Russia has sent to the locality of which this history treats many good citizens, They have had opportunities given them to advance in the world, to obtain good homes and make a comfortable livelihood. Among the number is Jacob G. Hiebert, merchant of Mountain Lake, Cottonwood county.

Mr. Hiebert was born in southern Russia, May 15, 1863, He is a son of Gerhard and Susanna (Enns) Hiebert, both natives of southern Russia, where they grew up, married and resided until 1876, when they came to the United States, direct to Mountain Lake, Minnesota. The father bought a farm in this vicinity on which he worked until about two years prior to his death when he retired, moving to Mountain Lake village, where he spent the rest of his days. His wife died while the family lived on the farm. Before he came to America he was a miller and spent many years in the flouring-mills in Russia, His family consisted of seven children, all still living, namely: Jacob, Elizabeth, Gerhard, Jr., David, Susanna, John and Peter. The father of the above-named children married, after the death of his first wife, Gertrude Nickle, also a native of southern Russia, and to this second union six children were born, namely: Helen, Gertrude, Anna, Marie, Abraham, and Bernhard. The above named children are all living.

Jacob G. Hiebert of this sketch spent his early boyhood in Russia, where he attended school, finishing his education alter coming to Minnesota. He began life for himself in 1888 in the general mercantile business at Mountain Lake under the name of Balzer, Hiebert & Company, and this firm has continued ever since, with ever increasing success, and now operates a large department store, carrying a full line of carefully-selected goods. Prompt, courteous and honest dealings are his watchwords. The present store is just across the street from the first store operated by this firm. Mr. Hiebert is also stockholder in the First State Bank of Mountain Lake since its organization, also a director in the same all the while. He is also counted as one the county's most substantial citizens, and deserves a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished unaided.

Mr. Hiebert was married in 1889 to Anna Franz, who was born in southern Russia, and is daughter of Johan Franz, a pioneer farmer of Cottonwood county, coming here from southern Russia. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hiebert, namely: Susie, (deceased); Jacob and Gerhard are both at home; Anna and Laura are both deceased.

Mr. Hiebert is a Republican in politics. He has been village treasurer, and for many years was a member of the village council. He and his family belong to the Mennonite church.



� 2005 Cottonwood County Minnesota AHGP