BROWN, VIRGIL A.
V. A. Brown, a retired farmer with residence in Concordia, is one of the pioneers of Kansas. He first settled in
Waubaunsee county, where he farmed rented land and the following year, 1867 removed to Cloud county and settled
on Wolf Creek in Buffalo township, three and one-half miles southeast of Concordia, when he and Phillip Kiser were
the only settlers on that creek, and when the buffalo appeared in numbers like a living, surging mass of animal
life.
In 1868 they were the most numerous, often covering a surface of four or five square miles, huddled closely together.
Mr. Brown witnessed the killing of Mr. White by the Indians August 13, 1868 and he was a member of the militia
formed to protect the settlers from the Indian uprisings. This company of militia were disbanded but never discharged.
Mr. Brown has seen the country develop from its primitive days down to the present. He homesteaded one hundred
and sixty acres, pre-empted one hundred and sixty, and bought a soldier's right to forty acres of land. In 1878
he traded two hundred acres of his land for two valley farms, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres each, two
and one half miles west of Ames. The same year he bought one hundred and sixty acres on the Republican and later
another tract of one hundred and thirteen acres. He now owns a total of seven hundred and fifty-three acres of
land. Mr. Brown has dealt largely in stock; raising, feeding and shipping. In 1891 he retired from active farm
life and established a residence in Concordia and was one of the original organizers of that city. During the grasshopper
and drouth years Mr. Brown became discouraged, but never lost faith in the ultimate greatness of Kansas.
Mr. Brown is a native of Columbus, Ohio, born in 1844. His parents died when he was a youth and he was reared in
the home of an aunt, his father's sister. He was an only child. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Sixth Indiana.
The state had five regiments in the Mexican war and when organizing companies for the Civil War they began numbering
at six. This regiment was commanded by Colonel Crittenden, who was promoted to general. They operated in Kentucky,
Alabama, Mississippi and on the Cumberland. They were of the Fourth Corps. The history of the regiment gives nineteen
hard battles and numerous skirmishes. They were in all the battles of the Atlantic slope, Chickamauga, Kenesaw
Mountain, Missionary Ridge, etc. Mr. Brown received five slight wounds. He was in active service the entire three
years and one month he served in the army. His immediate company served with distinction. Over two hundred of the
one thousand men in his regiment were killed.
Mr. Brown received a limited common school education, having enlisted in the United States service when only sixteen
years of age. After the war he returned to the home of his uncle and in March 1866, was married to Catherine McGaw,
of Pennsylvania, and the same year emigrated to Kansas. Mrs. Brown was deceased in April, 1901. To this union were
born eight children, four of whom died in infancy.
Those living are: Florence Allen, wife of L. G. Pearson, a Cloud county farmer; Elva, wife of W. L. Acton, an extensive
stockman of Decatur county, Kansas; Cora Eunice, wife of C. G. Ross, head clerk in Bolinger's clothing store of
Concordia, James W., a resident of Kansas City, foreman of Chamberlain's Weather Strip Company. Mr. Brown's daughters
are all talented in music and are educated and refined women. Mrs. Pearson was a teacher of Cloud county for several
years. She received her education in the Concordia schools and in the Agricultural College at Manhattan. The son,
James, graduated from the Concordia high school and from the Gem City Business College of Quincy, Illinois.
Mr. Brown and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. Brown
is another one of those reliable self-made men and owns some of the best property in Cloud county. His farm is
under a high state of improvement, commodious farm house with driveways of cottonwoods and many evergreens, making
it one of the most beautiful country places in the county. (Biographical History of Cloud County, Kansas, by, E.
F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Pages 231-233)
BUSHNELL,
HORACE D. D.
The Reverend Mr. Bushnell, pastor of the first Presbyterian Church of Concordia, is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio,
born in 1836. His father was the Reverend Horace Bushnell, Sr., a native of Connecticut, born in 1802, who was
also a Presbyterian minister for eighteen years and then became a Congregationalist. He located in Cincinnati about
1830 and pursued his theological studies in Lane Seminary after having had a training in the Manual Labor School
of Whitestown, New York. After coming to Cincinnati Reverend Bushnell, Sr., taught school while studying at the
seminary, and was licensed to preach about the same time this institution was organized as a theological school.
At the expiration of two years' study he began his ministerial career and remained in the city of Cincinnati for
fifty years or until his death in 1883. He organized the little society known as "Storrs Congregational Church,"
and ministered to this congregation in connection with city missionary work for many years and was well known throughout
the city.
