Brown County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 2 of 9)

Louis Zschunke was reared to the tailor's trade in his native land and became a very competent tailor, the owner of a merchant tailoring establishment in his home town. In September, 1885, attracted by the good reports proceeding from this part of Minnesota, he and his family came to the United States and settled at New Ulm, where he opened a merchant tailoring establishment, which he conducted to the time of his death in 1891. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran church and their children were reared in that faith. There were six of these children, namely : Fred, deceased; Frank P., the immediate subject of this biographical sketch; Carl, of Springfield, this county; Otto, of Harvey, North Dakota ; Louisa, who married C. W. Bloom, now living at Los Angeles, California; and Anna, who married Allen Stefifen, of Detroit, Michigan.

to America with his parents. For two years after his arrival in New Ulm he attended the city schools and then, in 1887, he then being fourteen years of age, he went to work on the farm of August Kiesling. In 1888-89 he was engaged as a clerk in the clothing store of John F. Neumann, at New Ulm, and in 1890-92 worked as an apprentice in the printing department of the New Ulm Post, a German paper, following which he went to Watertown, South Dakota, where he was for a while engaged as a printer on a newspaper there, after which he returned to New Ulm and for some time worked in the office of the New Ulm Review, an English paper. He then returned to his old position in the clothing store of Mr. Neumann and was there employed until in August, 1901, at which time he formed a partnership with Albert Schilling and the two established a clothing store in New Ulm. At the end of a year of this partnership, Albert J. Katz bought Mr. Schilling's interest in the store, the firm then becoming F. P. Zschunke & Co. In 1908 this firm established a store at Mankato, in addition to its New Ulm store, and incorporated, with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars, as the Columbia Clothing Company. As this company's affairs prospered additional stores were started, until it now owns a chain of five stores, those besides the central store at New Ulm being the stores at Brooking, South Dakota; Howard, South Dakota; Harvey, North Dakota, and at Morton, in the neighboring county of Renville, this state. During the time of his ownership of the store at Mankato Mr. Zschunke made his home in the latter city, but in 1910 he returned to New Ulm, and ever since has resided there. The store at New Ulm is well-stocked and admirably managed and is a fitting model for the other

On October 22, 1901, Frank P. Zschunke was united in marriage, at Minneapolis, to Emma Schilling, who was born at New Ulm, daughter of Louis and Cecelia (Ochs) Schilling, natives of Hanover and early settlers of New Ulm. Louis Schilling was a veteran of the Civil War and for many years a prominent resident of this section of the state. He died in 1895, at the age of seventy-five years and his widow is still living. They were the parents of five children, of whom Mrs. Zschunke is the third in order of birth, the others being Louis, Albert, Rose and Lydia.

To Frank P. and Emma (Schilling) Zschunke four children have been born, Gretchen, Melvin, Joslyn and Albert. Mrs. Zschunke is a member of the Catholic church and she and her husband take a warm interest in all worthy movements for the advancements of the community's general welfare, being held in high regard by their many friends hereabout. Mr. Zschunke is a Democrat and gives thoughtful attention to local political affairs, but is not included in the office-seeking class. He is a member of Charity Lodge No. 98, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at New Ulm; of New Ulm Chapter No. 57, Royal Arch Masons, and of New Ulm Commandery, Knights Templar, and is also a member of the local lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America, in the affairs of which organizations he takes an active interest.

William J. Winkelmann

William J. Winkelmann, well-known dealer in musical instruments and general musicians' supplies at New Ulm and one of the most enterprising and energetic business men in that city, is a native of Germany, having been born at Mecklenburg-Strelitz, near Berlin, in Prussia, May 6, 1856, son of John and Johanna (Frank) Winkelmann, both natives of that same district, who later came to America, locating in this county, where their last days were spent.

John Winkelmann was the third in order of birth of the five children born to his parents, J ohn Winkelmann and wife, natives of Germany, the former of whom was a carpenter, the other children having been Carl, Fred, William and Henrietta. He was trained to the trade of brickmaker and was thus employed in his native land. He married J ohanna Frank, who was the eldest of the children born to her parents, the others having been Theodore, Julia, William and Caroline. Grandfather Frank died in Germany in middle life and his widow afterward came to America and rejoined her children in this county, where she spent her last days. In the summer of 1867 John Winkelmann and his family came to the United States, proceeding directly from their port of landage to Minnesota, locating in New Ulm, the entire trip covering the period from early in May to the latter part of J uly . Shortly after arriving here, John Winkelmann rented the old Jacob Brush farm in Cottonwood township, this county, and there he made his home for three years, at then of which time, in 1871, he began the operation of a limekiln near there and was thus engaged until 1881, in which year he moved to New Ulm and engaged in teaming. He died in 1882, at the age of sixty-one years. His widow survived him but a short time, her death occuring in 1883, at the age of fifty-nine. They were members of the Lutheran church and their children were reared in that faith. There were five of these children, namely : Theresa, deceased, who was the wife of Gottlieb Schmidt; Carl, deceased; William J., the immediate subject of this biographical sketch; Anthonia, wife of John Gratz, of Waseca, this state, and Augusta, deceased, who was the wife of Henry Knees, of New Ulm.

William J. Winkelmann was eleven years old when he came with his parents to this country and he consequently had received his elementary education in the schools of his native land. Upon arriving here his schooling was resumed in the schools of Cottonwood township and later in the schools at New Ulm. He then began clerking in a grocery store, at the age of fourteen, and in 1871 changed from that form of service to that of a clerk in a drug store. After a year and a half of the latter form of service he abandoned the idea of becoming a druggist and began clerking in a hotel. He presently returned to the farm, however, and remained there for several years, at the end of which time he traveled quite extensively in the South, being thus employed for six years. He then located in Chicago, remaining in that city for three years, after which he returned to New Ulm and was married. He then established a general express and delivery line, in connection with his contract to carry the United States mails, and was thus engaged for fifteen years. In 1911 Mr. Winkelmann established his present music business and has built up a large trade in that line throughout this part of the state. He owns a fine business block at the corner of Minnesota and Center streets and carries a full and complete line of musical instruments of all kinds, including high-grade pianos and organs, and also a well-selected line of general supplies for musicians and those of musical tastes. Mr. Wilkenmann is not only an enterprising and energetic business man, but he is a close student of the world's best literature and is regarded as one of the best informed men in New Ulm.

On December 19, 1890, William J. Winkelmann was united in marriage to Maria Gley, who was born in Friedland, Mecklenburg-Strelitz March 1, 1855, daughter of Frederick and Alvina (Bossard) Gley, natives of that same locality, who came to America in 1866 and settled on a farm in Home township, this county, where they remained until 1873, in which year they moved to New Ulm, where Mr. Gley engaged in the mercantile business and so continued the rest of his life, both he and his wife now being dead. They were the parents of three children, of whom Mrs. Winkelmann is the eldest, she having had two brothers, Fred and Carl, who are deceased.

To William J. and Marie (Gley) Winkelmann seven children have been born, as follow: Alvina, who married Richard Hicks, of New Ulm; Martha, who married Julius Thorsthes and lives in Hanska, this county, and Louisa, Clara, Paul, Gretchen and Gertrude. Mr. and Mrs. Winkelmann are members of the Lutheran church and their children have been reared in that faith. They take an earnest interest in the general social and cultural activities of the community and are held in high esteem by their many friends hereabout. In his political beliefs Mr. Winkelmann is a Socialist and is an ardent advocate of the principles of that rapidly growing party.

Henry Seifert

Henry Seif ert, a well-known retail liquor dealer at New Ulm, this county, is a native son of Brown county, having been born on a pioneer farm in Cottonwood township, July 11, 1864, son of John and Catherine Seifert, natives of Bohemia and early settlers in this part of Minnesota, both of whom lived to ripe old ages, long being numbered among the most useful and influential residents of this community.

John Seifert was the eldest of five children born to his parents, John Seifert and wife, substantial farming people of Bohemia, the others having been Joseph, Andrew, Christian and Mary. The mother died in her native land, after which the father followed his son, John, to this country and his last days were spent in Milford township, this county, he being past eighty years of age at the time of his death. The younger John Seifert and his wife came to America in 1856, proceeding straightway to Minnesota and locating in Cottonwood township, this county. John Seifert was possessed of considerable substance when he came to this country and upon locating in Brown county bought a quarter of a section of land in Cottonwood township, where he established his home and proceeded to bring his wilderness tract under cultivation. There were but few settlers in that part of the county in those days and the Seif erts were thus among the real pioneers of that community.

