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 45
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
399
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and made his home on the farm until the spring of 1886, when he located in Blue Mound and erected the residence in which his family now resides. From time to time he has added to his landed pos- sessions, until he is now the owner of over two thousand acres, forming a valuable property and the source of a handsome income. He deals ex- tensively in live-stock and makes a specialty of breeding and raising fine grades of stock.
In November, 1885, Mr. Brook organized the Bank of Blue Mound and superintended the erec- tion of the bank building. He was Cashier of the bank for about four years, when he disposed of his interest to the present owners. In 1882 the town company was organized and he was chosen its Treasurer, and was one of its most active men. In politics he is a Republican, but takes no inter- est or part in local political affairs other than to cast his ballot for the candidates of his party. In his religious connections he is a member of the United Presbyterian Church and a liberal supporter of that denomination. He was married in 1871 to Miss Rachel A., a daughter of John and Jane (Orr) Maxwell, and a native of Iowa. One child, Jennie, has blessed the union.
ON. JOHN W. MILLER. There is an ob- scurity in the game of life that to the ro- bust mind is always attractive. The im- portant uncertainty of the final outcome serves as an incentive to great deeds. To push forward and win the battle is one common im- pulse and ambition of humanity. But in this vast concourse of struggling warriors the num- ber who achieve success is comparatively small, and in the majority of instances is confined to those who by reason of family inheritance or ex- tended learning have a better start than their fellows. Without these qualifications success is
rarely attained, and when it is the fortunate being is invariably the possessor of an indomitable will, untiring energy and an unusual amount of na- tive shrewdness and ability. Such a man is the Hon. John W. Miller, the present Probate Judge of Anderson County.
A native of Ohio, his birth occurred in Tuscara- was County July 30, 1850, he being a son of George and Sarah (Braninger) Miller, natives of the Key- stone State. The parents were married in Ohio, and soon afterward settled in Tuscarawas Coun- ty, where they remained until 1866, and then made their way to Kansas. For about eighteen months they resided in Douglas County, but from there they removed to Bates County, Mo., remain- ing there two years, and thence to Linn County, where they resided until 1870. They then came to Anderson County and settled near Hickory Grove, Rich Township, where the father resides at the present time. The mother passed away Jan- uary 5, 1891. They were the parents of six chil- dren, all of whom grew to mature years.
The Hon. John W. Miller, the only son in the family, made his home under the parental roof until after settling in Anderson County. His youthful days were passed in assisting on the farm and in attending the common schools, in which he received a good practical education. In Sep- tember, 1873, he commenced teaching school, and for sixteen years gave nearly his entire time to that profession, doing all his teaching in four dis- tricts. Being naturally of a studious turn of mind, he applied himself diligently during his spare moments and thus obtained a good educa- tion. In the fall of 1890 his superior ability was recognized by the people and he was elected to his present position, and re-elected in 1892.
In the year 1878 our subject was married to Miss Alice Elizabeth Miller, a distant relative. She was a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Miller. Six children have blessed this union, viz .: Roy, Ola, Lonnie, Samuel, Harry and Dale. Formerly in- dependent in his political views, he is now a Pop- ulist, and was one of the organizers of the People's party in the southern part of Anderson County. Before being elected judge he served his township
14
400
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
as Trustee and Clerk, and held other local posi- tions. He is a man of excellent judgment and is un- questionably one of the foremost citizens. Gifted with intelligence, of unswerving integrity, he to- day commands the respect of his fellow-men, and numbers his friends only by his number of ac- quaintances. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Ile owns a farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres of land near Kincaid. This he purchased when it was raw prairie, and he now has the same under cultivation, and on it has a good orchard. Ile has been a resident of Garnett since 1891, and is universally respected.
OHN N. BARNES. The Blue Mound Sun was established on the 21st of May, 1883, by W. P. Barnes, who conducted the paper for one year. He then disposed of his in- terest in the enterprise to George Botkin, who sub- sequently sold out to the present owner, the sub- ject of our sketch, and the editor and proprietor of the paper. It is an eight-column folio, Repub- lican in politics and devoted to the interests of Blue Mound and Linn Connty. The success of this weekly and the hearty support it receives from the people of the county are abundant evi- dence of the high appreciation in which it is held. It has earned success by the zealous advocacy of all measures to promote the growth and develop- ment of the industries of southeastern Kansas.
