E. G. Dewey (Biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

E. G. DEWEY, wool-grower, P.O. Grenola, was born in Berkshire County, Mass., in 1842.  Was raised in Lagrange County, Ind., until nine years of age, and in Ogle County, Ill., from the age of nine until 1860, when he emigrated to Jefferson county, Mo., and was there four years.  During his stay in Missouri he served in the enrolled militia of that State.  In 1864, he returned to Illinois, locating in Marion County, and engaged in fruit-raising and teaching.  In 1871, he came to Kansas and located a claim on Section 26, Town 30, Range 9, and made the first claim in this part of the town.  He then returned to Missouri, and took a course at the Missouri State Normal School at Kirksville, finishing in 1873.   Was principal of the Salem, Ill., graded and high school in 1874-75.  He then remained the most of each year teaching until 1875, and engaged in sheep-raising, the following year, he was elected Superintendent of Public Instruction for a term of two years in 1877, 1878, 1879-80, he was Principal of the Elk Falls schools, and in 1881, was Principal of the Howard schools, since then, he has devoted his attention strictly to his sheep.  He has 100 acres of his claim under cultivation, planted two miles of hedge; put up a good house, planted a good orchard, and has sheep sheds, etc.  He has 700 head of high grade of merino sheep, which he has graded from coarse wool sheep.  He has been very successful in his business, his investment paying about 45 per cent per annum.  He has eighty per cent of the increase, and the average clip has been six pounds.  He also does something in raising cattle.  He was married, in 1878 to Miss Jennie Robb, of Elk County.  They have one son Ralph E.