Kit Carson County, Colorado
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Kit Carson County Pioneers:

Charles A. and Malinda (Reed)Yersin ,Burlington



MALINDA'S FAMILY

Henry J. Reed and "Zelinda" Owens married 11 Feb 1837 in Randolph County, Missouri.

In 1860 Randolph County, Missouri, H.J. Reed is a farmer, 43 born in North Carolina, with Eliza J. 41 in Virginia. Sarah A. 27, Martha A. 20, Mary E. 18, Susan D. 16, John D. 11, William G. 9, Pauline 7, Henry C. 5, Malinda C. 4, Laura G. 2, and Cintha A. 1 were all born in Missouri.

Melinda Elizabeth (Owens) Reed, born in 1814, is buried in the Reed Cemetery, Randolph County, Missouri # 67591299 "First wife of Henry Jenkins Reed.)

Randolph County marriages
"Samuel W. Alverson ----- Molly Reed ----- 17 Nov 1859"
William C. Bohannan ----- Mary Reed ----- 28 Oct 1850"
David G. Evans ----- Nancy D. Reed ----- 07 May 1857 of Grundy Co., Mo.
John Noah Johnson ----- Sarah H. Reed ----- 14 May 1853
Charles Reed ----- Elizabeth Jane Hudson ----- 23 Dec 1854 at the house of Peter Hudson

Susan D. Rogers 1844-1897 buried in Sedalia, Missouri, "wife of N.H. Rogers" might be Malinda's sister # 107235990.

Noble H. Rogers, Lieutenant, Missouri, 1833-1918 is buried in Arlington National # 57193873.
He was a 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd Missouri Cavalry.

CHARLES' FAMILY
Elise Yersen 32, Louis 7, and ALBERT 5 arrived in New Orleans on the Belle Assise from LeHavre on November 18, 1852.
In 1860 Chariton County, Missouri, Louis Yerson is 15, Charles Yersin 13, living with Robert 37 and Elizabeth Butler, 39.
Robert was born in Scotland, Elizabeth and the boys in Switzerland. Joseph L. Moxley, 2 is with them.
(Joseph, born January 15, 1856 in Chariton County to Joseph and Nancy Moxley, died in 1920 in Linn County, spouse Sarah.



Louis G. Yearson was a private in Company A, 9th Regiment, Missouri State Military Cavalry.
In 1870 Bourbon County, Kansas, Charles is working in a bakery with William and Elizabeth Cain. He's 23, born in Switzerland.

Charles A. Yersin and Malinda C. Reed married on December 5, 1875 in Randolph County, Missouri.

In 1880 Howard County, Missouri, Chas A. is farming, 33, with Mary 24 and Nannie 2.


Charles proved up a quarter in section 19, 9S 44W in 1894.

In 1900 Burlington, Charles is a clergyman, born June 1847 in Missouri, with Melinda January 1857 Missouri. Nannie B. April 1878, Henry W. March 1883, William H. Jan 1887, and Rhoda J. Oct 1888 were all born in Missouri.

1904
In 1910 Kit Carson County, Charles is farming, 63, born in Switzerland, immigrating in 1851, naturalized. He's married 35 years to Malinda 52 born in Missouri. William 23 is a traveling grocery salesman born in Missouri, Rhoda, a school teacher, 21, was born in Colorado.

In 1910 the Union Gospel revival program included "At 2 p. m. speaches were made by Mike Higgins, Rev. Yersin, Mrs. H. C. Basset t, Mrs. B. C. Baker, Mr. Richards, J. H. Houseman, Rev. Tuttle, Rev. Day and others. The musical program consisted of a duet by Mesdames Houseman and a song by the male quartet."

Reverend C.A. Yersin of the Christian Church conducted weddings in the same time period in Kit Carson County.

June 2, 1910 "Rev. C. A. Yersin celebrated his 63rd birthday Wednesday, June 1st. Mr. Yersin's many friends treated him with a post card shower in honor of the occasion. More than 120 cards were received."

June 1912



In 1920 Burlington, Charles is a clergyman, 72, widowed, immigrating in 1867 from Switzerland, naturalized in 1893. Rhoda is a postmistress, 32, born in Colorado

1924


In 1930 Burlington, Henry Hoskin 38 and Nannette 52 have Katherine 19, Henry 18, and widowed father Charles A. 82.

Catherine 1857-1915 # 89193708 and Charles 1847-1935 # 89193723 are buried in Burlington.

NANNIE

Henry G. Hoskin proved up a quarter in section 10, 10S 45W in 1901.

Nannie B. Yersin and Henry B. "Hoskin" married in Kit Carson County on July 11, 1909.

