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 57

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 506


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 57


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The valuable home farm is under a high state of cultivation and well improved with a handsome residence, substantial barns and other buildings. This pleasant home is shared by his estimable wife, Mrs. Martha S. (Wayne) Mitchell, to whom he was married December 25, 1861. Mrs. Mitchell is a daughter of Temple Wayne, one of the honored pioneer settlers of Linn County. Six children have elustered about the hearth of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, of whom the eldest, Milton F., married Miss Lillie Hawn. George William married Miss Effie Tyhurst and resides in El Dor- ado, Cal. Retta E. is the wife of Wiley Brock; Settie is the wife of Felix Butcher; Della and Stella are twins.


From 1884 to 1886 Mr. Mitchell was en- gaged in the livery business and in brick-making in Mound City and resided there for the time being. IIe manufactured the brick used in the county jail and Baptist Church and was prospered in his var-


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ious lines of business. Ile also for some years owned and operated threshing-machines and was uniformly successful in his enterprises, and in com- pany with his brother owned and ran sawmills. He yet owns valuable property in Mound City, but now devotes liis time exclusively to stock-raising. Our subject has reason to rejoice and be proud of his prosperity, to which he has attained solely through his own self-reliant efforts and the co- operation of his faithful helpmate. When our subject and his good wife began house-keeping they had two borrowed chairs, and Mr. Mitchell himself manufactured the bedstead and other arti- cles of furniture. Their stock of bedding consisted of a few quilts and a straw bed. For six months they only used fifty cents' worth of sugar, about four pounds, their daily life being sweetened mostly by hope and conrage. There was no stove in the humble home, their cooking being done at the fireplace. They reared a family of sturdy sons and daughters, who now occupy positions of influence. Politically at one time a Republican, Mr. Mitchell is now a Populist and is an earnest citizen, fearless for the right and possessing the universal esteem of the community.


BRAHAM ROHRER, a highly esteemed citizen, general agriculturist and stock- raiser desirably located upon section 8, Ten Mile Township, Miami County, Kan., is a man of ability and enterprise. He is widely known throughout the county, where he has re- sided for so many years, and during this time has been intimately associated with the growth and progress of its vital interests. Born November 3, 1840, in Holmes County, Ohio, our subjeet is the fourth child of Martin Rohrer, a brother of J. M. Rohrer, of Richland. Abraham Rohrer was edn- cated in the common schools of the Buckeye State,


and, early trained to the daily round of agricult- ural duties, became a thoroughly practical farmer, and has continued in the vocation of a tiller of the soil from his youth. At fifteen years of age beginning life for himself, he worked out by the month upon neighboring farms and remained five years in one place, three years being spent in vari- ous localities. After a time he removed to Illinois, and later, in the spring of 1861, left McLean County, where he had been living, and returned to Ohio. The even tenor of the peaceful work of our subject was finally disturbed by the struggles of the country.


In the month of August, 1862, Mr. Rohrer en- listed in Company A, One Hundred and Second Ohio Infantry, and was promoted from a private to a Corporal not long afterward. After spending some time in camp at Mansfield, Ohio, our subject was forwarded to Covington, Ky., armed and equipped, and then went on to Louisville, and marched to Clarksville, Tenn., being on the way twenty-two days in succession. At the expiration of six months Mr. Rohrer reached Nashville and spent six months in Tennessee. Ile engaged in the battle of Murfreesboro, was present at the bat- tles of Stevenson, Ala., Decatur, and many other fights and skirmishes. When General Ilood at- tacked General Thomas, our subject took part in the three days' battle. He was afterward sent to Stevenson on patrol duty, and was with the Union . army when they recaptured Decatur. Mr. Rohrer was engaged through Alabama in building bridges and a blockhouse. Mustered out and discharged at Nashville, after three years' service, he turned over his arms to the Government in Columbus, Ohio, July 4, 1865. Although constantly sur- sounded by danger upon the field, our subject es- caped capture and wounds, returned home and immediately went to work in Ohio. At the expi- ration of two months, in the fall of 1865, he made his home in McLean County, IN. In the spring he rented a farm, and for nine years he and his brother, Jacob M., farmed in partnership. They began with a debt of $500, and during the chang- ing seasons there never was the slightest disagree- ment between the two brothers.


