History of Barton County, Kansas

The subjects of this sketch, Paul Francis and Melissa Ann Schneck, were members of the first party of emigrants to arrive on the townsite of Great Bend, and they possibly erected the first house. This little frame structure is shown as the "L" in the picture of their residence taken in 1871, and it first stood on a lot in the town. It has, however, quite a history, as it has made several journeys between the village and their homestead before becoming a part of its permanent structure. These first settlers suffered many hardships and were persecuted continuously by bands of roving Indians, and those who attempted to work the land on claims only a short distance from the town experienced great fear. For this reascn, Mr. Schneck for a long time kept a truck that conformed to the size of his little shack, and the rumor of a massacre in another part of Western Kansas often drove the family and their house on wheels back to the settlement. The mules which brought this party from Illinois were the main dependence of the family, and when not engaged breaking and cultivating the land helped to haul the material to build the present court house, the old Southern Hotel and the first Santa Fe depot. Mr. Schneck was lured by the game so plentiful at that period and made his pleasure a source of profit by hunting buffalo, deer, antelope, prairie chickens, etc., and selling the meat and pelts. He often made trips extending over weeks, leaving his wife as the protector of the home and little ones, and this she remembers as one of her greatest trials; for it was during an absence of this kind that the death of little William Francis occurred on January 4th, 1872. He was encased in a coffin made by a willing carpenter and laid to rest by loving neighbors.

Paul Francis Schneck served during the civil war as a private in Co. H, 2nd Illinois artillery. He died in Great Bend, Kansas, February 26th 1911, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Great Bend by sorrowing but loving friends. He was a noble comrade, faithful soldier and pathfinder and his goad deeds redeem his few faults.

Melissa Ann Fowler Schneck was born October 27, 1842, on a canal boat on the Millionville river, Ohio, and is the daughter of William and Mary Fowler of Perryburg, Ohio. The father was a miller and owner of a canal boat, but both parents died before Melissa was six years of age and she grew to womanhood in the home of an aunt at Florence, Michigan.

On December 26, 1866, at the age of twenty-two she married Paul Francis Schneck, at Florence, Michigan. She is the mother of nine children, six of whom are living: Mrs. James McDonald, six miles south of Stafford; Mrs. Lizzie Ruble, Great Bend; Mrs. Rosa Belle Land, Great Bend; Frank Schneck, farmer of near Larned; Bertie Lougee Schneck, farmer on home place and Miss Emma J. Schneck.

Early in 1867 Mr. and Mrs. Schneck left Michigan for Quincy, Illinois, where they made their home for five years, or until August, 1871 when they came to the newly located town of Great Bend. They came overland in a wagon drawn by mules, and were accompanied by their three children, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis P. Frey and Thompson Frey. The homestead located by them is four miles northwest of the court house, is a part of their present well tilled farm, and is very fertile.

The life story of Peter J. Deckert of "Silver Medal Farm," three miles north of Pawnee Rock if told in any other state or county would read like fiction. He was born April 8, 1872, in Russian Poland, and his father died shortly afterwards. In the spring of 1874 his mother was married to Peter H. Dirks now living in Liberty township and with them he came to the United States and Barton County, Kansas, in the spring of 1875. They at first were members of the Mennonite Colony which settled near Dundee, but in 1877 the step-father purchased a home near the western border of the county and it was there that young Peter grew to manhood on the farm, and received his education in the schools of that district. At an early age he learned the value of money and how to save it by passing through the hard times that followed, or really only began in 1893 when he had reached the age of twenty-one. There had been hard periods previous to that time but for four years there were almost complete crop failures and when in 1897 the good crops came Mr. Deckert had learned the lesson that was necessary to make him the practical farmer and prudent business man that he is today. Two good crops enabled him to marry and purchase a quarter section of land and from that date he began to accumulate and lay the foundation for his present prosperity. Today he owns four hundred acres of the finest agricultural land in Pawnee Rock township and he has it in the beet possible state of cultivation. His home is a three story frame with thirteen large airy rooms. It is well and modernly furnished, beautifully painted and surrounded by a grass plot in which there are set numerous trees, shrubs and plants. The barn is 30 by 46 and has a large hay loft and stall for all stock in use on the farm. There is a good granary, machinery shed and the other necessary outbuildings, and three good windmills. There is also another two story, eight room tenant house with a good barn 40 by 60 with machine sheds and other buildings and this is occupied by his farm help. In the front is a blue grass plot and a number of evergreens. Peter T. Deckert and Miss Susan Ratzlaff of Pawnee Rock township were married November 9, 1898, and they have been blessed with the following children: Lyndon, 12; Erben, 9; Otto, 7; Arbin, 4; Louise, 2, and Ivan, an infant of two months, at this writing.

William Varnum Adams was born in Armstrong County, Pa., July 22, 1866-He resided in his native state until 1904, at which time he came to Barton County, Kansas. He located on land south of the river which was purchased by his father, Captain James Adams, from D. N. Heizer, in 1884, in South Bend township, four miles south of the city of Great Bend and began the building of a home. How well he has succeeded is evidenced by the fine improvements to be found there. This land which consists of 200 acres, is located in section 21, township 20, range 13. His residence which has recently been finished consists of two stories with eleven rooms, exclusive of the garret and basement. It is built according to plans made by Mr. Adams and is one of the best arranged homes to be found in Burton County. The front and half of the south and north sides of the building are enclosed by a cement floored porch with a roof like the roof on the building proper and known as a sweep design. The interior of the building is finished in stucco ceilings and walls, with the wood work stained a light oak shade. The parlor and dining room open one into the other with a wide passage way on either side of which are heavy pillars. The kitchen and other rooms are well supplied with closets and pantries. On the upper floor are found the bed rooms, bath room and billiard room all of them being finished in keeping with the lower floor. The lower rooms are furnished with leather upholstered furniture of modern design and altogether Mr. Adams has a home of which he should be proud. The barn which is 32 by 40 with a loft capable of containing a great amount of hay is equipped with automatic lifts, has a cement floor and stall room for all the animals that Mr. Adams needs in his business. There are two large granaries and all the other outbuildings needed to make a thoroughly equipped farm. The place is equipped with an individual electric lighting plant, pressure water system and the live stock maintained by Mr. Adams while not of the thoroughbred or fancy kind is ample for all needs. Mr. Adams was married in 1891 in Kittaning, Armstrong County, Pa., to Mia Allie Phillips. They are the parents of five children: Frank, 20 years of age; George, 19 years of age; Willis, 17 years of age; John, 15 years of age; Hazel, 12 years. All the children are at home and are being educated in the schools of Barton County. Mr. Adams has been a most successful farmer as he farms according to modern methods and to this fact and that he has taken the good years with the bad and made an average of them, without being discouraged he owes his success.

