One of the prominent members of the house is the Hon. W. G. Ladd of Clarksville, who represents Butler county. He is a native of New York, born in Herkimer county, in 1857, and resided there till he was 23 years old, when he came west and located in Butler county. With the exception of one year spent in South Dakota, that has been his home since his coming west. Before he left New York he was engaged in school teaching, and after locating at Clarksville he served as principal of the schools one year. This avocation he gave up to enter the contracting and building business, which he still continues. Mr. Ladd's wife was a Miss Lida E. Root, and she is well and favorably known to the legislative people through her visits to the legislature the last two winters. They attend the Christian church. Mr. Ladd is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and has been honored with the highest offices of the subordinate lodge. He is a personal friend and warm supporter of the Hon. D. B. Henderson, to whom he gave active campaign service in the Third district in 1895. His name was prominently mentioned as speaker of the house for the coming session, but he withdrew early in December in favor of the Hon. J. H. Funk. He is a good legislator, active both on the floor and in committee work. Last session he served on the committees on railroads and commerce, insurance, agriculture, retrenchment and reform, animal industry, State university, Soldiers' and Orphans' home, public lands and buildings, and representative districts.

Butler County's member of the House this winter is the Hon. William G. Ladd of Clarksville. He was born in Herkimer county, New York, in 1857. and lived there till 23 years of age. Since 1880 he has lived in Butler County, with the exception of one year spent in South Dakota. Just before coming west he taught school for four terms, and at Clarksville he was principal of the schools one year. Contracting and building is the occupation that now occupies his attention. He was married a number of years ago to Miss Lida E. Root. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and has held a number of the offices in the subordinate lodge. He attends the Christian Church. In politics he has always affiliated with the Republicans and by them has been elected to a number of municipal offices. His most active service was given in support of D. B. Henderson, Congressman from the Third district last fall.