GEORGE K. FOOTE.

GEORGE K. FOOTE, one of the reliable, practical and progressive business men of Yates Center, was born in Henry County, Kentucky, on the 9th of September, 1849, a son of Kirchelow and Barbara (Boyd) Foote, the former a native of South Carolina, the latter of Virginia. The tilling of the soil and the raising of crops occupied the father's attention throughout his business career, and in Kentucky, in 1878 he departed this life, being then seventy-nine years of age. His wife survived him until 1885 and was called to the home beyond at the age of seventy years. They were the parents of four children, namely: Mrs. Julia Stark, of Louisville, Kentucky; Mrs. Harriet Force, of Henry County, that state; George K., and Mrs. Alice Downing, of Frankford, Indiana.

George K. Foote, the only son, was reared on the homestead farm, and in the common schools of the neighborhood he mastered the branches of learning which form the basis of all knowledge. He remained with his parents and assisted in the operation of the farm until twenty-seven years of age, when he was married. On the 19th of October, 1875, he wedded Miss Elliott Woodside, a native of Henry County, Kentucky, and a daughter of William B. Woodside, who was born in that county, August 22, 1822. He was educated in the common schools and when a young man engaged in teaching for a number of years. On the 8th of February, 1849, he was united in marriage to Marian May Thompson, a native of Henry County. In 1853 they removed to Missouri, but after four years returned to Kentucky, continuing there until 1871 when they came to Kansas, locating in Eminence township, Woodson County. There the father engaged in farming until 1899 when he and his wife removed to Yates Center, where his death occurred, January 21, 1900, when he was seventy-seven years of age. They were the parents of six children: Elliott, wife of Mr. Foote: William D. and O., who are living in Cowley County, Kansas: Richard W., of Augusta, this state; Forrest, now in Colorado Springs, and Mamie, at home with her mother, in Yates Center. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Foote has been blessed with three children: Leon, Minnie and Tecora, all at home.

After his marriage Mr. Foote rented a farm in Kentucky for four years, during which time, as the result of his hard labor, he accumulated five hundred dollars which he brought with him to Kansas in 1879. investing it in eighty acres of land in Eminence township Woodson County. The tract was raw prairie, entirely destitute of improvement, but with characteristic energy he began its development and soon transformed it into productive fields. He also added to the farm as he found opportunity until it now comprises two hundred and forty acres of land. He erected thereon a

commodious residence, well arranged and built in modern style. He also built a large barn and the necessary outbuildings, planted a fine orchard, and a grove of forest trees, which surrounds his house and barn, bestowing a grateful shade in summer. In addition to the development of the fields he engaged in raising cattle and became one of the leading cattle men of his township. He continued his farming and stock raising operations until the spring of 1901, when he purchased property in Yates Center, removed to the city and is now engaged in business there in connection with his son, as a dealer in feed and coal.

In his political views Mr. Foote is a Democrat who manifests his political preference by support of its candidates at the polls. He has never sought office for himself as his time has been fully occupied with business interests that have brought to him a handsome competence, making him one of the prosperous citizens of southeastern Kansas. He still owns, and now rents the farm upon which he acquired his capital and which was the scene of his honorable and useful labor for many years.

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