William Albert Disch of Parsons, whose profession is law, is strongly of German descent and is a Virginian by birth, but has spent almost his entire life in Kansas, where his parents removed when he was but one year old. He was born in Winchester, Va., May 16, 1869. His parents were John Christopher and Mary Ann (Coldren) Disch. The former was born in Lewis county, New York, the son of Martin Disch, a native of Germany, who was reared on the banks of the Rhine. Martin Disch immigrated to America and settled in New York State, where he became a farmer and miller and where he spent the remainder of his life. Mary Ann Coldren, the mother, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was of English descent paternally and German maternally. The parents of Mr. Disch came to Kansas, in 1870, and settled on a farm in Labette county, remaining there until 1892, in which year they removed to Oklahoma, where they have since resided. They are the parents of eight children: William Albert, whose name initiates this review; Samuel M.; John; Maude (Smith); James; Sarah (Harper); Dora (Barnett); and Robert.

Mr. Disch was reared on the farm and had only the advantages of the country schools in his boyhood. Being the oldest of the family and his father being a pioneer farmer in Labette county, he was compelled to aid in developing the farm and in supporting the family. He worked hard on the farm until he was nineteen years of age. He then attended the academy of Prof. Hiram F. Hixon, at Parsons, for one year. Predilection led him into the study of law. He became a student in the law office of J. F. McDonald, at Parsons, remaining there two years. After spending one more year in diligent preparation in the office of Tyler & King, at Parsons, he was admitted to the bar, Oct. 15, 1890. He practiced his profession two years, and then spent three years on a ranch in Oklahoma, but the ranch life did not appeal to him, so he gave it up and returned to Labette county, where he resumed the practice of law. In January, 1898, Mr. Disch was appointed under-sheriff of Labette county, in which capacity he served five years. He was then appointed deputy district court clerk and, after holding that position two years, was appointed deputy county attorney, in charge at Parsons, in which position he is now serving his third term. Politically he is an adherent of the Republican party, and fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias.

In 1890 occurred the marriage of Mr. Disch and Miss Maggie J. Simpson of Parsons. They have two children: Ermel (Belcher) and Essie.