Glenn Irvin Bonham, who has so capably and acceptably filled the office of clerk of the district court of Clay county, was born in Clay Center, Kan., July 7, 1884, a son of Edmond J. and Mattie L. (Welch) Bonham. The elder Bonham was a native of Wisconsin and came to Kansas in 1874, first locating in Salina, and a few years later in Clay Center. Of the last named city, he was one of the founders, was active in practically every movement which concerned its progress and development, and one of its most progressive and influential citizens. He was the editor of the Clay Center "Dispatch" for several years. He was a vigorous writer, his editorials were worth while, and his paper was conducted in an able and clean manner. From the time he became a resident of Clay Center, he was actively identified with the political life of the county, and was a leader in the Republican party. He was twice elected to the office of register of deeds of Clay county, and his administration of the affairs of this office was highly creditable to himself and his constituents. He promoted the organization of the company, which built Clay Center's sightly hotel, the Bonham, named in his honor, and which was, at the time it was erected, one of the finest buildings devoted to hotel purposes in the State. In 1875, he married Miss Mattie L. Welch, a daughter of Gilbert and Sarah E. (Hicklin) Welch. Her parents were natives of Iowa and Illinois, respectively, and came to Kansas in 1874, and to Clay Center in 1875. Mr. Hicklin was a farmer and a successful one. His death occurred in 1900, at Clay Center, and that of his wife in 1910. They are survived by the following children: Mattie L., who married Edmond T. Bonham; Albert T., Lettie H., and Herman G. Three of their children are deceased, viz: William, Anna and Edward. Of the union of Ednmond T. Bonham and Mattie L. Hicklin four children were born: Ferd P. Bonham, born March 10, 1876, now a prosperous farmer of Clay county. He married, on September 8, 1907, Floss E. Dickey, and they are the parents of one daughter, Bonnie B., born September 24, 1910. Stewart L. Bonham, the second child, born December 24, 1880, died May 24, 1881. The third child is Glenn Irvin, the subject of this article, and the fourth is Gladys, born March 20, 1886, who resides with her mother in Clay Center.

Glenn Irvin Bonham received his education in the public schools of Clay Center. Subsequently he began the study of medicine, but decided his inclinations were not for that profession. His first employment was as a salesman, an occupation he followed for several years. Meanwhile, he completed a commercial course and qualified himself as an expert accountant. Like his father, his political allegiance has been given the Republican party, and since attaining his majority he has been an active worker in its ranks. He was honored by his party with nomination for the clerkship of the district court of Clay county, in 1912, and elected, heading his party's ticket. Since his incumbency of the office, his administration of its affairs has received the commendation of the public. He is an untiring worker, his courtesy is unfailing, and he possesses the qualifications for the successful conduct of the office. He is one of the progressive men of his county, interested in the advancement of his home city, and can be counted upon to assist in any movement which has for its object a larger, better, more prosperous Clay Center. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, takes an active part in the social affairs of his city and county, and possesses the esteem of the community.