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 48
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AMES H. MCEWEN. There is something essentially American in the life and charac- ter of the gentleman who is the subject of this sketch. The United States has given rare opportunities to men with courage, honesty of purpose, integrity and energy to achieve suc- cess. The bulk of the men who have legitimately achieved fortune has been men with the above characteristics, and James II. McEwen is one of that stamp. He is at present Registrar of Deeds of Anderson County, and no man has done more to advance the interests of the county than he.
Born in Allegheny County, Pa., October 8, 1840, our subject is the son of Allen and Elizabeth (Maharah) McEwen, natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Dauphin County, and the latter in Pittsburgh. The paternal grandparents of our sub- ject, John and Margaret (Bradley) McEwen, were born in Dauphin County, Pa., but the great- grandfather, John McEwen, was originally from Scotland, He came to this country at a period an-
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tedating the Revolution, and fought bravely for independence, being a Captain in the Colonial army. He was a farmer, and died in Dauphin County. He had three sons and two daughters. John, grandfather of our subject, was born about the time of the beginning of the Revolution, and was also a tiller of the soil. During the latter part of his life, he removed to Allegheny County, Pa., and there died at the age of eighty-two, his wife surviving him five years and dying at the age of seventy-nine. They had five sons and three daugh- ters: John, James, Washington, Allen, Thomas, Maria (who died young), Julia Ann and Margaret.
Allen MeEwen was early trained to the duties of the farm, but in addition to this he also learned the carpenter's trade. When but a child he re- moved with his parents to Allegheny County, and was married in Pittsburgh to Miss Elizabeth Ma- harah, whose birth occurred in February, 1818. She was the daughter of James and Hannah (Lawhead) Maharah. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. McEwen resided in Washington County, Pa., until after the Civil War, and then removed to Iowa, locating near Indianola, where they remained for some time. From there they removed to Kansas City, and five years later came to Garnett, where they re- side at the present time. They have had the fol- lowing children: James; John, deceased; William, who resides in Chicago; Allen, who resides in Kan- sas City, Kan .; Elsworth and Julia Ann, both de- ceased; lIannali, now Mrs. Yarnall, of Kansas City, Kan .; and Elizabeth, deceased. For over fifty years Mr. McEwen has been a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and his ancestors for many generations were members of the same church. In politics he affiliated with the Republi- can party.
The original of this sketch learned the carpen- ter's trade under his father, and removed with the family to Iowa. He settled near Garnett, Kan., in 1881, and in the following year purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, all of which was - unimproved. Ile began working on this farm, got it all under a good state of cultivation, erected good, substantial buildings, and there resided un- til the fall of 1891. In connection with farming he also gave considerable of his time to teaching
and to the carpenter's trade. In the fall of 1891 he was elected to his present position, and has dis- charged the duties of that position in a manner reflecting credit upon himself and his constituents, and in 1893 he was re-elected by an increased ma- jority.
In the year 1866 Mr. McEwen was married to Miss Susan A. Wiley. a native of Greene County, Pa., and the daughter of George and Mary Wiley. Seven children have been the fruits of this union: Cephas, Sadie A., Thomas Albert, William Lind- say, Mary, James C. and George A. Like his father, Mr. McEwen is a stanch Republican in his political views. For two terms he was Trustee of Lincoln Township, and he also held other local positions. Ile is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in his religious views is a United Presbyterian. In the year 1861 he enlisted in the army, being mustered into service in Company A, Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry, on the 7th of September. Ile participated in the battles of the campaign of Mcclellan in 1862, and for some time was in the hospital at Philadelphia. Re- joining his command at Ililton Head, S. C., he was in the Tenth Army Corps. In the fall of 1863 ne returned to the Peninsula with his command, was in the campaign of 1864, Eighteenth Army Corps, and was mustered out at Pittsburgh, November 24, 1864.
OIIN W. WAMPLER. Passing through Crawford County, the traveler notes with admiration a finely improved farm in Grant Township, on section 3. The place com- prises four hundred and twenty acres, and is de- voted to the cultivation of the various cereals, as well as the raising of cattle, hogs and poultry. Among the noticeable features of the farm are the fish ponds, for, as is well known throughout the
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county, Mr. Wampler is an enthusiast in the science of ichthyology.
