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 89
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Abner Wolfe, farmer, Bethel, Kas. This esteemed resident of Quindaro Township, a man who has an extensive acquaintance, was born in Adair County, Ky., January 18, 1828, and is the son of George and Rebecca (Bishop) Wolfe, the father a native of Tennessee, and the mother of North Carolina. The parents were married in Tennessee, but shortly afterward moved to Kentucky, where they were among the early settlers. Here their children, six in number, were born, but only four are now living: Elizabeth (wife of Isaac Lynch in Saline County), Jeanette (wife of Henry H. White, re- siding in Fremont County, Iowa), and Jacob A. (residing in El Dorado County, Cal.). When Abner Wolfe was four years of age his father moved to Johnston County, Ind., bought a farm and there resided for about eight years. He then sold out, came to Cass County, Mo., and settled six miles west of Harrisonville, where he entered land and made a farm, residing there five years. He then went to St. Clair County, Ill., but after a residence there of three years he came to Atchison County, Mo., remaining there five years. Later he went to Fremont County, Iowa, entered land there, and there, in 1856, at the age of sixty-seven years, the last debt of nature was paid. Abner re- mained with his father until twenty-five years of age. The mother surviv- ed her husband several years, and selling out her possessions in Iowa, she went on a visit to Cass County and was there married again, losing her second husband after about two years of married life. She came to her son in Platte County, and there her death occurred in 1862. Abner was in his twenty fourth year when he married Miss Abigail Wolsey, of Atchison County, and to them were born two children: William (at home), and Mary (wife of George Way, of White Church). Mrs. Wolfe died in 1861, and Mr. Wolfe was married, the second time, to Miss Ellen A. Conway, who bore him three children: Hattie (wife of George Reiley), John and Jennie. During the late struggle be- tween the North and South, Mr. Wolfe enlisted in the State Militia, but was in no regular battles. He served nine months and was in several skirmishes. Remaining in Platte County until 1869, he sold out there and came to Wyandotte County, where he purchased eighty acres of land, his present property. He has a new house of six rooms, and his stables, outbuildings and wells indicate a thorough farmer. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been deacon for over thirty-five years, and a member since seventeen years of age. Politically he is a Democrat, but votes for the man more than the party. In so far as he is able, he has contributed lib-
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erally to churches and schools, and takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the best interests of the community. In 1850 he started across the plains as a teamster, and on the return trip was made assistant wagon master, making three trips that year. For seven years he freighted across the plains, his last trip being in the winter of 1857, through snow from knee to waist deep. At one time, on a trip from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Kearney, 200 Indians, near the head waters on Little Blue, threatend an attack, but our party camped early, and hitching up after dark, drove twelve miles further, going into camp about 10 o'clock. Next morning by daylight they were on the move again.
W. F. Wood, architect, Kansas City, Kas. There is such a vast amount of competition in every line of trade, that the commercial world is pretty well crowded with busy "bread-winners," each anxious to gain success and an abundant supply of the " almighty dollar." But it is a true old adage that says: "There is always room at the top," and such competent business men as Mr. Wood can not fail to win ap- preciation and the esteem of their fellow-men. Kansas City, being a thoroughly progressive place, has many avenues for labor, but a few that require more skill or offer a surer opportunity for success than is found in architecture. The subject of this sketch made his first ap- pearance in this world in Syracuse, N. Y., on March 20, 1853, being the son of I. G. and Helen O. Wood, natives of the State of New York. He spent the years intervening between infancy and man- hood's estate in his native city, learning first the carpenter's trade, and afterward mastering the study of architecture in the mechanical de- partment of the Central Railroad, and later under John Tylee. As a monument of his ability as an architect he has some of the finest buildings in the state, viz .: First Presbyterian Church, Portsmouth Building, Husted Building, Kansas City, Kas., George W. Howell's residence, in Atchison, etc. Mr. Wood was united in marriage with Miss Louisa M. Cronk, whose birth occurred in Utica, N. Y., in June, 1854. To this union have been born seven children, viz .: Issie Em- ma, Laurenette, Helen Frances, Gracie May, Minnie Bell, Clinton G. and Mildred E. (the last two named being twins). In politics Mr. Wood is in sympathy with the Republican party, and faithfully works for his party principles. