BILSON, WILLIAM
JOHN
William John Bilson, surveyor and farmer, was born in Eureka, Kansas, February 1, 1874, son of William and Melinda
(Olinghouse) Bilson.
William Bilson was born in Little Honeyborough, Pembrokeshire, England, April 4, 1841, and died at Eureka, on May
8, 1925. He came to America in 1870 settling in Eureka where he was a carpenter by trade. Melinda Olinghouse was
born at Independence, Kansas, December 1, 1854 and died at Eureka, February 12, 1879.
William John Bilson attended public school at Eureka and the Southern Kansas Academy there. During the year 1895-96
he was a student at Spaldings Commercial College in Kansas City. From 1892 until 1900 he taught in the public schools
of Greenwood County and since that time has engaged in farming and surveying. He served as county surveyor, elected
on the Republican ticket, from 1906 until1912 and was city engineer of Eureka City from 1913 until 1920. He is
the author of a map of Greenwood County published in 1930.
On June 8, 1898, he was married to Della Brookover at Eureka. Mrs. Bilson was born at Champaign, Illinois, July
25, 1869. There are three children, Ralph and Ruth, twins born July 12, 1904, and Jessie, born March 30, 1912.
Mrs. Bilson is the daughter of Samuel Edwin and Tamer Clementine (Shelton) Brookover. Her father was born in Adams
County, Ohio, May 9, 1835 and died at Eureka, Kansas June 3, 1892. Her mother was born in Adams County, Ohio, November
6, 1838, and died at Eureka, September 13, 1914.
Ralph, the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Bilson is a farmer. He was married to Ella May Green on February 14, 1926.
Ruth, the oldest daughter was a teacher in Emporia from 1925 until 1928 and on December 25, 1929 was married to
Carl S. Colvin who is principal of schools at Sallyards, Kansas. Jessie is now employed by the Farmers and Bankers
Life Insurance Company at Wichita.
Mr. Bilson is a member of the Congregational Church of Eureka, and has been a member of the Modern Woodmen of America
since 1900. Residence: Eureka. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page
107)
CARPER,
CLAY CHARLES
Clay Charles Carper, lawyer, was born in Ottawa County, Kansas, September 6, 1895, son of James Van Buren and Mary
Abbie (Norman) Carper. He was graduated from the Minneapolis, Kansas, high school in 1915 and in 1921 received
his Bachelor of Laws degree from Kansas University.
His marriage to Bessie Agnes Elder was solemnized at Minneapolis, Kansas, on April 20, 1924. Mrs. Carper was born
in Wichita County, Kansas, August 4, 1899. There are three children, James V., born January 28, 1925. Robert Norman,
born October 25, 1926; and Jeannie, born July 15, 1929.
A Republican, Mr. Carper has served as police judge of Eureka for about four years, and has served two terms as
county attorney of Greenwood County. At the present time, he is city treasurer of Eureka. He is a member of Acacia
and Phi Alpha Delta fraternities, the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, the Kansas State Bar Association, and
the American Legion. From July 17, 1917 until January 9, 1919, he served in the United States Navy as an enlisted
man. His favorite sport is golf. Residence: Eureka (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton
Baldwin, 1933, Pages 205 & 207)
DARBY, JOHN
FREDERICK
John Frederick Darby, lawyer, was born at LaPorte, Indiana, March 27, 1870. He is the son of John Frederick and
Rebecca Cordelia (Ransom) Darby, the former of whom was born at Vermillion, Ohio, February 21, 1834. He was a banker
and real estate dealer, whose death occurred at Howard, Kansas, December 10, 1897. His ancestry is English and
Scotch. Rebecca Cordelia Ransom was born in LaPorte, Indiana, December 5, 1842 and died at Howard, Kansas, December
30, 1894. Her ancestry was English.
Admitted to the bar at Eureka, Mr. Darby has been a practicing attorney for many years. At the present time he
is attorney for the United States Fidelity and Guarantee Company and the Citizens National Bank and is serving
as city attorney of Eureka.
A Republican he was police judge of Eureka from 1886 until 1900, court reporter for the 13th judicial district
of Kansas from 1900 until 1921 and county attorney of Greenwood County, Kansas, from 1923 until 1927.
His marriage to Mildred Augusta Colburn was solemnized at Wichita, Kansas, January 28, 1897. Mrs. Darby who was
born at Eureka, June 9, 1878, died there on Decmeber 23, 1925. Her ancestry was Dutch. There are three children,
Natilla, born February 13, 1898 who married Leroy E. Weber; Edwina, born August 10, 1900; and Frederick, born October
23, 1910, who is married to Juanita Gorrell.
