“PETER COVERT. Among the names of the early settlers of Cherokee County stands that of Peter Covert, a well known farmer of Spring Valley township, living on a fine farm of 160 acres of land in section 34, township 34, range 24. He is a native of the “Hoosier State” and was born in Clark County on July 4, 1838.

Lucas COVERT, his father, also a native of Clark County, Indiana, was born about 1812 and secured his education in his home county. After leaving school, he learned the trade of cooper, and followed that occupation during the early years of manhood. He married Anna NEEDLES, a native of Indiana, and to this union were born five children, as follows: William, Andrew, Peter, Harriet and Catherine. Mrs. COVERT, the mother of these children died when our subject was five years of age. Later, Mr. COVERT contracted a second marriage, this time with Mrs. Hannah Combes, neé BIRD. The children of this marriage were: Monroe, James A., Frank and George D. Lucas COVERT left Indiana in 1852 and located in Atchison County, Missouri, where he engaged in farming for six years. In 1858 he removed to Pawnee County, Nebraska, where he followed the same occupation until his death, which occurred in 1898…”

"JOHN HOFF, dealer in drugs and groceries, was born in Indiana June 19, 1847. He moved from his native town to Illinois, and thence to Missouri in 1867, where he remained until 1876, and came in that year to Kansas, located, and remained on farm one year, and then went into dry goods business in Brownsville, where he staid (sic) two years; then was in Messer in drug business one year, and then went to Crestline and opened present business in 1881. He was also in mining business a short time, and now owns his residence and business properties in Crestline. He was Postmaster three years in Brownsville and Messer, and belongs to the order of I. O. O. F. He was married to Miss Esther Combs, of Missouri, in 1872. They have three children - Joshua, Claudie and Earnest.

"The, Methodist Church was organized, with fifteen members, May 22, 1870. Before this time, there had been preaching by Rev. J. KIRCHNER, in 1869, and by Rev. Boyd LOWE, in March, 1870, the latter of whom was the first regular minister of the church, holding services once in four weeks. He has been succeeded by the following ministers: Rev. S. W. BLISS, came in October, 1870; F. H. BURROWS, February, 1871; Clement Combs, May, 1871; H. H. SCAGGS, May, 1872; A. THORNTRUE, 1873; William SIBLEY, March, 1874, assisted by Mr. MAREY; John KIRBY, 1875; David GRIFFITH, March, 1877; L. W. THRALL, 1878; Hugh MCBIRNEY, 1879, and A. G. ROBB, the present pastor, in 1881.

"Religious services were at first held in the court house, and afterward in the opera house. The building of the present church was commenced in 1873; it was inclosed in 1874, and completed in 1875, at a total cost of $4,000. The present membership is 210. The Sunday school was organized In December 1871, S. 0. McDOWELL being first Superintendent; L. L. DOUBLEDAY was elected Superintendent in 1874, and John N. RITTER, the present Superintendent, in 1877. There is an average attendance of 120 scholars.