Montgomery County Archives – Page 2 of 5

Biography of M. D. Wright

1890 J. B. Lippincott Company Map - Montgomery County

M. D. Wright, a prominent Elk City merchant, was born on November 12, 1832, in Indiana. He embarked on a diverse and adventurous career, including a stint in the Australian gold rush and service as a First Lieutenant in the Union Army. After returning home in 1857, he pursued a successful mercantile career, served as postmaster for thirteen years, and became a respected community leader. Wright married Lydia A. Fosdick in 1858, and they had eight children, contributing to his legacy in the community.

Biography of Judge Thomas Harrison

Judge Thomas Harrison, born in England in 1825, immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Illinois before moving to Montgomery County, Kansas, in 1869. A dedicated scholar, lawyer, and public servant, he became a prominent figure in local politics and was elected probate judge in 1882. He contributed greatly to the community while also engaging in farming for the latter part of his life. Married for 40 years to M. Eliza Chambers, he had three children and left behind a legacy of service and commitment to American ideals.

Biography of Abigail Hudiberg

Abigail Hudiberg was a pioneering figure in Montgomery County, arriving in 1869 from Johnson County, Indiana, with fifteen other families. She vividly recalled their challenging journey and the harsh first winter in Independence, contrasting it with the comforts of her later home. Born on March 7, 1843, she married Louis Hudiberg in 1863 and they established a successful life together, raising nine children after Louis’s passing in 1890. Abigail and her family were well-respected members of their community, known for their strong capabilities and values.

Biography of Mrs. Jane Blue

Mrs. Jane Blue, born in 1830 in Vermillion County, Indiana, immigrated to Montgomery County in 1871, a pivotal year for many pioneer families. She is the daughter of farmers Jacob and Sarah Coslett and was first married to David Wise in 1853, with whom she had seven children. After his death, she married Jacob Wise, then David Blue, a Civil War veteran. Mrs. Blue had been an influential figure in her community, residing on a well-established farm and actively participating in the United Brethren Church.

Biography of Harvey A. Truskett

Harvey A. Truskett was a prominent figure in Montgomery County, known for his significant contributions to the community and his role as president of the Home National Bank of Caney. Born on October 7, 1855, in Ohio, he faced early hardships that shaped his strong character and work ethic. After serving in the Civil War, he became a successful businessman in farming, stock raising, and the banking industry. Truskett was respected for his civic engagement and charitable nature, greatly impacting the lives of those in his community.

Biography of Revilo Newton

Revilo Newton, born on April 11, 1842, in Illinois, moved to Cherryvale, Kansas, in 1882, becoming cashier of the Montgomery County National Bank. He actively contributed to the town’s development, especially in education and religion, serving as superintendent of the Methodist Sunday School for 25 years. A Civil War veteran, he held various public service roles, including mayor and state representative. Newton was also involved in Masonic organizations and the Democratic Party. He married Ada Anderson, with whom he had two daughters. His family history includes notable civic engagement.

Biography of Daniel Starkey

Daniel Starkey, born on March 1, 1848, in LaGrange County, Indiana, settled in Montgomery County in 1878. After six years, he acquired land and managed it until 1898, when he moved to Wilson County, leaving the farm to his son, Harvey. His father, Thomas Starkey, was a notable militia colonel and justice of the peace. Daniel married Abbie Brown and had two sons, Harvey and Charles. A prominent member of the Farmers’ Alliance, he supported Populist principles and served on several school board committees.

Biography of Archibald L. Scott

Archibald L. Scott, a notable figure in Montgomery County, Kansas, made significant contributions in agriculture, politics, and military service. Born in West Virginia in 1841, he settled in Montgomery County in 1884, amassing a 902-acre estate. Scott served in the 4th Ohio Infantry during the Civil War, participating in key battles and sustaining injuries. Transitioning to oil drilling, he worked in Pennsylvania and returned to Kansas in 1883. A Republican-turned-Populist, Scott served in the Kansas Legislature in 1890, focusing on tax reform and maintaining active community and Masonic involvement.

Biography of Robert Samuel Parkhurst

Robert Samuel Parkhurst, a pioneer in Montgomery County, Kansas, settled there in October 1869, leading a group of Indiana settlers. Born in Kentucky in 1823, he was a successful farmer and merchant, significantly contributing to the area’s development by establishing homes and acquiring land. He amassed hundreds of acres, which he later divided among his children. Throughout his life, Parkhurst focused on farming and community service rather than politics. He married Lucretia Henry in 1843, and they had four daughters. Parkhurst was also an active Mason and a longstanding Baptist.

Biography of J. M. Courtney

J. M. Courtney played a pivotal role in the growth of Cherryvale, where he settled as the town flourished. Born on March 31, 1840, in Ohio, he moved to Illinois with his family before serving as a private in the Civil War. After various occupations, including running a drug store and real estate, he took on significant civic roles, notably as city treasurer and justice of the peace. Married twice, Courtney was active in local organizations and remained a highly respected figure in the community.

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