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 43
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active part in local affairs, and has been identified with the Republican party since its organization. lle and his wife are actively identified with the Methodist Protestant Church.
ON. CHARLES H. LEWIS, a leading citi- zen, prosperous general agriculturist and successful stock-raiser conducting a valua- ble farm pleasantly located on section 36, Osage Township, Miami County, Kan., has with honor discharged the duties of various positions of trust. He was in 1884 elected to the State Legisla- ture, and in 1886 was re-elected for two terms, and, faithful to his constituents. served with effi- ciency in the interests of the general public. Born in New Hampshire, April 3, 1847, our subject was the son of William L. Lewis, likewise a native of the old Granite State, and born March 29, 1820, in the town of Lempster. The father remained in his birthplace during his boyhood, and when about seventeen years of age he went to Nashua, N. Il., and there engaged for two or three years in the boot and shoe business. Ile later removed to Lawrence, Mass., where he was employed in the Department of Public Works as foreman of stone work. Spending a number of years in Lawrence, William Lewis assisted in building the dam across the Merrimac River, and as a stonemason secured profitable employment. He was married in Nashua in May, 1843, to Miss Deborah J. Clark, who was born in New Boston, N. II., in 1820. While in New England the last time the father was employed on the Wells River Railroad, and later journeying to Rochester, N. Y., remained there about a twelvemonth, working mostly at his trade.
Finally making his home in Jackson, Ohio, the father continued his occupation as a stonemason, and then buying a steam mill, engaged for many
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years in lumbering, and with his other occupations combined farming, continuously devoting a por- tion of his time to the pursuit of agriculture. He did a large amount of work in Jackson County, Ohio, building three bridges, which cost many thousands of dollars. In November, 1877, William Lewis came to Miami County, Kan., and settled on the farm where he yet resides. The parents have ever been devout members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church and liberal givers in behalf of re- ligious work. Of their four children only two now survive. William C. died while in the army; he was a member of the Thirty-sixth Ohio Regi- ment, and passed away in a hospital in Indiana. Charles H. was the second-born; Mary died at the age of fourteen years; Hattie is the wife of D. B. Cooper.
Our subject was about three years of age when his parents located near Rochester, N. Y. Ile remained in the Empire State one year and then removing to Jackson County, Ohio, there spent the days of his boyhood and attained to manhood. He received his education in the com- mon schools, and as he grew older engaged in farming and lumbering. In Jackson County, Ohio, in December, 1871, Charles H. Lewis and Miss Mary J. Hayes were united in marriage. The es- timable wife of our subject was the daughter of Moses Hayes, an old settler of Jackson County, and a near relative of Ex-President Hayes. Mrs. Lewis was born in Jackson County and was reared and educated in her birthplace.
For some time after his marriage our subject and his estimable wife continued to make their home in Ohio, but in November, 1877, they emigrated to Kansas. Mr. Lewis owns a fine farm of six hundred acres, and since his arrival within the state has given his entire attention with most profit- able results to farming and stock-raising. The valuable homestead is improved with commodious and substantial buildings, and with its broad acre- age presents a scene of thrift and plenty. The children who gather about the family fireside are six in number. Nellie B. is a school teacher in Fontana; then follow in order of birth: Bertha, William, Frank, Harry and Robert. Freddie died when six years old. While in Ohio, Mr.
Lewis was an Elder, and for a long time was a member of the Presbyterian Church, but now both Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are connected with the Meth- odist Episcopal Church and are foremost in the good work and benevolent enterprises of that de- nomination.
Politically a Republican, and a local leader of the party, our subject for six years ably filled the office of Township Trustee, and was for a term Justice of the Peace. During the session of the Legislature in 1887, Mr. Lewis was Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and was a member of the committee which investigated the building of the state house. He was likewise a member of the Committee on State Offices and Judicial Ap- pointments. The knowledge gained by our sub- ject while a builder and a contractor, erecting bridges and other public works in Ohio, has been of great advantage to him since in numberless ways. Mr. Lewis is fraternally associated with the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, and is Secretary of Equity Lodge No. 131. A public-spirited citizen of sterling integrity and true American enterprise, our subject has worthily made his upward way and to-day commands the confidence and high esteem of a host of friends.
