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HENRY S. WOODEN was born February 1, 1830, in Owen county, Indiana. His paternal grandfather,
Robert Wooden, was a soldier of the Revolution, and his father, James Wooden, was in the war of 1812, and participated
in the battle of New Orleans. A paternal uncle, also, was with General Jackson in all his campaigns in the war
of 1812. On his mother's side he is descended from a family well known in the early history of Kentucky, and in
the vicinity of Harrodsburgh. Her maiden name was Susan Shively. Her mother, brother and a cousin were companions
of Daniel Boone, and the history of their adventures with the Indians, if the facts could be collected and published,
would be of thrilling interest.
Henry received but a limited education in a log cabin school house of Owen county. To this slender stock he greatly
added by study, research and companionship with intelligent men, until he has become well posted as a politician
and business man. His early tastes were for mechanics, and in early life he became a plasterer and a contractor
for extensive work. He followed this occupation until his removal to Kansas, in 1864. He settled in Ottawa county,
and at that time there were but three houses in Kansas west of his new home. He sustained his family by hunting
and trapping, his only means of support, unless he left them between himself and the Indians. For the first three
years of his residence in Kansas he underwent many hardships, and was often compelled to defend his wife and children
with his rifle. He was an active participant in the struggle against the Indians in 1868. During the rebellion
he was a soldier in Co. D, commanded by Captain Moberly. On the organization of Ottawa county he was elected the
first count clerk. He has also held many positions connected with the township, city and school organizations.
He has been identified not only with the early organization and history of his county, but with the material interests,
growth and prosperity of Minneapolis. For about eight years he has operated extensively in real estate and insurance
and in loaning money, his bank accounts aggregating as much as $100,000 per annum.
He became, in 1872, a charter member of Minneapolis Lodge, No. 97, Independent Order of Odd Fellow, and has passed
all the chairs and taken all the Encampment degrees. He accepts the Bible as interpreted by the Christian church.
In politics he was originally a Democrat, as were his ancestors in the days of Jackson; but he became a Republican
on the organization of that party, and has been a strict Republican ever since.
He was married, April 18, 1854, in Spence, Owen county, Indiana, to Miss Mary I.J. Sullivan, granddaughter of Judge
Dunn, the first settler in that county. She is a practical, sensible woman, and has been a brave companion of her
husband in all his pioneer struggles. They have three children: Martha L., Clara B., and John H.
Mr. Wooden is regarded as one of the most enterprising and reliable men of his locality. He is generous, genial
and sociable. Though never a politician, he has wielded and still wields a large influence in the politics of Northwestern
Kansas.
The United States Biographical Dictionary Kansas 1879
Kansas Biographical Dictionary, 1879 Page 127 - 128 |
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