Erie Kansas

Biography of Leander Stillwell, Judge

Judge Leander Stillwell, a prominent figure in Erie, served nearly twenty-four years on the district court after establishing himself as a pioneer attorney in 1868. Born in 1843 to a humble family in Illinois, he enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War. After graduating from Albany Law School in 1867, he began practicing law, later becoming a legislator. A staunch Republican, he left the bench in 1907 to care for his ailing wife. He continued to be active in civic affairs and law until his retirement in 1913.

Biography of John C. Carpenter, Col.

Colonel John C. Carpenter was a prominent figure in Neosho County, Kansas, known for his integrity and dedication to public service. Born in Pennsylvania in 1838, he served in the Civil War, rising to the rank of colonel. After the war, he established a law practice in Kansas, contributing to the development of Chanute, where he helped lay out the town’s site. A successful attorney and politician, Carpenter held various offices, including state senator and internal revenue collector. His legacy reflects a life committed to honorable service and community growth.

Biography of Dr. Hiempsal S. Dodd

Dr. Hiempsal S. Dodd, born in 1828 in Wooster, Ohio, exemplifies success through dedication to his calling. A medical scholar, he served in the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, later becoming a hospital steward, which advanced his medical knowledge. After moving to Iowa, he established a prosperous lumber and grist business in Marion County, Arkansas, where he also became a community leader by creating Dodd City and serving as postmaster. Throughout his life, Dr. Dodd actively contributed to local development and remained politically engaged as a Republican.

Biography of Oliver Denious

Oliver Denious, born on July 8, 1844, in Summit County, Ohio, has had a diverse life characterized by hard work and public service. From a young age, he supported himself through labor and later served in the Civil War as a soldier in the Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Post-war, he ventured into various occupations, including farming and business, ultimately moving to Erie, Kansas in 1894. There, he became a respected public official and undertaker, while also engaging in community and fraternal organizations, and maintaining a marriage of over fifty years with Martha Moore.

Biography of William Paxton Hazen

William Paxton Hazen, a prominent Kansas banker and public figure, passed away on April 16, 1909, in Chetopa. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1858, he moved to Kansas in 1880, where he held key banking positions and served as assistant bank commissioner, overseeing 108 banks. A man of strong principles, Hazen was involved in political reform and community service. He was married to Addie Glass, a noted philanthropist, and they raised three accomplished children, each pursuing meaningful careers.

Biography of Albert Smith, M. D.

Dr. Albert Smith, born on July 24, 1870, in Erie, Kansas, is a distinguished physician with over two decades of general practice in Parsons. He pursued advanced studies in pharmacy and medicine, graduating from esteemed institutions, including Hahnemann Medical College. A lifelong learner, he has engaged in various postgraduate courses and specialized in surgical work in Europe. Dr. Smith’s commitment to high professional standards is evident in his extensive practice, service to the community, and active affiliations with professional organizations. He married Nannie E. Cowden in 1896, and they have one son.

Biography of Charles S. Denison

Charles S. Denison, born August 28, 1878, in Osage Mission, Kansas, emerged as a notable attorney in Crawford County. Following his education at Erie’s public schools, he practiced law beginning in 1902, eventually establishing a successful career in Pittsburg. He was the son of J.L. Denison, a prominent pioneer attorney and Civil War veteran. Charles’s professional affiliations include the Kansas and American Bar associations. Although a Republican, he has avoided political office. He married Thora Kiehl in 1915 and resides in Pittsburg.

Biography of L. U. Gaston

L. U. Gaston, born on October 13, 1873, in Neosho, Kansas, became the Chief of Police in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, after initially working in the livery business. He joined the police force as a patrolman in 1908 and was appointed chief in 1917, playing a key role in maintaining order during tense times, such as the Tulsa riot. Gaston’s personal life includes two marriages, resulting in two daughters. He is active in several civic organizations and is committed to the wellbeing of Bartlesville’s citizens.