Biographies, beginning with K, History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882 Transcribed by Sally Scarff and Marlene Chaney for the USGenWeb Archives. Submitted August 2000 by Roxanne Barth , IAGenWeb Allamakee County Coordinator. ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** History of Clayton County Iowa 1882 Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company, 1882 Reprinted by: Monona Historical Society, Monona, Iowa Reproduction by: Unigraphics, Inc., 1401 North Fares Ave, Evansville, Indiana 47711, 1975 K Cox Creek Township -- John Kahrs, farmer, P.O. Communia, was born in New York City in 1847. His parents, John and Anna Kahrs, nee Van Staden, were natives of Hanover, Germany. They came to the United States in 1841, and located in New York City, where they both died, the father in 1848, and the mother in 1864. The subject of this record learned the trades of a confectioner and butcher, in New York and followed them for four years. He then engaged in gardening in the vicinity of that city until 1878, when he came to Clayton County. Since his residence here he has followed farming in Cox Creek Township, and has made a financial success of it. His marriage occurred in 1870, to Adeline, daughter of William and Catherine (Strickfuss) Dierssen, natives of Germany. They came to America and located in Charleston, S. C., where they both died. Mr. and Mrs. Kahrs have seven children—Julia, Clara, Mabel, Louisa, John, William and Anna. The latter two are deceased. Mr. Kahrs enlisted in the regular army in 1866, and served three years, fighting the Indians on the frontier. He was wounded in the thigh on Sept. 12, 1867, at the battle of Smoky Hill river by a minie ball. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 746-747 Farmersburg Twp. -- Herman H. Kaiser, farmer and stock-raiser, was a son of Herman H. and Elizabeth (Brandt) Kaiser, natives of Hanover, Germany; they came to the United States in 1847, and located in Clayton County, Iowa, where Herman died in 1873. The subject of this notice was born in Hanover, Germany, on Oct. 5, 1846, and came to this county with his parents. Since his residence here, he has followed farming. He now owns 280 acres of land on section 3, which is under good cultivation. He was married to Paulina, daughter of Christian and Lydia (Umel) Wirkler, who were natives of Switzerland, and came to the United States in 1852, locating in Clayton County, where Christian died. By this marriage there are five children - Herman H., born April 24, 1874; Nathalia Lydia Elizabeth, June 22, 1875; Matilda Mary, Oct. 17, 1878; George Joseph John, Feb. 22, 1880, andEllen, Dec. 15, 1881. Mr. Kaiser and wife are members of the Lutheran church. He votes the Democratic ticket and is one of the representative agriculturists and stock-breeders of Clayton County. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 777-778 Farmersburg Twp. -- J. F. William Kaiser, one of the pioneer children of Clayton County, was born here on March 5, 1850, and is a son of H.H. and Elizabeth K. (Brandt) Kaiser, natives of Hanover, Germany. He was educated in the district schools of Clayton County, and was married here in 1875 to Augusta Grath. Her parents, Fred and Frederika (Kilsow) Grath, were natives of Mecklenburg, Germany, where the former died; she came to Clayton County in 1866, and died here in August, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Kaiser have four children - Emelie, born Oct. 4, 1876; Julius, 1877; Arthur, June 22, 1878, and Emil, Feb. 4, 1882. Mr. Kaiser bought his present farm of 241 acres in sections 10 and 12, which he has under a high state of cultivation. He has just completed one of the finest residences in the county at a cost of $2,500. He votes the Democratic ticket, and the family are members of the Lutheran church. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 778 Jefferson Twp. -- John H. Kann, son of Godfrey Kann, was born in Germany, Dec. 26, 1823; he came to he United States with his father in 1847. He entered as Government land eighty acres of his present farm. Mr. Kann is an extensive and successful farmer. He has over 60 acres of land, over 400 of it constituting the farm upon which he lives. His wife was Annie U.S. Meyer, born in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Kann have four children—Annie U. Katherine, Godfrey H. and Annie. Mr. Kann resides on section 12. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 869- 870 Jefferson Twp. -- William Kann, of the township Jefferson, is the son of Godfrey Kann, who emigrated from the valley of Rhine, in Prussia to the United States with his family, in 1847. Godfrey Kann was born in August, 1796. He is still living in the town of Jefferson, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. His children, all of whom were born in Germany, are—William, John H., John, Mary, Fred, Anne and Hobart. Hobart, his youngest son, was killed by a threshing machine in 189; his age was twenty years. William, the oldest son, was born in 1822. He came to this country with his parents, and settled where he now lives, in 1850. His wife was born in Germany; they have five children—Fed W., Joseph, Katherine, Anna E. and Hobert. Mr. Kann resides on section 11; his farm contains 440 acres. He is one of the most prominent and successful farmers of the township of Jefferson. His brothers are also successful farmers. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 869-870 Millville Twp. -- Frank Kappen, one of the pioneer children of Clayton County, was born in Guttenburg, Ia., Nov. 6, 1861. He was reared and educated in that city, and removed from there to Millville Township in 1852. His father, Frank Kappen, was a native of Germany, and came to the United States in 1849. He lived in Canada two years, and from there removed to Chicago, Ill., and one year later to Guttenberg, Ia. From there he came to Millville Township, where he was accidentally shot and killed in 1881. His wife died in 1879. The subject of this memoir was married Oct. 18, 1881, to Emma Minger, a native of Millville Township, born Apr. 20, 1862. Mr. Kappen is a member of the Catholic church, and politically affiliates with the Democratic party. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1016-1017 Boardman Twp. -- Englebert Kattenbach, jeweler, Elkader, was born in Baden, Germany, on the 6th day of April, 1817, and received his early education in his native country. When fourteen years of age he commenced to learn the trade of a watch-maker under the supervision of his father. When twenty-one years of age he left Germany for England and located in Wales, where he remained thirteen years; he then was in France one and a half years, and in 1854 emigrated to the United States, landed in New York and immediately left for Dubuque, where he had a brother residing. The following year he came to Elkader and embarked in his present business. In 1862 he married Josephine Sidley, who was born in Baden in 1837. By this union there was one child,--Frances Clara. Mr. Kattenbach has been identified with the county for over a quarter of a century and has lived to see its many changes from a wild unbroken region to a beautiful cultivated county. When he came here McGregor had but five or six buildings in it. Mr. Kattenbach is one of the oldest business men now living in Elkader. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 660 Millville Twp. -- J. J. Kauffman, general merchant, was born near Wooster, in Wayne County, O., on Jan. 18, 1845. He came to Calyton County in the fall of 1854, and located in Mallory Township, where he resided nine years, then followed steamboating on the Mississippi River five years. He worked at various occupations for several years, returned to Ohio, where he remained a short time, and then came back to Millville and established a saloon, which he sold in three months, and then traveled over the State looking for a good location. He came back to Millville, and in partnership with his brother bought 530 acres of land, and one year later sold his share to his brother, and went to Adair County, Ia., where he purchased 240 acres of land, improved and sold it, returning to Clayton County and repurchasing a part of his brother's farm, which he cultivated four years. He is now keeping a general merchandise store in Millville. He was married July 5, 1872, to Susan J. Segraves, who was born in Rockville, Wis., Oct. 3, 1851. They have two children--Edna, born Jan. 4, 1874, and Dottie, Nov. 26, 1876. In politics Mr. Kauffman is a Democrat. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1017 Mendon Twp. -- Capt. George Keen, one of the early settlers of Clayton County, was born in France, Dec. 9, 1827. His parents emigrated to Somersett County, N.J., when he was a mere child. His father soon after removed to Schuylkill County, Penn., where he was master mechanic on the T. & Pt. Linton Railroad. In 1850 he removed to Elkader, Iowa, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1866. The mother died in 1852. The subject of this memoir was reared to the trade of a mechanic, and at the age of sixteen went into the shop as a hand, and at the age of twenty was made foreman. In 1850 he married Mary Broadbeck, who was born in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Keen were the parents of eleven children, seven living--Henry A., Frank G., Charles C., Mary F., Emma S., Amanda A. and Nellie J. After coming to Elkader he erected a machine shop, the first one in the Northwest, in company with his brother, A. Keen. They prosecuted the business until 1856, when he removed to Clayton and embarked in the same business. In 1858 he removed to North McGregor, and engaged in the same business in company with John Thompson. In 1867 he bought out his partner, and has since conducted the business under the firm name of George Keen & Sons. In 1872, before the building of the pontoon bridge across the Mississippi at this point, he overhauled and put in running order the steam barges then in use for transportation of trains. The company's engineers had made a failure of the barges, but Mr. Keen invented a cable chain system, by which they were worked successfully. On the completion of this work he was presented with a handsome gold watch, appropriately inscribed, in appreciation of his valuable services. In politics he is a Republican, and was the first Mayor of North McGregor, and has held other local offices of trust. He is a member of Bezer Lodge, No. 135, A. F. & A. M.; of McGregor Chapter and Commandery; also a member of Itaska Lodge, I.O.O.F. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 990 Mendon Twp. -- Lewis Keen, machinest and assistant foreman of the C., M. & St. P. R. R., R. & N., McGregor, was born in Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, Pa., Dec. 25, 1839, a son of Michael and Mary (Smith) Keen. His father was a blacksmith, machinist and engineer of locomotives, and helped build some of the first locomotives in the country, and set up the first stationary engine on the Alleghany Mountains. He made a machine that would run itself, but had no power to run anything else. He was a native of France, and came to America when a young man. His wife was born in Saxony, and they were married near Strasburg, France. They had a family of eleven children, four living--Frank, a type manufacturer at Milwaukee, Wis.; George, a molder and machinist, who has a foundry in McGregor; Louisa, wife of John Loyd, and the subject of this sketch. He attended school in Pennsylvania until ten or eleven years of age, when he came with his parents to Elkader, Ia., and began to learn the machinist's trade in his brother's foundry. He remained here five or six years, when he went with his brother to Clayton, and worked two or three years; then came with him to McGregor and worked in the foundry here until 1861, when he enlisted in the First Iowa Cavalry, Company K, and was elected bugler of the company, and held that position two months, when he was transferred to the regimental band, and remained in the service eighteeen months; was mustered out, came home, and went to St. Louis, Mo., to re-enlist in a brigade band for General Warren, but failing to get a sufficient number for a band, he worked at his trade in St. Louis until 1863, when he returned to North McGregor and went into the fruit and grocery trade. Three months later he sold out and worked for the McGregor Western Railroad Company two years. Since then he has worked for the C., M. & St. P. R. R., Co., except three months in 1872, when he was R. N. foreman for the Lake Superior Company at St. Paul. He married Isabell Norris, Oct. 15, 1864. She was born in Hennpin, Putnam County, Ill., and was a daughter of Willard B. Norris and Louisa (Lyons) Norris. Mr. and Mrs. Keen have had a family of five children--Isabell, Willard L., Louisa E., Edward F. and Robert P. Mr. Keene has held the offices of School Director and Councilman. In politics he is a Democrat, and is one of the old C., M. & St. P. Railroad men, and an old settler of Clayton County, and an enterprising representative man of North McGregor. He helped organize the first brass and string band of McGregor, and is at present a member of the band. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.990-991 Boardman Twp. -- Thomas Keleher was born in Ireland, Dec. 23, 1833. He imigrated to America in June, 1848, and landed in New York, where he resided ten years, and in 1855 came to Clayton County, Ia., and purchased 160 acres of Government land on section 34, Boardman Township, where he now resides. He has added to his original purchase until it has increased to 240 acres of fine land and well improved. Mr. Keleher has been twice married, first in April, 1861, to Mary Dirine, who died in 1879, leaving six children viz.: William, born in 1861; Jeremiah, in 1863; James T., in 1865; Anna, in 1867; Francis Joseph, in 1869; and Edward, in 1871. His second marriage occurred in 1870, to Anna Maria Roach, who was born in Massachusetts in 1852. Mr. Keleher has held the offices of road supervisor and school director for several years, has also served as treasurer of the School Board. He is a member of the Catholic church. In politics he is independent, and is one of the old settlers and representative men of the county. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 660-661 kelloggs Lodomillo Twp. -- Samuel Kellogg, farmer, section 21, Lodomillo Township, was born near Rochester, N.Y., Jan. 15, 1824, and was a son of Alfred and Maxy P. Kellogg, nee Brumbley, natives of New York. In 1845 he came with his father to Clayton County, and settled in Lodomillo Township, where he still resides. He was married here to Miss Mary C. White. They have had four children--Frank, who first married Lydia Smith, and was married the second time to Cynthia Sylevester; William F., married Dora Shotts; Ester, wife of John Hines; and Fannie A., now Mrs. Thomas Adams. After his marriage Mr. Kellogg pre-empted a claim of eight acres, which he now owns, and has all under excellent improvement except seventeen acres of timber. In politics, he affilitiates with the Republican party. He is one of the pioneers of Clayton County, having been identified with its interests since 1845, and has seen it change from an unbroken country inhabited by wild game and Indians, into one of the finest counties in the great grain-producing State of Iowa. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 894 Garnavillo Twp. -- George W. Kennedy, proprietor of the Garnavillo Creamery and Flouring Mill, was born in Sussex County, N.Y., Jan. 19, 1839. His parents were Amos and Catherine (Stillwell) Kennedy, natives of New Jeresy. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and had a family of eleven children. George W. worked on his father's farm, attended school during the winter until he was twenty-one years old, and was married at that place to Rebecca J. Hibler, Dec. 20, 1868. She was a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Youngs) Hibbler. Soon after his marriage Mr. Kennedy opened a store of general merchandise at Dover, N.J.; from here he moved to Garnavillo, Clayton County, Ia., where he purchased his present mill. It has two sets of burrs, with his creamery, costing $1,500. In November, 1879, he adopted the new process of gathering cream and now has one of the most complete creameries in the country. It is one of the leading features of Garnavillo, and the first in the county. In 1881 they made 100,000 pounds of butter. It gives direct employment to eleven men and eight teams. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have a family of three children, viz.: Katy, Adam and Bessie. The mother died July 3, 1878, and is buried in the Garnavillo Cemetery. Mr. Kennedy is one of the enterprising representative men of Garnavillo, taking an active interest in anything that promises improvement to his town. He is a Mason and a member of Harmonia Lodge, No. 32, at Newton, N.J., and of A.O.U.W. Garnavillo Lodge. In politics he is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 804 Mendon Twp. -- Marshall T. Kennedy, ex-Mayor, wholesale and retail dealer in drugs, books, stationery, wall-paper, etc., McGregor, was born in Erie County, Pa., May 25, 1836. His parents, John and Eliza (Deitz) Kennedy, had a family of three sons and one daughter, Marshall T. being the second son. He attended school until seventeen, and taught in Pennsylvania until nineteen, then taught one winter in Saline County, Ill. He then returned to Erie, Pa., and attended the academy until twenty-four, when he came to McGregor, Ia., arriving here the spring of 1861. He clerked in a hardware and tin store for Stowe & Hopkins one year, and in a drug store until 1964; he then traveled over Montana, Idaho, Utah and Colorado, returning in the fall to McGregor. He married Louisa L. Bowen, on Dec. 29, 1864. She was born in Massachusetts, and was a daughter of Liberty Bowen. After his marriage Mr. Kennedy went to Erie, Pa., and clerked in a drug store, and traveled for a wholesale grocery house until the fall of 1865, when he returned to McGregor, and formed a partnership in a drug store with S. J. Case for one year, then bought Mr. Case out and formed a partnership with O.M. Buck for three years, then purchased Mr. Buck's interest, and has since conducted the business alone. He occupies a two-story building eighty feet deep by twenty-five wide, with a basement, and carries a stock of about $15,000, and has had a traveling salesman for the wholesale department for the past fifteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are members of the Medthodist Episcopal church of McGregor. They have two children--Mabel E., and Grace L. Mr. Kennedy is a Mason and a member of Bezer Lodge, No. 135, Clayton Chapter, No. 27, and Honorious Commandery, No. 8. He has held the office of Township Trustee two terms, and was elected Mayor of McGregor in 1878, and re-elected in 1879. In politics he is a Democrat. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.991-992 Highland Twp. -- James Kerr was born in the town of Drumnastrade, County of Tyrone, May 12, 1820. His parents were Thomas and Maria (McCanna) Kerr. James worked on his father's farm and attended school until nineteen when he came alone to the United States, landed in New York City, and soon after became cook on board a sloop running between New York and Kingston, on the Hudson River. Two years after he shipped before the mast on a regular line of briggs running between New York City and Savannah, Ga., remained two years, then sailed from Toronto, Canada, to all points on Lakes; Ontario, Erie and Michigan. In 1848 he engaged in farming near Elgin, Ill., when he sailed from Chicago on Lake Michigan until fall of 1849, one season, when he returned to Elgin, Ill., and soon after married Elizabeth Binnie, March 5, 1850, at Big Foot Prairie, Wis. She was born in Airdrie, Landrichshire, Scotland, May 5, 1833; she was a daughter of Robert and Agnes (McClarin) Binnie; she came with her parents to America when sixteen. After Mr. and Mrs. Kerr were married he farmed in Kane County, Ill., until July, 1855, when they settled in Clayton County, Ia., and bought their present farm on section 17, Highland Township, where they have since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr have had fifteen children, fourteen living, viz.: Thomas, who married Ella Moats; Agnes, wife of William Young; Marie, wife of Geo. Fairweather; Robert, married Jennie Paddleford; James, clerking in Chicago; Hannah, residing in Chicago; John, Lydia, Anna, Urias, Eddie, Elizabeth, Henry and Jessie residing with their parents on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr are members of the Presbyterian church at Dundee, Ill. In politics he is a Republican, and has been a supporter of this party since its organization. He owns a fine farm of 580 acres on sections 15, 17 and 18, Highland Township, all under cultivation except seventy acres timber; he grows grain and is an extensive stock-raiser. He is one of the old settlers and enterprising representative men of Clayton County, where he has been identified since July 12, 1855. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 841 Highland Twp. -- Thomas Kerr was born in Kane County, Ill., May 18, 1851. His parents were James and Elizabeth (Binney) Kerr. They came to Clayton County when he was but four years old, and located in Highland Township. Thomas was married on Dec. 10, 1879, to Ella Moats, who was born in Clayton County, Iowa, and was a daughter of David and Lydia A. (Clapper) Moats. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kerr spent two weeks in Chicago, then settled upon their present farm. They have one child--Lulu, born Jan. 5, 1881. Mr. Kerr owns 100 acres of land, 85 under cultivation, and the remainder in timber. He is one of the enterprising and energetic men of Clayton County, and has been identified with it since his childhood. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U.S. Grant. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 842 Lodomillo Twp. -- Amos K. Kidner was born in Licking County, Ohio, Oct. 4, 1815. His parents were Jacob Kidner and Mary (nee Simmons) Kidner; the former died when he was about two years old, and when between three and four years of age he was bound out to a shoemaker, with whom he remained until his twentieth year. He then engaged in farming. He was married to Malinda McLain, on Nov. 5, 1840. She was born in Randolph County, West Virginia, and was a daughter of John and Delila McLain, nee Currense, natives of Virginia, who settled in Clayton County in 1853. Their union has been blessed with five children--Elizabeth, now Mrs. Lucius Noble; Livera, wife of Isaiah French; Jane, who married Milton Lockhart; Nelson, and Orlena, wife of John Culbertson. In 1850 Mr. Kidner left Ohio and removed to Grant County, Ind., and followed farming there until the fall of 1854, when he came to Clayton County and located in Lodomillo Township. Of his farm of 100 acres, 75 are under excellent cultivation, and abundantly stocked. He is one of the pioneers and representative men of the county, with which he has been identified since 1854. He is a Republican, and cast his first ballot for Old Hickory Jackson. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 894-895 Read Twp. -- John H. Kiesel, Superintendent of the Insane Asylum, is a son of John George and Katherine (Huene) Kiesel, natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1847, locating in St. Louis; they now reside in McGregor, Ia. The subject of this sketch was born April 1, 1844, in Germany, and came to the United States in 1847. He was educated here, and learned the carpenter's trade at Guttenberg, Ia., which he followed three years, then engaged in clerking for a number of years. He was married in 1874 to Katherine, daughter of Peter and Maria Katherine Beckes, natives of Hessen, Germany. They came to the United States in 1855, and are now living in Jefferson Township, Clayton County. By this marriage there is one child--John H., born June 4, 1877. Mr. Kiesel votes the Democractic ticket. He enlisted in 1862 in the Fourteenth Missouri, Turner's German Regiment, Company C, under Captain Walsch. He served about three years, and was honorably discharged after going through the battle of Pea Ridge and many other severe engagements without a wound. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1075-1076 Monona Township – John Killen was born in Monona Township, Clayton County, Ia., on Dec. 20, 1852, and was a son of Robert and Margaret (Conolly) Killen. He was reared on his father's farm, and received a liberal education. In 1879 he was married to Lizzie, a daughter of John Bener. She was born in Germany, March 1, 1857. By this union there is one child, Jessie L., born May 18, 1881. Mr. Killen is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the A.O.U.W., being one of the charter members. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1046. Monona Township – Robert Killen, one of the prominent farmers of the county, was born in Tyrone County, Ireland, July 20, 1816. In 1845 he emigrated to Canada, spending two years in Montreal, and in 1847 came to Clayton County and located in Garnavillo Township. He made a claim there, but not being satisfied with it, relinquished it and located on the land he now owns. On Oct 25, 1849, he married Margaret Conolly, who was born in Ireland, Jan. 1, 1820. Of six children born of this union, five are living—John, Martha J., George H., Alexander G., and Mary L., wife of George Gilbert, of Monona. Mr. Killen came to Clayton County in limited circumstances, having for capital a strong arm and determination to succeed. By industry and fair dealing he has accumulated a fine property, and has won for himself a good name in the home of his adoption. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Monona. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1046. Cass Twp. -- Charles Kimber was born in Genesse County, N.Y., Nov. 20, 1822. His parents were Andrew and Sarah Kimber, nee Morgan, natives of Orange county, N.Y., and the parents of eleven children. He attended school and assisted on the farm until his father's death in 1848, then went with his mother and sister to Medina County O., where he engaged in farming. He was married Oct. 13, 1847, to Malvina, daugher of Ara and Sophia A. Fenn. She was born in Genesse County, N.Y., Feb. 11, 1829. In the spring of 1850, Mr. Kimber went overland to California, and engaged in mining there until March, 1853 when he returned to Ohio. In the fall of that year he came to Clayton County. Prior to locating on his present farm in Cass Township, he resided in Farmersburg Township, Boardman Township, Elkader, Motor, Mederville, and Strawberry Point. In the fall of 1879, Mr. and Mrs. Kimber visited Ohio and New York, and on their return he purchased forty acres in Cass Township, where he now resides. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Company D. Twenty-first Iowa Infantry Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He affiliates with the Republican party, and is one of the popular men of Clayton County. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 698-699 Clayton Twp. -- Joseph King, one of the representative farmer of Clayton Township, was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, Feb. 19, 1813. He came to Clayton County in 1846, and settled on secion 31, Clayton Township, where he has resided since. He owns a finely cultivated farm of 200 aces. He was married to Rosanna Doran on March 10, 1846, and came at once to Clayton County with his young bride, who was born in Ireland in 1822. Six children have been born of this union, viz.: John W., born Dec. 13, 1846; Mary E., Dec. 4, 1848; Eleanor J., Feb. 28, 1850; Charles D., May 2, 1852; Joseph H. Dec. 25, 1859; and Charlotte, Sept. 11, 1862. Mr. King is a member of the Congregational church, and in politics is a Republican, being strongly in favor of prohibition. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 723 Mendon Twp. -- William R. Kinnaird, Cashier of the First National Bank of McGregor, was born in Lancaster, Garrard County, Ky., April 19, 1838, a son of James and Eliza (Hann) Kinnaird. His father was a native of Scotland, who came to America and settled in Kentucky when twenty-one years of age. He was engaged in the mercantile business in early life, and afterward was connected with the bank of Danville, Ky., as President and Director. William R. received an academic education in his native State, graduating from Center College. Upon leaving school he came to McGregor, Ia., and accepted a clerkship in his brother's bank, where he remained until 1860, then took a position in the same capacity in the State, now the First National Bank. He was promoted to the position of Assistant Cashier, and in 1871 was appointed to his present position. He was married Oct. 11, 1870, to Amy Lawrence, of Decorah. She was born at Rockford, Ill., a daughter of Daniel and Lydia Lawrence, nee Smith. Four children have been born unto them, viz.: William, Lawrence, Katy and James (deceased). Mr. Kinnaird is a member of Bezer Lodge, No. 135, A.F. & A.M.; Clayton Chapter, No. 40, and Honorious Commandery, No. 8. He has held the offices of City Treasurer, and Treasurer of the School Board. Politically he is a Democrat, and is classed with the prominent and influential citizens of McGregor. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 992-993 Giard Twp. -- Guy Kinsley, one of the enterprising farmers of Giard Township, was born in Franklin County, Vt., on the 12th day of February, 1825, son of Benjamin A., who was born in Cambridge, Vt., Jan. 11, 1796, and Catherine (Montague) Kinsley, born in Waybridge, Vt., Feb. 13, 1798. They were married in Fletcher, Vt., Feb. 24, 1824. By this union there was a family of seven sons and one daughter. Mr. Kinsley was a soldier in the war of 1812, and during the battle of Plattsburg was in hearing of the guns but not near enough to participate. In 1859 he came to Monona, and built for Horace Emory the only brick dwelling the town can boast of. Previous to coming to Clayton County, in 1849, Mrs. Catherine Kinsley died, and Mr. Kinsley married Mrs. Lucy Blair. Mr. Kinsley died in Lowell, Vt., in December, 1864, and Mrs. Kinsley in York State, in 1881. The subject of this memoir was reared on a farm, and received a limited education. His parent being poor, he was forced into the world to struggle for himself at the age of thirteen, and he began working on a farm for $5 per month; he remembers of receiving $10 per month for his last nine months, which was considered large wages at that time in Vermont. When twenty-one years of age he went to North Brookfield, Mass., where he was employed on a farm for the Hon. Amasa Walker, remaining there until 1853, when he returned to Vermont; was married there to Lucinda Elsworth, who was one of a family of twenty-one children, eighteen of whom lived to raise families of their own. She was born in Fletcher, Vt., in August, 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Kinsley are the parents of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters--Lucy, Frank, Amanda, Fannie, Ben A., Cora, Alice, Prudie, Maggie, Rufus and Jason. Mr. Kinsley came to the county in 1853, locating in Giard Township. Though beginning at the lower round of the ladder, he has by judicious management accumulated a comfortable home and property, owning 140 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. He has held several local offices of trust in the gift of the people. He had five brothers in the last war, who served in an aggregate seventeen years. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 820-821 Mendon Twp. -- Peter Klein (deceased) was born on the River Rhine, Germany, March 12, 1805. In 1833 he married Mary Ann Weaver, and in 1853 emigrated to the United States, locating at Guttenburg, Ia., where he followed the brewery business until his death, which occurred in 1879. Michael Klein, a son of Peter Klein, was married in 1861 to Augusta Kusel. By this union there are three sons, viz.: John, Harmon and Otto. In politics he is a strong Democrat, and at present Mayor of West McGregor, Ia. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.993 Highland Twp. -- Martin Klingman, is a native of Baden, Germany, born Feb. 24, 1935, and was a son of Martin and Roseana (Schumaker) Klingman. He attended school until his fourteenth year, then worked on a farm three years, when he came to the United States with his father, one brother and sister. They landed in New York, and from there went to Lake County, Ohio. Martin, Jr., learned the cabinet-maker's trade at Madison, Ohio, and in the spring of 1855 he came to Clayton County, where he followed his trade until 1867; since that time has engaged in farming. He enlisteed in Septmeber, 1861, in the Engineer Regiment, Comapny I, Missouri Volunteers, and was descharged in January, 1863, on account of disability. He re-enlisted in 1864, in Company G, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was married on Dec. 25, 1873, to Laura Johnson, who was born near Christiana, Norway, and was a daughter of Charles and Maria Johnson, nee Benson. Four children have been born to them, viz.: Alice, Charley, Albert and Nora. Mr. Klingman owns a finely cultivated farm of 210 acres, on section 7, Highland Township, where he resides, and is engaged in raising grain and stock. He is one of Clayton County's early settlers and enterprising men. He is a Republican in politics. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 839-840 Lodomillo Twp. -- Myron E. Knight was born in Norwich, Hampshire County, Mass., Feb. 19, 1842. His parents were Samuel H., and Betsey (Stevens) Knight. Samuel was born Nov. 28, 1803, and died in Clayton County, Ia., Dec. 31, 1873. Betsey was born Jan. 22, 1812, in Chester, Mass., and died Dec. 5, 1873, in Clayton County, Ia. Myron E. had nine brothers and sisters, three of whom are dead, one died in infancy--Mary Alice was born July 25, 1852, and died June 3, 1863; Samuel Judson, born June 22, 1838, died Sept. 23, 1863; the first child died in Massachusetts; the two last died at Myron's house, in Lodomillo Township, Ia. When Myron was thirteen years old his parents moved to Iowa, and settled on a far m on section 30, Lodomillo Township, where he now resides. He was married Jan. 1, 1871 to Bessie J. Gilbert, who was born in Chenango Co., N.Y., March 2, 1842, and was a daughter of Lyman and Sallie (Holcomb) Gilbert. Their union has been blessed with five children, four living--Alice M., Johnnie S., Willie M. and Katie M. Charlie W. died Jan. 26, 1882, aged eighteen months. On Aug. 11, 1862, the subject of this memoir enlisted in Company B, Twenty-First Iowa Infantry Volunteers, and served until the close opf the war. Two of his brothers also participated in the war; one of them, John S., being wounded at the battle of Pea Ridge. Mr. Knight owns a farm of 160 acres, 100 under good cultivation, and thoroughly stocked. he is a member of Strawberry Point Lodge, No. 131, A.O.U.W. In politics he is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 895 Grand Meadow Twp. -- Carl Knodt is a native of Prussia, born April 27, 1829. He embarked for America April 28, 1849, and landed at New York, and from there went to Connecticut, thence to Milwaukee, Wis. In the fall of 1851 he moved with an ox-team to Guttenberg, Clayton County. He removed to Clayton Centre in 1859, and Feb. 24, 1866, he settled on section 32, Grand Meadow Township, where he owns a finely cultivated farm of 170 acres. In connection with farming he works at the carpenter's trade. He enlisted in Company I, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, and was discharged Aug. 8, 1865, at Jefferson Barracks, Mo. He participated in the battles of Pleasant Hill, Nashville, in the Red River expedition, and was present at the taking of Spanish Fort. His marriage to Margaret Sinne occurred in July, 1855. She was born in Bavaria. Their union was blessed with the following named children: C.K., born Jan. 6, 1856; H.N., May 15, 1858; August, June 28, 1860; John Herman, born Aug. 5, 1862, died May 15, 1866; M.M., born June 22, 1864; Margaret, born Oct. 4, 1866, and died Oct. 25, 1866. amd Anna K., born Nov. 7, 1867. Mrs. Margaret Knodt died May 4, 1869, and he was again married Jan. 12, 1870, to Dora Ricke, who was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, June 22, 1829. Mr. Knodt holds the offices of School Director and Township Trustee. He is a member of the Lutheran church and in politics is a Democrat. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 828-829 Farmersburg Twp. -- H. Knudson, merchant and Postmaster at Farmersburg, was a son of Knud Engebrason and Rongde (Herbronson) Knudson, natives of Norway; they came to the United States in 1854, and located in Wagner Township, Iowa, where Mrs. Knudson died. The father died in Farmersburg Township, in 1882. The subject of this notice was born in Norway on July 21, 1838, where he was educated; he came to the United States with his father, and followed farming until he began the mercantile business, in 1874; he was appointed Postmaster in 1880. In 1873 he married Martha, daughter of Halvor and Eli Thovson, natives of Norway; they came to America and located in Wagner Township. By this union there are two children - Knud, born in May, 1874, and Henry, born in November, 1875. Mr. Knudson and family are members of the Lutheran church. He votes the Republican ticket. Mr. Knudson carries a stock of about $4,000 worth of general merchandise, dry goods, hats, caps, boots and shoes, groceries, etc., and has a thriving trade. He is one of the enterprising and energetic men of the county, and