William Needles

WILLIAM NEEDLES. - Talented and cultured, well versed in the intricacies of law, and possessing a natural aptitude for his profession, William Needles, of Kansas City, Kansas, has won success in his career, and, associated with Albert L. Berger, of whom a brief sketch may be found on another page of this volume, is carrying on a substantial law business. He was born December 3, 1857, in Pennsylvania, which was the place of birth of his parents, Edward P. and Mary M. (Wilson) Needles. His father was a prosperous and prominent agriculturist, and for twelve years served his fellow townsmen as justice of the peace, being elected to the office on the Republican ticket.

The youngest of a family of four children, of whom he and one sister are the only survivors, William Needles was given superior educational advantages, attending Phillips Exeter Academy and subsequently the Harvard Law School. During the ensuing five years he was engaged in the practice of his profession in his native state, first at Westchester and later in Philadelphia. Coming westward in 1884, Mr. Needles located first at Kansas City, Missouri, from there coming to Kansas City, Kansas, in 1887. From 1888 until 1895 he was deputy clerk of the District Court, and for four years thereafter practised law successfully. In 1899 he was again appointed deputy clerk of the district court, and served acceptably until 1903, when he was elected clerk. At the close of his second term in 1907, Mr. Needles entered the office of Mr. A. L. Berger, and has since carried on a substantial and highly remunerative practice.

Mr. Needles has been twice married. He married first, August 15, 1886, Jane R. Reed, who passed to the higher life April 30, 1901. Mr. Needles married for his second wife, January 23, 1906, Maud Cooper, and they have one son, David M. Needles. Fraternally Mr. Needles is a member of Kaw Lodge, No. 272, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons; of Wyandotte Lodge, No. 440, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; of Fellowship Lodge, Knights of Pythias; of Granite Camp, Modern Woodmen of America; and of Wyandotte Council, Triple Tie.