h/o orphan, Maude WALLICK.
Birth: one of four known children in Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas, which had been Osage Indian territory from 1825 till 1870, s/o Kansas pioneer, John Andrew FLORA, a Civil War veteran, also, his paternal grandfather, Rev John FLORA, at age sixty-one became a two year Civil War veteran, his mother being, Mary Elizabeth SCHULTS, whose maternal g,grandfather was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. His family had 101% pure German blood.
The book, Little Journeys to the Homes of Prominent Dentists has a tribute to Dr W W Flora published more than one-hundred years ago, found on pages 369 to 376, with his photo on 370, including photographs of his office, plus its floor plan. Article reveals Dr Flora's professional life story starting with his 1896 graduation from Kansas City, Missouri's Western Dental College, now University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, where he taught before removing to Colorado Springs in 1904 for wife's health. Tells of him being director of Colorado Springs National Bank, in which he originally owned five percent (bank was sold in 1985 for $100 per share), of serving as president of the Young Men's Christian Association (Y M C A), an office which he held, first at Oswego, Kansas then at Carthage, Missouri and was most active in his Methodist church. He taught at the local Beth El Hospital School for Nurses, along side other local doctors. Included in his outside interests were tennis, golf and automobiling, owning one of the first automobiles in town, a REO (Oldsmobile).
SIBLINGS:
"Will" had three siblings, a three year older brother, Clarence Morton , a shirt factory owner, married three times last with two sons, last living in Oklahoma City, a two year older sister, "Hattie A", married with three sons last living in Thomaston, Maine, and a sister, Jennie G, who survived but one month, mysteriously buried with their mother at Americus cemetery, Lyon county, Kansas.
Census (Kansas): 1875, age 3 Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas with maternal grandmother (his mother died year before), two maternal uncles & two siblings.
Year following his mother's demise his two paternal uncles, Wolney Pulaski ("V P") and Daniel Rice Boone FLORA with their families from Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Kansas in 1875 struck out for the Territory of Colorado's high country, the Lake City, Hinsdale county area, where silver and gold had been discovered. Grant E HOUSTON, President, Hinsdale County, Colorado Historical Society, wrote (12/30/05):
"Both families [Flora & Borie] are well known here in Lake City and were among the real pioneers of our region, particularly up around Capitol City and Rose's Cabin, both of which are now ghost towns. Mrs. ["V P"] FLORA was also extensively interested at various times in Lake City hotels and boarding houses, including the boarding house of the Ute-Ulay Mine on Henson Creek. Her Second Street boarding house between Gunnison and Silver Streets still exists, although it has been moved about a block from its original location."
His paternal grandfather had remarried after loss of 1st wife, raising a second family in Indiana, passing away in 1876 after falling from an apple tree.
His widowed father remarried in 1878, four years following loss of first wife Mary. Sister "Hattie A", age nine, with older brother Clarence, moved east 30 miles to Oswego, Labette county, Kansas, with father, new step-mother, older step-brother & step-sister but ~ ~ without "Will", who remained behind being raised by their maternal grandmother near Liberty until around 1885, who then removed to Oswego, the year before sister "Hattie A" married.
Census: 1880, age 8 Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas with maternal grandmother & one of her sons.
Census (Kansas): 1885, age 13 Oswego, Labette county, Kansas with father, step-mother, two siblings and host of hotel guests including Carl Raymond GRAY, in Condon Hotel (Burgess Hotel, 1934) operated by his father.
Will's wedding, required his father's consent, to wit:
From:
The Labette County Times-Statesman, (courtesy Kim Baker)
Oswego, Kansas,
August 25, 1892, page 4, col 1:
"Mr. Will Flora and Miss Maude Wallack (sic) were married last Sunday at Carthage, Mo. The happy couple will make Oswego their home. The Times-Statesman wish them a long and happy married life."
From: The Labette County Democrat (courtesy Kim Baker),
Oswego, Kansas,
Thursday,August 25, page 3, col.1:
"W.W. Flora and Miss Maude Wallack (sic) were married in Carthage, Mo., last Sunday. Mr. Flora is associated with I.R. Fisher in the grocery business and is a young man of exemplary habits and good business qualifications. His bride has been in Chicago for the past year, but is well known in our city and is esteemed for her many good qualities. "Will" and "Maude" enter upon their wedding life under the most favorable auspices, and with the good will of their many friends."
Occurring thirteen days following the Oswego funeral of Maude's first cousin, Alice (Kingsbury) FLORA ~ ~, first wife of Will's brother Clarence.
His sister and her hubby were first signed on the wedding registration, and she most likely was the one arranging the wedding in Carthage with the most reverend William Sims KNIGHT, D D of the Presbyterian church, officiating.
Census: 1900, age 29 Carthage, Jasper county, Missouri, with wife & two children, (at current, 1346 south Main) address not given, a dentist with office at 401 south Main Street (street addresses from 1902 City Directory).
Reportedly, first home was in Oswego, Labette county, Kansas, where his parents lived, died and are buried, then removed to Carthage, Jasper county, Missouri where his sister Harriette and husband, Carl Raymond GRAY (later vice-chairman of Union Pacific RR), were living (1890-1896)&(1898-1899) and where his two daughters were born while living on Howard street. 1900, building their new home on south Main street.
When they lived on Howard avenue June 11, 1898, nine y/o nephew Carl R GRAY, jr fell out of their Cherry tree, to wit:
"Little Carl Gray, the son of C. R. Gray, division superintendent of the Frisco was painfully hurt yesterday by falling from a cherry tree at the home of his uncle, Dr. W. W. Flora on Howard Ave. Mrs. C. R. Gray [sister, Harriette Flora] was visiting there with her son, and was going over to Monett with Mr. Gray this morning to see about getting a house to live in after the first of next month. Mr. Gray was telegraphed at Neodesha. He arrived this morning.
"Little Carl was up in the tree hunting cherries, and when he fell he struck plump on his stomach. The agony occasioned was frightful and Drs. Thomas and Post were summoned. The injury done was to the stomach and chest, and the posterior lobe of the brain seemed to be inflamed this morning. Dr. Thomas said this morning that the boy was not seriously hurt." ~ from The Carthage Press, ---- Maude, Mrs FLORA, being seven months pregnant with her second daughter, my mother, Frances Elizabeth.
"Will" was the second following Judge Nelson Case, and a two term president of the Y M C A at Oswego, Kansas before moving to Carthage, Missouri where he again became president of their new Y M C A, working with others such as mayor W W CALHOUN, Dr. KNIGHT, Dr. MATTHEWS, Judge Waters and C. F. McELROY. Dr. FLORA was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Y M C A, before moving to Colorado Springs, Colorado to continue his Y M C A interest, and where he lived until passing away at oldest daughter's Pueblo, Colorado home.
SOURCE of following: Mornin' Mail archives, whose dates are not always correct.
Additionally was very much involved in the successes and operation of the Y M C A starting about 1892 when my maternal grandfather, Dr W W Flora, moved to Carthage with his bride in 1892. He had served as the second president of Oswego, Kansas Y M C A in 1891 & 1892, and served Carthage until, due to wife's health, they went to Colorado Springs, Colorado where he continued his work with their Y M C A.
While president here in 1897, the State of Missouri Y M C A meeting was held in Carthage. Also from archives of the Mornin' News are the following:
14 February 1901:
L. S. DURHAM Y.M.C.A. President.
Unanimously Chosen at Yesterday's Monthly Meeting.
At the Y.M.C.A. directors' meeting yesterday at 5 p.m., Lee S. Durham was unanimously elected president in recognition of his services in the recent membership contest, as well as his general fitness for the position. Dr. Flora is the retiring executive. Mr. Durham was not present yesterday and will be inaugurated at the next meeting.
Secretary Spencer's monthly report was heard at yesterday's meeting, and Sec'y Spencer and Dr. W. S. Knight were elected delegates to the Moberly convention. Sec'y Spencer left last night, but Dr. Knight will not attend.
_______________
14 October 1901:
Y.M.C.A. ELECTION FRIDAY.
Retiring Directors and Nominees for the Vacant Positions.
Four directors for the Y.M.C.A. are to be chosen Friday evening at the regular election from 7 to 9 o'clock. The retiring directors are Jas. S. Ross, T. C. Hodson and Dr. Flora, with Robt. Orchard's place yet to fill. The candidates named by the committee for the four vacancies are Mayor Ross, Dr. Flora, H. L. Bright, R. J. Clatlin, H. A. Montague, Will D. Blake and W. A. Kennedy.
________________
11 December 1902:
MISSIONARY FUND DIVIDED.
