Story of Sophia Meyer Westerhouse Siblings

Sophia had an older brother, William, two younger sisters Minnie and Matilda, one younger brother Charles.

*Story of William Herman Meyer & Ella V Anderson*

William was born 29 Oct 1867 in Hesper, Eudora, Douglas, Kansas. He was the older brother of Sophia. During 1875 and at the age of eight, William moved with his family from Hesper, Eudora, Douglas, Kansas to Big Spring, Montgomery, Missouri. The Grasshopper Plaque of 1874 and other harsh weather events were too much for the family to live in the area. Big Spring was where his uncle, Henry Edler (first husband of Mary Westerhouse), and aunt, Katie Edler (wife of Henry Westerhaus) lived. 

William's father, Hermann Meyer, died at the age of 51 on 17 Aug 1888 when he was twenty-one years old. William and all his siblings (Sophia, Wilhelmina, Matilda, Charles) were still living at home. His mother, Amalia Meyer, remarried Frederick Meyer 18 Oct 1890, and he brought four children into the marriage and home (Anna, Albert, Charles, Oscar). 

The 1910 federal census shows William,, age 39, married for ten years, own mortgaged farm, works as farmer. Describes Ella, wife, age 30, married for ten years, two children born, two children living, not working. Lists children, Herman and Viola, age 8 and 2, Herman was going to school.

1910 federal census for Bear Creek, Montgomery, Missouri 

(William Meyer household)

Ella Anderson Meyer died at their farm in High Hill, Bear Creek, Montgomery, Missouri 1 Feb 1918 at the age of 37.

Ella Meyer obituary (Montgomery County Leader) - 8 Feb 1918

 

After Ella's death, William spent his life farming until ill health forced his retirement in 1931.  At that time, he lived with son, Sterling Meyer and family in St Louis, Missouri until death.

William Meyer obituary (Montgomery Standard) - 27 Jul 1941

William and Ella Meyer gravestone 

at Mount Pleasant Cemetery (High Hill, Missouri)

Based on William’s Obituary, he was a highly respected citizen in the High Hill, where he served as steward on the church board.  He was a member of the Pine Hall school board and served in this capacity for many years.

*Story of Wilhelmina Matilda Meyer & John Henry Zweifel*

Wilhelmina was born 21 Dec 1870 in Hesper, Eudora, Douglas, Kansas. She went by the name Minnie and was a younger sister of Sophia. During 1875 and at the age of five, Minnie moved with her family from Hesper, Eudora, Douglas, Kansas to Big Spring, Montgomery, Missouri.  The Grasshopper Plaque of 1874 and other harsh weather events were too much for the family to live in the area.  Big Spring was where her uncle, Henry Edler (first husband of Mary Westerhouse), and aunt, Katie Edler (wife of Henry Westerhaus) lived. 

Minnie's father, Hermann Meyer, died at the age of 51 on 17 Aug 1888 when she was eighteen years old. Minnie and all her siblings (William, Sophia, Matilda, Charles) were still living at home. Her mother, Amalia Meyer, remarried Frederick Meyer 18 Oct 1890, and he brought four children into the marriage and home (Anna, Albert, Charles, Oscar). 

Minnie Meyer and John Henry Zweifel - marriage license - 16 Mar 1895

John Henry and Minnie Zweifel

The 1900 federal census shows John, born Mar 1870, age 30, married for five years, born in Missouri, renting farm, working as farmer. Describes Minnie, wife, born Dec 1870, age 29, married five years, three children born, one child living, born in Missouri (actually Kansas). Lists child, Selma, daughter, born Feb 1900.

1900 federal census for New Florence area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri

(John Zweifel household)

The 1920 federal census shows John, age 49, married, born in Missouri, own mortgaged farm, working as farmer. Describes Minnie, wife, age 49, married, born in Kansas, not working. Lists children, Selma and William and Herbert, ages 19 and 13 and 10, William and Herbert going to school.

1920 federal census for New Florence area of Danville, Montgomery, Missouri

(John Zweifel household)

The 1930 federal census shows John, age 60, married at age 24, born in Missouri, own farm, working as farmer. Describes Minnie, wife, age 59, married at age 24, born in Kansas, not working. Lists son, William, age 23, single, working as farmer.

1930 federal census for New Florence area of Danville, Montgomery, Missouri

(John Zweifel household)

John died 12 May 1938 in New Florence, Danville, Montgomery, Missouri. 

John Henry Zweifel obituary (Montgomery County Leader) - 20 May 1938

After John Henry died, Minnie continued to live on the farm. Her son, William and his family lived with her on the farm. 

