Bios Index

SCHERMERHORN, E. B.

HON. E. B. SCHERMERHORN, one of the leading citizens of Galena, Kansas, whose portrait is herewith shown, is president of the Citizens Bank, president of the Cornwall Mining Company, president of the Galena Development Company, treasurer of the Wyandotte Mining Company, secretary and treasurer of the John M. Cooper M. & M. Company, and since 1902 a member of the State Legislature. He was born in Will County, Illinois.

Mr. Schermerhorn's early educational opportunities did not extend beyond the public schools, but such was his ambition to succeed and to make as rapid progress as possible, that for six years after completing the course his text-books remained his best beloved companions. He secured a post office position at Greenville, Michigan, after the assassination of President Lincoln, in which he continued until January 1, 1866. He then entered a banking institution with which he remained until 1873, mastering every detail of this branch of business, and accumulating in these years a capital of $10,000. With this he went to Colorado, invested in mining properties and lost his money within two years.

In December, 1875, Mr. Schermerhorn came to Baxter Springs, Cherokee County, Kansas, to begin his business climb over again. Here he accepted a clerical position with John M. Cooper, the leading merchant, with whom he later became associated in business. In 1877, under the firm name of John M. Cooper & Company, they opened a large mercantile business in Galena, to which city Mr. Schermerhorn removed. With this enterprise he is still connected. He was and is identified with many of the successful corporate institutions of the city and county, and for a number of years has been president of the Citizens' Bank.

In politics this prominent citizen has always been a firm supporter of the Republican party. In 1902 he was elected to the State Legislature, where his public acts have proved him as wise a legislator as he is a financier and private citizen.

Mr. Schermerhorn married Mrs. Abbie Simpson, a lady who is well fitted to preside over one of the most elegant and attractive homes in Galena. It is beautifully situated on a natural elevation, 65 feet above the street, and is adorned with the most elaborate of modern furnishings, a fit theater for many delightful social functions. Mr. Schermerhorn owns probably more valuable land than any other citizen of Cherokee County, the greater part of it being rich in mineral deposits.

Mr. Schermerhorn is a Knight Templar and a 32d degree Scottish Rite Mason. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Knights of Pythias and the Elks, being treasurer of the lodge of the last-named society. He also has membership in the Commercial Club.

Mr. Schermerhorn has accumulated a large fortune and he knows how to enjoy it, taking kindly to the good things of life and giving generous assistance to those who have been less fortunate. Both in his business and political life, he has gained the friendship and esteem of those who adequately represent the highest standards. (History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative Citizens, Edited & Compiled by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, A. M., Columbus, Kansas, 1904, Pages 289-290)

CONKLIN, LAWRENCE

LAWRENCE CONKLIN, one of the most prominent farmers in Pleasant View township, Cherokee County, was born in 1832 in Licking County, Ohio. In the spring of 1858 he moved to Missouri, and four years later, in the fall, found him in Pike County of that State, where he followed the occupation of teaching. During the Civil War he returned to Ohio, where he remained until 1867, when he turned his face westward. The journey to the West was made with horses and wagon, a large drove of sheep being driven ahead. After a short stop in Illinois, he proceeded to Cherokee County, Kansas, where he purchased what were then called "treaty right" lands. This land was bought from the Indians, and was located on the old "Military Road," in section 10, township 32, range 25, in what is now known as Pleasant View township. Here the subject of this sketch opened a general store and did a thriving business for a while. As one of the pioneers in this part of the State, he had the usual varied experiences of a settler in a new territory.

In 1868, just one year after his arrival in Kansas, Mr. Conklin married Mary Susan Roberts, a daughter of the late "Squire" Roberts. This marriage resulted in one child, Murray K., who was born in Pleasant View township, where he has always resided. His wife, now deceased, was Maude Hudson, of the same township; their children are Inez M. and Ruth.

John C. Conklin, the father of Lawrence Conklin, was a native of Dutchess County, New York. He lived to the advanced age of 00 years, his death occurring in Ohio in 1894.

His life occupation was that of farming. A most successful farmer, and a prominent man of his vicinity, he was also esteemed for his upright character and honesty of purpose. In politics, he was a stanch Republican, and was very active in working for the party. He was a justice of the peace for many years. He married Sally Cooley, of New York State. Her death occurred in Ohio in 1850, when 40 years of age. The family consisted of six children, four of whom are living, namely: Statira, Lawrence, John and Winfield Scott.

The grandfather, David Conklin, was a native of New York City. His ancestors, emigrating from Holland, were numbered among the original settlers of the State.