Goes to Aid King's Daughters Hospital and the Y.M.C.A.
The Union Missionary Society of Carthage has found a way to dispose of its surplus funds in a laudable home work. It was decided to divide the funds on hand between the local Y.M.C.A. and the hospital fund of the King's Daughters.
Mrs. Byron Morgan treasurer of the Union Missionary Society yesterday presented President Flora of the Y.M.C.A. a check for a substantial sum, and it is understood that the King's Daughters also received their portion of the fund yesterday. The latter will apply their money to the hospital, which is eventually to be built and for which they have on hand over $2,000, while the Y.M.C.A. fund will be applied to the general work.
1902
NEW FEATURES AT THE Y.M.C.A.
The Y.M.C.A. is to inaugurate several new features in the very near future.
A Bible class, to meet weekly, will be organized next week, under charge of Judge W. H. Waters.
The social committees met this afternoon to arrange a regular monthly social, the first to be held Friday night of next week at the rooms.
Secretary Spencer is arranging for a course of his weekly evening lectures, to be given at the rooms by business and professional men of Carthage.
James Luke, who owns the Y.M.C.A. building, put a plasterer at work today repairing and re-papering the gymnasium, which has been more or less damaged by basketball, Indian clubs, etc.
It is the intention of Physical Director Wood to organize four gymnastic classes at
once.
________________
18 September 1902:
REARICK GOES TO GALESBURG.
Successor to Y.M.C.A. Secretary to be a Local Man.
H. C. Rearick, the retiring secretary of the Carthage Y.M.C.A. announces that he will sever his connection here a week from tomorrow, and will then go to Galesburg,Ill., where he will embark in the hardware business for the next year at least.
He goes, he says, because he has not met with the encouragement expected here, and because he was not accomplishing what he wanted to.
It is said Mr. Rearick's successor as secretary here is to be a local man, and that the board of managers now have his appointment under consideration.
President Flora is in Kansas City today, however, and the name of the new man will not be ready to announce for several days yet.
1 December 1898 dd
"Judge J D Perkins [Marlin Perkins father] and Dr W W Flora are each planning to build residences in the spring but have not yet decided on plans or location."
In 1900 Dr FLORA had their new home built on east side of south Main street between G A ROSE's built home and the new one of R B Peebles, who shared a tennis court in their backyards, his being third lot south of Paradise alley, said alley once extending west along south side of James LUKE's new home across street at now 1335. Little was it known then, that neighbor Luke's niece's (whom he brought from England and held her 1898 wedding in his new home), first born of 1899, Luke J BOGGESS, would in 1921 marry Dr FLORA's second born, Frances Elizabeth, they becoming my parents 15 February 1927.
2 April 1901: (Mornin' Mail)
Dr. W. W. Flora, while in Kansas City Saturday, was near at hand on Ninth street when Bud Taylor shot his sweetheart, Miss Nollard, and saw the crowd that attempted to lynch the
________________________
CARTHAGE EVENING PRESS
July 8, 1903
A NEW DENTAL FIRM
Dr. J. H. Schlecht Buys a One-Half Interest of Dr. Flora
Dr. J. H. Schlecht, the well known Carthage young man who graduated with honors from the Western Dental College a few months ago, has purchased a one-half interest in the extensive dental business of Dr. W. W. Flora.
Dr. Schlecht is recognized among professional men as a dentist of unusual skill having received the highest honors that his alma mater could bestow at his recent graduation. Besides ranking highest in a class of seventy-five members he was awarded a $50 gold medal for extraordinary proficiency in crown and bridge work.
The young man has a multitude of friends here in his home city who will wish him genuine success in his professional career.
Both Schlecht articles found 2012 by N Brewer of Carthage.
CARTHAGE EVENING PRESS
SPECIAL EDITION MAY 1905
J. H. SCHLECHT, D.D.S.
Successor in Business to Dr. Flora and One of the Leading Dentists of Carthage
Article found July 2011 by N Brewer of Carthage, states he began with Dr Flora (1971KS-1922CO) upon graduation from same dental school, which Methodist church started, Western Dental College in Kansas City, then about 1900 opened his own office in Crane building, later purchasing Dr Flora's practice when in 1904 Flora removed family west to Colorado Springs for his wife's health. 1902 City Directory has Dr W W Flora at 401-1/2 south Main, which was the Carthage National Bank building built by R Roessler & sons, E E the "photogapher" and Julius, the "boot & shoe" man, then later sold to W S Crane, which the bank in 1921 merged with, the first bank of Carthage, 1868 created Bank of Carthage now, the Bank of America.
6 October 1903, brother-in-law Carl Gray was in Carthage on business and had Dr W W Flora aboard his private railroad car for dinner, Flora's family were in Colorado for the summer.
16 October 1903, Dr Flora was teaching in Kansas City at his alma mater, Western Dental College (now University of Missouri-Kansas City College of Dentistry) where his wife plus their two daughters were to return from summering in Colorado then the family would return to Carthage. A few days later, then on the 24th, his sister and her hubby picked them up in Carl's private railroad car and traveled to Oswego, Kansas to visit their father, afore mentioned step-mother, her daughter, a step-sister and other friends.
SOURCE: Carthage Evening Press as found one hundred and nine years after published, October 2012 by Nancy Brewer of Carthage, Missouri.
Removed family to Colorado Springs, El Paso county, Colorado in 1904 for his wife's health and to live out their lives, he till 1922, she 1940.
By 1909 he had an eight room suite for his dental office, specializing in bridge & crown work, on 7th floor of Exchange National Bank building with a fantastic view of the old Antlers Hotel, the mountains and of Pikes Peak from his operating room.
Census 1910, age 39, Colorado Springs, El Paso county, Colorado with wife & two daughters, at 2129 north Nevada, a dentist.
Census: 1920, age 48 Colorado Springs, El Paso county, Colorado with wife & two daughters at 2129 north Nevada, a dentist.
Obituary: (transcribed, 03/01/06,wsb)
Copy from Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs) Public Library
THE COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE
Sunday, November 12, 1922
HOLD FUNERAL
OF DR. FLORA
HERE TODAY
Name Active and Honorary
Pallbearers; Will Be
Held This Afternoon
at 3 o'Clock
The funeral of Dr W W Flora will be held at the First Methodist church at 3 o'clock this afternoon, the Rev C B Wilcox officiating, Bernard Vessey will sing, assisted by Fritz Funk on the violin.
Dr Flora is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs Guy Hopkins of Pueblo and Mrs Luke Boggess of Kansas City, and sister Mrs Carl Gray, wife of president of Union Pacific railway, of New York city. [his father John, Oswego, Kansas and brother Clarence, Oklahoma City]
The active pallbearers are W H Spurgeon, C A Hibbard, O H Hemenway, T P Barber, Dr Edwin L Backus, and W R Armstrong.
The honorary pallbearers are William Lennox, Dr W H Sinton, E B Simmons, N S Gandy of Pasadena, Calif., Dr Frederick S McKay of New York city, Dr W F Marin, Dr V W Laughlin and Dr E N Wester.
Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery.
Additional Comments:
William Walter FLORA was born 23 Nov 1871, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas to John Andrew FLORA (1845IN-1934KS) and Mary Elizabeth SHULTS (1851OH-1874KS), raised by his maternal grandmother Harriet Catherine SHULTS (1824NY-1905KS) after mother's death "till young manhood (1885)", daughters born Carthage, Missouri(ah) moved to Colorado Springs 1904 for his wife's health. Active in Methodist church and Y M C A affairs, a golfer and tennis player. Father John A FLORA was living at Oswego, Kansas died 1934, brother Clarence FLORA in Oklahoma City died 1924. Older sister Harriette FLORA was reportedly " ...first white child born in Montgomery county." which at the time was Osage Indian Ceeded Lands until 1870, died 1956 in Maine, infant sister Jennie lived one month and is completely unknown.
Last revised 07-27-14.
Prepared in part by Bill Boggess.
__________________________________
UPDATED 2 SEPT 2020
PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
Sat Nov 11 1922 Page 10
Dr. William Walter Flora, age 50 years, died Friday morning at 1912 Court St. Dr. Flora had been visiting his daughter, Mrs. Harriet Flora Hopkins for the past four weeks. He is also survived by a daughter, Mrs. Francis Flora Boggess of Kansas City, Mo. He was a member of the First Methodist church, El Paso Lodge A.F. & A.M. and the Modern Woodmen of America all of Colorado Springs. The body will be forwarded Saturday at noon by the United Davis-Vories Und. Co. to Colorado Springs for interment accompanied by Relatives.
