BIOGRAPHIES
HON. HENRY G. WEBB, attorney-at-law and a prominent citizen of Parsons, was born in Ridgebury Township, Bradford County, Pa. He is a son of Hon. John Leland Webb, a native of Fairfield County, Conn., who was there reared, removing thence to Pennsylvania and becoming an active business man of Bradford County. He engaged in contracting and building, and was one of the first contractors of the North Branch Canal in northern Pennsylvania. Politically he was a Democrat, firm in his allegiance to party principles and nominees.
Among the positions in which John L. Webb served may be mentioned those of Commissioner and Sheriff of the county of Bradford. He was twice elected to the State Legislature, and in that responsible position served with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. In his religious belief he was identified with the Christian church, and was devoted to the success and growth of that religious organization. He married Miss Anise Hammond, a native of Chemung, N. Y., and they became the parents of seven children, four of whom are now living.
Reared to manhood in Pennsylvania, the subject
of this sketch received a fair education in the common schools. In September, 1848, he was admitted to the Bar
at Wellsboro, Pa., having studied law after the death of his father in October, 1846. He conducted his readings
in the office of John C. Knox, who afterward was elected Judge of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. After having
been admitted to the Bar, Mr. Webb removed to Wisconsin in 1849 and located at Princeton, Marquette County, removing
thence to Wautoma, Waushara County, where he engaged in the practice of his profession until the spring of 1868.
That year witnessed his arrival in Kansas, where for a time he resided in Mound City.
In the spring of 1870 Mr. Webb came to Oswego, Labette County, and in the fall of the same year he was chosen Judge
of this judicial district, retaining that position until 1873, when he resigned. He then formed a legal partnership
with W.B. Glass, and the connection continued for about nine years, when it was dissolved. The Judge then associated
with himself L.C. True, under the firm name of Webb & True, and this partnership continued for fifteen months.
Judge Webb then removed to Cherokee County, and made his home there until January, 1889, when he came to Parsons.
Here he formed a partnership with C. L. Caldwell, under the firm title of Webb & Caldwell, and the two conducted
an extensive legal practice until the 20th of May, 1893.
On the 20th of May, 1849, Judge Webb and Miss Susan J. Abbott were united marriage. Mrs. Webb was born and reared in Lorain County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Justin Abbott. She died on the 3d of September, 1864. The Judge was again married, April 13, 186, his bride being Miss Amanda J., daughter of Linford Gower. She was born in Pennsylvania and accompanied her parents to Wisconsin when a child, growing to womanhood in Plainfield Township, Waushara County. Of his first union, the Judge has one child, Emma E., wife of Christopher C. Wenzell, a builder and contractor residing in Kansas City, Mo.
An independent Republican in politics, Judge Webb has been elected upon the ticket of his party to numerous positions of trust. In 1860 he was elected to represent his district in Wisconsin in the Lower House of the Legislature. In 1864 he was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate, and two years later re-elected to that position. In the fall of 1876 he was chosen to represent this district in the State Legislature, and while an incumbent of that honored position was instrumental in advancing the interests of his constituents.
In his social affiliations the Judge is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the chapter. He is a man who has ever maintained a deep interest in the welfare of the people and the progress of the county and state, and his labors have been instrumental in accomplishing many greatly needed reforms. Having been the incumbent of various important positions, he has been situated so as to render the people much valuable service, and with justice it may be said that no citizen of Parsons has accomplished more for the development of the resources of the city and county than has he. While residing in Wisconsin he served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and by virtue of that office became a member of the County Commissioners' Board.
Judge Webb has ever been prominent in the cause of truth and justice. His legal attainments are widely known, and have been recognized by the Bar of the state, his position among those of his profession being one of eminence and influence. His opinions in important cases are eagerly sought, and, as given, are indicative of his ability and thorough knowledge of legal technicalities. His decisions in important matters are well worthy to be placed side by side with those of the past, which have sustained the dignity of the highest judicial tribunals of the state. (Portrait and Biographical Record of Southeastern Kansas, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County, Chicago, Biographical Publishing Co. 1894, Pages 167 & 168, Transcribed by Lisa Smalley)
ARMSTRONG, EDWIN
WILLIAM REVEREND
The Reverend Edwin William Armstrong, clergyman, was born in Atchison, Kansas, November 19, 1895, son of Thomas
Patent and Estella Maude (Draper) Armstrong. The father, who is a farmer, was born in Doniphan, Kansas, November
18, 1872. The mother was born in Lawrence,. Kansas, in February, 1876.
