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.

Story of Oscar Edward Westerhouse and Margaret Esther Lamont Story - Part 3

 Oscar was introduced to Margaret Lamont, a fourth-grade schoolteacher, by Marge and Honey Rothberger in the fall of 1924.  Margaret had just started teaching in Eudora and was staying with two girls in an apartment above the drug store on Main Street.  Oscar gave Margaret a hope chest and brought her a gift to put into it each time they had a date.  Margaret told him when the hope chest was full, she would marry him. Oscar and Margaret had many dates over a short period of time. It was not long before the hope chest was full, but Margaret wanted to wait to get married until after the school year.

Margaret Lamont Engagement Photo - 1924

Lawrence Daily Journal World - 25 Mar 1925

Oscar and Margaret married on 15 May 1925 in the dining room of the house Amos and Oscar were remodeling on Church Street.  They spent their honeymoon night at a nice hotel in Kansas City.  Oscar wore a nightshirt, not pajamas, and Margaret was embarrassed.  They returned the following morning to live in the house Oscar and his father had been remodeling.

Oscar Westerhouse and Margaret Lamont marriage license - 15 May 1925

Lawrence Daily Journal World - 23 May 1925

Oscar Westerhouse and Margaret Lamont - Wedding - 15 May 1925

Margaret Westerhouse on porch at home 
702 Church Street, Eudora, Douglas, Kansas

After marriage, Oscar continued to work as a Standard Oil bulk agent, delivering gas to farmers in the Eudora area.  Margaret continued teaching fourth grade at Eudora Elementary School, which was located north of their home on 7th Street.  Oscar and Margaret had their first child, Beverly Lamont Westerhouse, on 21 Mar 1929 at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas.  After Beverly was born, Margaret no longer taught full time.  She substituted instead, as she needed to care for Beverly, their only child for many years. In addition, to substitute teaching, Margaret did the bookkeeping for Oscar's Standard Oil business. It was a stressful time when Standard Oil audited the books, but no problems were ever discovered.  Margaret enjoyed entertaining with dinners and events throughout the year.

Lawrence Daily Journal World - 31 Dec 1928

The 1930 federal census shows Oscar living on C Street, currently named Church Street, owns home valued at $4000, age 38, married at age 27, working as agent for oil and gas company, veteran. Describes Margaret, wife, age 30, married at age 25, not working. Lists Beverly, daughter, age 1.

1930 federal census for Eudora, Douglas, Kansas (Oscar Westerhouse household)

Lawrence Daily Journal World - 10 Dec 1936

During the summer of 1938, Margaret was having stomach cramps and not feeling well.  She went to the doctor and was surprised to learn that she was pregnant.  Oscar and Margaret were not planning to have another child.  During the next few months, they prepared for a new baby. They hoped for a baby boy whom they would name Peter after Oscar's grandfather.  Their baby was expected around Thanksgiving 1938, so Margaret's sister, Hazel Lamont Heizer and her husband, Ken Heizer, traveled by train from Colorado Springs, El Paseo, Colorado, to help with the new baby.  The baby became past due after Thanksgiving, Hazel and Ken stayed another week, hoping the baby would be delivered soon. Unfortunately, after another week, the baby had not come, so Hazel and Ken returned to Colorado.  Christmas passed, and still no baby!  Margaret was in labor for 36 hours at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas and gave birth to their second daughter on 29 Dec 1938.  Oscar and Margaret were happy to have a healthy new baby and decided to name her, Margean Elizabeth, after Margaret's grandmother, Margaret Elizabeth Tenpenny.  The grandmother and their new baby shared the same birthday. 

The 1940 federal census shows Oscar living on C Street, currently named Church Street, owns home valued at $2000, age 41, married, completed eigth grade, working as truck driver for retail gasoline company, working for 66 hours per week, $2000 income from mulitple sources. Describes Margaret, wife, age 40, married, completed two years of college, not working. Lists daughters Bevery and Margean, age 11 and 1, single, Beverly attending school, Beverly completed fourth grade.

1940 federal census for Eudora, Douglas, Kansas (Oscar Westerhouse household)

Oscar registered for the World War II Draft on 16 Feb 1942. The Registration card shows his name as Oscar Edward Westerhouse; his age 43; living at Eudora, Douglas, Kansas; he was born on 21 Aug 1898 in Eudora, Kansas; telephone as exchange Eudora and number 102; Mrs. OE Westerhouse at Eudora, Kansas will always know his address; employer Standard Oil Company, 40th and Main, Kansas City, Missouri; place of employment 40th and Main, Kansas City, Missouri; race of white; color of his eyes are blue; his hair is brown color; he has height of six feet and one inch and weight of 200; Has a light complexion.