St. Paul then was the market place for this region and John Seifert was accustomed to be gone fourteen days on trips to that outpost with his ox-team, going laden with grain and returning laden with a supply of provisions. During the Indian uprising in 1862 he was enrolled among the brave defenders of New Ulm and in all his activities was actuated by a desire to promote the best interests of the pioneer community, so that he soon came to be regarded as one of the leading citizens of that section. As he prospered in his farming operations he added to his land holdings, buying an adjoining quarter section soon after locating on his original homestead and later buying a tract of two hundred and four acres, thus becoming the owner of a fine farm of five hundred and twenty-four acres. In their declining years he and his wife moved to New Ulm, where their last days were spent, he being eighty-two years of age at the time of his death and she seventy-five. Both were earnest members of the Catholic church and their children were reared in that faith. Seven of these children are still living, namely : Mary, wife of Peter Arbes, of New Ulm ; Anna, wife of John Korbel, of the same city ; Peter, a wellknown resident of Sigel township, this county, Henry, the immediate subject of this biographical sketch; Joseph, of Lamberton, this state; Clara, wife of Joseph Wiesner, of New Ulm, and John, of Cottonwood township, this county.

Henry Seifert was reared on the old homestead farm in Cottonwood township, receiving his education in the district school in that neighborhood, and remained at home until he had reached manhood's estate. His father then gave him a farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres of land in that neighborhood, on which he lived for two years, at the end of which time he went to LeSueur and engaged in the retail liquor business. After two years thus engaged in LeSueur, he sold his place there and moved to New Ulm, where he opened a similar place of business and has ever since been thus engaged in the latter city, being one of the best-known publicans in this part of the state.

Henry Seif ert was united in marriage to Anna Forster, who was born in Wisconsin, daughter of Carl and Barbara (Steiner) Forster, natives of Bohemia and later residents of Brown county, a history of which family is set out in the biographical sketch of Mr. Seifert 's brother, John H. Forster, furniture dealer and undertaker at New Ulm, presented elsewhere in this volume, and to this union five children have been born, as follow: Dr. Otto Seif ert, a physician at New Ulm, who married Marian Field and has one child, a daughter, Muriel ; Dr. Arthur Seif ert, a dentist at New Ulm ; Elsie, who married Doctor Warner, of Canby, this state, and Leo and Myra. Mr. and Mrs. Seifert are members of the Catholic church and their children were reared in that faith. They have many friends in New Ulm and vicinity and are popular in their circle. Mr. Seifert is a Democrat and for years has given attention to local political affairs, but has never been an aspirant for public office. He is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and of St. Joseph Society and takes a warm interest in the affairs of both organizations.

Willibald Eibner

The name of Willibald Eibner, who maintains a wholesale and retail bakery, ice cream and confectionery establishment at New Ulm, is well known in Brown and adjoining counties, for his business was launched here over three decades ago and has been gradually growing ever since.

Mr. Eibner was born on January 21, 1863, in Bavaria, Germany, and is a son of Max and Anna (Steigleder) Eibner. His father engaged in the milling business, owning a large flour-mill which he operated until his death. He never came to the United States. He died when Willibald was seven years old, and two years later the mother passed away, a brother and sister, both younger than our subject, dying about the same time. Willibald was then adopted by a relative with whom he lived until he was eighteen years of age, having in the meantime attended the public schools and an industrial school, similar to the gymnasium. After leaving school he was employed as an assistant forester by the government of Bavaria, and continued in this line of work for two years, without pay, for the purpose of learning the business. He then came to the United States, arriving in New York in August, 1882, where he remained three years, being forced to stay there for lack of money to bring him on to the West. He worked in grocery stores, restaurants, kitchens, etc., starting in at three dollars per week, finally receiving as much as fifteen dollars per week. However, he saved some money, and in 1885 came to New Ulm, Minnesota, where he remained a few months, then went on to St. Peter, this state, where he was manager of the old Commercial hotel for two years, then returned to New TJlm, and bought out a small confectionery store, the total investment being about six hundred dollars. He met with much discouragement for awhile, but by perseverance, economy and good management forged ahead until he built up one of the largest businesses of its kind in southern Minnesota. He rented his buildings at first, but in 1890 bought the property. He gradually worked into the restaurant business, in connection with which he kept a boarding house, finally establishing a bakery business in a small way, in 1893. He has since discontinued the restaurant and boarding house and now devotes his attention to his large wholesale and retail bakery and ice cream factory, along with his confectionery, shipping large quantities of his various products over a territory contiguous to New Ulm within a radius of one hundred and fifty miles. He also conducts a high-class retail store. The substantial brick building which he now occupies was the first of its kind to be built in New Ulm, and during the Indian massacre it was used as a shelter by the women and children. It was a government station and in the basement were stored the supplies of powder. The men defending the town intended to blow the building up rather than surrender the women and children to the savages. The building has since been remodeled and enlarged.

Willibald Eibner was married in New Ulm on April 17, 1887, to Mary Rosskopf , who was born in Waupun, Wisconsin, and is a daughter of Xavier and Magdaline (Roesch) Rosskopf, natives of Germany. They were among the early pioneers in Brown county, locating here shortly after the

Indian outbreak. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Eibner, nine of whom are living, namely: Cecelia, born on February 5, 1888 ; Caroline, July 7, 1889, married Joseph Bianchi, and they have two children, Josephine and Willibald; Veronica, June 16, 1891; Thecla, May 2, 1893; Alois, May 6, 1895; Willibalda, April 11, 1899; Patrick, March 17, 1901; Mildred, November 9, 1902; Marie, March 26, 1905; Lauretta, January 11, 1897, died on October 4, 1907.

Politically, Mr. Eibner is a Democrat. He was councilman of New Ulm for eight years, seven years of which he was president of the council. He was mayor for six months, filling out an unexpired term. He is still a councilman. He has done much for the general development of New Ulm, whose interests he has at heart. He and his family are members of the Catholic church, in which he has been a trustee for the past twenty years. He is president of the St. Joseph Society, which has a membership of about five hundred. This office he has also held for twenty years. He is secretary of the Staats-Verband, having held this office since its foundation in 1896. He is also a member of the grand council of the German Catholic Aid Association of Minnesota, which has a membership of over seven thousand. He has been very faithful in the discharge of his duties in all positions of trust and responsibility. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Dr. Emil Mueller, well-known veterinary surgeon of New Ulm and the oldest continuous practitioner in that line in that city, is a native son of Minnesota, having been born on a pioneer farm in the neighboring county of Nicollet, September 8, 1870, son of Henry C. and Fredericka Mueller, both natives of Germany and early settlers in this part of Minnesota.

Henry C. Mueller was trained as a carpenter in his native land and when he came to the United States, in 1855, for a short time worked at his trade in Chicago. The next year, in 1856, he came to Minnesota, settling in Brown county. He entered a homestead claim to a quarter of a section of land in Milf ord township, built a cabin on the same, broke the sod, proved up the claim and the next year sold it. He then wintered at New Ulm and in the spring homesteaded a quarter of a section in Nicollet county on which he established his home, and soon became recognized as one of the most substantial and influential residents of the neighborhood in which he settled. At the time of the Indian uprising Mr. Mueller was warned of the advance of the treacherous redskins by an old Indian whom he and his wife had often fed and befriended during the winters. Heeding the warning he and his wife and their small children at once set out for St. Peter for protection, and had gone hardly more than a quarter of a mile when the savages surrounded their house and burned it before their eyes. Fortunately, however, the family's hiding place had been well selected and all eventually found safe refuge at St. Peter. During those trying times Mr. Mueller served as a valiant member of the Home Guard and in all ways did well his part as a sturdy pioneer. Henry C. Mueller prospered in his agricultural operations and when he retired from the active labors of the farm, in 1893, was the owner of a fine place of five hundred and forty acres. Ten years later, in 1903, he and his wife moved to New Ulm, where both spent their last days. Mrs. Mueller died in 1905 ahd Mr. Mueller survived but a little more than two years, his death occurring on December 19, 1907. They were the parents of nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the last born, all of whom are living save two, the other survivors being Henry, Herman, Mary, Martin, Frank and William.

Emil Mueller was reared on the home farm in Nicollet county, receiving his elementary education in the district schools, supplementing the same by a three-years course in the Dr. Martin Luther College at New Ulm, after which he entered the Chicago Veterinary College, from which he was graduated, after a three-years course, in 1892, receiving the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Surgery. Thus admirably equipped for the practice of his profession, Doctor Mueller returned to New Ulm and opened an office in that city, where he ever since has been very successfully engaged in practice, being now the oldest veterinarian in continuous practice in that city. Doctor Mueller is a Republican and gives a good citizen's attention to local political affairs, but is not included in the office-seeking class.

daughter of Ralph Pierce and Mary (Martin) Yates, the former a native of that same state and the latter of the state of New York. For forty years and more Ralph P. Yates has been a locomotive engineer. To him and his wife three children were born, one of whom is dead, leaving Mrs. Mueller one brother, Fred Yates. To Doctor and Mrs. Mueller one child has been born, a daughter, Naomi Ruth. Doctor Mueller is a Mason of high degree, a Knight Templar and a member of the temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at St. Paul, while he and his wife are both members of the Order of the Eastern Star. The doctor is past high priest of New Ulm Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and is the present junior warden of New Ulm Commandery, Knights Templar. He also is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and in the affairs of these various fraternal affiliations takes a warm interest.