In 1923 Mr. Armstrong received the Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Emporia. He received a diploma from
Lane Theological Seminary in Cincinnati in 1926, and the degree of Bachelor of Theology from that institution in
1928.
Since 1930 he has been pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Parsons. His marriage to Alice May Willmeth was
solemnized at Atchison, June 8, 1921. She was born at Troy, Kansas, November 3, 1898. There are three children,
Naomi, born May 3, 1922; Ellen, November 8, 1928; and Ruth, October 3, 1932.
Mr. Armstrong served as a private with Company K, 356th Infantry, 89th Division, in the World War. He is a member
of the American Legion, and first lieutenant (chaplain) in the Officers Reserve Corps. He is a member of the Neosho
Presbytery, the Parsons Ministerial Association (president), the Rotary Club (president), the Masons, Parent Teachers
Association, the Young Men's Christian Association, and the Red Cross (chairman of case committee). His club is
the University Club of Springfield, Missouri. Residence: Parsons. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin &
Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, pages 42-43)
ATKINS,
THEODORE WILILAM
Theodore William Atkins, executive, was born in
Girard, Kansas, January 19, 1898, son of Theodore William and Esther Cornelia (Gilmore) Atkins. The father was
a native of New York, and the mother of Kansas.
Theodore William Atkins is at present secretary, treasurer, and manager of the Parsons Building and Loan Association.
He is also a member of the state building and loan board.
During the late war he served as sergeant, first class, sanitary squad No. 19, 35th Division American Expeditionary
Forces. He is a member of the American Legion (post commander 1929-30), and the Disabled Veterans of America. He
is president of the Parsons Rotary Club, president of the Kansas Building and Loan League, and is affiliated with
the First Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Atkins married Anna May Jenkins at Fort Scott, Kansas. They have one son, Theodore, third, born May 8, 1925.
Residence: Parsons. (Illustriana Kansas, by Sara Mullin Baldwin & Robert Morton Baldwin, 1933, page 47)
Baron S. Edwards, banker, former miller and veteran
of the Civil war, came to Kansas in 1872, in which year he located in Chetopa where he engaged in the flouring
mill business, in which he successfully continued until March 30, 1906, when his mill was struck by lightning,
set on fire and destroyed. Since April 1, 1906, he has been the official president of the Farmers' and Merchants'
State Bank of Chetopa. Mr. Edwards was born at Newark, Kendall county, Illinois, Oct. 9, 1846. His parents were
Morgan and Mariah Vanderpool (Jones) Edwards. His father was born in the city of Newark, N. J., and his mother
was born in Albany, N. Y. His paternal grandfather, Jonathan Edwards, was a native of New Jersey and the son of
an Englishman who came from the city of London, settling in New Jersey, and became one of the founders of Brown
University at Providence, R. I. Maternally, Mr. Edwards is of Holland Dutch lineage, his ancestors in America settling
on Manhattan Island and becoming founders of the city of New York. In 1842 the parents of Mr. Edwards removed from
Philadelphia, Pa., to Illinois, and settled at Newark, where his father began his ministry in the then West as
a Baptist minister. In subsequent years he held charges in the ministry at various places in Illinois, Missouri
and Iowa, including St. Louis and Chicago. His death occurred in 1890, when he was eighty-three years of age. He
was then residing at Burlington, Iowa. Owing to changes of residence incident to his father's ministry, Mr. Edwards'
childhood and youth were spent in these various places. He was in school when the Civil war came on, and was but
fifteen years of age. He quit the school room and tendered his services in the defense of the Union. He was under
age for enlistment, but through the influence of his friends he was accepted and made a private in Company K, First
Iowa cavalry, in the first year of the war and remained in the service until the close of hostilities in 1865,
however, he was not mustered out of the service until in March of 1866. During the five years of his service in
the army he was for the greater part connected with the medical department as a hospital steward. For many years
Mr. Edwards has been prominent in the Grand Army of the Republic, and among acquaintances he is known as "Captain
Edwards." Having closed his army services, Captain Edwards returned to Burlington, Iowa, where he was first
in the employ of the American and United States Express Companies. Later he was bookkeeper and assistant manager
of a wholesale drygoods and notion house at Burlington, and still later superintendent of coal mines at Ottumwa,
Iowa, from which place he came to Kansas in 1872 and located at Chetopa, then a new and promising town. Here he
engaged in the milling business. His business career has been a successful, one, notwithstanding that he began
in business on limited capital. Politically Captain Edwards has always been a stanch and active Republican. He
has served as mayor of Chetopa; on the board of councilmen; and as school trustee.
