Progressive Men of Minnesota

Minneapolis Journal 1897

AARON BENJAMIN KAERCHER is an attorney of Ortonville, Minnesota. He was born at Preston, Fillmore County, Minnesota, on January 20, 1860. His father, John Kaercher, was engaged in the milling business at Preston. Mr. Kaercher, senior, was a native of Strassburg, but was brought to Canada by his parents when an infant. He was left an orphan at an early age, and was thrown largely upon his own resources, and achieved a large measure of success entirely through his own industry, ability and indomitable will. He came to Fillmore County when a young man and laid out the village of Preston, building the flour mills at that place, and at the age of twenty-five was one of the most prominent business men in Southern Minnesota. He now resides near South Bend, Washington. His wife was Barbara Kraemer, who was also a native of Strassburg.  Mrs. Kaercher died January 12, 1865, at Preston. 

Aaron was one of six children. His early education was limited. He attended the graded schools at Preston until fifteen years of age when he entered his father’s office as bookkeeper. After three years he went into the mill as apprentice and learned the trade, and when nineteen took charge of the flouring mill at Kendallville, Iowa.  Later he returned to Minnesota, and in 1881 went with his father to Big Stone City, Dakota. Within a short time they began the erection of a mill at Ortonville, Minnesota, and a few years later entered upon the project of dredging a canal to connect Big Stone Lake with Lake Traverse.  After expending sixty-five thousand dollars and not receiving the assistance promised, they found the undertaking beyond their means and were obliged to abandon the scheme for a time.

In 1884 Mr. Kaercher began the study of law and pursued it at leisure moments until 1890, when he was admitted to the bar. He at once moved to Browns Valley and formed a law partnership with A. S. Crossfield. In the political campaign of that year Mr. Kaercher took a very active part, and to further his efforts he established a newspaper, “The Traverse County Times,” published at Wheaton. This adventure was followed a few years later by the establishment of the Big Stone County Journal at Ortonville, which he controlled until it was purchased by the present owner, O.  G. Wall. In the same year Mr. Kaercher was prominent in the congressional convention, but withdrew in favor of the Hon. Henry Feig. 

Since 1893 his time has been largely occupied with his law practice. Mr. Kaercher’s political affiliations have always been with the Republican party, though he has been independent in his ideas. He is a member of the I.  O. O. F. and the Knights of Pythias.

On February 20, 1881, he was married to Gertrude Martha Johnson, at Clear Grit, Fillmore County, Minnesota. Miss Johnson’s father was a Methodist minister and a native of the Isle of Man.  They have eight children, Rubin Aaron, Mabel Gertrude, John Michael, Grace Fayette, Roscoe Conklin, Lemuel Amerman, Belva Lorraine and Cecil Edison. Mr. Kaercher is of a determined, energetic and aggressive disposition, at the same time being cool and deliberate in action. At the age of sixteen he had charge of important business affairs and managed them successfully, giving evidence of the practical business ability which has since been made much more prominent.  He is still a young man and is regarded by his friends as having an excellent future before him.

MARION S. STEVENS is a lawyer living in Graceville, Minnesota. He traces his ancestry back to England, but his parents and grand parents were natives of Summerset County, Maine. His father, Elija Grant Stevens, was married to Miss Mary Rice, of Summerset County, in 1849, and during the same year moved to what is now Pepin County, Wisconsin.  He was twice elected sheriff of Dunn County, Wisconsin, and held other positions of trust and responsibility up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1872. He moved to Minnesota in 1864, but after six years returned to Pepin County, where he passed the remainder of his days. His son Marion was born in 1854, in Pepin County. He was one of a family of seven children, who are all living.

When his father came to Minnesota in 1864 young Marion was.  of course, with the family, but instead of returning to Wisconsin he established himself in this state and has lived here ever since. He received a common school education, supplemented by an academic course. Since finishing his school life he has followed the early acquired habit of reading and study until he is one of the best read men in the state. Mr. Stevens went to Graceville in 1878 when the place was first settled. He studied law there and was admitted to practice before the Hon. C. L. Brown, District Judge, in 1889. Upon his admission to the bar he at once engaged in the practice of law at Graceville, and by his energy and ability he soon worked up a lucrative practice.

While living in Graceville Mr. Stevens has done valuable and effective work for the Republican party in that section of the state. Though having extensive acquaintance he has persistently refused to accept office. At present he is chairman of the Republican committee. In Masonic, Pythian and Woodmen orders he is prominent and influential. In 1889 Mr. Stevens married Sue L Crossmun, of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Miss Crossmun was at that time principal of the high school at Burlingame, Kansas. They have a daughter, Marion Fay, and a son, Lloyd C.