The desire to be a farmer, and to see his brother, brought William Lenkner to
  Barber County, all the way from Germany in 1926. Four years later, Sophia Lang
  came here also, to visit her sister, Mrs. Fritz Lenkner. The two, William and
  Sophia, had been schoolmates in Finsterlohr, Germany and the family ties of
  Lang-Lenkner were already established, by the marriage of Fritz Lenkner and
  Margaret Lang.
     William John Lenkner, the youngest of 9 children, was born in Finsterlohr,
  Germany 1-14-1898. Sohia Barbara Lang on 11-20-1900, in a small village near
  there, the youngest of 6 children. They were united in marriage 3-22-1931.
  They established their home on the Lemon Ranch where they lived 7 years. They
  lived in the Aetna-Deerhead Community several years, then moved northeast of
  Sharon. 
     They have two children, Walter of rural Medicine Lodge, and Mrs. Gilbert
  (Helen) Selsor of Rose Hill, Kansas. Grandchildren are Robert, a Kansas State
  University student, and Carol Lenkner, Pratt, and Forrest, Sheri, John, Trudy,
  and Darrel.
     The Lenkners are members of Trinity Lutheran Church where Mrs. Lenkner is in
  Ruth Circle, William was once an elder.
     Bill received his naturalization papers at the Barber County Courthouse in
  1938. Sophia waited until after World War II. They have been able to realize
  their dream of becoming successful farmers in a country where they could grow.
  His father in Germany was a farmer as was his brother, Fritz in America, near
  Coats, Kansas. The size of the family farms, and use of large machinery here
  was the greatest difference.
     The language difference was frustrating and they missed being able to
  communicate with people, but eventually they have conquered that problem. They
  have seen many changes in our nation and farming methods through the years.
     In 1950, the William and Fritz Lenkner couples returned to Germany for six
  weeks visit. There were still family members living there and it was a delightful
  experience.
     About their only German keepsake is a mantel clock, a gift from Sophia's
  sister in Germany.
     Brother Fritz died in 1970, and Margaret lives in Belleville, Kansas near her
  daughter.
     Theirs has been a busy and fruitful life. When they came to America it was an
  adventure, and a search for a dream - we can well say of the William Lenkner
  family - this is indeed - Their Chosen Land - Barber County.
               
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas,  pg. 278 
     Submitted by: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Lenkner