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Washington, Kansas Republican Oct. 16, 1891
William Flansburg was born May 22, 1813, in Otsego County, near Cherry Valley, New York, died Oct. 4, 1891. Moved to Ill.
November 1856, was married to Mary Follet in 1838 who with eight children, 6 girls and two boys are left to mourn their loss.
They were all at his bedside to administer to his wants during his sickness except one girl in Iowa. Everything was done that
medical skill and loving hands could do, but there is a limit beyond which human help can not go, and despite the care and
love that surrounded he passed away but not without giving us the assurance that all was well with him. He confessed his
Savior in 1879, and was immersed by Elder Dinsmore, and received into the Freewill Baptist church.
Three years ago father and mother celebrated the anniversary of their wedding, being married 50 years
(The celebration took place in Henry Co, Illinois). The following February they moved to Kansas, Washington county
leaving a good home, old neighbors and friends. He learned to love Kansas, and he often expressed his joy in living
so near his children in his old age, but he is gone--like a sheaf of wheat ripe for the harvest; he has been taken home.
For over fifty years he walked life.s journey with his wife. He was so tired, Gods finger touched and he sleeps.
Asleep in Jesus blessed sleep
From which none ever wake to weep
Husband, father, friend, farewell until
we meet beyond the river
Mrs. J. H. Decker
Washington, Kansas, Palladium Dec. 29, 1916 OBITUARY
Mary Follet was born Nov. 8th, 1819 at Roxberry, Delaware County, N. Y. , where she grew to womanhood
and was married to William Flansburg, Oct. 7th, 1839. From this union eleven children were born. Her husband
and five children preceded her to the better land. She became a Christian in childhood and lived such a life as was
true to the teachings of the Christ, and those coming in contact with her daily life could not help but be made better.
Never in any way did she bring reproach upon the cause she had espoused. In her extreme age, when nearly all else
was forgotten, she never forgot to quote passages of scripture from her Bible and was hourly in communion with her
Savior in prayer.
Sixty years ago she removed with her husband and children to Henry County, Ill. and from there to Kansas
twenty-eight years ago, where she united with the Christian church at Washington in its early days wherein
she still retained her membership. The children left to mourn her loss are: John D. Flansburg, Washington,
Kansas; Frances C. Decker, Enid, Okla.; Lydia Louise Decker Hollenberg, Kans.; Alice Isabella Whipple, Elk River,
Minn.; Mary Janette Emery, Washington, Kansas, and Elva D. Johnson, Morrowville, Kans., with whom she made
her home the last eighteen years of her life.
Republican-Register Jan. 31, 1908
ESTHER AMANDA FLANSBURG MALLERY
Esther A. Flansburg Mallery was born in Delaware County, New York, July 21, 1842, and died at her home in Washington
Saturday, January 25, 1908. On September 13, 1862 she was married to David E. Mallery. To this union were born two
sons and two daughters, Jesse D. of Lebanon, Neb., Wm J. of Fort Morgan, Colo., Mary E. McConigly of Plainville, Kan.,
and Anna I. who with her aged father, performed faithfully the loving duty of caring for and comforting the mother in her
suffering during the past few years.
In 1865 she became a Christian and has continued in service to the master to the last. Her life.s labors are ended,
tho her influence for good must ever live. You who had the first right to love her, weep. It is well, Christ denies you
not that right. How cruel the grief that forbids a tear. The funeral service was held in the Christian church Sunday
January 26th at 2:30 p.m. Pastor D. C. Troxel speaking the words of comfort and consolation. Interment was made
in the Washington Cemetery.
Washington Republican Register on Jan 31, 1908:
Mrs. Alice Whipple of Minnesota, who was here to attend the funeral
of her sister, Mrs. Mallery, left Monday for Morroville, where she will visit several weeks with relatives.
Washington Palladium Jan 31, 1908:
There were (3) deaths last Saturday: Mrs. J. D. Mallery of this city who died of cancer of the stomach:
Mrs. Mallery was buried Sunday.