Of the men who came to Barton County in the early days, at a time when Indians and buffaloes disputed the encroachment of the white man, on what they considered their sole territory, none is better or more favorably known than J. W. Soderstrom. He was born in Altoona, Knox County, Illinois, in 1859, and came to Kansas with his parents - John Olaf, and Mrs. Louisa Soderstrom, in 1878, when he was eighteen years of age. The elder Soderstrom purchased land in Osage County, just west of the Osage Indian reservation and J. W. remained there for ten years, spending part of the time on the farm and the remainder of the time he was following his trade of carpenter in different parts of that section of the state. He came to Barton County in 1887, and bought land one and a half miles north of Hoisington. He remained on this farm for eight years and then moved to the town of Hoislngton and in the fall of 1902 was elected to the office of county treasurer. He came to Great Bend in 1903 to assume the duties of this office and has remained here since that time. He served this term and gave way to Frank Millard who served two terms and he in turn retired in 1908 in favor of Mr. Soderstrom who was again elected in 1907. He was re-elected in 1910 and is now finishing his second successive term. Mr. Soderstrom has always taken an active part in public affairs and in addition to the office he now holds he has been a member of the school board at district No. 97, a member of the council in Hoisington and in 1908 was deputy assessor in Great Bend. Mr. Soderstrom is the father of three children: Frank A., twenty-six years old, assistant cashier of the Peoples State Bank of Hoisington; Elma B, who graduated from the State University in 1905 and is now teaching in the schools of Hoisington; Winnie, fifteen years of age, a pupil in the Great Bend High school. Mr. Soderstorm is a member of the Great Bend lodge of Elks, the A. O. U. W. and wears a "25" year emblem of the Odd Fellows, having been a member of this order for twenty-seven years. In all his work for the public Mr. Soderstrom has always given his best efforts from the time he was township clerk and trustee, to his present position as one of the most important officers of the county. His recollections of the early days would make a volume inasmuch as he was here at a time when the development of the county was just beginning and he has seen it grow from almost a barren waste to its present high state of cultivation and standing among the counties of the state. During all this time he has always been found with the progressive and public spirited element and has been a sound, substantial citizen.

George Lewis Bessler was born in Germany in 1876 and with his parents came to America in 1882. His parents located at Toledo, Ohio, where George went to school. In 1898 when the war with Spain was declared he enlisted in the 6th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and he was with his company in Cuba. He served thirteen months in the army and upon his discharge returned to Toledo where he remained a short time before going to New York where he accepted a position as steward on one of the big ocean liners. He followed this business for three years after which he again returned to his home town, Toledo, and from there came to Barton County in 1904 during the harvest season. He accepted a position with the E. R. Moses Mercantile Co. and was connected with this firm until 1908. He then took up the occupation of farming which he followed for two years at the end of which time he again entered the mercantile business and at the time of this writing is preparing to open a modern second hand store where he will also carry a good stock of new furniture. His business is located in the Cook Building on the east side of the public square. Mr. Bessler is an enterprising and progressive citizen and finds time to take a deep interest in the public affairs of the community in which he lives and in all public matters is found with the progressive element.

Wilson M. Zieber was born November 14, 1859 at Philadelphia, Pa. He remained in the Quaker State until he was twenty years of age, and received his early education there. He entered what is now known as the North Indiana University where he was a student for two years. He came to Harvey County, Kansas, in 1882, and taught in the schools of that county for two years. From there he moved to Barton County in 1884 and engaged in the nursery business, traveling all over this section of the country supplying the farmers with nursery products. Realizing the necessity for a first class nursery in the county, he purchased the business of William Bester located a short distance east of Pawnee Rock. He immediately made a number of improvements and as his business grew in volume it became necessary for him to have more land. In 1891 he bought eighty acres one mile and a half northeast of Pawnee Rock, and in 1893 added another eighty acres adjoining. This nursery is now recognized as the leader in this line of business in this section of the country and its products are shipped to all parts of the Great Southwest. Mr. Zieber carries a fine line of trees and shrubs as well as flowers and plants and makes a specialty of Maple and Elm trees. In addition to the land mentioned above Mr. Zieber owns three quarter sections of land in Barton County and 160 acres in Ness County. He was married in November, 1890, to Miss Armeta Miller and they are the parents of eight children: Lester, 20 years; Gertrude E., 18 years; George A., 17 years; Warren M., 16 years; Eva A., 14; Mary L., 12 years; Katheryn J., 6 years; Florence V., 4 years. All of these are living at home; Lester being at home when he is not attending the Agricultural College at Manhattan where he is now a student. Mr. Zieber has had a great deal of experience in the nursery business and the products from his establishment are known in all parts of this and surrounding states where the best in trees, flowers and shrubbery are appreciated. His home place is located a short distance east of Pawnee Rock.

The "J. R. Ewing Thoroughbred Stock and Alfalfa Farm," which is located eleven miles west of Great Bend, covers four hundred acres of the choicest of Barton County's tillable land and is all that its name implies. Its owner, James R. Ewing, is a fancier of thoroughbreds, and his specialties are Black and Gray Percheron horses, Shorthorn Cattle, Big Boned English Berkshire hogs and Rhode Island Red chickens. The house is a two story frame with eleven rooms; the barn 40x64; the poultry house large and modern, and there is an automobile garage, windmills and numerous outbuildings. The farm is set in corn, wheat and forage crops, and a goodly portion in alfalfa and native grasses. In fact it has been planned for a breeding farm and has the necessary appurtenances. On it at this time is "Kansas King," a thoroughbred registered Black Percheron stallion and eleven registered brood mares of the same breed. Two of these mares are said to be worth above $1,000 each, and the value of "Kansas King" has not been fixed as he is not yet two years old and is said to be one of the largest colts ever bred in the county. "Deering Archer," a thoroughbred Shorthorn bull, and six Shorthorn cows - all from imported stock. A herd of Big Boned English Berkshire hogs and a flock of Rhode Island Red chickens. These animals have been bred for sale from sires imported at great cost, with a view to bettering the stock of the county, and are the result of many years of effort, and Mr. Ewing deserves much credit for being the pioneer in his line.

James R. Ewing was born February 10th, 1840, in Crawford County, Pa., but in 1857 moved to Webster County, Iowa, where he engaged in farming. On July 14th, 1861, he was married to Miss Hannah Elizabeth Cline, of that county, and they have four children: David A., Fred H. and Harve Ewing, all farming in Barton County, and Mrs. Blanche Nairn of Pawnee County. On August 22nd, 1862, he entered the United States army as a private in Co. I, 32nd Iowa Volunteers and served during the remainder of the civil war. He was in eight general engagements, many skirmishes, and was at one time for thirty-one days under fire; but escaped with a scratch across the forehead, a grazed arm, and a hat shot from his head. He faced Price, Marmaduke, Bee and Dwight at the battles of Ft. DeRusa, Pleasant Hill, Mansfield, Old Oaks, Lake Checot, Mineral Point, Big Blue and Nashville, and was at the taking of Ft. Blakeny, Ala., on the 14th day of April, 1865. After the close of the war he returned to his home in Iowa and took up farming again until coming to Barton County on November 13th, 1885, when be bought a section of land where he now resides. Although about seventy-two he is well preserved and actively engaged every working day, and drives his automobile as recklessly as the younger generation. Mrs. Ewing is also a well preserved lady, and has been a true helpmate for her energetic husband. She can yet attend to her household work and assist out of doors, and is very proud to do so.

