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 73
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and upon attaining a suitable age he opened a mercantile establish- ment in Adrian, Mich., which he conducted in a highly satisfactory manner for ten years. He was married in this State, in 1858, to Miss Julia A. Stowers, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., and to them a family of two children have been born: Fred W. (aged seventeen years), and Clara L. (aged sixteen). On coming to this State Mr. Miller first settled in Leavenworth, and during a residence of ten years there, was employed in heating buildings by steam, but was then appointed to the position of superintendent of the Blind Asylum of Wyandotte County, he being the third man to hold that responsible position. He was fourteen years in office, was under three different boards of trust- ees, and during all this time his management was never found fault with or criticised. He did all his own work and then resigned the position because the salary had been reduced. He has been quite an extensive dealer of real estate since he located here, and is the owner of a large ranch near the city. He platted the first addition to Kansas City in the eighties, was J. O. Stout & Co.'s first, second and third additions, and is interested in other property. Kansas City was a small town when he came here, and at that time there was not a railroad in operation in the State, but he began to purchase land, and is now the owner of between 4,000 and 5,000 acres, on which he is extensively engaged in raising horses, cattle and hogs. His residence in the town is handsome and commodious, admirably fitted up with all modern conveniences and heated by steam. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are highly honored residents of Kansas City. Mr. Miller inherits German blood of his father, who was a native of Canada, born in 1803. The latter removed to the States in his young days and settled in the State of New York, about 1810 or 1812, and was there married to Miss Lydia Dorsey, who was born near Baltimore, Md., in 1797, her father, who was of Irish descent, being an extensive slave holder. The mother died in 1886. lacking a few days of being ninety years of age. She was vigorous mentally and physically until a short time before her death, and of a family of sixteen children of which she was a member, none died prior to seventy years of age. The Second and Fifth Methodist Episcopal Conferences in Wayne County, N. Y., were held in Daniel Dorsey's (the grandfather's) granary, by Bishop Asbury, and the family have in their possession a tablecloth on which the communion was given, and also a watch given Mr. Miller's mother by that emi- nent divine.
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HISTORY OF KANSAS.
George Miller, one of the representative citizens of Kansas City, Kas , and the owner of considerable real estate, is of foreign birth, having been born in Hanover, Germany, November 10, 1822. His parents, Frederick W. and Catherine Augusta Miller, were natives also of the same country. The father followed the butcher's trade" until his death, which occurred in 1836. In 1844 our subject came to the United States, landed in New Orleans, and from there went to St. Louis, Mo., where he resided for ten years, following the butcher's trade, which he had learned from his father. From there he went to Peoria, Ill., continned his former business, and made his home there for eighteen years. During this time he entered the United States Navy, enlisting at Chicago, April 15, 1865, serving on the " La Fayette," which floated on the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Memphis. He was shipped as a seaman, and served during the last few months of the war, after which he was forced into the regular service, where he served out his regular time of three years. He was under Capt. Foster, and was mustered out in Maryland, in 1868. After the war he went home, and in 1870 moved to Kansas City, Mo., where he conducted the butcher's business, until 1880. Mr. Miller was married November 7, 1851, to Miss Amelia Gabbles, a native of Hanover, Germany, born January 22, 1832, and the daughter of Matthias and Sophia Gabbles, natives of Germany also. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller ten children have been born, six living: Lewis, Katie, George, Joseph, Constantine and Amanda. Mr. Miller and his family are members of the Catholic Church, and are liberal in their support of all laudable public enter- prises. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. He has been a resident of Kansas City, Kas., since 1884, and although he has retired from the butcher's business, he has invested largely in real estate, and is the owner of considerable rental property.
