The series contains original affidavits of registration that record personal information about each registrant, their photograph affixed to the majority of documents, and the registrants fingerprints. All of these are specific to Kansas, and most have the actual documents attached.
This collection features 82 biographies from the 1883 “History of the State of Kansas,” focusing on Jewell County. Located in northern Kansas, the county spans 900 square miles and is renowned for its agricultural productivity, particularly in the fertile valleys of Marsh and Buffalo Creeks. The land varies from rolling terrain to broken landscapes, supporting numerous farms and pasturelands. For a comprehensive look into Jewell County’s history and its prominent figures, further exploration of the referenced genealogical resources is suggested.
J. E. and J. C. Baggott, farmers from Ionia, were born in Pennsylvania, with J. E. on June 29, 1852, and J. C. on May 28, 1855. The brothers moved to Doniphan County, Kansas in 1869 before settling in Jewell County in 1873, where they acquired a homestead near Mankato. Together with their siblings, they manage 1,080 acres of land and have achieved financial success through hard work, positioning themselves as prominent figures in Western Kansas agriculture.
Col. Lewis R. Jewell and his family were notable figures in Fort Scott, particularly during the Civil War era. Originally from Massachusetts and later a resident of Ohio, Jewell became a river transportation captain before moving to Kansas to farm. He initially resisted the Cherokee but joined the Union forces as a lieutenant colonel when the war began, demonstrating bravery at the battle of Cane Hill, where he was mortally wounded. Jewell’s legacy endures, with Jewell County named in his honor, as well as his son’s contributions post-war.
Edward Grauerholz, born on October 3, 1882, in Smith County, Kansas, was a prominent figure in the Esbon community. He served on the city council and was city clerk before becoming the postmaster in January 1916. A dedicated Democrat, Grauerholz’s commitment to public service was evident in his involvement with local ordinances and fraternal organizations. He married Stella Sholes in 1910, and they had two children, one of whom died young. Known for his integrity and strong work ethic, he greatly impacted Esbon’s governance and community life.
Mrs. Alice M. (Beachly) Berkeley, a prominent figure in Burr Oak, Kansas, is renowned for her musical talents and active community involvement. Born in Pennsylvania, she married Mahlon C. Berkeley, founder of the Jewell County National Bank. Following his death, she became a successful businesswoman, managing substantial properties. An influential leader in the Excelsior Club and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, where she serves as organist, Mrs. Berkeley’s contributions reflect her dedication to social and cultural development in her community.
Patrick Henry O’Brien, born on September 7, 1883, in Minersville, Kansas, is a prominent figure in Burr Oak’s business landscape as vice president of the Jewell County National Bank. Descending from an Irish immigrant family, he was raised in a lumber-centric environment, eventually taking on a bookkeeping role at the bank established in 1894. O’Brien’s community engagement includes serving on the school board and participating in local politics, while also being a devoted member of the Christian Church and active in Masonic activities. He married Ada Carhill in 1908 and has one son.
Charles M. Hendricks, born in Rochester, New York, on January 8, 1861, moved to Jewell County, Kansas, thirty-three years ago as a farm renter. He built a banking career and became an active community member in Webber. His father, Lawrence, an Irish immigrant, worked in farming and railroads before passing away in 1897. Charles married Cora M. Warren in 1886, and they have five children. An active Democrat, he has served on various school boards and is currently vice president of the Webber State Bank.
Lewis E. Shuler, born on October 10, 1866, in Ogle County, Illinois, has spent most of his life in Jewell County, particularly Lovewell. He began his career as a merchant for fifteen years before dedicating himself fully to agriculture. Coming from a family with deep roots in farming, his father, Thomas Shuler, was a Union soldier and pioneer in Northern Kansas. Lewis manages several productive farms near Lovewell and is known for his involvement in the community as a Republican. He remains unmarried and resides in town.
Wesley Virgil Griffitts, born on April 13, 1879, in Gentry County, Missouri, is a prominent figure in Lovewell, where he runs a successful general mercantile business. His entrepreneurial journey began on his father’s farm before exploring various occupations, including construction in the oil fields. A dedicated community member, Griffitts is affiliated with several Masonic organizations and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Married to Anna C. W. Samp, they have one son, Escot Merle, born in 1905.
