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 52
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council and is the present city treasurer. He is also agent for the Pacific Express. He was united in marriage in 1881 to Miss Emma B. Richardson, a native of Illinois, who bore him two children: Clara E. and John R. Mr. Bowman is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Ben Hur Lodge No. 322, of which he is secretary, and is one of the enterprising and progressive men of Argentine. John F. Bowman was married in 1887 to Miss Kittie Scharff, a native of Logansport, Ind., and they have one child-Neatie M. Mr. Bowman is also a member of the same lodge in Masonry as his brother, Charles E., and both brothers are members of the Eastern Star Lodge. John F. came to Argentine in 1885, from Joliet, Ill., where he was engaged in mer- chandising for two years, and he also filled the position of deputy county treasurer of Will County for two years. He has been a mem- ber of the Argentine City Council for one term.
Dr. Alvin Boyce, physician, Argentine, Kas. This young, but very successful, medical practitioner was born in Weathersfield, Vt., on June 1, 1860, and comes of an old and representative family. He was reared in a small village in his native State, and attended the public schools until fifteen years of age, after which he went to Winchendon, Mass. There he studied medicine until twenty-four years of age, and in 1884 went to Chicago, where he took his first course of lectures, graduating in 1888. He first began practicing at Elwood, Neb., but remained there only about fifteen months, and in 1888 came to Argen- tine, Kas., where he has since been in active practice. He is a mem- ber of the Kansas State Medical Society, and of the Homoeopathic Medical Society, of the State of Kansas, and is physician for four of the following societies: I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W., Iron Hall, Equita- ble Aid Union, and Modern Woodmen. He is a leading member of the Baptist Church, and has been superintendent of the Sabbath- school for about two years. He was married in May, 1889, to Miss Eva Kendrick, of Vermont, and is the father of one child-Ariel K. Mrs. Boyce is also a member of the Baptist Church. The Doctor has taken a great interest in building up his church, and in the promo- tion of the Sabbath-school, besides being identified with other leading organizations, in which his name figures quite prominently. He gradu- ated at Hahnemann Medical College. The Doctor is cut out for his chosen profession, which has been amply shown by his flattering suc- cess since residing in this city. His parents, William B. and Helen D. (Damon) Boyce, were natives of New Hampshire and Vermont, be- ing of English and Welsh descent, and now live in Massachusetts.
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WYANDOTTE COUNTY.
Patrick Bradish, a resident of Section 1, Wyandotte Township, Wyandotte County, Kas., is both a practical farmer and a horticultur- ist. He was born in the old city of Limerick, Ireland, in 1812, and was the fourth of a family of nine children, three daughters deceased ere Mr. Bradish was born, and following his birth were Stephen (de- ceased), Thomas (deceased), John (residing in Kansas City, Kas., en- gaged in railroading in the Union Pacific shops), Michael (is a farmer, residing in Wyandotte County), and Lawrence (who resides in Colorado, employed with the Santa Fe Railroad, and is the youngest in the family). The parents were natives of the Emerald Isle, and are now deceased. Patrick Bradish received his early education in the old subscription schools, and he is a stanch friend of all good educational institutions. He commenced life for himself when about twenty-eight years of age, without a dollar, but with a pair of strong and willing arms and a deter- mination to succeed. He was married in the spring of 1840 to Miss Bridget McTierney, a native, also, of Ireland, and eight children blessed this union: John (died at the age of eight years), Bridget (died at the age of eight years), Michael (is a farmer and horticulturist in Wyan- dotte County), Thomas (died at the age of three years), John (died at the age of two years), Stephen (resides at home with his parents, and is a well-educated young gentlemen; he follows the occupation of a farmer and horticulturist, and expects to make that his future avocation), and Thomas (who resides at home, and who, also, is well educated; he is also a farmer and gardener, and the youngest in the family). Mr. Bradish has always supported the principles of true Jeffersonianism, and cast his first presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas. He has always taken an active part in politics, and is a man who supports men of honor and integrity, which idea he has instilled into the minds of his boys. Mr. and Mrs. Bradish are devout members of the Catholic Church, Kansas City, Kas., and they have ever contributed to all be- nevolent institutions which have been to them for their worthy consid- eration. This worthy couple emigrated to Wyandotte County in the summer of 1857, when the county was in its primitive condition, and at a time when Kansas City, Kas., had hardly fifty residents, and has lived to see the population grow to 38,000. Land that at that time was worth $6 per acre is now valued at from $700 to $1,000 per acre. Mr. Bradish has fifty-four acres of excellent land, on which he raises fruit and grain, and has comfortable buildings of all kinds, all the result of hard labor and honesty.
