EDWARD L. KELLEY
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.111-112.
Edward L. Kelley, who has been prominent in legal and fraternal circles of
Manitowoc for a number of years, is a native of this city, and was born
September 27, 1874, a son of Captain Timothy and Anna (Buggey) Kelley. John
Kelley, the grandfather of Edward L., was born in Ireland, and on coming to
the United States settled in Manitowoc, about 1856, buying wild land in the
county, on which he died shortly thereafter. Captain Timothy Kelley comes
by his title as a lake captain, having held that rank since he was
twenty-one years old, at which time he was the youngest captain on the
Great Lakes. He is now in charge of the steamer Maryland, and is known all
over the lakes as a brave and efficient officer, and as one of the oldest
in point of service. He was married in Chicago to Miss Anna Buggey,
daughter of Edward Buggey, of New York, who died in that state, after
which his wife brought her children to Manitowoc in 1863. Captain and Mrs.
Kelley had seven children, as follows: Mayme, who married Matthew Ryan, of
Michigan; Edward L.; John, a physician of Cato; Harry, city attorney of
Manitowoc; Charles, who met his death in a railroad accident; Timothy J.,
who is engaged in the gas business in Beloit, Wisconsin; and Kenneth,
chief clerk at the Green Bay Reformatory.
Edward L. Kelley attended the public and high schools of Manitowoc and the
University of Wisconsin. He was graduated from the law department of that
institution in 1896 and immediately thereafter entered upon the practice of
his profession in this city. For five years he was a member of the firm of
Schenian & Kelley and nine years a member of the firm of Baensch & Kelley,
and is now practicing under the firm name of Kelley & Ledvina. His skill as
an attorney has earned him the election as city attorney for four terms and
as district attorney for one term, and he has also served in the capacity
of alderman.
On June 27, 1899, Mr. Kelley was married to Miss Margaret Usher, daugher of
James and Margaret (Hayes) Usher, of Madison, Wisconsin. In political
matters he is a republican, and he and his wife are members of the Catholic
church. Mr. Kelley is district deputy of the Knights of Columbus and has
been state advocate and delegate to national conventions of that order, and
also holds membership in the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Elks. He
has always been prominently identified with those movements which have for
their object the betterment of conditions in any line in Manitowoc, and has
brought to them the enthusiasm and progressive ideas that characterized his
work as a public official and which have made him prominent in his private
practice.
JOHN M. KELLEY, M. D.
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.420-421.
Probably no other profession has advanced so rapidly during recent decades
as has medicine, and as this advance still continues, the physician who
would win success must keep abreast of the new inventions and discoveries
constantly being made. One of Manitowoc county's rising young medical
practitioners, whose chosen field of practice is the village of Cato, is
John M. Kelley, who was born May 10, 1876, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, a son
of Captain Timothy and Annie (Buggie) Kelley, of Springfield,Massachusetts,
and Haverstraw, New York, respectively. Dr. Kelley's parents were married
in Chicago, and shortly thereafter settled in Manitowoc, where they still
reside, the father being sixty-two years and the mother fifty-nine years
old. Since he was twenty-one years of age, Captain Kelley has been a sailor
on the Great Lakes, and he has been a captain since the time of his
marriage, and is still in active service, being one of the best known
figures in the lakes trade. The subject of this sketch is the third of the
seven children born to his parents.
John M. Kelley received his early education in the parochial and public
schools of Manitowoc, and was graduated from the medical department of
Marquette University in 1905, after which he spent one year in Trinity
Hospital, Milwaukee, and a like period in practice in Milwaukee. In the
fall of 1907 he came to Cato, and here he has been engaged in the practice
of his profession to the present time with much success. His skill
displayed in a number of serious cases has served to increase his practice
by winning the confidence of the people of his community, and his pleasant
personality has made him popular with all who know him.
On June 15, 1910, Dr. Kelley was married to Miss Sadie Brennan, who was
born September 21, 1878, the sixth of the nine children born to Bernard
and Mary (Murphy) Brennan, natives of Ireland and Montreal, Canada,
respectively. The parents were married in Wisconsin, and Mr. Brennan died
in 1904, while his widow survives and resides in Cato. Dr. and Mrs. Kelley
are members of St. Patrick’s Catholic church of Maple Grove, and he is
connected with the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters
and the Modern Woodmen of America. In political matters he takes an
independent stand, and he is now serving his first term as clerk of the
school board.
JOHN C. KELLNER
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.71-72.
John C. Kellner, who is conducting a feed, flour, produce and farming
machinery business at Manitowoc, is one of the city’s well known business
men. He was born May 23, 1855, in Kellnersville, Manitowoc county,
Wisconsin, and is a son of Michael and Mary (Allt) Kellner. Joseph Kellner,
the grandfather of John Kellner, was born in Neumark, Bohemia, and brought
his family to America in 1850, locating first in Quebec, Canada, where
Joseph Kellner worked in Williams’ tannery. Mr. Williams then married one
of Mr. Kellner’s daughters, and the family came to Manitowoc county,
Wisconsin, and settled on wild land in Kossuth township, where Joseph
Kellner spent the remainder of his life.
Michael Kellner was engaged in operating a farm and in connection conducted
the store, which is now owned and managed by his sons and is the largest
country store in the county. He also followed the tanning trade, and in
1860 built a flour mill in Kossuth township, which is still owned by his
sons. He died September 22, 1890, and his widow still survives, as do their
three sons and four of their six daughters. Michael Kellner was a prominent
man of his day and served as postmaster of Kellnersville for thirty-six
years and as justice of the peace for thirty—five years.
