History of Atchison County, Kansas

JOSEPH H. WATOWA.

Joseph H. Watowa, a prosperous Atchison county farmer, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Buchanan county, January 24, 1864, and is a son of Joseph and Catharine (Fischer) Watowa, both natives of Austria. They were married in their native land, and immigrated to America in 1855, first settling in Wisconsin. Later, they located in Buchanan county, Missouri, and in 1879 came to Kansas, locating in Shannon township, Atchison county, on the place where Joseph H., the subject of this sketch, now resides. They were the parents of six children, as follows: Frank resides in Atchison county; Mary, deceased; Henry resides in Atchison county; Amelia; Joseph H., the subject of this sketch; and Paulina.

Joseph H. Watowa is one of the successful farmers of Atchison county, and has one of the fine farms of that section in the State, consisting of 160 acres of well improved land under a high state of cultivation. His land is located in an ideal spot, and a fine tract of timber is located on the place. He is an extensive alfalfa grower and an all around practical modern farmer.

Mr. Watowa was married in 1892 to Miss Theresa, daughter of Joseph and Johanna Zeit, natives of Austria and early settlers in Atchison county, where they still reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Watowa have been born the following children: Mary, age nineteen; Johanna, age eighteen; Elizabeth, age seventeen; Helena, age sixteen; Joseph, age thirteen; Bertha, age twelve, and Catherine, age four. Mr. Watowa has lived on his present place for thirty-six years, and, although still a young man, he counts himself among the old landmarks of Atchison county. He is a Democrat, and has always supported the policies and principles of that party. He has taken a commendable part in local politics, and has served as town clerk for six years. He and his family are members of the St. Benedict Catholic Church at Atchison.

NATHAN T. VEATCH.

Nathan T. Veatch, superintendent of the Atchison city schools, is a native of Illinois. He was born near Astoria, Fulton county, and reared on a farm. After receiving a common school education, he began his career as a teacher in the district schools of Schuyler county, Illinois. Later he attended the State Normal school of Illinois, and was graduated from that institution with the class of 1881. He was principal of the graded school at Butler, Ill., for two years, and later was principal of an eighth grade ward school in Little Rock, Ark., for four years. He served as superintendent and principal of the Rushville city schools at Rushville, Ill., for fourteen years, and in 1901 was elected superintendent of the Atchison city schools, and has held that position to the present time.

Mr. Veatch was married in 1883 to Miss Lizzie Montgomery, of Rushville, Ill. She was a successful teacher prior to her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Veatch have been born two children, as follows: Nathan T., Jr., born at Rushville, Ill., and is now a civil engineer, and a member of the firm of Black & Veatch, consulting engineers, Kansas City, Mo., and Francis M., born at Rushville, Ill., a sanitary engineer, in the employ of Kansas University.

JAMES L. ARMSTRONG.

James L. Armstrong, farmer and breeder of prize winning Percheron horses, was born in Winnebago county, Illinois, July 11, 1867. He comes of sturdy Irish stock, his parents having been born on the Emerald Isle. The father, James Armstrong, was born October 22, 1836, in County Sligo, Ireland. He was a farmer there, and at the age of twenty-four sailed for America and found his first job in Philadelphia. In a short time he came west and followed farming in Illinois. Several years later, in 1867, to be exact, he came to Atchison county, Kansas, and bought eighty acres of land near Huron, Kan., in Lancaster township. He farmed this place until his death in 1886. In addition to his farming he was an extensive breeder and feeder of cattle. His wife was also born in Ireland, the date of her birth being December 25, 1830. She died in 1902. They were married in Ireland and three children were born to them there. After coming to America five other children were born. Both parents were members of the Methodist church.

James L., Jr., the subject of this sketch, grew up in Lancaster township, and attended school in district No. 44. He remained at home with his parents until they died. He then bought 320 acres in Kapioma township and built an unusually fine residence at a cost of about $4,000. The interior is finished in white oak, and a cement basement underlies the house, and all modern conveniences have been installed, including hot and cold running water. He keeps all of his buildings painted and in repair so that everything around the place presents a fresh and orderly appearance. Horses are Mr. Armstrong’s hobby, and several times he has won prizes at the Effingham fair with his Percherons, and now has four thoroughbred Percherons registered. He is a shareholder in the Muscotah elevator. He is unmarried and has a man and his wife, who care for the household. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Christian church and has affiliated himself with the Republican party. He is a member of the Percheron Society of America. He has received as high as $600 for Percheron horses bred on his place.

JOHN FERRIS.

A man’s usefulness in his community need not necessarily be confined to working entirely for his own individual aggrandizement, and there are frequently found conspicuous examples of good citizenship who are broad-minded and enterprising enough to extend their activities outward, so as to embrace the well-being of their fellowmen. John Ferris, banker and prosperous farmer, of Center township, Atchison county, is a shining example of broad and upright citizenship, with whom family, church and social ties have been preëminent during his long residence in the county. Successful as a farmer and stockman, his ambitions have led him into banking pursuits with considerable success to his credit. His deeply religious nature having endowed him with a love for church work, many fruitful years of his life have been devoted to Sunday school and church work, which have won him high esteem and infinite respect among the people of his neighborhood.

The twenty-eight years of Mr. Ferris’ residence in Center township have been productive of much material good on his part, and he is rated as one of the really successful men of the county. This period marks his rise from comparative poverty to a position of affluence and prestige, attained by few citizens. Mr. Ferris saw opportunity and embraced it, and has made good in more ways than one.

