The History of Jackson county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Jackson county in the late warhistory of Missouri, map of Jackson county, Part 110

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Union historical company
Number of Pages: 1068

USA > Missouri > Jackson County > The History of Jackson county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Jackson county in the late warhistory of Missouri, map of Jackson county > Part 110

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DR. W. H. KIMBELIN,

Oculist and aurist, and proprietor and surgeon of the Kansas City Eye and Ear Infirmary, was born in Paradise, Ohio, July 12, 1843. When sixteen years of age he enlisted in the 6Ist Ohio Veteran Infantry as a private, and was engaged in the battles of Raney, Slaughter Mountain, Second Bull Run, South Moun- tain and Antietam, where he was wounded and sent to Convent Hospital, at Fred- erick City, Md. After recovering, he was employed as nurse, and at the age of eighteen, was appointed hospital steward, which he held until the end of the war. During this service he assisted in over 200 surgical operations. His love for medicine and surgery determined his future course, and he at once entered Smithville Veterinary Academy, and, at the same time, became a student of the celebrated Dr. Metz. Next he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at New York, attending the clinical course at Bellevue Hospital, and later at the New York Eye, Ear and Throat Infirmary, where he was soon tendered the posi- tion of recording surgeon. At the New York Eye and Ear Institute he attended two terms, receiving a license threfrom. Is next elected assistant surgeon of the N. W. Dispensary, which position he filled to the satisfaction of all, receiving a certificate to that effect. Upon resigning, he came west and located at St. Joe, where, in connection with Dr. A. S. Long, United States Pension Surgeon, he established an eye and ear infirmary, enjoying a large and lucrative practice there for ten years. He performed several surgical operations, one, requiring a high degree of skill, upon a young lady twenty-one years of age, considered hopelessly blind, who had been educated in a blind asylum. Her sight was fully restored. About two years ago the doctor was called to Kansas City to perform a surgical operation, requiring several days' labor. While here, the life, activity and bustle, with the conviction of the future greatness of this city, determined his removal to Kansas City. Dr. Kimberlin has purchased the site corner Eighth street and Grand avenue, where he has commenced the erection of an infirmary building.

CAPTAIN E. W. KINGSBURY,

General store keeper in Revenue Department. The subject of this sketch was born June 11, 1830, in Connecticut, and in 1859 removed to Colorado. While there during the war he joined the Second Colorado Cavalry, and started on border duty with headquarters at Kansas City, At the close of the war was hon- orably discharged, in 1865. In 1869, he received the appointment of revenue agent in St. Louis and Kansas City, and in 1870 was appointed as general store

PHOTO ELECTRONTE CO BOSTON

Dr. W. H. Heimberling Seulist and Clurish

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keeper in the Revenue Department. In 1873, he was discharged by Jones and McDonald of Whisky Ring fame, but was re-instated in 1875, and has since held the office.

FRANKLIN KIRK,

Of the firm of Kirk & Rosenberger, proprietors of a sash, door, blind and fixture factory, was born in Butler county, Pa., October 22, 1836, and there learned the trade of a millwright. In 1848 he took a trip south and visited Memphis, New Orleans and other cities, and in 1850 settled in Peoria, engaging in building. an 1851, he was married to Miss Sarah Platter, a native of Ohio, born in r826. He moved to Davenport in 1856 and started a factory, and August 22, 1872, it was burned, he losing very heavily. Not discouraged, he went to work and has been quite successful. In 1878, he came to Kansas City and commenced the manufacturing business, which he ran alone until the fall of 1880. Then sold a half interest to Mr. Rosenberger. Their factory is fitted up with fine machinery, and they do good work. Mr. and Mrs. Kirk have a family of six children : E. F., Ora D., Harry D., Ida G., Guy K. and Jessie E ; and have lost one, Charles J. They are members of the Jewish church. The eldest son, now twenty-seven years of age, is in his father's office.

BERNHART KNAPP

Was born in Baden, Germany, in 1831, and in 1854 immigrated to the United States, arriving at New Orleans. Thence to St. Louis, where he spent the sum- mer, and the next fall came to Kansas City, and has made his home here since. He engaged in the blacksmith trade, following it for three years, until 1857, be- ing very successful. In that year he bought a house known as the Old Missouri House, which stood on Main street, between Fifth street and Missouri avenue. Continued to run this until the outbreak of the war, when he entered the gov- ernment service in the quartermaster's department in 1862, and served until the fall of 1864. After the war he resumed the blacksmith trade, carrying on an ex- tensive business until 1872, when, on account of failing health, he was obliged to discontinue it. Mr. Knapp has been twice married. First, in 1854, to Miss Frances Lamm, also of Germany. They had five children : Charlie, Emma, Mary, Lena and Otto. His second marriage was to Miss Eliza Hucke, of Kan- sas City, but born in Germany.

