Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
When Postmaster Karr received a letter addressed as follows: "To P.M., Grasshopper or Sautrelle Falls, Jefferson County, Kansas" one September day in 1901, he did not realize he was about to help solve a mystery of 37 years.
The Valley Falls New Era, Sept. 14, 1901, reported the events leading to the mystery and carried the following story:
"In 1864, there lived near this city, in the neighborhood of Half Mound, a young man whose ambition led him from the farm to seek his fortune in the West. It was a bright, spring morning in 1864, when John Krawetzki bade farewell to friends, relatives and home and started westward across the then Great American Desert of Kansas and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
"Since leaving home nearly 40 years ago, nothing has been heard of the young man. Now, a man of 60 years, apparently amply provided for and alone in the world, as revealed in his letter, he is anxious to claim relationship before it's too late.
"He wrote, 'Dear Sir . . . about 1865, there lived about four miles up Grasshopper Creek, a man by the name of Francis Ammen, who was my stepfather. He married my stepmother, who married my father on my mother's death. My father and my stepmother had a daughter, who was my stepsister and whose name was Johannah Krawetzki.
"I left there in 1864 and came to California, and have heard nothing of them since. Now, as I have no personal friends, and am 60 years of age, I am desirous of finding out the whereabouts of my stepsister or her offspring, if any, and if living, so as to make some provisions for them at my death. By looking this matter up, you will confer a great favor, and if there is any expense attached, send me the bills and I will remit. Your very truly, John Julius Krawetzki, 102 Main St., Santa Rosa, Cal."
"Postmaster Karr began making inquiries among those living in the Ammen neighborhood and soon learned from some older residents that there once was a man named Krawetzki in the vicinity, but it was difficult to locate a stepsister or any other relatives.
"By continued inquiry, it was learned that Mrs. Lawrence Hilty was a Miss Johannah Krawetzki and when notified of the receipt of the letter was wild with joy and came to town to learn the facts from the postmaster.
"Mrs. Hilty resides with her family north of town in the neighborhood her stepbrother left long ago. The family consists of father, mother, a son and two daughters. Being the wife of T. Gettler, Mrs. Hilty is now in correspondence with her stepbrother and they hope to see each other before death separates them for all time."
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 27.
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