Among Judge Darby's professional and civic organizations are the Kansas State Bar Association, the Greenwood County
Bar Association, the Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce and the Eureka Library Board of which he is vice president.
His religious affiliation is with the Congregational Church. Residence: Eureka. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin
Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 295)
DAVIS, JOHN
WALTER
John Walter Davis, executive, was born in Eureka, Kansas, January 30, 1896, son of James Solelm and Emma (Walker)
Davis. The father, a native of Kentucky, was a contractor known throughout Kansas. He died at Eureka, May 29, 1929.
His wife, Emma, died in Eureka, in August, 1923.
John Walter Davis attended public and high school, completing his course in 1915, and earning letters thruout in
all high school athletic activities. Until1922 he was engaged in the contracting business, and since then has operated
and owned the Leader Garage, a complete super-service station with a home electric appliance department in connection.
He is also president of the Eureka Credit Association. He is a Republican.
On October 20, 1916, he was married to Chloe Hazel Gray at Wichita. Mrs. Davis was born at Eureka, Kansas, February
21, 1896. There are three children, Dorothy born September 18, 1918, Daryl, October 18, 1924; and Warren, May 29,
1925.
A member of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Davis has held the office of president and since that time has been a
director. He is a charter member of the Lions Club, a member of the Eureka Board of Education, the Eureka Country
Club, the Masons and the Odd Fellows. His favorite sport is golf. Residence: Eureka. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara
Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 302)
DeFEVER,
ALONZO FRENCH
Alonzo French DeFever, druggist was born at Cammer, Kentucky, August 29, 1860, son of Jessie Wallace and Malinda
Bee (Lawson) DeFever. Jessie Wallace DeFever was born in Cammer April 20, 1838 and died at Fredonia, Kansas in
September 1907. He was a farmer, merchant and live stock shipper, whose French great-grandfather was an officer
under Napoleon. He came to America and served in the War of 1812.
Malinda Bee Lawson was born in Cammer, June 10, 1839 and died at Fredonia, in August 1907.
Mr. DeFever attended public school and the Gilead Institute at Cammer, Kentucky for three years. For four years
prior to 1882 he engaged in the general merchandise business, and on October 5 of that year he came to Fall River
and engaged in the drug business. For the past 28 years he has been in partnership with his son. For 16 years Mr.
DeFever served as president and general manager of the Fall River Telephone Company. A Democrat, he served as postmaster
for four years under President Cleveland.
On April 3, 1881, he was married to Addie S. White at Buffalo, Kansas. Mrs. DeFever was born at Mattoon, Illinois,
May 27, 1856. They have two children, Orlin W., born March 23, 1884, who is a graduate pharamacist and holds a
certificate of graduation from Kansas University in the class of 1903; and Myrtle, born March 5, 1886, who is a
graduate in bacteriology from Kansas University.
Mr. DeFever is a member of the Fall River Christian Church, the Kansas State Pharmaceutical Association, the Fall
River Commercial Club and the Masons (Commandery). Residence: Fall River. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin
& Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 312)
FARMER,
JUNIUS WARREN
Junius Warren Farmer, county agricultural agent, was born near Horton, Kansas, February 2, 1900, son of James Alexander
and Elizabeth Ellen (Figley) Farmer. The father was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, August 11, 1871 and died at
St. Joseph, Missouri, March 14, 1914. He was a farmer and carpenter, who traced his ancestry to Scotland and Ireland.
His wife, Elizabeth was born in Carrollton, Ohio, September 22, 1872 and is of Scotch and English extraction.
Junius Warren Farmer was graduated from Robidoux School at St. Joseph Missouri, in 1915 and from Central High School
there in 1918. He received the Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State Agricultural College in 1923, where
he was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Delta, Gamma Sigma Delta, Scabbard and Blade, the Block and Bridle Club
(president), the Hamilton Literary Society, treasurer in the junior class, a major in the Reserve Officers Training
Corps, a member of Farm House fraternity, associate editor of the Agricultural Student and was a member of two
debate teams.
On September 6, 1927, he was married to Jennetta Frildo Shields at Lost Springs, Kansas. She was born at Lost Springs,
March 18, 1900, of German, Irish, and Dutch extraction. She is a school teacher.
After leaving school Mr. Farmer engaged actively in farming and in 1923 became a cattle showman. Since 1923 he
has been county agricultural agent of Greenwood County and is acting editor of the Greenwood County Farm Bureau
News. He is independent in politics.
