USA > Kansas > Cowley County > History of Cowley County, Kansas > Part 19
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REV. W. H. PARKER No history of our city's progress during the past decade, would be complete which did not record the
name of Rev. W. H. Parker, for almost eight years pastor `of the First Baptist church. The mighty influence for good exerted by the pure life and brilliant attainments of this great and good man upon the life of this community is beyond all human computation. A man of broad culture and ripe exper- ience, his counsel was eagerly sought by old and young. rich and poor. A fearless preacher, unmoved by any consideration of policy and fearing none other than God himself, he waged relentless war against evil without fear or favor. But while a whirlwind of fury when occasion demanded, in his passion- . ate fondness of music and flowers. in his love of children and of all things beautiful, in his deep sympathy with the poor and the suffering and the sorrowing. he manifested a beart that had in it all the tenderness and simplicity of a child. So gentle indeed was he that he made friends of the very birds that frequented his garden. The gospel he preached was a gospel of love. A loving father tenderly concerned for the welfare of his children, de- lighting in each token of their affection and grieved by any evidence of ingratitude or indifference. Such was the God he served and for whom he sought to win the affre- tions of men. He was the essence of refinement. pos- sessed of a nature so deli- cately strung and sensitive that anything remotely bor- dering upon coarseness seem- ed to jar upon his fine sensi- bilities with all the violence of physical pain. Thoroughly unselfish, this man whose nature was constantly torn with sympathy for the woes of others, had never a thought to bestow upon his own com- fort. but through rain and sleet and storm, he would be off upon his ministries to the sick, when his physical con- dition was such that right- fully he himself should ? have been receiving the ministry of others. He valued money on- ly for the good it would pro- cure for others and to all worthy benevolences he con- tributed liberally, out of all proportion to his means. while in homes of poverty throughout the length and breadth of our city, his name evokes reverent benedictions because of his ceaseless secret charities. Literally of him it might be said that no stranger was ever turned away empty handed from his door. No characteristic of this remarkable man was more pronounced than his evident genuineness. This was one secret of his marvelous power as a preacher. No one ever thought of questioning his sincerity. Ilis very nature was a protest against sham, and nothing drew from him such scath- ing denunciation as hypocrisy in religion, while the shallow pretences of society he regarded with utmost scorn With all his rare qualities of mind and heart, never was man more un- assuming than he. Ever shrinking from recognition. he con- stautly attributed to others credit for the good he himself had done. He was a writer of considerable distinction, having
contributed extensively to leading religious periodicals. His
most ambitious literary production however was a volume upon the Psahnody of the church, which at the time of its publica- tion was enthusiastically extoled by press and pulpit the country over. and today is regarded as a standard work by students in this field of thought. As a preacher he was always thoroughly conscientious in his work, never appearing in his pulpit with a subject which had not cost him extensive thought and careful preparation. It was his custom to write out his sermons in full and it is possible that at some date a compilation of these may be made for publication. It would be presumptuous to attempt to ennumerate the good he ac- complished. Mention might be made of his prominence in bringing about the success of the hospital enterprise, also of his untiring efforts in securing for his church the magnificent new organ, which he was destined never to hear. but which stands today upon the scene of so many years of faithful en- deavor as a splendid memorial, having been lovingly dedicated to his memory by a grateful people. But memorials no less real than this are indelibly stamped upon minds and hearts in hundreds of homes in our city into which his presence has brought light and com- fort in hours of bitter sorrow and deepest need. Seldom has a death in this commun- ity .aroused such universal mourning. as did the death of this good man, which ; occur- red upon the 18th of March 1900.
Surely of him might the Master say:
"For I was an hungered, and ye gave me" meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger and ye took me in; Nak- ed and ye clothed me; I was sick; and ye visited me: I was in pris- on, and ye came unto me. (For) Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my breth- ren, ye have done it unto me."