John Hauenstein, Jr., secretary of the Hauenstein Brewing Company, of New Ulm, and brewmaster for that well-known concern, is a native son of Brown county, having been born in New Ulm, on the site of the brewery which his late father established, April 11, 1876, son of John and Henrietta (Fritsche) Hauenstein, both natives of Germany, the former of whom was born in Bavaria and the latter in Saxony, who, as youthful members of different parties of colonists, came to this section of Minnesota and thus became early settlers of New Ulm.

John Hauenstein, Sr., was the eldest of the five children born to Casper Hauenstein and wife, the others having been Weigand, Casper, Margaret and Kunikundi. In 1852 the Hauensteins came to the United States and located in Cincinnati, where, not long afterward both the father and the mother fell victims to the cholera scourge which swept that city about that time. John Hauenstein was about twenty-one years old when he came to this country. He had been trained in the cooperage and brewery trades in his home country and upon arriving in this country followed these vocations in Cincinnati. In 1858 he left that city and followed the considerable company of Cincinnati Germans who had come to this section of Minnesota, locating at New Ulm. There he married Henrietta Fritsche, who had come to the United States with her parents, Johann Carl and Fredricka (Ries) Fritsche, and the other members of the family, Ernest, Fred, Louis, Carl, Selma, Mina and Emily, in 1852. Upon arriving in this country the Fritsches located in Chicago, where, the next year, in 1853, they joined the colony of Germans organized there by the Chicago Landverein and came to this section of Minnesota, thus being among the very earliest settlers of New Ulm. Johann Carl Fritsche and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in New Ulm, the former dying at the age of sixty-eight years and the latter at the age of eighty-one.

Upon settling in New Ulm John Hauenstein found employment at his trade as a cooper and was thus engaged when the Indian insurrection broke out in 1862. He was one of the first to spring to organized defense of the city and was elected second lieutenant of Company M, of the Mounted Rangers. It was Lieutenant Hauenstein who drew the first redskin blood in Milf ord township during that conflict. The Indian he shot and wounded was captured and in 1863 met his fate with that of thirty-eight others of his kind on the gallows at Mankato. Following the massacre Lieutenant Hauenstein continued to serve in the Rangers, doing scout duty, until the uprising had been put down, after which he resumed his place in the cooper shop. In 1864 he established a small brewery on the site of his home, his expert experience acquired as a young man in Bavaria standing him well instead, and so popular did the quality of his excellent brew prove that it was not long before he f ound it necessary to increase the capacity of his plant. From this small beginning the present great Hauenstein brewery at New Ulm has grown, the plant at present having a capacity of about twenty thousand barrels a year, its output being in demand all over southern Minnesota and as far up the state as Minneapolis. Mr. Hauenstein died on

April 15, 1914, at the age of eighty-three, for many years having been numbered among the leading citizens of New Ulm, and the business which he created is still being carried on by the family. His widow, who survives him, is now in her seventieth year. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Charles, present head of the Hauenstein Brewing Company ; Alma, wife of Martin Hose, treasurer of the same company ; Bertha, wife of Fred Behnke, of New Ulm; Louisa, wife of Charles Furst, of Bedford, Indiana; Emily, wife of Fred Seiter, of Kiesling, Washington; Frieda, wife of Henry Furst, Jr., of Chicago; John, the immediate subject of this biographical sketch, and Louis, who died in infancy.

John Hauenstein, Jr., was reared in New Ulm, the city of his birth, receiving his elementary education in the schools of that city. He later attended the Educational Institute at St. Louis and then, in order to perfect himself in the details of his father's business, attended the Wallen & Henius Brewing School at Chicago, from which technical institute he was graduated in 1897, a competent brewmaster, after which he returned home and took his place in the Hauenstein brewery, a valuable aid to his father in the operation of that business. In 1900 the business was incorporated under the laws of the state, with the following officers: John Hauenstein; Sr., president; Charles Hauenstein, vice-president; Fred Seiter, secretary, and Martin Hose, treasurer ; capital stock one hundred thousand dollars. Following the death of the elder Hauenstein in 1914, the company was reorganized and since then the following officers have been in charge : Charles Hauenstein, president and general manager; Mrs. Henrietta Hauenstein, vice-

On November 16, 1910, John Hauenstein was united in marriage to Hertha Mueller, who was born in New Ulna, daughter of Martin and Amelia (Toberer) Mueller, a history of which family is set out in detail in a biographical sketch relating to Martin Mueller, a well-known automobile dealer in New Ulm, presented elsewhere in this volume, and to this union three children have been born, Richard John, Marguerite Amelia and Laura Louise. The Mueller family is one of the oldest in the county, as is that of the Hauensteins, and both Mr. and Mrs. Hauenstein have hosts of friends hereabout, all of whom hold them in high esteem.

William Skinner

One of the venerable and honored citizens of Brown county, who is spending the calm December of his years in retirement in New Ulm is William Skinner, who has passed his seventy-seventh birthday. He was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1839, and is the son of Joseph E. and Sallie (French) Skinner, the father born in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, his mother having been of Dutch descent, as was also the mother of the subject, although she was a native of New England. During the Mexican War Joseph E. Skinner organized a company at Ottawa, Illinois, where he was then living, and served for some time at the front. He was twice married and had three children by his first wife, William, Oliver and Niana.

William Skinner spent his boyhood at home and received a common-school education, attending school three months in the summer and three months in the winter. When eight years old he was bound out to a tanner and furrier and harness-maker, with whom he remained until he was fourteen years of age, learning the business. He then went to Monroe Corners, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, where he worked for a short time at his trade, then went to Sheshequin, in the same county, where he lived with a man named Horton, later lived with a Mr. Delbish until he was twenty-one years old, when he and his brother-in-law, Clinton Shaw, started a harness shop in the town of Sheshequin, remaining there two years, after which Mr. Skinner turned his attention to farming, and got married about the same time. He worked the farm owned by his father-in-law for two years, and in October, 1856, started West, going to Dubuque, Iowa, on the first train that entered that town. He then took a steamboat up the Mississippi river to St. Paul, and from there went on in a boat up the Minnesota river to Shakopee, or as far as the boats ran, and there he hired a conveyance which brought him to LeSueur, from which place he hired another team and vehicle to bring him to New Ulm, in which place he f ound but two log houses, the country round about being wild and undeveloped, but here he found his friend, Albert Tuttle, of Pennsylvania, who had located in that vicinity previously. After looking over the new country Mr. Skinner staked off one hundred and sixty acres which he pre-empted. This was in 1857, and thus he was one of the earliest settlers in Brown county. His claim was in what is now Milf ord township, and immediately after locating it he went back to Illinois and got his wife. His first house was a log structure, fourteen by fourteen feet, one room with a loft which was reached by a ladder. He made a floor of split basswood, and. at that was better fixed than the average pioneer. He had brought with him a stove which was very rare on the frontier at that time. He had moved out with his family in a covered wagon or " prairie schooner" drawn by oxen, the second trip being in true pioneer style. He soon had a crop under way and various improvements and, by perseverance and hard work prospered, remaining on his farm until 1907, when, having built a new house and other buildings and accumulated three hundred and sixty acres of good land, he retired, removing to New Ulm. To this place he brought his wife and family during the Indian uprising in the early sixties, and took an active part in repulsing the Sioux. When New Ulm was evacuated he took his family to Owatona where he left them until October 1, of that year. Owing to the barbaric depredations by the Indians and scouting parties he barricaded the door to his home, building a fence seven feet high of heavy oak plank, reinforced by an embankment of earth four feet high on the inside. For about a year he lived the farthest west of any one in the settlement on the Cottonwood river.

William Skinner was married on December 25, 1853, to Sallie Newell, who was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Stephen and Kattie (Cole) Newell, both of German blood. To Mr. and Mrs. Skinner three daughters were born, namely: Martha, who married Mark E. Dyer, a traveling salesman, who has visited nearly every important city on the globe ; Eva lives at home ; Katie married William Wellner, who is employed as foreman in the shirt and overall factory at Mankato, and they have one child, Lloyd William. Mrs. Sallie Skinner died on December 2, 1912.

Mr. Skinner is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, which he joined about 1865. Politically, he is a Democrat and has held a number of public offices from those of school director and justice of the peace to that of a member of the state Legislature, in all of which he discharged his duties faithfully and most acceptably. He was elected to the Legislature four times, first in 1876, and lastly in 1893. He did much for the betterment of his home community and the farmers in general. Among the bills he introduced was one compelling every farmer to fence in his pasture land. He was for some time county superintendent. He is widely and most favorably known throughout Brown and adjoining counties.