WILLIAM B. KNIGHT,

Civil engineer. The subject of this sketch is a native of New York City, born in 1848, and was there reared. His father was an extensive manufacturer of lin- seed oil, and one of the heaviest dealers in the east. William received his pri- mary education in the city schools, and in 1864 entered the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, of Troy, N. Y. He attended this institution for three years, and then commenced the practicing of civil engineering upon public work, etc., in New York City. He resided in the middle and eastern states until 1878, when he came to Kansas City and established his present business, being associated with many of the most prominent men of this place. His is connected with the Kan- sas City yards for the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad, stock yards and also engineer for the Union Transfer Company, besides other corporations, and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

THEODORE KRAUSS

Is a representative of the old Knickerbocker stock, and was born on the 3rst of March, 1834, in was principally reared in the city of Vienna, Austria. He enjoyed excellent educational advantages in his youth, and received a thorough classical education. In 1853 he crossed the " briny waters" and settled in San Francis-

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co. Then engaged in the gold refining and bullion business, first with Duncan, Sherman, Alsop & Co., and then became heavily interested in the mining busi- ness himself. He spent some twelve years on the coast, and then immigrated to Macon county, Mo., and engaged in the banking and commercial business ; also held the position of judge of Macon county for four years, filling his office with credit to himself and friends. He came to Kansas City in 1878, and became president of the Missouri Valley Bank. This bank was founded in 1872, and was under the management of Mr. Kraus and Robert J. Alther, cashier.

JOHN H. KRULL,

Merchant tailor and dealer in gents' furnishing goods, was born on the 19th of November, 1848, in Hanover, Germany, and when thirteen years of age com- menced to learn the tailor's trade. In 1866 he moved to Paris, France, and worked there two years at his trade. He came to the United States in the fall of 1868, settled in New York City, and worked there seven years. He then im- migrated to Ohio and worked four years and came to Kansas City in July, 1879, and engaged in his present business. He has a new store fitted up, and being a first-class workman, gives good satisfaction. He has worked his own way up through life by sterling principles of honesty and fair dealing. He is a member of three different lodges, Knights of Honor, Odd Fellows, and Ancient Order of United Workmen. He married Miss Emma Bittner in 1870. She was born in eastern Pennsylvia in 1851. Their family consists of two children : Harry and Clara. Lost one.

C. F. KUECHLER,

Homeopathic physician, was born June 17, 1822, in Prussia, and was educated in his profession in the city of Berlin. He came to the United States in 1849, stopped one year in New York City, and then immigrated to Springfield, Ill. At that time he was the only homoeopathic physician between Chicago and St. Louis. Practiced twenty-seven years in Springfield and came from there to Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1874. Resided there four years, then came to this city and located, and has worked his own way up by skill and energy. He is getting an extensive practice here, as he well deserves, his cheerful countenance and pleasant ways make him a welcome visitor in the sick room. He has been twice married.

First to Miss Meta Fisher in 1848, at Springfield, Ill. ; by this union they have two children living, Chas. F. and Emma L. (now Mrs. L. K. Beekman, of Petersburg, Ill.) This wife died in 1871. In 1879 he was again married, to Miss Fannie Wiley, of Springfield, Ill. They are members of the Presbyterian church. He had one son, John H., (by his first wife) massacred by the Indians near Ft. Dodge. He was with a surveying party.

HENRY C. KUMPF,

Real estate, is a native of Germany, and was born at Beerfelden, Odinwald, July 12, 1830. His education was chiefly obtained at the High schools of Michaelstadt, where he attended some three or four years. In 1845 he entered a commercial house in Frankfort-on-the-Main for the purpose of learning the mer- cantile business, remaining there until 1849, when he came to the United States, shipping on board the Miltiades, a sailing vessel, at Liverpool for New Orleans, arriving at the latter city in October of 1849. He immediately went to St. Louis and engaged in the grocery business, which he followed until the breaking out of the late war. Then became shipping clerk in the United States Arsenal at St. Louis, holding that position all through the war. In 1865 he came to Kansas City, and opened a billiard hall. From 1868 to 1871 he was employed in the United States revenue department of Kansas City as store keeper. In 1872 he was elected city auditor, and held that office for four consecutive terms. In 1876 he engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Kansas City, his son

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KANSAS CITY.

