The subject of this sketch, W.G. Cartney, came to Concordia when the city was in its infancy. When it was a town of tents and shanties, Mr. Cartney pinned his faith unflinchingly to the future metropolis and as a result of this quality of stick-to-it-iveness he is in a prosperous condition financially and one of the leading business men of Concordia.

He was a single man and had not yet attained his majority when he took Horace Greeley's advice, "Go west, young man, and grow up with the country." When he landed in the new town in March, 1871, it could easily be imagined Mr. Cartney was a very similar type at that period as is found in his son Walter of today.

Mr. Cartney had learned the carpenter trade before coming west, but accepted a position in the pioneer meat market of Bean & King and by so doing laid the foundation of a successful career. Mr. Cartney killed the second beef that supplied the trade of Concordia with meat. This historical event took place on the Sheafor claim, which is situated on Plum creek, and is now known as the Beauchamp farm, but owned by H.A. Swift. Mr. King killed the first beef. In the latter part of the 'eighties Mr. Cartney and J.C. Paradis formed a partnership, which continued to exist for about twelve years. One year after they had mutually dissolved interests Mr. Cartney purchased the market and still continues to conduct the same. To his enterprise and fitness for the business the people are indebted for excellent services, as his refrigerators are always filled with the choicest of meats, that only an experienced caterer could furnish.

Mr. Cartney is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1852, but when a small boy removed with his parents to Ohio, where he grew to manhood, or until emigrating to Kansas. The origin of the Cartney name is Scotch. Our subject's grandfather was the emigrant to this country; he settled near Philadelphia and married into a Pennsylvania Dutch family.

Pierce Cartney, the father of W.G. Cartney, was a member of Company E, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, and gave his life for his country, not in battle, but from a fate that entailed untold suffering; he died in the Danville prison as a result of privation.

Mr. Cartney was married in 1874 to Miss Abbie E. Mallory, who came to Kansas from New York, her native state. Their family consists of two children, Walter and Etta. Their son is now with his father in the market, but was previously engaged as traveling salesman for the S.S. Beef Company, of Kansas City. He was with this firm one and one-half years. The daughter is accomplished in music and elocution.

In fraternal relations Mr. Cartney has been a member of the Odd Fellows for a score of years, and is identified with the Woodmen of America, Pyramids, Sons and Daughters of Justice and of U.C.T.

Mr. Cartney is a genial man, reliable, honorable and public spirited; he is one of Concordia's most honored citizens and has a host of personal friends.