Since 1923 Mr. Farmer has been second lieutenant of infantry in the Reserve Officers Corps of the United States
Army. In 1922 he was lightweight boxing champion of the Seventh Corps Area. He is a member of the National Rifle
Association is a member of the Grange, the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club (president, 1932) and is
affiliated with Westminster Presbyterian Church of St. Joseph, Missouri. He served from 1922 until 1925 as treasurer
of the National Block and Bridle Club, and from 1925 until 1928 was its secretary. His favorite sports are rifle
shooting and boxing, while his hobbies are gardening and reading. Residence: Eureka. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara
Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 381)
FRAZIER,
STEPHEN HOWARD
Stephen Howard Frazier, oil and gas operator, was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, January 22, 1870, son of George
Thomas and Sarah Anna (MacTaggart) Frazier. The father, who was born in Ireland in 1832 died at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
about 1902. He was a miller, who served four years in the Civil War with Company K, 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Sarah
Anna Frazier was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in 1833 and died at Pittsburgh, also.
Stephen Howard Frazier attended public school and Duffs College in Pittsburgh. Since 1894 he has been engaged in
the oil business and at present is producing gas and oil in Elk and Greenwood Counties.
A Republican, Mr. Frazier served as a member of the Kansas legislature the session of 1925 from Elk County. He
was also a member of the Moline, Kansas City Council, 1927.
His marriage to Myrtle M. Schell was solemnized at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There are four children: Theodore
Stephen, who married Mable Leiws; Marion; Ruth; and Margaret G.
Mr. Frazier is a member and past member of Wild Cat Grange No. 1738, Moline, Kansas, and the Pioneer Oil Men's
Association of Tulsa, Oklahoma. During the World War he served as a member of the Council of National Defense and
as fuel administrator for Chautauqua County. Residence: Eureka. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin &
Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 419)
HULL, FELIX
HEATH
Felix Heath Hull, stockman, was born at McDowell, Virginia, June 16, 1861 son of Felix Heath and Elizabeth Miller
(Mathews) Hull.
Felix Heath Hull, Sr., was born in McDowell and died there in August 1861. He was a farmer and stockman and captain
of the first militia organized in Highland County, Virginia. Elizabeth Miller Mathews, was born in Pocahuntus,
West Virginia, December 20, 1826, and died at McDowell on December 26, 1876. She was the daughter of Jacob and
Nancy (McCue) Mathews. Her mother, Nancy McCue, was born November 22, 1804 in Augusta County, Virginia and died
February 17, 1856 in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
Felix Heath Hull, Jr., attended the Augusta Military Academy from which he was graduated in June, 1882. The following
July he came to Greenwood County, Kansas where he has since resided and where he has taken a prominent place in
civid and social organizations. At the present time he is vice president and director of the Eureka Bank. He is
a Democrat.
On September 17, 1893, he was married to Edna Browning Claycomb at Eureka, Greenwood County, Kansas. Mrs. Hull
was born in Eureka, February 27, 1874, and died there on May 16, 1927. She was the daughter of William Otis and
Rachel A. (Brown) Claycomb. William Claycomb was born at Galesburg, Illinois and died at Eureka, Kansas, August
1, 1912. Rachel Claycomb was born in Iowa and now resides in Eureka, Kansas.
There are four children, Felix Heath, born June 12, 1895 who married Opeal Stanhope of Eureka, Edgar Otis, born
June 2, 1897, who married Rachel Mullen of Eureka, Virginia Elizabeth, born July 11, 1904, who married David Rice
of Eureka; and George Elwin born May 16, 1906 who married Freda Steulpner of Eurkea.
Mr. Hull is a member of the Congregational Church of Eureka. His favorite recreation is playing golf. Residence:
Eureka. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Pages 568-569)
JOHNSON,
BERTRAM
Bertram Johnson, homeopathic physician, was born at Brooklyn, New York, July 9, 1877, son of David Peck and Caroline
Augusta (Newhall) Johnson.
David Peck Johnson was born in New York City in 1838 and died at Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1902. Caroline Augusta
Newhall was born at Chicago, Illinois, April 30, 1844 and died at Roanoke, Alabama, November 16, 1922.
Bertram Johnson received his Medical degree from Jenner Night Medical College at Chicago, and received the same
degree from Hering Homeopathic Medical College of Chicago.
Since July 1915, he has been in active practice at Eureka. He is the author of several medical articles, one of
which was published in the Clinique one in the Homeopathic Recorder and one in the Homeopathic World.
Dr. Johnson was married to Elizabeth Whitaker at Galena, Maryland. She was born at Galena, February 14, 1888 and
is a physician. There are three children, Keith Whitaker, born March 13, 1912; William Rodgers, born October 23,
1914; and Lloyd Newhall born in November 16, 1921.
