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 52
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In 1868 the parents of Mr. Willhoite sold out their possessions in Illinois, and when removing to Kansas City, Mo, the father contracted small- pox, from which he died in Miami County, this state. The mother of our subject is still living and makes her home in Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Willhoite were prominent members of the Christian Church, and reared a large family of children, of whom our subject is the eldest.
The early life of William HI. was passed on the home farm and in attendance at the district school. In 1860 he went to Austin, Mo., and there read medicine under Dr. J. W. Gossett, and four years later commenced the practice of his profession at Miami Mission, which was located near the pres- ent village of Fontana. Later he was graduated from the American Medical College at St. Louis, and when the Ft. Scott & Gulf Railroad was built he removed to Fontana, where he resided until 1883, the year of his coming to Paola.
The lady to whom our subject was married in 1866 was Miss Mary M. La Fountain. She was born near Ft. Wayne, Ind., and is a very highly educated lady. In his political affiliations our
subject is a Democrat, and from 1881-82 repre- sented the southern district of Miami County in the Legislature, and from 1887-88 represented the northern district of the county. Doctor Will- hoite has at all times taken an active part in local politics, and was Coroner of Miami Coun- ty one term, and has served efficiently as a mem- ber of the School Board. He is a member of the Christian Church, and in social matters is a Knight Templar and is Past Master of the Blue Lodge. IIe has been lligh Priest of Paola Chapter, R. A. M., and Past Eminent Commander of Lodge No. 22, K. T. He has passed all the chairs in Paola Lodge No. 11, I. O. O. F., and is a member of Pythian Lodge No. 45, K. P., of which he is Past Chancel- lor-Commander.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Joshua Willhoite, was born in Kentucky, and died of cholera in 1854, after removing to McLean Coun- ty, Ill. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was present at the battle of Ft. Meigs. The fam- ily trace their ancestors back to three brothers who came from Germany and located in Virginia, and from them all the representatives of that name in the United States are descended.
Besides being engaged in the practice of his profession, Doctor Willhoite is the owner of two farms, comprising two hundred and forty acres, to which he gives some attention, and is also dealing in real estate, owning at one time as much as one thousand acres of land.
OSEPH M. CALDWELL. This highly re- speeted gentleman does a thriving business in general merchandise and stock-dealing in Glenlock, Anderson County, Kan. The fa- ther of our subject, John Caldwell, was a native of Greene County, Ohio, and died in Minden, Neb., May 26, 1892, at the ripe old age of seventy-eight years, five months and twenty-six days. The
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mother, who was known in her maidenhood as Mary A. Nichol, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, March 26, 1822, and still survives. She is the mother of the following children: Nancy J., Jackson N., Joseph M., J. Melanchthon, F. Marion, J. Riley, Donna M. E., Lelia A., Eva J. and William Elmer.
Our subject was born in Greene County, Ohio, June 6, 1846, and was the third in order of birth in the large family of children born to his parents. When six years of age, he went to Warren County, Ill., with the family and was there reared to man- hood, spending the greater part of his youth on his father's farm. IIe enlisted in Company H, of the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, in the spring of 1865, and served until the close of the war. He then returned home and remained for about two years, and in the fall of the year 1867 made an extended trip through the west, finally settling in Anderson Connty. In the spring of 1869, he found a suitable location in Jackson Town- ship, and at once removed here and began farm- ing. Mr. Caldwell has been very prosperous in his vocation as a farmer, and in all has im- proved three separate tracts, which are regarded as some of the finest farms in the county. Besides this, he has taken an active interest in the devel- opment of the town of Glenlock since the time it was incorporated in 1866, toward which he did much. He has erected several good buildings here, and for a number of years has done a lucrative business in the mercantile trade. In connection with his store, he also engages in the stock busi- ness, keeping large numbers of fine horses, cattle, sheep and hogs to a good advantage on his broad and attractive estate, which aggregates six hundred and forty aeres.
