Howard Kansas

Biography of Ed J. Dunfee

Ed J. Dunfee, born in Fredonia, Kansas, in 1874, has become a prominent figure as the sheriff of Allen County, serving two terms with exceptional public support. A lifelong Kansas resident, he began his career in law enforcement in 1911 after a background as a barber. Dunfee, notable for his courage, diplomatic skills, and commitment to community service, has garnered respect and admiration, leading to unopposed re-elections. He is also actively involved in various fraternal organizations and the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is married with one son.

Biography of John Adams Jones

John Adams Jones, born October 29, 1874, in Edinburg, Indiana, spent much of his life in Kansas, contributing significantly to education as the superintendent of Highland’s city schools for fourteen years. He also gained recognition as a skilled pitcher in the Western League, playing for notable teams such as St. Joseph and Lincoln. Active in local business and politics, he co-owned the Ward-Jones Lumber Company and served on the City Council. Married in 1905, he and his wife Minnie had five children, further establishing their family roots in the community.

Biography of Harry Newton Duckworth

Harry Newton Duckworth, born on March 22, 1877, in Elk County, Kansas, became a prominent building contractor in Independence after apprenticing as a carpenter. His illustrious career spanned various states, with notable projects including high-end residences in Kansas. A descendent of a pioneer family, Duckworth was raised on a farm and later settled in Independence, where he established his contracting business in 1913. He was also active in the community, affiliated with local churches and Masonic organizations, and married Laura Harlan, with whom he had four children.

Biography of Joel M. Walker

Captain Joel M. Walker, born in Ohio in 1835, is recognized as a distinguished citizen and influential leader in Idaho. A Civil War veteran, he served notably in the Twenty-third Iowa Volunteers and later held various public and business roles, including U.S. Marshal for Iowa. Walker contributed significantly to the development of Kendrick, where he founded the local bank. A devoted family man, he married twice and raised several children. His civic contributions reflect his commitment to the Democratic Party and community affairs in Idaho.

Biography of George K. Reid

George K. Reid, born in Vermont in 1863, has been a prominent figure in Howard, Kansas, for over thirty-five years, establishing a significant business in abstracts, loans, and insurance. Raised in a modest household, he overcame early challenges, becoming deputy county clerk and later a trusted banker. Since 1894, he has thrived in real estate and financial services. Actively involved in the community, Reid serves on the school board and is engaged in local governance and the Presbyterian Church. He married Mary Lees in 1881 and raised a successful family.

Biography of George H. Grimmell, M. D.

Dr. George H. Grimmell, born in Virginia in 1855, was a pioneering physician in Howard, Kansas, where he began practicing in 1898. He descended from a family of medical practitioners, with roots traced back to a crusader in 1096. After completing his medical education, he practiced in various locations, primarily focusing on surgery. Dr. Grimmell held active roles in local medical societies and served as health officer. He constructed the Grimmell Building in Howard and was married in 1916 to Ethel Miles.

Biography of George James Sharp

George James Sharp, born on December 26, 1862, in Hendricks County, Indiana, was a multifaceted individual who significantly contributed to Elk County as a farmer, teacher, and county clerk before serving as mayor of Howard. With a lineage of Revolutionary War ancestors, he upheld a tradition of public service. Sharp’s tenure as mayor saw notable advancements, including the establishment of an electric lighting system and a natural gas plant. He was actively involved in his community and religious life, emphasizing his role as a dedicated citizen.

Biography of Benjamin Franklin Strong, M. D.

Dr. Benjamin Franklin Strong, born in 1861 in Sabula, Iowa, is a notable physician and surgeon currently practicing in Chautauqua, Kansas, after a diverse career spanning retail and traveling sales. He graduated from Rush Medical College in 1896 and initially practiced in Howard, Kansas, before moving through various locations, including Kansas City and Norborne. Strong is of English and Scottish descent, with family roots in Massachusetts, and has contributed to his community through various civic roles and medical associations. He has two marriages and an adopted daughter.

