JOHN D. CHRISTIAN

JOHN D. CHRISTIAN is one of the leading farmers of Carlyle township, and one of the reliable citizens of Allen county, on whom have been conferred positions of public trust and responsibility. He was born in Parke county, Indiana, October 15, 1847, his parents being Robert and Mary M. (Gilkerson) Christian, both of whom were natives of Augusta county, Virginia. In 1835 they removed to Indiana, locating on the old homestead farm which is now in possession of their sons, John D. and Gilbert M., who are the only survivors in their family of five children. The latter resides in Rockville, Indiana, The father died in 1855, at the age of sixty-three years, and the mother's death occurred in 1898, when she had attained the advanced age of eighty-two years.

John D. Christian spent his boyhood days on the home farm and was educated in the common schools. He remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, when with the restless spirit of energy he

resolved to seek a business opening in the west, and made his way to Kansas in 1869. He found employment on a farm in Carlyle township, Allen county, and later was employed to herd cattle, following that pursuit until he had saved some money, when he entered into a partnership for the purpose of buying and selling cattle on his own account. He was thus engaged for eight years, during which time he had acquired through his own exertions a sum sufficient to enable him to purchase a tract of prairie land. This he at once began to improve and from time to time he has added to his first purchase, until now within the boundaries of his farm is comprised a tract of two hundred and forty acres, situated in Carlyle township, eight miles north of Iola. His place is well improved with modern accessories and conveniences, although not an improvement had been made upon the farm when it came into his possession. The entire place is a monument to his enterprise and the buildings stand in material evidence of his energy and diligence.

Mr. Christian was married in 1874 to Miss Rachel Dennis, but after three years of married life she was called to her final rest. In 1887 Mr. Christian wedded Miss Rosa McGurk, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Daniel and Sophia McGurk, who came to Kansas in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Christian have six children: Maggie, Robert, John, Cary, Edwin and Bernice.

In connection with his only brother Mr. Christian now owns the old home farm in Parke county, Indiana, comprising one hundred acres of valuable land adjoining Rockville, which is one of the wealthiest towns of its size in the Hoosier state. For eighteen years he filled the office of treasurer of Carlyle township, and in 1898 he was nominated and elected by a large majority on the Republican ticket for the office of county commissioner, which he has filled with satisfaction to his constituents. Over his official record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and his has been an honorable and upright career, in which he has gained and retained the warm friendship of many with whom he has been brought in contact.

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