Biographies of Wyandotte County, Kansas

WYANDOTTE COUNTY, KANSAS

BIOGRAPHIES

HARTMAN, HENRY E.

It is rather unusual nowadays to find a man who has followed up the line of work that he decides on when he is a boy. As a rule a boy changes his mind many times before he ever starts in to work and after that time he is apt to find that the work he thought he should like is not suited to him nor he to it. This has not been the experience of Henry E. Hartman. He is a farmer, the very thing he intended to do when he was a lad. He understands his business thoroughly and because he has attended to it so well, he has had great success.

He was born in Hanover in Germany, February 1, 1870, and is the son of Frederick and Louisa (Myer) Hartman, who spent their whole lives in Germany. Mrs. Hartman died in the spring of 1910, and her husband is a resident of Osnabruck, Germany. There were ten children, August and Henry being the only representatives of the family living in America, the balance being in Germany.

Henry was educated in his native country and when he was sixteen years old he came to the United States. He came direct to Kansas, which he had heard was the finest agricultural locality. He went to work on Judge Freeman's farm and worked around in different places until 1900. By that time he had saved up enough money to buy. After looking around for some time he bought twenty-two and one-half acres of land from Charles Sorter. He also bought a second farm which he sold at a profit; he bought another and sold that; he then went to Texas and bought a big farm with the proceeds of his trading and also purchased another. He retained his Texas farms but came back to live on the first farm he bought. During the yeara he has owned this Kansas farm he has improved it wonderfully. He has built all of the farm buildings; the house is the same one that was on the place, yet he has greatly improved it. He has set out about seventeen hundred fruit trees but is now cutting some of them down and is devoting his land to truck farming. He gets big prices for his products because he puts up none but first class goods and always gives good weight and measure for the money.

In 1896 he married Mary Dechman, daughter of Martin and Helma (Cochan) Dechman, the former a farmer in Quindaro township, who came here in 1840, where he bought thirty-two acres of land. He died here in 1896 at the age of fifty-nine. His .wife had died six months before, aged forty-nine. They are both buried in Quindaro cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman have three children, Lena, John and Frederick, all students in the district school. They have besides raised two children not their own.

Mr. Hartman is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Camp No. 6942, at Bethel, Kansas, and of the C. P. A. Association. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman are adherents of the German Lutheran church.

If a man is not fair in his dealings, sooner or later he will be found out. It is the universal opinion that if you want a square deal you will get it at the hands of Henry Hartman. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 598-599)

HEWLETT, CHARLES B.

An essentially prominent and influential citizen of Kansas City, Kansas, is Charles B. Hewlett, who is here engaged in the real estate and insurance business, with offices at No. 207 Huested Building. While a great deal of his time is taken up with his private affairs, he nevertheless manifests a deep and sincere interest in all matters projected for the good of the general welfare and is everywhere recognized for his intrinsic loyalty and public spirit. He has been the popular and efficient incumbent of a number of public offices of trust and responsibility and in each has acquitted himself with honor and distinction.

A native of the fine old Empire state of the Union, Charles B. Hewlett was born in Dutchess county, New York, on the 27th of September, 1861, and he is a son of Caleb C. and Elizabeth (Barnes) Hewlett. The father was born on Long Island and the mother claims the state of New Hampshire as the place of her nativity. After attaining to years of maturity Caleb C. Hewlett was engaged in agricultural pursuits for a number of years, but in 1864 he disposed of his farm in Dutchess county, New York, and came west, locating at St. Joseph, Missouri. Later he crossed the plains to Denver, Colorado, where he was engaged in mining and the hotel business for a period of three years at the expiration of which he went to Mills county, Iowa, there engaging in farming operations up to 1879. In the latter year he came to Kansas and settled in Anderson county, where he passed the residue of his life, his demise having occurred in 1880, at the age of sixty-four years. His cherished and devoted wife, who still survives him, is now living at Gardner, Kansas, in her seventy-fourth year. Of the five children born- to Mr. and Mrs. Hewlett all are living at the present time, in 1911. Caleb C. Hewlett was an uncompromising Republican in his political convictions and in a fraternal way was a valued and appreciative member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Grange.

