USA > Kansas > Wyandotte County > Kansas City > Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. Historical and biographical. Comprising a condensed history of the state, a careful history of Wyandotte County, and a comprehensive history of the growth of the cities, towns and villages > Part 67
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John L. Jones has been connected with the grocer's trade in Kan- sas City, Kas., since January 22, 1886, and his establishment is one of the most popular ones in the city, for he not only sells his goods at reasonable rates, but is courteous and accommodating to his customers, and shows that it is his earnest desire to please them. He was born near Lima, Allen County, Ohio, April 30, 1861, being a son of Will- iam H. and Margaret (Jenkins) Jones, the former of whom was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, and the latter in Lima, Ohio. William H. Jones was a son of John and Elizabeth (Hughes) Jones, and at the age of seventeen years came to America and settled in Butler County, Ohio, in which State he spent the remainder of his life. He almost immediately entered upon his trade of wagon-making, and made this his chief occupation through life. He was an exceptionally well-in- formed man and was a graduate of a Cincinnati College and being of a studious turn of mind he acquired a very fine education. In his
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early days he taught school eight years, the famous journalist, Mu- rat Halstead, being one of his pupils. Throughout the latter part of his life he gave his attention to farming, and having proved himself thoroughly honorable in every walk in life he had the esteem and con- fidence of all. He died December 24, 1882. His wife was a daugh- ter of Evan Jenkins, a native of Wales, who on coming to the United States, located in Allen County, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a tiller of the soil, and his farm, which comprises eighty acres, is now occupied by a portion of the town of Lima. The subject of this sketch is the third in a family of nine children, all of whom are living, and his youth and early manhood were spent in Al- len County, Ohio, his educational advantages being very good. After attaining his majority he went to Delphos, Ohio, and clerked for two years in a grocery store, but in 1883 came to Kansas City, and here has made his home ever since. After clerking for two years for the grocery firm of Erickson & Wheeler at No. 247 James Street, on Jan- uary 22, 1886, Mr. Jones purchased Mr. Erickson's interest, and the firm of Wheeler & Jones continued for two years and five months, where- upon Martin Myers became associated with Mr. Jones. On October 8, 1888, they removed to the large two-story brick at the corner of Sixth Street and Orville Avenue, and here they have since conducted an ex- ceptionally large and well-appointed establishment. His estimable wife was formerly Miss Mary E. Morgan, an old school-mate of his in Allen County, Ohio. They have one child, Walter M., who was born on August 3, 1888. Mr. Jones has always been a stanch member of the Republican party, and is at present a member of the city council, having been elected in April, 1890. He belongs to the K. of P., having joined that order in Ohio on his twenty-first birthday, or in April, 1882.
John Keefer. Among the many industries in Kansas City, Kas., that call for special notice in a work of this kind is that which deals in the necessaries of life, principal among which is that of groceries. Kansas City contains some first-class stores in this line of business, principal among the number being that of Mr. Keefer, who has been established in this business since the fall of 1887. He was born in Chicago, Ill., September 12, 1859. to John and Ellen (Harris) Keefer, who were native Germans, but who came to America single and were married in Chicago about 1852. Of a family of nine children born to them-five were sons and four daughters-of whom two sons and three daughters are now living. Their names in order of birth are as
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follows: Mary. Peter, John, Joseph, Ellen, Anna, August, Peter and Katie. Mary, John, Joseph, Ellen and Katie are living. The mother of these children died on May 29, 1882, but the father is still living and makes his home in Chicago. The subject of this sketch spent his early life in his native city, and received a very good early educa- tion, and at twenty years of age he became employed in an oleomar. garine factory, and at the expiration of six months he was made fore. man of the same, continuing in that capacity for about two years. On June 16, 1882, he came from Chicago to Kansas City, Kas., and a few days after his arrival he entered the employ of the Armour Pack- ing Company and remained with it about four years, all of which time, with the exception of one month, he was foreman of the oleo- margarine factory at this place also. In the fall of 1887 he engaged in the grocery business on his own responsibility at No. 1922 North Third Street, but about two months after starting, the building in which his business was conducted caught fire, and although it was not entirely destroyed. it was rendered untit for further use, and the stock of goods was severely damaged. The rooms above his store he occupied as a residence, and had a short time before gone to consider- able expense to furnish them nicely, but, as the insurance was small, the loss was severely felt. He removed his