Conservation of soil and rangeland and molding young lives through
     teaching and 40H has been the 'name of the game' for the Beuford Pike
     family.
       Beuford and Ruth came to Barber County in the 1930's. He farmed, Ruth
     taught rural schools. Beuford, one of five sons of Charles and Sarah
     Pike, was born near Goddard. Ruth, youngest child of John and Emma Gress,
     was born at Lawrence, Kansas.
       In the early day of Triple A (now ASCS) Beuford did land measuring with
     a wheel, was a board member and reporter committeeman, retiring after 25
     years. Revision of rules allowed him to accept a three year term in 1977-78.
       They farmed northwest of Medicine Lodge. In 1945 they moved to the G.E.
     Alexander Ranch near Union Chapel, where he served on Chapel and Dry Creek
     School Boards.
       Following two years in Wichita and Abilene, they returned, in 1957 to the
     ranch northwest of Medicine Lodge. They continue conservation farming
     practices and protection from overgrazing of rangeland - preserving land
     and pasture for posterity.
       The Pike children received a large part of their education in local
     schools. Chester D., after serving with U.S. Marines, with wife, Joanne,
     and children, Jeff, Sue, and Stephanie, lives in California, where Chet
     works at the Radiation Lab on Berkeley Campus, commuting also to Stanford
     University. Joanne is a teacher.
       Marilyn Pike Watson, with husband Larry, and teenage children, Brenda,
     Duane, Linda, and Pamela, lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Larry served in USAF,
     Air National Guard, and is in AF REserve. He workes in Air Research. Marilyn
     is realizing her life's ambition, after family rearing, as an LPN, and will
     soon become an RN.
       Chuck - Charles, born at Hardnter, is a MLHS and Emporia State graduate.
     Draft interrupted his plans at Washburn Law School. Following three years
     in Army Intelligence in Washington D.C., he was on staff for Rep. Skubitz.
     Chuck was defeated when he ran for 5th District Congressman, but he is
     presently Adm. Asst. to Rep. Whittaker. Chuck's wife, Janet, is qualified 
     in Special Education and French, but is Executive Secretary for Rep.
     Whittaker.
       Keith, the youngest, was born in Wichita. He is the only one of the
     children who attended Kindergarten through high school (graduated in 1972)
     at Medicine Lodge schools. He, like Chuck, was active in student council,
     vocal, and instrumental music. Chuck was in the first Show Choir. Keith
     later participated. Keith recieved his Masters of Science Degree from Kansas
     State, Manhattan. He is in Feed and Grain Science Research for Ralston
     Purina in St. Louis, Missouri. Judy, Keith's wife, has her degree in
     elementary education from KSU. Art and music are special interests.
       The Pikes have been active in all Methodist Church activities - MYF, Jr.
     and senior high choirs; Ruth taught S.S. and was Jr. Dept. Supt., and is 
     in OES. Beuford is a 32nd Degree Mason, member of Wichita Consistory.
       4-H was a part of growing up in the Pike family. Marilyn was in Lone
     Eagle, Chuck in Mingona - later Gyp Hills (8 yrs.), and Keith was 10 year
     Pioneer. Both parents wre 4-H leadrs; Beuford served on Extension Council
     and Farm Bureau Boards. They enjoy the beauty of the Gyp Hills from their
     home.
                
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas, pg. 368 
     Submitted by: Ruth Pike