ILLIAM HOPKINS. The agriculturists of Jackson Township, Anderson County, are as a rule possessed of great energy, and rank well among the farmers the world over. Our subject is one of the successful agriculturists above named, his comfortable estate being located on section 28. The land is under thorough tillage, bears a full line of adequate improvements, and produces a goodly store of the various crops, to the raising of which it is devoted.
The father of our subject bore the given name of Shodroch and was a native of Delaware. He was a son of William Hopkins, who in turn was also a native of Delaware, which state he represented in
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the Legislature at one time. William Ilopkins emigrated from Delaware to Indiana in an early day and was among the first settlers of Fountain County, where he lived the remainder of his life. Shodroch L. went to Fountain County with his par- ents and there grew to maturity, receiving some little school education. Ile was married to Mary Galloway, and both he and his wife lived and died in the sanie county. The mother died when our subject was nine years old, and being bereft of a mother's loving and tender care, young William was sent to live with his grandfather, John Gallo- way, who reared him to a life of usefulness.
Mr. Hopkins was born in Fountain County, Ind., March 5, 1838, and was given the advantages of a very good education in the district schools of the county. While still enjoying a life of single blessedness, he came to Anderson County and bought a tract of land in Jackson Township. This was in the year of 1859, and the following December he returned to his native county, where he remained until the spring of the succeeding year. It was then time to attend to the planting of crops, so he came back and spent the necessary time in cultivating the soil and sowing the seed which was to bring him a bountiful harvest. In April, 1861, he again returned to his old home and did not come back until about one year later, when he returned and made a permanent settle- ment.
March 30, 1862, was celebrated the marriage of our subject and Miss Elizabeth Crane. This lady, intelligent, cultured, and efficient in womanly du- ties, was born in Fountain County, February 16, 1841. Her father, Abram Crane, was a native of Warren County, Ohio, and was the son of Abner Crane. Abram Crane, who was noted for his wealth, was an early settler of Fountain County, where he died. Her mother, who was known in maidenhood as Ruth Romine, was a native of Virginia and died in Fountain County. Ever since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins have made this county their home. Here they have been greatly prospered, and by habits of industry and economy have acquired a nice home and two hundred and eighty-five acres of land, which is in a finely cultivated condition.
Mr. Hopkins and his faithful wife became
the parents of five children: Carleton W .; Frank A., who died at the age of eleven years; Ina, Myr- tle and George R. These children are receiving the opportunities of a good education and are fol- lowing the good example set them by their parents, who are both great workers in the cause of tem- perance, Mrs. Hopkins being identified with the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. The home of our subject and wife is one of the coziest in this part of the country, and the gracious hospi- tality of the wife and the genial courtesy of the host give it an attraction to their many friends.
ILLIAM PAGINTON, one of the honored pioneer settlers of Linn County, Kan., through whose earnest efforts the state has overcome obstacles and marched steadily forward to her high position in the Union, has resided in his present locality upon section 17, Centreville Township, since April. 1857, and is to-day number- ed among the prominent agriculturists and stock- raisers of the community. Our subject was born in Wiltshire, England, April 6, 1827, and was edu- cated and reared in his native land, where he at- tained to manhood. His parents, Peter and Mary (Harding) Paginton, spent their entire hves in England, and were both descendants of long lines of sturdy ancestors, loyal subjects of the British crown. Reaching years of maturity, Mr. Paginton began the pursuit of agriculture in his native land, but at about twenty-two years of age determined to try his fortune in the country of promise beyond the sea. In 1849, bidding fare- well to his relatives, friends and the familiar scenes of his boyhood, he crossed the broad Atlantic, and safely landing in the United States, located at once in Cleveland, Ohio, where he received immediate employment in a lard oil factory.
For three years Mr. Paginton continued to make his home in Cleveland; then removing to
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Cincinnati, he engaged again in the same business, following the occupation for another three years, at the expiration of which time he journeyed to Davenport, Iowa, where he received steady work in a flour mill until he located in Kansas. First settling in Paris Township, he there passed some six or seven years and then purchased the eighty- acre farm where he now lives. Upon this land, which he has brought up to a highly produc- tive state, he has erected a handsome and commo- dious residence, good barns and other buildings.
