Albert Kuhn facts for kids

Albert Henry Kuhn (born February 12, 1860 – died January 5, 1934) was an important pioneer and businessman in Washington State. He tried many different jobs and lived in several states before settling in Washington in 1884. There, he started working in the logging business, which involves cutting down trees for wood. He stayed in this field for the rest of his life.

Kuhn began his career as a logging foreman, which is like a supervisor for logging teams. Over time, he became well-known in the business world. About 18 years later, he helped start a new logging company called Hoquiam Lumber and Shingle Company. By 1917, he became the manager and the biggest owner of the Hoquiam shingle mill.

Albert Kuhn's Early Life and Education

Albert Kuhn was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, in 1860. His parents, Henry Kuhn and Soloma Wellauer, came from Switzerland. His family had German and French ancestors. Henry Kuhn left home when he was 14 and later moved to America, becoming a successful farmer in Wisconsin. Soloma Kuhn also moved to America when she was young.

Soon after Albert was born, his family moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He grew up on a family farm there. He went to the State Normal School of Oshkosh, which is now known as the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. Later, he learned how to use a telegraph machine while teaching in Dale, Wisconsin for a year.

Kuhn's Diverse Career Path

Albert Kuhn had many different jobs before becoming a logging leader.

First Jobs and Railroad Work

Kuhn's first job was teaching in Dale, Wisconsin. He taught for a year and learned telegraphy at the same time. After teaching, he moved to Chicago and worked as a telegraph operator for Western Union.

His next job was working for railroads. He was a railroad operator and agent in Fridley, Minnesota, for the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railroad. This railroad later became the Great Northern Railway. In 1881, Kuhn became an agent for the Northern Pacific Railway in Medora, North Dakota.

Building a Lumber Business in Hoquiam

In 1884, Kuhn moved to Hoquiam, Washington, and started working in the lumber business. For 18 years, he was a logging foreman for the Northwestern Lumber Company. He also helped with managing the business.

As he gained more experience, he became respected in the field. In 1893, he was chosen to be a log scaler for Thurston and Lewis counties. A log scaler measures logs to figure out how much wood they contain. He also became a Lumber Inspector for District No. 5.

Hoquiam Lumber and Shingle Company

Kuhn played a big part in starting the Hoquiam Lumber and Shingle Company. In 1902, he designed and built the company's shingle mill. Shingles are thin pieces of wood used for roofs and walls. He also became one of the owners of this mill.

This mill was very efficient. It needed less money to build and made better quality shingles than other mills. It could cut 400,000 shingles every day! Experts at the time called it "the finest mill of the kind in the northwest." Soon after the mill opened, Kuhn broke his leg while overseeing the work.

By 1903, Kuhn became the superintendent of the Hoquiam Lumber and Shingle Company. This meant he was in charge of building their new, large lumber mill. He worked as superintendent until 1912. He then decided to leave his job to travel the world with his wife.

After returning to America, Kuhn got back into the business. In 1917, he bought a major share in the shingle mill of the Hoquiam Lumber & Shingle Company. This meant he owned and managed the shingle mill and its land, including a long stretch of waterfront.

Albert Kuhn's World Travels

Albert Kuhn loved to travel. In his younger years, he lived and worked in many different states, moving from Wisconsin to Illinois, then to Minnesota, and North Dakota. In 1883, he traveled to the Pacific coast and sailed from San Francisco all the way to Australia. He eventually returned to America and settled in Hoquiam, Washington, in 1884.

In 1912, Kuhn and his wife went on a trip around Europe. They had to come back to the U.S. because World War I was starting. But they didn't stay home for long! They soon left again and spent two years exploring Japan, China, and India. In 1916, the Kuhns came back to Washington State. They shared their experiences and talked about how prepared each country they visited was for national defense. Later, they spent some time in California. In 1917, they even attended President Wilson's inauguration in Washington, D.C..

Witness in a Famous Trial

In the early 1880s, Albert Kuhn worked as an agent for the Northern Pacific Railway in Medora, North Dakota. This area was being developed by two well-known ranchers: Marquis de Morès, who founded the town of Medora, and Theodore Roosevelt, who often stayed at his famous Elkhorn Ranch nearby.

Marquis de Morès started the town of Medora and ran a meat business from his ranch, Chateau de Mores. The Marquis was a controversial figure. In 1883, there was an argument over property in Medora between the Marquis and some cowboys. Albert Kuhn was a key witness to what happened. He testified in court, and the Marquis was found not guilty.

Personal Life and Passing

Albert Kuhn married Ida Soule Kuhn from Hoquiam, Washington, in 1900. She was a very active member of her community. She founded a local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was also a member of the Mayflower Society.

Albert Kuhn passed away on January 5, 1934, in Hoquiam, Washington. He was buried in Sunset Memorial Park.