Leavenworth County
KSGenWeb
Date of Death: Thursday, July 31, 1941
William Giese, 87, retired farmer, died at 9:30 o'clock this morning at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth LaMay, 1000 Shawnee Street, where he had recently made his home. He had been ill for two years.
Born in Germany in 1854, he came to Leavenworth County 53 years ago. Besides Mrs. LaMay, survivors include two other daughters, Mrs. A. Matzeder of rural route two, and Mrs. J.W. Mitchell of Rockville Center, New York; four sons: William C. Giese of Rugby, Colorado; Albert Giese of Richardson; Frank Giese of Jefferson City, Missouri; and John Giese of 328 Shoemaker Avenue; 25 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday morning at 8 o'clock at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, with the Rev. Fr. Phillip Irwin, O. Carm., officiating. Burial was in the family lot in Mount Calvary Cemetery. The body remained at the O'Donnell Funeral Chapel until the morning of the service.
Taken from the Leavenworth Times, July 31, 1941.
Reprinted from the Leavenworth Times, Tuesday, January 12, 1909.
Date of death Monday, January 11, 1909
MRS. MARY GEISLER
Mrs. Mary Geisler, wife of Peter Geisler of 924 Shawnee street, died yesterday afternoon at 5:50 o'clock of a complication of diseases.Mrs. Geisler was born in Germany in 1832 and married Peter Geisler at 18 years of age coming to America in 1859. Upon arriving in America they located in Philadelphia. After living there a year they left for Leavenworth where they have lived since. She is survived by her husband, three children, William, Otto and Dora and a brother, John Fisher, who lives in Galveston, Tex.
The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence. Burial will be in Mt. Muncie Cemetery.
Date of Death: November 1, 1920
Julia M. Gempel died shortly before 11 o'clock the night of November 1, 1920.
She died at the family home at 616 Miami Street.
The death followed a long illness.
Mrs. Julia M. Gempel, 61 years old, was the wife of William P. Gempel.
Mrs. Gempel was born and reared in Leavenworth.
Her birthday was October 28, 1859.
She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Schott.
She was married in 1886 to William P. Gempel.
She had been a member for many years of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
She was active in the Ladies Aid work of that church.
Mrs. Gempel had a kind disposition and was charitable and highly respected by all who knew her.
She will be greatly missed by her many friends.
Besides her husband, two sons survive her.
They are Paul A. Gempel, who recently arrived from Philadelphia where he was a medical student.
Another son is Lieutenant Eugene P. H. Gempel who was stationed on the Mexican border.
One brother, Herman Schott, also survives her.
Funeral services for Mrs. Julia Gempel were held at the family home at 616 Miami Street at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
Services were also held at the Lutheran Church at the corner of Seventh and Miami Streets at 2:30.
Burial was in the cemetery.
The pallbearers were Herman Witt, Henry Ressmeyer, W. I. Biddle, Oliver Oursler, Albert Bauer and Charles Rehm.
Taken from the Leavenworth Times, November 2 and November 4, 1920.
Reprinted from the Leavenworth Times, Tuesday, January 12, 1909.
Date of death: Monday, January 11, 1909
Ray Graham, five months old, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Graham, died yesterday morning at 9 o'clock at the home of his parents near the Catholic cemetery. The funeral will be held from the residence of his Grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. T.N. Foy, 416 Kiowa street, Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock conducted by the Rev. W.J. Dodge of the Christian church.
Burial will be in Mt. Muncie cemetery.
Date of Death: Friday, October 19, 1923
Mathew Gray, one of the early and long time residents of Leavenworth county, died suddenly at Fresno, California, last Friday evening.
Particulars of his death have not been obtainable.
The body will be brought to Tonganoxie, having been started from Fresno Monday morning with the expectation of arrival here this morning.
The funeral services will be held in the Congregational church at two o'clock this afternoon and will be conducted by Rev. J. L. Johnson.
Burial will be in Mt. Muncie Cemetery in the family plot where his wife and parents are buried.
The Masons and Knights of Pythias, of which societies he had long been an honored member, will conduct services at the grave.
Of Scotch ancestry, Mr. Gray was born on the high seas under the British flag while the family was on the way to America from Scotland to try their fortunes in a new land.
The family first settled in Canada and before the war settled in Leavenworth county.
Mr. Gray was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Mayginnes.
To the union were born two children, Walter and Mrs. Julia Bacon, who are yet living.
Mrs. Gray also leaves a sister and three brothers.
Mr. Gray was 70 years of age at the time of his death, having spent nearly all his life in Leavenworth county.
About three years ago he and his son moved to Sanger, California, and later to McFarland in that state.
He was one of the prominent men of this county, and was always respected for his honesty and integrity.
Taken from the Tonganoxie Mirror, Thursday, October 25, 1923.
Reprinted with permission from the Tonganoxie Mirror, Thursday, April 6, 1899.
Date of death Wednesday, March 29, 1899
Mrs. Fred Gress died at her home near Summit, Wednesday, March 29, after a lingering illness, at the age of 56 years, 8 months and 29 days.