At Ottumwa, Iowa, Captain Edwards was united in marriage in 1869, to Miss Mary L. Hunter, a lady of sterling qualities
of heart and mind, who has been, indeed, a helpmate to him during their forty years of happy wedded life. Mr. and
Mrs. Edwards have an only daughter, Jessie Margurite. The family is numbered among the very best and most respected
in Chetopa. (Kansas Biography, Part 2, Vol. III, 1912, Pages 839-840, Transcribed by: Millie Mowry)
George Warren Gabriel, one of the leading physicians of Parsons, is one of those citizens of Kansas who have forged their own way to success, and whose exemplary and energetic lives have left an impress on the history of the community in which they have lived and on that of the state... He was born in Athens, Ohio, Nov. 17, 1843, and on the paternal side can trace his ancestry back to William Gabriel, who was of French lineage and was a soldier in the American Revolution. His father, Moses Gabriel, was a native of Athens county Ohio, and was the son of Elias Gabriel, a Virginian by birth, whose father was the Revolutionary patriot mentioned above. Moses Gabriel married Miss Mary Johnston, who was of Irish lineage. He was a farmer by occupation and resided in Athens county, Ohio, where his son, Dr. G. W. Gabriel, was reared, and who was the second in a family of six children; Elias, George Warren, Susan, Christian, Elmer and Emmett. After having been a student three years in Franklin Academy, Albany, Ohio, he entered the Ohio University at Athens, Ohio, where he spent two years in the pursuit of his literary education. When the Civil war came on he entered the hospital service of the United States army in the fall of 1861 and served therein until February, 1864. In the following month of March he came to Topeka, Kan., where he enlisted as a private in Company D, Seventeenth Kansas infantry, from which he was honorably discharged at Fort Leavenworth, Nov. 17, 1864, the day he became twenty-one years of age. Later he returned to Ohio and in 1866 entered Sterling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio. In 1868 he returned to Kansas and located at Ladore, Neosho county, where he began the practice of medicine. In 1870 he entered the Kansas City Medical College, Kansas City, Mo., in which he graduated in 1871. He then located at Parsons, where he has since continued to reside and practice medicine; ranking for many years among the leading physicians of the state. He has long held membership in the following medical societies Labette County Medical Society, Kansas State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. In politics he is a Democrat, and notwithstanding the fact that Labette county and the city of Parsons were normally Republican in politics, yet the Doctor's popularity was such that he was three times elected a representative in the legislature from Labette county, once as state senator, and seven times as mayor of Parsons. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason and is member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
In 1870 Dr. Gabriel married Miss Elizabeth Hallawell, who died in 1891 leaving two children; Harry E. and Mary G. The daughter is the wife of Alfred H. Noyes, of Parsons. In 1894 Dr. Gabriel married again, Mrs. Mary A. Brown becoming his wife, and who died in 1906. (Kansas Biographical Part 2, Vol. III, 1912, Pages 861-862, Transcribed as written by: Millie Mowry)
William Albert Disch of Parsons, whose profession
is law, is strongly of German descent and is a Virginian by birth, but has spent almost his entire life in Kansas,
where his parents removed when he was but one year old. He was born in Winchester, Va., May 16, 1869. His parents
were John Christopher and Mary Ann (Coldren) Disch. The former was born in Lewis county, New York, the son of Martin
Disch, a native of Germany, who was reared on the banks of the Rhine. Martin Disch immigrated to America and settled
in New York State, where he became a farmer and miller and where he spent the remainder of his life. Mary Ann Coldren,
the mother, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was of English descent paternally and German maternally.
The parents of Mr. Disch came to Kansas, in 1870, and settled on a farm in Labette county, remaining there until
1892, in which year they removed to Oklahoma, where they have since resided. They are the parents of eight children:
William Albert, whose name initiates this review; Samuel M.; John; Maude (Smith); James; Sarah (Harper); Dora (Barnett);
and Robert.