Of Lawrence Conklin as a citizen, no word of commendation is too strong. He combines qualities of character which make him most popular. One of the old guard who helped to form the Republican party, he followed it until he felt that it was leaving the teachings of the fathers, when he became an enthusiastic Populist. He represented the county, as a Republican, in the Legislature, in 1874, serving acceptably on several important committees. He has served as township trustee and member of the School Board, and was justice of the peace for 16 years. (History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative Citizens, Edited & Compiled by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, A. M., Columbus, Kansas, 1904, Page 290)

SADLER, HENRY R.

HENRY R. SADLER. Cherokee County is particularly favored in the solid character of its agricultural class, in which is the gentleman above named, who resides in section 15, Crawford township, and owns one of the best farms in the county. Mr. Sadler is a native of England, having been born in Milford, Derbyshire, in 1841, and has been a resident of Cherokee County since June 15, 1869.

The parents of the subject of this sketch came to America with their family in 1856, and settled in Philadelphia. After two years, Mr. Sadler concluded to try his fortunes in the great West, and went to Salem, Henry County, Iowa, where he lived until his removal to Kansas.

The first great event in the life of Mr. Sadler was the Civil War, in which he took an active and honorable part, bearing the scars of battle upon his body to this day. He enlisted in Henry County, Iowa, in September, 1861, as a private in Company F, 4th Reg., Iowa Vol. Cav., Captain Winslow commanding. He saw service in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee, and was mustered out December 12, 1864. He is one of the survivors of the dreaded Libby Prison, where he spent some time as the result of capture during the operations about Vicksburg. In a sharp skirmish which occurred about 25 miles from Helena, Arkansas, he received five bullet wounds, and for many weeks was incapacitated for service. With the exception of his prison life and this hospital experience, he was in the saddle during the entire period of his service.
Returning to Henry County in 1866, he there married Annie E. Smith, a native of Philadelphia, and in 1869 came to Cherokee County.

Upon the arrival of Mr. Sadler in Cherokee County in 1869, he immediately selected the claim which now constitutes his farm. This was unbroken prairie and the task of subduing it has been his life work. How well it has been done is evidenced by the many improvements on his farm, all of which are of a substantial character, the whole tract bearing evidence of the hand of an expert in agriculture.

Mr. and Mrs. Sadler are the parents of seven children, as follows: Sidney R, a farmer of Crawford township, who is married; Lenford S., a farmer of Crawford township, who is also married; Vinnie (Mrs. M. E. Cowell), of Crawford township; and Cora, Clytie, Scott and Winslow, who are children at home.

Mr. Sadler's political affiliations are with the Republican party; although not a politician in any sense of the term, he has never failed to take an active part in the local contests. In the trying times of the early nineties, when the Reform party was at its best, the need of a strong ticket caused the leaders of the party to urge upon him the nomination for county treasurer, and in the election which followed he was chosen to that office. He served with credit during the term of 1891-92, and turned over the office to his successor in most creditable shape.

Fraternally, Mr. Sadler holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, John A. Dix Post, No. 59.

With a well spent past and no cause for financial worry in the future, the subject of this sketch bids fair to spend the remainder of his days amid the felicitations of his hosts of friends, who esteem him most highly for his true worth and merit. (History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative Citizens, Edited & Compiled by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, A. M., Columbus, Kansas, 1904, Pages 290-291)

EDWARDS, DANIEL

DANIEL EDWARDS, one of the highly respected citizens of Ross township, Cherokee County, Kansas, died on his well cultivated farm June 19, 1899. He was born in Cumberland County, England, January 8, 1847, and was a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Edwards.

The parents of the late Daniel Edwards were honest, worthy, industrious people, the mother coming from an old Cumberland family, and the father, from one in Lancaster. They had six children, namely: Margaret, Tamer, Daniel, Thomas, Elizabeth and James.

Although the subject of this sketch was a man of more than usual intelligence and of excellent business capacity, he had but limited educational advantages in his youth, as he started to work in the coal mines when but a child of nine years. In 1869 he came to America and worked at various places before coming to Cherokee County, in 1879, spending some years at North Lawrence, Stark County, Ohio. After his marriage he settled in Mineral township, Cherokee County, and, after being engaged for a time in mining, bought 80 acres of land in section 36, township 32, range 23 in Ross township. He had all the improvements to make here, as it was wild prairie land when he settled on it. He did some farming, but coal soon being found under his land, the development of this great commodity rewarded him better than agriculture. His knowledge of mines and mining assured him of much more than a competency, when he put down what is now known as the Edwards shaft on his farm, in 1899. This mine is worked with a force of from five to 14 men, and its output is very satisfactory. Mr. Edwards was a very hardworking man, and did not live to see how really valuable his property was to be.