Mary Ann McFarland was born in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, June 12, 1842, and was the daughter of Robert and Rosan McFarland. In 1842 she emigrated with her parents to Kansas and has made her home in Douglas and Leavenworth counties ever since. On January 9, 1868 she was united in marriage to Frederick Gress, who with four sons and one daughter, still survives her. Mrs. Gress was a consientious christian and a kind and loving wife and mother, and by her demise a place has been vacated in the home circle that can never be filled.
Funeral services were held at the house last Friday morning by Rev. A.L. Goudy, and the remains were followed by a large concourse to their temporary resting place at the Summit cemetery, but as soon as the weather permits, interment will be made in the Maple Grove cemetery south of town.
Date of Death: June 20, 1889
Mrs. Hannah M. Hamblin died at her residence in this city on June 20.
She was 71 years old.
Mrs. Hamblin came to the city in 1858 from Burlington, Vermont.
She had resided in Leavenworth ever since.
For many years ill health prevented her from practicing the social and religious duties dear to her heart.
She was always ready to sympathize with and aid benevolent causes.
Though retiring in disposition and simple in manner, she made many friends.
She gathered around her a close circle who valued her encouragement and advice.
To the young she was like a loyal and loving mother.
She encouraged them to remain true to themselves.
Her death was as peaceful as her life had been.
She passed away quietly at the close of a bright summer day.
She left behind the memory of a life full of kindness and unselfish deeds.
Taken from the Leavenworth Times, June 22, 1889.
Date of Death: December 26, 1895
Hiram Hamblin passed away shortly after 3 o'clock in the afternoon at the home of his daughter on Walnut Street.
He had been feeble for some time and died from diseases incident to advanced age.
Mr. Hamblin was a native of Vermont.
He came to Kansas at an early day and had been a resident of Leavenworth since 1856.
He was well known to the old settlers of the community.
He worked as a contractor during most of his active life.
He erected many large buildings including Laing's Hall.
After the Chicago fire he went to that city and helped construct several large buildings.
He lived in retirement during the last fifteen years of his life.
Mr. Hamblin left one son, Allie.
He also left two daughters, Mrs. M. E. Brown and Miss Emma Hamblin.
Several grandchildren also survive.
The time of the funeral had not yet been determined.
Taken from a Leavenworth newspaper account, December 1895.
Date of Death: Thursday, March 6, 1924
Frank Harrison, an employee of the Missouri Valley Bridge Works for the last eighteen years, died very suddenly about 6 o'clock this morning at his home, Grand Avenue and South Street.
He was preparing to go to work when he dropped dead.
He was 62 years old.
Mr. Harrison was born at Joliet, Illinois, June 23, 1862.
He came to Kansas when he was about 12 years old.
He was married to Mary Edgell of Lawrence and later the family moved to Leavenworth where he had resided for the last twenty-three years.
The widow, nine daughters and two brothers survive him.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at the convenience of relatives.
Taken from the Leavenworth Times.
Date of Death: Friday, February 26, 1943
Henry Lee Hawkins, 78, eldest son of Nicholas and Mary Hawkins, born April 13, 1864, on a farm east of Tonganoxie. Married Lizzie McFee in December 1893; they had three children, one of whom, Elizabeth, preceded him in death.
Survivors include daughter Gladys of the home, son Henry Jr., two grandchildren, and three brothers: Sam of Tonganoxie; George of Kansas City; and Nick of San Francisco, California.
Submitted by Evelyn R. Williams.
Date of Death: November 21, 1919
Mrs. Mary Hawkins died November 21, 1919 at the age of 81.
She was born in Syracuse, New York on December 18, 1837.
She married Nicholas Hawkins in Leavenworth, Kansas on May 20, 1860.
Fifteen children were born to this union.
Her husband and six children preceded her in death.
Survivors include Lorenza of Tilla Alta, Canada.
Henry Lee of Tonganoxie, Kansas survives her.
Nicholas of Kansas City, Missouri survives her.
Andrew S. of Ness City, Kansas survives her.
Francis F. of Niles, Michigan survives her.
George of Basehor, Kansas survives her.
Mary Ann Olsen of Tonganoxie survives her.
Samuel and Fountain of Tonganoxie, Kansas survive her.
Burial was in Hubble Hill Cemetery.
Taken from a Leavenworth obituary dated November 1919.
Date of Death: April 9, 1918
Nicholas Hawkins died April 9, 1918 at his home at the age of 87.
He was born May 20, 1832 in England.
He came to Canada with his parents and later moved to Michigan.
He married Mary Abbe Davis on May 20, 1860.
Eleven children were born to this union.
Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Will Olsen of Tonganoxie.
Seven sons survive him.
They are Henry, Fount, and Sam of Tonganoxie.
Nicholas of Jackson County, Missouri survives him.
George of Basehor, Kansas survives him.
Andrew of Ness City, Kansas survives him.
Fred of Battle Creek, Michigan survives him.
His wife Mary also survives him.
Burial was in Hubble Hill Cemetery.
Taken from a Leavenworth obituary published April 11, 1918.
Leavenworth Times, date unknown
Date of Death: ca. 1948
From the collections at the Leavenworth County Historical Society and Museum. Reprinted with permission from The Leavenworth County Historical Society and Museum and the Leavenworth Times. Donated by Debra Graden.