Mr. Disch was reared on the farm and had only the advantages of the country schools in his boyhood. Being the oldest
of the family and his father being a pioneer farmer in Labette county, he was compelled to aid in developing the
farm and in supporting the family. He worked hard on the farm until he was nineteen years of age. He then attended
the academy of Prof. Hiram F. Hixon, at Parsons, for one year. Predilection led him into the study of law. He became
a student in the law office of J. F. McDonald, at Parsons, remaining there two years. After spending one more year
in diligent preparation in the office of Tyler & King, at Parsons, he was admitted to the bar, Oct. 15, 1890.
He practiced his profession two years, and then spent three years on a ranch in Oklahoma, but the ranch life did
not appeal to him, so he gave it up and returned to Labette county, where he resumed the practice of law. In January,
1898, Mr. Disch was appointed under-sheriff of Labette county, in which capacity he served five years. He was then
appointed deputy district court clerk and, after holding that position two years, was appointed deputy county attorney,
in charge at Parsons, in which position he is now serving his third term. Politically he is an adherent of the
Republican party, and fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias.
In 1890 occurred the marriage of Mr. Disch and Miss Maggie J. Simpson of Parsons. They have two children: Ermel (Belcher) and Essie. (Kansas Biographical Part 2, Vol. III, 1912, Pages 860-861 Transcribed as written by: Millie Mowry)
Elmer C. Clark of Oswego, who for four years has
so ably occupied the bench of the Sixteenth Judicial District of Kansas, began life as a poor country boy and has
risen' to his prominent station in life by a fixedness of purpose and an unfaltering pursuit of a lofty ideal.
He was born May 16, 1863, on a farm eight miles from Leavenworth, Crawford county, Indiana, the son of worthy parents
and the scion of noble and patriotic ancestors. His father, James A. Clark, married Harriet E. Gaither in Crawford
county, Indiana, where both had been born, reared and educated. They remained residents of Indiana until 1883 when
they removed to Kansas and located first in Independence, but three years later they removed to Parsons. Of their
ten children, eight grew to maturity and four of the eight are still living. The father was a carpenter and builder
by trade and continued to be thus employed until his death in Parsons. He was the son of Samuel M. Clark, a native
of Ohio. James Gaither, the maternal grandfather of Elmer C. Clark, was a descendant of John R. Gaither, a Virginian
who represented the Old Dominion as an officer in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Clark was reared on the farm until
six years of age when the family removed to Leavenworth, the county seat of Crawford county where the father was
engaged in the furniture and undertaking business and where the youth Elmer received a common school education.
At the age of fourteen he left school and the parental home, and began life's battle on his own account. He was
thereafter variously employed several years in different states but in the meantime was, by dint of night study
and special effort, preparing himself for the profession of his choice, that of law. He came to Kansas in 1882
and worked on a farm for a year and a half; then he became employed in the round house at Parsons, and later was
fireman on a locomotive, having spent in all about three years in railroad service. By that time he had accumulated
sufficient earnings to enable him to take up a systematic course of law study. He chose as his preceptor, W. L.
Simons, later of Fort Scott, in whose office he prepared for his admission to the bar, which occurred in 1889.
Being at that time without funds for his livelihood until he could build up a practice he accepted a position as
deputy in the district clerk's office at Oswego and remained there in that capacity two years. He was then elected
clerk of the district court of Labette county, to which he was reelected, serving in all four years. In January,
1897, he began thee practice of law in Oswego and ten years later, or on Feb. 1, 1907, he was appointed judge of
the Sixteenth judicial district, with a division of the court between Oswego and Parsons. In 1908 he was elected
to that office with no opposition either at the primaries or the regular election, a complimentary expression of
the feeling as to his fitness for that responsible position. By steady steps he has made himself a man of mark
and influence and has filled the position of judge in a conspicuously able manner. Both his professional and judicial
record has been free at all times from adverse criticisms because of his unquestionable fidelity to duty and his
wise interpretation of the law.
On Dec. 25, 1892, was solemnized the marriage of Judge Clark and Miss Linnie C. Smith, of Oswego. They have one
son, Elmer C., Jr., a graduate of the Oswego High School and at the present time (1911) a student in the University
of Kansas.