Washington County Register December 16, OR 18, 1927
(Date of Death as transcribed & sent to us was shown as December 18, 1927, however since the date of the
newspaper is December 16, 1927, and a death two days into the future could not possibly have been reported on the
16th, we believe the transcriber may have reversed the dates)
Flansburg--John D. Flansburg was born September 5th, 1843 in the state of New York and died December 16, 1927 in
Washington, Kansas at the age of 84 years, 3 months and 13 days. When 15 years old he went with his parents to
Cambridge, Henry County, ILL., where he enlisted in the army August 1862. he served two years and eleven months,
marching through Georgia with Sherman. He was twice wounded and mustered out in July, 1865.
(History of Henry Co, Illinois, Its' Taxpayers & Voters 1877 shows John was in company C, which included men from
Cambridge, Woodhull & Vicinity. He enlisted Aug 11, 1862, was wounded May 14, 1864 at Resaca, GA, mustered out
June 20, 1865).
November 24, 1897 he married to Mrs. DeLong (Mary E. Cook). There were no children. A brother, Arthur and
three sister, Esther Mallery, Mrs. Frances Decker and Mrs. Alice Whipple have passed over the river of death.
Three sister are living, Mrs. W. H. Emery, Mrs. Lydia Decker and Mrs. W. D. Johnson. Mr. Flansburg was a member
of the Baptist church. It is a tribute to him to hear groups of men on the street and in the stores say A good man
has gone. He was ever quiet, hopeful, helpful and faithful, one who tried to be faithful to God and his country.
Blessed is any one who worships daily and serves humanity. Funeral services were held from the home on the
afternoon of December 19, 1927 with Rev. H. E. Ballou of Effingham in charge.
Washington Kansas Mar-3-1905 The Republican Register #42 call no. W79 at the Kansas State Historical
Library in Topeka:
The entire community was cast in gloom by the death of Arthur Flansburg Monday at 11:00. He was one of
our most esteemed business men and will be missed greatly, having been in the hardware business with W.
D. Johnson for several years. He died on his birthday, aged 58 years. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon
at 2:00 at the Christian church, conducted by Elder Young of Washington and we need only to say it was the largest
congregation that has ever been in Morrowvillle on a like occasion and many hands had so beautifully decorated the
church and flower laden coffin. All these attributing to the high esteem he had held in the community and they all
extend their sympathy to his bereaved family, a Mother, one brother, and six sisters all being with him in his sickness.
Mrs. Nettie Emery Sister Age 52 Morrowville, Kansas
Mrs. Elva D. Johnson Sister Age 45 Morrowville, Kansas
Mrs. Lydia Decker Sister Age 54 Washington, Kansas
Mrs. Frances Decker Sister Age 60 Pond Creek, OK
Mrs. Esther Mallery Sister Age 64 Washington, Kansas
Mrs. Alice Whipple Sister Age 50 Elk Creek, Minn. ( it looks like p's)
Washington Kansas Mar-3-1905 The Republican Register #42 call no. W79 at the Kansas State Historical Library in Topeka.
p 5 col 3 near bottom. Sept 15, 1905 - p 6 col 2 Morrowville - John Flansburg, of Washington and his sister Mrs. Emery
are here with their brother, Arthur, who still continues to be a very sick man. same except date of publication is Sept-22-1905.
Vol 19 p1 col 2 Short 1 Happenings - John D Flansburg went to Morrowville Friday to see his brother Arthur who is very sick
Washington Palladium Sept. 29, 1905
Arthur H. Flansburg, an old and highly respected citizen of this county, departed this life after a short but painful sickness at
Morrowville last Monday. He was born in New York, subsequently removed to Illinois and from thence to Kansas.
