KANSAS COLLECTION BOOKS

William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas


SEDGWICK COUNTY, Part 24

[TOC] [part 25] [part 23] [Cutler's History]

PARK CITY.

The town of Park City was platted in 1870, by C. A. Nichols, J. A. McIlvain, F. C. Hawkins and D. A. Bright. D. M. V. Stewart became one of the proprietors, and made active and intelligent efforts in its behalf. It was at first a formidable rival of Wichita, but it risked all on the county seat, and lost. When the railroad passed it by and came to Wichita, the town died, and its houses were removed to Wichita, Newton and Hutchinson.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES - PARK TOWNSHIP.

FRANK J. CANTON, occupation, farmer; residence, Section 2, Township 26, Range south of 1 west, P. O. Valley Center, was born January 8, 1849, in New Orleans, La., is a son of Frank J. and Josephine Canton; was married, in 1874, to Miss Maggie J. Canton, daughter of T. H. and Charlotte Dunlap. Has five children - Aggie, Gracie, Ulysses, Josie and Lulu. Came to Kansas, and located in Sedgwick County, April 8, 1870. Was a private in Company D. Fourteenth Missouri Cavalry Volunteers. Mustered out at the close of the war, in 1865. Has held the office of Constable and Township Trustee. Was one of the oldest settlers of the township.

C. L. DUNCAN, farmer, Section 13, P. O. Wichita, was born in Wisconsin, in 1847. Is a son of Robert and Rachael (Gard) Duncan. Was married in 1870, to Miss Kate Ackerman, daughter of E. B. and Annie Ackerman. Has five children - Estella M., Emma, Laura, Clara and Charles. Came to Kansas in 1867. Located in Pottawatomie County. After two years removed to Wabaunsee County. Subsequently removed to Sedgwick County, and located on the farm on which he now resides. Owns 160 acres of land; has 80 acres under cultivation, and is engaged in farming and stock raising. His farm is finely located on bottom land, between the Big and Little Arkansas rivers. The soil is of a rich sandy loan. Principal crop is corn, with an average yield of forty bushels per acre. Was in the War of the Rebellion. Enlisted in 1863, in the Independent Battalion, Minnesota Cavalry, Company D. Assigned to the department of the Northwest. Principal service in Dakota and Minnesota. Was mustered out in 1865. Is a member of the Universalist Church, and of the Masonic Fraternity, A. F. & A. M., Wichita Lodge, No. 99, and of the Old Settlers' Association of Sedgwick County. Is Trustee of Park Township. Was first elected in 1878 and 1879, and re-elected in 1882 and 1883. Has been Clerk and Treasurer of the township, and member of the School Board.

S. A. V. HARTWELL, farmer, Section 2 and 11, P. O. Valley Center, was born in Ohio in 1844. He is a son of David and Harriet N. Hartwell. Was married in 1876, to Miss Lulu McClellan. Came to Kansas in 1870, with his father, and located on Section 2, his father locating on Section 11. His mother died in 1869, his father in 1878. He owns one of the finest farms in Park Township, consisting of 480 acres, all of which is under cultivation. He works 150 acres, and rents the remainder. He makes a specialty of horticulture. Has an orchard second to none in the county, containing 5, 549 trees of different varieties of fruit, mostly grated and budded fruit, occupying thirty acres of ground. His apple trees are the largest in the county, measuring from twelve to fourteen inches in diameter; the growth of twelve years. He has about 2,000 plum trees of native varieties, the fruit of which, by cultivation, has become very choice and sells readily from $2 to $3 per bushel, average yield about 200 bushels. Has a fine grove of forest trees of different varieties, and shrubbery of various kinds, and a variety of small fruit, making his home one of the most attractive in the county. They have four children - Hattie E., Florence R., Fanny M. and Arthur N. Mr. Hartwell is a member of the Masonic Fraternity A., F. & A. M., Wichita Lodge No. 99. He is also the inventor and patentee of "Hartwell's Improved Car Coupler."

ROBERT L. HOUSTON, farmer, Section 24, P. O. Wichita, was born in Knoxville, Tenn., in 1840. Is a son of George B. and Lamanda O. (Mondy) Houston. Was married, in 1873, to Miss Sarah E. Morris, daughter of William and Mary J. Morris. Has two children - L. L and L. B. Came to Kansas in 1859. Located in Chase County, and engaged in farming. In 1868 removed to Sedgwick County. Located on the farm on which he has since resided. Owns 235 acres of land. Has ninety-five acres under cultivation. His farm is pleasantly located on the east bank of the Arkansas River, eight miles from the city of Wichita. Soil is of a rich sandy loam. Was in the War of the Rebellion. Enlisted, in 1862, in Second Kansas Cavalry, Company K. Was in the battles of Prairie Grove, Poison Spring, Saline, and other engagements of his command.. Was mustered out in 1865. Was among the first settlers in Park Township. Is a member of the Old Settlers' Association of Sedgwick County.

