Chapter XXV: Biographical History (20)

Miss Power received her elementary education in the public schools of Milroy, Ind., and afterwards entered DePauw University, at Greencastle, Ind., where she pursued a music course for two years. She then came to Kansas and studied in the liberal arts department of Kansas University, at Lawrence. While her original intention had been to perfect herself in art and music, she became imbued with the idea of becoming a nurse, feeling that a wider field was offered in the art of caring for the sick, and that she could be of greater service to humanity. Accordingly, Miss Power entered the University Medical Hospital of Kansas City, Mo., in 1905, and began the studies which were to prepare her for her life work as a hospital nurse. She applied herself diligently to her medical studies and was graduated from the Kansas City institution in 1908. She was then offered the position of superintendent of the Galesburg, Ill., hospital, and accepted, remaining there until 1911. She was not yet satisfied with her professional preparation, and resigning her position, she spent one year in Europe, traveling and studying the methods in vogue in the hospitals of the old world. Returning to Kansas City in 1912, she was employed by Drs. Jabez and Jackson, of that city, in a professional capacity, until she was called to her present post, September 29, 1915. Since taking charge of the Atchison City Hospital, she has given every evidence of being eminently fitted for the duties of her position and calling. Miss Power is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is affiliated with the A. X. U. sorority, of DePauw University.

WILLIAM H. THOMPSON.

The late William H. Thompson, of Mt. Pleasant township, Atchison county, was born on a Kentucky farm, near the city of Louisville, in 1838. His parents were Benjamin and Nancy (Baxter) Thompson, and both were born and reared in Kentucky, their old home being located on a small stream called Dry Beauty. Nancy Baxter Thompson was the belle of the neighborhood and was a famous beauty in her day. In 1848 the Thompsons migrated from Kentucky to Platte county, Missouri, where they resided until the spring of 1860, and then came to Atchison county and purchased the farm where William H. lived until his death, in 1884. Benjamin, the father, was born in Kentucky in 1799, and died on his Kansas farm in 1861, just after locating in this county. He was a man of fair education, who was self-taught. He taught school in his native State, and his father was a famous hunter in the early days of Kentucky history. He disappeared while absent from home on a hunting expedition, and it is supposed that he was killed or captured by Indians, leaving a wife and three children. Times were hard and educational advantages were either very poor or absent altogether. Benjamin educated himself by night study and home reading, and became well versed in books and knowledge.

_Mrs. Matilda Thompson_
]

William H. Thompson was ten years of age when the family removed to Missouri, and he was reared to young manhood on the pioneer farm in Platte county. After his marriage in 1862, he and his wife lived with his widowed mother after the death of his father, October 26, 1861. He came into possession of the home place and cultivated the land until his demise in 1884. He was married July 6, 1862, to Matilda Thompson, and eight children were born to this marriage: Annie, wife of Frank Williamson, of California; Ada, wife of Henry Knobloch, of Atchison county; Robert Lee, at home with his mother; William H., a mining expert, in Colorado; Gertrude, wife of Ed. Myer, of Atchison; Sirena Ella, deceased wife of Patrick Burns; Benjamin Isaac, at home; Gladis, deceased wife of Eugene Thornburg. The mother of these children was born in 1842 in Buchanan county, Missouri, a daughter of Isaac Thompson, born in New York State, on a farm near New York City, in 1804. The grandfather and a great-uncle of Isaac came to America from England some time before the American revolution, and became separated and never saw each other again. They were of Scotch origin. The paternal grandmother of Mrs. Thompson was a Miss Fiske of the New York family of Fiskes. Isaac Thompson married Elizabeth Fiscus in Indiana. In the year 1808, the parents of Isaac Thompson removed from New York to Ohio and twelve years later migrated westward to Shelby county, Indiana, where the parents died. After his marriage Isaac migrated to Buchanan county, Missouri, in about 1839, and developed a fine farm in that county. In about 1847 he sold his farm in Missouri and set out on the long overland journey to Oregon. A large party were en route to this new country and the outfit comprised twenty-one wagons and teams. An incident of this journey is here worth recording. While the emigrants were encamped for the night at a point hundreds of miles from any human habitation, an Indian came to the camp and informed them that a band of hostile red men intended to attack them and destroy the outfit. A band of emigrant Mormons drove up and joined them and they at once formed a corral with their wagons and prepared to defend themselves against the threatened attack, but the attack did not take place because of the preparations made. The Thompson family remained in Oregon for five years. Isaac went to California in 1848 and engaged in gold mining. Mr. Thompson was fortunate in his prospecting and accumulated a small fortune. During the winter of ’49 he was shipwrecked while making a voyage from California to his Oregon home, the vessel being driven far and out of its course by terrific storms and he was forced to spend the winter on the Sandwich Islands. After arriving home safely, he again went to California and continued his gold mining. In 1851 the family returned to the Middle West. They boarded a ship at Portland, Ore., journeyed to San Francisco, where they took a ship for New Orleans. On the way down the coast the party was landed on the west coast of the Isthmus of Panama and the emigrants were packed across the Isthmus to the east side, where they boarded a vessel which carried them to New York City, arriving there on Christmas day of 1851. From New York they went to Philadelphia where Mr. Thompson had his gold minted at the Government mint. From Philadelphia they traveled to Pittsburgh, and here the children all contracted measles and two of them died. From Pittsburgh they went down the Ohio river by steamer and up the Mississippi to St. Louis where they boarded a Missouri river steamer which took them to Camden, Mo. Here the wife and mother died. At Camden Mr. Thompson purchased oxen and wagons and took the family to Buchanan county, Missouri, arriving there in the summer of 1852. They lived in Missouri until 1856 and then made a permanent settlement in Kansas preëmpting land and locating on Walnut creek in Mt. Pleasant township, about four miles southwest of the city of Atchison, which is now the Herzog farm. After eight years’ residence here they again moved, this time to Illinois, where they lived for three years and came again to Kansas, this time settling in Nemaha county. Isaac died in Nemaha county in 1871. His was certainly a rich and varied experience and his life was filled with adventure and continual changes.