Henry G. Haskin is a title abstractor in 1910 Burlington , 39, with Nannie B. 31.

July 7, 1910 "The members of the Book Club called at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hoskin last Friday evening and presented little Katherine George Hoskin with a silver spoon. This is next to being born with a silver spoon in your mouth, and we trust may bring the proverbal good fortune to the young lady."
Next to Charles and Rhoda in 1920 Burlington , Nannie is 41, Henry Haskin a title abstractor, 50 born in England, immigrating in 1875. Catherine 9 and Henry 8 were born in Colorao.

In 1930 Burlington, Henry 38 and Nannette 52 have Katherine 19, Henry 18, and widowed father Charles A. 82.

Nannie Belle (Yersin) Hoskin is buried in Burlington #1878-1949 # 43800900, with Henry George Hoskin 1871-1948 # 43800828.


His parents Edward 1846-1925 and Thomasine 1849-1924 are both buried in Burlington.
RHODA


January 1910 " Miss Rhoda Yersin is teaching the school formerly presided over by Mrs. Nina Norvill-Winegar."

In 1916 Rhoda J. Yersin was appointed postmaster at Burlington.

In 1920 Burlington, Charles is a clergyman, 72, widowed, immigrating in 1867 from Switzerland, naturalized in 1893. Rhoda is a postmistress, 32, born in Colorado


(Roy had married Francis E. Rouze on April 22, 1909 in Kit Carson County. was a real estate salesman in Kit Carson County in 1910, married to Francis 29. They're living with her parents Joseph K. Rouze - also a real estate dealer - 63 and Lyde E. 61.

Frances E. Rouze cash-claimed a quarter in section 17, 10S 44W in 1907.
Joseph K. Rouze also cash-claimed a quarter in section 17, in 1908.

Roy cash-claimed a quarter in section 14, 8S 44W in 1910.

June 1910 "Roy Scofield is putting down a well on his farm this week ."
February 1911 "Roy Scofield has purchased the building formerly occupied by the Baker Abstract Co., and will put in a new stock of drugs. The building is being remodeled and improved preparatory to its being occupied."

December 1911 Burlington "This new German appendicitis remedy antisepticizes the stomach and bowels and draws off all Impurities. A SINGLE DOSE relieves gas on the stomach, sour stomach, constipation, nausea or heavy feeling after eating almost AT ONCE. A short treatment often cures an ordinary case of appendicitis. ROY V. SCOFIELD, Druggist"

October 1912 a pharmacists' magazine section on the Minnesota Institute of Pharmacy said "Roy V. Scofield, of 1909, is at Burlington, Colorado, and is preparing for the board examination there, which he expects to pass easily."

Roy Verne Scofield registered for WWI in Kit Carson County, a real estate agent, married to Francis E. Scofield.
Roy and Francis are in Burlington in 1920, still a real estate agent.

Roy V. and Frances E. "Scoffield" divorced in Kit Carson County in 1923.

Francis E. Scofield is divorced in 1930 Boulder, with James N. Scofield 13. Her mothr Lyda E. Rouse 81 is with them.
She's living with Ida Armitage 60 in 1040 Boulder, no occupation. James M. is also lodging with them - but on another page in the census.
She's buried in Boulder 1881-1956 # 11112630. Her parents Joseph K. 1847-1925 # 89645349 and Lyde R(Riley) Rouze 1849-1931 are buried in Burlington.

In 1930 Rhoda Scofield is in Minneapolis, married to Roy V. Scofield 49, born in Wisconsin, a wholesale furniture salesman. They're living with Roy's parents Erwin H. 73 and Laura 77. br>
Roy and Rhoda are living alone in 1940 Minneapolis.
Roy registered for WWII in Minneapolis, living at 1018 30th Avenue North, born October 31, 1880 at Oakfield, Wisconsin. Frank Scofiled of Minneapolis was his reference.

Roy died in Hennepin County on June 18, 1962, mother's maiden name Larrabee.
He's buried in Minneapolis, with Rhoda dying December 30, 1970 in Minneapolis # 132455212.
HENRY

In 1906 H.W. Yersin of Burlington received a commercial certificate from the Colorado State Agricurtural College.

