ALFRED W. JORDAN.

ALFRED W. JORDAN—In the history of a man who has devoted his entire life to business, there is little to awaken the interest of the reader in search of a sensational chapter, but Carlyle has said that "biography is the most profitable of all reading," for therein are set forth the methods which have been followed to win success or which have lead to failure. The careful student may therefore learn valuable lessons from such a career as Mr. Jordan's for he is one who has worked his way upward, conquering all obstacles and advancing steadily on the highway of prosperity by means of determined purpose and ceaseless energy.

Born in Jasper county, Missouri, June 4, 1850, Mr. Jordan is the second child of Gustavus and Elizabeth (Clay) Jordan. His father was a native of Virginia and at the age of fifteen left that state, removing with his parents to Kentucky where he spent the succeeding twenty years of his life. During that period he was married to Miss Clay, a native of the Blue Grass State. When twenty years had passed he returned to Virginia, later took up his abode in Tennessee, thence went to Arkansas and later to Jasper county, Missouri. The year 1863 witnessed his arrival in Kansas. He first settled on the banks of the Osage river in Anderson county, and in 1866 came to Allen county, locating on Big creek, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1875, when he was seventy-six years of age. His wife passed away in 1877, at the age of forty-five years. Of their eight children five are still living: Mary, wife of D. R. Chappel, of Neosho county; A. W., of this review; Amanda, wife of Thomas Edwards, of Neosho county; Julia, wife of William Evans of the same county; and George also of Neosho county.

Mr. Jordan of this sketch came with his parents to the Sunflower State in 1863, and to Allen county in 1866 and in the common schools acquired his education. He assisted his father until attaining his majority and then began farming on his own account. That he has labored untiringly and guided his labors by sound judgment is indicated by the fact that he is now the owner of three hundred and eight acres of valuable land, constituting one of the finest stock farms in Kansas. It is well improved with a fine residence, a commodious and substantial barn and all necessary outbuildings and a beautiful grove surrounds his home. His feed lots adjoin a large body of fine timber and there is plenty of running water upon the place. Each winter he feeds cattle and hogs in large numbers and these he ships

to market in Kansas City. He raises grain in considerable quantities and this he feeds to his stock and also buys large quantities from his neighbors, thus furnishing a market for the corn raised in this locality.

On the 29th of April, 1880, Mr. Jordan was united in marriage to Miss Clara Kerr, a native of Indiana, who came with her parents to Kansas in 1879. They now have six children, namely: Rettie, Una, Anna, Dailey, Pearl and John. In the community they have many warm friends, being highly esteemed for their sterling worth. In his political views Mr. Jordan is a staunch Republican and always supports that party by his ballot although he has never sought office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs in which he has met with signal success. His life has ever been upright and his name is synonymous with honorable dealing, his word being as good as his bond. Diligence and enterprise have rendered his life of much avail in the business world and his handsome property stands as a monument to his earnest effort.

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