Pioneers of Hodgeman County, Kansas, and Founder of Jetmore, Fairmount Cemetery

Thompson S. Haun and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, came west in 1878 to Hodgeman County. Thompson surveyed and platted the town of Jetmore in 1882 where he named the streets after his friends. He instrumental in locating the county seat at Jetmore. He purchased lots in Jetmore and then donated land for the building of the county courthouse, a school, various churches, and the cemetery on the hill. But Thompson and Mary served in a more valuable role in promoting Jetmore and Hodgeman County. As a representative to the Kansas legislature, he was able to secure the building of the railroad to Jetmore. Jetmore and Hodgeman County was growing.

Thompson was born in the state of Iowa in 1850. He was the third child of six born to William G. and Notley Ann Blackburn Haun. William had faced the ups and downs in the business world. Thompson leaned toward the law and was admitted to the bar in 1873. Four years later, he married Elizabeth Best and in 1878, they came west. They lived a few weeks at Kinsley while dugouts were being constructed on their homestead.

In that dugout, their first son was born. In due time, a frame house was built where the three other children were born. William resumed his law practice but had to travel quite a distance which left Elizabeth home alone with four children. As more and more settlers came to the area, their roles changed.

The Haun household became the stopping place for anyone traveling to and from the railroad in Kinsley. Elizabeth freely gave of her time to provide food and shelter for anyone who needed help. As more and more settled in the area, the city and county boomed with riches. But as with all things, times turned bad. The Hauns lost their home, their prized horses, and cattle. People moved away as they were unable to pay their debts to the Hauns. It seemed like the only people who had money were the Civil War soldiers who received a pension from the government.

To make some money, Thompson traveled as far away as Pittsburg, Kansas to practice his law. The last ten years of his life were spent as a lawyer in Kinsley. Thompson Sanford Haun died at his home in Kinsley on February 12, 1920. Elizabeth stayed in Jetmore and lived with her son, Frederick. She passed away November 17, 1932 and is buried alongside her husband in Fairmount Cemetery.

Note: Thompson’s first wife was Caroline McClintock. They were married in 1874 in Clinton County, Iowa. Caroline died while giving birth to their son, Francis Haun. Caroline died on January 12, 1876, and Francis died 13 days later. They are both buried in Miller-Wilson Cemetery, Almont, Clinton County, Iowa.