Blue Earth County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1901 (part 7 of 15)

The management of the mill by no means represented the limit of Mr. Hubbard's activities. JDuring 188? he associated himself with J. J. Thompson in the starting of a large live stock business in Custer county, Montana. About tiie same time, vrith Capt. T. P. Gere as a partner, he established extensive linseed oil works at Sioux Cit}', which in 1887 were purchased by the national Linseed Oil trust or the Kational Linseed Oil Company of U. S. and he was made president, which position he held for two years. During 1892 he purchased the interest of S. H. Grannis in the firm of Grannis & Palmer and organized tlic Hubbard & Palmer Elevator Company. The concern in 1897 was again incorporated under the title of Hnbbard, Palmer & Co. and by successive purchases acquired the ownership of forty elevators lying on the line of the Chicago, St. Paul, irinneapolis & Omaha Eailroad. These are used chiefly for the storing of wheat purchased from neighboring farmers and shipped to the mill as needed.

The first marriage of E. D. Hubbard took place April 9, 18G3, and united him with Mary E. Cook, daughter of Harvey W. Cook, of Otsego county, ISTcw York. At the death of the wife, which occurred April 21, 1877, there was left an only son, Jay, who is represented elsewhere in this volume. The second marriage of Mr. Hubbard was solemnized October 7th, 1878, and united him with Miss Frank GrifEith, stepdaughter of the late James Cannon. Mrs. Hubbard survives her husband, as do also the two daughters, Katherine Dean, and Mary Esther, born of their union. Mary Esther - now married to Edward M. Eichter and resides in Mankato.

HUBEIG, AUGUST H. - Although born across the water in a land familiar to his ancestors through many generations, Mr. Hubrig has been a resident of Minnesota during almost the entire period of his life, and he belongs to that class of German-American citizens who have been so important a factor in the agricultural development of the northwest. Ever since attaining man's estate he has engaged in farming in Blue Earth county and now owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section fourteen. Pleasant Mound township. The land has the advantage of being high and easily drained, which renders jDOSsible the securing of fair crops even in wet seasons. A comfortable residence and substantial barns add to the value of the farm, while well-kept yards and a splendid orchard of apples, phmis and cherries bespeak the thrift and energy of the owner.

Genealogical records show that father and son, bearing the name of Henry Hubrig, engaged in farming in Hamburg, Crosla, Germany. The son married Lena Smeagle, a native of Hamburg, where their child, August H., was born September 8, 1864. About 1869 the family crossed the ocean to the United States and came direct to Minnesota, settling in Eapidan township. Blue Earth county, where the father continued to make his home until death. There were nine children in the family, of whom August was sixth in order of birth, and he was reared principally in Eapidan township, where he attended the common schools. For a time he also was a pupil in the Mankato schools. Since .leaving school he has been a reader of current literature and has thus added to his stock of information. Habits of close observation also have been helpful to him in the acquisition of knowledge.

Shortly after starting put to earn his own way in the world Mr. Hubrig established domestic ties, being married, in May of 1889, to Miss Ida Jobe, who was born in Pleasant Mound township, being thp daughter of Ludwick Jobe, a resident of this township. Their union was blessed by the following named children : Arthur, Frieda, Bruo, Edwin, Edvild, Alvin, Herbert and Lorina, to all of whom are being given the benefits of educational advantages in order that they may be qualified for positions of social and business responsibility in the world.

HUBENER, EDWARD. - The Maple Grove stock farm ranks among the valuable estates lying in the southern part of Blue Earth county and comprises four hundred and forty acres situated on section fourteen, Danville township. The entire equipment of the place suggests the thrift and sagacity of the owner. The barn, resting on a broad stone foundation, is a model of stability and no finer building of the kind is to be found for miles in any direction. The other buildings are well adapted to their varied purposes and are provided with all the conveniences suggested by the civilization of the twentieth century. The attractive effect produced by the substantial buildings and the grove of stately trees is further enhanced by the well-tilled fields of waving grain, the meadow with its heavy crops of hay, and the pastures with their herds and flocks of finely-bred animals.

The owner of the farm, who is familiarly known as "Ed" Hubener, was born July 7, 1871, on the homestead where he still resides. His father, Martin, an Austrian by birth, parentage and education, came to America about 1850 and settled in Dodge county, "Wisconsin, where he soon gained a knowledge of agriculture as conducted in that region. Ten years were spent in that county, after which in 1860 he came to Minnesota and settled in Blue Earth county, where he homesteaded a claim on section fourteen, Danville township. Later he added to the oi'iginal tract as his means enabled him to acquire larger possessions. The balance of his life was spent on this place and here he died in 1887 at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Wilhelmina Egert, was born in Pommern, Germany, and died in i?lue Earth county in 1895 at the age of sixtyfour years.

Of the eleven children of Martin and Wilhelmina Hubener, the youngest eon was Edward, who received a common-school education and early gained a thorough knowledge of every detail connected with agricultural pursuits. After the death of his father he became a partner in the homestead, the title to which he subsequently acquired by purchasing the interests of the otheT heirs. February 13, 1900, he was united in marriage with Hattie Coloff, who was born in Gej-many and thence was brought to America by her jjarents at the age of two years. For a time the family lived in Iowa, but later established their home in LeSueur county, Minnesota. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hubener are Ellis, Leonard and Lilly. Mrs. Hubener is a woman of exceptional ability and great industry. No department of the farm holds more interest for her than the raising of poultry, in which she is an expert. Several hundred hens are kept on the farm, a large number of these being the pure black Spanish fowl. The guinea fowls also are kept, as well as the peacocks, whose graceful beauty blends harmoniously with the background 01 gi'oves of stately trees.

Percheron horses are a favorite with Mr. Hubener and he has five registered animals of this bleed on the farm, besides a registered stallion, Choppin, one of lams' "Peaches and Cream," and weighing two thousand and one hundred and ten pounds. This is said by competent judges to be one of the finest animals of the kind in the entire state. All of his young cattie are sired by thoroughbreds and in their appearance give evidence of being unsurpassed in breed. On the farm there are two hundred' head of Shropshire sheep and at the head of his flock he has eight registered animals. In hogs he has only full-blooded Poland-Chinas and his drove each year brings in a substantial addition to the family income. The raising of stock possesses great interest for him, and with rare judgment he has limited his attention to the finest of blooded stock, keeping no other kind on the land. Energy and intelligence already have brought him gratifying success, with the promise of even gieater returns in the future, while at the same time integrity and self-reliance have brought him the esteem of associates.

HUFFMAN, JAMES W. - Very early in the colonization of America the Huffman family came from Holland and identified themselves v.ith the agricultural development of the east. Solomon Huffman was born in Pennsylvania and became a pioneer of Ohio, where his son, Leonard, was born and reared. The latter accompanied an uncle to Wisconsin during the early settlement of that state and removed thence to Minnesota as early as 1856, becoming a pioneer of the then sparsely settled regions of the northwest. For a time he gave his attention largely to the preaching of the Gospel, for which purpose he traveled all through southern Minnesota. iJuring 1861 he pre-empted a claim in the township of Winnebago, Faribault county, and began to cultivate the virgin soil. While the necessity of supporting his family exempted him from military service, he was stanch in his allegiance to the Union and freely offered his aid to his country. During February of 186.5 he was accepted as a member of Company F, First Eegiment of Minnesota Heavy Artillery. Immediately he went to the front with the regiment and saw service at Chattanooga, where he died August 8, 1865. His widow continued on the old homestead until 1894, but now, at the age of seventy-five years, makes her home at Cumberland, Wisconsin, in the enjo3'ment of unimpaired mental and physical faculties. The eldest of her children, Electa, is deceased. Two married daughters reside in Cumberland, Wisconsin, these being Sarah, wife of Charles E. Lewis, and Amanda, wife of E. A. Hanscomb.

The only son in the family, James W., was born in Green county, Wisconsin, October 13, 1851, and at the age of ten years accompanied his parents to Faribault gounty, Minnesota, v/here he remained until starting out for himself in 1878. Meantime he had received a commonschool education and had been trained to a thorough knowledge of farm work. Since 1889 he has owned and occupied what was formerly known as the Frank Andrews place, comprising one hundred and twenty acres on section twentynine, Shelby township. The land is under cultivation and general farm crops are raised, while considerable attention is given to the raising of shoi'thorn cattle, Poland-China hogs and ISTorman horses. The elevation of the land renders profitable cultivation a possibility and ensures to Ihe owner fair crops each year. The residence is a modern structure and the barns are substantial and adapted to the shelter of stock and storage of grain. The comfortable home is hospitably presided over by Mrs. Huffman, who prior to her marriage April 3, 1880 was Albina Euss, a native of Athens county, Ohio, but after 1865 a resident of Blue Earth countv, havinocome hither with her father, Herbert Euss. The eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Huffman is Burt, who married Myra Jenkins and is engaged in farming land one mile west of the old home. The only daughter, Grace, is the wife of Frank Grant, and resides at Nashville, this state. Tht younger son, Leonard, is yet with his parents. In fraternal connections Mr. Huffman is associated with the- Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the local lodge of the latter order he has passed all of the chairs. As a member of the school beard he has labored to promote the educational interests of the district and has accomplished nmch for the upbuilding of the local schools.

