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 47
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has done genuine pioneer work, assisting in clear- ing land, opening roads, cultivating the soil, and advancing the general interest of various locali- ties. Not only were they numbered among the pioneers of Pennsylvania, but as the tide of civil- ization advanced westward, they removed to In- diana, becoming early settlers of that state. They were also represented in Kansas during the early years of the settlement of this state.
In a manner similar to other farmer lads, Joel Elliott passed the days of his boyhood and youth, alternating work upon the home farm with at- tendance at the district schools. At the opening of the Civil War, he was an enthusiastic supporter of the Union, and in December, 1861, lie enlisted as a private in the Ninth Indiana Battery, under Noah S. Thompson, of Crawfordsville, Ind. Ile served as a member of that battery until, at the close of the war, in February, 1865, he was honor- ably discharged. He was initiated into the service at Pittsburg Landing, and also saw active service in the battles of luka, Sabine Cross Roads, Nash- ville and the siege of Corinth. He also partici- pated in various skirmishes of less importance than the above-named engagements, but no less hazardous to life.
Upon leaving the southern battlefields, the Ninth Battery took passage on a vessel coming north on the Mississippi. During the voyage the boat was blown up by the explosion of the boiler, and of the sixty private soldiers and four commanding officers, twenty-seven were wounded and many died before reaching Paducah, Ky. There were only five who were able to care for the wounded. Mr. Elliott was fortunate in escaping without in- jury, and as soon as possible proceeded on his northward journey. Upon reaching Indiana, he resumed the peaceful occupation of a farmer, in which he had previously engaged.
In 1867 Mr. Elliott was united in marriage with Miss Pauline, daughter of Clayton Swindler, a res- ident of Montgomery County, Ind. Three years after his marriage he came to Kansas and located in Shawnee County, where he engaged in farm- ing for one year. He then located on section 6. Richland Township, Miami County, where he is now the owner of one of the well improved and
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highly cultivated farms of the township. He and his wife are the parents of six children: Hattie, Grace, Nora, Edith, Edna and Bert. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott, together with their daughter Hattie, are members of the Baptist Church. A man of upright character and sterling integrity, our sub- ject always casts his influence on the side of right, and in all matters of public welfare is pre- pared to do his part as a true and liberal-spirited American citizen. He is prominent in Grand Army circles, and belongs to Wellsville Post No. 96. Ile is also identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In his political affiliations, he gives his influence to the principles of the Re- publican party.
SAAC COOK owns and operates one of Craw- ford County's finest farms, comprising three hundred and twenty acres situated on section 17, Sherman Township. Mr. Cook is a young man, yet he has accomplished wonders in the battle of life. Starting in life from an humble position, he has alone, and by merit, attained a degree of suc- cess and distinction of which an older and more favored man might well feel proud. In whatever position he had been placed, in all his relations and in social and business connections. his course has been one of honor and integrity, and the suc- cess he has attained, and the bright prospects which seem to await his future efforts, are the legitimate outcome of his exemplary course. The fine farm, the pleasant home, and the many im- provements, are monuments to his industry, econ- omy and good judgment.
Born in England, February 23, 1856, our sub- ject is a son of Jacob and Sarah Cook, both of
whom were likewise natives of England, the mother dying in that country. In 1864, the father, ac- companied by his children, emigrated to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania, where he en- gaged in mining in Schuylkill County. In 1888 he came to Kansas and located in Cherokce Coun- ty, where his death occurred in the spring of 1892. He was the father of eight children, all of whom are now living. The subject of this sketch was a mere lad when the family came to America, and his boyhood years were passed in Pennsylvania, where he obtained a good education in the graded schools of Ashland, Schuylkill County, Pa. In his youth he learned the trade of a carpenter, but never actively followed this occupation, prefer- ring to give his attention to agriculture.
