Fred and Ella -- Businesses Part 2 (1911 - 1914)

While Fred and Ella moved to Lehi, Arizona, in Spring of 1911 with the Nash family, it isn't clear when they returned back to American Falls. Not much is mentioned of the Kohlhepp's in the paper from 1911 to 1913. There is notice of roads being built through or by property.

Fred's daughter, Minerva Teichert (my great grandmother), filed notice of her intention to offer final proof for her homestead in American Falls, which she failed to do in 1913. Fred's other daughter, Annalee, graduated from high school in North Ogden in 1914, showing how the family had already been scattered apart. And Fred's sister, Amelia Piquet, moved back to American Falls in that same year. Fred's own activities only start getting documented in 1914.

1914.

In July of this year, Fred ran for the position of assessor in Power County, a county which had been formed in January 1913 and named after the electric power generated in American Falls, presumably while he was still in Arizona. American Falls was the county seat of the new county. An assessor was responsible for determining the value of each parcel of real property (land plus any structures) in the county, which had implications on how the property was taxed and could also impact sale value. Fred no doubt saw this as naturally building on his familiarity with the country, his work in real estate and land location. However, his time away in the crucial forming of he county was not in his favor. Fred announced his candidacy in the following manner:

"FOR ASSESSOR. I hereby announce myself a candidate for the office of county assessor subject to the Progressive party at the primary election to be held Sept. 1st, 1914. I am one of the oldest settlers here and have always tried to deal justly with all mankind. Can speak the German as well as the English language, and if nominated and elected to this office will try to give all a square deal. 

Respectfully,....

FRED. J. KOHLHEPP"

Fred keyed in on his experience, multicultural background, and his fairness (extending ideally beyond a Mormon audience) in his general business dealings. As mentioned before, Fred no doubt resonated some with the Progressive Party platform. He ran on that party's ticket for the election, and competed against the following individuals within and without his party:

Republican -- O. F. Crowley (American Falls, ID)

Democratic -- J. I. Allen (Rockland, ID)

Progressive - O. O. Ogden (Rockland, ID)

Notice for the Primary Election was posted in the American Falls newspaper in 1914:

Following the primary on September 1, results were shared on September 3 that showed that Fred received the fewest votes for this county office. In general, not just for this office, the Republican party received more votes for offices than the Democratic and Progressive parties combined. O. O. Ogden advanced beyond the primaries for the office of assessor for the Progressive Party.

Crowley - 331

Allen - 133

Ogden - 133

Kohlhepp - 78

The following week an abstract was given of the actual results by city for the candidates. I've clipped the relevant portions.

From it we can see that Fred got a first choice vote from 2 Republican voters in Neeley, Idaho; 3 Democratic voters in Neeley, Idaho. These were likely friends from the LDS church in that town. Then, for the Progressive Party, while Fred received the most votes in American Falls itself, he struggled in the outlying cities. He received 2 votes in Arbon, 3 from Bonanza Bar, 6 in Igo, 2 in Landing, 2 in Little Creek, 2 in Neeley, 2 in Pleasant Valley, and unfortunately only 19 in Rockland (v. O. O. Ogden's crushing 78 votes there).

As the race moved beyond the primaries, the poor Democratic and Progressive showing led towards criticism of the prominence of the Republican party. One such criticism was of an "old Republican ring that has been in power so long that is leaders are using the offices for their own financial interests and are profiting from the expense of the people in general who pay the greater part of the taxes." In response, the Republicans pointed out the 21 month old county had hardly been around long enough to have old rings of any sort. If any ring existed, it was the same sort of ring that existed in all parts of society, extending far beyond the realm of politics. One point made included Fred:

"Before closing this article it may be well to go a little further into this ring business. No doubt many will be surprised to learn that there is a ring in the Mormon church. But such is the fact. It is composed of Charles Johnson, W. W. Becksted, Fred J. Kohlhepp, and a number of other thoroughly good citizens. They wield a controlling influence in that organization, and their influence is for good. There is the same kind of a ring in control of the Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran and Catholic churches. Those who compose those various rings are the real workers--the factors, the people who do things. Then there is a county fair ring. It numbers amongst its members M. E. Drake, Frank Kluck, George Sanger, E. E. Zaring, H. C. Allen, D. W. Davis, E. E. Geesey, D. T. Farnham, S. B. Rowe, Philbrick & Greenwood, T. E. St. John, L. L. Evans, David Burrell, M. A. Wones, Mrs. Benjamin Howell, and about a dozen others. These people have done practically all the work in getting up the fairs that have been held here, giving freely of their time and in the early days of their money, and not one of them has ever received a cent of compensation. Someone has to take the lead in every undertaking and it is the public spirited men and women who do so."

