David's parents were:
Charles Rice Ward 1799–1882
Jane McCormack 1810–1865
David & his siblings:
Nancy Crozier Ward 1828–1876
Lucy Ann Ward 1830–1917
Martha Elizabeth Ward 1831-1836
John Milton Ward 1833–1893
Charles William Ward 1835–1853
James Robert Ward 1837-1839
David McCormack Ward 1840–1908
Margaret Jane Ward 1843-1845
Elizabeth "Lizzie" Jane Ward 1845–1927
Mary Eugenia Ward 1847–1865
Montezuma Ward 1850-1856
George Wallace Ward 1854-1859
-----
There are numerous newspaper articles published in various newspapers over the years. They are too numerous to transcribe all, but perhaps the ones that are will help provided a brief glimpse into David & Ellen's lives.
David's biography written by his grandson, William E. Ward is from Kindred Tapestry, which can be found at:
http://kindredtapestry.relatedfamilies.com/individual.php?pid=I1&ged=ancestral%20line.ged&tab=-1
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David, age 23, married Ellen Jane Hendricks in Naples, Morgan Co, IL on August 6, 1863.
Their children were:
Claude Allison Ward Sr 1864–1923
Charles Eugene Ward 1866–1867
Lynn Ellard Ward 1868–1940
Nellie Elizabeth Ward 1870–1939
Raymond Lee Ward 1873–1957
Mary Etta Mamie Ward 1875–1968
David Montezuma Ward 1877–1958
Vinnie Eudora Ward 1879–1950
Howard Earle Ward 1882–1938
Vera Omega Ward 1884–1950
Elmer Forest Ward 1886–1888
Maurice Vernon Grey Mick Ward 1889–1958
-----
William E. Ward (son of Maurice Vernon Gray Ward) has provided his grandfather's biography.
"David McCormack Ward was raised in Williamsburg and Mexico, Missouri. Family lore was that he had served in the Civil War with Gen Sterling Price's Missouri Army. We have been unable to prove this belief as there are numerous official US Army records of him being involved in horse stealing in the northeast Missouri area. That region of the State had been declared under Martial Law due to the strong loyalties to the South and the general unrest.
David's father's Smithy on the square in Mexico, Missouri was burned down by the Federal Army during the War as were other buildings in the city.
He and Ellen Jane Hendrix, who was then 19, ran away to Naples, Illinois where they were married on August 6, 1863. One wonders how they traveled the eighty or ninety miles across the Mississippi River to Naples, Illinois apparently without encountering difficulty with military authority during wartime. That would make a great story in itself.
David had previously been charged as involved in stealing horses for the Confederacy and spent a short time in prison as Provost Marshal records in Missouri show. He made a sworn statement that he had not been involved and apparently was released.
Shortly after their marriage in 1863, they moved west to the Cass County area southeast of Kansas City Missouri and in 1864, Ellen Jane gave birth to her first born son whom they named Claude. A second son, Charles. was born in the Kansas City, Kansas area in May of 1866 after the close of the Civil War. In October of 1868, a third son, Lynn, was born after Charles had died in infancy the year before.
The 1870 Census for Wyandotte County, Kansas shows David and Ellen Jane living with Claude and Lynn ages 6 and 2.
As a young man David worked for the U.S. Bureau of Animal Husbandry as an Inspector at the Kansas City Stockyards. He loved animals and was said by all to really 'have a way with them.' He lived on a farm in Harrisonville, Missouri sometime around 1896-1897. His oldest son Claude, was married by then and also lived in the Harrisonville area.
My father, Maurice Vernon Gray Ward, was only 7 or 8 years old and each day rode his Great Dane dog to school and back.
Having grown up on a farm David knew the job to be done, but when he tried farming he discovered he was not good at it. He did know stock and loved horses. He even tried racing some of his horses but didn't have the money to breed them properly. His wife, Ellen Jane, always said he made the mistake of betting on his own horses!
Around the turn of the century, David moved the family into the northeast section of Kansas City, Missouri where he was able to rent a farm at the end of St. John Avenue and continue raising horses. Within a couple of years when David realized the farm would not support his family, they moved back to the Kansas City, Kansas area where he was employed as Deputy Sheriff of Wyandotte County.
In later years he became a claims agent for the Metropolitan Street Railway Co. As a minor Republican politician in Wyandotte County, he was appointed Assistant Postmaster of Old Wyandotte City.
David was highly thought of by one and all who met him or knew him. His family and children respected and loved him. He was sensitive, loving and considerate with his wife, and they wrote many love letters and poems to each other, even after they were married. His grandson, David Lawrence, inherited their book of letters from his mother, Nellie Ward Lobdell. The book now is in the possession of Jared Lobdell of Pennsylvania, grandson of Nellie Lobdell. In 1988 David Lawrence had their handwriting samples analyzed by a professional who was able to determine many things about the personality and nature of the individuals.
David was nearly 6' tall and weighed approximately 175 pounds. He had a gentle nature and a calm manner about him but he was restless and lacked persistence."
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On June 10, 1870,
David M. & Ellen Ward, ages 30 & 25, lived in Wyandotte Ward 2, Wyandotte Co, KS. Their children were Claud A., age 6 & Lynn, 2. David had a job as a Store Clerk & had personal estate valued at $200. Everyone was born in MO except for Lynn who was born in KS.
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, August 8, 1872
"SANDHILL CRANE.- Dr. McCabe and D.M. Ward capturued a sandhill crane on Tuesday last. It measures 6 feet 6 inches from tip to tip of wings and 5 feet 8 inches from point of bill to end of tail. Its color was dark blue. Doc. days if he has time he will dress and stuff it; if he cannot command the time the crane goes into Barnum's museum sure."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 27, 1873
"D.M. Ward has purchased of H.D. Bunch of Leavenworth, 'Lanyan' a chestnut colt three years old, by Veto out of Dolly Madison by Glencoe, also "Nellie W.," a chestnut filley one year oldk by Veto out of Isabella Porterfield by 'Big Bont.'
'Lanyan' is a thorough bred stallion of the old Lexington stock and no better blooded animal is to be found in the state. 'Nellie W.' is also a thorough bred. Mr. Ward is determined to improve the stock of the horses in this county."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, March 16, 1876
"D.M. Ward, a prominent granger from Prairie Township, was in the city Tuesday selecting seed from which he espects to supply the city with garden 'sass' the coming Summer."
The Weekly Commonwealth
(Topeka, Kansas)
Thursday, July 20, 1876
"Mr. D.M. Ward, of Prairie township, left a sample of wheat at the Wyandott Herald office that looks very promising. The heads are six inches long and well filled. The seed is some sent to him by Hon. John R. Goodin, and was labelled 'imported wheat.'"
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, October 12, 1876
"Dr. D.M. Ward, of Prairie Township, met with a very painful accident at Connor Station a few days since which caused him to lay up for repairs. In loading potatoes on the cars he had occasion to climb on top of the car, when b some means he fell backwards, striking on the bed of his wagon which stunned and bruised him very badly."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, August 9, 1877
CONNOR
"Mr. Editor:
Dear Sir - The time for our annual school election is drawing near, and we have three contending parties in District No. 11. The first party is headed by D.M. Ward, J.R. Pugh, and A.J. Dooley. this part is called the Stump-pulling party. The second is headed by Jeptha H. Hollingsworth, John M. Russell, and Robert Parsons. This party is called the Rule or Ruin party. The third party is headed by E.B. Dolley, A.B. Russell, and Granny Burkett. This party is called the Osceola party. It took the name from the great Indian warrior who, in making a speech to his fellow warriors, said, 'Osceola never was born, that klightning had struck a rock and Osceola had come forth a full-grown warrior.'
We hope no violence will be done.
Osceola."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, September 20, 1877
"A patent stump puller arrived at the depot in this city a day or two since for D.M. Ward, of Connor."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, September 21, 1877
CONNOR ITEMS
"D.M. Ward's stump puller has arrived, and Dave talks of 'stumping' the county this fall."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, September 27, 1877
"D.M. Ward, of Prairie Township, left a bushel, more or less, of potatoes at this office on Monday, that for size and flavor, are superior to any we have seen this season. He informed us that they were grown in that patch that was reported as lost in the weeks and that they were brought in just as they were dug and without any sorting. For potatoes that have been lost in the weeks, they are certainly hard to beat. He has six acres more of the same sort left."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, November 22, 1877
"D.M. Ward, of Conner, sold car load of excellent potatoes in the city on Monday."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, February 1, 1878
"D.M. Ward has been appointed Deputy Sheriff by Sheriff Ryus. He will move his family down from Connor about the first of March. Mr. Ward will make an excellent officer."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 7, 1878
CONNOR ITEMS
"Lost or strayed - D.M. Ward, President of the Temperance Club. The last information received in relation to him was that he was snugly quartered in the cooler, in your city. Any information in regard to him will be thankfully received by his friends here."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 21, 1878
CONNOR NOTES
"A.J. Dolley has been appointed Director of the School Board in District No. 11 in place of D.M. Ward, resigned."
S.M. Ward has been laid up with one of Job's pets for some time past, but is now able to be about his business.
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 28, 1878
CONNOR NOTES
"D.M. Ward moves back to Wyandott this week. The good wishes of his many friends here accompany him."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Friday, March 29, 1878
Republican City Convention (article in part)
"For Constables D.M. Ward, W.B. Garlic and A. Taffe were place in nomination, and the two first named were chosen."
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, April 4, 1878
CITY OFFICERS - The following are the officers elected at the city election on Tuesday: ...
Constables - D.M. Ward and Corvine Patterson ... "
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, May 9, 1878
"D.M. Ward, Deputy Sheriff, left a hen's egg at this office yesterday morning, which is something of a raraavis. It has no shell and is provided with a ligature about two inches long, and a quarter of an inch thick, some thing after the manner in which the Siamese Twins were united."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, May 23, 1878
CONNOR ITEMS
"Mrs. Ward, wife of D.M. Ward, of Wyandott, paid a visit to Connor with Misses Nellie, Mary and Master David, on Friday. They returned on the special train Saturday."
-----
Kansas Farmer
(Topeka, Kansas)
Wednesday, June 12, 1878
WYANDOTT COUNTY - D.R. EMMONS, CLERK
"Mare - Taken up by D.M. Ward, Prairie Tp, one brown mare, 2 years old, about 14 1/2 hands high, star in forehead, scar on right foreleg, broken to ride. Valued at $40.
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, August 15, 1879
REGISTER OF DEEDS
"D.M. Ward comes to the front this week with the announcement that he will be a candidate for the office of Register of Deeds, subject to the decision of the Republican county convention. 'Dave,' as everybody in the county calls him, is a staunch Republican, having cast his first vote for Grant, and voted that kind of a ticket ever since; is an excellent penman and a courteous, accommodating gentleman, whose popularity throughout the country is such that should he receive the nomination, his election, by a large majority, is assured."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, September 5, 1879
"REGISTER OF DEEDS
The undersigned hereby announces himself as a candidate for the office of Register of Deeds, subject to the decision of the Republican County Convention.
D.M. Ward."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, October 17, 1879
"James S. Clark and D.M. ward were nominated for register of deeds and on the first ballot Clark received 56 votes and Ward 32 votes - Clark being the choice of the convention."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, January 29, 1880
"D.M. Ward returned Tuesday from the Indian Territory, where he has been for the past en days locating a claim and getting ready for the opening of that Territory to white settlers."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, May 27, 1880
"CENSUS ENUMERATORS. - The following gentlemen have been appointed to take the United States Census for the County of Wyandott: City, First and Second Wards, D.M. Smith; Third and Fourth Wards, D.M. Ward; ... the selections are good ones, and we have no doubt but the statistics were accurately gathered and correctly compiled."
-----
On June 7, 1880, David was the enumerator for his area & enumerated his own family. He was shown as D.M. Ward.
On June 7, 1880,
D.M. & Ellen J. Ward, ages 40 & 34, lived in Wyandotte, Wyandotte Co, KS. David was a Real Estate Dealer.
