Clay Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties-William B. Driscoll
Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1890
WILLIAM B. DRISCOLL. This gentleman came to Kansas in 1879, although not settling on his present farm in Blaine Township, Clay County, in 1884, notwithstanding that he had owned it for several years prior to this time. He has 160 acres well tilled and upon which he has effected good improvements. The land was practically in its wild state when he assumed ownership and there were upon it no building with the exception of a very poor dwelling, scarcely fit for human habitation. The farm at the present day with its appurtenances, indicates the supervision of a thorough and skillful agriculturalist, while it is evident that no small amount of labor has been performed in bringing it to its present condition.
Much pioneer labor has been done by Mr. Driscoll, not only in Kansas, but in his native state of Ohio. He was born in Washington County, that State, Jan. 17, 1834, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth, being reared to farm pursuits and acquiring a practical education in the common schools.
The parents of our subject were Daniel and Laura (Brooker) Driscoll, who removed at an early day from New York State and settled in the woods of Washington County, Ohio. They hewed out a home from the wilderness at a time when bears, wolves and deer were plentiful and when the pioneer did not dare to venture from his home without a rifle upon his shoulder. The Driscoll family included seven children, all of whom were reared to habits of industry and sentiments of honor. The five survivors are George, in Ohio; Merritt, a resident of Missouri; Thomas in Wichita, this State; Lohana, Mrs. Smith of Clay Center and William B. The two deceased died at the ages of six and sixteen years.
Mr. Driscoll remained a resident of his native county until reaching man's estate, assisting his father in the development of the farm and acquiring his education in the primitive schools. He grew up to a useful and worthy manhood and when ready to establish a home of his won was married to Miss Elizabeth Penwell. Of this union there were born two children--Mary A., now the wife of Duley Rust, of Dakota, and Charles E., a resident of Clay Center, this state. Mrs. Elizabeth Driscoll departed this life at her home in Blaine Township, July 20, 1880. Mr. Driscoll contracted a second marriage Oct. 31, 1881, with Miss Jane Thompson.
When about twenty-six years of age, Mr. Driscoll, leaving the farm, established in business in Marietta, Ohio, and lived there several years. Subsequently he removed to Bradford City, Pa., in the vicinity of the oid regions and was engaged in drilling for oil two years. Upon leaving the Keystone State he came to Kansas, and considers this about the best section of country which he has yet found. He has the reputation of being one of the hardest-working men in his township, and he has thus fortified himself against want in his old age. Like most of the men around him, he has good buildings, a fair assortment of live stock, improved farm machinery and all the other appliances for successful agriculture. As a citizen, he is held in high esteem.