HUGHES, THOMAS. - Without the aid of capital or the prestige of influential friends, Thomas Hughes has risen to a position of prominence among the attorneys of Blue Earth county, v,-herc he has an important and increasing practice. Ever since his admission to the bar in 1882 he has been associated with the legal talent of Mankato and has held an honored place among the most able practitioners of the city. Elected county attorney in 1896, he filled the office for four jears with the greatest efficiency. For fifteen yeai-s he acted as attorney for the Mankato Mutual Building and Loan Association, and at this writing he is attorney for its successor, the Mankato Savings and Building Association. In addition he now holds the position of president of the Wisconsin and Minnesota Land Company, also for some years was a director of the Mankato board of trade.

Early in life they came to the United States and for some time resided at Minersville, Ohio, where their son, Thomas, was born September 23, 1854. Desirous of securing a tract of new land in the northwest the family came to Jlinnesota and settled in Blue Earth county in October, 1855. June of the following year found them settled on a farm in Cambria township, and here Thomas inissed the years of childhood and youth, meanwhile learning to assist his father in the cultivation of the land. His tastes, however, did not turn toward farming and he determined to acquire an education with a view to professional work. After having completed (he studies of the common schools, in 1874, he entered the preparatory department of Carleton college at Xorthfield, Minnesota, from wliich institution he was gTaduated in -the class of 1880 with the degree of bachelor of arts. Immediately afterward he took up the study of the law in the office of Waite &' Porter at ilankato, and in 1882 he was admitted to the bar of Minnesota. From February, 1884, he was a partner of M. G. Willard until July, 1887, after which lie practiced by hiinself for ten years, and in 1897 formed a partnership with his brother Evan, which has continued to the present time. A portion of his capital he has invited in extensive real estate holdings in the state, and in other ways he has identified himself with the progress of the commonwealth.

The political opinions of Mr. Hughes bring him into active co-operation, witli the Repul)]ican party. In religion he belongs w\W\ tlie Congregationalists, in whose Sunday school he has been superintendent, while he lias filled the offices of trustee and deacon in the church. Fe\v men in the county are more deeply interested in history than he and probably none is iiiore thoroughly familiar flith the subject. Frequently he has prepared addresses of great value for the State Historical Society and the Blue Earth Territorial Association, and in addition ho is the author of most of the English part of the work entitled "History of the Welsh in Minnesota, which was published in 1895, to him also belongs the main credit of editing and publishing the volume entitled the "Semi-Centennial of Mankato" to the pages of which he contributed largely. His marriage took place November 25, 1885, and united him with Alice 0. Hills, who was born on the island of Jamaica, July 2, 18p6, being a daughter of Amos B. and Sybil (Rawson) Hills, both of whom were born near Pekin, Xew York. Two sons, Burton E. and Evan Raymond, bless the union of j\lr. and ilrs. Hughes, and both of these were born ac Mankato, wliere they ha\'e received the best educational advantasi-es the city affords.

HUGHES, REV. ROBERT. - Father Hughes, pastor of St. John's Catholic Church, Mankato, needs introduction to but few residents of this city or of Blue Earth County, as for nearly a quarter of a century his large mind and heart hnve so gone out to the various communities to which" his church has assigned him, that thousands of admirers and friends, irrespective of creed, have gone to the Beyond with blessings for him on their lips, or are still living to do him honor. Generous, charitable, yet firm in his stand on moral questions, he is richly endowed for his high calling, for which he has the enthusiasm of the true Christian.

Robert Hughes was born in Prince Edward Island ]\Iarcb 4, 1853, the son of Patrick and Bridget (^Mnonoy) Hughes, natives of Ireland who when young came to that section of Canada with their parents. James Hughes, the paternal grandfather, spent the greater portion of his life in Prince P^dward Island, and Robert Mooney, the grandfatliei- on the mother's side, was a representative in Parliament l)efore the ConfcdtTatic'n. Patrick Hughes was a farmer ami died in tliat portion of the Dominion with which the family had so long been identified, at the age of fifty-.six, while his wife (the mother of Father Hughes) ])asse(l her last days with her son Robert, at Blue Earth City, wliere she died at sixtyseven vears of age. The living members of the family born to Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Hughes are as follows : Margaret, wife of John Byrne, of Prince Edward Island; Robert; Helen, a physician of Mankato; Daniel, for the past eight years a pastor in the Catholic diocese, who received his clerical degrees at Rome, and now fills the chair of Dogma in the St. Paul (Minn.)

Seminary; Patrick, in business at Crookston, Minnesota; Jane, also in. medical practice at Mankato; Mother Superior St. Eosa, of Lima. The deceased are: Mary Ann, formerly wife of Peter McKenna; James, of Waseca, Minnesota, and Phillip, who was a railroa'd man.

Father Plughes' education was obtained entirely in the Dominion - at St. Dunstan's College, Prince Edward Island, St. Laurant College, Montreal (where he remained two years) and Labal University, Quebec (three years). In 1882 he fii'st came to Minnesota and taught for a time in the public schools at Graceville, in September, 1884, he went to St. Bonavcnture Seminary, Xew York State, and when the Seminary was opened at St. Paul he entered there where he was ordained by Archbishop Ireland in 188.5, being one of five who made up the first class to be ordained from St. Paul Seminary. He was first sent to care for the Indian children located at Clontarf, Swift county, Minnesota; and was afterward assigned to St. Mary, Waseca county, that state, continuing in that pastorate for three years; then to the city of Blue Earth, having also charge of the various parishes in JIartin and Faribault counties, in which busy and expanding field of church labors he remained for a period of twelve years, coming to his charge in Mankato in 1901. Since that year he has been the honored pastor of St. John's Catholic Church, and under the stimulus of his personal character and his wise administration of the affairs entrusted to him its membership has been greatly increased and its influence for good continually promoted. That his services were highly valued l)y his superiors is evidenced as in the summer and fall of 1906 he was given leave of absence for four months, and spent the period in European travel, visiting the principal points of interest in Italy, Austria, Germany, France, England, Scotland and Ireland.

HUGHES, WILLIAM S. - About one year after his arrival in the United States from his native country of Wales Mr. Hughes became identified with the early settlers of Minnesota. It was then in April of 1865, and the northwest had begun to attract large numbers of homeseekers, who discerned in its vast nntilled prairies a future of agricultural prosperity. Seeking a location in Blue Earth county the young Welshman selected a claim in Butternut valley township and this he immediately pre-empted. Ever since then he has continued to live upon the^ same place. The land lies on section four and affords abundant illustration of the industrious energy of the owner, who has transformed the barren waste into a profitable tract bearing all the improvements of a model farm.

In .the county of Anglesea, on the northwest coast of Wales, William S. Hughes, was born February 7, 1841. His parents, Owen and Winifred (Salisbury) Hughes, w^ere lifelong residents and farmers in Anglesea, Wales, where the latter died in 1885 and the former in February of 1893. The schools of Wales afforded the son fair educational advantages, which afterward he utilized by teaching school. When not in the school room he assisted his father on the home farm and later was employed for one year in a wine house in Liverpool. Hearing much concerning the possibilities afEordcd by America to young men of energy and ambition he decided to seek .a home across the ocean and in 1864 left the associations of boyhood to form new ties in the new world. June cf that year found him a stranger in N"ew York. From there he proceeded to Utica and secured emploj'ment. During April of 1865, he left Xew York state and came to ^Minnesota, where since he has engaged in the development of his farm in Blue Earth county. Here, as in his old home locality, he has been interested in the education of the young. An experience of five years as a pupil teacher in Wales gave him a knowledge of the needs of the schools and a desire to promote educational work. Shortly after coming to Blue' Earth county he was chosen director of his district and for about forty years he has filled his responsible position.

Politically a believer in Eepublican princi- }iles, Mr. Hughes always gives his support to tlie candidates of that party and has maintained a warm interest in local polities. For twentyone years he held office as clerk of his town and fcr three Years he rendered efEicient service a> member of the board of county commissioners. Movements for the benefit of the county receive his assistance yet, at the same time he has guarded the interests of the tax-payers and lias withheld his support from viriionary projects of questionable success. Besides filling the various positions hitherto mentioned and besides maintaining the active supervision of his farm, since 1897 he has filled the office of manager of the Lakeshore creamery in which company he has the office of the secretary. He has devoted considerable time and study to dairy matters and is an authority concerning the same, as well as concerning methods of securing the best results from creameries. He was also one of those instrumental in organizing the Lake Crystal Farmers Insurance Company, which has saved its policy holders liundreds of dollars. Ihe marriage of William S. Hughes took place July 23, 1867, and united him with Catherine Williams, a native of Waukesha county, Wisconsin. They became the parents of the following named children : Richard ; Mary, who married Ernest Hughes and lives in Cambria township ; Eobert, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits m this county; Kate, Mrs. Edward Owen of Selby, California; Maggie, who is married to Gomer Jones a farmer of Butternut Valley Township, Blue Earth county, Nellie, wife of I.. T. Lewis, a farmer of Judson, this county -, William, who is married to Myrtle Nelson of Lincoln township, this county, and now lives on a farm he purchased in Butternut Valley; Winnie, who married Griffith Eoberts, a farmer of this county; Jane, Susie, Hugh and Cesiah, who are yet at the old homestead. The family hold membership with the Calvinistic denomination, in which faith Mr. Hughes was reared in his native land.

