John Lundin

JOHN LUNDIN, one of the prominent farmers and extensive stock-raisers and cattle dealers of Cherokee County, is also one of the capitalists of Lyon township, where he owns 760 acres of improved land, and resides in a beautiful home in section 2, township 34, range 23. Mr. Lundin was born in Wermland, Sweden, December 6, 1850.

Until Mr. Lundin reached the age of 16 years, he attended the public schools in his native place, and then came to the United States in company with his half brother, Andrew Swensen, landing in New York. He was ready for any kind of honest work by which he could make a living, and in Mercer and Henry counties, Illinois, he secured employment, first in railroad construction, and later as a farm hand. For two years (1870 and 1871) he worked in Henry County, for $21 a month. He came to Columbus, Kansas, in 1872. For several winters he had work with Scammon Brothers, and spent his summers on neighboring farms. He then took up a claim located about one mile from his present farm. Here he broke the prairie and made some improvements, and then sold out in order to go to California. From 1875 to 1881, he was in the West, buying and selling horses on his own account, and was also employed on the big cattle ranch of Sawyer Brothers. After his return to Cherokee County, he first purchased a half section of land, and now owns 760 acres in Lyon township, situated as follows: 520 acres in section 2, 80 acres in section 1, and 160 acres in section 9, all in township 34, range 23. This land is all finely improved, and he conducts it mainly as a stock farm. He keeps 200 head of cattle, 20 horses, six mules, and 100 head of hogs, and feeds and ships extensively. Mr. Lundin has, probably, the finest residence in Lyon township. He has also built two substantial barns, and has miles and miles of good fencing, and two orchards. Considering that Mr. Lundin has made all this property through his own industry and good management, he is justified in taking considerable pride in his success.

In 1884, Mr. Lundin was married to Hannah Larson, who was born in his native place in Sweden, April 28, 1854, and came to America, with her parents, in 1879. She is a daughter of Lars and Elsie Larson. The three children of this marriage are: Edith May, a high-school graduate; Maud Elizabeth, a high-school graduate and a teacher; and Helen Anna, a student in the high-school,—all intelligent and accomplished young ladies. The family belong to the Christian Church. Politically, Mr. Lundin is a Democrat, and has served in various township offices; he has been township treasurer, and a school officer for the past 19 years. He belongs to the Settlers' League, and to the Anti Horse Thief Association. He is one of the highly esteemed men of Lyon township, whose sterling qualities command the respect of his fellow citizens.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 3/11/97.