USA > Kansas > Wyandotte County > Kansas City > Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. Historical and biographical. Comprising a condensed history of the state, a careful history of Wyandotte County, and a comprehensive history of the growth of the cities, towns and villages > Part 51
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I. B. Blackburn. As the spirit of progress grows more and more pronounced, every day sees new avenues of trade open up in the com- mercial world, and each of these avenues is crowded with men and women eager to secure lucrative positions. But while some occupations are newer, there is scarcely one that gives a broader field for labor than that of the builder. Houses must be planned and built that the in- crease in population may have comfortable and beautiful homes, and as a city grows there is a great demand for the experienced contractor and builder, who, well understanding the details of his calling, gives
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satisfaction to his patrons. Among this class of men we are pleased to mention the name of I. B. Blackburn, who, having achieved great success in this his chosen vocation, takes a very high rank among those of his class. Mr. Blackburn was born in North Carolina in 1862, and continued to make that State his home until he had reached his ninth year, moving at that date to Saline County, Mo., where he grew to manhood. His education was received at Jefferson City, Mo .; making creditable progress in his studies he graduated with honors. Mr. Blackburn came to Kansas City in 1886, since that time has been constantly engaged in the erection of public buildings and private residences. Mr. Blackburn is also constantly engaged in a general grading business, and many of our streets owe their beauty and utility to his handiwork. Knowing that single blessedness could not last forever, Mr. Blackburn was married, July 10, 1890, to Miss Mamie Balance, daughter of B. F. Balance, a prominent citizen of Wyandotte County, and a native of the old Blue-Grass State. In politics Mr. Blackburn is an uncompromising Republican of the stal- wart type. He was appointed, in 1889, a deputy constable under G. B. Anderson in Judge Bradley's court. He also takes a prominent part in societies, being a member of Lodge No. 1, S. of P., in this city. Being a wide awake and enterprising man, and making his home in a thrifty and growing city, it is small wonder that the sub- ject of this sketch has prospered in life. We bespeak for him a brilliant future, and only wish that there were many more with his disposition to forge ahead.
John W. Blankenship, farmer and stock-raiser, White Church, Kas. Early trained to the duties of farm life, it was but natural, perhaps, that when it became necessary for him to select some occupation through life, that Mr. Blankenship should choose the calling to which he had been reared, a calling that has for ages furnished sustenance to the ready worker. His birth occurred January 1, 1861, in London, Ky., and he is the son of Joshua and Rebecca E. (Johnson) Blankenship, the father a native of Chesterfield County, Va., born June 15, 1837. The latter moved with his parents from Kentucky to Virginia in 1839, and thence to Wyandotte County, Ark., when but six years of age. He was married in this State to Miss Johnson, who bore him the following children: John W., Frank L., Emily C. (wife of J. W. Daniel), Sarah M. (wife of James P. Coleman), George W., Addie H., Louis (de- ceased), Ella (deceased), Daniel R. and Ella May. John W. Blanken- ship received but a limited education, and began farming for himself at
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an early age. At present he and his brothers are engaged in the dairy business in connection with farming. On December 10, 1885, he was married to Miss Lizzie Woodward, daughter of J. G. Woodward of this county, and one child is the fruit of this uniou, Martin Elmer. Mr. Blankenship purchased eighty acres of land in 1889, and a considerable portion of this is under cultivation. He affiliates with the Republican party, and has held a number of minor offices in his township, and he and Mrs. Blankenship are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Delaware Township. Socially he is a member of the Dela- ware Lodge No. 96, A. F. & A. M. at White Church.