A native of Maryland, the subject of this sketch was born in Carroll County, March 23, 1846. He traces his ancestry to Germany, whence his grand- father, Philip Wampler, emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania. He had two sons, one of whom settled in Maryland and the other in Vir- ginia. The father of our subject, David Wampler, was born in the Keystone State, and removed thence to Maryland, later settling in Ohio, where he resided until his death.
When the family removed to Ohio, our subject accompanied them and there grew to manhood, ob- taining his education in the common schools of the home neighborhood. In Ohio he married and there much of his active life has been passed. Since coming to Kansas he has been identified with the state so prominently that he was selected State Fish Commissioner in the summer of 1893, a position he is well qualified to fill. The family of which he is an honored representative, has been noted throughout its entire history for in- dustry and integrity, and has been closely asso- ciated with the progress of various communities.
When a youth of eighteen, Mr. Wampler enlisted as a private in Company I, Ninety-third Ohio In- fantry, and after serving for three months in that capacity he was appointed Sergeant. He partici- pated in thirteen battles and a number of skirm- ishes, and in every engagement proved the posses- sion of courage and loyalty. Shortly after his re- turn from active service in the defense of the Union, Mr. Wampler was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Kinsey, and they are the parents of six children, Katie, David, Ada, Joseph R., Erastus and Susie.
The farm owned and operated by Mr. Wampler, is one of the finest in the county and is devoted to general farming purposes. As an agriculturist, he is thoroughly informed upon everything which will increase the fertility of the soil and enhance his material success in his chosen occupation. For many years he adhered to the principles of the Republican party, to which he gave the support of his ballot, but after having closely and thought- fully studied the great issues at stake, he has
transferred his allegiance to the Populists. He has ever been an extensive reader on all subjects of local or general importance, and consequently is a man of broad information. A liberal and progressive citizen, he has aided in forwarding needed improvements and local enterprises.
R EV. FATHER JOHN WARD, Rector of St. Patrick's Church, at Parsons, was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, on the 23d of May, 1857. He is a son of the late Joseph and Ellen Ward, the former of whom con- ducted a farm near the city of Cleveland. They were an honest, generous and worthy couple, and were devoted members of the Catholic Church, in which faith they reared their children. While they never became wealthy, they secured a com- petence and were enabled to give their children good advantages, preparing them for positions of usefulness in the world.
In the schools of Cuyahoga County the subject of this sketch acquired the rudiments of his edu- cation. At the age of eighteen years he entered St. Mary's Seminary, at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he prosecuted his studies for two and one-half years. Ile then went to Canada and conducted the studies of the classical course in Assumption College, after which he became a student in St. Minard's Seminary, in Indiana, graduating from that institution in 1884. He was ordained to the priesthood on the 17th of July, of the same year.
The first charge of Father Ward was in Kansas, where he filled the position of Assistant Rector of the cathedral at Leavenworth. After remaining in that city four months, he went to Marshall Coun- ty, this state, and there officiated as pastor of St. Joseph's Church, and also the Church of the Immac- ulate Conception. The former was located in the country, and the latter in Frankfort. He remained
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there until 1888, when he came to Parsons and be- came rector of St. Patrick's Churel. He has un- der his charge one hundred and fifty families, his congregation numbering about six hundred. He is also at the head of St. Patrick's parochial school, which has one hundred and twenty pupils and three teachers. There are five sisters who labor here, Sylvera being the Mother Superior.
The work at this point has steadily advanced under the supervision of Father Ward, and the congregation has increased considerably in num- bers in the meantime. At the present time (1893) a new church edifice is being built, which, when completed, will cost $30,000, and which is located at the head of Central Avenue. All the money necessary to carry this building to completion has been secured by the pastor, who has labored un- weariedly for many months in order to secure the new church. He is highly esteemed both by his parishioners and also by all the citizens of the place, irrespective of religious belief. In addition to his charge at Parsons, he has an appointment for one service each month at Ladore.