The gentleman of whom we write was married in this county February 23, 1882, the other con- tracting party being Miss Mattie L. Henry. She was a native of Ohio, and was born April 29, 1851, but died in Garnett, November 19, 1882, while making that place hier a temporary home. She was a member of the Universalist Church, in which she proved herself a worthy member. After the decease of his first wife, Mr. Caldwell married Sarah S. Ilenry, the wedding taking place January 29,
1891. This estimable lady was born in Clarke County, Ohio, December 9, 1844.
Our subject has proved as capable a farmer as he has shown himself to be an efficient business man and prosperous merchant. lle is a man of solid virtues, sensible and thoughtful in his views, and in him the United Presbyterian Church finds a consistent member. In polities, he is an ardent Prohibitionist, and is always ready to sustain his favorite party. lle has held the office of Township Trustee, but has never aspired to anything higher. For a more minute history of our subject and his parents, as well as that of his respected ancestors, we would refer our reader to the treatise on the life of John Caldwell (deceased), which is given in the history of Warren County, Ill. Mr. Cald- well of this brief sketch is a man of wide experi- ence and one who stands high in the commercial and social circles of the connty. He possesses sound common sense and a firm character and is one whose influence for good is felt in this community.
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OSHUA N. BURKHIEAD, an enterprising and highly esteemed citizen, a practical general agrienlturist and prosperous stock- raiser, identified with the progressive inter- ests of Linn County, Kan., conduets a fine farm of one hundred and fifty-eight acres located upon section 29, Centreville Township. Making a suc- cess of agricultural pursuits, Mr. Burkhead also en- ters with liberal spirit into the social and business life of the community, with whom he has sustained for many years the most pleasant relations, and by whom he is highly regarded.
Our subject is a native of Ohio, and was born in Harrison County on the 19th of No- vember, 1833. His father, Mahalaleel F. Burk- head, was a native of Maryland, and his mother,
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Sarah (Barnett) Burkhead, was born in Virginia. They were descendants of old southern families, and after their marriage first made their home in Harri- son County, Ohio, where the father, by occupation a farmer, entered with energy into the tilling of the soil. They remained in the Buckeye State un- til the tide of emigration attracted them to In- diana, whither they removed in the year 1846, lo- cating in Adams County. After a continuous resi- dence of twenty-nine years in that county, the fa- ther died, mourned by all who knew him, in 1875. The mother afterward journeyed to Kansas, and passed away in Centreville Township, March 2, 1881.
To the beloved father and mother was born a fam- ily of eight sons and three daughters, of whom our subject was the fifth in order of birth. Mr. Burk- head received his primary instruction in the schools of his birthplace, and arriving in Adams County a lad of thirteen, completed his studies in the dis- trict schools of Indiana. Trained to habits of industry, and early taught self-reliance, our sub- jeet attained to manhood well fitted to assume the responsibilities of life.
In Harrison County, Ohio, on the 11th of September, 1853, Joshua N. Burkhead and Miss Susanna Johnston were united in marriage. Mrs. Burkhead, a native of Ohio, was born in Guernsey County July 6, 1835. Her father, Thomas John- ston, was a Virginian. The mother, Anna (Barkis) Johnston, was born in Ohio, and while yet com- paratively young passed away, in 1843. The fa- ther survived the death of his wife thirty-five years, and died in Adams County, Ind., in Feb- ruary, 1878. With his accomplished wife, our sub- ject immediately after his marriage made his home in Adams County, and engaging in farming, also conducted a sawmill with success for seven years, and for six years ran a stavemill. Ile, however, devoted most of his time to the cultivation of the farm, which yielded every year an abundant har- vest.
On account of his health, Mr. Burkhead left Indiana and settled in Knox County, Ill., where he remained four years, and then having recu- perated, returned to Adams County. From there ne, together with his family, journeyed to Linn
County, Kan., since March, 1879, their permanent home. Eight children have survived the perils of infancy, and most of them now have families of their own. Anna E., the eldest, is the wife of Frederick Zimmerman; John married Lizzie Me- Grew; Nancy J. is the wife of George Waite; Hat- tie S. is next in order; Samuel married Miss Lulu Wonderley; Charles C. married Miss Cora Unge- heuer; Noah J. and Berta A. complete the list. Four little ones died in childhood.
Mr. and Mrs. Burkhead have been connected with the Protestant Methodist Church ever since they were young, and together with their family are active in good works and benevolent enter- prises. They occupy a position of social useful- ness and influence, and enjoy the best wishes and high regard of a host of friends. Financially pros- pered, our subject has improved his highly culti- vated farm with an attractive and commodious residence, the abode of hospitality. Politically, our subject is identified with the People's party, and a public-spirited citizen, is interested in both the local and national management of Govern- mental affairs.
