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𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐛 𝐂. 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐳𝐢𝐞, son of David Kinsey and Margaret "Peggy" Frantz was born on January 10, 1836 in Wirtz, Franklin, Virginia. He was one of ten children. Caleb died on March 31, 1916.

On January 14, 1858¹, Caleb married Susannah Peters, daughter of Joel B. Peters and Elizabeth Barnhart. Susannah was born on November 5, 1836 in Wirtz, Franklin, Virginia. Caleb and Susannah had seven children.

1. Joel Henry Kinzie

2. Frances Agnes "Fanny" Kinzie

3. David Lewis Kinzie

4. Elizabeth Margaret "Betty" Kinzie

5. John Edward Kinzie

6. Mary Anna Kinzie

7. Lydia Mae Kinzie

In their early years, Caleb and Susannah lived near Boones Mill (near Roanoke, Virginia). According to the Kinzie historical documents, Boones Mill was established February 18, 1828. However, further research disputes that statement, as information from the official Town of Boones Mill website indicates Boones Mill originally developed around the site of a mill, established by the Boon Family in 1786. However, the Post Office was indeed established on February 18, 1828.

Before embarking on their westward adventure around 1868, Caleb and Susannah raised their first four children—Joe Henry, Frances Agnes, David, and Elizabeth. It was then that the couple laid the foundation for their family's journey into an uncertain yet promising future. 

In 1868, with a pregnant Susannah, the Kinzie family set off in a covered wagon, and they made a brief stop to reunite with relatives, likely cousin John A. Kinzie, in Cass County, Indiana, where their fifth child, John Edward, was born. Their travels continued, leading them to Douglas County, Kansas, where their sixth child, Mary Anna, joined the family in 1871, followed by Lydia Mae Kinzie in 1874. The winds of fate took a sorrowful turn when Susannah passed away in 1876, leaving Caleb with seven children to raise on his own.

After Susannah's passing, Caleb married Mary (Snyder) Hackenberg on September 24, 1876. Mary was born on January 4, 1840. Caleb and Mary had two children. Tragically, their daughter Laura died in a fire.

1. Laura L. Kinzie

2. Franklin Matthew Kinzie. 

Caleb, in his later years, was hard of hearing and was well known for his trusty large tin horn, a tool he used to overcome his diminishing hearing. Stories from his granddaughter, Alice Kinzie Gooden, paint a vivid picture of their grandfather’s quirky charm; she recalls trips to his home where he often gardened on his knees, humorously explaining, "Well, when I hoe standing up, I get dizzy so I cut off my hoe handle. I would rather wear out than rust out." 

Alice also recalls hearing her father Joel Henry tell his father, Caleb, that he should sell his driving team² because they were too high-spirited. Alice felt bad that her father would talk to her grandfather like that, but Joel felt his father was getting too old to handle such a lively team.

He stood as a robust figure, not tall but stout, with a bushy beard and blonde hair that had turned white with age. Though his steps were less steady in later years, he maintained a playful spirit, often teasingly catching his grandchildren’s ankles with his cane. 

Agriculture was Caleb's life’s work, and cultivating the land brought him immense joy. His commitment also extended to his community, serving as a Deacon for many years in the Burr Oak Church of the Brethren³, a testament to his faith and dedication. 

Caleb's obituary beautifully captures the essence of his life: he was a gentle, kind-hearted man who loved his family fiercely. Born to a large family himself, he outlived all three brothers and five sisters, becoming the last of his line. 

By the time of his passing, Caleb left behind his wife, Mary Snyder, eight children, 34 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren, all of whom mourned his departure deeply. A natural leader and compassionate soul, he took joy in seeing his entire family embrace the faith that had been so vital to him.

On that fateful day on March 31, 1916, surrounded by loved ones, Caleb Kinzie departed this world but left behind a legacy rich with memories and love. His family gathered to celebrate his life, cherishing every moment they shared and honoring a man who believed in family, faith, and the land he loved.

As they laid him to rest, they remembered his joyful laughter, his lessons, and the profound impact he had on their lives. For Caleb C. Kinzie, though he may have departed, his spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those who loved him.

Caleb was originally buried in Limestone, Kansas. He was later interred with his first wife, Susannah Peters, in Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak, Jewell County, Kansas.

¹Caleb's obituary states he married Susannah Peters in 1857.

²Although it’s not clear from the stories, it’s assumed that “driving team” refers to a pack of animals used for farm work, often pulling wagons, typically oxen, horses, or mules. 

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teamster

³No specific historical reference could be found on the Burr Oak Church of the Brethren, but there is a reference to Caleb Kinzie in the book, A HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN IN KANSAS by Elmer LeRoy Craik, A.M., Ph. D.:

“In the latter seventies there were a number of Brethren living in Limestone and Ionia townships, south of Burr Oak. Among these members were Alex. Zantz and wife, Brother and Sister Hively, George Montgomery and wife, Sister Peters, Caleb Kinzie and wife, David Ballard and wife, Sister Teeter, Daniel Gish and wife, Peter Wolfe and wife, David Dale and wife, Daniel Firestone and wife, David Root and wife, and Elias Dale.”

[Below excerpt copied verbatim from the Kinzie documents]

Obituary of Caleb C. Kinzie:

FATHER KINZIE AT REST

Caleb Kinzie died at the home of his son, Frank Kinzie in Phillips County, Colorado, March 31, 1916, aged 80 years, two months, 21 days.

His remains were brought to Burr Oak and funeral services held at the Brethren church, Sunday afternoon at 2:20, the sermon by the pastor, Ira B. Wagoner, being from the text of II Timothy 4. 

He was laid to rest in the Brethren cemetery by the side of the wife of his youth, it being his last request.

He had three brothers and five sisters, all of whom have passed away, he being the last. About the age of 22 he united with the Brethren church, of which he remained a faithful member until he was called up higher. He served in the deacon's office for 43 years. 

In 1857 he was united in marriage to Susannah Peters. To this union was born seven children. They arre Joel Kinzie of Ankeny, Iowa. Fanny Springer of Hardy, Neb., David Kinzie of Ripley, Okla., Elizabeth Dagget of Covert, Kans., Edward Kinzie of Haxtum, Colo., Anna Hildreth of Burr Oak. Five were present and companions of the other two were present at his last illness. The mother

Susannah died in the year of 1875, leaving him with the seven small children.

In the year 1876 he was married to Mary Hackenburg. To this union were born two children-- the oldest a daughter Laura, who died in the year of 1884, age six and one-half years, and Frank M. Kinzie of Haxtum, Colo.

He leaves a wife, eight children, 34 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and a host of friends to mourn his departure.

Father was a sympathetic, kind and loving man. He loved his friends, his family, his children and every grandchild was dear to his heart. It can truly be said--"He was a good Father,"

He lived to see all of his children and most all of his grandchildren members of his church, which he love so dearly and labored so earnestly for.

"A precious one from has gone"

A voice we loved is stilled,

A place is vacant in our home

Which never can be filled.

Dearest loved one, we have laid thee

In the peaceful grave's embrace

But thy memory will be cherished

Till we see thy heavenly face.

CARD OF THANKS

We wish to thank the kind friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted us in the burial of our dear husband and father.

Mrs. Mary Kinzie,

The Sons and Daughters

Based on excerpts from the Christian Küntzi genealogy documents and the 1981 Kinzie Book of Anecdotes. Please contact us with any corrections or updates.