HENRY JOHANN KROTH, immigrant from Germany with his sister who was older, came to a southern state. His naturalization papers were dated July 27, 1847, at Owen County, Kentucky. His wife, presumably a wealthy southern lady, the mother of William, their son, died.
In the journey north, which was influenced by the slave un- rest, which terminated later into the Civil War, Henry and his son came to Easton, Kansas.
The little village was near Fort Leavenworth which seethed with trouble supplied by the influx of travelers who crossed the Missouri border. Thq,slave question was uppermost in men's minds and terrible trouble was ready to break any time.
Henry Kroth shod horses and mules for the government and served his country this very important way.
The marriage of Henry to Louisiana Loughmiller took place in Easton - where the first 14 years of their married life was spent. William was Henry's son then 4 of their 10 children were born there. The eldest, Clinton, died an infant. The others were: Charley, Ella Victoria, and Frank.
Rumors of good land for homestead farther west allured them and they moved to a place on the banks of Cross Creek, West Jackson County. Here the other children were born.
There were only a few families in this area, but in the open country to the south a little country store, called Avoca, began to flourish. For a number of years it prospered and served the countryside in various ways.
Henry and Louisiana Kroth supplied the needs of their grow- ing family by careful planning and self forgetfulness. They gave serious thought to the rearing of their 6 sons and 3 daughters. They taught them respect and concern for religion and the ministers who came to serve the scattered group of settlers. Many times Henry donated to these needy men of God, who came long distances on horseback or by team and buggy. Neighbors were drawn together by common interests and needs.
The Kroths were good neighbors and banded with others to establish a church and a school that children could have education.
Old records show that Henry was on the building committee for Buck's Grove Church and kept account of donations and expenditures. He served on the school board when school was held in the area of the Heath home on the creek. For many years he served various offices after the new church was completed and the school house was changed As a good citizen he used his influence for the best, but his life was dedicated to his family and to the upbringing of his children. Because he loved them, he taught them how to work and how to think and study.
It is said that he was a sharp disciplinarian and would not accept anything short of honesty and temperance. Environment was clean and wholesome. The youth saw no smoking, no drinking, and they heard no squabbling or cursing. They grew into con-4 Next Page
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