Judge I. F. Bradley is a rising young attorney of Kansas City,
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HISTORY OF KANSAS.
Kas., and as he possesses a thorough knowledge of legal lore, and is honorable and upright in all his dealings, he fully deserves the success which he is now enjoying. He was born at Hazelwood Hall, near Cambridge, Saline County, Mo., September 8, 1862, and although he received a very limited education in his youth, he was anxions to ob- tain a good education, and to this end saved his earnings and in time entered the Lincoln Institute at Jefferson City, Mo., from which he was graduated in 1885, after four years of earnest and persistent study, having taken a complete normal course. The following summer he canvassed for a book, but not liking that business, he determined to enter some profession, and with the idea that law offered an excellent field for a young man to rise in the world, he, in the fall of the year, entered the Law School at Lawrence, Kas., and was graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1887. He was admitted to practice in the courts of the State, and soon opened an office in Kansas City, and has since controlled a lucrative practice. He was the only colored man in his class at college, and held a high rank in the same, his average per cent being ninety-three and one-half. In April, 1889, he was elected to the office of justice of the peace for two years, and is now discharg- ing the duties of this responsible position, being a very popular jus- tice. He thoroughly understands the details of his profession, and bids fair to become eminent in this calling.
William Barshfeld is the head butcher of the cattle-killing depart- ment of Armour's Packing House in Kansas City, and has been a resi- dent of this place for more than ten years. He is a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and when an infant was brought to America by his parents, and was reared in St. Louis, Mo., acquiring a good com- mon-school education in that place. His father was a St. Louis butcher, and also conducted a meat-market at that place, and it may be truly said that the subject of this sketch was reared to that trade. After starting out in life for himself, he worked for the butchers of that city until 1860, at which time he went to Nashville, Ill., but con- tinued to pursue his calling there until his removal to Kansas City, Kas. For some time after reaching this place he worked for Bigger & Nofsinger, then entered the employ of P. D. Armour, and since 1879 has been one of his leading butchers, holding the position of foreman since 1884. He is very capable and expeditious, and no more fitting man for the place could be found, for he most thoroughly un- derstands every detail of the work, and puts his knowledge into prac- tice. He is a man of family, having been married in Illinois to Miss
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WYANDOTTE COUNTY.
M. A. Fervy, and as a result seven children have been born to them: George W., Henry R., Charles P., Emma, Jeanette, Mary and a son dead. Mr. Barshfeld is the owner of a comfortable and pleasant home at No. 400 Everett Street, Kansas City, Kas., and being pleased with the city and surrounding country, he expects to make this his fut- ure home. He is a patron of education, and is giving his children good educational advantages. Politically he supports Democratic principles, and socially he belongs to the K. of P. and the A. O. U. W. He was born on September 12, 1848, and is a son of George and Catherine (Seffin) Barshfeld, the former of whom died at the age of seventy five years, the latter being still alive. They have two sons and two daughters, one son and two daughters being residents of St. Louis.
Jacob M. Broadhurst, councilman of the Fourth Ward, Argen- tine, Kas. The name of Broadhurst is one of the most influential in Argentine, and is one of the most respected by this community. He was born in Clay County, Mo., on July 24, 1857, and is the third in a family of nine children, born to Alfred and Elizabeth (Fanbion) Broadhurst, natives of Tennessee. Jacob M. Broadhurst was early trained to the duties of the farm, grew to manhood in his native county, and received a common education in the country schools. He tilled the soil with fair success in Clay County until 1874, when he emigrated to Johnson County, Kas., and there he remained until 1889, when he came to Wyandotte County. He has been a resident of this State since 1874, and has followed different pursuits, teaming for some time at Armourdale, and after coming here was engaged in the grocery business for some time. In 1890 he was elected council- man of the Fourth Ward of Argentine, on the citizens' ticket, and is a Democrat in his political views. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and is liberal in his support of all enter- prises for the good of county, or any charitable or benevolent move- ment. Mr. Broadhurst was married, in 1879, to Miss Mary Hundley, a native of Leavenworth, Kas., born on May 24, 1859, and the daugh- ter of William Hundley. The fruits of this union have been four children, who are named as follows: Della, Ressie, Roy and C. Essie.