John C. Kellner was reared at the home of his aunt, Mrs. Williams, and as
a boy attended school in Manitowoc. He was associated with his father in
business, and after the latter’s death he and his brother Michael took
charge of the store, hotel and farm in Kossuth township, and Michael became
postmaster at Kellnersville. In 1886 they established the produce, flour,
feed and farming machinery store in Manitowoc, and John C. Keliner has
since had charge of this branch of the business.
On October 26, 1881, Mr. Kellner was married to Miss Annie Pankratz, who
was born in Manitowoc, daughter of George and Philipina Pankratz, who came
to this county about 1855. Mr. Pankratz owned a mill and a lumberyard for
many years in Manitowoc, where he served in the office of mayor for a long
period. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kellner: George C., born
in 1884, who is engaged with his father in business; and Lewis J., born
April 27, 1893, who is organist at the Episcopal church, of which the
family are all members. Mrs. Kellner died January 22, 1909. Mr. Kellner is
fraternally connected with the Elks. He has been prominent in political
affairs all of his life, and has served as a member of the Manitowoc city
council, and while a resident of Kossuth township served as justice of the
peace for a number of years.
***********
November, 1922
PIONEER WISCONSIN CONCERN REORGANIZES.
Reorganization of the pioneer flour, feed and general mercantile firm of
M. Kellner & Sons, Manitowoc and Kellnersville, Wis., has been announced
John C. Kellner, has taken over the store in Manitowoc. Michael J. Kellner
becomes exclusive owner and manager of the properties at Kellnersville,
consisting of a feed mill, flour and feed store, farm machinery, general
merchandise and real estate business. The late Michael Kellner, Sr.
established the business in Kellnersville in 1855, and in 1885 the branch
at Manitowoc was opened.
"Flour and Feed: Devoted To The Interests of The Flour and Feed Trade",
Volume 23, Packages Publishing Co., 1922, Page 31
JOSEPH A. KELLNER
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.168.
Public opinion establishes the position of Joseph A. Kellner as one of the
foremost citizens not only of Maribel but of the county. The word fail
seems to have no place in his vocabulary. He has undertaken many things and
he accomplishes whatever he undertakes. He seems to readily recognize every
business opportunity and his labors have been elements not only in the
attainment of individual success but also in the promotion of public
progress through his own capably managed business. A native of Germany,
Joseph A. Kellner was born in Neumark, Bohemia, on the 22d of June, 1868.
His paternal grandfather, Anton Kellner, engaged in the general stage and
teaming business in his native town. His son Anton, also born in Neumark,
Bohemia, followed the occupation of farming in his native country and was
also a post carrier. He was thus engaged for forty-two years, during which
period he served as postilion between points in Austria and Bavaria. He is
still living, his birthday being the same as that of the Emperor of
Austria. He married Catherine Gerl, also a native of Neumark, and she
still survives at about the same age as her husband. In their family were
eight children; of whom six are yet living: Francesca, who is the wife of
Franz Kellner, of Germany; Franz, who is living in Marshfield, Wisconsin;
Anton, a resident of Servia; Theresa, the wife of Andrus Engel, of Zurich
Switzerland; Joseph A; Catherine, the wife of Michael Pankratz, of Neumark;
and Maria and Max, both now deceased.
Joseph A. Kellner had few advantages in his youth. As a boy of twelve
years he came to America with an aunt and they made their way to New Ulm,
Minnesota. He began work as a farm hand in the employ of a Norwegian
family, who were in such limited financial circumstances that they had no
money with which to build a home and lived in a cave known as a dugout. Mr.
Kellner’s bed was upon the floor of the cave and his salary was but eight
dollars per month. The Norwegian family, however, was a thrifty one and
after a year was able to build a more modern and comfortable home. On
leaving that employ Mr. Kellner came to Wisconsin and entered the employ
of his uncle, Michael Kellner, in Manitowoc county. For four and one-half
years he engaged in clerking in the employ of his uncle and subsequently
he spent one year as driver of a delivery wagon. He was afterward engaged
in the meat-market business for a year and a half and he spent a similar
period in the employ of the Goodrich Transportation Company. He then again
went to the home of his uncle, with whom he remained for four years. At the
end of that time he was married and opened a saloon at Kellnersville,
Wisconsin, where he carried on business for fourteen years. He then sold
out and when the Lake Shore railroad was brought through Maribel he
purchased property and built thereon a hotel and saloon. He is at present
one of the foremost citizens of the town and district. He is not only
conducting a good business as proprietor of a hotel and saloon but is also
interested in the Maribel Grain Company as a director and was one of its
promoters. He is likewise engaged in the banking business and is a man of
unfaltering energy and determination, who carries forward to successful
completion whatever he undertakes. The Maribel State Bank is a
comparatively recent business enterprise of the town which owes its
existence to Mr. Kellner, and in its conduct he displays the same sound
judgment and keen sagacity that he has shown in other connections. He was
one of the promoters of the village of Maribel and at all times has been a
stalwart champion of its interests.
On the 25th of November, 1891, Mr. Kellner was united in marriage to Miss
Delia Musil, who was born in the township of Kossuth, Manitowoc county, in
1872, and is a daughter of Wenzel Musil, a tailor by trade, who was born
in Prague, Bohemia. He married Anna Hanna and they came to the new world
in 1865. They made their way at once to Manitowoc, where the father
followed the tailor’s trade but later established his home at Kossuth,
where he followed farming in addition to tailoring. He died August 31,
1909, at the age of seventy eight years. His wife passed away in 1908, at
the age of seventy-six years. They were both reared in the Catholic faith
and were loyal to its teachings.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kellner were born five children: Anna Frances, who
was born April 2, 1902; Joseph Wenzel, born August 31, 1908; Blanche
Nettie, born May 5, 1911; and two children who died in infancy. Mr. Kellner
is a member of the Bohemian State Aid Society and also of the Green Street
Farmers Society. His political allegiance is given to the republican party
and he is one of the active and earnest workers in its ranks. For five
years he served as chairman of Franklin township and for fourteen years he
was justice of the peace in Franklin township, in which connection he
rendered decisions that were strictly fair and impartial. In 1900 he was
made census enumerator and on the 18th of August, 1907, he was appointed
postmaster of Maribel, which position he fills to the present time. No one
has done more for the town or labored more earnestly, consistently and
effectively for its upbuilding and activities than Mr. Kellner. He not
only readily sees but soon utilizes the opportunities around him; he
neither loses time nor effort and his energy intelligently directed has
brought to him substantial success as the years have gone by.
