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He was a member of the Winfield Board of Education for twelve years and served as president for several terms. He was a member of the Board of Trustees, Southwestern College and served as Secretary for many years.
He was a member and Past President of the Lions Club and served as Secretary for seventeen years.
He was a tennis player and a bowler and bowled in league play as late as November 1958.
Children were: Kenneth Willard, born 24 October 1914 in Ashland, Kansas, married Wiletta Lulu Chubb 18 July 1936 in Baxter Springs, Kansas. She was born in Baxter Springs, Kansas 14 January 1914 and died 26 December 1971 in Hinsdale, Illinois. Kenneth lives in Evansville, Indiana; Charles Keith, born 24 January 1916 in Coldwater, Kansas, and married Beulah Arlone Baum in Lansing, Kansas, 10 June 1943. She was born in Wilsey, Kansas, 6 July 1919. They live in Overland Park, Kansas; Dean Kermit, born 23 January 1918 in Coldwater, Kansas, married Esther Faye Anderson 21 February 1942 in Lawrence, Kansas. She was born in Lakeview, Kansas 10 February 1918 and they live in Seaftle, Washington; Kathleen Ellen, born 28 June 1922 in Ponca City, Oklahoma, married Rubel Joseph Lucero 20 August 1944 in Winfield, Kansas. Rubel was born 23 July 1922 in Wilmington, California and died 12 September 1972 and is buried in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Kathleen lives in Seattle, Washington. All four children were teachers during part of their careers. All attended the Winfield schools and all but Dean Kermit graduated from Southwestern and he from Kansas University with a Summerfield Scholarship. The three youngest children have earned doctorate degrees. Kathleen Ellen was a Counselor in the Seattle school system, Dean Kermit was a Vice-Principal in the Seattle schools, Charles Keith, was Vice-President and Head of the Trust Department in Merchants Produce Bank in Kansas City, Missouri, and Kenneth Willard was Chief, Administration Division, Chicago District, Internal Revenue Service. All are retired.
Winfield Daily Courier, dated 10 March 1959, and our family history and genealogy.
Submitted by Kenneth Willard Franks
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 171.
Virgil's parents, Clarence and Hazel Freed, also moved to Winfield in 1959. Virgil's grandmother Mary Jane Freed (Clarence's mother) moved to Winfield in 1960 and was hospitalized in Saint Mary's Hospital, as it was called then. Hazel Freed passed away in 1964. Virgil semi-retired in 1965 and moved the family to 917 Stewart. Virgil died at the Salvage Yard February 1, 1967.
Clarence Freed soon moved to Clearwater, Ks, Mary Jane Freed passed away October 1967.
While at the salvage one day, Virgil backed up a two-ton truck a little too far; the back wheel went over the canyon. He said it would take about 200 lbs. on the front end to balance the truck so he could drive it out safely. Virgil said to the boys, "Go get Mom." I weighed 200 + at the time, so I stood an the front end of the truck and Virgil drove it to safety. Another time, John at age 12 years, killed a snake under his bed, Virgil let John shoot the snake as he had the best eyesight of us all. John's aim was so good, he split the snake's tongue in two. The snake measured about S" taller than John was at the time.
All the Freed children attended Winfield High School. John graduated from Juco after two years there. Philip graduated from Emporia State Teachers College (as it was called then). Philip was in the Army Air Force for four years. Martha was in the Army Air Force two years.
John married Cheryle White December 8, 1968 and they divorced in February, 1987. They had four children, three living, Scott born April 7, 1971 ' Crystal born January 3, 1973, died November 25, 1978; Jamie born January 3, 1975 and Kevin born February 2, 1977. Martha (Marty) Freed married Luther Eugene Bonham May 31, 1970. They have four sons; Steven and Brian born June 13, 1971, Michael born October 17, 1975, and Travis born December 15, 1978. Philip Freed married Mary Kay Burns December 19,1976. They have two children, Emily born January 1979 and Benjamin born April 23, 1980.
Philip, Mary Kay and children live in Mayetta, Kansas. Philip works for A. L. Williams in insurance. He did teach Special Education for seven years. Mary Kay teaches Spanish in grade school at Horton, Kansas, They have several goats and call their home farm, "Freed's Friendly Goat Farm."
