Fred and Violet's Story
A cold wintry day February 11, 1911 born to Ludwig and Rosa Pavlicek Wentz, a son, Frederick Ludwig (Fred) 6 1/2 miles southwest of Norcatur, homesteaded 1890 by grandfather Christopher Wentz from Hamburg, Germany. He came to United States 1870. Fred living on place today. Went to Prairie View 67 School just across hill from home. Married Violet, daughter of John Backus and Florence Miller Keck May 18, 1940. Have ten children, all but 2 live in Kansas: Karolyn (Fred) Kingham, Satanta; Eugene, Tonganoxie; Walter, Hays; Florence (Lemeul) Marsh, Clyde; Carl, McCook; Dwight, Norcatur; Sylvia (James) Wilroy, Clay Center; LaRene, Norcatur; Rosalie (Donald) Kraft, Hill City; and Brett, McCook. Three houses were built on place. A sodhouse by grandfather Christopher, 2 room frame house by father Ludwig (Lew) and a brick veneer house 1957 after house burned 1954 by us. Fred took over farm 1941. Did custom corn shelling for few years. 1946 went into housemoving. Quit after 30 years. While looking at Hillman School house which we moved to Sebelius Lake, Norton. We had Brett (5 years) along. He was looking the place over and found a building with 2 holes in the seat. Came running, yelling "Mama, come quick and see what I found. What is it?" Mother answered, "A bathroom", son, thought for a short time and asked "But where do you flush it?" Moved many farm houses into local towns. Fred started clerking sales in the early 40's and stayed with it more than 35 years. Violet cashiered sales for last few years, most of time with Thiele Auction and Realty, Norton, and others. He became a collector of a great many things. Still buys and sells. He says "Don't throw anything away cause somebody will want it." This is his hobby. Ralph Wycoff helped initiate him into Odd Fellows Lodge 1929 and presented him 50 year pin in 1980. Still a member also of Rebekah's and Bohemian Lodges. Been President for several years. We celebrated our 40th Wedding anniversary May 18, 1980. Youngest child Brett was also married that day to Corey Wagner. Violet was born in Woodbine, Iowa December 12, 1922. Mother remarried in 1932. Step-father Howard Keck worked on Highway crews so moved around a great deal till 1939 then moved to Colby. Met Fred 1938 at a 4-H ballgame and carnival. Went to several games in truck with all 4-H members. Made her mad teasing her, married 18 months later. Her mother Florence was born to Jesse and Cynthia Douglass Miller near Norcatur on Hayden Place, about 2 miles from Wentz home. Jesse was a horse trader. He had taken a load of wheat to flour mill for grinding at Leota, now Leota Cove, Sebelius Lake. That day Florence decided to come into this world a little early. Was named Florence Leota after town. Violet keeps herself busy with 36 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Hobbies, quilting, crafts and clubs. Belongs to Rebekah's Bohemian and Homemakers Club.
Written by Fred and Violet Wentz
1921 Garfield Map of Ownership Plots
1949 Landowner List
Overview of Garfield 6, 1 and 12
Overview of Garfield 15
Overview of Garfield and Altory
Overview and Closeup of the Old Fellows Lodge
Topography Map of Garfield 15
Topography Map of Garfield 6 and Altory 1 and 12
Overview of the House
Scroll Down to see the 1900 Census for Jesse, Cynthia and Florence Miller
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