Mrs. Matilda Thompson, widow of William H., although having attained the age of three score and thirteen years, is active, spry and in full possession of her mental faculties. She is a wonderful woman for her age and is fond of relating reminiscences of the old days when the family crossed the plains and traveled half way around the world in quest of riches and adventure.

JOHN HENRY NASS.

When the soul of the late John Henry Nass departed from its earthly habitation to go to his Maker, the city of Atchison lost one of its excellent citizens and merchants who had lived all of his life in the city of his birth. The late J. H. Nass was born in Atchison, February 15, 1865, a son of Jacob and Johanna Nass, both of whom were born and reared in Germany and emigrated from the Fatherland in 1856, to America. They first settled at Weston, Mo., but a short time later came to Atchison, Kan., where Jacob Nass became the first brick manufacturer of the city. He erected the first brick plant and made brick for many of the large brick buildings still standing in the city. Jacob Nass continued actively in the brick business until 1875, when he retired and the business was carried on by his four sons. During the course of his business career he established the hardware store which was later owned by his son, the subject of this review. He left at his demise, in 1899, a considerable estate consisting of the brick plant, a hardware store, and real estate. Jacob and Johanna Nass were the parents of six children, namely: Werner, J. H., Theodore, Herman, all living in Atchison; Gertrude, and Mary Nass, who is caring for her aged mother.

J. H., or Henry Nass, as he was better known by his friends and associates, was reared in Atchison and attended the parochial schools and St. Benedict’s College. At the age of sixteen years he entered his father’s hardware store, and took complete charge of the business when he attained the age of eighteen years. In 1886, with a partner named Frank Hess, of Weston, Mo., he purchased the hardware store of his father. Six years later he bought out his partner and became the sole owner of the store, which he conducted until his demise, in 1903. He was married September 27, 1893, to Bertha Fleming, who bore him children as follows: Charles, born September 16, 1895, educated in St. Benedict’s College, and is now in the employ of the Dolan Mercantile Company of Atchison; Raymond, born July 31, 1898, a graduate of St. Benedict’s College, and is now with the Harwi Hardware Company of Atchison; Rose, born October 31, 1899, at home with her mother; Margarette, born June 2, 1901, student in St. Louis parochial school; William, born November 19, 1902, a student in a St. Louis school; Henry John, born December 7, 1903, and died at the age of eighteen months. Mrs. Nass is justly proud of her children and has endeavored to rear them so that they will lead upright lives and be a credit to her and the public. The Nass home is located near St. Benedict’s College, and it is a happy one at all times. When Mr. and Mrs. Nass were married in 1893 their honeymoon trip included the World’s Fair at Chicago. She was born in Holland, a daughter of Lambert and Rosa (Johnson) Fleming, both of whom were born and reared in Holland and married there, after which they immigrated to America with their family and settled in Atchison where Lambert made wooden shoes for a time and later moved to a farm where he died June 15, 1880. Mrs. Fleming died in 1903.

J. H. Nass was moderately successful in his business pursuits, and left his family comfortably provided for. He was a Democrat but did not take a very active interest in political matters. He was a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. His life was a good and useful one and his main interest was in the well being of his family, of whom he was very thoughtful and treated kindly and justly.

FRANK M. WOODFORD.

Frank M. Woodford, the well known cashier of the Atchison Savings Bank, was born at Niles, Mich., November 29, 1874. He is a son of James H. and Emma (Bickell) Woodford, both natives of Niles, Mich., the former born in 1851 and the latter in 1855. James H. Woodford is a son of Benjamin Woodford, who was a native of New York, and an early settler in Michigan. His wife, Emma Bickell, is a daughter of Thomas J. Bickell, a Virginian. James H. Woodford came to Kansas with his family in 1887, and located in Atchison, and was an employee of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company for a number of years, and later purchased a farm in Atchison county, where he now resides. Frank M. Woodford is the only son born to James H. and Emma (Bickell) Woodford. He attended the public schools and graduated from the Atchison High School in the class of 1894. In 1896 he entered the employ of the Exchange National Bank of Atchison, and worked in the collection department of that institution for two and one-half years. He then entered the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company as yard clerk and later served in the capacity of inspector and bookkeeper. August 1, 1900, he became bookkeeper of the Atchison Savings Bank, and in 1910 succeeded to the cashier-ship of that bank, and has capably filled that position to the present time. Mr. Woodford possesses the safe and conservative judgment of the successful bank cashier and is recognized for his efficiency in that important branch of the commercial world. Mr. Woodford was united in marriage December 21, 1898, with Miss Mabel Santchfield, of Macon, Mo., and two children have been born to this union: Millard, aged eleven, and Maurice, aged eight. Mr. Woodford is a Royal Arch Mason, a member of the Knights of Pythias, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights of the Maccabees, Modern Woodmen of America, and Knights and Ladies of Security. He is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church.

