My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM C. WILLE. A representative of the real estate interests of Yates Center and Woodson County, William C. Wille has contributed in large measure to the growth, improvement and upbuilding of this section of the Sunflower state. Possessed of fine commercial ability, aided by the exercise of sound judgment and indomitable energy, he has not only won success for himself but has aided materially in the growth and prosperity of the city. He has been a resident of the county since the spring of 1874, coming to the state from Iowa. He is, however, a native of Chicago, Illinois, where he was born February 13, 1851. His father, Henry Wille, was born in Hanover, Germany in 1795 and came to the United States in 1848, locating near Chicago. He engaged in farming in Cook County, Illinois until 1855 when he removed to Linn County, Iowa, coming thence to Woodson County. Here he spent his last years, passing away in 1887. He was first married in Germany and by that union had two children. Henry and George, residents of Linn County, Iowa and Yates Center, respectively. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Caroline Fusterman, and died in Wichita, Kansas, in July, 1897. The children of the second marriage, seven now living are William C.; Aaron, who is living in Northeastern Nebraska; Louis, of Red Oak, Iowa; and Callie, wife of Supterintendent Tracy, of the Fort Scott & Wichita railroad.

When about five years of age Mr. Wille accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa where he was educated in the public schools and worked upon his father’s farm. On attaining his majority he started out in life on his own account, and in the spring of 1874 came to Woodson County, locating first in Kalida, where he engaged in the hotel business. In 1879 he removed to Toronto, where for eleven years he was engaged in the conduct of a harness and saddlery store. Coming to Yates Center, he is now one of the most prominent representatives of the real estate business in the city. A casual observer can form no conception of the important position held by the active, enterprising agent, devoted to the work of buying and selling real estate, establishing values and otherwise stimulating property holders to the great improvements it lies within their power to make. Mr. Wille is one of this class and the judicious principles which he upholds in his transactions, the care with which he investigate points connected therewith, are securing to him a large and well deserved patronage.

In 1881 Mr. Wille was married to Miss Margaret Stewart, a daughter of William Stewart of Yates Center, and formerly from Southern Ohio. They have two children, Jessie and Calvin Stewart. In his political affiliations Mr. Wille has always been a Republican, and in 1889 was elected county treasurer which position he filled so acceptably that he was reelected in 1891 and therefore filled the office for four years. For two years he was deputy county clerk and has also been deputy register of deeds, while for twelve years he has been a notary public. Socially he is a representative of the Masonic fraternity and is also member of the Odd Fellows society and the Knights of Pythias lodge. He is influential in political and fraternal circles and is widely recognized as a diligent, enterprising and progressive business man.