Hon. Charles S. Putt, born November 21, 1862, in Illinois, is a notable figure in Jewell County, Kansas, where he serves as mayor of Mankato and is a prominent merchant. Relocating to Kansas in 1889, Putt established a successful general store and garnered respect for his integrity and business ethics. A dedicated public servant and Democrat, he was elected mayor in 1917, showcasing executive ability and community commitment. Married to Annie Moran, Putt has two sons, both of whom are pursuing successful paths.
Charles Clyde Myers, a notable lawyer and public servant, has practiced law in Mankato since 1913 and is currently serving his second term as Jewell County attorney. Born on August 28, 1885, in Jewell County, he initially worked as a school teacher before pursuing a law degree from Washburn School in 1913. A Democrat, he earned significant support during his elections, reflecting his commitment to his community and profession. Married to Blanche Owens, he is active in the Methodist Episcopal Church and various fraternal organizations while managing an extensive legal practice.
Alvin W. Miller, born on March 18, 1876, in Lena, Illinois, became a prominent figure in Jewell County, Kansas. After moving to Formoso in 1899, he built a successful furniture and undertaking business and served as the city’s progressive mayor for multiple terms. His leadership resulted in significant improvements, including an electric lighting system and a new fire department. A veteran of the Spanish-American War, Miller was also active in various fraternal organizations and married Elsie G. Hale, with whom he had four children.
Andrew H. Miller, born June 3, 1872, in Freeport, Illinois, serves as manager and treasurer of the Formoso Mercantile Company. Having left school at sixteen, he began his career with the Robinson Mercantile Company before moving to Formoso in 1900. A Republican and active community member, he is involved with the Masonic lodge and education board. He married Jessie Postlethwaite in 1898, and they have one son, John. His mother-in-law, Louisa Postlethwaite, is a pioneer descendant and community leader in Formoso.
K. Ellis Sherrill, M.D., a skilled physician and surgeon, established his practice in Formoso, Kansas, after working in Missouri and Arkansas. Born in 1873 in Bismarck, Missouri, Sherrill earned his M.D. in 1911 from Barnes University. His diverse medical career included roles as a school teacher, house surgeon for the Missouri-Pacific Railway, and lumber camp physician. Active in numerous fraternal organizations and the medical community, he married twice and had eleven children. Sherrill has made significant contributions to his profession and community.
Fred S. Watt, born on July 30, 1879, in Webster County, Nebraska, is a prominent figure in Jewell County, serving as cashier of the Lovewell State Bank and pastor of the United Brethren Church. He comes from a family of pioneers, with deep roots in Nebraska farming. After early education and teaching, Wat pursued his ministry training at Moody Bible Institute, becoming a pastor in 1914. He joined the bank in 1915, rising to cashier by 1917. Married to Jennie Snider, they have two children.
James E. Hyett, M. D., was born on April 18, 1870, in Belmont County, Ohio, and moved to Kansas with his family in 1875. After obtaining a B.S. from Washburn College and teaching for several years, he pursued medical training at Northwestern University, graduating in 1904. He practiced in LaCrosse before settling in St. Marys in 1909, establishing a successful medical practice. An active member of the community, he married Mary M. Bellport in 1908 and has a son, James E., Jr.
John J. Fowles, born January 3, 1884, in Eldora, Iowa, has been a dedicated educator in Kansas since 1908, currently serving as superintendent of Summerfield schools. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell College after initially working as a high school principal in various towns. Coming from a Colonial American family with deep roots in Iowa, Fowles is a member of several educational and community organizations and is married with two children. His family background reflects a legacy of farming and community involvement.
Harry O. Sutcliff, born on January 14, 1891, in Jewell County, Kansas, is the superintendent of Wheaton’s city schools in Pottawatomie County. A dedicated educator, Sutcliff began his teaching career in 1910 and has been influential in enhancing local school programs since 1912. His father, R. M. Sutcliff, was also an educator and county clerk, while his mother, Barbara Oberly, hails from Germany. Harry O. is married to Lela A. Walker, and they have one child, Max, born in 1911.
Hon. Robert W. Turner, a notable figure in Kansas, practiced law for over 25 years and held significant roles in public service. Born in 1858 in New York, he served as consul general to Spain, where he translated vital commercial laws and significantly contributed to American trade. A steadfast advocate for bi-metallism, he engaged actively in Kansas politics, opposing party norms to uphold integrity. A prominent Mason and community member, Turner was also a family man, with notable descendants involved in various professions.