Early Settlers – Peter and Sarah Young – St. Nicholas Cemetery, Kinsley, Edwards, Kansas

Peter Young, a cabinet maker, his wife Catherine, and six young children came from Germany in 1879. They settled on a homestead and timber claim south of Offerle, Ford County.

Peter and Sarah were both born in Germany. In 1833 and 1838 respectively. They were united in marriage in 1865. Those six children were Charles, Peter, Mary, Nicholas, John, and Baptist. They ranged in age from 12 to one year. The youngest, Fred, was born in Edwards County.

Sons, Nick, John and Baptist, and daughter, Mary, stayed in the area. Mary married John Fox in 1890. His parents were Mathias and Anna Schmitt Fox. Nick married Clara Shean and had several children. “Bab” married Adella McCarty and owned a photography business.

The Apr 6, 1900 issue of the Kinsley Graphic reports that “Peter Young’s house down on the Ford county line was destroyed by fire.” This could be the reason why Peter purchased a home and 42 lots in Kinsley Poole’s addition. Later, 34 of the lots were sold to the city for South Park use.1

Peter passed away on April 11, 1905. Catherine died on August 26, 1916. They are buried in St. Nicholas Cemetery with three sons and their families.

1The Kinsley-Edwards County Centennial p. 395