family to a residence far- ther up the street, that stood on the, ground now occupied by his present business building, and in the course of two months he had again opened a store at his old stand, the building having been re- paired. Here he continued to remain until August, 1888, when he traded 'his stock for a vacant residence lot on the corner of Sherman Avenue and the Quindaro Boulevard. Meanwhile, in January, 1884, he had purchased a lot 54x120 feet, No. 2018 North Third Street, and upon it, in the fall of 1888, he erected the business building he now occupies. It is an excellent room. 22x48 feet, and is well situated. Here, in September, 1888. he opened a first-class grocery and meat- market, and has conducted it very successfully ever since, for he is accommodating, genial and honorable in his dealings with the public, and this, together with his desire to please his patrons, has enabled him to build up a substantial business. He now has one of the best retail groceries on Third Street, and it is recognized by the public as a first-class place to trade. His residence is located upon the south half of his lot, its number being 2016. Mr. Keefer was married, February 6, 1883, to Miss Lena Anna Kuhr, who was born in Chi- cago on March 5, 1862, she being a daughter of Adam and Mary
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(Riplinger) Kuhr, who were both born in Germany, and accompanied their respective parents to America, the former at the age of sixteen and the latter when fourteen. They were married in Chicago about 1844, and of a family of thirteen children born to them Mrs. Keefer was the ninth. The names of the family are as follows: John, Kate, Adam, Lena A., George. Peter and Maggie. Those deceased are Michael, Anna, two named Mary, and another daughter that died very young. The mother of these children died in February, 1884, but the father still resides in Chicago. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Keefer resulted in the birth of three children: Matthew (born January 19, 1884), Mary (born February 22, 1886, and lived only a few hours), and John (born March 5, 1887). Both Mr. Keefer and his wife are members of the Catholic Church, and are accounted among the foremost and intelligent citizens of Kansas City.
John Kern has been a resident of Wyandotte County, Kas., since 1869, and during this time he has identified himself with the farming and stock-raising interests. He has become well known for his habits of industry, perseverance and integrity, as well as for his exceeding liberality in the support of worthy enterprises. His birth occurred in Baden, Germany, April 27, 1831, and he is the third child born to Se- bastian Kern, who was also born there. He remained in his native land engaged in farming until 1869, when he crossed the ocean to America, landing at New York City, and the same week came West and settled in Wyandotte County, Kas .. where he purchased a fertile little farm of eighty acres, a considerable portion of which was covered with timber. He set to work immediately to improve his land, and now has it well improved with a good orchard, residence, barn and other out- buildings, and has an abundant amount of stock with which to suc- cessfully conduct the same. In 1861 he was united in marriage to Miss Teresa Schooren, who has proved a true helpmate in their eu- deavors to secure a home in the West. They are thrifty, like all their countrymen, and have thus far proved valuable residents of Wyan- dotte County. Mr. Kern is a Democrat in his political views, he and wife are members of the Catholic Church, and the children that have been born to them are four in number: Emma, Mary (wife of Oscar Smith), Anna (wife of Decatur Durham) and Joseph (who assists his father in the care of his farm).
Charles E. Kern. fruit-grower and gardener, Kansas City, Mo. This prominent business man emigrated from Ohio to Wyandotte County, Kas., in 1882, engaged in his present business, and is the
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owner of thirteen acres. Mr. Kern spends a great deal of his time gardening, and his home is surrounded by a large lawn which he has planted with many choice and beautiful flowers and shrubbery, mak- ing it one of the most attractive adjoining Kansas City. He has also devoted considerable time and expense to winter gardening, using about 300 sashes and making about 7,200 feet of glass. He has been unusually successful in business. Mr. Kern was born in Tyler County, W. Va., on August 19, 1854, and is the only child born to the union of W. B. and Elizabeth (Rhodes) Kern, natives of West Virginia and Belmont County, Ohio, respectively. The father was a merchant in Bridgeport, Ohio. In 1866 he moved to Bridgeport, Ohio, where Charles E. was reared to manhood and educated in the common schools. But for an accident in boyhood he would have taken a col- legiate course. He remained at Bridgeport until 1882, and then came West, where he purchased his present place of L. Walgamot. Mr. Kern was married on November 12, 1878, to Miss Eliza V. Lowry, daughter of Malcom and Mary Lowry, natives of West Virginia. Mrs. Kern was born in the Buckeye State on September 28, 1859. To their union the follow- ing children were born: Elizabeth L. and Mabel. Mr. Kern is a Repub- lican in his political views, and has held the office of school director several terms. He is active in his support of all worthy enterprises. Although he started without means he has accumulated a comfortable living for future days.
