Background
Kiel grew up in Saint Louis and attended Saint Louis Public Schools and the Smith Academy. His family worked in the construction industry, and Kiel learned the bricklayer"s trade from his father.
Kiel grew up in Saint Louis and attended Saint Louis Public Schools and the Smith Academy. His family worked in the construction industry, and Kiel learned the bricklayer"s trade from his father.
Public schools and Smith Academy.
He was president of Kiel and Daues Contracting Company and had a role in constructing a number of prominent public and private buildings in Saint Louis, including the Opera House, now known as the Peabody Opera House, and the Municipal Auditorium, which was later renamed in his honor as Kiel Auditorium, and its replacement named the Kiel Center before the corporate-sponsor era naming of stadiums and it became Savvis Center, now known as Scottrade Center. He was active in Republican party politics, serving as committeeman and also serving one year as Chairman of the Republican City Commission. In 1913, Kiel was elected Mayor by a very narrow margin over the Democratic candidate, Doctor John Simon.
He was re-elected in 1917 and 1921, becoming the first mayor to serve three four-year terms.
Mayor Kiel was a strong proponent of the City Charter adopted by the voters in 1914, which remains in effect as of 2005. The City"s first zoning laws were enacted during Kiel"s term.
Construction on many projects included in the bond issue began near the end of his term, but were not completed until after he left office. After his last term as Mayor, Kiel continued to work in the construction industry and remained active in public affairs, later serving as President of the Saint Louis Police Board.
He ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate in 1932.
Kiel died November 26, 1942 and is buried in a mausoleum at Oak Grove Cemetery in Saint
Mason (32°).; Member Independent Order of Odd fellows, Knights of Pythias, Moose, Royal Arcanum, Sons of Veterans.
Married Irene H. Moonan, September 1, 1892. Children: Mistress Henrietta Hogan, Elmer A., Clarence V., Edna North. Learned bricklayer’s trade under father and has ever since been identified with that industry.