HOLMES DYSINGER, D. D.

Holmes Dysinger, D. D., dean of the Western Theological Seminary of Atchison, Kan., was born March 26, 1853, in the town of Mifflin, Juniata county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Joseph and Mary Amelia (Patterson) Dysinger, both natives of Pennsylvania. The genealogical record of the Dysinger family traces its beginning in America to the seventeenth century, the ancestry on the paternal side being South German and on the maternal side, of English origin. The members of the family for succeeding generations were farmers and carpenters, Joseph Dysinger being a carpenter and contracting builder in his younger days, and later became a farmer. He died on his farm in Pennsylvania, near his birthplace. There were six sons and a daughter in the family which Joseph Dysinger reared, as follows: Holmes, with whom this review is directly concerned; George Washington Dysinger, a practicing dentist at Minneapolis, Minn.; Rev. William Stewart Dysinger, a minister of the Lutheran church in Los Angeles, Cal.; Prof. James H. Dysinger, a teacher at Los Angeles, Cal., and a daughter died at the age of six months.

Holmes Dysinger was reared on his father’s farm and received his elementary education in the district school of his neighborhood. The initial part of his higher education was obtained in the Airyview Academy at Port Royal, Penn. The means at the disposal of the Dysinger family did not permit of Holmes continuing his studies uninterrupted, and he found it necessary to make his own way through the higher realms of learning. Consequently, in order to make his way through college and the university, he began teaching at the early age of seventeen years, and has taught continuously since that time, with the exception of three years in college and a few years in a pastorate. In 1878 he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, Pa., and taught in the academic department of that college for a period of four years, while studying theology in the seminary at that place. His next position was as professor of Latin and Greek in the North Carolina College, Mt. Pleasant, N. C., from 1882 to 1883. From 1883 to 1888, inclusive, he was professor of Latin and Greek at Newberry College, in South Carolina, and from 1888 to 1895 he filled the position of president of Carthage College, Carthage, Ill. From 1895 to 1900 he filled the pastorate of the Lutheran church at Polo, Ill.; he was pastor of the First Lutheran Church of Kansas City, Mo., from 1900 to 1902, and had charge of the Lutheran church at Vandergrift, Pa., from 1902 to 1905. He became dean of the Western Theological Seminary at Atchison, Kan., in November of 1905. He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Wittenberg College, at Springfield, Ohio, in 1889.

Dr. Dysinger was united in marriage with Ada Frances Ray, of Blairsville, Pa., September 22, 1886, and to this union have been born five children: Mary Ray Dysinger, librarian of Midland College, Atchison; Cornelia, Helen Frances and Dorothy Homes, at home with their parents, and Mrs. Dr. C. F. Malmberg, of Greenville, Pa.

CHARLES LANGE.

Charles Lange, farmer, Center township, Atchison county, was born in Germany, January 11, 1865. He is a son of Karl and Marie (Poos) Lange, who were the parents of three children, as follows: Charles, subject of this sketch; Mrs. Mary Rathert, Center township, Atchison county, and Minnie, married C. Kloepper, living in Jefferson county. Karl Lange, the father, was born March 13, 1838, in Germany, and left his native land in the fall of 1874, coming to Atchison county, where he rented for a short time. He then bought the place where his son now lives, which contained 140 acres. The place was fenced with rails and a log cabin had been built, and the barn was of straw. Taking this primitive farm in 1874, Mr. Lange began improving it, and in 1883 he built a fine six-room house and made a number of other improvements. In 1902 he retired and moved to Nortonville, Kan., where he died in 1910. The mother of Charles Lange was born in Germany, July 31, 1841. She is now living in Nortonville, Kan.

Charles Lange attended school in Germany four years and also went to the district school in Center township, Atchison county. He has always lived on his present farm, and looked after his father’s affairs until the latter’s death. He now owns the old home place, which includes 375 acres, sixty acres of which is in corn. He is a thorough farmer and keeps high grade stock. In 1901 Mr. Lange was married to Martha Straub, who was born January 17, 1881, in Baden, Germany. At the age of five years she left Germany with her parents, Joseph and Salme (Hilderbrandt) Straub, who came to America. In 1904 they settled in Mt. Pleasant township, Atchison county, where the father followed farming. Mr. and Mrs. Lange have six children, all of whom are living at home. They are: Erna, Charles, Jr., Henry, Emma, Julius, and Ella. Mr. Lange is a Republican, and attends the Lutheran church.

CHARLES L. ALKIRE.

Charles L. Alkire, proprietor and manager of the Troy laundry of Atchison, was born December 1, 1876, in Saline county, Missouri, a son of George A. and Ellen H. (Dickson) Alkire, who were the parents of two children, as follows: George D., a farmer of Bronaugh, Mo., and Charles L. George A. Alkire was born August 28, 1846, in Illinois, and was a son of George Alkire, who had the distinction of founding the Texas town which bears his name. In early life he was a merchant, and came to Missouri when a young man, and established a general merchandise store in Saline county. Later he engaged in banking and was cashier of the bank at Blackburn, Mo. For six years he served as county collector of Vernon county, Missouri. He is now living a retired life in Dallas, Tex. His father, George Alkire, was an extensive fruit grower, after whom the town of Alkire, Texas, was named and who died there. Ellen H. (Dickson) Alkire, mother of Charles L., was born on a farm near Booneville, Tipton county, Missouri, September 3, 1839, and is living in the family home at Dallas, Texas.

