Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 1091 - 1092

MRS. MARY M. KESSLER until quite recently resided on North Water street, Wichita, to which she retired from her farm, but now lives west of the city. She is the widow of Abram Kessler, who was born in Botetourt County, Va., in 1811, and died Sept. 3, 1884. He received a common-school education, and followed farming pursuits. He came to Kansas in 1875, and bought a quarter-section of land, afterward purchasing another quarter. He was much engaged in stock-growing. He and his wife were both members of the Lutheran Church. His first wife's name was Eliza Davis, and they were married May 9, 1835. She died in October, 1842. In November, 1844, he was again married, this time to Miss Mary M. Payner. She was born in Virginia in 1828, and was the daughter of Christian and Mary (Woods) Payner, natives of the same State. The father died in 1884, and the mother in 1873. Three children were the product of their union, Francis M., Doras D. and James H. Those by the second union were: Sarah C., deceased in childhood; Andrew also died in childhood; Ferdinand H. sought and won the hand of Hattie Dasher, and lives nine miles northwest of the city; Eliza L. married A. Craig; Christian W. died in childhood; Lorena also was called by the death angel in childhood; Missouri married Jasper Siever; George H. selected Miss Lilla Grandfield as a life partner; Loran L., Abram G., Charles N. and Adrian R.

 Mrs. Kessler thought city life more agreeable than on a farm after losing her companion, so she retired hither for her declining years. Her husband was a highly respected and prominent man in the community where be lived. His memory is revered and his influence for good survives him. In the church he took an active part, contributing liberally of his means to further its interests. A loving husband, a kind father, a good neighbor and worthy citizen. He was a devotee of Democracy, politically. Mrs. Kessler is the owner of five lots and a nice dwelling in the city of Wichita.

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