Pittsburg Kansas

Slave Narrative of Charley Williams

Charley Williams, born January 11, 1843, reflects on his life as a slave on a Louisiana plantation. He recounts the hardships faced during and after the Civil War, including the presence of Union soldiers and the eventual loss of the plantation’s resources. Williams describes the close relationship with his old master, John Williams, and the labor-intensive life on the plantation, which included self-sufficiency in farming and craftsmanship. Despite the adversities, he maintains a resilient spirit and recalls fond memories of the past, while expressing hope to reunite with his former master in the afterlife.

Biography of Ebenezer F. Porter, Hon.

The Honorable Ebenezer F. Porter, born on July 14, 1859, in Pennsylvania, has significantly impacted Kansas politics, education, and business for over 25 years as State Senator from the Ninth Senatorial District. Renowned for his unwavering integrity and planning, he founded the State Manual Training Normal School in Pittsburg, advocating for industrial education. Engaged in various business ventures, including a prominent lumber company, he is widely respected for his contributions to the community and the state. His family, particularly his wife, Anna, has played a crucial role in his success.

Biography of Merle K. Scott, M. D.

Merle K. Scott, M. D., born on April 16, 1878, in Coyville, Kansas, is a notable physician and surgeon at Frontenac. Son of Rev. Robert M. and Sarah Kinnear Scott, he graduated from the University Medical College in 1901. His medical career commenced during a smallpox epidemic, showcasing his bravery. He is an active member of various medical associations and serves as the local surgeon for multiple organizations. Married to Daisy I. Smith, they have two children. Dr. Scott is involved in local politics and community services, including the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Biography of John M. Leeper

John M. Leeper, born in Lyon County, Kansas, on September 6, 1872, established himself as a prominent brick contractor in Topeka after mastering the trade. He played a key role in constructing notable public buildings, including the Memorial Building and several others. Alongside his contracting business, he operated the Palace Auto Company, specializing in automobiles and repairs. Leeper married Jestine Brown in 1894 and together they had five children. An active member of the Masonic community, he is also involved in local organizations.

Biography of Robert Burns Gibb, M. D.

Dr. Robert Burns Gibb, a prominent Kansas surgeon born in 1878 in Fairbury, Illinois, has established a notable reputation in his field. His Scottish ancestry traces back to his grandfather, John Gibb, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1846. After earning his medical degree with honors in 1900, Gibb trained extensively, including a year studying in Europe. Since settling in Pittsburg in 1900, he has specialized in surgery, becoming a respected member of numerous medical societies and contributing significantly to medical practices in southeastern Kansas. Dr. Gibb married Ray N. Kirkwood in 1903 and has one daughter.

Biography of Archibald B. Kirkwood

Archibald B. Kirkwood, a prominent figure in Pittsburg and southeastern Kansas, passed away on May 16, 1916. Born on August 20, 1859, he began his coal mining career at thirteen and quickly rose to become general manager of the Wear Coal Company, overseeing numerous mines. Kirkwood also led the Standard Mercantile Company, contributing significantly to local commerce. A respected community member and philanthropist, he served as mayor of Pittsburg in 1907. He is survived by his wife, Ida, and their three children.

Biography of William Henry Hite

William Henry Hite, born on March 20, 1869, in Wheatland, Missouri, demonstrated exceptional business acumen from a young age. After the early death of his father, he was raised by his grandmother and left school at twelve to work. He gained experience in retail before co-founding the Globe Clothing Store in Cherryvale in 1902. By 1909, he became the sole proprietor, leading the store to prominence. Active in politics and fraternal organizations, Hite is recognized as an astute businessman dedicated to community service and his family.

Biography of George W. Kidder

George W. Kidder has dedicated his life to the development of Crawford County, particularly through his roles as secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and the Retail Merchants Association in Pittsburg. Since 1912, he has driven numerous civic improvements, including infrastructure enhancements and the promotion of local industries. Born in 1868, Kidder’s extensive business background spans various positions before his current leadership roles. He is also politically active and involved in community projects, alongside family commitments, including a strong connection to the Methodist Church.

Biography of John Pellegrino

John Pellegrino, born on June 3, 1878, in Germany, has devoted his life to the mining industry since the age of fifteen. He served in the U.S. Army during the Philippine War before returning to mining. With a commitment to education, he pursued advanced studies in mining science while working. Pellegrino settled in Kansas in 1892, where he later became the state mine inspector in 1915. A Republican and community leader, he is also a Mason and member of the Eagles and War Veterans. He married Mary Kuplen, and they have five children.

Biography of John Pedroja

John Pedroja, born on November 27, 1880, in Gnosca, Switzerland, has established himself as a prominent attorney in Mulberry, Kansas, since 1911. He is recognized for his professional dedication and broad community involvement, having served as city clerk and city attorney. Educated at Southern Kansas Academy and De Paul University, he began practicing law in Plainville before moving to Mulberry. A member of several local organizations and a successful businessman, Pedroja balances his legal career with civic duties and family life, marrying Allie Kurtz in 1915.

