Thomas W. Dorsey

THOMAS W. DORSEY, secretary of the Democratic County Central Committee, and a successful real estate dealer and leading business man of Faulkner, was born in New York City, February 22, 1872, and is a son of Andrew and Catherine (Welch) Dorsey.

Thomas Dorsey, his grandfather, was a native of Ireland, and was one of the first school teachers in County Mayo, while his maternal grandfather, James Welch, was game warden on one of the large preserves situated in the same county.

Andrew Dorsey was born in 1849 in Frankfort, Kentucky, but was taken to New York by his parents when they became residents of that State. Being of a roving disposition, he determined to see something of the world, and became quite a traveler, working his way and visiting England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales. and many points on the Continent. Returning to the United States, he became a contractor in Indianapolis, and continued in that business until he had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to retire from active pursuits. He then purchased a fine farm near Joplin, Missouri, upon which he resided until his death, which occurred August 28, 1904, He also invested in city property. He was a stanch Democrat, and a man of sterling character and worth. He was married to Catherine Welsh, who was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1856. Their marriage was solemnized in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was blessed by the birth of seven children, namely: Thomas W.; William A., a resident of Neck City, Missouri: Peter J., who lives in Kansas City; Mrs. Margaret Coonts, of Joplin, Missouri; Mrs. Katie Porgen, of Coffeyville, Kansas; Mrs. Fannie Richards, of Joplin, Missouri; and Mary, who died at the age of 16 years.

When Thomas W. Dorsey was but a few months old, his parents moved to Indianapolis. In the fall of 1878 they located in Caldwell County, Missouri, which was his home until the spring of 1897. He was there extensively engaged as a stock-raiser and agriculturist, fine stock being his especial pride. Indeed, he has not been able to entirely give up his pleasure in this respect and annually raises about half a hundred fine, pedigreed Poland-China hogs, although he has been mainly interested in buying grain since coming to Faulkner. He erected a building 38 by 16 feet, in dimensions for scales, granary purposes, etc., and has built up a good, paying business. In addition to this, he is frequently asked to act as auctioneer, and the sale of many farm properties has resulted through his instrumentality. Besides two lots in Faulkner, he owns a fine farm of 80 acres in Neosho township, and has been closely identified with the public spirited, enterprising men who have been such important factors in building up the county. Mr. Dorsey is a Democrat, and has exerted no little influence in politics, being a stump speaker of force and vigor. He has held the office of justice of the peace since he has been a resident in Faulkner, and for the past four years has been the efficient secretary of the Democratic County Central Committee. Through his example and influence he has raised the standard in the schools of his township, and is a man who may always be relied upon to favor anv public improvement. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and a prominent Odd Fellow, having passed through the chairs. He is corresponding secretary of Lodge No. 108, Anti-Horse Thief Association, and has assisted in capturing some of the many thieves who at one time infested the State, and were a menace to its prosperity and order.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 5/5/97.