Death Comes Last Night to Henry Helmers
End at a Chicago Hospital After Illness of about Two Weeks
WAS WIDELY KNOWN
Headed Manufacturing Company Founded by Father in Early Day
Henry J. Helmers, Jr., 81, head of the Helmers Manufacturing Company and widely known industrialist and business man, died last night at Passavant Hospital, Chicago, after an illness of about two weeks. Relatives received word of his death during the night.
Mr. Helmers' illness began about two weeks ago, following his arrival in Chicago to attend a meeting of the National Furniture Mart. He had been accompanied to Chicago by a brother, Ed Helmers, and a nephew, William H. Helmers, both of Kansas City.
Upon being stricken he was removed from his hotel to the hospital and for the last several days little if any hope had been held out for his recovery. Tentative plans had been made that if his condition would permit he would be flown to his home here.
Father Here in 1858
Mr. Helmers was born in Leavenworth November 6, 1867, the eldest son of Henry, Sr., and Pauline Helmers. The name of Helmers has been associated with Leavenworth since 1858.
In that year Henry Helmers, Sr., came to Leavenworth from Herman, Mo. He was of strong German ancestry. Engaging in the barber business he soon opened a barber supply company. From that small beginning there grew the Helmers Manufacturing Company. In later years the Helmers home was at 501 South Broadway. Mr. Helmers died in 1934 at the age of 91.
Headed Firm Until Death
First born to Mr. and Mrs. Helmers was Henry J. Helmers, Jr. Upon reaching maturity he entered the manufacturing business established by his father and upon the retirement of his father about 40 years ago became managing head of the company and continued in that capacity until his death.
Associated with him were his brothers, Oscar Helmers, deceased; George J. Helmers, deceased; Will and Ed Helmers. All had entered the business as they completed their education.
The first Helmers store was established on the site of the old Fountain pool hall on Delaware Street with William Parmelee as a partner. Fire destroyed the business. Later Mr. Helmers, Sr., opened a furniture factory at Kansas State Prison where prisoners were hired under contract.
Now Are Wholesalers
Later the large plant now occupied by the Goodjohn Sash and Door Company at Second and Santa Fe Streets was erected. The factory was closed about ten years ago. The company now engages solely in the wholesale selling of furniture. In his capacity as president Mr. Helmers made frequent trips to Kansas City to direct the affairs of the company.
Other than his business affair and his Broadway home, Mr. Helmers had many other interests. One was his deep devotion to Abdallah Shrine, of which he served as potentate in 1920. His interest in the organization was not only a local, but a national scale. He attended many imperial Council meetings and had a personal acquaintance with Shrine leaders throughout the country.
A Staunch Elk
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was another institution which was close to his heart. A charter member of the lodge here upon its organization in 1901 when the meeting place was the present Eagles hall, Mr. Helmers never was out of touch with the organization.
"Mr. Helmers was one of the local lodge's most devoted members," said Charles Olund this morning when told of his death. "He put his heart and soul into the work of the order. While never serving as exalted ruler he was for many years a trustee and held other executive positions. In the latter years of his life he made the lodge hall his place of rest and recreation. He will be greatly missed, both in a social way and as a guide and as a wise counsellor in the affairs of the lodge."
Henry Helmers also had a deep and abiding interest in the affairs of Cushing Memorial Hospital, where he was a large contributor to the building fund. His concern for the welfare of the institution was unchanging.
Former Country Club President
Another institution close to Mr. Helmers' heart was the Leavenworth Country Club, of which he served a term as president. Ten years ago when the club house was renovated he gave a set of furniture for one room.
As an active member of the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce he was an active booster for a new hotel for Leavenworth. In 1925 he headed a campaign for a new hotel and in 1947 was one of the largest contributors to the fund which was raised to buy The Times Building as a site for a new hostelry.
On September 28, 1892, Mr. Helmers and Miss Anna A. Hook, daughter of Enos and Elizabeth Hook, were married at the home of their parents, West Seventh and Spruce Streets.
Body Here Tomorrow
The young couple established their home at 207 North Esplanade and resided there until they occupied the present home at 307 North Broadway, where they went to live 37 years ago. Mrs. Helmers died August 19, 1945. A son and only child died in infancy.
Other than his brothers, Will and Edward of Kansas City, Mr. Helmers is survived by two sisters, Miss Carrie Helmers, 501 South Broadway, and Mrs. C. E. Brown, 927 South Broadway. Miss Lucy Hook is a sister-in-law. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
The body will be received in Leavenworth tomorrow by the Sexton Chapel, where it will remain until Saturday morning when the casket will be removed to the family home at 9 o'clock.
Funeral services will be held
Date of Death: Wednesday, April 17, 1935
Joseph Jarowitz, 75, a Leavenworth miner for more than fifty years, died this morning at 11 o'clock at his home, 2211 Rose Street, following an illness of several months.
Born in Poland, December 6, 1859, Jarowitz came to America fifty-three years ago.
He had lived in Leavenworth for more than fifty years.
Had he lived until October he would have celebrated his fiftieth wedding anniversary.