Oscar Westerhouse WWII draft card (front)

Oscar Westerhouse WWII draft card (back)

During the World War II years, there was a big demand for rooms to rent in Eudora.  This was because of the over 13,000 workers at the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in nearby De Soto, Johnson, Kansas.  Workers came from out of town, needing a place to stay while working at the Sunflower plant.  Oscar and Margaret set up many living quarters to rent out at their home on Church Street.  Men lived in the garage, the downstairs bedroom, and in trailers, one in the front yard and one in the backyard.  Oscar and Margaret slept in the upstairs south bedroom.  Beverly and Margean slept upstairs in the west bedroom.  The upstairs north bedroom was rented to Miss Nottingham, an elementary school teacher who helped care for Margean.  Oscar and Margaret also owned a property in downtown Eudora called the Pella Building.  It was located at 701 Main Street and housed a grocery store on the first floor and apartments on the second floor.  Oscar's wife and daughters cleaned the building weekly.  In addition, Oscar and Margaret owned many small rental homes in the Eudora area.  At the time of their deaths, they owned: 702 Church Street, 914 Pine Street, 304 6th Street, 315 7th Street, and 709 Birch Street.

The 1950 federal census shows Oscar living near 7th and Church Streets, age 52, married, working as bulk agent for wholesale and retail gasoline company, working for 60 hours per week. Describes Margaret, wife, age 50, married, working as substitute grade school teacher, working for 10 hours per week. Lists Margean, age 11, single, attending sixth grade. Lists Roberta Nottingham, roomer, age 49, single, works as first grade teacher, working for 60 hours per week. 

1950 federal census for Eudora, Douglas, Kansas (Oscar Westerhouse household)

1950 federal census for Eudora, Douglas, Kansas (Oscar Westerhouse household)

During the 1940s, Oscar had two to three acres of farmland.  It was located on the north side of the Wakarusa River, on the west side of Main Street, and just north of Eudora.  He did not have farm equipment, so he paid to have corn planted and harvested.  He was not successful every year, as the farmland would flood, because of being so close to the river.  In addition, Oscar and his younger brother, Allen, bought an 80-acre farm on 30 Jun 1948.  The farm was located south of Eudora at 2239 North 1000 Road.  It had a nice pond for fishing in the summer and ice skating in the winter.  Oscar and Allen renovated the farmhouse, built a silo, improved the granary and barn.  The farmhouse was rented out to a family that helped with feeding the animals.  Ralph Votaw, Oscar's brother-in-law, harvested and planted wheat and corn fields.  They also raised about twenty Hereford cattle, hogs, and tried unsuccessfully to raise sheep.  All the animals were taken to Kansas City for slaughter and sale.  Oscar always wanted to live on the farm rather than in town, but Margaret was not interested in living on the farm.  Oscar's farming ventures were not well-thought-out, and many years were unsuccessful.  Oscar and Allen sold the farm on 20 Sep 1960.

Oscar and Allen Westerhouse Farm – 2017

Oscar and Margaret attended the Methodist Church across the street from their home at 701 Church Street. Oscar joined the church later in life.

Methodist Episcopal Church Membership Roll for Oscar Westerhouse household

The Standard Oil Company won a contract to furnish gasoline for the pipeline south of Eudora.  There were many pieces of equipment that Oscar was responsible for refilling with gasoline when empty.  One worker refused to shut off his equipment while Oscar was filling it.  He caught fire and workers rolled him in the dirt to extinguish the fire from his body.  He was severely burned on his legs and arms.  Mookie, Margean's dog, licked his burns and gave him comfort while being healed.

Oscar retired from the Standard Oil Company 31 Oct 1950 with a disability pension due to arthritis in the back.  Oscar had developed arthritis in his back from thirty years of driving a Standard Oil Company gas truck on the rough country roads.  Following retirement, he worked at the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in De Soto, Johnson, Kansas to earn extra money.  He worked in the maintenance repair department, painting and repairing the facilities on the 3 pm to 11 pm shift until he stopped working in 1962 and began collecting Social Security.

Oscar and Margaret Westerhouse - 1950

After Oscar retired from Standard Oil Company, he took Margaret and Margean on yearly vacations.  They went to New York City, Washington DC, Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon, the Badlands, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, and Chicago.  They traveled by train, auto, or group tour bus.

