Herman Yunker, dealer in harnesses and shoes, Buffalo Lake, was born in Germany, Oct. 22, 1867, son of Peter J. and Katie Yunker, came to America in 1885, lived in Nebraska and Dakota, and then came to Renville County. He completed his education in Bird Island, in 1889, and then spent two years with Anthony Mahawald, of that place, learning the harness trade. Then he went to Eureka, S. D., and engaged in business as a grain buyer for Arthur Low. In 1893 he returned to Bird Island, resumed his work with Mr. Mahawald, and remained until 1896, when he once again went to Eureka, S. D., and there opened a harness shop. A year later he moved his stock to Buffalo Lake, and after renting a place for a while, purchased the building he is now occupying and added a shoe department. His is the only establishment of its kind in Buffalo Lake and he does a good business. In addition to his store he owns 144 acres of land four miles west of Buffalo Lake which he rents. He is a leading man in his community, has been a member of the village council ten years and its president two years, has been treasurer of the village since 1913, and treasurer of the Buffalo Lake Commercial Club since 1907. He is a Democrat in politics, and belongs to the Catholic church. Mr. Yunker was married Nov. 28, 1899, to Katie Boehme, born Oct. 5, 1879, five miles south of Bird Island, daughter of Christ and Mary (Engle) Boehme. Mr. and Mrs. Yunker have two children: Christine J., born Sept. 3, 1900; Edward J., born June 22, 1902.

Peter J. Yunker was born in Germany, April 18, 1842, and married Katie Veght, who was born April 2, 1842, and died March 3, 1881. Peter J. Yunker came to America in 1885, settled at West Point, Neb., moved a year later to what was then Dakota Territory, took a claim of 160 acres, lived there until 1890, came to Renville county, and took up his home with his daughter, Mrs. Anthony Mahawald, of Eden Valley, Minnesota. He is the father of four children: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Arthur Low, whose husband is a grain buyer living at Orient, South Dakota; Mary, widow of Anthony Mahawald, and now living at Eden Valley, Minnesota; Tracy, now Mrs. B. Herbert, living in Germany; and Herman, the subject of this sketch.

Christ Boehme was born in Germany and married Mary Engle, of Chicago, Ill. They came to Renville county and took a claim in 1875. The wife died in 1898 and he is now living in retirement in Bird Island. In the family there were ten children.