HERBST, MAX

HERBST, MILLER, TENNANT

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 3/24/2004 at 09:37:15

Biography reproduced from page 75 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

Success has followed the business activity of Max Herbst and an analyzation of his life work indicates that among his salient characteristics are keen discrimination, a recognition of possibilities and unfaltering perseverance. He proved his worth along commercial lines and this led to his admission to a partnership in the business of Theodore Chrischilles under the firm style of Chrischilles & Herbst, general merchants. The junior partner was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1866, his parents being Max and Dora (Miller) Herbst. He was only twelve years of age when he came to Iowa and started out in the business world on his own account, since which time he has depended entirely upon his own resources. He was first employed at herding cattle and the education he acquired was obtained while thus engaged. From each experience in life, however, he has learned the lesson therein contained and has been enabled to adapt it to his own needs. He has been connected with commercial pursuits since November, 1880, at which time he began work in the store of Theodore Chrischilles as a clerk. He thoroughly mastered the business in principle and detail, proved his capability and worth and in 1888 was admitted to partnership under the firm style of Chrischilles & Herbst, dealers in general merchandise. The partnership relation has now been maintained for almost a quarter of a century, making this one of the oldest firms of Kossuth county. They work together in entire harmony, the labors of the one ably supplementing and rounding out the labors of the other. Their stock is well and carefully selected, their business methods conform to the strictest commercial ethics and their reasonable prices commend them to a continuance of the trade. In connection with his other interests Mr. Herbst is a director of the Algona State Bank.

On the 30th of April, 1892, Mr. Herbst was married to Miss Della Tennant, a daughter of Joel W. Tennant, of Algona, who was a hotel keeper there and subsequently removed to Hartley, Iowa, where he still resides. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Herbst have been born four children: Veda, who was born April 26, 1893; Theodore, whose birth occurred May 23, 1895; Joel, born July 13, 1899; and Adell, September 14, 1901. Mr. Herbst belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workman, also to the Knights of Pythias lodge and to the Congregational church—associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. There have been no spectacular phases in this entire career but his history is that of a self-made man, for he started out when twelve years of age and has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources, working his way upward through determined purpose and capable management and never losing sight for a moment of the goal before him.