Wabaunsee County Biographies
Page 10
Biographies below include: T. S. Spielman; C. M. Rose; Fred A. Seaman; Mrs. Walpurge Daum; William Drebing; Mrs. Mary Louisa Klockman:
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T. S. SPIELMAN
Was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 22, 1844, and was educated in the
public schools of that city. In 1860, removed to Washington county, Maryland. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union army, having
joined the Baltimore battery of Light Artillery, under command of
Captain Fred. W. Alexander, a prominent citizen of Baltimore.
He was discharged from the army on June 17, 1865, and was engaged during his term of service mostly in the Shenandoah Valley and
on the borders of Western Maryland. His battery was with Milroy at
the battle of Winchester and with Wallace at the battle of Monocacy,
and in several minor engagements in Virginia. After the close of the
war he taught a public school near the Antietam battle ground, at
Keedysville, Maryland.
In 1866 he returned to his native city, St. Louis, and in 1867 was
appointed a messenger in the office of the assistant treasurer, U. S.,
remaining in that office until the summer of 1876, when he came to
Wabaunsee, Kansas.
On July 1, 1884, he was appointed clerk of the district court by
Hon. Judge John Martin to fill an unexpired term in said office. At
the regular elections held in 1884, 1886 and 1888 he was elected on the
Republican ticket clerk of the district court. In 1890 he was a candidate for re-election but was defeated together with all the nominee on the Republican ticket.
In October, 1892, he was appointed deputy county treasurer and
served in the treasurer's office six years. At the regular elections in
1898 and 1900 he was elected probate judge.
Judge Spielman has been a member of the Congregational church
for over twenty five years. As a public servant of the people he has
performed the duties in a manner generally with satisfaction to the
people. He has honestly endeavored to perform the trusts confided to
him by the people in such a manner as to gain their confidence and
support, and he has the friendship and good will of the people irrespective of political affiliations as their faithful and respected public
servant.
C. M. ROSE
Was born in Onondaga county, New York, June 10, 1839, removing with his parents to Michigan when but four years of age. Came
to Kansas in 1858, going to Eldorado where he worked in a saw mill,
helping to saw the first boards and assisting in building the first
house built of boards in Butler county.
Mr. Rose participated in some of the buffalo hunts of that season
(1858) after which he returned to his home at Mendon, Mich., where
he remained until August 5, 1863, when he enlisted in Co. K, 19th
Michigan Infantry.
While serving with his regiment Mr. Rose was in some hot chases
after Morgan; was at Fort Donaldson, Nashville, and Franklin; with
Rosecranz at Chattanooga and Sherman at Atlanta. Was twice
wounded � at Spring Hills, Tenn., and at Dallas, Ga., the wound he
received at Dallas preventing his being with Sherman in his march to
the sea. Surrendered with his regiment, Col. Coburn, commanding,
at Spring Hills, and sent to Libby prison, where, after 30 days, he was
paroled and sent North. After recovering from wounds received at
Dallas, he was on detached service, till the close of the war.
General Shatter was major of the regiment in which Mr. Rose enlisted � surrendering at Spring Hills to General Wheeler� who fought
under Shatter at Santiago.
In 1873 Mr. Rose came to Alma, where he has since made his home,
doing a thriving business in pumps and windmills, unusually hale and
hearty at the age of 63 years.
FRED A. SEAMAN see portrait
Was born at Elmore, Portage county, Ohio, on August 16, 1866.
He attended the Greenspring, Ohio, public schools for six years, graduating in May, 1884.
After an attendance of two years at the Greenspring Academy Mr. Seaman came to Kansas, locating in Wabaunsee
county, where he has since resided.
After teaching the Keene schools for three years, Mr. Seaman
came to Alma, where he taught three terms, being principal of the
Alma City schools two years. After another year as principal of the
Eskridge schools, Mr. Seaman taught the home school on Mission
creek (Dist. No. 4) for five consecutive years.
During this time, besides looking after the work of the farm Mr.
