John E. Stucky Family
John E. Stucky, b. Apr. 22, 1880
at Christian, KS d. Dec. 27, 1956 in Moundridge |
Katie E. Friesen, b. Oct. 9, 1889
near Alta Mills married Nov. 3, 1907 at Christian, KS d. Jan. 19, 1984 at Moundridge, KS |
John E. Stucky was born the 8th child of Benjamin and Veronika Stucky, but only the 4th which survived. Growing up on the farm 1 mile south and 1/4 mile west of Christian, KS in the 1880s, he watched the vanishing of the village of Christian and the development of the town of Moundridge in 1887 when the Missouri Pacific railroad came through 1 mile north of Christian.
He also attended school at district #51 (North Garden), located from his home 3/4 mile west and 1 mile south. Presumably, he got well acquainted with the Black Kettle Creek near the school, as boys would be prone to do. Across the road from his home lived uncle Jacob and cousins, which would be a ready source of playmates. Among these were John G. Stucky, who later ran a well-known grocery story in Moundridge for years.
He also attended school at district #51 (North Garden), located from his home 3/4 mile west and 1 mile south. Presumably, he got well acquainted with the Black Kettle Creek near the school, as boys would be prone to do. Across the road from his home lived uncle Jacob and cousins, which would be a ready source of playmates. Among these were John G. Stucky, who later ran a well-known grocery story in Moundridge for years.
He attended the Bethel Academy at North Newton for one year, around the turn of the century. While studying one of his interests, music, he received almost no help, because the Professors told him he knew more about music than they did!
John was director of several band groups, some in the Alta Mill area, and at one time directed the Moundridge City Band, who gave him an ornate wooden rocking chair for a wedding present in 1907. Once, when directing a concert of the Alta Mill Band in the Moundridge City Auditorium (in the Joseph Schrag Opera Block building, above the drug store) a funny incident happened. As the crowd hushed, the curtain was rolled up to reveal the band on stage to begin the concert; however, the raising roller curtain caught John's coat and took it up. The band, the audience, and John all had a good laugh.
Perhaps farming was not in his spirit like an enterprising drive was, Katie suggested. For in his early 20s, he worked at Pretty Prairie and Moundridge in mills, learning the trade of milling. [Later noted that Pretty Prairie did not have a mill, but Murdock did. It was operated by John and Jake's uncle, Peter "Schlosser" Goering, which would make sense.]
The flooding of the Little Arkansas River in 1903 and 1904 at the Alta Mill changed the course of events for John and his brother Jake. For it was then that Peter M. Claassen, then owner of the mill, "not caring to repeat his hardships, decided to sell the mill to a corporation of farmers formed in the Moundridge community. The Alta Milling Co. held their fist meeting in the office of the Citizens State Bank in Moundridge on May 23, 1905. Frank Regier was chosen chairman. John Stucky was named to the Board of Directors, however he was not an officer for eight years until 1913, when he became secretary, a position he held until the mill closed 36 years later.
John was director of several band groups, some in the Alta Mill area, and at one time directed the Moundridge City Band, who gave him an ornate wooden rocking chair for a wedding present in 1907. Once, when directing a concert of the Alta Mill Band in the Moundridge City Auditorium (in the Joseph Schrag Opera Block building, above the drug store) a funny incident happened. As the crowd hushed, the curtain was rolled up to reveal the band on stage to begin the concert; however, the raising roller curtain caught John's coat and took it up. The band, the audience, and John all had a good laugh.
Perhaps farming was not in his spirit like an enterprising drive was, Katie suggested. For in his early 20s, he worked at Pretty Prairie and Moundridge in mills, learning the trade of milling. [Later noted that Pretty Prairie did not have a mill, but Murdock did. It was operated by John and Jake's uncle, Peter "Schlosser" Goering, which would make sense.]
The flooding of the Little Arkansas River in 1903 and 1904 at the Alta Mill changed the course of events for John and his brother Jake. For it was then that Peter M. Claassen, then owner of the mill, "not caring to repeat his hardships, decided to sell the mill to a corporation of farmers formed in the Moundridge community. The Alta Milling Co. held their fist meeting in the office of the Citizens State Bank in Moundridge on May 23, 1905. Frank Regier was chosen chairman. John Stucky was named to the Board of Directors, however he was not an officer for eight years until 1913, when he became secretary, a position he held until the mill closed 36 years later.