John works in Kansas City, Kansas as a printer. He is also a free-lance photographer. Cheryle and the boys live in Winfield. Cheryle works at the Court House.
Martha and Gene Bonham and sons live in Fort Scott, Kansas. Gene is administrator with the Sixth Judicial District Community Corrections in three counties; Linn, Miami and Bourbon.
Mary E. Freed married Raymond E. Siedhoff August 31, 1969. Raymond was active in AA and Mary was active in AlAnon for about 13 years. Raymond died June 4, 1983 of cancer. Mary worked at WSH&TC from December 9, 1968 to July 7, 1983. (Some of that time was vacation and sick leave from Jan. 3rd 1983 to July 7, 1983.) Mary also worked as a Foster Grandmother from January 1988 to February 1990. After 50 years Mary has taken up violin lessons from Ruth Caskey. Twenty years ago Ruth taught Mary organ lessons. Mary also took organ lessons from Bonnie Hittle in the 70's.
Submitted by Mary (Freed) Siedhoff
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 171.
Roy B, Froman married Kate Edna Huston Sept. 20, 1920 and their children were Kenneth and Marilyn. Kenneth married Betty Hackworth and their children are Michael Kevin, Michele Ilene, Paul Randolph, Jonathan Brett, David Brian, Mark Eugene. Marilyn D. Froman married Robert Warren and they have one son Martin Robert.
Mary Josephine married Charles Foskett Dec. 26, 1911 and their children were, Mildred F. Foskett married Beryl Rullman, their children are Lee and Jo Rullman. Roy F. Foskett married Kathleen Bowan and their children are Kathleen and Jean. He later married Jeanette McClung. Eva Foskett married W.B. Blass and had one daughter Evalyn. Jack Foskett married Ann Krupps and they had one daughter Jean. Rose Foskett married Robert Neal and the children are Charles W. Sean, and Michael. Kathryn married Wallace Brooks and their children are David, Susan, Don, Greg, Becky, Steven Lloyd and James. Patricia (Peggy) married Jim Atkins and their children are Linda and Judith. Charles Foskett Jr. married Bonnie Nickel and their children are Alan and Anita.
All eight Foskett children were raised and graduated from the Winfield Schools. One daughter, Patricia Atkins, is living in Winfield. Jack and Roy returned to Winfield, and lived here for a few years. Both are buried in Highland C. Charles Foskett Sr. had his own business painting cars which was quite the thing in those days. If you wanted a change of color and if you had an accident and needed the body of the car worked over and a paint touch-up, Charles was one to do a good job. Josephine was busy keeping the family going and worked in the Church and was a good neighbor. All of the children were schooled here and graduated from High School in Winfield.
Submitted by Zoa Manny
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 171.
Charles Herbert Fry, the third son of Harry and Selma Fry born 02-26-1941 in Mercy Hospital, Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. Married 06-02-1962 Linda Ruth Boxley. Linda was born 04-08-1943 in Perry, Noble, Oklahoma, the daughter of Elbert G. Boxley and Opal Charleen (Jennings) Baxley. Charles served four years in the U.S. Navy. Returned to (continued on page 172)
Submitted by Lloyd W Fry
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 171.
Charles and Linda have three chfidren: Charles Lee Fry born 03-19-1963 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. Charles graduated from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas; Gary Don Fry born 11-03-1964 in Elk City, Beckham, Oklahoma; and Leslie Renne' Fry born 02-17-1968 in Albany, Linn, Oregon. Presently attending San Angelo State University as a sophomore.
Submitted By Lloyd W Fry
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 172.
Selma died 04-15-1989, one day after her 83rd birthday.
Harry worked as a service station attendant for Pat Sommerfield, oil well tool dresser for his father, tire repairman (vulcanizing automobile and truck tires, a skilled occupation of the times) for C.W. (Cliff) Heathman, and tire repair for Bin Craig before forming a business partnership (A.C. Tire and Brake Service) with Lindsey (Jack) Holmes and Frank Mansfield. The business closed during WWII because repair material (rubber) was no longer available due to the war effort. Harry then worked for the Boeing Co. in Wichita, Kansas till war's end, returning to tire repair tfli poor health intervened. Thereafter he clerked at several stores until his retirement at age 65.