Both Oscar and Margaret were active in the Eudora community.

Oscar with Odd Fellows Lodge #42, Minerva Rebecca Lodge. Additionally, he checked up on each of his rentals and made any repairs when needed.

CPA Picnic - Lawrence Daily Journal World - 1963

Margaret with 1900 and Now Club, the Keota Club, the Golden Age Club, the Polly Painters Club, the United Methodist Women's Club, the Eudora Extension homemakers Unit, and the Rebekah Lodge #146.

Spring Tea - Lawrence Daily Journal World - 12 Apr 1969

(L-R) Allen, Amos Jr, Oscar Westerhouse - Mar 1975

Oscar and Margaret’s granddaughter, Joy Cress, daughter of Margean Westerhouse Cress painted their mailbox with sunflowers during a fall visit.

Margaret Westerhouse - Checking the mail - 1980

Oscar Westerhouse - Checking the mail - 1980

 

Margaret was sick with the flu and strep throat and was not improving, so she was admitted to Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, Kansas about 10 Feb 1983. While at the hospital she had cardiac arrest, and it could not be determined what was wrong. About 15 Feb 1983, she was admitted to KU Med Center ICU in Kansas City, Wyandotte, Kansas for more diagnostics and treatments. She died two days later 18 Feb 1983 at 2:23 am. The family asked for an autopsy to be performed, as her death was unexpected. It was determined she had a virus (Sepsis) that effected the heart lining and died from acute respiratory distress syndrome, she was eighty-three years old. Her funeral was at Eudora United Methodist Church, Eudora, Kansas on 20 Feb 1983 at 2:30PM with Reverend Wilbur Zook officiating. The Organist was Mrs. Phyllis Zook and Casket Bearers were John Spitzli, Kenneth Lawson, Robert Claggett, Ellis Whitesell, Mike Westerhouse, Bill Westerhouse. 

Margaret Westerhouse obituary (Lawrence Journal World) - 18 Feb 1983

Margaret Westerhouse funeral card – 20 Feb 1983

Oscar died 18 Oct 1984 at Regency Health Care Center, Lawrence, Kansas at the age of eight-seven. His funeral was at Eudora United Methodist Church, Eudora, Kansas on 21 Oct 1984 at 2PM with Reverend Glenn L Amend officiating. The Organist was Darlene Rider and Casket Bearers were Mike Westerhouse, Bill Westerhouse, Rob Claggett, Ken Lawson, Greg Gerstenberger, Keith Neis.

Oscar Westerhouse obituary 

Lawrence Journal World - 19 Oct 1984

Oscar Westerhouse funeral card – 21 Oct 1984

Margaret and Oscar Westerhouse gravestone 

at Eudora City Cemetery (Eudora, Kansas) 

Oscar was a skilled gardener and flower grower.  He often took his flowers to the First United Methodist Church to be used on the altar for services.  He smoked a pipe and rolled his own cigarettes.  He liked dogs, not cats, and enjoyed listening to Kansas City Royals baseball on the radio.  Oscar was allergic to the sun, always wearing a wide brim hat, long sleeved shirt, long pants, and gloves.  Family stories tell of him sneaking away with cousins to get something sweet like a pie or a milkshake in downtown Eudora when the meals Margaret served him followed a diet too strictly.  Oscar also went by 'Os' and 'Westie' on occasion, but generally used his birth name, Oscar.  He regularly attended church at the Eudora First United Methodist Church, across the street from his home, not joining until later in life.  Oscar enjoyed bowling and was in a league in Lawrence Kansas from the 1950's until he was in his late 70's, when arthritis was too painful to continue. Oscar and Margaret did not bowl together in the same league.

Margaret was short, only 5' 2", and heavy set, always struggling with her weight. She enjoyed sewing and cooking, as well as textile painting on pillowcases, aprons, and tablecloths.  One year, Margaret entered her stenciled pillowcases in the Douglas County Fair and won a ribbon.  She enjoyed going to parades in Lawrence and attending orchestra, chorus, and theater events at Kansas University.  She only tolerated dogs and cats.  She enjoyed learning the latest Eudora gossip. Margaret's family nickname was Maggie, but she stopped going by it after marriage. Margaret enjoyed bowling and was in a league in Lawrence Kansas from the 1950's until she was 80 years old, when she needed knee surgery and had to stop. Oscar and Margaret did not bowl together in the same league.