Charles J. Mueller, owner of one of the largest and best improved farm properties in Northern Kansas, successful stockman, who has attained State-wide recognition in connection with the breeding of registered Duroc-Jersey swine, and influential citizen of the city of Hanover, was born on his father's farm in Washington county, Kansas, on February 21, 1875, a son of Frederick and Caroline (Carstens) Mueller. His parents were natives of the Province of Oldenburg, Germany, and came to Kansas during the early '70s. Mr. Mueller was possessed of some means and purchased a tract of land in Washington county, which he improved and engaged in farming and stock raising. He lived but a few years in his adopted land, but in the short time in which he labored in the country of opportunity, he achieved success. His death occurred in 1882. His widow survives and is a resident of Washington.

Charles J. Mueller is one of a family of four children, three sons and one daughter, and is the second in order of birth. He obtained his education in the public schools of his native county and at an early age was given responsibilities, owing to the death of his father, which seldom fall upon the shoulders of one so young. He assisted in the carrying on of the home place and remained in charge of the property until 1900, when he leased it from the heirs and with a tract of forty-five acres which descended to him from his father's estate, initiated his independent career. He subsequently bought out the interest of his brothers and sister in the home farm, which consisted of 640 acres. He remained on this property until 1909, when he purchased an 800-acre tract adjoining the city of Hanover on the north and has since increased his holdings by an additional 160 acres. This enterprise is one of the best improved, best managed and most profitable properties in the State devoted to farming and stock raising. The land is especially fertile, as is evidenced by its wheat crop of 1913, which averaged 38 bushels per acre. One hundred acres are in alfalfa, and also an extensive acreage is sown to corn. Mr. Mueller has dealt in cattle on an extensive scale and usually fattens about 300 head annually. He has a large number of horses and mules and class is one of his requirements in any animal on the place. At present he is making a specialty of pure-bred Duroc-Jersey swine, and has about 300 head. As a breeder of these animals he has attained wide recognition for success and ranks with the leaders in this industry in the West. In the management of his interests Mr. Mueller has given that close attention to detail, progressiveness and energy which makes for success in any line of business endeavor and is justly entitled to recognition as one of the most successful men in the State in his line of activity. He is a typical progressive and successful farmer and stockman, a man of the highest integrity, and is a leader and teacher among his fellow agriculturalists. Although his time has been fully occupied in the management of his business, he has kept well posted on the topics and questions of the day, and takes a keen interest in the political affairs of his section. Public office has never appealed to him, his one public office having been that of clerk of his home school district. He is a Republican. He is an influential Mason, and has attained the Scottish Rite degrees.

Mr. Mueller was united in marriage on May 8, 1901, with Miss Lizzie Kreiensieck, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Gundlefinger) Kreiensieck, who was born in Independence township, Washington county, and who acquired her education in its public schools. Her father was born in Hanover, Germany, who settled in Washington county, Kansas, in 1870, where he entered a homestead. He was a successful farmer and stock raiser. He died on April 21, 1903. Her mother was born in the State of Iowa, and was brought to Kansas by her parents when a babe of nine months of age, the father entering a homestead in Washington county in 1860.

Mr. and Mrs. Mueller are the parents of the following children: Katherine, a student in the schools of Hanover; Frederick H., also attending the Hanover schools; Jacob E. and Charles J., Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Mueller are members of the Lutheran church and active in the work of their home congregation. Mrs. Mueller is a member of the Eastern Star.