My Genealogy Hound

LOUIS H. KAHRS, Chief of Police at Sedalia, is very popular among his fellow-citizens, being a leader in the circles of the Republican party. He was nominated by that party to his present position in April, 1894, to serve for a two-years term, and it is now about ten years since he entered the police force, having been given a place by Mayor Rickman. At the end of two years he resumed his business affairs, but in 1887 was again appointed policeman by Mayor E. W. Stevens, keeping steadily on his round of duty for four years, or until his resignation in 1892.

Our subject was born in Lake Creek Township, Pettis County, November 30, 1858. His father, Cord Kahrs, a native of Germany, born near Hanover, emigrated to America in 1833, and became a well known farmer of Lake Creek Township. In 1873 he retired from business and dwelt in this city until his death, which occurred in 1886, when in his eightieth year. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Kahrs, though she was not a relative. She also was born in the Fatherland, and died early in life, leaving seven children, only four of whom now survive.

L. H. Kahrs, the youngest in his father’s family, was reared on a farm, and attended the district school of the neighborhood. In the fall of 1873 he came to Sedalia and attended a public school for two years, and in 1876 entered the State University at Columbia, where he was a student for a year. On his return home he engaged in the grocery business with Henry Kruse, at the corner of Fifth and Ohio Streets. They continued under the firm name of Kruse & Kahrs for two years, when the latter sold out and entered the employ of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, becoming a practical boiler-maker. After several years spent in this trade, his service in the police department commenced. He won the confidence of all by his strict attention to duty, and this was amply shown when they bestowed fresh honors upon him. A charter member of Sedalia Branch No. 113, Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Iron Ship-builders, he served as its first President. He was also a charter member of the Royal Tribe of Joseph.

The pleasant home of Mr. Kahrs at No. 1,302 Lamine Avenue is presided over by his faithful companion and helpmate along life’s journey. In December, 1882, in Sedalia, occurred his marriage with Miss Mary Wittlinger, a native of Illinois, although she was reared in Pettis County. The couple have two bright children, named, respectively, Bessie and Cora.