My parents, John T. Jesse and Bettie Brennon Jesse, were born in Kentucky and
  became true pioneers as they made several moves toward a new frontier. My father's
  parents were slave owners, and as a young man he fought in the Confederate Army.
     After their marriage in 1862, they moved to Dade County, Missouri. While
  living there, five children were born. The next move was to Jackson County,
  Kansas, near Holton. Here two more children were added to the family. Then about
  183 they came to Barber County and located on the farm where a sister and I were
  born. This was to be their home the rest of thier lives except for the time
  spent on the claims they got in the Famous Oklahoma Strip in 1883. Homes were
  maintained in both Barber County and Oklahoma for a time and many trips were
  made by covered wagon during this period. During these travels my father learned
  diplomacy in order to be friends with the Indians who occupied a large territory
  of Oklahoma.
     While living near Holton, Kansas, our family became acquainted with the "Sockless
  Jerry Simpson family. this friendship continued after the Simpson family moved to
  Barber County. My youngest brother and the Simpson's son, Lester, were playmates 
  as young boys and caused Lester's mother, Jane, many unhappy moments by chewing
  tobacco; however, she kept a close rein on them.
     My sisters and brothers all lived in Barber County so I list them as follows:
  Robert (Bob) Jesse, 1863-1834, never married; Harriet (Hattie) Graves, 1866-1953;
  Charles Jesse, 1868-1907; George Jesse, 1872-1927; Sara Toombs, 1875-1945; John
  Jesse, 1879-1951; Mamie Toombs, 1882-1951; Blanche Hartley, 1886-1933; Jane Kimball,
  1889.
     Our father was always hospitable and many a stranger on horseback found welcome
  food and a night's lodging at our home. My mother and sisters were not always so
  happy for another mouth to feed.
     My brothers and sisters and I attended the Number 10 school located a couple
  of miles west of Medicine Lodge. The school house at that time was located a mile
  or two north of the present site. Some of the community entertainment consisted of
  "literaries" - recitations and readings by anyone who cared to take part. Also
  debates were held and spelling or ciphering matches with two leaders choosing up
  sides. Another form of pastime ws barn dancing. This was especially popular.
     My own story of my life with my husband Wilbur Kimball appears elsewhere in 
  this book, having been written by my daughter Georgia Mae Johnson.
     I have made my home at Indian Hills Lodge, in Medicine Lodge since it opened
  about 9 years ago.
               
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas,  pg. 251 
     Submitted by: Jame Kimball