John Christian Hilkey, who died June 24, 1963, at the age of 91, at
   Medicine Lodge, will be well remembered by the people of Hardtner, Kansas.
   His churcha nd his Bible always side by side, he was well deserving of
   the name "Christian." The statement always made about him was: "The most
   honest man I ever met."
     John was born in Grafton, West Virginia, December 8, 1871. His father died
   when he was 16 years old, leaving his mother, older sister, two younger
   brothers and himself to care for the farm. John later taught school. He
   decided to be a lawyer and took his law course at the University of Tennessee,
   Chattanooga, and was admitted to the Bar there and in Missouri and Kansas.
     Mr. Hilkey came to Hardtner in 1917, because of his health. He operated a
   general store for 19 years. He served on the school board for several years.
     In 1925 he was married to Lousie Kinley from St. Louis, Missouri. How
   joyous when the city's bachelor brought his bride to town in the little Ford
   coupe! John and Lousie were both promoters and civic minded people. Louise
   gave violin lessons and her musical ability to the public.
     In 1937 Mr. Hilkey won the election for Barber County Judge; they then
   moved to Medicine Lodge, continuing their work and talents in the Methodist
   Church there. He held the judge's office for 20 years, retiring in 1957.
     Mrs. Hilkey died in November 1958. Before this time they were active members
   of the Golden Age Club. After her death, this group became his family.
     His standards and teachings will always be a memory for those who knew him.
                 
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas,  pg. 230 
     Submitted by: Berneice Sternberger