HUNT, FEANK W. - Few business institutions in Mankato, in Blue Earth County, or even m Minnesota, can show such rapid advancement as that of the Free Press Printing Company, publishers of the Daily and Weekly Free Press and manufacturing printers, of which Mr. Hunt i? and has been for seven years past, its president. The Free Press company now has one of the largest printing plants in the state, owning also its hajidsome four story building, built of brown stone and brick, finished in choicest oak, and handsomely carved. The olTice is located at 121-123-12.5 Jackson street, near the post office and is easily accessible from any part of the city. The business of The Free Press extends well over the great states of ^Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and Montana, and in addition to publishing the leading Daily and Weekly papers of southern ilinnesota, the company has a large clientage among the banks and county officers, handling office supplies of all kinds.

ilr. Hunt's early education was somewhat retarded owing to an affection of the eyesight. However, his natural keen perception and busines.s instincts were put to practical use and he has been very successful.

The subject of this sketch was born September 24, 18.54, in Edwards, New York, and is the son of Nathan F. and Caroline (Gates) Hunt. He was married in 1877 to Nellie L. Morse and there were born to this union, three daughters, viz: Bertha, Marion and Beulah. Miss Marion is now in Hamline University and the other two' are at home. Mr. Hunt attended the public school at Watertown, N. Y. His first business venture was the importation of horses from Canada, in which he was successful. Desiring to ccme west, he moved to IMankato with his family in 1887 and at once engaged \\'ith The Free Press in the capacity of assistant manager, dividing his time between office and road work. The business of The Free Press was then in its infancy and less than half a dozen people constituted the office force. In 1SS7 The Daily Free Press was established and he assisted materially in putting it on its feet. Shortly after his arrival in jMankato he purchased the Mankato Eegister of W. E. Geddes and this paper was later consolidated with The Free Press, Mr. Hunt taking an interest in this company which v.as that year capitalized at $15,000.

In March, 1902, Mr. Hunt in company with Michael D. Fritz and J. W. True, purchased the entire Free Press printing plant and in 1908 also bought the handsome Free Press building.

Knights of Pythias lodge, ilodern Woodmen of America, the Mankato Commercial Club, and is also a director of the Citizens Fire Association. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a liberal contributor.

Mrs. Hunt was born at Wilna, Jefferson county, Sew York, and was educated in the B. E. C. seminary at Antwerp, that state. She has been connected witli the Foreign Missionary society of the Methodist Episcopal church since 1900 as district corresponding secretary, and since girlhood has been active in the work.

IBACH, JOSEPH. - This retired brewer and substantial citizen of ^Mankato is a native of Baden, German)', born February 17, 1832, the son of Joseph and Celestia (Spier) Ibach, also born in the Fatherland. The father died before he had reached middle age, leaving different members of the family to make their way in the world according to their abilities and foresight. The mother afterward came to the United States, and of her two sons one was drowned.

Under such circumstances it is but natural that Joseph's education should have been limited, and that he should have commenced to earn his own living at quite an early age. In 1853, when he had just passed his majority, he came to the United States, and, in company with several companions, reached Dubuque and Davenport, Iowa, in search for some permanent means of livelihood. At the latter place the friends entered into a debate whether they should journey north or south, the majority deciding in favor of a northward course. They therefore started up the Mississippi Eiver for St. Paul, and while en route the captain of the boat offered Mr. Ibach a pos'ition as fireman at fifty dollars per month. This offer was eagerly seized and resulted in extending his career as a boatman on the river and the Great Lakes over a period of five years.

Mr. Ibach settled down as a landsman in 1858, when he located at Preston, Minnesota, and there engaged in the brewing business until 1874, when he disposed of his plant and removed to Mankato. He then purchased the brewery of the late Stephen Lamm, and, after operating it for a year, sold out and rented the Pete Welsh establishment, which he conducted fo three years. In 1878, Mr. Ibach established i brewery near what is known as Tinkcom's Addi tiom and operated it profitably until it wa; destroyed by fire in 1887. The plant was no rebuilt, bn.t since that time he has been engagec in taking care of his property and enjoying th< comforts of a business man, who by many yean of arduous labor has earned a period of resi in the declining years of his life.

Mr. Ibach was married September 4, 1860, tc Miss Margaret Kreamer, daughter of Jacob anc Barbara Kreamer, of Stratford, Ontario, Canada and by this union has had the following children Louisa, wife of Anton Oberly, of Decoria Township, Blue Earth County; Savina, now Mrs Thomas Lewis, a resident of Judson Township this county; Aiitilla, Mrs. Walter Anderson, ol Mankato; Herman, living in Washington, Dist rict of Columbia; Andrew, of Chicago; anc Eudolph and Arthur, both residents of Mankato. Mr. Ibach is one of the stanch est anc oldest Democrats in thi'^ section of the county, casting his first presidential vote for Pierce ii 1852; in local affairs, however, he considers th( personal qualifications of the candidate rathei than party afl'iliations. Fraternally he is a member of the I. 0. 0. F.

JAMES, DE. JOHN" H.^Some of the earliesl members of the James family have been traced to Westerly, Ehodc Island, whence they emigrated to Washington County, ISFew Yprk, Among the early annals there is the record thai early county records vrere lost at Hell Gate Xew York harbor, but the definite and continuous history of the American branch commeAcei in the Empire State, Washington County, towi of Greenwich, was the birthplace of Dr. Johi I-I. James, of Mankato, a noteworthy membei of the family, who has a high reputation as ai e.vpert in mental diseases and a specialist in th( treatment of disorders of the eye, ear and nose

Dr. James was born on the 28th of Febru ary, 18"46, the son of Joseph and Eoxanna C (Brownell) James, who were also natives o Few York, and representatives of the most sub stantial agi'icultural element in the state. The boy received a common school and academic education, liberally interspersed with farm work, and when somewhat advanced in young manhood entered the medical department of the University of New York City, from which he graduated in 1875. After leaving the university he served for fifteen months in the Insane Asylum of Blackwell's Island, and in the fall of 1876 came West to continue that line of practice and investigation.

Locating at St. Peter, at tlie time mentioned, Dr. James became assistant physician at the Hospital for the Insane, and after holding that position for fifteen years came to Mankato in 1891, having resigned for that purpose in September. Since that date he has continued in that city, engaged in a successful practice, now hmited to diseases of the eye, ear and nose. He is also well knovm in connection with the work of the professional organizations, being a memr ber of the American Medical Association, Minnesota State Medical Association, Mississippi Valley Medical Association and the Blue Earth County Medical Society, the American Academy of Ophtholmology and Oto-Lar3'ngology, as well as an honorary haember of the Brown County and Southwestern Medical societies. The Doctor belongs to the A. P. & A. M., of St. Peter, and to the Commercial and Social Science clubs of Mankato, and for six years was president of the Mankato Citizens' Telephone Company.

Dr. James was married in 1878 to Miss Hattie M. White, daughter of Samuel Ts^. Wliite, of West Brookfield, Massachusetts, who died JanuaiT 11, 1893, at the age of fifty years. Their son, Dr. Ealph C. James, is a graduate in medicine of the University of Minnesota, and is identified with Eood Hospital, Hibbing, Minnesota. The Wlnte family, of which Mrs. James was a rrpresehfative is directly descended from Perigrin White, the first white child born in New England, and several of its members of the seventh generation are still living on a -farm near West Brookfield.

The Doctor's second marriage September 18, 1895, was to Florence W. White, a sister of his first wife who for several years had been a teacher in the schools of Japan and Mexico, as well as at Mills College, California, principal of the Ladies' Seminary at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and at the Downer ' College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During the time of the Chicago fire Mrs. James was teaching in a young ladies seminary of that city, and was also connected with Mrs. Kirland's school at St. Louis, and with the English course of the Mankato Business College. She is altogether an educator of long and varied experience, an iateresting conversationalist and a lady of many attractive ffraces and true refinement.

JESSUP. CHAELES W. - Mr. Jessup, propiietor of the well known express, transfer and siorage office, at Mankato, this county, is an Iowa man and has been successfully engaged in various lines of business here since 1890. Born July 32, 18G8, he is a son of John J. and Leonora (Sprang) Jessup, his parents being natives of Indiana and pioneers of Iowa. His father first engaged in farming, but the later years of h.is life have been devoted to the freight and livery business and hauling mail from Port Dodge to Ogden and from Dayton to Levy, Iowa. They are both living, as well as their following children : William E., a mason by trade and a resident of Mankato; Edward B., who lives at Webster City, Iowa, Allie, now the vidfe of A. T. Chiquette, of Port Dodge, Iowa; and Charles W.

Charles W. Jessup attended the district schools of his native neighborhood and remained on the home farm until the removal of t"he family to Dayton, Iowa, after which for sixteen years he assisted his father in his stage and freighting business. Then, for two years, he conducted a livery at Pringar, that State, and in 1890 located in Mankato, being engaged during the first nine years of his residence here as an excavating contractor for the city. In 1900 he opened his present office at No. 113 West Hickory street, and his business ability, courtesy and accommodating nature, have made of the undertaking a decided success.