John Ferris is a man whose pluck and industry have brought him out of a long struggle with high honors. Starting out in life as a poor boy, he worked long and hard, until now he lives in comfort and security. Mr. Ferris was born at Sharonville, Ohio, November 25, 1860, and is a son of Peter and Hettie (Phares) Ferris, who were the parents of seven children, as follows: John, the subject of this sketch; Joseph, Winchester, Kan.; Alice, wife of W. T. Birt, Topeka, Kan.; Louvinca, wife of F. L. Stephens, Topeka, Kan.; Thomas, Mt. Pleasant township, Atchison county; Peter, farmer, on old Eastman place, Center township, Atchison county, and Mrs. Della Coppinger, deceased. The father was born August 8, 1839, in Sharonville, Hamilton county, Ohio. He was a son of John and Rebecca (Myers) Ferris, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio as early settlers, in 1804. The father of John Ferris, subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm in Ohio. He came to Kansas in 1878, and settled in Osborne county. Two years later, after being starved out by the ravages of the grasshoppers and the hot winds, which burned up his crops, he went to Rawlins county, Kansas, where he preëmpted 640 acres of land. He did not live there, but came to Nortonville, Kan., and began work as a laborer and farmer.

In 1887 he came to Center township, where he rented for five years. He then rented 640 acres south of Nortonville. In 1892 he and his son, John, the subject of this sketch, bought 160 acres in Jefferson county. Then, for a number of years, they bought and sold farms in Atchison and Jefferson counties, until 1903, when they bought the farm of 215 acres, which John and his father are working. This land is located in Center township and includes the northwest quarter of section 3 and the southwest quarter of section 34, and includes ten acres of natural timber. He has thirty acres of alfalfa and fifty acres in corn each year. Mr. Ferris also devotes considerable attention to his stock. He keeps only graded animals on his farm, and makes a specialty of feeding hogs and cattle for the market. He started out with little capital, and had to begin as a laborer at day wages, but he saved his earnings and invested them wisely, and, now, besides being a substantial farmer, he is a shareholder and president of the State Bank of Cummings. Mr. Ferris is unmarried. His mother was born in Little Rock, Ark., in 1840. She is a daughter of Joseph and Matilda (Todd) Phares. The father came from New Jersey, and the mother from Tennessee. In politics, Mr. Ferris has identified himself with the Republican party. He is a member of the Pardee Methodist Episcopal Church and takes an active part in its organization. He is a steward, and for many years has been superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellow lodges of Cummings. Mr. Ferris is a conspicuous example of the self-made man. His career proves the possibilities of a man, who, though handicapped by lack of capital, is willing to work consistently and save judiciously.

MARCUS J. LAIRD.

The history of the Laird family in Kansas begins three score years ago, in the old days when the first sturdy pioneers were coming from the older states to find new homes in the unpeopled waste of Kansas, and to break the way for others who have since followed in increasing numbers. It is a long reach which witnesses the transformation of a wilderness of prairie and woods to a beautiful, productive landscape of peace and plenty, but Marcus J. Laird and his wife have been fortunate in growing to maturity with Atchison county. Few families in this county can claim an older lineage than the Lairds or Cummings families, and no family is more respected than that of Marcus J. Laird. His father, J. B. Laird, was one of the earliest pioneers of Atchison county, and on the other hand the father of Mrs. Laird was another pioneer. William Cummings, who founded the town of Cummings, thus leaving a monument which will perpetuate his name for all time to come. Through the medium of these historical annals of Atchison county these pioneers will be duly honored and this volume is dedicated to their everlasting memory in order that the story of Atchison county might be transmitted truthfully and accurately to posterity.

Marcus J. Laird has been successively, farmer, merchant and postmaster, and is proud of the fact that he is a native born citizen of Kansas, and a son of one of the earliest pioneers of the State. Like a good many men who have been reared to farm life, after a successful career as merchant and public official, he has returned to the farm where living is sure and certain and a competence is the inevitable reward of years of labor.

Marcus J. Laird was born August 26, 1860, in Center township, Atchison county, and is a son of James B. and Marinda (Martin) Laird, who were the parents of fourteen children as follows: Mary died in infancy; Thomas died in infancy; James W., Jackson county, Kansas; Marcus, the subject of this sketch; Abraham, Jefferson county, Kansas; Mrs. Emma Leland, Atchison, Kan.; John, deceased; Ulysses, deceased; Rose, wife of C. Barnes, Chase county, Kansas; Robert, Jackson county, Kansas; Paul, a teacher, Durant, Okla.; Mrs. Amanda Hanson, Nortonville, Kan.; Mrs. Mabel McDonald, Muscotah, Kan., and Frank, Seattle, Wash. James B. Laird, the father, was born in Zanesville, Ohio, June 13, 1834, and was a son of Thomas and Elton (Saffle) Laird, both natives of Pennsylvania. The Lairds are of Scotch descent. James was brought up on his father’s farm, and when he was thirteen years of age his parents removed to Livingston, Mo., where he grew to manhood. He then went to Buchanan county, Missouri, where he was married to Marinda Martin, the wedding taking place at DeKalb, Mo., in 1854. Marinda (Martin) Laird was born August 1, 1836, in Morgan county, Indiana. She is a daughter of Hanson and Mary (Holman) Martin. Her father was a farmer in Kentucky before coming to Atchison county, Kansas, in 1856, where he died in 1878, and the mother died in 1840, at the age of thirty years.

