Leon Ernest Kerr

Picture publish date 1922.
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Leon Ernest Kerr.

Birth: Sep. 22, 1881, Reece, Greenwood County, Kansas.
Death: Mar. 16, 1959, Eureka, Greenwood County, Kansas.

Wife: Nettie Marie Cook Kerr (1884 - 1961).

Children: Cecil Neil Kerr (1909 - 1960), Kenneth W. Kerr (1913 - 1966), Helen Maxine Kerr (1919 - 1921).

Burial: Reece Cemetery, Greenwood County, Kansas.

Mr. Kerr, was a farmer and stock raiser, came from Coffey county, Kansas in 1884, and settled on section 26, of Spring Creek Township. His post office address was Reece, Kansas which was about 5 miles north east of the farm. He was doing his farming on 280, acres of land owned by George H, Kerr.  At the age of 36 he singed up for the draft for W. W. 1

Peter Litleton Woody & Eliza Stover Woody.

 Peter Littleton Woody, Sr.

Birth: May 4, 1833, Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia.
Death: Jun. 17, 1908, Paxico,Wabaunsee County, Kansas.

75y 1m 13d

Confederate West Virginia mm.

Wife: Eliza Stover Woody.
Birth: Jan. 6, 1832, Habersham (Habersham County, Habersham County, Georgia.
Death: Jan. 7, 1901, Paxico, Wabaunsee County, Kansas.

Children: William Berry Woody (1855 - 1898). James Dawson Woody (1860 - 1937). Leonard Woody (1864 - 1881) Robert Edward Lee Woody (1865 - 1881). Mary Eliza Woody Miller (1867 - 1900)* John Stonewall Jackson Woody (1869 - 1938)* George Washington Woody (1872 - 1934). Joseph Longstreet Woody (1875 - 1964).

Burial: Bethlehem Cemetery, Paxico, Wabaunsee County, Kansas.

Publish date 1901.
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P. L. WOODY

 

Was born May 4, 1833, at Dahlonega, Georgia, removing to Platte county, Missouri, in 1866, and to Kansas in 1870, locating on the Snokomo, where he still resides. Was married July 4, 1856, in Lumpkin county, Georgia, ten children being born to this union. Though by no means a politician, Mr. Woody has always had a voice in the councils of his party, attested by his familiar presence at state and county conventions. He has been treasurer of Newbury township and for eighteen years has been a member of the school board. He has always been active in church work and has availed himself of every opportunity to advance any good cause that gave promise of the betterment of
his fellows.

 

MRS. ELIZA WOODY.

 

Was born January 6, 1833, in Hebersham county, Georgia, and died of pneumonia, at the family home on the Snokomo, on January 8, 1901. To make home happy was her constant endeavor; to minister to the sick and to care for the afflicted was with her a Christian duty — that when- the Angel of Death should beckon, the spirit might find rest in that Home made without hands, eternal in the Heavens. 

John J. Greif.

John J. Greif.

Birth: 1845, Germany
Death: January 17, 1903.

Wife: Wilhelmin A. ( Minnie A. ) Greif, born 1849, Germany, died 1940.

Children: Frank J. Greif, 1873-1910, Emma M. Greif, 1875-1944, and Leo M. Greif.

Burial: January 25, 1903, Topeka Cemetery, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas.,

1880.
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JOHN GREIF, cigar manufacturer, came to Kansas in September, 1864, and located at Leavenworth, remaining in that city until 1879. He then moved to Topeka, and commenced the manufacture of cigars, in which he is still engaged, employing ten men in his factory now, and only four in 1879. He is a native of Germany, born November 29, 1845. He came to America in 1863, and lived in Michigan prior to his removal to Kansas. He was married in Chicago October 16, 1870, to Miss Minnie A. Rode, a native of Germany. They have three children--Frank J., Emma M. and Leo M. Mr. Greif is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Topeka Lodge, No. 17.

John Greif Cigar Factory.

1888-1889.

John Greif, came to Topeka in 1880 and soon started his cigar factory at 154 Kansas Ave., under the name of ( John Greif Cigars ), later called ( John Greif Capital Cigar Factory ), and ( John Greif Tobacconist ).  The business would move over the years but always stayed on Kansas Ave. In 1880 through 1886, it was 154 Kansas Ave, from 1887 to 1898 it was 508 Kansas Ave., then in 1900 till  I believe to the closing of the business 504 Kansas.

John Greif was a member of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Topeka, Topeka Lodge No. 17.

1890-1891.

When John Greif and his wife Minnie came to Topeka they lived at 134 Polk, the family would lived all their lives on Polk street, although they would move from time to time, 134, 135, 125, 417 and 411 Polk..

Johns son Frank would work in the business as a cigar maker and cigar packer.  When his father died in 1903, he became Manager of the business.  Frank belong to the Cigar-Makers Union, No. 36., he was Corresponding and Financial Secretary.

Franks sister Emma worked as a Milliner and Clerk.  Then when Frank died in 1910, Emma became Manager of the business and held that title until the business closed.

John Greif Obituary

Topeka Daily Capital.

January 18, 1903.

 

1896-1897.

John Greif, a prominent Mason and an old resident of Topeka, died suddenly at his home 411 Polk street yesterday of heart disease.

 

For perhaps a year the friends and relatives of Mr. Greif have noticed that he had been affected with shortness of breath and other indications of heart disease and yesterday he seemed in usual health.  On reaching home at noon he entered the house and had just stepped out of the rear door when he dropped dead.

 

1902.

He had been in business in Topeka for Twenty-four years and at the time of his death was a tobacconist at 504 Kansas Avenue.  He was 58 years old and leaves a wife, a son and daughter.  The son is now in New York and cannot be found, as he recently changed his location.  The announcement of the funeral will be held. until word can be had from him.

 

John Greif was member of several leading German Societies and a thirty-second degree Mason.  The Masons will have charge of the funeral services.

Jamed H. Leonard

I would like to give a little information on James H. Leonard and his business before I get to the obituaries were you'll find other  information on him and his family.

