Hancock County IL

Biography of John T. Denton, Hon.

Hon. John T. Denton, born in Kentucky in 1850, overcame a challenging childhood as an orphan to carve out a successful life in Kansas. After moving west, he initially worked various jobs before settling in Cowley County, where he began farming and ranching. In 1884, he founded the Grenola State Bank, serving as its head and becoming a respected figure in finance and agriculture. A prominent Republican, Denton also held a seat in the Kansas State Senate and played a role in promoting the state at the Panama Expositions.

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 Albert Irven Decker

Albert Irven Decker, born September 4, 1876, in Burnside, Illinois, dedicated his life to education, serving as the superintendent of schools in Fredonia for six years. With a strong familial background, he pursued a career in teaching after graduating from Kansas Normal College. Decker’s exemplary character blended knowledge and personal influence, impacting the lives of over 1,000 students under his supervision. A respected member of educational and fraternal organizations, he actively contributed to the development of his community and embodied the ideals of dedicated education.

Biography of Alfred Harris Hecox

Alfred Harris Hecox, born in 1869 in Allen County, Kansas, has had a varied career, ultimately becoming the postmaster of Iola in 1914. Descended from early English settlers, Hecox began his work on his family farm after his father’s death. He ventured west, gaining skills in telegraphy before returning to Kansas, where he held various railroad positions. A dedicated Democrat and active community member, Hecox has earned respect for his service and contributions, alongside his commitment to family and fraternal organizations.

Biography of Fred Leslie Ervay

Dr. Fred Leslie Ervay, born in Elk Point, South Dakota, on June 14, 1880, established a reputable medical practice in Fredonia, Kansas, shortly after earning his medical degree in 1908. Before this, he practiced dentistry for two years and was educated across various institutions, culminating in his medical training at the Medical College of Keokuk. A member of multiple medical associations, Dr. Ervay is also active in community service and fraternal organizations. He married Beulah M. Wood in 1914, contributing significantly to the welfare of Fredonia.

Davis, Minnie – Obituary

Minnie Hester Davis, aged 91, passed away early Monday at St. Elizabeth Hospital after a brief illness. A longtime resident of North Powder, Oregon, she was born in Tioga, Illinois, and married John William Davis in 1903. They farmed in North Powder Valley. She is survived by her daughter Lula Cantrell, three sisters, a brother, eight grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at The North Powder Community Church, officiated by Rev. Al Boschee, with interment at the North Powder Cemetery.

Stillwell, Ira – Obituary

Ira Stillwell passed away at Ellensburg General Hospital on Thursday after a prolonged illness. Born on May 17, 1887, in Bowen, Illinois, he moved to Ellensburg in 1903 and began working for the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1908, eventually becoming a locomotive engineer in 1918. He is survived by his wife, a 13-year-old daughter, a 15-month-old son, and a sister in Seattle. His attempt at recovery included a blood transfusion, but he could not overcome his illness.

Kinkade, Rawlin Madison – Obituary

Rawlin Madison (Roll) Kinkade, an 86-year-old resident of Kittitas Valley and the last surviving son of a pioneer family, passed away on February 16, 1955. Born in Denver, Illinois, in 1868, he moved to the valley with his parents in 1882. Kinkade farmed in the region for over fifty years before retiring in 1940. He is survived by his wife, Mattie, two sons, three daughters, and numerous grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at Evenson Chapel.

Ensminger, Jacob H. – Obituary

Jacob H. Ensminger, a Baker County resident for 64 years, passed away at the age of nearly 81, a week after suffering a paralysis. Born on March 19, 1847, in Illinois, he moved west in 1863 and married Johanna Loennig in 1871, raising eleven children. He is survived by his widow, ten children, five brothers, two sisters, sixteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at his residence, officiated by Rev. R.C. Lee, on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Biographical Sketch of Lucas Hoagland

Lucas Hoagland, born in Michigan in 1837, was a notable rancher near San Bernardino. The eldest of seven, he served in the Mexican War before moving westward. After several stints including running a pack team in California and teaming in Montana, he settled in San Bernardino County, where he cultivated a sixty-acre ranch. Hoagland experienced personal loss, with two marriages resulting in seven children. A true pioneer, he actively supported initiatives aimed at enhancing his community, showcasing a commitment to local development throughout his life.

