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 44
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Doctor Kleiser is one of three children, the others being daughters. Ile was about four years old when he was taken by his parents to Califor- nia, and remained there several years. In 1859 he returned to Kentucky in order to enter school and continued there for a number of years. In 1867 he became a student in the Washington and Lee University, where he remained for two years. Upon completing his literary studies, he entered the medical department of the University of Vir- ginia. In 1870 he entered the medical department of the University of New York, from which insti- tution he was graduated in 1871.
After completing his medical studies, the Doctor returned to Bourbon County, Ky., where he staid for one year. In 1872 he located in Parsons, where he has since conducted an extensive prae- tice in medicine and surgery. In December, 1878, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of George A. Reynolds, a native of Elmira, N. Y., who moved to Kansas and served as the first Mayor of Ft. Seott, being closely identified with the early his- tory of that city, and serving for a time as Indian Agent to the Seminoles. His profession was that of an attorney, and he was a prominent writer on the political questions of the age. Mrs. Kleiser was born in Elmira, N. Y., and by her marriage has a family of four children: Max, Carl, Fritz and lIugh.
In his political belief the Doctor is an ardent
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supporter of the Democratic party, and is an ac- tive worker in the ranks. He is a member of the United States Board of Pension Examiners, and was also connected with that Board under the ad- ministration of President Garfield. He has served as Chairman of the Democratic Central Commit- tee. At present he is local surgeon of the Mis- souri, Kansas & Texas Railroad. He is a member of the Labette County Medical Society, and has officiated as its President. Socially he affiliates with the Masons, and is connected with the Mystic Shrine.
E MANUEL HAMPSHIRE. A traveler in Anderson County sees many attractive homes, not only in the thriving towns, but in the agricultural districts, the evidences of pros- perity and good taste being plentiful on every hand. In Jackson Township stands a substantial house which presents a homelike appearance, around which well tilled acres stretch and con- venient farm buildings cluster. Investigation shows that this estate belongs to Emanuel Ilamp- shire, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, where he was born July 15, 1835.
The paternal great-grandfather of our subject, Barney Hampshire, was a soldier in the Revo- . Intionary War, which information is all that can be ascertained concerning his life. The grand- father also bore the Christian name of Barney and was a native of Maryland. He met with an un- timely end in the Muskingum River, in Ohio. The maternal grandfather, John Jacob Swope, was born in Switzerland, and being left an orphan at a tender age, came to America, where lie settled in Morgan County, Ohio, in an early day. There he spent the remainder of his life amid the pioneer scenes of that state, where he was well known and respected by the settlers.
John and Mary (Swope) Hampshire, the parents
of our subject, were natives of Maryland and Ohio, respectively. The former was born in Baltimore County, October 16, 1808, and the latter in Mor- gan County, in February, 1811. They settled in Morgan County after their marriage and lived there a short time, and then removed to Seneca County, Ohio, where they resided for thirty-one years. At that juncture they moved to Wood County, the same state, where the mother died August 11, 1866, and the father survived until July 29, 1892, when he, too, was called to the eter- nal home. They had ten children, six of whom reached mature years. They are: George, Henry, Emanuel, Abraham, Rachael and Catherine.
Our subject was reared in his native county, and helped with the work on his father's farm un- til he became of age, and then followed the car- penter's trade for a few years in connection with farming. Subsequently he devoted his entire at- tention to agriculture, and has always been very prosperous in his chosen vocation. Mr. Hamp- shire was married to Sarah Stahl, the ceremony being solemnized in Seneca County, January 4, 1857. Mrs. Hampshire was born in that county, September 2, 1839, to Jacob Stahl, who was a na- tive of Perry County, Ohio, as was also his wife, who was known in her maidenhold as Dinah Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl were early settlers of Seneca County, where they lived and died in peace. Jacob's father was William Stalıl, a na- tive of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Perry County, Ohio, where they reared a family of chil- dren.
When our subject was married he located tem- porarily in Seneca County, and in the spring of 1865 moved to Wood County, where he lived for some time. He finally landed in this county, and at once purchased land in Jackson Township, which he immediately set about improving. He has done an immense amount of hard work, and al- though he has passed the fiftieth mile-stone in the road of life, he is still very active and able to do a great deal of labor. He is the possessor of three hundred acres of beautiful farm land, which is kept in excellent condition the year round.
