WILLIAM B LOVELACE

When a man is spoken of only in the highest terms by those who have known him during his entire life, the public may rest assured that he is perfectly trustworthy and deserving of respect, for no more competent judges can be found than those who have watched the development of the child into the man, and witnessed the gradual formation of his character. When, therefore, the citizens of his locality, with one accord, have nothing but praise for the subject of this sketch, no higher tribute can be paid him.

He is a native of the vicinity of Rochester, New York, his birth having occurred April 28, 1852. He is of Scotch extraction on the paternal side, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Graham) Lovelace, natives of New York city, the latter a daughter of a soldier of the war of 1812. In 1858 the Lovelace family came to Kansas, settling near Monrovia, and from that time until his death, Daniel Lovelace was numbered among the esteemed citizens of Atchison county, in the development of which he did his full share. He was, first of all, a patriot, devoted to the welfare of his country, and when in the prime of manhood he served in the Mexican war. His widow, who is still living upon the old homestead, is granted a pension by the government in return for her late husband's valiant service. He was sixty-five years of age at the time of his death, and his memory is treasured in the hearts of many of his old time friends. After the organization of the Republican party he was one of its stalwart adherents. Religiously he was a Baptist, actively interested in the spreading of the gospel. He had three sons and one daughter, namely: William B., George W. of Grasshopper township; John; and Harriet, wife of Thomas McPhilliney, of Benton township.

When he was about six years old, William B. Lovelace came to northeastern Kansas, and here he attended the public schools, which, it is needless to say, were vastly inferior to those of the present day. Until he attained his majority he worked steadily upon the home farm, learning the lessons of industry and perseverance which were the foundations of his success in later years. For about a score of years he has devoted his time and attention to the cultivation of his fine homestead in Kapioma township. The house and farm buildings are kept in excellent repair, and everything about the premises bespeaks the constant care the owner exercises over his possessions. An orchard of two and a half acres supplies the family with an abundance of fruit, besides affording some for the market at times.

Mr. Lovelace does not neglect his duty to the general public in his solicitude for providing generously for his family. He has served in numerous local offices of trust, discharging his duties with marked ability. Among others, he has held the offices of justice of the peace and constable. Politically he is a Democrat, and fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

In January, 1879, Mr. Lovelace and Matilda Raasch were married at the home of the bride's father, William Raash, who was one of the first settlers in this township, and has passed to his reward. Mrs. Lovelace was born near Madison, Wisconsin, but grew to womanhood in this state. She is the mother of two sons and two daughters, namely: Alfonso W., Dessie, Gustavus and Hattie, who are nineteen; sixteen, twelve and seven years old, respectively. The family are regular attendants of the Adventist church, and contribute to the cause of religion and other worthy measures.