At the age of 18 he became a Christian, belonging to the Baptist church. He leaves an aged mother a brother and
six sisters to mourn his loss. The remains were interred in the Washington cemetery according to the forms of the
Christian church. (He died of Brights Disease with Heart complications)
The Republican-Register Sept. 29, 1905
Arthur H. Flansburg, born Sept 25, 1849, enter life eternal on his birthday Sept. 25, 1905. He was born in the state
of New York, near the city of Dunkirk. At the age of nine years, he with the family, moved to Knox County, Illinois.
Four years later they moved to Henry County, Illinois where Arthur grew to manhood. He was loved and respected
by all who knew him. He joined the Free Will Baptist church at the age of eighteen years. He leaves an aged mother,
six sisters and one brother and many friends to mourn their great loss. The funeral services were conducted from the
Christian church at Morrowville, Sept. 26th, 1905. The remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Washington, Kansas.
Washington Kansas Mar-3-1905 The Republican Register
#42 call no. W79 at the Kansas State Historical Library in Topeka. p 5 col 3 near bottom, p 23, col 4
Mrs J. D. Flansburg went to Wymore Saturday to meet Mr. Flansburg's sister, Mrs Alice Whipple, of Minnesota,
who was on her way to Morrowville to be with her brother, Arthur Flansburg, who died Monday morning.
Washington County Register February 21, 1930
Decker--Lydia Louisa Decker died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. P .H. Anderson at Lovelock, Nevada, Saturday,
February 8 at the age of 78 years, 10 months and 2 days. Lydia L. Flansburg, third daughter of William and Mary Flansburg
was born at Dunkirk, Chautauqua county, New York, April 6, 1851 and moved with her parents at the age of four years to
Galva, Knox County, Illinois, where she grew to womanhood.
On October 1, 1871 she was united in marriage to Charles H. Decker and to this union nine children were born,
three of whom died in infancy. Her husband preceded her in death November 24, 1916. She leaves to mourn
her departure her children, Charles O. Decker and Alice L Roberts of Washington; Frank John Decker of
Valbrand, Saskatchewan, Canada, Eva Mae Long of Springdale, Arkansas, Mary A. Anderson and Oscar L.
Decker of Lovelock, Nevada; twenty-four grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs.
W. H. Emery of Washington, Kansas.
At the age of eighteen she united with the Baptist church but later joined the Christian church and has been a faithful
member the past forty-one years. In 1885 she came to Washington county with her husband and family, where for
thirty-seven years she resided on a farm near Hollenberg. In 1922 she moved to Plattsmouth, Nebr., and for the
past three years she has been with her daughter, Mrs. P. H. Anderson at Lovelock, Nevada. She was a devoted wife, a
loving mother , always ready to help in sickness and trouble. She was loved and respected by all who knew her.
The funeral service was held Saturday afternoon, February 15 at two o'clock in the Christian church in this city with
George M. Caughran of Morrowville officiating. The burial was in Washington City Cemetery.
Washington County Register Dec. 17, 1943
Mrs. W. H. Emery, 91, altho a trifle better is critically ill. Members of the family were called and some of them remain
with Mrs. Elma Bennett near their mother.s bedside.
Washington County Register Dec. 30, 1943
MRS. W. H. EMERY DIED WEDNESDAY
Mrs. W. H. Emory, 90, died at her home on East Fifth Street early Wednesday morning. Although born in Dunkirk,
N.Y. on April 10, 1853, she came to Kansas in the early seventies to teach school in Brown County and she met and
married on December 28, 1872 W H. Emery. Almost immediately they moved to Washington Co, and before Mr.
Emery died on September 21, 1940 these pioneers had celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, practically all
of which was lived in Washington County.
Funeral services were held Friday, December 17 at the Christian Church, Rev. Lowell Renberger officiating.
Burial was in Washington Cemetery
Obituary, Dec 31, 1943, Washington County Register:
Mary Jeanette Flansburg Emery, daughter of William & Mary Flansburg, was born April 10, 1853, at Dunkirk,
Chautauqua County, New York, & died Wednesday, December 15, 1943, at her home in this city. Funeral services
were held Friday afternoon, December 17 from the local Christian church with the Rev. Lowell Remberger of Marysville
officiating. Interment was made in the Washington City cemetery.
