Biographies of Wyandotte County, Kansas

WYANDOTTE COUNTY, KANSAS

BIOGRAPHIES

KAY, WILLIAM S.

William S. Kay, of the well known firm of Baxter & Kay, general merchants of Bonner Springs, is one of the active and prosperous business men of Wyandotte county. He was born, in October, 1859, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, but has lived in Kansas since a lad of seven years.

Thomas Kay, his father, was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Kansas, in November, 1905, aged seventy-three years. A farmer by occupation, he came to Kansas in search of cheap lands in 1866, and having purchased a tract of wild land in Johnson county immediately began the improvement of a homestead. Having erected a house, and all the necessary farm buildings^ he embarked in general farming and in addition to growing large crops of wheat he made a specialty of stock raising and dealing, carrying on a substantial business for many years. He married Mary E. Smith, who was born in Ohio, and died in Kansas, in July, 1904, aged seventy-two years. They had a family of seven children, as follows: Georgia, J. Boyd, William S., Margaret E., Bess P., Mollie, who lived but one year, dying in 1869, and Myrtle.

Growing to manhood in Johnson county, William S. Kay acquired his early education, principally, in the district schools, attending the State Normal School one winter term. Becoming familiar with the various branches of agriculture when young, he subsequently purchased the parental homestead, and was busily and successfully employed in cultivating the soil, and in the raising of cattle and other stock, for many years, retaining the ownership of the home property until 1901, when he sold it.

In 1895 Mr. Kay began his career as a merchant by buying a half interest in the Baxter Brothers' store, at Holliday, Kansas, becoming junior member of the firm of Baxter & Kay. Very successful in its operations, this enterprising firm, in 1907, opened a store at Bonner Springs, of which Mr. Baxter assumed the management, Mr. Kay remaining at Holliday until February, 1910, when the Holliday store was traded for a farm. Mr. Kay then came to Bonner Springs, and in November, 1910, Mr. Baxter began travelling on the road in the interest of the firm, and Mr. Kay took entire charge of the store. This firm has one of the finest department stores in Wyandotte county as regards its stock, handling crockery, queensware, groceries, fruit and vegetables, employing one man, and operating a delivery wagon.
Mr. Kay has never married, but he and his sisters have a most pleasant and hospitable home in Bonner Springs. For twelve years Mr. Kay was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Olive Lodge, No. 387, of Wilder, Kansas, but has dropped from its rolls. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 538-539)

BARNEY, LOUIE F.

Dr. Barney has won secure place as one of the representative physicians and surgeons of his native state, where his father was a pioneer in the same line of professional endeavor, and he is engaged in active practice in Kansas City, the capital and metropolis of Wyandotte county, where he has gained special prestige as a surgeon, and where he controls a large and profitable practice, the same standing as voucher for his technical skill as well as for his personal popularity in the community. The Doctor has depended upon his own resources in making the battle of life, has shown the determination and integrity that denote the strong and loyal nature, and has therefore never been denied the full quota of popular confidence and respect.

Dr. Louie F. Barney was born at Cherokee, Crawford county, Kansas, on the 19th of November, 1876, and was the second in order of birth of the two sons and two daughters of Dr. James K. and Susan (Fundenberger) Barney, the former of whom was born in Illinois and the latter in Ohio. The father died in 1902, at the age of fifty-five years, and the mother now maintains her home near Cherokee, Kansas. Dr. James Knox Barney carefully fortified himself for the work of his chosen calling, as he was graduated in the old St. Louis Medical College, at St. Louis, Missouri, an institution now known as Washington Medical University. Prom this college he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1871, and his initial work in his profession was done at Marmaton, Bourbon county, Kansas, where he remained for a brief interval. In 1872 he removed to Cherokee, Crawford county, where he continued in practice until 1877, when he established his home at Weir, Cherokee county, where he followed the work of his profession until his death. He was a man of sterling character and much ability and as one of the pioneer physicians of Kansas he ministered with all of devotion and self-abnegation to those in affliction. He did not accumulate a fortune through his earnest labors, but he left the gracious heritage of a good name, the while his memory is cherished by the many whom he served so effectively and unselfishly. He was identified with various medical societies and in politics was a stalwart supporter of the cause of the Republican party.