MICHAEL KELLNER
Michael Kellner was a German from Ceskych Budejovic, coming to Manitowoc
co. around 1847. In the first years here he walked the 28 miles to Green
Bay to work during the week and on Sundays and holidays spent his time
at home clearing his land for crops. When the area began to be settled he
built a saw mill, a tannery, a flour mill and a store. The other settlers
made shingles and traded them to him for their necessities as money was
a scarce commodity.
KELLNER SALOON/HOTEL
Photo taken in the 1880s or 1890's in front of the Kellner Saloon and
Hotel located on the northeast corner of Rapids Road and Menasha Avenue,
an intersection known as Four Corners or Kellner's Corners. William J.
Kellner, owner, stands in the back holding the tray of drinks.
Standing behind the man seated at left is George Mittnacht, Sr.
Others unidentified.
Compliments of Gary Omernick
HENRY KEMPFER
(From the Manitowoc Co. Chronicle, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 1885):
Married:- At the home of the bride's parents, on Saturday, November 14,
1885, Justice O'Hara officiating, Mr. Henry Kempfer of Gibson and Miss
Emma Blum of Mishicott. The bride is the eldest daughter of our esteemed
townsman, Wm. Blum Esq. and is a young woman of excellent qualities of
head and heart. The groom is a well-to-do young farmer of Gibson and
seems to be in every way worthy of the fair one who has given him her
heart and hand. That each returning year may bring them a fuller measure
of happiness and prosperity than the one that went before, is the
heartfelt wish of their numerous friends.
From the Manitowoc County Chronicle
December 1, 1906
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kempfert of this city attended the funeral
of Wm. Blum at Mishicot last Wednesday. Mrs. Kempfert is a
daughter of the deceased.
ERNST KERN
From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, p. 529
Ernst Kern, deceased, formerly engaged in general merchandise, at
Manitowoc, was born Feb. 14, 1828, in Bavaria. In 1821 he emigrated
to America, and located at Milwaukee, where he resided for two years.
He then removed to Manitowoc, where, in company with Mr. Beer, he
opened a general store. The partnership was continued until 1865,
when Mr. Beer died. He then purchased his partner's interest, and
continued the business alone until he died, May 21, 1876. Since his
death Mrs. Kern has carried on the business, ably assisted by her
son, Julius Kern. He married Miss Minnie Zinns, in 1861, who was a
native of Alsace, France. They have two children, one son and one
daughter.
ANTON E. KERSCHER
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.641-642.
Anton E. Kerscher, of the firm of Kerscher Brothers Company, dealers in
hardware, has been connected with the commercial interests of Manitowoc
since 1897. He was born in Manitowoc county, September 14, 1875, a son of
Frank and Theresa Kerscher. The father came from Germany to Manitowoc about
1860 but shortly afterward removed to Kewaunee county, Wisconsin, where he
fol1owed the blacksmith’s trade. Previously he had lived on a farm but had
conducted a blacksmith shop at Five Corners, Manitowoc county. After
leaving Kewaunee county he removed to Northheim, where he operated a farm
and blacksmith shop. He also conducted a cheese factory but after an
accident which caused him the loss of three fingers of his right hand he
disposed of his business undertakings in Northheim. He returned to Kewaunee
county, settling on a farm, where he remained for three years. Desiring to
return to Manitowoc county, he disposed of his property in Kewaunee county
and purchased a farm four and a half miles north of Manitowoc, where he
resided and also conducted a cheese factory until he desired to retire from
active interests. Accordingly, he transferred his property to his
son-in-law, John Rhode. His death occurred in Manitowoc, on the 27th day of
November, 1911, and he is buried in Calvary cemetery.
In the country schools of Manitowoc Anton E. Kerscher acquired his
education. At the age of sixteen years he laid aside his text-books and
started to earn his own livelihood. He first assisted his father on the
home farm but shortly afterward started in business independently, being
the founder of the present concern, which he incorporated on the 1st of
May, 1906, and of which he is president. The business has had a rapid and
substantial growth and much of its expansion is due to the efforts of Mr.
Kerscher. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful
man of business and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable
methods, which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of the
large patronage he enjoys.
On the 6th of October, 1897, at St Nazianz church, Manitowoc county, Mr.
Kerscher was married to Miss Theresa Brunmier, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Brunmier, pioneer settlers of Manitowoc county. To Mr. and Mrs.
Kerscher five children have been born, Aaron, Ferdinand, Sylvia, Anton and
Mildred. The family reside at No. 812 York street.
In politics Mr. Kerscher is a republican and in religious faith is a Roman
Catholic, holding membership also in the Knights of Columbus. He has gained
many stanch friends in both social and business life and his record is a
creditable one inasmuch as his success is attributable to his own efforts.
REV. THEODORE H. KERSTEN
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.530.
The Catholic ministry in Manitowoc county is well represented by the Rev.