In 1880 Mr. Cook was united in marriage with Miss Emma E. Evans, who was born in Schuylkill County, Pa., January 17, 1857, and was there reared to womanhood. She is the daughter of A. B. and Elizabeth Evans, natives respectively of Wales and Pennsylvania, and the parents of eight children, four of whom are now living. Mr. Evans engaged in merchandising in Tower City, Pa., for many years, and he and his wife died at that place on the same day, September 30, 1882. For five years after his marriage our subject was in the mercantile business at Tower City; after which, in 1885, he came to Kansas and settled upon the farm where he has since resided.
The Cook homestead consists of three hundred and twenty acres, of which one hundred and thirty acres are under cultivation. The farm is improved with a substantial set of buildings, of which the most conspicnous is the family residence, built at a cost of $1,200. In addition to general farming, Mr. Cook engages in raising Poland-China hogs and a good grade of cattle and horses. He is one of the stockholders in the Farmers' Alliance store, at Girard. Socially, he is identified with the Ma- sonic order.
In political belief, Mr. Cook is a member of the People's party, to which he transferred his alle- giance from the Republican party. He takes an active part in everything pertaining to the wel- fare of this politieal organization, and is one of its most influential members. In 1890 he was elected
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Commissioner of Crawford County, and at the present time (1893) is serving as Chairman of the County Board.
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RS. CONSTANCE BARTHOLOMEES, of Union Township, is a new comer in this locality, having only arrived in Anderson County in the spring of 1892. She is the wife of Paul Bartholomees, and is now making her home on section 12. She was born in Champagne, France, January 7, 1846, where she grew up to womanhood. She received a superior education in Chalons-sur-Marne, in Champagne, and went with her parents to Belgium, where she resided for about two years. The following year was spent in England, where she engaged in teaching French. Returning to Belgium, she lived in that country until March, 1872, when she crossed the Atlantic with her parents and landed in New York City. The family proceeded at onee to Kansas City, where our subject made her home until her mar- riage.
The father of Mrs. Bartholomees bore the name of Felix Rennecon, while the mother's maiden name was Cesarine Charpentier. Both of the par- ents were natives of France. The mother died in Kansas City in September, 1890, and after that sad event the father returned to Paris, where he is still living.
In Kansas City, October 19, 1874, the subject of this sketch became the wife of Paul Bartholomees. He was born in Belgium, January 23, 1833, being a son of John B. and Johanna K. (De Schmit) Bartholomees, both likewise natives of Belgium, where they passed their entire lives. After our subject's marriage, she continued to reside in Kan- sas City until the spring of 1892. In 1889, with her husband and family, she returned to her native land, and passed eighteen months in most pleasant reunion with old friends and relatives in Paris.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomees were born eight children, two of whom died in infancy. Those
surviving are as follows: Charles and Felicie, twins; Paul, Willie, Josephine and George. As previously stated, the family settled in Union Township in the spring of 1892. Here Mrs. Bar- tholomees owns a farm of six hundred acres, which is under good cultivation and well improved. In addition to this extensive farm she owns thirty- eight hundred and forty acres in the western part of Kansas, and a number of fine lots and other property in Kansas City. She is a capable and thoroughly equipped business woman, managing her estates and extensive affairs in an able and creditable manner. Both she and her husband have during their brief residence here won many friends by their affable and pleasant man- ners, and are considered a great addition to the society of the neighborhood. Mrs. Barthol- omees, as has been seen, has traveled extensively and has added to the liberal education which she had received in early years by reading and obser- vation. She is an interesting conversationalist, and is delightfully entertaining in describing her trips and travels in different lands.
E LISHA H. WELLS, a farmer of North Town- ship, Lahette County, residing on seetion 36, was born in Edgar County, Ill., and is a son of Elijah and Jane (Elledge) Wells, who were na- tives of Morgan County, Ky. They had a family of nine children. Albert H., now a resident of Labette County, was born in Kentucky, and was carried by his mother on horseback from there to Edgar County, Ill., in 1830. The other members of the family are, Riley, Clarissa, Angeline, John, Martha and Elijah. The paternal grandfather, John Wells, was a native of Virginia, and emi- grated from the Old Dominion to Kentucky during its early history. There he engaged in hunting and trapping with Daniel Boone. His son, Elijah, took part in the Black Hawk War. Originally the Wells family is of Welsh origin, while the
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Elledge family is of Scotch descent. Both parents of our subject were born in Morgan County, Ky., were married about 1828, and in 1830 emigrated to Edgar County, Ill., where the father became one of the most extensive cattle and mule raisers of the community. He owned a large farm, and was one of the most successful agriculturists of the neighborhood. Himself and wife were char- itable and benevolent people, whose generosity and liberality were well known, and the poor and necdy found in thein at all times true friends. In early life they embraced the faith of the Disciples' Church, and were among its faithful members throughout their remaining days. In politics Mr. Wells was a Democrat.
