Onaga Doctors |
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TOPDR. CHARLES FLECKENSTEIN
The Fleckensteins have two daughters, Jean and Dorothy. Dr. Fleckenstein retired from practice in 1977. He delivered 2,500 to 3,000 babies in addition to all of his other medical duties. Drs. Fleckenstein and Walsh built the Onaga Clinic in 1959. TRIBUTE TO DR. CHARLES FLECKENSTEINIt was Onaga's gain and western Kansas' loss when you, Dr. Fleckenstein, came to our little town. You have had a long and successful career. During all of your time here you have faithfully served the professional and, in many cases, the personal needs of the people of this community. You have also become involved in our interests and helped build our town. It is a better place because you have lived here. You are really an inspiration because we all know you have had tremendous problems, obstacles and frustrations that are characteristic of your profession; yet you surmounted these difficulties without complaint. You have spent many nights at a sick one's bedside and brought many children into the world at night, only to rise and spend all of the next day at the office for six or seven days a week. You have borne much physical pain yourself to help others. You now have the well-wishes of this community for a long and happy retirement.
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DR. THOMAS CLARK HINKLE
Under the influence of his mother, he studied and was ordained to the ministry. He was married to Miss Roxanna E. Stevens of Stockton, KS, December 23, 1908, and took her to his first clergy appointment. After recovering from a nervous breakdown, he practiced medicine for 20 years, starting out at Baldwin, KS. It was here he began writing. He was pastor of the Congregational Church at Carbondale from 1927-1936; Onaga, 1936-1942; Little River, 1942-1944; and Onaga in 1944, until the time of his death. Sometimes he took a church, reserving the right to spend time writing and practicing medicine. While in Onaga, he assisted Dr. Fleckenstein and Dr. Walsh with surgery in the old hospital. The Hinkles had two sons, Dr. Roland T. Hinkle, who at the time of Dr. Hinkle's death, was associate professor at Cornell University; and Thomas C. Hinkle, Jr., a doctor of veterinary medicine, who was in charge of meat inspection at the St. Louis packing houses. His books, more than 24 in all, are published by William Morrow Company, New York, by two houses in London, another in France, as well as Germany, Norway and Denmark. His books kept selling over the years. They were used in the school during the 1940s and 1950s as supplemental reading in 45 states. Nearly every library in the United States has some of his writings. Many are still available. The Onaga Library has a set of these books. His stories for children are about horses and dogs. His first book, Tawny, a Dog of the Old West, was published in 1927. His book, Shag, the Story of a Dog, has been given a place in England in the King's treasures of English Literature. Some of his others are Black Storm, Pinto, Bing, Crazy Dog, Curly, Dusty and Blaze Face. He died from coronary thrombosis on May 13, 1949, at his home in Onaga. Mrs. Hinkle died at the home of her son in Caseyville, IL, December 8, 1949. Both of their funerals were held in the Congregational Church at Onaga. They were buried in the Wamego Cemetery.
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DR. JACOBSDr. Jacobs, a chiropractor, was in Onaga only a short time. He opened his office in the Tessendorf building on July 6, 1871. He, his wife and three little boys lived in the former Steve Bush residence.
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DR. CHRIS KOENTZDr. Chris Koentz served the community for many years. He came here in 1907. He was in the service during World War I, and then came back to Onaga for two years. From here he went to the Navaho Indian Reservations in Arizona and Idaho. He died in the early 1920s.
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DR. JOHN P. KOENTZJohn P. Koentz, M. D., was born in the Province of Gelderland, Holland, on January 27, 1823. He was educated in a medical college in Amsterdam. He came to America in 1849, and settled in Sheboygan County, Wisc., where he was in practice. In 1855, he came to Leavenworth, KS, where he lived for four years, and then moved to Pottawatomie County, where he practiced his profession, except when he was in the Army. In 1862, he enlisted in Company K of the Eleventh Kansas, and was promoted to Hospital Steward. He served in that capacity until the close of the war; he was acting Post Surgeon most of that time. He returned to his farm at the close of the war, and in 1880, he moved into the city of Onaga. He was married in October 1865, at Little Sant Fe, MO., to Miss Sarah M. White. They had three children: Walter William, Charles E., an Christian H. (Also see Koentz, Jan Petros below) _____________________________________________ Obituary KOENTZ, JAN PETROS DR. (NO DATE)
The deceased came to America in 1849, and lived at Sheboygan, Wisconsin, a short time after which he moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, remaining there until 1858 when he took up a homestead near this city, and has lived here continuously since, except three years spent in the War of the Rebellion, serving in Co. K, 11 th Kansas Volunteer regiment. He was married to Sarah Melmoth White in Jackson county, Missouri on September 23, 1865. To this union were born eight children, only three of whom together with the wife and mother are living. The surviving children are: William Walter, of Colorado, Charles Edward, and Dr. Christian Henry Koentz, of Onaga. Dr. Koentz was one of the early pioneers of this locality. Having come here in the early days he knew the hardships of the early settler. For several years he was the only physician in this locality and for miles around, and the trip was never too long, nor the day or night too cold or stormy for him to answer the summons for medical aid to his fellow