]\Iodem Woodmen of America (trustee for three vears), Ancient Order of United Workmen and lied Men. He was married July 14, 1890, to Miss Anna Chrisman, of Sanborn, Iowa, who v.-ere the parents of three children, Mable, who died in infancy; Floyd J., and Floyd, twins, born June 28th, 1905, the latter died in infancy and Floyd J., is attending school at Mankato.

JONES, CHARLES B. - As indicated by their name, the Jones family is of Welsh extraction. The first representative of this branch of the family in America was Thomas, a native of Wales, who grew to manhood in that country, married there, and in 1838 crossed the ocean to the United States, settling in Lewis county, Kew York, and there spending the remaining years of his life. Next in line of descent was William H., bom in Wales, but after 1838 a resident of the new world, first making his home in Lewis county, New York, where his son, Charles E., was born January 27, 1851. The family removed westward during 1854 and identified themselves with the pioneers of Wisconsin, where the father engaged in farm pursuits in Fond du Lac county, and also to some extent followed the mason's trade. Coming to Minnesota in 1869, he made a sojourn of one year in Mankato, at the expiration of which time he removed to Medo township and purchased a farm of two hundred acres. During the remainder of his active life he engaged in agricultural pursuit?, but in 1898 he retired from his responsibilities, removed to Portland, Oregon, and died in that city the following year. Of his nine children three sons. Thomas, Lewis and Owen, reside in Portland, two of them having gone to Oregon twenty years ago. Owen, who removed to that state at the age of seventeen years, is engaged in the bridge construction business and has been particularly successful.

The eldest member of the family circle, Charles E., spent his life from the age of three years to eighteen, in Wisconsin, where he attended the country schools and aided in the work on the home place. October 18, 1874, he was united in marriage with Rose Guthier, a native of Wisconsin, her father, Philip Guthiei having been a pioneer of that state. The child ren of ilr. and Mrs. Jones are as follows : Georg who is engaged in farming in Faribault county Albert, residing at Webster, South Dakota Charles, E., Bessie and Arthur, who are yet a home. At the time of his marriage Mr. Jone embarked in farming independently and for tw( 3ears remained in Blue Earth county, afte: which he spent three years in Faribault county Returning to Blue Earth county, in 1885 hi bought a farm owned by Fairfield Smith in Ma pleton township, where he has since conductee general agricultural pursuits and has met witl encouraging success in his work.

While not neglecting the management o: his land, Mr. Jones has found leisure for par ticipation in public affairs and is known as i jirogressive, patriotic citizen, ever interested ii movements for the material upbuilding of town ship and county. In recognition of his fitnesi for office he has been chosen to occupy most o: the positions within the gift of the people o; his township. For four years he was a membe: of the county board of supervisors and for elevei years filled the office of township assessor. Pair field Smith, his predecessor on the present farm had served as a member of the school boarc for twenty-three years, and when Mr. Jonei moved to the farm he was chosen school clerk which position he has since filled, a period o; twenty-two years. During 1904 he was electee county commissioner for a term of four years to represent the townships of Lyra, Beauford Medo, Sterling, Mapleton and Danville. In thi position, as in all others to which he has bee] elected, he has been guided by principles o honor and probity, and his labors have beeJ eifective in promoting the public welfare. Fra ternally he has membership with the Ancien Order of United Workmen and the blu' lodge of Masons in his home town. Known as i capable agriculturist, a citizen of the utmos loyalty, a defender of the public school syster and a champion of all movements for th mutual good, he represents that class of our rui al population so vitally indispensable in the mora upbuilding and permanent prosperity of ou commonwealth.

JONES, EDWAED E. - The year made memorable in the history of our country by the rush of gold-seelvcrs for the mines of California witnessed the arrival in America of the family represented by this now retired farmer of Lake Crystal. It was not, iTowevpr, with any intention of seeking wcptern mines that they had crossed the ocean. Their ambitions were cast toward the ownership of a little home of their own and the peaceful tilling of the soil. To a marked degree they possessed the sturdy characteristics of their fellow countrymen. Tlie parents, John and Elizabeth (Eeese) Jones, were natives of the south of Wales, and were people of little means, but great worth of character and the utmost probity. For a brief period they lived in Ohio, but in search of cheap lands they removed to Wisconsin, and there the father died on his farm in 1866. Somewhat later other m.embers of the family came to Minnesota, where in 1876 occurred the death of the mother.

At the time of the emigration of the family to America Edward E. Jones was a child of less than seven years. He was born at Cardigan, Wales, December 29, 1843, and received such advantages as' the limited means of the family rendered possible. When the Civil war opened he was a rugged youth, physically qualified for acceptable service, and stanchly devoted to the cause of the Union. January 20, 1863, he enlisted as a member of Company C, Third Wisconsin Cavalry, -n-ith which he was drilled into the details of military tactics. At the expiration of his term ho veteranized and in April of 1864 re-enlisted in the same regiment, with his period of service covered three years and nine months. During that time he was mostly in the southwest. Among the engagements in which he participated were those at Honey Springs, Indian Territory, and Baxter Springs, Kansas. In addition he took part in the Price campaign in Missouri. His record as a soldier was one of which he may well be proud. The political views held by Mr. .Tones early I led him into sympathy with the Eepublican party, whose principles he has always supported by his ballot. In religion he and his family are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he has contributed of his time and influence and means. For a long period he has been identiiied with the Masonic Order and has supported its principles of brotherhood and philanthropy. When he came to Bliie Earth county he was unmarried and it was not until some years afterward that he established domestic ties through his union with Mary Ann Thomas, whom he married September 10, 1873. Two daughters were born of their union, but both have been taken by death. After years of laborious effort as a farmer Mr. Jones retired from active cares and removed to Lake Crystal, where in the afternoon of his busy life he enjoys a leisure and comfort justly earned by judicious toil.

JULIAIv'. EICHAED J. - Since he came here with his parents in 1880, Garden City township has profited by the earnest and painstaking agricultural efforts of Eichard J. Julian, the owner of a iine farm of one hundred and sixty acres of fine land in section thirty. The change in this part of the state during this twenty-eight years has not been more pronounced than has the development of this popular farmer from a >outh of fifteen to a man of broad and comprehensive views of life, and the ability and determination to make his dreams come true.

"Mr. Julian represents the best qualities of the transplanted Englishman, and the first fifteen years of his life were spent in Cornwall, England, where he was born September 18, 1865. His father. Fred Julian, also was born in England, a': was his mother, IMary (Stafford) Julian, and the former was by profession a forester, having a thorough knowledge and long experience ir this interesting occupation. With his wife and four sons, Eichard J.. George S., Fred and William, he came to America in 1880 and in Blue Earth county rented a farm for the balance of his active life. He thereafter lived with his children until his death at the age of sixty-five years. He was a life long Eepublican, but never would accept office.

owns, upon flhich he has made practically all of the improvements. He has a pleasant and commodious rural residence, fine barns and machinery, and is devoting his property to general farming and stock-raising. In his effort to acquire a fortune in a practical manner he is ably assisted by his wife, formerly Grace Greenwood, who was born in this township September 1, 1866, a daughter of J. H. Greenwood, one of the earliest pioneers of Garden City township. To Mr. and Jlrs. Julian have been born a daughter. Myrtle.

In political affiliation Mr. Julian is a Prohibitionist, and he is a member of the E. P. U, and M. \Y. A., also of the Presbyterian church. He is a wide-awake and progressive man, sensible of the many advantages of his time honored calling, and investing it with the thoroughness and' dignity which bespeaks merited and practical! v invariable success.

JULIAE, HON". NICHOLAS. - None of the human agencies which have paved the way for the present prosperity of Blue Earth county have risen superior in Judgment and attainment to those of our citizens who claim Teutonic lineage. The thriftv, economical and perservering qualities instilled into the youth of the Fatherland lost little when transferred to this side of the water, and their alliance without less conservative and more venturesome business methods produce naught save the most practical and substantial of results. Many individual instances abound in this part of the state which attest the fact that the well born and representative German rarely is the victim of unauthorized aggrandizement, but on the contrary moves with certainty of direction and definiteness of purpose that the speculative or uncertain element is almost entirely eliminated from his transactions. Offered in confirmation of this assumption is the career of Hon. Nicholas Juliar, pr&sident of the St. riair State Bank, director in the Farmers' Eire Insurance Company, treasurer of the Union Minnesota Hail Insurance Company, holder of practically all of the offices within the gift of his fellow townsmen, and the owner, besides his

Mr. Juliar is the son of a weaver, Nicholas Juliar, and he was two and a half years old when brought to this country from Alsace-Strasburg, Germany, where he was born December 28, 1841. His mother was Magdalen (Eidling), and siie had, besides Nicholas Jr., ten other children, one daughter, the mother of Eingling Brothers, the world's greatest shovrmen, and one daughter the mother of Gollmar Brothers show. The family set sail from Havery in the spring of 1845, arriving at Castle Garden, New York, after seven weeks of buffeting with storm and calm. In the vicinity of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the father bought a farm, and 15 years later moved to Baraboo, the same state, where he died in 1880, his wife surviving him until 1889. Nicholas Jr., was educated in the public schools of Milwaukee county and when old enough learned the harness trade which he followed in Milwaukee for seven years. He then returned to the old homestead nine miles out in the country, and four years later sold out his interest and moved to Blue Earth county, where he purchased a section of land. He was successful in general farming and stock-raising, conducted both on a gigantic scale, and, adding to his possessions as his business grew, owned in time his present tract of twenty-one hundred acres. His land is among the best in this northern section, and is admirably adapted to the various products known to flourish with extremes of weather. As a natural consequence he established a reputation for important undertakings, his word was recognized as better than his bond, and his advice and council in all that pertains to the landsman's occupation was eagerly sought and as implicitly followed.

