Chautauqua County KS

Biography of Harry Jiencke

Harry Jiencke, born May 27, 1858, in Germany, immigrated to America at a young age and established himself as a successful salesman in Kansas for 25 years. He then transitioned to the oil and gas industry in Independence, where he became a prominent businessman and held leadership roles in several companies, including the Independence Brick Company. A member of the Democratic Party, he ran for state senator and actively participated in organizations like the Knights of Pythias. Jiencke married Dick Kaschner in 1886.

Biography of Herman Genthe

Herman Genthe, born in 1857 in Saxony, Germany, established the oldest continuously operated bakery in Topeka in 1887. A master baker, his skills were inherited from a lineage of millers. After migrating to America at age 24, he worked across various towns before settling in Topeka. Genthe is renowned for his high-quality rye bread, which gained a loyal customer base beyond the city. He married Barbara Rost and raised four children, with two actively involved in the family bakery and music.

Biography of Herschel C. Porterfield

Herschel C. Porterfield, born August 10, 1856, in Butler County, Pennsylvania, has dedicated over thirty-five years to the oil industry, establishing a notable career as a contractor and producer. He moved to Kansas in 1903, settling in Independence, where he co-founded the Amherst Oil Company, managing numerous producing wells. A man of strong family ties and diverse interests, Porterfield’s heritage includes Irish and Scottish descent. He married Lydia A. Ogden in 1880, raising five children, many of whom followed in his footsteps in the oil business.

Biography of C. O. Ross

C. O. Ross, born in Ohio in 1875, exemplifies the successful spirit of the oil and gas industry. Beginning his career in the oil fields at 21, he rose to prominence through hard work and integrity, establishing a significant presence in Kansas. By 1907, he made Coffeyville his base, overseeing 350 oil wells and various ranches. A dedicated family man and community member, he is also active in civic and fraternal organizations while maintaining high ethical standards in business. Ross’s legacy is defined by commitment to progress and honor.

Biography of Henry Seymour Sewell

Henry Seymour Sewell, born on October 4, 1876, in Montgomery County, Kansas, is a prominent merchant in Independence. A grandson of early pioneers, he began working young to support his family. After gaining experience in the meat trade, he opened his grocery and meat store in 1907. Through hard work, he expanded his business and amassed significant property, including farmland. Independent in politics, Sewell married Stella Bowers in 1907, and they have two children, William and Irene.

Biography of Thomas E. Trigg

Thomas E. Trigg, born in Albia, Iowa, in 1862, has been a significant figure in Kansas journalism for over 25 years. The owner of the Elgin Journal, he honed his skills in various newspaper roles, including owning the Cedar Vale Commercial and the Mirror in Latham. His family has deep roots in American history, with connections to notable early settlers and political figures. Married to Ella B. Vincent, they had one son, Thomas Clyde. Trigg’s work reflects a commitment to quality journalism and community engagement.

Biography of D. C. Hampton

D. C. Hampton, born in Illinois in 1858 and raised in Kansas, moved to Indian Territory in 1874, where he became integral to the early development of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. As a successful merchant and farmer, he navigated the challenges of pioneer life and built strong community relations, notably with Native Americans. Married to Hattie Bennett, a fellow pioneer’s daughter, he raised four sons, all of whom served in World War I. Hampton’s life reflects significant contributions to local commerce and community welfare.

Biography of W. M. Tate

W. M. Tate, born on December 4, 1873, in western Kansas, has spent twenty-one years farming on his 140-acre property in Nowata County. He comes from a family with roots in Kentucky and Indiana, who moved frequently before settling in Indian Territory. Tate has cultivated his land and raised livestock, achieving prominence among local farmers. Married twice, he has eight children and is an active community member, serving on the school board and supporting Democratic ideals.

Biography of John C. Kirby, M. D.

Dr. John C. Kirby, born January 7, 1864, in Missouri, has established himself as a prominent figure in Cedar Vale’s medical community over the past fifteen years. His dedication and skill have earned the trust of many families. Raised in a lineage of military service, Dr. Kirby pursued medical education at Iowa State University, graduating in 1892. He began his practice in Nebraska before moving to Cedar Vale in 1901. A respected member of various medical societies and community organizations, he has also achieved financial success through farming and oil interests.

Biography of Harry Pray Study, A. B., A. M.

Harry Pray Study, born January 7, 1879, in Fountain City, Indiana, emerged as a prominent educator and superintendent of schools in Neodesha, Kansas. A product of Baker University and Boston University, he dedicated his career to enhancing educational standards and student well-being. After various teaching roles, including positions in high schools and specialized institutions across several states, he settled in Neodesha, overseeing four schools and 1,250 students. Married to Clara Louise Lord, he exemplifies a legacy of commitment to education and community service.

