KANSAS COLLECTION BOOKS |
TONGANOXIE.This, the largest village in the county, was named in honor of an old Indian chief, who lived a short distance from it. The log cabin built and occupied by his was burned some years ago. The two-story frame house built for him by the Government is still standing. Quincy Baldwin now owns and occupies the premises. Tonganoxie was a great favorite with the whites, who in 1855, -'56 -'57, made his house a regular stopping place in going to and from Lawrence. The village was first settled in 1866, being platted the same year by Mrs. Magdalena Berry, who owned the site, consisting of forty acres of land. Two of her daughters still live in the village. The first settler in the village was Wilson H. Fox, who built a log cabin. In 1862, James English came here to live, was the first Postmaster and sold the land to Mrs. Berry, which afterward became the town site. In 1866 William Dane built the first regular store. Tonganoxie is now a city of the third class, containing 300 people, five general stores, three boot and shoe shops, one drug store, one butcher shop, one bakery and confectionery, three blacksmith shops, one millinery store and one jewelry store. Three doctors are located here, one printer who issues a little sheet called the Mirror, and no lawyers. Four miles southeast of Tonganoxie is the flouring mill of Mrs. E. Davis & Son. It is a water flour mill and is doing a fair business. A capital of $10,000 is invested, and the annual product is $20,000. Tonganoxie has a number of flourishing religious societies: Methodist Episcopal, Baptist and Congregationalist. The Methodist Episcopal Church (white) is in charge of Rev. J. C. Telford. The society owns a $2,000 brick church, and is strong and growing. The district school building is a substantial two-story brick structure, and the attendance averages 100 pupils. A prosperous agricultural community surrounds Tonganoxie, and the city itself is deriving the usual benefit. It is located on the Leavenworth and Lawrence road, about twenty-two miles southwest of the former city. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES (ANGELL - JONES).WILLARD S. ANGELL, hotel and livery stable keeper, Tonganoxie; also is Deputy Sheriff and City Marshal. Mr. Angell came to the State of Kansas in 1869, and located in Leavenworth County, in High Prairie Township for seven years, and then settled in the town of Tonganoxie. He has been engaged in business there since. He was born in the State of New York, January 8, 1832, and lived in his native State twenty years. He moved to Mercer County, Ill., and lived there nineteen years, and then removed to the State of Kansas and located in Leavenworth County. Mr. Angell was married in New York, December 28, 1853, to Miss Cynthia A. Waters, a native of New York, and has had two children - Alton and Arthur. Mr. Angell has been Constable in his township for two years. QUINCY BALDWIN, nurseryman and farmer, P. O. Tonganoxie, came to Kansas in the spring of 1874, and located where he now lives, on his farm near Tonganoxie, in Leavenworth County. He was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1826, and at the age of three years his father moved to Grant County, and lived there thirty-five years, and then moved back to Wayne County and lived there ten years, and then came to Kansas. Mr. Baldwin was married in Grant County, Ind., in 1848, to Miss Mary Jay, a native of Ohio. They have had five children; three are living - Almeda, Rhoda and William. Mr. Baldwin lost his wife, and he was married again in the fall of 1862, to Miss Elizabeth Pike, in Wayne County, Ind., who is a native of North Carolina. They had one child. He married his present wife in 1878, in Grant County, Ind., Mrs. Asenath Whitson, a native of Indiana. Mrs. Whitson had one son-Eli A. Mr. Baldwin is a member of the Society of Friends. He has taught school for several years, and is an intelligent and highly respected citizen of Tonganoxie Township. JACOB BECKER, saddler and harness maker, Tonganoxie, came to Kansas in 1867, and located in Leavenworth, and lived there till 1869. Then he moved to Tonganoxie, and has lived there since. Mr. Becker was born in Germany, in 1834, and lived in his native country till 1852, then removed to the United States and located in Philadelphia, and lived there five years. Lived in various towns in Pennsylvania until he enlisted in the army in 1864, in the Two Hundred and Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served for about ten months, and was discharged in 1865, at