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wood are united with the Episcopal Church and interested in all religious and educational matters, and contribute liberally to the support of worthy causes. Mr. Wood is a member of Fellowship Lodge, No. 2, K. of P., and Wyandotte
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Division No. 10, U. R. K. of P., and Franklin No. 293, A. O. U. W. Dr. John S. Woods was born in Allegheny County, Penn., April 29, 1853, being a son of James and Louisa (Beazell) Woods, who were also born in the Keystone State, the former March 5, 1821, and the latter May 6, 1829. their marriage taking place on May 6, 1852, and in time resulting in the birth of five children of whom Dr. John S. was the eldest. The parents still reside in Allegheny County, Penn., and there have many warm personal friends and numerous acquaintances. Dr. John S. Woods first attended the common schools, but afterward en- tered Mount Union College, Ohio, from which institution he was gradu- ated in 1876, completing a full classical course. He at once took up the study of medicine, and in 1881 was graduated from Cleveland Medical College, and entered upon his practice in the State of Ohio. In 1881 he removed to Kansas City, Kas., where he immediately opened an office, and here he has actively and successfully practiced his profession ever since. In 1882 he took an ad eundem degree in the Cleveland Medical College. He was married March 28, 1883, to Miss Mary E. Hibbard, a native of St. Joseph, Mo., born on November 4, 1863, a daughter of John and Susan Hibbard. They have one son, James, who was born September 29, 1884. The Doctor is a Repub- lican is his political views, has served one term in the city council, and belongs to the following social orders: A. F. & A. M. and K. of P.
W. N. Woodward is a successful real estate and rental agent of Kansas City, Kas., was born near Tazewell, Tenn., August 17, 1849, and at the age of three months was taken to Kentucky by his parents and was there reared to manhood, receiving his education in the com- mon schools. He was married at the age of seventeen years. When he had attained his twentieth year he came to Arkansas, but in 1871 removed to Platte County, Mo., where he made his home for one year, then resided in Wyandotte County, Kas., eight years, and the follow- ing eight years was a resident of Clyde, Kas. Since that time he has been a resident of this county, and from 1872 to 1875 was engaged in farming, and from 1875 to 1880 was in the mercantile business in May- wood, this county. After following the same calling in Clyde for two years he engaged in buying and selling cattle, but sold off his stock at the end of three years and engaged in the mercantile business in Clyde for three years. Selling out he then removed to Kansas City, where he successfully followed both occupations. The most of his attention at the present time, however, is given to real estate, and a considerable portion of the land which he handles is at Brighton Hill
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and Edgerton Place. He was married in London, Ky., to Miss Mary Miller, who was born April 22, 1847, and to them a family of eight children have been born: Milton G., Nannie B., John A., Daniel H., Ellen, Hattie M., Viola and William N., Jr. Mr. Woodward is a Royal Arch Mason, a Republican in his political views, and he and his wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His sons manage his mercantile establishment, and are pushing a paying business. His parents, C. C. and Nancy (Williams) Woodward, were born in Tennessee, and the father is still residing in London, Ky., aged sixty-six, but his wife died in 1862, at the age of forty-six years. The paternal great-great-grandfather was an Irishman, who removed to America in a very early day, and his son, the great grandfather of the subject of this sketch was born in Pennsylvania, but afterward moved to North Carolina, thence to Tennessee, and afterward to Ken- tucky, where he died. C. C. Woodward served in the Union army during the late war, being a member of the Seventh Kentucky Regi- ment of Infantry. The grandfather enlisted in the War of 1812, but as there happened to be 101 men in the company he was dismissed, and was thus thrown out of the service.
