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 35
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Our subject's father, Thomas Brownrigg, was also a native of Westmoreland, England, where he passed his entire life, his death occurring at the age of eighty years. His wife bore the maiden name of Ellen Addison. She was a native of the same shire and lived to the good old age of eighty- five years.
Mr. Brownrigg of this sketch was married in Westmoreland, February 9, 1854, to a native of the same part of England, Miss Mary Ann Beck by name. Her birth occurred April 21, 1829, and by her marriage she has become the mother of nine children. Thomas married Jane Halhead and is a resident of Welda Township; James B., who mar- ried Elizabeth Atkinson, also lives in the same township; Isaac is the next in order of birth; Robert wedded Ida Smith and lives in Westphalia Township; William, whose wife was formerly Miss
Emma Hamilton, makes his home in Linn County, Kan .; Elizabeth E. and Miles are the next in order of birth; Mary Ann became the wife of Homer Ramsey, of Ness County, Kan., and George con- pletes the family. These children were all born in England, were given good educations and are useful and respected citizens. James Beck, Mrs. Brownrigg's father, was a son of Thomas Beek, and it appears that this family were residents for sev- eral generations of Westmoreland, England.
On his arrival in Kansas in 1876, Mr. Brownrigg settled in Welda Township, Anderson County, where he has since been a resident. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres, which are still in his possession, and which formed the nucleus of his now extensive estate. His farms now comprise some eight hundred acres, most of which is under good cultivation and improved. The owner has erected good buildings and increased the value of his property materially by setting out a large number of trees. Ile is progressive in his ideas and has made a considerable fortune since coming to the United States. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed and respected in the neighborhood of their home and are favorably known throughout the county.
AMUEL N. EWING became a resident of Linn County December 1, 1881, and is now a prominent stock-raiser of Blue Mound Township, residing on section 23, township 22, range 21. He was born in Logan County, Ky., March 22, 1844, being a son of Will- iam and Emeline (Young) Ewing, natives of But- ler County, Ky., and Logan County, Ky., respect- ively. Grandfather Samuel Ewing was a native of Virginia, whence he migrated to the Blue Grass State in an early day, and there spent his remain- ing years. The parents of our subject resided upon a Kentucky farm until their death. They
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reared five children: Thomas, a farmer residing in Butler County, Ky .; Mary, who married Marcus McMillan and died in Logan County, Ky .; Me- linda, Mrs. Marcus McMillan, who died in Logan County, Ky .; our subject, and Sarah, who became the wife of John Dial and died in Warren County, Ky
In the common and private schools of Logan County, Samuel N. Ewing received the rudiments of his education. The instruction there received has been since broadened by extensive reading and self-culture, and he is now a well informed man. Upon starting out in business for himself, he em- barked as a liveryman in Russellville, Ky .. and was thus engaged for two years. About that time, in February, 1867, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Byron and Margaret (Grinter) Warden, and a native of Logan County, Ky. After his marriage, Mr. Ewing rented land and engaged in farming. In the spring of 1869 he removed to Missouri, and purchasing an eighty-acre farm in Bates County, resided thereon until 1881.
Disposing of his Bates County property, Mr. Ewing came to Linn County and purchased one hundred and twenty acres where he now resides. Here he built a honse and commenced the work of improving and cultivating the land, which through his untiring efforts became one of the finest tracts in the township. However, he has met with his share of misfortunes and has suffered particularly from fire. In June, 1892, while attending church, his house was destroyed by fire and its contents entirely lost. Soon afterward he erected a sub- stantial two-story frame structure, where he now resides lle is extensively engaged in stock-rais- ing, bo: i ta his own property and upon a half- section o iand w'inc .. Je leases.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Ewing has been blessed by the birth of four children, who are named: Dennis, Lewis Franklin, Ferris and Charles, energetic and capable young men, who have been carefully trained. under the personal supervision of their parents, for positions of usefulness in the business world. Mr. Ewing is one of the prominent members of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and takes an interest in the success of that organi- zation. Politically he is firn: in his allegiance to
the Democratic party, which he supports with his ballot. While a citizen of Bates County, Mo., he held numerous township offices, but since coming to Linn County has not taken an active part in local affairs.
