George W. Hefly

George W. HEFLEY, a well known farmer of the county, living on his 100-acre farm near Baxter Springs, in Spring Valley township, was born in Montgomery County, Illinois, December 13, 1866.

His father, Daniel Hefley, who was a native of North Carolina, moved with his parents from his native State when 13 years of age to Montgomery County, Illinois. There he finished his education in the schools of the county, and then learned the trade of blacksmith, which occupation he followed until an accident while at work deprived him of the sight of one eye. From that time on, he turned his attention to farming, and, although two years after the accident he became blind, he still managed his farm work until his death which occurred February 3, 1900.

Daniel Hefley married Catherine Shearer, a daughter of David Shearer, a farmer of Montgomery County, Illinois, who was a native of North Carolina. Her death occurred in Montgomery County, Illinois, in 1874. Seven children were born to this union, namely: Camilla, widow of George Sharp, who was a farmer of Cherokee County; Mary, residing near Columbus, who is the widow of Charles Houser, of Montgomery County, Illinois; William, who died at the age of three years; David C., a gold miner of Alaska; Elizabeth, wife of M. L. Downs, an implement dealer of Columbus, Kansas; James A., a farmer of Chehalis, Washington; and George W., the subject of this sketch.

George W. Hefley received his early education in the schools of Ilinois. Coming to Cherokee County, Kansas, with his father, when he was 18 years of age, he entered school again, and at the age of 21 finished his education in the public schools of the county. After leaving school, he began farming on his own account, making his home with a sister until February 27, 1898.

On that date he was united in marriage to Minnie Braman, daughter of William and Phoebe (Maddox) Braman, the former a lumber dealer of Columbus, Kansas. To this marriage a son has been born, to whom was given the name of Floyd.

After his marriage, our subject located on a farm in Spring Valley township, where he remained three years, when he removed to the place where he now resides. Here he busily engaged in carrying on the work of general farming and stock-raising, besides operating a hay press, putting up hay in his immediate neighborhood. His farm of 100 acres is all under cultivation, and has many improvements, such as good buildings, not the least of which is a comfortable house. Mr. Hefley, believing that under the surface lie greater riches than the agricultural products of the farm, has leased the right to drill for oil and mineral on his land, which there is every reason to believe will be a profitable venture.

Our subject has been a lifelong Republican. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, of which organization he is a well known and valuable member. The family name is one well and favorably known in the community, and is held in the highest regard.

Transcribed from History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed.& comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, by students from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, April 21, 1997.