Dr. Louie F. Barney was afforded the advantages of the public schools of Weir, Cherokee county, including a course in the high school, and he supplemented this by a course in the Pittsburg Business College. For three years thereafter he was a successful and popular teacher in the public schools of his home town of Weir, where he was principal of a school and had five other teachers under his direction before he was twenty-one years old, the enrolment of pupils in the school having been about two hundred and fifty. He thus early showed his pedagogic powers as well as his ability as an executive. In gaining his education he depended upon his own exertions for maintenance and incidental funds demanded, and in this connection he turned his attention to any honest employment that would afford his adequate returns. Thus it may be stated that for a time he was employed in a drug store and that he also did effective service as a driver of teams used in stripping the soil from coal lands, as a preliminary to the development of the properties. It may well be understood that a young man of so definite energy and ambition would early formulate plans for his future life work, and thus Dr. Barney was led to adopt the profession which his honored father had followed. With this end in view he finally entered the Kansas City Medical College, at Kansas City, Missouri, in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1903, and from which he received his well earned degree of Doctor of Medicine. In a competitive examination at the time of his graduation Dr. Barney and one of his classmates gained equal standing in a race for first prize. Following graduation he secured the position of physician at St. Margaret's Hospital, Kansas City, Kansas, an incumbency which he retained for fifteen months. For a period of about seven years he was assistant to Dr. George M. Gray in the department of surgery at St. Margaret's Hospital, and his marked skill in surgery has caused him to devote special attention to this branch of practice, in which his success has been on a parity with his recognized ability. The Doctor is a valued member of the Wyandotte County Medical Society, the Kansas State Medical Society, the Kansas City (Missouri) Academy of Medicine, the Northeast District Mfedical Society and the Southwest Medical Society, besides which he is also identified with the American Medical Association.

Though essentially broad-minded and progressive in his civic attitude, Dr. Barney has found neither time nor inclination to enter the turbulence of so-called practical politics, and he gives his support to men and measure meeting the approval of his judgment, without regard to strict partisan lines. He is affiliated with the Scottish Rite body of the Masonic fraternity, and it is worthy of note that he received his degree of Master Mason in Wyandotte Lodge, No. 3, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of its founding.

On the 20th of February, 1907, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Barney to Miss Minnie C. Wahlenmaier, who was born and reared in Kansas City, Kansas, and who is a daughter of William and Caroline Wahlenmaier, the former of whom died about twenty-five years ago and the latter of whom still resides in Kansas City. Mr. Wahlenmaier came from Germany to America when a boy and he eventually gained place as one of the pioneer lumber dealers in eastern Kansas. He was one of the honored citizens and influential business men of Wyandotte county, and accumulated a substantial estate through his well directed endeavors. His widow Caroline erected the Wahlenmaier block at the corner of Eighth street and Minnesota avenue, in Kansas City, Kansas, and the same is one of the best modern business blocks of the city. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 539-541)

DAVIS, WILLIAM D.

It is the lot of some men to be born great, wmie others have to achieve greatness. It is clearly evident that William D. Davis, a leading agriculturist of Wyandotte county, was destined to be the architect of his own fortunes. Beginning his career on a low rung of the ladder of attainments, he has steadily pushed his way upward, making diligent use of his faculties and opportunities, and is now one of the extensive landholders and stock raisers of Basehor. He was born May 29, 1853, in Herkimer county, New York, a son of Ezra F. Davis.

A native of the Empire state, Ezra F. Davis was born March 1, 1827. A farmer from his youth up, he moved with his family to Cole county, Missouri, in 1860, and for awhile was engaged in the raising of tobacco near Jefferson City. He subsequently migrated still further westward, settling in Colorado, where he embarked in the cattle business. He married Elizabeth Eynon, a native of New York state, and to them four children were born, as follows: William D., the special subject of this brief biographical sketch; Llewellyn, a promising stockman of Wyoming; Frank G. and one deceased.

But seven years of age when his parents moved to Cole county, Missouri, and still young when they located in Colorado, William D. Davis had very meager educational advantages, his schooling having been exceedingly limited. He assisted his father in the cattle business in Colorado, and on coming east located at Leaven worth, Kansas, where he owned and operated a mill, and for sixteen years served as postmaster. He is now extensively engaged in general farming, owning five hundred and sixty acres of land in Wyandotte county, three hundred and twenty acres of which he utilizes as pasture for his cattle. Mr. Davis is one of the foremost stock growers of his community, in fact being one of the largest buyers and shippers of cattle in northeastern Kansas. He is a Republican in politics, but has never sought official honors, his private affairs demanding his entire time and attention.

Mr. Davis married February 29, 1888, Eva Trickey, who was born in Maine, June 16, 1859, and came to Kansas in 1865. Mrs. Davis received a good education in St. Mary's Academy near Leavenworth, Kansas, and she had an excellent musical training. Her parents were John and Annie J. (Marshall) Trickey and she was the only child of their union. The father was a native of New Hampshire and he received an education of some thoroughness and adopted agriculture as his calling. He traced his lineage to England, three Trickey brothers from one of whom he descended, coming to this country at an early period in its history, probably early in the seventeenth century. Politically he was a Republican. He was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting in Company I, First Maine Heavy Artillery. He was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness and died of his wounds at Washington, D. C, in 1864. His widow married again, her second husband being Louis A. Menager, a native of Gallipolis, Ohio. He was born November 19, 1833, and died November 23, 1910. Mr. Menager received exceptionally good educational training and was an expert accountant. He, with his brother Edward, were large landholders in Wyandotte county. The brothers Menager were of French descent, for although born in this country, both of their parents came from France. Mr. Menager *s brother-in-law, Julius Pitrat, was the inventor of the computing scales, used by commerce in the United States.