Judge Clark is a prominent Mason, being a Knight Templar and a member of Abdallah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order,
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. (Kansas Biographical Part 2, Vol. III, 1912,
Pages 869-870, Transcribed as written by: Millie Mowry)
Frank Leo Pinet, superintendent of the city schools of Parsons, and one of the most prominent educators of the state as well as a versatile writer, bears the distinction of being a Kansan, both by birth and by residence. He was born July 28, 1881, in Onaga, Pottawatomie county. His parents, Frank B. and Felicie (Lefebvre) Pinet, were both foreign born, the father's nativity having been Lyons, France, while that of the mother was Brussels, Belgium. They immigrated to America with their respective parents, who were among those that formed the French colony at Neuchatel, Nemaha county, Kansas. In this state Frank B. Pinet and Felicie Lefebvre were married. In earlier life the former was engaged as a building contractor but for the past several years he has operated a fruit farm near Onaga, in which town the son, Frank Leo, was reared.
Superintendent Pinet attended the public schools until seventeen years of age; then for a short time he attended Campbell University at Holton, Kan. After teaching one year at Fostoria, Kan., he entered the Kansas State Normal School at Emporia, where he remained from 1900 to 1902. In the latter year he became principal of a ward school at Chanute, Kan., where he remained two years. He then returned to the Kansas State Normal School, where he completed the four years Latin course, graduating in 1905. In that year he accepted the superintendency of the schools at Erie, Kan., which position he retained four years, or until chosen superintendent of the Chanute, Kan., city schools. He held the latter position one year, then, though elected to the position for another year, he resigned it in order to accept the super-intendency of the city schools at Parsons, Kan., where he has since remained. By teaching and attending school alternately he was enabled not only to defray the expenses of obtaining a splendid education, but to forge his way to the front among the teachers of the state. He is prominently connected with both the Kansas State Teachers' Association and the Southeastern Kansas Teachers' Association and, in 1911, was elected president of the latter association. From an early period in life Superintendent Pinet has written more or less for the daily papers and for periodical publications, both literary and educational. He has contributed well-accepted verse to the "Lippencott," "Recreation," "Outdoor Life" magazines and to the Kansas City, Mo., and Chicago daily papers. He is the author of a volume of pleasing poetry, published under the title of "Highway and Other Poems." He is a Republican in his political views and though he does not participate in party work, he is thoroughly informed on political subjects and on the political situation of the time. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic order, being a Master Mason.
In 1902 Superintendent Pinet was united in marriage with Miss Hattie B. McClure of Kansas City, Mo. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pinet are among the active and valued members of the social and literary circles of Parsons. (Kansas Biographical Part 2, Vol. III, 1912, Pages 933-934, Transcribed as written by Millie Mowry.)
Robert Henry Montgomery, merchant and postmaster
at Oswego, is a native Tennesseean, born at, Palmetto, Tenn., Jan. 23, 1876, a son of Robert S. and Susan (Dysart)
Montgomery. His father was a native of South Carolina, from which state he removed in 1856 to Tennessee, where
he thereafter made his home until his death, which occurred in 1906; when seventy-six years of age. In early life
he was a merchant. .Later he became a prominent farmer, stock raiser and banker. The mother of Mr. Montgomery died
in 1881, when he was but five years of age. The parental home was at Palmetto, Tenn., and there, under the care
and training of his father, he was reared. He was sent to the public schools at Palmetto, and then to the Winchester
Normal, at Winchester, Tenn., where he acquired a fair English education. At the age of twenty years Mr. Montgomery
came to Kansas. For the first eighteen months after coming to this state he was a mercantile clerk at Oswego. He
then became associated with a cousin in business, under the firm name of Montgomery & Company, general merchants.
This firm was succeeded by the Montgomery Mercantile Company, in which corporation Mr. Montgomery is a heavy stockholder.
Beginning with limited capital, he has achieved a pleasing success in business. In politics Mr. Montgomery has
been rather active as a Republican, and in 1909 he sought an appointment as postmaster at Oswego, which appointment
he received in April of that year, since when he has rendered acceptable services as the postmaster. Mr. Montgomery
is a Knight Templar Mason, and also belongs to the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Mirza Temple,
at Pittsburg, Kan. In church faith he is a Presbyterian.
In 1900 Mr. Montgomery was united in marriage to Miss Eva Barnes, a most estimable lady, who was born and reared
in Oswego. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery have two daughters--Alice and Frances. (Kansas Biographical, Part 2, Vol. III,
1912, Pages 927-928, Transcribed as written by Millie Mowry)
Charles M. Condon. Among the ablest and best known bankers and financiers of Kansas is Charles M. Condon, of the C. M. Condon & Company State Bank of Oswego. Mr. Condon came to Kansas in 1868, in March of which year he located in Oswego, Labette county, where he has since resided. There he began his business career as a merchant and up to this date he has maintained a mercantile business in Oswego.
