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.
Dr. S. T. Blades, born in 1875 in Minneapolis, Kansas, has become a prominent figure in Scottsville, serving as the only physician and surgeon in the community. After studying at Kansas City University Medical College and gaining experience in local hospitals, he began his practice in 1904. Alongside his medical career, he owns a well-stocked drug store. A dedicated professional, Blades engages in ongoing education and is active in several medical associations. He is noted for his kind nature and strong community ties.
F. J. Ruffner, D.V.M., has been a prominent veterinarian in Beloit, Kansas, since 1912, operating a modern veterinary hospital that has grown rapidly. Born in 1889 to a Swiss father and a Pennsylvania mother, he has lived in Kansas his entire life, earning his veterinary degree from Kansas State Agricultural College. Unmarried and highly regarded for his skill and popularity, Ruffner is an active member of several professional associations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dan A. Michael, born in Missouri in 1883, is nearing the end of his four-year tenure as sheriff of Mitchell County, a position he has held with dedication. Although he cannot seek reelection, his popularity remains strong among constituents. After serving as under sheriff, he was elected by a significant majority. Prior to his law enforcement career, he worked as a butcher following his upbringing on a farm. Michael’s term saw minimal crime, with only one capital offense reported. He married Minerva Holms in December 1915.
Scottsville, Kansas, celebrates its growth since its founding in 1878, largely attributed to the Keeler family. Ira B. and A. N. Keeler, sons of J. Keeler, established Keeler Brothers, a significant mercantile business after the town’s initial setbacks from fires. Under their leadership, the firm thrived, culminating in a substantial building erected in 1907. A. N. Keeler, educated and previously a teacher, married Carrie Lipke in 1910, and they have one son, James V. Ira served as the first mayor of the incorporated city in 1907.
Thomas H. McCall, born in 1855 in Ohio, exemplified integrity and efficiency in public service as the county clerk of Mitchell County, Kansas. Elected for three terms, he handled significant public responsibilities with care and courtesy. A former farmer and successful mercantile businessman, McCall was deeply rooted in his community, where he contributed to local business and fraternal organizations. He married Lucinda A. Barber in 1880 and fathered four children, while his family has longstanding ties to the area’s growth and development.
Scottsville, Kansas, established in 1878, owes much of its development to the Keeler family, particularly Ira B. and A. N. Keeler, who emerged as prominent general merchants in the town. The brothers expanded their business significantly and built a notable two-story structure in 1907. Not only did Ira serve as the town’s first mayor, but he also contributed to its growth alongside other notable citizens. Married to Rose L. Harmon, they had four children, further entrenching their legacy in the community.
Benjamin Rees, a significant figure in Mitchell County, Kansas, was born in 1869 on the site of Asherville, where he currently resides as a prosperous farmer. He is the son of John Rees, a Welsh immigrant who fought in the Civil War, later becoming a notable community leader and landowner in the area. Benjamin married Olive Hull in 1893 and they had four children. Though not politically active, he is recognized for his public spirit and commitment to local welfare initiatives.
Ben Daniels, born in Decatur County, Kansas, in 1891, founded the Arts and Crafts Shop in Beloit in 1909, specializing in original furniture design aimed at a refined clientele. The son of Reverend J. L. Daniels, he inherited a natural artistic talent and established his business to meet the growing demands of culture and aesthetics in furniture. His shop, equipped with modern machinery, is a unique enterprise in Northwestern Kansas. In 1914, he married Susan L. Sorgatz, with whom he has one son.
William H. F. Gabe, a pioneer in Mitchell County, played a significant role in the development of Beloit, Kansas. Born in Germany in 1837, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1868 and settled in Mitchell County with his wife in 1870. Initially living in a dugout, they contributed to the community by hosting the first town meeting and boarding sawmill workers. Gabe sold part of his homestead in 1886 to help establish Beloit. He and his wife raised five children and continued to improve their estate, remaining active in both the Lutheran Church and local affairs.
Henry Chase Bradbury, born in 1844, is a prominent figure in Kansas’s Presbyterian Church, serving for over forty years as a missionary. His lineage, rooted in early colonial America, reflects a legacy of education and ministry. His father, Elbridge Bradbury, a noted scholar and minister, influenced Henry’s path. Despite the hardships of his mission work, Henry remains active at seventy-three, overseeing multiple churches and community efforts. Known for his generosity, he has garnered admiration, celebrated annually on “Bradbury Day.” He married Elma Boblett and has six children, continuing his family’s commitment to service.