(See also page 29)
REV W H PARKER
Photo by Dresser
Col. E. C. Manning is a native of COL. E. C. MANNING Redford. Clinton county, New York. His mother was a native of Bur- lington, Vermont, his father a native of New York. In his in- fancy his parents moved to Burlington, Vermont, at the age of twelve years he went to lowa with his parents, at the age of twenty he came to Kansas in the year 1859. In the fall of 1869 he constructed the first building on the present town site of Winfield. In January, 1870 he organized the town company and founded the town of Winfield. He procured the organiza- tion of the county and the selection of Winfield as the county seat in February, 1870, when his little log store and dwelling house were the only buildings on the town site. He still owns and occupies the site of the "Old log store."
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W. T. MADDEN
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The subject of this sketch was WILLIAM T. MADDEN burn in 1856, in Lawrenceburg. lud., on Nov. 2. lle spent his childhood and early manhood with his parents on a farm at- tending the country schools and getting such an education as they afforded. At the age of twenty, he attended the high school and normal at Washington. Ind. After leaving school at Washington he taught a country school for a time and then took a course in the normal school at Danville, and finally closing his sehool career in the university at Valpariso, Ind. During his school days he was always thorough in his work. thus foreshadowing the basis of his success in after years. Ile always believed in the principle, "That whatever is worth doing is worth doing well." and this was his guide not only while he was laying the foundation of his future splendid manhood, hut in his business life as well. In 1882 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Waher of Washington. Ind. They had known each other aschildren and the school boy love ripened into a manly affeetion and marriage and much of his after success is due to the wise and kiu lly conusels of his chosen companion At his death he left behind to mourn his loss, the wife of his youth and five children. At about the time of his marriage he determined to make the practice of law his life work, and immediately came to Winfield, Kallt. with his bride He was told that the legal profess on was crowded here as well as elswhere and that he would have to take his ehanees with old established lawyers, but he felt that there was plenty of "room at the top" and his indomitable will and spirit would not permit of his stopping short of that. place. Upon coming to Winfield he entered the law office of Jennings & Troup for the purpose of preparing himself for admission to the bar. During the period covered by his law studies, he was looked upon with that indifference and per- haps contempt, which is usually meted out to a young law stu- dent, no one caring whether he made success or not, but through it all he pressed steadily towards the end, perhaps with the seeret knowledge, born of indomitable will, that some day he would dictate terms to the very persons who then looked down upon him as "a poor law student." He
was admitted to the bar in 1883, and commeneed at onee the building of his professional career, in common with most young lawyers his elients were few but as time passed his abilities were recognized and grave business interests were in- trusted to his care, and he commeneed climhing the ladder of his professional fame round by round, until at the date of his untimely death. he was firmly seated on the topmost round. In 1897 he went abroad in the interest of Mr. J. P. Baden of this city, transacting important business for him in the courts of England, and as was his rule, did the business to the entire satisfaction of his employer. lle formed a partnership first with Judge Samnel Dalton, which lasted for a year or two, afterwards he formed a partnership with C J. Forsyth, and after that he practiced alone until April 1st. 1889, at which time he formed a partnership with G. Il. Buckman and this partner- ship continued until his death under the firm name of Madden & Buekman. Mr Madden never sought politieal preferment, and although he held several offices of trust, they came with- ont his seeking. Ilowever he always took an active interest in the polities of his country and state, and his adviee was sought and followed, in shaping the policies of his party. In his praetice he always believed his client was right, and en- tered upon the trial of a case firmly believing in the justness of the cause he espoused and bent every honorable effort to achieve success. le was public spirited to a marked degree and every publie enterprise in Winfield bears the mark of his intellect and energy. He gave freely of his time and talents in the upbuilding of his chosen state, county and city. Ilis strong right arm was ever raised in defense of the weak and oppressed and his voice was uplifted in the battle of the friend- less Ile was ever ready without hope of reward to espouse the eause of a person whom he believed to be mistreated or wrong- ed. lle was raised in the Catholic faith, and died in the sweet and everlasting consolation of that church. His life work was closed January 6, 1901. Winfield! a strong and willing friend has been laid low. Let us stand with uneovered heads over the mound that covers his dust. and say, "Thy ways oh God are inscrutable, but we bow to Thy Will in sorrow."