is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 778 Grand Meadow Twp. -- Joseph Koevenig was born in the province of Rhine, Prussia, Mar. 17, 1834. He came to America in the fall of 1856. Prior to settling in Clayton County he worked in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Dubuque, Chicago, St. Louis and Allamakee County, Ia., where he located in August, 1858, erected a brewery of logs and engaged in the manufacture of beer there until 1859, when he went to Springfield, Grand Meadow Township, and established a brewery. In 1873 and 1874 he built a large stone and brick brewery, near Postville, forty by eighty-six feet, and three stories in height. It is the finest in the county. He manufacutres lager and bottle beer, and does an enormous business. On Sept. 25, 1866, Mr. Koevenig, married Catherine Welsch, who was born in Loranine, France, Aug. 6, 1847, and located in Grand Meadow Township in 1852 with her parents. Eight children have been born of this union, seven are living--Louisa, born July 22, 1867; Mary V., Feb. 25, 1869; Catherine A., June 18, 1871; Anna J., Dec. 8, 1872; Henry M., July 1, 1876; Josephine L., May 1, 1878, and John J., Apr. 14, 1880. Mr. Koevenig owns 130 acres of land on section 4, 150 acres on section 3, eighty acres on section 22 and fifty acres on which his residence and brewery are situated. He has always been active in any work that tends to the improvement of Clayton County, and is one of her most prosperous and influential business men. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 829 Marion Twp. -- John N. Kohler, one of Clayton County's most popular and esteemed citizens, was born in this county on April 1, 1856. His parents were natives of Switzerland. He was married to Evelena Beer on Feb. 19, 1879. She was born in Clayton County, Ia., on October 26, 1860. Her father and mother were also natives of Switzerland. Mr. And Mrs. Kohler have been blessed with two children - Lowie, born Apr. 1, 1880, and Louisa, born Mch. 19, 1882. Mr. Kohler votes the Democratic ticket. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 932 Mendon Twp. -- Abraham Kohn, of the firm of Abraham Kohn & Co., wholesale and retail clothiers, McGregor, established this business here in 1863. They also have a store at Prairie Du Chien, Wis., and a factory at Philadelphia, Pa., where they manufacture all their goods, thus insuring first-class garments. They employ from eight to twelve traveling salesmen, and have a large and extensive trade. The members of the firm are Abraham Kohn, S. G. Levi, and Charles Stearn. Mr. Kohn conducts the factory at Philadelphia. Mr. Levi buys goods, and superintends the store at McGregor and at Prairie Du Chien. Mr. Stearn is also located at Prairie Du Chien. They are classed with the prominent and enterprising business men of McGregor, and are well and favorably known throughout the State as men of irreproachable business integrity. Mr. Kohn was born in Baden, Germany, June 16, 1849, a son of Maurice and Sarah (Herman) Kohn, who had a family of thirteen children. When he was six years old he came with his parents to America, and located in Phiadelphia, Pa., where he attended school until ten years old, when he was given a position as office boy in the German-American Bank at that place. He remained there about eighteen months, then attended college one term, and at the expiration of that time accepted a clerkship in a furnishing house. In 1863 he came to McGregor and opened his present store. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.993 Boardman Twp. -- Anton Kramer is a native of Vienna, Austria, born Aug. 26, 1843. He was educated in his native county, and when he was twelve years old his father died, leaving the support of the family to fall upon him. In January, 1867, having heard much of the broad prairies of the West, and not desiring to devote the best part of his life to the support of the Austrian Government, he came to the United States, choosing Clayton County as the scene of his future labors. He obtained employment in McGregor the first year, then came to Elkader and embarked in his present businesss, that of a butcher, and is meeting with the success that always attends an honest effort. He was married in October, 1872, to Caroline Gerhlein, a native of Baden, Germany. They have four children--Fred, Louis, Katie and Henry. Mr. Kramer is a charter member of the I.O.O.F., Elkader Lodge, No. 304, also the Masonic fraternity, Blue Lodge, No. 72, and Harmony Chapter, No. 41. He is one of the representative citizens of this village. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.661 Boardman Twp. -- John Kramer, one of the prominent business men of Elkader, was born in Vienna, Austria, Aug. 29, 1849. When a small boy his father died and he was thrown on his own resources, and when ten years old was able to support himself. In 1869, through the assistance of his brother Anton, he came to the United States and at once joined him in Clayton County. He was employed in his brother's butcher shop, and in 1872 was taken into partnership. In June, 1879, he married Alice Leonard, who was born in the city of New York, July 2, 1860. By this union there is a family of two children,--Volentine, born Feb. 14,.1880, and David Henry Garfield, born Sept. 19, 1881. Mr. Kramer is a member of the I.O.O.F. Elkader Lodge, No. 304. History of Clayton County, Iowa 1882, p. 661 Jefferson Twp. -- Maria G. Kratzmeir was born on Jan. 7, 1827, in Hanover, Germany. In 1843 her parents emigrated to the United States, landing at New Orleans on Nov. 15, and at St. Louis on Nov 25, of that year. On Nov. 10, 1846, the subject of this memoir was united in marriage with Barnard Brockmann, a native of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in 1842. In 1847 they removed to Dubuque, Ia., remained one year, then located in Guttenberg. Mr. Brockmann followed brick-making there ten years, then purchased a farm of eighty acres in Jefferson Township, upon which he resided until his death, which occurred on Jan 12, 1864. Seven children blessed this union, viz.: Joseph, born April 26, 1849; Mary, Mar. 30, 1851; Margaret, Sept. 9, 1853; Katie, July 20, 1856; Frank, July 24, 1858; Matilda, Aug. 1, 1860, and August, Jan. 10, 1863. After the death of her husband our subject continued the management of the farm, and on July 5, 1868, married Frederick Kratzmeir, of German birth. He died on Nov. 22, 1869. Since his death Mrs. Kratzmeir has cultivated the farm, which is situated near the village of Guttenberg, and is one of the finest in this section. She is a member of the German Catholic church. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 870 Garnavillo Twp. -- John D. Kregel.--Prominent among the citizens of Clayton County may be found the name of John D. Kregel, who settled here in April, 1846. He is a son of G. Kregel whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this work. Upon coming to Clayton County Mr. Kregel and his brother Henry purchased adjoining farms, which they lived upon until 1868 when Henry removed to Nebraska, where he still resides and is extensively engaged in farming. The subject of this memoir married Helen A. Kaiser, whose father was one of the pioneers of Clayton County. Five children have blessed this union, four sons and one daughter. Mr. Kregel owns 285 acres of finely cultivated land. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 805 Garnavillo Twp. -- William Kregel, son of G. Kregel who was born in Hanover, Germany, in October, 1789, and was a soldier under Napoleon I., accompanying him on his celebrated campaign to Moscow. On the retreat of Napoleon, he remained in Russia five years, then returned to his native country. Ten years later he emigrated to America, landing in New York City, and from there went to Albany, from Albany to Chillicothe, O., thence to Florence, Ala., thence to Cincinnati, O., and three years later to the northern part of that State, where he entered land and resided many years. He came to Clayton County with the settlers of 1846, and can justly be called one of its pioneers. He still resides in the town of Garnavillo at the advanced age of ninety-three years. His wife died in 1881, aged eighty-seven. Their union had been blessed with six children, five living--Henry who came here in 1844; John D., who came in 1845; D. and William (twins), and Mrs. D. H. Meyer. The subject of this memoir was born in Chilicothe, O., in 1832, and emigrated to Clayton with his parents in 1846. He has been twice married; his first wife, Catherine Beunaman, died July 16, 1873, leaving two children, and he was again married to his present wife, Margaret Howe. Mr. Kregel's early educational advantages were very meager, but by self- application and observation has obtained a good practical education. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 804-805 Volga Twp. -- George Kriebs, druggist, Elkport, was born in Clayton County, Ia., Oct. 25, 1857. His parents were John P. and Lena Kriebs, nee Weisman. The former was a native of Germany, and emigrated to the United States in 1847. He resided in Galena, Ill., until 1852, then removed to Guttenberg, Ia., where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1872. Mrs. J. P. Kriebs still resides there. The subject of this memoir received a common-school education, and attended the school of pharmacy in Dubuque one and a half years, preparing himself for the drug business. In 1873 he entered a store in Elkader, where he remained until 1876; then moved to Dubuque. In 1878 he establsihed his present store in Elkport. He carries a full line of drugs and medicines, and has a lucrative trade. His marriage occurred in 1877 to Louisa Cook, born in 1859, and a daughter of A. D. Cook a resident of Elkader. They have two children-- Frank D. and George A. Mr. Kriebs is the present Justice of the Peace in the township. History of Clayton County Iowa 1882, p. 1122-1123 Garnavillo Twp. -- William Kruger resides on the farm of his father-in-law, John G. Heye. He is a native of Prussia, born in 1828, and emigrated to this country in 1850. He spent one year in St. Louis, Mo., then came to Clayton County, settling on a farm in Jefferson Township. In 1863 he removed to Garnavillo Township, where, in company with E.H. Huger and Cusher Weiger, he built a flouring mill at Clayton City, in which he was interested eight years. He married Mary, daughter of John G. Heye, who settled on this farm in 1848. Mr. Heye is a blacksmith by trade. He has been twice married, and has two children by his first wife--Henry, now in Nebraska, and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Kruger have five children--Paul, Augusta, Henry, Katie and Wilhelmina. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 805 Garnavillo Twp. -- Herman C. Kuenzel, Postmaster and druggist, Garnavillo, is the son of J. H. Kuenzel, who was born in Bavaria, in 1828, and came to the United States about 1836 with his parents, who settled in Ohio. J.H. Kuenzel came to Garnavillo in the fall of 1853, and engaged in harness-making. In 1854, with B.F. Schroeder, he built a flouring mill on section 16, an account of which will be found elsewhere in this work. Herman C. engaged in business in 1880, and was appointed Postmaster in 1881. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 805-806 Buena Vista Twp. -- Benjamin Kuykendall, one of the prominent farmers and stock- raisers of Buena Vista Township, was born in White County, Ill, July 11, 1824. In 1845 he went to Flattville, Wis., where he remained six months, and in 1846 enlisted in the Mexican war at Galena, Ill., and was mustered into service in Alton, Ill., in the second regiment of Illinois, under Captain White. He participated in all the battles of his regiment, and was honorably discharged at Alton, Ill., at the close of the war. He engaged in mining at Flattville, Wis. One year, and from there went to California where he mined until 1850, when he came to Clayton County, Ia. He resides on section 28, Buena Vista Township on a farm of 150 acres, which he cultivates in the summer, and in the winter engages in mining. He was married Sept. 30, 1851 to Susie Husk, a native of Indiana, born Sept. 30, 1834. Six children have blessed this union, viz.: George, born May 15, 1859; Laura, born Oct. 11, 1861, died Oct. 25 of that year; John L. born Oct. 11, 1864; Benjamin W., born Aug. 17, 1867, died Apr. 30, 1874; Susie Etta born Mar. 31, 1870, died Jan. 11, 1874, and George L. born Oct. 7, 1873. Mr. Kuykendell has held all the offices of the School Board, and politically he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 679-680