C. T. Wortman, police judge, Argentine, Kas. James H. Wort- man, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Penn- sylvania, born on May 1, 1820. He married Miss Mary Geddes, a native of Ohio, and to them were born three children. The father learned the saddler's trade in youth, and carried this on until 1855, at Bristol, Ohio. He then moved with his family to Crawfordsville, Iowa, in a prairie schooner, and engaged in farming. Before mov- ing to Iowa he had loss all his property by going security for his friends, and therefore he was compelled to go West. As before stated, he emigrated to Iowa, and arrived in that State with only $35 and his team. He is still a resident of that State, is the owner of 400 acres of land, and is extensively engaged in raising live stock. He has a fine residence and a commodious barn, which will stable sixty-five head of horses. The mother's family is of Scotch descent, and her father was a soldier in the War of 1812, enlisting shortly after his arrival to the United States from Scotland. C. T. Wortman was born in McConnellville, Ohio, on September 7, 1846, passed his boyhood and youth in Iowa, assisted his father on the farm, and remained on the same until eighteen years of age. He was then thrown from his horse in a snow bank, had his leg injured, and his hands and feet frozen from a severe storm which came up, and later
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had a severe spell of lung fever resulting from the exposure. After recovering he went to the lumber regions, bought one-half interest in a lumber-mill, and was thus engaged for three years. During this time he went to school, fitting himself for mercantile life, attended an academy, and later passed a successful examination for an entrance to the Cornell College, at Cornell, Iowa. He gave up his interest in the mill, owing to an accident taking place. His father, who was on a visit to the mill, was standing on the saw-carriage to examine the workings of the saw, when our subject reversed the motion of the carriage, and his father narrowly escaped being cut in two by the saw before he could get out of the way, but being thrown one side his life was saved. After this our subject had enough of mill- ing, and went to Davenport, Iowa, where he took a course in the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College, and afterward accepted the position of traveling salesman for a wholesale house, becom- ing posted in the different lines in the mercantile business, and following it for three years. He afterward went to Moline, Ill., ac- cepted a situation with the Victor Scale Company, and remained with them for four years, after which he changed to the Moline Plow Com- pany, and there remained one year. He then started a grocery store, carried this on for three years, and once more returned to Iowa, where he remained four years. From there he came direct to Argentine, where he has since resided, and where he was engaged in the Atchinson, To- peka & Santa Fe office until September 29, 1889. He was then elected police judge. In 1870 he was married to Miss Martha J. Warren, a native of Illinois, born October 19, 1843, and the daughter of Lowman Warren, who was born in New Jersey. To Mr. and Mrs. Wortman were born six children, four now living: Mary E., Lois H., Milton and Minnie (twins). Those deceased were named James W. and Esther. Mr. Wortman is a Republican in his politics, and was elected to his office from the citizens' ticket. He is a member of Crawfordville Lodge No. 37, A. F. & A. M., of twenty-three years' standing, and is also a member of the Modern Woodman, of which he is secretary. Mrs. Wort- man is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is also a member and a trustee.
D. S. Young is a loan specialist of Kansas City, Kas., and is well known to the business men of Wyandotte County, as a man of sterling principles and methodical business habits. He was born in Upper Cana- da, in 1822, there also received his rearing and education. He lost his first wife while still a resident of that province, she leaving him with the
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care of two children, one of whom is now deceased, Anna M. being still alive. Mr. Young was in Oswego, N. Y., when the late Rebellion broke out, but did not move his family thither. In. 1866 he came to Kansas City, Mo., and soon settled in Clay County, near the city, but after tilling the soil there for two years, he removed to Kansas for the benefit of his health, and purchased a farm where Argentine is now situated, which place continued to be his home from 1869 to 1880. He has since devoted his attention to loaning money, and does a good and safe business. His second marriage also took place in Canada, his wife being Miss Mary Short, a native of that province, and to their union, a family of six living children have been born: Maggie, Mi- nerva, William, John, Frankie and Edith. Mr. Young has always been a Democrat in his political views, and he and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. He was one of the first trustees, and assessed Shawnee Township four times. His paternal great-great-grandfather Young was at the siege of Londonderry. The great-grandfather came to America, and his son was born in New Hampshire, and was a Loy- alist during the Revolutionary War, and held the rank of major in the British army. Grandfather Stinson was a captain in the same, and both families were banished to Canada after the close of the war, where they were given large tracts of land for their loyalty to the crown, and were known as U. E. (United Empire) loyalists.
