William C. A. Meseke.—Among the men of Wabaunsee county who are singled out for their fine attainments, ambitions, and sterling manhood, there is none more conspicuous than William C. A. Meseke, who is descended from sturdy German parents, which nationality makes such valuable citizens in a new country. His father was born in Germany, but emigrated from the Fatherland at an early day, and within a few years after landing upon the shore of the United States came to Kansas and located on a farm in Wabaunsee county, during the last years of the Territorial era. He was in the midst of the border warfare that made life unsafe in the eastern counties, just previous to the Civil war. He married in Wabaunsee county and there reared his children in the fear of God to honest man and womanhood. Descended from such forbears, it is but natural that Mr. Meseke should be one of the leading and representative men of his county and the state. He first saw the light of day in Wabaunsee county, Jan. 20, 1868, son of Herman and Caroline (Wolgast) Meseke, the second of a family of nine children. He was reared on the farm and attended the common schools near his home and the schools of Templin, Kan., but upon the completion of his education returned to the old homestead. For a short time he was in Alma and then in Alta Vista. In 1900 the Alta Vista State Bank was organized and the next year Mr. Meseke was elected cashier, a position he has since filled with marked ability. He is naturally fitted for business, grasps a proposition quickly, and with keen foresight accepts or rejects it at once. He is a public spirited man, lakes an interest in all local affairs, and has been a member of the city council ever since Alta Vista was incorporated. He is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party and one of its most substantial supporters.

In 1892 Mr. Meseke married Mrs. A. M. Hunger, daughter of A. T. Simeral, of Eagle City, Okla. They have a beautiful home in Alta Vista, where their many friends are ever welcome. Two children have been born to them—William Cleo and Victor Harold. By a former marriage Mrs. Meseke has two children—Ethel and Audria Hunger, the latter of whom is a graduate of the State Normal School at Emporia and is now a teacher at White City, Kan. All the family are members of the Christian church.