Biographical Sketch of Reuben L. Dewitt

Reuben L. Dewitt was born on October 19, 1815, in Indiana and became an orphan by age fourteen. He wandered through Illinois and Iowa before settling in San Bernardino County after a stint in Salt Lake City. Dewitt acquired sixty acres of land, which marked the beginning of his real estate ventures. Married in 1846 to Charlotte Huntsman, they had fifteen children, eight of whom survived. Dewitt’s education was limited to common schools, and his main scholarly pursuit was the Bible.

Biographical Sketch of Abner McCrary

Abner McCrary, born in 1835 in Union County, Illinois, migrated with his family to various locations, including Iowa and Utah, before settling in California in 1854. He established a successful farm near San Bernardino, demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication as a pioneer. In 1859, he married Emma Lane, and they raised five children together. Known for his honesty and industriousness, McCrary exemplifies the spirit of perseverance among California’s early settlers.

Biographical Sketch of Andrew Lytle

Andrew Lytle, born in 1812 in Pennsylvania, later moved to Ohio and married Hannah Hull. He migrated through Missouri and Illinois before settling in Salt Lake City. In 1850, he was among the first settlers in San Bernardino, California, where he thrived as a blacksmith and held various public offices, including mayor. Lytle and Hannah had eight children. He passed away in 1870, leaving his widow to continue residing in their San Bernardino home.

Biography of Danford Atwood

Danford Atwood was born in Connecticut in 1823 to Mormon parents. After moving to Illinois and then Iowa, he married Jane Garner in 1850. The couple had six children before Jane’s early death. In 1852, Danford journeyed to California, where he established a successful farming and stock-raising operation after acquiring land. He later relocated to Salt Lake, where he tragically died in 1877. Danford and Jane’s resilience as pioneers is reflected in their sizable family and contributions to their community.

Biography of F. Garner

F. Garner, born on March 5, 1835, near Quincy, Illinois, had a remarkable pioneer life. After journeying to Utah with his family, he drove an ox team to California at age fifteen. The family faced challenges, including cholera and encounters with Native Americans, before settling in San Bernardino. Garner farmed for fifteen years, later acquiring land on Base Line. He married Amanda Thompkins in 1855 and they raised eight children. Garner became a successful figure in San Bernardino and is now retired.

Biography of Joseph Camp Thorn

Joseph Camp Thorn was born on January 2, 1839, in New York and became a notable pioneer in San Bernardino County. After moving with his family to several locations, he drove an ox team from Council Bluffs to Salt Lake City at eight. Disenchanted with the Mormon faith, he returned to Iowa before settling in California in 1854. Thorn married Mary H. Dickson in 1858, and they raised nine children. A successful businessman and respected citizen, he was active in various community organizations, including the I. O. O. F.

Biography of Joseph Thorn

Joseph Thorn was a prominent pioneer of 1854, born on December 22, 1811, in New York State. A blacksmith by trade, he married Lorana Camp in 1836 and moved several times before settling in California in 1854. Thorn was an industrious figure, engaging in farming and stock dealing on land he acquired in San Bernardino. He served as a Supervisor and was a Mason. He passed away on May 20, 1887, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and a family well-established in life.

Biography of Joseph Hancock

Joseph Hancock was born in Ohio in 1822 and later became a rancher near San Bernardino, California. His family, with roots in Massachusetts and Vermont, faced numerous hardships as pioneers. After moving through various states, they encountered perilous conditions while crossing rivers and deserts. Hancock’s perseverance led to successful land ownership and farming in California, supported by his second wife, Nancy Bemis. They had seven children and preserved historical artifacts from their journeys, reflecting on their challenging yet enriching pioneer experiences.