ADDEN BETTES, a leading general agri- culturist and highly respected citizen of Centreville Township, Linn County, Kan., has won his upward way in life through his own self-reliant efforts, and a man of upright character and liberal spirit, ever ready to assist in matters tending to the advancement of mutual welfare, worthily receives the high regard of a wide circle of friends. Mr. Bettes was born in Independence County, Ark., August 12, 1847. His parents, Isaac and Elizabeth (Elmes) Bettes, were both of southern nativity. The father was born and reared in the state of Tennessee, and the birthplace of the mother was in Mississippi.
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Brought together by removal from their na- tive states to Arkansas, they were married in In- dependence County, and there made their home during the remainder of their lives. The father, a physician, was graduated from the Tennessee Med- ical College, and after many years passed away, leaving the burden of maintaining the youngest members of the large family of seven sons and three daughters to the widow and seventh child, Hadden. The father died in 1858, the mother surviving only until 1863. Remaining with the orphaned younger children, Mr. Bettes at the lat- ter date, when nineteen years of age, continued in Arkansas and faithfully contributed his earn- ings toward the support of the dependent ones.
From his eleventh year obliged to earn his daily bread, our subject is mainly self-educated, but, a man of intelligence and discernment, has supplemented with observation and reading the limited knowledge gained from books in the days of childhood. In 1870 he came with two sisters to Linn County, Kan., and located in Paris Town- ship, where he made his home until he removed to his present farm in Centreville Township.
Upon the 4th of April, 1874, lladden Bettes and Miss Ellen McGrew, born in Iowa April 10, 1851, were united in marriage. Mrs. Bettes is the daugh- ter of the Rev. Samuel B. McGrew, a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., born October 10, 1826. The grandfather, James B. McGrew, was also a Pennsylvanian by nativity, but his father was born in bonnie Scotland. The paternal grand- mother, Isabella McGrew, was of Irish descent, her father, William McGrew, having been born in Ire- land. The mother of Mrs. Bettes, Mrs. Esther Ann (Cubbison) MeGrew, was born in Florence, Washington County, Pa., March 1, 1828. Iler fa- ther, James Cubbison, was a native of the Emer- ald Isle, but a man of enterprise, early emigrated to America. The father of Mrs. Bettes, Elder Mc- Grew, is well known throughout Linn County as one of the pioneer citizens, through whose earnest efforts Kansas rose above the struggles of its first existence to its long continued prosperity and present high position among its sister states.
The home of our subject and his accomplished and worthy wife has been blessed by the birth of
a large family of children, of whom six sons and daughters yet survive. - Thomas was the eldest- born, then follow in order of birth: Robert L .; Olive, deceased; Willie; Harriet, deceased; Eliza- beth, Ella and Lula. Mrs. Bettes is a valued mem- ber of the United Brethren Church, and, with her children, is active in the social and benevolent enterprises of that religious denomination. Mr. Bettes although never a politician, does his duty at the polls, and a man of advanced ideas is deeply interested in both local and national affairs. Dur- ing his many years of continued residence in the township he has ever lent ready aid in matters tending to the promotion of public interests, and in all the duties of life faithful to the trusts re- posed in him, enjoys the best wishes and confidence of the community by which he is surrounded.
ON. JOHN R. CLARK, who was elected to the State Legislature of Kansas in the fall of 1892, and is now serving his constituents as the Representative of their district, is a higlily esteemed resident of Valley Township, Linn County. lle is an extensive agriculturist and successful stock-raiser, and owns one thousand val- uable acres in Linn County, Kan., and Bates Coun- ty, Mo., as well as a fine property located in Iowa. Mr. Clark was born in Knox County, near Mt. Ver- non, Ohio, and is the son of early and highily re- spected residents of that state. Reared to a self-re- liant manhood upon his father's farm, he received his primary education in the district school of his home neighborhood, and was pursuing his higher studies in Coshocton County, Ohio, when the Civil War broke out.
In August, 1862, our subject enlisted in Company F, One Ilundred and Twenty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and served with efficiency until November, 1865.
