Lot Pearcy Heck, the present sheriff of Saline county, is a native of West Virginia, and was born in West Union, Aug. 16, 1876, a son of Adam S. and Isabella (Pearce) Heck. The Heck family in America dates from the early settlement of Pennsylvania and our subject is a lineal descendant of Jacob Johanna Heck, one of the territorial governors of the Pennsylvania colony. Justus Heck, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the Continental line in the war of the Revolution, and was a pioneer in what is now Monongalia county, West Virginia. Adam S. Heck was a native of Monongalia county, West Virginia, where his grandfather was one of the first settlers. He was a farmer and in 1888 came to Kansas, locating at Gypsum City, Saline county, where he bought a large tract of land, and became a successful farmer and extensive cattle feeder. He was a deacon in the Baptist church, and in politics was a Democrat, but was not an aspirant for official honors. He died in 1909.

Lot P. Heck, of this review, received his education in the public schools of Gypsum City, and in the state normal school at Salina. After completing his education he taught two terms of school in Gypsum township, and then from 1898 to 1905 he engaged in farming and cattle feeding, with his father. On Jan. 5, 1905, he was made under-sheriff of Saline county, and in 1908 was elected sheriff as the Democratic candidate. He was reëlected to the office in 1910 and has proved one of the best men in this position in the state. Courageous and capable, he has become widely known through his activity and success as a thief-catcher. He is managing executor of his father's estate. As a farmer he is known for his sound and energetic business methods; as a citizen and an officer he is a man of unbending integrity, sound judgment, perseverance and courage, all of which qualities have contributed to make him one of the strongest and most popular citizens of Saline county. In fraternal circles his membership is with Salina Lodge, No. 60, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, with Salina Lodge, No. 28, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Oakdale Lodge, No. 384, Modern Woodmen of America.

On Feb. 26, 1908, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Roberta Huber, the widow of the late John Huber, and a daughter of Simeon L. Graham, a pioneer and prominent citizen of Chapman, Dickinson county. Mr. and Mrs. Heck have one daughter, Mellie Elizabeth, born Oct. 4, 1909. Both our subject and his wife are prominently identified with the social life of Salina, and are among its most popular participants. Arthur Curtis Huber, born June 14, 1897, is a son of Mrs. Heck by her first marriage. Mr. Heck died on Aug. 30, 1911. The funeral was held in the court room in the Saline county court-house, and his burial was in Dry Creek cemetery, near his old home.