PHILETUS REMINGTON. Among the many citizens of Clay County, who have been residents therein for a sufficient length of time to have a practical knowledge of the difficulties attending frontier life and au extended observation of the growth and development of this section of the great West, none better deserve notice in a volume of this kind, than he whose name initiates this biography. His pleasant farm home is located on section 21, Blaine Township, and it has, by his own persevering industry, been reclaimed from a wild and primitive condition to the beautiful and fertile acreage which it is to-day. He and his wife are among the oldest of the settlers in their locality and are now, in their old age, enjoying the fruits of useful and well spent lives and the ease which is a just recompense of years of toil.
The paternal ancestors of our subject were of Welch and Danish origin, and both his parents were born in Massachusetts, the mother's native place having been in the vicinity of Boston. Jonathan Remington, an uncle of our subject, was a Revolutionary soldier and was killed by a Tory during that strife. Senaca and Mary (Sargent) Remington, parents of our subject, moved from Washington County, N. Y., where he was born, to Berkshire County, Mass., when he was an infant about a year old. The old Bay State was their residence for almost a score of years, when they removed to Bradford County, Pa., and in 1849 went still further westward, locating in Kane County, Ill. When they passed through Chicago, there were but four miles of railroad running out of that city. The parents died in Kane County, the mother closing her eyes to earthly things Sept. 11, 1855, and the father departing this life Oct. 14, 1856. Of the eleven children born to them only two are now living�Elizabeth, the widow of E. D. Leonard of Livingston County, Ill., and our subject.
The natal day of Philetus Remington was Nov. 18, 1812. His early education was limited to the training obtained in the subscription and district schools, which at that early date were not as efficient and numerous as at present. The few studies, however, which were upon the curriculum were generally thoroughly learned, and afforded an excellent foundation for the practical training of later life. Our subject was not behind others of his day and age in making use of the advantages afforded him, and has kept himself well-informed during his entire life. Having accompanied his parents to Illinois, Mr. Remington remained in that State until 1859, in the fall of which year he, with his wife and family, came to Kansas, making their first settlement in Riley County. There they remained until 1868, when, entering Clay County he took up 160 acres of land securing the same under the Homestead Act. Since that time he has been a resident of this county and has thoroughly identified himself with its interests and advancement. The lady who has been Mr. Remington's companion in the toils of life as well as in its enjoyments and successes, bore the maiden name of Betsey Smith, the ceremony which united their lives and fortunes having taken place in Pennsylvania, May 15, 1836. The bride was born in Rutland County, Vt., and is a daughter of Stephen and Betsey (Barton) Smith, her parents being natives of New England, and both undoubtedly of English descent. Their family consisted of seven children of whom the following now survive: David B.. whose home is in Pennsylvania; Mrs. Remington, and Emily, wife of G. Thomas, also a resident of Pennsylvania. William Barton, a great uncle of Mrs. Remington, with the assistance of a colored man, and at great risk to himself, captured Col. Prescott during the Revolutionary War.
To Mr. and Mrs. Remington eight children have been born, seven of whom are now living: Judson lives in Clay Center; Elizabeth is the wife of John H. Schryver of Idana, Kan.; Myra is the wife of J. E. Jones of Clay Center; Minerva is the wife of L. H. Rich of Russell County, Kan.; Cythera is now deceased; Howard S. lives in this township; Henry M. resides in Missouri; and Emma is the wife of F. F. Steele, of this county. Some time after becoming a resident of this county, Mr. Remington added sixty acres to his homestead, making in all 220 acres of land which is now owned by his son, Howard S., who was born in Kane County, Ill., in 1850, and came with his parents to Riley County, Kan., and thence to this county in 1868. Coming to the State at the early age of nine years, he has been an eye witness of the scenes of pioneer life, and has borne such a part therein as his years and strength would admit. He is a man of excellent education, his earlier training having been received in the district schools of Riley County, and he having subsequently attended the State Agricultural College at Manhattan for about four years. Like his respected father, he is a Republican, and both are well-known throughout the county, and highly respected by their fellow-citizens. The elder Mr. Remington served for three years on the School Board, making an acceptable school officer, being interested in the advancement of education, as he has always been in every movement for the good of society. Accompanying this sketch is a portrait of the gentleman whose life and character are noted herein, and whose lineaments it will be a pleasure to look upon in connection with his history.
