Andrew Kiefer facts for kids

Andrew Robert Kiefer (born May 25, 1832 – died May 1, 1904) was an important politician from Minnesota. He served as a U.S. Representative and was also the mayor of St. Paul.

Kiefer was born in Marienborn, which was part of Germany at the time. He went to school in Mainz. In 1849, when he was about 17, he moved to the United States. He settled in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1855.

Early Life and Career

Andrew Kiefer started his career in public service and business. In 1857, he worked as an inspector and collector at the wharf in St. Paul. He also worked in different types of businesses.

From 1859 to 1860, he was an enrolling clerk for the Minnesota House of Representatives. This job involved keeping official records for the state's lawmaking body.

Military Service

Kiefer played a part in the American Civil War. On July 8, 1861, he joined the Union Army as a captain. He was part of the Second Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He served until July 18, 1863, when he had to leave the army because he was not well.

Later in 1863, Governor Swift made him a colonel in the Thirty-first Regiment of the State militia. This shows his continued commitment to public service.

Political and Business Life

After his military service, Andrew Kiefer continued his work in both business and politics. In 1864, he became a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.

From 1865 to 1878, he ran a successful wholesale business. In 1880, he became interested in real estate, which involves buying and selling land and buildings.

From 1878 to 1883, he worked as a clerk for the district courts of Ramsey County. This role involved managing court records and procedures.

Serving in Congress and as Mayor

Andrew Kiefer was a member of the Republican political party. In 1890, he ran for mayor of St. Paul but did not win that election.

However, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served in the 53rd and 54th congresses. His time in Congress was from March 4, 1893, to March 3, 1897. He chose not to run for reelection in 1896.

In 1898, Andrew Kiefer became the mayor of St. Paul. He passed away on May 1, 1904, in St. Paul. At the time of his death, he was running for the position of city controller. He was buried in Oakland Cemetery.

Images for kids

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  Andrew Kiefer, from an 1896 book about Congress.

See Also

• List of U.S. Representatives from Minnesota
• Mayor of Saint Paul, Minnesota