The subject of this sketch received a liberal edu- cation. His parents having been born and reared in the south, and being accustomed to its life and methods, he naturally sympathized with them in the struggle for the supremacy of their principles during the late war, and became a Confederate soldier under General Morgan. He was with that officer when he was killed. Mr. Wells served as Orderly Sergeant and took part in the battles of Greenville, Saltville, Carter's Station and Straw- berry Plains. He fought in support of what he believed to be right, and was a brave soldier, but time has demonstrated to him the wisdom of the result, and since the war no man has been a more loyal citizen to the Government than has he.
In 1866, Mr. Wells came to Labette County, Kan., and has since been identified with its best interests. On the 30th of December, 1869, he wed- ded Mary, daughter of Alex and Mary ( Bradford) Slane, who were natives of Ireland, but were of Scotch parentage. They came to America in 1844, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they remained until 1869, when they came to Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Wells have a family of nine children, as fol- lows: 1da F., wife of Levi McCalister; Edgar D., Bertha P., Annie S., John M., A. Sidney, Etliel B., Leon and Ray T.
Mr. Wells has given his children good school privileges and has thus fitted them for the practical and responsible duties of life which they will be called upon to perform. The three eldest have engaged in teaching. Ile and his family are all
identified with the Christian Church and are con- sistent and faithful members, who do all in their power to insure its upbuilding and promote its growth. Socially he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
ILLIAM S. WHITE is a true southern gentleman, warm hearted and genial, and in the history of Crawford County he well deserves representation. lle now follows farming on section 33, Lincoln Township, where he owns two hundred acres of good land. He was born in Kentucky in 1823, and grew to man- hood in the county of his birth. He was one of a family of nine children, whose parents were William and .Jane (Hogeland) White. The father who served in the War of 1812, was a native of Kentucky, whither the mother, a native of New Jersey, went in 1800. The grandfather, Sylvester White, was a native of Belfast, Ireland. He came to America during the Revolution, and aided in the struggle for independence. After the war he was retained in the United States service. He went to Ohio, where he laid ont the town of Cin- cinnati, and then returned for his wife, who had the distinction of being the first white woman to visit that now flourishing city.
William S. White was reared under the parental roof and afterward removed to Buchanan County, Mo., in 1844. In 1852 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Rauch, and they made their home in Missouri until 1863, when they returned to Kentucky, as Mr. White wished to enter the Con- federate army. lle served in Clark's Company with General Price for nine months. He had two brothers killed in the Confederate service, and one who died during that period. After the war Mr. White resided in Kentucky on the old home- stead, and continued the cultivation of the farm until 1883, which year witnessed his arrival in Crawford County, Kan.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. White were born eleven children who are still living, and they have lost
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three. Those who survive are Margaret J., Henry C., George L., William S., Mary E., Hallie V., Emma S., John E., Addie A., M. Jessie and Sarah. Mr. White now owns two hundred acres of rich land, all in one body, and has placed many improvements upon his farm, which add to its value, convenience and attractive appearance. In early life he was an old-line Whig, but is now a member of the People's party. Himself and family hold membership with the Methodist Epis- copal Church
Socially, Mr. White is connected with the Odd Fellows' society and with the National Detective Association. He is an example of the true south- ern hospitality and gentlemanliness. He fought in the Confederate cause from principle, but never favored the disruption of the Union. Although he has been offered official honors, he has steadily refused to accept, preferring to devote his time to his business and the enjoyment of his home. Taking, as he does, such an active interest in the home and the pleasures of the fireside, it is no wonder that he has a comfortable residence and one of the best kept farms in southeastern Kansas. On every hand may be seen evidences of good taste and husbandry.