Theodore H. Kersten, who on the 30th of November, 1911, came to his present
charge, a parish in Meeme township. He was born in Chilton, Wisconsin,
February 10, 1883, and is a son of Theodore Kersten, Sr., who was a native
of Germany, whence he came to America in 1854. Removing westward to this
state he settled in Calumet county. He had been reared to the occupation
of farming, which he followed for a considerable period after coming to
the new world. In this he prospered and eventually he established a banking
business, which he carried on until a few years ago, when he retired with
a capital sufficient to supply him with all of the necessities and many of
the luxuries of life throughout his remaining days. He now makes his home
at Ellis Junction, Wisconsin. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary
Verkuilen, was of Holland descent and died in the year 1887.
The Rev. Theodore H. Kersten pursued his education in the parochial school
at Chilton and in St. Francis Seminary. Having prepared for the priesthood
he was ordained in 1907 and his first assignment made him assistant priest
at Green Bay to Father Hummel. There he remained until the 30th of
November, 1911, when he came to his present location. He is earnest and
zealous in his work and although yet a young man is making his influence
felt in behalf of the cause with which he is allied. He has the confidence
and good will of his people and throughout the community is held in high
regard.
G.W. KESSMANN
(From the Manitowoc Co. Chronicle, Two Rivers, Oct. 1, 1878):
MARRIED: Fleischer-Kessmann - In this city, Sept. 24th, 1878, at the
residence of the bride's mother, by Judge H.S. Pierpont, Clara Fleischer
and G.W. Kessmann, both of Two Rivers. The wedding, which occurred last
Tuesday, was a very happy occasion. A large number of invited guests
were present to witness the wedding ceremony and to partake in the
festivities of the evening. After the ceremony and the supper, which was
a sumptuous affair, the entire party adjourned to Turner Hall, where a
band of musicians were awaiting them, and those who delight in
Terpsichorean pastimes tripped "the light fantastic toe" to their
heart's content. The bride was made the recipient of a number of elegant
and costly gifts, which will serve, for years, to remind her of her
wedding day. The young couple have a host of friends in this city and
elsewhere who will unite with the Chronicle in wishing that their future
may be full of happiness.
M. KETTENHOFEN
From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, p. 529
Proprietor North-Western House, Manitowoc, born April 2, 1825, in Prussia;
came to this country in 1854. Worked at the lumber business till 1859,
then clerked in a store one year. He then opened a hotel in Neshota,
which he continued three years. In 1863, he came to Manitowoc and took
charge of the Williams House, where he remained three years, when it
was destroyed by fire. In 1869 he bought these premises and erected
this hotel, which he has since successfully conducted. When in his
native country he served three years and four months in the Prussian
army.
NICK KETTENHOFEN
From the Manitowoc Daily Tribune, August 9, 1909
HONOR THE DONOR
Nick Kettenhofen, the donor of the handsomest monument to Chief Mexico,
should receive the thanks of the community for his deed. There are few
men in his position who would even as much as think of donating time and
money for such a purpose.
It is a lamentable fact that most of us, in the stife for possessions,
have succeeded in stunting those noble faculties that respond to occasions
like those of yesterday, and that so often controlled our actions during
the days of our youth.
It is a lamentable fact that the most successful in the race for power
and wealth have but little of that feeling of real brotherhood of the
races left in them. Often it is merely a desire to advertise or to achieve
honor that is incentive to a deed like this.
Those who know Mr. Kettenhofen well know that the incentive that drove
him to construct the monument to Chief Mexico, came from the desire to be
useful in cementing the present with all was good in the past.
The Indian was the acknowledged owner of the land our forefathers possessed
themselves of. Often the Indian was dispossessed with but scant consideration
and but very little compensation. The white man proved himself the Indian's
superior-in some thi??(not there)
The monument to Chief Mexico ought to stand for the Indian's effort, not
only to provide for himself but for a tribe. That is what the life of Chief
Mexico means if it means anything. That is the point at which we fail, if
we can be said to be failures.
(NOTE: Mr. Kettenhofen also donated the work on the monument located at
Jambo Creek mentioned in the article linked from Jambo in the town history
section.)
CHARLES KEUNE
From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, p. 540
Firm of A. Mill & Company, grist and planing mill, Hika. Born, Sept. 14, 1836,
in Hanover. Came to Manitowoc County in 1860, removed to Centerville in 1867,
and assisted in building this mill, which he has since been connected with.
Married, in 1863, to Caroline Hecker, of Mechlenburg. They have eight
children, five sons and three daughters.
JOHN KIBLER'S BLACKSMITH SHOP
John Kibler's blacksmith shop (one of the last in
Manitowoc). John is on the right and in the center is J.Y. Wirth
This photo was taken in 1906, shop located at 820 Commercial
Street. (other man unidentified) - Photo compliments of Gary Omernick
CHARLES/WILLIAM STORY
I am not sure exactly what year this is from - it's around 1930.
Newspaper article about my great-grandfather, Charles Kiel. (Louise (Kiel) Franz's father)
CHARLES KIEL
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.168.
Charles Kiel, a well known and substantial citizen of Manitowoc Rapids,
who has developed an excellent tract of farming land, was born April 21,
1861, in the town of Cato, Manitowoc county, a son of William and Sophia
(Dickert) Kiel. William Kiel came to the United States from Germany in
1848, and at once located in Manitowoc county. He worked at Neshoto and in
Manitowoc county in the sawmills until 1850, at which time he returned to
his old home in Germany, and there was married, returning to Manitowoc
county in 1851. He resumed work in Neshoto for two years, and then invested
his savings in a tract of wild land in the town of Cato, on which he
erected a log shanty in which the family resided until he was able to build
a better home. His death occurred here in 1897, when he was seventy-two
years of age, his wife having passed away in 1888. Four of their children
are now living: William, Henry, Charles and Sophia.