1885-1886.
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James H. Leonard came to Topeka, Kansas, in 1871, and started a photographing business at 189 Kansas Ave, which was called J. H. Leonard Photographer.  He was at this address until in the latter year of 1873 to the early part of 1874, when he took on a partner who was H. T. Martin, the business was known as Leonard & Martin Photographers.  In 1880 the business went to 613 Kansas Ave. 

In 1882 the business moved to 237 Kansas Ave., and would stay there till 1886, some time between 1886 and 1887, Mr.  Martin left the business.  In 1887 Mr.  Leonard moved back to 613 Kansas Ave., he would stay there for many years.  Mr.  Leonard would sell his business in 1913, at that time he was at 714 Kansas Ave. .

Obituaries of James H. Leonard & Family.

 

James H. Leonard.

Topeka State Journal.

February 7, 1941, p. 7.

 

James H. Leonard, a 94, of 1261 Boswell, one of Topeka's six Civil War Veterans, died unexpectedly Thursday at his home.

 

1887-1888

Mr.  Leonard, a Topeka resident 70 years, was born March 10, 1846, at Mexico , Ind. at 18, he enlisted in company c., 135th., regiment, Indiana infantry for service in the Civil War; ( 100 days service.)

 

He studied in Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind., and came to Kansas in 1870 where he taught school for a year at Edgerton, in Johnson county.  He was in St. George briefly, then came to Topeka in 1871, starting a photographing business he continued until he sold it in 1913 to L. Cady Hode.  He retired from business after a year of operating a Chevrolet agency.

 

Golfed Until 2 years Ago.

 

1896-1897.

An active man in his latter years Mr. Leonard spent 17 winters after his retirement hunting and fishing near Stuart, Fla., and was a golf player until two years ago.

Mrs. Leonard formerly Winnie E. Eakin of Topeka ( they were married May 10, 1877 ), died in 1936.

Mr. Leonard is survived by his daughter Mrs. Ray Yarnell, 1257 Boswell, Topeka; his grandson John Leonard Yarnell and by these niece and nephews; Mrs. John Kerlin, Rockfield, Ind.; Mrs. May Outck, St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. Lulu Hardy, Gulfport, , Miss.; Mrs. Jessie Ames, Atlanta, Ga.; Ord MCDowell, Camden, Ind.; Frank Leonard, West Somerville, Miss., and Bert Leonard, Shreveport, La.

Funeral services will be at the Wall-Diffenderfer Moryuary, Saturday, at 2 p. m. Burial will be in Topeka cemetery.

Mrs.  Winnie Leonard.

Topeka State Journal.

August 24, 1936, p.6

 

Funeral services for Mrs. Winnie Eakin Leonard, who died Saturday were held this morning at 10 o'clock, burial was made in Topeka cemetery.

 

Mrs.  Leonard had lived in Topeka for sixty-one years.  She was the wife of J. H. Leonard, mother of Mrs.  Ray Yarnell and sister of L. K. Eakin all of Topeka.

 

Mrs.  Ruth Yarnell.

 Topeka Daily Capital

May 24, 1974, p.14.

 

Services will be 10 a. m. Tuesday at Mount Hope Abbey for Mrs. Ruth J. Yarnell, 83, 2301 W. 18th, who died Thursday at a Topeka hospital where she had been readmitted April 19, she had an abdominal ailment.  She was born October 21, 1890, at Topeka where she lived most of her life.  She was graduated from Washburn University in 1913.

She was a member of Woman's Club of Topeka, Topeka Rose Society, Washburn Alumi Assn., Kansas Genealogical Society, Daughters of American Revolution, and Kansas State Historical Society.

She was married October 5, 1914, to Ray Yarnell at Topeka.  He died August 22, 1961.  Survivors include a son John Yarnell, Los Alamos, N. M., and four grandchildren.

Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.

Mary Ledon.

Publish date 1922.
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Mary Ledon was a framer and breeder of Red Polled cattle and Rhode Island chickens.
She came to Pratt county in 1884 and settled in section 19 of Gove township. 

Her post office address was Isabel, Kansas, which is in Barber county Kansas, which is about 4 miles south east of the farm.

I have no record of her birth, death, husband or children.  If you have any information you would like to add please let me know.  I'm not of the family, I would like more information to help others looking into this line.

Kansas Soldiers & Medical History.

Abijh Stacy, private, Kansas 12th., infantry, Co. H., enlisted August 18, 1862, mustered in September 30, 1862.  Discharged for disability December 31, 1864, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Medical History.

Case 11., Private A. Stacy, Co. H, 12th Kansas, received a severe wound of the left leg by an axe on March 17, 1864. He was sent to hospital at Fort Leavenworth. In September, 1864, the limb was amputated by short anterior and long posterior flaps by Dr. Clark. The patient recovered with a good stump, and was fitted with an artificial limb by B. Frank Palmer, at New York, June 23, 1866. He is a pensioner, and was paid March 4, 1876.
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Theodore Ingersoll, private, Kansas 8th., cavalry, Co. E., Residence Wilmongton, enlisted September 13, 1861, mustered in September 16, 1861.  Mustered out September 16, 1864, Chattanooga, Tenn., wounded in action September 19, 1863, Chicamauga Ga.

Medical History.

Case 813., Private T. Ingersoll, Co. E, 8th Kansas, aged 20 years, was wounded by a ball striking the internal malleolus of the left ankle, at Chickamauga, September 11), 1863. He passed through several hospitals, and was mustered out of service September 19, 1864, and pensioned. Examining surgeons certify to weakness and slight enlargement of the ankle joint. His pension was paid to June, 1879.
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Julius Relham,Corporal, Kansas 1St., infantry, Co. K., Residence Atchison, enlisted May 31, 1861, mustered in same.  Promoted Sergeany November 22, 1862, transferred to Vet, Res. Corps, April 19, 1864.

Medical History.