H. N. Kerr is a pioneer of Wyandotte County, Kas., and has been a resident of the State since 1859. He was born in Miami County, Ohio, September 9, 1820, and there grew to manhood, and was edu- cated in the common schools, but also received considerable instruction under West Lake, and also at his home. He commenced for himself a poor boy, and after his marriage, which occurred on December 31, 1840, to Miss Sarah Morris, he rented land for about ten years, then purchased 242 acres, but afterward sold his lease for $1,000. About this time he was taken with the measles, which so impaired his health, that his doctors ordered him to the West, and he soon after went by stage to Urbana, Ohio, thence to Illinois, and purchased land near Bloomington, and here moved his family March 5, 1855. He contin- ned to reside and farm in Illinois until 1859, then removed with his family to Kansas, and rented land with the intention of seeing how he liked the country before he made a purchase. Being much pleased with this section, and predicting that a great city would spring up, where Kansas City now is, he determined to locate here, and time has
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shown the soundness of his judgment, for he is now well-to-do iu worldly goods. He purchased a farm here in June, 1859, and until April 4, 1864, was engaged in raising stock on the same, after which he purchased the land on which he is living at the present time, con- sisting of 1053 acres. He bought, sold and traded land, until he now has 3803 acres, Chelsea Park being on a portion of his farm. He gave money to the amount of about $60,000 for the founding of a college near his place, and donated and built the building on the base-ball park, Chelsea Park, ten acres to a cable line, and has otherwise assisted in building up Kansas City to its present admirable proportions. He has a fine home on his property, and here he has reared his six chil- dren: Sarah A., J. Wayne, Laura L., C. W., Emma L. and H. L., who all have excellent homes of their own. Mrs. Kerr is still living. and is five months younger than her husband. Mr. Kerr's parents, James and Sarah (Thompson) Kerr, were born in Ohio, the former a native of Warren County, and both died in their native State. Kerr is a Scotch name, and was formerly spelled Ker. The paternal grand- father was a spy for the colonists during the French and Indian War.
C. W. Kerr, real estate agent, Kansas City, Kas. The almost un- paralleled growth of Kansas City, Kas., and the rapid increase in population in Kansas, have opened up a wide and important field of enterprise in the line of real estate. Among the prominent men in the city who are engaged in this business is Mr. C. W. Kerr. He was born in Bloomington, Ill., in 1857, and came to this State with his father when he was four years of age. Here he has been reared and educated, first attending the common schools, and later the business college in Kansas City, Mo. He then followed tilling the soil for a certain length of time, and then embarked in the commission business in Denver, Colo., where he remained two years. He then returned to Kansas, and has been in the real estate business since, under the firm title of Cox & Kerr. They first did business chiefly with their own property, but now they do a general broker business also. That which has contributed largely to their success has been the thoroughly re- liable and methodical business principles which have governed their dealing with this community, and established for them a popular fa- vor which strict probity alone can secure. In his political views Mr. Kerr is a Democrat. He was married to Miss Anna Armentrout, and by her became the father of two children: Edna and Willie. Mr. Kerr has ever taken a lively interest in all that concerns the city, and is an enterprising citizen. He is proud to say that he is a member of
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no secret organizations. [For sketch of parents see biography of H. N. Kerr. ]
James W. Kerr is an Ohioan by birth, but was reared in the State of Kansas, and since his residence in Wyandotte County has identified himself with every interest. His birth occurred in January, 1848, and he is the second of the following family of children: Sarah (whose husband is a farmer and horticulturist of this State), James W., Laura (who is also married, her husband being an agriculturist and fruit-grower of this region), Emma (whose husband is in the same bus- iness), Corydon (who is a real estate dealer of Kansas City, Kas.), and Lester (who is a farmer by occupation, but is now on a tour in the Rocky Mountains). The parents of these children were born in Ohio, and are still living, the father being a farmer by occupation. James W. Kerr attended the common schools