man. We sometimes think that the physician of today has a hard life, but what must it have been in the days when the subject of this sketch was a practitioner? He was of a jovial disposition and was always laughing and cutting up with those with whom he came in contact. He was fond of children and never let an opportunity pass to play with the young folks when ever he met them. Even in his declining years he always noticed a little child and they learned to like and respect him. Several years ago, and after the infirmities of life overtook him, he was forced to give up the practice of his profession. The funeral services, conducted by the members of Custard Post, G.A.R., were held at the home of Dr. C. H. Koentz on Thursday afternoon, and was attended by a large concourse of sorrowing friends. Interment was given in the Onaga cemetery, beside the graves of the children who had preceded the father to the great beyond. CARD OF THANKS— To the many kind neighbors and friends, and especially to the members of the Grand Army of the Republic, who so nobly assisted during the extended illness, death and funeral of our beloved husband and father, we wish hereby to extend our heartfelt thanks. The Family (See John P. Koentz above)
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DR. R. C. LEINBACH
Expecting to be called into the service, he went to St. Mary's Hospital, Kansas City, as a resident physician. He was rejected for military service because of a bad heart condition. He began his practice at Onaga in the spring of 1919. His office was above the drug store on the east side of the street. He was president of the Pottawatomie County Medical Association and a member of the Kansas Medical and American Medical Associations. He was chairman of the Medical Examining Boards of Pottawatomie County during World War II. In 1933, he became a surgeon for the Union Pacific Railroad for the Onaga territory and held that position until his retirement. He was a history student. For twenty years, he has presented an award to the honor history student of the graduating class of the local high school. Roscoe C. Leinbach was born at Onaga, KS, on August 24, 1884, the son of Samuel E. Leinbach, who came here from Pennsylvania in 1867, and his mother, Lucy M. Fulton, who came with her parents from Illinois in 1866. He was united in marriage to Florence Huss on July 31, 1944. He passed away at his home after a lingering illness December 14, 1945.
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DR. D. C. MALCOLMFollowing the death of Dr. Wilson, Dr. D. C. Malcolm took over his practice, coming here in 1934. His offices were in the rear of the First National Bank Building. He served the community until 1937; at which time he left to pursue his specialty field of urology. He and his family moved to California.
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DR. JAMES E. MCMANIS He attended and was graduated in 1892, from park College Academy at Parkville, MO. Later, he attended medical college at Kansas City, MO, and completed the course in 1902. Shortly after his graduation, he came to Havensville to practice medicine. He was there for 45 years, except for one and one-half years while serving in World War I. Dr. McManis was a "horse and buggy" doctor. He served for miles around Soldier, Circleville, Holton, Corning, Centralia, Emmett, Westmoreland, Onaga and Havensville and wherever else he was called. He was very kind, gentle, and understanding. He established a trust fund for scholarships for qualified scholars, boys or girls, to help them with their education. I have been told that the interest is enough to pay the bills without using any of the principal. This shows his love and interest in the young people. He delivered me, Edna (McCloughan) Kocker, and both of my children, James H. Kocher, who was a namesake for Dr. James McManis, and Zona Marcella (Kocher) Eraas. If the mother was getting along fine, he always gave the baby its first bath and he loved every one of them. By Mrs. Edna Kocher
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DR. E. F. RICHARDSON
Brothers of Dr. E. F. Richardson were Dr. W. F. Richardson, a physician in Havensville; and T. J. Richardson, a banker in Circleville. He received his diploma from the Hospital College of Medicine in Louisville, KY. He also took courses of study in the Virginia State Medical College in Richmond, and the Kansas City Medical College. His original office was over The Exchange Bank, the bank being located where the old post office building now stands. Later he moved his office above the First National Bank, now Morrill and James Bank. He was married to Agnes Mary Bell, who was born in Shetland, Province of Ontario, Canada. Mrs. Richardson came from a large family of 11 children. She came to Kansas in 1877 and settled near Havensville where she attended school. She also attended Old Campbell College in Holton and taught school for a short time. She was married in Jackson County to Dr. Richardson in 1887. The Richardsons lived on the corner of 4th and Lucien and later built a home at 7th and Leonard, the home of the late Garland Myers. Dr. and Mrs. Richardson were the parents of five children: Lester, Kersey Richardson Miller; Forrest; Mayme Richardson Wegner; and Helen Richardson Riley.
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DR. LEON SHUMATE
Dr. Leon Shumate, an osteopathic physician, came to Onaga in 1930 and practiced in the community until 1959, when he moved to Wichita. His offices were in what is now Wayne Stallard's law office. He married Genevieve Berges, daughter of Louis and Cleo Berges. Dr. Shumate died in Wichita in the 1970s.
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DR. W. P. WILSONDr. W. P. Wilson and his wife, Lucie, moved to Onaga in 1906. He was in partnership with Dr. Richardson for a few years. The Wilsons had four children, Hugh, Helen, Clare, and Bill. He served the community well and was active in civic affairs. He died in 1933. Lucie moved to California; she died there.