Charles B. Hewlett was a child of but three years of age at the time of his parents' removal from New York to the west and he received his early educational discipline in the public schools of Glenwood and Hillsdale, Iowa. He initiated his active business career as a farmer in Anderson county, Kansas, in the year 1883, but in 1885 he established his home in Johnson county, this state. In 1892 he came to Kansas City and immediately turned his attention to the agricultural implement business, later entering the employ of the Armour Packing Company as a government inspector, with which concern he remained for a period of two years. He then turned his attention to the coal and feed business until 1896, when he was appointed deputy commissioner of elections. He then entered the employ of A. R. James & Sons, becoming a city salesman in the building material business. Subsequently he was with the Cudahy Packing Company for a period of four months and from 1901 to 1905 he was with the Merriam, Benton & Ellis Real Estate & Insurance Company. In the latter year he entered into a partnership alliance with O. W. Shepard and they purchased a real estate and insurance business in Kansas City. On the 1st of January, 1906, he assumed full charge of the fire insurance department of the firm, Mr. Shepard taking over the real estate end of the business. He represents a number of the most prominent insurance concerns in the United States and has achieved a most gratifying success in connection with this field of endeavor.

On the 17th of January, 1884, at Colony, Kansas, Mr. Hewlett was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Moore, who was born at Galva, Illinois, and who is a daughter of John C. and Elizabeth (Walker) Moore both of whom were born in county Cork, Ireland, and both of whom are now deceased. Mr. Moore came to the United States and located at Olathe, Kansas, in the year 1869, being there engaged in farming until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were the parents of nine children-four sons and five daughters-of whom eight are now living and of whom Mrs. Hewlett was the fifth in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Hewlett have two children, concerning whom the following brief data are here incorporated: Mabel Vera, is the wife of J. T. Surber and she now resides in Kansas City, Kansas; and Willard is a small boy at home.

In 1897 Mr. Hewlett, with a number of other patriotic citizens, organized what was known as the New Charter Association, the object of the same being to get rid of the Metropolitan police department. At that time the city was infested with a lot of tough gambling joints, the presence of which the chief of police refused to acknowledge. Mr. Hewlett was elected president of the New Charter Association and as such made a personal raid through the gambling section, bringing in some fourteen prisoners. This was in the fall of 1898, and with the help of Governor John Leedy the good work was pushed along with the result that the following spring the Metropolitan police foree was cleaned out.

In 1896 Mr. Hewlett was a candidate for the office of representative in the state legislature and during the campaign he was arrested for talking free silver. He was taken to jail and, though he was not locked up, he was held for a period of seventeen days. The Gold Bug bankers were the cause of his arrest and they had him held in duress so that he could not make his campaign. In due time he was released, as he had not violated any law. He is strongly opposed to all trusts and monopolies and in his political affiliations is a stanch advocate of the free silver department of the Democratic party. In a fraternal way he is connected with Pride of the West Lodge No. 484, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and with Wyandotte Encampment, No. 9, Modern Woodmen of America. His religious faith is in harmony with the tenets of the Baptist church. He is president of the Baptist City Mission Society; is treasurer of the Kansas City Baptist Seminary; and is a member of the executive board of the Kansas Baptist State constitution. In all philanthropical and benevolent work Mr. Hewlett and his family have been instrumental in accomplishing a great deal of good in this city and they are very prominent and popular in connection with the best social activities of their home community. Mr. Hewlett has a very wide circle of friends and they are legion, bound in no sense by party lines, religious creeds or social status. People of every diversity of condition, position or relative importance, know him and, knowing him, honor and respect him. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 599-601)

WULP,HENRY P.

A fine education is desirable capital; technical training is something for which to be thankful; a rich inheritance is not to be laughed at, but without any of these it is still possible for a man to attain financial success and social prominence. Henry P. Wulf is a living corroboration of that truth. He is president of the Wulf Laundry Company, which fact gives evidence of his business ability and his many friends bear testimony to his popularity.

He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 10, 1863, of German parents, his father, Frederick Wulf, having been born in Germany in 1834. He was apprenticed to a cabinet maker but he did not serve out his full time with his master, as the gentleman died before the completion of his apprenticeship. Frederick had been a very apt pupil and had learned nearly all that his master could teach him, so that he was able to work for some one else without finishing his apprenticeship. Where he was seventeen, he left home and came to America, locating in Cincinnati, where he plied his trade of cabinet making. Here he met and married Henrietta Duhalter, a native of Germany born in 1836. There were born to this union the following children, of whom three are (1911) living. The first two died in childhood; Louise, is now the wife of L. Lucus, Cincinnati, Ohio; Henry F.; and John E. Frederick Wulf was very successful in his business, which he followed until 1893, when he retired from active life. In 1908 his wife, Henrietta, died and two years later, in the month of March, he joined her.

Henry F. Wulf attended the public schools of Cincinnati but at that time did not realize the advantages of higher education and he left school at an early age, his father taking him into his shop to learn the cabinet making trade. However, Frederick soon discovered that cabinet making was not his forte and he got a position in the planing mills of his home town. In 1888, having saved a little money, he decided to engage in the laundry business, and finding a good opening at Greenville, Mississippi, he went there and opened up a laundry establishment, but it did not prove a financial success. He returned to Cincinnati and became identified with a planing mill there, but on February 7th, 1891, he came to Kansas City and opened up a laundry, which succeeded beyond his expectations. He incorporated the business under the name of the Wulf Laundry Company, he being the president.