As banking is the outgrowth of the need of its facilities, and as the property and income of Mr. Juliar transcended in immediate needs, his position as head of that eminently popular and reliable banking institution, the St. Clair Stete Bank, seems natural and fitting one. His connection with the insurance companies has added to their strength and standing in the community, and various other concerns have learned the worth of his good name and reputation for worth while accomplishment. He is one of those invaluable men who recognize a personal obligation in local undertakings generally, and who willingly sacrifices business chances to further the well being ot the community. Though in no way desirous of honor, he served in the state legislature on two occasions, in 189o and 1905, in both instances evidencing his keen insight into the political situation, and his knowledge of the needs and possibilities of his townsmen. He is an ardent Eepublican, a conscientious voter, but withal, sufficiently liberal and far sighted to follow the dictates of conscience rather than the arbitrary dictates of any particular party.

The union of Mr. Juliar and Catherin Stuve, a native of Wisconsin, occurred in 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Juliar have had ten children, nine of whom are living, six sons and three daughters, and they have thirty-tflo grand-children. Of their children, Albert and George are farmers in Blue Earth county; Richard is following the medical .profession in ^lountain Lake, this state; Otto and Harry are farmers in this county; Silas is connected with the State Bank of Mankato; Mary is the wife of H. Hubiner, a farmer of this county; Emma is the wife of E. Haedt, also of Blue Earth county; and Sarah is now Mrs. E. G. Goldman, of St. Clair. In addition to all of his other lines of business, Mr. Juliar for twentyeight years was a public auctioneer. In religion he is a member of the Evangelical Association. Personally I'.e is a man of many fine qualities, one whom it is a pleasure to meet, either in a social or business way. He has the great gift of approachableness, and the kind of tact and consideration which makes everyone at home in his environment.

JUST, \V. A. - A spirit of loyalty and devotion to the W'Clfare of his native township of Eapidan is noticeable among the characteristics of Mr. Just, who is one of the leading business men of the village of Eapidan and numbers a host of warm personal friends among the people of Blue Earth county. In his Judgment there is no finer land in the entire county than the country boasts which lies around his home town, and he is an enthusiastic believer in the agricultural possibilities of the locality, aSirming that prosperity is sure to come to the land-owners who retain their properties in tuis fertile auU proaactive region. His earliest- recollections ait associated witli Eapidan township, \\liere lie was born i^^ovember ^9, 1871, and wiiere he has risen to a prominent position in business circled.

The possibilities of America have attracted countless thousands to its hospitable shores and among the many who came hither in an early day were William T. and Dorothea (Mann) Just. After landing in the United States they proceeded westward to Wisconsin and took up land in Dodge county, where they remained until 18G4. During the latter year they came to Minnesota and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land in Eapidan township adjoining what is now the station of Eapidan. Eor years William T. Just industriously engaged in farming on this place, but in 1902, he relinquished agricultural activities and since then has lived retired in Mankato, where now he enjoys the comforts rendered possible by years of intelligent industry. In his family there are the following named children: W. A., of Eapidan; Lydia, who makes her home in Winnipeg, Canada; Theo; Oscar, now a resident of Dickinson, North Dakota; Walter, who is employed in a bank at Frazee, Minnesota; Karl, who is connected with a land office at Winnipeg, Canada; Emmandus, who is employed in a newspaper office at Winnipeg; Mrs. Louise Tank, who married a minister; and Irene, who remains with her parents.

After having completed the studies of the common schools of Eapidan township, W. A. Just was sent to a Lutheran school in St. Paul and there he completed the study of the common branches. On his return to the old homestead he aided his father for a time and later carried on a general store at Lake Crystal for two years. Eeturning to the village of Eapidan, he opened a general store and for twelve years conducted a growing business among the people of the surrounding country. At the expiration of twelve years he sold the business and since then he has devoted his attention to the lumber .trade, having built an dffiee with ample yard facilities and the equipment necessary for successful work in the occupation. Since coming to Eapidan he has built a comfortable residence and lias been a factor in the life of the village, where he has been a leading worker in the Democratic party and the Lutheran church, also has maintained a warm interest in school aifairs and has held school oflEiceSj beside serving as justice of the peace for five years.

Pour children. Alberta, Dorothea, Frederick, and Louise comprise the family of Mr. Just. His wife, who shares with him the respect of acquaintances, was formerly Sarah E. Gregg, and they were united 'in marriage in January of 1893. Prior to marriage she had lived on a farm in Eapidan township, where her parents, L. H. and Alice (Hobart) Gregg, pioneers of this county from Pennsylvania, had made settlement in an early day. Mr. Gregg is still alive but now resides in Spokane, Wash. Mrs. L. H. Gregg died in Eapidan in the year 1906, January 17.

TvAUFFMANlSr, LOUIS P. - While travel has given him a thorough knowledge of the soil of various sections of the country, Mr. Kauffmann considers that his native country is second to none and believes that energy wisely conserved and industry intelligently conducted will bring as fair returns here as in other regions more widely advertised but not more abundantly blessed by nature. The homestead where he now resides and which he purchased in 1895 coii.- prises one hundred and sixty acres lying on section eleven, Danville township, Blue Earth county and in addition to the management of this property he leases considerable land in the same locality, so that the supervision of his large interests fills his days with busy activity. In return for his careful oversight and wise judgment he receives an excellent income from his land. A portion of the crops raised each j'ear is sold in the general markets, while the balance is utilized for feed for the droves of fine Poland- China hogs, the herds of Durham cattle of good grades, and the various horses needed in the work of the farm, these latter being of the Norman and Clyde breeds.

Blue Earth county, accompanying the original colony from the east. Prank Joseph Kauflmann, who was the founder of the family in America and in this county, was born in Alsace, then a part of Prance, and married Catherine Hickle, a native of the same province. On coming to tlie United States he settled in the state of New York, whence as previously stated he came with the original colony to Minnesota in 1856, settling in Blue Earth county and taking up a claim in Danville township. Many busy and prosperous years were passed on this farm, whose transformation he made possible from a bare stretch of unimproved land into a fertile tract unexcelled for productiveness. At the age of sixty years he was accidentally killed while driving his team in Mankato. Of his ten children the only ones remaining in Blue Earth County are L. P. and Anna, now Mrs. George Kiife, the latter living at Mankato. Three other sons live not far away, their homes being across the line in Faribault county at Minnesota Lake.

On the farm in Danville township where he was born August 12, 1866, L. P. KaufEmann passed the uneventful years of boyhood and youth. The neighboring schools afEorded him fair opportunities to acquire a common school education, and since leaving school he has been a close reader of current periodicals as well as a man possessing habits of careful observation, in which way he has gained a broad fund of valuable information. After having completed his studies in the schools of Minnesota Lake, he spent some time in Mankato and other places, and learned much of value concerning other soils and climates, but returned in 1895 to the old homestead, content to devote the balance of his life to the cultivation of its soil. In all of his efforts he has had the advantage of the wise counsel and efficient co-operation of his wife, formerly Lena Schaub whom he married in September of 1897, who used to be a successful school teacher and is a sister to Arthur Schaub of Mankato, The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Kauffmann are named Arthur L., Leona, Florence, Edgar A., and Anna to whom will be given the best educational advantages the district and county afford, for the parents are stanch believers in the benefits derived from a thorough educa- tion. In the public affairs of the locality, Mr. Kauft'mann has long been interested but not prominent until his election as a member of the boaru of town supervisors, when at once he became recognized among the other members of the board as a man of sterling common sense and acute discrimination, and he was honored with election as chairnum of the board, in which responsible position he has proved to be impartial, far-seeing, wise and progressive.

KEENE, MADISOI!^. - During the period of more than fifty years covering the duration of Mr. Keene's residence in Minnesota he has been identified with the agricultural development of the state and by his pioneer work has aided in fcteuring the gratifying conditions of the present era. It was during 1855 that he came to ilinnesota, from the east and settled in Nicollet county, where he took up a tract of raw land. A record of hardships endured, vicissitudes encountered and obstacles overcome would not differ in his case from those of other pioneers of tbe northwest. With a stout heart that defied the storms of winter and the incessant toil of summer, he bravely discharged every duty and overcome the obstacles confronting him. From Nicollet county he came to Blue Earth county and now is living in Mankato, retired from life's strenuous activities, yet interested in every enterprise that tends to the betterment of the community and the development of the county's resources.

Very early in the history of New England the Keene family crossed the ocean from England and settled in Maine. There was passed the busy life of Isaac Keene, a Eevolutionary soldier, who lived to be ninety-six years of age. Among the children of this hero was Jeremiah, a native of Maine, who followed farm pursuits and remained in the east until his death. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eebecca Kendall, was likewise a native of Maine and is now deceased. The common schools of Maine afforded fair opportunities to Madison Keene, but bis wide fund of knowledge has been principally acquired from contact with the world and habits of close observation. Leaving Maine to seek a home in the then unknown west, he came to Minnesota in the year 1855 and took up an unimproved farm in Nicollet county, whence he removed to Blue Earth county in the early eighties. While still a young lad he had learned the carpenter's trade and this he follo'wcd to some extent in the employ of others, but principally in the erection of needed buildings on his own farm.