CASE 1061. Corporal Julius Relham, Co. K, 1st Kansas, aged 21 years, was wounded at Wilson's Creek, August 10, 1801, and entered the "House of Refuge" Hospital, St. Louis, on August 16th. Assistant Surgeon S. M. Horton, U. S. A., reported : " The following is an interesting case of a minisball splitting in two by the resistance offered by the zygoma of the left side of the face. One-half of the ball was found embedded in the corresponding cheek beneath the middle portion of the masseter muscle; the other half was found and extracted from beneath the outer portion of the platysma myoides of the same side. The zygoma was not broken. The case was that of Corporal Julius Relham, of Co. K, of the 1st Kansas regiment, who was wounded at the battle of Wilson's Creek, August 10, 1801. He left the hospital for his regiment, well, November 15, 18151. The inertia of a spongy zygoma splitting a minie ball of lead is similar to that of a tallow candle resisting the woody fibres of a pine board when shot through it from a gun." Relham was mustered out May 31, 1864, and pensioned. Examiner W. Jewell, of Philadelphia, reported, December 27, 1864 : " Ball passed through his left cheek, lodging near the angle of the lower jaw. The ball was extracted. The wound continues to discharge and is probably connected with the duct of Steno. The jaw is contracted, preventing the opening of the mouth more than half an inch." The Philadelphia Examining Board, January 3, 1872, certified : "Ball entered through middle of superior maxillary bone of right side; a part of it was extracted in the mouth and another part in the neck below the angle of the lower jaw. All the back teeth of upper jaw of right side decayed in consequence. He has occasional discharge from wound through mouth and nose. Motions of jaw limited and painful; can chew on one side only." The same board reported. September. 7, 1877: "Scar of entrance is puckered to a point and adherent. Exit is fast to muscles of neck and drags badly."
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John W. Long, Corporal, Kansas 8th., cavalry, Co. I., Residence Geneseo, Illinois, enlisted September 30, 1861, mustered in same.  Re-enlisted Veteran, wounded in action, September 19, 1863, Chicamauga, Ga., Veteran First Sergeant, enlisted January 1, 1864, mustered in January 7, 1864.  Killed in action December 15, 1864, Nashville, Tenn.

Medical History.

Case 1165, Sergeant J. W. Long I, 8th Kansas, age 23; shot fracture, right leg, December 16, 1864; December 17, amputation at knee joint; December18, hremorrhage from interual articular artery; ligation of face of stump on same day; December 25, hremorrhage external articular; death December 26, 1864.

Mrs. M. J. Dennie, ( Clolored ), Hairdresser.

Date 1871.
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I find it interesting that a colored woman would have her own business in the 1870's, now don't get me wrong.   I know colored women earned money for their families by doing Laundry, Ironing, Sewing and Hair in their own homes, but its very rare to have a colored woman to have a business in the downtown community, let alone have a business advertisement in the City Directory.

But that's what Mrs. M. J. Dennie had.  Her business was Hairdressing her business was at 208 Kansas Ave.

I have very little information on Mrs. M. J. Dennie, She was in Topeka, Kansas in 1871, her business was at 208 Kansas Ave., and she was living at her business.

In 1872-1874, her business was the same, but was now living on the east side of Tyler at between First Ave and Second Street.

I don't know what her husband name was nor if she had any children.  She may have been born in Kentucky in 1844 and in 1875 moved to Wichita, Kansas.

History of the Tefft House, Topeka, Kansas.

 

The Tefft House was also known as the Windsor & the National Hotel.

Publish date 1905, as the National.

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History of the Tefft House, 1860-1905.

The most famous hotel in Topeka was known as the Tefft House, situated on the northwest corner of Kansas avenue and Seventh street. It was a modest building at first, occupying a single lot on the corner, which was bought in 1859 by Dr. Erasmus Tefft for the sum of $300. It was an isolated location, far above the center of business, but is now the most central business corner in Topeka. Dr. Tefft erected the original building in 1860, a stone structure, 17 by 25 feet, and two stories in height. In 1865 he added the lot on the north at an expense of $700, and made the hotel into a three-story building. 50 by 60 feet in dimensions.

Two years later an addition was constructed in the rear of the original buildings, 95 by 35 feet in dimensions, four stories in height, with a mansard roof. In 1868 the front part was also increased to four stories. The building was leased in 1866 to James Harris and John Beasley. Harris sold his interest to J. A. Burr, and the firm become Burr & Beasley. It was leased in 1867 to Henry D. McMeekin, an old and popular citizen of Kansas, under whose management it was again enlarged, and became the political and legislative headquarters of the State a position it retained up to the time of the opening of the Copeland Hotel.

Some of the most celebrated senatorial elections in Kansas were planned and practically consummated in the so-called "dark and fitful recesses of the Tefft House." In the period between 1867 and 1880 it entertained all of the public men of Kansas and was the scene of many brilliant social functions. McMeekin retired from the management in 1871, but returned in 1875, with Samuel Hindman as his partner, the business in the meantime having been conducted by E. A. Smith and Williams & Babcock. J. W. Hartzell became associated with McMeekin in 1876, and in 1878 the building was bought from Dr. Tefft by Dr. J. J. Burtis for $24,000.

Three years later Burtis sold to Allen Sells for $25,000. After undergoing extensive repairs, it was leased to Hankla Brothers and opened as the Windsor Hotel. In later years the managers were C. M. Hill & Company, Passmore & Wiggin, Odell & Forward and W. W. Smith. The entire property was bought in 1889 by the First National Bank of Topeka, and the building reconstructed into its present form, the bank occupying the corner room on the main floor, and the rest of the building being devoted to hotel purposes, under the name of the National Hotel. The National was opened in 1890 by Hankla Brothers, and a few years later passed into the hands of Manager Charles L. Wood, who is now at the helm.

Workers of the Tefft House 1874.

 

S. B. Babcock & Williams, Proprietors.

A. Breckley, Pastry Cook.

J. Carry, Waitress.

M. Carsey, Waitress.

G. Dewitt, Clark.

William Edwards, Telegraph Operator.

Josephian Jacobs, Waitress.

William Jones, ( Colored ), Cook.

Albert Kempton, Cook.

Bella Leabhard, Waitress.

K. Linn, Chambermaid.

M. McClusky, Waitress.

K. McKinsey, Waitress.

L. McKinsey, Waitress.

M. McKinsey, Waitress.

N. McKinsey, Waitress.

William May ( Colored ), Porter.

M. Nottrott, Pantry Girl.

T. Papor, Cook.

Mary Parker, Domestic.

Mattie Pask, Waitress.