Household Members
D. M. Ward 40 (born in MO)
Ellen J. Ward 34 (MO)
Claude Ward 15 (born in MO - Machinist)
Lynn Ward 11 (MO)
Nellie Ward 9 (MO)
Raymond Ward 6 (MO)
Mamie Ward 5 (MO)
David Ward 3 (MO)
Vinnie Ward 1 (MO)
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, August 5, 1880
PERSONAL
"Ward. - D.M. Ward has been on the sick list for the past few days, but is now convalescent."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, January 20, 1881
"D.M. Ward and S.T. Woods have purchased a portable saw mill and expect to have it in operation about the first of February. The mill has been shipped and will arrive here some time this week. They propose to commence operations one mile west of White church, on the Parallel road, on the land adjoining Mr. D.G. Taylor. The mill will be of great benefit to the farmers in that section of country and give White church additional life and vigor."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, January 27, 1881
NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS' METTING.
"There will be a meeting of the Stockholders of Kanss City, Oskaloosa and Western Railway Company at the office of Buchan & Gibson, Wyandott, Kansas, on the 29th day of January, A.D. 1881, for the purpose of electing Directors and such other business as may come before the Board.
D.M. Ward, Secretry
D.E. Cornell, President
Wyandott, Kansas, December 30th, 1881."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 3, 1881
KANSAS CITY, OSKALOOSA AND WESTERN RAILROAD
"A meeting of the stockholders of the above road was held at the office of Buchan & Gibson, on Saturday, for the purpose of electing a Board of Directors for the ensuing year and other business. The Secretary was instructed to collect all unpaid assessments.
From the reports of the officers and the talk of the directors, we are inclined to the opinion that the machinery for the successful completion of the road will be put in operation inside of the next ninety days.
The following directors were elected for the ensuing year: G.W. Bishop, D.S. Young, N. McAlpine, Henry Keeler, J.S. Gibson, Walter Hale, D.E. Cornell and D.M. Ward.
The Board organized by electing the following officers: President, D.S. Young; Treasurer, G. W. Bishop; Secretary, D.M. Ward.
If the people along the line of the proposed road will unite and put their shoulders to the wheel and render a small amount of assistance, the road can and will be completed to the west line of this county before the close of 1881. It is for the people who are interested and will be benefited by the road to say whether it shall be built this summer or deferred to some future time."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 10, 1881
CONNOR ITEMS
"Mr. D.M. Ward and wife, formerly of this vicinity, but now of Wyandott city, paid Mr. A.J. Dolley and family a visit on Sunday last."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, March 4, 1881
STATE ROAD
"We have not on hand a copy of Senator Buchan's state road bill, but we understand that it has passed the Senate at last. It provides for a state road from Wyandotte city to the penitentiary, to be located by D.M. Ward of our county, Ed. R. Smith of Linn county, and James Orr of Leavenworth. These commissioners and surveyors are to receive $3 per day and all other persons who assist them $2 per day for their services. ...
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, March 25, 1881
"D.M. Ward, with the other commissioners, will meet on April 5th, to take action on the location of the State road."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, March 31, 1881
"D.M. Ward has let the contract for building a dwelling on the corner of Washington Avenue and Eight Street."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, September 21, 1882
"D.M. Ward, Deputy Postmaster, had all the glass broken out of the west side of his residence by the hail on Monday night. City Engineer Hale's residence suffered in the same way, but not to so great an extent."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, May 24, 1883
"Dr. W. G. Hendrix, of New London, Mo., spent Sunday in the city visiting his sister, Mrs. D.M. Ward."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, November 1, 1883
"A few night ago D.M. Ward and family came very near passing in their checks. During the day they put up a hard coal base burner and in moving it the ashes filled up the drafts, the effect of which was to fill the house with gas. When they woke up in the morning they were too weak to stand alone. An hour more would probably have resulted fatally to both of them."
This same article was published in the Weekly Commonwealth (Topeka, KS) on November 8th.
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, January 31, 1884
"The monotony in Deputy Postmaster D.M. Ward's family was broken on Tuesday night last by the advent of a young daughter and Ward is happy. Of nine births in his family all except this last one have been of the male persuasion."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, May 1, 1884
"D.M. Ward, Deputy Postmaster, went to Topeka on Friday as a witness in the case of the United States against a colored man for wrongfully obtaining a registered letter from the post office in this city."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, March 25, 1886
"D.M. Ward has purchased thirty head of Holstein cattle, all cows and heifers except one. The herd is an important one, and as the Holstein are said to be the best all purpose stock, we hope David may do well with them."
-----
The Daily Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Tuesday, March 15, 1887
"Elmer Ward, baby boy of D.M. Ward, died Sunday evening, and was buried this morning."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Tuesday, March 17, 1887
"Died - In this city on Sunday afternoon, March 18th, 1887, Elmer, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Ward, aged about thirteen months. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their sad bereavement."
-----
The Daily Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Saturday, April 2, 1887
"THEY SHOOT
J.S. Gibson, Jas, Ferguson, D.B. Harris, Chas. Walcott and D.M. Ward, of this city, and Jas. S. Buckland, of Muncie, practiced with their Winchester's on floating chuncks in the Missouri river today. Mr. Buckland carried of the palm at 1,000 years. The other boys propose to sent to New Your for a belt for him as evidence of his championship."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, May 19, 1887
"The following poem was written by Miss Lilly Hendrix, a blind girl, and sister of Mrs. D.M. Ward, on learning of the death of little Elmer, which occurred not long since:
TO SISTER
A shadow broods throughout the house,
A cloud is on each brow;
the tiny shoes are put aside,
The cradle's empty now.
And, where is he? the household pet:
The pride and joy of all,
Why is it that we hear no more
That gentle baby call?
God knew he was too pure for earth,
The treasure he had given,
So after one brief year of stay
He took him home to heaven.
He lives! your baby Elmer lives;
Fond parents, weep no more,
He's met with Him, your long-lost boy,
Upon a brighter shore.
Death has not robbed you of your all,
You've others left to love,
The baby lost will turn their hearts
From earth to Heaven above.
And some day o'er the Jasper sea,
Within that sunny land,
Oh, may you gather once again
Your happy household band.
Lilly."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, September 1, 1887
"D.M. Ward moved to Johnson county last week. He purchased a farm recently about two miles southeast of Olathe, and will make his home on it in the future."
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The Olathe Mirror
(Olathe, KS)
Thursday, April 19, 1888
"From my farm 2 1/2 miles souteast of Olathe, a white mare about 13 years old, weights 1400, a pacer, and heavy with foal when lost. Any information leading to the recovery of the same will be liberally rewarded.
D.M. Ward
Box 216
Olathe, Kans."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, February 28, 1889
"D.M. Ward and family after giving Johnson county a fair trial of two years have returned to Wyandott to live, fully satisfied that Wyandott county approaches nearer the garden of Eden than any other spot to be found on this mundane sphere."
=====
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, June 6, 1889
"G.M. Cole, of Kansas City, MO., is building a brick block 50 X 110 feet on the corner of Fifth street and Kansas avenue. D.M. Ward and G.H. Irvin have leased the same for a term of years and propose to open a sale and board stable for horses and mules."
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The Kansas City Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Saturday, July 20, 1889
"HARNESS THIEVES
Some thief entered D.M. Ward's barn at Sixth and Florence avenue last night and stole a $40 set of harness. The harness was almost entirely new, only having been used a few months. A set of harness was stolen from a milkman names White, living in Brighton Hill, night before last."
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The Kansas City Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, June 12, 1890
"ETHAN ALLEN'S SON
The Only Direct Descendant of the Morgan Horse.
John A. Hale and D.M. Ward have recently purchased for $1,000 the only son of Ethan Allen, the famous Morgan horse that with a running mate beat Dexter's record of 2:15 and a fraction, and whose skeleton is now in the museum of the State University at Lawrence. Messrs. Hale & Ward's acquisitions is a handsome gray stallion, 13 years of age. He carries half Morgan blood with Lady Grever for a dam. Morgan stock is now at a premium and these gentlemen think they have made a fortunate purchase. The horse was bough near Olathe."
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The Kansas City Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Monday, December 22, 1890
"D.M. WARD APPOINTED
He is Made Assistant Stock Inspector Under the General Government.
Saturday afternoon news was received here of the appointment of "D.M. Ward of this city as assistant inspector in the bureau of animal industry in the department of agriculture.
Mr. Ward was instructed to take the oath of office at once and file it with other necessary papers in the disbursing office and report for duty to Mr. Albert Dean of Kansas City, MO. The appointment takes effect January 1. The salary of the position is $1,400 a year. The appointment was made by Secretary of Agriculture Rusk.
The selection of Mr. D.M. Ward for this position is a good one. He is well qualified by education and experience to perform the duties connected with the office. He is a graduate of a veterinary college and has had a great deal of experience with live stock. He will be stationed at the stock yards. Besides being a good appointment it is a deserved recognition of Kansas City, Kansas, that is gratifying, as it was well known that a vigorous effort was being made to secure the appointment for Kansas City, MO."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, December 17, 1891
"Arthur Albright and Miss Nellie Ward were married yesterday afternoon at the residence of the bride's parents, on Brighton Hill, by the Rev. Frank Siler, pastor of the Seventh Street Methodist Church. Arthur is a son of city Clerk William Albright and Miss Nellie is the daughter of D.M. Ward. But, we believer, were born in this city, and have many friends who will unite with the Herald in wishing them much happiness in their new relationship."
-----
On June 2, 1900,
David M. & Ellen Ward, ages 60 & 55, were renting a home on Armstrong Avenue in Kansas City Ward 4, Wyandotte Co, KS. they had been married 36 years; Ellen had given birth to 12 children - 10 were living. David was the Claim Agent for the St. R.R.
Household Members
David M Ward 60 (born in MO April 1840)
Ellen Ward 55 (MO in Dec. 1844)
David M Ward 23 (KS in April 1877 - Boiler Maker)
Howard Ward 18 (KS in April 1882 - Boiler Maker)
Vera Ward 16 (In KS Jan. 1884 - At School)
Maurice Ward 11 In KS May 1889 - At School)
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Moberly Evening Democrat
(Moberly, MO)
July 31, 1902
"D.M. Ward and wife of Kansas City, Kansas, are here attending the fair as guests of Mr. Ward's nephew, A.C. Dingle, the efficient president of the race meeting. Mr. Ward is assistant superintendent of the Metropoliston Co., in Kansas city, Kas."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas, KS)
Thursday, August 2, 1900
"Claude A. Ward, the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Ward, of this city, was the victim of a railroad collision last week in which he sustained a compound fracture of his left leg, between the knee and ankle, and was scaled on his right arm and badly cut and bruised. The bones in his leg were so badly shattered and crushed that amputation had to be resorted to and the leg was taken off between the knee and ankle. He underwent the operation successsfully and spent the following night fairly well and his recovery is assured. The accident occurred in Pennsylvania."
-----
The Kansas City Kansas Globe
(Kansas City, KS)
Wednesday, July 22, 1908
"Mr. D.M. Ward is seriously ill at his home, 712 Armstrong Avenue."
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The Kansas city Kansas Globe
(Kansas City, KS)
Monday, July 27, 1908
"THE FUNERAL OF DAVID WARD
The funeral of David M. Ward was held at 2 o'clock this afternoon in the Central Christian church, Seventh street and Armstrong avenue. Burial was in Elmwood cemetery."
Mexico Missouri Message
(Mexico, MO)
July 30, 1908
"Miss Nina Pearson attended the funeral of her uncle, D.M. Ward, in Kansas City this week."
The Tiller and Toiler
(Larned, KS)
July 31, 1908
"Mrs. C.E. Lobdell left for Kansas city last Thursday in response to a message that her father, Mr. D. M. Ward, of that city was in a very critical condition. Mr. Ward died Friday evening shortly after his daughter's arrival. Judge Lobdell went to Kansas City Saturday evening to attend the funeral."
