Biographical Sketch of Oliver, J. W.

Oliver, J. W. dealer in general line of dry goods, notions, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, and groceries. He opened the trade June 6, 1879, under the firm name of Oliver & Michaelis, and changed to the present style in January 1882. He occupies rooms 22×72 feet, first floor and basement; carries an average stock of $18,000. He came to Russell in May 1877, and engaged in the hotel business until March 1879. He was born in Wabash County, Ind., in 1840; lived on a farm until twenty-one years old; he then enlisted in Company H, Seventy-fifth Illinois … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Bradshaw, George T.

Bradshaw, George T. dealer in grain, coal, flour, feed, paints, etc., opened business in 1876. The firm of Knight, Bradshaw & Potter are proprietors of Fairport Flouring Mills, which are located at Fairport, fifteen miles northwest of Russell. These mills are 38×40 feet, three stories high, built of stone in 1879, at a cost of $12,000. The mills are propelled by both steam and water. The capacity is sixty barrels in twenty-four hours. Mr. Bradshaw first came to Russell in April, 1871, with the Northwestern Colony. He was born in Schenectady County, N. Y., in 1836, and reared on a … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Parker, F. L.

Parker, F. L. dealer in grain, lumber and coal. Mr. W. C. Hobbs opened the business in 1871. The firm was changed to Hobbs & Parker in 1879. They carry a stock of about $10,000 in lumber, building material, etc. Mr. Parker came to Russell in the fall of 1877, and became interested in the above business. He was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., July 27, 1848. Moved to Fond du Lac, Wis., with his parents in 1851, where they resided until the fall of 1855, when they moved to Oshkosh, Wis. At a suitable age he engaged in the … Read more

Kansas Registrations of Enemy Aliens, 1917 – 1921

Enemy Alien Registration Affidavit for Bernhardt Vick - Cropped Photo

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.

Biographical Sketch of David L. Stagg

David L. Stagg. There are many fine farms and prosperous farmers in Riley County and quite a number of them may be found in Ogden Township. One of these is David L. Stagg, who was born in Russell County, Kansas, April 17, 1880, but has spent almost all his life in Riley County. His parents were James and Anna E. (Haynes) Stagg. James Stagg was born in New Jersey, June 25, 1841, and died in Riley County, Kansas, October 8, 1910. In Illinois he was married to Anna E. Haynes, who was born in Ohio, September 23, 1843, and died … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Walker, Joseph H.

Walker, Joseph H. farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Fairport, Russell County, located in Saline Township, Ellis County, August 5, 1882, on Section 20. He has a homestead and timber claim, and railroad land, consisting of Section 20, 640 acres of land, sixty acres of which he has under plow. He has 360 head of cattle, amongst which can be found some fine Durham stock. He first landed in Kansas in April 1881, and prospected until he located as above named. He was born in West Townsend, Mass., in 1857, and removed to Cambridge, Mass., in 1865. Lived in his native … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Dixon, James J. A. T.

Dixon, James J. A. T. dealer in dry goods, groceries, hardware, etc., opened business in February 1882 and carry a stock of $3,500. Mr. Dixon first came to Bunker Hill October 5, 1872 for his health, and after eighteen months he began agricultural pursuits and became pastor of the Congregational Church, since which time he has followed preaching irregularly. In the fall of 1875 he was elected to represent Russell County in Kansas State Legislature. Re-elected to same position in the fall of 1876. He was appointed to fill vacancy of Probate Judge in 1878, elected to the office the … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Yoxall, Albert

Yoxall, Albert farmer. His parents came with the Northwestern Colony from Oshkosh, Wis. to Russell in the spring of 1871. His father opened a lumberyard in Russell and continued until 1876. Then engaged in farming, locating on Section 32. Has 160 acres of fine land, 140 of which are cultivated. His father, John Yoxall, died in October 1880. He was a native of England, born in 1815, came to America in 1869, and settled in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where he engaged in lumbering, until he came to Kansas. Albert Yoxall, his son, was born in England, January 1, 1856, married in … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Banks, W. E.

Banks, W. E. dealer in a general line of drugs, medicines, books, stationery and druggists’ sundries. He opened the business in 1877, and carries a stock of $5,000. He first came to Russell in 1877, and opened the above business. Born in Putnam County, Ind., in 1855, Parents moved to Appanoose County, Iowa, in 1864. He began business in life as clerk in a drug store in 1874. Lived in Iowa until he came to Kansas. Married in 1878, to Miss Emma Crist, of Indiana. They have two sons – Emmett E. and Eugene O. He is the present Mayor … Read more

Ulrey, Glenn – Obituary

Glenn Ulrey, 86, a Baker Valley resident, died Jan. 11, 2005, at Serenity Farms foster care home near Haines. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Coles Funeral Home. The Baker City AMVETS, Post No. 1874, will accord military rites. Private interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitations will be from noon to 5 p.m. Friday. Mr. Ulrey was born on April 28, 1918, at Lucas, Kan., a son of John Harrison and Ada Bille Standley Ulrey. He received his education in Kansas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and remained … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Copeland, Charles P.