Fred does not attempt to run for office again after this attempt in 1914. Instead, we see him and Ella shift to different business matters. At the end of the year there is the first mention of the Kohlhepp's first and second hand clothing and general goods store. On December 10, 1914, a basic ad reads, "If you want $1.00 to buy as much as $2.00 go to Kohlepps New and Second Hand Store. Boys' suits from 12 years up $4.95. Boys and men's all wool new, up to date suits $5.95 while they last. Children's coats from $1.00 up. Ladies coats and suits $4.00. Wool and silk shawls from 25c up. Shoes $1.99 per pair. Stoves, furniture, overcoats, etc., In the 2nd hand department. One half block south of depot."

We'll see many more notices regarding this store in the coming years.

Fred and Ella -- Businesses Part 1 (1909 - 1911)

After Fred returned from his mission in Germany and Switzerland, he returned to earning a living. Besides ranching and farming, he and Ella ran different businesses in American Falls. In the spirit of entrepreneurship, Fred first tried his hand at land locating and real estate, trying to sell lands and help newcomers get on homesteads. Fred purchased buildings near the American Falls train depot, and while using some of the real estate for his own office, also leased out space to other businesses.

Fred's success there must have been marginal, as he and Ella migrated to Arizona in 1911, and then returned a few years later. After settling back in, Fred ran for assessor in the municipal government of the relatively new Power County in 1914. Fred was not elected. Ella and Fred then operated a new and second hand clothing and goods store. Advertisements and notices for these businesses were scattered throughout the American Falls Press, which I'll chronicle the development of in a short series of articles, with snapshots from the newspaper. This first post will cover through 1911, when the Kohlhepp's moved to Lehi (now Mesa), Arizona.

1909.

A professional looking ad first started appearing on March 27th. It stated simply in a box, "Anyone wishing to buy, lease, sell or locate land, apply to F. J. Kohlhepp, American Falls, Idaho."

This ad reappeared in many later issues: April (10, 17, 24), May (1, 15, 22, 29) June (5, 12, 19, 26), July (10, 24), August (21, 28), September (4, 11, 18, 25), November (27), October (2, 9, 16, 23, 30), November (6, 13, 20), December (4, 11, 18, 25).

The first example of space being leased from the Kohlhepp's city property in American Falls appears in the Spring of this year. On May 1, 1909, a notice in the paper stated that an "A. Kaiser, of Denver, has opened a photo studio in the Kohlhepp building, Railroad avenue. Up-to-date work and all the latest in high grade portraits. Ready for sittings April 25."

The following month, on June 12, 1909, Fred's real estate endeavors were noted. The AFP stated, "Mr. Kohlhepp has just located another man on a beautiful spring six miles from town. He located about twelve on water and has a few more places which can get water." Fred was helping folks locate homesteads where they could get water to irrigate their land and get water for livestock. This was not the first time, as it noted he'd located twelve individuals on water already, which would have been prior.

Fred advertised his capacities and property to rent in July, posted an ad that stated, "If you wish to buy, sell, lease or locate, call on F. J. Kohlhepp. Business house and rooms for rent. Improved ranches from $15 to $35 per acre." Fred wasn't just helping general new property for a homestead to be located, but also selling already improved land.

A more detailed advertisement that stressed Fred's experience appeared on September 18, 1909. Here Fred noted, "$25 per acre buys an improved ranch with independent water right, from F. J. Kohlhepp, the land locator. Have lived twenty-two years here and can show you the best homesteads and relinquishments; also city lots for sale. Office on Railroad avenue; residence, brick house north of bridge." We see the reference to his 22 years in the area (this would put him at being in the area since 1887, or 1885, if removing his years in Germany).

1910.

Fred's general real estate ad repeated in January (1, 15, 22, 29), February (5, 12, 19, 26), and March (5).

