W. S. Getzendaner

W. S. GETZENDANER, one of the early pioneers of Labette county, Kansas, has been located on his farm in Howard township, - the northeast quarter of section 14, township 35, range 17, - since the spring of 1869. He is a progressive citizen, and has contributed his share toward the great development of the county. He was born in Maryland, in 1849, and is a son of A. and Mary (Buckey) Getzendaner.

A. Getzendaner was born in Maryland and followed the business of a stockman and farmer. He married Mary Buckey, also a native of Maryland, and they reared eight children, as follows: W. H.; Anna W.; Laura V.; Marshall, deceased; W. S.; Mary; Fannie S.; and Milton E.

W. S. Getzendaner was thirteen years of age when he left his native state for Illinois, where he resided until he settled in Kansas, March 17, 1869. He immediately located on his present farm, and built a cabin, 10 by 12 feet in size, and also broke some ground the first year. He entered his claim in 1871, and has since carried on general farming and stock raising; his first market was at Chetopa. He has an excellent orchard of 40 acres, and has made many other improvements. His original cabin was replaced by his present two-story, eight-room, frame house, which was built twenty-six years ago. He has been a good manager, and his affairs are in a very prosperous condition. He is a man of high character, and enjoys the respect and esteem of all.

Mr. Getzendaner was united in marriage with Mary Mabry, who was born in Illinois, in 1854, and they have had two children: Frank; and Edmond, deceased. The subject of this sketch is a Democrat, in politics, and has served on the school board of his township. He belongs to the Anti-Horsethief Association; and is a member of Star Lodge No. 117, I. 0. 0. F., of Coffeyville, Kansas. Religiously, he is a Protestant.