for Hon. Albinus Nance, then governor of the State. I held the
position of county clerk of that county for four consecutive years.
During this time I organized the Citizens' Bank. I was its cashier at
first, and, later on, its president. I had a lucrative business and
was doing well. My wife's health failed her; she became consumptive.
My family physician advised a removal to the South. I closed out my
business at a great sacrifice, and came to Atchison, Kansas. Here I
located, and made it my future home. Soon after my arrival I commenced
the publication of a daily newspaper, known as the "Times." In the
county in which I located I found one of the worst and most corrupt
political rings on the face of the earth. This combination had
controlled the politics of the county for almost a quarter of a
century. Soon I became involved in a terrific newspaper war with the
members of this political organization. An election of county and
State officials was soon to take place. In order to test the strength
of the contending elements, in my newspaper, I presented the name of
Hon. W. D. Gilbert as a candidate for district judge in opposition to
the ring candidate. A sharp fight ensued. Mr. Gilbert was elected by
an overwhelming majority. This was the first time for twenty-five
years that this ring had been defeated. The members of it were very
sore. Looking upon me as the principal spirit, I was the object toward
which they directed all their shafts of spite.

Some time before this an insurance company had been organized in the
city of Atchison. I was invited to become its president. I examined
the books of the corporation, and found it to be organized according
to the laws of Kansas; that the company had a charter from the State,
and also certified authority to issue policies of insurance, granted
by the State insurance commissioner. I accepted the presidency on
condition that the company was simply to have the use of my name, and