He was a member for many years of the A.O.U.W.
Surviving aside from his widow are one daughter, Mrs. Martha Messinger of Leavenworth, and five sons, Andrew Jarowitz of Leavenworth, James and Mike Jarowitz of the home address.
The body was taken to the Davis Funeral Church where it will lie in state until funeral arrangements are completed.
Taken from the Leavenworth Times, April 17, 1935.
Date of Death: Tuesday, March 3, 1942
Mary Jarowitz, 73, of 2211 Rose Street, died at 6:45 o'clock this morning at Cushing Memorial Hospital, where she had been a patient for several days.
Born in Poland, October 25, 1868, she came to Leavenworth at age 15. As Miss Mary Czapski, she married Joseph Jarowitz in Leavenworth on October 7, 1885. Mr. Jarowitz died April 17, 1935.
Survivors include five sons: John Jarowitz of 408 Marion Street; Andrew Jarowitz of Vallejo, California; Frank Jarowitz of 212 Maple Avenue; James Jarowitz of 2211 Rose Street; Mike Jarowitz of 212 Maple Avenue; two brothers, Mike Zielenski of Second and Chestnut Streets, and John Czapski of Germany; one sister, Mrs. Veronica Laboda of Leavenworth; and nine grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Thursday morning at 9:30 o'clock at the David Funeral Church, with Chaplain Franklyn R. Beery of the Veterans Administration Facility, Wadsworth, officiating. Burial was in Mount Muncie Cemetery.
Taken from the Leavenworth Times, March 3, 1942.
Reprinted with permission from the Tonganoxie Mirror, Thursday, 6/15/1899
Date of death Friday, June 9, 1899
Date of Death: February 12, 1857
Died in this city on Friday Jan.
30th.
Mrs.
Henrietta A.
Jumps, consort of Edward Jumps Esq., in the 23d year of her age.
Thus has fallen in the prime of life one whose amiability of demeanor and generous quality of mind and heart had made her the chosen companion of many friends.
The Leavenworth Journal, Saturday, Feb. 12, 1857, Leavenworth, K.T.
There was an awful solemn pause,
Upon that lonesome day;
Friends were befolding nature's laws,
When Lizzie passed away.
Lizzie, the kind and affectionate wife of our esteemed and respected friend and citizen, James D. Jones, departed this life on Friday morning June 9th, after a brief illness leaving behind a dutiful and loving husband, two tender and innocent children, one brother and four sisters to mourn her untimely death.
The funeral took place from their residence one mile southeast of the city on the farm formerlly owned by "Uncle" George Hallenbeck. A very large concourse of their friends congregated to pay their last respects and to hear the funeral discourse which was delivered by Rev. Ballard of the Friends church of this city.
Mrs. Lizzie Jones nee Miller, was born near Davis City, Harrison county, Mo., Aug. 27, 1871. She was united in marriage with James D. Jones on the 5th day of September, 1894, and at the time of her death was 27 years, 8 months and 12 days old. She was a niece of our estimable townman "Uncle Dick" Miller.
Leavenworth Times, Monday Evening, November 30, 1942
Date of death: Nov. 29, 1942
From the collections at the Leavenworth County Historical Society and Museum. Reprinted with permission from The Leavenworth County Historical Society and Museum and the Leavenworth Times. Donated by Debra Graden.
J. B. Kelsey Dies After A Long Illness
Death Comes Sunday to One of Leavenworth's Leading Attorneys.
FUNERAL IS TUESDAY
Easton Native Was Known Widely--An Educator Before Lawyer.
James Benton Kelsey, 63, is dead. His tenacious battle for life over a period of many weary months ended in the grey dawn of yesterday.
Death came at 6:45 o'clock at the Veterans Administration Facility hospital, Wadsworth, where he had been a patient since mid-summer. Nursing the hope that soon he would leave his bed and come back to Leavenworth, he fought to regain his health. He died as he had lived, entertaining no fear.
The body was removed to the Davis funeral church where services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Chaplain Frankyn R. Beary will conduct the service.
Burial will be in the Easton cemetery where three generations of Kelseys sleep. Robert A. Kelsey, Easton pioneer, helped lay out the cemetery, atop a hill southwest of the town.
Successful as Educator.
Graveside services will be conducted by members of Byron H. Mehl post of the American Legion and by members of Masonic lodge No. 45 of Easton of which Mr. Kelsey was a past-master.
James B. Kelsey was a man of parts, gifted with a natural eloquence and ready tongue, coupled with a profound knowledge of the law he became one of the leading lawyers of the Leavenworth County bar.
As an educator he progressed from an eighth-grade teacher to county superintendent of schools, pausing along the way to direct two rural high schools, one of which he established.
Responding to the request by President Wilson for a declaration of war against Germany, James B. Kelsey went to Kansas City where he enlisted as a private in the Signal Corps. Two years after the armistice was signed he returned to Leavenworth, wearing the oak leaf of a brevet major.
Was Born at Easton.
James Benton Kelsey was born at Easton, April 13, 1879, a son of Eliphalet and Dora Kelsey, and grandson of Robert A. Kelsey, a native of North Carolina who sent to Princeton Mo., in 1846, and from there to Easton in 1864.
