William O. Tumelson was born in Cowley county, Kansas, on December 12, 1875, being a son of William C. and Sarah E. Tumelson, who are mentioned in another portion of this work. William lived at home until he was nineteen, gained a good education and learned the art of the engineer. When nineteen he came to Latah county and wrought in handling a hydraulic in the mines at Cold Hill. He did well there for three years and in 1897 came to the reservation and located his present ranch. In addition to handling this ranch, he has operated a steam thresher for a portion of each year. These years, with the time in the east, make a total of ten years which he has devoted to this important industry and he is very skillful in it.

On February 26, 1899, Mr. Tumelson married Miss Etta M., daughter of John T. and Rosa (Duston) Springston. The nuptials occurred in this county. Mrs. Tumelson was born in Garnett, Kansas, on April 18, 1881. Two children have been born to this happy union, Gladys and Edna. Mr. Tumelson is a Republican and takes a progressive part in the advancement of educational facilities. He has a good farm, handles it skillfully and is gaining a fine bunch of stock, while his land is adapted to raising all kinds of cereals, including corn. He stands well in the community and is a man of reliability.