The Bushnell ancestors came to Boston about 1636, and subsequently settled in Connecticut. Francis Bushnell was
one of the colonists who founded the town of Guilford, now quite a city; then follows an issue through five generations
to Jason Bushnell, who was the grandfather of Reverend Horace Bushnell, Jr., and like many of the family lived
to an extreme old age, several of the Bushnell's almost reaching the century mark. He was a man noted for his industry
and integrity and was a soldier of the Revolution. Mr. Bushnell's mother was Caroline (Hastings) Bushnell, who
was of English origin; her ancestry came to America about 1636 and like the Bushnells, settled in Connecticut.
John Howard Payne, the author of "Home, Sweet Home," was a relative of Mrs. Bushnell. She was born in
1801 and died in 1886.
Mr. Bushnell was educated in part at Oberlin College, but in 1859 graduated at Farmer's College, now absorbed in
the Cincinnati University. His theological studies were pursued in Lane Seminary, where he graduated in 1862, and
engaged in his pastoral work. He was ordained in 1863 at Madison, Indiana. Reverend Bushnell enlisted in the United
States service in 1862 and was one of the one hundred thousand "squirrel hunters" sent out by Ohio to
repel the invasion of General Bragg, but about nine days afterward they were relieved and he was permitted to return
to his field of labor. He received his discharge about ten years ago. During the war he labored at different times
in the Christian commission. This was a volunteer movement, without pay, for the bodies and souls of the soldiers.
Those who engaged in it had their needful expenses paid, but no more. They supplemented the work of chaplains and
nurses, and hesitated at nothing that could help or sustain the man who carried the gun.
Reverend Bushnell's first pastorate was in the village of Allensville, Indiana. Two years later he went to St.
Louis Crossing, Indiana, and thence to Southport, Indiana, where he had charge of the congregation for ten years.
He came to Minneapolis, Kansas, in the spring of 1877, where he labored for five years, and in January 1882, came
to Concordia, where he has since had charge of the First Presbyterian church. He was married in 1866 to Mrs. Verissa
Bonham, the widow of Aaron E. Bonham of Elizabethtown, Ohio. By her former marriage there were three children,
John L., a resident of Columbus, Indiana; Everett O., of Columbus, Indiana, and Kitty M., widow of Judge W. L.
Harvey, of Chandler, Oklahoma.
Mrs. Bushnell is the daughter of Hiram and Sarah (Fisher) Olmstead, natives of Massachusetts. The Olmsteads came
to West Meredith, New York, where Mrs. Bushnell was born, and later moved to Indiana. Her father was a teacher
and under him she received her principal education. To Mr. and Mrs. Bushnell four children have been born, three
of whom lived to maturity. Carrie H., wife of Dr. F. A. Butterfield of Lawrence, Michigan, a physician of considerable
prominence. She was a teacher for a number of years and held positions at Salina, Jewell City, Topeka and Concordia.
They have two children, Claire and Horace. Alice F., deceased wife of F. C. Perkins, of Durango, Colorado, an attorney
and registrar of land office. He was formerly a well-known educator in Beloit and Concordia, but removed to Colorado
with the hope of benefiting Mrs. Perkins' health. She was a young woman of many natural personal charms, well known
and beloved in the city of Concordia. She died in Durango, Colorado, in February 1898, leaving three children,
viz: Harold Bushnell, Lewis Mayne and Dorothy Alice. Herbert H., a resident of Aspen, Colorado, is the manager
of the Times, a morning daily paper. He finished a classical course from Wabash College, Indiana, read law for
a time, but later turned his attention to newspaper work.
Mr. Bushnell is a man of orthodox views and not only enjoys the esteem and confidence of his congregation, but
of the entire community wherein he labors. (Biographical History of Cloud County, Kansas, by, E. F. Hollibaugh,
1903, Pages 219-221)
CRANS, LEWIS
J.
L. J. Crans, one of the best-known attorneys and an early settler of Cloud county, is a native of Philadelphia.
The date of his birth was January 26, 1826. He is a son of Peter and Harriet (Lewis) Crans. His father conducted
a boot and shoe business in the early days of Philadelphia. He was a native of Orange county, New York, and was
a soldier in the war of 1812. His family were numerous in New York; his ancestry were of German and Dutch origin
and belonged to the early settlers of that section of the country. The paternal homestead went into the hands of
the distinguished William A. Seward, who was a relative by marriage. The maternal ancestors were of English and
Irish origin. His grandparents died when our subject was a mere child.
Mr. Crans is the eighth of a family of nine children and with the exception of one, all lived to ripe old age.
He has one unmarried sister living, who is ten years his senior; her residence is in Philadelphia. Mr. Crans' last
brother, Peter, died about two years ago at the advanced age of eighty-six years. With the exception of a brief
time in Kansas this brother spent the greater part of his life in the city of Philadelphia.