The 1940 federal census shows Minnie, age 69, widow, completed sixth grade, born in Kansas, own farm valued at $700. Describes William, son, age 33, married, completed seventh grade, working as farmer. Lists Allie, William’s wife, age 31, married, completed seventh grade. Lists Melb Jean, William and Allie’s daughter, age 1.

1940 federal census for New Florence area of Danville, Montgomery, Missouri

(Minnie Zweifel household)

Minnie died 23 Mar 1952 in New Florence, Danville, Montgomery, Missouri.

Minnie Zweifel obituary (Montgomery Standard) - 3 Apr 1952

John Henry and Minnie Zweifel gravestone 

at Big Spring Methodist Church Cemetery (Big Spring, Missouri)

*Story of Matilda Christian Meyer & Richard Kopp*

Matilda was born 26 Jan 1873 in Hesper, Eudora, Douglas, Kansas. She was a younger sister of Sophia. During 1875 and at the age of two, Matilda moved with her family from Hesper, Eudora, Douglas, Kansas to Big Spring, Montgomery, Missouri.  The Grasshopper Plaque of 1874 and other harsh weather events were too much for the family to live in the area.  Big Spring was where her uncle, Henry Edler (first husband of Mary Westerhouse), and aunt, Katie Edler (wife of Henry Westerhaus) lived. 

Matilda's father, Hermann Meyer, died at the age of 51 on 17 Aug 1888 when she was fifteen years old. Matilda and all her siblings (William, Sophia, Wilhelmina, Charles) were still living at home. Her mother, Amalia Meyer, remarried Frederick Meyer 18 Oct 1890, and he brought four children into the marriage and home (Anna, Albert, Charles, Oscar).

Richard family immigrated from Prussia before settling on a farm in Danville area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri.

The 1870 federal census shows Richard, son of John and Hannah Kopp, age 12, attending school, born in Prussia.

1870 federal census for Danville area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri 

(John Kopp household)

The 1880 federal census shows Richard, age 21, living with the Lichte household as a hired hand, single, working as laborer, born in Prussia.

1880 federal census for Lower Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri 

(Frederick Lichte household)

Richard was married two times before marrying Matilda in 1896. No more details are known about these marriages.

Matilda Meyer and Richard Kopp marriage license - 5 Dec 1896

Matilda and Richard Kopp

The 1900 federal census shows Richard, born Sep 1859, age 40, married for three years, born in Germany, own farm free of mortgage, working as farmer. Describes Matilda, wife, born Jan 1873, age 27, married for three years, zero children born and living, born in Missouri (actually Kansas). Lists Ida, daughter, born Oct 1887, age 12, single, attending school. John, servant, born 1868, age 31, single, born in Ohio, working as farm labor.

1900 federal census for Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri (Richard Kopp household)

The 1910 federal census shows Richard, age 50, married for thirteen years, born in Germany, immigrated in 1865, naturalized, own farm free of mortgage, working as farmer. Describes Matilda, wife, age 37, married for thirteen years, two children born and living, born in Kansas, not working. Lists children, Mable and Eva, ages 9 and 7, both attending school.

1910 federal census for Danville, Montgomery, Missouri 

(Richard Kopp household)

The 1930 federal census shows Richard, age 70, married for 24 years, born in Germany, immigrated in 1865, naturalized, own farm free of mortgage, working as farmer. Describes Matilda, wife, age 56, married for 24 years, born in Kansas, not working.

1930 federal census for Danville, Montgomery, Missouri 

(Richard Kopp household)

Richard died 6 Feb 1934 in Danville, Montgomery, Missouri at his farm.

Richard Kopp obituary (Montgomery County Leader) - 9 Feb 1934

After Richard died, Matilda moved in with her daughter, Mabel and family in Danville.

The 1940 federal census shows Matilda Kopp, Mother-in-law, age 67, widow, completed eight grade, born in Kansas.

1940 federal census for Danville, Montgomery, Missouri 

(Weltner Stuart household)

Matilda died 20 Oct 1964 at University of Missouri Medical Center, Columbia, Boone, Missouri.

Matilda Kopp obituary (Montgomery Standard) - 29 Oct 1964

Matilda and Richard Kopp gravestone 

at Big Spring Methodist Church Cemetery (Big Spring, Missouri)

*Story of Charles Frederick Meyer & Jessie Mabel Coil*

Charles was born 25 Jan 1877 in Big Spring, Danville, Montgomery, Missouri. He was the younger brother of Sophia.