Transcribed by contributor
Vaughn Mavir
Birth: one of four known children in Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas, which had been Osage Indian territory from 1825 till 1870, s/o Kansas pioneer, John Andrew FLORA, a Civil War veteran, also, his paternal grandfather, Rev John FLORA, at age sixty-one became a two year Civil War veteran, his mother being, Mary Elizabeth SCHULTS, whose maternal g,grandfather was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. His family had 101% pure German blood.
The book, Little Journeys to the Homes of Prominent Dentists has a tribute to Dr W W Flora published more than one-hundred years ago, found on pages 369 to 376, with his photo on 370, including photographs of his office, plus its floor plan. Article reveals Dr Flora's professional life story starting with his 1896 graduation from Kansas City, Missouri's Western Dental College, now University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, where he taught before removing to Colorado Springs in 1904 for wife's health. Tells of him being director of Colorado Springs National Bank, in which he originally owned five percent (bank was sold in 1985 for $100 per share), of serving as president of the Young Men's Christian Association (Y M C A), an office which he held, first at Oswego, Kansas then at Carthage, Missouri and was most active in his Methodist church. He taught at the local Beth El Hospital School for Nurses, along side other local doctors. Included in his outside interests were tennis, golf and automobiling, owning one of the first automobiles in town, a REO (Oldsmobile).
SIBLINGS:
"Will" had three siblings, a three year older brother, Clarence Morton , a shirt factory owner, married three times last with two sons, last living in Oklahoma City, a two year older sister, "Hattie A", married with three sons last living in Thomaston, Maine, and a sister, Jennie G, who survived but one month, mysteriously buried with their mother at Americus cemetery, Lyon county, Kansas.
Census (Kansas): 1875, age 3 Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas with maternal grandmother (his mother died year before), two maternal uncles & two siblings.
Year following his mother's demise his two paternal uncles, Wolney Pulaski ("V P") and Daniel Rice Boone FLORA with their families from Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Kansas in 1875 struck out for the Territory of Colorado's high country, the Lake City, Hinsdale county area, where silver and gold had been discovered. Grant E HOUSTON, President, Hinsdale County, Colorado Historical Society, wrote (12/30/05):
"Both families [Flora & Borie] are well known here in Lake City and were among the real pioneers of our region, particularly up around Capitol City and Rose's Cabin, both of which are now ghost towns. Mrs. ["V P"] FLORA was also extensively interested at various times in Lake City hotels and boarding houses, including the boarding house of the Ute-Ulay Mine on Henson Creek. Her Second Street boarding house between Gunnison and Silver Streets still exists, although it has been moved about a block from its original location."
His paternal grandfather had remarried after loss of 1st wife, raising a second family in Indiana, passing away in 1876 after falling from an apple tree.
His widowed father remarried in 1878, four years following loss of first wife Mary. Sister "Hattie A", age nine, with older brother Clarence, moved east 30 miles to Oswego, Labette county, Kansas, with father, new step-mother, older step-brother & step-sister but ~ ~ without "Will", who remained behind being raised by their maternal grandmother near Liberty until around 1885, who then removed to Oswego, the year before sister "Hattie A" married.
Census: 1880, age 8 Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas with maternal grandmother & one of her sons.
Census (Kansas): 1885, age 13 Oswego, Labette county, Kansas with father, step-mother, two siblings and host of hotel guests including Carl Raymond GRAY, in Condon Hotel (Burgess Hotel, 1934) operated by his father.
Will's wedding, required his father's consent, to wit:
From:
The Labette County Times-Statesman, (courtesy Kim Baker)
Oswego, Kansas,
August 25, 1892, page 4, col 1:
"Mr. Will Flora and Miss Maude Wallack (sic) were married last Sunday at Carthage, Mo. The happy couple will make Oswego their home. The Times-Statesman wish them a long and happy married life."
From: The Labette County Democrat (courtesy Kim Baker),
Oswego, Kansas,
Thursday,August 25, page 3, col.1:
"W.W. Flora and Miss Maude Wallack (sic) were married in Carthage, Mo., last Sunday. Mr. Flora is associated with I.R. Fisher in the grocery business and is a young man of exemplary habits and good business qualifications. His bride has been in Chicago for the past year, but is well known in our city and is esteemed for her many good qualities. "Will" and "Maude" enter upon their wedding life under the most favorable auspices, and with the good will of their many friends."
Occurring thirteen days following the Oswego funeral of Maude's first cousin, Alice (Kingsbury) FLORA ~ ~, first wife of Will's brother Clarence.
His sister and her hubby were first signed on the wedding registration, and she most likely was the one arranging the wedding in Carthage with the most reverend William Sims KNIGHT, D D of the Presbyterian church, officiating.
Census: 1900, age 29 Carthage, Jasper county, Missouri, with wife & two children, (at current, 1346 south Main) address not given, a dentist with office at 401 south Main Street (street addresses from 1902 City Directory).
Reportedly, first home was in Oswego, Labette county, Kansas, where his parents lived, died and are buried, then removed to Carthage, Jasper county, Missouri where his sister Harriette and husband, Carl Raymond GRAY (later vice-chairman of Union Pacific RR), were living (1890-1896)&(1898-1899) and where his two daughters were born while living on Howard street. 1900, building their new home on south Main street.
When they lived on Howard avenue June 11, 1898, nine y/o nephew Carl R GRAY, jr fell out of their Cherry tree, to wit:
"Little Carl Gray, the son of C. R. Gray, division superintendent of the Frisco was painfully hurt yesterday by falling from a cherry tree at the home of his uncle, Dr. W. W. Flora on Howard Ave. Mrs. C. R. Gray [sister, Harriette Flora] was visiting there with her son, and was going over to Monett with Mr. Gray this morning to see about getting a house to live in after the first of next month. Mr. Gray was telegraphed at Neodesha. He arrived this morning.
"Little Carl was up in the tree hunting cherries, and when he fell he struck plump on his stomach. The agony occasioned was frightful and Drs. Thomas and Post were summoned. The injury done was to the stomach and chest, and the posterior lobe of the brain seemed to be inflamed this morning. Dr. Thomas said this morning that the boy was not seriously hurt." ~ from The Carthage Press, ---- Maude, Mrs FLORA, being seven months pregnant with her second daughter, my mother, Frances Elizabeth.
"Will" was the second following Judge Nelson Case, and a two term president of the Y M C A at Oswego, Kansas before moving to Carthage, Missouri where he again became president of their new Y M C A, working with others such as mayor W W CALHOUN, Dr. KNIGHT, Dr. MATTHEWS, Judge Waters and C. F. McELROY. Dr. FLORA was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Y M C A, before moving to Colorado Springs, Colorado to continue his Y M C A interest, and where he lived until passing away at oldest daughter's Pueblo, Colorado home.
SOURCE of following: Mornin' Mail archives, whose dates are not always correct.
Additionally was very much involved in the successes and operation of the Y M C A starting about 1892 when my maternal grandfather, Dr W W Flora, moved to Carthage with his bride in 1892. He had served as the second president of Oswego, Kansas Y M C A in 1891 & 1892, and served Carthage until, due to wife's health, they went to Colorado Springs, Colorado where he continued his work with their Y M C A.
While president here in 1897, the State of Missouri Y M C A meeting was held in Carthage. Also from archives of the Mornin' News are the following:
14 February 1901:
L. S. DURHAM Y.M.C.A. President.
Unanimously Chosen at Yesterday's Monthly Meeting.
At the Y.M.C.A. directors' meeting yesterday at 5 p.m., Lee S. Durham was unanimously elected president in recognition of his services in the recent membership contest, as well as his general fitness for the position. Dr. Flora is the retiring executive. Mr. Durham was not present yesterday and will be inaugurated at the next meeting.
Secretary Spencer's monthly report was heard at yesterday's meeting, and Sec'y Spencer and Dr. W. S. Knight were elected delegates to the Moberly convention. Sec'y Spencer left last night, but Dr. Knight will not attend.
_______________
14 October 1901:
Y.M.C.A. ELECTION FRIDAY.
Retiring Directors and Nominees for the Vacant Positions.
Four directors for the Y.M.C.A. are to be chosen Friday evening at the regular election from 7 to 9 o'clock. The retiring directors are Jas. S. Ross, T. C. Hodson and Dr. Flora, with Robt. Orchard's place yet to fill. The candidates named by the committee for the four vacancies are Mayor Ross, Dr. Flora, H. L. Bright, R. J. Clatlin, H. A. Montague, Will D. Blake and W. A. Kennedy.
________________
11 December 1902:
MISSIONARY FUND DIVIDED.
Goes to Aid King's Daughters Hospital and the Y.M.C.A.