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Menager were the parents of one child-Elsie Romaine, who received a splendid education in literary and musical lines. As previously stated, Mr. Menager was associated with his brother and they owned the large estate now controlled by Mr. and Mrs. Davis. This comprises over five hundred acres, and the Menagers were the first owners after the Delaware Indians. The brothers, Edward S., was a student at West Point Military Academy and he was a man of commanding physique, being six feet, six inches in height and finely proportioned. He had studied law, although he did not engage in its practice. He was a Republican in politics and a man of superior ability. He died in 1889, qged about sixty-two years. When the Hon. John Q. Pratt had governmental charge of the Delaware Indians Louis Menager was his bookkeeper. Mrs. Menager, the mother of Mrs. Davis, was born November 8, 1836.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis have two children, namely: Anna M., a graduate of the Kansas City, Kansas high school, wife of John L. Hastings, who assists Mr. Davis in the care of the farm; and Elizabeth E., a graduate of the Kansas City, Kansas high school, of the class of 1911, who is now at home. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 541-542)

CHRISTY, JAMES M.

James M. Christy, head of the Grand View Furniture Company, a flourishing concern dealing in furniture and carpets, is one of the honored and enterprising citizens of Kansas City, Kansas, and plays a prominent part in the many-sided life of the community, commercially, fraternally and as a public spirited citizen. Mr. Christy is a native of the state of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Fairfield county of the Buckeye state on March 8, 1863. His parents were Joseph and Hannah (Steward) Christy, the former born in Maryland, in the year 1834, and passing on to the Undiscovered Country in the month of February, 1909. The mother, who was born in Burks county, Pennsylvania, still resides there, this venerable lady being over eighty years of age. Joseph Christy was a farmer and dealer in live stock and he and his wife became the parents of a large family of children-twelve in number-he whose name inaugurates this review, being the seventh in order of birth.

Mr. Christy was educated in the district schools of Fairfield county and in his youth learned through actual experience the many secrets of agriculture. However, he was not drawn to adopt the great basic industry as a life work and in December, 1886, when about twenty-three years of age he bade farewell to the home roof and started forth like the proverbial hero of romance to seek his fortunes. He went far afield, Kansas City being the haven of his desires and his first work in the new scenes was in the round house of the Union Pacific railroad in which he was employed for seven months. He then engaged with the Kansas City & North Western railroad as fireman and remained in that capacity for some time, in September, 1890, being promoted to the position of engineer.

In March, 1905, Mr. Christy made a radical change of occupation, for he abandoned railroading and adopted a mercantile pursuit, establishing himself in the furniture and carpet business at Tenth and Central avenue. He carries a full line of furniture and carpets and in the seven years of his career has enjoyed the most thorough prosperity and has built up a large and enthusiastic patronage. His store is known in the city under the caption of the Grand View Furniture Company. For a number of years C. A. McCampbell was in partnership with the subject, this association continuing in a satisfactory manner until March, 1910, when Mr. Christy bought out his partner and has since continued independently.

On October 3, 1894, Mr. Christy established a happy and congenial life companionship by his union with Miss Leah M. Crawford, a native of Washington Court House, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel H. and Atlanta (Smith) Crawford, both natives of the Buckeye state. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford removed to Kansas City, Kansas, at an early day and both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Christy are the parents of a promising quartet of children, namely: Harold Bryan, born June 23, 1896; Howard C, born September 1, 1898; Myrtle L., born December 3, 1901; and Horace J., born February 7, 1910.

Mr. Christy is affiliated with the Christian Science church, attending the services held in the Portsmouth Building. In politics he is an Independent Democrat, ever giving his support to the man and the measures he believes to be worthiest. He is an enthusiastic member of the time-honored Masonic fraternity, belonging to Lodge No. 3, of Kansas City, Kansas, and he is also a Royal Arch Mason, with membership in the Chapter of Seneca, Kansas. He is also popular in the ranks of Division No. 491, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 542-543)

TAYLOR, JOHN C.

