My Genealogy Hound

HENRY SCHLICHTING. That Henry Schlichting is one of the most popular and representative citizens of Yates Center is indicated by the fact that in 1900 he was re-elected to the office of mayor of the city without opposition, and certainly the choice was wisely made for he is a practical business man, deeply interested in the welfare of his adopted town and his devotion to the public good is above question.

A native of Hanover, Germany, Mr. Schlichting was born on the 18th of September, 1856, and when only two years old was brought to America world and took up his abode in Calhoun county, Illinois. There he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1865, when he was forty years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Isabel Heinsom. She is now Mrs. Wintien and resides in Crawford county, Kansas. The children of her first marriage were: Henry; Gasha, wife of John Fredrick, of Crawford county, Kansas; John, and Harman C., also of the same county.

Henry Schlichting spent his youth and early manhood on the home farm and entered upon his business career as a clerk in Hamburg, Calhoun county, Illinois, where he remained for a year. In 1880 he came to Hepler, Crawford county, Kansas, and engaged in clerking for John Viets, remaining in his employ for about ten years, after which he embarked in business with his father, Clause Schlichting, who with his family emigrated to the new on his own account, as a partner of his former employer, Mr. Viets. This association was continued until 1893, when it was dissolved, Mr. Schlichting going to Weir City, Kansas, where he accepted a clerkship in a store belonging to a coal mining company. In 1895 he entered the employ of Davis & Company, hay and grain dealers at Fort Scott, and the same year was sent by them to Yates Center to manage their business here. He also carries on business for himself as a dealer in coal, flour and mill feed and enjoys a good trade in that line, his patronage steadily increasing as time passes.

On the 7th of December, 1884, in Crawford county, Kansas, Mr. Schlichting was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Alice Johnson, a daughter of David Johnson, who came from Pennsylvania to the west. Mrs. Schlichting was born in Iowa, December 7, 1861, and by her marriage has become the mother of four children: Melissa, Edith, David C., Florence A. and Henry G. The hospitality of the best homes is extended to the family and their many friends may always be sure of a cordial and friendly greeting in the Schlichting residence. In his political views Mr. Schlichting been a stalwart republican since casting his first vote for James A. Garfield and since coming to Yates Center he has been honored with various public offices of trust. In 1897 he was elected a member of the city council, was re-elected in 1898, and in 1899 was chosen by popular vote mayor of the city. He filled the office so capably that in 1900 he was re-elected- a fitting recognition of his ability and fidelity and an unmistakable evidence of his personal popularity and worth for he had no opponent. He has secured many needed improvements and reforms and has promoted the welfare of the city along various lines. In Masonry he has attained the Royal Arch degrees, and has filled most of the offices in lodge and chapter.