February 13, 1931 Gallup, New Mexico
"YERSIN MEETS TRAGIC DEATH
City Attorney Victim of Monoxide Gas in Garage Last Saturday
That 'death comes like a thief in the night' was again forcibly brought to the attention of our people, when tragedy lurked in a garago on South Strong Street on Saturday afternoon. Death took its toll and when discovered the body of Henry Ward Yersin, city attorney was all that remained mortal of this prominent citizen of Gallup. Carbon monoxide gas had claimed another victim. Heroic attempts of the Gallup Volunteer Fire Department and the Gallup American Coal company's rescue squad with their inhalers and pulmotors were of no avail as Yersin's soul had sailed to that other shore.
Henry Ward Yersin was born on March 28, 1883, in Howard County, near the town of Armstrong, Mo., and when five years of age, moved with his parents to Burlington, Colo., which has been the parental home for nearly forty years.
The deceased was educated in the schools of Burlington and also taught for several terms in the schools of Kit Carson County, Colorado. Later he attended Colorado State College at Fort Collins and graduated with honors in 1906. On September 8, 1907, he was married to Miss Reatha Provost Wilkinson, at Greeley, Colo. The newly married couple moved to Denver and there a son, Billy Yersin, was born October 2, 1909. The Yersins came to Gallup in 1910 and since have been identified with the civic and social life of the community.
Mr. Yersin was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in January, 1923. During his residence here he was for six years a member of the school board and had for served as city attorney under both Democratic and Republican administrations. To mourn the loss there survive tho wife and son, Billy; also his father, Rev. C. A. Yersin, 84 years of age, who came from Switzerland and is a veteran of the Civil War. Since 1891 the elder Mr. Yersin has been a minister of the Church of Christ and holds a record of having united more than 250 couples in matrimony in Kit Carson County, Colorado.
One brother, William H. Yersin, is in the general merchandise business at Burlington, Colorado. One sister, Mrs. Rhoda J. Schofield lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The funeral was held from the Gallup Undertaking Chapel Wednesday afternoon with Revs. Stagg and Thurston uniting in the service. The pallbearers were George Hight, C. M. Rouse, Judge French Terry Coon, Sharp Hanson and C. B. Rcdick and interment was made in Hillcrest cemetery.
Mrs. Yersin and Billy, as well as the other relatives have a sincere sentiment of sympathy and condolence from all in the bereavement that has come to them."

William A. Yersin 1907-1996 is buried in Sacramento, California # 151621250, with Theodora Willmetta (Coster) Yersin 1908-1995.


WILLIAM

In February 1910, one church notice included "Patronize The Free Reading Room. Join The Reading Room Assn 25 cts per month. Sign the paper at Tipton's store or see Will Yersin."

April 1910 "Wm. Yersin resigned his position at the W. H. Tipton store. Henry Adkisson is his successor."

May 1910 "Miss Rhoda Yersin returned Saturday evening from a few weeks visit with her brother H. W. Yersin of Denver."

September 1910 "Will Yersin has made arrangements to put in a new stock of general merchandise at Bethune. Will has had several years experience in the merchantile business, and will no doubt make a sucess of the venture."

November 1910 "Wm. Yersin is doing real well at Bethune with his new store. Every one come and patronize him."

"Mail came twice a day via train. Outgoing mail was hung near the tracks so that a catcher on the mail car of the train could snag it as the train went by. Bethune locals of 1910 picked up their mail at the General Store, owned by William Yersin. The General Store was a small sod building located south of the present town site. Yersins store was moved in 1916, to the corner of Pikes Peak and Main Street. "


June 1911 "Will Yersin, the popular Bethune merchant, was in the city Monday evening."

December 1911 "Mr. and Mrs. Yersin went to Denver to eat turkey with their son Henry. They extended their visit in Boulder to visit their old friends, Mr. and Mrs. Parke."
William claimed two quarters in sections 10 and 11, 8S 45W, Kit Carson County, in 1915.

In January 1911 Wm. Yersin was elected P.C. of the Modern Woodmen of America.


June 1912 "Mr. and Mrs. Yersin enjoyed a visit from their sons Henry and Will last week." "

In 1900 Williams County, Ohio, Jacob Shaeffer is farming, born March 1850 in Pennsylvania, maried 25 years to Marie April 1852 in Ohio. Clayton was born January 1878 in , Alta Oct 1883, Olive July 1885, and Orville 1889 , all born in Ohio.

March 1911 " On arriving at the Bethune school in District 1, it was found to be the recess period, and an informal chat with the pupils and the teacher, Miss Alta Shaffer, was enjoyed. The district has not been niggardly in equipping this building. Among tho pupils nre two aspirants for eighth grade diplomas and ono for a teachers certificate. This is Miss Shaffer's first term in Colorado and she is anxious to make a good record."

September 1911 "Miss Alta Shaeffer is teaching her second term in District No. 1. Among her pupils are ten small boys, irrepressible out of doors, but so quiet, studious and neat, in doors, that they deserve a medal. One eighth-grade graduate is reviewing the common branches. All pupils seem to appreciate their comfortable school house with its ample blackboard space, single desks, large dictionery, and other helps. Miss Shaeffer may be justly proud of the Bethune school."