Mrs. Kelsey was the former Dora Sparks, died three years after the birth of her son and James went to make his home with his grandfather, remaining there and attending the Easton School until 1895 when he went with his father to McLouth. He was graduated from the McLouth grade school in 1896.
Armed with his certificate, Kelsey sought a country school but was told he was "too young." In the spring of 1897 he was employed by Scott M. Lee and John T. Kirkham to teach their children. That fall he was employed to teach No. 60 school, southeast of Potter. One of his pupils was Judge LeRoy Hand of the city court. He then taught a year at No. 72 west of Easton, and in 1900 he went back at 21 to Easton as principal of the school he had left five years before.
Established School at Lansing.
During summer vacation Mr. Kelsey had attended for five terms the Kansas State normal school and was gaining a reputation as an advanced educator. In 1902 he was employed as principal of the Linwood high school, established two years before by E. A. White.
So successful was Mr. Kelsey at the Linwood school that he was employed the next year to establish a high school at Lansing. The late J. M. Gilman had taught the school the year before and had tutored three students in the high school course. Kelsey now was being recognized as one of the leading educators of this section. His services were in demand as a teacher in many normal institutes. Entering the campaign as a Republican candidate for the office of county superintendent of schools, Mr. Kelsey was elected to the office in 1906 and completed four years as principal of the Lansing school before taking office May 1, 1907.
Opportunity now came to realize an ambition Mr. Kelsey had cherished many years. On the day he took over the office of superintendent he began reading law in the office of E. B. Baker, son of the late Senator Lucien Baker. Two years later he enrolled at the Kansas City School of Law, attending night sessions. He was admited to the bar by the Kansas supreme court in 1910. He was graduated from the law school in 1912 and was valedictorian of his class.
Served as County Attorney.
While still county superintendent Kelsey became a candidate for county attorney in 1912 and won the nomination in an exciting primary campaign. He was elected and took office in January, 1913. He was not a candidate for a second term.
Returning to his private law practice, Mr. Kelsey remained at his office until his enlistment in the Army. Detailed to the aviation section of the Signal Corps, Private Kelsey was sent to Kelly Field, Tex. Soon he was commissioned a second lieutenant and sent to Rich Field, Waco, Tex. There he finished the flying course and was given command of the 355th Aero Squadron, an outfit which he commanded during the war.
Lieutenant Kelsey was with his command on Long Island under overseas orders when the armistice was signed. His personal baggage was on the way to France. He often spoke with deep regret that he did not reach the fighting front.
The 355th Aero Squadron was disbanded on Long Island and Lieutenant Kelsey was ordered back to Rich Field after electing to remain in the Army. Appointed adjutant of the field, he remained in the service until October 15, 1920, when he resigned his commission and returned to Leavenworth.
Candidate for Congress Twice.
Reopening his law office Kelsey soon was engaged busily in handling hundreds of claims under the Kansas soldier bonus law. He served four years as assistant county attorney under Jesse Hall, 1927 to 1931.
Twice Mr. Kelsey was a candidate for Congress on the Republican ticket, opposing W. P. Lambertson. In the 1936 primary he carried every precinct in Leavenworth County by a vote of more than five to one for his oppoinent. He again was a candidate in 1938.
Mr. Kelsey once described himself as the "champion joiner" of the community. His first membership was with the Easton Masonic lodge, the lodge his grandfather helped organize and who was its first master. He had been a member 42 years. In 1913 he became a member of Caswell Consistory and that same year joined Abdallah Temple. At his death he held the office of high priest and prophet. Two years hence he would have been potentate. He was the first dictator of Loyal Order of Moose here and a past exalted ruler of the Elks. For a term he was deputy grand exalted ruler, eastern district of Kansas.
A past commander of Byron H. Mehl post of the American Legion, of which he had been a member 21 years, he also was a past grand chef de train of the 40 & Eight.
Was Kiwanis President.
For many years a member of the Leavenworth Country club, he was a past president of the organization, and also was a past president of the Kiwanis club. A member of the Leavenworth County Bar Association, he was certified to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He was a member of the National Bar Association.
Mr. Kelsey's marriage to Miss Elizabeth Turner of Montgomery, Mo., was on December 23, 1923. Their home for many years has been at 509 Elm street.
Other than his widow, Mr. Kelsey leaves an aunt, Miss Mattie Kelsey, 524 Chestnut street; and a cousin, James R. Kelsey, an instructor at Leavenworth Junior high school.
"Jim" Kelsey was intensely an American and deeply patriotic. His time and talents never were denied anyone who called upon him. One of Leavenworth's most gifted orators and wise in the way of the world, he never ceased being a country boy who wanted to play.
Liked Visiting Scenes of His Youth.
One of his chief recreations was to drive about country lanes, visiting the scenes of his youth. One of his last trips was to Linwood where he directed the high school and planted a patch of potatoes when school was out. He wanted also to see the Sunflower Ordnance plant at DeSoto.
It was spring and the countryside was alive with budding life and the smell of freshly-turned earth.