the close of the war. He then returned to Pennsylvania and lived there a short time, and went to Germany and remained there ten months; returned to the United States and came to Kansas, where he has resided since. He was a member of the Lutheran Church in the old country. WILLIAM BISSETT, farmer, stockraiser and fruit grower, P. O. Jarbalo, came to Kansas in the spring of 1862 and located in Leavenworth County, and has lived in the county since. He has been located in Tonganoxie Township, on his beautiful farm of 160 acres of finely improved land. He was born in Western Canada, in 1825 and lived in his native country until 1855, then came to the United States and located in Cleveland, Ohio. He lived there about three years and then moved to Livingston County, Mo., and lived in that State until he came to Kansas, in 1862. Mr. Bissett was married in Canada, in 1848 to Miss Eva Gilliland, a native of that country. They have eight children - Horatio N., Charles W., George W., Oscar W., Georgianna M., Mary P., Federick S., and Bertha A. Mr. Bissett is an intelligent and substantial farmer, and a highly respected citizen. JESSE BLAIR, farmer and fruit grower, P. O. Tonganoxie, came to Kansas in 1863, and located where he now lives. Was born in North Carolina in 1813, and lived in his native State sixteen years, then moved with his parents to Hendricks County, Ind., and lived in that State till 1853, when he moved to Iowa and located in Warren County, Ind., and lived there ten years. He came to Kansas in 1863, and located where he now lives. Mr. Blair was married in Indiana, in 1834, to Miss Rebecca Tanner, a native of Belmont County, Ohio. They have five children - William, Clarence, Jonathan, Daniel and Nancy N. Mr. Blair is a member of the Society of Friends, and was Township Clerk for five years, and School Officer. M. G. BLINN, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Tonganoxie, came to Kansas in 1867, and located where he now lives, on a farm northwest from Tonganoxie. He was born in Delaware County, Ohio, in 1823, and lived in his native State twenty years, then moved to St. Louis, Mo., and lived in that city for thirty years. He came to Kansas in 1867. Mr. Blinn was married in St. Louis in 1876, to Miss Catherine Malone, a native of Illinois. He has been Road Officer and School Director. Is a highly respected citizen of his township. WALLACE A. BRICE, Tonganoxie. The subject of this sketch, an unpretending man who seeks not the applause of the world, is worthy a first place in any volume of biography. His lineage on his father's side extends back to a lengthened period in the annals of Scotia's history, when patriotism and heroic valor were common and rife among the vales and hills of Scotland. His grandmother, on his father's side, was a daughter of one of the old and highly respected Barons of Scotland. The grandfather, at an early period in 1700-earlier, perhaps, than the great and masterly efforts of James Oates and Patrick Henry-espoused the cause of American Liberty, and ever remained during his life, a staunch and firm advocate of those illustrious and noble principles that at length resulted in the consolidation and establishment of the original thirteen colonies. On his mother's side, whose maiden name was True, the record is equally gratifying and good. The family were early associated with the cause that led to the revolution of '76, and were among the early pioneer settlers of Ohio. From boyhood the subject of this brief biography has been noted for energy, perseverance, tact, and a resoluteness, when fully roused, that seldom met with even a momentary repulse. An unswerving devotee of the Union, as well as of law and order, during the late war, being stationed at a very prominent point in the South, it can truly be said of him that "he stood upon the burning deck whence all but him had fled." A fluent speaker and a ready writer, his public speeches have many times resulted in arousing the masses to nobler feeling and grander aspirations; while his many unpretending essays and volumes give evidence of rare mental ability and ready and deep discernment. Several years ago he wrote a very valuable and extended History of the Northwest, which soon found its way into all the larger libraries of the country. He also published the "Northwestern Agricultural Annual," "Kansas Annual," etc., and has also edited several newspapers. Ever aiming at what he thought right and for the best, like most men in public positions, he has not unfrequently (sic) been misunderstood and maligned, but