Dr. Johnson is a Republican. During the year 1917-18, he was a member of the Volunteer Medical Corps, and is now
medical examiner for applicants to the Citizens Military Training Camp. He is a member of the American Institute
of Homeopathy, the Kansas State Homeopathic Medical Society (treasurer, 1921-24; president, 1924-28). A member
of the Swedenborgian Church. He is a member of the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, the Woodmen of the World and is
a council member of the Kansas University Parents Association. Residence: Eureka. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara
Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 594)
LADD, EDWIN
N.
Edwin N. Ladd, oil assessor and inspector for Greenwood County, was born at Eureka, Kansas, July 27, 1809, son
of Ole E. and Cecila (Erickson) Ladd. The father, a native of Norway, was a farmer and stockman until his death
at Eureka. His wife, Cecila was also born in Norway and her death occurred at Eureka.
Edwin N. Ladd attended country school and for a short time was a student at the Southern Kansas Academy at Eureka.
Reared on a farm, he handled cattle and stock most of his life. Leaving home in 1892 he then returned to farming
in Greenwood County. He began traveling in 1924, his first long trip being to Alaska. Since that time he has visited
most countries of the world. At the present time he is county oil assessor and oil well inspector of Greenwood
county.
A Republican he served as county sheriff, 1911-12-13-14, and as under sheriff four years. He is the author of Twice
Around the World and Other Trips, published in 1930 by Richard G. Badger of Boston, Massachusetts. He is a member
of the Lutheran Church and the Knights of Pythias. His hobby is travel. Residence: Eureka. (Illustriana Kansas,
by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 667)
LOWELL,
HARRIET MAY PRITCHARD
Harriet May Pritchard Lowell, postmaster, was born at Madison, Kansas, August 31, 1894, daughter of Charles Dempsey
and Flora Belle (Walker) Pritchard.
Charles Dempsey Pritchard was born at Madison on October 19, 1865, and died at Fall River on June 20, 1926. He
was a graduate of Emporia Business College and was elected county clerk of Greenwood County, moving to Eureka in
1899. He held this office five years and afterward was in the First National Bank for two years. He came to Fall
River in 1906 where he was cashier of the Bank of Fall River for 18 years. At the time of his death he was serving
as postmaster.
Flora Belle Walker was born near Odessa, Missouri, December 4, 1871, daughter of John H. and Harriet Ann Walker.
Her parents were born in Hancock County, Indiana of Scotch-Irish parentage, and after their marriage lived for
a short time in the states of Iowa and Missouri. They then located at Madison in 1885.
Harriet May Pritchard entered Bethany College at Lindsborg in the fall of 1910 completing her high school course
and receiving a diploma in music from the conservatory in the spring of 1913.
In January 1918 she was elected bookkeeper of the Bank of Fall River and the following year was appointed assistant
cashier of the same bank. This position she held until January 1922. Her father was then appointed postmaster and
in July of 1922 took office. She became the assistant and after his death three years later was appointed postmaster.
Her first term of four years ended in December 1930 and she is now serving her re-appointment. She is a Republican.
On May 10, 1915, she was married to Lorain Clair Lowell at Fredonia. Mr. Lowell was in the shoe business. There
is one son, Charles Pritchard, born March 6, 1916.
Mrs. Lowell is a member of the Order of Eastern Star, the Chamber of Commerce, the Young Women's Christian Association,
the Christian Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. She is also a member of the Red Cross. Her hobbies are
music and flowers. Residence: Fall River. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin,
1933, Page 715)
McGINNIS,
WARD ALLYN
Ward Allyn McGinnis, oil producer and stockman, was born at Newkirk, Oklahoma, November 29, 1896, son of Schuyler
Arthur and Laura Rebecca (Laughlin) McGinnis. Schuyler Arthur McGinnis was born in Hartford, Kansas November 10,
1867, and died at Eureka, June 15, 1917. He was a lawyer and leading Republican who served as captain in the Rough
Riders with Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish American War. His Scotch-Irish Ancestors came to America on the
Mayflower and served in the Revolutionary War. His father, Allyn McGinnis, served in a Kansas Regiment in the Civil
War.
Laura Rebecca Laughlin was born in Des Moines, Iowa, June 7, 1868, and died at Kirksville, Missouri, November 25,
1911. She was a teacher in her early days and the daughter of George H. Laughlin of Scotch-Irish ancestry.
Ward Allyn McGinnis attended public school at Newkirk and was graduated from high school there. He later attended
the Kirksville Normal School.
