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Classification: Query
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I can give you the information that I have, but my source notes are defective. O. F.
stands for Oscar Ferguson. He is called Oscar in the 1850 census, but I don't know
how I know the Ferguson part. I also have this quotation from a book, but I can't
trace back exactly what book this is. My notes call it "Kansas History" by
Andreas. Here is the quote: "O. F. Carson was engaged in the drug business at
Minonk, Illinois (about 15 miles due east of Washburn) at 20 years of age, and afterward
in dry goods trade, and remained in Woodford County, Illinois until 1869 when he came to
Kansas, locating first in Centreville, Neosho County, northeast of Cherryvale....While
living in Neosho County, he was engaged in the drug business at Galesburg, Kansas
(southeast of Thayer) and in Ladore....Oscar Ferguson Carson (later known as the Honorable
O. F. Carson because 'he was elected to the legislature by the largest majority ever
in the county' in 1876) arrived in Cherryvale in Septembe!
r, 1871. Downtown he had a drug store, the only one in town for the first three
years....Soon, Carson, along with his fellow-Baptist business associate, J. P. Baldwin,
and in 1884 aided by C. C. Kincald, all became know as the main town developers and
promoters." He was also the first notary public. "O. F. Carson built a nice
home at 305 North Neosho in Whelan's First Addition. In its time it was a center of
social activity and is an excellent example of those large and luxurious homes which
characterized an era of leisure and hospitality....On May 8, 1873, the First Baptist
Church of Cherryvale was officially orgaized with five charter members...The five charter
members of the Baptist Church were Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Baldwin, Mr. and Mrs. O. F. Carson,
and Mr. A. J. Pearce....O. F. Carson was elected clerk and treasurer....[In 1876] O. F.
Carson was elected to the legislature by the largest majority ever in the county. He
expended more money in erecting permanent buildi!
ngs than any other Cherryvale citizen. He owned 940 acres, most of wh
ich was well improved. He was one of the best financiers. Now wealthy, he had great
political, social and moral influence. He was a credit and honor to the city. There were
few better business men." By 1901 O. F. was living in Omaha, Nebraska. His address
in 1924 was 2116 West Street, in Omaha.