never driven from his honest position and convictions. His motto has long been, "Stand firm and fearless in the right." Starting out in the world when but a boy of eight or nine years, he has, by his energy, industry, care and love of books, made his way thus far through life with little or no aid from others. Never uniting with any organization, he has ever been independent and free, believing in, and largely relying upon, the immutable fitness and adaptation of things, physical, mental and divine, within the broad scope of an unlimited "good" that everywhere abounds throughout the boundless realm of life. Courtesy, kindness, and respect for all are among his most prominent characteristics. At sixteen he carried the United States mail on horseback, through a wilderness much of the way, seventy-five miles twice a week, and earned the good name of faithful and attentive, though his pay was small. In 1848 he set in to learn the printing business, at Richmond, Ind., where he worked as apprentice for about two years, soon becoming a good type setter and a very useful hand in the office-the old "Jeffersonian." From there he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained till 1851, at which time he again returned northward, and after working for a time at Greenville, Ohio, he visited the home of his father, at Winchester, Ind., and soon after took the cars for the West, stopping at Indianapolis, Ind., from whence he soon left for Louisville, Ky., and in the fall of 1854, after short sojourns at different points along the Mississippi River, landed in the city of New Orleans, La., where he sojourned several years, and also visited Mobile, Alabama, and, becoming acquainted with his first wife, then Miss Mary Way, at the former place, who was also from Indiana, near Richmond, he was married to her in 1860. His sojourn in the South is full of interest. He and his wife being there through much of the late war, they were enabled to relate many a thrilling episode and eventful escape; and were also largely instrumental in the establishment of the Freedmen's schools in the Crescent City, in 1863-4. Mr. Brice was born at Mansfield, Ohio, September 27, 1830. Though not always seen of the world, or admitted if seen, yet his career has long been a self-sacrificing and most useful one. Mr. Brice came to Kansas, landing at the city of Leavenworth, in the spring of 1869. Believing that the farm life was much the surest and healthiest, he has since devoted much of his time to the tilling of the soil, with other valuable products raising considerable quantities of broom corn each year, and having the same made into brooms for the common market, though often greatly discouraged by drouth (sic) and grasshoppers. His first wife dying some ten years ago, two years later, in 1874, he became united in wedlock to his present most estimable companion, Mrs. Rachel Sturgis, whose maiden name was Delevan, and whose native State was New York, Westchester County. Mr. Brice has now resided in the city of Tonganoxie and vicinity some thirteen years. Has been a member of the City Council five years. Always enterprising and earnest for the public good, he never fails to unite in all good works tending to moral, mental and physical well-being. Such is a brief sketch of one in every way worthy of the highest and noblest regard as a man and citizen of our noble Kansas. In a prophetic point of view his utterances have been most accurate, and of the many declarations he has made, during the past twenty-five years, but few have failed to fully come to pass. In the spring of 1861, he declared the late war inevitable, that it would be a fearful struggle, and would last five years; all of which was most truly verified. Though making no pretensions, and seldom alluding to the matter, save only with those most intimately associated with him, as a seer of the weather, the coming of storms, snows, rains, etc., he has few equals, and tells of their coming days beforehand, with the greatest accuracy. A keen, active intellect abounds in the family of Mr. B. His father, a venerable active man, born at Washington, Pa., in 1800, is now in his eighty-third year, having been a minister for over fifty years. GEORGE R. BROADBERE, editor of the Tonganoxie Mirror. Mr. Broadbere came to Kansas in 1880, and has been local editor of the Kansas Tribune at Lawrence, and correspondent of the Kansas City Times. He located in Tonganoxie, and took the position of editor of the Mirror in April, 1882. Mr. Broadbere was born in the city of New York, May 3, 1854, and