September 1, 1868, were united in marriage


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Abraham Rohrer and Miss Anna Downs, a native of Ilolmes County, Ohio, who was born in April, 1843. The estimable wife of our subject was the daughter of Henry Downs, also of Holmes Coun- ty, Ohio. Immediately after the dissolution of his business partnership, our subject came to Kansas and settled upon the land where he now resides. To the eighty unimproved acres which he then had, Mr. Rohrer has since added, and at one time owned considerably more than the two hundred and seventy-eight acres of his present highly cul- tivated homestead. His residence, built at various times, cost $1,000. His large barn, erected in 1882, at a cost of $1,900, is 44x50 feet, and, well finished inside and out, is one of the best barns in the coun- ty. In 1875 Mr. Rohrer built a barn costing 8250. It is 24x44 feet, and well arranged, and is used for his fine horses and hogs and as a corn crib. The farm, which annually yields an abundant harvest of grain and shelters numbers of horses, cattle and hogs, has also a small orchard of two acres. Our subject deals in draft and stable horses and has one very valuable horse, an English-Shire, which was imported. He recently sold a fine pair of geld- ings, shipping them to Pittsburgh, Pa. He makes a specialty of handsome coach horses, and also handles a high grade of Durham cattle extensively.


Our worthy subject and his estimable wife have no children, but have reared a niece, Miss Della Snyder. Mr. and Mrs. Rohrer were formerly mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but now atliliate with the Cumberland Presbyterian, our subject being especially active in church work. Ile gave 8500 to aid in building the church in Wag- staff, and is an Elder in the same, and both he and his good wife are teachers in the Sunday-school.


Mr. Rohrer is fraternally a member of Mc- Caslin Post, G. A. R., in Paola, and much enjoys the re-unions of the order. Politically a Re- publican, he is frequently an honored delegate to state and county conventions, and as a member of the School Board has aided in the promotion of educational matters. During the last adminis- tration of Cleveland Mr. Rohrer was appointed Postmaster at the solicitation of prominent citizens, and discharged the duties of the position with ability for two years, A self-made man, winning his


upward way unaided, he gives the following excel- lent advice to his young friends: "Be honest, up- right and industrious, and look well after and be careful of your profits." Ever ready to assist in all matters of publie welfare, an excellent neigli- bor, true friend and loyal citizen, our subject en- joys the regard of a wide acquaintance and is numbered among the substantial and influential men of the county.


ETER MCGOUGHI was born in Perry Coun- ty, Ohio, and is a son of John and Hanora (Grace) McGough, the former of whom was born in Maryland in 1803, and the latter in Ireland in 1802. They were married in Ohio, of which state they were early settlers, and whence they removed to Illinois, settling in La Salle County in 1852, and remaining there until their death. She passed away in 1890, and he fol- lowed her to his final rest two years afterward. Their five children are all living.


The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, and remained with his parents until he was twenty-two. In 1854 he married Miss Sarah J. Boman, who was born in Allen County, Ohio, Oc- tober 10, 1835. Iler parents, Wesley and Nancy (Johnson) Boman, natives of Ohio, removed to Illinois in 1840, and settled in Putnam County. Ilis death occurred in 1842. The wife and mother is still (1893) living, and is now eighty-eight years old. They were the parents of four chil- dren, of whom Mrs. McGough is the only sur- vivor.


After his marriage Mr. McGough resided in La Salle County, Ill., until 1869, when he came to Kansas and settled upon his present farm. Ile is one of the oldest surviving settlers of this local- ity, and his original farm, which consisted of one


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hundred and sixty acres, has been increased by subsequent purchase until it now comprises five hundred and twenty acres. Here Mr. McGough en- gages in general farming and stock-raising, mak- ing a specialty of Poland-China hogs, full-blooded Durham cattle and Percheron stallions. His re- sidence, erected in 1886, cost $2,100.


Unto Mr. and Mrs. McGough there have been born nine children, as follows: Henry; Nora, wife of M. T. McCarthy, of Labette County, and the mother of six children; John, who married Katie Kane and lives in Labette County; Maggie, whose union with George Digney has resulted in the birth of four children; Hugh, a resident of Par- sons, who married Katie Kennedy and has three children; Philip; Loretta, who married James Johnston, of Indian Territory, and has two chil- dren, twins; Katie and Beatrice.