C W. SINGLETON, Vice-President of the Bank of Greeley, is a man of ability and of vast practical experience. The bank com- menced business under the most favorable auspices, and has had the cordial endorsement of leading firms and corporations, who have opened accounts with it. Active business men as well as farmers are pleased with the methods and policy of the in- stitution, and under the sound and conservative management of Vice-President Singleton and asso- ciates the bank is prepared to extend every facility to its customers consistent with legitimate bank- ing. This gentleman was born in St. Louis, Mo.,
September 21, 1851, and is the son of Benjamin R. and Mary Jane ( Burgess) Singleton.
The father of our subject was born in Norfolk, Va., where his ancestors had resided for many gen- erations. When but a lad he removed with his parents to St. Louis, Mo., where he received his education, graduating at the Henry Wyman Mili- tary Institute. His father, llenry Singleton, one of the leading men of St. Louis, and the projector of many enterprises, was an architect and civil en- gineer. He designed and took charge of the con- struction of the court house of St. Louis. Prior to the Civil War he was Port Warden of the port of St. Louis.
Benjamin R. Singleton followed in the footsteps ยท of his father, engaging in civil engineering and architecture in St. Louis. In 1852 he removed to Virginia, where he was in the employ of the United States Government as civil engineer and superin- tendent of the United States Navy Yard at Ports- mouth, Va., for nine years prior to the Civil War. He was then appointed as civil engineer to make topographical surveys and maps for the move- ments of the troops of the southern army in east- ern Virginia. Returning to St. Louis in 1863, he engaged with the city, designing and superintend- ing the construction of many of its most impor- tant public buildings, and subsequently superin- tended the construction of the water-works at St. Louis, and the construction of the Eads bridge. Then later he engaged in architectural work, and continued this until 1888, when he was appointed as architect and general superintendent of the construction of the public school buildings of St. Lonis, numbering over one hundred and fifty structures, which position he holds at the present time. He has been successful professionally and financially. IIe is a member of the order of the Legion of Honor. In religious connections he is a member of Dr. Rhodes' Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Louis, and has been prominently identified with that organization for many years. He married Miss Mary Jane Burgess, of Nashville, Tenn., and four children were given them, three sons and a daughter. Two besides our subject are now living: Nannie L., who married E. Couper, a commercial gentleman of St. Louis; and Ben E.,
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private secretary for his father in the public school department.
The scholastic training of our subject was re- ceived at the Henry Wyman Institute and Wash- ington University, graduating from the latter in- stitution in the Class of '69. After that he en- gaged in civil engineering for the city of St. Louis, and in the railroad survey of the Danville, Olney & Ohio River Railroad, its terminal points being Chicago, Ill., and Paducah, Ky. Only a portion of the railroad was built. Acquiring a fancy for railroad life, he fitted himself for telegraphy and depot agency, and held various positions satisfac- torily.
Desiring a change, Mr. Singleton engaged in 1877 with E. Hollister, of Alton, Ill., in his whole- sale fruit house, and managed business for that gentleman for two years. From there he came to Kansas and became depot agent and telegraph op- erator for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company at Grecley, holding the position creditably until June, 1887, when, on account of ill health, he re- tired from the depot. The railroad company, however, did not accept his resignation until the following fall, so desirous were they to retain him. His health, however, compelled him to retire from business for one year.
In 1888 Mr. Singleton helped to organize the Bank of Greeley, of which he was one of the prime promoters. The bank commenced business as a state bank, authorized capital $50,000, with John M. Bowman, President; W. T. Roth, Cashier; and C. W. Singleton, Secretary of the Board of Direct- ors. Mr. Singleton has also dealt in imported coach and draft horses and driving horses, fitting the latter for market. IIe now resides in the city of Greeley. Three years ago he purchased a tract of sixty acres adjoining Greeley as a country home, and on this erected good buildings. Ile has a half-mile race track and an amphitheater, and has introduced many other improvements, making it one of the most attractive and inviting homes in the vicinity. He is President of the Eastern Kansas Telephone Company, of which he was one of the promoters, and for two years was one of the owners of the Greeley Mills. No man has done more for the upbuilding of Greeley than
he, for he has built some eight or nine dwellings, and has dealt largely in real estate.