lived in his native State fifteen years, and in Louisiana, Texas and Missouri, before locating in Kansas. He was married in Ottawa, Kan., November 22, 1880, to Miss Maggie Sappenfield, a native of Indiana. They have one child - George R. Mr. Broadbere attends the Congregational Church. JAMES H. BROWN, wagonmaker, and also Justice of the Peace for the Town of Tonganoxie. Mr. Brown came to Kansas in 1876, and located in Labette County, and lived there three years; then came to Tonganoxie in 1879. He was born in Monroe County, State of New York, May 2, 1824, and came to Ohio in 1832, locating in Medina County. He lived in Ohio till 1854, when he moved to Michigan, and lived there till 1861, and then enlisted in the Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and served till December, 1862, then was discharged and returned to Ohio. In 1863 was engaged in the Quarter Master's Department of the Army, and returned to Ohio, and lived there till he came to Kansas. Mr. Brown was married at Cincinnati in 1864, to Mrs. Ellen Grace, a native of Massachusetts. CHARLES COLWELL, blacksmith, Tonganoxie, came to Kansas in 1861, and located in Leavenworth City. He lived there until 1866, and removed to Tonganoxie, and has lived there since. He was born in Nelson County, Ky., in 1822, and was quite small when he was removed to Jackson County, Mo. He lived there from 1849 to 1861, when he came to Kansas. Mr. Colwell was married in 1853 to Miss Jane Wallace, a native of Kentucky. They have had six children, of whom three are living - John, Charles, and Laura. ALEXANDER CARR, farmer and stock-raiser, Section 27, P. O. Stanwood, is a native of Indiana, and was born in Union County, February 11, 1845. At an early age he emigrated with his parents to Wapello County, Iowa, where he was educated. In 1873 he came to Kansas, and for a few years was a resident of Jefferson County, from where he removed to his present home. Mr. Carr is identified among the leading stockmen of Leavenworth County, and is one of its solid and progressive citizens. He was married in Kansas, to Miss M. E. McGill, an estimable lady. They have four children - Elizabeth J., D. F., L. F., and A. B. FRANCIS J. DESSERY, general trader in horses, Tonganoxie, came to Kansas in July, 1867, and located in Tonganoxie, and has lived here since. He was born in Iroquois County, Ill., and lived in that State ten years, then removed with his parents to Kansas in 1867. He was married in Tonganoxie to Miss Elizabeth Grist, a native of Pennsylvania; they have had one child - Lottie May. Mrs. Dessery is a member of the Methodist Church. NATHAN D. ELLIS, farmer and teacher, P. O. Stanwood, came to Kansas in 1878, and located in Springdale, and has lived in the county since. He was born in the State of Indiana in 1848, and lived in his native State thirty years, then came to his present residence in Kansas. He was educated in New London, Ind., at Spiceland Academy, and completed his education in 1877. He was married in Tipton County, Ind., on the 19th day of March, 1868, to Miss Elizabeth Mitchell, a native of Indiana; they have five children - Josie, Otha, Gracie, Almeda and Ethel. Mr. Ellis is a member of the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a member of the Society of Friends. He is an active, intelligent and enterprising citizen of Leavenworth County. Has been greatly interested in politics, and is an active member of the Republican party, and is a candidate for County Superintendent on his party's ticket. He has been a teacher for more than nineteen years. JOHN M. ENOCHS, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Tonganoxie, came to Kansas in the spring of 1866, and first located in Atchison, living there one year. He then moved to Lawrence, and worked at the blacksmith's trade for some time, and then engaged in the mercantile business for two years; then moved on his farm in Sherman Township; remained there until the spring of 1880; then removed to Tonganoxie, and has lived there since. Mr. Enochs was born in Washington County, Ohio, in 1828, and lived in his native State twenty-two years. He removed to Fulton County, Ill., in 1852, and lived there two years. He removed to Nebraska in 1854, and lived in Sarpy County until 1858, and was Sheriff of the county four years. In 1858 he went to Buchanan County, Iowa, and remained there until he came to Kansas in 1866. Mr. Enochs served in the army as Second Lieutenant for two years, and was discharged as such. He was married in Fulton County, Ill., in 1853, to Miss Caroline Cook, a