Hon. W. H. H. Young, present member of the Legislature from Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kas. Not without justice, Mr. Young is conceded to hold a representative position among the prominent and successful men of Wyandotte County, for he has rendered it valuable service in many different capacities, some of which are referred to in the present sketch. His birth occurred in Montgomery County, Tenn., in 1841, and he remained in his native State until sixteen years of age, after which he moved with his parents to McDonald County, III., and there finished his education in the high schools. April 18, 1861, he entered the Northern army, enlisting in Company C, Sixteenth Illi- nois Infantry, after the first call for three months' service by President Lincoln, and was mustered out in July of the same year, on account of his being too small. Determined to enlist at all hazards, he went to St. Joseph, Mo., but was not successful here, but went to St. Louis, and became a drummer in the Tenth Missouri Infantry, at Hermann, Mo. Later he was put back in the company, and became a regular soldier. In June of 1862 he was sunstruck between Corinth and Holly Springs, Miss., and was taken to the hospital, where he remained
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from September until January. As soon as convalescent he was de- tailed as hospital steward, and when fully recovered he was transferred to Company A, Cavalry (January, 1863), serving with that company until February, 1865, and participating in all its engagements. He enlisted as a private, was promoted to sergeant, then orderly, and was holding the last-named rank when he was captured, between Yazoo City and Benton, Miss. He was retained a prisoner two months, and afterward participated in the battle of Vicksburg. May 2, 1864, he was again captured, but made his escape by getting out of a three- story building. The blanket by which he sought to lower himself tore in two, letting him fall. He broke his foot, and was captured again, but finally was exchanged June 28, of the same year. He was scout for Gen. Elliott for a year, and was afterward promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He was mustered out at Vicksburg, Miss., Feb- ruary 26, 1865. He was wounded four times, was sunstruck twice, and had many narrow escapes during service. He was a brave soldier, . a gallant officer, and served his country faithfully and well. He par- ticipated in the following battles: Corinth, Iuka, Duck Creek, Austin, Richmond (La.), Coleman's Cross Roads, Richmond (Ga.), Port Gibson, Grand Gulf, Rodney (Miss.), Helena, Bolivar, Fort Derusha, Nashua, Hayes Point, Yazoo City, Washington (Miss.), and was in twenty-six altogether, besides numerous skirmishes. He came to Kansas City after the war, and has been a resident of this county ever since, with the exception of from 1871 to 1874, when he resided in Illinois. He was a railroad contractor for some time, was then in the lumber busi- ness, and afterward conducted a flour-mill. Six years ago he sold out the mill, and has been engaged in the real estate business ever since. In 1888 he was elected to represent Wyandotte County in the Legis- lature, in a very strong Democratic district, which position he filled in a satisfactory manner. He is a member of the G. A. R., having joined that organization in 1868, and has passed through all the chairs. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., has passed through all the chairs, and all the chairs of the K. P., being a member of the Grand Lodge of this; also a member of the A. O. U. W., E. A. U. and P. O. of H. He is very prominent as a G. A. R., and takes an active part in all reunions, and above all likes to meet the "boys in blue" who were in his command, or any who were in the army. Mr. Young is the owner of considerable real estate, has a number of lots in Kansas City and considerable land in the county. He is a stanch Repub- lican in his political views, and was the only one of his relatives, ex-
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cept one brother, who served in the Union army. He had an uncle who held the rank of brigadier general in the Confederate army. Mr. Young is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His parents, George Haywood and Sarah E. (Harris) Young, were natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. The father was a successful M. D., and practiced his profession in Illinois from 1854 to 1856. His death occurred in the following year. He was also a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. He and wife were the parents of nine children. Hon. W. H. H. Young was married in Wyandotte County, Kas., to Miss Martha E. Gephart, and to them were born four children: Henry E., Maude M., Florence E. and Cora M.
