Clay Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties-Daniel Blosser
Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1890
DANIEL BLOSSER is one of the prominent citizens of Clifton, and one of its most successful. He possesses a fine property in Washington and Clay counties, and the most of his fortune has been made since he came to this State in 1879. He has done a large business as n money leaner, in connection with the management of his landed possessions. In Clay County he has 617 acres, divided into four farms. They are located in Mulberry and Sherman townships, and each is supplied with good buildings, and is well-improved. In this county be owns 480 acres divided into such parts as to be successfully operated by renters. This land is also well-improved, and supplied with excellent buildings, orchards, etc. He also possesses a fine property of 100 acres approximate to, and partly within the city limits, on which he resides.
Before entering upon the sketch of our subject, some brief notes regarding his ancestors, will not be amiss. His father. Joseph Blosser, was a farmer and miller. He was born in Page County Va., March 2, 1795, being a son of Jacob and Barbara Blosser, who were of Dutch descent. Jacob Blosser was born Jan. 14, 1758, and having removed to Virginia, there spent his last years. He died very suddenly when past the age of eighty-four. His wife departed this life when seventy-five years old. Joseph Blosser was reared to manhood in his native county, and in his occupation followed in his father's footsteps. He was married April 4, 1822, to Miss Sarah J. Basye, of Shenandoah Valley. She was born in Culpeper County, Va., May 13,1803. After his marriage. Joseph Blosser was engaged in milling on the Hawk's Bill River. There five children were born to him. He subsequently, with his family, went overland to Pike County, Ohio, when that county was unbroken. He settled on heavy timbered land, for which he had traded his Virginia
mill, and which he had never seen until he moved to it. He tried to improve the place, but as he understood milling better than clearing land, he was not successful. He therefore went to work in a mill, and had his 320 acres improved and worked by others. He still made it the family home, and subsequently erected n flouring mill on the farm, managing them jointly. Still later he removed to Winchester, and afterward sold the farm. There he purchased a mill which he operated for a few years. Thence he returned to Union Township. Pike County, where he purchased another mill on another farm. Later he sold out and retired to a farm, where he died Dec. 17, 1863, being then sixty-eight years old. His widow survived until Nov. 2, 1876, when she too passed from earth, her death taking place in Mercer County. Joseph Blosser and wife were members of the New Light Christian Church, he being an Elder in that organization, he was a very generous man, both to the church and to his neighbors. He was an Old-Line Whig and later a strong Republican. He was a noble specimen of Christian manhood. His family consisted of five sons and four daughters, our subject being the youngest son and youngest but one of the family. All lived to be married, and all but our subject have reared families. All have been successful in life, and are worthy citizens of the communities where they severally live. Two of the family, a son and daughter, are now deceased.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was born in Union Township, Pike Co., Ohio. He received an excellent practical education in his native countv, and careful home training until he was twenty-two years old. He enlisted at the last call of President Lincoln, for 500,000 brave men to put down the Rebellion. He was enrolled Feb. 16, 1865, in Company A. 193d Ohio Infantry, Col. Powell and Capt. Mason commanding. He remained with his regiment until the close of the war. when he was honorably discharged and returned to Pike County. He had escaped the enemies' bullets, but contracted disease which he has never gotten rid of.
After being mustered out of the service, Mr. Blosser returned to his native county, where for a time he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. Later he
removed to Mercer County, where he was engaged in the same business for three years. Thence he went to Saline County, Mo., where he operated a large flouring mill, run by water and steam, and also carried on a large general store. He had associated with him there, his brother John Blosser, and did business in Saline County for eight years. Failing health sent him to the mountains of Colorado, where he sojourned for some time. From that State he came to Kansas, as before stated, in 1879.
In Mercer County, Ohio, Mr. Blosser celebrated his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Beougher. She is a daughter of Daniel and Mahala (Beery) Beougher, and was born in Mercer County, Oct. 16, 1851. She was well educated in her native county, and is a lady of intelligence and refinement. Her parents are now living in that county, where they own a beautiful home. Mr. Beougher is a successful farmer. Both he and his wife are natives of the Buckeye State, their marriage having taken place in Fairfield County. They are estimable people, and both are members of the Church of God.
Mr. Blosser is of Republican politics. He belongs to the G. A. R., Sebwick Post No. 24, at Clifton. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, in which he is an Elder. He was the chief instrument in the organization, of which he is a charter member, and one of the main supports. He assisted in organizing the church at Malta Bend, Mo., when in business there, and also the church at DeWitt, Carroll Co., Mo. Mr. Blosser hold high rank among the citizens of Clifton and vicinity, as a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and of sterling character. His wife shares with him the esteem of the community. She is the foster mother of a child whom she calls Fred.