Herbert Cavaness, president of the Tribune Company at Chanute, was born at Chetopa August 23, 1877. He was graduated from the Chetopa High School in 1893, and took the full literary course in Baker University, where he was graduated A. B. in 1899. While in university he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and the Athenian Literary Society. There was hardly a break between his college career and his work as a newspaper man, which he had followed with great enthusiasm and success. In September, 1899, he went to work on the Chanute Tribune, and gives practically all his time to his office as president and editor. At the February, 1916, meeting of the Kansas State Editorial Association, he was elected president and on February 24, 1917, was elected a member of the Topeka Press Club. For eight years he served as postmaster at Chanute, having been appointed in 1906 by President Roosevelt and re-appointed under President Taft. He is an active republican, a member of Cedar Lodge No. 103, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, Fort Scott Consistory No. 4 of the Scottish Rite, Chanute Chapter No. 21, Royal Arch Masons, Chanute Commandery No. 44 Knights Templar, and Mirza Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburg. He also belongs to Hilda Parker Chapter No. 385 of the Eastern Star, and Lodge No. 806 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and Chanute Lodge No. 96 Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is an active member of the Chanute Commercial Club.
Mr. Cavaness was married to Miss Ora Allen, November 24, 1916, the only daughter of the late R. N. Allen, one of the oldest residents of Chanute.