Joel C. Kindred

JOEL C. KINDRED. - Although a Kentuckian by birth, the life of Joel Kindred is bound up with the history of Wyandotte county. He is a farmer who has lived a life of usefulness to the county for many years. His honesty and integrity are irreproachable. His interest in public affairs is unbounded. His fraternal relations are of the highest character, while his private life is absolutely blameless and his whole career will bear the closest scrutiny.

Joel C. Kindred was born in Kentucky, August 26, 1863. He is the son of Sylvester Kindred and Mary Perry, his wife. Sylvester Kindred was born on a farm in Kentucky and there he spent his life, farming, raising corn and cotton, vegetables and cattle. He is still living there, but he is too old now (1911) to do any active work, as he is over eighty years of age. He is a Democrat and still takes a great interest in politics. He is a Christian, as the tenor of his life bears evidence. In 1910 his wife, the loved partner of his youth, his prime and his old age, left his side and has crossed over to await him on the other side. He has not lost his interest in this life, but he is looking forward to the time when he can join her. They have been blessed with six children, Alice, Louise, Enoch, Thomas, Joel and Robert.

Joel C. Kindred's earliest recollections are connected with the farm in Kentucky where he drew his first breath. For the first few years of his life this farm formed his world; his parents and brothers and sister were its sole occupants. Later he went to the district school. When he was a very small boy it was his delight to help his father in performing his daily duties; he became familiar with every foot of the farm; he knew every animal and every tree on the whole plantation. He stayed at home until he was twenty-one, when he made up his mind that he would start out on his own account. It never occurred to him to be anything but a farmer, as he loved the life which kept him close to nature. He came to Wyandotte county, Kansas, in 1884, and in 1890 he had made enough money to buy the farm on which he now lives. He raises potatoes, cabbage and general market vegetables.

On January 12, 1887, he married Katharine Magee. She was the daughter of Mason and Harriet Magee, who were Missouri farmers. When Katharine was two years old they brought her to Kansas and Mr. Magee farmed in Wyandotte county until he died, in 1894, Mr. and Mrs. Kindred have had ten children: Elbert M., who is living in Colorado; Flora A.; Martin S.; Robert P.; John D.; Frank O.; Elzira B., who died in infancy; Edna O.; Luther W.; and Dock.

Joel C. Kindred is a Democrat and is a very active politician. He has served six successive years as trustee of Delaware township and has served as treasurer of the school board for nine years. He is a member of four fraternal orders: the Knights of Pythias, Masons, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a director in the Farmer's State Bank at Bonner Springs. Mr. Kindred, from the time he first came to Kansas, has done all he could for the good of the county. He is especially interested in children and, having a large family himself, he understands the needs and requirements of child nature.