John Kline

JOHN KLINE, one of the successful farmers of Cherokee County, who owns a fine farm of 240 acres, in section 9, township 33, range 24, in Crawford township, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, June 5, 1845, and is a son of David and Charlotte (Warrenfeltz) Kline.

The Kline family was established in Maryland by our subject's grandfather, who was a native of Germany. At his death his large property was divided among his children. David Kline was born in Maryland, followed farming and the business of getting out staves and shingles from the timber lands, on his property, and became one of the substantial men of his section. His death occurred in 1897, at the age of 80 years. His wife was also born in Maryland, where she died, aged about 70 years. The children of David and Charlotte Kline were 12 in number, as follows: Zephaniah, deceased; Hezekiah, who is engaged in fruit growing in Indiana; Rose Ann, who is the wife of John Trigg, and lives in Ogle County, Illinois; John, the subject of this sketch; Julia A., who is married and resides in Maryland; Simon Peter, who is a farmer in Crawford township, Cherokee County; Silas, who still resides in Maryland; Sarah, Mrs. Judy, who lives in Ohio; Mary, who resides in Maryland; Joshua, who is engaged in mining near Scammon, Kansas; Clara, who is married and lives on the old homestead in Maryland; and Sophronia, who died in Maryland.

The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm in Maryland, and obtained his mental training in the public schools. By hard work and close economy, he had acquired enough capital, by the time he reached his majority, to take him to Indiana. There he worked at farm work in Miami County for some years, and then went to Ogle County, Illinois, where he lived for three years prior to coming to Cherokee County, Kansas, which he reached in December, 1880. His success in farming and fruit growing has convinced him of the great advantages the agriculturists of this region enjoy. He has made all the fine improvements on his place, including the erecting of the excellent buildings, and has two orchards which promise well. He now has his farm under lease.

Mr. Kline was married in Cherokee County to Mary Forman, who was born in Indiana, and is a daughter of Jacob Forman, of Crawford township. He is a member of the German Baptist Church.

In politics, the subject of the sketch is a Democrat. When he lived in Indiana he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Kline is well known, and is considered one of the most upright and substantial men of Crawford township.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 3/11/97.