William F. Ruemke, Jr

An enterprising merchant of New Ulm, Brown county, is William F. Ruemke, Jr., in which place he has been content to spend his life, and where he was born on August 17, 1865. He is a son of William and Frederica M. (Schroer) Ruemke, both parents natives of Germany, from which country they immigrated to the United States in 1857, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the father followed his trade of carpenter and contractor. About 1864 he removed with his family to New Ulm, Minnesota, where he formed a partnership with Louis Buenger, which continued for about fifteen years. The firm did a good business building dwelling houses, principally, until about 1875, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Ruemke taking as a partner Herman Schapekahm, which partnership continued successfully for about twenty years, the business being conducted along the same lines as formerly. Thus for a period of thirty-five years the elder Ruemke was one of the bestknown contractors and builders in this section of the state. He was not only successful in a business way but a good citizen, respected by all. His death occurred in 1910, at the age of seventy-two, his birth having occurred on February 22, 1838, at Minden, Germany. In 1862 he married Frederica M. Schroer, whose death occurred about 1876. Not long thereafter Mr. Ruemke married for his second wife, May Schapekahm. To these two unions seven children were born, four by the first, of whom William F. Ruemke, J r., is the only survivor, his brother, C. F. Ruemke, having died

William F. Ruemke, Jr., grew up in his native community and there he received a common-school education, for when but a boy he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father, and began learning the carpenter's trade, working with him for many years and becoming an expert workman. He finally entered into partnership with his father and Mr. Schapekahm. In 1895 he gave up contracting and entered the mercantile field in New Ulm, with his brother, Christ F. Ruemke. They started with a stock of goods valued at about five thousand dollars ; being successful from the first they gradually increased their stock, adding new lines, until they had one of the largest mercantile establishments in New Ulm. Upon the death of his brother Mr. Ruemke purchased the entire business.

William J. Ruemke was married on May 1, 1890, in New Ulm, to Emma (Boock) Cords, a native of that place, and a daughter of Henry and Carrie Boock, both natives of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Ruemke four children have been born, namely : Elmer, whose birth occurred on October 7, 1895, is now in college, studying to be a lawyer ; Estella, October 13, 1897; Ruth, March 21, 1902; Edgar, June 9, 1904. Mr. Ruemke and family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

Gottreich H. Kiesling

After a laborious and honest life in "the village smithy/ ' Gottreich H. Kiesling, of New Ulm, Brown county, is living in retirement, enjoying a well-earned respite. He was born on October 30, 1837, in Saxony, Germany, and is a son of Gottreich Kiesling, who was also a blacksmith by trade. The subject of this sketch grew up in his native land and attended school there until he was fourteen years of age. He was eleven years old when his father died, and thus early in life somewhat heavy responsibilities had to be assumed by him, and he began learning the blacksmith's trade upon leaving school. He came to the United States in 1857, direct to Brown county, Minnesota, but after a sojourn of a month or two, went to Chicago where he worked a short time, when, owing to hard times, he went to the country to work as a farm hand. But he was satisfied with two months of it, and returned to Brown comity, Minnesota, where he started a blacksmith shop, which he operated until 1890, enjoying a large business, then he sold out and has since lived retired, having accumulated sufficient competency for his old age. He had purchased a tract of land from the government about the time of the late Indian war. In 1862 he served as a soldier against the Indians and fought at the battle of New Ulm, at which time he was a member of the Minnesota state militia.

Gottreich Kiesling was married in Brown comity on July 13, 1861, to Albertini Littbener, a daughter of Lutwich Littbener, a native of Germany, in which country Albertini was also born. This family came to America from the province of Pommern, about the year 1855, locating first in Chicago, later establishing their home in Brown county, Minnesota, Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kiesling, five of whom survive, namely : Franklin, who died in 1904, married Emily Klossner, who bore him four children, Ida, Beulah, May and Lilla ; Albert, who married a Miss Martie, has six children, Rosa, Dena, Vera, Albert, Luther and Gretchen ; Tillie, who married Henry Klossner has six children, Roy, Nettie, Henrietta, Regenia, Minnie and Henry ; Herman, who married a Miss Vogtel, has two children, Floyd and Mildred ; Melvina, who married Tena Achersen, has three children, Lutena, Elvin and Tena ; Amel C, who married Nellie Cleveland, has two children, Selbia and Rena.

Andrew A. Backer

Andrew A. Backer, owner and proprietor of the " Willow Grove Farm" in Milford township, Brown county, Minnesota, and known throughout this section of the state as a breeder of Guernsey cattle as well as a progressive farmer, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born on April 29, 1865, son of John and Martha Backer. For further particulars of the history of the Backer family, the reader is referred to the sketch of Fred J. Backer, presented elsewhere between these covers.

Andrew A. Backer was a small child when his parents brought him to this country and settled in this county, and his education was received in the schools of Milford township, where he made the most of the meager opportunities offered. He was early trained in the vocation of farming and after school days were over, became his father's assistant, remaining on the home place until 1890 when he started out in life for himself. His first venture was the renting of a tract of land, where he farmed for some time and then bought one hundred and sixty acres in Milford township, to which he has added until his present farm consists of four hundred and fifteen acres. He puts about one hundred and fifty acres each year to grains and the balance is in meadow and pasture land. He feeds for the market an average of sixty head of hogs per year and of his fine cattle, milks fifteen cows the year round. These cattle have been exhibited at many county fairs throughout this section of

In 1891, Andrew A. Backer was united in marriage with Ernestina Sear, a daughter of Chris and Rosa Sear, and to their union two children have been born, Roy and Christina. Roy married Ella Rolloff, while Christina remains at home with the parents.

Mr. Backer holds fraternal affiliation with the Modern Woodmen of America, being banker for his lodge, and he has also in the past served as a member of the school board. In politics he is an independent Democrat and one of the citizens of this community interested in the proper administration of local affairs. He stands high in the estimation of his fellow men and as a representative citizen of the county is eminently entitled to representation in a work of the character of the present one.

Franz Niemann

Franz Niemann, well-known blacksmith and expert farrier at New Ulm, this county, and proprietor of the largest and best-equipped establishment of the kind in that city, is a native of Germany and has been a resident of New Ulm since the year 1894. He was born in East Prussia on March 29, 1867, son of Fritz and Henrietta (Zieseng) Niemann, both natives of that same province, the former of whom died in Wisconsin in 1898 and the latter of whom is now living at New Ulm. Fritz Niemann was a mail carrier in his young manhood and later became a farmer. After their family was reared he and his wife came to the United States, following some of their children who had preceded them several years before, and in 1895 located at St. Paul, this state. After a short stay there they went to Wisconsin and bought a farm and it was there that Fritz Niemann died. His widow later moved to New Ulm, where she is now living. They were the parents of six children, Fritz, Minnie, Franz, Louise, Edward and August.

Franz Niemann received his education in the schools of his native land and was trained to the trade of blacksmith, becoming a very competent general smith and expert farrier. He did his three years in the military service of his country and then, in 1893, came to the United States. After a short stay in Chicago he came on to Minnesota and located at. St. Paul, where he worked at his trade for a year, at the end of which time he moved to New Ulm, where he has ever since made his home and where he has done very well. He had no difficulty in finding work at his trade upon his arrival in New Ulna in 1894, for the quality of his craftsmanship showed for itself, and he soon came to be recognized as one of the best men in his line in this entire section. In 1896 Mr. Niemann started in business for himself, opening in a small way, at first doing all the work in the shop himself, but his business quickly grew and for a long time he has had the largest shop in town, employing a force of four men and keeping constantly busy. Mr. Niemann is a Republican and takes a good citizen's part in local political affairs. He is a member of Berg's Battery and takes a warm interest in the affairs of the local company. He also is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Turnverein. He has been a member of the New Ulm fire department for fifteen years, and has been captain for about six years.

On October 9, 1895, Franz Niemann was united in marriage to Emma Schneider, who was born at New Ulm, daughter of George and Emilia (Schell) Schneider, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Cincinnati. George Schneider came to the United States when he was thirteen years of age. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted for service in the Union army and after the conclusion of that service came to Minnesota and opened a tin shop at New Ulm, following that business the rest of his life. He and his wife were the parents of three children, Emma, August and Otto. To Mr. and Mrs. Niemann six children have been born, Frank, Oleta, Otto, Edna, Alfred and Charles, all of whom are at home.

William Frank

One of the best and most widely known citizens of New Ulm, Brown county, Minnesota, is William Prank, a retired miller, who has been connected with the milling business of this section since ante-bellum days. Mr. Frank is a native of Germany, born in Mecklenberg on September 15, 1837, a son of Daniel Frank and wife. Daniel was a laborer and died in his native land when rather young. After his death, the mother bravely set out for America with her children and located in this state. She lived for many years here, her death occurring in 1899. There are still two members of Mr. Frank's family living in this county, his sisters, Mrs. Wilhomena Schultz and Mrs. Julia Springer.

William Frank received a good education in his native land and when a youth was apprenticed to the milling trade, being twenty- two years of age when he came to this country. His first work was as a farm hand on a farm in Madison county, Illinois, near Edwardsville, where he remained sixteen months. He came to New Ulm in 1861 and secured employment with the Globe Milling Company and worked for them until the Indian uprising, when the mill was destroyed by fire by the red men. He assisted in protecting the lives and property of the white settlers as a private in Company L, First Minnesota Cavalry, serving one year. He went to St. Paul after the Indians were quieted down, but remained there but a short time, and returned to New Ulm. He gave his assistance in the rebuilding of the Globe mill and was employed there again until it was again destroyed by fire in 1873. Until 1879 he was employed as miller by the milling business now known as the New Ulm roller mills and in that year, in company with a Mr. Bentzin, he built the Cottonwood roller mill, which at first was operated by water power and had a capacity of one hundred barrels in twentyfour hours. In 1889 the water power gave out, and from that time on steam furnished the motive power. Mr. Frank remained with the company until 1893 when he sold his interest to Mr. Bentzin, his partner, and retired from the active duties of life. For six years he made his home with his son-in-law, Herman Bentzin, in the country, and then took up his residence in New Ulm where he has since remained.