Charles O. Young is the efficient superintendent of the Swift & Co. Packing House, of Kansas City, Kas., but was born in Manchester, N. H., May 12, 1861, his parents being Leroy and Julia A. (Hatch) Young, who were natives of New Hampshire and Vermont, respec- tively. Charles O. Young accompanied his parents to Brighton, Mass., (a suburb of Boston) when he was a lad of thirteen years, and there he spent his youth, receiving a good education. During his early life, when not in school, he was employed in the slaughter-house of N. E. Hollis at Brighton, and remained thus occupied until he attained his majority, at which time he came West to Chicago, and entered the employ of Swift & Co., of that city, and has since been one of their em- ployes, a period of eight years. In November, 1887, he was trans- ferred to Kansas City, Kas., and for two years he was foreman of the slaughtering department, but on April 1, 1889, was promoted to super- intendent, and has since discharged the duties of that responsible position in a highly creditable manner. He is one of the foremost young business men of Kansas City, and those who know him have a high regard for him, for he is possessed of those sterling qualities which make a true man. Genial and friendly with those around him he possesses many warm friends, and he and his wife, whose maiden name was Etta L. Brayton, and whom he married March 13, 1888, are highly esteemed by all who, know them. She was born in York State, but was residing in Chicago at the time of their marriage. Mr. Young is a Mason, being a member of Mizpah Lodge No. 152, of Chi- cago, Chicago Chapter and Chevalier Bayard Commandery No. 52, of Chicago, and has also taken the thirty-third degree in this order.
Isaac R. Zane, fruit-grower, Quindaro, Kas. Mr. Zane is a native of the Buckeye State, his birth occurring on September 10, 1826, and is a son of Isaac and Hannah (Dickenson) Zane. The father was a
56
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Wyandotte Indian, born and reared in Ohio, and received but a limit- ed education, preferring the Indian life to the more civilized. He was married on April 13, 1815, when comparatively a young man, and to his union were born fourteen children-seven sons and six daughters: Hester, Noah, Sarah, Robert, Ebeneezer, Catherine (who died when an infant), James, Elizabeth, Hannah, Eliza, Eli, Leslie and William. All but three of these children grew to mature years, and three are now living, Ebeneezer (born in 1824, is now living in Wyandotte, and on account of his age, has retired from business) and Hannah (resides in Johnson County, Kas.) The father of these children died on May 12, 1849, and his wife survived him forty years, living a widow the remainder of her days. Her death occurred on November 14, 1886. After her husband's death Mrs. Zane came to her son Isaac in Wyandotte County, and here the younger members of her family were reared and educated. The sons were farmers. After the younger children were about grown she returned to Isaac, and here passed the remainder of her days. An event of note occurred during the life of Elizabeth Zane, which has been immortalized by the poet, as follows:
'Twas more than a hundred years ago. They were close beset by the dusky foe; They had spent of powder their scanty store, And who the gauntlet should run for more? She sprang to the portal, and shouted, "I! 'Tis better a girl than a man should die!
My loss would be but the garrison's gain. Unbar the gate!" said Elizabeth Zane.
The powder was sixty yards away, Around her the foemeu in ambush lay; As she darted from shelter they gazed with awe, Then wildly shouted, "A squaw! a squaw!" She neither swerved to the left nor right. Swift as an antelope's was her flight. "Quick! Open the door!" she cried amain,
"For a hope forlorn! "Tis Elizabeth Zane."
No time had she to waver or wait; Back she must go ere it be too late; She snatched from the table its cloth in haste. And knotted it deftly about her waist, Then filled it with powder-never, I ween, Had powder so tidy a magazine --- Then, scorning the bullets, a deadly rain, Like a startled fawn, fled Elizabeth Zane.
She gained the fort with her precious freight; Strong hands fastened the oaken gate; Brave men's eyes were sutfused with tears That had there been strangers for many years.
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From flint-lock rifles again there sped 'Gainst the skulking redskins a storm of lead; And the war-whoop sounded that day in vain, Thanks to the deed of Elizabeth Zane.
Talk not to me of Paul Revere, A man on horseback with naught to fear; Nor of old John Burns, with his bell-crowned hat-
He'd an army to back him, so what of that? Here's to the heroine, plump and brown, Who ran the gauntlet in Wheeling town!
Hers is a record without a stain- Beautiful, buxom Elizabeth Zane.