Carl Judge, born July 10, 1878, in Osage County, Kansas, became a respected journalist as the owner and editor of the Beverly Tribune. Prior to this, he gained substantial experience in various journals throughout the Midwest. Educated in Oklahoma, he initially pursued law but found his true passion in printing. Judge was actively involved in community affairs and served as a police judge. Married to Lenora A. Woolsey, they had four children and were committed members of the Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.
Hon. John O. Adams, born on September 24, 1889, in Langley, Kansas, emerged as a prominent figure in Ottawa County’s business and civic life after relocating to Delphos in 1901. Following his father’s death, he managed the family general store and continued its legacy of fair business practices. Elected mayor in 1917, Adams advocated for civic improvements while maintaining a strong presence in fraternal organizations. He married Pansy Mitchell in 1916 and was known for his commitment to both commerce and community service throughout his career.
The Stuewe family has been integral to Wabaunsee County’s growth for over three decades, tracing its roots to Helmuth Stuewe from Mechlenburg, Germany. John E. Stuewe, Helmuth’s son, immigrated to the U.S. in 1871 to escape military service. The family faced severe hardships establishing themselves, including a lack of resources, drought, and the grasshopper plague. Despite these challenges, they persevered, with sons Ferdinand and Albert later establishing successful ventures in the creamery and banking. The Stuewes epitomized industry, honesty, and respect within their community.
Seward Allen Jones, born March 25, 1869, in Illinois, has made significant contributions to Kansas’s printing industry since establishing his business in Topeka in 1915. Educated in practical printing through his experience in newspaper work, he has operated several successful publications, including the first daily in Mitchell County. A strong community advocate, Jones embodies the values of civic involvement and entrepreneurship, gaining respect as a skilled printer and honorable businessman. His family legacy includes a rich history of service and patriotism.
F. A. Baughman was born on February 18, 1853, in Mahaska County, Iowa. He moved to Cawker City, Kansas, in 1878 to pursue a career in the furniture business. Later, he established himself in Mankato, Jewell County, where he built and stocked a 2,550-foot furniture store. Known for his energy and enterprise, Baughman has successfully made his own way in life. He married Blanche Hambleton in Story County, Iowa, on June 13, 1877, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Herman Colson, born on March 5, 1849, in North Abington, Massachusetts, moved through New Jersey and West Virginia before settling in Jewell County, Kansas, in 1873. He homesteaded near Mankato and began his tenure as postmaster on July 13, 1878, with a brief interruption in 1882. Colson also served as Township Treasurer and school board clerk, and is active in the Limestone Agricultural Association. A Mason, he married Elizabeth E. Ely in February 1880, and they have two children, Ernest E. and Dice.
Hon. Anson S. Cooke, born in 1849 in Illinois, became a prominent figure in Kansas after moving there in 1872. A respected pioneer and farmer, he amassed 600 acres in Mitchell County and served twelve years in the State Senate. Cooke’s journey from poverty to success embodies hard work and integrity, earning him the respect of peers and constituents alike. Active in public affairs, he began as a populist and later aligned with the Democratic Party. He was also a dedicated Methodist and early advocate for prohibition.
Vernon H. Branch, born on February 3, 1863, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, moved to Kansas at a young age and established a notable banking career spanning over thirty-five years. Starting as a bookkeeper at the Cloud County Bank, he progressed to various influential banking roles across Kansas. Settling in Wichita in 1903, he became a vice president of the National Bank of Wichita and later focused on investment banking. Branch was married to Luella Brown, who was actively involved in community philanthropy, and they had a highly educated daughter, Hazel E.
William Gibson Dickie, born January 21, 1870, in Johnson County, Kansas, overcame a modest farm upbringing to build a distinguished career in business and public service in Topeka. His education was pursued while working on the family farm, leading to positions as a bookkeeper and deputy county treasurer. He became the founder and president of the Jensen Manufacturing Company before taking on leadership roles in the Kaw Paving Company and the Kansas State Employers Association. Dickie exemplified a commitment to community and industry throughout his life.