FRIESEN CONNECTION
About this time, romance with neighbor girls a mile east of the Alta Mill developed, and brothers John and Jake Stucky began courting sisters Katie and Mary Friesen. Katie's grandmother, Maria Scherling, married Johann Friesen in 1844 in Russia. They came to America in 1874 and settled in Garden Township of Harvey County, Kansas, approximately one mile east and one mile south of the Alta Mill. there were nine children born to Johann and Maria. Maria lived to the ripe age of 96.
About this time, romance with neighbor girls a mile east of the Alta Mill developed, and brothers John and Jake Stucky began courting sisters Katie and Mary Friesen. Katie's grandmother, Maria Scherling, married Johann Friesen in 1844 in Russia. They came to America in 1874 and settled in Garden Township of Harvey County, Kansas, approximately one mile east and one mile south of the Alta Mill. there were nine children born to Johann and Maria. Maria lived to the ripe age of 96.
Katie's grandmother
Maria Scherling Friesen |
Katie's parents
Cornelius "Peanuts" Friesen and wife Maria Epp Friesen |
One of those nine was Cornelius "Peanuts" Friesen, Katie's father. Soon there was a settlement of several families of Friesen relatives along that two-mile stretch of road. Cornelius' home was one-half mile south of his father's on the west side of the road near the river. In 1882, he married Marie Epp, and nine children were born to them.
The children attended school at District 65, a one-room school about 1/4 mile north and 1/2 mile east of their home. Katie remembers attending until the fourth grade, but then was needed at home to help with the housework.
The children attended school at District 65, a one-room school about 1/4 mile north and 1/2 mile east of their home. Katie remembers attending until the fourth grade, but then was needed at home to help with the housework.
THE CORNELIUS AND MARIA FRIESEN FAMILY. Standing, from left to right, John, Katie, Lizzie, Mary, and Curt. Seated in the middle is Frank with Abe beside him, and Susie is in the front. Dave was born after this picture was taken. Of this family, Katie lived the longest.
In 1907, Cornelius moved to the Alta Mill where he ran a general store for three years. Then in 1910, they moved to Buhler where he started another store, and ran it until he retired in 1917.
During her youth, traveling preachers held revival meetings in the Alta Mill Park, and Katie's family would attend. The family decided to become members of a church, and chose Hebron Mennonite. On August 12, 1906, Katharina Friesen, age 16, and her sister Elizabeth, known as Lizzie, and brother Frank, were baptized by Rev. A.M. Martens. They were part of a 30-member catechism class that was baptized by immersion in the Little Arkansas River near the Willis School. This was five miles east of Buhler and two and a half south. It was also two and a half miles south of the original site of the Hebron church. The Friesens also attended C.E. and Sunday School meetings at School District 78 (Liberty) and other surrounding schools on Sunday afternoons.
During her youth, Katie worked in the home of another family during the busy harvest season. The "Randall Ranch" where she worked was located about a mile west of the Alta Mill. During this time, she was pursued by many an eligible bachelor, because--even though she was young, she was an able housekeeper and cook.
Meanwhile, a handsome young troubador by the name of John E. Stucky was making his start in the milling business, becoming part-owner of the Alta Mill. His acquaintance with Katie Friesen grew through the Friesen family trading at the mill, and his brother Jake's marriage to Katie's sister, Mary. These were said to be the earliest marriages between the Swiss and Low German people in the area, an almost forbidden thing to do at the time. Soon John and Katie were engaged to be married, and the arrangements were made to get the marriage license from the Harvey County Courthouse.
On November 8, 1907, the Moundridge Journal published the following news story:
"When the sun was illuminating the early morning of the 3rd with its radiant rays of golden red, it seemed as a prophecy that the day was to evoke in idealistic joy. Such it proved, and the more so to a young couple when in the afternoon many friends and visitors gathered in the Christian Mennonite Church to witness the ceremony while Miss Katie E. Friesen and Mr. John E. Stucky were united in the holy bonds of wedlock by Rev. John C. Goering, the officiating pastor.
After the ceremony many betook themselves to the groom's home to partake of a bounteous supper, and where more than 200 guests indulged in the merry feasting.