James B. Laird and his bride came to Kansas in the fall of 1854 and settled in Mt. Pleasant township, Atchison county, where they homesteaded 160 acres of prairie and timber land. They drove from Missouri in a covered wagon pulled by oxen. Atchison, Kan., had but one house at that time; it had been moved there from Missouri. James Laird built a sawmill on his farm the first year he was there and sawed 1,000 feet of lumber, but a flood swept it all down into Crooked creek. They built a log cabin on the place, and the first child, Mary, was born there. The fact that Mt. Pleasant, which was only three miles away, provided a nearby market, helped the Lairds out considerably. They farmed the homestead until 1860, when they sold it for $900 and moved farther west and bought 276 acres in Center township. This property became the old home place and the Lairds owned it for many years.

James B. Laird moved to Cummings and conducted a general merchandise store for a few years preceding his death, in 1892. The widow returned to the farm with the children, where she brought them up and educated them. In 1909 she left the home place and has since lived with her children, and at present she lives with Marcus, the subject of this sketch. Marcus J. Laird grew up on the home place and attended school in district No. 36, Center township, and at the age of sixteen he left home and worked as a farm hand for about a year, and later rented land from his father. In 1883, at the age of twenty, he bought sixty acres in Center township and farmed it a year when he traded it for a stock of merchandise at Cummings and was in partnership with Nelson Cox there for five years. Selling his interest in the business he rented land and farmed for a while. In 1892 he bought the place which he now owns and has increased the original eighty acres to 104. He has always kept good stock on his place and takes pride in keeping his animals up to standard. In 1884 Mr. Laird married Britamore Cummings, who was born August 20, 1866, in Center township, Atchison county. She is a daughter of William and Sarah (Quiet) Cummings. Her father was a founder of Cummings, Kan., and was a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Kansas in 1855 and engaged in farming. He died July 27, 1900, at the age of eighty-six. The mother, Sarah, was born in Illinois and is now living in Kansas City, Kan. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Laird, as follows: James W., Kansas City, Mo.; Meda B., wife of L. Reynolds, Center township, Atchison county, Kansas; Anna McKanna, living at home; Edith Hammer, Effingham, Kan.; Blanche, a teacher, living at home. Mr. Laird is a Republican. He was postmaster of Cummings for thirteen years. He is a member of the Baptist church and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of United Workmen.

ALLEN T. BILDERBACK.

The history of the Bilderback and Johnson families in Kansas goes back to the old freighting and pioneer days when the hardships of the first settlers were many and conveniences were few. The father of Allen T. Bilderback, whose name heads this review, was one of the early stage coach drivers whose route took him on many journeys from Kansas to Denver, and other Colorado points. Aaron Bilderback drove a stage coach from Atchison to Denver and Central City, Colo., beginning in 1864, for several years, until he finally settled on a farm in Center township, Atchison county. Jesse R. Johnson, grandfather of Mrs. Bilderback, had the honor of assisting in establishing the first Methodist church in Kansas, and Methodism is said to have had its origin in the State from a Sunday school which was started in his home at Oak Mills, nearly sixty years ago. From this small beginning a great religious denomination had its inception in the new State of Kansas.

Allen T. Bilderback, with whom this review is directly concerned, is a native born Kansan, a man of good education, who has been useful as an educator and farmer during his residence in his native county. He was born in Center township July 21, 1878, and is a son of Aaron and Sarah (Jones) Bilderback, who were the parents of two children: Allen, the subject of this sketch, and Leslie, who lives in Atchison. The father was born in Indiana September 17, 1843. When a young man he came to Kansas in 1855, and freighted across the plains to Denver. The trail extended from Atchison to Denver, and Aaron Bilderback drove a stage coach and a prairie schooner. He later bought forty acres of land just south of Cummings, Atchison county, where he remained a few years. In August, 1881, he bought the farm which his son now owns. He improved it and lived there until his death, January 4, 1890. Allen Bilderback’s mother was born in Mt. Pleasant township, Atchison county, in 1855. She was a daughter of Vincent Jones, an early settler in Kansas. She died in 1885, at the age of thirty years. Both parents died when Allen was very young, and he was brought up by his uncle, Gabriel T. Bilderback. He attended school in District No. 36, Center township, and later attended the Atchison county high school at Effingham. At the age of twenty-one he began teaching in District No. 19, Mt. Pleasant township. In 1902 he went to Granada, Colo., where he started a livery business. Three years later he returned to Atchison county and taught school again. After a term of teaching, he took charge of the old home place and engaged in farming. He now owns 149 acres and has graded stock.

On March 28, 1906, Mr. Bilderback married Edith K. Jones, who was born November 15, 1884, near Mayetta, Jackson county, Kansas. She also was a teacher before her marriage, having taught for a number of years in Jackson county, Kansas. She is a daughter of Samuel R. and Sarah J. (Johnson) Jones. The father was born in Miami county, Ohio, and came to Atchison county in 1856, settling near Oak Mills. For a time he farmed there, at first using oxen, and lived in a log cabin. A number of years later he moved to Jackson county, Kansas, where he died January 23, 1916. His wife was born in Virginia, a daughter of Jesse and Nancy (Davis) Johnson. Her father was born in New York April 11, 1819, and came to Kansas in 1834, settling near Oak Mills, and helped organize the first Methodist church in Kansas. For some time a Bible class met at his house, and when it grew to a membership of forty, a Methodist church was organized by Rev. Bowen. That was the origin of Methodism in Kansas. Jesse Johnson died in 1904. and his wife died in 1907, at the age of eighty-three. Mr. and Mrs. Bilderback have three children, all living at home, as follows: Allen, Jr., born March 18, 1907; Sarah Naomi, born July 27, 1909, and Lucile Elizabeth, born June 8, 1913. Mr. Bilderback is a member of the Methodist church, and now holds the office of trustee. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and is president of the farmers’ institute at Cummings.