A development of Fred's business was posted in March, stating how "[F]. J. Kohlhepp has established a real estate office in the building north of the First National bank. Mr. Kohlhepp has lived here for upwards of 25 years and is thoroughly familiar with the country." Notice the jump in 3 years of being in the area within less than 3 months (perhaps this time inclusive of his time in Germany). Fred's office is located relatively to being just north of the First National bank. There's some practical benefit to being so located -- one can go next door to get the loan to then purchase the land.

A couple weeks later an ad stated, "It costs nothing to list your property with F. J. Kohlhepp and may bring you a speedy buyer, as he has letters from all parts of the country and expects many buyers soon, so DON'T DELAY." Fred was allowing people to give free listings to help speed up his business. His language expressed the availability of buyers, which folks not making listings were missing out on.

Later in March, the ad evolved twice. First on, March 12, it called out "THE EARTH IS BEING DIVIDED. Don't come too late for your share. FREE HOMESTEADS, Improved Dry and Irrigated Land, City Property. F. J. Kohlhepp. Twenty-three years here and can show you the best."

The following week the ad became slightly modified: "Free Homesteads. The Earth is being Divided. Don't Come Too Late for Your Share. Kohlhepp & Co. Land Locator and Real Estate Agent. 23 years here. First dry land farmer in this location. Office, Corner West of U.S. Land Office. Residence, brick house north of bridge. American Falls, Idaho." This time Fred advertised his company, not just himself, noted his being first dry farmer in the area to further underscore his credibility in helping newcomers locate a homestead. It also further located his office as relative to the U. S. Land Office. This same ad appeared in the April (2, 9, 16) issues.

Later that year in December (starting December 10), notices appear of other businesses leasing space in his property. One notice read, "For Health and Beauty: Massage and Hairdressing Parlors, in the Kohlhepp block, Railroad avenue. Switches, Puffs and Curls made to order. Wrinkles rmeoved. Massage treatment for all ailments. Sea salt and medicated baths at your home, by appointment."

1911.

At the start of the year on January 21, 1911, there was a notice for the "Hammock Cleaning and Pressing Co. Kohlhepp Bldg. Railroad Avenue. All Work Guaranteed." This gives us a sense of some of the businesses that leased space from Fred.

Homestead on Cold Creek

On May 20, 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Homestead Act. This monumental act fostered Western migration by providing frontier settlers 160 acres of public land (surveyed government land). In exchange, homesteaders paid a small filing fee and were required to complete five years of continuous residence ("proving up" the land, building a home and planting crops) before receiving ownership. After six months of residency, homesteaders also had the option of purchasing the land from the government for $1.25 per acre. The Homestead Act led to the distribution of 270 million acres of public land (~10% of the continental US) to private citizens.

While the Act encouraged many would-be homesteaders, its minimal and seemingly lenient requirements proved deceiving. For many, the requirements became insurmountable. Many homesteaders took claims with little or no farming experience, and growing crops in the harsh conditions of the West was a difficult task for even the most seasoned farmers. Many homesteads in the arid plains were too small to yield a profitable crop, and the cost of irrigation far exceeded the value of the land. Over the 124-year history of the Act, more than 2 million individuals filed claims. Of these, only 783,000 -- less than half -- ultimately obtained the deeds for their homesteads.

Fred and Ella Kohlhepp, along with their children, were among those that homesteaded lands, and not all were successful. One set of 160 acres, up on Cold Creek near the settlement of Neeley, was proved up by Fred and Ella, and ended up being what the Kohlhepp children considered "home." They filed notice at the land office at Blackfoot, Idaho on April 5th, 1897, of making their proof of their five year term, which was recorded in the April 24, 1897 Blackfoot News:

"Notice for Publication.

Land Office at Blackfoot, Idaho,
April 5th, 1897.

Notice is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim and that said proof will be made before the Register & Receiver at Blackfoot, Idaho, on May 20th, 1897: viz. Fred J. Kohlhepp, on E. No. 2827, for the E1/2 of NE1/4, NE1/4 SE1/4 of Sec. 19, NW1/4 of SW1/4, Sec. 20, Twp. 8 Range 31 East.

