The subject of this sketch, John E. Lundblade, of Jamestown, Kansas, is a prominent citizen and leading merchant of that little city, and a man who has had a remarkably successful career. Mr. Lundblade began at the bottom of the ladder, but by good management and close application has built up a business that does credit to himself, the town, and the surrounding country.

Mr. Lundblade began his career as a clerk in the widely known Fair, one of the best retail stores in Chicago. After one year he came to Cloud county and considered it a fortunate move, when in 1878, he cast his lot with the enterprising people of Jamestown. He acepted[sic] a position with S. Taylor and later with William Taugman, as dry goods salesman, the latter firm being in the building Mr. Lundblade now occupies.

In 1891, with a capital stock of one thousand dollars, Mr. Lundblade opened a general merchandise store. In 1891 the volume of business increased to the extent of demanding more room, and he removed to the Elniff building. In 1896, this in turn became too crowded and he occupied in connection the adjoining building, cutting two archways between, making a room 48x70 feet in dimensions - with a basement - which is filled with one of the best selected stocks of goods in the county, consisting of dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, groceries and queensware, invoicing fully one thousand seven hundred dollars. This stock is turned more than twice annually.

Mr. Lundblade is a native of Sweden, born in the city of Jenshopin, in 1862. When seven years of age he came with his parents to America, and located in Bucklin, Missouri, where they resided about eleven years and where he received a common school education. In 1878, his father, Charles Lundblade, moved to Republic county, Kansas, where he is a prosperous farmer, living near Kackley. Mr. Lundblade's mother died in Missouri in 1870, leaving three sons, all of whom are living. Al, a farmer near Jamestown, and Robert, a farmer of Republic county. By a second marriage there were three children, two of whom are living, viz.: Ellen, wife of Leonard Nelson, of Republic county, and the youngest son, Joe, lives at home.

THE HANDSOME COTTAGE HOME OF MR. AND MRS. JOHN E. LUNDBLADE.

Mr. Lundblade owns a well improved farm two miles south of Jamestown, which he bought about three years ago. He also owns some good real estate in Jamestown, and one of the most desirable homes in the county. A windmill furnishes irrigation for a fine lawn, which is Mr. Lundblade's especial pride. His home is a modern cottage elegantly furnished and presided over by Mrs. Lundblade, who was Miss Georgia Mercer, whom he married in 1886. Mrs. Lundblade is a lady of elegant tastes and a helpmate in the truest sense of the word.

Politically, Mr. Lundblade is a Democrat, has served two terms as mayor, of Jamestown, and is a member of the present city council; was postmaster four years under Cleveland's second administration. He is a prominent Mason, a member of the I.O.O.F. and of the K. of P. He has been one of the directors of the Jamestown bank since its organization, The magnitude of business done by Mr. Lundblade evidences his excellent ability as a manager and financier. He is still a young man and bids fair to become one of the foremost merchants in the county.