The Union Missionary Society of Carthage has found a way to dispose of its surplus funds in a laudable home work. It was decided to divide the funds on hand between the local Y.M.C.A. and the hospital fund of the King's Daughters.
Mrs. Byron Morgan treasurer of the Union Missionary Society yesterday presented President Flora of the Y.M.C.A. a check for a substantial sum, and it is understood that the King's Daughters also received their portion of the fund yesterday. The latter will apply their money to the hospital, which is eventually to be built and for which they have on hand over $2,000, while the Y.M.C.A. fund will be applied to the general work.
1902
NEW FEATURES AT THE Y.M.C.A.
The Y.M.C.A. is to inaugurate several new features in the very near future.
A Bible class, to meet weekly, will be organized next week, under charge of Judge W. H. Waters.
The social committees met this afternoon to arrange a regular monthly social, the first to be held Friday night of next week at the rooms.
Secretary Spencer is arranging for a course of his weekly evening lectures, to be given at the rooms by business and professional men of Carthage.
James Luke, who owns the Y.M.C.A. building, put a plasterer at work today repairing and re-papering the gymnasium, which has been more or less damaged by basketball, Indian clubs, etc.
It is the intention of Physical Director Wood to organize four gymnastic classes at
once.
________________
18 September 1902:
REARICK GOES TO GALESBURG.
Successor to Y.M.C.A. Secretary to be a Local Man.
H. C. Rearick, the retiring secretary of the Carthage Y.M.C.A. announces that he will sever his connection here a week from tomorrow, and will then go to Galesburg,Ill., where he will embark in the hardware business for the next year at least.
He goes, he says, because he has not met with the encouragement expected here, and because he was not accomplishing what he wanted to.
It is said Mr. Rearick's successor as secretary here is to be a local man, and that the board of managers now have his appointment under consideration.
President Flora is in Kansas City today, however, and the name of the new man will not be ready to announce for several days yet.
1 December 1898 dd
"Judge J D Perkins [Marlin Perkins father] and Dr W W Flora are each planning to build residences in the spring but have not yet decided on plans or location."
In 1900 Dr FLORA had their new home built on east side of south Main street between G A ROSE's built home and the new one of R B Peebles, who shared a tennis court in their backyards, his being third lot south of Paradise alley, said alley once extending west along south side of James LUKE's new home across street at now 1335. Little was it known then, that neighbor Luke's niece's (whom he brought from England and held her 1898 wedding in his new home), first born of 1899, Luke J BOGGESS, would in 1921 marry Dr FLORA's second born, Frances Elizabeth, they becoming my parents 15 February 1927.
2 April 1901: (Mornin' Mail)
Dr. W. W. Flora, while in Kansas City Saturday, was near at hand on Ninth street when Bud Taylor shot his sweetheart, Miss Nollard, and saw the crowd that attempted to lynch the
________________________
CARTHAGE EVENING PRESS
July 8, 1903
A NEW DENTAL FIRM
Dr. J. H. Schlecht Buys a One-Half Interest of Dr. Flora
Dr. J. H. Schlecht, the well known Carthage young man who graduated with honors from the Western Dental College a few months ago, has purchased a one-half interest in the extensive dental business of Dr. W. W. Flora.
Dr. Schlecht is recognized among professional men as a dentist of unusual skill having received the highest honors that his alma mater could bestow at his recent graduation. Besides ranking highest in a class of seventy-five members he was awarded a $50 gold medal for extraordinary proficiency in crown and bridge work.
The young man has a multitude of friends here in his home city who will wish him genuine success in his professional career.
Both Schlecht articles found 2012 by N Brewer of Carthage.
CARTHAGE EVENING PRESS
SPECIAL EDITION MAY 1905
J. H. SCHLECHT, D.D.S.
Successor in Business to Dr. Flora and One of the Leading Dentists of Carthage
Article found July 2011 by N Brewer of Carthage, states he began with Dr Flora (1971KS-1922CO) upon graduation from same dental school, which Methodist church started, Western Dental College in Kansas City, then about 1900 opened his own office in Crane building, later purchasing Dr Flora's practice when in 1904 Flora removed family west to Colorado Springs for his wife's health. 1902 City Directory has Dr W W Flora at 401-1/2 south Main, which was the Carthage National Bank building built by R Roessler & sons, E E the "photogapher" and Julius, the "boot & shoe" man, then later sold to W S Crane, which the bank in 1921 merged with, the first bank of Carthage, 1868 created Bank of Carthage now, the Bank of America.
6 October 1903, brother-in-law Carl Gray was in Carthage on business and had Dr W W Flora aboard his private railroad car for dinner, Flora's family were in Colorado for the summer.
16 October 1903, Dr Flora was teaching in Kansas City at his alma mater, Western Dental College (now University of Missouri-Kansas City College of Dentistry) where his wife plus their two daughters were to return from summering in Colorado then the family would return to Carthage. A few days later, then on the 24th, his sister and her hubby picked them up in Carl's private railroad car and traveled to Oswego, Kansas to visit their father, afore mentioned step-mother, her daughter, a step-sister and other friends.
SOURCE: Carthage Evening Press as found one hundred and nine years after published, October 2012 by Nancy Brewer of Carthage, Missouri.
Removed family to Colorado Springs, El Paso county, Colorado in 1904 for his wife's health and to live out their lives, he till 1922, she 1940.
By 1909 he had an eight room suite for his dental office, specializing in bridge & crown work, on 7th floor of Exchange National Bank building with a fantastic view of the old Antlers Hotel, the mountains and of Pikes Peak from his operating room.
Census 1910, age 39, Colorado Springs, El Paso county, Colorado with wife & two daughters, at 2129 north Nevada, a dentist.
Census: 1920, age 48 Colorado Springs, El Paso county, Colorado with wife & two daughters at 2129 north Nevada, a dentist.
Obituary: (transcribed, 03/01/06,wsb)
Copy from Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs) Public Library
THE COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE
Sunday, November 12, 1922
HOLD FUNERAL
OF DR. FLORA
HERE TODAY
Name Active and Honorary
Pallbearers; Will Be
Held This Afternoon
at 3 o'Clock
The funeral of Dr W W Flora will be held at the First Methodist church at 3 o'clock this afternoon, the Rev C B Wilcox officiating, Bernard Vessey will sing, assisted by Fritz Funk on the violin.
Dr Flora is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs Guy Hopkins of Pueblo and Mrs Luke Boggess of Kansas City, and sister Mrs Carl Gray, wife of president of Union Pacific railway, of New York city. [his father John, Oswego, Kansas and brother Clarence, Oklahoma City]
The active pallbearers are W H Spurgeon, C A Hibbard, O H Hemenway, T P Barber, Dr Edwin L Backus, and W R Armstrong.
The honorary pallbearers are William Lennox, Dr W H Sinton, E B Simmons, N S Gandy of Pasadena, Calif., Dr Frederick S McKay of New York city, Dr W F Marin, Dr V W Laughlin and Dr E N Wester.
Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery.
Additional Comments:
William Walter FLORA was born 23 Nov 1871, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas to John Andrew FLORA (1845IN-1934KS) and Mary Elizabeth SHULTS (1851OH-1874KS), raised by his maternal grandmother Harriet Catherine SHULTS (1824NY-1905KS) after mother's death "till young manhood (1885)", daughters born Carthage, Missouri(ah) moved to Colorado Springs 1904 for his wife's health. Active in Methodist church and Y M C A affairs, a golfer and tennis player. Father John A FLORA was living at Oswego, Kansas died 1934, brother Clarence FLORA in Oklahoma City died 1924. Older sister Harriette FLORA was reportedly " ...first white child born in Montgomery county." which at the time was Osage Indian Ceeded Lands until 1870, died 1956 in Maine, infant sister Jennie lived one month and is completely unknown.
Last revised 07-27-14.
Prepared in part by Bill Boggess.
__________________________________
UPDATED 2 SEPT 2020
PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
Sat Nov 11 1922 Page 10
Dr. William Walter Flora, age 50 years, died Friday morning at 1912 Court St. Dr. Flora had been visiting his daughter, Mrs. Harriet Flora Hopkins for the past four weeks. He is also survived by a daughter, Mrs. Francis Flora Boggess of Kansas City, Mo. He was a member of the First Methodist church, El Paso Lodge A.F. & A.M. and the Modern Woodmen of America all of Colorado Springs. The body will be forwarded Saturday at noon by the United Davis-Vories Und. Co. to Colorado Springs for interment accompanied by Relatives.
Transcribed by contributor
Vaughn Mavir
h/o orphan, Maude WALLICK.