In 1890, on the 5th of January, he was married to Miss Willie Florence Best, a young lady who came from Tennessee and was possessed of the southern sweetness of manner, which has lost none of its charm during the time that has elapsed since her marriage.

Mr. Wulf has risen high in Masonry, being a member of the Wyandotte Blue Lodge No. 3, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons. Politically Mr. Wulf is associated with the Republican party. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 601-602)

FRISBIE, L. G.

Energetic and progressive, possessing sound judgment and business ability of a high order, L. G. Frisbie occupies an honored position among the useful and valued citizens of Bonner Springs. He has been associated with various interests in Wyandotte county, and has been an important factor in the advancement of the agricultural prosperity of this part of the state. A native of Ohio, he was born in Huron county, where the first three years of his earthly existence were passed.
His father, Charles T. Frisbie, came from excellent colonial stock, his early ancestors having lived in Connecticut. In 1863 he journeyed across the country with his family from Ohio to Kansas, arriving in Johnson county, his point of destination, on August 22, the very day after a band of guerillas, under Quantrell, had attacked and burned La^^rence. Intense excitement prevailed throughout that part of the country, and he saw many men on the road carrying coffins in which to bury the dead. Locating in Johnson county, he purchased eighty acres of raw prairie land, and began the pioneer task of redeeming a farm from its original wildness. He succeeded well in spite of the hard times that ensued, adding to his original purchase until he had title to two hundred acres of land. He was three times married. He married first Hester Frame, who was of Welsh ancestry, being the descendant of a boy named Frame, who was stolen from his home in Wales, and brought to America, where he married, and became the founder of a family whose descendants are scattered through many of the states of the Union. She died August 27, 1867, in Johnson county, Kansas, leaving two children, namely: Nettie, wife of H. Clifford Musser, of Cedar Junction, Kansas; and L. G., with whom this sketch is chiefly concerned. He married again, and by his second wife had one son. After her death, he married Emma Rolfe, and they have two sons, and are now residents of Argentine, Kansas.

But three years old when he came with his parents to Kansas, L. G. Frisbie received limited educational advantages, attending the short sessions of the pioneer district schools, and one term at Baker University. When he was seven years old, his mother died, and five years later he was deprived of the care of his first step-mother, who lived but a brief time after her marriage. Inheriting in a large measure the habits of thrift characteristic of his New England ancestors, he started life for himself two years before attaining his majority, having as his initial capital a horse on which he realized fifty-five dollars. His first purchase was twenty-six acres of land on the Kaw Valley bottoms. Success attended his every effort, his subsequent investments proving profitable, and Mr. Frisbie now owns about five hundred acres of good Kansas and Missouri land, while within the past year he has sold upwards of twenty-one thousand dollars worth of real estate, all being farming lands. He has made good profit in growing potatoes. He is president of the Farmers State Bank, and has about thirty thousand dollars .invested in Bonner Springs property and industries. He also owns five residences and one business house in Kansas City, Missouri, and two dwelling houses in Kansas City, Kansas.
Mr. Frisbie is identified with various fraternal organizations, being a member of the Knights of Pythias; of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Bonner Springs, in which he has passed all the chairs; of the Modern Woodmen of America, of Wilder, Kansas; of the Alliance; and of others of importance. Mrs. Frisbie is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Frisbie married, April 16, 1888, Clara J. Nichols, a daughter of Charles Nichols, a farmer, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio, and died in Johnson county, Kansas, January 21, 1909, aged seventy-seven years, and was there buried in the rural cemetery. Mr. Nichols married Sarah Branson, who died at the age of forty-six years, November 20, 1877, in Ohio, where her body was laid to rest. Two children were born of their union, Clara J., now Mrs. Frisbie, and a child that died in infancy.

Into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frisbie five children have been born, namely: Charles E., born June 13, 1890; a child that was born and died on January 3, 1895; Edith Adelaide, born December 12, 1897, is attending the Bonner Springs High School; Harold Lee, born August 8, 1902; and Wilber, born August 31, 1910. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 602-603)

SHEAFF, JOHN M.

