Clay Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties-William Hanney
Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1890
WILLIAM HANNEY, proprietor of the
White Star Steam Laundry, Clay Center, operates the largest establishment of the kind in this part of the country and at times gives employment to fifteen hands. He is a man highly spoken of by his townsmen, being noted for his business integrity and those qualities which have admitted him as an ever-welcome member to the social circle. He was born in Somersetshire, England, May 13, 1844, and lived there until a young man of nineteen years. After that for a period of seven years he resided in Wales.
In May, I860 Mr. Hanney emigrated to America and settled in Cook County, Ill., where he sojourned about three months. Thence he crossed the Mississippi into Burlingame, Kan., and in January, 1870, homesteaded 160 acres in Clay Township, Clay County, when the present city of Clay Center was a hamlet of six houses. Upon his land there were no improvements, whatever, and for seven years he lived in a dugout. This structure, however, was tightly walled up and warmer than many a more modern dwelling.
After breaking a part of his prairie land Mr. Hanney proceeded with other improvements, setting out fruit and forest trees, including one of the first orchards in this vicinity. His fruit trees, however, were subsequently destroyed by grasshoppers. He fenced his land and put up the necessary buildings, and lived there until 1877. That year he removed to Clay Center and occupied himself in Barber's Elevator for one year. He then established his present enterprise of which he has made a decided success. He became prominent in local affairs, serving as Constable three years, as Jailer and Deputy Sheriff three years. For two years he operated a creamery. He organized the Rosevale Band of which he became the leader and which was the first musical band in Clay County. He was connected with this for seven years. Subsequently he organized the Clay Center Band, of which he is still a member and which is now known as the "Dispatch."
While living in Wales Mr. Hanney was married in March, 1865, to Miss Anna Hapgood, a native of England, and who subsequently went to Wales where she made the acquaintance of her future husband. Of this union there have been born seven children only four of whom are living, viz.: Henry George, Minnie Mary, Leita May and Clayton Edward. They are all at home with their parents, receiving the training and education suitable to their station in life. Mr. and Mrs. Hanney are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church and highly spoken of by all who know them.
Mrs. Hanney is the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Derry) Hapgood. natives of England. The father is deceased; the mother is living in Clay Center. The names of Mr. Hanney's parents were James and Hannah (Hapgood) Hanney, natives of England. The father is deceased; the mother is still living in Wales.