A. H. JEWETT, farmer, Section 4, P. O. Valley Center, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1849, son of W. T. and Hettie Jewett. Was married in 1877, to Miss Bessie Ferguson; has two children, Edward and Howard Jewett. Came to Kansas in 1870, from Illinois, with his parents, locating upon the land which is now the "Jewett farm," one of the finest in Park Township, consisting of 496 acres of bottom land on the north bank of the Arkansas River, fifteen miles from the city of Wichita. Here Mr. W. T. Jewett settled in the spring of 1871, and laid the foundation for his future home, and subsequently built a fine residence, and in little more than ten years, by his industry and perseverance, aided by the rich and productive soil of Kansas, succeeded in amassing a competence, and has retired from active farm life, and now resides in Wichita, enjoying in rest and quiet, in his advanced years, the reward of his industry. The subject of this sketch, after securing his 160 acres of land from Government, spent some years in the stock business at Medicine Lodge, under a contract from Quinlan, Montgomery & Co., Kansas City, but is now devoting his time to the management of the farm; has 400 acres under cultivation. His principal crop is corn. He feeds about 200 hogs, and 20 head of cattle. Is a member of the Old Settlers' Association of Sedgwick County; has a fine orchard of 400 apple and 50 peach trees, now in bearing.

O. C. RAMLOW, farmer, Sections 26 and 23, P. O. Sedgwick City, was born near Berlin, Prussia, in 1846; is a son of Charles and Charlotte Ramlow. Came to Kansas in 1868; located on his present farm. Being entirely destitute of means, he worked at whatever he could find to do, and succeeded in earning enough to hire fifteen acres broke on his place, and planted corn, from which he realized enough to buy him a team. From that start he now has a fine farm, under a high state of cultivation, lying on either side of the Little Arkansas River, 100 acres under the plow, his corn averaging forty bushels per acre and wheat twenty-one; has a fine orchard, consisting of a variety of fruit trees, now in bearing. His farm is one of the many desirable farms in Park Township, adding another proof to the rich reward that Kansas soil yields to the industrious husbandman. In 1882 Mr. Ramlow married Miss Fanny E. Stone, daughter of William and Mary Stone. He attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is a member. At the time of his coming to Kansas there were but five settlers in the township, and only one house.

T. J. SMITH, farmer, Section 35, P. O. Sedgwick City, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1837; is a son of David and Mary Smith. Was married in 1861, to Miss Minerva Linn, daughter of James and Mary Linn; has three children - Benjamin C., Mary A., and Martha P. Came to Kansas in 1869; located on the farm on which he now resides; owns 401 acres of land, situated near the Arkansas River, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising; has 120 acres under cultivation; makes a specialty of stock; has a fine herd of cattle. His farm is under a high state of cultivation. His residence is surrounded by forest trees, which render it attractive and beautiful. Has a fine orchard, consisting of all varieties of fruit trees. Was one of the organizers of Wakuela township, which comprised Eagle and Park townships. Has been Trustee of Park Township two terms, and Treasurer one term. Is a member of the School Board; has served four years; and is one of the Old Settlers' Association of Sedgwick County.

W. W. TURNER, farmer, Section 13, P. O. Valley Center, was born in Indiana in 1832, son of John T. and Catharine Turner. Was married, in 1857, to Miss Hannah Sawyer, daughter of James and Elizabeth Sawyer. Has three children - O. J., R. L. & W. S. Came to Kansas in 1866, located at Baxter Springs, after two years removed to Jackson, Mo. In 1871, came to Sedgwick County, located on the farm on which he now resides; owns 160 acres of bottom land, located near the east bank of the Arkansas River; soil rich sandy loam, underlaid with sand and gravel, which furnishes a sub-irrigation from the Arkansas River. Engaged in farming and stock raising. His principal crop is corn; his stock is principally hogs, of which he has a fine lot of thoroughbred Poland-China. Has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-five years. Settled in the township before its organization. Has an orchard of 200 apple, 300 peach, together with pear and cherry trees and a variety of small fruit.

