| WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS. | 293 cont'd |
RICHARD WARD.
RICHARD WARD—A native of the Empire State, Richard Ward was born in Westchester County in 1843. The Wards came originally from Holland to America, the family being established in New York in 1680. James Ward, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Westchester County. Hezekiah Ward, the father of our subject, was also a native of Westchester County and was a farmer by occupation. He wedded Mary A. Cromwell, who was of English lineage. They became the parents of three sons who are still living: Clarence A. and Charles P., both younger than Richard, being still residents of the Empire State.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Richard Ward during his boyhood days. He assisted in the labors of field and meadow through the summer months and pursued his education through the winter season at the common schools. In 1864, on attaining his majority, he enlisted in the navy and was assigned to duty on the war ship Hetzel. He afterward served on the Granite and on the Mattabessett, his time being spent with the blockading forces at Plymouth, Albemarle Sound and Cape Hatteras, under Commander Febbager. Throughout his business career he has carried on agricultural pursuits and has gained a good living through his indefatigable industry.
In October, 1870, Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Naomi Earl, who is the only child of William Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Ward now have seven children, all of whom still call the old place home. These are: Hezekiah, Mary A., Fanny C., Jennie, Clarence A., William J. and Amelia. The year 1880 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Ward and his family in Allen County, and he has since been numbered among the enterprising agriculturists of Elm township, having a very comfortable home, which is surrounded by well tilled fields, whose neat and thrifty appearance indicates the careful supervision of the owner. As a citizen he takes a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community and gives a loyal support to all measures which he believes will contribute to the substantial upbuilding of the county and to its progress along intellectual, social and moral lines.
Page 293, transcribed by Carolyn Ward from History of Allen and Woodson Counties, Kansas: embellished with portraits of well known people of these counties, with biographies of our representative citizens, cuts of public buildings and a map of each county / Edited and Compiled by L. Wallace Duncan and Chas. F. Scott. Iola Registers, Printers and Binders, Iola, Kan.: 1901; 894 p., [36] leaves of plates: ill., ports.; includes index.