In 1879, Mr. Edwards married Mary Shaw, who was born at Stockport, Cheshire, England, and is a daughter of James and Martha (Gibbons) Shaw, with whom she came to America in June, 1863. They located at North Lawrence, Stark County, Ohio. Her mother died at Pigeon Run, in that county. The father came to Kansas and spent his last years here. They had three children,-John, who is a retired engineer at Weir City; Mary (Mrs. Edwards); and Wright, of Massillon, Ohio.
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, namely: John Albert, who died in Ohio; Ida Martha, wife of John McGregor, who farms the Edwards homestead; Cora Elizabeth, who died in Ohio; Daniel Wright, who died in 1898; Nellie Belle, deceased, and Delia Estelle (twins), of whom the latter became the wife of William Earl, of Ross township; William Walter, who is mining on the home place: and James Thomas, who is at home. Mr. Edwards was a member, as is his wife, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he favored the Populist party. Fraternally, he formerly belonged to the order of Odd Fellows.

Mr. Edwards was a man of the highest integrity. He was well known to a large number of people. In his Home he was beloved and respected, being a loyal, loving husband and careful father, whose ambition it was to train up his children to be good men and women. He was a man of a great deal of character. He had earned all his possessions, and valued them as the result of his industry, but he was always ready to help those in need, and gave largely to charity. (History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative Citizens, Edited & Compiled by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, A. M., Columbus, Kansas, 1904, Pages 291-292)

HUGHES, MICHAEL

MICHAEL HUGHES, one of the well known citizens and prosperous farmers of Cherokee County, residing on a finely cultivated and improved farm of 160 acres in section 8, township 32, range 24, in Mineral township, was born April 18, 1863, in St. Clair County, Illinois, and is a son of Luke and Ann (Costello) Hughes.

Michael Hughes, the paternal grandfather, for whom the subject of this sketch was named, was born in Ireland and came in 1848 to America, where both he and his wife subsequently died. Luke Hughes, was born in Ireland in 1829, and accompanied his parents to America in 1848. They settled in Pennsylvania, where Luke Hughes worked in a foundry for three years, and then moved to Wisconsin, where he worked in a blacksmith and foundry establishment. He was subsequently employed for about 10 years in the same business at St. Louis. He removed to Wyandotte, Kansas, in 1868, and several years later began to assist in railroad construction work, on a line then building. Thus he continued until he purchased the farms on which he and his son now reside. His own farm of 160 acres, located in the northeast quarter of section 9, township 32, range 24, he bought in 1887. He is a very highly respected citizen, and one of the oldest settlers in Mineral township.

In 1857, Luke Hughes married Ann Costello, who was born in Ireland. They had 11 children, the survivors being: Fannie, Michael, Daniel, Joseph and Edward. James died December 31, 1903.

Michael Hughes was nine years old when his parents came to Kansas, and his whole life since then has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. His finely cultivated farm of 160 acres was given him by a very indulgent father. This he has improved, and here carries on general farming with most satisfactory results.

In 1891 Michael Hughes was married to Maggie McArdel, and their interesting family of five children were all born in Mineral township. They are named as follows: Patrick, Edward, Phillip, Frances and John. Politically, Mr. Hughes chooses to vote independently. He is a member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association. Mr. Hughes belongs to one of the old families of the township, and bears the reputation of being one of a family of extraordinarily good farmers, as well as first-class citizens. (History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative Citizens, Edited & Compiled by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, A. M., Columbus, Kansas, 1904, Pages 292-293)

FISHER, GEORGE M.

GEORGE M. FISHER, formerly actively engaged in business at Columbus. but now retired, is one of the self-made and substantial men of Cherokee County, and owns a fine farm of 320 acres in Crawford township. He was born in Huron County, Ohio, November 12, 1838, and is the only son of Benjamin and Jane (Curran) Fisher, natives of New York and Massachusetts, respectively. The parents of Mr. Fisher died in Ohio in 1889, the mother, in January, and the father, in October. They had two daughters, one of whom is deceased, and the other, Charlotte, is Mrs. Edward Lincoln, of Sandusky, Ohio.

George M. Fisher received a good, common-school education. He left home at the age of 18 years to seek his fortune, not wishing to learn his father's trade of stone cutting and bridge contracting. After working for the American Express Company for a short time at Richmond, Indiana, he went to Xenia, Ohio, to work for the same company, and later was located at Lafayette and Fort Wayne, Indiana. He spent seven years as express messenger on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. After leaving the express business, he continued in railroad work, spending four years with The Pullman Company, and four years with The Central Transportation Company, on the sleeping car line, running first from Crestline, Ohio, to Altoona, Pennsylvania, and then from Crestline to Chicago; he was later transferred to the run between New York and Chicago. Following this service, he became a freight conductor on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad and remained with this company until he went into business at Collins, Ohio. There, with his brother-in-law, he conducted a general store until 1884, when he came to Cherokee County, Kansas.