As a resident of New Ulm, Mr. Frank has been interested in civic affairs, serving as councilman for eight years, city treasurer for four years and was a member of the school board for three years. In politics he is an independent voter and bears the reputation of one who disinterestedly seeks the best good of the community. Mr. Frank is a popular member of the Turnverein of New Ulm and also holds membership in Hager Post No. 48, Grand Army of the Republic, serving that body as quartermaster for the past twelve years. Mr. Frank also holds fraternal relations with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and has been financier of that body for twelve years past. Altogether he is one of the best-known citizens of New Ulm, has a wide acquaintance throughout the county and is held in the highest esteem by all.

In 1864 William Frank was married at St. Peter, this state, to Elizabeth Guth, a daughter of George Guth, and to their union one child was born. This is their daughter, Wilhomena, who became the wife of Herman Bentzin, there being no issue to that union.

Anton Henle

Anton Henle, one of the best-known and more successful farmers of Milf ord township, Brown county, Minnesota, was born on the farm on which he is now residing on January 1, 1866, a son of Athantansius and Elizabeth (Finke) Henle, both of whom were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. The elder Henle was a carpenter by trade and directed his energies in that line in his native land, also while living in Chicago, Illinois, for a short time after coming to this country. He came to this county in 1854 and entered eighty acres in section 6, of Milf ord township, on which land he built a log cabin and began the improvement of his newly acquired possession. He carried on general farming and succeeded well in his enterprise in spite of many drawbacks and hindrances and at the time of his retirement from the active duties of life, he was the owner of six hundred and twenty acres of excellent farm lands. In 1892 he left his farm and took up his residence in New TJlm, remaining there until the time of his death in 1893. Mr. Henle was a resident of this county during the Indian outbreaks in the sixties and in the outrages perpetrated by that race he lost his home, crops and all his live stock and was thankful to gain New TJlm with the lives of himself and family. When the trouble occurred, he went with others to St. Peter and remained there a short time. Mr. Henle took an interest in the affairs of his community and was township assessor and also supervisor of Milford township, discharging his duties in a manner satisfactory to all. He was one of the sturdy pioneers of this section who has left the impress of his strong and upright character upon the life of the community today.

Anton Henle, the subject of this sketch, was one of a family of twelve children, five of whom are still living. His early education was received in the schools of his native township and he later became his father's assistant, remaining with him until the time of the latter 's retirement in 1892, when he took over the farm and has had charge of it ever since. He has one of the best improved farms in the township and since coming into possession of his farm home, he has put about six thousand dollars on it in the way of improvements. He divides his attention between general farming and the raising of a certain amount of live stock, conducting his business along lines most approved by modern practice. He milks on an average of twelve cows and disposes of their product to the Essig creamery in which he is a stockholder and served as treasurer for three years.

In 1894 Anton Henle was united in marriage with Mary Schueller, born at Courtland, Minnesota, October 29, 1871, a daughter of Joseph Schueller. To Mr. and Mrs. Henle ten children have been born, nine of whom are living, as follow: Rozella, Aloysius, Alfred, Olivia, Clement, Leo, Melvin, Adeline and Loretta. Mr. Henle and family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church and he is a member of the St. Joseph society. In politics, an independent voter, he takes an active interest in the affairs of the community and for twenty-one years served as school treasurer. He is one of the substantial men of the township and county and readily lends his influence to any movement planned for the good of the community life.

Herman Fritsche

Herman Fritsche, well-known farmer and stockman of Cottonwood township, this county, proprietor of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres seven miles from New Ulm, his trading point, is a native son of Brown county, having been born on the homestead farm where he still makes his home, May 25, 1866, son of Ernest and Christina (Schumacher) Fritsche, both natives of Germany and pioneers of Brown county.

Ernest Fritsche came to the United States when eighteen years old, proceeding directly from the port of New York, where he landed, to Chicago, where he worked as a carpenter for a year, at the end of which time he came to Minnesota, locating at St. Paul, where for nine months he worked as a carpenter. He then came down state with a party of German homeseekers and stopped at New Ulm, where he began working as a surveyor. He also for some time served as mail carrier to and from Ft. Ridgely. He then bought a yoke of oxen and for some time was engaged in the transfer business between New Ulm and St. Paul, hauling merchandise and provisions, and presently homesteaded a quarter of a section of land in Cottonwoon township, where he established his home, remaining there until 1893, in which year he retired from the active labors of the farm and moved to New Ulm. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, namely : Minnie, who married A. Retzlaf , a hardware dealer at New Ulm ; Louis, an engineer at Minneapolis; Robert, a traveling salesman, with headquarters at Aberdeen, South Dakota ; Herman, the subject of this biographical sketch; Emil, who lives at New Ulm; John, who lives with his father at New Ulm, and Emma, Alfred and Louisa, deceased.

Herman Fritsche was reared on the homestead farm in Cottonwood township, the place of his birth, and has always lived there. His school days ended when he was fourteen years old and thereafter he gave his attention to the work of helping develop the home farm. He married in 1893 and, his father retiring from the farm about that time, he bought the home place, which he still owns. To the original quarter section he added an adjoining "eighty" and now owns a very well-kept and quite profitable managed farm of two hundred and forty acres. Mr. Fritsche feeds his grain and has made a specialty of stock raising, having discovered the larger profits in that phase of farming. He has about eight thousand dollars worth of improvements on his place and in 1913 erected a fine new farm house, equipped with electric lights, a hot-water heating plant and all modern appliances for comfortable housekeeping; he and his family being very pleasantly situated. Mr. Fritsche has ever given a good citizen's attention to the civic affairs of his home community and for six years served as township assessor and for seven years as school director.

In 1893, Herman Fritsche was united in marriage to Emma Kuelm, who was born in Sigel township, this county, daughter of John and Dorothy Kuelm, natives of Germany and pioneers of this county, early settlers in Sigel township, where they reared a family of eleven children, six sons and five daughters. To Mr. and Mrs. Fritsche three children have been born, Alfred, Walter and Irma. They are members of the German Lutheran church at New Ulm, Mr. Pritsche being one of the trustees of the same, and take an active part in all community good works.

Daniel Mecklenburg

Daniel Mecklenburg, residing on his farm of three hundred and sixty acres in Milford township, Brown county, Minnesota, and joint-proprietor of a saloon in Essig, was born in Wisconsin, January 18, 1863, a son of Charles and Ricka Mecklenburg, both natives of Germany. Charles and wife were married in their native land, where he was a shepherd, following that vocation until the time of emigrating to America. He located in Wisconsin, where he preempted land, and remained there until 1867, when he came to Brown county, this state, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Milford township. He farmed here until the time of his death in 1872. Of the six children originally in that family, but two are now living, Daniel being the only one in this county ; the other being Louis of Renville county, Minnesota.

When a boy, Daniel Mecklenburg attended the public schools of Milford township and was early apprenticed to the carpenter trade. He later worked as a farm hand and for a number of years followed a threshing machine. In 1885 he purchased a threshing outfit for himself and operated it until 1913, having in the meantime threshed all over this section and being personally known from one end of this county to the other. During all these years he continued the management of his farm, as he still does, and in 1914 bought the saloon business at Essig, in partnership with J. O. Case.

union ten children have been born. These are: Allie, Arthur, Jennie, Alfred, Harry, Lillie, Emil, Esther, Alma and Mayme. Allie married Gertrude Meyer and has one child, Gilbert. Arthur chose Ella Meyer as his wife, and the balance of the family are still under the parental roof.

Mr. Mecklenburg has by his own efforts won a pleasing degree of material success. He bought his first farm of one hundred and twenty acres in 1888 and has increased his holdings since then, putting in all about five thousand dollars on his farm by way of improvements. Politically, he is an independent voter and has always been interested more or less in local matters. For about seven years he was a member of the board of supervisors, being also road supervisor for some time and school treasurer of his township for some six years; all his duties being discharged in a manner satisfactory to his fellow citizens. Mr. Mecklenburg holds church membership in the Friends church at Essig and is a man genuinely liked by a wide circle of acquaintances.

John Essig

John Essig, successful farm of Milford township, Brown county, Minnesota, is a native of the state of Illinois, born on May 29, 1851, in Will county, son of John P. and Louise (Grannarman) Essig, both natives of Germany.

John F. Essig came to America as a young man and located in the state of New York, where he remained for four years, following his trade of glass-blower. He then moved to Will county, Illinois, and settled on a farm, where he followed that vocation for some seventeen years, coming to this state and county in 1866. He located in .Milford township and bought one hundred and sixty acres, for which he paid fifteen hundred dollars. He later added forty more acres and farmed his entire holdings until within ten years of his death. At that time he retired from the active duties of life, and took up his residence in Springfield, where he passed his declining years, his death occurring in 1896.

