Biographical Sketches
WALTER BALES
Deceased, was one of Kansas City's most honored pioneers. Long before the Indians had left this locality for reservations further west, when land was wild, the prairies unbroken, he settled within what is now the corporate limits of the city and became identified with its upbuilding and interests. For more than half a century he was an important factor in educational, business and political circles, and no man in all the community was held in higher regard or had the confidence of the people to a greater degree than Walter Bales.
He was born in east Tennessee, February 10, 1803, and was a son of John Bales, who lived and died in that state. There our subject grew to manhood, and made it his place of abode until about 28 years of age, when he started westward, reaching his destination after some weeks of travel in a wagon. He drove a 4-horse team, of which he was very fond, and throughout his entire life he manifested a great love for good horses. While on the way they camped at night, traveling from early dawn till dark. They brought with them all their household effect and stock. Mr. Bales first located in the east bottoms, where he lived one winter. There he formed the acquaintance of Sarah Johnson, and their friendship ripening into love, the young couple were married on the 3rd of June, 1832. The lany had come with her father to Jackson county in October, 1825, and was therefore one of the very first settlers of all this region.
After his marriage, Mr. Bales removed with his bride to where is now the junction of 14th street and Bernard Avenue. At this time all the country was very wild, the plains were unbroken by the plow, and the Indians had a trading post on what is now the very heart of the city. The land, however, was cultivated and yielded rich returns for the care and labor bestowed upon it. Mr. Bales purchased property of his father-in-law, paying $1.25 per acre for his claim, and 10 acres of the original tract is yet in possession of his family. For many years he carried on agricultural pursuits, transforming the wild prairies into rich and fertile fields, and his well-directed efforts brought to him a comfortable competence. As the population of Kanas City greatly increased, land values in consequence rose rapidly and his property commanded high prices.
In the development and upbuilding of the city Mr. Bales took a very prominent and active part. To no man in Kansas City are the schools more greatly indebted than to Mr. Bales. He became deeply interested in educational matters as the town grew and was trustee and district clerk for about 25 years, doing most of the business of the schools and promoting their interests in all possible ways. He also served as magistrate for more than 20 years, meting out justice to all alike without fear or favor. He was the soul of honor and integrity in business and public life and his name was above reproach. He took an active interest in political affairs, was an extensive reader and was thoroughly well informed on all the questions and interests of the day. He was a warm admirer of Henry Clay, and in the early days supported the whig party, but at the time of the war transferred his allegiance to the democracy. He also served as county judge for about 7 years, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity that won for him high commendation.
Although Mr. Bales was called into public life to a great extent his interests clustered around his home, and he would never accept an office that would force him to be away from home for any considerable period. His domestic ties were the strongest that he acknowledged, and it seemed that he could not do too much to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of his family. He left to them not only a fortune obtained through honorable business methods, but also the priceless heritage of a good name. Before his death he divided all his money and property equally among his 6 children. He passed away July 8, 1887, respected alike by young and old, rich and poor.
There is in the laborious struggle for an honorable competence and solid career of the business or professional man, fighting the every-day battle of life, but little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensational chapter; but for a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and immortal lessons in the life of the man who, without other means than a clear head, a strong arm and a true heart, conquers adversity, and toiling on through the work-a-day years of a long career finds that he has won not only wealth but also something far greater and higher - the deserved respect and esteem of those with whom his years of active life placed him in contact. Such a man was Mr. Bales. His wife also won the love and confidence of those whom she met, and was to her husband a faithful companion and helpmeet. She possessed a remarkable memory, and at the time Mr. Bales was school trustee she could remember every child's name and his age after being told once. She died May 12, 1893.
In the family were the following children: John, of Belton, Missouri; William, of Kansas City; Samuel H.; Walter, also of Belton, Missouri; Mary E. and James E., both of this city. This is one of the best known families of Kansas City, and their name is inseparable connected with its history. All have taken a deep interest in the upbuilding of the community, in the promotion of every enterprise calculated to prove of public benefit, and at the time of the war people who became frightened felt safe it they could get refuge in the house of Walter Bales; and his home was open to all.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.