The religious home of the family is in the Cath- olie Church at Parsons. In politics Mr. McGough affiliates with the People's party. For two years he served as Trustee of the township and, with the exception of three years, has been a Director of School District No. 37 since the date of its or- ganization. While a resident of Illinois, he was a member of the School Board for nine years.


ALLACE WOLCOTT, a farmer residing on section 28, North Township, Labette County, is a native of the Buckeye State and was born in Washington County, Ohio, No- vember 10, 1834. His father, Alanson Wolcott, was born January 20, 1803, and died February 18, 1871, and was reared on the same farm as was our subject. Ile comes from an old New England family. The great-grandfather was Joseph Wol- cott, and the grandfather bore the name of Elias Wolcott, The latter, a native of Hartford, Conn.,


was born in 1777 and took part in the War of 1812. In 1797 he removed to Washington County, Ohio, becoming one of its pioneer settlers, and there cleared and opened up a farm, on which he reared his children. The property is still in the pos- session of the family. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Caroline McClure. She was born November 16, 1812, and died April 17, 1891. She, too, was a native of Washington County, but was reared in Lawrence County, her parents being JJames and Abigail (Stacy) Mc- Clure.


Wallace Wolcott was one of thirteen children, twelve of whom are still living. Three of the sons served in the late war as defenders of the Union. Wallace acquired a liberal education in Marietta, heing a student in the Western Liberal Institute. In 1856 he chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Sarah T., daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Yocom) Wynn, both of whom were natives of Ilarrisburg, Pa. They removed to Washington County, Ohio, in 1856, and there both died. They left a family of eleven children, but only two now survive. Three sons of that family also served in the Civil War, and one was confined in Libby Prison for eleven montlis. Lewis Wol- cott, brother of our subject, was a Sergeant of Company F, Thirty-sixth Ohio Infantry, and died in the hospital at Summerville, W. Va.


Unto our subject and his wife have been born four sons and four daughters: Adelaide M., wife of A. II. IIuling, of Indian Territory; Addison J .; Elmer E., Carrie A., Lewis D., Olive M., William Il. and Minnie B. The family resided in Wash- ington County, Ohio, until 1884, which year wit- nessed their arrival in Labette County, Kan. Here Mr. Wolcott purchased a farm of eighty acres southeast of Parsons, which he still owns and operates. While in the Buckeye State he was a lumber merchant, but since coming to the west has been connected with A. F. Edwards in railroad contracting. They have done a good business, being constantly employed.


Mr. Wolcott entered the service of his country in May, 1864, joining the boys in blue of Com- pany K, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Ohio In- fantry. Ile was commissioned First Lieutenant


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and was sent to Ilarper's Ferry, thence to Burn- sides, Va., where he saw his last service. He was mustered ont at Marietta, Ohio, in October, 1864. Socially, he is connected with the Masonic frater - nity and with the Ancient Order of United Work- men. Since the organization of the Republican party he has been one of its staneh supporters, and has served as Trustee of North Township ever since his arrival here. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and he has provided his children with good advantages. Addison and Carrie are successful teachers in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott both engaged in teaching in Ohio. Although practically a new man in south- eastern Kansas, Mr. Wolcott is recognized as one of its representative business men and public- spirited citizens.


HOMAS SLATER. The biographies of those who from an humble position have risen through their own unaided exertions to places of influence and honor are useful as incen- tives to those just entering upon their active ca- reers, and are equally stimulating to those in the meridian of life. Few hampered by poverty and adverse circumstances have so nobly conquered and risen above opposing difficulties as has the subject of our sketeh, a prosperous farmer of Lih- erty Township, Linn County. He resides on see- tion 26, township 20, range 22, and is the owner of nine hundred and eighty acres of valuable land.


The present prosperity of Mr. Slater is especially deserving of mention, inasmuch as when he came to the United States he had only $1,000, and what was far more unfortunate, he was in very poor health and was considered a victim of consump- tion. The mild, invigorating elimate of the Sun- flower State soon restored his health, while his own keen business qualities secured for him his


valuable landed possessions. He is a native of Yorkshire, England, and was born February 7, 1838. At the age of five years he was orphaned by the death of his father, John Slater, a black- smith, whose entire life was passed in Yorkshire, where he died at the age of thirty-eight. His wife, the mother of our subject, bore the maiden name of Mary Thompson, and attained to the ad- vanced age of four-score years.