Birth: one of four known children in Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas, which had been Osage Indian territory from 1825 till 1870, s/o Kansas pioneer, John Andrew FLORA, a Civil War veteran, also, his paternal grandfather, Rev John FLORA, at age sixty-one became a two year Civil War veteran, his mother being, Mary Elizabeth SCHULTS, whose maternal g,grandfather was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. His family had 101% pure German blood.
The book, Little Journeys to the Homes of Prominent Dentists has a tribute to Dr W W Flora published more than one-hundred years ago, found on pages 369 to 376, with his photo on 370, including photographs of his office, plus its floor plan. Article reveals Dr Flora's professional life story starting with his 1896 graduation from Kansas City, Missouri's Western Dental College, now University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, where he taught before removing to Colorado Springs in 1904 for wife's health. Tells of him being director of Colorado Springs National Bank, in which he originally owned five percent (bank was sold in 1985 for $100 per share), of serving as president of the Young Men's Christian Association (Y M C A), an office which he held, first at Oswego, Kansas then at Carthage, Missouri and was most active in his Methodist church. He taught at the local Beth El Hospital School for Nurses, along side other local doctors. Included in his outside interests were tennis, golf and automobiling, owning one of the first automobiles in town, a REO (Oldsmobile).
SIBLINGS:
"Will" had three siblings, a three year older brother, Clarence Morton , a shirt factory owner, married three times last with two sons, last living in Oklahoma City, a two year older sister, "Hattie A", married with three sons last living in Thomaston, Maine, and a sister, Jennie G, who survived but one month, mysteriously buried with their mother at Americus cemetery, Lyon county, Kansas.
Census (Kansas): 1875, age 3 Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas with maternal grandmother (his mother died year before), two maternal uncles & two siblings.
Year following his mother's demise his two paternal uncles, Wolney Pulaski ("V P") and Daniel Rice Boone FLORA with their families from Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Kansas in 1875 struck out for the Territory of Colorado's high country, the Lake City, Hinsdale county area, where silver and gold had been discovered. Grant E HOUSTON, President, Hinsdale County, Colorado Historical Society, wrote (12/30/05):
"Both families [Flora & Borie] are well known here in Lake City and were among the real pioneers of our region, particularly up around Capitol City and Rose's Cabin, both of which are now ghost towns. Mrs. ["V P"] FLORA was also extensively interested at various times in Lake City hotels and boarding houses, including the boarding house of the Ute-Ulay Mine on Henson Creek. Her Second Street boarding house between Gunnison and Silver Streets still exists, although it has been moved about a block from its original location."
His paternal grandfather had remarried after loss of 1st wife, raising a second family in Indiana, passing away in 1876 after falling from an apple tree.
His widowed father remarried in 1878, four years following loss of first wife Mary. Sister "Hattie A", age nine, with older brother Clarence, moved east 30 miles to Oswego, Labette county, Kansas, with father, new step-mother, older step-brother & step-sister but ~ ~ without "Will", who remained behind being raised by their maternal grandmother near Liberty until around 1885, who then removed to Oswego, the year before sister "Hattie A" married.
Census: 1880, age 8 Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas with maternal grandmother & one of her sons.
Census (Kansas): 1885, age 13 Oswego, Labette county, Kansas with father, step-mother, two siblings and host of hotel guests including Carl Raymond GRAY, in Condon Hotel (Burgess Hotel, 1934) operated by his father.
Will's wedding, required his father's consent, to wit:
From:
The Labette County Times-Statesman, (courtesy Kim Baker)
Oswego, Kansas,
August 25, 1892, page 4, col 1:
"Mr. Will Flora and Miss Maude Wallack (sic) were married last Sunday at Carthage, Mo. The happy couple will make Oswego their home. The Times-Statesman wish them a long and happy married life."
From: The Labette County Democrat (courtesy Kim Baker),
Oswego, Kansas,
Thursday,August 25, page 3, col.1:
"W.W. Flora and Miss Maude Wallack (sic) were married in Carthage, Mo., last Sunday. Mr. Flora is associated with I.R. Fisher in the grocery business and is a young man of exemplary habits and good business qualifications. His bride has been in Chicago for the past year, but is well known in our city and is esteemed for her many good qualities. "Will" and "Maude" enter upon their wedding life under the most favorable auspices, and with the good will of their many friends."
Occurring thirteen days following the Oswego funeral of Maude's first cousin, Alice (Kingsbury) FLORA ~ ~, first wife of Will's brother Clarence.
His sister and her hubby were first signed on the wedding registration, and she most likely was the one arranging the wedding in Carthage with the most reverend William Sims KNIGHT, D D of the Presbyterian church, officiating.
Census: 1900, age 29 Carthage, Jasper county, Missouri, with wife & two children, (at current, 1346 south Main) address not given, a dentist with office at 401 south Main Street (street addresses from 1902 City Directory).
Reportedly, first home was in Oswego, Labette county, Kansas, where his parents lived, died and are buried, then removed to Carthage, Jasper county, Missouri where his sister Harriette and husband, Carl Raymond GRAY (later vice-chairman of Union Pacific RR), were living (1890-1896)&(1898-1899) and where his two daughters were born while living on Howard street. 1900, building their new home on south Main street.
When they lived on Howard avenue June 11, 1898, nine y/o nephew Carl R GRAY, jr fell out of their Cherry tree, to wit:
"Little Carl Gray, the son of C. R. Gray, division superintendent of the Frisco was painfully hurt yesterday by falling from a cherry tree at the home of his uncle, Dr. W. W. Flora on Howard Ave. Mrs. C. R. Gray [sister, Harriette Flora] was visiting there with her son, and was going over to Monett with Mr. Gray this morning to see about getting a house to live in after the first of next month. Mr. Gray was telegraphed at Neodesha. He arrived this morning.
"Little Carl was up in the tree hunting cherries, and when he fell he struck plump on his stomach. The agony occasioned was frightful and Drs. Thomas and Post were summoned. The injury done was to the stomach and chest, and the posterior lobe of the brain seemed to be inflamed this morning. Dr. Thomas said this morning that the boy was not seriously hurt." ~ from The Carthage Press, ---- Maude, Mrs FLORA, being seven months pregnant with her second daughter, my mother, Frances Elizabeth.
"Will" was the second following Judge Nelson Case, and a two term president of the Y M C A at Oswego, Kansas before moving to Carthage, Missouri where he again became president of their new Y M C A, working with others such as mayor W W CALHOUN, Dr. KNIGHT, Dr. MATTHEWS, Judge Waters and C. F. McELROY. Dr. FLORA was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Y M C A, before moving to Colorado Springs, Colorado to continue his Y M C A interest, and where he lived until passing away at oldest daughter's Pueblo, Colorado home.
SOURCE of following: Mornin' Mail archives, whose dates are not always correct.
Additionally was very much involved in the successes and operation of the Y M C A starting about 1892 when my maternal grandfather, Dr W W Flora, moved to Carthage with his bride in 1892. He had served as the second president of Oswego, Kansas Y M C A in 1891 & 1892, and served Carthage until, due to wife's health, they went to Colorado Springs, Colorado where he continued his work with their Y M C A.
While president here in 1897, the State of Missouri Y M C A meeting was held in Carthage. Also from archives of the Mornin' News are the following:
14 February 1901:
L. S. DURHAM Y.M.C.A. President.
Unanimously Chosen at Yesterday's Monthly Meeting.
At the Y.M.C.A. directors' meeting yesterday at 5 p.m., Lee S. Durham was unanimously elected president in recognition of his services in the recent membership contest, as well as his general fitness for the position. Dr. Flora is the retiring executive. Mr. Durham was not present yesterday and will be inaugurated at the next meeting.
Secretary Spencer's monthly report was heard at yesterday's meeting, and Sec'y Spencer and Dr. W. S. Knight were elected delegates to the Moberly convention. Sec'y Spencer left last night, but Dr. Knight will not attend.
_______________
14 October 1901:
Y.M.C.A. ELECTION FRIDAY.
Retiring Directors and Nominees for the Vacant Positions.
Four directors for the Y.M.C.A. are to be chosen Friday evening at the regular election from 7 to 9 o'clock. The retiring directors are Jas. S. Ross, T. C. Hodson and Dr. Flora, with Robt. Orchard's place yet to fill. The candidates named by the committee for the four vacancies are Mayor Ross, Dr. Flora, H. L. Bright, R. J. Clatlin, H. A. Montague, Will D. Blake and W. A. Kennedy.
________________
11 December 1902:
MISSIONARY FUND DIVIDED.
Goes to Aid King's Daughters Hospital and the Y.M.C.A.