Isaac R. Zane remained in Ohio until nineteen years of age, attending school for a short time at the Wyandotte Mission in Ohio, but most of the time he was on the farm. His people having left Ohio, Mr. Zane followed them in a year or so, and made his advent in this county in 1846, being entitled to the claim of the oldest resident in point of habitation. At that time Kansas was an unbroken wilderness, in- habited by Indians who lived as Indians do, depending chiefly upon the fruits of the chase and line for a livelihood. After being here for a period of six or eight years he opened up a small farm near the present site of Quindaro, and began tilling the soil. Their farming implements were of the crudest kind, and his farming operations were limited to a few acres. Their principal crops were corn, wheat, oats and potatoes. Game was scarce even when he first moved here, and usually in the fall of the year hunting parties would go farther west and return at the end of six weeks or two months laden with buffalo, elk and antelope. Early in the fifties white men began to encroach upon the domain of the Indian, and with them came a new order of things. Soon came the border troubles, in which many of the Indians took an active part, some on one side and some on the other. Mr. Zane held aloof, and later, when the war came on, he was in the State Militia. When, with the forced consent of the Indians, the land was parceled out, Mr. Zane received thirty acres as his portion, and shortly afterward the right to sell was given. Then the white man came in for a certain amount of land, the Indians being cheated in many instances, selling out for practically nothing. Mr. Zane held his land until about four years ago, when taking advantage of the boom he sold out. When Kansas City and Wyandotte began to assume the promise of their present proportions, Mr. Zane turned his attention to fruit growing, planting orchard trees and vines, and was actively en- gaged in this occupation when he sold out. He has never practically re- tired from business. Mr. Zane has been twice married, first to Miss Mary
G
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E. Unangst, of German descent, and they reared one daughter, Cora E. (wife of Thomas E. Walker, a Wyandotte, now living in the Terri- tory). After about two years of married life Mrs. Zane died, and ten years later Mr. Zane married Mrs. Elizabeth Proctor. They have no family. Mr. Zane was reared to believe in the Methodist doctrine, but his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church. About the time the land was given the Indian, he was given the right to franchise, and Mr. Zane affiliated with the Democratic party. Since the forming of his tribe in the nation his rights have been abrogated, and he is now disfranchised. He intends, as soon as his business will permit, to go to the nation and there pass the remainder of his days. But few of his people remain here, and that inborn desire to die among one's own people is strong in him. Personally Mr. Zane shows nothing of the usual accepted type of Indian. He is six feet tall, very erect, rather spare, and his hair and beard are both iron gray. His keen gray eyes have lost none of their brilliancy, and in manners he is affable and pleasant. All in all a person would take him for a professional man.
Henry Boeke is a well known and highly respected German-Amer- ican citizen of Wyandotte County, Kas. His parents, Court and Christine (Boekhausen) Boeke, were natives of Germany, which was . their place of residence during their lifetime. They were always en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, and were in all ways most worthy cit- izens. Henry Boeke's youth and early manhood were spent assisting his parents upon the farm, and like all German youths received a good common-school education. Hoping to better his condition, in the summer of 1854 he took passage from Bremen for New York, arriving there after an eight weeks' voyage on a sailing vessel. His first stopping place was at Dayton, Ohio, where he remained about one year, and then went to Illinois, where for two years he followed various employments in the towns of Quincy and Jacksonville. In 1857 he went to Kansas City, Mo., remaining in that vicinity until 1860, when he went to Wyandotte County, Kas., renting a farm from an Indian chief named Armstrong, and began the life of an agricult- urist. There were few whites in the neighborhood at that time, but his Indian neighbors were kind, and they got along amicably. In 1865 Mr. Boeke moved to where he now resides, and where by his pluck, industry and intelligence he has made for himself one of the most comfortable and nicely improved homes in the county. The place consists of twenty-five acres all in orchard and garden and un-
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der the highest state of cultivation. In 1864 Mr. Boeke was united in marriage with Miss Henrietta Walker, a native of Germany. To this union have been born four children: August, Louisia, Henry, Jr., and Lena. Mr. Boeke now lives in practical retirement, having secured a competency. He has never aspired to any social or political prominence, but has been content to serve his family and friends in a less conspicnous but more substantial manner. He has and justly merits the respect and confidence of all who know him.