W ILLIAM C. FLETCHER, a practical gen- eral agriculturist and extensive land-owner of Linn County, has for many years been numbered with the prominent men and leading citizens of Paris Township, his farm, situated npon section 4, being one of the best in this part of the state. The parents of our subject, John and Sarah (Burlington) Fletcher, were among the early and highly respected residents of eastern Kansas, and actively participated in the stirring seencs of the pioneer days of 1857. The father was a native Ken - tuckian, and the mother was born in Indiana. John Fletcher came a young man from the state of his nativity to Illinois, where he settled upon a farm near Macomb, McDonough County, in 1833. There he married, and remained with his family twenty- two years; then, with wife and children, journeyed to the farther westward, and located in the fall of 1857 in Paris Township, Linn County, Kan. A man of enterprise and integrity, he commanded the esteem of many friends, and was regretted as a public loss when he died in January, 1864. Ilis widow survived him many years, passing away February 15, 1882. Seven children had clustered about their fireside: James; John; William C .; Lizzie, wife of Z. Kincaid; Job; Albert, and Addie, wife of George Mayhorn.
William C., our subject, was born in McDonough County. IN., March 10, 1845. Reared upon the old homestead, he was early trained to habits of industrious thrift, and gained a common education in the schools of the district. He was a boy of twelve when with his parents he removed to Kan- sas, where the labor of his life has mainly been
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given to agricultural pursuits, although he is in- terested extensively in coal banking.
Onr subjeet was united in marriage April 19, 1876, with Miss Emma M. Lowe, a native of New Jersey, who was born February 10, 1857. The true helpmate and accomplished wife of our subject, a lady of intelligent ability, is the daughter of old residents and honored citizens of New Jersey, in which state both the father, John C. Lowe, and the mother; Peninah Wolfe, were born, educated, and spent the greater part of their married life. The father, a patriotic and conrageous man, offered his services in behalf of national existence, and died in the army. The mother survives, and lives in Mound City. The three children who blessed their home were Emma M., Olivia and John C.
Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher reside upon a highly eul- tivated farm of four hundred and twenty-five acres, pleasantly situated, and improved with an attractive dwelling, commodious barns and other buildings. The large acreage is devoted to gen- eral farming, and some superior stock is bred upon the place. Financially prospered, our subject also takes an active interest in local and national issues and is regarded as an important factor in the prog- ress and improvements of the township.
Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher are the parents of two children, Nellie E. and Eldon W., who are enjoy- ing the superior educational advantages of their immediate vicinity, and who, together with their father and mother, occupy a high place in the so- cial life of their township and receive the esteem of sincere friends.
ASIIINGTON NANTZ, Commissioner of Linn County, and a successful farmer of Po- tosi Township, was born in Wabash Coun- ty, Ind., March 19, 1839. He is the second of a fam- ily of eight children born to the union of William M. and Susan (Keller) Nantz, natives respectively
of North Carolina and Indiana. They died in Wabash County, leaving our subject an orphan at a time when he most needed the counsel of a fa- ther and the care of a mother. At the age of fourteen he was thrown upon his own resources, and from that time he was self-supporting. He was taken into the home of his unele, Isaac Keller, for whom he worked until he came to Kansas.
It was during the year 1859 that Mr. Nantz first located in the Sunflower State. Coming to Linn County, he made his home here for a period of two years, after which he returned to Wabash County, Ind., and there embarked in general farm- ing and stock-raising. Ile met with considerable success in his chosen occupation, but was not sat- isfied to make his permanent home in the Hoosier State. In 1869 he again came to Kansas and set- tled in Linn County, of which he has since been a resident. On seetion 15, Potosi Township, he owns a fine farm embracing three hundred and twenty aeres in a high state of cultivation. The place was wholly unimproved at the time of his settlement here, but through his tireless exertions and good management the appearance of the farm has been transformed. A set of farm buildings has been erected, modern machinery has been in- trodneed, trees have been planted and numerous other improvements added, which prove the thrift and energy of the owner of the farm.
In Wabash County, Ind., February 6, 1863, oe- eurred the marriage of Washington Nantz to Miss Jennie E. Lightfoot, who was born and reared in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a lady of kind disposition, devoted to the welfare of her family. Mr. and Mrs. Nantz are the parents of six children: Rosa, who is the wife of J. A. McCurry; Minnie, who married L. W. Leisure; William, Lizzie, Lulu and Frank. They buried one child, Carrie, who died in infancy. The family occupies a position of prominence in the community, and its various members are highly regarded by all who know them.