For more than three decades John M. Sheaff has maintained his home in Kansas City, Kansas, and during those years he has succeeded in building up a splendid real estate business and in gaining recognition as a citizen whose loyalty and public spirited interest in all matters affecting the general welfare has ever been of the most insistent order. Mr. Sheaff was born at Davenport, Iowa, the date of his nativity being the 13th of March, 1861. He is a son of Philip and Annie (Mecartney) Sheaff, the former of whom was born at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and the latter in the vicinity of Lancaster, that state. In 1860 the father removed, with his wife, to Cedar county, Iowa, where he was identified with -agricultural pursuits during the ensuing eight years, at the expiration of which he removed to Shenandoah Valley, in Virginia, where he likewise followed farming and where he resided during the remainder of his life. He was a stalwart Republican in his political proclivities and in a fraternal way was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was the father of five children-three sons and two daughters, four of whom are living at the present time, in 1911. Philip Sheaff was called to eternal rest in 1908, and his cherished wife passed into the Great Beyond in 1897.

John M. Sheaff was a child of but seven years of age at the time of his parents' removal to the Old Dominion commonwealth, and there he prosecuted his studies in the district schools, and the Front Royal High School from which he graduated in 1880. He assumed the active responsibilities of life as a school teacher and was engaged four winters in that profession in Virginia and at Belton, Missouri. Later he removed to Kansas City, Missouri, where he secured employment in a dry goods store, continuing therein until 1888. During the following two years he was in business in that city with George H. White, and at the close of that period, in 1890, he came to Kansas City, Kansas. For a time after his arrival in this city Mr. Sheaff was engaged in the real estate business with Mr. White, but in 1894 he severed his alliance with that gentleman and engaged in the real estate business on his own account. He has been very successful in this line of enterprise and in addition to advancing his own individual interests he has also done a great deal for general progress and prosperity and for the general welfare of Kansas City, Kansas.

On the 12th of August, 1891, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Sheaff to Miss Nina White, who was born at Coldwater, Michigan, and was reared to maturity at Evanston, Wyoming, whither her parents had removed when she was a mere child. She received her education there and at Grinnell College, Iowa. She is a daughter of Charles M. and Evelyn White, both of whom were born in the state of New York and who are now residing at Pocatello, Idaho. The former is a brother of George H. White. Mr. and Mrs. White became the parents of five children, of whom Mrs. Sheaff was the first born and one of two daughters. Mr. White is a lawyer by vocation and has given most efficient service as attorney at Evanston, Wyoming, and was a state representative for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Sheaff have three daughters, namely: Bessie, whose birth occurred on the 20th of July, 1892; Meta, born on the 27th of March, 1893; and Ruth, whose natal day is the 10th of July, 1901.

In his political convictions Mr. Sheaff is a stanch advocate of the principles and policies promulgated by the Republican party and 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 projects advanced for the well being of the city and county. He is affiliated with the Mercantile Club, and in his religious faith is a devout member of the Presbyterian church, to whose charities and benevolences he has ever been a most liberal contributor. Mr. Sheaff is a man of unusual executive ability and tremendous vitality and in all the walks of life he has so conducted himself as to command the unalloyed confidence and esteem of his fellowmen. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 604-605)

GALVIN, JAMES

In Wyandotte county there are representatives of every nationality and for the most part the foreigners prove themselves good citizens. Amongst these foreigners are people from Ireland, (if we may speak of the Irish as foreigners) one of the most beautiful countries of the world. The scenery is picturesque, the wild beauty of the hills contrasting with the more placid beauty of the river districts. Unfortunately, however, a man cannot live on scenery and there is a great deal of poverty in Ireland, where a man who has no inherited wealth has a hard time acquiring it. That is the reason that men of enterprise, like James Galvin of Quindaro township, come to America, where they have a chance to sink or rise on their own merit.

James Galvin was born in Kings county in the central part of Ireland, in May, 1827. He went to school in his native country and then tried to get a start in a business way, but saw nothing a head of him but a life of toil for a bare living. He lingered on until he was twenty-five years old, when he decided to try his fortune in the United States. In 1852 he landed in New York and went to Syracuse, where he stayed for four years. He next went to Ottawa, Illinois, where he lived for two years, doing farm work. Then he went to Davenport, Iowa, worked in the lumber yard for one summer and then came to Wyandotte county in 1857, where he engaged in farming until the Civil war broke out in 1861. He was one of the first to enlist in the army of the north. He enrolled at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in the Tenth Kansas Infantry and was there mustered into service. He took part in many battles, notably those fought at Newton, Prairie Grove, Arkansas and Kane Hill, Arkansas. He remembers distinctly the battles of Vicksburg, Nashville, Franklin and Mobile in the army of the Cumberland. He remembers Spanish Fort and Fort Blakesley on March 9, 1865. Mr. Galvin was wounded from a shot in the leg at the battle of Franklin and was in the hospital about two months. After the close of hostilities, he was mustered out at Montgomery, Alabama, from which place he got transportation to Leavenworth, where he received his pay. With the money earned by his very blood, he bought fifty acres of land in Quindaro township. It was very wild, uncultivated land, covered with timber and underbrush; there was not a road to his place, but he set to work with the same determination which had carried him through hardships while in the army. He built a little log cabin which he divided into two rooms; this constituted his home for a number of years, when he built the home where he now lives on the Parallel road. He added to his property by degrees, until he had two hundred and ten acres. He found this more than he wanted to manage himself, however, and sold part of it, now owning ninety acres.