Timothy McMahon is a native of the old city of Limerick, Ire- land, on the famed Shannon River, where he was born in 1826, being the third of six children, and is now the only surviving member of the family. His parents were also natives of the Emerald Isle, the father an agriculturist by occupation, and both are now deceased. Mr. McMahon obtained sufficient education in his youth to fit him for the every-day affairs of life, and when only fifteen years of age, started out for himself as an apprentice at the blacksmith's trade, he at that time having not a shilling in his pocket. After becoming the thorough master of his trade, he began following it, continuing for twenty-five years, and being industrious and of an economic disposition, he did well. He became dissatisfied with life in his native land, and thinking to better his financial condition, he determined to come to America, which he did in the fall of 1847, and time has shown the wisdom of this move. He first landed at Quebec, from there went to the Green Moun- tain State, later to New York, Massachusetts, and back to Vermont, his residence in these States consuming three years. In 1850 he emigrated to Indiana, where he remained until the spring of 1855, when he took a trip across the continent to California, where he remained, work- ing at his trade until 1859. He then came back east as far as Wyan- dotte County, Kas., but after remaining here one year, returned to California, after having purchased 120 acres of land in this county. He made his home in California until the fall of 1866, since which time he has been contented to make his home on his farm in Wyandotte County, Kas., where he has made many valuable improvements, and has seen the country converted from a wilderness into waving fields of grain. Where once the Indian roamed, hunted and fished at will, flourishing towns have sprung up, and schools, churches and farm- houses dot the landscape. His now valuable farm of 200 acres, which at that time was mostly covered with timber and brush, has by the magic hands of industry and enterprise, become an admirably kept farm, and now yields Mr. McMahon a sufficient income to make him
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HISTORY OF KANSAS.
independent for the rest of his days. He has an elegant home, com- fortable surroundings, and he and his estimable wife have the satisfac- tion of knowing that what they now have, has been acquired by their own hands. Mr. McMahon was married in August, 1870, to Miss Ellen Donahue, a native of Greenfield, Va., her education being received in the Sisters' Seminary, in Kansas City, Mo. To them eight children have been born: James (aged seventeen), Nellie (aged sixteen), Maggie (aged fifteen), Timothy (aged thirteen), Patrick (aged twelve), Katie (aged ten), Rosa (aged seven), and Serilla (aged four years). Mr. McMahon is well posted on all the current topics of the day, and in his political views is a Democrat, his first presidential vote being cast for Franklin Pierce. He has been a member of the district school board for eleven years, and he and his wife are ardent members of the Roman Catholic Church, and are very charitable and kindly in disposition.
Harrison S. Toy is one of the wide-awake and enterprising business men of Kansas City, Kas., and besides being known as one of the lead- .ing grocers of the place, he is also well known in social circles, and by his genial disposition and cordiality has won many warm personal friends. His birth occurred in Franklin County, Ohio, on April 1, 1854, being a son of Harrison and Rebecca (Brobeck) Toy, a short history of whom is given in the sketch of J. F. Toy. Harrison S. spent his youth and early manhood on a farm, and was given a com- mon-school education. In 1879 he, in company with his brothers, Joseph F. and Edward C., came West, with the intention of taking Horace Greeley's advice to young men, and has succeeded in doing this, for he and his brothers began business on only a fair scale, and by honorable dealing and the courtesy which seems a part of their nature, their business has risen to mammoth proportions, and they now constitute the leading grocery firm in the city, their establishment being, in fact, second to none in this section of the State. [For a more complete mention of the business, see the sketch of J. F. Toy.] Har- rison S. Toy was married on October 19, 1882, to Miss Flora A. Adams, of this city, but she died on April 4, 1888, leaving no children. Mr. Toy has been a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, ever since he was thirteen years of age. He is a good business man, and an honorable, upright man of business.
895
WYANDOTTE COUNTY.
ERRATA.
Since the publication of the within history and biographies the following corrections have been received too late for insertion in their proper places:
Page 516: Sketch of Jacob Bloedel.
3d line. Read For June, 1879, June, 1877.
42d line. For Friendship, Friendship, Wis.
54th line. For she came to America with her parents, she came to America with her parents in 1868.
57th line. For Allida Anna, Elyda Anna.
58th line. For died November 25, 1875, died November 26, 1875. 59th line. For died November 27, 1875, died November 25, 1875. For Alida Anna, Elyda Anna.
60th line. 61st line. For born November 25, 1876, born November 26, 1876. 66th line. For born November 27, 1887, born November 26, 1887.
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