Harry and Selma have five sons, Robert Earl Fry, Donald Lee Fry, Charles Herbert Fry and twins Lloyd Wayne Fry and Floyd Duane Fry.
Robert Earl Fry was born 08-21-1928, the first child born and the second patient in the Stricklen Hospital, 1315 North First St., and a day earlier than the hospital's official opening. Robert was "caught" by his Aunt Lovie Fry EN (wife of Bert Fry) who was employed by Dr. H.M. Stricklen. Robert was in the last sixth grade class to use the old high school building located at Central Ave. and Second St. in Arkansas City, now used by Cowley County Community College. Robert was the first of this family to graduate from Arkansas City High School (1946). He joined the U. S. Navy serving two years at the end of which her returned to Arkansas City. Robert then entered Arkansas City Junior College (now Cowley County Community CoLege), was the first of this family to graduate from this school (1951). Worked for Acton Mfg., Co. producing coolers, I. C. Penney Co. in sales and stocking shelves, then to The Boeing Co. in Wichita and Seattle, Washington for thirty-five years, retired 02-01-1989, returned to Arkansas City in Sept. of 1989.
Robert is unmarried at this time.
Submitted By Robert E Fry
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 172.
Submitted by Harry H. Fry
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 172.
Herbert Henry was the son and only child of Charles Herbert Frye, born 08-09-1842 in Morrisville, Madison, New York, died 02-21-1905 in Jerry City, Wood, Ohio and Margaret Ellen (McDonald) Frye, born 06-14-1840 in Morrisville, Madison, New York, died 12-10-1925, in Jerry City, Wood, Ohio. They were married 12-23-1868 in Morrisville, New York. Charles Herbert was Civil War Veteran. He was also employed as a carpenter in a factory making oars for large sailing vessels.
Herbert Henry was a butcher, partner in "McEwen, Wormser, and Fry" oil well drilling, operating in and around Arkansas City, owned and operated "Fry's Auto Service" approximately one mile south of the Summit Street bridge, and at the same time chicken farming.
Herbert and Julia had only the three boys: Bert Melvin Fry; Harry Herbert Fry; and Reverdy Charles Fry.
Bert Melvin Fry (Big Stew), eldest son of Herbert Henry, was born 06-28-1900 in Jerry City, Wood, Ohio; died 03-14-1974 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas, interred in the Mausoleum in Riverview Cemetery, Arkansas City, Kansas. Bert married 09-28-1925 in Enid, Garfield, Oklahoma, Lovie Evelyn Harwell, daughter of William B. Harwell and Lucy J. (Fair) Harwell. Lovie was born 07-17-1902 in Wetumpka, Elmore, Alabama. She died 01-05-1976 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas and is interred in the Mausoleum in Riverside Cemetery, Arkansas City, Kansas.
Bert was a oil well driller for his father. He joined the U.S. Navy at eighteen years of age, served till the end of WW 1. He owned and operated a shrimp boat, used car lot and grapefruit orchard, all in Texas. Lovie was a Registered Nurse, trained at Arkansas City Hospital located at 828 South B Street, by Dr. R. Claude Young, She worked for Dr. H.M. Stricklen in Tonkawa, Oklahoma and stayed with him, when he opened the Stricklen Hospital in Arkansas City, Kansas on 08-22-1928. She held the position of head nurse in many hospitals across Texas.
Bert and Lovie spent the last several years in retirement in Arkansas City, Kansas moving here from La Marque, Texas. Both died as a result of severe strokes. They left no issue.
Submitted by Harry H. Fry
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 173.
As a young man, Ira Fry helped to build the Tisdale Church, by hauling rock and lumber. On 11-18-1896 Ira Fry married Martha Catherine Shinn at Tisdale. Martha C., born 10-24-1876 in Paulding County, Ohio, was the daughter of Robert A. and Mary Elizabeth Wiemer Shinn.
Ira L. and Martha C. Fry lived all their lives on the family farm near Tisdale. Ira L. died 2-1-1940 and Martha C. died 3-14-1949, both at the family home. They were the parents of seven children: Hattie Elizabeth, born 9-19-1897; Ava RiUa, born 4-19-1900; Robert Joseph, born 10-8-1902; Mary Inez, born 10-28-1904; Lewis Phillip, born 10-30-1906; Earl Ray, born 3-16-1909; and Lyle Kenneth, born 5-26-1911, who died in infancy.