Thomas H. Miller is foreman of the packing department of Ar- mour's Packing House at Kansas City, and has been in the employ of the same since 1873, with the exception of three years spent in Kan- sas City, during Garfield's and Arthur's administration, when he was in the United States Revenue Department. At the end of that time he gave up his position, and returned to his former employment with Armour, and has proved a valuable man to his employer, ably discharg- ing his duties. He was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1839, and at the age of seventeen years came to America, and located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and at the time of the opening of the late war he was clerking in that city. He continued his duties until 1862, when he joined the
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Ohio State Militia, and was in active service during the Kirby Smith and Morgan raids. While under Col. Roberts they captured Morgan and his men on the Ohio River in Ohio, after which they were dis- banded for the time being. Mr. Miller was afterward mustered into service once more, and went to Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Md., and was with Gen. Grant during the last campaign, but was stationed at Fort McHenry a portion of the time, to guard prisoners. He was mustered out of service in Ohio in 1864, after which he returned to his former employment of clerking, and remained thus occupied until 1868 at which time he went to New York City, where he fortunately secured employment and made his home four years. In 1872 he came west to Kansas City, Kas., and has held his present position as above stated. He was married to Miss Agnes Anderson, and by her is the father of one child, Clifford H. He and his wife are members of the Presbyte- rian Church, and he is a warm supporter of Republican principles. His father, George Miller, was a worthy and honest tiller of the soil in Scotland.
Ernest M. Mills, M. D., is a young physician of acknowledged merit in Wyandotte County, Kas., and although he has only practiced his profession since March 25, 1890, he gives every promise of becom- ing eminent in his calling, and already commands the respect of his medical brethren in Kansas City. He was born in Washington County, Iowa, January 3, 1863, being a son of Manning and Ursula (Stone) Mills, who were native Ohioans, the former born in Trumbull, and the latter in Ashtabula County. Dr. Mills continued to make his home in his native county until 1879, when he removed to Streator, Ill., and there attended the public schools for a period of four years, after which he followed various occupations until 1887. In the meantime he had begun the study of medicine, and in the fall of that year he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Chicago, and in this institution was a faithful student until his graduation, which took place March 25, 1890. While still a student he had practiced some in Chicago, but April 23, 1890, he removed to Kansas, and opened an office in Kansas City, where he has since held forth. Although his career here has been short, he has won the good-will and respect of many, and he will soon have a lucrative practice. He is a believer in Republican principles, and always votes that ticket.
Homer F. Mitchell, another prominent business man of Kansas City, Kas., was originally from the Empire State, his birth occurring in St. Lawrence County, February 24, 1854. He is at present in the
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employ of the great plant, "The Keystone Iron Works," at Kansas City, Kas., and is a pattern-maker in the same. Of the eight children born to his parents he is the youngest in order of birth. Those living are named as follows: Louise (resides in Omaha, and is the widow of Hiram Lamphear, who was a boot and shoe manufacturer), Martha (resides in Kansas City, and is the wife of President James Smith, of the Keystone Iron Works), Nellie (married Charles Matthews, a ma- chinist, and resides in Kansas City, Kas.). Homer F. Mitchell was eda- cated in the common schools and in the State Normal Training School in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., remaining in the last-named institu- tion for eight years, and being well fitted for the practical life he has since led. He started out for himself at the age of fifteen years; was in a sash and door shop for nine years, and in 1878 came West. He began working in the Keystone Iron Works, and there he has remained for twelve years. During this time he has been engaged in carpenter work, also pattern work, and in fact everything requiring mechanical skill. Here he has gained the universal good-will of all his employers. He is at present engaged in the general pattern work of this plant. May 24, 1882, Mr. Mitchell's marriage to Miss Emma Chonteau was solemnized. She was born in Kansas City, Mo., and educated in the city graded schools. The fruits of this union were two little daugh- ters: Louise (aged six years), and Carrie (aged two years). Mr. Mitchell is Democratic in his political views, and has aimed to support only the best men, but has never been a bitter partisan. He is a gentleman who will not let politics interfere with his business. He is a member of the K. of P., of Wyandotte, Kas., Fellowship Lodge No. 2. Mrs. Mitchell is a member of the Catholic Church, and her grand- mother was the first white woman to set foot in Kansas City, Mo. They have contributed of their means to all enterprises of a laudable character, and are esteemed and respected by all acquainted with them. Mr. Mitchell has chosen the profession of pattern-maker for a life occupation, and this he finds a lucrative business. He is a young gentleman of exemplary character, and has a bright future before him. He has the united confidence and esteem of his superiors and his fellow-workers. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are residents of Wyan- dotte, Kas., where they are the owners of a nice cottage on Twelfth Street. Here they are held in high esteem by their friends and neighbors.
