Frederick A. Bade, the efficient secretary and manager of the Danube Mercantile Co., was born in Germany, Oct. 24, 1858, son of August and Ernestine (Montei) Bade. The father was born in Germany, June 4, 1829, brought his family to America in 1858, lived in Green Lake county, Wis., a few years and in 1867 came to Freedom, Minn., where he bought eighty acres of land, to which he added from time to time until he owned 200 acres, and became a very successful farmer. He died on his birthday, June 4, 1888. His wife was born Oct. 4, 1834, and died on her birthday, Oct. 4, 1898. Aside from Frederick A., there was in the family a daughter, Amelia, born Aug. 4, 1864, in Green Lake, Wis., now the wife of C. F. Karth, of Duluth. Frederick A. Bade received a good education and remained with his parents until twenty years of age, when he left home to carve his fortunes in the world. He was employed in mercantile establishments in Duluth and other places until the death of his father in 1888, when he returned home to look after his mother's interests. In 1890 he came to Renville, in this county, and opened a general store. Three years later he sold out and engaged in the dry goods and show business in Duluth, where he remained until 1905, when he came to Danube and established the Danube Cash store. Two years later he purchased a building and moved to the new location. Five years later he lost everything in a fire. However, he at once erected a new building and opened for business once more. In 1912 he consolidated with Beck & Mackledt, under the firm name of Danube Mercantile Co., Inc., with Mr. Bade in his present position. The store has made good progress and has a large trade from both village and country. Mr. Bade is well known throughout the community, and has been mayor of Danube. He is especially prominent in the work of the German Lutheran church. He has held various offices in this church, has been active in its progress, and is now the Bible class teacher in the Sunday school. Mr. Bade was married March 3, 1882, to Josephine Weskworth, who was born in Waseca county, Minn., Dec. 7, 1861, and this union has been blessed with three children: Elizabeth, August and William. Elizabeth was born April 7, 1883, married Lillian [sic] Loock, lives in Crooks township, this county, and has four children. August was born April 7, 1887. He married Anna Heach, and has one child, Ruby. William was born Aug. 2, 1904, and is attending school in Duluth.

Mrs. Bade's father was born in Germany, married there, brought his family to America in 1856. His wife died in January, 1898. There were five children in the family. Josephine, the fourth child, now Mrs. Frederick A. Bade it the only one living. Minnied [sic] died in 1897, Fred in 1914, Martin in 1907 and August in 1878.