J. H. Edward Mueller, successful farmer and stockman, and one of the most widely known and influential citizens of Washington county, Kansas, was born in the Province of Oldenburg, Germany, June 30, 1843, a son of Henry Mueller, who died in 1848. Mr. Mueller was reared a farmer, acquired his education in the schools of his native land, and resided there until 1869, when he came to the United States and located in Doniphan county, Kansas, the latter part of the trip from the eastern seaboard being made by boat, which brought him up the Missouri river from St. Louis. He remained about six months in Doniphan county, where he was employed on the farm of Henry Laverance, and in the fall of 1869 he purchased a tract of land in Washington county, lying along Blue river, which he improved and placed in cultivation. This section of the State was but sparsely settled at that time, wild game was abundant, and Indians still remained in sufficient numbers to cause periodical scares among the pioneers. Waterville was the nearest railway station and here was shipped the cattle raised by the early settlers, this being their most profitable industry. There was a grist mill on the Little Blue, near the farm of Mr. Mueller, operated by water power, and it drew its customers from a radius of many miles. This mill was purchased by our subject during the early '80s and conducted by him until 1905, when the flood waters of that year changed the river's course, and the mill was left without power. The following year, 1906, he built a modern mill in Hanover, operated by steam, which he conducted until 1911, when he sold it. From the time of his settlement in the county he has been a stock raiser and in this line of endeavor has been notably successful. The Mueller ranch on the Little Blue river, south of Hanover, is one of the best improved, best managed and most profitable agricultural enterprises in its section of the State. Its barns are constructed of native lime stone from the Hanover quarries, and the residence is the most imposing farm dwelling in the county. It is constructed of brick and has modern conveniences. Mr. Mueller was one of the active factors in the organization of the Hanover State Bank, which has the distinction of having the largest deposits of any institution in the county, and served as a member of its board of directors until his retirement from active business cares, in 1911, due to ill health. While a member of the bank's directorate he was an active force in an advisory way, his knowledge of credits making him a valuable member of the board, and his personal popularity and well known business integrity and honesty drew a large volume of business to the institution. He still retains his stock interest, which is large, in the bank, but is no longer able to take an active interest in its administration. Essentially a business man, he has had neither time nor inclination for public office, although he never neglects in the least his civic duties. Educational matters have always been of interest to him, and the only time which he has taken from his business life has been devoted to the interests of the schools of his county, and he has served as a member of the school board for many years. He has been an active worker in the cause of Christianity, and is one of the most influential members of the Lutheran church of Hanover. His fraternal affiliations are with the Masonic order, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Turners Society of Hanover. He is a Republican.

Mr. Mueller married on March 27, 1870, Miss Anna K. Kirch, the daughter of John and Annie Kirch, both of whom were born in the Province of Luxemborg, Germany, and who came to Marshall county, Kansas, in 1858, where they resided until their deaths. Their daughter was born in LaCrosse, Wis., and educated in the schools of Marysville, Kan. To this union have been born six children: Henry M. Mueller, a sketch of whom follows this article; John F. Mueller, who is the active manager of the Mueller ranch; A. G., who is deceased; Emma, the wife of F. M. Gerfert, a prosperous farmer of Washington county, Kansas; Edward, deceased, and Annie, deceased.

Mrs. Mueller is a woman of sterling worth, possesses many lovable characteristics, and has been a true helpmeet to her husband, and a loving mother to her children. She is a member of the Eastern Star, the Royal Neighbors, and the Lutheran church, and in the latter organization takes an active part.

Mr. Mueller has realized a large and substantial success in the business world, has been identified with those measures which have assisted in the advancement and betterment of his county, and possesses a well earned popularity and the esteem of his fellow men. He has been a home builder and a useful citizen. Washington county is the better for his having lived and labored within her boundaries.