The Kuhn Family of Winneshiek County, Iowa

JOSEPH PHILIP KUHN.

Among the most able and progressive native sons of Winneshiek county is numbered Joseph Philip Kuhn, a prosperous farmer and prominent man of affairs of Sumner tow'ship and a representative of one of the best known pioneer families in this part of Iowa. He was born here, March 27, [866, and is a son of George and Josephine (Novotny ) Kuhn, the former born in Bavaria. Germany, in [832 and the latter in Bohemia, Austria. The father came to America when he was still a child and settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood. In 1854 he came to Iowa, settling in Calmar township, Winneshiek county, whence in 1865 he removed to Sumner township, where he still resides. He is a democrat in his political views and a member of the Roman Catholic church and is widely and favorably known in His locality. His father. John Kuhn, was the founder of the family in America. He was born in Bavaria and there grew to manhood, later coming to the United States and settling on a farm in Pennsylvania, whence he came to Iowa in 1854. He engaged in agricultural pursuits near Spillville. Winneshiek county, for a number of years and became very prominent in agricultural circles. He was a democrat in politics and a member of the Roman Catholic church. In the course of a long and honorable career he made substantial contributions to the pioneer development of this county. On the material side Mr. Kuhn is a grandson of Frank and Katrina (Stebal) Novotnv, natives of Bohemia, where the father engaged in farming for many years. He also was a democrat and a Roman Catholic. Mr. Kuhn's parents were married in Spillville in 1865 and five children were born to them, Joseph Philip, Mary, Anton, George and Josephine.

Toseph P. Kuhn was reared on his father's farm in Sumner township and acquired his education in the public schools here and in private schools at Spillville. When he began his independent career he naturally turned his attention to the occupation to which he had been reared and since that time he has steadily prospered in his farming operations until today he stands in the front ranks of progressive and successful agriculturists of his vicinity.

At Spillville. July 22, 1890, Mr.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

The progressive farming and stock-raising interests of Winneshiek county find a prominent and successful representative in Anton Kuhn, whose fine farm of three hundred and four acres lies on sections 22 and 2$. Jackson township, and is in its neat and attractive appearance a visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. He is one of this county's native sons, born at Spillvilleon the 17th of October, 1870, his parents being George and Josephine ( Novotny ) Kuhn, natives of Germany and Bohemia respectively. The father crossed the Atlantic when he was not yet one year and a half old and he spent his childhood and youth in Pennsylvania, whence he came to Iowa in 1854. Since that time he has been an interested witness of its continued growth and development and is today well known and highly respected in Spillville where he makes his home. He and his wife became the parents of five children: Joseph P.. who resides near Spillville; Alary, deceased: Anton, of tin's review; Josephine, who married Math Ludwig of Elma, Iowa; and George, who resides on the home farm.

Anton Kuhn grew up on his father's farm in Winneshiek county and by assisting his father with the work of the homestead became in his youth thoroughly familiar with the best agricultural methods. Upon his marriage in 1894 he purchased land of his own, buying one hundred and twenty acres on section 23, Jackson township, to which he added, first, sixty-four acres and then one hundred and twenty, his holdings now comprising three hundred and four acres, lying on sections 22 and 23. Since he acquired this property Mr. Kuhn has steadily carried forward the work of its development and cultivation along progressive, modern lines, the farm responding to his careful supervision and practical methods by constantly increasing productiveness. Substantial improvements have been made upon it, including fine barns and outbuildings and two silos, the capacities of which are one hundred and ten and fifty tons respectively. Mr. Kuhn has never neglected anything which will add to the attractiveness or value of his place and it is today one of the finest, most productive and best managed properties of its kind in the county. Upon it he carries on general farming and stock-raising and he intends in the near future to increase his herd of shorthorn milch cows and engage in the dairy business on an extensive scale.

On the 30th of January, 1894, Mr. Kuhn was united in marriage to Miss Anna Ludwig, a daughter of John and Mary (Mikota) Ludwig, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Bohemia. The father, who spent his entire life engaged in farming, has passed away but his wife survives him and resides near Spillville. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn have become the parents of ten children: Albert who was born on the 26th of March, 1895; Andrew, born August 30, 1896; Edward, born July 21, 1898; Anna, whose birth occurred on the 9th of July, 1900; Adolph, born November n, 1902; Frances, born December 15,

1904; [name withheld], born January 4, 1907; Regina and Clara, twins, born August 1909; and [name withheld], born January 13, 1912.

Mr. Kuhn is a member of the Roman Catholic church and he is connected fraternally with the Catholic Order of Foresters. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he has rendered his township excellent service as school director. He is now acting as township trustee and is discharging his duties capable and efficiently, his record reflecting credit upon his energy and his public spirit alike. In Winneshiek county where his entire life has been spent he is well and favorably known as a man reliable in business, progressive in citizenship and faithful to all ties and obligations of life.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE W. KUHN.

George W. Kuhn successfully carries on general agricultural pursuits on one hundred and forty-five acres located on section 34, Sumner township, Winneshiek county, where he follows general farming and stock-raising. He was born on this place on May 12, 1880, a son of George and Josephine (Novotny) Kuhn, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Bohemia. The father upon coming to America located upon the home farm, where he is still living. He gave all his active life's labors to agricultural pursuits and obtained a gratifying measure of success along that line. To him and his wife were born five children: Joseph P., at home; Mary, deceased; Anton, of Jackson Junction; Josephine, the wife of Math Ludwig, of Elma; and George W., of this review.

George W. Kuhn was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended school near the farm. After laying aside his schoolbooks he remained at home, giving his attention to farming and becoming thoroughly acquainted with the methods of tilling the soil. At the age of twenty-four his father deeded him the home place, comprising one hundred and forty-five acres, and he has since operated the same independently, dividing his attention between general farming and stock-raising. His buildings are kept well in repair and his land presents a good appearance, giving evidence of the industry of the owner and the good judgment which he uses.

On November 22, 1904, Mr. Kuhn was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kopet and they have become the parents of four children: [name withheld], who was born January 2, 1906; [name withheld], born November 19, 1908; [name withheld], born June 16, 1910; and [name withheld], born February 6, 1912.

Mr. Kuhn is a democrat in his political affiliations and upholds the principles of his party in county, state and national elections, although in local matters he cases his vote for the man whom he considers best adapted for the office. Although he is public-spirited he has never cared to accept official honors. He and his family are members of the Catholic church and he also belongs to the Catholic Association. The son of a pioneer, he worthily carries on the tradition of an honored name in this section and has earned for himself a reputation which is a high credit to him.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.