Maude Gunning


Every antique portrait holds a piece of history waiting to be uncovered, and this beautifully preserved cabinet photo from the turn of the century is no exception. Captured through the lens of Kansas City photographer W. B. Rich, this photo reveals a thoughtful young girl leaning against a heavily carved wooden chair, her dark dress and oversized hair bow capturing the distinct charm of the late Victorian era.

​A glance at the back of the cardstock mount reveals a treasure trove of handwritten genealogy notes, giving a complete voice to the young face on the front.

​Born in Kansas in 1895, Maude Gunning grew up in Wyandotte County, Kansas. She was the daughter of Alexander Gunning—a prominent local figure who served as the Wyandotte County Sheriff—and Agnes Jane Aiken.

​Growing up at 705 Central Avenue in Kansas City, Maude was raised in a bustling household. Census records from 1900 show her as a 5 year old living alongside three older half siblings: Frank, Harry, and Grace. With a significant age gap between her and her older brothers and sister, Maude was raised as the baby of the family. By 1910, at age 15, census entries show her attending local schools while living with her parents.

As the years went on, Maude grew up and built a life of her own, eventually marrying Vernon A. Phelps. Federal censuses through the mid 20th century show Maude and Vernon living together quietly, with no children recorded in their household.

​Maude lived a long life, passing away in 1970. Thanks to the thoughtful relative who penned "Maude Gunning (Cousin)" across the back of her photograph, her identity, parentage, and place in her family's tree remain preserved for us to appreciate today.


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