M. Reed, Waitress.

Mollie Roberts, Waitress.

Sanford--( Colored ), Cook.

Jennie Snodgrass, Waitress.

Adda Snork, Waitress.

E. Swanson, Chambermaid.

James Walling, Steward.

Lidy Winder, Waitress.

Ella Wyatt, Chambermaid.

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Levi Lockard Alrich

June 30, 1861.
Publish date 1917.
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Levi Lockard Alrich.

Birth: Oct. 5, 1840.
Death: Oct. 24, 1917.

Parents: Peter Alrich (1799 - 1849), Eliza L Alrich (____ - 1893).

Wife: Emma B Eldridge Alrich (1845 - 1925).

Children: Mercy Alrich (____ - 1876), Rachel Canby Alrich (1867 - 1916), Alaric Gandy Alrich (1868 - 1939), Eliza Lockard Alrich (1871 - 1876).

Burial: Prairie Grove Cemetery, Cawker City, Mitchell County, Kansas.

Mr.  Alrich was editor and proprietor of "The Public Record," in Cawker, Kansas, came to Mitchell County in 1878.  The spellings on his last name were; Allrich, Aldrich and Alrich.

Levi L. Allrich, private, 71St. Pennsylvania Infantry, Company B., Mustered in May 21, 1861.  Discharged on surgeon's certificate, July 8, 1863.   

Joseph J. Slaughter.

History of  the Illinois 115th., Infantry.

Published in 1900.

By Isaac Henry Clay Rovse.

JOSEPH J. SLAUGHTER, First Lieutenant, was born in Ohio in 1833. His ancestors were from Virginia. He came to Delavan, 111., in the early '50% a splendid specimen of vigorous manhood, a veritable hero in promoting what he thought to be right. He married Miss Mary Cook, a woman of superior intelligence. They have four children, their daughter Julia being the wife of Mr. Breidenthal, a prominent State official of Kansas. Lieutenant Slaughter enlisted as private, was quickly made sergeant, and later lieutenant. During the absence of the officers of Company A he was assigned to the command of that company, being in command of it at the battles of Resaca and Nashville. By his bravery and courtesy he secured the confidence and respect of all the members of the company. He now lives on a farm near Altamont, Kan., broken in health.

ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES.

Name; SLAUGHTER, JOSEPH J. Rank; SGT. Company; H. Unit; 115 IL US INF.

Personal Characteristics. Residence; DELAVAN, TAZEWELL CO, IL. Age; 29. Height; 5' 1. Hair; LIGHT. Eyes; BLUE. Complexion; FAIR. Marital Status; MARRIED. Occupation; FARMER. Nativity; FALLS, MUSKINGUM CO, OH.

Service Record. Joined When; AUG 9, 1862. Joined Where; TAZEWELL CO, IL. Period: 3 YRS. Muster In: SEP 13, 1862. Muster In Where; CAMP BUTLER, IL. Muster Out: JUN 11, 1865. Muster Out Where; CAMP HARKER, TN. Remarks; PROMOTED 1SGT & 1LT.

 

Elizabeth Cody ( Battey ) Metcalf.

I found Elizabeth Metcalf, a very interesting woman it was a little unusual  to find a woman in business of her own in the 1870's and 1880's, but in business she was, she was a Millinery.

Elizabeth and Charles A. Metcalf were married on June 23, 1857, at Providence Rhode Island, he was 22 and she was 19.  Charles was the son of John E. and Mary Metcalf, Elizabeth was the daughter of Stephen and Rebecca Battey.



1872-1873
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The records don't say where they came from but were in Topeka, Kansas in 1871, Charles A. or ( C. A. ), was listed as a Transfer,  Elizabeth or ( E. C. ) was listed as a Millinery her store was at 210 Kansas Ave., they lived at 196 Kansas Ave. In 1872 Elizabeth moved her store to 208 Kansas Ave., and Charles was now a Teamster they lived on Monroe Street. In 1874, the records are the same.

The next time we hear of them is in 1880, Elizabeth store was at 239 Kansas Ave. and lived at 267 Monroe Street.  In 1881 the records are the same.

1880.

In 1882 Elizabeth store was at the same place, but Charles now worked for the Topeka Fire Department, on the night duty as a hose man for No.1.  They lived at the same place.

In 1885 to 1886, Elizabeth moved her store to 239 Kansas Ave. She was living at 267 Monroe Street, no record of Charles.

Elizabeth in 1887 to 1888, moved her store to 723 Kansas Ave. and moved to 815,Monore Street, no record of Charles.

Between 1888 and 1889 Elizabeth moved her store again this time to 803 Kansas Ave.  Lived the same.  No record of Charles.

In 1890 to 1891 Elizabeth is shown not to have a store and is now a "Widow", living at 817 Monroe
Street.

After 1891 Elizabeth no longer had a store but kept living at 817 Monroe Street till 1905, then moved to 1501 Kansas Ave.

Charles and Elizabeth came to Topeka, with one daughter Edith L. Metcalf born in 1863 Rhode Island.  They had other daughter Ruby C. Metcalf born in Topeka, in 1889, died at birth.

Edith Metcalf lived with her mother and father.  Edith worked as a Assistant City Clerk and for the Post Office as the Supt. of the money order division.  As a City Clerk she was paid $840, dollars per year.  In 1887 to 1888 she was a Milliner in Elizabeth store.

There is no records found on the death or burial of Charles A. Metcalf nor Edith L. Metcalf.

Elizabeth died in 1909, and is buried at the Topeka Cemetery in the Battey family plot, under the name of E. C. Metcalf Battey.



 

Robert H. Vining, 112th., Illinois

From the 112th., Illinois History.

By Bradford F. Thompson.

Page 219. About one hundred recruits joined the 112th Illinois on the evening of the 16th of June. The next morning, before the movements of the day had commenced, one of them, Robert H. Vining, of Co. H, went out in front of the works to watch a detail of men engaged in digging a pit for a battery. He was cautioned by the men at work not to expose himself, but his curiosity got the better of him and he remained. In a few moments he was struck by a rebel musket ball, and was carried back severely wounded a wiser but sadder soldier. He lost a leg, and his military career was ended.