Copeland, Charles P. cashier of Russell Bank, and County Treasurer, first came to Kansas in April 1874. He embarked in mercantile business until 1878, and began banking in 1877. Was elected County Treasurer in 1879; re-elected in 1881. He was born at Middletown Springs, Rutland Co., Vt., in 1854, and was raised on a farm. He graduated from Eastman’s Commercial College, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in 1874. He then came to Kansas. Married in 1876 to Miss Josephine Ackerman, of Rosendale, Wis. They have one son – Cecil Edwin. Mr. Copeland is a member of Russell Lodge, No. 119, I. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Hart, Q. A.

Hart, Q. A. dealer in general merchandise, opened business October 2, 1872. He now has the oldest established store in Russell. He erected the first store building in the village in the summer of 1874, size of which is 22×60 feet at a cost of $1,800, since built an addition 12×40 feet at a cost of $500. He now carries a stock of $10,000. He owns 320 acres of land nearly all cultivated. Has been Township Treasurer and City Councilman four terms. Born April 2, 1825, in Upper Canada. Was raised on a farm, moved to Neenah, Wis., in 1856. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Moses, W. H.

Moses, W. H. of the firm Lawson & Moses, dealers in a general line of dry goods, gents’ furnishing goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, groceries, queensware and crockery. They opened business October 28, 1877. They occupy rooms 26×100 feet and 16×26 feet, and carry an average stock of $15,000. They first opened with a stock of $4,000. Mr. Moses was born in McHenry County, Ill., in 1852. He went to Republican City, Neb., in 1870, and embarked in merchandising, following it three years; he then went into the stock business a few months; he then returned to … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Harshbarger, C. M.

Harshbarger, C. M. County Clerk, first came to Russell in the fall of 1870. He engaged in farming which occupation he still follows. He owns one-half section of land, raises stock and cultivates about 110 acres of his farm, was elected County Clerk in 1873, and by re-election has held that office ever since, excepting from 1878 to 1880, (one term.) During the interval he was out of above office he was Township Trustee. He is the first settler in Russell County, and located on the first land by a squatter’s right. He has seen many of the variations in … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Banker,Louis

Banker, Louis first came to Russell in 1876 and took charge of a general store for G. A. Hart, five years. He then became a partner in Giddings, Banker & Co. Giddings, Banker & Co., dealers in general merchandise. They opened trade September 14, 1881, and carry a stock of about $8,000, in a general line of merchandise. The firm is composed of Louis Banker, R. S. Giddings and M. A. Blaine, of Middleburg, Mass. Born in Belleville, Canada West, in 1858, went to Rosendale and Waupun, Wis., in 1864, with parents and to Cass County, Iowa in 1871, then … Read more

Biography of Hon. James Ralph Anspaugh

Hon. James Ralph Anspaugh, as cashier of the Gridley State Bank, had been a factor in business affairs in that section of Kansas for a number of years. His recent capable service as a member of the State Senate from the Fifteenth Senatorial District had made his name known and appreciated over the state at large. The Fifteenth District which he represents comprises Coffey and Franklin counties. Senator Anspaugh is a native Kansan. He was born in a sod house that stood on his father’s claim in Russell County, Kansas, September 19, 1883. He is a son of John W. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Eastland, W. G.

Eastland, W. G. of the firm of Eastland & Pierce, attorneys-at-law, came to Russell in the summer of 1872, and engaged in the practice of law. He served as County Attorney two terms, and was Representative to the Kansas Legislature for the years 1879-1880. He is a native of Mississippi; his parents moved from that State to Richland County, Wis., in 1853, where he was raised and educated. He was a member of the Wisconsin State University for a short time. Began the study of law in 1867, entering the law office of Eastland & Eastland, his uncles, and was … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Giddings, R. S.

Giddings, R. S. of Giddings, Banker & Co., first came to Russell in January 1878 and engaged as clerk for a general merchandise store until he became a partner in the above firm. He was born in Seneca County, N. Y., in 1852. Mr. Giddings lived in his native county until 1876, when he went to Joliet, Ill., and clerked in a dry goods house until 1878 when he came to Russell. This is an enterprising firm and deserves the patronage of the public.

Biography of Benjamin Franklin McGath

Benjamin Franklin McGath is one of the old-timers in Champaign County, and has witnessed its growth and development since 1861, the same year that he went out to do service as a Union soldier. He made a creditable record in the army and his entire life has been a record of patriotic devotion and duties worthily and successfully performed. His birth occurred in Vermilion County, Indiana, March 15, 1841. He is the only survivor of a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters, born to William and Nancy (Fannon) McGath. He was the eighth in order of birth. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Robb, J. W.

Robb, J. W. physician and surgeon, came here in September 1879, where he has since continued the practice of medicine. He was born in Shelby County, Ky., in 1839, and got a common school education in his native place. He then attended the Shelbyville, Ky., Academy, under Prof. J. W. Dodd, graduating in 1858. Began to study medicine in the same year, and after a year or two, attended the University at Louisville, Ky., and graduated from the medical department of that college in 1862. Began the practice of medicine at Shelbyville, Ky., where he continued until 1875. He then … Read more