Hattie E, Fry, a teacher in Cowley County schools, retired from the Dexter Elementary School in 1962, after teaching there many years. Hattie died 7-4-1979. Ava E. Fry married James E. Reed, 7-27-1949, in Winfield. She died 10-9-1979.
Robert J. Fry married Mary M. McCardweh, 7-10-1926, at Wellington, Kansas. They had four children, Barbara Joan, born 6-26-1927, Roberta jean, born 9-18-1928; Robert Lee, born 6-2-1930; and Mary Joyce born 10-25-1935. Robert Lee Fry died 1-23-1950, in a car accident. Robert 1. Fry died 3-25-1956, and Mary M. Fry died 10-4-1978.
Mary Inez Fry married Floyd H. Harp, at ElDorado, Kansas, on 5-21-1924, and they had one son, Donald E., born I I 15-1944. Mary Inez Hcirp died 9-1-1986 at Arkansas City.
Lewis Phillip Fry married Pauline Elliott, 6-10-1926, at Winfield, and they had three children; M. Elaine, born 4-1-1927; Patricia L., born 11-27-1929; and Elliott, born 11-29-1933. Lewis P. Fry died at Wellington 2-19-1954 and Pauline E. Fry died 2-26-1978 at Garden City, Kansas. Elaine Fry Larsen died 11-15-1985 at Wichita, Kansas. Elliott Fry a Sedgwick County District Court administrative judge, died 7-7-1987.
Earl Ray Fry married Ella Quesenberry, in 1928, and they had two children, Norman R., born 6-14-1929 and Carol Sue, born 12-19-1934. Earl Fry later married Dorothy Alice Pratt, 6-2-1940, at Winfield, and they had one daughter, lane Alyce, born 4-30-1941. Earl Fry died at Wellington, Kansas, 3-11-1980.
Among descendants of Ira L. and Martha Shinn Fry are twenty-one great-grandchildren and twelve great-great-grandchildren.
Submitted by Roberta Jean Fry Ehmke
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 173.
David Wayne was born 05-05-1964 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. David is a graduate of Wichita State University of Kansas. Tammi Sue (Fry) FrazeU born 11-08-1965 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. Tammi is a graduate of Pittsburg State University of Kansas. Tommi married 05-20-1989 Jay Don Frazell in Iola, Allen, Kansas.
Lloyd's second marriage was to Sylvia Jane McGlasson nee Sylvia Jane Richardson, born 04-11-1940 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. Sylvia is the daughter of Jewell William Richardson and Gladys Alvina (Thomas) Richardson. Lloyd and Sylvia were married 05-28-1977 in Newkirk, Kay, Oklahoma. Sylvia has two daughters by a previous marriage. Sheryl Dawn (McGlasson) Coldwefl. Sherry, born 11-10-1962 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. Sheryl married Richard Lee Coldwell 08-14-1981 in Arkansas City, Kansas. Sherry and Richard have two children: Misty Nicole born 08-24-1983 and Jeremy Bryson born 07-20-1986. Both children born in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas; and Debra Sue (McGlasson) Mullins, born 12-21-1965 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. Debra married Marc Douglas Mullins 10-16-1982 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. Marc and Debra have one child, a daughter, Kelsey Noel Mullins born 01-28-1987 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas.
Floyd Duane Fry, twin brother of Lloyd Wayne, and fifth son born to Harry and Selma Fry was born 09-12-1943 at Mercy Hospital in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. He married 05-19-1962 Catherine (Cathy) Zoe Woods the daughter of Alvin Leroy Woods and Edna Lenora (Pingry) Woods. Cathy was born 02-21-1947 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. Floyd worked for A.C. Co-op Dairy, (GE) General Electric Co., Jet Aircraft Engines, Dixie Portland Flour Mill, back to General Electric Co. Jet Aircraft Engines. Cathy and Floyd have two children, Lonnie Lee Fry and Aticha Diane. Lonnie was born 12-21-1962 and Alicha was born 07-10-1965, Both born in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas.
Floyd and Cathy divorced 03-30-1977.