of Ohio, and has since been a warm friend of education and believes in the employment of compe- tent teachers, and especially teachers who do not make the calling a stepping-stone to some other profession. He started out in life for himself at the age of eighteen years, a poor boy, but by the industry, perseverance and prudence which have ever characterized his disposi- tion he has made a success of his life. He was eight years of age when his parents came with him to Wyandotte County, Kas., at which time the country was almost a wilderness, inhabited by the Wyandotte Indians and various wild animals. Kansas City, Kas., had hardly 100 houses, and as the "Border Warfare" had just come to a close, the country was in a very lawless condition and the prospect for the early settler was indeed a dismal one. All the trouble, vicissitudes and hardships he has passed through have been inadequate to quell his energy, and although the grasshopper scourge destroyed all the crops, yet Mr. Kerr's faith in the future prosperity of the country did not waver. The land around Kansas City, Kas .. could be purchased for $12 or $15 per acre, and where Mr. Kerr now resides it was worth only $5 or $6. The wonderful growth and prosperity of the country is in a great measure owing to just such men as Mr. Kerr, who had the hard- ihood to stay and make a home for his family, notwithstanding the many obstacles he had to surmount, and he has lived to see his farm of 132 acres, for which he paid $40 per acre, reach a value of $800 per acre. He raises a large amount of fruit, such as apples, peaches, pears, cherries, grapes, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries, to which he devotes thirty acres of his land. His residence is pleasant, neat and com- modious, and on this farm, which they have toiled so hard to win, he and
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his wife expect to spend the rest of their days. His marriage to Miss Elizabeth Johnson took place April 5, 1880, and to them have been born four children: Hanford (aged ten years), Fowler (aged eight), Ma- bel (aged three), and an infant. Mr. Kerr is independent in his polit. ical views, and always endeavors to support men of principle and honor. He has always been liberal in the support of worthy enter- prises, and is a man who commands the respect of all who know him.
G. W. Killmer, merchant, Argentine, Kas. Well directed energy and honorable dealings always tell in business, as indeed, in every thing else. Mr. Killmer has conducted a very prosperous business in Ar- gentine since 1885, and during that time his trade has advanced by rapid strides, until to-day he is in the enjoyment of perhaps the finest trade in the city. He owes his nativity to Lebanon County, Penn., where his birth occurred on November 7, 1851, and is a son of John and Catherine (Arrants) Killmer, natives also of that State. The parents emigrated to Indiana in 1853, located in Fulton County, where the father, mother and one daughter died. Emma L. Killmer died Janu- ary 12, the mother February 17, and the father March 19, 1889. Of their ten children, eight are now living, but are married and scattered in differ- ent parts of the country: Mrs. Scharff (resides in Logansport, Ind.), James M. (city mayor of Rosedale, Kas.), Charles (in Kewanna, Ful- ton County, Ind.), John (Monticello, Ind.), Frank E. (Muscatine, Iowa), Mrs. Alice Graud (of Logansport, Ind.), and Henry (of Frankport, Ind.). All the sons are in business of their own. G. W. Killmer was educated in the common schools of Fulton County (his parents be- ing among the pioneers), and conned his lessons seated on the old fash- ioned slab benches. In 1873 he went to Terre Haute, Ind., was em- ployed by the Howe Sewing Machine Company, and remained with this company for about two years at Logansport and Terre Haute. He fol- lowed this business for various companies for fourteen years, and then in 1881 started out as an auctioneer in Terre Haute, and traveled throughout the country. He settled in Rosedale, Kas., in July, 1882, embarked in the mercantile business, and was about the first merchant of that place. He continued business here until the rolling-mill failed in 1884, and in March of the following year moved to Argen- tine, where he has since carried on business very successfully. He is the present assessor of Argentine, is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, charter member of K. of P. lodge, A. O. U. W., Select Knights, Eastern Star, Iron Hall, Degree of Honor of A. O. U. W. He was married in 1877 to Miss Katie C. Lawrence, of Vigo County,
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Ind., and three children are the result of this union: Edith, Stella and George E. The father of our subject was a merchant all his life.