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W ILLIAM KLINE. More than three-score years have come and gone since the sub- ject of this sketeh opened his eyes to the light of day. Time in its flight has wrought many wonderful changes, but in no part of our country has the transformation been more startling than in the Sunflower State. Where now rise proud eities sixty years ago there rose the smoke of the Indian camp fires, and where around the lonely cabin the fierce wolves howled may now be heard the busy hum of industry in a populous town. Fine farms, too, dot every hillside and adorn every prairie.
Although not a native of Kansas, Mr. Kline has aided in securing these happy results and has
contributed his quota to the advancement of the interests of Linn County, where he has resided since the spring of 1879, his farm being one of the most highly improved of Centreville Township. He was born in Berks County, Pa., August 10, 1830. His parents, Joseph and Catherine (Barlett) Kline, were also natives of Pennsylvania, and after their marriage settled in Berks County. They also sojourned in Centre County, Pa .. re- moving from there to Stephenson County, Ill., where both passed away. They were the parents of ten children, of whom our subject is the fourth in order of age.
From Berks County our subject accompanied his parents to Centre County, Pa., and from there to Stephenson County, Ill., in 1848. lle eontin- ued to reside with his father until his marriage, which important event took place at Monroe, Wis., November 30, 1858. For several years thereafter he resided in Stephenson County, whenee he removed to Grundy County, lowa, and there made his home for two years. Ile then returned to Stephenson County and resided until the fall of 1878, when he removed to Douglas County, Kan. His location there, however, was only tem- porary, as in the spring of the following year he settled on seetion 14, Centreville Township, Linn County, where he has since resided. He is the owner of one hundred and sixty cares, devoted to general agricultural purposes and embellished with every modern improvement.
The maiden name of Mrs. Kline was Rebecca Lauek. She was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., December 18, 1839, and was the daughter of John and Rebecca (Sullivan) Lauck, natives of Penn- sylvania, who died in Stephenson County, Ill. Mrs. Kline was the fourth of eight children and received fair school advantages in the home dis- triet. She is a lady of refinement and is a good neighbor and helpful friend. Her interests, how- ever, centre in her home and she has given the greatest attention te the welfare of her children, ten in number. They are Emma C., who is the wife of Charles Clark; Henry E .; John William, who married Nettie MeCollam; Daniel W., who chose for his wife Miss Nora Burrs; Myrtie J .; Carrie R., the wife of William Burrs; George E.,
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Lizzie A., Fred E., Frankie M. and Emerson C. Frankie M. is deceased. In their religious con- vietions Mr. and Mrs. Kline are identified with the Iloliness Church, to the support of which they contribute liberally.
UGH PADEN ALEXANDER, residing on section 22, Union Township, Anderson County, is an enterprising business man, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He has been a resident of Ander- son County since 1882, and at onee became iden- tified with all progressive movements in this local- ity. Prior to this time he lived in Marshall County, Kan., for several years, and has made his fortune in the west.
Mr. Alexander was born in Huntingdon Coun- ty, Pa., August, 3, 1836. John Alexander, his father, was also a native of that county, but his grandfather, who bore the same Christian name, was a native of the North of Ireland. Four gen- erations back the Alexanders were residents of Scotland, but for some reason removed to the northern part of the Emerald Isle. Our subjeet's grandfather emigrated to America and settled in Huntingdon County, Pa., where his death occurred. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Mary Jane Sheller. She was a daughter of Chris- tian Sheller, a native of Germany, who came with his parents to America at the age of six years. The great-grandfather on the maternal side, Hugh Pa- den, was a Colonel in the Revolutionary War, and the family was a very prominent one in those days. Mr. Sheller was reared in Lancaster County, of the Keystone State, and died in Union County at the age of eighty-eight years. Mrs. Mary Alexander was born in Dauphin County, and by her marriage
became the mother of seven children, Hugh P. be- ing the eldest, and the others as follows: Martha A., James O., Samuel C., Maggie E., Florence C. and Mary J. After the marriage of our subject's parents they settled in Huntingdon County, Pa., where they lived for several years, thence remov- ing to Blair County, of the same state, where the mother died in 1848. The family afterward re- moved to Union County, Pa., where the father died in 1876.