-----
Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
July 2016
Charles Rice Ward 1799–1882
Jane McCormack 1810–1865
David & his siblings:
Nancy Crozier Ward 1828–1876
Lucy Ann Ward 1830–1917
Martha Elizabeth Ward 1831-1836
John Milton Ward 1833–1893
Charles William Ward 1835–1853
James Robert Ward 1837-1839
David McCormack Ward 1840–1908
Margaret Jane Ward 1843-1845
Elizabeth "Lizzie" Jane Ward 1845–1927
Mary Eugenia Ward 1847–1865
Montezuma Ward 1850-1856
George Wallace Ward 1854-1859
-----
There are numerous newspaper articles published in various newspapers over the years. They are too numerous to transcribe all, but perhaps the ones that are will help provided a brief glimpse into David & Ellen's lives.
David's biography written by his grandson, William E. Ward is from Kindred Tapestry, which can be found at:
http://kindredtapestry.relatedfamilies.com/individual.php?pid=I1&ged=ancestral%20line.ged&tab=-1
-----
David, age 23, married Ellen Jane Hendricks in Naples, Morgan Co, IL on August 6, 1863.
Their children were:
Claude Allison Ward Sr 1864–1923
Charles Eugene Ward 1866–1867
Lynn Ellard Ward 1868–1940
Nellie Elizabeth Ward 1870–1939
Raymond Lee Ward 1873–1957
Mary Etta Mamie Ward 1875–1968
David Montezuma Ward 1877–1958
Vinnie Eudora Ward 1879–1950
Howard Earle Ward 1882–1938
Vera Omega Ward 1884–1950
Elmer Forest Ward 1886–1888
Maurice Vernon Grey Mick Ward 1889–1958
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William E. Ward (son of Maurice Vernon Gray Ward) has provided his grandfather's biography.
"David McCormack Ward was raised in Williamsburg and Mexico, Missouri. Family lore was that he had served in the Civil War with Gen Sterling Price's Missouri Army. We have been unable to prove this belief as there are numerous official US Army records of him being involved in horse stealing in the northeast Missouri area. That region of the State had been declared under Martial Law due to the strong loyalties to the South and the general unrest.
David's father's Smithy on the square in Mexico, Missouri was burned down by the Federal Army during the War as were other buildings in the city.
He and Ellen Jane Hendrix, who was then 19, ran away to Naples, Illinois where they were married on August 6, 1863. One wonders how they traveled the eighty or ninety miles across the Mississippi River to Naples, Illinois apparently without encountering difficulty with military authority during wartime. That would make a great story in itself.
David had previously been charged as involved in stealing horses for the Confederacy and spent a short time in prison as Provost Marshal records in Missouri show. He made a sworn statement that he had not been involved and apparently was released.
Shortly after their marriage in 1863, they moved west to the Cass County area southeast of Kansas City Missouri and in 1864, Ellen Jane gave birth to her first born son whom they named Claude. A second son, Charles. was born in the Kansas City, Kansas area in May of 1866 after the close of the Civil War. In October of 1868, a third son, Lynn, was born after Charles had died in infancy the year before.
The 1870 Census for Wyandotte County, Kansas shows David and Ellen Jane living with Claude and Lynn ages 6 and 2.
As a young man David worked for the U.S. Bureau of Animal Husbandry as an Inspector at the Kansas City Stockyards. He loved animals and was said by all to really 'have a way with them.' He lived on a farm in Harrisonville, Missouri sometime around 1896-1897. His oldest son Claude, was married by then and also lived in the Harrisonville area.
My father, Maurice Vernon Gray Ward, was only 7 or 8 years old and each day rode his Great Dane dog to school and back.
Having grown up on a farm David knew the job to be done, but when he tried farming he discovered he was not good at it. He did know stock and loved horses. He even tried racing some of his horses but didn't have the money to breed them properly. His wife, Ellen Jane, always said he made the mistake of betting on his own horses!
Around the turn of the century, David moved the family into the northeast section of Kansas City, Missouri where he was able to rent a farm at the end of St. John Avenue and continue raising horses. Within a couple of years when David realized the farm would not support his family, they moved back to the Kansas City, Kansas area where he was employed as Deputy Sheriff of Wyandotte County.
In later years he became a claims agent for the Metropolitan Street Railway Co. As a minor Republican politician in Wyandotte County, he was appointed Assistant Postmaster of Old Wyandotte City.
David was highly thought of by one and all who met him or knew him. His family and children respected and loved him. He was sensitive, loving and considerate with his wife, and they wrote many love letters and poems to each other, even after they were married. His grandson, David Lawrence, inherited their book of letters from his mother, Nellie Ward Lobdell. The book now is in the possession of Jared Lobdell of Pennsylvania, grandson of Nellie Lobdell. In 1988 David Lawrence had their handwriting samples analyzed by a professional who was able to determine many things about the personality and nature of the individuals.
David was nearly 6' tall and weighed approximately 175 pounds. He had a gentle nature and a calm manner about him but he was restless and lacked persistence."
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On June 10, 1870,
David M. & Ellen Ward, ages 30 & 25, lived in Wyandotte Ward 2, Wyandotte Co, KS. Their children were Claud A., age 6 & Lynn, 2. David had a job as a Store Clerk & had personal estate valued at $200. Everyone was born in MO except for Lynn who was born in KS.
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, August 8, 1872
"SANDHILL CRANE.- Dr. McCabe and D.M. Ward capturued a sandhill crane on Tuesday last. It measures 6 feet 6 inches from tip to tip of wings and 5 feet 8 inches from point of bill to end of tail. Its color was dark blue. Doc. days if he has time he will dress and stuff it; if he cannot command the time the crane goes into Barnum's museum sure."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 27, 1873
"D.M. Ward has purchased of H.D. Bunch of Leavenworth, 'Lanyan' a chestnut colt three years old, by Veto out of Dolly Madison by Glencoe, also "Nellie W.," a chestnut filley one year oldk by Veto out of Isabella Porterfield by 'Big Bont.'
'Lanyan' is a thorough bred stallion of the old Lexington stock and no better blooded animal is to be found in the state. 'Nellie W.' is also a thorough bred. Mr. Ward is determined to improve the stock of the horses in this county."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, March 16, 1876
"D.M. Ward, a prominent granger from Prairie Township, was in the city Tuesday selecting seed from which he espects to supply the city with garden 'sass' the coming Summer."
The Weekly Commonwealth
(Topeka, Kansas)
Thursday, July 20, 1876
"Mr. D.M. Ward, of Prairie township, left a sample of wheat at the Wyandott Herald office that looks very promising. The heads are six inches long and well filled. The seed is some sent to him by Hon. John R. Goodin, and was labelled 'imported wheat.'"
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, October 12, 1876
"Dr. D.M. Ward, of Prairie Township, met with a very painful accident at Connor Station a few days since which caused him to lay up for repairs. In loading potatoes on the cars he had occasion to climb on top of the car, when b some means he fell backwards, striking on the bed of his wagon which stunned and bruised him very badly."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, August 9, 1877
CONNOR
"Mr. Editor:
Dear Sir - The time for our annual school election is drawing near, and we have three contending parties in District No. 11. The first party is headed by D.M. Ward, J.R. Pugh, and A.J. Dooley. this part is called the Stump-pulling party. The second is headed by Jeptha H. Hollingsworth, John M. Russell, and Robert Parsons. This party is called the Rule or Ruin party. The third party is headed by E.B. Dolley, A.B. Russell, and Granny Burkett. This party is called the Osceola party. It took the name from the great Indian warrior who, in making a speech to his fellow warriors, said, 'Osceola never was born, that klightning had struck a rock and Osceola had come forth a full-grown warrior.'
We hope no violence will be done.
Osceola."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, September 20, 1877
"A patent stump puller arrived at the depot in this city a day or two since for D.M. Ward, of Connor."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, September 21, 1877
CONNOR ITEMS
"D.M. Ward's stump puller has arrived, and Dave talks of 'stumping' the county this fall."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, September 27, 1877
"D.M. Ward, of Prairie Township, left a bushel, more or less, of potatoes at this office on Monday, that for size and flavor, are superior to any we have seen this season. He informed us that they were grown in that patch that was reported as lost in the weeks and that they were brought in just as they were dug and without any sorting. For potatoes that have been lost in the weeks, they are certainly hard to beat. He has six acres more of the same sort left."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, November 22, 1877
"D.M. Ward, of Conner, sold car load of excellent potatoes in the city on Monday."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, February 1, 1878
"D.M. Ward has been appointed Deputy Sheriff by Sheriff Ryus. He will move his family down from Connor about the first of March. Mr. Ward will make an excellent officer."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 7, 1878
CONNOR ITEMS
"Lost or strayed - D.M. Ward, President of the Temperance Club. The last information received in relation to him was that he was snugly quartered in the cooler, in your city. Any information in regard to him will be thankfully received by his friends here."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 21, 1878
CONNOR NOTES
"A.J. Dolley has been appointed Director of the School Board in District No. 11 in place of D.M. Ward, resigned."
S.M. Ward has been laid up with one of Job's pets for some time past, but is now able to be about his business.
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 28, 1878
CONNOR NOTES
"D.M. Ward moves back to Wyandott this week. The good wishes of his many friends here accompany him."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Friday, March 29, 1878
Republican City Convention (article in part)
"For Constables D.M. Ward, W.B. Garlic and A. Taffe were place in nomination, and the two first named were chosen."
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, April 4, 1878
CITY OFFICERS - The following are the officers elected at the city election on Tuesday: ...
Constables - D.M. Ward and Corvine Patterson ... "
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, May 9, 1878
"D.M. Ward, Deputy Sheriff, left a hen's egg at this office yesterday morning, which is something of a raraavis. It has no shell and is provided with a ligature about two inches long, and a quarter of an inch thick, some thing after the manner in which the Siamese Twins were united."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, May 23, 1878
CONNOR ITEMS
"Mrs. Ward, wife of D.M. Ward, of Wyandott, paid a visit to Connor with Misses Nellie, Mary and Master David, on Friday. They returned on the special train Saturday."
-----
Kansas Farmer
(Topeka, Kansas)
Wednesday, June 12, 1878
WYANDOTT COUNTY - D.R. EMMONS, CLERK
"Mare - Taken up by D.M. Ward, Prairie Tp, one brown mare, 2 years old, about 14 1/2 hands high, star in forehead, scar on right foreleg, broken to ride. Valued at $40.
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, August 15, 1879
REGISTER OF DEEDS
"D.M. Ward comes to the front this week with the announcement that he will be a candidate for the office of Register of Deeds, subject to the decision of the Republican county convention. 'Dave,' as everybody in the county calls him, is a staunch Republican, having cast his first vote for Grant, and voted that kind of a ticket ever since; is an excellent penman and a courteous, accommodating gentleman, whose popularity throughout the country is such that should he receive the nomination, his election, by a large majority, is assured."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, September 5, 1879
"REGISTER OF DEEDS
The undersigned hereby announces himself as a candidate for the office of Register of Deeds, subject to the decision of the Republican County Convention.
D.M. Ward."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, October 17, 1879
"James S. Clark and D.M. ward were nominated for register of deeds and on the first ballot Clark received 56 votes and Ward 32 votes - Clark being the choice of the convention."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, January 29, 1880
"D.M. Ward returned Tuesday from the Indian Territory, where he has been for the past en days locating a claim and getting ready for the opening of that Territory to white settlers."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, May 27, 1880
"CENSUS ENUMERATORS. - The following gentlemen have been appointed to take the United States Census for the County of Wyandott: City, First and Second Wards, D.M. Smith; Third and Fourth Wards, D.M. Ward; ... the selections are good ones, and we have no doubt but the statistics were accurately gathered and correctly compiled."
-----
On June 7, 1880, David was the enumerator for his area & enumerated his own family. He was shown as D.M. Ward.
On June 7, 1880,
D.M. & Ellen J. Ward, ages 40 & 34, lived in Wyandotte, Wyandotte Co, KS. David was a Real Estate Dealer.