The marriage of Mr. Keene was solemnized in 1853 and united him with Phoebe Ann Eldridge, who was born in Maine and died in ilinnesota in December of 1901. Three children blessed the union, namely : V. M., George E. and a daughter, Ella May, now the wife of S. A. Eouse. Tht; family have always enjoyed the esteem of associates and have been active in the work of the Methodist church. Intensely loyal in his devotion to the Union, Mr. Keene was one of the first to tender his aid at the opening of the war with the south. During June of 18G1, he enlisted in Company H, Second Minnesota Infantry, with whose noteworthy achievements he was thenceforward identified. Accompanying the regiment to Kentucky he took part un the engagement at Mills Springs. Next he fought at Perryville, then took part in the siege of Corinth, and the engagements at Chickamauga and Chattanooga, after which he participated in the Atlanta campaign lasting one hundred days, fought in the sanguinary contest at Lookout Mountain, and accompanied General Sherman in the famous march to the sea. After having served three years he was mustered out at Chattanooga and received an honorable discharge from the army. Since the organization of Wilkin Post No. 19 he has been active in its work and interested in the welfare of the Grand Army of the Eepublic.

KENWAED, HEEBEET C - The establishment of the Kenward familv in America was due to the fact that one of its well-known members, Jesse Kenward of England, having served with distinction in the British army, received from the government of his country a grant of land in Canada. Shortly afterward he made the voyage to the Canadian shores and investigated his new property, wliich he found to be located near Warwick in Ontario. Som.e of his elder sons accompanied him to the new estate and aided him in preparing a home for the olher members of the family, who in due time joined him at his frontier farm. From that time until his death he remained a resident of Canada and warmly interested in the welfare of that country. His son, Robert N., was born at Otsego, A'ew York, and grew to manhood in Canada, where he married Jane Shaw, a native of Ireland. Soon after his marriage he removed to the States and settled in Michigan, where during his residence at St. Clair his son, Herbert C, was born, March 9, 1855. A comparatively brief sojourn in Michigan was followed by his removal to Minnesota in May of 1858 and in this state he secured a claim near Plaipview, Wabasha county. During 1867 he settled in Blue Earth county and secured a homestead that now is occupied by his older son. Since retiring from agricultural activities he has made his home at Minnesota Lake, this state, and still maintains a warm interest in town and county happenings, has decided opinions concerning matters of general importance, and possesses the ability and intelligence that enabled him to serve with credit to himself in various local offices.

The younger of the two sons of Robert N". Kenward is Herbert C, whose earliest recollections are associated with Minnesota, he having been brought to this state at the age of only three years. Educated in the country schools, he has supplemented the information desired from textbooks by comprehensive reading and by habits of close observation, and therefore is a well-informed man. No citizen maintains a warmer interest in the growth of Blue Earth county than does he, and his interest is not limited to the department of his special activitiy, that of agriculture, but extends into educational affairs, public enterprises, business development, and indeed every phase of growth associated with the welfare of the residents and the continuation of their prosperity. On Christmas day of 1879, he was united in marriage with Prances James, daughter of George James, who came to Danville township, this couniy, during the sixties and assisted in the agricultural development of this region. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Kenward are as follows: Jess, now living in New Ulm, this state;

Ethel, who is well educated and at this writing teaches school; Ac .lie, who is completing the studies of the Maple ton high school; and Robert, Jr. Since his marriage, ilr. Kenward has lived in Danville township on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres formerly known as the Joseph Hunt property. During the long period since he purchased this tract he has maintained a neat set of farm buildings, has improved the apearance of the farm by the planting of shade trees, and has kept the soil in a high state of fertility through care in the rotation of crops. In common with other farmers of the county he finds stockraising a profitable adjunct to the raising of grain, and he always keeps on the place as many Norman horses, Durham cattle and hogs, as the pastures and buildings will accommodate. For some years he has been a member of the town board, but with that exception he has not participated actively in township affairs nor has he at any time sought the honors connected with official positions, preferring to devote himself exclusively to the management of his agricultural interests.

KENWARD, PIERCE W. - There are few names more familiar to the people of Danville township than that of Kenward. Two generations of the family have contributed to the agricultural development of the township and liave beefi important factors in all movements for the educational and moral upbuilding of tbeir community. Always stanch in their allegiance to the principles of free education and public schools, they have been active factors in developing the country schools. As early as 18G9, the father was selected to hold the position of school treasurer and he continued in that capacity until his removal to Minnesota Lake, since which time his son. Pierce W., has been the incumbent of the office, which he fills with judgment, accuracy and fidelity.

Mention of the Kenward family upon another page of this volume shows that they became established in America through one of their representatives, who had served for twenty years or m.ore in the British army, receiving in recognition of his services to his country a grant of land situated near Warwick in Canada. Eemu?- ing to that then frontier region, he began the clearing of the land, in which work he had the energetic assistance of his sons. The country was then in an undeveloped condition. Eoads ao yet had not been opened, and everything was carried on horseback, through the trackless forests and over the unbroken plains. The experiences endured by the family in their Canadian home were of the pioneer type and prepared them for similar experiences which later they endured in the improving of their Minnesota homestead.

Born at St. Clair, Michigan, March 23, 1853, Pierce W. Ken ward was a very small child (five years of age) when the family removed to Minnesota; hence he has few recollections of any home other than this state, and he is thoroughly loyal in his devotion to the interests of the commonwealth. Upon establishing domestic ties he was united in marriage, November 27, 1880, with Lilly J. Hunt, a native of Wisconsin, and a daughter of Joseph Hunt. As early as 1866 the Hunt family removed to Minnesota and settled in Blue Earth county, taking up land and improving a farm that now is occupied by the brother of Mr. Kenward. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Kenward are named as follows: Eobert N.; deceased; Kit M., who now is engaged in teaching school in Mapleton township; Claude A., Sarah M., and George J., who remain with their parents. It has been the policy of Mr. Kenward to give his sons a business training beginning in their early youth and with this purpose in view he has given them an interest ill some of the stock while they are yet boys. They are trained to care for the animals and to buy and sell in such a manner as to secure a gain for their investment, thus developing along practical lines. The stock on the farm is of the best grades. The cattle are of the Durham type with registered sires, while the dairy cattle are blooded. In horses the favorites are Clydes, while Poland-China hogs furnish a valuable addition to the income from the farm. Having given his attention closely to the care of the land and the stock, Mr. Kenward has had little leisure to participate in public affairs and aside from the school office previously named he has declined official honors. Fraternally he has allied himself with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, but with that exception has not become identified with insurance or social organizations. In his devotion to duty, in his industrious habits, in his energetic temperament, in his high principles of honor he furnishes a fine example of the farmers of whom the county has every reason to be proud.

KEYSOE, CAPT. CLAEK. - Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon those gallant patriots, who during the dark days of the Civil war, and at a time when the perpetuity of the Union was threatened, offered their services in defence of the stars and stripes and bravely endured the horrors of a civil war in order to secure the end they felt to be necussar}' for the welfare of the nation. Numbered among the brave soldiers whom Blue Earth county contributed to the Union was Captain Keysor, who during the course of the war laid aside his carpenters' tools and relinquished the building contracts he had taken, in order that he might serve his country in her hour of need. A'aried experiences befell him in the course of his service and such was the courage with which he met every issue that at the time of the muster-out he bore the rank of captain of his company.

A pioneer of Minnesota, where he has made his home in Mankato since 1858, Captain Keysor was born in Luzerne, Warren county, New York, May 24, 1826, and was one among the five children of Clark and Elizabeth (Frost) Keysor. The father followed the lumbering business until bis death, which occurred in New York state in 1830. Survived by the widow, she eventually came to Mankato and died here in 1877 at an advanced age. Their son, Clark, Jr., received a commonschool education in New Y^ork state and grew to manhood upon a farm, early gaining a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits. However, his tastes did not lie in the direction of the farm and he turned his attention to carpentering, which trade he thoroughly mastered in his early manhood. For a time he followed that occupation near the old home, but in 1858 he identified himself with the pioneers of the northwest and suttled in MankatOj where he afterwards carriea ou a buiiamg business and ereettd many oi tlie eany ana suDstantiai structures m tnac growing lown. (Jt recent jears he lias done little active carjjcnLering and lias limited his wort to the tajiing 01 coDtractSj with the general supervis'.ou 01 tue same, in general it ma}' be said tliat reliability and painstaking skill have characterized all 01 Ins contracts^ whicu are hlled with a fidelity ciiaracteristic ot the man.

