Peter J. Kaul (1835-1919)

From the Holton Recorder:

Peter Kaul was born July 4, 1835, at Wallbeckelhelm, Germany, and died at Holton, Kansas, Dec. 12, 1919, aged 84 years, 5 months, 8 days.

At the age of 17, he emigrated to America and settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he lived five years.  It was here that he was married on the 8th of October, 1856, to Marie Elizaabeth Reidenbach, with whom he moved one year later to New Frankfort, Missouri.  In 1884, he came to Holton, Kansas, where he has since lived.  In 1902, his wife preceded him in death.  His declining years were made pleasant by loving attention in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Grant (Magdalena) Arnold.

Seven children mourn his departure.  They are Jacob Kaul, Paxico, Kansas; Chas. Kaul, Holton; Mrs. R.C. (Elizabeth) Suppe, Clinton, Okla.; Mrs. Albert (Mary) Strowig, Paxico, Kan.; John Kaul, Holton; Mrs. Grant (Magdalena) Arnold, Holton; and Peter Kaul, Jr., Shreveport, La.  A sister, Mrs. H. Green of Ligonier, Ind., 44 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, as well as other relatives, also remain.

Father Kaul was comparatively well for one of his advanced years, until a little over two weeks ago, when he took cold and failed gradually until the time of his death, sinking quietly into that sleep, which means eternal rest.  

He was a man of strong convictions and with the courage to declare them; of good judgemnt and an honesty of purpose that won for him the respect and admiration of many friends.  

Religiously he was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, whose servant he was and whom he loved and served.  He appreciated the value of the church and was one of the foremost figures in the establishment of a religious organization in the newley settled community of New Frankfort, when that place became his home.  He was a prominent member of our Holton Evangelical Church during all the years of his residence here, holding various offices of trust and responsibility.

Funeral services were conducted at the Evangelical Church, Dr. J.S. Martin, Rev. J.J. Kliphardt and Rev. C.F. Kliphart participating.  The music was given by the following quartet- Miss Chrystine Stoll, Miss Ida Jacobs, Mr. Homer Solt and Mr. R.H. Abbuehl.  

 

The following was written by M. M. Beck, publisher of the Holton Recorder, in Holton, Kansas:

One of Peter Kaul's most prominent characteristics was his genuine Americanism.  Although born and raised in the Old Country, under a monarchial system of government, he was, after coming to America, as true to the principles upon which our government is founded as the needle to the pole.  Though he lived in Missouri, and was surrounded with neighbors whose sympathies were with the South, he remained intensely loyal to his adopted government and neither cajolement or threats could swerve him from his loyalty.  Sometimes, at the risk of his life, he felt called upon to stand up for the Union.

I have ben intimately acquainted with "Uncle Peter", as he was familiarly called by his friends and acquaintances, for nearly forty years, and I have never known a man who had more of the qualifications of a good citizen.  Everyone always knew where Peter Kaul stood on all important issues: political, moral, and religious.  There was no camouflage in his make up and yet he was always good natured and genial and seldom if ever made an enemy.

For three years he was a member of the Board of County Commissioners of the county, and to this important, but poorly remunerated, office he gave his time and best efforts without stint.  Although there were people who sometimes questioned his judgement, I think no one ever questioned his honesty or his faithfulness in serving the best interests of the taxpayers of his county.  

We have had few, if any, commissioners in this county who went out of this office, with its many responsibilities and requirements, with the confidence and respect of more people than did Peter Kaul.    

                                   

PETER KAUL, P.O., New Frankfort.

Mr. Kaul is the son of Jacob and Gerturde Kaul, and was born July 4, 1835, in Preussen, Germany. Early life was spent at school. In 1854 he came to the United States and settled in Milwaukee, where he remained until December, 1857, when he came to Saline County, and settled in New Frankfort. He now resides in the edge of the town, and is engaged in farming. He owns about 200 acres of good farming and pasture land. Mr. Kaul was married October, 1856 to Miss Mary Reidenbach, of Milwaukee. They have seven children, Jacob, Charles, Lizzie, Mary, John, Lena and Peter. Mr. Kaul is a member of the Evangelical Association. Was one mayor of New Frankfort. He is a man of energy, and has made a successful farmer.

Source: History of Saline County, St Louis Missouri Historical Company 1881.