In January 1912, Alta Shaeffer was one of twenty women and two men receiving teaching certificates in Kit Carson County.

June 1912 "Miss Alta Shaeffer leaves Tursday evening for Montpelier, Ohio, to spend her vacation with relatives and friends."

William H. Yersin, 27, married Alta B. Shaeffer on July 29, 1914 in Kit Carson County.
"Mrs. Alta Yersin was one of the early day teachers here. Mrs. Grace Griswold was another. Mr. Sheafer, Mrs. Yersin's father, operated one of the first grocery stores in the new town. Later he became Judge in Kit Carson County. "

In 1920 Bethune, W. H. is a retail merchant, 34, with Alta 33 born in Ohio. William is 3, Alice eight months.

In 1930 Burlington, William, 43, has a grocery store, with Alta B. 43 and William H. 13.

1932 Moberly, Missouri "Mr. and Mrs. Will Yersin of Burlington, Colo., visited Dr. Kiernan and sisters this week-end."

William, Alta, and William Jr. are all working in a grocery store in 1940 Burlington.

"W.H. (Bill) Yersin Jr. served in the Colorado State Legislature from 1948 to 1952. He also served as mayor of. Burlington for one term and was on the city council "



1979 " Bill Yersin, the former state legislator who operates the family grocery in Burlington, had a slightly different view of it. however. “ITI tell you,’’ said Yersin, “a lot of the farmers are friends and customers of mine These grain elevators that you see were built back in the days when the government was paying farmers to store wheat When the prices are down. the farmers go to the government to get help But when the prices come back up again, the farmers want the government to sta ut of their business They do a lot of hollering about how tough it is. but they're living better, Though I don't know that they’re saving anything And I sometimes wonder if people are as happy now as they were tnen, “The generation ahead of us had damn few luxuries There was no electricity in the countryside until after World War II, During the 30s, a good share of the houses in this town were sold for taxes. My folks worked hard and sent me to college. I've seen my father's books. I do more business in a day than he did in a month. It amazes me how he did it. Thus, for Bill Hinkhouse, for Yersin, and even for me, a city boy a stranger, the past is something that I feel, very close and tangible, when we are out on the plain. There are people still living today who remember the long trains of covered wagons coming onto the plains of Colorado. There was a new wave of population in the early 1900s that moved in on the old settlers, and took up homesteads. Many left during the dust storm days of the dirty 30s. Land was cheap, but no one had money to buy it. The words of many of the pioneers, who remembered the terrible dust storms, have been recorded in the county history books A big. dirty wall high in the sky, and from horizon to horizon, rolling in to envelop everything, one man remembered. But through all of the recounts of those times runs the beautiful and lovely optimism of the people of the plains. The dust storms would not last for more than a day, said John Fox, but over several years When the rains finally came, we were glad to see even the tumbleweeds grow. Then he says, It wasn't long before we were back to good pastures and crops."

1979 "Bill Yersin was in the Colorado Legislature from Burlington in the late '40s and early '50s. Now he operates the family business, the Red Front Grocery, in Burlington, and he has displays of Indian artifacts and pioneer tools above the grocery shelves. Like most people out there, the past is something that is close and tangible to him. ‘The Arapahoe and the Cheyenne were here,' he said 'They were hunting tribes, and the buffalo were here in such large numbers that they were never in want. I don't think they were particularly warlike until we came along to teach it to them. "To find the arrowheads, the scrapers, the knives, you'd hunt the high hills after a big wind, or where a big lagoon had been. It would blow off down to the hardpan. Sometimes a good foot or more would blow off. They work the land now, to keep it from blowing away. But in those days, in the 30s, nobody took care of the land here, and they were easier to find. We'd go out and stay all day hunting for them, after a hard wind.' That seemed to say it, that it is easier to get down to the hardpan of the past out on the plains. Is the past ever that close in the cities?"

Alta B. Yersin 1885-1963 is buried in Burlington # 89193693, with William Hunt Yersin 1887-1950.

In 1910 Fremont Colorado, Theodora W. "Caster" is 2, with William A. 51 and Victoria L. 46.

William A. Coster 1858-1930 is buried in Fremont county # 79504969, with Victoria Launa (Hardy) Coster 1864-1937.
William Jr. born Nov 8, 1916 in Burlington, died in January 1980.
Theodora, born April 27, 1908 in Colorado to father Coster and mother Hardy, died in Sacramento County January 13, 1995.


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