Mr. Crans received his education in the public schools of the Quaker City and graduated as a member of the second
class from the Central high school and subsequently had conferred upon him by that institution the degree of master
of arts. After his graudation he took up the study of law in the office of his brother, Peter Crans, but before
his admission to the bar he removed to the town of Kirbysville, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in lumbering and
mercantile business. Mr. Crans was admitted to the bar at Clearfield in the early 'fifties. He was unanimously
elected district attorney of Clearfield county, and devoted his entire attention to the practice of law in that
city.
In the year 1861 he removed with his family to Philadelphia, where he continued the practice of law. He has striven
for success in his profession and has been well rewarded for the effort made to gain the top round of the ladder
of fame. While engaged in getting forces into the field for Governor Curtin, not as a soldier, but as a private
citizen, Mr. Crans, through an accident, lost the use of a limb, which entirely unfitted him for service and prevented
him from entering the army, and through this circumstances he removed to Philadelphia.
He later located in Jersey City and in 1871 emigrated to Concordia, Kansas, after stopping a short time at Junction
City, awaiting the opening of the land office at Concordia. From that date he has been actively engaged in the
practice of law in Cloud and the northern counties of Kansas. His practice has been extensive and extended.
Mr. Crans was married on the 21st of July, 1847, to Margaret A. Peterson, a daughter of John and Naomi Peterson.
Mrs. Crans' father was of Swedish ancestry who were early settlers on the Delaware river. Her maternal ancestors
were among the English families who came over with William Penn. Mrs. Crans was born in Philadelphia.
Mr. and Mrs. Crans' family of six children were all born in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Five of their children are
still living. Charles, deceased, unmarried. The others are all married and have families living in different parts
of Kansas. One son, Merwin, is a resident of Concordia. A daughter, Margaret A. Richardson with her two daughters,
live in the home of her father. Mrs. Crans, the loving, faithful wife and devoted, unselfish mother, after many
years of patient suffering, was called to her eternal home. The touchingly beautiful devotion of her bereaved husband
was universally remarked. He moved his office to the residence that he might be constantly by her side. Had she
been spared her family a few months longer they would have celebrated the proverbial golden wedding, a magic name,
a consummation hoped for by congenial companionship. Her death occurred May 17, 1896. The family of Mr. Crans are
members of the Protestant Episcopal church and while he is not a regular attendant of any church, Mr. Crans has
a reverence for everything good and holy.
In November, 1901, the semi-centennial of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, was celebrated and Mr. Crans was the only living
man at that time who participated in the organization of that body. Concordia was in its infancy when Mr. Crans
settled there in the early part of 1871. J. F. Hannam, who was then a farmer west of Concordia, moved Mr. Crans,
his family and their effects to Granny creek (now White's creek), where he and several of his children had entered
land, whereon they anticipated devoting their attention to agriculture only.
Concordia consisted of but a few houses, and a number of active and energetic men engaged in the erection of other
buildings with a determination to establish a thriving business point. The whole country at that time was covered
with a soft carpet of short buffalo grass and only a very few trees to break the view - a long stretch of level
land, but to the eye of a farmer great possibilities were discernible. The greater part of the country was uninhabited
and the soil produced very little for the support of the settlers. This drawback caused the necessity of Mr. Crans
moving into Concordia in order to eke out an existence and where shortly afterward an accident opened up to him
the means of support through his profession. He found himself a failure as a farmer and his family were not inclined
to remain without him upon the lands they had selected.
A difficulty having sprung up between the citizens of the town and the county, which claimed the title to the land,
Mr. Crans, at the request of F. W. Sturges, Milton Reasoner, A. A. Carnahan and others, proposed what was then
commonly called "jumping" the town site. In 1873 Mr. Crans consented to act as attorney for the inhabitants
in a contest against the Town Company to enable them to throw open to actual settlers the most of the land contained
within the town of Concordia. He became associated with Judge Sturges and Judge Carnahan. The Town Company abandoned
its claim to what was yet government land, but through an arrangements between the local land office and the Town
Company homesteaded and preempted claims for such lands as were entered. The gentlemen named with Mr. Crans then
entered contests and after a hard struggle before the United States land office succeeded in securing to all the
citizens and those who might afterward become such, the unpatented lands within Concordia.