Mr. Nantz is a man who takes an intelligent in- terest in public affairs, and gives his support to every measure having for its object the promotion of the progress of the county commercially, mor- ally and socially. In November, 1891, he was
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elected County Commissioner on the Populist ticket for a term of three years, and is now serv- ing in that office, where his services are highly satisfactory. In his religious views he is-liberal. Realizing that the future of our country depends upon the education of its citizens, he has always favored every measure calculated to raise the standard of education and place the best advan- tages within the reach of the poorest child. He has given to his children every opportunity for becoming well informed, and they have amply re- paid his efforts on their behalf. Throughout Po- tosi Township, he occupies an enviable position, and is regarded as one of its most energetic and capable agriculturists.
E BURGESS PARK, editor and publisher of the Osage Mission Journal, was born in East Walpole, Mass., on the 17th of No- vember, 1839. He is a son of the Rev. Harrison G. and Elizabeth (Bird) Park, natives of Massa- chusetts. The father, who was a prominent Con- gregational minister of New England, was gradu- ated from Brown University at the age of eigh- teen years, and afterward graduated at Andover Theological Seminary. His pastorates were in Massachusetts, where he resided until his death. He was a man of culture, and was highly esteemed, not only by his parishioners, but by all who knew him.
In the parental family there were twelve chil- dren, of whom seven are now living. Three sons served in the Civil War, all with distinguished gallantry. Wisner served as Captain of Company II, Fortieth Massachusetts Infantry, for three years. Henry enlisted as a Corporal in the same company in the defense of the Union, and served meritori- ously until he was killed on the James River, in Virginia, June 6, 1864. The subject of this sketch received a good education in the schools of Massa-
chusetts, and grew to manhood in the state where he was born. For two years prior to his enlist- ment he prosecuted his studies in Amherst College, where he laid the foundation of the broad knowl- edge and extensive information he afterward ac- quired.
On the 13th of September, 1862, Mr. Park en- listed as a private in Company B, Forty-second Massachusetts Infantry, and accompanied his regi- ment to Louisiana, where he was placed in the com- mand of General Banks. The regiment operated mostly in the gulf regions of Louisiana and Texas. Colonel Burrell and three companies were taken prisoners at Galveston, Jannary 1, 1863. In five days more the rest of the regiment would have suffered the same fate. On the 20th of August, 1863, our subject was honorably discharged at the expiration of his period of service. He then went to Virginia, and until the close of the war had charge of a public school in Norfolk instituted by General Butler.
Removing from the Old Dominion to Missouri, Mr. Park settled in Chillicothe, Livingston Coun- ty, where he taught school for two years. He was then elected County Surveyor, and for four years was actively engaged in the discharge of his offi- cial duties. Subsequently he studied dentistry, and after coming to Kansas, in 1877, settled in Osage Mission, where he engaged in dental prac- tice. In partnership with E. L. Conklin, he pur- chased the Osage Mission Journal in October, 1892, and has since devoted huis attention to editing and publishing this paper. The Journal is a weekly newspaper, Republican in politics, and contains local news, as well as items of general interest. The proprietor, as the paper, is a strong Repub- lican in his political belief, and is one of the active workers in the ranks of the party.
On New Year's Day, 1876, Mr. Park was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Perrine, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Dr. M. T. Perrine, of Osage Mission. Three children blessed the union: Portia, Florence and Ellsworth. In his social con- nections, Mr. Park is identified with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Mission Lodge No. 92, of which he was at one time Secretary and Junior Warden. He has also been Master Work-
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man of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and Commander of the Grand Army of the Re- public. In 1889 lie was appointed Postmaster, and held that position for four years, until the expira- tion of President Harrison's administration, when he resigned.
W ILLIAM COX, a representative citizen and prominent general agriculturist of Mound City Township, Linn County. Kan., has been a constant resident of the state for the past thirty-four years, and during this long time has taken an active part in the troublous experi- ences and later successes of his present locality. Born in Somersetshire, England, November 7, 1834, our subject was the son of Charles and Mary (Lennon) Cox, both descendants of a long line of English ancestry. The father was a farmer, and resided in England until 1873. His wife hav- ing died some time previously, he emigrated to Kansas and spent his remaining years within the latter state. The five children of the parental family are, Anna, wife of Walter Thyer, a resident of Blue Mound Township; William, our subject; Alfred, a business man of Kansas City; James, proprietor of a hotel in Wales; and Frederick, a resident of New Mexico. The father was the owner of eighty acres of land in England, and also rented two hundred acres, which yielded him an excellent income, and through whose abundant barvests he accumulated a handsome property. Immediately after the death of his wife, he retired from active business and devoted his time mainly to travel. While in business he dealt extensively in farming produce and was well known in a wide region of England. He was a member of the Epis- copal Church, and was a liberal giver in behalf of benevolent enterprises.