On June 1, 1923, he was married to Harriett Elizabeth Hover at Wichita. She was born at Eureka, June 26, 1899.
Mr. McGinnis is a Republican. He is a director in the Kansas Live Stock Association, a director of the Independent
Petroleum Association, and a director of the Citizens National Bank of Eureka. He is a Christian, a Mason and an
Elk. His favorite sports are golf and hunting. Residence: Eureka. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin &
Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 769)
MOORE,
CHARLES EDGAR
Charles Edgar Moore, executive, was born in Woodson County, Kansas, February 8, 1864, son of Phillip Marshall and
Melissa Ganette (Anderson) Moore. Phillip Marshall Moore was born in Henry County, Indiana, August 10, 1835, and
died at Eureka, Kansas. January 11, 1920. Melissa Ganette Anderson was born in Randolph County, Indiana, May 20,
1845 and lives at Augusta.
Charles Edgar Moore received the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1887 and the Master of Arts degree in 1910 from Baker
University at Baldwin, Kansas. At the present time he is manager of the Moore Mortgage Company and president of
the Moore Abstract and Title Company. He has resided in Kansas 68 years and during his mature life has taken an
active part in Republican politics. He served as a member of the state legislature the terms 1923 and 1925.
On July 8, 1900, he was united in marriage to May Lidia Morgan at Eureka. There is one son, Morgan E. born February
22, 1895, who is married to Lucy Rockhill of Eureka.
During the late war he was county food administrator and county chairman of the Council of Defense. From 1917 until
the present time, Mr. Moore has been county secretary of the Red Cross. He is a member of the Methodist Church,
the Masons, and the Kansas State Historical Society. His club is the Eureka Country Club. Residence: Eureka. (Illustriana
Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 820)
OSTENBERG,
WALTER MILTON
Walter Milton Ostenberg, educator was born at Marquette, Kansas, October 9, 1898, son of Henry Ostenberg. The father
is a farmer, whose father came from Sweden in 1871. The mother is active in church work at the present time and
was formerly a teacher.
Walter Milton Ostenberg attended the Marquette public and high schools, graduating from the latter in 1916. In
1924 he received the Bachelor of Arts degree from Bethany College at Lindsborg, Kansas. Since that time he has
taken graduate work in Kansas University and Columbia University of New York. He is a member of Pi Kappa Delta,
was a member of the debate team, president of his college class his junior and senior years and editor of the college
paper. At Columbia he was president of the Kansas Club.
From 1924 until 1927 Mr. Ostenberg taught public speaking and English in the Eureka High School and since that
time has been superintendent of schools. He is the author of various newspaper and magazine articles.
Among his professional organizations are the Kansas State Teachers Association, the National Education Association,
the Department of Superintendent of the National Education Association, and the Kansas Education Club. He is a
member of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, a district trustee and a member of the board of directors
of the Kiwanis Club, is affiliated with the Christ Lutheran Church and is a member of the American Legion. During
the fall of 1918 he was a member of the Student's Army Training Corps of the University of Kansas. His club is
the Eureka Country Club. His favorite sport is golf while his hobby is literature. Residence: Eureka. (Illustriana
Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 886-887)
PEDROJA,
EDWARD EMIL
Edward Emil Pedroja, lawyer, was born in Hamilton, Kansas, June 11, 1893, son of Charles and Angeline (Rock) Pedroja.
His father was born in Bellinzona-Ticino, Switzerland and is a retired farmer and stockman. His wife was born in
Bellinzona and is still living.
Upon his graduation from public schools, near Hamilton in Greenwood county in 1908, Mr. Pedroja attended Hamilton
High School for two years and Hill City High School for two years, graduating in 1913. While there he was active
in basketball and baseball. He received the Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Kansas, and in 1919
was a student at Sorbonne University at Paris, France. He is a member of Acacia, Phi Alpha Delta, and a Theta Nu
Epilson.
Admitted to the bar in June, 1920, he has been active in the practice of law in June, 1920, he has been active
in the practice of law at Eureka since September, 1922. He is vice president of the Greenwood Motors Company of
Eureka. A Republican he was a candidate for representative from the 47th district in Kansas in 1928 and was elected
representative from that district in 1932.
On July 21, 1928, Mr. Pedroja was married to Helen Margaret Pierce at Eureka. Mrs. Pedroja was born at Brattleboro,
Vermont, October 15, 1896. She is descended from the Pierce family and from General Warren. Her parents were prominent
pioneers of Vermont. Mrs. Pedroja is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, is eligible to the Daughters of
the American Revolution and is affiliated with the Congregational Church.