"We can make this trip," reflected Kelsey, "because millions of our boys are under arms and other millions are marching to join them. Without this bulwark of defense the Japs or the Germans might be patroling this road over which we travel in peace. I wish it were mine to join those millions of men we're mustering for the battle."
"Jim" long will be remembered by legions who called him friend.
Date of Death: May 11, 1923
A. D. Kendall, 75 years old, died May 11, 1923 at his home in Valley Falls.
Death followed a short illness.
Pneumonia was the cause of death.
Mr. Kendall was widely known in business and banking circles.
For more than half a century he had made his home in Valley Falls.
For many years he was engaged in the general merchandise business.
In 1892 he organized the Valley Falls State Bank and served as its president.
The bank was considered one of the strongest in Jefferson County.
He was prominent in the Kansas State Bankers Association.
Mr. Kendall was also interested in the development of Washburn College.
He served as a director of the college for several years.
He was survived by his widow.
Two daughters also survive him.
They are Mrs. E. D. Ferguson and Mrs. F. D. Legler.
Both daughters lived in Valley Falls.
Taken from the Leavenworth Post, May 13, 1923.
Date of Death: Wednesday, January 5, 1944
Mrs. Adelaide Kern, 72, wife of Michael Kern Sr., died at 1 o'clock this morning at her home, 321 Miami Street, after an illness of about two weeks.
Born August 4, 1871, in Westphalen, Germany, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Forge, she came to the U.S. at age 17 with her parents and settled in Leavenworth. She married Michael Kern in April 1896 at St. Joseph's Church. She was a member of St. Joseph's Church and St. Joseph's Altar Society.
Survivors include her husband; three daughters, Mrs. Henry Gercken of 630 Shawnee Street, Mrs. Arthur Myers, and Mrs. Lucille Doege of rural route three, Leavenworth; two sons, Michael Kern Jr. of 115 North Seventh Street, and Maurice Kern of Eighteenth and Spruce Streets; one sister, Mrs. Minnie Swartz of 613 Ottawa Street; and two brothers, Frank and John Forge, both of rural route four, Leavenworth.
Funeral services were held Friday morning at 10 o'clock at St. Joseph's Church, with the Rev. Fr. Herman Golobic, O. Carm., officiating. Burial was in Mount Calvary Cemetery. The body was removed from the O'Donnell Funeral Chapel to the home at 10 o'clock Thursday morning, where it remained until the time of services. Friends and members of the Knights of Columbus and the Altar Society met Thursday night at 8 o'clock for a rosary service.
Taken from the Leavenworth Times, January 5, 1944.
Date of Death: Tuesday, June 3, 1930
Mrs. Edna Luckan Kindred was born June 13, 1903.
She passed away June 3, 1930.
She lived her early life on a farm near Fall Leaf.
She was married in 1922 to Gerald Kindred.
To this union one child was born, Lela Mae.
On account of ill health she had been in Phoenix, Arizona for the past six years.
She is survived by her husband Gerald Kindred and her daughter Lela Mae.
She is also survived by her mother, Mrs. Luckan.
Other survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Louise Torneden and Mrs. Ether Henson, and one brother, Henry Luckan.
The body was brought to Eudora Friday evening.
Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church.
Burial was in Reno Cemetery.
Taken from the Tonganoxie Mirror, June 12, 1930.
Reprinted from the Leavenworth Post, Wednesday, 31-Mar-1915.
Date of death: Wednesday, March 31, 1915
The funeral of Louis E. Kister was held from the residence, near Boling, this afternoon. The body was shipped to Lathrop, Mo., for burial.
Date of Death: April 11, 1882
Bro. D. E. Kirby passed from labor to rest April 11, 1882.
He was a member of Henri Lodge No. 190 A.F. & A.M.
Members of the lodge deeply deplored the untimely death of their beloved brother.
They expressed that his counsel would be missed in their deliberations.
They remembered his sterling qualities of head and heart.
The lodge offered sincere condolence to his widow and friends.
They expressed the belief that they would meet their departed brother again.
It was resolved that the resolutions be spread upon the lodge book.
A copy was to be published in the Tonganoxie Mirror.
A copy was also to be presented to the widow.
M. C. Harris, W. J. Van Eman, and J. Duncanson signed the resolution.
Taken from the Tonganoxie Mirror, May 11, 1882.
Date of Death: Wednesday, October 24, 1923
Wednesday morning his many friends were greatly shocked to learn of the sudden death of Mr. Kline.
Dave, as he was familiarly called, had risen early and gone duck hunting, a sport he enjoyed very much.
Death came without warning and he fell as he was placing decoy ducks in the lake.
V. A. Barber, Walter Zoellner, Floyd Ratliff and Henry Geib Jr. went to his assistance but he was beyond aid and beyond all suffering.
Howard Balliet Kline was born October 18, 1864 at Coplay, Pennsylvania, the son of Catharine and David Kline.
He grew to manhood in the state of his birth and was a member of the German Reformed church.
He passed away at Tonganoxie, Kansas, October 24, 1923, aged 59 years and 6 days.
Mr. Kline came to Tonganoxie, Kansas in 1888.
He was a cigar maker by trade and for a time after coming to Tonganoxie worked at the trade for another firm which business he later purchased and continued to operate the factory for a number of years but recently had handled cigars but did not make them.
