William Elsey Connelley

“ In the task of giving credit to the men who made Kansas, it would be difficult to single out one who was more deserving of a place among those makers and builders than the late Jeptha D. Vawter of Shawnee County. ”

“ His was a long as well as a useful life. He was born in Todd County, Kentucky, July 18, 1809. By character and early training he was moulded after the manner of the pioneers, being courageous, industrious and optimistic. ”