William H. Maddocks

WILLIAM H. MADDOCKS, chief draughtsman of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company, resides at Parsons, Labette county, Kansas. He was born in England in December, 1862. His parents were both natives of England, where his father is superintendent of the Brunswick works of the Patent Shaft & Axletree Company, Limited. He is a man of fine mechanical ability, which was transmitted to his sons, who follow similar professions. Mrs. Maddocks, whose maiden name, was Sarah Ann Orme, is deceased. William H. Maddocks has three brothers now living: Thomas, George and Arthur.

Mr. Maddocks attended the common schools, and afterward the grammar and technical schools of his native city, and was later apprenticed to the trade of machinist and draughtsman. He finally located in America, and for a time was at Toronto, Canada. From there he went to Bloomington and Chicago, Illinois, where he was employed on the Chicago & Alton and Chicago & North-Western railroads as a machinist. He chose a floating position in order to better familiarize himself with his chosen profession. In the course of his travels he first visited Kansas about 1882. The following year he entered Cornell University, in New York State, and took a course in mechanical engineering, thus completing his preparation for his chosen life work. Returning to service on the Chicago & Alton Railroad, he served some time as a draughtsman, and did similar work on the Missouri Pacific Railway, at Palestine, Texas. He was later transferred to St. Louis and placed in charge of the draughting department for the entire system, under 0. A. Haynes, superintendent of locomotives and cars. In 1889, Mr. Maddocks was called to Parsons, where he received ail offer from the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company, and immediately assumed the duties of his present position. He prepares designs for the locomotives, machinery, boiler plants, etc., used over the entire system. He has a fine office at the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway shops in Parsons; his duties call him away on the road frequently.

Mr. Maddocks married Ada Bate, a daughter of J. R. and Sarah (Stearn) Bate, formerly of Michigan, but now of Parsons, Kansas. He has invested in some fine residence property in Parsons, and recently remodeled his home. Mr. Maddocks is a man of sterling worth and integrity. He is a prominent member of the Republican party in his section, and his convictions in matters of public interest are based on accurate information and correct conclusions. He affiliates with Masonic bodies, is a Knight Templar and a member of Abdallah Temple of Mystic Shriners, of Leavenworth, Kansas. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and also of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, with headquarters in New York City, being the only member from Kansas. He is also a member of St. Louis and, Chicago Railroad clubs. In his religious views, he adheres to the Episcopal faith and is a regular attendant at church. He stands high in his chosen profession and has reached a degree of efficiency attained by few. He has made an excellent record, rarely bettered in all its particulars. He takes great personal pride in keeping abreast of the times, and uses only the best and most modern plans and materials, many of which are the result of his striking originality, skill and genius.