The Union Missionary Society of Carthage has found a way to dispose of its surplus funds in a laudable home work. It was decided to divide the funds on hand between the local Y.M.C.A. and the hospital fund of the King's Daughters.
Mrs. Byron Morgan treasurer of the Union Missionary Society yesterday presented President Flora of the Y.M.C.A. a check for a substantial sum, and it is understood that the King's Daughters also received their portion of the fund yesterday. The latter will apply their money to the hospital, which is eventually to be built and for which they have on hand over $2,000, while the Y.M.C.A. fund will be applied to the general work.
1902
NEW FEATURES AT THE Y.M.C.A.
The Y.M.C.A. is to inaugurate several new features in the very near future.
A Bible class, to meet weekly, will be organized next week, under charge of Judge W. H. Waters.
The social committees met this afternoon to arrange a regular monthly social, the first to be held Friday night of next week at the rooms.
Secretary Spencer is arranging for a course of his weekly evening lectures, to be given at the rooms by business and professional men of Carthage.
James Luke, who owns the Y.M.C.A. building, put a plasterer at work today repairing and re-papering the gymnasium, which has been more or less damaged by basketball, Indian clubs, etc.
It is the intention of Physical Director Wood to organize four gymnastic classes at
once.
________________
18 September 1902:
REARICK GOES TO GALESBURG.
Successor to Y.M.C.A. Secretary to be a Local Man.
H. C. Rearick, the retiring secretary of the Carthage Y.M.C.A. announces that he will sever his connection here a week from tomorrow, and will then go to Galesburg,Ill., where he will embark in the hardware business for the next year at least.
He goes, he says, because he has not met with the encouragement expected here, and because he was not accomplishing what he wanted to.
It is said Mr. Rearick's successor as secretary here is to be a local man, and that the board of managers now have his appointment under consideration.
President Flora is in Kansas City today, however, and the name of the new man will not be ready to announce for several days yet.
1 December 1898 dd
"Judge J D Perkins [Marlin Perkins father] and Dr W W Flora are each planning to build residences in the spring but have not yet decided on plans or location."
In 1900 Dr FLORA had their new home built on east side of south Main street between G A ROSE's built home and the new one of R B Peebles, who shared a tennis court in their backyards, his being third lot south of Paradise alley, said alley once extending west along south side of James LUKE's new home across street at now 1335. Little was it known then, that neighbor Luke's niece's (whom he brought from England and held her 1898 wedding in his new home), first born of 1899, Luke J BOGGESS, would in 1921 marry Dr FLORA's second born, Frances Elizabeth, they becoming my parents 15 February 1927.
2 April 1901: (Mornin' Mail)
Dr. W. W. Flora, while in Kansas City Saturday, was near at hand on Ninth street when Bud Taylor shot his sweetheart, Miss Nollard, and saw the crowd that attempted to lynch the
________________________
CARTHAGE EVENING PRESS
July 8, 1903
A NEW DENTAL FIRM
Dr. J. H. Schlecht Buys a One-Half Interest of Dr. Flora
Dr. J. H. Schlecht, the well known Carthage young man who graduated with honors from the Western Dental College a few months ago, has purchased a one-half interest in the extensive dental business of Dr. W. W. Flora.
Dr. Schlecht is recognized among professional men as a dentist of unusual skill having received the highest honors that his alma mater could bestow at his recent graduation. Besides ranking highest in a class of seventy-five members he was awarded a $50 gold medal for extraordinary proficiency in crown and bridge work.
The young man has a multitude of friends here in his home city who will wish him genuine success in his professional career.
Both Schlecht articles found 2012 by N Brewer of Carthage.
CARTHAGE EVENING PRESS
SPECIAL EDITION MAY 1905
J. H. SCHLECHT, D.D.S.
Successor in Business to Dr. Flora and One of the Leading Dentists of Carthage
Article found July 2011 by N Brewer of Carthage, states he began with Dr Flora (1971KS-1922CO) upon graduation from same dental school, which Methodist church started, Western Dental College in Kansas City, then about 1900 opened his own office in Crane building, later purchasing Dr Flora's practice when in 1904 Flora removed family west to Colorado Springs for his wife's health. 1902 City Directory has Dr W W Flora at 401-1/2 south Main, which was the Carthage National Bank building built by R Roessler & sons, E E the "photogapher" and Julius, the "boot & shoe" man, then later sold to W S Crane, which the bank in 1921 merged with, the first bank of Carthage, 1868 created Bank of Carthage now, the Bank of America.
6 October 1903, brother-in-law Carl Gray was in Carthage on business and had Dr W W Flora aboard his private railroad car for dinner, Flora's family were in Colorado for the summer.
16 October 1903, Dr Flora was teaching in Kansas City at his alma mater, Western Dental College (now University of Missouri-Kansas City College of Dentistry) where his wife plus their two daughters were to return from summering in Colorado then the family would return to Carthage. A few days later, then on the 24th, his sister and her hubby picked them up in Carl's private railroad car and traveled to Oswego, Kansas to visit their father, afore mentioned step-mother, her daughter, a step-sister and other friends.
SOURCE: Carthage Evening Press as found one hundred and nine years after published, October 2012 by Nancy Brewer of Carthage, Missouri.
Removed family to Colorado Springs, El Paso county, Colorado in 1904 for his wife's health and to live out their lives, he till 1922, she 1940.
By 1909 he had an eight room suite for his dental office, specializing in bridge & crown work, on 7th floor of Exchange National Bank building with a fantastic view of the old Antlers Hotel, the mountains and of Pikes Peak from his operating room.
Census 1910, age 39, Colorado Springs, El Paso county, Colorado with wife & two daughters, at 2129 north Nevada, a dentist.
Census: 1920, age 48 Colorado Springs, El Paso county, Colorado with wife & two daughters at 2129 north Nevada, a dentist.
Obituary: (transcribed, 03/01/06,wsb)
Copy from Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs) Public Library
THE COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE
Sunday, November 12, 1922
HOLD FUNERAL
OF DR. FLORA
HERE TODAY
Name Active and Honorary
Pallbearers; Will Be
Held This Afternoon
at 3 o'Clock
The funeral of Dr W W Flora will be held at the First Methodist church at 3 o'clock this afternoon, the Rev C B Wilcox officiating, Bernard Vessey will sing, assisted by Fritz Funk on the violin.
Dr Flora is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs Guy Hopkins of Pueblo and Mrs Luke Boggess of Kansas City, and sister Mrs Carl Gray, wife of president of Union Pacific railway, of New York city. [his father John, Oswego, Kansas and brother Clarence, Oklahoma City]
The active pallbearers are W H Spurgeon, C A Hibbard, O H Hemenway, T P Barber, Dr Edwin L Backus, and W R Armstrong.
The honorary pallbearers are William Lennox, Dr W H Sinton, E B Simmons, N S Gandy of Pasadena, Calif., Dr Frederick S McKay of New York city, Dr W F Marin, Dr V W Laughlin and Dr E N Wester.
Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery.
Additional Comments:
William Walter FLORA was born 23 Nov 1871, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas to John Andrew FLORA (1845IN-1934KS) and Mary Elizabeth SHULTS (1851OH-1874KS), raised by his maternal grandmother Harriet Catherine SHULTS (1824NY-1905KS) after mother's death "till young manhood (1885)", daughters born Carthage, Missouri(ah) moved to Colorado Springs 1904 for his wife's health. Active in Methodist church and Y M C A affairs, a golfer and tennis player. Father John A FLORA was living at Oswego, Kansas died 1934, brother Clarence FLORA in Oklahoma City died 1924. Older sister Harriette FLORA was reportedly " ...first white child born in Montgomery county." which at the time was Osage Indian Ceeded Lands until 1870, died 1956 in Maine, infant sister Jennie lived one month and is completely unknown.
Last revised 07-27-14.
Prepared in part by Bill Boggess.
__________________________________
UPDATED 2 SEPT 2020
PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
Sat Nov 11 1922 Page 10
Dr. William Walter Flora, age 50 years, died Friday morning at 1912 Court St. Dr. Flora had been visiting his daughter, Mrs. Harriet Flora Hopkins for the past four weeks. He is also survived by a daughter, Mrs. Francis Flora Boggess of Kansas City, Mo. He was a member of the First Methodist church, El Paso Lodge A.F. & A.M. and the Modern Woodmen of America all of Colorado Springs. The body will be forwarded Saturday at noon by the United Davis-Vories Und. Co. to Colorado Springs for interment accompanied by Relatives.