The bride was beautifully arrayed in white, while the groom wore the conventional black with the always present and never-failing floral decorations of carnations.
Gorgeous were the presents given. The evening was spent in varied amusements, when after the well wishes to the young couple, all departed to their homes. Mr. and Mrs. Stucky will make their home at the beautiful riverside at Alta, Kansas,where the pleasant ripple of the water and the drumming sound of the mill wheels intertwine sweet music to their happy honey moon."
"When the sun was illuminating the early morning of the 3rd with its radiant rays of golden red, it seemed as a prophecy that the day was to evoke in idealistic joy. Such it proved, and the more so to a young couple when in the afternoon many friends and visitors gathered in the Christian Mennonite Church to witness the ceremony while Miss Katie E. Friesen and Mr. John E. Stucky were united in the holy bonds of wedlock by Rev. John C. Goering, the officiating pastor.
After the ceremony many betook themselves to the groom's home to partake of a bounteous supper, and where more than 200 guests indulged in the merry feasting.
The bride was beautifully arrayed in white, while the groom wore the conventional black with the always present and never-failing floral decorations of carnations.
Gorgeous were the presents given. The evening was spent in varied amusements, when after the well wishes to the young couple, all departed to their homes. Mr. and Mrs. Stucky will make their home at the beautiful riverside at Alta, Kansas,where the pleasant ripple of the water and the drumming sound of the mill wheels intertwine sweet music to their happy honey moon."
JOHN E. AND KATIE STUCKY'S HOUSE
JUST SOUTH OF THE ALTA MILL
JUST SOUTH OF THE ALTA MILL
"Those were happy days," say the sisters. Chris Stucky and his wife moved to a house near the mill in 1911, and during the years there were 18 cousins who called the place their home. They went swimming every day conditions permitted, but always one mother went along to watch. There was always fishing and for a number of years Grandpa Friesen enjoyed it with the children. In winter there were skating parties for the whole community.
Doctor Hertzler from Halstead attended to John's house occasionally, but not to Jake's. Jake was a staunch believer in home remedies and did not trust doctors at all. Once John had a severe pain with kidney stones, but stranger yet, he had hiccups for two weeks, according to Katie. He went to a Dr. Wedel in Hesston, who gave him some strong pills, with no help. He went to a chiropracter in McPherson, and Doctors in Newton, all with no help. Finally, in Halstead, Dr. Hertzler gave an injection which promised to "kill him or cure him." It put him to sleep for several days, and upon waking, was indeed cured.
Among areas of service, John was on the Building Committee of the First Mennonite Church of Christian, and taught Sunday School. they also volunteered to drive parents of Mennonite boys up to Camp Funston where they were kept during World War I, as they had one of the few cars in the area. John was also on the school board of Liberty District #78 "for years and years, until Evelyn was out of school."
John was known as a very agreeable and generous person. Friends such as Gerhard Zerger admired him. "Jake was more reserved--didn't talk much. But John talked freely and got along with everybody. He didn't argue with anybody. Actually, you just couldn't get the Stucky's to argue with you. If you disagreed, they just said, Well, you have a right to your opinion. They didn't have any enemies at all--or that I ever knew of. And so good. I never knew him to even cuss."
John's generosity was also well-known. Sometimes he would be lenient with accounts at the mill, knowing the hard times people had in the Depression. One person, whose debt remained for years, had told John he would pay the remainder of his debt when he got the money. Years after the mill closed and John had died, the man came to Ransom, told him the story, and offered the money. Said the man, "He was such a good man, so generous and kind." The man could not hold back the tears while telling the story. The money went toward paying Katie's rent at the Memorial Home.
The park south of the mill was thought of as the "Camp Mennoscah" of the early days for Kansas Mennonites. They came from all over to hold gatherings, because the Alta Mill park was the only park anywhere around. The swings and equipment were thought to be very entertaining and novel. "The Stuckys must have been geniuses," said Gerhard Zerger, "to have either invented or brought in things like a double-seat swing where two face each other while swinging, and other equipment. But that's not to mention all that went on there. Why, just about anybody who got married in those days (1910) held a wedding party in the park, too.”
Of course, the family played host to the Friesen Reunion, held in the mill park for many years, as well as a variety of activities, and simply camping space overnight for customers who came from long distances.
