Frederick T. Dienst

FREDERICK T. DIENST has been one of the leading farmers of Labette county since 1868, and resides in section 3, Labette township. He was born in Wayne county, Indiana, in 1853, and is a son of John H. and Henrietta (Gates) Dienst.

John H. Dienst was born in Germany, and was a tailor by trade. He married, Henrietta Gates, who was also born in Germany, and they reared eight children: John L. and Caroline E., both deceased; Benjamin F., who lives in Parsons, Kansas; Frederick T.; George E.; Daniel W.; Lola E.; and James M.

When Frederick T. Dienst was fifteen years old he moved with his father to Osage township, Labette county, where they lived for six years. They lived three miles from the notorious Benders, of that township. In October, 1873, Mr. Dienst left Kansas, and went to Indiana, where he lived for ten years, during which time he was engaged in farming. In 1883 he returned to Labette county, and located in Labette township, where he has since resided. He is a thrifty farmer, and has been very successful.

Mr. Dienst married Sarah E. Keck, who was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, in 1857. She is a daughter of F. Keck, who was a German farmer. He married Miss McNeal, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, and they reared two children, namely: Ellen and Sarah E. Mr. and Mrs. Dienst have had seven children, namely: Daisy E.; Hattie; Lola E.; Frank T.; Earnest R.; Robert 0.; and Mabel R.

Mr. Dienst is a public-spirited man, and has taken an active part in all township affairs. He has held the office of postmaster of Idenbro some time, and has served five years on the school board. He is a member of the Populist party, has been trustee of Labette township for one term, and served as justice of the peace for two years. Mr. Dienst is a Mason, and also belongs to the A. 0. U. W. and Court of Honor. He is widely known in the county, and is an honest, upright man.