William S. Mitchell, mechanic, Kansas City, Kas. That great plant, The Keystone Iron Works, finds employment for many individuals,
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and among the number we find the name of William S. Mitchell, who has served faithfully as foreman of the architectural department of this immense plant for the past twelve years. Like many other represent- ative citizens, he is a native of New York State, his birth occurring in July, 1842, and was the youngest of eleven children. His father was a native of Ireland, and was a weaver of linen in the old country. He died at the age of eighty-four years. The mother was also a native of the Emerald Isle, and died when seventy-two years of age. William S. Mitchell secured his early education in the public schools of Buffalo, N. Y., and this fitted him for the practical life he has since led. When fourteen years of age, he commenced as an apprentice to a printer, then shipped on the great lakes, as cabin-boy, and afterward became fore- castle-boy on the lake schooner. He remained in that capacity for two years, and then attended public schools for three years. After this he went to Canada, and there served as salesman for nine years in a gen- eral store, and then embarked in the life-insurance business in Lockport, N. Y. From there he went to Kansas City, Mo., in 1869, and entered the employ of J. P. Green, of the Iron Works, out of which grew the Keystone Iron Works. He remained in this plant until the firm was christened The Keystone Iron Works of Kansas City, Kas. During the past twelve years Mr. Mitchell has served faithfully and well as foreman of the architectural department, and no man is held in higher esteem. He has about thirty men at the present time under his management, although when he first started he had but six men, including himself, and it is thus clearly seen how rapidly the Keystone Works have ad- vanced. He is a favorite not only with his employers, but has the good- will of the men under him. In Kansas City, Mo., in November, 1970, Mr. Mitchell was married to Miss Elizabeth B. Noble, a native of Scot- land, born in the city of Edinburg. She was educated in her native country, and in Germany. Her father, who was a tobacconist by occu- pation, is now deceased. Mr. Mitchell's marriage resulted in the birth of three children-two sons and one daughter: David (deceased), Janet (resides at home, and has a good common-school education), and William (is at home, and is fourteen years of age). Mr. Mitchell is a Republican in his political views, and his first presidential vote was for Gen. U. S. Grant, during his second administration. He lost his com- panion in life in 1886, from an acute attack of cancer, and her remains are interred in the Elmwood Cemetery, Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Mitch- ell is now residing at 548 Freeman Avenue. He has seen Kansas City. Mo., and Wyandotte when they were almost in their infancy, and where
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the Union Depot now stands it was almost a wilderness. He has wit- nessed the wonderful development of both Kansas City, Mo., and Kan- sas City, Kas., and the changes have been remarkable. He expects to make Kansas City, Mo., his home, where he is well known, and where his honesty and integrity are the guiding stars to his success in life.
Martin Luther Mooney resides with his uncle, R. T. Mooney, in Grinter, Wyandotte County, Kas., and thongli at different times he has worked as carpenter and joiner, he is at the present writing en- gaged in tilling the soil. He is a native of North Carolina, his birth occurring in the village of Fairview, in that State, on February 8, 1873. He is the fourth of a family of six children born to his parents, viz. : James O. (who resides in Wyandotte County, and is a brick- mason and carpenter by trade), Mary (who is now Mrs. Fletcher Ans- tin, and lives in Limestone, N. C.), Robert D. (lives in Fairview), N. C. (is single, and a carpenter and joiner), Martin Luther (the subject of the present sketch), Mattie C. (lives in Fairview, N. C.), and Charles B. (the youngest child, who has just reached his eleventh year). The father is fifty-two years of age, was born in North Caro- lina, and has at different periods of his life been a mechanic and en- gaged in mercantile business. He is living at the present writing in Fairview, N. C., and upon the whole has had a successful life. The mother died in her fortieth year. Martin Mooney was educated in the common schools, and also took a course in the graded schools of Ashville, in his native State. He greatly appreciates the value of practical knowledge, and endeavors to succeed in life by means of in- dustry and good judgment. At the age of sixteen he commenced life for himself, and turned his attention to. farming. He had no finan- cial assistance, and depended wholly upon himself in all business trans- actions, and has been quite successful. He manifests great interest in politics, being a stanch Democrat and true to his party principles. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and fully believes that by consistency of purpose they can accomplish much good for agricult- urists throughout the county. Mr. Mooney belongs to the Baptist Church, and is at all times a generous contributor to religious causes. In point of fact Mr. Mooney will always continue to meet with suc- cess, which is the sure result of strict integrity and energetic business habits.