Lonnie married on 06-20-1981 Heidi Lisabeth Howard, daughter of Lynden Leroy Howard and Wanda Lea (Jones) Howard. Heidi was born 12-28-1962 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. Lonnie and Heidi are graduates of Arkansas City High School. Lonnie is working in the tool design Dept. of Boeing Airplanes in Wichita, Kansas, Lonnie and Heidi have two sons: Lance Ryan Fry born 10-04-1984, and Luke Tyson Fry born 04-11-1987. Both boys were born in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas.
Alicha married 07-01-1983 Aaron W. Hickey. Alicha and Aaron had a daughter, Airacha Rene' Hickey, born 04-24-1986 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. Alicha and Aaron divorced. Alicha then married on 03-18-1988 Tommy Gene Scott. Tommy was born 11-25-1961 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. Alicha and Tommy adopted Airacha Rene' and have asecond daughter Amanda Dawn Scott born 11-25-1988 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas.
Floyd's second marriage was on 01-28-1978 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas to Sharon Kay Fultz, daughter of Ivan Roger Fultz and Sheryl Ann Shurtz. Sharon was born 05-061959 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. Sharon and Floyd have no issue.
Submitted By Floyd D. Fry
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 173.
Submitted by Gerald Elwood Fry Sr.
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 173.
Gerald Elwood Fry Sr. was born 06-08-1932 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. He married 09-16-1955 Virginia Maud Daulton, daughter of Ode Daulton and Jennette T. (Pond) Daulton. Virginia Maude was born 02-14-1936 in Rural Ray Co., Missouri.
Gerald Elwood Sr. spent two years and ten months active duty in the U.S. Air Force plus Air Force and Army Reserve and National Guard duty, to date, for twenty-three years of military service, was member of the Arkansas City, Kansas Police Force on two occasions, retiring from the Police Force with twenty-five years of service, worked for Allis Chalmers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; back to Arkansas City to work for Stacy Transfer and Storage, then to Montgomery Elevator Co., Inc. Five years in the shop, then to the engineering dept. in July of 1986, where he still works today.
Gerald and Maud have two Sons: Clinton Charles Fry and Gerald Elwood Fry Jr. Gerald and Maud divorced 09-07-1975.
Clinton Charles was born 10-27-1956 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. He entered the Army right out of High School. He has become a career soldier, Clinton married Marlayna Perkins 05-18-1981 at Fort Riley in Riley Co., Kansas. Marlayna was born 08-24-1960, location unknown. Clinton and Marlayna have one child, a son Christopher Charles Fry born 02-08-1983 in Tomball, Harris, Texas. Clinton and Marlayna divorced, date unknown.
Gerald Elwood Fry Jr. was born 06-17-1959 in Arkansas City, Cowley, Kansas. Gerald Jr.'s first marriage was on 11-29-198 1 to Beverly Diane Wheeler the daughter of Eugene and Margret Wheeler. Beverly Diane was born 12-29-1958. Gerald Jr. and Beverly divorced 03-23-1985. There was no issue from this union. Gerald Jr. next married on 06-16-1988 Jennifer Kay Feldhaus, daughter of William G. Feldhaus Jr. and Evesia June (Dallas) Feldhaus. Jennifer was born on 06-29-1964 in Yale, St Clair, Michigan. Gerald Jr. is studying to become a registered nurse. No issue as of this writing.
Submitted by Gerald Elwood Fry Sr.
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 174.
Nancy couldn't remember more than that her father had a red beard and was in the Civil War. She was raised by a family named Reynolds. On her wedding day, carrying all of her worldly possessions, she and Bill rode a rented horse double to the farm he was share-cropping in Illinois. Six children were born in Illinois. In 1900 the family moved to Norborne, Missouri, twenty-five miles north of Lexington, Missouri.
In 1902, "Bea" was born. She graduated from Norborne High School in 1919. In 1920, again the remaining children and parents moved. This time to Portland, Kansas. H.T. Trice, local high-powered real estate salesman had struck again. Although Portland was only twenty-five miles southwest of Winfield, Bea decided to remain in Winfield to attend commercial college. Some of her classmates were Walter Bailey, Lynn Moore and C.T. Whitson. She held temporary jobs with Dr. C.C. Hawke; Ruppelius, who was just getting started, and dated L.L. Liermann. She married "Lawrence" in 1922. To Bea fell the task of raising four children, as Lawrence worked eight to five, six days a week and loved to go hunting and fishing if the weather was good on Sundays. Bea was active in the First Methodist Church, Ladies Aide, and Rosetti.