In the parental family there were four children, of whom our subject was the eldest. The others are: John, a gardener in England; Theophilus, a milk dealer of Liverpool; and Hannah, who re- sides in Yorkshire. Thomas was reared to man- hood in England, and at an early age he was obliged to aid in the maintenance of the family, who had a hard struggle for many years. Ilis ex- perience, while it was severe, nevertheless aided greatly in the formation of his character, instilling in his mind the qualities of industry, frugality and perseverance, which have greatly contributed to liis success. For a time he engaged as a dealer in corn in Liverpool.


In December, 1862, Mr. Slater was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Hanson, who was born in Yorkshire, England, March 17, 1838. Iler fa- ther, Charles Hanson, was a farmer in England, where he died. Her mother, Mary, is still living in that country. Mrs. Slater is one of two daugh- ters, the other, Mary Ann, being a resident of England. In November of 1867 our subject, ac- companied by his family, emigrated to the United States, and for a time sojourned among strangers in Caldwell County, Mo. There he purchased eighty acres of unimproved land from the Ilanni- bal & St. Joseph Railroad Company, incurring an indebtedness on the property.


Disposing of the Missouri property in 1870, Mr. Slater came to Kansas, and in Linn County pur- chased eighty aeres of raw prairie land. Ile brought a team with him from his former home, and at once commenced the work of ploughing and planting. As the years went by, he added to his possessions, until he now is the owner of nine hundred and eighty acres of well improved land. For some years he engaged in raising and selling stock, in which he met with success. About eight


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years ago he erected the residence and barn now adorning his place, and which are among the best in the township. In 1888 he retired from the farm, and located in Parker, where he occupied a pleasant house. In 1891 he and his wife returned to Eng- land, and spent three months with his mother and other relatives there, returning to the United States, however, with the firm conviction that this is earth's fairest land In 1893 he returned to his farm, which had been rented during his five years' absence and had in consequence deteriorated.


To bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Slater, one child, a daughter, Mary, was born. She is the wife of Cullam Burnett, and resides in Linn County; she is the mother of five children: Artemissa, Sarah F., Harrison, John S. and Mary E. In his political belief, Mr. Slater was formerly a Repub- lican, and is now an adherent of Populist princi- ples. While he is actively interested in public matters, he has never consented to hold oflice, pre- ferring the quiet pleasures of domestic life. In England he and his wife were members of the Bap- tist Church; he is not identified with any denom- ination in this country, but is a believer in the principles of the Christian religion.


C


W ALTER LATIMER, Cashier of the Bank of Garnett, located in this city in 1882. The bank, which was established a year later with a paid-up capital of $50,000, now has a surplus of 86,000 .. Our subject was born in Faribault County, Minn., April 24, 1859, and is the son of James S. and Sarah A. (Beard) Latimer, natives, respectively, of Abingdon, Ill., and Nash- ville, Tenn.


Grandfather Alexander Latimer was one of the first settlers of Knox County, Ill., where he owned the Cedar Farm, and was extensively engaged in breeding Short-horn cattle and road horses. He


was very successful in this branch of agriculture, and also owned one thousand acres of land. He was very prominent in all matters pertaining to his section of the country, and was a Director in the bank at Abingdon. He died February 17, 1893. He was a Republican in politics, and for many years served as Township Supervisor.


The parental family of our subject included five children: Ida, now Mrs. W. B. Dunlap, of Knox County, Ill .; William A., Cashier of the First Na- tional Bank of IIannibal, Mo .; Orian, who holds a like position in the First National Bank of Abing- don, Ill .; and Washington D., who is associated with the law firm of Cratty Brothers, of Chicago.


The early life of our subject was passed on his father's farm, and he was a lad of eight years when his father returned to Knox County. Walter com- pleted his education in Hedding College, at Abing- don, Ill., and when eighteen years of age, desiring to see something of the western country, he took a trip through the states and territories. Returning to Illinois, he engaged in the stock business under the name of J. S. Latimer & Son; and during the few years of its existence, the firm shipped nearly one thousand head of cattle out west. Upon aban- doning the stock business in Illinois, Mr. Latimer came to Kansas and purchased a ranch which con- tained nine hundred and sixty acres, and began breeding Short-horn cattle. lle still has an inter- est in that farm, but on the establishment of the Bank of Garnett he became its Vice-President. Hle did not, however, give up the supervision of his stock farm until 1888, when he became Assistant Cashier of the bank. Two years later he sold his interest in the business, and going to Galveston, Tex., there spent a twelvemonth. Returning at the expiration of that time, he purchased the inter- est of J. A. Gilmore in the bank, of which he was elected Cashier.