Biography of Fred C. Gardner

Fred C. Gardner, born on August 25, 1888, in Missouri, is an accomplished educator currently serving as the superintendent of Howard, Kansas city schools. A product of Kansas institutions, he started teaching while completing his education at Emporia State Normal School. Gardner’s family roots trace back to Kentucky, and he has a rich heritage of farming. He has overseen significant educational developments, including three school buildings and a staff of eleven teachers. He is also active in professional associations and various community organizations.

Biography of Ezra King Longley

Ezra King Longley, a prominent early lawyer in Elk County, was born in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, in 1846. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War, rising to the rank of acting captain. After studying law, he settled in Howard, Kansas in 1870, where he built a successful legal practice. Longley had diverse experiences, including positions in government and various community roles. He married Carrie May Hall and had three children, remaining active in community affairs and Masonic organizations throughout his life.

Biography of Howard C. Tillotson

Howard C. Tillotson, born on July 29, 1868, in Olathe, Kansas, exemplifies a life rich in varied experiences and talents. The son of pioneer Charles Tillotson, Howard transitioned from farming to banking and then to pharmacy, establishing a successful drug store in Latham. An active Mason and Republican-turned-progressive, Howard’s personal life includes a marriage to Ava Hamill, an accomplished educator and musician. Together, they have a son, Harold, a high-achieving student and athlete. Howard’s life reflects a dedication to community and diverse pursuits.

Biography of Fred B. Caldwell

Fred B. Caldwell, born January 9, 1881, in Mahaska County, Iowa, transitioned from law practice to become a prominent stockman and diversified farmer in Kansas. His ranch near Howard is renowned for its exceptional Poland China hogs, earning him national recognition, including a grand championship at the 1916 State Fair. Caldwell, a Republican and member of the Friends Church, also served as a state legislator. He married Edna Johnson in 1906, and they have two children, continuing the family legacy rooted in farming and community service.

Biography of Ralph M. McKee

Ralph M. McKee, born on December 1, 1893, in Xenia, Ohio, is the superintendent of consolidated city schools in Neal, Greenwood County, Kansas. A young and respected figure in education, he has made significant contributions since graduating high school in Moline, Kansas, in 1913. After teaching in rural schools and then in Eureka, he assumed his current role in 1915. McKee is actively involved in the Kansas State and Greenwood County Teachers Associations and is a member of the Masonic Lodge, identifying as a Democrat.

Biography of Keenan Hurst

Keenan Hurst, born March 5, 1839, in Ohio, is a notable Civil War veteran and esteemed figure in Elk County, Kansas. After several years of farming, he transitioned into politics and law, serving as city attorney and deputy county attorney in Howard. He actively participated in significant battles, including Chickamauga and Atlanta, sustaining injuries but continuing his service. A lifelong learner, Hurst pursued legal education post-war. He married twice and fathered several children, contributing to local civic life and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Biography of Arthur Winford Goodwin

Arthur Winford Goodwin, born on July 13, 1875, in New York, rose from humble beginnings to establish a successful career in retail. Starting work at age thirteen, he gained diverse experience in various stores, ultimately reaching Howard, Kansas. Partnering with F. A. Force in 1905, he later created a significant department store through strategic consolidations. A member of a long-established American family, Goodwin was active in the Methodist Church and owned property, reflecting a prosperous life forged through diligent work. He married Elizabeth Hardin in 1894.

Biography of Floyd C. Flory

Floyd C. Flory, a prominent figure in Kansas journalism and the postmaster of Grenola, was born on a farm in Greeley County on October 30, 1887. After graduating high school in Howard, he gained experience in the newspaper industry, working for the Emporia Gazette and Burlington Democrat. Flory purchased the Grenola Leader in 1909 and served as its editor until becoming postmaster in 1914. He is a Democrat, a Mason, and married to Mollie Logston, with whom he shares a home in Grenola.

Biography of Charles F. Osborn

Charles F. Osborn moved to Howard, Kansas, in 1881, where he became a prominent figure through his work in civil engineering and good roads initiatives. He was initially involved in the loan business and ranching, before serving as Elk County’s surveyor and engineer, earning respect for his contributions to infrastructure, including the county’s first permanent stone bridge. A member of the State Good Roads Association, he also held various community and church roles. Osborn’s legacy includes substantial land holdings and a successful family.