JOHN M. McCORMICK. The “old settler" is always an object of interest to the intelligent public. The pioneers of Kansas became a peculiar people because of the political troubles occurring during the period of its early settlement, in addition to the grasshopper plague, the drouth and other disasters which befell the unhappy territory. Fortunate was it for Kansas that there was a band of hardy spirits who seemed to pride themselves upon being able to overcome hardships and danger. These men in due time met their reward and their descendants have reason to be proud of their record. Among those thus deserving of honorable mention is John M. McCormick, who has performed his part well in the growth and development of that which is now one of the foremost States in the West. The biographer found him pleasantly located as the owner of a good farm on section 32 in Zeandale Township, and gathered from him the following facts in relation to his history.

The subject of this sketch is the son of Levi McCormick, who was born in the eastern part of Virginia, where he was reared to manhood and married iss Phebe Stuart. The mother was likewise a native of the Old Dominion and born in Frederick County. After marriage the parents removed to Wayne County, in what was afterward West Virginia, where they sojourned until called hence. Their family consisted of eleven children, ten of whom lived to mature years, and of whom John M. was the sixth.

Mr. McCormick was born in Cable County, W. Va., Oct. 20, 1826, and lived there until reaching man's estate. In the meantime his native county was divided, and that part which embraced his birthplace was laid off as Wayne County. He was reared to farming pursuits and remained in Virginia until 1853, in which year he set out for the Great West, and crossing the Mississippi located in Andrew County. Mo. Not being quite satisfied with this experiment, he, in the spring of 1855, emigrated to Kansas and settled upon a claim which he had made on Deep Creek, Zeandale Township, the previous autumn, this embracing 160 acres.

Few men had visited this region at that time. Mr. McCormick is consequently one of the oldest settlers of Riley County. His was the first wagon track across the old Pottawatomie Reserve. He made his home in a log cabin which he erected, and commenced the cultivation of the soil with imperfect implements and under many disadvantages. Laboring early and late, year after year, his industry finally met with its reward in the opening up of a good farm, which in later years he devoted largely to stock-raising. The first rude dwelling was abandoned for a more modern residence, and he has now a substantial frame dwelling with the various other improvements which time and means will naturally effect. He likewise added to his landed possessions until he is now the owner of 1,260 acres and turns annually into the county treasury a snug sum in the way of taxes. His livestock includes cattle, horses and mutes, and he is enabled to exhibit some of the finest animals in Northern Kansas.

Mr. McCormick was first married in West Virginia, to Miss Nancy M. Hull, who war born in Ohio but reared in the Old Dominion. She bore her husband two children, who died when quite young, and the young wife passed away in her adopted State. Mr. McCormick after coming to Kansas, was married at St. George, to Miss Mary J. Gillespie, a native of Kentucky. This union resulted in the birth of seven children, viz., Thomas L., Wolstein B., George W., Cavit H., Mary K., Zollie M. and Alvie. Thomas L. died when a promising youth of eighteen years. Mr. McCormick's sympathies now are with the Union Labor Party. He, however, aims also to support the man whom he considers best qualified for office, independent of party. Mrs. McCormick is a very intelligent and agreeable lady, one who has managed her household affairs with economy and prudence and who has been in all respects the suitable partner for such a man as her husband.

During the war of the Rebellion our subject enlisted in Company K., 11th Kansas Infantry, and afterward the 11th Kansas Cavalry, and served a few months, being honorably discharged on account of disability.