The series contains original affidavits of registration that record personal information about each registrant, their photograph affixed to the majority of documents, and the registrants fingerprints. All of these are specific to Kansas, and most have the actual documents attached.
Ada Bertha Dobkins, born on August 6, 1879, in Chetopa, Kansas, married Benona H. Durall on August 25, 1897. They had five children: Harold Robert, Hugh Allen, George Marvin, Ada Leah, and Charles Ivan. Harold served in the navy during World War I. A member of the Methodist Church and various orders, Mrs. Durall’s husband engaged in the insurance and loan business in Welch. Their family reflects a rich heritage of service and community involvement.
Florence Ella Ross was born on November 30, 1879, to Daniel L. and Ruth Caroline Holland Ross. She received her education from local institutions, including the Cherokee Public Schools and North Eastern State Normal. On February 6, 1910, she married Charles Earl Woodward, a former teacher and postmaster at Vera under President Wilson. Charles was born on July 15, 1880, in Dent County, Missouri, and was educated at Salem High School and Draughons Business College.
Jim Threat, born in September 1851 in Talladega County, Alabama, recounts the harsh realities of slavery, detailing fear of patrollers, brutal punishments, and resistance among enslaved individuals. He highlights the cruelty of his master, Gum Threat, and shares stories of family separation and the struggle for freedom during the Civil War. Despite the challenges, Jim’s mother worked diligently, providing for her family. After gaining freedom, the community faced new threats from the Ku Klux Klan, which perpetuated fear and violence against Black individuals.
Mrs. Louise H. Horrell, born Louisa H. Habish on June 23, 1878, is the daughter of William and Mary Jane Habish. She received her education at Cherokee Public Schools and Worchester Academy in Vinita. On March 8, 1905, she married George T. Horrell in Oswego, Kansas. Together, they have two children: Mary Thelma and Allen C. Horrell. George Horrell works as a stillman with the St. Clair Refining Company.
Richard W. Blue, born on September 8, 1841, in Wood County, Virginia, emerged as a prominent lawyer and judge after serving as a Union officer in the Civil War. Educated at Monongalia Academy and Washington College, he enlisted in the Third West Virginia Infantry and rose through the ranks despite being captured and held as a prisoner of war. After the war, he settled in Kansas, practiced law, and held various political positions including two terms in the State Senate and a congressman-at-large role before his death in 1907.
Richard Allen, born December 7, 1864, in Logan County, Illinois, was a notable educator and historian in Southern Kansas. He spent over fifteen years as a professor of history at Montgomery County High School, following a diverse teaching career across multiple counties. Allen, whose lineage traces back to England, was the son of B. F. Allen, a Kansas pioneer. A graduate of the State Normal School at Emporia, he earned advanced degrees from Greeley, Colorado. He was politically active and a member of the Methodist Church and several fraternal organizations.
C. C. Michal, a prominent contractor in Southern Kansas, has established a successful business in Independence after varied early employment. Born in 1871 in Indiana, he moved to Kansas with his family and transitioned from farm life to contracting. Michal’s significant projects included infrastructure for local educational institutions. He is active in community service and church, embracing an independent political stance. Married to Bertha Schoettlin, they have two sons. His family’s roots trace back to Irish settlers in the early 19th century, highlighting a rich heritage.
Dr. Allan Arthur Gilbert, born on May 26, 1890, in Burrton, Kansas, is a prominent internist based in St. Louis. He graduated from Washington University in 1914 and served in World War I as a captain in Base Hospital No. 21. Post-war, he specialized in internal medicine and has been actively involved in various medical societies and community service, including Red Cross work. Married in 1920, Dr. Gilbert is also a musician and supports Boy Scouts, reflecting his commitment to public welfare and education.
Dr. Charles Sumner Newlon, born in 1858 in Iowa, practiced medicine and surgery for fifteen years in Kansas City, following earlier service in Kansas. A graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, he contributed significantly to healthcare, including his role as superintendent of the state school for the feeble-minded in Kansas. An active public servant, he held various political roles and engaged in community improvement projects. Dr. Newlon, married to Lizzie Sullivan, has two children and is involved in several fraternal organizations.
