I have many more stories about the Blancetts which I will intersperse on other Post. But, I thought I would open the dialog concerning the Koontz Family.

This picture is of John A Koontz with our grandfather Samuel Elbert standing. Mary Stamm Koontz, is holding baby Irma. Picture probably taken in 1871. John and Mary had one more child, Cora. Then Grandpa later married Emaline Kitchen and had a son, John Andrew Koontz, Jr. It is not known what happened to Mary. That is a story for another day.

J.A. Koontz established town sites such as Aztec, New Mexico, and had many leadership positions. He assisted in laying out portions of Omaha and Fremont Nebraska and Denver Colorado. He was captain of Militia at fort Washington in Douglas County, Colorado; served as Assessor of Douglas County in 1874 and also served in the first Colorado legislature.

Below is an article that I received from Kermit Koontz. He had in his possession many things about the Koontz and Blancett family and he gifted them to me----I had called him one day asking for information on the family, he told me that he and his wife had just been talking about what to do with a birthday diary that Aunt Zoe had left after she died. It is old. And when I called they said they knew I was the person to receive the stuff. She had newspaper clippings stuffed inside, etc. So, I feel a responsibility to the family to share with those that may be interested either now or later.

The article below is part of a larger write up (I am still confused as to why they would say grandfather never held a public office?)

"Mr. Koontz has never held any political office, though he is a staunch Republican of decided silver proclivities.  His extensive business interests have demanded his whole time, and while not meddling in the game of politics, he has probably done more for the industrial development of the San Juan Valley than any other man, and he enjoys the esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances."

More to come!