He was married December 10, 1894 to Miss Anne Halsted of Tonganoxie, Kansas.
To this union were born three children, Hilda, David, and a third child who died in infancy.
Mr. Kline was a charter member of the I.O.O.F. order of Tonganoxie and also a member of the M.W.A.
He did not aspire to public office but at the last general election was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace which he creditably filled.
Children loved him for his kindly interest and companionship with them and many will mourn his departure together with his family, neighbors and numerous other friends.
Surviving members of the family are his wife, two children, Mrs. Hilda McPherson of Leavenworth, Kansas, and David of Detroit, Michigan, one granddaughter and his mother, Mrs. C. B. Kline of Chicago.
Funeral services were conducted at the home Friday afternoon by Rev. J. L. Johnson and burial was in Maple Grove Cemetery where the I.O.O.F. members had charge of the services.
Taken from the Tonganoxie Mirror, Thursday, October 25, 1923, and Thursday, November 1, 1923.
Date of Death: Friday, August 26, 1938
Mrs. Adelaide I. Knapp, 76, a resident of Leavenworth for nearly 65 years, died this morning at 1:25 o'clock at her residence, 813 Olive Street, after a brief illness.
Born at Boston, Massachusetts, December 27, 1861, she was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Colby, early Leavenworth residents, and came to the city at age 12.
As Miss Adelaide Colby, she married Everett D. Knapp here 57 years ago; Mr. Knapp died February 5, 1936.
Mrs. Knapp was a member of the Church of the Open Door.
Surviving are one son, Everett G. Knapp of 217 Olive Street; four daughters, Mrs. L.V. Phillips and Mrs. Ethel Smith of St. Joseph, Missouri; Mrs. Lillian Fowler of Kincaid, Kansas; and Mrs. Addie Schonherr of the home; 25 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
The body is at the Davis Funeral Church, where it will remain pending funeral arrangements.
Taken from the Leavenworth Times, August 26, 1938.
Date of death: Saturday, December 22, 1906
MRS. LEAH KNOWLES DEAD
Mrs. Leah Knowles, aged 83 years, died yesterday morning at 5:20 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Thomas M'Caully, No. 219 Delaware street, of illness incident to advanced age. The remains will be taken to Topeka this morning for interment there.Mrs. Knowles had been a resident of this portion of Kansas from the late fifties, but had resided in Leavenworth and Topeka during the past twenty-three years. She was also at one time a resident of Valley Falls.
Date of Death: February 13, 1918
Anna Korth, 38, called by death February 13, 1918.
She succumbed at 12:30 o'clock this morning at her father's home at Eighth and Pawnee streets.
Anna Korth, 38 years old, died at 12:30 o'clock this morning at the home of her father, Chris Korth, Eighth and Pawnee streets.
The body has been taken to the J. C. Davis Undertaking Company where it will lie in state until funeral arrangements are made.
Anna Korth was born July 30, 1879 in Germany.
She had been a resident of Leavenworth for several years and was well known.
The funeral services of Miss Anna Korth, who died Wednesday evening, will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon from the residence of a sister, Mrs. F. A. Dage, 516 North Fifth.
Burial will be in Mount Muncie.
Miss Korth is survived by two brothers, Fred and Otto.
She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. F. A. Dage, and her father, Christ Korth.
Taken from the Leavenworth Times, February 14 and February 16, 1918.
Taken from the Leavenworth Times Feb 1, 1916 by Sue Rush
Date of Death: Tuesday, February 1, 1916
Mrs. Korth dies Feb. 1, 1916
Mrs. Henrietta Korth died Sunday night at St. John's hospital suffering from a complication of diseasing. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock from the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. A. Dage, 516 North Fifth street. Mrs. Korth was sixty-eight years old and was born in Germany. She came to this country when a young woman. She has lived in Leavenworth for 20 years. She is survived by her husband, Christ, two daughters, Mrs. Dage and Miss Anna Korth, both of the city, and two sons, Otto Of Leavenworth and Fred of Kansas City.
Date of Death: Monday, January 3, 1938
Claude Andrew Linaweaver, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Linaweaver, 610 Quincy Avenue, died at 3 o'clock this morning at the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Tuttle, 1136 Ironmoulder Avenue.
Other than the parents and maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Linaweaver, Lansing, there are no additional immediate survivors listed.
Funeral services were held at 4 o'clock this afternoon at the Sexton Funeral Chapel, with interment in the family lot in Mount Muncie Cemetery.
Taken from the Leavenworth Times, January 3, 1938.
Date of Death: Friday, December 31, 1943
Eldon Earl Linaweaver, eight-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Linaweaver of Lansing, died at 2 o'clock yesterday morning at Cushing Memorial Hospital after being ill for the past month. He had been a patient at the hospital for three weeks.
Born in Jefferson County, May 9, 1934, Eldon attended Lansing Grade School, third grade, and was a member of the Lansing Baptist Church Sunday School.
Survivors include his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Sophia Laster of McLouth; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude B. Linaweaver; and paternal great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Linaweaver, all of rural route two, Leavenworth, near Fairmount.