He has been identified with the banking business
since 1876. Mr. Condon was born in the State of New York, near Schenectady, June 24, 1843. His parents were James
and Mary (McCarty) Condon, both of whom were born in Ireland, where they were reared and married. As a young couple
they came to America to establish for themselves a new home in that land of promise and opportunity. They settled
in Schenectady county, New York, where the father engaged in farming until the lad, Charles, was twelve years old,
or in 1855, when they removed westward to Iowa and settled on a farm about sixteen miles from the city of Des Moines.
There they spent the remainder of their days, the mother's death having occurred soon after the family's removal
to Iowa. The father lived many years afterward and died in ad-vanced years. He was twice married. By his first
marriage there were three sons and one daughter, of whom Mr. Condon, of this review, was second eldest. By the
second marriage there was one daughter.
Mr. Condon was reared on the farm and obtained a common school education, which was supplemented by a course in
a Des Moines, Iowa business college. In March, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company I, Eighteenth Iowa infantry,
and served in the Civil war until its close, being mustered out of the service in August, 1865, a second lieutenant.
For the first two years after the close of the war Mr. Condon farmed in Iowa. During the Civil war Mr. London's
command was, for a year or more, stationed at Fort Smith, Ark. During that time he formed an acquaintance with
Miss Mary L. Beckel, of Fort Smith, to whom he was married Oct. 31, 1867. In the following spring, or in March,
1868, he located in Oswego, Kan., being attracted there by former army comrades who had settled there. On locating
in Oswego Mr. Condon opened a general store on limited capital and was attended by success, as he has been in all
of his subsequent business undertakings. In 1876, he and B. F. Hobart established a private bank in Oswego under
the firm name of Hobart & Condon. In 1880 Mr. Condon purchased Mr. Hobart's interest and continued the business
until the C. M. Condon & Company State Bank was organized with Mr. Condon as president. At the head of this
institution he has remained, the bank now ranking among the leading state banks of Kansas. Mr. Condon is also interested
in five other banks, being president of the Condon National Bank at Coffeyville, Kan.; of the Neodesha (Kan.) National
Bank; of the Mound Valley State Bank, at Mound Valley, Kan.; vice-president of the National Bank of Commerce at
Pittsburg, Kan.; and a director of the Blue Jacket State Bank at Blue Jacket, Okla., of which bank a son, W. H.
Condon, is president.
While Mr. Condon has always been a Republican in politics he has never sought official preferment. He has amassed
a fortune by reason of sapient business ability. He has contributed much toward the building of Oswego, and to
public weal he has been a generous contributor. His name is a synonym of success, honor and integrity wherever
he is known. He is one of the best and most favorably known citizens of Labette county, and also in Kansas, especially
among men of business affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Condon are the parents of six children: Geneva,, the wife of A. A.
Ramsey, of Coffeyville, Kan.; Estella, the deceased. wife of A. E. Maxwell, president of the National Bank of Commerce,
Pittsburg, Kan.; Wilbur H., cashier of the C. M. Condon & Company State Bank, of Oswego, and president of the
Blue Jacket (Okla.) State Bank; Wayne M., a dry goods merchant in Oklahoma; Corinne, wife of' Frank McRay, of Oklahoma
City, Okla.; and Clifford S., a dry goods merchant at Carthage, Mo. (Kansas Biographical, Part 2, Vol. III, 1912,
Pages 939-940, Transcribed as written by Millie Mowry)
James DeJarnett Jones was born Nov 29 1847 Coles Co., Il. Died Jul 16 1928 Parsons, Ks. Came to Kansas about 1872. He was in Parsons about 1874 and lived in Neosho Twp.
He helped pave the first street in Parsons in 1879. He was town constable for 14 years; deputy sheriff for 7 years; city marshal for 3 years and Chief of Police in 1905 and 1906. He lived at 310 So. 27th.
James was married to Catherine Ann Phillips and they had children:
Louetta, James Wesley, Emma F., Margaret S., Jessie Warren, Walter E., John Harvey, William Sherman, Fred DeJarnett.
James is buried in Oakwood Cemetery at Parsons.
There is a picture of James D. Jones in the 1905 Merchants and Manufacturers Record, Parsons, Ks. (Submitted by Ann Baughman)
George Washington England was born May 9 1866 Belleville, St. Clair Co., Il. Died Feb 24 1946, Parsons, Labette Co. Married Annie Zuelda Haggard on Feb 8, 1888 in Oswego. They had children:
Maud Pearl, Letha Laberta, Ernest William, Homer
Robert, George Edward, Anna Gertrude, Ross E., Ruth.
