Charles H. (C.H.) Hyer’s lasting footprints on Johnson County history come in the form of boots worn by cowboys, outlaws, presidents and many others since 1876. Hyer learned the art of boot making from his father William, who immigrated to Illinois from Hanover, Germany in 1850. C.H. Hyer moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, for a railroad job. In 1872, after his railroad job ended, he taught leather working at the Kansas State School for the Deaf in Olathe. Here Hyer passed on to students his boot-making knowledge and skills that would later make his name legendary.
Outside Hyer Boot Company, circa 1881Brothers Charles H. Hyer and E. W. Hyer are 3rd and 4th from the right.
Original image: http://www.jocohistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/jcm/id/1950
Hyer began making shoes out of his home to supplement his income in 1875 and later opened a small boot shop in Olathe.
Hyer Boot Co. sewing room, 1895
Original image: http://www.jocohistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/jcm/id/1519
According to legend, Hyer’s reputation started when a lone cowboy rode up to Hyer’s shop in 1876 wanting a new boot design. With a pointed toe, raised heel and a scalloped top, the new boots were proudly worn to the Colorado range by this nameless cowboy, who told others about the fine boot maker.
A.E. Hyer with boots, 1938
Original image: http://www.jocohistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/jcm/id/1723
One of Hyer’s major contributions to the boot trade was his measuring system that allowed customers from all over the country to mail order their boots. A version of this chart is still used by boot makers today.
Work order for Will Rogers’ boots, 1932The customer name and address: Will Rogers, Beverly Hills Calif. The cost for two pair was $26.50. Stamped on the top edge of the form was the order number (254774), date received (April 11, 1932), and the date shipped (May 10, 1932).
Original image: http://www.jocohistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/jcm/id/4589
As demand for his boots grew, Hyer’s brother Edward and later his three sons joined in the boot making company, changing the name to C.H. Hyer and Sons. In addition to family, Hyer employed and looked out for many European immigrants as well as former deaf students. Hyer was soon a major employer in Olathe.
Workmen at Hyer Boot Co., circa 1905
Original image: http://www.jocohistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/jcm/id/1617
Hyer’s cowboy, riding and army boots have served a long list of legendary customers including presidents Calvin Coolidge and Teddy Roosevelt; outlaws Jesse James and Billy the Kid; illustrious cowboys Buffalo Bill Cody and Will Rogers; and actor Clark Gable.
Hyer Boot Factory, date unknown
Original image: http://www.jocohistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/jcm/id/1952
The Hyer Boot Company legacy spanned 93 years. Ben Miller Boot Company of El Paso, Texas bought Hyer Boot Company’s interests in 1977. They assumed the Hyer name in 1997. Hyer’s innovation, national reputation, and high quality standards left no doubt that the nation found some of the best boots right here in Johnson County.
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I had no idea that the history of these boots was so rich! Thanks for sharing such valuable information.
My mother used to work for Hyer Boot Factory. I have a photograph that shows the entire Hyer Boot Company organization and my mother is on the second row. Wish I could see photos of the boots she did. One was supposedly Roy Rogers Spread Eagle boots with her name inside. Since the Roy Roger’s museum closed I’ve not been able to find out about this. Any information would be extremely helpful.
Mrs. Boblett.
In doing my family tree I found many interesting things about the Hyer s.
If you have any stories about your mothers interaction with the Hyer’s, I would love to hear them.
Email address is: photo@scrtc.com
Thank you for taking time to write.
My mother worked for Hyer’s in 1950’s, do not remember exact times.
During that time Roy Rogers visited and took a tour. He saw my mother’s leather work and requested her to make a pair of his Spread Eagle boots.
I know, this sounds like one of those “stories”passed down in families, but really did happen. Her name was inside those boots and resided in the Roy Rogers Museum for years until it closed. I have no idea whatever happened to them as I learned of the closure after the fact.
My Aunt, my mother’s youngest sister, said she knew this happened and saw the boots. Mother told me about it years ago, so after she passed, I happened to ask my Aunt about them. She verified the story.
My mother’s name was Genevieve Faulkner at that time, her married name.
Thank you for allowing me to share this. I would appreciate it if you would let me know if this is re-printed, or included as part of history of Johnson County.
Respectfully,
Marlayne Faulkner Boblett