemung County. His wife died a few years after their union, leaving two children: Andrew, a resident of Whiteside County, III., and Alex- ander G., of this sketch. He married a second time, and of that union one child was born, Stephen, a resident of LaCygne, Kan. In 1850 Chauncey Seaman emigrated to Illinois and re- sided in Whiteside County until 1863, meanwhile clearing some land and improving a farm. Com- ing to Kansas in 1863, he purchased a half-sec- tion of land near Parker, and here he remained until his death, which occurred in 1867.
In his political belief, Chauncey Seaman was in early life a Free-Soil Democrat, and in 1860 sup- ported Stephen Douglas, but he subsequently acted with the Republican party. At the time of his death he was filling the position of Justice of the Peace, which was the only office he ever held. Ilowever, he was always active in the support of his party's principles, and gave bis influence in behalf of its candidates. He was a man of firm convictions upon all subjects of importance, and through his upright life and conscientious deal- ings with all, he gained the esteem of his large circle of associates.
Orphaned in infancy by the death of his mother, our subject was taken into the home of his grand- parents and by them tenderly cared for until his father's second marriage. He was reared on a farm, and in addition to becoming familiar with agriculture in its various departments, he also learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner. In 1850 he emigrated to Illinois, and resided in Whiteside County until he came to Kansas in 1858, making the journey to this state with an ox-team, and spending two months en route. Ile stopped first at Burlingame, Osage County, where he pursued his trade. In 1860 he came to Linn County, and resided on land owned by his father until 1864. He then purchased one hundred and sixty aeres of unimproved land, to which he has since added until he is now the owner of three hundred and twenty valuable acres. Here he en- gages in general farming and stock-raising, and buys and sells stock extensively. His farm is em- bellished with all the attributes of a first-class
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estate, and the residence is one of the most at- tractive in the township.
In 1858 occurred the marriage of Mr. Seaman to Miss Elizabeth Klingaman, and four children have been born of the union: Margaret, wife of R.W. Nungesser; Chauncey, who resides in Sedgwick City, Kan .; Amelia,Mrs. William Hockenberry, who lives with her parents; and Emma, wife of llenry Adams, of Pueblo, Colo. Formerly a member of the state militia, Mr. Seaman was called out into active service several times during the Civil War, and took part in the battle of Westport. In poli- ties he is a Republican. In 1874 he was elected Treasurer of Linn County and held the office for the term of two years. Ile has been Trustee of his township several terms, and in 1869 represented his district in the State Legislature. He is a member of the Masonie fraternity, being a Knight Templar, and is also identified with the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows.
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Before the village of Parker was founded Mr. Seaman conducted a general store for three years, and also had a postoffice here. When the railroad passed through Parker he sold his business to the first merchant in the town. For about ten years he conducted a nursery business on his farm, and for five years he was connected with a nursery at LaCygne. His nursery was the first in this part of the county and was started by Mr. Bishop dur- ing the Civil War.
AMES SCHOLFIELD. In recording the lives of the prominent citizens of Crawford County, and perpetuating for coming gen- erations their useful and honorable exam- ples, mention should be made of the subject of this notice. A man well known for the honesty and integrity which have ever characterized his bus- iness transactions, he is justly regarded as one of the most substantial and representative of the res-
idents of Sheridan Township, and has always ex- hibited a deep interest in the welfare and advance- ment of his community. He has earned prosper- ity by deserving it.
The farm which Mr. Scholfield owns and oper- ates is located on section 17, Sheridan Township, and comprises five hundred and twenty acres of well improved land, upon which have been erected a neat set of buildings, including a commodious residence. A native of Illinois, our subject was born in Morgan County in 1842. Hle is a son of James and Mariat (Cutts) Scholfield, natives of England, who after emigrating to the United States settled in Illinois, where the father followed his trade of a carpenter in connection with farm- ing operations.
In the schools of Morgan County, James Schol- field acquired the rudiments of his education, but his knowledge has been principally acquired by self-culture and experience. At the opening of the Civil War, though but a youth of twenty, he determined to prove his allegiance to his country by enlisting in the army. Accordingly his name was enrolled as a member of Company I, One Hundred and First Illinois Infantry, in which he served as a private for about nine months, and was then discharged on account of disability.
Returning to his Illinois home, Mr. Scholfield was soon afterward married to Martha, daughter of llenry Potter, of Morgan County, Ill., and a sis- ter of Ilarry T. Potter. Mrs. Scholfield was born in England, but has passed her life principally in the United States, whither she came in girlhood. She is the mother of ten children, namely: Ettie, Emma, Frank, Ruth, Fannie, Charlie, Fred, John, Vetra and Walter. The children have been the recipients of excellent advantages in the common schools and colleges of the state, and are, without exception, well informed and intelligent.
For two years Mr. Scholfield conducted a farm in lowa, whence he returned to Illinois and there remained for a time. In 1874 he came to Kansas and located upon the farm where he has since made his home. The one hundred and sixty acres which he then purchased were unimproved, not a furrow having been turned in the soil, but such has been his energy, that the place now ranks
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among the best in the township of Sheridan. In addition to raising cereals, he also is engaged ex- tensively as a stock-dealer. Politically, he is a Re- publican and is prominent in local politics. He is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the support of which he is a liberal contributor. Since coming to the county he has been a member of the School Board of his district, and is always interested in educational matters.
HOMAS BROWNRIGG is one of the exten- sive and successful agriculturists of Ander- son County, owning and operating a good farm on section 1, Welda Township. He is a na- tive of Westmoreland, England. born January 22, 1822. His youth and early manhood were passed in his native land, and it was not until 1876 that he crossed the Atlantic, believing he could better secure a fortune in the United States. This decis- ion was a wise one, and the success he has achieved has shown this to be true.
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