Oskaloosa Kansas

Biographical Sketch of Albert G. Patrick

Albert G. Patrick, born in Salem, Indiana, in 1824, became a prominent free-state leader in Kansas. After settling in Leavenworth in 1856, he documented electoral corruption, which galvanized local resistance. Captured in 1856, he narrowly escaped execution, revealing his resilience. He participated in significant conflicts, was elected clerk of the Supreme Court in 1857, and served in the legislature from 1867. Moving to Jefferson County in 1868, he later edited the Valley Falls New Era. Patrick passed away in Oskaloosa on February 10, 1903.

Biography of William O. Worswick

William O. Worswick, born in 1864 in Wisconsin, was a notable lawyer and former county attorney of Jefferson County, Kansas. He initially worked as a teacher and engaged in mercantile business before becoming a member of the Oskaloosa bar in 1897. From 1909 to 1913, he served as county attorney and continues to hold the position of city attorney. A descendant of a distinguished English lineage, he is actively involved in local fraternal organizations and the Episcopal Church. Worswick married Alice Howland, an accomplished educator and artist.

Biography of Alvis Clayton Zimmerman, M.D.

Dr. Alvis Clayton Zimmerman, born on April 9, 1874, in Kansas, is recognized as the pioneering physician and surgeon of Perry, Kansas, establishing his practice two decades ago. He comes from a long line of early settlers, with roots tracing back to Holland and Pennsylvania. A graduate of the University Medical College in Kansas City, he has built a successful medical career while actively participating in local civic engagements. Dr. Zimmerman has been married twice, and he and his second wife, Faye, have two children.

Biography of William A. Smith

William A. Smith, born December 30, 1888, in Valley Falls, Kansas, is a notable young lawyer and county attorney of Jefferson County. His ancestry traces back to early American settlers. Raised in a family with deep military roots, his father, H. M. Smith, was a Civil War veteran. Educated locally, Smith graduated from Washburn College and began practicing law before being elected county attorney in 1916. He enlisted in the Kansas Volunteer Infantry and serves as a lieutenant, prepared to respond to the needs of his country amid the ongoing war with Germany.

Biography of Frank H. Roberts

Frank H. Roberts, born in Ohio in 1851, is the current editor and proprietor of the Oskaloosa Independent, a Kansas newspaper established by his father, John W. Roberts, in 1860. Under their stewardship, it has become one of the longest-running publications in the state. Frank, who was educated locally and briefly worked elsewhere, has maintained the paper as a staunch Republican organ. In addition to his editorial role, he has served as Oskaloosa’s mayor and been active in the Methodist Church and various fraternal organizations. He has two marriages, producing four children.

Biography of Martin S. McCreight, M. D.

Martin S. McCreight, M.D., born February 19, 1870, in Pennsylvania, moved to Kansas as a child and became a prominent physician in Oskaloosa. With over twenty years of medical practice, he also operated a drugstore and served as vice president of the Jefferson County Bank. Educated at the University of Kansas and Rush Medical College, McCreight was involved in various community roles, including county coroner and health officer. He was a dedicated member of several Masonic organizations and married Ida M. Engle in 1894.

Biography of George Eli Whitcraft

George Eli Whitcraft, born on June 28, 1872, in Jackson County, Kansas, dedicated over twenty years to education in Northeastern Kansas. He attended rural schools and earned his A.B. from Campbell College in 1915. Starting his teaching career in 1894, he served as county superintendent and later as principal before becoming the superintendent of Oskaloosa schools in 1911. A member of various educational and community organizations, Whitcraft is active in the Methodist Episcopal Church and is a Republican. He married Mary Oldweiler and they have two children.

Biography of John W. Roberts

John W. Roberts, born July 3, 1880, in Topeka, grew up in Oskaloosa, Kansas, where he pursued a career in education and journalism. After graduating from Baker University in 1903, he held various teaching positions, culminating in his role as superintendent of city schools at Sedan since 1912. A member of several educational associations, Roberts has contributed significantly to local education. He married Lena McConnell in 1908, and they have one daughter, Margaret. His family’s distinguished newspaper legacy also shapes his identity.

Biography of James A. Burge

James A. Burge, the oldest resident of Fredonia, contributed significantly to the city’s development over forty-seven years. Born in 1847 in Illinois, he served in the Civil War and later practiced law before joining the Western Union Telegraph Company in 1879. As manager, he excelled in telegraphy and never reported a loss in deliveries. Aside from his business contributions, he was active in local organizations and supported community advancements. Burge was twice married and remained a dedicated citizen while maintaining his political affiliations throughout his life.