O. L. WINTERS, farmer, Section 26, P. O. Sedgwick City, was born in Ohio in 1848. Is a son of William F. and Leutitia Winters. Was married, in 1877, to Miss Jennie Richardson, daughter of William M. and Ruth Richardson. Has two children, Earl J. and Arthur L. Came to Kansas in 1869, located on the farm on which he now resides. Owns 160 acres of land, eighty acres where he resides and eighty acres in Reno County, and is engaged in farming. His farm is situated between the Big and Little Arkansas rivers. The soil is rich sandy loam. Corn is the principal crop, averages forty bushels per acre. Has 105 acres under cultivation. Has a good orchard now in bearing, consisting of apple, peach, cherry and plum trees. Has been a member of the School Board for four years.

KECHI TOWNSHIP.

C. B. ATWOOD, farmer, Section 12, P. O. Wichita, was born in Vermont. Is a son of Buel and Phoebe Clark Atwood, was married, in 1869, to Miss Rhodo Jordan, daughter of William and Arvilla Moore Jordan. Came to Kansas in 1871, located on the farm on which he now resides, containing 160 acres, of which eighty acres are under cultivation. Is engaged in farming. His principal crops are corn and wheat. Has an orchard containing 200 peach, fifty apple trees and a variety of other fruit. Was in the late war. Enlisted, in 1862, in the Eighty-sixth Regiment Illinois Volunteer, Company F, Third Brigade, Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps. Attached to the Army of the Cumberland. Was in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Rome, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Buzzard Roost, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Kenesaw Mountain and other engagements of his command; was mustered out in 1865. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Has been Treasurer of School District No. 45, for six years. Was in the township one year before its organization. Has two children, Edward and Phoebe Atwood; has buried one.

M. H. BAKER, farmer, Section 15, P. O. Wichita, was born in Virginia, in 1835; is a son of George and Anna Baker. Was married, in 1857, to Miss L. C. Johnson, daughter of Lewis and Francis Johnson. Has ten children, eight of whom are living, as follows: T. N., H. R., Anna M., Mary E., Ella H., Earnest M., George W. and Daisy G. Mr. Baker came to Kansas in January, 1875, located in Wichita, where he remained two years. In 1877, located on the farm on which he now lives. Owns 640 acres of very choice land, 350 of which is under cultivation. Principal crops are corn, wheat, oats, sugar cane and millet. Average of corn per acres is about 40 bushels, wheat 15, oats 25, sugar cane 75 gallon per acre, and millet 3 tons per acres. Has about 40 head of cattle, keeps about 100 head of hogs. Has a fine orchard of fruits of most all kinds. Has one of the nicest locations and one of the best farms in the township. Is assisted in his farming operations by his sons. Mr. Baker came from Adams County, Ill., where his parents located at an early day. His father was one of the leading and prosperous farmers in that county.

H. L. DEWING, farmer, Section 8, P. O. Wichita, was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., in 1848; son of Elihu and Orpha Dewing. Was married in 1868, to Miss Edna Beach, daughter of Solomon and Harriet Beach. Has three children - Harry L., Derword D. and Iva M. Came to Kansas in 1870; located on the farm on which he now resides, which consists of 160 acres; engaged in farming and stock raising. Was in the township two years before the organization; was one of its organizers. Has been Township Clerk, and served on the School Board four years. Mrs. Orpha B. Dewing, the mother of the subject of the above sketch, is living with her son at the advance ages of seventy-two years. She came to Kansas with her children in 1870; she came in a wagon from Illinois.

W. D. GOODRICH, farmer, Section 6, P. O. Valley Center, was born in Tioga County, N. Y., in 1844; son of Hiram B. and Rachael D. Goodrich. Was married in 1865, to Miss Sophia Kirkham, daughter of Hiram and Polly Kirkham. Has six children - Thaddeus; Wallace, Myrtle, Eugene, Clarence and Willard. Came to Kansas in 1869, from Wisconsin; located in Neosho County; after one year removed to Sedgwick County, and located on the farm on which he now resides, which consists of 160 acres of fine bottom land. His principal crop is corn, which averages about forty bushels per acre; has never had a failure of crops; 110 acres are under the plow. He was in the army during the late war; enlisted in 1862, in the First Wisconsin Cavalry, Company C, Second Brigade, First Division Cavalry Corps, Army of the Cumberland; was in the engagements of the Atlantic campaign; was mustered out at the close of the war in 1865. Is a member of the Garfield Post No. 25, G. A. R.; was elected Constable at the first election held in Kechi Township; re-elected the two succeeding years; was one of the organizers of Kechi Township; has been Treasurer for three years, and member of the School Board for three years; was among the earliest settlers of the township, and has always taken an active part in all its interest.