School children came home for dinner, so she could not work outside the home. She attended school functions, usually sitting with the group of five mothers who had had four children the same years: Mrs. Georgia Conrod, Jim Bob, Gene, Lou, and Don; Mrs. Jack Light, Bradley, John, Robert, and Ann; Mrs Shipp, Jim, Harold; Mrs Winfrey, Helen, Bill, Edward, (they lost a son). All Bea's children graduated from Winfield High School: Nancy Class of '41; Leonard (Sonny) class of '43; Harry class of '46; and Rosemary class of '50 or '51. Steadily Bea's health declined. Both she and Lawrence were the youngest child in their families. When Sonny was drafted in 1943 a family portrait was taken.
Her father had died in 1934 following a heart attack, after he sold an entire wheat crop for twenty-five cents a bushel. Her mother died in 1941. Her parents are buried in Highland Cemetery about 100 yards west and a little north of the east entrance which has been closed (top of road). Bea was in and out of the hospital several times in 1967. She grew worse (strokes). Finally her sister, Grace, came to visit and help. The afternoon Lawrence was to take her to the hospital (she had another stroke and could only mumble) he had a heart attack and died. The funeral was an ordeal and in one week she entered the hospital. She lingered three months and died December 11, 1969. All surviving members of the "Bill" Fulcher family assembled in 1941 at the L.L. Liermann home in Winfield.
L.L. Liermann
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 174.
Jim spent his younger years playing with and training horses from the time they were colts. When about 18, he made the first of many trips to Oklahoma Territory with horses and wagon. At age 20, he staked a claim and on his 21st birthday was first in line at the Land Office in Weatherford to file. He proceeded to "prove-up" on the 160 acres and received the deed at the end of a year but had found the mineral water in the area was detrimental to his health, so traded the farm for livestock and machinery and returned to Winfield.
Jim married Laura Mabel Orr, daughter of Christina and Arthur Orr, January 6, 1897. Three daughters were born to them, Delphine, August 15, 1897; Florence, January 27, 1899; and Lucille, November 23, 1900. In 1902 the young couple took the opportunity to own 160 acres of fertile virgin prairie-land in Caddo County, Oklahoma Territory. In the following 9 years Jim and Mabel transformed the prairie into a fine farm and Oklahoma had become the 46th state. They helped establish a school but desired greater educational opportunities for their children.
They sold their home and returned to Winfield. For several years Jim worked as a carpenter, then bought a grocery store with his brother-in-law, Ollie Shelley. Within a year he knew he was not a grocer so sold his share, bought a farm north of Winfield and moved there in 1914. During WW I the government was in need of workers in many occupations. Jim took a Civil Service examination and made a perfect score. He was offered a rural mail route, accepted, and continued until retirement at age 65.
Jim and Mabel were active supporters of the First Christian Church. Jim served as an Elder and Mabel was an officer in the Women's Society. After retirement Jim kept busy working on his farms and home property, and making walnut furniture for his daughters and grandchildren. He transplanted buffalo grass from a farm to his yard, kept it weedless and received many compliments on its beauty.
Delphine, Florence and Lucille graduated from Winfield High School and attended Southwestern. Delphine married Emil Randall, Florence married Harold Davis and Lucille married Harold Bender. All daughters lived away from this area most of their adult lives but all returned for retirement.
Jim had two brothers and one sister living here. The were O.P. who was Judge of the District Court for 21 years and a (continued on 175)
Submitted by Florence Fuller Davis
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 174.
Jim was totally honest and always paid cash for whatever he bought. He was a small-wiry-quick person, neat about his person and his property, courteous and hospitable.
Submitted by Florence Fuller Davis
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 175.
When he completed his studies in the country schools he rode horseback to Winfield, taking a Normal Training course at what is now Winfield High School. For several terms he taught school in Cowley County, serving the Olive and Maple Grove districts. While teaching at Maple Grove, Mr. Fuller bought a farm, was married on Dec. 24, 1885 to Eva A. Tonkinson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Tonkinson. Soon after that he became interested in law and he went to Kingman, Ks. where he studied law with his brother-in-law, Ruben P. Bolles.
