Woolard, Samuel Francis, Col.

The following data is extracted from A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans.

Col. Samuel Francis Woolard is known to the people of Kansas with well earned distinction in several lines of effort and influence. He had been a Wichita business man for over a quarter of a century and is one of the prominent insurance men of the state. He is a retired officer of the National Guard and a growing circle of appreciative readers know him as an author and publisher.

A native of Illinois, he was born October 17, 1865, in Fayette County, son of W. W. and Lucy (Stites) Woolard, his mother a native of St. Clair County, Illinois. His father served with distinction as captain of Company H, Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, during the Civil war. Besides the services his father rendered during the crisis of the '60s, Colonel Woolard is descended from other American patriots, one or more of his ancestors having fought with valor in the Revolution.

Colonel Woolard grew up in Illinois, attended public school at Mulberry Grove, and completed his education in Baker University at Baldwin, Kansas. He early took up insurance work, and since February 27, 1893, had been state agent and adjuster for the American Central Fire Insurance Company of St. Louis. His home and business headquarters are at Wichita and that city had never counted on him in vain as a worker to realize any definite plan of civic advancement and improvement.

Colonel Woolard had served as lieutenant colonel on the staff of three governors in Kansas, two years for Governor Bailey, four years for Governor Hoch and four years for Governor Stubbs. He is now on the retired list of the Kansas National Guard. Colonel Woolard is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, of the Sons of the American Revolution, is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the Mystic Shrine, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

In the field of literature he is author, composer and publisher of the "Good Fellowship" series, comprising the following titles: Good Fellowship, Beanties of Friendship, All That's Lovely, Pictures of Memory, Glorious Mother, Dear Old Father, Things Beautiful, The Sunshine of Life, Still Waters, Good Fellowship (Second Section), and Real Patriotism.

Colonel Woolard was married at Wichita June 5, 1888, to Miss Birdine Davidson. Mrs. Woolard was born at Cuba, Alleghany County, New York, but her father, S. L. Davidson, was an early settler in Wichita. Mrs. Woolard is also of Revolutionary lineage, is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and is now serving as regent of the Eunice Sterling Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Colonel and Mrs. Woolard have two children: Bessie May Woolard, wife of J. L. Musser, living at El Centro, California; and Frances Woolard.

The foregoing sketch was written by the biographers of this work. In addition to what is there said, the author of this "History of Kansas" wishes to add: That Colonel Woolard is a genial and companionable man. He is possessed of a strong and pleasing personality. He is one of those men you like to meet–like to have come into your home or office. For with him is always the presence of good-fellowship–an optimistic and cheerful attitude toward life. He is a helpful man–a good neighbor–a good citizen.

The work done by Colonel Woolard as author and publisher had had a great influence in Kansas. His books are household treasures in Kansas, and in other states. And his work will live after him to bless future generations.

Source: A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans

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