Charles L. Alkire received his education in the schools of his native county, and attended the State school at Nevada, Mo., graduating from business college in Nevada. He served as deputy collector in Vernon county under his father, and then went to Norman, Okla., where he embarked in the newspaper business, running the Troy laundry in connection with his publishing duties, from 1899 to 1902. He then disposed of his holdings in Norman and located in Kansas City, Mo., where he had charge of the shoe department in G. B. Peck’s drygoods store, until his removal to Atchison, Kan. He was first employed in the freight department of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, and was then engaged in the inspection bureau of the Western Weighing Association of Railroads. He served as traveling salesman for the A. J. Harwi Hardware Company until he purchased the Troy laundry, in October of 1915. He was a successful traveling salesman, and is making a marked success in his latest business venture.

Mr. Alkire was married in 1899 to Elizabeth H. Clapham, and to this union one child, Elizabeth, has been born. Mrs. Alkire was born March 12, 1878, in Fremont, Neb., and is a daughter of Edward and Anna (Bradley) Clapham, natives of England, who came to Iowa from their native land with their parents when both were infants. Mr. and Mrs. Clapham have been dead for a number of years. Mrs. Alkire was educated in the University of Oklahoma and graduated from that institution. Mr. Alkire is an independent voter and is not allied with any particular political party, being self-reliant in such matters as he has always been in his business affairs. He is a member of the Baptist church and his wife is a member of the Methodist church.

W. D. CHALFANT.

W. D. Chalfant, a prominent farmer of Shannon township, Atchison county, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born at Brownsville, Fayette county, August 2, 1862, a son of Benjamin M. and Mary Amanda (Lynn) Chalfant, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in 1838, and the latter in 1836. The Chalfant family is of English origin, and was founded in America prior to the Revolutionary war. Benjamin M. Chalfant was a son of James Chalfant, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Benjamin M. owned the old Chalfant homestead in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and in 1882 he sold his Pennsylvania property and came to Kansas, locating in Shannon township, Atchison county, where he purchased 320 acres of land, and was successfully engaged in farming until his death, which occurred June 3, 1914. He was accidentally killed at the railroad crossing at Fourth street, Atchison, while walking across the track. In an effort to avoid an approaching car, he did not notice an approaching Missouri Pacific train, which struck him. His wife died January 18, 1905. They were the parents of the following children: James M. resides in Graham county, Kansas; Elsworth died in infancy: William D., the subject of this sketch; Mary B. Bean lives in Kingman county, Kansas: Henry died at the age of ten, Alice died at the age of ten, and Elvira P. resides in Atchison.

William D. Chalfant was twenty years of age when he came to Atchison county, and has resided in this county since 1882, with the exception of two years, one of which he spent in California and the other in Nemaha county, Kansas. He bought the home place in 1914, shortly after his father’s death. He was united in marriage in 1891 to Miss Mary Mann, a native of Monroe county, West Virginia, and a daughter of Austin and Susan Mann. The father is deceased, and the mother resides in Arkansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Chalfant have been born eight children, as follows: Bonnie Miller resides in West Virginia, and has two children, Raymond and George; Benjamin M. resides at home; Delilah, Jenette, Helen, Henry, Marie, and Mildred. Jenette and Henry died in infancy. Mr. Chalfant is a Republican, and his fraternal affiliations are with the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Central Protective Association.

JACOB BUTTRON.

He of whom this review is written is one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Lancaster township, Atchison county, and is a son of Henry Buttron, a pioneer settler of the county, and who at the time of his death was one of the wealthiest and best known citizens of Lancaster township. A biography of Henry Buttron appears in this history.

Jacob Buttron was born in Lancaster township, April 16, 1872, and has always lived in the vicinity of his early home. He was reared on his father’s farm and attended the school in the Bell district, No. 59. He remained on the farm and gave his best endeavors to assisting his father in building up the family estate until 1904, at which time he started out for himself on a rented farm. He first rented 160 acres of land from his father. Later he bought an equal amount of the north quarter of the Cloyes farm. He has through his father, at the present time, one of the best improved and productive farms of Lancaster township and is on the high road to prosperity. Mr. Buttron has his farm stocked with only the best grades of live stock and has made an excellent record as a stockman.

He was married December 14, 1904, to Miss Emma Flattre, and four children have blessed this union, namely: Bertha, Emma, Alice and John. Mrs. Buttron is a daughter of Thomas and Emma (Manson) Flattre. Mr. Buttron is a Republican in politics, but has never sought political preferment of any kind, and contents himself in doing his duty at the polls at election time. While he professes no religious creed, he is a church goer and is considered to be an upright and exemplary citizen who has many friends in his neighborhood, who esteem him highly for his industrious habits and honest demeanor.

GEORGE SCHRADER.