On coming to this county, Mr. Fisher first engaged in a meat business at Columbus, which he sold when he was employed by Special Disbursing Agent A. T. Lea, of Columbus, to assist in enumerating all the Indians concerned in the listing of the land sales of 1888-89, in Dakota. The list included 20,578 Indians, and Mr. Fisher inscribed all the names in both the English and Indian languages,-a task that required for its completion a period of two years and four months. Mr. Fisher returned to Columbus when the work was accomplished, in January, 1892.

Mr. Fisher was married at Galion, Crawford County, Ohio, to Jennie Neff, who was born at Bucyrus, but reared at Galion. She is a daughter of Henry and Isabelle (Buckingham) Neff. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Ohio, in 1884, and her mother was born in Maryland, and died in 1882. Mrs. Fisher was one of eight children and is the only survivor, except a brother, James L. Neff, who is now one of the best paid and most efficient engineers on the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway, with which he has been connected for 35 years, his home being at Galion, Ohio. James L. Neff enlisted in the Civil War at the age of 19 and served through the whole struggle.

Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have three daughters and two sons, namely: Carrie, Benjamin H., Georgia, Frederick and Kathryn. Carrie, who resides in Kansas City, Missouri, with her two children, Georgia and Louise, is the widow of Sherry W. Marshall, who was receiving teller of the National Bank of Commerce of Kansas City, Missouri, at the time he was accidentally killed by the cars, on December 8, 1901, at La Cygne, Kansas. Benjamin H. Fisher, who is a graduate dentist, has lived during recent years in Portland, Oregon, but is now with a party en route to Alaska on a prospecting tour. Georgia married Asa Lea, and has one child,- Sherry E. ;they reside in Kansas City, Missouri, where Mr. Lea is manager of the Ancient Order of Pyramids, of that city. Frederick, who was a member of an Oregon battery in the Spanish-American War, lives in Columbus, Kansas, where he is a machinist and general mechanic. Kathryn lives at home with her parents. Mrs. Fisher is a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which Mr. Fisher gives a liberal support. Politically, he is a Republican, while his social connection is with the Order of the Triple Tie, at Columbus, of which his wife is also a member. (History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative Citizens, Edited & Compiled by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, A. M., Columbus, Kansas, 1904, Pages 293-294)

LYERLA, AARON

AARON LYERLA, a former well [w 5 HI known farmer of Cherokee County, whose farm was in sections 9 and 16, Shawnee township, died April 3, 1892. He was born in Union County, Illinois, February 28, 1850, and was a son of Solomon and Delilah (Williams) Lyerla. The Lyerla family were among the pioneer settlers in Illinois, having moved to that State from North Carolina at an early day. Aaron Lyerla's grandfather moved to Jackson County, Illinois. form the Old North State, bringing all he had in a two-wheel ox cart.

Solomon Lyerla was born in Jackson County, Illinois, and remained on the home farm until about the time of his marriage, when he entered a tract of land and engaged in farming. He continued adding to his property, which was situated in Union County, until he became an extensive land owner for those days. This property he sold about the year 1859 and bought a 360-acre farm in Montgomery County, Illinois, where he lived until his death. He was a justice of the peace for many years, in Union and Montgomery counties. He was married twice, and 11 children were born to his union with Delilah Williams, his second wife. Of these, the following grew to maturity : Jacob, a resident of Montgomery County, Illinois; Calvin; William R., who is engaged in farming in Shawnee township, Cherokee County; Richard, of Montgomery County, Illinois; Mary Jane, wife of P. W. Plyler, of Montgomery County; Sarah Ann, deceased, who was the wife of Frank Sellers; Margaret E., wife of William Redmond, of Montgomery County; Solomon, of Jackson County, Illinois; and Aaron. The parents of the subject of this sketch were members of the Christian Church. Aaron Lyerla spent the first nine years of his life on his father's farm in Union County, Illinois, and then moved with the family to the Montgomery County farm, where he grew to manhood, becoming familiar with all kinds of farm work. There he remained, following the occupation of farming, until 1883, when he moved to Kansas, and located on a 160-acre tract which he had purchased. Four years afterward he returned to Illinois, and managed his mother's farm until the time of his death. A stanch Democrat, Mr. Lyerla always voted the ticket as set forth by that party, yet did not take a prominent part in political affairs. Fraternally, he affiliated with the Masons, having become a member of that order in his native State. He was a consistent member of the Christian Church, in which he was a faithful worker.

