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James Ketner was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, February
5, 1869. While still in his infancy his family removed to
Junction City, Kas., where his father, Major Ketner, early gained fame
as one of the leading practitioners at the bar of central
Kansas. Mr. Ketner passed his life up to early manhood there,
meanwhile acquiring an education in the public schools of the town,
and finally graduating from the High School. Soon after his
graduation he went into the banking business, going afterwards to
Minneapolis, Kas., to engage in the same business, holding the
position of cashier of the First National Bank of Minneapolis.
In January 1894, Mr. Ketner came to Kansas City to become the auditor
of the Midland Hotel, and three years later was made its
secretary. He remained this position through a number of changes
of management, and in August, 1902, formed a partnership with Gustave
Beraud, and assumed management of the hotel. In a few months the
business had increased to a point where the Baltimore Hotel Company
found it expedient to absorb the Midland. Mr. Ketner, however,
is still retained by the owners to look after their interests under
the lease.
He is a Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the local
lodge of Elks.
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