Among the various lines of enterprise which contribute materially to the attractiveness of a city, that of contracting and building takes first place. Substantial, well constructed buildings are an ornament on any street and hence an architect and contractor may be regarded as a public benefactor. John C. Taylor, who is a prominent citizen in Kansas City, Kansas, is a contractor and architect by occupation and his business headquarters are located at No. 828, Minnesota avenue. All his dealings have been characterized by fair and honorable methods and in all the relations of life his loyalty and public spirit have been of the most insistent order.
A son of Francis H. and Edmonia (Chamberlain) Taylor, the subject of this review was born near Boonville, Missouri, on the 17th of October, 1878. The father was a carpenter and cabinet-maker by trade, now living in Oklahoma, the mother having passed away in 1902. John C. Taylor was the sixth in order of birth in a family of seven children and he was reared to the age of ten years in his native place. In 1888 he accompanied his parents on their removal to Kansas City, where he completed his preliminary educational training. As a youth he entered upon an apprenticeship at the cabinet-maker's trade, under the able preceptorship of his father and for a number of years was associated with the latter in that line of work. In 1900 he decided to launch out into the business world on his own account and in that year opened an office at 937, Sandusky avenue, where he remained until the 1st of April, 1911, when he removed to his present commodious headquarters at 828 Minnesota avenue. His shop is well equipped with all kinds of wood-working machinery and in addition to his other work he is engaged in a general contracting and building business. In connection with his particular line of work he has built the addition to the Odd Fellows building, for which he also drew up the plans; and he erected the attractive residences of C. A. Dunham, J. D. Wright, J. W. Olander, W. S. Boylan, H. T. Howell, the district school No. 44, and many other private and public buildings. He has gained distinctive prestige as an architect and draws up the plans for many buildings in addition to those he constructs for himself. His business is conducted under the firm name of J. C. Taylor & Company and in recent years the work controlled by this concern has reached gigantic proportions. Mr. Taylor is a man of remarkable mechanical skill and it is worthy of note that the splendid success he has achieved is the direct result of his own well applied endeavors.

At Kansas City, Kansas, on the 26th of October, 1900, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Seward, who was born and reared at Kansas City, Kansas, and who is a daughter of Atwell and Nancy (Luddington) Seward, long representative citizens at Kansas City, Kansas. Mrs. Taylor is a cousin of General Luddington, of U. S. A. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are the parents of four children, whose names are here entered in respective order of birth: Eilleen, Ferdinand, Laurel and Naomi, the three eldest of whom are attending school in Kansas City, Kansas. Mrs. Taylor is a woman of most gracious personality and she and her husband are popular factors in connection with the best social activities of the community in which they reside. Their spacious and attractive home is recognized as a center of refinement and generous hospitality and it has been the scene of many happy social gatherings.

In his political adherency Mr. Taylor votes independently and while he has never sought political preferment of any description he gives freely of his aid and influence in support of all measures and enterprises projected for the good of the general welfare. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in their religious faith the family are devout members of the Episcopal church, to whose philanthropic work he is a most liberal contributor. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 543-545)

BROWN, OSCAR

During the many years that he was a resident of Kansas City, Kansas, the late Oscar Brown was known as a faithful and loyal citizen, and enjoyed the fullest confidence and esteem of his neighbors and friends. He was born December 15, 1844, in Platte county, Missouri, a son of Obadiah and Eliza (Grover) Brown, and died at his home in Kansas City, Kansas, January 16, 1911, his death being a cause of general regret.

The son of a farmer he became familiar with the various branches of agriculture during his boyhood days, and followed general farming during his early life. Coming with his family to Wyandotte county in 1886, Mr. Brown located in Kansas City, where he at first found employment as a teamster, but afterwards, for seven years worked in the Fowler Packing House. He subsequently lived retired until his death, as above stated. His body was laid to rest in a pleasant spot in Mount Hope cemetery.

Mr. Brown married, July 26, 1876, Kate Kuykendall, who was born in Topeka, Kansas, March 21, 1859, a daughter of James and Sarah (Link) Kuykendall. Her father was born and bred in Kentucky, but as a young man moved first to Missouri, later becoming a pioneer settler of what is now Topeka, Kansas, where he remained two years and then settled in Platte county, Missouri, where he spent his remaining days. Seven children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, namely: Ora N., of Kansas City, Missouri, was born August 4, 1877; Ira L. born August 25, 1879, resides in Kansas City, Kansas; Bettie, born August 23, 1882, died July 23, 1884, and was buried in Platte county, Missouri; Bertha, born February 22, 1884, died February 14, 1886, and was buried in Polk county, Missouri; James, born February 19, 1886, lives in Kansas City, Kansas; Ettwell, born March 5, 1892, lived but five weeks; and Robert, born February 14, 1896. In April, 1888, Mr. Brown joined the Kansas City, Kansas, Lodge, No. 216, Ancient Order United Workmen, and held various offices in that organization. Religiously he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Page 545)

PARADOWSKY, JOSEPH

The Quality Drug Store, located at No. 800, Minnesota avenue, Kansas City, Kansas, is owned and conducted by Joseph Paradowsky, whose business and personal traits are summed up in the word "quality." He is a man of sterling worth and integrity, loyal in his civic attitude and ever ready to give of his aid and influence in support of all measures and enterprises advanced for the good of the general welfare. As a result of his fair and straightforward dealings he is honored and esteemed by all with whom he has come in contact and through his own well directed endeavors he has made of success not an accident but a logical result.
A native of the state of Missouri, Joseph Paradowsky was born in Jackson county, the date of his birth being the 4th of August, 1879.

