William S. Kidder

As printed in 1902

WILLIAM S. KIDDER.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

The others are: William S. and Carrie M. The latter was born in Muscatine, Iowa, and is now the wife of C. B. Stauffer, of Chicago. Both were educated in the public schools in Springfield, in a seminary and in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mrs. Stauffer was married in Springfield and thence removed to Chicago. She now has three children. In his political views Joseph L. Kidder, the father of our subject, was a Republican, took an active interest in the growth and welfare of his party and for several years he served as a member of the city council. He also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, passing all of the chairs in the organization.

William S. Kidder, whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in the public schools and also took a special course in 'ittenl3erg College. He was employed at various places for a time and afterward entered into partnership with his father, in 1887, in the establishment and control of the laundry. He has since given his time and attention to this line of business. They established the Peerless Laundry, which they conducted for ten years, and in 1897 they purchased the White Star Laundry, combining the two. Employment is now furnished to forty o]5eratives, and two wagons are upon the road, collecting and delivering goods. Mr. Kidder has various branch offices in the city and also in other districts of the state, having established agencies throughout Ohio. He is carrying on a wholesale business with a main office at No. 43 South Fountain avenue, and the works are at the corner of Limestone and Pleasant streets. The business has been built up from a vei" small l>beginning and has reached large proportions. The plant is equipped with all modern machinery for facilitating the work and everything is conducted in a first-class manner, so that the White Star Laundry receives a very liberal and growing patronage.

In 1899 Mr. Kidder was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor G. Steen, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, a daughter of Milton and Mattie B. (Bigham) Steai. Her father, who is now deceased, was a prominent attorney and banker of Bellefontaine. Mrs. Steen now resides in Dayton, Ohio.

Mr. Kidder holds membership in the Presbyterian church and is a supporter of all church and charitable work, being a gentleman of broad and humanitarian principles. He is a member of Anthony Lodge, F. & A. -M.; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M.; Springfield Council, R. & S. M.; Palestine Commandery, K. T.; and Antioch Temple of the Mystic Shrine, of Dayton. He belongs to Ingomar Lodge, K. P.; to the Lagonda Club; the Commercial Club: and the Springfield Golf Club. He has never had time or desire for political preferment, but votes the Republican ticket where great issues are involved and cases his ballot independenitly at local elections. He possesses the true western spirit of progress and enterprise, and his business ability has been demonstrated by his successful control of the extensive interests which have grown up under his supervision.

As printed in A Biographical record of Clark county, Ohio .. (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.