The union of our subject and his wife has been blessed by the birth of twelve children, all of whom
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reached mature years with the exception of three, who died in infancy. The living children arc: Rufus A., who is Principal of the Burlington public schools and a graduate of Lane's Univer- sity; Simon J., a physician and a graduate from the Keokuk Medical College; William H., a school teacher, and a graduate from Lane's University; Clara E., the wife of William Hearst; Levi W., a farmer of Jackson Township; Mattie, wife of I. 1. MeKittrick; Effie, Jessie II. and Ollie A. Mr. Hampshire is a man who takes great interest in public affairs, especially those which tend to- ward the upbuilding of the locality in which he resides. He has been connected with the United Brethren Church for many years, and is ever ready with heart and hand to do whatever is in his power for the advancement of the cause of religion. The sketch of this gentleman's life is a plain state- ment of the height to which integrity of purpose, undaunted energy and generosity of feeling can elevate a man. He is one of the most useful citi- zens of this vicinity, and one whom the people can respect and esteem, while his worthy compan- ion is also known for her social qualities and pleasant disposition, which attract many warm friends to their home.
OHN M. HERRIMAN. To the person who closely applies himself to any occupation which he has chosen as his calling in life there can come only good results-suc- eess and a high place in the esteem of those among whom he has made his home. And Mr. Herriman is no exception to the rule, for it has been by industry and strict attention to agricult- ural pursuits only that he has attained to the posi- tion which he now enjoys. He owns five hundred acres of well improved land in Anderson County,
and is engaged in general farming and stock- raising.
Mr. Herriman is a native of the Buckeye State. He was born in Clarke County, May 22, 1837, and is the son of George W. and Elizabeth (Morris) Herri- man. The father was born in Vermont, as was also the grandfather, Stephen Herriman. The lat- ter enlisted as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, but on account of his youth did not participate in any engagements. He removed to Ohio at an early date and located in Clarke County. The father of our subject was married in Ohio to Miss Morris, a native of the Blue Grass State, who died in February, 1847. They were the parents of three children: John M .; Stephen A., who died in Garnett; and Cinderella, who married Henry Har- per, and now resides near Ilannibal, Mo. The father's second marriage resulted in the birth of three children: Luella, who is married and resides in Indianapolis; Ira, who resides in the Iloosier State; and Ida.
The youthful days of our subject were passed on a farm, and in 1866 he was married to Miss Anna L. Little, a native of Clarke County, Ohio. She was born in 1843, and is a daughter of John and Mary E. Little. Previous to his marriage Mr. Herriman taught school in Ohio two terms, and one term in Iowa. In December, 1861. he enlisted in Com- pany C, Sixth Ohio Cavalry, which was later trans- ferred to an independent battalion, and when the Eleventh Cavalry was organized this was made a part of it. Ile served three years and three months as a non-commissioned officer, principally in the west, fighting Indians and guarding stage routes. In 1868 he came to the Sunflower State and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 10, on which he resided until 1886, when he moved to Garnett. He is a successful farmer, and his broad acres are covered with many blooded animals-horses, cattle, hogs, etc. To Mr. and Mrs. Herriman have been born three children, Josephine, Mand and Howard, all at home, and all bright, interesting children.
A Republican in his political principles, Mr. Herriman held the office of County Treasurer from 1886 to 1889, inclusive, and discharged the duties of the same in a manner reflecting credit upon
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himself and his party. Previously he had held the office of Trustee and School Treasurer. So- cially he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. All his attention is given to his occu- pation, and he possesses those qualities of industry and energy which have brought him so rapidly to the front.
B ENJAMIN F. HAMILTON. Here and there among the fertile farms of Kansas may be found quiet, retiring people of both sexes who have found peace and content- nient in the surroundings of a retired liome. Such lias been the case with the subject of our sketch, who resides in Lincoln Township, Anderson Coun- ty, where he has made his home since 1875. His father, Rufus Hamilton, was born in Waterbor- ough, Me., in 1801, to John Hamilton and his wife. John was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and died at the great age of ninety-four ycars. The mother of our subject was Mary Orne in her single life, and was born in 1799 in Gray, Me., where she was married. Her father was David Orne, who was of Scottish ancestry.