George Washington England was raised by a Mr. & Mrs Henry Rinker who came to Oswego. George's parents were
in Henry Co., Mo where they died and the children were given to others to raise.
Annie Zurelda Haggard was the daughter of Robert R. and Janet Rainey (?) Haggard. She was born May 25 1873 in Labette City and died Apr 17 1937 in Oswego.
The line of Robert Haggard goes back to Lord Anthony Haggard of England. (Submitted by Ann Baughman)
More from the phamphlet - Merchants and Manufacturers
Record, 1905
TROTTER, T.
L.
T. L. Trotter--- Groceries
Among the firms and individuals engaged in mercantile pursuits in Parsons whose endeavors have earned a high degree of appreciation from its citizens for the excellency of supplies offered and for his uniform courtesy and fair dealing and whose business is in every way worthy of mention in this review of the city's industrial life is that of T. L. Trotter, whose place of business is located at 1806 Forrest Ave. where he occupies elegant and commodious quarters in one of the prettiest store rooms in Parsons where he at all times keeps a full line of Staple and Fancy groceries. The stock is very complete, embracing all the standard table supplies. The canned goods section is especially attractive and includes every variety of Fruits, Meats and Vegetables that manufacturers have been able to preserve in cans. The stock of fine California fruits is worthy of special mention and offers a wide range from which to make selections. The stock of both Green and dried Fruits and seasonable Vegetables are inviting, and high grade teas and Coffees of superior flavor offer to lovers of these beverages unusual opportunities for securing the most desirable grades.
T. L. Trotter, the propietor, is thirty-six years old, a native of Indiana, and has resided in Parsons since 1883. Mr. Trotter was with W. L. Bartlett for thirteen years prior to engaging in business for himself obtaining that knowledge and experience which has contributed much to his marked success as the conductor of a stricly up-to-date family grocery. (Merchants & Manufacturers Record, 1905, Submitted by Ann Baughman)
L. G. Lorton - Train Master of M.K. & T Ry.
Mrs. J. G. Lorton who holds the responsible position
of Train Master with the M.K.&T Railway covering the divisions operated from Parsons is a native of Missouri
and entered the service of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway as Train Dispatcher in 1889, which position he
relinquished after one year to accept a similar place with the Illinois Central Railroad, with whom he remained
several years, advancing successively to the position of Chief Train Dispatcher, Traveling Chief Train Dispatcher,
Train Master and Superintendent, and reentered the service of the "Katy" as Train Master, which position
he now holds since December, 1903.
Mr. Lorton scarcely has reached middle life, being yet in his thirties, and presents an excellent example of the
results of steady habits and persevering efforts, combined with a due regard for the successful performance of
all the duties of his position. He is a member of Masonic Order and enjoys the confidence of an extensive acquaintance.
(Merchants & Manufacturers Record, 1905, Submitted by Ann Baughman)
Frank Dienst - Sheriff of Labette Co.
In editing an industrial review of Parsons, giving a description of her business enterprises, phenomenal progress and wonderful resources, we feel it our duty in the completion of this work to give a brief sketch of some of our worthy citizens and efficient officers.
Among those that we take pleasure to mention is Frank Dienst, Sheriff of Labette Co. Mr. Dienst is a native of Indiana and located on a claim twelve miles due West of Parsons with his parents in 1868, where he remained until about 7 years ago when he took up his residence in this city. In the Spring of 1899 he was elected to the office of City Marshal and served with universal satisfaction in this official capacity until the expiration of the term. In 1901 he was elected Sheriff of Labette Co. and during his first term of office he committed about two hundred prisoners to the county jail which is ample evidence to the voters of Labette County that they made no mistake in re-electing him in 1904 by one of the largest majorities ever given a candidate in Labette County.
Mr. Dienst has never affliated nor allowed himself to be connected with litigation of a questionable character and through his untiring efforts and remarkable success he enjoys the highest respect and esteem of his constituents and has gained many warm
friends and admirers, who are unanimous in expressing an endorsement of his official career regardless of party affiliations. (Merchants & Manufacturers Record, 1905, Submitted by Ann Baughman)
Hon. G. W. Gabriel, M. D. - Mayor of Parsons
It is with great pleasure on our poart that we call the attention of our readers in this brief sketch to one of our successful medical practitioners. Dr. Gabriel has been practicing in Parsons for the past thirty five years and is a graduate of the College of Physician and Surgeons, Kansas City, Mo., class of 1871.