Household Members
D. M. Ward 40 (born in MO)
Ellen J. Ward 34 (MO)
Claude Ward 15 (born in MO - Machinist)
Lynn Ward 11 (MO)
Nellie Ward 9 (MO)
Raymond Ward 6 (MO)
Mamie Ward 5 (MO)
David Ward 3 (MO)
Vinnie Ward 1 (MO)
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, August 5, 1880
PERSONAL
"Ward. - D.M. Ward has been on the sick list for the past few days, but is now convalescent."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, January 20, 1881
"D.M. Ward and S.T. Woods have purchased a portable saw mill and expect to have it in operation about the first of February. The mill has been shipped and will arrive here some time this week. They propose to commence operations one mile west of White church, on the Parallel road, on the land adjoining Mr. D.G. Taylor. The mill will be of great benefit to the farmers in that section of country and give White church additional life and vigor."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, January 27, 1881
NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS' METTING.
"There will be a meeting of the Stockholders of Kanss City, Oskaloosa and Western Railway Company at the office of Buchan & Gibson, Wyandott, Kansas, on the 29th day of January, A.D. 1881, for the purpose of electing Directors and such other business as may come before the Board.
D.M. Ward, Secretry
D.E. Cornell, President
Wyandott, Kansas, December 30th, 1881."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 3, 1881
KANSAS CITY, OSKALOOSA AND WESTERN RAILROAD
"A meeting of the stockholders of the above road was held at the office of Buchan & Gibson, on Saturday, for the purpose of electing a Board of Directors for the ensuing year and other business. The Secretary was instructed to collect all unpaid assessments.
From the reports of the officers and the talk of the directors, we are inclined to the opinion that the machinery for the successful completion of the road will be put in operation inside of the next ninety days.
The following directors were elected for the ensuing year: G.W. Bishop, D.S. Young, N. McAlpine, Henry Keeler, J.S. Gibson, Walter Hale, D.E. Cornell and D.M. Ward.
The Board organized by electing the following officers: President, D.S. Young; Treasurer, G. W. Bishop; Secretary, D.M. Ward.
If the people along the line of the proposed road will unite and put their shoulders to the wheel and render a small amount of assistance, the road can and will be completed to the west line of this county before the close of 1881. It is for the people who are interested and will be benefited by the road to say whether it shall be built this summer or deferred to some future time."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 10, 1881
CONNOR ITEMS
"Mr. D.M. Ward and wife, formerly of this vicinity, but now of Wyandott city, paid Mr. A.J. Dolley and family a visit on Sunday last."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, March 4, 1881
STATE ROAD
"We have not on hand a copy of Senator Buchan's state road bill, but we understand that it has passed the Senate at last. It provides for a state road from Wyandotte city to the penitentiary, to be located by D.M. Ward of our county, Ed. R. Smith of Linn county, and James Orr of Leavenworth. These commissioners and surveyors are to receive $3 per day and all other persons who assist them $2 per day for their services. ...
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, March 25, 1881
"D.M. Ward, with the other commissioners, will meet on April 5th, to take action on the location of the State road."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, March 31, 1881
"D.M. Ward has let the contract for building a dwelling on the corner of Washington Avenue and Eight Street."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, September 21, 1882
"D.M. Ward, Deputy Postmaster, had all the glass broken out of the west side of his residence by the hail on Monday night. City Engineer Hale's residence suffered in the same way, but not to so great an extent."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, May 24, 1883
"Dr. W. G. Hendrix, of New London, Mo., spent Sunday in the city visiting his sister, Mrs. D.M. Ward."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, November 1, 1883
"A few night ago D.M. Ward and family came very near passing in their checks. During the day they put up a hard coal base burner and in moving it the ashes filled up the drafts, the effect of which was to fill the house with gas. When they woke up in the morning they were too weak to stand alone. An hour more would probably have resulted fatally to both of them."
This same article was published in the Weekly Commonwealth (Topeka, KS) on November 8th.
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, January 31, 1884
"The monotony in Deputy Postmaster D.M. Ward's family was broken on Tuesday night last by the advent of a young daughter and Ward is happy. Of nine births in his family all except this last one have been of the male persuasion."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, May 1, 1884
"D.M. Ward, Deputy Postmaster, went to Topeka on Friday as a witness in the case of the United States against a colored man for wrongfully obtaining a registered letter from the post office in this city."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, March 25, 1886
"D.M. Ward has purchased thirty head of Holstein cattle, all cows and heifers except one. The herd is an important one, and as the Holstein are said to be the best all purpose stock, we hope David may do well with them."
-----
The Daily Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Tuesday, March 15, 1887
"Elmer Ward, baby boy of D.M. Ward, died Sunday evening, and was buried this morning."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Tuesday, March 17, 1887
"Died - In this city on Sunday afternoon, March 18th, 1887, Elmer, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Ward, aged about thirteen months. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their sad bereavement."
-----
The Daily Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Saturday, April 2, 1887
"THEY SHOOT
J.S. Gibson, Jas, Ferguson, D.B. Harris, Chas. Walcott and D.M. Ward, of this city, and Jas. S. Buckland, of Muncie, practiced with their Winchester's on floating chuncks in the Missouri river today. Mr. Buckland carried of the palm at 1,000 years. The other boys propose to sent to New Your for a belt for him as evidence of his championship."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, May 19, 1887
"The following poem was written by Miss Lilly Hendrix, a blind girl, and sister of Mrs. D.M. Ward, on learning of the death of little Elmer, which occurred not long since:
TO SISTER
A shadow broods throughout the house,
A cloud is on each brow;
the tiny shoes are put aside,
The cradle's empty now.
And, where is he? the household pet:
The pride and joy of all,
Why is it that we hear no more
That gentle baby call?
God knew he was too pure for earth,
The treasure he had given,
So after one brief year of stay
He took him home to heaven.
He lives! your baby Elmer lives;
Fond parents, weep no more,
He's met with Him, your long-lost boy,
Upon a brighter shore.
Death has not robbed you of your all,
You've others left to love,
The baby lost will turn their hearts
From earth to Heaven above.
And some day o'er the Jasper sea,
Within that sunny land,
Oh, may you gather once again
Your happy household band.
Lilly."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, September 1, 1887
"D.M. Ward moved to Johnson county last week. He purchased a farm recently about two miles southeast of Olathe, and will make his home on it in the future."
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The Olathe Mirror
(Olathe, KS)
Thursday, April 19, 1888
"From my farm 2 1/2 miles souteast of Olathe, a white mare about 13 years old, weights 1400, a pacer, and heavy with foal when lost. Any information leading to the recovery of the same will be liberally rewarded.
D.M. Ward
Box 216
Olathe, Kans."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, February 28, 1889
"D.M. Ward and family after giving Johnson county a fair trial of two years have returned to Wyandott to live, fully satisfied that Wyandott county approaches nearer the garden of Eden than any other spot to be found on this mundane sphere."
=====
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, June 6, 1889
"G.M. Cole, of Kansas City, MO., is building a brick block 50 X 110 feet on the corner of Fifth street and Kansas avenue. D.M. Ward and G.H. Irvin have leased the same for a term of years and propose to open a sale and board stable for horses and mules."
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The Kansas City Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Saturday, July 20, 1889
"HARNESS THIEVES
Some thief entered D.M. Ward's barn at Sixth and Florence avenue last night and stole a $40 set of harness. The harness was almost entirely new, only having been used a few months. A set of harness was stolen from a milkman names White, living in Brighton Hill, night before last."
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The Kansas City Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, June 12, 1890
"ETHAN ALLEN'S SON
The Only Direct Descendant of the Morgan Horse.
John A. Hale and D.M. Ward have recently purchased for $1,000 the only son of Ethan Allen, the famous Morgan horse that with a running mate beat Dexter's record of 2:15 and a fraction, and whose skeleton is now in the museum of the State University at Lawrence. Messrs. Hale & Ward's acquisitions is a handsome gray stallion, 13 years of age. He carries half Morgan blood with Lady Grever for a dam. Morgan stock is now at a premium and these gentlemen think they have made a fortunate purchase. The horse was bough near Olathe."
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The Kansas City Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Monday, December 22, 1890
"D.M. WARD APPOINTED
He is Made Assistant Stock Inspector Under the General Government.
Saturday afternoon news was received here of the appointment of "D.M. Ward of this city as assistant inspector in the bureau of animal industry in the department of agriculture.
Mr. Ward was instructed to take the oath of office at once and file it with other necessary papers in the disbursing office and report for duty to Mr. Albert Dean of Kansas City, MO. The appointment takes effect January 1. The salary of the position is $1,400 a year. The appointment was made by Secretary of Agriculture Rusk.
The selection of Mr. D.M. Ward for this position is a good one. He is well qualified by education and experience to perform the duties connected with the office. He is a graduate of a veterinary college and has had a great deal of experience with live stock. He will be stationed at the stock yards. Besides being a good appointment it is a deserved recognition of Kansas City, Kansas, that is gratifying, as it was well known that a vigorous effort was being made to secure the appointment for Kansas City, MO."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, December 17, 1891
"Arthur Albright and Miss Nellie Ward were married yesterday afternoon at the residence of the bride's parents, on Brighton Hill, by the Rev. Frank Siler, pastor of the Seventh Street Methodist Church. Arthur is a son of city Clerk William Albright and Miss Nellie is the daughter of D.M. Ward. But, we believer, were born in this city, and have many friends who will unite with the Herald in wishing them much happiness in their new relationship."
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On June 2, 1900,
David M. & Ellen Ward, ages 60 & 55, were renting a home on Armstrong Avenue in Kansas City Ward 4, Wyandotte Co, KS. they had been married 36 years; Ellen had given birth to 12 children - 10 were living. David was the Claim Agent for the St. R.R.
Household Members
David M Ward 60 (born in MO April 1840)
Ellen Ward 55 (MO in Dec. 1844)
David M Ward 23 (KS in April 1877 - Boiler Maker)
Howard Ward 18 (KS in April 1882 - Boiler Maker)
Vera Ward 16 (In KS Jan. 1884 - At School)
Maurice Ward 11 In KS May 1889 - At School)
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Moberly Evening Democrat
(Moberly, MO)
July 31, 1902
"D.M. Ward and wife of Kansas City, Kansas, are here attending the fair as guests of Mr. Ward's nephew, A.C. Dingle, the efficient president of the race meeting. Mr. Ward is assistant superintendent of the Metropoliston Co., in Kansas city, Kas."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas, KS)
Thursday, August 2, 1900
"Claude A. Ward, the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Ward, of this city, was the victim of a railroad collision last week in which he sustained a compound fracture of his left leg, between the knee and ankle, and was scaled on his right arm and badly cut and bruised. The bones in his leg were so badly shattered and crushed that amputation had to be resorted to and the leg was taken off between the knee and ankle. He underwent the operation successsfully and spent the following night fairly well and his recovery is assured. The accident occurred in Pennsylvania."
-----
The Kansas City Kansas Globe
(Kansas City, KS)
Wednesday, July 22, 1908
"Mr. D.M. Ward is seriously ill at his home, 712 Armstrong Avenue."
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The Kansas city Kansas Globe
(Kansas City, KS)
Monday, July 27, 1908
"THE FUNERAL OF DAVID WARD
The funeral of David M. Ward was held at 2 o'clock this afternoon in the Central Christian church, Seventh street and Armstrong avenue. Burial was in Elmwood cemetery."
Mexico Missouri Message
(Mexico, MO)
July 30, 1908
"Miss Nina Pearson attended the funeral of her uncle, D.M. Ward, in Kansas City this week."
The Tiller and Toiler
(Larned, KS)
July 31, 1908
"Mrs. C.E. Lobdell left for Kansas city last Thursday in response to a message that her father, Mr. D. M. Ward, of that city was in a very critical condition. Mr. Ward died Friday evening shortly after his daughter's arrival. Judge Lobdell went to Kansas City Saturday evening to attend the funeral."
