Lawrence County OH

Biographical Sketch of William A. Wiseman

William A. Wiseman, born on January 1, 1853, in Waterloo, Ohio, is a prominent physician in Camargo with a successful practice. He pursued education at DePauw University before studying medicine at Jefferson Medical College, graduating in 1886. Dr. Wiseman specialized in skin diseases and gynecology, gaining experience at the Philadelphia Lying-in Hospital before settling in Camargo. A Prohibitionist, he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen and Court of Honor. He married Emma C. Carrel in 1875 and they have three children.

Biography of John T. Irwin

John T. Irwin was born on May 28, 1824, in Lawrence County, Ohio, to George and Jemima Irwin. He married Lettie Wiseman in 1845 and together they had eight children. In 1870, he moved to Illinois, where he farmed until his retirement in 1894. Irwin served in the Civil War, initially volunteering in cavalry before joining the Ninety-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where he was wounded. A respected community member, he held roles such as township supervisor and church leader, despite limited formal education.

Biography of Marshall M. Murdock

Marshall M. Murdock, born in 1837 in West Virginia, became a significant journalist and founder of the Wichita Eagle. His family moved to Kansas due to their opposition to slavery. Murdock initially sought gold in the Pikes Peak region, where he discovered silver at Leadville. During the Civil War, he returned to Kansas to support his family and eventually served as a lieutenant-colonel. He established the Eagle, advocating for Wichita’s growth and becoming a respected editor and influential community figure until his death in 1908.

Boyd County, Kentucky

Boyd County, Kentucky, established in 1860, reflects a complex history regarding slavery and Civil War allegiances. Although Kentucky remained in the Union, many residents supported both sides. The area lacked extensive plantations, leading to a higher prevalence of house slaves rather than field laborers. While some masters treated their slaves well, others were cruel. Kentucky’s status as a border state facilitated the operation of the Underground Railroad. Post-Civil War, the African American community faced ongoing racial restrictions, yet many progressed socially and economically over time.

Biography of Hon. James B. Sperry

Hon. James B. Sperry, born in 1834 in Ohio, was a prominent figure in Heppner, Oregon, known for establishing a flour mill in 1885 after selling his sheep. He participated actively in the Rogue River Indian War and was engaged in various economic pursuits including farming and mining. Elected to the state legislature in 1882, he advocated for Morrow County’s establishment. Married twice, he had three daughters. His contributions to the community and business acumen marked him as a reliable and influential local leader.

Biography of Charlie H. Riker

Charlie H. Riker, born in 1866 in Ohio, became a prominent farmer in Kansas after moving there as a child. His family, including his father, William J. Riker, a Civil War veteran and successful farmer, settled in Coffey County. Charlie initially farmed there before relocating to Shawnee County, eventually acquiring and improving a ten-acre home near Topeka. Married to Effie D. Long, a respected physician’s daughter, the Rikers have established a beautiful home and a reputation for community engagement and social hospitality.

Biography of Frank Durein

Frank Durein, born on September 11, 1843, in Germany, has been a prominent figure in Topeka for thirty-seven years. After a modest upbringing and limited education, he immigrated to the United States in 1865, eventually settling in Topeka in 1870. Durein successfully ventured into the hotel and bakery businesses, notably opening the Topeka House. Since 1890, he has lived in retirement, focusing on property management and community betterment. A devoted Catholic, he shares a quiet life with his wife, Lena, and their two sons, contributing to the growth of their city.

Biography of Thomas Shirman Salathiel

Thomas Shirman Salathiel, a prominent lawyer in Independence, Kansas, practiced law for twenty-two years, significantly impacting both private and public interests. Born on October 23, 1866, he came from a pioneering family with deep roots in Kansas. Salathiel graduated with an LL.B. from Kansas State University in 1894 and built a successful legal career. He was active in various civic organizations and served his community through the Congregational Church. He married Emma R. Wharton and had two sons, further contributing to his family’s legacy in the region.

Biographical Sketch of Clark W. Sloan

Clark W. Sloan, an optometrist born in Ironton, Ohio, on October 18, 1875, was educated at Ironton Grammar and High School and graduated from Chicago Ophthalmic College in 1899. He married Frances E. Donohoe in 1893 and had four children. After six years with Bowler Burdick Co. and one with Webb C. Ball Co., he established his own practice in 1903. Sloan held various leadership roles in professional associations, championing legislation for optometry standards. He was also active in local civic organizations.

Biographical Sketch of James Hood

James Hood, born October 29, 1834, in West Union, Ohio, has had a varied career in farming and stockraising. After marrying Sarah E. Willson in 1861, the couple raised seven children. Hood worked in general merchandise with his father before moving West, where he herded cattle and managed a grist-mill. He also served as assistant manager of the Etna Furnace in Ohio before finally settling on a farm in his current location in 1877. He owns 500 acres and has participated in local school affairs.

Biography of Daniel M. Sechler

Daniel M. Sechler, born in 1818 in Pennsylvania, founded the D. M. Sechler Carriage Company in Moline, Illinois. His family’s history traces back to persecution in Austria, culminating in his ancestors’ settlement near Philadelphia. After an apprenticeship in carriage-making, he held various business ventures, from ironworks to retail, before establishing his renowned carriage company. Notably, he expanded the business to manufacture corn planters, making it a major player in Moline. Sechler was respected for his integrity and left a lasting impact on both business and community life before his death in 1903.

Biography of Thomas M. Sechler

Thomas M. Sechler, born in Pennsylvania on October 25, 1841, became a significant figure in Moline’s manufacturing sector. After studying at Marietta College, he served as a First Lieutenant in the Union Army during the Civil War. Upon returning to civilian life, he engaged in various manufacturing ventures, notably in the iron industry and later as Vice-President and then President of his family’s carriage manufacturing business in Moline after 1889. A devoted Republican, Mason, and member of several organizations, Sechler contributed greatly to Moline’s industrial growth.