Twenty-eight years ago this spring Henry Essmiller was employed by Fritz Hagleman as a farm hand to labor on the farm which he now owns and inhabits is his home at the meager wage of $150 per annum. Ten years later, in 1893 - he purchased the farm, and today is the owner of thirteen hundred and forty acres, located as follows: The home place, seven and one-half miles west of Great Bend, contains three hundred and eighty acres; one hundred and sixty in a nearby section; an eighty acre tract, and a two hundred and forty acre tract near Heizer, and four hundred and eighty acres near Rozel in Pawnee County. These various tracts are all well improved and in a high state of cultivation. The soil is rich and these are choice farms, selected for their productiveness from the best body of lands in the entire State of Kansas. Besides this Mr. Essmiller has other investments of considerable magnitude and some money drawing a good rate of interest.
When the family home, barns and various other buildings were erected, we imagine that Mr. Essmiller was not as well fixed financially as he is today, although everything is comfortable and of a substantial nature. What we mean is that there has been no attempt at display in fashioning his surroundings, but every care has been taken that his family, help and live stock should have all that is necessary for their comfort at the present, in order that greater and better buildings may take their place at a future date. Every dollar invested has been made to represent one hundred cents in betterment and has played its part in earning another dollar to buy more land. During harvest time and the threshing season these farms present a busy scene with their army of laborers garnering the golden grain, while other men work at plowing corn, mowing alfalfa breaking the fields for seeding time. Then again at morning, noon and night, when they gather around the board to partake of the bounteous fare, and go singing about the barns and lots "doing their chores," which include the milking of fifteen to eighteen cows, and caring for other cattle, hogs, horses and mules which are bred and worked on a farm like this.

Henry Essmiller was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, on January 30th, 1862, and emigrated to America when eighteen years of age. He made his home in LaCrosse County, Wisconsin, for three years, and in 1883 came to Barton County. He was married to Miss Delia Sandman of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, on February 28th, 1889, and they have two children: Zelphia, wife of Henry Otte and William D. Essmiller, who assists his father on the farm when not in school.

The home of Harry Hoard and Violet Louise Sowards Holmes, "Riverside Stock Farm," distant three and one-half miles southwest from Great Bend, lies between the Santa Fe tracks and the Arkansas river. The residence and surroundings are very pleasing to the eye. The house, located on a mound, is approached through an avenue of towering locusts, the boughs meeting overhead. Forest trees of other kinds tower in the background protecting the grass plot which is kept green and plentifully sprinkled with flowering plants and shrubs. The house is a two story white frame, with nine large airy rooms, sits high on its foundation, the ceilings are high, and the many gables and porches add to its attractiveness. The furnishings are both modern and elegant, and it is piped for lights and water. The main barn is 24x32, with a fifteen foot shed on three sides. Then comes the garage, cattle barn, granaries, chicken and hog houses, etc., and there are two cottages for tenants on other parts of the farm. The place covers five hundred acres of the most fertile of the famous Arkansas Valley and is in a high state of cultivation; but it more properly classes with the stock farms of the county, and is stocked with thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs that have taken many prizes at the Nebraska State Fair, Hutchinson, Kansas City and St. Louis. Fifty-five or sixty Shorthorns browse the meadow lands, and the head herder is "Royal Ramnsden," who has never been defeated for a prize as a calf, yearling, senior yearling, or a two year old at the Nebraska State Fair. Then there are two or three females that have never been defeated in their class, having taken first at Hutchinson in 1910, and a high prize at the American Royal Stock Show at Kansas City. His hogs are the best bred in the state and are Duroc Jerseys; being sired by "Helen's Wonder" and by "Mayboy," grand champion at the World's fair, St. Louis.

Harry Hoard Holmes was born February 20, 1868, in Chicago, and is the son of George Lincoln Holmes and Helen C. Kellog. The father, before coming to Great Bend on June 6, 1884, was cashier of the Chicago postoffice and connected with the Merchants National Bank of Chicago. He made his home on the ranch for twelve years and died on August 23, 1896.

George L. DeVilliars Holmes, a son, who died August 14, 1886, was a member of the family when coming to this county, as well as Mrs. Sophia Hoard Holmes, the mother and grandmother, who died June 3, 1908. Henry Hoard Holmes was sixteen years of age when he arrived here and was educated in the public schools of Chicago and Great Bend. He became infatuated with railroading and prepared himself for an engineer, and for one year held a position as engineer on the Michigan Central out of Chicago. He transferred to the Santa Fe system and for six years ran out of Chicago, Newton and Dodge City. His earnings were invested with his father in the purchase of the five hundred acres surrounding his home, and in improvements and in stocking the ranch. He is now well contented with farm life and the pleasure of breeding thoroughbred stock for the market.

Harry Hoard Holmes and Miss Viola Sowards, the only child of Marion F. and Mary Rowell Sowards, of Barton County, were united in marriage on April 13, 1890, and they have one interesting daughter, Miss Helen Hoard Holmes, as a pledge of that union.

The history of the Ruhe Bros.'s farm, begins with the marriage of William Ruhe and Miss Christina Franka, both of Westphalia, Germany, which occurred on October 3, 1853, and their arrival in America in 1860. Wm. Ruhe was born in 1832, and Christina his wife, on February 21, 1836. The father learned the trade of stone mason, married and two years later they sailed away to this new world to seek their fortune. How they and their children have succeeded is the object of this sketch. They first made their home in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they lived for thirteen years, and then removed to Manchester, Dearborn County, Indiana, the husband earning his living by his trade. On October 20th, 1877, they landed in Barton County, and their possessions were somewhat limited. On their arrival in this county their real struggle began; the father securing work at his trade or otherwise, while the wife and children herded cattle and did what they could to help. Finally forty acres of school land was bought, seven miles northwest of Great Bend, and a home made, and with the soil under them prosperity began. This home was finally sold and another tract of school land, three and one-half miles west of the county seat was bought, and as this contained two hundred and forty acres they have since made it their home. The estate now includes this home farm, one hundred and sixty in Liberty township, and a half section near Dodge City. The father died on April 19th, and the mother on November 16th, 1905. The surviving children are: Carrie, wife of August Rodenberg, near Dundee; Emma, wife of Fred Windhorst, Belpre; and William F., Fred, John H., Chris. W., Henry H., Christina and Herman W., all living on the homestead.