Upon the completion of his training in First Officers Training Camp at Fort Riley, Kansas, with the rank of first
lieutenant, Mr. Pedroja served with the 35th division during the World War from August 1917 until August 1919.
He is a member of the American Legion.
His professional organizations include the American Bar Association and the Kansas State Bar Association. He is
a former member of the Eureka Board of Education and is a member of the Red Cross, Hamilton Lodge No. 301 of the
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Lawrence Consistory No. 6, and Abdallah Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, at Leavenworth, Kansas. His club is the Eureka Company Club. Residence: Eureka. (Illustriana
Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 907)
RANDOM,
EDITH
Edith Random, educator, was born at Terre Haute, Indiana, September 16, 1862, daughter of James Madison and Martha
Jane (Edwards) Random. The father was born at Bladensburg, Maryland, and died at Terre Haute, Kansas, when Miss
Random was a child. He was a wagon and stage builder of the Scotch-Irish parentage. His wife, Martha, was born
in Missouri, and died at Fall River, Kansas, January 24, 1890. Her ancestry was German and English.
Miss Random attended public schools and has been grade principal and teacher in Kansas for more than 50 years,
37 of them being in the schools of Eureka. She now teaches and is principal of a school named for her, the Random
School. Residence: Eureka. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page
951)
THOMAS,
ESSIE MYRTLE
Essie Myrtle, Thomas, musician and teacher of piano, was born twelve miles south of Eureka, in Greenwood County,
Kansas, October 22, 1887. Her father, Joseph Ernest Frye, was born in Madison, Indiana, March 12, 1847, and died
in Greenwood County, Kansas, January 12, 1889. His parents left Kentucky about 1840 and homesteaded in Jefferson
County, Indiana. He was a farmer, who homesteaded in Greenwood County, Kansas in 1873. He had severed three years
in the 23rd Illinois, Infantry in the Civil War.
Sarah Virginia Cook, wife of Joseph Ernest Frye, was born in Pike County, Missouri, October 9, 1858, and died at
Wichita on August 10, 1921. She was a dressmaker and designer. Her mother was born in Pennsylvania in 1832 of Pennsylvania
Dutch ancestry. Her father was born in Pennsylvania in 1832 and came to Missouri in an early day. He then removed
to Illinois and in 1872 homesteaded in Greenwood County, Kansas.
Essie Myrtle Frye attended public and high school at Eureka, Kansas. On August 27, 1905, she was married to John
Thomas at Reece, Kansas. Mr. Thomas was born at Peterboro, Ontario, Canada, November 17, 1879. He is a welder and
is active in boys work. He is the son of Henry and Margaret (MacCrethren), Thomas, the former of whom was born
on July 5, 1846, near Peterboro, Ontario, Canada, and now resides with his son at Climax, Kansas. His wife, Margaret,
was born at Argyle, Ontario, Canada, about 1856, and died at Oketo, Kansas, in September 1897. His father is of
English parentage, while his mother was of Scotch descent.
Mrs. Thomas has been a life resident of Kansas with the exception of four years spent in musical director for the
Women's Christian Temperance Union and from 1924 until 1932 was county president of the organization. From 1917
she has been a member of the Red Cross and during that time has conducted every membership drive in Fall River
Township. She also took an active part in Red Cross work during the World War. Her hobby is Biblical history. Mr.
and Mrs. Thomas are both members of the Methodist Church and both are teachers in its Sunday School. Residence:
Climax. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 1155)
TEICHGRAEBER
RICHARD EARNEST
Richard Earnest Teichgraeber for many years a prominent miller and cattleman, was born in Hartmansdorg, Saxony,
Germany, July 7, 1859, son of Henry and Antonie (Fischer) Teichgraeber. His death recurred at Eureka, January 19,
1931.
Mr. Teichgraeber attended school in Germany and on September 5, 1891, was married to Martha Helen Stuelpner at
Limbach, her birthplace. Mrs. Teichgraeber is the daughter of Clemenz Ernest and Ameilia (Idener) Stuelpner. She
was born March 19, 1871. There are four children: Richard O., born September10, 1892, who married Ruth Mullen (they
have one daughter, Marybelle, born July 4, 1919); William E., July 29, 1894, who married Mary Heap (they have two
children, Martha Rose, born October 4, 1918; and Richard, November 9, 1928); Arthur O., January 19, 1903, who married
Sibyl Blackburn and Phillip T., October 4, 1903.
For a member of years prior to his death Mr. Teichgraeber was a member of the firm of the Eureka Roller Mills.
