Jacob Buergin

JACOB BUERGIN, a well known farmer of Ross township, residing on his farm in section 26, township 32, range 23, was born in August, 1866, in Woodford County, Illinois, and is a son of Frederick and Gertrude Buergin, both natives of Germany.

Thinking that in America there might be opportunities awaiting a young man, that would never come to him in the "Fatherland," Frederick Buergin came to this country and located in Woodford County, Illinois. There a farm was bought and he became an American farmer and merchant, for he also owned a general store, and attended to it along with his farming, when the son, Jacob, was five years of age, the family moved to Cherokee County, Kansas. This section of the State was at that time a boundless prairie with dwellings widely scattered here and there, and no fences to speak of. Very little of the land was then under cultivation, as the farmers were learning, by experimenting, how to bring the best results from the new prairie. On this wild and unbroken prairie in Ross township a farm of 160 acres was bought, a substantial and comfortable farm house and out-buildings were put up, and the family enjoyed a more comfortable home than many who became settlers at that time. Here they lived, and Frederick Buergin continued his farming until the day of his death, which occurred in 1897; his wife passed away six years later, in 1903. They were members of the German Lutheran Church, and were highly esteemed in the county. There were but two children in the family; Kate, wife of Frederick Hiller, of Ross township; and Jacob, who is the subject of this review.

Jacob Buergin has always resided at home. His mental training was obtained in the local schools of Ross township, and his life has been one of peace and contentment. He has always been faithful in the performance of his duties, which, although they may have been lowly and humble, are yet the necessary part of a well-ordered farm life. In 1893 he was united in marriage to Carrie Naffziger, of Ross township, a daughter of John Naffziger. They have four children--Gertrude, Esther, Fred and Ruth.

The subject of this sketch is what might be termed a rock-ribbed Jacksonian Democrat. He takes a keen interest in the success of his party, but has never aspired to nor held office. His time has always been taken up with the multi-farious duties on the farm. He owns 80 acres of the old home place, near Columbus, where he now resides amid the friends of his youth, and where he will in all probability pass the remainder of his days, as he is not of a roving disposition. The excellent character which he sustains in Cherokee County is one which may well be emulated by any young man who is starting in life. Steady, persistent industry, coupled with upright dealing and a courteous bearing toward all men, will always bring their reward in the end.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 6-27-97