The marriage of Captain Keysor took place September 15, 1850, and united him with Amy L. Johnson, a native of Saratoga county, New York. I'our sons and four daughters came to bless their union, and of these the following survive : William W., married and living in St. Louis, Missouri, where he occupied a chair in the St. Louis Law college; Elizabeth F., now Mrs. J. A. Flittie; Amy M., who is Mrs. Charles Carpenter; and John J., who is married and living on a large ranch near Sturgis, South Dakota. The family hold membership with the Methodist church and are contriibutors to its various societies as well as its general maintenance, besides which they have always aided in enterprises for the upbuilding of the community and the welfare of the people. Politically Captain Eeysor has been a Republican ever since the organization of the party and his belief in its platform has led him to cast his ballot for its candidates at all elections. A fitting recognition of his patriotism and ability has been made by the party in his election to various offices of trust, including the position of alderman of Mankato, assessor of the township, and representative of the district to the general assembly of Jlinnesota in the sessions of 1872 and 1879. In these several positions he proved worthy of the trust reposed in him and ever was found voting on the side of progressive measures and public-spirited enterprises. Since the organization of Wilkin Post No. 19, Grand Army of the Republic, he has been one of its leading members and has aided generously in its charities and patriotic services. During the progress of the Civil war he became identified with the Masonic order and ever since then he has retained membership in the fraternity, whose principles of philanthropy he upholds and whose work for the uplifting of humanity he endorses.

At the -time Captain Keysor's enlistment in the army, which occurred August 8, 1862, he was assigned to Indian services in Minnesota, but a year later was scut to the front as first lieutenant of Company E, Ninth Minnesota Infantry. His first engagement was at Gunton, Mississippi, and he took part in the marches and other activities of his regiment until he became ill with typhoid fever. The attack weakened him to sueh an extent that he was unfitted fur active military duty and hence accepted a post for recruiting service at Port Snelling, where he remained until he was honorably discharged as captain.

KIETZER, FRED A. - The sons of pioneers form a very considerable and substantial part of the agricultural population of A'ernon Center towTiship and Blue Earth county in general, and that they inherit the sterling traits which made their father's the center of earlier activities, argues as well for the future as it does for the present, of the county. In the . sketch of G. Kietzer, of Vernon Center township, in another part of this work, may be found a more comprehensive account of the founders of the family in Minnesota. Fred A. Kietzer was born in Germany, October 25, 1848, came with his parents to America at an early day and to Blue Earth county a little later.

In 1879 Mr. Kietzer was united in marriage to Christian Pichner, daughter of Ernest and Henrietta Pichner, farmers by occupation and who came from Germany in an early day, settling on government land in Rapidan township. Mr. Pichner is long since deceased, but his wife stni lives and makes her home with her children. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kietzer, August, Emil, Ida and Fred. Mr. Kietzer by fair and commendable methods has become the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres of land in once piece, and conducts general farming and stock-raising on a large scale. He is especially interested in stock, and raises a good quality of cattle, horses, and Poland-China hogs. When this land came into his possession it was wild and uncultivated, almost a stranger to plow or harrow, and having the most inadequate of buildings. The present owner has put up fine juildings of all kinds, including a large and iommodious dwelling, and Ms machinery, fences, Irainage and general improvements have been in- .tigated by a progi-essive and generous mind. ^.ll that Mr. Kietzer has is the result of his own rood judgment and ability to utilize surround- .ng opportunities. He started in life poor, had idvantages which most people in the present tvould call meagre and unsatisfactory, yet he has rt'on for himself an abiding place in all that Mustitutes material, moral and general worth, md is regarded as one of the county's most rep- I'csentative and influential farmers.

KIETZEE, GOTTLIEB. - The agricultural development of our country may be attributed in large measure to the persistent industry and self-sacrificing efEorts of our citizens from other lands or those who come of foreign parentage. Such people formed the bone and sinew of the pioneer population of the northwest. The storms of winter, the deprivations of life, the absence of every comfort and the necessity for constant toil did not daunt them, and it is the glory of our nation that its possibilities have attracted to its citizens of such energy and worth. Conspicuous among the German-American residents of Blue Earth county is Mr. Kietzer who was born in Prussia June 28, 1846, and in 1857 settled in Wisconsin with his parents, John and Hosina (Wollfschlager) Kietzer, of Prussian birtli and lineage. The family became pioneers of Wisconsin and there for eighteen years labored as farmers, developing a raw tract into a productive estate. During 1875, the parents removed to Minnesota and settled on a farm in Oeresco township. Blue Earth county, where the mother died in 1895, and since then the father has continued to reside at the old homestead.

Coming to Blue Earth county in 1872 Mr. Kietzer bought a tract of unimproved land in Vernon Center township and from that time to the present he has continued on the same place, meanwhile making many important improvements and adding to the original tract until he now owns four hundred and twenty acres in this and Ceresco townships. All of the land is under fence sxeepting twenty acres of timber on the Blue

Earth river. For a few years after his arrival he lived in a cabin, but eventually he erected a neat Louse, and he also from time to time buUt barn, granary, etc., to suit the needs of the place. In stock lie has made a specialty of Poland-China hogs. Plis farm is said to be one of the best in the township and its neat appearance bespeaks the energy of the owner.

The first wife of Mr. Kietzer, whom he married in 187;i and who bore the name of Caroline Peever, at her death left the following named children: Emma, William, Frederick, ilinnie, Mollie and Mary. In 1886, Mr. Kietzer married Miss Ida Wolff, by whom he has six children, namely: Lydia, Anna, Ernst, Herbert, Eric and Verona. The family have the esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. Besides attending to the management of his land Mr. Kietzer has found time to keep posted concerning movements for the welfare of his township and county and has been particularly interested in the district schools, in which he has served as a director. For one year he served as chairman of the board of township trustees and in addition he held office as a member of the county board of supervisors for two years.

KIFFE, GBOEGE. - The list of honored pioneer farmers of Blue Earth-county includes the name of George Kiffe whose face was once familiar to the people of his vicinity, but who has now entered into eternal rest. It was during the spring of 1856 that he sought a home in the then undeveloped northwest, concerning whose resources and opportunities he had heard much. For some years before coming here he had lived in Missouri, but on the 8th of April, 1856, he and his young wife left that state and traveled toward the north in a "prairie schooner" containing their worldly effects. When they arrived at Dubuque, Iowa, they found that further travel by wagon was impractical and hence they took passage on a steamboat. On the 19th of May they landed at Mankato and shortly afterward secured a tract of land on which they began farming. The first purchase comprised eighty acres, but this was increased until their landed possessions aggregated large areas, and the widow

Biogiuphical History

I'lie son of wealthy parents, George Kift'e was born at Borken Wcsphalia, Germany, June lb, 1^31, and grew to manhood upon the home farm. U pon starting out for himself at the age of twenty years he came to the United States and proceeded rrom New iork westward to Missouri, where he secured employment on a farm near St. Charles. \Vhile living there he was united iu marriage, fi'ebruary 15, 1855, with Gertrude Amptmann, a native of Germany, born September 1, 1834, being the daughter of Casper Amptmann, a prosperous shoemaker of Brattinghaus, her native village. Of her marriage to Mr. Kiffe twelve children A^ere born, all but three of whom are yet living. The seven sons and two daughters remain in Blue Earth county, where they are well known and universally honored as worthy citizens. The youngest child, Anna, is her mother's companion and tenderly ministers to her comfort in her declining years. The family left the farm in June of 1896 and moved into Mankato, purchasing a comfortable home on the principal residence street of the city. Here Mr. Kiffe spent his last years surrounded by the comforts his industry had rendered possible and hero he closed his eyes in death, March 28, 1904. His body was interred in Calvary cemetery after appropriate funeral services under the auspices o^ the German Catholic church, to which he belonged.

After having talten out naturalization papers as a citizen of the United States, George KifEe became an ardent supporter of the Democratic party and took a warm interest in its local affairs. For some time he served as town clerk and he also was honored by election as a supervisor of Blue Earth county representing Mankato township. While he was a pronounced Democrat and active in the party, his friends were not limited to men of the same belief. On the contrary, he was popular with all, for his sterling traits of character commanded the confidence and good-will of all. Sharing with him in the general esteem was his wife, who has been spared to the age of more than three score years and ten and retains her faculties unimpaired by time. Her pleasant manner and motherly face win the friendship of all, but especially of the little chilUrcn near her home, among whom she IS a general favorite.

KiAAEY, J. HUBEET. - The era which witnessed the arrival of white settlers in Blue Earth county and the pre-empting of government claims by the home-seekers from further east, brought among other pioneers Horace Ejnney, a descendant of Scotch-Irish ancestry and a native of Herkimer county, New York, where his father, James, was a lifelong resident. During early manhood he had married Elizabeth Darling, who was born and reared in Troy, New York, and they had engaged in improving a farm in Wisconsin, having settled in that state during the early fifties together with her father and two of her brothers. All of these came to Minnesota in 1856 and joined the original settlers in Blue Earth county, where they preempted adjacent claims in Shelby township. Erom that time until his demise Horace Kinney continued to reside upon a farm in that township. \Vhile visiting in Mankato he was taken ill and died in that city June 1, 1877. Other pioneers who survive him testify in the warmest terms concerning his fine qualities as a citizen, husband and father, and state that he was a man of ability far above the average. His interest in the welfare of the county led him to serve as a member of the board of supervisors, which position he filled for a number of years.

Nine children comprise the family of Horace and Elizabeth Kinney and all are still living, but only three remain in Blue Earth county, the others having established homes in other sections of the country. Two of the sons, J. Hubert and Walter, are partners in the livery business at Amboy, having in 1903 acquired the stables owned by Strong & Decker, which they now conduct. Walter was born in November of 1879 and received a fair education. In June of 1899 he married Elsie Merrill, daughter of Allen Merrill, who was born in Wisconsin and came from there to Minnesota, settling at Garden City, his present home. They are the parents of four children: Burton, Paul, Ellise and Alice (twins).

