JOHN STUTZ.
John Stutz, one of the younger successful farmers of Center township, Atchison county, was born November 5, 1870, on his father’s farm in Lancaster township. His parents were Christian and Kathrine Stutz, concerning whom a complete review is given in the biographies of Gustave and Christian W. Stutz. The reader is referred to these sketches for the history of this worthy pioneer couple, who were among the early settlers of the county. John grew up on the home farm and attended the public schools of Lancaster, remaining at home with his parents until 1898, at which time his father died and John was employed by the Cain Milling Company of Atchison for two months. He became heir to eighty acres of land as his share of the family estate, and began farming for himself. His farm was only partly improved by a small shack and granary. He at once set about to remedy conditions on the land, and erected a substantial home, a good barn and other out-buildings which are well kept. He built a two-story five-room house, and in 1903 erected a fine barn, 48×30 feet in dimension. He has also added to his acreage, and now owns 160 acres of highly productive land.
Mr. Stutz was married October 8, 1895, to Nora Walz, and to this union have been born three children, namely: Christian W., Grover J. and Lester E. all at home with their parents. Mrs. Nora Stutz was born August 24, 1876, on a farm in Shannon township, a daughter of Charles and Margaret (Diehsback) Walz. Charles Walz, the father, was twice married, his first wife being Kathrine Reidel, who bore him four children: Mrs. Rosa Buff, of Shannon township; Charles, deceased; Mary married Fred Stutz, a member of the Atchison police force, and Kathrine, wife of Christian W. Stutz. By the second marriage of Charles Walz, that with Margaret Diehsback, there were born eight children, as follows: Margaret, wife of Gustave Stutz, of Lancaster township; Nora, wife of John Stutz, the subject of this sketch; Frederick, deceased: Mrs. Anna Hager, of Atchison; William, farmer, Shannon township; Mrs. Clara Peterson, Atchison; Albert, Atchison; and Jerry resides on the old home place, in Shannon township.
Mr. Stutz is a Democrat, and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Naturally he has a deep and abiding love for his home county, and thinks there is no place on earth better than Atchison county. His labor and interests have generally been given towards the welfare of his home county, and his standing in his community is assured, as a well respected and industrious citizen who has the respect and esteem of all who know him.