HENRY MYERS

The fitting reward of a well-spent life is an honored retirement from labor, such as Mr. Myers is now enjoying. One of the fine farms of Shannon township, Atchison county, is an indication of his labors in former years, for the valuable property on which he now resides was secured entirely through his earnest, consecutive and honorable efforts.

Mr. Myers is a native of the Fatherland, his birth having occurred in Hanover, Germany, on June 25, 1829. His parents were also natives of the same country. The mother was a Miss Myers before her marriage, a daughter of Henry Myers. In 1835 the family emigrated to the United States, landing at New York city after a voyage of eight weeks. They went direct to Columbus, Ohio, and after spending the succeeding winter there, removed to Jackson county, Indiana, where they remained until 1849. The mother's death occurred in that county in 1840.

In 1841 Henry Myers, of this review, became a student in one of the primitive schools of Indiana, -- a log building, supplied with crude furniture. There he became familiar with the elementary branches of the English language, pursuing his studies through the winter months, while in the summer season he followed the plow, planted the crops and then assisted in gathering the harvests in the autumn. In 1850 he started westward, taking up his abode in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he was engaged in teaming for a time. He did much hauling for millers in that locality, and also transported supplies for farmers to the Arkansas river.

In 1852 Mr. Myers.was united in marriage to Miss Lititia Hardsick, of Missouri, after which he engaged in the manufacture of cottonwood shingles. In 1867 he removed to Kansas and purchased a farm of A. J. Gore, in Shannon township, then consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, and to it he added from time to time until within its boundaries were comprised seven hundred and twenty acres. He erected upon the farm a good dwelling, substantial barns, sheds and out-buildings, and became one of the prosperous agriculturists of the community. He was very successful as a wheat raiser and also in raising cattle and hogs, frequently feeding and fattening cattle for the market. He was very industrious and energetic, and these qualities brought him a handsome competence. He continued the operation of his farm until 1897, since which time it has been controlled by his sons.

On November 5, 1896, Mr. Myers was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who was a most estimable lady, greatly devoted to the interests of her family. Mr. Myers has served as a member of the school board for a number of years. He is now in possession of a competence, which, in the later years of his life, supplies him with comforts and luxuries. Mr. Myers has the satisfaction of knowing that his career has been an honorable and upright one, and that it has not been without the financial reward which should ever attend well-directed labor.