Michael L. Brophy, dealer in staple and fancy groceries, Rose- dale, Kas. "The food we eat " is a vitally important question, and one which concerns the happiness and welfare of every man, woman and child. It is but natural to suppose that the best groceries are to be found in those establishments which transact the largest business. One of the
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HISTORY OF KANSAS.
finest groceries in Rosedale is that conducted by Mr. Brophy, who keeps everything usually found in a first-class house. Mr. Brophy is an Irishman by birth and American by adoption. He was born in Queen's County, Ireland, thirty-seven years ago the 9th of last April (1890), and is the son of Mark and Ann (Coragan) Brophy, both natives of the same county as their son. His mother died there in 1863, but his father is still living and is a prosperous farmer of his native county. Michael L. Brophy secured a fair education in the schools of his native county, and when seventeen years of age left Ire- land to seek a new home in America. After reaching this country he located first in Meriden, Conn., and worked in the glass works in that place for three years. He then went to Milwaukee, Wis., remained in that State about a year, and then made up his mind to return to the old country, which he did, remaining there about two years. He again came to America, landed in New York City, where he made his home for two years, and where he was engaged in the retail liquor business. In 1879 he came West and settled in Rosedale, Kas., en- gaged in the barb wire fence business for two years, and for three years built wrought-iron fence also, and in 1885 branched into the grocery business. He has an excellent trade, and while in this house can always be found the best, it may also be stated, with equal truth, that here, too, can be bought the cheapest, a fact which has consider- ably contributed to the store's success. The second year he was in this city he was on the police force, and in 1889 he was treasurer of the city. In 1880 he was married to Miss Johanna Harrington. Mr. and Mrs. Brophy have a very interesting family, consisting of four children: The eldest, Annie M. ; next, Johanna E. and Julia; then comes the pet of the house, Mark Bernard (now in his fifth year). Mr. Brophy has been for some time past a Forester, and in his political principles is a Re- publican. He is a prominent and enterprising citizen.
Thomas Brosnan, stone contractor (Armourdale), Kansas City, Kas. It is a recognized fact that among those who have made their home in Wyandotte County, the men of foreign birth have contributed their full share to the development and prosperity of a community known as one of the best in this portion of the State. And it is also apparent that those of Irish nativity have occupied no inferior position in all matters tending to the improvement and continued progress of Wyan- dotte County. Born in County Kerry, Ireland, Thomas Brosnan ob- tained his early education in a national school on his father's farm, and while yet young was taken by his uncle, now Canon Brosnan, of
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WYANDOTTE COUNTY.
Caherceveen, County Kerry, who is also the originator of the idea of erecting a memorial church to Ireland's faithful son, the liberator, Daniel O'Connel, in his native town Caherceveen. When taking Thomas in charge, Father Brosnan was curate in Millstreet in County Cork, where he devoted a good deal of his time in educating both Thomas and his brother Jerry, the former had a natural turn for architecture, and was placed in the charge of Barry McMullin, one of the largest builders in South Ireland, where he learned architectural drawing, becoming thoroughly acquainted with all branches of the building trade. After an apprenticeship of seven years he, in June, 1873, sailed for America, taking passage at Queenstown, and landing in New York City, where he worked at his trade for nine months. He then came to Cleveland, Ohio, and worked in the city, and along the lakes for the Government on light-house work for about five years, and then started for Houston, Tex. From there he went to New Orleans, Memphis and Vicksburg, where he settled down, but during the yel- low fever epidemic he was compelled to leave, going back to Ireland again to breathe his native air. He remained at his old home for about a year, and then returned to the United States, coming directly to Kansas City, Mo., where he resided two years, engaged in contracting. In 1883 he removed to Armourdale, built his present business house, known as the Lone Elm House, also several other stores and dwellings, and has carried on business here ever since. Mr. Brosnan is a large stone contractor, owns a fine quarry, and also considerable town prop- erty. He certainly deserves credit for his enterprise, as he has ever been willing to advance the interests of his city. He attends strictly to his own business, meddles with no one in theirs, and is a first-class citizen. His brother, Patrick, is with him in the quarry business, and is also engaged in real estate. Patrick came over in 1884, and he and his brother do an extensive business. Jeremiah came with Thomas in 1873, and a sister, Minnie, crossed the ocean in 1888, and is house- keeper for these brothers, who also keep a lodging-house. Maggie came over in 1884, but returned to her home in Ireland. Elizabeth is in a convent in the Argentine Republic. The parents of Mr. Brosnan, Benjamin and Mary (Kelleher) Brosnan, are natives of Ireland, and there they still reside. They were the parents of a large family, four of whom are in the United States.