The home farm is in a high state of cultivation and shows that the Ruhe Brothers are up-to-date farmers, and the improvements are both substantial and ample for the needs of the place. The home is a one story frame, and there is a good barn, granary and other outbuildings. These are surrounded by a grove of trees which break the winds and afford shelter for stock and fowls.

Thomas Henry White was born in Ontonagon County, Michigan, May 28, 1861. He remained there until he was twenty-nine years of age. He learned the blacksmithing trade and came to Barton County in 1889. He is a son of Thomas White who came to this county in 1877 and located on land in Walnut township. He died in 1897 after having been among the foremost men in developing that part of Barton County. His death was a shock to all his friends of whom he had scores in all parts of the county. The younger White was married to Miss Eva Langford in Eureka township, November 26, 1891, and they are the parents of seven children as follows: Leah, 19 years; Agnes S. 17; Clarence T., 14 years; Lydia, 11 years; Leonard, 9 years; Lola 7 years and Odah who is four months of age at this writing. Mr. White farms 240 acres of land in Eureka township all of which he owns and he has one of the most attractive home places to be found in that section of the county. The residence which is nicely situated and surrounded by trees contains eight rooms in addition to closets, pantries, etc. The barn is 60 by 28 feet and will be replaced by a larger and better one in the near future. Mr. White has found time to take an active part in the affairs of his township and is a member of the school board. He is one of the men who has had a great deal to do with the developing of the resources of that part of the county and is one of the men to whom Barton County owes its high standing among the best of counties of the State of Kansas and one of the most productive agricultural sections of the entire country. Mr. White is an enterprising and progressive citizen and enjoys a large acquaintance in all parts of the county.

THE fall of 1885 saw Fred Dumkow thoroughly disgusted with life in Chicago and he determined to try his fortune in Kansas. He had come from Berlin, Germany, five years previously to ply his trade as a bricklayer, but he found that the pay of four dollars per day was not piling up the fortune he had come to America to make fast enough, and he must seek other fields. He desired to be identified with the soil; get down in it and dig, and see his fat and sleek herds come home at night. Uncle Sam offered free homes to naturalized Dutchmen and this was the lure that located him in Barton County. He arrived in Great Bend November 8, 1885, and located a homestead of forty acres fifteen miles northwest. Later he purchased enough at ten dollars per acre to make out a quarter section, and is now a contented farmer reaping his crops and owing no man. He has this improved with a comfortable cottage, barns and other buildings, and his fields show the most careful tilling. He also has another farm of a half section seven miles northeast of Ness City, which is also well improved and in cultivation, so he takes life easy, and says he much prefers this life to his former existence in Chicago where the week's wage was usually spent before the next pay day.

During his first five years in the county he followed his trade and at first layed brick for one dollar and fifty cents per day. That was the scale paid here then and he was glad to get the work, although he had moved away from a city where there was plenty to do and the wages much better. He finally got work from the county and built several abutments for county bridges, and also laid the brick in the Walnut Creek Mill flue.

Frederick Dumkow, born in the vicinity of Berlin, Germany, May 14th, 1851, and Matilda Baruth, born January 17th, 1852, in the same county, were married September 29th, 1874. They have two married daughters living in their neighborhood: Bertie, the wife of Daniel M. Converse; and Minnie, the wife of John Oetken.
"Cottonwood Grove," as this farm is now called, occupies a place in Barton County's history, as it was for a number of years a postoffice and stage stand during the pioneer days, and there the hungry were refreshed and the mail dispersed by Postmaster Wilkinson, who will be remembered by many now living. The advent of the railroad and rural routes changed this for the better years ago, but the memories of those early days still cling to this farm and are often mentioned by those who talk over "old times."

One of the most successful of the enterprising and progressive farmers of South Bend township is Gustav Selle, whose home place is located in section 10 of that township where he owns a half section of land. Mr. Selle was born in Westphalen, Germany, February 10, 1872. He came direct to Barton County from Germany in 1884 with his parents who located north of Ellinwood. His parents are now living in Pratt County, but Gustav has resided here since his arrival all of the time with the exception of vacation trips to California and other parts of the country. He lived north of Ellinwood until 1897, when he moved to South Bend township.

Mr. Selle is an enterprising and progressive farmer as is evidenced by the high class of improvements to be found on his home place. A neatly arranged and well built residence contains six rooms in addition to pantries, closets, etc. The barn is roomy and well built and including the automobile garage is 36 by 40 feet in dimensions. The elevator is 24 by 34 feet and has a capacity for holding 7,500 bushels of grain. Mr. Selle was married in 1902 to Miss Emma Souders and they are the parents of two children: Lorena, six years of age and Clyde, three years of age, the former having begun her education in the schools of the county while Clyde will probably begin his studies the coming school term. The surroundings on Mr. Selle's home place are pleasing, there being plenty of shade trees, and shrubbery. The buildings are neatly and conveniently arranged and altogether Mr. Selle has one of the most desirable locations in South Bend township.

George Washington Hart was born February 22, 1843, in Erie County, Pa. He resided in his native state until he was thirty-three years of age. He came direct to Barton County from Pennsylvania in 1878 at a time when there were very few houses in Great Bend, and the county was not developed to any extent. He bought land south of the river in South Bend township. This land is now his home place and consists of 280 acres all of which is farmed under the personal supervision of Mr. Hart. The home place which is but a mile and a half from Great Bend has on it one of the most modern and substantial residences to be found in that part of the county. The building consists of 8 rooms in addition to the bath, closets, pantries, basement, etc. The house is lighted with an acetylene gas plant, heated by furnace and is modern throughout. The house is 30 by 80 feet in dimensions and has beautiful surroundings. Mr. Hart was married at Erie, Pa., in 1877, to Miss Hattie Elliott. They are the parents of three children: Jessie May who is 32 years of age and is now Mrs. E. E. Smith; Roy E. is 26 years old and is engaged in the farming business near Macksville, Kansas; Forrest, 20 years of age, is a student in the Great Bend High School. In addition to the residence the barn and other outbuildings are constructed in a substantial manner and a small orchard consisting of about one acre and a half and containing a large variety of trees is also found near the home building. The farm is stocked with a good grade of cattle and horses and Mr. Hart has taken no small part in the work of development of that part of the county lying south of the river and making of it one of the most desirable sections in this part of the state. Mr. Hart is familiar with the early history of the county as he is one of the really old timers and took an active part in reclaiming the land in this county and making it what it is today, one of the best counties in the State of Kansas.