Charles Kiel received his education in the district schools of his
neighborhood, and he worked on his father’s farm until he was married, at
which time he secured a small farm from his father, located in Manitowoc
Rapids, where he has since resided. He has added to his land, and replaced
all of the old buildings with new ones, modern in every respect. His land
is well supplied with water facilities, is drained, graded and well fenced,
and the general air of prosperity speaks for good management and farming
ability.
At the age of thirty years Mr. Kiel was married to Amanda Rahn, who was
born in Germany, and they have five children: Oscar, Arthur, Freda, Louisa
and Arno. The family is connected with the Lutheran church at Branch. Mr.
Kiel has been prominent in public affairs for some years, and during the
last twelve years has served as school director.
Daughter Louisa/Louise Kiel
Louise Kiel, daughter of Charles and Amanda (Rahn) Kiel
RICHARD KIEL
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.220-223.
Richard Kiel, whose financial experience fits him highly to hold with
capability the position of cashier of the State Bank of Kiel, was born
February 10, 1876. He is a son of Henry and Flora (Clausen) Kiel, natives
of Germany, who came to the United States in 1861. Growing up in Manitowoc,
Wisconsin, Richard Kiel gained his preliminary education in the public
schools of that place, supplementing his learning with a course at business
college. When only nineteen years old, he entered the National Bank of
Manitowoc as bookkeeper, leaving after four years to enter upon a position
in a similar capacity in a general store. A year later, The First National
Bank of New London claimed his services and he remained with that
institution for eighteen months. Leaving he entered the bank at Sturgeon
Bay, and in June, 1900, came to Kiel as cashier of the State Bank of this
town. He is also assistant treasurer of the city, and is vice president of
the Koebring Machine Company of Milwaukee.
The State Bank of Kiel, one of the sound financial institutions of
Manitowoc county, was organized September 1, 1898, with a capital stock of
twenty-five thousand dollars, with Charles Heins as president; W.P. Wagner,
of Green Bay, as vice president; and Charles A. Best as cashier. The
present officials are: H.S. Eldred, president; W.P. Wagner, vice president;
and Richard Kiel, cashier. The statement issued January 22, 1909 showed a
capital stock of fifty thousand dollars; a surplus of twenty-five thousand,
with deposits of three hundred and eighty-one thousand dollars, and loans
of three hundred and seventy thousand dollars. The bank is substantially
housed in a two-story, granite front building, thirty-five feet by fifty
feet, built in 1898, and modern in every respect. The bank is on the lower
floor, and offices are upstairs. The affairs of the bank are in the hands
of Mr. Kiel, whose conservative principles and sound policies are well
known throughout the territory in which this institution transacts
business.
In June, 1908, Richard Kiel was married to Miss Mabel Surplice, of Green
Bay, Wisconsin, a daughter of Charles and Mary Surplice, the former of
whom is a wholesale merchant. Fraternally, Mr. Kiel is an Odd Fellow and
has served that order as noble grand; and he is also a Mason, belonging to
Chilton blue lodge and the Sheboygan chapter.
Richard Kiel
ROBERT KIEL
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.276-277.
Robert Kiel, farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 31, Kossuth
township, Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, was born on his present farm, which
is the old home place, November 29, 1868. He is a son of Henry and Flora
(Clusen) Kiel, and a grandson of Christian Kiel, the latter of whom was
born and married in Germany. With wife and two children, Henry and Lena,
Christian Kiel came to America in 1848, and the family came to Wisconsin,
where another son, Christian, was subsequently born. The grandfather,
Christian Kiel, first found employment in a sawmill at Shoto, where he
worked for a short time or until he had completed the transaction by which
he came into possession of eighty acres of wild land. Here he built a log
house and with an ox team cleared the whole tract and succeeded in putting
it under cultivation, subsequently adding fifty acres to the original
purchase and at a later date forty acres more. He was a hard-working,
honest man. His death occurred in 1882, when sixty-nine years of age. Henry
Kiel, who was born in Germany, October 24, 1842, succeeded his father and
continued to carry on agricultural operations on the home place. On
October 24, 1867, which was his twenty-fifth birthday, he was united in
marriage to Flora Clusen, who was born in the fatherland August 19, 1844.
Mrs. Kiel passed away on June 11, 1909, but the father is still living and
makes his home with the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kiel
were born four children: Robert; Emma, who is the wife of Herman Spoentgen,
of Manitowoc; Hugo, who married Grace Maine. residing in Port Washington,
Wisconsin; and Richard, who married Mabel Surplice and they live in Kiel,
Wisconsin.
Robert Kiel has always lived on the homestead farm. He obtained a
common-school education and since then has devoted his time and attention
to the cultivation and further improvement of the place, of which he has
been the active manager since 1910. He has modern ideas in regard to
farming and stock-raising and keeps high-grade cattle and stock. Mr. Kiel
is one of the prosperous men of his section, wide awake to the best
interests of his community, family and self, and a stockholder in the
Manitowoc and Northern Telephone Company. He was married December 24, 1910,
to Miss Adelia Schuette, a native of Kossuth township and a daughter of
Otto Schuette.
KIEL FAMILY REUNION August 16, 1931
Between another researcher and myself, we have tracked every name on
the 'List of Families' back to their original Kiel ancestor - except one -
Herman Arnemann and family.
ERNST KIESELHORST
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.436-437.