Lewis A. Brotherson was born in Denmark, April 11, 1840, being a son of Andrew J. and Anna Christina (Aagard) Brotherson, who were married about 1831, and became the parents of five children:
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HISTORY OF KANSAS.
Hans L., Bodel C., Lewis A., Andrew J. and Andy J. Bodel C. died when she was twenty years of age. Hans L. still resides in Denmark, but two of his sons came to America, and now live in Kansas City, Kas. The other members of the family also reside in Wyandotte County, Kas. Lewis A. and Andrew J., being residents of Kansas City, Andy J. being a farmer in the western part of the county. The parents of these children are both dead, the father having passed from life in 1871, and the mother in 1864. They were members of the Danish Lutheran Church, and were highly honored in the community in which they resided. The subject of this sketch spent his youth and early manhood in his native country, and between the ages of six and fifteen years he attended school, his attention being given to farm- ing from that time until he was twenty-one years of age. At the age of twenty-two years he secured the position of clerk in a general store, but at the end of three months he resigned it to enter the service, of his country, which was then at war with Prussia, this being in 1864. He served four months, participating in a number of battles, and dur- ing this time was once captured and held a prisoner three days. Up- on leaving the army he returned to the same store in which he had formerly clerked, and here he continued to work until 1867. By this time the portion of Denmark in which he resided had been transferred to Prussia, and he was called upon to take the oath of allegiance to the Prussian Government, but firmly declining to do this he was com- pelled to leave the country, which he did in April, 1867. On leaving his old home he went to Denmark proper, where he remained four years engaged in farming, after which he returned to his former home, and on April 29, 1869, was married to Miss Anna M. Browhn, starting with his wife, twelve days after their marriage, for America, embark- ing at Copenhagen on May 15, and landing at Quebec in the early part of June. They at once left that place for Jefferson City, Mo., but after a residence of two years in this city they removed to Kansas City, Mo., and a year later, or in 1872, came to Kansas City, Kas., where they have since made their home. On October 5, 1871, Mr. Brotherson entered the employ of the Armour Packing Company, and has remained with it continuously ever since, a period of nearly nine- teen years, which is proof positive of his faithfulness, and the high esteem in which he is held by his employers. Eighteen years of this time he has held the position of foreman. In the spring of 1872 he purchased two vacant lots on the corner of North Third Street and Tronp Avenne, and upon one of them, in the fall of the same year, he
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WYANDOTTE COUNTY.
built a dwelling-house, which he occupied as his home until 1889, but which he still owns. Upon the other, in 1889, he built a two-story brick business block, 24x60 feet, at a cost of $3,200, and since it has been completed has occupied the upper portion of it as a dwelling, the lower floor, since November, 1889, being devoted to groceries, of which his son, Andrew C., has charge, the room for four months after its completion being used as a drug store. Mr. Brotherson's marriage has resulted in the birth of five children: Andrew C., Mary (deceased), Matilda, Milford P. (who died in infancy), and Milford P. (named for the former). Mr. and Mrs. Brotherson are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, and the former belongs to the A. O. U. W. and K. of P.
Wilber J. Brouse, druggist, Armourdale, Kas. This prominent druggist of Armourdale was born in Pottawatomie County, Kas., on June 1, 1856, and comes of German ancestors, dating back to the great-grandfather, who emigrated to the United States at an early date and settled in Pennsylvania. The father of our subject, J. H. Brouse, was a native of the Keystone State, and was a successful agri- culturist. He emigrated to Ohio, thence to Chicago, Ill., and in 1855 to Manhattan, Kas., where he became the owner of a fine tract of land on which he now resides. He was married to Miss Josephine Arnold, a native of Ohio, and by this union became the father of six children, Wilber J., being third in order of birth. The children are named as follows: Harry A., Alfred H. subject, Frank D., Florence J. and L. P. Wilber J. Brouse was reared in Manhattan, Kas., and received a thorough education in Kansas State Agricultural College. After leaving school he was engaged in Government geological pur- suits in scientific resources under the direction of Prof. E. D. Cope, of Philadelphia, and in this he was engaged for about six years, travel- ing in different parts of the United States. He then was employed as a drug clerk in Wyandotte, Kas., and was there about two years. In 1884 he embarked in the drug business for himself at Armourdale, where he still carries on business. He has been very successful, and is one of the most popular and reliable druggists in the city. He car- ries everything in the drug line, and one has but to visit his place to see his prosperity. He was married in 1887 to Miss Carrie E. Enochs, and two children are the fruits of this union: Maude and Mildred. Mr. Brouse is a member of the K. of P., also the A. O. U. W. He has been city clerk of Armourdale, and a member of the Board of Ed- ucation, of Kansas City.
