Clay Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties-Jabez Small
Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1890
JABEZ SMALL. In reviewing the career of
this late citizen of Blaine Township, Clay
County, we are forcibly reminded of the
scriptural quotations that man passeth away,
but "his works do follow him." The monument
which Mr. Small reared to his industry and perseverance
in the shape of a fine homestead, is one
greatly to his credit and honor, as illustrating the
leading traits of his character, among which perseverance
under all difficulties was the one which
secured the present valuable estate his family.
This comprises 480 broad acres upon which his
widow still resides, surrounded by all the comforts
of life.
The subject of this sketch was born in Worcestershire,
England, May 14, 1835, and was the son
of Benjamin and Hannah Small, who were likewise
of English birth and ancestry. He was reared to
manhood in his native shire, receiving a good education
in a private school, and grew up under the
home influences, which made of him a conscientious
and capable man.
Mr. Small was bred to agricultural pursuits and
when twenty-three years old was married, April 29, I
1858, to Elizabeth Griffith. The bride was also a
native of Worcestershire, and the daughter of
Henry G. and Ann Griffith, who were likewise natives
of England. This union resulted in the birth
of ten children, eight of whom are living, the eldest
of whom a son, Benjamin, is a resident of Decatur
County, this State. Louisa A., Mrs. William Wylie,
also lives in that county. Henry, George J., Elizabeth A., Mary A., Dorcas and Ruth I. are at home
with their mother. The deceased are John J. and
Thomas.
Remaining a resident of his native shire until
1873, Mr. Small in the winter of that year, having
decided upon seeking his fortune in America,
crossed the Atlantic with his family, taking passage
on a steamer at Liverpool and landing in Boston,
Mass., after an ocean voyage of fifteen days.
Thence he came directly westward to Otoe County,
Neb., settling on a tract of land three miles east of
Palmyra. Here he purchased 160 acres from which
he improved a farm, and upon which he lived until
his removal to Clay County, Kan., in the spring of
1883. In the meantime he had been prospered
and now purchased the farm included in the fine
estate which he left at his death. Upon this land
when the Small family assumed possession there
were no improvements to speak of, and they therefore
commenced at first principles in the erection
of a homestead. A few years of diligent toil and
good management resulted in the construction of
a good farm, which is now the source of a snug
income.
Mr. Small departed this life at his homestead in
Blaine Township, May 22, 1889. He was a good
man in the broadest sense of the term, a kind
husband
and father, a hospitable neighbor, and was ever
ready to render a kindly service to those around
him. In his death Clay County lost one of her
most useful citizens. He was a stanch supporter
of the Democratic party, and although no office
seeker, was frequently called to positions of trust
and responsibility. These, however, he declined
almost invariably, preferring the quiet of his home
life. He was a man respected by all who knew him,
and has left in addition to a substantial property,
the legacy of a good name to his children.