William C. Alford, postmaster of Hazelton, Kans., is a native of Tennessee, born in Rome county, September 12, 1848. He is a son of Meshac T. and Rebecca (Edwards) Alford. The father was born in the same county and State, May 22, 1828. He was a Mexican war veteran, and in early life removed to Illinois, where he followed farming until his death, April 12, 1902. He was a successful farmer, a prominent Mason, and a member of a Baptist church. His wife, Rebecca Edwards to whom he was married in 1847, was also a native of Rome county, Tennessee. She was born in 1830, and died in 1862. They were the parents of the following children: William C., the subject of this sketch; Charles F.; George W.; Benjamin F.; Samuel F.; Robert E.; Caleb C.; Sarah Jane, and Rebecca. William C. Alford was reared on his father's farm in Illinois. His opportunities for an education in early life were limited, but he acquired a habit of self study and thereby obtained a good English education. He remained at home with his parents until 1875, when he came to Kansas and located on government land in Sumner county, seven miles south of Wellington. He remained there until 1884, when he removed to Barber county, locating where the town of Hazelton now stands. He engaged in contracting and building and constructed some of the first buildings in the town of Hazelton. He bought land quite extensively and engaged in the real estate business and prospered. Mr. Alford is a Democrat and prominent in the local councils of his party. He served as postmaster of Hazelton during the years 1887-8, and on January 1, 1914, was appointed postmaster of Hazelton, and is now serving in that capacity. He has served as clerk of the Hazelton school board, continuously since 1884, and has held various other local offices. Mr. Alford was married February 21, 1876, to Miss Ella Hellwick, daughter of Rev. John W. Hellwick, of Palmyra, Ill. Mrs. Alford was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, January 8, 1856. To Mr. and Mrs. Alford have been born seven children: Belle, married J. O. Webb; Myrtle, married A. J. Ayres, Etta, married Fred L. Dicks; Benjamin F., an attorney, Wichita Kans.; Mary A., married Preston Myers; John T., Dodge City, Kans., and William C. Jr., Hazleton, Kans. Mr. Alford is a member of the Masonic lodge, and for seven years has served as Worthy Master of Charity Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 263, Hazelton. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.