George Schrader, farmer and stockman, of Center township, Atchison county, was born in Lancaster township, January 25, 1868, and is a son of Nicholas and Kathrine Schrader. He was one of six children. The parents were born in Germany, but each came to America when young. They were married in the United States about 1856, and came directly to Kansas, settling in Lancaster township, Atchison county. Later they removed to Mount Pleasant township, and followed farming until the father retired. The mother died in 1907, aged seventy-three years, and the father lived with his children until his death, in 1914, at the age of eighty-six. George Schrader grew to manhood on the home farm in Atchison county, and at the age of nineteen began to work as a farm hand. A year later he went to California and worked on a ranch. In 1890 he returned to Atchison county and rented his father’s farm for a year, when he bought 180 acres, located on the Topeka State road, two and one- half miles north, and one-half mile west of Cummings, Kan. The farm had only scanty improvements, with a house in bad condition and a small barn. He built a good two-story, modern, nine-room house, which is situated in one of the finest building places in the county, commanding an excellent view. He then erected a large barn, 36×50 feet, with a cement basement. It is well equipped and built especially for a stock barn. Mr. Schrader takes great pride in his stock, which includes fine Hampshire hogs, Percheron and Coach horses. His farm consists of 200 acres, forty acres of which is timber land.

When a young man Mr. Schrader operated a threshing outfit, and continued in that business for many years as a sideline. He is also a carpenter, and built most of the buildings on his farm. In 1894 he married Carrie Kuhn, who was born in Atchison county in 1874. She is a daughter of Fred and Anna (Gruner) Kuhn. The father was a native of Germany, and the mother of Illinois. Both parents are living. Mr. and Mrs. Schrader have three children: Herbert, Lester, and Ida, all living at home. Mr. Schrader is a Republican, and is treasurer of Center township. He is a member of the German Evangelical church. He is a stockholder in the Cummings State Bank. Mr. Schrader is a citizen active in the interest of his community, and takes pride in his farm and in his community, and is always in favor of any movement which will be for the good of the community.

WILLIAM T. HUTSON.

William T. Hutson, an Atchison business man, who has extensive industrial and commercial interests, and is a large land owner, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Platte county August 1, 1874, and is a son of E. P. and Johanna (Kelley) Hutson, the former a native of Clay county, Missouri, and the latter of Dublin, Ireland. E. P. Hutson, the father, had a very successful career, and at the time of his death, which occurred in Platte county, Missouri, in 1892, he owned over 2,000 acres of valuable land. He and his brother, Isaac, went to California in 1850, shortly after the discovery of gold. They were interested in the live stock business on the coast at that early day, buying cattle and driving them to the mining camps, where they found a ready market at very good prices. They were engaged in this business for twelve or thirteen years, and were very successful in a financial way. Isaac’s health failed while on the coast, and he returned to his Platte county home, where he died in 1864. After returning to Missouri, E. P. Hutson followed farming, and looked after his extensive interests until about the time of his death.

William T. Hutson, whose name introduces this sketch, is one of a family of six children, as follows: William T., the subject of this sketch; G. E., farmer, Platte county, Missouri; Capitola married W. P. Page, Platte county, Missouri; Pluma married Dr. Kirkfast, Austin, Neb.; Goldie married Barney Nolan, Sioux City, Iowa, and Galena married Edward Back, Atchison, Kan. William T. Hutson was reared on the home farm in Platte county, Missouri, and received his education in the public schools, and has made farming the chief occupation of his life. He and his brother, G. E., now own and operate 1,000 acres of land in Platte county, Missouri, where they are extensive growers of wheat and other grains. They are also extensive hog raisers and are among the most extensive farmers of Platte county.

Mr. Hutson came to Atchison in December, 1909, and since that time has been closely identified with industrial Atchison. He is president of the Atchison Paving Brick Company, and is a director in the First National Bank of Atchison. He was united in marriage in June, 1909, to Miss Esther Jackson, of Bigelow, Mo. She is a daughter of Richard and Varney Jackson, members of old and highly respected Platte county families. Mr. and Mrs. Hutson have one child, Virginia Lee, born June 23, 1912. Mr. Hutson is a Democrat.

JOHN BEYER.

John Beyer, banker and stock buyer of Arrington, Atchison county, Kansas, was born in Kapioma township, on October 9, 1871. His parents, Asa and Susan Beyer, were both natives of Pennsylvania, the father having been born there in 1835. They came to Kansas in 1868, and settled in Kapioma township, Atchison county, where the father died in 1898, and the mother is still living. John Beyer is one of eleven children, as follows: Mrs. Mary Lewton, Benton township; Samuel, Kapioma township; Mrs. Christen High, Texas; David, farmer, Kapioma township; Jane, living on the home place; Clarissa, deceased; Martha Schiffbauer, Sumner county, Kansas; John, the subject of this sketch; Albert, Caldwell, Kansas, and Luctria Dodson, Kapioma township.

John Beyer attended the Cole Creek district school and at the age of twenty-one started out in life for himself. He bought an eighty-acre farm from his father, and worked this place five years and made a success of it. In 1900 he moved to Arrington, Kapioma township, and engaged in the livery business. He ran this until the following year when he sold out and bought the elevator on the Union Pacific railroad at Arrington. He bought and sold grain for six years, but owned the elevator until 1912. The year previous he began to deal in live stock and has continued in that business since. In 1904 the need of a bank was felt, and John Beyer, together with other leading citizens of Arrington, organized the present bank. For the past eight years he has been assistant cashier of the institution. Mr. Beyer owns farm land in Kapioma township.