Biography of James Otis Tulloss

James Otis Tulloss, born in 1874 in Rantoul, Kansas, is a significant figure in Chautauqua County’s business landscape. Building on his family’s legacy, which began with early pioneers in Kansas, Tulloss established himself in the hardware industry and managed one of the largest hardware stores in the area. An Agricultural College graduate, he is also a farmer with land near Rantoul. Active in local politics and community services, Tulloss has contributed to various organizations and held several leadership positions, maintaining a Republican affiliation throughout his career.

Biography of Charles W. Shinn, Hon.

Hon. Charles W. Shinn, a distinguished judge and current city attorney of Neodesha, Kansas, built a reputation for legal acumen and integrity over eight years on the bench. Born on May 30, 1854, in Illinois, he pursued a law career after farming in California. Elected judge of the Twenty-sixth and later the Thirteenth Judicial Districts, Shinn showcased wisdom in his rulings. A devoted family man and community leader, he remains active in Masonic organizations and continues to serve Neodesha, reflecting a legacy of public service and influence.

Biography of Charles W. Brown

Charles W. Brown, born January 26, 1861, in California, was deeply rooted in Southeastern Kansas, where he spent over thirty-five years on his ranch. His Osage Indian ancestry connected him to the region long before white settlement. A descendant of Ohio pioneers, he cultivated a successful career in farming and cattle raising after marrying Dora Hampton in 1885. A prominent community member, he was actively involved in local Masonic organizations and the Presbyterian Church, raising three children while managing his attractive home in Caney.

Biography of Carl Ackarman

Carl Ackarman, born on January 16, 1881, in Moline, Kansas, rose to prominence as a skilled attorney in Sedan, where he successfully served as county attorney after winning re-election in 1916. A graduate of the University of Kansas, Ackarman excelled in athletics while establishing a robust law practice. Involved in local politics and fraternal organizations, he married Jeannette Surbeck in 1913. Ackarman’s family legacy includes a notable lineage; his grandfather was a farmer, and his father, E.C. Ackarman, was a prominent hardware merchant in Sedan.

Biography of Charles Edwin Westlake

Charles Edwin Westlake, born in Canada in 1870, moved to Kansas as a child and became a versatile businessman, engaging in farming, ranching, merchandising, and later the undertaking industry in Sedan. His family, originally from England, had deep roots in Kansas. Westlake gained valuable experience in various businesses before establishing himself as a leading undertaker in Chautauqua County. A Republican and community member, he served on local boards and was active in the Episcopal Church and Masonic lodge. His personal life included four children from a previous marriage and a second marriage to Nellie Cook.

Biography of William Taylor Williams

William Taylor Williams, born in Hart County, Kentucky, in 1848, became a prominent figure in Sedan, Kansas. A dedicated farmer and successful businessman, he served as vice president of the First National Bank and owned extensive farmland in Chautauqua County. Williams, a Civil War veteran and active in local politics, was a member of the Socialist party, advocating for social reforms. Married to Caroline Nance, he had two daughters and was known for his commitment to education and community improvement throughout his life.

Biography of Harry R. Harshbarger

Harry R. Harshbarger, born on May 28, 1868, in Illinois, is a prominent figure in oil production in Chautauqua County, Kansas. His father, John W. Harshbarger, was notable for his varied career, including service as a hospital steward during the Civil War and involvement in the meat business. Harry’s early work included running a meat market before transitioning to oil, where he oversees seventeen producing wells. A community leader and Democrat, he has served on the Sedan city council and is active in local fraternal organizations.

Biography of James Henry Powell

James Henry Powell, a prominent figure in Chautauqua County, Kansas, is completing his second term as sheriff, having received the largest electoral majority in county history in 1914. Born in 1867 in Clay County, Kentucky, Powell faced early hardship after his father’s death and worked as a farmer and in various businesses before becoming deputy sheriff. He is active in local organizations and is a Republican. Married to Margaret Mayfield, they have three children, with two following in law enforcement and agriculture.

Biography of John E. Kibler

John E. Kibler, born on June 11, 1863, in Fulton County, Illinois, overcame limited schooling to become a prominent educator in Southeastern Kansas. He served as the county superintendent of schools for Chautauqua County, supervising 90 schools and 135 teachers. Despite losing his father at a young age, Kibler became a dedicated educator and community leader, also holding the position of county surveyor. A Republican and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he married Elizabeth Gregory in 1890, and they raised ten children, emphasizing education and opportunity.

Biography of Roy L. Fruit

Roy L. Fruit, born February 20, 1888, in Wapella, Illinois, is a notable figure in the newspaper industry, serving as publisher and proprietor of the Sedan Times-Star, a prominent Republican journal. With nearly a decade in journalism, he played a key role in the paper’s evolution through numerous consolidations of local publications. Fruit, who holds strong Republican values, has upgraded the Times-Star’s equipment and is active in editorial associations. He married Yolande Dobson in 1913, and they have one daughter, Jeannette.