H. F. Soat, the junior partner of the firm of Ricke & Soat, was born in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, July 26, 1863, son of Bernard and Catherine Soat. He was reared in his native county, and graduated at Bayliss College, September 17, 1885, and came to Breda that same year. The firm of Ricke & Soat, dealers in hardware and agricultural implements at Breda, is one of the leading business firms in that town. They carry a stock of about $5,000, with annual sales amounting to $12,000. This business firm was established in October, 1885, succeeding H. Olerich, Sr., who had been in business here for several years. It was first established by Richard Ricke and H. Olerich, and was the first hardware store in Breda.

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