After the death of his mother, when our sub- ject was twelve years of age, he went to live with an unele, staying with him for two years. With that exception he remained with his father until he became of age, passing his youth on a farm. When he left home he took charge of the farm of William Friek, the father of II. C. Frick, for one and a-half years. For the three years suc- eeeding he attended school at the University of Louisburg, Pa., after which he engaged in teach- ing and attending the State Normal School for one year. For five years he taught with good success in his native state, and in 1865 removed to the west. He opened an academy in Andrew County, Mo. This institution was known as the Savannah Academy, and he was Principal of the same for two years. Ilis success as an educator becoming known, he was elected to the responsible position of County Superintendent, which office he filled acceptably for six years. During the term of his administration of the office, forty-two new school- houses were built in the county. At the same time he was Principal of the public schools of Sa- vannah, Andrew County, a position he occupied for five years. In March, 1873, he accepted the principalship of the public schools of Marysville, Marshall County, Kan., serving in that capacity until June, 1882.
The marriage of Mr. Alexander occurred De- eember 24, 1863, in Philadelphia, with Miss Han- nah E. Kunkel, who was born in Cumberland County, Pa., March 30, 1842. Her great-grand- father, Leonard Kunkel, was a native of Germany, who emigrated to America, locating in Laneaster County, Pa. His son, John Kunkel, was born in Lebanon County, and he in turn was the father of Rudolph, who became the father of Mrs. Alexan-
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der. Rudolph Kunkel married Elizabeth Nies, who was born in Berks County, Pa., being a daugh- ter of James Nies. Mr. and Mrs. Kunkel passed their married lives in Lancaster County, where the mother died at the age of eighty-five years, March 4, 1893. She was the mother of two children who lived to mature years, namely: Hannah E. and Amanda.
To our worthy subject and wife have been born cight children, the two elder of whom are married, Mary J. being the wife of John S. Velthoen; and Bessie, the wife of George W. West. The other surviving members of the family are: Minnie A., Maggie P., Mattie O. and Winona A. Florence C. and Hugh P. died in infancy. Soon after going to Andrew County, Mo., Mr. Alexander became interested in religious work among the colored people, as there were large numbers in that part of the state. In spite of much opposition he organ- ized a Sabbath-school, which he conducted suc- cessfully. As a result he was socially ostracized for a time, but nothing daunted, he persevered in the good work. Meeting with grand success in the enterprise, he inaugurated a day school for the colored people, trying the subscription plan, em- ploying his own teachers and furnishing a consid- erable share of the means to carry on the school. As there was open enmity to the plan shown by many of the white citizens, he may be said to have opened the school at the point of the revolver. Since coming to this county he has been greatly interested in the work of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has held the office of Elder. Ile has taken his share in Sunday-school work and has been an active member of the denomination since he was a young man. While living in Marshall County, Kan., he organized two churches, one at Deer Creek and the other at North Marysville. In other places he has given his valuable services to the canse, and in this county has re-organized the churches at Lone Elm and at Sugar Valley.
The farm of Mr. Alexander has within its boundaries three hundred and eighty acres, on which he has made many improvements. Ile has found time amidst his many banches of work and the care necessarily bestowed upon the farm to serve his fellow-citizens in various offices in the
township, and has acceptably filled the office of Justice of the Peace for many years. There are few men more highly thought of in this township, and he is truly worthy of the confidence which is reposed in him by his friends.
L OSS PETERSON. The career of Mr. Peter- son, one of the most prominent stock- raisers of Linn County, Kan., presents an example of industry, perseverance and good man- agement, rewarded by substantial results, well worthy the imitation of all who start out in life as he did, with no capital except a good constitu- tion and a liberal supply of pluck and energy. He came originally from Sweden, and was born in Christianstad, July 9, 1834, being one of five sons born to his parents. The father was twice mar- ried, his second union resulting in the birth of four children, two sons and two daughters.