GRANT STAFFORD
Photo by Dresser
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Grant Stafford was born near Martins-
GRANT STAFFORD ville, Indiana, March 25th, 1862. His
father was James M. Stafford, a son of
Grant Stafford, one of the pioneer farmers of Indiana, and a
member of the legislature of that state in a very early day. His mother was Lucinda Tressler, a daughter of Michael M. Tressler. He attended the schools of his native state, and at the age of sixteen years removed to Winfield, Kansas, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar. At the age of twenty years he became identified with the firm of P. H. Al- bright & Co., money lenders, and a year later took charge of abstract work of that firm, which at that time had assumed considerable proportions and was demanding the carefull attention of a good abstracter. So thoroughly and well did he do his work that Mr. P. H. Albright seeing "the angel in the marble," made a proposition to the young man. looking to the compilation of a set of abstracts of land titles from the records of Cowley county. The proposition was considered and accepted, and the work thus started has resulted in the compilation of the most complete and elaborate abstract of county records of any in Kansas. The work showed the handi- work of a genius-it could not have been done by other than a genius, for in every part and detail, it is far beyond the work done by the ordinary person. There are individuals who, hke tall trees, stand above their neighbors, and so stands Mr. Stafford in the abstract profession, above all others. This statement is not idle language, written for high sounding, but the proof of it has been proven over and over again-in fact, in a period extending over eighteen years, involving the pre- paration of abstracts, based upon which investments amount- ing to more than twenty millions of dollars have been made, not one dollar has ever been lost by reason of a defective abstract that has been examined and the title approved by him. Not alone however, as an abstracter is he well known; his standing at the bar, both on account of his scholarly at- tainments and his knowledge of the law, places him well in the front rank of lawyers, this being especially true as relates to the knowledge of the laws affecting real estate. And not alone as a lawyer is his ability recognized, but with all his business cares and long and hard daily work, he has kept abreast of the times in current literature, and is so well versed as to be almost a reference book in matters pertaining to the literature of the day. Nature has endowed him with a wond- erful intellect and energy and with a further great quality required in the make-up of a business man, viz: a genial dispo- sition, the work day being never so long as to weary him to the point where he is in any other than a happy mood. Hle knows everybody in the county, and everyone who has done business with him in glad to meet him again His long and efficient service with P. H. Albright & Co., is highly appreciat- ed by the firm. As the senior partner of the firm of Stafford & Albright, he has had very much to do with the success that has been achieved by this firm, which has taken first place among the real estate firms of the state of Kansas. In 1889 he was married to Miss Clara Bowman. of Pittsburg. Kansas. Through his untiring energy. good judgment and habits of economy, he has become possessed of considerable wealth. and ranks among the wealthiest people of the county. and lives in solid comfort in one of the best h nes of the city
MISS EMMA FULTON Secretary O. F ยง
MRS. BRETTUN CRAPSTER Worthy Matron, O. E. S
'the history of Winfield, Kansas, without due
J. C. FULLER mention of Mr. J. C. Fuller, would be some- what like the play of Hamlet with the part of Hamlet left out. Identified as he was, with this city from its earliest history, and one of the most prominent factors in its upbuilding, we give the following biographical sketch from data collected. He was born on a farm in Orleans county, N. Y., in 1835. His summers were spent on the farm and his winters at school, like to the early history of most of our successful men in this country. He finished his education at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y., at the age of nineteen. After teaching school one season, he decided to take
J C. FULLER Photo by Dresser
the advice of Horace Greeley to "Go west, young man, and grow up with the country." So, in the fall of 1855, he started west and settled in Grinnell, lowa, one of the many new towns just starting in that state. In 1869, then living in Chicago, he decided to make his home in Kansas. After spending one year in Fort Scott, he, . in company with IIon. D. A. Millington, came to Winfield in August of 1870 From that time on, his life and business have been identified with the city of Winfield. lle opened the Winfield Bank of J. C. Fuller in January 1871, being the only bank, at that time, south of Emporia. This bank continued business until 1879, when he joined force
