My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM C. TRAPP.
William C. Trapp, deceased, was one of the best known merchant tailors of Topeka, the establishment founded by him still being conducted by his estate. He was a man of prominence in business circles and enjoyed a high degree of popularity among his fellow-citizens.

Mr. Trapp was born in Prussia, Germany, March 3, 1845, and was one of a family of nine children born to his parents. His father was born in Prussia and in 1859 came to this continent, locating in Waterloo, Canada.

Our subject was a lad of 14 years when he accompanied his parents across the water and settled in Waterloo. There he learned the trade of a tailor and worked until he was 17 years old, when he started for himself. Leaving his Canadian home, he was located at various places until 1867, when he came West to Topeka, Kansas. Here he accepted employment at his trade, and in 1872 embarked in business for himself. He placed his establishment on a firm business basis and became one of the prosperous men of the city. He established a reputation as a merchant tailor second to none and commanded the highest class of trade. His death occurred July 24, 1892, and since that time the business has been conducted by his estate, being under the management of W. T. Beerbohm at the present time. Mr. Trapp was a member of the Topeka Club and had a large circle of intimate friends who mourned his death as a personal loss.

On October 7, 1875, Mr. Trapp was joined in marriage with Christina Holmes, a daughter of the late Hon. George B. Holmes, who was a pioneer citizen of Topeka, deceased in 1879. Four children were born to this union, namely: William H., who married Lavinia Briscoe, has one child, Lillian Earnestine, and resides at Miami, Indian Territory; Lillian; Ruth, who died at the age of 18 years; and Carl W. Mrs. Trapp and Lillian and Carl W. Trapp reside in a comfortable home at No. 215 West 11th street, Topeka. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. A portrait of Mr. Trapp accompanies this sketch.