In 1865, after the war was over, he married Mary McGurgan. She was the daughter of Patrick McGurgan, an Irishman like himself. Mrs. Galvin died in 1904, having borne ten children, as follows: William, Henry, Catherine, now Mrs. T. D. McGraph; Thomas and Rose, twins; Margaret, Lizzie, James, Frank and Jane. All ten children are living.

Mr. Galvin is a member of the Old Settlers' Association. He is also a member of the Catholic church at Delaware. He may well feel that his coming to America was a good move for him. He has gained a position that he would never have had in his own country. He has retired from active work on the farm and lives there in contentment, surrounded by his children, who never tire of hearing him tell about his experiences in the army. The battles he was in are nothing but a list of names to outsiders, but to him each name recalls scenes of bloodshed, horror and bravery such as cannot fully be described. He is known all over the county and is universally respected. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 605-606)

ENSLEY, CHARLES C.

One of those thriving and well managed concerns which add in material fashion to the general prosperity and commercial prestige of the city is that of Ensley & McKay, dealers in glass and paint, of which firm Mr. Charles C. Ensley is a member. Although still a young man in years, he has already given proof of no small amount of ability and the business with which he is identified has experienced a sound and wholesome growth. In the legitimate channels of trade he has won the success which always crowns well directed labor, sound judgment and untiring perseverance, and at the same time he has concerned himself with the affairs of the community in an admirably public spirited fashion.

Mr. Ensley is a native son of the state, his birth having occurred in Greeley, Anderson county, December 30, 1885. He is a son of Nelson S. and Mary (Varner) Ensley. Nelson S. Ensley's birthplace was Franklin county, Kansas, and the date of his nativity July 26, 1860. His parents were John and Hattie (Allen) Ensley, the former a native of Hebron, Lincoln county, North Carolina, his birth occurring in 1830 and his demise in 1887; and the mother born in Blount county, Tennessee, in 1833, and dying August 25, 1899. The subject's grandparents were married near Marysville, Tennessee, and the four sons who came to bless their union were James A., Isaac A., John K. and the subject's father. The first son was born in Tennessee; the second in Illinois, shortly after the removal there; the third had Iowa as a native state, the family going there from Illinois; and Nelson S., youngest member of the quartet was born in Kansas, where this somewhat roving family finally set stakes. They located in Franklin county about the year 1858, the father being one of the pioneers in that section of the Sunflower state. He secured a most desirable homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and from time to time increased it by buying additional tracts, until his holdings represented about six hundred acres. Here he engaged successfully in general agriculture and stock raising and set out what developed into one of the finest apple orchards for many miles around. He was a prominent citizen and acted as justice of the peace for many years; while other offices to which he gave efficient service were those of township trustee and member of the school board. He was one of the founders of the Presbyterian church and in politics was a Whig, later, upon the organization of the new party, becoming a Republican. He was an abolitionist in conviction and a firm supporter of the Union cause at the time of the Civil war.

Nelson S. Ensley was reared in Kansas and upon coming to man's estate married Mary Varner, the date of their nuptials being February 17, 1885, and the place of its celebration Muscatine, Iowa. The mother is a native of Muscatine and a daughter of Harvey and Phoebe (Ridge-way) Varner, both native Iowans and both deceased. Mrs. Ensley has one brother, William. Mr. Varner, the father, was born on the old homestead in Iowa and there has spent all his days. He was deputy sheriff of his county at the time of his death and was chief of police at Muscatine, Iowa. He assisted in the support of the Methodist Episcopal church and was Republican in politics. During the great conflict between the states Mr. Varner served in the Iowa cavalry and after the war he became a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Mr. Ensley's father received his education in the public schools of Franklin county, Kansas, and until the age of twenty-five years was engaged in the great basic industry. He then made a radical change of occupation and entered the field of general merchandise and lumber, locating at Welda, Anderson county and at Greeley, Kansas. His identification with Kansas City, Kansas, dates from the summer of 1891, although his first residence in this city was of brief duration, he devoting something over a year to the management of his real estate holdings. In the winter of 1893, he removed to Memphis, Tennessee, and there accepted a position with the Citizens' Electric Railroad which he retained for four years. In November, 1897, he returned to Kansas City, Kansas, and for twelve years was with the Metropolitan Street Railway Company in the capacity of a motorman. In February, 1910, his son having organized the business of Ensley & McKay, Mr. Ensley, senior, entered the employ of the same and has become a most useful factor in this thriving business. He and his wife have two children, a daughter Fay, being at home.

