McLean County IL

Biography of Jesse S. Wilson

Jesse S. Wilson, born in Illinois in 1861, was a noted stockman who moved to Kansas in 1912, establishing a significant ranch near Hamilton. With a background rooted in a pioneer family, he succeeded in cattle and horse breeding, becoming a key figure in local agriculture. Politically engaged, he served as mayor of both Mackinaw, Illinois, and Hamilton, Kansas, facilitating municipal improvements. He married Sophia Hittle in 1888, and they had two children, actively contributing to their success in farming and ranching.

Biography of Nathan T. Veatch

Nathan T. Veatch, born on February 25, 1852, in Illinois, has served as superintendent of Atchison’s city schools since 1901. With a long educational career beginning in 1879, he held various teaching and administrative roles before his appointment in Kansas. He oversees seven schools, 70 teachers, and approximately 2,200 students. A member of the Presbyterian Church and several educational associations, Veatch is a prominent figure in the community. He and his wife, Lizzie, have two sons, both accomplished in their respective fields.

Biographical Sketch of A. O. Sage, D. D. S.

Dr. A. O. Sage, D.D.S., is a distinguished dentist in Concordia, recognized for his extensive skill and integrity in the profession. Born in Bloomington, Illinois, in May 1864, he moved to Kansas with his family in 1882. Dr. Sage graduated from Kansas City Dental College in 1891 and began his practice in Concordia in 1893. His commitment to dentistry and community is evident through his professional success and active participation in local organizations. He is married to Beatrice Jones, with whom he has a daughter and a son from a previous marriage.

Biography of John A. Cates

John A. Cates, born on June 27, 1846, in McLean County, Illinois, moved with his family to Union County in 1865, where they faced pioneer challenges. Initially a carpenter, he became a skilled agriculturist and established a successful homestead by 1883. Cates served as postmaster of Telacoset since 1897 and was a member of the home guards in 1867. Married to Mellie Payton, he had two children and is recognized for his integrity and commitment to public service, aligning with Democratic ideals.

Biographical Sketch of Lyman W. Childs

Lyman W. Childs, born on October 1, 1867, in Lee, Illinois, was a prominent physician and educator. He graduated from Illinois State Normal University in 1890 and earned his medical degree from Western Reserve Medical College in 1894. Childs furthered his studies in Vienna before marrying Colene C. Hogg in 1902. He contributed significantly to public health as a member of the Chamber of Commerce’s sanitation committee and played a key role in establishing medical inspections and the first fresh air school in Cleveland.

Biographical Sketch of Harry Elmer Duff

Harry Elmer Duff, born on July 23, 1873, in Bloomington, Illinois, was a notable manufacturer and law school graduate. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee in 1893 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1902 from New York Law School. Duff moved to Ohio in 1894 and became involved in manufacturing, later joining the American Sheet Tin Plate Company. He served as a local sales representative and vice president of the Union Metal Manufacturing Company, while also being active in several Masonic and social organizations.

Biographical Sketch of John W. Gaede

John W. Gaede, born on May 16, 1873, in Illinois, has established himself as a manufacturer of hardware specialties. He was educated at common schools and Evergreen City Business College in Bloomington, Illinois. Married in 1896 to Sophia Bohn, they have four children. Gaede’s manufacturing focus includes various tools and he has recently developed an innovative iron plane. He serves as general manager of the Buckeye Saw Vice Co. and is involved with several fraternal organizations, including the Masonic Order and Woodmen of the World.

Biography of John Henry Tole

John H. Tole, born on April 29, 1858, in Pike County, Illinois, exemplifies the rise from humble beginnings to prominence in the business community. He ventured into farming, education, and eventually established the successful John H. Tole Lumber Company in 1893. Later, he rebranded it as the Liberty Lumber Company, which he led until 1914. In addition to his lumber business, Tole engaged in various enterprises, including banking and real estate. A dedicated community member, he married Carrie M. Goble and had two children, all while upholding a reputation for integrity and leadership.

Biographical Sketch of Cyrus Locher

Cyrus Locher, born on March 8, 1878, in Bluffton, Ohio, was a prominent lawyer and educational leader. He attended Pandora High School, Ohio Wesleyan University, and Western Reserve University Law School. Locher served as the superintendent of schools in Woodsfield, Ohio, from 1903 to 1905, and later as assistant city solicitor in Cleveland. He was a member of various law and honorary fraternities and served as County Prosecuting Attorney starting January 6, 1913. Locher was married to Beulah L. Baker.

Biography of A. J. Lugeanbeal

A. J. Lugeanbeal, born on January 12, 1872, in Gridley, Illinois, has made his mark as a prominent merchant and civic leader in Angola, Kansas. After moving to Kansas at the age of ten, he spent his early years on his father’s farm before transitioning into railroad work and eventually opening a general merchandise store in 1902. Lugeanbeal has been active in local democratic politics, serving as township clerk for ten years and pursuing a candidacy for county treasurer. He is also involved in various fraternal organizations and community associations. He married Mamie Cave in 1905 and has two children.

