Robert P. Hanks

ROBERT P. HANKS, a substantial citizen and a good farmer of Lola township, owns a well improved farm of 260 acres, situated in section 1, township 33, range 22. He was born in Muscatine County, Iowa, November 9, 1856, and is a son of Jonathan and Hannah (Pasley) Hanks.

Jonathan Hanks was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1828, and died in McDonald County, Missouri, in 1888, at the age of 60 years. He married Hannah Pasley, who was also born in Muskingum County, and died in Iowa, in 1870. They had the following named children: Elizabell, deceased; Miflin Levi, of Denver, Colorado; Frank, of Wallace County, Kansas; Firman J.; Robert P.; George, of Mound Valley, Kansas; John, of Nebraska; Sydney, of Denver, Colorado; and Mrs. Addie Stotten, of Salamanca township. Jonathan Hanks was a farmer and stockraiser all his life, and, while generally successful, had numerous ups and downs in the stock business.

When Robert P. Hanks was 20 years of age. He accompanied his parents to Linn County, Kansas. Two years later, about 1878, shortly after his marriage, he came to Cherokee County. Here he purchased 80 acres of land and subsequently bought 80 more, coming to his present location about 12 years ago. For the past 10 years, in addition to farming, Mr. Hanks has been engaged in buying and shipping timber for the coal mines,—a business he has found very remunerative. He came to Lola township before much improving had been done, and had his share of the hardships with which early settlers in this beautiful section had to contend. He has done his part in improving conditions, and for years has been one of the reliable, representative men of the township.

In December, 1877, Mr. Hanks married Currilda J. Hayes, who was born December 9, 1855, in Ohio, and is a daughter of Wesley and Theressa Hayes. They have six children, viz.: Mrs. Sydia Theressa Hitchcock, of Washington; and Charles, Alta, Maude, Joseph and Clarence, who are at home.

Mr. Hanks is a stanch Democrat, and has filled many of the township offices, performing his duties with due regard for the best interests of the public. For 16 years he has been on the School Board, and his judgment is frequently consulted in the furthering of educational affairs in Lola township.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Lacey Myers, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 03/07/97.