Son of John & Janetta Tolbert; born West Virginia per cemetery records.
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ALONZO M. TOLBERT
Alonzo M. Tolbert, a representative farmer of Wheatland Township, Dickinson County, residing on section 14, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, on the 26th of June, 1844, and is the sixth child in a family of twelve children whose parents were John and Ianthy (Bradfield) Tolbert. The father was a native of Rockingham County, Va., and the mother was born in Loudoun County of that State. For many years they resided in Belmont County, Ohio, where they were living when called to their final rest.Upon his father's farm in the county of his nativity, our subject was reared to manhood. During the summer months he aided in the labors of the farm, and in the winter season he attended the common schools, acquiring a good English education. After he had attained to mature years he embarked in business for himself as an agriculturist, and has followed that pursuit throughout life. He continued to reside in Belmont County until 1872, when he came to Illinois, locating in Macon County. In the spring of 1874, he came to Kansas, and took up his residence in Dickinson County, purchasing a farm in Wheatland Township in company with his brother, the late Albin A. Tolbert. Our subject has been a resident of Wheatland Township since that time, and is regarded as one of its prominent farmers. He now owns and operates four hundred acres of arable land, the greater part of it being under a high state of cultivation. The many improvements which he has made upon the place add to its value and attractive appearance, and indicate the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He is a successful farmer, and by his industrious efforts has acquired a comfortable competence.Since coming to this county, Mr. Tolbert was married on the 11th of October, 1877, Miss Jane A. Bell becoming his wife. The lady is a sister of Clement Bell, of this county, and a daughter of Edward A. and Leah (Kennedy) Bell, both of whom were natives of County Antgrim, Ireland. About 1818, they bade good-bye to the Emerald Isle, and crossed the Atlantic to America. Their first settlement was in Blemont County, Ohio, but afterward they removed to Guernsey County, and subsequently to Muskinum County, that State. Mrs. Bell died in Concord, Guernsey County. Mr. Bell is still living and has made his home in Dickinson County, Kan., since 1876. This worthy couple had a family of five children, of whom Mrs. Tolbert is the fourth in order of birth. She was born in Belmont County, Ohio, January 2, 1854. Our subject and his wife have six children: Walter II., Ianthy L., Edith M., John E., Arthur M. and Daisy B. The family circle remains unbroken, and all the children are still under the parental roof.Mr. Tolbert is a public-spirited and progressive man, and manifests a commendable interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community. He has held the office of Township Treasurer. His life has been well and worthily spent, and his straightforward and honorable career has won for him the confidence and good-will of his many friends. His wife is a most estimable lady, whose many excellencies of character have won her warm regard. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tolbert are members of the Christian Church. Portrait and Biographical Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion counties. 1893 Page 230-233