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Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
July 2016
David's parents were:
Charles Rice Ward 1799–1882
Jane McCormack 1810–1865
David & his siblings:
Nancy Crozier Ward 1828–1876
Lucy Ann Ward 1830–1917
Martha Elizabeth Ward 1831-1836
John Milton Ward 1833–1893
Charles William Ward 1835–1853
James Robert Ward 1837-1839
David McCormack Ward 1840–1908
Margaret Jane Ward 1843-1845
Elizabeth "Lizzie" Jane Ward 1845–1927
Mary Eugenia Ward 1847–1865
Montezuma Ward 1850-1856
George Wallace Ward 1854-1859
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There are numerous newspaper articles published in various newspapers over the years. They are too numerous to transcribe all, but perhaps the ones that are will help provided a brief glimpse into David & Ellen's lives.
David's biography written by his grandson, William E. Ward is from Kindred Tapestry, which can be found at:
http://kindredtapestry.relatedfamilies.com/individual.php?pid=I1&ged=ancestral%20line.ged&tab=-1
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David, age 23, married Ellen Jane Hendricks in Naples, Morgan Co, IL on August 6, 1863.
Their children were:
Claude Allison Ward Sr 1864–1923
Charles Eugene Ward 1866–1867
Lynn Ellard Ward 1868–1940
Nellie Elizabeth Ward 1870–1939
Raymond Lee Ward 1873–1957
Mary Etta Mamie Ward 1875–1968
David Montezuma Ward 1877–1958
Vinnie Eudora Ward 1879–1950
Howard Earle Ward 1882–1938
Vera Omega Ward 1884–1950
Elmer Forest Ward 1886–1888
Maurice Vernon Grey Mick Ward 1889–1958
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William E. Ward (son of Maurice Vernon Gray Ward) has provided his grandfather's biography.
"David McCormack Ward was raised in Williamsburg and Mexico, Missouri. Family lore was that he had served in the Civil War with Gen Sterling Price's Missouri Army. We have been unable to prove this belief as there are numerous official US Army records of him being involved in horse stealing in the northeast Missouri area. That region of the State had been declared under Martial Law due to the strong loyalties to the South and the general unrest.
David's father's Smithy on the square in Mexico, Missouri was burned down by the Federal Army during the War as were other buildings in the city.
He and Ellen Jane Hendrix, who was then 19, ran away to Naples, Illinois where they were married on August 6, 1863. One wonders how they traveled the eighty or ninety miles across the Mississippi River to Naples, Illinois apparently without encountering difficulty with military authority during wartime. That would make a great story in itself.
David had previously been charged as involved in stealing horses for the Confederacy and spent a short time in prison as Provost Marshal records in Missouri show. He made a sworn statement that he had not been involved and apparently was released.
Shortly after their marriage in 1863, they moved west to the Cass County area southeast of Kansas City Missouri and in 1864, Ellen Jane gave birth to her first born son whom they named Claude. A second son, Charles. was born in the Kansas City, Kansas area in May of 1866 after the close of the Civil War. In October of 1868, a third son, Lynn, was born after Charles had died in infancy the year before.
The 1870 Census for Wyandotte County, Kansas shows David and Ellen Jane living with Claude and Lynn ages 6 and 2.
As a young man David worked for the U.S. Bureau of Animal Husbandry as an Inspector at the Kansas City Stockyards. He loved animals and was said by all to really 'have a way with them.' He lived on a farm in Harrisonville, Missouri sometime around 1896-1897. His oldest son Claude, was married by then and also lived in the Harrisonville area.
My father, Maurice Vernon Gray Ward, was only 7 or 8 years old and each day rode his Great Dane dog to school and back.
Having grown up on a farm David knew the job to be done, but when he tried farming he discovered he was not good at it. He did know stock and loved horses. He even tried racing some of his horses but didn't have the money to breed them properly. His wife, Ellen Jane, always said he made the mistake of betting on his own horses!
Around the turn of the century, David moved the family into the northeast section of Kansas City, Missouri where he was able to rent a farm at the end of St. John Avenue and continue raising horses. Within a couple of years when David realized the farm would not support his family, they moved back to the Kansas City, Kansas area where he was employed as Deputy Sheriff of Wyandotte County.
In later years he became a claims agent for the Metropolitan Street Railway Co. As a minor Republican politician in Wyandotte County, he was appointed Assistant Postmaster of Old Wyandotte City.
David was highly thought of by one and all who met him or knew him. His family and children respected and loved him. He was sensitive, loving and considerate with his wife, and they wrote many love letters and poems to each other, even after they were married. His grandson, David Lawrence, inherited their book of letters from his mother, Nellie Ward Lobdell. The book now is in the possession of Jared Lobdell of Pennsylvania, grandson of Nellie Lobdell. In 1988 David Lawrence had their handwriting samples analyzed by a professional who was able to determine many things about the personality and nature of the individuals.
David was nearly 6' tall and weighed approximately 175 pounds. He had a gentle nature and a calm manner about him but he was restless and lacked persistence."
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On June 10, 1870,
David M. & Ellen Ward, ages 30 & 25, lived in Wyandotte Ward 2, Wyandotte Co, KS. Their children were Claud A., age 6 & Lynn, 2. David had a job as a Store Clerk & had personal estate valued at $200. Everyone was born in MO except for Lynn who was born in KS.
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, August 8, 1872
"SANDHILL CRANE.- Dr. McCabe and D.M. Ward capturued a sandhill crane on Tuesday last. It measures 6 feet 6 inches from tip to tip of wings and 5 feet 8 inches from point of bill to end of tail. Its color was dark blue. Doc. days if he has time he will dress and stuff it; if he cannot command the time the crane goes into Barnum's museum sure."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 27, 1873
"D.M. Ward has purchased of H.D. Bunch of Leavenworth, 'Lanyan' a chestnut colt three years old, by Veto out of Dolly Madison by Glencoe, also "Nellie W.," a chestnut filley one year oldk by Veto out of Isabella Porterfield by 'Big Bont.'
'Lanyan' is a thorough bred stallion of the old Lexington stock and no better blooded animal is to be found in the state. 'Nellie W.' is also a thorough bred. Mr. Ward is determined to improve the stock of the horses in this county."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, March 16, 1876
"D.M. Ward, a prominent granger from Prairie Township, was in the city Tuesday selecting seed from which he espects to supply the city with garden 'sass' the coming Summer."
The Weekly Commonwealth
(Topeka, Kansas)
Thursday, July 20, 1876
"Mr. D.M. Ward, of Prairie township, left a sample of wheat at the Wyandott Herald office that looks very promising. The heads are six inches long and well filled. The seed is some sent to him by Hon. John R. Goodin, and was labelled 'imported wheat.'"
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, October 12, 1876
"Dr. D.M. Ward, of Prairie Township, met with a very painful accident at Connor Station a few days since which caused him to lay up for repairs. In loading potatoes on the cars he had occasion to climb on top of the car, when b some means he fell backwards, striking on the bed of his wagon which stunned and bruised him very badly."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, August 9, 1877
CONNOR
"Mr. Editor:
Dear Sir - The time for our annual school election is drawing near, and we have three contending parties in District No. 11. The first party is headed by D.M. Ward, J.R. Pugh, and A.J. Dooley. this part is called the Stump-pulling party. The second is headed by Jeptha H. Hollingsworth, John M. Russell, and Robert Parsons. This party is called the Rule or Ruin party. The third party is headed by E.B. Dolley, A.B. Russell, and Granny Burkett. This party is called the Osceola party. It took the name from the great Indian warrior who, in making a speech to his fellow warriors, said, 'Osceola never was born, that klightning had struck a rock and Osceola had come forth a full-grown warrior.'
We hope no violence will be done.
Osceola."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, September 20, 1877
"A patent stump puller arrived at the depot in this city a day or two since for D.M. Ward, of Connor."
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, September 21, 1877
CONNOR ITEMS
"D.M. Ward's stump puller has arrived, and Dave talks of 'stumping' the county this fall."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, September 27, 1877
"D.M. Ward, of Prairie Township, left a bushel, more or less, of potatoes at this office on Monday, that for size and flavor, are superior to any we have seen this season. He informed us that they were grown in that patch that was reported as lost in the weeks and that they were brought in just as they were dug and without any sorting. For potatoes that have been lost in the weeks, they are certainly hard to beat. He has six acres more of the same sort left."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, November 22, 1877
"D.M. Ward, of Conner, sold car load of excellent potatoes in the city on Monday."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, February 1, 1878
"D.M. Ward has been appointed Deputy Sheriff by Sheriff Ryus. He will move his family down from Connor about the first of March. Mr. Ward will make an excellent officer."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 7, 1878
CONNOR ITEMS
"Lost or strayed - D.M. Ward, President of the Temperance Club. The last information received in relation to him was that he was snugly quartered in the cooler, in your city. Any information in regard to him will be thankfully received by his friends here."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 21, 1878
CONNOR NOTES
"A.J. Dolley has been appointed Director of the School Board in District No. 11 in place of D.M. Ward, resigned."
S.M. Ward has been laid up with one of Job's pets for some time past, but is now able to be about his business.
-----
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 28, 1878
CONNOR NOTES
"D.M. Ward moves back to Wyandott this week. The good wishes of his many friends here accompany him."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Friday, March 29, 1878
Republican City Convention (article in part)
"For Constables D.M. Ward, W.B. Garlic and A. Taffe were place in nomination, and the two first named were chosen."
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, April 4, 1878
CITY OFFICERS - The following are the officers elected at the city election on Tuesday: ...
Constables - D.M. Ward and Corvine Patterson ... "
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, May 9, 1878
"D.M. Ward, Deputy Sheriff, left a hen's egg at this office yesterday morning, which is something of a raraavis. It has no shell and is provided with a ligature about two inches long, and a quarter of an inch thick, some thing after the manner in which the Siamese Twins were united."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, May 23, 1878
CONNOR ITEMS
"Mrs. Ward, wife of D.M. Ward, of Wyandott, paid a visit to Connor with Misses Nellie, Mary and Master David, on Friday. They returned on the special train Saturday."
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Kansas Farmer
(Topeka, Kansas)
Wednesday, June 12, 1878
WYANDOTT COUNTY - D.R. EMMONS, CLERK
"Mare - Taken up by D.M. Ward, Prairie Tp, one brown mare, 2 years old, about 14 1/2 hands high, star in forehead, scar on right foreleg, broken to ride. Valued at $40.
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, August 15, 1879
REGISTER OF DEEDS
"D.M. Ward comes to the front this week with the announcement that he will be a candidate for the office of Register of Deeds, subject to the decision of the Republican county convention. 'Dave,' as everybody in the county calls him, is a staunch Republican, having cast his first vote for Grant, and voted that kind of a ticket ever since; is an excellent penman and a courteous, accommodating gentleman, whose popularity throughout the country is such that should he receive the nomination, his election, by a large majority, is assured."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, September 5, 1879
"REGISTER OF DEEDS
The undersigned hereby announces himself as a candidate for the office of Register of Deeds, subject to the decision of the Republican County Convention.
D.M. Ward."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, October 17, 1879
"James S. Clark and D.M. ward were nominated for register of deeds and on the first ballot Clark received 56 votes and Ward 32 votes - Clark being the choice of the convention."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, January 29, 1880
"D.M. Ward returned Tuesday from the Indian Territory, where he has been for the past en days locating a claim and getting ready for the opening of that Territory to white settlers."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, May 27, 1880
"CENSUS ENUMERATORS. - The following gentlemen have been appointed to take the United States Census for the County of Wyandott: City, First and Second Wards, D.M. Smith; Third and Fourth Wards, D.M. Ward; ... the selections are good ones, and we have no doubt but the statistics were accurately gathered and correctly compiled."
-----
On June 7, 1880, David was the enumerator for his area & enumerated his own family. He was shown as D.M. Ward.
On June 7, 1880,
D.M. & Ellen J. Ward, ages 40 & 34, lived in Wyandotte, Wyandotte Co, KS. David was a Real Estate Dealer.