WILLIAM M. NITZ.

America is proud of her citizens of German birth, and glories in their accomplishments, their successes, and affluence, wherever they are located. It is an undisputable fact that the farmers of German birth or ancestry in Kansas today are rated as among the most prosperous of this great commonwealth. Atchison county has its quota of successful German agriculturists, and William M. Nitz, of Center township, is one who is deserving of special mention. It is a noteworthy rise from a poor German immigrant boy to become one of the large landed proprietors of the county, but Mr. Nitz has accomplished all this. His 400 acres or more of land in Center township were all obtained by hard labor, economy, intelligence and good financial judgment. The rearing of his large family of nine children, and their gift to the county and country as sturdy and upright citizens, is alone a matter for praiseworthy mention.

William M. Nitz was born in Germany, March 26, 1864, and is a son of Ludwig and Johanna Louisa (Linstad) Nitz, who were the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are living. The father was born in Germany, in August, 1836, and left his native land in 1883 with his wife and one child, coming to America. He came west and worked a year as a laborer, and then bought eighty acres of land in Doniphan county, Kansas, where he farmed until 1911. He then removed to Kansas City, Mo., where he and his wife now live. His wife, the mother of William Nitz, was also born in Germany, in 1845. William N. Nitz immigrated to America when he was fifteen years of age. He worked in Pennsylvania as a farm hand for a year, then he came to Doniphan county, Kansas, where he also worked as a farm hand. He then rented land in Lancaster township, Atchison county, for two years, when he returned to Doniphan county, where he bought eighty acres of land. In 1902 he sold out and bought 307 acres in Center township. This farm was poorly improved, the house and barn being old and dilapidated. Mr. Nitz proceeded to rebuild and improve the buildings. He is now located in section 11, and owns 427 acres of land. He is a fancier of good mules and keeps graded stock on his farm. Mr. Nitz, together with several other farmers in his neighborhood, hold stock in a thresher outfit which they operate jointly.

In 1890 Mr. Nitz married Miss Lena Lawson, a native of Kansas, born February 27, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Nitz are the parents of eleven children: George, born January 12, 1893, farmer, Center township; Charles, born November 11, 1891, on his father’s farm of 120 acres; Otto, born August 28, 1894, living at home; Johanna and Nava, deceased; Edward, born June 26, 1898, living at home; Oscar, born January 28, 1903; Irvin, born October 22, 1906, and Ida, born March 5, 1913, living at home, and two children died in infancy. Mr. Nitz is an independent in politics and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church, as are Charles and George. Though Mr. Nitz could not read or write the English language very well when a young man, he has always been a student of new conditions, and was quick to learn the customs and language of his adopted country and has proved himself to be a useful member of his community. Of late years he has become very proficient in reading English and keeps abreast of the times by reading the daily newspapers.

HENRY GLATTFELDER.

Henry Glattfelder, farmer, Center township, Atchison county, Kansas, was born in the township where he now lives, September 16, 1871, and is a son of Henry and Margaret (Kuntz) Glattfelder. They were the parents of seven children: Elizabeth married J. Meyers, died in Atchison. Kan.; Maggie married widower of her deceased sister, and he is a baker and merchant, Atchison; Anna, wife of J. Kuhn, Atchison, Kan.; Fannie married H. H. Severs, Manning, Iowa; Mary married M. L. Dilgert, Atchison; Bertha married W. A. Dilgert, Mt. Pleasant township, and Henry, the subject of this sketch. The father was born in Switzerland, January, 1827. He came to America and settled in Atchison county, on a rented farm in Mt. Pleasant township. He worked this from 1863 until his death in 1871. The mother was also born in Switzerland, December 18, 1832, and died in Atchison, Kan., in 1904.

Henry Glattfelder, the subject of this sketch, attended the district schools of Center township, and grew up on his mother’s farm and began farming for himself when he was twenty-two years old. He bought 125 acres of land in Center township, and now owns 130 acres. He has made many improvements on his place since taking possession of it, and keeps graded stock. In 1894, the year in which he started out for himself, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Cline, a daughter of Peter J. and Bersheba Cline. Mrs. Glattfelder was born March 21, 1877, in Mt. Pleasant township, Atchison county, Kansas. Her father was a native of Iowa, and her mother of Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Glattfelder have been born six children: Leona, Ellsworth, Harold, Kennith, Lucile, all living at home. One child, Henry, is deceased. Mr. Glattfelder is an independent voter. He attends church but does not profess any creed. He is a practical farmer and is a liberal giver to all movements for the benefit of the community. Never has Mr. Glattfelder allowed his selfish interests to stand in the way of the community’s progress and he has proven himself a patriotic citizen of the commonwealth.

THOMAS W. TUCKER.