The central area of their lives was, of course, their family. As children they attended Liberty Grade School, District 78, and attended High Schools at Moundridge, Halstead, and Partridge.
John was known as a very agreeable and generous person. Friends such as Gerhard Zerger admired him. "Jake was more reserved--didn't talk much. But John talked freely and got along with everybody. He didn't argue with anybody. Actually, you just couldn't get the Stucky's to argue with you. If you disagreed, they just said, Well, you have a right to your opinion. They didn't have any enemies at all--or that I ever knew of. And so good. I never knew him to even cuss."
John's generosity was also well-known. Sometimes he would be lenient with accounts at the mill, knowing the hard times people had in the Depression. One person, whose debt remained for years, had told John he would pay the remainder of his debt when he got the money. Years after the mill closed and John had died, the man came to Ransom, told him the story, and offered the money. Said the man, "He was such a good man, so generous and kind." The man could not hold back the tears while telling the story. The money went toward paying Katie's rent at the Memorial Home.
The park south of the mill was thought of as the "Camp Mennoscah" of the early days for Kansas Mennonites. They came from all over to hold gatherings, because the Alta Mill park was the only park anywhere around. The swings and equipment were thought to be very entertaining and novel. "The Stuckys must have been geniuses," said Gerhard Zerger, "to have either invented or brought in things like a double-seat swing where two face each other while swinging, and other equipment. But that's not to mention all that went on there. Why, just about anybody who got married in those days (1910) held a wedding party in the park, too.”
Of course, the family played host to the Friesen Reunion, held in the mill park for many years, as well as a variety of activities, and simply camping space overnight for customers who came from long distances.
The central area of their lives was, of course, their family. As children they attended Liberty Grade School, District 78, and attended High Schools at Moundridge, Halstead, and Partridge.
One of the first car dealers in the Moundridge area was John E. Stucky who sold REO cars and trucks. John and Katie and two friends, in 1911, accomplished the remarkable feat of driving to Colorado and back in the above car---without using a wrench!
In 1936, a vacation trip for the Stucky family to the Western United States included visits with relatives in South Dakota, Washington State, and California. The visit with the Ben Wedel family, who tended orange groves in California, was one of the highlights of the trip. The family enjoyed a cruise on a ship from the mainland to Catalina Islands, during which time such unusual things as flying fish were seen
In 1936, a vacation trip for the Stucky family to the Western United States included visits with relatives in South Dakota, Washington State, and California. The visit with the Ben Wedel family, who tended orange groves in California, was one of the highlights of the trip. The family enjoyed a cruise on a ship from the mainland to Catalina Islands, during which time such unusual things as flying fish were seen
JOHN E. STUCKY FAMILY, c. 1940. Standing, from left to right: Fedora, Melba, Ransom, Evelyn. Front: Katie and John.
As time passed, the children grew and began to leave home. Fedora, the oldest daughter, married Paul Mueller in 1940, and established a home near Halstead. Next was the wedding of Melba and Albert Nachtigal in 1946. After a year in Wichita, they settled in the area west of Inman. Two years later, the youngest daughter Evelyn married J.R. Frey in May of 1948 and called Newton their home. Finally, Ransom left the ranks of bachelorhood and Mary Kathryn Yoder in October of 1948. They did not stray too far, and established a home one mile south of the mill.
The first Mennonite Church of Christian which was moved to Moundridge in 1908 was a thriving church when they undertook a building project for a new structure, and John was on the building committee. The church was an important part of the Stucky's family life. They attended church every Sunday and it is said that they were always the first or second car to arrive on the church parking lot.
As the years went on, age began to take its toll on John and Katie. Flooding was a wearying problem, coming again, and again, and again. When floods reached the mill basement, they had to disassemble and clean much of the machinery each time. When the high water was approaching, it was necessary to stuff the chickens into gunny sacks and move them to higher ground from the chicken house. More discouraging than moving chickens was seeing the garden covered with water, time and again! In their old age, even then they endured the massive 1951 flood.
The first Mennonite Church of Christian which was moved to Moundridge in 1908 was a thriving church when they undertook a building project for a new structure, and John was on the building committee. The church was an important part of the Stucky's family life. They attended church every Sunday and it is said that they were always the first or second car to arrive on the church parking lot.
