Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 976 - 978

JOHN C. HYDE, a prominent farmer, and one of the largest fine-stock raisers in Sedgwick County, is a resident on his farm on the southeast quarter of section 8, in Grant Township. He is a native of County Cork, Ireland, born Aug. 15, 1840, and is the eldest child of his parents, Nicholas and Mary (O'Brien) Hyde, both of whom were natives of the same county in the Emerald Isle, and were the parents of ten children. The grandfather of our subject, John Hyde, was an extensive farmer in his native land, under the old process of agriculture, and employed quite a number of men in carrying on his property. Nicholas Hyde, the father of our subject, was reared to agricultural pursuits in Ireland, and came to the United States with his father when he was eighteen years of age. They embarked at Liverpool, England, in the spring of 1858, and after a rough and tempestuous voyage which lasted eight weeks, landed at New York. They at once went to Boston, Mass., and shortly after to South Hingham in the same State, where Nicholas is still living. Mrs. Mary Hyde, the mother of John, was the daughter of John and Mary (Kelley) O'Brien, and died in Ireland in 1856, previous to her husband's emigration.

            The subject of this personal biography received his education partially in his native home, but completed it in this country. After his arrival in America, he was employed for about two years in the old Bay State, at various kinds of labor, but in 1860 removed to Abingdon, Knox Co., Ill., where he attended school for about one year. During this time the war broke out, and the sharp call for men penetrated even to the quiet student at his desk, and with a commendable patriotism in a young man of alien birth, Mr. Hyde enlisted in what was familiarly known as Oglesby's Sharpshooters. Through some fault of others he was never mustered into service, and after a short stay in camp, for which he received no pay except his board, returned to his college life. But calls succeeded calls, until it seemed that there were not men enough in all the loyal North to suppress the Rebellion, and Mr. Hyde, with the same old patriotic feeling that stirred his breast in the early part of the conflict, enlisted for three years, or during the war, in Company D, 7th Illinois Cavalry, on the 4th of May, 1864. He was mustered into the United States service at Benton Barracks, St. Louis. After having participated in the conflict with the Confederate General, Forrest, at Memphis, Tenn., he was detailed for hospital duty, and filled all the grades up to and including that of Hospital Steward. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged at Memphis, May 17,1865. Returning from the field he settled on a farm in Illinois, but a year later removed to Missouri. The growing fame of the young State of Kansas drawing his attention hither, in 1867 he removed to this State. For three years he spent his efforts on a farm which he had rented in Johnson County, but in the winter of 1871 removed to this county, and located where he now resides. He took up 160 acres under the homestead and pre-emption acts, and commenced improving it. Even at that early day he saw the benefits arising from the raising of stock, and made a beginning at once in that line. He has his farm well improved, and in a good state of cultivation. A fine residence, three roomy barns, and a cattle-shed of a substantial character, increase the value of this noble property. He is also the owner of a good improved farm in Wilson County, this State, on which he has a tenant. He gives great attention to the breeding and raising of thoroughbred stock, all of which are recorded as having a noble pedigree. Clydesdale horses, Short-horn cattle, full-blood Poland-China hogs, and fine poultry are his specialties, in which he has been eminently successful from a financial point of view.

            While a resident of Johnson County, Mr. Hyde and Miss Isabelle Maxwell were united in marriage, on the 24th of July, 1867. The lady of his choice was born in Fulton County, Ill, in August, 1843, and is the eldest of the family born to her parents, Abner and Martha (Brown) Maxwell, both of whom were natives of Illinois. For many years it was a question whether her father was not the first white child born in the Prairie State, but it was finally decided otherwise. Her parents are residents of Johnson County, this State. Her grandfather Maxwell was one of the pioneers of Fulton County, Ill., and was very prominently identified with its early history. Her mother's father was a native of Kentucky, and was a drunkard; his wife not agreeing with him, left her husband and came to Illinois on foot with three small children, carrying them the most of the way. She reared and educated the children, and settled them all in life, and finally died in McDonough County, IIL, after having attained the very advanced age of one hundred and four years. All her children are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Hyde have been blessed with a family of six children-William J., Emmet C., John S., Mary B., Katie May and Fred George, all of whom are attending school in the home district.

            Mr. Hyde takes a very active interest in politics, but refuses to hold office of any description, and is an active and stanch adherent to the principles of the Republican party. His first political connection in this country was with the much maligned Abolition party, which was finally merged into the Republican organization. Having himself a most excellent education, he has taken quite an active part in the organization of the various school districts in the township. He was educated for the Romanist priesthood, and has one brother who is a priest, located on the Pacific Coast; another brother, departing from the faith of his forefathers, as did also John C., is a minister in the Christian Church.

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