In 1872 Mr. Lyerla was married to Sarah Catherine Sellers, a daughter of Samuel Sellers, of Montgomery County, Illinois. Four children were born to this union, all of whom are living. They are as follows: Adah Heletha (Mrs. Fay Stone), of Villa Ridge, Illinois; Eva Delilah (Mrs. Earl Bray), of Joplin, Missouri; Elsie Addie Euphemia (Mrs. Arthur Gibson), now living at Messer, Kansas; and Walter S., living on the old home place. Mrs. Lyerla's father was born and reared near Dayton, Ohio. Although much of his time was spent in doing farm work, he was a carpenter by trade, and at intervals followed that occupation. Although not a politician, he took some interest in politics, always voting the Democratic ticket. He married Ruth Isaruah Moniah Isabelle Buchanan Beck, a daughter of John Beck. Of the seven children born to them, six are now living, namely: Sarah Catherine, widow of the subject of this sketch; Euphemia Alice (Mrs. William R. Lyerla), of Shawnee township, Cherokee County; Andrew Preston, of Decatur, Illinois; Melvin Powell, living at Grand Junction, Colorado; Amasa Erastus, of Illinois; and Samuel Wesley, of Grand Junction,. Colorado. Mrs. Sellers was a member of the Christian Church. Her death occurred during the Civil War, in 1864. The father is still living, hale and hearty, at the age of 77 years. His home is in Coffeen, Montgomery County, Illinois.

Mrs. Lyerla resides on the 160 acres originally purchased by her husband on his arrival in Kansas. It is good, rich farm land, much of it under cultivation, and with the assistance and good management of her son, Walter S. who lives on the farm, it brings forth all the products of the average farm. As is the custom of large land holders in this part of the country, a part of the farm is rented out. (History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative Citizens, Edited & Compiled by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, A. M., Columbus, Kansas, 1904, Pages 294-295)

WILLIAMS, L. F.

L. F. WILLIAMS, county attorney of Cherokee County, was born at Appleton City, St. Clair County, Missouri, in 1876, and is a son of L. A. and Jennie (Wylie) Williams.

The father of Mr. Williams, who was descended from Irish and Welsh ancestors, was born in Illinois, and reared near Cairo. He removed to Missouri where he married, and finally located in Columbus, Kansas, where he was engaged in the grocery business with his son-in-law, C. W. Van Zandt. He continued thus until about two years prior to his death, in May, 1901, at the age of 52 years. His wife still survives, and is a resident of Columbus. She has one daughter, Mrs. Edith Van Zandt, who is a singer of note, and has taught and studied music extensively. Mrs. Van Zandt has had the advantages of being a pupil of Madam Clagett, who studied under Patti.

When our subject was a child, his parents located at Lamar, Missouri, and there he graduated from the high school and subsequently taught a term of school in Barton County. Then he went into the newspaper business at Mountain Grove, Missouri, where in 1894, he conducted a paper for seven months. He returned to Lamar in 1895, and was on the editorial staff of the Barton County Republican for 12 months. He also spent some months in the law office of Thurman & Wray at Lamar, and later was in the office of C. D. Ashley, of Columbus, Kansas. On October 10, 1896, he located at Columbus, and was admitted to practice in 1897, in which year he was employed in the offices of the county clerk and county treasurer.

On May 2, 1898, Mr. Williams enlisted for the Spanish-American War as 1st lieutenant of Company F, 22nd Reg., Kansas Inf., U. S. Vols., and accompanied the regiment to Topeka and to Leavenworth, and to Camp Alger, Virginia. He crossed the mountains into Pennsylvania, returning six months later as regimental quartermaster on the staff of Col. H. C. Lindsay, of Topeka. He then began his law practice at Columbus, and in April, 1899, was elected city attorney, on the Republican ticket. He was reelected in the spring of 1900. Soon afterward he formed a law partnership with C. A. McNeill, under the firm name of McNeill & Williams, which continued until he became county attorney of Cherokee County. To this office he was elected on the Republican ticket in November, 1902, by a majority of 252, indicating a change of more than a thousand votes, as compared with previous elections. He is without doubt the youngest prosecuting attorney in the State, and his county furnishes more criminal litigation than any other in the State, with the possible exception of two. In July, 1902, Mr. Williams opened a branch office at Weir City, which is now really his home.