Mr. Crans removed his family into the city, where he has continued to reside and always, not only as a lawyer,
but a law-abiding citizen, with the welfare of his townsmen ever uppermost in his hopes, well knowing prosperous
men make a thriving town. (Biographical History of Cloud, by E. F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Pages 221-223)
ENGLISH,
WILLIAM
William English, one of the early settlers who experienced pioneer life among the frontiersmen north of Concordia
and known to the people who were in the county at that time, died in Frisco, Utah, in October, 1885. He had removed
there about ten years prior. (Biographical History of Cloud, by E. F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Page 231)
HAGAMAN,
JAMES MANNY
The name of J. M. Hagaman occurs frequently upon these pages and he is known to every household of Cloud county,
yet many may not know of his career prior to taking up his abode on the frontier of Kansas on July 8, 1860, when
he, with his family and a small company of friends, settled on Elm Creek. From that date down to the present he
has been an active promoter of the best interests of Cloud county, and more especially of his own town, Concordia.
Mr. Hagaman is a native of Wayne County, New York, born on the bleak shores of Lake Ontario, in July, 1830. He
is a son of Joseph Nicholas and Elizabeth (O'Neil) Hagaman. His father was a farmer and carpenter by occupation
and a soldier in the war of 1812. He was murdered in 1868 in Cloud county, where he had emigrated in 1866. The
Hagaman ancestors were from Holland and pioneer settlers of Montgomery county, New York. Mr. Hagaman's father was
a daring and courageous soldier; was lieutenant of his company and taken prisoner with General Scott at the battle
of Queenston, Canada. It was a great uncle of Mr. Hagaman who built the Hagaman mills, manufacturers of cloth,
in Montgomery County, New York. His maternal ancestors were from Holland and Ireland. His Irish ancestors, for
taking sides with the colonies in the Revolutionary war, were exiled from Ireland by the British Crown.
Mr. Hagaman is the only surviving member of a family of seven children. He received a limited education at Hagaman's
Mills and at the age of sixteen years had acquired what was taught at that time in the public schools. Though he
did not take a collegiate course, many miles of travel would not produce a man of so wide a practical knowledge
and experience of things generally. He considers that, while his life has not been a brilliant success, it by no
means has been a failure; full success in some, and in all others partial success has resulted from his many undertakings
and adventures. He has been self-supporting since nine years old.
Mr. Hagaman was married in 1855 to Mary Louisa Webster, who was born in the state of New York. Her parents were
natives of Massachusetts and emigrated from New York to Wisconsin in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Hagaman emigrated to Kansas
with their one child in 1860. They came overland with two yoke of cattle. His financial possessions were one hundred
and twenty-five dollars in gold, eight head of cattle and farm implements; four years later he gave his personal
tax in as eighteen hundred dollars. He invested his surplus funds in calves and dealt in stock quite extensively.
Mr. and Mrs. Hagaman are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living: Alice C., wife of N. P. Buesenbark,
now a resident of Kansas City, but formerly a merchant of Concordia. Mary Almina, who has been an invalid the greater
part of her life. Adelina H., deceased wife of L. M. Richardson, an employee of the Chicago Lumber Company and
a merchant of Richburg, Mississippi. James F., now of Kansas City, formerly associated with his father in newspaper
work. Nicholas Alvin, a locomotive engineer in the employ of the B. & M. Railroad. Phenie, wife of James Lupton,
express agent on the B. & M. Railroad, with residence at Lincoln, Nebraska. Fannie O., the first child born
in Concordia.
Mr. Hagaman has represented his county in the legislature, founded the thriving and populous city of Concordia
and has been its mayor two terms. For thirty-two years he has been an attorney at law and was the first to be admitted
to practice in the district court of his county. Besides those mentioned he has held many other civil offices,
and also a military commission, and now, although past seventy-two years of age, his step is quick and his appearance
is more like that of a man in the prime of life than one of his advanced years. (Biographical History of Cloud
County, Kansas, 1903, by E. F. Hollibaugh, Pages 216-219)
JENKINS, E.
J.
Colonel E. J. Jenkins was one of the foremost men in Concordia. He was an earnest, untiring worker for the advancement
of Cloud county. He was a native of Ohio, but came to Donovan county, Kansas, in an early day, where he practiced
law and represented that county in the Kansas legislature with distinction, both as a senator and member of the
lower house.
He was prominent in political and social circles and all public enterprises. He did much for Concordia and personally
was immensely popular. He was one of the pioneers of Kansas and was the faithful receiver of the Republican valley
land office from its creation in 1870 until a short time before its removal. He was acknowledged to be a man eminently
fitted for the position, hence his continued service with the government. (Biographical History of Cloud County,
Kansas, by E. F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Page 227)
McDONALD,
C. W.
In the early days of Concordia C. W. McDonald was a conspicuous figure. Until 1901 he had been a resident of Cloud
county for many years, being among the first settlers and interested in various business enterprises.
He represented Cloud county in the legislature in 1885, was editor of the Concordia Empire for several years, practiced
law, and was president of the National Bank of Concordia. He was fortunate enough to draw a prize at the opening
of the Strip in Oklahoma, where he has since located. (Biographical History of Cloud County, Kansas, by E. F. Hollibaugh,
1903, Page 233)
McECKRON,
BOYD H.