Household Members
D. M. Ward 40 (born in MO)
Ellen J. Ward 34 (MO)
Claude Ward 15 (born in MO - Machinist)
Lynn Ward 11 (MO)
Nellie Ward 9 (MO)
Raymond Ward 6 (MO)
Mamie Ward 5 (MO)
David Ward 3 (MO)
Vinnie Ward 1 (MO)
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, August 5, 1880
PERSONAL
"Ward. - D.M. Ward has been on the sick list for the past few days, but is now convalescent."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, January 20, 1881
"D.M. Ward and S.T. Woods have purchased a portable saw mill and expect to have it in operation about the first of February. The mill has been shipped and will arrive here some time this week. They propose to commence operations one mile west of White church, on the Parallel road, on the land adjoining Mr. D.G. Taylor. The mill will be of great benefit to the farmers in that section of country and give White church additional life and vigor."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, January 27, 1881
NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS' METTING.
"There will be a meeting of the Stockholders of Kanss City, Oskaloosa and Western Railway Company at the office of Buchan & Gibson, Wyandott, Kansas, on the 29th day of January, A.D. 1881, for the purpose of electing Directors and such other business as may come before the Board.
D.M. Ward, Secretry
D.E. Cornell, President
Wyandott, Kansas, December 30th, 1881."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 3, 1881
KANSAS CITY, OSKALOOSA AND WESTERN RAILROAD
"A meeting of the stockholders of the above road was held at the office of Buchan & Gibson, on Saturday, for the purpose of electing a Board of Directors for the ensuing year and other business. The Secretary was instructed to collect all unpaid assessments.
From the reports of the officers and the talk of the directors, we are inclined to the opinion that the machinery for the successful completion of the road will be put in operation inside of the next ninety days.
The following directors were elected for the ensuing year: G.W. Bishop, D.S. Young, N. McAlpine, Henry Keeler, J.S. Gibson, Walter Hale, D.E. Cornell and D.M. Ward.
The Board organized by electing the following officers: President, D.S. Young; Treasurer, G. W. Bishop; Secretary, D.M. Ward.
If the people along the line of the proposed road will unite and put their shoulders to the wheel and render a small amount of assistance, the road can and will be completed to the west line of this county before the close of 1881. It is for the people who are interested and will be benefited by the road to say whether it shall be built this summer or deferred to some future time."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 10, 1881
CONNOR ITEMS
"Mr. D.M. Ward and wife, formerly of this vicinity, but now of Wyandott city, paid Mr. A.J. Dolley and family a visit on Sunday last."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, March 4, 1881
STATE ROAD
"We have not on hand a copy of Senator Buchan's state road bill, but we understand that it has passed the Senate at last. It provides for a state road from Wyandotte city to the penitentiary, to be located by D.M. Ward of our county, Ed. R. Smith of Linn county, and James Orr of Leavenworth. These commissioners and surveyors are to receive $3 per day and all other persons who assist them $2 per day for their services. ...
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, March 25, 1881
"D.M. Ward, with the other commissioners, will meet on April 5th, to take action on the location of the State road."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, March 31, 1881
"D.M. Ward has let the contract for building a dwelling on the corner of Washington Avenue and Eight Street."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, September 21, 1882
"D.M. Ward, Deputy Postmaster, had all the glass broken out of the west side of his residence by the hail on Monday night. City Engineer Hale's residence suffered in the same way, but not to so great an extent."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, May 24, 1883
"Dr. W. G. Hendrix, of New London, Mo., spent Sunday in the city visiting his sister, Mrs. D.M. Ward."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, November 1, 1883
"A few night ago D.M. Ward and family came very near passing in their checks. During the day they put up a hard coal base burner and in moving it the ashes filled up the drafts, the effect of which was to fill the house with gas. When they woke up in the morning they were too weak to stand alone. An hour more would probably have resulted fatally to both of them."
This same article was published in the Weekly Commonwealth (Topeka, KS) on November 8th.
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, January 31, 1884
"The monotony in Deputy Postmaster D.M. Ward's family was broken on Tuesday night last by the advent of a young daughter and Ward is happy. Of nine births in his family all except this last one have been of the male persuasion."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, May 1, 1884
"D.M. Ward, Deputy Postmaster, went to Topeka on Friday as a witness in the case of the United States against a colored man for wrongfully obtaining a registered letter from the post office in this city."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, March 25, 1886
"D.M. Ward has purchased thirty head of Holstein cattle, all cows and heifers except one. The herd is an important one, and as the Holstein are said to be the best all purpose stock, we hope David may do well with them."
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The Daily Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Tuesday, March 15, 1887
"Elmer Ward, baby boy of D.M. Ward, died Sunday evening, and was buried this morning."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Tuesday, March 17, 1887
"Died - In this city on Sunday afternoon, March 18th, 1887, Elmer, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Ward, aged about thirteen months. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their sad bereavement."
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The Daily Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Saturday, April 2, 1887
"THEY SHOOT
J.S. Gibson, Jas, Ferguson, D.B. Harris, Chas. Walcott and D.M. Ward, of this city, and Jas. S. Buckland, of Muncie, practiced with their Winchester's on floating chuncks in the Missouri river today. Mr. Buckland carried of the palm at 1,000 years. The other boys propose to sent to New Your for a belt for him as evidence of his championship."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, May 19, 1887
"The following poem was written by Miss Lilly Hendrix, a blind girl, and sister of Mrs. D.M. Ward, on learning of the death of little Elmer, which occurred not long since:
TO SISTER
A shadow broods throughout the house,
A cloud is on each brow;
the tiny shoes are put aside,
The cradle's empty now.
And, where is he? the household pet:
The pride and joy of all,
Why is it that we hear no more
That gentle baby call?
God knew he was too pure for earth,
The treasure he had given,
So after one brief year of stay
He took him home to heaven.
He lives! your baby Elmer lives;
Fond parents, weep no more,
He's met with Him, your long-lost boy,
Upon a brighter shore.
Death has not robbed you of your all,
You've others left to love,
The baby lost will turn their hearts
From earth to Heaven above.
And some day o'er the Jasper sea,
Within that sunny land,
Oh, may you gather once again
Your happy household band.
Lilly."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, September 1, 1887
"D.M. Ward moved to Johnson county last week. He purchased a farm recently about two miles southeast of Olathe, and will make his home on it in the future."
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The Olathe Mirror
(Olathe, KS)
Thursday, April 19, 1888
"From my farm 2 1/2 miles souteast of Olathe, a white mare about 13 years old, weights 1400, a pacer, and heavy with foal when lost. Any information leading to the recovery of the same will be liberally rewarded.
D.M. Ward
Box 216
Olathe, Kans."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, February 28, 1889
"D.M. Ward and family after giving Johnson county a fair trial of two years have returned to Wyandott to live, fully satisfied that Wyandott county approaches nearer the garden of Eden than any other spot to be found on this mundane sphere."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, June 6, 1889
"G.M. Cole, of Kansas City, MO., is building a brick block 50 X 110 feet on the corner of Fifth street and Kansas avenue. D.M. Ward and G.H. Irvin have leased the same for a term of years and propose to open a sale and board stable for horses and mules."
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The Kansas City Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Saturday, July 20, 1889
"HARNESS THIEVES
Some thief entered D.M. Ward's barn at Sixth and Florence avenue last night and stole a $40 set of harness. The harness was almost entirely new, only having been used a few months. A set of harness was stolen from a milkman names White, living in Brighton Hill, night before last."
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The Kansas City Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, June 12, 1890
"ETHAN ALLEN'S SON
The Only Direct Descendant of the Morgan Horse.
John A. Hale and D.M. Ward have recently purchased for $1,000 the only son of Ethan Allen, the famous Morgan horse that with a running mate beat Dexter's record of 2:15 and a fraction, and whose skeleton is now in the museum of the State University at Lawrence. Messrs. Hale & Ward's acquisitions is a handsome gray stallion, 13 years of age. He carries half Morgan blood with Lady Grever for a dam. Morgan stock is now at a premium and these gentlemen think they have made a fortunate purchase. The horse was bough near Olathe."
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The Kansas City Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Monday, December 22, 1890
"D.M. WARD APPOINTED
He is Made Assistant Stock Inspector Under the General Government.
Saturday afternoon news was received here of the appointment of "D.M. Ward of this city as assistant inspector in the bureau of animal industry in the department of agriculture.
Mr. Ward was instructed to take the oath of office at once and file it with other necessary papers in the disbursing office and report for duty to Mr. Albert Dean of Kansas City, MO. The appointment takes effect January 1. The salary of the position is $1,400 a year. The appointment was made by Secretary of Agriculture Rusk.
The selection of Mr. D.M. Ward for this position is a good one. He is well qualified by education and experience to perform the duties connected with the office. He is a graduate of a veterinary college and has had a great deal of experience with live stock. He will be stationed at the stock yards. Besides being a good appointment it is a deserved recognition of Kansas City, Kansas, that is gratifying, as it was well known that a vigorous effort was being made to secure the appointment for Kansas City, MO."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, December 17, 1891
"Arthur Albright and Miss Nellie Ward were married yesterday afternoon at the residence of the bride's parents, on Brighton Hill, by the Rev. Frank Siler, pastor of the Seventh Street Methodist Church. Arthur is a son of city Clerk William Albright and Miss Nellie is the daughter of D.M. Ward. But, we believer, were born in this city, and have many friends who will unite with the Herald in wishing them much happiness in their new relationship."
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On June 2, 1900,
David M. & Ellen Ward, ages 60 & 55, were renting a home on Armstrong Avenue in Kansas City Ward 4, Wyandotte Co, KS. they had been married 36 years; Ellen had given birth to 12 children - 10 were living. David was the Claim Agent for the St. R.R.
Household Members
David M Ward 60 (born in MO April 1840)
Ellen Ward 55 (MO in Dec. 1844)
David M Ward 23 (KS in April 1877 - Boiler Maker)
Howard Ward 18 (KS in April 1882 - Boiler Maker)
Vera Ward 16 (In KS Jan. 1884 - At School)
Maurice Ward 11 In KS May 1889 - At School)
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Moberly Evening Democrat
(Moberly, MO)
July 31, 1902
"D.M. Ward and wife of Kansas City, Kansas, are here attending the fair as guests of Mr. Ward's nephew, A.C. Dingle, the efficient president of the race meeting. Mr. Ward is assistant superintendent of the Metropoliston Co., in Kansas city, Kas."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas, KS)
Thursday, August 2, 1900
"Claude A. Ward, the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Ward, of this city, was the victim of a railroad collision last week in which he sustained a compound fracture of his left leg, between the knee and ankle, and was scaled on his right arm and badly cut and bruised. The bones in his leg were so badly shattered and crushed that amputation had to be resorted to and the leg was taken off between the knee and ankle. He underwent the operation successsfully and spent the following night fairly well and his recovery is assured. The accident occurred in Pennsylvania."
-----
The Kansas City Kansas Globe
(Kansas City, KS)
Wednesday, July 22, 1908
"Mr. D.M. Ward is seriously ill at his home, 712 Armstrong Avenue."
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The Kansas city Kansas Globe
(Kansas City, KS)
Monday, July 27, 1908
"THE FUNERAL OF DAVID WARD
The funeral of David M. Ward was held at 2 o'clock this afternoon in the Central Christian church, Seventh street and Armstrong avenue. Burial was in Elmwood cemetery."
Mexico Missouri Message
(Mexico, MO)
July 30, 1908
"Miss Nina Pearson attended the funeral of her uncle, D.M. Ward, in Kansas City this week."
The Tiller and Toiler
(Larned, KS)
July 31, 1908
"Mrs. C.E. Lobdell left for Kansas city last Thursday in response to a message that her father, Mr. D. M. Ward, of that city was in a very critical condition. Mr. Ward died Friday evening shortly after his daughter's arrival. Judge Lobdell went to Kansas City Saturday evening to attend the funeral."
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Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
July 2016
Charles Rice Ward 1799–1882
Jane McCormack 1810–1865
David & his siblings:
Nancy Crozier Ward 1828–1876
Lucy Ann Ward 1830–1917
Martha Elizabeth Ward 1831-1836
John Milton Ward 1833–1893
Charles William Ward 1835–1853
James Robert Ward 1837-1839
David McCormack Ward 1840–1908
Margaret Jane Ward 1843-1845
Elizabeth "Lizzie" Jane Ward 1845–1927
Mary Eugenia Ward 1847–1865
Montezuma Ward 1850-1856
George Wallace Ward 1854-1859
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There are numerous newspaper articles published in various newspapers over the years. They are too numerous to transcribe all, but perhaps the ones that are will help provided a brief glimpse into David & Ellen's lives.