After the marriage of our subject's parents they settled in Gray, where they lived for some time, and then moved to Portland; they remained there only for a short period, and then located in Aroo- stook County. They lived in that county until 1848, at which time they found a suitable location in the town of Grand Detour, 111., where the mother died in 1856. The father then returned to Maine, and lived in Saco until the time of his demise. Following are the names of the children born to Rufus and Mary (Orne) Hamilton: Benja- min F., Royal G., William W. and James T.
Our subject was born in Gray, Me., September 13, 1823, and spent the first seven years in his native place, When his parents moved to Aroo-
stook County he accompanied them, and there lived on his father's farm until he reached his ma- jority, in the meantime acquiring some little knowledge of blacksmithing from his father, who was a follower of that trade. When he reached his twenty-first year he went to Grand Detour, Ill., in Ogle County, and was there employed in the Deere Plow shops, later accepting a like posi- tion in Dixon, 111., which he held until coming to Kansas. For twelve years prior to his coming to Anderson County he was engineer for the com- pany in whose employ he had been for so long, and to which he had been a valuable workman. When he came to this county he settled on sec- tion 27, in Lincoln Township, where he has been engaged in farming and stock-raising ever since.
Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage in Grand Detour, May 9, 1856, to Miss Margaret Harkness, who was born in Newburghi, N. Y .. December 31, 1835. Their union has been blessed by the birth of four children: Mary O., the wife of F. Hayes; William, who married Lizzie Smith; Lillie, widow of the late Henry Corman; and Jennie, who is also married. Our subject has filled the office of School Director, and is very much interested in all things looking toward the improvement of his section. He is an energetic, honest, progressive and upright citizen and ranks high in the community.
OSEPH WAYMIRE, an energetic general agriculturist and successful stock-raiser, has for a number of years industriously culti- vated a fine farm of three hundred and three acres, located on section 30, in Centreville Township, Linn County. Mr. Waymire has dur- ing his years of residence in this locality been intimately associated in local improvements and progress, and, being a liberal-spirited man, enjoys the esteem of his neighbors and fellow-townsmen. Our subject is a native of Indiana, and was born May 9, 1841, in Madison County. His father, Noah
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Waymire, spent the first two years of his life in the state of his nativity, Ohio, and then with his parents removed to Indiana. The paternal grand- parents made their home in Wayne County, and there the father was reared, educated, and later married, being joined in the bonds of wedlock in 1829 with Miss Mary Howard, a native of Wayne County, Ind. The parents, immediately after their marriage, settled in Madison County, and remained permanently in that part of Indiana until 1882, when they emigrated to Linn County, Kan., locating in Pleasanton, where the father died September 4, 1884. The excellent mother survived almost four years, passing to her rest at a good old age, Angust 8, 1888.
Thirteen sons and daughters had gathered about the fireside of the parents, and of this goodly number our subject was the sixth in the order of birth, and he attained to manhood on his fa- ther's Indiana farm. Attending the district school of the home neighborhood and assisting in the daily cares incidental to the life of a farmer, he grew up to mature years manly and self-reliant. He remained with his parents some time after reaching his majority, and was thoroughly versed in the pursuit of agriculture when he began life for himself.
On November 29, 1866, were united in marriage Joseph Waymire and Miss Naney Paterson, a na- tive of Madison County, Ind., born May 16, 1840, and a lady of excellence and worth. The father of Mrs. Waymire, William Paterson, born in the sunny south, spent the early days of boyhood in his native state, Virginia. The mother, Mrs. Nancy (Carroll) Paterson, was by birth a Kentuckian. Mr. and Mrs. Paterson, long-time and pioneer resi- dents of Indiana, were widely known and highly respected. The father, after a long life of useful- ness, died in Madison County, Ind .; the mother, surviving for some time, passed away in Miami County. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Waymire was the youngest.
