Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 693 - 694 

WILLIAM P. STEM, contractor and builder, is one of the leading men in his line of business in Wichita. He is a pioneer of that city as he came here as early as 1870, and has since been closely identified with its building interests. From 1873 to 1877 he built nearly all of the buildings of any importance that were erected in this city; among the more prominent of these are the New York Corner and Occidental Hotel, Citizens' Bank building, Temple Block on Main street, the Odd Fellows' Hall being in this building, the S.L. Davis residence, the old Zimmerly building, Inness & Ross building, Stackman building, Eckart & Scott's, the Elliott building, also J. R. Mead's residence, the Episcopal Church, and many others. Thus it will be seen that monuments to his ability as a builder are to be seen on every hand in this enterprising city.

            Mr. Stem comes of an old German family who have been residents of this country for several generations. John Stem, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania. When in middle age he removed to Ohio, and there engaged in business as a contractor and builder. He married Sarah Armstrong, in Cookstown, Pa., by whom he had nine children. Of this number seven are now living.

            William P. Stem, the subject of this biography, was born in Cadiz, Ohio, Sept. 2, 1844. His boyhood and youth were passed in his native State, where he acquired a substantial education in the public schools, and also a good knowledge of his father's business by the time he was sixteen years of age. He had great mechanical ability and he gave five years of his time to perfecting himself in his business of contractor and builder, spending two and one-half years at Ft. Wayne, Ind., and later the same number of years in Cincinnati; this early training has since been of great advantage to him, and has made him a skilled and an experienced builder. After gaining a thorough knowledge of his work, Mr. Stem went to Van Wert, Ohio, where he followed his calling for one year. In 1866 he came to Kansas, and in Topeka occupied the responsible position of foreman for Mr. Kullak. He superintended the building of the courthouse and jail in the capital city, and at Saline, Kan., superintended the erection of like buildings, and at Vola, Kan., he erected the buildings for the King Bridge works. He subsequently built a large school-house at Burlingame, Kan. In 1870 he came to Wichita, and here, by his persistent energy, strict attention to his work, honorable dealings, and wise management, he has become a wealthy and influential citizen, of high standing in business and social circles. He owns a fine residence at No. 935 South Lawrence avenue, a business block on the corner of Lawrence avenue and William street, which is one of the finest in the city, and other valuable property in the city.

            On the 22d of October, 1876, Mr. Stem married Miss Dora George, of Topeka, Kan., and to them have been born two children -- Albert and Edna. Mrs. Stem is a gifted artist of more than ordinary talent, and has painted many fine pictures, notable among them being a cattle scene which is faithful and realistic. She has received instructions from the best artists in the country, and has recently been in Cleveland, Ohio, engaged in the study of her art.

            In politics Mr. Stem is a Republican. He is prominently connected with various social organizations, such as the Odd Fellows, Society of United Workmen, and the Old Settlers' organization. He has held the office of Past Grand in the I. O. O. F., and of Past Master Workman in the United Workmen.

            In presenting the portraits of many of the leading men of Sedgwick County, none more thoroughly represents any special line of business than Mr. Stem does his. He is furthermore a highly respected citizen. As a fitting companion picture we give the portrait of his estimable wife.

[ Home ]