Thomas W. Sutherland

THOMAS W. SUTHERLAND. - A prosperous and highly esteemed resident of Kansas City, Kansas, Thomas W. Sutherland has been actively identified with public affairs for several years, and in addition to his business interests is prominent in fraternal organizations, being one of the leading Masons of Wyandotte county, and a valued member of other beneficial societies. He was born, September 22, 1861, in Lexington, Lafayette county, Missouri, a son of Philemon Sutherland, and of Virginian ancestry.

Philemon Sutherland was born, in 1818, in West Virginia, and in early life located in Lafayette county, Missouri, where he became, in course of time, owner of a magnificent farm of six hundred and forty acres, in the superintendence of which he took much pride and pleasure, although he was not actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He carried on an extensive and lucrative business in Lexington, Missouri, as a contracting painter, in the fulfilment of his contracts keeping from two hundred to three hundred men busily employed. He died at his home, in Lexington, in 1863, while yet in manhood's prime. His wife, whose maiden name was Jane Ann Fewell, was born in North Carolina in 1823, and as a child accompanied her parents to their new home in Benton county, Missouri, where she was reared and educated. She survived her husband, passing away in 1899. Nine children were born of their union, three of whom are living, as follows: Sallie F., wife of Titus O. Samuels, of Oceanside, California; John P., a resident of Ramona, California; and Thomas W. The parents were members of the Missionary Baptist church, and the father, who was a Whig in politics during his early life, was afterwards a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party.

Left fatherless when but two years old, Thomas W. Sutherland was educated in the public schools of Lexington, Missouri, and at the age of seventeen years began life on his own account, going to Odessa, Lafayette county, Missouri, where for two years he was engaged in the transfer business. Selling his interests in that venture, he continued there as a general merchant until 1884, when he removed to Emporia, Kansas, where, for five years, he was Grand Recorder for the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Coming from there to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1889, Mr. Sutherland embarked in the wholesale bakery and retail grocery business, and in that line of industry met with success. In 1900 he had the misfortune of being burned out, the disastrous conflagration destroying his entire property. Never losing courage, however, he secured a position as conductor on the North East Electrical street car line, and held it for two years. Crossing the river then into Kansas City, Kansas, Mr. Sutherland became conductor for the same system on the West Side street car line, continuing thus occupied for a year. The ensuing ten years he was time keeper for the Armour Packing Company, leaving in 1903 to go south for the benefit of his health, which had become impaired. Returning to Kansas City, Kansas, after his recovery, Mr. Sutherland was engaged in the wholesale and retail tobacco business utnil[sic] 1908. In 1906 he was elected Register of Deeds for Wyandotte county, and having been re-elected in 1908 served with fidelity until January 1, 1911. He is vice president of the Home State Bank.

Mr. Sutherland uniformly supports the principles of the Democratic party at the polls. He stands high in the Masonic fraternity, being a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of Caswell Consistory, No. 5, and of Wyandotte Lodge, No. 3. Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons. Both he and his wife are members of Mandias Chapter, No. 1, Order of Eastern Star. He was also one of the directors in the building of the Masonic Temple. He belongs to Wyandotte Lodge, No. 3, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and to Encampment, No. 9.

Mr. Sutherland married, November 26, 1898, Minnie B. Taylor, who was born in Audrain county, Missouri, a daughter of Isaac P. C. and Mary (Da Zell) Taylor, being one of a family of five children, three of whom are living, as follows: James T.; Mrs. Sutherland; and Charles W. Isaac P. C. Taylor was born in Pennsylvania in 1836, and spent his last days in Kansas City, Kansas, passing away in 1899. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Masonic Order. Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland have one child, Everett William T. Sutherland.