Jacob Bloedel, is a dealer in harness, saddles, horse clothing, robes and whips, and although he first began business in Kansas City, Kas., in June, 1879, he has conducted business at No. 420 Minnesota Avenue since June, 1886. He was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, De- cember 26, 1841, being a son of Henry and Mary Ann (Stephan) Bloedel, whose marriage occurred in 1837, Miss Stephan being his second wife. By his first wife he had two sons: Henry and John, both of whom came to America, the former in 1848 and the latter with his parents in 1854. Henry now resides in Fond du Lac, Wis., and John in Carver, Minn. Mr. Bloedel's second union resulted in the birth of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second. Their names in the order of their births are as follows: Frederick, Ja- cob, Adam, Angust, Catherine, Helena, and a daughter that died in infancy, unnamed. August and Helena are also dead, the latter dying in Germany when about a year and a half old, and the former in Chi- cago, Ill., at the age of twenty-six years. All the children were born in Germany. After deciding to come to America, the family embarked at Havre de Grace on the sailing vessel "Zurich," May 30, 1854, and after a pleasant voyage of one month, landed at New York City, and after a rest of five or six days, went to Buffalo, N. Y., where they spent thirty or forty days visiting relatives. They then came on west to Mil- waukee, Wis., where the father spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in October, 1877, his widow still being a resident of that city. The former was a blacksmith by trade, and for a period of twenty years conducted a shop in Milwaukee. He was a member of the Ger- man Lutheran Church, and his surviving widow, who is now in the eighty-third year of her age, is a member of the same. Their son Frederic lives in Oconomowoc, Wis., Jacob in Kansas City, Kas., and Adam and Catherine in Milwaukee, the latter residing with her mother. The subject of this sketch attended school in his native land until he
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was thirteen years of age, and after coming to America with his parents, he attended both the German and English schools of Milwaukee for about three years, after which he began learning the trade of harness- maker, serving an apprenticeship of two years under Michael Mueller. After working as a journeyman in Milwaukee for nine months, he went to Sheboygan Falls, Wis., continuing his work as a journeyman for one year, after which he went to Port Washington of the same State, and engaged in the harness business for himself. After remaining there for nearly two years, he, in 1863, went to Chicago, Ill., working as a journeyman for a year and a half, then returning to Wisconsin. For the following six months he worked at his trade in Portage City, then spent a year and a half at Fond du Lac, and nine months at Friendship. In the spring of 1867 he came to Missouri, opening a harness shop at New Frankfort, and after remaining there for over fourteen years, he, in November, 1877, came to Kansas City, Kas., where he has conducted a first-class harness shop and resided ever since, he being now the pio- neer harness dealer of the city. His first shop was opened at No. 447 Minnesota Avenue, but in June, 1879, he removed to No. 418 Minnesota Avenue, and since June, 1886, has been located at his present stand. His present establishment, which is 20x80 feet, is teeming with all kinds of goods kept in a first-class harness store, and as he is a courteous and accommodating gentleman, he has a very large patronage. He was married, July 16, 1870, to Miss Jennie Slyster, a native of Holland, born in January, 1852, a daughter of Jacob Philip Slyster. She came to America with her parents, and here her marriage occurred. Her union with Mr. Bloedel has resulted in the birth of the following fam- ily: Allida Anna (born May 11, 1871, and died August 1, 1871), Jo- hanna Katharina (born June 13, 1872, and died November 25, 1875), Heinrich Jacob (born January 16, 1873, and died November 27, 1875), Alida Anna (born March 23, 1875, and died October 1, 1875), Herman Frederick (born November 25, 1876), Christina Katharina (born No- vember 4, 1878, and died December 1, 1886), Elnora Jennie (born September 8, 1880, and died August 2, 1881), Wilhelmina Francisca (born August 12, 1882, and died August 4, 1883), August Bernhard (born July 14, 1884), Elizabeth Jennie (born August 18, 1886, and died June 7, 1887), and Ida Hannah (born November 27, 1887, and died June 13, 1889). While a resident of New Frankfort, Mo., Mr. Bloedel served as treasurer of the school board for two years. He has always been an upright and honorable gentleman, and owing to his many admirable qualities he has a large circle of warm friends. He
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and his wife are among the city's best citizens, and are very highly respected by all who know them. Besides being a skillful workman and the thorough master of his trade, he has invented and received patents upon several very useful articles for harness, among which may be mentioned the Perfection Draft Attachment, upon which he re- ceived a patent July 1, 1884, and a patent hame attachment, the patent being received June 30, 1885, and a patent holdback, for which he re- ceived his patent December 4, 1888.
