Charles B. Fessenden, Jr.

CHARLES B. FESSENDEN, JR., a prominent and highly respected citizen of Parsons, Kansas, where he owns some fine real estate, was for many years agent for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company, and has been a resident of Labette county since 1871. He is a son of Charles B. Fessenden, Sr.

Charles B. Fessenden, Sr., was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in July, 1810, and lived to the advanced age of four-score years and nine. He reared four children, of whom the subject hereof is the eldest. The others were: Grace, who is deceased; Annie (Buckman), of New York City, who has one son, William, a civil engineer in New Mexico; and Susan, who lives with her mother.

Charles B. Fessenden, Jr., was born in Massachusetts, December 2, 1840. He was a pupil in the schools of Boston, and had exceptional advantages open to him. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war, he responded to his country's appeal, enlisted, in 1861, in Company D, 43d Reg., Mass. Vol. Inf., and served until the successful termination of the war. After serving one year as sergeant major, he received a commission as captain in the 9th Reg., U. S. Colored Troops, and as such was honorably discharged.

Returning to Boston, he remained in that vicinity until 1868, when he came west to seek a new and more favorable location. In 1868, he accepted a position as agent for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company, which was then in its infancy. In 1875, he was promoted to be special commercial agent on the same road, which was at that time a very lucrative position. While filling that position, he traveled over various divisions of the system, - principally between junction City and Parsons, - and from 1884 to 1898 he served as conductor. He made his headquarters in Parsons, which has been his home for many years. In 1898 he severed his connection with the road, and has since been practically retired. He was justly considered one of the best men who ever traveled in the interest of that company.

Mr. Fessenden was united in marriage with Hattie Everett, a daughter of Aaron Everett, of Boston, Massachusetts. She was born November 13, 1843, and is one of six children: Emmelius; Sarah E.; Frank, deceased; Hattie; Abbie and Charles. The last named was killed in action in the Wilderness, during the Civil war, while the others are all married and scattered. Two children were born to bless the home of Mr. Fessenden, namely: Harry, superintendent of the Otis Elevator Machine Shops, in San Francisco, California; and Susan, who is successfully engaged in teaching school in Parsons.

Politically, Mr. Fessenden has been a Republican since the organization of the party. He ranks today among the most prominent citizens of his adopted home, and has been the architect of his own fortune. Upon his arrival in Labette county, he was a poor man, with nothing to depend upon but his own exertions. He owns a fine residence at No. 2207 Johnson avenue, besides which he rents another pretty place in the city. He is now spending his declining years in enjoying the fruits of his toil and forethought.