Posted on: Biographies of Van Arsdale & Related Families Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/FamilyAssoc/VanArsdaleBios?read=103 Surname: Vanorsdol, Pottinger ------------------------- As posted to the PREBLE CO-L@rootsweb by Billy J. Baker (billybak@erols.com) 4/22/2000. >From - William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas First published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL. Shawnee County -- BENJAMIN F. VANORSDOL, farmer and orchardist, P. O. Silver Lake, has 200 acres under cultivation and enclosed, two and one-half miles northeast of Silver Lake, in Monoken Township. In 1882 had sixty acres of corn. Residence is 14x22 with an L 16x32, all containing six rooms; built in 1880. He came to his present location in 1870. Has an orchard of forty acres planted from one to ten years. Has about 2,500 apple trees, 1,000 bearing. In 1881 had about 500 bushels apples. Has about 2,000 peach trees, about 600 bearing. Has 100 of each, pears and plums, and 150 cherry trees, besides having all varieties of small fruit. Mr. V. has accomplished this magnificent showing by his own labor, besides has a fine avenue shaded with soft maple, ailantus, cottonwood and elm. He was born in Shelby County, Ind., November 21, 1835. When five years old his parents moved to Henry County, Iowa, where he resided until 1861. He completed the classical course of the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in June, 1860, and enlisted the following year in Company F., First Iowa. Was at the battle of Wilson's Creek and completed the term of enlistment of three months' men and removed to Ohio, locating in Preble County and taught school until 1864, when he was made major of the Thirty-fourth Ohio National Guards, which was merged into the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth United States Volunteer 100 day men. Was through Kentucky and in the battle of Cumberland, Md. Held his commission as Major of the Thirty-fourth National Guards for five years. Read law in Eaton, Ohio. Was admitted to the bar in July, 1865. He was married in Preble County, Ohio, in 1865, to Miss Nancy POTTINGER, a native of Ohio. They have two children, Mary E. and Thomas P. He is a member of the Ohio Lodge, No. 132, Silver Lake I. O. O. F., and District Deputy Grand Master. With the exception of one year has held that position since the organization of the lodge. Has always been a prominent and active Republican.