From Michigan Place Names
Sanilac County; the village was founded in 1855 by Philip Link, who named it after his native Minden, Germany. Alfred Gunning opened the first store in 1859. He sold it in 1861 to William Donner who became the first postmaster of Minden on Oct. 10, 1862. Given a station on the Pere Marquette Railroad in 1880. Incorporated as a village in 1882. On June 15 1883, the village was renamed Minden City. [Chapman; Pen Phil 13:3 May 1963; PO Archives]