Upon May 11, 1854, William Paginton and Miss Frances White were united in marriage. Mrs. Paginton, a most estimable lady, and a native of Ireland, was born in Ahava, Linster County, in 1829. She died, beloved by all who knew her, March 15, 1892. The following obituary notice clearly indicates the noble character of the de- ceased, and the high estimation in which she was held by her many friends and associates of former years:
"Died, Mrs. Frances (White) Paginton, at the homestead in Centreville Township, on Wednesday, the 15th inst., after months of decline and suffer- ing, aged sixty-four years. Mrs. Paginton was born in Ahava, Linster, Ireland, and at the age of twenty years, full of hope and energy, which make this life a success, she started for the land of the free, landing in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1849, where she met and married Mr. William Paginton in 1854; removing to Davenport, Iowa, they there spent three years, and there they buried their first-born son. In 1857 they emigrated to this county and state, where in the struggle for a com- petency she has been a helpmate indeed during the thirty-nine years of their wedded life. To them were born four children, three of whom survive their mother. To them she was a most affectionate mother. As a neighbor she had a heart full of friendship and sympathy. Mrs. Paginton was a very kind woman, true and steadfast in her con- victions of moral right and rectitude, and having the courage of her convictions. A member of the Episcopalian Church by baptism in infancy, and by confirmation in mature years, she lived and died in the faith of the church she loved. 'Thou art gone to the grave, but we will not deplore thee.' Fun-
eral services at the home, conducted by the writer. A very large assembly of sympathizing friends at- tended the last rites of the dear departed one. So may we all fight life's battle, faithfully, that we may meet again 'when the mists have rolled away.'
"REV. S. B. MCGREW."
One touching incident in connection with the last illness of Mrs. Paginton was the courage with which, although so ill, she resisted giving up to the dread discase; until the last she was not confined to her bed, but with bright words sought to cheer those about to be bereaved. The three children who survive her are: George W. W., who married Miss Leonora Wilson; Mary Emma and Robert White. The eldest, Robert W., died in infancy. Miss Emma is an accomplished and intelligent young lady, enjoying the best wishes of a host of friends. Our subject takes an interest in local affairs, and, one of the oldest settlers of the town- ship, is also one of the most thoroughly public- spirited and representative citizens.
R OBERT W. GAILEY. Among the lumber dealers of Garnett, the best known in the building trade, one who may be mentioned as of special prominence, is Robert W. Gai- ley, who established his lumber yards in this city in 1889. He keeps constantly on hand a large stock of dressed lumber and building materials and is prepared to furnish at short notice almost anything in that line required by a contractor, and is one of the most popular dealers in this part of the country among the large mass of contractors and builders. Handling nothing but first-class goods, he fills all orders with the greatest care and with the utmost promptness, and those entrusting bills to him are always confident that they will re- ceive the very best material, cut to use with the utmost economy, and at prices which defy com- petion.
Mr. Gailey is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Perry County, fourteen miles northwest of Harris-
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burg October 26, 1838, and is a son of Alexander and Mary (White) Gailey. The name of Gailey originated in this manner: Many generations ago a Scotchman by the name of Buchanan won a purse in a boxing contest. The money he was to receive was spread out on the lea (meadow), and as he walked over the same the people called out "Gay Lea," and he was ever after- ward known as Gailey. Three of his sons emi- grated to the North of Ireland and from them have descended the Gaileys of to-day. The grandfa- ther of our subject, Andrew Gailey, accompanied by his brother, Alexander Gailey, came from the North of Ireland and settled in Pennsylvania. Alexander Gailey never married; he was a Lieu- tenant in the Revolutionary War, and lived to be one hundred and two years of age. Grandfather Gailey was a farmer, and resided in Perry County, Pa., nearly all his life, passing his last days, how- ever, with a daughter residing in Washington County, Pa. He was about eighty-five years of age at the time of his death, and was a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church. His family consisted of two sons and two daughters. Barbara married James Gailey and died in Indiana. Robert died in Wayne County, Ohio, where he was en- gaged in farming. Alexander was the father of our subject; and Jane married John Murray and now resides in Pana, Ill.