Our subject, being the eldest son of the family, gave his time more to work than study during his youth, but in after life supplemented the knowl- edge gained in boyhood by observation and read-
ing. In the spring of 1856, Mr. Cox came to the United States, and in a short time found his way to the western metropolis, Chicago, there visiting numerous acquaintances and relatives, making his home mainly with Thomas Richards. Our subject remained in Illinois until 1859, spending a greater portion of his time in Lake County, where be worked as a farm hand. The times were particu- larly hard then, on account of a money panic, and wages were very low.
In 1859, accompanied by Fletcher Tucker, a playmate of boyhood days, Mr. Cox journeyed to Kansas, where, after working two weeks in Leaven- worth, he sought employment on a farm and was engaged by Otis Marsh to split rails and chop wood. In the spring our subject accompanied Mr. Marsh while surveying the road from Ft. Leaven- worth to Ft. Riley, also from Leavenworth to Ft. Scott. While out on this business, they en- tered claims from the Government in Linn Coun- ty, and made the called for improvements, build- ing a house 12x14 feet, and had several acres broken. They paid for the same with land war- rants, and then Mr.Cox went to Mound City and en- gaged in various pursuits-brick-laying and well- digging-and also joined the Sixth Kansas Militia. He was called out numerous times in defense of life and property attacked mainly by border ruf- fians.
Mr. Tucker, who came with our subject to Kan- sas, remained long his close friend and associate, and also joining the militia, became so worn out with fatigue and exposure during the Price raid that he died from the effects. Mr. Cox for three years was almost constantly in service, and at the end of that time received his honorable dis- charge from the militia. After the war he en- gaged in farming, and homesteaded the place where he now resides. His time is mainly oc- cupied in the cultivation of the three hundred and twenty acres of his fine farm, where he has also for many years profitably handled a high grade of stock, and large numbers of horses, cattle and hogs. For many years our subject has made a specialty of blooded stock, and the Cox farm is noted for the same.
In the fall of 1862 were united in marriage Will-
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iam Cox and Miss Margaret Thompson. The latter was a daughter of John and Margaret (Dennis) Thompson and was born in Fairfield County, Ohio. Her father was a native of England. Our subject and his worthy wife were blessed by the birth of nine children. Nettie is the wife of Josephus Me- Cuity, of Ft. Scott; Jessie married John Berrick, of Ft. Scott; Sidney resides in Blue Mound Town- ship; Mary is the wife of Daniel Noel, a citi- zen of Oklahoma; Margaret is Mrs. Eugene Mich- aels, and lives in Ft. Scott; Anna, Nellie, Willie and Hazel.
Arriving within the borders of the state on the 3d of November, 1859, Mr. Cox has won his way up to a comfortable competence, but has experi- enced numerous vicissitudes. In 1887 his build- ings, fence, orchards and all the improvements were destroyed by a terrible cyclone which devastated that section of country. The family were saved by seeking refuge in a cellar. Courageously our subject set himself to work to make good the ruin wrought, and to-day a handsome and commo- dious residence, large barns and other build- ings attest to the energetic enterprise of the owner, who now conducts one of the best farms in this section of the country. Politically, our sub- jeet is a stalwart Republican and an ardent advo- cate of the party of reform.
ICHAEL C. THOMPSON, a resident of Linn County since the spring of 1875, and a prosperous farmer of Liberty Township, was born in Ross County, Ohio, Septem- ber 15, 1841. He is the son of William Thomp- son, presumably a native of the Buckeye State, and Jane (Beam) Thompson, of Ohio, who in 1843 re- moved to Morgan County, Ill., and settled on the Illinois River. Soon after locating there Mr. Thompson died. In 1860 his widow removed to southwestern Missiouri in company with her son,
Michael C., and later went to Miami County, Kan., where her death occurred in 1880.