In 1897 Mr. Beyer married Maud A. Coots, who was born in Holt county, Missouri, January 13, 1875. She is a daughter of Presley W. and Sarah (Campbell) Coots, both Missourians, whose parents were from Kentucky. The father is now living in Muscotah, Kan. Mr. and Mrs. Beyer have one child, Flossie A., who is living at home. Mr. Beyer is a Republican and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

JOSEPH H. WATOWA.

Joseph H. Watowa, a prosperous Atchison county farmer, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Buchanan county, January 24, 1864, and is a son of Joseph and Catharine (Fischer) Watowa, both natives of Austria. They were married in their native land, and immigrated to America in 1855, first settling in Wisconsin. Later, they located in Buchanan county, Missouri, and in 1879 came to Kansas, locating in Shannon township, Atchison county, on the place where Joseph H., the subject of this sketch, now resides. They were the parents of six children, as follows: Frank resides in Atchison county; Mary, deceased; Henry resides in Atchison county; Amelia; Joseph H., the subject of this sketch; and Paulina.

Joseph H. Watowa is one of the successful farmers of Atchison county, and has one of the fine farms of that section in the State, consisting of 160 acres of well improved land under a high state of cultivation. His land is located in an ideal spot, and a fine tract of timber is located on the place. He is an extensive alfalfa grower and an all around practical modern farmer.

Mr. Watowa was married in 1892 to Miss Theresa, daughter of Joseph and Johanna Zeit, natives of Austria and early settlers in Atchison county, where they still reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Watowa have been born the following children: Mary, age nineteen; Johanna, age eighteen; Elizabeth, age seventeen; Helena, age sixteen; Joseph, age thirteen; Bertha, age twelve, and Catherine, age four. Mr. Watowa has lived on his present place for thirty-six years, and, although still a young man, he counts himself among the old landmarks of Atchison county. He is a Democrat, and has always supported the policies and principles of that party. He has taken a commendable part in local politics, and has served as town clerk for six years. He and his family are members of the St. Benedict Catholic Church at Atchison.

NATHAN T. VEATCH.

Nathan T. Veatch, superintendent of the Atchison city schools, is a native of Illinois. He was born near Astoria, Fulton county, and reared on a farm. After receiving a common school education, he began his career as a teacher in the district schools of Schuyler county, Illinois. Later he attended the State Normal school of Illinois, and was graduated from that institution with the class of 1881. He was principal of the graded school at Butler, Ill., for two years, and later was principal of an eighth grade ward school in Little Rock, Ark., for four years. He served as superintendent and principal of the Rushville city schools at Rushville, Ill., for fourteen years, and in 1901 was elected superintendent of the Atchison city schools, and has held that position to the present time.

Mr. Veatch was married in 1883 to Miss Lizzie Montgomery, of Rushville, Ill. She was a successful teacher prior to her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Veatch have been born two children, as follows: Nathan T., Jr., born at Rushville, Ill., and is now a civil engineer, and a member of the firm of Black & Veatch, consulting engineers, Kansas City, Mo., and Francis M., born at Rushville, Ill., a sanitary engineer, in the employ of Kansas University.

JAMES L. ARMSTRONG.

James L. Armstrong, farmer and breeder of prize winning Percheron horses, was born in Winnebago county, Illinois, July 11, 1867. He comes of sturdy Irish stock, his parents having been born on the Emerald Isle. The father, James Armstrong, was born October 22, 1836, in County Sligo, Ireland. He was a farmer there, and at the age of twenty-four sailed for America and found his first job in Philadelphia. In a short time he came west and followed farming in Illinois. Several years later, in 1867, to be exact, he came to Atchison county, Kansas, and bought eighty acres of land near Huron, Kan., in Lancaster township. He farmed this place until his death in 1886. In addition to his farming he was an extensive breeder and feeder of cattle. His wife was also born in Ireland, the date of her birth being December 25, 1830. She died in 1902. They were married in Ireland and three children were born to them there. After coming to America five other children were born. Both parents were members of the Methodist church.

James L., Jr., the subject of this sketch, grew up in Lancaster township, and attended school in district No. 44. He remained at home with his parents until they died. He then bought 320 acres in Kapioma township and built an unusually fine residence at a cost of about $4,000. The interior is finished in white oak, and a cement basement underlies the house, and all modern conveniences have been installed, including hot and cold running water. He keeps all of his buildings painted and in repair so that everything around the place presents a fresh and orderly appearance. Horses are Mr. Armstrong’s hobby, and several times he has won prizes at the Effingham fair with his Percherons, and now has four thoroughbred Percherons registered. He is a shareholder in the Muscotah elevator. He is unmarried and has a man and his wife, who care for the household. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Christian church and has affiliated himself with the Republican party. He is a member of the Percheron Society of America. He has received as high as $600 for Percheron horses bred on his place.

JOHN FERRIS.

A man’s usefulness in his community need not necessarily be confined to working entirely for his own individual aggrandizement, and there are frequently found conspicuous examples of good citizenship who are broad- minded and enterprising enough to extend their activities outward, so as to embrace the well-being of their fellowmen. John Ferris, banker and prosperous farmer, of Center township, Atchison county, is a shining example of broad and upright citizenship, with whom family, church and social ties have been preëminent during his long residence in the county. Successful as a farmer and stockman, his ambitions have led him into banking pursuits with considerable success to his credit. His deeply religious nature having endowed him with a love for church work, many fruitful years of his life have been devoted to Sunday school and church work, which have won him high esteem and infinite respect among the people of his neighborhood.