Page 392.  Robert H. Vining.  Recruit.  Enlisted and mustered in March 19, 1864 for 3 years.  Joined the company on Pine Mt., Georgia.  Wounded on the morning of June 17, 1864; Minnie ball through the leg; leg amputated and discharge February 19, 1865.  Residence of Clyde, Could County, Kansas.

Illinois Civil War Muster and Descriptive Rolls.

Rank PrivateCompany H Unit 112th., ILL., US INF, Residence CAMBRIDGE, HENRY CO, ILL., Age 19, Height 6', Hair LIGHT, Eyes GREY, Complexion LIGHT, Occupation FARMER, Nativity TIOGA CO, PA., Joined When MAR 19, 1864, Joined Where CAMBRIDGE, ILL., Period 3 YRS, Muster In MAR 19, 1864, Muster In Where SPRINGFIELD, ILL. DIED OF WOUNDS FEB 19, 1865 LOST LEFT LEG.

Authors Note.  Although it states he was a nativity of Tioga Pa.  doesn't mean he was born there only that he was living there at the time of his enlistment.

Carbon Coal Mne Co.

Date 1872.

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Carbondale, Kansas.

The first buildings were erected by the Carbon Coal Company. They consisted of houses for the miners, and a store was erected where groceries, meats and provisions were sold.

A post-office was established, and C. P. Dodds appointed postmaster. He was also the railroad agent.

Y. M. SHIRES, farmer, residence on Section 29, Township 14, Range 16, P. O. Carbondale; has ninety acres under cultivation, and has about forty head of cattle. Located here in 1868, and was the first Superintendent of the Carbon Coal and Mining Company, and had charge of all underground work, both at Carbondale and Osage City. The first winter the company employed only 110 men, and coal reached $1 per bushel. Mr. Shires was born in Yorkshire, England, January 21, 1843. Remained there until about twenty-one years of age, engaged in mining, and came to America in 1864, and located in McDonough County, Ill. Remained four years, and was married November 2, 1869, in McDonough County, Ill., to Miss Hannah J. Heppenstall, a native of Yorkshire, England, and they have three children - George M., Frank N. and Mary C.

Osage City, Kansas.

 

The Osage Carbon Company succeeded The Osage Carbon, Coal and Mining Company, which was the first to open shafts here. The officers are W. B. Strong, President; E. Wilder, Treasurer; L. Severy, Manager; and Robert Craig, Superintendent. The number of men employed are 600; the number of shafts worked, 12; tonnage mined per day 750.

During the year 1870, the town grew quite rapidly. The first regular train of cars passed through in May. John F. Dodds, as agent for the Arkansas Valley Town Company, and for J. M. Wetherell, was very active in the sale of lots, and inducing settlers to locate. The greater number of buildings were erected on Wetherell's Addition, and this has ever since been the business center of the city. In the summer of 1870, the first coal mines were opened by the Osage Carbon, Coal & Mining Company.

ROBERT CRAIG, Superintendent of the Osage Carbon Company and Kansas Carbon Company. Came to Kansas January 12, 1871. Has been connected with the above companies since their organization, and had charge of the mines of the Carbon Coal and Mining Company from the time he came to Kansas till the organization of the Osage Carbon Company in September, 1880. He was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, March 17, 1838. When he was sixteen years of age he left Scotland and came to America, locating in Maryland. Has been engaged in the mining business since he was ten years of age. Visited his native country in 1861, remaining only a short time, and again in 1864, and remained six years as a manager of the Home Farm and Dalzell Collieries. Was Township Treasurer for four years, and member of the Board of Education.

The Hoopes Family.

I need the help of you my readers I've been trying to link this family together but have been unable too do so.  The Hoopes lived in Harper County, Kansas, their homes were in Berlin township and post office address was Anthony, Kansas.

The Hoopes lived close together on sections 25 & 35, and lived about 6 or 7 miles east of Anthony, Kansas.  They are John H. Hoopes, George T. Hoopes and Melvin S. Hoopes. I would like to know if their father and sons or brothers.

IF you know how to link them together or have a story about the family I would like to hear about it and I well post all information here. You can write me at dsegelquist1@cox.net

Publish date 1902.

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Andrew P. Benson

Andrew P. Benson.

Birth: 1832.
Death: 1913.
Burial: Topeka Cemetery, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas.

He was born as Anders Petter at the farm Klådde in Hov parish in Västergötland, Sweden where his parents Lars Bengtson and Maria Olofsdotter were tenant farmers. Later they were short-term tenants at different farms in the neighbouring parish Skölvene. When mother Maria died in 1838, Lars remarried Johanna Johansdotter from Molla parish.

1872.
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In 1851 Lars, Johanna and Anders Petter joined a group of 30 people who were the first to emigrate to America from Skölvene and surrounding parishes and arrived in Boston on the brig Minona in June. The family settled in North Bridgewater where both Lars, now called Louis, and Anders were employed as shoemakers. Anders Petter's older brother Sven, called Swan in the US, joined them the following year.

Anders met and married his wife Maria in Massachusetts but sadly both father Lars and Johanna died in cholera before Andrew's oldest son Albert was born in December 1854. A second child, George, was also born in Massachusetts but by 1860 Andrew and his family had moved to Lexington Missouri where they lived at least until 1862 when their third son Frank was born.

In 1868 the family moved to Kansas and the same year they had a fourth son, in some censuses he is called Eddie and supposed to be born in Missouri and in others Andrew born in Kansas. By 1870 the family had settled in Topeka, Kansas where Andrew became ice merchant and where four children were born, Norman about 1869, Ellie about 1870, Willie about 1876 and Ettie about 1879. In the 1900 census Mary is supposed to have had 10 children, six of whom were still alive.

1885.

Authors Note.  I did a little more research and found that in 1872, he had a business of making shoes and boots, at 150 Kansas Ave.  He also had his Ice business, at 412 Crane Street and his Ice House at 320 N. Jefferson.    His son Albert went into the Ice business with his father it was called A. P. Benson & Son.  Andrew P. Benson also had a Grocery store at 1913 E. Sixth Street, it was called A. P. Benson ( W. A. Benson ) & Co.

