FREDERICK A. C. KUEHLE, one of the self-made men of Murphysboro, who is
now serving as its efficient Postmaster, is one of the native sons of
Illinois, his birth having occurred in Cairo, September 17, 1863. His
father, Fred A. Kuehle, was born and reared in Germany, and there learned
the shoemaker's trade. At the age of seventeen he crossed the Atlantic to
New Orleans, and after a short time went to Cape Girardeau, Mo., and thence
to Cairo, Ill., where he engaged in merchandising. In 1870 he came to
Murphysboro, and as a member of the firm of Kuehle & Son still carries on
mercantile pursuits. He wedded Mary Gilhofer, who was born in Germany, and
with her parents came to this country. They went first to Chicago and thence
to Cairo, Ill. Her father served in the late war.
Mr. Kuehle, whose
name heads this record, is the eldest of a family of ten children, eight of
whom are yet living. He completed his education in the high school of this
place and became a competent and practical bookkeeper. He was first employed
by the Bryden Coal and Coke Company, serving as their head bookkeeper for
eight consecutive years, when the firm made an assignment. He then continued
with the assignee for four years, in charge of the shipping department and
as book-keeper, after which he resigned to accept the position of Deputy
Circuit Clerk, in February, 1889, having been appointed by R. W. Watson. He
resigned that office October 1, 1893, for he had been appointed Postmaster
on the 23d of September by President Cleveland. Soon afterward he entered
upon the duties of the position, which he has since faithfully and promptly
performed.
On the 18th of December, 1888, was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Kuehle and Miss Edna C. Pigott, a native of Alabama. They
have a pleasant home on Second Street, which is the abode of hospitality.
With the Methodist Episcopal Church they hold membership. In politics Mr.
Kuehle is a stalwart Democrat, and in 1891 was elected on that ticket as
City Treasurer for a term of two years. He has been Secretary of the County
Democratic Central Committee for the past four years, also of the City
Committee, and is an active worker in his party's interest. He belongs to
the Odd Fellows' society, and to Hope Lodge, of the Mystic Circle. He is a
warm-hearted, generous man, who manifests a commendable interest in
everything pertaining to the welfare of the community, and is ever found in
the front ranks of enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit. His
success in life is due to his own efforts, and his example is one worthy of
emulation.
Extracted 26 Mar 2020 by Norma Hass from 1894 Biographical Review of Jackson, Massac, Pope, and Hardin Counties, Illinois, pages 623-624.