There were five children in the parental family, namely: Elizabeth, John, George, Mary J. and Michael C. The two last-named are the only surviving members of the family, the former being the wife of Joel Turnham, and the latter the subject of this sketch. Their mother was a second time married, becoming the wife of John Knight, who died in Morgan County, Ill. One child, Henry, was born of this union. Our subject passed the early years of his life in Morgan Coun- ty, whence in 1860 he removed to southwestern Missouri and settled in Jasper County. In the fall of 1861, when the war broke out, he removed to Kansas and settled in Miami County.
In the autumn of 1862 Mr. Thompson enlisted as a soldier in the defense of the Old Flag, becom- ing a member of Company C, Twelfth Kansas In- fantry, in which he served for three years. Dur- ing that time he participated with his regiment in many of the border skirmishes and endured all the hardships and privations incident to war. After the close of the conflict he returned to Missouri and resumed farming pursuits. In 1875 lie came to Linn County and settled in Liberty Township, of which he has since been a resident. His farm is located on section 8, and contains a first-class set of farm buildings, including one of the pret- tiest homes in the county.
In Miami County, Kan., Mr. Thompson was united in marriage with Miss Martha Collins on the 14th of October, 1866. Mrs. Thompson is the daughter of John Collins, whom it is thought was a native of Virginia. He married Miss Susan Wil- son, of Virginia, and with his wife settled in Vin- ton County, Ohio, whence in 1855 he removed to Wapello County, lowa. In the spring of 1866 he came to Miami County, this state. His wife died in 1882. He still survives, making bis home in Osage County, Kan., and en- joys fair health, notwithstanding the fact that he has reached the advanced age of ninety-two years. His children were six in number: Annis, Harvey, Emeline, Elizabeth, Martha and John. Mrs. Thompson was born in Vinton County, Ohio, on the 12th of March, 1845. Of her union, three
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children have been born, viz .: Charlie L., who married Miss Daisy Hinkle; Daisy L., now Mrs. James M. Hawkins; and Guy, who married Miss Laura L. Tueker.
Throughout his community Mr. Thompson is known as a man of intelligence and public spirit, who maintains a deep interest in everything per- taining to the progress of the township and county. In politics a Republican, he has been chosen by his fellow-citizens to represent them in various con- ventions, and has in every instance rendered sat- isfactory services. With his wife he holds mem- bership in the Baptist Church.
OHN A. MANN, one of the substantial farmers of Anderson County, residing on section 8, Westphalia Township, was born in Hocking County, Ohio, December 11, 1837, and is of English descent. His grandfather, Arthur Mann, a native of England, came to the United States and married Nancy Thompson. Lo- cating in Virginia, he there spent his remaining days. He reared a family of several sons, namely : Arthur, Henry, Walter, William, Oliver, John and James 'l'. The last-named is the father of our subject. He was born in Virginia, July 17, 1807, and in 1828 emigrated to Hocking County, Ohio, where he became acquainted with and married Caroline Warthman, who was born in the Buck. eye State May 28, 1809.
James T. Mann was a bricklayer, plasterer and paper-hanger by trade, and also owned a farm in Hocking County. In 1857 he removed to Van Wert County, Ohio, and purchased land, which he cultivated in connection with work at his trades. There he continued to make his home until his death. lle passed away March 25, 1890, while visiting in Kansas, and was buried in Central City Cemetery. His wife died two years
previous in Van Wert County. In early life he was a Whig in politics, but afterward became a stalwart Republican. For about sixty years him- self and wife were faithful and active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In the parental family were eight children. Sarah was born September 8, 1833; she married Abra- ham Bigham and died in Van Wert County, Ohio, leaving two sons, John W. and William O. Ma- thias was born October 14, 1835, and died Febru- ary 26, 1837. John A. is the next younger. Mary E., who was born April 22, 1840, is the wife of Charles W. Carpenter, of Van Wert County, Ohio, by whom she has two children, Jesse B. and M. B. McPherson. James O. was born May 10, 1842, enlisted in Company A, Ninety-ninth Ohio In- fantry, and died April 18, 1863, at Camp Dennison, Ohio. Arthur was born August 9, 1844, and died on the 14th of September. 1849. Christina, who was born August 11, 1847, died September 23, 1849. Frances was born May 31, 1850, and died January 5, 1861.
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