Sumner County Archives – Kansas Genealogy

Biography of John L. Mears

1890 J B Lippincott Company Map - Sumner

John L. Mears was born on May 29, 1837, in Muskingum County, Ohio, as the eleventh child of Rev. William and Elizabeth Mears. A dedicated farmer and community member, he developed a thriving farm in Dixon Township, starting as a pioneer in Tama County, Iowa. Mears served in the Civil War, attaining the rank of Corporal, and was active in local governance and the Masonic fraternity. Married to Mary Romino in 1860, they had six children, and their family was well-respected in their community.

Biography of Wyatt B. Goad

Wyatt B. Goad, born in Smith County, Tennessee on May 3, 1845, served as Postmaster in Mayfield. After moving to Kentucky in 1857, he enlisted at seventeen in the Union Army, serving in the Thirty-seventh and Fifty-fifth Regiments during the Civil War. Post-war, he pursued carpentry and agriculture before assuming his postmaster role in 1887. Married first to Harriet R. Bullock and later to Nannie Owens, he had one son, Thomas H. Goad. His family history includes roots in Virginia and a legacy of public service and Republican values.

Biography of George W. Henderson

George W. Henderson was a prominent citizen of Morris Township, known for his wealth and influence. He built a valuable farm, contributing significantly to the region’s development. Born on July 12, 1829, in Sussex County, N.J., he married three times and had four children. Henderson was active in his community, serving in various roles, including as a Sunday school superintendent and trustee. A dedicated farmer, he specialized in livestock and grain on his expansive land. He passed away, leaving a lasting legacy in his community and family.

Biography of Joshua Wright

Joshua Wright was a prominent resident of Belle Plaine, serving as a Captain during the Civil War. Born on December 20, 1822, in Orange County, Indiana, he married Parmelia Hall in 1842. The couple had eight children, with several surviving into adulthood. In 1849, they relocated to Jefferson County, Iowa, before moving to Kansas in 1876. Capt. Wright was known for his community involvement and served as Justice of the Peace. His family was respected members of society, and he received a pension for his war injuries.

Biography of Wllliam A. McLain

William A. McLain, born on October 20, 1845, in Hillsboro Township, Illinois, was the son of Addison McLain, an early settler from North Carolina. Addison moved westward, establishing a productive farm in Montgomery County. After residing in Illinois until 1883, William purchased land in Sumner County, Kansas, and developed it into an exemplary farm with his wife, Olive Finefrock, whom he married in 1887. Together, they had one child, Charles Sumner. William was active in his community and political affairs before his passing.

William B. Malaby

William B. Malaby, born July 23, 1848, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, was a prominent figure in Springdale Township and a pioneer of Sumner County, Kansas. He moved to Kansas in 1870, settling on undeveloped land previously occupied by Osage Indians. Malaby was an advocate for the Union Labor movement and served in various local leadership roles, including President of the Farmers’ Alliance. He had two marriages, resulting in seven children. His legacy as a hardworking farmer and community leader is fondly remembered.

Joseph T. McCluer

Joseph T. McCluer was a dedicated farmer in Ryan Township, known for his impressive work ethic and commitment to his family. Arriving in 1878 with only seventy-five cents, he transformed raw land into a productive farm. He served in the Civil War, achieving the rank of Sergeant in the Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and participated in numerous battles. After his service, he continued farming, raising livestock and crops successfully. He married Margaret Obarr, and together they had six children, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and community involvement.

Col. George Burton

Col. George Burton, born March 7, 1819, in Dublin, Ireland, served as Postmaster of Argonia and was notable for his intelligence and courteous demeanor. After a varied life at sea and a stint in the Mexican-American War, he organized a military company during the Civil War, rising to Lieutenant-Colonel. He later engaged in mercantile and agricultural ventures in Iowa. Burton married twice, first to Jane Waring and then to Martha S. Walton, with neither union producing children. He passed away, leaving a legacy of public service and community involvement.

Josephus W. Forney

Josephus W. Forney served as a State Senator for Sumner County and was a pioneer in Belle Plaine Township. He built a successful legal career after self-funding his education and gaining admission to the Ohio State bar. Forney also served as a Lieutenant in the Civil War before establishing his law office in Belle Plaine in 1871. He married Sarah E. Ergenbright in 1870, and they had six children. Forney was active in local organizations and committed to his community, exemplifying the values of his Methodist faith.

Isaac R. Winters

Isaac R. Winters was a prominent farmer in Sumner County, known for his dedication to agriculture and strong Christian values. Born on February 21, 1838, in Preble County, Ohio, he later moved to Indiana and then Kansas, where he became an esteemed member of the community. A veteran of the Civil War, he served valiantly in the Forty-sixth Indiana Infantry. Winters was married twice, first to Mary E. McCoy, with whom he had three children, and later to Sarah M. Malone. He passed away after a life of service and integrity.

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