Immediately succeeding his marriage, our sub- jeet settled in Madison County, Ind., and tilled the fertile soil of that locality until 1877, when he emigrated with his wife and family to Linn Coun- ty, Kan. Mr. Waymire first located in Paris Town-
ship, but after remaining there a few months settled upon the fine farm where he now resides, in Cen- treville Township.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Waymire has been blessed by the birth of ten sons and daughters: Frank. William S .; Laura, wife of Calvin Thomp- son; Jane, Charlie, Jesse, Etta, Howard, Annie and Belva. Bright and intelligent young people, these brothers and sisters occupy positions of useful in- fluence and have all enjoyed excellent educational opportunities, worthily fitting them for any duties to which they may be called.
Mr. Waymire is a citizen of publie enterprise, and, interested in both the local and national man- agement of office, gives his support to the man best adapted to the requirements of the position.
G EORGE W. GOBLE, an influential and pro- gressive agricultorist of Linn County and a citizen of Liberty Township, owns and operates a valuable tract on section 24, township 20, range 22. Ilis residence in Kansas dates from 1877. lle is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Floyd County November 6, 1844, being the son of William and Martha (Ilarris) Goble, natives, re- spectively, of Kentucky and Virginia. The pater- nal grandfather of our subject, Jacob Goble, was a native of the Old Dominion and an early settler of the Blue Grass State.
A farmer by occupation, William Goble was thus engaged throughout the entire period of his activ- ity, and was a continuous resident of Floyd Coun- ty, Ky., until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-four. Subsequently, his widow went to Nebraska, and now makes her home with her son Richard, in Barren, that state. There were eleven children in the family, as follows: . Jane, who mar- ried Jefferson Harris, and died in Floyd County,
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Ky .; Eliza, who became the wife of Elkanalı Keith, and is a resident of Linn County, Kan .; Martha, who is married, and lives in Floyd County, Ky .; Mary, who became the wife of James Burchett, and lives in Floyd County, Ky .; Frances, Mrs. K. Harreld, of Chester, Neb .; James, who resides in Floyd County, Ky .; George, the subject of this biographical notice; Andrew J., of Chester, Neb .; Jacob, a resident of Floyd County, Ky .; Jefferson, residing in Chester, Neb .; and Richard, who makes his home in Barren, Neb.
Upon the home farm in Floyd County, our sub- ject attained to a sturdy manhood, acquiring phys- ical strength and mental vigor well fitting him for the battle of life. During the dark days of the Civil War, he resided in Kentucky, and experi- enced all the horrors of the deadly conflict, al- though not an active participant in any struggle. His father, however, was a soldier in the Confed- erate army, and naturally his sympathies were on the side of the south. In 1869, he journeyed to Missouri, and made his home in Cass County until 1877. There, in 1874, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Frances Peton, a native of Howard County, Mo., and the daughter of Horatio and Frances (Mead) Peton.
Coming to Kansas in 1877, Mr. Goble first rented land at Twin Springs, Miami County. In 1879, he came to Linn County, and two years later he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, which was then raw prairie. Through industry and good management he has acquired the ownership of two hundred and twenty acres, upon which he engages in farming and stock-raising. Ile has erected a complete set of farm buildings, including a com- modious residence and barn. He has accumulated his property through energy and untiring indus- try, and his success proves the possession of abili- ties of a high order.
Mr. and Mrs. Goble are the parents of four chil- dren: Dora, Horatio, Newton and Laura. The family occupies a high position in the social cir- cles of Liberty Township, and Mrs. Goble is prom- inent in the United Brethren Church, to which she has belonged for a number of years. In former years Mr. Goble was identified with the Demo- cratic party, the principles of which he had been
taught to cherish in youth, but he now affiliates with the Populists and gives his influence to the growth of that new political organization.
C ALVIN C. KERR. This old settler of Linn County came here from Elkhart County, Ind., in the fall of 1857, and has since made his home on section 14, Centreville Town- ship, where he owns and operates a finely improved farm. He is the son of John and Naney (Kessey ) Kerr, natives of Pennsylvania, who married and settled in Mansfield, Richiland County, Ohio, and from there removed to De Kalb County, Ind. La- ter they made settlement in Elkhart County, Ind., and came from there to Linn County, Kan., in the fall of 1857, locating in Centreville Township, near the village of Goodrich. There both died, the father in 1858, and the mother in 1887.
