Ancestry of Capt. Jacob Taber of New Bedford, Massachusetts

Jacob Taber

Capt. Jacob Taber, born in 1813 in Acushnet, Massachusetts, descended from the early New England family of Philip Taber. A master mariner in the whaling industry, Jacob began his seafaring career at nineteen, later commanding successful voyages to the South Atlantic, Hudson Bay, and the Arctic. Known for his remarkable record—never losing a vessel—he retired in 1870 after a distinguished career. A kind and jovial man, he engaged in local politics and was married to Hannah Mendell Blackmer, with whom he had several children.

Biographical Sketch of Oliver A. Smalley

Oliver A. Smalley was born on June 16, 1848, in New York and moved to Iowa at age eight. He worked as an assistant freight agent before engaging in the hardware business in Missouri with his father. Later, he became a traveling salesman, shifted to the butcher business, and eventually started dealing in flour, feed, and grain. Active in local governance, he served as deputy sheriff and city marshal. Smalley married Margaret L. Jones in 1872 and they had three children.

Biography of Patrick H. Coney

Patrick H. Coney, a notable figure in Kansas, emerged from a distinguished military background as a Civil War veteran. After his service, he became a successful businessman and lawyer, deeply committed to supporting fellow veterans, particularly in securing pensions. Throughout his career, Coney authored numerous publications and founded an influential soldier-focused newspaper in Topeka. He was actively involved in the Grand Army of the Republic and held various positions in community organizations. Known for his philanthropy and historical interests, Coney left an indelible mark on Kansas’s history.

Biography of James O’Laughlin

James O’Loughlin, born on April 9, 1844, in County Clare, Ireland, immigrated with his family to the United States at a young age. He learned the tinsmith trade in Michigan and later moved to Dakota before settling in La Conner, Washington, in 1871. A successful farmer and politician, O’Loughlin served three terms as sheriff and assessor of Whatcom County and was appointed inspector of customs. He was married in 1867 and has nine children, earning respect across party lines despite his Democratic affiliation.

Biography of C. W. Wernicke

C. W. Wernicke, born on January 13, 1847, in Goldburg, Germany, immigrated to the United States at nineteen, seeking opportunities. He initially worked as a tinsmith in New York and Michigan before moving to Idaho, where he pioneered the hardware business in Shoshone. Elected County Treasurer of Lincoln County, he has served multiple terms due to his integrity and community involvement. A dedicated member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a lifelong Republican, Wernicke is recognized for his contributions to local prosperity and governance.

Biography of Theron J. Smith

Theron J. Smith, born July 22, 1844, in Wayne County, New York, significantly impacted the settlement of families in Idaho Falls, Idaho, through his role as an immigrant agent for the Oregon Short Line Railroad. Since relocating to Idaho Falls in 1885, he has been pivotal in real estate development, promoting local growth. A Civil War veteran, Smith has held the position of justice of the peace and has a family of six children with his wife, Sarah E. Bradt. His efforts have greatly contributed to the prosperity of the region.

Biographical Sketch of F. L. Pound

F. L. Pound, born May 15, 1844, in Wayne County, N.Y., moved to La Salle County, Ill., in 1860. He served in the Civil War with the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, discharged in 1865. After relocating to Jewell County, Kansas, in 1870, he established a homestead and later operated a merchant business in Ionia. Pound held the positions of Justice of the Peace and Notary Public, and was affiliated with the Odd Fellows. He was married twice and had three children.

Biographical Sketch of J. C. McWaters

J. C. McWaters, born in Newtonville, Canada, on September 17, 1853, was the son of John and Jean Copeland McWaters. He received a common school education and married Florence E. Russell in 1878. McWaters moved to Cleveland at age 20, working in men’s clothing before becoming a senior partner at The McWaters-Dolan Co. He was actively involved in real estate, securing public amenities, and was a founding member of Trinity Congregational Church, serving as its building committee president. He was also a Mason, Elk, and Owl.

Biography of Joseph Edward Exner

Joseph Edward Exner, born on November 10, 1861, in Savannah, New York, transitioned from a seasoned railroad engineer to a manufacturer in Coffeyville, Kansas. After 22 years in railroading, he founded the Coffeyville Shale Products Company, producing hollow building tiles. A prominent figure in local business, he also holds leadership positions in several other manufacturing concerns. Exner, who is politically active and a member of various fraternal organizations, married Nannie R. Worden, with whom he had three children. His contributions significantly shaped Coffeyville’s industrial landscape.

Biography of Elmore W. Snyder

Elmore W. Snyder, born in New York in 1850, became a prominent figure in Kansas banking after moving there in 1878. He founded the Manufacturers National Bank in Leavenworth, where he served as president for over 28 years, playing a crucial role in its growth into a leading financial institution. His family has deep roots in American history, with his father serving in the Civil War. Snyder’s contributions extended beyond banking, including involvement in building a bridge over the Missouri River and participation in local political and fraternal organizations.

Biography of Edwin Ruthven Heath

Edwin Ruthven Heath, born in 1839 in Wisconsin, became a notable physician in Kansas City, Kansas, after a remarkable life shaped by adventure and exploration. He experienced the California Gold Rush as a child, later practicing medicine in South America, where he contributed to railway construction and explored remote rivers. A specialist in diabetes and urinalysis, he actively practiced until late in life despite physical challenges. Heath was an esteemed member of various geographical societies and served in several consular roles while maintaining a commitment to public service and community involvement.

Biography of C. F. Lutes

C. F. Lutes, born January 1, 1871, in New Albany, Indiana, has been pivotal in the glass industry since moving to Kansas in 1904. As president and general manager of the Fredonia Window Glass Company, the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi, he has overseen significant growth, including the establishment of a second plant in Caney, Kansas. His family’s glass-making legacy traces back to early American emigrants, and Lutes himself began his apprenticeship at age fifteen, demonstrating a deep commitment to the craft and business.

Biography of Isaac Newton Hoag

Isaac Newton Hoag, born in 1822 in New York, became a significant figure in California’s development after moving to the state during the Gold Rush. He initially mined gold but transitioned to business, establishing a successful ferry service and later importing agricultural machinery. A political active member, he served in the California Legislature and held various agricultural positions, shaping state agricultural policies. In Redlands, he worked on irrigation and land development, promoting agriculture while improving local infrastructure. Throughout his life, Hoag remained dedicated to community welfare and health.

Biographical Sketch of R. J. A. Mack

R. J. A. Mack, born in Syracuse, New York, in 1842, pursued a medical career that began in his hometown and included a degree from Bennett Medical College in Chicago in 1876. He practiced medicine in various locations before relocating to Redlands, California, in 1886, where he became involved in orange cultivation. Dr. Mack is married to Annetta Bishop and has three surviving children. He is known for his contributions to the local community and is currently focused on business ventures related to agriculture.

Biography of Charles Danford Bean

Charles Danford Bean, an attorney in Geneva, New York, hails from a family with deep roots in the state. His ancestral home, Maple Hill, built in 1834, has been a prominent site, hosting notable guests and marked by historic trees, including the Lafayette Tree. Born in 1861, Bean was educated in various institutions and pursued law, eventually becoming a respected judge and active community member. He has numerous affiliations with local organizations, is a prolific writer, and has contributed significantly to legal literature and historical societies.