Charles's father, Hermann Meyer, died at the age of 51 on 17 Aug 1888 when he was eleven years old. Charles and all his siblings (William, Sophia, Wilhelmina, Matilda) were still living at home. His mother, Amalia Meyer, remarried Frederick Meyer 18 Oct 1890, and he brought four children into the marriage and home (Anna, Albert, Charles, Oscar). 

Before marriage, The 1880 federal census shows Jessie, daughter of Edward and Julia Coil, age 1. Lists a much older brother, Eugene, age 26, working as laborer.

1880 federal census for Lower Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri 

(Edward Coil household)

The 1900 federal census shows Jessie living with her widowed grandmother, born Jan 1879, age 21, single, working as servant.

1900 federal census for Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri 

(Louisa Niedergerke household)

Charles Meyer and Jessie Coil marriage certificate - 29 Aug 1902

Jessie and Charles Meyer

The 1910 federal census shows Charles, age 33, married for seven years, born in Missouri, renting farm, working as farmer. Describes Jessie, wife, age 31, married for seven years, two children born, two children living, born in Missouri, not working. Lists children Vernon and Victor, ages three and two. Lists Charles mother, Mollie, living with them, age 64, widow, renting the farm she owns to Charles.

1910 federal census for Big Spring area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri

(Charles Meyer household)

The 1920 federal census shows Charles, age 42, married, born in Missouri, renting farm, working as farmer. Describes Jessie, wife, age 40, married, born in Missouri, not working. Lists children Vernon and Victor and Ruth, ages 13 and 11 and 4. Lists Charles mother, Mollie, living with them, age 75, widow, un-naturalized, renting the farm she owns to Charles.

1920 federal census for Big Spring area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri

(Charles Meyer household)

The 1930 federal census shows Charles, age 53, married at age 25, born in Missouri, renting farm, working as farmer. Describes Jessie, wife, age 51, married at age 23, born in Missouri, not working. Lists daughter, Ruth, ages 14, attending school. Lists Charles mother, Mollie, living with them, age 83, widow, renting the farm she owns to Charles.

1930 federal census for Big Spring area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri

(Charles Meyer household)

The 1940 federal census shows Charles, own farm, house value $1200, age 63, married, completed senior year in high school, born in Missouri, working as farmer, works 60 hours per week. Describes Jessie, wife, age 61, married, completed eigth grade, born in Missouri, doing housework. 

1940 federal census for Big Spring area of Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri

(Charles Meyer household)

Charled died 5 Jan 1947 in Big Spring, Loutre, Montgomery, Missouri at his farm.

Charles Meyer obituary (Montgomery County Leader) - 10 Jan 1947

Jessie died 29 Jul 1959 at her sons home, Victor Meyer in Danville, Montgomery, Missouri.

Jessie Meyer obituary (Montgomery Standard) - 6 Aug 1959

Charles and Jessie Meyer gravestone 

at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery (Big Spring, Missouri)

Story of Hazel Marie Lamont and Kenneth Frank Heizer

 

Hazel Lamont was the oldest child of Edwin and Cora Lamont. Hazel Lamont was born 26 Sep 1898. 

Hazel lived her first five years at a 160-acre school land homestead that her father, Edwin, acquired at the Northwest Quarter of Section 32, Township 22S, Range 13W (SE Corner of NW 100th & NW 20th, South Seward, Stafford, Kansas). The farm was located west and south of AJ Williamson and Ida Lamont Williamson two farms. Ida was Edwin’s older sister and Hazel’s Aunt. They had four children, with the youngest, Ivan, being about the same age as Hazel and Margaret.

(L-R) Hazel Lamont, Ivan Williamson, Margaret Lamont- 1902

At the age of five, Hazel moved with her family to an 80-acre farm in the Chester area of Sarcoxie, Jefferson, Kansas during April 1903.  The farm was located at 2180 Republic Road in the Chester community of Sarcoxie, Jefferson, Kansas.  Hazel and her sister, Margaret, helped with farming chores and house duties.  She attended the Chester one-room school near her home and graduated from eighth grade.  After passing the county exam on 14 May 1914, she was promoted to high school.  Hazel moved with her family into town, located at 701 Missouri Street, Lawrence, Douglas, Kansas, while her father continued to farm the land in Chester.  She attended Lawrence high school between September 1914 and May 1915 for her freshman year.

