The man friends of
Hon. W. M. Congdon of Sedgwick will regret to learn that he died at 6:30
Saturday evening at a hospital in Wichita. The cause of his death was Bright's
disease. He had been in failing health for some time but his well known energy
an willpower sustained him until within the last few weeks. He was one of our pioneers and was known by
almost every citizen of the county and has been prominent in county and state
affairs for many years.
He was born in
Rutland county, Vermont, October 8th, 1829, where he lived until he came to
Kansas. He was sheriff of that county and was also superintendent of public
instruction and held other offices of trust in Vermont before coming to this
state. He came to Kansas and settled in
Sedgwick City in June, 1871, and was one of the founders of that city. When he
came to Kansas, he obtained some land and also engaged in the lumber business. In 1876, he was elected to the state
legislature from this county and was its representative for two successive
terms. In 1885, he as elected to the state senate and served two successive
terms in that body. He was an active and earnest Republican and has been a
member of most of the state conventions. He was a man of good ability, and as a
legislator, stood in the front ranks. He did not speak often but rather was one
of the forceful members who accomplished much without ostentation or display.
He was, however, a pleasant speaker, with a fund of humor that was
entertaining. He was a pleasant and companionable man, of strict integrity and
exemplary habits. He was firm and true in his friendships.
In February, 1854,
in his native state, he was married to Miss Rachael H. Sherman, who survives
him. © HCGS. The Newton
Evening Kansan, Newton, Kansas. Monday,
December 19, 1898. Page 1.