Thomas W. Tucker, live stock dealer, Effingham, Kan., is a native of Atchison county, and has lived all of his life in Benton township. He was born on a farm three and one-half miles northeast of Effingham, November 27, 1872. His parents were J. Martin and Polly (Cummings) Tucker, both of whom were born in Crawford county, Indiana. J. M. Tucker was the son of Sloan Tucker, also a native of Indiana, who emigrated to Kansas in 1860. When he attained young manhood the father of Thomas W. rented land for a few years in Doniphan county, and then bought a farm in Atchison county. He prospered and became the owner of two farms in Benton township, aggregating 280 acres. When old age came he and Mrs. Tucker retired to a home in Effingham, where they spent the remainder of their days in peace and comfort. J. M. Tucker was born in 1831 and died in 1896, and his wife was born in 1838 and died in October, 1910. Mr. Tucker served in the Kansas State militia during the Civil war. The following children survive J. Martin and Polly Tucker: John R., a farmer living west of Effingham; Mrs. C. C. Anderson, of Atchison, Kan.; Thomas W.; Albert, a resident of Atchison.

Thomas W. Tucker attended the Maple Grove school when a boy and lived on the home farm, assisting in its operation, until he attained the age of twenty-two years. In 1894 he engaged in the livery business in Effingham and continued operating the same until 1898, when he sold out and spent one year cultivating the home farm. After his marriage in 1898, he removed to the Noffsinger farm, east of Effingham, and managed it for six years, returning to Effingham in 1905. While on the farm he became interested in the buying and selling of live stock, and since taking up a permanent residence in Effingham, he has devoted his entire time and attention to this business with signal success. His live stock dealings embrace the purchase and shipment of over seventy-five carloads of stock yearly, which is no inconsiderable item and involves transactions requiring capital of several thousands of dollars. He is also interested in real estate and farm lands and has made several profitable deals in this line. Mr. Tucker owns one of the best residences in Effingham and is the owner of some town lots.

He was married in 1898 to Miss Maude Noffsinger, who was born and reared on a farm, four miles southeast of Effingham, a daughter of Peter and Margaret Noffsinger, residing on their home place, east of Effingham. Both Peter and Margaret Noffsinger are deceased, Mrs. Noffsinger dying in September, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Tucker are the parents of two children: Ramona, aged fifteen years, and Maurice, aged eleven.

Mr. Tucker is a Republican in politics and is prominent in the affairs of his party, at present being the central committeeman of the Effingham precinct, being a part of the county organization. He and his family are members of the Christian church. He is fraternally affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen, and the Knights and Ladies of Security.

J. F. FLYNN.

J. F. Flynn, farmer, resides on the old Flynn homestead in Mt. Pleasant township, Atchison county, of which he is the owner and upon which his father settled in March. 1855. Mr. Flynn was born on this farm, October 8, 1855, and has lived all of his sixty years of life on the place. During this time he has simply grown up with Atchison county, and his earliest recollections were of the vast stretches of prairie in Atchison county, which were awaiting the homesteaders and settlers who have since transformed the unpeopled wilderness into a land of homes and plenty. His father was Jeremiah Flynn, who was born in County Cork, Ireland, and left his native land when a young man and immigrated to America, locating after a time in Kentucky, where he met Julia Sullivan, who was born in his own native county in Ireland. The acquaintance ripened into love and culminated in their marriage at Frankfort, Ky., September 24, 1854. In March, 1855, they came to Kansas and settled on a tract of part prairie and part timber in Mt. Pleasant township where both lived and died.

J. F. Flynn was the first born of ten children of Jeremiah and Julia Flynn. He received a common school education, supplemented with a course in bookkeeping at St. Patrick’s common school, district No. 14, after which he settled down to farming the home place, coming into possession of the homestead by inheritance and purchase after his father’s demise. For several years he was a successful fruit grower, but of late has devoted all of his time and activities to general farming.

Mr. Flynn was married March 31, 1880, to Mary Desmond, of Missouri, and to this union have been born five children: Kathrine, wife of John Begley, of Kansas City, Kan.; John E., at home, assisting his father in the farm work; Joseph J., in Kansas City, Mo.; Julia and Mary, at home with their parents.

Mr. Flynn is a Democrat in national politics, but is inclined to be an independent voter who votes for the best man who seems qualified for the office regardless of his political affiliations. He and all of his family are members of the Catholic church, which was the faith of his parents.

ERNEST C. HAZEL.

Industry and effort are generally rewarded. The successful man is usually found filling the niche for which he was designed. It affords some satisfaction to chronicle the facts in the life of a self-made man who has won an enviable place in the commercial and manufacturing life in his home city. Ernest C. Hazel, vice-president and general manager of the Lockwood-Hazel Printing and Stationery Company, of Atchison, has achieved his position by industrious application of talents which have enabled him to rise above the mediocre and general station of the average man. Considerable credit is due him for having been a potent factor in building up the extensive business which his firm enjoys.

The Lockwood-Hazel Printing and Stationery Company was established in 1912. It originated as the Trade Printing Company in 1903. This was a small concern but grew constantly until the business reached its present proportions. The business is housed in the handsome new Masonic Temple on Fifth and Kansas avenues, and occupies the first floor and basement of the building. The arrangements and equipment are the most modern which can be obtained and are especially adapted for a high grade quality of printing which this firm turns out. The greatest progress of the firm has been made since its organization as the Lockwood-Hazel Co., in 1912. The firm is composed of C. A. Lockwood, president and treasurer, and E. C. Hazel, secretary and general manager. The firm manufactures blank books and does general printing of the highest grade. The line of printing includes county and bank supplies, loose leaf systems, and embossed stationery. They supply leading banks with their outfits and deal extensively in wood and steel office furniture and equipments, and also vault accessories. C. A. Rowe is manager of the sales department which employs three traveling salesmen and the firm conducts a large mail order business in eight states. So excellent is the product turned out and so fair is the treatment accorded a patron that a first order supplied by this enterprising establishment leads to constant repetitions from the purchaser when in need of supplies of the character furnished.

