Kuhn, Anton 1870 –

KUHN, NOVOTNY, LUDWIG, MIKOTA

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/4/2015 at 07:53:29

ANTON KUHN.

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 23, 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 Spillville on 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; Mary, deceased; Anton, of this 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 J., 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 11. 1902; Frances, born December 15, 1904; Antonia, born January 4, 1907; Regina and Clara, twins, born August 6, 1909; and Elizabeth, 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 capably 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.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913