John Blomquist is a member of the tailoring establishment of Blomquist Bros., of Kansas City, Kas., but was born in Sweden in 1849. Prior to coming to America he had learned his trade, but was not at all familiar with the English language, and after reaching this country, in his eighteenth year, he located first in Geneva, Ill., where he remained two years. He then started out in business for himself in Oregon, Ill., secured an excellent line of goods, and soon built up a paying business, but becoming dissatisfied he sold out, and after about four months spent in California he returned east as far as Kansas, and opened up an establishment in Kansas City and now has a very large and select stock of gents' furnishing goods. He keeps from ten to fifteen journeymen at work all the time, and his establish- ment is second to none in this section of the State. He shows much skill, taste and experience as a tailor, and the proof of the pos- session of the qualities is the success which has followed the enter- prise. He had nothing at the outset to depend upon but the capital with which Nature had endowed him, but by a judicious use and development of these he is now doing a prosperous business. He is a Republican in his political views, and is yet unmarried. His parents were born in Sweden, and in that country the father died, but the mother is still living and makes her home with the subject of this sketch. His brother Charles is associated with him in business, and their stock of goods is valued at $10,000. John Blomquist is a stock- holder and director in the First National Bank, and is vice-president and second vice-president in one of the city banks. His house is a popular one and he, himself, is highly respected and esteemed as a thoroughly reliable man of business and a public-spirited citizen.
E. F. Blum, deputy register of deeds of Wyandotte County, owes his nativity to Illinois, and came to Wyandotte County, Kas., in 1857. Here he was reared and received his education in the common schools. At the age of fourteen years he embarked in the mercantile business and continued this until 1872, when he entered the employment of the
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Union Pacific Railroad, with which he remained ten years, in a clerical ca- pacity. After this he returned to the mercantile business for himself, and carried this on till 1887, when he was appointed chief deputy recorder of deeds. This position he has carried on ever since, has charge of all the office work, and is a most competent man for that position. He is a very popular man and a probable candidate for office. He has been a resident of Wyandotte County, or rather this city, for thirty- three years on August 14, 1890, and the confidence which the people have in him is therefore intelligently placed, for they have had every opportunity to judge of his character and qualifications. He is a son of Frederick and Henrietta (Jungk) Blum, both natives of Germany, the father of Bavaria and the mother of Saxony. Of the seven chil- dren born to the above union, all are now alive and five are residing here. The father died in September, 1866, of blood-poisoning, and the mother died in September, 1879, of sunstroke, aged forty-eight and fifty-five years respectively. They were members of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Blum is a member of the I. O. O. F., the A. F. & A. M. and the K. of P. In politics he is a Democrat. He was married to Miss Ida M. Young, in Middletown, Ill., and to them were born two children: Edward Young and T. S. Mr. Blum is a most complete record-keeper, and will in all probability, fill that posi- tion for many years longer.
August Boeke is a native German, and in 1858 became a settler of Wyandotte County, Kas. At that time he was almost penniless, but he succeeded in obtaining employment in the saw-mill belonging to Wood & Betton, remaining with them until 1860, when he and Gus Rieke began the manufacture of shingles, a calling which they followed until the spring of 1861, when he abandoned this business to engage in farming on rented land. He succeeded so well that in 1863, in company with his brother, Henry, he purchased 160 acres of land in Section 19, which they cleared and farmed successfully until 1887, when they sold 102 acres, retaining fifty-eight acres. This land is now known as the West End Addition. At the time they purchased it from George Big Knife, an Indian, they paid him $6 per acre, and when they sold it they received $500 for it. After selling out, August Boeke purchased his present handsome residence, and the view from the same is very extended and beautiful. During his early life here he came in constant contact with the Indians, they being theowners of all the land in this section, and as he was compelled to suffer many privations and hardships, he fully deserves the easy life which the future promises.
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Mr. Boeke is a kind and accommodating neighbor, and commands the hearty liking and respect of all who know him, for he is upright in all his dealings, is enterprising in his views, and is thoroughly public spirited. He was born in Leippe Detmoldt, Germany, September 15, 1836, and is the fifth of eight children born to Mina and J. C. Boeke, and from the time he was old enough to work until he attained the age of nineteen years, his time was devoted to assisting his father on the farm. He then crossed the Atlantic Ocean with his sisters, Charlotte and Mina, and with them went to Jacksonville, Ill., but at the end of two years removed to Kansas City, Mo. In 1861 Mina was married to Anton Shirline, of Kansas City, Mo., and Charlotte wedded An- drew Geiger, and is living in Wyandotte County. In 1875 Mr. Boeke was married to Henrietta Jasper, a native of Germany, her birth oc- curring there in 1852, and to them three children have been born: Mary, Anna and Augusta. The family are members of the German Lutheran Church, and in his political views he is a stanch Republican.
