Biography of Benjamin Franklin Harris

Benjamin Franklin Harris. Love of land, of peace and industry, cardinal virtues in the lives of men and nations, were ever present influences in the long life of the late B. F. Harris of Champaign County. To say that he left “a good name” as a legacy to his family, is to state only part of the truth. It was a strong name, one that is vital today, and the memory of it has an inspiration to all those who have the resolution and the will to labor in order to secure worthy places in their respective spheres. Without disparaging … Read more

Biography of Frank McClellan

Frank McClellan. After many years employed as an educator in Kansas, Frank McClellan turned his attention to business affairs at Coffeyville, and now has one of the leading offices there for insurance and loans. His birthplace was Bedford, Pennsylvania, where he was born January 21, 1860. His grandfather, Abraham McClellan, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1798, came to the United States when a young man, becoming a farmer and stock raiser in Pennsylvania. He died at Rainsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1883. On account of his service in the state militia he was familiarly known as Captain McClellan. Captain McClellan married … Read more

Probated Will of Stephen Hotzenbella

In the name of God, Amen. I, Stephen Hotzenbella, of the County of Frederick, in the Colony of Virginia, being sick and weak of body, but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be to God for it. Therefore calling to mind the mor­tality of the body, and knowing that is is appointed for all men once to die; do make and ordain this my last will and testament, in manner and form, to-wit: Imprimis: I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife, Barbara Hot­zenbella, the young bay horse, unbranded, one cow, and one featherbed and fur­niture. Item: I give … Read more

Biography of Joseph Larrick

Joseph Larrick. No county in Kansas is richer in pioneer and early territorial history than Johnson County. Some of this history is reflected in the career of such a pioneer settler as Joseph Larrick, who arrived in Kansas in 1858, and spent more than half a century in Johnson County. A native of Virginia, and a son of Jacob and Catherine (Spillman) Larrick of Frederick County, Virginia, Joseph Larrick was born February 15, 1817, and attained the remarkable age of ninety-two years, passing away at Paola March 8, 1909. He was one of a farnily of nine children. When he … Read more

Switzer Genealogy

Valentine Switzer. (Immigrant) arrived from Germany, Oct. 13, 1749. He was a brother of John and Nicholas Switzer, who arrived in 1753 and 1761, from Germany, and all settled in Hampshire County, Virginia. Mary Hotzenbella, Wife of Valentine Switzer, was a daughter of Ste­phen and Barbara Hotzenbella of Frederick County, Virginia. CHILDREN: Phillip Switzer, John Switzer, Abraham Switzer, Peter Switzer, Henry Switzer, Valentine Switzer, Nicholas Switzer, Catherine Switzer, Born’ March 15, 1757, died July 3, 1835. Born 1759, died in Ohio, 1844. Born April 4, 1767, died in Indiana, January 12, 1838. Born May 9, 1769, died in Indiana, Nov. … Read more

Biography of George H. Grimmell, M. D.

George H. Grimmell, M. D. One of the first graduates of medicine to set up in practice at Howard, Kansas, was Dr. George H. Grimmell, who rendered his first professional services in that section of Elk County thirty years ago. With the exception of about eight years spent at Onaga, Doctor Grimmell had been continuously in practice at Howard since 1898, and is accounted one of the most competent surgeons in that locality. The first authentic records of his ancestry is found in the annals of the first crusade of 1096, A. D. There was a Sir John Von Grimmell, … Read more

Biography of George F. Herbert

GEORGE F. HERBERT. – This gentleman and his wife were a venerable couple whose lives as pioneers in our state, and as citizens of great merit in social, religious and business life, have made them well known and highly respected in the entire circle of their acquaintances. Mr. Herbert was born in Frederick County, Virginia, in September, 1815. Mrs. Herbert (Elizabeth) née McCormick, was born May 1, 1818, in the same state. They were married in 1838, and emigrated to the frontier of Illinois, where they remained until 1842, when they moved to Iowa, making a second prairie home. In … Read more

The Crum family in America

The Crum family in America

“The Crum Family in America” by Edwin Wallace Crum and Ferris Bertrand Crum is a comprehensive exploration of the Crum lineage, focusing primarily on two branches that emigrated from the Lower Rhineland, Germany, and settled in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Published in 1949 by Wallace Press, this book meticulously compiles historical and genealogical data about the Crum family without claiming to encompass all bearers of the Crum name. Delving into the lives and legacies of key figures such as Anthony Crum, Sr., and Matthias Crum, Sr., the text presents a detailed account of their migration to America around 1770, their subsequent settlements, and their family developments in Virginia. By combining archival records and the first U.S. Census data, this work aims to piece together the family’s early American history, while acknowledging gaps and unresolved connections in the family’s lineage.

Biographical Sketch of Benjamin McMorris

Benjamin McMorris, farmer; P. O. Hutton; was born in Loudoun Co., Va., March 25, 1813; his parents moved to Frederick Co., Va., when he was a year old; his father died in the year 1818, and Mr. McMorris lived with his mother until he was 21 years of age, when they moved to Coshocton Co., Ohio; six years after, his mother returned to Virginia and died there in the year 1852. In the spring of 1836, Mr. McMorris married Rachel McLaughlin, and, three years afterward, moved to Coles Co., and settled in Sec. 9, Hutton Township, where he at present … Read more