Her parents & their family of seven children, two sons & five Daughter, have passed away. Mrs. Emery being the last
member of her family. Mrs. Emery attended one of the few rural schools in the locality of her birthplace, and then at
the age of eighteen entered Wilton college in Iowa. Following her graduation she taught school in Muscatine & Cedar
counties. coming to Kansas in 1871, she taught school in Brown County. At Whiting, in Brown County, ON December 28, 1872,
she was married to William H. Emery.
After two years residence in Brown County, the Emery's moved to Sutton, Nebraska where they homesteaded.
In 1882 they first came to Washington, Kansas where Mr. Emery was engaged as a building contractor. After eleven
years in Washington they purchased a farm near Mahaska. After a residence of nineteen years on the farm, they
returned to Washington and lived here continuously the remainder of their lives.
The death of Mrs. Emery followed a short illness at her home in this city, the morning of December 15, 1943.
Mr. Emery, her husband had preceded her in death on September 21, 1940. Mrs. Emery was baptized into the
Christian Church in early girlhood and remained a faithful and devoted member throughout her lifetime. she was a
Bible student of unusual understanding. Blessed through life with a clear, perceptive mind, she thereby enjoyed the
benefits derived from good literature and the beautiful things she found in life, ever unto the last day, when she left her
earthly home for the Heaven she said that God had prepared for those who loved Him.
Although Mrs. Emery's life was spent close to her own fireside occupied with the many duties that go to make up a
long and useful life as a devoted wife and mother, she was a very cordial Neighbor with many friends who were ever
welcome to her home. There are many friends and relatives who will treasure the pleasant hours spent in her hospitable
home and remember her goodness and sweetness of character.
She was the mother of eight children, two dying in infancy. The surviving children are: Mrs. Elma F. Bennett,
Washington, Kans, Dr. E. W. Emery, Atchinson Kans, Dr. A.L. Emery, Waverly Nebr. Roy O. Emery Chicago, Ill, Homer
C. Emery, Lincoln, Nebr. Mrs Walter D. Gregory, Almeda, California.
Washington County Register Sept. 27, 1940
W. H. (Hank) Emery, 91 Dies Saturday Forenoon
W. H. Emery died at 10:30 o'clock, Saturday forenoon, Sept. 21, 1940, at his home on East 5th street, Washington,
Kansas. Mr. Emery a long time resident of this city, had been a farmer before coming to Washington. In this city he
continued with his erstwhile carpenter trade. Funeral services were held from the residence at 2;30 o'clock Monday
afternoon with the Rev. Fred Seigman in charge, and burial was made in the Washington City cemetery.
William Henry Emery was born in Wayne county, Ohio, Jan, 1849,and died at his home in this city the morning
of Sept.21, 1940. Mr. Emery was the youngest son of John and Martha Emery in a family of seven children--being
the last member of the family. At the age of one year, he migrated with his parents and their family to Henry county, Ill.,
passing through Chicago, then only a village. His parents entered on government land in Henry county,where he lived the l
ife of a pioneer farmer.s son until he was 23 years old, when he moved to Brown county, Kans. where he became a pioneer
on his own responsibility.
His removal to Kansas, was no doubt, influenced by the fact that Miss Janette Flansburg had preceeded him to teach school
there. William Henry Emery and Janette Flansburg were married at Whiting, Kans., Dec. 28, 1872, moving to a farm in Brown
county where their first home was established and lived there for two years. They then moved to Sutton, Nebr., where they
homesteaded land.