Born in IIenderson County, III., January 15, 1864, our subject is the son of John N. and Sarah E. (Deerwester) Barnes, natives, respectively, of Cortland County, N. Y., and Ohio. The Barnes fam- ily was represented in New York early in the his- tory of the state, and its members for several gen- erations were identified with the history of Massa- chusetts, John N. Barnes was born in 1833, the
son of Asa Barnes, and when a boy removed to Ohio. Upon attaining his majority he went to Ripley County, Ind., where he married. Later, in 1859, he made settlement in IIenderson County, Il1.
At the opening of the Civil War, Mr. Barnes, Sr., became a most devoted adherent of the cause of the Union and offered his service in behalf of the cause of the north. In May, 1862, he was mustered into service with Company C, Ninety- first Illinois Infantry. At Nollen Mills, Ky., he was taken prisoner in December, 1862, and later was parolled, when he returned home. In June, 1863, the prisoners were exchanged and he then went back to the field of battle. He participated in a number of important engagements, and was wounded and taken to the hospital at New Orleans, where he died February 14, 1864. He left, besides his widow, two children, Alvah C., a resident of Atlanta, Ind .; and John N., of this sketch. The mother of our subject afterward became the wife of G. W. Dowell, and four children were born of that union: David R., Charles C., Cora and Eva (de- ceased).
When five years of age, our subject accompanied his mother's family to Iroquois County, Ill., where he resided on a farm near Rankin. He was a stu- dent in the common schools and was gradu- ated from the Rankin schools in 1881. Three years afterward he entered the Grand Prairie Sem- inary, at Onarga, Ill., completing the course in June, 1887, when the degree of Bachelor of Science and the honors of his class were conferred upon him. On the day after his graduation he assumed charge of the editorial department of the Onarga Leader, and continued in that position for a short time.
In the year 1888, Mr. Barnes came to Kansas, and on the 2d of April of that year he purchased the Sun. November 2, 1888, fire swept the village of Blue Mound, and the office of the Sun was reduced to ashes. The paper, however, did not miss an issue and was soon located in new quarters. This fact of itself is enough to prove the enterprise of the proprietor and manager. The Sun is a wel- come guest in hundreds of homes in Linn County. and its shrewd, keen editorials not only show the
401
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
quick perceptive qualities of the editor, but are also formative in their character, molding the opinions of the thinking, intelligent public.
In politics Mr. Barnes has always been a Repub- liean, and has for years taken an active part in public affairs. While yet a student in school he was an intelligent reader and held decided opin- ions upon all subjects of national importance. Upon coming to Kansas his abilities were very soon recognized, and in the year 1889 he was chosen a member of the County Central Commit- tee; he still retains that office, and for two years has served as Secretary of the committee. So- cially, he is a member of the Sons of Veterans, being Captain of M. M. Crocker Camp No. 157.
IMOTHY H. JONES. Of the various en- terprises that have made Greeley one of the thriving cities of Anderson County, the lumber trade has always held an import- ant place, employing large capital in its con- duct, and giving to cognate industries a decided impetus by the energy and ability displayed in its development. Among the most active, enter- prising firms engaged in this line is that of Jones & Harrison, which deals extensively in lumber and building material at Greeley.
Timothy H. Jones was born in Clinton County, Ind., September 29, 1846, to the marriage of Uriah and Elizabeth (Boyle) Jones. The grandfather of our subject was a native of Wales, and on first coming to the United States settled in Virginia. He was married in that state, but later moved to Pennsylvania, where he passed the remainder of his days. His son, Uriah, father of our subject, grew to manhood and was married in the Key- stone State. From there he moved to Indiana, settled in Clinton County, but in 1851 moved from there to lowa, stopping near Mt. Vernon at first. About 1854 he settled in Poweshiek County, that state, and there purchased raw land,
paying for the same with a land warrant given him for service in the Mexican War. Hle became wealthy as a farmer, and died in that state April 3, 1893, aged eighty years, lacking ten days. The mother is still living. Besides farming, Mr. Jones followed contracting and building, and for a number of years had quite an extensive busi- ness, building churches and schoolhouses. He af- filiated with the Democratie party in his political views and for some time was County Commis- sioner of Poweshiek County. Left an orphan at an early age, and being the youngest of the fam- ily, he was bound out. After reaching his four- teenth birthday he branched out for himself, and what he accumulated was the result of many years of hard labor.