David's biography written by his grandson, William E. Ward is from Kindred Tapestry, which can be found at:
http://kindredtapestry.relatedfamilies.com/individual.php?pid=I1&ged=ancestral%20line.ged&tab=-1
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David, age 23, married Ellen Jane Hendricks in Naples, Morgan Co, IL on August 6, 1863.
Their children were:
Claude Allison Ward Sr 1864–1923
Charles Eugene Ward 1866–1867
Lynn Ellard Ward 1868–1940
Nellie Elizabeth Ward 1870–1939
Raymond Lee Ward 1873–1957
Mary Etta Mamie Ward 1875–1968
David Montezuma Ward 1877–1958
Vinnie Eudora Ward 1879–1950
Howard Earle Ward 1882–1938
Vera Omega Ward 1884–1950
Elmer Forest Ward 1886–1888
Maurice Vernon Grey Mick Ward 1889–1958
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William E. Ward (son of Maurice Vernon Gray Ward) has provided his grandfather's biography.
"David McCormack Ward was raised in Williamsburg and Mexico, Missouri. Family lore was that he had served in the Civil War with Gen Sterling Price's Missouri Army. We have been unable to prove this belief as there are numerous official US Army records of him being involved in horse stealing in the northeast Missouri area. That region of the State had been declared under Martial Law due to the strong loyalties to the South and the general unrest.
David's father's Smithy on the square in Mexico, Missouri was burned down by the Federal Army during the War as were other buildings in the city.
He and Ellen Jane Hendrix, who was then 19, ran away to Naples, Illinois where they were married on August 6, 1863. One wonders how they traveled the eighty or ninety miles across the Mississippi River to Naples, Illinois apparently without encountering difficulty with military authority during wartime. That would make a great story in itself.
David had previously been charged as involved in stealing horses for the Confederacy and spent a short time in prison as Provost Marshal records in Missouri show. He made a sworn statement that he had not been involved and apparently was released.
Shortly after their marriage in 1863, they moved west to the Cass County area southeast of Kansas City Missouri and in 1864, Ellen Jane gave birth to her first born son whom they named Claude. A second son, Charles. was born in the Kansas City, Kansas area in May of 1866 after the close of the Civil War. In October of 1868, a third son, Lynn, was born after Charles had died in infancy the year before.
The 1870 Census for Wyandotte County, Kansas shows David and Ellen Jane living with Claude and Lynn ages 6 and 2.
As a young man David worked for the U.S. Bureau of Animal Husbandry as an Inspector at the Kansas City Stockyards. He loved animals and was said by all to really 'have a way with them.' He lived on a farm in Harrisonville, Missouri sometime around 1896-1897. His oldest son Claude, was married by then and also lived in the Harrisonville area.
My father, Maurice Vernon Gray Ward, was only 7 or 8 years old and each day rode his Great Dane dog to school and back.
Having grown up on a farm David knew the job to be done, but when he tried farming he discovered he was not good at it. He did know stock and loved horses. He even tried racing some of his horses but didn't have the money to breed them properly. His wife, Ellen Jane, always said he made the mistake of betting on his own horses!
Around the turn of the century, David moved the family into the northeast section of Kansas City, Missouri where he was able to rent a farm at the end of St. John Avenue and continue raising horses. Within a couple of years when David realized the farm would not support his family, they moved back to the Kansas City, Kansas area where he was employed as Deputy Sheriff of Wyandotte County.
In later years he became a claims agent for the Metropolitan Street Railway Co. As a minor Republican politician in Wyandotte County, he was appointed Assistant Postmaster of Old Wyandotte City.
David was highly thought of by one and all who met him or knew him. His family and children respected and loved him. He was sensitive, loving and considerate with his wife, and they wrote many love letters and poems to each other, even after they were married. His grandson, David Lawrence, inherited their book of letters from his mother, Nellie Ward Lobdell. The book now is in the possession of Jared Lobdell of Pennsylvania, grandson of Nellie Lobdell. In 1988 David Lawrence had their handwriting samples analyzed by a professional who was able to determine many things about the personality and nature of the individuals.
David was nearly 6' tall and weighed approximately 175 pounds. He had a gentle nature and a calm manner about him but he was restless and lacked persistence."
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On June 10, 1870,
David M. & Ellen Ward, ages 30 & 25, lived in Wyandotte Ward 2, Wyandotte Co, KS. Their children were Claud A., age 6 & Lynn, 2. David had a job as a Store Clerk & had personal estate valued at $200. Everyone was born in MO except for Lynn who was born in KS.
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, August 8, 1872
"SANDHILL CRANE.- Dr. McCabe and D.M. Ward capturued a sandhill crane on Tuesday last. It measures 6 feet 6 inches from tip to tip of wings and 5 feet 8 inches from point of bill to end of tail. Its color was dark blue. Doc. days if he has time he will dress and stuff it; if he cannot command the time the crane goes into Barnum's museum sure."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 27, 1873
"D.M. Ward has purchased of H.D. Bunch of Leavenworth, 'Lanyan' a chestnut colt three years old, by Veto out of Dolly Madison by Glencoe, also "Nellie W.," a chestnut filley one year oldk by Veto out of Isabella Porterfield by 'Big Bont.'
'Lanyan' is a thorough bred stallion of the old Lexington stock and no better blooded animal is to be found in the state. 'Nellie W.' is also a thorough bred. Mr. Ward is determined to improve the stock of the horses in this county."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, March 16, 1876
"D.M. Ward, a prominent granger from Prairie Township, was in the city Tuesday selecting seed from which he espects to supply the city with garden 'sass' the coming Summer."
The Weekly Commonwealth
(Topeka, Kansas)
Thursday, July 20, 1876
"Mr. D.M. Ward, of Prairie township, left a sample of wheat at the Wyandott Herald office that looks very promising. The heads are six inches long and well filled. The seed is some sent to him by Hon. John R. Goodin, and was labelled 'imported wheat.'"
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, October 12, 1876
"Dr. D.M. Ward, of Prairie Township, met with a very painful accident at Connor Station a few days since which caused him to lay up for repairs. In loading potatoes on the cars he had occasion to climb on top of the car, when b some means he fell backwards, striking on the bed of his wagon which stunned and bruised him very badly."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, August 9, 1877
CONNOR
"Mr. Editor:
Dear Sir - The time for our annual school election is drawing near, and we have three contending parties in District No. 11. The first party is headed by D.M. Ward, J.R. Pugh, and A.J. Dooley. this part is called the Stump-pulling party. The second is headed by Jeptha H. Hollingsworth, John M. Russell, and Robert Parsons. This party is called the Rule or Ruin party. The third party is headed by E.B. Dolley, A.B. Russell, and Granny Burkett. This party is called the Osceola party. It took the name from the great Indian warrior who, in making a speech to his fellow warriors, said, 'Osceola never was born, that klightning had struck a rock and Osceola had come forth a full-grown warrior.'
We hope no violence will be done.
Osceola."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, September 20, 1877
"A patent stump puller arrived at the depot in this city a day or two since for D.M. Ward, of Connor."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, September 21, 1877
CONNOR ITEMS
"D.M. Ward's stump puller has arrived, and Dave talks of 'stumping' the county this fall."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, September 27, 1877
"D.M. Ward, of Prairie Township, left a bushel, more or less, of potatoes at this office on Monday, that for size and flavor, are superior to any we have seen this season. He informed us that they were grown in that patch that was reported as lost in the weeks and that they were brought in just as they were dug and without any sorting. For potatoes that have been lost in the weeks, they are certainly hard to beat. He has six acres more of the same sort left."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, November 22, 1877
"D.M. Ward, of Conner, sold car load of excellent potatoes in the city on Monday."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, February 1, 1878
"D.M. Ward has been appointed Deputy Sheriff by Sheriff Ryus. He will move his family down from Connor about the first of March. Mr. Ward will make an excellent officer."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 7, 1878
CONNOR ITEMS
"Lost or strayed - D.M. Ward, President of the Temperance Club. The last information received in relation to him was that he was snugly quartered in the cooler, in your city. Any information in regard to him will be thankfully received by his friends here."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 21, 1878
CONNOR NOTES
"A.J. Dolley has been appointed Director of the School Board in District No. 11 in place of D.M. Ward, resigned."
S.M. Ward has been laid up with one of Job's pets for some time past, but is now able to be about his business.
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 28, 1878
CONNOR NOTES
"D.M. Ward moves back to Wyandott this week. The good wishes of his many friends here accompany him."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Friday, March 29, 1878
Republican City Convention (article in part)
"For Constables D.M. Ward, W.B. Garlic and A. Taffe were place in nomination, and the two first named were chosen."
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, April 4, 1878
CITY OFFICERS - The following are the officers elected at the city election on Tuesday: ...
Constables - D.M. Ward and Corvine Patterson ... "
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, May 9, 1878
"D.M. Ward, Deputy Sheriff, left a hen's egg at this office yesterday morning, which is something of a raraavis. It has no shell and is provided with a ligature about two inches long, and a quarter of an inch thick, some thing after the manner in which the Siamese Twins were united."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, May 23, 1878
CONNOR ITEMS
"Mrs. Ward, wife of D.M. Ward, of Wyandott, paid a visit to Connor with Misses Nellie, Mary and Master David, on Friday. They returned on the special train Saturday."
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Kansas Farmer
(Topeka, Kansas)
Wednesday, June 12, 1878
WYANDOTT COUNTY - D.R. EMMONS, CLERK
"Mare - Taken up by D.M. Ward, Prairie Tp, one brown mare, 2 years old, about 14 1/2 hands high, star in forehead, scar on right foreleg, broken to ride. Valued at $40.
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, August 15, 1879
REGISTER OF DEEDS
"D.M. Ward comes to the front this week with the announcement that he will be a candidate for the office of Register of Deeds, subject to the decision of the Republican county convention. 'Dave,' as everybody in the county calls him, is a staunch Republican, having cast his first vote for Grant, and voted that kind of a ticket ever since; is an excellent penman and a courteous, accommodating gentleman, whose popularity throughout the country is such that should he receive the nomination, his election, by a large majority, is assured."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, September 5, 1879
"REGISTER OF DEEDS
The undersigned hereby announces himself as a candidate for the office of Register of Deeds, subject to the decision of the Republican County Convention.
D.M. Ward."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, October 17, 1879
"James S. Clark and D.M. ward were nominated for register of deeds and on the first ballot Clark received 56 votes and Ward 32 votes - Clark being the choice of the convention."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, January 29, 1880
"D.M. Ward returned Tuesday from the Indian Territory, where he has been for the past en days locating a claim and getting ready for the opening of that Territory to white settlers."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, May 27, 1880
"CENSUS ENUMERATORS. - The following gentlemen have been appointed to take the United States Census for the County of Wyandott: City, First and Second Wards, D.M. Smith; Third and Fourth Wards, D.M. Ward; ... the selections are good ones, and we have no doubt but the statistics were accurately gathered and correctly compiled."
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On June 7, 1880, David was the enumerator for his area & enumerated his own family. He was shown as D.M. Ward.
On June 7, 1880,
D.M. & Ellen J. Ward, ages 40 & 34, lived in Wyandotte, Wyandotte Co, KS. David was a Real Estate Dealer.
Household Members
D. M. Ward 40 (born in MO)
Ellen J. Ward 34 (MO)
Claude Ward 15 (born in MO - Machinist)
Lynn Ward 11 (MO)
Nellie Ward 9 (MO)
Raymond Ward 6 (MO)
Mamie Ward 5 (MO)
David Ward 3 (MO)
Vinnie Ward 1 (MO)
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, August 5, 1880
PERSONAL
"Ward. - D.M. Ward has been on the sick list for the past few days, but is now convalescent."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, January 20, 1881
"D.M. Ward and S.T. Woods have purchased a portable saw mill and expect to have it in operation about the first of February. The mill has been shipped and will arrive here some time this week. They propose to commence operations one mile west of White church, on the Parallel road, on the land adjoining Mr. D.G. Taylor. The mill will be of great benefit to the farmers in that section of country and give White church additional life and vigor."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, January 27, 1881
NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS' METTING.