In addition to his successful practice of the law, Mr. Williams has shown unusual business ability and is one of the leading spirits in a prosperous enterprise which has its headquarters in Columbus. This is the Western Cigar & Tobacco Company of Columbus, incorporated December 19, 1902, by C. A. McNeill, Al. F. Williams and W. W. Bowers, with a capital of $2,000. In January, 1904, the business was reincorporated with a capital of $5,000. While the controlling interest is held by Mr. McNeill and Mr. Williams, there are now about 40 stockholders, and its board of officers is as follows: C. A. McNeill, president; Dr. C. S. Huffman, vice-president; Al. F. Williams, secretary and treasurer; and W. W. Bowers, general manager. The traveling representative is W. M. Frogue, who covers Southeastern Kansas, Oklahoma and a part of Missouri. The company employs 40 people and turns out 125,000 cigars monthly, the leading brands being the "Hoo-hoo," a five-cent cigar, and the "American Dignitaries" a 10-cent cigar. The success of this business has been almost phenomenal, and reflects the greatest credit upon the foresight, energy and ability of its founders. Fraternally, Mr. Williams belongs to the Grand Lodge of Kansas Knights of Pythias, the Odd Fellows, Elks, Eagles and Woodmen of the World. Religiously, he favors the Methodist Episcopal Church. (History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative Citizens, Edited & Compiled by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, A. M., Columbus, Kansas, 1904, Pages 295-296)

BETTY, CHARLES H.

CHARLES H. BETTY, one of the later settlers of Cherokee County, lives on a farm of 160 acres, in section 19, Shawnee township. He is a native of Montgomery County, Illinois, where he was born June 11, 1859. His parents were Isaac and Louisa (Allen) Betty, both natives of Smith County, Tennessee, where both grew to maturity and were married.

Isaac Betty lived at home until his marriage, when he rented a farm and engaged in farming for himself for several years as a renter. In 1849 he removed to Montgomery County, Illinois, and there remained until his death, which occurred in 1891, at the age of 72. Before his removal from Tennessee, he enlisted in the army for the Mexican War, and served faithfully to the end, participating in many skirmishes and in the battle of Buena Vista. He married Louisa Allen, a daughter of Archibald Allen, of Tennessee, and granddaughter of Archibald Allen, a soldier of the War of 1812, who participated in the battle of New Orleans. They had eight children, seven of whom are living, namely: Caroline, wife of Thomas Gray, of Montgomery County, Illinois: Francis, who is married and lives in Shawnee township, Cherokee County; Robert, of Oklahoma; William, who lives near Spokane Falls, Washington ; Alonzo, of Illinois; Charles H.; and Amanda, who lives with our subject.

Charles H. Betty received such schooling as the schools of his native county afforded. He remained at home until the age of 27, occupying himself with the labors of the farm. In 1887 he came to Kansas, and purchased the farm of 160 acres where he now resides. Four years after taking up his residence in Kansas, he married Mary Atkinson, who was born in Columbus, Cherokee County, and is a daughter of J. C. Atkinson. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Betty are: Russell C, born July 2, 1893; Irven, born February 17, 1895; Mirten, born December 9, 1896; Alonzo J., born January 25, 1898; Willis R., born September 6, 1899; Jesse N., born October 22, 1900; and Wilbert D., born May 26, 1903.

Mrs. Betty's father, J. C. Atkinson, was born in Indiana in 1836, and came to Kansas when very young, being numbered among the State's early settlers. A farmer all his life, he acquired enough of a competency to retire from active work in later years. His wife was a widow, whose maiden name was Sarah Caldwell. The only child of her first marriage was Eva (Mrs. Emanuel Jenkins), of the Indian Territory. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson seven children were born, five of whom are living, as follows: Flora (Mrs. Young), of Hillside, Indian Territory; Ada, wife of Joseph Hampstan, of Shawnee township, Cherokee County; Fannie, wife of William Mantonia of Crestline, Cherokee County; Mary, wife of our subject; and Marena, wife of William Adams, of Ralston, Oklahoma.

Mr. Atkinson was a member of the Society of Friends, as is also his daughter. The Atkinson family is of English descent, the great-grandfather having migrated from England to America. The grandfather was Robert Atkinson, a native of Indiana. Mrs. Atkinson, the mother of Mrs. Betty, died September 25, 1881.

Mr. Betty has a fine farm for gardening purposes, and raises large quantities of garden produce. Of the small grains, corn is his principal crop, most of which he feeds to the stock raised on the farm. Our subject prides himself on the fine melons he raises, large numbers of which are placed on the market each year. Several times, at the Old Settlers' Reunions, he has exhibited his produce in competition for the prizes offered, and the size and good quality of his exhibit have won the prize each time.