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William T. Brown has been a resident of Wyandotte County Kas., since May, 1879, and his example of earnest and sincere endeavor to succeed in life is well worthy the imitation of the rising generation. He is one of the successful grocers of this section, and his establish- ment is admirably conducted. He was born in Pike County, Ill., Decem- ber 28, 1838, to William and Sarah (Quinby) Brown, the former of whom was born in England, and the latter in Ohio. William Brown came to America in early manhood, and was married in the Buckeye State, in 1818, shortly after which he removed to the State of Illinois, and after a brief residence in Morgan County, settled in Pike County, where he entered some Government land, and farmed for more than half a century. He was thoroughly honorable and upright, and had the respect of the entire community in which he lived. Of nine chil- dren born to himself and wife, the subject of this sketch was the eighth, and five are now living: Henry R., Mary A., Archibald Quinby, Lucinda, Patience, Collins B., Jacob B., William T. and Sarah J., of whom Henry, Archibald, Jacob, William and Sarah are living. The parents of these children died in the same house in Griggsville, Pike County, Ill., the former in 1879, and the latter in 1881. The subject of this sketch attained manhood in his native county, and by turns labored on the farm and attended school until twenty years of age, or in 1859, when he came to Kansas and entered at the Fort Scott land office, eighty acres of land in Lynn County, which he proved up and sold at the end of a year for double the sum he had paid for it. He then returned to his old home in Illinois, and in the town of New Salem he secured the position of clerk in a grocery store owned by J. C. Curtis, and in this he remained until May, 1861, when on the twenty-first of that month he entered the Union army in Company K, Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for three years. He entered as a private, but on July 3, 1861, he was promoted to sergeant, and in that capacity served until the ex- piration of his term of service, participating in the battles of Shiloh, Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga and Resaca, in all of which he dis- charged his duty in a manner becoming a loyal soldier. He accom- panied Sherman on his march to the sea as far as Rome, Ga., by which time his term of enlistment had expired, and he was sent back to Chattanooga, where he was honorably discharged June 12, 1864. He then returned to Pike County, Ill., and spent a short time with his parents, but in the fall of 1864, went to Alton, Ill., where for about six months he acted as a prison guard in the State Penitentiary
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at that place. Returning to Pike County, he secured a position as clerk in a dry goods store belonging J. D. Philbrick at Griggsville, but at the end of six months returned to Alton, where he was em- ployed in a foundry and machine shop until 1869. During this time he was married, May 21, 1867, to Miss Sarah F. Merrill, who was born in New York City, July 16, 1844, a daughter of John and Lucy (Kellogg) Merrill. In 1869 Mr. Brown removed from Alton, III., to Springfield, Mo., where he made his home for ten years, the first four years being employed in the Springfield Iron Works. There was manufactured by this establishment the grain thresher known as the "Star of the West," which Mr. Brown and is brother Collins, had patented in 1867. In 1872 he turned his attention to the grocery business, becoming the partner of Peter Imler, but the firm of Brown & Imler, lasted only one year, Mr. Brown then becoming sole pro- prietor. He continued that business in Springfield until May, 1879, when he removed his family and stock of goods to Kansas City, Kas., and established a grocery on North James Street, but September 12, 1887, he removed to No. 415 La Fayette Avenue, in Edgerton Place, where he had erected a good business building, 24x50 feet, in August, 1887, and here has conducted a first-class establishment ever since. He still owns the property on North James Street, and a two story brick building 24x50 feet, at No. 300, which he erected in 1883. Be- sides this he has an excellent frame residence at No. 2072 North Fifth Street, which he had erected in the spring of 1887. His marriage has resulted in the birth of four children: Charles E. (born Novem- ber 23, 1868), Fred W. (born November 21, 1870), Martha H. (born September 23, 1873), and Harry W. (born May 11, 1875). Mr. and Mrs. Brown are worthy members of the Baptist Church, and also be- long to the Equitable Aid Union of America, Mr. Brown being a member of the G. A. R. He has been a life-long Republican, and the first year after the towns of Wyandotte, Armourdale and Kansas City, Kas., were consolidated, he was a member of the city council. He is an agreeable and social gentleman, and he and his family are among the very best citizens of the place.
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