In the summer of 1915, Hazel moved with her family to a homestead farm in Caddoa, Bent, Colorado.  They moved their belongings on a flatbed rail car and traveled by train.  The family struggled to survive because of the drought conditions.  Hazel attended high school at Bent County high school between September 1915 and June 1918.  Her 1918 senior yearbook describes her as Senior Assistant Editor, singing the first alto in Glee Club, author of the Senior Class Will, Played Anne Ellenville in "Anne of Old Salem", Played Maggie, the maid in "My Cousin Timmy".  Hazel graduated from high school May 1918.  After graduation, she worked as a bank clerk at the First National Bank in Las Animas, Bent, Colorado. Hazel and Margaret returned to Lawrence, Douglas, Kansas, after Margaret graduated from High School in Jun 1919. The 1920 federal census from Lawrence show Hazel living with her parents, Edwin and Cora, age 21, single, working as bank teller.

Hazel Lamont - 1918 Bent County High School Yearbook

1920 federal census for Lawrence, Douglas, Kansas (Edwin Lamont household)

As a young boy, Kenneth worked on his parents' ranch near Las Animas, Bent, Colorado. Kenneth’s father, Robert, died in 1911 when he was thirteen years old. His uncle, Donald Heizer, owned and operated the ranch at that time.  Kenneth and his two brothers helped with ranch duties the best they could, while their mother, Nelle, handled house duties. Kenneth attended high school at Bent County high school between September 1915 and June 1918 and was in the same class as Hazel (class of 1918). While in high school he excelled in sports and graduated May 1918. After graduation, he continued working on the family ranch. 

Kenneth Heizer - 1918 Bent County High School Yearbook

1918 Bent County High School Roster

Kenneth registered for the World War I draft 12 Sep 1918. The front side of card shows name Kenneth Frank Heizer, home 629 Grove, Las Animas, Bent, Colorado. Age 20, birth 20 Aug 1898, citizen natural-born, race white, occupation student. Nearest relative Nellie Heizer at 629 Grove, Las Animas, Bent, Colorado. The back side of card shows height tall, build slender, eyes blue, hair brown.

Kenneth WWI draft card (front)

Kenneth WWI draft card (back)

The 1900 Federal census shows the family living on the ranch. The 1910 Federal census describes the family living in Las Animas at 889 Ash Avenue. Kenneth’s WWI draft card and 1920 Federal census lists the family living in Las Animas at 629 Grove Avenue in Las Animas. It appears the family lived in Las Animas and went out the ranch as needed.

The 1900 federal census shows Kenneith, son, born Aug 1898, age 1. His father, Robert, described born Jun 1863, age 36, married for 15 years, working as farmer, owns farm with mortgage. His mother, Nellie, described born Jan 1865, age 35, married for 15 years, 4 children born, 2 children living.

1900 Federal Census for Precinct 5, Bent, Colorado (Robert Heizer household)

The 1910 federal census shows Kenneith, son, age 11, attending school. His father, Robert, described as age 46, married at age 25, working as farmer, owns house free of mortgage. His mother, Nellie, described as age 46, married at age 25, 5 children born, 3 children living. Lists family living at 889 Ash Avenue.

1910 Federal Census for Las Animas, Bent, Colorado (Robert Heizer household)

The 1920 federal census shows Kenneith, son, age 21, single, working as lumber company salesman. His mother, Nellie, age 54, widow, own house free of mortgage at 629 Grove Avenue.

1920 Federal Census for Las Animas, Bent, Colorado (Nellie Heizer household)

Hazel returned to Colorado in early 1920 to marry Kenneth Frank Heizer 21 May 1920 in Las Animas.  After marriage, they had a honeymoon to California.  They both had just graduated from Bent County high school in 1918.  Kenneth went by Ken. Hazel and Ken made their home on the ranch after marriage. 

Hazel Lamont and Kenneth Heizer marriage license - 20 May 1920

Hazel Lamont and Kenneth Heizer Wedding announcement 

Lawrence Journal World – 25 May 1920

Hazel gave birth to Margaret Neil 4 Mar 1921 and Kenneth Edwin 8 Feb 1924, at the Heizer ranch located on Folton Lane in Rixey, Bent, Colorado.  The 1930 federal census shows them renting the ranch, Ken raising cattle, and Hazel not working.  

Margaret Neil birth announcement (Lawrence Journal World) - 21 Mar 1921

1930 Federal Census for Rixey, Bent, Colorado (Kenneth Heizer household)

Family stories tell of Ken sheering a herd of sheep in the spring, followed by ice and snowstorm where all the sheep were lost.  Other stories tell of Ken having a cattle herd, but a fire caused a stampede.  They lost the ranch because of dust storms and the depression, which forced them to move to Colorado Springs during 1936.  

