W. F. Lerch

W. F. LERCH, deceased. This gentleman was one of the well-known farmers residing in Elm Grove township, Labette county, Kansas. He was born near Paris, Illinois, in 1862.

Mr. Lerch removed to Kansas in 1876, and settled in Elm Grove township, Labette. county, where he began farming. In 1892, he located on the farm which his wife now conducts, and there he carried on general farming until his death, which occurred in 1901. Mr. Lerch was a man of splendid qualities, and upright principles, and his death was sincerely mourned by all who knew him. He was well known and universally esteemed in the township in which he lived, and was always among the first to lend a helping hand in any public enterprise which tended toward the welfare of the community. Mr. Lerch was a Republican in politics, and took an active interest in local affairs. He was a member of the M. W. of A.

Mr. Lerch was united in marriage with Nellie G. Stewart. She came to Labette county with her parents, in 1878. William Stewart, her father, was born in Illinois, and now lives near Joplin, Missouri, where he follows the occupation of a farmer. Mr. Stewart married Margaret Johnson, who was a native of Ohio. They were the parents of two children, namely: Nellie, who married Mr. Lerch; and A. T., who now lives in California. Mr. Stewart bought the farm which is now owned by his daughter, and lived on it until 1893.

Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Lerch has been assisted in conducting the farm by her two sons, Carl B. and Albert L. Mrs. Lerch is a woman of many estimable qualities, and is a kind and charitable neighbor. She is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which she is an active worker.