Robert Taylor Mooney, the subject of the present sketch, is one of the most prosperous and popular residents of Wyandotte County, Kas. His birth occurred at Rutherford, N. C., on October 24, 1846, he
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being the fourth child of the three sons and three daughters born to his parents. The names of these children are Jonathan (who resides in Fairview, N. C., and is a merchant), Elizabeth (who is at present a widow and living in South Carolina), Robert Taylor (a history of whose life now claims attention), Emillie (the wife of a prominent planter in the State of North Carolina), Sarah Caroline (the youngest of the family, and who resides in North Carolina). The parents were both natives of that State, the former being a millwright by profession. The father is dead, but the mother, at the advanced age of seventy- one, continues to enjoy good health. Robert received his education at the common schools, where he fitted himself for the practical duties of life, and he has always been a stong advocate of the principles which tend to develop practical results, and opposed to the forms of education which yield mere surface knowledge. After reaching his nineteenth year he commenced to work for himself, adopting the pro- fession of a millwright, and making a decided success of this, his chosen vocation. Mr. Mooney married Miss Mary Elizabeth Grinter, on May 20, 1875. The ceremony was performed in Wyandotte County, where Miss Grinter was born February 9, 1857, and where she received a good education in the public schools. To them have been born six children: Mattie Francis (died in early infancy), Ora Etta (is twelve years old and resides with her parents, she evinces great fondness for study, and has already made great progress in her music, and will re- ceive a thorough education), Anna Emily (is nine years old), Bertha Elizabeth (aged seven), John Clay (is five years old), and Ella Florence (is in her second year). Politically Mr. Mooney has always been in sympathy with the Democratic party, and to its interests has devoted much time and consideration. He was treasurer of Wyandotte Town- ship for two terms, an office which he filled most satisfactorily, and which proved his popularity in the community in which he resides. During the past three years Mr. Mooney has acted as school trustee. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Delaware Lodge No. 96, in White Church, Kas., and also of the Farmers' Alliance. He favors harmony in all the relations of life, and in all classes of business. Mr. Mooney is a faithful member of the Baptist Church, and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They both manifest great inter- est in religious matters, and especially in Sabbath-schools. Mr. Mooney emigrated from North Carolina to Kansas, in the year 1871, locating in Johnson County, where he purchased ten acres of land, and which he afterward sold. He has worked at his trade in the fol-
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lowing places, viz. : Kansas City, Mo., Kansas City, Kas., Leavenworth, Atchison, Valley Falls and Junction City. His work has at all times been very superior, and he has commanded good salaries, having been employed in the erection of some of the most important elevators, mills, and manufactories in the vicinity of the above-named cities. At the time of his arrival in this county it was not developed at all, and the growth is due to the push and energy of the men who settled here. At the present writing he owns a valuable tract of land com- prising 160 acres, which is valued at from $300 to $500 per acre, and upon this is a lovely farm residence, and all modern conveniences.