In casting for a man or a personality worthy to extol, we do not find any whose praises are more in evidence than
those of his friends and fellow citizens of the late b. H. McEckron. It is often when the recipient "has crossed
the divide" that we realize that his name is a household word, but Mr. McEckron's pathway was smoothed by
many appreciative utterances, while his name will go down to posterity as one of those early settlers who contributed
largely to every good cause, was ever on the side of right and justice, and taking an intelligent interest in his
town, his county, and his state. He was a valuable member of the legislature. A more staunch Republican, a truer
man, a more worthy citizen could not be found.
Mr. McEckron was born June 17, 1834, in Hebron, Washington county, New York. He was a son of A. S. McEckron, who
was born in 1800. He was originally a woolen goods manufacturer and later a farmer. In 1876, having retired from
active business life, he visited Kansas. His death occurred in 1880. Mr. McEckron's paternal grandfather, Jacob
McEckron, was a soldier in the American struggle for freedom. His mother, Anna (Donoldson) McEckron, was born in
1800 and died July 2, 1861, and was buried on the Fourth of July. She was a quiet, unostentatious and conscientious
woman. Both parents were devoted members of the Presbyterian church.
B. H. McEckron was educated in Delaware Academy, Delhi, New York, receiving a thorough education in the higher
English branches, in French and the sciences. Before entering the academy he had nearly learned the carpenter and
joiner's trade, which he pursued for several years during the summer, but followed the profession of teaching school
during the winter. From 1866 to '68 he was engaged as bookkeeper and foreman for D. A. Goodyear, a lumber dealer
at Portage City, Wisconsin. In February, 1868, he paid a visit to his native home in New York, shortly afterward
removing to Kansas and homesteaded land in the Republican valley, near Ames, in Cloud county, where he lived until
1874.
Then he removed to Concordia after receiving the appointment as registrar of the United States land office, which
position he filled to the entire satisfaction of the public for over nine years. Mr. McEckron took part in the
war of the Rebellion, enlisting September 2, 1861, in Company E, Second Wisconsin cavalry, and served until November
28, 1862, when he was discharged for disability, being unable to walk. His army life was passed mostly in Missouri
and Arkansas in the campaign against the guerrillas and bushwhackers.
In 1868 he was elected superintendent of public instruction in Cloud county. Before the expiration of his term
he was elected representative to the legislature from Cloud county in 1870 and unanimously re-elected in 1871 and
again in 1873. In the latter term he was chosen speaker of the house of representatives. He was always a Republican,
his political career beginning with the birth of the party. His first vote was cast for John C. Fremont for president.
He was married April 16, 1864, to Miss Adaline M. Parmenter, of Randolph, Wisconsin, who was a native of Niagara
county, New York. Mrs. McEckron was born April 22, 1842, and died in February 1897. Mr. McEckron died one year
later, July 1898. Three children who survive them, were born to this union: George M., Maud and Alex S.
In 1881, Mr. McEckron bought an interest in the Palace drug store. In 1883 he assumed entire control, buying his
partner's interest and continued in the business until his death. (Biographical History of Cloud County, Kansas,
by E. F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Pages 225-227)
SHELHAMER,
A. J.
A. J. Shelhamer, was one of the pioneers of Cloud county and was a good citizen, being one of the most enterprising
men in the community. He came with small capital but soon established one of the best farms in the vicinity of
Concordia, lying about two miles west of that city.
He did much toward the passing of the herd law and was president of the Agricultural Society, a flourishing body
in the early seventies.
Mr. Shehamer organized the first band in the county, buying the instruments while on a visit to his old Michigan
home. (Biographical History of Cloud County, Kansas, by E. F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Page 233)
SPALDING
HAMILTON MACK
Cloud county is much indebted to H.M. Spalding
for the interest he manifests in every worthy project, and there is no one man more distinctly associated with
the progress and advancement of Concordia than he. H.M. Spalding was born at Lockport, Niagara county, New York,
December 14, 1852, and has a lineage that might well be a source of pride and ambition. His ancestors were represented
in a prominent way during the colonial settlement of the United States. He is a son of N. Mack and Sarah (Ellicott)
Spalding. N.M. Spalding was an old and well-known business man of western New York. H.M. Spalding is a direct descendant
of Edward Spalding, who came from England with the distinguished Sir George Yeardley in the year 1619, and was
a member of the Virginia colony. Edward Spalding afterward emigrated to Massachusetts. This branch of the Spalding
family has been noted for the number of successful business men in it.