George being interested with him. In 1877, 1878 and 1879 he was appointed city comptroller.

F. H. KUMP

Was born in Koallen, on the Rhine, December 17th, 1834. Came to America with his parents in July, 1841, they locating in Buffalo, New York. There he had the benefit of the public schools until the age of eleven years, when he left home, working at various places and at any anything he could find to do until the year 1850. Then found permanent employment at Chicago, Illinois, with W. H. Hutchinson & Co., the pop manufacturers, continuing in their employ for over seven years, and tiring of this he determined to move farther west. Taking his parents he started for Kansas City, where they arrived in November, 1859, and with the few hundred dollars he had saved up Mr. Kump purchased a small pop bottling establishment on Walnut street, near Fourteenth, which he carried on, and during the winter months his trade being dull, and brooms being in great de- mand he purchased the material and manufactured them. He continued along and by hard work made a success. For in 1867 he founded the celebrated Kump Brewery, one of the largest beer brewing establishments in Kansas City, of which he is the sole owner and proprietor. Mr. Kump is also largely interested in Kan- sas City real estate and improved property, owning stores, houses, etc. He was married in Kansas City to Miss Lucretia Argo, December Ist, 1862. By this marriage six children have been born them. Four now living: Frank H., Jr., born February 1, 1865; Maud, born June 26, 1867; Lillie, born December 3, 1874; Jessie, born June 21, 1880. Mr. Kump's mother is still living at the age of seventy five years, his father having died in Kansas City in 1864 in the sixty- fourth year of his age.

PETER KUNTZ,

Of the firm of Emerson & Co., was born in Prussia, Germany, and was mer- chant tailor while living there. Left Germany in the year 1851 and came to New Orleans. After a short stay there he went to St. Louis, and was in St. Louis twice, embracing in both times eight years, where he was engaged as merchant tailor. After leaving he went to Warrensburg, Johnson county, Missouri, where he worked at his trade, and was also city marshal, which position he filled with honor. He afterward came to Kansas City and entered into the grocery busi- ness with his son-in-law. Mr. Kuntz was married to Miss Augusta Wischman. They have four children living : Charley, Lena, Loui, and Otto.

J. K. LANDIS,

Was born April 22, 1823, in Rosetown, Pennsylvania, where he was reared. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, 135th Pennsylvania Infantry. He was promot- ed to be corporal, and at the expiration of nine months was honorably discharged, with the rank of sergeant. He then re-enlisted in Company H, 20th Pennsyl- vania Cavalry, and received a commission as first-lieutenant. Having served one year he was transferred to the 197th Infantry as captain of Company C and served until the close of the war. After the war he returned to Pennsylvania and - settled in Lancaster, and engaged in shipping stock from that place to Philadel- phia. Then removed to Fairfield, Ohio, where he carried on the same business for two years. Mr. Landis next went to Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he engaged in the livery business, running 'buses to and from the ocean point, and also shipping stock. His next move was to Hartford, Indiana, where he en- gaged in the livery and stock business, and was also engaged in shipping stock to Florida and Georgia. In the fall of 1876 he moved to Kansas City, and opened a large livery, sale and exchange stable. In the fall of 1880 he took in a partner (I. B. Slack). Their stables are one of the finest in Kansas City, and are well stocked. In 1864 Mr. Landis married Miss Florence A. Homish. Mrs.

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Landis is a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was born in 1843. They are members of the M. E. church.

WALLACE LAWS,

Clerk of the circuit court, is a native of this county, having been born near Kansas City, April 6, 1846. His education was such as could be obtained in the district schools at that time, and his youth was spent on a farm. In 1863, hav- ing an attack of the "gold fever," he went through Colorado, Montana, Utah, Nevada, and in other States and Territories, and remained until the winter of 1866. In the fall of 1870 he was elected clerk of the circuit court, and com- menced his duties on the Ist of January, 1871, and has occupied the office for ten and one-half years. His long experience has well fitted him for the position, and his popularity may be seen from the length of time which he has filled the place. February 8, 1866, he married Miss Mattie Campbell, born in this county, July 6, 1849. They have three children : Stella, Weller, and Samuel H.

