John Francis Holten

JOHN FRANCIS HOLTEN, a dealer in harness, at Edna, Labette county, Kansas, has been identified with the growth and development of that city for a number of years. He was born in Ripley county, Indiana, in 1865, and is a son of W. H. and Eliza J. (Hayden) Holten.

W. H. Holten was a native of Indiana, where he lived until 1881, when he removed to Labette county, Kansas, and died at the age of sixty years, in 1893. His wife, who now lives at Edna, aged sixty years, is also a native of Indiana. They reared the following children, - John Francis; Emmet P., deceased; Margaret, who lives at Colorado Springs, Colorado; Anna (Hoole) and Mattie, of Colorado Springs; and Bertha, who is a clerk in the Condon mercantile store at Edna. By a previous marriage with Miss B. Waggoner, W. H. Holten reared the following children: W. A., of Ripley county, Indiana; Vedantus, of Edna, Kansas; Calvin, deceased; H. L., of Elm Grove township; and Sarah J. (Brown).

John Francis Holten attended the schools at Edna, and later the county normal school, and studied one term at Parsons. Afterward, he taught in Labette county for four years. In 1891, he engaged in his present business, - carrying a general stock of harness, vehicles, and saddlery. The building he first occupied was destroyed by fire, in 1892, and a stock company was formed to erect the present building, Mr. Holten now owns the entire stock. He employs two men to assist him, and has a large patronage. Mr. Holten is a mechanic by trade. He does a first class business, and carries a fine line of goods. He deals honestly and openly with all, and has many friends in the county.

Mr. Holten married Jessie Keeler, who was born in Elm Grove township, and is a daughter of Capt. C. M. Keeler, an old settler of Labette county. She has two sisters here, - Mrs. Ida Martin, who is ex-county superintendent of schools, and Flora (Stone), who lives on a farm in Howard township. Two brothers reside at Gravett, Arkansas, and are engaged in the fruit business. Mr. and Mrs. Holten have one daughter, - Florence Esther, - aged five years.

Mr. Holten has a new home on Labette street. In politics, he is a firm Republican, has served in the city council, and is at present serving as city treasurer. He is district deputy grand master of Edna Lodge, No. 368, I. 0. 0. F. He is also banker of the Edna Camp, M. W. of A., and his wife Is a member of both auxiliaries. Both are members of the Presbyterian church.