Carl A. Spinner

Carl A. Spinner needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he has long been one of Waterville's prominent and representative citizens, having been for twenty years connected with important mercantile interests as a member of the firm of Spinner Brothers. Moreover, the high and upright principles of his life have gained him an enviable position in the public regard, commending him to the confidence and good-will of all with whom he comes in contact. He is a native son of Allamakee county, born in Village Creek, July 28, 1859, his parents being Peter and Katherine Spinner, natives of Germany and early settlers in this part of Iowa. A more extended mention of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Spinner is found on another page in this work. They became the parents of the following children: Carl A., of this review; Frank; Fred; Peter; William; Constantine, and Mary, who lives in Lansing.

Carl A. Spinner was reared in Village Creek and in his childhood learned the blacksmith's trade with his father. He worked at this until he had reached maturity ad then came to Waterville, where he established a blacksmith and wagon shop of his own, conducting it successfully for thirteen years and at the end of that time selling out to form a partnership with his brother Frank in general merchandising under the firm name of Spinner Brothers. This is his present business connection and it has brought him prosperity and prominence, for he is today one of the best known business men in the city. The firm carries a complete line of general merchandise and has enjoyed a prosperous career. In 1912 the brothers built a fine business house, twenty-six by ninety feet in dimensions, with two stories and a basement. It is constructed of cement block and heated with a furnace and steam, being thoroughly equipped with all modern conveniences. Besides a complete line of general merchandise Spinner Brothers carry also a stock of harness, robes and horse blankets, and control a representative and growing trade along these lines. Carl A. Spinner was one of the promoters of the Waterville Savings Bank and is a stockholder in that institution. He owns also a fine residence in Waterville and a three hundred acre farm near the city, now operated by his son. As the years have passed he has steadily prospered and is today a successful and prominent man, connected through his trade relations with important business interests.

Mr. Spinner was married in April, 1880, in Lansing, to Miss Rosa Kluge, who was born and reared in Allamakee county. She died in Village Creek, while on a visit there, and left three children: Victor, who is now in the west; Theodore, who is engaged in farming; and Carl, bookkeeper for Armour & Company at Sioux City, Iowa. After the death of his first wife Mr. Spinner was again married near Waterville in 1895. In that year he wedded Miss Annie Conley, and they have one daughter, Esther.

Mr. Spinner gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never been desirous of holding office. He is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Royal Neighbors and the Yeomen, and he and his family are members of the Roman Catholic church. As a business man he has always kept in touch with the trend of modern progress and through the able management of his own concern has contributed in no small degree to the commercial development of the city. In his business career he has made steady and honorable progress but he is no less highly esteemed for the traits he displays in relations of social life and of citizenship.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Jan Miller

Return to 1913 biographies index