In addition he was an extensive landowner and cattle breeder. A Republican he ws from 1928 until1931 mayor of Eureka.
He was a member of the city council, the Masons and the Christ Lutheran Church. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin
Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 1146)
TRASK,
EDWARD OSCAR
Edward Oscar Trask, newspaper editor and printer ws born in Oswego, Kansas, August 5 1869 son of Ezra Retire and
Helen Josephine (Wright) Trask. The father was born in Windsor, Vermont, April 1, 1832 and was the owner of a country
newspaper and his death at Madison, Kasnas, February 12, 1912. He served as the first representative from Labette
county, in the Kansas Legislature. His wife, Helen Josephine was born in Massena, New York, in 1833 and died at
Madison on May 8, 1907. She was a school teacher before her marriage. The ancestry of the Trask family is recorded
in the archives of the Massachusetts Genealogical Society.
Edward Oscar Trask attended public school until 1885 and started his first paper in Matfield Green, Chase County,
Kansas, in 1893, publishing it independently until 1894. At that time he established the Madison Index and in 1897
consolidated with the Madison News, then owned by George Gilman and the name was changed to the Madisonian. He
continued with this paper until 1909 and in 1912 he again took charge of the paper which in 1915 was sold to E.
E. Kelly. Since 1921 Mr. Trask has been the publisher of the Hamilton Grit at Hamilton. He is a Republican.
On August 20, 1895 he was married to Oraetta Alpha Turner at Eureka. Mrs. Trask was born at Merom, Indiana, October
7, 1875, of English descent. Four children were born to them Doris on November 4, 1896, who married Leonard E.
St. Claire; Robert born June 16, 1897 who died August 1, 1898 Gilbert born May 12, 1899 who died April 21, 1915
and Thomas C., born March 15, 1916.
Mr. Trask is an Episcopalian. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
His favorite sport is fishing while his hobby is reading. Residence: Hamilton. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin
Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 1164)
WINEGAR,
SIBYLLA H.
Sibylla H. Winegar, executive was born at Dusseldorf, Germany, March 15, 1852 daughter of Bartholomew Housen, and
Mary Anna Housen. Her father, also born in Dusseldorf, was a farmer and a fine shoemaker. His death occurred at
Lakeview, Wisconsin. His wife, Mary, was born in Germany and died at Crossplains, Wisconsin, about September 1861.
She was a devoted homemaker and the mother of eleven children, among whom there were two sets of twins.
Sibylla Housen attended elementary school at Crossplains, Wisconsin and did not learn the use of the English language
until after her marriage, to James Monroe Winegar which occurred at Milwaukee, Wisconsin April 17, 1889.
Dr. Winegar was born in Middlebury, Indiana, September 10, 1850, the son of Edward and Catherine (Mills) Winegar.
His father, a native of New York State was born about 1831 and farmed until his death at Middlebury in 1906. His
ancestors came from from Holland.
Catherine Mills was born at Middlebury about 1833, and died there about 1851. She was a fine type of home woman.
James Monroe Winegar attended public and high school at Middlebury and received his medical degree on February
26, 1884 from the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons in Iowa. In 1901 he passed the state board of Kansas,
by examination and was admitted to practice in that state. In 1927 he went before the Iowa medical board and passed
in his work again in review.
Dr. Winegar engaged in his medical practice and specialized in children's health. He was a great lover of children
and was loved by every child who knew him. Dr. Winegar loved to travel and visited many places. He and Mrs. Winegar
made trips to the various important sites in Canada, British Columbia, Old Mexico and Cuba, and to all of the more
important places in the United States.
Dr. Winegar's memberships were the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Kansas State and Greenwood County Medical Societies,
the Red Cross, the Hamilton City Council and the Masons (Knights Templar and Eastern Star.) His hobby was mechanics.
Dr. Winegar practiced in Michigan for about six years in Kansas City, Missouri, for approximately three years,
and for 22 years at Hamilton, Kansas where he died in 1929.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Winegar has been manager of the Winegar estate and has directed the management of
all the ranch lands. She is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, the Women's Christian Temperance
Union and the Red Cross. She has always been active in civic affairs and the affairs of her church. Residence:
Hamilton. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 1239)
WEDELIN,
GEORGE HENRY
George Henry Wedelin, principal of the Climax High School, was born in Kansas City, Missouri, September 2, 1897,
son of Peter and Jean Bertram (Drysdale) Wedelin. His father was born in Malmo, Sweden, July 27, 1865 and came
to the United States in 1884. His wife, Jean was born in Alma, Scotland, December 13, 1874. Both parents reside
at Climax.