Ernst Kieselhorst is the owner of a well improved farm, situated in Newton
township. He was born near Liberty in this county, October 17, 1851, a son
of Ludwig and Katherine (Pleuss) Kieselhorst, both of whom were natives of
Germany, the father born in 1829. The parents came to America in 1848,
settling in Manitowoc county, near Liberty, where they purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land, all of which was wild and heavily covered
with hard timber, including beech, hardwood maple, elm and other hardwood
trees. Here they erected a large cabin and resided for several years. They
were widely known for their hospitality and their home became the stopping
place for other German families who had just arrived in this county, until
they could erect their own cabins. It was in this house that the subject of
this sketch and one sister, Lena, were born. A few years later Ludwig
Kieselhorst erected a second and larger log house, which stands today
although it is covered with weather-boarding. In 1868 he purchased another
farm in Newton township, on which he resided until 1898, when he retired
from farming. He is yet living and is in very good health, his mind being
active and bright. His wife passed away in 1908, at the age of eighty-two.
In their family were ten children, nine of whom are yet living.
Ernst Kieselhorst received his education in the district schools and
remained working on his father’s farm until he was eighteen years of age,
when he went to the city of Manitowoc. He there clerked in Schuette’s store
for about a year and a half, being a companion clerk with Judge Emil
Baensch, and later he went into the Kramer store, where he remained only a
month. Subsequently he returned to his home and worked in a mill and on
the farm for his father. In 1881 he purchased the Pleuss homestead in
Newton township, where he now resides. In 1858 Mr. Pleuss had erected the
house which now stands and with the additions and improvements which Mr.
Kieselhorst has put on it, it is a finer home then many of the more modern
houses today. Mr. Kieselhorst has built new barns and has highly improved
the land, and has added to the acreage of his farm. He engages very
extensively in farming and dairying and is one of the well known
agriculturists and dairymen of the county. He is active in other business
relations and for three years was president of the Silver Lake Telephone
Company.
On December 3, 1877, Mr. Kieselhorst wedded Miss Elizabeth Pleuss, a
daughter of Frederick and Mary Pleuss, who came from Germany and located
on the farm on which Mr. and Mrs. Kieselhorst now reside, where they were
among the first settlers in the county. Frederick Pleuss was born in 1817,
in Beikelen, near Harpstedt, Hanover, Germany. On March 27, 1856, he
married Miss Maria Leverenz, who was his second wife. She was born January
20, 1826, in Lammin, near Tessin, Mecklenburg, Germany. He died August
7, 1877, and his wife passed away on the 15th of March, 1906. In their
family were six children, one of whom died at the age of three years. Mr.
and Mrs. Kieselhorst have become the parents of six children: Herbert, who
died in infancy; and Frederick, Ferdinand, Rosa, Lena and Hertha.
Mr. Kieselhorst is greatly interested in all that pertains to educational
advancement and for eighteen years has served as clerk of the school board.
He was for some time supervisor of the township but aside from this he has
held no public office, nor has he desired political preferment, wishing
rather to give his undivided attention to his farming interests, which
have developed under his wise guidance, and his indefatigable energy, until
today he is one of the substantial men of his community. Both he and his
wife are members of the German Lutheran church at Newton and are held in
the highest regard by all of their acquaintances.
WALTER N. KILLEN
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.575-576.
Walter N. Killen, one of the prominent citizens of Cato, Wisconsin, who is
engaged in the lumber, mercantile, hay and grain business and in the
manufacture of cheese boxes, was born in Gibson, Manitowoc county,
Wisconsin, a son of John and Alice (Markham) Killen, natives of Scotland
and New York state respectively. They were married in Manitowoc county and
soon thereafter settled in the town of Gibson, where Mr. Killen engaged in
farming and lumbering until 1868, at which time he sold his property and
came to Cato to establish the business which is now conducted by his son.
He continued to live here until his death, which occurred January 21, 1894,
while on a trip to Jacksonville, Florida, for his health. He is buried in
the Oak Grove cemetery at Cato, where are also interred the remains of his
wife, who died July 15, 1882, aged fifty—two years. Mr. Killen enlisted in
the Civil war and saw hard and faithful service and the injuries which he
received during those strenuous years incapacitated him to some extent
throughout his life, and, no doubt, hastened his death. He was a popular
comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic at Manitowoc, which organization
had charge of his funeral. In politics a stanch democrat, he took an active
interest in public matters but never aspired to office.
Walter N. Killen is the youngest of three children born to his father’s
first marriage, the eldest being William II., who is married and living in
Appleton and has one daughter, while the second, Delia, married Charles F.
Davis, of Brillion, Calumet county. By a second marriage John Killen had
two children: Mae L., who is unmarried; and Sherman J., who is married and
lives in Cato, being interested in the mercantile business with his brother
Walter N.
Walter N. Killen was engaged in the business with his father until the
latter’s death, when he became the owner by purchase from the other heirs.
A republican in politics, Mr. Killen has served at Cato as postmaster since
September 21, 1891, his father having held that office before him during
President Cleveland’s administration, while prior to that, in 1882, Mr.
Killen’s brother was postmaster here during the administration of President
Arthur.
SISTER VICTOR KIMMES, C.S.A.
From the Herald Times Reporter, Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Sister Victor Kimmes, C.S.A.
Sister Victor Kimmes, C.S.A., age 100, a resident of the St. Francis
Home, Fond du Lac, passed away July 14, 2003 at the home.
She was born Jan. 11, 1903 in Two Rivers, a daughter of the late
Joseph and Elizabeth Harris Kimmes.
Sister Victor professed vows in the Congregation of St. Agnes
on July 1, 1925. She ministered as a teacher for 58 years in Kansas,
Michigan, New York, Wisconsin and Indiana.
Sister Victor is survived by nieces, nephews and by members of the
Congregations of St. Agnes with whom she ministered.