August W. Boeke was born in Kansas City, Mo., September 16, 1860, but his parents, Henry and Henrietta (Walker) Boeke, were born in Germany, were married in Kansas City, Mo., in 1859, and of a family of five children born to them, four are now living, of whom August W. is the eldest. Both parents are living and are residents of Wyandotte County, to which place they came when August was quite small and now, as then, are residing near Argentine. August W. Boeke was given fair advantages for acquiring an education, and these advantages he improved to the utmost, and at the age of seventeen years he gradu- ated from Spalding's Commercial College of Kansas City, Mo., and the following year from the high school of the same place, and at the age of eighteen years took a position as an assistant engineer in Kan- sas City, Kas., continuing in this capacity two years. His technical education was obtained from a private tutor. In 1883 he was ap- pointed deputy surveyor of Wyandotte County, but at the end of four years he was appointed city engineer, being reappointed in 1889, and is now discharging his duties faithfully and efficiently and in a man- ner highly commendable. He has shown his approval of secret organ- izations by becoming a member of the K. of P. He is also a member of the Engineers' Club of Kansas City, and politically, has always sup- ported the principles of the Republican party. His marriage, which occurred on May 1, 1889, was to Miss Nellie Burgoyne, of Kansas City, Kas., and their union has resulted in the birth of a daughter, Henrietta. Charles Bohl, ex-councilman of the Second Ward, Kansas City, Kas.
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Mr. Bohl was elected first to the above position in 1884, to fill a va- cancy during Gen. Cornell's administration, serving up to the election of Mr. Martin in 1885. After the consolidation of the cities he was elected again at the general election, he being one of the consolidated cities' members. He was made chairman of some of the most important committees and did valiant and substantial service for the new city. During that time they granted the franchise of the Metropolitan Street Railroad. He championed the 'people's side and was assisted by ex-Mayor Hammon. The prime object was, the charge, ten cents fare from Kansas City, Mo., to this city, also the right of way over all bridges, which he refused, compelling them to build one of their own. He deserves the credit that is given him. The North-Western Railroad, Chelsea Park Street Railroad, also Armourdale Branch of same, also Riverview Branch of Elevated Road, and he got five bridges in the north end, costing over $50,000, also the grading and paving of Third Street to Seventh Street, Thirteenth Street was graded, north Fifth Street and Sixth Oakland Avenue were graded and paved, also numerous other improvements made. Tenth Street was opened, and during his term the general improvements made footed up to over $1,250,000. Mr. Bohl has ever taken an active in- terest in all that was of benefit to his city or to the county. He was born on December 17, 1838, in Germany, and is the youngest of four children born to George Bohl, who was a native of Germany. The latter was a cabinet-maker by trade, and died in 1847, throwing his son Charles on his own resources at an early age. The latter remained in his native country until 1866, caring for his mother, who died in 1885, and then came to the United States. He located in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1868, remained there eleven years following the trade of cabinet-maker, and moved to this city in August, 1878, where he has made his home since. He came here with very little means, but by saving and hard work he has accumulated considerable means. He was foreman in Armour's Packing House for ten years. In 1862 he was married to Miss Mary Tippert, who bore him two children: Charley, and Mary (who is the wife of Chris Biler). Mrs. Bohl died on December 26, 1868, and in 1870 Mr. Bohl married his present wife, Miss Louisa Buckhorn, daughter of Chris Buckhorn. She was born in Marion County, Ind., in 1849, and they have one child-Louisa. Mr. Bohl is a Republican in his political principles, following the belief of Oliver P. Morton, the war governor of Indiana, and upon his ticket he was elected to his present office. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., No.
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68, of which he is past chief patriarch of the encampment, and is also of the Germania No. 41, K. of P., organizing the above in 1881, and was its first chancellor commander, is an ancient member of the Druids and the I. O. of R. M. Himself and family are members of the German Lutheran Church.