They gave up the homestead later when Mr. Emery decided to go into construction work, building homes in that section of
the state until 1879, when they moved to Milon, Mo., where Mr. Emery engaged in wagon making. In the year 1882, they
moved to Washington, where they have lived continuously expect for the years from 1893 to 1912, which they spent on
their farm, a few miles south and east of Mahaska, Kans. Eight children were born to this union. The surviving members
are his devoted wife and companion for more that 68 years, and their children: Mrs. Elma Bennett, of Washington, Dr. E. W.
Emery, of Atchison, Dr. A. L. Emery, Waverly, Nebr., Roy O. Emery Chicago,
Homer S. Emery, Lincoln, and Mrs. Walter D. Gregory, Piedmont, Calif. Also, there are six grandchildren and five
great-grandchildren.
To have lived more than the allotted time given to man--three score years and ten--would make it possible to understand
and accept the true philosophy of life. To rounded out more than 91 years of a very active life--first in his paternal home,
and later in a home of his own with the early responsibilities and hardships common to the early pioneers it is very evident
that such a person would acquire the ability to judge the true from the false. Mr. Emery was a typical pioneer type schooled
in the resourceful
way of the pioneer, possessing the fine physique to battle each obstacle that might arise, an unconquerable will and a
spirit unafraid--he went out into the world as a youth of his day and established himself a man among men. Mr. Emery
was a craftsman of great skill in his vocation as a builder and contractor and constructed many of the public buildings and
homes in our home town. In the various localities where Mr. Emery made his home and his work, his outstanding personality
easily gained him the confidence of his associates and with his calling placed him a leader in the community.
To the casual acquaintance, Mr. Emery may have seemed severe in his judgment and outspoken in this criticisms,
but to those who knew him intimately, they knew these to be only subterfuges and were merely a cloak to cover his
real feeling. To have enjoyed the hospitality of his home, partaken of the bread of his table and of his unusual mind
and his quick wit, was to gain the insight into the real character of a very kind man, who was devoted to his family, proud
of their achievements, always interested in the welfare of his friends--a man who lived close to nature--a lover of flowers
and the garden that he personally attended--the overseer of the bountious crops that grew of his farm, particularly
considerate of the animals with which these crops were tended and to any helper who did not conform with his iron rule,
his services were dispensed with at once.
Fortunate in the location of his children to their paternal home, their visits were frequent and a source of great joy.
From the oldest to the youngest, they courted the association of the head of their clan and respectfully listened and
benefited from the philosophy that was passed on to them.
After retirement to private life, Mr. Emery was a treat reader, and the midnight lights found him still pouring over his
favorite papers. In the loss of his eyesight and hearing the last few years of his life, he was shut away from so many
of the things he enjoyed, but he accepted all this with the same fortitude that had carried him over other difficult problems
in his long life. Tenderly cared for in his home and made comfortable by the just reward of his labors, entertained by the visits of his many friends,
which included the little children of his neighborhood, whose attention he loved and appreciated, this colorful life has
come to a close, and we who knew him, understood him and loved him and he us, join in the prayer may his soul forever
rest in peace, and this memory with us.
(by Elizabeth Groody)
Newpaper Feb 1908:
Mrs. Alice Whipple of Minnesota visited at her sister's and others, Mrs. Chas Decker last week.
Mr & Mrs. Charles Decker have put a new roof on their house.
Elk River Star News - Feb 15, 1918.
Mrs. C.A. Whipple is Dead!
Mrs. Alice I. Whipple, wife of Chas. A. Whipple, a prominent resident of Burns, died at her home there on Monday,
Feb 11, 1918. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon from the residence at two o'clock.
Alice I. Flansburg was born in Chatauqua, New York, July 4th, 1855. At the age of one year she came with her parents
to Knox County, Illinois and then to Henry County where she lived until she was married to Mr. Charles A. Whipple on
Dec 3, 1876. They moved to Dakota in 1892, and to Minnesota in 1897. To this union there were born six children,
five boys and one girl, Walter, Daisy, Arthur, and Otho, all of Elk River, Leonard, of Buffalo, Minn and Corporal John
Whipple of the 125th Field Artillery, stationed at Camp Cody, New Mexico. All of these children survive, besides the
husband, two grandchildren, four sisters and one brother. Mrs. Whipple had been ill for some time with diabetes.
