Vermillion County IL

Biography of Forrest M. Hartley

Forrest M. Hartley’s talents made him foremost in the activities of college life while he was a student in Baker University. For a number of years he was actively identified with Kansas journalism and then returned to Baldwin City where he is now one of the leading merchants. Mr. Hartley was born at Indianola in Vermillion County, Illinois, July 26, 1874. He is one of the three children of George S. and Caroline (Vayhinger) Hartley. George S. Hartley, now a resident of Arkansas City, had for many years been a conspicuous figure in the political, banking and civic life of … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Joseph Caraway

Joseph Caraway is a native of Greenbrier county, Virginia, and was born October 18, 1811. He was reared in the county of his birth and educated in the common schools of Virginia. In 1837 he left Virginia and traveled on horse-back to Vermillion county, Illinois, and after taking a rest there of two years, rode on to this county and entered the land where he now lives in 1839. He pitched his tent for once and all, and has never moved, except out of his first log cabin into his present dwelling, since 1839, or before he was married, and … Read more

Biography of Hon. William H. Thomas

HON. WILLIAM H. THOMAS. Few families of Douglas County, Missouri, have a higher reputation in all matters of character, intelligence and liberality than the one represented by the name we have just given. For ten years Mr. Thomas has made his home in this county and he now has a fine tract of 160 acres located about eight miles from Willow Springs, and it is highly productive and valuable. He was born in Fayette County, Indiana, June 15, 1840, to the union of Howell and Mary A. (Adams) Thomas, natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father left his native … Read more

Biography of D. R. Blankinship

D. R. Blankinship. The residence of D. R. Blankinship in Butler County covers a period of more than forty-seven years, during which time he had prospered greatly in the accumulatlon of property and in the gaining of respect and esteem at the hands of his fellow-townsmen. At the time of his arrival this well-known pioneer had little capital to aid him save that represented by his ambition and energy, yet he is now one of the most substantial men of his county, being the owner of 4,300 acres of land, and his home property, located abont two and one-half miles … Read more

Biography of John C. Hardman

John C. Hardman, proprietor of the City Pharmacy of Riverside, which is the pioneer drug store in the city, was first established in 1876 by James H. Roe. Mr. Hardman purchased the business in January, 1886, and immediately increased the stock and enlarged his business until the City Pharmacy ranks as the leading establishment of its character in the city. In addition to a complete and varied stock of drugs and medicines, he is a large dealer in toilet articles, perfumery, fancy goods, wallpaper, paints, oils, etc. He is a skillful druggist and chemist, with years of experience, and employs … Read more

Biographical Sketch of William Barnett

William Barnett, farmer, P. O. Ionia, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., July 8, 1824. Removed to Vermillion County, Ill. Came to Jewell County, Kan., in 1871, and took a homestead, and is now the owner of 320 acres of land. Held the office of School Treasurer for nine years last past. Was married in Vermillion County, Ill., September 17, 1851, to Miss A. J. Walston, now deceased. Was married a second time in Edwards County, Ill., in December 1856, to Miss Nancy Barnett. He is the father of four children – Susan J., Robert, Martha E. and Lolie. Mr. … Read more

Biography of Charles B. Skidmore

Charles B. Skidmore. To attain success as a member of the Kansas bar requires more than ordinary ability which had been trained along the lines of the legal profession, as well as a vest fund of general information, and keen judgment with regard to men and their motives. In the big and pulsing communities of the Sunflower State there is so much competition, circumstances play such an important part in the shaping of events, and these events crowd each other so closely, that the legist had to be capable of grasping affairs with a competent hand to effect satisfactory results. … Read more