Kartchner, LaFayette S. (Lafayette Shepherd), 1893-1993

LaFayette Shepher Kartchner (1893-1993) worked for the U.S. Forest Service and served a mission in Mexico.

LaFayette Shepherd Kartchner was born 17 December 1893 to Orrin and Annella Huny Kartchner in Snowflake, Arizona. He graduated from the three year high school in 1912, worked on the family ranch a few years and then finished school at the Snowflake State Academy with his siblings in 1915. He passed the U.S. Forest Service exam in 1916 and began working as a lookout in a tower. This did not last long though for when word reached Arizona that Pancho Villa was on a “rampage” the National Guard was called to the border; Kartchner was called with them. He returned home in September 1916 and at the beginning of 1917 began a job as an assistant forest ranger. He served as company clerk in France in 1918 until his return to the United States in June 1919. After returning home he worked for the U.S. Forest Service again. He married Alice Smith on 5 October 1921 in Salt Lake City, Utah. In December of 1927 he left his job and family to serve in the Mexican mission until December 1929. After his return he continued in the Forest Service until his retirement on 31 May 1956. He died 6 March 1993 in Arizona.

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