The "F. H. Ewing Pedigreed Stock Farm," located eleven and one-half miles west of Great Bend, is owned and managed by F. H. Ewing & Co., a firm composed of the father and sons. They breed and sell thoroughbred Black Percheron horses, Shetland ponies of the Scotch type, pure blooded Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs and White acres in Pawnee County. Both are well improved, well cultivated, and are valuable bodies of land. "King wheat" seeds most of the acres, but corn, oats, Kaffir corn, alfalfa Wyandotte chickens. This farm covers three hundred and twenty acres, and Mr. Ewing owns another farm of four hundred and eighty and native grass all are grown, and the meadows are dotted with thoroughbred stock, whose ancestry came from across the ocean. This branch of the farm's business has been of slow growth, but Mr. Ewing has gradually collected his herds and will eventually make it his leading business, although his stock has been shipped to many counties in the state since he has been a breeder. He has been an exhibitor and has many prizes to show that prove his animals to be the very best of their type in the state. The improvements on this farm are a two story white frame house of eleven rooms; a barn 48x80; an elevator, garage, poultry house and numerous other small buildings. The premises are well fenced and well cared for and many trees and plants add beauty.

Fred H. Ewing was born April 7th, 1873, near Lehigh, Webster County, Iowa, and is the second son of John R. and Hannah Elizabeth Ewing. He came to Barton County in 1885 with his parents and grew to manhood here. He was educated in the public schools of his district and at the Central Normal College of Great Bend, and was trained as a farmer and breeder by his father. On June 8th, 1898, he married Miss Lucy Gilmore, of Great Bend, and they have been blessed with four children: Lionel Frederick, 12; James Lowell, 6; Cleva Iolene, 3; and Olita Margaret, 1.

James Thomas McDonald was born February 15, 1871 in Hampshire County, West Virginia. In the same year he came to Missouri with his parents. He remained there for eleven years and then came to Franklin County, Kansas. After living in that county for five years he came to Stafford County and from there came to Barton County in 1901, and immediately began the business of farming. He owns a well improved quarter section six miles south of Great Bend which he farms himself. In addition to his home place he also farms a quarter section of land west and from this it can be seen that he is a mighty busy man. In 1895 he was married to Miss Daisy D. Piper and to this union there were born three children: Earl Thomas, seventeen years of age; Edna D., twelve years of age, and Elma Viola who died in 1910 when she was seven years of age. In 1904 Mr. McDonald was married to Miss Leana Ollie Schneck. The home place has a residence of eight rooms, a large barn 32 by 40 feet with a big loft. Mr. McDonald has made one of the best farms in that section of the country, of his home place and of course has seen good and bad years during his eleven years residence in Barton County. On an average however he has done well and his place is maintained according to the best farming methods. The best of live stock, both cattle and horses are maintained by Mr. McDonald and that he is a good farmer and understands modern methods is evidenced on every side. He is one of the many farmers who came here early in the present century and it is due to their efforts as much as those who came in the wild and wooly days that Barton County occupies such a prominent position in the list of the best agricultural counties of the state.

Paul James Pascoe was born in Rockland, Ontanogan County, Michigan, July 29, 1861. He is a son of J. W. Pascoe, and was one of the first English speaking boys in Barton County. His father whose biography is found in another part of this book came to Kansas in the spring of 1871 and first located in Russell County where he remained a short time and then returned to Michigan. He stayed there for a year and returned to Kansas and since that time has been one of the best known farmers of Barton County. Paul James Pascoe has been farming for himself for the past twenty-two years and owns the west half of section 30, Eureka township. He was married in June, 1885, to Miss Mary Anne White and they are the parents of six children as follows: John Thomas, 25 years of age; Richard West, 24 years; Myrel Grace, 22 years; Paul James, Jr., 17 years; May, 10 years and Lillian, 6 years. All the children are at home with the exception of Myrel Grace who is now Mrs. Phillip Dyer of this county. Mr. Pascoe has one of the best improved and most attractive country homes to be found in that township. The residence has 8 rooms in addition to the bath room, closets, pantries, etc., while the barn is 32 by 40 feet with a lean-to 16 by 40. The other outbuildings are well built and show that Mr. Pascoe is an enterprising farmer. The home place is surrounded by fine shade trees and a small orchard adds to the general appearance. Mr. Pascoe has been a member of the school board for a number of years and always takes a great interest in affairs that concern the welfare of the community in which he lives. The Pascoe family is one of those whose members have had so much to do with the development of the county and the subject of this sketch can recall the times when the buffaloes were disputing the territory that is now Barton County. He is familiar with the early day history which he had no small part in making. The home place was located by his father in 1873 and is located on the north side of Walnut creek.

The History of Barton County cannot be written without giving due credit to the German-American who helped first in its settlement and sowed the seed of goad citizenship. The customs and laws of the mother country had bred in them habits of industry and economy and they began their lives here better fitted to battle with the trials incident to a new settlement than were their neighbors of American birth. The result has been an industrious, economical population, cultivating their fields with scrupulous care, and the erection of improvements of a permanent character. One race has learned from the other; both have been benefitted and neither is like the original stock. The German has progressed until the most enterprising citizens of the county are of that clue; while the American has become more conservative in his investments and manner of doing business. That is one reason why Barton County has been so blessed in the past, and is so firmly founded in frugal ways that it will always continue to be a prosperous county.

Jost Warnken was born on a farm near Bremen, Germany, March 4th, 1859, and emigrated to America in the fall of 1879. He first went to Pueblo, Colorado, where he was employed on a farm for one year; but not liking the country came to Barton County in the autumn of 1880. Here he hired himself out as a farm hand and worked for two seasons and then bought forty acres of school land, paying six dollars per acre. This he improved and in 1885 bought an interest in a threshing outfit, and for three years he and his partners, Hans Jurgensen and William Otte, toured the county threshing the wheat, oats and rye of their neighbors. His was one of the pioneer crews and is remembered by many. He was engaged in this business at different times for seven years, but finally abandoned it in 1893, and has contented himself with farming since. His home farm, one mile south of Heizer, contains three hundred and twenty acres and is well improved and in a high state of cultivation. The residence is a two story frame, containing eleven airy rooms. It is painted white and sits back from the road with a nice lawn in front. There are plenty of shade trees, shrubs and plants in the yard, a nice orchard and a growing garden. The barn is 32x64 and will house the stock and store the grain of the farm. Besides this he has twelve acres adjoining Heizer, and two dwellings in the town which he rents.

Jost Warnken and Miss Anna Reinecke, of Walnut Creek, were married Jan. 16, 1886, and they are the parents of seven children: Herman, who married Miss Clara Hemming; Malinda, who married Charles Lang; William, 19; Sylvia, 16; Delia, 13; Lillie, 8, and Virgil, 1.

