The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-11-25
BOB'S HOME.
"Becky Sharp" Makes a Visit
With the Family
Of the Popular SheriH-Eleet OF
Shawnee.
HE is KANSAS BORN
And His Charming Wife is a
ProhibitiOnist.
Something About Their Bright
and Pretty Children.

SIT is mistake, have made no ap-
pointmeuts and will not make any for
two or three weeks yet"
That is what Mr. kepley the newly
elected sheriff said to me yesterday as 1
sat at the home of Sheriff-elect Robert
Kepley for a long time in COM
pany with his charming wife and
lovely children around glowing hard
coal fire which seemed doubly cozy by
comparison with the storm without
l had never met Mr. Kepley but once
before, and had l been entirely denied
that pleasure, l would always have been
sure that he was not going to do all the
dreadful things his opponents have
prophesied when he gets TO be sheriff.
With such home influences as his that
would be impossible.
l delight in meeting and knowing
pleasant people hut interviewing them,
that is another thing and sometimes has
the effect of making both parties to 1t
stilted and awkward.
But I've just spent a most delightful
day with Mr.. and Mrs. Kepley and Pm
going to try to tell those of the JOURNAL
readers who have not had that privilege
something about it.
l feel certain that these hospitable
people would like to extend the same
courtesy to everyone of you, but as Mr
Kepley says about giving every appli-
cant place Pm sorry 1 can't make a
place for every one who comes. but it is
impossible"
found my way to Mr.. Kepley's house
on King and Fillmore streets several
times before I found him in.
l had to run the gauntlet of place
seekers, and it was really almost like
ura 45r,e- e. l,4,r- -
At last l got an audience, or the prom
ise of one as Mrs. kepley's kindly face
greeted me at the door, and though 1
had received no Introduction to her. l
knew instinctively that I was welcome.
Though it was cloudy and gloomy
without there was sunshine in that room.
Mrs kepley is a little above medium
height, well proportioned. smooth
skinned, clear eyed; eyes and hair both
quite dark
Her manner is most simple and unaf-
fected, her voice sweet and musical and
low, though distinct.
She is pretty and intellectual a sup
posedly rare combination, and is the very
young looking mother of three beautiful
children.
When this charming lady looks at you
1t is not at your dress with probable
mental comment as to its cost, but in
way that says. Pm looking for something
to like in you, and she generally finds it
because she is one of the kindest hearted
women in the world But l am forget
ting all about Mr.. Kepley. who l am to
interview.
just then there was a ring at the bell
and a man wanted TO see Mr.. Kepley lie
came down stairs and disposed of the
man, then came in smiling pleasantly as
he shook hands with me.
{ seems fuDnV tn 6esoriba HRObs
ley, SO many people know him
But for those whose who don't he is dark
with very dark eyes, heavy dark hair and
Jolly twinkle in his eyes which modi-
tes his dignity Mr. Kepley is what peo-
pie call heavy set. His whole appearance
indicates strength, both physical and
mental. He is Karsan, born and bred.
and as he says has probably furnished
employment to greater number of men
than any other man in Topeka.
said: "Mr. Kepley, have you really
appointed your under sheriff." didn't
care whether he had or not but had to
interview" him, SO l started with lead
ing question. Ring at the door and
short conference with caller.
Returning to the room Mr.. Keplev
answered my question Yankee fashion
by saying: "What do you want, Miss
Sharp? to be deputy?"
"lm not looking for place." said.
"Well, you are the first caller I've had
since the election who wasn't" said Mr..
Kepley. laughing.
Then his wife reminds him gently of
the friends who have called to congratu-
late MIN, of the serenaders. and of one
old man, a German who said "Mr Ken
ley home, huh? 1 no want chob." All
before he could be answered. While we
talk there is another ring at the door
bell and another short conference, and SO
1t goes, all day. 1t gets funny bye and
byej that is it is funny to me, who am
getting my first insight into the cares of
public official elect
l asked Mr. Kepley something about
his fathers family, for Blr. KspIey's
father has one of the biggest and most
famous farms in Kansas. He said:
II was raised on a farm in Bourbon
county, and was one of those farmers
who thought he could be a merchant. go
went over to Springfield, Missouri, and
spent some time and more money finding
out 1 couldn't
Then came to Topeka and have been
IN the stone quarry business ever since"
What do you think of politics as
business?"
"Oh, am not politician. Theoretical
~, and practically suppose, am re-
submissionist. At least l am not a pro.
hibitionist"
Aeto mrs hepIey said: "But am a
prohioitionist, and Mr Kepley does not
mean that he will not enforce the law as
rigidly as if he had framed the prohibi.
tion law himself"
"Of course said Mr.. Kepley, "as much
as 1t lies in my power to do SO l shall en-
force the law; the sheriff is not q car
though; hope it is not considered one
of the cardinal sins to believe that pro
hibltiOn as ne have it. is a mistake.