He is a son of Prank and Catherine (Phillips) Paradowsky, both of whom are living, their home being in Kansas City, Kansas. The father was engaged in the mercantile business during the major portion of his active career and he is now living virtually retired. He was in the United States regimental army for thirteen years, and saw a great deal of service in the west and was under Custer in the Indian troubles. Mr. and Mrs. Prank Paradowsky became the parents of six children, of whom the subject of this review was the second in order of birth and of whom five are living in 1911. In the year 1886, the Paradowsky family removed from Missouri to Kansas, locating in Kansas City, where the young Joseph was reared and educated. After completing the curriculum of the parochial schools of the neighborhood he was matriculated as a student in the College of Pharmacy, at Kansas City, Missouri, in which excellent institution he was graduated as a member of the class of 1903. As a boy he worked in the drug stores of J. W. Qiesburg and C. E. Abraham for a number of years and after receiving his degree of graduated pharmacist he entered the employ of Scott & Poinsett, prominent druggists in this city. Three years later he decided to launch out into the business world on his own responsibility and accordingly, in 1906, he and James Swartz, opened a drug store at No. 800 Minnesota avenue. This mutually agreeable partnership alliance continued until 1909, in which year Mr. Paradowsky purchased the interest of Mr. Swartz. Since that time he has conducted the business individually, naming his establishment the Quality Drug Store. He caters to a large and fastidious patronage and his courteous treatment of all customers makes his place one of the most popular concerns of its kind in the city. He makes a specialty of quality, quantity and price and his extensive trade has won him a fair profit.

In his political affiliations Mr. Paradowsky is aligned as a stalwart supporter of the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor. While he has never manifested aught of ambition for the honors or emoluments of public office of any description he is ever on the alert and enthusiastically in sympathy with all matters affecting the good of the community. In fraternal and social organizations he is affiliated with a number of representative orders of a local nature and in his religious faith he is a devout communicant of the Catholic church. He is a valued and appreciative member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in addition to which he is also connected with the Kansas City Commercial Club. He is a man of unusual business ability; though versatile he is not superficial; and in all the walks of life he has so conducted himself as to command the universal confidence and esteem of the entire circle of his acquaintances. Mr. Paradowsky is not married and he makes his home with his parents. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 545-546)

CROOKS, THOMAS

As the years relentlessly mark the milestones on the pathway of time, the older generation slowly gives way to the new and gradually there passes from our midst the men who made our country what it is and who built up this western empire for the men of now. In every generation and in every community some few men leave an indelible imprint upon the history of that community and upon the memories of those who have known them by their ability to fight and win even against great odds, and by that kind of character which wins lasting friends because of that innate quality which people know as loyalty. Thomas Crooks, who passed into the great beyond on the 6th of March, 1902, was one of those. He was a resident of Quindaro township, Wyandotte county, Kansas, at the time of his demise and his widow and children now reside at Kansas City, Kansas.

A native of the fine old Buckeye state of the Union, Thomas Crooks was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, the date of his birth having been the 8th of September, 1831. He was a son of Henry and Catherine (Donley) Crooks, the father having been engaged in farming operations in Ohio. Reared to maturity on the old home farm in Ohio, Thomas Crooks early became associated with his father in the work and management of the estate and in his youth he received an excellent common-school educational training, and later attended the New Hagerstown Academy. Before attaining his majority he was engaged for a time in teaching school in Tuscarawas county, Ohio. At the age of twenty-four years he came to Kansas, where he farmed on a place belonging to Frank Cotter for a period of one year, at the expiration of which he purchased a tract of thirty-one acres of land from an Indian woman named Lucinda Porschithe, a sister of a man he had formerly worked for. This land was virgin wilderness and subsequently Mr. Crooks added to his original tract by buying a tract of nine acres from Jim Zane, another Indian, and twenty acres from James Hayden. A small portion of the new acreage was cleared and after clearing the remainder he erected a one-room log house, eighteen by twenty feet in lateral dimensions, later adding to it until he had a nine-room house, in which domicile he continued to reside until his death, on the 6th of March, 1902. With the passage of time he succeeded in improving his place, which he gradually raised to a high state of cultivation. He enlarged the original log house, covered it with siding and altogether made it so attractive that it became one of the picturesque places of the township. At the present time, in 1911, the Northwestern railroad and the Leavenworth Electric line both run through the Crooks estate, those roads taking up some six acres of the land. When the Civil war broke out Mr. Crooks enlisted in the Union army from Quindaro township; was made lieutenant and later captain, holding the latter rank when he was mustered out. In politics Mr. Crooks was an advocate of the cause of the Republican party and after coming to Kansas he was overseer of the poor for a number of years. He also served with the utmost efficiency as township trustee for some two terms and during practically the entire period of his residence in Quindaro township he was a member of the local school board. Prior to his death he was the owner of a farm of sixty acres and on the same devoted his entire time and attention to diversified agriculture and the raising of high-grade stock. He was a man of broad human sympathy and great kindliness of spirit, giving generous assistance to all individuals less fortunately situated in life than himself. As a citizen and man he was possessed of a wide circle of friends and at the time of his death his loss was uniformly mourned throughout this section of the county, where he was held in high esteem by all with whom he had come in contact. In his religious affiliations he was a devout member of the Congregational church, in which he was a member of the board of trustees for several years.