All of the family was at her side when the final summons came including Corporal John Whipple, who had been called
home from Camp Cody Saturday night to see his mother, brother John D. Flansburg, of Washington, KS, Mrs. Will Johnson
(Elva D.) of Morrowville, KS, & Miss Mallery, also of Morrowville.
MARRIED
Washington Republican July 3, 1891
At the brides home at Mr. Wm. Flansburg four miles east of Washington, Mr. W. D. Johnson and Miss Elva Flansburg, a
few friends and relatives were present. A grand supper was given in honor of the bride and groom. Following are the
gifts presented and the friends who attended the happy affair: Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Decker, hanging lamp, the brides parents,
table cloth, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Decker, set silver teaspoons, Miss Arminda Freeman, cover for sofa pillow and splasher, Mr.
and Mrs. Charles Decker, bread plate, Arthur and John Flansburg, set of dishes, Mr. and Mrs. Wyley, glass water set and
server, the most useful gift was a cob pipe and matches by Alonzo Freeman. Others who were present were Mr. S. W.
Veatch, Artie Decker, Mrs. Warden, others were expected but were detained by rainy weather. We wish Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson all the joy and happiness of life. One who was there
Feb.1, 1929 Washington County Register
Mrs. Wm. Johnson was taken to Concordia Monday for an operation. Mrs. Johnson has been in poor health for sometime
and it is hoped that this operation will lead to a complete recovery. Miss Anna Mallery and Dr. Miller accompanied her.
Washington County Register March 1, 1929 Local news (Morrowville)
Johnson--Genuine sorrow and sympathy for the bereaved family was felt by the people of the Morrowville community,
when news of the death of Mrs. W. D. Johnson reached their little city February 7, 1929. Mrs. Johnson had been in poor
health and was a patient in the St. Joseph hospital at Concordia covering from an operation. Her condition had been reported
quite favorable but suddenly complications developed and her life went out in a few hours.
Elva D. Flansburg, youngest daughter of Mary and William Flansburg was born near Galva, Ill., July 14, 1860 and died at
St. Joseph's hospital in Concordia, February 7, 1929 at the age of 68 years, 6 months and 24 days. She
was married W. D. Johnson June 18, 1891. The same year she became a member of the Christian church
and lived the Christian life in a model way the rest of her days. Besides her husband she is survived by
two sisters, Mrs. Lydia Decker of Lovelock, Nevada and Mrs. Nettie Emery of this city, and many nieces
and nephews and other relatives and a host of friends who will feel the loss of this good woman. Funeral
sermon was given by Elder Ballou of Effingham and burial was in the Washington City cemetery, February 9.
Washington County Register Nov. 8, 1929
Johnson--The Morrowville community has suffered a loss the past week when death claimed one of the promoters
of civic affairs of Morrowville and one of the pillars of the Christian church there for years. His health has been
impaired for four or five years but his interest in the affairs of life has never lessened and his influence has been
felt even when his activities were at a standstill. He was president of the Morrowville State Bank at the time of his
death which position he has held the past three of four years, but has always held interests in that institution, being
one of the organizers of the bank. (William D. Johnson was also the director of the phone company & of the local elevator).
William D. Johnson, son of Amos and Sarah Johnson, was born in Appanoose County, Iowa, March 13, 1852 and
died at his home in Morrowville, October 31, 1929 at the age of 77 years, 9 months and 18 days. His mother left
a widow in 1854 came with her family to Kansas and located in Marshall county. They remained there a year then
moved to Washington county and bought government land. At that time this section of the country was wild and
unbroken and the family experienced many hardships and for a time lived on corn alone.
