Published in 1946 by McCormick-Armstrong Co., Wichita, Kansas, “Hutchinson, a Prairie City in Kansas” is an important historical resource that captures the quintessence of a small city transitioning through time. The author, Willard Welsh, has painstakingly collected stories, facts, and photographs to compose a narrative that preserves the memory of Hutchinson’s development from its early days to an expanding city center.
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.
Peter G. Kroeker, born in 1866 in Cherson City, Russia, immigrated to the U.S. in 1878 with his family, settling in McPherson County, Kansas. He trained as a watchmaker and served as postmaster of Inman for eight years. In 1905, he founded the Cheney Mill and Power Company in Wichita, which became a vital local industry. A Mason and community leader, Kroeker married Katie Remple, with whom he had four children, contributing to the thriving Mennonite community in Kansas established by his father-in-law.
John B. Furstenberg, president and treasurer of the Boggs Broom Corn Company, has significantly contributed to St. Louis’s status as the global center for broom corn trade. Born in Sterling, Kansas, in 1888, he was educated in local institutions before joining his father in the broom corn business. He relocated to St. Louis in 1910, eventually leading one of the world’s largest companies in the industry. Active in civic organizations, he is devoted to the city’s progress and has a family of three children with his wife, Lucie C. Bain.
Volney B. Ballard, born on August 22, 1883, in Huntsville, Kansas, has significantly influenced Attica’s business landscape since 1910 as the proprietor of the town’s sole drug store and president of the First National Bank. A descendant of colonial New Yorkers, his early education included teaching, followed by a pharmacy degree from Kansas University. He married Margaret Hawes in 1912, and they have two children. Ballard is active in local governance and fraternal organizations, embodying both community service and entrepreneurial spirit.
Dr. William Harry Little, born on November 5, 1868, in Ohio, has served the Alta Vista community as a physician for over fifteen years while also running the town’s prominent drug store. After receiving his M.D. from Kansas City Medical College in 1900, he practiced in Reno County before settling in Alta Vista in 1903. A member of various professional and social organizations, he has been married twice and has two children. His roots trace back to early American settlers who migrated from Scotland to Ohio and later to Kansas.
F. Dumont Smith, a distinguished Kansas attorney and public figure, has practiced law for thirty years and is recognized for his public speaking and writing prowess. Born in Illinois in 1861, he pursued a law degree at the National University Law School, graduating in 1886. After establishing his career in Kinsley and later Hutchinson, he served as mayor and state senator. Smith, a Knight Templar Mason and devout Episcopalian, married Florence Eustace and shares a law practice with their son Eustace. His literary contributions include the acclaimed work “Blue Waters and Green.
Simon P. Kramer, born in 1858 in Wooster, Ohio, became a prominent figure in Kansas’ milling industry after relocating there in 1880. With a foundation forged in his father’s mill and early roles in Texas and various Kansas towns, he accumulated significant experience and success. In 1915, he purchased and revitalized the Topeka Flour Mills Company, implementing advanced machinery to enhance operations. Under his leadership, the mill aspired to be a leading facility in the Middle West. His entrepreneurial journey reflects a blend of hard work, adaptability, and a commitment to progress.
William R. Murrow, born on May 16, 1878, in Ellinwood, Kansas, emerged as a prominent figure in the region’s business landscape, serving as the general manager of the Kansas Gas Electric Company. The son of William D. D. and Ploma Elizabeth Murrow, he experienced significant loss at an early age. His career commenced at the World’s Columbian Exposition, leading to various roles in electrical construction. Murrow played a pivotal role in establishing significant electric power facilities in Kansas, demonstrating commitment to both business and civic life in Independence. He married Tillie N. Barzen and had two children.
Judson Wheeler Mitchell, born on July 2, 1863, in West Damascus, Pennsylvania, was a prominent Kansas businessman and manager of The Emporia Ice Cold Storage Company for over 15 years. Descended from a notable lineage, he spent his early life in Pennsylvania before moving to Kansas in 1891. His career included stints in general merchandise and grocery businesses before taking on his managerial role. Married to Henrietta MacKenzie, they had two daughters, Margaret and Christine, further continuing the family’s legacy.
Leland R. Conrad, 69, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away on July 1, 2006. Born on July 21, 1936, in Enterprise, he served in the U.S. Navy. He married Patricia J. Swartzell on January 17, 1959, and worked for 39 years in uniform and packaging industries. A member of Zion Lutheran Church, he is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Military honors were bestowed during the services.
Millie E. Myers, aged 55, passed away at a La Grande hospital on Saturday night. Funeral services took place in Summerville, Oregon, where she had resided for 52 years. Born on March 22, 1885, in Hutchinson, Kansas, she is survived by her husband, Edgar Clyde Myers; son Charles H. in Summerville; daughters Mrs. Wayne Crow in California and Mrs. Lawana Carlson in Portland; and brothers George Elmer and W.A. Elmer. Mrs. Crow had recently cared for her during her illness.
Betty Jane Christensen, 88, of Gilbert, Arizona, formerly of La Grande, Oregon, passed away on March 17. Born on March 16, 1919, in Hutchinson, Kansas, she spent over 70 years in the Grande Ronde Valley. A 1937 graduate of La Grande High School and a registered nurse, she married Russell Lamar Christensen in 1947. Active in her community and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Visitation and funeral services will be held in La Grande.
Edwin Leonard Craig, 83, of La Grande, passed away on March 9, 2007, at his home. Born on May 13, 1923, in Hutchinson, Kansas, he was raised in Idaho and Wyoming. A World War II Army veteran, he married Norma Bluhm in 1942, later marrying Sylva Fay Gilson in 1946. He operated Craigs Cleaners until his retirement in 1986. A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he enjoyed boating, waterskiing, and golfing. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Joseph Beatty’s funeral occurred on Wednesday morning, led by Rev. Bartholomew at his residence near the old packing house. Beatty, over 70 years old, tragically died following an accident on March 6, 1905, while hauling window frames. His wagon hit a chuck hole, causing him to fall and subsequently be kicked by the frightened horses. Despite being taken to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. He is buried in Eastside Cemetery, and was married to Elizabeth Stoughton.
The funeral for Mrs. Elizabeth Beatty, who passed away on December 1, 1907, from Brights Disease at the age of 59, took place at her home on Fifth Avenue East. She was laid to rest in Eastside Cemetery. Her husband, Joseph Beatty, had died over two years prior.
Mrs. Julia F. Gamble, formerly of Hutchinson, passed away at her home in Tribune on June 30 at midnight. Her funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday at the Tribune Methodist Church. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Bertha Kauffman, and her son, Ralph Gamble, both residents of Tribune.
Henry M. Gamble, aged 74, passed away in his Hutchinson home after a prolonged illness. Originally from Nokomis, Illinois, he moved to Hutchinson 50 years ago, where he worked in the produce and wholesale industries before establishing his own grocery store. He is survived by his wife, Julia; daughter Bertha Kaufman; son Ralph; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His death was reported in the Hutchinson News on March 11, 1942.