Ernest C. Hazel was born March 30, 1875 in Newman, Ill. His parents were Thomas and Lydia (Kinney) Hazel, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. Thomas Hazel was born in Page county, Virginia, a son of Richard and Elizabeth Hazel. He was a veteran of the Union army, and served his country faithfully during the Civil war in Company E, of the Twelfth regiment, Illinois infantry. He served for two years under General Grant and was under General Sherman’s command for two years and six months. His first engagements were at Ft. Henry and Ft. Donelson. He fought in the battles of the Wilderness, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Siege of Vicksburg, and was with Sherman on his victorious march from Atlanta to the sea. He enlisted at Springfield, Ill., at the first call for volunteers and served until the end of the war. To the end of his days he was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. A brother, John, also fought in the Union army and like many other southern families it was a house divided against itself and three brothers, Richard, Benjamin and William, fought on the side of the confederacy. Lydia Hazel was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, and was the daughter of Thomas C. and Levina Kinney.

In 1876 the family emigrated from Newman, Ill., and settled on a farm near Pawnee Rock, Kan., which the father had homesteaded. After spending some years in developing the farm Thomas Hazel removed to Missouri, from where he came to Atchison in the year 1888. Here he lived a retired life, dying November 19, 1904, at the age of sixty-seven years. Mrs. Lydia Hazel resides with her daughter in Leavenworth, Kan. The Hazels are descendants from a fine old Virginian family and their ancestry traces back to the colonial days.

To Lydia and Thomas Hazel were born six children, as follows: Mrs. Elnora Allen, of Atchison; Mrs. Ida Stucker, of Leavenworth; Marion Hazel, of Leavenworth; Ernest C. Hazel, of Atchison. Two children died in infancy.

Ernest C. Hazel was educated in the public schools of Atchison and learned the trade of bookbinding with Mr. Caldwell, beginning at the age of fourteen years. After serving an apprenticeship of three years, he was employed by the Haskell Show Printing Company. This concern was succeeded by the Home Printing Company, and he was employed by them until 1901. For a period of two years he was a traveling salesman for the Western Paper Company. In 1903 he entered the employ of the Trade Printing Company, which was succeeded by the present firm in 1912. He purchased an interest in the firm in 1908.

The married life of Mr. Hazel has been a happy one, and has been in keeping with his success in the business world. He was married March 30, 1897, to Mary Elizabeth Semple, of Atchison, a daughter of Andrew and Jennie Semple, both of whom were natives of Glasgow, Scotland. Andrew Semple was one of the pioneer contractors of Atchison. His last contract was the Atchison county court house. Mr. Semple is deceased and his widow still resides in Atchison.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hazel have been born five children, namely: Ernest C., Jr., seventeen years of age, and a student of Midland College; Robert R., fourteen years of age, and also a student at Midland College; Constance Marie, who died in infancy; Kenneth C., nine years of age, a pupil in the public schools, and Neola Christine, aged five years.

Mr. Hazel finds time in the midst of his busy life to give considerable attention to civil and social affairs and is an active member of the Christian church of Atchison, in which thriving religious institution he and his wife are warmly appreciated for their good qualities. He is a Republican in politics, and is fraternally affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Fraternal Aid Union, and also the United Commercial Travelers. Pronounced ability, combined with an engaging personality, have won him this high place in his home city.

Alexander H. Calvert, lumber and grain dealer, Muscotah, Kan., was born on his father’s farm in Platte county, Missouri. He is a son of Warren Calvert, a native of Kentucky, whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers in America. It is a matter of tradition that he was a descendant of the original Lord Baltimore, or Cecil Calvert, who founded the State of Maryland, in the seventeenth century. The father of Warren Calvert was a pioneer settler in Kentucky and was the owner of a large plantation. Warren Calvert was born in 1815 and died in 1875. With his wife, Lucy Calvert, he migrated from Kentucky, accompanied by his retinue of slaves, to form a part of the Kentucky colony which settled Platte county, Missouri, in 1835. He was one of the original settlers in Platte county, and operated a large tract of land. He and his wife, Lucy, reared a family of nine children, namely: Presley Hawkins, a retired farmer of Muscotah; James Harvey, deceased banker of Muscotah, who was a soldier in the Confederate army; Mrs. Anne May Buford, deceased; John Hawkins, who died on his farm near Arrington in 1910; Ambrose Owens, living in California, near Los Angeles; Mrs. Ella (Burt) Jackson, died in 1903.

A. H. Calvert came to Kansas in the spring of 1878 and settled on a farm south of Muscotah in Atchison county. Three brothers came at this time, Presley H., James H. and himself. For a number of years Mr. Calvert rented land in Kapioma township and then purchased the farm of 220 acres, which he owns. He rented land for over fifteen years and then began to buy land. His first farm of 135 acres was purchased in 1903, and he has continued to invest heavily in farm lands in the vicinity of Muscotah until he is now the owner of 700 acres, besides a small tract in Leavenworth county, Kansas.