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DR. EUGENE WALSHEULOGY The patients for whom he had cared had many praises for him and thought he was a wonderful doctor. That conviced me that he would be very good for this community. After much writing and phoning, he and Agnes finally agreed to come back to stay. It was a great day in 1948 when he, Agnes, and Little Julie arrived. They lived with us a short time until their furniture came and then moved into the house just north of the telephone building. Doc and Agnes liked Onaga as much as Onaga liked them and developed many friends in this and surrounding communities. His first office was in the old hospital on Leonard street where he practiced about five years. When the community began work on the new hospital, it was he who suggested we build a clinic close to it. Dr. Eugene had a brilliant mind. I know that when he was in grade school he was advanced one grade because he was too far ahead of the rest of the class. In addition to being an excellent student, he was also a brilliant doctor and very dedicated to his patients. He was a wonderful person to have around and a very nice person with whom to work. He was one of the best friends I have ever had. We worked together like brothers with never a quarrel. He had a great sense of humor and could always come up with a witty remark at the right time. People enjoyed visiting with him. Dr. Walsh not only served the community as a doctor but also in many other ways. In conjuction with Father Dougherty, he was influential in getting the present Catholic Church built and was a good and faithful pillar of that church and of the Knights of Columbus. He served on the city council and was a member of the school board when the district was enlarged and the new grade school was built. He was a wonderful husband and father. He taught his children love, loyalty and understanding, and saw that all of them received a good education and a good start in family and business life. It was a terrible blow when he learned his wife had cancer, but he took it like the man he was. It was only a short time after the death of Agnes that he developed symptoms that were found to be due to an incurable type of cancer. This second shock was more than most people would be able to bear but, again, Doc's character and religion helped him withstand his problems and he continued practicing medicine as long as possible. When this did occur, he accepted it with great fortitude. I think he has taught all of us how to die with courage and dignity. We shall all miss him greatly, but the results of his work here will be a constant reminder of him. I would like to finish by asking Doc to hold down the fort until we meet again. By C. S. Fleckenstein, M. D.
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DR. THOMAS EUGENE WALSHDr. Thomas Eugene Walsh was born June 3, 1948, at the old Onaga Hospital. He attended grade and high schools in Onaga, and graduated in 1966. He attended Notre Dame University, K. U. Medical School, and interned at St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, MO. He married Marcia Ellen Stewart on April 26, 1975. They have three children: David, Matthew and Molly. The family moved to Onaga and Dr. Walsh joined the practice of Dr. E. A. Walsh and Dr. Fleckenstein in July of 1975. |
Dr.
Charles S. and Martha Fleckenstein came to onaga from western
Kansas in 1937. They opened the first hospital in Onaga. He bought
the Charles Day residence. It was formerly one of the show places
of Kansas and stood on land granted by patent in 1860, to Jacob
Heiss by President Buchanan. He had it redecorated and rebuilt
for hospital convenience.
Dr.
Thomas Clark Hinkle was born in Laclede, IL, June 12, 1876. Before
he was two years old, his parents brought him to Kansas by covered
wagon and settled on a farm until he was seven years old. They
then moved to Junction City. He worked his way through the old
Kansas Medical College of Topeka by assisting in a Topeka blacksmith
shop after classes. Finishing his medical training, he practiced
for a few months, and then decided he wanted to be a musician.
He studied music for a year at Emporia State Normal.
Jan
Petros Koentz, was born at Wychen, Netherlands, on January 27,
1823, and died at his home in Onaga On April 26, 1911, aged 88
years, 2 months and 29 days. 
Dr.
Leinbach graduated from the Kansas City Medical College in 1907
and began his medical practice at Homewood, KS, later moving
on to Berryton, where he was at the beginning of the first world
war. 
Dr.
James E. McManis was born August 31, 1867, in Adams County, Ohio.
While in his teens, acting as driver, he accompanied a doctor
on his visits to the sick. Oftentimes at the doctor's request, "he
sat up" at night with the patients as was the custom at
that time. He became interested in that kind of work.
Dr.
E. F. Richardson was born in Richmond, VA, and came to Onaga
in 1883. He practiced in Havensville with his brother. Dr. W.
F. Richardson, before coming to Onaga. He practiced in Onaga
for 20 years. He was a member of the Legislature; a member of
the School Board; and Mayor for four years. He died of pneumonia
at the age of 44. 
One
of the best events that ever happened to me and this community
was the arrival of Dr. Eugene and Agnes Walsh. Their first trip
to Onaga was in August of 1947, after Dr. Eugene had agreed to
take my place for three weeks so I could have a vacation. I worried
about him while we were gone because that summer was one of our
hotter ones, but I learned through a letter that he was keeping
fairly cool by living in the basement and keeping a fan blowing
over a large cake of ice. In spite of what he had told me, I
noticed he was in quite a hurry to get out of here and back to
the coolness of Colorado.