Andrew P. Benson was also busy in the City Government in 1900 he was on the City Council for the Second Ward.  He was also on
 the City Committees of Public Buildings, Gas & Electricity Lights and Health & Sanitary.

  

JOHN VANDIVEER KILLION

Finney County History.

Publish date 1910.

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JOHN VANDIVEER KILLION, present receiver of the United States Land office at Dodge City, is an old and prominent settler in Western Kansas, has been identified with the doings and happenings of this country for more than thirty-three years and was many years earlier a farmer in Butler County.

When it is recalled that Mr. Killion came to Kansas in 1873 those who are familiar with the history of this state from that year forward will understand the vicissitudes he had to contend with to make a living as a homesteader. He came to Kansas from Appanoose County, Iowa, driving overland across the country until he reached Butler County on March 12, 1873. His early life was spent in Iowa, where he was born, in Davis County, in a log cabin two miles north of Drakesville, April 16, 1848. His grandfather was David Killion, and his great-grandfather, in turn, is believed to have been the pioneer who founded this family in America. Thomas J. Killion, father of John V., was born near the Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, and the family was on its way migrating from Kentucky to Indiana the night of the historic falling of the stars in 1833. Thomas J. Killion grew up and married in Indiana. His wife was Jeanette Ann Vandiveer, whose father was a Baptist minister. She died in Jetmore, Kansas, in 1889, at the age of sixty-four. Their children were Mary Ellen, who died near Monroe, Missouri, wife of J. L. Melson; John Vandiveer; Jeannette A., who married T. B. Mitchell and live at Graveland, Kansas; George, who died in youth; Amelia, who married W. T. Bland and died at Garden City in 1912; Thomas Wesley, of Centerville, Iowa; and William J., who died in Los Angeles, California.

John V. Killion grew up in Iowa, secured a common school education and had to assume the serious responsibilities of life at an early age. His father was a merchant at Orleans, Iowa, and died there in 1861, when John V. was thirteen years of age. From that time forward the latter had to contribute to the support of the widowed mother and the other children on a farm, where he remained until he started life for himself.

When he came to Kansas in the spring of 1873 John V. Killion brought with him a team and wagon, his wife and two children. He established himself on a tract of Indian trust land 2 1/2 miles west of Walnut River and seven miles southwest of Augusta. His first Kansas home was a house 12 by 16 feet, bought of a former claim taker. It served as his shelter in Kansas until his means justified an increase in its size. As a farmer he made an effort to get a crop during the year 1873, but it was almost a failure. In the winter season when funds were low he went to the forests along Walnut River, paid $1 for a half cord of wood in the tree, cut it and hauled it home and there converted it into stove wood and hauled it to Wichita, eighteen miles away, where he exchanged it for flour. He furnished the seed and ground for forty acres of wheat in the fall of 1873, and planted it on the halves. A crop of twelve bushels to the acre rewarded him in the harvest of 1874. That was the famous grasshopper year in Kansas. He had some land planted in corn, but in August the grasshoppers came and the following day nothing was left of it but the stalk. The next winter he fed his horses on prairie hay and the wheat that he raised.

Mr. Killion saw the first railroad constructed in Butler County and he worked on the construction of the Frisco line with his team all one winter. He remained in Butler County until accumulated debts almost discouraged him with the entire country, and he sold his farm for $2,500 and started west in search of Government land. A new location was found on Pawnee Creek in Finney County, where he took a homestead and timber claim.

Mr. Killion entered his Finney County land at the Garden City land office and located October 12, 1885. On his homestead he built a three room frame house and a sod barn. About two months after his arrival the historic blizzard of January 7, 1886, struck Western Kansas, but he had very little stock to suffer from the severity of that storm. He remained on his claim until the fall of 1889, and left it to locate at Eminence, where he engaged in merchandising, and he continued a merchant in that locality until his appointment as receiver of the Dodge City land office.

Mr. Killion was at Eminence when Garfield County was organized. He served one term as probate judge of the county, and for six years later was a county commissioner of Finney County, from 1895 to 1901. In the fall of 1912 he was again elected commissioner, and resigned that office to accept the appointment as receiver of the land office in Dodge City, where he succeeded L. J. Pettijohn.

Mr. Killion began his political career as a democrat and has always been a sturdy upholder of the principles of the party. He was old enough to vote in 1872, when Horace Greeley was the candidate of the party, but he failed to attend the polls that fall. His first presidential vote was cast for Samuel J. Tilden in 1876. He was frequently a delegate in local and district and also in state conventions.

In Appanoose County, Iowa, in 1867, Mr. Killion married Miss Louisa N. Rucker. Mrs. Killion was born in Sangamon County, Illinois, June 25, 1851, a daughter of Milton and Margaret (Ashby) Rucker. Mr. and Mrs. Killion have reared a family of competent sons and daughters, most of whom are now established in homes of their own. The oldest is Milton, of Garden City. He married Minnie Dawson, and their children are Raymond, Orville, Glen and Howard. The next child, Frank F., lives at Eminence, Kansas, married Anna Gentry and has two children, Carl and Veda. Elmer W. is a minister of the Christian Church now located at Princeton, Kansas, and by his marriage to Mary Pearce has a son, Lyle. Lenna L. now Mrs. Phelps, has five children: Joseph, Sadie, Lutie, Alma and Evert. Another son, Roy, lives at Eminence, married Maude Douthitt, and has a daughter, Gwendolyn. The youngest of the children is J. V., Jr., who lives at Eminence and married Bessie Henry.

Mr. Killion and his wife are active members of the Christian Church, and he is one of the elders in the congregation at Dodge City. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Fraternal Aid.

---

John C. Lingo

John C. Lingo.

Birth: 1859, Iowa.
Death: Jan. 4, 1946, Kansas.

Wife: Annie Lingo (1866 - 1952)

Children: Charles Henry Lingo (1887 - 1966). William Emmest Lingo (1898 - 1971).

Burial: Rochester Cemetery, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas.

John C. Lingo came to Topeka, Kansas between 1906 and 1907.  In 1907 he was in the Grocer business called Holmes & Lingo, at 276 Forest Ave., by 1912 he was in business for himself his Grocer store was at 251 Oakland Ave., and lived at 247 Oakland Ave.