Mr. Calvert resided on his farm until 1897 and then removed to Muscotah where he engaged in the lumber business under the firm name of Calvert & Sharp. This partnership continued until 1902 when he purchased his partner’s interest in the business, which he has since operated. In November of 1905 he formed a partnership with M. E. Bevin, of Muscotah, and they purchased the grain elevator and engaged in the buying and shipping of grain. This firm also does an extensive live stock business, buying and shipping several carloads of live stock during each year. In addition to his extensive business affairs, Mr. Calvert is a stockholder in the Muscotah State Bank.

His first marriage was with Miss Nora Rice in 1881. Two children (twins) were born of this union, namely: Ella, wife of Will Warren, of Muscotah, who served for seventeen years as assistant cashier of the Muscotah State Bank; Alma, a highly educated lady who studied in the Camden Point Young Ladies’ Seminary, the Emporia Normal College, and received her degree of Bachelor of Arts from Washburn College, at Topeka, now a teacher of mathematics in the Atchison city high school. The mother of these children was a daughter of D. Rice, a native of Illinois, and a pioneer settler of Atchison county. She died in 1883, at the age of twenty-six years. In 1889 Mr. Calvert was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Burt, of Platte county, Missouri, a daughter of John Burt, who came from Indiana to Platte county. Three children have been born to this marriage: George, conducting a garage at Effingham, Kan.; Marguerite, aged twenty-one years, a teacher, at present studying in Washburn College; Charles Cecil, aged fifteen years, a student in the Atchison County High School.

Mr. Calvert is an old-line Democrat and takes considerable interest in local and county political matters. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen and the Knights and Ladies of Security. A man of good education and attainments, he has succeeded in making his own way in the world and has risen from comparative poverty to become one of the substantial and best known citizens of the county.

JOHN STODDARD.

John Stoddard, a late resident of Muscotah, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1833, and departed this life February 18, 1901. He was the son of Robert and Margaret (Jordan) Stoddard. On the Stoddard side of the family the lineage is Scotch-Irish. John Stoddard grew to young manhood on the Pennsylvania farm, and received a good common school education in his youth. When twenty years of age, fired by the stories of the riches being obtained in the gold fields of California, he boarded a vessel in New York harbor. It carried him to Aspenwall, on the east coast of the Isthmus, which he crossed on mule back. He then boarded the vessel, “Golden Rule,” which carried him to San Francisco, Cal., from which city he journeyed to Sacramento, where he equipped himself with a prospecting outfit, and for ten years followed the trail of the elusive metal. He spent this time in various mining campaigns and prospecting for gold. He returned home by re-tracing the same route which he had traveled on his way to California, and arrived in Pennsylvania, not rich, but with considerable gold in his possession, and the remembrances of a wonderful experience.

Soon after his return to his Pennsylvania home he removed to Iowa and purchased a farm, and was married there in 1869, after which he lived five years on his first farm in Iowa, and then moved to another farm, on which he resided for seven years. In 1881 he came to Muscotah, Kan., and invested in 320 acres of land near that city. Mr. Stoddard looked after his farming interests and lived a retired life while in Muscotah, and died there in 1901. Mr. Stoddard was married October 20, 1869, to Miss Martha Piggott, a native of Harrison county, Ohio, and a daughter of Israel and Liddie (Goodwin) Piggott, the former a native of Belmont county, Ohio, and the latter a native of Westchester, Pa. The Piggott family originally came from Virginia, where the founder of the family in America settled in early colonial days. Israel P. was an early settler in Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard were born four children: Grace, the wife of Dr. J. O. Ward, Horton, Kan,; Guy, a railway mail clerk, Los Angeles, Cal.; Alice V., the wife of J. C. Thurman, Los Angeles, Cal.; Eva, wife of Carl Young, of Kansas City. Guy Stoddard, the son, who is located at Los Angeles, Cal., is a bright young man of more than ordinary ability. After completing the course of study in the public schools of Muscotah, he graduated from the Atchison County High School at Effingham. Later, he attended college for a while. After completing his education he became the owner and editor of the Muscotah Record. The newspaper gained a wide prestige and was prosperous. After his marriage to Miss Pearl Knox, of Muscotah, he and his wife removed to Los Angeles, where he became a member of the reportorial staff of the Los Angeles Times. He later entered the United States railway mail service at Los Angeles. John Stoddard, the subject of this review, was a Democrat during the latter years of his life, and served two terms as mayor of Muscotah. Mrs. Stoddard is a member of the Congregational church of Muscotah, and spends a portion of her time each year in California.

AARON B. EVANS.

Aaron B. Evans, pioneer auctioneer and livery proprietor, of Muscotah, Atchison county, was born April 16, 1857, in Union county, Tennessee, He was a son of George W. and Orlena (Wolfenbarger) Evans. His mother was a native of Granger county, Tennessee, and was of German extraction. George W. Evans, the father, was the owner of a large farm on the south side of Clinch river, in Union county, Tennessee, just opposite the old home of the Vansell family. A. B. Evans and M. C. Vansell, of Grasshopper township, were boys and play-mates together in Tennessee, and are first cousins. Like most boys living in the South, during that period, and in the time of the Civil war, their early education was sadly neglected. In fact, during the war the school system of Tennessee was entirely destroyed. When Aaron B. Evans was twenty years of age he left home and came direct to Kansas. He had no means wherewith to pay his transportation, and borrowed sufficient money from a neighbor to pay his railroad fare to Atchison. When he arrived at Atchison he had no money with which to pay for a meal or hotel accommodation. He and M. C. Vansell, who accompanied him on the trip, walked from Atchison to Kennekuk, where they stopped at the home of their uncle, M. C. Willis, for a few days.