He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon and cultivation of said land, viz:

William Neeley, Christ[ina] Neeley, Pr[?] Dilley, Ella Kohlhepp, all of American Falls, Oneida County, Idaho.
JNO. G. BROWN, Registrar"



This proved successful as the land grant records attest:

Homestead Certificate No. 2187

Application 2827

The United States of America,

To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting:

Whereas, There has been deposited in the General Land Office of the United States a Certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Blackfoot Idaho, whereby it appears that, pursuant to the Act of Congress approved 20^th May, 1862, “To secure Homesteads to actual Settlers on the Public Domain,” and the acts supplemental thereto, the claim of Fred J. Kohlhepp has been established and duly consummated, in conformity to law for the east half of the north east quarter and the North East quarter of the south East quarter of section nineteen and the North West quarter of the South West quarter of section twenty in Township eight south of Range thirty one East of Boise Meridian in Idaho containing one hundred and sixty acres according to the Official Plot of the Survey of said Land, returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General.

Now know ye that there is, therefore, granted by the United Stated unto the said Fred K. Kohlhepp the tract of Land above described: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said tract of Land with the appurtenances thereof, unto the said Fred K. Kohlhepp and to his heirs and assigns forever; subject to any vested and accrued water rights for mining, agricultural, manufacturing, or other purposes, and rights to ditches and reservoirs used in connection with such water rights as may be recognized and acknowledged by the local customs, laws, and decisions of courts, and also subject to the right of the proprietor of a vein or lode to extract and remove his ore therefrom, should the same be found to penetrate or intersect the premises hereby granted, as provided by law, and there is reserved from the lands hereby granted, a right of way thereon for ditches or canals constructed by the authority of the United States.

In testimony whereof, I William McKinley, President of the United States of America, have caused these letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.

Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the Fifth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Ninety seven, and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty second.

By the President, William McKinley

By F. M. McKean, Secretary.

C. H. Brush, Recorder of the General Land Office.

Enjoyably, this grant of land can be mapped easily to real property today. Here is a visualization thanks to the government:

Photos: Ella (1936)

Ella and her second husband, George Martineau, attended George's youngest son's (Thouis Martineau's) wedding to Mabel June Tyler on May 22, 1936. That day, a picture was taken, which included Ella.

From left to right we see: Mabel Tyler, Thouis Martineau, Matilda Petersen, George Albert Martineau (Sr.), and Ella. It's not the best photo of Ella. Her eyes look closed, and her hand is blurred.

Ella -- Notes from Martineau Family

After Fred died, Mary Ella remarried 9 years later in Salt Lake City to George Albert Martineau, Sr. There isn't a lot captured in my family history after this point, due to the rift that formed between Minerva and Ella. I've looked up memoirs that the Martineau family might have had, and did discover some tidbits. From a biography of George Albert Martineau by his grandson, LeVan Martineau, there are a few notes about Mary Ella of interest:

"George moved back to Cedar City, Utah in 1927. In 1928 he moved to Salt Lake City. While in Salt Lake he met Mary Ellen [Ella] Kohl[h]epp. She was a widow who had six children. All of them were married but one. They were married December 5, 1928. (Mary Ellen was a health food fanatic and grew alfalfa in the living room window and used the leaves to make salad and juice. She had some other ideas about health that were not very sound. She believed that if a child looked directly into the morning sun for several minutes a day they would have strong eyesight. A very bad thing to do. Thouis told of having his father come to visit, after he and Mabel were married, and they were cooking beef steak for dinner. George Albert explained very carefully about how they were strict vegetarians and ate only healthy food and never red meat. He then sat down to dinner and ate all the steak. Another bit of interest, George kept the upright piano that was in her home and moved it to Arizona with him.  He shipped it to his youngest son, Thouis, for Christmas in 1954. It was given to his middle child, Carol Stoddard, who has it in her possession (1998). Mary Ellen died of dropsy in January, 1941. (Dropsy, now called Edema, is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in cells or a tumor.)"

Observations:

- Notes marriage date to George Albert Martineau, Sr. on December 5, 1928.

- One child not married I believe would have been Constance.

- The belief regarding eyesight may have contributed to Minerva's description of lost eyesight in her letter to her daughter Laurie.

- It looks like the regiment reg. food consumption was instituted not only at the Kohlhepp home, but the Martineau home as well. This was the "Jewish" health code they claim to have followed. George looks to have begrudgingly followed it.

- We know Ella composed music, and it's interesting to see where her piano ended up. It would be interest to see if Carol had any pictures of it.