John Lane Myers

JOHN LANE MYERS, an esteemed resident of Cherokee township, was born in 1854 in Pennsylvania, where he lived until he was 24 years of age. Farming was his chosen occupation. In 1878 he came with his parents to Kansas, and settled on a quarter section of land in Cherokee township, Cherokee County, near which he now lives. His present home consists of 160 acres of fine land, which formerly belonged to his wife's father, who had, among the early Kansas settlers, chosen it for a home.

Martin Myers, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1818, in Blair County, Pennsylvania, and died at the old home in Kansas at the age of 79 years. During his lifetime he followed the occupation of farming. His wife, also a native of Blair County, died at the old home in 1897.

John Lane Myers is one of a family of 11 children born to his parents, seven of whom are still living, as follows: Sarah J. (Mrs. W. T. Ferguson), of Cherokee township; Dillie (Mrs. Alonzo M. Duncan), who also lives in Cherokee township; Emeline (Mrs. William C. Helm), who lives in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania; John Lane; Maria M. (Mrs. John Cloak), of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania; Caroline (Mrs. Charles C. Holler), of Kansas; and Annie (Mrs. Henry Helm), of Weir City, Kansas.

Mr. Myers was married in 1881 to Tillie E. Smithpeter, who was born in Tennessee and is one of nine children constituting the family of her parents, John and Sarah (Cable) Smithpeter. She has one brother now living, James S., a resident of Galena, Cherokee County, and three sisters,—Nancy, wife of Anthony Giltenmier, living in Chicopee, Kansas; Mary, who married a Mr. Miles; and Sarah, wife of Walter 0. Manley. Mrs. Myers's father came to Kansas from Iowa in 1870 and settled on "Joy" land, which he afterward bought. His death occurred in 1892, at the age of 78 years, and his wife died five years later, at the same age. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have nine children, all born in Cherokee township, Cherokee County, as follows: Arthur M., Lizzie S., Anna L., Ella, Ethel, Bertha, Leona, Clara and Jewell Evangeline.

In the splendid development which has come to Cherokee County Mr. and Mrs. Myers and their several connections have played a helpful part. Their citizenship is of that sterling character which looks upon no sacrifice as too great which has for its object the uplifting of humanity about them. From the earliest day, schools, churches, good roads and good government have in turn commanded the full and hearty support of these different members of the family, and they are now able to rejoice with good consciences at the unmistakable evidences of a high type of Christian civilization, which confront them on every side. Mr. Myers takes but little interest in politics as such, but is careful on election day to support by his vote the principles enunciated by the Republican platform.

A progressive and up-to-date farmer, a loyal and patriotic citizen, and a courteous Christian gentleman, Mr. Myers merits the high measure of esteem in which he is held by all classes in the county.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Lori Kress, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, December 2, 1996.