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Colonel Theodore Spencer Case – A Kansas City Founder – Legends of America
(Image of Theodore Case – hopefully you have this available to insert)
Ever heard of Theodore Spencer Case? If you’re from Kansas City, you should have! This guy was a total rockstar back in the day – a doctor, scientist, soldier, businessman, and basically one of the founding fathers of Kansas City, Missouri. Talk about a resume!
Early Days and Brains Galore
Theodore, born on January 26, 1832, was the eldest of four boys. His parents, Ermine and Mary Case, were originally from Connecticut but decided to start their family in Jackson, Georgia. They didn’t stick around Georgia for too long, though. They moved to Columbus, Ohio, where they became respected members of the community.
Theodore got a top-notch education in Columbus. He really threw himself into his studies, especially after his mother passed away when he was only 15. He went on to graduate from Marietta College in Ohio and even snagged a Master of Arts degree in 1851. After college, he taught math for a bit at the Esther Institute in Columbus. But that wasn’t all! He was also studying medicine under the guidance of Professor S.M. Smith at Starling Medical College, earning his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1853. Basically, the guy was a super-achiever!
His first gig as a doctor was at the Ohio State Penitentiary. A few years later, in 1857, he packed his bags and headed west to the "Town of Kansas." Back then, it was just a muddy little village of about 2,000 people, slowly growing on the banks of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers. Can you imagine what it must have been like?
In 1858, he married Julia Lykins, the daughter of Dr. Johnston Lykins, who was an early mayor of Kansas City. So, right from the start, he was getting involved with the movers and shakers of the town.
Politics and War: A Man of Action
Theodore’s leadership skills really came to the forefront even before the Civil War. He was elected as an alderman in 1860. And get this – as a committed Republican, he was one of the very few people in Missouri who voted for Abraham Lincoln that year! He stayed in the alderman’s office until 1861. He also found time to edit the Medical Review in Kansas City – just another thing to add to his list!
(Image of Robert T. Van Horn)
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Theodore didn’t hesitate. He signed up as a private in Colonel Robert T. Van Horn’s 13th Missouri Volunteers. But his skills were quickly recognized. Within weeks, he was promoted to second lieutenant and assigned as the acting quartermaster and commissary of subsistence. Basically, he was in charge of supplies.
During the war, he even wrote a Quartermaster’s Guide, which was so good that the United States quartermaster general gave it major props!
In June 1862, President Lincoln himself promoted Theodore to captain and assistant quartermaster of the U.S. Volunteers.
Brigadier-General Thomas Ewing, Jr., appointed him chief quartermaster of the military district of The Border in 1863. In 1864, Brigadier-General E.B. Brown gave him the same job in the district of Central Missouri.
He received commendations from a whole bunch of high-ranking officers, including Brigadier-Generals Ewing, Brown, and Fisk, and Major-Generals Pleasanton, Blunt, and Rosecrans. The guy was seriously good at his job.
In February 1865, he was made a colonel and quartermaster-general of Missouri. As quartermaster, he was responsible for providing the troops with everything they needed – clothing, equipment, food. He excelled at this and was appointed assistant quartermaster of the entire region. By the end of the war in 1866, he had reached the rank of colonel. Not bad for someone who started as a private!
Building a City: A True Founder
After the war, Theodore went back to Kansas City and became super involved in building up the town. He put his time, money, and energy into making Kansas City a better place. He worked alongside other key figures like Robert Van Horn, Kersey Coates, Milton Payne, Johnston Lykins, James Reed, and John McCoy – the real pioneers who shaped the city.
(Image of University of Missouri in Kansas City)
In March 1866, Governor Fletcher appointed him railroad commissioner. That same year, he became a curator of the University of Missouri, a position he held until 1868.
In 1867, he was appointed to the Board of Curators of Missouri State University and held the position for two years.
Between 1867 and 1872, he put up around 25 buildings in the city. Talk about contributing to the skyline!
In 1869, he and his brother, Oliver Case, started a business manufacturing plows and other farm equipment.
In 1870, he helped start the Commercial Bank and became its president.
Sadly, his wife Julia passed away in 1872, leaving him with three children – Lilah M., Johnston L., and Ermine C. (three other children had died earlier in their lives).
In March 1873, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed him postmaster of Kansas City. Presidents Hayes and Arthur reappointed him, so he stayed in that role for almost 13 years. That’s some serious job security!
In 1874, two years after Julia’s death, he married Fidelia O. Wright.
(Image of Kansas City, Missouri Board of Trade)
From 1877 to 1885, he edited the Kansas City Review of Science and Industry. Always learning and sharing knowledge!
In March 1883, he got a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas City. You just can’t keep a good man down!
In 1885, he became a professor of chemistry at Kansas City Medical College. That same year, Governor Crittenden appointed him a commissioner from the State of Missouri to the World’s Exposition in New Orleans, Louisiana.
In 1886, he became the first president of the Kansas City Real Estate and Stock Exchange. He also started the Merchants and Manufacturers Bureau and served as its secretary. Plus, he was an early member of the Board of Trade and one of the founders of the Provident Association, the Art Association, and the Young Men’s Christian Association. He was involved in everything!
In 1891, he was chosen to fill a vacancy as city treasurer and was elected to succeed himself the following year.
From 1894 to 1898, he worked as a justice of the peace. After that, he focused on real estate and writing. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, commander of one of the first posts in the State, a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion and vice commander of the Missouri Commandery, and a member of the Baptist Church.
A Legacy Remembered
Colonel Theodore Spencer Case died on February 16, 1900, at the age of 78. He had a life packed with accomplishments and contributions to Kansas City. His wife and three children survived him. He’s buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Kansas City.
(Image of Early Day Kansas City, Missouri)
So, next time you’re in Kansas City, remember Theodore Spencer Case. He was more than just a name – he was a doctor, a soldier, a businessman, and one of the key people who helped build the city we know and love today.
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, March 2025.
Also See:
- Historic People of Kansas City, Missouri
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Kansas City Photo Gallery
- Town of Kansas – Before Kansas City
Sources:
- Appletons’ Cyclopedia of American Biography, volume 1, New York City, 1900.
- Case, Theodore S.; History of Kansas City Missouri, D. Mason & CO; Syracuse, New York, 1888.
- Missouri Valley Special Collections
- Wikitree