Biography of George H. Hunter

George H. Hunter, born on December 1, 1849, in Ohio, became a prominent figure in Wellington, Kansas, serving as mayor and president of the city’s oldest bank. After moving to Wellington in 1878, he transformed a modest flour mill into Kansas’s second largest. Hunter was also active in public service, holding various roles, including city council member and state senator. A dedicated family man, he and his wife Frances had nine children, all of whom received a college education. Hunter’s legacy includes significant infrastructure improvements and contributions to the local milling industry.

Wood, James F. (Franklin) – Obituary

James Franklin Wood, a resident of Wallowa, Oregon for five years, passed away on May 3, 1938, after a brief illness. Born on August 25, 1881, in Bloomington, Illinois, he later moved to Nebraska before working as a signal maintainer on the railroad. In 1919, he married Clara Womack, with whom he had three children. A dedicated member of the Nazarene church, his funeral service was held at the church, with interment at Lostine cemetery, attended by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and a stepfather.

Conaway, Barry – Obituary

Barry Conaway, a long-time attorney and justice of the peace in Enterprise, Oregon, passed away on Monday at St. Vincent hospital in Portland after a month of illness. Born on January 28, 1881, in Illinois, he moved to Iowa and attended Drake University, excelling in athletics. He arrived in Enterprise in 1909 to partner with Judge Corkins, quickly becoming a valued community member. Conaway also served as justice of the peace until his death. He is survived by two children and a sister.

Biography of Samuel C. Varner

Samuel C. Varner, born December 10, 1845, in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, was a Civil War veteran and prominent merchant in Moran, Kansas. His early life included significant military service as an officer in the Illinois Infantry. After various business endeavors across Illinois and Iowa, he settled in Moran in 1880, where he established a successful lumber and hardware business and the Peoples State Bank. Active in the community, Varner was a dedicated Mason and a member of the Christian Church. He married Annie McCord in 1863.

Biography of Jasper Newton Wilkinson

Jasper Newton Wilkinson, born in Vinton County, Ohio, was a prominent Rotarian and dedicated advocate for youth as the state councilor of the Order of DeMolay for Boys. He established a successful career as a lumber dealer and banker, notably founding The Wilkinson Company and purchasing the Citizens Bank of Pryor, Oklahoma. An influential educator, he served as president of several Kansas State Normal Schools and the Kansas State Teachers Association. Wilkinson, married to Nellie Reynolds, is active in the Presbyterian Church and Masonic organizations.

Biography of Herbert W. Wetzell

Herbert W. Wetzell, born on February 6, 1884, in Bloomington, Illinois, was the publisher of the McIntosh County Democrat, a significant newspaper in Checotah, Oklahoma. Following in his father George’s footsteps, Wetzell became involved in the newspaper industry from a young age, ultimately running the newspaper alone after his father’s death in 1916. A dedicated Democratic supporter, he engaged in local politics and was influential in the community. He was married to Tot Aleith Reed and had three children, maintaining active participation in both civic and fraternal organizations.

Biography of John William Waldron, Rev.

Rev. John William Waldron, born January 19, 1874, in Pilsley, England, is a prominent figure in Kansas Methodism, currently serving as pastor in Galena. He was raised in a Methodist family and pursued theological studies, eventually earning degrees from Campbell College. His ministry began in 1903, leading various congregations throughout the state. A dedicated Mason, Waldron is involved in several Masonic organizations. He married Mamie Linn in 1895, and they have three children, reflecting his commitment to both faith and family in his life and work.

Biography of James A. Brady

James A. Brady, born in 1878 in Chenoa, Illinois, has been a distinguished lawyer in Cherryvale since 1905. He has served as city attorney for seven years, demonstrating commitment to civic affairs and good road initiatives. Raised in a family with Irish roots, he pursued law after working as a mechanic in Colorado. Brady is a staunch Democrat, a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and involved in various local organizations. He married Eileen Broderick in 1911, and they have one daughter, Mary Elizabeth.

Biography of Charles D. Welch

Charles D. Welch, born on January 14, 1872, in McLean County, Illinois, became a prominent lawyer and Republican leader in Coffeyville, Kansas. He graduated from Washburn College and the Kansas City School of Law, gaining admission to the bar in 1899. After practicing in Topeka, he moved to Coffeyville, where he excelled in civil and criminal law, served as county auditor, and led the Montgomery County Bar Association. Married to Gertrude Dewey, they have a daughter, Dorothy, who attends Washburn College.

Wood, James Franklin – Obituary

James F. Wood, born August 25, 1881, in Bloomington, Illinois, passed away on May 3, 1938, in Wallowa. He married Clara Lureene Womack in 1919, and they had three children. After living in various locations, the family settled in Wallowa County six years before his death. A devoted member of the Nazarene church, he faced declining health for several years. Wood is survived by his wife, children, and numerous siblings. Funeral services are scheduled for May 5, 1938, at Wallowa First Christian Church.