M.S. Fisch b: 1862 M. S. Fisch, a leading merchant of Austin, has been a resident of this city since 1900, and immediately upon his locating here became a prominent citizen, taking an active part in many public movements that tended to the progress of the business interests of the city. He was born in St Donatus, Iowa October 5, 1862, son of Theodore and Eva (Manders) Fisch, the former of whom now lives in Minnesota Lake, Minn., the latter dying in November, 1907. Mr. Fisch was reared on a farm in Houston county, attended the schools of Caledonia and Freeberg, and remained at home until 19 years of age. After two years of railroad work on a section gang for the C., M. & St. P. he began clerical work in a store at Minnesota Lake. Four years later he opened a store of his own, and was appointed postmaster, continuing the store business there fourteen years. His postmastership continued eight years, the two terms of Cleveland's administration. While in Minnesota Lake he served on the school board six years and on the city council for a similar period. He also became vice president of the First National Bank, of Minnesota Lake, a position he still retains. In 1900 Mr. Fisch came to Austin and engaged in the general merchandise business. He has built up a large trade, and enjoys the confidence of the entire community, his goods recommending themselves to a large number of customers, who are drawn to the store by its reputation for honest dealing and fair treatment. The store carries all the goods usually found in such a place, and has special dry goods, cloak and suits, and grocery departments. The store at Minnesota Lake is conducted under the same ownership, with a local manager in charge. Mr. Fisch is president of the Security State Bank, of Waldorf, Waseca county, Minnesota. He belongs to the Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Foresters, and votes the Democratic ticket. The subject of this sketch was married February 10, 1887, at Freeberg, Houston county, Minnesota, to Mary Dauwen, and this union has been blessed with five children. George T. and Edward N. are clerks in their father's store. Alta K., Herbert M. and Bernice A. are at school. HISTORY OF MOWER COUNTY, 1911.