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with Col. J. C. McMullen, and they incorporated under [the laws of the state as the Winfield Bank. The Winfield Bank was successful and prosperous, and always one of the strong forces in the prosperity and upbuilding of Winfield. In 1884, owing to impaired health, Mr. Fuller was compelled to rest from active business and they sold the bank to Mr. Il. B. Schuler, who soon after incorporated it as, "The Winfield National Bank." Mr. Fuller was always prominent and active in the securing of railroads and other enterprises that promis- ed to be beneficial to Winfield. He was the principal factor in building the Winfield Gas Works in 1884, and always retained control of, and operated them. Having together with W. A. Lee, designed and constructed a grain drill on new lines which they thought, and which has proven to be a great improve- ment on older styles of drills, he commenced the manufacture of these drills in Winfield in 1891. He did this not because he wanted business, but for two reasons: First-that the drill wou'd be a great benefit to the wheat-raising sections of the country. Second-that such a manufacturing industry would be a great benefit to Winfield. While the drill proved an eminent success, the business soon proved that Winfield was not the proper location for the factory. So, very much against his feelings and his interests in Winfield, he was compelled to remove the factory to a more central distributing point. In the beginning Mr. Fuller thought he had an idea, but it soon developed, (as he expressed it) that the "idea had him," and he simply had to follow where the idea lead. While not a politician or ambitious for office, his fellow-citizens have always looked to him as a leader in business affairs, and he has often had to accept prominent offices in our commercial and educational organizations. The Winfield Chautauqua Assembly owes much to Mr. Fuller's efforts. Its presidency having been thrust upon him when it was almost hopelessley in debt. He accepted the responsibility, and at once became an active worker for its success. He remained its president until he saw it entirely out of debt and its success assured. Mr. Fuller was a tireless and indefatigable worker. Whatever he attempted to do. he tried to do it well. His conscientious devotion to the very interest entrusted to his care, won for him the highest respect of all classes of people. After his re- moval to Moline his health began again to fail, but he con- tinued to work, although his business associates insisted upon him taking more time for rest and recreation. He spent the last days of January in Winfield. His health was poor and he had an attack of the prevailing influenza. For the first time he seemed to realize that his powers of endurance were limit- ed, and before he left he promised that he would arrange his business at once for an extended vacation. But on his return to Moline he became much worse and on Wednesday, the 6th day of February, 1901, he died, surrounded by his family, and mourned by a large circle of friends.
The following tribute to his memory from his old friend and business associate, Col. E C. Manning, appeared in an article over his signature in "The Winfield Daily Courier" on February 11, 1901.
"Mr. Fuller had a pure heart and a clean soul. I never saw him angry, or heard him utter an oath, or express a vile thought nor manifest malice or revenge; although if circum- stances are a justification for any of these he experienced them Humor was the lubricant of his nature. In the years 1 speak of, he had beautiful large blue eyes of divining penetra- tion. They were his armor. They won the confidence of those who came in close contact with him and enabled him to read their minds as an open book, And while sifting their thoughts and poses, detecting the true and false, his eyes would shade with a humorous and peculiar glint. He was very interesting in the companionship of those who had his confi- dence. The most subtle satire could not escape him. The keenest witicism would be reflected by smile following smile
all over his face ashis bright mind analytically digested its full meaning, just as the widening ripples follow each other . over the water from the point where the stone fell into its smooth surface. After a while the repartee would come from him in words equally pungent, as if one were talking under echoing arches. All topical subjects as they arose in the de- veloping years concerning the town, city, county, state and nation were discussed by the triumvirate. Mr. Fuller's habit of thorough investigation usually made him the last to render a decision. And in case there were any expenditures of money involved his decision controled for he was the only one who had any money. Those who knew him best esteemed him most. Ile was an honorable and pure man. "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."