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He was promoted to be Sergeant and served on de- tached duty at brigade headquarters for about eighteen months. Ile served in the Army of the Cumberland, having joined that command imme- diately after the battle of Murfreesboro, or Stone River, Tenn. Following that engagement, carly in 1863, the brigade was sent to Franklin, Tenn., and built Ft. Harpeth, which proved so destructive to HIood's overwhelming forces on their march to Nashville and the north. The next campaign was with General Rosecrans at Chattanooga, Chicka- mauga, Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain. Bragg having been routed, the brigade was sent to relieve Burnside at Knoxville.
Subsequently entering upon the Atlanta cam- paign, our subject participated in the engagements at Rocky-Face Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. During the entire campaign of four months, the brigade was for only four days out of sight and sound of bullet and ball. Later they fought Hood at Franklin and Nashville, and from that place moved toward the North Carolina line. When General Lee surrendered, they were sent to Texas, spending some four months in that state. The war ended, Mr. Clark was mustered out at Co- lumbus, Ohio.
Immediately after being mustered out of service, our subject located in Greene County, entering An- tioch College, where he remained for one year, de- voting himself to study. In 1867, he made his home in Cass County, Mo., and there taught school for two years, and at the expiration of that time removed to Mulberry, Bates County, Mo. He en- gaged in farming and stock-raising at that place, and in the spring of 1879 located permanently in Valley Township, Linn County, where he has since been closely identified with the growth and.inter- ests of this locality. Here, as in Missouri, he has prosperously won his way to a position of infin- ence. The broad and highly cultivated acreage owned by him is finely improved with commodious and attractive buildings, substantial in construc- tion and modern in design. The farm, containing some of the best stock in the state, presents a scene of plenty, and under the management of our sub- ject annually yields an abundant return for money
and labor expended, being in fact one of the model farms of Linn County.
In Monmouth, Warren County, Ill., January 2, 1879, John R. Clark and Miss Carrie J. Logan were united in marriage. Mrs. Clark was a native of Warren County, and the daughter of Rhoda and James Logan. Two children blessed the pleasant home of our subject and his estimable wife, a son and daughter, Harry J. and Laura M. Mrs. Clark passed away deeply mourned by many relatives and friends December 30, 1892. Mr. Clark is a valued member of the United Presbyterian Church, and takes an active part in the extension of religious work and benevolent enterprise, as did his wife.
In both Missouri and Kansas, our subject is known as a strong Republican, taking a leading part in the local councils of his party. Elected to his present responsible position, he has, as a mem- her of important committees, already snbserved the interests of the general public, and a man of intel- ligent ability and excellent judgment, has proven himself "the right man for the place," and fully justifies the high esteem and confidence bestowed upon him by his fellow-citizens. Faithful to every trust reposed in him, and ever equal to the demands of the occasion, in private life, upon the battle- field, or in the halls of legislature, Mr. Clark is essentially a true and loyal citizen.
G EORGE VAN BUSKIRK, one of the rep- resentative men of Kansas, and a successful farmer residing in the southeastern part of Mound Township, has been a respected citizen of the state since the Ist of June, 1868. Born in Indiana, November 6, 1820, our subject is a son of Joseph and Mary (Hoff) Van Buskirk, who re- moved from Kentucky to Indiana, settling in Wayne County in about [855. The Van Buskirks
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are a long lived people and descendants of an old Dutch family, of which three brothers came to America, one locating in New York, one in Ken- tueky and another in Pennsylvania. From the Kentucky branch our subject is descended, and was but two years old when his good mother died, leaving seven children. Elisha, for many years a practicing physician, lives in Grant County, Ind. Dillard, by occupation a farmer and carpenter, re- sides in Tipton. Franklin, a tanner by trade, died in lIamilton County. John, who was both a carpen- ter and farmer, died in Tipton. Our subject was a twin of the latter. Elias, a physician and drug- gist, passed away in Hamilton County, Ind. Re- -becca married Lee Poor and died in Cass County, Mich. By a second marriage, the father had other children, two of whom are yet living, Jehu, a cit- izen of Tipton, Ind., and Mary Ann, who married John Mount, a resident of Trego County, Kan. Of the three deceased children, Joseph was a soldier, and died of disease contracted while in the faith- ful discharge of duty in behalf of national exist- ence. Amos was also a brave soldier and fell a victim to his devotion for his country, afterward dying from the exposure and sufferings ineiden- tal to the campaign. Hannah E., the wife of Da- vid Keay, passed away in Tipton County, Ind.