Alexander Gailey was born in Perry County, Pa., June 10, 1792, and was married in that county to Miss Mary White. Ile followed the peaceful pursuit of farming and met with good success in that calling. Ile also owned a sawmill, which he conducted in connection with farming for many years. When advanced in years he removed to Kansas and passed the remainder of his days in Garnett, his death occurring April 28, 1890. The mother is also deceased. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church at one time, but later they united with the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gailey was a Democrat in early life, later a member of the American party, and when the Re- publican party was formed he rallied to its stand- ard. Eight children were born to this most estim- able couple, as follows: Margaret D., now residing in Garnett, became the wife of Alexander Garrett,
and removed from Pennsylvania to Kansas in 1857. They first settled in Franklin County and later in Anderson County, where her husband was accidently killed. Elizabeth W. married Rev. James N. Smith and resides near Garnett. Mr. Smith isone of the pioneer ministers of the United Presbyterian Church in Kansas. Barbara resides in Garnett. Andrew W. was a farmer, and re- sided in Perry County, Pa., for many years. His death occurred in Washington County, that state. Catherine H. resides in Garnett; Mary J. married Rev. J. II. Adair, a minister in the United Presby- terian Church, and now resides in Missouri; Rob- ert W., our subject, and James A. complete the number. The latter was at one time a farmer, but later he became a druggist and died in Garnett.
The original of this sketch was reared on a farm and received a common-sebool education. Until 1867 he remained under the parental roof, after which he came to Kansas and purchased eighty acres. The year previous to this, while in Kan- sas on a visit, he purchased eighty acres, so that when locating here he has one hundred and sixty acres of land. This land was but little improved, there being a log cabin and an orchard on it, but he began making improvements and engaged actively in farming and stock-raising. In 1886 he removed to Garnett and was employed in a lumber yard, where he remained two years. Returning to the farm, he remained on the same one year, and in 1889 removed to Garnett, where he purchased a half-interest in his present business. He still owns his farm and also his residence property in Gar- nett.
Mr. Gailey has been twice married, first in Feb- ruary, 1868, to Miss Mary B. Calvert, daughter of John and Rebecca Calvert, and a native of west- ern Pennsylvania. Her death occurred February 25, 1888, and four children were left motherless: Maud C., wife of Charles E. McMurray, of Kansas City, Mo .; Frank A., Roy E. and Pearl E. Mr. Gailey's second marriage occurred November 5, 1889, to Mrs. Anna K. Beard, nee Kanard. In pol- ities he is a stanchi Republican. He is now County Surveyor, having formerly held that position twelve years; he was Township Trustee five years, was clerk of the Board of Education of Garnett
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and a member of the City Council, acting Mayor during an unexpired term caused by the resigna- tion of the Mayor. In his religious views he is a United Presbyterian and is an Elder in the church.
G AMALIEL A. MILLSAPS, a leading citizen, enterprising general agriculturist and ar- dent temperance advocate, widely known throughout Linn County, Kan., has for many years resided upon his homestead on the northeast quarter of section 19. Centreville Township. Mr. Millsaps, born in Lawrence County, Ind., February 5, 1824, is the son of William and Elizabeth (Mc- Guire) Millsaps, long time and highly respected residents of Indiana. The father of our subject, who was familiarly known as "Billy" Millsaps, was born in Tennessee, and was the son of Robert Millsaps, who was born in North Carolina. The pa- ternal great-grandfather of our subject emigrated from Ireland when about thirteen years of age, and with his parents settling in the sunny south, later died in North Carolina. The paternal grandfather removed to Indiana from his native state and died in Brown County. The maternal great-grandfa- ther McGuire came to this country from Ireland a friendless orphan boy, and by hard work won his way in life. Grandfather John McGuire was born in Kentucky, as was also the mother of Mr. Mill- saps. The parents, Billy and Elizabeth Millsaps, were married in Lawrence County, Ind., where they passed their wedded life, the mother dying in her Indiana home in 1834. The father emigrated to Iowa in 1854, and settled in Ringgold County. There he spent several years, finally removing to Decatur County, where he died in 1885.
