The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1933-04-13
Lucas Kells
Passed AWAY
Tuesday Eve
Death Occurred at Home,
Montrose, Calf, Aged 81
Years, Z Months
LEFT THIS CITY IN 1912
Founded Bank of Sank Cen
tire in 1880-Active Citi-
zen for Many Years

Lucas Kells, a resident of this
city for many years prior to 1912,
when the family moved to Holly
wood, Calf, passed away at his
home, Montrose, Calf, Tuesday,
April II, 1888, at 1000 P. M.
The deceased was born at Cairo,
Green county, N. Y, Sept. s, 1S41.
In 1S4S his parents moved to Wau-
kesha, Wis. They took a boat at
Catskill, N. Y, and travelled via the
Erie Canal and the Great Lakes.
Aug. 20, 1852, Mr.. Kells enlisted
in Co. F., 28th Regt., Wis. Unfit. VOL,
to serve three years, or during the
war. Most of his service was along
the Mississippi river, from Vicks-
burg south. He was discharged at
Browerville, Tex, Aug. %, 1865, and
returned to Wisconsin, the trip TAX
ing % days.
Being an expert harnessmaker
Mr.. Kells was placed on special de-
tail at Little Rock, in charge of a
divisional harness shop. He re-
ceived $500 per month for this
service, while the 20 civilians
working under his direction were
paid $3.50 per month.
Mr.. Kells came to Sank Centre
in the fall of 1865 and secured
position as clerk in a general store.
Later he opened an express office
and handled lands for non-residents.
With the late Solemn Pendergast,
In 1880, he founded the Bank Of
Sank Centre, then the only bank
between st. Cloud and Fargo. This
bank finally became the First State
Bank, Of Sank Centre.
In 1890, in connection with the
late VIM. e. Lee, he started The
Bank Of Long Prairie. which Is still
functioning. ..-.s ...........
Mr.. Kells was united in marriage
to Miss Martha Bragmann, Jan. 1,
1872. Mrs. Kells resided with her
parents on the west shore Of Lake
Amelia, Willard. She died at Mont
rose, Calf, April 4, 1925.
Three children were born to Mr..
and Mrs. Kells: Mabel, who mar
RED Horace Alden. She died In
California in April, 1917. Miss
Blanche, who has cared for her
father in his declining years, and
City Attorney L. L. Kells, Of this
city. There are three grandchil-
'dren: Lusar Alden, California; Vir-
ginia and Edward Kells, Of this city.
The funeral will be private, held
probably Saturday morning.
During his active business years
In Sank Centre Mr.. Kells held most
Of the municipal offices at one time
or another. He was a sincere friend
of the Public Schools and served as
a member Of the Board Of Educa-
ton for a number Of years.
Mr.. Kells was a charter member
Of Star in the West Lodge No. 60,
A. F. & "a. NJ; Sank Centre Chap
ter Of Royal Arch Masons, OF this
city. He served as Worshipful
Master OF the Blue lodge, He held
his membership in Star in the West
lodge at the time Of his death. The
Herald believes Mr.. Kells was the
last surviving of the charter men,
bers Of Star In the West Lodge, es-
tablished In 1867.
The deceased was 81 years and
seven months old at the time OF
his death. He had been in declin-
ing health for some time.
He left his impress upon the early
business life Of this community as
but few men have.
Mr.. Kells was the fourth Of a
family Of II children. Municipal
Judge, r. r. Kells, of this city, Is
the only surviving member Of this
large family.