Biography of Peter Calvin Croco

Peter Calvin Croco, born May 17, 1853, in Ohio, moved to Kansas in 1876, where he became an influential agricultural figure known for his modern farming practices on his 155-acre property in Tecumseh Township. His family’s lineage includes a great-grandfather who served in various armies, eventually siding with American patriots during the Revolutionary War. Croco’s father was a notable anti-slavery advocate involved in the Underground Railroad and faced violent opposition. Peter Calvin Croco, well-educated and community-oriented, engaged in local politics and supported charitable causes throughout his life.

Biography of E. Clate Fair

E. Clate Fair, born on March 27, 1867, in Ohio, moved to Kansas with his family in 1884. He established himself in the retail drug business, opening a successful pharmacy in Independence in 1904. Fair was not politically ambitious but supported local civic interests and the Republican Party. His father, a Civil War veteran, also contributed to the community through various businesses. Married in 1888, Fair and his wife, Clara, raised two accomplished daughters, both educators in the field of music and domestic science.

Biography of Charles S. Elliott

Charles S. Elliott, born in 1862, was a prominent figure in Topeka, Kansas, contributing significantly to its civic and commercial landscape. The son of esteemed lawyer and Civil War veteran George N. Elliott, Charles served as secretary of the first Kansas State Railway Commission and later as president of the Topeka Commercial Club. His leadership notably aided Washburn College’s Endowment Fund. Active in business, he held various roles, including city treasurer and trustee at Washburn College. Elliott’s legacy includes a commitment to community service and family.

Biography of John R. Kellogg

John R. Kellogg, born on July 20, 1830, in New York, was a pioneering educator and influential figure in Union County. After his education at Oberlin College, he taught in Ohio and Iowa before settling in La Grande, Oregon, where he improved his land and built a successful estate. Kellogg served as a fife major during the Civil War and was active in local politics and education, including leading a union Sunday school for three decades. He married Rocsa A. Hill and raised two adopted daughters, contributing significantly to the community’s development.

Biographical Sketch of B. M. Duncan

B. M. Duncan, an attorney born on June 30, 1879, in Millersburg, Ohio, was the son of John and Isabel Jameson Duncan. He pursued his education at St. Laurence University and Ohio State University, focusing on law. Duncan became a partner at the law firm Howell, Roberts & Duncan and was affiliated with several fraternities, including Alpha Tau Omega, Phi Delta Phi, and Phi Beta Kappa.

Biographical Sketch of William F. Finley

William F. Finley, born on October 16, 1879, in Millersburg, Ohio, was the son of Calim and Laura Gray Finley. He attended Millersburg High School and Mt. Union College. Finley married Grace Morgan in Fredericksburg, Ohio, on November 25, 1907, and they had two children. He served as assistant treasurer at Garfield Savings Bank and was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and Woodward Lodge, F.A. 31, as well as Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Biographical Sketch of Jeremiah Jay Sullivan

Jeremiah Jay Sullivan, born on November 16, 1844, in Fulton, Ohio, was a prominent banker and politician. After serving as a sergeant in the Civil War, he transitioned to general merchandise in Millersburg. Elected as a state senator in 1879, he was re-elected and later became involved in the hardware business. In 1889, he founded the Central National Bank in Cleveland and held various leadership roles, including president of the Chamber of Commerce. Sullivan married Selina J. Brown in 1873 and had three children.

Biography of Zolo A. Emerson

Zolo A. Emerson, born on September 24, 1873, in Holmes County, Ohio, has established a general merchandise store that significantly serves Auburn and its surroundings. Since 1908, he has efficiently held the position of postmaster. A dedicated family man and community member, Emerson is involved in local fraternal organizations and supports public affairs and education. Married to Nellie B. Williams, they have a daughter, Zonella. Emerson’s business acumen, along with his commitment to service, has earned him the admiration of his community.

Biographical Sketch of Frederick Wilhelm Huston

Frederick Wilhelm Huston, born in 1889 in Millersburg, Ohio, was a prominent attorney. He earned his LL.B. from Western Reserve University and became a partner in the law firm Huston, Huston & Bricker. Huston was actively involved in various organizations, including Theta Lambda Phi, the William R. Day Chapter, The Singers Club, and served in the Trinity Cathedral Choir.

Biographical Sketch of Fred Schauffler

Fred Schauffler was born on November 24, 1876, in Millersburg, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Army during the Philippine Insurrection and the Boxer Uprising. Schauffler worked for the New York Central Lines from 1905 to 1911 before establishing his own real estate ventures in Cleveland. He is the president of the Schauffler Realty Company and the Factory Building Company, and is an active member of the Cleveland Real Estate Board and the Chamber of Commerce. He married Nina Knickerbocker in 1909.

Hayes, Rebecca Jane Fry – Obituary

Rebecca Jane Hayes, wife of Sanford Hayes, passed away on May 25, 1913, at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness. A pioneer of Kittitas Valley since 1882, she was born in Millersburg, Ohio, in 1836 and made four overland journeys in her early life. Her funeral was held at Kittitas Baptist Church, attended by many. She is survived by five sons, two daughters, twenty-three grandchildren, and a sister, marking the end of an era for a notable local family.

Wheeler, Maria Fry – Obituary

Mrs. Maria Wheeler, a prominent pioneer and resident of Kittitas Valley since 1871, passed away on May 27, 1917, at the age of 84. Born in Ohio in 1835, she crossed the plains in 1850 and settled in Olympia before moving to Kittitas. A mother of 11, she leaves behind 28 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her funeral will take place at the Baptist Church, with interment at Odd Fellows Cemetery. Mrs. Wheeler is remembered as a well-known figure among early settlers in the region.

Beights, Moses Washington – Obituary

Moses Washington Beights, born on September 9, 1854, in Ohio, passed away on August 31, 1938, at 83 years old. He moved to Iowa as a youth and married May Jane Morrow in 1879, who died in 1934. The couple resided in various places, including Omaha and Alta, Iowa. Beights was active in his community through his work in painting and auctioneering and was a long-standing member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, respected for his integrity and commitment to fraternal principles.

Compton, Margaret Mrs. – Obituary

Margaret W. Compton, aged 82, of Muddy Creek, Oregon, passed away on April 11, 1931, at her daughter’s home in Union after a brief illness. Born on January 7, 1849, in Wilmington, Ohio, she married Benjamin Compton in 1867. Margaret is survived by four sons, one daughter, a sister, fourteen grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren. Her funeral, led by Rev. R. C. Lee, took place at the Methodist church in Haines. A member of the Society of Friends, she is remembered fondly by her family.