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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 147 - 148 |
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JOHN KLUSS
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There have come to America from other countries many men of limited financial resources, but who were imbued with a sturdy independence and a laudable ambition to succeed. They have taken advantage of the wonderful possibilities afforded here and gradually, step by step, have accumulated property and risen to places of prominence in business circles. The career of the subject of this review, John Kluss, of Haring township, illustrates most forcibly the possibilities that are open to a man who possesses intelligence and integrity. It proves that success is not a thing to be inherited, but to be won by sheer force of energy, directed and controlled by correct moral principles. It also proves that neither wealth or social position, nor the assistance of influential friends, are always requisite to placing all individual on the high road to prosperity and honorable station. John Kluss, whose farm is part of section 34, Haring township is a native of Germany. He was born August 7, 1847, and was reared and educated in his native land. Having grown to manhood there, military duty was required of him, as it is from all other German youths, without regard to rank or station, who have the physical strength to be received into the service. Three years of his early manhood were spent in the German army, which period included the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71, in which he served during the greater part of the war. After the conclusion of his military service he returned to his home in Germany and engaged in farming until 1883, when he migrated to America. He first set foot on American soil in the city of New York and came direct to Wexford county, Michigan, where he was not long in securing employment with the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway Company and for thirteen years faithfully served them in various capacities. From a portion of the savings of those years he purchased twenty acres of land, a part of section 34, Haring township. Another purchased increased the size of his realty holdings in that township to sixty acres, thirty-eight acres of which is well improved, tillable, with good buildings and other necessary appurtenances. On severing his connection with the railroad company, he established his home on this land, where he has resided since. Before leaving Germany for America, on the 5th day of November, 1871, John Kluss was united in marriage to Miss Mary Winkelman, a girl who was noted for good judgment and many sterling virtues. On the voyage to America she accompanied him and in all the labor in which he has engaged since locating here she has been to him all that a good, true and noble wife should be. Especially in the making of the home and the care of their children has she shown those matronly qualities which make womanhood and motherhood so worthy of admiration. A good wife is one of the best gifts God ever bestowed upon a poor man and the full truth of this saying has many times been realized by John Kluss. With his well-known industry and untiring energy has been coupled her thrift and economy, qualities which when combined in one household neutralizes even the gravest misfortunes. They are the parents of three children, August, Fred and Mary. August makes his home with his parents, and is a farmer. Fred, who is a carpenter and joiner, married Miss Grace Rudolph and they reside in Oakland, California. Mary is at home. While by no means aspiring to be a politician and too busy with his labors on his farm to give politics much attention, Mr. Kluss has been honored by the voters of his township with a number of official positions in the municipal government. The success which has attended his labors in America clearly indicates what may be accomplished by any one possessed of industry, economy and integrity, whether they be natives of this republic or citizens by adoption. |