1905 History of Crawford County Kansas

Crawford county figures as one of the most attractive, progressive and prosperous divisions of the state of Kansas, justly claiming a high order of citizenship and a spirit of enterprise which is certain to conserve consecutive development and marked advancement in the material upbuilding of the section. The county has been and is signally favored in the class of men who have controlled its affairs in official capacity, and in this connection the subject of this review demands representation as one who has served the county faithfully and well in positions of distinct trust and responsibility. He is now filling the position of sheriff, to which position he has been twice elected.

Mr. Vincent is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in McDonough county, on the 30th of May, 1869. His father, David A. Vincent, is represented on another page of this volume. The son was but a small boy when brought to Crawford county, and he pursued his early education in the district schools here, while later he had the opportunity of attending the Gem City Business College, at Quincy, Illinois, of which he is a graduate. He resided upon the home farm until 1883, and in 1891, after completing his education at Quincy, he returned to Girard and became a factor in its mercantile life, conducting a grocery store here for three years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and went to Texas, but after a short time he returned to Girard and was engaged in merchandising until 1896. He was then appointed under sheriff by Sheriff Adsit and served in that capacity for two years. He afterward became connected with an implement business, and also clerked for H. P. Gurnd, while subsequently he purchased stock for his father. In the fall of 1899 he was elected sheriff of Crawford county for a term of three years, and in 1902 was re-elected to the office, so that he is now serving for a second term. He is fearless and faithful in the discharge of his duties, regarding a public office as a public trust, and his record in connection with the shrievalty has been most commendable.

On the 24th of February, 1897, Mr. Vincent was united in marriage to Miss Jessae L. Hursh, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Hursh, residents of Girard. Mrs. Vincent is now spending considerable time in Arizona, Tennessee and other southern states for the benefit of her health. Both Mr. and Mrs. Vincent hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal church and are numbered among its consistent representatives. He is identified with several fraternal organizations, including the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 412; the subordinate lodge and the uniformed rank of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 63; the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Fraternal Aid. His political support has always been given to the Republican party, and it was upon that ticket that he was elected to his present office.