William Widmer

WILLIAM WIDMER, a well known contractor and farmer, living in section 34, North township, Labette county, Kansas, is one of the most public spirited, progressive men of the county. He lives on his farm in North township, but his place of business is in Parsons, where he has an office on Johnson avenue. Mr. Widmer was born in the southern part of Germany in 1851, of German parentage.

Our subject's father, M. Widmer, was also a native of Germany. His wife was born in Germany, and they reared the following children: Jacob; George; William, the subject of this sketch; and John, deceased.

William Widmer spent his early boyhood in Germany, where he received his education. He set sail for this country in 1867, and after reaching America settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he followed the trade of a cabinetmaker for a number of years. He then went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he lived until 1875. In that year he removed to Parsons, Kansas, and he has resided in the vicinity of the city ever since. Since first coming to Parsons he has bought his farm in North township, in the northwest quarter of section 34. He is engaged in general farming, and has been very successful. He does a large business as a contractor, and is considered a fine workman.

Mr. Widmer was united in marriage with Elizabeth Gates, and they have been blessed with the following children: Grace; Carrie, who is a teacher in the public schools of Parsons; Will; Harry; George; Earl; Albert; and Henry. Mr. Widmer has lived in Parsons for about twenty years, and he is well and favorably known throughout the county. He is an independent, in politics, and has served on the school board in North township for four years. He belongs to the A. 0. U. W., Parsons Lodge, No. 1. Religiously, he is a member of the German Lutheran church. He has many warm friends in the county, where he is highly esteemed and respected for his honest, upright character.