When about twenty-one years of age the orig- inal of this notice became convinced that he could better his condition if he emigrated to the United States, and accordingly he and his brother, Peter, braved Neptune's tender mercies and reached the American continent in safety. Peter enlisted in the army, and died while in the service. Our sub- ject was then the only one of the family on this side of the ocean. Hc came here $5 in debt, and first landed in Quebec, Canada, where he remained but a short time, and then came to the United States. He made his first stop in Stark County, Ill., where he worked as a farm hand for three years. Ile then came to Kansas, and engaging in farming, saved enough mncans by industry and economy to purchase some land. When the war broke out he enlisted, but was rejected.
In the year 1860 our subject married Miss Nancy Ann Day, a native of Morgan County, Ky., and the daughter of James Day. After
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his marriage our subjeet rented land for some time, and then located on his present property, on section 19, Liberty Township, where he has a fine farm and one of the handsomest residences in Linn County. His outbuildings are commodious and substantial, and no man in the county has better judgment regarding live stock than he. Ile is the owner of nine hundred and thirty acres of land, and it is one of the most attractive agricult- ural spots of the distriet, being conspicuous for the management that, while making it neat and at- tractive, still shows prudence and economy. Two of his sons reside near him, on the same farm, and have good residences.
The marriage of our subject resulted in the birth of five bright children. Hannah died in infaney; James died when fourteen years of age; Peter married Miss Rosa McAdow; Charles F. married Miss Della Shinkle; and Oliver is Cashier of the bank of Barker. Mr. Peterson is alive to matters of public importance and is deeply inter- ested in the success of the Republican party. He has been a member of the Methodist Church for twenty-three years, and is also interested in edu- cational matters, having been a member of the School Board for some time. Ile was one of the original stockholders of the Citizens' Bank of Greeley, Kan., and President of the same. For some time he was a partner of J. M. Bowman in the stock business.
ICHAEL DURST, an extensive general agriculturist. successful stock-raiser and progressive citizen of Osage Township, Miami County, is well located on seetion 29, where with practical knowledge and skill he cultivates the broad acres of one of the finest farms in the county. Arriving in his present locality during the troublous days of the Civil War, our subjeet has for thirty years been closely identified with the upward progress of his adopted state, and
has been a participant and an eye-witness of the development of a country whose early pioneer settlers suffered privations, sacrifice, and even death, in behalf of their political convictions, homes and families.
Mr. Durst is a native of Alsace, Germany, when it was a French province, and was born September 25, 1832. Spending the days of childhood and youth in the land of his birth, he there received his education, and, trained to habits of industri- ous thrift, attained to manhood self-reliant, ener- getie and ambitious. He early resolved to emi- grate to America, and after reaching his majority determined as soon as possible to try his fortunes in the land of the free. At last bidding adieu to the familiar scenes and old friends of boyhood, our subject embarked for the United States, and spent lus twenty-second birthday upon the ocean.
Crossing the Atlantie in a sailing vessel, Mr. Durst was forty-four days making the voyage, and had ample time to anticipate his future in a strange land surrounded by strangers. He landed in New York City, but made only a brief stay in the me- tropolis of the Empire State, journeying thence to Buffalo, where he erossed into Canada and re- mained busily employed for the four succeeding years. In 1857, making his home in the States, he journeyed to Jackson County, Mo., and located there for two years. Our subject then purchased a farm in Bates County, Mo., and cultivated the fertile soil of his farm until 1862, when he jour- neyed to Miami County, Kan., and settled on a homestead near Fontana. At the expiration of a year, and in the early part of 1864, lie permanently located where he now resides, in Osage Town- ship. Ilis four hundred aeres are all in one body, and a large portion of the land is nnder a high state of cultivation. The many valuable improve- ments, the attractive and commodious residenee and excellent and roomy barns clearly attest the financial prosperity of Mr. Durst, who has won his way rapidly upward to a position of useful influ- ence and assured success. lIe is numbered with the leading farmers and substantial men of Miami County.
Our subjeet has been twice married, first to Miss Elizabeth Burnhardt, a lady of worth, who died in
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Osage Township in the early '70s. Mr. Durst and this estimable wife were blessed by the birth of five children, two of whom now survive. Katie is the wife of Louis Katler, and Anna is the wife of C. Conklin. The present wife, Mrs. Mary (Cole) Durst, is a woman of ability and culture and is a true helpmate.
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