Dr. G. W. Gabriel is prominently idetnified with the Democratic party and has been active in public matters since taking up his residence here. He was elected Mayor of Parsons in 1876, and since the expiration of his first term, he has been elected and re-elected and is now serving his sixth term as the presiding officer of our city. During Dr. Gabriel's residence in Parsons he has served a term of three years as County Commissioner from the Third Commissioner's District of the county and represented the people of the Twenty-seventh Representative District for six years in the State Legislature, and in 1900, he was almost the unanimous choice to represnt the citizens of the Eleventh Senatorial District of Kansas in the State Senate. In all of his official duties, Dr. Gabriel's record has been a splendid one and emminently satisfactory to the people of Parsons and Labette County.
Dr. Gabriel is a native of the Buckeye state and came to Kansas in 1864 and located in Parsons in 1870, and is a member of a number of fraternal and social sociaties of the city. (Merchants & Manufacturers Record, 1905, Submitted by Ann Baughman)
Samuel C. Chapman, carpenter, contractor and builder, is a native of Madisonville, Monroe Co., Tenn., being a son of Rev. Wilson Chapman, a Baptist clergyman who was compelled to remove from Tennessee in 1850 on account of his outspoken anti-slavery sentiments. Samuel C. was born May 10, 1839. Went with his parents to Pike County, Ill., in 1850, where his father died in October, 1868. He came to Kansas in 1856 and spent about four years in this State, participating in the early struggles to make Kansas a free State, returning to Illinois in 1860. In September 1862, he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was immediately commissioned Second Lieutenant of his company, serving in that position until he was discharged on account of disability. February 25, 1865, returned to Pike County, Ill., where he resided until 1869, when he located at Montana, Labette Co., Kan. In the spring of 1870 he assisted in starting Labette City, and resided there until the fall of 1871, when he came to Parsons, having been here prior to the time that the town was located. He had the reputation of being one of the finest workmen in the State. He has done the carpenter work on several of the prominent brick business blocks of this city, among which are Wunderlich's, Rose's, J. Moore's and the Osage Coal Mining Company's office building besides many of the frame buildings which have been erected. He has also been quite extensively engaged in building in the Indian Territory, doing the work on the government buildings at Muskogee, and also for the Indians, besides erecting buildings for the Osage Coal and Mining Company at McAllister in the Indian Territory. He was City Marshal of Parsons in 1874, and served three years as a member of the Republican Central Committee of Labette County, frequently being an active member of the various Republican Conventions. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and K. of H. Mr. Chapman was married at Naples, Scott Co., Ill., September 18, 1860, to Almira J. Carrel, a native of Ohio. They have three children - Ida, Lulu, and Alice. (SOURCE: William G. Cutler’s History of the state of Kansas Labette County part 6, published 1883 Chicago - submitted by Nancy Shaner)
Parsons Fire Department
Protection to property against loss by fire is one of the first and most necessaty requirements of every city,
and Parsons has shown that it fully recognizes this fact by providing a fire department on a permanent basis and
well equipped to meet all ordinary emergencies, consisting of a force of ten well trained firemen, one of the best
trained fire teams in the West and a modern hose cart, amply supplied with the best make of fire hose.
The personel of the department is strong and consists of A. I. Taylor, Driver; C. F. Willison, Pluman; E. L. Skelton, Asst. Chief; S. A. Phillpy, Foreman; R. C. Dienst, Secretary; and J. H. Atchley, Addison Stephen, and B. F. Vanzant firemen all brave and courageous men under the direct command of W. A. Buel, a cool-headed and thoroughly competent and experienced Chief who is deserving in the highest degree, of the popularity and esteem in which he is held by both the members of the department and the citizens at large.
The Parsons Fire Department was put on the pay
basis in 1893 and occupies good quarters centrally located at the corner of 18th and Forrest Ave. where the "Boys"
have an elegant room handsomely furnished with oak tables, desk, chairs and beds, and have the advantages of a
complete Gamewell Fire Alarm System covering the entire city in addition to the service of the commercial telephone
system in general use, which materially aids the department in giving its excellent service. (Merchants & Manufacturers Record, 1905, Submitted by
Ann Baughman)