Biography of Asa Messinger

Asa Messinger, born in 1876 in Taylorville, Illinois, has been a transformative figure in Pittsburg, Kansas, contributing significantly to its urban landscape through his work as a contractor and commissioner of streets. His innovative projects include the construction of major buildings, the installation of the city’s first storm sewer, and advancements in public utilities. A self-educated carpenter, he managed all city improvements personally, prioritizing efficiency and effectiveness. Beyond his civic contributions, he has a rich family life with seven children and active participation in various community organizations.

Biography of George W. Trout, Prof.

Prof. George W. Trout, born on September 16, 1863, in Kentucky, is a prominent history educator at the State Manual Training Normal School in Pittsburg, Kansas. His lineage traces back to Ireland, with significant ties to Tennessee and Kentucky. Despite a challenging early education, he worked as a farmer while pursuing teaching. Graduating from Ottawa University in 1899, he later became a pastor before dedicating himself to education. He is active in various educational and civic organizations and has a large family with nine children.

Biography of Alonzo O. Blair, M. D.

Alonzo O. Blair, M.D., born in 1852 in Illinois, has had a distinguished medical career spanning nearly forty years in Southeastern Kansas, particularly in Pittsburg. After earning his medical degree in 1877, he practiced in various locations before settling in Pittsburg in 1890. Beyond his medical profession, he has invested significantly in local real estate and engaged in community affairs, serving on the city council and various medical societies. He married Elizabeth Hughes in 1877 and has two daughters, contributing to his legacy in both medicine and local development.

Biography of Edwin V. Lanyon

Edwin V. Lanyon, born on December 14, 1863, in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, is a prominent figure in the financial and industrial sectors of Southeastern Kansas. He became president of the National Bank of Pittsburg after a successful career in smelting and zinc production, contributing to the establishment of several major companies including the Lanyon Zinc Company. Lanyon’s public spirit is evident through his civic involvement, having served as mayor and holding positions in various local organizations. He married Lydia Scott in 1889 and has three children.

Biography of Dunham O. Munson, M. D.

Dunham O. Munson, M. D., a prominent specialist in Southeastern Kansas, has dedicated over two decades to practice in Pittsburg, focusing exclusively on otolaryngology in recent years. Born in New York in 1859, he pursued medicine at St. Louis’s Marion-Sims College, graduating in 1896. His extensive career includes roles as county health officer and city physician. Munson descends from a distinguished lineage, with roots dating back to 17th-century colonial America. He married Magdalene Begert in 1889 and has one son, Herbert Edwin.

Biography of James Frederick O’Connor

James Frederick O’Connor, born on November 3, 1868, in Fort Scott, Kansas, became a successful businessman through specialization in the ice and cold storage industry. He began his career in 1892 by reopening his father’s old icehouse, and with determination, he transformed it into the now-renowned O’Connor-Hamlin Ice and Cold Storage Company. His commitment to quality and service propelled the business to success, earning him respect in the community. O’Connor also contributed to Fort Scott’s development by creating Bridal Veil Park, demonstrating his dedication to both business and civic welfare.

Biography of Floyd E. Doubleday

Floyd E. Doubleday, born on June 23, 1859, in Italy, New York, made significant strides in the coal industry, becoming a prominent operator in Pittsburg. The son of a prominent physician and politician, he received a public education and began his career in banking and milling before entering the coal business in Kansas in 1882. After various relocations for better opportunities and family education, he returned to Pittsburg in 1912. A Republican and active in fraternal organizations, he was married to Elizabeth Phelps and had three children.

Biography of Henry R. Ransom

The Pittsburg Sash Door Company, founded by L.N. Mosteller, gained prominence under the leadership of Henry R. Ransom, who purchased it in 1902. Originally a modest operation, it has grown significantly, providing employment and contributing to the wealth of Pittsburg. Ransom, born in 1870 in New York, began his career as a carpenter and contractor before heading west. He is married to Gertie N. Kilbourn, and they have three children, with two actively involved in the family business. His family’s background reflects a rich legacy of entrepreneurship and community involvement.

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 Samuel Brownlee Fisher

Samuel Brownlee Fisher, born on October 24, 1846, in Ohio, is a distinguished consulting engineer with nearly fifty years in railway engineering. Descended from Scottish Covenanters, he studied at Washington and Jefferson College, earning multiple degrees. His career spans significant roles, including chief engineer positions with various railways, leading to his long-standing association with the Missouri, Kansas Texas Railroad Company. A Republican and Presbyterian elder, he married Agnes Crooks in 1881, with whom he had two children. Fisher’s legacy is marked by his contributions to American railway infrastructure.