Bourbon County KS

Biography of William R. Reid

William R. Reid, born in New York City on October 15, 1845, dedicated much of his life to the Fort Scott Grocery Company, excelling as a salesman known for his integrity and enthusiasm. After initial ventures in Chicago and farming in Nebraska, he settled in Fort Scott, where he thrived in the retail grocery business and later as a traveling representative for various companies. A respected figure in his community, he was also active in organizations like the Masons and United Commercial Travelers, leaving a legacy of friendship and goodwill. Reid passed away on July 20, 1912.

Biographical Sketch of Ernest Edward Reid

Ernest Edward Reid, born on October 8, 1865, in Chicago, became vice president of the Fort Scott Wholesale Grocery Company. Educated in Fort Scott, he began his career as a utility worker, progressing to various positions, including express messenger. In 1887, he joined the grocery trade, eventually co-founding the Southwestern Wholesale Grocery Company, which later merged into his current company. A seasoned salesman, he is involved in multiple organizations and political affiliations, and married Nettie Prager on June 22, 1900.

Biography of Elisha Wesley McComas, Hon.

Elisha W. McComas, born in Cabell County, Virginia, emerged as a prominent national figure through his legal and political pursuits. He served as a captain in the Mexican War and was elected lieutenant governor of Virginia in 1855. Following his resignation, he practiced law in Chicago, gaining fame in notable cases like the Jumpertz trial. After returning to Virginia and later moving to Kansas, he became a respected community leader in Fort Scott. McComas authored several philosophical works and played a key role in local public affairs.

Biography of Charles I. Martin, Gen.

General Charles I. Martin, born in Illinois in 1871 and raised in Kansas, transformed military preparedness in the state as adjutant-general since 1909. Starting as a private in the Kansas National Guard while teaching school, he rose to captain and later major during the Spanish-American War, seeing notable action in the Philippines. Beyond his military career, he served as district clerk and state senator, advocating for significant reforms. Martin, an accomplished lawyer, remains influential in national military associations, contributing substantially to Kansas’s readiness in times of conflict.

Biography of Oscar R. Farris

Oscar R. Farris, born on January 16, 1881, in Knox County, Indiana, became a prominent educator in Kansas after moving there around eight years ago. He currently serves as the superintendent of Eureka’s city school system, known for its excellent public school organization. His teaching career began in Indiana and expanded to various administrative roles, including positions in Fort Scott and Parsons. Farris is politically active as a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and involved in educational associations. He married Mand O. Price in 1906, and they have two children.

Biography of Austin McCreary Keene

Austin McCreary Keene, born in Ohio in 1865, emerged as a distinguished attorney in Southeastern Kansas. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1887, he settled in Fort Scott, forming notable law partnerships and earning a reputation for legal acumen and oratory. A Republican, Keene served multiple terms in the Kansas Legislature, championing tax reforms and education oversight. He was active in various civic organizations and married Mamie Chenault, with whom he had two daughters. Keene’s legacy reflects his dedication to law, politics, and community service.

Biography of William Lenley Goheen

William Lenley Goheen, born July 25, 1866, in Moweaqua, Illinois, has had a storied career as the publisher of the Holyrood Banner and the Galatia Register in Kansas. His diverse experiences include working as a press agent for various circuses across the United States and serving as a journeyman printer. Goheen’s newspaper ventures began in 1905, and he has held various roles, including city clerk. A veteran of the Second Nebraska Infantry, he has been influential in local journalism and politics while maintaining strong ties to his family and community.

Biography of Joseph W. Cochran

Joseph W. Cochran, born in Pennsylvania in 1865, overcame humble beginnings to become a respected agriculturist in Shawnee County, Kansas. After moving west with his family in 1877, he faced numerous challenges, including crop failures and harsh living conditions. Determined, he established a successful farm, eventually accumulating 107 acres in Menoken Township. A devoted public servant, he held various local offices and actively contributed to community development. Married to Eva Godwin, they raised six children while remaining engaged in their church and civic duties.

Biographical Sketch of Charles Lewellyn Biggs

Charles Lewellyn Biggs, born on August 16, 1870, in West Newton, Pennsylvania, was an accomplished attorney and businessman. Educated in Kansas and at Cleveland Law School, he shifted careers from bicycle manufacturing to insurance management. Married to Mary Blanche Fletcher, he had one son. Biggs held various key positions, including state manager for the North American Insurance Co. and was involved with the Knights of the Modern Maccabees. A member of several organizations, he formed the law firm Bentley, McCrystal, Biggs & Staiger in 1911.

Biography of John H. Crider

John H. Crider, a prominent member of the Fort Scott bar since 1882, has established a respected legal career rooted in loyalty and high standards. Born in Lancaster, Ohio, in 1859, he pursued law under Colonel John M. Connell before moving to Fort Scott to practice. Crider held various public offices, including city attorney, and was active in community organizations. He married Ida A. Abbott in 1888, and they had six children. His enduring legacy is marked by his dedication to the law and service to the community.