After he was admitted to the bar they returned to Winfield to reside and practice law.
In 1981 Mr. Fuller was elected a Clerk of the District Court, an office he held for several terms. At the conclusion of this public service he resumed his practice of law. He was a member of the City Council from 1896 through 1898. He was appointed city attorney of Winfield following the city election of April, 1908, when Charles M. Wallace was elected mayor.
While he was city attorney he ran for the office of county attorney. The first time he was defeated, but his second attempt was successful and while he was county attorney he continued to act in the capacity of city attorney.
In 1914 Judge Fuller was the 10th Judge to be elected as magistrate of the Nineteenth District Court. At the time of his death in 1936 Judge Fuller had served for 21 years continually, the longest term that any Judge has held that office.
Judge Fuller's first law partner was Charles W, Roberts. In 1896 they had their office in the Hackney block, later moving into the Fuller Building.
Besides a successful lawyer and jurist of wide reputation, Judge Fuller was a builder. His ability as a carpenter and stone mason was well-known to residents of Winfield. The last home he built for himself was at 1702 E. 5th (Simpson).
Judge and Mrs. Fuller were the parents of two children, Walter Fuller, who died in 1919 leaving a son Berkley, whom they raised, and Mary Elizabeth Fuller (Mrs. Elmer P. Watt). Eva Fuller, his wife died in 1921 and is buried in Union Cemetery.
He was a member of several fraternal orders including the Masonic Lodge.
A member of the Christian Church, for years he taught the Men's Bible class of the church. He was sought as a public speaker for many meetings in Winfield and Cowley County. He was a member of the Democratic Party.
Judge Fuller died at his home at 1702 Simpson, October 27, 1936 and is buried in Union Cemetery, Winfield.
He has two grandsons still living in Cowley County; Fuller P. Watt, 1502 Cherry, Winfield and Randall C. Watt at Cambridge.
Submitted by Evelyn Watt
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 175.
In 1848 David Gotten came to the United States from Germany. He married Margaret Lauppe of Belleville, Ohio and they moved to Kansas in 1873, and farmed near the town of Burden. When he retired, his son, W.E. Gatton, took over the farm. After his retirement I bought it from him. I have two sons. Richard Gatton farms south of Burden. He has two sons, Monty and Brandon, and one daughter, Tammy. My other son, Ronald Gotten, lives in Trappe, Maryland. He has one son, David, and one daughter, Katherine.
I received a Century Farm plaque from Governor Hayden. It said "Presented to David R. Gotten Recognizing a Kansas Tradition Farm This award conveys the recognition of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture for your special contribution to agriculture and the Great State of Kansas. Awarded this 21st day of March, 1988 by Governor of Kansas Secretary, Kansas State Board of Agriculture, and Kansas State Board of Agriculture."
As a hobby I have started a collection of old-time farm equipment. I even have my dad's old blacksmith tools.
Submitted By David R. Gatton
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 175.
Gene married Caroline Matilda Theresa Vandercook, formerly of Appleton, Wisconsin. Their children were: Henry Gilbert (father of Richard Kious), Mary (mother of Barbara Ellen, and Edward Eugene), and Richard Albert (father of Gayle Anne fm: Judge Robert L. Bishop], Gilbert Trees [m: Pamela Bennett Knapp], and Darrell Richard [m: Cheryl Mathews, daughter of Paul and Polly Mathews of Winfield].
Eugene operated a dairy and a hatchery. At his death in 1953, the business was taken over by his son Henry. Richard, who from 1938 to 1959 lived in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas as District Manager for Continental Supply Company, returned to his birthplace in 1959 with his wife, the former Lucy Trees (daughter of Paul and Edna Trees of Winfield) and their children Gayle, Gilbert, and Darrell. He bought an interest in H.P. Gott Manufacturing Company, a company founded in 1916 by Henry Gott, at this time owned by Fiank, Chandler, and James Jarvis. After the retirement of the Jarvises, Gentry organized Gott Corp. and became its president. Through the years the company grew from thirty-five employees to more than five hundred and distributed insulated water coolers and chests throughout the world.