The life of J. C. Fuller should be an inspiration to every young man. He was ruggedly, and conscientiously just. He never did an act or spoke a word for the sake of "policy." He was true to every obligation, and devotedly loyal in his friend- ships. Such men are the salt of the earth. Ilis works were practical, and being practical, were successful.
J. D. MAURER
Phote by Dresser
From among the tillers of the soil have JOHN D. MAURER come the most satisfactory office-hold- ers of our country. Men strong in body, vigorous of mind, and imbued with honesty of purpose in accepting the duties of office. bring to their work the essen- tial qualifications which give satisfaction to the people. In John D. Maurer is exemplitied an instance of this kind, and his acts when in office have received no criticism from any party. Mr. Maurer has always been a firm republican and has done party service in the local organization. lle is at present chairman of the republican county central committee, and while the republicans were not as successful in Cowley county as had been hoped for, owing to local conditions throughout the county, but not withstanding those obstacles-many of which were entirely overcome by Chairman Maurer-it is con- ceded not only by the republicans, but by their opponents that the republican county campaign was conducted in a manner which showed executive ability and fairness in all things on the part of Chairman Maurer. He has identified himself in politics for several years and held prominent positions both in the county and state. During this period he has efficiently filled the position as justice of the peace of Dexter township two terms and county commissioner of Cowley county one term. As register of deeds he served two terms with credit. He was also a member of the state legislature two terms. En- ergetic and with a clear-headed capability, quick to under-
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stand the needs of his constituents, and with ability to clearly and forcibly express those needs in a manner to secure the at- tention of any legislative body. his selection to this office was an unusually fortunate one. Mr. Maurer was born in Miama county, Ohio, July 1, 1843. lle was educated in the same state being a graduate of Greenville, academy. He was married to Miss Alta M Garlinghouse at Emporia, Kansas, Nov. 22, 1868. He is the father of four children, three boys and one girl. Mr. Maurer has resided in this county for thirty years. He owns a fine farm of 520 acres six miles north of dexter, where he has lived during all these years except when in office. Mr. Maurer is a veteran of the civil war, having enlisted Aug 7, 1862, Co B, 94th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 1st brigade, 1st division of 14th army corps He served three years during which period he participated in more than a dozen battles. besides the many skirmishes. The following is a list of battles that he was in: Tates Ford and Perryville. Ky , Stone River, Hoover Gap. Chicamauga, Lookout Mt., Missionary Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca. Ga., Pumpkinvine Creek. Kenesaw Mt .. Peach Tree Creek. and was with Sherman in his famous march from At- lanta to the sea During his career he was wounded in the right arm and shoulder at Perryville. However he continued in the service and for many years was not affected by the wound but of late years he has almost lost the use of his arm. Mr. Maurer is a member of the M E. church and of the A. F. & A. M. Dexter 156. Winfield chapter 31 R. A. M .. Winfield, Commandery No 15. K. T., O. E. S. Dexter No. 6. A. O. U. W. and K. & L of S. Dexter. F. A. A. and G. A. R. No 85 of Winfield
MRS. W. B. CATON Photo by Dresser
MRS. W. B. CATON The subject of this sketch. Mrs. W. B. Caton, is a native of St. Louis.
Mo .. and was educated and mar- ried in that state. She is a graduate of the Missouri Female College, and came to Winfield, Kansas, with her husband in the fall of 1879. During her residence in this beautiful "city of homes." covering a period of twenty-one years, she has been connected with various philanthropie and literary societies, in all of which she has held positions of trust. Mrs. Caton is the mother of five children. the eldest thirty-one the youngest three, while two little tots call her grandma. In 1880 she was chosen as a teacher in the public schools, which position she filled successfully for a number of years. In 1884 she became chief of the Degree of Honor, an auxiliary of the A. O. U. W. the first organization of its kind in Southern Kansas, and among the first in the state. In 1888, she was nominated and elected to the office of superintendent of public instruction hy the republican party. And in the same year she was made national delegate of the Woman's Relief Corps at Columbus. Ohio. At present she occupies the honored position as presi-
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