Walther von Wedell

WALTHER von WEDELL, one of the prominent citizens of Garden township, now living retired at Lowell, was born in Germany, January 30, 1850, and is a member of one of the prominent families of the German Empire.

He received his educational training in his native land. In 1875 he came to America, leaving four sisters in Germany. In 1876 he was attracted to Kansas, when ore was discovered here in large quantities, and he was one of the early settlers of Garden township and has been more or less interested in the agricultural and mineral development of the county ever since. He owns a large amount of valuable land.—160 acres in Garden township; 160 acres in Spring Valley township; and 80 acres of mining land in Lowell township. He has been one of the extensive farmers and stock-raisers of this section and continued to operate his farm until 1885, since which year he has resided at Lowell. He is interested with Hon. E. B. Schermerhorn and others in the Galena Development Comptny.[sic] Although never a politician, he has always been prominent in his township and on many occasions has had the duties of minor offices placed officially in his care.

In 1876, Mr. von Wedell was united in marriage to Mary E. Murray, who was born in Missouri. Seven children were born to this marriage, viz: F. W., engaged in farming in Garden township, who married Carrie Cummings, and has three children,—Florence, Alva and Ethel; and Clara, Ella, Victor, Harry, Arthur and Icie.

Fraternally our subject is a member of a number of the leading organizations, among these being the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

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, 5/5/97.