There are a few missing years the next records of him is in 1921, the records state he was Clerk in charge of Oakland's  Post Office station No. 249, he was also recorded as a Laborer.  His wife Annie was also recorded as clerk in charge of the Post Office.

As a young man I went to the store then call Moody's?, it sat on the North West corner of Oakland Ave and Iowa.  There was the store and the post office which was built beside it As a kid the post office was being used as a store room.

Their home was just north of the store.  Into day address the store would have been at 1101 Oakland Ave, the post office would have been 1103, both burn down in the 1960's, the house was at 1105, Oakland Ave., all were on the same lot.  I believe the house is still there although I haven't been down that way in a while.

The records of 1921 state the post office was up and running, but the post office records says it was discontinued in 1910, one has to be in error.

Silas Rain.

Silas Rain.

Birth: March 5, 1825.
Death: September 22, 1903.

Wife: Mineva A. Rain.

Children : Ella ( Rain ) Crane, 1853-1881, wife of George W. Crane, married 1870.

Burial: Topeka Cemetery, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas.

The earliest I was able to find him in Topeka, was in 1871, he was recorded as a farmer.

In 1872, Silas had a business called Sixth Avenue Livery Stable, under the name of S. Rain &  Co., His daughter Mrs.  Ella Rain Crane was one proprietors.

In 1900, he was Vice President of the Topeka Cemetery Association , in 1902, was Commissioner of the Second District for a term of 3 years at $900, per year.

Over the years in lived in many places some where. 215 W. Sixth, 1118 Van Buren, 57 E. Sixth.

Silas Rain was in the Livery business from 1871 through 1903.

Advertisements over the years.
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1872-1873.

 

1880.

 

1882.

 

1885-1886.

 

1890-1891.

 

1896-1897.

Colonel James Montgomery.

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James Montgomery.

Birth: Dec. 22, 1814, Ashtabula County, Ohio.
Death: Dec. 6, 1871, Mound City, Linn County, Kansas.

Burial: Woodland Cemetery, Mound City, Linn County, Kansas.

Colonel James Montgomery.

Montgomery, James, pioneer and soldier, was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, Dec. 22, 1814. He was a cousin of Gen. Richard Montgomery, who fell at the storming of Quebec in 1759. He received an academic education and in 1837 went to Kentucky, where he was for a time engaged in teaching school. While there he joined the Christian church and became a minister of that denomination, but later in life espoused the doctrines of the Adventists. In 1852 he removed to Pike county. Mo., with his family, and a year later he went to Jackson county, in order to be ready to enter Kansas as soon as the territory was organized and the lands opened to settlement. Some of his friends, among whom was Dr. Thornton, knowing him to be opposed to slavery, persuaded him to go to Bates county. Mo., by telling him that he could obtain as good land there as he could in Kansas. He accepted their advice, but quickly became dissatisfied in Bates county and returned to his original resolution to settle in Kansas.

Accordingly he purchased a claim from a pro-slavery settler about 5 miles from the present town of Mound City late in the year 1854. It was not long until he was recognized as a leader by the free-state men of that locality. In 1857 he organized and commanded the "Self-Protective Company," which had been formed to defend the rights of the anti-slavery settlers, and backed by this company Montgomery ordered some of the most rabid pro-slavery citizens to leave the territory. After their departure, he settled down to improve his claim, but later in the year some of the free-state men of Bourbon county, who had been expelled by George Clarke in 1S5O. returned to take possession of their homes along the Little Osage river. They met with opposition, and called upon Montgomery for assistance.

In December he took the field with his company and created so much disturbance that Gov. Denver found it necessary to order a detachment of soldiers to that part of the state to preserve order. (See Denver's and Medary's Administrations.) In 1859 he was a candidate for representative in the territorial legislature, but was defeated by W. R. Wagstafif. On July 24, 1861, he was mustered into the Union army as colonel of the Third Kansas infantry, but was transferred to the command of the Second South Carolina colored regiment, with which he made a raid into Georgia.

This regiment, with Col. Montgomery in command, distinguished itself at the battle of Olustee, Fla., Feb. 20, 1864. After the war he returned to his home in Linn county, Kan., where he died on Dec. 6, 1871. During the border troubles preceding the Civil war, some of his men would frequently indulge in plundering their enemies, but Montgomery never was a party to such proceedings. One writer says : "He died poor, although he had ahtmdant opportunity to steal himself rich in the name of liberty."  

Oscar J. G. Seitz

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Oscar J.G. Seitz.

Birth: Oct. 17, 1838.
Death: Jul. 8, 1906.

The following is from the booklet, Gypsum Hill Cemetery Historical Walk, published by the City of Salina, Parks & Recreation and the Salina Public Library.

Oscar and Johanna Seitz were immigrants from Kassel, Germany, who established a prominent business family in Salina. Oscar came to America in time to serve as a Union soldier in the Civil War. Upon arriving in Kansas after the war, he was told that the little town of Salina would be an ideal place for a businessman. When the railroad reached here in 1867, the Seitz drug and chemical business was off and running. Oscar could then think about a family. He brought Johanna Wulp, whom he had courted by correspondence, across the ocean to become his wife. She adapted well to the Kansas prairie, enriching the growing community with her love of music. She owned the first piano in Salina, which was frequently transported by wagon to the scene of dances and parties. The Seitz Drug Store, Seitz Real Estate Company and the Seitz Shoe Store were long time fixtures in Salina.

Burial: Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina, Saline County, Kansas.



 

Oscar Seitz, president of the Seitz, Chemical Co., Manufacturers of Setiz Dyspepsia cure.  Also proprietor of Setiz's Eagle Drug store, located at 107 North Santa Fe, Salina, Kansas.  The drug store is the second to the last store on the right.

Fifth Avenue Hotel, Topeka, Kansas.

