John M. Knadle Biography


	This biography appears on pages 569-570 in "History of Dakota Territory" 
	by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				JOHN M. KNADLE. 

	The Bank of Vienna is a financial institution that has the entire 
confidence and the willing cooperation of the community which it 
serves, and the prosperity which it enjoys is due primarily to the 
wisdom of the men who are its administrative officers. John M. Knadle, 
its president, is a man whose name stands for integrity and judicious 
advance in business affairs and his connection with the bank has made 
for stability and normal growth. He has been engaged in general 
mercantile business in Vienna since 1899, and the store of Knadle & 
Seim is at present the leading mercantile establishment in that town. 
Mr. Knadle also owns six hundred acres of good land in Hamlin county. 

	He was born in Vernon county, Wisconsin, a son of John and 
Josephine Knadle, both natives of Bohemia. They were reared to manhood 
and womanhood in that country, where their marriage occurred and where 
three children were born to them. Upon their emigration to the United 
States they made their way west and located in Vernon county, 
Wisconsin, which was then heavily covered with timber. Mr. Knadle 
cleared land and developed a productive farm, upon which he resided 
until his death, which occurred when John M. was twelve years of age. 

	John M. Knadle spent his boyhood and youth upon the home farm and 
by practical experience learned efficient methods of agriculture. His 
education gained from books was somewhat limited, as the only schools 
of the time were the district schools held in log schoolhouses. Before 
coming to South Dakota in 1886 he engaged in farming in Wisconsin, 
having succeeded to the ownership of the home farm, and after arriving 
in this state he bought a relinquishment in Hamlin county, which he 
proved up as a homestead. He continued to farm until 1899, when he 
removed to Vienna and in partnership with Charles Anderson, established 
a general store, which was very successfully conducted. After the death 
of Mr. Anderson, Mr. Knadle formed a partnership with S. E. Seim and 
they are now among the leading business men in Vienna. Their patronage 
is large and representative, and the excellence of their goods and the 
fair treatment that is accorded all of their customers insures the 
continuance of their prosperity as merchants. As a side issue they have 
for a number of years bought and sold live stock, shipping many 
carloads to the central markets. Mr. Knadle purchased an interest in 
the Bank of Vienna several years ago and is now serving as president of 
that institution.  

	Mr. Knadle was married about 1881 to Miss Mary Bruha, of Vernon 
county, Wisconsin, and they have twelve children. The father gives his 
political adherence to the democratic party and takes the interest of a 
good citizen in everything relating to the community. welfare. His 
business interests include six hundred acres of fine land in Hamlin 
county, which is operated by his sons, Fred and Theodore, and he is 
also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Vienna. His 
energy and sound judgment have not only enabled him to win an unusual 
measure of financial success for himself but have also been factors in 
the business expansion of his town and county.