The second of three children, Ebenezer, Calvin C. and David, our subject was born in Mansfield, Ohio, October 21, 1837. Ile grew to manhood in the Hoosier State, receiving such advantages as were obtainable in that section of country. His time was devoted mainly to the work of farming, and early in life he acquired a thorough knowledge of agriculture in every detail. In the fall of 1857 he accompanied his father to Linn County, and has since been a resident of Centreville Township. At the opening of the Civil War he was one of the brave boys in blue who, having offered their serv- ices for the preservation of the Union, marched to the front and fought for the Old Flag. He enlisted in September, 1861, becoming a member of Com- pany E, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, and served until January, 1865, receiving an honorable discharge at the expiration of his period of service.
Upon returning to the pursuits of civil life, Mr. Kerr resumed farming upon his estate in Centre- ville Township, and during the years that have
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sinee come and gone he has seeured a large num- ber of improvements and has greatly enhanced the value of the property. His landed possessions now aggregate one hundred and sixty-nine acres, upon which all the buildings necessary for farm work have been ereeted. Ile is a Republican in his po- litical opinions, and has held the office of Consta- ble, as well as other local offices, in which he has rendered efficient service.
A sketch of the life of Mr. Kerr would be in- complete were no mention made of the lady who, for a quarter of a century, has been his devoted helpmate and cheerful assistant in every enter- prise. She was in maidenhood Martha J. Walker, and was born in North Carolina, being the daugli- ter of Alfred and Susan (Sales) Walker. Iler par- ents came to Linn County in the spring of 1857 and settled in Centreville Township, where they remained until death. Eight children comprised their family: Sarah, Martha J., Margaret, Charles, John, Susan, William_and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr are the parents of six surviving children: John C. F.,- Minnie, George, Edward, Ross and Hester .--**
UGHI M. BROOK. There is in Blue Mound no residence more attractive or inviting than the beautiful home where Mr. and Mrs. Brook hospitably weleome and eharm- ingly entertain their hosts of warm personal friends. As one of the most prominent and pro- gressive of Linn County's citizens, Mr. Brook has been one of the important factors in the develop- ment of the city where he makes his home, and has also aided in the material advancement of the county. Having resided in the Sunflower State sinee 1871, he has witnessed its rapid growth and has seen it attain a place among the most progress- ive of the United States.
In connection with this sketch of the life of Mr.
Brook, a brief resume of events of interest in his honored father's career may with propriety be presented. Isaiah J. Brook was a native of Mus- kingum County, Ohio, and there resided until 1837, when, accompanied by his family, he re- moved to Illinois and settled in Henderson Coun- ty. There his marriage occurred, uniting him with Miss Jane T. Marshall, a native of South Carolina, who is now in Henderson County, Ill. After his marriage he continued the tranquil life of a tiller of the soil, gradually adding to his property until he owned fifteen hundred acres in Illinois, besides some property in Kansas. For a number of years he engaged in loaning money, and although liam- pered in early life by poverty and other obstacles, he nevertheless aceumulated a competency. His death occurred in Ilenderson County, August 18, 1890, at the age of seventy-six years, eight months and eight days.
In the family of Isaiah J. Brook there were ten children, two of whom died in childhood. The others are: John A., of Ilenderson County, Il .; Maria, wife of William P. Barnes, a resident of Blue Mound, Kan .; James W., whose home is in Henderson County, Ill .; our subject; Margaret E., the wife of John Geddes, of Prairie City, Ill .; Mary, who married George Pieree and resides in llenderson County, Ill .; and Albert Thomas, of Blue Mound. In politics Isaiah Brook was a Douglas Democrat in early years, but since 1860 has affiliated with the Republicans. While a resi- dent of Henderson County he served as County Commissioner. In his religious connections he was identified with the United Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Brook graduated from the United Presby- terian College at Monmouth, Ill., in 1869, and on his father's farm, in llenderson County, a thorough knowledge of agriculture was instilled in his mind. In 1871 he came to Kansas and set- tled upon one hundred and sixty acres located in Blue Mound, which he had purchased while on a visit to the Sunflower State the year previous. The land boasted but few improvements, and it required some years of arduous toil to bring the soil to a high state of cultivation. He devoted his attention to general farming and stock-raising,
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