Histories

W. M. CONGDON, lumber dealer and real estate, came to Kansas and located in Sedgwick City in June, 1871, and engaged in the lumber business with a capital of about $5,000; his capital invested in the business in 1883 is probably about $20,000. He also owns 400 acres in Sections 22 and 23 in Sedgwick Township, 220 acres in cultivation where he has eighty head of fine cattle and 150 head of sheep. He also owns a timber claim in Lakin Township of 160 acres, where he has a large grove of cultivated timber and fifteen acres in orchard. Mr. Congdon was born in Rutland Co., Vt., October 8, 1829, and came from native place to Kansas. Was married in February, 1854, to Miss Rachael H. Sherman, also a native of Vermont; they have three children -- William M., Eliza J. and John Sherman. He has erected a number of buildings in Sedgwick city, among others his fine brick where he resides, adjoining Capt. Hurd. Has represented Harvey County in the State Legislature two terms, 1876 to 1878, and is a member of the Congregational Church. While in Vermont he held a variety of offices, having been Sheriff, Superintendent of Public Instruction for a number of years, Collector of Taxes, and various other offices. (Cutler's History of Kansas, 1883).