Whit Moran, mechanic, Kansas City, Kas. Mr. Moran, the subject of this mechanical sketch, is foreman of the blacksmith shops in the great plant known as "The Keystone Iron Works," Kansas City, Kas., and in this capacity his superior is not to be found. He was born in Charleston, W. Va., on July, 1, 1855, and of the eight children born to his parents he was fifth in order of birth. His father was a native of Monroe County, W. Va., and was a carpenter and joiner by trade. His death occurred in 1873. The mother, also a native of the Pan- Handle State, is now sixty-two years of age, and resides in Cole Val- ley, W. Va. Whit Moran obtained an early education in the common schools, and commenced life for himself at the early age of fourteen years as a blacksmith with his brother. He remained with his brother two years, became a skilled mechanic, and then went to Huntington, W. Va., where he remained over six years as blacksmith in the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad shops. From there he moved to Kansas City, Mo., in 1879, went to work for the Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad shops, but only re- mained there a short time. He then entered the rolling-mills at Rose- dale, Kas., continued there two years, and then went to Kansas City, Mo., where he entered the employ of "The Keystone Iron Works" in 1881, and has been closely identified with the same ever since. He entered the shops as foreman of the blacksmith shops, and he has a force of expert smiths and helpers from eighteen to twenty in number. He oversees all large contracts for distant States and Territories which are sent to the Keystone Iron Works. Mr. Moran is a gentleman who has the entire confidence of his employers, and the perfect good- will of his men. He receives a large and lucrative salary, which stamps him as a man who is well qualified to take full charge of any place or calling in his trade or profession. Mr. Moran was married on August 21, 1889, to Miss Maggie Clarkin, a native of Ireland, their marriage being solemnized in Wyandotte, Kas. Mrs. Moran
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was educated in the graded schools of Kansas City, Kas. Mr. Moran adheres in principle and precept to the Democratic party. is an ardent admirer of Hon. Grover Cleveland, and his first presidental vote was for S. J. Tilden, of New York. He has been an active politician, and has endeavored to support men of principle and honor. Mr. and Mrs. Moran reside on Lyons Avenue, Wyandotte, Kas., and here they expect to make their future home. Mr. Moran is a young gen- tleman whose future is bright before him, and he commands the true respect of all with whom he comes in contact. He is skilled in his profession, and at any time can find employment. He is an exem- plary young man in his habits, or he could not hold the responsible position he fills at the present time. His record shows that he has not lost a week's time in five years. When he first came to Kansas City, Mo., it was a straggling city of perhaps a population of 60,000, and he has seen the wonderful changes and developments which have taken place since then. He has known Kansas City in all her changes, and many fortunes have been made out of real estate. The city has a population now of 138,000.
Frederick Morasch, fruit-grower, Kansas City, Kas. Mr. Morasch was originally from Germany, his birth occurring on April 21, 1819, and is a son of Jacob and Marguerite Johanna (Miller) Morasch, the parents also natives of Germany. The father was game-keeper for the Duke of Nassau. He reared a family of four children-two sons and two daughters-the daughters being the elder and born in 1812 and 1816. The father died November 2, 1845, and the mother on March 20, 1841. Frederick Morasch attended school from the age of six to fourteen years, and then worked with a paper and window blind hanger. Later he learned the stone mason's trade with his father's brother, and remained working with him for about ten years, working on one building for two years. When about twenty-five years of age, he selected for his life companion Miss Christina Herrmann, a native of Germany, who died on July 9, 1881. Mr. Morasch was the father of seven children by this union, only two now living: Christina Phil- bina Lena (was born on January 17, 1846, and died when quite young), Johann Christian Karl (born on September 18, 1848, and died in 1850), Maria Barbara (was born March 9, 1851, and died when young), John Phillip W. (was born on December 10, 1852, and is now living with his father; he was married on July 23, 1878, to Miss Mary Moerer, and they have four children, one, Charles H., died on May 22, 1890, at the age of seventeen months), Johannatha P. (was
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born on January 27, 1855, and is the wife of John Kern, residing in Denver), Francis P. (was born on April 27, 1857, and died in Novem- ber, 1877), and Mary Louisa (was born on March 2, 1860, and died on September 13, 1865). After his marriage Mr. Morasch worked at his trade in his native country until 1848, and at that time the Revo- lution caused him to seek more congenial climes. He emigrated to America, landed in New York on March 19 of that year, and then moved to Jackson County, Ind., where his brother and some old friends were living. He resided in Brownstown, Ind., until he came to Kansas, and worked at his trade for two years. He then went on the farm, and at one time owned 240 acres of land, which he sold when contemplating to remove to this State. While in Indiana he was a member of the Lutheran Church, and an active worker in the same. Politically he is a Republican, and socially he is an honorable member of the I. O. O. F., having been a member of the same for twenty-five years.
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