The mother married again and during the Civil War the step-father enlisted in the army and the family was forced by
crop failures to return to Iowa. Mr. Johnson returned to Kansas in 1874, just in time to see the grasshoppers make
their second visitation and destroy everything in sight. He settled in Smith county this time, his claim being on the
present site of the little city of Lebanon. After a few years of crop failures he gave up his homestead and bought a
quarter section of land in Washington county for $600, and retained this farm until land values increase so that the
farm was valued at $10,000.
He went to California in those early years and worked at odd jobs until 1884 when he returned to Kansas and settled
on his farm. He lived alone for seven years and in 1891 he was married to Miss Elva D. Flansburg, who preceded him in
death last February. Mr. Johnson left the farm in 1899 and moved to Morrowville where he engaged in the hardware and
implement business. He was very successful in all his business ventures, but his eyesight compelled him to retire from
business early. But he never retired from the work of the church to which he always gave loyally and liberally. In all he
had given $30,000 to missions, Bible colleges and orphans homes beside what he always gave to his home church.
He is survived by a half-sister, Mrs. Oma Olson who has made her home with him since the death of Mrs. Johnson last winter.
An only brother died a few weeks ago and his obituary is given elsewhere in this issue. Funeral services were held from the
home in Morrowville, Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. H. E. Ballou, pastor of the Christian church at Effingham and
interment was in the Washington cemetery.
Here is one more article on the extended FLansburg family.
John Herr Decker was the husband of Frances C. Flansburg, dau of William &
Mary Follett Flansburg, who are buried in Washington Kansas. John H. Decker
(brother of Charles Decker, husband of another Flansburg daughter, Lydia
Flansburg), and Frances C. Flansburg lived in Washington Co, Kansas, where
at one time, John was a minister & ran a Hardware Store. John & Frances &
their family moved from Washington Co, Kansas about 1894. Both are buried
with their sons & daughter-in-laws in Pond Creek Cemetery, Pond Creek,
Oklahoma. John & Frances sons (John Flansburg Decker & Otho Decker) were
married to Girls from Washington Co, Kansas, shown on the Washington Co,
High School Graduation listing. John F. Decker was married to Elizabeth
"Lizzie" Helen Cromer who married John T. Hacker after John F. Deckers death
in 1904. Otho F. Decker was married to Elizabeth "Sadie" Bird from
Washington Co, Kansas.
A book in the Oklahoma Historical Society library tells of the life of J.H.
Decker:
Mr. John H. Decker has won a wide acquaintanceship and has gained a
reputation for keen judgement and uprightness of character. He is at the
head of the mercantile house of J.H. Decker & Co, of Pond Creek, his
partners in the business being his sons, J.F. & Otho Decker. In addition
to maintaining a general oversight of this industry, he gives considerate
attention to public affairs, and is now a member of the territorial
legislature, representing the twenty-first district, to which position he
was elected on the Republican ticket in the Fall of 1900.
In New York City, in 1847, Mr. Decker was born to the union of John I and
Martha Decklyn Decker, natives of New York. his early years were prolific
of adventure. When fifteen years of age he ran away from home and went into
the army, enlisting in Company A, Eighty-ninth Illinois Infantry, at
Chicago, and participating in many of the severe battles of the war. He was
in the thick of the fight at Missionary Ridge, Lowden (Tennessee),
Strawberry Plains, New Market, Mossy Creek, Dandridge, and in the engagement
at Sherman's Camp which waged hot and furious for twenty days. On the night
May 27, he was captured in front of New Hope Church, after a battle which
left one thousand of his division dead on the field. While lying
unconscious on the ground from the effects of a bursting shell, he was
captured by the enemy. Taken to Andersonville prison, he was held there
from May 27, 1864 until April 12, 1865, when he was released. He was
honorably discharged July 25 of that year.
