Karl E. Bauersfeld. One of the most prominent among the younger generation who are contributing to the advancement and prosperity of the smaller communities of Southeastern Kansas is Karl E. Bauersfeld, mayor of the thriving and progressive Town of Earleton, Neosho County, and cashier of the Earleton State Bank. Mayor Bauersfeld has been a resident of Earleton for but a little more than five years, but during this time has thoroughly established himself as a capable and energetic man of business, and in his official capacity has done much to aid civic advancement.
Karl E. Bauersfeld was born August 12, 1890, in Woodson County, Kansas, and is a son of G. and Martha (Shriber) Bauersfeld. His father was born near the City of Berlin, Germany, in 1858, and was twenty years of age when he came to the United States, settling in Wilson County, Kansas, as one of the early residents of that community. There he purchased 320 acres of land, which he developed into one of the fine properties of the section, and which he increased to 400 acres. He continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits until his retirement, and is now living at Yates Center, Kansas. Mr. Bauersfeld is a republican and has served in the capacity of township treasurer. He is a member of the Evangelical Church and very active in its work. Mrs. Bauersfeld was also born in Germany, in 1861, and has been the mother of three children: A daughter who died in infancy; Karl E.; and Fred, who resides at Kansas City, Missouri, and is connected with the Kansas City Star.
Karl E. Bauersfeld grew up on his father’s farm, and attended the public schools of Woodson County until he was eighteen years of age, at which time he enrolled as a student at the Central Business College, Kansas City, Missouri. On completing his course at that institution he became bookkeeper at the Gridley (Kansas) State Bank, but after one year the bank was sold and Mr. Bauerfeld entered a store at that place in the capacity of clerk. In 1911 he came to Earleton in the capacity of bookkeeper of the Earleton State Bank, and his faithful service and fine ability won him promotion to the cashiership in 1914, a position which he occupies at the present time. The Earleton State Bank was founded March 29, 1907, at which time the officers were: J. R. Chambers, president; J. Y. Converse, vice president; and A. W. Cook, cashier. The present officers are: J. R. Chambers (represented by estate as Mr. Chambers is deceased), president; O. M. Balch, vice president; and K. E. Bauersfeld, cashier. The bank has a capital of $10,000 and a surplus of $2,000, and is housed in a new brick bank building on Neodesha Street, which was erected in 1911. Mr. Bauersfeld is a careful and conservative banker, and is careful of the interests of the depositors, among whom he is very popular because of his unfailing courtesy and obliging manner.
Mr. Bauersfeld has always voted the republican ticket and wields a strong influence in politics in his community. In the office of mayor, to which he was elected in 1915, he has endeavored to give his adopted community a clean and serviceable administration, and his efforts have been productive of good results in the way of civic improvements. He belongs to the Evangelical Church, and is fraternally affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Earleton and to Chanute Camp No. 64, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Bauersfeld was married in June, 1916, at Portland, Oregon, to Miss Pearl Brocaw, of that city, who was born at Burlington, Kansas.