The twenty-eight years of Mr. Ferris’ residence in Center township have been productive of much material good on his part, and he is rated as one of the really successful men of the county. This period marks his rise from comparative poverty to a position of affluence and prestige, attained by few citizens. Mr. Ferris saw opportunity and embraced it, and has made good in more ways than one.

John Ferris is a man whose pluck and industry have brought him out of a long struggle with high honors. Starting out in life as a poor boy, he worked long and hard, until now he lives in comfort and security. Mr. Ferris was born at Sharonville, Ohio, November 25, 1860, and is a son of Peter and Hettie (Phares) Ferris, who were the parents of seven children, as follows: John, the subject of this sketch; Joseph, Winchester, Kan.; Alice, wife of W. T. Birt, Topeka, Kan.; Louvinca, wife of F. L. Stephens, Topeka, Kan.; Thomas, Mt. Pleasant township, Atchison county; Peter, farmer, on old Eastman place, Center township, Atchison county, and Mrs. Della Coppinger, deceased. The father was born August 8, 1839, in Sharonville, Hamilton county, Ohio. He was a son of John and Rebecca (Myers) Ferris, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio as early settlers, in 1804. The father of John Ferris, subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm in Ohio. He came to Kansas in 1878, and settled in Osborne county. Two years later, after being starved out by the ravages of the grasshoppers and the hot winds, which burned up his crops, he went to Rawlins county, Kansas, where he preëmpted 640 acres of land. He did not live there, but came to Nortonville, Kan., and began work as a laborer and farmer.

In 1887 he came to Center township, where he rented for five years. He then rented 640 acres south of Nortonville. In 1892 he and his son, John, the subject of this sketch, bought 160 acres in Jefferson county. Then, for a number of years, they bought and sold farms in Atchison and Jefferson counties, until 1903, when they bought the farm of 215 acres, which John and his father are working. This land is located in Center township and includes the northwest quarter of section 3 and the southwest quarter of section 34, and includes ten acres of natural timber. He has thirty acres of alfalfa and fifty acres in corn each year. Mr. Ferris also devotes considerable attention to his stock. He keeps only graded animals on his farm, and makes a specialty of feeding hogs and cattle for the market. He started out with little capital, and had to begin as a laborer at day wages, but he saved his earnings and invested them wisely, and, now, besides being a substantial farmer, he is a shareholder and president of the State Bank of Cummings. Mr. Ferris is unmarried. His mother was born in Little Rock, Ark., in 1840. She is a daughter of Joseph and Matilda (Todd) Phares. The father came from New Jersey, and the mother from Tennessee. In politics, Mr. Ferris has identified himself with the Republican party. He is a member of the Pardee Methodist Episcopal Church and takes an active part in its organization. He is a steward, and for many years has been superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellow lodges of Cummings. Mr. Ferris is a conspicuous example of the self-made man. His career proves the possibilities of a man, who, though handicapped by lack of capital, is willing to work consistently and save judiciously.

MARCUS J. LAIRD.

The history of the Laird family in Kansas begins three score years ago, in the old days when the first sturdy pioneers were coming from the older states to find new homes in the unpeopled waste of Kansas, and to break the way for others who have since followed in increasing numbers. It is a long reach which witnesses the transformation of a wilderness of prairie and woods to a beautiful, productive landscape of peace and plenty, but Marcus J. Laird and his wife have been fortunate in growing to maturity with Atchison county. Few families in this county can claim an older lineage than the Lairds or Cummings families, and no family is more respected than that of Marcus J. Laird. His father, J. B. Laird, was one of the earliest pioneers of Atchison county, and on the other hand the father of Mrs. Laird was another pioneer. William Cummings, who founded the town of Cummings, thus leaving a monument which will perpetuate his name for all time to come. Through the medium of these historical annals of Atchison county these pioneers will be duly honored and this volume is dedicated to their everlasting memory in order that the story of Atchison county might be transmitted truthfully and accurately to posterity.

Marcus J. Laird has been successively, farmer, merchant and postmaster, and is proud of the fact that he is a native born citizen of Kansas, and a son of one of the earliest pioneers of the State. Like a good many men who have been reared to farm life, after a successful career as merchant and public official, he has returned to the farm where living is sure and certain and a competence is the inevitable reward of years of labor.