native of Connecticut; they have four children living - Mary J., Mattie C., Maggie A., and Carrie E., and Henry, deceased, having been killed by a horse when in his seventh year. Mr. Enochs is a member of the Masonic Order, and also of the Odd Fellows. He has been a member of the City Council of Tonganoxie two terms, and is a highly respected citizen of his town and county. GEORGE W. GREEVER, livery stable, Tonganoxie. Came to Kansas in 1868, and located in Wyandotte County, and lived there till the spring of 1882, then removed to Tonganoxie, Leavenworth County, where he now lives. Mr. Greever was born in Virginia, in 1831, and lived eighteen years in that State; he removed to Ohio in 1848, and lived there till 1856, when he moved to the State of Missouri; located in Andrew County. He raised and organized the first company of Union troops that was organized in northwest Missouri, and joined the Twelfth Missouri Regiment, which was reorganized and was afterward known as the Fifty-Second Missouri Volunteer Cavalry. He served with the regiment for six months, as captain of a company. Mr. Greever was married first in Virginia, February 3, 1853, to Miss Sarah Porterfield, a native of Virginia, who died in 1875, leaving six children, of whom four are living - William, John, Charles and Sarah. Mr. Greever married again in 1878, Miss Margaret V. Newland, a native of Tennessee, and has one child by his second wife-Fred N. He has been twice a member of the Legislature of his State, and has been a breeder of Short-horn cattle, of South Devonshire and Cotswold sheep, and Poland-China hogs, and also a breeder of fine horses. JOHN S. GRIST, bridge builder and general contractor of buildings, Tonganoxie, came to Kansas in 1868 and located here, where he has lived ever since, excepting two years that he was in Chicago, in 1871 and 1872. He was born in the city of Philadelphia in 1835, and lived in that city fourteen years. He then moved to Pittsburg and lived there twenty years, and then came to Kansas in 1868 and located where he now lives. While at Pittsburg, he enlisted in the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served with that regiment during the war. After the battle of Antietam, he was promoted for meritorious service to Second Lieutenant of his company. Mr. Grist was married in Connelsville, Fayette County, Penn., September 10, 1854, to Miss Matilda Buttermore, a native of Pennsylvania, and has had four children - Norris M., Elizabeth, May and Alice. Mr. Grist is a member of the Masonic order and is an active and enterprising citizen. ABNER F. HOSKINS, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Tonganoxie, was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1841, and lived in Ohio three years. He moved to Lee County, Iowa, and lived there till he was fifteen years old. He came to Kansas in 1857 and located in Anderson County, and lived there three years and then located in Leavenworth County, where he now lives. Mr. Hoskins was married, in 1876, to Miss Ada Jennings, a native of Iowa. They have had two children, one is living - Pearl. Mr. Hoskins's brother, who resides with him, Edward C. Hoskins, was born in Brown County, Ohio, in 1843, and lived in Ohio about twelve years. He then moved to Iowa, and lived there till he came to Kansas in 1857, and has since lived in Leavenworth County. Mr. E. C. Hoskins was married to Elizabeth Gedney, a native of Iowa; he had three children by his first wife-Isabel, Harry D. and Charles E. He was married again in 1870 to Mrs. Frances Cooper, a native of Missouri. The Hoskins Brothers are enterprising farmers and highly respected citizens of Tonganoxie Township. ARCHER J. JONES, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Tonganoxie, came to Kansas in the spring of 1859, and located in Springdale, Alexandria Township, Leavenworth County. He lived there two years, and then located where he now lives in Tonganoxie Township. Mr. Jones was born in Tennessee in 1815, and when quite young moved with his parents to Indiana, and lived in that State twenty-five years. He then moved to Mahaska County, Iowa, and was the first white settler in that county. He lived there eighteen years, and came to Kansas in 1859. Mr. Jones was married in Indiana, in 1840, to Miss Charlotta Atkinson, a native of Virginia; they had seven children, six are living - Lucy V., Thomas B., Arabella, Enodeus, William H., Martha and Charles F. Mr. Jones has been Township Trustee and is a member of the Society of Friends.
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