GEORGE H. GREGG, farmer, Section 6, P. O. Valley Center, was born in Burlington, Vt., in 1848; is a son of James and Susan Gregg. Was married in 1873, to Mrs. Louise Armour Lambert, daughter of Robert H. and Sallie Armour. Has two children - Addie and Minnie Gregg. Came to Kansas in 1871; located on his farm, which consists of 240 acres, lying on the east bank of the Little Arkansas River. Is engaged in farming and stock raising; has 160 acres under cultivation; average yield of corn about forty bushels per acre. Mr. Gregg was one of the earliest settlers of the township, and now has one of the best farms in his neighborhood, situated nine miles from Wichita and one and a half miles from Valley Center. Has been identified with the interest of Kechi Township from its organization. Has been Constable, and served on the School Board for three years.

JOHN GUEST, farmer, Section 12, P. O. Wichita, was born in Nottinghamshire, England, in 1836, and is a son of Richard and Hannah Guest. Was married, in 1858, to Miss R. L. Dewing, daughter of Elisha and Orpha Dewing. He has eight children - Norman, Arthur, Nora, Richard, Elizabeth, Lula, John and William. He has buried seven children. Came to Kansas in 1871 from Ohio and located on the farm on which he now resides. Owns 240 acres of land, of which 115 acres are under cultivation, and is engaged in farming and stock raising. Keeps about forty head of cattle and sixty hogs; feeds his crops. Was in the late war; enlisted, in 1862, in the Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Volunteers, Company I, and was in the battles of Helena, siege of Fort Spanish, and other engagements of his command; was mustered out in 1865. Is a member of Garfield Post, No. 25, G. A. R., and of the Old Settlers' Association of Sedgwick County. Settled in the township before its organization and has been Road Overseer for four years. Is a member of the School Board. When he arrived in Kansas he had $300, which he invested in oxen and one cow; they all died the same year of the Texas cattle fever, leaving him without means, save his undaunted spirit, which has enabled him to surmount all discouragements, and as the results of his energy and perseverance is now the possessor of a fine farm surrounded with all that can add to his comfort and pleasure in life, as the result of his industry.

RICHARD JACKSON, farmer, Section 24, P. O. Wichita, was born in Brown County, Ohio, in 1839, and is a son of Richard and Isabel Jackson, natives of Ohio. He was married, in 1861, to Miss Almira Harness, daughter of Frederick and Rosana Harness. He has six children - John H., Rosana, Orlando, Frederick H., Clarence A. and George W. Came to Kansas, in 1871, from Iowa and located on the farm on which he now resides, containing 246 acres, of which 120 are under cultivation. He is engaged in farming and stock raising. His principal crop is corn, which averages about thirty-five bushels per acre. Keeps about forty head of cattle and thirty head of hogs; feeds his surplus crop. He was in the army during the late war, enlisted, in 1862, in the Thirty-sixth Regiment Iowa Volunteers, Company E, and was in the battles of Helena, Marks Mills and other engagements of his command; was taken prisoner on April 5, 1864, and held at Tyler, Tex., until February, 1865, during which time he suffered great hardship. He was afflicted with scurvy and his general health greatly impaired. He was unfitted for service for two years after his release and has never recovered entirely from the effects of his prison life. Was mustered out at the close of the war in 1865. Is a member of the Garfield Post, No. 25., G. A. R., and of the Old Settlers' Association of Sedgwick County. Is a member of the School Board and has served for six years.

ALBERT E. JOHNSTON, farmer, Section 5, P. O. Valley Center, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1838, and is a son of John H. and Jane Johnston. Was married, in 1857, to Miss Elizabeth Ittner, who died in April, 1879, leaving four children - Jane, Frances, Julius and Albert. Mr. Johnston was married, in 1880, to Mrs. Lucinda Pawling nee Norton. He came to Kansas in 1872 and located on the farm where he now resides. Owns 400 acres, 320 of which are under cultivation. He is engaged in farming and stock raising. His principal crop is corn, which has averaged forty-five bushels per acre; his last year's crop amounted to 7,000 bushels. He feeds about 100 hogs of the Poland-China breed and has twenty head of cattle. Intends to increase the number and make a specialty of cattle raising. He has one of the finest residence locations in the township, it being upon an elevation, from which there is a view of his whole farm; surrounded with forest trees, consisting of box elder, cottonwood and soft maple, which afford a protection from the winds, and making it one of the most desirable and beautiful locations in the community. He has a fine orchard of 100 apple and 600 peach trees, also a large number of cherry, plum and a variety of small fruits all in bearing. The improvements on his farm were made in 1876. He was in the army during the late war. Enlisted, in 1862, in the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, Company C, and was in the siege of Vicksburg, Stone River, Little Rock, Pine Bluff and other engagements of his command; he was mustered out in 1865. Is a member of the Masonic fraternity, A., F. & A. M., Wichita Lodge, No. 99, and Justice of the Peace; a member of the School Board and a director of the Arkansas Valley Agricultural Society of Sedgwick County.