Uriah Jones was one of the civil engineers who surveyed the Wabash Canal, having fol- lowed surveying more or less for many years. So- cially, he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being Past Grand Master. A complete account of the life of this worthy citizen will be found in the history of Poweshiek Coun- ty. He was the father of ten children, who are named in the order of their births as follows: John W., a farmer of Poweshiek County, Iowa; Uriah C., a physician of Carroll County, Iowa; Newton Jasper, a physician at Shelby, Iowa; Tim- othy H .; Henry S., a farmer of Audubon, Iowa; Martha, who married S. M. Winchell and resides at Malcolm, Iowa: David F., a merchant of Cali- fornia; Jacob, a farmer on the old homestead; Dora; Frank, of Poweshiek County, Iowa; and George W., a physician of Boulder. Colo. The original of this notice, who was the fourth in order of birth of the above-mentioned children, was reared on the farm, attended the common schools and served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade. Later he worked at his trade with his fa- ther, but in 1869 he came to Kansas and pur- chased sixty aeres of prairie land in Liberty Town- ship, Linn County, which he at once began improving. At the same time he carried on his trade, and subsequently purchased one hundred aeres.
. Until 1884 our subjeet was a resident of Linn County, after which he rented his land and moved
402
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to Greeley, where he followed his trade until 1888. lle then embarked in the lumber business at Good- riel, continued there three years, and then sold out and returned to Greeley, where he has since been engaged in the lumber business under the firm name of Jones & Harrison. June 16, 1870, he wedded Miss Lizzie Holmes, a native of Browns- ville, Ohio, but at the time of her marriage a resi- dent of Poweshiek County, Iowa, and the daugli- ter of Thomas J. and Eliza Holmes. Mr. and Mrs. Jones' union was blessed by the birth of six children, as follows: Mayne D., Alice M., Iris E., Harry, Frank A. and Opal. Formerly a Democrat in politics, he is now a Populist, and has held a number of local offices. At one time he was a candidate for county office, but his party was in the minority. He is a member of Greeley Lodge No. 211, A. F. & A. M., and in his religious views has been a Methodist for nearly thirty years. Our subject had two brothers in the Civil War, and, although but a boy of fifteen at that time, he was anxious to fight for the Old Flag. They would not enlist him, but he joined Company C, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, and remained with the same for three months.
L.
ON. WILLIAM II. RYAN, a successful mer- chant of Brazilton, is also one of the most prosperous farmers of Walnut Township, Crawford County, and has accumulated a valuable property solely by the exercise of his in- herent industry and perseverance. His early ad- vantages were quite limited, he being thrown largely upon his own resources and obliged to fight the battle of life for some time with little to encourage him. The fact that he is now the owner of three hundred and sixty aeres of land is suffi- eient indication of the manner in which he has spent his time, and illustrates forcibly what a
man may accomplish by a resolute will, prudence, economy and good management.
Born in Omaha, Neb., on the 15th of August, 1857, the subject of this sketch was thirteen years old when, in 1870, he accompanied his parents to Osage Mission, Kan., where he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the common schools. His parents, William and Bridget (Doughiney) Ryan, were natives of London, England. and Can- ada, respectively. The former emigrated thence to Canada, where they were united in marriage. They located in Omaha in 1854, and resided in that city until 1870, removing thence to Osage Mission. The mother is now deceased, and the father resides in Osage Mission. Their union resulted in the birth of eleven children, of whom ten grew to manhood and womanhood, our subject being the fourth in order of birth.
At an early age our subject was introduced to the various employments of the farm, and chose its peaceful pursuits as his vocation, although in connection therewith he has also engaged in mer- cantile pursuits. In 1878 he married Miss Ella Songer, who was born in Iowa, being the daughter of Ilarrison Songer. She is a lady of estimable character, and since her marriage has joined the Roman Catholic Church, of which Mr. Ryan is a communicant. Throughout Crawford County, our subject and his wife are well known, and being genial and pleasant in manners, and possessing more than ordinary ability and intelligence, they are deservedly very popular. They are the parents of seven children.