John Essig, the immediate subject of this sketch, is one of a family of ten children, nine of whom are still living. John, as a boy, attended the common schools of his home township in Illinois and remained under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age. He then homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in this state near Sanborn and remained there for about eight years, when he moved to Milford township. Upon coming here he purchased two hundred acres in section 5 and has since increased his holdings to four hundred and fifty acres, all located in this same township. He still has one hundred and seventy-five acres in timber and pasture land and his farm is considered among the very best of the township.

In addition to his farming interests, Mr. Essig has been widely known throughout this section for the past few years as the operator of a threshing outfit, in which enterprise he has been very successful.

On November 10, 1885, John Essig was united in marriage with Sarah Berg, a daughter of Matthew Berg, and to their union six children have been born. These are William, Milton, Meta, Percy, Anna and Cecelia, all at home with the parents. Religiously, Mr. Essig is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at New Ulm, contributing generously of his means toward the support of that society.

Politically, Mr. Essig is an independent voter, and while not at any time a seeker after office, has been active in political matters as related to local affairs. He served several terms as road boss and his work in this line was highly pleasing. Mr. Essig started the town of Essig, which is named for him.

Albert D. Flor

Albert D. Flor, court commissioner and one of the bestknown young lawyers at New Ulm, this county, member of the firm of Pfaender & Flor, is a native son of New Ulm, having been born in that city, December 7, 1889, son of Lorenz and Anna (Wiesner) Flor, natives of Austria, both of whom came to Brown county in the days of their youth and the former of whom is still living, now comfortably retired in the city of New Ulm.

Lorenz Flor is the youngest of the four sons born to his parents, farming people in Austria, both of whom lived to good old ages, the others being Joseph, George and John. He was reared on the home farm and remained there until he was seventeen years old, when he joined the Wiltscheck party and came to America, settling with the other members of that historic party of colonists in the New Ulm neighborhood. Upon his arrival in this county Lorenz Flor engaged in farming and presently bought a tract of forty acres in Sigel township, which he proceeded to improve. He married Anna Wiesner, who also had come to this county with the Wiltscheck party. She was the youngest of the four children born to her parents, the others being John, Joseph and Catherine. Grandmother Wiesner died in the old country and Grandfather Wiesner married again, several children being born to that union. He spent all his life in his native land. After their marriage Lorenz Flor and wife established their home on the small farm in Sigel township and there they reared their family. As he pros- pered in his farming operations, Lorenz Plor added to his land holdings until he became the possessor of a fine farm of two hundred acres. About the year 1887 Mr. Plor gave up farming and moved with his family to New Ulm, where he lived ever since. Upon moving to New Ulm, though still retaining the ownership of his farm for some time thereafter, he was employed for some years in the agricultural implement business with S. D. Peterson. He later formed a partnership with Franz Schubert in the retail liquor business in the same city, and later was employed in the hardware and implement store of F. H. Retzlaff, while thus employed being made district representative of the International Harvester Company, which position he held until his practical retirement from the active labors of life. Mr. Lorenz has a pleasant home at the corner of Washington and West Sixth streets in New Ulm. He has a very wide acquaintance throughout this section and is held in high regard by his many friends. His wife died on May 16, 1914, aged fifty-six years and seven months. They were the parents of six children, namely: William G., of Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; Anna, deceased, who was the wife of Bernard Hartmann; Albert D., the immediate subject of this sketch; Alfred, of Luther, Oklahoma, and Millie and Henry, who died in youth.

Albert D. Flor was reared in New Ulm, receiving his early education in the Catholic parochial school, after which he entered the high school, from which he was graduated in 1908. He then entered the law department of the University of Minnesota, from which he was graduated with the class of 1911. He was admitted to the bar that same year and the year following became associated as a partner in the practice of law with Major Albert Pfaender, under the firm style of Pfaender & Flor, which mutually agreeable partnership still continues, and has been very successful. Mr. Plor is a Democrat and has given thoughtful attention to the political affairs of the county and state. He occupies a high place in the regard of both bench and bar throughout this part of the state and is at present court commissioner for Brown county.

On June 24, 1913, Albert D. Flor was united in marriage to Marie Inhofer, who was born on the other side of the river in West Newton township, Nicollet county, October 22, 1887, daughter of George and Agnes Inhofer, the former now deceased, while the latter is now living in the city of New Ulm. George Inhofer was a prosperous farmer and he and his wife were the parents of seven children, George, Joseph, Charles (deceased), Louis, William, Marie and Anna. Mr. Inhofer died on December 26, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Flor are members of the Catholic church and take a warm interest in the various beneficences of their parish, being held in high esteem by their many friends in their home town. Mr. Flor is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the St. J oseph Society, in the affairs of which he takes an active interest. He is an accomplished musician and is a member of the famous Second Regiment band at New Ulm, for which he also acts in the capacity of purchasing agent.

Major Albert Ppaender

Major Albert Pfaender, of the Minnesota National Guard, former representative in the lower house of the Minnesota General Assembly from this district and one of the best-known and most successful lawyers in this section of the state, who has been engaged in the practice of his profession at New Ulm since the year 1900, now head of the firm of Pfaender & Flor, attorneys-at-law, is a native son of Brown county, having been born at New Ulm on September 9, 1873, son of the Hon. William and Catherine (Pfau) Pfaender, natives of Germany, the former of Wurtemberg and the latter of Bavaria, early settlers at New Ulm and for many years leaders in the community life of that city.

William Pfaender was little more than a boy when he came to America and he at once began to make his own way upon landing on these shores. He presently became a clerk in a store at Newport, Kentucky, going thence across the river into Cincinnati, where he also was engaged as a clerk. In the latter city he married Catherine Pfau, whose parents had come to this country from Germany, settling in Cincinnati, where they spent the rest of their lives, Grandfather Pfau dying in middle life and his widow surviving for many years, she having been close to one hundred years of age at the time of their death. There were six children in the Pfau family, Mrs. Amelia Scherer, Mrs. Emerich Gustetler, Mrs. Philip Emerich, Charles J. Pfau, Mrs. Pfaender and Jacob Pfau.

Major Albert Pfaender

movement among a number of Germans in Cincinnati to form a colony for the purpose of emigrating West and settling in Minnesota and from the first was one of the prime movers in the activities of that historic group of sturdy Germans which came here from Cincinnati and settled in the New Ulm neighborhood in 1856, the year following the organization of Brown county as a civic entity. Mr. Pfaender pre-empted a tract of two hundred acres in Milford township and there he established his home and reared his family. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted as a soldier in behalf of the Union cause and went to the front as a member of the First Minnesota Battery of Light Artillery, participating with that command in the battle of Shiloh and several minor engagements of the war. In 1862 he was transferred to the forces operating against the Indians in this part of Minnesota and later was made commandant at Ft. Eidgely, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the Mounted Rangers, in which capacity he rendered distinguished service.

Upon returning to civil life, Colonel Pf aender engaged in the general real estate and insurance business at New Ulm and from the very beginning of his connection with affairs hereabouts was an active leader in local politics, his activities in the political field gaining for him a wide acquaintance throughout the state. For several terms he served as a member of the upper house of the Minnesota General Assembly from this district and later was elected state treasurer, serving in that capacity for two terms. At the close of his term of official service Colonel Pf aender resumed his connection with the real estate business at New

Ulm, and was thus engaged until the time of his death, August 11, 1905, he then being seventy-nine years of age. His wife had preceded him to the grave more than ten years, her death having occurred in 1892. Colonel Pf aender had been reared a Catholic and his wife a Lutheran, but in later life neither was actively identified with any church.

To William and Catherine (Pfau) Pf aender fifteen children were born, as follow : William, a prominent resident of New Ulm ; Kate, wife of Charles A. Albrecht, a furrier, of St. Paul; Louise, widow of Dr. G. Stamm, of St. Paul ; J osephine, a teacher in the city schools at St. Paul ; Fred, present postmaster of New Ulm; Amelia, wife of Doctor Fritche, of New Ulm; Emma, wife of Charles Hauser, of St. Paul ; Minnie, wife of Hein Loenholdt, a contractor, of Hamburg, Germany ; Herman, who occupies the old homestead in Milf ord township ; Albert, the immediate subject of this biographical sketch; Johanna, deceased, who was the wife of Charles Brauns ; Carrie, who died unmarried at the age of twenty ; Alvina, Walter, and one who died in infancy.