JOSEPH LEFFLER,

Was born in Germany in 1836, and in 1846 was brought to the United States, locating in St. Louis in the fall of the same year. There he made his liome until 1865, when he came to Kansas City, Missouri, and has since been a citizen here. Soon after his arrival he engaged in brick-making, and continued until 1872, when, on account of failing health, he was obliged to. abandon it. The firm of which Mr. Leffler is a member, known as Leffler & Co., are erecting two stores, with a hall above, and fitted up in the latest style of architecture. He was married in 1867 to Miss Rosy Hamann, of Kansas City. They have two chil- dren: John and Lizzie.

THOMAS B. LESTER.

Prominent among our leading physicians and surgeons, is the one whose name heads this sketch. He was born in Charlotte county, Virginia, June 24, 1824, and was the son of Bryan W. and Elizabeth (Friend) Lester. The family immigrated to Illinois in 1835, and in September 1837 his father and mother died, leaving him an orphan at the age of thirteen. He attended a common school and afterward Mount Vernon College and. Shurtliff College in Upper Alton, Ills. He commenced the study of medicine in the autumn of 1841 with Dr. M. W. Hall, now of Saline county, Mo., and attended his first course of lectures in the medical department of what is now known as the Missouri Medi- cal College, at St. Louis, during the sessions of 1845-6. He took a second course in the same institution in 1849 and '50, graduating in March of the latter year. After attending the first course of lectures he commenced the practice of his profession, at Salem. Upon the second call for volunteers to the Mexican War, he enlisted in the spring of 1847 and was mustered into service at Alton in Co. C, Ist Regiment, Illinois Volunteers Infantry. Was immediately detached and assigned duty in the medical department as acting assistant surgeon, and ordered to accompany the battalion, to Fort Leavenworth, and thence to Santa Fe, New Mexico. This position he held until the close of the war. Upon the arrival of Price at Santa Fe to assume command of the ninth military depart- ment, Assistant Surgeon B. T. Simpson, U. S. A., was made medical director on General Price's staff, and Dr. Lester was ordered in charge of the general hospi- tal, remaining until February 1848, when he accompanied Lieutenant-Colonel Boyakin to Albuquerque. There he continued until his muster out of the ser- vice. Returned to Illinois and resumed his practice in Salem. In 1854 he came to Kansas City, at that time containing only 400 inhabitants, and here, he has since practiced his profession, being with one exception the oldest practitioner in the city. Dr. Lester was elected to the chair of "The Principles and Practice of

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Medicine," at the organization of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1870. Was made president of the Faculty in 1877; was president of the Medi- cal Association of Missouri in 1870, and appointed delegate to the American Medi- cal Association in 1872-73 and '77. He was a member of the common council here during 1857-58, and was president the latter year. Was also a member of the Board of Education, at the beginning of the war, and filled a second term, from 1867 to 1870, declining re-election. In 1848 was initiated into the A. F. and A. M. Lodge in Santa Fe, and was Worthy Master of Heroine Lodge No. 104, Kan- sas City, from 1855 to '56. On the 4th of June 1850 he was married to Miss Julia E. Horner, of Lebanon, Ills. They have had three children : Chas. H., and two daughters, one of whom is married and resides in this city. C. H., who graduated from the Kansas City Medical College in 1879, and also from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 1880, is now connected with his father, and is also assistant demonstrator of anatomy in the Kansas City Medical College.

F. H. LIPPERT,

Salesman and prescription clerk in Taylor's drug store, was born in Syracuse, New York, Nov. 20, 1850. Was there brought up and educated, and at the age of fifteen years began working in the drug store of a Mr. Bossenger, remain- ing with him about one and a half years. Then became engaged in a wholesale drug house in that city, and afterward went to Cleveland, Ohio, where for one year he followed the same business. Then returned to his home in New York, and was employed as a book-keeper for eighteen months. The next year he worked with his father who was a contractor, and in 1877 came west, stopping at Hannibal, Mo. There engaged in railroading, but being taken sick went south for his health, there continuing the railroad business during the winter. In April, 1878, he came to Kansas City, Kas., and engaged in the drug business; and has been in it longer than any person in the city. He was married on the 7th of Nov. 1880, to Miss M. L. Lasker, also born and educated in New York. Besides his drug business, Mr. L. owns a photograph gallery and is well and favorably known.