James M. Killmer, mayor of Rosedale and a successful merchant of that place, owes his nativity to Schuylkill County, Penn., where he was born on October 13, 1845, and is a son of John and Catharine Kill- mer. He passed his boyhood and youth in Kewanna, Ind., whither he . had gone with his parents when a child, and was reared on his father's farm. On January 24, 1864, he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until July, 1865. He was with Sherman on his campaign from Chattanooga, Tenn., to Atlanta, Ga., and during all that time was never wounded or taken prisoner, although in some very close places. He was mustered out at Louisville, Ky. He then returned to Kewanna, Fulton County, Ind., where he engaged in general merchandising with his father, remaining in business there until 1869, when he emigrated to Kansas and located in Topeka, and was there busy contracting in brick and stone, erecting some of the largest buildings in the city at that time. Five years later he removed to Great Bend, Kas., where he continued contracting for four years, and then carried on the same business at different places in Colorado. In 1882 he came to Rosedale, bought an interest in a general mercantile es- tablishment, located here, and here he has since remained. He is a suc- cessful business man and practices those principles of fairness and liber- ality, which are bound to hold and make more custom. Mr. Killmer's father before him was a merchant, and died at Kewanna, Ind., where the mother also died. Both were natives of Pennsylvania and of Ger- man descent. The father was a member of the A. F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F., and in politics was a Republican. James M. Killmer was elected city clerk in 1883, and served in that capacity until elected mayor in April, 1890. He was married January 1, 1884, to Miss Mary Stadler of Rosedale, and two children are the fruits of this union: May and James. Mr. Killmer is a member of the A. F. & A. M., belong- ing to the Chapter. He is an Odd Fellow and also an A. O. U. W. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Killmer is one of six sons: Charles, John, George. Frank and Henry, all merchants, and he also has four sisters, two now living: Mary and Alice.
Fields Kindred, farmer and stock-raiser, Edwardsville, Kas. Among the representative families of this county none are more fa- vorably known or highly respected than that to which the subject of this sketch belongs. He was originally from the Blue-Grass State, his birth occurring in Madison County, in 1825, and was the sixth of
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twelve children, all of whom grew to maturity, born to the marriage of William and Mary (Garland) Kindred. William Kindred was also a native of Madison County, Ky., his birth occurring about 1794, and he was one of eight children: Nancy, Polly, Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Martin, David and John, born to William Kindred and wife, both natives of England. William Kindred, Sr., came to America at an early day, and served under Washington in the Revolutionary War. His brother Edward was a Baptist preacher, and though he became blind, still continued to preach. The brothers and sisters of our sub- ject are named as follows: Permelia Garland, Anderson, Sarilda, Syl- vester, Elzira, Joshua, Julinia, Caleb and Daniel B. Fields Kindred passed his boyhood and youth in Kentucky, and was married in 1852 to Miss Margaret A. Prather, daughter of John M. Prather, of Fayette County, Ky., by whom he had seven children, five of whom are still living: Mary E. (wife of James Wilson, of Raytown, Mo.), Mildred (wife of H. H. Saunders, of Platte County, Mo.), John W. (of Emmet, Wyandotte County, Kas.), Charles (of Iola, Allen County, Kas. ), and Lu- ther P. (also of Iola, Kas.), Mr. Kindred came to Jackson County, Mo., in November, 1859, and resided in Clay County, Mo., until 1870, when he located on his present farm, consisting of 180 acres of good tillable land. Mrs. Kindred is a member of the Christian Church. Socially Mr. Kindred is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and also the F. M. B. A. at Edwardsville.
Joseph E. Kinsella is foreman of the hog killing gang for Swift & Co., at Kansas City, Kas. He was born in Muscatine, Iowa, April 21, 1857, being a son of John and Catherine (Carroll) Kinsella, both of whom were born in Waterford, Ireland, their marriage taking place in their native land about 1846. In 1849 they emigrated to America, and after residing in Chillicothe, Ohio, for a number of years, they removed to St. Louis, Mo., and in 1856 to Muscatine, Iowa, going in 1859 to Memphis, Tenn., and in 1861 returning to St. Louis. Two years later they removed to Chicago, where the father died September 1, 1888, and the mother September 21, 1889. Joseph E. Kinsella accompanied his parents to the above named cities, his early education being chiefly obtained in the city of Chicago. In 1869, or at the early age of twelve years, he entered the Kreigh Packing House, but at the end of three years became employed in a like establishment, owned by Small Bros., and two years later entered the services of John Morrell & Co., pork-packers, remaining with this company for one year. In 1872 he came to Kansas City, but a week later returned
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