Through his mother Mr. Spalding traces his lineage
back to the Ellicotts, another family prominently identified with the early history of this country. Andrew Ellicott
was the first surveyor general of the United States. It was he who surveyed and laid out the city of Washington,
District Columbia, and was the first instructor of mathematics in the United States West Point Military Academy.
His brother, Joseph E., surveyed and laid out the city of Buffalo, New York. Ellicott square of that city was named
for him. Mr. Spalding prides himself on being an American citizen and also in the fact that both his paternal and
maternal ancestors took an active part in the Revolutionary war.
Mr. Spalding came to Concordia, Kansas, in 1872
and engaged as clerk in the store of H.A. Lockwood, which occupied his time for fifteen months. In the summer of
1874 he purchased an interest in this stock of general merchandise and the firm assumed the name of Lockwood &
Spalding. Upon the death of Mr. Lockwood two months later, Mr. Spalding purchased his late partner's interest in
the business and continued until the spring of 1878, when he sold to W.G. Patrick and engaged in farming and stock
raising. In 1878 he formed a partnership with John Tate, under the firm name of Spalding & Tate, for the purpose
of shipping live stock and grain, raising cattle and dealing in real estate. May 22, 1880, they brought into Cloud
county six head of blooded cattle - one bull and five cows. This firm was the first to ship in and keep up a herd
of registered short horn cattle; Mr. Spalding kept a large herd of fine cattle for twenty years and took much interest
in blooded stock.
In 1879 he was elected county treasurer and was
the first Democrat elected to a county office in Cloud county, assuming the duties of this office from October,
1880, to October, 1882. In 1883 Mr. Spalding helped to organize the First National Bank of Concordia and was its
first president. In 1884 he bought an interest in and took charge of the Concordia flouring mills, and later became
sole proprietor, operating them for eight years. He also put in the electric light plant in Concordia, which he
controlled for years, keeping it up to date by constantly adding modern improvements. He is now president of the
Concordia Electric Light Company and its principal stockholder.
He was again elected county treasurer in the autumn
of 1893 and in 1897 received evidence of recognition of his having served the people with general satisfaction
and with credit to himself by being re-elected. He is the only man elected to and holding this office three terms
in Cloud county. Mr. Spalding has long since established himself as a man capable of assuming various lines of
important industries. His natural ability along with enterprising spirit and capacity for work have gained him
a record as a prominent business man and semi-public character.
He was married to Martha E. Sherman, of Wrights
Corners, Niagara county, New York, March 29 They are the parents of two promising sons, Edward H. and Merrill E.
The former is taking a complete course in mechanical engineering at the Rose Polytechnic Institute, Terre Haute,
Indiana, and the latter, Merrill E., is a cadet of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Mr. Spalding
and family occupy a pleasant home on West Sixth Street, where they have lived for the past twenty-five years. (Biographical
History of Cloud County, Kansas, by E. F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Pages 227-229)
PECK CHARLES
N. & WILLIAM M.
Concordia is especially fortunate in the character
and standing of her business and professional men, and among those who have won marked distinction within the space
of a comparatively few years are the twin brothers, Charles N. and William M. Peck. They are both men of prominence
in the business and social world. Their personality is very similar, with the same fine physique and military bearing
and the identity of one might easily be taken for the other.
They were born in the town of Hampton, Washington
county, New York, between Whitehall and Fairhaven, Vermont, May 25, 1863. Their father, Josiah Peck, like most
of his ancestors, was a farmer, and resided on the old homestead, which has been in the possession of the Pecks
for two centuries or more, until his death, May 10, 1902. The Pecks originally came from England; three brothers
came to America. Two of them settled in Connecticut and one in New York, and all of the Pecks in this country seemingly
sprung from one of these three branches. Harriet Peck, mother of Charles and William, was a Miller, her father
being the eldest son of "Prophet" Miller, who acquired national fame by prophesying to the world the
coming of Christ in 1843. She is the only granddaughter of the "Prophet" now living.
The twin brothers were reared on the farm, where
they worked, helping to till the soil in summer and attending school during the winter months. In 1881 they ratified
their ambition to attend military school at Granville, New York. Charles N. assumed the position of drummer boy
and William M. of bugler, and their services were recompensed by the consideration of one-half of the tuition.
Later Charles N. resigned his position to enter the ranks of Company A as captain. They both graduated in 1883
and returned home with the intention of helping on the farm, as their father was becoming advanced in years and
needed their assistance; but after three years of military training they were not content with the daily routine
of farm life, and from this time took, as it were, diverging paths.
