Biography of William Hasselmann

William Dietrich Hasselmann, born on August 22, 1881, in Harpstedt, Germany, is a distinguished florist who honed his craft across various European centers before establishing himself in Independence, Kansas. After arriving in the United States in 1905, he gained experience in Cincinnati and Wichita before founding his own greenhouse in 1910. His business flourished, necessitating continual expansion. Married to Marie Schrader in 1909, they have two daughters. Besides his professional pursuits, Hasselmann is active in community organizations and maintains a Republican affiliation.

Biography of Charlie H. Riker

Charlie H. Riker, born in 1866 in Ohio, became a prominent farmer in Kansas after moving there as a child. His family, including his father, William J. Riker, a Civil War veteran and successful farmer, settled in Coffey County. Charlie initially farmed there before relocating to Shawnee County, eventually acquiring and improving a ten-acre home near Topeka. Married to Effie D. Long, a respected physician’s daughter, the Rikers have established a beautiful home and a reputation for community engagement and social hospitality.

Biography of Frank Durein

Frank Durein, born on September 11, 1843, in Germany, has been a prominent figure in Topeka for thirty-seven years. After a modest upbringing and limited education, he immigrated to the United States in 1865, eventually settling in Topeka in 1870. Durein successfully ventured into the hotel and bakery businesses, notably opening the Topeka House. Since 1890, he has lived in retirement, focusing on property management and community betterment. A devoted Catholic, he shares a quiet life with his wife, Lena, and their two sons, contributing to the growth of their city.

Biography of Herman H. Sudendorf

Herman H. Sudendorf, born in 1832 in Germany, emigrated to the U.S. in 1848 and settled in Cincinnati. He moved to Kansas in 1859, where he worked as a carpenter before entering the lumber business in Salina. A pioneer in the community, he also ventured into milling, founding the Western Star Mill Company. Active in local education and governance, he was a steadfast member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Sudendorf retired in 1896 and passed away on April 3, 1913, leaving behind a legacy of enterprise and community service.

Biography of William F. Herrington

Dr. William F. Herrington, born on September 12, 1861, in Jefferson County, Missouri, transitioned successfully from medicine to business. After earning his medical degree in 1889, he practiced in Missouri and Washington before settling in Wallace, Idaho, where he notably served at Providence Hospital. In 1895, he shifted to real estate and insurance, co-founding a leading firm in Shoshone County. Active in politics and community service, Herrington is a devoted Democrat and a member of several fraternal organizations, with a family of four children.

Biography of George H. Holmes

George H. Holmes, born on August 12, 1855, in Cincinnati, Ohio, emerged as a prominent agriculturist and stockman in the Grande Ronde Valley, Oregon. Educated in Walla Walla and the valley, he initially engaged in cattle and horse trading before becoming a bank bookkeeper in Enterprise. Following his father’s death, he returned to farming, specializing in high-quality livestock and introducing notable breeds to the region. Married to Susie A. Zurcher in 1891, he is recognized for his integrity and contributions to agricultural advancement in the county.

Biography of James H. Riggs

James H. Riggs, born on December 18, 1837, in Lancashire, England, immigrated to the U.S. in 1848. After initially settling in Pennsylvania and then Cincinnati, he ventured to Utah in 1859 as a farmer. Riggs established himself in Union County, Oregon, acquiring land near Summerville where he improved his estate. He married Martha Hill in 1862, with whom he had several children, and later remarried Maria Olson in 1897. Riggs is recognized for his contributions to local agriculture and his integrity as a community member.

Biography of Thomas Shirman Salathiel

Thomas Shirman Salathiel, a prominent lawyer in Independence, Kansas, practiced law for twenty-two years, significantly impacting both private and public interests. Born on October 23, 1866, he came from a pioneering family with deep roots in Kansas. Salathiel graduated with an LL.B. from Kansas State University in 1894 and built a successful legal career. He was active in various civic organizations and served his community through the Congregational Church. He married Emma R. Wharton and had two sons, further contributing to his family’s legacy in the region.

Biography of William A. Quigley

William A. Quigley, born on July 19, 1842, in Jefferson County, Indiana, had a diverse career marked by significant contributions, especially as a soldier in the Civil War. He served in the Sixty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, enduring capture and wounds before his honorable discharge in 1865. Following the war, he held various positions, including in the jewelry and railroad industries, before becoming the cashier of the Kansas National Gas Company in Independence. Quigley, a devoted Republican and community member, married Helen Virginia Hurlbut and raised three children.

Biography of Edwin F. Guyon, M. D.

Edwin F. Guyon, M. D., a prominent physician in Bear Lake County, Idaho, has made significant contributions to medical practice, including authoring laws to combat illegal medical practices in Idaho and Oregon. Born on November 7, 1853, in New Orleans, he began his medical career in Pendleton, Oregon, before relocating to Montpelier for health reasons. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Guyon is active in various medical associations and community organizations, and he is politically engaged as a Democrat. He is married with two children.