Charles C. Ensley, immediate subject of the review, was educated in various places, pursuing his studies in Greeley, Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas, and Memphis, Tennessee. He faced the serious issues of life at an early age, engaging with the Campbell Glass & Paint Company of Kansas City, Missouri, where in his six years identification with the concern he learned all the details of the business. Being a young man of initiative and independence, of the type from which come the country's successful men, he established a business of a similar kind in association with James E. McKay and prosperity has visited their efforts.
On June 1, 1910, Mr. Ensley was united in marriage to Miss Beulah Railsback, daughter of A. W. Railsback and a native of Win-field, Kansas, their home being one of the city's delightful abodes.

Mr. Ensley has various affiliations, belonging to Fellowship Lodge, No. 1, Knights of Pythias; to the Modern Woodmen of America; to the Union Club; and to the Mercantile Club. In politics he is independent, esteeming the best man and the best principle far above mere partisanship. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 606-608)

CATLEY, JAMES W.

An essentially representative and public spirited resident of Rosedale, Kansas, is James W. Catley, who is here engaged in the general grocery business and who is also interested in railroad construction. For a number of years he has lived in Wyandotte county and his influence and strength of character have always been wielded toward progressive lines and for the upbuilding of this great western commonwealth. His success in life is not attributable to any element of chance, but on the contrary to a persistent purpose and a marked determination to forge ahead.

A native of England, James W. Catley was born at Leeds, on the 15th of June, 1863, and is a son of Amos and Sophia (Pickard) Catley, the latter of whom is deceased. The Rev. Amos Catley is pastor of the First Episcopal church of Annapolis, Maryland. In 1869, when James W. was a child of but six years of age, the Catley family immigrated to America and located in Philadelphia, where until 1876 the father was pastor of an Episcopal church in that city. Immediately after the close of the Centennial Exposition of 1876 the family came west and located in the state of Kansas. However, residence was maintained here but a few months, the family then returning to their native land-England-where the mother passed on to the Undiscovered Country.

In the public schools of Philadelphia and in those of England James W. Catley, of this review, received his preliminary educational training, which was later supplemented very effectively by a goodly course of instruction in the school of experience. At the time of the Russian scare, young Catley entered the civil service branch of the British navy and gave service to that institution for a period of nine years. In that time he assisted in the construction of railroads between Jaffa and Damascus, Sydney and Melbourne, New South Wales, Adelaide, South Australia, and Malta, and Auckland, New Zealand. In 1891 he determined to return to America and in that same year came again to Kansas, bringing with him a bride. After his arrival in this state he entered the employ of the Rock Island Railroad Company as car inspector, and continued as such for a period of seven years, at the expiration of which he began to work for the Santa Fe Road, his headquarters being at La Junta, Colorado, where he was chief car inspector and general car foreman. He served in the latter position for five years and then began to work for the Frisco system as car inspector and general car foreman. He served in the latter position for five years old then began to work for the Frisco system as car inspector at Memphis, Tennessee, where he was also assistant foreman for some three years. In 1905 he resigned his position with the Frisco Company in order to take charge of the Missouri Pacific Railroad yards on the East Bottoms of Kansas City, where he remained one year. He is now with the Missouri, Kansas & Topeka Railroad Company as car carpenter, his headquarters being at Rosedale. For a time he was deputy marshal in Phillips county, Kansas, and in that office he served with unusual ability and efficiency.

In 1908 Mr. Catley opened up a grocery store at Rosedale, this being located at 1143 Kansas City avenue. His present location is a leased property, but in a short time he will be upon more independent footing, the ground and building materials being already purchased for a new store and residence building at the corner of Merrian Boulevard and Argentine Road, a most desirable and advantageous location. The Catley store is one of the most select establishments in the city and caters to a very fastidious trade. In his political adherency Mr. Catley is aligned as a stalwart supporter of the cause of the Socialist party, in the ranks of which he is a most active and zealous worker. There is something fine about a man who thus allies his forces with the minority faction and manifests the courage to stand by the principles he believes to be just. He is a valued and appreciative member of the Triple Tie Benefit Association, and his religious affiliations are with the Baptist church, to whose charitable work he is a most liberal contributer. He is a strong advocate of labor rights and is president of Lodge No. 364, Railway Carmen, and vice president of the Joint Protective Board of Railway Carmen for the Missouri, Kansas & Topeka Railway Company. In January, 1907, Mr. Catley edited and published a pamphlet under the name of " Truth/y in which he showed the workings of the Democrats and Republicans inside the Socialist party, said pamphlet being circulated in every state of the Union.

