MORGAN S MAUCK

The history of a state is not the record of its institutions or of its machinery of government, but lies in the lives of its citizens and results from the unselfish devotion and patriotic interest of its loyal men and women. With keen appreciation of the duties of citizenship and with marked ability which has nine times led to his election to the office of mayor, Morgan S. Mauck is now serving as the chief executive of White Cloud, and his devotion to the public good is widely recognized. His administration has been practical, business-like and beneficial, and he is justly accounted one of the most valued and representative men of this portion of Kansas.

A native of Virginia, he was born near Luray, Page county, on the 11th of February, 1839. His parents, William and Kizie L. (Waite) Mauck, were both natives of the Old Dominion, and were married there on the 13th of November, 1821. The father was a mechanic and farmer. In the family were eight children, seven sons and a daughter, the subject of this review being the seventh in order of birth. All are yet living with one exception, and the ages range between fifty-seven and seventy-eight years.

The educational privileges of our subject were limited to a few years attendance at an old log school-house in Virginia where school was held during in winter months, the teacher usually being some enterprising Yankee who thus augmented his capital in the south and "boarded around" among his patrons of the school. Mr. Mauck was studious, industrious and ambitious; but, owing to the limited opportunities he had in youth, he has never been fully satisfied with the knowledge he has acquired, although through practical experience, observation and reading he has become a well informed man. In the fall of 1858 he left his native state in company with his parents and took up his abode in White Cloud, Kansas. His father here engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and after acting as his assistant for a few years, Morgan Mauck purchased an interest, continuing in the business with good success for eight years.

In 1869, however, he sold the saw-mill and lumber-yard and began the development of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on the prairie near White Cloud; but with him agriculture did not prove a paying venture and he sold his land, returning to the city, where he embarked in general merchandising, in company with a man who had had much experience in that line. The venture, however, proved a failure, and in 1887 he dissolved the partnership, The stock was divided, and with the little remnant to start with Mr. Mauck soon built up a good and prosperous business, which has steadily increased. On the 19th of December, 1895, however, he sustained by fire a total loss of his building and stock. Such a catastrophe would have totally discouraged most other men, but, Phoenix-like, a new enterprise arose from the ashes, for in less than a month after the fire Mr. Mauck had rebuilt the place of business and is now enjoying a profitable and constantly increasing trade. He is a man of very resolute and determined spirit, careful in his management, judicious in his investments and at all times reliable in his dealings. These qualities have insured his success and made him a prominent business man.

On the 17th of December, 1865, occurred the marriage of Mr. Mauck and Miss Julia A. Robinson, of Missouri. The wedding was celebrated in White Cloud, and their union was blessed with six children; but Luly May, the second, died in infancy, and Willie R. at the age of one year. The others are Irene M., Ralph E., Gussie L. and Bertha M. The mother passed away in 1882. She was a kind, Christian wife and mother, and her loss was deeply mourned throughout the entire community. Socially Mr. Mauck is connected with White Cloud Lodge, No. 78, F. & A. M., of which he has been a member since 1868. During the greater part of the time he has served as one of its leading officers, and in his life he has exemplified the beneficent spirit of the fraternity. He cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has supported each presidential candidate of the Republican party since that time.

His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth, capability and fidelity, have frequently called him to public office. He has nine times served as the mayor of White Cloud, is now filling the office for the third successive term, and for eight years has served as a member of the board of education. Such a record demands no further comment. It is in itself a testimonial of faithful service, for though an unworthy person may gain office, the majority of the American people are too shrewd and sensible to keep such a one in a position of public trust. Mr. Mauck enjoys the high regard and confidence of all with whom he is associated, and his record in business, political and social life is indeed commendable.