Seaman spent his evenings in studying law, being admitted to the bar
in May, 1899. In November, 1900, he was elected to the office of county
attorney, the nomination coming to him without solicitation � it being
a clear case of the office seeking the man.
On September 30, 1891, Mr. Seaman was happily married to Miss
Ada Gillis, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Gillis, of Mission
creek. Subsequent to his marriage, Mr. Seaman took a post graduate
course at Campbell University that he might the more satisfactorily �
to himself, at least, fight the battle of life. That be will succeed is
evidenced by his energetic and progressive spirit � made manifest in
the performance of his duties as county attorney and as editor of the
Alma Signal.
MRS. WALPURGE DAUM
Is kindly remembered by every old settler in the German settlements of the Mill creek valley. Her pleasant greeting insured a hearty
welcome from her regular patrons who awaited her coming that their
surplus stores of butter and eggs might be exchanged for the many
things needed in the humble houses of the early pioneers. When it
was suggested to Photographer Bliss that he take her picture she
insisted that it should look as natural as life and she straightway
adjusted her pack for the occasion.
Inside the sack was a large tin vessel with compartments for
butter and eggs that she took in exchange for the goods bought of
Schmitz & Meyer, at that time the only merchants in Alma.
While on the farm on Loire creek, now owned by Mr. Frank
Oehmann, the woman peddler supplied the good people of Alma with
the best of fresh vegetables, invariably bringing her wares to town on
foot. The supplies for the farm were carried as shown in the photo
and whether the load consisted of a few bundles of dry goods or a hundred pound sack of flour there was no hesitation about making the
trip.
After the death of her husband the woman peddler moved to
Alma, occupying the little frame building between the Commercial
House and Mr. Simon's store. But a fatal illness came on and the
familiar face was seen no more by the thrifty housewives in the Mill
creek valley.
A goodly sum had been laid up for a rainy day, and a handsome
donation was left with Father Hundhausen for the benefit of the
Catholic church, of which organization the woman peddler was a consistent member. Though long years have elapsed there are hundreds
of good people living in the German settlements who will readily
recognize, in the engraving, one who, nearly forty years ago, was a
weekly and welcome visitor.
MR. WILLIAM DREBING (Dec'd) see portrait
Was born in Minden, Germany, in May, 1827, coming to America
in 1845, at the opening of the Mexican war. With the ardor of youth,
he being at that time in his 19th year, William enlisted in an infantry
regiment but was later transferred to the artillery and participated in
every important battle of the war.
The young recruit had the good fortune to be with General Taylor
from the time the American forces took up their march from Point
Isabel until the close of the campaign � crowned with the victory over
Santa Anna at Buena Vista. In this engagement Mr. Drebing was
wounded by a lance thrust through the shoulder. As he lay on the
battlefield, weak from the loss of blood and stiffened by the cold (the
night of February 23, 1847) the gallant young soldier was enabled to
attest from personal observation that the foundation of Hon. Albert
Pike's beautiful poem, "The Angels of Buena Vista," was not a myth.
He was one of the many wounded whose thirst was quenched by the
kind-hearted Mexican women, who knew neither friend nor foe in
their ministrations of mercy. Although severely wounded Mr. Drebing recovered in time to join General Scott in his memorable campaign
from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico.
After the close of the war Mr. Drebing re-enlisted for three years,
doing service in New Mexico. Being thoroughly conversant with the
Spanish, as well as the English and German languages, he was after
his release from army duties, employed by Northrup & Chick, wholesale merchants of Kansas City, as interpreter � necessary in their
immense business with New Mexican freighters.
While a resident of Missouri, Mr. Drebing was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Klein. After engaging in business for several years at
Westport, Missouri, he, in company with his father-in-law, Mr. Bertram Klein, Mr. Henry Schmitz and Mr. Joseph Treu, came to Kansas,
settling on Mill creek in 1856.
During the Price raid in the civil war Mr. Drebing did service as
a leutenant, his company doing guard duty at the state capital until
the threatened danger was past, after which all returned to their
several homes to resume avocations of peace.
