First owners of the land west of the Missouri River of course were the Indians. Inhabitants were most likely the Kickapoo Indians meaning 'he stands about,' or 'he moves about, standing now here, now there'. About 1852 the Government moved a large party of the Kickapoo to Texas.

When the Government opened up this land - west of the Missouri River, the rough boys of Weston, Missouri came over and claimed land. Leavenworth was established in the year 1854. It was crude, rough territory in the beginning. The first streets were mud pits. Saloons on every corner.

On October 1, 1858 Christopher Ehart purchased a parcel of land (to eventually become grandpa's) in the county of Leavenworth of about 1600 acres (more or less) as recorded in Washington and fully paid for, clear from taxes.

Christopher C. and Ellen Ehart had two children, Marshal N. and Laura E. Marshal married Lizzie Martha P. and Laura married Joseph P. Bauserman. Mr Ehart died February 25, 1871 leaving no Will. The estate went through Probate Court with a Letter of Administration. On March 4, 1871 ownership of two parcels of land 135 acres and 67 1/2 acres were granted to Ellen M. Ehart, Marshal N. Ehart and Joseph P. Bauserman.

During the fall of 1881 the Leavenworth Topeka & Southwestern Railway came through seeking land to lay down tracks. Ellen Ehart placed a price of $350 for a portion of land 100 feet wide, running from the south end of her land at an angle to the east.

September 24, 1881 the Leavenworth County Commissioners condemned the property and appraised it at $180. Legally stating “so long as said Railway Company or its assigns shall occupy or use the same for the purposes of a railroad”.

January 14, 1897, Ellen Ehart signed a Will and Testament declaring “I hereby give, devise and bequeath to my beloved son Marshall N. Ehart all the rest residue and remainder of my estate real, personal and mixed to him absolutely his heirs and assigns forever”.

January 23, 1893 Marshall and his wife Lizzie sold 67 & ½ acres (except right of way of the Leavenworth Topeka & South Western Railway Co.) to his sister Laura and her husband Joseph Bauserman. The Bauserman’s secured a mortgage with Marshall for the amount of $4000 to be paid on or before 5 years, with interest of 7 percent. To this date, this property is still called Bauserman Hill.

Mrs Ellen Ehart passed away during the month of June in 1901 leaving all possessions and property to her son.

October 17, 1901 Marshall and his wife Lizzie filed a Quit Claim Deed to release to his sister Laura and her husband Joseph Bauserman fourteen acres (more or less).

More to follow.