In April, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Catley to Miss Florence Hoyle, who was born and reared in England and who is a daughter of Joseph and Isabel (Adams) Hoyle. To this union have been born two children, Gertrude and Ernest, both of whom reside at the parental home. Mr. and Mrs. Catley adopted and reared to maturity two other children-Gladys and Evelyn, the former of whom is now working in the Meyers Manufacturing Company, jewelers, at Kansas City, Missouri, and the latter of whom is the widow of Albert Weaver and who is now the incumbent of a position in the First National Bank of Phillipsburg, Kansas.
Mr. Catley is a man of broad and generous mind and his fine executive ability has well fitted him for the various responsible railroad positions he has held during his career. His life has been one marked by varied and eventful experiences. Reared in England and coming to America with practically no capital, he has been dependent upon his own resources and not only has he achieved success, but he has been identified with labors resulting in the material upbuilding and improvement of his adopted state. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 608-609)

SCOTT, LARMON E.

Larmon E. Scott, Piper, Kansas, has been a resident of Wyandotte county for over thirty years, and not only enjoys a wide acquaintance here but also has the confidence and respect of all who know him At one time he owned a portion of the site now occupied by Piper.

Mr. Scott is a native of the Green Mountain State, born August 15, 1846, son of Harris and Julia (Cushman) Scott, both natives of Vermont. About 1853 the Scott family moved west to Illinois and settled on a farm in Cook county, where the parents passed the rest of their lives and died. They had four children, as follows: Richard H., now postmaster at Richland, Kansas; Larmon E., whose name introduces this review; Mary J., wife of Joseph Marshall, lives on a farm in Leavenworth county, Kansas; and Ella L., who was the wife of John Waldron, who died in 1900.

Until he was seven years old Larmon E. lived on his father's farm in Vermont, his early recollections being of the large maple orchard his father operated. Then came their removal to Illinois, and on a farm in Cook county he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the district schools. His first work away from home was for the Union Pacific Railroad Company, the employ of which he left to enlist in the Union army during the Civil war. He served as a member of Company E, Fifteenth Kansas Cavalry, and remained with his command until the conflict was ended, receiving his honorable discharge in November, 1865. After the war he went to Platte county, Missouri, and engaged in merchandising, which he continued in that locality for a period of ten years, and prospered. In 1879 he came to Wyandotte county, Kansas. Here he bought the farm of two hundred and fifteen acres on which he has since lived, and a portion of which he sold as village lots. His land is well improved with good farm buildings, including large barns and sheds for his stock. For a number of years he has been largely interested in breeding horses and mules.

On August 26, 1869, Mr. Scott married Miss Margaret Waldron, a native of New York and a daughter of William and Margaret (Keefe) Waldron. She came west with her parents, in 1869, to Missouri, and settled in Platte county, where she and Mr. Scott were married. To them have been given twelve children, and some brief data concerning each follows herewith: Viola was educated in the common schools of her native county, and wedded Thomas Hart by whom she had four children, Glenn, deceased, Lavena, Elwin and Evelyn, twins; Mrs. Hart died December 20, 1899; Eva also received a good education in the common schools, from which she graduated, and she is a prominent member of the Order of the Eastern Star; Lena, who, after completing her school course, married Allen Gable of Prairie township, is likewise a valued member of the Eastern Star; William Albert married Ella Ellis, and they have one son, Armour; both father and son are faithful members of the Modern Woodmen of America, and his wife is a member of the Eastern Star and Royal Neighbors; Larmon Elmer, who is at present, 1911, a rural mail carrier in Kansas, being a resident of Piper, was united in marriage to Myrtle Zink, and they have had three children, Raymond, Edith and Elsie; Claude is the wife of Harry Turner, a suburbanite of Kansas City, Kansas, and a well known contractor, and they have three children, Leonard, Arthur and Edwin; Florence married William Meade, a resident of Prairie township, and they have four children, Ralph, Clifford, Logan and Margaret; they live at Dodge City, Kansas; Walter and Warren, who were twins, and the latter is a graduate of the public schools; Stanley, who is the youngest, is still in school; two of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Scott died in infancy. All of Mr. Scott's sons are connected with the Modern Woodmen of America excepting the youngest, Stanley, and Mr. Scott is an honored member of the Ancient and Accepted Order of Masons, and the Order of the Eastern Star. His wife is secretary of this latter organization of the Piper Lodge.
Mr. Scott's father was in early life a Whig, and afterward a Republican, and he himself has always given his support to the Republican party. For years he has been more or less interested in local politics, and at different times has filled township office, including those of clerk, treasurer and justice of the peace.(History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 609-611)

STROHMYER, JOHN J.