Mr. Drebing was a man with whom love of home and family and
loyalty to friends were leading characteristics. The golden rule was
his creed and to be guided by the right in all his dealings with his
fellow-man was his constant endeavor
At 11:30 on Tuesday night, June 27, 1899, the spirit was called
home. William Drebing had lived 73 years, 1 month and 9 days.
Revs. Silbermann and Bernard conducted the funeral services at the
family residence and one of the largest funeral processions ever seen in
Wabaunsee county followed the remains to their last resting place
in the Alma cemetery.
One of the kindest hearted men we ever knew had gone to rest.
Note. Mr. Drebing was the last survivor of the Mexican war,
resident of Wabaunsee county. Two others, Mr. M. W. Bock and Mr.
Samuel Cummings � now in Oklahoma � were both participants in the
war with Mexico.
MRS. MARY LOUISA KLOCKMAN
Was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on October 17, 1804, residing
in the mother country till 1856, when, with her husband Mrs. Klockman came to America, landing at New Orleans in the fall, of 1856.
Coming over in the same ship were the Dieballs, Gongoll, Maike and
Henry Palenske. In March, 1857, Mr. and Mrs. Klockman hired a
Mexican to haul them to the Mill creek settlement. The Mexican
dumped their goods out in the snow near Mr. Schewe's, and charged
$40 for the trip.
Across the ridge from their home lived Mr. Ed. Krapp, who kept
a country store, and being away much of the time, as was Mr. Klockman, the two pioneer women passed many lonely days together. Rut
they were not always lonely. The Indians called often and sometimes
at unseasonable hours. One night a big Indian broke into the cellar
and after helping himself to such things as suited him came upstairs
and lay before the fire till morning. Mrs. Klockman came over and as
big as the Indian was she bumped his nose against the lounge till the
brave concluded the climate was too warm and left.
On another occasion an Indian called at the Krapp home while
Mrs. Klockman was there and wanted to buy ten cents worth of children. Stepping on one of the little ones toes the little one cried,
whereupon Mrs. Krapp knocked the Indian over with a broom stick
and pushed him out of the back door. Mr. Gerlach's coming caused
the Indian to leave. The Indian slept that night in Peter Thoes' pig
pen, but next morning returned and tried to get in at a window. Mrs.
Klockman pointed an old rusty gun at the Indian that hadn't been
loaded for years but it. had the desired effect � the Indian yelled:
"Don't shoot" and ran away.
In 1864, while the Indians were having their war dances at the big
spring Mr. and Mrs. Klockman slept in the timber and thought
their time had come till Capt. Ed. Krapp went to their camp and
induced them to return to their reservation. Mrs. Klockman says
there were so many Indians that they were all day in passing.
After selling their farm to Mr. Heder, Mr. and Mrs. Klockman
intended to pass their declining years on the farm but one night a
man called and attempted to rob the worthy couple of the proceeds of
the sale of the farm. But Mrs. Klockman by her presence of mind
thwarted the would-be robber. He had tied his horse in the timber
and slept in the hen house till two o'clock in the morning when he
went to the house and broke open the door and demanded money �
pointing a revolver at Mr. Klockman.
"Take the money" said Mrs. Klockman, "but don't shoot."
During the parley Mr. Klockman had climbed to the attic. Mrs.
Klockman soon followed, and, closing the trap door, called so loudly
for help that all the dogs in the neighborhood set up a din that scared
the would-be robber away.
The next day a man called to borrow money and was dumbfounded
by Mrs. Klockman saying: "Why, you were here last night after
money; why do you come again today?"
The incident resulted in these worthy people moving to Alma,
since which time death has deprived Mrs. Klockman of her help-meet.
Though refusing to give money to the robber the board of trustees of
the Evangelical church can vouch for the good woman's generosity�
she having donated $600 toward the purchase of the bell and the building of the spire.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Klockman is making her
home with Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Zeckser. Though in her 97th year
she is hale and hearty and her mental faculties are not in the least
impaired. Her store of pioneer incidents is inexhaustible and she
heartily enjoys their recital.
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This website created July 10, 2011 by Sheryl McClure.
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