WILLIAM JORDAN, farmer, Section 2, P. O. Valley Center, was born in Ohio in 1881; son of Nathaniel and Nancy Jordan. Was married, in 1845, to Miss Arvilla Moore, daughter of William and Lydia Moore; has five children - Obid, Alden, Rhoda, Albert and Eva M. Came to Kansas in 1871, locating on the farm on which he now resides, which consists of eighty acres; engaged in farming. Has a fine farm, soil of rich, sandy loam, underlaid with sand and gravel, which affords a sub-irrigation. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; also of I. O. O. F. Was one of the organizers of the township. Has been member of the School Board for three years. Mrs. Jordan's mother died in March, 1883, at the advanced age of ninety-three years; was in good health to within three days of her death. Albert M. Jordan, who resides with his father and carries on the farm, was born in 1854, in Ohio. Was married, in 1882, to Miss Sarah A. Mathers, daughter of Benjamin F. and Amanda Mathers. Is a member of the Christian Church.

J. B. LEMMON, farmer, Section, 12, P. O. Wichita, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1842; son of Alexander and Harriet Lemmon. Was married, in 1873, to Miss Anna M. Brichler, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Brichler; has five children - Otho W., Hattie M., John A., Lewis A. and Alma V. Came to Kansas in 1870, and located on the farm where he now resides, which contains 160 acres of land. Engaged in farming and stock raising. Was in the army during the late war. Enlisted, in 1864, in the Sixty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, Company B., and was in the battles of Buzzard Roost, Resaca, and in other engagements of his command. Was discharged in the fall of 1864, for disability; has never fully recovered from the effect of the service. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

THOMAS RAINES, farmer, Section 1, P. O. Valley Center, was born in Hull, Yorkshire, England, in 1819. Is a son of John and Mary Raines, natives of England. Was married in 1845, to Miss Esther Williams, daughter of Solomon and Phoebe Williams, natives of Connecticut; has two children - Mary Rigel and Anne Raines. Had one son, Thomas H., deceased at the age of thirty-one, in 1880. He had been engaged in mining at Leadville, Colo; started to make a visit to make a visit (sic) to his parents, and died on the cars when he was within sixty miles of home. Mr. Raines came to Kansas in 1870; located on the farm on which he now resides, which contains 160 acres of land. Is engaged in general farming. He has a very beautifully located farm on the east bank of the Little Arkansas River, within three-quarters of a mile from Valley Center. It is all second bottom land, of a rich, dark, sandy loam. Mr. Raines has always been a representative man of Kechi township, alive to all its interests. Is Treasurer of the township; was elected in 1882 and re-elected in 1883. Has been a member of the School Board for five years. Mr. Raines is a member of the Episcopal Church.

P. G. RICKARD, farmer, Section 4, P. O. Valley Center, was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in 1848; son of Lorenzo and Lucy Rickard. Was married, in 1875, to Miss Carrie L. Rhodes, daughter of Charles and Nancy Rhodes; has two children - Ralph L. and Charles W. Rickard. Came to Kansas in 1869 from Wisconsin; located in Neosho County; after one year removed to Sedgwick County and located on the farm on which he now resides, which consists of 160 acres of land; engaged in farming and stock raising; has eighty acres under cultivation. Was in the army during the late war. Enlisted in 1864 in the Thirty-ninth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, Company K; was in the engagements of the of his command. Was discharged at the close of his term of service. Re-enlisted in February, 1865, in Fifty-first Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, Company H; was mustered out at the close of the war, in 1865. Has been Township Clerk for nine years; was elected at the first election held in the township, and re-elected for the eight next succeeding years. Is member of the School Board; has served for seven years; was one of the organizers of the township.