Charles N. chose the law for his profession and
after writing various attorneys, obtained desk room in the office of King & Rhodes, of Troy, New York, (of
which firm LaMotte W. Rhodes was district attorney) in October, 1883, where the foundation was laid for the reputation
he has built as an attorney, for he has established a record in the legal annals of Cloud county, and has a large
clientage. After reading law one year he assumed the duties of chief clerk in their office for the small salary
of $3 per week. Later it was increased to $5, out of which he saved enough to visit his brother, who had come to
Concordia in 1884.
Charles N. Peck was admitted to the bar of the state of New York at Albany in 1886. After coming west he worked
in the Cloud County Bank for two months and then became a member of the law firm of Sturges & Kennett. The
following year F.W. Sturges was elected judge of this district, and the firm became Kennett & Peck, which combination
still exists. They are attorneys for the Atchison & Topeka Railroad, the Rock Island Railroad and the western
syndicate of banks owned by eastern capitalists, and have an extended general practice of law.
In 1892 Charles N. Peck was married to Frances
A. Paradis, the only child of Frank Dana Paradis, a contractor and builder formerly of Memphis, Tennessee, where
he was well known. Mr. Paradis was of Parisian French stock. Mrs. Peck was born in Chicago, but removed with her
parents when a child to Memphis, where she grew up and attended school, until the death of her mother, when her
father's health failed and they returned to Chicago, where she finished her education, graduating at St. Xavier's
Convent, taking a special course in music. She has had the advantages of a thorough musical training and has more
than ordinary talent. Mr. Paradis died in 1896. Mrs. Paradis was of English origin. Three children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Peck, two sons and a daughter, viz: Charles Northrop, Frances Harriet and William Miller.
Since the above sketch was written, Charles N.
Peck has been elected to represent his county in the legislature. He carried his ticket by a large majority and
will fill the representative chair with credit to himself and to the many friends from both political parties that
cheered lustily over his victory - a well merited honor. He is also member of the city council of Concordia.
William Miller Peck chose the occupation of architect
and served as an apprentice in Albany for a short time. As there was no pay for services rendered he became discouraged
and decided to try his fortunes elsewhere. He taught school for a brief time and assisted in keeping a set of books
for six months. He also spent much time writing to the various banks, whose names and addresses came under his
observation. One of these letters found its way to Brandon, Vermont, and fell into the hands of T.B. Smith, the
late president of the Cloud County Bank, who, fortunately for Mr. Peck, wanted a bookkeeper, and he was given the
place at five dollars per week, and in the summer of 1884 came to Concordia.
Soon after he was made assistant cashier, and in
1896 was elected cashier, which place he has since occupied. During his connection with the bank he has assumed
many responsibilities and performed to the utmost satisfaction of the corporation the duties appertaining to the
position he holds. He is an expert accountant, well informed in banking systems and has established a reputation
for himself as a competent business man. The entire management of the bank is left to the exercise of his judgment
rather than to officials of superior rank.
W.M. Peck was married in December, 1887, to Mary
Martin, of Chicago, Illinois, a daughter of Lawrence T. Martin, a commission merchant of that city. She is an accomplished
woman, talented in art - a student of St. Xavier's Academy. Their family consists of three daughters: Margaret,
Ruth and Helen, all musically inclined. Margaret plays the cornet and Ruth, the violin. Mr. Peck is also a cornetist
of considerable ability.
The Peck brothers have attractive, modern homes
on West Ninth Street, surrounded by beautiful shade trees and wide lawns. They have been Republicans from the cradle
but are not radical politicians. (Biographical History of Cloud County, Kansas, by E. F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Pages
229-231)
STRAIN, JAMES
The late Honorable James Strain was one of the most able attorneys Concordia has ever known. He was a man of rare
ability, one of the first members and the first ruling elder (which office he held nine years) of the Presbyterian
church.
The news of his death cast a gloom over the community where he had lived ten years and assisted in every public
enterprise. He was a man of rare ability and brilliant attainments. He died January 25, 1880. (Biographical History
of Cloud County, Kansas, by E. F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Page 227)
WHEELER, S.
C.
S. C. Wheeler, who ably represented the counties of Republic and Cloud in the senate during the Alliance movement,
is one of the best-known politicians as well as one of the most prosperous and energetic men of Cloud county. Mr.
Wheeler was born in Greenfield township, Huron county, Ohio in 1846 and lived in the home of his parents until
he responded to the call for more troops and enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Ninety-first Ohio Volunteer
infantry, in February 1865. He was discharged the following June for disability, while in a hospital at Perryville,
Maryland.
After regaining his health he emigrated to Iowa, where he purchased a small farm and engaged in agriculture for
three years. After three years of western life Mr. Wheeler removed to Berrien county, Michigan, where he became
a tiller of the soil, remaining three years. He then located in the town of Pentwater, Michigan, which is situated
in the timber region of that state and worked in a lumber camp. Three years later he was appointed superintendent
of the Berrien county farm for the poor.