Mr. Evans’ first employment in Kansas was on the farm of Dave Moore, located three and one-half miles northeast of Kennekuk, in Atchison county. He worked for various farmers in the county until he saved sufficient money to buy his first farm. For two years previous to his marriage, in 1881, he was in the employ of George Storch, who at that time was engaged in the general mercantile business at Muscotah, Kan. In 1881 Mr. Evans moved to a farm three miles northeast of Kennekuk, where he resided for three years, and was very successful in his farming operations. He then bought ninety-six acres of land near Kennekuk, which he cultivated for two years, when he sold it at a good profit. After selling his first farm he moved to a rented farm west of Muscotah, which he operated for one year, and invested in partnership with M. C. Vansell, and divided the land in a quarter section of raw prairie land, three miles northwest of Muscotah. He erected improvements on this farm and resided upon it for eighteen years. He sold his farm in 1901, and in May of the same year invested in a livery barn, and also entered upon his career of auctioneer, which he has followed since that time with considerable success. Mr. Evans also maintains a breeding stable, for the equipment of which he went to Lexington, Ky., in 1906 and purchased the best jack to be had in the Lexington market, and shipped him to Muscotah. This animal is the first high class jack ever brought to this section of Kansas. During this same year Mr. Evans also bought a pure bred black Percheron stallion, which he lost during the first year of his ownership. At the present time the Evans barn stands two high class jacks and one pure bred grey Percheron stallion.

On January 27, 1881, Mr. Evans was united in marriage with Recy Tannyhill, who was born in Marion county, Ohio, a daughter of William and Nancy Tannyhill, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye State, and emigrated to Kansas when Mrs. Evans was but eight years of age, and settled on a farm in Grasshopper township, Atchison county. Mr. and Mrs. Evans are the parents of seven children: Elizabeth, the wife of J. L. Morgan, St. Joseph, Mo.; William George, a farmer, Grasshopper township; Fred, who is associated with his father in the livery business; Orlena, the wife of Bert Annis, Chicago, Ill.; Nannie, living in Des Moines, Iowa; Nora, St. Joseph, Mo., and Frank, at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Evans are members of the Christian Advent church of Muscotah. He is a stanch and true Republican of the uncompromising variety, and has been one of the political leaders of his section of Atchison county for many years, serving as delegate several times to the Republican county conventions. He has always been an advocate of educational advancement, and has offered his children every opportunity to acquire a good common school education. He was one of the pioneers in the auctioneering profession in Atchison county, and was the second man to enter the business of crying sales.

RALPH A. ALLISON.

Ralph A. Allison, the capable, efficient and obliging cashier of the Muscotah State Bank, was born and reared in the town where he resides. He was born July 1, 1889, at Muscotah, Kan., a son of Webster C. and Irene (Alexander) Allison, the former a native of Illinois, and the latter of Wisconsin. Webster C. Allison was born in 1861 on his father’s farm in Illinois, and was the son of John Allison, who was born and reared in Pennsylvania, and immigrated to Illinois in the pioneer days of that State. Webster C. Allison attended the district schools of his native State, and assisted his father on the home farm until he was eighteen years of age. He then came to Kansas, where his first employment was on a farm west of Muscotah, owned and operated by A. B. Harvey. He worked for Mr. Harvey for one year, and then went to Jackson county, Kan., where he broke up and developed a tract of prairie land which he purchased. He improved his farm and cultivated it with profit until 1888, when he came to Muscotah and established a hardware store which he conducted successfully for twenty-five years. In 1913 Mr. Allison disposed of his interests in Muscotah, and removed to Horton, Kan., where he is now conducting a hardware and implement business.

To Webster C. and Irene Allison were born the following children: Lola, wife of Luther Cortelyou, assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Parsons, Kan.; Minnie, wife of Charles Hail, an oil operator, LeRoy, Kan.; Jennie, wife of William McClennon, Owasa, Iowa; Ralph A., with whom this review is directly concerned. Ralph A. received his primary education in the public schools of Muscotah, after which he completed a course in the Atchison County High School at Effingham, from which institution he graduated in 1907. For one year following his graduation he served as stenographer for a wholesale fruit company, and then entered his father’s hardware store in Muscotah, where he remained until the stock was sold in 1913. In 1914 be became manager of the Farmers Elevator Company of Muscotah. He became cashier of the Muscotah State Bank July 1, 1914, and is filling this responsible position to the satisfaction of the bank patrons, and in a manner which reflects credit upon himself and the bank’s officials and stockholders. Mr. Allison was married in April, 1912, to Miss Ella Ellson, who was born in Muscotah, a daughter of Charles Ellson, proprietor of the local meat market. Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Allison are the parents of one daughter, Priscilla, born April 17, 1913.

Mr. Allison is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America.

FRED SUTTER.

Fred Sutter, president of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Effingham, is a native son of Atchison county and prominently identified with the affairs of his county. Mr. Sutter is rightly considered as one of the real leaders of the county, and it can be said of him that he has met with unusual success in anything which he has undertaken. To him and his influence, more than any other individual, the farmers of the county are indebted for the inauguration of a skilled county farm expert. Kindred things of this character in behalf of the welfare of the county have been Mr. Sutter’s hobby for several years past.