Vermont
Biographical Sketch of Noble L. Prentis
Noble L. Prentis, born on April 8, 1839, in Illinois, became a prominent Kansas editor, notably with the Kansas City Star. Orphaned at ten, he apprenticed as a printer and served in the Civil War. His journalism career began in Missouri, leading to roles with various Kansas papers. In 1890, he joined the Kansas City Star, where he remained until his death on July 6, 1900. An accomplished author, he wrote “A Kansan Abroad” and a “History of Kansas,” reflecting his significant contributions to journalism and literature.
Biography of Albert A. Robinson
Albert A. Robinson, a key figure in Kansas history, significantly shaped the Santa Fe Railroad, contributing nearly five thousand miles of railroad construction under his leadership. Joining the Santa Fe in 1871, he rose to chief engineer and played a pivotal role in expanding the railroad system. Known for his humility and loyalty to his workers, Robinson inspired many throughout his career. After leaving the Santa Fe in 1893, he became president of the Mexican Central, further demonstrating his remarkable engineering and administrative skills. His legacy endures within the railroad community.
Biography of Hezekiah Stowel
Hezekiah Stowel, a pioneer from Vermont, settled in Bettsburgh in 1786 on 220 acres. He was the first settler of the village and later moved across the river, where he is buried. His children included Asa, who operated the first inn in 1788, and others who settled nearby. Stowel’s taverns transitioned from log to frame structures until his death, with no tavern remaining afterward. His legacy included notable descendants, with his family playing significant roles in the local community’s development.
Biography of Richard Church
Richard Church settled in Afton, New York, in the fall of 1788, bringing with him his wife Polly and their infant son Billings. He acquired 300 acres of land from his father, Col. Timothy Church. After Richard’s death in 1813, his land was divided among his sons, including Billings, who continued the family legacy. Richard had several children, including Col. Ira and Levi, who also established their own residences in the area. Many descendants of Richard Church still reside in the region and beyond.
Biography of Oliver Easton
Oliver Easton, originally from Wilmington, Vt., settled on Long Hill in 1809 and occupied a farm until his death in 1839. He and his wife, Delight, had eleven children who pursued various paths, including farming, ministry, and trade. Easton primarily engaged in farming and lumbering. His descendants remained in the region, with some eventually moving to different states. Delight passed away in 1860, and their family formed a significant part of the local history in Afton and its surroundings.
Biography of James Willis Gleed
James Willis Gleed, born on March 8, 1859, in Morrisville, Vermont, was a prominent attorney for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in St. Louis. Educated at the University of Kansas and Columbia University, he earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, as well as an LL.B. in 1884. Gleed practiced law in Topeka, Kansas, before moving to St. Louis in 1918. Active in education and politics, he served as regent of the University of Kansas and remains a distinguished figure in the legal community. He was married to Grace Greer, and they had three children.
Biography of Albe B. Whiting
Albe B. Whiting, born in Vermont in 1835, moved to Kansas in 1856 and became a notable figure in the free-soil movement. Over four decades, he engaged in farming, established a successful mill, and navigated the challenges of frontier life. A philanthropist, he contributed significantly to local institutions, including Washburn College and Mount Hope Cemetery. Whiting’s commitment to morality, temperance, and community welfare marked his legacy as a pivotal player in Kansas’ history and development, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of his era.
Biography of Edward C. Willis
Edward C. Willis, a Dartmouth College graduate, has significantly shaped education in Kansas since arriving nearly forty years ago. He became superintendent of the State Orphans Home at Atchison in 1907, where he oversaw its operations, accommodating up to 235 children. Born into a prominent New England family, Willis’s ancestors include colonial settlers. His background features varied educational roles, a brief stint in the railway mail service, and military service from his father, Colonel Joseph E. Willis. He married Anna M. House and has one daughter, Corinne.