One of the most successful farmers in Barton County, residing south of the river, is the subject of this sketch, August Meyer. He was born in Germany, January 8, 1847 and came to America when he was twenty years of age. He with his brother, Henry Meyer, first located in Chicago where he remained for about a year. He then came to Salina, Kansas, where he spent about six months, then going to Ellsworth, where he remained about the same length of time. He came to Barton County in 1869. He took up a homestead in Buffalo township at a time before the Indians and buffaloes had left this part of the country. He is the oldest settler now residing south of the river and has one of the nicest home places to be found in the county. The home place contains 160 acres in section 12, South Bend township, and he also owns a quarter in section 13, eighty in section 19 and owns a half section in Gray County and the same amount of land in Meade County. He farms a half section and rents the remainder of his land in this county. He has a fine, modern home which contains nine rooms, a bath, closets and pantries. It is thoroughly modern in every way. Mr. Meyer has been married three times and is the father of six children: Frank, 30 years of age; August, 23; Emma, 21; Charlie, 19, and Edward, 17, and William 15 years of age. The home place has a fine barn 30 by 36 feet well built and modern and a fine elevator with a capacity of 7,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Meyer is one of the most successful of the farmers of Barton County and has earned all that he has by intelligent farming methods applied with knowledge gained by experience. He is one of the really old timers of this county and can tell many interesting incidents of the early days in which he took a large part.

OF the old timers here who came when they were children and saw this county grow from a barren waste to its present high state of cultivation none is better known than the subject of this sketch, John Phillip Gallon, who now lives in a modern residence at the corner of Tenth and Heizer in Great Bend. Mr. Gallon was born March 20, 1866, in New York City and came to Barton County with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Gallon, in 1872. The family located in Walnut township where the elder Gallon took up a homestead two and a half miles east of Albert. Then began the work of building a home and they, like many others had to contend with the hardships which beset the pioneers on every hand. Mr. Gallon remained on the farm until he was sixteen years of age. During this time he attended school and was taught by Charles Dodge, another of the old timers of this county. This school was located on the Roudebush farm. Mr. Gallon farmed continuously until 1910 when he retired and moved to Great Bend. He was married Thanksgiving Day, 1896, to Miss Ella Worden and they are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living: Linsurd E., 11 years; Elmer P., 13 years; John W., 12 years; (Chas. L., deceased, was a twin with John W. and died when he was four months of age); Ruth C., 9 years; and Margaret L., 1 year old. Mr. Gallon still owns his old home place which was formerly the Cyrus Frey farm near Albert, in fact it adjoins the townsite on the south. This farm is now being worked by Mr. Worden, a brother-in-law of Mr. Gallon. He also owns nine acres of land in the town of Albert and in addition to his residence owns three houses and seven lots near his home in Great Bend. Mr. Gallon has been road overseer and assessor for his district and was deputy sheriff at Albert during the administration of Lute Aber. He also has held township offices and has been a member of the school board. He was appointed justice of the peace by Governor Hoch and at all times has been an enterprising and progressive citizen and one who has had a great deal to do with the up-building of the county.

Albert Fred Batchman was born in Erie County, Ohio, March 27, 1859, and came to Barton County in 1878. He first located at Ellinwood where he remained for ten years, with the exception of about eight months, while he was in Colorado and New Mexico. He then began the farming business in Stafford County and was there eight years before he returned to this county and bought 280 acres of land in section 6 of Comanche township. Mr. Batchman farms all of this land and owns 160 acres in Stafford county which he rents, and 160 in South Bend township which he also rents by the year. Mr. Batchman was married in 1890 to Miss Carrie Nesling of Ellinwood, Kansas. They are the parents of three children: Pearl, 19 years of years; Hildred, 12 years of age; and Albert, 9 years old. All of them are students in the schools of the county. Mr. Batchman's home place is one of the most desirably located and most highly improved to be found in his township. The residence consists of seven rooms in addition to the closets, pantries, etc. The barn is 30 by 38 feet in dimensions with a large loft and is well built and conveniently arranged. The orchard which is found near the home is well kept and contains a wide variety of fruits common to this section of the country. The home is situated in neat, pleasing surroundings, there being ample shade trees as well as trees and shrubbery for ornamental purposes. Mr. Batchman has had a great deal to do with the development of the land lying south of the river and is an enterprising and progressive citizen. He uses modern farming methods and his success is due to this fact and the fact that he has gained the knowledge necessary to successful farming by going through the bad and good years that have elapsed since he took up his home here.

The old Glenn homestead, one and one-half miles northwest of Great Bend, is one of the best quarter sections in the county. It is now owned and farmed by Frank G. McKinney, who has gone into the growing of alfalfa hay almost exclusively, and appears well satisfied with his venture. Of course he still raises sufficient corn and wheat for his own consumption, but his meadows, horses and cattle appear to be his chief concern. He owns some thirty head of horses and one hundred cattle, and has the foundation laid for a breeding farm.

Frank is the son of Andrew McKinney and Marie Gillmore, the sister, of Myron Gillmore, for two terms sheriff of Barton County. The parents came to this county in 1871, when the subject of this sketch was seven years of age. They resided for one year on Walnut creek, and then removed to a homestead six miles east of Great Bend. As the country was thinly settled at that period, and the prairies covered with cattle, horses, antelope, buffolo, coyotes, and other wild animals, and as the home was not far from the Cheyenne Bottoms, the elder McKinney developed a fondness for hunting and soon became a companion of G. N. Moses, M. B. Fitts, J. B. Howard, Paul Schneck and others, who followed the buffalo as far west as Dodge City. In 1873 or 1874 he killed five buffalo in one day in the Bottoms and there are other feats of a similar kind which are still talked of among the early pioneers.

It was while living at his second Kansas home that Master Frank first came face to face with death and crime. Near his father's home two Frenchmen were engaged sinking a well. One morning early the little fellow returned to the scene of the well digging, and noticing the absence of the men employed, he looked for them in their shack close by and was horrified to find one cold in death on the floor, while the other had been murdered on his bed. A party by the name of Hefty was later arrested for the crime, prosecuted by County Attorney Nimocks, and was acquitted and left the county after several years.

Frank G. McKinney was born in Livingston County, Illinois, October 27, 1864, and at this time is 47 years of age. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Margaret Maur, in October, 1894. They have been blessed with five children; the eldest being 15 and the youngest 3 years old.

Besides the home place described above Mr. McKinney owns 640 acres on Walnut creek near Ness City. There is 240 acres of this tract under cultivation, and the houses, barn and fencing are all in good condition. This we think a good showing and proves the productiveness of Barton County, and the opportunities it offers when combined with pluck and a willingness to work.

