AMOS H RAASCH

Amos H. Raasch, who is recognized as one of the most progressive farmers of Atchison county, and whose home is on section 27, Kapioma township, is a native of Wisconsin. His birth took place June 13, 1866, at Dodge City, a point about ten miles from Waterton. His father, Rev. William Raasch, was a minister in the Baptist church, and died in May, 1888, mourned by a large circle of sincere friends. During the Civil war he served with the Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry as chaplain, and, during his long and arduous campaigning in the south, bravely stood at his post of duty, encouraging his comrades and proving himself a true and reliable friend to every one who wore the blue uniform. He took part in the operations at Vicksburg, under the leadership of General Grant, and participated in numerous other hard-fought battles. At last he fell into the hands of the Confederates and for two interminable weeks languished in Libby prison. In 1869 he removed with his family to Kansas and located upon a farm in Kapioma township. There his widow yet makes her home, the farm being managed by her son-in-law, Mr. Vitch. William Raasch and wife were the parents of eight children, namely: Gustavus, of Higgville, Missouri; August, a resident of Wichita county, Oklahoma; Rev. William F., who is the pastor of a church not far from Rochester, New York; Amos H.; Henry, a citizen of Oklahoma; Ida, wife of George Lovelace, of this township; Huldah, wife of Peter Vitch, previously referred to as carrying on the old homestead of our subject's father; and Martha, wife of William Lovelace, of this locality.

When the family settled in Kansas, Amos H. Raasch was a child of four years, and here he received his education and training as a farmer. Being ambitious and wide-awake, he has made the best of his opportunities, and has accumulated a competency within the past few years. He now owns one hundred and five acres of land, which he has placed under cultivation. One of the most desirable features of his homestead is his large, well-kept orchard, and each season he raises a fine variety, of berries and small fruits.

As his honored father did for many years, Mr. Raasch upholds the platform and policy of the Republican party. Notwithstanding the fact that he is not desirous of holding public office, his neighbors and friends have often urged him to do so, to which he has consented in a few instances, acquitting himself with distinction. Among other minor positions which he has filled are those of constable and justice of the peace. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Second Advent Christian church, at Muscotah, he serving as a deacon in the official board.

Ever since his marriage, in 1887, Mr. Raasch has found a true companion and helpmate in his wife, whose maiden name was Eliza Armstrong. She was born in Winnebago county, Illinois, not far from Rockford, and is one of the six children of James and Margaret Armstrong, who were natives of Ireland. The father departed this life in this state a few years ago, but the mother survives. Ellen, the elder sister of Mrs. Raasch, is the wife of Samuel Niblo, whose sketch is printed upon another page of this volume; and Maria is the wife of W. W. Franklyn, of Doniphan county, Kansas. The brothers are Thomas, of this township; James; and John, who died when in his eighteenth year. Three children bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Raasch namely: Margaret, who is ten years old; Thomas A., now in his eighth year; and Gertrude Fay, a babe of seven months. The family have a very attractive home, where the evidences of culture and taste abound, and where their friends delight to share the generous hospitality of the happy household.