Hazel Heizer in white dress observing cattle roundup - 1920

Family stories describe Ken and Hazel loading a horse trailer with all their belongings and moving to Colorado Springs, El Paso, Colorado.  Hazel shared that many of the women who lived in these isolated houses went crazy during the dust storm era and she felt fortunate to move to Colorado Springs.  

1936 Colorado Springs city directory lists them living at 1017 North Cedar Street in Colorado Springs and Kenneth working as Supervisor for the US Rural Rehabilitation Division of Resettlement Administration.  

Hazel and Kenneth Heizer home at 1017 North Cedar in Colorado Springs - 2017

The 1940 federal census shows them living in a downtown apartment (converted three-story house), located at 808 North Tejon Street, one block north of Colorado College in Colorado Springs.  Ken was working as an agriculture project supervisor with the Farm Security Administration in Amarillo, Texas and Hazel working as a bank clerk in Colorado Springs.

1940 federal census for Colorado Springs (Kenneth Heizer household)

Hazel and Kenneth Heizer - 1940’s 

Infront of Colorado Springs apartment 

Apartment 28, 808 North Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Kenneth registered for the World War II Draft on 16 Feb 1942. The Registration card shows his name as Kenneth Frank Heizer; his age 43; living at 808 North Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, El Paso, Colorado; he was born on 20 Aug 1898 in Las Animas, Colorado; telephone as Main exchange and number 4052 J; Hazel M. Heizer at 808 North Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado will always know his address; employer Mr Winford M. Griffin, Amarillo, Texas; place of employment Farm Security Administration, Amarillo, Texas; race of white; color of his eyes are blue; his hair is brown color; he has height of five feet and ten and half inches and weight of 200; Has a light complexion.

Kenneth Heizer WWII draft card (front)

Kenneth Heizer WWII draft card (back)

The 1950 federal census shows Kenneth and Hazel, age 51, living at 808 North Tejon Street. Describes Kenneth working as an investigator of chattel loans. Chattel loans are for manufactured homes or other movable personal property.

1950 federal census for Colorado Springs (Kenneth Heizer household)

When Central Colorado Bank (Central Bank) opened during 1953, Ken joined, working as Senior Director and Vice President. The 1957 Colorado Springs city directory lists them living at 129 North Meade Avenue in Colorado Springs.

1957 Colorado Springs City Directory

Hazel and Kenneth Heizer in front of their apartment 

at 129 North Meade Avenue in Colorado Springs

The 1960 Colorado Springs city directory shows them living at 2228 North Logan Avenue, a small two-bedroom home they had purchased.  

1960 Colorado Springs City Directory

Hazel and Kenneth Heizer home at 

2228 North Logan Avenue in Colorado Springs - 2017

Ken retired from Central Colorado Bank (Central Bank) 1 Feb 1966 and in 1970 they purchased a studio apartment at the newly built Satellite Condominium complex. The Apartment was located at #C405, 411 Lakewood Circle in Colorado Springs

Apartment #C405, 411 Lakewood Circle in Colorado Springs

Ken Heizer retirement dinner with Hazel Heizer - Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph - 7 Feb 1966

Kenneth died 26 May 1992 at a Colorado Springs nursing home at the age of ninety-three. His funeral was at Memorial Gardens Cemetery Chapel on 29 May 1992 at 3PM with Reverend George Moore officiating. Following the funeral, the burial was at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Colorado Springs, Colorado at Mausoleum Main, Section Hope, Crypt 5 (Back).

Hazel died 6 Jan 1993 at home in Colorado Springs at the age of ninety-four. Her funeral was at Memorial Gardens Cemetery Chapel on 9 Jan 1993 at 3PM with Reverend George Moore officiating. Following the funeral, the burial was at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Colorado Springs, Colorado at Mausoleum Main, Section Hope, Crypt 5 (Front).

Hazel Heizer obituary - Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph - 8 Jan 1993

Kenneth and Hazel Heizer crypt at Memorial Gardens Cemetery (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Hazel was sophisticated, did not like to cook, and wore dressy clothes.  She did not enjoy roughing it and getting dirty.  Hazel enjoyed knitting, playing bridge, reading books, and visiting the Broadmoor hotel.  She was not very close to her parents and sister in Kansas, would visit once or twice a year. Hazel had a distinct, enjoyable laugh and sense of humor. She told family the speed limit on I-25 was for people from out of state only, so she could go as fast as she wanted

Ken was a banking executive, calm, and diplomatic.  He enjoyed talking, reading newspapers, watching, and attending football and basketball games.  Ken always wore a suit coat and tie.