Gus H. Barnd is a well known bridge contractor and has done much important work along that line both in Delaware and Dubuque counties. He was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, June 12, 1862, a son of Augustin and Patronella (Kurt) Barnd, both natives of Germany, whence they came to the United States in 1850. They at once located in Grant county, Wisconsin, where they lived for about five years. The father there followed his trade of shoemaking and after removing to Dubuque conducted a shoe store for a number of years. In 1874, the family came to Delaware county and the father worked at his trade in Delhi for about two years, after which he removed to Greeley and then to Manchester, locating in the last city in 1876. He passed away on the 9th of November, 1902, and was survived by his widow until September 14, 1911. Of the eleven children born to their union six survive. Two died in infancy. Charles K. is a plaster contractor and resides in Manchester. Gus H. is the subject of this review. Joseph is residing in Chicago. Annie married Joseph Harps and they make their home in Manchester. Frank is also a resident of Manchester. Carrie is the wife of H. A. Cleveland, of Manchester. Henry died December 14, 1907. John resided in Manchester until his death, which occurred on the 3rd of May, 1914. Anthony is also a resident of Manchester.

       Gus H. Barnd attended public schools of Delhi and Delaware Center and in his youth learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed until he was eighteen years of age. He then entered the railroad contracting business, completing a great deal of grading in the following six years and then for another period of six years worked at the carpenter's trade. He helped to build the courthouse, laying the first stone and also driving the last nail. For five years he was janitor of the courthouse and then turned his attention to bridge contracting. He has built many bridges in this county and also in other parts of the state. He erected the first steel bridge in Delaware county having a concrete floor and also the first span one hundred and twenty feet in length with a concrete floor. One of the bridges which he erected was the Marolf bridge, in Delhi township. He is still actively engaged in business and has contracts for work both in Delaware and Dubuque counties. He is very careful in securing the exact materials required and in building the bridge entirely in accord with the specifications and as he demands thorough and accurate work from all of the men in his employ he is known as one of the best bridge contractors in this part of the state.

      Mr. Barnd was married on the 20th of September, 1888, to Miss Grace Fullbright, a daughter of Jasper and Susan (Erie) Fullbright, both natives of Grant county, Wisconsin. Her father served three years in the Civil war and subsequently brought his family to Manchester, where he passed away in 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Barnd have become the parents of three children, Frank L., Daniel L., and Ona May.

     Mr. Barnd is a member of the Modern Brotherhood of America and the Woodmen of America. Where national issues are at stake he supports the republican party but in local affairs considers the man to be of greater importance than his political affiliation. He and his family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church. He is proved that he possesses the necessary qualifications for a successful contractor -- an accurate knowledge of the work to be done, the ability to handle men and business acumen -- and he has built up an enviable reputation along his line of work.