_M J Laird._
]

_Britamore Laird_
]

Marcus J. Laird was born August 26, 1860, in Center township, Atchison county, and is a son of James B. and Marinda (Martin) Laird, who were the parents of fourteen children as follows: Mary died in infancy; Thomas died in infancy; James W., Jackson county, Kansas; Marcus, the subject of this sketch; Abraham, Jefferson county, Kansas; Mrs. Emma Leland, Atchison, Kan.; John, deceased; Ulysses, deceased; Rose, wife of C. Barnes, Chase county, Kansas; Robert, Jackson county, Kansas; Paul, a teacher, Durant, Okla.; Mrs. Amanda Hanson, Nortonville, Kan.; Mrs. Mabel McDonald, Muscotah, Kan., and Frank, Seattle, Wash. James B. Laird, the father, was born in Zanesville, Ohio, June 13, 1834, and was a son of Thomas and Elton (Saffle) Laird, both natives of Pennsylvania. The Lairds are of Scotch descent. James was brought up on his father’s farm, and when he was thirteen years of age his parents removed to Livingston, Mo., where he grew to manhood. He then went to Buchanan county, Missouri, where he was married to Marinda Martin, the wedding taking place at DeKalb, Mo., in 1854. Marinda (Martin) Laird was born August 1, 1836, in Morgan county, Indiana. She is a daughter of Hanson and Mary (Holman) Martin. Her father was a farmer in Kentucky before coming to Atchison county, Kansas, in 1856, where he died in 1878, and the mother died in 1840, at the age of thirty years.

James B. Laird and his bride came to Kansas in the fall of 1854 and settled in Mt. Pleasant township, Atchison county, where they homesteaded 160 acres of prairie and timber land. They drove from Missouri in a covered wagon pulled by oxen. Atchison, Kan., had but one house at that time; it had been moved there from Missouri. James Laird built a sawmill on his farm the first year he was there and sawed 1,000 feet of lumber, but a flood swept it all down into Crooked creek. They built a log cabin on the place, and the first child, Mary, was born there. The fact that Mt. Pleasant, which was only three miles away, provided a nearby market, helped the Lairds out considerably. They farmed the homestead until 1860, when they sold it for $900 and moved farther west and bought 276 acres in Center township. This property became the old home place and the Lairds owned it for many years.

James B. Laird moved to Cummings and conducted a general merchandise store for a few years preceding his death, in 1892. The widow returned to the farm with the children, where she brought them up and educated them. In 1909 she left the home place and has since lived with her children, and at present she lives with Marcus, the subject of this sketch. Marcus J. Laird grew up on the home place and attended school in district No. 36, Center township, and at the age of sixteen he left home and worked as a farm hand for about a year, and later rented land from his father. In 1883, at the age of twenty, he bought sixty acres in Center township and farmed it a year when he traded it for a stock of merchandise at Cummings and was in partnership with Nelson Cox there for five years. Selling his interest in the business he rented land and farmed for a while. In 1892 he bought the place which he now owns and has increased the original eighty acres to 104. He has always kept good stock on his place and takes pride in keeping his animals up to standard. In 1884 Mr. Laird married Britamore Cummings, who was born August 20, 1866, in Center township, Atchison county. She is a daughter of William and Sarah (Quiet) Cummings. Her father was a founder of Cummings, Kan., and was a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Kansas in 1855 and engaged in farming. He died July 27, 1900, at the age of eighty-six. The mother, Sarah, was born in Illinois and is now living in Kansas City, Kan. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Laird, as follows: James W., Kansas City, Mo.; Meda B., wife of L. Reynolds, Center township, Atchison county, Kansas; Anna McKanna, living at home; Edith Hammer, Effingham, Kan.; Blanche, a teacher, living at home. Mr. Laird is a Republican. He was postmaster of Cummings for thirteen years. He is a member of the Baptist church and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of United Workmen.

ALLEN T. BILDERBACK.

The history of the Bilderback and Johnson families in Kansas goes back to the old freighting and pioneer days when the hardships of the first settlers were many and conveniences were few. The father of Allen T. Bilderback, whose name heads this review, was one of the early stage coach drivers whose route took him on many journeys from Kansas to Denver, and other Colorado points. Aaron Bilderback drove a stage coach from Atchison to Denver and Central City, Colo., beginning in 1864, for several years, until he finally settled on a farm in Center township, Atchison county. Jesse R. Johnson, grandfather of Mrs. Bilderback, had the honor of assisting in establishing the first Methodist church in Kansas, and Methodism is said to have had its origin in the State from a Sunday school which was started in his home at Oak Mills, nearly sixty years ago. From this small beginning a great religious denomination had its inception in the new State of Kansas.

Allen T. Bilderback, with whom this review is directly concerned, is a native born Kansan, a man of good education, who has been useful as an educator and farmer during his residence in his native county. He was born in Center township July 21, 1878, and is a son of Aaron and Sarah (Jones) Bilderback, who were the parents of two children: Allen, the subject of this sketch, and Leslie, who lives in Atchison. The father was born in Indiana September 17, 1843. When a young man he came to Kansas in 1855, and freighted across the plains to Denver. The trail extended from Atchison to Denver, and Aaron Bilderback drove a stage coach and a prairie schooner. He later bought forty acres of land just south of Cummings, Atchison county, where he remained a few years. In August, 1881, he bought the farm which his son now owns. He improved it and lived there until his death, January 4, 1890. Allen Bilderback’s mother was born in Mt. Pleasant township, Atchison county, in 1855. She was a daughter of Vincent Jones, an early settler in Kansas. She died in 1885, at the age of thirty years. Both parents died when Allen was very young, and he was brought up by his uncle, Gabriel T. Bilderback. He attended school in District No. 36, Center township, and later attended the Atchison county high school at Effingham. At the age of twenty-one he began teaching in District No. 19, Mt. Pleasant township. In 1902 he went to Granada, Colo., where he started a livery business. Three years later he returned to Atchison county and taught school again. After a term of teaching, he took charge of the old home place and engaged in farming. He now owns 149 acres and has graded stock.