Until 1882 Mr. Ryan devoted his attention ex- elusively to farming, but since that time he has also engaged in the grain, lumber and mercantile business. During the administration of President Arthur he was appointed Postmaster at Braziltom and held that position for eight years, when he re- signed. In 1886 he was nominated on the ticket of the Democratic party as Representative from this district to the State Legislature, his opponent being Col. Edward Brown. Ile was defeated by one hundred and ninety votes, which proves his popularity, for there is a usual Republican majority in this county of six hundred. For the past ten years he has served as delegate to every Demo-
403
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cratic Convention held in the state, and until 1892 he was one of the foremost workers of the Demo- cratic party. He was then nominated by the Pop- ulists as Representative from this district, and lacked only a few votes of being nominated State Senator by the same convention. IIis nomination was by acclamation, and he was the nominee of both the Populists and Democrats, being elected by the fusion of these political organizations. Ile served as temporary chairman of the Populist Ilouse, and has been instrumental in materially promoting the welfare of his fellow-citizens.
OSEPH A WELLS ably represents the busi- ness interests of Erie, for he is one of its leading and prominent citizens, doing busi- ness here as an attorney at law and dealer in real-estate and mortgage loans. He was born in White Hall, Greene County, Ill., March 24, 1838. His grandfather, Philip Wells, was in the War of 1812, and served at the battle of New Orleans. His father, Samuel Wells, was born in Cheatham County, Tenn., and from Nashville, that state, re- moved to Illinois, becoming one of the first set- tlers of Greene County. Ile located in Walker- ville Township, where he purchased and improved large tracts of land. At one time he owned about six hundred acres. In politics he was an old-line Democrat. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Mary Powers, was also a na- tive of Tennessee. Both parents are now deceased.
Joseph Wells was reared in his native county and was educated in the old-time log schoolhonse. In every particular he is a self-made man. He read law with Judge Hodges, of Carrollton, Ill., . preparatory to practice, and at the early age of twenty-one was elected Justice of the Peace. After the breaking out of the late war, he enlisted in Company II, Ninety-first Illinois Infantry, which
was organized at Camp Butler. From the 8th of October until the 27th of December, 1862, he was engaged in scouting through Kentucky after Mor- gan, and on the last date above mentioned the Union forces met that general and his troops in battle at Elizabethtown.
The Ninety-first was forced to surrender, but was soon afterward parolled, and on the 5th of June, 1863, was exchanged. The troops were then newly armed and equipped and sent down the Mississippi to Vicksburg, thence to Port Hudson, after which they engaged in scouting until August, when they went to New Orleans. On the 6th of September, they took part in the battle of Morganza Bend, and the next day started for Atchafalaya. The regi- ment fell back to Morganza, then went to New Orleans, and on the 23d of October was sent to Texas. They made a raid on Salt Lake, ninety miles out into the enemy's country, which they captured, securing several hundred mules and horses.
On the 9th of January, 1864, they arrived at Brownsville, on the Rio Grande. Subsequently they went to New Orleans and thence to Mobile, marching through the swamps, wading creeks, swimming the rivers and building corduroy roads. Subsequently occurred the attack on Spanish Fort, which after fourteen days surrendered, and then occurred the capture of Ft. Blakely. One after another the strongholds of the south were taken, and on the 12th of April Mobile surrendered. General Hardy, of the Confederate forces, attempted to get away with the stores, but was intercepted by the Second Brigade. Here Capt. Joseph A. Wells and Capt. A. S. Stover, with Companies H, C, B, F, D and A of the Ninety-first Regiment, put the enemy to rout after a running fight of three miles. Our subject was made Orderly Sergeant on the organization of his regiment, First Lieutenant October 23, 1863, and Captain on the 16th of Au- gust, 1864. On the 12th of July, 1865, he was honorably discharged, after three years of faithful and valiant service.
Captain Wells then returned to Greene County, and went to Adair County, Mo., where he bought an improved farm, but in March, 1866, he sold ont, and on the 4th of April, 1866, came to this county.