Mr. Betty, though not taking an active interest in politics, always votes a straight Republican ticket, and at all times stands for the principles of his party. The family is well and favorably known in the locality and are held in the highest respect and esteem by all who know them. (History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative Citizens, Edited & Compiled by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, A. M., Columbus, Kansas, 1904, Pages 296-297)

WALKER, STEPHEN L.

STEPHEN L. WALKER, junior member of the law firm of Skidmore & Walker, of Columbus, was born June 22, 1873, in Cherokee County, Kansas, and is a son of Arcenith F. and Lucinda A. (Le Grand) Walker.

Arcenith F. Walker and his wife were reared in Illinois, the father in Bond County, and the mother in St. Clair County, and they came to Neosho township, Cherokee County, Kansas, in 1867. Mr. Walker has followed farming and stock-raising ever since. Of their nine children, seven still survive, namely: John, a stonecutter by trade, who is married and resides on his farm in Lyon township; Edward, also married, who lives on his farm in Lola township; William, who also has a family, and lives on his farm in Lyon township; Stephen L., about whom we write; Daniel A., who is a dentist in the town of McCune, Crawford County, Kansas; Frederick A., who is an attorney at Weir City; and Walter, who is a high school student. Jennie married S. D. Newton, and was accidentally killed in 1896, at the age of 28 years, leaving a family of four little children. Myrtle died at the age of 18 months. Mr. Walker was reared in Cherokee County, and is a product of her public schools. From the Columbus High School he went to the Kansas Normal College at Fort Scott, and then took up teaching as a profession. This he followed for eight years through Cherokee County, in the meantime preparing for the serious study of the law. After two years spent with C. D. Ashley, a prominent attorney of Columbus, he was admitted to the bar on September 25, 1900, and practiced alone until January, 1903, when he formed his present partnership with Judge A. H. Skidmore. He is considered one of the most promising of the younger members of the bar, and his past success may be taken as an indication of his future. His quickness and ability joined to Judge Skidmore's learning and experience make a combination of exceeding strength, and the firm handles a large part of the important legal business of this section.

During the late Spanish-American War, Mr. Walker enlisted in Company F, 22nd Reg., Kansas Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, and remained six months in the service, being stationed at Camp Alger and other points in the East, with the rank of sergeant.

Mr. Walker's family consists of a wife and son, the latter a bright lad bearing the name of Maurice Andrew. Mrs. Walker was formerly Minnie Mayhew, whose mother, Mrs. Sarah Mayhew, resides in Columbus. The Mayhew family came to Cherokee County in 1880, and here Mrs. Walker was a successful teacher for about nine years. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Politically, Mr. Walker is a Republican. Like his father, who is a veteran of the Civil War, he is patriotically devoted to his country while at the same time he is fully awake to the needs and the opportunities of his county and city. Possessing a winning address and sterling traits of character, many are found to predict a bright future for this able young attorney. (History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative Citizens, Edited & Compiled by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, A. M., Columbus, Kansas, 1904, Page 298)

SEIBERT, DEWITT C.

DEWITT C. SEIBERT, deceased, was one of the early settlers of Cherokee County, and for many years was identified with its important affairs. He was born in Washington County, Maryland, July 11, 1846, and died in Cherokee County, February 10, 1902. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Martin) Seibert.

Henry Seibert was born November 26. 1815, in Washington County, Maryland, and died July 26, 1871, in Carroll County, Indiana, His wife, Elizabeth Martin, was born April 7, 1822, in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and died October 26, 1867. The Seiberts have all been Democrats in politics, and Presbyterians in religion, and both they and the Martins were prominent men and women in their day. William Martin, a brother of the late Mr. Seibert's mother, as one of the responsible men of his locality, was selected as one of the jury called in the case of John Brown, the agitator. Mr. Martin still survives and lives at Harper's Ferry, being an old man now. The late Mr. Seibert was one of a family of eight children, viz: Mrs. Catherine Mullendore, who died at Dodge City, Kansas; Mrs. Rachel Barnes, who died at Delphi, Indiana; Mrs. Susan E. Barnes, of Danville, Illinois; De Witt C.; Emma, who died in Illinois; David, who died on his farm in Indiana; Abram, who died in Indiana; and Lewis, who died in boyhood.

The late Mr. Seibert removed with his parents to Carroll County, Indiana, when five years of age, and remained there until the fall of 1876, when he came to Cherokee County, and settled on a farm about four miles from Columbus, in Crawford township. Here he prospered, and the farm is still owned by his widow, who leases and oversees it personally. In December, 1901, he removed to Columbus, but enjoyed his pleasant home there but a short time, his death occurring in the following February. He was active in politics, and frequently served in township offices. He joined the organization of Odd Fellows while a resident of Indiana.

