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 2

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

Margaret was born 13 Mar 1900 in South Seward, Stafford, Kansas at her parents homestead. She lived her first three 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 A J Williamson and Ida Lamont Williamson two farms. Ida was Edwin’s older sister and Margaret’s Aunt. They had four children, with the youngest, Ivan, being about the same age as Margaret and Hazel.

Margaret Lamont - 1902

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

At the age of three, Margaret moved with her family to an 80-acre farm in Chester, Sarcoxie, Jefferson, Kansas during April 1903. The farm was located at 2180 Republic Road in the Chester community of Sarcoxie, Jefferson, Kansas. Margaret and her older sister, Hazel, helped with farming chores and house duties. She attended the Chester one-room school near her home between 1907 and 1914, from first to seventh grade. The school burned to the ground 12 Feb 1913 and classes were dismissed for the rest of the school year. The school was rebuilt and ready for the 1913-1914 school year in August 1913. 

Jefferson County Tribune - 28 Feb 1913

Jefferson County Tribune - 24 Jul 1913

(L-R) Hazel and Margaret Lamont - Bringing in cows at Chester farm

Margaret moved with her family to a home, located at 701 Missouri Street, Lawrence, Douglas, Kansas during the spring of 1914 at the age of fourteen.  She attended eighth grade at Central School in Lawrence and was promoted to high school 9 June 1915.  

Lawrence Daily Journal World - 27 Jun 1913

The summer of 1915, Margaret moved with her family to a homestead farm at the South Half of Section 29, Township 24S, Range 49W (South of County Road Y And West of County Road 26, Caddoa, Bent, Colorado). The family moved their belongings on a flatbed rail car and traveled by train to Colorado.  The family struggled to survive because of the drought conditions.  Margaret attended high school at Bent County high school in Las Animas, Bent, Colorado between September 1915 and June 1919. The homestead was twenty-five miles from the high school in Las Animas, and unlikely Margaret traveled back and forth every day. In these days, it was common for the students to stay in Las Animas during the week and come out to the homestead on the weekends. No information has been found on what Margaret did. The 1918 junior yearbook describes her being a member of the D.W.G club, a secret organization promoting social life of the members. Singing the second soprano in Glee Club, playing Professor Timothy Addles in "My Cousin Timmy". Playing running center on girls’ basketball team.  Family stories describe that Margaret lost a year of school because of her sickness with scurvy caused by lack of vitamin C with symptoms of weakness, curly hair, sore arms, and legs.

Junior Class - Margaret Lamont, sitting third from right 

Bent County High School Yearbook (1918)

D.W.G Club - Margaret Lamont, sitting second from right 

Bent County High School Yearbook (1918)

Glee Club – Margaret Lamont, sitting third from left 

Bent County High School Yearbook (1918)

Bent County High School Basketball Team - Margaret Lamont (right) 

Bent County High School Yearbook (1918)

1918 Bent County High School Roster

After Margaret finished her junior year at Bent High School in Las Animas May 1919, she moved back to her parents’ home at 701 Missouri Street in Lawrence. Her parents already had moved back earlier in the month. She transferred her school records and enrolled in Lawrence high school for her senior year between Sept 1919 and May 1920, graduating 28 May 1920.  

Lawrence High School Yearbook (1920)

Lawrence High School Yearbook (1920)

Margaret Lamont – Guard - Lawrence High School Yearbook (1920)

Margaret Lamont - Lawrence High School Record Card - 1920

Lawrence Daily Journal World - 3 May 1920

After Margaret graduated, during July 1920, she went with a few girlfriends on a vacation to Southern California, sightseeing.  When she returned, Margaret attended one year at the University of Kansas, while living at home on Missouri Street. May 1921 Margaret attended Kansas State Normal School of Emporia in Emporia, Lyon, Kansas to earn a one-year teaching certificate. She received a one-year teaching certificate #5301 after completing summer school session and graduating 29 Jul 1921.

Lawrence Daily Journal World - 25 May 1921

Between September 1921 and April 1922, she taught at a one-room schoolhouse in Fairmont, Jefferson, Kansas. 

Lecompton Sun - 29 Dec 1921

Perry Mirror - 6 Apr 1922

Margaret attended Kansas State Teaching College of Pittsburg in Pittsburg, Crawford, Kansas between Jun and Jul 1922 and received another one-year teaching certificate.  This time, she was selected to teach students at Greenwood Valley School in Lecompton, Douglas, Kansas between Sep 1922 and Apr 1923.  This was a one-room schoolhouse with thirteen boys and fifteen girls.  While teaching, she also coached the basketball team.  Margaret rented a room at the S.L. Dark home, where they cooked her meals.  She spent her weekends with her grandmother, Margaret Tenpenny, and her husband, David Tenpenny in Lecompton, as her parents were living in Colorado.  After the school year was over, she was selected to teach another year.  

Lawrence Daily Journal World - 19 Dec 1922

Lawrence Daily Journal World - 23 Nov 1922

Margaret returned to Kansas State Teaching College of Pittsburg between Jun and Jul 1923 and earned a three-year teaching certificate on 30 Jul 1923.  She taught another year at Greenwood Valley School, between Sept 1923 and Apr 1924.  During the 1922-1923 school year she was paid a wage of $720 for teaching eight months.  During 1923-1924 school year she was paid a wage of $840 for teaching eight months.

Margaret Lamont – bottom right 

Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg Yearbook (1923)

Margaret Lamont (back row, second from left)

Greenwood Valley School - 1923

Margaret was chosen to teach fifth and sixth grade at Eudora Grade School in Eudora, Kansas 29 Apr 1924. She moved to Eudora, living with two girls above the drugstore on Main Street, and taught fifth and sixth grade between Sep 1924 and May 1925. The school building had six rooms, and she taught 90 boys and 88 girls. Margaret was paid a wage of $100 a month for nine months.

Margaret Lamont - 1924

Next week I will share about Oscar Westerhouse and Margaret Lamont marriage