Albert Pfaender was reared in New Ulm and after graduating from the high school there entered the Mankato Normal School, from which he presently was graduated, after which he taught school for a couple of years. He then entered the University of Minnesota, from which he was graduated in 1897, after which he further pursued his studies for two years in the law department of that institution and in 1899 entered the law office of Joseph A. Eckstein at New Ulm. The next year, 1900, he was admitted to the bar and has been engaged in the practice of his profession in his native city ever since, now the senior member of the firm of Pfaender & Flor, one of the best-known legal firms in this part of the state. Major Pfaender has long been interested in the activities of the Minnesota State Guard and in 1901 he was elected second lieutenant of Company A, Second Regiment, Minnesota National Guard, stationed at New Ulm. He shortly afterward was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and presently became captain of the company, serving as such for eight years, or until his elevation to the rank of major of the regiment in June, 1913, which is his present rank in the state guard. Major Pfaender from boyhood has been interested in accurate marksmanship and has qualified as an expert and distinguished rifleman and revolver shot. He is also recognized as one of the most successful huntsmen and fishermen in Minnesota and is an ardent advocate of systematic physical culture, his skillful training in the New Ulm Turnverein having given him a very accurate knowledge of the benefits of such a course. From the time he entered practice in New Ulm, Major Pfaender has given close attention to the political affairs of this section. He is a Democrat and for years has been recognized as one of the leaders of that party in this county. From 1906 to 1909 he served as city attorney of New Ulm and in 1915 was again appointed to that important position. In 1908 Major Pfaender was elected to the state Legislature as a representative from this district in the lower house of the Minnesota General Assembly, and was successively reelected in the years 1910 and 1912, thus serving in the house during the sessions of 1909-11-13 and in the special session of 1912, rendering faithful and efficient service in behalf of his constituency and the state at large.

riage to Marie T. Neumann, who also was born in New TJlm, daughter of J ohn F. and Theresa (Rosskopf ) Neumann, the former of whom was born in East Prussia, Germany, and the latter in New Ulm. John F. Neumann and wife, the former of whom is still living, were the parents of five children, namely: Louise, who married Fred Pfaender; Anna, who married Frank Rinke ; Marie T., who married Major Pfaender; John X., and Aurora, who married Dr. L. C. Quasi, a dentist, of St. Paul. Some time following the death of the mother of these children Mr. Neumann married, secondly, Emily Kuehnel, and to this second union four children have been born, Victor, Roland, Laurence and Phyllis.

To Albert and Marie T. (Neumann) Pfaender two children have been born, John Albert and Marion. Major and Mrs. Pfaender are earnest promoters of all proper social activities in their home town, taking a deep interest in the general cultural development of this community, and are held in high esteem by their many friends. Major Pfaender is an active member of the Men's Club of the New Ulm Congregational church; of the Knights of Pythias and of the Modern Woodmen and still keeps up his participation in the affairs of Theta Delta Chi, his college fraternity.

Herman Juni

Herman Juni, well-known farmer of Milf ord township, Brown county, Minnesota, was born on the same farm on which he now lives on July 12, 1870, being a son of Benedict and Ertestina Juni, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter born in Germany.

Benedict Juni was a weaver by trade and combined that with the vocation of farming when in his native land, but abandoned weaving after coming to this country in the early fifties. He came almost directly to this state and located for a time at Beaver Falls, where he engaged in farming, later coming to this county, where he farmed until within a few years of his death. He passed his declining years in freedom from responsibility, his son Herman, the immediate subject of this sketch, having management of the homestead and with him Benedict lived until the close of his life. Benedict Juni was a man who lived an active life and took a keen interest in the affairs of his day. He was at Ft. Ridgely during the Indian outbreak and later enlisted as a private in the Civil War. After the expiration of his term of enlistment, he returned to his home and took up his duties here with renewed energy, increasing his holdings to two hundred acres and being successful in his work. He was a school director for some time and never failed to lend his influence for the good of the community. Benedict Juni was the father of nine children. A son by the name of Ben, child of his first marriage, now resides in New Ulm, and by his second marriage there were Louis (deceased), Emma (deceased), Otilla and Herman.

Herman Juni received his education in the common schools of Milf ord township, making the most of the meager opportunities offered when he was a boy and after his school days were over he became his father's assistant in the work of the farm home, remaining with him in this connection until the time of the father's retirement from active labor, when Herman took over the management of the place for five years. He then bought the farm, consisting of two hundred and eleven acres, and has since increased his holdings to three hundred and ten acres, putting about five thousand dollars worth of improvements on it in the meantime. He has about one hundred acres in fine virgin timber and puts in over one hundred acres to grains each year.

On June 7, 1900, Herman Juni was united in marriage with Hannah Strater, a daughter of Fred Strater and wife. There are four children in the Juni family, namely : Lowell, Ruth, Vita and Herman. Religiously, Mr. Juni is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church of New Ulm, serving that organizatiton as steward. Politically, he is an independent voter and as an evidence of his interest in community affairs, he has served as a member of the school board for some time. He is prosperous, progressive in his ideas and worthy of being classed with the representative citizens of Brown county.

August Vogel

One of the stanch citizens of Milford township, Brown county, Minnesota, who has won his way to a pleasing competence from the smallest of beginnings, is August Vogel, living on his splendid farm of two hundred and sixty-three acres. Mr. Vogel is a native of Posen, Germany, born on August 27, 1854, a son of William and Henrietta Vogel. William was a laborer all his life and of the family of four children, only August and a sister, Jennie, now residing in Sleepy Eye, this state, came to this country. August was eighteen years of age when he emigrated to America and located near Laporte, Indiana, where he worked as a farm hand until 1880 when he came to this county. The following four years found him still laboring as a farm hand, and then he purchased a tract of one hundred and seventy-three acres and started farming for himself. He has wonderfully prospered, due to his good management and tireless energy. All his land is under cultivation and he puts in on an average of one hundred acres to grains, meeting with the yield customary to this section. He has his farm well stocked and although his animals are not purebred, they are of good grade and he realizes good returns on them.

On October 10, 1883, August Vogel was united in marriage with Minnie Gehrke, born in Germany, a daughter of August and Ernestine (Kreigh) Gehrke. The father was a laborer and after his death in his native land the enterprising mother brought her four children, Minnie, Bertha, Emma and August, to America and here they all became well established. Mr. and Mrs. Vogel are the parents of ten children, namely: Margaret, Bertha, William, Edwin, Minnie, Emil, August, Rudolph, Otto and Frieda. Margaret became the wife of Albert Werner and the mother of three children, Emil, Otto and Gertrude. Bertha married William Retless and has five children, Herman, Alice, Hilda, Elenora and Edna. Emil Vogel married Lena Hammerow and has one child, August. Minnie married Otto Moll and has three children, Harold, Armand and Edgar.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Vogel are faithful members of the German Lutheran church and politically he is an independent voter. He is considered one of the stalwart and substantial citizens of his township and has won his way in life alone and unaided.

Joseph Frank, Jr

One of the best-known farmers and stockmen of Milford township, Brown county, Minnesota, is J oseph Frank, J r., who was born in that same township on July 2, 1872, a son of J oseph and Theresa Frank, both natives of Germany.

J oseph Frank, Sr., came to this country as a young man and for a few years followed his trade of carpenter, which he had mastered in his own country. In 1868 he came to Minnesota and located in St. Paul, where he lived for two years and then, in 1870, came to Brown county. In Milf ord township he bought one hundred and sixty acres, later increasing his holdings to two hundred acres. He was energetic and a good manager and succeeded well in his undertaking. He continued to farm until 1905, when he retired from the active duties of life and took up his residence in New Ulm, where he is spending his declining years in quietness, peacefully enjoying the fruits of his active years.

Joseph Frank, Jr., is the eldest of a family of three, the other two being Alois and Benjamin. Joseph received his education in the schools of Milford township and later became his father's assistant on the homestead, remaining with him until twenty-five years of age. He at that time started out in life for himself, purchasing one hundred and seventy-three acres, which constitutes a part of his present farm. He has been successful and now owns two hundred and fifty-eight acres, his home being considered one of the best improved farms in this part. Of late years he has put about six thousand dollars on it in the way of buildings and improvements and the entire place presents a picture of prosperity and contentment. In addition to modern barns and outbuildings, Mr. Frank has a fine home. He has about one hundred and seventy acres under the plow and divides his attention between his general farming and the raising of live stock. He is a breeder of Shorthorn cattle, having more than a local reputation and usually has a herd of some thirty head on his farm. He prepares for the market an average of seventy-five hogs per annum and milks ten cows the year round. He does not sell his grain, but feeds it all on the place and the manner in which he is conducting the business of his farm is bringing him good returns.

In 1911, Joseph Frank was united in marriage with Meta Femeyer, who was born on October 10, 1888, in New Ulm, a daughter of Joseph Femeyer, of Nicollet county, Minnesota, and to this union two children have been born, Martha and Arthur. Politically, Mr. Frank votes independently and while never a seeker after office, is always interested in political matters as pertaining to local affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Frank are members of the German Lutheran church of New Ulm. Mr. Frank has long displayed a business ability above the average and is highly regarded by his large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Crone Brothers

No history of Brown county would be complete without some specific reference to the Crone department store at New Ulm, the oldest mercantile establishment in that city, which was founded by the late Theodore Crone in 1857, but two years after the creation of Brown county as a civic entity, and which has been conducted continuously since that time, Theodore Crone having continued in business until his death in 1891, since which time it has been continued by his sons, Carl, Theodore and Ferdinand, who long have been looked upon as among the leading merchants of this section of the state.