JOHN A. LOBB,

Of the firm of Platt & Lobb, live stock commission merchants, is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Boyle county, July 3, 1832. Was reared on a farm, and remained in his native State till the spring of 1852, when he moved to Jack- son county, Missouri, and immediately began freighting to Santa Fe and other points west. Followed this enterprise till the fall of 1864, when he engaged in the live stock trade. In 1877 he embarked in the commission business, as one of the firm of Lobb & Hamilton. August 1, 1879, Mr. Hamilton withdrew, and the present firm was formed. The subject of this sketch was married to Miss Mary White, May 10, 1865. By this union, they have five children : Pauline M., Mary G., Nellie. William and Birdie V.

GEORGE LONG,

Retired, was born in Bavaria, in 1803, and resided there until 1848, when he came to the United States, landing at New Orleans. Then removed to St. Louis, where he made his home for three years, after which, in May, 1851, he took up his residence in Kansas City. Immediately after coming, he engaged in the wagon making business, following it until 1860, when he retired, and is now en- joying the fruits of his labor. He is quite a hunter and fisher. Has been a prudent and industrious citizen, and is widely and favorably known. His mar- riage was in 1827, to Miss Catherine Nough, of the same country as her husband. She died October 28, 1870, leaving seven children: Charlie, Fretireka, William, Adam and Rachel (twins), Mary, and John.

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

LONG BROTHERS,

Wholesale Grocers. This firm is composed of Adam and John Long. The former was born in Germany, in 1838, and in 1848 immigrated to the United States, landing at New Orleans. From there he removed to St. Louis, and resided for five years, after which he came to Kansas City. In the spring of 1853, he embarked in the confectionery business, following the same until 1861, and then formed a copartnership with Thomas Green. This existed until 1871, when Mr. Long and brother bought out the interest of Mr. Green, and the style of the firm was changed to Long Bros. The firm was established in 1861, and is the oldest in its line in the city. Both of these men thoroughly understand business princi- ples. They carry a very select stock, and are quite successful.

J. H. LOONEY,

Dealer in coal and wood, is a native of the Isle of Man, Great Britain, born January 31, 1848, and was there reared to manhood. In 1855 he came to the United States, landing at New York, and immediately removed to Galva, Ill., remaining until 1863. In the spring of 1866, he became a resident of Kansas City, and has been actively engaged in the wood business since. He at first had to transport the wood on barges on the Missouri River, and this industry has been much appreciated by citizens of this place. His marriage occurred in August, 1872, to Miss Mary Kane. She died in 1876, leaving two children: John and Charlie. Mr. Looney commenced life in very moderate circumstances, and by hard work, good judgment, and economy, he has secured a comfortable compe- tency.

VALENTINE E. LOVE,

Proprietor of the Theatre Comique, is a native of England, born in Norwich, February 14th, 1838. His brother was a captain in the English Navy, and he himself had a commission as second-lieutenant. He first became a member of the dramatic profession under Edward Glover, of Theatre Royal, of Glasgow. He made his debut in the winter of 1859, and afterward acted in all the principal places in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. October 6th, 1863, he married Miss Ellen Maskell, of Brighton, Sussex, by whom he has one child, Charlotte Ellen. She was also an actress, making her first appearance at the Theatre Royal, at Brighton, in the winter of 1861, playing the role of "Little Rebel " with William Farren, the celebrated English comedian. In the winter of 1868 he was engaged by Henry Jarrett, one of the proprietors of Niblo's Garden of New York City, he having previously commenced his theatrical career in America at Tammany Hall, under the above management. Since that time he has been engaged in managing theaters in Brooklyn, Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore, and previous to his coming to Kansas City was the business manager for J. H. Haverly, of the Adelphia, of Chicago. His first management in Kansas City was the management of the old Frank Hall, which he named the Adelphia of Kansas City, the roof of which fell in during the winter of '78, entirely destroying it. He then leased the theater on the corner of Fourth and Walnut, now known as the Comique. He is the pioneer variety theater manager of Kansas City.

CHARLES D. LUCAS,

Recorder of Deeds of Jackson county, Missouri, was born in Independence, Jackson county, Missouri, on the 5th day of May, 1834. After having received a liberal education he embarked in the dry goods business, and continued in the same until the year 1867, at which time, on account of the illness of his father, Gen. Samuel D. Lucas, who was the recorder of deeds of Jackson county, Mis- souri, he was called upon to discharge the duties of that office. Upon the death of his father he was appointed to fill the unexpired term, and was himself elected

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The History of Jackson county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Jackson county in the late warhistory of Missouri, map of Jackson county, Part 110

Author: Union Historical Company Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Union historical company Number of Pages: 1068

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Union historical company
Number of Pages: 1068