Across the fence

My Great-Grandfather, William Fredrick Gustav Nolting, was a Prussian immigrant to America in the late 1800's. Great-grandfather was a commanding officer in the Prussian Cavalry and he brought with him his rather harsh military demeanor of command and discipline.

The story is told of him driving his team and wagon to Atchison to hire workers who could be found at the rail-yards, transients from the east. Two likely fellows were found and accompanied great-grandfather to the homestead, a short days travel from Atchison. On the trip great-grandfather impressed upon the two men the importance...