In Clay county, Missouri, on the 11th of April, 1867, Mr. Crooks was united in marriage to Miss Julia Farnsworth, who is a daughter of Isaac and Louisa (Tracy) Farnsworth, both of whom were reared in the commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Farnsworth migrated to Missouri from Wheeling, West Virginia, about the year 1854.- The father died just before the family reached Clay county, Missouri, and there the widowed mother bought a tract of land and established a home for her children. She passed the closing years of her life in Kansas City, Missouri, where her death occurred in January, 1891, at the venerable age of eighty-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Crooks became the parents of six children, concerning whom the following brief data is here incorporated : Albon C. died at the age of two years, in 1870; Alva Claude died on the 28th of June, 1871, at the age of three months; Julietta died on the 13th of July, 1873, at the age of eight months; Clara Louise passed away in 1884, at the age of nine years; Lillie May, born on the 19th of January, 1878, remains at home with her widowed mother; as does also Adeline Inza, whose birth occurred on the 16th of August, 1880. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 547-548)

SEWARD, ATWELL C.

A cherished memory is an enduring monument, more ineffaceable than polished marble or burnished bronze. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." Atwell Clark Seward was for many years $ leading and influential citizen of Kansas City, Kansas, and his activity in business affairs, his cooperation in public interests and his zealous support of all objects that he believed would contribute to the material, social or moral improvement of the community, kept him in the foremost rank of those to whom the city owes its development and present position as the leading metropolitan center of Kansas. His life was characterized by upright, honorable principles and it also exemplified the truth of the Emersonian philosophy that "the way to win a friend is to be one." His death occurred on the 24th of May, 1911, and his loss was universally mourned throughout the entire community and city at large.

A native of the fine old Empire state of the Union, Atwell Clark Seward was born in Chenango county, New York, the date of his nativity being the 11th of June. 1830. He was a son of Daniel C. and Nancy (Rood) Seward, both of whom were born in New York. The father was a farmer and minister of the Methodist Episcopal church during the greater part of his active career. The first in order oi; birth in a family of five children, Atwell Clark Seward was reared to maturity in his native state, where he was afforded an excellent common-school educational training. In 1852 he decided to try his fortunes in the west and in that year removed to Rockport, Illinois, whence he later went to Adel, Iowa. In the latter place was solemnized his marriage, in 1857, and after that important event he and his wife went to Nebraska, where they resided for the ensuing three years. Later they established their home at Denver, Colorado, and at the expiration of two year$ they returned to Plattsmouth, Nebraska. On the 6th of April, 1866, in company with the Weatherby family, they removed to Kansas City, Kansas, where they maintained their home until Mr. Seward's death and where his widow still resides.

At the time of the inception of the Civil war, Mr. Seward's sympathies were with the cause of the Union and while a resident of Colorado he enlisted for one hundred days' service in Company D, Third Regiment of the United States Cavalry. He gave valiant service as a gallant and faithful soldier and while he was prominent in the frontier warfare with the hostile Indians, he was never seriously wounded. As a young man he became interested in engineering and he followed that line of work throughout practically his entire life time. In 1893 he met with an accident while operating his engine, his left hand getting caught and cut off. This injury so impaired his health that he was an invalid from that time until his demise, in 1911. In his political convictions Mr. Seward was an independent, preferring to give his support to men and measures meeting with the approval of his judgment rather than to follow along strictly partisan lines. In a fraternal way he affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1887, and he became a valued and appreciative member of the Knights of Pythias in 1880. He was a prominent factor in both those organizations and held a number of important offices in each. Shortly after coming to Kansas City, Mr. Seward erected a residence across Jersey creek; later the family resided on Nebraska avenue and eventually the present home at No. 931 Sandusky avenue, where Mrs. Seward lives, was constructed.

At Adel, Iowa, on the 20th of August, 1857, Mr. Seward was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Luddington, whose birth occurred at Williamsport, Indiana, on the 14th of January, 1840, and who is a daughter of Henry and Julia (Tarpning) Luddington, both of whom passed the closing years of their lives in Nebraska, whither they had removed in 1862. This union was prolific of the following children, concerning whom the following brief record is here inserted: Ella, who became the wife of Leander Hosp, is deceased; Linnie is the wife of E. P. Hollo-way and resides at 933 Sandusky avenue; Ida died at the age of three years; Irene passed away when eight months of age; Charles died aged six years; Ethel died at the age of eight months; and Myrtle is now the wife of John C. Taylor, a sketch of whose career appears on other pages of this work. Mrs. Seward is a woman of most gracious personality and she is deeply beloved by all who have come within the sphere of her gentle influence.