The late Theodore Crone was born in Kloppenberg, Germany, July 6, 1824, and was trained there to the trade of a tanner. When a young man he came to the United States and for several years was located at Buffalo, New York, after which he went to Chicago and opened a general store in the hay market on Randolph street. In that city he married Gesine Benning, a native of Hanover, and in 1856, the year after the organization of Brown county, came to Minnesota and settled at New XJlm. The next year, 1857, he opened a general store in that, even then, promising village and remained in business there the rest of his life, ever being regarded as a leader in the commercial and general business life of the city. The Crone store was well established at New Ulm by the time the Indian outbreak in 1862 interrupted all kinds of business hereabout and after things settled down and this region began to fill up with settlers and the city develop as its founders expected it to do, Mr. Crone began to prosper. He was a man of great energy, enterprising and industrious, possessed of extraordinary business judgment, far-seeing and prudent, and from a small beginning built up a large business. Diligent in his own affairs, he ever found time to promote the wider interests of the public at large and was ever known as a leader in all movements designed to advance conditions along all proper lines hereabout. In all his activities he had in his good wife a most valuable and competent helpmeet and both were held in the highest esteem throughout this whole section of the state. Theodore Crone died in 1891, at the age of sixty-six years, and his widow survived him until 1902, she having been eighty years of age at the time of her death.

Andrew Saffert

Andrew Saffert, proprietor of an extensive meat market in New Ulm, this county, owner of a valuable farm at the edge of that city, an enterprising citizen who is interested in various other enterprises in and about the city, is a native of Bohemia, having been born in the town of Mutter dorf, in that country, June 20, 1877, son of Anton and Elizabeth (Wernisch) Saffert, both natives of Bohemia, who are still living there.

Anton Saffert is the eldest of the three children of Dr. J ohn Saffert, a veterinary surgeon, and wife, he having had a sister, Mary, and a brother, George. He served his time in the army of his native land and is a stone-mason by trade, and has held various town offices in Mutterdorf . He and his wife are Catholics and their children were reared in that faith. There were nine of these children, namely: Joseph, of Austria ; Andrew, the subject of this biographical sketch ; Frank, of New Ulm ; Louis, of New Ulm ; Anna, who is the wife of J oseph Parr, of Saxton, North Dakota ; Theresa, a Sister in St. Mary's hospital at East St. Louis, Illinois; Mary, who is at home with her parents in Mutterdorf; George, a resident of Prague, the capital of Bohemia, and Frank, who died when two years old.

Andrew Saffert was fourteen years old when he came to the United States with a party of his f ellow-countrymen in 1891 and settled at New Ulm. Upon locating there he began working for Joseph Schrobrielt, Sr., in the meat market, and there thoroughly learned the butcher business, beginning a career in that line in which he has become very successful. After a time he left the butcher shop and went to the country, where for three years he worked on a farm, later returning to New Ulm and taking employment with Charles Stuebe and still later with Joseph Epple, thus further familiarizing himself with the business of the retail meat trade in this section. In 1912 Mr. Saffert bought the old Epple stand and since then has completely remodeled the same until he now has an admirably equipped and thoroughly modern meat market, his abbatoir and all buildings and equipment being in full harmony with the latest requirements of the state board of health's regulations, his meat being prepared according to the most minute details of the pure-food laws. Mr. Saffert is also the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres at the edge of New Ulm, where his rendering works are located and where he takes care of his live stock, only the best grades of which are displayed for sale in his market. Mr. Saffert has not confined his business transactions wholly to his meat market and was for some years one of the directors of the State Bank of New Ulm.

On May 7, 1901, Andrew Saffert was united in marriage to Anna Wiltscheck, who was born in New Ulm, daughter of John and Margaretta (Dietz) Wiltscheck, natives of Bohemia, and for years well-known residents of New Ulm, both of whom are now dead. John Wiltscheck and wife were the parents of eight children, Mary, Amelia, Anna, Eosa, Albert, Henry, the latter of whom died at the age of twenty years, and two others who died in early youth. Mrs. Saffert 's paternal grandparents were John and Anna (Wiesner) Wiltscheck, who came from Anblatz, Bohemia, and were early residents of the New Ulm settlement, spending the rest of their lives on a farm in this community, both living to a good old age. They had a good-sized family, J ohn, Catherine, Anna, Mary, Barbara and Joseph. Mary and Barbara Wiltscheck, both now deceased, were Sisters in the convent. Mrs. Wiltscheck 's maternal grandparents were August and Margaret (Sellner) Dietz, who were the parents of several children, three of whom are now living, Theresa, Anna and George. Mrs. Saffert's father died in 1908, being then past fifty-nine years of age, and her mother died on January 5, 1914, she also at that time being just past fifty-nine years of age.

To Andrew and Anna (Wiltscheck) Saffert five children have been born, Elmer, Cornelius, Rosa, Loretta and Marie. Mr. and Mrs. Saffert are members of the Catholic church and Mr. Saffert is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the St. Joseph Society, in the affairs of which organizations he takes a warm interest. He is a Democrat and gives a good citizen's attention to local political affairs, but is not included in the office-seeking class.

Heney Moll

Henry Moll, one of the elder pioneer citizens of Milf ord township, Brown county, Minnesota, now living in quiet retirement on his one-hundred-and-sixty-acre farm, is a native of Germany, born in Wurtemberg on December 27, 1834. He is a son of Henry and Anna Moll, both natives of the same place. Henry, the elder, was a shepherd in his native land but after coming to this country in 1847 he devoted his energies exclusively to farming. He located in Wisconsin, where he passed the remainder of his life. Henry and Anna Moll were the parents of nine children, five of whom are still living. These are Daniel, Conrad, Margaret, Henry and Albert.

Henry Moll was thirteen years of age when his parents brought him to this country and in his native land had attended a good school. He studied in this country but a short time, and that in the primitive early schools of Wisconsin. He was of great assistance to his father in preparing their newly acquired land for cultivation and worked in this manner until the outbreak of the Civil War. Early in that conflict he enlisted as a private in Company G. Ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served three years and three months with the Western division of the army under General Steele. He passed through his time of service without any serious injury, although participating in a number of skirmishes.

county, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Milf ord township, for which he paid eleven hundred dollars. It was partly improved, having some sod broke, but the buildings had all been destroyed during the Indian uprising. He set about putting up the necessary buildings and otherwise improving the place and farmed there until 1873 when he moved to Cottonwood county and pre-empted a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. After having proved up on that, Henry Moll returned to his former home in Milford township and continued farming there until the time of his retirement in 1911. Henry Moll was always considered one of the most progressive men and up-to-date farmers of his day and community and is eminently deserving of the success which has been his.

Henry Moll was married on August 19, 1866, to Caroline Essig, a daughter of John and Louise (Granaman) Essig, that family being one of the prominent pioneer families and for further data regarding them, the reader will please refer to the sketch of John Essig, found elsewhere within these covers. Henry Moll and wife are the parents of fourteen children, eleven of whom are living at the present time. These are : Albert, Anna, Henry, Otto, Caroline, Jacob, Armanda, Leonard, Charles, Adolph and Arthur. Henry married Minnie Current and has five children, Wilmer, James, Laura, Lydia and Adeline. Anna married Clark Moorehouse and is the mother of six children, Samuel, Ora, Jacob, Leonard, Albert and Charles. Samuel Moorehouse married a Miss Anderson and has one child. Otto married Rosa Frankie and has four children, Genevieve, Everett, Alma and Rowland. Caroline became the wife of George Maha and has five children, Gladys, Georgia, Goldie, Germa and Glorandena. Jacob chose Ethel Osborn as his wife and has four children, Elmer, Louise, Alice and Germa. Armanda became the wife of Andrew Lebert and has a family of five, Edmond, Lottie, Iona, Lloyd and Opal. Arthur married Minnie Vogel and has a family of three children, Harold, Annan and Edgar.

Henry Moll is one of the faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church of New Ulm and for a number of years he was superintendent of the Sunday school and also served as church treasurer. He is one of those consistent men who by virtue of their good qualities exert a beneficent influence on the community at large. Politically, Mr. Moll gives his support to the Republican party and has demonstrated his interest in local political matters in various ways. For many years he was road supervisor and that at a time when the question of good roads was first agitating this section. He is a member of Hagar Post No. 48, Grand Army of the Republic, and fills the office of sergeant. Mr. Moll has added his quota to the general development of this section of the state and as one of the older pioneers, is eminently entitled to representation in this volume.

J. Anton Ochs

J. Anton Ochs, proprietor of the popular "Bee Hive" dry goods store at New Ulna and one of the best-known and most enterprising merchants in this part of Minnesota, is a native son of Brown county, having been born at New Ulm, where he now resides, on July 5, 1870, son of Anton and Walburga (Drexler) Ochs, both natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, pioneers of this county, both of whom spent their last days in New Ulm. The father of the senior Anton Ochs was a small farmer and both he and his wife lived and died in the old country. Walburga Drexler 's father was owner of a livery barn and a small farm in the old country. His wife had died and when his daughter and her husband came to this country he accompanied them and died seon thereafter in New York, he then being upward of seventy years of age.