ERNEST F. KUEHNAST FAMILY

Ernest Kuehnast, railroad employee for many years was born in Germany in 1871, but at the age of eleven came to America to make his home. His boyhood was spent in and near Stevens Point and the Dakotas. While in the West, he became interested in railroading, and on his return to Wisconsin was employed by the Wisconsin Central.

For a time, he was a member of the bridge painting crew, then turned to braking, and finally became freight conductor for the Soo Line. Although entitled to be a passenger conductor, Mr. Kuehnast preferred the job of conducting freight up and down the line from Stevens Point to Park Falls, Ashland, and other northern points. in 1902, he married Bessie Moses of Chippewa Falls.  They established a home in Abbotsford, at that time a division point for the railroad. They had seven children: Velma, Wilbur, Robert, Evelyn, Emery, Emaline and Marion. Although the railroad had a definite retirement age, Mr. Kuehnast was in such good physical condition that he was permitted to work ten years after the official retiring date. He finally retired in 1940, and then found part time employment with the Steffen Motor Co., the W. Hintz Planing Mill, and the Streckert Manufacturing Co.

From the Abbotsford Centennial Booklet; 1973, pg. 49.