Dr. John Child Maxson, born January 14, 1867, in Wisconsin, has practiced medicine for over twenty-four years, primarily in Kansas. His family roots trace back to early settlers in the state, with his ancestor Richard Maxson immigrating from England. Educated at Kansas City College of Pharmacy and the University Medical College, he specialized in surgery. He has established a successful practice in Corning, where he also serves as county coroner. A Republican and active in community organizations, he married Addie B. Westherby and has three living children.
Julius S. Waters, born in Indiana in 1838, exemplified the virtues of self-reliance and determination throughout his life. Orphaned young, he worked various jobs to fund his education and eventually pursued a legal career, becoming a prominent attorney and political figure. He was actively involved in the abolitionist movement and helped establish the Republican Party in Kansas. Throughout his career, Waters held multiple public offices, including county attorney and presidential elector, gaining respect for his legal expertise and commitment to public service in Idaho.
John P. Slaughter, born August 31, 1865, in Illinois, significantly shaped Kansas’s financial landscape as president of the Farm Mortgage Company, a leading firm specializing in farm mortgages. His career began at sixteen in his uncle’s office, eventually leading him to various banking positions before establishing the Farm Mortgage Company in Topeka. A Republican and Methodist, Slaughter was deeply involved in his community and family life, marrying Cora E. Flowers and raising three children. His father’s legacy as an influential farmer and Civil War veteran also marked Slaughter’s upbringing.
William P. Bowen, born on August 31, 1855, in Ottumwa, Iowa, has been a pivotal figure in the milling industry of Southern Kansas for over thirty years. He owns the flour and feed mill in Independence that he established with his father. A civic leader, Bowen served three terms as mayor, contributing significantly to community welfare. His family’s roots trace back to Welsh ancestors, and Bowen has a robust educational background and extensive involvement in local organizations, while fathering four children with his wife, Hester A. Purnell.
Thomas Tweedy, born on September 12, 1853, in Indiana, moved to Jewell County, Kansas in 1878. After studying law in Red Cloud, Nebraska, and Oswego, Kansas, he was admitted to the bar in Indiana in 1881. He serves as the sole practicing attorney in Burr Oak, where he also attended college at Lancaster, Indiana. Tweedy married Ella M. Story in Burr Oak on September 12, 1882.
Wylie White Cook, born in Indiana in 1859, has served Kansas for over thirty years in various public offices, earning the respect and confidence of the community. A resident since 1881, he began his career as a county clerk and later held roles such as assistant state auditor and state treasurer. Despite his notable positions, he rarely sought office, highlighting his commendable character. Cook’s heritage traces back to Scottish origins, and he is actively involved in Masonic and religious organizations, contributing to his community’s welfare.
George W. Gabriel, M. D., born on November 17, 1841, in Athens, Ohio, is recognized as the oldest active physician in Kansas, with a practice spanning over forty-five years. His medical journey began as a soldier during the Civil War, later studying at Starling Medical College and Kansas Medical College. A pioneer in Parsons, he served multiple terms as mayor and state senator, contributing to the community’s development. Gabriel’s family has a distinguished military lineage, and he has been involved in numerous civic and fraternal organizations throughout his life.
Joseph L. Strickler, born on December 19, 1872, in Ohio, moved to Cherryvale in 1902 and became a leading independent oil producer in the region. His family’s roots trace back to German settlers in Virginia. Strickler began his career in the oil industry as a tool dresser and contractor, establishing a significant presence in Kansas and Oklahoma. In addition to his oil ventures, he serves as president of the Cherryvale Iron Works. Married in 1900, he and his wife, Anna, have two children, Russell and Nellie.
Colonel Lewis C. True, a notable soldier and lawyer, settled in Kansas after the Civil War, where he faced significant challenges as a farmer before turning to law. Admitted to practice in 1871, he became the county attorney of Labette County, staunchly enforcing Kansas’s prohibition laws despite backlash, including the burning of his home. A respected attorney in Kansas City, he served in various legal capacities until his retirement. Born in Illinois in 1842 and an active Republican, True championed prohibition and maintained his commitment to public service throughout his life.