Biographical Sketch of Dr. L. B. Powell

Dr. L. B. Powell was born on September 3, 1847, in Kentucky, later moving to Illinois. He served in the Civil War, enlisting in 1862, and faced a harrowing attack by Indians in Texas in 1871. After graduating from Eclectic Medical College in 1875, he settled in Jewell County, Kansas, where he practiced medicine and engaged in the drug business. He was elected Coroner of Jewell County in 1881 and is a G.A.R. member in Jewell City.

Biographical Sketch of Dr. Thomas Kirk, Jr.

Dr. Thomas Kirk, Jr., born in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, on January 20, 1859, graduated from the Eclectic Medical College in June 1880. After initially practicing in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, he moved to Burr Oak, Jewell County, Kansas, in 1881, where he established a successful medical practice.

Biographical Sketch of John Blechschmid

John Blechschmid, born in Germany on June 7, 1870, was a notable florist in the United States. He was educated in Germany and Newport, Kentucky, before marrying Marie Sterk in Cleveland in 1906. Blechschmid gained experience working with various florists in Kentucky and Cincinnati, and served as head gardener at the Cincinnati Zoo for two years. In 1904, he established his own floral business in Cleveland and became vice president of The Florist Club, contributing significantly to the horticultural community.

Biographical Sketch of Paul J. Brown

Paul J. Brown, born on November 10, 1864, in Zanesville, Ohio, began his career in the automobile industry after receiving a public school education. He worked initially at The Jacob Smith Carriage & Wagon Co. and held various roles in carriage shops in Pittsburgh. Moving to Cleveland in 1890, he became foreman at The Jacob Hoffman Wagon Co. and later partnered with Broc Carriage & Wagon Co. After retiring in 1908, he founded the Brown Auto Carriage Co. and served as its president until his retirement.

Biographical Sketch of Louis S. Bing

Louis S. Bing was born on December 31, 1860, in Washington Court House, Ohio, to David and Rosina Bing. He received his education in Cincinnati, Ohio. On January 12, 1892, he married Theresa Nathan, with whom he had two children: Hortense R. Bing and Louis S. Bing, Jr. Bing was the president of The Bing Company and an active member of Masonic Fayette Lodge, as well as the Excelsior and Oakwood Clubs. He enjoyed golfing in his leisure time.

Biographical Sketch of Gardner Abbott

Gardner Abbott, born on December 11, 1878, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was an accomplished attorney educated at Phillips Academy, Yale, and Columbia Law School. He married Lois A. Allen in 1912 and served on the Cleveland Board of Health. Starting his practice in 1905, he became a successful business leader, holding positions such as vice president of Bates Valve Bag Co. and president of Abbott Realty Co. Abbott was also active in various clubs and maintained interests in music and golf.

Biographical Sketch of Webb C. Ball

Webb C. Ball, born in Knox County, Ohio, became a prominent jeweler and watchmaker. After apprenticing early in life, he moved to Cleveland in 1879 and managed the Dueber Watch Case Manufacturing Company. He established himself as a leading figure in railroad time inspection and founded The Webb C. Ball Company, which is synonymous with precision in railroad watches. Ball’s influence extended through offices in Cleveland, Chicago, and San Francisco, and he was a family man, marrying Florence I. Young and raising four children.

Biographical Sketch of Albert Harlow Bates

Albert Harlow Bates, born on January 24, 1869, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a prominent patent lawyer. He received his education at various military academies and graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from Ohio State University in 1889 and later obtained an LL.B. in 1892. Bates practiced law in several firms in Cleveland and Chicago, eventually establishing his own practice. He married Kathleen Jones in 1904 and had three children. Bates was active in professional societies and enjoyed fishing and automobiling as leisure activities.

Biographical Sketch of Moses J. Gries

Moses J. Gries was born on January 25, 1868, in Newark, New Jersey. He received his education at Hughes High School, the University of Cincinnati, and Hebrew Union College. Married to Frances Hays in 1898, Gries had two sons. He served as president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and held various leadership roles, including trustee positions with the Cleveland Associated Charities and the Cleveland School of Art. Gries was actively involved in multiple Jewish and civic organizations throughout his career.

Biographical Sketch of Tracy W. Guthrie

Tracy W. Guthrie was born on February 2, 1866, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Julius C. and Emily A. Tracy Guthrie and received his education in various public schools, including the Chickering Institute. He married Settal Horn in New Rochelle, New York, on February 8, 1910. Guthrie held leadership positions as president of the Continental Coal Co. and the Republic Iron & Steel Co. He has served as secretary and general manager of the Standard Welding Co. and is a member of several clubs.