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In the 1900 census for Sterling, Rice, Kansas, “Thomas J. Heter” and “Eliz.
Dill” are listed with five children: Edith M. (born April 1884), “Willie”
(born October 1885), Norma (born November 1889), Wade (born April 1891), and
Lucetta (born April 1894). The eldest son was Wylie, not “Willie.” Thomas
J. Heter is listed in the census as a veterinarian.
In the 1910 census for Sterling, Rice, Kansas, “Thomas J. Heter” (54), now a
farmer, and “Lizzie Heter” (45) are listed with their five youngest children:
Norma (20), Wade (19), Lucetta (16), Frank (8), and Marion (3).
Dr. Thomas Jefferson Heter died on 6 August 1913 at the age of 56 and was
buried two days later in the Sterling Cemetery. In the 1920 census for
Sterling, Rice, Kansas, “Mrs. T. J. Heter,” (54), is listed with her two
youngest sons: Frank (18) and Marion (13). In the 1930 census for Sterling,
Rice, Kansas, “Elizabeth Heter” (64) is listed with one son, Marion (23).
The “Death of Dr. T. J. Heter” was the headline story in the Sterling Kansas
Bulletin, in the upper right-hand corner of page one. The full article,
reproduced from an original newspaper, is attached. The opening paragraph
says it all, with emotion not expressed in modern newspapers:
The entire community was shocked and pained yesterday morning, on
learning of the sudden death of Dr. T. J. Heter. The unwelcome news
spread rapidly oer the town and surrounding territory, causing many
a heartache in the homes of relatives and friends.
The article confirms that Thomas Jefferson Heter was born on 1 May 1857, “on a
farm in Seneca County, Ohio. It was there and at Bellevue the greater part of
his early life was spent.” At Bellevue he received his education and served as
a clerk in a drug store. “In March, 1878, together with his parents, one
brother and one sister, he came to Rice County, residing at different points
until his death.” During his residence on a farm northeast of Sterling, in
1883, he married Lizzie Dill, who also resided a short distance from the city.
After fifteen years on the farm he moved with his family to a house on East
Main Street in Sterling. While living there he completed a three years’ course
at a veterinary college in Chicago, and practiced his profession for fifteen
years, until “about two years ago” (probably 1910, according to the census).
In the Sterling Kansas Bulletin of 7 August 1900 is a profile, “Thos. J. Heter.
A Successful Veterinary Surgeon and Prominent Farmer,” excerpted here:
In Thomas J. Heter, Rice County has a man who combines the pursuit of
farming with the professional duties of a veterinary surgeon and has
made a success of both. In the practice of his profession he has not
only been successful, but has won favor for the humane, gentle, and
common sense methods adopted in treating injured and diseased animals.
No calling has been more beset with fanatics and charlatans than this
one. Ancient superstitions have become hereditary when applied to the
diseases of horses and cows. Mr. Heter, however, has made a study of
the anatomy of his subjects and in prescribing treatment follows the
dictates of scientific knowledge and good sound sense. Operations are
performed when necessary, but promiscuous cutting and gouging is not
considered conducive to the well-being of all animals. A complete
instrument equipment and operating table give facilities for correct
treatment not at the service of stockmen in many counties.
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