Roselawn, The Estate of William Volker

From the home's completion in 1889 until his death in 1947, this was the home of one of Kansas City's most beloved citizens. Known for his anonymous acts of philanthropy that ranged from small personal checks to help families in their hour of need to donating millions of dollars to support the creation of hospitals and today's University of Missouri Kansas City, William Volker earned the nickname "Mr. Annonymous" for his private acts of generosity and kindness. He was also the leading figure behind the creation of the Board of Public Welfare in Kansas City, a model that was followed by other communities throughout the United States. The home was purchased by Volker in 1889 and was the first home in what was then a new suburban development.

Despite his vast fortune, Volker continued to live in this home for the rest of his life while most of his contemporaries built vast estates. Volker purchased some of those estates, including the home of Walter Dickey, which became the first building of Kansas City University. That mansion is now named in honor of chancellor Clarence Scofield who oversaw the transition from a private university to a member of the University of Missouri system.

Volker earned a fortune as the manufacturer of home furnishing, and he later earned the nickname of Kansas City's "First Citizen," a moniker that reflected the esteem of his fellow citizens. From 1911, when he decided to give away the bulk of his fortune, to his death in 1947, scores of philanthropic and civic projects, ranging from the creation of Liberty Memorial to numerous schools and hospitals, received critical financial support from William Volker.

Shaw, Beverly. "Roselawn The Historic Volker Estate,", "Kansas City Homes and Gardens."