The proprietors of the mill at Breese are, William G. Kaune, Henry Spencer Kaune, and Charles Anton Kaune. These gentlemen were all born at Jamestown, in Clinton county, and are the sons of Charles H. Kaune, who built the mill at Breese, in 1865, and carried it on till it passed into the ownership of the sons. Their father, Charles H. Kaune, was born in Hanover, Germany, and came to America when about eighteen years of age. On reaching this country her settled at Greenville, in Bond county, and from there moved to Jamestown, where he carried on the mercantile business for a number of years. Jamestown was at that time a good business point, and Mr. Kaune had a large and profitable trade. In 1865 he moved to Breese, to which town he made an addition. The same year he built the flouring mill which was put in operation on the 1st day of January, 1866. He carried on the mill till 1876, when he gave over the milling business to his sons, and has since lived a retired life. He married Ernstine WEIDNER, a native of Baden. He had nine children, of whom only three are now living. In early life he learned, in Germany, the trade of a cabinet-maker, but never carried it on in this country. He came to America with very little means, and by industry, energy and good management, succeeded in acquiring a competence.

William G. Kaune, the oldest of the brothers, was born at Jamestown, on the 10th of September, 1851. After leaving the public schools, he was a student at McKendree College, Lebanon, at St. Joseph’s College, Teutopolis, and then at the College of the Christian Brothers, in St. Louis. After completing his education he went into the milling business with his father. He was married in 1874 to Sarah DONNE, who was born in the city of St. Louis. He has three children living.

Henry Spencer Kaune was born at Jamestown, on the 8th of January, 1855. He obtained his education at McKendree College, and Jones Commercial College, in St. Louis, from which he has graduated.

Charles Anton Kaune was born on the 28th of October, 1858, likewise at Jamestown. He attended the St. Louis University, and then went into the milling business with his brothers. The Kaune brothers are all members of the republican party. William G. Kaune served four years as clerk of Breese township, and at present is treasurer of the town of Breese, and has occupied that position for the last six years.

These gentlemen are all known as active and enterprising business men. Their mill at Breese is operated in a successful manner, and contains machinery of the latest improved description. The flour manufactured is of an excellent grade, and ranks high in the market.

Source: History of Marion and Clinton Counties, Illinois, 1881, Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia

Submitted by: Pamela Safriet

Click on the letters below to see an index of obituaries starting with that letter