Meigs County OH

Slave Narrative of Nan Stewart

Nan Stewart, born in February 1850 in Charleston, West Virginia, recounts her life as a slave on Marse Harley Hunt’s plantation. She describes her family’s origins, work as a housemaid and nurse, and the kindness of her masters. Despite challenges, her narrative includes moments of joy and community, such as food preparations for Christmas and games played with other children. Stewart also shares her experiences during the Civil War, her marriage in 1873, and the legacy of her family, reflecting a life marked by resilience and cultural heritage.

Slave Narrative of Ben Brown

Ben Brown, interviewed at age 100 in Zanesville, Ohio, recounts his life as a slave in Virginia and Alabama. He describes the harsh conditions of plantation life, including hard labor, meager meals, and frequent punishment. Brown reflects on the separation from his sister, attempts to escape, and eventual freedom during the Civil War. Afterward, he worked various jobs, including on the railroad, married, and faced injuries. Despite a difficult past, he finds comfort in his current life and cherishes music and memories of resilience.

Biography of Herbert O. Caster

Herbert O. Caster, born in Ohio in 1871, moved to Kansas in 1878, facing the early settlers’ hardships. He excelled in education, serving as superintendent in Oberlin and establishing the first accredited high school course in Decatur County. Elected county attorney in 1908, Caster advanced his legal career, ultimately becoming attorney for the State Public Utilities Commission in 1914. He was active in local governance and the Baptist Church, and he and his wife, Maud, raised three children in a family dedicated to education.

Biography of Richard Watson Argue

Richard Watson Argue (1845-1916) was a prominent figure in the Mid-Continent oil industry, establishing significant operations in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Born near Ottawa, Canada, he began his career in Pennsylvania before moving to Buffalo and later to Independence, Kansas. A dedicated community member, he actively contributed to local church and civic affairs. After his death, his widow, Eva Jean Allport Argue, adeptly managed their extensive properties. Together, they had four children, all of whom pursued education and careers in various fields.

Biography of S. Allen Brown

S. Allen Brown, born July 26, 1851, in Ohio, managed significant business interests in Independence, Kansas. A son of pioneer William R. Brown, he resided on an attractive fourteen-acre property, blending urban life with gardening. After diverse early careers, including photography and founding the Kansas Cracker Company, he became a local real estate investor. Though active in the community and a member of various Masonic organizations, Brown avoided political office. He married twice and had two children, maintaining a legacy of business acumen and community involvement.

Biography of Samuel Bateman Chapman

Samuel Bateman Chapman, a prominent lumber merchant in Eskridge, Kansas, was born on September 19, 1845, in Meigs County, Ohio. His family has roots in colonial Maryland. After serving in the One Hundred and Fortieth Ohio Infantry during the Civil War, he became a farmer and later transitioned to the lumber business after moving to Kansas in 1885. Active in local politics and community organizations, Chapman had a successful career, marrying twice and raising several children, several of whom also entered the lumber trade.

Biographical Sketch of Theodore Ensign

Theodore Ensign, born on March 26, 1882, in Chester, Ohio, was the son of George L. and Celia M. Foster Ensign. He studied in Cleveland’s public schools and married Clara Zarnoio in 1909. Ensign worked as a foreman at City Ice Delivery Co. and later served as general manager of Lake City Ice Co. He became vice president of the Milk Dealers Fraternal League. Under his leadership, the company significantly improved its milk quality and business practices. His hobbies included motoring and music.

Biography of James C. Holland

James C. Holland, born April 2, 1853, in Ohio, became a pivotal figure in Kansas architecture, particularly in Topeka. With over thirty years of experience, he served as state architect and contributed significantly to public buildings, including the Shawnee County Courthouse and Topeka’s city hall. His expertise earned him membership in the prestigious New York Society of Architects. Holland’s lineage includes notable ancestors, and his family life has been supported by his wife, Lizzie, and children, who also joined him in the architectural field.

Biography of Frederic M. Wilhelm

Frederic M. Wilhelm, born on January 6, 1883, in Decatur, Indiana, began his career as an office worker at the age of fourteen. Over the years, he advanced to become the secretary of the Prairie Pipe Line Company in Independence, where he has worked for twelve years. A dedicated community member, he holds several positions, including secretary of the Independence Country Club. Wilhelm is married to Helen Bauman and has two children, all while being actively involved in Republican politics and local fraternal organizations.

Biography of Charles Hiram Cook

Charles Hiram Cook, born January 31, 1863, in Pennsylvania, has significantly influenced the Kansas oil industry since arriving in Coffeyville in 1912. After graduating from various educational institutions, he pursued a career in the oil and gas business across numerous states. A Republican and active community member, Cook is known for his extensive drilling operations and has interests in Oklahoma as well. Married to Maude I. Best in 1887, he has four children, contributing to both his family and the industry’s growth.

Biography of William Hunter McKenzie

William Hunter McKenzie, born on November 15, 1862, in Harrisonville, Ohio, became a notable figure in the gas industry, serving as general manager of the Wyandotte County Company in Kansas City, Kansas, since 1905. Orphaned at a young age, he gained mechanical skills while working at the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home. His career included positions at various gas companies across the Midwest. Committed to civic improvement, McKenzie was active in local charities and organizations, reflecting his community engagement and leadership.

Biography of John Hartley Smith

John Hartley Smith, born in 1835 in Virginia, was a prominent banker and business leader in Southern California. After mining for gold in California, he returned to Ohio, where he engaged in steam boating, coal mining, and banking. Health issues led him to California in 1880, where he founded the Santa Ana Commercial Bank and later established the First National Bank of San Bernardino, serving as its president. Smith’s entrepreneurial ventures included significant investments outside banking. He was married to Mrs. Smith and had three sons.

Biography of Mansfield M. Sturgeon

Mansfield M. Sturgeon, a prominent attorney in Rock Island County, was born on September 10, 1843, in Ohio. Coming from a lineage steeped in military and civic duty, he pursued law after serving in the Civil War. He opened his own practice in 1872 and became well-known for his legal acumen and sound counsel. Sturgeon held several important public offices, including county superintendent of schools and states attorney. A modest man, he is respected for his contributions to both the legal profession and the community.

Biography of Hoit, Mary Melvina

Mary Melvina Hoit, born in 1842 in Meigs County, Ohio, was a notable educator, writer, and community activist. After moving to Quincy, Illinois, she became involved in various local efforts, including teaching and supporting Civil War soldiers. She contributed articles on farming and women’s rights while establishing a dress-making business. Melvina married William David Burnap in 1867, raising six children. The family migrated west, settling in Wallowa County, Oregon, where she continued her advocacy for women’s rights until her death in 1916.