404
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
He was married March 25, 1860, to Miss Matilda, daughter of Pleasant Wood, an old settler of Greene County, Ill. She died June 25, 1891, leav- ing five sons and a daughter: Logan H., who has charge of his father's stock enterprises; Seth G., foreman of the printing office of the Republican- Record; Byron C., who is in partnership with his father, and has charge of the loan and insurance department; Jay C., who is employed in the Key- stone hotel, in Joplin, Mo .; Loyal T., who is the owner of a ranch in Oklahoma, and Jennie E., a model young lady of nineteen, who is her father's housekeeper.
Since coming to Kansas, Mr. Wells has engaged in the practice of law, and is also doing a real-es- tate, mortgage, loan and insurance business. He is also pension agent for southeastern Kansas, and has probably obtained three thousand pensions. He has been Supreme Protector of the Order of Select Friends from its organization five years ago. He was one of the thirteen organizers of this society, which was formed June 5, 1888, in Iola, Kan. Its headquarters are at Ft. Scott, and Dr. W. I. Linn is Supreme Recorder. Lodges have been established in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa. This is the leading insurance organization of southeastern Kansas.
Captain Wells was elected Probate Judge of Neosho County in 1866, the first to fill that office, which he held two years. In 1868, he embarked in the hotel business, and was proprietor of the Erie House until 1883. During that time he also served in official positions, and in 1872-73 was United States Deputy Marshal. In the latter year he was appointed to the United States Civil Ser- vice. Ile has held the office of Justice of the Peace for a number of terms, was Police Judge, Mayor of the city and a member of the Common Council. He is now Chairman of the Board of Education.
The Captain takes great interest in civic socie- ties and holds membership with Erie Lodge No. 22, O. S. F .; Parsons Lodge No. 1, P. A .; Erie Lodge No. 109, K. P .; Erie Lodge No. 2017, K. 11 .; Erie Camp No. 1101, M. W. A .; Erie Lodge No. 76, A. F. & A. M .; Valley Chapter No. 11, R. A. M .; Erie Lodge No. 136, O. E. S .; Erie Lodge No. 275, A. O. U. W .; Erie Lodge No. 37, L. G. A.
R .; Erie Post No. 311, G. A. R .; Erie Division No. 16, U. R. K. P., and Parsons Lodge No. 14, W. W. He is now Colonel of the Neosho County (Kan.) Regiment of the Grand Army of Republic, and has been Commander of the Grand Army post; Master of the Masonic fraternity; Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star; the First Chancellor-Commander of the Knights of Pythias, and has filled various other large offices.
Captain Wells has long been recognized as a prominent and influential citizen of the commu- nity. He surveyed the town site of Erie, and was one of three who drew lots for the corner on which his office is located. He now owns a nice home and several other buildings in Erie, and four hun- dred acres of valuable land northeast of the city, which yields to him a good income. for the fields are well tilled. He there also has twenty head of standard-bred horses. His well conducted business interests and his untiring labors liave brought to him a handsome competence. His life has been well and worthily spent. A faithful soldier dur- ing his country's hour of peril, lie is alike true in times of peace.
C APT. L. FRENCH WILLIAMS, a prominent Grand Army man and leading citizen of Mound City, Linn County, Kan., is a na- tive of Brown County, Ill., and was born in White Oak Springs, October 6, 1837. llis parents, Joshua P. and Hannah (French) Williams, settled in Brown County, Il., in 1836, and were num- bered among the early pioneers of the state. The father rose to prominence, and in 1846 became a Captain of dragoons in the Illinois militia. The four children who clustered in the home of the parents were L. French, Lizzie, Marcellus and Han- nah. In religious belief the father was a Mormon, and the mother was a Presbyterian. Joshua P.
405
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Williams died in 1872, mourned by many friends; the mother, surviving some years, passed away in 1888. She was a woman of ability, and having been a school teacher in Ohio, educated her chil- dren at home. Becoming a bread-winner at fif- teen years of age, our subject clerked in a store, where he remained from 1855 until 1857, and then spent one year in study in a school at, Liberty, Ind. lle next resumed his duties as a clerk, and was engaged in mercantile pursuits un- til the breaking ont of the Civil War. Answer- ing to the call of the Government, upou August 3, 1861, L. French Williams enlisted in Company C, Twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteers, and ins- tered in as First Sergeant, was sent from Camp Butler, Ill., to Jacksonville, where he remained a week, then went on to Decatur, and at Cairo en- tered the camp of instruction.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.