Transcribed by contributor
Vaughn Mavir
Birth: one of four known children in Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas, which had been Osage Indian territory from 1825 till 1870, s/o Kansas pioneer, John Andrew FLORA, a Civil War veteran, also, his paternal grandfather, Rev John FLORA, at age sixty-one became a two year Civil War veteran, his mother being, Mary Elizabeth SCHULTS, whose maternal g,grandfather was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. His family had 101% pure German blood.
The book, Little Journeys to the Homes of Prominent Dentists has a tribute to Dr W W Flora published more than one-hundred years ago, found on pages 369 to 376, with his photo on 370, including photographs of his office, plus its floor plan. Article reveals Dr Flora's professional life story starting with his 1896 graduation from Kansas City, Missouri's Western Dental College, now University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, where he taught before removing to Colorado Springs in 1904 for wife's health. Tells of him being director of Colorado Springs National Bank, in which he originally owned five percent (bank was sold in 1985 for $100 per share), of serving as president of the Young Men's Christian Association (Y M C A), an office which he held, first at Oswego, Kansas then at Carthage, Missouri and was most active in his Methodist church. He taught at the local Beth El Hospital School for Nurses, along side other local doctors. Included in his outside interests were tennis, golf and automobiling, owning one of the first automobiles in town, a REO (Oldsmobile).
SIBLINGS:
"Will" had three siblings, a three year older brother, Clarence Morton , a shirt factory owner, married three times last with two sons, last living in Oklahoma City, a two year older sister, "Hattie A", married with three sons last living in Thomaston, Maine, and a sister, Jennie G, who survived but one month, mysteriously buried with their mother at Americus cemetery, Lyon county, Kansas.
Census (Kansas): 1875, age 3 Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas with maternal grandmother (his mother died year before), two maternal uncles & two siblings.
Year following his mother's demise his two paternal uncles, Wolney Pulaski ("V P") and Daniel Rice Boone FLORA with their families from Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Kansas in 1875 struck out for the Territory of Colorado's high country, the Lake City, Hinsdale county area, where silver and gold had been discovered. Grant E HOUSTON, President, Hinsdale County, Colorado Historical Society, wrote (12/30/05):
"Both families [Flora & Borie] are well known here in Lake City and were among the real pioneers of our region, particularly up around Capitol City and Rose's Cabin, both of which are now ghost towns. Mrs. ["V P"] FLORA was also extensively interested at various times in Lake City hotels and boarding houses, including the boarding house of the Ute-Ulay Mine on Henson Creek. Her Second Street boarding house between Gunnison and Silver Streets still exists, although it has been moved about a block from its original location."
His paternal grandfather had remarried after loss of 1st wife, raising a second family in Indiana, passing away in 1876 after falling from an apple tree.
His widowed father remarried in 1878, four years following loss of first wife Mary. Sister "Hattie A", age nine, with older brother Clarence, moved east 30 miles to Oswego, Labette county, Kansas, with father, new step-mother, older step-brother & step-sister but ~ ~ without "Will", who remained behind being raised by their maternal grandmother near Liberty until around 1885, who then removed to Oswego, the year before sister "Hattie A" married.
Census: 1880, age 8 Liberty, formerly Verdigris township, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas with maternal grandmother & one of her sons.
Census (Kansas): 1885, age 13 Oswego, Labette county, Kansas with father, step-mother, two siblings and host of hotel guests including Carl Raymond GRAY, in Condon Hotel (Burgess Hotel, 1934) operated by his father.
Will's wedding, required his father's consent, to wit:
From:
The Labette County Times-Statesman, (courtesy Kim Baker)
Oswego, Kansas,
August 25, 1892, page 4, col 1:
"Mr. Will Flora and Miss Maude Wallack (sic) were married last Sunday at Carthage, Mo. The happy couple will make Oswego their home. The Times-Statesman wish them a long and happy married life."
From: The Labette County Democrat (courtesy Kim Baker),
Oswego, Kansas,
Thursday,August 25, page 3, col.1:
"W.W. Flora and Miss Maude Wallack (sic) were married in Carthage, Mo., last Sunday. Mr. Flora is associated with I.R. Fisher in the grocery business and is a young man of exemplary habits and good business qualifications. His bride has been in Chicago for the past year, but is well known in our city and is esteemed for her many good qualities. "Will" and "Maude" enter upon their wedding life under the most favorable auspices, and with the good will of their many friends."
Occurring thirteen days following the Oswego funeral of Maude's first cousin, Alice (Kingsbury) FLORA ~ ~, first wife of Will's brother Clarence.
His sister and her hubby were first signed on the wedding registration, and she most likely was the one arranging the wedding in Carthage with the most reverend William Sims KNIGHT, D D of the Presbyterian church, officiating.
Census: 1900, age 29 Carthage, Jasper county, Missouri, with wife & two children, (at current, 1346 south Main) address not given, a dentist with office at 401 south Main Street (street addresses from 1902 City Directory).
Reportedly, first home was in Oswego, Labette county, Kansas, where his parents lived, died and are buried, then removed to Carthage, Jasper county, Missouri where his sister Harriette and husband, Carl Raymond GRAY (later vice-chairman of Union Pacific RR), were living (1890-1896)&(1898-1899) and where his two daughters were born while living on Howard street. 1900, building their new home on south Main street.
When they lived on Howard avenue June 11, 1898, nine y/o nephew Carl R GRAY, jr fell out of their Cherry tree, to wit:
"Little Carl Gray, the son of C. R. Gray, division superintendent of the Frisco was painfully hurt yesterday by falling from a cherry tree at the home of his uncle, Dr. W. W. Flora on Howard Ave. Mrs. C. R. Gray [sister, Harriette Flora] was visiting there with her son, and was going over to Monett with Mr. Gray this morning to see about getting a house to live in after the first of next month. Mr. Gray was telegraphed at Neodesha. He arrived this morning.
"Little Carl was up in the tree hunting cherries, and when he fell he struck plump on his stomach. The agony occasioned was frightful and Drs. Thomas and Post were summoned. The injury done was to the stomach and chest, and the posterior lobe of the brain seemed to be inflamed this morning. Dr. Thomas said this morning that the boy was not seriously hurt." ~ from The Carthage Press, ---- Maude, Mrs FLORA, being seven months pregnant with her second daughter, my mother, Frances Elizabeth.
"Will" was the second following Judge Nelson Case, and a two term president of the Y M C A at Oswego, Kansas before moving to Carthage, Missouri where he again became president of their new Y M C A, working with others such as mayor W W CALHOUN, Dr. KNIGHT, Dr. MATTHEWS, Judge Waters and C. F. McELROY. Dr. FLORA was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Y M C A, before moving to Colorado Springs, Colorado to continue his Y M C A interest, and where he lived until passing away at oldest daughter's Pueblo, Colorado home.
SOURCE of following: Mornin' Mail archives, whose dates are not always correct.
Additionally was very much involved in the successes and operation of the Y M C A starting about 1892 when my maternal grandfather, Dr W W Flora, moved to Carthage with his bride in 1892. He had served as the second president of Oswego, Kansas Y M C A in 1891 & 1892, and served Carthage until, due to wife's health, they went to Colorado Springs, Colorado where he continued his work with their Y M C A.
While president here in 1897, the State of Missouri Y M C A meeting was held in Carthage. Also from archives of the Mornin' News are the following:
14 February 1901:
L. S. DURHAM Y.M.C.A. President.
Unanimously Chosen at Yesterday's Monthly Meeting.
At the Y.M.C.A. directors' meeting yesterday at 5 p.m., Lee S. Durham was unanimously elected president in recognition of his services in the recent membership contest, as well as his general fitness for the position. Dr. Flora is the retiring executive. Mr. Durham was not present yesterday and will be inaugurated at the next meeting.
Secretary Spencer's monthly report was heard at yesterday's meeting, and Sec'y Spencer and Dr. W. S. Knight were elected delegates to the Moberly convention. Sec'y Spencer left last night, but Dr. Knight will not attend.
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14 October 1901:
Y.M.C.A. ELECTION FRIDAY.
Retiring Directors and Nominees for the Vacant Positions.
Four directors for the Y.M.C.A. are to be chosen Friday evening at the regular election from 7 to 9 o'clock. The retiring directors are Jas. S. Ross, T. C. Hodson and Dr. Flora, with Robt. Orchard's place yet to fill. The candidates named by the committee for the four vacancies are Mayor Ross, Dr. Flora, H. L. Bright, R. J. Clatlin, H. A. Montague, Will D. Blake and W. A. Kennedy.
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11 December 1902:
MISSIONARY FUND DIVIDED.
Goes to Aid King's Daughters Hospital and the Y.M.C.A.
