Charles H. Betty

CHARLES H. BETTY, one of the later settlers of Cherokee County, lives on a farm of 160 acres, in section 19, Shawnee township. He is a native of Montgomery County, Illinois, were he was born June 11, 1859. His parents were Isaac and Louisa (Allen) Betty, both natives of Smith County, Tennessee, where both grew to maturity and were married.

Isaac Betty lived at home until his marriage, when he rented a farm and engaged in farming for himself for several years as a renter. In 1849 he removed to Montgomery County, Illinois, and there remained until his death, which occurred in 1891, at the age of 72. Before his removal from Tennessee, he enlisted in the army for the Mexican War, and served faithfully to the end, participating in many skirmishes and in the battle of Buena Vista. He married Louisa Allen, a daughter Archibald Allen, of Tennessee, and granddaughter of Archibald Allen, a soldier of the War of 1812, who participated in the battle of New Orleans. They had eight children, seven of whom are living, namely: Caroline, wife of Thomas Gray, of Montgomery County, Illinois; Francis, who is married and lives in Shawnee township, Cherokee County; Robert, of Oklahoma; William, Who lives near Spokane Falls, Washington; Alonzo, of Illinois; Charles H,; and Amanda, who lives with our subject.

Charles H. Betty received such schooling as the schools of his native county afforded. He remained at home until the age of 27, occupying himself with the labors of the farm. In 1887 he came to Kansas, and purchased the farm of 160 acres where he now resides. Four years after taking up his residence in Kansas, he married Mary Atkinson, who was born in Columbus, Cherokee County, and is a daughter of J. C. Atkinson. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Betty are: Russell C., born July 2, 1893; Irven, born February 17, 1895; Mirten, born December 9, 1896: Alonzo J., born January 25, 1896; Willis R., born September 6, 1899; Jesse N., born October 22, 1900; and Wilbert D., born May 26, 1903.

Mrs. Betty's father, J.C. Atkinson, was born in Indiana in 1836, and came to Kansas when very young, being numbered among the States early settlers. A farmer all his life, he acquired enough of a competency to retire from active work in later years. His wife was a widow, whose maiden name was Sarah Caldwell. The only child of her first marriage was Eva (Mrs. Emanuel Jenkins), of the Indian Territory. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson seven children were born, five of whom are living, as follows: Flora (Mrs. Young), of Hillside, Indian Territory; Ada, wife of Joseph Hampstan, of Shawnee township, Cherokee County; Fannie, wife of William Mantonia of Crestline, Cherokee County; Mary, wife of our subject; and Merena, wife of William Adams, of Ralston, Oklahoma.

Mr. Atkinson was a member of the Society of friends, as is also his daughter. The Atkinson family is of English descent, the great-grandfather having migrated from England to America. The grandfather was Robert Atkinson, a native of Indiana. Mrs. Atkinson, the mother of Mrs. Betty, died September 25, 1881.

Mr. Betty has a fine farm for gardening purpose, and raises large quantities of garden produce. Of the small grains, corn is his principal crop, most of which he feeds to the stock raised on the farm. Our subject prides himself on the fine melons he raises, large numbers of which are placed on the market each year. Several times, at the Old Settlers' Reunions, he has exhibited his produce in competition for the prizes offered, and the size and good quality of his exhibit have won the prize each time.

Mr. Betty, though not taking an active interest in politics, always votes a straight Republican ticket, and at times stands for the principles of his party. The family is well and favorably known in the locality and are held in the highest respect and esteem by all who know them.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Kama Brainard, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 1/17/97.