Accepting the position he returned to his former home and superintended that institution four years. But his vigorous
nature longed for broader fields and the boundless prairies of Kansas, where his ambitions could soar unrestrained
and where he could build a home for himself and family. He came to Kansas during the era of emigration in 1879,
and on the 7th day of March landed in Buffalo township, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of what is
now his present farm. He has since added another quarter, making a half section of land second to none in the county
in point of fertility and productiveness.
Politically Mr. Wheeler is a Populist. He joined the Alliance movement in 1889 and was elected state senator for
Cloud and Republic counties at a special election held for the purpose of filling the vacancy caused by the death
of E. E. Swearengin. He was the only Populist senator at that session. In 1897 Governor Leedy appointed Mr. Wheeler
member of the state board of charities for Kansas, which position he filled with satisfaction to the state and
commendable credit to himself for two years and two months, or until his term expired and the office succeeded
to by a Republican. At the last city election, held in April 1903, Mr. Wheeler was chosen mayor of Concordia.
On March 23, 1867, he was united in matrimony with Miss Delora Ashley, of Adamsville, Michigan. Mrs. Wheeler is
a sister of John H. Ashley, whose biographical sketch appears in this volume. Although Mr. Wheeler has gained prominence
as a public character he is what might be considered as a home man and has always spent his leisure hours enjoying
the domestic felicity of his family, which consists of two sons and a daughter. Their children are all married.
Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have retired from the farm and occupy a beautiful cottage home in Concordia, where they expect
to spend the remainder of their days at ease. They also have a large circle of friends who enjoy their genuine
hospitality. Mr. Wheeler is a man of public spirit, always doing his part toward promoting any enterprise which
is calculated to benefit mankind. (Biographical History of Cloud County, Kansas, by E. F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Pages
223-225)
WILSON,
JOHN D.
The late J. D. Wilson, who died at his home in Concordia, October 10, 1885, was among the most successful and prominent
politicians of Cloud County, and socially very popular with the people. As a man his kindness and generous heart
knew no bounds, hence his friends were legion.
He was born in Harrison county, Ohio in 1939. He was four times elected to the office of Sheriff of Cloud County.
He was a brave soldier in the Civil War and an earnest worker of the Grand Army of the Republic organization. He
was an honored member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. By his death was removed one of the best officers
and one of the most prominent men of Cloud County. (Biographical History of Cloud County, Kansas, by E. F. Hollibaugh,
1903, Page 223)
WRONG,
THOMAS
Thomas Wrong was once one of the leading politicians of Cloud county and one of the most able attorneys and parliamentary
debaters in the city of Concordia. He was a pleasing stump speaker and held an audience well. He was a man of agreeable,
pleasing address and suave manner.
There is much in his history to praise that is commendable and little to condemn. Mr. Wrong for years had a particularly
clean political record and the same could be said of his business and social affairs. Drink was the cause of his
downfall. He lived in Concordia until the summer of 1901, when he went to Oklahoma. (Biographical History of Cloud
County, Kansas, by E. F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Page 227)
ASLIN, FRANK P.
Frank P. Aslin was born in Aurora, Kansas, February
25, 1881, son of Narcisse and Eugene (Delude) Aslin. His father, a farmer and political leader, was born in St.
Remy, Canada, in 1839, and died at Aurora in 1902.
The mother, who was born in Canada in 1843, died at Aurora in 1902. She was a humanitarian, and always ready to
render assistance to the sick and needy.
Frank P. Aslin attended public school, and in 1912 was admitted by examination to study pharmacy in a correspondence
course at Kansas University. In 1918 he finished an architectural course in the International Correspondence School
of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Aslin's marriage to Edith Begnoche was solemnized at St. Joseph, Kansas, October 16, 1904. She was born there
on March 24, 1885, her parents having come from Canada. To Mr. and Mrs. Aslin three children were born, Edmay,
September 24, 1906, who married P. A. Brummer; A. A., July 3, 1908, who is editor of the Aurora Searchlight; and
Norma O., February 12, 1909, who is a graduate nurse.
Mr. Aslin was a contractor and builder for eight years; the owner of a meat market for four years, and for the
past twenty-four years has been a rural mail carrier. For 12 years he was president of the Cloud County Rural Carriers
Association. Until 1929 he was editor of the Searchlight, now edited by his son.
For several years he has served as a member of the school board, and during the World War period participated in
all drives. He has been secretary of the Commercial Club, worshipful master of the Masons and venerable consul
of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is an Elk and a member of the Red Cross. Mr. Aslin enjoys hunting, while his
hobby is study. Residence: Aurora. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933,
page 46)
