Emporia, Kansas

Emporia is a city located in Lyon County, Kansas, USA. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 26,760. Emporia was the home of Pulitzer prize winning newspaper editor William Allen White, and is the site of Emporia State University. In addition to the University, Emporia has two major employers: Dolly Madison Baking and IBP, now owned by Tyson, a major beef slaughter and packing operation (they kill and process approximately 4000 cows per day). Emporia is located at the intersection of US-50, Interstate 335 and Interstate 35 on the Kansas Turnpike. It is the county seat of Lyon County.⁶

Geography

Emporia is located at 38°24'29" North, 96°11'13" West (38.408148, -96.187054)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.8 km² (10.0 mi²). 25.6 km² (9.9 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.60% water.

History

Albert H. Gufler

Albert H. Gufler, one of Emporia's influential citizens and business men, is a native of Kansas, born in Douglas county, Feb. 17, 1872. He is a son of Anton and Grace (Kellerman) Gufler, the former of whom was born in Germany and came to America in 1854. He located first in Chicago, where he was employed at his trade, as boiler maker, three years, and then, in 1857, came to Kansas, locating in Eudora, Douglas county, where he engaged in the mercantile business. He served in the United States commissary department throughout the whole of the Civil war. In politics he is a Democrat and in religion a Roman Catholic. He now resides at Lawrence, Kan.

Albert H. Gufler was educated in Endora and in Lawrence and is a graduate of the Eudora High School. During his high school course he spent his hours out of school in his father's grocery store, where he thoroughly learned every detail of the business. In 1887 he entered the employ of the Theo. Poehler Wholesale Mercantile Company, of Lawrence, Kan., in whose service he has continued to the present time, his ability and faithfulness having won him advancement, step by step, to his present position, that of a director of the company and manager of its branch business at Emporia, which latter position he has held since 1901. In 1892 he went on the road as salesman, in which capacity he served until located at Emporia. This company is incorporated, the main house being at Lawrence and a branch house at Emporia, the latter of which alone employes twelve salesmen and sells goods all over Kansas. Mr. Gufler began his business career as a poor boy, beginning at the lowest rung of the ladder, and his life has shown how a laudable ambition may be gratified when that ambition is accompanied by energy, integrity, perseverance, and business ability.

In 1899 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Gufler and Miss Mary Hoffmans, of Burlington, Kan., daughter of Frank Hoffmans, a leading merchant of that town. Mr. and Mrs. Gufler have five children Wilhelmina, Dorothea, Albert H., Jr., Winifrede and Carlene—the three eldest of whom are attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Gufler are Roman Catholics in church faith and membership. Mr. Gufler holds a life membership in Emporia Lodge, No. 633, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which order he is Past Exalted Ruler, and he is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the United Commercial Travelers of America. He takes an active interest in every movement for the general welfare and commercial advancement of Emporia, and was one of the committee of three which secured the paving of Main street in that city. At present he is serving as president of the Emporia Commercial Club.

Transcribed December 2002 by Carolyn Ward. This volume is identified at the Kansas State Historical Society as microfilm LM195.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 26,760 people, 10,253 households, and 6,039 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,043.6/km² (2,703.0/mi²). There are 11,019 housing units at an average density of 429.7/km² (1,113.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 78.63% White, 2.96% African American, 0.48% Native American, 2.66% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 12.75% from other races, and 2.52% from two or more races. 21.49% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 10,253 households out of which 31.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.4% are married couples living together, 9.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.1% are non-families. 31.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.47 and the average family size is 3.15.

In the city the population is spread out with 25.3% under the age of 18, 19.4% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 17.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 28 years. For every 100 females there are 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $30,809, and the median income for a family is $41,571. Males have a median income of $27,915 versus $20,946 for females. The per capita income for the city is $15,157. 17.9% of the population and 12.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 19.6% of those under the age of 18 and 10.1% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

See also

• Emporia State University

External links

• Emporia
• The Emporia Gazette
• Maps and aerial photos
  • Street map from Mapquest or Google
  • Topographic map from Topozone
  • Aerial photograph from Terraserver or Google