J. W. ROCKEY, farmer, Section 14, P. O. Wichita, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1838. Is a son of Jacob and Matilda Rockey. Was married in 1861 to Miss Angelica Massy, daughter of Ezekiel C. and Mary A. Massy. Has one child, Arthur E. Buried one at the age of two years. Came to Kansas in 1870. Located on Section 26, and remained for nine years, when he sold that farm and purchased the one on which he now resides, which consists of eighty acres. Was in the War of the Rebellion. Enlisted in 1862 in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, Company C. Was in the Army of the Gulf. Was in the battles of Thompson's Hill, Chickasaw Bluffs, and other engagements of his command. Was wounded in the first attack of Vicksburg. Served three years. Was mustered out in 1865. Is a member of Garfield Post No. 25, G. A. R., and of the Old Settler's Association of Sedgwick County. Has been Constable in the Township of Kechi. Attends the Baptist Church, of which his wife has been an honored member for twenty-four years.

M. M. SMITH, farmer, Section 14, P. O. Valley Center, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1839. Is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Smith, natives of Pennsylvania, but moved to Ohio at an early day. Mr. Smith was married in 1864, to Miss Susannah A. Whitford, daughter of Nathaniel and Rebecca Whitford, natives of New York. Has seven children, George W., Eva E., Benona A., Edith E., Francis M., Emerett A., and J. Morris. Came to Kansas in 1873 and located on the farm on which he now resides. He owns 160 acres of land and is engaged in farming and stock raising. Has been very successful in farming and has never met with a failure of crops. His soil is a rich, sandy loam, underlaid with red clay. Our subject was in the army during the late war, enlisting in 1862, in the Third Michigan Cavalry, Company A, attached to the trans-Mississippi army. Was in the battles of Corinth, Iuka, and other engagements of his command. Was mustered out in 1865. Is a member of the Baptist Church and deacon and clerk of the church, and a member of the Masonic Fraternity, A., F. & A. M., and of the U. B. Wichita Lodge. Is a trustee of Kechi cemetery. Is a carpenter and builder by trade, at which he works a portion of his time.

SAMUEL VANDERGRAFT, farmer, Section 9, P. O. Wichita, was born in Virginia in 1833. Son of Leonard and Mary Vandergraft. Was married in 1858 to Miss Mary Crookston, daughter of John and Malinda Crookston. Has ten children, E. C., Rosa, Laura, Ida, Minnie, Albert, Ellsworth, Herman, Ira and William. Came to Kansas in 1859 and located in Pottawatomie County. Remained for ten years excepting the time he was in the army. In 1869 removed to Sedgwick County, on a farm near Wichita. After two years removed to the farm on which he now resides. Owns 560 acres of land. Is engaged in farming and stock raising. Has 225 acres under cultivation. Has eighty head of cattle and 125 hogs. Was in the War of the Rebellion. Enlisted in 1862 in the Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, Company G. Was in the battles of Prairie Grove, Cane Hill, Van Buren, Mine Run, and other engagements of his command. Mustered out in May, 1865. Was in the township before its organization, and was one of its organizers. Is a member of the School Board and has served for the last three years. Was a delegate to the presidential county convention.

G. M. WIGHT, farmer, Section 14, P. O. Wichita, was born in Wayne county, Mich., in 1839. Is a son of William W. and Henrietta Wight. Was married, in 1861, to Miss Marion O. Crosby, daughter of Ami and Hannah Crosby. Has five children - Wallace W., Grant A., Arietta A., Avray B. and Clara M. Came to Kansas in 1871; located on the farm where he now resides, which consists of 160 acres of fine land which is now under a high state of cultivation, Mr. Wight being one of the most successful farmers in the township. His corn average is forty-one bushels per acre. He keeps a dairy of from twenty to thirty cows. In 1881, from twenty cows, made 100 cheese, which weighed twenty-five pounds each and 1,000 pounds of butter. In 1879, from fourteen cows, made sixty cheese of fifteen pounds each, and 700 pounds of butter from ten cows, as he only kept ten cows after finishing cheese making. This year he proposes to patronize the creamery, which has just been completed at Wichita. He keeps about 100 hogs and has some fine horses, three-fourths bred. Was in the township before its organization and was one of its organizers. Was elected Justice of the Peace, but declined to serve on account of the pressure of other business. Has a fine orchard, with a variety of fruit trees and a fine grove of forest trees, consisting of twelve acres containing walnut, box elder, coffee bean, cottonwood and elm, which adds much in beauty and attractiveness to his home.

[TOC] [part 25] [part 23] [Cutler's History]