She was preceded in death by three sisters: Clarann Kimmes, Jeanette
Hallett and Mildred Misky; and by one brother: Norbert Kimmes.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 19,
2003, at 8:30 a.m. at the St. Francis Home Chapel, 33 Everett St.,
Fond du Lac, the Rev. Edward F. Sippel will officiate. Burial will be
in the St. Joseph's Springs Cemetery, Fond du Lac.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 1 until 5:30 p.m. at Nazareth
Court, 375 Gillett St., Fond du Lac, where a prayer service will be
held at 4 p.m.
Zacherl Funeral Home, is serving the Congregation of St. Agnes.
CLIFFORD KING
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.556-559.
Clifford King is a retired farmer of Cooperstown. The success of his
earlier years is manifest in the fact that he is now enabled to put aside
business cares and enjoy the fruits of his former toil, with leisure for
those activities which are of most interest to him. He has an excellent
record as a soldier of the Civil war and an equally excellent one as a
trustworthy and progressive business man. He was born in Green Bay,
Wisconsin, May 1, 1842, a son of Clifford King, who was a native of St.
Charles, Canada, whence he removed to Green Bay in early manhood. In 1846
he arrived at Cooperstown, being one of the first settlers of this part of
the county. Something of the unimproved and undeveloped condition of the
district is indicated in the fact that he was able to enter land from the
government. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon the
place but with characteristic energy he began to clear and cultivate the
fields, continuing actively in farming to the time of his death, which
occurred July 15, 1861, when he was forty-eight years of age. He married
Lucy Goodchild, a native of New York, and unto them were born seven
children, six of whom are living: Joseph, who is a resident of Milwaukee;
Adaline, the wife of Edward Peterson; George, living in Casco, Wisconsin;
Clifford, of this review; and Henry and Charles, both of whom reside with
our subject.
Clifford King, reared on the old homestead, pursued his education in the
district schools, alternating the periods of study with work in the fields
through the summer months. He continued to assist his father on the old
home place and after the father’s death took charge of the farm. He was
engaged in stock-raising and dairying until the 21st of August, 1862, when,
no longer able to content himself at the plow, he offered his services to
the government, enlisting as a member of Company D, Twenty-seventh
Wisconsin Infantry, at Manitowoc. The company was commanded by Captain
Rankin and served under General Sheridan. Mr. King was at the front for
three years and participated in many important battles which led up to the
final victory that crowned the Union arms. He was mustered out August 1,
1865, at Clarenceville, Texas, near the Mexican border, and returned home
with a most creditable record. He then resumed farming and dairying and
year after year his business was successfully managed with the result that
in time he became the possessor of a handsome competence that now enables
him to live retired.
In 1868 Mr. King was married to Miss Helen Aldrich, who was born in
Walworth county, Wisconsin, January 12, 1844, and is a daughter of
Valentine and Susan (Bedelle) Aldrich. The father was a native of the
Empire state and in 1844 removed from Illinois to Wisconsin. The paternal
grandparents of Mrs. King were Jonathan and Emelia Aldrich, representatives
of one of the old New York families. Valentine Aldrich followed farming
throughout his entire life and was one of the worthy and respected
agriculturists of his community.
Mr. and Mrs. King hold membership in the Catholic church. He has never
taken an active interest in politics yet has always sought the welfare and
upbuilding of the community and rejoices in what has been accomplished
here. For seventy years he has traveled life’s journey and from the age of
four years has resided in Manitowoc county, so that he has witnessed the
greater part of its development and upbuilding. He has seen its wild lands
converted into productive farms, its tiny villages transformed into
thriving towns and cities, has seen the building of churches and schools
and the work of civilization carried steadily forward here. That he has
been a loyal citizen is manifest in his service as a soldier of the Union
army and today he is numbered with those veterans of the Civil war to whom
the country owes a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.
Mr. and Mrs. Clifford King
JOHN KINNEY
County death record Volume# 6, Page# 319
Name: John Kinney
Color/Sex: white/male
Born: 1818, Ireland
Spouse: Margaret Kinney
Died: 17 Dec 1900 Age: 82 years old/cause: old age
Father: Thomas Kinney, born Ireland
Mother: Margaret Kinney, born Ireland
Place of death: Franklin Manitowoc County
Name of Physician: none listed
Residence of Physician: none listed
Name of informant: none listed
Place of Burial: Maple Grove, Manitowoc
Date of Burial:Dec 19, 1900
Date of registration: Dec 19, 1900
Registar: none listed
MARGARET KINNEY
County Death record volume #7, page #214
Name: Margaret Kinney (nee Mack)
Color/Sex: white/Female
Born: 1818, Ireland
Death Date: March 5, 1903, age 80 yrs. old/cause: old age
Father: Thos Mack, born Ireland
Mother: Margaret Mack, born Ireland
Place of death: Franklin Manitowoc County
Name of Physician: none listed
Residence of Physician: none listed
Name of informant: none listed
Place of Burial: none listed
Date of Burial: March 7,1903
Date of registration: March 7,1903
WILLIAM J. KIRBY
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.554-555.
One of the prominent agriculturists and public-spirited citizens of
Franklin township, owning and operating a valuable farm of one hundred and
sixty acres located on sections 31 and 32, is William J. Kirby, who was
born in Franklin township, Manitowoc county, July 26, 1855, a son of James
and Margaret (Dunlehy) Kirby. Mr. Kirby’s parents were born in Ireland and
were married there, shortly after which, about 1849, they came to this
country, and settled first in Massachusetts. After about two years, James
Kirby decided that he could find a better field for his operations in
Wisconsin, and subsequently brought his family to an eighty acre farm of
wild woodland, which he developed for five years and then sold, purchasing
the farm of which his son William J. is now the owner. He first erected a
log house, and about one year later erected a frame residence, and in
connection with cultivating his land worked intermittently at the carpenter
trade among his neighbors, making the coffins for the dead of his vicinity
for many years. His death occurred in February, 1908, in his ninetieth
year, his wife having passed away in 1900, when she was sixty-eight years
of age, and both were buried in St. Patrick’s cemetery at Maple Grove. In
politics Mr. Kirby was a democrat, and he always took an active interest in
public affairs, serving as treasurer of Franklin township for upwards of
fifteen years, as a trustee of the poor farm and as a member of the school
board for many years.