Biography of David Prager

David Prager, born June 7, 1834, in Bavaria, Germany, emigrated to the United States at fifteen and became a prominent jeweler in Fort Scott, Kansas, from 1869 until his death on November 26, 1911. Respected for his integrity and generosity, he was an influential community member and an active participant in local affairs, including the Masonic order. Married to Hattie Briggs, he had eight children, many of whom continued his legacy in business. Prager’s life exemplified selflessness and service over wealth, making him a beloved figure in Fort Scott.

Biography of Calvin Arthur Davis

Calvin Arthur Davis, born August 24, 1880, in Bourbon County, Kansas, rose from humble agricultural beginnings to become superintendent of the Cudahy Refining Company in Chanute. After finishing eighth grade, he ventured into the railroad industry before transitioning to oil refining. His career flourished, leading to his appointment as superintendent in 1914. Married to May Austin, they have two children. Davis is also a community-oriented, Masonic-affiliated Democrat, owning a home and farm near Chanute while remaining dedicated to his profession.

Biography of Edward E. Dix

Edward E. Dix, born in Lawrence, Kansas, in 1860, rose through the ranks of the Frisco Railroad, starting as a messenger boy at sixteen. His dedication and ability led him to various positions, eventually becoming the general agent at Fort Scott. Dix’s career exemplifies the qualities essential for success in railroading: hard work, resilience, and commitment. Actively involved in local affairs, he contributed to Fort Scott’s development and was a prominent figure in Masonry and the Republican Party. He married Sarah Miller in 1900 and had one son.

Biography of Edward Bell Payne, M. D.

Dr. Edward Bell Payne, born on October 9, 1866, in Miami County, Kansas, has made significant contributions to medicine and his community. A graduate of the University Medical College of Kansas City and Bellevue Hospital, he began his practice in Galena before moving to Fort Scott in 1905. He held various leadership roles in medical societies and community services, promoting education and charity. Married to Rose Luckey, they have one daughter, Mary Esther. Dr. Payne remains dedicated to his profession and religious duties, balancing his medical career with farming.

Biography of Phares Root

Phares Root, a prominent businessman in Independence, Kansas, was born on September 26, 1869, in Indiana. He grew up in a pioneering family in Elk County and established a thriving automobile supply business in Independence. Root’s early career included various jobs, from grocery clerk to hardware store owner, before he purchased an automobile supply house. A local civic leader, he is involved in the Commercial Club and Rotary Club and has investments in oil companies. He married Jessie Smith in 1891, and they have four children.

Biography of William A. Cormany

William A. Cormany, a prominent figure in Fort Scott since 1866, began his journey as a Civil War veteran and newspaper owner of the Fort Scott Monitor. His roots trace back to Edinburg, Scotland, and his family faced many hardships, including the loss of his mother shortly after moving to Illinois. Cormany’s career flourished in journalism and business, leading to significant contributions in local governance. Married for fifty years to Susan Emmert, they raised five children, witnessing the growth of their family with fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Biography of William S. Gooch, M. D.

William S. Gooch, M.D., a prominent figure in Mapleton, Kansas, has dedicated fifteen years to surgical and medical practice. Born in Meadville, Missouri, in 1875, Gooch comes from a lineage of Kentucky pioneers. After graduating from Beaumont Medical College in 1900, he began his career in Elmer, Missouri, before relocating to Mapleton in 1901. Aside from his medical practice, he co-owns the local drug store and serves on the school board. A Democrat and Masonic member, he is married to Grace Buckner, with whom he has two children.

Biography of William Stephen McDonald

William Stephen McDonald, born March 21, 1853, in Prince Edward Island, practiced medicine in Fort Scott for 25 years, driven by a profound spirit of service rather than financial gain. Educated at Wesleyan University and Jefferson Medical College, he combined athleticism with a dedication to patient care, often responding to calls in challenging conditions. A respected figure in the medical community, he also engaged in local organizations and served as a local surgeon for the Frisco Railroad. He married Flora Rice in 1892 and is an active member of the Methodist Church.

Biography of James Frederick O’Connor

James Frederick O’Connor, born on November 3, 1868, in Fort Scott, Kansas, became a successful businessman through specialization in the ice and cold storage industry. He began his career in 1892 by reopening his father’s old icehouse, and with determination, he transformed it into the now-renowned O’Connor-Hamlin Ice and Cold Storage Company. His commitment to quality and service propelled the business to success, earning him respect in the community. O’Connor also contributed to Fort Scott’s development by creating Bridal Veil Park, demonstrating his dedication to both business and civic welfare.

Biography of Ellsworth L. Burton

Ellsworth L. Burton, born April 30, 1868, in Mattoon, Illinois, was a prominent attorney and member of the Kansas Legislature in 1915-16. A descendant of early settlers, he moved to Kansas in 1870 with his father, George, a Union veteran. Educated locally, Burton became an attorney in 1890 and practiced law in various Kansas towns before settling in Parsons. Actively involved in local government and the Kansas State Bar Association, he was a Republican representative known for his work on several legislative committees. He married Abbie R. Thomas and had five children.