Mr. Seward was always greatly interested in community affairs and his every effort was exerted to advance the general welfare of the city in which he so long resided. His genial, kindly manner won him the high regard of all with whom he came in contact and thus his death was uniformly mourned throughout Kansas City and the surrounding district. He retained a deep and abiding interest in his comrades in arms and signified the same by membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. His religious faith was in harmony with the tenets of the Protestant Episcopal church, of which he and his wife were devout communicants. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 548-549)

MURRAY, JAMES PHILIP

This sketch is dedicated to a man who is not only in himself well known, but to one who, through untiring efforts and much experience, has perfected the baking art, and has been able to turn out a bread which is not only deliciously palatable but especially wholesome as well. He was born in County Tyrone in the north of Ireland, a son of Philip and Margaret (Irwin) Murray, the latter being a native of the south of Ireland. Mr. Murray was a successful farmer, and it meant much more in that country of large estates and penurious landlords, to be a successful farmer than it does in America, where any man can be "lord of his own domain.'' He died in his native country in 1871, and his wife in 1896.

James Philip Murray came to this country when he was nineteen years old and located at Johnstown, Pennsylvania. There he first engaged in the bakery business, and when he had learned the rudiments of the business, the mechanical part, he decided that he wished to learn other things through more practical experience. So he accepted employment at his trade in different states, being engaged in Kansas City first in 1888. In 1891 he went to Durango, Colorado, where he went into business for himself, remaining there until 1897, when he sold out and returned to Kansas City. In the meantime he continued traveling, gaining new experiences and perceiving new and better methods which he stored away in his mind for later development. In 1902 he started a bakery in Kansas City, Missouri, which he called the Murray Bread Bakery. He did a flourishing and successful business there until he decided to come back to Kansas City, Kansas, and in 1905, located at Eleventh street, at the corner of Minnesota avenue. In 1910 he built a modern, up-to-date bakery at 904-908, North Seventeenth street, and the next year put up a substantial and beautiful residence in close proximity to his business, located. at 902 Seventeenth street, where he now resides.

In 1902, while living in Kansas City, Missouri, James Philip Murray was married to Mrs. Catherine (Barry) Hoffman, who had formerly been married to Albert Hoffman, by whom she had one daughter, Alberta, who still lives with her mother, and assists Mr. Murray very materially in the management of his baking business. Mrs. Murray's maiden name was Catherine Barry, a daughter of John and Adeline (Kelly) Barry, the former a native of Kentucky, while the mother was born in Waterford, Ireland, a daughter of Michael Kelly, and came to the United States in 1866, where she married Mr. Barry two years later, April 10, 1868. Mr. Barry was a native of Kentucky, as above stated, and was a soldier in the Civil war, receiving his honorable discharge at Nashville, Tennessee, at the close of hostilities. To Mr. and Mrs. Barry were born four children, as follows: John, an only son, who died in infancy; Mary, now employed in the Kansas City, Missouri, post office; Ella, an employe of the Kansas City, Kansas, post office; and Mrs. Murray, the wife of our subject. Mr. Barry passed on to eternal life on January 21, 1888.

Mr. Murray is a member of the Hibernian Society of Kansas City, and also belongs to the order of the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of St. Peter's Parish Catholic church. He has reason to congratulate himself on the success he has achieved during the years he has been in America, inasmuch as it has all been accomplished through his own efforts and ability. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 549-550)

SOUTHWICK, ALBERT

The patent of nobility that rested its honors and distinctions in the person of Albert Southwick came from high authority since it was based upon exalted character and distinguished ability. Looking into the clear perspective of his career there may be seen definite courage, persistent determination and self-confidence, which, as coupled with integrity of purpose, are the factors that conserve success and make it consistent. Mr. Southwick was a resident of Kansas for a period of twenty-one years and during that period gained recognition as a citizen whose loyalty and public spirit were of the most insistent order. For three years prior to his demise, which occurred on the 20th of January, 1891, he maintained his home in Kansas City, were his widow, who still survives him, resides at the present time.
Albert Southwick was born in Vermont on the 8th of April, 1838, and he was a son of Abram and Maria (Smith) Southwick, both of whom were natives of Collins Center, New York, where was solemnized their marriage and whence they removed to Vermont. Later, however, in 1840, the family home was established near the city of Detroit, Michigan, where Mrs. Southwick died two years later. After that sad event Mr. Southwick returned east, settling in Erie county, New York, where his death occurred about 1890. After his mother's death the young Albert went to live with his maternal grandparents at Collins Center, New York, in the public schools of which place he received his preliminary educational training. At the age of eighteen years, in 1856, he came to Kansas, where he subsequently enlisted as a soldier in the Seventh Kansas Volunteer Infantry, which regiment was later consolidated with the Third to form the Tenth Kansas regiment. During the early portion of his service he was with John Brown in Kansas and he was the only survivor of four men whom Quantrell, in 1860, inveigled from Kansas to Missouri with the apparent purpose of enticing some slaves to escape. This was near Hickman's Mills, in Jackson county, Missouri, and the four men were betrayed by Quantrell and all were killed except Mr. Southwick, who, through some miracle, managed to escape. The men killed were Lipsey, Ball and Morrison. Mr. Southwick's picture hangs in Historical Hall at the State House, Topeka, Kansas, in memory of the historical incident connected with Quantrell. He enlisted for service in the Union army in June, 1861, and during the three years of his gallant service he participated in a number of important battles marking the progress of the war. He received his honorable discharge and was mustered out of service on the 30th of August, 1864, at which time he went to Champaign, Illinois, where he worked at his trade of carpenter for the ensuing six years. In 1870 he established the family home at Salina in Saline county, Kansas, where he was employed at the work of his trade for the following eighteen years. In September, 1888, removal was made to Kansas City, Kansas, where he was engaged in carpenter work for the Union Pacific Railroad Company for the remainder of his life. In politics he accorded a stalwart allegiance to the principles and policies promulgated by the Republican party and while he was never ambitious for political preferment of any description he was ever on the alert and enthusiastically in sympathy with all measures and enterprises advanced for the good of the general welfare. In a fraternal way he was affiliated with the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he signified his deep and sincere interest in his old comrades in arms by membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. His religious faith was in harmony with the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church, to whose philanthropieal work he was always a most liberal contributor. At the time of his death, on the 20th of January, 1891, his loss was uniformly mourned throughout Kansas City, where the list of his personal friends was coincident with that of his acquaintances. His remains were interred in Washington cemetery, at Kansas City, Missouri.