Notwithstanding his dreadful experiences of prison life, Mr. Decker returned
home in fair health. In 1865 he married Frances C, daughter of William and
Mary Flansburg, of Henry Co, Illinois. Up to the time of his marriage, his
opportunities to gain an education were but meager, but he was ambitious and
determined to gain knowledge, therefore devoted himself to general reading
whenever his farm duties would permit him to do so. in 1871 he removed from
his farm in Wilton, Iowa, where he took a course of four years in Wilton
College, graduating in 1878. after appropriate study, he entered the
ministry of the Christian Church, and gave his time to the same until 1881,
when owing to a serious throat trouble, he was forced to abandon his work as
a preacher.
During the greater part of eleven years, he made his headquarters at
Hillsboro, Iowa. going to Milan, Mo, he built a wagon & carriage factory
and became a member of the firm Decker & Roe, which manufactured wagons and
carriages for six years. Meantime he was active in public affairs, taking a
prominent part in the Republican party. On that ticket, in 1884, he was
elected from Sullivan County to the Missouri legislature, being the first
Republican elected to the legislature fro that county after the war.
The next business venture of Mr. Decker was conducted in Washington County
Kansas, where he was engaged in the lumber & hardware business for ten
years. Returning to Missouri in 1895, he settled at Greenidge, Pettis
County, where he was interested in a mercantile business. At the same time,
he had important business interest at Eldorado Springs and Malta Bend.
Meantime, about 1889 the condition of this throat had improved to such
extent that he felt justified in resuming ministerial work,m and for three
years he was a member Of the state board of the Christian Church of Kansas.
Anther enterprise which called for some attention on his part, about this
time, was the lumber & hardware business in Phillipsburg, Kansas, which he
retained for four years.
Of the sons of Mr. Decker, J.F. was born in Henry County, Ill, in 1866 and
Otho F in Cedar county, Iowa in 1874. They came to Oklahoma in June, 1894,
and bought claims in Grant County, one claim being two-and one half miles
south of Pond Creek and the other ten miles west. In the winter of 1890-91,
they built a store room of brick, 30 X 100, in which they carried a
mercantile stock valued at $20,000. this business they now conduct, having
the active management of the same.
Although reared a Democrat, J.H. Decker had been a Stong adherent of
Republican principles since 1873. At various times his party has honored
him with election to positions of trust and honor, all of which he has
filled with credit to himself In religion he has for years been a prominent
worker in the Christian Church, and of recent months he has been interested
in the building of the house of worship at Pond Creek. At the present time
he is often called upon to occupy the various pulpits of his locally and is
an earnest advocate of the higher spiritual life, wielding through his
example and precepts and extended influence for good. He sponsored the
Christian church in Washington, Kansas. Fraternally, he is connected with
the independent Order of Odd Fellows, in Pond Creek, Oklahoma.
Sketch from "Members of the Sixth Assembly" column:
Hon. John H. Decker, Pond Creek, Representative, Twenty-First District:
Hom. John H. Decker representative of the Twenty-first district is a goods
merchant at Pond Creek. The Decker family came from Holland to this County
in its colonial days. They settled in New York and Maryland. J.H. Decker
was born in the city of New York, April 17, 1847. At ten years of age his
father moved to Henry County, Illinois. In November, 1868, Mr. Decker went
to Chicago, enlisted in the 89th Illinois regiment, Co, A. He went at once
to the front. He was captured on the 27th of March 1864, at the battle of
Dallas, Georgia. He entered Andersonville July 4, 1864, and was removed
from the prison at some time in April 1865. in 1869 he went to Missouri.
From there to Washington Co, Kansas. In 1872, he entered the Collegiate
Institute at Wilton. In 1882, he returned to Sullivan County, Missouri, and
was elected a member of the Missouri Legislature. in 1885 he was in the
mercantile business in Washington Co, Kansas, Fairbury, Green Ridge
Missouri, Malta Bend, Eldorado Springs, Missouri. He is a member of the
Chrsitian Church. He served under the State Board of the Christian Church
of Kansas.
Donated June 2002 by:
Lynda Ozinga
Ozlynn@chartermi.net
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