From A
Biographical History of Central Kansas, Vol. II, p. 901
published by The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago & New York, 1902
C. H. LOUTZENHISER
One of the well improved and desirable properties of Galt township, Rice county, is the property of C H Loutzenhiser. He is one of the early pioneers of this locality, having located in Rice county in August, 1879, and he has ever since borne his part in the work of improvement and upbuilding which has been carried on here. He was born in Logan county, Illinois, near Lincoln, on the 10th of February, 1848. His paternal grandfather, John Loutzenhiser, was of Pennsylvania-German descent and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was noted for his patriotic spirit and for his industry and honesty. His death occurred in Missouri. His son, Jacob Loutzenhiser, the father of our subject, was born and reared in Pennsylvania. When ten years of age he removed to Ohio, and in Hancock county, that state, he was united in marriage to Arvilla McKinley, a native of the Buckeye state and a daughter of William McKinley, of Scotch descent. After his marriage Mr Loutzenhiser removed to Logan county, Illinois, locating near Middletown. In 1860 he removed to Mercer county, Missouri, and at the outbreak of the Civil war he became a stanch Union man, having been the first man in Mercer county, to raise a company for service. He was a gallant soldier throughout the entire struggle, and his company was known as the Merrill’s Cavalry Company. He has now reached the ripe old age of eighty-three years, and during his long and useful career he has won the love and veneration of many friends, who esteem him for his sterling worth and uprightness of character. He is a strong advocate of Republican principles and is a worthy member of the Baptist church. His wife has passed the seventy-third milestone on the journey of life, and of the Methodist church she is a worthy representative, exemplifying her Christian belief in her every day life. This worthy couple have had eight children. One daughter, Maud, died in Trenton, Missouri and Arvilla, Grant, Sherman and Francis died when quite young. The living children are: Charles H, the subject of this review; David, who is a minister in the Baptist church and is now living in Mercer county, Missouri; and Hanna Helen, also of Missouri.
Charles H Loutzenhiser spent the first twelve years of his life in Logan county, Illinois, and he then accompanied his parents on their removal to Mercer county, Missouri. He was reared to the quiet pursuits of the farm, and during the war he saw much active service near his home. He attended school in Nevada, Ohio, receiving a good education, and during nine winter terms he was a successful and popular teacher in Mercer county, Missouri. On the 12th of April, 1874, in Mercer county, he was united in marriage to Barbara Spidle, who was born in Ohio, but was reared and educated in Missouri. She is a daughter of David and Margaret (Palmer) Spidle, both natives of Mercer county. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Sarah, Barbara, Anthony, John, James, Rachel and Louisa J. The father of this family has followed farming as a life occupation, is a Democrat in his political views, and is a member of the Dunkard church. The union of Mr and Mrs Loutzenhiser has been blessed with ten children, five sons and five daughters, as follows: Claude, who operates the old homestead; Fifthen, who is married and resides in Victoria township, Rice county; Myrtle; Otto, who is also engaged in farming the homestead; Olive; John; Dott; Minnie; Ada; and William McKinley. Otto is now a successful teacher near Frederick, Kansas.
The year 1879 witnessed the arrival of Mr Loutzenhiser in Rice county, Kansas. In 1901 he purchased the farm on which he now resides, which is located on section 16, Galt township, one and one half miles northeast of Geneseo. He also owns another tract of one hundred and sixty acres. His residence is a large and commodious structure, containing fourteen rooms and a rock cellar. Mr Loutzenhiser affiliates with the Republican party, and on that ticket he has been elected to the offices of treasurer and clerk of his township. For a number of years he has served as a deacon in the Christian church, in which he is an active and zealous member. His long residence in Kansas classes him among the honored pioneers of the state, and he has aided in laying the foundation for the present prosperity and progress of this portion of the commonwealth.