Fred Hoyt ushered in the gasoline age in the Medicine Lodge community. His was
  the original bulk station - in 1910. He was associated in the business 38 years.
     He hauled coal oil before gasoline was used to propel wheeled vehicles. He first
  transported it with a tank wagon, pulled by mule teams. He delivered to Isabel and
  Nashville, and everywhere, he became known as 'Coal Oil Johnny".
     The day began at 3 A.M., and he returned after dark. Four mules were used when
  he made the long trips. A Model T was his first engine-propelled tank wagon. The
  next was a Reo Speedwagon, purchased just before WWI. In all, he used six different
  trucks.
     Fred was born October 5, 1873, in Calhoun County, Michigan. He was reared on
  the farm, leaving there at age 20 to go to Iowa with a cousin. He worked on a farm,
  then opened a combination restaurant-funiture store - undertaking establishment, in
  partnership with a friend. He sold out the furniture and mortuary part to the
  friend and ran the cafe alone for two more years.
     In 1900 he sold out, married Alta Mitchell December 27, 1900, and headed for
  Medicine Lodge. They came with her parents, James and Elizabeth Mitchell. An aunt
  and grandmother were already in Kansas.
     Alta was born in Clinton, Illinois, in Dec. 17, 1880, where she grew to womanhood.
  Others of her family were Vernon Mitchel (m. Alice Pelton), Bertard (m. Effie Tincher),
  Emil (M. Eunice Read), Myrtle (m. Goff Davenport), Lloyd (m. Coy Axtell). The family
  moved to Farnhamville, Iowa near Ft. Dodge. It ws here she met Fred.
     When they arrived in Medicine Lodge, Fred began work as a blaster for Best Bros.
  Kenne's Cement Co. The tornado of 1907 did severe damage to the gyp mill here, and
  it was forced to close for repair. Fred never went back with the company. He got a 
  team and wagon and began hauling freight, gravel, and dirt. He hauled drums of
  Kerosene from the railroad to users. This was an insight to the need for tank 
  storage service. Fred and Alta celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and were
  always involved with the Rebekah Lodge and Odd Fellows. They joined the Christian 
  Church in 1901, she remained a loyal member and worked hard there. She was a musician
  and artist.
     Fred passed away April 11, 1965, at age 91 years, six months, and six days. Alta
  continued in the home until her death February 25, 1969, at age 88 years, two months,
  and nine days.
     A great change in services requested and prices for that service has taken place
  since the days of mule powered tank wagons of "Coal Oil Johnny". No more dependable
  or energetic serviceman covers the territory.
                
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas,  pg. 242 
     Submitted by: Flossie Hoyt Downing