Gravesite of William Volker, Businessman and Philanthropist (1859-1947)

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 schools, William Volker earned the nickname "Mr. Annonymous" for his private acts of generosity and kindness. Volker earned a fortune as a manufacturer of home furnishings, 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. Volker also provided the critical financial support that formed the core of the campus of today's University of Missouri Kansas City.

Roe, Jason. William Volker, Pendergast Years, Kansas City in the Jazz Age & Great Depression, Kansas City Public Library. Accessed September 14th, 2023. https://pendergastkc.org/article/biography/william-volker.

Daniel Coleman. Biography of William Volker Businessman and Philanthropist1859-1947, Kansas City History, Kansas City Public Library. Accessed September 14th, 2023.