Three sons and three daughters blessed the home of the parents, our subject being the eldest son. Mr. Millsaps, reared and educated in his birthplace, remained in Lawrence County, Ind., until 1854,
when he went to Ringgold Connty, Iowa, his home until 1865, at which time he journeyed to Kansas, and settling in Linn County, has since resided con- tinuously in this part of the state, with the excep- tion of seven years passed in Allen County. Until twenty-four years of age our subject devoted himself to the pursuit of agriculture, and then for six years divided his time between milling and manufacturing, being chiefly engaged in wagon making. When in Iowa he gave his attention both to farming and manufacturing, with excel- lent financial results. After arriving in Kansas, Mr. Millsaps for the first six years was engaged as a huckster and also prosperously handled mer- chandise, but is now mainly employed in the till- ing of the soil and stock-raising. His fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres is under a high- ly productive state of cultivation and well im- proved with attractive and substantial buildings, a handsome residence and capacious barns.
Gamaliel A. Millsaps was first united in marriage in Jackson County, Ind., February 29, 1848, then wedding Miss Ann Oglesby, a native of Kentucky. This estimable lady died in Centreville Township, June 27, 1890. She was the mother of eight chil- dren, two of whom died in infancy. Six lived to adult age: Mary C., who is the wife of John Ayers and died in Centreville Township, December 7, 1888; Sarah E., who was the wife of Aaron Hall, and died in Anderson County in the early part of 1879; Arilla J., the wife of William C. Dug- ger; William C .; Nannie E., the wife of D. Mosh- ier; and James A.
Upon October 8, 1892, Mr. Millsaps was united in marriage with Mrs. Barbara (Spots) Swooger, the widow of John A. Swooger. She was a native of Germany, and was born in Baden October 31, 1837. Mr. Millsaps, never an office-seeker, has however, occupied offices of trust to the general satisfaction of his fellow-townsmen. He was Post- master of Farlinville for a year and a-half, and has efficiently held the position of School Di- rector; he takes an active part in the religious and benevolent work of the United Brethren Church, with which he and his present wife are connected, as was also his first wife. When Mr. Millsaps first located in Iowa he assisted in the organization of
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Ringgold County, aided in laying out public roads and promoted other necded improvements. He en- tertained the first minister of the gospel who ever preached in the county, and the services were hield in the house of our subject. Mr. Millsaps has been especially active in the temperance cause and has been successful in winning many from their babit of strong drink.
Our subject has a natural gift as a mechanic and is an expert in the use of tools. Long be- fore leaving his early home he built a fifty-foot barn for his father, and he took up the manu- facture of wagons without any instruction. In the county where he was reared he was thought a superior workman and received much encour- agement. As an agriculturist Mr. Millsaps has financially prospered, and in his efforts for the uplifting and reform of others has been blessed. During the many years of residence in Linn County, he has made warin friends and wholly possesses the confidence and esteem of the general public.
OSEPH M. KLEISER, M. D., a practicing physician and surgeon of Parsons, was born in Bourbon County, near Moreland, Ky., September 24, 1849. He traces his ancestry to Switzerland, whence his paternal grandfather, Joseph Kleiser, emigrated to the United States and settled in Bourbon County, Ky., of which he was a pioneer and prominent citizen. In the land of his birth he learned the trade of a Swiss clock- maker, and after locating in Kentucky he engaged in the manufacture of spinning wheels and other articles in common use among the early settlers. He was a man of great inventive genius and me- chanical ability. In connection with the manu- facture of spinning-wheels he engaged in cloek- making, blacksmithing and the manufacture of pottery.
In Grandfather Kleiser's family there were fif- teen children, of whom the ninth was Jonas, father
of our subject. Ile was born in Bourbon County, Ky .. and in the Blue Grass State married Miss Melita, daughter of Achilles Stapp, a farmer of Scott County, and a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Kleiser was born in Scott County, and was a member of an old Kentucky family that had emigrated thither from Virginia. For a number of years Jonas Kleiser engaged as a stock-trader, and conducted an extensive pork-packing business at Louisville, Ky., shipping to New Orleans. In 1853 he went to California, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising in the northern part of the state. He met with success, and continued to make his home in the Golden State until 1860, when he was drowned in the Trinity River. Our subject's mother lives on the old homestead in Bourbon County, Ky.
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