John J. Strohmyerhe blacksmith in Vance, Kansas, has gained the good will and the respect of all who know him. He is a young man who has had his own way to make in the world and he has accomplished much.

He was born in Leadville, Colorado, August 3, 1884, being the son of George Strohmyer. In 1884 Mr. Strohmyer came to Kansas and located in Russell county, where he worked as a "smithy". In 1889 he came to Wyandotte county, where he died in 1897. Mrs. Strohmyer is now married to W. R. Malott.

John has no remembrance of his birth place in Colorado, for he came to Kansas with his father when he was six months old. They located in Russell county, where John's first years were spent, but when he was five years old the family moved again, coming to Wyandotte county. John attended the district school very soon after they arrived in the county and when he was thirteen years of age his father died. It was then necessary for him to go to work and earn some money. He learned the blacksmithing trade and also that of a wagon maker. He learned quickly and proved to be very capable. In 1905 he started out in business for himself, at the place where he is now, and he has bought a new outfit that is entirely modern.

On November 6, 1907, John Strohmyer married Lillian Riley, the daughter of George W. and Hattie (Wolf) Riley. Mrs. Strohmyer was born in Quindaro township June 11, 1890, having been educated in the district school and she has spent her entire life here.

Mr. Strohmyer is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and has held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a man who does his work well and the people are always sure of getting the best treatment at his shop. He has many friends, who agree in calling him a fine fellow. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Page 611)

CLOPPER, DAVID E.

David E. Clopper, M. D. is engaged in the practice of medicine at Kansas City, Kansas, where he has resided since 1896 and where he has participated actively in public affairs. The world instinctively pays deference to the man whose success has been worthily achieved, and because of his capability, close application, devoted attention to his profession and his strict regard for the ethics of the medical science Dr. Clopper receives this deference and respect from his fellow men. In 1903 he was elected mayor of Argentine, and he served in that capacity with the utmost efficiency. In 1906 he was elected president of the Argentine State Bank, and he has continued incumbent of that position to the present time, in 1911.

In the fine old commonwealth of Maryland, on the 20th of January, 1867, occurred the birth of Dr. David B. Clopper, who is a son of Simon and Nancy (Light) Clopper, both of whom were likewise born in Maryland. They traced their ancestry back to stanch German stock and of their sixteen children nine are living at the present time, the subject of this review having been the thirteenth in order of birth.

The father was identified with farming during the greater part of his active career and he is still living at his old home in Maryland. His cherished and devoted wife passed away in about 1884. To the public schools of Leitersburg, Maryland, Dr. Clopper is indebted for his preliminary educational training. Early deciding upon the medical profession as his life work, he entered the Barnes Medical College at St. Louis, Missouri, attending that institution for a period of one year, at the expiration of which he was matriculated as a student in the medical department of the University Medical College at Kansas City, Missouri, in which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1896, duly receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine. Immediately after graduation he located at Argentine, Kansas, where he soon succeeded in building up a large and lucrative patronage. Within recent years he has pursued three post-graduate courses in New York, the last in 1910. Since 1897 he has been physician and surgeon for the Santa Fe Railroad Company, and as proof of his ability in the line of his chosen vocation he controls a very extensive patronage.

In the year 1906 at Kansas City, Missouri, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Clopper to Mrs. Rena Malow, Dr. and Mrs. Clopper have no children. They are prominent and popular factors in connection with the best social activities of the community in which they live.

In politics Mr. Clopper is aligned as a stalwart supporter of the cause of the Republican party. In 1902 he was elected to membership in the city council of Argentine, Kansas, and in the following year was elected mayor of Argentine, serving as such for a period of two years. In 1906 he was elected president of the Argentine State Bank, which is one of the most substantial and reliable financial institutions in this section of Kansas. In connection with the work of his profession he is a valued and appreciative member of the American Railroad Surgeons Association and the Kansas State Medical Society. In fraternal circles he is affiliated with Ben Hur Lodge, No. 272, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons; and with Caswell Consistory, No. 5, Ancient Scottish Rite, having attained to the thirty-second degree. He is also connected with Abdallah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Leavenworth, Kansas. In the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks he is a member of Wyandotte Lodge, No. 440. In his profession Dr. Clopper has attained high rank because his equipments were unusually good, because his work has been prompted by a love of scientific investigation and broad humanitarian principles and because he has steadily advanced, keeping in direct touch with the most progressive thought of the medical world. His prominence is indicated by the large patronage which is accorded him and which has made him one of the substantial residents of this city. (History of Wyandotte County, Kansas and It's People, by Perl W. Morgan, Vol. II, 1911, Pages 611-612)