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Philip Kuhns
Born July 8, 1823 |
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| Few of the men of Jones county can show a life of longer and greater usefulness and productive of a more bountiful share of wealth and property, entirely the result of his own efforts, than can Philip Kuhns, who has now retired from the active pursuits of agriculture although he continues his residence upon his farm in Scotch Grove township. He was born in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1823, and was a son of Philip and Elizabeth (FELGER) KUHNS, who were of German
ancestry, but for more than a century and a quarter the family has been connected with the life and history of the new world, for the paternal grandparents came to America in that year of 1776, which is memorable as being the period at which the colonies asserted their right to free government and the republic given its first impetus toward growth. The parents of our subject lived and died in the county which was the birthplace of their son, but of the seven children born to them Philip Kuhns is the only survivor.
Philip Kuhns had advanced well along the highroad of his life before he left the state of his birth and took up his residence in Jones county. In those years of his young manhood he enlisted in the army that carried the Mexican war serving under General Scott. Of the many engagements in which he
participated during that struggle, the one that gained the greatest fund of memories was the siege of Pueblo which lasted twenty-eight days, before the enemy succumbed to the onslaught of the American troops. It was in 1860 that Mr. Kuhns came to Jones county, settling in Scotch Grove township, where he purchased a tract of land. This he greatly improved in the course of years, and as he was able added to it until now he owns over one thousand acres in this township. While much
of his time was devoted to purely agricultural pursuits he was always a heavy feeder and shipper of cattle and other stock, winning a wide reputation as a man of good judgment in his estimate of quality of animals, and of integrity in his business negotiations.
On the 17th of May, 1849, Mr. Kuhns, was united in marriage to Savilla RUGH, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1831. For more than three score years the couple have passed along life's highway together, sharing alike its joys and its sorrows. Four children were born to them: Elizabeth, William R. Joseph A. and John L. The eldest has passed away, and the two older sons are residing in this township. All his life Mr. Kuhns has been an advocate of the republican party and has not infrequently taken part in public affairs, although he was never a conspicuous aspirant for popular distinction. Fraternally enjoys membership in the Monticello Lodge, No. 173, A.F.&A.M. and has lived in accordance with the teachings of the Presbyterian church of which he was a member. He has always been a man of honor and integrity and has gained the confidence, respect and good will of all those with whom he has been associated.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 650. |
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© Copyright 1997-2013, The Art Department, © Copyright 2014-2020, Richard Harrison.
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