Popular columnist, women’s editor, author and publisher; Jessie Perry Stratford’s journalism career spanned over 70 years. Born in Florence, KS Feb. 12, 1885, she was orphaned in her youth and lived with her grandparents in Brainerd, Butler Co., until moving to El Dorado in 1901.

 

After attending the Brumback Academy in 1903, she began her highly successful career with the Walnut Valley Times. Later associated with the Wichita Eagle, she was also owner-editor of the Burns News, the Western Butler County Times of Towanda, and the Butler Free-Lance.

 

She played a major role in documenting the history and the people of Butler County through articles, columns and several published books. She died in 1980, yet remains an influential figure in the County today.