Kassebaum

Biographical Sketch of William Kassebaum

William Kassebaum, born in 1870 in Farmington, Iowa, served as secretary of the Herman Oak Leather Company in St. Louis. His German immigrant father was a wagon-maker, while his mother was a well-known local contractor. Kassebaum was educated in St. Louis schools and began his career in the hide and fur industry before joining the leather company in 1892. He actively supported World War I efforts and was married to Addelyn Helmkamp, with whom he had a son. Kassebaum is a Methodist and a Mason.

Biography of Edward C. Kassebaum

Edward C. Kassebaum, born in 1872 in Shawnee County, Kansas, is a noted farmer best recognized for his watermelon cultivation. Raised in a family deeply rooted in agriculture, he inherited his father’s dedication to farming. He married Chettie James in 1897, acquiring land to enhance his farming endeavors. Beyond general farming, Kassebaum made significant contributions to his community, serving on the school board and actively participating in local organizations such as the Masons and the Rossville Presbyterian Church. His farm showcases modern agricultural practices and facilities.