Biogbaphical Histoky

On the home farm in Shelby township. Blue Earth county J. Hubert Kinney was born May 20, 1872, and his primary education was obtained in the neighboring school, after which he completed his studies in the Minnesota State Xormal at Mankato. For ten 3'ears he made school teaching his principal occupation and met with encouraging success in the work, being engaged in this and Martin counties. During 1903 he received an oppointment as carrier of mail on rural free delivery route No. 3, and v.hile on the home farm he also served for two years as justice of the peace. Since coming to Amboy he has officiated as a member of the school hoard for three years. With his brother Walter he purchased the old homestead and had charge of the estate until 1903, when they traded the farm for a livery business in Amboy. The building, 70x100 feet, is equipped for the purpose desired and from twenty-five to thirty head of horses are usually kept here, a general coach and dray business being conducted. In order to raise feed for the horses the brothers purchased and now operate a farm in Shelby township, the same consisting of one hundred and sixty acres. A large number of horses are raised on this quarter section, and a Percheron is kept at the head of the herd. In addition they own a part of the original homestead three and onehalf miles west of Amboy, on section seventeen.

The marriage of J. Hubert Kinney took place June 24, 1903, and united him with Agnes Otterstein, a native of Shelby township, this county, and a daughter of F. R. Otterstein, one of the prominent farmers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Kinney enjoy the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances in the town and township and stand high in social circles, while in fraternal associations he is an influential member of the blue lodge of Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Jtodern Woodmen of America at Amboy.

KLETNSCHMIDT. CONRAD. - The enumeralion of business enterprises in the city of Mankato includes the plant operated by the Mankato Interior Manufacturing and Lumber Company, whose original mill, erected in 1897, stood on

North Broad street and was equipped for the manufacture of sash, doors, mouldings, lath and shingles. The plant was destroyed by fire, June 13, 1906, and later was rebuilt on the corner of Fourth and Eoek streets. The brick structure is 108x150 feet in dimensions and is divided into departments of sizes suitable for their special purposes, including a space of 31x.->0 feet, which is utilized for a flour mill. The proprietor of the business, Mr. Kleinschmidt, has had years of practical experience as a carpenter and contractor, and has an accurate knowledge of building material, their qualities and values, as well as the particular kinds most practicable and economical for ordinary use.

Born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. February 15, 1861, Mr. Kleinschmidt is a son of John and Katherine Kleinschmidt, natives of Germany, who crossed the ocean a few years after their marriage and settled in Racine, Wisconsin, where the father secured employment at his trade of carpentering. That was in 1861, at the beginning of the Civil war. A few months later he enlisted as a private in the Union army and went to the front, serving for three years and six months, when he received an honorable discharge. On his return to Racine he resumed carpentering. In 1879, removed from that city to Minnesota and settled on a farm in Mankato township. Blue Earth county, where he now resides. Of his seven children Louise, Mrs. Jc'hn Trenhauser died in 1903. Those now living are named as follows: Conrad, the eldest of the family; Katherine, Mrs. William Kittenger, of Caledonia, Wisconsin; John, who is engaged in the real estate business at St. Paul, Minnesota ; Nicholas, living in Mankato; Gustav, who is associated in business with his eldest brother ; and Charles, who remains on the home farm in Mankato township.

Leaving home at the age of seventeen years Conrad Kleinschmidt secured employment at carpentering, of which previously he had gained considerable knowledge under his father's training. When twenty-one years of age he was paid the wages of a skilled workman. A year later he had charge of sixty-five hands. On coming to Mankato in 1878, he engaged in farming near the city for a year and then resumed work at his trade^ buildings farm houses and bams. In 1880 he went to South Dakota, where he had the contract for the erection of three grain elevators, those being at Big Stone, Milbank, and Wilmont. Eeturning to Mankato the following year he resumed work at his trade. In 1883 he was called to St. Paul to take charge of contracts for a firm of contractors in that city. Two years later he took up contracting for himself and continued until 1890, when he became superintendent at Duluth for H. D. Hayes & Company of Chicago. In the employ of the same firm he was transferred to Chicago in 1891. During 1894 he took up his permanent residence at Mankato, where he followed his trade until 1897 and since then has been engaged in the manufacture of interior furnishings.

In political opinions Mr. Kleinschmidt always supports the Eepublican party. His was the honor of being the iirst Eepublican elected from his ward (the second) to serve as a member of the board of aldermen and in that capacity he gave his support to movements calculated to benefit the people without unduly taxing the property owners. The Commercial Club is one of the organizations for the development of local tiade which has received his stanch support. In fraternal relations he holds memberehip with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, also the Sons of Herman. His marriage took place in Eacine, Wisconsin, May 2, 1882, and united him with Miss Anna Boehland, daughter of Theodore and Amalie (Therendorf) Boehland, of that city. They are the parents of two daughters, Amalie ]\r. and Emma K. E. Kleinschmidt.

KLEINSCHMIDT, GHSTAV. - Gustav Kleinschmidt, who, with his brother, Conrad, is engaged in an extensive lumber and manufacturing business in Mankato, is a young man of energy and progress, and one who gives promise of fulfilling a large and particularly useful destiny. Of his family and immediate connections much may be learned elsewhere in this work. He is a product of country training and trade incentive, and spent the first thirty-three years of his life combining farming and the trade of carpentering. Bom in Eacine, Wisconsin, November 12, 1870, he came to Mankato township in 1879, learned the carpenter's trade of his father, Otto Kleinschmidt, and aided the latter in constructing many residences, barns and out-buildings throughout the county.

Mr. Kleinschmidt came to Mankato in 1903, and at once identified himself with the brother's lumber and manufacturing business, his former experience as a contractor being of unquestioned benefit to him. He has become associated with many phases of city life, is an earnest Eepublican, and fraternally is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America. October 22, 1896, Mr. Kleinschmidt was united in marriage to Bertha Alfrcda Eoemer, daughter of Bruner Eoemer, a well known resident of Mankato, and of the union there are two children : Florion and Armiin. Mr. Kleinschmidt is possessed of keen business sagacity, and is highly respected by the large number of people with which his business necessarily brings him in contact with.

KLEINSCHMIDT, NICHOLAS. - The scope and efficiency of the Mankato fire department have been materially increased since the election of its present chief, Nicholas Kleinschmidt, in April, 1905. As a means of insuring safety to the people and institutions of the town the department now -compares favorably with those in larger and older communities, and the bravery and ability of the men who risk their lives whenever occasion demands, makes constant appeal to the gratitude and appreciation of all who have the welfare of the city at heart.

Mr. Kleinschmidt has many and other claims upon the consideration of his fellow townsmen, and is a man of varied experience, and thorough knowledge of municipal needs. His family have been closely connected with the commercial upbuilding of this part of the county, and he inherits the stability and public spiritedness of his father, mention of whom may be found elsevhere in this work. Mr. Kleinschmidt was educated in the public schools, and in earlier life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed continuously up to 1900, when poor health necessitated his abandonment of this interesting occupation. In 1895 he engaged in the saloon business on North Front street, but disposed of the same in 1897. He then opened the Opera Cafe, which he sold two years later and became tl]f- proprietor of the Stahl House which he conducted for four years. With his brother, John, he fitted up the "Bavaria," in 1903, purchasing new fixtures and furnishings throughout, and conducting the same under the firm name of Kleinschmidt Brothers.

Mr. Kleinschmidt subscribes to the principles of the Eepublican part}', and he has been active in the same for several years, filling several offices previous to his election as fire chief in 1905. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Sons of Herman. December 10, 1891, Mr. Kleinschmidt married Anna Arnold, daughter of Adam Arnold, of Mankato town.sbip, and of the union there are six children; Eobert, Esther, Mamie, Eva, Herbert, and Harold.

KN"APP, JAMES K. - This honored citizen of Madison Lake, who was instrumental in securing the incorporation of the town and has held a number of its most important offices, was born in Madison county, Few York, February 18, 1844, being a son of Ambrose- and Jane Ann (Moxley) Knapp. The father was born in Connecticut, May 2, 1813, and the mother was a native of Ireland, born in December of 1814. Early in life Ambrose Knapp learned the trade of a ship carpenter, which he followed for a time in Connecticut and also removing to ISTew York about 184.3. Seeking the undeveloped regions of the then frontier with the hope of finding opportunities greater than awaited him in the east, in 1844 he moved to Wisconsin and built the first hotel ever erected in the city of Milwaukee. The following year he moved to land ceded by the government from the Indians in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and was employed by the government to capture a party of Indians who had persistently refused to leave this land. After having successfully removed the party to the reservation near St. Clair, Minnesota, he returned to ^Milwaukee and in 1852, settled at Osceola, Wisconsin, where he purchased eighty acres, divided the land into town lots and established an addition that is now in the heart of that city. Upon removing to Eureka, Wisconsin, in 1855 he worked as a ship carpenter and diiring 1858 he became a pioneer farmer near Buena Vista, Portage county, that state. From agricultural pursuits he turned his attention to the building of a hotel, which afterward he operated for a time. He moved to Madelia in 1861.