Gentry retired as president and CEO in 1978, and in 1985 the company, grown larger yet under the direction of T.E. (Gene) Branscum, was sold to Rubbermaid, Inc.
In the years of retirement Dick and Lucy traveled extensively, spent time boating in Florida waters and at their lake cottage on Grand Lake, and enjoyed their children and seven grandchildren, who are Amy, Angela and Alissa Bishop (Wichita), Todd and Brian Gentry Independence, Kansas), and Mandy and Matt Gentry (Lansing, Michigan).
Submitted by Lucy (Trees) Gentry
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 175.
In 1876, Samuel Gilbert, a farmer, from Muscatine, Iowa, came into Kansas, with other brave men, buffalo hunting. In the spring of 1879, his son, Andrew Jackson Gilbert, and wife, Sarah Loring Gilbert, purchased 160 acres of land two miles west of Arkansas City and one and one-half miles north of the Oklahoma Territory line. They moved to Kansas with two daughters and two sons from Muscatine, At that time, the railroad went only to Wichita. Therefore, Mr. Gilbert had to wagon-haul lumber and material to build their nice two-story house in Bolton Township.
Mr. Gilbert was born in Muscatine in 1843; he married in 1865; and lived and worked in Upper Michigan (Marquette). His fcither-in-law, Allen Taylor Loring, was in the lumber business. Three children were born in Michigan, before moving to Muscatine. My mother was one-year-old when they moved to Kansas.
After getting settled, Jack Cilbert, as my Grandfather was called, helped promote and get the railroad built into Arkansas City and on into Oklahoma Territory south. About 1902-03 they sold the farm, bought a house in town; they lived at 215 North 3rd. He built each of his daughters a "washing machine". One was given to the Cherokee Strip Museum, by one of my aunts.
In 1896, the Cherokee Strip Opening, brought hundreds of people wanting land in Oklahoma Territory. They camped for weeks on the line waiting to make the run. Many went to Gilbert's farm for water, food, or some health needs, my grandfather always gave. Allen Gilbert, the eldest son, made the run, staking a claim northwest of Ponca City. My father, Robert F. DeMott, then about fourteen years, came with his father from as far away as Ontario, Canada, to make the run. They staked out 160 acres near the community of Dillworth. Then they sent the word to Canada for Grandmother DeMott to come with the seven children. In error, the railroad sent her to Arkansas City, Arkansas. She spoke only French; but the railroad sent her back to Arkansas City, Kansas where she was met. What courage-what strength!! Fred DeMott, well known in Arkansas City, and his son, Charlie DeMott, farmers west of town, were related to my father and they came from Canada also.
Some wonderful people, Ida and George Swift, farmed much land about five miles south of the line in Oklahoma Territory. My mother took music and art lessons from Mrs. Swift, going in a horse and buggy about seven miles each way. The Swifts introduced my mother to my father, Robert Frank DeMott. The Swifts had only one child, a daughter, June. Educated in music and voice in New York, June taught voice in Arkansas City.
My mother's name is Mary Eliza Gilbert DeMott. Her sisters, Mrs. C.T. (Jessie) Atkinson and Mrs. Wm. (Floy) Klopf lived in Arkansas City. Mr. Atkinson was an early day attorney. Mr. Klopf's parents had an early day grocery.
Another sister, Mrs. James M. (Gertrude) Barker and husband first lived and owned a store in the Indian Village of Washunga, Oklahoma Territory. Their son, Jack, was born there in 1910. The railroad served Washunga. They had a horse and buggy to meet us at the train. We went to an Indian Pow Wow with Uncle Jim. Only men danced; women watched. We all sat on board planks in the circle shaped building. Aunt Gertie later was postmaster in Kaw City. Jim Barker was Sheriff in Kay County for years.
The oldest sister was Mrs. Alex Scott, who lived on a farm out of Newkirk. Two miles west was Middleton, and a railroad to Arkansas City. The fare was fifty cents for me, at ten years of age, to go home. I had two aunts of my father's family around Middleton; Aunt Mabel Long, and Aunt Delia Knolls and husband, Dan. All later moved to Alberta. Aunt Nell's (continued on page 176)
Submitted by Margery DeMott Bittner
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 175.
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