Posted on: Polk County Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Mn/PolkObits/63 Surname: KIRSCH, Dotson, Becker, Rowe ------------------------- VALLEY PIONEER PASSES AWAY M.E. KIRSCH DIED WEDNESDAY AT 9:45 A.M., FOLLOWING OPERATION COMPLICATIONS SET IN WHICH, FOLLOWING THE SHOCK OF OPERATION, CAUSED DEATH Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. M.E. Kirsch one of the most prominent citizens of Crookston, breathed his last, following an operation for appendicitis performed at St. Vincent's hospital. He stood the shock of the operation well, but, owing to a chronic ailment, diabetes, with which he had been afflicted for many years, complications set in which proved fatal. M.E. Kirsch was born in Belgium, Oct.15, 1846, being 63 years of age Friday. He came to America in 1860 and settled in Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood on a farm. He lead a studious life as a boy but had few opportunities to attend school, but prepared himself for teaching by studying nights. He spent several years in the school room as an instructor and was a successful and popular teacher. His family settled in Wabasha, Minn., and Mr. Kirsch joined them there in 1867 and secured a position as clerk and bookkeeper. In the fall of 1871, he opened a general store in Minneiska, Minn., where he conducted a profitable business for three years. He then removed to Reed's Landing, and in the fall of 1878, he disposed of his interests there and, in company with three others, came to Polk county, taking land near Euclid. He made improvement on his farm next season, and in 1880 moved his family to Euclid, where he opened a hotel, the first hotel which was established in that place. He became well known throughout that locality as a man of active public spirit and an organizer, and during Cleveland's first administration was appointed postmaster at Euclid. He was elected county commissioner in 1886, and held the office for ten consecutive years. In 1889 he removed to Crookston, and opened a real estate and insurance agency. He served as president of the Crookston city council for three years. He also served as alderman at large. He published the Crookston Daily Journal until a year ago, when he sold out to J.P. Dotson, and during the time he published the paper was very successful, both financially and otherwise. The deceased was president of the Crookston Building and Loan Assn. for the past three years and as such officer extended every aid to those who desired to build their own homes in Crookston. He was public spirited and was ever willing to extend aid to any one who was worthy of assistance. Mr. Kirsch was married in 1869 to Miss Elizabeth Becker, whose death occurred Sept.26, 1904. There are six children, John N., Adolph P., Miss Phronia, Mrs. W.E. Rowe, Arthur and Ralph. Mr. Kirsch was known as a man of strict business integrity. His word was as good as his bond at any time. He took an active interest in local, state and national politics, and at all times was willing to extend aid to any friend in need. His death will cause deep regret on the part of many friends throughout this section, and the members of the bereaved family will be extended the sincere sympathy of a very wide circle of friends. The entire city will grieve over the death of a man who did all in his power to advance the best interests of this city. Mr. Kirsch enjoyed the fullest confidence of a very wide acquaintance and no citizen of Crookston was ever held in higher esteem, or enjoyed the confidence of the general public to a greater extent. (There is also a photo of Mr. Kirsch included with the obituary) Source: Crookston Times Saturday October 16 1909