George Henry Wedelin received the Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Kansas State Teachers College in
July 1924 and afterwards took graduate work at the University of Kansas. He is a member of Pi Kappa Delta, Pli
Delta Kappa and Xi Phi.
For two years after finishing school, Mr. Wedelin was principal of the New Albany, Kansas, High School. He was
superintendent at Lafontaine for three years and principal at Climax High School for the past eight years. He is
a Republican.
On June 1, 1921, he was married to Bess Catharine Tyler at Fredonia, her birthplace. She was born March 3, 1899,
and for five years was a teacher in Wilson County. There are two children, Nancy Jo, born December 17, 1925 and
Peter Tyler, born October 27, 1929.
Mr. Wedelin is a member of the Kansas State Teachers Association, the Mason, the Eastern Star and the Methodist
Church. Residence: Climax. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page
1203)
WICKERSHAM,
WILBER Q.
Wilber Q. Wickersham, cashier of the Bank of Fall River, was born at Fall River, August 24, 1886, son of William
Q. and Kate (Gilbreath) Wickersham. His ancestry is English and Scotch.
Mr. Wickersham attended public school at Fall River. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Chamber of Commerce. He served from May 30, 1918, to January 29, 1919
as a corporal headquarters company, 14th United States Infantry. He is a member of the American Legion. His political
affiliation is with the Republican party. He enjoys baseball and gardening. Residence: Fall River. (Illustriana
Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 1220)
ZOOK, HARRY
E.
Harry E. Zook, superintendent of schools at Fall River, was born at Larned, Kansas, August 24, 1900, son of Aaron
W. and Roscena Elizabeth (Schoor) Zook. The father, a farmer, was born in Illinois, April 17, 1871. He has served
three terms as county commissioner of Pawnee County. The mother was born in Illinois, June 14, 1873.
Upon his graduation from the Larned High School in 1917, Mr. Zook entered Kansas State Teachers College from which
he received his Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1923. He received three letters in basketball, 1918,
1920 and 1921 in college. For a time after leaving school, Mr. Zook was superintendent of schools at Piedmont,
Kansas. He next served as physical director of the Young Men's Christian Association at Pittsburg, and at the present
time is superintendent of schools at Fall River.
On May 23, 1922 he was married to Ella Pearle Nicholson at Girard. Mrs. Zook was born at McCune, Kansas May 17,
1900. There are two children, Harold born September 21, 1928 and Arlene born October 17, 1930.
Mr. Zook is a member of the Kansas State Teachers Association, The Young Men's Christian Association, the First
Methodist Episcopal Church at Larned, and Walter Cheers, Post of the American Legion at Larned. He served in the
United States Army one year, during the World War. Residence: Fall River. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin
& Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, Page 1270)
HAMER, ROBERT M.
Robert M. Hamer, was born on a farm near Mexico,
Audrain county, Missouri, Nov. 18, 1867. His parents are Daniel and Elizabeth Hamer, thee mother's maiden name
being Elizabeth Manahan. Both parents were born in Ohio, but went to Indiana in childhood, grew to maturity and
were married in that state. In 1865 they moved to Missouri, and in 1879, they again moved, this time to the farm
in Greenwood county, Kansas, near Madison, upon which they now live. Here the children grew up and received such
education as the boys and girls of that day acquired in the country schools of early Kansas.
With this as a starter Robert began life as a teacher in the schools of Greenwood county and later studied law
in the University of Kansas, and was graduated in that course with the class of 1893. In June of that year he came
to Emporia, where during the summer he studied in the law office of the late judge Cunningham, and in the fall
began the practice of law, at which he has been working ever since. He was associated with Judge Cunningham in
the practice of law when the latter was appointed an associate justice of the supreme court. After a few months
he became associated with Judge Graves, and was a member of the firm of Graves & Hamer when Judge Graves was
appointed associate justice of the supreme court to fill the vacancy in that court caused by the death of Justice
Cunningham. He is now a member of the law firm of Graves, Hamer & Harris. He is Republican in politics and
has, while in Emporia, served one term as justice of the peace, one term as a member or the state legislature and
was for nearly nine years postmaster at Emporia. He is now one of the directors in the Citizens' National Bank
and is a member of the different Masonic orders represented at Emporia.
In August, 1897, Mr. Hamer married Miss Jennie McClure of Emporia, who died on Dec. 16, 1909, and left three daughters--Irene,
Dorothy and Helen. (KANSAS BIOGRAPHY, VOL. III PART 2 Page: 1017-1018 Transcribed as written by Millie Mowry)