On February 8, 1870, in Indiana, Mr. Seibert was married to Belle F. Wharton, who was born September 17, 1852, in Carroll County, Indiana, and is a daughter of John and Ann A. (Montgomery) Wharton. John Wharton was born July 12, 1812, in what was then Miffiin, but is now included in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish parentage. At the time of his death he had been a ruling elder of the Rock Creek Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, having joined this religious body in 1832. On February 2, 1866, Mr. Wharton was initiated into Rockfield Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 301, and as long as he lived he took an active part in the workings of the order. On March 23, 1837, Mr. Wharton married Ann A. Montgomery, who was born at Lewistown, Miffiin County, Pennsylvania, February 23, 1819, and died at Logansport, Cass County, Indiana, July 29, 1901. Her parents came to-America from County Tyrone, Ireland, accompanying their parents to Miffiin County, Pennsylvania, where they settled down to farming in the fertile Tuscarora Valley. Great-grandfather Wharton served seven years in the Revolutionary War, and was taken prisoner by the Indians. Mr. Wharton survived until June 6, 1900, dying on his farm in Carroll County, Indiana, after a residence there of 62 years. In early life a Whig, he later adopted the principles of the Republican party.

Mrs. Seibert was the youngest of seven children who arrived at maturity, namely: William W., a farmer near Logansport, Indiana. and a veteran of the Civil War; Mrs. Lizzie J. Anderson, who died at Mattox, Virginia, in June, 1899; James, a very successful farmer near Bringhurst, Indiana, who was 1st lieutenant of Company A, 9th Reg. Indiana Vol. Int. and served through four years of the Civil War; S. Edward, also a veteran of the Civil War, who is now engaged in the grocery business in Chicago; Mrs. Mattie Jordan, who resides at Lake Cicott, Indiana; Robert, who is in the employ of the Chicago & Alton Railway Company at Bloomington, Illinois; and Mrs. Seibert. The last named was reared and educated in Indiana and there met and married the late De Witt C. Seibert. They had three children, namely: Leila, Lewis and Harry. Leila, who is now the wife of Dr. P. R. Sayer, a prominent dentist of Columbus, was born December 5, 1870, in Carroll County, Indiana. Lewis, who was also born in Carroll County, March 17, 1874, is interested in farming in Cherokee County; he was married on March 19, 1899, to May Overholser, and has one son,-Clinton. Harry, who was born in Cherokee County, February 2, 1877, is engaged with S. W. Hough, in the undertaking business at Columbus, and on December 28, 1898, was married to Margaret Gaither.

As before stated, Mrs. Seibert finds pleasure and occupation in personally overseeing the homestead farm of 160 acres, and she also owns the handsome family home in Columbus. She has been a member of, and an active worker in, the Presbyterian Church since her childhood. About the time of his marriage, Mr. Seibert became a member of the same denomination, and from 1877 until his death he served as an elder in the Columbus Presbyterian Church. He was a man of upright life and Christian spirit. He commanded the respect of all who knew him, and his death was a distinct loss to Cherokee County. (History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative Citizens, Edited & Compiled by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, A. M., Columbus, Kansas, 1904, Pages 298-300)

LARUE, H. A.

H. A. LARUE, cashier of the First National Bank of Columbus, the oldest financial institution in Cherokee County, was born in 1868 in Ben-ton County, Iowa, and is a son of T. P. LaRue, the well known capitalist of this section.

Mr. LaRue was a pupil in the public schools of Iowa, and was 18 years of age when he came to Cherokee County, Kansas. Two years later he entered the banking institution of which his father was president, and iir 1891 was made cashier. This bank was founded in 1882 by Dwight & Schott; it passed into the hands of Jarvis, Conklin & Company and was then bought by T. A. LaRue in the fall of 1887. The change in name was accomplished in 1902. Its capitalization is $50,000, and its undivided profits are about $5,000. Its officers are: T. P. LaRue, president; Isaac Wright, vice-president; H. A. LaRue, cashier; and A. M. Albin, assistant cashier. Mr. LaRue's time is devoted to the business of the bank, and to looking after his extensive real estate investments.

Mr. LaRue married Ella H. Hughes, who came to Kansas in 1880 with her parents. Her father is deceased, but her mother resides in Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. LaRue have one son, Robert H., who was born in Columbus. Mrs. LaRue is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Politically, Mr. LaRue is identified with the Republican party. At present he is serving as treasurer of the Columbus Board of Education. His fraternal associations include the Masonic Blue Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter at Columbus; and the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, all of Columbus. (History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative Citizens, Edited & Compiled by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, A. M., Columbus, Kansas, 1904, Page 300)