THE life history of William W. and Lucy Hull Hartshorn, if written in full, would make interesting reading, because both have passed through more adventure than most persons content to end their days as peaceful farmers. They cultivate the quarter section as a homestead, four miles west of Great Bend, and reside in a two story frame nestling among the trees. They also own a tract of two hundred and eighty acres near Ford City, Kansas, and the revenue derived from these two tracts allow them to take life comfortably. William W. Hartshorn and Lucy R. Hull of Adams County, Illinois, were married August 3, 1871 and they came overland to Kansas, arriving on the townsite of Great Bend on October 16, 1871, and were among the second party of immigrants to settle here. They brought with them a wagon and team, bedding, dishes and cooking utensils, a cow and a coop of chickens, and were the first to possess these luxuries in the colony. Mrs. Hartshorn also enjoys the distinction of having set the first table in Great Bend; the table having been constructed by her own hands. Previously meals had been eaten "any old way," and when she owned a table, a cow and a flock of chickens, was considered rich beyond price. They soon adapted themselves to their surroundings and Mr. Hartshorn became a huntsman, and his wife became accustomed to a life on the plains, and if the life was rugged and full of dangers it also had its pleasures as well. We have attempted a description of the early colony days in another part of this volume and w1ll not repeat here, simply saying that this couple experienced the worst of these trials, and contributed their mite to alleviate them. William W. Hartshorn was born July 25th, 1847, on a farm in Adams County, Illinois. He was educated and grew to manhood there, and in 1864 enlisted as a private in Company C, 60th Illinois Volunteers and served one and a half years. He accompanied Sherman on his March to the Sea, and through South and North Carolina. He was first under fire at Resacca and at the Battle of Altoona Pass, Georgia, and is one of the heroes of that engagement, having helped to hold the Pass under a heavy and destructive fire. Out of a company of thirty-nine men there were five killed and eighteen wounded; and Mr. Hartshorn was slightly wounded in the foot. He was also at the battle of Columbia, Resacca, Bentonville and Savannah; the last being a siege of one week. At the close of the war he returned to his home in Adams County, Illinois, and resumed farming until his marriage and coming to this county. Mrs. Lucy R. Hartshorn was born on May 10th, 1849, in Hampshire County, West Virginia, and this union has been blessed with eight children.

The subject of this sketch, Henry Schaeffer, is the father of the first white child born in the city of Great Bend. Mr. Schaeffer is a native of Germany, having been born in that country in 1855. He came to Barton County in 1871. He is a carpenter by trade and helped to build the Barton County court house and had charge of the work on the Southern Hotel, the first building to be erected in Great Bend. His daughter, Emma, who is now Mrs. Will Armstrong and lives with her husband in Stafford County, was born April 20, 1872 and enjoys the distinction of having been the first white child born in the city of Great Bend. Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer now resides across the Barton County line in Stafford County. They are the parents of four other children: August, 53 years of age; Charles, 37 years of age, and Mattie, 43 years of age, who is now Mrs. G. W. Tucker and resides in this county seven miles south of Great Bend; Marie, 32 years of age, is now Mrs. Lot Ewait residing in Arkansas. Mr. Schaeffer took up a claim upon his arrival in this county and the land that comprised his claim is now taken up by the cemetery west of Great Bend. Mr. Schaeffer had an active part in the building of Great Bend and was associated with all the old timers who have helped to make Barton County famous and productive. We show here a likeness of Mr. Schaeffer.

Ferdnand C. Maneth was born in Austria March 7, 1872, and came to Barton County with his parents when he was six years of age. This was in 1878 and his father took up land in Walnut township and he was one of the men who had so much to do with the development of that part of Barton County. His father's name was Ferdnand Vincent Maneth and up until the time of his death in 1906 was one of the best known men in this part of the state. The younger Maneth now farms his home place consisting of 320 acres of good land. Mr. Maneth was married to Miss Anna Cook October 25, 1893, and they are the parents of six children as follows: Fred, 12 years; Anna, 10 years; Henry 9 years; William, 6 years; Mary 3 years and Louise, 6 months of age. The residence consists of eight rooms in addition to bath, closets, etc., and is surrounded by shade trees and an orchard covering about an acre of ground and containing trees of several varieties of fruits common to this section of the country. The barn is 32 by 76 feet in dimensions and is arranged for taking care of a large number of animals. The Maneth family is one of the best known in Barton County on account of the fact that they came here at a time when the county was being developed and just emerged from the frontier stage. This family passed through the hard times of the 80's and had much to do with the work of making this county one of the best in the State of Kansas and one of the leading agricultural sections of the world. Mr. Maneth's mother lives with him and his brother on the home place which is one of the most attractive farms in the county. Mr. Maneth always maintains a good grade of cattle and horses and gives personal attention to all his farming work. He has learned the farming business by experience and is one of the successful young farmers of that part of the county.

Charles B. Howell was born at Winterset, Madison County, Iowa, November 10, 1867, and came to Barton County in 1818. He was married September 7, 1893, to Miss Mary Ellen Langford of this county. They have four children as follows: Jennie Evelyn, 17 years of age; Ada Gertrude, 15 years of age; Edna Gladys, 14 years of age and Virgil Vernon, 8 years of age. The children are being educated in the schools of the county. The family resides in Great Bend in a modern residence at 2912 Broadway with the exception of three months of each year which they spend on the country home place. It is located fourteen miles northwest of Great Bend and comprises the east half of section 36 in Walnut township. In addition to this land Mr. Howell owns a quarter section in Clarence township which he farms in addition to the home place. He also owns a quarter of land in Ford County. The Howell country home is one of the most attractive to be found in that part of the county. It is beautifully situated in a bend in Walnut creek and is surrounded by large, well kept shade trees which are found on three sides of the buildings. The residence contains nine rooms in addition to bath, closets, pantries, etc. The barn is 30 feet square and among the other buildings are found an automobile garage, granary and all the other necessary buildings usually found on a modern Barton County farm. Mr. Howell is one of the best known men in the county and has had a great deal to do with the development of the county's resources. In addition to his own interests Mr. Howell has found time to take an active part in affairs that concern the welfare of the county and has served on the school board and is one of those men who came here in the early days when the county was in need of development and went through the hardships that were sustained by those men to the end that Barton County could be made one of the best counties in the State of Kansas.

Of the many younger farmers in Barton County none is better known than Otis Evers. He was born in Indiana April 7, 1879, and came to Barton County with his parents when he was five years of age. His father, Boyd Evers, is one of the old timers of the county who is still actively engaged in farming, and is mentioned in another part of this book. Mr. Evers was married November 13, 1893, to Miss Maud Barger of Stafford County and they are the parents of five children: Leslie, 8 years of age; Claire, 6 years of age; Elmer, 4 years of age; Hazel, 2 years of age, and Harley who is 4 months old. Mr. Evers farms 320 acres of land, 160 of which belongs to his brother. He has been farming for himself for several years and his home place is the northwest quarter of section one, Buffalo township. The residence contains nine rooms in addition to the bath, closets, etc and is situated in a beautiful spot surrounded by trees and other foliage. The barns of which there are two, are 28 by 56 feet and 16 by 24 feet in dimensions. The other outbuildings are well built and show that Mr. Evers is an enterprising farmer. He is contemplating the erection of an elevator and when this and other improvements he will make this year are finished he will have as fine a set of improvements as can be found in that part of the county. The Evers family is one of the best known in Barton County as they have had a great deal to do with the developing of its residences and have helped in no small way in making Barton County one of the best in the State of Kansas and one of the most important agricultural sections of the country. In addition to the other improvements Mr. Evers has a well arranged orchard which covers about four acres of land and contains trees representing nearly all varieties of fruits that are common to this section of the state.