Funeral services were held Monday at 2 o'clock at the Lansing Baptist Church, with the Rev. Homer Brown officiating. Burial was in Mount Muncie Cemetery. The body remained at the Sexton Funeral Chapel until taken to the church.
Taken from the Leavenworth Times, December 31, 1943.
Reprinted from the Leavenworth Post, Monday, 29-Mar-1915.
Date of death: Sunday, March 28, 1915
WANTS INQUEST IN LOGAN CASE
John Seitz Killed Negro As He Was Leaving House Early Yesterday Morning.
Coroner James C. Davis announced this morning an inquest had been demanded by John Seitz, who at 2 o'clock Sunday morning shot and instantly killed Dan Logan, a negro, who, it is claimed, had attempted to rob the Seitz home, 743 Miami St. On account of Floyd Harper, county attorney, being absent from the city, the coroner has not announced when the inquest will be held.
Shortly before 2 o'clock Sunday morning Mrs. Seitz telephoned the police and said a burglar was attempting to force an entrance into the house. Two p olicemen were sent to investigate. A few minutes later, Mr. Seitz telephoned the station and informed Lieutenant Taylor he had killed a negro who had attempted to escape from the second story of his home.
According to Seitz, he was awakened by someone moving around in one of the rooms. Asking his wife to notify the police, he armed himself with a flashlight and a revolver and started to investigate. A man was observed in a rear room. Seitz ordered him to surrender. Instead, the man slammed the door and crawled out the window to the roof. Seitz shot and the burglas rolled off the roof. He was recognized as Dan Logon, son of Emmet Logan, Second and Walnut streets.
Reprinted from the Leavenworth Post, Wednesday, 31-Mar-1915.
The funeral of Dan Logan, who was shot last Sunday morning, was held this afternoon from the residence of his brother, Fred, at 822 Miami street. Burial was in the Kickapoo cemetery.
This article was donated to the Leavenworth County KSGenWeb site by Steve Long.
Date of death: Not supplied
John A. Long Had a Busy Career
Born at Leavenworth in 1855, Attended Cathedral School and Later Became Printer on Times
In the passing of John A. Long, Leavenworth has lost another member of a pioneer family.
Mr. Long was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Barthlomew Long who, as bride and groom, migrated from Washington, D.C. to Fort Leavenworth in 1855.
Mr. Long was born and reared in Leavenworth and attended the Cathedral school. At the age of 14 he entered The Times office and learned the printers trade later. Later, when still very young, he went to Santa Fe, N.M. where he edited the New Mexican, the first paper printed in Santa Fe.
He decided on civil engineering for a profession and educated himself for it. He served as U.S. deputy surveyor general of New Mexico under Surver General Atkinson, and chief draftsman under Surveyor General George W. Julian, in Santa Fe.
One of his outstanding pieces of work was a government contract to survey land from the Gulf of Mexico to Boise, Idaho. Many hardships and dangers from hostile Indians were encountered in those days.
While engaged in this work, he carried with him copies of the Bible, Shakespeare, Dante, Goethe, and other classics, and all through the years he was able to quote long passages from them.
In 1897 he returned from Boise, Idaho, to his home in Leavenworth.
While in the position of assistant city engineer of Leavenworth, he surveyed and pave Spruce Street. He made a complete survey of the buildings and all underground work on the Soldiers' Home grounds.
For almost thirty years he had been a sewer engineer in the city engineering department of Kansas City, Mo., and with well known engineering firms of that city.
He was a man of sterling worth and integrity. He had a keen mind as evidenced by the fact he not only took his course in engineering from the Scranton Correspondence School of Engineering, but completed a course in railway engineering in ten weeks at the Kansas State Agricultural college.
He was a student of politics and religion, and shile firm in his conviction, he was tolerant of others' opinions.
He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, also a member of the Holy Name society.
He was gond of golf as a recreation and won trophies in the game.
Whether work or play, he put his best into it.
The body was received at the O'Donnell chapel and 3 o'clock this afternoon. It will be in state until the hous of the service, 9'oclock tomorrow at Sacred Heart church where Father M.J. O'Farrell will celebrate mass.
Date of Death: Tuesday, April 29, 1930
Mrs. Hazel Loveall, age 24, well known in the Jarbalo vicinity as Hazel Kesinger, died at Bethany Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas.
She has a host of relatives and friends in this vicinity.
Hazel Paulina Kesinger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kesinger, was born on a farm near Tonganoxie March 26, 1906.
She died April 29, 1930 at the age of 24 years, one month and three days.
She grew up near Jarbalo where she attended high school.
She was united in marriage June 8, 1923 to Earl Loveall of Jarbalo.
In February 1929 she and her husband moved to Chanute, Kansas and they have since made their home there.
She made many friends by her sunny disposition and bore her sufferings with patience and cheerfulness.
Besides her husband, Earl Loveall, she is survived by a daughter, Eileen, age 6.
She is also survived by her parents and sisters, Mrs. E. M. Trackell of Leavenworth and Mary of Kansas City, Kansas.
The body was brought to Tonganoxie where funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Friends Church.
Taken from the Tonganoxie Mirror, May 1, 1930.
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