As the years went on, age began to take its toll on John and Katie. Flooding was a wearying problem, coming again, and again, and again. When floods reached the mill basement, they had to disassemble and clean much of the machinery each time. When the high water was approaching, it was necessary to stuff the chickens into gunny sacks and move them to higher ground from the chicken house. More discouraging than moving chickens was seeing the garden covered with water, time and again! In their old age, even then they endured the massive 1951 flood.
John began to notice the onset of Parkinson's disease. At first it began with trembling hands and progressed to the point of becoming an invalid. As they moved to Moundridge on Aug. 12, 1954, they left behind 47 years of living at the Alta Mill.
A note at the time of their moving to Moundridge tells Katie's thoughts:
“We moved to Moundridge August 12, 1954. it was hard to leave the place after living here 47 years. All children were born here and raised till they got married and left home. Then Pop and I were alone. Am glad though that we moved to town. I like my little home, and hope I can stay here till I can go to the heavenly home to meet all the rest where there won't be any more parting and suffering. May God grant my wish. May all my children and grandchildren meet us there."
Your loving mom.
“We moved to Moundridge August 12, 1954. it was hard to leave the place after living here 47 years. All children were born here and raised till they got married and left home. Then Pop and I were alone. Am glad though that we moved to town. I like my little home, and hope I can stay here till I can go to the heavenly home to meet all the rest where there won't be any more parting and suffering. May God grant my wish. May all my children and grandchildren meet us there."
Your loving mom.
John E. Stucky died Dec. 27, 1956. The funeral in the First Mennonite Church in Moundridge could not possibly contain all those who came to pay their respects to him--the overflow wing was full, and the basement, equipped with speakers, was also full. According to church members, that church has never housed so many people for an event since that day.
Katie's life, however, carried on. Her speech was always in the plural though--"our car, our house," etc. But she put her energies into new interests, continuing with making quilts and raising houseplants, especially violets. Another enjoyment was her backyard garden, which included a pear tree, peace roses, Mock orange bush, and strawberries.
The happiest times were Sunday dinner visits by children and grandchildren. She was an excellent cook. There was always good food available, and plenty of it---zweibach, poppyseed rolls, peppernuts, and kucha were her specialties--and her cookie jar was never empty.
Katie perfected a recipe for baking bread, using "OUR BEST FLOUR" which was printed on cards and given to customers. Today you can find Katie's recipe for "Light White Bread" on page 136 in the 1974 book, Melting Pot of Mennonite Cookery.
In 1974, Katie had a slight stroke. She was advised her not to live alone any longer. October 15, 1974, at age 85, she moved to the Memorial Home just south of Moundridge.
She passed away Jan. 19, 1984 at age 94. She was buried in the First Mennonite Church cemetery beside John. At her Memorial service, a slide show was given of her life which had been given earlier at her 90th birthday.
Katie's life, however, carried on. Her speech was always in the plural though--"our car, our house," etc. But she put her energies into new interests, continuing with making quilts and raising houseplants, especially violets. Another enjoyment was her backyard garden, which included a pear tree, peace roses, Mock orange bush, and strawberries.
The happiest times were Sunday dinner visits by children and grandchildren. She was an excellent cook. There was always good food available, and plenty of it---zweibach, poppyseed rolls, peppernuts, and kucha were her specialties--and her cookie jar was never empty.
Katie perfected a recipe for baking bread, using "OUR BEST FLOUR" which was printed on cards and given to customers. Today you can find Katie's recipe for "Light White Bread" on page 136 in the 1974 book, Melting Pot of Mennonite Cookery.
In 1974, Katie had a slight stroke. She was advised her not to live alone any longer. October 15, 1974, at age 85, she moved to the Memorial Home just south of Moundridge.
She passed away Jan. 19, 1984 at age 94. She was buried in the First Mennonite Church cemetery beside John. At her Memorial service, a slide show was given of her life which had been given earlier at her 90th birthday.
See a picture of John E. and Katie’s gravestone at “Findagrave.com” below
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi page=gr&GSln=Stucky&GSfn=John+&GSmn=E&GSbyrel=in&GSdyrel=in&GSst=18&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=27485217&
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi page=gr&GSln=Stucky&GSfn=John+&GSmn=E&GSbyrel=in&GSdyrel=in&GSst=18&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=27485217&
Katie in 1974, at age 84
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