William J. Kirby was the sixth of a family of eleven children, and he
remained at home until his marriage, October 31, 1886, to Miss Elizabeth
O’Connor, who was born June 5, 1863, the only child of James and Nora
(Guinane) O’Connor, natives of Ireland. Mrs. Kirby’s parents were married
in Pennsylvania and remained there about two years, when Mr. O’Connor died
in 1868. In 1873 Mrs. O’Connor came to Wisconsin with her daughter, and she
now lives with Mr. and Mrs. Kirby and is sixty-two years of age. Mr. and
Mrs. Kirby have had eleven children, the nine living members of the family
being: Margaret, who married Bernett Fetzer and lives in Franklin township;
and James, Elizabeth, Mary, William, John, Catherine, Veronica and Norbert,
living at home. Mr. Kirby has one hundred and fifty acres under a high
state of cultivation, all fenced with barbed wire, ahd he carries on
general farming and stock-raising, marketing dairy products, hogs, cattle,
hay and grain. He milks twenty-five Holstein and Durham cows, and raises
Poland China and Chester White hogs and breeds to Percheron horses. He has
a frame barn, forty by one hundred and six feet, with a stable attached,
built in 1906; a horse barn, twenty-four by sixty feet, built about 1874
and remodeled in 1911; and a residence of twelve rooms, two stories in
height, erected in 1902. His water supply is secured from drilled wells.
Mr. and Mrs. Kirby are members of St. Patrick’s Catholic church, and he is
connected with the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. In politics a democrat,
he takes an active interest in public matters, and has served as school
director for twelve years and as road superintendent for six years.
JOHN J. KIRCH
John J. Kirch, junior member of the firm of W. N. Killen & Company,
manufacturers of cheese boxes in the village of Cato, is a native of
the town of Cato, Manitowoc county, and was born August 23, 1871, and
is a son of John A. and Barbara (Etzler) Kirch, natives of Austria.
Mr. Kirch’s parents were married in Wisconsin, and shortly thereafter
located in the town of Cato, taking up forty acres of wild land, on
which Mr. Kirch erected a small home. Here the parents are now living,
having developed an excellent farm, the father being sixty—five years old
and the mother sixty—three.
The eldest of a family of ten children, John J. Kirch received his
education in the district schools, and until he was seventeen years of age
was engaged in working on the home farm. At that time he began working for
wages on the farms in the locality, and in 1895 he became connected with
the mercantile business of Mr. Killen, whose partner he is in the
manufacture of cheese boxes, under the firm name of W. N. Killen & Company.
Mr. Kirch is an excellent business man, and devotes his entire time to his
interests, but has still found time to act in positions of trust. During
the past twelve years he has served as a notary public, and for one term
he has been a member of the school board.
In 1898 Mr. Kirch was married to Miss Anna Burich, who was born September
27, 1876, the third of the eight children born to Albert and Anna (Satoria)
Burich, natives of Bohemia. The parents were married in Wisconsin, and
settled down on a farm of eighty acres in the town of Rockland, and they
are now living retired in the village of Reedsville, Mr. Bunch being
sixty-two and his wife fifty-seven years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Kirch have
two children: Edward J. and Christina, both of whom are attending school.
His political views Mr. Kirch accords the democratic party. He and Mrs.
Kirch belong to St. Mary’s Catholic church of Reedsville, and Mr. Kirch
holds membership in the Catholic Order of Forresters.
GUS C. KIRST
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.648-651.
Gus C. Kirst, who is president of the Wisconsin Textile Manufacturing
Company, at Two Rivers, is one of the leading business men of this city.
He was born here September 4, 1874, a son of Carl and Sophia (Bushman)
Kirst, the former a native of Weimar, Thuringia, and the latter of Hanover,
Prussia. The parents were married in this city in 1867, having come to
America in early life. They have ever made their home here, the father
being engaged in brick mason work and also in the contracting business. He
was assisted in the erection of many of the important buildings here, the
South Side public school of Two Rivers and the public school in Algona
representing his work. He is now living retired in this city, one of the
oldest settlers here. In politics he is a democrat, taking an active part
in all local party matters, and he has served for three terms as assessor.
In his family were five children, two only of whom now survive, namely:
Charles F., who is engaged in the drug business in this city and is
president and general manager of the Two Rivers Telephone Company; and Gus
C., the subject of this sketch.
Gus C. Kirst received a public school education, and then started out in
life on his own account by entering the employ of the Two Rivers
Manufacturing Company. He remained with that firm about two years and was
then employed for the same length of time by the Wooden Ware Company, which
was operated by the same firm. Since that time he has been employed by the
American Express Company, and is now president of the Wisconsin Textile
Manufacturing Company and secretary and treasurer of the Two Rivers
Telephone Company.
In his political views Mr. Kirst is a democrat and he was a member of the
democratic state central committee during the years 1909-1910. He has ever
been greatly interested in educational work and has been a member of the
school board for ten years. Fraternally he is a member of the Two Rivers
Lodge, No. 200, F. & A. M., also holding membership in the Manitowoc
chapter, and is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a
successful and enterprising business man as is indicated by the prominent
positions he has held, and he has ever had the high regard of all with
whom he has been associated.
Gus Kirst - Arthur Lohman
No date on picture/from the Wendorff collection, Two Rivers Library