One of the best known men in Barton County and one who has had a great deal to do with the up-building and developing of that part of it lying adjacent to the town of Albert is James Sheldon Winget. He was born in Delaware County, Ohio, March 24, 1856. He was raised in the state of Iowa and came to Barton County in March, 1878. Upon his arrival he took up a homestead in Ness County but soon after he had proved up on it he took up his permanent residence in this county. He is well known in all parts of the county and enjoys a most enviable reputation as an auctioneer. He has had charge of a majority of the big sales that have been held in his section of the county in recent years. His services have been sought in this capacity by people in all parts of Barton, and his experience and knowledge of values and wide acquaintance makes it possible for him to always give satisfaction to both the buyer and seller. For the past twenty-five years he has practiced as a veterinarian and has been most successful in th!s profession. He has by actual experience gained a great deal of knowledge about the equine family, their diseases and ailments and he is called by some of the leading horse and cattle owners of the county when the services of an experienced veterinarian are required. He was married March 23, 1881, to Miss Della Bridges of this county and they are the parents of six children as follows: Clara, 30 years of age, is now Mrs. M. L. Worden of Albert; Myra, 26 years of age, is a teacher in the schools of the county; John G., 24 years of age; May, 19; Roger, who died in January 1911, when he was 21 years of age and James, 15 years of age. Mr. Winget's home place adjoins the town of Albert on the north where he owns 200 acres of land. He also owns 175 acres in Oklahoma, a half section in Scott County, a section in Rush County and has always taken an active part in the business of farming. His residence contains 10 rooms and surrounded by a fine set of improvements, and is one of the most attractive homes in that part of the county. Mr. Winget has always taken an active part in the affairs of his community and has held township offices and is known as an enterprising and progressive citizen.

One of the best known families of Buffalo township is that of Henry Meyer who came to America from Germany where he was born September 18, 1842. He first located in Chicago where he remained for about six months before he went to New Orleans where he resided until 1870 when he came to Barton County, Kansas. He came to this part of the state with the Reinecke and Schultz families and since his arrival here has always taken an active part in the farming business in Buffalo township. He was married in 1877 to Miss Mary Jilg and they are the parents of ten children as follows: Henry, 35 years, lives in Heizer and runs a threshing outfit; Charles, 30, is farming in Comanche County; Mary, 33, is now Mrs. Jacob Weltmer of Rush Center; August, 27, is a carpenter by trade and lives at home; Antone, 21, lives at home; Annie, 25, is now Mrs. Wm. Shuss of Garfield; Flora, 23, is at home; William, 19, is also at home; Eddie, 17, lives at Garfield, and Fred, 14, lives at home. The home place is located on the northwest quarter of section 4, Great Bend township and is one of the nicest farm homes in that part of the county. The residence contains eight rooms in addition to the closets, pantries, etc., and is a modernly built dwelling. In addition to the land on the home place Mr. Meyer owns a quarter section of land in Comanche County and it is being farmed by Mr. Meyer's son Charles. The home place contains a three acre orchard which contains trees that bear nearly all varieties of fruits common to this section of the country. The barn is 75 by 35 feet in dimensions and is arranged for the accommodation of a large number of animals. Mr. Meyer is one of the best known men in that part of the county and is an enterprising and progressive citizen.

Leslie James Caraway was born June 8, 1888, in Barton County, Kansas, is one of those native products who has taken up the work of farming and will continue the development of the county's resources which was so ably begun by their fathers in the early days. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. George H. Caraway who came to this county in 1885. Mr. Caraway died in 1900 and since that time Leslie James Caraway has carried on the management of the home place which comprises the southeast quarter of section 19, Great Bend township. Mr. Caraway's mother died June 2, 1907. She was survived by Leslie James, who is now 24 years of age; Beatrice, 20, Kent, 16 and George 22 years of age. The elder Caraway was one of the best known men in the county and for a number of years after his arrival he taught school but finally took up the occupation of farming which he followed until his death which was a great shock to his many friends in all parts of the county. The residence on the home place consists of eight rooms in addition to the closets, pantries, etc. The barn is 42 by 44 feet in dimensions in the main building, and like the other out-buildings and residence, is well built and substantial. The home place is nicely situated and is surrounded by a small orchard and shade trees. In addition to the land on the home place Mr. Caraway farms another quarter which he rents. This land is located south of the home place. The Caraway family is one of the best known in that section of the county and it is one that has had a great deal to do with the development of the county's resources and in making it one of the best in the State of Kansas.

George Parker Wilson was born in Jefferson County, Kansas, April 10, 1863 and came to Barton County In July, 1885. In September of the same year he moved to the county with his family and took up his permanent residence. He first lived in Albion township where he remained until 1900, when he moved to his present home place which comprises the southwest quarter of section 13, Eureka township. Mr. Wilson was one of the first Barton County farmers to take up the modern idea of giving his farm a name, and it is now known and is registered, "The Eureka Golden Rule Stock Farm." It is located ten miles northwest of Great Bend and is one of the most attractive and best improved places in that section of the county. The residence contains ten rooms in addition to closets, pantries, etc. The barn which is neatly painted and bears the name of the farm is 44 by 60 feet and is equipped with modern appliances for handling hay and manure. Mr. Wilson has always taken a great interest in improving the breed of the horses, cattle and hogs of the farmers of the county and has made a success of breeding and raising Short Horn cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs and now owns two of the finest stallions in the county. The horses are known as "George Dewey," a big, fine Percheron that enjoys a good reputation; and "Tom," a well built "Clyde and Coach." Mr. Wilson has every reason to be proud of these horses as they are known wherever good horse flesh is talked in the county. Mr. Wilson was married November 12, 1885, to Miss Ida M. Ingram in Jefferson County and they were the parents of five children as follows: Nannie S., 26 years of age, is now Mrs. Charles Younkin of Great Bend; George Grover, 25 years of age, is residing in Rush County; Rhoda May, 23 years of age, is now Mrs. Frank French of Hoisington; Gertrude Pearl, 21 years of age, is now Mrs. James M. McCutchan, also of Hoisington, and Lora Edith, now Mrs. Harry Rogers, 2, years of age, of Spearville, living at Spearville. Mr. Wilson survived his first wife and in 1900 was married to Miss Flora Gale Mitchell of this county and they are the parents of two children: Valeria Josephine, 8 years of age and Fleta Marie, 3 years of age. With all Mr. Wilson's private interests he has found time to take an active part in the affairs of his township and has served as trustee of Albion township and has also been a member of the school board. Mr. Wilson came to this county at a time when it required men of experience and men who had faith in the future of this section to make it one of the best counties in the State of Kansas.