Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 810 - 811

F. W. ABELE occupies the responsible position of Cashier and Chief Clerk of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railway, of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, and of the Wichita & Western Railway, with his office at Wichita. He has an excellent reputation for financial sagacity and executive ability, attained by but few of our young men of the West, is held in high esteem by all railway officials and magnates, and is regarded as the right man in the right place. He is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, born in 1856, and is the son of Louis and Christina (Wentz) Abele, natives of Germany. They came to America in their younger days and settled in Ohio. Mr. Abele was for many years connected with the railways in that State, holding various positions of responsibility and trust, and became widely known as a man of intelligence, probity and ability. He is now living in honorable retirement at Sandusky, Ohio. To him and his estimable wife were born four children, only two of whom are now living, the subject of this biography and his brother Charles, a professor and teacher of music, formerly of Sandusky, now of Wichita.

            F. W. Abele followed in the footsteps of his father, commencing at the age of fifteen as a station agent and a telegraphic operator at Sandusky, Ohio. He early displayed unusual tact for business, and his strict attention to his work, and the efficient manner in which he discharged his duties, gained for him the commendation and confidence of his employers, and have resulted in his occupying high official positions. He was at one time connected with the Vandalia Railway, at Montrose, Ill., and was at Terre Haute, Ind., two and one-half years. In 1878 he was offered the position he now occupies in this city, and retained it until 1881. Subsequently he again entered the employ of Illinois and Indiana railways, remaining in that part of the country until 1884. He then was induced to come back to Wichita and resume his old office, which he now holds. He is looked upon as authority on all rail-way matters, and has an eye single to the immense interests entrusted to his care, allowing no detail to escape his personal supervision. Since coming to this city Mr. Abele has made some profitable investments in real estate, and has built a commodious dwelling at No. 255 Ohio avenue. Mr. Abele was married to Miss Kensilla E. Boutell, of Bay City, Mich., in 1879. Two children have been born to them, Elva and William H. Mr. and Mrs. Abele have made many warm friends since coming to this city, their genial and courteous manners and other pleasant social qualities attracting to them all with whom they come in contact.

[ Home ]