CLARA M. MABIE.

MRS. CLARA M. MABIE is one of the highly esteemed ladies of Allen county and resides upon one of the fine farms of southeastern Kansas. She was born in the county which is yet her home, on the 22nd of April, 1862, and is a daughter of George and Mary A. Esse. Her parents are still living, their home being in Geneva. Her father was born in France near the city of Metz, on the 12th of December, 1827. His father, John Esse, was a Frenchman, but his mother, Mrs. Mary Esse, was of German birth. When twelve years of age George Esse came to America and resided in New York until he had attained to man's estate. He was married there to Miss Mary Ann Ikins, an English lady who came to the United States in 1845. In 1867 they emigrated to Kansas, locating on a farm near their present home. There the father carried on agricultural pursuits for a number of years, but he has since disposed of all of his land with the exception of a small tract, not caring to be burdened with a greater amount. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Esse were born two children: Eugene C. and Clara, the former a resident of Iola.

Clara M. Esse spent her girlhood days under the parental roof and pursued her education in the public schools. When eighteen years of age she gave her hand in marriage to Edward R. Mabie, the wedding being celebrated on the 27th of May, 1880. Mr. Mabie was born in South Wesley, New York, August 25, 1838, was reared there and was graduated at

the high school in Albany, New York. When the country became involved in Civil war he joined the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York Infantry, at Rome, New York, serving for three years. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Richmond, Antietam, Vicksburg, Atlanta and many others which led to the successful termination of the Rebellion. On one occasion he was wounded by a minie ball which grazed the back of his neck, and he incurred diseases that finally terminated his life.

In 1866 Mr. Mabie came to Kansas and secured a claim of eighty acres on Martin creek, two miles east of Geneva, where he resided until the time of his death. He added to his farm as opportunity offered until he became the owner of three hundred and twenty-five acres of land which he placed under a high state of cultivation. He erected thereon a good residence and barn and the home is surrounded by beautiful, native forest trees which protect it from the hot rays of the summer sun. He also set out nine miles of hedge fence, and forty gates furnish entrance to his fields and pastures. His labors resulted in making his property one of the best farms in Allen county. He died October 20, 1899, at the age of sixty-two years. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, a faithful friend and a loyal citizen and thus throughout the community his loss was deeply felt.

Mr. and Mrs. Mabie were the parents of eight children: George E., Frank C., Harris R., Alice E., Maud P., Clara B. and Ed. T., seven of whom are under the parental roof. Mrs. Mabie, with the assistance of her eldest son, George, is conducting the home farm, which is kept up in the same excellent condition in which it was found when under the supervision of the husband and father. Mrs. Mabie possesses excellent business and executive ability, in addition to those true womanly qualities which have gained her the high regard and friendship of many with whom she has been brought in contact.

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