June 13, 1882, Mr. Latimer and Miss Jessie E. Brook were united in marriage. Mrs. Latimer departed this life December 25, 1886, leaving one child, a son, Jesse Lloyd. August 1, 1889, our subject was married to Miss Emma L., daughter of Capt. M. A. Mitchell, of Greeley.


In his political affiliations Mr. Latimer is a stanch Republican, and, although he has often


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been solicited to do so, has never accepted public office, preferring to devote his attention exclu- sively to private affairs. He is a working member of the United Presbyterian Church and is deeply interested in the success of the Young Men's Chris- tian Association of Garnett.


C LARENCE J. TRIGG, editor of the Linn County Clarion, and formerly Postmaster at Mound City, is the son of William A. Trigg, the prominent editor of the Garnett Eagle. The mother of our subject was known as Miss Mary E. Ware prior to her marriage. Mr. Trigg was born on the 7th of January, 1865, in Bentonsport, Iowa, where he attended the common schools; and later he prosecuted his studies at Lane University, at Lecompton, Kan. In 1884 he came to Mound City and entered the postoffice, having been ap- pointed Deputy Postmaster. The same year, in company with his father, Mr. Trigg purchased the Clarion, of which he was local editor until 1887, and since that time he has been its editor and publisher.


The Clarion was established in 1876 by John C. Cannon, T. B. Van Buskirk and Dr. S. M. Brice, the latter of whom was editor. A few years later Doctor Brice purchased the interest of Mr. Cannon, and in 1879 R. B. Bryan became proprietor of the entire plant. In 1882, however, he sold out to Iloward T. Smith and Hugh B. Campbell, who published the paper until 1884, when Mr. Trigg took charge of affairs. The sheet is Republican in politics and has the largest circulation of any paper in Linn County.


November 15, 1887, Clarence J. Trigg and Miss Laura E., daughter of James Potter, were united in marriage. The lady was born in May, 1865, in Jasper County, lowa. By her union with our sub-


ject she has become the mother of two children, Otto Blaine and Gladys A.


Mr. Trigg is an exemplary Christian. He and his wife are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He takes an active part in church work, is Secretary of the Quarterly Confer- ence, and holds a similar position on the Board of Trustees. Mrs. Trigg, who is an active worker in the Sunday-school, is also Treasurer of the Ladies' Aid Society, and has been the means of winning many persons to a higher life.


March 1, 1890, our subject was appointed Post- master at Mound City, and is perhaps the youngest man in the United States that ever held that posi- tion. In politics he is a strong Republican, and he is deeply interested in all matters pertaining to local and national welfare. Socially he a Master Mason, and has been the Junior Warden of his lodge.


D. BRALEY, who makes his home on section 2, Crawford Township, Crawford County, where he owns a large farm, is a native of the Empire State. His birth occurred in Orleans County, where he grew to manhood and received such educational advantages as were afforded by the common schools. lle is one of a family of ten children, of whom ouly five are now living: W. S., a resident of Livingston County, Mich .; John, who is an extensive farmer and lives near our subject; Cynthia C., wife of William C. Packard, of Macedon Centre, Wayne County, N. Y .; Byron B., who lives on the old homestead in Orleans County, N. Y .; and J. D., of this sketch. The parents, Nathaniel Braley and his wife, werc natives of Massachusetts and New York respect- ively. The paternal grandfather was an old sea captain and was held a prisoner in England for a


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time during the Revolution. Ile died in the Em- pire State.


When J. D. Braley and his brother came to Kan- sas in the fall of 1867 they brought a large flock of sheep. They engaged in sheep-growing for several years and then dissolved partnership, but our subject continued in this line of business until 1884, when he sold out. Ile is now practically living a retired life. Ilis business carcer has been a very successful and prosperous one, and by his well directed efforts he has achieved a handsome competence. He now owns six houses and lots in Pittsburgh, Kan., and over one thousand acres of valuable land, the greater part of which has been improved under his special management.




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