Home at Last by Jim Potter Robert Parks was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1919 just in time to enjoy Christmas with his parents, Henry and Lydia Parks, living in McPherson County, Kansas. Fighting in the World War was over for more than a year when Robert was discharged. His extended service time was due to the monumental operation of clearing tens of thousands of mines in the North Sea between Scotland and Norway, while assigned to the USS Heron (AM-10), a minesweeper … [Read more...] about Researching Robert
Arthur Borchart
Researching Robert
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.) Anna's Last Goodbye by Jim Potter Anna Maria Friederike Sophie König Bochart (or Borchert) had a life full of troubles. After her husband, Richard Karl August Borchart (or Borchert), died of an accidental gunshot in 1899, she was sent to the poor farm in McPherson county with her three boys, Arthur, Robert, and Willie. Within three months, in 1900, she was adjudged insane and sent to the Topeka Insane … [Read more...] about Researching Robert
Researching Robert
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.) Widower and Widow Wed by Jim Potter Martha Elizabeth Zimmerman and Robert Borchert married in Hutchinson, Reno County, Kansas, in 1885. The following year they moved to Haven, Kansas, where they raised five children. In January 1900, Martha became sick and was confined to bed for seven months until her death. During this time, Robert conducted an exhaustive search for doctors who could help save her … [Read more...] about Researching Robert
Researching Robert
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.) The Asylum by Jim Potter Anna Borchart’s fall from grace after the death of Richard, her husband, was reviewed in the February 16, 1900, issue of the McPherson Weekly Republican newspaper. The article, titled “Adjudged Insane,” read like an obituary as it noted the decision of the probate court. “Mrs. Borchart brooded over her husband’s death until she lost her reason. She was at the poor farm for … [Read more...] about Researching Robert
