Leading the Way: Famous Kansans

Most fame does not transcend time. The impact of people's achievements may remain. People once well known become shadows of the past, replaced by contemporary figures. Many have been Kansas' able men--men truly great, but [in] choosing sight must not be lost of the fact that these selections must be men who ever will live in the minds of men. R. H. Faxon Topeka State Journal 1897 Today two statues represent Kansas in Statuary Hall in our nation's Capitol. Since 1864 the hall has honored two of the most "illustrious" and "distinguished" citizens from each state. The state legislature selected the first Kansas statue in 1905 and the second in 1913. Who were chosen for this honor?

John James Ingalls moved to Kansas in 1860 and joined the antislavery forces working to make Kansas a free state. He served in the U.S. Senate for 18 years and originated the Kansas state motto "Ad Astra per Aspera."

George Washington Glick worked for the adoption of the Kansas Constitution, served 14 years in the Kansas legislature, and served as governor.

There are those whose fame transcends time and space. For some like abolitionist John Brown the image becomes mythical. Brown came to Kansas in 1855 to fight with free-staters to abolish slavery in Kansas Territory. He eventually was arrested and hanged after leading an attack on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia.

No other figure from the Bleeding Kansas era has become so symbolically linked to the enduring values of the period. Brown's actions made him a controversial character. His fanaticism and acts of violence are condemned by some, yet others praise him as a champion of human rights, standing for truth and justice. Perhaps it is these conflicting views in addition to the significance of his actions that make his fame so lasting.

Some people continue to be famous because their images continue to be publicized.

William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody came as a young boy to Kansas with his family in 1854. By the age of 11, Cody was helping to support his family by hauling hay and delivering messages near Leavenworth. As an adult his experiences as a cavalry scout, buffalo hunter, and Medal of Honor winner made him a hero. His talents as a showman, matinee idol, and entrepreneur immortalized his image.

Through books, stage shows, and his Wild West show, Buffalo Bill brought his image to millions of people. With each new book and theatrical extravagana the stories about Buffalo Bill's real life adventures became larger-than-life. Selling himself to the public played as much of a role in securing Buffalo Bill's fame as the events themselves.

Almost any object or story can become a souvenir or memento. Souvenirs provide a physical link with fame. Commemorative items that are mass-produced reflect society's attitudes and values at the time. However, they are collected for personal reasons as tangible reminders of a special memory or experience.

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