The Union Missionary Society of Carthage has found a way to dispose of its surplus funds in a laudable home work. It was decided to divide the funds on hand between the local Y.M.C.A. and the hospital fund of the King's Daughters.
Mrs. Byron Morgan treasurer of the Union Missionary Society yesterday presented President Flora of the Y.M.C.A. a check for a substantial sum, and it is understood that the King's Daughters also received their portion of the fund yesterday. The latter will apply their money to the hospital, which is eventually to be built and for which they have on hand over $2,000, while the Y.M.C.A. fund will be applied to the general work.
1902
NEW FEATURES AT THE Y.M.C.A.
The Y.M.C.A. is to inaugurate several new features in the very near future.
A Bible class, to meet weekly, will be organized next week, under charge of Judge W. H. Waters.
The social committees met this afternoon to arrange a regular monthly social, the first to be held Friday night of next week at the rooms.
Secretary Spencer is arranging for a course of his weekly evening lectures, to be given at the rooms by business and professional men of Carthage.
James Luke, who owns the Y.M.C.A. building, put a plasterer at work today repairing and re-papering the gymnasium, which has been more or less damaged by basketball, Indian clubs, etc.
It is the intention of Physical Director Wood to organize four gymnastic classes at
once.
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18 September 1902:
REARICK GOES TO GALESBURG.
Successor to Y.M.C.A. Secretary to be a Local Man.
H. C. Rearick, the retiring secretary of the Carthage Y.M.C.A. announces that he will sever his connection here a week from tomorrow, and will then go to Galesburg,Ill., where he will embark in the hardware business for the next year at least.
He goes, he says, because he has not met with the encouragement expected here, and because he was not accomplishing what he wanted to.
It is said Mr. Rearick's successor as secretary here is to be a local man, and that the board of managers now have his appointment under consideration.
President Flora is in Kansas City today, however, and the name of the new man will not be ready to announce for several days yet.
1 December 1898 dd
"Judge J D Perkins [Marlin Perkins father] and Dr W W Flora are each planning to build residences in the spring but have not yet decided on plans or location."
In 1900 Dr FLORA had their new home built on east side of south Main street between G A ROSE's built home and the new one of R B Peebles, who shared a tennis court in their backyards, his being third lot south of Paradise alley, said alley once extending west along south side of James LUKE's new home across street at now 1335. Little was it known then, that neighbor Luke's niece's (whom he brought from England and held her 1898 wedding in his new home), first born of 1899, Luke J BOGGESS, would in 1921 marry Dr FLORA's second born, Frances Elizabeth, they becoming my parents 15 February 1927.
2 April 1901: (Mornin' Mail)
Dr. W. W. Flora, while in Kansas City Saturday, was near at hand on Ninth street when Bud Taylor shot his sweetheart, Miss Nollard, and saw the crowd that attempted to lynch the
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CARTHAGE EVENING PRESS
July 8, 1903
A NEW DENTAL FIRM
Dr. J. H. Schlecht Buys a One-Half Interest of Dr. Flora
Dr. J. H. Schlecht, the well known Carthage young man who graduated with honors from the Western Dental College a few months ago, has purchased a one-half interest in the extensive dental business of Dr. W. W. Flora.
Dr. Schlecht is recognized among professional men as a dentist of unusual skill having received the highest honors that his alma mater could bestow at his recent graduation. Besides ranking highest in a class of seventy-five members he was awarded a $50 gold medal for extraordinary proficiency in crown and bridge work.
The young man has a multitude of friends here in his home city who will wish him genuine success in his professional career.
Both Schlecht articles found 2012 by N Brewer of Carthage.
CARTHAGE EVENING PRESS
SPECIAL EDITION MAY 1905
J. H. SCHLECHT, D.D.S.
Successor in Business to Dr. Flora and One of the Leading Dentists of Carthage
Article found July 2011 by N Brewer of Carthage, states he began with Dr Flora (1971KS-1922CO) upon graduation from same dental school, which Methodist church started, Western Dental College in Kansas City, then about 1900 opened his own office in Crane building, later purchasing Dr Flora's practice when in 1904 Flora removed family west to Colorado Springs for his wife's health. 1902 City Directory has Dr W W Flora at 401-1/2 south Main, which was the Carthage National Bank building built by R Roessler & sons, E E the "photogapher" and Julius, the "boot & shoe" man, then later sold to W S Crane, which the bank in 1921 merged with, the first bank of Carthage, 1868 created Bank of Carthage now, the Bank of America.
6 October 1903, brother-in-law Carl Gray was in Carthage on business and had Dr W W Flora aboard his private railroad car for dinner, Flora's family were in Colorado for the summer.
16 October 1903, Dr Flora was teaching in Kansas City at his alma mater, Western Dental College (now University of Missouri-Kansas City College of Dentistry) where his wife plus their two daughters were to return from summering in Colorado then the family would return to Carthage. A few days later, then on the 24th, his sister and her hubby picked them up in Carl's private railroad car and traveled to Oswego, Kansas to visit their father, afore mentioned step-mother, her daughter, a step-sister and other friends.
SOURCE: Carthage Evening Press as found one hundred and nine years after published, October 2012 by Nancy Brewer of Carthage, Missouri.
Removed family to Colorado Springs, El Paso county, Colorado in 1904 for his wife's health and to live out their lives, he till 1922, she 1940.
By 1909 he had an eight room suite for his dental office, specializing in bridge & crown work, on 7th floor of Exchange National Bank building with a fantastic view of the old Antlers Hotel, the mountains and of Pikes Peak from his operating room.
Census 1910, age 39, Colorado Springs, El Paso county, Colorado with wife & two daughters, at 2129 north Nevada, a dentist.
Census: 1920, age 48 Colorado Springs, El Paso county, Colorado with wife & two daughters at 2129 north Nevada, a dentist.
Obituary: (transcribed, 03/01/06,wsb)
Copy from Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs) Public Library
THE COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE
Sunday, November 12, 1922
HOLD FUNERAL
OF DR. FLORA
HERE TODAY
Name Active and Honorary
Pallbearers; Will Be
Held This Afternoon
at 3 o'Clock
The funeral of Dr W W Flora will be held at the First Methodist church at 3 o'clock this afternoon, the Rev C B Wilcox officiating, Bernard Vessey will sing, assisted by Fritz Funk on the violin.
Dr Flora is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs Guy Hopkins of Pueblo and Mrs Luke Boggess of Kansas City, and sister Mrs Carl Gray, wife of president of Union Pacific railway, of New York city. [his father John, Oswego, Kansas and brother Clarence, Oklahoma City]
The active pallbearers are W H Spurgeon, C A Hibbard, O H Hemenway, T P Barber, Dr Edwin L Backus, and W R Armstrong.
The honorary pallbearers are William Lennox, Dr W H Sinton, E B Simmons, N S Gandy of Pasadena, Calif., Dr Frederick S McKay of New York city, Dr W F Marin, Dr V W Laughlin and Dr E N Wester.
Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery.
Additional Comments:
William Walter FLORA was born 23 Nov 1871, Montgomery, formerly Wilson county, Kansas to John Andrew FLORA (1845IN-1934KS) and Mary Elizabeth SHULTS (1851OH-1874KS), raised by his maternal grandmother Harriet Catherine SHULTS (1824NY-1905KS) after mother's death "till young manhood (1885)", daughters born Carthage, Missouri(ah) moved to Colorado Springs 1904 for his wife's health. Active in Methodist church and Y M C A affairs, a golfer and tennis player. Father John A FLORA was living at Oswego, Kansas died 1934, brother Clarence FLORA in Oklahoma City died 1924. Older sister Harriette FLORA was reportedly " ...first white child born in Montgomery county." which at the time was Osage Indian Ceeded Lands until 1870, died 1956 in Maine, infant sister Jennie lived one month and is completely unknown.
Last revised 07-27-14.
Prepared in part by Bill Boggess.
__________________________________
UPDATED 2 SEPT 2020
PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
Sat Nov 11 1922 Page 10
Dr. William Walter Flora, age 50 years, died Friday morning at 1912 Court St. Dr. Flora had been visiting his daughter, Mrs. Harriet Flora Hopkins for the past four weeks. He is also survived by a daughter, Mrs. Francis Flora Boggess of Kansas City, Mo. He was a member of the First Methodist church, El Paso Lodge A.F. & A.M. and the Modern Woodmen of America all of Colorado Springs. The body will be forwarded Saturday at noon by the United Davis-Vories Und. Co. to Colorado Springs for interment accompanied by Relatives.
Transcribed by contributor
Vaughn Mavir