Rev. G. C. Booth, D. D. (colored), a leading educator and one of the prominent divines of Kansas, owes his nativity to Connecticut, his birth occurring in Farmington on March 5, 1842. He received his pri- mary education in the home schools, graduated and fitted himself for college in the State Normal, and in 1877 finished a theological course at Yale. He worked on a farm for some time, when a young man, then taught school, and in 1864 went to St. Louis, where he organized the first colored school, and where he remained two years. From there he went to Quincy, Ill., was connected with the schools at that place for two years, and then taught in different places, proving himself an in- structor of great ability. In 1886 he came to Kansas City, Kas., to as- sume control of the Western University (colored), and has labored most persistently for the past four years to secure a perfect title to the tract of land at Quindaro, and to bring about such a condition of things as will make the establishment of a University for the education of the colored youth at this point a possibility. This he has done quietly and with- out any flourishing of trumpets. In fact but few people have known that any thing of the kind was being done. He has never taken a cent of money from any one to help in the prosecution of his purposes, and although many times the way has been dark, he has persevered till success has rewarded him and his people. By precept and example Mr. Booth has taught them that the best help that any person or proj- ject can receive is self help, and the university that will be built will be conducted on that principle. He is a highly cultured gentleman and an orator of considerable ability. His course in regard to the management of the Western University, and as a citizen of this city for the past four years, shows him to be a man who is entitled to the respect and confidence of the people. His ideas concerning the development of his race are certainly correct, and every good citizen will extend him a helping hand whenever there is an opportunity to do so. Mr. Booth joined the Congregational Church when a young man, but afterward, in 1863, he joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church at St. Louis. Since then he has ministered to the spiritual wants of his fellow-men in different cities, and has met with very satis- factory results. He has had charge of churches at Quincy (Ill.), Chi-
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cago, Detroit, New Haven (Conn.), Springfield (Ill.), Providence (R. I.), and at this place. He is a son of Alfred and Sophia Booth, natives of New England. There the father died when our subject was nine years of age, but the mother is still living, is seventy years of age and has been a member of the Baptist Church for fifty years. On April 15, 1865, Rev. Booth was married to Miss Edith Brown, daughter of Henry and Sarah I. Brown. She died in Springfield, III., and left three children: Alice, Edward and Charles. In 1878 Mr. Booth took for his second wife Miss Penelope MeGlinn, one of the first graduates of New Haven High School, and the first colored lady to teach in the . schools of New England. This union resulted in the birth of two chil- dren: Grace and Ellen.
Bowman Bros., grocerymen, Argentine, Kas. Among the leading grocery establishments of Argentine is that of Bowman Bros., which for the extent of its trade, the variety of its stock and the superiority of its goods, is entitled to more than ordinary prominence and recog- nition. This house was opened at Argentine in May, 1885, and though numbered among the more recent of the establishments of this city, it has, nevertheless, pushed itself into public notice, and already enjoys a favorable notoriety. The senior member of the firm, Charles E. Bow- man, was born in Utica, Oneida County, N. Y., December 23, 1846, and is the son of John A. and Ann (Owens) Bowman, natives of the Empire State. The parents emigrated to Joliet, Will County, Ill., in 1855, and there remained until 1884, when they removed to Argen- tine, Kas. There they reside at the present time. The father has been a railroad man the most of his life. Their family consisted of five children, four now living: Ella E. (wife of James S. Matthews), Ida L. (wife of Charles M. Northup) and John F. (of the firm Bow- man Bros.). Charles E. Bowman attained his growth and received his education in Joliet, Will County, III. (where the other children were also educated), and later entered the employ of the United States Ex- press office at Joliet. There he remained two years. In 1870 he went to St. Joseph, La., and was there postmaster for four years, at the same time keeping books for a mercantile firm. Later he was employed in the Custom House at New Orleans for one year, was deputy sheriff for one year, and deputy tax collector for the same length of time, spending about fourteen years in the South. He also spent one year at Alton, III., where he was in the employ of the United States Express Company. In March, 1885, he came to Argentine, Kas., and here he has since been in business. He has been a member of the city
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