In September, 1880, Mr. Singleton married Miss Bessie Rupp, a native of Hamilton, Ohio, born De- cember 1, 1859. Two interesting children have been born to Mrs. Singleton: Curtis B. and Clarice. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Singleton has held local office, but the principal part of his time has been devoted too closely to business to attend to politics. Ile is a member of the Masonic frater- nity, and is Secretary of Greeley Lodge No. 211, A. F. & A. M.
ACOB H. HALDEMAN, M. D. The gen- tleman whose name heads this sketch is a thorough student of medicine. His leisure hours are spent in medical research, and his views are without that narrowness or prejudice so characteristic of those who zealously advocate par- ticular dogmas. His practice is large, although he is still a young man, and his success in Miami County as a follower of Esculapius has been re- markable. His father, Dr. George W. Haldeman, was born in Perry County, Pa., in March, 1830, and was graduated from the Jefferson College of Medicine, after which he practiced his profession at Newville, Pat., whence, in 1870, he moved to Kansas and located at Paola, where he was soon in command of a large and lucrative practice; in fact, larger than that of any other physician in the section at that time. He was a man of very be- nevolent disposition, kind and genial in his man- ners, and commanded the utmost respect from all who knew him. Although he enjoyed a lucrative practice, he never strove to store up great riches, and at his death the property left his family was principally life insurance money. He was a prom- inent member of various medical associations, of which he was always an honored and valued
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member. In politics he was a Democrat, but took no interest in political matters other than to cast his ballot for such candidates as he deemed best fitted for the office. In his religious convictions he was always a Presbyterian, and was in full com- munion with that denomination at the time of his death, which occurred in March, 1884. His widow survives him, and is a resident of Paola. To this worthy couple eight creditable children were born, of whom two died in infancy and six attained their majority. Robert W. is in the employ of a railroad at Pueblo, Colo .; George died in 1887, at St. Louis, Mo., in which city he was a telegraph operator; Jacob H. is the subject of this sketch; Ralph is a printer at Pontiac, Ill .; Henrietta is the wife of Joseph Bowles, a resident of Chicago; and Alphonsine is the wife of Archie Johnson, of Kansas City, Mo.
The subject of this sketch was but a boy of eight years when his parents settled at Paola, the date of his birth being February 2, 1862. He received his early education in the town schools, and fin- ished his education in the normal school of the place. During that time he wisely embraced such opportunities as presented themselves to acquire useful knowledge, and became a well informed . young man. He commenced the study of medi- cine when only a lad, his father being his pre- ceptor, and took his first course of lectures in the Kansas City Medical College, after leaving which he entered the famous Rush Medical College of Chicago, and completed his course at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which noted institution he was graduated in the Class of '83, soon after he attained his majority. He at once entered upon the practice of his profession at Paola, where he soon became known to the citi- zens as one who thoroughly understood his calling, and whose cases were conducted in a skillful and successful manner. He has applied himself with great assiduity to his profession, and in the com- munity in which he lives he is respected by the profession and by those who call upon his services.
During the first year of his practice, our subject was appointed United States Pension Surgeon, and when the Board of Pension Examiners was formed he was chosen Chairman, which position he
still fills. He is Medical Examiner for more than a score of life insurance companies, and Local Sur- geon for two railway companies-the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Memphis and the Missouri, Kansas & Texas. In his political views he is an advocate of Republican principles, and on the first ballot he ever cast was printed his own name as a candidate for County Coroner, which office he subsequently held for two terms. Ile is now serving his second term as Mayor of Paola, to which position he was elected without opposition. He is Past Eminent Commander of St. Elmo Commandery No. 22, K. T., and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. Ile was married in 1889 to Miss Mary E., daughter of Rev. Samuel Boyd, by whom he has one son, Jacob H., Jr.
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