In the 1890's Reverend Charles Sheldon was the best known Kansan in America. 

His best-selling book, "In His Steps" suggested that Christians should follow the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives.   One of his characters was a newspaper editor.  In early 1900 the publisher of the Topeka Daily Capital suggested that Sheldon  take over the paper for a week.  Circulation boomed more than 3000%.  Reporters came from all over the country to observe, driven by un-Christian envy.