Date pictures were taken is unknown.
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The Fifth Avenue Hotel was constructed in 1870, and was at that time the most modern hotel, as well as the handsomest from an architectural standpoint, in the city. J. B. Fluno and the firm of Hankla Brothers were among the early managers, and T. J. Hankla is the present manager. The most noted event connected with the history of the Fifth Avenue Hotel was the entertainment on January 22, 1872, of the Grand Duke of Russia and his party who were just returning from a buffalo hunt in Western Kansas. The party included Grand Duke Alexis, Vice Admiral Poissiett, Lieutenant Tuder and Lieutenant Stortdegraff, of the imperial navy ; Chancellor of State W. T. Machin, Consul General Brodisco, Count Olsenfieff and Secretary Shuveloff. The American wing of the party was made up of Gen. Phil. H. Sheridan, Gen. George A. Custer and Colonels G. A. Forsythe, M. V. Sheridan and N. B. Sweetzer. The Kansas Legislature gave a reception and banquet at the Fifth Avenue Hotel in honor of the visitors.

Fifth Ave. Hotel Workers, 1871-1875.

Fifth Ave. Hotel, 1871.

J. B. Flane, Prop'r.

J. Montrose, Clerk.

N. Williams, ( Colored ) Porter.

 

Fifth Ave. Hotel 1872-1873

 

J. B. Fluno, Prop'r.

Charles Harwick, ( Colored ) Waiter.

William Haug, Billiard Hall & Saloon.

A. Kempton, Cook.

Henry Knox, Clerk.

Matt Lewis, ( Colored ) Waiter.

W. Lynch, ( Colored ) Porter.

J. E. Montrose, Book-Keeper.

James Slaughter, ( Colored ) Waiter.

Frank Tieman, ( Colored ) Waiter.

William Twiman, ( Colored ) Waiter.

Fifth Ave. Hotel 1874-1875.

Nellie Arnold, Laundry Maid.
Anda Brown, ( Colored ) Porter.
Jacob B. Fluno, Prop'r.
Will H. Hunter, Clerk.
Anna Landers, Laundry Maid.
Johnny McEarchen, Clerk.
J. Montrose, Clerk.
James Raveling, ( Colored ) Porter.
Pauline Richey, Chambermaid.
J. B. Thomas, Domestic.

Fifth Ave. Hotel Owners History.

T. J. HANKLA came to Kansas in 1869, and first located at Leavenworth, where he remained about two years. In 1871 he moved to Emporia and engaged in hotel business, which he carried on in that place until October, 1877, when he came to Topeka and leased the Fifth Avenue Hotel, of which he was proprietor until June, 1882. He opened the Windsor, February 1, 1882, one of the finest and best conducted hotels in Kansas, and of which he is now proprietor. Mr. Hankla is a native of Boyle County, Ky., which was his home until 1869. His brother Joseph has been associated with him since 1876; firm of T. J. Hankla & Bro.

 

HARRIS & McARTHUR, proprietors Fifth Avenue Hotel, built in 1872 and opened by Mr. Bruno. The house contains forty-five rooms, and has a capacity for 150 guests. June 19, 1882, the present proprietors, Messrs. Harris & McArthur, of Columbus, Ohio, assumed control of the house, since which time they have greatly improved the house, and increased patronage shows how well they perform the duties of hotel managers. Edward Harris, senior member of the firm, is a native of Belmont County, Ohio, where he was born June 1, 1835. Resided there until he was twenty-three years of age, and in 1858, moved to Pickerington, Fairfield County, where he continued to reside until moving to Kansas. For several years was engaged in raising and breeding fine stock horses and cattle, the horses being of Hambletonian, Hiatoga and Morgans; the cattle were Short-horns. Was married in February, 1858, near Barnesville, Belmont Co., Ohio, to Miss Susan B. Atwell, a native of that county, and has two children living--Maitland and Mary B.

 

Charles Nattsen.

Charles Nattsen.

Birth: September 7, 1847.
Death: November 27, 1915.

Wife: Christiana ( 1846-1942.)

Children: Alma and Lillian.

Burial: Topeka Cemetery, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas.

Charles Nattsen was a Boot and Shoe make.  In 1874 he was recorded as being a shoe maker but no business was given.  He was living on sixth Ave.  Some time between 1874 and 1880 he moved to 125 Tyler and would live there the rest of his life.

His business would move three times from 1880 to 1905.
In the years of 1882 through 1886, his business was at 87 E., sixth street.
In the years of 1888-1889, his business was at 202 W. Sixth street..
In the years of 1893 through 1905, his business was at 219 Kansas Ave.

Charles Nattsen Business Advertisements.

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Hotel Paxico.

Paxico, Kansas.

Paxico, a little town in Wabaunsee county, is located on Mill creek in Newbury township and on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific R R., 8 miles east of Alma, the county seat. It has a hotel, a bank, a flour mill, telegraph and, express offices, and a money order post office with two rural routes. The population in 1910 was 400. The town was started at the Strong Mill, one mile east, in 1879. A post office was established and named Paxico in honor of the Indian medicine man. Pashqua, who had owned the land. When the railroad carne through in 1886 the store and post office at Paxico were moved to the present site, and a little town by the name of Newbury was also moved to this place.

GOTTLIEB NOLLER

Was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, March 20, 1856, coming to America in 1881. The following year was married to Miss Theresa Rebholz, of Cleveland, Ohio, to whom three sons were born. While in the Fatherland Mr. Noller served three years in the German army, being a corporal in the 29th Wurtemburg Artillery. Came to Kansas in ]884 and engaged in farming until 1897, when he took charge of the Hotel Paxico. After four years of success in the hotel business here Mr. Noller bought the Denver House at McFarland, where he is now running one of the best hotels in the county on up-to-date principles. Besides the hotel Mr. Noller owns 340 acres of good farming land. He is popular with the traveling public, with whom he has established a good reputation as a landlord.

 

 

 

Date when picture was taken is unknown

Publish date 1901.

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PHILLIP HUND

Was born in Mankato, Minnesota, October 13, 1865. Came to Kansas with his parents when but five years of age, the family locating near Newbury. Was educated in the district and parochial schools.
On May 1, 1888, was united in marriage to Miss Anna Lamm, to which union seven children were born. Until September, 1900, Mr. Hund was one of the progressive farmers of Newbury township, but is at present proprietor of the Hotel Paxico, which, under his efficient management has attained a reputation as a popular stopping place with the traveling public  equalled by few and excelled by none.