Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1912-04-20
(From the Peabody HERALD

(From the Peabody Herald)
Arthur Capper, the first native Kan
san to become a candidate for the
Office of governor, was born in Gar
nett, Anderson county, forty-six years
ago, and is a conspicuous example of
the self-made man. The people of
Kansas have watched his splendid
business career in Topeka during the
last quarter of a century where he
has advanced unaided, and by his
own efforts and industry, to the posi-
ton of leading publisher of the west.
Mr. Capper's parents were Quakers.
He was educated in the public schools
i of Garrett. Before he was fourteen
years of age he had been an appren-
tice in the printing business in the
office of the Garrett Journal
When he was Is years of age Arthur
Capper came to Topeka, and went to
work on the Capital as a typesetter.
Methods Inspire Confidence.
When Arthur Capper bought the
Daily Capital in 1910 he had just
$4,000 to apply on the purchase price.
The owners were glad to sell on long
time because they had watched his
career in Topeka and had absolute
confidence in his integrity and ability.
There were discouraging seasons and
he was compelled many times to Dor
row money but he had faith in the
future. That his hopes have been
fully realized is attested by the as
founding growth of his business which
is now the largest publishing business
in the west, and requires the services
of more than 600 people. He is mar
velously familiar with all the details
of this vast volume of business. He
is now the sole proprietor of the
Daily Capital, the Mail and Breeze
and five other farm publications. The
Capper building, which is one of the
finest office blocks in Kansas, is oc-
cupied exclusively by the Capper
publications.
No story about Arthur Capper
would be. complete without reference
to his many benefactions and chart
ties; his interest in the welfare of his
fellows He loves children and is
cons antly seeking to add to their
happiness. More than 5000 boys and
girls call at Mr.. Capper's office each
spring to secure supply of free
flower seeds They plant the seeds,
cultivate the plants, and compete for
cash prizes offered by Mr.. Capper for
the most beautiful flower beds and
gardens. Then in September the Cap
per Flower club gladly contributes
flowers to be taken to the sick in the
hospitals in Mr.. Capper's automobiles
Another annual event in which the
children are greatly interested is the
picnic given by Mr.. Gapper at Vine
wood park. Ten thousand children
are entertained by him at this won
derful picnic. He organized the Good
Fellows club made up of citizens of
Topeka, to aid him in distributing
Christmas presents to the poor chill
dren of the city.
A Wide-AMake Citizen.
Notwithstanding the busy life he
has led Mr.. Capper has taken an &C
tive interest in movements for civic
betterment and progress.
He is a director of the Kansas State
Historical society; was president of
the Kansas State Editorial associa-
ton two years ago; is president of
the board of regents of the State
Agricultural college,; a director of the
Young Mems Christian Association of
Topeka: director of the Prudential
Savings bank: a member of the A. o.
u w, the Modern Woodmen of Amer
lea, the Knights and Ladies of Secur-
/, ity, and the United Commercial
Travellers.
Mr. Capper believes in clean, de-
cent. upright living and he practices
what he breaches. He does not use
liquor or tobacco in any form.
In 1892 Mr. Capper was married to
Florence Crawford. daughter of ex-
Governor Samuel. ]. Crawford.