On the 27th of May, 1861, Mr. Southwick was united in marriage to Miss Susan P. Matthews, whose birth occurred in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and who is a daughter of John and Rebecca (White) Matthews, both of whom were likewise natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. In 1856 the Matthews family removed to Ogle county, Illinois, and three years later the home was established in Champaign county, that state. John Matthews passed to the life eternal in September, 1865, and his cherished and devoted wife died in 1882. Mrs. Southwick is a woman of most gracious personality and she is held in high esteem by all with whom she has come in contact. Concerning the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Southwick the following brief data is here incorporated: Prank is general foreman in the machine shop of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, at Kansas City, Kansas, his home being at 1258 Central avenue,- Clarence resides at home with his widowed mother; he is head hog-buyer for Swift & Company, having been with that concern since 1897; and Albert died in infancy. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 550-562)

BELTER, HERMANN

No foreign country has given more to our land in the way of persistent industry and valuable staying qualities than the German empire. Its people are distinguished wherever they locate for the endurance with which they labor toward any desired end, and the skill and energy with which they prosecute their efforts. If they build their house in a barren waste it soon blooms around them like a garden. In whatever calling or business they engage they make steady progress and benefit the locality around them.

These characteristics have been prominent in their history in this country, which they always find in need of constructive work, and which they always improve. A member of this race resident in Kansas City, Kansas, who is worthy of commendatory mention in this work because of what he is and what he has accomplished is Hermann Belter, at one time one of the enterprising and progressive business men of the city, but for some years now retired from all active pursuits. He has been a resident of Kansas City since 1869, and during the period of his active life here was a potent influence in helping to build up, improve and beautify the municipality.

Mr. Belter was born in Prussia, Germany, on September 6, 1833. He is a scion of families long resident in that country, whose members have been known and esteemed for many generations as thrifty and most estimable persons, ever faithful to duty and giving worthy examples of usefulness and good citizenship to all around them. His parents were William and Louisa (Schildermann) Belter, natives of Prussia and lifelong dwellers in their native land. The father died there in 1847 and the mother in 1866, having reached the advanced age of eighty years.

Herman Belter remained in the land of his birth until he reached the age of twenty-four years, then, in 1847, came to the United States, landing at New Orleans on his arrival in this country. He had secured a fair common school education and learned his trade as a shoemaker in Germany, and so was well prepared to make his way in a new country overflowing with opportunities for advancement where industry, frugality and perseverance governed the efforts made to secure it.
During the first six years of his residence in America he remained in New Orleans working at his trade. He then engaged in the grocery trade for two years, and in 1865 came up to St. Louis to pass his summers, always returning to New Orleans for the winter. He conducted a thriving grocery business in St. Louis until%1869, when he started a Ions: continuance of zealous attention to a prosperous and profitable saloon business in Kansas City, Kansas, which he conducted on Minnesota avenue until 1881. He then retired from business of every kind, and from that time to the present (1911) has been living at his ease and in the peaceful enjoyment of the fruits of his successful labors of former years.

He owns a large brick business block, twenty-eight feet wide and eighty feet deep on Minnesota avenue, and other valuable property in different parts of the city. The business block is two stories high and always occupied with profitable tenants. It is one of the most valuable pieces of city property in its locality. He has helped in many other ways to build up and improve the city and county of his residence, always giving his active support to all worthy projects for the purpose. In politics he is independent and in fraternal life a member of the Order of Odd Fellows. He takes great interest in the work of his lodge and has passed through all the chairs in its government. Twice he has made trips to Germany, remaining several months each time. He has never married. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 562-563)