The father died in Tipton County, Ind., at the age of seventy-three years. He had spent his use- fnl life in Wayne County, Ky., and Henry and Tiptou Counties, Ind. A blacksmith by trade, he also combined with that line of business the avocation of a tiller of the soil. Politically, he was a Republican, and in religious affiliations was connected with the Christian Church, of which he had from his early youth been a devout member. Reared upon his father's farm, Mr. Van Buskirk spent the most of his early life in Henry County, Ind., and April 6, 1841, was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Paul, a daughter of Daniel and Leah Paul. Mrs. Van Buskirk, who was born Oc- tober 12, 1819, was a native of Virginia, and re- moved with her parents to Henry County, Ind.
Our subject, purchasing an unimproved farm in the heavy timber, removed thither with his wife and industriously engaged in the cultivation of an eighty-acre homestead. One after the other
he successively cleared, cultivated and improved six different tracts of land, and was credited with making more farm improvements in Tipton Coun- ty than any other man of that day. In 1868, with two teams aud wagons, Mr. and Mrs. Van Buskirk with their family and household goods journeyed to the far off state of Kansas. The roads being in bad condition, six weeks were con- sumed on the way, but at last the travelers arrived at the long wished for destination.
Mr. Van Buskirk at once took up a claim, home- steading from the Government the one hundred and sixty acres to which he has since added and where he now resides. He brought with him but little money but was favored with excellent erops, and, a man of energy and tireless industry, pros- pered. During his years of toil in Indiana he accumulated at one time a comfortable compe- tence, but lost $18,000 by the burning of a wool- en mill in which he had invested, and because of this loss he sought to retrieve his fortunes in a new state. Financially blessed in again win- ning his upward way, our subject is now the owner of a highly productive farm of two hun- dred and eight acres of fine land, well improved with substantial and commodious buildings, and is a living illustration of the value of sturdy self- reliance, courage and enterprise.
For many years our subject engaged extensively in stock-raising, but in 1880 sold out his farming interests and made his home in Mound City for the succeeding nine years. For five years Mr. Van Buskirk engaged in the hardware trade in Mound City, but in 1888 purchased his old farm and with joy again returned to the homestead. Mrs. Van Buskirk, a most estimable lady and faitlı- ful companion, passed away deeply mourned May 2, 1892. Nine children had clustered about the family hearth. Louamy is the wife of Daniel Jones. Franklin was the second in order of birth. Mary E. died at the age of sixteen years. John, born December 2, 1848, accompanied the family to Kansas, learned the carpenter's trade and en- gaged in that occupation. In 1882, in connection with his father, he purchased the flour-mill at Mound City. Ile ran the mill three years, then devoted himself to his trade until 1889, when he
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settled with his parents upon the old farm. A leading citizen and man of ability, he is widely known and highly esteemed. In December, 1892, he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Miller, and yet continues his residence npon the old homestead. The next child of our subject was Miranda, who, a bright and intelligent young girl, died at the age of eleven years. Benton is a herdsman. Horace died in early childhood. Fre- mont is also a herdsman.
Mr. Van Buskirk affiliates with the Republicans, and is well posted in local and national affairs. Ile has throughout his entire career as a citizen liberally assisted in matters of public welfare, and is known as a loyal and upright man, true to every duty of life. For a half century he has been a consistent member of the Christian Church and liberally assists in the extension of religious work and influence.
NDREW J. IHILL, a thoroughly practical general agriculturist and successful stock- raiser, widely known as an energetic and enterprising citizen of Linn County, Kan., has from his birth been intimately associated with the changing scenes of a state whose history is full of spirited and stirring experiences. Mr. Hill, now cultivating a fine homestead located npon section 20, Centreville Township, is a native of Kansas, and was born on his present home Sep- tember 15, 1859, being one of the early dwellers in this part of the state. Ilis parents, John D. and Julia (Whipple) Hill, locating in Linn Coun- ty previous to the distractions of the Civil War, shared in the perils and troubles which beset the dwellers of Kansas, constantly threatened with Invasion by the border ruffians of Missouri. The father, John D., a native of New York, was born July 18, 1823. The mother's birthplace was
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