"There will be a meeting of the Stockholders of Kanss City, Oskaloosa and Western Railway Company at the office of Buchan & Gibson, Wyandott, Kansas, on the 29th day of January, A.D. 1881, for the purpose of electing Directors and such other business as may come before the Board.
D.M. Ward, Secretry
D.E. Cornell, President
Wyandott, Kansas, December 30th, 1881."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 3, 1881
KANSAS CITY, OSKALOOSA AND WESTERN RAILROAD
"A meeting of the stockholders of the above road was held at the office of Buchan & Gibson, on Saturday, for the purpose of electing a Board of Directors for the ensuing year and other business. The Secretary was instructed to collect all unpaid assessments.
From the reports of the officers and the talk of the directors, we are inclined to the opinion that the machinery for the successful completion of the road will be put in operation inside of the next ninety days.
The following directors were elected for the ensuing year: G.W. Bishop, D.S. Young, N. McAlpine, Henry Keeler, J.S. Gibson, Walter Hale, D.E. Cornell and D.M. Ward.
The Board organized by electing the following officers: President, D.S. Young; Treasurer, G. W. Bishop; Secretary, D.M. Ward.
If the people along the line of the proposed road will unite and put their shoulders to the wheel and render a small amount of assistance, the road can and will be completed to the west line of this county before the close of 1881. It is for the people who are interested and will be benefited by the road to say whether it shall be built this summer or deferred to some future time."
-----
Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, February 10, 1881
CONNOR ITEMS
"Mr. D.M. Ward and wife, formerly of this vicinity, but now of Wyandott city, paid Mr. A.J. Dolley and family a visit on Sunday last."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, March 4, 1881
STATE ROAD
"We have not on hand a copy of Senator Buchan's state road bill, but we understand that it has passed the Senate at last. It provides for a state road from Wyandotte city to the penitentiary, to be located by D.M. Ward of our county, Ed. R. Smith of Linn county, and James Orr of Leavenworth. These commissioners and surveyors are to receive $3 per day and all other persons who assist them $2 per day for their services. ...
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, March 25, 1881
"D.M. Ward, with the other commissioners, will meet on April 5th, to take action on the location of the State road."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Friday, March 31, 1881
"D.M. Ward has let the contract for building a dwelling on the corner of Washington Avenue and Eight Street."
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Wyandotte Gazette
(Kansas City, Kansas)
Thursday, September 21, 1882
"D.M. Ward, Deputy Postmaster, had all the glass broken out of the west side of his residence by the hail on Monday night. City Engineer Hale's residence suffered in the same way, but not to so great an extent."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, May 24, 1883
"Dr. W. G. Hendrix, of New London, Mo., spent Sunday in the city visiting his sister, Mrs. D.M. Ward."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, November 1, 1883
"A few night ago D.M. Ward and family came very near passing in their checks. During the day they put up a hard coal base burner and in moving it the ashes filled up the drafts, the effect of which was to fill the house with gas. When they woke up in the morning they were too weak to stand alone. An hour more would probably have resulted fatally to both of them."
This same article was published in the Weekly Commonwealth (Topeka, KS) on November 8th.
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, January 31, 1884
"The monotony in Deputy Postmaster D.M. Ward's family was broken on Tuesday night last by the advent of a young daughter and Ward is happy. Of nine births in his family all except this last one have been of the male persuasion."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, May 1, 1884
"D.M. Ward, Deputy Postmaster, went to Topeka on Friday as a witness in the case of the United States against a colored man for wrongfully obtaining a registered letter from the post office in this city."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, March 25, 1886
"D.M. Ward has purchased thirty head of Holstein cattle, all cows and heifers except one. The herd is an important one, and as the Holstein are said to be the best all purpose stock, we hope David may do well with them."
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The Daily Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Tuesday, March 15, 1887
"Elmer Ward, baby boy of D.M. Ward, died Sunday evening, and was buried this morning."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Tuesday, March 17, 1887
"Died - In this city on Sunday afternoon, March 18th, 1887, Elmer, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Ward, aged about thirteen months. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their sad bereavement."
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The Daily Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Saturday, April 2, 1887
"THEY SHOOT
J.S. Gibson, Jas, Ferguson, D.B. Harris, Chas. Walcott and D.M. Ward, of this city, and Jas. S. Buckland, of Muncie, practiced with their Winchester's on floating chuncks in the Missouri river today. Mr. Buckland carried of the palm at 1,000 years. The other boys propose to sent to New Your for a belt for him as evidence of his championship."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, May 19, 1887
"The following poem was written by Miss Lilly Hendrix, a blind girl, and sister of Mrs. D.M. Ward, on learning of the death of little Elmer, which occurred not long since:
TO SISTER
A shadow broods throughout the house,
A cloud is on each brow;
the tiny shoes are put aside,
The cradle's empty now.
And, where is he? the household pet:
The pride and joy of all,
Why is it that we hear no more
That gentle baby call?
God knew he was too pure for earth,
The treasure he had given,
So after one brief year of stay
He took him home to heaven.
He lives! your baby Elmer lives;
Fond parents, weep no more,
He's met with Him, your long-lost boy,
Upon a brighter shore.
Death has not robbed you of your all,
You've others left to love,
The baby lost will turn their hearts
From earth to Heaven above.
And some day o'er the Jasper sea,
Within that sunny land,
Oh, may you gather once again
Your happy household band.
Lilly."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, September 1, 1887
"D.M. Ward moved to Johnson county last week. He purchased a farm recently about two miles southeast of Olathe, and will make his home on it in the future."
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The Olathe Mirror
(Olathe, KS)
Thursday, April 19, 1888
"From my farm 2 1/2 miles souteast of Olathe, a white mare about 13 years old, weights 1400, a pacer, and heavy with foal when lost. Any information leading to the recovery of the same will be liberally rewarded.
D.M. Ward
Box 216
Olathe, Kans."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, February 28, 1889
"D.M. Ward and family after giving Johnson county a fair trial of two years have returned to Wyandott to live, fully satisfied that Wyandott county approaches nearer the garden of Eden than any other spot to be found on this mundane sphere."
=====
The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, June 6, 1889
"G.M. Cole, of Kansas City, MO., is building a brick block 50 X 110 feet on the corner of Fifth street and Kansas avenue. D.M. Ward and G.H. Irvin have leased the same for a term of years and propose to open a sale and board stable for horses and mules."
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The Kansas City Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Saturday, July 20, 1889
"HARNESS THIEVES
Some thief entered D.M. Ward's barn at Sixth and Florence avenue last night and stole a $40 set of harness. The harness was almost entirely new, only having been used a few months. A set of harness was stolen from a milkman names White, living in Brighton Hill, night before last."
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The Kansas City Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, June 12, 1890
"ETHAN ALLEN'S SON
The Only Direct Descendant of the Morgan Horse.
John A. Hale and D.M. Ward have recently purchased for $1,000 the only son of Ethan Allen, the famous Morgan horse that with a running mate beat Dexter's record of 2:15 and a fraction, and whose skeleton is now in the museum of the State University at Lawrence. Messrs. Hale & Ward's acquisitions is a handsome gray stallion, 13 years of age. He carries half Morgan blood with Lady Grever for a dam. Morgan stock is now at a premium and these gentlemen think they have made a fortunate purchase. The horse was bough near Olathe."
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The Kansas City Gazette
(Kansas City, KS)
Monday, December 22, 1890
"D.M. WARD APPOINTED
He is Made Assistant Stock Inspector Under the General Government.
Saturday afternoon news was received here of the appointment of "D.M. Ward of this city as assistant inspector in the bureau of animal industry in the department of agriculture.
Mr. Ward was instructed to take the oath of office at once and file it with other necessary papers in the disbursing office and report for duty to Mr. Albert Dean of Kansas City, MO. The appointment takes effect January 1. The salary of the position is $1,400 a year. The appointment was made by Secretary of Agriculture Rusk.
The selection of Mr. D.M. Ward for this position is a good one. He is well qualified by education and experience to perform the duties connected with the office. He is a graduate of a veterinary college and has had a great deal of experience with live stock. He will be stationed at the stock yards. Besides being a good appointment it is a deserved recognition of Kansas City, Kansas, that is gratifying, as it was well known that a vigorous effort was being made to secure the appointment for Kansas City, MO."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas City, KS)
Thursday, December 17, 1891
"Arthur Albright and Miss Nellie Ward were married yesterday afternoon at the residence of the bride's parents, on Brighton Hill, by the Rev. Frank Siler, pastor of the Seventh Street Methodist Church. Arthur is a son of city Clerk William Albright and Miss Nellie is the daughter of D.M. Ward. But, we believer, were born in this city, and have many friends who will unite with the Herald in wishing them much happiness in their new relationship."
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On June 2, 1900,
David M. & Ellen Ward, ages 60 & 55, were renting a home on Armstrong Avenue in Kansas City Ward 4, Wyandotte Co, KS. they had been married 36 years; Ellen had given birth to 12 children - 10 were living. David was the Claim Agent for the St. R.R.
Household Members
David M Ward 60 (born in MO April 1840)
Ellen Ward 55 (MO in Dec. 1844)
David M Ward 23 (KS in April 1877 - Boiler Maker)
Howard Ward 18 (KS in April 1882 - Boiler Maker)
Vera Ward 16 (In KS Jan. 1884 - At School)
Maurice Ward 11 In KS May 1889 - At School)
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Moberly Evening Democrat
(Moberly, MO)
July 31, 1902
"D.M. Ward and wife of Kansas City, Kansas, are here attending the fair as guests of Mr. Ward's nephew, A.C. Dingle, the efficient president of the race meeting. Mr. Ward is assistant superintendent of the Metropoliston Co., in Kansas city, Kas."
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The Wyandott Herald
(Kansas, KS)
Thursday, August 2, 1900
"Claude A. Ward, the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Ward, of this city, was the victim of a railroad collision last week in which he sustained a compound fracture of his left leg, between the knee and ankle, and was scaled on his right arm and badly cut and bruised. The bones in his leg were so badly shattered and crushed that amputation had to be resorted to and the leg was taken off between the knee and ankle. He underwent the operation successsfully and spent the following night fairly well and his recovery is assured. The accident occurred in Pennsylvania."
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The Kansas City Kansas Globe
(Kansas City, KS)
Wednesday, July 22, 1908
"Mr. D.M. Ward is seriously ill at his home, 712 Armstrong Avenue."
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The Kansas city Kansas Globe
(Kansas City, KS)
Monday, July 27, 1908
"THE FUNERAL OF DAVID WARD
The funeral of David M. Ward was held at 2 o'clock this afternoon in the Central Christian church, Seventh street and Armstrong avenue. Burial was in Elmwood cemetery."
Mexico Missouri Message
(Mexico, MO)
July 30, 1908
"Miss Nina Pearson attended the funeral of her uncle, D.M. Ward, in Kansas City this week."
The Tiller and Toiler
(Larned, KS)
July 31, 1908
"Mrs. C.E. Lobdell left for Kansas city last Thursday in response to a message that her father, Mr. D. M. Ward, of that city was in a very critical condition. Mr. Ward died Friday evening shortly after his daughter's arrival. Judge Lobdell went to Kansas City Saturday evening to attend the funeral."
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Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
July 2016
Family Members
Siblings
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Nancy Crozier Ward Dingle
1828–1876
-
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Lucy Ann Ward Pearson
1830–1917
-
Martha Elizabeth Ward
1831–1836
-
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Rev John Milton Ward Sr
1833–1893
-
Charles William Ward
1835–1853
-
James Robert Ward
1837–1839
-
Margaret Jane Ward
1843–1845
-
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Elizabeth Jane "Lizzie" Ward Orr
1845–1927
-
Mary Eugenia Ward
1847–1865
-
Montezuma Ward
1850–1856
-
George Wallace Ward
1854–1859
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