My Genealogy Hound

JOHN T. BAYER has spent almost his entire life in Woodson County. He was born in New York city, on the 21st of July, 1865, a son of John H. and Dorothea (Teleke) Bayer. The father was born in Hanover, Germany, in April, 1836, and in 1850, when fourteen years of age, crossed the briny deep to the United States, locating first in New York. He afterward spent one year in South Carolina and subsequently resided in Connecticut, but finally returned to New York city, where he engaged in the butchering business. Success attended his efforts there, for when he returned to the metropolis his capital consisted of only four dollars and when he came from the Empire state to Kansas he brought with him a sum of money sufficient to enable him to purchase a good farm in Owl Creek township, where he has since made his home, being now recognized as one of the thrifty farmers and enterprising citizens of the community. His wife is also a native of Germany, her birth place being in the province of Hanover. Unto them have been born four children, as follows: Frederick H.; John T.; Rebecca E., widow of William H. Lepmann and a resident of Santa Anna, California, and Gusta H., wife of W. H. Stockebrand.

Brought to Woodson County during his infancy, Mr. Bayer has throughout his entire life been identified with agricultural pursuits here. He assisted in the work of the farm when not attending school, his education being acquired in the district schools near his home and in the Fort Scott Normal. He remained at home until twenty-eight years of age, and then completed his arrangements for a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Carrie J. Shotts, a daughter of D. T. Shotts, of Owl Creek township, Woodson County. The wedding was celebrated on the 14th of June, 1893, and their home has been blessed with the presence of three children: Theodore L. and Frederick H., twins, and Dorothy. The little ones add life and sunshine to the household and contribute much to the happiness of the parents. Like his father Mr. Bayer is a stalwart Republican, having supported the party since casting his first presidential vote for Benjamin Harrison in 1888. For a period of six years he has served as clerk of the school board, and is a warm friend of education, doing what he can for the advancement of the schools. He is a man of diligence, not afraid of work, and has found that industry is the essential basis of all success.