Levi Empie

Birth: Nov. 21, 1815 New York, USA Death: Apr. 10, 1887, USA

Aged: 71 Years, 4 Months, 20 Days

OSAGE COUNTY, Part 7

LEVI EMPIE, dealer in general merchandise, carries a stock of $7,000, and has a satisfactory trade. Mr. Empie owns a farm of 400 acres adjoining the city on the northwest, the improvements of which consist of 130 acres under plow; two comfortable farmhouses; about two and one-half miles of hedge, and four miles of rock fence; and also about sixty acres of native timber. His residence at the corner of Santa Fe Avenue and Dakota Street, is one of the finest in the city. The main part is 36x30 feet, with a wing 16x24 feet, two stories, and contains fifteen rooms. Was built in 1872 at a cost of over $6,000. Mr. Empie also owns two business houses, stone structures, two stories, with a frontage on Santa Fe Avenue, of forty feet, and depth of fifty-five feet. Mr. Empie came to Kansas in July, 1857, from Fox Lake, Dodge Co., Wis., and selecting Burlingame (or Council City, as it was then called) as his place of residence, located the following year, building the first stone store-building in the town. Was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., November 20, 1815, where he remained until thirty-one years of age, engaged in attending common school, teaching and clerking. In 1841 he was married to Miss Eliza M. Hagerdrom, a native of Schoharie County. In 1846, removed to Dodge County, Wisconsin, a poor man; but by close economy, in the various, pursuits of clerking and farming, finally entered on his own account, his favorite profession, merchandising, which he continued with success for about seven years, when he came to Kansas, attracted thither by the vast opportunities afforded for business and to assist in the gallant struggles of the pioneers to make this a Free-Soil State. Mr. Empie immediately opened a store in his new building, and has since continued in business. Has had eight children, of whom only two are now living - George E., a partner with his father in business, and Alice Failing, named for Mr. Empie's mother. Was appointed postmaster in 1861, and held the office seven years. Has been a member of the City Council several terms. Was one of the charter members, and is prominently connected with Burlingame Lodge, No. 14, I. O. O. F.

EMPIE, LEVI Levi Empie came here from Fox Lake Wis., in 1857. He erected a store, brought on a stock of goods, and has nearly ever since carried on merchandising and has been successful, as any man must be who adheres to the strict rules of business. He is probably the most wealthy man in the county. His two oldest sons, DeWitt, and Henry, now deceased, were smart business men, especially the former. He commenced clerking at Leavenworth at fifty dollars a month. At the close of the war he was a equal partner in one of the largest wholesale houses of that city. That spirit which prompted him to successful industry caused him to neglect his physical well being until too late, He died of consumption in the mountains. (1879 Osage County, Kansas Atlas, By: Edwards Brothers, Transcribed by Charlotte Slater)